No virus aid before election? Pessimism before Senate vote

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top Republicans senators are making pessimistic predictions about securing a bipartisan coronavirus relief package before the November election. Instead, they;re signaling they’ll just try to pass legislation that would avoid a federal shutdown as lawmakers head home to campaign. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says he’s “optimistic” Republicans will deliver a strong vote Thursday for the GOP’s $500 billion slimmed-down rescue package.