Axios

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that his state, along with the governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware, will form a regional task force to guide the easing of coronavirus restrictions. Massachusetts joined the group later on Monday as well.

Why it matters: Widespread shutdowns of nonessential businesses have caused significant economic damage not just in New York, an epicenter of the crisis in the U.S., but also in the surrounding states that rely on New York City as a business hub.

The Trump administration is planning to delay census field operations until June 1 with the expectation that the count will be completed on Oct. 31, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross told lawmakers Monday.

Why it matters: The census determines how $1.5 trillion in federal funds will be allocated across state and local governments. It's already a difficult process to facilitate without complications from the coronavirus, with many Americans unsure of how to participate or facing concerns over sharing their information.

Sen. Bernie Sanders announced on a livestream Monday that he's endorsing former Vice President Joe Biden, five days after suspending his own presidential campaign.

Why it matters: It's an effort to unify the Democratic Party behind the presumptive nominee after a divisive primary. "We have to make Trump a one-term president and we need you in the White House," Sanders told Biden.

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) told Todd Starnes' radio show Monday that he would seek to force a House roll-call vote on a potential fourth coronavirus stimulus package, calling his House colleagues "cowards" who "don't want to show up for work."

Why it matters: Massie drew bipartisan ire after a similar threat regarding last month's stimulus package forced hundreds of lawmakers to travel back to Washington in the midst of the pandemic.

States, cities and towns are facing an unprecedented drop in tax revenue, while expenses have only grown. Dan and Axios' Stef Kight dig into what happens if state and local governments become insolvent.

Go deeper: States and cities face financial crises

The White House Correspondents' Association dinner has been rescheduled to Aug. 29 after getting bumped from its traditional April date because of the coronavirus pandemic, the White House Correspondents' Association announced Monday.

The state of play: The WHCA said it made the decision "after consulting with public health and medical officials." "Saturday Night Live" cast member Kenan Thompson will still host the event, alongside comedian Hasan Minhaj as the featured performer.

White House spokesperson Hogan Gidley called media speculation that President Trump may fire Anthony Fauci "ridiculous" on Monday, though he did not address why the president retweeted a tweet on Sunday night that said "Time to #FireFauci."

The big picture: Trump's retweet came hours after Fauci, who has become a trusted voice and the face of the federal coronavirus response for many Americans, acknowledged that the U.S. could have saved more lives by enacting social distancing much earlier than it had.

Rahm Emanuel, the former mayor of Chicago and White House chief of staff for President Obama, called on the federal government in a Wall Street Journal op-ed to create a Cabinet-level executive department to coordinate the nation’s response to future pandemics.

Why it matters: Emanuel suggested that the agency, which he called the Department of Public Health and Emergency Care, should be modeled on the Department of Homeland Security created by President George W. Bush after 9/11.

President Trump retweeted a tweet on Sunday night that concluded "Time to #FireFauci," which could unleash some conservatives' simmering suspicions about Dr. Anthony Fauci.

What they're saying: The White House pushed back on media speculation that Trump may fire Fauci on Monday afternoon, calling it "ridiculous."

President Trump tweeted Monday that the "decision to open up the states" following shutdown measures taken to stop the spread of the coronavirus lies with him, not governors.

Why it matters: The tweet undermines talking points from both the administration and conservatives on the coronavirus shutdown — and overstates Trump's constitutional authority.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments via teleconference in May, it announced Monday.

Why it matters: It's the first time the court will hear cases remotely — and it'll allow the media to listen in as well — marking a huge step for the notoriously technophobic branch of government amid the coronavirus crisis.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) told the New York Times that Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign has yet to reach out to her after Bernie Sanders suspended his run last week.

Why it matters: Ocasio-Cortez, who was a Sanders surrogate, is a key leader of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which Biden needs to win over before November.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whose daily briefings have become appointment viewing on cable news, tells Mark Binelli for the new Rolling Stone cover story about his priorities during the coronavirus crisis.

What he's saying: "People need information. They need correct information. ... You’re literally afraid of going out of doors. You’re afraid of contact with other human beings, which is probably the most isolating experience you’ve ever had. A hug now becomes a dangerous act. ... Who’s managing this? Who’s in control when I’m out of control?"

Michelle Obama will throw her support today behind expanding vote-by-mail options, advisers tell Axios, with her voting rights group embracing legislation before Congress amid coronavirus fears.

Why it matters: It's the first time the celebrity-backed organization has endorsed federal legislation — and it comes as Democrats await the Obamas' return to the political stage to help Joe Biden.

America's economic crisis soon may expand to its states, cities and towns.

The big picture: State and local tax revenue is falling, particularly in areas heavily reliant on sales taxes, while spending is up due to added unemployment and medical obligations.