usatoday--2020-07-28--New scam demands victims stay on the phone: Here's how it works

Red flags of a scam tend to be similar .
The scammer will try new tricks , but typically create a sense of urgency , either playing into our fear , greed or desire to be loved .
They 'll romance us , threaten us , frighten us or pretend to offer a quick fix to a problem we did n't even know we had .
And now , increasingly , they 're demanding that victims stay on the phone as long as possible while consumers head to the bank or the grocery store to carry out demands for money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scammers are telling their victims that that if they hang up , they 're likely to be arrested immediately or see their accounts seized .
`` This is an alarming development , because consumers are essentially being held captive in the scam , '' according to a new 2019 Consumer Complaint Survey released by the Consumer Federation of America on Monday .
`` If bank tellers question them about withdrawing the money , the scammers are right there , in the consumers ’ ears , to suggest how to respond to prevent the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Consumer Federation of America each year surveys watchdog agencies across the country .
This year , 31 agencies from 20 states participated to give a snapshot of scams and consumer problems .
The new COVID-19 scams — such as a warning about phony contact-tracing outfits asking for your credit card information — will show up in the 2020 survey .
Even so , the report noted that the pandemic has spurred complaints involving `` price-gouging , refunds for canceled events and travel , nondelivery of orders from closed vendors , and COVID-related scams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fastest growing complaints involved fraud , medical billing and internet sales .
Consumers continue to complain about failure to deliver online purchases .
Other noteworthy warnings , according to the report , included : Fake claims on student loans .
Student loan problems , as reported to the Maryland Attorney General 's Office , involved loans to attend for-profit schools .
Students were misled concerning their ability to get a job once their education was complete .
In one complaint , the student was told that loans were discharged , so he no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the loan companies continued to bill him $ 116 per month for more than a year .
Tech support scams .
Consumers reported seeing a pop up on a their computers warning that their computer was infected with a virus .
The Ohio Attorney General ’ s Office sued Support By Experts LLC and Real Tech Experts LLC last year .
When consumers responded to those pop ups , they were told that they needed to pay hundreds of dollars for a product to cure the problem .
`` In fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product was worthless , '' the report stated .
A diet program that ate into savings accounts .
An Arkansas man enrolled in a diet program and signed up for auto delivery .
After one month , though , he tried to cancel and discovered that the payment for the second month had already been taken out .
The business promised to give him a refund , but he never received it .
After complaining to the Arkansas Attorney General ’ s Office , he received a refund of $ 271.76 that covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first .
Now the con artists attempt to sound more believable by calling one of your relatives first to track you down , according to Sheryl Harris , director of the Cuyahoga County , Ohio , Department of Consumer Affairs .
“ If you get a message from your mom that you ’ re in trouble with the law , you ’ re going to believe it , ” Harris said in a news briefing Monday .
Con artists also will use real names of local officers , she said , so that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Google it .
In some cases , consumers might lose thousands of dollars in an effort to clear up their name .
In reality , no court official is going to demand payment or personal information over the phone or threaten arrest for missing jury duty or other offenses .
The sweetheart swindle .
A woman in North Carolina lost $ 46,110 to a scammer claiming to be `` an orthopedic doctor working on an oil rig in Russia . ''
The so-called love connection was made via phone , Linked In , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the victim that he was coming to marry her , but he never showed up .
In 2019 , the North Carolina Attorney General 's Office received 60 complaints about romance fraud , with 46 victims collectively losing more than $ 1.4 million .
Sweepstakes fraud triggers huge losses .
Another woman in North Carolina was tricked into believing she won $ 3.5 million from scammers pretending to be from Publishers Clearing House .
She lost $ 220,000 to the scammers running that sweepstakes fraud over a year .
At one point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to someone she met at a Wendy 's restaurant , according to state regulators .
North Carolina reported that 69 victims lost more than $ 2.3 million to sweepstakes scams last year .
The `` Chinese Embassy Telephone Scam . ''
Victims in California received prerecorded messages in Mandarin that appeared to be from the Chinese Embassy .
`` The scammer asks victims for personal information , including where in China their families are from and their immigration status , '' according to consumer watchdogs .
Supposedly , the families are involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are wanted for questioning .
Some victims `` emptied their savings accounts , mortgaged their homes , or borrowed heavily to wire money to Hong Kong , from which it went into several accounts in mainland China . ''
Two agency investigators in the San Francisco District Attorney ’ s Office , both fluent in Chinese , were able to track the money and coordinate with law enforcement authorities in China to return several hundred thousand dollars to victims in the San Francisco Bay area .
ContactSusan Tompor : stompor @ freepress.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Read more on business and sign up for our business newsletter .

New scam demands victims stay on the phone: Here's how it works
Show Caption Hide Caption How cellphone companies will help you thwart robocalls T-Mobile IDs suspicious calls, “Scam Likely,” among other measures to reduce unsolicited calls their customers are getting. Here are ways you can avoid unwanted robocalls with the major wireless companies. USA TODAY
Red flags of a scam tend to be similar. The scammer will try new tricks, but typically create a sense of urgency, either playing into our fear, greed or desire to be loved. They'll romance us, threaten us, frighten us or pretend to offer a quick fix to a problem we didn't even know we had.
And now, increasingly, they're demanding that victims stay on the phone as long as possible while consumers head to the bank or the grocery store to carry out demands for money via money transfers or gift cards.
Scammers are telling their victims that that if they hang up, they're likely to be arrested immediately or see their accounts seized.
"This is an alarming development, because consumers are essentially being held captive in the scam," according to a new 2019 Consumer Complaint Survey released by the Consumer Federation of America on Monday.
"If bank tellers question them about withdrawing the money, the scammers are right there, in the consumers’ ears, to suggest how to respond to prevent the tellers from becoming suspicious."
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The Consumer Federation of America each year surveys watchdog agencies across the country. This year, 31 agencies from 20 states participated to give a snapshot of scams and consumer problems.
The new COVID-19 scams — such as a warning about phony contact-tracing outfits asking for your credit card information — will show up in the 2020 survey. Even so, the report noted that the pandemic has spurred complaints involving "price-gouging, refunds for canceled events and travel, nondelivery of orders from closed vendors, and COVID-related scams."
In 2019, the three fastest growing complaints involved fraud, medical billing and internet sales. Consumers continue to complain about failure to deliver online purchases.
Other noteworthy warnings, according to the report, included:
Fake claims on student loans. Student loan problems, as reported to the Maryland Attorney General's Office, involved loans to attend for-profit schools. Students were misled concerning their ability to get a job once their education was complete. In one complaint, the student was told that loans were discharged, so he no longer had to make payments, but one of the loan companies continued to bill him $116 per month for more than a year.
Tech support scams. Consumers reported seeing a pop up on a their computers warning that their computer was infected with a virus. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office sued Support By Experts LLC and Real Tech Experts LLC last year.
When consumers responded to those pop ups, they were told that they needed to pay hundreds of dollars for a product to cure the problem.
"In fact, there was no virus and the product was worthless," the report stated.
A diet program that ate into savings accounts. An Arkansas man enrolled in a diet program and signed up for auto delivery. After one month, though, he tried to cancel and discovered that the payment for the second month had already been taken out.
The business promised to give him a refund, but he never received it. After complaining to the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, he received a refund of $271.76 that covered both months.
Scammers call your mother first. Now the con artists attempt to sound more believable by calling one of your relatives first to track you down, according to Sheryl Harris, director of the Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Department of Consumer Affairs.
“If you get a message from your mom that you’re in trouble with the law, you’re going to believe it,” Harris said in a news briefing Monday.
Con artists also will use real names of local officers, she said, so that the name will pop up when you Google it.
In some cases, consumers might lose thousands of dollars in an effort to clear up their name.
In reality, no court official is going to demand payment or personal information over the phone or threaten arrest for missing jury duty or other offenses.
The sweetheart swindle. A woman in North Carolina lost $46,110 to a scammer claiming to be "an orthopedic doctor working on an oil rig in Russia."
The so-called love connection was made via phone, Linked In, text message and email. The scammer told the victim that he was coming to marry her, but he never showed up. In 2019, the North Carolina Attorney General's Office received 60 complaints about romance fraud, with 46 victims collectively losing more than $1.4 million.
Sweepstakes fraud triggers huge losses. Another woman in North Carolina was tricked into believing she won $3.5 million from scammers pretending to be from Publishers Clearing House.
She lost $220,000 to the scammers running that sweepstakes fraud over a year. At one point, she paid $30,000 in cash to someone she met at a Wendy's restaurant, according to state regulators. North Carolina reported that 69 victims lost more than $2.3 million to sweepstakes scams last year.
The "Chinese Embassy Telephone Scam." Victims in California received prerecorded messages in Mandarin that appeared to be from the Chinese Embassy.
"The scammer asks victims for personal information, including where in China their families are from and their immigration status," according to consumer watchdogs. Supposedly, the families are involved in a major fraud investigation in China and they are wanted for questioning.
Some victims "emptied their savings accounts, mortgaged their homes, or borrowed heavily to wire money to Hong Kong, from which it went into several accounts in mainland China." Two agency investigators in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, both fluent in Chinese, were able to track the money and coordinate with law enforcement authorities in China to return several hundred thousand dollars to victims in the San Francisco Bay area.
Contact Susan Tompor: stompor@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @tompor. Read more on business and sign up for our business newsletter.


usatoday--2020-07-28--Generator fumes kill 4 family members in hurricane-ravaged Texas; thousands still without power

Carbon monoxide fumes from a generator killed four family members and critically injured a child in hurricane-ravaged Texas , local authorities said Tuesday .
On Monday , police responded to a home in Edinburg , Texas after neighbors expressed concerns about not seeing the family .
There , police found five people unconscious — four family members were dead , Edinburg police chief Cesar Torres said .
A 12-year-old girl was found alive and is currently in critical condition , Torres said .
The deceased were aged 34 to 11 .
`` It is with heavy hearts that we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young family in the city of Edinburg .
In this case , a young and innocent family was just trying to make best of the aftermath of Hurricane Hanna , '' Torres said .
Mayor Richard Molina said at a Tuesday press conference that the incident appeared to be an accidental carbon monoxide poisoning .
Thousands are still without power in the city , Molina said .
Hanna made landfall in southeastern Texas Saturday as a Category 1 hurricane , leaving flooding and power outages in its wake .
Tens of thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power as of Tuesday afternoon , according to poweroutage.us .
In the hours after the incident , police found other families in danger from the placement of their generators , Torres said .
Carbon monoxide is an invisible , odorless , colorless gas .
Thousands of American are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning each year and hundreds die , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
After a storm , many people are tempted to move generators inside , to protect them from the elements or prevent theft .
Experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generators on a concrete base where they can be chained down .
Experts recommend never running generators inside a house , garage or carport .
Even a generator placed outside the home can be dangerous , if windows are open or the wind is blowing towards the house .
Installing carbon monoxide alarms and quickly exiting the home when they go off can help keep you safe from the potentially deadly gas .

Generator fumes kill 4 family members in hurricane-ravaged Texas; thousands still without power
Show Caption Hide Caption Hurricane update: Hanna makes landfall, floods parts of south Texas Hurricane Hanna, the first hurricane of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, left parts of coastal Texas "totally underwater." STORYFUL, USA TODAY, Wochit
Carbon monoxide fumes from a generator killed four family members and critically injured a child in hurricane-ravaged Texas, local authorities said Tuesday.
On Monday, police responded to a home in Edinburg, Texas after neighbors expressed concerns about not seeing the family. There, police found five people unconscious — four family members were dead, Edinburg police chief Cesar Torres said.
A 12-year-old girl was found alive and is currently in critical condition, Torres said. The deceased were aged 34 to 11.
"It is with heavy hearts that we have to announce the tragic death of a young family in the city of Edinburg. In this case, a young and innocent family was just trying to make best of the aftermath of Hurricane Hanna," Torres said.
Mayor Richard Molina said at a Tuesday press conference that the incident appeared to be an accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. Thousands are still without power in the city, Molina said.
Hanna made landfall in southeastern Texas Saturday as a Category 1 hurricane, leaving flooding and power outages in its wake.
Tens of thousands of people in the state were still without power as of Tuesday afternoon, according to poweroutage.us.
Watch: Hurricane Hanna floods Texas coast, turning streets into rivers
July 24: Hanna makes landfall in Texas
In the hours after the incident, police found other families in danger from the placement of their generators, Torres said.
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas. Thousands of American are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning each year and hundreds die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
After a storm, many people are tempted to move generators inside, to protect them from the elements or prevent theft. Experts say a safer strategy is to mount generators on a concrete base where they can be chained down.
Experts recommend never running generators inside a house, garage or carport. Even a generator placed outside the home can be dangerous, if windows are open or the wind is blowing towards the house.
Installing carbon monoxide alarms and quickly exiting the home when they go off can help keep you safe from the potentially deadly gas.
Contributing: Liz Szabo


usatoday--2020-07-28--Police departments withdraw from security agreements for Democratic convention, some citing directiv

MILWAUKEE – At least four Wisconsin police departments have withdrawn from agreements to send personnel to next month 's Democratic National Convention , some of them citing orders to Milwaukee 's police chief to cease the use of tear gas and pepper spray during demonstrations .
The moves by police departments in Fond du Lac , Franklin , Greendale and West Allis cast doubt on a program to bring about 1,000 police officers from outside agencies to help shore up security for the event , scheduled for the week of Aug 17 .
Even though Democrats are holding a mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked on Monday if the agreements were collapsing , Fond du Lac Police Chief William Lamb said , `` Yes , '' adding that he expects other agencies from across the state to withdraw from the program .
`` We regret having to do that , '' said Lamb , who chairs the Wisconsin Police Executive Group , which consists of police chiefs from cities with populations of more than 20,000 people .
More : Parties ?
Canceled .
Protests and Joe Biden ?
Still on .
What we know ( and do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The action by Lamb and others comes as Milwaukee 's Fire and Police Commission issued a directive last week to Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales to change department policy to discontinue the use of tear gas and pepper spray .
Morales spoke to several media outlets Tuesday and told at least one that more than 100 law enforcement agencies had backed out of agreements with the city for security at the convention .
`` We respect the Fire and Police Commission 's decision , '' Lamb said in an interview .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disagree with the actions they 've taken .
We believe ( that ) in removing those tools , the use of chemical irritants or pepper spray , from the available resources that the law enforcement officers would have at their disposal if protests become non-peaceful would severely compromise the safety of the public and also the safety of the law enforcement officers who would be assigned to protect the DNC . ''
Lamb sent a letter to Milwaukee police on July 6 outlining his organization 's concerns about limiting the use of tear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not received a reply , he said , but added that he understands that the situation in Milwaukee is `` fluid . ''
West Allis police first sent a letter to Morales with concerns in mid-June after Milwaukee 's Common Council temporarily halted the purchase of those chemicals .
A more recent bid for barricades , pepper spray , a `` tactical gas delivery system , '' food and drink for officers and other equipment appears on its way to being fulfilled .
But then came the directive from the Milwaukee Fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that in the event protests turn non-peaceful , such a policy would remove tools from officers that may otherwise be legal and justifiable to utilize in specific situations , '' West Allis Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher said in an email .
More : Trump cancels Jacksonville portion of Republican convention planned for August due to COVID-19 Franklin Police Chief Rick Oliva raised similar concerns in a letter he sent to Morales last week stating that his agency was no longer sending personnel to assist at the convention `` due to recent decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` It is apparent there is a lack of commitment to provide the Milwaukee Police Department with the resources it needs to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters , attendees , citizens and police personnel , '' Oliva wrote in his July 23 letter , copies of which were sent to Mayor Tom Barrett , the Common Council president and the FPC .
`` I can not send personnel if they are not properly equipped or will not be allowed to engage in appropriate actions which would ensure their safety . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ consulting with the city attorney 's office on how to withdraw from the agreement , which had promised about two dozen Waukesha officers .
`` My position is we 're not going to be sending our officers to support the DNC , '' said Chief Daniel Thompson .
`` I understand that use of chemical irritants and pepper spray is serious and those are to be used only when legally justified , '' he said .
`` But when you take that out of the continuum that doesn ’ t leave the officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly force and that ’ s not good for any officer or the public . ''
The Milwaukee Police Department declined to comment on the situation .
Griselda Aldrete , executive director of the FPC , referred questions about the issue to Commissioner Nelson Soler , who did not respond to an interview request .
Soler serves as chairman of the Policies and Standards Committee , which is reviewing operating procedures for crowd control .
Some agencies are still planning to send officers to assist with the event .
Green Bay Police Chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ department is one of them .
“ We made a commitment that we would assist Chief Morales and the Milwaukee Police Department , ” Smith said .
“ We intend to honor that commitment.
” Glendale Police Capt .
Rhett Fugman said Monday that his department still plans to send five officers to assist with the DNC .
West Bend Police Chief Kenneth Meuler said he remains committed to sending about a dozen officers for the effort .
“ I am confident that Chief Morales and city officials will work out an agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other chiefs have raised , '' said Meuler , a former Milwaukee Police Department captain .
The Wisconsin State Patrol also still plans to provide security assistance at the DNC and so does the Rock County Sheriff 's Office .
Milwaukee Common Council President Cavalier Johnson said the council has `` only asked for transparency when it comes to the use of chemical irritants – especially during a time when tensions between law enforcement and the community need to be de-escalated . ''
`` I ’ m very thankful to police forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other communities from across Wisconsin and the United States that not only will honor their commitment to provide security during the Democratic National Convention but also respect the moment that our nation is in as we collectively re-examine police-community relations , '' he said .
More : Police use of rubber bullets , bean bag rounds has left a bloody trail for decades .
Those maimed say enough is enough .
Others are no longer sending officers to help but said the decision was made independently of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief Matt Rokus said he decided against sending the 10 officers the agency had originally planned to send to assist with the convention in February .
`` The commitment to send 10 officers was made by our previous chief , prior to my appointment , '' Rokus said .
He added that Eau Claire previously had three large local music festivals and another large event planned that would have coincided with the original July dates of the DNC in Milwaukee .
`` It really had to do with local needs at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State Police said Monday that their deployment of about 55 people was canceled .
No reason was given .

Bill Glauber, Ashley Luthern and Mary Spicuzza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Police departments withdraw from security agreements for Democratic convention, some citing directive on crowd munitions
MILWAUKEE – At least four Wisconsin police departments have withdrawn from agreements to send personnel to next month's Democratic National Convention, some of them citing orders to Milwaukee's police chief to cease the use of tear gas and pepper spray during demonstrations.
The moves by police departments in Fond du Lac, Franklin, Greendale and West Allis cast doubt on a program to bring about 1,000 police officers from outside agencies to help shore up security for the event, scheduled for the week of Aug 17. Even though Democrats are holding a mostly virtual convention, protests are anticipated.
Asked on Monday if the agreements were collapsing, Fond du Lac Police Chief William Lamb said, "Yes," adding that he expects other agencies from across the state to withdraw from the program.
"We regret having to do that," said Lamb, who chairs the Wisconsin Police Executive Group, which consists of police chiefs from cities with populations of more than 20,000 people.
More: Parties? Canceled. Protests and Joe Biden? Still on. What we know (and don't) about the DNC in Milwaukee
The action by Lamb and others comes as Milwaukee's Fire and Police Commission issued a directive last week to Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales to change department policy to discontinue the use of tear gas and pepper spray.
Morales spoke to several media outlets Tuesday and told at least one that more than 100 law enforcement agencies had backed out of agreements with the city for security at the convention.
Morales abruptly canceled a scheduled interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Tuesday afternoon.
"We respect the Fire and Police Commission's decision," Lamb said in an interview. "But in this particular case, we strongly disagree with the actions they've taken. We believe (that) in removing those tools, the use of chemical irritants or pepper spray, from the available resources that the law enforcement officers would have at their disposal if protests become non-peaceful would severely compromise the safety of the public and also the safety of the law enforcement officers who would be assigned to protect the DNC."
Lamb sent a letter to Milwaukee police on July 6 outlining his organization's concerns about limiting the use of tear gas and pepper spray. His group has not received a reply, he said, but added that he understands that the situation in Milwaukee is "fluid."
West Allis police first sent a letter to Morales with concerns in mid-June after Milwaukee's Common Council temporarily halted the purchase of those chemicals. A more recent bid for barricades, pepper spray, a "tactical gas delivery system," food and drink for officers and other equipment appears on its way to being fulfilled.
But then came the directive from the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission.
"Our concern is that in the event protests turn non-peaceful, such a policy would remove tools from officers that may otherwise be legal and justifiable to utilize in specific situations," West Allis Deputy Chief Robert Fletcher said in an email.
More: Trump cancels Jacksonville portion of Republican convention planned for August due to COVID-19
Franklin Police Chief Rick Oliva raised similar concerns in a letter he sent to Morales last week stating that his agency was no longer sending personnel to assist at the convention "due to recent decisions by Milwaukee elected and appointed officials."
"It is apparent there is a lack of commitment to provide the Milwaukee Police Department with the resources it needs to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters, attendees, citizens and police personnel," Oliva wrote in his July 23 letter, copies of which were sent to Mayor Tom Barrett, the Common Council president and the FPC. "I can not send personnel if they are not properly equipped or will not be allowed to engage in appropriate actions which would ensure their safety."
Waukesha's police chief said he is consulting with the city attorney's office on how to withdraw from the agreement, which had promised about two dozen Waukesha officers.
"My position is we're not going to be sending our officers to support the DNC," said Chief Daniel Thompson.
"I understand that use of chemical irritants and pepper spray is serious and those are to be used only when legally justified," he said. "But when you take that out of the continuum that doesn’t leave the officers much other than getting harmed or using deadly force and that’s not good for any officer or the public."
The Milwaukee Police Department declined to comment on the situation.
Griselda Aldrete, executive director of the FPC, referred questions about the issue to Commissioner Nelson Soler, who did not respond to an interview request. Soler serves as chairman of the Policies and Standards Committee, which is reviewing operating procedures for crowd control.
Some agencies are still planning to send officers to assist with the event.
Green Bay Police Chief Andrew Smith said at this point his department is one of them.
“We made a commitment that we would assist Chief Morales and the Milwaukee Police Department,” Smith said. “We intend to honor that commitment.”
Glendale Police Capt. Rhett Fugman said Monday that his department still plans to send five officers to assist with the DNC.
West Bend Police Chief Kenneth Meuler said he remains committed to sending about a dozen officers for the effort.
“I am confident that Chief Morales and city officials will work out an agreement to address the concerns that some of the other chiefs have raised," said Meuler, a former Milwaukee Police Department captain.
The Wisconsin State Patrol also still plans to provide security assistance at the DNC and so does the Rock County Sheriff's Office.
Milwaukee Common Council President Cavalier Johnson said the council has "only asked for transparency when it comes to the use of chemical irritants – especially during a time when tensions between law enforcement and the community need to be de-escalated."
"I’m very thankful to police forces from Green Bay, West Bend and other communities from across Wisconsin and the United States that not only will honor their commitment to provide security during the Democratic National Convention but also respect the moment that our nation is in as we collectively re-examine police-community relations," he said.
More: Police use of rubber bullets, bean bag rounds has left a bloody trail for decades. Those maimed say enough is enough.
Others are no longer sending officers to help but said the decision was made independently of concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic and any recent directives.
Eau Claire Police Chief Matt Rokus said he decided against sending the 10 officers the agency had originally planned to send to assist with the convention in February.
"The commitment to send 10 officers was made by our previous chief, prior to my appointment," Rokus said.
He added that Eau Claire previously had three large local music festivals and another large event planned that would have coincided with the original July dates of the DNC in Milwaukee.
"It really had to do with local needs at the time," Rokus said.
New Jersey State Police said Monday that their deployment of about 55 people was canceled. No reason was given.
Contributing: Alison Dirr


usatoday--2020-07-29--Aaron Rodgers 'bummed,' not bitter about Packers' Jordan Love pick

Aaron Rodgers came aboard the maiden voyage Tuesday of Kyle Brandt 's new podcast for The Ringer , `` 10 Questions with Kyle Brandt , '' and discussed the Packers ' decision to draft Jordan Love .
The podcast arrives on Spotify on Aug. 12 , but The Ringer posted a clip of Rodgers ' response when asked about his thoughts on draft night .
He was also asked how he thought he 'd look in a Bears uniform .
`` Oh man , that 's a tough thought right there , man , '' Rodgers said with a laugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rodgers talked about how he poured himself a drink when he caught wind that the Packers were going to take a quarterback , knowing phone calls from friends would start pouring in .
DRAFT-DAY REACTION : Aaron Rodgers said he poured himself a big glass of tequila Rodgers pointed out the dissimilarities between the 2004 Packers team and the 2019 version , even though both decided to make surprising draft choices of quarterbacks in the first round .
He noted the 2004 team went 10-6 with a quarterback ( Brett Favre ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the 2019 team finished 13-3 in the NFC Championship game with a quarterback who has expressed a desire to play into his 40s .
He also noted that the eras are different , and young quarterbacks are playing earlier in their career .
But he also detailed how he reached out to Love and felt it was critical to convey his empathy for Love 's situation .
`` Was I bummed out ?
Of course , who would n't be ? ''
Rodgers said .
`` I want to play my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love the city , I grew up there .
Really , I got there when I was 21 , and I 'm 36 now ; a lot changes during that time .
But I get it .
I see it completely clearly .
I 'm not bitter about it .
It kind of is what it is . ''
If you love talking football , we have the perfect spot for you .
Join our Facebook Group , The Ruling Off the Field , to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do the right thing , sign up now !

JR Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Aaron Rodgers 'bummed,' not bitter about Packers' Jordan Love pick
Show Caption Hide Caption NFL mulling contingency plans for addressing COVID-19 outbreaks USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell breaks down the NFL's plan to prevent a potential COVID-19 outbreak. USA TODAY
Aaron Rodgers came aboard the maiden voyage Tuesday of Kyle Brandt's new podcast for The Ringer, "10 Questions with Kyle Brandt," and discussed the Packers' decision to draft Jordan Love.
The podcast arrives on Spotify on Aug. 12, but The Ringer posted a clip of Rodgers' response when asked about his thoughts on draft night.
He was also asked how he thought he'd look in a Bears uniform.
"Oh man, that's a tough thought right there, man," Rodgers said with a laugh in the final seconds of the clip.
Aaron Rodgers expands on the Jordan Love pick on @kylebrandt's new @spotify/@ringer pod. Check it out: pic.twitter.com/84hTnIX2YA — Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) July 28, 2020
Rodgers talked about how he poured himself a drink when he caught wind that the Packers were going to take a quarterback, knowing phone calls from friends would start pouring in.
DRAFT-DAY REACTION: Aaron Rodgers said he poured himself a big glass of tequila
Rodgers pointed out the dissimilarities between the 2004 Packers team and the 2019 version, even though both decided to make surprising draft choices of quarterbacks in the first round. He noted the 2004 team went 10-6 with a quarterback (Brett Favre) who had pondered retirement in the past, and the 2019 team finished 13-3 in the NFC Championship game with a quarterback who has expressed a desire to play into his 40s. He also noted that the eras are different, and young quarterbacks are playing earlier in their career.
But he also detailed how he reached out to Love and felt it was critical to convey his empathy for Love's situation.
"Was I bummed out? Of course, who wouldn't be?" Rodgers said. "I want to play my entire career in Green Bay. I love the city, I grew up there. Really, I got there when I was 21, and I'm 36 now; a lot changes during that time. But I get it. I see it completely clearly. I'm not bitter about it. It kind of is what it is."
If you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!


usatoday--2020-07-28--COVID-19: Herman Cain remains hospitalized on oxygen a month after being admitted

WASHINGTON – Former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain remains hospitalized for COVID-19 after being admitted nearly one month ago .
An update to his Twitter account on Monday announced the 74-year-old `` is still in the hospital being treated with oxygen for his lungs .
In the meantime , the doctors say his other organs and systems are strong . ''
`` Re-strengthening the lungs is a long and slow process , and the doctors want to be thorough about it , '' a following tweet continued , with another thanking supporters for their prayers .
`` He really is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working , '' the posts concluded .
USA TODAY has reached out for additional information regarding Cain 's status .
The former Godfather 's Pizza CEO survived stage 4 colon cancer , which was diagnosed in 2006 .
He was given a 30 % chance of survival then after the cancer had spread to his liver , but was declared cancer free in 2007 after undergoing chemotherapy and surgery .
It remains unknown where he contracted the virus .
Cain , who serves as co-chair of Black Voices for Trump , had attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Oklahoma , in June and did n't wear a mask .
Several others who attended , including a few Trump campaign staffers , also tested positive for the coronavirus .
Another coronavirus stimulus check : What we know about the next round of payments Cain was hospitalized at an `` Atlanta-area hospital '' 11 days following the rally after testing positive on June 29 and experiencing `` symptoms serious enough that he required ' admittance .
A local top health official said at a news conference following the rally that it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathering added to the record number of cases reported the subsequent week .
The update of Cain 's status came on the same day it was announced Trump 's national security adviser , Robert O'Brien , also tested positive for COVID-19 , becoming the highest-ranking administration official to contract the disease .
In April 2019 , Trump announced he intended to nominate Cain to serve on the Federal Reserve .
The plan to nominate Cain , who has been accused of repeated sexual harassment , was met with immediate backlash from both Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cain said he asked Trump to take his name out of consideration because he could n't afford the `` pay cut . ''
The ongoing pandemic has resulted in 4.3 million cases in the United States , with nearly 150,000 deaths , according to data from John Hopkins .

COVID-19: Herman Cain remains hospitalized on oxygen a month after being admitted
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: Trump to resume coronavirus briefings at the White House President Trump says he'll resume coronavirus briefings at the White House amid the recent spike in cases. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain remains hospitalized for COVID-19 after being admitted nearly one month ago.
An update to his Twitter account Monday announced the 74-year-old "is still in the hospital being treated with oxygen for his lungs. In the meantime, the doctors say his other organs and systems are strong."
"Re-strengthening the lungs is a long and slow process, and the doctors want to be thorough about it," a following tweet continued, with another thanking supporters for their prayers.
"He really is getting better, which means it is working," the posts concluded.
More: Twitter removes President Donald Trump's post touting a false 'cure' for COVID-19
USA TODAY has reached out for additional information regarding Cain's status.
We know it's been a few days since we last gave you an update on the boss. But he is still in the hospital being treated with oxygen for his lungs. In the meantime, the doctors say his other organs and systems are strong. — Herman Cain (@THEHermanCain) July 27, 2020
Cain, a former Godfather's Pizza CEO, survived stage 4 colon cancer, which was diagnosed in 2006. He was given a 30% chance of survival then after the cancer had spread to his liver, but was declared cancer free in 2007 after undergoing chemotherapy and surgery.
It remains unknown where he contracted the virus.
Cain, who serves as co-chair of Black Voices for Trump, had attended President Donald Trump's rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June and didn't wear a mask. Several others who attended, including a few Trump campaign staffers, also tested positive for the coronavirus.
Another coronavirus stimulus check: What we know about the next round of payments
Cain was hospitalized at an "Atlanta-area hospital" 11 days following the rally after testing positive June 29 and experiencing "symptoms serious enough that he required" admittance.
A local top health official said at a news conference following the rally that it was "more than likely" the large gathering added to the record number of cases reported the subsequent week.
The update on Cain's status came the same day it was announced that Trump's national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, had also tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the highest-ranking administration official to contract the disease.
More: Robert O'Brien, Donald Trump's national security adviser, tests positive for COVID-19
In April 2019, Trump announced that he intended to nominate Cain to serve on the Federal Reserve. The plan to nominate Cain, who has been accused of repeated sexual harassment, was met with immediate backlash from both Democrats and Republicans. Two weeks later, Cain said he asked Trump to take his name out of consideration because he couldn't afford the "pay cut."
The ongoing pandemic has resulted in 4.3 million cases in the United States, with nearly 150,000 deaths, according to data from John Hopkins.
Contributing: William Cummings, Jeanine Santucci, David Jackson


usatoday--2020-07-28--Skateboarder thrives while living with cystic fibrosis

Beau Rich lives with cystic fibrosis , a genetic condition that affects his breathing .
Despite life-long treatment , skateboarding @ @ @ @

Skateboarder thrives while living with cystic fibrosis
Beau Rich lives with cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that affects his breathing. Despite life-long treatment, skateboarding saved his life.
Sportskind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-13--This dental product is the secret to a clean coffee maker

How to clean various coffee makers , including a Keurig or French press Here 's how and when to clean @ @ @ @ @ pod brewer or French press .

How to clean various coffee makers, including a Keurig or French press
Here's how and when to clean your drip coffee maker, pod brewer or French press.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-29--'Do not hold grudges': Biden's notes reveal several talking points about Kamala Harris

WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee , was captured Tuesday holding a note with Sen. Kamala Harris ' name printed across the top with talking points , including , `` Do not hold grudges . ''
The other talking points about Harris were : “ Campaigned with me & Jill.
” “ Talented.
” “ Great help to campaign.
” “ Great respect for her.
” Harris , D-Calif. , was a Biden rival when she was running her own campaign for president but has since emerged as a top contender for the vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to name vice presidential running mate next week The does `` not hold grudges '' talking point may be reference to the clash between the two at the first Democratic debate , when the former California attorney general went after Biden , who was considered the front-runner for most of 2019 , on his civil rights record .
Harris challenged Biden over remarks he made at a fundraiser in which he touted his past successes working with Republicans to get legislation passed , citing his ability to work with segregationist Sens .
James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and careers on segregation of race in this country , '' Harris , who is African-American , told Biden during the debate .
She went on to criticize his opposition to school busing in the 1970s , telling the story of a girl in California who was part of just the second integrated class in her school .
`` That little girl is me , '' Harris said in a moment that went viral .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'probably ' ca n't play without COVID-19 vaccine She enjoyed a short-lived bump in the polls from the moment but according to some outlets , other Democrats have been lobbying against her for the vice presidency in part because of lack of trust following that moment .
According to POLITICO , former Sen. Chris Dodd , who is a member of Biden ’ s vice presidential search committee , was stunned by Harris ' attack , reportedly saying , “ She laughed and said , ‘ that ’ s politics.
’ She had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drawn criticism , especially from Democratic women , who say Harris is being held to a standard that wouldn ’ t apply to a man .
Since that moment , the relationship between Biden and Harris has become considerably more friendly , with Harris passionately endorsing Biden for the presidency , and becoming a surrogate for his campaign by appearing and headlining virtual fundraisers and events .
As reflected in his notes , Biden has made similar comments in the past about Harris , saying in December `` of course '' he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she `` has the capacity to be anything she wants to be .
I mean it sincerely . ''
`` She is solid .
She can be president someday herself .
She can be the vice president .
She can go on to be a Supreme Court justice .
She can be an attorney general .
I mean , she has enormous capability , '' he continued .
The presumptive nominee has also noted that he ’ s thought highly of her since she became close to Beau Biden , the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were both Democratic state attorneys general together .
More : Police departments withdraw from security agreements for Democratic convention , some citing directive on crowd munitions Biden 's choice has been closely monitored because he has committed to choosing a woman .
But key Democratic activists have urged him to choose a Black woman in order to build enthusiasm among voters of color and younger progressives .
Biden said Tuesday he would choose his running-mate the first week of August .
The note was captured by a photographer with the Associated Press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

'Do not hold grudges': Biden's notes reveal several talking points about Kamala Harris
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden spotted with notes about one of his VP picks As talk swirls around Joe Biden's pick for a VP, the presumptive Democratic nominee was seen holding a note with Sen. Kamala Harris' name at the top. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, was captured Tuesday holding a note with Sen. Kamala Harris' name printed across the top with talking points, including, "Do not hold grudges."
The other talking points about Harris were: “Campaigned with me & Jill.” “Talented.” “Great help to campaign.” “Great respect for her.”
Harris, D-Calif., was a Biden rival when she was running her own campaign for president but has since emerged as a top contender for the vice presidency.
More: Joe Biden plans to name vice presidential running mate next week
The does "not hold grudges" talking point may be reference to the clash between the two at the first Democratic debate, when the former California attorney general went after Biden, who was considered the front-runner for most of 2019, on his civil rights record.
Harris challenged Biden over remarks he made at a fundraiser in which he touted his past successes working with Republicans to get legislation passed, citing his ability to work with segregationist Sens. James Eastland and Herman Talmadge.
"It was hurtful to hear you talk about the reputations of two United States senators who built their reputations and careers on segregation of race in this country," Harris, who is African-American, told Biden during the debate.
She went on to criticize his opposition to school busing in the 1970s, telling the story of a girl in California who was part of just the second integrated class in her school.
"That little girl is me," Harris said in a moment that went viral.
More: Biden says pro sports leagues 'probably' can't play without COVID-19 vaccine
She enjoyed a short-lived bump in the polls from the moment but according to some outlets, other Democrats have been lobbying against her for the vice presidency in part because of lack of trust following that moment.
According to POLITICO, former Sen. Chris Dodd, who is a member of Biden’s vice presidential search committee, was stunned by Harris' attack, reportedly saying, “She laughed and said, ‘that’s politics.’ She had no remorse."
Those comments have drawn criticism, especially from Democratic women, who say Harris is being held to a standard that wouldn’t apply to a man.
Since that moment, the relationship between Biden and Harris has become considerably more friendly, with Harris passionately endorsing Biden for the presidency, and becoming a surrogate for his campaign by appearing and headlining virtual fundraisers and events.
'Racial equity': Biden proposes federal contracting, debt relief to aid racial minorities in economic recovery
As reflected in his notes, Biden has made similar comments in the past about Harris, saying in December "of course" he would consider her to be his running-mate and that she "has the capacity to be anything she wants to be. I mean it sincerely."
"She is solid. She can be president someday herself. She can be the vice president. She can go on to be a Supreme Court justice. She can be an attorney general. I mean, she has enormous capability," he continued.
The presumptive nominee has also noted that he’s thought highly of her since she became close to Beau Biden, the former vice president's late son, when they were both Democratic state attorneys general together.
More: Police departments withdraw from security agreements for Democratic convention, some citing directive on crowd munitions
Biden's choice has been closely monitored because he has committed to choosing a woman. But key Democratic activists have urged him to choose a Black woman in order to build enthusiasm among voters of color and younger progressives.
Biden said Tuesday he would choose his running-mate the first week of August.
The note was captured by a photographer with the Associated Press as Biden took questions from reporters Tuesday.
Contributing: The Associated Press; William Cummings, Bart Jansen, Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-28--Biden says pro sports leagues 'probably' can't play without COVID-19 vaccine

Former Vice President Joe Biden voiced skepticism Tuesday about the country having major league sports until a vaccine is developed for COVID-19 or until the teams can follow scientific recommendations for social distancing and quarantining .
“ It seems to me that it ’ s probably not going to be able to happen based on what the leagues themselves are saying , '' Biden said .
`` You have the Marlins saying , ‘ We can ’ t do it . '
'' His comments came in response to a question at a news conference about the Florida Marlins suspending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staffers tested positive for the virus .
The tests came after playing only three games in a virus-shortened season .
Major League Baseball attempted to field a shortened season by having teams travel less and take other precautions .
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Monday the season could be played safely .
But the league suspended the team 's entire season Tuesday as a precaution .
`` The health and safety protocols were designed with a challenging circumstance like the one facing the Marlins in mind , '' the league said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ models might work `` a little bit , '' such as the National Basketball Association locating all games in Orlando , Fla. , if they reduce travel and sequester in one place .
But he said for traveling teams , players should quarantine for 12 days after visiting other states .
“ It seems to me that when you have to travel , when you have to be in hotel rooms or places that are different than you ’ ve been the day before , when you ’ re in a position where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where there is a high concentration of the spread of COVID , all those things add up to a real problem , '' Biden said .
`` We ’ re not going to really overcome that until we follow the science and get a vaccine . ''
Biden 's comments come in stark contrast to President Donald Trump , who has encouraged a return to live sports and a reopening of the economy .
Private drugmakers are working with governments around the world to develop a vaccine .
Scientists say a vaccine is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least the end of the year .
Biden noted that National Football League players illustrate concerns with playing amid the pandemic by balking at playing for $ 8 million to $ 10 million because of the risk .
“ You ’ ve got to listen , ” Biden said .

Biden says pro sports leagues 'probably' can't play without COVID-19 vaccine
Show Caption Hide Caption MLB season in jeopardy after Marlins' positive tests What I’m Hearing: After 14 Marlins players and employees tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, how will MLB move forward. WhatI'mHearing, USA TODAY
Former Vice President Joe Biden voiced skepticism Tuesday about the country having major league sports until a vaccine is developed for COVID-19 or until the teams can follow scientific recommendations for social distancing and quarantining.
“It seems to me that it’s probably not going to be able to happen based on what the leagues themselves are saying," Biden said. "You have the Marlins saying, ‘We can’t do it.'"
His comments came in response to a question at a news conference about the Florida Marlins suspending their season after 15 players and two staffers tested positive for the virus. The tests came after playing only three games in a virus-shortened season.
Major League Baseball attempted to field a shortened season by having teams travel less and take other precautions. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said Monday the season could be played safely. But the league suspended the team's entire season Tuesday as a precaution.
"The health and safety protocols were designed with a challenging circumstance like the one facing the Marlins in mind," the league said in a statement.
Biden acknowledged that other sports models might work "a little bit," such as the National Basketball Association locating all games in Orlando, Fla., if they reduce travel and sequester in one place. But he said for traveling teams, players should quarantine for 12 days after visiting other states.
“It seems to me that when you have to travel, when you have to be in hotel rooms or places that are different than you’ve been the day before, when you’re in a position where you’re going into an area where there is a high concentration of the spread of COVID, all those things add up to a real problem," Biden said. "We’re not going to really overcome that until we follow the science and get a vaccine."
Biden's comments come in stark contrast to President Donald Trump, who has encouraged a return to live sports and a reopening of the economy.
Private drugmakers are working with governments around the world to develop a vaccine. Scientists say a vaccine is unlikely to be widely available until at least the end of the year.
Biden noted that National Football League players illustrate concerns with playing amid the pandemic by balking at playing for $8 million to $10 million because of the risk.
“You’ve got to listen,” Biden said.


usatoday--2020-07-28--'No reason to think' 2020 election is rigged, AG Bill Barr testifies, breaking with Trump

Democrats have long contended that Attorney General William Barr has walked in lock-step with President Donald Trump .
Yet in often contentious testimony before the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday , the attorney general appeared at odds with his boss on one politically charged issue .
Asked directly whether he believed the 2020 election will be `` rigged '' – as Trump has repeatedly asserted when discussing the use of mail-in ballots as a concession to the coronavirus pandemic – Barr did not hesitate .
`` I have no reason to think it will be , '' the attorney general responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richmond , D-La .
As recently as this month , in an interview with Fox News , Trump declined to say whether he would accept the outcome of the election .
At the same time , he suggested that mail-in voting would contribute to a `` corrupt '' election .
`` I have to see , '' Trump said .
Rigged : 'He 's scaring our own voters ' : Republicans run into a Donald Trump problem as they push mail voting The president 's comments on the integrity of the approaching election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including from presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden who last month said that his `` single greatest concern '' was that the Trump would try to `` steal this election . ''
Biden , in an interview with the Daily Show , went on to suggest that the military would `` escort the president from the White House with great dispatch , '' if he refused to accept a losing result .
On Tuesday , Barr did reiterate Trump 's concern for the mail-in vote , saying there was `` high risk '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Rep. Mary Scanlon , D-Pa. , Barr said he did not have evidence of activities , such as counterfeit mail-in ballots .
He conceded to voting by mail himself at least once .
Barr said he knew of no basis for the president to contest an election when the results are clear .
`` Not that I 'm aware of , '' Barr said . '
I 'll be right eventually ' : Donald Trump defends his handling of COVID-19 and the presidency

Kevin Johnson and Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY

'No reason to think' 2020 election is rigged, AG Bill Barr testifies, breaking with Trump
Show Caption Hide Caption Barr, Nadler clash on federal response to unrest Attorney General William Barr clashed with the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee over the federal response to unrest in U.S. cities. (July 28) AP
Democrats have long contended that Attorney General William Barr has walked in lock-step with President Donald Trump.
Yet in often contentious testimony before the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday, the attorney general appeared at odds with his boss on one politically charged issue.
Asked directly whether he believed the 2020 election will be "rigged"– as Trump has repeatedly asserted when discussing the use of mail-in ballots as a concession to the coronavirus pandemic – Barr did not hesitate.
"I have no reason to think it will be," the attorney general responded to the question posed by Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La.
As recently as this month, in an interview with Fox News, Trump declined to say whether he would accept the outcome of the election. At the same time, he suggested that mail-in voting would contribute to a "corrupt" election.
"I have to see," Trump said.
Rigged: 'He's scaring our own voters': Republicans run into a Donald Trump problem as they push mail voting
The president's comments on the integrity of the approaching election have stirred concern beyond the Judiciary Committee, including from presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden who last month said that his "single greatest concern" was that the Trump would try to "steal this election."
Biden, in an interview with the Daily Show, went on to suggest that the military would "escort the president from the White House with great dispatch," if he refused to accept a losing result.
On Tuesday, Barr did reiterate Trump's concern for the mail-in vote, saying there was "high risk" of fraud. However, under questioning by Rep. Mary Scanlon, D-Pa., Barr said he did not have evidence of activities, such as counterfeit mail-in ballots. He conceded to voting by mail himself at least once.
Barr said he knew of no basis for the president to contest an election when the results are clear.
"Not that I'm aware of," Barr said.
'I'll be right eventually':Donald Trump defends his handling of COVID-19 and the presidency


usatoday--2020-07-28--Reversing course, Trump suggests he'll be in North Carolina to accept GOP nomination for second term

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump indicated he will accept his party 's nomination for a second term in North Carolina this summer , reversing earlier efforts to distance his campaign from the state because of its coronavirus restrictions .
But Trump appeared to walk the idea back hours later during a press conference at the White House .
`` All I know is I ’ ll be in North Carolina , and that 's a very big deal because we have a lot of the delegates there , and that 'll be a nomination process , '' Trump told WRAL-TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked Monday about his acceptance speech plans .
But speaking at a press conference hours later , Trump seemed to draw a distinction between the events taking place in Charlotte , North Carolina , and his plan to deliver an acceptance speech – possibly days later .
`` We 'll be doing a speech on Thursday – the main speech , the primary speech , '' Trump said .
`` Charlotte , they will be doing nominating on Monday , that 's a different period , a different thing happening . ''
Pressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump said `` we 'll be announcing it soon . ''
Trump 's back and forthunderscored the uncertainty GOP officials have faced as they seek to put on some form of in-person convention while also responding to state and local coronavirus restrictions limiting large gatherings .
Trump pilloried North Carolina 's Democratic governor , Roy Cooper , for the state 's lockdown rules and last month decided to move the high-profile speeches – including his own – to Jacksonville , Florida .
But after local officials in Jacksonville raised concerns about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancelled the Jacksonville portion last week .
The decision marked a major setback for the campaign , which had hoped to use the made-for-television event to reset a campaign polls show has been lagging in most battleground states .
Trump won North Carolina in 2016 , though polls show presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden with a single-digit lead there .
Trump has already visited the state several times this year and Vice President Mike Pence is set to travel there Wednesday .
Throughout the changes , some portions of the convention were always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Carolina , including Trump 's formal nomination .
It was not clear if Trump 's remarks about visiting North Carolina were related to delivering an acceptance speech there – which usually follows the nomination – or whether he is planning to attend some portion of previously scheduled business meetings in the state .
Neither the Trump campaign nor Republican Party officials responded to requests to clarify the president 's remarks .
Trump also told WRAL that details of the acceptance speech would not be released publicly until later this week or early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday at a Fujifilm plant in Morrisville , North Carolina , where work on a coronavirus vaccine is taking place , Trump demurred when asked whether Cooper had been right to limit large gatherings .
The president reiterated that some portions of the convention had always been planned for Charlotte .
`` We 're actually coming to North Carolina , as you know .
We 're having a very major – I guess that would the nomination night .
So that 's Monday .
That ’ ll be Monday , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` And the rest we ’ ll do in a different form . ''
State Democrats slammed the announcement .
Democrats are planning a mostly virtual convention .
`` This entire fiasco is a testament to Donald Trump 's bungled response to the coronavirus in the first place , '' state Democratic Party spokesman Austin Cook said in a statement .
`` After all these rides on the merry-go-round , it 's hard to imagine how he could make this situation any more embarrassing for himself and the Republican Party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the convention , GOP officials announced only one specific event : Trump 's acceptance speech on Thursday , Aug. 27 .
It was not clear if Trump intended to stick with that date for the speech , or reschedule it .

Reversing course, Trump suggests he'll be in North Carolina to accept GOP nomination for second term
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump announces surge of federal law enforcement to communities President Donald Trump announces a surge of federal law enforcement into communities "plagued by violent crime." USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump indicated he will accept his party's nomination for a second term in North Carolina this summer, reversing earlier efforts to distance his campaign from the state because of its coronavirus restrictions.
But Trump appeared to walk the idea back hours later during a press conference at the White House.
"All I know is I’ll be in North Carolina, and that's a very big deal because we have a lot of the delegates there, and that'll be a nomination process," Trump told WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina, when asked Monday about his acceptance speech plans.
But speaking at a press conference hours later, Trump seemed to draw a distinction between the events taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina, and his plan to deliver an acceptance speech – possibly days later.
"We'll be doing a speech on Thursday – the main speech, the primary speech," Trump said. "Charlotte, they will be doing nominating on Monday, that's a different period, a different thing happening."
Pressed for where he would deliver that speech, Trump said "we'll be announcing it soon."
Trump's back and forth underscored the uncertainty GOP officials have faced as they seek to put on some form of in-person convention while also responding to state and local coronavirus restrictions limiting large gatherings. Trump pilloried North Carolina's Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, for the state's lockdown rules and last month decided to move the high-profile speeches – including his own – to Jacksonville, Florida.
But after local officials in Jacksonville raised concerns about the safety of the event, Trump abruptly cancelled the Jacksonville portion last week. The decision marked a major setback for the campaign, which had hoped to use the made-for-television event to reset a campaign polls show has been lagging in most battleground states.
Trump won North Carolina in 2016, though polls show presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden with a single-digit lead there. Trump has already visited the state several times this year and Vice President Mike Pence is set to travel there Wednesday.
Throughout the changes, some portions of the convention were always expected to take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, including Trump's formal nomination. It was not clear if Trump's remarks about visiting North Carolina were related to delivering an acceptance speech there – which usually follows the nomination – or whether he is planning to attend some portion of previously scheduled business meetings in the state.
Neither the Trump campaign nor Republican Party officials responded to requests to clarify the president's remarks. Trump also told WRAL that details of the acceptance speech would not be released publicly until later this week or early next.
As he spoke to reporters on Monday at a Fujifilm plant in Morrisville, North Carolina, where work on a coronavirus vaccine is taking place, Trump demurred when asked whether Cooper had been right to limit large gatherings. The president reiterated that some portions of the convention had always been planned for Charlotte.
"We're actually coming to North Carolina, as you know. We're having a very major – I guess that would the nomination night. So that's Monday. That’ll be Monday, they are going to be here," Trump said. "And the rest we’ll do in a different form."
State Democrats slammed the announcement. Democrats are planning a mostly virtual convention.
"This entire fiasco is a testament to Donald Trump's bungled response to the coronavirus in the first place," state Democratic Party spokesman Austin Cook said in a statement. "After all these rides on the merry-go-round, it's hard to imagine how he could make this situation any more embarrassing for himself and the Republican Party.
As they made and remade plans for the convention, GOP officials announced only one specific event: Trump's acceptance speech on Thursday, Aug. 27. It was not clear if Trump intended to stick with that date for the speech, or reschedule it.


usatoday--2020-07-28--National Guard major tells lawmakers he saw 'excessive' force used on protesters near the White Hous

WASHINGTON – A major in the District of Columbia National Guard told lawmakers he saw `` excessive '' force used in June when law enforcement cleared protesters gathered near the White House ahead of President Trump 's controversial photo opportunity at St. John 's Church .
Maj. Adam DeMarco , who served as a liaison between the D.C. National Guard and the Park Police at Lafayette Square , told lawmakers the disproportionate use of force he witnessed against largely peaceful protesters was `` deeply disturbing '' to him and other Guardsman .
The National Guard was not actively involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but was at the scene to `` reinforce and relieve '' the Park Police if needed , according to DeMarco 's written testimony .
DeMarco spoke Tuesday before the House Natural Resources Committee along with acting U.S. Park Police Chief Gregory Monahan , who defended his agency 's actions .
Monahan told lawmakers the protesters were pushed back that day because of `` sustained '' violent incidents and violent confrontations with law enforcement .
DeMarco said the clearing of protesters happened earlier than the Guard had expected and took place 40 minutes before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to go into effect , and about 20 minutes before Trump gave a speech in the White House Rose Garden calling for an end to violent protests .
On the evening of June 1 , demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd and police brutality were forcibly removed from the Lafayette Square by authorities , some on horseback , using chemical irritants , rubber bullets and shields .
Trump then walked with members of his administration to historic St. John 's Church , where a fire had occurred the night before , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wide condemnation .
The Trump administration has denied any connection between the photo and the clearing of protesters and had denied the use of tear gas on the protesters .
DeMarco , however , told lawmakers he felt irritation in his eyes and nose at the time , and based on exposure to tear gas both at West Point and in the Army , the effects were `` consistent with CS or 'tear gas . '
'' He later found spent tear gas canisters on the street , but he was told by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that day against protesters , and that the smoke at the scene was `` stage smoke . ''
`` From my observation , those demonstrators – our fellow American citizens – were engaged in the peaceful expression of their First Amendment rights .
Yet they were subjected to an unprovoked escalation and excessive use of force , '' DeMarco said .
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva , D-Ariz. , said what he heard from the Trump administration on its response to protests were `` outright lies '' and warned of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protests .
More : Secret Service admits it used pepper spray to clear protesters prior to Trump photo op at St. John 's Church Speaking before DeMarco , Monahan told lawmakers that de-escalation of the situation required the installation of a tall fence around the White House .
The clearing of protesters attracted criticism , according to Monahan , but was a `` key tactic that served to greatly reduce the violent behavior of bad actors . ''
He said the protests were some of the `` most violent protests that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of the United States Park Police , '' citing arson , vandalism , and injuries sustained by over 50 officers .
The Park Police exercised `` tremendous restraint , '' Monahan said , a claim Rep. Mike Levin , D-Calif. , said he found `` hard to believe . ''
According to Monahan , Attorney General Barr did not give the order to clear the protesters , nor did White House officials or Interior Secretary David Bernhardt .
A senior Justice Department official USA TODAY the day after the demonstration that Barr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby in another hearing before the House Judiciary Committee , Barr told lawmakers there had been discussion on June 1 about moving protesters back , but plans were made before he knew about Trump 's visit to the church .
The plan had been put in place the night before , he said , and then carried out by a commander with the U.S. Park Police .
Barr contended that the order was not connected to clearing the area so that Trump could stage a photo opportunity at the church .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Douglas MacArthur could walk to the beach , ” Barr said , referring to the iconic photograph of the U.S. general wading to the Philippine shore in 1944 .
Asked whether the Park Police had used tear gas against the protesters on June 1 , Monahan said the Park Police 's rules of engagement `` specifically prohibited the use of CS gas on June 1 , '' but they did use smoke canisters and `` Stinger ball '' grenades that explode and disperse rubber pellets .
In response to Monahan 's testimony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters to current controversy over the Trump administration 's response to protests in Portland and Seattle .
Grijalva slammed the incident as `` motivated by partisan hostility directed from above '' against Black Lives Matter protesters .
Rep. Jody Hice , R-Ga. , by contrast , decried the hearing format as creating a `` pre-determined narrative '' about Lafayette Square , whereas the `` reality of the case is much different . ''
Law enforcement was simply involved in `` restoring the peace '' on June 1 , he said .
The Interior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opened an investigation into the clearing of protesters .
Former Trump Defense Secretary James Mattis blasted the administration for clearing the protesters and called the event a `` bizarre photo op . ''
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley , who accompanied Trump and other top administration officials to St. John 's Church , later said it was a `` mistake '' for him to participate in the walk to the church .
More : Pentagon leaders say they do n't know who gave order to clear Lafayette Square protesters

National Guard major tells lawmakers he saw 'excessive' force used on protesters near the White House
Show Caption Hide Caption Protesters demand justice for George Floyd outside White House Cries for justice in George Floyd's death rang outside the White House. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – A major in the District of Columbia National Guard told lawmakers he saw "excessive" force used in June when law enforcement cleared protesters gathered near the White House ahead of President Trump's controversial photo opportunity at St. John's Church.
Maj. Adam DeMarco, who served as a liaison between the D.C. National Guard and the Park Police at Lafayette Square, told lawmakers the disproportionate use of force he witnessed against largely peaceful protesters was "deeply disturbing" to him and other Guardsman.
The National Guard was not actively involved in the clearing of protesters on June 1 but was at the scene to "reinforce and relieve" the Park Police if needed, according to DeMarco's written testimony.
DeMarco spoke Tuesday before the House Natural Resources Committee along with acting U.S. Park Police Chief Gregory Monahan, who defended his agency's actions. Monahan told lawmakers the protesters were pushed back that day because of "sustained" violent incidents and violent confrontations with law enforcement.
DeMarco said the clearing of protesters happened earlier than the Guard had expected and took place 40 minutes before D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's curfew was set to go into effect, and about 20 minutes before Trump gave a speech in the White House Rose Garden calling for an end to violent protests.
On the evening of June 1, demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd and police brutality were forcibly removed from the Lafayette Square by authorities, some on horseback, using chemical irritants, rubber bullets and shields. Trump then walked with members of his administration to historic St. John's Church, where a fire had occurred the night before, and posed with a Bible, drawing wide condemnation.
More: How police pushed aside protesters ahead of Trump's controversial church photo
The Trump administration has denied any connection between the photo and the clearing of protesters and had denied the use of tear gas on the protesters.
DeMarco, however, told lawmakers he felt irritation in his eyes and nose at the time, and based on exposure to tear gas both at West Point and in the Army, the effects were "consistent with CS or 'tear gas.'" He later found spent tear gas canisters on the street, but he was told by Park Police no tear gas was used that day against protesters, and that the smoke at the scene was "stage smoke."
Portland protests: Police arrest protesters and seize weapons Violent protests continue near the federal courthouse in Portland, as local police detained two people after a gunshot was heard. USA TODAY
"From my observation, those demonstrators – our fellow American citizens – were engaged in the peaceful expression of their First Amendment rights. Yet they were subjected to an unprovoked escalation and excessive use of force," DeMarco said.
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., said what he heard from the Trump administration on its response to protests were "outright lies" and warned of "creeping authoritarianism" in its heavy-handed responses to protests.
More: Secret Service admits it used pepper spray to clear protesters prior to Trump photo op at St. John's Church
Speaking before DeMarco, Monahan told lawmakers that de-escalation of the situation required the installation of a tall fence around the White House.
The clearing of protesters attracted criticism, according to Monahan, but was a "key tactic that served to greatly reduce the violent behavior of bad actors."
He said the protests were some of the "most violent protests that I've been a part of my 23 years of the United States Park Police," citing arson, vandalism, and injuries sustained by over 50 officers.
The Park Police exercised "tremendous restraint," Monahan said, a claim Rep. Mike Levin, D-Calif., said he found "hard to believe."
According to Monahan, Attorney General Barr did not give the order to clear the protesters, nor did White House officials or Interior Secretary David Bernhardt. A senior Justice Department official USA TODAY the day after the demonstration that Barr ordered protesters to be cleared.
Testifying nearby in another hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, Barr told lawmakers there had been discussion on June 1 about moving protesters back, but plans were made before he knew about Trump's visit to the church. The plan had been put in place the night before, he said, and then carried out by a commander with the U.S. Park Police.
Barr contended that the order was not connected to clearing the area so that Trump could stage a photo opportunity at the church.
“We didn’t invade the Philippines so that Douglas MacArthur could walk to the beach,” Barr said, referring to the iconic photograph of the U.S. general wading to the Philippine shore in 1944.
Asked whether the Park Police had used tear gas against the protesters on June 1, Monahan said the Park Police's rules of engagement "specifically prohibited the use of CS gas on June 1," but they did use smoke canisters and "Stinger ball" grenades that explode and disperse rubber pellets.
In response to Monahan's testimony, Democratic lawmakers connected the clearing of protesters to current controversy over the Trump administration's response to protests in Portland and Seattle. Grijalva slammed the incident as "motivated by partisan hostility directed from above" against Black Lives Matter protesters.
Rep. Jody Hice, R-Ga., by contrast, decried the hearing format as creating a "pre-determined narrative" about Lafayette Square, whereas the "reality of the case is much different." Law enforcement was simply involved in "restoring the peace" on June 1, he said.
More: Attorney General Barr ordered park protesters cleared before Trump's visit to St. John's church
The Interior Department's inspector general's office later opened an investigation into the clearing of protesters.
Former Trump Defense Secretary James Mattis blasted the administration for clearing the protesters and called the event a "bizarre photo op." Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, who accompanied Trump and other top administration officials to St. John's Church, later said it was a "mistake" for him to participate in the walk to the church.
More: Pentagon leaders say they don't know who gave order to clear Lafayette Square protesters
Contributing: Kevin Johnson


usatoday--2020-07-28--Trump's plan to throw out first pitch at Yankees game surprised team officials

WASHINGTON – When President Donald Trump announced last week he 'd been invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the New York Yankees in August , he forgot to mention one important detail : It was not actually scheduled .
`` Randy Levine is a great friend of mine from the Yankees , ” Trump told reporters on Thursday , referring to the team 's president .
`` And he asked me to throw out the first pitch , and I think I ’ m doing that on Aug. 15 at Yankee Stadium.
” The comments came as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had no such plans for the president 's appearance , according to a person who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter .
Trump later canceled the plans citing a scheduling conflict .
The club is now awaiting the White House to provide a new date , according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation .
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters Friday she found out about the president 's plans when he announced them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a part of the discussions as to how that 's going to work , in terms of the first pitch , '' McEnany said .
`` I 've learned about it when you guys did , and he 's very excited to throw it out . ''
Trump 's surprise announcement came hours before Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's top infectious disease expert who has been a thorn in the president 's side in recent weeks , threw out the first pitch for the Washington Nationals ' Opening Day game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fervent Nationals fan who frequently sports a mask emblazoned with the team logo , has rankled the president and his supporters as he 's emerged as the administration 's most prominent voice on the coronavirus outbreak .
The 79-year-old has gone on a media blitz , appearing on camera , in print and on podcasts where he 's warned Americans about the severity of the pandemic - often contradicting Trump 's optimistic message touting his administration 's handling of the coronavirus crisis .
A poll from Morning Consult and Politico released earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marks for his handling of the coronavirus response , with 62 % of voters saying Fauci 's work was `` excellent '' or `` good . ''
By contrast , only 36 % of voters said Trump was doing an `` excellent '' or `` good '' job in handling the pandemic .
Fauci has shrugged off recent efforts by the White House to obscure his turn in the spotlight , including a point-by-point list of criticisms of Fauci 's record circulated to several news organizations , calling them `` bizarre . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ like that and the entire scientific and press community push back on it , it ultimately hurts the president , '' he told The Atlantic earlier this month .
Hours before Fauci took the mound on Opening Day , Trump staged his own baseball photo opportunity on the White House lawn , where he joined Baseball Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera to play catch with a group of Little Leaguers and their coaches from Pennsylvania .
Trump awarded Rivera , a vocal supporter of the president , the Presidential Medal of Freedom last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflect Trump 's problem of what to do about high-profile adviser with a penchant for straight talk But Trump 's baseball rivalry with Fauci soon faded over the weekend , when he abruptly canceled his Yankee Stadium visit , citing scheduling conflicts .
`` Because of my strong focus on the China Virus , including scheduled meetings on Vaccines , our economy and much else , I wo n't be able to be in New York to throw out the opening pitch for the @ Yankees on August 15 , '' Trump wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus by a name many of have called racist .
`` We will make it later in the season ! ''

Bob Nightengale and Courtney Subramanian, USA TODAY

Trump's plan to throw out first pitch at Yankees game surprised team officials
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump resumes starring role in virus briefings President Donald Trump has resumed a starring role in the White House’s coronavirus briefing in hopes that he can shore up support for his administration’s work amid flagging poll numbers. (July 21) AP
WASHINGTON – When President Donald Trump announced last week he'd been invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the New York Yankees in August, he forgot to mention one important detail: It was not actually scheduled.
"Randy Levine is a great friend of mine from the Yankees,” Trump told reporters on Thursday, referring to the team's president. "And he asked me to throw out the first pitch, and I think I’m doing that on Aug. 15 at Yankee Stadium.”
The comments came as a surprise to Yankees officials, who had no such plans for the president's appearance, according to a person who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
Trump later canceled the plans citing a scheduling conflict. The club is now awaiting the White House to provide a new date, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters Friday she found out about the president's plans when he announced them a day earlier.
"I was not a part of the discussions as to how that's going to work, in terms of the first pitch," McEnany said. "I've learned about it when you guys did, and he's very excited to throw it out."
Trump's surprise announcement came hours before Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert who has been a thorn in the president's side in recent weeks, threw out the first pitch for the Washington Nationals' Opening Day game against the Yankees.
Trump defends his response to coronavirus in Fox News interview President Trump defended his response to coronavirus, including his claims that COVID-19 will "disappear." USA TODAY
Fauci, a fervent Nationals fan who frequently sports a mask emblazoned with the team logo, has rankled the president and his supporters as he's emerged as the administration's most prominent voice on the coronavirus outbreak.
The 79-year-old has gone on a media blitz, appearing on camera, in print and on podcasts where he's warned Americans about the severity of the pandemic - often contradicting Trump's optimistic message touting his administration's handling of the coronavirus crisis.
A poll from Morning Consult and Politico released earlier this month showed American voters giving Fauci high marks for his handling of the coronavirus response, with 62% of voters saying Fauci's work was "excellent" or "good." By contrast, only 36% of voters said Trump was doing an "excellent" or "good" job in handling the pandemic.
Fauci has shrugged off recent efforts by the White House to obscure his turn in the spotlight, including a point-by-point list of criticisms of Fauci's record circulated to several news organizations, calling them "bizarre."
"When the staff lets out something like that and the entire scientific and press community push back on it, it ultimately hurts the president," he told The Atlantic earlier this month.
Hours before Fauci took the mound on Opening Day, Trump staged his own baseball photo opportunity on the White House lawn, where he joined Baseball Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera to play catch with a group of Little Leaguers and their coaches from Pennsylvania.
Trump awarded Rivera, a vocal supporter of the president, the Presidential Medal of Freedom last September.
More: Attacks on Fauci reflect Trump's problem of what to do about high-profile adviser with a penchant for straight talk
But Trump's baseball rivalry with Fauci soon faded over the weekend, when he abruptly canceled his Yankee Stadium visit, citing scheduling conflicts.
"Because of my strong focus on the China Virus, including scheduled meetings on Vaccines, our economy and much else, I won't be able to be in New York to throw out the opening pitch for the @Yankees on August 15," Trump wrote on Twitter on Sunday, referring to the coronavirus by a name many of have called racist. "We will make it later in the season!"


usatoday--2020-07-28--Republican National Committee joins R.I. fight over mail ballots

PROVIDENCE — The Republican National Committee has jumped into Rhode Island ’ s legal fight over witness requirements for the signing of mail ballots during the pandemic .
Late Sunday night , lawyers Brandon Bell and Joseph Larisa joined lawyers from Arlington , Virginia , in filing a request with the U.S. District Court that both the state and national GOP be given status as defendants in a lawsuit filed last week so they can fight its proposed easing of requirements for mail ballot voting , as the party did in Alabama .
Without deciding definitively on the Republicans ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judge Mary McElroy told their lawyer , Thomas McCarthy , she would listen to the party ’ s arguments at a “ fairness hearing ” on Tuesday on a proposed consent agreement in the case .
Under the proposed settlement that came to light late Monday , state election officials would agree “ not to enforce the two-witness requirement for the September 8 , 2020 primary and November 3 , 2020 general elections.
” State election officials would not , however , give up their right to request that mail voters voluntarily provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driver ’ s license or state ID number , the last four digits of their Social Security number or their phone number .
Steven Brown , executive director of the ACLU of R.I. had this reaction to the GOP filing : “ Voting during a global pandemic should not turn into an obstacle course for elderly and medically vulnerable residents to test the vitality of their immune systems .
It ’ s appalling that anybody would demand that people put their health and lives at risk if they want to exercise this fundamental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with voter integrity and everything to do with voter suppression.
” Added Michael Keats — one of the lawyers who filed the case : “ I will candidly say , in a time when 150,000 people have died from this thing , many of us have made sacrifices to stay home , when people are still out of jobs ... this was not a partisan issue in any way , shape or form .
“ And I am very disappointed to see that the national Republican Party [ views it ] as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics , ″ Keats said .
“ But if they want to be heard at this time on this issue to explain their position , I am all ears.
” In a 13-page filing late Monday , the GOP legal team wrote : “ Proposed Intervenors admit that COVID-19 poses a serious health risk to some people but deny that it justifies departures from Rhode Island laws that protect election integrity .
Indeed , the General Assembly recently declined to pass a proposed bill that would have waived the signature requirement.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a 5-to-4 vote , blocked a trial judge ’ s order that would have eased photo ID and witness requirements in Alabama for absentee voting during the pandemic .

Republican National Committee joins R.I. fight over mail ballots
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
PROVIDENCE — The Republican National Committee has jumped into Rhode Island’s legal fight over witness requirements for the signing of mail ballots during the pandemic.
Late Sunday night, lawyers Brandon Bell and Joseph Larisa joined lawyers from Arlington, Virginia, in filing a request with the U.S. District Court that both the state and national GOP be given status as defendants in a lawsuit filed last week so they can fight its proposed easing of requirements for mail ballot voting, as the party did in Alabama.
Without deciding definitively on the Republicans’ bid to intervene, U.S. District Court Judge Mary McElroy told their lawyer, Thomas McCarthy, she would listen to the party’s arguments at a “fairness hearing” on Tuesday on a proposed consent agreement in the case.
Under the proposed settlement that came to light late Monday, state election officials would agree “not to enforce the two-witness requirement for the September 8, 2020 primary and November 3, 2020 general elections.”
More: Supreme Court denies Texas Democrats' request for mail-in ballots
State election officials would not, however, give up their right to request that mail voters voluntarily provide, as identification, their Rhode Island driver’s license or state ID number, the last four digits of their Social Security number or their phone number.
Steven Brown, executive director of the ACLU of R.I. had this reaction to the GOP filing:
“Voting during a global pandemic should not turn into an obstacle course for elderly and medically vulnerable residents to test the vitality of their immune systems. It’s appalling that anybody would demand that people put their health and lives at risk if they want to exercise this fundamental right. This has nothing to do with voter integrity and everything to do with voter suppression.”
Added Michael Keats — one of the lawyers who filed the case: “I will candidly say, in a time when 150,000 people have died from this thing, many of us have made sacrifices to stay home, when people are still out of jobs ... this was not a partisan issue in any way, shape or form.
“And I am very disappointed to see that the national Republican Party [views it] as an opportunity that comports with some strategy or politics,″ Keats said. “But if they want to be heard at this time on this issue to explain their position, I am all ears.”
In a 13-page filing late Monday, the GOP legal team wrote: “Proposed Intervenors admit that COVID-19 poses a serious health risk to some people but deny that it justifies departures from Rhode Island laws that protect election integrity. Indeed, the General Assembly recently declined to pass a proposed bill that would have waived the signature requirement.”
In July, the U.S. Supreme Court, on a 5-to-4 vote, blocked a trial judge’s order that would have eased photo ID and witness requirements in Alabama for absentee voting during the pandemic.
kgregg@providencejournal.com
(401) 277-7078
On Twitter: @kathyprojo