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| Small-Business Loan Program, Chaotic From Start, Gets 2nd Round | Small-Business Loan Program, Chaotic From Start, Gets 2nd Round |
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| One day before the federal government’s $349 billion aid program for small businesses was set to go live, the chief executive of a Minnesota bank was frantically dialing officials in Washington. Grand Rapids State Bank needed more time to understand the program, said the executive, Noah W. Wilcox, even as it faced a crush of borrowers. His pleas went unheeded. | One day before the federal government’s $349 billion aid program for small businesses was set to go live, the chief executive of a Minnesota bank was frantically dialing officials in Washington. Grand Rapids State Bank needed more time to understand the program, said the executive, Noah W. Wilcox, even as it faced a crush of borrowers. His pleas went unheeded. |
| “Somebody put a stake in the ground and it just wasn’t moving,” said Mr. Wilcox, who is also the chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America, which represents about 5,000 institutions. “Secretary Mnuchin was not budging one inch from the date he initially set.” | “Somebody put a stake in the ground and it just wasn’t moving,” said Mr. Wilcox, who is also the chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America, which represents about 5,000 institutions. “Secretary Mnuchin was not budging one inch from the date he initially set.” |
| Late on April 2, just hours before the opening, the Treasury Department released details on the Paycheck Protection Program. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told would-be borrowers that they would receive funds within a day, but the program, which promised speed, also brought chaos. | Late on April 2, just hours before the opening, the Treasury Department released details on the Paycheck Protection Program. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told would-be borrowers that they would receive funds within a day, but the program, which promised speed, also brought chaos. |
| The rules confused lenders, including small community banks as well as Wall Street firms less familiar with the Small Business Administration, which was establishing the program. They were unsure about who would qualify for loans, how the loans would be distributed and how they would eventually be forgiven. | The rules confused lenders, including small community banks as well as Wall Street firms less familiar with the Small Business Administration, which was establishing the program. They were unsure about who would qualify for loans, how the loans would be distributed and how they would eventually be forgiven. |
| Some of the program’s rules were lax, allowing more than 200 publicly traded companies to obtain loans totaling more than $750 million. Yet, some small businesses that did get loans called the rules too restrictive, saying that it would be more helpful if they could use the funds to retool their operations for after the pandemic rather than paying employees. | Some of the program’s rules were lax, allowing more than 200 publicly traded companies to obtain loans totaling more than $750 million. Yet, some small businesses that did get loans called the rules too restrictive, saying that it would be more helpful if they could use the funds to retool their operations for after the pandemic rather than paying employees. |
| The government has since published new guidance strongly discouraging public companies from using the program and urged those that did take the money to return it. Some have; others haven’t. | The government has since published new guidance strongly discouraging public companies from using the program and urged those that did take the money to return it. Some have; others haven’t. |
| And the cash ran out in 13 days, leaving many small business owners waiting in line and increasingly desperate. As the federal government prepares to replenish the fund with $310 billion more, lenders expect the second round, which will open for applications at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, to be depleted even faster. | And the cash ran out in 13 days, leaving many small business owners waiting in line and increasingly desperate. As the federal government prepares to replenish the fund with $310 billion more, lenders expect the second round, which will open for applications at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, to be depleted even faster. |
| “As soon as they turn the switch on, that money will be gone,” said Tony Wilkinson, the chief executive of the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders, a trade group. | “As soon as they turn the switch on, that money will be gone,” said Tony Wilkinson, the chief executive of the National Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders, a trade group. |
| Small companies — those with under 500 workers — employ nearly half of America’s private sector work force. Most run on thin margins and have scant savings. For restaurants, gyms and other small businesses that depend entirely on people walking in the door, sales fell to zero after stay-at-home orders went into effect. | Small companies — those with under 500 workers — employ nearly half of America’s private sector work force. Most run on thin margins and have scant savings. For restaurants, gyms and other small businesses that depend entirely on people walking in the door, sales fell to zero after stay-at-home orders went into effect. |
| The Paycheck Protection Program was intended as a backstop to dissuade layoffs. Under the program, small businesses could borrow up to two and a half times their average monthly payroll cost. If they used the money to retain workers and keep paying them for at least eight weeks, the loan would be forgiven in full, and they could use a portion of the cash for certain other expenses, like rent and utilities. | The Paycheck Protection Program was intended as a backstop to dissuade layoffs. Under the program, small businesses could borrow up to two and a half times their average monthly payroll cost. If they used the money to retain workers and keep paying them for at least eight weeks, the loan would be forgiven in full, and they could use a portion of the cash for certain other expenses, like rent and utilities. |
| “We knew demand would be through the roof,” said Jim Donnelly, the chief commercial officer at Bangor Savings Bank in Maine. | “We knew demand would be through the roof,” said Jim Donnelly, the chief commercial officer at Bangor Savings Bank in Maine. |
| The program was hastily designed after a difficult debate in Congress. Democrats had wanted the government to provide cash infusions to small businesses through tax rebates or by having the Treasury work directly with payroll processors to administer payments. They had also wanted it to cover 16 weeks of payroll, rather than eight. Republicans wanted to steer the program through private sector financial institutions. They won. | The program was hastily designed after a difficult debate in Congress. Democrats had wanted the government to provide cash infusions to small businesses through tax rebates or by having the Treasury work directly with payroll processors to administer payments. They had also wanted it to cover 16 weeks of payroll, rather than eight. Republicans wanted to steer the program through private sector financial institutions. They won. |
| The government adapted a decades-old program run by the S.B.A. that guaranteed small business loans issued by a network of banks nationwide. That allowed the government to essentially outsource most of the program’s legwork to banks, making its adoption speedier. But the S.B.A. and the banks had never before operated a program of this scale. Last year, the S.B.A. backed around $30 billion in loans. Now, it was expected to process more than 10 times that volume, in just a few weeks. | The government adapted a decades-old program run by the S.B.A. that guaranteed small business loans issued by a network of banks nationwide. That allowed the government to essentially outsource most of the program’s legwork to banks, making its adoption speedier. But the S.B.A. and the banks had never before operated a program of this scale. Last year, the S.B.A. backed around $30 billion in loans. Now, it was expected to process more than 10 times that volume, in just a few weeks. |
| And the administration wanted the money out the door immediately beginning on Friday, April 3. “This will be up and running tomorrow,” Mr. Mnuchin said on Thursday night. “You get the money. You’ll get it the same day.” | And the administration wanted the money out the door immediately beginning on Friday, April 3. “This will be up and running tomorrow,” Mr. Mnuchin said on Thursday night. “You get the money. You’ll get it the same day.” |
| To bankers, that was an absurd promise. It typically took them days to prepare even the simplest loan paperwork and go over the fine print with borrowers. As Mr. Mnuchin spoke, they were still waiting for critical information and materials. For example, the S.B.A. usually required lenders to use a specific promissory note for loans it guaranteed. The agency had not yet provided that note for the new program’s loans. | To bankers, that was an absurd promise. It typically took them days to prepare even the simplest loan paperwork and go over the fine print with borrowers. As Mr. Mnuchin spoke, they were still waiting for critical information and materials. For example, the S.B.A. usually required lenders to use a specific promissory note for loans it guaranteed. The agency had not yet provided that note for the new program’s loans. |
| Many community banks decided to simply start lending and accept the risk that some details would need to be hashed out later. BancFirst, Oklahoma’s largest S.B.A. lender, set up a war room, enlisted employees from across the bank, and ran six-hour work shifts around the clock starting Friday night. | Many community banks decided to simply start lending and accept the risk that some details would need to be hashed out later. BancFirst, Oklahoma’s largest S.B.A. lender, set up a war room, enlisted employees from across the bank, and ran six-hour work shifts around the clock starting Friday night. |
| “We went 24/7 for four consecutive days,” said Kent Faison, the president of BancFirst’s commercial capital group. The volume was a “fire hose” like he had never seen before. Last year, his group made around 130 S.B.A. loans. This month, it issued more than 5,500. | “We went 24/7 for four consecutive days,” said Kent Faison, the president of BancFirst’s commercial capital group. The volume was a “fire hose” like he had never seen before. Last year, his group made around 130 S.B.A. loans. This month, it issued more than 5,500. |
| Larger banks struggled to handle the staggering customer demand, especially as bank divisions that don’t typically deal with the S.B.A. were pulled in. Banks also imposed their own rules on who to lend to. | Larger banks struggled to handle the staggering customer demand, especially as bank divisions that don’t typically deal with the S.B.A. were pulled in. Banks also imposed their own rules on who to lend to. |
| Bank of America started accepting applications right away, but its rules blocked many of its customers. JPMorgan Chase’s customers found themselves trapped in an enormous backlog. Wells Fargo, constrained by lending restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve for its history of bad behavior, told most of its applicants that it would not be able to help them. And Citibank waited days to even begin taking applications from most of its small business customers. | Bank of America started accepting applications right away, but its rules blocked many of its customers. JPMorgan Chase’s customers found themselves trapped in an enormous backlog. Wells Fargo, constrained by lending restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve for its history of bad behavior, told most of its applicants that it would not be able to help them. And Citibank waited days to even begin taking applications from most of its small business customers. |
| As borrowers’ applications flooded in, gaps became apparent. Under longstanding S.B.A. rules, landlords, money lenders, political lobbyists and some other businesses were excluded. So were felons convicted within the last five years — an exclusion that cut off some people trying to rebuild their lives, and the employees who worked for them. | As borrowers’ applications flooded in, gaps became apparent. Under longstanding S.B.A. rules, landlords, money lenders, political lobbyists and some other businesses were excluded. So were felons convicted within the last five years — an exclusion that cut off some people trying to rebuild their lives, and the employees who worked for them. |
| Other companies that seemed to test the program’s boundaries slipped through. In addition to several big restaurant chains, mining companies, drugmakers, software developers and manufacturers with access to equity markets and commercial loans were able to get loans using the taxpayer-funded program. | Other companies that seemed to test the program’s boundaries slipped through. In addition to several big restaurant chains, mining companies, drugmakers, software developers and manufacturers with access to equity markets and commercial loans were able to get loans using the taxpayer-funded program. |
| For some small businesses, the program worked. In late March, sales for Thomas Fennell’s translation business in Omaha, C3 Translators, dried up. He feared he would soon run out of cash to keep paying salaries for himself and his husband, the company’s two employees. | For some small businesses, the program worked. In late March, sales for Thomas Fennell’s translation business in Omaha, C3 Translators, dried up. He feared he would soon run out of cash to keep paying salaries for himself and his husband, the company’s two employees. |
| Mr. Fennell applied for a loan through the First National Bank of Omaha two days after the program opened. A week later, his application was approved. His check, for just under $20,000, arrived on April 17. | Mr. Fennell applied for a loan through the First National Bank of Omaha two days after the program opened. A week later, his application was approved. His check, for just under $20,000, arrived on April 17. |
| Updated June 5, 2020 | |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home. | Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| Because the loan will cover payroll, he plans to spend some of his savings to hire a local company to build a website for his business. | Because the loan will cover payroll, he plans to spend some of his savings to hire a local company to build a website for his business. |
| “I feel a strong moral obligation to keep this money circulating in the economy,” he said. | “I feel a strong moral obligation to keep this money circulating in the economy,” he said. |
| But even a successful loan application can pose challenges. | But even a successful loan application can pose challenges. |
| Naomi Pomeroy has two restaurants in Portland, Ore.: Beast, a 26-seat establishment serving a six-course tasting menu at two communal tables, and, across the street, Expatriate, a high-end cocktail bar. On Thursday, she got an email saying that her application for a loan for one of the two restaurants had been approved. | Naomi Pomeroy has two restaurants in Portland, Ore.: Beast, a 26-seat establishment serving a six-course tasting menu at two communal tables, and, across the street, Expatriate, a high-end cocktail bar. On Thursday, she got an email saying that her application for a loan for one of the two restaurants had been approved. |
| The news would have thrilled thousands of other business owners. Ms. Pomeroy greeted it with grim reserve. | The news would have thrilled thousands of other business owners. Ms. Pomeroy greeted it with grim reserve. |
| “I hesitate to take the money,” she said. | “I hesitate to take the money,” she said. |
| To have the loan fully forgiven, she would have to rehire her employees immediately and pay them for two months, even though she cannot yet reopen her restaurant. The last of the 30 people she laid off five weeks earlier just started receiving unemployment benefits — and, with the $600 a week in additional federal benefits included in the stimulus bill, all of them are being paid more on unemployment than they earned working at her restaurants. | To have the loan fully forgiven, she would have to rehire her employees immediately and pay them for two months, even though she cannot yet reopen her restaurant. The last of the 30 people she laid off five weeks earlier just started receiving unemployment benefits — and, with the $600 a week in additional federal benefits included in the stimulus bill, all of them are being paid more on unemployment than they earned working at her restaurants. |
| If Ms. Pomeroy takes the loan, she would prefer to spend the money retooling her spaces to fit social distancing guidelines. For Beast, that would mean getting rid of the two enormous tables and finding a way to turn a profit while serving fewer customers at a time. But renovations are not a permissible use of the emergency funds. | If Ms. Pomeroy takes the loan, she would prefer to spend the money retooling her spaces to fit social distancing guidelines. For Beast, that would mean getting rid of the two enormous tables and finding a way to turn a profit while serving fewer customers at a time. But renovations are not a permissible use of the emergency funds. |
| “If we could only open back up at 50 percent capacity and I was forced to hire back 100 percent of my staff, then that doesn’t make sense,” she said. Ms. Pomeroy, who helped found an advocacy group, the Independent Restaurant Coalition, said she was not sure the aid program would really benefit anyone in the restaurant industry. | “If we could only open back up at 50 percent capacity and I was forced to hire back 100 percent of my staff, then that doesn’t make sense,” she said. Ms. Pomeroy, who helped found an advocacy group, the Independent Restaurant Coalition, said she was not sure the aid program would really benefit anyone in the restaurant industry. |
| Lawmakers and Treasury officials played down the program’s hitches. On Sunday, Mr. Mnuchin told Fox News that the first round “impacted about 30 million workers,” and that he expected the second round to support roughly the same number. | Lawmakers and Treasury officials played down the program’s hitches. On Sunday, Mr. Mnuchin told Fox News that the first round “impacted about 30 million workers,” and that he expected the second round to support roughly the same number. |
| Lenders fear that many business owners will be left wanting, again, if the new funding runs out fast. Economists have estimated that more than $1 trillion might be needed to fully meet the program’s demand. | Lenders fear that many business owners will be left wanting, again, if the new funding runs out fast. Economists have estimated that more than $1 trillion might be needed to fully meet the program’s demand. |
| Bankers are preparing for a frenzy on Monday morning. Mr. Faison, at BancFirst, already has more than 850 applications ready to go. | Bankers are preparing for a frenzy on Monday morning. Mr. Faison, at BancFirst, already has more than 850 applications ready to go. |
| Many lenders are telling applicants to brace for disappointment. | Many lenders are telling applicants to brace for disappointment. |
| Robert A. Klein, who runs a management consulting business in Great Neck, N.Y., was one of thousands of Chase customers who got an email this week warning him that the bank had “an extremely large volume of applications” ahead of his. | Robert A. Klein, who runs a management consulting business in Great Neck, N.Y., was one of thousands of Chase customers who got an email this week warning him that the bank had “an extremely large volume of applications” ahead of his. |
| “We expect that funds could run out again quickly,” Chase wrote. “We wanted to give you this information, so that you can decide if you would like to try applying with another lender.” | “We expect that funds could run out again quickly,” Chase wrote. “We wanted to give you this information, so that you can decide if you would like to try applying with another lender.” |
| Jeanna Smialek contributed reporting. | Jeanna Smialek contributed reporting. |