npr--2020-06-10--Minneapolis Mayor Wants 'Full Structural Revamp,' Not Abolition Of Police Department

Minneapolis Mayor Wants 'Full Structural Revamp , ' Not Abolition Of Police Department Following the police killing of George Floyd , officials on the state , local and national level are focusing on how to improve policing in the United States .
In Minneapolis , where Floyd died after an officer knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes , the City Council — with a veto-proof majority — on Sunday pledged to defund the police department there .
A day earlier , amid a massive crowd of protesters , Frey was pressed on whether he would commit to defund @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not support the full abolition of the police , he was booed with chants of `` Go home , Jacob '' and `` Shame . ''
In an interview Wednesday with NPR 's All Things Considered , Frey expressed support for major structural reform but reaffirmed his opposition to disbanding the police .
`` We need to entirely shift the culture that has for years failed black and brown people , '' he says .
`` We need a full structural revamp .
But abolishing the police department ?
No , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Here are excerpts from the interview : For a lot of people , defunding the police means redirect that money .
Take the money , but instead of handing it to the police , redirect it into communities , into social services .
Are you against that ?
Well , the devil 's in the details .
And to the extent we 're talking about measures of safety beyond policing , I totally agree .
And in fact , we 've had those in several budgets , everything from mental health co-responders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... a hospital-based intervention system for people who have been shot .
So , yes , absolutely , we are for measures in that realm .
But we also do need police officers .
And we have a chief [ Medaria Arradondo ] ... who is from community , by community .
This is someone who sued the police department for racial discrimination and won .
And now he 's our chief .
And he 's been laying out a vision as to the culture shift that he wants to see , instilling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How do you persuade people that what you are proposing will be enough , will not be incremental , will not lead to more of the same ?
We do need a full-scale revamp , but in doing so , I think it 's important to say specifically what you 're talking about , what specifically the plan is .
I do n't think it 's a plan to say we 're going to abolish the police department and we 're really not sure what to do next .
That 's not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment that went viral on social media .
... What went through your mind in that moment ?
The protest came to my wife and I 's home , and they asked for me to come out and talk to the crowd .
And I did .
I came out .
I joined in on the protest and they asked me to come up towards the mic , and they asked me whether I would commit to defund the police .
I asked for clarification as to what they meant .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rid of all the police .
And , you know , I was honest .
I told them that I was for that massive structural change .
But I am not for abolishing the police department .
And these are the kind of difficult situations where you just have to be honest and transparent and forthright .
And was it hard to get booed in that situation ?
Was it hard to hear the jeers and that kind of walk of shame there ?
Absolutely , it was .
Absolutely .
But , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe in .
Listen to the full interview at the audio link above .

Minneapolis Mayor Wants 'Full Structural Revamp,' Not Abolition Of Police Department
Enlarge this image toggle caption Stephen Maturen/Getty Images Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Following the police killing of George Floyd, officials on the state, local and national level are focusing on how to improve policing in the United States.
In Minneapolis, where Floyd died after an officer knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes, the City Council — with a veto-proof majority — on Sunday pledged to defund the police department there.
It's a move the mayor, Jacob Frey, opposes.
A day earlier, amid a massive crowd of protesters, Frey was pressed on whether he would commit to defund the police. When he said he would not support the full abolition of the police, he was booed with chants of "Go home, Jacob" and "Shame."
In an interview Wednesday with NPR's All Things Considered, Frey expressed support for major structural reform but reaffirmed his opposition to disbanding the police.
"We need to entirely shift the culture that has for years failed black and brown people," he says. "We need a full structural revamp. But abolishing the police department? No, I think that's a bad idea."
Here are excerpts from the interview:
For a lot of people, defunding the police means redirect that money. Take the money, but instead of handing it to the police, redirect it into communities, into social services. Are you against that?
Well, the devil's in the details. And to the extent we're talking about measures of safety beyond policing, I totally agree. And in fact, we've had those in several budgets, everything from mental health co-responders to our group violence intervention initiative to ... a hospital-based intervention system for people who have been shot. So, yes, absolutely, we are for measures in that realm.
But we also do need police officers. And we have a chief [Medaria Arradondo] ... who is from community, by community. This is someone who sued the police department for racial discrimination and won. And now he's our chief. And he's been laying out a vision as to the culture shift that he wants to see, instilling every officer with compassion and dignity.
How do you persuade people that what you are proposing will be enough, will not be incremental, will not lead to more of the same?
We do need a full-scale revamp, but in doing so, I think it's important to say specifically what you're talking about, what specifically the plan is. I don't think it's a plan to say we're going to abolish the police department and we're really not sure what to do next. That's not a plan.
I want to ask about the moment that went viral on social media. ... What went through your mind in that moment?
The protest came to my wife and I's home, and they asked for me to come out and talk to the crowd. And I did. I came out. I joined in on the protest and they asked me to come up towards the mic, and they asked me whether I would commit to defund the police. I asked for clarification as to what they meant. And they said that they wanted to get rid of all the police.
And, you know, I was honest. I told them that I was for that massive structural change. But I am not for abolishing the police department.
And these are the kind of difficult situations where you just have to be honest and transparent and forthright. And was it hard to get booed in that situation? Was it hard to hear the jeers and that kind of walk of shame there? Absolutely, it was. Absolutely. But, you know, I stuck to what I believe in.
Listen to the full interview at the audio link above.


npr--2020-06-10--Amazon Halts Police Use Of Its Facial Recognition Technology

Amazon Halts Police Use Of Its Facial Recognition Technology Amazon announced on Wednesday a one-year moratorium on police use of its facial-recognition technology , yielding to pressure from police-reform advocates and civil rights groups .
It is unclear how many law enforcement agencies in the U.S. use Amazon 's artificial intelligence tool , but an official with the Washington County Sheriff 's Office in Oregon , confirmed that it will be suspending its use of Amazon 's facial recognition technology .
Researchers have long criticized the technology for producing inaccurate results for people with darker skin .
Studies have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against women and younger people .
The announcement follows IBM indicating this week that it would quit the facial-recognition business altogether .
In a letter to Congress , chief executive Arvind Krishna condemned software that is used `` for mass surveillance , racial profiling , violations of basic human rights and freedoms . ''
Congressional Democrats are seeking to regulate the technology in sweeping police reform legislation inspired by the nationwide protests over the police killing of George Floyd , a black man , in Minneapolis .
The proposed bill would limit how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facial recognition technology , including a ban on using the software with police body-worn cameras .
In its statement , Amazon officials say the company supports federal regulation for its algorithm-driven facial recognition software , known as Rekognition .
`` We hope this one-year moratorium might give Congress enough time to implement appropriate rules , and we stand ready to help if requested , '' the company said in a statement .
Amazon noted that authorities will still be able to use the facial recognition technology to help rescue human trafficking victims and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nicole Ozer , technology and civil liberties director with the ACLU of Northern California , said Amazon is `` finally recognizing the dangers face recognition poses to black and brown communities and civil rights more broadly . ''
American intelligence and military officials have long used facial recognition software in overseas anti-terrorist operations , but local and federal law enforcement agencies inside the U.S. have increasingly turned to the software as a crime-fighting tool .
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has used the technology to scan millions of driver 's licenses for possible matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Technology demonstrated that while lighter-skin men were often almost always positively identified , about 7 percent of lighter-skin women were misidentified and up to 35 percent of darker-skinned women were falsely identified .
`` With IBM 's decision and Amazon 's recent announcement , the efforts of so many civil liberties organizations , activists , shareholders , employees and researchers to end harmful use of facial recognition are gaining even more momentum , '' said Joy Buolamwini , who led the MIT study and founded the Algorithmic Justice League , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government use of facial recognition technologies .
`` The first step is to press pause . ''

Amazon Halts Police Use Of Its Facial Recognition Technology
Enlarge this image toggle caption Reed Saxon/AP Reed Saxon/AP
Updated on June 12 at 12:55 p.m. ET
Amazon announced on Wednesday a one-year moratorium on police use of its facial-recognition technology, yielding to pressure from police-reform advocates and civil rights groups.
It is unclear how many law enforcement agencies in the U.S. deploy Amazon's artificial intelligence tool, but an official with the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Oregon confirmed that it will be suspending its use of Amazon's facial recognition technology.
Researchers have long criticized the technology for producing inaccurate results for people with darker skin. Studies have also shown that the technology can be biased against women and younger people.
IBM said earlier this week that it would quit the facial-recognition business altogether. In a letter to Congress, chief executive Arvind Krishna condemned software that is used "for mass surveillance, racial profiling, violations of basic human rights and freedoms."
And Microsoft President Brad Smith told The Washington Post during a livestream Thursday morning that his company has not been selling its technology to law enforcement. Smith said he has no plans to until there is a national law.
Congressional Democrats are seeking to regulate the technology in sweeping police reform legislation inspired by the nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
The proposed bill would limit how much federal law enforcement officials could use facial recognition technology, including a ban on using the software with police body-worn cameras.
In its statement, Amazon officials say the company supports federal regulation for its algorithm-driven facial recognition software, known as Rekognition.
"We hope this one-year moratorium might give Congress enough time to implement appropriate rules, and we stand ready to help if requested," the company said in a statement.
Amazon noted that authorities will still be able to use the facial recognition technology to help rescue human trafficking victims and reunite missing children with their families.
Rekognition is part of Amazon Web Services, the tech giant's cloud computing division. It can use machine learning to rapidly compare an image captured from a person's social media account or from an officer's smartphone to look for a match from a database of hundreds of thousands of mugshots. Critics have been wary that using an algorithm to confirm who someone is can lead to cases of mistaken identity.
Nicole Ozer, technology and civil liberties director with the ACLU of Northern California, said a blanket ban on the technology is needed, but she welcomed Amazon's one-year pause, saying it shows that the company is "finally recognizing the dangers face recognition poses to black and brown communities and civil rights more broadly."
Ozer added: "Face recognition technology gives governments the unprecedented power to spy on us wherever we go. It fuels police abuse. This surveillance technology must be stopped."
Fight for the Future, a digital rights advocacy group, is also calling for an outright national ban on facial recognition technology and says Amazon's one-year break appears strategic.
"They've been calling for the federal government to 'regulate' facial recognition, because they want their corporate lawyers to help write the legislation, to ensure that it's friendly to their surveillance capitalist business model," the group said. "The reality is that facial recognition technology is too dangerous to be used at all."
American intelligence and military officials have long used facial recognition software in overseas anti-terrorist operations, but local and federal law enforcement agencies inside the U.S. have increasingly turned to the software as a crime-fighting tool. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has used the technology to scan millions of driver's licenses for possible matches.
One study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology demonstrated that while men with lighter skin were often almost always positively identified, about 7% of women with lighter skin were misidentified and up to 35% of women with darker skin were falsely identified.
"With IBM's decision and Amazon's recent announcement, the efforts of so many civil liberties organizations, activists, shareholders, employees and researchers to end harmful use of facial recognition are gaining even more momentum," said Joy Buolamwini, who led the MIT study and founded the Algorithmic Justice League, which is calling for a nationwide moratorium on all government use of facial recognition technologies. "The first step is to press pause."


npr--2020-06-10--Ex-State Department Inspector General Says He Was Given No Valid Reason When Fired

Ex-State Department Inspector General Says He Was Given No Valid Reason When Fired The State Department 's ousted inspector general has told congressional Democrats he was given `` no valid reason '' for his removal and that one of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo 's aides tried to bully him .
Democrats are investigating whether Steve Linick was removed in retaliation for carrying out his duties .
In an interview with Democratic leaders of the House and Senate last week , Linick confirmed he was looking into the alleged misuse of State Department resources by Pompeo and his wife .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ over his probe of the State Department 's role in an arms deal with Saudi Arabia .
`` He did n't take on the mission of the State Department to make us better , '' Pompeo told reporters Wednesday .
`` That 's what inspector generals are supposed to do ; they work for the agency head – that 's me – and they are supposed to deliver and help make that organization better , '' Pompeo insisted .
`` Secretary Pompeo 's statement that the Inspector General works for the agency head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ronald Neumann , president of the American Academy of Diplomacy , in a statement to NPR .
In fact , Neumann said , the law forbids the secretary to `` prevent or prohibit the Inspector General from initiating , carrying out , or completing any audit or investigation . ''
The veteran diplomat called the administration 's comments about Linick `` deeply disturbing in their refusal to pay attention to the law . ''
Linick told lawmakers he had a `` number of disagreements '' with Undersecretary of State for Management Brian Bulutao @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompeo .
`` At times he tried to bully me , '' Linick said of Bulatao , adding that the undersecretary wanted him to halt a review of the department 's decision to greenlight a $ 7 billion arms sales to Saudi Arabia over objections in Congress .
Linick was appointed inspector general in 2013 .
President Trump fired him on May 15 , saying he was acting at Pompeo 's request .
Linick told lawmakers that his dismissal came without warning .
`` I was in a state of shock because I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , '' Linick said , according to a transcript of his interview with members of Congress .
Pompeo said his only mistake was letting Linick stay on as long as he did .

Ex-State Department Inspector General Says He Was Given No Valid Reason When Fired
Enlarge this image toggle caption J. Scott Applewhite/AP J. Scott Applewhite/AP
The State Department's ousted inspector general has told congressional Democrats he was given "no valid reason" for his removal and that one of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's aides tried to bully him.
Democrats are investigating whether Steve Linick was removed in retaliation for carrying out his duties. In an interview with Democratic leaders of the House and Senate last week, Linick confirmed he was looking into the alleged misuse of State Department resources by Pompeo and his wife.
Linick also said he came under pressure over his probe of the State Department's role in an arms deal with Saudi Arabia.
Pompeo fired back, calling Linick a "bad actor."
"He didn't take on the mission of the State Department to make us better," Pompeo told reporters Wednesday. "That's what inspector generals are supposed to do; they work for the agency head – that's me – and they are supposed to deliver and help make that organization better," Pompeo insisted.
National Security What It Is Like To Serve As The State Department Inspector General What It Is Like To Serve As The State Department Inspector General Listen · 3:57 3:57
"Secretary Pompeo's statement that the Inspector General works for the agency head is wrong," said retired Ambassador Ronald Neumann, president of the American Academy of Diplomacy, in a statement to NPR. In fact, Neumann said, the law forbids the secretary to "prevent or prohibit the Inspector General from initiating, carrying out, or completing any audit or investigation." The veteran diplomat called the administration's comments about Linick "deeply disturbing in their refusal to pay attention to the law."
Linick told lawmakers he had a "number of disagreements" with Undersecretary of State for Management Brian Bulutao, a close friend and aide to Pompeo. "At times he tried to bully me," Linick said of Bulatao, adding that the undersecretary wanted him to halt a review of the department's decision to greenlight a $7 billion arms sales to Saudi Arabia over objections in Congress.
Linick was appointed inspector general in 2013. President Trump fired him on May 15, saying he was acting at Pompeo's request. Linick told lawmakers that his dismissal came without warning. "I was in a state of shock because I had no advance notice of anything like that," Linick said, according to a transcript of his interview with members of Congress. Pompeo said his only mistake was letting Linick stay on as long as he did.


npr--2020-06-10--'Homage To Hate': Pelosi Calls For Confederate Statues Removed From U.S. Capitol

'Homage To Hate ' : Pelosi Calls For Confederate Statues Removed From U.S. Capitol House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday called for the removal of statues of Confederate soldiers and officials from the U.S. Capitol as reignited conversations about the nation 's treatment of racial minorities have once again brought the monuments ' history into question .
In an open letter to the Joint Committee on the Library , Pelosi asked Congress to `` lead by example '' and remove 11 Confederate statues from the Capitol .
`` The statues in the Capitol should embody our highest ideals as Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we aspire to be as a nation .
Monuments to men who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to these ideals .
Their statues pay homage to hate , not heritage .
They must be removed , '' Pelosi wrote in the letter addressed to committee Chair Roy Blunt and Vice Chair Zoe Lofgren .
The Confederate States of America , its military and its flag remain controversial in the United States .
The uprising launched by the Confederacy in defense of slave ownership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many view the continued reverence of its symbols as a painful reminder of the nation 's racist inception .
Others , however , defend the Confederacy and its memorials as a tribute to the U.S. South and its former leaders .
Pelosi 's letter is the latest high-profile consideration of the Confederacy and its monuments ' visibility in public spaces .
President Trump on Wednesday issued a statement marking his ardent refusal to renaming U.S. military bases that are named after Confederate leaders .
`` It has been suggested that we should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legendary military bases such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina , Fort Hood in Texas , Fort Benning in Georgia , and the list goes on .
These monumental and very powerful bases have become part of a great American heritage and a history of winning , victory , and freedom .
The United States of America trained and deployed our heroes here and won two world wars , '' the president wrote in a tweet and later told reporters via White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany .
`` Therefore , my administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these magnificent and fabled military installations .
, , , Our history as the greatest nation in the world will not be tampered with .
Respect our military . ''
Soldiers of the Confederacy , a nation built from seceded former U.S. member states , fought against the U.S. military .
In response to Pelosi 's letter , Lofgren expressed her agreement with the House speaker 's request .
`` As Vice Chairperson of the Joint Committee on the Library and Chairperson of the House Fine Arts Board , I take very seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our more aspirational values are displayed in the United States Capitol .
Indeed , what the Confederate statutes in the National Statuary Hall Collection represent is anathema to who we are as a Congress and a country , '' Lofgren said in a statement .
`` I agree that the Joint Committee and Architect of the Capitol should expediently remove these symbols of cruelty and bigotry from the halls of the Capitol .
I stand ready , and call on the Chair of the Joint Committee to swiftly approve the removal of these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the American people and can not serve as a place of honor for the hatred and racism that tears at the fabric of our nation , the very poison that these statues embody . ''

'Homage To Hate': Pelosi Calls For Confederate Statues Removed From U.S. Capitol
Enlarge this image toggle caption Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday called for the removal of statues of Confederate soldiers and officials from the U.S. Capitol as reignited conversations about the nation's treatment of racial minorities have once again brought the monuments' history into question.
In an open letter to the Joint Committee on the Library, Pelosi asked Congress to "lead by example" and remove 11 Confederate statues from the Capitol.
"The statues in the Capitol should embody our highest ideals as Americans, expressing who we are and who we aspire to be as a nation. Monuments to men who advocated cruelty and barbarism to achieve such a plainly racist end are a grotesque affront to these ideals. Their statues pay homage to hate, not heritage. They must be removed," Pelosi wrote in the letter addressed to committee Chair Roy Blunt and Vice Chair Zoe Lofgren.
The Confederate States of America, its military and its flag remain controversial in the United States. The uprising launched by the Confederacy in defense of slave ownership led to more than 618,000 deaths, and many view the continued reverence of its symbols as a painful reminder of the nation's racist inception.
Others, however, defend the Confederacy and its memorials as a tribute to the U.S. South and its former leaders.
Pelosi's letter is the latest high-profile consideration of the Confederacy and its monuments' visibility in public spaces. President Trump on Wednesday issued a statement marking his ardent refusal to renaming U.S. military bases that are named after Confederate leaders.
"It has been suggested that we should rename as many as 10 of our legendary military bases such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Hood in Texas, Fort Benning in Georgia, and the list goes on. These monumental and very powerful bases have become part of a great American heritage and a history of winning, victory, and freedom. The United States of America trained and deployed our heroes here and won two world wars," the president wrote in a tweet and later told reporters via White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.
"Therefore, my administration will not even consider the renaming of these magnificent and fabled military installations. ,,, Our history as the greatest nation in the world will not be tampered with. Respect our military."
Soldiers of the Confederacy, a nation built from seceded former U.S. member states, fought against the U.S. military.
In response to Pelosi's letter, Lofgren expressed her agreement with the House speaker's request.
"As Vice Chairperson of the Joint Committee on the Library and Chairperson of the House Fine Arts Board, I take very seriously my duty and responsibility to ensure only our more aspirational values are displayed in the United States Capitol. Indeed, what the Confederate statutes in the National Statuary Hall Collection represent is anathema to who we are as a Congress and a country," Lofgren said in a statement.
"I agree that the Joint Committee and Architect of the Capitol should expediently remove these symbols of cruelty and bigotry from the halls of the Capitol. I stand ready, and call on the Chair of the Joint Committee to swiftly approve the removal of these statues. The Capitol building belongs to the American people and cannot serve as a place of honor for the hatred and racism that tears at the fabric of our nation, the very poison that these statues embody."


npr--2020-06-10--United Airlines Adds A Step To Check-In: Stating You Don't Have COVID-19 Symptoms

United Airlines Adds A Step To Check-In : Stating You Do n't Have COVID-19 Symptoms United Airlines will now require passengers to complete a `` health self-assessment '' as part of its check-in process .
It 's the latest effort by a U.S. airline to assure passengers that it 's safe to fly as the coronavirus pandemic continues .
The airline 's `` Ready-to-Fly '' checklist does not involve temperature checks or diagnostic testing for the virus .
Instead , travelers must review the checklist when checking in online and click `` Accept , '' or confirm it verbally to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers must affirm they 're not bringing explosives or banned materials on board .
• A reminder you must wear a face mask while on board • A list of common COVID-19 symptoms , and a declaration that you have not experienced them in the last 14 days • You have not been denied boarding by another airline due to a medical screening in the last 14 days • You have not had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days '' If anyone does not meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reschedule your trip , '' it says , and directs you to rebook your flight .
United 's Corporate Medical Director Pat Baylis said in statement that the wellness checklist `` sets clear guidelines on health requirements for our customers and helps minimize the risk of exposure during the travel experience . ''
The airline says the checklist was developed according to guidance from the Cleveland Clinic , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization .
The CDC says it 's not clear whether one type of travel is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in general increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19 .
Here 's how the CDC summarizes the risks of air travel : Since June 1 , Frontier Airlines has been conducting temperature screenings on all passengers and crew members using touchless thermometers prior to boarding .
Customers running a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher are not permitted to fly .
As we 've reported previously , temperature screenings are an imperfect method – one large study in New York found that only 30 % of people hospitalized for the virus had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flying in the U.S. cratered when the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March , and has remained low .
On Tuesday , the number of flyers being screened at TSA checkpoints was less than 14 % of what it was on the same weekday a year earlier .

United Airlines Adds A Step To Check-In: Stating You Don't Have COVID-19 Symptoms
Enlarge this image toggle caption United Airlines United Airlines
United Airlines will now require passengers to complete a "health self-assessment" as part of its check-in process. It's the latest effort by a U.S. airline to assure passengers that it's safe to fly as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The airline's "Ready-to-Fly" checklist does not involve temperature checks or diagnostic testing for the virus. Instead, travelers must review the checklist when checking in online and click "Accept," or confirm it verbally to a gate agent — similar to how passengers must affirm they're not bringing explosives or banned materials on board.
Here's what's on United's checklist before boarding:
A reminder you must wear a face mask while on board
A list of common COVID-19 symptoms, and a declaration that you have not experienced them in the last 14 days
You have not been denied boarding by another airline due to a medical screening in the last 14 days
You have not had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days
"If anyone does not meet these criteria, we ask that you reschedule your trip," it says, and directs you to rebook your flight.
United's Corporate Medical Director Pat Baylis said in statement that the wellness checklist "sets clear guidelines on health requirements for our customers and helps minimize the risk of exposure during the travel experience."
The airline says the checklist was developed according to guidance from the Cleveland Clinic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization. The CDC says it's not clear whether one type of travel is safer than another, but that travel in general increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19.
Here's how the CDC summarizes the risks of air travel:
"Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and you may have to sit near others (within 6 feet), sometimes for hours. This may increase your risk for exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19."
Since June 1, Frontier Airlines has been conducting temperature screenings on all passengers and crew members using touchless thermometers prior to boarding. Customers running a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher are not permitted to fly. As we've reported previously, temperature screenings are an imperfect method – one large study in New York found that only 30% of people hospitalized for the virus had a fever.
The number of people flying in the U.S. cratered when the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March, and has remained low. On Tuesday, the number of flyers being screened at TSA checkpoints was less than 14% of what it was on the same weekday a year earlier.


npr--2020-06-10--NASCAR Bans Confederate Flag

NASCAR Bans Confederate Flag

NASCAR has banned the Confederate battle flag at all of its events and properties .
In a Wednesday tweet , the stock car racing organization said the presence of the flag `` runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans , our competitors and industry . ''
`` Bringing people together around the love of racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sports special , '' the statement said .
NASCAR has been under pressure for years to ban the flag that has long been prevalent at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its infields on race days .
In 2015 , then-NASCAR CEO and Chairman Brian France referred to the flag as an `` offensive and divisive symbol . ''
His remarks were prompted by the killings of nine African Americans in a South Carolina church .
France subsequently implemented a flag exchange program at all racing events in which fans could trade in a Confederate flag for an American one .
The latest directive comes just days after popular driver Darrell `` Bubba '' Wallace — the only African American racing in its top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ouster .
Wallace told CNN on Monday , `` No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race .
So it starts with Confederate flags .
Get them out of here .
They have no place for them . ''
Backlash to NASCAR 's ban on the rebel flag has been almost immediate , with some saying they will no longer attend or support the organization .
There is also anger over Wallace 's plan to drive a car emblazoned with a Black Lives Matter hashtag at Wednesday 's Martinsville @ @ @ @

NASCAR Bans Confederate Flag
Enlarge this image toggle caption Brynn Anderson/AP Brynn Anderson/AP
Updated at 10:10 p.m. ET
NASCAR has banned the Confederate battle flag at all of its events and properties.
In a Wednesday tweet, the stock car racing organization said the presence of the flag "runs contrary to our commitment to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, our competitors and industry."
"Bringing people together around the love of racing and the community that it creates is what makes our fans and sports special," the statement said.
NASCAR has been under pressure for years to ban the flag that has long been prevalent at its racetracks and flown on RVs at its infields on race days.
In 2015, then-NASCAR CEO and Chairman Brian France referred to the flag as an "offensive and divisive symbol."
His remarks were prompted by the killings of nine African Americans in a South Carolina church.
France subsequently implemented a flag exchange program at all racing events in which fans could trade in a Confederate flag for an American one.
The latest directive comes just days after popular driver Darrell "Bubba" Wallace — the only African American racing in its top circuit — called for the flag's ouster.
Wednesday, after the decision to ban the flag, Wallace told Fox Sports, "Hats off to NASCAR. ... It was a huge, a pivotal moment for the sport — a lot of backlash but it creates doors that allow the community to come together as one."
Wallace had told CNN on Monday, "No one should feel uncomfortable when they come to a NASCAR race. So it starts with Confederate flags. Get them out of here. They have no place for them."
Backlash to NASCAR's ban on the rebel flag has been almost immediate, with some saying they will no longer attend or support the organization. There is also anger over Wallace's plan to drive a car emblazoned with a Black Lives Matter hashtag at Wednesday's Martinsville Speedway in Virginia.


npr--2020-06-10--HBO Max Shelves 'Gone With The Wind' Temporarily For 'Racial Prejudices'

HBO Max Shelves 'Gone With The Wind ' Temporarily For 'Racial Prejudices' Streaming service HBO Max has temporarily removed the 1939 classic film Gone with the Wind from its library .
`` Gone with the Wind is a product of its time and depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have , unfortunately , been commonplace in American society , '' an HBO Max spokesperson said in a statement .
`` These racist depictions were wrong then and are wrong today , and we felt that to keep this title up without an explanation and a denouncement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The spokesperson adds that the movie will return to the streaming service at an undetermined time , with a discussion of its historical context .
But the movie itself will remain untouched `` because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed . ''
Gone with the Wind was a landmark achievement in American cinema — not only for its technical prowess and craft , but also because supporting actress Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American to ever win an Academy Award , for her role as Mammy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ glorification of the antebellum South and its glossing over the horrors of slavery — has n't aged well .
Critics say it looks back at the Confederacy with a certain nostalgia and fondness .
As the recent protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd have continued across the country these criticisms over the movie have been renewed .
Screenwriter , producer , and director John Ridley posted an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times earlier this week calling on HBO Max to remove the Gone With the Wind from its library @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best talents in Hollywood at that time working together to sentimentalize a history that never was , '' Ridley wrote .
`` And it continues to give cover to those who falsely claim that clinging to the iconography of the plantation era is a matter of 'heritage , not hate . '
'' While we do n't know yet when Gone With the Wind will return to HBO Max , it is still available to buy or rent from other places .
In fact , as of Wednesday , the 2-disc 70th edition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amazon 's `` Best Sellers '' charts for Movies and TV .

HBO Max Shelves 'Gone With The Wind' Temporarily For 'Racial Prejudices'
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images Mondadori Portfolio/Getty Images
Updated Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. ET
Streaming service HBO Max has temporarily removed the 1939 classic film Gone with the Wind from its library.
"Gone with the Wind is a product of its time and depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have, unfortunately, been commonplace in American society," an HBO Max spokesperson said in a statement.
"These racist depictions were wrong then and are wrong today, and we felt that to keep this title up without an explanation and a denouncement of those depictions would be irresponsible."
The spokesperson adds that the movie will return to the streaming service at an undetermined time, with a discussion of its historical context. But the movie itself will remain untouched "because to do otherwise would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed."
Gone with the Wind was a landmark achievement in American cinema — not only for its technical prowess and craft, but also because supporting actress Hattie McDaniel was the first African-American to ever win an Academy Award, for her role as Mammy.
But the movie — with its glorification of the antebellum South and its glossing over the horrors of slavery — hasn't aged well. Critics say it looks back at the Confederacy with a certain nostalgia and fondness.
As the recent protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd have continued across the country these criticisms over the movie have been renewed. Screenwriter, producer, and director John Ridley posted an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times earlier this week calling on HBO Max to remove the Gone With the Wind from its library.
"The movie had the very best talents in Hollywood at that time working together to sentimentalize a history that never was," Ridley wrote. "And it continues to give cover to those who falsely claim that clinging to the iconography of the plantation era is a matter of 'heritage, not hate.'"
While we don't know yet when Gone With the Wind will return to HBO Max, it is still available to buy or rent from other places. In fact, as of Wednesday, the 2-disc 70th edition DVD has risen to the top of Amazon's "Best Sellers" charts for Movies and TV.


npr--2020-06-10--Jon Ossoff Wins Georgia's Democratic Senate Primary

Jon Ossoff has won Georgia 's Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate , The Associated Press projects .
Votes continued to be counted Wednesday across Georgia following its Tuesday primary , which was plagued with long lines and voting machine issues .
Ossoff had 50.5 % of the vote , with 97 % of precincts reporting .
Georgia 's election law requires that a candidate receive a majority of votes to secure a primary nomination .
Ossoff finished far ahead of the other six Democratic candidates .
He will face Republican Sen. David Perdue in November .
As the vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` fight to ensure that every single vote is counted . ''
`` There are hundreds of thousands of votes that remain to be counted .
So until those votes are counted , it 's not the time to talk about outcomes , '' he said on a call earlier Wednesday .
While much of the election was conducted by mail , in-person voting on Tuesday suffered major logistical problems and long lines across the state , which has raised concerns over preparations for Election Day in November .
Teresa Tomlinson , former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ossoff in second place , and she 's closely followed by Sarah Riggs Amico , a former nominee for Georgia lieutenant governor .
If Ossoff is unable to surpass 50 % of the vote , he and the second-place candidate will move on to a runoff election on Aug. 11 .
`` It appears that for the third time in his political career , Jon Ossoff has failed to break the 50 % needed to avoid a runoff , '' Tomlinson said in a statement Wednesday .
`` Voters in Georgia know we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Perdue and even though Jon is universally known , a majority of voters have rejected him again , '' she added , though it remains to be seen whether Ossoff received a majority of the vote .
In a statement from Amico 's campaign , she emphasized the need to count additional ballots before moving forward .
`` It is a slap in the face to every Georgia voter for a candidate to unilaterally declare an outcome in this race when hundreds of thousands of ballots remain uncounted , '' Amico said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three of seven Democrats vying for the primary nomination , including Maya Dillard Smith , former head of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia .
The AP said as of midday Wednesday , there may be more than 100,000 uncounted votes in the Atlanta metro area , a region where Ossoff has dominated so far .
Ossoff had sharp criticism for Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger after Raffensperger pledged to launch investigations into the predominantly Democratic counties of DeKalb and Fulton following the election delays .
Fulton County encompasses the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also in neighboring DeKalb County .
Georgia Republican State House Speaker David Ralston echoed a similar sentiment , pushing for a committee in the state Legislature to investigate .
`` I have to say that I was particularly disgusted that our secretary of state refused to take any personal responsibility for a debacle that was clear to anybody watching it , '' Ossoff told reporters .
`` What happened yesterday was an outrage . ''
With a clear lead in the primary contest and a possible runoff in sight , Ossoff may be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced three years ago .
In 2017 , Ossoff ran for the U.S. House in a special election to fill the seat in Georgia 's 6th Congressional District .
He fell short of winning a majority by under 2 percentage points in the spring primary and went on to lose to Republican Karen Handel in a runoff that summer .
The district , located in the Atlanta metro area , had been GOP controlled for nearly 40 years and went Democratic in 2018 .
The special election in 2017 saw increased turnout for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expensive House race ever recorded .
While Ossoff 's national name recognition is high , he faced criticism during this year 's Senate primary campaign over his resume .
Ossoff heads a company that produces investigative documentaries and has previously been a congressional staffer , though he has never held elected office .
Tomlinson , who touted her governing experience as a two-term mayor and public safety director in her city , attacked Ossoff 's candidacy last month during a primary debate , also highlighting a Republican poll that found Perdue ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make you our nominee when you lack public service experience , could n't win your home district and have very little statewide appeal ? ''
Tomlinson asked .
Georgia 's 2020 state and congressional primaries were originally slated for May 19 , then postponed to June 9 due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis .
In an interview with NPR in late April , Ossoff characterized campaigning during the pandemic as a challenge but added it `` pales in comparison to what so many people are going through . ''
Georgia is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate elections this year .
In addition to the Perdue race , a special election is planned for November to fill former GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson 's seat since he retired in the summer of 2019 due to health challenges .
Republican Kelly Loeffler was appointed to fill the seat until the special election , and she is being challenged within her own party by Rep. Doug Collins , an ally of President Trump 's .
The leading Democrat in the race is the Rev .
Raphael Warnock , senior pastor at historic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rev .
Martin Luther King Jr. once preached .
Following significantly high turnout in the 2018 midterms , Georgia remains a key state for both Republicans and Democrats , and neither Senate seat is considered safe for Republicans .
The Cook Political Report , a nonpartisan organization that tracks state and federal elections , has classified both Senate elections as Republican-leaning races , instead of likely or solid to go Republican , a notable distinction for a state that has n't elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in 20 years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including Rep. John Lewis , who also supported him during his 2017 run .
If elected , Ossoff , 33 , would be the youngest member of the U.S. Senate and also the youngest elected since 1981 when former Sen. Don Nickles , R-Okla. , took office at age 32 .

Jon Ossoff Wins Georgia's Democratic Senate Primary
Enlarge this image toggle caption David Goldman/AP David Goldman/AP
Updated at 8:40 p.m. ET
Jon Ossoff has won Georgia's Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, The Associated Press projects.
Votes continued to be counted Wednesday across Georgia following its Tuesday primary, which was plagued with long lines and voting machine issues.
Ossoff had 50.5% of the vote, with 97% of precincts reporting. Georgia's election law requires that a candidate receive a majority of votes to secure a primary nomination. Ossoff finished far ahead of the other six Democratic candidates. He will face Republican Sen. David Perdue in November.
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As the vote count languished earlier Wednesday, Ossoff pledged to "fight to ensure that every single vote is counted."
"There are hundreds of thousands of votes that remain to be counted. So until those votes are counted, it's not the time to talk about outcomes," he said on a call then.
While much of the election was conducted by mail, in-person voting on Tuesday suffered major logistical problems and long lines across the state, which has raised concerns over preparations for Election Day in November.
Teresa Tomlinson, former mayor of Columbus, Ga., trailed Ossoff in second place, and she was closely followed by Sarah Riggs Amico, a former nominee for Georgia lieutenant governor.
Ossoff, Tomlinson and Amico were three of seven Democrats vying for the primary nomination, including Maya Dillard Smith, former head of the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia.
Ossoff had sharp criticism for Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger after Raffensperger pledged to launch investigations into the predominantly Democratic counties of DeKalb and Fulton following the election delays. Fulton County encompasses the city of Atlanta. Part of Atlanta is also in neighboring DeKalb County. Georgia Republican State House Speaker David Ralston echoed a similar sentiment, pushing for a committee in the state Legislature to investigate.
"I have to say that I was particularly disgusted that our secretary of state refused to take any personal responsibility for a debacle that was clear to anybody watching it," Ossoff told reporters. "What happened yesterday was an outrage."
In 2017, Ossoff ran for the U.S. House in a special election to fill the seat in Georgia's 6th Congressional District. He fell short of winning a majority by under 2 percentage points in the spring primary and went on to lose to Republican Karen Handel in a runoff that summer. The district, located in the Atlanta metro area, had been GOP-controlled for nearly 40 years and went Democratic in 2018.
The special election in 2017 saw increased turnout for an off-year election and remains the most expensive House race ever recorded. While Ossoff's national name recognition is high, he faced criticism during this year's Senate primary campaign over his resume.
Ossoff heads a company that produces investigative documentaries and has previously been a congressional staffer, though he has never held elected office.
Tomlinson, who touted her governing experience as a two-term mayor and public safety director in her city, attacked Ossoff's candidacy last month during a primary debate, also highlighting a Republican poll that found Perdue ahead of Ossoff.
"How can we afford to make you our nominee when you lack public service experience, couldn't win your home district and have very little statewide appeal?" Tomlinson asked.
Georgia's 2020 state and congressional primaries were originally slated for May 19, then postponed to June 9 due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
In an interview with NPR in late April, Ossoff characterized campaigning during the pandemic as a challenge but added it "pales in comparison to what so many people are going through."
Georgia is the only state in the country with two Senate elections this year. In addition to the Perdue race, a special election is planned for November to fill former GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson's seat since he retired in the summer of 2019 due to health challenges.
Republican Kelly Loeffler was appointed to fill the seat until the special election, and she is being challenged within her own party by Rep. Doug Collins, an ally of President Trump's. The leading Democrat in the race is the Rev. Raphael Warnock, senior pastor at historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached.
Following significantly high turnout in the 2018 midterms, Georgia remains a key state for both Republicans and Democrats, and neither Senate seat is considered safe for Republicans.
The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan organization that tracks state and federal elections, has classified both Senate elections as Republican-leaning races, instead of likely or solid to go Republican, a notable distinction for a state that hasn't elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in 20 years.
Ossoff received endorsements from several Georgia leaders, including Rep. John Lewis, who also supported him during his 2017 run.
If elected, Ossoff, 33, would be the youngest member of the U.S. Senate and also the youngest elected since 1981 when former Sen. Don Nickles, R-Okla., took office at age 32.


npr--2020-06-10--Tokyo Olympics Organizers Aim To 'Simplify' Games

The Tokyo Olympic Games , which have been delayed a year to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic , may be held in a simpler fashion than the Olympics usually are .
Yoshiro Mori , the president of the organizing committee , told reporters Wednesday that he hopes to simplify the games in order to cut costs and provide a safer environment , according to Japan 's NHK News .
It 's not clear how exactly the organizers want to carry this out .
Officials said on Wednesday that they plan to ask international sports bodies and national Olympic committees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the total number of participants .
More than 11,000 athletes participated in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics .
The Tokyo Summer Olympics are now set to begin in July 2021 , and the International Olympic Committee said last month that it will devote up to $ 800 million to help cover costs of postponement .
The delay is estimated to cost Japan anywhere from $ 2 billion to $ 6 billion , according to The Associated Press .
Mori said that organizers for the Tokyo Olympics have been communicating with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the process of identifying more than 200 items that simplification could exist , '' the wire service reported .
`` At this juncture , I am not able to say concretely what kind of games we are planning , '' Mori said .
`` What I am saying , is going forward we are going to listen , study and discuss what the games should be .
How the games should be . ''
The IOC plans to hold a meeting virtually on July 17 , where such discussions could be held .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed coronavirus cases with just over 17,000 , according to Johns Hopkins University .
As of Wednesday afternoon , 922 people have died there due to the virus , a count lower than at least 21 U.S. states .

Tokyo Olympics Organizers Aim To 'Simplify' Games
Enlarge this image toggle caption Eugene Hoshiko/AP Eugene Hoshiko/AP
The Tokyo Olympic Games, which have been delayed a year to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, may be held in a simpler fashion than the Olympics usually are.
Yoshiro Mori, the president of the organizing committee, told reporters Wednesday that he hopes to simplify the games in order to cut costs and provide a safer environment, according to Japan's NHK News.
It's not clear how exactly the organizers want to carry this out.
Officials said on Wednesday that they plan to ask international sports bodies and national Olympic committees to "streamline" the games and reduce the total number of participants. More than 11,000 athletes participated in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics.
The Tokyo Summer Olympics are now set to begin in July 2021, and the International Olympic Committee said last month that it will devote up to $800 million to help cover costs of postponement.
The delay is estimated to cost Japan anywhere from $2 billion to $6 billion, according to The Associated Press.
Mori said that organizers for the Tokyo Olympics have been communicating with the IOC, and are "in the process of identifying more than 200 items that simplification could exist," the wire service reported.
"At this juncture, I am not able to say concretely what kind of games we are planning," Mori said. "What I am saying, is going forward we are going to listen, study and discuss what the games should be. How the games should be."
The IOC plans to hold a meeting virtually on July 17, where such discussions could be held.
Japan currently has the 46th-highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases with just over 17,000, according to Johns Hopkins University. As of Wednesday afternoon, 922 people have died there due to the virus, a count lower than at least 21 U.S. states.


npr--2020-06-10--Labor Leaders Call For Police Reform Even As Police Unions Face Growing Criticism

Labor Leaders Call For Police Reform Even As Police Unions Face Growing Criticism A loud and longtime complaint of civil rights activists and police reform advocates is that police unions are part of the problem of police brutality .
Unions are designed to protect their members , and when it comes to officers charged with wrongdoing or excessive force , that means police unions are too often protecting bad cops and saving their jobs .
Richard Trumka , who heads the nation 's largest federation of labor organizations , announced Tuesday night that the board of the AFL-CIO has adopted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` America 's long history of racism and police violence against black people . ''
In a statement , the AFL-CIO called for the resignations of Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , for their participation last week in a presidential photo-op in Lafayette Square in Washington , D.C .
The park was cleared of peaceful protesters by the U.S. Park Police and other federal forces , including military , who used rubber projectiles and gas as well as riot shields , batons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the local police union president in Minneapolis , where George Floyd was killed , should be forced to resign .
Further , the AFL-CIO said its own 2013 findings must be acted upon , which the statement said could allow for a crackdown on such brutality while protecting due process rights of all public service workers .
Specifically , the statement called for banning chokeholds , expanding use of body cameras , ending racial profiling , demilitarizing police forces or limiting no-knock warrants , and creating a more community-centric policing culture .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ located on 16th Street NW at what is now known as Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington — suffered some fire damage and had sidewalk-level plate glass windows smashed during a night of massive protests near the White House .
Today , those windows are boarded up .
And large black posters affixed to the building read `` AFL-CIO Supports Black Lives Matter '' in bold white letters on a black background .
Someone , however , affixed smaller white signs next to such proclamations of support that say , `` Hey AFL-CIO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If You Believed It You Would Kick The Police Unions Out . ''
That sign singles out the International Union of Police Associations .
In its statement , the AFL-CIO responded that it will not cut ties with that union , one of a dozen within the federation that counts law enforcement workers as members .
The AFL-CIO said those members are officers of `` every color , background and stripe in America . ''
It went on to say that they deserve the right to collective bargaining , and that the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brutality is to `` engage unions rather than isolate them . ''
One of those unions that represents police officers is the American Federation of State , County and Municipal Employees .
AFSCME President Lee Saunders wrote in an op-ed this week in USA Today , `` No union contract is or should be construed as a shield for misconduct or criminal behavior . ''
Saunders , who is African American , also condemned the actions of the Minneapolis police officers in the Floyd case as `` heinous , '' saying there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police unions often wield considerable political clout in many communities .
Their endorsements are much sought after by candidates for office up and down the ballot .
The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest single law enforcement organization in the United States .
Its president , Patrick Yoes , told NPR 's Morning Edition that he agrees that police reforms are needed .
`` We welcome the opportunity to sit down and have some meaningful fact-based discussions on ways to improve the law enforcement community , '' Yoes said .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have fine records when it comes to community relations .
According to Yoes , they can learn from them and by creating a national standard for all communities to follow .
`` The last thing we want to do is have bad cops on the street , '' he said .
`` We want to correct this . ''
Such statements from the national head of the Fraternal Order of Police do n't necessarily reflect those of local police union leaders in any given community .
In Buffalo , New York , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the site of a protest were charged with assault after an elderly protester they pushed suffered a head injury when he fell backward to the pavement .
In response , more than 50 officers backed their suspended colleagues by resigning en masse from the department 's emergency response team .
The head of the local union — the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association — praised the resignations and told local TV station WGRZ that the accused officers were simply executing orders .
President Trump also weighed in on Twitter , posting a conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for antifa and had set up the entire incident .
The White House has stood by that tweet .
That episode underscores just how polarized and partisan the debate over police reforms has become .
And that only increased the difficulty of what already promised to be a complicated process .

Labor Leaders Call For Police Reform Even As Police Unions Face Growing Criticism
Enlarge this image toggle caption Patrick Semansky/AP Patrick Semansky/AP
A loud and longtime complaint of civil rights activists and police reform advocates is that police unions are part of the problem of police brutality. Unions are designed to protect their members, and when it comes to officers charged with wrongdoing or excessive force, that means police unions are too often protecting bad cops and saving their jobs.
Richard Trumka, who heads the nation's largest federation of labor organizations, announced Tuesday night that the board of the AFL-CIO has adopted a set of recommendations aimed at addressing "America's long history of racism and police violence against black people."
In a statement, the AFL-CIO called for the resignations of Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for their participation last week in a presidential photo-op in Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C. The park was cleared of peaceful protesters by the U.S. Park Police and other federal forces, including military, who used rubber projectiles and gas as well as riot shields, batons and horses.
The labor federation also said the local police union president in Minneapolis, where George Floyd was killed, should be forced to resign. Further, the AFL-CIO said its own 2013 findings must be acted upon, which the statement said could allow for a crackdown on such brutality while protecting due process rights of all public service workers. Specifically, the statement called for banning chokeholds, expanding use of body cameras, ending racial profiling, demilitarizing police forces or limiting no-knock warrants, and creating a more community-centric policing culture.
Last week, the AFL-CIO headquarters — located on 16th Street NW at what is now known as Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington — suffered some fire damage and had sidewalk-level plate glass windows smashed during a night of massive protests near the White House.
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images
Today, those windows are boarded up. And large black posters affixed to the building read "AFL-CIO Supports Black Lives Matter" in bold white letters on a black background. Someone, however, affixed smaller white signs next to such proclamations of support that say, "Hey AFL-CIO, The Posters Are Nice, But If You Believed It You Would Kick The Police Unions Out."
Enlarge this image toggle caption Don Gonyea/NPR Don Gonyea/NPR
That sign singles out the International Union of Police Associations. In its statement, the AFL-CIO responded that it will not cut ties with that union, one of a dozen within the federation that counts law enforcement workers as members. The AFL-CIO said those members are officers of "every color, background and stripe in America." It went on to say that they deserve the right to collective bargaining, and that the best way to influence the issue of police brutality is to "engage unions rather than isolate them."
One of those unions that represents police officers is the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. AFSCME President Lee Saunders wrote in an op-ed this week in USA Today, "No union contract is or should be construed as a shield for misconduct or criminal behavior." Saunders, who is African American, also condemned the actions of the Minneapolis police officers in the Floyd case as "heinous," saying there is no justification for what they did.
Police unions often wield considerable political clout in many communities. Their endorsements are much sought after by candidates for office up and down the ballot.
The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest single law enforcement organization in the United States. Its president, Patrick Yoes, told NPR's Morning Edition that he agrees that police reforms are needed.
"We welcome the opportunity to sit down and have some meaningful fact-based discussions on ways to improve the law enforcement community," Yoes said.
He said there are police departments across the U.S. that have fine records when it comes to community relations. According to Yoes, they can learn from them and by creating a national standard for all communities to follow. "The last thing we want to do is have bad cops on the street," he said. "We want to correct this."
Such statements from the national head of the Fraternal Order of Police don't necessarily reflect those of local police union leaders in any given community. In Buffalo, New York, this past week, two police officers on the site of a protest were charged with assault after an elderly protester they pushed suffered a head injury when he fell backward to the pavement. In response, more than 50 officers backed their suspended colleagues by resigning en masse from the department's emergency response team.
The head of the local union — the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association — praised the resignations and told local TV station WGRZ that the accused officers were simply executing orders. President Trump also weighed in on Twitter, posting a conspiracy theory that the injured activist was working for antifa and had set up the entire incident. The White House has stood by that tweet.
That episode underscores just how polarized and partisan the debate over police reforms has become. And that only increased the difficulty of what already promised to be a complicated process.


npr--2020-06-10--Senate Panel Asks: When Can K-12 Schools Safely Reopen?

Safely reopening the nation 's public schools will be an expensive and Herculean task without additional help from the federal government .
And , until schools do reopen , the nation 's most vulnerable children will continue to be hardest hit — losing consistent access to meals , valuable learning time , and vital social-emotional support .
Those were just some of the takeaways Wednesday from a hearing of the U.S. Senate 's education committee .
A handful of school leaders and a former U.S. secretary of education told senators that many districts will struggle to put in place recommendations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include providing masks , gloves and sanitizer , hiring cleaning staff and nurses , conducting testing and contact tracing , as well as planning for socially distant classrooms .
One big challenge is that these efforts are happening as states slash education budgets .
`` I am concerned that the economic impact of the pandemic will result in necessary and sustained cuts in PK-12 education funding , perhaps to exceed 20 % in Nebraska , '' said Matthew Blomstedt , that state 's Commissioner of Education .
The high cost to reopen schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent analysis from the School Superintendents Association and the Association of School Business Officials International .
According to the report , the average district would incur nearly $ 1.8 million in additional expenses , with the bulk of the spending going toward hiring additional custodial staff , nurses and aides to take students ' temperatures before they board school buses .
In many places , budget cuts — and this pandemic — are hitting schools that serve many low-income families the hardest .
These districts often depend more on state dollars than their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heavily on local property tax revenue , and have struggled to provide students with tools necessary to learn remotely , including digital devices and access to Wi-fi .
In fact , much of the hearing focused not on the specific safety challenges of reopening school but on the continued logistical and financial challenges of educating students remotely — especially already vulnerable students .
Districts need `` access to devices , access to broadband , access to professional development for educators , '' said Penny Schwinn , Tennessee 's education commissioner .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his farm .
And that 's a reality that 's all too true for many of our students and their teachers . ''
This may reveal school leaders ' embrace of a hard truth that many parents and policymakers do n't want to hear : Many children wo n't be returning to school full-time in the fall .
Susana Cordova , the superintendent of Denver 's public schools , said Denver students will likely see a mix of remote and in-person learning .
While all students will do at least 40 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vulnerable students will receive additional in-person instruction .
Whether schools are able to open physically in the fall , the committee 's ranking Democrat , Sen. Patty Murray , D-Wa , said `` we have to address the ways this virus has further exacerbated inequities that have long existed within our education system ... we have to do better .
Because if we do n't , the achievement gap—that we strive to close—will undoubtedly widen .
We ca n't let that happen . ''
And John B .
King , Jr. , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama , made clear that the ongoing protests over police violence should compel school leaders and policymakers to think even harder about what more they can do to support their students of color .
`` The murders of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , and Ahmaud Arbery have once again sent the message to black students that their lives are devalued , '' King said .
`` As schools reopen , our nation 's students of color and their families also find themselves enduring a pandemic that disproportionately impacts their health and safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disproportionately affects their financial well-being , and living in a country that too often still struggles to recognize their humanity . ''
The committee 's Republican chairman , Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee , himself a former U.S. Secretary of Education , made clear he believed Congress had already done a great deal , through the CARES Act , to help schools , but he did leave open the possibility of doing more .
Alexander closed the hearing by asking the panelists for details — specifically , a price tag — `` about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of financial support , to open our schools safely . ''

Senate Panel Asks: When Can K-12 Schools Safely Reopen?
Enlarge this image toggle caption Senate.gov/Screenshots by NPR Senate.gov/Screenshots by NPR
Safely reopening the nation's public schools will be an expensive and Herculean task without additional help from the federal government. And, until schools do reopen, the nation's most vulnerable children will continue to be hardest hit — losing consistent access to meals, valuable learning time, and vital social-emotional support. Those were just some of the takeaways Wednesday from a hearing of the U.S. Senate's education committee.
A handful of school leaders and a former U.S. secretary of education told senators that many districts will struggle to put in place recommendations for protecting students from COVID-19. Those include providing masks, gloves and sanitizer, hiring cleaning staff and nurses, conducting testing and contact tracing, as well as planning for socially distant classrooms. One big challenge is that these efforts are happening as states slash education budgets.
"I am concerned that the economic impact of the pandemic will result in necessary and sustained cuts in PK-12 education funding, perhaps to exceed 20% in Nebraska," said Matthew Blomstedt, that state's Commissioner of Education.
The high cost to reopen schools was thrown into sharp relief by a recent analysis from the School Superintendents Association and the Association of School Business Officials International. According to the report, the average district would incur nearly $1.8 million in additional expenses, with the bulk of the spending going toward hiring additional custodial staff, nurses and aides to take students' temperatures before they board school buses.
In many places, budget cuts — and this pandemic — are hitting schools that serve many low-income families the hardest. These districts often depend more on state dollars than their wealthier neighbors, who may rely more heavily on local property tax revenue, and have struggled to provide students with tools necessary to learn remotely, including digital devices and access to Wi-fi.
In fact, much of the hearing focused not on the specific safety challenges of reopening school but on the continued logistical and financial challenges of educating students remotely — especially already vulnerable students.
Districts need "access to devices, access to broadband, access to professional development for educators," said Penny Schwinn, Tennessee's education commissioner. "Our own governor often references not having internet on his farm. And that's a reality that's all too true for many of our students and their teachers."
This may reveal school leaders' embrace of a hard truth that many parents and policymakers don't want to hear: Many children won't be returning to school full-time in the fall.
Susana Cordova, the superintendent of Denver's public schools, said Denver students will likely see a mix of remote and in-person learning. While all students will do at least 40% of their learning in-person, Cordova said, vulnerable students will receive additional in-person instruction.
Whether schools are able to open physically in the fall, the committee's ranking Democrat, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wa, said "we have to address the ways this virus has further exacerbated inequities that have long existed within our education system ... we have to do better. Because if we don't, the achievement gap—that we strive to close—will undoubtedly widen. We can't let that happen."
And John B. King, Jr., a former education secretary under President Barack Obama, made clear that the ongoing protests over police violence should compel school leaders and policymakers to think even harder about what more they can do to support their students of color.
"The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery have once again sent the message to black students that their lives are devalued," King said. "As schools reopen, our nation's students of color and their families also find themselves enduring a pandemic that disproportionately impacts their health and safety, mired in an economic crisis that disproportionately affects their financial well-being, and living in a country that too often still struggles to recognize their humanity."
The committee's Republican chairman, Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee, himself a former U.S. Secretary of Education, made clear he believed Congress had already done a great deal, through the CARES Act, to help schools, but he did leave open the possibility of doing more.
Alexander closed the hearing by asking the panelists for details — specifically, a price tag — "about exactly what it would take, in terms of financial support, to open our schools safely."


npr--2020-06-10--Protesting? Here's How To Help Keep Your Family Safe From COVID-19 When You Go Home

Protesting ?
Here 's How To Help Keep Your Family Safe From COVID-19 When You Go Home Protesting during a pandemic likely leaves participants with at least two questions : Did I get infected ?
And might I be putting others at risk ?
Given that COVID-19 has an incubation time of up to two weeks , experts say it will take a couple of weeks before the impact of the protests on community transmission is known .
But in the meantime , there are critical steps you can take to minimize the risks to yourself and those you live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you even head out , says Dr. Cassandra Pierre , an infectious disease specialist at Boston Medical Center and assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine .
If you live with others , she says , `` you really have to do a risk calculation about who you 're living with , who you care for , what your job might be . ''
That 's because it 's hard to keep a safe distance in large crowds , and often protests involve other high-risk activities like singing and chanting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your household includes vulnerable people , such as an elderly grandparent or someone who is immunocompromised , she says , consider an alternate form of protest – like a car caravan .
Like many public health experts , including those at the World Health Organization , Pierre , who is African American , says she thinks the demonstrations are necessary , even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` COVID has fed off the pandemic of racism , '' she says , noting that the coronavirus has taken a disproportionate toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she says , even so , that those who choose to demonstrate need to realize that `` it 's not just your life that you 're potentially jeopardizing . ''
If you 've been at a protest recently , or still are going out , here 's how to protect those you live with .
If you have been out demonstrating , the first thing you should do once you 're back home is to take a shower , and throw your clothes in laundry basket or washing machine , advises Dr. Krutika @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security who is currently working with the city of San Francisco on its COVID-19 response .
Kuppalli also recommends getting tested for the coronavirus if possible five to seven days after protesting – the median incubation time for the virus .
Some cities , including Boston , Seattle and Minneapolis , are offering free tests for protesters .
However , if the test comes back negative but you are experiencing symptoms , do n't assume you are scot-free , Kuppalli says , since tests can produce false negatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel well , they need to go back and get re-evaluated and get tested '' because it 's possible the test was n't done properly or they did n't have high enough levels of the virus at the time for the test to detect , she says .
Especially if you ca n't get tested , try to maintain social distance from those you live with for up to two weeks — `` particularly if they 're older than 50 years of age or have chronic illnesses , '' says Raina MacIntyre , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kirby Institute at University of New South Wales in Australia .
`` The more distance you can keep , the more protective.
`` `` Do n't sit on the couch next to people when you 're watching television .
Do n't eat at the table [ with them ] , '' she says .
Use household disinfectant on frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and faucet handles , she advises , and keep windows open for better air ventilation so that any infected droplets you might be emitting while speaking or breathing do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it might be , it 's also a good idea to wear a mask in the house when you 're around others , MacIntyre says , even if you are feeling fine , since research suggests people can be most infectious right before and during the time they start showing symptoms .
If you live with a person at high risk of severe disease with COVID-19 because of age or underlying medical conditions , try to get them to wear a mask too , she suggests .
Last month , MacIntyre published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household disinfection , mask wearing , and maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from others you live with ( though 6 feet or more is better ) – can significantly reduce the chance that an infected person will spread the coronavirus to others they live with , even in crowded households .
`` So even if you live in a small apartment , with lots of people , you can still prevent infection by following all those hygiene precautions , '' she says .
One last tip , from Pierre : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no physical intimacy for a 10-to-14-day period , especially if you can not get tested .
I know it sounds harsh , but this is the risk calculation that we want to make . ''
`` Even though the social changes that we 're hoping to enact are incredibly important , '' Pierre says , `` we do not wish to destabilize our households or communities '' – especially given that many of the protesters are people of color .
`` Marginalized communities have already been destabilized by COVID-19 .
We can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you 're on the streets To prevent infection and keep your loved ones safe , take precautions while protesting .
Pierre advises that you wear a mask and eye protection , like ski or swim goggles , because the virus can spread through the mucous membranes in your eyes .
Even sunglasses `` are better than nothing , '' she says – especially if they wrap around the sides of the eyes .
Bring hand sanitizer and use it often , she says , and try to stay 6 feet away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if possible , since research has found that even that distance can help cut transmission of the virus .
And if you find you can no longer maintain social distance , it 's time to leave , says Pierre .
That 's what she did at a protest she attended when standing at the periphery was no longer possible , she says .
`` I unfortunately had to remove myself from the protest because I do care for vulnerable patients at work . ''
But as the mother of 2-year-old twin black boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed .
`` It can be a blink of an eye before they 're Tamir Rice 's age when he died .
It 's going to be a blink of an eye before they 're Trayvon Martin 's age . ''

Protesting? Here's How To Help Keep Your Family Safe From COVID-19 When You Go Home
Enlarge this image toggle caption Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Protesting during a pandemic likely leaves participants with at least two questions: Did I get infected? And might I be putting others at risk?
Given that COVID-19 has an incubation time of up to two weeks, experts say it will take a couple of weeks before the impact of the protests on community transmission is known. But in the meantime, there are critical steps you can take to minimize the risks to yourself and those you live with.
Those steps should begin before you even head out, says Dr. Cassandra Pierre, an infectious disease specialist at Boston Medical Center and assistant professor at the Boston University School of Medicine.
If you live with others, she says, "you really have to do a risk calculation about who you're living with, who you care for, what your job might be." That's because it's hard to keep a safe distance in large crowds, and often protests involve other high-risk activities like singing and chanting, which can spread the virus. If your household includes vulnerable people, such as an elderly grandparent or someone who is immunocompromised, she says, consider an alternate form of protest – like a car caravan.
Like many public health experts, including those at the World Health Organization, Pierre, who is African American, says she thinks the demonstrations are necessary, even in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
"COVID has fed off the pandemic of racism," she says, noting that the coronavirus has taken a disproportionate toll on black and brown communities. But she says, even so, that those who choose to demonstrate need to realize that "it's not just your life that you're potentially jeopardizing."
If you've been at a protest recently, or still are going out, here's how to protect those you live with.
Wash up
If you have been out demonstrating, the first thing you should do once you're back home is to take a shower, and throw your clothes in laundry basket or washing machine, advises Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, a biosecurity fellow at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security who is currently working with the city of San Francisco on its COVID-19 response.
Get tested
Kuppalli also recommends getting tested for the coronavirus if possible five to seven days after protesting – the median incubation time for the virus. Some cities, including Boston, Seattle and Minneapolis, are offering free tests for protesters.
However, if the test comes back negative but you are experiencing symptoms, don't assume you are scot-free, Kuppalli says, since tests can produce false negatives. "If they continue to not feel well, they need to go back and get re-evaluated and get tested" because it's possible the test wasn't done properly or they didn't have high enough levels of the virus at the time for the test to detect, she says.
Socially distance from people at home
Especially if you can't get tested, try to maintain social distance from those you live with for up to two weeks — "particularly if they're older than 50 years of age or have chronic illnesses," says Raina MacIntyre, head of the biosecurity program at the Kirby Institute at University of New South Wales in Australia. "The more distance you can keep, the more protective. "
"Don't sit on the couch next to people when you're watching television. Don't eat at the table [with them]," she says. Use household disinfectant on frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and faucet handles, she advises, and keep windows open for better air ventilation so that any infected droplets you might be emitting while speaking or breathing don't linger in the air.
Wear masks, yes, indoors
As uncomfortable as it might be, it's also a good idea to wear a mask in the house when you're around others, MacIntyre says, even if you are feeling fine, since research suggests people can be most infectious right before and during the time they start showing symptoms. If you live with a person at high risk of severe disease with COVID-19 because of age or underlying medical conditions, try to get them to wear a mask too, she suggests.
Last month, MacIntyre published a study that found these measures – household disinfection, mask wearing, and maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from others you live with (though 6 feet or more is better) – can significantly reduce the chance that an infected person will spread the coronavirus to others they live with, even in crowded households.
"So even if you live in a small apartment, with lots of people, you can still prevent infection by following all those hygiene precautions," she says.
Hold off on hugs
One last tip, from Pierre: "No hugs, no kisses, no physical intimacy for a 10-to-14-day period, especially if you cannot get tested. I know it sounds harsh, but this is the risk calculation that we want to make."
"Even though the social changes that we're hoping to enact are incredibly important," Pierre says, "we do not wish to destabilize our households or communities" – especially given that many of the protesters are people of color. "Marginalized communities have already been destabilized by COVID-19. We cannot risk that."
Staying safe starts when you're on the streets
To prevent infection and keep your loved ones safe, take precautions while protesting. Pierre advises that you wear a mask and eye protection, like ski or swim goggles, because the virus can spread through the mucous membranes in your eyes. Even sunglasses "are better than nothing," she says – especially if they wrap around the sides of the eyes.
Bring hand sanitizer and use it often, she says, and try to stay 6 feet away from others – or at least 3 feet if possible, since research has found that even that distance can help cut transmission of the virus. And if you find you can no longer maintain social distance, it's time to leave, says Pierre. That's what she did at a protest she attended when standing at the periphery was no longer possible, she says. "I unfortunately had to remove myself from the protest because I do care for vulnerable patients at work."
But as the mother of 2-year-old twin black boys, Pierre says the movement is urgently needed. "It can be a blink of an eye before they're Tamir Rice's age when he died. It's going to be a blink of an eye before they're Trayvon Martin's age."


npr--2020-06-10--Federal Reserve Vows To Help Economy Weather The Pandemic Recession

Federal Reserve Vows To Help Economy Weather The Pandemic Recession The Federal Reserve left interest rates near zero Wednesday and once again promised to deliver whatever monetary medicine it can to an economy that 's badly ailing from the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time , '' the central bank said in a statement .
While noting that `` financial conditions have improved , in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy , '' the Fed 's rate-setting committee reiterated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rock-bottom levels , `` until it is confident that the economy has weathered recent events and is on track to achieve its maximum employment and price stability goals . ''
Notes released along with the committee 's statement suggest no rate increases are expected at least through 2022 .
`` We 're not thinking about raising rates , '' Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said at a news conference .
`` We 're not even thinking about thinking about raising rates . ''
Despite a better-than-expected jobs report last week showing employers added 2.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect unemployment to remain very high for an extended period .
They project a jobless rate in excess of 9 % at the end of this year and 6.5 % at the end of next year .
`` The May employment report , of course , was a welcome surprise , '' Powell said .
`` We hope we get many more like it .
But I think we have to be honest .
It 's a long road . ''
Inflation , meanwhile , is nowhere in sight .
The Labor Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in May for the third month in a row .
Over the last 12 months , prices have risen just 0.1 % — or 1.2 % if volatile food and energy prices are excluded .
That 's well below the central bank 's 2 % inflation target .
While the Fed uses a slightly different measure of inflation , the consumer price index suggests there 's no need to worry about runaway prices for the foreseeable future .
In addition to keeping interest rates low , the Fed has launched a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in an effort to keep families and businesses afloat during the pandemic .
These include unprecedented efforts by the central bank to loan money to state and local governments and mid-sized businesses .
Loans may not be enough to help some whose livelihoods have been hurt by the pandemic .
Powell has repeatedly suggested that Congress may have to do more to prevent the coronavirus recession from doing even more lasting damage .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin acknowledged as much Wednesday during a hearing before the Senate Small Business Committee .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need some kind of bipartisan legislation to put more money into the economy , '' he said .

Federal Reserve Vows To Help Economy Weather The Pandemic Recession
Enlarge this image toggle caption Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
Updated at 4:12 p.m. ET
The Federal Reserve left interest rates near zero Wednesday and once again promised to deliver whatever monetary medicine it can to an economy that's badly ailing from the coronavirus pandemic.
"The Federal Reserve is committed to using its full range of tools to support the U.S. economy in this challenging time," the central bank said in a statement.
While noting that "financial conditions have improved, in part reflecting policy measures to support the economy," the Fed's rate-setting committee reiterated its intent to leave interest rates at rock-bottom levels, "until it is confident that the economy has weathered recent events and is on track to achieve its maximum employment and price stability goals."
Notes released along with the committee's statement suggest no rate increases are expected at least through 2022.
"We're not thinking about raising rates," Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said at a news conference. "We're not even thinking about thinking about raising rates."
Wednesday's vote by committee members was unanimous.
Despite a better-than-expected jobs report last week showing employers added 2.5 million jobs in May, committee members expect unemployment to remain very high for an extended period. They project a jobless rate in excess of 9% at the end of this year and 6.5% at the end of next year.
"The May employment report, of course, was a welcome surprise," Powell said. "We hope we get many more like it. But I think we have to be honest. It's a long road."
Inflation, meanwhile, is nowhere in sight. The Labor Department reported this week that consumer prices fell in May for the third month in a row. Over the last 12 months, prices have risen just 0.1% — or 1.2% if volatile food and energy prices are excluded. That's well below the central bank's 2% inflation target. While the Fed uses a slightly different measure of inflation, the consumer price index suggests there's no need to worry about runaway prices for the foreseeable future.
In addition to keeping interest rates low, the Fed has launched a series of emergency lending programs with the Treasury Department, in an effort to keep families and businesses afloat during the pandemic. These include unprecedented efforts by the central bank to loan money to state and local governments and mid-sized businesses.
Loans may not be enough to help some whose livelihoods have been hurt by the pandemic. Powell has repeatedly suggested that Congress may have to do more to prevent the coronavirus recession from doing even more lasting damage.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin acknowledged as much Wednesday during a hearing before the Senate Small Business Committee.
"I definitely think we are going to need some kind of bipartisan legislation to put more money into the economy," he said.