npr--2020-06-19--Tulsa Curfew Lifted, While Court Rejects Public Health Challenge To Trump Rally

With anxieties over the coronavirus and tensions over race looming large , President Trump remains on track to hit the campaign trail Saturday in Tulsa , Okla. , as he prepares to rally supporters for the first time since the pandemic took root widely across the country three months ago .
The rally will take place after the Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected an appeal Friday in a lawsuit filed this week by a group of Tulsa residents and businesses seeking to compel organizers to enforce social distancing measures .
The lawsuit claimed the rally , which is being held indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drastically increase the spread of the coronavirus .
New cases of the virus have surged in Oklahoma recently .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters during a briefing Friday afternoon that precautions would be taken , including conducting temperature checks upon entry and providing rally attendees with hand sanitizer and masks .
She emphasized , however , that wearing masks would not be required .
`` I wo n't be wearing a mask , '' she said .
`` It 's a personal decision .
I 'm tested regularly .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not be wearing a mask , and I 'm in compliance with CDC guidelines , which are recommended but not required . ''
McEnany addressed the rise in cases in Oklahoma by saying that the governor said the increase was `` expected '' since the state began to reopen its economy almost two months ago .
The Trump campaign asked attendees to sign a waiver assuming the risks of exposure to COVID-19 .
Tulsa was filled with crowds on the eve of the rally , some camping out in anticipation of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrations .
The city was originally intended to be under curfew for the weekend , but it was lifted at the request of the Secret Service , according to a city press release .
`` Last night , I enacted a curfew at the request of Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin , following consultation with the United States Secret Service based on intelligence they had received , '' Mayor G.T .
Bynum said in a statement .
`` Today , we were told the curfew is no longer necessary so I am rescinding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters Friday morning , tweeting , `` Any protesters , anarchists , agitators , looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand , you will not be treated like you have been in New York , Seattle , or Minneapolis .
It will be a much different scene ! ''
When asked what the president was implying , McEnany told reporters Trump was referring to the `` inexcusable scenes '' in those cities during recent protests .
McEnany said Trump was not referring to all protesters , only the `` violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of lawlessness that we saw play out before President Trump came in with the National Guard and calmed our streets with law and order , '' she said .
The president was widely criticized this month when National Guard and U.S. Park Police cleared peaceful protesters near the White House with aggressive tactics , including tear gas , making way for Trump to walk to a nearby church for a photo-op .
The Tulsa rally had initially been scheduled for Friday but was pushed back following backlash for scheduling it on Juneteenth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day for Black Americans .
Trump tweeted that his campaign shifted the date of the rally `` out of respect for this Holiday , and in observance of this important occasion and all that it represents . ''
Observers celebrated Friday throughout Tulsa , including a `` rally for justice '' held in the Greenwood district , headlined by civil rights activist the Rev .
Al Sharpton .
The rally comes as Tulsa nears its 100-year anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre , where white residents perpetrated one of the nation 's most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses and residents in Greenwood with the aid of local police in 1921 .

Tulsa Curfew Lifted, While Court Rejects Public Health Challenge To Trump Rally
Enlarge this image toggle caption Seth Herald/AFP via Getty Images Seth Herald/AFP via Getty Images
Updated at 6:33 p.m. ET
With anxieties over the coronavirus and tensions over race looming large, President Trump remains on track to hit the campaign trail Saturday in Tulsa, Okla., as he prepares to rally supporters for the first time since the pandemic took root widely across the country three months ago.
The rally will take place after the Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected an appeal Friday in a lawsuit filed this week by a group of Tulsa residents and businesses seeking to compel organizers to enforce social distancing measures. The lawsuit claimed the rally, which is being held indoors at the 19,000-seat BOK Center, could drastically increase the spread of the coronavirus. New cases of the virus have surged in Oklahoma recently.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters during a briefing Friday afternoon that precautions would be taken, including conducting temperature checks upon entry and providing rally attendees with hand sanitizer and masks.
She emphasized, however, that wearing masks would not be required.
"I won't be wearing a mask," she said. "It's a personal decision. I'm tested regularly. I feel that it's safe for me to not be wearing a mask, and I'm in compliance with CDC guidelines, which are recommended but not required."
McEnany addressed the rise in cases in Oklahoma by saying that the governor said the increase was "expected" since the state began to reopen its economy almost two months ago. The Trump campaign asked attendees to sign a waiver assuming the risks of exposure to COVID-19.
Curfew nixed
Tulsa was filled with crowds on the eve of the rally, some camping out in anticipation of Trump's arrival, others participating in Juneteenth celebrations.
The city was originally intended to be under curfew for the weekend, but it was lifted at the request of the Secret Service, according to a city press release.
"Last night, I enacted a curfew at the request of Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin, following consultation with the United States Secret Service based on intelligence they had received," Mayor G.T. Bynum said in a statement. "Today, we were told the curfew is no longer necessary so I am rescinding it."
Trump tweeted the announcement Friday afternoon.
Trump appeared to threaten protesters Friday morning, tweeting, "Any protesters, anarchists, agitators, looters or lowlifes who are going to Oklahoma please understand, you will not be treated like you have been in New York, Seattle, or Minneapolis. It will be a much different scene!"
When asked what the president was implying, McEnany told reporters Trump was referring to the "inexcusable scenes" in those cities during recent protests.
McEnany said Trump was not referring to all protesters, only the "violent protesters, anarchists, looters — the kind of lawlessness that we saw play out before President Trump came in with the National Guard and calmed our streets with law and order," she said.
The president was widely criticized this month when National Guard and U.S. Park Police cleared peaceful protesters near the White House with aggressive tactics, including tear gas, making way for Trump to walk to a nearby church for a photo-op.
The Tulsa rally had initially been scheduled for Friday but was pushed back following backlash for scheduling it on Juneteenth, the day considered to be Independence Day for Black Americans.
Trump tweeted that his campaign shifted the date of the rally "out of respect for this Holiday, and in observance of this important occasion and all that it represents."
Observers celebrated Friday throughout Tulsa, including a "rally for justice" held in the Greenwood district, headlined by civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton.
The rally comes as Tulsa nears its 100-year anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, where white residents perpetrated one of the nation's most heinous acts of deadly violence against Black businesses and residents in Greenwood with the aid of local police in 1921.


npr--2020-06-19--Mayor Of Kansas City, Mo., Wants To Eliminate Marijuana Offenses

Mayor Of Kansas City , Mo.
, Wants To Eliminate Marijuana Offenses Across the country , leaders and activists are seeking ways to improve relations between their communities and the police , including how to reduce encounters that lead to arrests and the use of force .
In places such as Kansas City , Mo.
, this has renewed calls to ease marijuana laws .
Mayor Quinton Lucas , a Democrat , has announced a plan to completely remove all offenses related to marijuana possession from the city code , which he says are often pretexts for stopping people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities and negative police interactions .
`` We need to just stop harassing people , '' he tells NPR 's Mary Louise Kelly on All Things Considered .
`` Blacks are disproportionately , in Kansas City , stopped , arrested , charged and incarcerated in connection with marijuana offenses .
And I 'd like to see that change . ''
Lucas is pushing other reforms , too , such as increasing the number of minority officers on the Kansas City police force , which is about 78 % white in a city that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social workers in every station .
But on the issue of broader systemic change , the 35-year-old Kansas City native is not optimistic .
`` America has broken my heart too many times , '' he says .
Here are excerpts from the interview .
The city council rejected a [ marijuana ] decriminalization measure as recently as last November .
What gives you confidence that you 'll be able to get this done now ?
[ In ] this moment in our country , I think a lot of people are saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to look at the areas of privilege that I have . ''
And all of the things that before perhaps you were n't questioning or thinking about , that we are now .
And I think when we look at policing in our country and our community , we have to say that we need to actually address more issues as it pertains to the laws that should n't be on the books anymore .
As a Black man from the historically Black , economically disadvantaged side of Kansas City , how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is tougher than probably anything that I have gone through .
...
When I saw the George Floyd video , I actually had to stop watching it .
... To be Black in America is to know that any minor offense , any minor transgression , mouthing off to a cop or anyone , can mean termination from a job or frankly , termination of your life .
I grew up with lessons and stories about how you respond to police officers .
It 's distressing and it 's heartbreaking and it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm the titular leader of the Kansas City Police Department .
Do you feel hopeful that a year from now , the country might actually be in a different place ?
Honestly , no .
...
I have grave concerns .
I was a kid during the Rodney King beating and then the subsequent LA riots when the officers were acquitted .
And I still remember vividly , I think I even asked my mom , like , how does that happen ?
It 's on videotape .
And here we are , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're dealing with the exact same thing .
...
I 'm going to try my level best to make sure things change in Kansas City .
But no , I 'm not hopeful .
America has broken my heart too many times .
I 've seen institutions go back the same way .
I see that Black kids , like I was 28 years ago , are learning the same lessons and asking why .
I do n't know how there 's even a debate now on what we can and should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mayor of Kansas City , probably 50 % of my electorate is saying you 're doing too much to curtail police behavior and we want you to go back to respecting them more .
Listen to the full interview at the audio link above .

Mayor Of Kansas City, Mo., Wants To Eliminate Marijuana Offenses
Enlarge this image toggle caption Charlie Riedel/AP Charlie Riedel/AP
Across the country, leaders and activists are seeking ways to improve relations between their communities and the police, including how to reduce encounters that lead to arrests and the use of force. In places such as Kansas City, Mo., this has renewed calls to ease marijuana laws.
Mayor Quinton Lucas, a Democrat, has announced a plan to completely remove all offenses related to marijuana possession from the city code, which he says are often pretexts for stopping people and lead to over-policing of Black and brown communities and negative police interactions.
"We need to just stop harassing people," he tells NPR's Mary Louise Kelly on All Things Considered. "Blacks are disproportionately, in Kansas City, stopped, arrested, charged and incarcerated in connection with marijuana offenses. And I'd like to see that change."
Lucas is pushing other reforms, too, such as increasing the number of minority officers on the Kansas City police force, which is about 78% white in a city that's 29% Black, and embedding social workers in every station.
But on the issue of broader systemic change, the 35-year-old Kansas City native is not optimistic. "America has broken my heart too many times," he says.
Here are excerpts from the interview.
The city council rejected a [marijuana] decriminalization measure as recently as last November. What gives you confidence that you'll be able to get this done now?
[In] this moment in our country, I think a lot of people are saying, "Wait a second, I need to look at the areas of privilege that I have." And all of the things that before perhaps you weren't questioning or thinking about, that we are now. And I think when we look at policing in our country and our community, we have to say that we need to actually address more issues as it pertains to the laws that shouldn't be on the books anymore.
As a Black man from the historically Black, economically disadvantaged side of Kansas City, how is this moment hitting you?
It is tougher than probably anything that I have gone through. ... When I saw the George Floyd video, I actually had to stop watching it. ... To be Black in America is to know that any minor offense, any minor transgression, mouthing off to a cop or anyone, can mean termination from a job or frankly, termination of your life.
I grew up with lessons and stories about how you respond to police officers. It's distressing and it's heartbreaking and it's made all the more challenging because I'm the titular leader of the Kansas City Police Department.
Do you feel hopeful that a year from now, the country might actually be in a different place?
Honestly, no. ... I have grave concerns. I was a kid during the Rodney King beating and then the subsequent LA riots when the officers were acquitted. And I still remember vividly, I think I even asked my mom, like, how does that happen? It's on videotape. And here we are, 28 years after the LA riots and we're dealing with the exact same thing. ...
I'm going to try my level best to make sure things change in Kansas City.
But no, I'm not hopeful. America has broken my heart too many times. I've seen institutions go back the same way. I see that Black kids, like I was 28 years ago, are learning the same lessons and asking why. I don't know how there's even a debate now on what we can and should change. But I also recognize as the mayor of Kansas City, probably 50% of my electorate is saying you're doing too much to curtail police behavior and we want you to go back to respecting them more.
Listen to the full interview at the audio link above.


npr--2020-06-19--Florida's Surging Coronavirus Numbers Hobble Several Pro Sports Teams

Several professional sports teams might be feeling the effects of a coronavirus surge in Florida .
Major League Baseball 's Philadelphia Phillies have closed their spring training complex in Clearwater , after eight members of the team tested positive for COVID-19 .
In a statement , the Phillies confirmed five players and three staff members working at the facility contracted the coronavirus .
`` The first confirmed case occurred this past Tuesday , June 16 , '' the statement said , adding `` in addition , eight staff members have tested negative for the virus , while 12 staff members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and minor league players ) living in the Clearwater area are in the process of being tested and are awaiting the results of those tests . ''
`` The Phillies are committed to the health and welfare of our players , coaches and staff as our highest priority , '' the team 's managing partner John Middleton said in a statement , `` and as a result of these confirmed tests , all facilities in Clearwater have been closed indefinitely to all players , coaches and staff and will remain closed until medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under control and our facilities are disinfected . ''
After the Phillies made their announcement , the Toronto Blue Jays confirmed they shut down their facilities in Dunedin – a short drive from Clearwater on Florida 's Gulf Coast .
According to a club spokesman , both the major league training camp and minor league facility have been closed .
`` The Toronto Blue Jays confirm that personnel at the club 's Spring Training facilities in Dunedin , FL .
have undergone testing for COVID-19 , after a player presented symptoms consistent with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team said in a statement .
`` As a result , the Blue Jays have suspended operations at their Dunedin facilities for the time being . ''
According to ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan , the shutdowns happened after a Toronto pitcher showed symptoms of COVID-19 .
He 'd reportedly spent time with players in the Phillies minor league system .
Also , the National Hockey League 's Tampa Bay Lightning temporarily closed training facilities after three players and additional staff members tested positive for COVID-19 .
The NHL already has announced its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March shutdown .
Baseball is still trying to hammer out its plan – now potentially complicated by these shutdowns , plus reports earlier this week that several other Major League players and coaches had tested positive .
Their names and team affiliations were n't disclosed .
It 's a critical moment for the sport .
Players and owners have been locked in acrimonious negotiations about money as MLB tries to restart after its March shutdown due to the pandemic .
There 's hope that if a resolution to financial and other issues happens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start as soon as next week with a hoped-for start to the regular season in mid-July .
It 's not certain what impact , if any , the news on positive tests and facility closures might have on spring training or overall negotiations .
Time is getting tight for a season start .
Owners want the regular season over by September 27 , to avoid a possible coronavirus surge in the fall that could wipe out the playoffs .
This week , a prominent health care official said Major League Baseball should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said the majors should finish the postseason in September .
`` If the question is time , I would try to keep it in the core summer months and end it not with the way we play the World Series , until the end of October when it 's cold , '' Fauci told the L.A. Times .
`` Even in warm weather , like in Arizona and California , we 're starting to see resurgences as we open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I think the chances of there being less of an issue in the end of July and all of August and September , are much , much better than if you go into October . ''
While the pressure mounts on baseball , Florida 's surge in coronavirus cases could have an impact on other leagues as well .
The NBA and Major League Soccer both have plans to reopen in the Orlando area next month .

MLB Closing Florida And Arizona Training Facilities For Coronavirus Cleaning
Enlarge this image toggle caption Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Updated at 2:16 p.m. ET Saturday
Major League Baseball will shut down and disinfect all 30 teams' Spring Training facilities in Florida and Arizona, as the coronavirus continues to make its presence felt.
The league says players and other personnel will need a negative test for the virus before they can get back into the facilities after the deep cleaning.
Before the announcement late Friday night, several teams made the decision on their own to shut down.
Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies closed their spring training complex in Clearwater, after eight members of the team tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement, the Phillies confirmed five players and three staff members working at the facility contracted the coronavirus.
"The first confirmed case occurred this past Tuesday, June 16," the statement said, adding "in addition, eight staff members have tested negative for the virus, while 12 staff members and 20 players (both major league and minor league players) living in the Clearwater area are in the process of being tested and are awaiting the results of those tests."
"The Phillies are committed to the health and welfare of our players, coaches and staff as our highest priority," the team's managing partner John Middleton said in a statement, "and as a result of these confirmed tests, all facilities in Clearwater have been closed indefinitely to all players, coaches and staff and will remain closed until medical authorities are confident that the virus is under control and our facilities are disinfected."
After the Phillies made their announcement, the Toronto Blue Jays confirmed they shut down their facilities in Dunedin – a short drive from Clearwater on Florida's Gulf Coast. According to a club spokesman, both the major league training camp and minor league facility have been closed.
"The Toronto Blue Jays confirm that personnel at the club's Spring Training facilities in Dunedin, FL. have undergone testing for COVID-19, after a player presented symptoms consistent with those of the virus," the team said in a statement. "As a result, the Blue Jays have suspended operations at their Dunedin facilities for the time being."
According to ESPN baseball insider Jeff Passan, the shutdowns happened after a Toronto pitcher showed symptoms of COVID-19. He'd reportedly spent time with players in the Phillies minor league system.
Also, the National Hockey League's Tampa Bay Lightning temporarily closed training facilities after three players and additional staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
The NHL already has announced its plan for restarting the season after its March shutdown. Baseball is still trying to hammer out its plan – now potentially complicated by these shutdowns, plus reports earlier this week that several other Major League players and coaches had tested positive. Their names and team affiliations weren't disclosed.
It's a critical moment for the sport. Players and owners have been locked in acrimonious negotiations about money as MLB tries to restart after its March shutdown due to the pandemic. There's hope that if a resolution to financial and other issues happens quickly, an abbreviated spring training could start as soon as next week with a hoped-for start to the regular season in mid-July.
It's not certain what impact, if any, the news on positive tests and facility closures might have on spring training or overall negotiations.
Time is getting tight for a season start. Owners want the regular season over by September 27, to avoid a possible coronavirus surge in the fall that could wipe out the playoffs.
This week, a prominent health care official said Major League Baseball should be on an even shorter timeline.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said the majors should finish the postseason in September.
"If the question is time, I would try to keep it in the core summer months and end it not with the way we play the World Series, until the end of October when it's cold," Fauci told the L.A. Times.
"Even in warm weather, like in Arizona and California, we're starting to see resurgences as we open up," Fauci said. "But I think the chances of there being less of an issue in the end of July and all of August and September, are much, much better than if you go into October."
While the pressure mounts on baseball, Florida's surge in coronavirus cases could have an impact on other leagues as well. The NBA and Major League Soccer both have plans to reopen in the Orlando area next month.


npr--2020-06-19--AMC Theatres Will Now Require Guests To Wear Masks When It Reopens

AMC Theatres Will Now Require Guests To Wear Masks When It Reopens AMC Theatres — the nation 's largest multiplex operator — is amending its plans for reopening next month , now requiring customers at all its theaters to wear masks .
The change came after an outcry against the company for not making it a mandate in the first place .
AMC Theatres noted the backlash Friday over a plan for opening its U.S. locations in July .
`` This announcement prompted an intense and immediate outcry from our customers , '' CEO Adam Aron said in a press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this response that we did not go far enough on the usage of masks.
`` Just a day before , the company had posted a detailed plan to open 450 of its 600-plus U.S. theaters on July 15 .
Another 150 locations were scheduled to open ahead of two major releases , Disney 's live-action Mulan remake and Christopher Nolan 's Tenet .
In a lengthy post to its website Thursday , AMC Theatres outlined several measures it will put in place .
It will reduce personal contact at concession stands and box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to cap seating at 30 % and gradually increase to full capacity by Thanksgiving .
Employees will also have to wear masks .
But outside of regions where it 's required , guests were only `` encouraged '' to wear masks under the first set of rules .
Aron explained to Variety that the cinema proprietor had hoped to avoid `` political controversary . ''
`` We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary .
We think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be wearing masks , '' Aron told the industry trade publication .
`` When I go to an AMC feature , I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example . ''
But the attempt to ease through tricky political terrain was for naught .
AMC Theatres quickly caught flack on Twitter .
`` If I get sick at your theater do you cover funeral costs ?
I do n't see anything on the website about it , '' entertainment writer Mike Ryan tweeted .
Another tweet , cited in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company saying , `` You should be protecting your customers .
Follow the science . ''
When the company reversed course Friday afternoon , Aron said masks would be for sale at the locations and that `` those who are unwilling to wear a mask will not be admitted or allowed to stay . ''
Regal updated plans for its July 10 reopening to require masks as well .
Cinemark did not appear to add a mask requirement for guests as of this writing .
AMC Theatres , like many theater owners , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The company closed more than 1,000 of its theaters in March and reportedly furloughed 600 corporate employees soon afterward .
In public filings this month , the company acknowledged troubled times may still be in store .
`` Even when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides , we can not guarantee that we will recover as rapidly as other industries , '' the company said .

AMC Theatres Will Now Require Guests To Wear Masks When It Reopens
Enlarge this image toggle caption Evan Agostini/Invision/AP Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
AMC Theatres — the nation's largest multiplex operator — is amending its plans for reopening next month, now requiring customers at all its theaters to wear masks. The change came after an outcry against the company for not making it a mandate in the first place.
AMC Theatres noted the backlash Friday over a plan for opening its U.S. locations in July.
"This announcement prompted an intense and immediate outcry from our customers," CEO Adam Aron said in a press release. "It is clear from this response that we did not go far enough on the usage of masks. "
Just a day before, the company had posted a detailed plan to open 450 of its 600-plus U.S. theaters on July 15. Another 150 locations were scheduled to open ahead of two major releases, Disney's live-action Mulan remake and Christopher Nolan's Tenet.
In a lengthy post to its website Thursday, AMC Theatres outlined several measures it will put in place. It will reduce personal contact at concession stands and box offices. The company also said it plans to cap seating at 30% and gradually increase to full capacity by Thanksgiving. Employees will also have to wear masks.
But outside of regions where it's required, guests were only "encouraged" to wear masks under the first set of rules.
Major competitors Regal Cinemas and Cinemark released similar plans.
Aron explained to Variety that the cinema proprietor had hoped to avoid "political controversary."
"We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary. We think that the vast majority of AMC guests will be wearing masks," Aron told the industry trade publication. "When I go to an AMC feature, I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example."
But the attempt to ease through tricky political terrain was for naught. AMC Theatres quickly caught flack on Twitter.
"If I get sick at your theater do you cover funeral costs? I don't see anything on the website about it," entertainment writer Mike Ryan tweeted.
Another tweet, cited in a New York Times article, admonished the company saying, "You should be protecting your customers. Follow the science."
When the company reversed course Friday afternoon, Aron said masks would be for sale at the locations and that "those who are unwilling to wear a mask will not be admitted or allowed to stay."
Regal updated plans for its July 10 reopening to require masks as well. Cinemark did not appear to add a mask requirement for guests as of this writing.
AMC Theatres, like many theater owners, has been hard hit by coronavirus closures. The company closed more than 1,000 of its theaters in March and reportedly furloughed 600 corporate employees soon afterward.
In public filings this month, the company acknowledged troubled times may still be in store.
"Even when the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, we cannot guarantee that we will recover as rapidly as other industries," the company said.


npr--2020-06-19--In A Reversal By Navy, Sacked Captain Of USS Roosevelt Will Not Be Reinstated

In A Reversal By Navy , Sacked Captain Of USS Roosevelt Will Not Be Reinstated U.S. Navy Capt .
Brett Crozier , who raised alarms in late March about a serious coronavirus outbreak aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier he commanded , will not be reinstated after being stripped of that command post .
`` I will not reassign Capt .
Brett Crozier as the commanding officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt , nor will he be eligible for future command , '' Adm. Michael Gilday , chief of naval operations , declared Friday at a Pentagon news conference , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing sanctions is Rear Adm. Stuart Baker , the commander of the aircraft carrier 's strike group , whose Senate-confirmed promotion to a second star has been put on hold .
After having concluded from a preliminary inquiry that Crozier should be returned to his command post , Gilday said his review of a much broader subsequent investigation led him to a judgment that both Crozier and Baker `` fell well short of what we expect of those in command . ''
`` Had I known then what I know today , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reinstate Capt .
Crozier , '' the Navy 's highest-ranking officer added .
`` Moreover , if Capt .
Crozier were still in command today , I would be relieving him . ''
Gilday did not cite as grounds for his decision the anguished email Crozier sent decrying a slow response by the Navy to the outbreak aboard the Roosevelt , a missive that leaked and was published within a day by the San Francisco Chronicle .
`` Capt .
Crozier hit send once on that email , '' Gilday said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ email , or intend for it to be leaked .
So at that time , I felt that the facts did not justify relief , based on the narrow scope . ''
The broader review , which was requested by then-acting Navy Secretary James McPherson , found what Gilday described as actions by Crozier and Baker that put the crew 's comfort above their safety .
`` They did not do enough soon enough to fulfill their primary obligation , and they did not effectively carry out our guidelines to prevent spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They were slow egressing sailors off the ship , and they failed to move sailors to available , safer environments quickly . ''
The Navy chief also said Crozier exercised `` questionable judgment '' by releasing sailors from quarantine on his ship , an action Gilday said put the crew at higher risk `` and may have increased the spread of the virus aboard the Theodore Roosevelt . ''
More than 1,100 of the warship 's crew of about 5,000 ultimately tested positive for the coronavirus , including Crozier ; one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members were removed from the ship at dockside in Guam and kept in isolation there in hotel rooms and other accommodations arranged by the Navy .
Gilday insisted that Crozier had failed to take into account what the Navy was doing to address the outbreak .
`` In the end , the email and letters sent by Capt .
Crozier were unnecessary , '' he said .
`` Actions were already underway to acquire CDC-compliant off-base hotel rooms for the crew before he sent that email . ''
Gilday said the second investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vietnam was the likely source of the ship 's infection , but he did not fault Adm. Philip Davidson , who heads the Indo-Pacific Command , for having approved that stop in Vietnam .
`` We did not make a decision to make that port visit until a day before , '' Gilday said .
`` We exhausted several means and sources of information before we made the determination to put that ship into port . ''
In the end , Gilday said , it was Crozier 's failure to convey his concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him the captain should not be put back in command of his ship .
`` As bad as I feel for Capt .
Crozier and Adm. Baker and their families , I 've got a responsibility to put the best people possible on a ship that is now operating in the Philippine Sea with two other strike groups , '' Gilday said .
`` I need people gripping problems , I need them driving solutions , I need them communicating fearlessly . ''
At his side stood newly sworn-in Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the job .
Asked how he planned to heal a relationship between the Navy 's leaders and its sailors that has been battered by this episode , Braithwaite called it a matter of showing `` steady and firm leadership . ''
`` I can tell you that the morale of the men and women is very good , '' the Navy 's top civilian said , citing visits he 's made to two other aircraft carriers this month .
`` I think we can put some of these incidents behind us , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; we can move on . ''
The Navy 's decision not to reinstate Crozier drew criticism from Rep. Adam Smith , the Democratic chairman of the House Armed Services Committee .
`` Everyone up and down the chain of command had a role to play in the inadequate response – including then-Acting Secretary of the Navy [ Thomas ] Modly , '' Smith said of the former Navy official who fired Crozier before stepping down himself .
`` The department 's civilian leadership portrayed Capt .
Crozier 's decision-making aboard the Roosevelt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's response , but the truth is that civilian leadership was also to blame . ''
Smith said his committee has launched its own investigation into the outbreak aboard the Roosevelt `` to better understand the full range of mistakes that were made throughout the entire chain of command . ''

In A Reversal By Navy, Sacked Captain Of USS Roosevelt Will Not Be Reinstated
Enlarge this image toggle caption U.S. Navy via Getty Images U.S. Navy via Getty Images
U.S. Navy Capt. Brett Crozier, who raised alarms in late March about a serious coronavirus outbreak aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier he commanded, will not be reinstated after being stripped of that command post.
"I will not reassign Capt. Brett Crozier as the commanding officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, nor will he be eligible for future command," Adm. Michael Gilday, chief of naval operations, declared Friday at a Pentagon news conference, adding that Crozier would be reassigned.
Also facing sanctions is Rear Adm. Stuart Baker, the commander of the aircraft carrier's strike group, whose Senate-confirmed promotion to a second star has been put on hold.
After having concluded from a preliminary inquiry that Crozier should be returned to his command post, Gilday said his review of a much broader subsequent investigation led him to a judgment that both Crozier and Baker "fell well short of what we expect of those in command."
"Had I known then what I know today, I would have not made that recommendation to reinstate Capt. Crozier," the Navy's highest-ranking officer added. "Moreover, if Capt. Crozier were still in command today, I would be relieving him."
Gilday did not cite as grounds for his decision the anguished email Crozier sent decrying a slow response by the Navy to the outbreak aboard the Roosevelt, a missive that leaked and was published within a day by the San Francisco Chronicle.
"Capt. Crozier hit send once on that email," Gilday said. "Capt. Crozier did not leak that email, or intend for it to be leaked. So at that time, I felt that the facts did not justify relief, based on the narrow scope."
The broader review, which was requested by then-acting Navy Secretary James McPherson, found what Gilday described as actions by Crozier and Baker that put the crew's comfort above their safety.
"They did not do enough soon enough to fulfill their primary obligation, and they did not effectively carry out our guidelines to prevent spread of the virus," Gilday told reporters. "They were slow egressing sailors off the ship, and they failed to move sailors to available, safer environments quickly."
The Navy chief also said Crozier exercised "questionable judgment" by releasing sailors from quarantine on his ship, an action Gilday said put the crew at higher risk "and may have increased the spread of the virus aboard the Theodore Roosevelt."
More than 1,100 of the warship's crew of about 5,000 ultimately tested positive for the coronavirus, including Crozier; one of those sailors died. Many crew members were removed from the ship at dockside in Guam and kept in isolation there in hotel rooms and other accommodations arranged by the Navy.
Gilday insisted that Crozier had failed to take into account what the Navy was doing to address the outbreak.
"In the end, the email and letters sent by Capt. Crozier were unnecessary," he said. "Actions were already underway to acquire CDC-compliant off-base hotel rooms for the crew before he sent that email."
Gilday said the second investigation had concluded that a port call in Vietnam was the likely source of the ship's infection, but he did not fault Adm. Philip Davidson, who heads the Indo-Pacific Command, for having approved that stop in Vietnam.
"We did not make a decision to make that port visit until a day before," Gilday said. "We exhausted several means and sources of information before we made the determination to put that ship into port."
In the end, Gilday said, it was Crozier's failure to convey his concerns up his chain of command that persuaded him the captain should not be put back in command of his ship.
"As bad as I feel for Capt. Crozier and Adm. Baker and their families, I've got a responsibility to put the best people possible on a ship that is now operating in the Philippine Sea with two other strike groups," Gilday said. "I need people gripping problems, I need them driving solutions, I need them communicating fearlessly."
At his side stood newly sworn-in Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite, who has barely been three weeks on the job. Asked how he planned to heal a relationship between the Navy's leaders and its sailors that has been battered by this episode, Braithwaite called it a matter of showing "steady and firm leadership."
"I can tell you that the morale of the men and women is very good," the Navy's top civilian said, citing visits he's made to two other aircraft carriers this month. "I think we can put some of these incidents behind us, especially now that we've concluded this; we can move on."
The Navy's decision not to reinstate Crozier drew criticism from Rep. Adam Smith, the Democratic chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
"Everyone up and down the chain of command had a role to play in the inadequate response – including then-Acting Secretary of the Navy [Thomas] Modly," Smith said of the former Navy official who fired Crozier before stepping down himself. "The department's civilian leadership portrayed Capt. Crozier's decision-making aboard the Roosevelt as the critical weakness in the Navy's response, but the truth is that civilian leadership was also to blame."
Smith said his committee has launched its own investigation into the outbreak aboard the Roosevelt "to better understand the full range of mistakes that were made throughout the entire chain of command."


npr--2020-06-19--Coronavirus Spread Hits 1-Day High, World Health Organization Says

The coronavirus pandemic reached a new one-day high Thursday with 150,000 new confirmed cases , according to the World Health Organization .
Almost half of those cases were reported in the Americas , WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference .
`` The world is in a new and dangerous phase , '' Tedros said .
`` Many people are understandably fed up with being at home .
Countries are understandably eager to open up their societies and economies , but the virus is still spreading fast .
It is still deadly , and most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries and organizations to continue to focus on the basics of prevention , including proper sanitation and social distancing .
He also pointed to an increased concern about the spread of the coronavirus in refugee communities across the world as well as refugees ' precarious economic situations .
He cited a Red Cross report released Thursday that found that around 70 % of refugees reported losing their jobs since the start of the pandemic , while 80 % said that their daily expenses had increased in that time .
According to Johns Hopkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide , with the highest number of cases and deaths resulting in the United States .
Close to 119,000 people have died in the U.S. from the coronavirus , and numbers continue to plateau or even rise in some U.S. states .

Coronavirus Spread Hits 1-Day High, World Health Organization Says
toggle caption Chen Junxia/Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images
The coronavirus pandemic reached a new one-day high Thursday with 150,000 new confirmed cases, according to the World Health Organization.
Almost half of those cases were reported in the Americas, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference.
"The world is in a new and dangerous phase," Tedros said. "Many people are understandably fed up with being at home. Countries are understandably eager to open up their societies and economies, but the virus is still spreading fast. It is still deadly, and most people are still susceptible."
Tedros urged countries and organizations to continue to focus on the basics of prevention, including proper sanitation and social distancing. He also pointed to an increased concern about the spread of the coronavirus in refugee communities across the world as well as refugees' precarious economic situations.
He cited a Red Cross report released Thursday that found that around 70% of refugees reported losing their jobs since the start of the pandemic, while 80% said that their daily expenses had increased in that time.
According to Johns Hopkins University, more than 8.5 million cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide, with the highest number of cases and deaths resulting in the United States. Close to 119,000 people have died in the U.S. from the coronavirus, and numbers continue to plateau or even rise in some U.S. states.


npr--2020-06-19--Coronavirus FAQs: Home Repair Guidelines, Toilet Plumes, Manicures And Self-Spraying

Each week , we answer `` frequently asked questions '' about life during the coronavirus crisis .
And we ask readers to send in their queries .
Some of the questions we get are a little ... unusual .
They may not be the most critical health questions .
Yet they are definitely interesting .
So this week , here is a sampling of both frequently and infrequently asked questions .
If you have a question you 'd like us to consider for a future post , email us at goatsandsoda @ npr.org with the subject line : `` Weekly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a repair person to work in my home ?
When it comes to bringing home a repairperson , it 's essential to weigh the need for the fix against the potential transmission risk .
`` It all depends on how urgent they think the repair is needed , '' says Dr. Mark Kortepeter , professor of epidemiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health .
`` Everything we do has to be a risk-benefit calculation , and I would n't stop a necessary repair if it 's really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop going to the grocery store . ''
Some repairs can be really necessary for the comfort and safety of your home life , Kortepeter says — and if that 's the case , he says there are things you can do to ensure the risk of spreading the virus is low as it can be .
To limit particle exchange with the service worker , ask them to do the usual things : wear a mask , take off their shoes and use hand sanitizer before they begin working .
For your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your family should also wear a mask for the duration of time they 're doing work in your house , he says .
While they 're working , it 's a good idea to stay out of the room until they 're done with the job , and disinfect the area in addition to any doorknobs or surfaces the repairperson may have touched during their visit .
If they ask to use your bathroom , it can be awkward to say no , so Kortepeter says to just try not to enter right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caution , Harvard Medical School physician Dr. Abraar Karan also recommends calling the repair company in advance to inquire if it screens workers for COVID symptoms and potential virus exposures .
You should also consider who is at home , says Karan .
If there 's a high-risk , immunocompromised family member , consider postponing the repair or avoiding that individual 's contact with the technician as much as possible by keeping them in another room .
New research shows that flushing a toilet can release lingering clouds of coronavirus particles found in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk do these 'toilet plumes ' pose for infection ?
Right now , scientists are n't exactly sure how significant the risk of flushing is when it comes to getting infected with COVID-19 , explains Kortepeter .
But there are still some bathroom hygiene measures you should take in the short run to minimize the potential chance of transmission .
Though viral coronavirus particles have been detected in fecal matter , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it 's `` unclear whether the virus found in feces may be capable of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while [ scientists ] have detected lingering SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air samples above toilets , [ they ] have not grown virus from these samples in culture to see if viable virus could be isolated , '' explains Karan in an email to NPR .
`` [ And that 's ] the important question for transmission risk . ''
Though it has n't been documented , Kortepeter says he could imagine a few ways toilet plumes could potentially lead to infection .
Aerosolized coronavirus particles may linger in the air after a flush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later toilet user .
Or , he hypothesizes , heavier droplets could `` settle '' on surfaces — say a toilet seat , the floor or metal canisters holding toilet paper .
These particles could later be picked up by touch and ingested orally , causing infection .
But these are only educated guesses , says Kortepeter .
And it 's still not clear what the toilet to person transmission risk looks like — or how significant it is .
In the meantime , doctors suggest taking precautionary steps in the immediate future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from flush plumes — especially if you 're using a public restroom or a bathroom that is n't yours .
One tip from Kortepeter is to close the lid of the toilet before flushing to limit the amount of fecal particles pushed into the air from the pressure of the flush .
He also recommends wearing a mask to minimize droplet inhalation and washing your hands with soap and water after using the restroom to kill any viral particles you may have picked up .
And , he adds , `` minimize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restroom , '' Kortepeter says .
`` Choose a stall that has n't just been vacated before you , or wait a minute . ''
Finally , if you 're living with someone who 's been infected and have multiple bathrooms in your home , Kortepeter suggests confining them to just one toilet to minimize the risk of transmission .
For those with just one bathroom , it 's a good idea to follow the above guidelines regarding mask-wearing , washing hands and closing the lid when flushing to avoid potential transmission from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the salon again for services such as manicures , pedicures or massages ?
When it comes to salon services , researchers say there 's a few things you should consider .
But the biggest question to ask yourself about moving forward with a particular procedure : Do you really need it ?
`` Any face to face contact , especially extended , needs to be done with a mask on , ideally by both parties , '' says Karan .
`` Again , masks are not perfect so I would probably avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite prolonged close contact in the same room — and the masseuse is probably having close contact with many other people throughout the day . ''
If you 're going to get a manicure/pedicure , Kortepeter says you could try going to the salon at times of the day when it 's less crowded .
Or consider only getting one procedure at a time to minimize the length of time you 're in contact with others .
Asked whether some salon services are riskier than others , Kortepeter says the danger increases based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people in the facility .
These are ultimately risks you have to weigh for yourself , he says .
Is it a good idea to spray myself with disinfectant ?
The answer here is — decisively — no .
In fact , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned against it this week .
`` Disinfectant is for surfaces , not for skin , '' says Kortepeter .
`` The main place that needs to be cleaned after being out and about is your hands , and you can do that simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't want to do is put potentially toxic substances on your skin — it can cause skin burns and injury . ''
Spraying yourself with disinfectant wo n't reduce your risk of infection , Kortepeter says .
But it does carry the risk of causing harm to your skin and eyes .
`` I would say , use that money to instead buy a mask , '' says Karan .
`` And wear it . ''

Coronavirus FAQs: Home Repair Guidelines, Toilet Plumes, Manicures And Self-Spraying
Enlarge this image Malaka Gharib/ NPR Malaka Gharib/ NPR
Each week, we answer "frequently asked questions" about life during the coronavirus crisis. And we ask readers to send in their queries. Some of the questions we get are a little ... unusual. They may not be the most critical health questions. Yet they are definitely interesting. So this week, here is a sampling of both frequently and infrequently asked questions. If you have a question you'd like us to consider for a future post, email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject line: "Weekly Coronavirus Questions."
Is it safe for a repair person to work in my home?
When it comes to bringing home a repairperson, it's essential to weigh the need for the fix against the potential transmission risk.
"It all depends on how urgent they think the repair is needed," says Dr. Mark Kortepeter, professor of epidemiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health.
"Everything we do has to be a risk-benefit calculation, and I wouldn't stop a necessary repair if it's really needed — just like I wouldn't stop going to the grocery store."
Some repairs can be really necessary for the comfort and safety of your home life, Kortepeter says — and if that's the case, he says there are things you can do to ensure the risk of spreading the virus is low as it can be.
To limit particle exchange with the service worker, ask them to do the usual things: wear a mask, take off their shoes and use hand sanitizer before they begin working. For your own protection and theirs, everyone in your family should also wear a mask for the duration of time they're doing work in your house, he says.
While they're working, it's a good idea to stay out of the room until they're done with the job, and disinfect the area in addition to any doorknobs or surfaces the repairperson may have touched during their visit. If they ask to use your bathroom, it can be awkward to say no, so Kortepeter says to just try not to enter right after they've flushed.
For extra caution, Harvard Medical School physician Dr. Abraar Karan also recommends calling the repair company in advance to inquire if it screens workers for COVID symptoms and potential virus exposures.
You should also consider who is at home, says Karan. If there's a high-risk, immunocompromised family member, consider postponing the repair or avoiding that individual's contact with the technician as much as possible by keeping them in another room.
New research shows that flushing a toilet can release lingering clouds of coronavirus particles found in fecal matter into the air. What risk do these 'toilet plumes' pose for infection?
Right now, scientists aren't exactly sure how significant the risk of flushing is when it comes to getting infected with COVID-19, explains Kortepeter. But there are still some bathroom hygiene measures you should take in the short run to minimize the potential chance of transmission.
Though viral coronavirus particles have been detected in fecal matter, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it's "unclear whether the virus found in feces may be capable of causing COVID-19." And, "while [scientists] have detected lingering SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air samples above toilets, [they] have not grown virus from these samples in culture to see if viable virus could be isolated," explains Karan in an email to NPR. "[And that's] the important question for transmission risk."
Though it hasn't been documented, Kortepeter says he could imagine a few ways toilet plumes could potentially lead to infection. Aerosolized coronavirus particles may linger in the air after a flush, which could be inhaled by a later toilet user. Or, he hypothesizes, heavier droplets could "settle" on surfaces — say a toilet seat, the floor or metal canisters holding toilet paper. These particles could later be picked up by touch and transferred to susceptible parts of the face (eyes, nose, mouth), causing infection.
But these are only educated guesses, says Kortepeter. And it's still not clear what the toilet to person transmission risk looks like — or how significant it is.
In the meantime, doctors suggest taking precautionary steps in the immediate future to minimize the chance of virus spread from flush plumes — especially if you're using a public restroom or a bathroom that isn't yours. One tip from Kortepeter is to close the lid of the toilet before flushing to limit the amount of fecal particles pushed into the air from the pressure of the flush. He also recommends wearing a mask to minimize droplet inhalation and washing your hands with soap and water after using the restroom to kill any viral particles you may have picked up.
And, he adds, "minimize the amount of time you're in the restroom," Kortepeter says. "Choose a stall that hasn't just been vacated before you, or wait a minute."
Finally, if you're living with someone who's been infected and have multiple bathrooms in your home, Kortepeter suggests confining them to just one toilet to minimize the risk of transmission. For those with just one bathroom, it's a good idea to follow the above guidelines regarding mask-wearing, washing hands and closing the lid when flushing to avoid potential transmission from plumes.
Is it OK to go to the salon again for services such as manicures, pedicures or massages?
When it comes to salon services, researchers say there's a few things you should consider. But the biggest question to ask yourself about moving forward with a particular procedure: Do you really need it?
"Any face to face contact, especially extended, needs to be done with a mask on, ideally by both parties," says Karan. "Again, masks are not perfect so I would probably avoid hour-long massages right now as that is quite prolonged close contact in the same room — and the masseuse is probably having close contact with many other people throughout the day."
If you're going to get a manicure/pedicure, Kortepeter says you could try going to the salon at times of the day when it's less crowded. Or consider only getting one procedure at a time to minimize the length of time you're in contact with others.
Asked whether some salon services are riskier than others, Kortepeter says the danger increases based on the contact time and the number of people in the facility. These are ultimately risks you have to weigh for yourself, he says.
Is it a good idea to spray myself with disinfectant?
The answer here is — decisively — no. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned against it this week.
"Disinfectant is for surfaces, not for skin," says Kortepeter. "The main place that needs to be cleaned after being out and about is your hands, and you can do that simply by washing them. What you don't want to do is put potentially toxic substances on your skin — it can cause skin burns and injury."
Spraying yourself with disinfectant won't reduce your risk of infection, Kortepeter says. But it does carry the risk of causing harm to your skin and eyes.
"I would say, use that money to instead buy a mask," says Karan. "And wear it."


npr--2020-06-19--Zoom Call Eviction Hearings: 'They'll Throw Everything I Have Out On The Street'

Zoom Call Eviction Hearings : 'They 'll Throw Everything I Have Out On The Street' Many state and local governments have decided it is n't safe yet to hold in-person eviction hearings in court during the pandemic .
But apparently it 's OK for people to be put out on the street during the outbreak if you do it after a Zoom call .
That 's what 's happening in some states as eviction moratoriums expire , and courts hold remote hearings for people who ca n't pay their rent .
`` My company closed due to the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Zoom hearing this week in Collin County , Texas .
She said she has had trouble getting documentation to collect unemployment because her former employer has been unresponsive .
So she has n't paid rent since April .
`` I have n't been able to get unemployment or anything . ''
Brooks is a Navy veteran and says she has a heart condition .
The judge postponed her case until next week to review whether she is covered by a limited moratorium in Dallas , where she lives .
NPR contacted Brooks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scared , '' she says .
Brooks told NPR she has no friends or family she can move in with and has been in and out of the hospital with heart trouble .
`` They 'll throw everything I have outside on the street , '' she says .
`` I have nowhere to go .
I feel like very depressed , very stressed out , and I do n't know what to do . ''
Her landlord , Estates on Frankford , declined to comment .
Renters may have special protections from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules are complicated and differ from state to county to city .
And it 's rare that tenants have a lawyer to help them .
In the Collin County video call , landlords who did n't connect to the hearing had their cases against tenants dismissed by the judge .
If tenants failed to dial in or could n't , that cleared the path for their landlords to evict them .
`` I 'm going to go forward with this one because I do n't have her here to tell me anything , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose tenant was n't on the call .
`` All right , you have a default judgment of possession , back rent and court costs . ''
A default judgment basically means the tenant did n't show up , the landlord provided the required documentation of unpaid rent , and the eviction can move forward .
That happened to five people in this one Zoom call hearing .
For some people , connecting to a Zoom call might be easier than getting to the courthouse .
But , some legal experts say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deny their right to due process , which includes the right to be heard .
What if someone does n't have a decent smartphone or computer , or online access ?
`` A missed call for not being able to log into a remote hearing is the equivalent of failing to appear , '' says Emily Benfer , a professor at Columbia Law School .
So the inability to connect to the call may not just be the loss of basic rights , she says , it `` could also be the difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I say that 's cruel , that 's a cruel situation , '' says Matthew Desmond who heads up Princeton University 's Eviction Lab .
He wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about evictions four years ago .
Today , the lab is announcing a new tracking system to monitor evictions during the pandemic .
And already with some moratoriums expiring , Desmond says eviction filings are rising .
`` In Milwaukee , for example , evictions are up 38 percent last week from where they should be on a typical week in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alieza Durana with the Eviction Lab says many Americans are not protected by an eviction moratorium .
`` In more than half of U.S. states , there are little to no protections in place , '' she says .
Housing advocates say expanded federal unemployment benefits have been helping millions of out-of-work Americans pay rent .
But those are set to expire at the end of July .
Many experts predict a tidal wave of defaults and nonpayment of rents if those are n't extended or replaced .
Durana and Desmond say evictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landlord groups agree .
`` We should be working to help those who have been impacted by COVID-19 , through robust government assistance , '' says Paula Cino , a vice president with the National Multifamily Housing Council .
The group is calling on Congress to pass emergency help for renters and landlords alike .
Meanwhile , the zoom-eviction hearings continue .
After NPR reached out to a legal aid group in Texas to ask about pandemic-related protections for someone in Deanna Brooks ' situation , she contacted the group and it decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing next week .

Zoom Call Eviction Hearings: 'They'll Throw Everything I Have Out On The Street'
Enlarge this image toggle caption NPR NPR
Many state and local governments have decided it isn't safe yet to hold in-person eviction hearings in court during the pandemic. But apparently it's OK for people to be put out on the street during the outbreak if you do it after a Zoom call.
That's what's happening in some states as eviction moratoriums expire, and courts hold remote hearings for people who can't pay their rent.
"My company closed due to the pandemic," Deanna Brooks told the judge in a Zoom hearing this week in Collin County, Texas. She said she has had trouble getting documentation to collect unemployment because her former employer has been unresponsive. So she hasn't paid rent since April. "I haven't been able to get unemployment or anything."
toggle caption NPR
Brooks is a Navy veteran and says she has a heart condition. The judge postponed her case until next week to review whether she is covered by a limited moratorium in Dallas, where she lives. NPR contacted Brooks after the hearing.
"I'm scared," she says. Brooks told NPR she has no friends or family she can move in with and has been in and out of the hospital with heart trouble. "They'll throw everything I have outside on the street," she says. "I have nowhere to go. I feel like very depressed, very stressed out, and I don't know what to do."
Her landlord, Estates on Frankford, declined to comment.
Renters may have special protections from eviction during the outbreak. But the rules are complicated and differ from state to county to city. And it's rare that tenants have a lawyer to help them.
In the Collin County video call, landlords who didn't connect to the hearing had their cases against tenants dismissed by the judge. If tenants failed to dial in or couldn't, that cleared the path for their landlords to evict them.
"I'm going to go forward with this one because I don't have her here to tell me anything," Judge Charles Ruckel told one landlord whose tenant wasn't on the call. "All right, you have a default judgment of possession, back rent and court costs."
A default judgment basically means the tenant didn't show up, the landlord provided the required documentation of unpaid rent, and the eviction can move forward. That happened to five people in this one Zoom call hearing.
For some people, connecting to a Zoom call might be easier than getting to the courthouse. But, some legal experts say, for others, the virtual hearing might deny their right to due process, which includes the right to be heard.
What if someone doesn't have a decent smartphone or computer, or online access?
"A missed call for not being able to log into a remote hearing is the equivalent of failing to appear," says Emily Benfer, a professor at Columbia Law School. So the inability to connect to the call may not just be the loss of basic rights, she says, it "could also be the difference between housing and homelessness."
"I say that's cruel, that's a cruel situation," says Matthew Desmond who heads up Princeton University's Eviction Lab. He wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about evictions four years ago.
Today, the lab is announcing a new tracking system to monitor evictions during the pandemic. And already with some moratoriums expiring, Desmond says eviction filings are rising.
"In Milwaukee, for example, evictions are up 38 percent last week from where they should be on a typical week in June in Milwaukee," he says.
Alieza Durana with the Eviction Lab says many Americans are not protected by an eviction moratorium. "In more than half of U.S. states, there are little to no protections in place," she says.
Housing advocates say expanded federal unemployment benefits have been helping millions of out-of-work Americans pay rent. But those are set to expire at the end of July. Many experts predict a tidal wave of defaults and nonpayment of rents if those aren't extended or replaced. Durana and Desmond say evictions should not be the answer.
Some landlord groups agree. "We should be working to help those who have been impacted by COVID-19, through robust government assistance," says Paula Cino, a vice president with the National Multifamily Housing Council. The group is calling on Congress to pass emergency help for renters and landlords alike.
Meanwhile, the zoom-eviction hearings continue. After NPR reached out to Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas to ask about pandemic-related protections for someone in Deanna Brooks' situation, she contacted the group and it decided to represent Brooks in her remote eviction hearing next week.


npr--2020-06-19--Across The U.S., A Juneteenth 'Tinted With Sorrow' And Buoyed By Hope

Across The U.S. , A Juneteenth 'Tinted With Sorrow ' And Buoyed By Hope The weeks since the killing of George Floyd have been a cauldron of outrage , frustration and , at times , violence .
But on Friday , Juneteenth brought another emotion to this simmering mixture : the joy of celebration .
Demonstrators planned rallies in towns and cities across the country , from Atlanta to Los Angeles , to commemorate the date that the U.S. informed people in Texas that all those enslaved were now free in 1865 .
Many of those marking that moment say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of urgency amid the swell of nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice .
`` This celebration is tinted with sorrow because of the lives of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , Ahmaud Arbery .
But there is hope — hope for the protests and the demonstrations that are going on .
Hope that social justice will occur in this country and will occur soon , '' Stephen Holmes , county commissioner in Galveston , Texas , told attendees at a Juneteenth celebration in that city .
It was there , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln — that Union soldiers announced and enforced the abolition of slavery in the state where many slaveowners had resisted emancipation .
More than a century afterward , in 1979 , Texas became the first U.S. state to mark the date an official state holiday by the name of Emancipation Day — with a bill authored by then-Texas state lawmaker Al Edwards .
`` This is where it happened that African Americans received their freedom in the South , delivered by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Al Edwards Jr. said at the event , which was held before a statue honoring his father in Galveston .
`` It 's not to be taken away from us .
It 's not to be muzzled or silenced or marginalized .
It is Freedom Day for African Americans in the United States .
It is our day .
White , Black , Asian , Mexican-American — it is a United States holiday . ''
Forty-five other states and the District of Columbia have followed Texas ' lead .
New York City Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would become a city and school holiday beginning next year , as did the mayor of Louisville , Ky. , which has been struggling with the fallout from Taylor 's killing .
And a movement to designate it a federal holiday has been gathering momentum after several high-profile police killings of Black people trained widespread attention on racial injustice in the United States .
Thousands of people nationwide are n't waiting on that designation .
Rallies have been organized in Seattle , New Orleans and Washington , D.C. , among other places — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 20,000 that once was the capital of Georgia before and during the Civil War .
Multiple cities — including Birmingham , Ala. — saw `` Black Lives Matter '' painted in vast murals akin to the one created this month on a two-block stretch of road in Washington .
Meanwhile , in Tulsa , Okla. , where President Trump plans to hold a campaign rally Saturday , people flocked to Juneteenth celebrations .
Seth Bodine of NPR member station KOSU reported that local officials expect more than 100,000 people to gather in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other events .
Tulsa has a grim racial history .
In 1921 , white residents there killed more than 150 people — and possibly as many as 300 — in a spasm of violence directed at Black people , and they took a torch to the principally Black neighborhoods in the city .
The Rev .
Al Sharpton is expected to deliver the keynote speech at a Juneteenth event Friday in Tulsa alongside the family of Terence Crutcher , a local Black man killed by Tulsa police in 2016 .
The officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later acquitted of manslaughter .
Elsewhere , the holiday coincided with another aspect of racial reckoning in the United States : the memorials across the country dedicated to Confederate leaders and other controversial figures .
In Columbus , capital of Ohio , that meant dismantling a statue dedicated to the city 's controversial namesake , explorer Christopher Columbus , outside City Hall .
In the nation 's capital , that meant removing the portraits of four former House speakers who served in the Confederacy .
`` We are especially encouraged by the steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eve of Juneteenth — the day that will forever commemorate the emancipation of Black people from enslavement , '' Lecia Brooks of the Southern Poverty Law Center said in a statement shared with NPR .
`` May this be one of many steps taken by our elected leaders to dismantle the structures of white supremacy that still remain all across our country . ''

Across The U.S., A Juneteenth 'Tinted With Sorrow' And Buoyed By Hope
Enlarge this image toggle caption Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Updated at 3:36 p.m. ET
The weeks since the killing of George Floyd have been a cauldron of outrage, frustration and, at times, violence. But on Friday, Juneteenth brought another emotion to this simmering mixture: the joy of celebration.
Demonstrators planned rallies in towns and cities across the country, from Atlanta to Los Angeles, to commemorate the date that the U.S. informed people in Texas that all those enslaved were now free in 1865. Many of those marking that moment say the 155-year-old holiday has a new sense of urgency amid the swell of nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice.
"This celebration is tinted with sorrow because of the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery. But there is hope — hope for the protests and the demonstrations that are going on. Hope that social justice will occur in this country and will occur soon," Stephen Holmes, county commissioner in Galveston, Texas, told attendees at a Juneteenth celebration in that city.
Enlarge this image toggle caption David J. Phillip/AP David J. Phillip/AP
It was there, on June 19, 1865 — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln — that Union soldiers announced and enforced the abolition of slavery in the state where many slaveowners had resisted emancipation.
More than a century afterward, in 1979, Texas became the first U.S. state to mark the date an official state holiday by the name of Emancipation Day — with a bill authored by then-Texas state lawmaker Al Edwards.
"This is where it happened that African Americans received their freedom in the South, delivered by the word of the U.S. government," Al Edwards Jr. said at the event, which was held before a statue honoring his father in Galveston.
"It's not to be taken away from us. It's not to be muzzled or silenced or marginalized. It is Freedom Day for African Americans in the United States. It is our day. White, Black, Asian, Mexican-American — it is a United States holiday."
Forty-five other states and the District of Columbia have followed Texas' lead. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Friday that Juneteenth would become a city and school holiday beginning next year, as did the mayor of Louisville, Ky., which has been struggling with the fallout from Taylor's killing.
And a movement to designate it a federal holiday has been gathering momentum after several high-profile police killings of Black people trained widespread attention on racial injustice in the United States.
Thousands of people nationwide aren't waiting on that designation. Rallies have been organized in Seattle, New Orleans and Washington, D.C., among other places — even in Milledgeville, a town of nearly 20,000 that once was the capital of Georgia before and during the Civil War.
Multiple cities — including Birmingham, Ala. — saw "Black Lives Matter" painted in vast murals akin to the one created this month on a two-block stretch of road in Washington.
Meanwhile, in Tulsa, Okla., where President Trump plans to hold a campaign rally Saturday, people flocked to Juneteenth celebrations. Seth Bodine of NPR member station KOSU reported that local officials expect more than 100,000 people to gather in the city this weekend for the rally and other events.
Tulsa has a grim racial history. In 1921, white residents there killed more than 150 people — and possibly as many as 300 — in a spasm of violence directed at Black people, and they took a torch to the principally Black neighborhoods in the city.
The Rev. Al Sharpton is expected to deliver the keynote speech at a Juneteenth event Friday in Tulsa alongside the family of Terence Crutcher, a local Black man killed by Tulsa police in 2016. The officer who shot him during an arrest was later acquitted of manslaughter.
Elsewhere, the holiday coincided with another aspect of racial reckoning in the United States: the memorials across the country dedicated to Confederate leaders and other controversial figures.
In Columbus, capital of Ohio, that meant dismantling a statue dedicated to the city's controversial namesake, explorer Christopher Columbus, outside City Hall. In the nation's capital, that meant removing the portraits of four former House speakers who served in the Confederacy.
"We are especially encouraged by the steps taken to remove their portraits on the eve of Juneteenth — the day that will forever commemorate the emancipation of Black people from enslavement," Lecia Brooks of the Southern Poverty Law Center said in a statement shared with NPR.
"May this be one of many steps taken by our elected leaders to dismantle the structures of white supremacy that still remain all across our country."


npr--2020-06-19--De Blasio Makes Juneteenth An Official New York City Holiday

De Blasio Makes Juneteenth An Official New York City Holiday New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that the city will officially observe Juneteenth as a city and school holiday starting next year .
`` Every city worker , every student , will have an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our history and the truth , and to think about the work that we have to do ahead , '' de Blasio said Friday .
Juneteenth , which takes place on June 19th every year , is the oldest-known commemoration of the end of slavery in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1865 was when U.S. Army troops landed in Galveston , Texas and declared that some of the last enslaved Americans were free , more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation .
All New York City schools and city departments will observe the holiday , de Blasio said at a press conference with New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray and Deputy Mayor J. Phillip Thompson .
De Blasio added that the holiday will provide a time for celebration of the city 's black history and culture , while also serving as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work in the city .
`` Structural racism pervades this city in ways that are still not acknowledged and recognized and we have to change that , '' de Blasio said .
`` There 's been an incessant effort over centuries ... to sweep under the rug these truths .
This is why Juneteenth is so important because it is a day for truth-telling . ''
First Lady Chirlane McCray also announced that New York City will form a racial justice and reconciliation commission , saying that it will `` promote social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to tear down the barriers to true equality . ''
She said the commission would look into the city 's handling of employment , housing , criminal justice , the environment , education , and health .
`` The commission will work to explode the false narratives that we have lived with for far too long and make plain the truth that even in 2020 to be a person of color means to live a parallel existence with white New Yorkers , '' McCray said .
Thompson noted that while the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year , the city 's Department of Education already planned to educate students about the holiday .
`` Our department of ed is using Juneteenth today to impart important lessons from the black struggle for freedom to all of our young people , '' Thompson said .
`` Today , teachers city-wide have lesson plans focused on Juneteenth and its meaning . ''
Earlier this week , New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo made Juneteenth a holiday for state employees and said he would push to make it a holiday for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northam also said this week that he plans to make Juneteenth a permanent state holiday .
Various companies have also added it as a company holiday .

De Blasio Makes Juneteenth An Official New York City Holiday
Enlarge this image toggle caption Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that the city will officially observe Juneteenth as a city and school holiday starting next year.
"Every city worker, every student, will have an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of our history and the truth, and to think about the work that we have to do ahead," de Blasio said Friday.
Juneteenth, which takes place on June 19th every year, is the oldest-known commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. That date in 1865 was when U.S. Army troops landed in Galveston, Texas and declared that some of the last enslaved Americans were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
All New York City schools and city departments will observe the holiday, de Blasio said at a press conference with New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray and Deputy Mayor J. Phillip Thompson.
De Blasio added that the holiday will provide a time for celebration of the city's black history and culture, while also serving as a reminder of the way that racism continues to work in the city.
"Structural racism pervades this city in ways that are still not acknowledged and recognized and we have to change that," de Blasio said. "There's been an incessant effort over centuries... to sweep under the rug these truths. This is why Juneteenth is so important because it is a day for truth-telling."
First Lady Chirlane McCray also announced that New York City will form a racial justice and reconciliation commission, saying that it will "promote social learning, collective introspection, and other measures to tear down the barriers to true equality."
She said the commission would look into the city's handling of employment, housing, criminal justice, the environment, education, and health.
"The commission will work to explode the false narratives that we have lived with for far too long and make plain the truth that even in 2020 to be a person of color means to live a parallel existence with white New Yorkers," McCray said.
Thompson noted that while the city holiday doesn't officially take place until next year, the city's Department of Education already planned to educate students about the holiday.
"Our department of ed is using Juneteenth today to impart important lessons from the black struggle for freedom to all of our young people," Thompson said. "Today, teachers city-wide have lesson plans focused on Juneteenth and its meaning."
Earlier this week, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo made Juneteenth a holiday for state employees and said he would push to make it a holiday for the entire state.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam also said this week that he plans to make Juneteenth a permanent state holiday. Various companies have also added it as a company holiday.


npr--2020-06-19--Tom Ridge, Ex-DHS Secretary, Laments 'Sad' Trump Fears About Voting By Mail

A prominent Republican has tough words for President Trump 's campaign against the expansion of mail-in voting and says the president 's criticism could undermine his own party 's efforts to retain control of the Senate .
`` It 's got to be pretty discouraging , I would think , to incumbent members of the Senate , who probably have very aggressive absentee ballot programs ... to have the president telling your supporters : 'Go to polls .
Do n't use absentee , ' `` former Pennsylvania Gov .
Tom Ridge told NPR .
Ridge , who served as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is co-chair of a new bipartisan group called VoteSafe , which is pushing to expand vote-by-mail options , along with safe in-person voting , for this November 's election .
Former Michigan Gov .
Jennifer Granholm , a Democrat , is the other co-chair .
Ridge said that it 's clear from recent primaries that millions of American want to vote by mail , especially during the pandemic .
He notes that numerous studies have shown that neither party has an advantage when it comes to mail-in voting , despite Trump 's repeated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president has also claimed , without evidence , that it leads to widespread fraud .
Trump reiterated his concerns in a new interview with Politico , noting that the Republican National Committee and his reelection campaign are investing millions of dollars in fighting Democratic efforts to expand mail-in voting across the country .
`` We have many lawsuits going all over .
And if we do n't win those lawsuits , I think — I think it puts the election at risk , '' Trump said .
Ridge and others think that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will discourage Republicans from using a form of voting that 's increasingly popular .
`` I think it 's very sad and very disappointing that with almost five months to go , the president seems to [ want to ] try to delegitimize the November 3 election , '' said Ridge .
`` It just seems to me that this may be an indication he 's more worried about the outcome than he 's worried about fraud . ''
Ridge notes that the president won the 2016 election , in which 25 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that Trump himself voted absentee this past spring .
`` You potentially jeopardize your own interest by ignoring the reality that there are literally millions of men and women who want to vote absentee , '' said Ridge .
Indeed , the president 's repeated criticism of mail-in voting appears to be eroding support for it among his followers .
Trump supporters in Michigan last week held a protest called `` Operation Incinerator , '' at which they burned absentee ballot applications .
They called the secretary of state 's plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voter for the November election a `` waste of money . ''
Recent polls in both Iowa and Florida also show that Republicans in those states are more likely this year to vote in person , rather than by mail , and that Democrats are more likely to vote by mail — even though in the past , absentee voting has been more popular among Republicans .
In fact , local and state Republicans have continued to encourage their supporters to cast absentee ballots during recent primaries despite the president 's complaints — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections .
The battle over how Americans will vote in November has becoming increasingly intense and partisan , especially in light of concerns that there could be a resurgence of the health threat this fall .
As states have made changes to accommodate more mail-in balloting , both political parties have gone to court to try to shape the rules to their advantage .
Republicans are especially opposed to proposals in some states — such as California — to send absentee ballots to all registered voters and to allow third-party groups to collect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a practice dubbed `` ballot harvesting . ''
Democrats argue that every effort should be made during the current health crisis to make voting as easy as possible and that the Republicans ' claims of fraud are vastly overblown .
Republican National Committee national press secretary Mandi Merritt told NPR in response to Ridge 's comments that Trump is n't the one to blame here .
`` It 's Democrats who are attempting to delegitimize the November 3rd election with their lawsuits across the country that seek to strip away ballot safeguards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and automatically send ballots to voters , '' she said .
Ridge 's group is one of several that are advocating for states to give voters safe choices , whether it 's to go to the polls in person or to vote from home .
They argue that voters should not have to choose between their health and voting .
VoteSafe , which has been endorsed by Republican and Democratic secretaries of state , also calls on Congress to make sure that states have enough funding `` to protect their voters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 400 million to help with running elections during the COVID-19 crisis , but Democrats and others argue that billions of dollars more are needed .
VoteSafe has been funded in part by two nonprofits , the National Vote at Home Institute and Represent.Us .

Tom Ridge, Ex-DHS Secretary, Laments 'Sad' Trump Fears About Voting By Mail
Enlarge this image toggle caption Haraz N. Ghanbari/Associated Press Haraz N. Ghanbari/Associated Press
A prominent Republican has tough words for President Trump's campaign against the expansion of mail-in voting and says the president's criticism could undermine his own party's efforts to retain control of the Senate.
"It's got to be pretty discouraging, I would think, to incumbent members of the Senate, who probably have very aggressive absentee ballot programs ... to have the president telling your supporters: 'Go to polls. Don't use absentee,' " former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge told NPR.
Ridge, who served as the nation's first homeland security secretary, is co-chair of a new bipartisan group called VoteSafe, which is pushing to expand vote-by-mail options, along with safe in-person voting, for this November's election.
Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, is the other co-chair.
Ridge said that it's clear from recent primaries that millions of American want to vote by mail, especially during the pandemic. He notes that numerous studies have shown that neither party has an advantage when it comes to mail-in voting, despite Trump's repeated claims that it hurts Republicans.
The president has also claimed, without evidence, that it leads to widespread fraud.
Trump reiterated his concerns in a new interview with Politico, noting that the Republican National Committee and his reelection campaign are investing millions of dollars in fighting Democratic efforts to expand mail-in voting across the country.
"We have many lawsuits going all over. And if we don't win those lawsuits, I think — I think it puts the election at risk," Trump said.
Skepticism about Trump's position
Ridge and others think that the president's position is counterproductive because it will discourage Republicans from using a form of voting that's increasingly popular.
"I think it's very sad and very disappointing that with almost five months to go, the president seems to [want to] try to delegitimize the November 3 election," said Ridge. "It just seems to me that this may be an indication he's more worried about the outcome than he's worried about fraud."
Ridge notes that the president won the 2016 election, in which 25 percent of the ballots were cast by mail, and that Trump himself voted absentee this past spring.
"You potentially jeopardize your own interest by ignoring the reality that there are literally millions of men and women who want to vote absentee," said Ridge.
Indeed, the president's repeated criticism of mail-in voting appears to be eroding support for it among his followers.
Trump supporters in Michigan last week held a protest called "Operation Incinerator," at which they burned absentee ballot applications. They called the secretary of state's plan to send an application to every Michigan voter for the November election a "waste of money."
Recent polls in both Iowa and Florida also show that Republicans in those states are more likely this year to vote in person, rather than by mail, and that Democrats are more likely to vote by mail — even though in the past, absentee voting has been more popular among Republicans.
In fact, local and state Republicans have continued to encourage their supporters to cast absentee ballots during recent primaries despite the president's complaints — because they realize it helps them win elections.
National war over rules and access
The battle over how Americans will vote in November has become increasingly intense and partisan, especially in light of concerns that there could be a resurgence of the health threat this fall.
As states have made changes to accommodate more mail-in balloting, both political parties have gone to court to try to shape the rules to their advantage.
Republicans are especially opposed to proposals in some states — such as California — to send absentee ballots to all registered voters and to allow third-party groups to collect and deliver multiple ballots at a time, a practice dubbed "ballot harvesting."
Democrats argue that every effort should be made during the current health crisis to make voting as easy as possible and that the Republicans' claims of fraud are vastly overblown.
Republican National Committee national press secretary Mandi Merritt told NPR in response to Ridge's comments that Trump isn't the one to blame here.
"It's Democrats who are attempting to delegitimize the November 3rd election with their lawsuits across the country that seek to strip away ballot safeguards like signature verifications, legalize ballot harvesting, and automatically send ballots to voters," she said.
Ridge's group is one of several that are advocating for states to give voters safe choices, whether it's to go to the polls in person or to vote from home. They argue that voters should not have to choose between their health and voting.
VoteSafe, which has been endorsed by Republican and Democratic secretaries of state, also calls on Congress to make sure that states have enough funding "to protect their voters and elections."
Congress has already approved $400 million to help with running elections during the COVID-19 crisis, but Democrats and others argue that billions of dollars more are needed.
VoteSafe has been funded in part by two nonprofits, the National Vote at Home Institute and Represent.Us.