On Friday, the U.S. Department of Labor is expected to release figures for April’s unemployment rate. The report is likely to show the devasting impact of the coronavirus lockdowns on the economy, with the unemployment rate estimated to be over 16% – a record high in U.S. history. Cornell experts, Erica Groshen and Michael Waldman, are available to break down this week’s figures and help explain what a future recovery would look like.

Economics and Business

Industrial and Labor Relations

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As businesses countrywide start to reopen, industries are struggling to come up with safety standards to reassure consumers. Within the hospitality sector, the American Hotel & Lodging Association recently released their recommendations, the Safe Stay initiative, for how hotels can enhance their safety protocols in COVID-19 times. Kate Walsh, dean of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, is an expert on hospitality management. 

Economics and Business

School of Hotel Administration

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Nelson Tebbe, professor of law at Cornell Law School, says that the outcome of the Little Sisters v. Pennsylvania case could impact many thousands of women.

Law and Policy

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The COVID-19 virus arrived in Latin America later than Europe and the United States, but it is currently spreading across the region, with peaks expected to come later in May. Brazil, the continent’s most populous country, has the largest numbers of cases so far. This week, the country’s Senate is expected to vote on an economic package for states and cities to compensate for economic losses. Kenneth Roberts, professor of government at Cornell University, studies political parties, populism and social movements in Latin America. 

International

Arts and Sciences

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Whether it’s to reduce anxiety or get active outside, gardening is great activity during the COVID-19 crisis. Horticulturalists Steve Reiners and Bobbie Kuhlman offer advice for starting a garden this spring.

Food & Agriculture

Agriculture and Life Sciences

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President Trump suggested states should seriously consider reopening their public schools before the end of the academic year, even though many have already said it would be unsafe for students to return to school before next fall. Lee Adler, an expert on education and academic union issues says until widespread testing is available across the country it’s not safe for schools to reopen.

Industrial and Labor Relations

New York State

New York City

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Doug Kriner, professor in Cornell University’s Government Department, says that if the court rules in favor of the Trump in a case pitting the administration against Congress, the principle of separation of powers could be threatened.

Law and Policy

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Tesla has backtracked on a plan to have some workers to return to work before San Francisco Bay area stay-at-home orders are scheduled to expire. The company, expected to report quarterly earnings on Wednesday, said production at its Fremont, California plant will not resume this week. Arthur Wheaton says management is trying to save the company from bankruptcy, but opting for an early opening would be risky and possibly illegal.

Economics and Business

Industrial and Labor Relations

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Sarah Kreps, surveillance systems and cybersecurity expert, comments on emerging approaches to smartphone contact tracing to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Arts and Sciences

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The U.S. Department of Labor reported on Thursday that 4.4 million workers filed new unemployment claims last week, bringing the total number of claims to 26 million in just five weeks. Erica Groshen says that today’s data reinforces forecasts of a Great Depression-level unemployment rate by the end of April.

Economics and Business

Industrial and Labor Relations

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