COVID-19 Update: August 14, 2020: Playing Post Office

Congress adjourns without passing a stimulus bill, leaving millions of Americans dangling -- by which we mean subject to food and medicine shortages and the possibility of eviction, among other things. Meanwhile, the issue of stimulus relief is partly blocked because the GOP doesn't want extra funding for the Postal Service -- a vital service already under stress. Indeed, the president has made clear he doesn't want the Postal Service to get one additional dollar, for fear it will hurt his re-election chances. Some might think this a calamity. Others are proud: As The Los Angeles Times reports, "For instance, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said his hope is that the talks remain at a stalemate, citing concern about adding to the deficit. 'From my standpoint, the breakdown in the talks is very good news,' he told Breitbart News. 'It's very good news for future generations'." As for those alive right now? We suppose you know what they can do.

The latest:

Congressional negotiations over pandemic relief break down, in part over the issue of extra money for the Postal Service: bit.ly/3aqlZKh. Prospects for a relief bill appear to be on hold until September; too bad the needs of American citizens aren't on hold, too: bit.ly/3h25VRu.

The airlines are threatening to lay off thousands of employees if additional government relief isn't provided: bit.ly/2CxbSXK.

Jobless claims fall below one million for the first time since March, but the figure still isn't great: cnb.cx/3kLa8va.

Meanwhile:

Dr. Anthony Fauci isn't happy with the state of the pandemic: cnb.cx/3iFIuxH. He adds that attempting herd immunity would lead to an epidemic of needless deaths: bit.ly/3ar8l9R.

In an example of good reality testing, a majority of Americans say the national response to the pandemic has been worse than other countries: bit.ly/3fVhfNV.

Joe Biden calls for a nationwide mask mandate: 3fUNcWM.

The surge in new cases among children alarms health and education experts: bit.ly/3aou4za.

The cruise ship business starts up again in Europe: wapo.st/3kJEcav.

Around the country:

In California:

The state passes the 600,000 mark in new infections: bit.ly/3fTJWuN.

The resignations of high-level health officials is hampering the state's response to the coronavirus: lat.ms/3apzl9x.

The Sacramento County sheriff is refusing to share information regarding the spread of the coronavirus in jails under his jurisdiction: bit.ly/2XXIjFZ.

The pandemic is forcing SAG/AFTRA to raise insurance premiums and tighten eligibility: bit.ly/3gXmZrD.

In Florida:

New infections are down but deaths remain up: bit.ly/2Fmin0p.

The governor defends the slowdown in coronavirus testing: bit.ly/30TTMIO.

Miami becomes a proving ground for rapid COVID-19 tests: hrld.us/3gWWDGz.

In Georgia:

The governor drops a lawsuit against the city of Atlanta for mandating masks: bit.ly/2DJ2G37. One possible explanation: The yesterday registered its highest daily death toll: bit.ly/3fXCmiz.

In Illinois:

The state passes 200,000 total COVID-19 infections: bit.ly/2Y0j8mm.

In Massachusetts:

The governor identifies 33 communities at moderate-to-high risk for the coronavirus: bit.ly/3kJs0q5.

The Actors' Equity-approved productions of Godspell and Harry Clarke must reduce their audiences by 50%, in line with new state restrictions: bit.ly/2Y19cck.

In New York:

The death tolls in the early days of the pandemic rivaled that of the 1918 influenza outbreak: wapo.st/2DJqKD2.

The Tribute in Light, an annual commemoration of the events of 9/11, is off this year: bit.ly/3kLcVEE.

A cleaning company that serves the Broadway community hangs on to survival: tinyurl.com/y3u7ahjq.

Seventy theatre professionals gather in Times Square to pay tribute to their community: bit.ly/3iH26Sd.

In Nevada:

Twelve major hotel/casinos remain closed, indefinitely: bit.ly/2Fh3zjA.

As the state passes 1,000 deaths, the governor issues a statement: bit.ly/2DIUCPT.

Around the world:

In France:

The new wave of cases is rising the fastest among the young: bit.ly/3iyNzIe.

In the Philippines:

The Russian vaccine is going to get an extensive clinical trial in here, but the president will skip it for now: bit.ly/3iGY4Jz.

In Spain:

The country faces a daunting second wave of the coronavirus: bit.ly/2CsLpun.

In the UK:

Socially distanced performances will be allowed beginning tomorrow: tinyurl.com/y2y7auhd.

The National Theatre will reopen in October with a socially distanced performance of a solo show: bit.ly/3iHcJ7o.

Another opening: Southwark Playhouse will return with The Last Five Years in the fall: bit.ly/2CsE3qL.

Company news:

Prolyte on its role in the August 11 UK day of action: bit.ly/3gWWcvD.

SLLFX reports on the day of action in the town of Lichfield: bit.ly/33VVISZ.

For your entertainment:

Friday, August 21 at 4:00pm ET: Davóne Tines is featured in excerpts from The Black Clown as part of Harlem Week. The work is a musico-dramatic adaptation of the eponymous poem by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, and the audio to be aired is taken from the work's acclaimed New York premiere at last year's Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center. Go to bit.ly/3kGm0Pb.

Friday, August 21 at 2:00pm, ET: Michael Tilson Thomas conducts New World Symphony in Steven Mackey's reimagining of Berlioz's Harold in Italy, featuring violist Tabea Zimmermann. Purchase tickets at bit.ly/3kMeyBN.

The Sun Valley Music Festival concludes its virtual summer season on August 29 at 6:30pm MT with a selection of encores performed by Festival Orchestra musicians, guest artists, and the entire orchestra conducted by music director Alasdair Neale. More than 100 musicians in 43 cities across North America perform in this concert. Program details will be announced during the webcast. Go to bit.ly/2E4GHTM or bit.ly/3fTGdNP.

For your pleasure:

Liz Callaway offers a thought-provoking response to our tumultuous times: bit.ly/2PV4UyN.

That's all for today. Have a good weekend. Stay safe. -- DB.

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Previous LSA COVID-19 Updates: plasa.me/lsacovid19resources.