Shutting America’s Doors; The Rush To Reopen States; Tips For Isolating With A Partner

Plus, now might be a good time to start a garden. by Korva Coleman and Jill Hudson First Up [President Trump's guidelines for "reopening" the country put the onus on governors across the country.]( Gage Skidmore/Flickr; Stephen Melkisethian/Flickr; Caroline Amenabar/NPR Here's what we're following today. President Trump said he intends to temporarily close the United States to people trying to immigrate to the country. The announcement was made by a tweet sent overnight by the president. [There aren't many details]( but the administration has been using the pandemic to justify more restrictions on immigration. Oil prices went into negative territory on Monday. That means traders were paying money to get people to accept oil in May. It's a sign of just how imbalanced the global oil markets are. ([Listening time, 3:48]( or [read the story]( The fastest test being used to diagnose people infected with the coronavirus appears to not always be reliable. The Abbott ID NOW has generated widespread excitement because [it can produce results in less than 15 minutes](. Despite warnings about reopening an economy too quickly, Georgia’s governor is starting to lift some of its lockdown requirements. Beginning Friday, people who work at gyms, fitness centers and bowling alleys, along with barbers, manicurists, massage therapists (and their training schools) will be [allowed to reopen their doors](. In Pennsylvania, hours after a group of anti-quarantine protesters dispersed, Gov. Tom Wolf announced he was [extending his state’s shelter-in-place orders]( until May 8. While many small businesses haven't been able to get one of the federal government's Paycheck Protection Program loans, a Chicago company with close ties to the White House has. Continental Materials Corporation is majority owned by the family of Ronald Gidwitz, who is now the U.S. ambassador to Belgium. During the 2016 election campaign, Gidwitz was the Trump campaign's Illinois finance chair. The heating and cooling company, which had sales of more than $100 million last year, [got a $5.5 million loan at 1% interest](. That’s much larger than the typical PPP loan, which is usually just over $200,000. What does the right to a unanimous jury verdict have to do with abortion, or school prayer, or federal environmental regulations? Stay tuned. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down state laws in Louisiana and Oregon that allowed people accused of serious crimes to be convicted by a non-unanimous jury vote. The decision overturned a Supreme Court ruling from 1972 — and [signals that the high court may be willing to consider overturning other laws](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- Today's Listen [Coronavirus-induced isolation means many couples are adjusting to spending a lot more time together. Psychologists Julie and John Gottman share what's helped their patients deescalate tension.]( Jenny Meilihove/Getty Images Coronavirus-induced isolation means many couples are spending a lot more time together. Psychologists Julie and John Gottman offer advice on dealing with "pressure-cooker" moments. ([Listening time, 7:15]( or [read the story]( Some small business owners have been hurt by the extra $600 per week many workers are receiving. One coffee shop owner has discovered that, despite her efforts to remain open, her workers are staying home and accepting the increased unemployment checks. Some Republican lawmakers say they predicted this outcome, because the federal checks are larger than the minimum wage. ([Listening time, 3:48]( or [read the story]( --------------------------------------------------------------- The Daily Good [Friends for 30 years, Sam Dow (left) in Ann Arbor, Mich., and Josh Belser in Syracuse, N.Y., are both working on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.]( Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR Craving the outdoors as you’re cooped up inside? It’s probably a great time to build yourself a COVID Victory Garden. Nurseries that sell seeds, plants and animal feed are open and are considered essential services. NPR’s Life Kit will teach you [how to get started](. --------------------------------------------------------------- The Picture Show [Brown pelicans nest in the mangrove trees of Cat Island in April 2012.]( Tyrone Turner Ten years after the Deepwater Horizon explosion, the offshore drilling industry says it’s better prepared to handle a similar emergency. Critics say stronger regulation is still needed to prevent another massive oil spill. Photographer Tyrone Turner has returned to [Louisiana's southeastern coastal area]( several times over the years to record changes to the environment caused by the BP oil disaster. --------------------------------------------------------------- Before You Go [Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls sit on the bench during a 1998 game.]( Andy Hayt/NBAE/Getty Images - The Sunday night premiere of The Last Dance, the documentary series about Michael Jordan and the legacy of the Chicago Bulls, [scored huge ratings for ESPN]( according to CNN. NPR’s Linda Holmes says [the doc succeeds]( because it cares really, deeply, intensely about NBA basketball. - The family members of four people who died in the helicopter crash that killed basketball great Kobe Bryant are [suing the owners of the helicopter]( that crashed. - NPR Books reviews [three young adult novels about girls]( pushed to their limits. - A new HBO series, [The Plot Against America]( presents an alternate history in which America does not fight against the Nazis during World War II. — Suzette Lohmeyer contributed to this report. --------------------------------------------------------------- Follow [The New Normal]( on Instagram! [Sign up for The New Normal]( NPR's daily coronavirus email. What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: [dailynewsletter@npr.org](mailto:dailynewsletter@npr.org?subject=Newsletter%20Feedback) Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. 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