The White House is working with the Ad Council, a nonprofit that produces public services announcements (PSAs), and many of the country's top TV and radio networks to develop a set of coronavirus-related PSAs, it announced Wednesday.
Why it matters: The Trump administration is pulling out all stops to make sure the public is aware of safety measures and precautions around the novel coronavirus. TV ads are particularly important to this effort, given that most people are stuck at home and, presumably, watching more television.
Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel tested negative for the novel coronavirus after experiencing a fever and flu-like symptoms, RNC communications director Michael Ahrens said on Wednesday.
Flashback: McDaniel's test was first announced on the same day President Trump told reporters that he took a test for COVID-19, which later came back negative, his physician said.
The Senate passed the House coronavirus relief bill 90-8 without changes Wednesday, freeing up Congress to focus more energy on passing subsequent legislation that will likely amount to one of the largest emergency spending packages in modern history.
The big picture: The deal, negotiated between Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, includes free coronavirus testing — even for the uninsured; two weeks of paid sick and family leave; increased federal funds for Medicaid and food security programs, like food stamps; and increased unemployment insurance benefits.
The U.S. Census Bureau will suspend field operations for two weeks to help fight the spread of the novel coronavirus, the agency announced Wednesday.
What's happening: Census takers are scheduled to start visiting houses to collect the information of those who have not responded in late May to complete the count, but the agency said it will follow federal and state health guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic and make changes as necessary.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld has bowed out of the 2020 race for the Republican presidential nomination, according to the New York Times.
Why it matters: Weld was the first Republican to announce a primary bid against President Trump and the last one remaining in the race. Trump clinched the Republican nomination with victories in the Illinois and Florida primaries on Tuesday night.
Local leaders have seized the reins during the novel coronavirus outbreak, amid frustrations that the federal government's efforts have fallen short.
The big picture: Governors and mayors have been the ones dictating the pace of the response — closing schools, banning large gatherings and updating their residents. But cities also say they need more money from the federal government, and more help understanding how they're allowed to use the money they have.
Vice President Pence said during a White House press conference Wednesday that hospitals should move to delay elective procedures, as the nation's medical system scrambles to deal with those sickened by the coronavirus.
Why it matters: His request comes as states have already reported inadequate supplies of protective gear for health care workers — and as the country faces a potential severe shortage of hospital beds as the outbreak worsens.
The White House is asking Congress for a $1 trillion coronavirus relief and economic stimulus plan that would include industry-specific bailouts and payments to individual taxpayers.
The big picture: This is more than the $900 billion that the U.S. government initially committed to bailouts in the 2008 financial crisis.
Alabama is postponing its March 31 GOP primary runoff election between former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville, Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Wednesday.
What’s happening: The runoff will now take place on July 14, with the winner taking on incumbent Sen. Doug Jones (D) in November.
Why it matters: The news comes as states scramble to contain the coronavirus during an election season. U.S. officials have warned against gatherings of more than 10 people.
Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland and Ohio have also postponed their primaries.
Editor's note: An earlier story inaccurately reported that Sanders was suspending his campaign. The correct story is below. Axios deeply regrets the error.
Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign currently has no active Facebook ads, the morning after another disappointing finish in a series of primary contests.
Why it matters: A pause in digital advertising spend on Facebook has been a good indicator that candidates are dropping out of the 2020 race before. Pete Buttigieg and Michael Bloomberg made their Facebook ads inactive hours before they suspended their campaigns.
Four in five Americans are worried about the coronavirus, with twice as many Democrats as Republicans saying they're very concerned, according to the nearly 1,100 adults polled for the debut installment of the Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index.
The stark new reality in America: 10% told not to work in the past week, 10% say they're self-quarantining, and 22% say their mental health got worse in the past week.
The big picture: Sanders trails Biden by almost 300 delegates, making it statistically improbable that he can catch up in the primary race, according to the New York Times.
Marie Newman, a progressive challenger to incumbent Rep. Dan Lipinski, won the Democratic primary in Illinois' 3rd Congressional District Tuesday night, AP reports.
Why it matters: Lipinski, one of the most conservative Democrats in the House, is the first incumbent Democratic Congress member to lose their seat this year. He was one of two Democrats to sign an amicus brief in January asking the Supreme Court to revisit and potentially overturn Roe v. Wade, which protects the right for women to seek abortions. Newman, who is an abortion-rights advocate, ran on a platform that highlighted their differences.
Joe Biden has won the Florida, Arizona and Illinois Democratic primaries, giving him what is increasingly becoming an insurmountable delegate lead over Bernie Sanders.
Why it matters: The contests on Tuesday marked the first round of state primaries since President Trump declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic. Sanders and Biden have canceled rallies and traditional outreach efforts in order to stop the spread of the virus.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is projected to win the Arizona Democratic primary, according to the New York Times and NBC News.
Why it matters: It's Biden's third and final victory of the night, after sweeping wins in Florida and Illinois. With a Latino population of 30%, the highest percentage out of the three states voting today, Arizona was considered Sen. Bernie Sanders' best shot for a victory.
Joe Biden is projected to win the Illinois Democratic primary, according to AP.
Why it matters: The state — Biden's second victory of the night, after Florida — offers the second biggest prize among today's contests, with 155 out of the 441 total delegates up for grabs. Biden had a significant lead in most polls leading up to his victory.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is projected to win the Democratic primary in Florida, according to AP.
Why it matters: The Florida primary offers the most delegates of the three states voting on Tuesday, with 219 out of 441 delegates up for grabs. Illinois and Arizona are also voting today.
