usatoday--2020-07-02--'Don't tell my wine snob friends': Why Americans are buying more boxed wine during COVID-19

Demand for certain supermarket staples has surged in strange ways since COVID-19 began shutting down the economy in March , sometimes causing a panic over products that never were as popular as they are now : Each has seen a dramatic increase in sales as shoppers load up under lockdown orders during the pandemic .
But none seems to have risen to the cultural occasion quite like those cardboard boxes of wine – a cheaper , alternative to bottles that have been around for decades but haven ’ t been considered even borderline cool until recently .
Boxed wine sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ending June 13 compared with the same period last year , outpacing the 29 % increase in overall retail wine sales during the same period , according to Nielsen research .
Some stores temporarily have sold out .
Some consumers are even daring to admit they buy it .
Finding a home : COVID has n't stopped the housing market , but good luck finding a home you can afford Another downturn ?
Will infections spike , state reopening rollbacks hurt recovery or spur a new recession ?
“ Been buying so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start going with boxed wine , ” says a message posted on Instagram in May by a user identified as Sara Stephenson .
“ Shh !
!
Don ’ t tell my wine snob friends !
” The secret has taken time to spread .
Consider the brand Franzia , which has been selling wine in boxes since the 1980s and notched a 27 % increase in sales for the 13 weeks ending June 13 , compared with the same stretch last year , according to Nielsen .
Franzia is not just the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of volume , it ’ s also been the biggest wine brand , period , leading in volume sales for the past 23 years , including 26 million cases sold in 2019 , according to Shanken ’ s Impact Databank , an industry information resource .
Yet its popularity has been relatively hush-hush among wine buyers , largely because of the American cultural stigma attached to boxed wine in general – that it ’ s cheap , sold in bulk and widely available down-market , from Walgreens to Walmart .
In 1999 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question of whether boxed wine was “ socially acceptable ” and called various restaurants asking if it would be OK for a father-in-law with a “ passion for wine-in-a-box ” to bring his own supply .
One restaurant responded by saying , “ I can ’ t have that in the restaurant .
It ’ s a five-star restaurant .
I can ’ t have boxed wine in here .
I hope that doesn ’ t sound too pretentious .
“ The marketing director for Franzia , Collin Cooney , acknowledges the general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have entered the category , the stigma is being overcome.
” The pandemic has accelerated that .
Inexpensive , easy-to-find brands in big supply are now coveted , especially if it ’ s wine that prices out at less than 55 cents per five-ounce glass .
Instead of being a badge of poor taste , boxed wine even has become a popular quarantine prop for Instagram photos , a symbol of stocking up and having fun despite the restraints of social distancing and the widespread loss of income .
“ With everything that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months , consumers are looking to stock up , ” said Cooney of Franzia , which is owned by The Wine Group , based in Livermore , California .
“ They ’ re looking to reduce their overall number of trips to the store , and having a format like a box , particularly Franzia , which has five liters of wine in a single unit and that can stay fresh for up to six weeks after opening it , compared to less than a week for a traditional glass bottle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features.
” Even before the pandemic , there were signs that boxed wine was coming of age .
Companies that make it have a common marketing pitch to meet the moment , saying that its packaging is recyclable , helps reduce waste and better preserves the freshness of the drink , which is kept in a plastic bag , tapped by a spigot and encased in cardboard.Instead of toting six or seven regular glass bottles of wine and recycling them afterward , consumers can get roughly the same amount of wine in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the market after Franzia and have grown for similar reasons .
Three-liter boxes , like those offered by competitor Bota Box , also have exploded in sales during the pandemic , rising 78 % for the 13-week period ending June 7 compared with a year earlier , according to IRI Worldwide data cited by Bota Box , which along with Barefoot On Tap , is among the sales leader in that category .
“ The challenge has been overcoming barriers for new consumers to try boxed wine , which has now been occurring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , '' said Brent Dodd , spokesman for Bota Box , a part of Delicato Family Wines in California .
Boxed wine generally provides much more bang for the buck than glass bottles even though wine sophisticates over the years have derided it as cheap in both cost and taste .
A five-liter box of Franzia contains roughly 34 five-ounce glasses of wine , all for about $ 15 to $ 18 , which amounts to less than 53 cents per glass .
Even premium three-liter boxes retail for only around $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four regular glass bottles .
Anna Bell , vice president of marketing for Barefoot Wine , noted that Barefoot On Tap has increased in sales by 182 % for the 16-week period ending June 14 , compared with a year earlier .
Such sales growth has provided a bright spot for the wine industry in California , where wineries , especially smaller ones , have suffered from the economic shutdowns caused by COVID .
A recent economic report for the California Farm Bureau Federation noted that “ the largest increase in ( wine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products such as boxed wine , indicating that domestic consumers were buying greater quantities.
” A grocery store shopper on Instagram illustrated this in April with a photo of a shopping cart filled with at least seven five-liter boxes of Franzia wine .
“ Just the essentials , ” said the post underneath the photo .
The stigma and shame of it being too cheap and tacky is long gone , boxed out by the coronavirus .
“ More consumers are perceiving wines to be accessible and enjoyable and not necessarily pretentious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s becoming more accessible to the masses .
”

'Don't tell my wine snob friends': Why Americans are buying more boxed wine during COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID: Boxed wine sales increase during pandemic Stigmatized as being both cheap in price and taste, boxed wine has gained newfound popularity during the COVID pandemic. USA TODAY
Demand for certain supermarket staples has surged in strange ways since COVID-19 began shutting down the economy in March, sometimes causing a panic over products that never were as popular as they are now:
Toilet paper.
Disinfectant wipes.
Even wine in a box.
Each has seen a dramatic increase in sales as shoppers load up under lockdown orders during the pandemic.
But none seems to have risen to the cultural occasion quite like those cardboard boxes of wine – a cheaper, alternative to bottles that have been around for decades but haven’t been considered even borderline cool until recently.
Boxed wine sales jumped 36% for the 15-week period ending June 13 compared with the same period last year, outpacing the 29% increase in overall retail wine sales during the same period, according to Nielsen research. Some stores temporarily have sold out. Some consumers are even daring to admit they buy it.
Finding a home: COVID hasn't stopped the housing market, but good luck finding a home you can afford
Another downturn? Will infections spike, state reopening rollbacks hurt recovery or spur a new recession?
“Been buying so much wine lately, we decided to just start going with boxed wine,” says a message posted on Instagram in May by a user identified as Sara Stephenson. “Shh!! Don’t tell my wine snob friends!”
The secret has taken time to spread. Consider the brand Franzia, which has been selling wine in boxes since the 1980s and notched a 27% increase in sales for the 13 weeks ending June 13, compared with the same stretch last year, according to Nielsen. Franzia is not just the world's biggest boxed wine brand in terms of volume, it’s also been the biggest wine brand, period, leading in volume sales for the past 23 years, including 26 million cases sold in 2019, according to Shanken’s Impact Databank, an industry information resource.
Yet its popularity has been relatively hush-hush among wine buyers, largely because of the American cultural stigma attached to boxed wine in general – that it’s cheap, sold in bulk and widely available down-market, from Walgreens to Walmart.
In 1999, the Los Angeles Times posed the question of whether boxed wine was “socially acceptable” and called various restaurants asking if it would be OK for a father-in-law with a “passion for wine-in-a-box” to bring his own supply. One restaurant responded by saying, “I can’t have that in the restaurant. It’s a five-star restaurant. I can’t have boxed wine in here. I hope that doesn’t sound too pretentious. “
The marketing director for Franzia, Collin Cooney, acknowledges the general stigma but says “as more brands have entered the category, the stigma is being overcome.”
The pandemic has accelerated that. Inexpensive, easy-to-find brands in big supply are now coveted, especially if it’s wine that prices out at less than 55 cents per five-ounce glass. Instead of being a badge of poor taste, boxed wine even has become a popular quarantine prop for Instagram photos, a symbol of stocking up and having fun despite the restraints of social distancing and the widespread loss of income.
“With everything that’s been going on the past three months, consumers are looking to stock up,” said Cooney of Franzia, which is owned by The Wine Group, based in Livermore, California. “They’re looking to reduce their overall number of trips to the store, and having a format like a box, particularly Franzia, which has five liters of wine in a single unit and that can stay fresh for up to six weeks after opening it, compared to less than a week for a traditional glass bottle, that is a very appealing set of features.”
Even before the pandemic, there were signs that boxed wine was coming of age. Companies that make it have a common marketing pitch to meet the moment, saying that its packaging is recyclable, helps reduce waste and better preserves the freshness of the drink, which is kept in a plastic bag, tapped by a spigot and encased in cardboard. Instead of toting six or seven regular glass bottles of wine and recycling them afterward, consumers can get roughly the same amount of wine in a single box.
Other brands have entered the market after Franzia and have grown for similar reasons. Three-liter boxes, like those offered by competitor Bota Box, also have exploded in sales during the pandemic, rising 78% for the 13-week period ending June 7 compared with a year earlier, according to IRI Worldwide data cited by Bota Box, which along with Barefoot On Tap, is among the sales leader in that category.
“The challenge has been overcoming barriers for new consumers to try boxed wine, which has now been occurring in large numbers over the past few months," said Brent Dodd, spokesman for Bota Box, a part of Delicato Family Wines in California.
Boxed wine generally provides much more bang for the buck than glass bottles even though wine sophisticates over the years have derided it as cheap in both cost and taste. A five-liter box of Franzia contains roughly 34 five-ounce glasses of wine, all for about $15 to $18, which amounts to less than 53 cents per glass. Even premium three-liter boxes retail for only around $20, which is the equivalent of four regular glass bottles.
Anna Bell, vice president of marketing for Barefoot Wine, noted that Barefoot On Tap has increased in sales by 182% for the 16-week period ending June 14, compared with a year earlier. Such sales growth has provided a bright spot for the wine industry in California, where wineries, especially smaller ones, have suffered from the economic shutdowns caused by COVID-19. A recent economic report for the California Farm Bureau Federation noted that “the largest increase in (wine) sales had come from large volume products such as boxed wine, indicating that domestic consumers were buying greater quantities.”
A grocery store shopper on Instagram illustrated this in April with a photo of a shopping cart filled with at least seven five-liter boxes of Franzia wine.
“Just the essentials,” said the post underneath the photo.
The stigma and shame of it being too cheap and tacky are long gone, boxed out by the coronavirus.
“More consumers are perceiving wines to be accessible and enjoyable and not necessarily pretentious,” Cooney said. “It’s becoming more accessible to the masses.”
Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. E-mail: bschrotenb@usatoday.com


usatoday--2020-07-02--Disappearing cash scares consumers in COVID-19 era

A social media storm kicked up late Saturday and Sunday as Chase banking customers panicked when it seemed as if money suddenly vanished from their bank accounts .
Some consumers who expected to be paid Friday via direct deposit claimed during the weekend Twitterstorm that they still had not seen the money yet .
Oddly enough , some other consumers reported on social media that they were spotting an extra $ 2,500 or so in their Chase bank accounts — money that did n't belong to them .
Chase 's response Sunday on Twitter was : `` We know some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balances in their checking account overnight .
This was caused by a technical issue that delayed updates on what displayed on Chase Mobile & Chase Online .
We resolved this issue as of 9AM ET and accounts now show current balances . ''
Carlene Lule , a spokesperson for JPMorgan Chase , said the technical issue delayed the bank for several hours from posting updated information that consumers could see online or via their mobile app .
`` There ’ s nothing consumers need to do , '' Lule said Monday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call us if they see transactions on their accounts they don ’ t recognize . ''
Chase , the country 's largest bank , did not give any specific details relating the the glitch , leaving many wondering just what did happen here .
Coronavirus treatments : COVID-19 drug remdesivir priced at $ 390 per vial for some patients , $ 520 for others Surviving during the pandemic : A national mask mandate could lower virus infections and help recovery While this incident may be a short-lived snag , consumers can not afford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it comes to bank security .
The coronavirus pandemic has made Americans increasingly reliant on handling their bank accounts online and via mobile apps .
We 're using mobile apps for everything from cashing checks to transferring money to someone else to splitting a check at dinner or paying a bill .
During many coronavirus-related , `` stay-at-home '' orders , many bank branches did n't allow walk-up traffic and were available to customers only by appointment .
So mobile banking is a welcome alternative and may continue to be one for quite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many novice customers now , too , and they might not be familiar with some scams .
`` Studies of U.S. financial data indicate a 50 % surge in mobile banking since the beginning of 2020 , '' according to an FBI alert about cybercrime .
Yet the FBI is warning that we 've got to watch out for : Bad actors are designing apps that impersonate the real apps of real banks .
The goal is to trick you into entering your login credentials .
`` These apps provide an error message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI warned .
The fake app later will use smartphone permission requests to obtain and bypass security codes texted to users .
`` U.S. security research organizations report that in 2018 , nearly 65,000 fake apps were detected on major app stores , making this one of the fastest growing sectors of smartphone-based fraud , '' the FBI said .
Not surprisingly , hackers are out to steal your banking credentials through sophisticated phishing attacks as more people work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic .
And frankly , there may be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began steadily arriving in bank accounts since April .
Even jobless benefits can become a target because they have provided a flow of cash when state benefits are combined with a $ 600 extra weekly payment from the federal government .
`` We 're seeing fraudsters trying to take advantage of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic , '' said Paul Benda , senior vice president of risk and cybersecurity policy at the American Bankers Association .
Benda would expect phishing attempts designed to harvest bank account information to heat up further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stimulus checks .
`` Any time there 's a lot of money flowing from one place to another the fraudsters try to intercept it , '' he said .
In general , con artists might attempt to send you an email claiming that a bank rejected depositing your stimulus payment , and the email could suggest that you need to click on this link to fix the problem .
If you click on the link , of course , you 're possibly downloading malware or being directed to a malicious website .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fake sites and input your account number and password , the criminal has it now and can log in on the legitimate site .
Phishing campaigns in the past have even spoofed the login pages of some Canadian banks .
Phony sites could trick customers into entering a username and password to help a criminal access a bank account and steal money from it .
Banks and others are trying to detect fraud early on , as well .
In 2018 , banks stopped $ 22.3 billion in fraud attempts , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deposit Account Fraud Survey report .
The industry group said banks ’ prevention measures stopped nearly $ 9 out of every $ 10 of attempted fraud .
Even so , it 's up to the consumer to be skeptical and try to spot any trouble , too .
Sometimes , you need to pay extra attention to your bank statements , especially when fraudulent activity is seeing an uptick .
Consumers need to use a two-factor authentication when they access banking via an app to secure accounts against compromise , the FBI said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do is act in haste if you get an email that seems to be alerting you to trouble .
The con artists will always engineer a way to make you act quickly before you might suspect fraud .
So a phishing email might suggest that it 's urgent that you act now if you want to avoid being locked out of your bank account .
Again , do n't click on any links or call any phone numbers listed in that email .
Call your bank directly to see if there is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , has sent notices in the past month to some of its customers that stressed that it 's the customer 's responsibility to examine their statements `` carefully and promptly . ''
Customers need to raise questions when necessary about any errors with electronic transactions or withdrawals .
`` You are in the best position to discover errors and unauthorized transactions on your account . ''
According to federal regulations , customers must notify banks in writing of suspected problems or unauthorized transactions within specific timeframes in order to be fully protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check your deposit agreement for a specific time to report problems .
When it comes to errors involving your debit card or other electronic transactions such as a direct deposit , under the law you must dispute an error within 60 days of the first bank statement that shows the error .
`` You may raise the dispute either in writing or orally , but the bank can ask that you send a written confirmation of the dispute within 10 days of an oral dispute .
It may be a good idea to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have a record of it , '' according to the National Consumer Law Center .
Scams , no doubt , will keep spreading in light of all the stress that consumers face in the COVID-19 era .
Increasingly , you 've got to keep an eye on your bank account too .
ContactSusan Tompor atstompor @ freepress.com .
Follow her on Twitter @ tompor .
Read more on business and sign up for our business newsletter .

Disappearing cash scares consumers in COVID-19 era
A social media storm kicked up this month as Chase banking customers panicked when it seemed as if money vanished from their bank accounts.
Some consumers who expected to be paid via direct deposit claimed during the weekend Twitterstorm that they still had not seen the money yet.
Oddly enough, some other consumers reported on social media that they were spotting an extra $2,500 or so in their Chase bank accounts – money that didn't belong to them.
Chase's response on Twitter was: "We know some customers (are) reporting seeing incorrect balances in their checking account overnight. This was caused by a technical issue that delayed updates on what displayed on Chase Mobile & Chase Online. We resolved this issue as of 9AM ET and accounts now show current balances."
#chasebank Missing $1,000 from my bank account, the app "can't connect with Chase," and online banking isn't even showing transactions from days ago. WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT IT?? — Steven M. Kosciusko (@stevewkoz) June 28, 2020
Carlene Lule, a spokesperson for JPMorgan Chase, said the technical problem delayed the bank for several hours from posting updated information that consumers could see online or via their mobile app.
"There’s nothing consumers need to do," Lule said Monday. "As always, customers can email or call us if they see transactions on their accounts they don’t recognize."
Chase, the country's largest bank, did not give any specific details relating the the glitch, leaving many wondering just what did happen.
Coronavirus treatments: COVID-19 drug remdesivir priced at $390 per vial for some patients, $520 for others
Surviving during the pandemic: A national mask mandate could lower virus infections and help recovery
Though the incident may be a short-lived snag, consumers cannot afford to be too complacent these days when it comes to bank security.
The coronavirus pandemic has made Americans increasingly reliant on handling their bank accounts online and via mobile apps. We're using mobile apps for everything from cashing checks to transferring money to someone else to splitting a check at dinner or paying a bill.
Amid stay-at-home orders nationwide, many bank branches didn't allow walk-up traffic and were available to customers only by appointment. So mobile banking is a welcome alternative and may continue to be one for some time.
Mobile banking is attracting many novice customers now, too, and they might not be familiar with some scams.
"Studies of U.S. financial data indicate a 50% surge in mobile banking since the beginning of 2020," according to an FBI alert about cybercrime.
Yet the FBI is warning that we've got to watch out for:
Fake banking apps
Bad actors are designing apps that impersonate the real apps of real banks. The goal is to trick you into entering your login credentials.
"These apps provide an error message after the attempted login," the FBI warned.
The fake app later will use smartphone permission requests to obtain and bypass security codes texted to users.
"U.S. security research organizations report that in 2018, nearly 65,000 fake apps were detected on major app stores, making this one of the fastest growing sectors of smartphone-based fraud," the FBI said.
Phishing attacks
Not surprisingly, hackers are out to steal your banking credentials through sophisticated phishing attacks as more people work from home amid the pandemic.
And frankly, there may be more money to steal as Economic Impact Payments began steadily arriving in bank accounts since April. Even jobless benefits can become a target because they have provided a flow of cash when state benefits are combined with a $600 extra weekly payment from the federal government.
"We're seeing fraudsters trying to take advantage of the fear and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic," said Paul Benda, senior vice president of risk and cybersecurity policy at the American Bankers Association.
Benda would expect phishing attempts designed to harvest bank account information to heat up further if Congress approves a second round of stimulus checks.
"Any time there's a lot of money flowing from one place to another, the fraudsters try to intercept it," he said.
In general, con artists might attempt to send you an email claiming that a bank rejected depositing your stimulus payment, and the email could suggest you need to click on a link to fix the problem.
If you click on the link, of course, you're possibly downloading malware or being directed to a malicious website.
If you go to one of these fake sites and input your account number and password, the criminal has it now and can log in on the legitimate site.
Phishing campaigns in the past have even spoofed the login pages of some Canadian banks. Phony sites could trick customers into entering a username and password to help a criminal access a bank account and steal money from it.
My money is back in my account.Let's hope everyone gets their money back fast.During these times every cent matters #chasebank — Francisco Mendoza (@KingFrankThe1st) June 28, 2020
Banks and others are trying to detect fraud early on, as well.
In 2018, banks stopped $22.3 billion in fraud attempts, according to the American Bankers Association’s 2019 Deposit Account Fraud Survey report. The industry group said banks’ prevention measures stopped nearly $9 out of every $10 of attempted fraud.
Even so, it's up to the consumer to be skeptical and try to spot any trouble, too. Sometimes, you need to pay extra attention to your bank statements, especially when fraudulent activity is seeing an increase.
Consumers need to use a two-factor authentication when they access banking via an app to secure accounts against compromise, the FBI said.
What you don't want to do is act in haste if you get an email that seems to be alerting you to trouble. The con artists will always engineer a way to make you act quickly before you might suspect fraud.
So a phishing email might suggest that it's urgent that you act now if you want to avoid being locked out of your bank account. Again, don't click on any links or call any phone numbers listed in that email. Call your bank directly to see if there is a problem.
And review your bank statements regularly.
Bank of America, for example, has sent notices in the past month to some of its customers that stressed that it's the customer's responsibility to examine their statements "carefully and promptly." Customers need to raise questions when necessary about any errors with electronic transactions or withdrawals.
"You are in the best position to discover errors and unauthorized transactions on your account."
According to federal regulations, customers must notify banks in writing of suspected problems or unauthorized transactions within specific timeframes in order to be fully protected against losses. You'd need to check your deposit agreement for a specific time to report problems.
When it comes to errors involving your debit card or other electronic transactions such as a direct deposit, under the law you must dispute an error within 60 days of the first bank statement that shows the error.
"You may raise the dispute either in writing or orally, but the bank can ask that you send a written confirmation of the dispute within 10 days of an oral dispute. It may be a good idea to submit a dispute in writing so that you have a record of it," according to the National Consumer Law Center.
Scams, no doubt, will keep spreading in light of all the stress that consumers face in the COVID-19 era. Increasingly, you've got to keep an eye on your bank account too.
Contact Susan Tompor at stompor@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @tompor. Read more on business and sign up for our business newsletter.


usatoday--2020-07-02--'That thing is definitely cooking': Tornado touches down in Kismet, Kansas

A tornado formed near Kismet , Kansas , on July 1 , with the National Weather Service confirming the funnel @ @ @ @

Tornado touches down in Kismet, Kansas
A tornado formed near Kismet, Kansas, on July 1, with the National Weather Service confirming the funnel hit the ground.
Storyful


usatoday--2020-07-02--Researchers have figured out what flying snakes actually do when in the air

Flying snakes : Researchers have concluded they undulate in the air The mystery behind flying snakes has been solved by @ @ @ @ @ Virginia Tech .

Flying snakes: Researchers have concluded they undulate in the air
The mystery behind flying snakes has been solved by a team of researchers from Virginia Tech.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-01--Baby in diaper nails bottle flip challenge twice in a row

This baby doing the bottle flip challenge will blow your mind .

Baby nails bottle flip challenge twice
This baby doing the bottle flip challenge will blow your mind.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-02--'I don't know what the Russians have on the president': Pelosi slams Trump over reported bounty on U

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday denounced President Donald Trump 's response to news reports that Russia placed a bounty on U.S. troops in Afghanistan and repeated an unsubstantiated theory that the Russian President Vladimir Putin has some kind of leverage over Trump .
On Friday , The New York Times reported Trump and the National Security Council had been briefed on an intelligence report that a clandestine Russian unit had offered rewards to Afghan militants who successfully attacked coalition and U.S. troops .
On Sunday , Trump took to Twitter to deny knowing about the report and to disparage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is as bad as it gets , and yet the president will not confront the Russians on this score , denies being briefed , '' Pelosi told ABC `` This Week '' host George Stephanopoulos .
`` Just as I have said to the president , with him all roads lead to Putin .
I do n't know what the Russians have on the president , politically , personally , financially , or whatever it is . ''
Stephanopoulos asked Pelosi to elaborate on her claim that the Russians `` have something on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the logical explanation for Trump 's refusal to accept intelligence reports that implicate Russia , such as the consensus that Russia intervened in the 2016 election with the aim of aiding his candidacy .
`` Now , he 's saying this is fake news .
Why would he say that ?
Why would n't he say , 'Let 's look into it and sees what this ? '
'' she asked .
`` And he 's engaged in peace negotiations with the Taliban and he 's kissing up to Putin in every way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ G-7 , even though he annexed Crimea and caused death and destruction in Ukraine .
So totally irresponsible .
Something is wrong with this picture . ''
'Nobody briefed or told me ' : Trump denies knowing about intelligence report that Russia put bounty on U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan Claims and conspiracies about Trump 's ties to Russia proliferated during the first two years of Trump 's presidency amid an investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives working to interfere in the 2016 election .
Former special counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities '' though his report `` identified numerous links between the Russian government and the Trump Campaign '' and said the Trump campaign `` expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian effort . ''
During his July 2019 testimony before the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees , Mueller said the possibility that Russia was extorting Trump was a counterintelligence issue and beyond the scope of his report .
In a report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hillary Clinton 's campaign , former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele alleged Russia had blackmail material on Trump .
But much of Steele 's report has not been corroborated and critics have dismissed his claims as a politically motivated smear intended to discredit Trump .
Trump has repeatedly denied any ties to Russia and derided the allegations against him as a `` hoax '' and `` witch hunt . ''
Pelosi , who is part of the `` Gang of Eight '' congressional leaders who receive intelligence reports , said she had not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian bounty .
She called for an intelligence report on the matter to be submitted to Congress and vowed to determine if the president was briefed about it .
Pelosi said it would raise troubling questions if Trump was not briefed about such an important issue .
`` What does that say about the concern that those who briefed the president have about not going anywhere near the Russia issue with this president ? ''
she asked .
Concerns about the administration 's handling of the reported bounty were not limited to Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R-Wy.
, said in a tweet Sunday that if the report is accurate , `` the White House must explain '' why the president and vice president were not briefed on the matter , who did not about it and when , and what has been done to `` hold Putin accountable . ''
Trump 's former national security adviser John Bolton , who just published a scathing book about the president and his handling of foreign affairs , said Sunday on CNN `` State of the Union '' that if he thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` I would have revealed it because I think that would be the most disturbing thing you could imagine . ''
Bolton instead ascribed Trump 's apparent unwillingness to confront Putin to his `` affinity for strong , authoritarian leaders . ''
`` I think his policies with respect to Russian assertiveness against the United States have been wildly inconsistent , tough on one aspect , weak on another , '' Bolton said .
`` And I think that 's also part of the problem .
To have a sustained strategic view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a clear understanding of your objectives , you have to have policies that make sense over a long period of time .
That 's not the way that we do business with Russia , at least not in the Trump administration . ''
Bolton stressed that the news reports about the Russian bounty on U.S. troops were unconfirmed and that much remained unknown .
`` If it is true – underline the word if – that they are paying surrogates to kill Americans , this is one of the most serious matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Trump administration , '' he said .
Bolton said he was `` puzzled '' by Trump 's tweets insisting he had not been briefed on the matter .
`` The fact that the president feels compelled to tweet about the news story here shows that what his fundamental focus is , is not the security of our forces , but whether he looks like he was n't paying attention , '' Bolton said .
`` So , he 's saying : 'Well , nobody told me .
Therefore , you ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : John Bolton says Trump 's White House was 'like living inside a pinball machine '

'I don't know what the Russians have on the president': Pelosi slams Trump over reported bounty on US troops
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump met with protest as he arrives at golf club President Donald Trump was visiting Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Virginia on Saturday, after he cancelled a trip to a golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey this weekend. (June 27) AP
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Sunday denounced President Donald Trump's response to news reports that Russia placed a bounty on U.S. troops in Afghanistan and repeated an unsubstantiated theory that the Russian President Vladimir Putin has some kind of leverage over Trump.
On Friday, The New York Times reported Trump and the National Security Council had been briefed on an intelligence report that a clandestine Russian unit had offered rewards to Afghan militants who successfully attacked coalition and U.S. troops. On Sunday, Trump took to Twitter to deny knowing about the report and to disparage the Times' reporting.
"This is as bad as it gets, and yet the president will not confront the Russians on this score, denies being briefed," Pelosi told ABC "This Week" host George Stephanopoulos. "Just as I have said to the president, with him all roads lead to Putin. I don't know what the Russians have on the president, politically, personally, financially, or whatever it is."
Stephanopoulos asked Pelosi to elaborate on her claim that the Russians "have something on him."
Pelosi said it was the logical explanation for Trump's refusal to accept intelligence reports that implicate Russia, such as the consensus that Russia intervened in the 2016 election with the aim of aiding his candidacy.
"Now, he's saying this is fake news. Why would he say that? Why wouldn't he say, 'Let's look into it and sees what this?'" she asked. "And he's engaged in peace negotiations with the Taliban and he's kissing up to Putin in every way, saying they should be in the G-7, even though he annexed Crimea and caused death and destruction in Ukraine. So totally irresponsible. Something is wrong with this picture."
'Nobody briefed or told me': Trump denies knowing about intelligence report that Russia put bounty on U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan
Claims and conspiracies about Trump's ties to Russia proliferated during the first two years of Trump's presidency amid an investigation into potential collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian operatives working to interfere in the 2016 election.
Former special counsel Robert Mueller did not find evidence "that members of the Trump Campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities" though his report "identified numerous links between the Russian government and the Trump Campaign" and said the Trump campaign "expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian effort."
During his July 2019 testimony before the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees, Mueller said the possibility that Russia was extorting Trump was a counterintelligence issue and beyond the scope of his report. In a report commissioned by a research firm working for Hillary Clinton's campaign, former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele alleged Russia had blackmail material on Trump. But much of Steele's report has not been corroborated and critics have dismissed his claims as a politically motivated smear intended to discredit Trump.
Trump has repeatedly denied any ties to Russia and derided the allegations against him as a "hoax" and "witch hunt."
Pelosi, who is part of the "Gang of Eight" congressional leaders who receive intelligence reports, said she had not been briefed on the intelligence about the Russian bounty. She called for an intelligence report on the matter to be submitted to Congress and vowed to determine if the president was briefed about it. Pelosi said it would raise troubling questions if Trump was not briefed about such an important issue.
"What does that say about the concern that those who briefed the president have about not going anywhere near the Russia issue with this president?" she asked.
Concerns about the administration's handling of the reported bounty were not limited to Democrats like Pelosi.
Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wy., said in a tweet Sunday that if the report is accurate, "the White House must explain" why the president and vice president were not briefed on the matter, who did not about it and when, and what has been done to "hold Putin accountable."
Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton, who just published a scathing book about the president and his handling of foreign affairs, said Sunday on CNN "State of the Union" that if he thought the Russians had compromising information on Trump, "I would have revealed it because I think that would be the most disturbing thing you could imagine."
Bolton instead ascribed Trump's apparent unwillingness to confront Putin to his "affinity for strong, authoritarian leaders."
"I think his policies with respect to Russian assertiveness against the United States have been wildly inconsistent, tough on one aspect, weak on another," Bolton said. "And I think that's also part of the problem. To have a sustained strategic view of U.S.-Russia relations, you have to have a clear understanding of your objectives, you have to have policies that make sense over a long period of time. That's not the way that we do business with Russia, at least not in the Trump administration."
Bolton stressed that the news reports about the Russian bounty on U.S. troops were unconfirmed and that much remained unknown.
"If it is true – underline the word if – that they are paying surrogates to kill Americans, this is one of the most serious matters, I think, that has arisen in the Trump administration," he said.
Bolton said he was "puzzled" by Trump's tweets insisting he had not been briefed on the matter.
"The fact that the president feels compelled to tweet about the news story here shows that what his fundamental focus is, is not the security of our forces, but whether he looks like he wasn't paying attention," Bolton said. "So, he's saying: 'Well, nobody told me. Therefore, you can't blame me.'"
Exclusive: John Bolton says Trump's White House was 'like living inside a pinball machine'
Contributing: Michael Collins


usatoday--2020-07-02--Influencers use Breonna Taylor memes to keep 'pressure' on public, Louisville police

While these images have no direct connection to police brutality or Black Lives Matter , they have all been used to promote the same message : `` Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor . ''
Celebrities , influencers and activists are saturating social media with memes that target audiences— whether sports fans , plant lovers or foodies — then shift the focus to Taylor 's death .
Taylor , a 26-year-old EMT , was fatally shot at her apartment on March 13 by Louisville police officers serving a no-knock warrant .
Her boyfriend fired a shot as officers entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taylor was shot eight times when officers returned gunfire .
One officer , Brett Hankison , has been fired .
Two officers have been placed on administrative reassignment .
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron , serving as special prosecutor in the case , said his office is investigating the conduct of the officers and has not announced any charges .
The case stands out from other recent killings because the officers have not been prosecuted , said Scott Roberts , senior director of criminal justice campaigns for Color of Change , whereas officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases were arrested and charged .
Many feel that the cases of Black women killed by police are historically overlooked and neglected , Roberts said .
`` It can drift away from our memory and next thing we know the folks who need to be held accountable feel like the pressure is lessened and they don ’ t have to act , '' Roberts said .
“ However , we have to keep this on our minds and on our hearts . ''
Social justice experts say the memes are a form of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public eye .
Adielenah Perez , a self-proclaimed plant enthusiast , has created memes to attract her following of plant lovers on Instagram .
One post starts off with `` 3 Ways to Care for Picky Plants '' with No .
1 being `` Arrest and charge the officers who killed Breonna Taylor and cancel their pensions . ''
“ It became important to me to recognize that that ’ s who is paying attention to me , ” Perez said .
“ And I don ’ t want to talk about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the memes list specific actions , such as calling Louisville , Kentucky authorities and demanding the arrest of the officers involved .
The Breonna Taylor memes have taken both a direct and humorous tone .
For example , one meme shared by rapper T.I .
starts off saying he 's creating an `` OnlyFans '' page but then directs people to call Wine 's office to get the link and ask officials to arrest the officers .
Another features a `` Justice for Breonna Taylor checklist '' with boxes outlining `` fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convicted '' and `` imprisoned '' for each officer involved .
Social media influencer Kendra Thompson said the ongoing police killings of Black people is frustrating .
Thompson , who lives in Louisville , said her community is saddened that there are no charges in Taylor 's case .
She decided that instead of creating memes , she would organize 12 fellow Black female influencers to join her in taking photos of themselves with each word of `` Today is a good day to arrest the cops that killed Breonna Taylor . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and has been widely shared .
`` I want to make sure the people on my platform are seeing these injustices , '' Thompson said .
“ I think that constantly applying pressure is important.
” Researchers say the growing movement to get justice for Taylor — whether using creative memes or a hashtag — has made it hard for the public to ignore the case .
The # justiceforbreonnataylor hashtag has been used in 1.5 million posts in the last two months .
Data shows the hashtag peaked on June 5 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a survey by the Pew Research Center , 80 % of Black people believe social media highlights important issues that may not otherwise get much attention .
The survey also found that Black people are more likely than white people to use social media as a platform to express their own political opinions or find others who share their views .
Some critics , however , argue that humorous memes are ineffective for social media protests .
Seft Hunter , director of Black-led organizing at Community Change , said the memes could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriously .
`` I categorically draw the line of anything that could potentially diminish the loss of life in this case , '' Hunter said .
`` And things that could create additional harm or pain to the family or to the loved ones . ''
But Brian Friedberg , a senior researcher at Harvard 's Shorenstein Center on Media , Politics and Public Policy , said without the memes and the social media protests , Taylor 's death could have remained a local issue .
The police killing did n't gain national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously a complexly buried story that activists were able to effectively mobilize in a short period of time by connecting it to influencers , '' Friedberg said .
“ The movement for Black lives is no longer able to be suppressed .
”

Influencers use Breonna Taylor memes to demand arrest of Louisville police
Show Caption Hide Caption Breonna Taylor shooting: Officer involved fired by Louisville police Officer Brett Hankison was one of three officers that fired a weapon into Breonna Taylor's apartment. USA TODAY
A cookie recipe. An NBA schedule. A "Wheel of Fortune" board.
While these images have no direct connection to police brutality or Black Lives Matter, they have all been used to promote the same message: Arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor.
Celebrities, influencers and activists are saturating social media with memes that target audiences – whether sports fans, plant lovers or foodies – then shift the focus to Taylor's death.
Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT, was fatally shot at her apartment on March 13 by Louisville police officers serving a no-knock warrant. Her boyfriend fired a shot as officers entered, thinking they were intruders, and Taylor was shot eight times when officers returned gunfire.
One officer, Brett Hankison, has been fired. Two officers have been placed on administrative reassignment. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, serving as special prosecutor in the case, said his office is investigating the conduct of the officers and has not announced any charges. The FBI is also investigating the case.
The case stands out from other recent killings because the officers have not been prosecuted, said Scott Roberts, senior director of criminal justice campaigns for Color of Change, whereas officers in the George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks cases were arrested and charged.
Many feel that the cases of Black women killed by police are historically overlooked and neglected, Roberts said.
"It can drift away from our memory and next thing we know the folks who need to be held accountable feel like the pressure is lessened and they don’t have to act," Roberts said. “However, we have to keep this on our minds and on our hearts."
Adielenah Perez, a self-proclaimed plant enthusiast, has created memes to attract her following of plant lovers on Instagram.
One post starts off with "3 Ways to Care for Picky Plants" with No. 1 being "Arrest and charge the officers who killed Breonna Taylor and cancel their pensions."
“It became important to me to recognize that that’s who is paying attention to me,” Perez said. “And I don’t want to talk about plants right now.”
The secret to making shrimp and grits is to start by peeling two pounds of shrimp. Make a stock with the shrimp shells in a carrot, celery, and onion reduction. Finally, use that delicious stock as the base for your grits and arrest the three police who murdered Breonna Taylor. — jonathan brown (@jonbrownmusic) June 19, 2020
In many cases, the memes list specific actions, such as calling Louisville, Kentucky, authorities and demanding the arrest of the officers involved.
At a news conference last month, Cameron acknowledged that his office had received calls from the public.
"To those across the country we’ve heard from with cards, emails and calls, and who are asking us to complete the investigation as soon as possible, we hear you, and we are working around the clock to follow the law to the truth," Cameron said. "Everyone involved in this case deserves nothing less."
The Breonna Taylor memes have taken both a direct and humorous tone.
For example, one meme shared by rapper T.I. starts off saying he's creating an "OnlyFans" page but then directs people to call Kentucky authorities to get the link and ask them to arrest the officers.
Another features a "Justice for Breonna Taylor checklist" with boxes outlining "fired," "arrested," "convicted" and "imprisoned" for each officer involved.
Social media influencer Kendra Thompson said the ongoing police killings of Black people is frustrating. Thompson, who lives in Louisville, said her community is saddened that there are no charges in Taylor's case.
She decided that instead of creating memes, she would organize 12 fellow Black female influencers to join her in taking photos of themselves with each word of "Today is a good day to arrest the cops that killed Breonna Taylor." It currently has more than 19,000 likes and has been widely shared.
"I want to make sure the people on my platform are seeing these injustices," Thompson said. “I think that constantly applying pressure is important.”
Researchers say the growing movement to get justice for Taylor – whether using creative memes or a hashtag – has made it hard for the public to ignore the case.
The #justiceforbreonnataylor hashtag has been used in 1.5 million posts in the past two months. Data shows the hashtag peaked on June 5 and again on June 18.
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 80% of Black people believe social media highlights important issues that may not otherwise get much attention. The survey also found that Black people are more likely than white people to use social media as a platform to express their own political opinions or find others who share their views.
Some critics, however, argue that humorous memes are ineffective for social media protests.
Seft Hunter, director of Black-led organizing at Community Change, said the memes could be perceived as not taking Taylor's death seriously.
"I categorically draw the line of anything that could potentially diminish the loss of life in this case," Hunter said. "And things that could create additional harm or pain to the family or to the loved ones."
But Brian Friedberg, a senior researcher at Harvard's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, said without the memes and the social media protests, Taylor's death could have remained a local issue.
The police killing didn't gain national momentum until May.
“This was previously a complexly buried story that activists were able to effectively mobilize in a short period of time by connecting it to influencers," Friedberg said. “The movement for Black lives is no longer able to be suppressed.”


usatoday--2020-07-02--Trump-Biden campaign could be shortest ever, due to COVID, racial tensions and job losses

As much as I distrust political polls , I tend to believe that the current readings are correct : If the 2020 election were held today , Joe Biden would win — maybe not by as much as 14 points , as one poll showed last month , but by a comfortable margin .
Two problems .
The election isn ’ t today , it ’ s still four months off , and polls only provide a snapshot of how things stand when they are conducted .
Moreover , pollsters and pundits are evaluating this presidential election as if it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on how things usually play out from Independence Day forward .
But 2020 is different : This will be the shortest presidential campaign on record — a campaign that hasn ’ t even begun , despite the activities of the candidates .
Americans aren ’ t thinking about elections .
They might be willing to speak to pollsters , but they ’ re preoccupied with rebounding COVID-19 , growing rage over racism , and economic volatility .
These issues do have deep political dimensions , but with summer upon us , folks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be without kids ’ programs , vacations , and entertainment options .
That will change by September .
Americans are focused on other issues right now Meanwhile , President Donald Trump is self-destructing , which is encouraging for Democrats .
His first campaign rally since the pandemic struck was a fiasco .
His tweets are increasingly ill-considered — even for him .
The base to which he panders appears to be shrinking .
Joe Biden , although he has finally ventured out of his basement bunker , is playing a game of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dope .
But I ’ m not convinced that Biden can just float along the ropes , Ali-style , until November .
I do , however , support Biden ’ s low-profile strategy for now .
As the saying goes , never interrupt an incumbent president while he ’ s digging his own grave .
The Biden campaign would gain nothing by pressing harder while Trump is floundering .
Besides , the public has lost its appetite for lofty campaign promises and multitudinous multi-point plans .
Independence Day cloud : This July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump on Russian bounty to Taliban The first signs of meaningful life in the 2020 campaign will come at convention time — Aug. 17 for Democrats in Milwaukee and Aug. 24 for Republicans in Jacksonville .
But even these events are likely to be underwhelming , with fewer delegates in the halls , pooled TV coverage , and presidential candidates whose status we ’ ve known for many months .
This presidential campaign begins in earnest after Labor Day .
What seemed at the start of 2019 to be a marathon will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who traipsed across Iowa and other early-voting states during 2019 , covering a crowded field of Democrats , wasted our time — as did the candidates .
It meant nothing .
This was supposed to be the process by which the fittest candidate would emerge , but all the rallies and picnics and interviews and bus rides — all of it — added up to zero .
Biden ran a rather dull primary campaign .
He finished fourth in Iowa , fifth in New Hampshire , and lost to Bernie Sanders by double @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in no way whatsoever on over a year of campaigning — Democratic leaders , media and South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn decided that a Democrat couldn ’ t win without minority support ( which is true ) and that Biden had the most of it ( also true ) .
Everything that followed was perfunctory .
Once Sanders dropped out , the campaign became a yawn , although media tried to keep it going with chatter about who Biden would pick as a running mate .
When the pandemic hit , even that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s how it will be until Labor Day .
Trump will then have two months to figure out what he might care to do in a second term — something he was uncertain about during his recent interview with Sean Hannity .
He ’ ll have to hope against hope that the virus subsides quickly and with it unemployment , which means a lot more than the Dow Jones average .
Inexplicable : Why is Trump trying to kill the Affordable Care Act as COVID-19 spikes across America ?
Biden will have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I hope his polling lead gives him the courage to pick a vice presidential candidate without regard to race .
A New York Times poll showed that four in five registered voters believe race shouldn ’ t be a factor ; even three of every four black voters felt that way .
During the 2020 campaign ’ s slow-walk through summer , our focus should be on curbing the virus , staying safe , and maybe chilling in front of the TV watching some fan-free NBA and MLB games .
As for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I care to hear from them is : See you in September .
Peter Funt is a writer and host of `` Candid Camera . ''

Trump-Biden campaign could be shortest ever, due to COVID, racial tensions and job losses During the slow-walk through summer, we should curb the virus, stay safe and watch TV. All I want to hear from Trump and Biden: See you in September.
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden criticizes President Trump's response during COVID-19 pandemic During a speech in Delaware, Vice President Joe Biden criticized President Donald Trump for his handling of the pandemic. USA TODAY
As much as I distrust political polls, I tend to believe that the current readings are correct: If the 2020 election were held today, Joe Biden would win — maybe not by as much as 14 points, as one poll showed last month, but by a comfortable margin.
Two problems. The election isn’t today, it’s still four months off, and polls only provide a snapshot of how things stand when they are conducted. Moreover, pollsters and pundits are evaluating this presidential election as if it can be judged by the calendar, based on how things usually play out from Independence Day forward. But 2020 is different: This will be the shortest presidential campaign on record — a campaign that hasn’t even begun, despite the activities of the candidates.
Americans aren’t thinking about elections. They might be willing to speak to pollsters, but they’re preoccupied with rebounding COVID-19, growing rage over racism, and economic volatility. These issues do have deep political dimensions, but with summer upon us, folks are understandably distracted by how tough it will be without kids’ programs, vacations, and entertainment options. That will change by September.
How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Americans are focused on other issues right now
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is self-destructing, which is encouraging for Democrats. His first campaign rally since the pandemic struck was a fiasco. His tweets are increasingly ill-considered — even for him. The base to which he panders appears to be shrinking.
Joe Biden, although he has finally ventured out of his basement bunker, is playing a game of rope-a-dope. Yes, Trump behaves like a dope. But I’m not convinced that Biden can just float along the ropes, Ali-style, until November.
I do, however, support Biden’s low-profile strategy for now. As the saying goes, never interrupt an incumbent president while he’s digging his own grave. The Biden campaign would gain nothing by pressing harder while Trump is floundering. Besides, the public has lost its appetite for lofty campaign promises and multitudinous multi-point plans.
Independence Day cloud: This July Fourth, deaths of three Marines haunt Trump on Russian bounty to Taliban
The first signs of meaningful life in the 2020 campaign will come at convention time — Aug. 17 for Democrats in Milwaukee and Aug. 24 for Republicans in Jacksonville. But even these events are likely to be underwhelming, with fewer delegates in the halls, pooled TV coverage, and presidential candidates whose status we’ve known for many months.
This presidential campaign begins in earnest after Labor Day. What seemed at the start of 2019 to be a marathon will be a two-month sprint.
Stay safe and watch TV until Labor Day
Those of us who traipsed across Iowa and other early-voting states during 2019, covering a crowded field of Democrats, wasted our time — as did the candidates. It meant nothing. This was supposed to be the process by which the fittest candidate would emerge, but all the rallies and picnics and interviews and bus rides — all of it — added up to zero.
Biden ran a rather dull primary campaign. He finished fourth in Iowa, fifth in New Hampshire, and lost to Bernie Sanders by double digits in Nevada. Then — based in no way whatsoever on over a year of campaigning — Democratic leaders, media and South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn decided that a Democrat couldn’t win without minority support (which is true) and that Biden had the most of it (also true). Everything that followed was perfunctory.
Once Sanders dropped out, the campaign became a yawn, although media tried to keep it going with chatter about who Biden would pick as a running mate. When the pandemic hit, even that was a bore.
And that’s how it will be until Labor Day. Trump will then have two months to figure out what he might care to do in a second term — something he was uncertain about during his recent interview with Sean Hannity. He’ll have to hope against hope that the virus subsides quickly and with it unemployment, which means a lot more than the Dow Jones average.
Inexplicable: Why is Trump trying to kill the Affordable Care Act as COVID-19 spikes across America?
Biden will have a running mate to help with the sprint. I hope his polling lead gives him the courage to pick a vice presidential candidate without regard to race. A New York Times poll showed that four in five registered voters believe race shouldn’t be a factor; even three of every four black voters felt that way.
During the 2020 campaign’s slow-walk through summer, our focus should be on curbing the virus, staying safe, and maybe chilling in front of the TV watching some fan-free NBA and MLB games. As for the two candidates, the only message I care to hear from them is: See you in September.
Peter Funt is a writer and host of "Candid Camera."


Games, puzzles, more!

USA TODAY and the Smithsonian Institution have partnered to create a summer road trip-themed learning guide packed full of games @ @ @ @ @ other activities alongside features about items in the Smithsonian ’ s collection .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ , but fun for anyone .
Some of the interactive and educational features : • @ @ @ @ @ the National Air & Space Museum , then make your own from a paper towel @ @ @ @ @ .
• From the National Museum of American History ’ s recipe collection , cook @ @ @ @ @ .
• Read about migratory birds from the National Museum of Natural History – and @ @ @ @ @ • Document the journey with a postcard to a friend and design the stamp .
@ @ @ @ @ are in English and Spanish to support bilingual readers .

Parents: Download the free summer activity guide from the Smithsonian and USA TODAY
USA TODAY and the Smithsonian Institution have partnered to create a summer road trip-themed learning guide packed full of games, puzzles, recipes and other activities alongside features about items in the Smithsonian’s collection. It's primarily for students ages 6-12, but fun for anyone.
Some of the interactive and educational features:
Learn about a biplane from the National Air & Space Museum, then make your own from a paper towel roll and other household items.
From the National Museum of American History’s recipe collection, cook Louisiana-inspired red beans and rice.
Read about migratory birds from the National Museum of Natural History – and build your own binoculars.
Unscramble letters to learn about marshland creatures.
Document the journey with a postcard to a friend and design the stamp.
Some of the activities are in English and Spanish to support bilingual readers.
View and download the learning guide: http://s.si.edu/SummerRoadtrip


usatoday--2020-07-03--'Egregious conduct': Ohio sheriff's deputy kicked jail inmate in the head with his work boot, video

CINCINNATI — An Ohio sheriff 's deputy faces an assault charge after officials say he kicked a jail inmate in the head after the man bit his boot .
Sgt .
Jesse Franklin is charged with one count of misdemeanor assault , which is punishable by up to six months in jail .
Franklin has worked for the Hamilton County Sheriff 's Office for 14 years .
The inmate , Nick Ballachino , was taken to the jail by Cincinnati police June 9 after being arrested on charges of disorderly conduct while intoxicated and obstructing police .
Ballachino became combative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process him after he arrived at the jail , according to a news release from Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters .
Floyd protests:5 ways to reduce police misconduct , use of force and racial profiling Several officers quickly subdued Ballachino .
He was handcuffed and face down on the floor when , according to Deters , he bit Franklin 's left work boot .
`` Video from the Justice Center shows Franklin immediately kicking Ballachino one time in the head , '' Deters said in the new release .
Ballachino sustained a cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stitches .
Deters said the injury was not serious enough for a felony assault charge .
Both men are white .
`` Not everyone has the temperament to be a police officer , '' Deters said .
`` In this case , and as I have throughout my career , when I see criminal violations , I will pursue them according to the law . ''
Franklin has been suspended without pay and his police powers have been stripped , Sheriff Jim Neil said at a press conference Thursday .
Franklin was arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Center , the same location where the incident occurred .
Neil said he ordered a criminal investigation as soon as he became aware of what happened .
” I am outraged and shocked by this egregious conduct , ” Neil said .
“ These actions are inconsistent with our training and will not be tolerated under my watch.
” Neil said a disciplinary process must be followed due to a collective bargaining agreement between deputies and the county .
The sheriff would not comment further about the investigation because he does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Kevin Grasha and Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer

'Egregious conduct': Ohio sheriff's deputy kicked jail inmate in the head with his work boot, video shows
Show Caption Hide Caption Video of jail incident that led to charges against deputy Hamilton County sheriff's Sgt. Jesse Franklin faces an assault charge after officials say he kicked a jail inmate in the head after the man bit his boot. Provided/Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office
CINCINNATI — An Ohio sheriff's deputy faces an assault charge after officials say he kicked a jail inmate in the head after the man bit his boot.
Sgt. Jesse Franklin is charged with one count of misdemeanor assault, which is punishable by up to six months in jail.
Franklin has worked for the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for 14 years.
The inmate, Nick Ballachino, was taken to the jail by Cincinnati police June 9 after being arrested on charges of disorderly conduct while intoxicated and obstructing police.
Ballachino became combative with corrections officers who were trying to process him after he arrived at the jail, according to a news release from Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters.
Floyd protests: 5 ways to reduce police misconduct, use of force and racial profiling
Several officers quickly subdued Ballachino. He was handcuffed and face down on the floor when, according to Deters, he bit Franklin's left work boot.
"Video from the Justice Center shows Franklin immediately kicking Ballachino one time in the head," Deters said in the new release.
Ballachino sustained a cut above his left eye that required five stitches. Deters said the injury was not serious enough for a felony assault charge. Both men are white.
"Not everyone has the temperament to be a police officer," Deters said. "In this case, and as I have throughout my career, when I see criminal violations, I will pursue them according to the law."
Police chiefs: Mounting pressure to alter operations, persistent Covid threat prompts unease
Franklin has been suspended without pay and his police powers have been stripped, Sheriff Jim Neil said at a press conference Thursday.
Franklin was arrested Thursday and booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center, the same location where the incident occurred.
Neil said he ordered a criminal investigation as soon as he became aware of what happened.
”I am outraged and shocked by this egregious conduct,” Neil said. “These actions are inconsistent with our training and will not be tolerated under my watch.”
Neil said a disciplinary process must be followed due to a collective bargaining agreement between deputies and the county.
The sheriff would not comment further about the investigation because he does not want to jeopardize it, he said.


usatoday--2020-07-03--Gen. Milley: Some soldiers mobilized to DC amid Black Lives Matter protests were issued bayonets

WASHINGTON – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said that some soldiers deployed to Washington , D.C. to possibly assist in thwarting Black Lives Matter protests were issued bayonets , USA TODAY has confirmed .
Members of the Army ’ s 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment , known as the `` Old Guard '' , based just outside the nation 's capital , were mobilized early last month in response to demonstrations over police brutality following the death of George Floyd .
On June 2 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were issued bayonets but were instructed to keep them in their `` scabbards and not fixed to weapons , '' Milley told two U.S .
Congressmen in a letter .
The letter is dated June 26 and addressed to Democratic Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Rep. Ted Lieu of California , who had penned a letter to Milley on June 22 , expressing concern that bayonets would escalate any potential violence at protests .
More : George Floyd is not alone . '
I can ’ t breathe ' uttered by dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the order to mobilize the service members came from Army Maj. Gen. Omar Jones , who serves as commander of the military district of Washington .
Members of neither the 82nd Airborne Division nor The Old Guard were never sent into the city to respond to protests .
Members of the 82nd Airborne Division were sent back two days after their arrival .
USA TODAY poll : The greatest country in the world ?
On the 4th of July , a moment of reckoning for the USA Milley ’ s letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Democratic Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Rep. Ted Lieu of California , who demanded an explanation after the Associated Press first reported on the use of bayonets on June 2 .
The AP has also reported an unclassified military document detailing some of the soldiers were not trained in riot response , and commanders had planned to train them within 96 hours of arriving at the nation 's capital .
Milley stopped short of agreeing to bar bayonet usage moving forward , saying he could not commit that `` U.S. troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil authorities responding to domestic civil unrest . ''
Each circumstance would have to be dealt with individually and situationally , he concluded .
More : 'Medgar 's wings must be clapping ' : With Mississippi flag vote , Myrlie Evers hopes America can come together Krishnamoorthi and Lieu said in a statement , “ While we are grateful for General Milley ’ s responses to our questions concerning the arming of troops with bayonets for potential deployment against protesters , we were disappointed he was not willing to commit to banning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessity of the Joint Force preserving flexibility to respond to varying circumstances , but it is difficult for us to imagine a circumstance which could necessitate or justify the deployment of bayonets against American civilians , ” they continued .
Floyd , a black man , died in Minneapolis police custody in late May after a white officer pinned him to the ground by placing his knee on the back of Floyd 's neck .
His death sparked demonstrations against police brutality and racial discrimination in D.C. and cities across the United States @

Gen. Milley: Some soldiers mobilized to DC amid Black Lives Matter protests were issued bayonets
Show Caption Hide Caption Cities across country paint 'Black Lives Matter' on streets Cities across the country followed Washington D.C.'s lead by painting "Black Lives Matter" and other words of support on city streets. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley said that some soldiers deployed to Washington, D.C. to possibly assist in thwarting Black Lives Matter protests were issued bayonets, USA TODAY has confirmed.
Members of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg in North Carolina and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the "Old Guard", based just outside the nation's capital, were mobilized early last month in response to demonstrations over police brutality following the death of George Floyd.
On June 2, during their deployment, the service members were issued bayonets but were instructed to keep them in their "scabbards and not fixed to weapons," Milley told two U.S. Congressmen in a letter.
The letter is dated June 26 and addressed to Democratic Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Rep. Ted Lieu of California, who had penned a letter to Milley on June 22, expressing concern that bayonets would escalate any potential violence at protests.
More: George Floyd is not alone. 'I can’t breathe' uttered by dozens in fatal police holds across U.S.
Milley said that the order to mobilize the service members came from Army Maj. Gen. Omar Jones, who serves as commander of the military district of Washington.
Members of neither the 82nd Airborne Division nor The Old Guard were never sent into the city to respond to protests. Members of the 82nd Airborne Division were sent back two days after their arrival.
USA TODAY poll: The greatest country in the world? On the 4th of July, a moment of reckoning for the USA
Milley’s letter, dated June 26, was sent to Democratic Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Rep. Ted Lieu of California, who demanded an explanation after the Associated Press first reported on the use of bayonets on June 2.
The AP has also reported an unclassified military document detailing some of the soldiers were not trained in riot response, and commanders had planned to train them within 96 hours of arriving at the nation's capital.
Milley stopped short of agreeing to bar bayonet usage moving forward, saying he could not commit that "U.S. troops will never deploy bayonets in support of civil authorities responding to domestic civil unrest." Each circumstance would have to be dealt with individually and situationally, he concluded.
More: 'Medgar's wings must be clapping': With Mississippi flag vote, Myrlie Evers hopes America can come together
Krishnamoorthi and Lieu said in a statement, “While we are grateful for General Milley’s responses to our questions concerning the arming of troops with bayonets for potential deployment against protesters, we were disappointed he was not willing to commit to banning the practice."
"We recognize the necessity of the Joint Force preserving flexibility to respond to varying circumstances, but it is difficult for us to imagine a circumstance which could necessitate or justify the deployment of bayonets against American civilians,” they continued.
Floyd, a black man, died in Minneapolis police custody in late May after a white officer pinned him to the ground by placing his knee on the back of Floyd's neck. His death sparked demonstrations against police brutality and racial discrimination in D.C. and cities across the United States.
Contributing: Nicholas Wu, The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-07-02--'They don't make turtle-sized wheelchairs': Two years later, Maryland's 'Lego Turtle' has recovered

A turtle 's long road to recovery , which included a custom Lego wheelchair , finally came to an end Wednesday when it took a wheelchair-free walk in a Baltimore park .
The Eastern box turtle , affectionately called the `` Lego Turtle '' by the Maryland Zoo , was brought in during July 2018 with `` multiple fractures on his plastron , the bottom part of his shell , '' Dr. Ellen Bronson , the zoo 's senior director of animal health , conservation and research , said in a statement .
`` Because of the unique placement of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge with maintaining the turtle ’ s mobility while allowing him to heal properly , ” Bronson said .
The zoo 's veterinary team used `` metal bone plates , sewing clasps and surgical wire '' while surgically repairing the turtle 's shell , the zoo said in a statement .
To keep the bottom of turtle 's shell off the ground while it was healing , a custom wheelchair was designed and built using Legos .
Flying snakes undulate .
Virginia Tech researchers used motion-capture cameras to find out why .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' zoo veterinary extern Garrett Fraess said in a statement .
He added , `` The small Lego frame surrounds his shell and sits on four Lego wheels .
Plumbers putty attaches the device to the edges of the turtle ’ s upper shell , which gets him off of the ground and allows his legs to be freed up so he can move.
” The Lego Turtle used his wheelchair through the spring of 2019 , Bronson said .
According to Bronson , turtles heal slower than mammals and birds due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed additional time to fully heal , but we were able to take the wheelchair device off him , '' Bronson said .
`` We kept him at the Hospital and continued to monitor his progress , giving him ample exercise time to strengthen his legs in preparation for release.
” 'Rainbow lizard ' : Population is rapidly increasing in Florida with no end in sight The turtle was fitted with a transmitter and released into Baltimore ’ s Druid Hill Park — it 's native habitat .
The zoo will monitor his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally tagged in 2000 , making him at least 18-years-old , ” Bronson said .
“ We are very happy that he is recovering well from his injuries and we plan to return him to the wild once he is fully healed.
” Eastern box turtles grow to be about four inches by six inches , according to the Smithsonian ’ s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute .
Subspecies can be found throughout North America , according to the Smithsonian .

'They don't make turtle-sized wheelchairs': Two years later, Maryland's 'Lego Turtle' has recovered from shell fractures
Show Caption Hide Caption Turtle rehabs in Lego wheelchair, released back into Baltimore park The Eastern box turtle was brought to the Maryland Zoo after it was found in a Baltimore park with multiple fractures to its shell. USA TODAY, Storyful
A turtle's long road to recovery, which included a custom Lego wheelchair, finally came to an end Wednesday when it took a wheelchair-free walk in a Baltimore park.
The Eastern box turtle, affectionately called the "Lego Turtle" by the Maryland Zoo, was brought in during July 2018 with "multiple fractures on his plastron, the bottom part of his shell," Dr. Ellen Bronson, the zoo's senior director of animal health, conservation and research, said in a statement.
"Because of the unique placement of the fractures, we faced a difficult challenge with maintaining the turtle’s mobility while allowing him to heal properly,” Bronson said.
The zoo's veterinary team used "metal bone plates, sewing clasps and surgical wire" while surgically repairing the turtle's shell, the zoo said in a statement. To keep the bottom of turtle's shell off the ground while it was healing, a custom wheelchair was designed and built using Legos.
Flying snakes undulate. Virginia Tech researchers used motion-capture cameras to find out why.
"They don’t make turtle-sized wheelchairs," zoo veterinary extern Garrett Fraess said in a statement.
He added, "The small Lego frame surrounds his shell and sits on four Lego wheels. Plumbers putty attaches the device to the edges of the turtle’s upper shell, which gets him off of the ground and allows his legs to be freed up so he can move.”
The Lego Turtle used his wheelchair through the spring of 2019, Bronson said. According to Bronson, turtles heal slower than mammals and birds due to their slow metabolism.
“He needed additional time to fully heal, but we were able to take the wheelchair device off him," Bronson said. "We kept him at the Hospital and continued to monitor his progress, giving him ample exercise time to strengthen his legs in preparation for release.”
'Rainbow lizard': Population is rapidly increasing in Florida with no end in sight
The turtle was fitted with a transmitter and released into Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park — it's native habitat. The zoo will monitor his movements.
“This particular turtle was originally tagged in 2000, making him at least 18-years-old,” Bronson said. “We are very happy that he is recovering well from his injuries and we plan to return him to the wild once he is fully healed.”
Eastern box turtles grow to be about four inches by six inches, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute. Subspecies can be found throughout North America, according to the Smithsonian.


usatoday--2020-07-02--Anthony Davis says he's '100 percent healthy,' Lakers' title chances higher after hiatus

As he stayed stuck in quarantine , Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis proclaimed he really let himself go .
`` I got so fat .
I was eating burgers every day , '' Davis said Thursday on a conference call .
`` Conditioning is down . ''
Davis struggled saying those words with a straight face .
He kept laughing and smiling .
To be clear , Davis has put things in the proper perspective .
During the novel coronavirus pandemic , Davis talked to family members that are health-care workers about life on the front lines .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers at Staples Center that were suddenly unemployed .
Davis considered it `` kind of a bummer '' when the NBA halted operations on his birthday ( March 11 ) `` because I couldn ’ t do anything . ''
With the Lakers ( 49-14 ) resuming their season at a quarantined site in Orlando against the Clippers on July 30 , Davis plans to be among the league ’ s players to speak out on racial inequality .
Still , Davis found some relative silver linings during some challenging times .
LAKERS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resume season ?
DO N'T MISS THESE:13 must-see games on the new NBA schedule After missing eight games because of various minor ailments in his right shoulder , right ankle , right knee and his tailbone area , Davis reported feeling fully refreshed .
He did not need any procedures .
Only time healed all wounds .
`` I feel 100 % healthy , '' Davis said .
`` Well , I don ’ t feel , I am .
I feel like I ’ m ready , ready to go .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those words should also instill fear in their opponents .
Davis was averaging 26.7 points per game on 51.1 % shooting along with 27 double-doubles .
LeBron James and Davis became the perfect duo , with James blending his assertive personality and pass-first mindset seamlessly with Davis ’ post presence and laid-back demeanor .
But even when James and Davis simply reported to the Lakers ’ first mandatory individual workout on Wednesday , Lakers coach Frank Vogel could not help but feel more inspired .
`` Just watching those guys work gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Vogel said .
Therefore , the Lakers have a great deal of confidence in how Davis will handle his role .
`` Any time Anthony Davis takes the floor , you have a chance to see something special , '' Vogel said .
`` He continues to get better and he works extremely hard .
Obviously , his talent is off the charts . ''
Perhaps that talent can assuage the Lakers ’ other question marks .
Uncertainty lingers around if center Dwight Howard will play amid concerns about addressing racial injustice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dying from a seizure nearly 3½ months ago .
To Davis ’ delight , Vogel considered it unlikely he will play Davis more at center because of other options in starting center ( JaVale McGee ) , two-way candidates ( Devontae Cacok , Kostas Antetokounmpo ) and small-ball players ( Jared Dudley , Kyle Kuzma , Markieff Morris ) .
At power forward , Davis will be needed more than ever .
The Lakers will have less wing depth without Avery Bradley , who opted out to care for his 6-year-old son with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new players to integrate in Morris , Dion Waiters and J.R Smith .
Vogel has been concerned with how to accelerate players ’ conditioning without leading to injuries .
Since he is fully healthy , perhaps Davis can assume a heavier workload .
`` Obviously we ’ re missing a key piece in AB , but I think our chances are the same , '' Davis said .
`` Our chances are higher just because we ’ re all rested and we ’ re all ready to go .
If anything , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be about just who wants it more .
Everybody kind of had a decompression of the season and obviously with stuff going on , but it ’ s about what team wants it more and which team can stay healthy . ''
To ensure staying physically and mentally fit , Davis stuck to a predicable routine .
He stayed active by training every day at home .
He kept his spirits up by enjoying family time with his father ( Anthony Sr. ) , mother ( Erainer ) , older sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antoinette ) .
Instead of becoming stir crazy and risking exposure to COVID-19 by going outside , Davis stayed inside and mastered Call of Duty and NBA 2K .
Not once did he wonder if he should sit the NBA ’ s resumed season .
`` We ’ re in a position to win a championship .
But two , I think we ’ re stronger together , '' Davis said .
`` Everyone in Orlando , we ’ re going to obviously be talking about everything that ’ s going on from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think a platform of the NBA , where I think at that time , we ’ re going to be the only ones on TV .
So , I think we ’ re able to have more people in the room from other teams and receive other ideas and figure out how we can change the world . ''
Once the games start , the Lakers seem more encouraged Davis can change their world for the better .
He appears even more prepared to absorb pain since he currently does not have any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of that throughout the year , '' Vogel said .
`` When you ’ re able to do that and you ’ re on the floor , you have an opportunity to grow and your team has an opportunity to grow .
When we get to Orlando it ’ ll be the next step in that process and his journey in this season as a Laker .
Hopefully the best is yet to come . ''

Anthony Davis says he's '100 percent healthy,' Lakers' title chances higher after hiatus
Show Caption Hide Caption NBA restart: Five games you have to watch during new schedule SportsPulse: The NBA will finish the regular season with 88 games in 15 days during its Disney bubble. USA TODAY Sports' Mackenzie Salmon identifies the five you can't miss. USA TODAY
As he stayed stuck in quarantine, Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis proclaimed he really let himself go.
"I got so fat. I was eating burgers every day," Davis said Thursday on a conference call. "Conditioning is down."
Davis struggled saying those words with a straight face. He kept laughing and smiling. To be clear, Davis has put things in the proper perspective. During the novel coronavirus pandemic, Davis talked to family members that are health-care workers about life on the front lines. He formed varying initiatives to help the concession workers at Staples Center that were suddenly unemployed. Davis considered it "kind of a bummer" when the NBA halted operations on his birthday (March 11) "because I couldn’t do anything." With the Lakers (49-14) resuming their season at a quarantined site in Orlando against the Clippers on July 30, Davis plans to be among the league’s players to speak out on racial inequality.
Still, Davis found some relative silver linings during some challenging times.
LAKERS VS. CLIPPERS: Who is better prepared to resume season?
FULL SCHEDULE: All 88 seeding games to finish regular season
DON'T MISS THESE: 13 must-see games on the new NBA schedule
After missing eight games because of various minor ailments in his right shoulder, right ankle, right knee and his tailbone area, Davis reported feeling fully refreshed. He did not need any procedures. Only time healed all wounds.
"I feel 100% healthy," Davis said. "Well, I don’t feel, I am. I feel like I’m ready, ready to go."
Those words should please the Lakers. Those words should also instill fear in their opponents. Davis was averaging 26.7 points per game on 51.1% shooting along with 27 double-doubles. LeBron James and Davis became the perfect duo, with James blending his assertive personality and pass-first mindset seamlessly with Davis’ post presence and laid-back demeanor. But even when James and Davis simply reported to the Lakers’ first mandatory individual workout on Wednesday, Lakers coach Frank Vogel could not help but feel more inspired.
"Just watching those guys work gives me a great deal of confidence," Vogel said.
Therefore, the Lakers have a great deal of confidence in how Davis will handle his role.
"Any time Anthony Davis takes the floor, you have a chance to see something special," Vogel said. "He continues to get better and he works extremely hard. Obviously, his talent is off the charts."
Perhaps that talent can assuage the Lakers’ other question marks.
Uncertainty lingers around if center Dwight Howard will play amid concerns about addressing racial injustice and the mother of his 6-year-old son dying from a seizure nearly 3½ months ago. To Davis’ delight, Vogel considered it unlikely he will play Davis more at center because of other options in starting center (JaVale McGee), two-way candidates (Devontae Cacok, Kostas Antetokounmpo) and small-ball players (Jared Dudley, Kyle Kuzma, Markieff Morris). At power forward, Davis will be needed more than ever.
The Lakers will have less wing depth without Avery Bradley, who opted out to care for his 6-year-old son with a respiratory illness. The Lakers have new players to integrate in Morris, Dion Waiters and J.R Smith. Vogel has been concerned with how to accelerate players’ conditioning without leading to injuries. Since he is fully healthy, perhaps Davis can assume a heavier workload.
"Obviously we’re missing a key piece in AB, but I think our chances are the same," Davis said. "Our chances are higher just because we’re all rested and we’re all ready to go. If anything, our chances got higher and it’s going to be about just who wants it more. Everybody kind of had a decompression of the season and obviously with stuff going on, but it’s about what team wants it more and which team can stay healthy."
To ensure staying physically and mentally fit, Davis stuck to a predicable routine.
He stayed active by training every day at home. He kept his spirits up by enjoying family time with his father (Anthony Sr.), mother (Erainer), older sister (Iesha) and twin sister (Antoinette). Instead of becoming stir crazy and risking exposure to COVID-19 by going outside, Davis stayed inside and mastered Call of Duty and NBA 2K. Not once did he wonder if he should sit the NBA’s resumed season.
"We’re in a position to win a championship. But two, I think we’re stronger together," Davis said. "Everyone in Orlando, we’re going to obviously be talking about everything that’s going on from a social injustice standpoint. And I think a platform of the NBA, where I think at that time, we’re going to be the only ones on TV. So, I think we’re able to have more people in the room from other teams and receive other ideas and figure out how we can change the world."
Once the games start, the Lakers seem more encouraged Davis can change their world for the better. He appears even more prepared to absorb pain since he currently does not have any.
"AD did a great job of that throughout the year," Vogel said. "When you’re able to do that and you’re on the floor, you have an opportunity to grow and your team has an opportunity to grow. When we get to Orlando it’ll be the next step in that process and his journey in this season as a Laker. Hopefully the best is yet to come."
Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


usatoday--2020-07-02--Walmart to turn 160 parking lots into drive-in movie theaters in August

Movie-goers who miss the experience of heading to theaters have a new option for the summer .
Walmart will turn 160 of its parking lots into drive-in movie theaters to offer contactless film premieres , the company announced Wednesday .
The Tribeca Drive-in team will program the movies , which will run starting in August until October .
“ Walmart will roll out this red carpet experience in towns across the country for a combined 320 showings , ” reads a company statement .
Besides movies , the family-friendly night will have special appearances from filmmakers and celebrities .
Concessions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Movie-goers will be able to order their drive-in essentials online for curbside pickup on the way to their movie .
Cutting the cord : What now , after YouTube TV 's price increase ?
Streaming : Disney 's video streaming bundle of Disney+ , ESPN+ and Hulu is n't as popular as expected Further updates will be available through the program 's website .
The initiative takes place as movie theaters across the country are getting ready to reopen with new safety measures .
AMC Theaters is set to reopen on July 30th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ date for July 31st .

Walmart to turn 160 parking lots into drive-in movie theaters in August
Moviegoers who miss the experience of heading to theaters have a new option for the summer.
Walmart will turn 160 of its parking lots into drive-in movie theaters to offer contactless film premieres, the company announced Wednesday.
The Tribeca Drive-in team will program the movies, which will run starting in August until October.
“Walmart will roll out this red carpet experience in towns across the country for a combined 320 showings,” reads a company statement.
Besides movies, the family-friendly night will have special appearances from filmmakers and celebrities. Concessions will be delivered to customer vehicles.
Moviegoers will be able to order their drive-in essentials online for curbside pickup on the way to their movie.
Cutting the cord: What now, after YouTube TV's price increase?
Streaming: Disney's video streaming bundle of Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu isn't as popular as expected
Further updates will be available through the program's website.
The initiative takes place as movie theaters across the country are getting ready to reopen with new safety measures. AMC Theaters is set to reopen on July 30th, while Regal Cinemas announced its reopening date for July 31st.