Palpable BUZZ in the air as the reporters shuffled around talking, waiting at the Regency Fairbourne Conference Center for Mayor Aldo Lanin to come out and make THE announcement.
Lanin, Mayor of Powersite, Indiana, was the LAST public official in the United States who had not lifted the Covid-19 Stay At Home edict from 2020.
Powersite, Indiana, home of the fighting "Beihring Rabble Rousers" and a defunct
plastic utensil factory was home to 38 families, most of whom worked in nearby Sparks, Indiana.
Mayor Lanin's family had been THE family holding sway in Powersite since before the Civil War. Aldo is the 23rd consecutive Lanin to be Mayor; their reign may come to an end as public opinion amongst the 38 families has turned against Mayor Aldo and his stiff necked refusal (his words) to lift the ban.
All became quiet as Mayor Lanin appeared and with a weak smile approached the lectern.
"I know what you want." He said. "But I cannot in good conscience allow our citizens to leave their homes! If they die-and die they will-from this terrible disease, their blood will be on MY hands!"
The dean of the reporters present, Elbo Lanin (no relation) lifted his hand.
"Aldo...maybe next week? The Rousers have a football game Friday, so maybe we could move The Announcement to Thursday?"
Mayor Lanin sadly shook his head.
"You can't pressure me! Move up The Announcement 24 hours? Powersite needs to be SAFE for Powersitians!"
And so it goes.
