usatoday--2020-07-30--Rep. Gohmert wonders if wearing a mask led to COVID-19 diagnosis despite health guidance to the cont

WASHINGTON — Rep. Louie Gohmert , a Republican from Texas who tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday , suggested that he may have contracted the virus because he was wearing a mask , despite health guidance encouraging mask-wearing to reduce the spread .
`` I ca n't help but wonder if by keeping a mask on and keeping it in place , I might have put some germs — some virus — onto the mask and breathed it in , '' Gohmert said in an interview with Texas station KETK .
Gohmert tested positive Wednesday morning at the White House , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trip accompanying President Donald Trump to Texas on Air Force One .
He has frequently been seen without a mask while in proximity to others on Capitol Hill and told CNN last month that he was n't wearing a mask because he is tested often but would wear one if he tested positive .
The congressman is not symptomatic , and plans to self-quarantine for 10 days , he said , at which point he should be `` fairly well immune . ''
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected in the past can become infected again .
The congressman said that in the last couple of weeks , `` I have worn a mask more than I have in the whole last four months , '' but acknowledged that he has also touched his face to adjust his mask frequently .
The CDC cautions against touching a mask or face covering while wearing it , and advises washing hands or using sanitizer if touching the mask .
Gohmert participated in the questioning of Attorney General Bill Barr during a Tuesday House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen walking in close proximity without masks in a video from The Hill that was posted on Twitter .
Barr was tested for the coronavirus after interacting with Gohmert and the results were negative , the Justice Department said Wednesday .
Lawmakers urged their colleagues to wear a mask after Gohmert 's diagnosis on Wednesday .
Gohmert previously refused to wear one while speaking on the House floor , and reporters on Capitol Hill have frequently spotted him without one .
`` I want to wish  @ replouiegohmert a full & speedy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D-N.Y. , tweeted .
`` When individuals refuse to take the necessary precautions it puts everyone at risk .
I ’ ve regularly instructed all Members to wear their masks and hope this is a lesson by all my colleagues . ''
Nadler chided three Republicans for not wearing a mask during the hearing on Tuesday , calling out Reps. Jim Jordan , Andy Biggs and Mike Johnson by name for `` violating the safety of the members of the committee . ''
Gohmert said he wore a mask `` most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent House activities , but took it off while speaking .
He said he has alerted people around him that he has tested positive .
`` Now that I know I have it — obviously I 'm not wearing a mask right now talking to you , but you 're not at risk of getting it through the internet , '' Gohmert said during his interview with KETK from his D.C. office .
`` I will be religiously wearing a mask as I leave the building .
I will not be around anybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that I have a mask . ''
Gohmert said he thinks people should be able to decide whether they want to wear a mask despite mandatory mask orders in many Texas counties , `` but I do feel that once somebody has been found to have the coronavirus that they should wear a mask .
Preferably not even be in public . ''
Gohmert 's Democratic opponent for Texas ' first congressional district Hank Gilbert said in a statement that he sends his thoughts and prayers for Gohmert 's recovery .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not support the mask mandate of our own governor is truly disturbing , '' Gilbert said .
`` There are an awful lot of people that think it 's the great thing to do all the time , but I ca n't help but think that if I had n't been wearing a mask so much in the last 10 days or so , I really wonder if I would 've gotten it , '' Gohmert said .
`` I know moving the mask around , getting it just right , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mask that I sucked in , that 's most likely what happened . ''

Rep. Gohmert wonders if wearing a mask led to COVID-19 diagnosis despite health guidance to the contrary
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How R-0 can be used to fight COVID-19 R-0 may be the most important scientific term you’ve never heard of when it comes to stopping the coronavirus pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Rep. Louie Gohmert, a Republican from Texas who tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday, suggested that he may have contracted the virus because he was wearing a mask, despite health guidance encouraging mask-wearing to reduce the spread.
"I can't help but wonder if by keeping a mask on and keeping it in place, I might have put some germs — some virus — onto the mask and breathed it in," Gohmert said in an interview with Texas station KETK.
Gohmert tested positive Wednesday morning at the White House, he said, ahead of a scheduled trip accompanying President Donald Trump to Texas on Air Force One.
He has frequently been seen without a mask while in proximity to others on Capitol Hill and told CNN last month that he wasn't wearing a mask because he is tested often but would wear one if he tested positive.
Fact check:What's true and what's false about face masks?
The congressman is not symptomatic, and plans to self-quarantine for 10 days, he said, at which point he should be "fairly well immune." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is still unknown whether someone who has been infected in the past can become infected again.
My statement about today's diagnosis: pic.twitter.com/qvf7zIcgdN — Louie Gohmert (@replouiegohmert) July 29, 2020
The congressman said that in the last couple of weeks, "I have worn a mask more than I have in the whole last four months," but acknowledged that he has also touched his face to adjust his mask frequently. The CDC cautions against touching a mask or face covering while wearing it, and advises washing hands or using sanitizer if touching the mask.
Gohmert participated in the questioning of Attorney General Bill Barr during a Tuesday House Judiciary Committee hearing and the two were seen walking in close proximity without masks in a video from The Hill that was posted on Twitter. Barr was tested for the coronavirus after interacting with Gohmert and the results were negative, the Justice Department said Wednesday.
Lawmakers urged their colleagues to wear a mask after Gohmert's diagnosis on Wednesday. Gohmert previously refused to wear one while speaking on the House floor, and reporters on Capitol Hill have frequently spotted him without one.
"I want to wish @replouiegohmert a full & speedy recovery," Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., tweeted. "When individuals refuse to take the necessary precautions it puts everyone at risk. I’ve regularly instructed all Members to wear their masks and hope this is a lesson by all my colleagues."
Nadler chided three Republicans for not wearing a mask during the hearing on Tuesday, calling out Reps. Jim Jordan, Andy Biggs and Mike Johnson by name for "violating the safety of the members of the committee."
Gohmert said he wore a mask "most of the time, especially around folks" during recent House activities, but took it off while speaking. He said he has alerted people around him that he has tested positive.
"Now that I know I have it — obviously I'm not wearing a mask right now talking to you, but you're not at risk of getting it through the internet," Gohmert said during his interview with KETK from his D.C. office. "I will be religiously wearing a mask as I leave the building. I will not be around anybody for the next 10 days without making sure that I have a mask."
Trump again touts hydroxychloroquine for COVID A day after President Donald Trump and his son shared a fresh dose of misinformation about hydroxychloroquine in videos that were taken down by Twitter and Facebook, Trump again touted the benefits of the drug, insisting it's safe and effective. (July 28) AP
Gohmert said he thinks people should be able to decide whether they want to wear a mask despite mandatory mask orders in many Texas counties, "but I do feel that once somebody has been found to have the coronavirus that they should wear a mask. Preferably not even be in public."
Gohmert's Democratic opponent for Texas' first congressional district Hank Gilbert said in a statement that he sends his thoughts and prayers for Gohmert's recovery.
"However, the fact that he still will not support the mask mandate of our own governor is truly disturbing," Gilbert said.
"There are an awful lot of people that think it's the great thing to do all the time, but I can't help but think that if I hadn't been wearing a mask so much in the last 10 days or so, I really wonder if I would've gotten it," Gohmert said. "I know moving the mask around, getting it just right, I'm bound to put some virus on the mask that I sucked in, that's most likely what happened."
Contributing: Nicholas Wu, Jason Lalljee, Kevin Johnson and David Jackson


usatoday--2020-07-30--Democrats set schedule for Aug. 17-20 national convention in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE – Democrats will meet for two hours nightly , from 8-10 p.m. CDT , when they stage their national convention next month at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee .
A preliminary schedule was released Wednesday and is set to be approved by a key committee Thursday .
The event runs Aug. 17-20 , with former Vice President Joe Biden expected to accept the party 's presidential nomination on the final night .
Biden 's vice presidential nominee , still to be announced , will be nominated on Wednesday , Aug. 19 , and address the mostly virtual gathering .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertain .
A keynote address is scheduled for Tuesday , Aug. 18 , the same night of the presidential roll call , which will be conducted virtually .
The convention will open Monday , Aug. 17 , with committee reports on credentials , rules and the platform and select speakers .
Delegates have been asked not to attend the event because of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic .
They are casting ballots remotely , beginning next week .
Top Democrats were named to the convention leadership , led by honorary chairs , House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York .
Rep. Gwen Moore of Milwaukee , who helped bring the event to the city , will be the sergeant-of-arms .
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is among the permanent co-chairs of the convention , with Gov .
Phil Murphy of New Jersey , Sens .
Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Tom Carper of Delaware , Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rep. Tony Cárdenas of California .
Jason Rae , who lives in the Milwaukee area , is the party 's secretary .
Democrats also released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will take place around the convention .
`` We are looking forward to a historic convention anchored in Milwaukee , and through the leadership of the permanent officers who will help oversee this convention Democrats will come together to continue the work to elect Joe Biden as the next President of the United States , ” DNC Chair Tom Perez said in a statement .
“ We have an exciting lineup of programming over the course of four nights as we seek a better future for all Americans , and unite around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s vision for a better , safer future for the country .
”

Bill Glauber, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Democrats set schedule for Aug. 17-20 national convention in Milwaukee
Show Caption Hide Caption Political conventions won't look the same due to COVID-19 Political conventions are full of pomp and circumstance and geared towards firing up voters, but this year will look dramatically different. USA TODAY, Wochit
MILWAUKEE – Democrats will meet for two hours nightly, from 8-10 p.m. CDT, when they stage their national convention next month at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee.
A preliminary schedule was released Wednesday and is set to be approved by a key committee Thursday.
The event runs Aug. 17-20, with former Vice President Joe Biden expected to accept the party's presidential nomination on the final night.
Biden's vice presidential nominee, still to be announced, will be nominated on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and address the mostly virtual gathering. Whether that speech occurs in Milwaukee remains uncertain.
More: DNC chair Tom Perez reaffirms Democrats' plans for Milwaukee convention
More: Police departments withdraw from agreements for Democratic convention
More: Trump cancels Jacksonville portion of Republican convention due to COVID-19
A keynote address is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18, the same night of the presidential roll call, which will be conducted virtually.
The convention will open Monday, Aug. 17, with committee reports on credentials, rules and the platform and select speakers.
Delegates have been asked not to attend the event because of concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. They are casting ballots remotely, beginning next week.
Top Democrats were named to the convention leadership, led by honorary chairs, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.
Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi was named permanent convention chair.
Rep. Gwen Moore of Milwaukee, who helped bring the event to the city, will be the sergeant-of-arms.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is among the permanent co-chairs of the convention, with Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey, Sens. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Tom Carper of Delaware, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rep. Tony Cárdenas of California.
Jason Rae, who lives in the Milwaukee area, is the party's secretary.
Democrats also released a schedule of virtual meetings and caucuses that will take place around the convention.
"We are looking forward to a historic convention anchored in Milwaukee, and through the leadership of the permanent officers who will help oversee this convention Democrats will come together to continue the work to elect Joe Biden as the next President of the United States,” DNC Chair Tom Perez said in a statement.
“We have an exciting lineup of programming over the course of four nights as we seek a better future for all Americans, and unite around our shared values and Joe Biden’s vision for a better, safer future for the country.”


usatoday--2020-07-29--Can't find Lysol disinfectant spray? Here's what to buy instead

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
As people are trying to stay safe and disinfect their homes during the coronavirus pandemic , families are searching for ways to buy hand sanitizer , toilet paper and other household essentials to help them stay safe and healthy in quarantine .
Even though we 've reached a `` new normal '' in the availability of hand sanitizer , cleaning wipes and spray are still in limited supply .
Not only has it been reported that Lysol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low supply through the end of June , Lysol products were approved by the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) for protecting against coronavirus , putting these products in high demand .
While data suggests that catching coronaviruses from surfaces is unlikely , it 's always good to have these disinfecting products on hand .
But do n't panic .
Even if you 're ca n't find Lysol products , you can still get your hands on quality disinfecting supplies for the whole family at these online retailers .
While we 'll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selling out extremely fast , so we recommend not putting it off more than you need to and only buying as much as you need .
Here are the places online where you can buy cleaning wipes and spray right now .
Need help finding products ?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter .
It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at any time .
Where to buy cleaning wipes and spray Cleaning wipes that actually disinfect surfaces are one of the hardest things to find right now , but you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the following retailers : • Get the Clorox Clean-Up Disinfectant Cleaner With Bleach at Amazon for $ 12.99 • Get the Seventh Generation Hard Surface Cleaner at Amazon for $ 13.98 • Get the Spic And Span Antibacterial Spray Cleaner , 2-Pack at Amazon for $ 16.13 • Get the Clorox Clean-Up Disinfectant Cleaner With Bleach for $ 18.99 • Get the Rescue One-Step Disinfectant Cleaner & Deodorizer Wipes at Amazon for $ 26.99 ( pre-order for August 6 ) • Get the Mold Armor Mold Remover and Disinfectant Pro-Strength at Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comet Lemon Fresh Disinfectant Bathroom Cleaner at Target for .89 • Get the Scrubbing Bubbles Disinfecting Bathroom Grime Fighter at Target for $ 3.29 • Get the Scrubbing Bubbles Antibacterial Flushable Wipes at Target for $ 3.99 • Get the Microban 24 Hour Bathroom Cleaner and Sanitizing Spray at Target for $ 3.99 • Get the Bona PowerPlus Hard Surface Antibacterial Cleaner at Target for $ 5.99 • Get the Spic and Span Disinfecting All-Purpose Spray at Office Depot for $ 88.89 • Get the Clorox Clean-Up All-Purpose Cleaner , 4-Count at Staples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Disinfecting Cleaner With Bleach , 8-Count at Staples for $ 66.99 • Get the In-Cide Disinfectant Spray , 2-Pack at Walmart for $ 18.15 • Get the Comet Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner , 8-Pack at Walmart for $ 62.95 Despite the current shortage of Lysol and Clorox wipes , you can also make your own CDC-approved wipes right at home using a precise balance of bleach or alcohol .
We put together comprehensive instructions on how to do so .
How to use cleaning wipes If you already have cleaning supplies around the house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you 're using them the right way .
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , disinfection wo n't happen immediately—it can actually take up to three to five minutes .
Although wipes and sprays are on the EPA 's list of approved disinfectants , you may not be using them long enough to keep whatever surface you 're cleaning—like a countertop , for instance—wet for the recommended amount of time to kill germs .
As a good rule of thumb , you may want to set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure they 're still wet .
You may also want to make sure that you 're sanitizing frequently-used objects and surfaces daily , especially when it comes to doorknobs , keyboards , faucet handles and more .
You do n't want to forget your phone , either—you can even use Clorox wipes or 70 % isopropyl alcohol on Apple products , according to Apple .
Jonathan Chan , senior lab testing technician at Reviewed , recommends following best practices , and advises that if you 're using wipes , you should make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one direction , as studies have suggested that doing so can reduce the risk of recontamination .
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

Can’t find Lysol disinfectant spray? Here’s what to buy instead
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
As people are trying to stay safe and disinfect their homes during the coronavirus pandemic, families are searching for ways to buy hand sanitizer, toilet paper and other household essentials to help them stay safe and healthy in quarantine.
Even though we've reached a "new normal" in the availability of hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes and spray are still in limited supply. Not only has it been reported that Lysol spray and Clorox wipes would be in low supply through the end of June, Lysol products were approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for protecting against coronavirus, putting these products in high demand. While data suggests that catching coronaviruses from surfaces is unlikely, it's always good to have these disinfecting products on hand.
But don't panic. Even if you're can't find Lysol products, you can still get your hands on quality disinfecting supplies for the whole family at these online retailers. While we'll be updating this list daily, supplies are selling out extremely fast, so we recommend not putting it off more than you need to and only buying as much as you need. Here are the places online where you can buy cleaning wipes and spray right now.
Need help finding products? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Where to buy cleaning wipes and spray
Cleaning wipes that actually disinfect surfaces are one of the hardest things to find right now, but you can occasionally get them along with cleaning sprays at the following retailers:
Amazon
Home Depot
Target
Office Depot
Staples
Walmart
Make your own disinfectant wipes
Despite the current shortage of Lysol and Clorox wipes, you can also make your own CDC-approved wipes right at home using a precise balance of bleach or alcohol. We put together comprehensive instructions on how to do so.
How to use cleaning wipes
If you already have cleaning supplies around the house, you'll want to be certain that you're using them the right way. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), disinfection won't happen immediately—it can actually take up to three to five minutes.
Although wipes and sprays are on the EPA's list of approved disinfectants, you may not be using them long enough to keep whatever surface you're cleaning—like a countertop, for instance—wet for the recommended amount of time to kill germs.
As a good rule of thumb, you may want to set a timer so you can monitor surfaces to ensure they're still wet. You may also want to make sure that you're sanitizing frequently-used objects and surfaces daily, especially when it comes to doorknobs, keyboards, faucet handles and more. You don't want to forget your phone, either—you can even use Clorox wipes or 70% isopropyl alcohol on Apple products, according to Apple.
Jonathan Chan, senior lab testing technician at Reviewed, recommends following best practices, and advises that if you're using wipes, you should make sure you're only wiping in one one direction, as studies have suggested that doing so can reduce the risk of recontamination.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-07-29--Freight train derails on bridge, erupts into flames, structure collapses

A portion of the Salt River Union Pacific Railroad Bridge , which stretches over Tempe Town Lake , collapses and @ @ @ @

Freight train derails on Arizona bridge, erupts into flames
A portion of the Salt River Union Pacific Railroad Bridge, which stretches over Tempe Town Lake, collapses and erupts into flames.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-07-30--Here's how long it takes for your food to expire

Food you can safely eat past the expiration date Do n't throw your eggs , bacon or milk out just @ @ @ @ @ dates .
Here 's how long these foods and others could really last .

Food you can safely eat past the expiration date
Don't throw your eggs, bacon or milk out just yet because of their expiration dates. Here's how long these foods and others could really last.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-29--'I know my worth': Little girl starts her day with affirmations while mom does her hair

Little girl 's cutest morning routine is one that we all should copy Three-year-old Scarlett is definitely going to have @ @ @ @ @ affirmations .

Little girl's cutest morning routine is one that we all should copy
Three-year-old Scarlett is definitely going to have a great day after these affirmations.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-07-29--Police arrest suspect in arson fire at Arizona Democratic Party headquarters

PHOENIX – Police in Arizona have arrested a Democratic activist in connection with the fire that destroyed the state party 's headquarters last week .
The fire at the Arizona Democratic Party headquarters in Phoenix ruined historical political memorabilia and party infrastructure ahead of Tuesday 's primary election .
After a nearly weeklong investigation , Phoenix police on Wednesday identified Matthew Egler , 29 , of Peoria , in connection with the fire set to the party 's headquarters .
The fire occurred after midnight on Friday .
Party officials said Egler has had a long and troubled history with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In announcing the arrest , police released footage of a dark car parked near the north side of the building and a person lighting a fire outside of the building .
As the fire grows , the person walks back to the car .
Egler was scheduled to appear Wednesday before a Maricopa County commissioner for his initial appearance .
Police announced the arrest on Twitter , saying only `` 29-year-old Matthew Egler has been arrested in connection with the fire . ''
They did not immediately provide more details about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ document released by the Maricopa County Superior Court , police cited in a probable cause statement Egler 's posts on social media admitting his involvement with the fire and his anger with the Maricopa County Democrats .
He had been previously volunteering for the county Democrats , according to the probable cause statement , but had been banned from volunteering `` due to the nature of his previous behaviors . ''
Egler reached out to the county Democrats about getting involved in his district , but was not allowed to volunteer .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Democrats for not allowing him to volunteer and in retaliation , deliberately set fire to the Maricopa County Democrats Office , '' the record said .
More : Arson suspected in fire at Arizona Democratic Party headquarters in Phoenix Egler was arrested and booked on one count of arson of an occupied structure , a Class 2 felony , the second-highest felony .
Democratic leaders in a joint statement said they were `` deeply saddened and shocked '' by the news .
Arizona Democratic Party Chairwoman Felecia Rotellini and Maricopa County Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by one of their own would not distract them in November .
`` As we work to navigate the process of finding a new home , we want to express our humble thanks and deep appreciation to all those who have reached out during this challenging time and have made generous donations , '' their statement said .
`` We thank you from the bottom of our hearts . ''
Tens of thousands of dollars have been donated to Democrats ' recovery fund .
Asked for confirmation that the Secret Service was involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fire , a spokesperson responded to The Arizona Republic : “ The Secret Service is aware of this incident .
As a matter of practice , the Secret Service does not confirm or comment on the absence or existence of specific investigations.
” A review of a Twitter account he maintains shows Egler , in recent days , posting videos of starting fires , complaining about local party leadership , and ultimately claiming that he `` bombed '' the office .
Officials with the Democratic Party declined to comment on the arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a precinct committeeman , according to his own bio and party officials .
He describes himself on LinkedIn as president of The Valley Leadership Council , described as non-profit intended to fight voter apathy .
The council , according to public records , was formed in 2015 in Peoria as an educational non-profit and is not related to the well-known Valley Leadership civic organization .
On his Twitter handle , @ ValleyLeader , he says he is a “ Quasi dictator , first family , the King of chicago , and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and days leading up to the fire , he wrote and shared various posts about Ivanka Trump .
On July 20 , days before the Maricopa County Democratic Party ’ s virtual convention , Egler posted a video of himself outdoors lighting on fire what appear to be voting guides .
“ That ’ s all you can do , guys , ” he said .
“ Light things on fire , here I go.
” He lit the fliers on fire , saying , “ This is from the 2016 election , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Latinos , ” he said of the former county sheriff who is running for re-election .
“ Call the state legislature today for an emergency session.
” Days after the fire , on July 26 , he began sharing local news accounts of the fire .
Emojis accompanied several of the news stories and photos .

Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Arizona Republic

Police arrest suspect in arson fire at Arizona Democratic Party headquarters
PHOENIX – Police in Arizona have arrested a Democratic activist in connection with the fire that destroyed the state party's headquarters last week.
The fire at the Arizona Democratic Party headquarters in Phoenix ruined historical political memorabilia and party infrastructure ahead of Tuesday's primary election.
After a nearly weeklong investigation, Phoenix police on Wednesday identified Matthew Egler, 29, of Peoria, in connection with the fire set to the party's headquarters. The fire occurred after midnight on Friday. Party officials said Egler has had a long and troubled history with the Maricopa County Party over the years.
In announcing the arrest, police released footage of a dark car parked near the north side of the building and a person lighting a fire outside of the building. As the fire grows, the person walks back to the car.
Egler was scheduled to appear Wednesday before a Maricopa County commissioner for his initial appearance.
Police announced the arrest on Twitter, saying only "29-year-old Matthew Egler has been arrested in connection with the fire." They did not immediately provide more details about what led to the arrest.
ARREST MADE: 29-year-old Matthew Egler has been arrested in connection with the fire set to the Democratic Party Headquarters. The fire happened after midnight on Friday, July 24 near Central and Thomas in Downtown Phoenix. The fire caused substantial damage to the building. pic.twitter.com/6cXhOppySA — Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) July 29, 2020
In a document released by the Maricopa County Superior Court, police cited in a probable cause statement Egler's posts on social media admitting his involvement with the fire and his anger with the Maricopa County Democrats.
He had been previously volunteering for the county Democrats, according to the probable cause statement, but had been banned from volunteering "due to the nature of his previous behaviors."
Egler reached out to the county Democrats about getting involved in his district, but was not allowed to volunteer.
"The defendant became upset with the Maricopa County Democrats for not allowing him to volunteer and in retaliation, deliberately set fire to the Maricopa County Democrats Office," the record said.
More: Arson suspected in fire at Arizona Democratic Party headquarters in Phoenix
Egler was arrested and booked on one count of arson of an occupied structure, a Class 2 felony, the second-highest felony.
Democratic leaders in a joint statement said they were "deeply saddened and shocked" by the news. Arizona Democratic Party Chairwoman Felecia Rotellini and Maricopa County Democratic Party Chairman Steven Slugocki said the fire by one of their own would not distract them in November.
"As we work to navigate the process of finding a new home, we want to express our humble thanks and deep appreciation to all those who have reached out during this challenging time and have made generous donations," their statement said. "We thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
Tens of thousands of dollars have been donated to Democrats' recovery fund.
Asked for confirmation that the Secret Service was involved in the investigation into the Egler and the fire, a spokesperson responded to The Arizona Republic: “The Secret Service is aware of this incident. As a matter of practice, the Secret Service does not confirm or comment on the absence or existence of specific investigations.”
A review of a Twitter account he maintains shows Egler, in recent days, posting videos of starting fires, complaining about local party leadership, and ultimately claiming that he "bombed" the office.
Police arrest suspect in Democratic Party headquarters fire Police arrest Matthew Egler for Arizona Democratic Party headquarters fire Arizona Republic
Officials with the Democratic Party declined to comment on the arrest.
Egler served from 2016 to 2019 as a precinct committeeman, according to his own bio and party officials. He describes himself on LinkedIn as president of The Valley Leadership Council, described as non-profit intended to fight voter apathy. The council, according to public records, was formed in 2015 in Peoria as an educational non-profit and is not related to the well-known Valley Leadership civic organization.
On his Twitter handle, @ValleyLeader, he says he is a “Quasi dictator, first family, the King of chicago, and many other titles!”
In the weeks and days leading up to the fire, he wrote and shared various posts about Ivanka Trump.
On July 20, days before the Maricopa County Democratic Party’s virtual convention, Egler posted a video of himself outdoors lighting on fire what appear to be voting guides.
“That’s all you can do, guys,” he said. “Light things on fire, here I go.” He lit the fliers on fire, saying, “This is from the 2016 election, when I got rid of Joe Arpaio for the Latinos,” he said of the former county sheriff who is running for re-election. “Call the state legislature today for an emergency session.”
Days after the fire, on July 26, he began sharing local news accounts of the fire. Emojis accompanied several of the news stories and photos.
Contributing: Sasha Hupka contributed.


usatoday--2020-07-29--'I'm losing my patience': Jayapal, Nadler spar with Barr over Portland, politicization

WASHINGTON – Attorney General William Barr called riots in Portland , Oregon , `` an assault on the government of the United States , '' countering Democratic lawmakers who characterized federal officers ' actions against protesters as unconstitutional , politically charged fearmongering .
In testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday , Barr offered an unmitigated defense of the deployment of federal officers to Portland , where he said `` a mob '' hijacked legitimate demonstrations against police brutality .
`` Largely absent from these scenes of destruction are even superficial attempts by the rioters to connect their actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any legitimate call for reform , '' the attorney general said in a prepared statement .
`` Nor could such brazen acts of lawlessness plausibly be justified by a concern that police officers in Minnesota or elsewhere defied the law .
`` It is , by any objective measure , an assault on the Government of the United States . ''
Rep. Pramila Jayapal , D-Wash. , also suggested people have been distracted from the original cause of the protests , but any similarities with Barr ended there .
`` Let us not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colleagues as to what these powerful and massive protests were actually about , they were about the persistent killing of black bodies by law enforcement and finally , finally an awakening in America of the conscience of our country , and yet your response , Mr. Barr , was to direct federal officers to ... clear the area just so the president could get a photo op '' she said , referring to use of force against protesters in Lafayette Square .
As Barr debated the use of the term tear gas rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm losing my patience . ''
Jayapal also said that Barr uses his power unevenly , noting that federal officers were not sent to Michigan when people with guns and Confederate flags threatened Democratic Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer over the state 's COVID-19 stay-at-home order .
`` You take an aggressive approach to Black Lives Matter protests but not right-wing extremists threatening to lynch a governor , if it is for the president 's benefit , '' Jayapal said .
Barr 's long-sought testimony comes as House Democrats investigate alleged political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the attorney general has turned it into a political annex of the Trump White House .
The hearing touched on a year 's worth of grievances , from the widely criticized rollout of special counsel Robert Mueller 's Russia report in 2019 , to interference in criminal investigations involving Trump 's allies , to the controversial ouster of Manhattan 's chief federal prosecutor , to the use of force against protesters in Portland and at Lafayette Square in Washington , D.C. Barr at odds with Trump on election : 'No reason to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AG Bill Barr testifies , breaking with Trump AG Barr defends actions : DOJ had been drawn into 'political maelstrom ' ; department used as 'political weapon' During a chaotic five hours filled with partisan hostility , the attorney general repeatedly clashed with committee Democrats , at times growing frustrated and raising his voice to answer questions as they interrupted him .
`` I 'm going to answer the damn question , '' Barr said during a heated exchange with Rep. Joe Neguse , D-Colo. , about the recent firing of Geoffrey Berman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New York .
Berman had testified that Barr repeatedly pressed him to resign to make way for Trump 's desired nominee and called Barr 's decision to appoint an outsider as a temporary replacement `` unprecedented , unnecessary and unexplained . ''
Republicans defended Barr , accusing Democrats of misrepresenting the unrest in Portland and other cities and echoing Barr ’ s comments that protests have been taken over by violent instigators .
'Each of those lives matter ' : Barr on police and protests Asked whether Barr had discussed the deployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portland with President Donald Trump as part of a reelection campaign strategy , the attorney general said he would not discuss conversations he has with the president .
`` Shame on you , Mr. Barr , '' said Chairman Jerry Nadler , D-N.Y. `` Shame on you . ''
Democrats also criticized the expansion of Operation Legend , a federal crime initiative that was launched in Kansas City , Missouri , in which more than 200 agents were dispatched .
Since then , Trump and Barr announced the deployment of 50 agents to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many as 300 officers to Chicago .
Democrats questioned whether it was a legitimate deployment of law enforcement resources – against the wishes of local and state officials – or a stunt to help Trump ’ s reelection .
Barr pushed back against such characterizations , saying Democrats are conflating federal deployment to Portland , where federal agents have been the target of violent attacks , and the use of federal resources in cities where he says violent crime has risen .
`` We are on the defense .
We 're not out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , adding that he supports peaceful protests but condemns those who commit crime .
Addressing outrage over police abuses that have sparked protests nationwide , Barr said brutality involving police remains rare .
He said Floyd 's death and others like it `` strike a deep chord in the black community because they are perceived as manifestation of the deeper , lingering concern that , in encounters with police , Blacks will not be treated even-handedly ; they will not be given the benefit of the doubt ; they will be treated with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in the same circumstances .
`` I think these concerns are legitimate , '' Barr said in the statement , though he suggested police should n't bear all of the blame .
Federal deployments : Mayors see broken trust , political agenda in Trump 's surge of federal officers to US cities '' I think it would be an oversimplification to treat the problem as rooted in some deep-seated racism generally infecting our police departments , '' Barr said .
`` It seems far more likely that the problem stems from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be addressed with focused attention over time . ''
`` The threat to Black lives posed by crime on the streets is massively greater than any threat posed by police misconduct , '' Barr said .
`` The leading cause of death for young Black males is homicide .
Every year approximately 7,500 Black Americans are victims of homicide , and the vast majority of them – around 90 % – are killed by other Blacks , mainly by gunfire .
Each of those lives matter . ''
Barr also disagreed that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called it `` irresponsible '' to call federal officers `` storm troopers '' and said it 's `` extremely dangerous '' to defund the police .
Barr defended his decision to intervene in the case of Roger Stone , Trump 's longtime ally , saying he believes the prosecution of Stone was `` righteous '' but the prosecutors ' sentence recommendation of seven to nine years was too harsh .
`` I agree the president 's friends do n't deserve special breaks , but they also do n't deserve to be treated more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a federal judge ultimately did not agree with the prosecutors ' initial recommendation .
Last month , a Justice Department prosecutor said the department 's leadership gave `` unprecedentedly favorable treatment '' by pushing for a more lenient prison sentence against the recommendation of career prosecutors .
Stone was convicted of lying to Congress to protect Trump and his campaign .
The president has since commuted Stone 's sentence .
Aaron Zelinsky , one of the attorneys who prosecuted Stone , told lawmakers he and the other attorneys who prosecuted the GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a break '' or they could be fired .
Democrats accused Barr of punishing Trump 's enemies while protecting his friends .
Barr pushed back , saying , `` What enemies have I indicted ? ''
Of mounting questions about favorable decisions rendered in a series of cases involving Trump and his allies , Barr said his actions `` have been my own . ''
`` And they have been made because I believed they were right under the law and principles of justice , '' according to Barr 's statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was going to do everything I could to get to the bottom of the grave abuses involved in the bogus 'Russiagate ' scandal , many of the Democrats on this committee have attempted to discredit me by conjuring up a narrative that I am simply the president ’ s factotum who disposes of criminal cases according to his instructions , '' he said .
`` Judging from the letter inviting me to this hearing , that appears to be your agenda today . ''
Barr cited the Justice Department 's prosecution of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who pleaded guilty in 2017 to making false statements during an interview with the FBI .
The Justice Department has since moved to dismiss the case , and Barr , who has appointed an outside prosecutor to review the case , said recently uncovered documents show that the FBI interview `` was untethered to any legitimate investigation . ''

Kristine Phillips and Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

'I'm losing my patience': Jayapal, Nadler spar with Barr over Portland, politicization
Show Caption Hide Caption Barr, Nadler clash on federal response to unrest Attorney General William Barr clashed with the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee over the federal response to unrest in U.S. cities. (July 28) AP
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William Barr called riots in Portland, Oregon, "an assault on the government of the United States," countering Democratic lawmakers who characterized federal officers' actions against protesters as unconstitutional, politically charged fearmongering.
In testimony before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, Barr offered an unmitigated defense of the deployment of federal officers to Portland, where he said "a mob" hijacked legitimate demonstrations against police brutality.
"Largely absent from these scenes of destruction are even superficial attempts by the rioters to connect their actions to George Floyd’s death or any legitimate call for reform," the attorney general said in a prepared statement. "Nor could such brazen acts of lawlessness plausibly be justified by a concern that police officers in Minnesota or elsewhere defied the law.
"It is, by any objective measure, an assault on the Government of the United States."
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., also suggested people have been distracted from the original cause of the protests, but any similarities with Barr ended there.
"Let us not be distracted by you or my GOP colleagues as to what these powerful and massive protests were actually about, they were about the persistent killing of black bodies by law enforcement and finally, finally an awakening in America of the conscience of our country, and yet your response, Mr. Barr, was to direct federal officers to ... clear the area just so the president could get a photo op" she said, referring to use of force against protesters in Lafayette Square.
As Barr debated the use of the term tear gas rather than chemical irritant, she said, "I'm losing my patience." Jayapal also said that Barr uses his power unevenly, noting that federal officers were not sent to Michigan when people with guns and Confederate flags threatened Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer over the state's COVID-19 stay-at-home order.
"You take an aggressive approach to Black Lives Matter protests but not right-wing extremists threatening to lynch a governor, if it is for the president's benefit," Jayapal said.
Barr's long-sought testimony comes as House Democrats investigate alleged political interference at the Justice Department, claiming that the attorney general has turned it into a political annex of the Trump White House. The hearing touched on a year's worth of grievances, from the widely criticized rollout of special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia report in 2019, to interference in criminal investigations involving Trump's allies, to the controversial ouster of Manhattan's chief federal prosecutor, to the use of force against protesters in Portland and at Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C.
Barr at odds with Trump on election: 'No reason to think' 2020 election is rigged, AG Bill Barr testifies, breaking with Trump
AG Barr defends actions: DOJ had been drawn into 'political maelstrom'; department used as 'political weapon'
During a chaotic five hours filled with partisan hostility, the attorney general repeatedly clashed with committee Democrats, at times growing frustrated and raising his voice to answer questions as they interrupted him.
"I'm going to answer the damn question," Barr said during a heated exchange with Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo., about the recent firing of Geoffrey Berman as U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York. Berman had testified that Barr repeatedly pressed him to resign to make way for Trump's desired nominee and called Barr's decision to appoint an outsider as a temporary replacement "unprecedented, unnecessary and unexplained."
Republicans defended Barr, accusing Democrats of misrepresenting the unrest in Portland and other cities and echoing Barr’s comments that protests have been taken over by violent instigators.
"Americans are scared," said Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz.
'Each of those lives matter': Barr on police and protests
Asked whether Barr had discussed the deployment of at least 114 federal officers to Portland with President Donald Trump as part of a reelection campaign strategy, the attorney general said he would not discuss conversations he has with the president.
"Shame on you, Mr. Barr," said Chairman Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y. "Shame on you."
'What a disaster': Aggressive federal response in Portland raises legal questions
Democrats also criticized the expansion of Operation Legend, a federal crime initiative that was launched in Kansas City, Missouri, in which more than 200 agents were dispatched. Since then, Trump and Barr announced the deployment of 50 agents to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and more than 200 officers to Chicago. Democrats questioned whether it was a legitimate deployment of law enforcement resources – against the wishes of local and state officials – or a stunt to help Trump’s reelection.
Barr pushed back against such characterizations, saying Democrats are conflating federal deployment to Portland, where federal agents have been the target of violent attacks, and the use of federal resources in cities where he says violent crime has risen.
"We are on the defense. We're not out looking for trouble," Barr said, adding that he supports peaceful protests but condemns those who commit crime.
Addressing outrage over police abuses that have sparked protests nationwide, Barr said brutality involving police remains rare. He said Floyd's death and others like it "strike a deep chord in the black community because they are perceived as manifestation of the deeper, lingering concern that, in encounters with police, Blacks will not be treated even-handedly; they will not be given the benefit of the doubt; they will be treated with greater suspicion than a white person would be in the same circumstances.
"I think these concerns are legitimate," Barr said in the statement, though he suggested police shouldn't bear all of the blame.
Federal deployments: Mayors see broken trust, political agenda in Trump's surge of federal officers to US cities
"I think it would be an oversimplification to treat the problem as rooted in some deep-seated racism generally infecting our police departments," Barr said. "It seems far more likely that the problem stems from a complex mix of factors, which can be addressed with focused attention over time."
Barr also cited so-called Black-on-Black crimes.
"The threat to Black lives posed by crime on the streets is massively greater than any threat posed by police misconduct," Barr said. "The leading cause of death for young Black males is homicide. Every year approximately 7,500 Black Americans are victims of homicide, and the vast majority of them – around 90% – are killed by other Blacks, mainly by gunfire. Each of those lives matter."
Barr also disagreed that there's systemic racism in police departments, called it "irresponsible" to call federal officers "storm troopers" and said it's "extremely dangerous" to defund the police.
Roger Stone and debate on 'special breaks'
Barr defended his decision to intervene in the case of Roger Stone, Trump's longtime ally, saying he believes the prosecution of Stone was "righteous" but the prosecutors' sentence recommendation of seven to nine years was too harsh.
"I agree the president's friends don't deserve special breaks, but they also don't deserve to be treated more harshly," Barr said, adding that a federal judge ultimately did not agree with the prosecutors' initial recommendation.
Last month, a Justice Department prosecutor said the department's leadership gave "unprecedentedly favorable treatment" by pushing for a more lenient prison sentence against the recommendation of career prosecutors. Stone was convicted of lying to Congress to protect Trump and his campaign. The president has since commuted Stone's sentence.
Aaron Zelinsky, one of the attorneys who prosecuted Stone, told lawmakers he and the other attorneys who prosecuted the GOP operative were pressured to "cut Stone a break" or they could be fired.
Democrats accused Barr of punishing Trump's enemies while protecting his friends. Barr pushed back, saying, "What enemies have I indicted?"
Of mounting questions about favorable decisions rendered in a series of cases involving Trump and his allies, Barr said his actions "have been my own."
"And they have been made because I believed they were right under the law and principles of justice," according to Barr's statement.
"Ever since I made it clear that I was going to do everything I could to get to the bottom of the grave abuses involved in the bogus 'Russiagate' scandal, many of the Democrats on this committee have attempted to discredit me by conjuring up a narrative that I am simply the president’s factotum who disposes of criminal cases according to his instructions," he said. "Judging from the letter inviting me to this hearing, that appears to be your agenda today."
Barr cited the Justice Department's prosecution of former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who pleaded guilty in 2017 to making false statements during an interview with the FBI.
The Justice Department has since moved to dismiss the case, and Barr, who has appointed an outside prosecutor to review the case, said recently uncovered documents show that the FBI interview "was untethered to any legitimate investigation."


usatoday--2020-07-29--COVID-19: Herman Cain remains hospitalized on oxygen a month after being admitted

WASHINGTON – Former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain remains hospitalized for COVID-19 after being admitted nearly one month ago .
An update to his Twitter account Monday announced the 74-year-old `` is still in the hospital being treated with oxygen for his lungs .
In the meantime , the doctors say his other organs and systems are strong . ''
`` Re-strengthening the lungs is a long and slow process , and the doctors want to be thorough about it , '' a following tweet continued , with another thanking supporters for their prayers .
`` He really is getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the posts concluded .
USA TODAY has reached out for additional information regarding Cain 's status .
Cain , a former Godfather 's Pizza CEO , survived stage 4 colon cancer , which was diagnosed in 2006 .
He was given a 30 % chance of survival then after the cancer had spread to his liver , but was declared cancer free in 2007 after undergoing chemotherapy and surgery .
It remains unknown where he contracted the virus .
Cain , who serves as co-chair of Black Voices for Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Tulsa , Oklahoma , in June and did n't wear a mask .
Several others who attended , including a few Trump campaign staffers , also tested positive for the coronavirus .
Another coronavirus stimulus check : What we know about the next round of payments Cain was hospitalized at an `` Atlanta-area hospital '' 11 days following the rally after testing positive June 29 and experiencing `` symptoms serious enough that he required '' admittance .
A local top health official said at a news conference following the rally that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large gathering added to the record number of cases reported the subsequent week .
The update on Cain 's status came the same day it was announced that Trump 's national security adviser , Robert O'Brien , had also tested positive for COVID-19 , becoming the highest-ranking administration official to contract the disease .
In April 2019 , Trump announced that he intended to nominate Cain to serve on the Federal Reserve .
The plan to nominate Cain , who has been accused of repeated sexual harassment , was met with immediate backlash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks later , Cain said he asked Trump to take his name out of consideration because he could n't afford the `` pay cut . ''
The ongoing pandemic has resulted in 4.3 million cases in the United States , with nearly 150,000 deaths , according to data from John Hopkins .

COVID-19: Herman Cain remains hospitalized on oxygen a month after being admitted
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: Trump to resume coronavirus briefings at the White House President Trump says he'll resume coronavirus briefings at the White House amid the recent spike in cases. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain remains hospitalized for COVID-19 after being admitted nearly one month ago.
An update to his Twitter account Monday announced the 74-year-old "is still in the hospital being treated with oxygen for his lungs. In the meantime, the doctors say his other organs and systems are strong."
"Re-strengthening the lungs is a long and slow process, and the doctors want to be thorough about it," a following tweet continued, with another thanking supporters for their prayers.
"He really is getting better, which means it is working," the posts concluded.
More: Twitter removes President Donald Trump's post touting a false 'cure' for COVID-19
USA TODAY has reached out for additional information regarding Cain's status.
We know it's been a few days since we last gave you an update on the boss. But he is still in the hospital being treated with oxygen for his lungs. In the meantime, the doctors say his other organs and systems are strong. — Herman Cain (@THEHermanCain) July 27, 2020
Cain, a former Godfather's Pizza CEO, survived stage 4 colon cancer, which was diagnosed in 2006. He was given a 30% chance of survival then after the cancer had spread to his liver, but was declared cancer free in 2007 after undergoing chemotherapy and surgery.
It remains unknown where he contracted the virus.
Cain, who serves as co-chair of Black Voices for Trump, had attended President Donald Trump's rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in June and didn't wear a mask. Several others who attended, including a few Trump campaign staffers, also tested positive for the coronavirus.
Another coronavirus stimulus check: What we know about the next round of payments
Cain was hospitalized at an "Atlanta-area hospital" 11 days following the rally after testing positive June 29 and experiencing "symptoms serious enough that he required" admittance.
A local top health official said at a news conference following the rally that it was "more than likely" the large gathering added to the record number of cases reported the subsequent week.
The update on Cain's status came the same day it was announced that Trump's national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, had also tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the highest-ranking administration official to contract the disease.
More: Robert O'Brien, Donald Trump's national security adviser, tests positive for COVID-19
In April 2019, Trump announced that he intended to nominate Cain to serve on the Federal Reserve. The plan to nominate Cain, who has been accused of repeated sexual harassment, was met with immediate backlash from both Democrats and Republicans. Two weeks later, Cain said he asked Trump to take his name out of consideration because he couldn't afford the "pay cut."
The ongoing pandemic has resulted in 4.3 million cases in the United States, with nearly 150,000 deaths, according to data from John Hopkins.
Contributing: William Cummings, Jeanine Santucci, David Jackson


usatoday--2020-07-30--'I don't want a delay': Trump rows back on delaying election but not on mail-in ballots

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Thursday appeared to row back on the idea of delaying the 2020 election , even as he continued to raise doubts about efforts to expand mail-in voting in some states to respond to the coronavirus .
`` Do I want to see a date change ?
No , '' Trump said at the White House hours after raising the idea of a delay in a tweet .
`` But I do n't want to see a crooked election . ''
Trump drew bipartisan derision Thursday for questioning whether the presidential election should be delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and his longstanding and unproven assertion that mail-in ballots would lead to election fraud .
Congressional Republicans bluntly rejected the idea and Democrats accused the president of attempting to sow doubt if the election does n't go his way .
Despite the blow back , Trump did not foreclose on continuing to push for a delay in voting – an idea that would require approval from Congress .
Instead , he indicated he was n't advocating for a delay while he simultaneously lamented efforts to expand mail-in voting .
`` What will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mess , '' Trump said .
`` I want a result much , more more than you ...
I do n't want to be waiting around around for weeks and months . ''
Democrats said Trump 's latest remarks were not overly convincing and likely foreshadowed a continuing effort to cast doubt about the election .
Trump is trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in battleground states , though analysts from both parties acknowledge there is ample time for the landscape to change .
Political opponents said Trump is clearly threatening to dispute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a delay or lawsuits over mail-in balloting .
`` Cut through his blaze of fraudulent claims about vote by mail , the @ POTUS foreshadows months of resistance and legal wrangling if he doesn ’ t win , '' tweeted Democratic strategist David Axelrod .
`` The President is single-handedly undermining his re-election with both nutty conspiracies about voting by mail and insane ramblings about delaying the election , '' Erickson tweeted .
`` A growing portion of his base is frustrated and thinks he 's just trying to lose . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ election tweet to his Twitter feed throughout the day Thursday , assuring that his 84.3 million followers would see it .
By late Thursday , the pin was removed .
Trump also called on lawmakers to approve a short-term extension of unemployment benefits , an idea that has been embraced by Republicans on Capitol Hill but that met with stiff resistance from Democrats .
The two parties are struggling to negotiate another round of stimulus to address the economic harm caused by the virus .
`` We want a temporary extension of expanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters at the White House on Thursday .
`` This will provide a critical bridge for Americans who lost their jobs to the pandemic through no fault of their own . ''
Democrats want a broader agreement that would include other stimulus provisions .
Trump started off his remarks Thursday by offering his sympathy for former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain , who died after a battle with COVID-19 .
`` No one is immune , '' Trump said .
`` We can never ever forget the people who have been lost , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hiatus , Trump returned July 21 to holding regular COVID-19 briefings that he had started earlier in the pandemic .
Unlike in the past , Trump has kept the latest round of briefings relatively short and has not invited members of the White House coronavirus task force to join him at the podium .
Trump last took questions in the briefing room on Tuesday .
Since then , the nation surged past 150,000 COVID-19 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Several large states , including California and Florida , are setting @ @ @ @ @ @

John Fritze, Courtney Subramanian and David Jackson, USA TODAY

'I don't want a delay': Trump rows back on delaying election but not on mail-in ballots
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Thursday appeared to row back on the idea of delaying the 2020 election, even as he continued to raise doubts about efforts to expand mail-in voting in some states to respond to the coronavirus.
"Do I want to see a date change? No," Trump said at the White House hours after raising the idea of a delay in a tweet. "But I don't want to see a crooked election."
Trump drew bipartisan derision Thursday for questioning whether the presidential election should be delayed over concerns about voting during the pandemic – and his longstanding and unproven assertion that mail-in ballots would lead to election fraud.
Congressional Republicans bluntly rejected the idea and Democrats accused the president of attempting to sow doubt if the election doesn't go his way.
Despite the blow back, Trump did not foreclose on continuing to push for a delay in voting – an idea that would require approval from Congress. Instead, he indicated he wasn't advocating for a delay while he simultaneously lamented efforts to expand mail-in voting.
"What will happen in November – it's a mess," Trump said. "I want a result much, more more than you...I don't want to be waiting around around for weeks and months."
Democrats said Trump's latest remarks were not overly convincing and likely foreshadowed a continuing effort to cast doubt about the election. Trump is trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in battleground states, though analysts from both parties acknowledge there is ample time for the landscape to change.
Political opponents said Trump is clearly threatening to dispute the election, either by a call for a delay or lawsuits over mail-in balloting.
"Cut through his blaze of fraudulent claims about vote by mail, the @POTUS foreshadows months of resistance and legal wrangling if he doesn’t win," tweeted Democratic strategist David Axelrod.
Conservative commentator Erick Erickson also questioned Trump's strategy.
"The President is single-handedly undermining his re-election with both nutty conspiracies about voting by mail and insane ramblings about delaying the election," Erickson tweeted. "A growing portion of his base is frustrated and thinks he's just trying to lose."
The president had "pinned" the election tweet to his Twitter feed throughout the day Thursday, assuring that his 84.3 million followers would see it.
By late Thursday, the pin was removed.
Trump also called on lawmakers to approve a short-term extension of unemployment benefits, an idea that has been embraced by Republicans on Capitol Hill but that met with stiff resistance from Democrats. The two parties are struggling to negotiate another round of stimulus to address the economic harm caused by the virus.
"We want a temporary extension of expanded unemployment benefits," the president told reporters at the White House on Thursday. "This will provide a critical bridge for Americans who lost their jobs to the pandemic through no fault of their own."
Democrats want a broader agreement that would include other stimulus provisions.
Trump started off his remarks Thursday by offering his sympathy for former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain, who died after a battle with COVID-19.
"No one is immune," Trump said.
"We can never ever forget the people who have been lost," Trump said.
More: McConnell, Republicans nix idea of moving Election Day
More: U.S. economy contracted record 32.9% in Q2 amid state shutdowns
After a weeks-long hiatus, Trump returned July 21 to holding regular COVID-19 briefings that he had started earlier in the pandemic. Unlike in the past, Trump has kept the latest round of briefings relatively short and has not invited members of the White House coronavirus task force to join him at the podium.
Trump last took questions in the briefing room on Tuesday. Since then, the nation surged past 150,000 COVID-19 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. Several large states, including California and Florida, are setting new records for virus deaths.


usatoday--2020-07-30--'I am sorry': Ellen DeGeneres apologizes to talk show staff after complaints of  mistreatment

'The Ellen DeGeneres Show ' will make staffing changes in response to an internal workplace review following complaints of employee mistreatment .
The host of the popular , long-running daytime talk show , which has aired in syndication since 2003 , apologized in a letter to staffers as an internal review of worker complaints conducted by parent company WarnerMedia comes to a close .
The Hollywood Reporter first reported on DeGeneres ' letter Thursday .
The review , which followed a July 16 BuzzFeed story in which mostly former employees anonymously alleged racism , intimidation and a toxic work culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in staffing changes , Warner Bros. said .
DeGeneres addressed the complaints in her letter , which was obtained by USA TODAY .
`` On day one of our show , I told everyone in our first meeting that 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show ' would be a place of happiness – no one would ever raise their voice , and everyone would be treated with respect . ''
she wrote .
`` Obviously , something changed , and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anyone who knows me knows it ’ s the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show . ''
Warner Bros. issued a statement to USA TODAY regarding the investigation , in which dozens of current and former employees were interviewed .
“ 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show ' is , and has always strived to be , a place that brings positivity to the world .
And though not all of the allegations were corroborated , we are disappointed that the primary findings of the investigation indicated some deficiencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management .
We have identified several staffing changes , along with appropriate measures to address the issues that have been raised , and are taking the first steps to implement them , . ''
the statement said .
DeGeneres and the studio are `` committed to ensuring a workplace based on respect and inclusion , '' the statement continued .
`` We are confident this course of action will lead us to the right way forward for the show.
” In her letter , DeGeneres acknowledged her responsibility to the show that bears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal oversight .
`` As we ’ ve grown exponentially , I ’ ve not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I ’ d want them done .
Clearly some didn ’ t .
That will now change and I ’ m committed to ensuring this does not happen again , '' she wrote .
The Hollywood Reporter said one of three executive producers , Ed Glavin , was the source of many complaints and would be exiting soon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to dispute some statements from those working on the show , while alluding to her own experiences as a trailblazing entertainer in empathizing with those who feel they were treated unfairly .
`` I ’ m also learning that people who work with me and for me are speaking on my behalf and misrepresenting who I am and that has to stop , '' she wrote .
`` As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am , I truly understand and have deep compassion for those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfairly , not equal , or – worse – disregarded .
To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me . ''

'I am sorry': Ellen DeGeneres apologizes to talk-show staff after complaints of mistreatment
Show Caption Hide Caption The future of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' explained USA TODAY's Gary Levin explains why he thinks Ellen DeGeneres will return to her daytime talk show despite allegations of mistreatment from staffers. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' will make staffing changes in response to an internal workplace review following complaints of employee mistreatment.
The host of the popular, long-running daytime talk show, which has aired in syndication since 2003, apologized in a letter to staffers as an internal review of worker complaints conducted by parent company WarnerMedia comes to a close. The Hollywood Reporter first reported on DeGeneres' letter Thursday.
The review, which followed a July 16 BuzzFeed story in which mostly former employees anonymously alleged racism, intimidation and a toxic work culture, found "deficiencies" that will result in staffing changes, Warner Bros. said.
DeGeneres addressed the complaints in her letter, which was obtained by USA TODAY.
"On day one of our show, I told everyone in our first meeting that 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' would be a place of happiness – no one would ever raise their voice, and everyone would be treated with respect," she wrote. "Obviously, something changed, and I am disappointed to learn that this has not been the case. And for that, I am sorry. Anyone who knows me knows it’s the opposite of what I believe and what I hoped for our show."
Warner Bros. issued a statement to USA TODAY regarding the investigation in which dozens of current and former employees were interviewed.
“'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' is, and has always strived to be, a place that brings positivity to the world. And though not all of the allegations were corroborated, we are disappointed that the primary findings of the investigation indicated some deficiencies related to the show’s day-to-day management. We have identified several staffing changes, along with appropriate measures to address the issues that have been raised, and are taking the first steps to implement them," the statement said.
Toxic culture allegations: 'Ellen DeGeneres Show' producers respond to claims of toxic workplace environment
DeGeneres and the studio are "committed to ensuring a workplace based on respect and inclusion," the statement continued. "We are confident this course of action will lead us to the right way forward for the show.”
In her letter, DeGeneres acknowledged her responsibility to the show that bears her name and promised to provide more personal oversight.
"As we’ve grown exponentially, I’ve not been able to stay on top of everything and relied on others to do their jobs as they knew I’d want them done. Clearly some didn’t. That will now change and I’m committed to ensuring this does not happen again," she wrote.
The Hollywood Reporter said one of three executive producers, Ed Glavin, was the source of many complaints and would be exiting soon. Warner Bros. declined comment.
DeGeneres appeared to dispute some statements from those working on the show, while alluding to her own experiences as a trailblazing entertainer in empathizing with those who feel they were treated unfairly.
"I’m also learning that people who work with me and for me are speaking on my behalf and misrepresenting who I am and that has to stop," she wrote. "As someone who was judged and nearly lost everything for just being who I am, I truly understand and have deep compassion for those being looked at differently, or treated unfairly, not equal, or – worse – disregarded. To think that any one of you felt that way is awful to me."


usatoday--2020-07-30--'America's Frontline Doctors' may be real doctors, but experts say they don't know what they're talk

Tech platforms scrambled this week to delete a video featuring seven doctors who claimed their front-line knowledge of the pandemic contradicts the guidance of public health experts – even as President Donald Trump , his son and other political allies sought to amplify the video .
The event suggested the doctors ' personal experience gave them a valuable perspective on the public health crisis that they said was not being taken seriously .
And the major theme throughout the event by the group that calls itself America ’ s Frontline Doctors : touting the alleged benefits of hydroxychloroquine as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science that has shown it does not have a clinical benefit for COVID-19 patients and even has increased risks .
`` These are the doctors diagnosing , treating and helping patients beat COVID-19 , '' said Jenny Beth Martin – co-founder of Tea Party Patriots , a pro-Trump conservative group that helped organize the event – during the news conference .
While their name , America ’ s Frontline Doctors , suggests the speakers may work in hospital emergency rooms or intensive care units and have experience treating critically ill COVID-19 patients , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctors have such experience .
USA TODAY confirmed that most are physicians with active state medical licenses , but their specialties and experience suggests they were offering little more than personal opinions rather than research experience on infectious diseases .
While one is affiliated with a hospital that would treat critically ill patients and others work at urgent care or other clinics , none claim to be infectious disease experts or doctors working in a hospital emergency room or intensive care unit .
Many have also been vocal critics of lockdowns and supporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , director of the Harvard Global Health Institute , likened the views expressed in the video to his own opinions about foreign politics in an interview with USA TODAY on Wednesday .
Jha acknowledged the power of the image contained in the video : a group of doctors standing outside the Supreme Court , donning white lab coats , boasting an introduction from a U.S. congressman and spreading a hopeful message amid a raging pandemic .
It proved a convincing package to the more the 17 million people who viewed one version of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken down earlier this week .
Speaking with MSNBC , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's top infectious disease specialist , called the group `` a bunch of people spouting something that is n't true . ''
Dr. Joe Ladapo , a UCLA physician who appeared in the video , told USA TODAY in an email that he appeared at the event `` because I believe it ’ s critically important for us to have a discussion that includes different perspectives about our approach to COVID-19 . ''
Jha , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal experience could outweigh more rigorous studies is simply unscientific .
“ Experiences are trumped by scientific evidence , ” he said .
And in the case of the arguments made in the video , Jha says the evidence does n't back up their experiences .
Some of the allegations made in the video – including that a cure for COVID-19 exists – essentially suggest a global conspiracy to suppress an effective treatment to the coronavirus , Jha said .
Who was featured in the video ?
USA TODAY tried to contact all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controversial video filmed Monday to verify the organization 's claim that they are working on the front lines of the pandemic .
One responded , another declined to comment and the rest did not answer .
USA TODAY also reached out to Tea Party Patriots , the group organizing the event , and did not immediately get a response .
Many of the speakers have made public statements that clash with the opinion of the majority of public health experts .
• Dr. Simone Gold , who has identified herself as an emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , she gained national attention for being a part of a group of Pro-Trump doctors who advocated for quickly reopening the economy .
On her website , she claims she `` works as an emergency physician on the frontlines whether or not there is a pandemic . ''
On LinkedIn , she says she works as a `` Concierge Physician , '' an increasingly common field of medicine where patients pay a monthly or annual fee for access to a physician , according to AARP .
She is listed as having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medical Board of California and self-reported to the board that she completes 30-39 hours of patient care per week .
• Dr. Bob Hamilton identified himself as a pediatrician from Santa Monica , California , with 36 years of practice .
He 's listed as a pediatrician at Pacific Ocean Pediatrics , which reports on its website he has privileges at two California hospitals .
He is listed as having a renewed and current medical license by the Medical Board of California .
• Dr. Stella Immanuel identified herself as a primary care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successfully treated about 350 COVID-19 patients .
She has a full medical license in Texas , according to Texas Medical Board online records .
She told the board she has a primary specialty of pediatrics and a secondary specialty of emergency medicine .
• Dr. Dan Erickson was featured in a previous controversial video criticizing lockdowns ; he co-owns California urgent care centers .
The American Academy of Emergency Medicine condemned Erickson for his `` reckless and untested musings '' relating to COVID-19 in April .
Erickson is listed as having a license @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the training for a doctor of osteopathic medicine is slightly different , focusing on more of a hands-on and holistic approach to health , they must go through a similar licensing process as physicians , according to the Mayo Clinic .
His urgent care center , Accelerated Urgent Care , does have a current license with the state medical board .
• Dr. Richard G. Urso is listed as an ophthalmologist with Houston Eye Associates .
He has a full medical license in Texas , according to Texas Medical Board online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a primary and secondary specialty of ophthalmology .
An assistant for Urso declined to comment to USA TODAY .
• Dr. James Todaro identifies himself on LinkedIn as a Detroit-area physician , managing partner of an investment fund and former physician with an eye group .
Michigan 's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs does not list anyone with a current medical doctor license by Todaro 's name .
• Dr. Joe Ladapo is an associate professor of medicine in the division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research at David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is listed as a Hospitalist affiliated with Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center by UCLA health .
Ladapo wrote in an email to USA TODAY that he has treated COVID-19 patients but that his primary work is in clinical research .
He said that his research has not primarily focused on COVID-19 and potential treatments , but rather policy and management of the pandemic .
Ladapo has written numerous opinion editorials critical of lockdowns published by national outlets , including USA TODAY .
A doctor who believes in demon sperm sued for medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the doctors in the group after a report from the Daily Beast highlighted some of her bizarre religious and medical beliefs .
The Daily Beast reported that Immanuel has stated `` that gynecological problems like cysts and endometriosis are in fact caused by people having sex in their dreams with demons and witches '' and that `` alien DNA is currently used in medical treatments . ''
On Twitter , Immanuel embraced these claims , tweeting , `` Yes America !
some need deliverance from demon sperm '' and said the news outlet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliverance ministry . ''
The address listed for Immanuel 's practice is at the same strip mall where her Fire Power Ministries Christian Resource Center is located .
At the event for America ’ s Frontline Doctors , Immanuel also said masks are not necessary , despite evidence that has shown the use of face coverings can slow the spread of the virus through respiratory droplets .
In a video posted on Facebook in April , Immanuel is seen wearing full-body personal protective equipment in which she says her clinic offers screening for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to online records , the Texas Medical Board lists no investigations into medical malpractice against Immanuel ; however , the Houston Chronicle reported that Immanuel was the subject of a medical malpractice lawsuit tied to a woman 's death in Louisiana , where Immanuel is also licensed to practice .
According to the Chronicle , the lawsuit says that a woman treated by Immanuel complained about a needle in her arm .
Immanuel prescribed medication but did not perform a closer examination or tests , the lawsuit says , per the Chronicle .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hospital because of the pain .
A surgeon removed the needle , but days later , the woman died , the lawsuit says .
Dick Knadler , an attorney for the woman 's mother , told the Houston Chronicle that the woman died from an infection .
Immanuel could not be reached for comment by USA TODAY or the Houston Chronicle .
Who organized the the white lab coat 'press conference ' ?
The group Tea Party Patriots hosted the event , which also featured Rep. Ralph Norman , R-S.C. On its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other videos of the same doctors speaking at a summit , billed as part of the `` Second Opinion Project . ''
`` American life has fallen casualty to a massive disinformation campaign .
We can speculate on how this has happened , and why it has continued , but the purpose of the American Frontline Doctor 's Summit is to empower Americans to stop living in fear , '' Tea Party Patriots writes on its website .
According to the Center for Responsive Politics , which tracks political fundraising , the Tea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PAC , has raised more than $ 24 million since 2014 for Republican candidates and conservative causes .
The group also operates a 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit and a 501 ( c ) 4 social welfare organization , which allows it to participate in politics and influencing legislation .
On the group 's website , its super PAC pushes for Trump 's reelection as well as keeping Republicans in office .
Martin , the group 's co-founder who was also featured prominently in the video , has led the group and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and most effective national umbrella group within the Tea Party movement , '' the group 's website states .
`` Jenny Beth Martin and Tea Party Patriots now use their network to reach millions of Americans every week with education and updates about fiscal responsibility , free market principles , and constitutionally limited government , '' the website says .
What we know about COVID-19 and hydroxychloroquine Fauci and other leading voices in public health and infectious disease research have repeatedly said that the cumulative knowledge of scientific evidence to date does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 patients and that there are risk in taking the drug for COVID-19 patients .
Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug , but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has revoked its emergency authorization for the use of the drug in treating the new coronavirus .
The agency said in a letter the decision is based on new evidence that made it unreasonable to believe hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine `` may be effective in diagnosing , treating or preventing '' COVID-19 , the illness caused by the virus .
Citing reports of heart complications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a greater risk to patients than any potential benefits .
The drug came to public attention after several small , anecdotal , non-peer-reviewed reports about hydroxychloroquine in China in February .
None was up to the scientific gold standard of a double-blind , randomized , placebo-controlled trial that would more definitively show whether the drug worked .
An analysis by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel , part of the USA TODAY Network , found that many hydroxychloroquine trials have resembled lone-wolf research , overseen by individual hospitals and universities and have become became a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scientific free-for-all in which research overlapped , studies were poorly designed , and patients were given drugs of unproven benefit .
Contributing : Adrianna Rodriguez , John Fauber and The Associated Press

Ryan W. Miller and Joel Shannon, USA TODAY

'America's Frontline Doctors' may be real doctors, but experts say they don't know what they're talking about
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump again touts hydroxychloroquine for COVID A day after President Donald Trump and his son shared a fresh dose of misinformation about hydroxychloroquine in videos that were taken down by Twitter and Facebook, Trump again touted the benefits of the drug, insisting it's safe and effective. (July 28) AP
Tech platforms scrambled this week to delete a video featuring seven doctors who claimed their front-line knowledge of the pandemic contradicts the guidance of public health experts – even as President Donald Trump, his son and other political allies sought to amplify the video.
The event suggested the doctors' personal experience gave them a valuable perspective on the public health crisis that they said was not being taken seriously.
And the major theme throughout the event by the group that calls itself America’s Frontline Doctors: touting the alleged benefits of hydroxychloroquine as a cure for COVID-19 and shooting down the science that has shown it does not have a clinical benefit for COVID-19 patients and even has increased risks.
"These are the doctors diagnosing, treating and helping patients beat COVID-19," said Jenny Beth Martin – co-founder of Tea Party Patriots, a pro-Trump conservative group that helped organize the event – during the news conference.
While their name, America’s Frontline Doctors, suggests the speakers may work in hospital emergency rooms or intensive care units and have experience treating critically ill COVID-19 patients, it's unclear to what extent the doctors have such experience.
USA TODAY confirmed that most are physicians with active state medical licenses, but their specialties and experience suggests they were offering little more than personal opinions rather than research experience on infectious diseases.
While one is affiliated with a hospital that would treat critically ill patients and others work at urgent care or other clinics, none claim to be infectious disease experts or doctors working in a hospital emergency room or intensive care unit.
Many have also been vocal critics of lockdowns and supporters of the Trump administration.
Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, likened the views expressed in the video to his own opinions about foreign politics in an interview with USA TODAY on Wednesday.
Jha acknowledged the power of the image contained in the video: a group of doctors standing outside the Supreme Court, donning white lab coats, boasting an introduction from a U.S. congressman and spreading a hopeful message amid a raging pandemic. It proved a convincing package to the more the 17 million people who viewed one version of the video circulating online before it was taken down earlier this week.
Speaking with MSNBC, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease specialist, called the group "a bunch of people spouting something that isn't true."
Dr. Joe Ladapo, a UCLA physician who appeared in the video, told USA TODAY in an email that he appeared at the event "because I believe it’s critically important for us to have a discussion that includes different perspectives about our approach to COVID-19."
Jha, however, said the idea that any doctor's personal experience could outweigh more rigorous studies is simply unscientific.
“Experiences are trumped by scientific evidence,” he said. And in the case of the arguments made in the video, Jha says the evidence doesn't back up their experiences.
Some of the allegations made in the video – including that a cure for COVID-19 exists – essentially suggest a global conspiracy to suppress an effective treatment to the coronavirus, Jha said.
“It’s not science."
Who was featured in the video?
USA TODAY tried to contact all of the doctors who spoke during the controversial video filmed Monday to verify the organization's claim that they are working on the front lines of the pandemic. One responded, another declined to comment and the rest did not answer. USA TODAY also reached out to Tea Party Patriots, the group organizing the event, and did not immediately get a response.
Many of the speakers have made public statements that clash with the opinion of the majority of public health experts.
Dr. Simone Gold, who has identified herself as an emergency medicine specialist in Los Angeles. In May, she gained national attention for being a part of a group of Pro-Trump doctors who advocated for quickly reopening the economy. On her website, she claims she "works as an emergency physician on the frontlines whether or not there is a pandemic." On LinkedIn, she says she works as a "Concierge Physician," an increasingly common field of medicine where patients pay a monthly or annual fee for access to a physician, according to AARP. She is listed as having a renewed and current medical license by the Medical Board of California and self-reported to the board that she completes 30-39 hours of patient care per week. Dr. Bob Hamilton identified himself as a pediatrician from Santa Monica, California, with 36 years of practice. He's listed as a pediatrician at Pacific Ocean Pediatrics, which reports on its website he has privileges at two California hospitals. He is listed as having a renewed and current medical license by the Medical Board of California. Dr. Stella Immanuel identified herself as a primary care physician in Houston and claims to have successfully treated about 350 COVID-19 patients. She has a full medical license in Texas, according to Texas Medical Board online records. She told the board she has a primary specialty of pediatrics and a secondary specialty of emergency medicine. Dr. Dan Erickson was featured in a previous controversial video criticizing lockdowns; he co-owns California urgent care centers. The American Academy of Emergency Medicine condemned Erickson for his "reckless and untested musings" relating to COVID-19 in April. Erickson is listed as having a license from the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. While the training for a doctor of osteopathic medicine is slightly different, focusing on more of a hands-on and holistic approach to health, they must go through a similar licensing process as physicians, according to the Mayo Clinic. His urgent care center, Accelerated Urgent Care, does have a current license with the state medical board. Dr. Richard G. Urso is listed as an ophthalmologist with Houston Eye Associates. He has a full medical license in Texas, according to Texas Medical Board online records. He told the board he has a primary and secondary specialty of ophthalmology. An assistant for Urso declined to comment to USA TODAY. Dr. James Todaro identifies himself on LinkedIn as a Detroit-area physician, managing partner of an investment fund and former physician with an eye group. Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs does not list anyone with a current medical doctor license by Todaro's name. Dr. Joe Ladapo is an associate professor of medicine in the division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He is listed as a Hospitalist affiliated with Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center by UCLA health. Ladapo wrote in an email to USA TODAY that he has treated COVID-19 patients but that his primary work is in clinical research. He said that his research has not primarily focused on COVID-19 and potential treatments, but rather policy and management of the pandemic. Ladapo has written numerous opinion editorials critical of lockdowns published by national outlets, including USA TODAY.
A doctor who believes in demon sperm sued for medical malpractice
Immanuel has received heightened attention among the doctors in the group after a report from the Daily Beast highlighted some of her bizarre religious and medical beliefs.
The Daily Beast reported that Immanuel has stated "that gynecological problems like cysts and endometriosis are in fact caused by people having sex in their dreams with demons and witches" and that "alien DNA is currently used in medical treatments."
On Twitter, Immanuel embraced these claims, tweeting, "Yes America! some need deliverance from demon sperm" and said the news outlet "did a great job summarizing our deliverance ministry."
The address listed for Immanuel's practice is at the same strip mall where her Fire Power Ministries Christian Resource Center is located.
At the event for America’s Frontline Doctors, Immanuel also said masks are not necessary, despite evidence that has shown the use of face coverings can slow the spread of the virus through respiratory droplets.
In a video posted on Facebook in April, Immanuel is seen wearing full-body personal protective equipment in which she says her clinic offers screening for COVID-19 in its parking lot.
According to online records, the Texas Medical Board lists no investigations into medical malpractice against Immanuel; however, the Houston Chronicle reported that Immanuel was the subject of a medical malpractice lawsuit tied to a woman's death in Louisiana, where Immanuel is also licensed to practice.
According to the Chronicle, the lawsuit says that a woman treated by Immanuel complained about a needle in her arm. Immanuel prescribed medication but did not perform a closer examination or tests, the lawsuit says, per the Chronicle.
The woman sought help hours later from a hospital because of the pain. A surgeon removed the needle, but days later, the woman died, the lawsuit says. Dick Knadler, an attorney for the woman's mother, told the Houston Chronicle that the woman died from an infection.
Immanuel could not be reached for comment by USA TODAY or the Houston Chronicle.
Who organized the the white lab coat 'press conference'?
The group Tea Party Patriots hosted the event, which also featured Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C. On its website, Tea Party Patriots published several other videos of the same doctors speaking at a summit, billed as part of the "Second Opinion Project."
"American life has fallen casualty to a massive disinformation campaign. We can speculate on how this has happened, and why it has continued, but the purpose of the American Frontline Doctor's Summit is to empower Americans to stop living in fear," Tea Party Patriots writes on its website.
According to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks political fundraising, the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund, a super PAC, has raised more than $24 million since 2014 for Republican candidates and conservative causes.
The group also operates a 501(c)3 non-profit and a 501(c)4 social welfare organization, which allows it to participate in politics and influencing legislation.
On the group's website, its super PAC pushes for Trump's reelection as well as keeping Republicans in office.
Martin, the group's co-founder who was also featured prominently in the video, has led the group and grown it "to be the largest and most effective national umbrella group within the Tea Party movement," the group's website states.
"Jenny Beth Martin and Tea Party Patriots now use their network to reach millions of Americans every week with education and updates about fiscal responsibility, free market principles, and constitutionally limited government," the website says.
What we know about COVID-19 and hydroxychloroquine
Fauci and other leading voices in public health and infectious disease research have repeatedly said that the cumulative knowledge of scientific evidence to date does not show that hydroxychloroquine has a positive effect for COVID-19 patients and that there are risk in taking the drug for COVID-19 patients.
Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has revoked its emergency authorization for the use of the drug in treating the new coronavirus.
The agency said in a letter the decision is based on new evidence that made it unreasonable to believe hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine "may be effective in diagnosing, treating or preventing" COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.
Citing reports of heart complications, the FDA said the drugs pose a greater risk to patients than any potential benefits.
The drug came to public attention after several small, anecdotal, non-peer-reviewed reports about hydroxychloroquine in China in February. None was up to the scientific gold standard of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that would more definitively show whether the drug worked.
An analysis by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, found that many hydroxychloroquine trials have resembled lone-wolf research, overseen by individual hospitals and universities and have become became a frenzied hodge-podge of undertakings – an unprecedented scientific free-for-all in which research overlapped, studies were poorly designed, and patients were given drugs of unproven benefit.
Contributing: Adrianna Rodriguez, John Fauber and The Associated Press