usatoday--2020-07-31--Hurricane Isaias forecast to become 90 mph storm; hurricane watch issued for Florida's east coast

• Heavy rain associated with Isaias could arrive in South and east-Central Florida tonight .
• Tropical storm watch in effect for Ocean Reef to Sebastian Inlet and Lake Okeechobee .
BREVARD , Fla. – Hurricane watches are in effect for the east coast of Florida as Hurricane Isaias weakened slightly , with winds dropping to 75 mph as it moved toward a likely weekend arrival offshore , according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center .
Earlier forecasts that Isaias could become a Category 2 hurricane Saturday have been revised .
Winds are now forecast to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida , which is Category 1 strength .
The NHC said Isaias is forecast to move near or over the Northwestern Bahamas Saturday and near the east coast of the Florida peninsula Saturday afternoon through Sunday .
The east coast of Florida is in the forecast path of the large hurricane and some models show the eye coming ashore or brushing the coast , according to the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network .
Hurricane Isaias : How did the storm get its name , and how do you pronounce it ?
Strong winds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beach conditions , are possible along coast over the weekend , according to the National Weather Service , Melbourne .
The hurricane service said the eastern Carolinas could feel the effects of the hurricane by early next week , with heavy rains and isolated flash and urban flooding .
Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area in Florida beginning Saturday .
At 2 p.m. EST , the center of Hurricane Isaias was located 245 miles southeast of Nassau .
Isaias is moving toward the northwest near 16 mph , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward speed is expected for the next couple of days , followed by a turn toward the north-northwest .
On the forecast track , the center of Isaias will move near or over the southeastern Bahamas today .
Isaias is forecast to be near the Central Bahamas tonight , and move near or over the Northwestern Bahamas and be near or east of Florida on Saturday and Sunday .
Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph , with higher gusts .
Some strengthening is possible today , and Isaias is expected to remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles .
What impact will Hurricane Isaias have on Florida ?
Hurricane conditions are possible across Florida over the weekend .
The National Weather Service , Melbourne , said impacts to east-central Florida include : • Strong tropical storm to hurricane-force winds will be possible along the coast over the weekend , especially the barrier islands .
• Squalls with wind gusts of 35-65 mph possible , with the highest winds near the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mostly along the Treasure Coast Gov .
Ron DeSantis Wednesday encouraged everyone to prepare by having at least seven days of supplies .
# Disaster supply kit checklist '' The U.S. will only get skimmed in Florida and the Carolina coastline with the only possible landfall along the Carolina coast early next week , '' AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert said .
`` It will be losing wind intensity by that time though , but it still will bring rain , wind and rough surf , especially to the Florida and Carolina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miller cautioned that people should not focus on just the eye path given the sweeping size of Isaias .
Torrential downpours , gusty thunderstorms and building seas are likely to precede Isaias by as much as 24 hours , which means that tropical storm conditions will spread northwestward across Cuba during through early Saturday and should begin in Miami during Friday night or early Saturday morning .
Storm surge : A dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels in areas of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Tropical storm conditions will continue across portions of the Dominican Republic , Haiti , and the Turks and Caicos this morning .
Hurricane conditions are expected to begin in the southeastern Bahamas this morning and spread into the central and northwestern Bahamas tonight and into Saturday .
Rainfall : Isaias is expected to produce the following rain accumulations through Saturday : • Dominican Republic and northern Haiti : 4 to 8 inches , with isolated maximum totals of 12 inches .
• Bahamas , Turks and Caicos : 4 to 8 inches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with isolated maximum totals of 4 inches .
These rainfall amounts will lead to life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides , as well as river flooding .
From Friday night through Monday : South Florida into east-Central Florida : 2 to 4 inches , with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches .
These rainfall amounts could result in isolated flash and urban flooding , especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas .
Heavy rains associated with Isaias may begin to affect the eastern Carolinas by early next week .
This rain could result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas , as well as isolated minor river flooding .
Surf : wells generated by Isaias are affecting portions of Puerto Rico , the Dominican Republic , the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas .
These swells will spread along the coast of Cuba and into the central and northwestern Bahamas later today and along the east coast of Florida on Saturday .
These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions .

Cheryl McCloud and Doyle Rice, USA TODAY NETWORK

Hurricane Isaias forecast to become 90 mph storm; hurricane watch issued for Florida's east coast
Show Caption Hide Caption Hurricane Isaias forecasted to move further east away from Florida coast Hurricane Isaias is forecasted to move further east away from Florida's coast but will still bring wind and rain over the weekend. Tronc - Sun Sentinel, Tronc - Sun Sentinel
Heavy rain associated with Isaias could arrive in South and east-Central Florida tonight.
Tropical storm conditions possible along Florida's east coast starting Saturday.
Tropical storm watch in effect for Ocean Reef to Sebastian Inlet and Lake Okeechobee.
BREVARD, Fla. – Hurricane watches are in effect for the east coast of Florida as Hurricane Isaias weakened slightly, with winds dropping to 75 mph as it moved toward a likely weekend arrival offshore, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center.
Earlier forecasts that Isaias could become a Category 2 hurricane Saturday have been revised. Winds are now forecast to reach 90 mph by the time it approaches Florida, which is Category 1 strength.
The NHC said Isaias is forecast to move near or over the Northwestern Bahamas Saturday and near the east coast of the Florida peninsula Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
The east coast of Florida is in the forecast path of the large hurricane and some models show the eye coming ashore or brushing the coast, according to the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network.
Hurricane Isaias: How did the storm get its name, and how do you pronounce it?
Strong winds and heavy rain, along with dangerous beach conditions, are possible along coast over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service, Melbourne.
The hurricane service said the eastern Carolinas could feel the effects of the hurricane by early next week, with heavy rains and isolated flash and urban flooding.
Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area in Florida beginning Saturday.
Location: 245 miles southeast of Nassau
Maximum sustained winds: 75 mph
Movement: northwest at 16 mph
Next advisory: 5 p.m.
At 2 p.m. EST, the center of Hurricane Isaias was located 245 miles southeast of Nassau.
Isaias is moving toward the northwest near 16 mph, and a generally northwest motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected for the next couple of days, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest.
More: See live beach cams from Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands
On the forecast track, the center of Isaias will move near or over the southeastern Bahamas today.
Isaias is forecast to be near the Central Bahamas tonight, and move near or over the Northwestern Bahamas and be near or east of Florida on Saturday and Sunday.
Maximum sustained winds are near 75 mph, with higher gusts.
Some strengthening is possible today, and Isaias is expected to remain a hurricane for the next few days.
Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 35 miles from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles.
The estimated minimum central pressure is 991 mb.
There is a lot of spread in the guidance beyond that as to what strength #Isaias is at. A more sheared system should be weaker, but potentially could go more west. Regardless if you are in the cone or under a watch (expect more later) you should be preparing for a hurricane. pic.twitter.com/gLhndi9zkf — Jim Cantore (@JimCantore) July 31, 2020
What impact will Hurricane Isaias have on Florida?
Hurricane conditions are possible across Florida over the weekend. The National Weather Service, Melbourne, said impacts to east-central Florida include:
Strong tropical storm to hurricane-force winds will be possible along the coast over the weekend, especially the barrier islands.
Squalls with wind gusts of 35-65 mph possible, with the highest winds near the coast.
3-5 inches of rain, mostly along the Treasure Coast
Dangerous beach and marine conditions are expected.
Gov. Ron DeSantis Wednesday encouraged everyone to prepare by having at least seven days of supplies. #Disaster supply kit checklist
"The U.S. will only get skimmed in Florida and the Carolina coastline with the only possible landfall along the Carolina coast early next week," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alan Reppert said.
"It will be losing wind intensity by that time though, but it still will bring rain, wind and rough surf, especially to the Florida and Carolina coastline."
AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Rob Miller cautioned that people should not focus on just the eye path given the sweeping size of Isaias.
Torrential downpours, gusty thunderstorms and building seas are likely to precede Isaias by as much as 24 hours, which means that tropical storm conditions will spread northwestward across Cuba during through early Saturday and should begin in Miami during Friday night or early Saturday morning.
Hazards affecting land
Storm surge: A dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore winds in the Bahamas.
Wind: Tropical storm conditions will continue across portions of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and the Turks and Caicos this morning. Hurricane conditions are expected to begin in the southeastern Bahamas this morning and spread into the central and northwestern Bahamas tonight and into Saturday.
Rainfall: Isaias is expected to produce the following rain accumulations through Saturday:
Dominican Republic and northern Haiti: 4 to 8 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 12 inches.
Bahamas, Turks and Caicos: 4 to 8 inches. Cuba: 1 to 2 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 4 inches.
These rainfall amounts will lead to life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, as well as river flooding.
From Friday night through Monday: South Florida into east-Central Florida: 2 to 4 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches.
These rainfall amounts could result in isolated flash and urban flooding, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas.
Heavy rains associated with Isaias may begin to affect the eastern Carolinas by early next week. This rain could result in isolated flash and urban flooding, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas, as well as isolated minor river flooding.
Surf: wells generated by Isaias are affecting portions of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas. These swells will spread along the coast of Cuba and into the central and northwestern Bahamas later today and along the east coast of Florida on Saturday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.


usatoday--2020-07-31--Some foster parents object to new Iowa rules on vaccination, spanking children

DES MOINES — Some Iowa foster parents have objected to new state rules that would require them to have their own children vaccinated and would bar them from spanking their own kids .
`` It 's not the state 's duty to parent children that are biological or adopted to the family , '' said Sam Jones , an Iowa pastor who has served as a foster parent .
The Iowa Department of Human Services is reassessing the rules in light of such complaints , spokesman Matt Highland said .
“ Director ( Kelly ) Garcia is hearing these concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both the safety and well-being of Iowa ’ s foster children while preserving parental rights , ” Highland wrote this week in an email to the Des Moines Register , part of the USA TODAY network .
“ We apologize for any confusion this has caused for our foster families and we are grateful for their service in providing safe homes for Iowa ’ s children in need.
” Iowa ’ s foster parents already are prohibited from spanking or using other corporal punishment on foster children , and they generally must ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinations , Highland said .
Under the new rules , those requirements also would apply to the foster parents ’ own children living in the home .
More than 5,000 Iowa children are in foster care , including many who are staying with relatives .
The state has 2,516 licensed foster families , who can take in unrelated children .
Highland said the new rules were part of Iowa 's effort to comply with the federal `` Family First Act , '' a 2018 law that requires changes in foster care .
Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foster care rules in 2019 , and the changes were to go into effect Sept. 1 .
Concerns surfaced after the Department of Human Services notified foster parents recently that they would have to sign a 17-point `` foster family assurances agreement '' spelling out many of the requirements .
Jones and his wife , Sarah , have been foster parents to three children .
They adopted one of the children , Thomas , who is now 1½ years old .
They hope to be foster parents to more children , but would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Jones .
Authorities have the right to tell families how to care for foster children , who are the state 's responsibility , he said , but they should n't interfere with how people parent their own children unless there is evidence of abuse .
`` We 're all about family liberty , '' he said .
Jones said he and his wife will decide on a `` case by case basis '' which vaccinations to give Thomas .
He also said he is opposed to child abuse , but considers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Department of Human Services email about the new rules on Monday .
The letter includes an explanation of the ban on `` corporal or degrading punishment '' of any children in the household where a foster child lives .
`` Corporal punishment is any form of physical discipline in which a child is spanked , paddled or hit in any part of the body with a hand or instrument , '' the letter says .
An advocate for children 's safety said he agrees with the department 's new ban on corporal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own children .
Greg Bellville , executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Iowa , said non-violent disciplinary tactics are just as effective as physical punishment and help promote a positive relationship between a caregiver and child .
“ Kids that are in the foster care system have already experienced some level of trauma , ” Bellville said .
“ Witnessing physical discipline is something that can re-trigger or re-traumatize some of those kids based on what their previous experiences are.
” But Bellville said such rule changes can bring friction .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objections –– it ’ s new , and change is hard , ” Bellville said .
“ The fact that they are saying , ‘ We put these rules out , we hear this feedback from people in the community , let 's take a step back and reevaluate , ' ...
I respect the fact that they 're taking the time to do that.
” Jones contends there needs to be a distinction between child abuse and reasonable corporal punishment , such as slapping a child 's hand away from an open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule changes should be made by elected legislators .
`` It 's not something that should be taken care of by bureaucratic overstep , '' he said .
• Foster parents must not use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol , and they must not smoke in foster children 's presence , in their home or a car used to transport the foster children .
• If the foster homes have swimming pools , foster families must follow several safety rules .
• Foster families may not post photos or descriptions of foster children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a breach of confidentiality and considered a serious license violation , '' the letter says .
• A child older than 5 may not sleep in the same room as a child of the opposite sex .
• All caregivers must be vaccinated against whooping cough , unless they have a medical reason not to be .

Tony Leys and Maya Miller, Des Moines Register

Some foster parents object to new Iowa rules on vaccination, spanking own children
DES MOINES — Some Iowa foster parents have objected to new state rules that would require them to have their own children vaccinated and would bar them from spanking their own kids.
"It's not the state's duty to parent children that are biological or adopted to the family," said Sam Jones, an Iowa pastor who has served as a foster parent.
The Iowa Department of Human Services is reassessing the rules in light of such complaints, spokesman Matt Highland said.
“Director (Kelly) Garcia is hearing these concerns and exploring the available options to balance both the safety and well-being of Iowa’s foster children while preserving parental rights,” Highland wrote this week in an email to the Des Moines Register, part of the USA TODAY Network.
“We apologize for any confusion this has caused for our foster families and we are grateful for their service in providing safe homes for Iowa’s children in need.”
Iowa’s foster parents already are prohibited from spanking or using other corporal punishment on foster children, and they generally must ensure foster children are up to date on vaccinations, Highland said. Under the new rules, those requirements also would apply to the foster parents’ own children living in the home.
More than 5,000 Iowa children are in foster care, including many who are staying with relatives. The state has 2,516 licensed foster families, who can take in unrelated children.
Highland said the new rules were part of Iowa's effort to comply with the federal "Family First Act," a 2018 law that requires changes in foster care.
Iowa officials received federal approval for their proposed foster care rules in 2019, and the changes were to go into effect Sept. 1. Concerns surfaced after the Department of Human Services notified foster parents recently that they would have to sign a 17-point "foster family assurances agreement" spelling out many of the requirements.
Jones and his wife, Sarah, have been foster parents to three children. They adopted one of the children, Thomas, who is now 1½ years old. They hope to be foster parents to more children, but would not do so under the new conditions, said Jones.
Authorities have the right to tell families how to care for foster children, who are the state's responsibility, he said, but they shouldn't interfere with how people parent their own children unless there is evidence of abuse. "We're all about family liberty," he said.
Jones said he and his wife will decide on a "case by case basis" which vaccinations to give Thomas. He also said he is opposed to child abuse but considers physical disciplining appropriate.
The Joneses received a Department of Human Services email about the new rules on Monday. The letter includes an explanation of the ban on "corporal or degrading punishment" of any children in the household where a foster child lives. "Corporal punishment is any form of physical discipline in which a child is spanked, paddled or hit in any part of the body with a hand or instrument," the letter says.
An advocate for children's safety said he agrees with the department's new ban on corporal punishment, even for foster parents' own children.
Greg Bellville, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, said non-violent disciplinary tactics are just as effective as physical punishment and help promote a positive relationship between a caregiver and child.
“Kids that are in the foster care system have already experienced some level of trauma,” Bellville said. “Witnessing physical discipline is something that can re-trigger or re-traumatize some of those kids based on what their previous experiences are.”
But Bellville said such rule changes can bring friction.
“I’m not surprised that there were objections –– it’s new, and change is hard,” Bellville said. “The fact that they are saying, ‘We put these rules out, we hear this feedback from people in the community, let's take a step back and reevaluate,' ... I respect the fact that they're taking the time to do that.”
Jones contends there needs to be a distinction between child abuse and reasonable corporal punishment, such as slapping a child's hand away from an open flame.
Jones also said such serious rule changes should be made by elected legislators.
"It's not something that should be taken care of by bureaucratic overstep," he said.
Iowa's foster family rules include several other provisions:
Foster parents must not use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol, and they must not smoke in foster children's presence, in their home or a car used to transport the foster children.
If the foster homes have swimming pools, foster families must follow several safety rules.
Foster families may not post photos or descriptions of foster children on social media. Doing so "is a breach of confidentiality and considered a serious license violation," the letter says.
A child older than 5 may not sleep in the same room as a child of the opposite sex.
All caregivers must be vaccinated against whooping cough, unless they have a medical reason not to be.
Follow Maya Miller on Twitter: @mmillerDSM.


usatoday--2020-07-31--Scientists genetically alter squids for the first time in 'game-changing' breakthrough

Genetically modified squid created for the first time in history A team of researchers genetically altered a squid for the @ @ @ @ @ important step in the study of cephalopods .

Genetically modified squid created for the first time in history
A team of researchers genetically altered a squid for the first time ever, an important step in the study of cephalopods.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-31--Truck brings compassion to people in need

Truck brings compassion to people in need Eric Camarillo was once homeless , and now it 's his mission to @ @ @ @ @ experiencing homelessness in his city of Orlando .

Truck brings compassion to people in need
Eric Camarillo was once homeless, and now it's his mission to help the thousands of people experiencing homelessness in his city of Orlando.
Humankind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-31--How to easily clean your air fryer

How to easily clean your air fryer

Air fryer tips : How to easily clean it This is how to effectively clean your air fryer .

Air fryer tips: How to easily clean it
This is how to effectively clean your air fryer.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-01--Union warns of U.S. Postal Service cost cuts as states prepare for mail-in voting

The president of the country 's largest postal workers union warned Friday that cost cuts could exacerbate mail delays at a time when states are preparing for increased use of absentee and mail-in ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` There are states that did n't allow voting by mail before that are now going to have to set it up because of this pandemic moment , '' Mark Dimondstein , president of the American Postal Workers Union , told USA TODAY .
`` The post office is now the key to making sure tens of millions of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The U.S .
Postal Service is experiencing backlogs of mail throughout the country after a shift in procedures was put in place this month , Dimondstein said .
A memo shared with all employees alerted them to changes that included late and extra trips being `` no longer authorized or accepted . ''
`` One aspect of these changes that may be difficult for employees is that – temporarily –we may see mail left behind on the workroom floor or docks ... which is not typical , '' the memo , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reads .
Marti Johnson , a spokesperson for the Postal Service , said in an emailed statement that the system is a `` financially unsustainable position '' and that its leadership is `` vigorously focusing '' on efficiency .
`` Of course we acknowledge that temporary service impacts can occur as we redouble our efforts to conform to the current operating plans , but any such impacts will be monitored and temporary as the root causes of any issues will be addressed as necessary and corrected as appropriate , '' Johnson said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ instituted policies over the last week or two that have reduced the amount of hours of work the employees are performing , reduced the hours of many retail operations , and changed transportation schedules so that if a truck is not full , it does n't go . ''
Dimondstein said the changes in policy are directly responsible for the unprecedented delays , and anticipates that it will erode the public 's trust in the USPS if left unchecked .
`` If we ca n't serve the people at a time they want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confidence in the postal service , which they usually strongly support , '' Dimondstein said .
`` And if people no longer support us , that opens the door for us to get privatized . ''
More : Trump doubles down on mail-in voting concerns , warns of 'greatest election disaster in history' Dimondstein said that under normal circumstances , mail-in voting is an air-tight system , despite President Donald Trump 's recent attacks on it .
`` Mail-In Voting is already proving to be a catastrophic disaster , '' Trump wrote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are way off .
The Dems talk of foreign influence in voting , but they know that Mail-In Voting is an easy way for foreign countries to enter the race .
Even beyond that , there ’ s no accurate count ! ''
Ahead of the Nov. 3 election , Trump has speculated about foreign interference via mail-in voting , which voting experts and election officials have denounced as false .
`` We 've been doing vote by mail for generations , '' Dimondstein said .
`` This idea that voting by mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's very protected and reliable and private .
We 're concerned about anything that will slow down the mail , which affects everything we do . ''
Johnson said `` the Postal Service remains fully committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process '' when it comes to mail voting .
`` To be clear ... and despite any assertions to the contrary , we are not slowing down Election Mail or any other mail , '' Johnson said .
`` Instead , we continue to employ a robust and proven process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mail consistent with our standards . ''
The change in procedures that is causing delays was put in place by Louis DeJoy – a top donor for Trump – who took over as CEO and postmaster general this month .
The Washington Post reported Thursday that the changes implemented by DeJoy are `` are contributing to a growing perception that mail delays are the result of a political effort to undermine absentee voting '' among union officials and postal workers , an effort that the USPS denied .
`` The notion that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service at the direction of the President is wholly misplaced and off-base , '' Johnson said .

Union warns of U.S. Postal Service cost cuts as states prepare for mail-in voting
Show Caption Hide Caption 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
The president of the country's largest postal workers union warned Friday that cost cuts could exacerbate mail delays at a time when states are preparing for increased use of absentee and mail-in ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"There are states that didn't allow voting by mail before that are now going to have to set it up because of this pandemic moment," Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, told USA TODAY. "The post office is now the key to making sure tens of millions of people can get to the ballot box."
The U.S. Postal Service is experiencing backlogs of mail throughout the country after a shift in procedures was put in place this month, Dimondstein said. A memo shared with all employees alerted them to changes that included late and extra trips being "no longer authorized or accepted."
"One aspect of these changes that may be difficult for employees is that – temporarily –we may see mail left behind on the workroom floor or docks... which is not typical," the memo, which the APWU shared with USA Today, reads.
More: Obama condemns voter suppression in John Lewis eulogy, as Trump attacks mail-in voting
Marti Johnson, a spokesperson for the Postal Service, said in an emailed statement that the system is a "financially unsustainable position" and that its leadership is "vigorously focusing" on efficiency.
"Of course we acknowledge that temporary service impacts can occur as we redouble our efforts to conform to the current operating plans, but any such impacts will be monitored and temporary as the root causes of any issues will be addressed as necessary and corrected as appropriate," Johnson said.
Dimonstein said the postmaster general had "instituted policies over the last week or two that have reduced the amount of hours of work the employees are performing, reduced the hours of many retail operations, and changed transportation schedules so that if a truck is not full, it doesn't go."
Dimondstein said the changes in policy are directly responsible for the unprecedented delays, and anticipates that it will erode the public's trust in the USPS if left unchecked.
"If we can't serve the people at a time they want things quicker, it undermines people's confidence in the postal service, which they usually strongly support," Dimondstein said. "And if people no longer support us, that opens the door for us to get privatized."
More: Trump doubles down on mail-in voting concerns, warns of 'greatest election disaster in history'
Dimondstein said that under normal circumstances, mail-in voting is an air-tight system, despite President Donald Trump's recent attacks on it.
"Mail-In Voting is already proving to be a catastrophic disaster," Trump wrote on Twitter Thursday. "Even testing areas are way off. The Dems talk of foreign influence in voting, but they know that Mail-In Voting is an easy way for foreign countries to enter the race. Even beyond that, there’s no accurate count!"
Ahead of the Nov. 3 election, Trump has speculated about foreign interference via mail-in voting, which voting experts and election officials have denounced as false.
"We've been doing vote by mail for generations," Dimondstein said. "This idea that voting by mail is fraudulent is a fraud. It's very protected and reliable and private. We're concerned about anything that will slow down the mail, which affects everything we do."
Johnson said "the Postal Service remains fully committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process" when it comes to mail voting.
"To be clear ... and despite any assertions to the contrary, we are not slowing down Election Mail or any other mail," Johnson said. "Instead, we continue to employ a robust and proven process to ensure proper handling of all Election Mail consistent with our standards."
The change in procedures that is causing delays was put in place by Louis DeJoy – a top donor for Trump – who took over as CEO and postmaster general this month.
The Washington Post reported Thursday that the changes implemented by DeJoy "are contributing to a growing perception that mail delays are the result of a political effort to undermine absentee voting" among union officials and postal workers, an effort that the USPS denied.
"The notion that the Postmaster General makes decisions concerning the Postal Service at the direction of the President is wholly misplaced and off-base," Johnson said.


usatoday--2020-07-31--Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' popularity plummets amid widely panned coronavirus response

In the span of a few months , Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis has gone from one of the most admired state leaders in America to one of the most disparaged , with an approval rating that has dropped precipitously as coronavirus cases surged .
A pair of recent polls indicate more Floridians now disapprove of the job DeSantis is doing than approve .
The latest was released Friday by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy .
It shows that 49 % of Florida voters disapprove of the governor ’ s job performance , compared with 45 % who approve .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the 62 % of Florida voters who approved of DeSantis in a Mason-Dixon poll from last year .
The stunning turnaround is another example of how politicians often are defined by how they respond in a crisis , and many people are taking a dim view of how Florida ’ s Republican chief executive has handled the latest phase of the coronavirus outbreak .
DeSantis has been accused of standing by and doing little to halt the march of the virus in his state , allowing Florida to become a global hotspot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DeSantis has closed bars but taken few other steps to contain the virus .
He repeatedly played down the explosion of new cases , at first attributing it to more testing and then arguing that the big increase in cases isn ’ t such a big deal because many of those infected are younger people and less likely to get seriously ill. Then , when hospitalizations and deaths also began to spike , he questioned the death numbers .
When Florida began notching daily records for new deaths this week he dismissed it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he is hopeful because hospitalizations and new cases appear to have stabilized , even as they remain at exceptionally high levels .
DeSantis has rejected a statewide mask mandate and refused to further rollback the reopening effort .
His administration is even talking about getting bars and breweries open again , while continuing to urge schools to reopen .
Other GOP leaders have taken a different approach .
Arizona ’ s Republican governor has gone beyond just closing bars and also ordered businesses such as movie theatres , gyms and water parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Alabama , Indiana , Arkansas and Ohio have issued statewide mask orders .
Polls show Floridians want more from DeSantis .
Coronavirus : Trump praises Jim Jordan and Anthony Fauci after they clashed during hearing A CNN survey released Sunday found that 63 % of Floridians believe DeSantis “ could be doing more to fight the outbreak.
” That includes 88 % of Democrats , 73 % of independents and 27 % of Republicans who would like to see DeSantis be more aggressive .
Most Republicans , though , believe DeSantis is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight the outbreak ” according to the CNN poll , and the governor ’ s approach appears catered to those voters who don ’ t want to be forced to wear masks or see more businesses closed down , something that crippled the economy in April and May and put many people out of work .
DeSantis was known as an ardent conservative before he ran for governor , and his coronavirus response mirrors the views of many GOP base voters and President Donald Trump , his political benefactor .
During his time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the hard right Freedom Caucus who attracted attention for staunchly defending Trump on television .
Trump later endorsed DeSantis in the GOP primary for governor , which helped seal his victory .
He has followed the president ’ s coronavirus playbook of elevating economic concerns above health risks .
But that strategy is collapsing around him , just like it has for Trump , who reversed course and began wearing a mask after deriding them and pulled the plug on holding the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville .
Besieged by critics who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the virus that is costing lives , DeSantis has shifted his tone and has been less cavalier and more realistic about the dire situation the state is in .
He hired a new communications director .
He may be tired of headlines like this one on CNN ’ s website : “ Florida ’ s governor just can ’ t seem to get it right on coronavirus.
” “ If there 's a face of the botched handling of coronavirus in the United States – other than President Donald Trump , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican Gov .
Ron DeSantis , ” wrote CNN editor-at-large Chris Cillizza .
The governor ’ s GOP supporters might shrug that off and allege media bias , but polls show many Floridians agree .
DeSantis even was targeted by the Lincoln Project , a group of anti-Trump GOP political operatives who released a viral video mocking the governor .
The video – which has 1.1 million views – shows DeSantis ’ s awkward response to protesters at a coronavirus press conference and ends with music from the HBO show “ Curb Your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exploring the comedic possibilities of awkward scenarios .
DeSantis also took heat when he resisted a shutdown longer than most governors .
He seemed determined to avoid such criticisms with his reopening effort , which he pitched as a slow , phased-in approach that prioritized safety .
But the flood of recent cases has raised questions about whether DeSantis reopened too fast and without proper guardrails in place .
While testing has expanded significantly , some have complained about a lack of contact tracing that made it difficult to corral those exposed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ criticism that DeSantis declared victory too early and has been unwilling to acknowledge his missteps .
After ending Florida ’ s lockdown in May and enjoying relatively low numbers of new cases in May and early June , DeSantis took a victory lap , saying the state ’ s delayed lockdown was prudent .
He slammed the media and public health experts , saying they pushed a false narrative that the state could be swamped with new cases that would overwhelm the health care system .
But now many Florida hospitals have significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity .
Florida ’ s total virus cases recently surpassed New York ’ s caseload and the early predictions made by public health models look more prescient now .
The portrayal of DeSantis as fumbling through one of the biggest crises in a generation is a stark contrast to his early image as governor .
A year ago DeSantis was riding high , with a Morning Consult poll showing he was among the 10 most popular governors in America .
His positions on education , marijuana and the environment all had bipartisan appeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotlight on a regular basis .
What he does now will shape his reputation more than anything else , and so far most Floridians don ’ t like what they ’ re seeing .
In addition to the Mason-Dixon poll , a recent Quinnipiac University poll also found a big drop in the governor ’ s approval rating .
Just 41 % of Florida voters approved of the governor ’ s job performance in Quinnipiac poll , down from 53 % in April .
The poll also found that 79 % of Floridians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public , 62 % think it ’ s unsafe to reopen schools and 61 % believe DeSantis reopened the economy too quickly .
Just 37 % of Floridians approve of how DeSantis has handled the coronavirus response , compared with 59 % who disapprove .
That spells trouble for a politician who will face reelection in two years and is viewed by many as a harboring presidential ambitions .
DeSantis ’ s reputation has taken a big blow , and it could sink further .
The next big test for the governor comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen in many parts of the state .
Right now that looks like a daunting task rife with risks for students , teachers , parents and the broader community .
If it doesn ’ t go well , many people may blame DeSantis .

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ popularity plummets amid widely panned coronavirus response
Show Caption Hide Caption Bill Gates pushing to get US back to fight COVID-19 globally The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have invested $350 million to fund treatment and vaccine research to fight coronavirus. USA TODAY
In the span of a few months, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has gone from one of the most admired state leaders in America to one of the most disparaged, with an approval rating that has dropped precipitously as coronavirus cases surged.
A pair of recent polls indicate more Floridians now disapprove of the job DeSantis is doing than approve. The latest was released Friday by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy. It shows that 49% of Florida voters disapprove of the governor’s job performance, compared with 45% who approve.
That’s a 17 percentage point drop from the 62% of Florida voters who approved of DeSantis in a Mason-Dixon poll from last year.
The stunning turnaround is another example of how politicians often are defined by how they respond in a crisis, and many people are taking a dim view of how Florida’s Republican chief executive has handled the latest phase of the coronavirus outbreak.
DeSantis has been accused of standing by and doing little to halt the march of the virus in his state, allowing Florida to become a global hotspot.
As the virus has raged, DeSantis has closed bars but taken few other steps to contain the virus. He repeatedly played down the explosion of new cases, at first attributing it to more testing and then arguing that the big increase in cases isn’t such a big deal because many of those infected are younger people and less likely to get seriously ill.
Then, when hospitalizations and deaths also began to spike, he questioned the death numbers. When Florida began notching daily records for new deaths this week he dismissed it as a “lagging indicator” and said he is hopeful because hospitalizations and new cases appear to have stabilized, even as they remain at exceptionally high levels.
DeSantis has rejected a statewide mask mandate and refused to further rollback the reopening effort. His administration is even talking about getting bars and breweries open again, while continuing to urge schools to reopen.
Other GOP leaders have taken a different approach. Arizona’s Republican governor has gone beyond just closing bars and also ordered businesses such as movie theatres, gyms and water parks to shut down again.
Republican governors in Alabama, Indiana, Arkansas and Ohio have issued statewide mask orders.
Polls show Floridians want more from DeSantis.
COVID-19: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sued by teachers over school reopening plan
Coronavirus: Trump praises Jim Jordan and Anthony Fauci after they clashed during hearing
A CNN survey released Sunday found that 63% of Floridians believe DeSantis “could be doing more to fight the outbreak.” That includes 88% of Democrats, 73% of independents and 27% of Republicans who would like to see DeSantis be more aggressive.
Most Republicans, though, believe DeSantis is “doing everything he could do to fight the outbreak” according to the CNN poll, and the governor’s approach appears catered to those voters who don’t want to be forced to wear masks or see more businesses closed down, something that crippled the economy in April and May and put many people out of work.
DeSantis was known as an ardent conservative before he ran for governor, and his coronavirus response mirrors the views of many GOP base voters and President Donald Trump, his political benefactor.
During his time in Congress, DeSantis was a member of the hard right Freedom Caucus who attracted attention for staunchly defending Trump on television.
Trump later endorsed DeSantis in the GOP primary for governor, which helped seal his victory. He has followed the president’s coronavirus playbook of elevating economic concerns above health risks.
But that strategy is collapsing around him, just like it has for Trump, who reversed course and began wearing a mask after deriding them and pulled the plug on holding the Republican National Convention in Jacksonville.
COVID-19: Gov. Ron DeSantis announces One Goal One Florida Initiative Gov. DeSantis is asking all Floridians to wear masks, practice social distancing and protect the vulnerable. Tallahassee Democrat
Besieged by critics who say he has taken a reckless approach to the virus that is costing lives, DeSantis has shifted his tone and has been less cavalier and more realistic about the dire situation the state is in. He hired a new communications director.
He may be tired of headlines like this one on CNN’s website: “Florida’s governor just can’t seem to get it right on coronavirus.”
“If there's a face of the botched handling of coronavirus in the United States – other than President Donald Trump, of course – it's that of Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis,” wrote CNN editor-at-large Chris Cillizza.
The governor’s GOP supporters might shrug that off and allege media bias, but polls show many Floridians agree.
DeSantis even was targeted by the Lincoln Project, a group of anti-Trump GOP political operatives who released a viral video mocking the governor. The video – which has 1.1 million views – shows DeSantis’s awkward response to protesters at a coronavirus press conference and ends with music from the HBO show “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” a show known for exploring the comedic possibilities of awkward scenarios.
DeSantis also took heat when he resisted a shutdown longer than most governors. He seemed determined to avoid such criticisms with his reopening effort, which he pitched as a slow, phased-in approach that prioritized safety.
But the flood of recent cases has raised questions about whether DeSantis reopened too fast and without proper guardrails in place. While testing has expanded significantly, some have complained about a lack of contact tracing that made it difficult to corral those exposed to the virus.
There also has been criticism that DeSantis declared victory too early and has been unwilling to acknowledge his missteps.
After ending Florida’s lockdown in May and enjoying relatively low numbers of new cases in May and early June, DeSantis took a victory lap, saying the state’s delayed lockdown was prudent. He slammed the media and public health experts, saying they pushed a false narrative that the state could be swamped with new cases that would overwhelm the health care system.
But now many Florida hospitals have significant numbers of coronavirus cases, straining their capacity. Florida’s total virus cases recently surpassed New York’s caseload and the early predictions made by public health models look more prescient now.
The portrayal of DeSantis as fumbling through one of the biggest crises in a generation is a stark contrast to his early image as governor.
A year ago DeSantis was riding high, with a Morning Consult poll showing he was among the 10 most popular governors in America. His positions on education, marijuana and the environment all had bipartisan appeal.
Now DeSantis is in the national spotlight on a regular basis. What he does now will shape his reputation more than anything else, and so far most Floridians don’t like what they’re seeing.
In addition to the Mason-Dixon poll, a recent Quinnipiac University poll also found a big drop in the governor’s approval rating.
Just 41% of Florida voters approved of the governor’s job performance in Quinnipiac poll, down from 53% in April. The poll also found that 79% of Floridians believe face masks should be required in public, 62% think it’s unsafe to reopen schools and 61% believe DeSantis reopened the economy too quickly.
Just 37% of Floridians approve of how DeSantis has handled the coronavirus response, compared with 59% who disapprove.
That spells trouble for a politician who will face reelection in two years and is viewed by many as a harboring presidential ambitions. DeSantis’s reputation has taken a big blow, and it could sink further.
The next big test for the governor comes in August when schools are scheduled to reopen in many parts of the state.
Right now that looks like a daunting task rife with risks for students, teachers, parents and the broader community. If it doesn’t go well, many people may blame DeSantis.


usatoday--2020-07-31--Nancy Pelosi defends cannabis provision in Democrats' coronavirus aid package

WASHINGTON – Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi defended a provision in the $ 3 trillion Democratic stimulus bill that would allow legal cannabis businesses to access banking services Friday , while attacking `` misrepresentation '' in Republicans ' proposed package .
Asked to respond to the accusation that the cannabis language is not `` directly related '' to the coronavirus response , the California Democrat said she does not agree .
`` This is a therapy that has proven successful , '' Pelosi said at a press conference .
Pelosi did not cite any studies or health officials that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the coronavirus .
Researchers have started to explore the possibility of its uses in treating lung inflammation , Forbes reported earlier this month , though no studies have yet shown any definitive benefits of cannabis use in treating COVID-19 .
It is legal for use in treating other medical conditions in many states , however .
The Food and Drug Administration has also sent warning letters to companies making claims about health benefits of cannabidoil products in treating coronavirus .
The Democrats ' Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another round of stimulus checks for Americans , aid for state and local governments and billions for housing and food assistance .
$ 1,200 checks ?
Money for schools ?
: Breaking down what Republicans and Democrats want in the coronavirus stimulus plan Included in Democrats ' package is the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act , a bill already passed through the House that would prohibit federal financial regulators from penalizing banks and depository institutions that provide services to legal cannabis-related businesses .
It would also provide for the Government Accountability Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women cannabis business owners .
The HEROES Act notes that the cannabis provision would allow `` access tofinancial services to cannabis-related legitimate businesses and service providers '' while limiting the amount of cash handled at those businesses .
Cannabis industry leaders have said their businesses are being hit by the pandemic .
Though they are deemed `` essential '' businesses and allowed to continue operating during lockdowns in many places , they are ineligible for Small Business Administration programs designed to help small businesses , according to the National Cannabis Industry Association .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential cannabis workers are not exposed to unnecessary health risks due to outdated federal banking regulations , '' executive director Aaron Smith said in a statement commending the inclusion of the SAFE Banking Act .
Pelosi pushed back on the idea that the cannabis language was akin to the $ 1.75 billion provision in Republicans ' coronavirus relief proposal that was inserted by the White House to rebuild the FBI headquarters in downtown Washington .
The Republicans ' $ 1 trillion package would also include direct payments to Americans , and focuses on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ short of aid for housing , food or state and local governments FBI headquarters : White House pushed to include $ 1.75 billion for new FBI headquarters in GOP pandemic aid bill The FBI inclusion was criticized by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers , but White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said it was a `` pressing need '' and argued the coronavirus relief packages are a `` funding mechanism '' with various proposals not directly related to the pandemic .
`` I 'm opposed to non-germane amendments , '' Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday , stopping short of saying he would try to remove the FBI building item from the bill .
McConnell cited `` marijuana studies '' as another unrelated inclusion in relief legislation that he is opposed to .
HEALS Act : Mitch McConnell unveils $ 1 trillion pandemic aid package to criticisms from Republicans and Democrats Democrats accused President Donald Trump of being self-serving with the FBI provision because it would avoid the possibility that the current site of the building would be bought by a hospitality industry that could compete with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the cannabis measure `` is by no means of the caliber of money or misrepresentation that remodeling the federal building is , for over $ 1 billion so that another hotel does n't come in there and compete with the president 's hotel . ''
`` That 's what that 's all about , '' she said .
`` That has nothing to do with the coronavirus . ''
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif. , said Pelosi 's Friday defense of the cannabis provision was `` incredibly irresponsible . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 3 trillion dollar cannabis legislation , falsely claiming that it 's a proven therapy for coronavirus .
Hey Nancy , let 's focus on the pandemic .
Not pot , '' McCarthy tweeted .
Democrats and Republicans are at a standstill on negotiations for the next coronavirus relief package , as the Senate adjourns until Monday and the House until Tuesday .
`` We 're going to have to come to some compromise on the legislation , '' Pelosi told the reporter Friday .
`` I just do n't accept that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put forth there . ''

Nancy Pelosi defends cannabis provision in Democrats' coronavirus aid package
Show Caption Hide Caption Blacks, Latinos and the poor less likely to receive stimulus checks A second round of stimulus checks are in the works, but a new study says people who are poor, Black or Latino were less likely to receive the $1,200. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi defended a provision in the $3 trillion Democratic stimulus bill that would allow legal cannabis businesses to access banking services Friday, while attacking "misrepresentation" in Republicans' proposed package.
Asked to respond to the accusation that the cannabis language is not "directly related" to the coronavirus response, the California Democrat said she does not agree.
"This is a therapy that has proven successful," Pelosi said at a press conference.
Pelosi did not cite any studies or health officials that have said cannabis may be a treatment for the coronavirus. Researchers have started to explore the possibility of its uses in treating lung inflammation, Forbes reported earlier this month, though no studies have yet shown any definitive benefits of cannabis use in treating COVID-19. It is legal for use in treating other medical conditions in many states, however.
The Food and Drug Administration has also sent warning letters to companies making claims about health benefits of cannabidoil products in treating coronavirus.
The Democrats' Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, or HEROES Act, includes funding for another round of stimulus checks for Americans, aid for state and local governments and billions for housing and food assistance.
$1,200 checks? Money for schools?:Breaking down what Republicans and Democrats want in the coronavirus stimulus plan
Included in Democrats' package is the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act, a bill already passed through the House that would prohibit federal financial regulators from penalizing banks and depository institutions that provide services to legal cannabis-related businesses. It would also provide for the Government Accountability Office to conduct a study on minority and women cannabis business owners.
The HEROES Act notes that the cannabis provision would allow "access to financial services to cannabis-related legitimate businesses and service providers" while limiting the amount of cash handled at those businesses.
Cannabis industry leaders have said their businesses are being hit by the pandemic. Though they are deemed "essential" businesses and allowed to continue operating during lockdowns in many places, they are ineligible for Small Business Administration programs designed to help small businesses, according to the National Cannabis Industry Association.
"It’s critically important that essential cannabis workers are not exposed to unnecessary health risks due to outdated federal banking regulations," executive director Aaron Smith said in a statement commending the inclusion of the SAFE Banking Act.
Pelosi pushed back on the idea that the cannabis language was akin to the $1.75 billion provision in Republicans' coronavirus relief proposal that was inserted by the White House to rebuild the FBI headquarters in downtown Washington.
The Republicans' $1 trillion package would also include direct payments to Americans, and focuses on assistance to businesses and schools but stops short of aid for housing, food or state and local governments
FBI headquarters: White House pushed to include $1.75 billion for new FBI headquarters in GOP pandemic aid bill
The FBI inclusion was criticized by both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, but White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said it was a "pressing need" and argued the coronavirus relief packages are a "funding mechanism" with various proposals not directly related to the pandemic.
"I'm opposed to non-germane amendments," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on Tuesday, stopping short of saying he would try to remove the FBI building item from the bill. McConnell cited "marijuana studies" as another unrelated inclusion in relief legislation that he is opposed to.
HEALS Act: Mitch McConnell unveils $1 trillion pandemic aid package to criticisms from Republicans and Democrats
Democrats accused President Donald Trump of being self-serving with the FBI provision because it would avoid the possibility that the current site of the building would be bought by a hospitality industry that could compete with Trump International Hotel.
Pelosi said Friday that the cannabis measure "is by no means of the caliber of money or misrepresentation that remodeling the federal building is, for over $1 billion so that another hotel doesn't come in there and compete with the president's hotel."
"That's what that's all about," she said. "That has nothing to do with the coronavirus."
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said Pelosi's Friday defense of the cannabis provision was "incredibly irresponsible."
"Pelosi just doubled down on her $3 trillion dollar cannabis legislation, falsely claiming that it's a proven therapy for coronavirus. Hey Nancy, let's focus on the pandemic. Not pot," McCarthy tweeted.
Democrats and Republicans are at a standstill on negotiations for the next coronavirus relief package, as the Senate adjourns until Monday and the House until Tuesday.
"We're going to have to come to some compromise on the legislation," Pelosi told the reporter Friday. "I just don't accept that there's any equivalence in what you've put forth there."


usatoday--2020-07-31--White House 'condemns' election delay in Hong Kong after Trump raised idea of postponing US vote

WASHINGTON – A day after President Donald Trump faced withering , bipartisan blow back for floating the idea of delaying the U.S. presidential election , a senior White House aide condemned the year-long postponement of an election in Hong Kong as undemocratic .
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced Friday the government there would postpone highly anticipated legislative elections by one year , citing a worsening coronavirus outbreak in the semi-autonomous Chinese city .
`` We condemn the Hong Kong government 's decision to postpone for one year its legislative counsel elections , '' White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the democratic processes and freedoms that have underpinned Hong Kong 's prosperity . ''
McEnany 's remarks came a day after Trump drew fire from Republicans for raising the prospect of delaying the November election because of the COVID-19 pandemic and his unproven concerns about expanded mail-in voting .
Presidents do n't have the authority to move an election unilaterally and the idea met stiff resistance on Capitol Hill .
$ 1,200 checks ?
Money for schools ?
: Breaking down what Republicans and Democrats want in the coronavirus stimulus plan The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported Hong Kong 's postponement .
`` I want to right now focus on this election , I 'll have a statement about that soon , '' he told reporters at a roundtable discussion with the leadership from the National Association of Police Organizations .
`` I heard that , that they did the delay in Hong Kong , and we 'll have a statement about that .
But I want to focus on this . ''
Many critics pushed back on the idea with arguments similar to those McEnany used to criticize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can say is , it doesn ’ t matter what one individual in this country says , we still are a country based on the rule of law and we want to follow the law , '' said Sen. Chuck Grassley , R-Iowa , and the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee .
Speaking later Thursday , Trump appeared to row back on the idea but did n't completely foreclose on it as he continued to raise doubts about efforts to expand mail-in voting in some states in response to the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether the White House unequivocally would rule out pushing for delay in the election .
`` The president answered this three times yesterday , '' McEnany said .
`` He said ' I want the date more than anyone .
I do n't want a delay .
I want to have the election . '
'' More : Trump floats delaying election over mail-in voting , legal experts say he can't The postponement in Hong Kong is a setback for the pro-democracy opposition , which was hoping to capitalize on disenchantment with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A group of 22 lawmakers issued a statement ahead of the announcement accusing the government of using the outbreak as an excuse to delay the vote .

White House 'condemns' election delay in Hong Kong after Trump raised idea of postponing US vote
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump to call on National Guard to quell protests U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he will call on the National Guard to Portland if violent protests continue. Trump was speaking as Oregon police prepared Thursday to take over protecting a federal courthouse in Portland. (July 30) AP
WASHINGTON – A day after President Donald Trump faced withering, bipartisan blow back for floating the idea of delaying the U.S. presidential election, a senior White House aide condemned the year-long postponement of an election in Hong Kong as undemocratic.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced Friday the government there would postpone highly anticipated legislative elections by one year, citing a worsening coronavirus outbreak in the semi-autonomous Chinese city.
"We condemn the Hong Kong government's decision to postpone for one year its legislative counsel elections," White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Friday. "This action undermines the democratic processes and freedoms that have underpinned Hong Kong's prosperity."
McEnany's remarks came a day after Trump drew fire from Republicans for raising the prospect of delaying the November election because of the COVID-19 pandemic and his unproven concerns about expanded mail-in voting. Presidents don't have the authority to move an election unilaterally and the idea met stiff resistance on Capitol Hill.
$1,200 checks? Money for schools?: Breaking down what Republicans and Democrats want in the coronavirus stimulus plan
The president later sidestepped a question about whether he supported Hong Kong's postponement.
"I want to right now focus on this election, I'll have a statement about that soon," he told reporters at a roundtable discussion with the leadership from the National Association of Police Organizations. "I heard that, that they did the delay in Hong Kong, and we'll have a statement about that. But I want to focus on this."
Many critics pushed back on the idea with arguments similar to those McEnany used to criticize Hong Kong's delay.
"All I can say is, it doesn’t matter what one individual in this country says, we still are a country based on the rule of law and we want to follow the law," said Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
Speaking later Thursday, Trump appeared to row back on the idea but didn't completely foreclose on it as he continued to raise doubts about efforts to expand mail-in voting in some states in response to the coronavirus.
McEnany answered indirectly Thursday when asked whether the White House unequivocally would rule out pushing for delay in the election.
"The president answered this three times yesterday," McEnany said. "He said 'I want the date more than anyone. I don't want a delay. I want to have the election.'"
More: Trump floats delaying election over mail-in voting, legal experts say he can't
The postponement in Hong Kong is a setback for the pro-democracy opposition, which was hoping to capitalize on disenchantment with the current pro-Beijing majority to make gains. A group of 22 lawmakers issued a statement ahead of the announcement accusing the government of using the outbreak as an excuse to delay the vote.
Contributing: Jessica Flores, Doug Stanglin


usatoday--2020-07-31--Homeland Security gathered intelligence on journalists covering Portland protests

Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf has ordered an investigation into agency 's intelligence unit which assembled reports on journalists covering the unrest in Portland .
The reports focused on the reporters ' use of leaked information about the agency 's operations in Portland where the federal deployment was denounced by local leaders and where officers had clashed nightly with protesters .
The DHS Intelligence and Analysis Directorate was ordered to halt the information collection , after Wolf was notified of the work , first disclosed by the Washington Post .
`` In no way does the acting secretary condone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an inquiry into the matter , '' the agency said .
`` The acting secretary is committed to ensuring that all DHS personnel uphold the principles of professionalism , impartiality and respect for civil rights and civil liberties , particularly as it relates to the exercise of First Amendment rights . ''
USA TODAY REPORTERS : What we saw , heard and learned on the ground in Portland Among the reporting cited in the intelligence documents , was information about the federal officers ' lack of preparation for the Portland assignment .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a New York Times reporter Mike Baker and Benjamin Wittes , the editor in chief of the Lawfare blog , according to the Post report .
The disclosure prompted Senate Intelligence Committee Democrats to demand a cache of documents related to the DHS unit 's mission and the people who carry it out .
“ We have grown increasingly concerned about the role and operations of the Department of Homeland Security , and the Office of Intelligence and Analysis in particular , with regard to the protests in Portland , '' the lawmakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , DHS ' acting undersecretary , who oversees the unit .
`` As a member of the Intelligence Community , ( DHS Intelligence and Analysis ) is obligated by statute to keep the congressional intelligence committees fully and currently informed of its operations .
Given the intense national as well as congressional interest in DHS activities related to protests in Portland and around the country , documents and other information ... should be provided to the committee pro-actively , and not merely in response to repeated requests or following revelations in the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Technology and Press Freedom Project at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press , called the DHS action `` wholly acceptable . ''
`` Federal law prohibits the creation of dossiers on journalists precisely because doing so can morph into investigations of journalists for news coverage that embarrasses the government , '' Rottman said .
`` DHS must take immediate steps to ensure this doesn ’ t happen again , and we urge it to publicly release the findings of its inquiry into this incident.
” For weeks , state and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by federal officers , leading to an agreement this week for federal authorities to withdraw its force from the streets of downtown Portland.Under the agreement , announced by Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown and Wolf , state police troopers would replace the federal officers who had been posted on a perimeter ringing the federal courthouse .
At least 114 federal officers had been deployed to the city .
You might also want to read : • 'Barely worth a mention ' : DHS official dismisses uproar over unmarked cars used in Portland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to know on the federal response in Portland and the legal questions it raises

Homeland Security gathered intelligence on journalists covering Portland protests
Show Caption Hide Caption The law that allows DHS to send federal agents to cities like Portland The Trump administration sends federal agents in cities like Portland by citing the Department of Homeland Security. Here is breakdown on the law. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf has ordered an investigation into agency's intelligence unit which assembled reports on journalists covering the unrest in Portland.
The reports focused on the reporters' use of leaked information about the agency's operations in Portland where the federal deployment was denounced by local leaders and where officers had clashed nightly with protesters.
The DHS Intelligence and Analysis Directorate was ordered to halt the information collection, after Wolf was notified of the work, first disclosed by the Washington Post.
"In no way does the acting secretary condone this practice and he has immediately ordered an inquiry into the matter," the agency said. "The acting secretary is committed to ensuring that all DHS personnel uphold the principles of professionalism, impartiality and respect for civil rights and civil liberties, particularly as it relates to the exercise of First Amendment rights."
USA TODAY REPORTERS: What we saw, heard and learned on the ground in Portland
Among the reporting cited in the intelligence documents, was information about the federal officers' lack of preparation for the Portland assignment. The intelligence reports focused on the work of a New York Times reporter Mike Baker and Benjamin Wittes, the editor in chief of the Lawfare blog, according to the Post report.
The disclosure prompted Senate Intelligence Committee Democrats to demand a cache of documents related to the DHS unit's mission and the people who carry it out.
“We have grown increasingly concerned about the role and operations of the Department of Homeland Security, and the Office of Intelligence and Analysis in particular, with regard to the protests in Portland," the lawmakers said in a letter to Brian Murphy, DHS' acting undersecretary, who oversees the unit.
"As a member of the Intelligence Community, (DHS Intelligence and Analysis) is obligated by statute to keep the congressional intelligence committees fully and currently informed of its operations. Given the intense national as well as congressional interest in DHS activities related to protests in Portland and around the country, documents and other information ... should be provided to the committee pro-actively, and not merely in response to repeated requests or following revelations in the press."
Gabe Rottman, director of the Technology and Press Freedom Project at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, called the DHS action "wholly unacceptable."
"Federal law prohibits the creation of dossiers on journalists precisely because doing so can morph into investigations of journalists for news coverage that embarrasses the government," Rottman said. "DHS must take immediate steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again, and we urge it to publicly release the findings of its inquiry into this incident.”
OPINION: Track terrorists, not journalists
For weeks, state and local authorities had raised questions about tactics used by federal officers, leading to an agreement this week for federal authorities to withdraw its force from the streets of downtown Portland.Under the agreement, announced by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and Wolf, state police troopers would replace the federal officers who had been posted on a perimeter ringing the federal courthouse.
At least 114 federal officers had been deployed to the city.
You might also want to read:


usatoday--2020-08-01--Louisiana: The rare case of a state ravaged twice by COVID-19

A powerful resurgence of COVID-19 infections in Louisiana is hitting the state harder than its first wave in spring , making it the only state in the nation to experience two devastating spikes of the virus , an analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows .
The state leads in COVID-19 cases per capita , continuing to outpace even Florida , Arizona and New York , where dramatic surges of the virus have occurred since the outbreak began in March .
Louisiana leads US in total COVID-19 cases per 100k residents But unlike those states , Louisiana has been among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic — once in April when the New Orleans area led the state 's rise in COVID-19 spread and again this summer when dozens of parishes across the state more than doubled the number of infections they experienced in April , according to the analysis by USA TODAY Network .
More : How the South and Southwest became the global epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic Louisiana 's experience with COVID-19 offers insight into how a state that took strict shut-down measures to curtail the rapid spread of the virus early on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening .
It also reveals how the course of the pandemic in a can evolve , penetrating new areas relatively untouched by the first round of infections .
Gov .
John Bel Edwards , a Democrat in a mostly Republican state , took criticism in spring for his stay-home order that closed the state 's economy in the spring .
But he 's been hesitant to roll back reopening , instead focusing on a mask mandate and targeted closures of bars .
Louisiana and New York have long been the top states for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York ’ s cases have largely plateaued in recent weeks , the virus has made a strong comeback in Louisiana .
Since the beginning of the pandemic , Louisiana has reported 116,280 total cases and 3,835 deaths from COVID-19 , according to the Louisiana Department of Health 's Friday update .
Louisiana 's experience with COVID-19 offers insight into how a state that early on took strict shut-down measures to control the virus later suffered a more expansive surge after it reopened .
COVID-19 has spread far and fast in Louisiana , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edwards , a Democrat in a mostly Republican state , took criticism early in the pandemic for his stay-home order that shut down the state 's economy in the spring .
He 's been hesitant to roll back reopening since the latest surge began , instead focusing on a mask mandate and a more targeted closure order for bars .
Edwards already is signaling he likely will extend his mask and bar closure order another two weeks .
And he said he has n't ruled out stronger measures to control the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that the situation remains very , very serious , ” Edwards said during a Thursday briefing .
“ There ’ s more COVID-19 in Louisiana and across every community across Louisiana than in any point up to now.
” Edwards is right .
The spread of the virus is vast in Louisiana after the state began reopening in June , and more prevalent than it was in April 's peak , according to the USA TODAY Network analysis .
New Orleans no longer the problem That spike in July shows just how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus has spread , with the greatest spikes reported in parishes around Shreveport , Monroe , Alexandria , Lafayette and Lake Charles , the analysis shows .
In northeast Louisiana 's Madison Parish , the summer spike brought 133 new coronavirus cases in the worst week in June , an increase of more than 4,000 % over the three cases reported during the worst week of April 's peak .
In Vermilion Parish , the summer surge peak came last week with 332 cases , an increase of 1,875 % over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , the analysis shows .
Sixteen of Louisiana ’ s 64 parishes have cumulative per capita infection rates greater than that of New York City , considered to have the nation 's worst concentration of the virus early in the pandemic .
One Louisiana parish — East Carroll — has recorded more than double New York City ’ s infection rate , according to the analysis .
Louisiana 's two surges differ as one prompted shutdown , the other masks Louisiana ’ s two defined peaks of COVID-19 place it among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April and then again in the summer , and the USA TODAY Network analysis shows the second peak is worse .
Louisiana first peaked in the week ending April 7 , when it added 237.6 new cases per 100,000 residents , the third-worst in the country behind New Jersey and New York .
In its second surge , Louisiana sprinted past the April peak .
For the week ending July 27 , Louisiana added 323.2 new cases per 100,000 residents .
The state 's per-capita July peak is behind only Florida and Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spikes of the pandemic .
During the first surge , Louisiana had more aggressive measures in place to prevent the spread .
Edwards issued a stay-home order on March 22 and kept the order in place until May 15 , when the state moved into Phase 1 of reopening .
Even with cases being confined to certain regions , the state locked down .
The second surge began after the state relaxed restrictions .
Dr. Tina Stefanski , the Acadiana regional medical director for Louisiana 's Office of Public Health , said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing guidelines after reopening .
`` As we 've opened up businesses and society , we 're seeing an increase of cases , '' Stefanski said .
`` Even though the virus was clearly still circulating , many people went back to their lives as they were before .
It did n't change their behavior . ''
The combined effect of two waves of infections : Louisiana now leads the nation in total cases per resident since the U.S. outbreak took off in March .
Louisiana reported 2,463 cases per 100,000 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2,347 , Florida with 2,148 and New York at 2,130 .
The New Orleans area has seen significant decreases in daily new cases since its peak during the first surge .
Orleans Parish , for example , recorded 797 cases per 100,000 during the week of April 7 .
Its peak during the summer surge , during the week of July 16 , brought only 181 cases per 100,000 — a decrease of 77 % .
The same was true for the other parishes that had high case numbers during the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and St. John the Baptist Parishes were 53 % and 55 % lower , respectively , than in the worst April weeks in those parishes .
Many of the areas hit heavily by COVID-19 in the first wave in April implemented mask mandates earlier .
New Orleans issued a mandate June 24 .
Jefferson Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish started mandating masks July 1 .
But the parishes that were largely spared during the first wave are now recorded more cases than they did in April .
Calcasieu Parish — which includes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lake Charles — had a modest peak of new cases during the spring surge with 121 in the week ending April 7 .
Its peak in the summer surge , last week , was more than 900 % higher , at 1,245 .
Louisiana 's second COVID-19 surge not as deadly as first - yet Louisiana has seen signs in recent days that the state could be approaching a plateau as the number of new cases added each day has started to decline .
But even with numbers of new cases falling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases this week , putting pressure on hospital systems .
“ We hope that we ’ re seeing the beginnings of a trend toward a plateau in cases , although it ’ s at a very high level of cases , ” Edwards said .
During the summer surge , the death rate has not reached the peak that Louisiana hit in the spring .
For the week of April 18 , the state averaged 9.9 deaths per 100,000 residents compared to 5.4 per 100,000 for the week of July 30 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be seeing evidence of cases leveling off , it may take a while for deaths to plateau .
On Wednesday , the state recorded 69 new deaths , the highest daily count in more than two months .
`` We know that deaths are a lagging indicator of what 's going on because the first thing you 're going to see is people contracting the illness , then they 're going to go into the hospital and so forth , '' Edwards said .
`` It could be some time before this shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she 's hopeful the mask mandate will lead to a decrease in infection levels , but it will take time to see the effects of the requirement .
While more people are wearing masks , she said she 's concerned about large crowds that continue to gather .
`` I 'm really concerned that we 're not going to drive down the level of infection in the community to the point that we really need it to be in order to open schools safely or helping nursing homes get back to some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There are implications to people 's behavior socially . ''
Some Louisiana hospitals prepare for the worst of second surge Hospitals in central Louisiana , an area that has experienced some of the greatest increases in infections in the state during the summer wave , issued a plea this week for people to wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines .
“ We strongly believe the people of this community can help make this happen , ” the letter said .
“ But to successfully do that , we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limit their risk of exposure and help protect those around them .
Masks , physical distancing and hand washing — these things work and can help get the virus back under control in our community.
” At the governor ’ s Thursday press conference , Dr. G.E .
Ghali , the chancellor of the LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport , said while North Louisiana has not seen the same large increases in case numbers as other parts of the state , it has seen a sharp uptick over the last 30 days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regional Medical Center posted a memo on Facebook written by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Henry Kaufman , which said the current rate of increasing cases “ will deplete the medical resources of our community.
” In the memo , Kaufman said the community ’ s “ resistance to common sense measures ” was to blame for the area ’ s difficulty in combating COVID-19 .
Lafayette Parish and other parishes had no mask mandate until Edwards implemented the statewide mandate July 13 .
“ Where other places have allowed science and reason to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been flattened and the disease has been suppressed to the point where routine personal and commercial activities have resumed , ” Kaufman wrote .
“ Here in our community , there has been much resistance to common sense measures and we are reaping the rewards of our obstinance . ''

William Taylor Potter and Michael Stucka USA TODAY Network, USA TODAY

A powerful resurgence of COVID-19 infections in Louisiana is hitting the state harder than its first wave in spring, making it the only state in the nation to experience two devastating spikes of the virus, an analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows.
The state leads in COVID-19 cases per capita, continuing to outpace even Florida, Arizona and New York, where dramatic surges of the virus have occurred since the outbreak began in March.
Louisiana leads US in total COVID-19 cases per 100k residents
But unlike those states, Louisiana has been among the worst impacted in the U.S. twice during the pandemic: once in April when the New Orleans area led the state's rise in COVID-19 spread and again this summer when dozens of parishes across the state more than doubled the number of infections they experienced in April, according to the analysis by USA TODAY Network.
More: How the South and Southwest became the global epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic
Louisiana's experience with COVID-19 offers insight into how a state that took strict shutdown measures to curtail the rapid spread of the virus early on can suffer a more expansive surge after reopening. It also reveals how the course of the pandemic in a state can evolve, penetrating new areas relatively untouched by the first round of infections.
Louisiana and New York have long been the top states for per capita infections, but as New York’s cases have largely plateaued in recent weeks, the virus has made a strong comeback in Louisiana.
Coronavirus hot spots shift to the South
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Louisiana has reported 116,280 total cases and 3,835 deaths from COVID-19, according to the Louisiana Department of Health's update Friday.
COVID-19 has spread far and fast in Louisiana, more 'than any point'
Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat in a mostly Republican state, took criticism early in the pandemic for his stay-at-home order that shut down the state's economy in the spring. He has been hesitant to roll back reopening since the latest surge, instead focusing on a mask mandate and a more targeted closure order for bars.
Edwards already is signaling he likely will extend his mask and bar closure order another two weeks. And he said he hasn't ruled out stronger measures to control the virus.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards was criticized early in the pandemic for his stay-at-home order in the spring that shut down the state's economy. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network
“The most important thing to know is that the situation remains very, very serious,” Edwards said in a briefing Thursday. “There’s more COVID-19 in Louisiana and across every community across Louisiana than in any point up to now.”
Edwards is right. The spread of the virus is vast in Louisiana after the state began reopening in June, and more prevalent than it was in April's peak, according to the USA TODAY Network analysis.
New Orleans no longer the problem
That spike in July shows just how far and how fast across the state the virus has spread, with the greatest spikes reported in parishes around Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, Lafayette and Lake Charles, the analysis shows.
Emergency Department Dr. Doug Clement and charge nurse Erica Granger are facing a new crush of COVID-19 cases at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network
In northeast Louisiana's Madison Parish, the summer spike brought 133 new coronavirus cases in the worst week in June, an increase of more than 4,000% over the three cases reported during the worst week of April's peak.
In Vermilion Parish, the summer surge peak came last week with 332 cases, an increase of 1,875% over the 16 reported in the worst week of April, the analysis shows.
Sixteen of Louisiana’s 64 parishes have cumulative per capita infection rates greater than that of New York City, considered to have the nation's worst concentration of the virus early in the pandemic. One Louisiana parish – East Carroll – has recorded more than double New York City’s infection rate, according to the analysis.
Louisiana's two surges differ as one prompted shutdown, the other masks
Louisiana’s two defined peaks of COVID-19 place it among the worst-affected areas of the country in April and then again in the summer, and the USA TODAY Network analysis shows the second peak is worse.
Louisiana first peaked in the week ending April 7, when it added 237.6 new cases per 100,000 residents, the third-worst in the country behind New Jersey and New York.
In its second surge, Louisiana sprinted past the April peak. For the week ending July 27, Louisiana added 323.2 cases per 100,000 residents. The state's per-capita July peak is behind only Florida and Arizona, which are experiencing their first strong spikes of the pandemic.
During the first surge, Louisiana had more aggressive measures in place to prevent the spread. Edwards issued a stay-home order on March 22 and kept the order in place until May 15, when the state moved into Phase 1 of reopening. Even with cases being confined to certain regions, the state locked down.
"As we've opened up businesses and society, we're seeing an increase of cases," says Dr. Tina Stefanski, the Acadiana regional medical director for Louisiana's Office of Public Health. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network
The second surge began after the state relaxed restrictions. Dr. Tina Stefanski, the Acadiana regional medical director for Louisiana's Office of Public Health, said there was not enough compliance with mask and social distancing guidelines after reopening.
"As we've opened up businesses and society, we're seeing an increase of cases," Stefanski said. "Even though the virus was clearly still circulating, many people went back to their lives as they were before. It didn't change their behavior."
The combined effect of two waves of infections: Louisiana now leads the nation in total cases per resident since the U.S. outbreak took off in March. Louisiana reported 2,463 cases per 100,000 people, followed by Arizona with a rate of 2,347, Florida with 2,148 and New York at 2,130.
The New Orleans area has seen significant decreases in daily new cases since its peak during the first surge. Orleans Parish, for example, recorded 797 cases per 100,000 during the week of April 7. Its peak during the summer surge, during the week of July 16, brought only 181 cases per 100,000 – a decrease of 77%.
The same was true for the other parishes that had high case numbers during the first wave. The recent peaks for Jefferson and St. John the Baptist Parishes were 53% and 55% lower, respectively, than in the worst April weeks in those parishes.
Many of the areas hit heavily by COVID-19 in the first wave in April implemented mask mandates earlier. New Orleans issued a mandate June 24. Jefferson Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish started mandating masks July 1.
But the parishes that were largely spared during the first wave are now recording more cases than they did in April. Calcasieu Parish – which includes one of Louisiana's most populous cities, Lake Charles – had a modest peak of new cases during the spring surge with 121 in the week ending April 7. Its peak in the summer surge, last week, was more than 900% higher, at 1,245.
Louisiana's second COVID-19 surge not as deadly as first – yet
Louisiana has seen signs in recent days that the state could be approaching a plateau as the number of new cases added each day has started to decline. But even with numbers of new cases falling, the state still had thousands of new cases this week, putting pressure on hospital systems.
“We hope that we’re seeing the beginnings of a trend toward a plateau in cases, although it’s at a very high level of cases,” Edwards said.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards briefs reporters in Baton Rouge on the state's efforts against the coronavirus pandemic on May 4. Gerald Herbert, AP
During the summer surge, the death rate has not reached the peak that Louisiana hit in the spring. For the week of April 18, the state averaged 9.9 deaths per 100,000 residents compared to 5.4 per 100,000 for the week of July 30.
Edwards said that while the state may be seeing evidence of cases leveling off, it may take a while for deaths to plateau. On Wednesday, the state recorded 69 new deaths, the highest daily count in more than two months.
"We know that deaths are a lagging indicator of what's going on because the first thing you're going to see is people contracting the illness, then they're going to go into the hospital and so forth," Edwards said. "It could be some time before this shows up in fewer deaths."
Stefanski said she's hopeful the mask mandate will lead to a decrease in infection levels, but it will take time to see the effects of the requirement. While more people are wearing masks, she said she's concerned about large crowds that continue to gather.
"I'm really concerned that we're not going to drive down the level of infection in the community to the point that we really need it to be in order to open schools safely or helping nursing homes get back to some level of visitation," she said. "There are implications to people's behavior socially."
Some Louisiana hospitals prepare for the worst of second surge
Hospitals in central Louisiana, an area that has experienced some of the greatest increases in infections in the state during the summer wave, issued a plea this week for people to wear face masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
“We strongly believe the people of this community can help make this happen,” the letter said. “But to successfully do that, we need everyone to take all needed steps to limit their risk of exposure and help protect those around them. Masks, physical distancing and hand washing – these things work and can help get the virus back under control in our community.”
At the governor’s news conference Thursday, Dr. G.E. Ghali, chancellor of the LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport, said that while North Louisiana has not seen the same large increases in case numbers as other parts of the state, it has seen a sharp increase over the past 30 days.
On Wednesday, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center posted a memo on Facebook written by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Henry Kaufman, which said the current rate of increasing cases “will deplete the medical resources of our community.”
Dr. Henry Kaufman of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital has blamed the resurgence on “resistance to common sense measures.” Courtesy of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center
In the memo, Kaufman said the community’s “resistance to common sense measures” was to blame for the area’s difficulty in combating COVID-19. Lafayette Parish and other parishes had no mask mandate until Edwards implemented the statewide mandate July 13.
“Where other places have allowed science and reason to guide their actions, the curve has been flattened and the disease has been suppressed to the point where routine personal and commercial activities have resumed,” Kaufman wrote. “Here in our community, there has been much resistance to common sense measures and we are reaping the rewards of our obstinance."