huffpost--2020-04-01--Heads Up: Not All Your Tax Deadlines Have Been Postponed

Earlier this month , Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced on Twitter that the federal income tax filing deadline for 2020 would be pushed to July 15 .
That means you have an extra three months to prepare your return for tax year 2019 .
The goal is to provide taxpayers some relief in light of the financial turmoil many are experiencing due to the coronavirus pandemic .
If you have a complicated tax situation or owe money on last year ’ s taxes , that ’ s great news .
But it doesn ’ t necessarily mean you can kick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Though the federal filing deadline was pushed back , not all states have moved their filing deadlines to the same date , and you may still need to pay other taxes ― like property taxes ― at the usual time .
Filing or paying your taxes late could result in penalties and interest , so read on to find out when you need to have your state tax returns done .
Though most states have followed the federal government ’ s lead and extended their deadlines to July 15 , not all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still has a deadline of April 15 .
Other states have extended the deadline , but to a date that falls before or after July 15 .
Have Quarterly Estimated Payments Been Delayed ?
Freelancers , contractors and other self-employed individuals who are required to pay quarterly estimated taxes are in luck ― sort of .
The April 15 deadline to pay first-quarter ( Jan. 1 to March 31 ) federal taxes has been extended as well .
You now have until July 15 to make that payment .
However , the June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to May 31 ) estimated taxes is still in place , according to Alan Goldenberg , a principal at the accounting firm Friedman LLP .
And as with yearly tax returns , Goldenberg noted that not all states have extended their deadlines for first-quarter estimated taxes , while others have pushed both first- and second-quarter deadlines .
If you normally make estimated quarterly payments , check to see how your state is handling them for tax year 2019 .
The deadline to pay property taxes generally doesn ’ t coincide with the deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , state property tax deadlines are intact , though some states have said they will waive late fees and interest up to a certain date .
But some counties across the U.S. ― such as Pierce County in Washington and Miami-Dade County in Florida ― have extended due dates for property taxes to be paid by individuals .
It ’ s worth checking to see if the usual deadline to pay property taxes in your county has been pushed later , though it ’ s unlikely .
Should You Wait To File @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have extra time to file taxes this year .
However , Mnuchin advised filing as soon as possible , especially if you qualify for a refund .
Not only will you get your money faster by filing right away , but it ’ s recommended you do so to thwart scammers who file fraudulent tax returns on behalf of taxpayers who haven ’ t filed yet in the hopes of stealing their refunds .
On the other hand , if you owe taxes for 2019 , it ’ s in your best interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll have more time to save up the funds , and there ’ s no reason to give Uncle Sam an interest-free loan on money you can use now .

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Earlier this month, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced on Twitter that the federal income tax filing deadline for 2020 would be pushed to July 15. That means you have an extra three months to prepare your return for tax year 2019. The goal is to provide taxpayers some relief in light of the financial turmoil many are experiencing due to the coronavirus pandemic.
At @realDonaldTrump’s direction, we are moving Tax Day from April 15 to July 15. All taxpayers and businesses will have this additional time to file and make payments without interest or penalties. — Steven Mnuchin (@stevenmnuchin1) March 20, 2020
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If you have a complicated tax situation or owe money on last year’s taxes, that’s great news. But it doesn’t necessarily mean you can kick back and forget about it until summer. Though the federal filing deadline was pushed back, not all states have moved their filing deadlines to the same date, and you may still need to pay other taxes ― like property taxes ― at the usual time.
Filing or paying your taxes late could result in penalties and interest, so read on to find out when you need to have your state tax returns done.
Tax Filing Deadline By State
Though most states have followed the federal government’s lead and extended their deadlines to July 15, not all have. Most notably, New Jersey still has a deadline of April 15. Other states have extended the deadline, but to a date that falls before or after July 15.
Below is a list of states and their tax filing deadlines, which TurboTax continues to update as new information is available.
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Alabama: July 15
Arizona: July 15
Arkansas: July 15
California: July 15
Colorado: July 15
Connecticut: July 15
Delaware: July 15
District of Columbia: July 15
Georgia: July 15
Hawaii: July 20
Idaho: July 15
Illinois: July 15
Indiana: July 15
Iowa: July 31
Kansas: July 15
Kentucky: July 15
Louisiana: July 15
Maine: July 15
Maryland: July 15
Massachusetts: July 15
Michigan: July 15
Minnesota: July 15
Mississippi: May 15
Missouri: July 15
Montana: July 15
Nebraska: July 15
New Jersey: April 15
New Mexico: July 15
New York: July 15
North Carolina: July 15
North Dakota: July 15
Ohio: July 15
Oklahoma: July 15
Oregon: July 15
Pennsylvania: July 15
Rhode Island: July 15
South Carolina: July 15
Tennessee: July 15
Utah: July 15
Vermont: July 15
Virginia: May 1, with interest and penalties waived until June 1
West Virginia: July 15
Wisconsin: July 15
States With No Income Tax
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
Have Quarterly Estimated Payments Been Delayed?
Freelancers, contractors and other self-employed individuals who are required to pay quarterly estimated taxes are in luck ― sort of. The April 15 deadline to pay first-quarter (Jan. 1 to March 31) federal taxes has been extended as well. You now have until July 15 to make that payment. However, the June 15 deadline for second-quarter (April 1 to May 31) estimated taxes is still in place, according to Alan Goldenberg, a principal at the accounting firm Friedman LLP.
And as with yearly tax returns, Goldenberg noted that not all states have extended their deadlines for first-quarter estimated taxes, while others have pushed both first- and second-quarter deadlines. If you normally make estimated quarterly payments, check to see how your state is handling them for tax year 2019.
What About Property Taxes?
The deadline to pay property taxes generally doesn’t coincide with the deadline for income taxes. And as of now, state property tax deadlines are intact, though some states have said they will waive late fees and interest up to a certain date.
But some counties across the U.S. ― such as Pierce County in Washington and Miami-Dade County in Florida ― have extended due dates for property taxes to be paid by individuals. It’s worth checking to see if the usual deadline to pay property taxes in your county has been pushed later, though it’s unlikely.
Should You Wait To File Taxes?
In most cases, you have extra time to file taxes this year. However, Mnuchin advised filing as soon as possible, especially if you qualify for a refund.
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I encourage all taxpayers who may have tax refunds to file now to get your money. — Steven Mnuchin (@stevenmnuchin1) March 20, 2020
Not only will you get your money faster by filing right away, but it’s recommended you do so to thwart scammers who file fraudulent tax returns on behalf of taxpayers who haven’t filed yet in the hopes of stealing their refunds.


huffpost--2020-04-01--Truck Stuffed With Toilet Paper Catches Fire On Texas Interstate

HUTCHINS , Texas ( AP ) — A tractor-trailer hauling toilet paper crashed and caught fire near Dallas early Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ all over an interstate .
The fire shut down westbound lanes of Interstate 20 near @ @ @ @ @ the Texas Department of Transportation said .
The driver of the truck is OK , @ @ @ @ @ paper appeared to be large rolls typically used in stores , restaurants and other businesses @ @ @ @ @ officials said the load of toilet paper “ burned extensively , ” according to Dallas @ @ @ @ @ paper has been in high demand amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Producers ramped up production @ @ @ @ @ stores wiped out by consumers buying toilet paper and paper towels in bulk .

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HUTCHINS, Texas (AP) — A tractor-trailer hauling toilet paper crashed and caught fire near Dallas early Wednesday, spilling the hot commodity all over an interstate.
The fire shut down westbound lanes of Interstate 20 near Interstate 45 in Hutchins, the Texas Department of Transportation said.
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The driver of the truck is OK, officials said.
The toilet paper appeared to be large rolls typically used in stores, restaurants and other businesses. Texas Department of Transportation officials said the load of toilet paper “burned extensively,” according to Dallas TV station WFAA.


huffpost--2020-04-01--HHS Inspector General Asked To Look Into CDC Mailing Featuring Trump

WASHINGTON ― The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is facing a call for an investigation after it sent a coronavirus mailing prominently featuring President Donald Trump ’ s name to millions of Americans .
“ In terms of design , the main feature of the mailing is Trump ’ s name rather than the actual guidelines , ” the watchdog group Accountable.US wrote in a Wednesday letter to the Department of Health and Human Services ’ inspector general .
“ In fact , the message including the President ’ s name takes up more real estate on the postcard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other item.
” HHS oversees a number of agencies , including the CDC and the National Institutes of Health , that are involved in the coronavirus response .
Both the CDC and HHS offered this response to HuffPost queries on the matter , and said they would have no further comment : CDC , NIH , and Dr. [ Deborah ] Birx consulted on the content of this mailer through the White House Task Force for COVID-19 .
The Task Force has taken unprecedented steps to curb the spread of COVID-19 and protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the response efforts include the mailer , which was sent out to millions of Americans to educate them on ways to help slow the spread .
The postcard dated March 16 is headlined “ PRESIDENT TRUMP ’ S CORONAVIRUS GUIDELINES FOR AMERICA ” in all capital letters , and displays the logos of the CDC and the White House .
On the back are the same recommendations that were unveiled that day and are frequently referred to by Vice President Mike Pence during White House briefings .
The placards Pence has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ titled “ 15 Days to Slow the Spread ” and then “ 30 Days to Slow the Spread , ” do not feature Trump ’ s name .
It ’ s unclear who decided to use Trump ’ s name so prominently – the font size of the headline is the largest of anything on the card ― particularly since he did not really support those recommendations , he said recently , and only went along with them because he was afraid of being criticized if he did not .
“ I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not done it we would have been unbelievably criticized for not doing it , ” he told Fox News in a Rose Garden interview on March 23 .
“ Because this mailing features Trump ’ s name above all else and clearly seeks to cover up his well-documented history of undermining CDC public health recommendations , it can be quite reasonably viewed as electioneering ― especially with Election Day fast approaching , ” stated the letter , signed by Accountable.US President Kyle Herrig .
Other critics , including health experts , pointed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the population dislikes and distrusts Trump , many Americans were likely to ignore the CDC ’ s recommendations solely because Trump was associated with them .
Trump downplayed the seriousness of the virus and its threat to Americans from Jan. 22 through March 15 , at one point even calling concerns about it “ a hoax.
” Only in the last two days has Trump acknowledged that COVID-19 , the disease caused by the virus , is likely to kill 100,000 to 200,000 Americans , even if strict guidelines are observed across @ @ @

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WASHINGTON ― The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is facing a call for an investigation after it sent a coronavirus mailing prominently featuring President Donald Trump’s name to millions of Americans.
“In terms of design, the main feature of the mailing is Trump’s name rather than the actual guidelines,” the watchdog group Accountable.US wrote in a Wednesday letter to the Department of Health and Human Services’ inspector general. “In fact, the message including the President’s name takes up more real estate on the postcard ― one full side ― than any other item.”
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HHS oversees a number of agencies, including the CDC and the National Institutes of Health, that are involved in the coronavirus response. Both the CDC and HHS offered this response to HuffPost queries on the matter, and said they would have no further comment:
CDC, NIH, and Dr. [Deborah] Birx consulted on the content of this mailer through the White House Task Force for COVID-19. The Task Force has taken unprecedented steps to curb the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and safety of Americans ― part of the response efforts include the mailer, which was sent out to millions of Americans to educate them on ways to help slow the spread.
The postcard dated March 16 is headlined “PRESIDENT TRUMP’S CORONAVIRUS GUIDELINES FOR AMERICA” in all capital letters, and displays the logos of the CDC and the White House. On the back are the same recommendations that were unveiled that day and are frequently referred to by Vice President Mike Pence during White House briefings. The placards Pence has been holding up, though, originally titled “15 Days to Slow the Spread” and then “30 Days to Slow the Spread,” do not feature Trump’s name.
It’s unclear who decided to use Trump’s name so prominently – the font size of the headline is the largest of anything on the card ― particularly since he did not really support those recommendations, he said recently, and only went along with them because he was afraid of being criticized if he did not.
Advertisement
“I don’t think ― if I would have not done it we would have been unbelievably criticized for not doing it,” he told Fox News in a Rose Garden interview on March 23.
“Because this mailing features Trump’s name above all else and clearly seeks to cover up his well-documented history of undermining CDC public health recommendations, it can be quite reasonably viewed as electioneering ― especially with Election Day fast approaching,” stated the letter, signed by Accountable.US President Kyle Herrig.
Other critics, including health experts, pointed out that because such a large percentage of the population dislikes and distrusts Trump, many Americans were likely to ignore the CDC’s recommendations solely because Trump was associated with them.
Trump downplayed the seriousness of the virus and its threat to Americans from Jan. 22 through March 15, at one point even calling concerns about it “a hoax.” Only in the last two days has Trump acknowledged that COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, is likely to kill 100,000 to 200,000 Americans, even if strict guidelines are observed across the country.
The CDC mailer sent to Americans prominently features President Donald Trump's name. Amanda Terkel/HuffPost


huffpost--2020-04-01--I Got A New Roommate 2 Days Before Coronavirus Lockdown. Here's How We're Coping.

I was looking forward to seeing “ Hamilton ” for the first time on Broadway in late March .
I was planning which outfits I ’ d wear at the Cannes Film Festival while covering it for a French publication in May .
I was still going into work every morning and dancing in ballet classes and riding the New York City subway with cavalier abandon .
In early March , I received my first cancellation .
Rika from Chuo City , Japan , sent me a message saying she needed to cancel because of potential 14-day quarantines of international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stéphane from Paris , Alexandre from Puimisson and Hélène from Lyon , France .
Like many others , my income was taking a fast and heavy hit as a result of the growing COVID-19 outbreaks .
Having my finger on the pandemic pulse via Airbnb reservations , I saw how things were escalating , and I knew I needed to take action .
So I ’ m not as laid-back as I tend to claim ; it ’ s why I like surrounding myself with people who are truly laid-back .
Mark seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could see us living well together for the next few months .
The woman who came to see the room after him arrived wearing an N95 face mask .
I knew her nervous energy would only exacerbate mine .
I needed Mark .
Like any two people living in a 600-square-foot Manhattan shoebox together , there were , of course , adjustments .
I prayed Mark was a heavy sleeper on the days I had to begin work at 5 a.m .
He likely wondered if I had any other music than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe thinking : “ Does she listen to it out of necessity because it ’ s the only music she has ?
Or is she just the most devoted song-binger ever to walk the Earth ?
” ( The latter , Mark .
It is the latter . )
We ’ re two strangers thrown into lockdown mode in a confined space for what appears to be at least another month or two .
It ’ s what I imagine it ’ s like being stuck in an elevator with someone , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery service from the wine shops and the Italian restaurant on Amsterdam Avenue .
Thankfully , we get on like a house on fire .
We ’ re both introverts , so we rarely talk to each other .
It ’ s perfect .
Mark and I face each other at our desks every day with just a paper-thin wall separating us and our laptops .
There ’ s the occasional Zoom call for work or FaceTime with family afar .
Otherwise , the apartment is silent and peaceful , save for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ picture us each at our desks with the wall between like the split-screen scenes from the Doris Day/Rock Hudson movie “ Pillow Talk.
” We keep our respective bedroom doors closed and have gone days without seeing each other .
When we do , it ’ s in the kitchen , making idle talk about the usual topic these days : the alarming pandemic upending life as we know it .
And there was that one time I spilled wine on my sweatpants during a happy hour FaceTime chat with a friend in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at my clumsiness as I pointed to my red-wine-soaked pink sweatpants .
In the kitchen , our electric kettles sit side-by-side on the countertop .
When he first moved in , I noticed Mark ’ s mug , which read : “ There is no greater pleasure than reading a good book.
” Relief swept over me as I filled my own mug of coffee , which comes from the Drama Bookshop .
We ’ re just two bookworms making do , keeping caffeinated , isolated and socially distanced .
In the kitchen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit on cupboard shelves .
Sometimes , I worry about Mark judging my food choices ( though he doesn ’ t really seem like the type to judge ) .
So disinterested in food preparation am I that I opt for foods that are easy and quick to prepare .
On a shelf containing my three bags of string cheese from Trader Joe ’ s , you ’ ll find Mark ’ s organic chicken and fresh vegetables .
My kitchen , once rarely used beyond pressing buttons on the microwave or clicking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has home-cooked meal smells wafting through it .
That ’ s been a nice addition to the unpleasant new reality we ’ re living in .
The bits of food residue on the countertop and errant dish here and there , however , were not .
I smiled at him , pretending not to notice the food crumbs as I silently lost my shit .
Thanks to my therapist , I generally have no trouble inciting and handling conflict when necessary .
But I couldn ’ t bring myself to talk to Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d like it to be a little neater .
He was just too sweet , too seemingly sensitive .
If Mark had been a jerk or an aggressive type , I ’ d have had emphatically zero trouble broaching the topic .
But his sweet demeanor made me want to do everything possible to preserve the status quo .
We ’ re each trying to navigate this unfamiliar terrain creating as few waves as possible .
Especially because it looked like this lockdown could last for months .
I wanted him to feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So , in perhaps a major step toward my lifelong quest to be more laid-back , I decided to let it all go .
“ This is temporary , ” I ’ d remind myself when seeing a lawless piece of pasta on the stovetop .
Mark was a wonderful roommate , and I couldn ’ t have hoped for a kinder stranger to share a pandemic with .

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When I first met Mark in my living room on March 10, the world looked much different.
I was looking forward to seeing “Hamilton” for the first time on Broadway in late March. I was planning which outfits I’d wear at the Cannes Film Festival while covering it for a French publication in May. I was still going into work every morning and dancing in ballet classes and riding the New York City subway with cavalier abandon.
The only thing to fear back then was, well, fear itself, but any fear felt on March 10 was manageable in a way that seems luxurious now.
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As an Airbnb host at my apartment in West Harlem, I primarily host guests from other countries. No shade to Americans, it’s just kind of how things played out. As a French speaker, I’ve hosted guests from France, Belgium, Switzerland, and also a fair share from Italy, Spain, Japan, Germany, Australia and Ghana.
In early March, I received my first cancellation. Rika from Chuo City, Japan, sent me a message saying she needed to cancel because of potential 14-day quarantines of international travelers. More cancellations quickly followed: Stéphane from Paris, Alexandre from Puimisson and Hélène from Lyon, France. Like many others, my income was taking a fast and heavy hit as a result of the growing COVID-19 outbreaks. Having my finger on the pandemic pulse via Airbnb reservations, I saw how things were escalating, and I knew I needed to take action.
I posted an ad on Craigslist advertising the spare room that usually holds interesting guests with lovely accents and sought someone equally interesting but much closer who could move in, well, as soon as humanly possible. Within 48 hours, I found Mark and arranged his move-in date.
Mark told me he was from Oklahoma and worked at a nonprofit. I told him I was laid-back, clean and “pretty on-the-go, so I’m not home a lot.”
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(“Anne, you like to think you’re laid-back, but you are not laid-back,” my friend Dale once said as we planned our Christmas movie marathon, and I specified the order in which we should watch the films and why, when to order takeout, and what “fun, impromptu activity” we could do as a break from watching the movies at “3:15 p.m., sharp.”)
So I’m not as laid-back as I tend to claim; it’s why I like surrounding myself with people who are truly laid-back. Mark seemed sweet, easy-going and laid-back. I could see us living well together for the next few months. The woman who came to see the room after him arrived wearing an N95 face mask. I knew her nervous energy would only exacerbate mine. I needed Mark.
“The room is yours!” I texted him ― and received his Venmo payment of $1,000 shortly thereafter. Neither Mark nor I could’ve predicted that our informal rental agreement meant we’d be spending a lot more time together than we bargained for.
Like any two people living in a 600-square-foot Manhattan shoebox together, there were, of course, adjustments. I prayed Mark was a heavy sleeper on the days I had to begin work at 5 a.m. He likely wondered if I had any other music than the “In the Heights” soundtrack, maybe thinking: “Does she listen to it out of necessity because it’s the only music she has? Or is she just the most devoted song-binger ever to walk the Earth?” (The latter, Mark. It is the latter.)
We’re two strangers thrown into lockdown mode in a confined space for what appears to be at least another month or two. It’s what I imagine it’s like being stuck in an elevator with someone, but for weeks on end and with intermittent delivery service from the wine shops and the Italian restaurant on Amsterdam Avenue.
Advertisement
Thankfully, we get on like a house on fire. We’re both introverts, so we rarely talk to each other. It’s perfect. Mark and I face each other at our desks every day with just a paper-thin wall separating us and our laptops. There’s the occasional Zoom call for work or FaceTime with family afar. Otherwise, the apartment is silent and peaceful, save for the frequent ambulance sirens heard outside. I picture us each at our desks with the wall between like the split-screen scenes from the Doris Day/Rock Hudson movie “Pillow Talk.”
We keep our respective bedroom doors closed and have gone days without seeing each other. When we do, it’s in the kitchen, making idle talk about the usual topic these days: the alarming pandemic upending life as we know it. And there was that one time I spilled wine on my sweatpants during a happy hour FaceTime chat with a friend in Jersey City. Mark and I laughed at my clumsiness as I pointed to my red-wine-soaked pink sweatpants.
In the kitchen, our electric kettles sit side-by-side on the countertop. When he first moved in, I noticed Mark’s mug, which read: “There is no greater pleasure than reading a good book.” Relief swept over me as I filled my own mug of coffee, which comes from the Drama Bookshop. We’re just two bookworms making do, keeping caffeinated, isolated and socially distanced.
In the kitchen, my ramen cups and sugar-laden cereals sit on cupboard shelves. Sometimes, I worry about Mark judging my food choices (though he doesn’t really seem like the type to judge). So disinterested in food preparation am I that I opt for foods that are easy and quick to prepare. On a shelf containing my three bags of string cheese from Trader Joe’s, you’ll find Mark’s organic chicken and fresh vegetables.
My kitchen, once rarely used beyond pressing buttons on the microwave or clicking a coffee capsule in place, now has home-cooked meal smells wafting through it. That’s been a nice addition to the unpleasant new reality we’re living in. The bits of food residue on the countertop and errant dish here and there, however, were not. I smiled at him, pretending not to notice the food crumbs as I silently lost my shit.
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My standards of cleanliness and organization could be kindly described as “tidy,” realistically described as “hyper-neat,” and most aptly described by those who know me best as “Oh my God, Anne, chill out ― it’s just a crumb/loose paper/rogue dust ball that escaped your clutches.”
In short, I can see how I’d be no picnic to share a small space with during a pandemic.
Thanks to my therapist, I generally have no trouble inciting and handling conflict when necessary. But I couldn’t bring myself to talk to Mark about the kitchen and how I’d like it to be a little neater. He was just too sweet, too seemingly sensitive. If Mark had been a jerk or an aggressive type, I’d have had emphatically zero trouble broaching the topic.
But his sweet demeanor made me want to do everything possible to preserve the status quo. We’re each trying to navigate this unfamiliar terrain creating as few waves as possible. Especially because it looked like this lockdown could last for months. I wanted him to feel at home when he was at home.
So, in perhaps a major step toward my lifelong quest to be more laid-back, I decided to let it all go. “This is temporary,” I’d remind myself when seeing a lawless piece of pasta on the stovetop. Mark was a wonderful roommate, and I couldn’t have hoped for a kinder stranger to share a pandemic with.
But he must’ve sensed my slight annoyance at the state of the kitchen because, like the flip of a travel alert switch to Level 4, the cleanliness bar was raised. The kitchen was back to its pre-pandemic state.
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Messy countertops are still woefully ― offensively ― unimportant when looking at the big picture: Times are dire. The economy is in crisis. People are dying in record numbers from a virus for which there is currently no vaccine and no known cure. The state of the world feels increasingly concerning and uncertain.
Mark’s mere presence, on the other side of my bedroom wall, has made life feel a bit more normal and a bit more manageable. And I hope when his time living in this apartment is over, the world looks better, brighter and different.
Do you have a compelling personal story you’d like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we’re looking for here and send us a pitch!
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huffpost--2020-04-01--How To Cook Artichokes, Because There's No Better Time To Finally Learn

With the coronavirus pandemic affecting grocery stores , it ’ s common to find shelves free of everyday staples like onions and potatoes , but totally loaded high with ingredients we never use , like ... artichokes .
And they ’ re coming into season right now .
Artichokes are one of those intimidating vegetables that scare a lot of home cooks and even some professional chefs .
They ’ re bulky , awkward to cut and can feel like a hassle to prepare .
But I ’ m here to tell you just how easy they actually are .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be the easiest , simplest way to cook an artichoke .
Those recipes usually involve either an Instant Pot or a steamer basket ( which not everyone has ) and while those methods work , I find they lack any flavor .
So I set out to show you guys it literally can all be done in one dish and prepared in the time it takes to boil a pot of water .
I went with an untraditional preparation method , but the results are incredible .
Not to toot my own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them I couldn ’ t stop thinking about how good they were .
To make perfect artichokes every time , all you need is your oven .
Yep , that ’ s right .
The key to super simple and delicious artichokes is roasting them .
No bulky equipment needed .
The hardest part about this recipe is actually cutting the artichokes .
But don ’ t worry , we ’ ve got step-by-step photos of how to do that .
Once you learn how to do one , the rest go quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do is make a vibrant herb paste to slather in between all of the leaves .
I use a ton of fresh grated garlic , rosemary , thyme and a good-quality olive oil .
That ’ s literally it .
Just pop them in a hot oven for 40 to 45 minutes and the work is done .
Out come tender leaves bursting with zesty goodness .
I like to serve mine with a lemon Dijon mayo , but melted butter also works great .
My favorite thing about artichokes , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their versatility .
It can be a quick snack , an appetizer or the perfect side to go with any dinner .
- Then use spoon to scoop out the fuzzy “ choke ” in the middle of the artichoke .
Rub a lemon half all over the entire surface of each piece to prevent browning .
Repeat with other artichoke .
4 .
Evenly rub herb paste all over artichokes , getting into between each and every leaf .
Season with salt and pepper then add cut-side down in roasting pan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ bake for 20 minutes .
Remove cover and continue cooking another 20 to 25 minutes until they are tender and the leaves pull off easily .

Jeremy Paige
With the coronavirus pandemic affecting grocery stores, it’s common to find shelves free of everyday staples like onions and potatoes, but totally loaded high with ingredients we never use, like ... artichokes. And they’re coming into season right now.
Artichokes are one of those intimidating vegetables that scare a lot of home cooks and even some professional chefs. They’re bulky, awkward to cut and can feel like a hassle to prepare. But I’m here to tell you just how easy they actually are.
Advertisement
A lot of recipes out there claim to be the easiest, simplest way to cook an artichoke. Those recipes usually involve either an Instant Pot or a steamer basket (which not everyone has) and while those methods work, I find they lack any flavor. So I set out to show you guys it literally can all be done in one dish and prepared in the time it takes to boil a pot of water.
I went with an untraditional preparation method, but the results are incredible. Not to toot my own horn, but as I was devouring them I couldn’t stop thinking about how good they were. To make perfect artichokes every time, all you need is your oven. Yep, that’s right. The key to super simple and delicious artichokes is roasting them. No bulky equipment needed.
The hardest part about this recipe is actually cutting the artichokes. But don’t worry, we’ve got step-by-step photos of how to do that. Once you learn how to do one, the rest go quickly.
After that, all you have to do is make a vibrant herb paste to slather in between all of the leaves. I use a ton of fresh grated garlic, rosemary, thyme and a good-quality olive oil. That’s literally it. Just pop them in a hot oven for 40 to 45 minutes and the work is done. Out come tender leaves bursting with zesty goodness. I like to serve mine with a lemon Dijon mayo, but melted butter also works great.
Advertisement
My favorite thing about artichokes, especially cooking them in this style, is their versatility. It can be a quick snack, an appetizer or the perfect side to go with any dinner.
Easy Herb Roasted Artichokes
Serves 4 (as a side)
Ingredients
6 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
4 large cloves garlic, grated
Kosher salt and pepper
2 large artichokes
1/3 cup mayo
1 tablespoon grainy Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Zest from 1/2 lemon
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic and 1 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
3. Cut artichokes:
- Cut stem off bottom of artichoke, then cut about 1/2 inch off the top artichoke.
Jeremy Paige Cut stem off bottom of artichoke, then cut about 1/2 inch off the top artichoke.
- Use scissors to trim the ends of leaves so they’re not pointy, then cut the artichoke in half lengthwise.
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Jeremy Paige Cut the artichoke in half lengthwise.
- Then use spoon to scoop out the fuzzy “choke” in the middle of the artichoke. Rub a lemon half all over the entire surface of each piece to prevent browning. Repeat with other artichoke.
Jeremy Paige Scoop out the fuzzy center.
4. Evenly rub herb paste all over artichokes, getting into between each and every leaf. Season with salt and pepper then add cut-side down in roasting pan.
Jeremy Paige
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5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove cover and continue cooking another 20 to 25 minutes until they are tender and the leaves pull off easily.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest. Serve with artichokes.


huffpost--2020-04-01--The White House Wanted To Give $0 To Tribes In The $2 Trillion Stimulus Bill

ASSOCIATED PRESS Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin , left , and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows step out of a meeting as the Senate negotiated a coronavirus relief bill in March .
But if the White House had its way , tribes wouldn ’ t have gotten a penny in direct relief , according to three Senate Democratic aides familiar with negotiations on the bill .
And if Senate Republicans had their way , tribes would have gotten way less than they got .
The National Congress of American Indians , the largest organization representing the interests of tribal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-March that the nation ’ s 574 tribes would need at least $ 20 billion in direct federal relief to stem job losses and economic instability caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
When the Senate and White House began talks on the stimulus , Democrats pushed for creating a $ 200 billion stabilization fund to provide direct aid to local and state governments .
Of that $ 200 billion , $ 20 billion should go to tribal governments , they proposed .
When Democrats held their ground , the White House relented and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but only if it was capped at $ 150 billion and didn ’ t give money to tribes .
Senate Republicans countered with capping the fund at $ 150 billion and giving tribes $ 2 billion , but only if that money came from a separate , supplemental appropriations bill being rolled into the stimulus .
Democrats pushed back again , saying that tribes needed direct financial relief as well as increased annual appropriations to deal with the coronavirus .
The direct relief would go toward things that needed immediate action , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This standoff on tribal aid between the White House , Democrats and Republicans was one of the last sticking points in the entire $ 2 trillion bill , say these Democratic aides , who agreed to speak on background in order to speak freely .
In the final hours , the White House proposed $ 3 billion for tribes from the stabilization fund .
Democrats said no and that tribes would need at least $ 10 billion .
Republicans proposed $ 5 billion .
Democrats said no .
The White House and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became more vocal and key Democrats , including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) and Tom Udall ( D-N.M. ) , vice chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs , made calls to Republicans urging their support .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland led stimulus negotiations for the White House .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Ky. ) led the talks for Republicans .
But it was Mark Meadows — who had been concurrently representing North Carolina ’ s 11th congressional district and serving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , when he resigned from his House seat — who was in these meetings arguing that tribes shouldn ’ t get anything , according to these Democratic aides .
Were any Senate Republicans actively trying to secure direct relief for tribes ?
Sens .
Martha McSally ( R-Ariz. ) and Steve Daines ( R-Mont . )
wrote a letter to McConnell on March 20 , urging him to include money for tribes in the relief package .
But beyond that , at least according to these three Democratic aides , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action until Democrats pressed them to help in the final 24 hours .
The Arizona senator “ put the full court press ” onto Senate leaders and the White House to ensure that tribal provisions were in the bill , Lawrence said , and as negotiations were underway , staff sent more than 130 emails to Senate offices and the administration pushing the issue .
Democrats claiming that McSally didn ’ t do much to get tribal money in the bill is a “ partisan talking point , ” Lawrence said , designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t address tribal issues in the first two coronavirus relief bills , passed earlier in March .
( To be clear , the Republican bill that McConnell unveiled at the start of White House-Senate negotiations had no tribal relief in it . )
A request for comment from Daines ’ office was not initially returned .
Hours after this story was published , Daines spokesperson Katie Schoettler sent a series of emails saying the story was based on “ fake news ” and asked if HuffPost is “ a gossip column @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any specific thing that was factually inaccurate in the story , however .
She also provided this statement : “ Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats left the Tribes out of two packages and if it weren ’ t for Daines , then they would have [ left ] them out of the third package.
” Ten billion dollars is not nearly the level of money tribes said they need to weather the coronavirus , but it is a historic level of funding .
Udall praised the “ compromise ” bill Democrats were able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion in supplemental appropriations funding for tribes , more than $ 1 billion is for the Indian Health Service , $ 453 million is for Bureau of Indian Affairs programs like public safety and purchasing protective equipment for emergency personnel , and $ 69 million is for the Bureau of Indian Education .

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, left, and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows step out of a meeting as the Senate negotiated a coronavirus relief bill in March. ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON ― In the end, tribes got about $10 billion in the emergency $2 trillion stimulus bill that President Donald Trump signed into law last Friday.
But if the White House had its way, tribes wouldn’t have gotten a penny in direct relief, according to three Senate Democratic aides familiar with negotiations on the bill. And if Senate Republicans had their way, tribes would have gotten way less than they got.
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The National Congress of American Indians, the largest organization representing the interests of tribal governments and communities, told Congress in mid-March that the nation’s 574 tribes would need at least $20 billion in direct federal relief to stem job losses and economic instability caused by the coronavirus pandemic. When the Senate and White House began talks on the stimulus, Democrats pushed for creating a $200 billion stabilization fund to provide direct aid to local and state governments. Of that $200 billion, $20 billion should go to tribal governments, they proposed.
The White House said no to both ― the fund itself, and tribes getting any direct relief.
When Democrats held their ground, the White House relented and agreed to create the stabilization fund, but only if it was capped at $150 billion and didn’t give money to tribes. Senate Republicans countered with capping the fund at $150 billion and giving tribes $2 billion, but only if that money came from a separate, supplemental appropriations bill being rolled into the stimulus. Democrats pushed back again, saying that tribes needed direct financial relief as well as increased annual appropriations to deal with the coronavirus. The direct relief would go toward things that needed immediate action, like tribal health care systems already struggling financially.
This standoff on tribal aid between the White House, Democrats and Republicans was one of the last sticking points in the entire $2 trillion bill, say these Democratic aides, who agreed to speak on background in order to speak freely.
In the final hours, the White House proposed $3 billion for tribes from the stabilization fund. Democrats said no and that tribes would need at least $10 billion. Republicans proposed $5 billion. Democrats said no. The White House and Republicans eventually caved as tribal advocacy groups became more vocal and key Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs, made calls to Republicans urging their support.
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The stimulus provides a total of $10 billion for tribal governments, of which $8 billion is from a newly created tribal government stabilization fund and about $2 billion is in supplemental appropriations. Here’s a breakdown of specific tribal resources, produced by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House legislative affairs director Eric Ueland led stimulus negotiations for the White House. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) led the talks for Republicans. But it was Mark Meadows — who had been concurrently representing North Carolina’s 11th congressional district and serving as Trump’s acting chief-of-staff until this week, when he resigned from his House seat — who was in these meetings arguing that tribes shouldn’t get anything, according to these Democratic aides.
Requests for comment from the White House, the Treasury Department and Meadows’ senior advisor Ben Williamson were not returned.
Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, helped lobby Republicans to support relief for tribes in the $2 trillion stimulus bill. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Were any Senate Republicans actively trying to secure direct relief for tribes? Sens. Martha McSally (R-Ariz.) and Steve Daines (R-Mont.) wrote a letter to McConnell on March 20, urging him to include money for tribes in the relief package. But beyond that, at least according to these three Democratic aides, the two senators didn’t take any action until Democrats pressed them to help in the final 24 hours.
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“Tribes were an afterthought,” said one of the aides. “The White House and Republicans would have been satisfied with zero.”
McSally spokeswoman Amy Lawrence said that the idea that Democrats had to nudge the senator to act last minute “is laughable.”
The Arizona senator “put the full court press” onto Senate leaders and the White House to ensure that tribal provisions were in the bill, Lawrence said, and as negotiations were underway, staff sent more than 130 emails to Senate offices and the administration pushing the issue.
Democrats claiming that McSally didn’t do much to get tribal money in the bill is a “partisan talking point,” Lawrence said, designed to mask the fact that House Democrats didn’t address tribal issues in the first two coronavirus relief bills, passed earlier in March. (To be clear, the Republican bill that McConnell unveiled at the start of White House-Senate negotiations had no tribal relief in it.)
A request for comment from Daines’ office was not initially returned. Hours after this story was published, Daines spokesperson Katie Schoettler sent a series of emails saying the story was based on “fake news” and asked if HuffPost is “a gossip column now.” She could not point to any specific thing that was factually inaccurate in the story, however.
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She also provided this statement: “Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats left the Tribes out of two packages and if it weren’t for Daines, then they would have [left] them out of the third package.”
Asked how it was that Daines was the reason that tribes got money in the $2 trillion stimulus bill, Schoettler would not say.
Ten billion dollars is not nearly the level of money tribes said they need to weather the coronavirus, but it is a historic level of funding. Udall praised the “compromise” bill Democrats were able to get. Of the $2 billion in supplemental appropriations funding for tribes, more than $1 billion is for the Indian Health Service, $453 million is for Bureau of Indian Affairs programs like public safety and purchasing protective equipment for emergency personnel, and $69 million is for the Bureau of Indian Education.


huffpost--2020-04-01--Wisconsin Keeps Election Day Plans In The Middle Of Coronavirus Lockdown

Last week , Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers ( D ) issued a “ safer at home ” order : All nonessential businesses are shut down , and people who don ’ t live in the same household are not allowed to gather .
The state ’ s Republican-controlled legislature has the power to change the date of Election Day .
But that hasn ’ t happened .
On Monday , Evers signaled the April 7 election was going to be held as planned .
The presidential primary , a highly contentious seat on the state ’ s Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ballot .
The majority of municipalities in Wisconsin have already reported a shortage of poll workers .
State election officials reported 111 jurisdictions that do not have enough people to staff even one polling place , and 60 % of all Wisconsin towns and cities were reporting staffing shortages as of Monday .
Evers has called for an expanded absentee ballot system in the state , asking for mail-in ballots to be sent to every registered voter in the state .
Republican legislators rejected that proposal .
Wisconsin election officials reported 111 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to staff even one polling place , and 60 % of all Wisconsin towns and cities were reporting staffing shortages as of Monday .
“ Governor Evers just proposed procuring , printing , verifying and mandating the mailing of millions of ballots within 10 days , ” state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald , a Republican , said in a statement .
“ Even he knows that ’ s not logistically feasible .
The clerks of this state should know this is a complete fantasy .
The Legislature on both sides of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Republican officials in the state have warned that any changes to voting in the state would cause too much confusion .
The governor has also asked for the state to loosen rules around absentee ballots , like doing away with the witness requirement and giving state officials more time to count ballots .
Nearly a million absentee ballots have been requested , which election officials say is already creating a backlog .
By law , Wisconsin ’ s Election Day must be held on the first Tuesday of April .
Evers has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state , but state laws aren ’ t clear whether that gives him the authority to change the election date without the support of the state legislature .
A low voter turnout in the state could also have political implications for one of the state ’ s biggest races this year : the state Supreme Court .
While technically a nonpartisan race , incumbent Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and has the support of Republicans .
Kelly is looking to sew up a 10-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Circuit Judge Jill Karofsky , is hoping to weaken conservatives ’ 5-2 majority on the court .
Sen. Bernie Sanders ( I-Vt. ) , who trails behind former Vice President Joe Biden in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination and is still assessing his campaign , has called on Wisconsin to delay the election .
“ People should not be forced to put their lives on the line to vote , which is why 15 states are now following the advice of public health experts and delaying their elections , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We urge Wisconsin to join them .
The state should delay Tuesday ’ s vote , extend early voting and work to move entirely to vote-by-mail .
While we wait for a decision , we urge our supporters to vote-by-mail.
” Wisconsin is the only state originally scheduled to vote in April that has not postponed or changed the nature of its election due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Alaska and Wyoming , which are scheduled to vote on April 10 and 17 , respectively , are both voting entirely by mail @

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Last week, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) issued a “safer at home” order: All nonessential businesses are shut down, and people who don’t live in the same household are not allowed to gather.
Yet the state is still planning to hold elections as scheduled next Tuesday, risking both public safety and extremely low voter turnout. Evers’ order expires on April 24.
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The state’s Republican-controlled legislature has the power to change the date of Election Day. But that hasn’t happened. On Monday, Evers signaled the April 7 election was going to be held as planned. The presidential primary, a highly contentious seat on the state’s Supreme Court, and local offices are all on the ballot.
The majority of municipalities in Wisconsin have already reported a shortage of poll workers. State election officials reported 111 jurisdictions that do not have enough people to staff even one polling place, and 60% of all Wisconsin towns and cities were reporting staffing shortages as of Monday.
Evers has called for an expanded absentee ballot system in the state, asking for mail-in ballots to be sent to every registered voter in the state. Republican legislators rejected that proposal.
“Wisconsin election officials reported 111 jurisdictions that do not have enough people to staff even one polling place, and 60% of all Wisconsin towns and cities were reporting staffing shortages as of Monday.”
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“Governor Evers just proposed procuring, printing, verifying and mandating the mailing of millions of ballots within 10 days,” state Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, a Republican, said in a statement. “Even he knows that’s not logistically feasible. The clerks of this state should know this is a complete fantasy. The Legislature on both sides of the aisle has to know this is ridiculous.”
Republican officials in the state have warned that any changes to voting in the state would cause too much confusion.
The governor has also asked for the state to loosen rules around absentee ballots, like doing away with the witness requirement and giving state officials more time to count ballots. Nearly a million absentee ballots have been requested, which election officials say is already creating a backlog.
By law, Wisconsin’s Election Day must be held on the first Tuesday of April. Evers has already declared a public health emergency in the state, but state laws aren’t clear whether that gives him the authority to change the election date without the support of the state legislature.
A low voter turnout in the state could also have political implications for one of the state’s biggest races this year: the state Supreme Court. While technically a nonpartisan race, incumbent Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly has been endorsed by President Donald Trump and has the support of Republicans. Kelly is looking to sew up a 10-year appointment, while his opponent, Dane County Circuit Judge Jill Karofsky, is hoping to weaken conservatives’ 5-2 majority on the court.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who trails behind former Vice President Joe Biden in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination and is still assessing his campaign, has called on Wisconsin to delay the election.
“People should not be forced to put their lives on the line to vote, which is why 15 states are now following the advice of public health experts and delaying their elections,” Sanders said in a statement Wednesday. “We urge Wisconsin to join them. The state should delay Tuesday’s vote, extend early voting and work to move entirely to vote-by-mail. While we wait for a decision, we urge our supporters to vote-by-mail.”


huffpost--2020-04-01--LGBTQ Groups Team Up For Online 'Global Pride' Amidst Coronavirus Crisis

LONDON , April 1 ( Thomson Reuters Foundation ) - Organizations running LGBT+ Pride marches around the world have joined forces to hold the first online Global Pride event in June after hundreds of real-life gatherings were shelved due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Global Pride will be livestreamed on June 27 , starting with East Asia , Australia and New Zealand and moving through time zones to the western United States , said Steve Taylor , spokesman for the European Pride Organisers Association ( EPOA ) .
More than 200 LGBT+ rights marches have been postponed or canceled due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according toEPOA , which estimates that up to 22 million people attend at least one Pride in Europe every year .
“ Pride isn ’ t going to be anyone ’ s most important priority at the moment , ” Taylor , who came up with the idea , told the ThomsonReuters Foundation on Wednesday .
“ But the sense of community , love and kinship that Pride gives to people , sometimes for the first time in their lives , is an incredible thing to witness every year and it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some way.
” Regional and national Pride networks that represent around 800 marches have signed up to take part and the next stage is to recruit the individual Prides themselves , said Taylor .
“ We want this to especially be accessible to people who have never been to Pride , who don ’ t feel able to go to Pride , whether that ’ s because of where they live or their family , ” he said .
Gay Star News , an LGBT+ news outlet , has held a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor said this was the firsttime physical Pride marches would be held virtually .
Organizers said they hoped millions of people globally would take part in what is planned to be an interactive event , with yet-to-be-confirmed online performances in languages including Spanish , French and Portuguese .
“ Annual Pride events in the United States engage and unite 20 million people who gather to celebrate the strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community , ” Ron deHarte , co-president of the United States Association of Prides , said in a statement .

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LONDON, April 1 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Organizations running LGBT+ Pride marches around the world have joined forces to hold the first online Global Pride event in June after hundreds of real-life gatherings were shelved due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Global Pride will be livestreamed on June 27, starting with East Asia, Australia and New Zealand and moving through time zones to the western United States, said Steve Taylor, spokesman for the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA).
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It will include musical performances, speeches, and key messages from human rights activists.
More than 200 LGBT+ rights marches have been postponed or canceled due to the spread of the coronavirus, according toEPOA, which estimates that up to 22 million people attend at least one Pride in Europe every year.
“Pride isn’t going to be anyone’s most important priority at the moment,” Taylor, who came up with the idea, told the ThomsonReuters Foundation on Wednesday.
“But the sense of community, love and kinship that Pride gives to people, sometimes for the first time in their lives, is an incredible thing to witness every year and it would be devastating if that couldn’t happen in some way.”
Regional and national Pride networks that represent around 800 marches have signed up to take part and the next stage is to recruit the individual Prides themselves, said Taylor.
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“We want this to especially be accessible to people who have never been to Pride, who don’t feel able to go to Pride, whether that’s because of where they live or their family,” he said.
Gay Star News, an LGBT+ news outlet, has held a “DigitalPride” online since 2016, but Taylor said this was the firsttime physical Pride marches would be held virtually.
The streaming platform has yet to be confirmed.
Organizers said they hoped millions of people globally would take part in what is planned to be an interactive event, with yet-to-be-confirmed online performances in languages including Spanish, French and Portuguese.
“Annual Pride events in the United States engage and unite 20 million people who gather to celebrate the strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community,” Ron deHarte, co-president of the United States Association of Prides, said in a statement.
“Through the pain and disruption caused by the novel coronavirus, we will deliver a virtual message of hope, comfort, love.”
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huffpost--2020-04-14--U.S. Deficit To Hit Record $3.8 Trillion Amid Pandemic, Budget Watchdog Group Says

WASHINGTON ( Reuters ) ― A steep economic downturn and massive coronavirus rescue spending will nearly quadruple the fiscal 2020 U.S. budget deficit to a record $ 3.8 trillion , a staggering 18.7 % of U.S. economic output , a Washington-based watchdog group said on Monday .
Releasing new budget estimates based on spending mandated by law , the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget ( CRFB ) also projected that the fiscal 2021 deficit would reach $ 2.1 trillion in 2021 , and average $ 1.3 trillion through 2025 as the economy recovers from damage caused by coronavirus-related shutdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s report on Friday of a $ 744 billion budget deficit in the six months through March 30 , which included minimal impact from the outbreak of the new coronavirus .
Officials said significant budget impacts from spending and reduced revenues would appear in April ’ s budget results .
The CRFB , a coalition of former U.S. lawmakers , government officials and economists that has advocated for reducing deficits , said U.S. public debt by the Sept. 30 fiscal year-end would exceed 100 % of U.S. GDP , from just under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ These projections almost certainly underestimate deficits , since they assume no further legislation is enacted to address the crisis and that policymakers stick to current law when it comes to other tax and spending policies , ” the group said in a statement .
CRFB ’ s projections also assume the economy experiences a strong recovery in 2021 and fully returns to its pre-crisis trajectory by 2025 .
If that recovery is achieved , public debt would reach 107 % of GDP that year , exceeding levels at the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could cause debt to reach 117 % of GDP by 2025 , the group said .
The record for a fiscal year deficit was $ 1.41 billion , set in 2009 .
Deficits exceeding $ 1 trillion followed for three subsequent years before subsiding as the economy recovered .
But the deficit reached $ 984 billion in 2019 and the Congressional Budget Office had projected a $ 1.07 trillion deficit for 2020 .
The CRFB started with that pre-crisis CBO estimate and added about $ 2.2 trillion in spending while subtracting $ 570 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity .

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) ― A steep economic downturn and massive coronavirus rescue spending will nearly quadruple the fiscal 2020 U.S. budget deficit to a record $3.8 trillion, a staggering 18.7% of U.S. economic output, a Washington-based watchdog group said on Monday.
Releasing new budget estimates based on spending mandated by law, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) also projected that the fiscal 2021 deficit would reach $2.1 trillion in 2021, and average $1.3 trillion through 2025 as the economy recovers from damage caused by coronavirus-related shutdowns.
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Our new projections out today see budget deficits totaling more than $3.8 trillion (18.7 percent of GDP) this year under current law https://t.co/6P5oxdVxd5. pic.twitter.com/bs79QflHL0 — CRFB.org (@BudgetHawks) April 14, 2020
The estimates follow the U.S. Treasury’s report on Friday of a $744 billion budget deficit in the six months through March 30, which included minimal impact from the outbreak of the new coronavirus. Officials said significant budget impacts from spending and reduced revenues would appear in April’s budget results.
The CRFB, a coalition of former U.S. lawmakers, government officials and economists that has advocated for reducing deficits, said U.S. public debt by the Sept. 30 fiscal year-end would exceed 100% of U.S. GDP, from just under 80% prior to the coronavirus crisis.
“These projections almost certainly underestimate deficits, since they assume no further legislation is enacted to address the crisis and that policymakers stick to current law when it comes to other tax and spending policies,” the group said in a statement.
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CRFB’s projections also assume the economy experiences a strong recovery in 2021 and fully returns to its pre-crisis trajectory by 2025.
If that recovery is achieved, public debt would reach 107% of GDP that year, exceeding levels at the end of World War Two. A slower recovery could cause debt to reach 117% of GDP by 2025, the group said.
The record for a fiscal year deficit was $1.41 billion, set in 2009. Deficits exceeding $1 trillion followed for three subsequent years before subsiding as the economy recovered. But the deficit reached $984 billion in 2019 and the Congressional Budget Office had projected a $1.07 trillion deficit for 2020.


huffpost--2020-04-14--Justice Department Sides With Mississippi Church Over Drive-In Services

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — The Justice Department took the rare step on Tuesday of weighing in on the side of a Mississippi Christian church where local officials had tried to stop Holy Week services broadcast to congregants sitting in their cars in the parking lot .
As the coronavirus pandemic spread , leaders at Temple Baptist Church in Greenville began holding drive-in services for their congregation on a short-wave radio frequency from inside an empty church save for the preacher .
Arthur Scott , the 82-year-old pastor , said Tuesday that it was a good compromise for his group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gospel and still it ’ s like they are there , but you can ’ t go out and see them , but you know they ’ re there.
” The federal involvement adds to the rising tension over reconciling religious freedom with public health restrictions designed to fight the pandemic , disputes that are playing out along the same partisan lines that mark the nation ’ s overall divide .
Greenville city leaders argue the services violate stay-at-home orders and could have put people ’ s lives in jeopardy .
Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their religion , especially after eight police officers were sent last week to ticket the faithful , $ 500 apiece , for attending services , including the pastor ’ s wife .
The Justice Department took the rare step on Tuesday of weighing in on the side of a Mississippi Christian church where local officials had tried to stop Holy Week services broadcast to congregants sitting in their cars in the parking lot .

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department took the rare step on Tuesday of weighing in on the side of a Mississippi Christian church where local officials had tried to stop Holy Week services broadcast to congregants sitting in their cars in the parking lot.
As the coronavirus pandemic spread, leaders at Temple Baptist Church in Greenville began holding drive-in services for their congregation on a short-wave radio frequency from inside an empty church save for the preacher.
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Arthur Scott, the 82-year-old pastor, said Tuesday that it was a good compromise for his group, a “wonderful way to preach the gospel and still it’s like they are there, but you can’t go out and see them, but you know they’re there.”
The federal involvement adds to the rising tension over reconciling religious freedom with public health restrictions designed to fight the pandemic, disputes that are playing out along the same partisan lines that mark the nation’s overall divide.
Greenville city leaders argue the services violate stay-at-home orders and could have put people’s lives in jeopardy. Church officials believe they have been singled out for their religion, especially after eight police officers were sent last week to ticket the faithful, $500 apiece, for attending services, including the pastor’s wife.
The Justice Department took the rare step on Tuesday of weighing in on the side of a Mississippi Christian church where local officials had tried to stop Holy Week services broadcast to congregants sitting in their cars in the parking lot. WREG TV


huffpost--2020-04-14--Florida Judge Begs Lawyers: Get Dressed For Zoom Hearings

FORT LAUDERDALE , Fla. ( AP ) — A Florida judge has one request for attorneys showing up for court hearings via Zoom : Get out of bed and put on some clothes !
Broward Circuit Judge Dennis Bailey made the plea in a letter published by the Weston Bar Association , news outlets reported .
“ It is remarkable how many ATTORNEYS appear inappropriately on camera , ” Bailey said in the letter .
“ One male lawyer appeared shirtless and one female attorney appeared still in bed , still under the covers.
” Bailey isn ’ t making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida sunshine , either .
“ Putting on a beach cover-up won ’ t cover up you ’ re poolside in a bathing suit , ” he wrote .
Since courthouses shut down on March 16 to help slow the coronavirus pandemic , Broward County ’ s judicial system has held about 1,200 Zoom meetings involving some 14,000 participants , WPLG-TV reported .
Bailey , for one , said he won ’ t hold a complicated trial over the video conferencing site , given the technology ’ s shortcomings .
“ Often , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but down at their files , their outlines and notes , or simply out the window , and can not see the judge is hollering “ Stop !
Stop !
” because an objection has been made and the audio stays with the witness rather than obeying the judge , ” he said .

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida judge has one request for attorneys showing up for court hearings via Zoom: Get out of bed and put on some clothes!
Broward Circuit Judge Dennis Bailey made the plea in a letter published by the Weston Bar Association, news outlets reported.
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“It is remarkable how many ATTORNEYS appear inappropriately on camera,” Bailey said in the letter. “One male lawyer appeared shirtless and one female attorney appeared still in bed, still under the covers.”
Bailey isn’t making any exceptions for lawyers lounging in the Florida sunshine, either.
“Putting on a beach cover-up won’t cover up you’re poolside in a bathing suit,” he wrote.
Since courthouses shut down on March 16 to help slow the coronavirus pandemic, Broward County’s judicial system has held about 1,200 Zoom meetings involving some 14,000 participants, WPLG-TV reported.
Bailey, for one, said he won’t hold a complicated trial over the video conferencing site, given the technology’s shortcomings.


huffpost--2020-04-14--Orlando Sentinel Editorial Thirsts After Rival GOP Gov. In Stunning Rebuke Of DeSantis

Both “ were elected in 2018 to govern swing states .
Both are Republicans and have last names starting with @ @ @ @ @ noted the editorial .
“ Their similarities end when it comes to how the governors @ @ @ @ @ managed the coronavirus in their states.
” The editorial said DeSantis “ seems unable to @ @ @ @ @ , which include allowing college spring break to continue at Florida ’ s beaches and @ @ @ @ @ was experiencing community spread of the coronavirus .
”

Both “were elected in 2018 to govern swing states. Both are Republicans and have last names starting with ‘De,’” noted the editorial. “Their similarities end when it comes to how the governors of Florida and Ohio have managed the coronavirus in their states.”
The editorial said DeSantis “seems unable to learn from his earlier missteps, which include allowing college spring break to continue at Florida’s beaches and doubting federal warnings that Florida was experiencing community spread of the coronavirus.”


huffpost--2020-04-14--The Agony Of Breaking Up During The Coronavirus Pandemic

“ I can honestly say this is the most isolated I ’ ve ever felt , ” said Scott , who , like others in this article , asked to use his first name only for privacy .
“ The weight of loneliness feels exponential : I am also carrying the sadness of the end of our relationship .
This is the most difficult emotional and psychological challenge I ’ ve ever faced.
” “ That ’ s an anxiety we all share , but the breakup forces me to prepare and plan and think about a future I wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want , ” he said .
“ To come to terms with that and the future the pandemic has foisted on us , it feels impossible .
It feels emotionally paralyzing.
” For Leah , an IT project manager in Southern California , it was a triple whammy of big life changes : Her fiance left her a week before Los Angeles established stay-at-home orders across the city .
She had just started a new job , too .
( She was onsite for four days before having to work from home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ major mind shift , having to be alone in a half-empty house with holes from where his stuff used to be and memories associated with the relationship , ” she said .
“ Plus , to be honest , he also took all the video games , so I have nothing to do !
” “ In my opinion , breakups are more difficult for men during this time because they don ’ t have access to an emotional support system , ” she told HuffPost .
“ Men usually rely on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so when their partner or spouse breaks up with them , it is an incredible loss that isn ’ t easily replaced.
” Use your time wisely .
( No Instagram stalking ! )
You have an excess of free time right now .
As Gilbert mentioned , don ’ t use it to stay current on what your ex is up to on social media .
( For starters , you already know they ’ re doing the exact same thing as everyone else : Staying at home , going on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their new Etsy face mask .
No need to see that . )
“ Download and read some books on relationship dynamics , ” Madden said .
“ Not ‘ how to get the girl/guy ’ type books but books that explore why relationships are good in the beginning but then you end up breaking up .
I highly recommend ‘ Attached : The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love ’ by Amir Levine .
It ’ s a book about how our attachment styles influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or worse.
” Lean into your work and healthy activities as a distraction .
If your work life is tenuous right now ― maybe you ’ ve been laid off or furloughed ― focus on the good in your life ( your family and friends , for instance ) , and activities that put the focus on your well-being .
“ I ’ ve also started back my rigorous race training schedule with running , ” Lee said .
“ It ’ s been helpful for me ― maintaining my fitness as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( For tips and routines that can help you stay physically and mentally healthy during the coronavirus outbreak , head here . )
Scott , the writer from Austin , said one of the things he ’ s struggling with most is not having any way to gauge the progress he ’ s made in moving on from his ex .
Usually , going out and being around old friends helps him measure his recovery , he said .
“ At least then , you can ask yourself : Are you feeling depressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noticing yourself starting to smile again ?
Am I wholly uninterested in the women in the room , or does the one over there look interesting ?
Do I feel good about myself ?
” he said .
“ Without being around other people , I can ’ t tell .
There are no measuring sticks for my recovery.
” Gilbert understands that angst .
But there ’ s not a total absence of ways to measure your growth post-split , the therapist said .
“ One way to do that during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Each day , write down 5-10 things you ’ re grateful for ( a hot shower , food in the refrigerator ) and reflect on those things , ” she said .
“ After a while , if you do this practice consistently , you ’ ll notice that you ’ re able to more easily shift your focus from what you don ’ t have to the positive things you do have.
” Gilbert also stressed that healing from a breakup doesn ’ t necessarily mean that you don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ means that you learn to stop reacting unskillfully to your problem narrative ― ‘ I ’ ll be alone forever !
’ ― and start focusing on positive thoughts.
” Consider the alternates : Social distancing with your ex could have been pretty terrible .
Let go of the pipe dream that self-quarantining with your ex would have brought you closer together or fixed any longstanding issues you had .
Stressful times don ’ t usually lend themselves to positives like that .
Madden said she has a few clients who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they hadn ’ t moved out before stay-at-home orders were established .
It ’ s generally not pleasant .
“ Some are even co-parenting and homeschooling together , ” she said .
“ It ’ s not easy : My advice to them is to create your own space if possible ― and move out as soon as you can.
” If you are still living together , it ’ s especially hard if one ex suspects their former partner is talking to someone new : “ You can ’ t ask any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even if you ’ re legitimately asking because of COVID-19 concerns , ” Madden said .
“ It ’ s not a good situation.
” Recognize that this gives you an opportunity to make a clean break .
Take the time to process the myriad emotions and feelings you have now .
Fall out of love , if you haven ’ t already .
Mourn the relationship , good and truly .
But eventually , make a concerted effort to see the few upsides there are to a breakup during a time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish my ex was here , usually for reasons other than the breakup and pandemic , ” Lee admitted .
“ But I ’ m starting to see the distance and space as a means for a clean break.
” Slowly , Lee said , she ’ s embracing the quarantine time frame as a “ blessing in disguise ” for her healing process .
“ My ex and I been through so many cycles and whenever we hit a rough patch , he ’ d still always answer the phone and come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up when we needed each other , ” she explained .
“ But now , we can ’ t do that .
If social distancing makes for a cleaner break for us , all the better .
”

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That’s how it happened for Scott, a writer in Austin, Texas: He and his on-and-off girlfriend of almost five years officially split up on Friday, March 13. A day later, he self-isolated.
The timing was purely coincidental, but the abruptness of it all made the experience so much worse.
“I can honestly say this is the most isolated I’ve ever felt,” said Scott, who, like others in this article, asked to use his first name only for privacy. “The weight of loneliness feels exponential: I am also carrying the sadness of the end of our relationship. This is the most difficult emotional and psychological challenge I’ve ever faced.”
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He and his ex are texting, but rarely. He can tell it’s over for good.
Under normal circumstances ― say, ones that didn’t involve a global pandemic ― Scott said it would have been incredibly painful to envision a future without his ex. With the coronavirus, it’s hard to envision what the future looks like at all.
“That’s an anxiety we all share, but the breakup forces me to prepare and plan and think about a future I wasn’t expecting and didn’t want,” he said. “To come to terms with that and the future the pandemic has foisted on us, it feels impossible. It feels emotionally paralyzing.”
Scott isn’t alone in going it alone after a breakup right now. Therapists we spoke to say they have many clients struggling to navigate the strange new world of social distancing while also disentangling from a relationship.
“In addition to weathering the pain of a breakup, you truly feel alone because of quarantine,” said Virginia Gilbert, a marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles. “Ordinarily you’d commiserate with friends, but everyone’s at home.”
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For Leah, an IT project manager in Southern California, it was a triple whammy of big life changes: Her fiance left her a week before Los Angeles established stay-at-home orders across the city. She had just started a new job, too. (She was onsite for four days before having to work from home.)
“It’s been a major mind shift, having to be alone in a half-empty house with holes from where his stuff used to be and memories associated with the relationship,” she said. “Plus, to be honest, he also took all the video games, so I have nothing to do!”
“I joked to a friend that there are two things I need to help me recover from this breakup: a hug and a bartender. Unfortunately I don’t have access to either.” - Scott, a newly single writer in Austin, Texas
It’s not much better when you’re newly single and living with family, though. That’s what Jen Lee, a managing partner at a private equity firm in Washington, D.C., is currently doing.
“I have family in from out of town that hasn’t been able to go home due to travel restrictions. So I can’t even get a good cry in,” she said. “Can I cry myself to sleep in peace?! No, no I can’t.”
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Lee’s current situation ― being surrounded by family ― could be a benefit for some, especially men, said Caroline Madden, a marriage and family therapist in Burbank, California. Of her clients who are struggling with a breakup amid the pandemic, her male clients are taking it particularly hard.
“In my opinion, breakups are more difficult for men during this time because they don’t have access to an emotional support system,” she told HuffPost. “Men usually rely on their female partners for their emotional support, so when their partner or spouse breaks up with them, it is an incredible loss that isn’t easily replaced.”
Madden said she’d normally tell her clients, both men and women, to take respite in their friendships: Go hit a bucket of balls on the golf course or take a spa day. She can’t advise that now.
“Because of social distancing, all you have to do is group video chat or games,” she said.
For his part, Scott, the aforementioned writer from Texas, said there’s nothing he’d love more right now than to hang out and commiserate with friends at a bar.
“I joked to a friend that there are two things I need to help me recover from this break-up: a hug and a bartender,” he said. “Unfortunately I don’t have access to either.”
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Clearly, there’s a shortage of socializing options for the brokenhearted. But there are things you can do to stay healthy and put the focus on your well-being while quarantined. Below, therapists ― and our newly single sources ― offer breakup advice they’re learning on the fly.
First, acknowledge the pain.
As with any breakup, Gilbert said she recommends her clients practice mindful awareness under these admittedly rougher-than-usual circumstances.
“Observe what it’s like in the moment to feel un-partnered during a pandemic. Resisting those observations will actually make the breakup harder,” she said. “Observing the experience and practicing non-judgment will help you detach from emotional chaos so you can make thoughtful choices.”
How do you act “mindful” about your breakup, exactly?
“Take the example of stalking your ex on Instagram or Twitter. That’s compulsive and will just make you feel lonelier,” Gilbert said. “Instead, look for an alternative: Mindful choices for managing heartbreak include exercise, journaling, yoga, or therapy with a telehealth provider.”
Malte Mueller via Getty Images “It’s been a major mind shift, having to be alone in a half empty house with holes from where his stuff was,” Leah, a newly single IT manager, told us.
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Use your time wisely. (No Instagram stalking!)
You have an excess of free time right now. As Gilbert mentioned, don’t use it to stay current on what your ex is up to on social media. (For starters, you already know they’re doing the exact same thing as everyone else: Staying at home, going on the occasional walk and maybe taking selfies in their new Etsy face mask. No need to see that.)
“My number one piece of advice is definitely to stop virtually stalking your ex, Madden said.
Instead of torturing yourself with your ex’s Instagram stories, Madden suggests some reading.
“Download and read some books on relationship dynamics,” Madden said. “Not ‘how to get the girl/guy’ type books but books that explore why relationships are good in the beginning but then you end up breaking up. I highly recommend ‘Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love’ by Amir Levine. It’s a book about how our attachment styles influence how we form relationships, for better or worse.”
Lean into your work and healthy activities as a distraction.
Instead of dwelling too much on the breakup, Lee said she’s leaning into her work life. Emails and jumping on Zoom calls are a welcome distraction right now, she said.
“That’s what’s allowing me to keep it all together right now — maintaining normalcy through running my business’ day-to-day operations,” she said.
If your work life is tenuous right now ― maybe you’ve been laid off or furloughed ― focus on the good in your life (your family and friends, for instance), and activities that put the focus on your well-being. “I’ve also started back my rigorous race training schedule with running,” Lee said. “It’s been helpful for me ― maintaining my fitness as a means of self-care and mental wellness.” (For tips and routines that can help you stay physically and mentally healthy during the coronavirus outbreak, head here.)
CSA Images via Getty Images Journaling is a great way to gauge how you're doing since the start of self-quarantine and your breakup, Gilbert said.
Journal to measure your growth. Scott, the writer from Austin, said one of the things he’s struggling with most is not having any way to gauge the progress he’s made in moving on from his ex. Usually, going out and being around old friends helps him measure his recovery, he said. “At least then, you can ask yourself: Are you feeling depressed around other people, or are you noticing yourself starting to smile again? Am I wholly uninterested in the women in the room, or does the one over there look interesting? Do I feel good about myself?” he said. “Without being around other people, I can’t tell. There are no measuring sticks for my recovery.” Gilbert understands that angst. But there’s not a total absence of ways to measure your growth post-split, the therapist said. “One way to do that during this pandemic is to keep a gratitude journal: Each day, write down 5-10 things you’re grateful for (a hot shower, food in the refrigerator) and reflect on those things,” she said. “After a while, if you do this practice consistently, you’ll notice that you’re able to more easily shift your focus from what you don’t have to the positive things you do have.” Gilbert also stressed that healing from a breakup doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t feel pain. Healing, she said, “means that you learn to stop reacting unskillfully to your problem narrative ― ‘I’ll be alone forever!’ ― and start focusing on positive thoughts.”
Consider the alternates: Social distancing with your ex could have been pretty terrible. Let go of the pipe dream that self-quarantining with your ex would have brought you closer together or fixed any longstanding issues you had. Stressful times don’t usually lend themselves to positives like that. Madden said she has a few clients who are still living together post breakup because they hadn’t moved out before stay-at-home orders were established. It’s generally not pleasant. “Some are even co-parenting and homeschooling together,” she said. “It’s not easy: My advice to them is to create your own space if possible ― and move out as soon as you can.” If you are still living together, it’s especially hard if one ex suspects their former partner is talking to someone new: “You can’t ask any questions about new partners without looking jealous, even if you’re legitimately asking because of COVID-19 concerns,” Madden said. “It’s not a good situation.” Recognize that this gives you an opportunity to make a clean break. Take the time to process the myriad emotions and feelings you have now. Fall out of love, if you haven’t already. Mourn the relationship, good and truly. But eventually, make a concerted effort to see the few upsides there are to a breakup during a time like this. “Sometimes I do wish my ex was here, usually for reasons other than the breakup and pandemic,” Lee admitted. “But I’m starting to see the distance and space as a means for a clean break.” Slowly, Lee said, she’s embracing the quarantine time frame as a “blessing in disguise” for her healing process. “My ex and I been through so many cycles and whenever we hit a rough patch, he’d still always answer the phone and come over ― we’d always met up when we needed each other,” she explained. “But now, we can’t do that. If social distancing makes for a cleaner break for us, all the better.”


huffpost--2020-04-14--Everything You Need To Know About Removing Your Acrylic Nails At Home

Much of the focus in preventing the spread of coronavirus revolves around our hands : washing them , not using them to touch our faces and generally making sure they are clean and free from germs .
For people whose hand and nail care routine includes acrylics , there is an added component ― how to care for them at home .
All around the country , salons ― which are considered nonessential businesses ― have been mandated to close and stay closed .
In the tristate area , the direction came on March 20 , meaning that it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people had their last appointment .
Yes , you should remove them .
By now , your nails might be growing out , chipped or even cracked .
You might be tempted to leave them as is ― but you shouldn ’ t .
Sutton explained there are more than a few reasons to take them off .
“ The number-one reason is to stop any kind of fungus from building under the nail , ” she said .
“ You ’ re home , cleaning , washing hands and dishes at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any lifting of the nail , water can get under there and can build fungus , then you ’ ll have a whole other issue .
It ’ s better to keep them off than to risk it .
Also , the weight of the product will cause pain to your nails — they could snap or break off in all different ways.
” For the former , you ’ ll need a small glass bowl ( not plastic ) that you can fill with the acetone , one that ’ s deep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one that won ’ t be used for food .
For the latter , you ’ ll need cotton balls and strips of foil .
“ Using foil takes a bit of coordination , so [ if that ’ s too hard ] you can just put your nails in a glass bowl ― not plastic ― and soak anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.
” Whichever method you choose , you ’ ll also need a nail file , “ preferably one that ’ s about 180 grit , ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( and while soaking , if you use the bowl method ) .
“ You want to file the top until you see the color and/or design start to fade away , ” she said .
“ Then you know they ’ re ready to come off.
” Using an object instead of properly soaking your nails can cause damage and even infection .
“ You could break a nail , expose your flesh , get an infection in the very worst case , ” she said .
“ You don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re trying to maintain the health of your nails.
” What about once they ’ re off ?
Moisture , moisture , moisture .
Sutton said that at the very least , keeping your hands moisturized is the No .
1 way to maintain hand and nail health .
It ’ s especially important to keep in mind right now with all the hand-washing we ’ re doing .
“ If you don ’ t have anything else at home , make sure you ’ re always moisturizing , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ oil in your kitchen just to keep your cuticles and hands moist .
That will prevent breaking , increase nail growth and stop hangnails from growing so quickly .
There are a few basic products you can keep in the house .
She also endorsed the benefits of keeping a nail glue in your rotation .
“ It can be used for a few things , ” she said .
“ You can do an at-home silk wrap .
There are plenty of YouTube tutorials to do it .
You just need some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use tissue , paper towel , thread , any type of fabric .
The glue hardens it and you can file it down which can help extend or patch up your nail , if you have splits or deep breaks .
You can also use it by itself to just patch up a break in the nail to keep you going until you can get back to your appointment.
” But if you ’ re feeling adventurous , there are a few other options .

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Much of the focus in preventing the spread of coronavirus revolves around our hands: washing them, not using them to touch our faces and generally making sure they are clean and free from germs.
For people whose hand and nail care routine includes acrylics, there is an added component ― how to care for them at home. All around the country, salons ― which are considered nonessential businesses ― have been mandated to close and stay closed. In the tristate area, the direction came on March 20, meaning that it’s now been almost a month since many people had their last appointment.
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So, what’s going on with your acrylics? HuffPost reached out to Spifster Sutton, a Chicago-based nail artist with a wealth of knowledge about nail, hand and acrylic maintenance for some guidance. Here’s what she had to say.
Yes, you should remove them.
By now, your nails might be growing out, chipped or even cracked. You might be tempted to leave them as is ― but you shouldn’t. Sutton explained there are more than a few reasons to take them off.
“The number-one reason is to stop any kind of fungus from building under the nail,” she said. “You’re home, cleaning, washing hands and dishes at an alarming rate. If you have any lifting of the nail, water can get under there and can build fungus, then you’ll have a whole other issue. It’s better to keep them off than to risk it. Also, the weight of the product will cause pain to your nails — they could snap or break off in all different ways.”
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How to remove acrylic nails safely.
“To remove, you need 100% acetone,” Sutton said. “A lot of people have regular nail polish remover at home, but that’s not going to do the job. The drugstores will still have it.”
You can either soak your nails straight in the acetone in a bowl, or you can soak cotton balls in the acetone, and wrap them around your nails with strips of aluminum foil.
For the former, you’ll need a small glass bowl (not plastic) that you can fill with the acetone, one that’s deep enough to cover your nails and preferably one that won’t be used for food. For the latter, you’ll need cotton balls and strips of foil. “Using foil takes a bit of coordination, so [if that’s too hard] you can just put your nails in a glass bowl ― not plastic ― and soak anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.”
Whichever method you choose, you’ll also need a nail file, “preferably one that’s about 180 grit,” to file the nail color down before soaking (and while soaking, if you use the bowl method). “You want to file the top until you see the color and/or design start to fade away,” she said. “Then you know they’re ready to come off.”
If you have regular polish on the nail, remove that with polish remover before soaking.
That means no dental floss, Jada Pinkett Smith.
“Do not take any object to pop the nails off,” Sutton warned. “Don’t take a bus card, a nail clipper, I saw a dental floss method that Jada Pinkett Smith did on her Instagram recently ― I do not want you to do that.”
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Using an object instead of properly soaking your nails can cause damage and even infection. “You could break a nail, expose your flesh, get an infection in the very worst case,” she said. “You don’t want to have that ― you’re trying to maintain the health of your nails.”
What about once they’re off?
Moisture, moisture, moisture. Sutton said that at the very least, keeping your hands moisturized is the No. 1 way to maintain hand and nail health. It’s especially important to keep in mind right now with all the hand-washing we’re doing.
“If you don’t have anything else at home, make sure you’re always moisturizing,” she said. “Use essential oils, even olive oil in your kitchen just to keep your cuticles and hands moist. That will prevent breaking, increase nail growth and stop hangnails from growing so quickly.
There are a few basic products you can keep in the house.
Sutton recommends painting your own nails at home, recommending drugstore brands like Sally Hansen that make formulas with a base, color and top coat in one. “Make sure you’re letting every layer dry,” she said. “We’re not going anywhere, we’re not in a rush.”
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She also endorsed the benefits of keeping a nail glue in your rotation. “It can be used for a few things,” she said. “You can do an at-home silk wrap. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials to do it. You just need some glue and any fabric, some people use tissue, paper towel, thread, any type of fabric. The glue hardens it and you can file it down which can help extend or patch up your nail, if you have splits or deep breaks. You can also use it by itself to just patch up a break in the nail to keep you going until you can get back to your appointment.”
Cuticle oil is a big one, too. And it all goes back to keeping everything moisturized. “We condition our hair but we don’t necessarily think of conditioning our nails,” she said. “It’s really necessary.” Sutton recommends an oil by fellow nail artist Sarah Nguyen.
But if you’re feeling adventurous, there are a few other options.
“If you are a bit more knowledgeable about doing your own nails, there is a great gel system called Apres, they have all kinds of tutorials on their page that even a beginner could do it,” Sutton said.