Tipsheet: USDA under pressure as food safety concerns grow

View in your browser     USDA under pressure as food safety concerns grow By Alex Gangitano   The U.S. Department of Agriculture (UDSA) is facing growing pressure to ensure the safety of the nation's food supply during the coronavirus outbreak. Experts who spoke to The Hill stressed that the food supply was safe now. But they also pointed to growing challenges for the USDA as food industry workers fall sick and inspectors scramble for limited resources, questioning whether officials responsible for food supply safety are ready for the task at hand. Read the full story here     Why contact tracers are key to unlocking economy By Jessie Hellmann   A robust network of “contact tracers” is needed to control the spread of the coronavirus and eventually reopen the country, experts say, a massive undertaking for a public health system that has been understaffed and underfunded for decades. Read the full story here     Coronavirus steals Trump economic edge By Max Greenwood and Julia Manchester   President Trump has the money, the bully pulpit and a firm grip on his party as he leans into his reelection race, but he no longer has what was long seen as the greatest strength of his presidency: a strong economy. Read the full story here     Trump's trade policy under fire amid scramble for virus supplies By Niv Elis   The shortage of key medical supplies and equipment in the coronavirus pandemic has shined a light on President Trump's trade policy, which critics say lacks a clear strategy and has exacerbated an already difficult situation. Read the full story here       Trump defends testing capabilities, blasts critics during WH briefing By Morgan Chalfant   President Trump on Saturday offered a fiery defense of his response to the novel coronavirus and the nation’s testing capabilities as the administration faces growing pressure to ramp up testing. Read the full story here     Coronavirus test delay came after contamination at CDC lab: report By Tal Axelrod   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was delayed in quickly producing a test kit for the coronavirus after contamination was found at some of its facilities, according to a new report from The Washington Post. Read the full story here     Pelosi: Lawmakers 'very close' on bipartisan agreement for additional PPP funding By J. Edward Moreno   House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said Congress is “very close” to a deal on additional funding for the small business Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Read the full story here     NJ governor warns of 'national disaster' without federal aid to states By Tal Axelrod   New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) warned of a “national disaster” without a boost in federal aid to states to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. Read the full story here     Senate battle hinges on four races By Max Greenwood   Democrats are racing to broaden their path to the Senate majority in November, while Republicans are spending heavily in an effort to hold their control over the chamber. Read the full story here     Republicans plow ahead with Russia origins probe By Jordain Carney   Senate Republicans are marching forward with probes into the origins of the FBI's Russia investigation and the surveillance of a former Trump campaign adviser. Read the full story here     Why Donald Trump needs to worry about his odds with Florida voters By Michael Starr Hopkins   OPINION | Since 1900, Florida voters have chosen the winning president 76 percent of the time. In 2020, any hope of Republicans retaining the White House rests on Florida. The state is the largest bellwether in national politics. Its 29 electoral votes have been the deciding factor in numerous elections. In 2016, Donald Trump won the state of Florida by just a little more than one point. In 2018, Ron DeSantis won governor by less than half of one point. Read the full story here     What happens to the internet when the coronavirus pandemic is over? By Roger Cochetti   OPINION | The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the daily lives of billions of people — including elites in nearly every country — has set the stage for many profound changes that will take place when the current pandemic is over. High on the list of things that will look different to almost everyone is the internet. Read the full story here     The Associated Press: US governors feel heat to reopen from protesters, president By Paul Weber and Frank Jordans   Stores in Texas can soon begin selling merchandise with curbside service, and hospitals can resume nonessential surgeries. In Florida, people are returning to a few beaches and parks. And protesters are clamoring for more. Read the full story here     The New York Times: A key GOP strategy: Blame China. But Trump goes off message. By Jonathan Martin and Maggie Haberman   Republicans increasingly believe that elevating China’s culpability for spreading the coronavirus may be the best way to improve their difficult election chances. The president is muddying the message. Read the full story here     The Washington Post: Record government, corporate debt could lead to ‘tipping point’ after pandemic passes By David J. Lynch   The federal government is on its way this year to spending $4 trillion more than it collects in revenue, analysts say. The reliance on so much debt will leave scars after the pandemic passes, economists say, making it difficult for policymakers to withdraw support and leaving the economy more vulnerable than before this crisis began. Read the full story here     The Wall Street Journal: Bets against the stock market rise to highest level in years By Karen Langley   Among the companies short sellers have targeted in recent weeks are travel-related firms. Read the full story here     Reuters: Who's Who of pop culture unites for 'One World' coronavirus special By Jill Serjeant   Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Beyonce and Oprah Winfrey on Saturday headlined a special broadcast of music, comedy and personal stories celebrating those around the world on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic. Read the full story here         Did a friend forward you this email? 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