usatoday--2020-08-29--Colleges need COVID-19 tests to stay open, scientists say. Some don't have much of a plan

COVID-19 outbreaks already are interrupting colleges ’ plans to reopen across the country .
But just how big those interruptions are – and whether the outbreaks can be contained – hinges in part on colleges ’ plans to test students rapidly .
And some campuses don ’ t have much of a plan at all .
The approaches vary nationally .
Some institutions , like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , plan to screen thousands of people daily using new federally approved tests that rely on saliva rather than invasive nose swabs .
Others , like Notre Dame or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus before they were even allowed to set foot on campus .
But the University of North Georgia skipped mass testing for students coming back to campus and is instead simply asking students who develop COVID-19 symptoms to stay home from class .
And Liberty University ’ s plan to test only people who have symptoms , without testing possibly asymptomatic carriers , has drawn criticism from other universities slated to play the Virginia institution in football .
No college ’ s approach is the same .
That ’ s thanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass testing for higher education .
The Centers of Disease Control , in guidance updated June 30 , said such efforts are unproven and that it “ does not recommend entry testing of all returning students , faculty , and staff.
” In contrast , Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus coordinator , recently said universities should implement entry tests and be prepared to test up to 10,000 people a day , the Center for Public Integrity reported .
Most universities ’ plans fall somewhere between the no-testing and constant monitoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will play out in real time , said Amesh A. Adalja , a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins ’ Center for Health Security .
“ This isn ’ t something we have worked out , ” he said .
Adalja questioned how effective a massive testing campaign would be if people were still allowed to come and go from the university when they pleased .
( Many of the outbreaks on college campuses so far have been tied to off-campus gatherings . )
COVID-19 outbreaks : The virus will hit colleges this fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Money is a factor .
In any case , most universities are unlikely to be able to reopen safely , no matter what their testing approach is , said A. David Paltiel , a professor at Yale ’ s School of Public Health .
He recently built a mathematical model to track the spread of the virus on college campuses .
He found scenarios in which universities can open safely , he said , but “ it ’ s an incredibly high bar .
It ’ s probably one that most universities can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the requirements for reaching that bar ?
Frequent testing , up to every two days in some cases .
In no scenario , the report reads , would “ symptom-based screening alone ... be sufficient to contain an outbreak.
” Without clear federal guidance , students and families must assess whether a college ’ s plan is sufficient .
Campuses are going to have cases , but that doesn ’ t mean the situation is out of control , Adalja said .
He said families may want to consider how robust a university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutions .
And he said colleges ought to set up their courses such that students can feel comfortable switching between in-person and virtual learning should they get sick .
As it is , universities ’ testing plans are changing frequently .
Testing students before they came to campus was a crucial part of the University of Notre Dame ’ s plan to launch in-person fall classes .
The private Indiana university sent tests to roughly 12,000 people ahead of their return to campus .
Fewer than 1 % of them tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results were encouraging .
As the university reopened , cases climbed rapidly within the first week .
Administrators blamed the outbreak on students who went to off-campus parties .
To slow the spread , the university paused in-person classes for two weeks and increased testing of random people on campus .
Purdue University had planned to test students only before they came back , and then if they reported symptoms .
But the institution has since altered its plans to try to test 10 % of the population every week .
The change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university suspended dozens of students in connection to an off-campus party .
After its first week of class ended Friday , Purdue said it had 80 confirmed coronavirus cases among its students since Aug. 1 .
Smaller campuses are changing plans too , as outbreaks pop up at colleges around the country .
The College of Charleston hadn ’ t planned to require students to be tested before returning to campus , but has since required those moving to campus to do so .
The situation was the same for the University of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will require students to take a test on campus before they can move into their dorms .
Others plan to test their communities aggressively and require compliance for anyone who wants to be on campus .
The University of Illinois started class Monday with plans to use a newly developed saliva test to check up to 20,000 people a day .
The method doesn ’ t rely on nasal swabs , and produces results in an hour , according to the university .
“ The faster we can notify people , the faster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Rebecca Lee Smith , a pathology professor at the university .
Some communities may be targeted more than others .
For example , the University of Kentucky has already tested much of its student body , but it plans to retest students in Greek organizations .
The university found that those students have a higher rate of infection compared with their peers , after outbreaks last week began at fraternities and sororities around the country .
'Safe but still having fun ' : Colleges hope off-campus housing does n't doom fall semester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the research capabilities of a public flagship university like Illinois .
Some colleges are relying on third-party testers , like the Broad Institute , which is working with colleges in Massachusetts , or the Just Project , which has provided testing equipment to historically Black universities .
Still others are taking a looser approach that transfers a large share of the responsibility for managing the virus ’ spread to its community members .
The University of North Georgia , for example , said its health services division will test only symptomatic patients .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come to campus monitor themselves for high temperatures or COVID-19 symptoms .
In explaining its testing policy , the university specifically cited the CDC guidance that said mass testing was not recommended .
Arkansas State University wants its students to fill out a form before receiving further instructions about whether and where they should be tested .
The University of Southern Indiana ’ s plan asks that anyone who may have coronavirus fill out a form , stay off campus and call their doctor .
Paltiel said he was wary of universities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s like calling the fire department after a blaze has already consumed a building , he said .
His team ’ s research found no scenario where testing solely based on symptoms was sufficient to prevent wider outbreaks .
“ You can ’ t play catch up with this virus , ” he said .
Paltiel also criticized the CDC ’ s guidance and said the agency was wrong in its assessment that mass testing wasn ’ t necessary , given the large role that people without obvious symptoms play in spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alone is insufficient to prevent outbreaks , he said .
Universities that lack the capacity , or are unwilling , to test large numbers of people regularly , he said , “ have no business reopening , '' he said .
Correction : A previous version of this story misstated the name of the University of North Georgia .
Education coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation .
The Gates Foundation does not provide editorial input .

Colleges need COVID-19 tests to stay open, scientists say. Some don't have much of a plan
Show Caption Hide Caption College students returning to campus could drive surges of COVID cases Communal living spaces and a younger population may be a contributing factor to new surges in COVID-19 cases on college campuses. USA TODAY
COVID-19 outbreaks already are interrupting colleges’ plans to reopen across the country. But just how big those interruptions are – and whether the outbreaks can be contained – hinges in part on colleges’ plans to test students rapidly.
And some campuses don’t have much of a plan at all.
The approaches vary nationally. Some institutions, like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, plan to screen thousands of people daily using new federally approved tests that rely on saliva rather than invasive nose swabs.
Others, like Notre Dame or Purdue, required students to test negative for the virus before they were even allowed to set foot on campus.
But the University of North Georgia skipped mass testing for students coming back to campus and is instead simply asking students who develop COVID-19 symptoms to stay home from class. And Liberty University’s plan to test only people who have symptoms, without testing possibly asymptomatic carriers, has drawn criticism from other universities slated to play the Virginia institution in football.
No college’s approach is the same. That’s thanks in part to contradictory federal guidance on mass testing for higher education. The Centers of Disease Control, in guidance updated June 30, said such efforts are unproven and that it “does not recommend entry testing of all returning students, faculty, and staff.”
COVID back to school: Fall semester 2020 means uncertainty and fear Going back to school amid COVID-19 outbreaks means uncertainty and fear for students and teachers, but staying home presents problems too. Harrison Hill and Scott Clause, USA TODAY
In contrast, Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus coordinator, recently said universities should implement entry tests and be prepared to test up to 10,000 people a day, the Center for Public Integrity reported.
Most universities’ plans fall somewhere between the no-testing and constant monitoring approaches. The consequences of each approach will play out in real time, said Amesh A. Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins’ Center for Health Security.
“This isn’t something we have worked out,” he said.
Adalja questioned how effective a massive testing campaign would be if people were still allowed to come and go from the university when they pleased. (Many of the outbreaks on college campuses so far have been tied to off-campus gatherings.)
COVID-19 outbreaks: The virus will hit colleges this fall. So why reopen at all? Money is a factor.
In any case, most universities are unlikely to be able to reopen safely, no matter what their testing approach is, said A. David Paltiel, a professor at Yale’s School of Public Health. He recently built a mathematical model to track the spread of the virus on college campuses. He found scenarios in which universities can open safely, he said, but “it’s an incredibly high bar. It’s probably one that most universities can’t reach.”
And one of the requirements for reaching that bar? Frequent testing, up to every two days in some cases.
In no scenario, the report reads, would “symptom-based screening alone ... be sufficient to contain an outbreak.”
Testing plans changing
Without clear federal guidance, students and families must assess whether a college’s plan is sufficient.
Campuses are going to have cases, but that doesn’t mean the situation is out of control, Adalja said. He said families may want to consider how robust a university’s plan is compared with similar institutions. And he said colleges ought to set up their courses such that students can feel comfortable switching between in-person and virtual learning should they get sick.
As it is, universities’ testing plans are changing frequently.
Testing students before they came to campus was a crucial part of the University of Notre Dame’s plan to launch in-person fall classes. The private Indiana university sent tests to roughly 12,000 people ahead of their return to campus. Fewer than 1% of them tested positive for the virus. The university said those results were encouraging.
They didn’t last.
As the university reopened, cases climbed rapidly within the first week. Administrators blamed the outbreak on students who went to off-campus parties.
To slow the spread, the university paused in-person classes for two weeks and increased testing of random people on campus.
What went wrong: How Notre Dame's back-to-campus plan unraveled
Purdue University had planned to test students only before they came back, and then if they reported symptoms. But the institution has since altered its plans to try to test 10% of the population every week. The change in plans comes just days after the university suspended dozens of students in connection to an off-campus party. After its first week of class ended Friday, Purdue said it had 80 confirmed coronavirus cases among its students since Aug. 1.
Smaller campuses are changing plans too, as outbreaks pop up at colleges around the country. The College of Charleston hadn’t planned to require students to be tested before returning to campus, but has since required those moving to campus to do so. The situation was the same for the University of the South in Tennessee, which now will require students to take a test on campus before they can move into their dorms.
COVID-19: FDA opens the door to rapid at-home testing At-home testing could transform the fight against the novel coronavirus. USA TODAY
Others plan to test their communities aggressively and require compliance for anyone who wants to be on campus. The University of Illinois started class Monday with plans to use a newly developed saliva test to check up to 20,000 people a day. The method doesn’t rely on nasal swabs, and produces results in an hour, according to the university.
“The faster we can notify people, the faster we can stop the spread,” said Rebecca Lee Smith, a pathology professor at the university.
Some communities may be targeted more than others. For example, the University of Kentucky has already tested much of its student body, but it plans to retest students in Greek organizations. The university found that those students have a higher rate of infection compared with their peers, after outbreaks last week began at fraternities and sororities around the country.
'Safe but still having fun': Colleges hope off-campus housing doesn't doom fall semester
Of course, not every university has the research capabilities of a public flagship university like Illinois.
Some colleges are relying on third-party testers, like the Broad Institute, which is working with colleges in Massachusetts, or the Just Project, which has provided testing equipment to historically Black universities.
'No business reopening'?
Still others are taking a looser approach that transfers a large share of the responsibility for managing the virus’ spread to its community members.
The University of North Georgia, for example, said its health services division will test only symptomatic patients. Officials have also asked that people planning to come to campus monitor themselves for high temperatures or COVID-19 symptoms. In explaining its testing policy, the university specifically cited the CDC guidance that said mass testing was not recommended.
Arkansas State University wants its students to fill out a form before receiving further instructions about whether and where they should be tested. The University of Southern Indiana’s plan asks that anyone who may have coronavirus fill out a form, stay off campus and call their doctor.
Paltiel said he was wary of universities relying solely on symptomatic tracking. That’s like calling the fire department after a blaze has already consumed a building, he said. His team’s research found no scenario where testing solely based on symptoms was sufficient to prevent wider outbreaks.
“You can’t play catch up with this virus,” he said.
Paltiel also criticized the CDC’s guidance and said the agency was wrong in its assessment that mass testing wasn’t necessary, given the large role that people without obvious symptoms play in spreading the virus.
And a re-entry test alone is insufficient to prevent outbreaks, he said.
Universities that lack the capacity, or are unwilling, to test large numbers of people regularly, he said, “have no business reopening," he said.
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the name of the University of North Georgia.
Education coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation does not provide editorial input.


usatoday--2020-08-29--A farewell to arts? Teachers fear coronavirus budget cuts may target art, music classes

If Becca Graves could press through the less pleasant parts of her junior year schedule at her small-town Massachusetts high school – the peers whose personalities perturbed her , the classes she didn ’ t care for – she could make it to Ms. E ’ s art class .
There she could relax , be herself , express her emotions without fear of judgment .
Her anxieties eased as she focused on drawing assignments or molded clay figures with her fingers .
“ I want to say it ’ s almost like a new coping skill , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room at our school is a safe space.
” She ate lunch there daily rather than in the crowded cafeteria , as did a dozen or so other Murdock High School students .
Despite their diverse lifestyles and political views , Graves said , one thing united them : their love for Nicole Elias : Ms. E. When Graves starts her senior year in September , escaping to art class may no longer be an option .
Elias , along with all eight other teachers of specials , or elective classes – art @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winchendon Public Schools , received notice that her contract would not be renewed because of budget constraints .
The teacher layoffs come as cash-strapped school districts nationwide must implement costly safety measures to prevent COVID-19 ’ s spread and to equip students with the devices remote learning requires in the meantime .
Any school administrators pinning their hopes to another congressional relief bill have been disappointed so far .
While House Democrats signed off in May on a $ 3 trillion bill that included more than $ 100 billion for schools , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to state and local governments .
Winchendon already was tasked with trimming $ 600,000 from its 2021 fiscal year budget before COVID-19 closed schools in March , according to district superintendent Joan Landers .
Adding to the cost were expenditures in anticipation of students ’ return : replacing carpeted floors with tile , testing air conditioning systems , storing excess furniture to allow for social distancing and supplying bus drivers with personal protective equipment .
In a town of 10,000 with five public schools , teacher salaries make up much of the budget @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bone .
'Going to see massive cuts ' : Without more coronavirus relief , schools slash budgets , prep layoffs “ Everything in our budget is essential , ” Landers said .
“ That ’ s the hardest part.
” As pressure builds on school districts for more cuts , experts fear the move to single out specials programs portends a nationwide trend that may disrupt the “ whole child ” approach to education , hinder academic growth and disproportionately hurt low-income families .
School districts struggling to navigate shrinking budgets may ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ music and physical education into their lesson plans to save on salaries , said Kristi Wilson , president of the American Association of School Administrators – an idea she opposes .
“ We have a real opportunity to return back to what is good about education and the whole child , ” Wilson said .
“ But we ’ re not going to do that if we push to cut the arts , and I fear that 's coming.
” Specials teachers across the country fear it , too .
In an open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education Association president Thom Knab requested that they keep art programs a priority “ even amid difficult budget decisions.
” Widespread concern among art teachers that their jobs are in jeopardy prompted the plea , according to Mario Rossero , the association ’ s executive director .
Yet those same teachers , who often provide instruction to a school ’ s entire student body , have unique insight into students , their families and the community , he said .
As out-of-the-box thinkers by nature , they should be sought out and provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This is the time to reinvest and double down on the arts , ” said Rossero , who spent nearly 10 years teaching visual art in Pittsburgh and Chicago before moving on to administrative roles .
“ We are creative problem-solvers .
We have limited resources , limited time and we try to pull off miracles .
We ’ re pretty good at figuring out ways around challenges and roadblocks.
” Though art and music are designated “ specials ” rather than “ essentials , ” they are particularly vital to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the subjects is through public schools , said Andrew Spar , Florida Education Association vice president and a former elementary school music teacher .
“ When lawmakers say they have to address the achievement gap , the way to address it is to make sure those students have access to arts , P.E .
and elective programs that engage them and pull them in in ways they otherwise would n't get , ” Spar said .
During his nine years teaching in one of the poorest communities in Daytona Beach , Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the school ’ s performing orchestra achieve greater test score growth than those who didn ’ t .
“ Students who excel in music also tend to do a lot better in problem-solving , visioning and understanding the big picture and how things fit together , ” Spar said .
“ For kids that come from poverty to be able to say ‘ I have an advantage that someone else does n't have ’ – that 's pretty rare.
” The arts , and the inclusivity they encourage , play an important role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to education , which is centered on ensuring that each student – regardless of race , socioeconomic standing or learning style – is healthy , safe , engaged , supported and challenged .
“ Think about every student – maybe the kids who are quiet and creative and need to express themselves , ” Rossero said .
“ What are they going to do without an art space ?
It might be the reason they ’ re really engaging each day.
” The way that Graves described Elias ’ art room as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ It ’ s often a lifeline for students.
” ‘ It ’ s their only way out ’ Elias describes Winchendon as a tiny town with inner-city problems .
Many of her Murdock High students are impoverished .
Some spend their spare time hunting and fishing – there ’ s not much else to do – and they bring Elias gifts of venison and turkey .
Their parents can ’ t afford music lessons or museum trips .
Few have traveled even as far as Worcester , the nearest sizable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some of her students have lost parents to suicide , drug overdose or disease .
Some live with relatives or in foster homes .
“ It seems there are a lot of tragic cases , ” Elias said , a sense that ’ s amplified in a close-knit community .
She has worked to cultivate her classroom ’ s soothing atmosphere .
She understands the turmoil her students feel and the power of art to alleviate it .
If the district doesn ’ t renew her contract , she worries more for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a detriment to them to have not just visual arts cut but music , theater , P.E .
For some of these kids , it 's their only way out , ” she said .
“ It really helps to save lives.
” Landers , the district superintendent , said she is a “ very strong advocate ” for the arts and is “ hopeful ” that at least some specials teachers ’ contracts can be renewed in the coming weeks .
The district originally cut 38 teaching positions , but many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been invited back .
“ I have to believe that something positive is going to happen to enable us to give our students the best education they deserve , ” Landers said .
For Graves , losing her safe haven is one more stressor in a senior year that already will be filled with so many uncertainties .
When she heard Elias had lost her job , Graves said she emailed district officials to ask how she could help .
“ I want to know what I can do to make sure Ms. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalled writing .
Graves was motivated to take action , she said , because Ms. E ’ s art class helped her lay down a burden she ’ d carried since childhood when her parents separated .
Her father left home , and Graves shouldered the blame .
“ I tried to do something about it to make myself better so maybe he would come back , ” Graves said .
Ms. E helped change her mindset .
“ There ’ s nothing I could have done , and it took a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Art is a reminder to me that you do n't have to be perfect .
”

A farewell to arts? Teachers fear coronavirus budget cuts may target art, music classes
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: 4 back-to-school items to keep kids safe While some students will continue online learning this year, others will go back to school. Here are a few items to help protect kids during a pandemic. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
If Becca Graves could press through the less pleasant parts of her junior year schedule at her small-town Massachusetts high school – the peers whose personalities perturbed her, the classes she didn’t care for – she could make it to Ms. E’s art class.
There she could relax, be herself, express her emotions without fear of judgment. Her anxieties eased as she focused on drawing assignments or molded clay figures with her fingers.
“I want to say it’s almost like a new coping skill,” said Graves, 17. “The art room at our school is a safe space.”
She ate lunch there daily rather than in the crowded cafeteria, as did a dozen or so other Murdock High School students. Despite their diverse lifestyles and political views, Graves said, one thing united them: their love for Nicole Elias: Ms. E.
When Graves starts her senior year in September, escaping to art class may no longer be an option.
Elias, along with all eight other teachers of specials, or elective classes – art, music and physical education – at Winchendon Public Schools, received notice that her contract would not be renewed because of budget constraints.
The teacher layoffs come as cash-strapped school districts nationwide must implement costly safety measures to prevent COVID-19’s spread and to equip students with the devices remote learning requires in the meantime.
Any school administrators pinning their hopes to another congressional relief bill have been disappointed so far. While House Democrats signed off in May on a $3 trillion bill that included more than $100 billion for schools, the Senate has resisted calls for additional aid to state and local governments.
Winchendon already was tasked with trimming $600,000 from its 2021 fiscal year budget before COVID-19 closed schools in March, according to district superintendent Joan Landers. Adding to the cost were expenditures in anticipation of students’ return: replacing carpeted floors with tile, testing air conditioning systems, storing excess furniture to allow for social distancing and supplying bus drivers with personal protective equipment.
In a town of 10,000 with five public schools, teacher salaries make up much of the budget. Each cut is close to the bone.
'Going to see massive cuts': Without more coronavirus relief, schools slash budgets, prep layoffs
“Everything in our budget is essential,” Landers said. “That’s the hardest part.”
As pressure builds on school districts for more cuts, experts fear the move to single out specials programs portends a nationwide trend that may disrupt the “whole child” approach to education, hinder academic growth and disproportionately hurt low-income families.
School districts struggling to navigate shrinking budgets may ask core subject teachers to incorporate art, music and physical education into their lesson plans to save on salaries, said Kristi Wilson, president of the American Association of School Administrators – an idea she opposes.
“We have a real opportunity to return back to what is good about education and the whole child,” Wilson said. “But we’re not going to do that if we push to cut the arts, and I fear that's coming.”
Arts and the achievement gap
Specials teachers across the country fear it, too.
In an open letter to school administrators, National Art Education Association president Thom Knab requested that they keep art programs a priority “even amid difficult budget decisions.”
Widespread concern among art teachers that their jobs are in jeopardy prompted the plea, according to Mario Rossero, the association’s executive director.
Yet those same teachers, who often provide instruction to a school’s entire student body, have unique insight into students, their families and the community, he said. As out-of-the-box thinkers by nature, they should be sought out and provided a seat at the decision-making table.
“This is the time to reinvest and double down on the arts,” said Rossero, who spent nearly 10 years teaching visual art in Pittsburgh and Chicago before moving on to administrative roles. “We are creative problem-solvers. We have limited resources, limited time and we try to pull off miracles. We’re pretty good at figuring out ways around challenges and roadblocks.”
Though art and music are designated “specials” rather than “essentials,” they are particularly vital to the overall success of students whose only access to the subjects is through public schools, said Andrew Spar, Florida Education Association vice president and a former elementary school music teacher.
“When lawmakers say they have to address the achievement gap, the way to address it is to make sure those students have access to arts, P.E. and elective programs that engage them and pull them in in ways they otherwise wouldn't get,” Spar said.
During his nine years teaching in one of the poorest communities in Daytona Beach, Florida, he saw students who participated in the school’s performing orchestra achieve greater test score growth than those who didn’t.
“Students who excel in music also tend to do a lot better in problem-solving, visioning and understanding the big picture and how things fit together,” Spar said. “For kids that come from poverty to be able to say ‘I have an advantage that someone else doesn't have’ – that's pretty rare.”
The arts, and the inclusivity they encourage, play an important role in the “whole child” approach to education, which is centered on ensuring that each student – regardless of race, socioeconomic standing or learning style – is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged.
“Think about every student – maybe the kids who are quiet and creative and need to express themselves,” Rossero said. “What are they going to do without an art space? It might be the reason they’re really engaging each day.”
The way that Graves described Elias’ art room as a safe space is not uncommon, he said. “It’s often a lifeline for students.”
‘It’s their only way out’
Elias describes Winchendon as a tiny town with inner-city problems. Many of her Murdock High students are impoverished. Some spend their spare time hunting and fishing – there’s not much else to do – and they bring Elias gifts of venison and turkey.
Their parents can’t afford music lessons or museum trips. Few have traveled even as far as Worcester, the nearest sizable city, just an hour south. Some of her students have lost parents to suicide, drug overdose or disease. Some live with relatives or in foster homes.
“It seems there are a lot of tragic cases,” Elias said, a sense that’s amplified in a close-knit community.
She has worked to cultivate her classroom’s soothing atmosphere. She understands the turmoil her students feel and the power of art to alleviate it.
If the district doesn’t renew her contract, she worries more for the students than herself.
“It's a detriment to them to have not just visual arts cut but music, theater, P.E. For some of these kids, it's their only way out,” she said. “It really helps to save lives.”
Landers, the district superintendent, said she is a “very strong advocate” for the arts and is “hopeful” that at least some specials teachers’ contracts can be renewed in the coming weeks. The district originally cut 38 teaching positions, but many of the teachers in other subject areas have been invited back.
“I have to believe that something positive is going to happen to enable us to give our students the best education they deserve,” Landers said.
For Graves, losing her safe haven is one more stressor in a senior year that already will be filled with so many uncertainties. When she heard Elias had lost her job, Graves said she emailed district officials to ask how she could help. “I want to know what I can do to make sure Ms. E stays with us,” she recalled writing.
Graves was motivated to take action, she said, because Ms. E’s art class helped her lay down a burden she’d carried since childhood when her parents separated. Her father left home, and Graves shouldered the blame.
“I tried to do something about it to make myself better so maybe he would come back,” Graves said. Ms. E helped change her mindset.
“There’s nothing I could have done, and it took a lot to realize that,” Graves said. “Art is a reminder to me that you don't have to be perfect.”


usatoday--2020-08-29--Late Chadwick Boseman's portrayal of Jackie Robinson in '42' among his many sports movie roles

Chadwick Boseman was globally known for “ Black Panther ” and his role as T ’ Challa , a groundbreaking Black character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that shot him to fame upon its release in 2018 .
But Boseman already was a star in the sports universe , winning critical praise for his portrayal of Jackie Robinson in the biopic `` 42 . ''
That movie , released in 2013 , showed an incredible talent with immense promise .
Robinson was the first Black player to compete in Major League Baseball , breaking the color barrier when he played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April 14 , 1947 .
Sadly , we ’ ll never see where else Boseman 's talent would lead him .
On Friday , the same day MLB celebrated Jackie Robinson Day , Boseman died at 43 after a private battle with colon cancer .
In a statement , MLB said : “ We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman .
His transcendent performance in '42 ' will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie ’ s story to audiences for generations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Boseman with the caption : “ Rest in Paradise King !
# TheHellWith2020 # FCancer ” Boseman popped up at various sports events , including the 2018 and 2020 NBA All-Star Games , where he was a dunk contest judge and hung out with former NBA greats like Scottie Pippen .
He shared the red carpet at the Oscars with Kobe Bryant in 2018 .
Bryant won for his short film `` Dear Basketball '' and `` Black Panther , '' in 2019 , claimed three of the six statues for which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ native of Anderson , South Carolina , also had a small role in the 2008 film `` The Express , '' based on the life of Syracuse football player Ernie Davis , the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy .
Boseman played Syracuse halfback Floyd Little , a three-time All-American .
He also starred opposite Kevin Costner in 2014 ’ s ‘ ’ Draft Day , ’ ’ playing a potential draft prospect .
Boseman was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer in 2016 and continued working through multiple surgeries and chemotherapy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his family .

Late Chadwick Boseman's portrayal of Jackie Robinson in '42' among his many sports movie roles
Chadwick Boseman was globally known for “Black Panther” and his role as T’Challa, a groundbreaking Black character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that shot him to fame upon its release in 2018.
But Boseman already was a star in the sports universe, winning critical praise for his portrayal of Jackie Robinson in the biopic "42." That movie, released in 2013, showed an incredible talent with immense promise.
Robinson was the first Black player to compete in Major League Baseball, breaking the color barrier when he played first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 14, 1947.
Sadly, we’ll never see where else Boseman's talent would lead him.
On Friday, the same day MLB celebrated Jackie Robinson Day, Boseman died at 43 after a private battle with colon cancer.
In a statement, MLB said: “We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in '42' will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come.”
We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in “42” will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/8oU7QpdLSE — MLB (@MLB) August 29, 2020
LeBron James tweeted a photo with Boseman with the caption: “Rest in Paradise King! #TheHellWith2020 #FCancer”
Boseman popped up at various sports events, including the 2018 and 2020 NBA All-Star Games, where he was a dunk contest judge and hung out with former NBA greats like Scottie Pippen. He shared the red carpet at the Oscars with Kobe Bryant in 2018. Bryant won for his short film "Dear Basketball" and "Black Panther," in 2019, claimed three of the six statues for which it was nominated.
Boseman, a native of Anderson, South Carolina, also had a small role in the 2008 film "The Express," based on the life of Syracuse football player Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Boseman played Syracuse halfback Floyd Little, a three-time All-American.
Rachel Robinson and Chadwick Boseman at the after-party for the LA premiere of 42 — April 9, 2013 (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) 💔 pic.twitter.com/FhNLfFqevY — It’s a long season. (@mighty_flynn) August 29, 2020
He also starred opposite Kevin Costner in 2014’s ‘’Draft Day,’’ playing a potential draft prospect.
Boseman was diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer in 2016 and continued working through multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, according to a statement released by his family.


usatoday--2020-08-29--'I think he'd want us to do more': Astros protest injustice by boycotting game on Jackie Robinson Da

It may have been a celebratory day for Jackie Robinson throughout baseball , but the Houston Astros , believing they would make baseball ’ s legendary figure proud , boycotted their game Friday night against the Oakland Athletics .
“ This is a tough time , ’ ’ Astros outfielder Michael Brantley said .
“ We need to make changes .
Jackie did a lot of great things , but I think he ’ d want us to do more .
“ I think taking a stand and having these conversations is going to help us do more.
’ ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not played the past two days because of Hurricane Laura , became the only team to boycott their game on Jackie Robinson Day .
They will celebrate Robinson ’ s legacy Saturday with a doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics .
“ If we can change one person ’ s mind , have a conversation that changes one person ’ s thought process , saves a life , ’ ’ Brantley said , “ this was worth it for us.
’ ’ There are now nine teams left who have yet to boycott a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ York Yankees , Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals , but the Astros were adamant they wanted to make a stand .
The players told manager Dusty Baker at about 5 p.m. that they would not play the game , but wanted to show their protest in a poignant way .
They met with the Athletics , who boycotted their game Thursday , and the two teams took the field and stood on the foul lines .
They draped a Black Lives Matter T-shirt across home plate .
Catcher Martin Maldonado then laid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the left-handed batter 's box while shortstop Marcus Semien laid down an Athletics jersey in the right-handed box .
They had a 42-second moment of silence , and both teams waved their caps to one another , and left the field .
The Astros had spoken , loud and clear .
“ I ’ ve been through a lot of changes , social changes , ’ ’ Baker said , “ but this is something that ’ s unprecedented .
I think the whole world is behind these young people .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , standing up for equal rights and justice , it makes me think the world is not hopeless .
“ I ’ m proud of this generation .
In the 60s , it was mostly African Americans and a few white Americans that stood up .
In this day and age , I ’ m seeing young people from all nationalities and races that are standing up together .
I am very proud of the young people in this country .
“ We need to listen to these young people some more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their world.
’ ’ Now , with baseball players speaking out for social justice – with 11 games now being postponed since Wednesday in protest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha , Wisconsin – maybe baseball once again can reclaim the title of being `` America ’ s pastime . ''
“ This is called America ’ s game , ’ ’ Baker said , “ but for a while , it got away from being America ’ s game .
This has brought it back full circle .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
America belongs to all of us , no matter if you got here early or you got here late .
“ We all had a hand in building this country , and we all had a hand in tearing it down .
“ Now we have to build it up again.
’ ’ More : Sharon Robinson says father Jackie would have 'embraced the Black Lives Matter struggle' The hate has to go away , Baker and his players say , if this country is ever going to heal , and perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the needed awareness .
“ Boy , it ’ s getting worse and worse in the country , ’ ’ Baker said .
“ Something has to be done , and something has to stop .
It ’ s senseless shootings , senseless killings .
Kids are going to have nightmares .
You ’ re supposed to feel safe in this country .
You ’ re not supposed to feel threatened or afraid ... “ I ’ ve been saying for years that we ’ re on a racial time bomb in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of innocent people could get hurt , and I ’ m hoping that the leaders do something to change it .
’ ’

'I think he'd want us to do more': Astros protest injustice by boycotting game on Jackie Robinson Day
Show Caption Hide Caption What to expect as the MLB trade deadline nears USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale breaks down the MLB trade market ahead of the 2020 trade deadline. USA TODAY
It may have been a celebratory day for Jackie Robinson throughout baseball, but the Houston Astros, believing they would make baseball’s legendary figure proud, boycotted their game Friday night against the Oakland Athletics.
“This is a tough time,’’ Astros outfielder Michael Brantley said. “We need to make changes. Jackie did a lot of great things, but I think he’d want us to do more.
“I think taking a stand and having these conversations is going to help us do more.’’
So, the Astros, who had not played the past two days because of Hurricane Laura, became the only team to boycott their game on Jackie Robinson Day. They will celebrate Robinson’s legacy Saturday with a doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics.
“If we can change one person’s mind, have a conversation that changes one person’s thought process, saves a life,’’ Brantley said, “this was worth it for us.’’
There are now nine teams left who have yet to boycott a game this season, including the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, but the Astros were adamant they wanted to make a stand. The players told manager Dusty Baker at about 5 p.m. that they would not play the game, but wanted to show their protest in a poignant way.
They met with the Athletics, who boycotted their game Thursday, and the two teams took the field and stood on the foul lines. They draped a Black Lives Matter T-shirt across home plate. Catcher Martin Maldonado then laid down a No. 42 Astros jersey in the left-handed batter's box while shortstop Marcus Semien laid down an Athletics jersey in the right-handed box.
They had a 42-second moment of silence, and both teams waved their caps to one another, and left the field.
The Astros had spoken, loud and clear.
The Astros and A's, all wearing No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson, put a Black Lives Matter T-shirt on home plate and took a 42-second moment of silence.
Both teams have exited the field and the game has been postponed. pic.twitter.com/abSm4ZHuuE — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 29, 2020
“I’ve been through a lot of changes, social changes,’’ Baker said, “but this is something that’s unprecedented. I think the whole world is behind these young people. When you see young people all over the world, standing up for equal rights and justice, it makes me think the world is not hopeless.
“I’m proud of this generation. In the 60s, it was mostly African Americans and a few white Americans that stood up. In this day and age, I’m seeing young people from all nationalities and races that are standing up together. I am very proud of the young people in this country.
“We need to listen to these young people some more because it’s going to be their world.’’
Now, with baseball players speaking out for social justice – with 11 games now being postponed since Wednesday in protest of the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin – maybe baseball once again can reclaim the title of being "America’s pastime."
“This is called America’s game,’’ Baker said, “but for a while, it got away from being America’s game. This has brought it back full circle.
“This is definitely America’s game. America belongs to all of us, no matter if you got here early or you got here late.
“We all had a hand in building this country, and we all had a hand in tearing it down.
“Now we have to build it up again.’’
Opinion: After watershed week, MLB needs to amplify Jackie Robinson's entire legacy
More: Sharon Robinson says father Jackie would have 'embraced the Black Lives Matter struggle'
The hate has to go away, Baker and his players say, if this country is ever going to heal, and perhaps another night of silence will help create the needed awareness.
“Boy, it’s getting worse and worse in the country,’’ Baker said. “Something has to be done, and something has to stop. It’s senseless shootings, senseless killings. Kids are going to have nightmares. You’re supposed to feel safe in this country. You’re not supposed to feel threatened or afraid...
“I’ve been saying for years that we’re on a racial time bomb in this country, and it appears that a lot of innocent people could get hurt, and I’m hoping that the leaders do something to change it.’’
Follow Nightengale on Twitter: @Bnightengale


usatoday--2020-08-29--Opinion: Ravens' call to action is a lesson on social justice for NFL's power brokers

We ’ re living in the age of the statement .
Yet with the well-meaning empathy , butt-covering intentions or something in between , too often the words and videos crafted by NFL teams or the league office to address one issue after another have all the soul of a boilerplate .
Plus , as the intermingling of sports and society increases and pressure to say something mounts , there ’ s surely an over-saturation factor in play .
Then came the statement from the Baltimore Ravens .
It wasn ’ t as dramatic as the gestures this week from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players , and tennis star Naomi Osaka , boycotting games and matches to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake and pattern of police violence against African-Americans .
It wasn ’ t Colin Kaepernick , taking a knee .
But the Ravens ’ call to action released on Thursday night was so bold with the declarations I know I ’ ve never seen expressed before on letterhead from an NFL team .
Never mind the typical , vague stuff in statements about sparking conversations and promoting unity .
The Ravens , bless ‘ em @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsible for the killing of Breonna Taylor and shooting of Blake .
They want Mitch McConnell to bring the George Floyd Policing Act to a vote on the Senate floor .
They want to see an end to qualified immunity while holding police more accountable in court , in addition to banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants .
They want sentencing reform .
And they want us to vote , too .
So there .
Why do NFL players and other pro athletes kneel , boycott , protest , tweet , march and flood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress ?
For tangible , ever-evolving action items , as the Ravens amplified , that need to happen .
OPINION : Athletes give voice to voiceless .
'It takes monumental courage to stand up' OPINION : Sports figures keep speaking up on injustice because they have to Of course , not everyone agrees .
This is America , where Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher can reveal himself on social media as an insensitive buffoon by dismissing the merits of the NBA player protests .
And it ’ s where Matt Forte can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter that Urlacher , his former Bears teammate , arrogantly posted with a “ void of empathy , compassion , wisdom and coherence.
” In the Ravens ' case , there ’ s no way the meaning of their statement can be twisted in translation or sideswiped by emotion – unless someone refuses to grasp the words in black and white .
“ I think the statement was really great , because it was very specific , and it outlined the things that we ’ re going to do in terms of initiatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters during a Zoom conference on Friday .
Is this a football team or a political organization ?
It ’ s a football team , made up of American citizens who care enough to use their tremendous platform .
If they don ’ t see the action they ’ ve demanded , apparently it won ’ t be for lack of trying .
“ I really wish that everybody could be part of a football team … ( coming ) from a lot of different places and races @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different perspectives , ” Harbaugh said .
“ They have to come together and stand together , even given their differences , to work together to find mutual understanding and to create a brotherhood , really , like a family does.
” Harbaugh acknowledged there are many other environments where the opportunity exists for people with different perspectives to co-exist , yet his view is valid .
And perhaps in this challenging NFL season that looms amid a pandemic , the Ravens might draw on the unity fostered during heart-to-heart discussions to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games .
More significant is the carry-over effect .
This statement wasn ’ t a do-as-we-say declaration .
The team is working with its counsel to connect with lawmakers to advance lobbying efforts , much like the Players Coalition , co-founded by Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins and former Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin , has pursued multiple legislative goals .
Harbaugh said the Ravens are pushing for a Congressional bill that addresses police reform that he insists has bipartisan support and the support of police departments and police unions .
Another idea is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in municipalities that can ’ t afford them .
“ Those types of things that can be valuable and directly helpful , ” Harbaugh said .
“ We ’ re passionate about what we ’ re talking about , but … we have tremendous respect for our police , for what they do , the work they put in , the sacrifices they make .
That was stated in our team meeting numerous times by our players and by our coaches.
” Seems as though the Ravens have gone beyond just listening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to a video featuring star NFL players in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death at the knee of a policeman in Minneapolis , NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell responded with a video of his own , in which he maintained that the NFL – despite various meetings with players , much public rhetoric and close to $ 90 million committed to social justice causes – didn ’ t listen to players enough after the issues exploded on the NFL stage with Kaepernick in 2016 .
Well , now , listening is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here ’ s to hoping that Goodell and other NFL power brokers who can throw their clout behind pursuing items suggested by the Ravens don ’ t tell us a few years from now that they regret not taking action .
By Friday afternoon , another statement was issued by an NFL team with “ action items ” aimed to address pressing social issues .
The Minnesota Vikings declared three action items : urging citizens to vote , supporting educational measures and advocating for law enforcement and criminal justice reform .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ statement , though , were the specifics needed to achieve tangible progress .
Meanwhile , Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones – the face of resistance to player protests during the national anthem – went on his 105.3 The Fan radio appearance and talked about wanting his organization and players to be a part of the change needed to make this country a better place .
Like always , but especially in these times , action speaks louder than words .

Opinion: Ravens show guts with bold call to action, provide lesson on social justice for NFL
Show Caption Hide Caption Time for NFL owners to step up on social justice or face their own players' strike Sports Pulse: Nancy Armour on why team owners need to get engaged in social issues SportsPulse, USA TODAY
We’re living in the age of the statement.
Yet with the well-meaning empathy, butt-covering intentions or something in between, too often the words and videos crafted by NFL teams or the league office to address one issue after another have all the soul of a boilerplate. Plus, as the intermingling of sports and society increases and pressure to say something mounts, there’s surely an over-saturation factor in play.
Then came the statement from the Baltimore Ravens.
It wasn’t as dramatic as the gestures this week from NBA, WNBA, MLB and MLS players, and tennis star Naomi Osaka, boycotting games and matches to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake and pattern of police violence against African-Americans. It wasn’t Colin Kaepernick, taking a knee.
But the Ravens’ call to action released on Thursday night was so bold with the declarations I know I’ve never seen expressed before on letterhead from an NFL team.
Never mind the typical, vague stuff in statements about sparking conversations and promoting unity.
The Ravens, bless ‘em, urged for the arrests of police responsible for the killing of Breonna Taylor and shooting of Blake. They want Mitch McConnell to bring the George Floyd Policing Act to a vote on the Senate floor. They want to see an end to qualified immunity while holding police more accountable in court, in addition to banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants. They want sentencing reform.
And they want us to vote, too.
So there. Why do NFL players and other pro athletes kneel, boycott, protest, tweet, march and flood their platforms in the name of social progress?
For tangible, ever-evolving action items, as the Ravens amplified, that need to happen.
OPINION: Athletes give voice to voiceless. 'It takes monumental courage to stand up'
OPINION: Sports figures keep speaking up on injustice because they have to
Of course, not everyone agrees. This is America, where Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher can reveal himself on social media as an insensitive buffoon by dismissing the merits of the NBA player protests. And it’s where Matt Forte can aptly weigh in with his opinion on Twitter that Urlacher, his former Bears teammate, arrogantly posted with a “void of empathy, compassion, wisdom and coherence.”
In the Ravens' case, there’s no way the meaning of their statement can be twisted in translation or sideswiped by emotion – unless someone refuses to grasp the words in black and white.
“I think the statement was really great, because it was very specific, and it outlined the things that we’re going to do in terms of initiatives that we want to support,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters during a Zoom conference on Friday.
Is this a football team or a political organization?
It’s a football team, made up of American citizens who care enough to use their tremendous platform. If they don’t see the action they’ve demanded, apparently it won’t be for lack of trying.
“I really wish that everybody could be part of a football team … (coming) from a lot of different places and races and spaces and religions, just many different perspectives,” Harbaugh said. “They have to come together and stand together, even given their differences, to work together to find mutual understanding and to create a brotherhood, really, like a family does.”
Harbaugh acknowledged there are many other environments where the opportunity exists for people with different perspectives to co-exist, yet his view is valid. And perhaps in this challenging NFL season that looms amid a pandemic, the Ravens might draw on the unity fostered during heart-to-heart discussions to help with their shared mission of winning football games.
More significant is the carry-over effect. This statement wasn’t a do-as-we-say declaration. The team is working with its counsel to connect with lawmakers to advance lobbying efforts, much like the Players Coalition, co-founded by Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins and former Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin, has pursued multiple legislative goals.
Harbaugh said the Ravens are pushing for a Congressional bill that addresses police reform that he insists has bipartisan support and the support of police departments and police unions. Another idea is to raise funds for body cameras for police in municipalities that can’t afford them.
“Those types of things that can be valuable and directly helpful,” Harbaugh said. “We’re passionate about what we’re talking about, but … we have tremendous respect for our police, for what they do, the work they put in, the sacrifices they make. That was stated in our team meeting numerous times by our players and by our coaches.”
Seems as though the Ravens have gone beyond just listening.
A few weeks ago, in a response to a video featuring star NFL players in the wake of George Floyd’s death at the knee of a policeman in Minneapolis, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell responded with a video of his own, in which he maintained that the NFL – despite various meetings with players, much public rhetoric and close to $90 million committed to social justice causes – didn’t listen to players enough after the issues exploded on the NFL stage with Kaepernick in 2016.
Well, now, listening is so 2016.
It’s 2020. Here’s to hoping that Goodell and other NFL power brokers who can throw their clout behind pursuing items suggested by the Ravens don’t tell us a few years from now that they regret not taking action.
By Friday afternoon, another statement was issued by an NFL team with “action items” aimed to address pressing social issues. The Minnesota Vikings declared three action items: urging citizens to vote, supporting educational measures and advocating for law enforcement and criminal justice reform.
What wasn’t clear from the Vikings’ statement, though, were the specifics needed to achieve tangible progress.
Meanwhile, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones – the face of resistance to player protests during the national anthem – went on his 105.3 The Fan radio appearance and talked about wanting his organization and players to be a part of the change needed to make this country a better place.
OK, where’s the action plan?
Like always, but especially in these times, action speaks louder than words.
Follow Jarrett Bell on Twitter @JarrettBell.


usatoday--2020-08-29--Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin: 'Privilege does not shield us from sadness'

Before the Pittsburgh Steelers began their practice Friday night at Heinz Field , head coach Mike Tomlin had a message .
With players locking arms behind him and joined on the field by longtime general manager Kevin Colbert and team owner Art Rooney II , Tomlin said the Steelers organization is united in the fight against social injustice .
`` We 've learned a lot of lessons in 2020 , be it from the pandemic or the social unrest .
The big perspective that it 's provided us is , regardless of how big and important this game is for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big scheme of things .
But we also realize that we 're privileged to have a platform , '' said Tomlin , who has been with the Steelers since 2007 and is one of only three Black head coaches in the NFL .
`` We 're committed to taking action and being a part of the solution to face social injustice and prejudice that we all face , not only in our country , but worldwide .
It is our desire to be active participants in the formation of a more perfect union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being said , we realize recent events are the continued reminder how far we are from that .
We stand before you acknowledging that we are blessed and privileged .
But that privilege does not shield us from sadness .
That privilege does not shield us from shock or outrage .
It does not shield us from fear fear for our safety , or our loved ones or an uncertain future .
`` Beyond being football men , first and foremost we 're husbands , fathers , brothers , sons , uncles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to pause and share with those that are hurting tonight that we see you , that we hear you , but most importantly we stand with you . ''
Tomlin and the team then went to midfield , where they held a prayer `` for betterment , '' which was led by tight end Vance McDonald .
Tomlin , 48 , is entering his 14th season as Steelers head coach .
Only Bill Belichick ( Patriots ) and Sean Payton ( Saints ) have been with their respective teams longer .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a head coach , sitting at 133-74-1 in his career , and guided the Steelers to the Super Bowl XLIII championship after the 2008 season .

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin: 'Privilege does not shield us from sadness'
Show Caption Hide Caption What NBA's Adam Silver gets right on social justice that NFL's Roger Goodell just doesn't SportsPulse: Jarrett Bell shares what he thinks makes Adam Silver the ideal leader for a sports league during tumultuous times and why Roger Goodell hasn't done the same when it comes to social justice. USA TODAY
Before the Pittsburgh Steelers began their practice Friday night at Heinz Field, head coach Mike Tomlin had a message.
With players locking arms behind him and joined on the field by longtime general manager Kevin Colbert and team owner Art Rooney II, Tomlin said the Steelers organization is united in the fight against social injustice.
"We've learned a lot of lessons in 2020, be it from the pandemic or the social unrest. The big perspective that it's provided us is, regardless of how big and important this game is for us, it's small in the big scheme of things. But we also realize that we're privileged to have a platform," said Tomlin, who has been with the Steelers since 2007 and is one of only three Black head coaches in the NFL.
"We're committed to taking action and being a part of the solution to face social injustice and prejudice that we all face, not only in our country, but worldwide. It is our desire to be active participants in the formation of a more perfect union."
He continued: "That being said, we realize recent events are the continued reminder how far we are from that. We stand before you acknowledging that we are blessed and privileged. But that privilege does not shield us from sadness. That privilege does not shield us from shock or outrage. It does not shield us from fear fear for our safety, or our loved ones or an uncertain future.
"Beyond being football men, first and foremost we're husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, uncles, members of a community. And we wanted to pause and share with those that are hurting tonight that we see you, that we hear you, but most importantly we stand with you."
Tomlin and the team then went to midfield, where they held a prayer "for betterment," which was led by tight end Vance McDonald.
Tomlin, 48, is entering his 14th season as Steelers head coach. Only Bill Belichick (Patriots) and Sean Payton (Saints) have been with their respective teams longer. He has never had a losing season as a head coach, sitting at 133-74-1 in his career, and guided the Steelers to the Super Bowl XLIII championship after the 2008 season.


usatoday--2020-08-29--Tiger Tracker: Woods' third round at BMW Championship

Tiger Woods is probably glad the BMW Championship is a no-cut event .
After shooting rounds of 73 and 75 respectively at Olympia Fields , Woods sits T-55 at 8 over on the event entering Saturday , nine shots behind 36-hole leaders Patrick Cantlay and Rory McIlroy .
Woods is currently projected to need at least a tie for third to advance to the Tour Championship .
Woods finished Friday 5-over 75 .
He was 3 over on the front nine followed by a rollercoaster back nine with two birdies and a string of four bogeys in a five-hole stretch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major champion will tee off his third round at 9:05 a.m .
ET alongside reigning PGA Championship winner Collin Morikawa .
Follow Woods ’ third round with shot-by-shot updates below .
Woods misses the fairway bunkers on this one .
His first shot finds the fairway , landing 144 yards from the hole .
His second shot finds the green , setting Woods up for a potential 13-foot , 8-inch birdie putt .
Remember he ended Friday with a 37-footer .
The putt looked perfect until the last inch .
It danced along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rolling on the other side of the opening .
It ’ s a painful two-putt for Woods and another par .
TIGER ON THE DAY : Even thru 2 ( 8 over overall ) Tiger ’ s first tee shot of the day lands in the left fairway bunker .
Not the best tee shot this week .
His shot from the bunker , 320 yards from the hole , makes it to the fairway , but just barely .
Woods takes his third shot on the par-5 from 183 yards out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Along with a big chunk of the fairway and an , “ Oh , you jackass , ” from Woods , the ball lands in the rough , short of the greenside bunker .
Ninety-one feet from the hole , Woods ’ game shows a glimmer of hope as he finds the green and the ball rolls just past the hole to the front-right pin .
He sinks the 5-foot putt for par .
TIGER ON THE DAY : Even thru 1 ( 8 over overall )

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Tiger Woods is probably glad the BMW Championship is a no-cut event.
After shooting rounds of 73 and 75 respectively at Olympia Fields, Woods sits T-55 at 8 over on the event entering Saturday, nine shots behind 36-hole leaders Patrick Cantlay and Rory McIlroy. Beginning the third round, Woods was projected to need at least a tie for third to advance to the Tour Championship.
Woods finished Friday 5-over 75. He was 3 over on the front nine followed by a rollercoaster back nine with two birdies and a string of four bogeys in a five-hole stretch from Nos. 12-16.
The 15-time major champion teed off his third round at 9:05 a.m. ET alongside reigning PGA Championship winner Collin Morikawa.
Follow Woods’ third round with shot-by-shot updates below.
BMW Championship: Leaderboard | Photos | Tee times, TV info
Hole 18 – Par 4
Woods tee shot travels 325 yards to right fairway. Finally. Woods’ approach found the green. His putt from 25 feet, 11 inches from the hole lands short. He makes his second putt, his 11th two-putt of the day, to finish 18 with a par and the round 2-over 72.
TIGER END THE DAY: 2-over 72 (10 over overall)
Hole 17 – Par 4
Tiger birdied this one Friday. Not today. Woods’ tee shot lands in the right rough in a small creek surrounded by tall grass. Woods had to take a drop and take his third shot from the right rough. The ball sails 205 yards to the far left rough. His fourth shot (for par) bounced over the green into the right greenside rough. His fifth shot lands 5 feet from the hole. He misses the first putt for a double-bogey 6 and makes the second from 2 feet for triple-bogey 7.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 2 over thru 17 (10 over overall)
Hole 16
There’s some potential here. Woods’ drive sails 183 yards over the water feature and bunker to the right intermediate. A birdie might be rough as the ball sits 18 feet, 10 inches from the hole. Woods’ second shot moves 2 feet, 9 inches from the hole. His par putt is good.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 1 under thru 16 (7 over overall)
Hole 15 – Par 5
It’s the last par-5 of the day and Tiger still hasn’t found a fairway on the back nine. His tee shot travels 308 yards to the left rough. His second sails 164 yards puts him back on the fairway. Hey there, old friend. His approach finds the green, setting him up for another long putt of 23 feet, 8 inches. Ugh, so close. Woods’ birdie putt rolls past the cup on the right. Woods makes his second put from 11 inches — his ninth two-putt of the day.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 1 under thru 15 (7 over overall)
Hole 14 – Par 4
Woods has hit 5-of-10 on Saturday. Well, make that 5-of-11. Woods’ drive bounces under the ropes into the tree-line. From behind one of Olympia Fields’ thick trees, Woods gave a little too much. It sails over the green into the back-right rough. His third shot from the rough lands on the green and rolls past the hole. Woods make a 10-foot, 4-inch uphill putt for par.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 1 under thru 14 (7 over overall)
Hole 13 – Par 3
Okay, the Tiger from the front-nine shows up again on 13. Woods drives the ball 163 yards to land 12 feet behind the pin. Tiger’s carded two birdies in each of the first two rounds. This is a great opportunity to finally make No. 3 of the day. Ugh. Just like on No. 2, the ball lips out. Another two putt. Another par with a 3-foot putt.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 1 under thru 13 (7 over overall)
Hole 12 – Par 4
Well, he’s not by the ropes this time. Woods’ tee shot travels 229 yards to left intermediate. Woods doesn’t correct enough with his second shot. It lands in the front greenside bunker. Woods third shot saves the ball from the bunker and it rolls past the pin, setting up a 5-foot putt for par. It’s good. Onward.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 1 under thru 12 (7 over overall)
Hole 11 – Par 4
A third-straight missed fairway for Woods who lands in the left rough, 65 yards from the hole. He escapes the rough better than he did on 10, finding the green for another long putt. From 38 feet, Woods’ putt doesn’t have quite enough juice to reach the hole. He sinks his second putt from 17 inches for par.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 1 under thru 11 (7 over overall)
Hole 10 – Par 4
Another missed fairway. Woods’ drive travels 286 yards to the left rough. Woods makes his second shot behind an unfortunately placed tree and it doesn’t turn the way he wanted. It lands between the two front, greenside bunker 73 yards from the hole. With his third shot, Woods finds the green and sets himself up for a 13-foot, 6-inch downhill putt for par. No dice. Woods is going to have his first bogey of the day after a 3-foot putt.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 1 under thru 10 (7 over overall)
Hole 9 – Par 4
Woods drives his tee shot 337 yards into the right rough. He hasn’t missed a fairway in a while this round, but he doesn’t let that sink in. He’s in the zone. With his second shot, the ball sails from the rough onto the green, 12 feet, 8 inches from the hole, front-right of the pin. His birdie putt is just shy. Seventeen inches to be exact. He settles for another two-putt and remains 2 under at the turn.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 2 under thru 9 (6 over overall)
Hole 8 – Par 3
Woods’ first shot travels 222 yards and finds the green, landing nearly 50 feet shy of the pin. It’s gonna be a loooong putt if he’s capable of some heroics. Another two-putt if he’s lucky. His first putt is a good conservative putt, setting Woods up for a 4-foot par putt. Bingo.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 2 under thru 8 (6 over overall)
Hole 7 – Par 4
Woods’ drive sails 320 yards and finds the fairway. His approach from 142 yards finds the green, 30 feet, 7 inches out from the front-right pin. His first putt isn’t exactly what he was looking for. It lands short and to the right. Woods sinks his second putt from 2 feet. Another two-putt, another par.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 2 under thru 7 (6 over overall)
Hole 6 – Par 3
Woods tee shot sails 159 yards to find the green, but overshoots the hole to the back-left pin. From 30 feet, 6 inches, Woods’ first putt comes up short, setting him up for a 3-foot putt. It’s good. Another par.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 2 under thru 6 (6 over overall)
Hole 5 – Par 4
Announcers called this drive a “mis-hit”, but it still sailed 238 yards and found the fairway. His approach from 183 yards out make us wince. It sailed over the green and rolled down the hill behind the hole. A third-consecutive birdie seems unlikely. From the rough, back-right pin, Woods has a chance to save par as his third shot found the green and set him up for a 4-foot putt from the back-right pin. He sinks it.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 2 under thru 5 (6 over overall)
Hole 4 – Par 4
Smack! Woods finds third fairway of the day. It lands 88 yards from the hole. His approach is about as good as it can be. Finds the green and bounces backward, even closer to the hole. Two feet, 8 inches to be exact. Boom. Another birdie. Weekend Tiger is rollin’, fam.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 2 under thru 4 (6 over overall)
Back-to-back birdies for @TigerWoods. He needs a top-5 finish to qualify for the @PlayoffFinale. He's currently 7 shots off the lead (T39).#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/FzMCNQNtQ7 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 29, 2020
Hole 3 – Par 4
Another fairway found, even when driving the ball into the sun on No. 3. From 157 yards out, Woods’ approach is pretty solid, finding the green and 9 feet, 8 inches from the front-right pin. Another chance at a birdie. Let’s see how this putt goes. Nailed it. First birdie of the day. Moving on up the leaderboard.
TIGER ON THE DAY: 1 under thru 3 (7 over overall)
Hole 2 – Par 4
Woods misses the fairway bunkers on this one. His first shot finds the fairway, landing 144 yards from the hole. His second shot finds the green, setting Woods up for a potential 13-foot, 8-inch birdie putt. Remember he ended Friday with a 37-footer. The putt looked perfect until the last inch. It danced along the lip of the cup and stopped rolling on the other side of the opening. It’s a painful two-putt for Woods and another par. Ah, what might have been.
TIGER ON THE DAY: Even thru 2 (8 over overall)
Hole 1 – Par 5
Tiger’s first tee shot of the day lands in the left fairway bunker. Not the best tee shot this week. His shot from the bunker, 320 yards from the hole, makes it to the fairway, but just barely. Woods takes his third shot on the par-5 from 183 yards out. This shot isn’t any better. Along with a big chunk of the fairway and an, “Oh, you jackass,” from Woods, the ball lands in the rough, short of the greenside bunker. Ninety-one feet from the hole, Woods’ game shows a glimmer of hope as he finds the green and the ball rolls just past the hole to the front-right pin. He sinks the 5-foot putt for par.
Tiger has scrambled for par all 3 rounds on the first hole. Today's par might be the most impressive.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/jHY7yGhKaU — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 29, 2020
TIGER ON THE DAY: Even thru 1 (8 over overall)


usatoday--2020-08-29--Big Ten dysfunction shows no sign of waning as options for 2020-21 season considered

BLOOMINGTON , Ind .
– Indiana football coach Tom Allen appeared to go out of his way to avoid direct criticism of the Big Ten last week , speaking about the conference ’ s handling of its postponed football season .
Some of Allen ’ s peers , most notably Ohio State ’ s Ryan Day , Michigan ’ s Jim Harbaugh , Penn State 's James Franklin and Nebraska ’ s Scott Frost , had to varying degrees publicly questioned the league ’ s decision , aired grievances over the deliberative process and politicked for a different outcome .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but in offering his own assessment of the process , he offered perhaps the most succinct summation yet of the melodrama still gripping the country ’ s oldest continuous college conference .
“ When there ’ s a void in communication , ” Allen said , stressing he was speaking from personal experience , “ negativity often fills that void.
” Said negativity has proven difficult for the Big Ten to drive out since its decision to become the first Power Five conference in the country to postpone its fall sports season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A report published Thursday in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel suggested the conference — to this point apparently willing to entertain starting the football season only after the turn of the year — is now considering a possible start around Thanksgiving .
That report set off a tidal wave of additional news Friday from a variety of sources , some directly contradicting one another .
It was suggested at various points by various outlets that a Thanksgiving start was just one of a number of possible scenarios , that conference officials were discussing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that a variety of options were still in play , that some were favored over others , and more .
In short , the communication void remained , and numerous parties remained more than willing to fill it .
Only hindsight will tell us if the Big Ten ’ s decision , followed closely by a similar call from the Pac-12 , was prescient or premature .
The SEC , ACC and Big 12 still intend to press on .
There ’ s even a college football game this weekend , Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ respects , the decision itself is justifiable in any case — the conference didn ’ t feel it had adequate expert information to ensure the health of its athletes and coaches through a fall season .
The failure wasn ’ t in the decision , but rather the lack of leadership and communication since .
It took first-year commissioner Kevin Warren a week to release a two-page letter explaining the reasoning behind the Big Ten ’ s postponement .
Many of his presidents and chancellors have been glaringly absent in supporting him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league ’ s announcement and Warren ’ s letter .
Coaches and , to at least some extent , athletic directors , have continued to push individual agendas .
Parents of players across several programs have voiced frustrations over lack of transparency , first on social media and then with a demonstration outside Big Ten headquarters .
Just this week , eight Nebraska players filed a lawsuit against the conference over its decision .
All that has happened in the space of barely more than two fraught weeks since the Big Ten canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once so proud of its harmonious operation now can ’ t get to grips with spreading dysfunction .
Perhaps the most bemusing part of all this is the degree to which everyone ’ s lost sight of what got the Big Ten here to begin with .
The presidents and chancellors , after consulting experts and expert data , feared they could not confidently promise the safety of fall sports , so they called them off .
Agree with them or don ’ t , but that ’ s what happened .
ACC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tech pushed back two weeks BIG TEN : Plan to play in early 2021 includes using NFL domed stadiums We spend a lot of time in college athletics touting the innovation of ADs and the power of coaches , while ignoring that it ’ s the presidents and chancellors to whom these people report ( much more directly , in fact , to an increasing degree in recent years ) .
And it ’ s the presidents and chancellors who make these decisions .
Things have changed since the Big Ten pushed fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , long seen as crucial to mitigating outbreaks of COVID-19 within tightly clustered groups — like , say , athletic teams — is beginning to hit the market in large numbers .
College classes have started up again across the country , and in some cases shut back down for the rest of the semester almost as quickly .
And , of course , the other three Power Five conferences still plan to go forward with their seasons .
Will circumstances open the Big Ten up to a season starting in November ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pressure exerted by everyone interested in getting back to football made a difference ?
Perhaps .
But ultimately , the failure here wasn ’ t really the decision itself , at least not right now .
It was that void , left unmanaged , that got the Big Ten into this mess .
And Friday ’ s brief-but-chaotic news cycle certainly didn ’ t suggest the conference is on the other side of that yet .

Big Ten dysfunction shows no sign of waning as options for 2020-21 season considered
Show Caption Hide Caption Why college football will never be the same financially USA Today Sports' Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg explain the financial debt college football will incur from a fall without football. USA TODAY
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana football coach Tom Allen appeared to go out of his way to avoid direct criticism of the Big Ten last week, speaking about the conference’s handling of its postponed football season.
Some of Allen’s peers, most notably Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh, Penn State's James Franklin and Nebraska’s Scott Frost, had to varying degrees publicly questioned the league’s decision, aired grievances over the deliberative process and politicked for a different outcome. Allen wouldn’t go that far, but in offering his own assessment of the process, he offered perhaps the most succinct summation yet of the melodrama still gripping the country’s oldest continuous college conference.
“When there’s a void in communication,” Allen said, stressing he was speaking from personal experience, “negativity often fills that void.”
Said negativity has proven difficult for the Big Ten to drive out since its decision to become the first Power Five conference in the country to postpone its fall sports season. So too has the attendant disorder.
A report published Thursday in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel suggested the conference — to this point apparently willing to entertain starting the football season only after the turn of the year — is now considering a possible start around Thanksgiving.
That report set off a tidal wave of additional news Friday from a variety of sources, some directly contradicting one another.
It was suggested at various points by various outlets that a Thanksgiving start was just one of a number of possible scenarios, that conference officials were discussing the possibility in detail at that very moment, that a variety of options were still in play, that some were favored over others, and more.
In short, the communication void remained, and numerous parties remained more than willing to fill it.
Only hindsight will tell us if the Big Ten’s decision, followed closely by a similar call from the Pac-12, was prescient or premature. The SEC, ACC and Big 12 still intend to press on. There’s even a college football game this weekend, Central Arkansas hosting Austin Peay.
In some respects, the decision itself is justifiable in any case — the conference didn’t feel it had adequate expert information to ensure the health of its athletes and coaches through a fall season.
The failure wasn’t in the decision, but rather the lack of leadership and communication since.
It took first-year commissioner Kevin Warren a week to release a two-page letter explaining the reasoning behind the Big Ten’s postponement. Many of his presidents and chancellors have been glaringly absent in supporting him, particularly so in the space between the league’s announcement and Warren’s letter.
Coaches and, to at least some extent, athletic directors, have continued to push individual agendas. Parents of players across several programs have voiced frustrations over lack of transparency, first on social media and then with a demonstration outside Big Ten headquarters. Just this week, eight Nebraska players filed a lawsuit against the conference over its decision.
All that has happened in the space of barely more than two fraught weeks since the Big Ten canceled its fall sports calendar. A conference once so proud of its harmonious operation now can’t get to grips with spreading dysfunction.
Perhaps the most bemusing part of all this is the degree to which everyone’s lost sight of what got the Big Ten here to begin with. The presidents and chancellors, after consulting experts and expert data, feared they could not confidently promise the safety of fall sports, so they called them off. Agree with them or don’t, but that’s what happened.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: How schools are handling attendance, tailgating this fall
ACC: Opener between N.C. State and Virginia Tech pushed back two weeks
COVID CONCERNS: East Carolina-Marshall football game postponed
BIG TEN: Plan to play in early 2021 includes using NFL domed stadiums
We spend a lot of time in college athletics touting the innovation of ADs and the power of coaches, while ignoring that it’s the presidents and chancellors to whom these people report (much more directly, in fact, to an increasing degree in recent years). And it’s the presidents and chancellors who make these decisions.
Things have changed since the Big Ten pushed fall sports off the table. Rapid testing, long seen as crucial to mitigating outbreaks of COVID-19 within tightly clustered groups — like, say, athletic teams — is beginning to hit the market in large numbers. College classes have started up again across the country, and in some cases shut back down for the rest of the semester almost as quickly. And, of course, the other three Power Five conferences still plan to go forward with their seasons.
Will circumstances open the Big Ten up to a season starting in November? It remains to be seen. Has the pressure exerted by everyone interested in getting back to football made a difference? Perhaps.
But ultimately, the failure here wasn’t really the decision itself, at least not right now.
It was that void, left unmanaged, that got the Big Ten into this mess. And Friday’s brief-but-chaotic news cycle certainly didn’t suggest the conference is on the other side of that yet.
Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.