shareblue--2020-04-19--America is obsessed with top infectious disease doctor Fauci

A new condition related to the coronavirus pandemic is sweeping the United States : Fauci fever .
After decades of renown in American medicine , Dr. Anthony Fauci has become an unlikely celebrity in his role as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , where he has led the medical response to COVID-19 and tried to inform an anxious nation .
Fauci 's fame is showing up in all sorts of new , and sometimes odd , ways : A shop in Rochester , New York , cooked doughnuts featuring an image of a no-nonsense Fauci @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brewery produced a pale ale called `` Fauci Spring . ''
It 's got acai berries — healthy , right ?
— and experimental hops .
Amazon shoppers can buy a `` Fauci for President '' coffee mug or a devotional candle depicting him as a saint with a glowing heart .
One Fauci fan account on Twitter has more than 21,000 followers , and there are others .
Much of Fauci 's newfound stardom comes from his appearances alongside Donald Trump at White House briefings .
Fauci 's science-based way of explaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans .
Part of the attraction could be the way the 79-year-old with the gravelly Brooklyn accent has also gone outside the usual White House channels to engage with people who might not tune in to more traditional news venues .
Fauci did an online interview with `` The Daily Show '' host Trevor Noah , typically an administration critic , that has more than 11.5 million views online .
Another Fauci interview with Golden State Warriors basketball star Steph Curry has been watched more than 450,000 times on YouTube .
Opening the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his work and `` commitment to protecting the masses . ''
Fauci smiled from a separate frame of the video , a toy basketball hoop hanging over his head in the background .
Not everyone is a fan .
Some conservatives have branded Fauci an attention-seeking fraud who 's part of a `` deep state '' cabal trying to bring down Trump , and Trump himself retweeted a message that included the # FireFauci hashtag popular on far-right social media .
Trump also has expressed support for Fauci , but there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given Trump 's history of turning on members of his own administration , such as Jeff Sessions , the president 's first attorney general .
The pandemic is not Fauci 's first time in the spotlight .
An adviser to six presidents , he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 for his work advancing the treatment of HIV infections and AIDS .
According to his official biography , an analysis last year showed he was the 41st most-highly cited researcher ever .
But most scientific researchers have not been made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superhero cape .
Or , for that matter , a bobblehead doll .
The Milwaukee , Wisconsin-based National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is taking orders for a Fauci bobblehead , with $ 5 from each $ 25 sale going to an American Hospital Association drive to purchase protective face masks for medical workers .
`` Bobbleheads are the ultimate honor , and we think Dr. Fauci deserves it given what he has done and continues to do for our country and the world in the battle against COVID-19 , '' museum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
Fauci 's fame might be contagious : The museum also is planning a bobblehead of Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus task force coordinator who has also won praise for her handling of the crisis .

A new condition related to the coronavirus pandemic is sweeping the United States: Fauci fever.
After decades of renown in American medicine, Dr. Anthony Fauci has become an unlikely celebrity in his role as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, where he has led the medical response to COVID-19 and tried to inform an anxious nation.
Fauci’s fame is showing up in all sorts of new, and sometimes odd, ways: A shop in Rochester, New York, cooked doughnuts featuring an image of a no-nonsense Fauci in a white coat. A Georgia brewery produced a pale ale called “Fauci Spring.” It’s got acai berries — healthy, right? — and experimental hops.
Amazon shoppers can buy a “Fauci for President” coffee mug or a devotional candle depicting him as a saint with a glowing heart. One Fauci fan account on Twitter has more than 21,000 followers, and there are others.
Much of Fauci’s newfound stardom comes from his appearances alongside Donald Trump at White House briefings. Fauci’s science-based way of explaining the crisis has attracted untold numbers of fans.
Part of the attraction could be the way the 79-year-old with the gravelly Brooklyn accent has also gone outside the usual White House channels to engage with people who might not tune in to more traditional news venues.
Fauci did an online interview with “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah, typically an administration critic, that has more than 11.5 million views online. Another Fauci interview with Golden State Warriors basketball star Steph Curry has been watched more than 450,000 times on YouTube.
Opening the nearly 30-minute chat, Curry praised Fauci for his work and “commitment to protecting the masses.” Fauci smiled from a separate frame of the video, a toy basketball hoop hanging over his head in the background.
Not everyone is a fan.
Some conservatives have branded Fauci an attention-seeking fraud who’s part of a “deep state” cabal trying to bring down Trump, and Trump himself retweeted a message that included the #FireFauci hashtag popular on far-right social media.
Trump also has expressed support for Fauci, but there are questions about how long that might last given Trump’s history of turning on members of his own administration, such as Jeff Sessions, the president’s first attorney general.
The pandemic is not Fauci’s first time in the spotlight.
An adviser to six presidents, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 for his work advancing the treatment of HIV infections and AIDS. According to his official biography, an analysis last year showed he was the 41st most-highly cited researcher ever.
But most scientific researchers have not been made into a stuffed toy with a red superhero cape. Or, for that matter, a bobblehead doll.
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is taking orders for a Fauci bobblehead, with $5 from each $25 sale going to an American Hospital Association drive to purchase protective face masks for medical workers.
“Bobbleheads are the ultimate honor, and we think Dr. Fauci deserves it given what he has done and continues to do for our country and the world in the battle against COVID-19,” museum founder and CEO Phil Sklar said in a statement.
Fauci’s fame might be contagious: The museum also is planning a bobblehead of Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus task force coordinator who has also won praise for her handling of the crisis.


shareblue--2020-04-19--Trump administration still not disclosing number of nursing home deaths

Federal health officials are coming under increasing pressure to start publicly tracking coronavirus infections and deaths in nursing homes amid criticism they have not been transparent about the scope of outbreaks across the country that have already claimed thousands of lives .
Experts say the lack of tracking and transparency has been a major blind spot , and that publicizing outbreaks as they happen could not only alert nearby communities and anguished relatives but also help officials see where to focus testing and other safety measures .
`` This is basic public health — you track this , you study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said David Grabowski , who specializes in health care policy at Harvard Medical School .
He said it 's difficult to have confidence in officials ' ability to contain the virus if they are n't tracking where it has struck and why .
Such an action by the agencies that oversee the nation 's 15,000 nursing homes is seen as long overdue , coming more than a month after a nursing home in Washington state became the first COVID-19 hot spot in the U.S. with an outbreak that ultimately killed 43 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases that in some cases has forced entire homes to be evacuated .
Because the federal government has not been releasing a count , the Associated Press has been keeping its own running tally of nursing home outbreak deaths based on media reports and state health departments .
The AP 's latest count of at least 4,817 deaths is up from about 450 just two weeks ago .
`` We recognize there should be more reporting , '' said Seema Verma , head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services , during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Verma said her agency is working with the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention to increase reporting on outbreaks .
But she did not provide details on how that would work or what information would be made public , other than to say her agency was considering requiring homes to disclose information to residents and their family members .
Many individual states have added to the lack of transparency by releasing only totals of infections and deaths and not details about specific outbreaks .
Foremost among them is the nation 's leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 2,477 nursing home deaths — about 20 % of the state 's entire death total — but has so far refused to detail specific outbreaks , citing privacy concerns .
New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said this week that even releasing total numbers by nursing homes could violate the privacy of individuals , which is protected under federal health privacy law .
`` The issue is here as I 've mentioned previously , this is their home .
The nursing homes are their home , '' he said .
Nevada @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an online tool this week that allows people to track cases in specific nursing homes and other assisted living facilities .
`` It 's just scandalous not to tell the public which facilities have the virus , '' said Charlene Harrington , a professor emerita at the University of California San Francisco and former state health official .
`` Even some staff members do n't know .
They 're hiding it because it 's bad for business and it 's just horrible . ''
Mark Parkinson , the head of the American Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and assisted living facilities , said a national reporting system for homes could at least help prioritize the potential hot spots most in need of testing and personal protective equipment such as masks and gowns .
That lack of equipment and mandatory testing for residents and staff are among the gaps experts say have allowed deaths to continue mounting at nursing homes , despite federal officials ordering them in mid-March to ban visitors , stop group activities , and screen workers for respiratory symptoms on every shift .
Chris Laxton , executive director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Care Medicine , said a national database would help to create a picture `` of how completely dire the situation is in nursing homes .
Not only is it underreported , but we 're nowhere near the peak and it 's continuing to surge . ''
Outbreaks include one in suburban Richmond , Virginia , that has killed 45 , one at a veteran 's home in Holyoke , Massachusetts , that has killed 40 , and another at a home in central Indiana that has claimed 22 lives .
Staff at others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toll is climbing so fast that governors in several states , including Florida , Maryland , and Wisconsin , have deployed the National Guard to run tests , tend to the sick , even evacuate residents .
`` You 're not going to slow down the spread if you do n't know you have it , '' said Julie Moore , a certified nursing assistant at a home in Philadelphia , where an outbreak has claimed multiple lives and sickened workers .
To screen for infections , she said , her home asks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms and exposure .
But , she said , `` you could be asymptomatic and you could transfer the virus to the residents . ''
An AP report earlier this month found that infections were continuing to find their way into nursing homes because such screenings did n't catch people who were infected but asymptomatic .
Several large outbreaks were blamed on such spreaders , including infected health workers who worked at several different nursing home facilities .
Some family members of nursing home residents have been baffled by the response .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have thought they would have just tested everybody , '' said Mark Paternostro , whose 86-year-old mother has respiratory issues and is a resident at Sundale nursing home in Morgantown , West Virginia , where at least three have died in an outbreak .
He said the lack of testing underscores the larger problem .
`` It 's just a whole black box of not knowing what 's going on , and that 's a big problem . ''

Federal health officials are coming under increasing pressure to start publicly tracking coronavirus infections and deaths in nursing homes amid criticism they have not been transparent about the scope of outbreaks across the country that have already claimed thousands of lives.
Experts say the lack of tracking and transparency has been a major blind spot, and that publicizing outbreaks as they happen could not only alert nearby communities and anguished relatives but also help officials see where to focus testing and other safety measures.
“This is basic public health — you track this, you study it, and you learn from it,” said David Grabowski, who specializes in health care policy at Harvard Medical School. He said it’s difficult to have confidence in officials’ ability to contain the virus if they aren’t tracking where it has struck and why.
Such an action by the agencies that oversee the nation’s 15,000 nursing homes is seen as long overdue, coming more than a month after a nursing home in Washington state became the first COVID-19 hot spot in the U.S. with an outbreak that ultimately killed 43 people and a near-daily drumbeat of new cases that in some cases has forced entire homes to be evacuated.
Because the federal government has not been releasing a count, the Associated Press has been keeping its own running tally of nursing home outbreak deaths based on media reports and state health departments. The AP’s latest count of at least 4,817 deaths is up from about 450 just two weeks ago.
“We recognize there should be more reporting,” said Seema Verma, head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, during a call with reporters on Wednesday.
Verma said her agency is working with the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention to increase reporting on outbreaks. But she did not provide details on how that would work or what information would be made public, other than to say her agency was considering requiring homes to disclose information to residents and their family members.
Many individual states have added to the lack of transparency by releasing only totals of infections and deaths and not details about specific outbreaks. Foremost among them is the nation’s leader, New York, which accounts for more than 2,477 nursing home deaths — about 20% of the state’s entire death total — but has so far refused to detail specific outbreaks, citing privacy concerns.
New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said this week that even releasing total numbers by nursing homes could violate the privacy of individuals, which is protected under federal health privacy law. “The issue is here as I’ve mentioned previously, this is their home. The nursing homes are their home,” he said.
Nevada, on the other hand, unveiled an online tool this week that allows people to track cases in specific nursing homes and other assisted living facilities.
“It’s just scandalous not to tell the public which facilities have the virus,” said Charlene Harrington, a professor emerita at the University of California San Francisco and former state health official. “Even some staff members don’t know. They’re hiding it because it’s bad for business and it’s just horrible.”
Mark Parkinson, the head of the American Health Care Association, which represents nursing homes and assisted living facilities, said a national reporting system for homes could at least help prioritize the potential hot spots most in need of testing and personal protective equipment such as masks and gowns.
That lack of equipment and mandatory testing for residents and staff are among the gaps experts say have allowed deaths to continue mounting at nursing homes, despite federal officials ordering them in mid-March to ban visitors, stop group activities, and screen workers for respiratory symptoms on every shift.
Chris Laxton, executive director of the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine, said a national database would help to create a picture “of how completely dire the situation is in nursing homes. Not only is it underreported, but we’re nowhere near the peak and it’s continuing to surge.”
Outbreaks include one in suburban Richmond, Virginia, that has killed 45, one at a veteran’s home in Holyoke, Massachusetts, that has killed 40, and another at a home in central Indiana that has claimed 22 lives. Staff at others homes are overwhelmed, and the death toll is climbing so fast that governors in several states, including Florida, Maryland, and Wisconsin, have deployed the National Guard to run tests, tend to the sick, even evacuate residents.
“You’re not going to slow down the spread if you don’t know you have it,” said Julie Moore, a certified nursing assistant at a home in Philadelphia, where an outbreak has claimed multiple lives and sickened workers. To screen for infections, she said, her home asks workers to fill out questionnaires about their symptoms and exposure. But, she said, “you could be asymptomatic and you could transfer the virus to the residents.”
An AP report earlier this month found that infections were continuing to find their way into nursing homes because such screenings didn’t catch people who were infected but asymptomatic. Several large outbreaks were blamed on such spreaders, including infected health workers who worked at several different nursing home facilities.
Some family members of nursing home residents have been baffled by the response.
“After the first cases, I would have thought they would have just tested everybody,” said Mark Paternostro, whose 86-year-old mother has respiratory issues and is a resident at Sundale nursing home in Morgantown, West Virginia, where at least three have died in an outbreak. He said the lack of testing underscores the larger problem.
“It’s just a whole black box of not knowing what’s going on, and that’s a big problem.”


shareblue--2020-04-20--Meat plant workers' jobs got more dangerous as South Dakota governor refused to help

Kulule Amosa 's husband earns $ 17.70 an hour at a South Dakota pork plant doing a job so physically demanding it can only be performed in 30-minute increments .
After each shift last week , he left exhausted as usual — but he did n't want to go home .
He was scared he would infect his pregnant wife with the coronavirus — so much so that when he pulled into the parking lot of their apartment building , he would call Amosa to tell her he was n't coming inside .
When he eventually did , he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apartment .
`` I 'm really , really scared and worried , '' Amosa said Monday .
This was no abstract worry : At the Smithfield Foods plant , the locker rooms were so tightly packed Amosa 's husband told her he sometimes had to push his way through a crowd .
Coughs echoed through the bathrooms .
The plant in Sioux Falls clocked so many cases that it was forced to close this week .
It has reported 518 infections in employees and another 126 in people connected to them as of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known clusters in the United States .
A 64-year-old employee who contracted COVID-19 died Tuesday , according to his pastor .
The concentration of cases has highlighted the particular susceptibility of meat processing workers , who stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the line and congregate in crowded locker rooms and cafeterias .
As many as half a dozen plants have shut because of outbreaks .
Because the workers who slaughter and pack the nation 's meat are vulnerable , so , too , is the supply of that meat .
Smithfield CEO Kenneth Sullivan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produces roughly 5 % of the U.S. pork supply each day , was `` pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply . ''
Amosa and her husband , who are originally from Ethiopia , once saw working at the plant , where she also had a job until she became pregnant , as key to building their new life in the United States : It was well-paid , union employment that gave them a community .
But amid the coronavirus pandemic , the couple found themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be done remotely — exposed on two fronts : Both their health and their livelihoods were at risk .
The couple agreed to speak to the Associated Press on the condition that Amosa 's husband not be named because he feared losing his job .
The plant is vital to a burgeoning immigrant community in Sioux Falls , offering opportunities for even those without a college degree or fluent English .
Smithfield offers pay starting at over $ 15 an hour , health insurance , and plenty of overtime .
The plant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , where Somali and Vietnamese restaurants have joined diners and craft breweries .
But the city remains fairly divided , with many immigrants living in neighborhoods near the plant , which employs 3,700 people in a city of about 180,000 .
The outbreak at the plant has also presented a significant test to a governor who has resisted issuing sweeping stay-at-home orders .
As Republican Gov .
Kristi Noem was pressed again this week to impose tighter restrictions on Sioux Falls , her response instead was to announce that the state would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is championed by Donald Trump as a promising treatment for COVID-19 but that has yet to be proven effective .
Noem has fired back , arguing that plant workers were deemed essential and would have been reporting for duty regardless .
For most people , the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms , but , for some , especially the elderly or infirm , it can cause severe illness and lead to death .
Even before the coronavirus began sickening workers , jobs in the meatpacking industry were considered among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exposed to a long list of dangers from hazardous chemicals to sharp knives .
Just last month , a maintenance worker at a Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Kansas died after investigators say he got caught up in the assembly line belt .
The work is physical , starting with butchering hogs that weigh nearly 300 pounds .
On the processing line , repetitive-motion injuries are common .
One worker at Smithfield described often waking up with his right hand so swollen he could n't make a fist .
Union leaders and immigrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plant indefinitely but wish more had been done sooner .
Smithfield spokeswoman Keira Lombardo said difficulty in getting masks and thermal scanners led to delays in implementing some safety measures when the plant was open .
But she said last week the plant was adding extra hand-sanitizing stations , scanning employees ' temperatures before they entered , and installing Plexiglas barriers in some areas .
Six current employees interviewed by the AP who , like Amosa 's husband , insisted on anonymity because they feared they would be fired described far more haphazard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flimsy masks made of hairnet-like material , hand-washing stations were in disrepair , and there was pressure to keep working even if they felt sick .
One employee told his supervisor on March 30 that he had a fever the previous day , but he was told to report to work and not to tell anyone about the fever .
He worked that day , missed the next two , and returned when the fever broke , he said .
`` No one asked if I went to the doctor , if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lombardo said Smithfield `` fully rejects any claims that employees were pressured to report to work , '' calling it `` completely counterproductive '' to do so .
Smithfield has said it plans to clean the plant and implement more protections in the hope of reopening .
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control sent a team to the plant this week to examine how it can be safely restarted .
But that may be difficult .
Workers say they can not fathom how butchering lines could be reconfigured to accommodate social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband are both home now — nervously awaiting their first child .
But they also have a new worry : His coronavirus test came back positive Tuesday .

Kulule Amosa’s husband earns $17.70 an hour at a South Dakota pork plant doing a job so physically demanding it can only be performed in 30-minute increments. After each shift last week, he left exhausted as usual — but he didn’t want to go home.
He was scared he would infect his pregnant wife with the coronavirus — so much so that when he pulled into the parking lot of their apartment building, he would call Amosa to tell her he wasn’t coming inside. When he eventually did, he would sleep separately from her in their two-bedroom apartment.
“I’m really, really scared and worried,” Amosa said Monday.
This was no abstract worry: At the Smithfield Foods plant, the locker rooms were so tightly packed Amosa’s husband told her he sometimes had to push his way through a crowd. Coughs echoed through the bathrooms. The plant in Sioux Falls clocked so many cases that it was forced to close this week. It has reported 518 infections in employees and another 126 in people connected to them as of Wednesday, making it among the largest known clusters in the United States. A 64-year-old employee who contracted COVID-19 died Tuesday, according to his pastor.
The concentration of cases has highlighted the particular susceptibility of meat processing workers, who stand shoulder-to-shoulder on the line and congregate in crowded locker rooms and cafeterias. As many as half a dozen plants have shut because of outbreaks. Because the workers who slaughter and pack the nation’s meat are vulnerable, so, too, is the supply of that meat. Smithfield CEO Kenneth Sullivan said the closure of the plant, which produces roughly 5% of the U.S. pork supply each day, was “pushing our country perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply.”
Amosa and her husband, who are originally from Ethiopia, once saw working at the plant, where she also had a job until she became pregnant, as key to building their new life in the United States: It was well-paid, union employment that gave them a community. But amid the coronavirus pandemic, the couple found themselves — like many workers whose jobs cannot be done remotely — exposed on two fronts: Both their health and their livelihoods were at risk. The couple agreed to speak to the Associated Press on the condition that Amosa’s husband not be named because he feared losing his job.
The plant is vital to a burgeoning immigrant community in Sioux Falls, offering opportunities for even those without a college degree or fluent English. Smithfield offers pay starting at over $15 an hour, health insurance, and plenty of overtime.
The plant has attracted a diversifying workforce to the city, where Somali and Vietnamese restaurants have joined diners and craft breweries. But the city remains fairly divided, with many immigrants living in neighborhoods near the plant, which employs 3,700 people in a city of about 180,000.
The outbreak at the plant has also presented a significant test to a governor who has resisted issuing sweeping stay-at-home orders. As Republican Gov. Kristi Noem was pressed again this week to impose tighter restrictions on Sioux Falls, her response instead was to announce that the state would give wide access to an anti-malarial drug that is championed by Donald Trump as a promising treatment for COVID-19 but that has yet to be proven effective.
Noem has fired back, arguing that plant workers were deemed essential and would have been reporting for duty regardless.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, but, for some, especially the elderly or infirm, it can cause severe illness and lead to death.
Even before the coronavirus began sickening workers, jobs in the meatpacking industry were considered among the most dangerous in the U.S. Workers are exposed to a long list of dangers from hazardous chemicals to sharp knives. Just last month, a maintenance worker at a Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Kansas died after investigators say he got caught up in the assembly line belt.
The work is physical, starting with butchering hogs that weigh nearly 300 pounds. On the processing line, repetitive-motion injuries are common. One worker at Smithfield described often waking up with his right hand so swollen he couldn’t make a fist.
Union leaders and immigrant advocates cheered the decision to close the plant indefinitely but wish more had been done sooner.
Smithfield spokeswoman Keira Lombardo said difficulty in getting masks and thermal scanners led to delays in implementing some safety measures when the plant was open. But she said last week the plant was adding extra hand-sanitizing stations, scanning employees’ temperatures before they entered, and installing Plexiglas barriers in some areas.
Six current employees interviewed by the AP who, like Amosa’s husband, insisted on anonymity because they feared they would be fired described far more haphazard measures. They said they were given flimsy masks made of hairnet-like material, hand-washing stations were in disrepair, and there was pressure to keep working even if they felt sick.
One employee told his supervisor on March 30 that he had a fever the previous day, but he was told to report to work and not to tell anyone about the fever. He worked that day, missed the next two, and returned when the fever broke, he said.
“No one asked if I went to the doctor, if I was tested,” the employee said.
Lombardo said Smithfield “fully rejects any claims that employees were pressured to report to work,” calling it “completely counterproductive” to do so.
Smithfield has said it plans to clean the plant and implement more protections in the hope of reopening. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control sent a team to the plant this week to examine how it can be safely restarted.
But that may be difficult. Workers say they cannot fathom how butchering lines could be reconfigured to accommodate social distancing.
Meanwhile, Amosa and her husband are both home now — nervously awaiting their first child. But they also have a new worry: His coronavirus test came back positive Tuesday.


shareblue--2020-04-20--GOP lawmaker: Congress voting safely from home is a plot to expand voting rights

On Monday , Rep. Jim Hagedorn ( R-MN ) claimed that allowing members of Congress to vote on legislation from their home is a scheme to make it easier for all Americans to vote by mail in November .
In a Facebook post , Hagedorn called remote voting a `` very bad idea , '' even during the coronavirus pandemic , because it would be a slippery slope toward more Americans being allowed to vote by mail in the November presidential election .
Hagedorn is worried that Speaker Pelosi could change the House rules `` in order to build an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' according to the post .
`` You can already hear her say : 'We changed the House 's rules so members did not have to vote in person and could remain safe from the coronavirus .
We must do the same for average everyday citizens .
That is why universal registration and mail-in voting is so important .
If we make changes for members of Congress , we should also do so for the American people , ' '' he wrote .
According to Hagedorn , Americans voting by mail , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly virus , is bad .
Matthew Harwood , an expert on the issue of voting from the Brennan Center for Justice , wrote that absentee voting , or vote-by-mail , is necessary during upcoming elections .
`` The coronavirus has made congregating in small , enclosed spaces dangerous , '' Harwood wrote .
`` At many polling places , voters — particularly of color and from poorer communities — already wait in long , crowded lines to vote .
During a pandemic , such lines would force citizens to choose between their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` What the current crisis does is it just sheds a new light on the merits of this system , '' Phil Keisling , a board member of the National Vote at Home Institute , said in March about absentee voting .
`` And at a minimum , it might be a strategy by which states can navigate through this unprecedented moment . ''
Gov .
Kate Brown ( D-OR ) wrote in an April 17 Newsweek op-ed that , `` there should be no question that vote-by-mail programs are the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current pandemic .
`` Vote-by-mail is proven as the most reliable and secure way for Americans to exercise their right to vote , '' Brown added , noting Oregon votes have primarily voted by mail `` for decades , and we now have one of the highest voter participation rates in the country . ''
Hagedorn joins other Republicans in opposing the idea of making voting safer in the middle of a health crisis .
`` Mail ballots — they cheat .
OK ?
People cheat , '' Trump falsely claimed on April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back up Trump 's statement .
Trump himself voted by mail earlier this year and in 2018 , and almost a dozen of his close aides and family members have voted by mail in the past .
In Wisconsin , Republican legislators and conservative judges refused to allow Gov .
Tony Evers , a Democrat , to postpone an April 7 election , even though it forced people to risk their health in order to cast ballots .
While Massie and Hagedorn fight to force their colleagues to vote in person and endanger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Congress have tested positive for coronavirus : Sen. Rand Paul ( R-KY ) and Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart ( R-FL ) , Ben McAdams ( D-UT ) , Joe Cunningham ( D-SC ) , and Mike Kelly ( R-PA ) .
Rep. Nydia Velazquez ( D-NY ) announced on March 30 that she was presumed positive after developing flu-like symptoms .
As of Monday afternoon , there were more than 770,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States , and at least 37,186 people have died .
Published with permission of The American @ @ @

On Monday, Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-MN) claimed that allowing members of Congress to vote on legislation from their home is a scheme to make it easier for all Americans to vote by mail in November.
In a Facebook post, Hagedorn called remote voting a “very bad idea,” even during the coronavirus pandemic, because it would be a slippery slope toward more Americans being allowed to vote by mail in the November presidential election.
Hagedorn is worried that Speaker Pelosi could change the House rules “in order to build an argument for universal mail-out/mail-in voting in 2020,” according to the post.
“You can already hear her say: ‘We changed the House’s rules so members did not have to vote in person and could remain safe from the coronavirus. We must do the same for average everyday citizens. That is why universal registration and mail-in voting is so important. If we make changes for members of Congress, we should also do so for the American people,'” he wrote.
According to Hagedorn, Americans voting by mail, thereby avoiding the danger of contracting a deadly virus, is bad.
Matthew Harwood, an expert on the issue of voting from the Brennan Center for Justice, wrote that absentee voting, or vote-by-mail, is necessary during upcoming elections.
“The coronavirus has made congregating in small, enclosed spaces dangerous,” Harwood wrote. “At many polling places, voters — particularly of color and from poorer communities — already wait in long, crowded lines to vote. During a pandemic, such lines would force citizens to choose between their health and their right to vote.”
“What the current crisis does is it just sheds a new light on the merits of this system,” Phil Keisling, a board member of the National Vote at Home Institute, said in March about absentee voting. “And at a minimum, it might be a strategy by which states can navigate through this unprecedented moment.”
Gov. Kate Brown (D-OR) wrote in an April 17 Newsweek op-ed that, “there should be no question that vote-by-mail programs are the best way” to hold elections during the current pandemic. “Vote-by-mail is proven as the most reliable and secure way for Americans to exercise their right to vote,” Brown added, noting Oregon votes have primarily voted by mail “for decades, and we now have one of the highest voter participation rates in the country.”
Hagedorn joins other Republicans in opposing the idea of making voting safer in the middle of a health crisis.
“Mail ballots — they cheat. OK? People cheat,” Trump falsely claimed on April 7. There is no evidence to back up Trump’s statement.
Trump himself voted by mail earlier this year and in 2018, and almost a dozen of his close aides and family members have voted by mail in the past.
In Wisconsin, Republican legislators and conservative judges refused to allow Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, to postpone an April 7 election, even though it forced people to risk their health in order to cast ballots.
While Massie and Hagedorn fight to force their colleagues to vote in person and endanger their health, at least five members of Congress have tested positive for coronavirus: Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Ben McAdams (D-UT), Joe Cunningham (D-SC), and Mike Kelly (R-PA). Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) announced on March 30 that she was presumed positive after developing flu-like symptoms.
As of Monday afternoon, there were more than 770,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States, and at least 37,186 people have died.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-20--Virginia GOP: Stay-at-home order is about attacking gun rights, not protecting health

The Republican Party of Virginia accused Democratic Gov .
Ralph Northam of `` tyrannical rule '' on Monday , suggesting that his stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus was really about undermining the Second Amendment .
In a press release titled `` LIBERATE VIRGINIA , '' the party cited a tweet from Donald Trump last week urging Virginians to fight against the social distancing rules in place to slow the COVID-19 pandemic .
Trump had , without explanation , told them to `` save your great 2nd Amendment .
It is under siege !
” The Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it called Northam 's `` Eastern Shore drawl '' and urged reporters to `` consider asking him if shutting down Virginia is actually for our health . ''
It then made a series of false claims : `` When the State shuts down thousands of private businesses but doesn ’ t lay off a single government employee , it ’ s not about your health '' ; `` When the State bans dentists because its unsafe , but deems an abortion safe , it ’ s not about your health '' ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buying gardening supplies because it ’ s dangerous , but allows in person lottery ticket sales , it ’ s not about your health . ''
Northam , himself a medical doctor , was one of 42 governors — including some of the nation 's most pro-gun Republicans — to issue stay-at-home orders in recent weeks .
Like most others , he ordered the temporary closure of most nonessential businesses to slow the virus 's spread , and allowed essential businesses to remain open to provide people access to essentials such as food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the state GOP 's claims , that order expressly listed lawn and garden stores as essential businesses .
And while dental practices are still open for emergencies , the Virginia and American dental associations have both urged temporary closures for non-urgent care to protect the safety of dentists .
Last week , a prominent Virginia Republican state lawmaker posted a video suggesting that Northam was telling people to stay home not for public health reasons but to prevent angry opponents of new gun and abortion laws from storming the state Capitol .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic majorities in the legislature this year and signed by Northam go into effect on July 1 .
Among those are a handful of overwhelmingly popular new gun safety regulations , including background checks and extreme risk protection orders .
On Sunday , the Washington Post reported that many of the largest Facebook groups pushing for anti-quarantine protests are being organized by `` a trio of far-right , pro-gun provocateurs . ''
Facebook moved on Monday to shut down similar groups , noting that `` events that defy government 's guidance on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the platform .
Susan Swecker , chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia , responded on Monday , tweeting that the GOP 's release was `` Disgusting beyond words . ''
As of Monday , Virginia has already reported nearly 9,000 COVID-19 cases and seen at least 300 deaths .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

The Republican Party of Virginia accused Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam of “tyrannical rule” on Monday, suggesting that his stay-at-home order to slow the spread of the coronavirus was really about undermining the Second Amendment.
In a press release titled “LIBERATE VIRGINIA,” the party cited a tweet from Donald Trump last week urging Virginians to fight against the social distancing rules in place to slow the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump had, without explanation, told them to “save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege!”
The Republican Party of Virginia release referred to what it called Northam’s “Eastern Shore drawl” and urged reporters to “consider asking him if shutting down Virginia is actually for our health.”
It then made a series of false claims: “When the State shuts down thousands of private businesses but doesn’t lay off a single government employee, it’s not about your health”; “When the State bans dentists because its unsafe, but deems an abortion safe, it’s not about your health”; and “When the State prevents you from buying gardening supplies because it’s dangerous, but allows in person lottery ticket sales, it’s not about your health.”
Northam, himself a medical doctor, was one of 42 governors — including some of the nation’s most pro-gun Republicans — to issue stay-at-home orders in recent weeks. Like most others, he ordered the temporary closure of most nonessential businesses to slow the virus’s spread, and allowed essential businesses to remain open to provide people access to essentials such as food and medical care.
But, contrary to the state GOP’s claims, that order expressly listed lawn and garden stores as essential businesses. And while dental practices are still open for emergencies, the Virginia and American dental associations have both urged temporary closures for non-urgent care to protect the safety of dentists.
Last week, a prominent Virginia Republican state lawmaker posted a video suggesting that Northam was telling people to stay home not for public health reasons but to prevent angry opponents of new gun and abortion laws from storming the state Capitol. Several progressive bills passed by the new Democratic majorities in the legislature this year and signed by Northam go into effect on July 1. Among those are a handful of overwhelmingly popular new gun safety regulations, including background checks and extreme risk protection orders.
On Sunday, the Washington Post reported that many of the largest Facebook groups pushing for anti-quarantine protests are being organized by “a trio of far-right, pro-gun provocateurs.” Facebook moved on Monday to shut down similar groups, noting that “events that defy government’s guidance on social distancing aren’t allowed” on the platform.
Susan Swecker, chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, responded on Monday, tweeting that the GOP’s release was “Disgusting beyond words.”
As of Monday, Virginia has already reported nearly 9,000 COVID-19 cases and seen at least 300 deaths.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-20--Trump's attempt to woo black voters is failing worse than ever

In an effort to win reelection in 2020 , Donald Trump and his campaign have made a strong push to win over black voters , a traditionally Democratic constituency .
In fact , Trump claimed in November 2019 that he would win reelection in 2020 , thanks to `` a groundswell of support from hardworking African American patriots . ''
Yet , an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released on Monday shows that , if the election were held today , Trump could receive less black support than he did in the 2016 election .
The poll found Trump winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2020 against presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden , who would get 85 % of the African-American vote .
That breakdown helps give Biden a 49 % to 42 % lead over Trump nationally , according to the survey .
In 2016 , Trump got 8 % of the black vote , according to data from the National Exit Pool .
Trump has long attempted to win over black voters — despite making racist comments .
He tried to hire rapper 50 Cent for his inauguration but was turned down .
In his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump tried to make a push for black voters by talking about low African American unemployment , before the coronavirus economic downturn .
Trump has so far spent at least $ 1 million trying to court black voters in 2020 , including on advertising in black-run newspapers and radio stations , according to Politico .
He launched the Black Voices for Trump effort in November 2019 , which holds events at local community centers where the campaign raffles off cash to attendees .
And he 's selling campaign merchandise with words like `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tim Scott ( R-SC ) — the only black Republican currently serving in the Senate — predicted Trump 's efforts would win over black voters and help Trump win reelection in November .
Scott said in February that Trump would win at least 12 % of the black vote , calling it `` game over '' for Democrats if that were the case .
As of now , at least one poll does not bear that out .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

In an effort to win reelection in 2020, Donald Trump and his campaign have made a strong push to win over black voters, a traditionally Democratic constituency.
In fact, Trump claimed in November 2019 that he would win reelection in 2020, thanks to “a groundswell of support from hardworking African American patriots.”
The Trump campaign has so far spent at least $1 million trying to court black voters in 2020, including on advertising in black-run newspapers and radio stations, according to Politico.
An organization run by Trump ally Darrell Scott, who co-chairs the reelection campaign’s Black Voices for Trump effort, held events in black communities that raffled off cash to attendees, advertising prizes as high as $25,000.
Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) — the only black Republican currently serving in the Senate — predicted Trump’s efforts would win over black voters and help Trump win reelection in November.
Sen. Scott said in February that Trump would win at least 12% of the black vote, calling it “game over” for Democrats if that were the case.
But an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released on Monday suggests that, despite the effort, Trump’s support among black voters doesn’t seem to have shifted since the 2016 election, when Trump got 8% of the black vote, according to exit poll data.
The poll found Trump winning 7% of the African American vote in 2020 against presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden, who would get 85% of the African-American vote. That breakdown helps give Biden a 49% to 42% lead over Trump nationally, according to the survey.
The findings are in alignment with other recent polls. A Quinnipiac poll from earlier in April also showed that just 7% of Black voters would pick Trump if the election were held when the survey was taken, compared to 84% who said they would vote for Biden. An Economist/YouGov poll from early April again showed Trump earning just 7% of the Black vote, with Biden receiving 85%.
Just one poll in April, from Fox News, showed Trump gaining with Black voters, suggesting Trump would receive 10% of their support.
Trump has long attempted to win over black voters — despite making racist comments.
He tried to hire rapper 50 Cent for his inauguration but was turned down.
And in his 2020 State of the Union Address, Trump tried to make a push for black voters by talking about low African American unemployment, before the coronavirus economic downturn.
But so far, the polls suggest that all of his efforts are falling flat.
This story has been updated to include additional poll results.
A previous version of the story incorrectly stated the Trump campaign held raffles in black communities. The events were run by nonprofit group Urban Revitalization Coalition, which is led by prominent Trump all Darrell Scott.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-20--Televangelist Pat Robertson: COVID-19 is punishment for marriage equality

Televangelist Pat Robertson associated COVID-19 with marriage equality and abortion on Monday on Christian Broadcast Network 's `` The 700 Club . ''
His co-host Terry Meeuwsen read a comment from a viewer who asked about Robertson 's reference to COVID-19 last week and whether `` God heal our land and forgive the sins '' when people can legally access abortion and marriage equality .
`` Does n't this prevent his healing and forgiveness ? ''
the viewer asked .
Robertson said , `` You know , I think you put your finger on something very important .
You know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their wicked ways .
They did n't get forgiven .
They will turn from their wicked ways .
... We are not turning when we have done terrible things . ''
He added , `` I mean , we 've allowed this terrible plague to spread throughout our society .
And it 's a small wonder God would hold us guilty .
But the answer is , you know , you confess your sins and forsake them .
Then he heals the land .
It 's not before . ''
Robertson has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his career .
In May of last year , he said the Equality Act , a nondiscrimination bill that would clarify and expand protections for LGBTQ people in housing , employment , and more would `` bring the judgment of God on this nation . ''
`` I was reading in Leviticus where it says because of these things the land 'will vomit you out . '
Vomit you out .
I think God will say , ' I 've had it with America if you do this kind of stuff .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a nation . '
'' Robertson has mentioned the pandemic often on his show .
In March , he claimed that having a healthy gut would protect people from getting ill. `` If your gut is healthy , you do n't have to worry about corona , '' he said .
During that same show , he falsely said that , `` people who have died so far are those who are already sick with something else , '' despite evidence at the time showing the virus was affecting the healthy as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robertson has long expressed homophobic views and opposition to LGBTQ equality .
In 2016 , he responded to a shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando that left 49 people dead by saying , `` The left is having a dilemma of major proportions , and I think for those of us who disagree with some of their policies , the best thing to do is to sit on the sidelines and let them kill themselves . ''
He said in 1998 , referring to an LGBTQ celebration at Walt Disney World , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're right in the way of some serious hurricanes , and I do n't think I 'd be waving those flags in God 's face if I were you ...
It 'll bring about terrorist bombs ; it 'll bring earthquakes , tornadoes , and possibly a meteor . ''
Other far-right Christians have joined Robertson in his assessment of the pandemic .
Franklin Graham , the son of the late evangelist Billy Graham and an unofficial spiritual adviser to Donald Trump , said that COVID-19 is the result of sin .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who once said marriage equality `` detestable before almighty God '' recently said of COVID-19 , `` It 's because of the sin that 's in the world .
Man has turned his back on God , we have sinned against him , and we need to ask for God ’ s forgiveness . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Televangelist Pat Robertson associated COVID-19 with marriage equality and abortion on Monday on Christian Broadcast Network’s “The 700 Club.”
His co-host Terry Meeuwsen read a comment from a viewer who asked about Robertson’s reference to COVID-19 last week and whether “God heal our land and forgive the sins” when people can legally access abortion and marriage equality.
“Doesn’t this prevent his healing and forgiveness?” the viewer asked.
Robertson said, “You know, I think you put your finger on something very important. You know, the Bible says, they turn from their wicked ways. They didn’t get forgiven. They will turn from their wicked ways. … We are not turning when we have done terrible things.”
He added, “I mean, we’ve allowed this terrible plague to spread throughout our society. And it’s a small wonder God would hold us guilty. But the answer is, you know, you confess your sins and forsake them. Then he heals the land. It’s not before.”
Robertson has railed against LGBTQ equality many times during his career. In May of last year, he said the Equality Act, a nondiscrimination bill that would clarify and expand protections for LGBTQ people in housing, employment, and more would “bring the judgment of God on this nation.”
“I was reading in Leviticus where it says because of these things the land ‘will vomit you out.’ Vomit you out. I think God will say, ‘I’ve had it with America if you do this kind of stuff. I’m going to get rid of you as a nation.'”


shareblue--2020-04-20--Ohio lawmaker opposes stay-at-home orders because death 'is inevitable'

Ohio state Rep. Nino Vitale , a Republican , attended a Friday rally at the Statehouse in Columbus to protest social distancing measures designed to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus .
Asked why he opposes the state 's stay-at-home order , Vitale said , `` Is the role of government to protect us from death , which is inevitable ?
Or is the role of government to radically protect our freedom and our liberty ?
For me , I stand for your freedom and your liberty . ''
Video of Vitale 's comments was posted on Twitter by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition to attending the protest , earlier in the week Vitale sent a letter to Ohio 's Republican governor , Mike DeWine , demanding the state `` rescind all orders '' put in place to stop the spread of the virus .
In the April 16 letter , Vitale had already stressed the inevitability of death as a reason not to enforce social distancing .
`` No government can stop death , no matter how hard we try , '' Vitale wrote .
`` Life comes with some level of risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine how we assess that risk as free citizens . ''
Vitale said that it is time for Ohio `` to follow the CDC guidelines and open Ohio for business and get Ohio flourishing again . ''
When Vitale spoke at the Friday protest , he was not maintaining a six-foot distance from others , nor was he wearing a face-covering in public , both steps that are contained in guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to slow the spread of the virus .
DeWine reacted swiftly to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ohio before many other states did so .
On March 5 , DeWine shut down the state 's Arnold Sports Festival , usually attended by roughly 60,000 spectators , before Ohio had a single confirmed case .
On March 15 , when the state had only 36 confirmed coronavirus cases , DeWine ordered restaurants closed for dine-in service .
`` If we do not act , and stop and break up these groups , our healthcare system in the state of Ohio will not hold up , '' DeWine said at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have strokes , who have heart attacks , who have urgent needs for that healthcare system to attend to . ''
While Vitale talks about individual freedom , health experts have said that ignoring distancing guidelines puts others at risk .
`` A lot of us might be relatively healthy and think we might be able to withstand the rigors of an infection , '' Jonathan Kimmelman , director of the Biomedical Ethics Unit at McGill University in Montreal , told Vox , `` but there 's the concern about spreading it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure this outbreak will place on our health care system . ''
Scientists have discovered that the new coronavirus can be transmitted by people who are not exhibiting symptoms .
On Thursday , Donald Trump encouraged protests like the one Vitale attended , in part because participants `` seem to be protesters that like me . ''
On Friday , Trump appeared to encourage rallies and revolts in states governed by Democrats , tweeting , `` LIBERATE MINNESOTA ! ''
and similar statements about Michigan and Virginia .
As of Monday morning , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , and at least 471 people had died .
The United States has recorded more than 753,000 cases , and at least 36,109 people have died .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Ohio state Rep. Nino Vitale, a Republican, attended a Friday rally at the Statehouse in Columbus to protest social distancing measures designed to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Asked why he opposes the state’s stay-at-home order, Vitale said, “Is the role of government to protect us from death, which is inevitable? Or is the role of government to radically protect our freedom and our liberty? For me, I stand for your freedom and your liberty.”
Video of Vitale’s comments was posted on Twitter by a reporter for the Ohio Capital Journal.
In addition to attending the protest, earlier in the week Vitale sent a letter to Ohio’s Republican governor, Mike DeWine, demanding the state “rescind all orders” put in place to stop the spread of the virus.
In the April 16 letter, Vitale had already stressed the inevitability of death as a reason not to enforce social distancing.
“No government can stop death, no matter how hard we try,” Vitale wrote. “Life comes with some level of risk and it should be our choice to determine how we assess that risk as free citizens.”
Vitale said that it is time for Ohio “to follow the CDC guidelines and open Ohio for business and get Ohio flourishing again.”
When Vitale spoke at the Friday protest, he was not maintaining a six-foot distance from others, nor was he wearing a face-covering in public, both steps that are contained in guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to slow the spread of the virus.
DeWine reacted swiftly to the coronavirus crisis, shutting down large events in Ohio before many other states did so. On March 5, DeWine shut down the state’s Arnold Sports Festival, usually attended by roughly 60,000 spectators, before Ohio had a single confirmed case.
On March 15, when the state had only 36 confirmed coronavirus cases, DeWine ordered restaurants closed for dine-in service.
“If we do not act, and stop and break up these groups, our healthcare system in the state of Ohio will not hold up,” DeWine said at the time. “We’ve got people who have strokes, who have heart attacks, who have urgent needs for that healthcare system to attend to.”
While Vitale talks about individual freedom, health experts have said that ignoring distancing guidelines puts others at risk.
“A lot of us might be relatively healthy and think we might be able to withstand the rigors of an infection,” Jonathan Kimmelman, director of the Biomedical Ethics Unit at McGill University in Montreal, told Vox, “but there’s the concern about spreading it to vulnerable individuals, as well as the pressure this outbreak will place on our health care system.”
Scientists have discovered that the new coronavirus can be transmitted by people who are not exhibiting symptoms.
On Thursday, Donald Trump encouraged protests like the one Vitale attended, in part because participants “seem to be protesters that like me.” On Friday, Trump appeared to encourage rallies and revolts in states governed by Democrats, tweeting, “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” and similar statements about Michigan and Virginia.
As of Monday morning, Ohio had at least 11,602 confirmed coronavirus cases, and at least 471 people had died. The United States has recorded more than 753,000 cases, and at least 36,109 people have died.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-20--GOP congressman: Doctors should worry about the economy, not death tolls

Rep. Andy Biggs ( R-AZ ) wants to end forced social distancing immediately and reopen the economy .
Asked Monday about doctors ' warnings that this could make the COVID-19 crisis worse , Biggs said that they should focus more on the economy .
From an interview with Fox affiliate KSAZ in Phoenix : KSAZ : Congressman , it seems like we 're getting a real divide right now with a lot of people who are in favor or thinking like you are and saying , Let 's go , let 's get going again .
But there a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you ca n't do this .
What do you say the people who say , Let 's listen to the doctors , let 's stay shut down longer .
Rep. Andy Biggs : Let 's let the doctors then come back and help revitalize the economy .
It is n't like we do n't care , and we do n't want to spread this in the community , but , I mean , I look at data every day .
This past week we had a high of 266 known cases come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next day 230 , next day 190 , next day 188 .
The question that you have to ask yourself is , Is the cure harder on us than the disease itself ?
And is this going to be the new norm ?
We have everything from constitutional rights being abrogated to people losing jobs .
And what about the pathologies that happen due to stresses when you lose your job , or you lose your life savings , or maybe you 're watching your retirement and you see that it 's basically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The declining number of cases in Arizona each day can be seen as an indication that the state 's stay-at-home order is reducing COVID-19 's spread .
Will Humble , director of the Arizona Public Health Association and a former head of the state 's health department , told the Fox affiliate in Phoenix last week that the impending peak `` shows social distancing is working '' to flatten the curve and improve the state 's situation .
Health and economics experts both say reopening too quickly could be harmful .
Dr. Anthony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told ABC News on Monday that he understands that people are hurting economically , but warned , `` Unless we get the virus under control , the real recovery , economically , is not going to happen .
If you jump the gun and go into a situation where you have a big spike , you ’ re going to set yourself back . ''
And investors predicted last month that reopening the economy too quickly would hurt the stock market .
Alex Merk of the firm Merk Investments told Reuters : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have learned that this approach doesn ’ t work .
From a medical point of view , you have to break the exponential growth and you do that with shelter in place policies . ''
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) wants to end forced social distancing immediately and reopen the economy. Asked Monday about doctors’ warnings that this could make the COVID-19 crisis worse, Biggs said that they should focus more on the economy.
From an interview with Fox affiliate KSAZ in Phoenix:
KSAZ: Congressman, it seems like we’re getting a real divide right now with a lot of people who are in favor or thinking like you are and saying, Let’s go, let’s get going again. But there a lot of people out there saying, No, you can’t do this. What do you say the people who say, Let’s listen to the doctors, let’s stay shut down longer. Rep. Andy Biggs: Let’s let the doctors then come back and help revitalize the economy. It isn’t like we don’t care, and we don’t want to spread this in the community, but, I mean, I look at data every day. This past week we had a high of 266 known cases come in. Early last week, the next day 230, next day 190, next day 188. The question that you have to ask yourself is, Is the cure harder on us than the disease itself? And is this going to be the new norm? We have everything from constitutional rights being abrogated to people losing jobs. And what about the pathologies that happen due to stresses when you lose your job, or you lose your life savings, or maybe you’re watching your retirement and you see that it’s basically wiped out due to the market?
The declining number of cases in Arizona each day can be seen as an indication that the state’s stay-at-home order is reducing COVID-19’s spread. Will Humble, director of the Arizona Public Health Association and a former head of the state’s health department, told the Fox affiliate in Phoenix last week that the impending peak “shows social distancing is working” to flatten the curve and improve the state’s situation.
Health and economics experts both say reopening too quickly could be harmful.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top epidemiologist, told ABC News on Monday that he understands that people are hurting economically, but warned, “Unless we get the virus under control, the real recovery, economically, is not going to happen. If you jump the gun and go into a situation where you have a big spike, you’re going to set yourself back.”
And investors predicted last month that reopening the economy too quickly would hurt the stock market. Alex Merk of the firm Merk Investments told Reuters: “Markets will react badly because they have learned that this approach doesn’t work. From a medical point of view, you have to break the exponential growth and you do that with shelter in place policies.”
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-20--Trump campaign refuses to pay cities back $2 million as they struggle with coronavirus

Cities across the country are reeling from both the public health crisis of the coronavirus pandemic and the cratering economy it has caused .
But many hard-hit communities say Donald Trump 's campaign has refused to reimburse them for outstanding rally security costs .
The Center for Public Integrity reported last week that 14 cities say Trump 's campaign owes them a combined $ 1.82 million for public safety-related costs from rallies it has held .
That is more than double the amount that it owed as of last June .
Trump 's campaign has repeatedly denied responsibility for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service that handles Trump 's protection and coordinates with local authorities .
But the amount needed to pay the outstanding totals would be only a fraction of what Trump 's campaign raises annually .
With the onset of the COVID-19 crisis , the cities need the money more than ever — both to respond to the pandemic and to help offset lost revenue .
Minneapolis , for instance , claims the Trump campaign owes about $ 543,000 for an October rally .
`` [ D ] uring this crisis , that loss is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frey told the Center for Public Integrity .
`` $ 150,000 , for instance , could pay for emergency rental assistance for 100 Minneapolis families . ''
Minneapolis is the seat of Hennepin County , which has already seen 924 COVID-19 cases and 75 deaths .
Facing estimated revenue losses of between $ 100 million and $ 200 million in 2020 due to the pandemic , the city has already frozen wages , hiring , and discretionary expenses .
El Paso , Texas , where Trump held a pro-border wall rally in February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it more than $ 569,000 .
As of Sunday , El Paso County had reported 531 cases of the coronavirus and 88 related deaths .
Last week , the El Paso Times reported that the coronavirus would cause an expected $ 26 million budget shortfall this year and require pay cuts , layoffs , and furloughs for city employees .
Albuquerque , New Mexico , says Trump still owes it $ 211,000 for a September 2019 rally .
Bernalillo County , the city 's home , has reported 542 coronavirus cases and 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city 's mayor , said Friday that the economic fallout means a serious budget shortfall that will require hiring limits , canceled travel , and cost-cutting .
The campaign also owes $ 93,338.01 to Battle Creek , Michigan .
The city is also facing declining revenue , its city manager , Rebecca Fleury , warned earlier this month : `` More people are staying home and with business closed , sales tax revenue will be smaller ... and that impacts how revenue comes back as far as revenue sharing from the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Battle Creek , has documented more than 120 cases of the coronavirus and at least 5 deaths .
As the Trump campaign refuses to pay for local security measures at its events , law enforcement officials are being hit especially hard by COVID-19 .
More than 1,000 New York Police Department personnel have already tested positive for the virus , and 29 have died .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Cities across the country are reeling from both the public health crisis of the coronavirus pandemic and the cratering economy it has caused. But many hard-hit communities say Donald Trump’s campaign has refused to reimburse them for outstanding rally security costs.
The Center for Public Integrity reported last week that 14 cities say Trump’s campaign owes them a combined $1.82 million for public safety-related costs from rallies it has held. That is more than double the amount that it owed as of last June.
Trump’s campaign has repeatedly denied responsibility for the bills, claiming it is the Secret Service that handles Trump’s protection and coordinates with local authorities. But the amount needed to pay the outstanding totals would be only a fraction of what Trump’s campaign raises annually.
With the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the cities need the money more than ever — both to respond to the pandemic and to help offset lost revenue.
Minneapolis, for instance, claims the Trump campaign owes about $543,000 for an October rally. “[D]uring this crisis, that loss is even more pronounced,” Mayor Jacob Frey told the Center for Public Integrity. “$150,000, for instance, could pay for emergency rental assistance for 100 Minneapolis families.”
Minneapolis is the seat of Hennepin County, which has already seen 924 COVID-19 cases and 75 deaths. Facing estimated revenue losses of between $100 million and $200 million in 2020 due to the pandemic, the city has already frozen wages, hiring, and discretionary expenses.
El Paso, Texas, where Trump held a pro-border wall rally in February 2019, says the Trump campaign owes it more than $569,000.
As of Sunday, El Paso County had reported 531 cases of the coronavirus and 88 related deaths. Last week, the El Paso Times reported that the coronavirus would cause an expected $26 million budget shortfall this year and require pay cuts, layoffs, and furloughs for city employees.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, says Trump still owes it $211,000 for a September 2019 rally. Bernalillo County, the city’s home, has reported 542 coronavirus cases and 24 deaths so far. Tim Keller, the city’s mayor, said Friday that the economic fallout means a serious budget shortfall that will require hiring limits, canceled travel, and cost-cutting.
The campaign also owes $93,338.01 to Battle Creek, Michigan. The city is also facing declining revenue, its city manager, Rebecca Fleury, warned earlier this month: “More people are staying home and with business closed, sales tax revenue will be smaller … and that impacts how revenue comes back as far as revenue sharing from the state.” Calhoun County, the home of Battle Creek, has documented more than 120 cases of the coronavirus and at least 5 deaths.
As the Trump campaign refuses to pay for local security measures at its events, law enforcement officials are being hit especially hard by COVID-19. More than 1,000 New York Police Department personnel have already tested positive for the virus, and 29 have died.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-20--GOP governor: Trump's claims about testing are 'absolutely false'

Donald Trump 's attempt to blame governors for the lack of adequate nationwide coronavirus testing by falsely claiming there are plenty of available tests was shot down by governors of both parties on Sunday .
`` They do n't want to use all of the capacity that we 've created , '' Trump falsely stated at a Sunday press conference .
`` We have tremendous capacity .
...
They know that .
The governors know that .
The Democrat governors know that ; they 're the ones that are complaining . ''
Trump is wrong , according to Larry Hogan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` To try to push this off , to say that the governors have plenty of testing and they should just get to work on testing , somehow we are n't doing our job , is just absolutely false , '' Hogan , who is also chair of the National Governors Association , said Sunday on CNN .
`` It 's not accurate to say 'there 's plenty of testing out there and the governors should just get it done . '
That 's just not being straightforward , '' Hogan added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ call out Trump 's lie .
`` That 's just delusional to be making statements like that , '' Gov .
Ralph Northam ( D-VA ) told CNN on Sunday .
`` We have been fighting for testing , '' Northam said .
It 's not a — it 's not a straightforward test .
We do n't even have enough swabs , believe it or not .
And we 're ramping that up .
But for the national level to say that we have what we need and really to have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irresponsible , because we 're not there yet . ''
Scientists at Harvard University estimate that the United States needs to test between 500,000 and 700,000 people per day in order to be able to reopen the economy by mid-May , the New York Times reported on Friday .
Currently , the country is testing less than 150,000 people per day on average .
On March 10 , Vice President Pence vowed that 4 million tests would be available by the end of the week .
On March 13 , Trump promised 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of March .
More than a month after Pence and Trump made the declarations , the number of Americans tested stood at 3.6 million on Friday , according to the Times .
The Trump administration was slow to ramp up testing after refusing to use a testing protocol published by the World Health Organization , and then an initial test developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was flawed .
As of Monday morning , there are more than 753,000 confirmed cases in the U.S. , according to the New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have died .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Donald Trump’s attempt to blame governors for the lack of adequate nationwide coronavirus testing by falsely claiming there are plenty of available tests was shot down by governors of both parties on Sunday.
“They don’t want to use all of the capacity that we’ve created,” Trump falsely stated at a Sunday press conference. “We have tremendous capacity. …They know that. The governors know that. The Democrat governors know that; they’re the ones that are complaining.”
Trump is wrong, according to Larry Hogan, the Republican governor of Maryland.
“To try to push this off, to say that the governors have plenty of testing and they should just get to work on testing, somehow we aren’t doing our job, is just absolutely false,” Hogan, who is also chair of the National Governors Association, said Sunday on CNN.
“It’s not accurate to say ‘there’s plenty of testing out there and the governors should just get it done.’ That’s just not being straightforward,” Hogan added.
Hogan was not the only governor to call out Trump’s lie.
“That’s just delusional to be making statements like that,” Gov. Ralph Northam (D-VA) told CNN on Sunday. “We have been fighting for testing,” Northam said. It’s not a — it’s not a straightforward test. We don’t even have enough swabs, believe it or not. And we’re ramping that up. But for the national level to say that we have what we need and really to have no guidance to the state levels is just irresponsible, because we’re not there yet.”
Scientists at Harvard University estimate that the United States needs to test between 500,000 and 700,000 people per day in order to be able to reopen the economy by mid-May, the New York Times reported on Friday. Currently, the country is testing less than 150,000 people per day on average.
On March 10, Vice President Pence vowed that 4 million tests would be available by the end of the week. On March 13, Trump promised 5 million tests would be available by the end of March.
The administration broke those promises.
More than a month after Pence and Trump made the declarations, the number of Americans tested stood at 3.6 million on Friday, according to the Times.
The Trump administration was slow to ramp up testing after refusing to use a testing protocol published by the World Health Organization, and then an initial test developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was flawed.
As of Monday morning, there are more than 753,000 confirmed cases in the U.S., according to the New York Times, and at least 36,109 people have died.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-20--Trump encourages protests against safety measures most people want

Nearly 60 % of registered voters worry that stay-at-home measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus will be lifted too soon , according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released on Monday .
The poll comes as supporters of Donald Trump and right-wing causes have ignored social distancing measures to hold protests in multiple states demanding the measures be lifted .
But those protesters are in the minority .
The NBC News/WSJ survey found 58 % of those polled worry that social distancing measures will be lifted too soon .
Meanwhile , just 32 % believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long '' to loosen those measures and reopen the economy .
Trump has egged on those protests .
On Friday , Trump posted a series of tweets encouraging opposition to social distancing efforts : `` LIBERATE MICHIGAN ! ''
`` LIBERATE MINNESOTA ! ''
and `` LIBERATE VIRGINIA , and save your great 2nd Amendment .
It is under siege ! ''
Republicans in those states — which are all governed by Democrats — are calling for the social distancing measures to be lifted .
In Denver , Colorado , health care workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition to the demonstrators .
At a briefing on Sunday , Trump refused to condemn the protests , which violate the Trump administration 's own guidelines on avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people to slow the spread of the virus .
`` You ’ re allowed to protest .
I mean , they — they feel that way , '' Trump said .
`` I watched a protest and they were all six feet apart .
I mean , it was a very orderly group of people . ''
For example , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump paraphernalia — were clustered close together as they demonstrated against the stay-at-home measures instituted by Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer .
Whitmer appeared on ABC 's `` Good Morning America '' and said that the protests are not changing her mind about implementing the social distancing guidelines .
`` It ’ s better to be six feet apart right now than six feet under , '' Whitmer told George Stephanopoulos .
Other Democratic governors are also defending their actions amid the protests .
An organizer of a protest against measures implemented by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrested for organizing a `` prohibited event '' that violates the social distancing guidelines , according to the Trentonian .
More protests are being planned in states across the country .
Facebook is removing anti-quarantine protest event listings from its platform for violating stay-at-home orders .
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation .

Nearly 60% of registered voters worry that stay-at-home measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus will be lifted too soon, according to a new NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll released on Monday.
The poll comes as supporters of Donald Trump and right-wing causes have ignored social distancing measures to hold protests in multiple states demanding the measures be lifted.
But those protesters are in the minority.
The NBC News/WSJ survey found 58% of those polled worry that social distancing measures will be lifted too soon. Meanwhile, just 32% believe the United States will “take too long” to loosen those measures and reopen the economy.
Trump has egged on those protests.
On Friday, Trump posted a series of tweets encouraging opposition to social distancing efforts: “LIBERATE MICHIGAN!” “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” and “LIBERATE VIRGINIA, and save your great 2nd Amendment. It is under siege!”
Republicans in those states — which are all governed by Democrats — are calling for the social distancing measures to be lifted.
In Denver, Colorado, health care workers stood in the street on Sunday in opposition to the demonstrators.
At a briefing on Sunday, Trump refused to condemn the protests, which violate the Trump administration’s own guidelines on avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people to slow the spread of the virus.
“You’re allowed to protest. I mean, they — they feel that way,” Trump said. “I watched a protest and they were all six feet apart. I mean, it was a very orderly group of people.”
Trump’s comment is false.
For example, the protesters in Michigan — many wearing Trump paraphernalia — were clustered close together as they demonstrated against the stay-at-home measures instituted by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Whitmer appeared on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and said that the protests are not changing her mind about implementing the social distancing guidelines.
“It’s better to be six feet apart right now than six feet under,” Whitmer told George Stephanopoulos.
Other Democratic governors are also defending their actions amid the protests. An organizer of a protest against measures implemented by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy was arrested for organizing a “prohibited event” that violates the social distancing guidelines, according to the Trentonian.
More protests are being planned in states across the country.
Facebook is removing anti-quarantine protest event listings from its platform for violating stay-at-home orders.
Published with permission of The American Independent Foundation.


shareblue--2020-04-21--National Spelling Bee canceled for first time since 1945

There will be no fidgeting at the National Spelling Bee microphone , no banter with pronouncer Jacques Bailly , no pointed questions about definitions or languages of origin , no dreaded bell that signals a misspelled word .
This year 's Scripps National Spelling Bee was canceled Tuesday , the latest beloved public event to be scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The bee will return next year , Scripps said , but that 's little comfort to the eighth-graders who are missing out on their last shot at the national stage .
Scripps will not change eligibility requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled for June 1-3 , 2021 .
The bee , which began in 1925 and was last canceled in 1943-45 because of World War II , has always been restricted to elementary- and middle-schoolers .
`` I 'm totally shattered and devastated , '' said 14-year-old Navneeth Murali of Edison , New Jersey , who would have been among the favorites at this year 's bee .
`` Spelling has basically been my life for so many years .
...
I put all my effort into the chance of winning Scripps , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all gone . ''
Navneeth 's father , Murali Samu , and other parents of eighth-graders said Scripps should find a way to allow them to compete , either by holding a smaller , invitation-only bee this year or by letting select ninth-graders return in 2021 .
Scripps has no such plans , at least for now .
`` My heart goes out to every one of those kids affected .
As a former speller , all I can say is I can only imagine , and my heart breaks for them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's longtime executive director and the 1981 champion .
`` Our eighth-grade spellers are much like the class of 2020 high school seniors , in the ranks of many enduring heartbreak as a result of these pandemic circumstances . ''
Scripps had announced last month that the bee would not be held as scheduled the week of May 24 at its longtime venue , a convention center outside Washington .
Hundreds of kids compete every year in the national finals , which are televised by ESPN , and Scripps was aiming this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Bee has determined there is no clear path to safely set a new date in 2020 , '' Scripps said in a statement , noting `` uncertainty around when public gatherings will be possible or advisable . ''
Kimble and the bee staff had left open the possibility of holding a virtual bee , but they concluded it would be too difficult logistically and would not be true to the spirit of the competition .
`` The Scripps National Spelling Bee is an in-person live event , the same way that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game or a soccer game or a tennis match , '' Kimble said .
`` It 's just not something that can be effectively transferred to the virtual world . ''
Last year 's bee ended in an unprecedented eight-way tie after Scripps ran out of words tough enough to challenge the best spellers .
This year 's competition would have included Simone Kaplan , the last speller eliminated before the so-called `` octo-champs '' were declared .
Simone , a 14-year-old from Davie , Florida , was still studying for hours each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I did n't want 'tettigoniid ' to be the end of the story , '' Simone said , referring to the word she misspelled last year .
Simone 's mother , Alana Kaplan , said that if Scripps can change the rules to allow eight champions , it ought to find a way for this year 's eighth-graders to compete again .
In the meantime , Simone , Navneeth , and other top spellers will compete in an online bee conducted by SpellPundit on the same dates as the vacated Scripps bee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prize to the winner — a pittance compared to the Scripps prize of $ 50,000 — but it may be the closest this year 's eighth-graders get to a national title .
Nothing can replace the in-person bee , though .
`` I really wanted to enjoy Bee Week this year — my last chance at it .
My journey started in first grade whenever I went to watch my brother compete , '' said 13-year-old Hephzibah Sujoe of Fort Worth , Texas , whose older brother , Ansun Sujoe , was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win because I saw that I did have the potential to win and I really pushed for it this year .
Now that I ca n't do that , that 's probably the toughest thing . ''

There will be no fidgeting at the National Spelling Bee microphone, no banter with pronouncer Jacques Bailly, no pointed questions about definitions or languages of origin, no dreaded bell that signals a misspelled word.
This year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee was canceled Tuesday, the latest beloved public event to be scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The bee will return next year, Scripps said, but that’s little comfort to the eighth-graders who are missing out on their last shot at the national stage. Scripps will not change eligibility requirements for the next bee, which is scheduled for June 1-3, 2021. The bee, which began in 1925 and was last canceled in 1943-45 because of World War II, has always been restricted to elementary- and middle-schoolers.
“I’m totally shattered and devastated,” said 14-year-old Navneeth Murali of Edison, New Jersey, who would have been among the favorites at this year’s bee. “Spelling has basically been my life for so many years. … I put all my effort into the chance of winning Scripps, and this morning I found out it was all gone.”
Navneeth’s father, Murali Samu, and other parents of eighth-graders said Scripps should find a way to allow them to compete, either by holding a smaller, invitation-only bee this year or by letting select ninth-graders return in 2021.
Scripps has no such plans, at least for now.
“My heart goes out to every one of those kids affected. As a former speller, all I can say is I can only imagine, and my heart breaks for them,” said Paige Kimble, the bee’s longtime executive director and the 1981 champion. “Our eighth-grade spellers are much like the class of 2020 high school seniors, in the ranks of many enduring heartbreak as a result of these pandemic circumstances.”
Scripps had announced last month that the bee would not be held as scheduled the week of May 24 at its longtime venue, a convention center outside Washington. Hundreds of kids compete every year in the national finals, which are televised by ESPN, and Scripps was aiming this year for a field of around 400.
“The Bee has determined there is no clear path to safely set a new date in 2020,” Scripps said in a statement, noting “uncertainty around when public gatherings will be possible or advisable.”
Kimble and the bee staff had left open the possibility of holding a virtual bee, but they concluded it would be too difficult logistically and would not be true to the spirit of the competition.
“The Scripps National Spelling Bee is an in-person live event, the same way that a basketball game is or a football game or a soccer game or a tennis match,” Kimble said. “It’s just not something that can be effectively transferred to the virtual world.”
Last year’s bee ended in an unprecedented eight-way tie after Scripps ran out of words tough enough to challenge the best spellers. This year’s competition would have included Simone Kaplan, the last speller eliminated before the so-called “octo-champs” were declared.
Simone, a 14-year-old from Davie, Florida, was still studying for hours each day after the postponement was announced.
“I didn’t want ‘tettigoniid’ to be the end of the story,” Simone said, referring to the word she misspelled last year.
Simone’s mother, Alana Kaplan, said that if Scripps can change the rules to allow eight champions, it ought to find a way for this year’s eighth-graders to compete again.
In the meantime, Simone, Navneeth, and other top spellers will compete in an online bee conducted by SpellPundit on the same dates as the vacated Scripps bee. It offers a $2,500 cash prize to the winner — a pittance compared to the Scripps prize of $50,000 — but it may be the closest this year’s eighth-graders get to a national title.
Nothing can replace the in-person bee, though.
“I really wanted to enjoy Bee Week this year — my last chance at it. My journey started in first grade whenever I went to watch my brother compete,” said 13-year-old Hephzibah Sujoe of Fort Worth, Texas, whose older brother, Ansun Sujoe, was a 2014 co-champion. “I really wanted to win because I saw that I did have the potential to win and I really pushed for it this year. Now that I can’t do that, that’s probably the toughest thing.”