usatoday--2020-05-06--'Sporadic for you but not sporadic for a lot of other people': Trump contradicts nurse on PPE availa

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump contradicted a nurse who mentioned that the availability of personal protective equipment has been `` sporadic '' during an Oval Office event Wednesday to recognize National Nurses Day .
Sophia Thomas , president of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners , said there are `` pockets '' around the country without sufficient protective medical equipment as health care professionals battle the coronavirus .
More : In reversal , Trump says coronavirus task force will 'continue on indefinitely , ' shifts focus to reopening , vaccines Thomas , who works at the Daughters of Charity Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been wearing the same N-95 mask for “ a few weeks , ” and that the `` infection control measures that we learned back when we went to school , one gown and one mask for one patient per day – this is a different time . ''
Medical professionals who are in direct contact with infected patients require a large supply of PPE as they must change their masks and gear frequently .
“ PPE has been sporadic but it ’ s been manageable , ” Thomas said of her health system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to do .
We ’ re nurses and we learn to adapt and do whatever the best thing that we can do for our patients to get the job done and get the care provided.
” Trump followed up immediately and said , `` Sporadic for you but not sporadic for a lot of other people.
” She agreed , while he insisted that he has `` heard the opposite . ''
`` I have heard that they are loaded up with gowns now , ” Trump continued .
“ Initially , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cupboards .
We had empty shelves .
We had nothing because it wasn ’ t put there by the last administration.
” More : Pandemic-fueled surge in gun sales overwhelms FBI background check system ; dealers urged to wait on sales Throughout the coronavirus pandemic , many front line health workers have faced severe shortages of personal protective equipment as they have been handling COVID-19 patients .
There have been reports of hospitals and medical professionals reusing masks , and strictly rationing gear .
One medical professional described PPE shortages as a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has left states racing to cut deals for medical supplies , and has created a bidding war for PPE .
More : How a frantic trek to a McDonald ’ s parking lot shows the scramble states face for coronavirus supplies The national stockpile is too depleted to fill widespread shortages of face masks , gloves , ventilators and other medical supplies , so some states have taken extraordinary steps to procure the critical equipment .
Trump said governors should take the lead in obtaining supplies for their own states while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role .
Trump continued Wednesday to say he appreciated another nurse from New Jersey , which has been a COVID-19 hot spot , who said she personally had n't seen any shortages of medical gear .
`` It ’ s so nice that you stepped up because they ’ re fake news , ” Trump said , referring to the journalists who have been pressing the administration about PPE .

'Sporadic for you but not sporadic for a lot of other people': Trump contradicts nurse on PPE availability
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump disputes report on death toll, Fauci to talk to Senate Upon his departure from the White House, President Trump discusses an internal administration report on the potential COVID-19 death toll for May USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump contradicted a nurse who mentioned that the availability of personal protective equipment has been "sporadic" during an Oval Office event Wednesday to recognize National Nurses Day.
Sophia Thomas, president of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners, said there are "pockets" around the country without sufficient protective medical equipment as health care professionals battle the coronavirus.
More: In reversal, Trump says coronavirus task force will 'continue on indefinitely,' shifts focus to reopening, vaccines
Thomas, who works at the Daughters of Charity Health System in Louisiana, said she had been wearing the same N-95 mask for “a few weeks,” and that the "infection control measures that we learned back when we went to school, one gown and one mask for one patient per day – this is a different time."
Medical professionals who are in direct contact with infected patients require a large supply of PPE as they must change their masks and gear frequently.
More: Kansas farmer who donated a mask to Gov. Cuomo presented long-unfinished college degree
“PPE has been sporadic but it’s been manageable,” Thomas said of her health system. “And we do what we have to do. We’re nurses and we learn to adapt and do whatever the best thing that we can do for our patients to get the job done and get the care provided.”
Trump followed up immediately and said, "Sporadic for you but not sporadic for a lot of other people.”
During White House event, a New Orleans nurse says, “PPE has been sporadic, but it's been manageable."
President Trump replies: "Sporadic for you, but not sporadic for a lot of other people ... That was fine, but I have heard we have a tremendous supply to almost all places." pic.twitter.com/giltAwPM8V — NBC News (@NBCNews) May 6, 2020
She agreed, while he insisted that he has "heard the opposite."
"I have heard that they are loaded up with gowns now,” Trump continued. “Initially, we had nothing. We had empty cupboards. We had empty shelves. We had nothing because it wasn’t put there by the last administration.”
More: Pandemic-fueled surge in gun sales overwhelms FBI background check system; dealers urged to wait on sales
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, many front line health workers have faced severe shortages of personal protective equipment as they have been handling COVID-19 patients. There have been reports of hospitals and medical professionals reusing masks, and strictly rationing gear.
One medical professional described PPE shortages as a "war zone."
Additionally, the pandemic has left states racing to cut deals for medical supplies, and has created a bidding war for PPE.
More: How a frantic trek to a McDonald’s parking lot shows the scramble states face for coronavirus supplies
How hospitals across U.S. are increasing staffing of nurses, doctors How hospitals across the U.S. are finding creative ways to handle a potential shortage in nurses, doctors, other medical staff due to COVID-19. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The national stockpile is too depleted to fill widespread shortages of face masks, gloves, ventilators and other medical supplies, so some states have taken extraordinary steps to procure the critical equipment. Trump said governors should take the lead in obtaining supplies for their own states while the federal government plays a "backup" role.
Trump continued Wednesday to say he appreciated another nurse from New Jersey, which has been a COVID-19 hot spot, who said she personally hadn't seen any shortages of medical gear.
"It’s so nice that you stepped up because they’re fake news,” Trump said, referring to the journalists who have been pressing the administration about PPE.
Contributing: Courtney Subramanian


usatoday--2020-05-06--Coronavirus stimulus checks sent to dead people should be mailed back to IRS, Treasury says

WASHINGTON – If your dead relative got a coronavirus stimulus check , the government wants the money back .
The Treasury Department said Wednesday that people who received a stimulus payment on behalf someone who is deceased should return the money immediately .
“ A payment made to someone who died before receipt of the payment should be returned to the IRS , ” Treasury said in a statement .
The entire payment should be returned unless the money went to a couple who filed jointly and one of the spouses was alive when the money was received , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the living spouse must return only the portion of the payment made on the account of the deceased .
Reports of dead people getting stimulus payments started to surface last month when the Internal Revenue Service began making direct deposits of up to $ 1,200 into taxpayers ’ bank accounts .
The payments were authorized under a new $ 2.2 trillion recovery package , known as the CARES Act , that is designed to help the economy recover from the catastrophic effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
The IRS did not say if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to return the money .
Nina Olson , the founder of the Center for Taxpayer Rights and a former taxpayer advocate for the IRS , questioned whether the Treasury Department had the power to compel people to return the payments , which are technically a tax credit .
Olson cited text of the CARES Act , which says when people file in 2020 the amount of the credit can not be adjusted `` below zero , '' to argue the IRS would face an uphill battle trying to force people to pay it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IRS made a mistake by making the payment to a deceased person .
It can certainly ask folks to give the money back .
I don ’ t see the legal authority for adjusting it on the 2020 return , '' she told USA TODAY .
Presidential signature : Trump 's name to be printed on $ 1,200 coronavirus stimulus checks going out to Americans The stimulus payments were issued based on 2019 tax returns , but because the tax deadline was pushed back from April 15 in response to the coronavirus outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In those cases , the IRS used 2018 tax returns to determine eligibility for stimulus payments .
The result ?
Some people who died after their 2018 or 2019 returns were filed got a stimulus check .
Neither Treasury nor the IRS indicated how many checks went to dead people .
So how should the money be returned ?
If your dead relative received a paper check , write “ Void ” in the endorsement section on the back of the check and then mail it back to the IRS .
Include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the check .
Don ’ t staple or bend the check , and don ’ t attach a paper clip to it .
If you ’ ve already cashed the paper check or if the money came via direct deposit , immediately send a personal check or money order to the IRS .
The personal check or money order should be made payable to “ U.S .
Treasury.
” Write 2020EIP on the check or money order and include the taxpayer identification number ( Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Also include a brief explanation for why you ’ re returning the money .
The address where the money should be returned depends on the state you live in .
Those addresses can be found on the IRS website .
Coronavirus hearing : Trump says Fauci can testify before Senate but calls House coronavirus hearing a 'setup' Michael Collins covers the White House .
Reach him on Twitter @ mcollinsNEWS .

Coronavirus stimulus checks sent to dead people should be mailed back to IRS, Treasury says
Show Caption Hide Caption CARES Act stimulus check: How much could you receive When you get your stimulus check and how much you get depend on several factors. Alexis Arnold, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – If your dead relative got a coronavirus stimulus check, the government wants the money back.
The Treasury Department said Wednesday that people who received a stimulus payment on behalf someone who is deceased should return the money immediately.
“A payment made to someone who died before receipt of the payment should be returned to the IRS,” Treasury said in a statement.
The entire payment should be returned unless the money went to a couple who filed jointly and one of the spouses was alive when the money was received, the department said. In that case, the living spouse must return only the portion of the payment made on the account of the deceased.
Presidential letter: 'My Fellow American': Donald Trump letter to stimulus check recipients raises objections
Reports of dead people getting stimulus payments started to surface last month when the Internal Revenue Service began making direct deposits of up to $1,200 into taxpayers’ bank accounts. The payments were authorized under a new $2.2 trillion recovery package, known as the CARES Act, that is designed to help the economy recover from the catastrophic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
The IRS did not say if there are any legal consequences for failing to return the money.
Nina Olson, the founder of the Center for Taxpayer Rights and a former taxpayer advocate for the IRS, questioned whether the Treasury Department had the power to compel people to return the payments, which are technically a tax credit.
Olson cited text of the CARES Act, which says when people file in 2020 the amount of the credit cannot be adjusted "below zero," to argue the IRS would face an uphill battle trying to force people to pay it back.
Coronavirus: How much families can expect from the stimulus package? Families across the U.S. will get a portion of money from the federal government's sweeping $2 trillion stimulus package. But how much? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
"It may be the IRS made a mistake by making the payment to a deceased person. It can certainly ask folks to give the money back. I don’t see the legal authority for adjusting it on the 2020 return," she told USA TODAY.
Presidential signature: Trump's name to be printed on $1,200 coronavirus stimulus checks going out to Americans
The stimulus payments were issued based on 2019 tax returns, but because the tax deadline was pushed back from April 15 in response to the coronavirus outbreak, many Americans had not filed yet. In those cases, the IRS used 2018 tax returns to determine eligibility for stimulus payments. The result? Some people who died after their 2018 or 2019 returns were filed got a stimulus check.
Neither Treasury nor the IRS indicated how many checks went to dead people.
So how should the money be returned?
If your dead relative received a paper check, write “Void” in the endorsement section on the back of the check and then mail it back to the IRS. Include a note stating the reason for returning the check. Don’t staple or bend the check, and don’t attach a paper clip to it.
If you’ve already cashed the paper check or if the money came via direct deposit, immediately send a personal check or money order to the IRS. The personal check or money order should be made payable to “U.S. Treasury.” Write 2020EIP on the check or money order and include the taxpayer identification number (Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number) of the recipient of the check. Also include a brief explanation for why you’re returning the money.
The address where the money should be returned depends on the state you live in. Those addresses can be found on the IRS website.
Coronavirus hearing: Trump says Fauci can testify before Senate but calls House coronavirus hearing a 'setup'
Contributing: William Cummings.
Michael Collins covers the White House. Reach him on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.


usatoday--2020-05-06--In reversal, Trump says coronavirus task force will 'continue on indefinitely,' shifts focus to reop

WASHINGTON – Less than a day after signaling the White House task force on coronavirus would be disbanded , President Donald Trump said Wednesday the group will `` continue on indefinitely '' and shift focus to reopening the country and manufacturing vaccines .
Trump 's latest thinking on the task force , created in January to coordinate the response to the virus , came a day after Vice President Mike Pence and other officials said the group 's work would be transferred to federal agencies as soon as this month .
The idea drew fire from critics who said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I thought we could wind it down sooner , '' the president acknowledged Wednesday during an Oval Office event with nurses .
`` But I had no idea how popular the task force is until actually yesterday when I started talking about winding down . ''
The president left the composition of the task force and its focus murky in a series of tweets Wednesday morning .
Trump said he may remove some members of the group and add others , though he did not indicate whom he had in mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he would add two or three members by next week .
`` The Task Force will continue on indefinitely with its focus on SAFETY & OPENING UP OUR COUNTRY AGAIN , '' Trump tweeted Wednesday .
`` The Task Force will also be very focused on Vaccines & Therapeutics .
Thank you ! ''
Relief money fraud : Feds arrest 2 men in first fraud case involving PPP loan program for small businesses hurt by coronavirus During a trip to Arizona on Tuesday , Trump linked discussions to disband the group with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and recharge its economy .
Winding down the group , he suggested , would signal a new phase in the government 's response to the virus .
`` I 'm viewing our great citizens of this country to a certain extent and to a large extent as warriors .
They 're warriors , '' Trump said .
`` Will some people be affected badly ?
Yes .
But we have to get our country open . ''
Democrats and other critics blasted Trump 's plan to reduce the scope of the task force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tolls would rise as states reopen businesses and other parts of their economies .
The virus has killed more than 71,000 Americans , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Though the number of new daily cases has slowed , it remains high .
`` President Trump waves the white flag of surrender and winds down his ‘ task force , ' `` said Rep. Lloyd Doggett , D-Texas , chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee .
`` As the death toll soars , it is the task force that gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a former Democratic presidential candidate , slammed the decision as a `` true American tragedy '' and predicted that `` thousands will unnecessarily die '' because of Trump 's `` contempt for science . ''

John Fritze and David Jackson, USA TODAY

In reversal, Trump says coronavirus task force will 'continue on indefinitely,' shifts focus to reopening, vaccines
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump disputes report on death toll, Fauci to talk to Senate Upon his departure from the White House, President Trump discusses an internal administration report on the potential COVID-19 death toll for May USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Less than a day after signaling the White House task force on coronavirus would be disbanded, President Donald Trump said Wednesday the group will "continue on indefinitely" and shift focus to reopening the country and manufacturing vaccines.
Trump's latest thinking on the task force, created in January to coordinate the response to the virus, came a day after Vice President Mike Pence and other officials said the group's work would be transferred to federal agencies as soon as this month. The idea drew fire from critics who said it was too soon to disband the group.
"I thought we could wind it down sooner," the president acknowledged Wednesday during an Oval Office event with nurses. "But I had no idea how popular the task force is until actually yesterday when I started talking about winding down."
The president left the composition of the task force and its focus murky in a series of tweets Wednesday morning. Trump said he may remove some members of the group and add others, though he did not indicate whom he had in mind. At the White House, Trump said he would add two or three members by next week.
"The Task Force will continue on indefinitely with its focus on SAFETY & OPENING UP OUR COUNTRY AGAIN," Trump tweeted Wednesday. "The Task Force will also be very focused on Vaccines & Therapeutics. Thank you!"
Relief money fraud: Feds arrest 2 men in first fraud case involving PPP loan program for small businesses hurt by coronavirus
During a trip to Arizona on Tuesday, Trump linked discussions to disband the group with his broader desire to reopen the nation and recharge its economy. Winding down the group, he suggested, would signal a new phase in the government's response to the virus.
"I'm viewing our great citizens of this country to a certain extent and to a large extent as warriors. They're warriors," Trump said. "Will some people be affected badly? Yes. But we have to get our country open."
Democrats and other critics blasted Trump's plan to reduce the scope of the task force Tuesday, given the threat that death tolls would rise as states reopen businesses and other parts of their economies. The virus has killed more than 71,000 Americans, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Justice hospitalized for gallbladder condition and infection
Though the number of new daily cases has slowed, it remains high.
"President Trump waves the white flag of surrender and winds down his ‘task force,' " said Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, chairman of the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee. "As the death toll soars, it is the task force that gets buried."
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, a former Democratic presidential candidate, slammed the decision as a "true American tragedy" and predicted that "thousands will unnecessarily die" because of Trump's "contempt for science."


usatoday--2020-05-06--New York's Democratic presidential primary reinstated after Andrew Yang, Bernie Sanders sue

ALBANY , New York - The Democratic presidential primary in New York is back on .
A federal judge in Manhattan ruled late Tuesday that New York must hold the primary on June 23 , contending that canceling it would be unconstitutional and take away the ability of the candidates to receive delegates for the party 's convention in August .
Removing the candidates from the ballot and `` canceling the presidential primary denied them the chance to run , and denied voters the right to cast ballots for their candidate and their political beliefs , '' U.S. District Judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought on behalf of former presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Andrew Yang , who argued in a lawsuit April 28 that it was illegal for New York to cancel the primary .
`` Yes - the people of New York will be able to vote in the Democratic presidential primary , '' Yang wrote on Twitter .
John Conklin , a spokesman for the state Board of Elections , declined to comment on the ruling or whether the state would appeal , saying it was under review by the board 's attorneys .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ men in first fraud case involving PPP loan program for small businesses hurt by coronavirus When asked about the ruling on CNN by his younger brother , the anchor Chris Cuomo , Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said : `` Yes , right now by a judge 's determination '' the primary is back on .
But Cuomo said the decision could be appealed .
The state 's Democratic election commissioners voted last week to remove 10 presidential candidates from the ballot except Joe Biden , the only actively campaigning candidate and presumptive nominee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure in state law that allows the board to remove candidates from the ballot if a candidate publicly suspends his or her campaign .
Primaries for state and federal elections were still being held , but the commissioners said it was best to end the presidential primary due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump 's coronavirus task force : Trump looks to wind down coronavirus task force as early as this month , Pence says But the judge ruled the Democratic presidential primary is required for a variety of reasons , including delegates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the chance to become Convention delegates . ''
`` That Delegate Plaintiffs ’ rights are tied to those of Yang and other presidential candidates does not diminish Delegate Plaintiffs ’ importance , or their standing to sue when their ability to run — which rises and falls on their presidential candidates ’ viability— is threatened , '' Torres ruled .
The Working Families Party , which supported Sanders , praised the decision .
“ The BOE should not respond to our public health crisis by canceling elections — but instead by ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and effective means to vote , '' said Sochie Nnaemeka , the party 's executive director .
`` This decision is a victory for all voters and for the progressive movement . ''
Joseph Spector is the New York state editor for the USA TODAY Network .
He can be reached at JSPECTOR @ Gannett.com or followed on Twitter : @ GannettAlbany

New York's Democratic presidential primary reinstated after Andrew Yang, Bernie Sanders sue
Show Caption Hide Caption Bernie Sanders endorses Biden in remote meet-up: 'We need you' in WH During a livestream event, Senator Bernie Sanders explains to former Vice President Joe Biden why he's endorsing him for president. USA TODAY
ALBANY, New York - The Democratic presidential primary in New York is back on.
A federal judge in Manhattan ruled late Tuesday that New York must hold the primary on June 23, contending that canceling it would be unconstitutional and take away the ability of the candidates to receive delegates for the party's convention in August.
Removing the candidates from the ballot and "canceling the presidential primary denied them the chance to run, and denied voters the right to cast ballots for their candidate and their political beliefs," U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres ruled.
The lawsuit was brought on behalf of former presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Andrew Yang, who argued in a lawsuit April 28 that it was illegal for New York to cancel the primary.
"Yes - the people of New York will be able to vote in the Democratic presidential primary," Yang wrote on Twitter.
John Conklin, a spokesman for the state Board of Elections, declined to comment on the ruling or whether the state would appeal, saying it was under review by the board's attorneys.
Stimulus fraud arrests: Feds arrest 2 men in first fraud case involving PPP loan program for small businesses hurt by coronavirus
When asked about the ruling on CNN by his younger brother, the anchor Chris Cuomo, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said: "Yes, right now by a judge's determination" the primary is back on.
But Cuomo said the decision could be appealed.
Yes - the people of New York will be able to vote in the Democratic presidential primary! 👍🇺🇸 https://t.co/y3xRIJKeMB https://t.co/ZaBSdpmI68 — Andrew Yang🧢🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) May 5, 2020
The state's Democratic election commissioners voted last week to remove 10 presidential candidates from the ballot except Joe Biden, the only actively campaigning candidate and presumptive nominee.
The vote came after a new measure in state law that allows the board to remove candidates from the ballot if a candidate publicly suspends his or her campaign.
Primaries for state and federal elections were still being held, but the commissioners said it was best to end the presidential primary due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Trump's coronavirus task force: Trump looks to wind down coronavirus task force as early as this month, Pence says
But the judge ruled the Democratic presidential primary is required for a variety of reasons, including delegates selected by the primary "to compete for the chance to become Convention delegates."
"That Delegate Plaintiffs’ rights are tied to those of Yang and other presidential candidates does not diminish Delegate Plaintiffs’ importance, or their standing to sue when their ability to run — which rises and falls on their presidential candidates’ viability— is threatened," Torres ruled.
The Working Families Party, which supported Sanders, praised the decision.
“The BOE should not respond to our public health crisis by canceling elections — but instead by ensuring all New York voters have a safe and effective means to vote," said Sochie Nnaemeka, the party's executive director.
"This decision is a victory for all voters and for the progressive movement."
Joseph Spector is the New York state editor for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at JSPECTOR@Gannett.com or followed on Twitter: @GannettAlbany


usatoday--2020-05-07--Michigan lawmakers sue Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over emergency powers

LANSING , Mich. – The Republican leaders in the House and Senate filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , alleging her extension of the state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic was unlawful .
The law in Michigan is `` very clear , '' House Speaker Lee Chatfield said at a Capitol news conference .
`` Only the Legislature has the power to extend the state of emergency . ''
The lawsuit was filed in the Michigan Court of Claims , said Chatfield and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey .
`` The Legislature is left with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's intervention to restore constitutional order , '' said Shirkey .
Despite the assertions of the Republican leaders , many legal experts have said the governor was on solid ground in extending the state of emergency under the Emergency Powers of Governor Act of 1945 , which sets no time limit on a state of emergency and makes no provision for legislative review .
Those attorneys include Republican Bruce Timmons , a longtime staffer of the House Judiciary Committee .
The Emergency Management Act of 1976 , which Whitmer also invoked , sets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency before legislative approval is required .
The lawsuit , which requests `` a speedy hearing , '' says the Emergency Powers of Governor Act `` reaches only local emergencies – not the sort of statewide concern that COVID-19 presents . ''
The suit also alleges that Whitmer 's actions violate constitutional requirements for `` separation of powers among co-equal branches of government . ''
The suit seeks a declaratory ruling that the emergency orders are unlawful .
Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown called the lawsuit a `` partisan game that wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` moving forward , the governor will continue to listen to medical experts and put the health and safety of Michiganders first . ''
Michigan 's state of emergency currently runs through May 28 .
Whitmer 's stay-at-home order runs through May 15 .
Although the suits are officially brought by the House and Senate , they do not have the support of Democrats , who are in the minority in each chamber .
“ We are appalled that those across the aisle are choosing a global pandemic as the time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of focusing on what we can do to help the people of our state , '' Senate Democrats said in a news release .
House Minority Leader Christine Greig accused the GOP leaders of squandering scarce taxpayer resources on the lawsuit .
“ The Republican leadership has demonstrated once again that the only thing they have to offer the people of Michigan during this crisis is partisan political theater , dripping with hypocrisy , '' Greig said .
Fact check : Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer did not ban sale of U.S. flags @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has rejected offers for compromise and cooperation and imposed a `` one-size-fits-all approach '' to the pandemic , although he said many parts of the state are in a much better position to open many workplaces than other parts of the state are .
Michigan residents are being told they ca n't work , `` even when it can be done safely , '' he said .
`` We believe there are many commonsense changes ... that need to be implemented , '' he said .
Whitmer , a Democrat , has begun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be done cautiously and based on scientific data to prevent a second surge in COVID-19 cases .
Whitmer brought together leaders in health care , business , labor and education to develop what she calls the `` MI Safe Start '' plan to restart the economy `` in a way that protects our workers and their families . ''
She recently allowed greenhouses , lawn care and golf to resume , with restrictions .
Residential and commercial construction , in-person real estate sales , parking enforcement and forestry are among the sectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also divided the state into eight geographic zones as part of the reopening plan , though so far , all orders have applied statewide .
The auto companies are targeting May 18 for restarting their plants , but are still awaiting approval from Whitmer .

Michigan lawmakers sue Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over emergency powers
Show Caption Hide Caption Legislature sues Gov. Whitmer over emergency powers Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, announces a lawsuit Wednesday against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, over her use of emergency powers. Paul Egan, DFP, Wochit
LANSING, Mich. – The Republican leaders in the House and Senate filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, alleging her extension of the state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic was unlawful.
The law in Michigan is "very clear," House Speaker Lee Chatfield said at a Capitol news conference. "Only the Legislature has the power to extend the state of emergency."
The lawsuit was filed in the Michigan Court of Claims, said Chatfield and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey.
"The Legislature is left with no choice but to seek the court's intervention to restore constitutional order," said Shirkey.
Despite the assertions of the Republican leaders, many legal experts have said the governor was on solid ground in extending the state of emergency under the Emergency Powers of Governor Act of 1945, which sets no time limit on a state of emergency and makes no provision for legislative review. Those attorneys include Republican Bruce Timmons, a longtime staffer of the House Judiciary Committee.
'Operation Gridlock': Thousands converge to protest Michigan governor's stay-home order
The Emergency Management Act of 1976, which Whitmer also invoked, sets a 28-day time limit on a state of emergency before legislative approval is required.
The lawsuit, which requests "a speedy hearing," says the Emergency Powers of Governor Act "reaches only local emergencies – not the sort of statewide concern that COVID-19 presents."
The suit also alleges that Whitmer's actions violate constitutional requirements for "separation of powers among co-equal branches of government."
The suit seeks a declaratory ruling that the emergency orders are unlawful.
Whitmer spokeswoman Tiffany Brown called the lawsuit a "partisan game that won't distract the governor."
Brown said that "moving forward, the governor will continue to listen to medical experts and put the health and safety of Michiganders first."
Michigan's state of emergency currently runs through May 28. Whitmer's stay-at-home order runs through May 15.
Although the suits are officially brought by the House and Senate, they do not have the support of Democrats, who are in the minority in each chamber.
“We are appalled that those across the aisle are choosing a global pandemic as the time to pick political fights with the governor instead of focusing on what we can do to help the people of our state," Senate Democrats said in a news release.
House Minority Leader Christine Greig accused the GOP leaders of squandering scarce taxpayer resources on the lawsuit.
“The Republican leadership has demonstrated once again that the only thing they have to offer the people of Michigan during this crisis is partisan political theater, dripping with hypocrisy," Greig said.
Fact check: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer did not ban sale of U.S. flags, plants, seeds
Chatfield said Whitmer has rejected offers for compromise and cooperation and imposed a "one-size-fits-all approach" to the pandemic, although he said many parts of the state are in a much better position to open many workplaces than other parts of the state are.
Michigan residents are being told they can't work, "even when it can be done safely," he said.
"We believe there are many commonsense changes ... that need to be implemented," he said.
Whitmer, a Democrat, has begun to ease restrictions but says it has to be done cautiously and based on scientific data to prevent a second surge in COVID-19 cases.
Whitmer brought together leaders in health care, business, labor and education to develop what she calls the "MI Safe Start" plan to restart the economy "in a way that protects our workers and their families."
She recently allowed greenhouses, lawn care and golf to resume, with restrictions. Residential and commercial construction, in-person real estate sales, parking enforcement and forestry are among the sectors set to reopen Thursday.
She has also divided the state into eight geographic zones as part of the reopening plan, though so far, all orders have applied statewide.
The auto companies are targeting May 18 for restarting their plants, but are still awaiting approval from Whitmer.
Follow Paul Egan on Twitter @paulegan4.


usatoday--2020-05-07--Justice Department dropping its case against Gen. Michael Flynn

The DOJ will drop the criminal case against Gen. Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI about contact with a @ @ @ @ @ guilty .

Justice Department dropping its case against Gen. Michael Flynn
The DOJ will drop the criminal case against Gen. Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI about contact with a Russian Ambassador. Flynn pleaded guilty.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-07--Salon owner who illegally reopened out of jail on Texas Supreme Court's order

AUSTIN , Texas – The state Supreme Court ordered Dallas County officials Thursday to free salon owner Shelley Luther from jail while its nine judges , all Republicans , weigh an appeal challenging her incarceration as improper .
Luther was released from the Dallas County Jail around 1:50 p.m. , according to a sheriff ’ s department spokesman .
The emergency order directed county officials to release Luther , who reopened her salon despite state restrictions , on a personal bond with no money required , “ pending final disposition of her case.
” County officials also were ordered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 p.m. Monday , the same day Luther ’ s weeklong sentence for contempt of court would have ended .
The ruling came shortly after Gov .
Greg Abbott , seeking to end a political firestorm over Luther ’ s jailing , announced Thursday that officials will be prohibited from jailing Texans for violating any of his coronavirus-related executive orders .
“ Throwing Texans in jail who have had their businesses shut down through no fault of their own is nonsensical , and I will not allow it to happen , ” Abbott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is why I am modifying my executive orders to ensure confinement is not a punishment for violating an order.
” Previously : Dallas salon owner who reopened in defiance of Texas ' coronavirus restrictions sentenced to 7 days in jail State official offers to 'step up and pay ' fine Luther caught the attention of three of the state ’ s top Republicans — Abbott , Lt. Gov .
Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton .
Luther , who opened Salon à la Mode nearly two weeks ago , was found in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close from state District Judge Eric Moyé , who sentenced her to seven days in Dallas County jail Tuesday and hit her with a $ 7,000 fine .
The petition challenging Luther ’ s incarceration , filed Wednesday by lawyers including state Rep. Briscoe Cain , R-Deer Park , argued that she was exercising her right to run a business in ways that protected customer health by , among other steps , requiring stylists to wear face coverings , seating patrons 6 feet apart and sanitizing regularly touched surfaces .
“ There is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater risk to the public than businesses being allowed to operate , such as movie theaters , day cares , and home improvement stores , ” the Supreme Court petition said .
Under Abbott ’ s stay-at-home order , issued in March , salons and other nonessential businesses were required to close .
Open ?
Closed ?
Here 's how the 50 states , DC and Puerto Rico are easing social distancing restrictions amid coronavirus outbreak State law sets the punishment for violating disaster-related executive orders at a fine of up to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail time .
Abbott ’ s latest executive order suspended “ all relevant laws ” that allow jail time “ for violating any order issued in response to the COVD-19 disaster.
” The order allowed salons and barber shops to open immediately .
“ Some local officials have been reckless , imprisoning women for wanting to work to put food on the table for their children , ” state Rep. Matt Shaheen , R-Plano , said on Twitter .
“ Gov .
Abbott , throwing Texans in jail whose businesses shut down through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Thank you for admitting that , ” said state Rep. Mike Lang , R-Granbury .
Abbott was to head to the White House to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss the state ’ s response to the coronavirus .
Abbott plans to reopen much of the Texas economy by May 18 .
Retail stores , restaurants , malls , museums , libraries and movie theaters were allowed to reopen May 1 at 25 % capacity .
Barber shops and salons can reopen Friday , also at 25 % capacity .
May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can reopen .
Oklahoma City McDonald 's shooting : Workers injured in shooting after customer saw dining area was closed , police say Frosty forecast this Mother 's Day weekend : Record cold , bomb cyclone , thundersnow may be on tap

Nicole Cobler and Chuck Lindell, Austin American-Statesman

Salon owner who illegally reopened out of jail on Texas Supreme Court’s order
Show Caption Hide Caption Texas salon owner jailed for defying lockdown A hair salon owner in Texas was ordered to spend a week in jail after she continued to operate her business despite restrictions put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. (May 6) AP
AUSTIN, Texas – The state Supreme Court ordered Dallas County officials Thursday to free salon owner Shelley Luther from jail while its nine judges, all Republicans, weigh an appeal challenging her incarceration as improper.
Luther was released from the Dallas County Jail around 1:50 p.m., according to a sheriff’s department spokesman.
The emergency order directed county officials to release Luther, who reopened her salon despite state restrictions, on a personal bond with no money required, “pending final disposition of her case.”
County officials also were ordered to file a response to the challenge by 4 p.m. Monday, the same day Luther’s weeklong sentence for contempt of court would have ended.
The ruling came shortly after Gov. Greg Abbott, seeking to end a political firestorm over Luther’s jailing, announced Thursday that officials will be prohibited from jailing Texans for violating any of his coronavirus-related executive orders.
“Throwing Texans in jail who have had their businesses shut down through no fault of their own is nonsensical, and I will not allow it to happen,” Abbott said in a statement. “That is why I am modifying my executive orders to ensure confinement is not a punishment for violating an order.”
.
Previously: Dallas salon owner who reopened in defiance of Texas' coronavirus restrictions sentenced to 7 days in jail
State official offers to 'step up and pay' fine
Luther caught the attention of three of the state’s top Republicans — Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Luther, who opened Salon à la Mode nearly two weeks ago, was found in contempt for ignoring a court order to close from state District Judge Eric Moyé, who sentenced her to seven days in Dallas County jail Tuesday and hit her with a $7,000 fine.
The petition challenging Luther’s incarceration, filed Wednesday by lawyers including state Rep. Briscoe Cain, R-Deer Park, argued that she was exercising her right to run a business in ways that protected customer health by, among other steps, requiring stylists to wear face coverings, seating patrons 6 feet apart and sanitizing regularly touched surfaces.
“There is no evidence that her business posed any greater risk to the public than businesses being allowed to operate, such as movie theaters, day cares, and home improvement stores,” the Supreme Court petition said.
Under Abbott’s stay-at-home order, issued in March, salons and other nonessential businesses were required to close.
Open? Closed? Here's how the 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico are easing social distancing restrictions amid coronavirus outbreak
State law sets the punishment for violating disaster-related executive orders at a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days of jail time.
Abbott’s latest executive order suspended “all relevant laws” that allow jail time “for violating any order issued in response to the COVD-19 disaster.”
The order allowed salons and barber shops to open immediately.
“Some local officials have been reckless, imprisoning women for wanting to work to put food on the table for their children,” state Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano, said on Twitter.
Other Republicans offered backhanded praise.
“Gov. Abbott, throwing Texans in jail whose businesses shut down through no fault of their own is wrong. Thank you for admitting that,” said state Rep. Mike Lang, R-Granbury.
Abbott was to head to the White House to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss the state’s response to the coronavirus. Abbott plans to reopen much of the Texas economy by May 18.
Retail stores, restaurants, malls, museums, libraries and movie theaters were allowed to reopen May 1 at 25% capacity. Barber shops and salons can reopen Friday, also at 25% capacity. May 18, nonessential manufacturing and office-based businesses can reopen.
Oklahoma City McDonald's shooting: Workers injured in shooting after customer saw dining area was closed, police say
Frosty forecast this Mother's Day weekend: Record cold, bomb cyclone, thundersnow may be on tap


usatoday--2020-05-07--Honeywell silent on Donald Trump's claim he was told he didn't need to wear mask

WASHINGTON – Honeywell officials declined to comment Thursday on President Donald Trump 's assertion that he was exempted from wearing a mask during a tour of an Arizona face mask facility this week , saying only that people around him did not have to wear them .
Honeywell also did not address Trump 's claim that he actually wore one briefly .
Trump drew fire Tuesday for not wearing a mask during a tour of the Arizona facility .
The president claimed that he had worn a mask `` back stage '' before he walked into view of the cameras @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told him he did not have to wear a mask .
Reached by USA TODAY on Thursday , a Honeywell spokesman said it would not comment on Trump 's actions or statements .
A company statement said only that some people who were near the president were exempted while he met with workers at the facility because they had been tested for the virus .
`` Following White House recommended protocol , a small number of individuals directly interfacing with the President on Tuesday were tested for COVID-19 immediately prior to the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were permitted to not wear masks during portions of the visit based on that medical screening , '' Honeywell said in a statement .
Honeywell , which did not comment beyond its statement , added that `` all others present were wearing masks and social distancing in accordance with Honeywell ’ s site policy . ''
More : What we learned about Honeywell N95 mask production from Trump 's visit Trump took criticism for not wearing a mask while touring the plant , just as Vice President Mike Pence did when he declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota .
Pence later said that he should have worn a mask , which is recommended – but not required – by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Speaking with reporters Wednesday at the White House , Trump said , `` I had a mask on for a period of time '' before the event .
He also said he was told by a unnamed company official that he did n't need to wear a mask .
`` I ca n't help it if you did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I mean , I had a mask on , but I did n't need it .
And I asked specifically the head of Honeywell , 'Should I wear a mask ? '
And he said , 'Well , you do n't need one in this territory . '
'' White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that Honeywell 's CEO told the president that `` there was no need '' to wear a mask so Trump `` followed that . ''
The president did wear goggles during the tour .
Critics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway .
`` Masking the truth , but never his mouth , '' tweeted U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett , D-Texas .
Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine , said that when Trump is out in public , `` it would be setting a good example for him to wear a mask . ''
She added : `` I personally think that he should , but obviously that 's his call . ''

Honeywell silent on Donald Trump's claim he was told he didn't need to wear mask
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump disputes report on death toll, Fauci to talk to Senate Upon his departure from the White House, President Trump discusses an internal administration report on the potential COVID-19 death toll for May USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Honeywell officials declined to comment Thursday on President Donald Trump's assertion that he was exempted from wearing a mask during a tour of an Arizona face mask facility this week, saying only that people around him did not have to wear them.
Honeywell also did not address Trump's claim that he actually wore one briefly.
Trump drew fire Tuesday for not wearing a mask during a tour of the Arizona facility. The president claimed that he had worn a mask "back stage" before he walked into view of the cameras. He also said Honeywell's CEO told him he did not have to wear a mask.
Reached by USA TODAY on Thursday, a Honeywell spokesman said it would not comment on Trump's actions or statements. A company statement said only that some people who were near the president were exempted while he met with workers at the facility because they had been tested for the virus.
"Following White House recommended protocol, a small number of individuals directly interfacing with the President on Tuesday were tested for COVID-19 immediately prior to the event, received negative test results, and were permitted to not wear masks during portions of the visit based on that medical screening," Honeywell said in a statement.
Honeywell, which did not comment beyond its statement, added that "all others present were wearing masks and social distancing in accordance with Honeywell’s site policy."
More: White House considers future of task force and downplays predicted surge
More: What we learned about Honeywell N95 mask production from Trump's visit
Trump took criticism for not wearing a mask while touring the plant, just as Vice President Mike Pence did when he declined to wear a mask during a visit to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Pence later said that he should have worn a mask, which is recommended – but not required – by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Speaking with reporters Wednesday at the White House, Trump said, "I had a mask on for a period of time" before the event. He also said he was told by a unnamed company official that he didn't need to wear a mask.
"I can't help it if you didn't see me," Trump said. "I mean, I had a mask on, but I didn't need it. And I asked specifically the head of Honeywell, 'Should I wear a mask?' And he said, 'Well, you don't need one in this territory.'"
White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany told reporters that Honeywell's CEO told the president that "there was no need" to wear a mask so Trump "followed that."
The president did wear goggles during the tour.
Critics said Trump should have worn a mask anyway.
"Masking the truth, but never his mouth," tweeted U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said that when Trump is out in public, "it would be setting a good example for him to wear a mask."
She added: "I personally think that he should, but obviously that's his call."
Contributing: John Fritze, Christal Hayes


usatoday--2020-05-07--As Supreme Court considers end to DACA, some Dreamers are already leaving US behind

Born in South Korea but raised in Montclair , New Jersey , Eun Suk `` Jason '' Hong seemed on the cusp of another American success story when he graduated from college in 2015 .
Hong , whose mother brought him to the U.S. at age 10 , landed a job as a financial planner and was looking forward to starting a career .
But in 2017 , President Donald Trump moved to do away with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ( DACA ) , the program that allowed him to work legally in the U.S. , and Hong 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he quit his job and moved to Spain to seek a master 's degree in business administration .
He 's now barred for a decade from returning to the country where he grew up .
But he 's also left behind the anxiety of America 's immigration wars .
`` I wanted some certainty and control , '' Hong said in a recent phone interview from Madrid .
`` Emotionally it was one of the scariest ideas I had to accept . ''
Hong is among the `` Dreamers '' – undocumented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – who are leaving their adopted home in frustration .
With the Supreme Court poised to rule on DACA 's future by June , some are taking matters into their own hands and moving to Europe , Mexico and Canada .
Some of those enrolled in the program have been able to gain legal status while staying in the U.S .
They 've applied for asylum or visas or married American citizens .
But others are saying goodbye to the only country many of them remember .
When Trump announced his plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there were 689,800 active DACA recipients .
That 's declined by more than 40,000 , to 649,070 , according to the latest figures on the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website .
Trump says the Obama-era initiative is unconstitutional , but his move to phase out the program has been blocked by legal challenges .
The Supreme Court is expected to announce sometime before the end of June whether the president has the authority to end DACA .
Stimulus checks : Among those who wo n't get a coronavirus stimulus check : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal government does n't track how many DACA recipients have left to pursue life in another country , those who work with immigrant communities say it 's becoming a more common choice as a Supreme Court dominated by a conservative majority moves closer to a decision .
`` It has been an option people are taking into consideration , more and more , '' said Daniel Arenas , 30 , who moved back to Mexico from South Carolina in 2011 and later co-founded Dream in Mexico , an organization that helps those who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States .
Arenas , who emigrated from Mexico when he was 4 years old , now travels back and forth between the two countries for work .
`` We have talked to people who said they are living in states where they can ’ t go to college .
Seems like even though they have DACA , some say it 's not helping them accomplish their life ’ s goals . ''
Francesc Ortega , a professor of economics at the City University of New York 's Queen College , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DACA recipients , and now when some are ready to contribute to the economy they are forced to leave because of the barriers imposed .
Ortega , whose work was published in 2016 by the National Bureau of Economic Research , estimated that each undocumented worker contributes around $ 70,000 to the U.S. economy each year .
Each currently employed DACA recipient who leaves the country will cost the national GDP that amount , Ortega said .
If they lose DACA 's protections but stay in the U.S. as illegal workers , their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 7,000 , he said .
'Triumph for the rule of law' Supporters of policies to limit immigration say undocumented immigrants cost taxpayers money , pointing to research that shows they consume more in public services than they pay for with taxes .
“ Fewer than 50 % of DACA beneficiaries have a high school diploma .
An even smaller number have a college education , '' said Matt O'Brien , director of research for the Federation for American Immigration Reform , citing the group 's own studies .
`` And only a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly marketable skills .
So it ’ s far from clear that any of the so-called ‘ Dreamers ’ have exerted any positive effect on the U.S. economy as a result of their education or job training . ''
A majority of Dreamers occupy entry-level or low wage jobs in construction , food service and maintenance industries , and that means that they are in direct competition with `` economically vulnerable Americans , '' he said .
`` The departure of ‘ Dreamers ’ from the United States should be considered both an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of law , '' O'Brien said .
President Barack Obama created DACA through executive action in 2012 .
Applicants had to pass criminal background checks to obtain two-year , renewable work permits and a Social Security card .
In some states , including New Jersey , that also opened the door for recipients to obtain driver 's licenses .
For the first time , they were able to legally work and make money to pay for college educations and contribute to household expenses .
Rodrigo Diaz , 28 , was born in Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3-years old .
He applied for DACA in 2012 , a few months after the program began .
The new status allowed him to go to college part-time near his home in Montclair , California .
He got a job as a sales associate at a Best Buy and contributed to household finances .
But in 2016 , as Trump was gaining momentum on the campaign trail and vowing to curb illegal immigration , Diaz , his parents and sister moved back to Mexico .
They had been talking about returning for some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump helped them make the decision , Diaz said '' I felt I can either let this man , who does n't know who I am , decide my fate and decide whether I can stay or go in a country I have known my whole life , or I can take the decision back and move back to my country of birth , '' he said .
Though DACA allowed him to study and work , it still placed limits on him , he said .
`` It was n't a path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path to anything .
It was sort of like a dead-end road , '' he said .
`` I wanted more . ''
The day Diaz and his family left , they woke up in a nearly empty apartment and said their goodbyes to family and friends before heading south .
After crossing the border and arriving in Tijuana , with the United States behind him and Mexico in front , a sense of disorientation set in , he said .
`` Everything I ever knew was California , '' recalled Diaz , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Golden State for fear of deportation .
`` Once you cross over , the architecture changes .
There was a lot of colors , a lot of stuff was happening .
It was a little intense . ''
Diaz now works in marketing for a footwear company .
He keeps up with the latest news concerning DACA and feels relief that he no longer has to worry about the Supreme Court 's outcome , not to mention the $ 495 a year fee to renew his DACA status .
`` Having the burden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to happen with me ...
I do n't have to think about that anymore , '' he said .
Yovanny Diaz Tolentino , 28 , was raised in Georgia but now lives in San Miguel , Mexico .
He received a certification this year to teach English as a foreign language from the University of Dayton in Ohio after taking classes long distance .
`` Dream accomplished , '' he said .
`` I will now have a career , and now I do n't have to migrate or look for better opportunities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2015 , went back even though family and friends advised him to stay in the U.S .
He said life was n't easy in Georgia , where he worked as a manager at a McDonald 's but had no prospects of going to college .
Georgia does not allow undocumented immigrants to enroll in top colleges and receive in-state tuition .
In Mexico , he works in a restaurant and thinks about using his talents to help others in the future .
`` Now , I am dreaming about being the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump at Honeywell : Honeywell silent on Donald Trump 's claim he was told he did n't need to wear mask Hong , the New Jersey emigree , recently completed his MBA degree from the IE Business School in Madrid , and started classes for his master 's in business analytics and data .
He wants to launch a financial tech startup in Spain .
He 'd like to return to the United States one day , but is also looking to move to Canada , which has attracted more DACA recipients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good , bright young individuals who are hungry for success , '' he said .
`` All we wanted is an opportunity , and right now we are taking that opportunity in our own hands .
And it 's the country 's loss because they could n't provide it for us . ''
It 's a decision that Itzel Hernandez , 26 , of Red Bank , New Jersey , has pondered too .
A community organizer for the American Friends Service Committee , she was born in Mexico but moved north when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's thinking about pursuing a master 's degree , possibly in Germany , where it 's more affordable .
Hernandez graduated from New Jersey City University in Jersey City in 2017 with a dual degree in political science and national security studies .
She had hoped to work in counterterrorism with the FBI , but being undocumented prevents her from working for the agency , she said .
`` It 's a very personal thing to have to choose , '' she said .
`` In all ways , you feel and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feels like you are being kicked out of your own home and not by choice .
I do n't want to give up on the idea that this is going to get better ... .but what you see and what you hear does n't always match up with what is going on at the federal level . ''
Monsy Alvarado is the immigration reporter for NorthJersey.com .
Email : alvarado @ northjersey.com Twitter : @ monsyalvarado

As Supreme Court considers end to DACA, some Dreamers are already leaving US behind
Show Caption Hide Caption Phoenix rally shows support for DACA A Phoenix rally on May 6, 2020, shows support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program ahead of a Supreme Court ruling on DACA. Nick Oza, The Republic | azcentral.com
Born in South Korea but raised in Montclair, New Jersey, Eun Suk "Jason" Hong seemed on the cusp of another American success story when he graduated from college in 2015.
Hong, whose mother brought him to the U.S. at age 10, landed a job as a financial planner and was looking forward to starting a career.
But in 2017, President Donald Trump moved to do away with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the program that allowed him to work legally in the U.S., and Hong's outlook began to change. In August, he quit his job and moved to Spain to seek a master's degree in business administration.
He's now barred for a decade from returning to the country where he grew up. But he's also left behind the anxiety of America's immigration wars.
"I wanted some certainty and control,'' Hong said in a recent phone interview from Madrid. "Emotionally it was one of the scariest ideas I had to accept."
Hong is among the "Dreamers" – undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children – who are leaving their adopted home in frustration. With the Supreme Court poised to rule on DACA's future by June, some are taking matters into their own hands and moving to Europe, Mexico and Canada.
Dreamers: Supreme Court lets DACA proponents cite recipients' work fighting coronavirus
Some of those enrolled in the program have been able to gain legal status while staying in the U.S. They've applied for asylum or visas or married American citizens. But others are saying goodbye to the only country many of them remember.
When Trump announced his plan to terminate the DACA program in September 2017, there were 689,800 active DACA recipients. That's declined by more than 40,000, to 649,070, according to the latest figures on the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services website.
Trump says the Obama-era initiative is unconstitutional, but his move to phase out the program has been blocked by legal challenges. The Supreme Court is expected to announce sometime before the end of June whether the president has the authority to end DACA.
Stimulus checks: Among those who won't get a coronavirus stimulus check: Elderly Americans claimed as dependents
Although the federal government doesn't track how many DACA recipients have left to pursue life in another country, those who work with immigrant communities say it's becoming a more common choice as a Supreme Court dominated by a conservative majority moves closer to a decision.
"It has been an option people are taking into consideration, more and more,'' said Daniel Arenas, 30, who moved back to Mexico from South Carolina in 2011 and later co-founded Dream in Mexico, an organization that helps those who have chosen to return after growing up in the United States. Arenas, who emigrated from Mexico when he was 4 years old, now travels back and forth between the two countries for work.
"We have talked to people who said they are living in states where they can’t go to college. Seems like even though they have DACA, some say it's not helping them accomplish their life’s goals."
Francesc Ortega, a professor of economics at the City University of New York's Queen College, said the country has invested in educating DACA recipients, and now when some are ready to contribute to the economy they are forced to leave because of the barriers imposed. Ortega, whose work was published in 2016 by the National Bureau of Economic Research, estimated that each undocumented worker contributes around $70,000 to the U.S. economy each year.
Each currently employed DACA recipient who leaves the country will cost the national GDP that amount, Ortega said. If they lose DACA's protections but stay in the U.S. as illegal workers, their economic contribution would still be reduced by $7,000, he said.
White House staffer tests positive: White House employee tests positive for coronavirus, Trump and Pence test negative
'Triumph for the rule of law'
Supporters of policies to limit immigration say undocumented immigrants cost taxpayers money, pointing to research that shows they consume more in public services than they pay for with taxes.
“Fewer than 50% of DACA beneficiaries have a high school diploma. An even smaller number have a college education,'' said Matt O'Brien, director of research for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, citing the group's own studies. "And only a tiny proportion have professional qualifications or other highly marketable skills. So it’s far from clear that any of the so-called ‘Dreamers’ have exerted any positive effect on the U.S. economy as a result of their education or job training."
A majority of Dreamers occupy entry-level or low wage jobs in construction, food service and maintenance industries, and that means that they are in direct competition with "economically vulnerable Americans," he said.
"The departure of ‘Dreamers’ from the United States should be considered both an economic good and triumph for the rule of law,'' O'Brien said.
Bridgegate: Supreme Court calls George Washington Bridge high jinks political, not criminal
President Barack Obama created DACA through executive action in 2012. Applicants had to pass criminal background checks to obtain two-year, renewable work permits and a Social Security card. In some states, including New Jersey, that also opened the door for recipients to obtain driver's licenses.
For the first time, they were able to legally work and make money to pay for college educations and contribute to household expenses.
Moving out
Rodrigo Diaz, 28, was born in Mexico but moved to California when he was 3-years old. He applied for DACA in 2012, a few months after the program began. The new status allowed him to go to college part-time near his home in Montclair, California. He got a job as a sales associate at a Best Buy and contributed to household finances.
But in 2016, as Trump was gaining momentum on the campaign trail and vowing to curb illegal immigration, Diaz, his parents and sister moved back to Mexico. They had been talking about returning for some time to reunite with family, but Trump helped them make the decision, Diaz said
"I felt I can either let this man, who doesn't know who I am, decide my fate and decide whether I can stay or go in a country I have known my whole life, or I can take the decision back and move back to my country of birth,'' he said.
Though DACA allowed him to study and work, it still placed limits on him, he said.
"It wasn't a path to citizenship. It wasn't a path to anything. It was sort of like a dead-end road,'' he said. "I wanted more."
Prisons and coronavirus: Federal prisons chief defends agency coronavirus response as infections, deaths mount
The day Diaz and his family left, they woke up in a nearly empty apartment and said their goodbyes to family and friends before heading south. After crossing the border and arriving in Tijuana, with the United States behind him and Mexico in front, a sense of disorientation set in, he said.
"Everything I ever knew was California,'' recalled Diaz, who had never strayed far from the Golden State for fear of deportation. "Once you cross over, the architecture changes. There was a lot of colors, a lot of stuff was happening. It was a little intense."
Diaz now works in marketing for a footwear company. He keeps up with the latest news concerning DACA and feels relief that he no longer has to worry about the Supreme Court's outcome, not to mention the $495 a year fee to renew his DACA status.
"Having the burden on my shoulders of what is going to happen with me...I don't have to think about that anymore,'' he said.
'Dream accomplished' – in Mexico
Yovanny Diaz Tolentino, 28, was raised in Georgia but now lives in San Miguel, Mexico. He received a certification this year to teach English as a foreign language from the University of Dayton in Ohio after taking classes long distance.
"Dream accomplished,'' he said. "I will now have a career, and now I don't have to migrate or look for better opportunities."
Diaz Tolentino, who returned in 2015, went back even though family and friends advised him to stay in the U.S. He said life wasn't easy in Georgia, where he worked as a manager at a McDonald's but had no prospects of going to college. Georgia does not allow undocumented immigrants to enroll in top colleges and receive in-state tuition.
In Mexico, he works in a restaurant and thinks about using his talents to help others in the future.
"Now, I am dreaming about being the best teacher in Mexico,'' he said.
Trump at Honeywell: Honeywell silent on Donald Trump's claim he was told he didn't need to wear mask
Hong, the New Jersey emigree, recently completed his MBA degree from the IE Business School in Madrid, and started classes for his master's in business analytics and data. He wants to launch a financial tech startup in Spain.
He'd like to return to the United States one day, but is also looking to move to Canada, which has attracted more DACA recipients in recent years.
"We are good, bright young individuals who are hungry for success,'' he said. "All we wanted is an opportunity, and right now we are taking that opportunity in our own hands. And it's the country's loss because they couldn't provide it for us."
Time to leave?
It's a decision that Itzel Hernandez, 26, of Red Bank, New Jersey, has pondered too. A community organizer for the American Friends Service Committee, she was born in Mexico but moved north when she was 10. Now, she's thinking about pursuing a master's degree, possibly in Germany, where it's more affordable.
Hernandez graduated from New Jersey City University in Jersey City in 2017 with a dual degree in political science and national security studies. She had hoped to work in counterterrorism with the FBI, but being undocumented prevents her from working for the agency, she said.
Work visas: GOP senators ask Trump to restrict guest worker visas amid coronavirus pandemic
"It's a very personal thing to have to choose,'' she said. "In all ways, you feel and you consider yourself an American, so it feels like you are being kicked out of your own home and not by choice. I don't want to give up on the idea that this is going to get better....but what you see and what you hear doesn't always match up with what is going on at the federal level."
Monsy Alvarado is the immigration reporter for NorthJersey.com. Email: alvarado@northjersey.com Twitter: @monsyalvarado


usatoday--2020-05-07--Federal prisons chief defends agency coronavirus response as infections, deaths mount

Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal defended the agency 's response to the increasingly deadly COVID-19 outbreak , saying recent inmate testing revealing infection rates as high as 70 % are `` in no way representative '' of conditions across the system .
Carvajal , in a weekly address to staffers , suggested that the high rate of infection was due to expanded testing that included inmates who displayed no apparent symptoms of the virus , adding that less than half of the bureau 's facilities have been hit .
Of the 2,700 inmates tested by last week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were asymptomatic '' with about 70 percent testing positive .
`` This number , however , is no way representative of a positive rate across the agency , '' the director said .
So far , the director said that 51 of the 122 federal prison facilities have coronavirus cases .
Infections mount : More than 1,500 federal prisoners now have COVID-19 as officials expand testing '' Of those , only 15 have an outbreak with more than 20 active , lab-confirmed , positive inmate cases and only five institutions have more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Carvajal said .
Yet the number of infections and deaths have continued to mount and taken a toll on an agency that has long struggled with persistent staffing shortages and a harsh spotlight cast by last year 's suicide death of accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein .
As of Thursday , the virus had claimed at least 42 inmates , while 2,100 prisoners and more than 360 staffers have been infected .
Carvajal said that nearly 300 staffers have been tapped from other assignments in an attempt to fill personnel gaps .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have experienced within the bureau , '' Carvajal said .
The outbreaks within the nation 's largest prison system have drawn the scrutiny of Attorney General William Barr , who has dispatched teams to examine conditions at the hardest hit facilities , including prisons in Louisiana , Ohio , North Carolina and California .
The DOJ inspector general , Michael Horowitz , also is conducting a separate inquiry into conditions at the agency .

Federal prisons chief defends agency coronavirus response as infections, deaths mount
Show Caption Hide Caption William Barr speeds release of vulnerable inmates as coronavirus surges Attorney General William Barr has ordered the release of vulnerable inmates from three federal prisons. Buzz60
Federal Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal defended the agency's response to the increasingly deadly COVID-19 outbreak, saying recent inmate testing revealing infection rates as high as 70% are "in no way representative" of conditions across the system.
Carvajal, in a weekly address to staffers, suggested that the high rate of infection was due to expanded testing that included inmates who displayed no apparent symptoms of the virus, adding that less than half of the bureau's facilities have been hit.
Of the 2,700 inmates tested by last week, Carvajal said the "vast majority" were asymptomatic" with about 70 percent testing positive.
"This number, however, is no way representative of a positive rate across the agency," the director said. So far, the director said that 51 of the 122 federal prison facilities have coronavirus cases.
Lockdown: Federal prison officials order system-wide lockdown in bid to limit coronavirus spread
Infections mount: More than 1,500 federal prisoners now have COVID-19 as officials expand testing
"Of those, only 15 have an outbreak with more than 20 active, lab-confirmed, positive inmate cases and only five institutions have more than 20 active, positive staff cases," Carvajal said.
Yet the number of infections and deaths have continued to mount and taken a toll on an agency that has long struggled with persistent staffing shortages and a harsh spotlight cast by last year's suicide death of accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
As of Thursday, the virus had claimed at least 42 inmates, while 2,100 prisoners and more than 360 staffers have been infected.
Carvajal said that nearly 300 staffers have been tapped from other assignments in an attempt to fill personnel gaps.
"This year is unlike any year we have experienced within the bureau," Carvajal said.
The outbreaks within the nation's largest prison system have drawn the scrutiny of Attorney General William Barr, who has dispatched teams to examine conditions at the hardest hit facilities, including prisons in Louisiana, Ohio, North Carolina and California.
The DOJ inspector general, Michael Horowitz, also is conducting a separate inquiry into conditions at the agency.


usatoday--2020-05-07--Supreme Court oral arguments via phone interrupted by apparent flushing sound

The justices were on the phone for nearly three hours hearing oral arguments from quarantine .

SCOTUS oral arguments interrupted by toilet flush sound
The justices were on the phone for nearly three hours hearing oral arguments from quarantine.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-07--President Trump wants the border wall to be painted black to deter climbers: report

President Donald Trump has requested the border wall , one of his signature campaign promises , be painted black , a proposal that could cost hundreds of millions of dollars , according to a new report .
The Washington Post reported Wednesday Trump had ordered the border wall to be painted black in order to make it look more imposing and to make it too hot to touch during the summer .
Quoting anonymous administration officials , the Post reported Trump told his senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner to assess cost estimates for the wall painting plan .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cost of painting the wall black would range from $ 500 million for acrylic paint to over $ 3 billion for a `` powder coating '' on the wall .
Trump has frequently touted the construction of border wall segments , telling attendees at a roundtable in Phoenix earlier this week , `` We have just completed 172 miles of wall .
And it ’ s real wall , not the kind you were having built over the years that were sort of scoffed at , right ? ''
The Democratic National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` would rather let states go bankrupt than provide them more money to pay their teachers , police officers and firefighters , and fund services for the poor and elderly . ''
The White House and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment on the report .

President Trump wants the border wall to be painted black to deter climbers: report
Show Caption Hide Caption The Wall: A 2,000-mile search for answers The USA TODAY Network presents "The Wall," a massive project aimed at putting a microscope on our border by letting you hear from migrants, border agents, ranchers, farmers, smugglers, families, and residents about what life is like along this politicized region. USA TODAY
President Donald Trump has requested the border wall, one of his signature campaign promises, be painted black, a proposal that could cost hundreds of millions of dollars, according to a new report.
The Washington Post reported Wednesday Trump had ordered the border wall to be painted black in order to make it look more imposing and to make it too hot to touch during the summer.
Quoting anonymous administration officials, the Post reported Trump told his senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner to assess cost estimates for the wall painting plan.
According to estimates obtained by the Post, the cost of painting the wall black would range from $500 million for acrylic paint to over $3 billion for a "powder coating" on the wall.
Trump has frequently touted the construction of border wall segments, telling attendees at a roundtable in Phoenix earlier this week, "We have just completed 172 miles of wall. And it’s real wall, not the kind you were having built over the years that were sort of scoffed at, right?"
More: GOP senators ask Trump to restrict guest worker visas amid coronavirus pandemic
The Democratic National Committee slammed the report, saying Trump "would rather let states go bankrupt than provide them more money to pay their teachers, police officers and firefighters, and fund services for the poor and elderly."
The White House and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment on the report.


usatoday--2020-05-07--'Sporadic for you but not sporadic for a lot of other people': Trump contradicts nurse on PPE availa


usatoday--2020-05-07--Coronavirus stimulus checks sent to dead people should be mailed back to IRS, Treasury says


usatoday--2020-05-08--Americans more worried about reopening too quickly than not opening quickly enough, survey shows

WASHINGTON – As states around the country begin reopening , a new survey shows the majority of Americans are more worried about social distancing measures being loosened too quickly then are worried about the country not reopening quickly enough .
Nearly three out of four Americans — 71 % — say they are more concerned by the government lifting social distancing restrictions too quickly , according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project .
That 's more than double the 29 % who say they are worried restrictions are not being lifted quickly enough .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned coronavirus cases could spike if the country reopens too quickly , about 50 % of states have partially reopened or loosened social distancing restrictions that were put in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus .
Other states have maintained stay-at-home orders and other restrictions with an eye on the still-growing number of cases nationally .
And few Americans believe it ’ s safe now for various social distancing restrictions to be scaled back , according to an analysis on Nationscape Insights , a project of Democracy Fund , UCLA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans think it wo n't be safe for a combination of weeks or months .
`` There 's a tendency for people to focus on people who are very loud right now , '' said Robert Griffin , research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group .
`` But there 's ... a real patience that pervades most of American action . ''
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate .
Throughout the 2020 election cycle , the researchers aim to conduct 500,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This survey was conducted between April 23 and 29 , with 6,708 Americans surveyed .
There is a margin of error of +/- 2.1 percentage points .
Griffin said the data shows Americans will likely not engage in many activities , like going to restaurants , even if they reopen right now .
`` You can reopen a lot of things , the bars and restaurants can come back , you can try to reopen schools and send kids back to them , you can try to have larger events occurring ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this really does n't mean that people are going to necessarily engage in them , '' Griffin said .
While there have been protests in several states over the social distancing restrictions , the majority of both Democrats ( 83 % ) and Republicans ( 60 % ) are more worried about social distancing measures being loosened too quickly .
Only 9 % of Americans believe “ it is safe now ” for schools and universities to reopen .
Sixteen percent believe it will be safe in several weeks , 42 % believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and 22 % believe it will be safe in six months or more .
Ten percent of Americans believe it ’ s safe right now to allow meetings or gatherings of more than 10 people , like sporting events , concerts , and conferences .
Twenty-one percent believe it will be safe in several weeks , 36 % believe it will be safe in several months , and 23 % believe it will be safe in six or more months .
And 10 % believe it ’ s safe right now for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen .
But 26 % believe it will be safe in several weeks , 35 % believe it will be safe in several months , and 17 % believe it will be safe in six or more months .
More : Among those who wo n't get a coronavirus check : Older Americans claimed as dependents In addition , 14 % of Americans believe it ’ s safe right now to end stay-at-home orders , which encourage people to stay at their residences and avoid socializing with others .
Thirty-five percent believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those orders for several weeks , 30 % believe it wo n't be safe for several months and 12 % believe it wo n't be safe to lift until six or more months .
Griffin noted that people who say it will be safe in a couple weeks or months like want `` to be optimistic in the scenario . ''
`` No one is having a good time with the many restrictions that are occurring in American life right now , '' Griffin said .
Protesters have taken to the streets in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the stay at home orders , with many supporters wearing clothing or holding signs in support of President Donald Trump .
But even as the majority of Democrats and Republicans believe it is not safe yet to loosen restrictions , there is still some partisan divide .
The largest gap between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to specific activities is in regard to stay-at-home orders , with 24 % of Republicans saying they are safe to end , compared with 6 % of Democrats .
But the majority — a combined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Democrats — do not believe it will be safe to end the orders for either several weeks , several months or six or more months .
The breakdown between Republicans and Democrats for the other activities include : • 17 % of Republicans who believe it ’ s safe for businesses like theaters , bars and restaurants to reopen , compared with only 5 % of Democrats .
• 16 % of Republicans who believe it ’ s safe to allow gatherings of more than 10 people , compared with 5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans who believe it ’ s safe for schools and universities to reopen , compared with 4 % of Democrats .

Americans more worried about reopening too quickly than not opening quickly enough, survey says
Show Caption Hide Caption Stores, barbers, even gyms to reopen in some states Some states are moving slowly towards reopening their economies while others are moving more quickly to reopen. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – As states around the country begin reopening, a new survey suggests the majority of Americans are more worried about social distancing measures being loosened too quickly than are worried about the country not reopening quickly enough.
Nearly three out of four Americans – 71% – say they are more concerned by the government lifting social distancing restrictions too quickly, according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project. That's more than double the 29% who say they are worried restrictions are not being lifted quickly enough.
Even as some experts and medical projections have warned that coronavirus cases could spike if the country reopens too quickly, about 50% of states have partially reopened or loosened social distancing restrictions that were put in place to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. Other states have maintained stay-at-home orders and other restrictions with an eye on the still-growing number of cases nationally.
And few Americans believe it’s safe now for various social distancing restrictions to be scaled back, according to an analysis on Nationscape Insights, a project of Democracy Fund, UCLA, and USA TODAY, while the majority of Americans think it won't be safe for a combination of weeks or months.
Coronavirus updates: WH reportedly shelved CDC reopening plans, Trump staff to be tested daily
"There's a tendency for people to focus on people who are very loud right now," said Robert Griffin, research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group. "But there's ... a real patience that pervades most of American action."
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate. Throughout the 2020 election cycle, the researchers aim to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates. This survey was conducted between April 23 and 29, with 6,708 Americans surveyed. There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points.
NIH Director: New COVID-19 tests 'key' in recovery The Director of the National Institutes for Health says a "Shark Tank" project to develop new tests for COVID-19 will be key in getting information to businesses about "what are the risks to bringing people back." (May 7) AP
US coronavirus map:Tracking the outbreak
Griffin said the data suggests that Americans will likely not engage in many activities, like going to restaurants, even if they reopen right now.
"You can reopen a lot of things, the bars and restaurants can come back, you can try to reopen schools and send kids back to them, you can try to have larger events occurring ... for more than 10 people, but this really doesn't mean that people are going to necessarily engage in them," Griffin said.
While there have been protests in several states over the social distancing restrictions, the majority of both Democrats (83%) and Republicans (60%) are more worried about social distancing measures being loosened too quickly.
Only 9% of Americans believe “it is safe now” for schools and universities to reopen. Sixteen percent believe it will be safe in several weeks, 42% believe it will be safe in several months, and 22% believe it will be safe in six months or more.
Ten percent of Americans believe it’s safe right now to allow meetings or gatherings of more than 10 people, like sporting events, concerts, and conferences. Twenty-one percent believe it will be safe in several weeks, 36% believe it will be safe in several months, and 23% believe it will be safe in six or more months.
And 10% believe it’s safe right now for businesses like theaters, bars and restaurants to reopen. But 26% believe it will be safe in several weeks, 35% believe it will be safe in several months, and 17% believe it will be safe in six or more months.
More: Among those who won't get a coronavirus check: Older Americans claimed as dependents
In addition, 14% of Americans believe it’s safe right now to end stay-at-home orders, which encourage people to stay at their residences and avoid socializing with others. Thirty-five percent believe it won't be safe to lift those orders for several weeks, 30% believe it won't be safe for several months, and 12% believe it won't be safe to lift until six or more months.
Griffin noted that people who say it will be safe in a couple of weeks or months want "to be optimistic in the scenario."
"No one is having a good time with the many restrictions that are occurring in American life right now," Griffin said.
Americans are on the brink in the service industry amid COVID-19 pandemic The economic impact of the COVID-19 virus has been harsh. A small business owner and a hotel housekeeper face different, but difficult challenges amid this pandemic. Jasper Colt, Judy S. Reich, USA TODAY
More: Coronavirus business interruption battle pits business lobby against itself
Protesters have taken to the streets in several states to call for an end of the stay-at-home orders, with many supporters wearing clothing or holding signs in support of President Donald Trump.
But even as the majority of Democrats and Republicans believe it is not safe yet to loosen restrictions, there is still some partisan divide.
The largest gap between Democrats and Republicans when it comes to specific activities is in regard to stay-at-home orders: 24% of Republicans say they are safe to end, compared with 6% of Democrats. But the majority – a combined 69% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats – do not believe it will be safe to end the orders for either several weeks, several months or six or more months.
The breakdown between Republicans and Democrats for the other activities include:
17% of Republicans who believe it’s safe for businesses like theaters, bars and restaurants to reopen, compared with only 5% of Democrats.
16% of Republicans who believe it’s safe to allow gatherings of more than 10 people, compared with 5% of Democrats.
15% of Republicans who believe it’s safe for schools and universities to reopen, compared with 4% of Democrats.