A.J. Martelli is reporting in the Poughkeepsie Journal a recent Marist poll found that 62 percent of Americans surveyed believe the demonstrations taking place nationwide response to the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis are legitimate and that protesters are acting lawfully. That includes 30 percent of Republicans and 87 percent of Democrats and Independents. Fifty-nine percent of Republicans believe the rallies have been unlawful. The poll was conducted June 2 and 3 in conjunction with NPR and PBS Newshour and surveyed 1,062 adults. Among the participants, 36 percent were Democrats, 30 percent were Republicans and 34 percent were Independents. Fifty-one percent were women and 49 percent were men. Twelve percent were African Americans and 63 percent were white. The majority of residents say President Donald Trump has increased tensions during the period of unrest, and his approval rating of 41 percent reflects a two-point decline since March. The poll also found that trust in law enforcement to treat Americans equally has deteriorated, with only 35 percent confident that law enforcement will treat white people and black people impartially. Read the full story in the Poughkeepsie Journal.