usatoday--2020-06-25--We don't owe students refund for switching to online instruction, University of Michigan says

DETROIT — The University of Michigan does n't owe students any refunds for switching to online instruction in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic , largely because it has the authority to decide any instruction method it wants to use , according to a court filing .
In the filing this month , university lawyers argued that a lawsuit filed by students seeking money for being forced to take classes online needed to be thrown out by the state 's Court of Claims .
Among the arguments made in the filing : Academic freedom principles place the power to decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university alone , and the state 's Constitution gives the university 's Board of Regents sole control over how its money is spent .
The University of Michigan is among eight public universities in the state — and several across the nation — being sued by students who say remote instruction was n't what they paid money for and that they deserve a refund for that tuition money .
UM is the only state institution to respond in filings to the suits against the majority of the state 's public university , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney representing different students at each school .
UM switched to remote instruction for the final 27 days of the winter semester after Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer issued various stay-at-home orders .
The university paid refunds of $ 1,200 for students who had been living in campus housing and moved out .
But no refund was paid for tuition .
Classes continued online , with students allowed to drop classes .
Among the other schools facing lawsuits filed by students are the University of Arizona , Boston University , Brown University , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indiana University , the University of Miami , Purdue University and Vanderbilt University .
Students suing the universities have argued their instruction was lessened by being online .
The University of Michigan does n't debate that in its response , but says the decision on how to deliver instructions rests solely on the shoulders of the university and courts need to stay out of it .
`` As the United States Supreme Court warned in Regents of the University of Mich v Ewing , based on the First Amendment , courts must exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the faculty 's professional judgement ' regarding academic decisions , '' UM 's lawyers wrote .
`` Academic freedom for universities is ' a special concern of the First Amendment . '
Academic freedom has been defined to include 'four essential freedoms ' of a university to determine for itself on academic grounds 'who may teach , what may be taught , how it shall be taught , and who may be admitted to study . '
'' The lawsuit also needs to be tossed because the court has no jurisdiction over UM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyers say .
The lawyer for those suing rebutted the university 's claims .
`` We agree that the university is entitled to academic freedom , but the university is not above the law , '' David Fink said in a statement .
`` The students paid the university to provide services that the university could not deliver — housing , meals and classroom education .
We understand that the pandemic made it impossible to deliver some of these services , but the students and their families should not have to pay for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the end this is a simple contract case .
If you leave your apartment , you don ’ t continue to pay rent ; if a meal plan can not be honored , you expect a partial refund , and , if you paid for classroom education , you expect a refund if the school can not provide that . ''
No dates have been set for any hearings or decisions in this case or the other lawsuits against other public universities in Michigan .

We don't owe students refund for switching to online instruction, University of Michigan says
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus reopening: College fall 2020 plans vary widely Online learning, single rooms in hotels as dorms and staggered scheduling are just some of the ideas in motion for 2020's fall semester. USA TODAY
DETROIT — The University of Michigan doesn't owe students any refunds for switching to online instruction in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, largely because it has the authority to decide any instruction method it wants to use, according to a court filing.
In the filing this month, university lawyers argued that a lawsuit filed by students seeking money for being forced to take classes online needed to be thrown out by the state's Court of Claims.
Among the arguments made in the filing: Academic freedom principles place the power to decide on instruction in the hands of the university alone, and the state's Constitution gives the university's Board of Regents sole control over how its money is spent.
The University of Michigan is among eight public universities in the state — and several across the nation — being sued by students who say remote instruction wasn't what they paid money for and that they deserve a refund for that tuition money. UM is the only state institution to respond in filings to the suits against the majority of the state's public university, all of which are filed by the same attorney representing different students at each school.
UM switched to remote instruction for the final 27 days of the winter semester after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued various stay-at-home orders. The university paid refunds of $1,200 for students who had been living in campus housing and moved out.
But no refund was paid for tuition. Classes continued online, with students allowed to drop classes.
More: Growing number of students suing colleges that moved classes online amid pandemic
Among the other schools facing lawsuits filed by students are the University of Arizona, Boston University, Brown University, Drexel University, George Washington University, Indiana University, the University of Miami, Purdue University and Vanderbilt University.
Students suing the universities have argued their instruction was lessened by being online. The University of Michigan doesn't debate that in its response, but says the decision on how to deliver instructions rests solely on the shoulders of the university and courts need to stay out of it.
"As the United States Supreme Court warned in Regents of the University of Mich v Ewing, based on the First Amendment, courts must exercise judicial restraint and show 'great respect for the faculty's professional judgement' regarding academic decisions," UM's lawyers wrote.
"Academic freedom for universities is 'a special concern of the First Amendment.' Academic freedom has been defined to include 'four essential freedoms' of a university to determine for itself on academic grounds 'who may teach, what may be taught, how it shall be taught, and who may be admitted to study.'"
The lawsuit also needs to be tossed because the court has no jurisdiction over UM in how it spends money, the lawyers say.
In person, online classes or a mix: Colleges' fall 2020 coronavirus reopening plans, detailed
The lawyer for those suing rebutted the university's claims.
"We agree that the university is entitled to academic freedom, but the university is not above the law," David Fink said in a statement. "The students paid the university to provide services that the university could not deliver — housing, meals and classroom education. We understand that the pandemic made it impossible to deliver some of these services, but the students and their families should not have to pay for services they did not receive.
"In the end this is a simple contract case. If you leave your apartment, you don’t continue to pay rent; if a meal plan cannot be honored, you expect a partial refund, and, if you paid for classroom education, you expect a refund if the school cannot provide that."
No dates have been set for any hearings or decisions in this case or the other lawsuits against other public universities in Michigan.


usatoday--2020-06-25--Facebook ad boycott for July connects with another big name: wireless giant Verizon

Verizon has joined the list of major companies pledging to halt advertising with Facebook for the month of July to protest hate speech on the social media platform .
The addition of Verizon , the telecommunications giant , bolsters the list of companies that also includes Eddie Bauer , the U.S. clothing store chain , and Ben & Jerry 's , the ice cream maker , along with The North Face , Patagonia , REI , Mozilla and Upwork among about 100 companies said to be committed .
The boycott idea was launched June 17 by the # StopHateForProfit campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League , Sleeping Giants , Color of Change , Free Press and Common Sense .
No camp for kids this summer ?
: How to entertain your children while you work from home “ We ’ ve been talking to a lot of big brands , a lot of multinational companies , '' said Jonathan Greenblatt , president of the Anti-Defamation League .
`` Verizon might be the first , they ’ re not the last . ''
Greenblatt said he was able to show Verizon and other companies examples of their ads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hateful content , and we shared that .
And it ’ s sort of undeniable when you see it right in front of you . ''
On Thursday , Greenblatt wrote an open letter to Facebook advertisers .
“ Your ad buying dollars are being used by the platform to increase its dominance in the industry at the expense of vulnerable and marginalized communities who are often targets of hate groups on Facebook , '' he wrote .
Other companies participating in the planned boycott include Arc ’ teryx , Eileen Fisher , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Talkspace .
`` Verizon spends millions on a monthly basis on advertising for Facebook platforms and its commitment to the # StopHateforProfit campaign is a huge step in this campaign and is a call for other industry leaders to follow suit , '' said Rashad Robinson , president of Color Of Change , a civil rights organization , in a statement .
`` Amid this global movement to end anti-Blackness , we credit these companies for answering our call swiftly and taking a clear stand for what 's right so we can hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Facebook ad boycott for July connects with another big name: wireless giant Verizon
Verizon has joined the list of major companies pledging to halt advertising with Facebook for the month of July to protest hate speech on the social media platform.
The addition of Verizon, the telecommunications giant, bolsters the list of companies that also includes Eddie Bauer, the U.S. clothing store chain, and Ben & Jerry's, the ice cream maker, along with The North Face, Patagonia, REI, Mozilla and Upwork among about 100 companies said to be committed.
The boycott idea was launched June 17 by the #StopHateForProfit campaign, which includes the NAACP, Anti-Defamation League, Sleeping Giants, Color of Change, Free Press and Common Sense.
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No camp for kids this summer?: How to entertain your children while you work from home
“We’ve been talking to a lot of big brands, a lot of multinational companies,'' said Jonathan Greenblatt, president of the Anti-Defamation League. "Verizon might be the first, they’re not the last.''
Greenblatt said he was able to show Verizon and other companies examples of their ads being published next to "horrible, hateful content, and we shared that. And it’s sort of undeniable when you see it right in front of you.''
On Thursday, Greenblatt wrote an open letter to Facebook advertisers.
“Your ad buying dollars are being used by the platform to increase its dominance in the industry at the expense of vulnerable and marginalized communities who are often targets of hate groups on Facebook,'' he wrote.
Other companies participating in the planned boycott include Arc’teryx, Eileen Fisher, Magnolia Pictures, HigherRing, Dashlane and Talkspace.
"Verizon spends millions on a monthly basis on advertising for Facebook platforms and its commitment to the #StopHateforProfit campaign is a huge step in this campaign and is a call for other industry leaders to follow suit," said Rashad Robinson, president of Color Of Change, a civil rights organization, in a statement. "Amid this global movement to end anti-Blackness, we credit these companies for answering our call swiftly and taking a clear stand for what's right so we can hold Facebook accountable for its racist policies."


usatoday--2020-06-26--This curious dolphin tried to befriend some feisty dogs on a boat in Isle of Hope, Georgia

Dolphin tries to befriend dogs on boat in Isle of Hope , Georgia This dolphin just wanted to make friends @ @ @ @ @ a boat in Isle of Hope , Georgia , but they were not as excited @

Dolphin tries to befriend dogs on boat in Isle of Hope, Georgia
This dolphin just wanted to make friends with a few dogs on a boat in Isle of Hope, Georgia, but they were not as excited.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-06-26--Supreme Court same-sex marriage ruling at 5-year anniversary

The Supreme Court ruling that affirmed that marriages between two men or two women were protected by the constitution marks @ @ @ @ @

Supreme Court same-sex marriage ruling at 5-year anniversary
The Supreme Court ruling that affirmed that marriages between two men or two women were protected by the constitution marks its five year anniversary.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-06-26--Georgia governor signs hate crime law in wake of Ahmaud Arbery shooting

Georgia 's governor signed legislation Friday that imposes additional penalties for crimes motivated by bias , weeks after Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery was shot by armed white men in what many called a modern-day lynching .
The new hate crime law – which imposes additional penalties for crimes motivated by a victim 's race , color , religion , national origin , sex , sexual orientation , gender or disability – passed the state 's General Assembly on Tuesday .
The law also mandates data collection on hate crime incidents in the state .
Georgia had been one of only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation .
`` This bipartisan legislation is a powerful step forward .
It ’ s a sign of progress , '' Gov .
Brian Kemp said in a press conference Friday .
`` Frankly , it 's the silver lining in these difficult times . ''
While proponents of the new law heralded its passage as a victory for racial justice in Georgia , many also argued that the simultaneous passage of a separate bill undercut the safety of Black residents .
Last week , Senate Republicans attempted to add police as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation .
But , in a last-minute bid to gain approval , the parties agreed to move those protections to a separate bill , which also passed .
The bill protects first responders from `` bias motivated intimidation , '' defined as when a person maliciously targets a first responder based solely on their employment .
The Georgia NAACP says the additional protections for first responders would `` further create a toxic divide in our state . ''
`` This compromise in the political process will forever ring throughout history as a signal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward a political end and dead , black bodies are a expendable commodity in the halls of legislative power , '' Rev James Woodall , State President of the Georgia NAACP , said in a statement Friday .
Arbery 's mother , Wanda Cooper-Jones , said that the bill providing additional protections for first responders `` is more dangerous to our community than ( the hate crime law ) is good . ''
`` To see the legislature prioritize HB 838 instead of repealing citizens arrest is heartbreaking and does not do justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement through the NAACP , referring to the protections for first responders .
Georgia first passed a hate crime bill in 2000 , but it did not list specific protected groups , and the state Supreme Court threw it out because it was `` unconstitutionally vague . ''
A new bill passed the Georgia House last year but failed in the state Senate .
Proponents renewed calls for the Senate to take up the bill after viral video of Arbery 's death sparked a storm of public outcry last month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ times on Feb. 23 .
Retired cop Gregory , 64 , and his son Travis McMichael , 34 , are accused of shooting and killing Arbery while he was jogging through Satilla Shores , a neighborhood two miles from his home in Brunswick .
A third white man , William `` Roddie '' Bryan Jr. , 50 , captured the killing on video .
The three men were arrested in May and indicted on murder charges Wednesday .
`` We saw injustice with our own eyes .
Georgians protested to demand action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the occasion , '' Kemp said .
Arkansas , South Carolina and Wyoming also do not have hate crime laws , along with American Samoa , Guam , the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands , according to the DOJ .
Seventeen states and Puerto Rico have hate crime laws but don ’ t require data collection on such crimes .
Lawyers and proponents of hate crime laws note that although Indiana technically has a hate crime law on the books , it is too vague to be implemented .

Georgia governor signs hate crime law in wake of Ahmaud Arbery shooting
Show Caption Hide Caption Georgia protesters march to state Capitol Protesters brought calls for changes to Georgia’s laws regarding use of force and voting to the General Assembly on June 15, as lawmakers debated over a bill requiring heavier penalties for hate crimes. AP
Georgia's governor signed legislation Friday that imposes additional penalties for crimes motivated by bias, weeks after Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery was shot by armed white men in what many called a modern-day lynching.
The new hate crime law – which imposes additional penalties for crimes motivated by a victim's race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender or disability – passed the state's General Assembly on Tuesday. The law also mandates data collection on hate crime incidents in the state.
Georgia had been one of only a handful of states without hate crimes legislation.
"This bipartisan legislation is a powerful step forward. It’s a sign of progress," Gov. Brian Kemp said in a press conference Friday. "Frankly, it's the silver lining in these difficult times."
While proponents of the new law heralded its passage as a victory for racial justice in Georgia, many also argued that the simultaneous passage of a separate bill undercut the safety of Black residents.
Last week, Senate Republicans attempted to add police as a protected class to the proposed hate crimes legislation. But, in a last-minute bid to gain approval, the parties agreed to move those protections to a separate bill, which also passed. The bill protects first responders from "bias motivated intimidation," defined as when a person maliciously targets a first responder based solely on their employment.
The Georgia NAACP says the additional protections for first responders would "further create a toxic divide in our state."
"This compromise in the political process will forever ring throughout history as a signal that Black lives are a bargaining chip toward a political end and dead, black bodies are a expendable commodity in the halls of legislative power," Rev James Woodall, State President of the Georgia NAACP, said in a statement Friday.
Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, said that the bill providing additional protections for first responders "is more dangerous to our community than (the hate crime law) is good."
"To see the legislature prioritize HB 838 instead of repealing citizens arrest is heartbreaking and does not do justice for my son," she said in a statement through the NAACP, referring to the protections for first responders.
Georgia first passed a hate crime bill in 2000, but it did not list specific protected groups, and the state Supreme Court threw it out because it was "unconstitutionally vague." A new bill passed the Georgia House last year but failed in the state Senate. Proponents renewed calls for the Senate to take up the bill after viral video of Arbery's death sparked a storm of public outcry last month.
Arbery, 25, was shot three times on Feb. 23. Retired cop Gregory, 64, and his son Travis McMichael, 34, are accused of shooting and killing Arbery while he was jogging through Satilla Shores, a neighborhood two miles from his home in Brunswick. A third white man, William "Roddie" Bryan Jr., 50, captured the killing on video.
The three men were arrested in May and indicted on murder charges Wednesday.
"We saw injustice with our own eyes. Georgians protested to demand action, and state lawmakers . . . rose to the occasion," Kemp said.
Arkansas, South Carolina and Wyoming also do not have hate crime laws, along with American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the DOJ. Seventeen states and Puerto Rico have hate crime laws but don’t require data collection on such crimes.
Lawyers and proponents of hate crime laws note that although Indiana technically has a hate crime law on the books, it is too vague to be implemented.


usatoday--2020-06-26--Thomas Blanton, last KKK member involved in Birmingham church bombing that killed 4 girls, dies

MONTGOMERY , Ala. – Thomas Edwin Blanton Jr. , convicted in 2001 of the 1963 bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham that killed 4 girls , died on Friday .
He was 82 years old .
The Alabama Department of Corrections said in a statement that Blanton died on Friday .
An autopsy is planned , but DOC said “ no foul play is suspected.
” Blanton was one of three men sent to prison over the September 1963 bombing , which killed Addie Mae Collins , 14 ; Denise McNair , 11 ; Carole Robertson , 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The church had been used as a meeting place for civil rights activists during the 1963 Birmingham campaign .
Blanton , a member of the United Klans of America , was one of four men who planted dynamite below the church on the morning of Sept. 15 , 1963 .
The blast killed Collins , McNair , Robertson , and Wesley and injured at least 14 other people , including Addie Mae Collins ' sister Sarah , 12 , who was blinded in one eye .
`` That was a dark day that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s history and that of our nation , '' Gov .
Kay Ivey said in a statement on Friday .
`` Although his passing will never fully take away the pain or restore the loss of life , I pray on behalf of the loved ones of all involved that our entire state can continue taking steps forward to create a better Alabama for future generations . ''
The FBI identified Blanton as a suspect in a 1965 memo as a suspect in the bombing .
But the case was cold until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the FBI , and the FBI reopened the case .
The prosecution , led by U.S. Attorney Doug Jones , now a U.S. senator , presented evidence from a tape recording made off an FBI tap in 1964 that included Blanton saying “ They ain ’ t going to catch me when I bomb my next church.
” A former girlfriend on Blanton 's also testified that he tried to run down a Black pedestrian , saying “ All I want is a chance to kill one of those Black bastards.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tape and argued he never explicitly said he bombed the church .
The jury did not buy the story and convicted Blanton after two and a half hours of deliberation .
Blanton was sentenced to serve four consecutive life sentences .
He was incarcerated at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Jefferson County at the time of his death , according to DOC .
Robert Chambliss , who was convicted in the bombing in 1977 , died in prison in 1985 .
Frank Cherry , convicted the year after Blanton , died in 2004 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Herman Cash , died in 1994 without ever being charged in the case .

Thomas Blanton, last KKK member involved in Birmingham church bombing that killed 4 girls, dies
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Thomas Edwin Blanton Jr., convicted in 2001 of the 1963 bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham that killed 4 girls, died on Friday. He was 82 years old.
The Alabama Department of Corrections said in a statement that Blanton died on Friday. An autopsy is planned, but DOC said “no foul play is suspected.”
Blanton was one of three men sent to prison over the September 1963 bombing, which killed Addie Mae Collins, 14; Denise McNair, 11; Carole Robertson, 14, and Cynthia Wesley, 14. The church had been used as a meeting place for civil rights activists during the 1963 Birmingham campaign. Blanton, a member of the United Klans of America, was one of four men who planted dynamite below the church on the morning of Sept. 15, 1963.
The blast killed Collins, McNair, Robertson, and Wesley and injured at least 14 other people, including Addie Mae Collins' sister Sarah, 12, who was blinded in one eye.
"That was a dark day that will never be forgotten in both Alabama’s history and that of our nation," Gov. Kay Ivey said in a statement on Friday. "Although his passing will never fully take away the pain or restore the loss of life, I pray on behalf of the loved ones of all involved that our entire state can continue taking steps forward to create a better Alabama for future generations."
The FBI identified Blanton as a suspect in a 1965 memo as a suspect in the bombing. But the case was cold until 1993 when Black clergy in Birmingham met with the FBI, and the FBI reopened the case.
The prosecution, led by U.S. Attorney Doug Jones, now a U.S. senator, presented evidence from a tape recording made off an FBI tap in 1964 that included Blanton saying “They ain’t going to catch me when I bomb my next church.” A former girlfriend on Blanton's also testified that he tried to run down a Black pedestrian, saying “All I want is a chance to kill one of those Black bastards.”
Blanton's attorneys challenged the fidelity of the tape and argued he never explicitly said he bombed the church. The jury did not buy the story and convicted Blanton after two and a half hours of deliberation.
Blanton was sentenced to serve four consecutive life sentences. He was incarcerated at Donaldson Correctional Facility in Jefferson County at the time of his death, according to DOC.
Robert Chambliss, who was convicted in the bombing in 1977, died in prison in 1985. Frank Cherry, convicted the year after Blanton, died in 2004. A fourth suspect in the bombing, Herman Cash, died in 1994 without ever being charged in the case.
Follow Brian Lyman on Twitter: @lyman_brian


usatoday--2020-06-27--Costco pulls half-sheet cakes, but brings back free samples at some clubs after suspending sampling

Costco has started to bring back its legendary free samples to some clubs , but it 's no longer the free food smorgasbord it once was .
Samples are now prepackaged items and kept behind plexiglass shields , according to Bloomberg , which reported Thursday that sampling has returned to as many as 30 of Costco 's 548 U.S. locations .
The retailer suspended its popular samples in its wholesale clubs in early March amid the spread of the coronavirus .
It was one of the first programs to be cut as the threat of COVID-19 grew .
Club Demonstration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sampling for Costco for years , says on its website that clubs in 16 states are in the first phase of the return , noting a limited number of demos are being scheduled for participating clubs each day .
Save better , spend better : Money advice delivered right to your inbox .
Sign up here '' Starting slowly will allow Costco and us to make sure we are taking the right steps to engage members safely , while maintaining the proper controls around the demo cart , '' Don Dohanyos , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 4 post .
`` We will take the lessons learned in our early demos to improve our overall processes while we prepare for future rollouts . ''
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Costco officials did not respond to USA TODAY 's request for comment on the sampling and which clubs have added samples back .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , CFO Richard Galanti said the samples would start rolling out in June .
`` It ’ s not going to be where you go and just pick up an open sample with your fingers , '' Galanti said .
While samples are coming back , Costco has stopped selling its half sheet cakes at all U.S. clubs , the company confirmed to USA TODAY , noting , `` as of right now , we have no immediate plans to bring back . ''
`` We are focusing on our smaller 10-inch White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be resonating with our members , '' the company said in a statement .
Costco announced the change in late May in a Facebook post promoting the round cakes for graduation .
Many begged Costco to reconsider the change and said the sheet cakes froze well .
`` Please bring back the sheet cakes , even if just for preorder .
The round are not large enough for larger families , '' one member wrote on Costco 's Facebook post .
`` Our grocery store cakes are good , but not Costco good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are n't available for special order and explained the decision in responding to comments on the Facebook post .
`` To help limit personal contact and create more space for social distancing , Costco has reduced service in some departments , '' Costco wrote .

Costco pulls half-sheet cakes, but brings back free samples at some clubs after suspending sampling due to COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption Free samples are set to return to Costco in June For those looking for a free snack while getting their shopping done, Costco says it will be bringing back their popular free samples shortly. Buzz60
Costco has started to bring back its legendary free samples to some clubs, but it's no longer the free food smorgasbord it once was.
Samples are now prepackaged items and kept behind plexiglass shields, according to Bloomberg, which reported Thursday that sampling has returned to as many as 30 of Costco's 548 U.S. locations.
The retailer suspended its popular samples in its wholesale clubs in early March amid the spread of the coronavirus. It was one of the first programs to be cut as the threat of COVID-19 grew.
Club Demonstration Services, a vendor that has handled sampling for Costco for years, says on its website that clubs in 16 states are in the first phase of the return, noting a limited number of demos are being scheduled for participating clubs each day.
Save better, spend better: Money advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here
"Starting slowly will allow Costco and us to make sure we are taking the right steps to engage members safely, while maintaining the proper controls around the demo cart," Don Dohanyos, the company's president, said in a June 4 post. "We will take the lessons learned in our early demos to improve our overall processes while we prepare for future rollouts."
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Costco officials did not respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on the sampling and which clubs have added samples back.
During Costco's quarterly earnings call in May, CFO Richard Galanti said the samples would start rolling out in June.
"It’s not going to be where you go and just pick up an open sample with your fingers," Galanti said.
Costco no longer selling sheet cakes
While samples are coming back, Costco has stopped selling its half sheet cakes at all U.S. clubs, the company confirmed to USA TODAY, noting, "as of right now, we have no immediate plans to bring back."
"We are focusing on our smaller 10-inch White and 10-inch Chocolate Cakes that seem to be resonating with our members," the company said in a statement.
Costco announced the change in late May in a Facebook post promoting the round cakes for graduation.
Many begged Costco to reconsider the change and said the sheet cakes froze well.
"Please bring back the sheet cakes, even if just for preorder. The round are not large enough for larger families," one member wrote on Costco's Facebook post. "Our grocery store cakes are good, but not Costco good."
Costco said the sheet cakes aren't available for special order and explained the decision in responding to comments on the Facebook post.
"To help limit personal contact and create more space for social distancing, Costco has reduced service in some departments," Costco wrote.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko


usatoday--2020-06-27--Pentagon: 1,700 troops will support Trump's 4th of July celebration plans

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon announced Friday that for the second year in a row , the Department of Defense will provide troops and substantial support to President Donald Trump 's expanded Independence Day celebrations .
Approximately 1,700 troops will provide support to the Department of the Interior with `` Salute to America '' celebrations in Washington , D.C. , as well as flyovers of other cities including New York , Boston , Baltimore , Philadelphia and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial , Lt. Col. Chris Mitchell , a Pentagon spokesman , said in a statement .
`` The highlight of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salute to the Great Cities of the American Revolution.
, '' Mitchell said .
`` The flyovers will begin in Boston and proceed to New York City , Philadelphia and Baltimore .
From there they will join other Department of Defense and heritage aircraft in the Salute to America over our nation 's capital . ''
Coronavirus updates : New US cases hit single-day record ; as heat rises in places like Florida and Mexico , so do infections The statement did not specify which aircraft would be showcased , but it added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost for the Department of Defense , and these aircraft and crews would be using these hours for proficiency and training at other locations if they were not conducting these flyovers . ''
`` The exact timing of the flyovers is still being worked and will be announced soon , '' the statement reads .
More : Health officials are possibly missing 10 coronavirus cases for every 1 case detected Last year 's celebration involved flyovers by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter , B-2 stealth bomber , and F-22 Raptor .
The nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tanks , and Trump 's demand they be part of his `` Salute to America '' on the National Mall prompted criticism .
The announcement of the troops ' assistance comes one day after a new report from the Government Accountability Office that Trump 's elaborate Independence Day celebrations last year in D.C. , cost double that of previous years , ringing up $ 13 million in taxpayer dollars .
Report : Trump 's 2019 Fourth of July event cost $ 13 million , double that of previous years Much of the increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( the Department of Defense ) to transport several vehicles to the National Mall '' and `` the production and execution of the Salute to America event , '' according to the GAO .
While D.C. 's annual parade has been canceled this year amid coronvirus concerns , the president is currently planning to push ahead with modified plans for a July Fourth celebration in the capital , despite objections from lawmakers .
They have expressed worry about crowds gathering amid the health crisis and the cost during a turbulent economy .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primarily with annual federal appropriations . ''
More : Trump cancels weekend trip to NJ , says he wants to monitor protests White House spokesperson Judd Deere told USA TODAY that the event `` will have a different look than 2019 to ensure the health and safety of those attending . ''
The White House announced Trump `` will host the 2020 Salute to America on the South Lawn of the White House and Ellipse '' this year .

1,700 troops will support Trump's 4th of July celebration plans, Pentagon says
Show Caption Hide Caption Tanks roll into the capital ahead of Trump's 4th of July event Tanks rolled into D.C. for President Donald Trump's 4th of July event. Trump confirmed that tanks and other vehicles would be present for his speech. AP/Spectee
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon announced Friday that for the second year in a row, the Department of Defense will provide troops and substantial support to President Donald Trump's expanded Independence Day celebrations.
About 1,700 troops will provide support to the Department of the Interior with "Salute to America" celebrations in Washington, D.C., as well as flyovers of other cities, including New York, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Lt. Col. Chris Mitchell, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement.
"The highlight of this year's celebration will be our salute to the Great Cities of the American Revolution.," Mitchell said. "The flyovers will begin in Boston and proceed to New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore. From there they will join other Department of Defense and heritage aircraft in the Salute to America over our nation's capital."
Coronavirus updates: New US cases hit single-day record; as heat rises in places like Florida and Mexico, so do infections
The statement did not specify which aircraft would be showcased, but it added that "flying hours are a sunk cost for the Department of Defense, and these aircraft and crews would be using these hours for proficiency and training at other locations if they were not conducting these flyovers."
"The exact timing of the flyovers is still being worked and will be announced soon," the statement reads.
More: Health officials are possibly missing 10 coronavirus cases for every 1 case detected
Last year's celebration involved flyovers by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, B-2 Stealth Bomber and F-22 Raptor. The nation's capital last year also rumbled with tanks, and Trump's demand they be part of his "Salute to America" on the National Mall prompted criticism.
The announcement comes one day after a new report from the Government Accountability Office said Trump's Independence Day celebrations last year in Washington cost double that of previous years, ringing up $13 million in taxpayer dollars.
Report: Trump's 2019 Fourth of July event cost $13 million, double that of previous years
Much of the increase was "attributable to the cost for (the Department of Defense) to transport several vehicles to the National Mall" and "the production and execution of the Salute to America event," according to the GAO.
While D.C.'s annual parade has been canceled this year amid coronvirus concerns, the president plans to push ahead with modified plans for a July Fourth celebration in the capital despite objections from lawmakers.
They have expressed worry about crowds gathering amid the health crisis and the cost during a turbulent economy. Last year's cost was "paid for primarily with annual federal appropriations."
More: Trump cancels weekend trip to NJ, says he wants to monitor protests
White House spokesman Judd Deere told USA TODAY the event "will have a different look than 2019 to ensure the health and safety of those attending."
The White House announced Trump "will host the 2020 Salute to America on the South Lawn of the White House and Ellipse" this year.


usatoday--2020-06-26--Dow drops 700 points, caps week with losses as virus cases surge

Stocks capped a volatile week with steep losses Friday as coronavirus cases in the U.S. surged to a new daily record , dimming the prospects of a quick economic recovery after some states paused their reopening efforts in the wake of more outbreaks .
Investors are looking ahead to a possible rebound from the deepest global downturn since the 1930s and trying to buy companies that will thrive after the pandemic ends , analysts say .
But they warn the market rise might be too fast and too early to be sustained by an uncertain economic outlook .
On Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 730.05 points , or 2.8 % , to 25,015.55 , erasing all of Thursday 's gains after the blue-chip average jumped 300 points as regulators loosened some financial regulations on banks .
The Standard & Poor ’ s 500 slid 2.4 % to 3,009.05 .
The Nasdaq , which hit an all-time high earlier this week , fell 2.6 % to 9,757.22 .
For the week , all three major averages shed at least 2 % .
Despite the recent bout of volatility , the S & P 500 index is still on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The week is ending on a disappointing note , as U.S. virus cases rise and investors fret that lockdowns will have to be reimposed , or worse that they won ’ t be , and the death toll will grow sharply , ” Chris Beauchamp , chief market analyst at IG Group , an online trading provider , said in a note .
“ The weakness of the past few days doesn ’ t augur well for a market sorely in need of further catalysts for this over-extended rally.
” A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and quirky roller skates : Here 's what couples are buying with their pandemic wedding funds Ouch !
: COVID-19 is forcing some people to put retirement on hold The U.S. reported 39,972 daily cases of the coronavirus Thursday , a new daily record , according to a database maintained by Johns Hopkins University .
That eclipsed the mark set during the deadliest stretch in late April .
Deaths and hospitalizations have been rising in parts of the country , especially in the South and West .
The resurgence in the virus has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to backtrack or at least pause the reopenings of their states .
One day after pausing additional efforts to reopen Texas , Gov .
Greg Abbott on Friday announced another round of restrictions , including closing bars and limiting restaurant occupancy .
And in Florida , bars on Friday were prohibited from allowing alcohol consumption .
Investors have been encouraged by official moves to lift anti-virus measures and allow businesses to reopen .
But some states have reimposed curbs after a resurgence in new reported infections .
U.S. consumer spending rebounded in May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but income fell 4.2 % and is expected to decline further as millions lose their unemployment checks starting in July .
Consumer spending , which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity , rose 8.2 % last month , the Commerce Department said Friday , after falling a record 12.6 % in April .
“ Consumer activity is bouncing back strongly as shops reopen and consumers start to return to normal activities , ” Angel Talavera , an economist at Oxford Economics , said in a note .
“ But consumer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not gone away .
The key question moving forward will be how countries deal with the inevitable rise in infections while keeping economic activity going.
” Friday 's losses were driven by a decline in bank shares as investors weighed the Federal Reserve ’ s move to temporarily suspend shareholder payouts by big banks ahead of a potentially damaging recession .
Financial stocks reversed course and fell Friday after the central bank unveiled its latest “ stress tests , ” which are designed to gauge the resiliency of the nation ’ s largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspend buybacks of their own stock and to cap dividend payouts in the third quarter .
“ While this is not surprising given the level of disruption in the system , it could signal headwinds for the market over the intermediate term , ” Mark Hackett , chief of investment research at Nationwide , said in a note .
Banks had rallied a day earlier after the Fed and four regulatory agencies had separately announced they were going to change a rule that has limited banks ’ ability to make investments in such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo dropped at least 5.5 % .
Bank of America , Citigroup and Goldman Sachs lost 6.4 % , 5.9 % and 8.7 % , respectively .
Dow component Nike declined 7.6 % after the athletic-footwear maker posted an unexpected profit loss in the latest quarter , its first in more than two years after the company ’ s earnings were pressured by store closures during the lockdown .
Bond yields were mixed .
The yield on the 10-year Treasury note slipped to 0.64 % from 0.67 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The yield tends to move with investors ’ expectations for the economy and inflation .
Concern that a pullback in the reopening of businesses could hamper demand for energy helped pull down oil prices Friday .
Benchmark U.S. crude was down 0.8 % to $ 38.43 a barrel .
Brent crude , the price standard for international oils , was down 0.9 % to $ 40.76 a barrel .
In Europe , the FTSE 100 in London rose 0.2 % while Frankfurt ’ s DAX fell 0.7 % .
The CAC 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asia , the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo rose 1.1 % while Seoul ’ s Kospi gained 1.1 % .
Hong Kong ’ s Hang Seng lost 0.9 % .

Dow drops 700 points, caps week with losses as virus cases surge
Show Caption Hide Caption Federal Reserve: How creating money could save US economy Where does the U.S. stimulus money come from? Here's how the Federal Reserve is saving the economy from the COVID-19 crisis. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Stocks capped a volatile week with steep losses Friday as coronavirus cases in the U.S. surged to a new daily record, dimming the prospects of a quick economic recovery after some states paused their reopening efforts in the wake of more outbreaks.
Investors are looking ahead to a possible rebound from the deepest global downturn since the 1930s and trying to buy companies that will thrive after the pandemic ends, analysts say. But they warn the market rise might be too fast and too early to be sustained by an uncertain economic outlook.
On Friday, the Dow Jones industrial average shed 730.05 points, or 2.8%, to 25,015.55, erasing all of Thursday's gains after the blue-chip average jumped 300 points as regulators loosened some financial regulations on banks. The Standard & Poor’s 500 slid 2.4% to 3,009.05.
The Nasdaq, which hit an all-time high earlier this week, fell 2.6% to 9,757.22. For the week, all three major averages shed at least 2%.
Despite the recent bout of volatility, the S&P 500 index is still on pace for its best quarter since 1998.
“The week is ending on a disappointing note, as U.S. virus cases rise and investors fret that lockdowns will have to be reimposed, or worse that they won’t be, and the death toll will grow sharply,” Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG Group, an online trading provider, said in a note. “The weakness of the past few days doesn’t augur well for a market sorely in need of further catalysts for this over-extended rally.”
A dream home, a vintage school bus and quirky roller skates: Here's what couples are buying with their pandemic wedding funds
Ouch!: COVID-19 is forcing some people to put retirement on hold
The U.S. reported 39,972 daily cases of the coronavirus Thursday, a new daily record, according to a database maintained by Johns Hopkins University. That eclipsed the mark set during the deadliest stretch in late April.
Deaths and hospitalizations have been rising in parts of the country, especially in the South and West. The resurgence in the virus has already led governors in Texas and Florida to backtrack or at least pause the reopenings of their states.
One day after pausing additional efforts to reopen Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday announced another round of restrictions, including closing bars and limiting restaurant occupancy. And in Florida, bars on Friday were prohibited from allowing alcohol consumption.
Investors have been encouraged by official moves to lift anti-virus measures and allow businesses to reopen. But some states have reimposed curbs after a resurgence in new reported infections.
U.S. consumer spending rebounded in May as parts of the economy reopened, but income fell 4.2% and is expected to decline further as millions lose their unemployment checks starting in July. Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, rose 8.2% last month, the Commerce Department said Friday, after falling a record 12.6% in April.
“Consumer activity is bouncing back strongly as shops reopen and consumers start to return to normal activities,” Angel Talavera, an economist at Oxford Economics, said in a note. “But consumer sentiment remains low as virus fears have not gone away. The key question moving forward will be how countries deal with the inevitable rise in infections while keeping economic activity going.”
How to protect yourself from loan debt during coronavirus As families struggle in the new pandemic economy, here's what you need to know about loans, providers and how to get the best deal. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Friday's losses were driven by a decline in bank shares as investors weighed the Federal Reserve’s move to temporarily suspend shareholder payouts by big banks ahead of a potentially damaging recession.
Financial stocks reversed course and fell Friday after the central bank unveiled its latest “stress tests,” which are designed to gauge the resiliency of the nation’s largest banks. The Fed ordered banks to suspend buybacks of their own stock and to cap dividend payouts in the third quarter.
“While this is not surprising given the level of disruption in the system, it could signal headwinds for the market over the intermediate term,” Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide, said in a note.
Banks had rallied a day earlier after the Fed and four regulatory agencies had separately announced they were going to change a rule that has limited banks’ ability to make investments in such areas as hedge funds.
Shares of JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo dropped at least 5.5%. Bank of America, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs lost 6.4%, 5.9% and 8.7%, respectively.
Dow component Nike declined 7.6% after the athletic-footwear maker posted an unexpected profit loss in the latest quarter, its first in more than two years after the company’s earnings were pressured by store closures during the lockdown.
Bond yields were mixed. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note slipped to 0.64% from 0.67%, another sign of caution in the market. The yield tends to move with investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation.
Concern that a pullback in the reopening of businesses could hamper demand for energy helped pull down oil prices Friday. Benchmark U.S. crude was down 0.8% to $38.43 a barrel. Brent crude, the price standard for international oils, was down 0.9% to $40.76 a barrel.
In Europe, the FTSE 100 in London rose 0.2% while Frankfurt’s DAX fell 0.7%. The CAC 40 in France dipped 0.2%. In Asia, the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo rose 1.1% while Seoul’s Kospi gained 1.1%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.9%.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-06-26--Elijah McClain was injected with ketamine before he died. Is that legal?

Amid calls for justice for Elijah McClain — a 23-year-old Black man who died after he was stopped by police in Aurora , Colorado , and placed in a carotid hold by an officer — the use of ketamine during his arrest has also drawn scrutiny .
McClain 's family says he was walking home last August when officers responded to a call of a suspicious person acting erratically .
Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis on Thursday appointed a special prosecutor to re-examine the case following intense public pressure and an online petition that garnered more than 3 million signatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office declined to file criminal charges in November , but in the wake of the killings of George Floyd , Ahmaud Arbery , Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks , there has been renewed interest in McClain 's case .
An autopsy was unable to determine whether McClain 's death was an accident , due to natural causes or a homicide ; however , medical and legal experts told USA TODAY that the injection of ketamine may have played a role .
In medical settings , ketamine is routinely used for its rapid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also used illicitly as a hallucinogen .
Here 's what to know about the use of the drug during arrests and its risks .
Can ketamine or other sedatives be used during an arrest ?
Yes , said Geoffrey Henley , a Dallas attorney in the case of Tony Timpa , who died during an arrest in which officers pinned his shoulders , knees and neck to the ground as he pleaded for help .
Timpa was also dosed with a sedative .
Henley said , citing precedent from previous cases , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generally allowed and protected under qualified immunity principles to administer sedatives to patients during an arrest following proper medical judgments .
In general , past cases have not established clearly that using sedatives during an arrest is an example of excessive force , Henley said .
'Justice For Elijah McClain ' : Petition calls for case to be looked into nearly a year after McClain 's death Henley said administering sedatives is often the protocol in some cases during which officers are subduing someone they believe to be resisting arrest .
The goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thrashing , which can cause injury or distress and elevate their heart rate .
`` It 's unfortunate , and it 's tragic , '' Henley said .
`` With respect to the ketamine , it very well may have been reckless by the EMTs .
I wonder about that , but I think it 's going to be difficult to make such a claim . ''
Although rare , it is also possible that someone 's adrenaline levels rise so high during an arrest that it causes cardiac arrest , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine at Indiana University .
According to Aurora Fire Rescue 's department policy , ketamine is considered appropriate to administer to a patient who shows signs of `` excited delirium , '' a condition characterized by aggressive activity , confused and unconnected thoughts or speech , hallucinations , and extraordinary strength and endurance when struggling .
According to a flowchart of the department 's policy , the `` goal is rapid tranquilization in order to minimize time struggling . ''
But `` excited delirium '' isn ’ t a recognized diagnosis in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manual , commonly known as the DSM or the International Classification of Diseases ( ICD-9 ) of the World Health Organization .
The American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Medical Examiners do recognize it .
For decades , critics have pointed to the fact that the term is applied almost exclusively to in-custody deaths or deaths that otherwise involve law enforcement .
More on 'excited delirium ' : 'Excited delirium ' cited as factor in many fatal police restraint cases .
Some say it 's bogus .
Why was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
On Aug. 24 , 2019 , the Aurora Police Department received a call around 10:30 p.m. about a `` suspicious man '' wearing a ski mask , according to a release .
Officers arrived and tried to stop McClain , who they said was `` actively resisting '' and trying to grab one of their guns .
McClain told the officers that he was going home and asked that they `` please respect my boundaries . ''
Police said McClain had ignored their initial command to stop , but McClain told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could listen , according to a report of the incident from the district attorney 's office .
Police put McClain in a carotid hold , applying pressure around his neck , restricting blood flow to the brain .
McClain briefly went unconscious .
According to the district attorney 's report , the Aurora Fire Department was called to the scene , per police policy for when a carotid hold is used .
When fire personnel and medics arrived at the scene of McClain 's arrest , a fire medic requested that McClain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More on Elijah McClain case : Special prosecutor appointed to investigate his death after millions sign petition Fire medic Jeremy Cooper told investigators that he requested ketamine following the fire department 's protocol for when someone shows signs of `` excited delirium . ''
The District Attorney 's report says that Cooper requested 500 milligrams of ketamine .
In a statement , Aurora Fire Rescue said an investigation into its personnel 's actions during McClain 's arrest found that `` the actions of the responders were consistent and aligned with our established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings indicate that our personnel demonstrated a high level of technical skill and professionalism while providing care to the patient . ''
The report from the Adams County Coroner 's Office could not make a conclusion on what caused McClain 's death .
The report said it was possible McClain had an `` idiosyncratic drug reaction , '' which can occur when a drug is administered at therapeutic levels but still has an unexpected reaction .
His death could have been due to natural causes if he `` had an undiagnosed mental illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or homicide could have been the cause if the carotid hold led to arrhythmia , the report said .
The report also listed several contributing factors , including the combination of intense physical exertion and a narrow left coronary artery .
Is ketamine dangerous in these cases ?
Ketamine , under appropriate dosage levels and with otherwise healthy patients , is generally considered safe , said Dr. Robert Glatter , an emergency physician in New York City .
But there are circumstances under which administering ketamine could have adverse and potentially lethal effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or low oxygen levels , is dehydrated or has low blood pressure , Glatter said .
The use of the carotid hold in combination with the ketamine injection could have created `` dangerous conditions '' for McClain , Glatter said .
`` These drugs do carry risks and , with certain types of patients under certain types of stressors , they can have adverse consequences and they can be lethal , '' he added .
Zipes , who reviewed the district attorney 's and coroner 's report cited a number of possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ketamine is used during an arrest : Injecting the drug too quickly or without proper monitoring , an unknown medical history and possible interactions with other substances in the patient 's system .
The coroner 's report says McClain was also found to have marijuana in his system .
`` No one can really say with absolute certainty what the cause was .
My gut is it 's related to the ketamine , '' Zipes said .

Elijah McClain was injected with ketamine before he died. Is that legal?
Amid calls for justice for Elijah McClain — a 23-year-old Black man who died after he was stopped by police in Aurora, Colorado, and placed in a carotid hold by an officer — the use of ketamine during his arrest has also drawn scrutiny.
McClain's family says he was walking home last August when officers responded to a call of a suspicious person acting erratically. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday appointed a special prosecutor to re-examine the case following intense public pressure and an online petition that garnered more than 3 million signatures.
Adams County district attorney Dave Young's office declined to file criminal charges in November, but in the wake of the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks, there has been renewed interest in McClain's case.
An autopsy was unable to determine whether McClain's death was an accident, due to natural causes or a homicide; however, medical and legal experts told USA TODAY that the injection of ketamine may have played a role. In medical settings, ketamine is routinely used for its rapid and anesthetic effects, but it is also used illicitly as a hallucinogen.
Here's what to know about the use of the drug during arrests and its risks.
Can ketamine or other sedatives be used during an arrest?
Yes, said Geoffrey Henley, a Dallas attorney in the case of Tony Timpa, who died during an arrest in which officers pinned his shoulders, knees and neck to the ground as he pleaded for help. Timpa was also dosed with a sedative.
Henley said, citing precedent from previous cases, that paramedics or other emergency medical professionals are generally allowed and protected under qualified immunity principles to administer sedatives to patients during an arrest following proper medical judgments. In general, past cases have not established clearly that using sedatives during an arrest is an example of excessive force, Henley said.
'Justice For Elijah McClain': Petition calls for case to be looked into nearly a year after McClain's death
Henley said administering sedatives is often the protocol in some cases during which officers are subduing someone they believe to be resisting arrest. The goal is to prevent the person from struggling and thrashing, which can cause injury or distress and elevate their heart rate.
"It's unfortunate, and it's tragic," Henley said. "With respect to the ketamine, it very well may have been reckless by the EMTs. I wonder about that, but I think it's going to be difficult to make such a claim."
Although rare, it is also possible that someone's adrenaline levels rise so high during an arrest that it causes cardiac arrest, said Dr. Douglas Zipes, a professor of medicine at Indiana University.
According to Aurora Fire Rescue's department policy, ketamine is considered appropriate to administer to a patient who shows signs of "excited delirium," a condition characterized by aggressive activity, confused and unconnected thoughts or speech, hallucinations, and extraordinary strength and endurance when struggling.
According to a flowchart of the department's policy, the "goal is rapid tranquilization in order to minimize time struggling."
But "excited delirium" isn’t a recognized diagnosis in the American Psychiatric Association’s leading diagnostic manual, commonly known as the DSM or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) of the World Health Organization. The American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Medical Examiners do recognize it.
For decades, critics have pointed to the fact that the term is applied almost exclusively to in-custody deaths or deaths that otherwise involve law enforcement.
More on 'excited delirium': 'Excited delirium' cited as factor in many fatal police restraint cases. Some say it's bogus.
Why was Elijah McClain arrested, injected with ketamine?
On Aug. 24, 2019, the Aurora Police Department received a call around 10:30 p.m. about a "suspicious man" wearing a ski mask, according to a release. Officers arrived and tried to stop McClain, who they said was "actively resisting" and trying to grab one of their guns.
Elijah McClain: Body cam shows events that led to 23-year-old's death Elijah McClain, 23, died after being thrown to the ground, restrained and being injected with the tranquilizer Ketamine by Aurora police. Staff video, USA TODAY
McClain told the officers that he was going home and asked that they "please respect my boundaries." Police said McClain had ignored their initial command to stop, but McClain told the officers he was stopping his music so he could listen, according to a report of the incident from the district attorney's office.
Police put McClain in a carotid hold, applying pressure around his neck, restricting blood flow to the brain. McClain briefly went unconscious.
According to the district attorney's report, the Aurora Fire Department was called to the scene, per police policy for when a carotid hold is used.
When fire personnel and medics arrived at the scene of McClain's arrest, a fire medic requested that McClain be injected with ketamine to sedate him.
More on Elijah McClain case: Special prosecutor appointed to investigate his death after millions sign petition
Fire medic Jeremy Cooper told investigators that he requested ketamine following the fire department's protocol for when someone shows signs of "excited delirium."
The District Attorney's report says that Cooper requested 500 milligrams of ketamine.
In a statement, Aurora Fire Rescue said an investigation into its personnel's actions during McClain's arrest found that "the actions of the responders were consistent and aligned with our established protocols. In fact, the initial findings indicate that our personnel demonstrated a high level of technical skill and professionalism while providing care to the patient."
The report from the Adams County Coroner's Office could not make a conclusion on what caused McClain's death.
The report said it was possible McClain had an "idiosyncratic drug reaction," which can occur when a drug is administered at therapeutic levels but still has an unexpected reaction. His death could have been due to natural causes if he "had an undiagnosed mental illness that led to Excited Delirium," or homicide could have been the cause if the carotid hold led to arrhythmia, the report said.
The report also listed several contributing factors, including the combination of intense physical exertion and a narrow left coronary artery.
Is ketamine dangerous in these cases?
Ketamine, under appropriate dosage levels and with otherwise healthy patients, is generally considered safe, said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician in New York City.
But there are circumstances under which administering ketamine could have adverse and potentially lethal effects, including if a patient has hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, is dehydrated or has low blood pressure, Glatter said.
The use of the carotid hold in combination with the ketamine injection could have created "dangerous conditions" for McClain, Glatter said.
"These drugs do carry risks and, with certain types of patients under certain types of stressors, they can have adverse consequences and they can be lethal," he added.
Zipes, who reviewed the district attorney's and coroner's report cited a number of possible complications that can cause health issues when ketamine is used during an arrest: Injecting the drug too quickly or without proper monitoring, an unknown medical history and possible interactions with other substances in the patient's system. The coroner's report says McClain was also found to have marijuana in his system.
"No one can really say with absolute certainty what the cause was. My gut is it's related to the ketamine," Zipes said.
Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Katie Wedell and Cara Kelly


usatoday--2020-06-26--Bubba Wallace is 'wore the hell out,' wants to move on from Talladega, focus on growing NASCAR

The emotions .
The media attention .
The encouragement and the vitriol .
It 's been a long week for NASCAR 's No .
43 car driver .
He 's ready for it to be over .
“ Part of my emotion today is one , being wore the hell out , '' he said on a Zoom call Friday .
`` Two , is being a little frustrated .
Three , is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
” On Sunday , NASCAR released a statement believing Wallace , the only Black driver in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a hate crime after a garage pull tied in a noose was found in Wallace 's stall at Talladega Superspeedway .
This came after Wallace was the sport 's leading voice in its ban of the Confederate flag in an effort to provide a more welcoming atmosphere .
A subsequent FBI investigation determined that the noose had been there since at least October 2019 , meaning Wallace had n't been targeted .
The league and Wallace have confronted backlash online and elsewhere for their strong initial reaction .
NASCAR president Steve Phelps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with less emotion .
But NASCAR 's unified response led to drivers and crews standing in solidarity with Wallace on Monday , a moment that moved him to tears .
The emotions have remained high .
“ Athletes are put on a pedestal , '' Wallace said Friday .
`` There ’ s not a manual , there ’ s not a guidebook to tell you how to handle yourself off the course , off the racetrack , off the fields .
It ’ s all something you learn and you go through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those incidents .
And I think that ’ s what makes you tougher .
“ You just got to be mentally strong .
Where I ’ ve gotten my strength from , couldn ’ t tell ya .
Because I do read into it and I do get pissed off.
” Part of what allowed him to feel free to speak his mind , Wallace said , was his lack of concern regarding how corporate sponsors would react .
“ I say this with the utmost respect , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , I haven ’ t been thinking about my sponsors .
I ’ ve been thinking about being a human being and standing up for what ’ s right .
I hope that sponsors would back me up on that .
We ’ ve had some sponsors drop out this year that , quite frankly , I ’ m glad we ’ re not a part of anymore.
” Wallace said he wants to refocus the conversations surrounding him to his efforts on and off the track .
He 'll be pushing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring in a more diverse group of fans who had n't previously considered racing .
`` Let 's get away from what happened at Talladega .
Let 's move on from that , put it to bed , '' Wallace said .
`` As much as it 's tough for me balancing human-being side and racing side , it 's part of it .
I accepted that .
But we 'll just continue to move on . ''

Bubba Wallace is 'wore the hell out,' wants to move on from Talladega, focus on growing NASCAR
Show Caption Hide Caption Where NASCAR goes from here after despicable noose incident SportsPulse: The sports world rallied around Bubba Wallace after a noose was found in his garage at Talladega Motor Speedway this past weekend. Now NASCAR is looking to bring the hammer down on whoever is responsible. USA TODAY
Bubba Wallace looked exhausted.
The emotions. The media attention. The encouragement and the vitriol. It's been a long week for NASCAR's No. 43 car driver. He's ready for it to be over.
“Part of my emotion today is one, being wore the hell out," he said on a Zoom call Friday. "Two, is being a little frustrated. Three, is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”
On Sunday, NASCAR released a statement believing Wallace, the only Black driver in the Cup Series, to be the victim of a hate crime after a garage pull tied in a noose was found in Wallace's stall at Talladega Superspeedway. This came after Wallace was the sport's leading voice in its ban of the Confederate flag in an effort to provide a more welcoming atmosphere. A subsequent FBI investigation determined that the noose had been there since at least October 2019, meaning Wallace hadn't been targeted.
The league and Wallace have confronted backlash online and elsewhere for their strong initial reaction. NASCAR president Steve Phelps said Thursday he wished he'd reacted with less emotion. But NASCAR's unified response led to drivers and crews standing in solidarity with Wallace on Monday, a moment that moved him to tears. The emotions have remained high.
“Athletes are put on a pedestal," Wallace said Friday. "There’s not a manual, there’s not a guidebook to tell you how to handle yourself off the course, off the racetrack, off the fields. It’s all something you learn and you go through the trials and tribulations of growth in those incidents. And I think that’s what makes you tougher.
“You just got to be mentally strong. Where I’ve gotten my strength from, couldn’t tell ya. Because I do read into it and I do get pissed off.”
Part of what allowed him to feel free to speak his mind, Wallace said, was his lack of concern regarding how corporate sponsors would react.
“I say this with the utmost respect," he said. "Ever since I’ve been speaking out, I haven’t been thinking about my sponsors. I’ve been thinking about being a human being and standing up for what’s right. I hope that sponsors would back me up on that. We’ve had some sponsors drop out this year that, quite frankly, I’m glad we’re not a part of anymore.”
Wallace said he wants to refocus the conversations surrounding him to his efforts on and off the track. He'll be pushing his message of love and compassion to bring in a more diverse group of fans who hadn't previously considered racing.
"Let's get away from what happened at Talladega. Let's move on from that, put it to bed," Wallace said.
"As much as it's tough for me balancing human-being side and racing side, it's part of it. I accepted that. But we'll just continue to move on."


usatoday--2020-06-26--Teen pours out his heart in a letter to his stepdad

Teen pours out his heart in a letter to his stepdad Keon Wiggins , a 17-year-old from Suffolk , Virginia @ @ @ @ @ Powell and everyone else in the room to tears when he asked Powell to adopt @ @

Teen pours out his heart in a letter to his stepdad
Keon Wiggins, a 17-year-old from Suffolk, Virginia, brought his stepdad Donzell Powell and everyone else in the room to tears when he asked Powell to adopt him.
Humankind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-06-26--Morehouse College cancels football season due to coronavirus concerns

Morehouse College has cancelled its 2020 fall sports schedule due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , the school announced Friday .
President David A. Thomas wrote on the school ’ s website that the football and cross country teams would not compete this year , and that all scholarships for participating athletes would be honored .
`` Like all of the decisions we 've made related to COVID-19 , this was a difficult one but was made with the health and well-being of our students and community in mind , ” Thomas wrote , adding that teams could not safely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the CDC .
“ Sporting events also invite individuals to our campus who will not be subject to the testing and monitoring that we plan to implement for our students , faculty , and staff , ” he continued , reiterating his hope that the campus will be open for classes in August .
Morehouse is a Historically Black College in Atlanta .
The Maroon Tigers compete in the NCAA Division II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference ( SIAC ) .
It is believed to be the first scholarship football program to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no decisions have yet been made on the status of competition for winter and spring sports .
“ Those decisions will be forthcoming later in the year , ” he wrote .

Morehouse College cancels football season due to coronavirus concerns
Show Caption Hide Caption The ugly truth why college football needs a season amidst the pandemic SportsPulse: Dan Wolken doesn't mince words as to the real reason universities and conferences are going to bend over backwards to make a college football season happen this fall. And it has nothing to do with wins and losses. USA TODAY
Morehouse College has cancelled its 2020 fall sports schedule due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the school announced Friday.
President David A. Thomas wrote on the school’s website that the football and cross country teams would not compete this year, and that all scholarships for participating athletes would be honored.
"Like all of the decisions we've made related to COVID-19, this was a difficult one but was made with the health and well-being of our students and community in mind,” Thomas wrote, adding that teams could not safely travel while maintaining social distancing guidelines recommended by the CDC. “Sporting events also invite individuals to our campus who will not be subject to the testing and monitoring that we plan to implement for our students, faculty, and staff,” he continued, reiterating his hope that the campus will be open for classes in August.
Morehouse is a Historically Black College in Atlanta. The Maroon Tigers compete in the NCAA Division II Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). It is believed to be the first scholarship football program to call off its 2020 season.
Thomas said no decisions have yet been made on the status of competition for winter and spring sports. “Those decisions will be forthcoming later in the year,” he wrote.


usatoday--2020-06-26--Judge orders Roger Stone to surrender July 14, denying his request for an extended delay

WASHINGTON – A federal judge ordered Roger Stone to surrender on July 14 , denying his request for a two-month reprieve from serving his prison sentence because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Stone , who was initially supposed to surrender on Tuesday , asked U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson to allow him to stay at home until Sept. 3 , saying his age and medical conditions make potential exposure to COVID-19 life-threatening .
The Justice Department did not oppose extending Stone 's surrender date by two months , saying it has become its policy to allow defendants to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic – as long as defendants are not public safety threats or flight risks .
The U.S. attorney 's office in Washington , D.C. , which prosecuted Stone , has routinely consented to requests to delay imprisonment since March , prosecutors said .
'What had happened was wrong ' : DOJ lawyers accuse agency leaders of abusing power in Roger Stone case , other probes 'Unprecedentedly favorable treatment ' : DOJ gave Roger Stone favorable treatment because he is an ally of the president , prosecutor says Stone will serve his time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia .
No one has tested positive at the facility .
Jackson also ordered that Stone be placed on home confinement in the two weeks before he surrenders , presumably so he can self-quarantine before he goes to prison .
`` This will address the defendant 's stated medical concerns during the current increase of reported cases in Florida , and Broward County in particular , '' Jackson said , referring to the county where Stone lives , `` and it will respect and protect the health of other inmates who share the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and spread of the virus at this now-unaffected facility . ''
The deadly virus has killed dozens of prisoners and infected thousands across the federal prison system .
In response to the pandemic , Attorney General William Barr ordered the Bureau of Prisons to expedite moving vulnerable prisoners from the most affected facilities to home confinement .
Stone , a longtime ally of President Donald Trump , was sentenced to a little over three years in prison .
A jury convicted him of seven crimes , including lying to lawmakers to protect Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential race .
One of the prosecutors in Stone 's case has accused the Justice Department of giving Stone favorable treatment for political reasons .
Aaron Zelinsy , who resigned from the case in protest , testified before Congress Wednesday that the Justice Department leadership pressured them to recommend a more lenient sentence for Stone because he 's Trump 's ally .

Judge orders Roger Stone to surrender July 14, denying his request for an extended delay
Show Caption Hide Caption Roger Stone sentenced to 40 months in prison for obstructing Congress Roger Stone's sentence marks a downfall for the longtime political consultant who worked on political campaigns and reelection committees stretching back to Richard Nixon. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – A federal judge ordered Roger Stone to surrender on July 14, denying his request for a two-month reprieve from serving his prison sentence because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Stone, who was initially supposed to surrender on Tuesday, asked U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson to allow him to stay at home until Sept. 3, saying his age and medical conditions make potential exposure to COVID-19 life-threatening.
The Justice Department did not oppose extending Stone's surrender date by two months, saying it has become its policy to allow defendants to make such requests since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic – as long as defendants are not public safety threats or flight risks. The U.S. attorney's office in Washington, D.C., which prosecuted Stone, has routinely consented to requests to delay imprisonment since March, prosecutors said.
'What had happened was wrong': DOJ lawyers accuse agency leaders of abusing power in Roger Stone case, other probes
'Unprecedentedly favorable treatment': DOJ gave Roger Stone favorable treatment because he is an ally of the president, prosecutor says
Stone will serve his time at a federal prison in Jesup, Georgia. No one has tested positive at the facility.
Jackson also ordered that Stone be placed on home confinement in the two weeks before he surrenders, presumably so he can self-quarantine before he goes to prison.
"This will address the defendant's stated medical concerns during the current increase of reported cases in Florida, and Broward County in particular," Jackson said, referring to the county where Stone lives, "and it will respect and protect the health of other inmates who share the defendant's anxiety over the potential introduction and spread of the virus at this now-unaffected facility."
The deadly virus has killed dozens of prisoners and infected thousands across the federal prison system. In response to the pandemic, Attorney General William Barr ordered the Bureau of Prisons to expedite moving vulnerable prisoners from the most affected facilities to home confinement.
Stone, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, was sentenced to a little over three years in prison. A jury convicted him of seven crimes, including lying to lawmakers to protect Trump and his campaign and obstructing Congress' investigation on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential race.
One of the prosecutors in Stone's case has accused the Justice Department of giving Stone favorable treatment for political reasons. Aaron Zelinsy, who resigned from the case in protest, testified before Congress Wednesday that the Justice Department leadership pressured them to recommend a more lenient sentence for Stone because he's Trump's ally.


usatoday--2020-06-26--Trump cancels weekend trip to NJ, says he wants to monitor protests

BEDMINSTER , N.J. – President Donald Trump has canceled a weekend trip to his private golf club in New Jersey , where the state has implemented a mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors who 've come from states with a high number of coronavirus cases .
Trump said in a tweet Friday afternoon that he was staying in Washington to monitor protests .
In an updated appearance agenda released Friday , the White House said the president will no longer be traveling to Bedminster , where Trump National Golf Club is located .
The White House did not say why the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave a speach Tuesday in Arizona , which has seen a surge in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases .
Arizona is one of the nine states that meet New Jersey ’ s criteria to require visitors to quarantine for 14 days .
NJ quarantine : Trump exempt from NJ quarantine for weekend trip despite travel to COVID-19 hot spot However , New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy told CNN Wednesday that Trump is exempt from the order .
`` There is a carve out for essential workers , and I think by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States is an essential worker . ''
When asked whether the cancellation was related to New Jersey 's new travel restrictions , White House spokesman Judd Deere told Fox News , `` It has nothing to do with that . ''
Later Friday , the president tweeted “ I was going to go to Bedminster , New Jersey , this weekend , but wanted to stay in Washington , D.C. to make sure LAW & ORDER is enforced .
The arsonists , anarchists , looters , and agitators have been largely stopped.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is necessary to keep our communities safe – and these people will be brought to Justice !
” New Jersey , which has the second-most COVID-19 deaths and third-most cases in the country , has seen a decline in the spread of the virus since it 's peak .
As of Wednesday , the state had 169,892 cases and 12,995 deaths .
On Wednesday , the governors of New York , New Jersey and Connecticut announced they will require a 14-day quarantine for individuals crossing their borders from states with high rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed an executive order that he said will provide long prison sentences to people who tear down or vandalize statues and other historical monuments .
Trump ’ s order comes as federal statues across the country have been targeted for removal by protesters following the death of George Floyd , a Black man who was killed when a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
Nick Muscavage reports for the Bridgewater Courier News ; Keith Schubert reports for the Asbury Park Press

Nick Muscavage and Keith Schubert, USA TODAY NETWORK

Trump cancels weekend trip to NJ, says he wants to monitor protests
Show Caption Hide Caption Welcome to Trump National Take a brief tour of Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Mike Deak | Wochit
BEDMINSTER, N.J. – President Donald Trump has canceled a weekend trip to his private golf club in New Jersey, where the state has implemented a mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors who've come from states with a high number of coronavirus cases.
Trump said in a tweet Friday afternoon that he was staying in Washington to monitor protests.
In an updated appearance agenda released Friday, the White House said the president will no longer be traveling to Bedminster, where Trump National Golf Club is located.
The White House did not say why the president’s plans changed.
Trump gave a speach Tuesday in Arizona, which has seen a surge in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Arizona is one of the nine states that meet New Jersey’s criteria to require visitors to quarantine for 14 days.
NJ quarantine: Trump exempt from NJ quarantine for weekend trip despite travel to COVID-19 hot spot
However, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy told CNN Wednesday that Trump is exempt from the order. "There is a carve out for essential workers, and I think by any definition the president of the United States is an essential worker."
When asked whether the cancellation was related to New Jersey's new travel restrictions, White House spokesman Judd Deere told Fox News, "It has nothing to do with that."
Later Friday, the president tweeted “I was going to go to Bedminster, New Jersey, this weekend, but wanted to stay in Washington, D.C. to make sure LAW & ORDER is enforced. The arsonists, anarchists, looters, and agitators have been largely stopped.”
He added, “I am doing what is necessary to keep our communities safe – and these people will be brought to Justice!”
I was going to go to Bedminster, New Jersey, this weekend, but wanted to stay in Washington, D.C. to make sure LAW & ORDER is enforced. The arsonists, anarchists, looters, and agitators have been largely stopped... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2020
New Jersey, which has the second-most COVID-19 deaths and third-most cases in the country, has seen a decline in the spread of the virus since it's peak. As of Wednesday, the state had 169,892 cases and 12,995 deaths.
On Wednesday, the governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced they will require a 14-day quarantine for individuals crossing their borders from states with high rates of coronavirus.
Also Friday, Trump signed an executive order that he said will provide long prison sentences to people who tear down or vandalize statues and other historical monuments.
Trump’s order comes as federal statues across the country have been targeted for removal by protesters following the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed when a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Nick Muscavage reports for the Bridgewater Courier News; Keith Schubert reports for the Asbury Park Press
Contributing: Michael Collins, USA T


usatoday--2020-06-26--Organizers are scrambling to plan an unprecedented virtual gathering for the 2020 DNC

MILWAUKEE – So , now we know .
This will not be the Democratic National Convention of Milwaukee 's hopes and dreams , a colorful political party filled with big events and big crowds .
Instead , when Democrats trickle into Milwaukee for their convention Aug. 17-20 , they 'll be participating in a scaled-back and oftentimes virtual show , an unprecedented and unconventional gathering in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic .
What will it actually look like ?
`` I think it is going to look like nothing you 've ever seen before , '' said Joe Solmonese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Convention Committee .
Organizers have less than two months to come up with something new , innovative and energetic as Democrats try to launch presumptive nominee Joe Biden and his running mate into the fall campaign against President Donald Trump .
They 'll also have to establish health protocols to create a safe environment for visitors and residents .
More : The fight for swing-state Wisconsin takes a turn away from Trump Wednesday 's announcement of a revamped convention laid out the broad brushstrokes of staging a significant political event during a health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go for the glitz and glory at a full-on convention in Jacksonville , Florida , Democrats are poised to conduct `` official business without risking public health '' while trying to fire up their supporters across the nation .
That means , there will be no delegates in Milwaukee .
Most business will be done virtually and remotely , including the nomination of Biden .
And there will be no need to use the gleaming Fiserv Forum .
That long-ago promise of 50,000 visitors to the city will likely be slashed to just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aiming to take their message to the rest of the nation through events beamed in from remote sites .
More : Trump in Wisconsin : President boasts that he 's rebuilding the military as polls show him losing ground to Biden Milwaukee will still be at the heart of the proceedings .
About all we really know right now is that Biden and his running mate are expected in Milwaukee to accept the nomination .
`` We came to Milwaukee a year ago because we believed that it was important to be there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to make sure we lifted up the stories of people who lived there and talk about how it is that their lives could be different under a different kind of leadership .
And we still intend to do that . ''
`` We 're going to be creative and innovative , '' Solmonese said .
`` And can we also in the course of that through technology go to a lot of other places around the country , involve other people in important states ?
Absolutely .
But we 'll always come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the road to the White House runs squarely through Wisconsin . ''
Surely , there will be some disappointment locally .
Bars and restaurants hoped to cash in on parties .
That wo n't happen now .
The Bucks owners were primed to show off Fiserv Forum to the wider world .
That wo n't happen , either , although significant rental payments have already been made to Deer District LLC .
`` We 'll continue to work with everyone to ensure that it 's super successful and that Milwaukee will still be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world that it 's a top tier city , '' Milwaukee Bucks Senior Vice President Alex Lasry said .
Lasry helped spearhead the original push to gain the convention , along with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore .
Lasry said that winning the race to hold the convention `` showed the entire world that Milwaukee can handle '' large events .
Now , the city is showing an `` ability to adapt in tough times . ''
`` I think this will only make us that much stronger as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conventions , but events going forward , '' he said .
Convention organizers said they made a conscious decision to keep the convention anchored in Milwaukee all four nights .
And they say Wisconsin themes will be abundant at the event .
Barrett said the key word now with the convention is `` nimble . ''
The mayor said the convention changes send `` a very strong message that the number ( of attendees ) is going to be significantly lower than the figure we had hoped for when this was first announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key people moving forward will be producer Ricky Kirshner , who will play an important role weaving together the various live and virtual elements .
Kirshner has produced the Tony Awards and Super Bowl halftime show .
It 's his job to make sure that the show really does go on .
Ben Wikler , chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin , said all the elements for a successful convention are in place .
Wikler said : `` While I wish we were welcoming 50,000 honorary Wisconsinites to the Cream City , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to hold an event produced by one of the most talented and accomplished producers in the world that launches Joe Biden from Milwaukee without spreading coronavirus . ''

Bill Glauber and Mary Spicuzza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Organizers are scrambling to plan an unprecedented virtual gathering for the 2020 DNC
Show Caption Hide Caption Political conventions won't look the same due to COVID-19 Political conventions are full of pomp and circumstance and geared towards firing up voters, but this year will look dramatically different. USA TODAY, Wochit
MILWAUKEE – So, now we know.
This will not be the Democratic National Convention of Milwaukee's hopes and dreams, a colorful political party filled with big events and big crowds.
Instead, when Democrats trickle into Milwaukee for their convention Aug. 17-20, they'll be participating in a scaled-back and oftentimes virtual show, an unprecedented and unconventional gathering in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
What will it actually look like?
"I think it is going to look like nothing you've ever seen before," said Joe Solmonese, chief executive of the Democratic National Convention Committee.
Organizers have less than two months to come up with something new, innovative and energetic as Democrats try to launch presumptive nominee Joe Biden and his running mate into the fall campaign against President Donald Trump.
They'll also have to establish health protocols to create a safe environment for visitors and residents.
More: The fight for swing-state Wisconsin takes a turn away from Trump
Wednesday's announcement of a revamped convention laid out the broad brushstrokes of staging a significant political event during a health emergency.
Unlike Republicans, who will go for the glitz and glory at a full-on convention in Jacksonville, Florida, Democrats are poised to conduct "official business without risking public health" while trying to fire up their supporters across the nation.
That means, there will be no delegates in Milwaukee. Most business will be done virtually and remotely, including the nomination of Biden. And there will be no need to use the gleaming Fiserv Forum.
DNC affirms virtual convention amid pandemic Democrats will hold an almost entirely virtual presidential nominating convention by using live broadcasts, online streaming, and other means for the 4,500 plus delegates to cast their votes remotely. (June 25) AP
They'll pack whatever's left into the Wisconsin Center.
That long-ago promise of 50,000 visitors to the city will likely be slashed to just a few thousand.
But Democrats are aiming to take their message to the rest of the nation through events beamed in from remote sites.
More: Trump in Wisconsin: President boasts that he's rebuilding the military as polls show him losing ground to Biden
Milwaukee will still be at the heart of the proceedings.
About all we really know right now is that Biden and his running mate are expected in Milwaukee to accept the nomination.
"We came to Milwaukee a year ago because we believed that it was important to be there," Solmonese said. "We wanted to make sure we lifted up the stories of people who lived there and talk about how it is that their lives could be different under a different kind of leadership. And we still intend to do that."
"We're going to be creative and innovative," Solmonese said. "And can we also in the course of that through technology go to a lot of other places around the country, involve other people in important states? Absolutely. But we'll always come back to Milwaukee because we understand that the road to the White House runs squarely through Wisconsin."
Surely, there will be some disappointment locally.
Bars and restaurants hoped to cash in on parties. That won't happen now.
The Bucks owners were primed to show off Fiserv Forum to the wider world. That won't happen, either, although significant rental payments have already been made to Deer District LLC.
"We'll continue to work with everyone to ensure that it's super successful and that Milwaukee will still be put on the map in showing the world that it's a top tier city," Milwaukee Bucks Senior Vice President Alex Lasry said.
Lasry helped spearhead the original push to gain the convention, along with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore.
Lasry said that winning the race to hold the convention "showed the entire world that Milwaukee can handle" large events.
Now, the city is showing an "ability to adapt in tough times."
"I think this will only make us that much stronger as a contender for future, not only conventions, but events going forward," he said.
Convention organizers said they made a conscious decision to keep the convention anchored in Milwaukee all four nights. And they say Wisconsin themes will be abundant at the event.
Barrett said the key word now with the convention is "nimble."
The mayor said the convention changes send "a very strong message that the number (of attendees) is going to be significantly lower than the figure we had hoped for when this was first announced last March."
One of the key people moving forward will be producer Ricky Kirshner, who will play an important role weaving together the various live and virtual elements. Kirshner has produced the Tony Awards and Super Bowl halftime show.
It's his job to make sure that the show really does go on.
Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, said all the elements for a successful convention are in place.
Wikler said: "While I wish we were welcoming 50,000 honorary Wisconsinites to the Cream City, I’m also excited that we’re going to hold an event produced by one of the most talented and accomplished producers in the world that launches Joe Biden from Milwaukee without spreading coronavirus."