npr--2020-04-15--Counties Say They Need More Federal Money To Stay Solvent Amid Coronavirus Shutdowns

Counties Say They Need More Federal Money To Stay Solvent Amid Coronavirus Shutdowns County leaders across the country are asking the federal government for more emergency aid money as they watch tax revenues sink because of the coronavirus shutdown .
The federal CARES Act passed last month includes $ 150 billion in direct aid to states and cities , with some caveats .
Local governments with populations above 500,000 people get the money directly .
Those that are smaller can only receive funds that are funneled through their state .
The National Association of Counties said that leaves smaller counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are dealing with their own fiscal pressures . ''
The group has sent a letter to President Trump asking him to support efforts to channel money directly to all counties .
County officials say another major problem is that CARES Act funds can only be used for the costs of responding to the pandemic , not to backfill lost revenue because of the economy 's shutdown .
County governments describe themselves as being on the front lines in the fight against the coronavirus and many are now facing massive budget deficits .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latimer said the loss of sales tax and property tax revenues will take between $ 90 million and $ 160 million from the county 's $ 2.1 billion budget .
Other nearby counties are in similar shape , he added .
`` We 're going to need the federal government to be there in a significant way , '' he said , `` unless we intend to see a collapse of the New York metropolitan area economy . ''
In Los Angeles County , Chief Executive Officer Sachi Hamai said , `` Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly impacted by COVID-19 and we project it will have a major effect on the programs the county administers on behalf of our 10 million residents . ''
Hamai said she believes sales tax revenues will be down 50 to 75 percent for the next few months and will be 25 percent lower over the next fiscal year .
Altogether , that is expected to be a $ 2 billion loss in sales tax revenue .
That 's money , Hamai said , that is vital in funding child welfare , care for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some counties have begun announcing layoffs and furloughs .
In Los Angeles , Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said the county ordered a hiring freeze more than a month ago .
It 's now asking county departments to develop plans for a possible 25 percent budget cut .
To help with these looming deficits , the National Association of Counties said some relief might be included in a new coronavirus package now taking shape in Congress .
Democrats are pushing for it to include an additional $ 150 billion that counties can @ @ @ @ @ @

Counties Say They Need More Federal Money To Stay Solvent Amid Coronavirus Shutdowns
Enlarge this image toggle caption John Moore / Getty Images John Moore / Getty Images
County leaders across the country are asking the federal government for more emergency aid money as they watch tax revenues sink because of the coronavirus shutdown.
The federal CARES Act passed last month includes $150 billion in direct aid to states and cities, with some caveats. Local governments with populations above 500,000 people get the money directly. Those that are smaller can only receive funds that are funneled through their state. The National Association of Counties said that leaves smaller counties "at the mercy of the states—who are dealing with their own fiscal pressures." The group has sent a letter to President Trump asking him to support efforts to channel money directly to all counties.
County officials say another major problem is that CARES Act funds can only be used for the costs of responding to the pandemic, not to backfill lost revenue because of the economy's shutdown. County governments describe themselves as being on the front lines in the fight against the coronavirus and many are now facing massive budget deficits.
In New York, Westchester County Executive George Latimer said the loss of sales tax and property tax revenues will take between $90 million and $160 million from the county's $2.1 billion budget. Other nearby counties are in similar shape, he added. "We're going to need the federal government to be there in a significant way," he said, "unless we intend to see a collapse of the New York metropolitan area economy."
In Los Angeles County, Chief Executive Officer Sachi Hamai said, "Los Angeles County's fiscal outlook has been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and we project it will have a major effect on the programs the county administers on behalf of our 10 million residents." Hamai said she believes sales tax revenues will be down 50 to 75 percent for the next few months and will be 25 percent lower over the next fiscal year. Altogether, that is expected to be a $2 billion loss in sales tax revenue. That's money, Hamai said, that is vital in funding child welfare, care for the homeless and other social services.
Some counties have begun announcing layoffs and furloughs. In Los Angeles, Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said the county ordered a hiring freeze more than a month ago. It's now asking county departments to develop plans for a possible 25 percent budget cut.
To help with these looming deficits, the National Association of Counties said some relief might be included in a new coronavirus package now taking shape in Congress. Democrats are pushing for it to include an additional $150 billion that counties can use to cover lost revenue.


npr--2020-04-15--Teamsters President James Hoffa Warns Trump Not To Move Too Quickly To Reopen

Teamsters President James Hoffa Warns Trump Not To Move Too Quickly To Reopen Teamsters President James Hoffa is cautioning against reopening businesses across the country too quickly , for fear of endangering workers .
Hoffa was one of a dozen leaders from the corporate world , labor and trade associations on a conference call with President Trump to discuss that topic Wednesday .
Hoffa later told NPR that he urged the president to make sure everything is in place for a safe return to the workforce .
He said that means getting testing in place so people can get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he said results need to be available much more quickly .
He said a worker ca n't afford to take two weeks off the job to wait for a test result .
Hoffa also says job sites need to be fully stocked with everything from masks to disinfectant wipes .
`` If somebody 's been laid off and they 're gon na go back to work , '' he stressed , `` you ca n't ask them to go back to an unsafe workplace where they 're gon na get sick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Trump `` was very courteous . ''
He said there was none of the combativeness we 've seen in recent televised media briefings .
He said the president dubbed the group that had dialed-in the `` Great American Renewal Task Force . ''
Hoffa said the virtual gathering came together quickly , adding that he 'd only heard it was happening Tuesday night .
He said there were no specific plans laid out for further discussions between the task force and Trump .
As president , Trump has slashed regulations as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hoffa says he used his time on the call to stress that the pandemic will require rigorous new regulations to make sure workers are protected .
He said strict rules will need to be written and enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration .
Since taking office Trump has done the opposite , limiting OSHA 's regulatory power and dramatically reducing the number of workplace inspections .
Hoffa says Trump mush reverse that practice .
`` We need OSHA more than ever .
You 've got ta put teeth in OSHA .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's very reasonable , and yeah , it 's gon na cost more money . ''

Teamsters President James Hoffa Warns Trump Not To Move Too Quickly To Reopen
Enlarge this image toggle caption Andrew Harnik/AP Andrew Harnik/AP
Teamsters President James Hoffa is cautioning against reopening businesses across the country too quickly, for fear of endangering workers. Hoffa was one of a dozen leaders from the corporate world, labor and trade associations on a conference call with President Trump to discuss that topic Wednesday.
Hoffa later told NPR that he urged the president to make sure everything is in place for a safe return to the workforce. He said that means getting testing in place so people can get a test easily if they need one, and he said results need to be available much more quickly. He said a worker can't afford to take two weeks off the job to wait for a test result. Hoffa also says job sites need to be fully stocked with everything from masks to disinfectant wipes.
"If somebody's been laid off and they're gonna go back to work," he stressed, "you can't ask them to go back to an unsafe workplace where they're gonna get sick."
Hoffa said of the conference call that Trump "was very courteous." He said there was none of the combativeness we've seen in recent televised media briefings. He said the president dubbed the group that had dialed-in the "Great American Renewal Task Force." Hoffa said the virtual gathering came together quickly, adding that he'd only heard it was happening Tuesday night. He said there were no specific plans laid out for further discussions between the task force and Trump.
As president, Trump has slashed regulations as a way to help businesses boost profits. Hoffa says he used his time on the call to stress that the pandemic will require rigorous new regulations to make sure workers are protected. He said strict rules will need to be written and enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Since taking office Trump has done the opposite, limiting OSHA's regulatory power and dramatically reducing the number of workplace inspections. Hoffa says Trump mush reverse that practice. "We need OSHA more than ever. You've gotta put teeth in OSHA."
The Teamster leader added, "that's very reasonable, and yeah, it's gonna cost more money."


npr--2020-04-15--Michigan Stay-At-Home Order Prompts Honking, Traffic-Jam Protest

Several thousand cars flooded the streets around the state capitol in Lansing , Mich. Wednesday to protest the Governor 's extended Stay-At-Home order .
Cars stretched nearly a quarter mile for blocks around the capitol building , filling the air with a cacophony of honking .
People draped in American and `` Do n't Tread on Me '' flags blared `` We 're Not Gon na Take It '' and `` God Bless The USA '' out of car stereos .
The protest—called `` Operation Gridlock '' —was organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition and drew out militias , conservatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters of President Donald Trump , who characterize the Governor 's stay-at-home order as an unjust power-grab .
At least 200 people broke the instructions of organizers , getting out of their cars to congregate around the steps of the capitol building , flouting social-distancing guidelines to remain 6-feet apart , and not wearing masks .
The state of Michigan has the third highest number of COVID-19 cases and one of the most stringent stay-at-home orders .
Among other things , it bars landscapers from working and shutters greenhouses and nurseries .
Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drumbeat of criticism from senior Republican leaders in the state legislature and Republican members of Michigan 's congressional delegation after extending her original order last week .
The new version of the order banned travel between homes and did n't grant exemptions for workers like landscapers , whom politicians argue can work while remaining socially distant .
Protesters were also upset that normal life has been shut down all over the state .
As of Monday , more than a quarter of the state 's workforce had filed for unemployment benefits .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been equally affected by the outbreak .
Southeast Michigan and Detroit remain a hotspot—claiming the lion 's share of COVID-19 cases and deaths .
Opponents like Shelly Vanderwerff argue there should be regional and industry-based exemptions .
She caravanned to Lansing from west Michigan , where she was recently laid-off from her work at a local greenhouse .
`` Well , I do n't think she 's listening to petitions and people who are trying to communicate in a less extreme way that ... there are small businesses that are suffering , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many small businesses in the state will go under .
Vanderwerff noted she understands that action needs to be taken to slow the spread of COVID-19 , but counties like hers—with 74 cases and 2 deaths—should be allowed to operate more freely than places like Wayne County and Detroit .
Matt Seely , a spokesman for the conservative group that organized the protest warned , `` If something is n't put in place soon , you 'll see in the form of a protest—businesses just opening .
Because , truthfully , for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sustain that fine because they 'll at least be able to make a living . ''
Presently , the Governor 's stay-at-home order extends through April 30th .
Since the Governor issued the order , there have been more than 28,000 cases of COVID-19 in Michigan .
The disease has killed more than 1,900 Michiganders .

Michigan Stay-At-Home Order Prompts Honking, Traffic-Jam Protest
Enlarge this image toggle caption Paul Sancya/AP Paul Sancya/AP
Several thousand cars flooded the streets around the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich., on Wednesday to protest the governor's extended stay-at-home order. Cars jammed the streets around the Capitol building, filling the air with a cacophony of honking. People draped in American and "Don't Tread on Me" flags blared "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "God Bless The USA" out of car stereos.
The protest — called "Operation Gridlock" — was organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition and drew out militias, conservatives, small-business owners and ardent supporters of President Trump, who characterize the governor's stay-at-home order as an unjust power grab.
At least 200 people broke from the instructions of organizers, getting out of their vehicles to congregate around the steps of the Capitol building, flouting social-distancing guidelines to remain 6 feet apart, and not wearing masks.
The state of Michigan has the third-highest number of COVID-19 cases and one of the most stringent stay-at-home orders. Among other things, it bars landscapers from working and shutters many greenhouses and nurseries.
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has faced a steady drumbeat of criticism from senior Republican leaders in the state Legislature and Republican members of Michigan's congressional delegation after extending her original order last week.
The new version of the order banned travel between homes and didn't grant exemptions for workers such as landscapers, who politicians argue can work while remaining socially distant. Protesters were also upset that normal life has been shut down all over the state.
As of Monday, more than a quarter of the state's workforce had filed for unemployment benefits.
But not all parts of the state have been equally affected by the outbreak. Southeast Michigan and Detroit remain a hot spot — claiming the lion's share of COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Opponents such as Shelly Vanderwerff argue that there should be regional and industry-based exemptions. She caravanned to Lansing from west Michigan, where she was recently laid off from her work at a local greenhouse.
"Well, I don't think she's listening to petitions and people who are trying to communicate in a less extreme way that ... there are small businesses that are suffering," said Vanderwerff. She's worried that many small businesses in the state will go under.
Vanderwerff noted that she understands that action needs to be taken to slow the spread of COVID-19, but counties like hers — with 74 cases and two deaths — should be allowed to operate more freely than places like Wayne County and Detroit.
Matt Seely, a spokesman for the conservative group that organized the protest, warned: "If something isn't put in place soon, you'll see, in the form of a protest — businesses just opening. Because, truthfully, for the $1,000 fine, most businesses could sustain that fine because they'll at least be able to make a living."
Presently, the governor's stay-at-home order extends through April 30. Since the governor issued the order, there have been more than 28,000 cases of COVID-19 in Michigan. The disease has killed more than 1,900 Michiganders.


npr--2020-04-15--U.N. Ambassador Says Inaction By WHO, China, Would Be 'Unforgiveable'

U.N .
Ambassador Says Inaction By WHO , China , Would Be 'Unforgiveable' Seizing on President Trump 's criticism of the World Health Organization for its response to the COVID-19 crisis , America 's ambassador to the United Nations called on Wednesday for `` complete transparency and accountability '' from the U.N. health body , saying failure to act would be `` unforgivable . ''
The remarks by Kelly Craft followed Trump 's announcement on Tuesday that he will suspend U.S. funding to the WHO for a period of 60 to 90 days while his administration works to review the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Craft said the WHO did not adequately verify information it was receiving from the Chinese government in the opening days of the outbreak , saying that failure cost lives .
`` Had it been accurate , had they managed the information they received early on , it would have obviously slowed the virus and it would have saved thousands of lives , '' Craft said in an interview with NPR 's Steve Inskeep .
`` And I think that 's where we have a real issue with this is .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the lives of those in the world . ''
The ambassador 's comments come at a time when President Trump is seen trying to sidestep blame for his early response to the crisis .
With polls showing that more Americans now disapprove of his handling of the coronavirus than approve , Trump is facing growing scrutiny over whether he waited too long to take steps that health experts say could have slowed the spread of the virus .
The pause in funding for the world 's leading health organization drew quick condemnation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president 's announcement , Sen. Patrick Leahy , D-Vt. , said , `` Withholding funds for WHO in the midst of the worst pandemic in a century makes as much sense as cutting off ammunition to an ally as the enemy closes in . ''
But Craft defended the president 's decision to pause America 's funding for the WHO , which amounts to approximately $ 500 million per year , more than any other nation .
`` The WHO not only serves the American people , but serves the world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm telling you that if they do not turn this around , it is unforgivable . ''
Asked how pausing U.S. funding for the WHO would improve the response for a crisis that has killed more than 133,000 people worldwide and nearly 28,000 in the U.S. alone , Craft said , `` I ca n't answer about what we are going to uncover . ''
She added , however , `` We are the largest contributors by far to humanitarian causes throughout the United Nations . ''
Addressing China 's role in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was difficult for her to judge whether Beijing was being open and honest now about what it knows about the coronavirus .
`` You would think it would be to China 's best interests , because obviously they want to mitigate the crisis from within .
But then they 've had a track record of not being open and honest in order to cover up for the origin , '' she said .
Echoing her critique of the WHO , she said China needs to `` take a moral responsibility '' for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's unforgivable if they do n't .
That 's all I can say . ''

U.N. Ambassador Says Inaction By WHO, China Would Be 'Unforgiveable'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Andrew Harnik/AP Andrew Harnik/AP
Seizing on President Trump's criticism of the World Health Organization for its response to the COVID-19 crisis, America's ambassador to the United Nations called on Wednesday for "complete transparency and accountability" from the U.N. health body, saying failure to act would be "unforgivable."
The remarks by Kelly Craft followed Trump's announcement on Tuesday that he will suspend U.S. funding to the WHO for a period of 60 to 90 days while his administration works to review the agency's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Craft said the WHO did not adequately verify information it was receiving from the Chinese government in the opening days of the outbreak, saying that failure cost lives.
"Had it been accurate, had they managed the information they received early on, it would have obviously slowed the virus and it would have saved thousands of lives," Craft said in an interview with NPR's Steve Inskeep. "And I think that's where we have a real issue with this. It's about the American lives and it's about the lives of those in the world."
The ambassador's comments come at a time when President Trump is seen trying to sidestep blame for his early response to the crisis. With polls showing that more Americans now disapprove of his handling of the coronavirus than approve, Trump is facing growing scrutiny over whether he waited too long to take steps that health experts say could have slowed the spread of the virus.
The pause in funding for the world's leading health organization drew quick condemnation. In a statement issued shortly after the president's announcement, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said, "Withholding funds for WHO in the midst of the worst pandemic in a century makes as much sense as cutting off ammunition to an ally as the enemy closes in."
But Craft defended the president's decision to pause America's funding for the WHO, which amounts to approximately $500 million per year, more than any other nation.
"The WHO not only serves the American people, but serves the world," Craft said. "And I'm telling you that if they do not turn this around, it is unforgivable."
Global Health WHO In Shock, Reviewing Finances After Trump Announces Suspension Of U.S. Funding WHO In Shock, Reviewing Finances After Trump Announces Suspension Of U.S. Funding Listen · 3:48 3:48
Asked how pausing U.S. funding for the WHO would improve the response for a crisis that has killed more than 133,000 people worldwide and nearly 28,000 in the U.S. alone, Craft said, "I can't answer about what we are going to uncover." She added, however, "We are the largest contributors by far to humanitarian causes throughout the United Nations."
Addressing China's role in the virus' spread, Craft said it was difficult for her to judge whether Beijing was being open and honest now about what it knows about the coronavirus.
"You would think it would be to China's best interests, because obviously they want to mitigate the crisis from within. But then they've had a track record of not being open and honest in order to cover up for the origin," she said.
Echoing her critique of the WHO, she said China needs to "take a moral responsibility" for its actions. "I'm telling you, it's unforgivable if they don't. That's all I can say."


npr--2020-04-15--Top Wall Street Regulators Warn Against Coronavirus Investment Scams

The kind of financial schemes depicted in movies like The Wolf Of Wall Street and Boiler Room never went away , and Wall Street 's top cops are warning investors that the coronavirus has only created new opportunities for that type of financial fraud .
In response , the Securities And Exchange Commission has `` substantially accelerated '' its pace of enforcement related to the pandemic , says Stephanie Avakian , who co-directs the SEC 's enforcement division .
Since February , the SEC has temporarily suspended public trading of at least 16 companies ' stocks .
In particular , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' public statements about supposed test kits , vaccines or treatments for COVID-19 .
Among the companies that have faced trading suspensions : Wellness Matrix Group , which as NPR first reported , sold `` at-home '' tests for COVID-19 , despite the fact that the Food and Drug Administration has not authorized any such tests ; and Key Capital Corporation , which claimed it could mass produce a `` low cost '' vaccine to help treat the coronavirus within `` 3 to 6 Months , '' even though experts estimate any vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wellness Matrix Group did not respond to questions about its SEC suspension .
Reached by phone in Australia , Key Capital 's chairman , Peter Boonen , denied any wrongdoing by his company .
Boonen insisted that with enough funding , Key Capital 's partners could rapidly produce a vaccine , and said the SEC had misinterpreted his company 's claims .
`` The SEC has no experience or expertise regarding vaccine development , '' said Boonen , though he said he understood the commission `` is simply trying to do its job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on any individual company .
But Steven Peikin , the other co-director of the enforcement division , says suspending trading in a company 's stock is one of the more serious steps the SEC can take .
`` The overwhelming majority of the time , '' Peikin says , `` the stocks do not typically trade again . ''
Beyond suspensions , the SEC can also initiate larger investigations into potential fraud , though it has not made any such allegations related to stocks it has already suspended .
Nearly all of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ microcap '' stocks — commonly known as `` penny stocks '' because the company 's shares are often worth only a few cents .
When companies are this small , Peikin says , it 's easier for bad actors to quickly inflate ( or `` pump '' ) the share price by luring in investors with misinformation , and then , once the price is high enough , sell ( or `` dump '' ) .
People might assume that the days of financial con-men cold calling gullible investors to buy penny stocks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the boiler room has simply shifted to the internet message boards .
`` You do n't have to rent an office and hire a bunch of people to sit in a room and make cold calls , '' says Peikin , `` when you can reach many many more times that number of people through social media . ''
So the SEC is telling Americans to be extra cautious when investing in companies making bold claims about coronavirus-related products .
`` The old adage remains as true today as it ever has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it seems too good to be true , it probably is . ''

Top Wall Street Regulators Warn Against Coronavirus Investment Scams
Enlarge this image toggle caption Zach Gibson/Getty Images Zach Gibson/Getty Images
The kind of financial schemes depicted in movies like The Wolf Of Wall Street and Boiler Room never went away, and Wall Street's top cops are warning investors that the coronavirus has only created new opportunities for that type of financial fraud.
In response, the Securities And Exchange Commission has "substantially accelerated" its pace of enforcement related to the pandemic, says Stephanie Avakian, who co-directs the SEC's enforcement division.
Since February, the SEC has temporarily suspended public trading of at least 16 companies' stocks. In particular, the agency has cited concerns with companies' public statements about supposed test kits, vaccines or treatments for COVID-19.
Among the companies that have faced trading suspensions:
Wellness Matrix Group, which as NPR first reported, sold "at-home" tests for COVID-19, despite the fact that the Food and Drug Administration has not authorized any such tests; and Key Capital Corporation, which claimed it could mass produce a "low cost" vaccine to help treat the coronavirus within "3 to 6 Months," even though experts estimate any vaccine is at least a year away.
Wellness Matrix Group did not respond to questions about its SEC suspension.
Reached by phone in Australia, Key Capital's chairman, Peter Boonen, denied any wrongdoing by his company. Boonen insisted that with enough funding, Key Capital's partners could rapidly produce a vaccine, and said the SEC had misinterpreted his company's claims.
"The SEC has no experience or expertise regarding vaccine development," said Boonen, though he said he understood the commission "is simply trying to do its job."
The SEC declined to comment on any individual company. But Steven Peikin, the other co-director of the enforcement division, says suspending trading in a company's stock is one of the more serious steps the SEC can take.
"The overwhelming majority of the time," Peikin says, "the stocks do not typically trade again."
Beyond suspensions, the SEC can also initiate larger investigations into potential fraud, though it has not made any such allegations related to stocks it has already suspended.
Nearly all of the SEC's actions have focused on "microcap" stocks — commonly known as "penny stocks" because the company's shares are often worth only a few cents.
When companies are this small, Peikin says, it's easier for bad actors to quickly inflate (or "pump") the share price by luring in investors with misinformation, and then, once the price is high enough, sell (or "dump").
People might assume that the days of financial con-men cold calling gullible investors to buy penny stocks are long gone. In fact, the boiler room has simply shifted to the internet message boards.
"You don't have to rent an office and hire a bunch of people to sit in a room and make cold calls," says Peikin, "when you can reach many many more times that number of people through social media."
So the SEC is telling Americans to be extra cautious when investing in companies making bold claims about coronavirus-related products.
"The old adage remains as true today as it ever has been," says Avakian, "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is."


npr--2020-04-15--Texas Judge Set To Order State To Allow All Voters To Request Mail-In Ballots

Texas Judge Set To Order State To Allow All Voters To Request Mail-In Ballots A version of this story was first posted by member station KUT in Austin .
A Texas judge said Wednesday he will clarify that voters fearful of contracting COVID-19 will be allowed to use mail-in ballots during elections in July and November .
If the Travis County district court judge 's order is upheld , it would make all of the state 's approximately 16 million registered voters eligible to apply for an absentee ballot .
Texas , the country 's second largest state by population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programs in the country .
Only people over 65 , people who are in jail and not convicted , people who will be out of the county , and people who are sick or disabled can get a mail-in ballot .
There are legal fights popping up around the country to make mail-in voting easier due to the pandemic .
While President Trump has said he opposes expansions in mail-in voting , in recent days Republican governors in states such as Nebraska and New Hampshire have said they will expand the practice for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas Democratic Party sued state and local election officials last month in an effort to get a district court to clarify state law .
Attorneys representing Texas Democrats argued during a remote hearing in Austin that because people could be exposed to the coronavirus while voting in person , they should be allowed to apply for a mail-in ballot under the `` disability '' category .
Chad Dunn , who represents the party , said without clarity people will forego voting in an effort to avoid getting sick .
`` It can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact – that the Texas Legislature provided a situation that in a pandemic circumstance the right to vote is in conflict with public health , '' he said in court .
Judge Tim Sulak said he was `` inclined '' to side with plaintiffs in the case because voters were being put in a situation where they had two bad options .
Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said the judge 's decision to open up the state 's ballot by mail program `` is a victory '' for all voters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off when more Texans participate in our democracy .
Voting by mail is safe , secure , and accessible , '' he said in a statement .
`` It allows more voters to participate in our democracy , and it 's a commonsense way to run an election , especially during a public health crisis . ''
Lawyers defending state officials argued , however , that there are too many unknowns at this point .
Anna Mackin , who represented the state , said expanding ballot-by-mail may not even be necessary during upcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they planned to appeal Sulak 's order , once it 's submitted .
While attorneys argued in court , Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton weighed in on the matter , saying fear of contracting the deadly coronavirus does not qualify someone for a mail-in ballot .
`` Mail ballots based on disability are specifically reserved for those who are physically ill and can not vote in-person as a result , '' he said in a statement .
`` Fear of contracting COVID-19 does not amount to a sickness or physical condition as required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign of how widely vote by mail could be adopted so long as the public is concerned about the coronavirus , results from last week 's election in Wisconsin showed that about 70 % of votes cast were mailed in , up from 20 to 30 % in past elections .

Texas Judge Set To Order State To Allow All Voters To Request Mail-In Ballots
Enlarge this image toggle caption Paul Ratje/AFP via Getty Images Paul Ratje/AFP via Getty Images
A version of this story was first posted by member station KUT in Austin.
A Texas judge said Wednesday he will clarify that voters fearful of contracting COVID-19 will be allowed to use mail-in ballots during elections in July and November.
If the Travis County district court judge's order is upheld, it would make all of the state's approximately 16 million registered voters eligible to apply for an absentee ballot.
Texas, the country's second largest state by population, has one of the strictest vote-by-mail programs in the country. Only people over 65, people who are in jail and not convicted, people who will be out of the county, and people who are sick or disabled can get a mail-in ballot.
There are legal fights popping up around the country to make mail-in voting easier due to the pandemic. While President Trump has said he opposes expansions in mail-in voting, in recent days Republican governors in states such as Nebraska and New Hampshire have said they will expand the practice for the remainder of this year.
The Texas Democratic Party sued state and local election officials last month in an effort to get a district court to clarify state law.
Attorneys representing Texas Democrats argued during a remote hearing in Austin that because people could be exposed to the coronavirus while voting in person, they should be allowed to apply for a mail-in ballot under the "disability" category.
Chad Dunn, who represents the party, said without clarity people will forego voting in an effort to avoid getting sick.
"It cannot be the situation – and is not the fact – that the Texas Legislature provided a situation that in a pandemic circumstance the right to vote is in conflict with public health," he said in court.
Judge Tim Sulak said he was "inclined" to side with plaintiffs in the case because voters were being put in a situation where they had two bad options.
Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said the judge's decision to open up the state's ballot by mail program "is a victory" for all voters in Texas.
"Our state is better off when more Texans participate in our democracy. Voting by mail is safe, secure, and accessible," he said in a statement. "It allows more voters to participate in our democracy, and it's a commonsense way to run an election, especially during a public health crisis."
Lawyers defending state officials argued, however, that there are too many unknowns at this point. Anna Mackin, who represented the state, said expanding ballot-by-mail may not even be necessary during upcoming elections.
Attorneys representing state officials said they planned to appeal Sulak's order, once it's submitted.
While attorneys argued in court, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton weighed in on the matter, saying fear of contracting the deadly coronavirus does not qualify someone for a mail-in ballot.
"Mail ballots based on disability are specifically reserved for those who are physically ill and cannot vote in-person as a result," he said in a statement. "Fear of contracting COVID-19 does not amount to a sickness or physical condition as required by the Legislature."
In a sign of how widely vote by mail could be adopted so long as the public is concerned about the coronavirus, results from last week's election in Wisconsin showed that about 70% of votes cast were mailed in, up from 20 to 30% in past elections.


npr--2020-04-15--Unemployment Money Not Reaching Millions Of People Who Applied

Unemployment Money Not Reaching Millions Of People Who Applied About 17 million people have applied for unemployment benefits in the U.S. in recent weeks .
It 's an astonishing number that 's nearly 10 times what the system has ever handled so quickly .
But , by one estimate , that money is still not flowing to about half of those people who desperately need it .
And others are only getting a trickle of what they should be receiving .
Many people have been out of a job for a month now .
That 's a long time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` It 's really intense and it 's really frightening , '' says Nicolena Loshonkohl , a hair stylist NPR has been checking in with in Roanoke , Va. She 's a single mom with a 2-year-old daughter .
As a regular employee at a local salon , she says it was pretty easy to file for unemployment online .
And she 's now started to get payments .
Loshonkohl feels fortunate about that .
But so far , she 's only receiving $ 340 a week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , health insurance , food and other basic costs of living .
`` To be blunt , it 's just not enough , '' she says .
That 's because , so far , Loshonkohl , is only getting her state unemployment benefits .
Everyone receiving unemployment is supposed to get an additional $ 600 a week from the big federal rescue package passed by Congress , the CARES Act .
But that money has been slower coming .
It took the federal government until last week to send states final information .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra payments into their often antiquated unemployment systems .
So , many people are n't getting that extra money yet .
And the state benefits are based on income , so some people are getting very little money .
`` I have a friend who 's a waitress , '' Loshonkohl says .
`` Her unemployment is $ 80 a week and she has a son .
What is she supposed to do with that ?
I 'm thinking about , like , how many people are going to suffer ? ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stark differences between states when it comes to unemployment benefits .
States set the benefit amounts , and some do not give people very much money .
In Arizona , for example , the maximum unemployment benefit is $ 240 per week , says Andrew Stettner , with the nonpartisan think tank the Century Foundation .
`` In Massachusetts , the average is $ 550 per week .
So there 's a huge disparity , '' he says .
Stettner says that 's in part why Congress voted to give people the extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have enough to live on .
The good news , he says , is that if you 've managed to get your state benefits , in most cases that federal money is coming very soon .
In the states where more than 70 % of all workers live , Stettner says , `` 11 of those 13 states have announced that they 're going to get the $ 600 out to claimants by this week . ''
Still , there 's a big backlog .
Stettner says millions of people are waiting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimates that , of the people who managed to get an application in for unemployment benefits by the end of March , more than half — 56 % — have so far been processed .
And even those people have n't necessarily received their first payment yet .
If there 's any complication where a state worker needs to review a case , Stettner says that could take a couple of months .
`` I 'm very worried that that 's going to take a very long time for benefits to reach them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do finally get payments , they should be retroactive .
`` So ... they might get a $ 7,000 check once their benefits are processed , '' Stettner says .
`` But that 's cold comfort to people who are trying to make their rent checks , their car payments . ''
And states are still scrambling to figure out how to process the freelancers and gig workers who are n't normally eligible , but who now should qualify under the federal rescue effort .
So they 're not getting help yet either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know is you 're not alone right now , '' says Kelsey Sheehy with NerdWallet .
`` A lot of people , especially self-employed people , are incredibly frustrated because they ca n't file claims or they 're filing claims and those claims are getting denied . ''
Stettner says the state unemployment departments are hiring more workers and trying hard to get money out the door during this tsunami of applications .
Self-employed and gig workers can speed things up by getting all their documents in order so they 're ready when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications , Sheehy says .
And , she says , `` it 's really important that people are checking their state unemployment agency 's website for updates . ''
But experts say that if , for example , you 're a contractor with 12 sources of income and you ca n't get all that documentation together , you should still apply with whatever documents you 're able to get quickly .
`` Regardless of whatever income you can count , there is a minimum benefit , '' says Michele Evermore with the National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 'll at least get something from your state , '' plus $ 600 a week , so it 's worth applying even if they 're not going to count every penny of your income . ''
Evermore says you should have a few weeks to update your application with additional documents .
In the meantime , those one-time $ 1,200 economic relief payments that go to almost everybody will be crucial to help many out of work people get by for at least a little while longer .
Loshonkohl is still waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some other help since NPR spoke to her in our last story .
`` Some of my friends heard it or read it and they started reaching out to ask me what I needed and started a fundraiser to help me , '' she says .
They sent her more than $ 2,500 in gift cards for groceries and other expenses .
`` I started crying a lot , '' Loshonkohl says .
`` And I felt really relieved .
Because then I can ride it out until June . ''
So if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take care of her toddler and pay her health insurance and her rent .

Unemployment Money Not Reaching Millions Of People Who Applied
Enlarge this image toggle caption Courtesy of Nicolena Loshonkohl Courtesy of Nicolena Loshonkohl
About 17 million people have applied for unemployment benefits in the U.S. in recent weeks. It's an astonishing number that's nearly 10 times what the system has ever handled so quickly.
But, by one estimate, that money is still not flowing to about half of those people who desperately need it. And others are only getting a trickle of what they should be receiving.
Many people have been out of a job for a month now. That's a long time to be without your income in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
"It's really intense and it's really frightening," says Nicolena Loshonkohl, a hair stylist NPR has been checking in with in Roanoke, Va. She's a single mom with a 2-year-old daughter.
As a regular employee at a local salon, she says it was pretty easy to file for unemployment online. And she's now started to get payments. Loshonkohl feels fortunate about that. But so far, she's only receiving $340 a week. And that doesn't cover her rent, health insurance, food and other basic costs of living.
"To be blunt, it's just not enough," she says.
That's because, so far, Loshonkohl, is only getting her state unemployment benefits. Everyone receiving unemployment is supposed to get an additional $600 a week from the big federal rescue package passed by Congress, the CARES Act.
But that money has been slower coming. It took the federal government until last week to send states final information. And states have had to integrate those extra payments into their often antiquated unemployment systems. So, many people aren't getting that extra money yet. And the state benefits are based on income, so some people are getting very little money.
"I have a friend who's a waitress," Loshonkohl says. "Her unemployment is $80 a week and she has a son. What is she supposed to do with that? I'm thinking about, like, how many people are going to suffer?"
The crisis is shining a light on the stark differences between states when it comes to unemployment benefits. States set the benefit amounts, and some do not give people very much money.
In Arizona, for example, the maximum unemployment benefit is $240 per week, says Andrew Stettner, with the nonpartisan think tank the Century Foundation. "In Massachusetts, the average is $550 per week. So there's a huge disparity," he says.
Stettner says that's in part why Congress voted to give people the extra $600 a week so everyone would have enough to live on.
The good news, he says, is that if you've managed to get your state benefits, in most cases that federal money is coming very soon. In the states where more than 70% of all workers live, Stettner says, "11 of those 13 states have announced that they're going to get the $600 out to claimants by this week."
Still, there's a big backlog. Stettner says millions of people are waiting to get any money at all. He estimates that, of the people who managed to get an application in for unemployment benefits by the end of March, more than half — 56% — have so far been processed. And even those people haven't necessarily received their first payment yet.
If there's any complication where a state worker needs to review a case, Stettner says that could take a couple of months. "I'm very worried that that's going to take a very long time for benefits to reach them," he says.
When people do finally get payments, they should be retroactive. "So ... they might get a $7,000 check once their benefits are processed," Stettner says. "But that's cold comfort to people who are trying to make their rent checks, their car payments."
And states are still scrambling to figure out how to process the freelancers and gig workers who aren't normally eligible, but who now should qualify under the federal rescue effort. So they're not getting help yet either.
"The most important thing to know is you're not alone right now," says Kelsey Sheehy with NerdWallet. "A lot of people, especially self-employed people, are incredibly frustrated because they can't file claims or they're filing claims and those claims are getting denied."
Stettner says the state unemployment departments are hiring more workers and trying hard to get money out the door during this tsunami of applications.
Self-employed and gig workers can speed things up by getting all their documents in order so they're ready when the states are able to process their applications, Sheehy says. And, she says, "it's really important that people are checking their state unemployment agency's website for updates."
But experts say that if, for example, you're a contractor with 12 sources of income and you can't get all that documentation together, you should still apply with whatever documents you're able to get quickly.
"Regardless of whatever income you can count, there is a minimum benefit," says Michele Evermore with the National Employment Law Project. So she says you'll at least get something from your state,"plus $600 a week, so it's worth applying even if they're not going to count every penny of your income."
Evermore says you should have a few weeks to update your application with additional documents.
In the meantime, those one-time $1,200 economic relief payments that go to almost everybody will be crucial to help many out of work people get by for at least a little while longer.
Loshonkohl is still waiting for that money, but she got some other help since NPR spoke to her in our last story.
"Some of my friends heard it or read it and they started reaching out to ask me what I needed and started a fundraiser to help me," she says. They sent her more than $2,500 in gift cards for groceries and other expenses.
"I started crying a lot," Loshonkohl says. "And I felt really relieved. Because then I can ride it out until June."
So if there are more delays, she can take care of her toddler and pay her health insurance and her rent.


npr--2020-04-15--A Timeline Of Coronavirus Comments From President Trump And WHO

A Timeline Of Coronavirus Comments From President Trump And WHO On Tuesday , President Trump said he 's suspending U.S. funding for the World Health Organization .
He said the agency has `` mismanaged '' the pandemic , has been slow to respond to the crisis and is `` China-centric . ''
We looked at the public record to see what Trump and the WHO had to say over the past 15 weeks about the coronavirus pandemic .
Here 's a timeline highlighting key quotes .
The WHO reported a `` pneumonia of unknown cause '' in Wuhan , China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to China : `` WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on China based on the current information available on this event . ''
WHO released a statement announcing the source of the disease : `` Chinese authorities have made a preliminary determination of a novel ( or new ) coronavirus , identified in a hospitalized person with pneumonia in Wuhan . ''
It added : `` In the coming weeks , more comprehensive information is required to understand the current status and epidemiology of the outbreak , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CNBC whether there were any concerns about the virus spreading to the U.S. , Trump responded : `` We have it totally under control .
It 's one person coming in from China , and we have it under control .
It 's going to be just fine . ''
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement that it is too early to declare the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern .
`` Make no mistake .
This is an emergency in China , but it has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It may yet become one . ''
In a tweet , Trump praised China for its efforts to prevent the spread of the virus .
`` China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus .
The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency .
It will all work out well .
In particular , on behalf of the American People , I want to thank President Xi ! ''
Dr. Mike Ryan , head of the WHO 's Health Emergencies Programme , said , `` The whole world needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world needs to take action and be ready for any cases that come from the epicenter or other epicenter that becomes established . ''
At a campaign rally in Iowa , Trump talked about the U.S. partnership with China to control the disease .
`` We only have five people .
Hopefully , everything 's going to be great .
They have somewhat of a problem , but hopefully , it 's all going to be great .
But we 're working with China , just so you know , and other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't get out of hand . ''
Tedros announced that the outbreak had become a `` public health emergency of international concern over the global outbreak of novel coronavirus . ''
In an interview with Sean Hannity , Trump said , `` We pretty much shut it down coming in from China . ''
His executive order banning anyone who has been in China in the previous 14 days — excluding U.S. residents and their family members or spouses of U.S. residents or citizens — went into effect .
At a WHO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no travel bans .
`` We reiterate our call to all countries not to impose restrictions that unnecessarily interfere with international travel and trade .
Such restrictions can have the effect of increasing fear and stigma , with little public health benefit .
... Where such measures have been implemented , we urge that they are short in duration , proportionate to the public health risks and are reconsidered regularly as the situation evolves . ''
At a campaign rally in Manchester , N.H. , Trump said : `` Looks like by April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it gets a little warmer , it miraculously goes away .
I hope that 's true .
But we 're doing great in our country .
China , I spoke with President Xi , and they 're working very , very hard .
And I think it 's going to all work out fine . ''
At a WHO briefing , Tedros urged world leaders to give priority to containing the virus : `` To be honest , a virus is more powerful in creating political , economic and social upheaval than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have more powerful consequences than any terrorist action , and that 's true .
If the world does n't want to wake up and consider this enemy virus as Public Enemy Number 1 , I do n't think we will learn our lessons . ''
In an interview with Geraldo Rivera , Trump characterized the threat of the virus in the U.S. by saying : `` In our country , we only have , basically , 12 cases , and most of those people are recovering and some cases fully recovered .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tweet , Trump wrote , `` The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA .
We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries .
CDC & World Health have been working hard and very smart .
Stock Market starting to look very good to me ! ''
In a news conference , Trump said : `` When you have 15 people , and the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero , that 's a pretty good job we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global risk of the coronavirus from `` high '' to `` very high . ''
In a WHO briefing , Tedros praised China and the U.S. for taking `` the right approach . ''
He said : `` After our visit to Beijing and seeing China 's approach , and President Xi leading that , and also in the U.S. , President Trump himself , and also for regular coordination , designating the vice president .
These are the approaches we 're saying are the right ones , and these are the approaches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole government . ''
In a Fox News town hall , Trump said , `` It 's going to all work out .
Everybody has to be calm .
It 's all going to work out . ''
In a meeting with Republican senators at the U.S. Capitol , Trump said , `` This was unexpected .
... And it hit the world .
And we 're prepared , and we 're doing a great job with it .
And it will go away .
Just stay calm .
It will go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oval Office address : `` The vast majority of Americans , the risk is very , very low . ''
Tedros said the WHO has `` made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic . ''
`` You can not fight a fire blindfolded .
And we can not stop this pandemic if we do n't know who is infected , '' Tedros said at a briefing in Geneva .
He added , `` We have a simple message for all countries : test , test , test .
Test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press briefing , Trump issued orders to control the spread of the virus in the U.S. : `` My administration is recommending that all Americans , including the young and healthy , work to engage in schooling from home when possible .
Avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people .
Avoid discretionary travel .
And avoid eating and drinking at bars , restaurants and public food courts .
If everyone makes this change or these critical changes and sacrifices now , we will rally together as one nation and we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to have a big celebration all together .
With several weeks of focused action , we can turn the corner and turn it quickly . ''
Trump told reporters : `` This is a pandemic .
...
I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic . ''
Trump tweeted about potential coronavirus treatments : `` HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN , taken together , have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine .
The FDA has moved mountains - Thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ H works better with A , International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents ) ... .. '' In a WHO briefing , Tedros said `` using untested medicines without the right evidence could raise false hope and even do more harm than good . ''
He also said that the `` pandemic is accelerating ...
It took 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases , 11 days for the second 100,000 cases and just four days for the third 100,000 cases . ''
Trump said : `` Easter is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And I see it sort of in that timeline that I 'm thinking about .
And I say , would n't it be great to have all of the churches full ? ''
`` We are at war with a virus that threatens to tear us apart , '' said Tedros to world leaders in a special virtual summit on the COVID-19 pandemic .
Mike Ryan , head of the WHO health emergencies program , said you ca n't lift a lockdown all at once .
`` You need to say , 'We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shutdown , and then we will wait , and we will look at the data .
And if that works , we go to the next stage and the next stage . '
So a careful calibrated step-wise exit from lockdown . ''
Trump criticized WHO for mishandling the pandemic .
`` The WHO really blew it .
For some reason , funded largely by the United States , yet very China- centric .
We will be giving that a good look .
Fortunately I rejected their advice on keeping our borders open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they give us such a faulty recommendation ? ''
`` Please do n't politicize this virus , '' Tedros said in a briefing in Geneva after he was asked about Trump 's remarks the day before .
He later urged political leaders to `` please quarantine politicizing COVID . ''
`` Today I am instructing my administration to halt funding of the World Health Organization while a review is conducted to assess the World Health Organization 's role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus , '' Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We regret the decision of the President of the United States to order a halt in funding to the World Health Organization , '' said Tedros in a news conference .
Responding to the U.S. accusations , Mike Ryan of the WHO said `` in the first weeks of January the WHO was very , very clear . ''
`` We alerted the world on January the 5th , '' Ryan said .
`` Systems around the world , including the U.S. , began to activate their incident management systems on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next number of weeks , we 've produced multiple updates to countries , including briefing multiple governments , multiple scientists around the world , on the developing situation — and that is what it was , a developing situation . ''
In an interview with NPR that will air on April 16 , U.S .
Ambassador to the U.N. Kelly Craft stated : `` [ the World Health Organization ] was not accurate , had it been accurate it would have slowed the virus and saved thousands of lives . ''
Jason Beaubien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cruz , Isabella Gomez Sarmiento , Domenico Montanaro and Barbara Van Woerkom contributed to this report .

A Timeline Of Coronavirus Comments From President Trump And WHO
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alex Brandon/AP; Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images Alex Brandon/AP; Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
Editor's note: This story has been updated with an entry for Jan. 14 with statements from WHO about human-to-human transmission.
On Tuesday, President Trump said he's suspending U.S. funding for the World Health Organization. He said the agency has "mismanaged" the pandemic, has been slow to respond to the crisis and is "China-centric."
We looked at the public record to see what Trump and the WHO had to say over the past 15 weeks about the coronavirus pandemic. Here's a timeline highlighting key quotes.
Jan. 5
The WHO reported a "pneumonia of unknown cause" in Wuhan, China.
The health organization advised against restrictions to China: "WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on China based on the current information available on this event."
Jan. 9
The WHO released a statement announcing the source of the disease: "Chinese authorities have made a preliminary determination of a novel (or new) coronavirus, identified in a hospitalized person with pneumonia in Wuhan."
It added: "In the coming weeks, more comprehensive information is required to understand the current status and epidemiology of the outbreak, and the clinical picture."
toggle caption Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images
Jan. 14
WHO officials gave conflicting signals about whether there is human-to-human transmission. At a press conference in Geneva, Maria Van Kerkhove of WHO's emerging diseases unit told a Reuters reporter: "From the information that we have it is possible that there is limited human-to-human transmission, potentially among families, but it is very clear right now that we have no sustained human-to-human transmission." However, that same day WHO tweeted a different take, stating that "Preliminary investigations conducted by the Chinese authorities have found no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the novel #coronavirus (2019-nCoV) identified in #Wuhan, #China" and also told an NPR reporter that Van Kerkhove had been misunderstood and there was in fact no evidence of human-to-human transmission.
Jan. 22
Asked by CNBC whether there were any concerns about the virus spreading to the U.S., Trump responded: "We have it totally under control. It's one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It's going to be just fine."
We have it totally under control. It's one person coming in from China, and we have it under control. It's going to be just fine.
Jan. 23
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement that it was too early to declare the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. "Make no mistake. This is an emergency in China, but it has not yet become a global health emergency. It may yet become one."
toggle caption Stringer/Getty Images
Jan. 24
In a tweet, Trump praised China for its efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. "China has been working very hard to contain the Coronavirus. The United States greatly appreciates their efforts and transparency. It will all work out well. In particular, on behalf of the American People, I want to thank President Xi!"
Jan. 29
Dr. Mike Ryan, head of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, said, "The whole world needs to be on alert now. The whole world needs to take action and be ready for any cases that come from the epicenter or other epicenter that becomes established."
Jan. 30
At a campaign rally in Iowa, Trump talked about the U.S. partnership with China to control the disease. "We only have five people. Hopefully, everything's going to be great. They have somewhat of a problem, but hopefully, it's all going to be great. But we're working with China, just so you know, and other countries very, very closely. So it doesn't get out of hand."
Tedros announced that the outbreak had become a "public health emergency of international concern over the global outbreak of novel coronavirus."
Feb. 2
In an interview with Sean Hannity, Trump said, "We pretty much shut it down coming in from China." His executive order banning anyone who has been in China in the previous 14 days — with exceptions, including for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and their close family members — went into effect.
Feb. 4
At a WHO briefing, Tedros urged that there be no travel bans. "We reiterate our call to all countries not to impose restrictions that unnecessarily interfere with international travel and trade. Such restrictions can have the effect of increasing fear and stigma, with little public health benefit. ... Where such measures have been implemented, we urge that they are short in duration, proportionate to the public health risks and are reconsidered regularly as the situation evolves."
If the world doesn't want to wake up and consider this enemy virus as Public Enemy Number 1, I don't think we will learn our lessons.
Feb. 10
At a campaign rally in Manchester, N.H., Trump said: "Looks like by April, you know, in theory, when it gets a little warmer, it miraculously goes away. I hope that's true. But we're doing great in our country. China, I spoke with President Xi, and they're working very, very hard. And I think it's going to all work out fine."
Feb. 11
At a WHO briefing, Tedros urged world leaders to give priority to containing the virus: "To be honest, a virus is more powerful in creating political, economic and social upheaval than any terrorist attack. A virus can have more powerful consequences than any terrorist action, and that's true. If the world doesn't want to wake up and consider this enemy virus as Public Enemy Number 1, I don't think we will learn our lessons."
Feb. 13
In an interview with Geraldo Rivera, Trump characterized the threat of the virus in the U.S. by saying: "In our country, we only have, basically, 12 cases, and most of those people are recovering and some cases fully recovered. So it's actually less."
Feb. 24
In a tweet, Trump wrote, "The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA. We are in contact with everyone and all relevant countries. CDC & World Health have been working hard and very smart. Stock Market starting to look very good to me!"
CDC & World Health have been working hard and very smart. Stock Market starting to look very good to me!
Feb. 26
In a news conference, Trump said: "When you have 15 people, and the 15 within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero, that's a pretty good job we've done."
Feb. 28
The WHO raises the global risk of the coronavirus from "high" to "very high."
March 5
In a WHO briefing, Tedros praised China and the U.S. for taking "the right approach." He said: "After our visit to Beijing and seeing China's approach, and President Xi leading that, and also in the U.S., President Trump himself, and also for regular coordination, designating the vice president. These are the approaches we're saying are the right ones, and these are the approaches we're saying are going to mobilize the whole government."
In a Fox News town hall, Trump said, "It's going to all work out. Everybody has to be calm. It's all going to work out."
Enlarge this image toggle caption Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images
March 10
In a meeting with Republican senators at the U.S. Capitol, Trump said, "This was unexpected. ... And it hit the world. And we're prepared, and we're doing a great job with it. And it will go away. Just stay calm. It will go away."
We have a simple message for all countries: test, test, test. Test every suspected case.
March 11
Trump said in an Oval Office address: "The vast majority of Americans, the risk is very, very low."
Tedros said the WHO had "made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic."
Enlarge this image toggle caption John Paraskevas/Newsday via Getty Images John Paraskevas/Newsday via Getty Images
March 16
"You cannot fight a fire blindfolded. And we cannot stop this pandemic if we don't know who is infected," Tedros said at a briefing in Geneva. He added, "We have a simple message for all countries: test, test, test. Test every suspected case."
At a press briefing, Trump issued orders to control the spread of the virus in the U.S.: "My administration is recommending that all Americans, including the young and healthy, work to engage in schooling from home when possible. Avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people. Avoid discretionary travel. And avoid eating and drinking at bars, restaurants and public food courts. If everyone makes this change or these critical changes and sacrifices now, we will rally together as one nation and we will defeat the virus. And we're going to have a big celebration all together. With several weeks of focused action, we can turn the corner and turn it quickly."
March 17
Trump told reporters: "This is a pandemic. ... I felt it was a pandemic long before it was called a pandemic."
toggle caption Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images
March 21
Trump tweeted about potential coronavirus treatments: "HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine. The FDA has moved mountains - Thank You! Hopefully they will BOTH (H works better with A, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents)....."
March 23
In a WHO briefing, Tedros said, "Using untested medicines without the right evidence could raise false hope and even do more harm than good."
He also said that the "pandemic is accelerating. ... It took 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases, 11 days for the second 100,000 cases and just four days for the third 100,000 cases."
March 24
Trump said: "Easter is a very special day for me. And I see it sort of in that timeline that I'm thinking about. And I say, wouldn't it be great to have all of the churches full?"
March 26
"We are at war with a virus that threatens to tear us apart," said Tedros to world leaders in a special virtual summit on the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 6
Dr. Mike Ryan, head of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, said you can't lift a lockdown all at once. "You need to say, 'We will stop doing this element of the shutdown, and then we will wait, and we will look at the data. If that works, we go to the next stage and the next stage.' So a careful, calibrated stepwise exit from lockdown."
The WHO really blew it. For some reason, funded largely by the United States, yet very China-centric.
April 7
Trump criticized the WHO for mishandling the pandemic. "The WHO really blew it. For some reason, funded largely by the United States, yet very China-centric. We will be giving that a good look. Fortunately, I rejected their advice on keeping our borders open to China early on. Why did they give us such a faulty recommendation?"
April 8
"Please don't politicize this virus," Tedros said in a briefing in Geneva after he was asked about Trump's remarks the day before. He later urged political leaders to "please quarantine politicizing COVID."
April 14
"Today I am instructing my administration to halt funding of the World Health Organization while a review is conducted to assess the World Health Organization's role in severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus," Trump said in a briefing at the White House.
April 15
"We regret the decision of the president of the United States to order a halt in funding to the World Health Organization," said Tedros at a news conference.
Responding to the U.S. accusations, Ryan of the WHO said, "In the first weeks of January, the WHO was very, very clear."
"We alerted the world on January the 5th," Ryan said. "Systems around the world, including the U.S., began to activate their incident management systems on January the 6th. And through the next number of weeks, we've produced multiple updates to countries, including briefing multiple governments, multiple scientists around the world, on the developing situation — and that is what it was, a developing situation."
In an interview with NPR that will air on April 16, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Kelly Craft, stated: "[The World Health Organization] was not accurate. Had it been accurate, it would have slowed the virus and saved thousands of lives."
Jason Beaubien, Pien Huang, Ben de la Cruz, Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, Domenico Montanaro and Barbara Van Woerkom contributed to this report.


npr--2020-04-15--Apple Unveils 'Bargain' iPhone Amid Economic Downturn

The middle of an economic downturn may seem like an odd time to debut a new iPhone , but Apple on Wednesday announced its latest model — a cheaper , smaller version that may just fit with the times .
The new iPhone SE features a new and improved processor and camera .
But for the most part , it looks and feels like models of yore .
With a smaller size and screen , it is nearly as compact as the iPhone 6 , which launched in 2014 .
It also features the home button that disappeared in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harkens back to the past , too .
Apple says the phone will start at $ 399 at 64 gigabytes of storage .
That makes it the most affordable iPhone on the market , although it is still about double the price of the some of the most affordable smartphones on the market .
Apple analyst Gene Munster from Loup Ventures said unveiling a `` new '' phone that resembles an older version is an attempt to reach customers who have always found iPhones to be too expensive .
`` They 're trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardware that is more aggressively priced , '' Munster said .
`` To do that , you have to bring back some old aspects . ''
The new iPhone arrives as the coronavirus pandemic has nearly ground the U.S. economy to a halt , prompting Apple to close retail stores , where consumers could have tried out the new iPhone .
Preorders begin online only on Friday .
Another challenge for the new phone : historically low consumer spending .
New federal figures show that March 's retail spending marked the largest monthly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unemployed workers may not be looking to upgrade their phones at time when they 're worried about basic necessities .
Yet with so many Americans confined to their homes and dependent on devices to connect with the outside world , there may be demand for a zippier and more financially accessible iPhone .
`` Calling friends and relatives is going through the roof all of a sudden , '' analyst Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies said .
`` This new iPhone , which has better camera and better audio , is meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now . ''
It 's Apple 's `` best bargain ever , '' in terms of iPhones , he said .
Apple , with its $ 100 billion cash stockpile , can risk launching a new product in the midst of a global economic slowdown , analysts said .
This phone , which is made in China , has been in the works for more than two years .
The manufacturing disruptions earlier this year from China 's coronavirus outbreak are not expected to affect production , said Bajarin .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` Whether this is a high-volume phone , we just do n't know yet .
That 's the one big question we in the industry are looking at . ''
The new iPhone does not feature a 5G modem , the next generation of cellphone technology , which analysts say is because the telecommunication infrastructure is not in place yet .
Apple is widely expected to launch its first 5G phone this fall .
`` In the U.S. , 5G connection networks are still pretty spotty , '' Bajarin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worldwide rollout until 2021 and 2022 . ''
Analyst Munster said the 5G chip will increase the price of the phone , but in order to stay competitive , Apple may eventually be forced to sell a more affordable phone that is 5G-enabled .
`` Eventually , they 're going to have to have a $ 399-priced phone that does have 5G , but that 's probably a year or two away . ''
Apple has teamed up with rival Google in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow smartphones to do what is known as contact tracing , the process of notifying people who potentially have come in contact with an infected person .

Apple Unveils 'Bargain' iPhone Amid Economic Downturn
Enlarge this image toggle caption Apple via AP Apple via AP
The middle of an economic downturn may seem like an odd time to debut a new iPhone, but Apple on Wednesday announced its latest model — a cheaper, smaller version that may just fit with the times.
The new iPhone SE features a new and improved processor and camera. But for the most part, it looks and feels like models of yore. With a smaller size and screen, it is nearly as compact as the iPhone 6, which launched in 2014. It also features the home button that disappeared in the most recent models.
The price tag harkens back to the past, too. Apple says the phone will start at $399 at 64 gigabytes of storage. That makes it the most affordable iPhone on the market, although it is still about double the price of the some of the most affordable smartphones on the market.
Apple analyst Gene Munster from Loup Ventures said unveiling a "new" phone that resembles an older version is an attempt to reach customers who have always found iPhones to be too expensive.
"They're trying to create a new product with new hardware that is more aggressively priced," Munster said. "To do that, you have to bring back some old aspects."
The new iPhone arrives as the coronavirus pandemic has nearly ground the U.S. economy to a halt, prompting Apple to close retail stores, where consumers could have tried out the new iPhone. Preorders begin online only on Friday.
Another challenge for the new phone: historically low consumer spending. New federal figures show that March's retail spending marked the largest monthly drop on record.
Analysts say millions of unemployed workers may not be looking to upgrade their phones at time when they're worried about basic necessities.
Yet with so many Americans confined to their homes and dependent on devices to connect with the outside world, there may be demand for a zippier and more financially accessible iPhone.
"Calling friends and relatives is going through the roof all of a sudden," analyst Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies said. "This new iPhone, which has better camera and better audio, is meeting the needs of a lot of people right now."
It's Apple's "best bargain ever," in terms of iPhones, he said.
Apple, with its $100 billion cash stockpile, can risk launching a new product in the midst of a global economic slowdown, analysts said.
This phone, which is made in China, has been in the works for more than two years. The manufacturing disruptions earlier this year from China's coronavirus outbreak are not expected to affect production, said Bajarin.
"This phone didn't just happen overnight," he said. "Whether this is a high-volume phone, we just don't know yet. That's the one big question we in the industry are looking at."
The new iPhone does not feature a 5G modem, the next generation of cellphone technology, which analysts say is because the telecommunication infrastructure is not in place yet.
Apple is widely expected to launch its first 5G phone this fall.
"In the U.S., 5G connection networks are still pretty spotty," Bajarin said. "We're not expecting worldwide rollout until 2021 and 2022."
Analyst Munster said the 5G chip will increase the price of the phone, but in order to stay competitive, Apple may eventually be forced to sell a more affordable phone that is 5G-enabled.
"Eventually, they're going to have to have a $399-priced phone that does have 5G, but that's probably a year or two away."
Apple has teamed up with rival Google in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The two companies are building software that would allow smartphones to do what is known as contact tracing, the process of notifying people who potentially have come in contact with an infected person.


npr--2020-04-15--For Centenarian Survivor Of 1918 Flu Pandemic, Coronavirus Is Just Another 'Problem'

For Centenarian Survivor Of 1918 Flu Pandemic , Coronavirus Is Just Another 'Problem' When the 1918 flu pandemic broke out , Joe Newman was 5 years old .
Today , he 's 107 .
He lives in a community for seniors in Sarasota , Fla. , with his fiancée , Anita Sampson .
They met 16 years ago .
On March 28 , Anita turned 100 .
They had planned a big party , with cake and karaoke .
But because of the coronavirus , their community is on lockdown .
They had a Zoom birthday party instead .
Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1918 .
He remembers when the neighbor 's young son died and officials attached signs on the door to their house .
`` The family with the disease was quarantined , '' Joe recalls .
Growing up , Anita 's mother told her stories about the 1918 flu .
`` She would go out into the streets and help people that were just dropping , just lying there on the streets , '' Anita says .
`` But she never got it . ''
To Joe , the current coronavirus outbreak is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long life .
`` Over 107 years I 've faced other problems .
Living is a problem .
You do what you need to do to handle the problem that 's in front of you at this moment , '' he says .
`` And this moment it 's a virus that unfortunately we do n't understand too much about . ''
Joe says he 's philosophical about the fact that the elderly are more likely to become seriously ill from the virus than young people .
`` It 's hard to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 'd almost welcome death because you 've been here long enough , '' he says .
`` So be it . ''
A few weeks before the lockdown in their apartment complex , Anita started feeling sick .
She was worried it might be COVID-19 .
Luckily , it was just a mild cold .
But the experience scared her and made her realize how much she wanted to make it to her 100th birthday .
`` All of a sudden I did n't want to die , '' she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being around you , '' she tells Joe .
`` I like being in this relationship and I do n't want it to stop . ''
Though their combined age may be 207 , Joe says , `` the years we can look forward to , whatever they be , whether they be many or few , and even if they 're just days , to look forward to them .
And then hope for another one . ''
`` Is n't that beautiful ? ''
Anita says to Joe .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I think it 's time for our nap . ''
This story was produced by Joe Richman and Nellie Gilles of Radio Diaries .
It was edited by Deborah George , Ben Shapiro , and Sarah Kate Kramer .
To hear more stories from the Hunker Down Diaries series , subscribe to the Radio Diaries Podcast .

For Centenarian Survivor Of 1918 Flu Pandemic, Coronavirus Is Just Another 'Problem'
Enlarge this image toggle caption ABC Action News ABC Action News
When the 1918 flu pandemic broke out, Joe Newman was 5 years old.
Today, he's 107. He lives in a community for seniors in Sarasota, Fla., with his fiancée, Anita Sampson. They met 16 years ago.
On March 28, Anita turned 100. They had planned a big party, with cake and karaoke.
But because of the coronavirus, their community is on lockdown. They had a Zoom birthday party instead.
Joe has memories of the flu pandemic in 1918. He remembers when the neighbors' young son died and officials attached signs to the door of their house.
"The family with the disease was quarantined," Joe recalls.
Growing up, Anita's mother told her stories about the 1918 flu.
"She would go out into the streets and help people that were just dropping, just lying there on the streets," Anita says. "But she never got it."
Hunker Down Diaries Hunker Down Diaries is a new series from Radio Diaries, sharing short diaries and conversations between people thrown together by the pandemic. What are we learning about each other as we go through this? We're interested in people stuck in unexpected circumstances, people on the front lines of the pandemic, and those without a safety net. Do you have a story to share? Submit your idea to: nprcrowdsource@npr.org. Please include "Hunker Down" in your subject line.
To Joe, the current coronavirus outbreak is just another "event" in his long life.
"Over 107 years I've faced other problems. Living is a problem. You do what you need to do to handle the problem that's in front of you at this moment," he says. "And this moment it's a virus that unfortunately we don't understand too much about."
Joe says he's philosophical about the fact that the elderly are more likely to become seriously ill from the virus than young people.
"It's hard to say this, but you have days where you'd almost welcome death because you've been here long enough," he says. "So be it."
A few weeks before the lockdown in their apartment complex, Anita started feeling sick. She was worried it might be COVID-19. Luckily, it was just a mild cold.
But the experience scared her and made her realize how much she wanted to make it to her 100th birthday.
"All of a sudden I didn't want to die," she says. And the reason?
"I like being around you," she tells Joe. "I like being in this relationship and I don't want it to stop."
Though their combined age may be 207, Joe says, "the years we can look forward to, whatever they be, whether they be many or few, and even if they're just days, to look forward to them. And then hope for another one."
"Isn't that beautiful?" Anita says to Joe. "I think we've been reminiscing long enough. I think it's time for our nap."
This story was produced by Joe Richman and Nellie Gilles of Radio Diaries. It was edited by Deborah George, Ben Shapiro and Sarah Kate Kramer. To hear more stories from the Hunker Down Diaries series, subscribe to the Radio Diaries Podcast.


npr--2020-04-15--Trump Says The U.S. Is Past Its Peak On New Coronavirus Cases

Trump Says The U.S. Is Past Its Peak On New Coronavirus Cases President Trump on Wednesday said that recent data suggest that the United States has made it through the worst of new coronavirus cases , as he seeks to reopen the pandemic-beaten national economy .
`` The data suggests that nationwide , we have passed the peak of new cases .
Hopefully that will continue , and we will continue to make great progress , '' Trump said in the White House Rose Garden at the daily coronavirus task force briefing .
The task force did not share the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump said that more than 3 million tests for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , had been completed and that researchers were on the verge of delivering an antibody test to determine whether a person has previously been infected with the virus .
He also said he would announce his path to reopening some states ahead of May 1 .
`` These developments have put us in a strong position to finalize guidelines for states reopening , '' he said .
Trump 's optimistic remarks come on the heels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and state governors , following an erroneous declaration earlier this week that he had ability to unilaterally decide when states would ease coronavirus restrictions .
`` When somebody 's the president of the United States , the authority is total , '' Trump said Monday .
By Tuesday , he had reversed , saying he would guide the governors but allow them to decide when and how to re-open .
Wednesday 's briefing comes after an Easter weekend of COVID-19 fatalities that launched the U.S. death toll to the highest in the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contain the virus seem to be having a positive effect , crediting social distancing measures for helping to slow the disease 's spread .
Dr. Deborah Birx , coronavirus response coordinator on the White House task force , said that there have been declines in the number of cases across the country for nearly the past week .
She said there are nine states with fewer than 1,000 cases total and fewer than 30 new cases per day .
She credited states like California , Washington and Oregon , early hotbeds for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the virus by quickly implementing procedures suppress the spread of the virus .
As a result of the virus easing its grip in some places , Trump said he will be speaking to governors , as well as a panel of experts , to discuss how best to move forward on returning the country to a level of normalcy .
`` They 'll be safe , they 'll be strong , but we want to get our country back , '' Trump said of coordinating with states to roll back coronavirus regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kid , all of us . ''
The coronavirus epidemic has devastated the national economy , with some 17 million Americans seeking unemployment benefits in recent weeks .
Trump has said he wants to reopen the nation 's economy as soon as possible and has announced a group of industry leaders dedicated to reigniting the country 's business prospects .
Taking a dig at lawmakers during the Wednesday news conference , Trump criticized the Senate for stalling approval for a number of his nominees .
`` It 's a scam what they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Congress to end its `` phony pro forma sessions '' — brief Senate meetings in which no votes are held — so that he could make recess appointments for various positions .
If not , he threatened to use what he described as his constitutional authority to adjourn both chambers .
`` We 're gon na do it , '' he said .
`` We need people for this crisis . ''

Trump Says The U.S. Is Past Its Peak On New Coronavirus Cases
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alex Brandon/AP Alex Brandon/AP
Updated at 6:48 p.m. ET
President Trump on Wednesday said that recent data suggest that the United States has made it through the worst of new coronavirus cases, as he seeks to reopen the pandemic-beaten national economy.
"The data suggests that nationwide, we have passed the peak of new cases. Hopefully that will continue, and we will continue to make great progress," Trump said in the White House Rose Garden at the daily coronavirus task force briefing. The task force did not share the data they used to reach that assessment.
Trump said that more than 3 million tests for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, had been completed and that researchers were on the verge of delivering an antibody test to determine whether a person has previously been infected with the virus.
He also said he would announce his path to reopening some states ahead of May 1. "These developments have put us in a strong position to finalize guidelines for states reopening," he said.
Trump's optimistic remarks come on the heels of a contentious week between the president and state governors, following an erroneous declaration earlier this week that he had ability to unilaterally decide when states would ease coronavirus restrictions.
"When somebody's the president of the United States, the authority is total," Trump said Monday. By Tuesday, he had reversed, saying he would guide the governors but allow them to decide when and how to re-open.
Wednesday's briefing comes after an Easter weekend of COVID-19 fatalities that launched the U.S. death toll to the highest in the world. Still, experts say that efforts to contain the virus seem to be having a positive effect, crediting social distancing measures for helping to slow the disease's spread.
Dr. Deborah Birx, coronavirus response coordinator on the White House task force, said that there have been declines in the number of cases across the country for nearly the past week.
She said there are nine states with fewer than 1,000 cases total and fewer than 30 new cases per day.
She credited states like California, Washington and Oregon, early hotbeds for COVID-19, for avoiding a serious peak in the virus by quickly implementing procedures suppress the spread of the virus.
As a result of the virus easing its grip in some places, Trump said he will be speaking to governors, as well as a panel of experts, to discuss how best to move forward on returning the country to a level of normalcy.
"They'll be safe, they'll be strong, but we want to get our country back," Trump said of coordinating with states to roll back coronavirus regulations.
"We'll be the comeback kid, all of us."
The coronavirus epidemic has devastated the national economy, with some 17 million Americans seeking unemployment benefits in recent weeks.
Trump has said he wants to reopen the nation's economy as soon as possible and has announced a group of industry leaders dedicated to reigniting the country's business prospects.
Taking a dig at lawmakers during the Wednesday news conference, Trump criticized the Senate for stalling approval for a number of his nominees.
"It's a scam what they do," he said, calling for the Congress to end its "phony pro forma sessions" — brief Senate meetings in which no votes are held — so that he could make recess appointments for various positions.
If not, he threatened to use what he described as his constitutional authority to adjourn both chambers.
"We're gonna do it," he said. "We need people for this crisis."


npr--2020-04-15--Missouri Gov. Mike Parson To Reopen State Through 'A Phased Approach'

When it comes to the spread of America 's coronavirus outbreak across the 50 states , Missouri 's infection rate and death rate fall roughly in the middle of the pack .
The state 's stay-at-home order is currently set to expire on April 24 — at least a month earlier than many other states — though some cities in Missouri have issued longer stay-at-home orders .
In an interview Wednesday with All Things Considered , Gov .
Mike Parson ( R-Mo . )
said he will decide when and how to reopen the state based on available data , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the availability of ICU beds and ventilators .
`` It will be based on facts that we 're receiving every day , '' the governor said .
Testing is limited in the state , but Parson said he believes it will become more available in the coming weeks .
Currently , the state is running 3,000 tests a day , which he said was not enough .
The governor estimated that 40,000 to 50,000 tests per day are needed .
`` Testing is going to be a big factor when you really 'reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feeling they 're safe again to go out and come back to some sort of normal life , '' he said .
Until then , the governor is also looking at larger data trends that show how rural and urban areas are impacted differently by the coronavirus .
Until then , the governor is also looking at larger data trends that show how rural and urban areas are impacted differently by the coronavirus .
`` I think you could see that in the next several weeks , we 'll have a phased approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 'll probably open the state up for economics , probably different areas of the state at different times . ''
The governor postponed municipal elections that were scheduled for last week until June 2 and confirmed that he does not plan to expand vote-by-mail options for those elections , describing it as a partisan issue .
`` That 's an issue that has to be done through the legislative process , '' he said , noting that the state legislature is n't in session right now .
`` I just do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out there making that call . ''
You can listen to the conversation in full at the audio link .

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson To Reopen State Through 'A Phased Approach'
Enlarge this image toggle caption David A. Lieb/AP David A. Lieb/AP
When it comes to the spread of America's coronavirus outbreak across the 50 states, Missouri's infection rate and death rate fall roughly in the middle of the pack.
The state's stay-at-home order is currently set to expire on April 24 — at least a month earlier than many other states — though some cities in Missouri have issued longer stay-at-home orders.
In an interview Wednesday with All Things Considered, Gov. Mike Parson (R-Mo.) said he will decide when and how to reopen the state based on available data, such as the rate of infection and the availability of ICU beds and ventilators.
"It will be based on facts that we're receiving every day," the governor said.
Testing is limited in the state, but Parson said he believes it will become more available in the coming weeks.
Currently, the state is running 3,000 tests a day, which he said was not enough.
The governor estimated that 40,000 to 50,000 tests per day are needed.
"Testing is going to be a big factor when you really 'reopen' the state ... where people start feeling they're safe again to go out and come back to some sort of normal life," he said.
Until then, the governor is also looking at larger data trends that show how rural and urban areas are impacted differently by the coronavirus.
"I think you could see that in the next several weeks, we'll have a phased approach," Gov. Parson said. "We'll probably open the state up for economics, probably different areas of the state at different times."
The governor postponed municipal elections that were scheduled for last week until June 2 and confirmed that he does not plan to expand vote-by-mail options for those elections, describing it as a partisan issue.
"That's an issue that has to be done through the legislative process," he said, noting that the state legislature isn't in session right now.
"I just don't think any one individual should be out there making that call."
Listen to the conversation in full at the audio link above.