usatoday--2020-07-16--Can you get infected with COVID-19 twice? Experts say possibility is 'certainly real'

Hopes are dimming that `` herd immunity '' can help stamp out the tenacious global pandemic amid growing concerns that people can be reinfected with COVID-19 .
Experts agree that claims of recurring infections require more study since we are only months into the health crisis and evidence has been anecdotal .
But if it 's proven that recovered patients can `` catch '' the virus a second time , it would affect their own immunity while also complicating efforts to obtain the Holy Grail of current medical research : effective vaccines .
Recovery from the disease provides antibodies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life of those antibodies , however , may be insufficient to protect a patient for very long or promote long-term immunity across populations .
`` The possibility of reinfection is certainly real , '' Dr. Robert Glatter , an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City , told USA TODAY .
`` And one that I am seeing repeatedly on the front lines . ''
Glatter says he has cared for a `` number of patients '' who suffer only mild initial infections , get better and actually test negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of symptoms .
The intensity can be worse the second time , he says .
`` These patients develop difficulty breathing , leading to hypoxia , aches , chest pain , with recurrent and unrelenting fevers and chills , '' he said , adding that they then test positive again .
Experts caution that it 's been only a few months since the first surge of cases in China and around the world .
The frequency and severity of reinfections wo n't be known until cases rise in the areas where there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Dr. Daniel Griffin , chief of infectious diseases at ProHEALTH Care in New York .
`` We are months away from knowing for certain if reinfections are possible or a significant issue , '' Griffin told USA TODAY .
Attacks on Fauci : Trump vs. adviser with penchant for straight talk Physicians do n't know for sure whether people who appear ill a second time are suffering from a resurgence of their first infection , Griffin said .
But he tells the story of a man he treated for COVID-19 as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , he was sick again , this time hospitalized with fevers and chills .
He tested positive , the high level of antibodies he had displayed after his illness barely detectable .
Griffin noted that work on other coronaviruses demonstrated people were just as likely to be reinfected a year later as people who were never infected .
Studies show COVID-19 antibodies declining in all patients after two months and becoming negative in a high percentage of patients , he said .
`` It 's concerning for those of us who hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our patients , '' Griffin said .
Dr. Monica Gandhi , professor of medicine and infectious disease expert at the University of California , San Francisco , is n't so sure .
“ We have not seen a single convincing case of reinfection , '' she said .
`` That ’ s the proof in the pudding that being infected confers immunity . ''
In London , King ’ s College researchers have found that antibodies peaked up to three weeks after onset of symptoms before declining .
The study of 90 patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a preprint paper in medRxiv and has not yet been the subject of scrupulous peer review .
But the research supports the possibility that COVID-19 could reinfect people repeatedly .
Blood tests revealed that while 60 % of people presented a “ potent ” antibody response while battling the virus , only 17 % retained that potency three months later .
All of which could prove the death knell for the hope of herd immunity through a one-shot vaccine or community spread of the virus .
Melissa Nolan , an infectious disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Carolina , says other studies indicate that people who were infected but presented no symptoms likely never had sufficient viral loads in their pulmonary tract to generate a sufficient antibody response .
In contrast , people with severe symptoms likely had a higher volume of virus deep in their lungs that `` sparked an immunologic chain reaction '' resulting in the generation of antibodies .
Still , one study showed 13 % of symptomatic cases had lost immunity and were susceptible to reinfection at two months post-infection .
`` My clinical interpretation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have a vaccine that is widely available , societies will not naturally develop their own herd immunity , '' Nolan said .
`` These new findings suggest that persons might get reinfected . ''
Ogbonnaya Omenka , a public health expert and assistant professor at Butler University , emphasizes that more research is required .
Natural individual immunity has been shown to be a key factor of vaccine development , he says , so the absence of protection after recovering from COVID-19 could make the vaccine process more complicated .
Achieving herd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population to be either infected or vaccinated – a goal that may prove to be elusive in light of inconsistent antibody responses and waning levels , Glatter said .
`` This raises important issues going forward when we begin vaccinating the population , '' he said .
`` It ’ s likely we will need a booster shot to bolster immunity .
We certainly need more data and larger studies to confirm this finding . ''
Wearing a mask does n't just protect others : It protects you from infection Most air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can actually facilitate spread Omenka said it remains unclear whether the reinfections represent a common public health phenomenon or they are `` outliers '' – possibly even victims of inaccurate testing , he said .
Testing accuracy remains a problem .
A group of federal lawmakers sent a letter this week to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn raising concerns about lowered standards for COVID-19 test reliability under an Emergency Use Authorization .
“ While no diagnostic test will ever be 100 % accurate , these lower standards for determining reliability ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s spread within a community and across the United States , ” the lawmakers said .
The number of known reinfection cases is too low to constitute significant data when compared with the millions of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 , Omenka said .
`` Either way , these new findings need to be taken seriously due to their public health implications , '' he said .
Efforts to end the pandemic remain hinged on three approaches – public health strategies such as facial coverings , handwashing and physical distancing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop an effective vaccine .
The latest findings on antibodies and immunity highlight the need to continue the public health strategies as the primary approach until other effective options become available , Omenka stressed .
`` Individual or herd immunity derived from recovering from COVID-19 would be a very useful factor in the fight against the disease , '' Omenka said .
`` However , it would not be helpful to bank on this possibility without any clear , generalizable , supporting evidence . ''

Can you get infected with COVID-19 twice? Experts say possibility is 'certainly real'
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How vaccines are developed and tested Pressure to create a coronavirus vaccine is increasing by the day, but for a safe vaccine to enter the market, it takes time. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Hopes are dimming that "herd immunity" can help stamp out the tenacious global pandemic amid growing concerns that people can be reinfected with COVID-19.
Experts agree that claims of recurring infections require more study since we are only months into the health crisis and evidence has been anecdotal. But if it's proven that recovered patients can "catch" the virus a second time, it would affect their own immunity while also complicating efforts to obtain the Holy Grail of current medical research: effective vaccines.
Recovery from the disease provides antibodies to fight off the infection. The shelf life of those antibodies, however, may be insufficient to protect a patient for very long or promote long-term immunity across populations.
"The possibility of reinfection is certainly real," Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, told USA TODAY. "And one that I am seeing repeatedly on the front lines."
Glatter says he has cared for a "number of patients" who suffer only mild initial infections, get better and actually test negative for the virus before experiencing a recurrence of symptoms. The intensity can be worse the second time, he says.
"These patients develop difficulty breathing, leading to hypoxia, aches, chest pain, with recurrent and unrelenting fevers and chills," he said, adding that they then test positive again.
Experts caution that it's been only a few months since the first surge of cases in China and around the world. The frequency and severity of reinfections won't be known until cases rise in the areas where there were a significant number of infections last winter, said Dr. Daniel Griffin, chief of infectious diseases at ProHEALTH Care in New York.
"We are months away from knowing for certain if reinfections are possible or a significant issue," Griffin told USA TODAY.
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Physicians don't know for sure whether people who appear ill a second time are suffering from a resurgence of their first infection, Griffin said. But he tells the story of a man he treated for COVID-19 as an outpatient in March. Four months later, he was sick again, this time hospitalized with fevers and chills. He tested positive, the high level of antibodies he had displayed after his illness barely detectable.
Griffin noted that work on other coronaviruses demonstrated people were just as likely to be reinfected a year later as people who were never infected. Studies show COVID-19 antibodies declining in all patients after two months and becoming negative in a high percentage of patients, he said.
"It's concerning for those of us who hope this virus is just a one-and-done for our patients," Griffin said.
Dr. Monica Gandhi, professor of medicine and infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco, isn't so sure.
“We have not seen a single convincing case of reinfection," she said. "That’s the proof in the pudding that being infected confers immunity."
In London, King’s College researchers have found that antibodies peaked up to three weeks after onset of symptoms before declining. The study of 90 patients and health care workers was published in in a preprint paper in medRxiv and has not yet been the subject of scrupulous peer review.
But the research supports the possibility that COVID-19 could reinfect people repeatedly. Blood tests revealed that while 60% of people presented a “potent” antibody response while battling the virus, only 17% retained that potency three months later.
All of which could prove the death knell for the hope of herd immunity through a one-shot vaccine or community spread of the virus.
Melissa Nolan, an infectious disease expert and professor at the University of South Carolina, says other studies indicate that people who were infected but presented no symptoms likely never had sufficient viral loads in their pulmonary tract to generate a sufficient antibody response.
In contrast, people with severe symptoms likely had a higher volume of virus deep in their lungs that "sparked an immunologic chain reaction" resulting in the generation of antibodies. Still, one study showed 13% of symptomatic cases had lost immunity and were susceptible to reinfection at two months post-infection.
"My clinical interpretation from these new studies is that until we have a vaccine that is widely available, societies will not naturally develop their own herd immunity," Nolan said. "These new findings suggest that persons might get reinfected."
Ogbonnaya Omenka, a public health expert and assistant professor at Butler University, emphasizes that more research is required. Natural individual immunity has been shown to be a key factor of vaccine development, he says, so the absence of protection after recovering from COVID-19 could make the vaccine process more complicated.
Achieving herd immunity would require nearly 75% of the population to be either infected or vaccinated – a goal that may prove to be elusive in light of inconsistent antibody responses and waning levels, Glatter said.
"This raises important issues going forward when we begin vaccinating the population," he said. "It’s likely we will need a booster shot to bolster immunity. We certainly need more data and larger studies to confirm this finding."
Wearing a mask doesn't just protect others: It protects you from infection
Most air conditioning systems won't help: Some can actually facilitate spread
Omenka said it remains unclear whether the reinfections represent a common public health phenomenon or they are "outliers" – possibly even victims of inaccurate testing, he said.
Testing accuracy remains a problem. A group of federal lawmakers sent a letter this week to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn raising concerns about lowered standards for COVID-19 test reliability under an Emergency Use Authorization.
“While no diagnostic test will ever be 100% accurate, these lower standards for determining reliability ... could affect our understanding of COVID-19’s spread within a community and across the United States,” the lawmakers said.
The number of known reinfection cases is too low to constitute significant data when compared with the millions of people who have tested positive for COVID-19, Omenka said.
"Either way, these new findings need to be taken seriously due to their public health implications," he said.
Efforts to end the pandemic remain hinged on three approaches – public health strategies such as facial coverings, handwashing and physical distancing, improved medical therapies and the push to develop an effective vaccine. The latest findings on antibodies and immunity highlight the need to continue the public health strategies as the primary approach until other effective options become available, Omenka stressed.
"Individual or herd immunity derived from recovering from COVID-19 would be a very useful factor in the fight against the disease," Omenka said. "However, it would not be helpful to bank on this possibility without any clear, generalizable, supporting evidence."
Contributing: Elizabeth Weise


usatoday--2020-07-16--Ex-Honolulu officer who forced homeless man to lick urinal sentenced to 4 years in prison

A former Honolulu police officer who forced a man to lick a urinal in a public bathroom was sentenced Wednesday to four years in prison .
John Rabago pleaded guilty in December to civil rights violations stemming from the January 2018 incident during which Rabago told the man that , `` If you lick the urinal you won ’ t get arrested . ''
Rabago and another officer were responding to a nuisance complaint when they encountered the man , who was homeless , taking shelter in the public restroom .
U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi said during Rabago 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power as a law enforcement official and took advantage of the man .
`` You took from him his only possession : his dignity as a human being , '' Kobayashi said .
More on Hawaii case : Officers who allegedly forced homeless man to lick urinal indicted on civil rights violations Rabago , 44 , expressed remorse and apologized to the victim and his family .
`` Two years ago I made a decision I ’ m not proud of , '' he said .
`` My actions changed the course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reginald Ramones , the other former officer in the case , is to be sentenced next week after pleading guilty to knowing about Rabago 's civil rights offense but not informing authorities .
Prior court documents allege Ramones stood in the doorway during the incident , propping open the door , then closed it so the officers would n't be caught on video .
Kobayashi said Rabago threatened the man , saying he would beat him and push his face into the urinal if he did not lick it .
He held his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rabago later told the other officer to delete text messages about the incident , Kobayashi said .
In February , Samuel Ingall , the man involved in the incident , sued the Honolulu Police Department and the city .
Ingall alleged that Rabago followed him out of the bathroom and laughed as he told other officers about Ingall licking the urinal .
Lawsuit : Man sues police , city after being forced by cops to lick public restroom urinal Ingall 's attorney , Myles Breiner , said his client was `` pleasantly surprised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Contributing : N'dea Yancey-Bragg and The Associated Press

Ex-Honolulu officer who forced homeless man to lick urinal sentenced to 4 years in prison
A former Honolulu police officer who forced a man to lick a urinal in a public bathroom was sentenced Wednesday to four years in prison.
John Rabago pleaded guilty in December to civil rights violations stemming from the January 2018 incident during which Rabago told the man that, "If you lick the urinal you won’t get arrested."
Rabago and another officer were responding to a nuisance complaint when they encountered the man, who was homeless, taking shelter in the public restroom.
U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi said during Rabago's sentencing that the ex-officer had abused his power as a law enforcement official and took advantage of the man.
"You took from him his only possession: his dignity as a human being," Kobayashi said.
More on Hawaii case: Officers who allegedly forced homeless man to lick urinal indicted on civil rights violations
Rabago, 44, expressed remorse and apologized to the victim and his family.
"Two years ago I made a decision I’m not proud of," he said. "My actions changed the course of life for all of us."
Reginald Ramones, the other former officer in the case, is to be sentenced next week after pleading guilty to knowing about Rabago's civil rights offense but not informing authorities.
Prior court documents allege Ramones stood in the doorway during the incident, propping open the door, then closed it so the officers wouldn't be caught on video.
Kobayashi said Rabago threatened the man, saying he would beat him and push his face into the urinal if he did not lick it. He held his legs down and grabbed his shoulder.
Rabago later told the other officer to delete text messages about the incident, Kobayashi said.
In February, Samuel Ingall, the man involved in the incident, sued the Honolulu Police Department and the city.
Ingall alleged that Rabago followed him out of the bathroom and laughed as he told other officers about Ingall licking the urinal.
Lawsuit: Man sues police, city after being forced by cops to lick public restroom urinal
Ingall's attorney, Myles Breiner, said his client was "pleasantly surprised that the court punished him appropriately."
Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg and The Associated Press
Follow USA TODAY's Ryan Miller on Twitter @RyanW_Miller


usatoday--2020-07-16--Black Friday in July is happening now—here are the best sales to shop

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
Many bargain shoppers were disappointed to find out that Amazon would not be hosting its annual Prime Day this July due to the impacts of COVID-19 .
While we 'll have to wait until later this year to shop that particular savings event , there 's still a ton of great deals to be taken advantage of right now , thanks to a little thing called Black Friday in July .
It 's a time when all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an effort to boost their earnings and clear out inventory in preparation for fall .
And now that we 're halfway through July , we 're starting to see some doozies .
Need help finding products ?
Sign up for our weekly deals newsletter .
It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe any time .
If you 're looking for some amazing chances to save big on appliances , apparel , furniture and so much more , check out our roundup of the best Black Friday in July sales ahead .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new sales as they come , so check back to see our latest finds !
• AJ Madison : Shop the Anniversary sale and save up to 45 % off on LG , Bosch and more appliances , and enjoy free delivery on orders over $ 599 • Crate & Barrel : Shop the Big Bedroom event to take 15-30 % off bed and bath items , which will also ship free .
• Houzz : Through July 22 , shop the store 's semi-annual sale to save up to 75 % on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Keurig : Choose a Keurig starter kit to get 50 % off a coffee maker and 25 % off beverages .
• Overstock : The retailer 's Mega Markdown sale is still going strong , with up to 70 % off 1000 's of items , plus free shipping on everything .
• Sur La Table : Save up to 60 % on clearance items from All-Clad , Staub , Zwilling and more .
• The Container Store : Shop the Customer Favorites sale and take 30 % off storage essentials for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The Home Depot : Save 40 % or more on overstocked furniture and end-of-season decor through July 22 , plus get free shipping on orders of $ 45 or more .
• Williams ' Sonoma : Shop the cookware store 's huge clearance sale through July 20 to save on Staub , All-Clad , Le Creuset and more top kitchenware brands .
• Amazon : Save up to 20 % on Samsung QLED TVs for a limited time .
• Dell : Shop the Cyber Savings Sale for laptop , desktop and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % in savings .
• Lenovo : Through July 19 , Lenovo is offering up to 68 % off doorbuster deals includingThinkPad laptops .
• Anthropologie : Take an extra 25 % off clothing , shoes and accessories for a limited time .
• ASOS : Use promo code ASOSSALELOOKS at checkout to take an extra 50 % off more than 5,000 discounted styles .
• DSW : Take 30 % off clearance using promo code CLEARSKIES at checkout , valid through July 19 .
• Express : Take an extra 50 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of up to 70 % in savings ( applied in cart ) , plus get free shipping on orders over $ 50 .
• Gap : Save up to 40 % select styles , plus take an additional 10 % off using promo code STYLE at checkout .
Or , use promo code MORESALE to take an additional 40 % sale styles .
• J .
Crew : Shop the Big Summer sale and take 50 % off summer styles using promo code GREAT at checkout .
• Lands ' End : Shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the season 's biggest savings on men 's , women 's and children 's apparel , plus you can use promo code BRIGHT at checkout to take 60 % off your order .
Shoppers will also get free shipping on orders of $ 75 or more .
• LOFT : Take 40 % off full-price styles using promo code LOVE at checkout , through July 17 .
Also get free shipping on orders over $ 49 .
• Macy 's : The mega department store is currently hosting a summer clearance sale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men 's and women 's swimwear , beach towels and tons more deals .
• Madewell : Take an extra 40 % off sale styles with promo code GIANT at checkout .
• Nordstrom : Shop the department store 's clearance sale to save up to 70 % off original list prices .
• QVC : Shop the Pre-season sale on fashion and accessories clearance to save up to 50 % thousands of styles through July 18 .
• Sperry : Through July 18 , shoppers can save up to 50 % off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even duck boots , thanks to the brand 's semi-annual sale .
• The North Face : Take 40 % off summer styles for a limited time .
• UGG Australia : Shop the Closet sale and get up to 60 % off select styles , plus an extra 10 % off in cart .
You 'll also get free shipping on orders over $ 105 .
• Benefit Cosmetics : Shop the brand 's Palette Party sale and take 40 % off select palettes , plus , get free shipping with promo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Shop the Summer in Clinique Week for hot deals daily on skincare and makeup through July 18 .
• Fenty Beauty : Take 30 % off primers , settings sprays and refreshing sprays through July 19 , no code needed .
• Haus Laboratories : Celebrate one year of Lady Gaga 's Haus cosmetics brand with 30 % off all products on Amazon , no code needed .
Valid through July 20 .
• Makeup Forever : Take up to 60 % off `` summer steals '' —no code necessary .
Plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promo code FREESHIP at checkout .
• Skinstore : Take 20 % off your order with promo code SALE at checkout , • Target : Snag BOGO deals on tons of beauty items including hair , skincare and more .
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

Black Friday in July is happening now—here are the best sales to shop
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Many bargain shoppers were disappointed to find out that Amazon would not be hosting its annual Prime Day this July due to the impacts of COVID-19. While we'll have to wait until later this year to shop that particular savings event, there's still a ton of great deals to be taken advantage of right now thanks to a little thing called Black Friday in July. It's a time when all sorts of retailers host mid-season sales in an effort to boost earnings and clear out inventory in preparation for fall. And now that we're halfway through the month, we're starting to see some real doozies.
Need help finding products? Sign up for our weekly deals newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe any time.
If you're looking for some amazing chances to save big on appliances, apparel, furniture and so much more, check out our roundup of the best Black Friday in July sales ahead. We'll be routinely updating this list with new sales as they come, so check back to see our latest finds!
Home/Outdoors
Tech
Amazon: Save up to 20% on Samsung QLED TVs for a limited time.
Save up to 20% on Samsung QLED TVs for a limited time. Best Buy: Students can save big on select laptops at Best Buy.
Students can save big on select laptops at Best Buy. Dell: Shop the Cyber Savings Sale for laptop, desktop and electronics deals, with up to 36% in savings.
Clothing, shoes and accessories
Beauty
Lancôme: Get a free seven-piece Lancôme gift bag full of goodies when you spend $45 or more while supplies last.
Get a free seven-piece Lancôme gift bag full of goodies when you spend $45 or more while supplies last. Make Up For Ever: Take up to 60% off a selection of "summer steals." Customers will also get free shipping on all orders using promo code FREESHIP at checkout.
Take up to 60% off a selection of "summer steals." Customers will also get free shipping on all orders using promo code at checkout. Skinstore: Take 15% off your order with promo code NEW at checkout.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-07-14--White Castle testing 'Flippy' kitchen robot to reduce human contact during COVID-19

The burger flipping robot is designed to reduce human contact with food during the cooking process and comes after many @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .

White Castle tests 'Flippy' burger robot due to COVID-19
The burger flipping robot is designed to reduce human contact with food during the cooking process and comes after many restaurants were crippled due to the pandemic.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-16--North Carolina city makes history on local reparations, but not all experts 'applaud'

ASHEVILLE , N.C. – With a historic July 14 approval of reparations for Black residents the city joined a very small , but growing , group , according to several experts .
The number of cities with reparations programs is tiny , but racial disparities laid bare by the coronavirus pandemic and political momentum following the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd , appear to be changing that , they said .
`` Reparations programs are rare across all areas of government , '' said Rashawn Ray , a David M. Rubenstein Fellow sociologist with The Brookings Institution who testified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harriet Tubman Community Investment Act .
`` Asheville should be applauded for being a trendsetter in this area that should be the norm . ''
One scholar , though , criticized local government action was `` piecemeal , '' saying true reparations could only come from federal action .
Very few cities , states considering Among the few cities to pass reparations are Chicago and Evanston , Illinois .
State governments considering them include Maryland , New York , New Jersey , and Pennsylvania .
In some of the biggest news for reparations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in June with the Senate now set to take up the bill .
The idea is more than a century old dating back at least to the post-Civil War promise of `` 40 acres and a mule '' for freed slaves .
The concept lost traction as harsh Jim Crow segregation set in .
In a 2020 paper `` Why we need reparations for Black Americans , '' Ray and fellow Brookings Rubenstein scholar Andre Perry argue reparations have already been given to some groups — such as $ 1.5 billion to Japanese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billions of dollars and land to Native Americans — and that the country should fulfill the promise to Black citizens .
Perry said there has been momentum `` slowly building '' around reparations for decades .
The uneven effects of the pandemic and the calls for reform after national attention around police violence is now spurring the idea forward .
In Asheville , the vote came after the Buncombe County Health Board declared racism a public health crisis and thousands of protesters packed the streets , calling for the Asheville Police Department to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of death related to COVID has exposed the structural inequity and lack of wealth in Black communities , '' Perry said .
`` Paired with the death of George Floyd , it made it clear that if we are really going to overcome many of these structural barriers , we are going to need some form of reparations . ''
What is systemic racism ?
Here 's what it means and how you can help dismantle it What would reparations be ?
In the cases of the cities of Evanston and Asheville reparations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals .
Instead , city leaders say they will be investments in areas with large disparities between Black people and other residents , such as education , health care , the criminal justice system and home and business ownership .
Rob Thomas , community liaison for Asheville 's Racial Justice Coalition , said a central focus needs to be allowing African Americans to build generational wealth , something that was thwarted by centuries of individual and institutional discrimination .
He points to loss of homes and land during urban renewal projects that sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where many of their descendants remain .
`` Wealth is measured throughout the world by land and real property .
That is what we need .
The city and county has a lot of land , a whole lot .
And we need finances to develop the land , '' Thomas told council members the night of the historic vote .
Asheville 's resolution calls for the formation of a task force made up of local experts , community members and potentially appointees from other nearby local governments .
The group would come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evanston underwent a similar process starting the approval of reparations in June 2019 .
The city held community meetings hosted in part by actor and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Danny Glover .
A vote on a final reparations plan is expected this year with distribution from a fund supported in part by sales of recreation cannabis in 2021 .
Reparations should n't just be at local level , scholar argues Government on all levels should take responsibility , Perry said , since slavery and discrimination was n't imposed solely from Washington and state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials .
Another top reparations scholar disagrees .
William Darity , a public policy professor and director of the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University said the national government should handle reparations with an encompassing program .
`` I have strong reservations about local efforts at atonement being labeled as reparations , '' said Darity , who in the book `` From Here to Equality '' coauthored with Kirsten Mullen , calls for substantial payments to each documented U.S. Black descendant of slavery .
Hopes of that could lie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named after the once-promised acreage .
But Darity , in 2019 while testifying before Congress , said the legislation lacked specifics , including criteria for eligibility for reparations , assistance for potential claimants establishing eligibility and details on how money would be dispersed .
HR 40 has not been brought forward for a vote , though it may soon , he said .
`` Unfortunately , I think it is quite flawed in its current form and should be revised or replaced . ''
24 hours in a COVID-19 hot spot leaves no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it 's like Reopening slowed down : More than half of all states , including California and Michigan , pause reopening or take steps to halt the spread of COVID-19

North Carolina city makes history on local reparations, but not all experts 'applaud'
Show Caption Hide Caption Could Black Americans get reparations for centuries of slavery? Lawmakers have been trying to pass reparation bills for descendants of slaves. Here's why it's taken so long - and how it might work. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – With a historic July 14 approval of reparations for Black residents the city joined a very small, but growing, group, according to several experts.
The number of cities with reparations programs is tiny, but racial disparities laid bare by the coronavirus pandemic and political momentum following the death of Minneapolis resident George Floyd, appear to be changing that, they said.
"Reparations programs are rare across all areas of government," said Rashawn Ray, a David M. Rubenstein Fellow sociologist with The Brookings Institution who testified n March in support of Maryland's Harriet Tubman Community Investment Act.
"Asheville should be applauded for being a trendsetter in this area that should be the norm."
One scholar, though, criticized local government action was "piecemeal," saying true reparations could only come from federal action.
Previously: In historic move, North Carolina city approves reparations for Black residents
Very few cities, states considering
Among the few cities to pass reparations are Chicago and Evanston, Illinois. State governments considering them include Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In some of the biggest news for reparations, California's state House passed legislation in June with the Senate now set to take up the bill.
The idea is more than a century old dating back at least to the post-Civil War promise of "40 acres and a mule" for freed slaves. The concept lost traction as harsh Jim Crow segregation set in.
In a 2020 paper "Why we need reparations for Black Americans," Ray and fellow Brookings Rubenstein scholar Andre Perry argue reparations have already been given to some groups — such as $1.5 billion to Japanese Americans interned during World War II and billions of dollars and land to Native Americans — and that the country should fulfill the promise to Black citizens.
Virus, Floyd death help bring change
Perry said there has been momentum "slowly building" around reparations for decades. The uneven effects of the pandemic and the calls for reform after national attention around police violence is now spurring the idea forward.
In Asheville, the vote came after the Buncombe County Health Board declared racism a public health crisis and thousands of protesters packed the streets, calling for the Asheville Police Department to be defunded.
"The disproportionate amount of death related to COVID has exposed the structural inequity and lack of wealth in Black communities," Perry said. "Paired with the death of George Floyd, it made it clear that if we are really going to overcome many of these structural barriers, we are going to need some form of reparations."
What is systemic racism? Here's what it means and how you can help dismantle it
What would reparations be?
In the cases of the cities of Evanston and Asheville reparations are not to be direct payments to individuals. Instead, city leaders say they will be investments in areas with large disparities between Black people and other residents, such as education, health care, the criminal justice system and home and business ownership.
Rob Thomas, community liaison for Asheville's Racial Justice Coalition, said a central focus needs to be allowing African Americans to build generational wealth, something that was thwarted by centuries of individual and institutional discrimination. He points to loss of homes and land during urban renewal projects that sent many Black residents into public housing, where many of their descendants remain.
"Wealth is measured throughout the world by land and real property. That is what we need. The city and county has a lot of land, a whole lot. And we need finances to develop the land," Thomas told council members the night of the historic vote.
Asheville's resolution calls for the formation of a task force made up of local experts, community members and potentially appointees from other nearby local governments. The group would come back with recommendations for specific investments.
Evanston underwent a similar process starting the approval of reparations in June 2019. The city held community meetings hosted in part by actor and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Danny Glover. A vote on a final reparations plan is expected this year with distribution from a fund supported in part by sales of recreation cannabis in 2021.
Reparations shouldn't just be at local level, scholar argues
Government on all levels should take responsibility, Perry said, since slavery and discrimination wasn't imposed solely from Washington and state capitals, but was enforced by local officials.
Another top reparations scholar disagrees. William Darity, a public policy professor and director of the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University said the national government should handle reparations with an encompassing program.
"I have strong reservations about local efforts at atonement being labeled as reparations," said Darity, who in the book "From Here to Equality" coauthored with Kirsten Mullen, calls for substantial payments to each documented U.S. Black descendant of slavery.
Hopes of that could lie with House Resolution 40, a bill named after the once-promised acreage. But Darity, in 2019 while testifying before Congress, said the legislation lacked specifics, including criteria for eligibility for reparations, assistance for potential claimants establishing eligibility and details on how money would be dispersed.
HR 40 has not been brought forward for a vote, though it may soon, he said.
"Unfortunately, I think it is quite flawed in its current form and should be revised or replaced."
Follow reporter Joel Burgess on Twitter: @JoelBurgess
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usatoday--2020-07-16--Chris Cuomo criticizes Trump for Goya endorsement: 'In the middle of a pandemic, they're selling bea

Chris Cuomo did not `` like '' Donald Trump 's Instagram photo that shows the president sitting in the Oval Office with a line of Goya products across his desk , sporting a smile and two thumbs up .
Trump became a fan of Goya when Robert Unanue , Goya 's CEO , praised him at a Hispanic business event at the White House last week : `` We 're all truly blessed at the same time to have a leader like President Trump , who is a builder . ''
People angered by the CEO 's comments have called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Trump and his supporters have been praising Goya .
Unanue said he would not apologize , and called the boycott attempt `` suppression of speech . ''
Cuomo , who recently recovered from the coronavirus , criticized the president for taking time to be a Goya influencer as COVID-19 cases were spiking in the country .
`` You tell me how a president , in the middle of a pandemic , has got time for this ( expletive ) .
Are you kidding me ?
Hawking products – Goya , I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desk ?
This is what he 's resolute about , '' Cuomo said referring to the desk in Trump 's photo during the opening segment of Wednesday 's `` Cuomo Prime Time . ''
The anchor also denounced Trump 's oldest daughter and White House adviser , Ivanka Trump , for doing the same .
On Tuesday , she posted an image of herself on Twitter holding aloft a can of Goya black beans , with a caption featuring the company 's slogan , `` If it 's Goya , it has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Spanish .
Ivanka 's post also drew criticism from several people who maintained it was a violation of an ethics rule that prohibits executive branch employees from using their position for the `` endorsement of any product , service or enterprise . ''
`` Marketing for a brand , following calls for boycotts after Goya 's CEO heaped praise on Trump last week .
On your dime , in the middle of a pandemic , they ’ re selling beans , '' Cuomo said .
`` Are you kidding me ?
Seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's volatile relationship with Dr. Anthony Fauci : `` The guy is sitting on the Resolute desk with a bunch of Goya products ... proof of why we need many Faucis , but we only have one .
The idea of him messing with Fauci when he 's selling magic beans is crazy . ''
Chris Cuomo teases brother : Andrew Cuomo about nose swab during his COVID-19 test

Chris Cuomo criticizes Trump for Goya endorsement: 'In the middle of a pandemic, they're selling beans?'
Show Caption Hide Caption Governor Cuomo's hilarious reaction to brother Chris' nose joke During another appearance on his brother Chris' CNN show, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo found himself at the receiving end of a few nose jokes. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
Chris Cuomo did not "like" Donald Trump's Instagram photo that shows the president sitting in the Oval Office with a line of Goya products across his desk, sporting a smile and two thumbs up.
Trump became a fan of Goya when Robert Unanue, Goya's CEO, praised him at a Hispanic business event at the White House last week: "We're all truly blessed at the same time to have a leader like President Trump, who is a builder."
People angered by the CEO's comments have called for a boycott of the company, while Trump and his supporters have been praising Goya. Unanue said he would not apologize, and called the boycott attempt "suppression of speech."
Cuomo, who recently recovered from the coronavirus, criticized the president for taking time to be a Goya influencer as COVID-19 cases were spiking in the country.
"You tell me how a president, in the middle of a pandemic, has got time for this (expletive). Are you kidding me? Hawking products – Goya, I don't care who it is. Resolute desk? This is what he's resolute about," Cuomo said referring to the desk in Trump's photo during the opening segment of Wednesday's "Cuomo Prime Time."
The anchor also denounced Trump's oldest daughter and White House adviser, Ivanka Trump, for doing the same. On Tuesday, she posted an image of herself on Twitter holding aloft a can of Goya black beans, with a caption featuring the company's slogan, "If it's Goya, it has to be good," in both English and Spanish.
Ivanka's post also drew criticism from several people who maintained it was a violation of an ethics rule that prohibits executive branch employees from using their position for the "endorsement of any product, service or enterprise."
"Marketing for a brand, following calls for boycotts after Goya's CEO heaped praise on Trump last week. On your dime, in the middle of a pandemic, they’re selling beans," Cuomo said. "Are you kidding me? Seriously?"
He continued, noting Trump's volatile relationship with Dr. Anthony Fauci: "The guy is sitting on the Resolute desk with a bunch of Goya products... proof of why we need many Faucis, but we only have one. The idea of him messing with Fauci when he's selling magic beans is crazy."
Chris Cuomo teases brother: Andrew Cuomo about nose swab during his COVID-19 test


usatoday--2020-07-16--Trump, Census Bureau collect driver's license data to check citizenship status of Americans

The Trump administration has begun gathering driver 's license data from at least four states as it seeks to count how many undocumented people live in the USA , a top priority for the president as he argues for tougher border controls .
The president said citizenship data is basic information that any country 's leaders should have access to .
Critics worry Trump and conservative officials would use that data to financially or politically punish liberal states that are home to large numbers of people living in the USA without authorization , particularly California .
National Public Radio first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect data from four states : Iowa , Nebraska , South Carolina and South Dakota .
Driver 's license data – even limited to names , addresses and birthdates – is widely seen as a potential proxy for citizenship or lawful U.S. residence because the federal government 's REAL ID driver 's license law requires proof that someone is living legally in the USA .
The U.S. Census Bureau leads the effort to acquire the data , which it could cross-reference with federal or privately run databases , such as those used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more accurate picture of residents .
Participation in the data collection by states is voluntary , and using census data to target specific individuals is illegal .
Trump said in an executive order issued July 11 , 2019 , that getting accurate data concerning the total number of citizens and undocumented immigrants `` has nothing to do with enforcing immigration laws against particular individuals .
It is important , instead , for making broad policy determinations . ''
Estimates , based on surveys and data analysis by federal officials and university experts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have entered the USA illegally , overstayed visas or otherwise violated the nation 's borders .
The Iowa Department of Transportation began sharing driver 's license data with the Census Bureau in April , a spokeswoman said .
The information it shares does not include a person 's sex , race or citizenship status .
Because only people with permission to live in the USA can get an Iowa driver 's license , the data is a de facto list of citizens and documented residents .
The spokeswoman said Iowa shared the data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Census Bureau asked for it .
Trump issued the executive order shortly after the Supreme Court blocked his administration from adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census .
Though citizenship questions have long been part of the overall census , federal officials stopped asking that specific question on the constitutionally mandated every-10-year count in 1950 .
After that , they began using surveys and statistical sampling , which officials argued were more accurate .
Trump 's executive order instructs federal officials to do a better job sharing citizenship information with each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to determine citizenship status for 90 % of the population using a combination of state and federal data .
His goal is 100 % , he said .
Immigrant rights groups argue that asking any question about citizenship status creates fear within immigrant communities , including people living in the USA legally , and could contribute to an undercount of certain populations .
The accuracy of census data has broad implications for how federal spending is allocated and how states design legislative and congressional districts , said Tom Wolf , a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democracy Program .
Depressing the number of people who respond could have a decade-long impact on whose voices are heard in Congress .
Since California is home to the largest number of people living in the USA without permission , any changes could have wide-ranging effects there .
`` The Trump administration ’ s data gathering also threatens to suppress the count , because even though this information can not be used for things like immigration or criminal law enforcement , mere mention of data gathering like this leads people to fear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolf said .
`` Crucially , it is patently illegal to use the personal data that the Census Bureau gathers for immigration or law enforcement purposes .
If the administration tries to use this data for illegal means , a nationwide network of attorneys is ready to go to court , and the law is clearly on their side . ''
Dale Ho , director of the American Civil Liberties Union ’ s Voting Rights Project , said the Census Bureau should focus on accurately counting everyone , regardless of their immigration status @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak .
The ACLU urges states to reject requests to share driver 's license data with the federal government for any citizenship determinations .
“ This endeavor appears to be part of a scheme motivated by an unconstitutional discriminatory purpose to dilute the political power of communities of color .
In addition , efforts to rely on citizenship data in DMV files have previously been highly unreliable due to poor database protocols and stale citizenship data , '' he said .
`` The Census Bureau should drop this latest distraction and instead focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full and accurate count during this very challenging time in the midst of a pandemic .
”

Trump, Census Bureau collect driver's license data to check citizenship status of Americans
Show Caption Hide Caption Why the U.S. Census matters President Trump is expected to drop his fight to get the citizenship question for the 2020 census. What is the census and why does the U.S. have one? We explain. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Trump administration has begun gathering driver's license data from at least four states as it seeks to count how many undocumented people live in the USA, a top priority for the president as he argues for tougher border controls.
The president said citizenship data is basic information that any country's leaders should have access to. Critics worry Trump and conservative officials would use that data to financially or politically punish liberal states that are home to large numbers of people living in the USA without authorization, particularly California.
National Public Radio first reported the Trump administration's move to collect data from four states: Iowa, Nebraska, South Carolina and South Dakota.
Driver's license data – even limited to names, addresses and birthdates – is widely seen as a potential proxy for citizenship or lawful U.S. residence because the federal government's REAL ID driver's license law requires proof that someone is living legally in the USA.
The U.S. Census Bureau leads the effort to acquire the data, which it could cross-reference with federal or privately run databases, such as those used to generate credit reports, to build a more accurate picture of residents. Participation in the data collection by states is voluntary, and using census data to target specific individuals is illegal.
Trump said in an executive order issued July 11, 2019, that getting accurate data concerning the total number of citizens and undocumented immigrants "has nothing to do with enforcing immigration laws against particular individuals. It is important, instead, for making broad policy determinations."
Estimates, based on surveys and data analysis by federal officials and university experts, suggest 11 million to 30 million people have entered the USA illegally, overstayed visas or otherwise violated the nation's borders.
The Iowa Department of Transportation began sharing driver's license data with the Census Bureau in April, a spokeswoman said. The information it shares does not include a person's sex, race or citizenship status. Because only people with permission to live in the USA can get an Iowa driver's license, the data is a de facto list of citizens and documented residents. The spokeswoman said Iowa shared the data because doing so is legal and because the Census Bureau asked for it.
Trump issued the executive order shortly after the Supreme Court blocked his administration from adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census. Though citizenship questions have long been part of the overall census, federal officials stopped asking that specific question on the constitutionally mandated every-10-year count in 1950. After that, they began using surveys and statistical sampling, which officials argued were more accurate.
Trump's executive order instructs federal officials to do a better job sharing citizenship information with each other and estimates the government will be able to determine citizenship status for 90% of the population using a combination of state and federal data. His goal is 100%, he said.
Immigrant rights groups argue that asking any question about citizenship status creates fear within immigrant communities, including people living in the USA legally, and could contribute to an undercount of certain populations.
The accuracy of census data has broad implications for how federal spending is allocated and how states design legislative and congressional districts, said Tom Wolf, a senior counsel at the Brennan Center’s Democracy Program. Depressing the number of people who respond could have a decade-long impact on whose voices are heard in Congress. Since California is home to the largest number of people living in the USA without permission, any changes could have wide-ranging effects there.
"The Trump administration’s data gathering also threatens to suppress the count, because even though this information cannot be used for things like immigration or criminal law enforcement, mere mention of data gathering like this leads people to fear that they’re at risk," Wolf said. "Crucially, it is patently illegal to use the personal data that the Census Bureau gathers for immigration or law enforcement purposes. If the administration tries to use this data for illegal means, a nationwide network of attorneys is ready to go to court, and the law is clearly on their side."
Dale Ho, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Voting Rights Project, said the Census Bureau should focus on accurately counting everyone, regardless of their immigration status, a challenge increased by the COVID-19 outbreak. The ACLU urges states to reject requests to share driver's license data with the federal government for any citizenship determinations.
“This endeavor appears to be part of a scheme motivated by an unconstitutional discriminatory purpose to dilute the political power of communities of color. In addition, efforts to rely on citizenship data in DMV files have previously been highly unreliable due to poor database protocols and stale citizenship data," he said. "The Census Bureau should drop this latest distraction and instead focus on the important work of ensuring a full and accurate count during this very challenging time in the midst of a pandemic.”


usatoday--2020-07-16--Federal government executes Wesley Ira Purkey, 2nd man put to death this week after 17-year hiatus

For the second time this week , a man was executed by lethal injection inside a federal prison in Terre Haute , Indiana .
Wesley Ira Purkey , 68 , was pronounced dead at 8:19 a.m. Thursday .
He was convicted Nov. 3 , 2003 , of the rape and murder of Jennifer Long , 16 , in Missouri .
Officials said he then dismembered , burned and dumped the girl ’ s body in a septic pond .
“ I deeply regret the pain and suffering I ’ ve caused Jennifer ’ s family .
...
This sanitized murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Purkey said in his last words .
William Long , Jennifer 's father , said what happened Thursday morning was a long time coming .
`` We took care of today what we needed to take care , '' he said .
`` He needed to take his last breath because he took my daughter 's last breath .
There is no closure .
There never will be because I wo n't get my daughter back . ''
Before his conviction for Long 's death , Purkey pleaded guilty to using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an 80-year-old woman who suffered from polio and walked with a cane .
For that , he was sentenced to life in prison .
Purkey 's execution came two days and 12 minutes after Daniel Lewis Lee was put to death .
Lee 's death marked the first federal execution in 17 years .
Both executions were delayed after a federal judge granted injunctions within hours of the scheduled deaths .
The Department of Justice prevailed in both cases , which reached the Supreme Court .
Media witnesses were allowed into the brick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a.m. Two minutes later , the shades were lifted , allowing them a view of Purkey , strapped to the execution table .
IVs that carried the lethal injection drugs were already inserted into each of his hands .
Dark purple veins stood out on his left hand .
After a legal battle that involved Purkey 's mental state , he appeared to be lucid and aware of where he was and what was happening .
When asked if he wanted to make a final statement , Purkey said , `` Please .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , deeply sorry '' for the pain he caused the victim 's family and his own daughter .
When the lethal pentobarbital was pumped into his body , Purkey began to blink rapidly .
His chest continued to rise and fall deeply .
After several minutes , his breaths became shorter .
His mouth opened slightly .
A chaplain wearing full personal protective equipment against the coronavirus stood in the execution chamber with his hands before his face in prayer .
A witness saw Purkey 's chest move for the last time at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement : `` Death occurred at 8:19 a.m .
This concludes the execution of inmate Purkey . ''
U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan granted a preliminary injunction early Wednesday to delay Purkey 's death , which was initially scheduled for 4 p.m. the same day .
His attorneys said Purkey suffers from dementia and schizophrenia .
She later granted another injunction .
More : Supreme Court clears the way for the first federal executions in 17 years The 14-page order from Chutkan said Purkey experienced repeated sexual abuse and molestation by those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries , the first in 1968 when he was 16 .
`` At 14 , he was first examined for possible brain damage , and at 18 , he was diagnosed with schizophrenic reaction , schizoaffective disorder and depression superimposed upon a preexisting antisocial personality , '' court documents said .
`` At 68 , he suffers from progressive dementia , schizophrenia , complex post-traumatic stress disorder and severe mental illness . ''
The order said Purkey sought to stop the execution on grounds that he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Attorney General William Barr and Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal did not afford him due process in connection with his Eighth Amendment claim .
The amendment prohibits the federal government from imposing excessive bail , excessive fines or cruel and unusual punishment .
Two more inmates are scheduled to be executed at the Terre Haute prison , including one this week .
Dustin Lee Honken , who shot and killed five people – including two men who planned to testify against him – is scheduled to be executed Friday .
Keith Dwayne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strangled a 10-year-old girl , is scheduled to be executed Aug. 28 .
Contact IndyStar reporter Vic Ryckaert at 317-444-2701 or vic.ryckaert @ indystar.com .
Follow him on Twitter : @ VicRyc .

Vic Ryckaert, Elizabeth DePompei and Justin L. Mack, Indianapolis Star

Federal government executes Wesley Ira Purkey, 2nd man put to death this week after 17-year hiatus
Show Caption Hide Caption Daniel Lewis Lee execution: Pro-death penalty advocate speaks Tyler McDuffie, a death penalty advocate, demonstrates at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Springhill Road near the federal prison in Terre Haute, Monday, July 13, 2020, in advance of the execution of Daniel Lewis Lee. Mykal McEldowney, IndyStar
For the second time this week, a man was executed by lethal injection inside a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Wesley Ira Purkey, 68, was pronounced dead at 8:19 a.m. Thursday. He was convicted Nov. 3, 2003, of the rape and murder of Jennifer Long, 16, in Missouri. Officials said he then dismembered, burned and dumped the girl’s body in a septic pond.
“I deeply regret the pain and suffering I’ve caused Jennifer’s family. ... This sanitized murder really does not serve no purpose whatsoever,” Purkey said in his last words.
William Long, Jennifer's father, said what happened Thursday morning was a long time coming.
"We took care of today what we needed to take care," he said. "He needed to take his last breath because he took my daughter's last breath. There is no closure. There never will be because I won't get my daughter back."
Before his conviction for Long's death, Purkey pleaded guilty to using a claw hammer to bludgeon to death an 80-year-old woman who suffered from polio and walked with a cane. For that, he was sentenced to life in prison.
Purkey's execution came two days and 12 minutes after Daniel Lewis Lee was put to death. Lee's death marked the first federal execution in 17 years.
'You're killing an innocent man': Daniel Lewis Lee executed
Both executions were delayed after a federal judge granted injunctions within hours of the scheduled deaths. The Department of Justice prevailed in both cases, which reached the Supreme Court.
The execution
Media witnesses were allowed into the brick building where executions are performed at 7:53 a.m. Two minutes later, the shades were lifted, allowing them a view of Purkey, strapped to the execution table. IVs that carried the lethal injection drugs were already inserted into each of his hands. Dark purple veins stood out on his left hand.
After a legal battle that involved Purkey's mental state, he appeared to be lucid and aware of where he was and what was happening.
When asked if he wanted to make a final statement, Purkey said, "Please." He said he was "deeply, deeply sorry" for the pain he caused the victim's family and his own daughter.
Reopening federal death chamber: Victim opposition, pandemic threaten first execution in 17 years
When the lethal pentobarbital was pumped into his body, Purkey began to blink rapidly. His chest continued to rise and fall deeply. After several minutes, his breaths became shorter. His mouth opened slightly.
A chaplain wearing full personal protective equipment against the coronavirus stood in the execution chamber with his hands before his face in prayer.
A witness saw Purkey's chest move for the last time at 8:02 a.m.
Seventeen minutes later came the announcement: "Death occurred at 8:19 a.m. This concludes the execution of inmate Purkey."
The curtains closed.
Courts delay Purkey's death
U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan granted a preliminary injunction early Wednesday to delay Purkey's death, which was initially scheduled for 4 p.m. the same day. His attorneys said Purkey suffers from dementia and schizophrenia. She later granted another injunction.
A 5-4 Supreme Court decision lifted those injunctions early Thursday.
More: Supreme Court clears the way for the first federal executions in 17 years
The 14-page order from Chutkan said Purkey experienced repeated sexual abuse and molestation by those who cared for him as a child. He suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries, the first in 1968 when he was 16.
"At 14, he was first examined for possible brain damage, and at 18, he was diagnosed with schizophrenic reaction, schizoaffective disorder and depression superimposed upon a preexisting antisocial personality," court documents said. "At 68, he suffers from progressive dementia, schizophrenia, complex post-traumatic stress disorder and severe mental illness."
The order said Purkey sought to stop the execution on grounds that he was not competent to be executed and that Attorney General William Barr and Bureau of Prisons Director Michael Carvajal did not afford him due process in connection with his Eighth Amendment claim. The amendment prohibits the federal government from imposing excessive bail, excessive fines or cruel and unusual punishment.
More executions scheduled
Two more inmates are scheduled to be executed at the Terre Haute prison, including one this week.
Dustin Lee Honken, who shot and killed five people – including two men who planned to testify against him – is scheduled to be executed Friday.
Keith Dwayne Nelson, who kidnapped, raped and strangled a 10-year-old girl, is scheduled to be executed Aug. 28.
Contributing: Tim Evans and Holly Hays
Contact IndyStar reporter Vic Ryckaert at 317-444-2701 or vic.ryckaert@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @VicRyc.


usatoday--2020-07-16--Dr. Fauci responds to negative comments of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic

Dr. Fauci responds to comments from members of President Trump 's cabinet that are critical of his handling of the @ @ @

COVID: Dr. Fauci responds to negative comments from Trump's cabinet
Dr. Fauci responds to comments from members of President Trump's cabinet that are critical of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
USA TODAY, Associated Press


usatoday--2020-07-16--Vice President Pence defends Fauci as White House sends mixed messages on health expert

WASHINGTON – Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday defended Dr. Anthony Fauci in public comments made soon after he tweeted out a photo of the two of them at the White House .
`` Dr. Fauci is a valued member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force , '' Pence said on a campaign call with reporters when asked about recent attacks on Fauci by others in the administration .
`` We just completed our latest meeting today and we couldn ’ t be more grateful for his steady counsel . ''
The photo he tweeted showed Fauci sitting at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pence 's comments came a day after White House trade adviser Peter Navarro criticized Fauci in an opinion piece for USA TODAY that included remarks he 'd made earlier in the week .
White House director of strategic communications Alyssa Farah tweeted Wednesday that Navarro 's op-ed was not approved by the White House and was `` the opinion of Peter alone . ''
Asked by a reporter in the Oval Office Wednesday about Navarro 's op-ed , President Donald Trump said , `` that 's Peter Navarro , but I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fauci . ''
Asked again about the op-ed when leaving the White House , Trump said `` we 're all on the same team .
Including Dr .
Fauci . ''
But Dan Scavino , the White House director of social media , previously posted a cartoon on Facebook portraying Fauci as a faucet , flushing the U.S. economy down the drain .
`` Sorry , Dr .
Faucet ! ''
he posted .
`` At least you know if I ’ m going to disagree with a colleague , such as yourself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not cowardly , behind journalists with leaks . ''
And in an interview last Thursday with Fox News ' Sean Hannity , Trump said Fauci had `` made a lot of mistakes '' but called him a `` nice man . ''
The mixed messages from the White House came as two polls released Wednesday show the public gives Fauci much higher marks than Trump for the administration 's handling of the coronavirus response .
More than six in 10 American voters surveyed by Morning Consult said Fauci 's work on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` good '' while only 36 % said the same of Trump .
Similarly , about two-thirds of voters surveyed by Quinnipiac University Poll said they do n't trust the information Trump is providing about the coronavirus .
Nearly two-thirds said they do trust Fauci .
Attacks on Fauci : What to do about high-profile adviser with a penchant for straight talk Fauci commented on the controversy in a series of interviews published with The Atlantic later Wednesday .
He called the attacks on him from within the White House `` bizarre '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that . ''
`` When the staff lets out something like that and the entire scientific and press community push back on it , it ultimately hurts the president , '' Fauci said .
Stephen Moore , a conservative economist and a member of the president 's task force to reopen the economy , told USA TODAY he and his team at the Committee to Unleash Prosperity are compiling a policy memo to highlight Fauci 's record as a longtime government health official , claiming he 's been wrong on predicting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's become a big problem for Trump because he keeps contradicting what the White House is saying , '' Moore said .
`` Obviously he 's had his run and now the White House is trying to distance themselves from him .
And that 's become a PR nightmare . ''

Vice President Pence defends Fauci as White House sends mixed messages on health expert
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID: Dr. Fauci responds to negative comments from Trump's cabinet Dr. Fauci responds to comments from members of President Trump's cabinet that are critical of his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. USA TODAY, Associated Press
WASHINGTON – Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday defended Dr. Anthony Fauci in public comments made soon after he tweeted out a photo of the two of them at the White House.
"Dr. Fauci is a valued member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force," Pence said on a campaign call with reporters when asked about recent attacks on Fauci by others in the administration. "We just completed our latest meeting today and we couldn’t be more grateful for his steady counsel."
The photo he tweeted showed Fauci sitting at Pence's right hand during the meeting.
Productive meeting of the @WhiteHouse Coronavirus Task Force today. As we continue to put the health and well-being of the American people first, we are working closely with states to move forward, safely reopening our Nation and get Americans back to work. pic.twitter.com/WxsZwd8kiM — Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) July 15, 2020
Pence's comments came a day after White House trade adviser Peter Navarro criticized Fauci in an opinion piece for USA TODAY that included remarks he'd made earlier in the week.
White House director of strategic communications Alyssa Farah tweeted Wednesday that Navarro's op-ed was not approved by the White House and was "the opinion of Peter alone."
Asked by a reporter in the Oval Office Wednesday about Navarro's op-ed, President Donald Trump said, "that's Peter Navarro, but I have a very good relationship with Dr. Fauci." Asked again about the op-ed when leaving the White House, Trump said "we're all on the same team. Including Dr. Fauci."
But Dan Scavino, the White House director of social media, previously posted a cartoon on Facebook portraying Fauci as a faucet, flushing the U.S. economy down the drain.
"Sorry, Dr. Faucet!" he posted. "At least you know if I’m going to disagree with a colleague, such as yourself, it’s done publicly – and not cowardly, behind journalists with leaks."
And in an interview last Thursday with Fox News' Sean Hannity, Trump said Fauci had "made a lot of mistakes" but called him a "nice man."
The mixed messages from the White House came as two polls released Wednesday show the public gives Fauci much higher marks than Trump for the administration's handling of the coronavirus response.
More than six in 10 American voters surveyed by Morning Consult said Fauci's work on the pandemic has been "excellent" or "good" while only 36% said the same of Trump.
Similarly, about two-thirds of voters surveyed by Quinnipiac University Poll said they don't trust the information Trump is providing about the coronavirus. Nearly two-thirds said they do trust Fauci.
Attacks on Fauci: What to do about high-profile adviser with a penchant for straight talk
Fauci commented on the controversy in a series of interviews published with The Atlantic later Wednesday.
He called the attacks on him from within the White House "bizarre" and said it "hurts the president to do that."
"When the staff lets out something like that and the entire scientific and press community push back on it, it ultimately hurts the president," Fauci said.
Stephen Moore, a conservative economist and a member of the president's task force to reopen the economy, told USA TODAY he and his team at the Committee to Unleash Prosperity are compiling a policy memo to highlight Fauci's record as a longtime government health official, claiming he's been wrong on predicting the course of pandemics.
"He's become a big problem for Trump because he keeps contradicting what the White House is saying," Moore said. "Obviously he's had his run and now the White House is trying to distance themselves from him. And that's become a PR nightmare."
Contributing: Courtney Subramanian and Nicholas Wu.


usatoday--2020-07-16--Republicans fear coronavirus will force scaling back Trump's Florida convention

WASHINGTON – Republicans scrambling to organize a four-day `` celebration '' in Florida in which President Donald Trump is set to accept the GOP presidential nomination face considerable uncertainty because of the coronavirus and may be forced to scale the festivities back to a single day , USA TODAY has learned .
The explosion of coronavirus cases in Florida – the state reported a sharp increase in COVID-19 deaths – and the later-than-usual selection of Jacksonville has cast doubt on the party 's ability to convene a major event there to rally supporters , five Republicans familiar with the planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ internal matters .
Republican officials announced last month that Trump would move the highest-profile speeches of the Republican National Convention to Jacksonville from Charlotte , North Carolina , after the state 's Democratic governor , Roy Cooper , imposed a shelter-in-place order that could have severely limited the large , made-for-television event Trump wanted .
That was before the virus surged in Florida , a state where more people have tested positive than all but eight nations .
Republican Gov .
Ron DeSantis , a Trump ally , has since ordered the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 % , and the city of Jacksonville requires face masks to be worn indoors .
Republican officials plan to move several events out of the city 's VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena to outdoor spaces .
'Republicans are really fed up ' : GOP splits with Trump as his polls drag That sense of caution has ballooned despite Trump 's desire to project a back-to-normal image with a glitzy , star-studded convention that could help reset the presidential race .
Polls indicate presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden leads in battleground states that Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan and Pennsylvania .
Initially , planners considered a three-day event in Jacksonville .
According to a letter sent to delegates Thursday by Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel , the party is now contemplating four days in Florida , Aug. 24-27 , with events in multiple venues , including some outdoors , in a multi-block footprint .
Trump 's acceptance speech is still scheduled to take place in the arena .
McDaniel said the RNC will also use a nearby amphitheater , TIAA Bank Field , home of the NFL 's Jacksonville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city 's minor league baseball stadium .
Party officials have announced only one specific event : Trump 's acceptance speech Aug. 27 .
The RNC letter indicates planners will limit attendance during the first days of the events to the 2,500 regular delegates , leaving out alternates .
Trump 's acceptance speech would be open to guests and alternate delegates , more than double the attendance on the final night .
`` When we made these changes , we had hoped to be able to plan a traditional convention celebration to which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
`` However , adjustments must be made to comply with state and local health guidelines . ''
A large convention would offer Trump a chance to unify an increasingly frayed party .
Republicans have had teams of planners working on Charlotte and Jacksonville events for weeks .
GOP members familiar with the project said they remain hopeful they can produce a full-scale series of convention events but acknowledged it might not be possible because of COVID-19 .
Trump , Vice President Mike Pence and other officials close to the president signaled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asserting in April that Republicans had `` no contingency plan '' if a traditional convention fizzled , those officials have taken to using the word `` flexible '' to describe their thinking .
`` Well , we 're going to see , '' Trump said Monday .
Wednesday , Pence described the event as `` a work in progress . ''
Trump will probably accept the nomination with some kind of an address , officials stressed , but the idea of a multiday event in Jacksonville with hours of speeches and entertainment – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years has characterized presidential nominating conventions for both parties – appeared increasingly unlikely .
Democrats planning to nominate Biden next month scaled back their convention and plan to conduct most of the party 's official business virtually .
Republican Party and White House officials said planning for a major event in Jacksonville continues in earnest .
City officials , including the president of the City Council , a Democrat , said national party officials are furiously moving ahead with logistics for a full-scale event .
`` We are exploring multiple options to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that celebrates President Donald Trump ’ s nomination for a second term , '' Rick Gorka , a spokesman for the Republican National Committee , told USA TODAY .
`` With unprecedented challenges , our teams have been working tirelessly to achieve this goal , and we know that when we gather in Jacksonville , the events we hold will showcase what is great about our country and why President Trump deserves to be reelected , '' he said .
Under the plan , party officials will hold a series of meetings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so after it initially chose that city for its convention .
Because of coronavirus restrictions , only 336 of 2,550 delegates will meet in Charlotte to adopt rules , approve a platform and formally nominate Trump and Pence .
Then delegates would travel to Jacksonville for events in late August .
That could include the kind of prime-time speeches by Pence , the first lady and the president that tend to drive live network news coverage – bringing the convention into the homes of millions of voters .
There have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spilling out into public view .
A month out , some top Republicans said they will skip the event .
Sen. Chuck Grassley , R-Iowa , 86 , the oldest Republican senator , said he would avoid the convention `` because of the virus situation . ''
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , 78 , declined to say whether he would attend .
Bagging it : Several Republicans say they will not attend GOP convention in Florida Two Republicans speaking on the condition of anonymity to freely discuss internal matters cited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an event of the magnitude envisioned costs tens of millions of dollars .
Some donors , the Republicans said , have been skittish , given the spread of the disease .
`` There is still time for fundraising and logistics to be successful , '' one Republican said .
“ But without question , it will be challenging and stressful for all involved , especially depending on what the COVID numbers look like closer to the convention . ''
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry , a former state Republican Party chairman , pushed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how his order requiring masks would affect it ; Trump has mostly eschewed face coverings , noting they are not required by federal guidance .
DeSantis declined to say whether he will lift the rule requiring indoor venues remain under 50 % capacity – which could deny Trump the large , cheering audience so central to the staging of a national convention .
`` There 's plenty of questions – no answers , '' said Tommy Hazouri , Democratic president of the Jacksonville City Council and a former mayor of the city who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Right now , everything 's up in the air . ''
It 's not only lawmakers who have reservations about traveling – potentially to two different cities – during a pandemic .
Particularly after Trump 's rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , which local health officials said may have resulted in an increase in cases , party volunteers and delegates who make up the bulk of any convention face a dilemma .
Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt said Wednesday he tested positive for coronavirus weeks after attending Trump 's rally , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump 's campaign canceled a rally scheduled in New Hampshire July 11 , citing a tropical storm that never materialized where he was set to speak .
Juliana Bergeron is among the RNC committee members who normally would flock to a presidential convention .
But Bergeron plans to skip the festivities in Jacksonville this year and is closely eyeing the COVID-19 situation in Charlotte before making a decision about whether to attend the formal meetings .
“ There ’ s enough germs going around in this country .
I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Bergeron , 67 , a financial adviser from New Hampshire .
“ I just really don ’ t feel like being in a crowd that large at this point in time.
” Others said they are undaunted by the threat of coronavirus and are excited to nominate Trump for a second term .
“ I ’ ll be there with bells on , ” said Beth Campbell , an RNC committeewoman from Tennessee .
Campbell , a senior citizen who would not disclose her age , expects to travel to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has faith party officials will take the precautions needed to keep the convention safe .
`` They ’ re looking at every way to keep it as safe as possible , '' she said , `` so I have utmost confidence that this will be done . ''
Robin Armstrong , an RNC committeeman from Texas , is a physician in the Houston area who has been treating patients with coronavirus .
He said he has concerns about the spike in cases but believes the convention can be held safely .
If guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will be OK. '' That raises another potential concern : the idea of spending a lot of time outdoors in the middle of the summer in Florida .
`` I ’ ll tell you : Outdoors would be very hot , ” said Armstrong , 51 , who plans to make his fourth convention trip .
`` I think you would have a lot of folks having second thoughts if it were outdoors ''

David Jackson, John Fritze and Joey Garrison, USA TODAY

Republicans fear coronavirus will force scaling back Trump's Florida convention
Show Caption Hide Caption 2020 Republican National Convention is moving to Jacksonville, Florida The Republican National Committee announced it has picked Jacksonville, Florida, as the location for its convention. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – Republicans scrambling to organize a four-day "celebration" in Florida in which President Donald Trump is set to accept the GOP presidential nomination face considerable uncertainty because of the coronavirus and may be forced to scale the festivities back to a single day, USA TODAY has learned.
The explosion of coronavirus cases in Florida – the state reported a sharp increase in COVID-19 deaths – and the later-than-usual selection of Jacksonville has cast doubt on the party's ability to convene a major event there to rally supporters, five Republicans familiar with the planning said on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters.
Republican officials announced last month that Trump would move the highest-profile speeches of the Republican National Convention to Jacksonville from Charlotte, North Carolina, after the state's Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, imposed a shelter-in-place order that could have severely limited the large, made-for-television event Trump wanted.
That was before the virus surged in Florida, a state where more people have tested positive than all but eight nations.
Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Trump ally, has since ordered the state's large venues to limit capacity to 50%, and the city of Jacksonville requires face masks to be worn indoors. Republican officials plan to move several events out of the city's VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena to outdoor spaces.
GOP convention: Jacksonville chosen to host Trump's acceptance speech
'Republicans are really fed up': GOP splits with Trump as his polls drag
That sense of caution has ballooned despite Trump's desire to project a back-to-normal image with a glitzy, star-studded convention that could help reset the presidential race. Polls indicate presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden leads in battleground states that Trump won narrowly in 2016, such as Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Initially, planners considered a three-day event in Jacksonville. According to a letter sent to delegates Thursday by Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel, the party is now contemplating four days in Florida, Aug. 24-27, with events in multiple venues, including some outdoors, in a multi-block footprint.
Trump's acceptance speech is still scheduled to take place in the arena. McDaniel said the RNC will also use a nearby amphitheater, TIAA Bank Field, home of the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, and 121 Financial Ballpark, the city's minor league baseball stadium.
Party officials have announced only one specific event: Trump's acceptance speech Aug. 27. The RNC letter indicates planners will limit attendance during the first days of the events to the 2,500 regular delegates, leaving out alternates. Trump's acceptance speech would be open to guests and alternate delegates, more than double the attendance on the final night.
"When we made these changes, we had hoped to be able to plan a traditional convention celebration to which we are all accustomed," McDaniel wrote. "However, adjustments must be made to comply with state and local health guidelines."
A large convention would offer Trump a chance to unify an increasingly frayed party.
Republicans have had teams of planners working on Charlotte and Jacksonville events for weeks. GOP members familiar with the project said they remain hopeful they can produce a full-scale series of convention events but acknowledged it might not be possible because of COVID-19.
Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and other officials close to the president signaled the possibility of scaled-down events. After asserting in April that Republicans had "no contingency plan" if a traditional convention fizzled, those officials have taken to using the word "flexible" to describe their thinking.
"Well, we're going to see," Trump said Monday.
Wednesday, Pence described the event as "a work in progress."
'Unprecedented challenges'
Trump will probably accept the nomination with some kind of an address, officials stressed, but the idea of a multiday event in Jacksonville with hours of speeches and entertainment – the kind of raucous display that for years has characterized presidential nominating conventions for both parties – appeared increasingly unlikely.
Democrats planning to nominate Biden next month scaled back their convention and plan to conduct most of the party's official business virtually.
Republican Party and White House officials said planning for a major event in Jacksonville continues in earnest. City officials, including the president of the City Council, a Democrat, said national party officials are furiously moving ahead with logistics for a full-scale event.
"We are exploring multiple options to hold a successful, safe, five-star event that celebrates President Donald Trump’s nomination for a second term," Rick Gorka, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, told USA TODAY.
"With unprecedented challenges, our teams have been working tirelessly to achieve this goal, and we know that when we gather in Jacksonville, the events we hold will showcase what is great about our country and why President Trump deserves to be reelected," he said.
Under the plan, party officials will hold a series of meetings in Charlotte because the RNC is contractually obligated to do so after it initially chose that city for its convention. Because of coronavirus restrictions, only 336 of 2,550 delegates will meet in Charlotte to adopt rules, approve a platform and formally nominate Trump and Pence.
Then delegates would travel to Jacksonville for events in late August. That could include the kind of prime-time speeches by Pence, the first lady and the president that tend to drive live network news coverage – bringing the convention into the homes of millions of voters.
Signs of trouble?
There have been signs of turmoil, some of them spilling out into public view.
A month out, some top Republicans said they will skip the event. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, 86, the oldest Republican senator, said he would avoid the convention "because of the virus situation." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., 78, declined to say whether he would attend.
Bagging it: Several Republicans say they will not attend GOP convention in Florida
Two Republicans speaking on the condition of anonymity to freely discuss internal matters cited another potential roadblock: fundraising. Throwing an event of the magnitude envisioned costs tens of millions of dollars. Some donors, the Republicans said, have been skittish, given the spread of the disease.
"There is still time for fundraising and logistics to be successful," one Republican said. “But without question, it will be challenging and stressful for all involved, especially depending on what the COVID numbers look like closer to the convention."
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, a former state Republican Party chairman, pushed for the convention. It's not clear how his order requiring masks would affect it; Trump has mostly eschewed face coverings, noting they are not required by federal guidance.
DeSantis declined to say whether he will lift the rule requiring indoor venues remain under 50% capacity – which could deny Trump the large, cheering audience so central to the staging of a national convention.
"There's plenty of questions – no answers," said Tommy Hazouri, Democratic president of the Jacksonville City Council and a former mayor of the city who is pressing officials for logistical details. "Right now, everything's up in the air."
Party faithful assess risk
It's not only lawmakers who have reservations about traveling – potentially to two different cities – during a pandemic. Particularly after Trump's rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which local health officials said may have resulted in an increase in cases, party volunteers and delegates who make up the bulk of any convention face a dilemma.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Wednesday he tested positive for coronavirus weeks after attending Trump's rally, though he said the two were not related. Trump's campaign canceled a rally scheduled in New Hampshire July 11, citing a tropical storm that never materialized where he was set to speak.
Juliana Bergeron is among the RNC committee members who normally would flock to a presidential convention. But Bergeron plans to skip the festivities in Jacksonville this year and is closely eyeing the COVID-19 situation in Charlotte before making a decision about whether to attend the formal meetings.
“There’s enough germs going around in this country. I don’t need to bring any new ones home,” said Bergeron, 67, a financial adviser from New Hampshire. “I just really don’t feel like being in a crowd that large at this point in time.”
Others said they are undaunted by the threat of coronavirus and are excited to nominate Trump for a second term.
“I’ll be there with bells on,” said Beth Campbell, an RNC committeewoman from Tennessee.
Campbell, a senior citizen who would not disclose her age, expects to travel to both Charlotte and Jacksonville, where she has faith party officials will take the precautions needed to keep the convention safe.
"They’re looking at every way to keep it as safe as possible," she said, "so I have utmost confidence that this will be done."
Robin Armstrong, an RNC committeeman from Texas, is a physician in the Houston area who has been treating patients with coronavirus. He said he has concerns about the spike in cases but believes the convention can be held safely.
If guidelines are followed, he said, "we will be OK."
That raises another potential concern: the idea of spending a lot of time outdoors in the middle of the summer in Florida.
"I’ll tell you: Outdoors would be very hot,” said Armstrong, 51, who plans to make his fourth convention trip. "I think you would have a lot of folks having second thoughts if it were outdoors"
Contributing: Michael Collins, Maureen Groppe, Nicholas Wu