npr--2020-05-21--Trump Briefly Dons Face Mask At Ford Plant, Away From Media View

Trump Briefly Dons Face Mask At Ford Plant , Away From Media View President Trump on Thursday briefly wore a protective face mask during his visit to a Ford Motor Co. plant — away from reporters ' view — after stoking concern about his resistance to wearing the expert-recommended gear .
Trump visited a Rawsonville , Mich. , Ford plant , that has been repurposed to create medical supplies amid the coronavirus crisis .
Reporters traveling with the president , who were not with him for the whole tour , asked him if he wore a mask .
Trump replied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I wore one on in this back area .
I did n't want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it . ''
He said he also wore goggles .
Asked why he was n't wearing a mask in front of the press and representatives from Ford before making remarks at the plant , Trump said , `` In this area ... it 's not necessary here .
Everybody 's been tested , and I 've been tested . ''
Ford said in a statement that Chairman Bill Ford had `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he arrived .
He wore a mask during a private viewing of three Ford GTs from over the years .
The President later removed the mask for the remainder of the visit . ''
Trump and his allies have defended his refusal to wear a mask , arguing that because the president and his inner circle are routinely tested for the coronavirus , he does not need to wear a mask .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals wear snug-fitting cloth masks in public settings to help prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mask-wearing individual to others .
Later Thursday , Trump announced he would order flags on all federal buildings to fly at half-staff for the next three days to honor those who have died from the coronavirus .

Trump Briefly Dons Face Mask At Ford Plant, Away From Media View
Enlarge this image toggle caption Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
President Trump on Thursday briefly wore a protective face mask during his visit to a Ford Motor Co. plant — away from reporters' view — after stoking concern about his resistance to wearing the expert-recommended gear.
Trump visited an Ypsilanti, Mich., Ford plant that has been repurposed to create medical supplies amid the coronavirus crisis. Reporters traveling with the president, who were not with him for the whole tour, asked him if he wore a mask. Trump replied: "I had one on before. I wore one on in this back area. I didn't want to give the press the pleasure of seeing it." He said he also wore goggles.
Asked why he wasn't wearing a mask in front of the press and representatives from Ford before making remarks at the plant, Trump said, "In this area ... it's not necessary here. Everybody's been tested, and I've been tested."
Ford said in a statement that Chairman Bill Ford had "encouraged President Trump to wear a mask when he arrived. He wore a mask during a private viewing of three Ford GTs from over the years. The President later removed the mask for the remainder of the visit."
Trump and his allies have defended his refusal to wear a mask, arguing that because the president and his inner circle are routinely tested for the coronavirus, he does not need to wear a mask.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals wear snug-fitting cloth masks in public settings to help prevent the possible spread of the coronavirus from the mask-wearing individual to others.
Later Thursday, Trump announced he would order flags on all federal buildings to fly at half-staff for the next three days to honor those who have died from the coronavirus.


npr--2020-05-21--Georgia Authorities Arrest 3rd Man In Ahmaud Arbery Killing

The man who filmed video of the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery in February has been arrested , the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Thursday .
William `` Roddie '' Bryan Jr. is charged with felony murder and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment .
Bryan , 50 , recorded the video that ignited anger and protests in the Brunswick , Ga. , area earlier this month .
It shows Arbery , who is black , jogging down a residential street , two white men confronting him , and the ensuing struggle .
Three gunshots are fired before Arbery falls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men in the video , Gregory and Travis McMichael , were arrested two days after the video became public , once the GBI took over the case .
They were both charged with murder and aggravated assault .
Even as supporters of Arbery 's family celebrated those arrests , they called for Bryan to be arrested as well , alleging he was involved in the Feb. 23 fatal shooting .
Bryan and his attorney , Kevin Gough , have appeared on television recently and denied any involvement or even any relationship with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the police report filed the day of the shooting .
Gregory McMichael told police that after he and his son Travis attempted and failed to stop Arbery , `` Roddy '' tried to intercept him , according to the report .
In a statement , lawyers for Arbery 's parents said the family was `` relieved '' to learn of Bryan 's arrest .
`` We want anyone who participated in the murder of Mr. Arbery to be held accountable , '' they said .

Georgia Authorities Arrest 3rd Man In Ahmaud Arbery Killing
Enlarge this image toggle caption Tony Gutierrez/AP Tony Gutierrez/AP
The man who filmed video of the fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery in February has been arrested, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Thursday. William "Roddie" Bryan Jr. is charged with felony murder and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment.
Bryan, 50, recorded the video that ignited anger and protests in the Brunswick, Ga., area earlier this month. It shows Arbery, who is black, jogging down a residential street, two white men confronting him, and the ensuing struggle.
Three gunshots are fired before Arbery falls to the ground.
The other two men in the video, Gregory and Travis McMichael, were arrested two days after the video became public, once the GBI took over the case. They were both charged with murder and aggravated assault.
toggle caption Glynn County Sheriff's Office
Even as supporters of Arbery's family celebrated those arrests, they called for Bryan to be arrested as well, alleging he was involved in the Feb. 23 fatal shooting. Bryan and his attorney, Kevin Gough, have appeared on television recently and denied any involvement or even any relationship with the McMichaels.
Bryan's name does appear in the police report filed the day of the shooting. Gregory McMichael told police that after he and his son Travis attempted and failed to stop Arbery, "Roddy" tried to intercept him, according to the report.
In a statement, lawyers for Arbery's parents said the family was "relieved" to learn of Bryan's arrest.
"We want anyone who participated in the murder of Mr. Arbery to be held accountable," they said.


npr--2020-05-21--Florida Theme Parks Getting Ready To Reopen With Anti-Coronavirus Measures

Florida Theme Parks Getting Ready To Reopen With Anti-Coronavirus Measures It appears theme parks will soon be welcoming guests in Florida .
Local officials approved reopening plans for Legoland in Winter Haven and the Universal theme parks in Orlando .
In Orange County , the Economic Recovery Task Force , chaired by County Mayor Jerry Demings , reviewed the Universal plans and approved a June 5 reopening date for its Universal Studios and Island of Adventure theme parks , as well as for its water park , Volcano Bay .
The task force also gave approval to reopening plans for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Legoland received approval from officials in Winter Haven and Polk County for a June 1 reopening .
The reopening plans now go to Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis for final approval .
He has indicated he wants to see theme parks reopen once they submitted plans for keeping employees and guests protected from the coronavirus .
Both Legoland and Universal says employees and guests will undergo temperature checks on arrival .
Anyone with a temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit wo n't be allowed in .
The chief administrative officer for Universal 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County task force , staff members had done temperature checks on more than 30,000 people since CityWalk , its shopping and restaurant complex reopened to the public .
`` Our guests have been very supportive of the process , '' Sprouls said .
`` We 're not hearing a lot of complaints about that or the masks .
They 're very happy to get out and happy that having those precautions in place is making them feel safe . ''
Unlike Universal , Legoland 's guidelines do n't make masks mandatory for guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free to those who want them .
Face coverings at Legoland will be required for all employees .
Legoland says it will limit capacity to less than 50 % when it reopens .
Universal also says it will reduce capacity but has n't said by how much .
Sprouls says measures to ensure distancing will be in place at turnstiles .
People from different groups will not be commingled in seating on rides .
In restaurants , contactless ordering , payment and food service will be available through the use of a mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have hand sanitizer dispensers and signs outlining safety requirements at entrances and throughout their parks .
Disney has n't yet unveiled reopening plans for its parks in Orlando .
Disney Springs , its retail , dining and entertainment complex , resumed welcoming visitors this week .
Shanghai Disney reopened last week to a limited number of guests .
Disney World and SeaWorld , Orlando 's other major theme park , are expected to present their reopening plans to local officials for approval in coming weeks .

Florida Theme Parks Getting Ready To Reopen With Anti-Coronavirus Measures
Enlarge this image toggle caption Susan Stumme/AFP via Getty Images Susan Stumme/AFP via Getty Images
It appears theme parks will soon be welcoming guests in Florida. Local officials approved reopening plans for Legoland in Winter Haven and the Universal theme parks in Orlando.
In Orange County, the Economic Recovery Task Force, chaired by County Mayor Jerry Demings, reviewed the Universal plans and approved a June 5 reopening date for its Universal Studios and Island of Adventure theme parks, as well as for its water park, Volcano Bay. The task force also gave approval to reopening plans for 13 smaller attractions in the Orlando area. Legoland received approval from officials in Winter Haven and Polk County for a June 1 reopening.
The reopening plans now go to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for final approval. He has indicated he wants to see theme parks reopen once they submitted plans for keeping employees and guests protected from the coronavirus.
Both Legoland and Universal says employees and guests will undergo temperature checks on arrival. Anyone with a temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit won't be allowed in. The chief administrative officer for Universal's parks, John Sprouls told the Orange County task force, staff members had done temperature checks on more than 30,000 people since CityWalk, its shopping and restaurant complex reopened to the public. "Our guests have been very supportive of the process," Sprouls said. "We're not hearing a lot of complaints about that or the masks. They're very happy to get out and happy that having those precautions in place is making them feel safe."
Unlike Universal, Legoland's guidelines don't make masks mandatory for guests, although they are recommended and provided free to those who want them. Face coverings at Legoland will be required for all employees.
Legoland says it will limit capacity to less than 50% when it reopens. Universal also says it will reduce capacity but hasn't said by how much. Sprouls says measures to ensure distancing will be in place at turnstiles. People from different groups will not be commingled in seating on rides. In restaurants, contactless ordering, payment and food service will be available through the use of a mobile app.
Both companies say they'll have hand sanitizer dispensers and signs outlining safety requirements at entrances and throughout their parks.
Disney hasn't yet unveiled reopening plans for its parks in Orlando. Disney Springs, its retail, dining and entertainment complex, resumed welcoming visitors this week. Shanghai Disney reopened last week to a limited number of guests. Disney World and SeaWorld, Orlando's other major theme park, are expected to present their reopening plans to local officials for approval in coming weeks.


npr--2020-05-21--Face Masks Provide a New Frontier For Retailers During Coronavirus Crisis

Face Masks Provide a New Frontier For Retailers During Coronavirus Crisis Retailers across the apparel world are turning to the newest essential garment to further their brand recognition and boost sales : the nonmedical face mask .
Nordstrom announced Tuesday it would begin selling face masks for $ 4 each in packs of six .
The move comes just weeks after the Seattle-based retailer announced it would permanently shutter 16 stores after the coronavirus pandemic forced all of its locations to close .
The company is the latest in a string of apparel brands to add face masks to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Retail giants like The Gap and its subsidiaries , Banana Republic , Athleta and Old Navy , also began selling masks earlier this month .
Despite the recent flood of new brands offering masks , the product is selling out across the market .
Nordstrom 's packs of masks are sold out just two days after coming on the scene , and many of Gap 's masks are on back order until mid-June .
Kim Kardashian West 's brand SKIMS began selling face masks May 16 and sold out hours later .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a function of demand as it is a reflection of the uncertainty looming over the retail industry in general , retail analyst Sucharita Kodali of Forrester told NPR .
Retailers have no precedent to base the volume of their supply on , and no idea how long the demand will last .
`` There 's just not data , '' says Kodali .
`` Nobody knew what to expect for what products because they 'd never faced this dilemma before . ''
Retailers also face a gummed-up supply chain , as many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are overseas , she says .
The supply chain backups also allowed smaller companies to jump on the trend more quickly .
`` The smaller companies are more nimble , they 're able to respond to changes more quickly .
They see trends and they jump , '' she says .
`` Whereas for a lot of other companies , they 're just hoping this passes .
...
They 're candidly just not as nimble . ''
One of the nimble is e-commerce website Etsy .
The site saw a giant spike of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results in the first week of April , shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 's recommendation that face coverings be worn at all times in public , according to a company investor presentation .
In April alone , the site grossed more than $ 130 million in face mask sales , according to the presentation .
`` We sold over 12 million face masks in the month of April alone , '' CEO Josh Silverman said in a call with investors .
`` In fact , if face masks were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been the second biggest category on Etsy in the month of April . ''
Etsy also saw a 79 % increase from April of last year among other products , according to the presentation .
`` I would argue they were just in the right place at the right time , '' says Kodali .
`` When you think of who is able to consolidate the power of a million sewers in the country , the only answer is Etsy . ''
Many brands are also using the worldwide demand for face masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by making charitable donations of their face mask sales .
Both Disney and the NBA have begun to sell masks with the commitment that proceeds will go to various charities .
Disney , for one , took major losses in the first three months of 2020 , with net income down 91 % compared to the year before .
Nordstrom and Gap have both donated masks to health care workers and other charitable causes .
Still , for most of the companies now selling masks , and especially for those as large as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not affect the bottom line .
Selling the masks is more a demonstration of how flexible a company can be in the face of the unexpected .
`` If you 're a retailer and you do n't have masks , that probably means you have bigger issues with your supply chain . ''

Face Masks Provide A New Frontier For Retailers During Coronavirus Crisis
Enlarge this image toggle caption MB Internal Studio/Old Navy MB Internal Studio/Old Navy
Retailers across the apparel world are turning to the newest essential garment to further their brand recognition and boost sales: the nonmedical face mask.
Nordstrom announced Tuesday it would begin selling face masks for $4 each in packs of six. The move comes just weeks after the Seattle-based retailer announced it would permanently shutter 16 stores after the coronavirus pandemic forced all of its locations to close.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Nordstrom Nordstrom
The company is the latest in a string of apparel brands to add face masks to its repertoire as demand continues to grow. Retail giants like The Gap and its subsidiaries, Banana Republic, Athleta and Old Navy, also began selling masks earlier this month.
Despite the recent flood of new brands offering masks, the product is selling out across the market. Nordstrom's packs of masks are sold out just two days after coming on the scene, and many of Gap's masks are on back order until mid-June. Kim Kardashian West's brand SKIMS began selling face masks May 16 and sold out hours later.
However, selling out is not so much a function of demand as it is a reflection of the uncertainty looming over the retail industry in general, retail analyst Sucharita Kodali of Forrester told NPR. Retailers have no precedent to base the volume of their supply on, and no idea how long the demand will last.
"There's just not data," says Kodali. "Nobody knew what to expect for what products because they'd never faced this dilemma before."
Retailers also face a gummed-up supply chain, as many of the factories where these masks are manufactured are overseas, she says. The supply chain backups also allowed smaller companies to jump on the trend more quickly.
"The smaller companies are more nimble, they're able to respond to changes more quickly. They see trends and they jump," she says. "Whereas for a lot of other companies, they're just hoping this passes. ... They're candidly just not as nimble."
One of the nimble is e-commerce website Etsy. The site saw a giant spike of "face mask" in its search results in the first week of April, shortly after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation that face coverings be worn at all times in public, according to a company investor presentation. In April alone, the site grossed more than $130 million in face mask sales, according to the presentation.
"We sold over 12 million face masks in the month of April alone," CEO Josh Silverman said in a call with investors. "In fact, if face masks were a stand-alone category, it would have been the second biggest category on Etsy in the month of April."
Etsy also saw a 79% increase from April of last year among other products, according to the presentation.
"I would argue they were just in the right place at the right time," says Kodali. "When you think of who is able to consolidate the power of a million sewers in the country, the only answer is Etsy."
Many brands are also using the worldwide demand for face masks as an opportunity to build positive engagement by making charitable donations of their face mask sales. Both Disney and the NBA have begun to sell masks with the commitment that proceeds will go to various charities. Disney, for one, took major losses in the first three months of 2020, with net income down 91% compared to the year before. Nordstrom and Gap have both donated masks to health care workers and other charitable causes.
Still, for most of the companies now selling masks, and especially for those as large as Gap and Nordstrom, Kodali says sales will not affect the bottom line. Selling the masks is more a demonstration of how flexible a company can be in the face of the unexpected.
"If you're a retailer and you don't have masks, that probably means you have bigger issues with your supply chain."


npr--2020-05-21--How A Decades-Old Unemployment Insurance System Is Measuring Up In The Pandemic

How A Decades-Old Unemployment Insurance System Is Measuring Up In The Pandemic Since the pandemic started , 38.6 million Americans have filed for unemployment claims , according to new numbers announced Thursday .
That 's more than one in five American workers using an unemployment insurance system first established decades ago to serve a very different population .
It was 1935 and the country was struggling to emerge from the Great Depression .
The system 's focus was people who worked in medium-to-large manufacturing or in trade industries , says Indivar Dutta-Gupta , co-executive director of the Georgetown Center on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that they wanted partial wage replacement for workers who were laid off through no fault of their own , '' he tells NPR 's Ari Shapiro .
`` But policymakers also recognized that unemployment insurance would have the effect of stabilizing the economy and helping keep workers attached to the labor force . ''
He describes how the unemployment insurance system is functioning as the workforce and economy have changed .
Here are excerpts from the interview .
Tens of millions of Americans have lost their jobs this spring .
The unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this kind of an event before .
How 's it doing ?
On the one hand , the unemployment insurance system is absolutely struggling under the weight of the claims that it 's experiencing .
But on the other hand , what we 're seeing gradually is that really the supermajority of folks have been getting claims paid .
And it 's quite painful , of course , when you have to wait a week or two weeks , never mind six weeks for a payment .
But I think that we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as states step up and take the measures that they really , in many cases , should have always taken , but now finally feel the pressure to take .
Unemployment insurance administration was not a topic that was attracting much attention , except when states wanted to reduce spending during what was really the longest economic expansion model in U.S. history .
And here we are in a crisis paying the price for that .
As part of the response to this crisis , the federal government has expanded benefits to include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like freelancers , gig workers and self-employed people .
Also , unemployed people are getting $ 600 a week more than before .
How have those steps helped , and do you think they 've gone far enough ?
One of the key concerns with the unemployment insurance system over the decades has been how many workers it actually leaves out .
Many people would be surprised to know that only about 27 % of unemployed workers in 2019 actually accessed unemployment insurance benefits .
What Congress recognized in this crisis was that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And so Congress created not only a number of incentives and offered funding for states to somewhat expand the unemployment insurance program , but they also established what 's called the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to help pick up some of the very workers you mentioned .
Unfortunately , I 'm concerned that the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance [ program ] is still going to leave out of a lot of workers .
Just think about all the people exiting school , exiting jails and prisons , exiting long-term caregiving responsibilities , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and in many cases , no access to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program either .
Listen to the full interview at the audio link above .

How A Decades-Old Unemployment Insurance System Is Measuring Up In The Pandemic
Enlarge this image toggle caption Olivier Douliery AFP via Getty Images Olivier Douliery AFP via Getty Images
Since the pandemic started, 38.6 million Americans have filed for unemployment claims, according to new numbers announced Thursday.
That's more than one in five American workers using an unemployment insurance system first established decades ago to serve a very different population.
It was 1935 and the country was struggling to emerge from the Great Depression. The system's focus was people who worked in medium-to-large manufacturing or in trade industries, says Indivar Dutta-Gupta, co-executive director of the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality.
"Policymakers were clear that they wanted partial wage replacement for workers who were laid off through no fault of their own," he tells NPR's Ari Shapiro. "But policymakers also recognized that unemployment insurance would have the effect of stabilizing the economy and helping keep workers attached to the labor force."
He describes how the unemployment insurance system is functioning as the workforce and economy have changed.
Here are excerpts from the interview.
Tens of millions of Americans have lost their jobs this spring. The unemployment insurance system has never had to support this kind of an event before. How's it doing?
On the one hand, the unemployment insurance system is absolutely struggling under the weight of the claims that it's experiencing. But on the other hand, what we're seeing gradually is that really the supermajority of folks have been getting claims paid. And it's quite painful, of course, when you have to wait a week or two weeks, never mind six weeks for a payment. But I think that we're seeing the system slowly turn around, as states step up and take the measures that they really, in many cases, should have always taken, but now finally feel the pressure to take.
Unemployment insurance administration was not a topic that was attracting much attention, except when states wanted to reduce spending during what was really the longest economic expansion model in U.S. history. And here we are in a crisis paying the price for that.
As part of the response to this crisis, the federal government has expanded benefits to include people who aren't typically eligible, like freelancers, gig workers and self-employed people. Also, unemployed people are getting $600 a week more than before. How have those steps helped, and do you think they've gone far enough?
One of the key concerns with the unemployment insurance system over the decades has been how many workers it actually leaves out. Many people would be surprised to know that only about 27% of unemployed workers in 2019 actually accessed unemployment insurance benefits.
What Congress recognized in this crisis was that that percentage would be just unacceptable today. And so Congress created not only a number of incentives and offered funding for states to somewhat expand the unemployment insurance program, but they also established what's called the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to help pick up some of the very workers you mentioned.
Unfortunately, I'm concerned that the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance [program] is still going to leave out of a lot of workers. Just think about all the people exiting school, exiting jails and prisons, exiting long-term caregiving responsibilities, and will have no access to unemployment insurance, and in many cases, no access to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program either.
Listen to the full interview at the audio link above.


npr--2020-05-21--Facebook Expects Half Its Employees To Work Remotely Permanently

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he expects half of the tech giant 's 48,000 employees to be working remotely in the next five to 10 years as part of a major shift in how the company operates .
The company plans to begin `` aggressively '' hiring remote workers , and it will soon allow some current employees to apply to work remotely on a permanent basis , the CEO said in a livestreamed meeting with staff Thursday .
`` We 're going to be the most forward-leaning company on remote work for our scale , '' Zuckerberg said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this in a way that is measured and thoughtful and responsible and in phases over time .
... Because this is fundamentally about changing our culture and the way that we all are going to work long term . ''
The shift is a sign of how the coronavirus pandemic may permanently alter corporate policies and strategies , particularly in industries such as tech , where many employees can do their jobs outside the office .
Twitter and Square , the payments company , have told employees they can work from home indefinitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an employee survey indicated a lot of interest in permanent remote work and that he saw benefits in allowing more people to shift away from offices .
These benefits include recruiting talented staff who do n't live near a current Facebook office , retaining employees who want to move and improving the diversity of the company 's workforce .
`` When you limit hiring to people who either live in a small number of big cities or are willing to move there , that cuts out a lot of people who live in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have different perspectives on things , '' he said .
The company will initially ramp up remote work for new and existing employees in the U.S. and Canada , focusing on experienced workers , especially senior engineers .
Some roles , such as hardware development , content moderation , sales and recruiting , will not be able to be done outside the office .
Geographically , Facebook will first look to hire people in areas within a one- to four-hour drive of an existing office , such as Portland , Ore. , San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company is also looking to create new `` hubs '' with hundreds of remote workers in Atlanta , Dallas and Denver .
Zuckerberg acknowledged that the shift may save money for Facebook .
The company will adjust employees ' salaries depending on where they live , he said .
Facebook , like other Silicon Valley companies , was among the first U.S. employers to close offices in the early days of the pandemic .
Zuckerberg said 95 % of employees are now working remotely .
While Facebook intends to start bringing some workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will limit occupancy to 25 % of normal capacity .
The company has said that most staff can keep working from home through the end of the year and has canceled gatherings of more than 50 people through June 2021 .

Facebook Expects Half Its Employees To Work Remotely Permanently
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jeff Chiu/AP Jeff Chiu/AP
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said he expects half of the tech giant's 48,000 employees to be working remotely in the next five to 10 years as part of a major shift in how the company operates.
The company plans to begin "aggressively" hiring remote workers, and it will soon allow some current employees to apply to work remotely on a permanent basis, the CEO said in a livestreamed meeting with staff Thursday.
"We're going to be the most forward-leaning company on remote work for our scale," Zuckerberg said. "But we're going to do this in a way that is measured and thoughtful and responsible and in phases over time. ... Because this is fundamentally about changing our culture and the way that we all are going to work long term."
The shift is a sign of how the coronavirus pandemic may permanently alter corporate policies and strategies, particularly in industries such as tech, where many employees can do their jobs outside the office. Twitter and Square, the payments company, have told employees they can work from home indefinitely.
On Thursday, Zuckerberg said that an employee survey indicated a lot of interest in permanent remote work and that he saw benefits in allowing more people to shift away from offices. These benefits include recruiting talented staff who don't live near a current Facebook office, retaining employees who want to move and improving the diversity of the company's workforce.
"When you limit hiring to people who either live in a small number of big cities or are willing to move there, that cuts out a lot of people who live in different communities, different backgrounds or may have different perspectives on things," he said.
The company will initially ramp up remote work for new and existing employees in the U.S. and Canada, focusing on experienced workers, especially senior engineers. Some roles, such as hardware development, content moderation, sales and recruiting, will not be able to be done outside the office.
Geographically, Facebook will first look to hire people in areas within a one- to four-hour drive of an existing office, such as Portland, Ore., San Diego, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The company is also looking to create new "hubs" with hundreds of remote workers in Atlanta, Dallas and Denver.
Zuckerberg acknowledged that the shift may save money for Facebook. The company will adjust employees' salaries depending on where they live, he said.
Facebook, like other Silicon Valley companies, was among the first U.S. employers to close offices in the early days of the pandemic. Zuckerberg said 95% of employees are now working remotely.
While Facebook intends to start bringing some workers back to its offices in July, it will limit occupancy to 25% of normal capacity. The company has said that most staff can keep working from home through the end of the year and has canceled gatherings of more than 50 people through June 2021.


npr--2020-05-21--Trump Administration Confirms U.S. Is Leaving Open Skies Surveillance Treaty

President Trump 's administration will give official notice of the U.S. 's intent to exit the Open Skies treaty , officials announced Thursday .
The 34-nation agreement allows the U.S. , Russia and other countries to fly their aircraft over each other 's territory – increasing transparency and reducing the chances for perilous miscalculations .
`` Russia did n't adhere to the treaty , so until they adhere , we will pull out , '' Trump said , adding that there is `` a very good chance '' to reach a new deal .
`` We 're going to pull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come back and want to make a deal . ''
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that `` it has become abundantly clear that it is no longer in America 's interest to remain a party to the Treaty on Open Skies . ''
Pompeo accused Russia of repeatedly violating the treaty and using it to further its expansion goals by refusing to allow flights over `` Russian-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia '' and asserting control over an airfield in Crimea .
Echoing the president , he also suggested the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia changes its approach .
`` Effective six months from tomorrow , the United States will no longer be a party to the Treaty , '' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said .
`` We may , however , reconsider our withdrawal should Russia return to full compliance with the Treaty . ''
The move quickly drew criticism from Democratic members of Congress .
Trump 's plan `` directly harms our country 's security and breaks the law in the process , '' said Rep. Eliot L. Engel , chairman of the House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act from late 2019 , which requires the secretaries of State and Defense to notify Congress at least 120 days before a formal notice is sent to treaty depositories about an intent to leave Open Skies .
Calling the treaty a `` pillar of stability , transparency , and security for the United States and our European allies , '' Engel said Open Skies is critical to the New START Treaty and other arms control measures , and he said Russia will conduct flights over NATO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our participation in Open Skies . ''
Russia is awaiting a full explanation of the U.S. accusations , Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in an interview with Russian TV .
She added that the treaty includes mechanisms for ensuring compliance and presenting complaints – and that the U.S. will likely use diplomatic channels as well .
The Russian ministry republished a list of its own grievances on Thursday , saying the U.S. has put a number of new Open Sky restrictions in place since Trump took office .
The Open Skies treaty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The idea of allowing other countries ' surveillance aircraft to conduct flyovers was first proposed by President Dwight Eisenhower , early in the Cold War with the Soviet Union .
But a deal did n't gain traction until after the Soviet republic collapsed ; it was signed in 1992 and took effect 10 years later .
`` It gives you access to things that , even if you have a satellite network , you might not be able to see , '' Olga Oliker , director of the Europe program at the International @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last November .
`` It 's a very useful way for the parties to be on the same page about who has what where . ''
The treaty includes a number of stipulations that give host countries a level of control over the flights in their airspace , from designating which planes and airports can be used to flight distances .
It also allows inspections of surveillance equipment .
The signatories include most of America 's NATO allies and Ukraine .
Noting that many U.S. allies in Europe want to keep the treaty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If not for the value they place on the OST , we would likely have exited long ago . ''
If the U.S. does exit , Open Skies would be the third major international military pact Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from , coming after the president spiked the Iran nuclear deal and the Intermediate Nuclear Forces treaty .
Critics of the treaty say they believe Russia gets more out of it than the U.S. does .
`` Today the president has taken another positive step to end America 's dependence on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tom Cotton , R-Ark.
, said in a statement about Trump 's plan .
Cotton says the treaty has become technically defunct and outdated .
And he added that by leaving the agreement , the U.S. wo n't have to pay `` nearly a quarter-billion dollars in recapitalization money for our OC-135 Open Skies Aircraft fleet . ''
As NPR 's David Welna has reported , Moscow has modernized Russia 's surveillance planes .
But the U.S. has not , according to Oliker of the International Crisis Group .

Trump Administration Confirms U.S. Is Leaving Open Skies Surveillance Treaty
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alexandra Mlejnkova/AP Alexandra Mlejnkova/AP
President Trump's administration will give official notice of the U.S.'s intent to exit the Open Skies treaty, officials announced Thursday. The 34-nation agreement allows the U.S., Russia and other countries to fly their aircraft over each other's territory – increasing transparency and reducing the chances for perilous miscalculations.
"Russia didn't adhere to the treaty, so until they adhere, we will pull out," Trump said, adding that there is "a very good chance" to reach a new deal. "We're going to pull out, and they're going to come back and want to make a deal."
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that "it has become abundantly clear that it is no longer in America's interest to remain a party to the Treaty on Open Skies."
Pompeo accused Russia of repeatedly violating the treaty and using it to further its expansion goals by refusing to allow flights over "Russian-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia" and asserting control over an airfield in Crimea. Echoing the president, he also suggested the U.S. might remain in the agreement if Russia changes its approach.
"Effective six months from tomorrow, the United States will no longer be a party to the Treaty," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. "We may, however, reconsider our withdrawal should Russia return to full compliance with the Treaty."
The move quickly drew criticism from Democratic members of Congress.
Trump's plan "directly harms our country's security and breaks the law in the process," said Rep. Eliot L. Engel, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Engel cited a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act from late 2019, which requires the secretaries of State and Defense to notify Congress at least 120 days before a formal notice is sent to treaty depositories about an intent to leave Open Skies.
Calling the treaty a "pillar of stability, transparency, and security for the United States and our European allies," Engel said Open Skies is critical to the New START Treaty and other arms control measures, and he said Russia will conduct flights over NATO and American bases "with or without our participation in Open Skies."
Russia is awaiting a full explanation of the U.S. accusations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in an interview with Russian TV. She added that the treaty includes mechanisms for ensuring compliance and presenting complaints – and that the U.S. will likely use diplomatic channels as well.
The Russian ministry republished a list of its own grievances on Thursday, saying the U.S. has put a number of new Open Sky restrictions in place since Trump took office.
The Open Skies treaty has been in effect since 2002. The idea of allowing other countries' surveillance aircraft to conduct flyovers was first proposed by President Dwight Eisenhower, early in the Cold War with the Soviet Union. But a deal didn't gain traction until after the Soviet republic collapsed; it was signed in 1992 and took effect 10 years later.
"It gives you access to things that, even if you have a satellite network, you might not be able to see," Olga Oliker, director of the Europe program at the International Crisis Group in Brussels, told NPR last November. "It's a very useful way for the parties to be on the same page about who has what where."
The treaty includes a number of stipulations that give host countries a level of control over the flights in their airspace, from designating which planes and airports can be used to flight distances. It also allows inspections of surveillance equipment. The signatories include most of America's NATO allies and Ukraine.
Noting that many U.S. allies in Europe want to keep the treaty in full force, Pompeo said, "If not for the value they place on the OST, we would likely have exited long ago."
If the U.S. does exit, Open Skies would be the third major international military pact Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from, coming after the president spiked the Iran nuclear deal and the Intermediate Nuclear Forces treaty.
Critics of the treaty say they believe Russia gets more out of it than the U.S. does.
"Today the president has taken another positive step to end America's dependence on dysfunctional and broken treaties," Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said in a statement about Trump's plan.
Cotton says the treaty has become technically defunct and outdated. And he added that by leaving the agreement, the U.S. won't have to pay "nearly a quarter-billion dollars in recapitalization money for our OC-135 Open Skies Aircraft fleet."
As NPR's David Welna has reported, Moscow has modernized Russia's surveillance planes. But the U.S. has not, according to Oliker of the International Crisis Group.


npr--2020-05-21--Top North Carolina Health Official: GOP Should 'Plan For The Worst' For Convention

Top North Carolina Health Official : GOP Should 'Plan For The Worst ' For Convention North Carolina 's health and human services secretary says the Republican National Committee should `` hope for the best , but plan for the worst '' when it comes to having its convention in Charlotte in August .
In an interview with WFAE , Dr. Mandy Cohen said mass gatherings will be a `` very big challenge '' if COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the state , as they are currently .
`` I think it 's my advice to many entities , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` Because we do n't know where we 're going to be .
I think you should hope for the best and plan for the worst . ''
North Carolina will enter Phase 2 of its reopening Friday , with more businesses allowed to open .
But that phase is stricter than originally planned .
For instance , gyms and bars will remain closed .
And there is still a limit of 10 people on indoor gatherings .
Phase 2 is scheduled to last until at least June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is scheduled to start Aug. 24 .
RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel said last week that convention planners are preparing for a normal event , and a Saturday news release from the RNC signifying 100 days until the convention said it still expected 50,000 people .
But McDaniel said that the first week of July will be a critical period for planners .
If state public health mandates are in place that would require an altered convention , the GOP would then begin working to modify its convention .
She said the GOP could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left the door open to holding parts of it outside .
The Republican convention 's Charlotte host committee , which must raise $ 70 million to bring the event to the city , said Thursday that its `` advanced planning and thorough organization have kept us ahead of schedule , and we will continue to plan while following local and state guidelines . ''
Democratic Gov .
Roy Cooper 's order allows for venues like Charlotte 's Spectrum Center to hold sporting events or concerts in Phase 2 .
The order creates an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings with more than 10 people , allowing for `` entertainers , performers and athletes , along with coaches , training , support and broadcast staff . ''
Cohen said the provision was included to allow venues to hold events that could be broadcast or streamed on the web .
For the RNC , delegates inside the arena would be considered as spectators .
`` That would be a spectator in my mind , '' Cohen said .
`` They would be sitting in the spectator 's part of the Spectrum Center .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we would work out with the RNC .
But the staff that we meant are the ones who actually work at the Spectrum Center . ''
That means that if the RNC were held in June , there would only be 10 delegates allowed inside the arena .
It 's possible that Phase 2 could be relaxed , or the state could enter Phase 3 , which would allow more people to gather at one time .
But Cohen said she 's uneasy with any mass gathering this summer .
`` If we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we are n't in a different position , then mass gatherings are going to be a very big challenge , '' she said .
The number of COVID-19 patients in North Carolina is still increasing , though Cohen has said the state can move forward with a slow reopening because its testing capacity has increased and its hospitalizations are mostly level .
The Democratic National Committee has said it may hold a virtual convention from Milwaukee .
Its convention is scheduled to start Aug. 17 , after being pushed back a month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the GOP will have an in-person convention .
In an interview with the Washington Examiner last week , President Trump said he hopes the Charlotte convention will be held as planned .
But he accused Cooper of `` playing politics '' by reopening the state slowly .
`` We 'll have a convention , '' Trump said .
`` I 'm a traditionalist , but we 'll have to see , like everything else , but I think we 'll be in good shape by that time .
We have a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been very , very good .
Although , it 's got a Democrat governor , so we have to be a little bit careful .
It 's got a Democrat governor , so we have to be a little bit careful with that , because they 're playing politics .
They 're playing politics , as you know , by delaying the openings . ''
The president continued : `` To me that 's politics .
They think it 's a bad thing for me if they delay the opening .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have people protesting outside , and those people like Trump . ''
A version of this story was first published by member station WFAE .

Top North Carolina Health Official: GOP Should 'Plan For The Worst' For Convention
Enlarge this image toggle caption North Carolina Department Of Public Safety North Carolina Department Of Public Safety
North Carolina's health and human services secretary says the Republican National Committee should "hope for the best, but plan for the worst" when it comes to having its convention in Charlotte in August.
In an interview with WFAE, Dr. Mandy Cohen said mass gatherings will be a "very big challenge" if COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the state, as they are currently.
"I think it's my advice to many entities, which is to have options, have scenarios," she said. "Because we don't know where we're going to be. I think you should hope for the best and plan for the worst."
North Carolina will enter Phase 2 of its reopening Friday, with more businesses allowed to open. But that phase is stricter than originally planned. For instance, gyms and bars will remain closed. And there is still a limit of 10 people on indoor gatherings.
Phase 2 is scheduled to last until at least June 26. The multi-day Republican nominating convention is scheduled to start Aug. 24.
RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel said last week that convention planners are preparing for a normal event, and a Saturday news release from the RNC signifying 100 days until the convention said it still expected 50,000 people.
But McDaniel said that the first week of July will be a critical period for planners. If state public health mandates are in place that would require an altered convention, the GOP would then begin working to modify its convention.
She said the GOP could break the event into smaller venues and left the door open to holding parts of it outside.
The Republican convention's Charlotte host committee, which must raise $70 million to bring the event to the city, said Thursday that its "advanced planning and thorough organization have kept us ahead of schedule, and we will continue to plan while following local and state guidelines."
Delegates as spectators
Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper's order allows for venues like Charlotte's Spectrum Center to hold sporting events or concerts in Phase 2.
The order creates an exemption to the ban on indoor mass gatherings with more than 10 people, allowing for "entertainers, performers and athletes, along with coaches, training, support and broadcast staff."
Cohen said the provision was included to allow venues to hold events that could be broadcast or streamed on the web.
For the RNC, delegates inside the arena would be considered as spectators.
"That would be a spectator in my mind," Cohen said. "They would be sitting in the spectator's part of the Spectrum Center. And these are the kind of details we would work out with the RNC. But the staff that we meant are the ones who actually work at the Spectrum Center."
That means that if the RNC were held in June, there would only be 10 delegates allowed inside the arena.
It's possible that Phase 2 could be relaxed, or the state could enter Phase 3, which would allow more people to gather at one time.
But Cohen said she's uneasy with any mass gathering this summer.
"If we continue to see our numbers go up and we aren't in a different position, then mass gatherings are going to be a very big challenge," she said.
The number of COVID-19 patients in North Carolina is still increasing, though Cohen has said the state can move forward with a slow reopening because its testing capacity has increased and its hospitalizations are mostly level.
The Democratic National Committee has said it may hold a virtual convention from Milwaukee. Its convention is scheduled to start Aug. 17, after being pushed back a month because of the pandemic.
McDaniel has said the GOP will have an in-person convention.
In an interview with the Washington Examiner last week, President Trump said he hopes the Charlotte convention will be held as planned.
But he accused Cooper of "playing politics" by reopening the state slowly.
"We'll have a convention," Trump said. "I'm a traditionalist, but we'll have to see, like everything else, but I think we'll be in good shape by that time. We have a great state, North Carolina, that's been very, very good. Although, it's got a Democrat governor, so we have to be a little bit careful. It's got a Democrat governor, so we have to be a little bit careful with that, because they're playing politics. They're playing politics, as you know, by delaying the openings."
The president continued: "To me that's politics. They think it's a bad thing for me if they delay the opening. I think it's bad for them. And you have people protesting outside, and those people like Trump."
A version of this story was first published by member station WFAE.


npr--2020-05-21--Despite Opposition, John Ratcliffe Confirmed For Top Intelligence Post

Despite Democratic opposition , the Republican majority in the Senate on Thursday confirmed U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe , R-Texas , as the new director of national intelligence , overseeing all 17 intelligence agencies .
With the 49-44 vote along party lines , Ratcliffe becomes the fourth person to hold the job in less than a year .
He takes over at a sensitive moment .
U.S.-China tensions are rising over the coronavirus pandemic , and many in the national security community say they are certain that Russia again will attempt to interfere in the U.S. presidential election this fall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Trump 's shake-ups in the national security arena , and some have accused him of politicizing work that 's supposed to be nonpartisan .
In Congress , Ratcliffe was an outspoken supporter of Trump and at times questioned the validity of the Russia investigation .
He has served on the House Intelligence Committee since the beginning of 2019 but has far less experience than any previous director of national intelligence , a post created after the Sept. 11 attacks to coordinate U.S. intelligence efforts .
The director of national intelligence speaks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and along with the CIA director , traditionally takes part in the intelligence briefing delivered to the president most weekdays .
At Ratcliffe 's May 5 confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee , Democrats repeatedly asked him whether he would be capable of delivering the `` unvarnished truth '' and deliver information to Trump that the president did not want to hear .
`` I 'm sure going to get a lot of questions about what the president says , or what the president thinks , '' Ratcliffe said at the hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it will not impact the intelligence that I deliver . ''
However , Ratcliffe avoided taking a position on a number of key intelligence questions .
He was asked whether he believed a Senate Intelligence Committee report saying the Russians tried to help Trump in the 2016 election , or a House Intelligence Committee report saying the Russians did n't try to assist Trump .
Despite the contradictory findings of the two reports , Ratcliffe said he had no reason to doubt the conclusions of either one .
`` We saw him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ron Wyden , an Oregon Democrat , said Thursday on the Senate floor shortly before the confirmation vote .
`` If you 're John Ratcliffe , the intelligence really does n't matter .
All that matters is that he makes Donald Trump happy .
And if Donald Trump does n't want to acknowledge that the Russians helped him , then those are John Ratcliffe 's marching orders . ''
Trump has parted ways with most all of the top national security officials he appointed originally .
Dan Coats stepped down as director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump .
Joseph Maguire and Richard Grenell have each served in an acting capacity since then .

Despite Opposition, John Ratcliffe Confirmed For Top Intelligence Post
Enlarge this image toggle caption Gabriella Demczuk/AP Gabriella Demczuk/AP
Despite Democratic opposition, the Republican majority in the Senate on Thursday confirmed U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, as the new director of national intelligence, overseeing all 17 intelligence agencies.
With the 49-44 vote along party lines, Ratcliffe becomes the fourth person to hold the job in less than a year.
He takes over at a sensitive moment. U.S.-China tensions are rising over the coronavirus pandemic, and many in the national security community say they are certain that Russia again will attempt to interfere in the U.S. presidential election this fall.
Also, Democrats are increasingly critical of President Trump's shake-ups in the national security arena, and some have accused him of politicizing work that's supposed to be nonpartisan.
In Congress, Ratcliffe was an outspoken supporter of Trump and at times questioned the validity of the Russia investigation. He has served on the House Intelligence Committee since the beginning of 2019 but has far less experience than any previous director of national intelligence, a post created after the Sept. 11 attacks to coordinate U.S. intelligence efforts.
The director of national intelligence speaks for the intelligence community as a whole, and along with the CIA director, traditionally takes part in the intelligence briefing delivered to the president most weekdays.
Democratic complaints
At Ratcliffe's May 5 confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Democrats repeatedly asked him whether he would be capable of delivering the "unvarnished truth" and deliver information to Trump that the president did not want to hear.
"I'm sure going to get a lot of questions about what the president says, or what the president thinks," Ratcliffe said at the hearing. "Regardless of what he says, it will not impact the intelligence that I deliver."
However, Ratcliffe avoided taking a position on a number of key intelligence questions.
He was asked whether he believed a Senate Intelligence Committee report saying the Russians tried to help Trump in the 2016 election, or a House Intelligence Committee report saying the Russians didn't try to assist Trump.
Despite the contradictory findings of the two reports, Ratcliffe said he had no reason to doubt the conclusions of either one.
"We saw him dance around direct questions," Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, said Thursday on the Senate floor shortly before the confirmation vote.
"If you're John Ratcliffe, the intelligence really doesn't matter. All that matters is that he makes Donald Trump happy. And if Donald Trump doesn't want to acknowledge that the Russians helped him, then those are John Ratcliffe's marching orders."
Trump has parted ways with most all of the top national security officials he appointed originally.
Dan Coats stepped down as director of national intelligence in August after disagreements with Trump. Joseph Maguire and Richard Grenell have each served in an acting capacity since then.


npr--2020-05-21--New Zealand's Prime Minister Touts 4-Day Week To Boost Domestic Tourism

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has floated the idea of a four-day work week to encourage domestic travel in the wake of the country 's coronavirus lockdown .
Ardern raised the potential of a shortened work week and more flexibility around leave in the workplace after meeting with local officials and tourism operators in the North Island-city of Rotorua .
`` How can we support New Zealanders to make the most of traveling around the country ? ''
the prime minister said in a Facebook Live video .
`` Some have been saying , 'Well , if they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their travel and their leave they might be ought to do that . '
I 've heard lots of people suggesting we should have a four-day week . ''
The decision on whether to institute a shorter work week is an individual one between employer and employee , according to Ardern .
But she encouraged businesses to think about this option , `` because it certainly would help tourism all around the country . ''
The prime minister also pointed to the benefits of working from home , which the coronavirus crisis has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , the government announced a NZ400 million ( about $ 245 million ) Tourism Recovery Fund as part of its broader budget to support the hard-hit industry .
New Zealand 's tourism sector contributed more than NZ $ 16 billion ( $ 9.8 billion ) to the country 's gross domestic product for the year ending in March 2019 , according to Tourism New Zealand .
That 's 5.8 % of total GDP .
The industry also employs nearly 230,000 Kiwis .
The island country with a population of nearly 5 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after three days without any new COVID-19 cases .
New Zealand received global praise for its swift response to the COVID-19 pandemic , which consisted of aggressive lockdown measures and travel bans paired with widespread testing and contract tracing .
On April 27 , Ardern declared that the country has `` won [ the ] battle '' against widespread COVID-19 community transmission .
The country 's health ministry reported 1,153 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Thursday .
The death toll stands at 21 .

New Zealand's Prime Minister Touts 4-Day Week To Boost Domestic Tourism
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mark Mitchell/AP Mark Mitchell/AP
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has floated the idea of a four-day workweek to encourage domestic travel in the wake of the country's coronavirus lockdown.
Ardern raised the potential of a shortened workweek and more flexibility around leave in the workplace after meeting with local officials and tourism operators in the North Island-city of Rotorua.
"How can we support New Zealanders to make the most of traveling around the country?" the prime minister said in a Facebook Live video. "Some have been saying, 'Well, if they had a bit more flexibility in terms of their travel and their leave they might be ought to do that.' I've heard lots of people suggesting we should have a four-day week."
The decision on whether to institute a shorter workweek is an individual one between employer and employee, according to Ardern. But she encouraged businesses to think about this option "because it certainly would help tourism all around the country."
The prime minister also pointed to the benefits of working from home, which the coronavirus crisis has shown can drive up productivity.
Last week, the government announced a NZ400 million (about $245 million) Tourism Recovery Fund as part of its broader budget to support the hard-hit industry.
New Zealand's tourism sector contributed more than NZ$16 billion ($9.8 billion) to the country's gross domestic product for the year ending in March 2019, according to Tourism New Zealand. That's 5.8% of total GDP.
The industry also employs nearly 230,000 Kiwis.
The island country with a population of nearly 5 million allowed most businesses to reopen last Thursday after three days without any new COVID-19 cases.
New Zealand received global praise for its swift response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which consisted of aggressive lockdown measures and travel bans paired with widespread testing and contact tracing.
On April 27, Ardern declared that the country has "won [the] battle" against widespread COVID-19 community transmission. The country's health ministry reported 1,153 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Thursday. The death toll stands at 21.


npr--2020-05-21--3-Star Michelin Chef Guy Savoy Has Begun Offering Takeout In Paris

When restaurants in France were forced to close on March 15 due to the coronavirus , many kitchens switched to takeout .
That 's manageable if you serve crêpes , burgers or sushi .
But what if you 're a three-Michelin-star chef ?
Guy Savoy is one of those chefs — among the world 's most celebrated — and his response has been to adapt .
He is champing at the bit for the day he can reopen his four Paris restaurants .
( His fifth , at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas , is also closed ) .
Until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the takeout business .
`` We chefs and restaurateurs have had to sit by completely helpless as our activities were put in an artificial coma , even though they 're in perfect health , '' he says .
A recent easing of restrictions does not include France 's 160,000 restaurants .
The French government has said it may be possible for them to reopen in June .
`` I 'm talking to chefs in a total state of shock , '' Michelin Guide director Gwendal Poullennec told Le Figaro newspaper this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michelin-starred restaurants have been able to reopen so far across the world .
Savoy says the inaction was killing him .
So when France 's lockdown was lifted on May 11 , he decided to begin offering takeaway service .
Earlier this week at Le Chiberta , his restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe , Savoy wore a face mask instead of a toque .
The restaurant was empty , but the kitchen was busy .
Included in the abbreviated menu on this day were two of his signature dishes , the artichoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ballotine of poultry with foie gras and a truffle vinaigrette .
Parisian Jean Gosset , who recently ordered Savoy 's takeaway , says it 's great to enjoy a master chef 's meal at home at an affordable price .
A prix fixe menu including starter , entree and dessert costs $ 60 .
`` It interrupts the monotony of this confinement and reminds us that we have these amazing chefs , '' Gosset says .
While most restaurant workers are still receiving paychecks , thanks to the French government 's unemployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25 % of of the country 's restaurants may not survive this crisis .
Others wonder if the cozy French bistro will survive in a new era of social distancing and face masks .
`` The restaurant is one of the symbols of French art de vivre , '' he says .
`` It 's what we live for and why tourists come to France .
From the little bistro to the outdoor cafe , the gastronomic restaurant is where we go to meet friends and be with family and to fête special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this will come back as soon as this virus disappears . ''

3-Star Michelin Chef Guy Savoy Has Begun Offering Takeout In Paris
Enlarge this image toggle caption Christophe Archambault/AFP via Getty Images Christophe Archambault/AFP via Getty Images
When restaurants in France were forced to close on March 15 due to the coronavirus, many kitchens switched to takeout. That's manageable if you serve crêpes, burgers or sushi. But what if you're a three-Michelin-star chef?
Guy Savoy is one of those chefs — among the world's most celebrated — and his response has been to adapt. He is champing at the bit for the day he can reopen his four Paris restaurants. (His fifth, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, is also closed). Until then, he's venturing with optimism into the takeout business.
"We chefs and restaurateurs have had to sit by completely helpless as our activities were put in an artificial coma, even though they're in perfect health," he says.
A recent easing of restrictions does not include France's 160,000 restaurants. The French government has said it may be possible for them to reopen in June.
"I'm talking to chefs in a total state of shock," Michelin Guide director Gwendal Poullennec told Le Figaro newspaper this month.
Poullennec said only 13% of Michelin-starred restaurants have been able to reopen so far across the world.
Savoy says the inaction was killing him. So when France's lockdown was lifted on May 11, he decided to begin offering takeaway service. Earlier this week at Le Chiberta, his restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe, Savoy wore a face mask instead of a toque. The restaurant was empty, but the kitchen was busy.
Included in the abbreviated menu on this day were two of his signature dishes, the artichoke soup with truffles and Parmesan, and a ballotine of poultry with foie gras and a truffle vinaigrette.
Parisian Jean Gosset, who recently ordered Savoy's takeaway, says it's great to enjoy a master chef's meal at home at an affordable price. A prix fixe menu including starter, entree and dessert costs $60.
"It interrupts the monotony of this confinement and reminds us that we have these amazing chefs," Gosset says.
While most restaurant workers are still receiving paychecks, thanks to the French government's unemployment support system, analysts estimate that around 25% of of the country's restaurants may not survive this crisis. Others wonder if the cozy French bistro will survive in a new era of social distancing and face masks.
Savoy doesn't share these doubts.
"The restaurant is one of the symbols of French art de vivre," he says. "It's what we live for and why tourists come to France. From the little bistro to the outdoor cafe, the gastronomic restaurant is where we go to meet friends and be with family and to fête special occasions. I have faith that all of this will come back as soon as this virus disappears."


npr--2020-05-21--Trump Administration To Planned Parenthood: Return Coronavirus Relief Funds

The Trump administration is asking local Planned Parenthood affiliates around the U.S. to return millions of dollars in loans received through the federal government 's coronavirus relief package .
In letters obtained by NPR , the Small Business Administration , which administers the Paycheck Protection Program , informs local affiliates that they are ineligible under the program 's rules intended to limit the funds to small businesses and nonprofit organizations .
In total , the letters say , Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide have applied for more than $ 80 million through the forgivable-loan program , which was set up through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's rules , small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 500 employees can apply for forgivable loans .
Planned Parenthood officials say local member organizations that fall within those limitations — not the larger , national group — applied for and received the funds .
The Small Business Administration asks affiliates to either return the funds or respond with documentation demonstrating eligibility for the program .
The letters end with a warning that `` if SBA determines that a borrower made a knowingly false certification '' on a loan application , the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil or criminal penalties . ''
In a letter to Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington , an SBA official notes that the organization in Washington , D.C. , applied for a little more than $ 1.3 million in funds through the program , which was set up to help small businesses keep employees on payroll during the crisis .
A similar letter to Planned Parenthood of Delaware references a loan application for $ 496,225 .
The letters were first reported by Fox News .
Stephanie Fraim , president and CEO of Planned Parenthood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NPR that her organization received a little over $ 2 million , mostly to cover employee paychecks .
`` The economic uncertainty at that moment was profound , and the two weeks while we waited for this loan , we spent having some very tough conversations about what we would do if we did n't get this loan , '' Fraim said .
Jacqueline Ayers , vice president of government relations and public policy at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America , said the move by SBA is part of a politically motivated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration , which opposes abortion rights and has taken steps to restrict access to abortion and contraception .
Since early on in the pandemic , groups opposed to abortion rights have expressed concern that coronavirus relief funds not be directed to organizations like Planned Parenthood .
Many Planned Parenthood clinics provide abortions along with other reproductive health services , but using federal funds to pay for abortions is prohibited in most cases .
Several Republican senators also are calling on Planned Parenthood affiliates to return funds distributed through the Paycheck Protection Program .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship , has said that taken together , Planned Parenthood affiliates have too many employees nationwide to be eligible under the program 's rules .
He said he wants the Small Business Administration to open an investigation into why and how the Planned Parenthood affiliates received the money .
In an interview with NPR , Sen. James Lankford ( R-Okla. ) also said Planned Parenthood should return the funds , as several prominent large businesses and organizations have done after coming under criticism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lakers have done .
That 's what Shake Shack has done .
That 's what Ruth 's Chris [ Steak House ] has done , '' Lankford said .
`` So other organizations that it was exposed that they should not have taken the money have returned the money , so that would be the reasonable thing for them to be able to do . ''
Legal experts say the Paycheck Protection Program 's eligibility rules are somewhat unclear and have shifted as the program has rolled out .
`` They keep changing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who specializes in government contracting law at the firm Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath .
`` So entities that qualified three weeks ago may not qualify today .
There 's a lot of confusion , a lot of concern . ''

Trump Administration To Planned Parenthood: Return Coronavirus Relief Funds
Enlarge this image toggle caption Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
The Trump administration is asking local Planned Parenthood affiliates around the U.S. to return millions of dollars in loans received through the federal government's coronavirus relief package.
In letters obtained by NPR, the Small Business Administration, which administers the Paycheck Protection Program, informs local affiliates that they are ineligible under the program's rules intended to limit the funds to small businesses and nonprofit organizations. In total, the letters say, Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide have applied for more than $80 million through the forgivable-loan program, which was set up through the CARES Act.
Under the program's rules, small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 500 employees can apply for forgivable loans. Planned Parenthood officials say local member organizations that fall within those limitations — not the larger, national group — applied for and received the funds.
The Small Business Administration asks affiliates to either return the funds or respond with documentation demonstrating eligibility for the program. The letters end with a warning that "if SBA determines that a borrower made a knowingly false certification" on a loan application, the agency "may refer the borrower for appropriate civil or criminal penalties."
In a letter to Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, an SBA official notes that the organization in Washington, D.C., applied for a little more than $1.3 million in funds through the program, which was set up to help small businesses keep employees on payroll during the crisis. A similar letter to Planned Parenthood of Delaware references a loan application for $496,225. The letters were first reported by Fox News.
Stephanie Fraim, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, told NPR that her organization received a little over $2 million, mostly to cover employee paychecks.
"The economic uncertainty at that moment was profound, and the two weeks while we waited for this loan, we spent having some very tough conversations about what we would do if we didn't get this loan," Fraim said.
Jacqueline Ayers, vice president of government relations and public policy at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said the move by SBA is part of a politically motivated "relentless attack" by the Trump administration, which opposes abortion rights and has taken steps to restrict access to abortion and contraception.
Since early on in the pandemic, groups opposed to abortion rights have expressed concern that coronavirus relief funds not be directed to organizations like Planned Parenthood. Many Planned Parenthood clinics provide abortions along with other reproductive health services, but using federal funds to pay for abortions is prohibited in most cases.
Several Republican senators also are calling on Planned Parenthood affiliates to return funds distributed through the Paycheck Protection Program. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship, has said that taken together, Planned Parenthood affiliates have too many employees nationwide to be eligible under the program's rules. He said he wants the Small Business Administration to open an investigation into why and how the Planned Parenthood affiliates received the money.
In an interview with NPR, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) also said Planned Parenthood should return the funds, as several prominent large businesses and organizations have done after coming under criticism.
"That's what the Los Angeles Lakers have done. That's what Shake Shack has done. That's what Ruth's Chris [Steak House] has done," Lankford said. "So other organizations that it was exposed that they should not have taken the money have returned the money, so that would be the reasonable thing for them to be able to do."
Legal experts say the Paycheck Protection Program's eligibility rules are somewhat unclear and have shifted as the program has rolled out.
"They keep changing the rules," said Jessica Abrahams, who specializes in government contracting law at the firm Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath. "So entities that qualified three weeks ago may not qualify today. There's a lot of confusion, a lot of concern."


npr--2020-05-21--DeVos Faces Pushback Over Plan To Reroute Aid To Private School Students

DeVos Faces Pushback Over Plan To Reroute Aid To Private School Students Congressional Democrats have accused U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos of trying to reroute hundreds of millions of dollars in coronavirus aid money to K-12 private school students .
The coronavirus rescue package , known as the CARES Act , included more than $ 13 billion to help public schools cover pandemic-related costs .
In a Wednesday letter co-signed by Rep. Bobby Scott , Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Rosa DeLauro , the lawmakers said DeVos ' efforts run `` in contravention of both the plain reading of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Scott is chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee , and Murray is the ranking member of the Senate Health , Education , Labor and Pensions Committee .
This admonition comes about three weeks after DeVos issued guidance suggesting that private schools should benefit from a representative share of the emergency aid .
Most of the money set aside for schools in the CARES Act is meant to be distributed based on how many vulnerable , low-income students a district serves , the lawmakers said — the same way the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's an old formula meant to send money where it 's needed , including to some low-income private school students in the form of `` equitable services '' such as tutoring or transportation .
In the Education Department 's interpretation of the CARES Act , though , the agency argues that private schools should receive these subsidized services based on how many students they serve overall , rather than just their share of low-income students .
This could mean , in places with large private school populations , districts serving low-income students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on more affluent , private school neighbors .
In practice , here 's what the difference would look like : In Louisiana , under the low-income student formula , the state Department of Education reports private school students would receive services worth $ 8.6 million of the state 's CARES Act relief money .
Under the department 's broader interpretation , that share would jump to $ 31.5 million — a 267 % increase .
The department 's initial guidance , issued on April 30 , confused many school leaders , prompting a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School Officers , telling DeVos that , if the guidance is not revised , it `` could significantly harm the vulnerable students who were intended to benefit the most '' from the CARES Act relief .
In a letter to New Jersey 's governor , the head of the Education Law Center , a policy and advocacy group , calls DeVos ' directive `` a patent misreading '' of federal law and warns that , under this interpretation , Newark Public Schools would have to redirect an additional $ 800,000 of aid from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students .
Tennessee 's schools chief has reportedly said she plans to abide by the department 's guidance , though other school leaders have been defiant , noting that the directive is not legally binding .
On May 12 , Indiana 's Republican superintendent of public instruction , Jennifer McCormick , tweeted that , after consulting with her state 's attorney general , she would ignore the guidance .
`` I will not play political agenda games with [ COVID-19 ] relief funds , '' she said .
Scott , chairman of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement to NPR that `` there is rightfully pushback '' to the department 's position .
`` The actions of the Department of Education have left states and districts stuck between compliance with the law and adhering to ideologically motivated guidance , '' he said .
In a statement , Education Department press secretary Angela Morabito insisted the department is in the right : `` Congress directed the Department to make sure all students are able to be served through the CARES Act . ''
The statement went on to say , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Title I eligible students , they would be placing non-public school students and teachers at a disadvantage that Congress did not intend . ''
On Thursday , speaking remotely to reporters , the Republican chair of the Senate education committee , Sen. Lamar Alexander , was asked if he agreed with DeVos ' interpretation : `` I thought , and I think most of Congress thought , that money from the CARES Act would be distributed in the same way that Title I is distributed . ''

DeVos Faces Pushback Over Plan To Reroute Aid To Private School Students
Enlarge this image toggle caption Alex Brandon/AP Alex Brandon/AP
Congressional Democrats have accused U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos of trying to reroute hundreds of millions of dollars in coronavirus aid money to K-12 private school students. The coronavirus rescue package, known as the CARES Act, included more than $13 billion to help public schools cover pandemic-related costs.
In a Wednesday letter co-signed by Rep. Bobby Scott, Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the lawmakers said DeVos' efforts run "in contravention of both the plain reading of the statute and the intent of Congress." Scott is chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, and Murray is the ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
This admonition comes about three weeks after DeVos issued guidance suggesting that private schools should benefit from a representative share of the emergency aid.
Most of the money set aside for schools in the CARES Act is meant to be distributed based on how many vulnerable, low-income students a district serves, the lawmakers said — the same way the federal government hands out Title I dollars. It's an old formula meant to send money where it's needed, including to some low-income private school students in the form of "equitable services" such as tutoring or transportation.
In the Education Department's interpretation of the CARES Act, though, the agency argues that private schools should receive these subsidized services based on how many students they serve overall, rather than just their share of low-income students. This could mean, in places with large private school populations, districts serving low-income students could be required to spend relief money on more affluent, private school neighbors.
In practice, here's what the difference would look like: In Louisiana, under the low-income student formula, the state Department of Education reports private school students would receive services worth $8.6 million of the state's CARES Act relief money. Under the department's broader interpretation, that share would jump to $31.5 million — a 267% increase.
The department's initial guidance, issued on April 30, confused many school leaders, prompting a letter from the Council of Chief State School Officers, telling DeVos that, if the guidance is not revised, it "could significantly harm the vulnerable students who were intended to benefit the most" from the CARES Act relief.
In a letter to New Jersey's governor, the head of the Education Law Center, a policy and advocacy group, calls DeVos' directive "a patent misreading" of federal law and warns that, under this interpretation, Newark Public Schools would have to redirect an additional $800,000 of aid from its own pupils to area private school students.
Tennessee's schools chief has reportedly said she plans to abide by the department's guidance, though other school leaders have been defiant, noting that the directive is not legally binding.
On May 12, Indiana's Republican superintendent of public instruction, Jennifer McCormick, tweeted that, after consulting with her state's attorney general, she would ignore the guidance. "I will not play political agenda games with [COVID-19] relief funds," she said.
Scott, chairman of the House education committee, said in a statement to NPR that "there is rightfully pushback" to the department's position. "The actions of the Department of Education have left states and districts stuck between compliance with the law and adhering to ideologically motivated guidance," he said.
In a statement, Education Department press secretary Angela Morabito insisted the department is in the right: "Congress directed the Department to make sure all students are able to be served through the CARES Act." The statement went on to say, if school districts "were to only count Title I eligible students, they would be placing non-public school students and teachers at a disadvantage that Congress did not intend."
On Thursday, speaking remotely to reporters, the Republican chair of the Senate education committee, Sen. Lamar Alexander, was asked if he agreed with DeVos' interpretation: "I thought, and I think most of Congress thought, that money from the CARES Act would be distributed in the same way that Title I is distributed."


npr--2020-05-21--Trump Officials Ordered To Pay More Legal Costs Over Blocked Citizenship Question

Trump Officials Ordered To Pay More Legal Costs Over Blocked Citizenship Question The Trump administration failed to turn over hundreds of emails and other internal documents before going to trial over the now-blocked census citizenship question — and a federal judge says it has to pay for it .
U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman of New York — the first judge to block the administration 's plans to include the question last year because of its `` sham justification '' — is now ordering the administration to cover the attorney 's fees and other costs related to a legal dispute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court filings , Justice Department attorneys have said that late last year they discovered the administration did not produce at least 900 documents — or more than 10 % of the documents they should have — because of a `` technical error '' when searching for files .
`` In other words , '' Furman wrote in an opinion released Thursday , `` Defendants ' failure to produce the documents was caused by a lapse that would make a first-year litigation associate wince . ''
This dangling thread in the legal saga over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a Trump administration cover-up of the true origins of its failed push to add the inquiry to forms for the national head count .
In a written statement , ACLU attorney Dale Ho — who helped represent the advocacy groups that brought forth those allegations — said the groups `` could n't agree more '' with Furman 's ruling .
`` The court appropriately imposed monetary penalties on the administration , which will finally bring this litigation to an end , '' Ho said .
The Justice Department declined to comment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herlihy said in an email to NPR .
Furman , however , did refuse to grant the advocacy groups ' requests for more releases of internal documents and questioning under oath of Trump administration officials .
Despite finding their allegations `` troubling , '' the judge noted that the challengers of the question have already won at both the federal district court in Manhattan and the U.S. Supreme Court .
A majority of the high court ruled last year to uphold Furman 's decision to block the citizenship question that Commerce Secretary Wilbur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , approved adding .
`` There are actual oversight bodies better suited to the task of investigating and evaluating the process that led to Secretary Ross 's decision — most notably , Congress , '' Furman wrote .
The House Oversight and Reform Committee has filed a lawsuit against Ross and U.S. Attorney General William Barr for not complying with congressional subpoenas to turn over to lawmakers unredacted versions of emails , memos and other documents related to Ross ' decision .
As an alternative to a citizenship question , the administration is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Census Bureau to produce estimates of U.S. citizen adults based on government records .
Latinx community groups in Texas and Arizona have filed a federal lawsuit to block those efforts , alleging that they 're part of a conspiracy to stop Latinos , noncitizens and other immigrants from getting fair political representation .

Trump Officials Ordered To Pay More Legal Costs Over Blocked Citizenship Question
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mark Wilson/Getty Images Mark Wilson/Getty Images
The Trump administration failed to turn over hundreds of emails and other internal documents before going to trial over the now-blocked census citizenship question — and a federal judge says it has to pay for it.
U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman of New York — the first judge to block the administration's plans to include the question last year because of its "sham justification" — is now ordering the administration to cover the attorney's fees and other costs related to a legal dispute over the previously undisclosed documents.
In court filings, Justice Department attorneys have said that late last year they discovered the administration did not produce at least 900 documents — or more than 10% of the documents they should have — because of a "technical error" when searching for files.
"In other words," Furman wrote in an opinion released Thursday, "Defendants' failure to produce the documents was caused by a lapse that would make a first-year litigation associate wince."
This dangling thread in the legal saga over the hotly-contested census question stems from allegations of a Trump administration cover-up of the true origins of its failed push to add the inquiry to forms for the national head count.
In a written statement, ACLU attorney Dale Ho — who helped represent the advocacy groups that brought forth those allegations — said the groups "couldn't agree more" with Furman's ruling.
"The court appropriately imposed monetary penalties on the administration, which will finally bring this litigation to an end," Ho said.
The Justice Department declined to comment on Furman's ruling, DOJ spokesperson Brianna Herlihy said in an email to NPR.
Furman, however, did refuse to grant the advocacy groups' requests for more releases of internal documents and questioning under oath of Trump administration officials.
Despite finding their allegations "troubling," the judge noted that the challengers of the question have already won at both the federal district court in Manhattan and the U.S. Supreme Court. A majority of the high court ruled last year to uphold Furman's decision to block the citizenship question that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who oversees the Census Bureau, approved adding.
"There are actual oversight bodies better suited to the task of investigating and evaluating the process that led to Secretary Ross's decision — most notably, Congress," Furman wrote.
The House Oversight and Reform Committee has filed a lawsuit against Ross and U.S. Attorney General William Barr for not complying with congressional subpoenas to turn over to lawmakers unredacted versions of emails, memos and other documents related to Ross' decision.
As an alternative to a citizenship question, the administration is continuing to move forward with plans for the Census Bureau to produce estimates of U.S. citizen adults based on government records. Latinx community groups in Texas and Arizona have filed a federal lawsuit to block those efforts, alleging that they're part of a conspiracy to stop Latinos, noncitizens and other immigrants from getting fair political representation.