usatoday--2020-09-24--Coronavirus updates: Virus may have grown more contagious; Britain may intentionally infect voluntee

Coronavirus updates: Virus may have grown more contagious; Britain may intentionally infect volunteers; US nears 7M cases

A study by researchers in Houston indicates the coronavirus , which has infected almost 7 million people in the U.S. alone , may have mutated to a more contagious strain if not more deadly .
Help could be on the way .
The United Kingdom is considering a plan to intentionally infect healthy volunteers to expedite a determination on which vaccine candidates are effective .
And Johnson & Johnson has started the final testing phase of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate , the first to reach this point requiring a single dose .
President Donald Trump suggested he may overrule the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to set a higher standard for vaccine approval .
He called the FDA plan `` a political move , '' while the agency said it 's an effort to gain public trust .
The U.S. coronavirus case count , meanwhile , has now surpassed the estimated populations of all but 12 states .
In Canada , which has nearly 150,000 confirmed cases , Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the country is facing a second wave of the virus .
• The Metropolitan Opera in New York has canceled its 2020-2021 season , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Missouri Gov .
Mike Parson , who has refused to order a statewide face mask mandate , and his wife have both tested positive for COVID-19 .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has reported more than 6.9 million cases , according to Johns Hopkins University data , and more than 201,000 deaths , a total that exceeds the population of cities such as Little Rock , Arkansas , Fort Collins , Colorado , and Fort Lauderdale , Florida .
Globally , there have been almost 32 million cases and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're reading : Fever .
Chills .
Body aches .
Shortness of breath .
Some people infected with COVID-19 have battled such symptoms for months , wondering if they 'd ever feel better again .
Now , finally , a treatment program originally intended for geriatric patients is bringing relief for long-suffering patients .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak , state by state .
This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
Children may not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond Children are not included in the ongoing trials for a COVID-19 vaccine , so it 's likely to be well into next year or beyond before they can get vaccinated against the coronavirus that causes the disease .
The vast majority of children do n't get severely ill from COVID-19 , but kids can still pass on the virus – to teachers , parents , grandparents .
Emory University School of Medicine pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Evan Anderson called for a rapid expansion of clinical trials to include children , ideally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be vaccinated before the 2021 school year .
`` We owe it to our children not to delay moving forward with initial studies to evaluate promising vaccine candidates , '' Anderson said .
Britain could become the world 's first country to intentionally infect healthy volunteers with coronavirus in the world ’ s first `` human challenge '' trial to expedite a determination on which COVID vaccines work .
The Financial Times reported that the government-funded studies could be announced next week and begin in January .
British government officials would only say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trial .
The BBC said no deal had been signed as of Thursday .
Britain has been struggling to neutralize an uptick in cases in recent weeks .
Tighter restrictions , such as closing pubs at 10 p.m. , go into effect across the country Thursday .
Prof Peter Horby of Oxford University told the BBC such a trial was a good idea and could quickly advance knowledge of the virus .
`` I think the challenge trial has the potential to save thousands of lives and really bring the world out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Researchers at Houston Methodist Hospital say a study of the second wave of the coronavirus to sweep across the city indicates a mutation that is more contagious than the original strain .
The later infections show the virus still has the crown shape that gives the virus its name , but the newer version has more of the spikes that latch onto human cells .
The study , which has not yet been subject to crucial peer review , found patients infected with the variant strain had more of the virus when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the spring .
There was an upside : The study showed no indication that the mutation is any more deadly than the original .
Outcomes remain primarily linked to pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and obesity .
“ We ’ ve now done molecular analyses of the two waves of the pandemic and one thing that stands out is the increase in the mutated strain ’ s frequency over a short period of time , ” Dr. James Musser , the study ’ s author , told the Houston Chronicle .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” University of Wisconsin-Madison to resume some in-person instruction University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank said the campus will begin to reopen Saturday following a two-week lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 among undergraduate students .
`` No one wanted our semester to start this way , but it has underscored that strict adherence to public health protocols is essential to protecting campus health and operations , '' Blank said in a message to campus Wednesday .
`` Our collective efforts have curbed the number of positive cases and reduced the positivity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks . ''
The university was only one week into the school year when leaders all but shut down campus facilities , moved classes online and quarantined two of the largest dorms , which house 2,220 students in total .
There will be changes .
The reopening will be gradual .
Not all classes will start up immediately and not all will return to fully in-person instruction .
Classes that require specialized equipment will still be in-person or hybrid , but others may be modified .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate panel Wednesday that Americans will likely have to continue wearing face masks and practice social distancing after a vaccine becomes available for the coronavirus .
“ The vaccine availability will go a giant step to controlling the infection , but you ’ re not going to completely eradicate it or eliminate it , ” Fauci said , adding that conditions wo n't change overnight .
Fauci said it 's unusual for a vaccine to be 100 % effective .
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warns of COVID-19 'second wave ' in Canada Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in a second wave of COVID-19 and warned the country is on the brink of a fall season that could be much worse than the spring .
Trudeau noted that when Canada went into lockdown March 13 there were 47 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 , and that Tuesday alone , Canada had well over 1,000 .
Many provinces slowly reopened over the summer .
`` We ca n't change today 's numbers or even tomorrow 's – those were already decided by what we did , or did n't do , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a rare nationally televised address .
But , he added , `` Together , we have the power to get this second wave under control . ''
Trudeau urged Canadians to keep wearing masks and to download the government 's COVID-app that lets a person know if they 've come in close contact with someone who has tested positive .
Hours after some of the administration 's leading health officials offered assurances that the search for a coronavirus vaccine would be conducted free of political interference , President Donald Trump on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overrule the Federal Drug Administration .
Trump , who has predicted the arrival of a vaccine before the Nov. 3 election , questioned why the FDA would set a higher standard for granting emergency authorization for a vaccine , as the agency is reportedly planning on in an effort to gain public trust .
The president said FDA guidance `` has to be approved by the White House .
We may or may not approve it . ''
Earlier in the day , FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn addressed concerns of politics playing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that career scientists at the FDA drive decision making : `` Science will guide our decisions , '' Hahn said .
`` FDA will not permit any pressure from anyone to change that . ''
New Year 's Eve party in Times Square will feature more virtual elements The New Year 's Eve celebration in New York 's Times Square will be pared down to allow for social distancing and will include enhanced virtual elements , organizers said Wednesday .
Details of the in-person festivities are still being worked out , but essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those honored .
`` Whether you want to turn off and turn away from the bad news of 2020 , or turn to the new year with a sense of hope , renewal and resolution , you ’ ll be able to join us virtually like never before as part of the Times Square 2021 celebration , '' Jeff Straus , president of Countdown Entertainment , said in a statement .
• In your inbox : Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Watch newsletter .
• On Facebook : A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus .
But what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .
• Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .

Jessica Flores and John Bacon, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: Pac-12 football returns; Cuomo says New York will review vaccines approved by feds; fears of a second wave in Europe
Show Caption Hide Caption US hits 200,000 COVID deaths as flu season looms ahead The U.S. has reached 200,000 deaths from the coronavirus. Now experts are looking ahead, and the forecast for the fall and winter isn't good. USA TODAY
New York state officials will conduct a review of any coronavirus vaccines approved by the federal government before recommending them to New Yorkers, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday.
Cuomo said he feared President Donald Trump would strongarm the Food and Drug Administration into using insufficiently rigorous standards to approve vaccines.
"We are going to put together our own review committee that will advise me, so i can look at the camera and I can say, 'It is safe to take,'" Cuomo said.
In Houston, a new study indicates the coronavirus, which has infected almost 7 million people in the U.S. alone, may have mutated to a strain that's more contagious, though not more deadly.
In Britain, the government is considering a plan to intentionally infect healthy volunteers to expedite a determination on which vaccine candidates are effective.
In Missouri, the city of St. Charles has banned music in clubs after 11 p.m., citing rowdy crowds spilling into streets. In other cities around the world, people are finding workarounds to make Oktoberfest a thing. Think "yodelgram."
COVID-19: How Herd Immunity works, why you still need to wear a mask Without masks and a vaccine, we could reach Herd Immunity from COVID-19, but deaths would skyrocket. We break down the science of it. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Some significant developments:
The Metropolitan Opera in New York has canceled its 2020-2021 season, a first in its nearly 140-year history.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who has refused to order a statewide face mask mandate, and his wife have both tested positive for COVID-19.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported more than 6.9 million cases, according to Johns Hopkins University data, and more than 202,000 deaths, a total that exceeds the population of cities such as Little Rock, Arkansas, Fort Collins, Colorado, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Globally, there have been more than 32 million cases and almost 980,000 fatalities.
📰 What we're reading: Fever. Chills. Body aches. Shortness of breath. Some people infected with COVID-19 have battled such symptoms for months, wondering if they'd ever feel better again. Now, finally, a treatment program originally intended for geriatric patients is bringing relief for long-suffering patients.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak, state by state.
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
Pac-12 gives in, opts to resume football, other sports
The Pac-12, the lone holdout against playing amid the coronavirus pandemic among the Power Five conferences, gave in on Thursday and announced a return to athletic competition. Most significantly, the conference said the high-revenue sports of football and basketball would be back on Nov. 6 and Nov. 25, respectively. Other winter sports will return to action as well.
The Pac-12 and Big Ten had simultaneously announced they would postpone fall sports, most notably football, on Aug. 11, citing health concerns during the pandemic. But the SEC, ACC and Big 12 pressed on and decided to play.
When the Big Ten changed its stance and opted to get back on the football field Oct. 24, the Pac-12 was left all alone, and there was little doubt it would resume play as well. The league's new seven-game schedule will allow its teams to be considered for the College Football Playoff. Fans won't be allowed at the conference games.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he will establish a state panel to review any vaccines that win federal approval before he will recommend the vaccines to New Yorkers. Cuomo expressed concern over bickering between President Donald Trump and the Food and Drug Administration over the standards that will be required for approval. Trump has said he might not approve more rigorous standards if the FDA attempts to enact them.
Cuomo said he hoped his state could become the first to become fully vaccinated. But he also said he wants to be able to assure New Yorkers the vaccines are safe.
"I'm not going to trust the federal government's opinion and I wouldn't recommend to New Yorkers based on the federal government's opinion," Cuomo said.
Britain is reporting its highest number of new coronavirus infections in a single day, 6,632. France recorded 52 deaths and more than 16,000 new cases in a 24-hour period. Spain just went over 700,000 total cases, the first European country to reach that mark.
There are growing signs of a second wave of COVID-19 in the Old Continent, where the virus made its deepest imprint right after spreading beyond China.
While the spike in confirmed infections can be partly attributed to increased testing, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson reacted to the rise in cases across all age groups by ordering pubs and restaurants closed by 10 p.m., and he warned stricter measures may be forthcoming if transmission is not suppressed. Britain has the highest death toll in Europe, with nearly 42,000 fatalities.
The presidents of Michigan's three largest research universities -- the University of Michigan, Michigan State and Wayne State -- said Thursday that most students would probably taking classes online for the rest of the school year and won't return to classrooms until next fall.
M. Roy Wilson of Wayne State in Detroit said the winter semester will look like the current term because the pandemic “is going to be with us for a while.”
Oktoberfest devotees have known since April that there would be no massive festival in Munich, Germany, this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But now that the season has arrived, the lack of crowded tents filled with revelers dressed in dirndl skirts and lederhosen shouting "prost!" is having an impact. The loss of Oktoberfest, which had been scheduled to run from Sept. 19 through Oct. 4, is a huge hit for the Bavarian city, which last year saw 6.3 million guests drink 15.5 million pints of beer and consume 124 oxen, among other traditional foods.
All around the world, virtual fests are underway while many establishments host small parties. In the Washington, D.C., area, you can even get a "yodelgram." Devils Backbone Brewing Co. says that's when a "real-life, yodeling TikTok sensation arrives at your house, armed with Devils Backbone Oktoberfest beer and steins plus a custom yodel."
– Morgan Hines
United Airlines will roll out a new COVID-19 testing program for passengers beginning Oct. 15. The airline said testing at first will only be available for passengers traveling to Hawaii from San Francisco International Airport. Why Hawaii? The airline, the first in the U.S. to offer rapid testing, has more flights to the state than any other U.S. carrier, and the Aloha State's new testing requirements begin the same day as United's.
"We'll look to quickly expand customer testing to other destinations and U.S. airports later this year," said Toby Enqvist, the airline's chief customer officer. Airlines and trade groups have been calling on the federal government to establish a testing program and require passengers to wear masks since this summer. All major U.S. airlines now have their own mask policies in place.
– Jayme Deerwester
Global soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimović has tested positive for COVID-19, AC Milan announced Thursday. The club said the Swede, one of the premier strikers of the last two decades, tested positive ahead of Thursday night's Europa League qualifying match against Bodø/Glimt. AC Milan "has informed the relevant authorities" and Ibrahimović is in quarantine at home, the team said in a statement. Ibrahimović's teammates and club staff have tested negative.
"Covid had the courage to challenge me," Ibrahimović, who scored both his team's goals in a game Monday, said in a Twitter post. "Bad idea."
– Chris Bumbaca
A ban on "music activities" after 11 p.m. kicks in Friday in St. Charles, Missouri. The city has been overwhelmed with partiers denied entry to bars in St. Louis because of coronavirus restrictions. The ban has drawn mention of the 1984 movie “Footloose,” in which a small town bans dancing until a newcomer played by actor Kevin Bacon rolls into town and turns the tide.
“I feel a little bit like the movie ‘Footloose,’ but that’s not what this is about,” Mayor Dan Borgmeyer told KTVI-TV. The mayor blamed rowdy crowds that have spilled into city streets, resulting in fights and creating enough concern that police presence downtown at night has tripled in recent months.
Nearly two months after federal regulators unveiled rules for at-home coronavirus tests, no company has federal approval to sell these fast and cheap tests even though the technology is ready. No company has been cleared to sell tests directly to consumers for widespread screening – a step some believe is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19. Gaining FDA authorization for these inexpensive, at-home tests is no easy task.
“The way to get this under control is if people find out as early as possible they are infected and then quarantine from others,” said Dr. Yukari Manabe, a Johns Hopkins University professor of medicine.
– Ken Alltucker and Ramon Padilla
The coronavirus pandemic is putting pressure on many families with grown children. About two-thirds of parents say they are providing financial support to their adult children during the crisis, helping to pay for everything from groceries to health care expenses, a recent survey from Country Financial found. One in five has had their adult child move back home with them, according to the survey based on responses from more than 1,300 adults in mid-August.
“This trend of adult children moving back at home was something we saw a lot of out of the Great Recession,” says Troy Frerichs, vice president of investment services at Country Financial. “Now you are seeing it happen again.”
– Aimee Picchi
The coronavirus has exposed a secret underbelly of the travel business. Many travel agencies operate Ponzi-style schemes where one traveler's deposit pays for a previous traveler's tickets and accommodations. Everything ran smoothly as long as bookings continued to roll in. The pandemic blurred the already muddy line between business ethics and fraud and has led to not just fried nerves, but official complaints and legal action. Through public records requests, USA TODAY obtained consumer complaints related to COVID-19 filed with attorneys generals and other agencies in 20 states. Scott Keyes, who runs the website Scott’s Cheap Flights, said online travel agencies often save money by providing little customer service.
“If a catastrophic event happens like a worldwide pandemic,” Keyes said, “they’re really up a creek.”
– Nick Penzenstadler and Josh Salman
Children are not included in the ongoing trials for a COVID-19 vaccine, so it's likely to be well into next year or beyond before they can get vaccinated against the coronavirus that causes the disease. The vast majority of children don't get severely ill from COVID-19, but kids can still pass on the virus – to teachers, parents, grandparents, etc. Emory University School of Medicine pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Evan Anderson called for a rapid expansion of clinical trials to include children, ideally providing results in time for them to be vaccinated before the 2021 school year.
"We owe it to our children not to delay moving forward with initial studies to evaluate promising vaccine candidates," Anderson said.
– Karen Weintraub
Britain could become the world's first country to intentionally infect healthy volunteers with the coronavirus in the world’s first "human challenge" trial to expedite a determination on which COVID vaccines work. The Financial Times reported that the government-funded studies could be announced next week and begin in January. British government officials would only say that discussions were underway for such a trial. The BBC said no deal had been signed as of Thursday. Britain has been struggling to neutralize an uptick in cases in recent weeks. Tighter restrictions, such as closing pubs at 10 p.m., went into effect across the country Thursday.
Prof Peter Horby of Oxford University told the BBC such a trial was a good idea and could quickly advance knowledge of the virus.
"I think the challenge trial has the potential to save thousands of lives and really bring the world out of the pandemic sooner," Horby said.
Researchers at Houston Methodist Hospital say a study of the second wave of the coronavirus to sweep across the city indicates a mutation that is more contagious than the original strain. The later infections show the virus still has the crown shape that gives the virus its name, but the newer version has more of the spikes that latch onto human cells. The study, which has not yet been subject to crucial peer review, found patients infected with the variant strain had more of the virus when diagnosed than the first round of patients in the spring. There was an upside: The study showed no indication that the mutation is any more deadly than the original. Outcomes remain primarily linked to pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
“We’ve now done molecular analyses of the two waves of the pandemic and one thing that stands out is the increase in the mutated strain’s frequency over a short period of time,” Dr. James Musser, the study’s author, told the Houston Chronicle. “Clearly, this strain is very different.”
University of Wisconsin Chancellor Rebecca Blank said the Madison campus will begin to reopen Saturday following a two-week lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 among undergraduate students.
The university was only one week into the school year when leaders all but shut down campus facilities, moved classes online and quarantined two of the largest dorms, which house 2,220 students in total. There will be changes. The reopening will be gradual. Not all classes will start immediately and not all will return to fully in-person instruction. Classes that require specialized equipment will still be in-person or hybrid, but others may be modified.
– Devi Shastri, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
COVID-19 testing: Positivity rates and why they are so important COVID-19 widespread testing is crucial to fighting the pandemic, but is there enough testing? The answer is in the positivity rates. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Hours after some of the administration's leading health officials offered assurances that the search for a coronavirus vaccine would be conducted free of political interference, President Donald Trump on Wednesday undercut that notion and suggested he may overrule the Federal Drug Administration. Trump, who has predicted the arrival of a vaccine before the Nov. 3 election, questioned why the FDA would set a higher standard for granting emergency authorization for a vaccine, as the agency is reportedly planning on in an effort to gain public trust.
The president said FDA guidance "has to be approved by the White House. We may or may not approve it.'' Earlier in the day, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn addressed concerns of politics playing a role in the approval process, emphasizing that career scientists at the FDA drive decision making: "Science will guide our decisions,'' Hahn said. "FDA will not permit any pressure from anyone to change that."
-- Jorge L. Ortiz
COVID-19 resources from USA TODAY
In your inbox: Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. . On Facebook: A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19.
A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19. Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-09-24--How 20-year-old Heat rookie Tyler Herro sank Celtics in Game 4 of Eastern Conference finals

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — Twenty years old , rookie in the NBA playing in his first postseason and close to an NBA Finals appearance .
So what did Miami ’ s Tyler Herro do ?
The 13th pick in the 2019 draft met the moment like an All-Star .
He scored a career-high 37 points on 14-for-21 shooting , including 5-for-10 on 3-pointers , pushing Miami to a 112-109 victory over Boston in Game 4 on Wednesday for a 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference finals .
“ He has a confidence .
He has a fearlessness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Erik Spoelstra said .
“ But he 's humble enough to work , to be coachable , to take the mentorship from the veteran players that we have on our team , and he just continues to gain more confidence as we go.
” Herro , who scored 22 points in the second half , including 17 in the fourth quarter , made the record books with his performance : — Setting a Heat record for most points by a rookie in a playoff game ; — Becoming the youngest to score 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; — Setting a record for most points by a rookie in the conference finals ; — Becoming the second-youngest player to score 35 or more points in a playoff game .
“ Herro 's shot-making tonight was , in addition to the things we just talked about that were our own issues , was the difference in the game , ” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said .
“ Herro was ridiculously good tonight .
That rim must have looked like the ocean to him.
” Said Herro : `` I think once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and when you 're getting shots in rhythm , it 's just – the game flows .
I know where I 'm going to get my shots , and I 'm going to get the same shots next game in the same spots .
It 's just about making them and trying to get a rhythm going early.
” But it was n't just the made shots , it was the timing of so many of them – when the Heat needed a bucket and several later in the shot clock .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know , are the big separators in this league , and those are pressure shots , ” Spoelstra said .
“ We had to step up against a really good defense .
He was making plays at the end of the clock .
You know , and that – that 's a skill set that he has .
He can create off the dribble .
You know , they can jam you up and you need guys that can break the defense down and create opportunities that you do n't necessarily see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Herro ’ s 14 made field goals : No .
2 – Runner off the high glass with six seconds left on the shot clock .
Miami 22 , Boston 18 .
No .
4 – Corner 3-pointer right in front of Boston bench .
Miami 31 , Boston 28 .
No .
5 – 14-foot jumper from the right elbow at the foul line with four seconds left on the shot clock .
Miami 33 , Boston 28 No .
6 – 14-foot runner off the glass with five seconds left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Boston 40 .
No .
7 – 27-foot 3 from the top of the arc .
Miami 73 , Boston 68 .
No .
8 – Running floater in the key .
Miami 75 , Boston 71 .
No .
9 – 27-foot 3 from the top of the arc with two seconds left on the shot clock .
Miami 80 , Boston 76 .
No .
10 – 16-foot pull-up jumper just behind the foul line .
Miami 82 , Boston 78 .
No .
11 – 27-foot 3 from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Boston 85 .
No .
12 – Nifty reverse layup right down the lane .
Miami 91 , Boston 85 .
No .
13 – 29-foot 3-pointer from left wing with All-NBA defender Marcus Smart guarding and with the shot clock at three seconds when the ball went through the net .
Miami 98 , Boston 90 .
No .
14 – Cutting layup with one second left on the shot clock .
Miami 107 , Boston 98 .
“ Not too many people get an opportunity to make it this far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a game like this , ” Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler said .
“ But for him , it 's another day at the office .
I think it makes all of us smile .
We 're all so happy for him because he knows what he 's capable of , and he just plays with so much confidence .
He 's been doing it all year long .
So to him , there 's no pressure or anything .
He 's just going to keep playing basketball the right way .
”

How 20-year-old Heat rookie Tyler Herro sank Celtics in Game 4 of Eastern Conference finals
Show Caption Hide Caption Nuggets remind Lakers they're no pushovers after Game 3 win What I'm Hearing: USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt relays what members of the Lakers and Nuggets were saying following Denver's pivotal Game 3 win in the Western Conference Finals. USA TODAY
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Twenty years old, rookie in the NBA playing in his first postseason and close to an NBA Finals appearance.
So what did Miami’s Tyler Herro do? The 13th pick in the 2019 draft met the moment like an All-Star.
He scored a career-high 37 points on 14-for-21 shooting, including 5-for-10 on 3-pointers, pushing Miami to a 112-109 victory over Boston in Game 4 on Wednesday for a 3-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference finals.
“He has a confidence. He has a fearlessness that is uncommon,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “But he's humble enough to work, to be coachable, to take the mentorship from the veteran players that we have on our team, and he just continues to gain more confidence as we go.”
Herro, who scored 22 points in the second half, including 17 in the fourth quarter, made the record books with his performance:
— Setting a Heat record for most points by a rookie in a playoff game;
— Becoming the youngest to score 30 or more points in the conference finals;
— Setting a record for most points by a rookie in the conference finals;
— Becoming the second-youngest player to score 35 or more points in a playoff game.
“Herro's shot-making tonight was, in addition to the things we just talked about that were our own issues, was the difference in the game,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. “Herro was ridiculously good tonight. That rim must have looked like the ocean to him.”
Said Herro: "I think once you see a couple shots go down, and when you're getting shots in rhythm, it's just – the game flows. I know where I'm going to get my shots, and I'm going to get the same shots next game in the same spots. It's just about making them and trying to get a rhythm going early.”
But it wasn't just the made shots, it was the timing of so many of them – when the Heat needed a bucket and several later in the shot clock.
“The context of those makes, you know, are the big separators in this league, and those are pressure shots,” Spoelstra said. “We had to step up against a really good defense. He was making plays at the end of the clock. You know, and that – that's a skill set that he has. He can create off the dribble. You know, they can jam you up and you need guys that can break the defense down and create opportunities that you don't necessarily see that are there.”
🔥 Most playoff PTS ever by a Heat rookie. 🔥@raf_tyler scores 37.. a win Fri. (8:30pm/et on ESPN) can put the @MiamiHEAT in the NBA Finals! pic.twitter.com/gB9dPk6U8H — NBA (@NBA) September 24, 2020
An up-close look at Herro’s 14 made field goals:
No. 1 – 13-foot step-back. Miami 20, Boston 18.
No. 2 – Runner off the high glass with six seconds left on the shot clock. Miami 22, Boston 18.
No. 3 – 18-foot jump shot. Miami 26, Boston 25.
No. 4 – Corner 3-pointer right in front of Boston bench. Miami 31, Boston 28.
No. 5 – 14-foot jumper from the right elbow at the foul line with four seconds left on the shot clock. Miami 33, Boston 28
No. 6 – 14-foot runner off the glass with five seconds left on the shot clock. Miami 44, Boston 40.
No. 7 – 27-foot 3 from the top of the arc. Miami 73, Boston 68.
No. 8 – Running floater in the key. Miami 75, Boston 71.
No. 9 – 27-foot 3 from the top of the arc with two seconds left on the shot clock. Miami 80, Boston 76.
No. 10 – 16-foot pull-up jumper just behind the foul line. Miami 82, Boston 78.
No. 11 – 27-foot 3 from the top of the arc. Miami 89, Boston 85.
No. 12 – Nifty reverse layup right down the lane. Miami 91, Boston 85.
No. 13 – 29-foot 3-pointer from left wing with All-NBA defender Marcus Smart guarding and with the shot clock at three seconds when the ball went through the net. Miami 98, Boston 90.
No. 14 – Cutting layup with one second left on the shot clock. Miami 107, Boston 98.
“Not too many people get an opportunity to make it this far in the playoffs and to be in a game like this,” Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler said. “But for him, it's another day at the office. I think it makes all of us smile. We're all so happy for him because he knows what he's capable of, and he just plays with so much confidence. He's been doing it all year long. So to him, there's no pressure or anything. He's just going to keep playing basketball the right way.”


usatoday--2020-09-24--'This one was for her': Heat star Bam Adebayo and others channel anger to the court for Game 4

Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens normally leaves his players alone on game days .
But this day was different and Stevens had to send a text message to his team .
“ If you need somebody to vent to , ” Stevens texted his players , “ if you need somebody to talk to , if you want to call or get me in person at the gym , feel free.
” After spending most of the season restart in the NBA 's Disney bubble calling for justice surrounding Breonna Taylor ’ s death , players learned that the result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected .
Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron announced a grand jury did not find any of the three Louisville police officers that shot Taylor to be criminally liable .
Former officer Brett Hankinson , who was fired in June amid the investigation , was indicted only on felony charges of wanton endangerment .
Stevens declined to say which players , if any , took him up on his offer .
But clearly , the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat had more on their mind than how to win Game 4 of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the emotions played a role in the outcome of the Heat ’ s 112-109 Game 4 win over Celtics that cemented a 3-1 series lead .
“ When you hear news like that , you have to force your anger toward what you ’ re doing at the moment , ” Heat center Bam Adebayo said .
“ All of us tried to transfer our anger to the basketball game .
This one was for her.
” At least for the Heat , it worked .
Miami rookie Tyler Herro scored 37 points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points , 12 rebounds and four assists while nursing a left wrist injury he insisted felt fine after icing it following the game .
And Jimmy Butler added 24 points and nine rebounds .
“ There 's always a lot of emotion that goes on , and you never actually do n't think about it , ” Butler said .
“ It 's always much bigger than basketball , because that could be anybody .
That could be me .
That could be any African-American .
So when you look at it like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always on my heart because I just think it 's some bull crap .
Going into the game , you do have to compete .
But at the end of the day , I mean , we 're people first , not just athletes.
” Boston forward Jayson Tatum went scoreless in the first half and missed his first six shots before eventually finishing with 28 points .
The Celtics committed 19 turnovers and 24 fouls .
Though Boston took a 85-84 lead with 8:51 left in the fourth quarter after trailing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot just 5-of-15 and had four turnovers the rest of the way .
“ It was tough getting emotionally ready for the game , ” said Celtics forward Jaylen Brown , who had 21 points , nine rebounds , five fouls and four turnovers .
“ But to be honest , I wasn ’ t surprised .
We just fell short .
That was it.
” But despite the result of the game , there was still frustration over the Louisville grand jury ruling .
“ There 's incredible disappointment and frustration in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should , ” Spoelstra said .
“ Our guys have been able to manage a lot of this disappointment over the last several months of things that have been happening for obviously way too long.
” “ The idea of just going into that apartment does n't make any sense , ” Stevens said .
“ To have 15 rounds of gunfire fired , five of which hit her , and there to be wanton endangerment , which I did n't know existed before today , as the charge ?
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the day there 's been a call across the country , rightfully so , for more transparency , more accountability , just a better community relationship .
Obviously , this feels like a setback to that.
” “ We just had to channel our energy into the basketball game , and pour our feelings and emotions in the game , ” Adebayo said .
“ When you hear something like that , it ’ s unbelievable .
It ’ s ridiculous .
We ’ re going to keep fighting for justice for @ @ @

'This one was for her': Heat star Bam Adebayo and others channel anger to the court for Game 4
Show Caption Hide Caption Nuggets remind Lakers they're no pushovers after Game 3 win What I'm Hearing: USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt relays what members of the Lakers and Nuggets were saying following Denver's pivotal Game 3 win in the Western Conference Finals. USA TODAY
Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens normally leaves his players alone on game days. But this day was different, and Stevens had to send a text message to his team.
“If you need somebody to vent to,” Stevens texted his players, “if you need somebody to talk to, if you want to call or get me in person at the gym, feel free.”
After spending most of the season restart in the NBA's Disney bubble calling for justice surrounding Breonna Taylor’s death, players learned that the result of the investigation wasn't what they expected. Kentucky attorney general Daniel Cameron announced a grand jury did not find any of the three Louisville police officers that shot Taylor to be criminally liable. Former officer Brett Hankinson, who was fired in June amid the investigation, was indicted only on felony charges of wanton endangerment.
Stevens declined to say which players, if any, took him up on his offer. But clearly, the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat had more on their mind than how to win Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals. Both teams concede the emotions played a role in the outcome of the Heat’s 112-109 Game 4 win over Celtics that cemented a 3-1 series lead.
“When you hear news like that, you have to force your anger toward what you’re doing at the moment,” Heat center Bam Adebayo said. “All of us tried to transfer our anger to the basketball game. This one was for her.”
At least for the Heat, it worked.
Miami rookie Tyler Herro scored 37 points off the bench. Adebayo added 20 points, 12 rebounds and four assists while nursing a left wrist injury he insisted felt fine after icing it following the game. And Jimmy Butler added 24 points and nine rebounds.
ROOKIE RISING: How Tyler Herro sank Celtics in Game 4
LEBRON REACTION: James 'devastated, hurt, sad, mad!' after grand jury decision in Breonna Taylor case
“There's always a lot of emotion that goes on, and you never actually don't think about it,” Butler said. “It's always much bigger than basketball, because that could be anybody. That could be me. That could be any African-American. So when you look at it like that, for me, it's always on my heart because I just think it's some bull crap. Going into the game, you do have to compete. But at the end of the day, I mean, we're people first, not just athletes.”
Boston forward Jayson Tatum went scoreless in the first half and missed his first six shots before eventually finishing with 28 points. The Celtics committed 19 turnovers and 24 fouls. Though Boston took a 85-84 lead with 8:51 left in the fourth quarter after trailing for most of the game, the team shot just 5-of-15 and had four turnovers the rest of the way.
“It was tough getting emotionally ready for the game,” said Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, who had 21 points, nine rebounds, five fouls and four turnovers. “But to be honest, I wasn’t surprised. We just fell short. That was it.”
But despite the result of the game, there was still frustration over the Louisville grand jury ruling.
“There's incredible disappointment and frustration in our locker room, as well there should,” Spoelstra said. “Our guys have been able to manage a lot of this disappointment over the last several months of things that have been happening for obviously way too long.”
“The idea of just going into that apartment doesn't make any sense,” Stevens said. “To have 15 rounds of gunfire fired, five of which hit her, and there to be wanton endangerment, which I didn't know existed before today, as the charge? It’s tough. I think at the end of the day there's been a call across the country, rightfully so, for more transparency, more accountability, just a better community relationship. Obviously, this feels like a setback to that.”
“We just had to channel our energy into the basketball game, and pour our feelings and emotions in the game,” Adebayo said. “When you hear something like that, it’s unbelievable. It’s ridiculous. We’re going to keep fighting for justice for her.”
Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


usatoday--2020-09-24--'Nobody wants to move back in with their parents': COVID-19 recession is forcing grown kids to move

When Lindsay Reynolds was furloughed from her events and marketing job at Disney earlier this year , her parents suggested she leave Florida and move back home to Pennsylvania to save money while job hunting .
She took them up on it .
“ It was a good decision , but there are days when you feel like an absolute failure , ” says Reynolds , 27 .
“ I built this life in Florida and worked super hard .
Nobody wants to move back in with their parents and admit they need help.
” But , she adds , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you need it .
“ None of us can do any of this alone , ” she says , noting that she ’ s found work since moving home and is saving up to return to Florida early next year .
The coronavirus pandemic is putting pressure on many families — including those with grown children .
Those pressures include : • About two-thirds of parents say they are providing financial support to their adult children during the crisis , helping to pay for everything from groceries to health care expenses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay for everyday costs such as gas , according to a recent survey from Country Financial .
• One in five has had their adult child move back home with them , according to the study , which is based on responses from more than 1,300 adults in mid-August .
Even before the pandemic , millennials were delaying life milestones like buying homes and getting married as they coped with financial stresses like student loans — with many remaining in their parents ’ homes longer than previous generations .
But the pandemic delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with half of Americans between 25 to 39 years old suffering job or income losses since March , or about 5 percentage points higher than baby boomers , according to Census data .
“ This trend of adult children moving back at home was something we saw a lot of out of the Great Recession , ” says Troy Frerichs , vice president of investment services at Country Financial .
“ Now you are seeing it happen again.
” During economic downturns , young adults typically have less wealth to fall back on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why 4 in 10 parents with adult kids told Country Financial that they are providing more support to their children during the pandemic than they did previously .
The data echoes September findings from the Pew Research Center that a majority of 18- to 29-year-olds are now living with their parents , surpassing a previous peak set during the Great Depression .
“ You may have student debt and not much savings , and that 's why ( you ) are moving home , ” says Bobbi Rebell , a certified financial planner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March .
Her 23-year-old daughter is also living at home while working and saving money .
“ It 's really not their fault , ” says Rebell .
But navigating the financial , and emotional , highs and lows of these relationships can take some finesse .
Here are tips from financial experts and families on how to manage : Parents who help their adult children are also getting closer to retirement and may be making some trade-offs — like skimping on their own savings — to help out .
Before taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the costs and long-term impact , says Chantel Bonneau , a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual .
“ If you ’ re giving up a 401 ( k ) match to send your kids money , be clear on what the real cost is , ” Bonneau says .
“ If you ’ re not paying down a credit card balance that has a high interest rate , then that should be taken into consideration .
Make sure to assess all of the information so you clearly weigh your best options.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communication and clarity are important when offering financial help to an adult child , Bonneau adds .
“ Many parents don ’ t want to burden their kids and will keep the strain of financial concerns away from them , ” she says .
“ Similarly , this can be a good way to begin a financial dialogue because many families don ’ t talk about their preparedness for retirement , and long-term financial stability or habits.
” A frank discussion about finances can help adult children understand that it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For instance , every dollar provided to adult children means a dollar less to save for retirement .
Adult children : Pitch in where possible Make sure to help out where possible , says Reynolds .
When she moved home , her parents paid for groceries , but she did their shopping and cooked meals for them .
She also sought out income from gig jobs , such as babysitting and delivering for DoorDash , to help contribute to household expenses while she searched for a job .
“ I was just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was , ” Reynolds says .
“ COVID took so much from all of us , but it has also given me the opportunity to be around them .
”

'Nobody wants to move back in with their parents': COVID-19 recession is forcing grown kids to move home, again
Show Caption Hide Caption What do with your empty nest: Rightsizing real estate Once your children leave the nest, it's time to rethink your real estate. Here are 3 tips to follow. USA TODAY
When Lindsay Reynolds was furloughed from her events and marketing job at Disney this year, her parents suggested she leave Florida and move back home to Pennsylvania to save money while job hunting. She took them up on it.
“It was a good decision, but there are days when you feel like an absolute failure,” says Reynolds, 27. “I built this life in Florida and worked super hard. Nobody wants to move back in with their parents and admit they need help.”
But, she adds, it’s important to accept help when you need it. “None of us can do any of this alone,” she says, noting that she’s found work since moving home and is saving up to return to Florida early next year.
The coronavirus pandemic is putting pressure on many families – including those with grown children. Those pressures include:
About two-thirds of parents say they are providing financial support to their adult children during the crisis, helping to pay for everything from groceries to health care expenses.
Half are helping their adult children pay for everyday costs such as gas, according to a recent survey from Country Financial.
One in five has had their adult child move back home with them, according to the study, which is based on responses from more than 1,300 adults in mid-August.
Even before the pandemic, millennials were delaying life milestones like buying homes and getting married as they coped with financial stresses like student loans – with many remaining in their parents’ homes longer than previous generations. But the pandemic delivered another economic whammy to this generation, with half of Americans between 25 to 39 years old suffering job or income losses since March, or about 5 percentage points higher than baby boomers, according to Census data.
“This trend of adult children moving back at home was something we saw a lot of out of the Great Recession,” says Troy Frerichs, vice president of investment services at Country Financial. “Now you are seeing it happen again.”
More support during pandemic
During economic downturns, young adults typically have less wealth to fall back on than older Americans. That may explain why 4 in 10 parents with adult kids told Country Financial that they are providing more support to their children during the pandemic than they did previously.
The data echoes September findings from the Pew Research Center that a majority of 18- to 29-year-olds are now living with their parents, surpassing a previous peak set during the Great Depression.
“You may have student debt and not much savings, and that's why (you) are moving home,” says Bobbi Rebell, a certified financial planner at Tally whose 20-year-old son moved back in from college in March.
Her 23-year-old daughter is also living at home while working and saving money. “It's really not their fault,” Rebell says.
How the Federal Reserve's interest rates affect the economy and you The Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates over the past few months. Here's how their actions affect you. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
But navigating the financial, and emotional, highs and lows of these relationships can take some finesse.
Here are tips from financial experts and families on how to manage:
Don’t lose sight of long-term goals
Parents who help their adult children are also getting closer to retirement and may be making some trade-offs – like skimping on their own savings – to help out. Before taking that step, make sure to weigh the costs and long-term impact, says Chantel Bonneau, a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual.
“If you’re giving up a 401(k) match to send your kids money, be clear on what the real cost is,” Bonneau says. “If you’re not paying down a credit card balance that has a high interest rate, then that should be taken into consideration. Make sure to assess all of the information so you clearly weigh your best options.”
Communicate clearly – and teach financial skills
Communication and clarity are important when offering financial help to an adult child, Bonneau adds.
“Many parents don’t want to burden their kids and will keep the strain of financial concerns away from them,” she says. “Similarly, this can be a good way to begin a financial dialogue because many families don’t talk about their preparedness for retirement, and long-term financial stability or habits.”
A frank discussion about finances can help adult children understand that it’s a “zero-sum game,” Rebell says. For instance, every dollar provided to adult children means a dollar less to save for retirement.
Adult children: Pitch in where possible
Make sure to help out where possible, Reynolds says. When she moved home, her parents paid for groceries, but she did their shopping and cooked meals for them. She also sought out income from gig jobs, such as babysitting and delivering for DoorDash, to help contribute to household expenses while she searched for a job.
“I was just trying to let them know how thankful I was,” Reynolds says. “COVID took so much from all of us, but it has also given me the opportunity to be around them.”


usatoday--2020-09-24--'Next generation of poll workers': Young people are stepping up during the pandemic. It might avert

'Next generation of poll workers': Young people are stepping up during the pandemic. It might avert a crisis

WASHINGTON — Like thousands of other teenagers , Abhinand Keshamouni 's introduction to working the polls came from watching `` The Daily Show . ''
Host Trevor Noah ends each episode with a pitch for Power the Polls , a national recruitment network working to ensure there are enough poll workers on Election Day .
The message resonated with Keshamouni , a 17-year-old senior from Canton , Michigan , a suburb of Detroit .
He signed up first for the Michigan state primary in August .
And he will be back at a polling site Nov. 3 , when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high school that 's conducting classes online .
Keshamouni will be among more 1 million poll workers braving a pandemic to ensure people can vote – and he got four of his buddies to do the same .
`` I thought it was a really good way to help our democracy , especially because I ca n't vote right now , '' Keshamouni said , adding that he also got a little pressure from his parents , Indian immigrants who will be voting in their first presidential election .
`` My entire family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were like , 'Go work the polls ! '
`` Facing a drastic shortage of poll workers in November because of the coronavirus pandemic , an army of voting rights groups and other organizations this summer waged the most robust poll-worker recruitment campaign in modern election history .
It has included high-profile allies , from Noah to NBA star LeBron James , whose recently formed More Than a Vote organization has worked to increase poll workers in predominantly Black districts .
Companies like Starbucks , Warby Parker and Target are paying their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work the polls .
Senior citizens historically make up the bulk of the workforce at polling sites but hundreds opted out this year because they 're the most vulnerable to coronavirus .
For months , voting rights advocates feared cities might not have the manpower to keep all in-person polling sites open – particularly in battleground states like Pennsylvania , Wisconsin and Michigan that could decide the presidential election .
But now election officials in cities such as Milwaukee , Detroit , Philadelphia , Atlanta and Houston are n't just confident they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of polling sites open .
Fueled in part by a willingness of people in their 20s and 30s to step up , some cities said they have thousands more applications than they need .
`` We have way more than we can even use right now , '' said Richard Barron , Fulton County director of registration and elections in Atlanta , which has added 91 new polling locations since the state 's June primary .
Fulton County has nearly 7,000 applications for 2,900 poll-worker positions .
`` We 're in very good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what happened in June and they decided they needed to get involved . ''
Barron said that includes many poll workers in their late teens and early 20s , pointing to one early voting site during the state 's August 's primary runoff that was staffed by six people under 25 years old .
`` We 've never had that before , '' he said .
In some states , poll workers can be as young as 16 years old .
Election officials hope the young recruits return for future elections , making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ new generation of poll workers.
” Prompting much of the activism : the scenes of hours-long lines of voters during state primaries early on in the pandemic .
Among the longest lines were in Milwaukee , where only five of 180 polling locations opened for Wisconsin ’ s April primary , and Atlanta , where voters – some who did not receive absentee ballots in the mail – packed the limited number of polling sites open during its June primary .
`` We were really the poster-child across the country for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough poll workers , '' said Claire Woodall-Vogg , executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission .
`` The only good thing to come out of that is that our voters really had a visual of what a poll-worker shortage looks like .
Ever since April 7 , we 've had hundreds and hundreds of people applying to be an election worker . ''
Although an unprecedented number of Americans are expected to vote by mail in November , voting rights advocates have pushed for all in-person voting sites to remain open to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of color that are often the most likely to see polling locations closed and consolidated .
To recruit younger poll workers , Milwaukee partnered with the local Service Employees International Union , which represents restaurant workers and others in the service industry who tend to be young .
The Metro Atlanta Chamber launched an initiative to recruit `` young , tech-savvy Georgians '' in the region while the state of Georgia teamed with the ACLU .
Drawing more attention , Atlanta 's State Farm Arena , home to the NBA 's Atlanta Hawks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of several arenas and NFL stadiums nationally that will be used as voting sites .
In Houston , the Harris County Clerk 's Office has a young clerks program in which more than 4,500 high school students in the Houston area will work polls in November .
Texas law allows two excused absences a year for election work .
The students are among the 25,000 poll-worker applications received this year in Houston – far more than is needed to fill a record 11,000 positions .
The city anticipates having 808 voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 2016 .
`` There 's still more work to do , but we are in really good shape , '' Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins said .
`` We 're going to have more election workers than ever before – as many as 11,000 – but so far there 's been an outpouring of enthusiasm of folks wanting to be election workers .
Certainly , there are many more young people and middle-aged folks who have applied than ever before . ''
Some cities bump up pay during pandemic Hollins said fewer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than expected , which combined with the thousands of more applicants , led to the large surplus .
Election officials are optimistic in Detroit , where widespread problems from the state 's August primary led Michigan Secretary of State Joceyln Benson , a Democrat , to help oversee the November election .
Her office recruited 20,000 poll workers for the state , and with efforts ongoing , they believe there will be plenty to cover Detroit 's 6,000 election workers – one-third of whom are needed to count absentee ballots .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey said .
In Philadelphia , another city that will closely watched in the race between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden , election officials said they 've filled 5,660 of the city 's 8,515 poll worker positions – far ahead of the typical pace after receiving `` thousands '' of applications .
The response has been so great they 've been unable to contact everyone who has inquired .
`` Our poll-working endeavors have been largely focused on the millennials , trying to get them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Nakea Hurdle , chief deputy for Philadelphia City Commissioner Omar Sabir , who is overseeing the recruitment efforts .
`` We 've seen an overwhelmingly large response . ''
Part of attracting more poll workers in some cities during a pandemic is increasing pay .
Houston is paying poll workers , including the 4,500 high school students , $ 17 an hour .
Milwaukee , thanks to a grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life , added an additional $ 100 daily stipend on top of its normal $ 130 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has $ 150 in `` hazard pay '' on top of flat rates that range between $ 175 and $ 275 based on responsibilities .
Philadelphia pays at least $ 200 .
The Center for Tech and Civic Life received a $ 250 million donation from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerburg to provide grants to cities to support the staffing and training of poll workers .
The flood of applicants does n't mean the work is done – recruitment efforts will continue up to the election – nor does it mean that Election Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines or fewer in-person polling sites .
Some cities and states have already cut voting sites .
Maryland , for example , will have 80 % fewer polling locations in November , opting to instead adopt a limited number of `` voting centers , '' because of a sharp a decrease in people willing to be poll workers .
More : Maryland plans to open fewer polling places .
What does that mean for rural voters ?
Complicating the outlook , some cities have prepared for a higher-than-usual 20 % drop-off rate when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assignments because of the pandemic .
An analysis from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Democracy Works in August found more than 1.1 million poll workers are needed for the Nov. 3 election .
Typically , more than half are over the age of 60 years old .
Researchers projected a shortage of more than 465,000 poll workers .
Although that figure has been cut dramatically , a gap still remains .
Power the Polls , which formed in June to help recruit low-risk and diverse poll workers , surpassed its goal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearing 500,000 .
But not all applicants will find available positions , making it complicated to say how many poll workers are still needed nationally .
More than 100,000 people alone signed up during the first three days of September , coinciding with National Poll Worker Recruitment Day .
The nonprofit connects the applicants with local jurisdictions .
The goal is to create a `` bench ” of prospective poll workers who can fill in as needs arise and avoid any voting sites shutting down .
`` We 're really trying to emphasize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation of poll workers , '' said Scott Duncombe , co-director of Power the Polls .
`` Not only are they less at risk for the disease , they 're a little more tech-savvy .
A lot of times , we 've seen election technology causing lines and issues .
Additionally , young folks tend to be a little more representative . ''
He called the threat of a shortage a real `` crisis '' – but “ not one that we can ’ t solve together.
” Power the Poll ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country 's oldest historically African American fraternity that has recruited members to work polls .
The group has also tapped into the Million Mask Challenge to help provide protective equipment at polling sites .
`` It 's certainly been a huge challenge .
We 've never had to vote in a pandemic , ” Duncombe said .
“ What really makes me hopeful is that it seems that a lot of folks really are stepping up .
It seems like people are recognizing in many ways the need to serve .
Young folks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you got ta do something . ''
A push for more data from states Nathaniel Persily , a law professor from Stanford University , helped launch the Healthy Elections Project with MIT in April to help local election officials ensure a smooth election during the pandemic .
The project is working with two groups , Campus Compact and the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition , to recruit college undergraduate and graduate students to work polls .
“ While at the beginning of the summer , I was concerned about their ability to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re in much better position now than they were then , ” he said , referring to cities like Philadelphia , Milwaukee and Detroit .
He said the “ baptism by fire ” from the primary elections sounded the alarm early enough .
But before the election , the Healthy Elections Project is urging states to adopt an online poll-worker dashboard like Ohio has that shows needs on a county-by-county basis .
Persily said one of the problems with national efforts to recruit poll workers is not knowing where exactly help is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts are focusing on the battleground states and the biggest cities within them , but we don ’ t really know who ’ s doing well and who ’ s not . ''
Despite the strong recruitment , voting-rights advocates said they are continuing to monitor communities with large Black and Latino populations , which have historically experienced a disproportionate share of poll closures .
A 2019 report from the Leadership Conference Education Fund found 868 polling place closures from 2012 and 2018 in areas previously identified as Section 5 jurisdictions under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of polling places has been a problem long before COVID , ” said Vanita Gupta , president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights , “ and now COVID and the impact on poll workers have made that an even dire situation .
`` What 's interesting right now is that there 's so much energy right now to engage and show up for our democracy at a time when it is getting battered by the president and the administration , ” she said .
“ I think there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be ‘ democracy workers.
’ ” Megan Lewis , co-founder and executive director of the Voting Rights Lab , which is working to ensure voter accessibility , noted that African Americans vote by mail at lower rates than other voters .
She said that makes it more important to ensure in-person polling sites remain open in neighborhoods with large Black populations .
“ We 've seen in study after study , even in prior elections , that if you close polling places you will have a disproportionate impact on voters of color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is key , ” she said , but added she ’ s optimistic “ the combination of efforts ” will allow the November election to run smoother than the primaries .
That optimism is thanks to people like Valerie Ogamba , a 31-year-old sales worker , avid volunteer and budding law school student from Dublin , California , in the Bay Area .
As Ogamba was checking on the status of mail-voting for herself , she saw an online link to volunteer as a poll worker .
She signed up to work four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It will be the first time she ’ s worked as a poll worker .
“ As an African American woman , I just really wanted to put an emphasis on my volunteering and making sure I was all hands-on deck , ” Ogamba said .
“ I ’ m really thrilled .
With how important this election , I just can ’ t wait to be at the voting polls.
” Detroit Free Press staff writer Dave Boucher contributed to this report .
Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @ joeygarrison .

Not old enough to vote, but old enough to help: How teens are helping to avert an election crisis
Show Caption Hide Caption Why voter suppression in the US has increased since 2013 Civil rights experts point to long wait times to vote as a sign of growing voter suppression in the U.S. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Like thousands of other teenagers, Abhinand Keshamouni's introduction to working the polls came from watching "The Daily Show."
Host Trevor Noah ends each episode with a pitch for Power the Polls, a national recruitment network working to ensure there are enough poll workers on Election Day. The message resonated with Keshamouni, a 17-year-old senior from Canton, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit.
He signed up first for the Michigan state primary in August. And he will be back at a polling site Nov. 3, when he will take off a day from his high school that's conducting classes online. Keshamouni will be among more 1 million poll workers braving a pandemic to ensure people can vote – and he got four of his buddies to do the same.
"I thought it was a really good way to help our democracy, especially because I can't vote right now," Keshamouni said, adding that he also got a little pressure from his parents, Indian immigrants who will be voting in their first presidential election. "My entire family can vote except for me, so they were like, 'Go work the polls!' "
Facing a drastic shortage of poll workers in November because of the coronavirus pandemic, an army of voting rights groups and other organizations this summer waged the most robust poll-worker recruitment campaign in modern election history. It has included high-profile allies, from Noah to NBA star LeBron James, whose recently formed More Than a Vote organization has worked to increase poll workers in predominantly Black districts. Companies like Old Navy, Warby Parker and Target are paying their employees who take a day off to work the polls.
Are you registered to vote?: Check your status or register online now
Senior citizens historically make up the bulk of the workforce at polling sites but thousands opted out this year because they're the most vulnerable to coronavirus. For months, voting rights advocates feared cities might not have the manpower to keep all in-person polling sites open – particularly in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan that could decide the presidential election.
But now election officials in cities such as Milwaukee, Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Houston aren't just confident they will be able to keep an expanded number of polling sites open. Fueled in part by a willingness of people in their 20s and 30s to step up, some cities said they have thousands more applications than they need.
"We have way more than we can even use right now," said Richard Barron, Fulton County director of registration and elections in Atlanta, which has added 91 new polling locations since the state's June primary. Fulton County has nearly 7,000 applications for 2,900 poll-worker positions. "We're in very good shape. A lot of people saw what happened in June and they decided they needed to get involved."
Long lines snarl voting in Georgia amid pandemic Voters face long lines and waits at polling places in Georgia as the state holds its delayed primary election amid a shortage of poll workers and social-distancing precautions. (June 9) AP
Barron said that includes many poll workers in their late teens and early 20s, pointing to one early voting site during the state's August's primary runoff that was staffed by six people under 25 years old.
"We've never had that before," he said.
Lessons from recent state primaries
In some states, poll workers can be as young as 16 years old. Election officials hope the young recruits return for future elections, making it their new civic tradition and creating a “new generation of poll workers.”
Prompting much of the activism: the scenes of hours-long lines of voters during state primaries early on in the pandemic. Among the longest lines were in Milwaukee, where only five of 180 polling locations opened for Wisconsin’s April primary, and Atlanta, where voters – some who did not receive absentee ballots in the mail – packed the limited number of polling sites open during its June primary.
"We were really the poster-child across the country for what it looks like not to have enough poll workers," said Claire Woodall-Vogg, executive director of the Milwaukee Election Commission. "The only good thing to come out of that is that our voters really had a visual of what a poll-worker shortage looks like. Ever since April 7, we've had hundreds and hundreds of people applying to be an election worker."
Although an unprecedented number of Americans are expected to vote by mail in November, voting rights advocates have pushed for all in-person voting sites to remain open to avoid voter suppression, particularly in communities of color that are often the most likely to see polling locations closed and consolidated.
To recruit younger poll workers, Milwaukee partnered with the local Service Employees International Union, which represents restaurant workers and others in the service industry who tend to be young.
The Metro Atlanta Chamber launched an initiative to recruit "young, tech-savvy Georgians" in the region while the state of Georgia teamed with the ACLU. Drawing more attention, Atlanta's State Farm Arena, home to the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, is one of several arenas and NFL stadiums nationally that will be used as voting sites.
In Houston, the Harris County Clerk's Office has a young clerks program in which more than 4,500 high school students in the Houston area will work polls in November. Texas law allows two excused absences a year for election work. The students are among the 25,000 poll-worker applications received this year in Houston – far more than is needed to fill a record 11,000 positions. The city anticipates having 808 voting sites this year, around 60 more than 2016.
"There's still more work to do, but we are in really good shape," Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins said. "We're going to have more election workers than ever before – as many as 11,000 – but so far there's been an outpouring of enthusiasm of folks wanting to be election workers. Certainly, there are many more young people and middle-aged folks who have applied than ever before."
Some cities bump up pay during pandemic
Hollins said fewer senior poll workers backed out in Houston than expected, which combined with the thousands of more applicants, led to the large surplus.
Election officials are optimistic in Detroit, where widespread problems from the state's August primary led Michigan Secretary of State Joceyln Benson, a Democrat, to help oversee the November election. Her office recruited 20,000 poll workers for the state, and with efforts ongoing, they believe there will be plenty to cover Detroit's 6,000 election workers – one-third of whom are needed to count absentee ballots.
Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
“It’s looking very, very promising," Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey said.
In Philadelphia, another city that will closely watched in the race between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden, election officials said they've filled 5,660 of the city's 8,515 poll worker positions – far ahead of the typical pace after receiving "thousands" of applications. The response has been so great they've been unable to contact everyone who has inquired.
"Our poll-working endeavors have been largely focused on the millennials, trying to get them involved in the democratic process," said Nakea Hurdle, chief deputy for Philadelphia City Commissioner Omar Sabir, who is overseeing the recruitment efforts. "We've seen an overwhelmingly large response."
Part of attracting more poll workers in some cities during a pandemic is increasing pay. Houston is paying poll workers, including the 4,500 high school students, $17 an hour. Milwaukee, thanks to a grant from the Center for Tech and Civic Life, added an additional $100 daily stipend on top of its normal $130 daily pay. Fulton County, Georgia has $150 in "hazard pay" on top of flat rates that range between $175 and $275 based on responsibilities. Philadelphia pays at least $200.
The Center for Tech and Civic Life received a $250 million donation from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerburg to provide grants to cities to support the staffing and training of poll workers.
The flood of applicants doesn't mean the work is done – recruitment efforts will continue up to the election – nor does it mean that Election Day will take place without problems, long lines or fewer in-person polling sites.
Some cities and states have already cut voting sites. Maryland, for example, will have 80% fewer polling locations in November, opting to instead adopt a limited number of "voting centers," because of a sharp a decrease in people willing to be poll workers.
More: Maryland plans to open fewer polling places. What does that mean for rural voters?
Complicating the outlook, some cities have prepared for a higher-than-usual 20% drop-off rate when it comes to showing up for work assignments because of the pandemic.
An analysis from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Democracy Works in August found more than 1.1 million poll workers are needed for the Nov. 3 election. Typically, more than half are over the age of 60 years old. Researchers projected a shortage of more than 465,000 poll workers. Although that figure has been cut dramatically, a gap still remains.
A 'bench' of poll workers
Power the Polls, which formed in June to help recruit low-risk and diverse poll workers, surpassed its goal of signing up 250,000 people and is now nearing 500,000. But not all applicants will find available positions, making it complicated to say how many poll workers are still needed nationally.
More than 100,000 people alone signed up during the first three days of September, coinciding with National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. The nonprofit connects the applicants with local jurisdictions. The goal is to create a "bench” of prospective poll workers who can fill in as needs arise and avoid any voting sites shutting down.
"We're really trying to emphasize young folks as sort of the next generation of poll workers," said Scott Duncombe, co-director of Power the Polls. "Not only are they less at risk for the disease, they're a little more tech-savvy. A lot of times, we've seen election technology causing lines and issues. Additionally, young folks tend to be a little more representative."
He called the threat of a shortage a real "crisis" – but “not one that we can’t solve together.”
Power the Poll’s partners include Alpha Phi Alpha, the country's oldest historically African American fraternity that has recruited members to work polls. The group has also tapped into the Million Mask Challenge to help provide protective equipment at polling sites.
"It's certainly been a huge challenge. We've never had to vote in a pandemic,” Duncombe said. “What really makes me hopeful is that it seems that a lot of folks really are stepping up. It seems like people are recognizing in many ways the need to serve. Young folks in particularly are stepping up and recognizing that you gotta do something."
A push for more data from states
Nathaniel Persily, a law professor from Stanford University, helped launch the Healthy Elections Project with MIT in April to help local election officials ensure a smooth election during the pandemic. The project is working with two groups, Campus Compact and the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition, to recruit college undergraduate and graduate students to work polls.
“While at the beginning of the summer, I was concerned about their ability to recruit poll workers, I think they’re in much better position now than they were then,” he said, referring to cities like Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Detroit. He said the “baptism by fire” from the primary elections sounded the alarm early enough.
But before the election, the Healthy Elections Project is urging states to adopt an online poll-worker dashboard like Ohio has that shows needs on a county-by-county basis. Persily said one of the problems with national efforts to recruit poll workers is not knowing where exactly help is needed.
“Naturally the poll-worker recruitment efforts are focusing on the battleground states and the biggest cities within them, but we don’t really know who’s doing well and who’s not."
Despite the strong recruitment, voting-rights advocates said they are continuing to monitor communities with large Black and Latino populations, which have historically experienced a disproportionate share of poll closures. A 2019 report from the Leadership Conference Education Fund found 868 polling place closures from 2012 and 2018 in areas previously identified as Section 5 jurisdictions under the Voting Rights Act.
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“The closing of polling places has been a problem long before COVID,” said Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, “and now COVID and the impact on poll workers have made that an even dire situation.
"What's interesting right now is that there's so much energy right now to engage and show up for our democracy at a time when it is getting battered by the president and the administration,” she said. “I think there are a lot of folks who want to be ‘democracy workers.’”
'Vigilance is key'
Megan Lewis, co-founder and executive director of the Voting Rights Lab, which is working to ensure voter accessibility, noted that African Americans vote by mail at lower rates than other voters. She said that makes it more important to ensure in-person polling sites remain open in neighborhoods with large Black populations.
“We've seen in study after study, even in prior elections, that if you close polling places you will have a disproportionate impact on voters of color,” Lewis said.
"Vigilance is key,” she said, but added she’s optimistic “the combination of efforts” will allow the November election to run smoother than the primaries.
That optimism is thanks to people like Valerie Ogamba, a 31-year-old sales worker, avid volunteer and budding law school student from Dublin, California, in the Bay Area.
As Ogamba was checking on the status of mail-voting for herself, she saw an online link to volunteer as a poll worker. She signed up to work four days of early voting in Alameda County. It will be the first time she’s worked as a poll worker.
“As an African American woman, I just really wanted to put an emphasis on my volunteering and making sure I was all hands-on deck,” Ogamba said. “I’m really thrilled. With how important this election, I just can’t wait to be at the voting polls.”
Detroit Free Press staff writer Dave Boucher contributed to this report. Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.


usatoday--2020-09-24--Breonna Taylor decision: Alicia Keys 'infuriated,' Oprah and more stars share reactions

Celebrities are speaking out following a grand jury 's decision regarding the shooting death of Breonna Taylor .
On Wednesday , Brett Hankison , a former Louisville , Kentucky , police detective , was indicted on felony charges of wanton endangerment for shooting into an apartment next door to Taylor .
The two other officers involved in the shooting , Sgt .
Jonathan Mattingly and Detective Myles Cosgrove , were justified in their use of force , state Attorney General Daniel Cameron said at a news conference .
Viola Davis wrote on Twitter that the grand jury only indicting one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lesser charge , was a `` bulls -- - decision . ''
`` BLACK LIVES MATTER !
!
! ''
the actress continued .
`` Can not be said enough times.
” Oprah Winfrey tweeted that she is thinking of Taylor 's mother during this time .
`` Her mother ’ s child , '' she wrote .
`` My heart goes out to Tamika Palmer , who has to be reminded , again and again , that her 'baby won ’ t be coming through that door . '
`` Kerry Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ importance of voting .
“ Daniel Cameron is on Donald Trump ’ s short list as replacement of # RGB on the Supreme Court , '' she wrote on Twitter .
`` The same man who decided to not charge the officers responsible for killing # BreonnaTaylor .
Vote.
” In a video message , Stevie Wonder said : “ No amount of money has ever brought a life back .
Ask yourself ‘ Why so long for Breonna Taylor ?
’ ” Busta Rhymes tweeted that `` accountability needs to occur in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` error '' in Cameron 's announcement to be corrected .
`` It ’ s like it has taken on new heights with how much it is being put in our face and shoved down our throats with no proper accountability , '' he added .
`` There will be a time when that accountability will come back a thousand times fold and I long for that day to come anxiously . ''
Alicia Keys tweeted that the news was infuriating .
“ This is is a PRIME example of Rotten to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
`` UnJust !
!
!
!
Disrespectful and BLATANT DISREGARD !
!
!
!
Infuriated !
!
!
!
!
!
!
” In an interview with the Associated Press , Queen Latifah said that it was a `` very complicated situation . ''
`` But it ain ’ t right and enough already , '' she continued .
`` Enough already .
It ’ s time for some people to go to jail.
” Latifah also told the AP that everyone should register to vote .
“ Vote early , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard , '' she added .
`` This is not a year to take it easy , because no one has taken it easy on us , you know .
And there ’ s no reason that young woman should not be walking around today ; there ’ s no reason her mom should be burying her child.
” Oprah Winfrey is demanding justice for Breonna Taylor with 26 billboards in Louisville Rapper Common tweeted clips of Martin Luther King Jr. , Malcolm X and James Baldwin speaking about racism in America following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comedian W. Kamau Bell also decried the decision on Twitter , saying that it showed that `` property is worth more than a Black woman . ''
`` Brett Hankison is indicted for shooting into the apartment NEXT to Breonna Taylor & not for KILLING HER , '' he wrote .
`` He 's fired for shooting into BREONNA TAYLOR 'S apartment & not for KILLING HER .
This is systemic racism . ''
Kentucky native George Clooney slammed the decision in a statement to USA TODAY , saying the indictment does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born and raised in Kentucky , '' he said .
`` Cut tobacco on the farms of Kentucky .
Both my parents and my sister live in Kentucky .
I own a home in Kentucky , and I was there last month .
The justice system I was raised to believe in holds people responsible for their actions . ''
He continued : `` Her name was Breonna Taylor and she was shot to death in her bed by 3 white police officers , who will not be charged with any crime for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I know the commonwealth .
And I was taught in the schools and churches of Kentucky what is right and what is wrong .
I ’ m ashamed of this decision . ''
Christianh ip hop artist Lecrae tweeted the news was `` all kind of numbing .
`` On one hand it ’ s like I KNOW I ’ m not crazy there ’ s a real problem in our country .
On the other I ’ m sad that everyone doesn ’ t see it and some don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Of course I know God is at work .
It ’ s just tough to process it all . ''
Writer-director Aaron Sorkin said in an interview with the AP that he expects the decision to provoke outrage .
`` Of course people are going to get on the street and they ’ re going to show you their pain , they ’ re going to show you their anger , '' he said .
`` And you have to meet that by listening .
You can not meet that by pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and poison that you ’ re spraying in people ’ s eyes and noses .
But that is what will happen . ''
Contributing : Louisville Courier Journal and the Associated Press

Breonna Taylor decision: Alicia Keys 'infuriated,' Chris Rock and more stars share reactions
Show Caption Hide Caption Breonna Taylor: Kentucky grand jury indicts 1 officer Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison has been indicted on criminal charges after shooting into the apartment next door to Breonna Taylor. USA TODAY
Celebrities are speaking out following a grand jury's decision regarding the shooting death of Breonna Taylor.
On Wednesday, Brett Hankison, a former Louisville, Kentucky, police detective, was indicted on felony charges of wanton endangerment for shooting into an apartment next door to Taylor. The two other officers involved in the shooting, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly and Detective Myles Cosgrove, were justified in their use of force, state Attorney General Daniel Cameron said at a news conference.
Viola Davis wrote on Twitter that the grand jury only indicting one of the officers, and on a lesser charge, was a "bulls--- decision."
"BLACK LIVES MATTER!!!" the actress continued. "Cannot be said enough times.”
Bulls--- decision!!! BLACK LIVES MATTER!!! Cannot be said enough times. https://t.co/HOrDQzHJ0d — Viola Davis (@violadavis) September 23, 2020
Oprah Winfrey tweeted that she is thinking of Taylor's mother during this time.
"Her mother’s child," she wrote. "My heart goes out to Tamika Palmer, who has to be reminded, again and again, that her 'baby won’t be coming through that door.' "
Yes. Her mother’s child. My heart goes out to Tamika Palmer, who has to be reminded, again and again, that her “baby won’t be coming through that door.” #BreonnaTaylor https://t.co/HZ2AOGjq8G — Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) September 23, 2020
Kerry Washington criticized the Kentucky AG and emphasized the importance of voting.
“Daniel Cameron is on Donald Trump’s short list as replacement of #RGB on the Supreme Court," she wrote on Twitter. "The same man who decided to not charge the officers responsible for killing #BreonnaTaylor. Vote.”
In a video message, Stevie Wonder said: “No amount of money has ever brought a life back. Ask yourself ‘Why so long for Breonna Taylor?’”
Chris Rock opened up about his reaction to the decision in an interview with "Good Morning America."
"Of course I'm upset about the Breonna Taylor verdict," he said. "It seems that not only should the cops have been charged, but it seems like the whole chain of command should have been reprimanded for such a heinous act. A woman's life was lost for absolutely nothing."
.@chrisrock on the Breonna Taylor grand jury decision: “It’s just insane that this is something that we’re all used to.” https://t.co/geCNk1rRl9 pic.twitter.com/2rS7OdC7K4 — Good Morning America (@GMA) September 24, 2020
Busta Rhymes tweeted that "accountability needs to occur in a new way," pleading for the "error" in Cameron's announcement to be corrected.
"It’s like it has taken on new heights with how much it is being put in our face and shoved down our throats with no proper accountability," he added. "There will be a time when that accountability will come back a thousand times fold and I long for that day to come anxiously."
Alicia Keys tweeted that the news was infuriating.
“This is is a PRIME example of Rotten to the CORE!!!" she wrote. "UnJust!!!! Disrespectful and BLATANT DISREGARD!!!! Infuriated!!!!!!!”
This is is a PRIME example of Rotten to the CORE!!! UnJust!!!! Disrespectful and BLATANT DISREGARD!!!! Infuriated!!!!!!! https://t.co/TWVeV8Q3rp — Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) September 23, 2020
In an interview with the Associated Press, Queen Latifah said that it was a "very complicated situation."
"But it ain’t right and enough already," she continued. "Enough already. It’s time for some people to go to jail.”
Latifah also told the AP that everyone should register to vote.
“Vote early, go hard, we got to go hard," she added. "This is not a year to take it easy, because no one has taken it easy on us, you know. And there’s no reason that young woman should not be walking around today; there’s no reason her mom should be burying her child.”
Oprah Winfrey is demanding justice for Breonna Taylor with 26 billboards in Louisville
Rapper Common tweeted clips of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin speaking about racism in America following the news of Taylor's case.
"To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a state of rage almost all of the time." James Baldwin. #BreonnaTaylor pic.twitter.com/CUcRcEsXCE — COMMON (@common) September 23, 2020
Tamron Hall addressed the Taylor decision on her show Thursday.
"Like so many of you watching right now, I had a sleepless night to be honest with you," Hall said before sharing a short clip of her June interview with Taylor's mother. "Heartbroken that an innocent woman could be killed unarmed in her own bed and so many of us are left asking ‘how is this possible?"
Comedian W. Kamau Bell also decried the decision on Twitter, saying that it showed that "property is worth more than a Black woman."
"Brett Hankison is indicted for shooting into the apartment NEXT to Breonna Taylor & not for KILLING HER," he wrote. "He's fired for shooting into BREONNA TAYLOR'S apartment & not for KILLING HER. This is systemic racism."
Kentucky native George Clooney slammed the decision in a statement to USA TODAY, saying the indictment does not reflect his values.
"I was born and raised in Kentucky," he said. "Cut tobacco on the farms of Kentucky. Both my parents and my sister live in Kentucky. I own a home in Kentucky, and I was there last month. The justice system I was raised to believe in holds people responsible for their actions."
He continued: "Her name was Breonna Taylor and she was shot to death in her bed by 3 white police officers, who will not be charged with any crime for her death. I know the community. I know the commonwealth. And I was taught in the schools and churches of Kentucky what is right and what is wrong. I’m ashamed of this decision."
Demi Lovato wrote on Instagram that "we are still demanding justice" for Taylor and Emmett Till, a teenager whose lynching in 1955 helped catalyze the civil rights movement.
"We will not stop fighting for you," she continued. "I’m sick at what has transpired today. I was at a complete loss of words when I saw the breaking headlines today. We cannot continue this way. WAKE UP!"
Mike McCready of Pearl Jam said in a statement on his band's Twitter that the decision was "egregious and lacking in justice."
"This charge does not value her life and continues to validate the broken system that does not support those most in need, especially communities of color," he added.
Though McCready wrote that he does not agree with violent protests, he added that "deciding what is an appropriate way for communities of color to react is not my place or the place of any other white person."
"What I believe my job as a white man is, is to be an ally to communities of color, work at being antiracist, and listen to help effect change for communities most in need."
Christian hip hop artist Lecrae tweeted the news was "all kind of numbing.
"On one hand it’s like I KNOW I’m not crazy there’s a real problem in our country. On the other I’m sad that everyone doesn’t see it and some don’t want to," he added. "Of course I know God is at work. It’s just tough to process it all."
Writer-director Aaron Sorkin said in an interview with the AP that he expects the decision to provoke outrage.
"Of course people are going to get on the street and they’re going to show you their pain, they’re going to show you their anger," he said. "And you have to meet that by listening. You cannot meet that by pushing back with what are essentially baseball bats and poison that you’re spraying in people’s eyes and noses. But that is what will happen."
Contributing: Louisville Courier Journal and the Associated Press
Breonna Taylor's mom and Beyoncé's mom get emotional talking Heroes Act, voting reform