usatoday--2020-07-05--Why are NBA players, coaches and executives willing to resume the season?

The thoughtful NBA head coach became troubled by the rising infections related to the coronavirus .
So how can Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers justify the league resuming its season in a state that is considered one of the COVID-19 hotspots ?
`` It 's just a hope , '' Rivers said .
`` But when we get to the bubble , it becomes the safest place in America . ''
The thoughtful NBA role player never flinched about whether he would play even amid concerns about the pandemic and the time away from his family .
Still , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed at ease just because the league will host the resumed season in a quarantined site in Orlando that calls for daily testing and strict social distancing rules .
`` There is absolutely no comfort level .
None , '' Redick said .
`` I know the league and I know the union has tried to create this environment , and I get it .
But there ’ s so much else going on right now . ''
The accomplished NBA star plans to stay in his room playing video games any time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet , Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard predicted not everyone will follow his lead .
`` My confidence ai n't great because you 're telling me you 're going to have 22 teams full of players following all the rules ? ''
Lillard said .
`` When we have 100 % freedom , everybody do n't follow all the rules .
I do n't have much confidence . ''
All of which begs a central question : Do the participants truly think it is worth it to resume the season so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their earnings and use their platform to address systemic racism ?
`` Do I think it ’ s worth it ? ''
Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone repeated the question .
`` I ’ ll be honest .
In the three months since the season was suspended , depending on the day , week or month , I probably would have a different answer . ''
Those around the NBA have offered different answers .
A handful of players have opted out of participating for reasons involving family ( Los Angeles Lakers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ariza , Houston ’ s Thabo Sefolosha , Dallas ’ Willie Cauley-Stein ) , injury prevention ( Indiana ’ s Victor Oladipo , Washington ’ s Davis Bertans ) and the pandemic ( Brooklyn ’ s DeAndre Jordan ) .
Some coaches have too because of medical concerns ( the Lakers ’ Lionel Hollins , New Orleans ’ Jeff Bzdelik ) .
The NBA has reported a handful of positive COVID-19 tests for players ( 25 out of 351 ) and staff members ( 10 out of 884 ) since testing began on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orlando between July 7 and 9 , they may learn about more positive cases and opt-out plans .
`` I ’ ve made it very clear — no judgement , no pressure and totally understandable if players or staff choose to opt out of going , '' Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton said .
`` We ’ re totally in support with that decision . ''
Yet during conference calls this week with various teams , it became apparent that executives , coaches and players have become further convinced why they still plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The reasons go beyond the financial ramifications or having an elevated platform to address systemic racism .
Rivers spoke the thoughts of many in the NBA about how President Donald Trump has handled the pandemic , saying , `` it would be great if we had national leadership , which we have zero on this , so unfortunately , everyone is left to do their own thing . ''
Yet , those in the NBA remain encouraged about the league ’ s leadership to ensure resuming the season in the midst of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who is better prepared to resume season ?
LOOK OUT : How Zion maximized his conditioning during quarantine '' The NBA and Adam Silver talked about doing as much as they can to keep the bubble as safe as possible , '' Lakers forward Anthony Davis said .
`` I trust in him . ''
The reason for that trust ?
In an extensive 113-page health and safety protocol , the NBA addresses the obvious questions and the unthinkable ones .
It outlined how all teams will receive daily tests , while also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ping-pong games ( no doubles ) and card games ( dispose after every use ) .
It detailed strict parameters that call for one week of quarantine upon arrival and two weeks of quarantine following a positive test , while also offering luxurious amenities with movie theaters , golf courses and video game lounges .
It explained how rooms and facilities will be cleaned frequently , while stressing that Disney employees will be trained to avoid any interaction whatsoever .
`` The fundamental tenet that plans around the NBA restart on campus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there that is safer than in an environment in the real world ? ''
said Rob Pelinka , Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager .
`` All of us see the reports , the numbers and the spikes in the various cities we live in and parts of Florida .
Yes , of course , those numbers are daunting .
But the whole purpose of creating this environment is not to have the virus be there and keep the virus on the outside .
The protocols are extensive and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players union and teams stress they take any positive test seriously .
But all parties seemed encouraged with the low infection rate .
The NBA and NBPA also designed the testing protocol around teams ' itineraries .
Testing began every other day after June 23 so that any infected people would have time to stay in quarantine before teams leave for Orlando between July 7-9 .
Testing will begin as soon as teams arrive in Orlando , and everyone will have to remain quarantined until receiving two consecutive negative tests .
If not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more weeks .
Even if that happens , those infected people could still return in time for when the reason resumes on July 30 .
`` It ’ s crazy the world we ’ re living in right now .
But life is all about adapting , '' Kings guard De ’ Aaron Fox said .
`` That ’ s what we ’ re doing right now .
I feel good about being able to get back on the court and work out and see some of the guys .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to play whenever we start . ''
Even for those that feel leery of jumping right into the pool , they have become assuaged with how the NBA has addressed varying concerns .
Malone called it `` disconcerting for a lot of the players and coaching staff '' that Disney employees were not required to stay on the Orlando campus and would not be subject to daily testing .
As USA TODAY Sports reported last week , Disney employees aren ’ t staying on site because of the logistical challenges for thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family for up to three months .
They will be paid for any sick days .
They are subject to daily temperature and symptom checks .
Disney has trained the employees to stagger their cleaning hours when teams are not there because of practice , games or other meetings .
After Disney initially balked at the expense for daily testing , Silver has said the NBA plans to negotiate more with Disney about changing its sentiments .
`` I think the NBA heard the concerns and are looking to talk to the Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe and responsible manner test the Disney employees as well , '' Malone said .
`` But overall , I feel pretty confident it will be a safe environment for us . ''
Davis understood Lillard ’ s concerns about all players following all the league ’ s protocols .
Since when do all players show uniform discipline with their training and dieting ?
The NBA has said it can not legally prevent any player from leaving the campus site .
It has implemented various safeguards , though .
Security personnel will monitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that person did not receive prior approval for any health or family emergencies , they would have to stay in quarantine for another two weeks without pay after returning .
Other than during individual or team workouts , everyone will be required to wear so-called Magic Bands , which serves as both a hotel key and a health monitoring device that will help both the league and individuals be aware of any symptoms .
The NBA has also established an anonymous hotline that allows anyone to report others that break protocols .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of following the rules , just because of everything that ’ s going on , '' Davis said .
`` I don ’ t think anyone wants to get COVID .
So I don ’ t think guys would put themselves , or hopefully won ’ t put themselves , the other players and staff that ’ s going to be in the bubble in jeopardy .
So I don ’ t think guys will do anything like that . ''
So even if potential problems await , those in NBA circles believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unpredictable .
`` The amount of study and planning and decision making that has gone into this to give us a chance to play is incredible , '' Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford said .
`` I just can ’ t imagine that you can do more .
That would give our league a chance to get through this without having major problems . ''
First things first , though .
`` We have to get there , '' Rivers said .
`` You know , you 're almost nervous about that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have still signed up for this plan .
They remain hopeful the league ’ s best laid plans can minimize the internal stress that evolves daily .
They will soon find out if their optimism is warranted .

Why are NBA players, coaches and executives willing to resume the season?
Show Caption Hide Caption NBA restart: Five games you have to watch during new schedule SportsPulse: The NBA will finish the regular season with 88 games in 15 days during its Disney bubble. USA TODAY Sports' Mackenzie Salmon identifies the five you can't miss. USA TODAY
The thoughtful NBA head coach became troubled by the rising infections related to the coronavirus. So how can Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers justify the league resuming its season in a state that is considered one of the COVID-19 hotspots?
"It's just a hope," Rivers said. "But when we get to the bubble, it becomes the safest place in America."
The thoughtful NBA role player never flinched about whether he would play even amid concerns about the pandemic and the time away from his family. Still, New Orleans Pelicans guard J.J. Redick hardly seemed at ease just because the league will host the resumed season in a quarantined site in Orlando that calls for daily testing and strict social distancing rules.
"There is absolutely no comfort level. None," Redick said. "I know the league and I know the union has tried to create this environment, and I get it. But there’s so much else going on right now."
The accomplished NBA star plans to stay in his room playing video games any time he is not on the basketball court. Yet, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard predicted not everyone will follow his lead.
FULL SCHEDULE: All 88 seeding games to finish regular season
DON'T MISS THESE: 13 must-see games on new NBA schedule
"My confidence ain't great because you're telling me you're going to have 22 teams full of players following all the rules?" Lillard said. "When we have 100% freedom, everybody don't follow all the rules. I don't have much confidence."
All of which begs a central question: Do the participants truly think it is worth it to resume the season so they crown an NBA champion, salvage their earnings and use their platform to address systemic racism?
"Do I think it’s worth it?" Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone repeated the question. "I’ll be honest. In the three months since the season was suspended, depending on the day, week or month, I probably would have a different answer."
Those around the NBA have offered different answers. A handful of players have opted out of participating for reasons involving family (Los Angeles Lakers' Avery Bradley, Portland’s Trevor Ariza, Houston’s Thabo Sefolosha, Dallas’ Willie Cauley-Stein), injury prevention (Indiana’s Victor Oladipo, Washington’s Davis Bertans) and the pandemic (Brooklyn’s DeAndre Jordan). Some coaches have too because of medical concerns (the Lakers’ Lionel Hollins, New Orleans’ Jeff Bzdelik). The NBA has reported a handful of positive COVID-19 tests for players (25 out of 351) and staff members (10 out of 884) since testing began on July 23. Until teams depart for Orlando between July 7 and 9, they may learn about more positive cases and opt-out plans.
"I’ve made it very clear — no judgment, no pressure and totally understandable if players or staff choose to opt out of going," Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton said. "We’re totally in support with that decision."
Yet during conference calls this week with various teams, it became apparent that executives, coaches and players have become further convinced why they still plan on being part of the resumed season.
The reasons go beyond the financial ramifications or having an elevated platform to address systemic racism. Rivers spoke the thoughts of many in the NBA about how President Donald Trump has handled the pandemic, saying, "it would be great if we had national leadership, which we have zero on this, so unfortunately, everyone is left to do their own thing." Yet, those in the NBA remain encouraged about the league’s leadership to ensure resuming the season in the midst of a pandemic.
LAKERS VS. CLIPPERS: Who is better prepared to resume season?
HIGH HOPES: Davis says Lakers' title chances higher after shutdown
LOOK OUT: How Zion maximized his conditioning during quarantine
"The NBA and Adam Silver talked about doing as much as they can to keep the bubble as safe as possible," Lakers forward Anthony Davis said. "I trust in him."
The reason for that trust?
In an extensive 113-page health and safety protocol, the NBA addresses the obvious questions and the unthinkable ones. It outlined how all teams will receive daily tests, while also sharing the social distancing rules needed for ping-pong games (no doubles) and card games (dispose after every use). It detailed strict parameters that call for one week of quarantine upon arrival and two weeks of quarantine following a positive test, while also offering luxurious amenities with movie theaters, golf courses and video game lounges. It explained how rooms and facilities will be cleaned frequently, while stressing that Disney employees will be trained to avoid any interaction whatsoever.
"The fundamental tenet that plans around the NBA restart on campus in Orlando is can we create an environment there that is safer than in an environment in the real world?" said Rob Pelinka, Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager. "All of us see the reports, the numbers and the spikes in the various cities we live in and parts of Florida. Yes, of course, those numbers are daunting. But the whole purpose of creating this environment is not to have the virus be there and keep the virus on the outside. The protocols are extensive and are thoughtful."
The NBA, the players union and teams stress they take any positive test seriously. But all parties seemed encouraged with the low infection rate. The NBA and NBPA also designed the testing protocol around teams' itineraries. Testing began every other day after June 23 so that any infected people would have time to stay in quarantine before teams leave for Orlando between July 7-9. Testing will begin as soon as teams arrive in Orlando, and everyone will have to remain quarantined until receiving two consecutive negative tests. If not, they will become quarantined for two more weeks. Even if that happens, those infected people could still return in time for when the reason resumes on July 30.
"It’s crazy the world we’re living in right now. But life is all about adapting," Kings guard De’Aaron Fox said. "That’s what we’re doing right now. I feel good about being able to get back on the court and work out and see some of the guys. I’m enjoying the process. I’m ready to play whenever we start."
Even for those that feel leery of jumping right into the pool, they have become assuaged with how the NBA has addressed varying concerns.
Malone called it "disconcerting for a lot of the players and coaching staff" that Disney employees were not required to stay on the Orlando campus and would not be subject to daily testing. As USA TODAY Sports reported last week, Disney employees aren’t staying on site because of the logistical challenges for thousands of minimum-wage employees to stay away from family for up to three months. They will be paid for any sick days. They are subject to daily temperature and symptom checks. Disney has trained the employees to stagger their cleaning hours when teams are not there because of practice, games or other meetings. After Disney initially balked at the expense for daily testing, Silver has said the NBA plans to negotiate more with Disney about changing its sentiments.
"I think the NBA heard the concerns and are looking to talk to the Disney officials about how we can in a safe and responsible manner test the Disney employees as well," Malone said. "But overall, I feel pretty confident it will be a safe environment for us."
Davis understood Lillard’s concerns about all players following all the league’s protocols. Since when do all players show uniform discipline with their training and dieting? The NBA has said it cannot legally prevent any player from leaving the campus site. It has implemented various safeguards, though. Security personnel will monitor anyone that leaves the campus. If that person did not receive prior approval for any health or family emergencies, they would have to stay in quarantine for another two weeks without pay after returning. Other than during individual or team workouts, everyone will be required to wear so-called Magic Bands, which serves as both a hotel key and a health monitoring device that will help both the league and individuals be aware of any symptoms. The NBA has also established an anonymous hotline that allows anyone to report others that break protocols.
"I think that everyone would be mindful of following the rules, just because of everything that’s going on," Davis said. "I don’t think anyone wants to get COVID. So I don’t think guys would put themselves, or hopefully won’t put themselves, the other players and staff that’s going to be in the bubble in jeopardy. So I don’t think guys will do anything like that."
So even if potential problems await, those in NBA circles believe they can withstand both the expected and unpredictable.
"The amount of study and planning and decision making that has gone into this to give us a chance to play is incredible," Orlando Magic coach Steve Clifford said. "I just can’t imagine that you can do more. That would give our league a chance to get through this without having major problems."
First things first, though.
"We have to get there," Rivers said. "You know, you're almost nervous about that."
Nonetheless, most in the NBA have still signed up for this plan. They remain hopeful the league’s best laid plans can minimize the internal stress that evolves daily. They will soon find out if their optimism is warranted.
Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


usatoday--2020-07-04--Even popular Ford F series hit hard amid plummeting industry sales

If anything in life is predictable , it 's steady sales of the Ford F-150 .
The popular pickup saves the day — every quarter , every year — for Ford Motor Co. America loves its trucks .
And , global pandemic or not , trucks sell .
The F-Series allowed Ford to reflect the smallest second quarter sales drop of the Detroit Three .
Ford reported a 33.3 % drop in second quarter sales compared to 2019 , from 650,336 vehicles to 433,869 , the company reported Thursday .
And year-to-date sales dropped 24.1 % to 903,357 vehicles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Ford said in a statement .
Meanwhile , General Motors reported a 34 % drop in sales to 492,489 vehicles sold during April , May and June .
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles saw a 39 % decline to 367,086 vehicles sold , in second quarter results reported Wednesday .
GM had a bright spot with the Chevy Blazer .
And FCA had Jeep Gladiator .
NUThis April , May and June period has been `` unprecedented and crazy '' and `` challenging , '' Mark LaNeve , Ford vice president of marketing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trucks took a hit this time .
The F-Series saw a 22.7 % drop in second quarter sales , from 233,787 to 180,825 , compared to 2019 .
When comparing compared year-to-date sales over the previous year , Ford F-Series dropped 18.1 % to 367,387 vehicles .
By comparison , GM in the second quarter sold 122,432 Silverado pickups and FCA sold 117,448 Ram pickups .
The highly profitable F-Series franchise provides the core revenue stream for Ford , which has led the segment for decades .
F-150 prices can start at $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Ford executives like to say , `` all the bells and whistles . ''
The average cost of the F-Series is $ 51,585 .
`` As America 's truck leader , retail F-Series pickup sales were off only 2 % , '' Ford said .
`` With more than 33 % of the retail full-size segment , F-Series expands its lead as America 's bestselling pickup . ''
Toward the second part of the sales period , Ford already began to see an uptick in government and commercial sales of the F-Series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
While sales overall were down , he noted that Ford grew its hold on the pickup segment .
The 2021 F-150 was revealed June 25 and is expected to be at dealerships later this year .
`` Ford ’ s sales performance was a bit better than we had anticipated for June , '' Michelle Krebs , executive analyst at Autotrader said .
`` We forecasted Ford would be down 34 % ; it was down 28 % , on par with many other manufacturers .
Our first-half forecast was spot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Much of Ford ’ s decline is due to the sell-down of products — mostly cars — that it is eliminating and significantly lower fleet sales for vehicles like trucks and vans , she explained .
`` On the plus side of Ford ’ s sales performance this year , the Ford Explorer is finally gaining traction , with sales up 15 % in June . ''
While the Ranger is a `` big bright spot , '' the Ford Escape — redesigned only a year or so ago — is underperforming , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RAV4 and Honda CR-V , Krebs said .
`` Lincoln is another bright spot with sales down a scant 1 % in June , in a luxury market that is underperforming , and down only 8 % for the first half , '' she said .
`` Lincoln ’ s shift to SUVs has proven to be a smart one and supports Ford ’ s decision revealed yesterday that the Continental will drop from the line , except in China .
Ford sold only 344 Continentals in the entire first half .
No @ @ @ @ @ @

Even popular Ford F series hit hard amid plummeting industry sales
If anything in life is predictable, it's steady sales of the Ford F-150.
The popular pickup saves the day — every quarter, every year — for Ford Motor Co.
America loves its trucks. And, global pandemic or not, trucks sell.
The F-Series allowed Ford to reflect the smallest second quarter sales drop of the Detroit Three.
Ford reported a 33.3% drop in second quarter sales compared to 2019, from 650,336 vehicles to 433,869, the company reported Thursday. And year-to-date sales dropped 24.1% to 903,357 vehicles.
"Coronavirus concerns clearly affected Q2," Ford said in a statement.
Meanwhile, General Motors reported a 34% drop in sales to 492,489 vehicles sold during April, May and June. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles saw a 39% decline to 367,086 vehicles sold, in second quarter results reported Wednesday.
GM had a bright spot with the Chevy Blazer. And FCA had Jeep Gladiator.
NUThis April, May and June period has been "unprecedented and crazy" and "challenging," Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president of marketing, sales and service, said.
Even trucks took a hit this time.
The F-Series saw a 22.7% drop in second quarter sales, from 233,787 to 180,825, compared to 2019. When comparing compared year-to-date sales over the previous year, Ford F-Series dropped 18.1% to 367,387 vehicles.
By comparison, GM in the second quarter sold 122,432 Silverado pickups and FCA sold 117,448 Ram pickups.
The highly profitable F-Series franchise provides the core revenue stream for Ford, which has led the segment for decades. F-150 prices can start at $28,745 and exceed $75,000 with, as Ford executives like to say, "all the bells and whistles." The average cost of the F-Series is $51,585.
"As America's truck leader, retail F-Series pickup sales were off only 2%," Ford said. "With more than 33% of the retail full-size segment, F-Series expands its lead as America's bestselling pickup."
Toward the second part of the sales period, Ford already began to see an uptick in government and commercial sales of the F-Series, including the Police Interceptor, LaNeve said. While sales overall were down, he noted that Ford grew its hold on the pickup segment.
The 2021 F-150 was revealed June 25 and is expected to be at dealerships later this year.
"Ford’s sales performance was a bit better than we had anticipated for June," Michelle Krebs, executive analyst at Autotrader said. "We forecasted Ford would be down 34%; it was down 28%, on par with many other manufacturers. Our first-half forecast was spot on at down 24%."
Much of Ford’s decline is due to the sell-down of products — mostly cars — that it is eliminating and significantly lower fleet sales for vehicles like trucks and vans, she explained. "On the plus side of Ford’s sales performance this year, the Ford Explorer is finally gaining traction, with sales up 15% in June."
While the Ranger is a "big bright spot," the Ford Escape — redesigned only a year or so ago — is underperforming, especially in comparison to segment leaders Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, Krebs said.
"Lincoln is another bright spot with sales down a scant 1% in June, in a luxury market that is underperforming, and down only 8% for the first half," she said. "Lincoln’s shift to SUVs has proven to be a smart one and supports Ford’s decision revealed yesterday that the Continental will drop from the line, except in China. Ford sold only 344 Continentals in the entire first half. No one will miss it."


usatoday--2020-07-05--It's 'all aboard' again for these scenic train rides after closing for coronavirus

After being closed during the spring because of the coronavirus pandemic , a number of scenic train rides have once again given the `` all aboard ! ''
Some take visitors through rugged mountains and deep canyons .
Many operate with historic steam locomotives .
Some also have dinner trains .
A few remain closed because of the pandemic , and those that have reopened have precautions in place , including face masks and social- distancing requirements .
Many are accessible by car and are family-friendly .
Visitors may have their temperature taken and be required to wear face coverings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can go to ride the train .
This scenic route plunges riders deep into the Arkansas River Canyon in Colorado .
The route was once part of the Denver , Rio Grande and Western line from Pueblo , Colorado , to Salt Lake City , Utah .
The railroad , including its crossing of Tennessee Pass , was closed to freight traffic in 1997 .
The Royal Gorge Route was launched two years later .
The trains offer breakfast , lunch and dinner , and serve locally-brewed beer .
( Find out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
This narrow-gauge steam railroad in Colorado has reopened .
Steam and diesel trains will operate out from Rockwood Depot ( located 18 miles north of Durango ) , taking passengers for an two-hour ride to Cascade Canyon Tuesday through Saturday .
The rail line , completed in 1882 , is three feet wide , compared to the standard railroad gauge of four feet , 8 ½ inches .
The narrower width helped the railroad navigate canyons with steep sides where there was little room to build .
It operates with steam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their original condition .
This narrow-gauge railroad in Colorado and New Mexico reopened in June with increased safety precautions and limited rides due to the coronavirus .
Visitors will be required to wear face masks , which are available for purchase at the depot .
Trains operate six days a week out of Antonito , Colorado .
Roundtrip ticket prices include lunch .
The steam-powered railroad was voted North America 's best train ride in 2016 by readers of USA TODAY .
The museum , located in Chattanooga , Tennessee , has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the coronavirus .
Visitors are asked to book their tickets online in advance , wear face masks on the train and respect social-distancing markers .
Employees sanitize the trains after each ride , and indoor exhibits remain closed .
The 55-minute ride passes through the nearly 1,000-foot-long Missionary Ridge Tunnel , which was built before the Civil War .
Conway Scenic , which operates out of North Conway , New Hampshire , has reopened .
Visitors can take a 60- or 90-minute roundtrip through the Mount Washington Valley or a nearly six-hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer lunch and dinner service .
The West Virginia railroad is known for its large collection of operating geared steam locomotives that were once used to haul timber through the region 's hills and hollows .
It is reopening for limited train rides starting July 4 .
The railroad will encourage – but not require – visitors to wear face masks .
This train operates daily from Williams , Arizona , to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon .
It departs Williams at 9:30 a.m. local time and returns at 5:45 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ canyon .
The train offers six classes of seating : coach , Pullman class , first class , observation dome , luxury dome and luxury parlor .
Guests can also book packages that include a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams .
The recently reopened Strasburg Railroad runs steam and diesel train rides on a nine-mile roundtrip through Pennsylvania Amish country.Reservations are only available online or by calling 866-725-9666 .
In addition , all visitors will have their temperature taken , and anyone with a temperature above 100.4℉ will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and up will be required to wear a face mask .
The adjacent Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is planning to reopen to visitors in the coming weeks .
The museum has a collection of more than 100 locomotives and freight and passenger cars housed indoors .
The railroad operates steam and diesel trains five days a week through western North Carolina 's Nantahala Gorge .
All reservations must be pre-booked online or by phone at 800-872-4681 , face masks are required ( in compliance with a state order ) and first class is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service is limited to pre-ordered boxed lunches .
The train takes passengers 44 miles into the gorge from Bryson City and back over 4½ hours .
Beginning in August , visitors can book a seat in a first-class car where they will be served North Carolina moonshine .
In September , visitors will be able to take a 32-mile , four-hour roundtrip from Bryson City to Dillsboro .
Along the way , they will pass the site of a train wreck staged for the 1993 movie `` The Fugitive , '' starring Harrison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they reopen The Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton , Pennsylvania , and the Illinois Railway Museum in Union , Illinois , remain closed , but both feature operating vintage equipment and are worth a visit when they reopen .
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland , Maryland , is close to completing the restoration of a steam locomotive built in 1949 to haul coal .
The railroad has adult outings scheduled starting in October and family rides are set to begin in November .

It's 'all aboard' again for these scenic train rides after closing for coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption Riding Indy's train The Cumbres & Toltec steam train connecting Colorado and New Mexico has a famous history, and you can ride the same rails as Indiana Jones, and even stay in his childood home. Trevor Hughes/USA TODAY
After being closed during the spring because of the coronavirus pandemic, a number of scenic train rides have once again given the "all aboard!"
Some take visitors through rugged mountains and deep canyons. Many operate with historic steam locomotives. Some also have dinner trains.
A few remain closed because of the pandemic, and those that have reopened have precautions in place, including face masks and social-distancing requirements.
Many are accessible by car and are family friendly. Visitors may have their temperature taken and be required to wear face coverings. Here are some of the places you can go to ride the train.
Royal Gorge Route
This scenic route plunges riders deep into the Arkansas River Canyon in Colorado. The route was once part of the Denver, Rio Grande and Western line from Pueblo, Colorado, to Salt Lake City. The railroad, including its crossing of Tennessee Pass, was closed to freight traffic in 1997. The Royal Gorge Route was launched two years later. The trains offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, and serve locally brewed beer. (Find out more details about its COVID-19 policies here.)
Durango & Silverton
This narrow-gauge steam railroad in Colorado has reopened. Steam and diesel trains will operate out from Rockwood Depot (located 18 miles north of Durango), taking passengers Tuesday through Saturday for an two-hour ride to Cascade Canyon. The rail line, completed in 1882, is 3 feet wide, compared to the standard railroad gauge of 4 feet, 8½ inches. The narrower width helped the railroad navigate canyons with steep sides where there was little room to build. It operates with steam locomotives built from 1923-25 and maintained to their original condition.
Cumbres & Toltec
This narrow-gauge railroad in Colorado and New Mexico reopened in June with increased safety precautions and limited rides because of the coronavirus. Visitors will be required to wear face masks, which are available for purchase at the depot. Trains operate six days a week out of Antonito, Colorado. Round-trip ticket prices include lunch. The steam-powered railroad was voted North America's best train ride in 2016 by readers of USA TODAY.
Tennessee Valley Railway Museum
The museum, located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has taken a variety of precautions to protect visitors from the coronavirus. Visitors are asked to book their tickets online in advance, wear face masks on the train and respect social-distancing markers. Employees sanitize the trains after each ride, and indoor exhibits remain closed. The 55-minute ride passes through the nearly 1,000-foot-long Missionary Ridge Tunnel, which was built before the Civil War.
Conway Scenic Railroad
Conway Scenic, which operates out of North Conway, New Hampshire, has reopened. Visitors can take a 60- or 90-minute round trip through the Mount Washington Valley or a nearly six-hour round trip to Crawford Notch. The trains offer lunch and dinner service.
Cass Scenic Railroad
The West Virginia railroad is known for its large collection of operating geared steam locomotives that were once used to haul timber through the region's hills and hollows. It reopened for limited train rides starting July 4. The railroad will encourage – but not require – visitors to wear face masks.
Grand Canyon Railway
This train operates daily from Williams, Arizona, to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It departs Williams at 9:30 a.m. local time and returns at 5:45 p.m., giving visitors three hours at the canyon. The train offers six classes of seating: coach, Pullman class, first class, observation dome, luxury dome and luxury parlor. Guests can also book packages that include a stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams.
Strasburg Railroad
The recently reopened Strasburg Railroad runs steam and diesel train rides on a 9-mile round trip through Pennsylvania Amish country.Reservations are only available online or by calling 866-725-9666. In addition, all visitors will have their temperature taken, and anyone with a temperature above 100.4 F will be denied entry. All visitors ages 2 and up will be required to wear a face mask. The adjacent Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is planning to reopen to visitors in the coming weeks. The museum has a collection of more than 100 locomotives and freight and passenger cars housed indoors.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The railroad operates steam and diesel trains five days a week through western North Carolina's Nantahala Gorge. All reservations must be pre-booked online or by phone at 800-872-4681, face masks are required (in compliance with a state order) and first class is not available until Aug. 1. Food service is limited to pre-ordered boxed lunches. The train takes passengers 44 miles into the gorge from Bryson City and back over 4½ hours. Beginning in August, visitors can book a seat in a first-class car where they will be served North Carolina moonshine. In September, visitors will be able to take a 32-mile, four-hour round trip from Bryson City to Dillsboro. Along the way, they will pass the site of a train wreck staged for the 1993 movie "The Fugitive," starring Harrison Ford.
Don't miss these when they reopen
The Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois, remain closed, but both feature operating vintage equipment and are worth a visit when they reopen. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad in Cumberland, Maryland, is close to completing the restoration of a steam locomotive built in 1949 to haul coal. The railroad has adult outings scheduled starting in October and family rides are set to begin in November.


usatoday--2020-07-05--Ready to engage in real conversations about racism? Author Latasha Morrison can help.

The book Latasha Morrison never thought she would write hit the New York Times ’ bestseller list last month .
Six years ago , Morrison envisioned a pathway toward racial reconciliation in the United States by bringing together small , diverse groups of people to talk about justice and healing .
Today , that vision is solidified in her organization Be the Bridge and her book of the same name .
“ It started , really , for myself , ” she said .
“ I wanted to have these conversations and help the people I was connected with.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends in 2014 in Houston .
Since then , Be the Bridge — officially launched in 2016 — has grown into a national network spanning 48 states and more than 200,000 social media followers .
Many of Be the Bridge 's participants are new — sparked to action by the national uprising against racial injustice in recent weeks .
The death of George Floyd came weeks after another bone-chilling video .
Ahmaud Arbery , a Black man , was shot and killed as two white men chased him through the neighborhood where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footage of Breonna Taylor , a Black woman , being shot to death after police entered her apartment with a search warrant , but the story is no less terrifying .
And those are just the most recent , well publicized cases of fatal violence against people of color .
“ You saw the life drained out of someone right before us , “ Morrison said .
“ People were faced with the evil of what racism can do and …it was part of an awakening , a perfect storm with the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention.
” Stories like these , accompanied by grim statistics about police brutality and general racial bias , fueled Morrison ’ s choice to dedicate her life to racial justice and reconciliation .
According to a recent study from Mapping Police Violence , black men are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police officers than others , and in 99 % of cases , police officers are not charged with a crime .
Despite recent outrage from white Americans when Black people are killed or discriminated against , Morrison said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues head on .
This , she said , is a barrier to authentic growth .
“ A lot of times , white Americans approach this work like they know the ins and outs already , ” she said .
“ And so , they don ’ t believe what they see — they see what they believe.
” The dominant white culture has , in the past , been accused by people of color of ignoring , excusing or misunderstanding concerns about systemic racism .
Attitudes appear to be shifting , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
After Trayvon Martin was shot to death in 2012 , Morrison was inspired to become involved in reconciliation .
She believes Martin ’ s death , for which an armed , off-duty security guard was found not guilty by reason of self-defense , planted the seed for the current outcry .
Multiple instances of police killing Black men on camera followed Martin ’ s death , and righteous anger simmered until May 25 , when Floyd ’ s death brought the Black Lives Matter movement to the forefront again .
Desperate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books , community groups , online courses and in-person training from organizations such as Be the Bridge .
Brownicity , founded by anti-racist activist Lucretia Berry , features a subscription-based educational model to help people understand racism and begin “ practicing transformative change ” in their lives .
Books are often a first step for the curious .
Morrison ’ s book wasn ’ t the only topical title to sell out of stock on Amazon .
Robin DiAngelo ’ s “ White Fragility ” and Ibram X. Kendi ’ s “ How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
The sudden spike in interest leaves room for skepticism .
“ It ’ s a wonderful thing to say I ’ m a New York Times best seller , but it would be more wonderful to be able to say we live in a world that is a little more anti-racist.
” Jason Reynolds , who wrote a young adult book focused on racism , told The New York Times .
“ I hope people understand that this book is the beginning of a journey of a lifetime.
” Education about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so too is substantive change .
Morrison specifically seeks changes to hate crime laws , police reform and restorative justice .
“ You have more lawlessness when there is hopelessness , ” she said .
“ So how do you begin to restore hope in communities so that lawlessness would begin to dissipate ?
” Some groups have been asking these questions for years .
The racial justice organization Race Forward was founded in 1981 .
Race Forward reports a higher volume of requests for training and consultations in recent months , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time justice advocates to process .
“ It ’ s difficult to put into words just how devastating it is , ” said Key Jackson , senior director of movement capacity building .
“ That this sort of level of attentiveness and willingness to engage and transform systems has required the loss of black lives.
” Most of Race Forward ’ s upcoming virtual training sessions are sold out and their inboxes are full .
Nearly 40 years after Race Forward was founded , the time may finally have come for the organization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racial justice become a reality .
For Morrison , it 's been only two years since she quit her job at a church to run Be the Bridge full time .
If the past month is any indication , her roster of employees , clients and followers will continue to grow .
And she ’ s not wasting time or energy on folks who aren ’ t ready for action .
“ We don ’ t try to convince people that racism is a problem , ” Morrison said .
“ We just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversation to begin learning — we ’ re gon na go with those who want to go.
” Ericka Andersen is author of “ Leaving Cloud 9 : The True Story of a Life Resurrected From the Ashes of Poverty , Trauma and Mental Illness.
” Follow her on Twitter : @ ErickaAndersen

Ready to engage in real conversations about racism? Author Latasha Morrison can help. Despite recent outrage from white Americans when Black people are killed or discriminated against, there's still aversion to facing issues head on.
Show Caption Hide Caption Systemic racism: What is it exactly and how do we fight it? The movement to end systemic racism has never been stronger. How can you be part of the solution to end it? Associated Press, USA TODAY
The book Latasha Morrison never thought she would write hit the New York Times’ bestseller list last month.
Six years ago, Morrison envisioned a pathway toward racial reconciliation in the United States by bringing together small, diverse groups of people to talk about justice and healing. Today, that vision is solidified in her organization Be the Bridge and her book of the same name.
“It started, really, for myself,” she said. “I wanted to have these conversations and help the people I was connected with.”
Morrison started the first discussion group with friends in 2014 in Houston. Since then, Be the Bridge — officially launched in 2016 — has grown into a national network spanning 48 states and more than 200,000 social media followers.
Many of Be the Bridge's participants are new — sparked to action by the national uprising against racial injustice in recent weeks.
The death of George Floyd came weeks after another bone-chilling video. Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, was shot and killed as two white men chased him through the neighborhood where he was running. There was no video footage of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman, being shot to death after police entered her apartment with a search warrant, but the story is no less terrifying. And those are just the most recent, well publicized cases of fatal violence against people of color.
“You saw the life drained out of someone right before us,“ Morrison said. “People were faced with the evil of what racism can do and …it was part of an awakening, a perfect storm with the pandemic, and nothing else competing for our attention.”
Stories like these, accompanied by grim statistics about police brutality and general racial bias, fueled Morrison’s choice to dedicate her life to racial justice and reconciliation.
According to a recent study from Mapping Police Violence, black men are 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police officers than others, and in 99% of cases, police officers are not charged with a crime.
Despite recent outrage from white Americans when Black people are killed or discriminated against, Morrison said there is a collective aversion to facing the issues head on. This, she said, is a barrier to authentic growth.
“A lot of times, white Americans approach this work like they know the ins and outs already,” she said. “And so, they don’t believe what they see — they see what they believe.”
The dominant white culture has, in the past, been accused by people of color of ignoring, excusing or misunderstanding concerns about systemic racism. Attitudes appear to be shifting, but can the current activism create substantive changes?
After Trayvon Martin was shot to death in 2012, Morrison was inspired to become involved in reconciliation. She believes Martin’s death, for which an armed, off-duty security guard was found not guilty by reason of self-defense, planted the seed for the current outcry.
Multiple instances of police killing Black men on camera followed Martin’s death, and righteous anger simmered until May 25, when Floyd’s death brought the Black Lives Matter movement to the forefront again.
Americans search for answers
Desperate to find understanding, Americans have turned to books, community groups, online courses and in-person training from organizations such as Be the Bridge.
Brownicity, founded by anti-racist activist Lucretia Berry, features a subscription-based educational model to help people understand racism and begin “practicing transformative change” in their lives.
Books are often a first step for the curious. Morrison’s book wasn’t the only topical title to sell out of stock on Amazon. Robin DiAngelo’s “White Fragility” and Ibram X. Kendi’s “How to be an Anti-Racist” also sold out.
The sudden spike in interest leaves room for skepticism.
“It’s a wonderful thing to say I’m a New York Times best seller, but it would be more wonderful to be able to say we live in a world that is a little more anti-racist.” Jason Reynolds, who wrote a young adult book focused on racism, told The New York Times. “I hope people understand that this book is the beginning of a journey of a lifetime.”
Education about racism is worthwhile and needed, but so too is substantive change. Morrison specifically seeks changes to hate crime laws, police reform and restorative justice.
“You have more lawlessness when there is hopelessness,” she said. “So how do you begin to restore hope in communities so that lawlessness would begin to dissipate?”
Activists have mixed feelings
Some groups have been asking these questions for years. The racial justice organization Race Forward was founded in 1981. Race Forward reports a higher volume of requests for training and consultations in recent months, and the current spike is hard for long time justice advocates to process.
“It’s difficult to put into words just how devastating it is,” said Key Jackson, senior director of movement capacity building. “That this sort of level of attentiveness and willingness to engage and transform systems has required the loss of black lives.”
Most of Race Forward’s upcoming virtual training sessions are sold out and their inboxes are full. Nearly 40 years after Race Forward was founded, the time may finally have come for the organization to see its goal of comprehensively advancing racial justice become a reality.
For Morrison, it's been only two years since she quit her job at a church to run Be the Bridge full time. If the past month is any indication, her roster of employees, clients and followers will continue to grow.
And she’s not wasting time or energy on folks who aren’t ready for action.
“We don’t try to convince people that racism is a problem,” Morrison said. “We just give people an entry point into the conversation to begin learning — we’re gonna go with those who want to go.”
Ericka Andersen is author of “Leaving Cloud 9: The True Story of a Life Resurrected From the Ashes of Poverty, Trauma and Mental Illness.” Follow her on Twitter: @ErickaAndersen


usatoday--2020-07-06--An 8-year-old was fatally shot in Atlanta near Wendy's restaurant where Rayshard Brooks was killed,

Gunfire broke out on Fourth of July weekend in Atlanta , injuring over 20 people and killing three , including an 8-year-old girl , police said .
An investigation is underway after the 8-year-old was fatally shot Saturday night across the street from the Wendy 's restaurant where a former police officer killed Rayshard Brooks , officials said .
Secoriea Turner was riding in a car with her mother and an adult friend on I-75/85 when they exited onto University Avenue , police spokesman Sergeant John Chafee told USA TODAY .
As the driver tried to enter a parking lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of armed individuals blocked the entrance , Chafee said .
Someone from the group began shooting at the car multiple times , striking the 8-year-old , police said .
The girl was taken to Atlanta Medical Center where she died from her injuries .
There have been ongoing protests near the Wendy 's restaurant in the aftermath of the death of Brooks and George Floyd , who was killed by police in Minneapolis on Memorial Day .
`` Enough is enough , '' Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said at a Sunday news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a baby .
And there was n't just one shooter , there were at least two shooters , '' Bottoms said .
`` If you want to be part of a solution and not the problem , you need to clear out the area . ''
Police officers are offering a $ 10,000 reward for more information on Turner 's death .
After officials held the press conference , police responded to another shooting on Pryor Road , the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported .
Police found two people who appeared to have been shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim who was taken to a hospital was also shot at the same location , the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported .
One victim died from their injuries , the newspaper reported .

An 8-year-old was fatally shot in Atlanta near Wendy's restaurant where Rayshard Brooks was killed, police say
Show Caption Hide Caption 8-year-old killed near Atlanta Wendy's where Rayshard Brooks was killed Police say 8-year-old Secoriea Turner was shot while in a car with her mom and an adult friend near the Wendy's where Rayshard Brooks was killed. USA TODAY, Wochit
Gunfire broke out on Fourth of July weekend in Atlanta, injuring over 20 people and killing three, including an 8-year-old girl, police said.
An investigation is underway after the 8-year-old was fatally shot Saturday night across the street from the Wendy's restaurant where a former police officer killed Rayshard Brooks, officials said.
Secoriea Turner was riding in a car with her mother and an adult friend on I-75/85 when they exited onto University Avenue, police spokesman Sergeant John Chafee told USA TODAY. As the driver tried to enter a parking lot at 1238 Pryor Road, a group of armed individuals blocked the entrance, Chafee said.
Someone from the group began shooting at the car multiple times, striking the 8-year-old, police said. The girl was taken to Atlanta Medical Center where she died from her injuries.
This is Secoriea Turner.
The 8yo was shot as she and her mom tried parking in a liquor store lot, near armed civilians’ barricades around the Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks was killed.
Her family is pleading for help to bring her justice.
Info? @StopCrimeATL@FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/vV4cZZyOVq — Emilie Ikeda (@EmilieIkedaFOX5) July 5, 2020
There have been ongoing protests near the Wendy's restaurant in the aftermath of the death of Brooks and George Floyd, who was killed by police in Minneapolis on Memorial Day.
"Enough is enough," Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said at a Sunday news conference.
"You shot and killed a baby. And there wasn't just one shooter, there were at least two shooters," Bottoms said. "If you want to be part of a solution and not the problem, you need to clear out the area."
Police officers are offering a $10,000 reward for more information on Turner's death.
After officials held the press conference, police responded to another shooting on Pryor Road, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Rayshard Brooks: ex-Atlanta officer Garrett Rolfe charged in death Ex-Atlanta police officer Garrett Rolfe has been charged with felony murder and aggravated assault in the killing of Rayshard Brooks. Associated Press, USA TODAY
Police found two people who appeared to have been shot, and later said that a third victim who was taken to a hospital was also shot at the same location, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. One victim died from their injuries, the newspaper reported.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-07-05--Dominion, Duke abandon plans to build $8B Atlantic Coast Pipeline, citing 'increasing legal uncertai

The proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline has been scrapped after years of legal challenges and construction delays .
The project ’ s developers , Dominion Energy and Duke Energy , announced the pipeline ’ s cancellation in a joint statement on Sunday , citing “ increasing legal uncertainty ” — less than a month after the U.S. Supreme Court approved a critical permit that West Virginia Gov .
Jim Justice celebrated as an “ exciting ” victory .
“ This announcement reflects the increasing legal uncertainty that overhangs large-scale energy and industrial infrastructure development in the United States , ” Dominion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good said in the statement .
“ Until these issues are resolved , the ability to satisfy the country ’ s energy needs will be significantly challenged.
” The 600-mile natural gas project had faced opposition since its 2014 introduction from environmental advocates , landowners and activists who argued that the pipeline would scar pristine landscapes while also questioning its necessity .
The proposed $ 8 billion pipeline , which would have crossed under the Appalachian Trail and carried natural gas from West Virginia into North Carolina and Virginia , had been touted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development .
“ This is a victory for all the communities that were in the path of this risky and unnecessary project .
The Atlantic Coast Pipeline was wrong from the start , ” said Greg Buppert , senior attorney for the Virginia-based Southern Environmental Law Center , which represented more than a dozen conservation organizations who stood against the project , including the Sierra Club .
Virginia Democratic Delegate Elizabeth Guzman credited `` the voices of everyday people and grassroots organization '' for driving the energy companies into submission .
“ Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Guzman , co-founder of the Virginia Green New Deal Coalition , whose mission is to create sustainable jobs while addressing climate change and restoring the state 's economy , according to its website , The pipeline ’ s demise appeared unlikely last month after the Supreme Court , in a 7-2 vote , sided with the energy companies and reversed a lower court ruling that had thrown out the project ’ s permit .
Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented .
Justice thanked the Supreme Court for “ doing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release .
“ This was absolutely the correct decision and it ’ s exciting beyond belief because it means we ’ ll be able to bring in thousands of jobs and countless opportunities for our hard-working West Virginians , ” Justice said .
“ Not to mention , the multiplier effect that the increase in natural gas production will give our entire state is off the charts.
” A spokeswoman for the project called the Supreme Court ’ s decision an “ affirmation for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and communities across our region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , economic growth and clean energy '' and that they “ look forward to resolving the remaining project permits . ''

Dominion, Duke abandon plans to build $8B Atlantic Coast Pipeline, citing 'increasing legal uncertainty'
Show Caption Hide Caption Berkshire buys Dominion gas assets in $9.7 billion deal Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has agreed to buy Dominion Energy’s natural gas transmission and storage business. Bloomberg, Bloomberg
The proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline has been scrapped after years of legal challenges and construction delays.
The project’s developers, Dominion Energy and Duke Energy, announced the pipeline’s cancellation in a joint statement on Sunday, citing “increasing legal uncertainty” — less than a month after the U.S. Supreme Court approved a critical permit that West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice celebrated as an “exciting” victory.
“This announcement reflects the increasing legal uncertainty that overhangs large-scale energy and industrial infrastructure development in the United States,” Dominion CEO Tom Farrell and Duke CEO Lynn Good said in the statement. “Until these issues are resolved, the ability to satisfy the country’s energy needs will be significantly challenged.”
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W, the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, expressed disappointment in the project's cancellation in a statement, calling it "yet another reminder of why it is critically important we work together to find a responsible balance between the environment and economy."
Let's make a deal: Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway adds to energy portfolio, buys Dominion Energy gas lines in $9.7B deal
The 600-mile natural gas project had faced opposition since its 2014 introduction from environmental advocates, landowners and activists who argued that the pipeline would scar pristine landscapes while also questioning its necessity.
The proposed $8 billion pipeline, which would have crossed under the Appalachian Trail and carried natural gas from West Virginia into North Carolina and Virginia, had been touted by supporters as a boost to economic development.
“This is a victory for all the communities that were in the path of this risky and unnecessary project. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline was wrong from the start,” said Greg Buppert, senior attorney for the Virginia-based Southern Environmental Law Center, which represented more than a dozen conservation organizations who stood against the project, including the Sierra Club.
Virginia Democratic Delegate Elizabeth Guzman credited "the voices of everyday people and grassroots organization" for driving the energy companies into submission.
“Do not discount the magic of activism," said Guzman, co-founder of the Virginia Green New Deal Coalition, whose mission is to create sustainable jobs while addressing climate change and restoring the state's economy, according to its website.
In his statement, Manchin contended that project developers took "meaningful steps" to ensure environmental protection and lamented the loss of "good paying construction and manufacturing jobs for hard working West Virginians."
The pipeline’s demise appeared unlikely last month after the Supreme Court, in a 7-2 vote, sided with the energy companies and reversed a lower court ruling that had thrown out the project’s permit. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented.
Justice thanked the Supreme Court for “doing the right thing” in a celebratory press release.
“This was absolutely the correct decision and it’s exciting beyond belief because it means we’ll be able to bring in thousands of jobs and countless opportunities for our hard-working West Virginians,” Justice said. “Not to mention, the multiplier effect that the increase in natural gas production will give our entire state is off the charts.”
A spokeswoman for the project called the Supreme Court’s decision an “affirmation for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and communities across our region that are depending on it for jobs, economic growth and clean energy" and that they “look forward to resolving the remaining project permits."
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-07-06--Coronavirus updates: Phoenix mayor says Arizona opened too soon; Trump set to hold rally in N.H. nex

Florida surpassed 200,000 coronavirus cases Sunday while the FDA commissioner declined to support President Donald Trump 's views on the pandemic and the the mayor of Phoenix said Arizona reopened too soon , fueling a boom in new cases among young people .
`` We reemerged at zero to 60 , '' Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said Sunday on ABC 's `` This Week . ''
`` Our 20- to 44-year-olds , which is my own demographic , really led the explosion . ''
Trump hosted a `` Salute to America '' on Saturday in Washington that included a massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington .
Trump assured the crowd that 99 % o COVID-19 therapies were `` harmless '' and that a vaccine or therapy would be developed `` well before the end of the year . ''
A rally for New Hampshire on July 11 was announced Sunday .
Food and Drug Administration ( Commissioner Stephen Hahn , speaking Sunday on CNN 's `` State of the Union , '' was asked about Trump 's assertions .
Hahn declined to concur , saying data shows the virus is a `` serious problem '' and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are ready .
Hahn also said it is too soon to determine whether the Republican National Convention can be safely held in Florida next month amid a surge of COVID-19 cases there .
Here are some recent developments : • Broadway actor Nick Cordero , who was hospitalized for more than 90 days after contracting the coronavirus , died Sunday .
He was 41 .
• The World Health Organization said member states reported more than 212,000 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Saturday , the highest single-day increase since the start of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida to hit record highs again on Saturday .
The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 8,076 new COVID-19 cases Saturday , marking the first time Texas crossed the 8,000 threshold for new cases in a single day .
And Florida reported 11,458 new cases of the coronavirus Saturday , also a record for most new cases in one day .
📈Today 's stats : The U.S. recorded 45,283 new cases of the coronavirus Saturday , snapping a streak of multiple days with more than 50,000 , according to a tally kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death toll was 242 .
It was not immediately clear what impact the holiday had on collecting the totals .
The U.S. has seen more than 2.8 million confirmed cases and more than 129,000 deaths .
Globally , there have been more than 11.3 million cases and more than 532,000 deaths .
📰 What we 're reading : American colleges and universities offer petri-dish conditions for the coronavirus .
For nearly 20 million college and university students , as well as parents and faculty , the uncertainty of what campus life will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some schools have set up sophisticated testing plans ; others are planning to keep classes online .
Our live blog will be updated throughout the day .
For first-in-the-morning updates , sign up for The Daily Briefing .
Broadway actor Nick Cordero dies from coronavirus after three months in ICU Nick Cordero , the Broadway actor who found a multitude of new worldwide fans who rallied behind him as he struggled with the coronavirus , died Sunday at age 41 .
Cordero was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be pneumonia .
A first coronavirus test came up negative , though a subsequent test was positive for COVID-19 .
Over the course of 13 weeks , he faced a multitude of serious complications , including a leg amputation , infections in his lungs and the insertion of a temporary pacemaker .
`` I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere .
My heart is broken as I can not imagine our lives without him , '' his wife Amanda Kloots wrote in an Instagram post .
`` Nick was such a bright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoor rally in New Hampshire July 11 President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold an outdoor rally Saturday in Portsmouth , New Hampshire amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The rally will be held at the Portsmouth International Airport , just three weeks after Trump 's first rally since March in Tulsa , Oklahoma .
`` There will be ample access to hand sanitizer and all attendees will be provided a face mask that they are strongly encouraged to wear , '' says the news release .
The president has visited Arizona and gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since his Tulsa rally .
Residents of the town of Sonoyta , across from Lukeville , Arizona , briefly blocked the main road leading south from the U.S. border over the weekend as the virus outbreak grew more grim in Arizona .
Sonoyta Mayor José Ramos Arzate has issued a statement “ inviting U.S. tourists not to visit Mexico.
” Local residents organized to block the road with their cars on the Mexican side Saturday .
Ramos Arzate wrote that people from the United States will be allowed in “ for essential activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point will continue to operate .
Houston , Austin leaders ask for authority to tighten restrictions Leaders of Houston and Austin are asking Texas Gov .
Gregg Abbott to empower local governments to order residents to stay home as a surge in confirmed cases puts pressure on the state 's hospital capacity .
Austin Mayor Steve Adler , a Democrat , told CNN ’ s “ State of the Union ” Sunday that he wants Abbott , a Republican , to return control to local governments .
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order is needed .
Texas reported its highest daily increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases Saturday with 8,258 .
`` We are on a trajectory right now that we could be inundating our intensive care units here within a week to 10 days .
We may have to take drastic action , '' Adler said .
`` If this is happening in Austin and Dallas and Houston and San Antonio all at the same time , we are in trouble . ''
Adler said Austin is planning for the possibility that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days as cases continue to rise .
The Austin area has about 1,500 hospital beds for coronavirus .
It had 434 people hospitalized in those beds on Saturday night , Adler said .
If the escalation in coronavirus cases doesn ’ t stop , then authorities will have to consider “ whether or not to pull back from the reopening of the economy , ” Adler said .
N.J. Gov .
Murphy : 'We can not afford to go through hell again' New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy called for a federal mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the core of a national strategy to combat a rise in new cases .
Murphy , speaking on NBC 's Meet the Press , said virus cases are on the upswing again in his state as residents return from vacations in Myrtle Beach , South Carolina , and areas of Florida .
New Jersey suffered mightily , along with New York , in the early days of the pandemic but had seen much improvement in recent weeks .
Now the numbers are turning higher again .
“ If you ’ re leaving your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Murphy said .
`` We went through hell , we can not afford to go through hell again . ''
The state of Florida added 10,059 cases of the novel coronavirus Sunday , pushing the total number of cases beyond 200,000 for the first time .
The total number of COVID-19 cases statewide is now 200,111 , according to data from the Florida Department of Health .
The state has more than tripled the total number of coronavirus cases since its Phase 2 reopening began June 5 .
The state , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reinstituting some restrictions.. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez called the high numbers of positive tests “ extremely worrisome.
” “ It ’ s clear that the growth is exponential at this point , ” he said .
“ Our county closed down the beaches for the July Fourth weekend in the hopes that all these rules will have an impact – a positive impact .
Phoenix mayor laments boom in new cases , says state reopened too soon Arizona 's quick reopening made some residents overconfident about safety , spurring the state 's surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Crowded nightclubs handed out free champagne to partygoers not wearing masks , she said on ABC 's `` This Week . ''
`` We opened way too early in Arizona , '' she said `` We were one of the last states to go to stay-at-home and one of the first to reemerge .
And we reemerged at zero to sixty , '' Gallego said on ABC 's `` This Week . ''
`` We had crowded nightclubs handing out free champagne , no masks .
Our 20- to 44-year-olds , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the explosion , and we ’ ve seen such growth in that area .
We ’ re seeing a lot of people go to large family gatherings and infect their family members . ''
She later added , `` I think when nightclubs were open , it sent the signal that we had , again , defeated COVID and , obviously , that is not the case . ''
Some of New Jersey 's beaches , casinos , amusement parks and water parks , reopened just ahead of the holiday weekend , drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few people were wearing masks or observing social distancing .
Amanda Vourtis , 27 , was spending the Fourth of July with a friend on the borough ’ s world famous Boardwalk .
Vourtis , 27 , carried hand sanitizer and a mask in her beach bag .
“ I take my own precautions , ” Vourtis said .
“ I think everybody ’ s aware .
I hope everybody does the same as I do and takes precautions for themselves.
” Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn was unwilling Sunday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a COVID-19 vaccine would soon be ready or the president 's claim that 99 % of infections are harmless .
Trump said Saturday that the nation was unleashing `` scientific brilliance and we 'll likely have a therapeutic and/or vaccine solution long before the end of the year . ''
Hahn , speaking on ABC 's `` This Week , '' cited `` unprecedented speed '' in the development of a vaccine but said science and data will determine when it is ready .
`` While the FDA is committed to expediting this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our decisions , '' Hahn said , adding that the agency is `` making clear through this guidance what data should be submitted to meet our regulatory standards . ''
In Arizona , end to rent relief could leave thousands homeless Thousands of Arizonans struggling to pay rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic could lose their homes this summer when Gov .
Doug Ducey 's executive order delaying evictions expires , government data suggests .
Renters who were sick with the virus , lost jobs or had to stop working because schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late March .
Congress also banned evictions until July 25 on rentals with federally backed mortgages .
But as the end of those programs approach , Arizona is far from free of the pandemic 's grip .
`` We are on a huge economic cliff and being kept from falling off with stimulus money , '' said Mark Stapp , director of the Master of Real Estate Development program at Arizona State University .
`` It 's going to take ( additional ) stimulus money to prevent many Arizona renters from becoming homeless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Administrators at thousands of America ’ s roughly 4,300 colleges and universities are anxiously pushing to resume classes as soon as next month despite the pandemic .
An early vaccine could dramatically ease stress levels while a resurgence of infections – possibly coupled with a flu outbreak – could send students scurrying home .
For now , school presidents are betting on a smorgasbord of viral testing systems and hybrid teaching – a mix of online and in-person classes – and strict guidelines for social distancing and masks .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Terry Hartle , senior vice president with the American Council on Education .
“ They don ’ t teach this in college presidents ’ school … Every school is taking steps they couldn ’ t have imagined a year ago.
” NBA teams head to Orlando this week for a season unlike any other NBA teams begin arriving at the Disney campus in Orlando on Tuesday to prep for resuming the pandemic-halted season July 30 .
The teams will be isolated in an NBA bubble and all the made-for-TV games will be played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receive daily tests , with social distancing rules needed for ping-pong games ( no doubles ) and card games ( dispose after every use ) .
Protocols include one week of quarantine upon arrival and two weeks of quarantine following a positive test , while also offering luxurious amenities with movie theaters , golf courses and video game lounges .
Still , some players are dubious .
`` There is absolutely no comfort level .
None , '' New Orleans Pelicans guard JJ Redick said .
`` I know the league and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this environment , and I get it .
But there ’ s so much else going on right now . ''
While many governors and mayors urged residents to stay home this weekend , President Donald Trump went ahead with a speech at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota on Friday and an evening of tribute and fireworks Saturday on the National Mall in Washington .
Trump 's speeches targeted those who do not support him and made no mention of the pandemic 's tragic death toll .
Pat Lee of Upper Dublin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and two friends , none wearing masks , gathered near the event in Washington .
“ POTUS said it would go away , ” Lee said of the pandemic , using an acronym for president of the United States .
“ Masks , I think , are like a hoax.
” • Can stores and restaurants require masks ?
The answer is yes .
Read our Q & A .
• 'This is no joke ' : Man died of the coronavirus day after saying he regretted attending a party • ' A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three restaurants take a stand amid pandemic 90 % of Arizona ICU beds in use Arizona reported 2,695 new COVID-19 cases and 17 additional deaths on Saturday , according to data from the Arizona Department of Health Services .
The number of people in the hospitals and using ICU beds again broke records Friday .
Saturday 's dashboard shows 85 % of current inpatient beds and 90 % of ICU beds were in use , which includes people being treated for COVID-19 and other patients .
Arizona is among the worst hot spots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease is widespread , and health officials caution people to stay home as much as possible and wear masks in public .
Vice President Mike Pence , who visited Arizona on Wednesday , said he is deploying hundreds of medical personnel to assist the state .
More on the coronavirus from USA TODAY Where a face mask is required : Many governors are instituting or renewing orders requiring people to wear face coverings in public as cases continue to rise .
Is your state on the list ?
See it here .
Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for you to stay informed .
Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter here , and come together and share the latest information about coronavirus , coping with lifestyle changes and more by joining our Facebook group .
Where are states on reopening ?
Some are taking preemptive measures to postpone further phases of their reopening , while others have rolled back their phases to prevent the spread of the coronavirus .
See the list .

John Bacon and Jessica Flores, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: Phoenix mayor says Arizona opened too soon; Trump set to hold rally in N.H. next week
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Safety tips you need to know As coronavirus cases in some states start to rise again, make sure to remember these safety tips. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
Florida surpassed 200,000 coronavirus cases Sunday while the FDA commissioner declined to support President Donald Trump's views on the pandemic and the the mayor of Phoenix said Arizona reopened too soon, fueling a boom in new cases among young people.
"We reemerged at zero to 60," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said Sunday on ABC's "This Week." "Our 20- to 44-year-olds, which is my own demographic, really led the explosion."
Trump hosted a "Salute to America" on Saturday in Washington that included a massive fireworks display on the National Mall in Washington. Trump assured the crowd that 99% o COVID-19 therapies were "harmless" and that a vaccine or therapy would be developed "well before the end of the year." A rally for New Hampshire on July 11 was announced Sunday.
Food and Drug Administration (Commissioner Stephen Hahn, speaking Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union," was asked about Trump's assertions. Hahn declined to concur, saying data shows the virus is a "serious problem" and that science would determine when vaccines or therapies are ready. Hahn also said it is too soon to determine whether the Republican National Convention can be safely held in Florida next month amid a surge of COVID-19 cases there.
Here are some recent developments:
Broadway actor Nick Cordero, who was hospitalized for more than 90 days after contracting the coronavirus, died Sunday. He was 41.
The World Health Organization said member states reported more than 212,000 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Saturday, the highest single-day increase since the start of the pandemic.
Cases in Texas and Florida to hit record highs again on Saturday. The Texas Department of State Health Services reported 8,076 new COVID-19 cases Saturday, marking the first time Texas crossed the 8,000 threshold for new cases in a single day. And Florida reported 11,458 new cases of the coronavirus Saturday, also a record for most new cases in one day.
📈Today's stats: The U.S. recorded 45,283 new cases of the coronavirus Saturday, snapping a streak of multiple days with more than 50,000, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. The daily death toll was 242. It was not immediately clear what impact the holiday had on collecting the totals. The U.S. has seen more than 2.8 million confirmed cases and more than 129,000 deaths. Globally, there have been more than 11.3 million cases and more than 532,000 deaths.
📰 What we're reading: American colleges and universities offer petri-dish conditions for the coronavirus. For nearly 20 million college and university students, as well as parents and faculty, the uncertainty of what campus life will be like in the fall can be overwhelming. Some schools have set up sophisticated testing plans; others are planning to keep classes online.
Our live blog will be updated throughout the day. For first-in-the-morning updates, sign up for The Daily Briefing.
Broadway actor Nick Cordero dies from coronavirus after three months in ICU
Nick Cordero, the Broadway actor who found a multitude of new worldwide fans who rallied behind him as he struggled with the coronavirus, died Sunday at age 41.
Cordero was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles in late March for what was initially thought to be pneumonia. A first coronavirus test came up negative, though a subsequent test was positive for COVID-19.
Over the course of 13 weeks, he faced a multitude of serious complications, including a leg amputation, infections in his lungs and the insertion of a temporary pacemaker.
"I am in disbelief and hurting everywhere. My heart is broken as I cannot imagine our lives without him," his wife Amanda Kloots wrote in an Instagram post. "Nick was such a bright light."
President Trump to hold outdoor rally in New Hampshire July 11
President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold an outdoor rally Saturday in Portsmouth, New Hampshire amid the coronavirus pandemic. The rally will be held at the Portsmouth International Airport, just three weeks after Trump's first rally since March in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
"There will be ample access to hand sanitizer and all attendees will be provided a face mask that they are strongly encouraged to wear," says the news release.
The president has visited Arizona and gave a July 3 spech at Mount Rushmore since his Tulsa rally.
Mexican town making sure border wall works both ways
Residents of the town of Sonoyta, across from Lukeville, Arizona, briefly blocked the main road leading south from the U.S. border over the weekend as the virus outbreak grew more grim in Arizona. Sonoyta Mayor José Ramos Arzate has issued a statement “inviting U.S. tourists not to visit Mexico.” Local residents organized to block the road with their cars on the Mexican side Saturday. Ramos Arzate wrote that people from the United States will be allowed in “for essential activities," so the checkpoint and inspection point will continue to operate.
Houston, Austin leaders ask for authority to tighten restrictions
Leaders of Houston and Austin are asking Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott to empower local governments to order residents to stay home as a surge in confirmed cases puts pressure on the state's hospital capacity. Austin Mayor Steve Adler, a Democrat, told CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday that he wants Abbott, a Republican, to return control to local governments. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, also a Democrat, says a stay-at-home order is needed. Texas reported its highest daily increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases Saturday with 8,258.
"We are on a trajectory right now that we could be inundating our intensive care units here within a week to 10 days. We may have to take drastic action," Adler said. "If this is happening in Austin and Dallas and Houston and San Antonio all at the same time, we are in trouble."
Adler said Austin is planning for the possibility that ICU units could reach capacity in coming days as cases continue to rise. The Austin area has about 1,500 hospital beds for coronavirus. It had 434 people hospitalized in those beds on Saturday night, Adler said.
If the escalation in coronavirus cases doesn’t stop, then authorities will have to consider “whether or not to pull back from the reopening of the economy,” Adler said.
N.J. Gov. Murphy: 'We cannot afford to go through hell again'
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy called for a federal mask requirement, saying Sunday it should be the core of a national strategy to combat a rise in new cases. Murphy, speaking on NBC's Meet the Press, said virus cases are on the upswing again in his state as residents return from vacations in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and areas of Florida. New Jersey suffered mightily, along with New York, in the early days of the pandemic but had seen much improvement in recent weeks. Now the numbers are turning higher again.
“If you’re leaving your house, put on a mask," Murphy said. "We went through hell, we cannot afford to go through hell again."
Florida surpasses 200,000 cases despite efforts to tighten restrictions
The state of Florida added 10,059 cases of the novel coronavirus Sunday, pushing the total number of cases beyond 200,000 for the first time. The total number of COVID-19 cases statewide is now 200,111, according to data from the Florida Department of Health. The state has more than tripled the total number of coronavirus cases since its Phase 2 reopening began June 5. The state, which had been opening up, has begun reinstituting some restrictions.. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez called the high numbers of positive tests “extremely worrisome.”
“It’s clear that the growth is exponential at this point,” he said. “Our county closed down the beaches for the July Fourth weekend in the hopes that all these rules will have an impact – a positive impact.
– Rachael Thomas, Treasure Coast Newspapers
Phoenix mayor laments boom in new cases, says state reopened too soon
Arizona's quick reopening made some residents overconfident about safety, spurring the state's surge in new cases, Gallego said Sunday. Crowded nightclubs handed out free champagne to partygoers not wearing masks, she said on ABC's "This Week."
"We opened way too early in Arizona," she said "We were one of the last states to go to stay-at-home and one of the first to reemerge. And we reemerged at zero to sixty," Gallego said on ABC's "This Week." "We had crowded nightclubs handing out free champagne, no masks. Our 20- to 44-year-olds, which is my own demographic, really led the explosion, and we’ve seen such growth in that area. We’re seeing a lot of people go to large family gatherings and infect their family members."
She later added, "I think when nightclubs were open, it sent the signal that we had, again, defeated COVID and, obviously, that is not the case."
New Jersey beaches, waterparks draw crowds
Some of New Jersey's beaches, casinos, amusement parks and water parks, reopened just ahead of the holiday weekend, drew big crowds. In Seaside Heights, few people were wearing masks or observing social distancing. Amanda Vourtis, 27, was spending the Fourth of July with a friend on the borough’s world famous Boardwalk. Vourtis, 27, carried hand sanitizer and a mask in her beach bag.
“I take my own precautions,” Vourtis said. “I think everybody’s aware. I hope everybody does the same as I do and takes precautions for themselves.”
– Erik Larsen, Asbury Park Press
FDA commissioner declines to back Trump timeline for vaccine
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn was unwilling Sunday to back President Donald Trump's boast that a COVID-19 vaccine would soon be ready or the president's claim that 99% of infections are harmless. Trump said Saturday that the nation was unleashing "scientific brilliance and we'll likely have a therapeutic and/or vaccine solution long before the end of the year." Hahn, speaking on ABC's "This Week," cited "unprecedented speed" in the development of a vaccine but said science and data will determine when it is ready.
"While the FDA is committed to expediting this work, we will not cut corners in our decisions,"Hahn said, adding that the agency is "making clear through this guidance what data should be submitted to meet our regulatory standards."
In Arizona, end to rent relief could leave thousands homeless
Thousands of Arizonans struggling to pay rent because of the COVID-19 pandemic could lose their homes this summer when Gov. Doug Ducey's executive order delaying evictions expires, government data suggests. Renters who were sick with the virus, lost jobs or had to stop working because schools were closed have had a reprieve since late March. Congress also banned evictions until July 25 on rentals with federally backed mortgages. But as the end of those programs approach, Arizona is far from free of the pandemic's grip.
"We are on a huge economic cliff and being kept from falling off with stimulus money," said Mark Stapp, director of the Master of Real Estate Development program at Arizona State University. "It's going to take (additional) stimulus money to prevent many Arizona renters from becoming homeless and landlords (from) going under."
– Catherine Reagor and Rebekah L. Sanders, Arizona Republic
Fingers crossed, colleges march into fall semester
Administrators at thousands of America’s roughly 4,300 colleges and universities are anxiously pushing to resume classes as soon as next month despite the pandemic. An early vaccine could dramatically ease stress levels while a resurgence of infections – possibly coupled with a flu outbreak – could send students scurrying home. For now, school presidents are betting on a smorgasbord of viral testing systems and hybrid teaching – a mix of online and in-person classes – and strict guidelines for social distancing and masks.
“This is all terra incognita,” said Terry Hartle, senior vice president with the American Council on Education. “They don’t teach this in college presidents’ school … Every school is taking steps they couldn’t have imagined a year ago.”
– Dennis Wagner
NBA teams head to Orlando this week for a season unlike any other
NBA teams begin arriving at the Disney campus in Orlando on Tuesday to prep for resuming the pandemic-halted season July 30. The teams will be isolated in an NBA bubble and all the made-for-TV games will be played at the site. All teams will receive daily tests, with social distancing rules needed for ping-pong games (no doubles) and card games (dispose after every use). Protocols include one week of quarantine upon arrival and two weeks of quarantine following a positive test, while also offering luxurious amenities with movie theaters, golf courses and video game lounges. Still, some players are dubious.
"There is absolutely no comfort level. None," New Orleans Pelicans guard JJ Redick said. "I know the league and I know the union has tried to create this environment, and I get it. But there’s so much else going on right now."
– Mark Medina
Trump leads charge for Independence Day weekend celebrations
While many governors and mayors urged residents to stay home this weekend, President Donald Trump went ahead with a speech at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota on Friday and an evening of tribute and fireworks Saturday on the National Mall in Washington. Trump's speeches targeted those who do not support him and made no mention of the pandemic's tragic death toll. Pat Lee of Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania, was a believer. Lee and two friends, none wearing masks, gathered near the event in Washington.
“POTUS said it would go away,” Lee said of the pandemic, using an acronym for president of the United States. “Masks, I think, are like a hoax.”
What we're reading
90% of Arizona ICU beds in use
Arizona reported 2,695 new COVID-19 cases and 17 additional deaths on Saturday, according to data from the Arizona Department of Health Services. The number of people in the hospitals and using ICU beds again broke records Friday. Saturday's dashboard shows 85% of current inpatient beds and 90% of ICU beds were in use, which includes people being treated for COVID-19 and other patients.
Arizona is among the worst hot spots in the nation for COVID-19. The disease is widespread, and health officials caution people to stay home as much as possible and wear masks in public. Vice President Mike Pence, who visited Arizona on Wednesday, said he is deploying hundreds of medical personnel to assist the state.
– BrieAnna J. Frank, Arizona Republic
More on the coronavirus from USA TODAY
Where a face mask is required: Many governors are instituting or renewing orders requiring people to wear face coverings in public as cases continue to rise. Is your state on the list? See it here.
Coronavirus Watch: We have a few ways for you to stay informed. Sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter here, and come together and share the latest information about coronavirus, coping with lifestyle changes and more by joining our Facebook group.
Where are states on reopening? Some are taking preemptive measures to postpone further phases of their reopening, while others have rolled back their phases to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. See the list.
Contributing: The Associated Press