Thank you, health care workers
The USA faced its deadliest day of the coronavirus outbreak so far while health care professionals across the nation mobilize to combat the pandemic.
It's Ashley. Let's talk news, shall we? But first, a standing ovation.
Nurses, doctors, health care workers, you have our thanks
The Short List is featuring stories from health care workers on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19. We want to hear your story. Email me at ashley@usatoday.com.
"I just flew back to my old home, New York City, to help during this coronavirus crisis. It’s really bad here. It’s worse than I thought. I’ve built such deep emotional bonds with my nurse family in New York that it only made sense for me to come back for this. That may seem crazy, but successful nurses are a lot like police officers or firefighters – we work as a team. All nurses serve patients, but we also serve each other."
— Janelle Engström Orbon, critical care nurse
New York City trades 'Ground Zero' for 'epicenter'
The coronavirus death toll in the USA surged past 3,700 Tuesday, eclipsing the grim total from the 9/11 terror attacks. More than 900 people have died in Manhattan alone, and the city opened temporary hospitals in a convention center, a Navy ship and Central Park. Still, the nation's top health expert found some reason for hope, saying social distancing was working and the rate of increase of New York City cases might be starting to slow.
Americans abroad should return home "immediately"
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made his advice to U.S. citizens overseas during the coronavirus crisis simple: "Americans who wish to return home from abroad should so immediately," he stressed Tuesday during a briefing. Though Pompeo said his task force remains committed to bringing all Americans home, the window to do so is closing.
Chris Cuomo "is going to be fine”
CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, the brother of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, tested positive for coronavirus. “He’s my best friend,” the New York governor said in a news conference. He said the CNN personality is quarantined in his own basement and "is going to be fine." Cuomo will continue to anchor "Cuomo Prime Time" from his home.
Give it to me straight
More than 500 deaths were reported nationwide Monday, the highest daily total since the first American died six weeks ago. The U.S. death toll has surpassed China, where the pandemic began late last year.
What's everyone’s talking about? You guessed it: COVID-19.
The Empire State building lit up in support of first responders during the coronavirus outbreak by flashing red lights, like an ambulance siren.
Famed neurosurgeon James Goodrich, who separated conjoined twins, died from coronavirus.
How do you stop people from playing basketball on public courts during a pandemic? Remove the rims.
You've goat to be kidding me: A group of goats took over a U.K. town on coronavirus lockdown, and the photos are incredible.
"He is stable." John Prine's wife gives a health update after his treatment for COVID-19 symptoms.
Tornadoes probably hit Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia
Strong storms with high winds and possible tornadoes toppled trees from Mississippi to Georgia on Tuesday, smashing buildings, blocking roads and causing power outages as utility lines fell. Forecasters said significant structural damage occurred near the Alabama-Georgia line after a possible tornado was reported, and the National Weather Service reported "considerable" damage in George County, Mississippi.
Trump's calling shotgun, Obama
The Trump administration proposes a modest increase in fuel-efficiency standards for new cars and trucks, scrapping a more aggressive Obama-era rule aimed at curbing carbon emissions. Administration officials who unveiled the rule Tuesday said it will save hundreds of lives each year by encouraging families to buy newer cars that have the latest safety features because they'll be more affordable when freed from meeting tougher standards. Democratic lawmakers and environmental advocates slammed the change as a further gutting of Obama-era efforts to slow the effects of climate change.
Real quick
Can we all agree that April Fools' Day jokes are canceled this year?
Singer Selena still inspires fans across the USA to pursue their dreams.
Tom Brady fans, he's keeping No. 12 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
College admissions scandal: A mom was sentenced to 7 months in prison.
A guy was arrested after a high-speed car chase. His excuse? He said he was teaching his dog to drive.
The Dow dipped 400 points on Tuesday, capping its worst first quarter ever.
The ‘Tiger King’ surprises keep on coming
Have you watched the Netflix docu-series “Tiger King”? It’s a new true-crime series that explores the life of Joe Exotic, a man with an affinity for big cats, blond mullets, guns and explosives. More importantly, it highlights his hatred for big cat sanctuary owner Carole Baskin. Eagle-eyed fans figured out that one of the animal handlers on the show, Bhagavan "Doc" Antle, appeared onstage with Britney Spears during her memorable performance of "I'm a Slave 4 U" at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards. (You know you remember that massive yellow Burmese python draped over her shoulders 🐍).
If you haven't watched “Tiger King," it's a definite contender for a Netflix Party.
A break from the news
⚠️ John Krasinski reminisces about "The Office" with Steve Carell in his YouTube show debut.
🤫 12 quiet time activities that kids will actually enjoy.
🏋️♀️ Working (out) from home: Safety tips for exercising at home.
The Short List newsletter is a snappy USA TODAY news roundup. Subscribe here!
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Chris Cuomo, New York City, 9/11: Tuesday's news