usatoday--2020-07-09--Disney World reopening: Passholder preview provides sneak peek at new COVID-19 precautions

Karen Fernandez entered the Magic Kingdom for the first time in 1974 , at age 4 , and for the past few years , has gone weekly to one of the four parks at `` The Place Where Dreams Come True . ''
Early Thursday , for the first time since COVID-19 shut down Walt Disney World parks and resorts March 15 , she joined thousands of masked annual passholders for a special pre-opening preview at the place she and many others call “ home ” and their `` happy place . ''
The Thursday and Friday previews , at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( which reopen Saturday ) run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and reservations for them went faster than Space Mountain when they arrived in passholders ' inboxes recently .
Epcot and Hollywood Studios are set to reopen July 15 .
Disney World works to reassure guests ahead of reopening : Park resumes ticket sales and hotel bookings for 2020 Fernandez admits it : She got a little misty-eyed as she headed straight to Cinderella 's Castle , whose fancy new paint job sparkled in bright sunshine as a stream of people posed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ castle .
`` It was very emotional ... it was really nice to see all the cast members saying , 'Welcome home , ' '' Fernandez said .
`` It was very touching . ''
And : How the NBA bubble has taken shape in Disney World Masks are mandatory at all the Florida parks now , except when eating .
Hand-sanitizing stations are sprinkled throughout the park .
Signage stressing safety , social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing are everywhere from walls to trashcans and on tables .
The parks will also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are yet available .
In many cases , park employees in many cases wear headgear with protective shields in front of their faces , while all wear masks and watch to make sure patrons observe social distancing protocols .
The most dramatic change – and the most welcome for many who feel claustrophobic enough even they 're not wearing masks in 93-degree weather : no more crowding up behind others as visitoirs inch their way toward Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or other popular rides .
`` Please Wait Here '' and other such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few feet in lines for everything from photos to attractions .
And as they wind their way through a queue , park goers walking in opposite directions are separated by tall Plexiglass-topped partitions .
Fernandez of Happy Trails , Florida , knew that she 'd take a little or a lot of flak from those concerned about theme parks reopening even as the coronavirus surges in Central Florida .
So does she feel safe ?
`` I was a little skeptical at first ; a little scared , but I knew that Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` People are social distancing ; there 's hand-sanitizing everywhere – when you get on the ride and when you get off it .
I am really pleased with everything they 've done . ''
Is it safe for Disney World to reopen this weekend ?
Coronavirus cases soar in Florida In addition to all of those precautions , there 's no waiting in line inside eateries .
Mobile ordering is the order of the day , and when the order 's ready , customers are welcomed inside .
At Cosmic Ray @ @ @ @ @ @ @ star Sonny Eclipse crooned , every other table was marked `` For Your Health and Safety , This Table is Not Available . ''
That 's all fine with Fernandez , who said Disney `` has a very special place in my heart ...
I just feel happy here .
The moment I step foot in any Disney park , I feel elated .
So being away from it since the end of February was really hard . ''
Passholder Keith Heinly of Palm Bay , Florida , was ready to rock when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 a.m. By 11 a.m. , the Brevard County native and his son , Stephen , had already ridden Space Mountain and taken the Jungle Cruise .
Then , Heinly headed to Haunted Mansion and his son to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad .
Heinly , 63 , said that he loves his frequent trips to the Disney parks for the exercise : `` Disney 's a great place to walk , '' he said .
And the changes he saw Thursday impressed Heinly , who first came to Magic Kingdom when it opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dividers , the signs ...
I think they ’ ve done a great job , ” he said .
Fernandez says she 'll continue to follow safety precautions , which she thinks will be good for everyone as the public slowly return to theme parks and other venues that attract big crowds .
After all , Walt Disney World is `` home . ''
`` I was born in Miami but always felt at home in Central Florida , '' she said .
`` When I got married in 1993 , my hubby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hesitation .
Our daughter was born in 1994 and we took her to Epcot at 4 months old . ''
And Fernandez plans to be back soon with her husband and their daughter – both of whom had to work Thursday .
`` I know it ’ s going to be way different than what it was , '' Fernandez said .
`` But I know it will still be magical . ''

Disney World: Fans sneak peek at new COVID-19 precautions ahead of Saturday's reopening
Show Caption Hide Caption Disney World reopens with new safety measures amid COVID concerns As Walt Disney World reopens, here are some new health and safety measures you may see. USA TODAY
Karen Fernandez entered the Magic Kingdom for the first time in 1974, at age 4, and for the past few years, has gone weekly to one of the four parks at "The Place Where Dreams Come True."
Early Thursday, for the first time since COVID-19 shut down Walt Disney World parks and resorts March 15, she joined thousands of masked annual passholders for a special pre-opening preview at the place she and many others call “home” and their "happy place."
The Thursday and Friday previews, at DIsney's Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom (which reopen Saturday) run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and reservations for them went faster than Space Mountain when they arrived in passholders' inboxes recently. Epcot and Hollywood Studios are set to reopen July 15.
Disney World works to reassure guests ahead of reopening: Park resumes ticket sales and hotel bookings for 2020
Fernandez admits it: She got a little misty-eyed as she headed straight to Cinderella's Castle, whose fancy new paint job sparkled in bright sunshine as a stream of people posed for photos in front of the refurbished castle.
"It was very emotional ... it was really nice to see all the cast members saying, 'Welcome home,'" Fernandez said. "It was very touching."
Walt Disney World reopens to first guests since COVID-19 closure Annual passholders were treated to a special preview of the Magic Kingdom's reopening. Walt Disney World has been closed for nearly four months. USA TODAY, FLORIDA TODAY
And: How the NBA bubble has taken shape in Disney World
Masks are mandatory at all the Florida parks now, except when eating. Hand-sanitizing stations are sprinkled throughout the park. Signage stressing safety, social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing are everywhere from walls to trashcans and on tables. The parks will also be limiting crowd capacity, though no specifics are yet available.
In many cases, park employees in many cases wear headgear with protective shields in front of their faces, while all wear masks and watch to make sure patrons observe social distancing protocols.
The most dramatic change – and the most welcome for many who feel claustrophobic enough even they're not wearing masks in 93-degree weather: no more crowding up behind others as visitoirs inch their way toward Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or other popular rides.
"Please Wait Here" and other such directions are painted on the ground every few feet in lines for everything from photos to attractions. And as they wind their way through a queue, park goers walking in opposite directions are separated by tall Plexiglass-topped partitions.
Fernandez of Happy Trails, Florida, knew that she'd take a little or a lot of flak from those concerned about theme parks reopening even as the coronavirus surges in Central Florida.
So does she feel safe?
"I was a little skeptical at first; a little scared, but I knew that Disney would come through," she said. "People are social distancing; there's hand-sanitizing everywhere – when you get on the ride and when you get off it. I am really pleased with everything they've done."
Is it safe for Disney World to reopen this weekend? Coronavirus cases soar in Florida
In addition to all of those precautions, there's no waiting in line inside eateries. Mobile ordering is the order of the day, and when the order's ready, customers are welcomed inside. At Cosmic Ray's, while the restaurant's animatronic star Sonny Eclipse crooned, every other table was marked "For Your Health and Safety, This Table is Not Available."
That's all fine with Fernandez, who said Disney "has a very special place in my heart ... I just feel happy here. The moment I step foot in any Disney park, I feel elated. So being away from it since the end of February was really hard."
Passholder Keith Heinly of Palm Bay, Florida, was ready to rock when the Magic Kingdom opened its gates at 9 a.m.
By 11 a.m., the Brevard County native and his son, Stephen, had already ridden Space Mountain and taken the Jungle Cruise. Then, Heinly headed to Haunted Mansion and his son to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
Heinly, 63, said that he loves his frequent trips to the Disney parks for the exercise: "Disney's a great place to walk," he said.
And the changes he saw Thursday impressed Heinly, who first came to Magic Kingdom when it opened in 1971.
”Seeing all the dividers, the signs ... I think they’ve done a great job,” he said.
Fernandez says she'll continue to follow safety precautions, which she thinks will be good for everyone as the public slowly return to theme parks and other venues that attract big crowds.
After all, Walt Disney World is "home."
"I was born in Miami but always felt at home in Central Florida," she said. "When I got married in 1993, my hubby and I moved up here with no hesitation. Our daughter was born in 1994 and we took her to Epcot at 4 months old."
And Fernandez plans to be back soon with her husband and their daughter – both of whom had to work Thursday.
"I know it’s going to be way different than what it was," Fernandez said. "But I know it will still be magical."
Contact Kennerly at 321-242-3692 or bkennerly@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @bybrittkennerly Facebook: /bybrittkennerly


usatoday--2020-07-09--More than 40% of staff at large Arizona detention center positive for COVID-19, operators say

PHOENIX – More than 40 % of staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona , one of the nation 's largest immigrant holding facilities , underscoring the severity of the coronavirus outbreak at the site where a correctional officer who died in June of complications of the virus had worked .
The 128 infected staff members represent nearly 41 % of the detention center 's 315-person workforce , according to data provided by CoreCivic to The Arizona Republic of the USA TODAY Network .
CoreCivic is a private , for-profit prison company that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement .
The center holds people facing removal from the U.S. for immigration violations .
Many are awaiting outcomes of asylum applications or legal applications to remain in the U.S .
The Eloy Detention Center has the second-largest coronavirus outbreak of any immigration detention facility in the country .
As of Wednesday , 242 detainees had tested positive for COVID-19 , according to the latest ICE data .
Of those , 108 remain active cases .
Arizona has the nation 's highest positive test rate for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emails obtained by The Arizona Republic , however , showed that on June 22 , more than two weeks ago , 270 detainees had tested positive for the coronavirus , dozens higher than data reported publicly by ICE .
The emails were written by Fred Figueroa , the warden at the Eloy Detention Center .
`` As of June 22 , 2020 we have 101 positive Staff COVID-19 and 16 , who have recovered and returned to work .
We have 270 positive detainee COVID-19 , '' Figueroa wrote in one email obtained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a spokeswoman for Nashville-based CoreCivic , said the 270 positive detainee cases disclosed in the email was the result of a `` typographical error . ''
On June 22 , ICE medical staff reported 201 positive detainee cases at the facility , an increase of nine from the day before , according to Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe , an ICE spokeswoman .
In the emails the warden outlines protocols for mitigating the spread of the coronavirus inside the facility , including wearing full personal protective equipment , face shields , ponchos , gloves and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected detainees .
`` I know that several are ( sic ) you are nervous with the amount of staff and detainees who are positive with COVID-19 .
Unfortunately this is a virus that is highly contagious , '' Figueroa wrote .
`` As stated above , 16 staff have returned to work and we anticipate several more as the days pass .
I can not stress the importance of practicing social distancing , wearing your mask and required PPE properly .
Treating everyone as if they have COVID-19 will help to minimize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not adhering to stablished ( sic ) procedures as it relates to social distancing and wearing PPE correction will be held accountable . ''
On June 14 , a 32-year-old senior correctional officer , Esteban Mercado , 32 , of Casa Grande died of possible COVID-19 complications .
He was the father of two children .
After his death , former correctional officer who quit because he felt unsafe working there and a correctional officer currently employed at the Eloy Detention Center said conditions at the facility , including a lack of access @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continuing working even when sick , caused the outbreak to snowball inside and outside of the facility .
The correctional officers also accused CoreCivic and ICE officials of under reporting the outbreak at the facility .
The former and current correctional officers say many of the staff working at the Eloy Detention Center have infected family members , including spouses , siblings and children .
CoreCivic and ICE officials have disputed the claims .
Until now , it was not known how many contract employees at the Eloy Detention Center had tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that data .
It only releases data on the number of positive cases involving ICE personnel .
One ICE employee at Eloy has tested positive , that data shows .
CoreCivic released the data on the number of staff who have tested positive in response to a request from The Republic .
The data shows that 54 of the 128 confirmed staff COVID-19 cases at the Eloy Detention Center involve employees who have recovered .
Pinal County health officials are concerned about infected detention staff spreading the virus to the community .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers , even some that live in other counties .
We work with the state and other counties on managing the outbreaks , '' Kore Redden , incident commander of Pinal County 's COVID-19 public health response , said in an email .
`` We are working to prevent them from spreading this in our community .
We treat them like any other exposure or positive case that resides in our community.
`` In addition , Pinal County has dispensed PPE to these facilities `` even though they are federal level , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed COVID-19 staff cases at Eloy is not surprising , said Laura Belous , advocacy attorney at the Florence Project , a group that offers free legal assistance to detained immigrants in Arizona .
The Florence Project filed a lawsuit in federal court in June asking a judge to release certain detainees at the Eloy Detention Center and La Palma Correctional Center because they have underlining medical conditions that put them at greater risk of dying from the virus .
`` We are so saddened to hear how drastically the virus has affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Detention Center and their families , '' Belous said in an email.
`` This news is not surprising to us , given what our clients have reported to us about conditions inside .
It 's an important reminder that detention center health is part of public health .
We wish all of those affected a speedy recovery . ''
Supreme Court : President Trump can not keep tax , financial records from prosecutors South Korea : Missing Seoul mayor 's body found after search with 600 officers and drones

More than 40% of staff at large Arizona detention center positive for COVID-19, operators say
Show Caption Hide Caption Dr. Fauci: society's responsibility in conquering COVID-19 Dr. Anthony Fauci speaks to how personal responsibility and social distancing is the key to ending the spread of the coronavirus. USA TODAY
PHOENIX – More than 40% of staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona, one of the nation's largest immigrant holding facilities, underscoring the severity of the coronavirus outbreak at the site where a correctional officer who died in June of complications of the virus had worked.
The 128 infected staff members represent nearly 41% of the detention center's 315-person workforce, according to data provided by CoreCivic to The Arizona Republic of the USA TODAY Network. CoreCivic is a private, for-profit prison company that owns and operates the Eloy Detention Center under contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The center holds people facing removal from the U.S. for immigration violations. Many are awaiting outcomes of asylum applications or legal applications to remain in the U.S.
The Eloy Detention Center has the second-largest coronavirus outbreak of any immigration detention facility in the country. As of Wednesday, 242 detainees had tested positive for COVID-19, according to the latest ICE data. Of those, 108 remain active cases.
Arizona has the nation's highest positive test rate for COVID-19: Here's what it means
Officers accuse CoreCivic, ICE of under reporting outbreak
Internal emails obtained by The Arizona Republic, however, showed that on June 22, more than two weeks ago, 270 detainees had tested positive for the coronavirus, dozens higher than data reported publicly by ICE.
The emails were written by Fred Figueroa, the warden at the Eloy Detention Center.
"As of June 22, 2020 we have 101 positive Staff COVID-19 and 16, who have recovered and returned to work. We have 270 positive detainee COVID-19," Figueroa wrote in one email obtained by The Republic.
Amanda Gilchrist, a spokeswoman for Nashville-based CoreCivic, said the 270 positive detainee cases disclosed in the email was the result of a "typographical error."
On June 22, ICE medical staff reported 201 positive detainee cases at the facility, an increase of nine from the day before, according to Yasmeen Pitts O'Keefe, an ICE spokeswoman.
In the emails the warden outlines protocols for mitigating the spread of the coronavirus inside the facility, including wearing full personal protective equipment, face shields, ponchos, gloves and N95 face masks when entering pods with infected detainees.
"I know that several are (sic) you are nervous with the amount of staff and detainees who are positive with COVID-19. Unfortunately this is a virus that is highly contagious," Figueroa wrote.
"As stated above, 16 staff have returned to work and we anticipate several more as the days pass. I cannot stress the importance of practicing social distancing, wearing your mask and required PPE properly. Treating everyone as if they have COVID-19 will help to minimize your exposure. Unfortunately staff that are not adhering to stablished (sic) procedures as it relates to social distancing and wearing PPE correction will be held accountable."
On June 14, a 32-year-old senior correctional officer, Esteban Mercado, 32, of Casa Grande died of possible COVID-19 complications. He was the father of two children.
After his death, former correctional officer who quit because he felt unsafe working there and a correctional officer currently employed at the Eloy Detention Center said conditions at the facility, including a lack of access to personal protective equipment, and pressure to continuing working even when sick, caused the outbreak to snowball inside and outside of the facility.
MORE: Former Eloy correctional officers blame negligence for outbreak
The correctional officers also accused CoreCivic and ICE officials of under reporting the outbreak at the facility.
The former and current correctional officers say many of the staff working at the Eloy Detention Center have infected family members, including spouses, siblings and children.
CoreCivic and ICE officials have disputed the claims.
Until now, it was not known how many contract employees at the Eloy Detention Center had tested positive because ICE does not publicly release that data. It only releases data on the number of positive cases involving ICE personnel. One ICE employee at Eloy has tested positive, that data shows.
CoreCivic released the data on the number of staff who have tested positive in response to a request from The Republic.
The data shows that 54 of the 128 confirmed staff COVID-19 cases at the Eloy Detention Center involve employees who have recovered.
Pinal County health officials are concerned about infected detention staff spreading the virus to the community.
"We have tested a lot of correctional officers, even some that live in other counties. We work with the state and other counties on managing the outbreaks," Kore Redden, incident commander of Pinal County's COVID-19 public health response, said in an email.
"We are working to prevent them from spreading this in our community. We treat them like any other exposure or positive case that resides in our community. "
In addition, Pinal County has dispensed PPE to these facilities "even though they are federal level," Redden said.
The high number of confirmed COVID-19 staff cases at Eloy is not surprising, said Laura Belous, advocacy attorney at the Florence Project, a group that offers free legal assistance to detained immigrants in Arizona.
The Florence Project filed a lawsuit in federal court in June asking a judge to release certain detainees at the Eloy Detention Center and La Palma Correctional Center because they have underlining medical conditions that put them at greater risk of dying from the virus.
"We are so saddened to hear how drastically the virus has affected staff members who work at the Eloy Detention Center and their families," Belous said in an email. " This news is not surprising to us, given what our clients have reported to us about conditions inside. It's an important reminder that detention center health is part of public health. We wish all of those affected a speedy recovery."
Follow reporter Daniel Gonzalez on Twitter @azdangonzalez.
Supreme Court: President Trump cannot keep tax, financial records from prosecutors
South Korea: Missing Seoul mayor's body found after search with 600 officers and drones


usatoday--2020-07-09--Black officers who face insults, personal attacks get a double dose of pain and frustration

COLUMBUS , Ohio – He had held the line for hours , never flinching as protesters screamed insults , hurled rocks and frozen water bottles and dared the men and women to take off their uniforms and fight .
Then someone zeroed in on his black skin .
Protesters soon advanced on Columbus police Officer Phillip “ P.J.
” Jackson , circling back to him time and again .
“ You ’ re disgusting .
You standing on the wrong side , ” one Black woman shouted in his face .
“ We stand with our people ...
I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can sleep good at night .
Remember my voice , Black man .
Remember my voice.
” And oh , how he does .
The insults hurt , Jackson said , and the personal attacks cut him as surely as a sharp knife .
Yet that pain only has steeled his resolve for how he can best bring about change from the inside .
It reminds him how those who judge him only by his uniform are no better than any officer who judges those they police simply by the color of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Black officer , I became a focal point and a target , ” he said .
“ Not knowing me , not knowing who I am , what I have been through , what I ’ ve done in my community and what I still continue to do.
” A night like no other He held his position in that line of officers at an intersection in downtown Columbus , Ohio , as the agitated crowd swelled to hundreds as the night wore on .
It was Thursday , May 28 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decrying police brutality and demanding widespread change in the name of George Floyd , who died in Minneapolis after a police officer pinned him down by his neck for more than eight minutes during an arrest on minor charges .
The latest : George Floyd told officers he 'ca n't breathe ' nearly 30 times , newly released body cam transcripts show And it was a night like no other Jackson has experienced in his 14 years with the Columbus Division of Police or as a state corrections officer or as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before that .
Sure , he has had his blackness used against him before and yes , people on the streets as he works his mid-watch shift have questioned his loyalty .
But he said he ’ s always been able to talk to people , to show them who he really is and what he stands for , what his colleagues stand for .
These are his streets , after all .
This is where he came from , having grown up in the Linden neighborhood and then spending 20-plus years as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ?
This one May night and all the nights that have followed ?
They are different .
“ It hurts , ” the 46-year-old Jackson said .
He knows deep in his bones that he can , in fact , be a Black man and wear police blue at the same time .
It shouldn ’ t require him to split his loyalties .
He said he is as angry about what police did to Floyd as the people marching through the city , but he has never been ashamed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t now .
“ I knew what was happening to that man on the ground , ” he said of Floyd .
“ Yes , I felt that pain .
But ... separating your Blackness from the uniform ?
You ’ re gon na be Black regardless .
You can ’ t turn that off.
” 'Normally , the police take control .
But not that day' The Columbus Division of Police — both its commanders and the rank and file — is mostly white .
It has one recently-promoted Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , four are Black .
Of the city ’ s 1,560 officers , about 10 % are Black , and 20 of 224 sergeants are Black .
The city has faced discrimination and racism lawsuits in the past , and a report from a consulting group released in August found that the division has a “ significant disparity of use of force against minority residents.
” As recently as last month , Lt. Melissa McFadden , a 24-year veteran of the division , said she believes the racism she sees exhibited by officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the internal racism at work .
Census data from 2019 lists 28.5 % of Columbus ’ population as Black or African American .
Increasing diversity in the police force so that it looks more like the community the division serves has long been a priority , and Detective Dana Croom , who joined in 1987 , has been a part of those efforts .
Croom , 55 , said it ’ s not like it was when he first came on , when older officers pointed out who among them were blatantly racist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though it was difficult internally back then , he had never once thought about quitting — until the past 30 days .
Then the doubts about staying until his planned retirement next year crept in .
The personal attacks on his heritage , the calling into question his ability to be both an officer and a Black man , have been difficult , Croom said .
The assumptions that every officer is racist are unfair and wrong , he said .
Croom was drawn to law enforcement by experience .
As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he and a friend were approached by a stranger who offered them some candy if they ’ d go with him .
A young Dana declined and went home ; his friend did not .
The friend was killed .
Prompted in part by such traumatic events , the Crooms moved to central Ohio .
His father became a longtime Licking County deputy sheriff and sergeant , and Dana Croom followed his footsteps into law enforcement .
Croom has seen plenty of protests on Columbus streets , but he said there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or so .
“ I ’ ve been shot at , I ’ ve been shot , and I can honestly tell you that that first Saturday was probably the scaredest I ’ ve ever been , ” he said .
“ Normally , the police take control .
But not that day.
” At 55 , he has been among the oldest to don the tactical gear and work the front lines of the protests .
And Croom , too , took plenty of personal barbs .
“ Uncle Tom , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot.
” Croom said he sees the frustration and anger on the faces of the protesters .
And he understands it .
But as a longtime homicide detective , he wonders why the community doesn ’ t seem to call for answers to everyday killings , especially for the young Black men claimed by street violence .
He wonders why society doesn ’ t try harder to address that .
“ Black lives matter all the time , ” he said .
“ Not just when the police do something.
” ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 32 years with the division , Officer Jacqueline Fofana recently has been called back to the front lines , too .
Working now as a child-abuse investigator , she has long been a diversity instructor at the police academy and takes an active role in hiring recruits .
She has always thought that part of her responsibility was to help bring about change .
“ If I witness some act of discrimination or racism , I ’ m going to speak up , ” she said .
“ That myth that Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t going to speak up , it ’ s just not true.
” Even now , Fofana sees these protests as an educational opportunity .
She said she knows there are officers who have profiled the Black community .
And she knows people of color have been for so long the target of bias .
But now is the time to turn pain into action .
“ People want their pain acknowledged , ” said Fofana , 54 .
“ It shouldn ’ t be a case of them vs. us .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” She said she hopes this racial justice movement , rather than dismantling law enforcement , will increase diversity in the ranks and lead to better understanding .
“ Now is the time to step up , ” she said .
“ We ’ re in this process , this swell of change .
We can all make a difference.
” Officer Jackson , who has had maybe five days off in the past month , said he not only hears the protesters but shares their pain and anger .
But he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police officer is wrong .
He wishes more people understood his motivations .
He was 25 years old and on his way home from work in corrections when he stopped at a light .
There , he saw yellow crime-scene tape surrounding a neighborhood bar .
“ I remember these exact words coming out of my mouth : ‘ Man , somebody done got killed again today.
’ I drove home and later on we got that call.
” Robbers had shot his brother as he was leaving the bar .
The case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mother ’ s screams of heartbreak .
So the protesters who question his loyalty to both his race and his profession ?
He only wishes they knew him better .
Other people of color , he said , shouldn ’ t treat Black officers like they should not be standing on that line .
“ That ’ s what civil rights was about — equal opportunities of employment , ” he said .
“ We needed Black police officers , doctors , firemen .
Now we ’ re having that change .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what our people and what my grandparents fought for us to have.
” Cheyenne Woods : Changing the Game with her voice and her famous name 'Scared for my life , ' but needing a salary : Teachers weigh risks as COVID-19 looms

Black officers who face insults, personal attacks get a double dose of pain and frustration
Show Caption Hide Caption Black officer opens up about community pressure at protest Officer Phillip Jackson has served his boyhood neighborhood for over a decade, but that's not what protesters saw as demonstrations unraveled in June. USA TODAY, The Columbus Dispatch
COLUMBUS, Ohio – He had held the line for hours, never flinching as protesters screamed insults, hurled rocks and frozen water bottles and dared the men and women to take off their uniforms and fight.
Then someone zeroed in on his black skin.
Protesters soon advanced on Columbus police Officer Phillip “P.J.” Jackson, circling back to him time and again.
“You’re disgusting. You standing on the wrong side,” one Black woman shouted in his face. “We stand with our people ... I know you can hear me. I hope you can sleep good at night. Remember my voice, Black man. Remember my voice.”
And oh, how he does. The insults hurt, Jackson said, and the personal attacks cut him as surely as a sharp knife.
Yet that pain only has steeled his resolve for how he can best bring about change from the inside. It reminds him how those who judge him only by his uniform are no better than any officer who judges those they police simply by the color of their skin.
“Because I was a Black officer, I became a focal point and a target,” he said. “Not knowing me, not knowing who I am, what I have been through, what I’ve done in my community and what I still continue to do.”
A night like no other
He held his position in that line of officers at an intersection in downtown Columbus, Ohio, as the agitated crowd swelled to hundreds as the night wore on.
It was Thursday, May 28, the first night of protests in Columbus decrying police brutality and demanding widespread change in the name of George Floyd, who died in Minneapolis after a police officer pinned him down by his neck for more than eight minutes during an arrest on minor charges.
The latest: George Floyd told officers he 'can't breathe' nearly 30 times, newly released body cam transcripts show
And it was a night like no other Jackson has experienced in his 14 years with the Columbus Division of Police or as a state corrections officer or as part of a U.S. Marshal’s task force before that.
Sure, he has had his blackness used against him before and yes, people on the streets as he works his mid-watch shift have questioned his loyalty. But he said he’s always been able to talk to people, to show them who he really is and what he stands for, what his colleagues stand for.
These are his streets, after all. This is where he came from, having grown up in the Linden neighborhood and then spending 20-plus years as a youth football coach there.
But this? This one May night and all the nights that have followed? They are different.
“It hurts,” the 46-year-old Jackson said. He knows deep in his bones that he can, in fact, be a Black man and wear police blue at the same time. It shouldn’t require him to split his loyalties.
He said he is as angry about what police did to Floyd as the people marching through the city, but he has never been ashamed to be a Black police officer. And he isn’t now.
“I knew what was happening to that man on the ground,” he said of Floyd. “Yes, I felt that pain. But ... separating your Blackness from the uniform? You’re gonna be Black regardless. You can’t turn that off.”
'Normally, the police take control. But not that day'
The Columbus Division of Police — both its commanders and the rank and file — is mostly white. It has one recently-promoted Black commander, and out of 56 lieutenants, four are Black. Of the city’s 1,560 officers, about 10% are Black, and 20 of 224 sergeants are Black.
The city has faced discrimination and racism lawsuits in the past, and a report from a consulting group released in August found that the division has a “significant disparity of use of force against minority residents.” As recently as last month, Lt. Melissa McFadden, a 24-year veteran of the division, said she believes the racism she sees exhibited by officers on the street is a symptom of the internal racism at work.
Census data from 2019 lists 28.5% of Columbus’ population as Black or African American. Increasing diversity in the police force so that it looks more like the community the division serves has long been a priority, and Detective Dana Croom, who joined in 1987, has been a part of those efforts.
Croom, 55, said it’s not like it was when he first came on, when older officers pointed out who among them were blatantly racist and who he should avoid. But even though it was difficult internally back then, he had never once thought about quitting — until the past 30 days. Then the doubts about staying until his planned retirement next year crept in.
The personal attacks on his heritage, the calling into question his ability to be both an officer and a Black man, have been difficult, Croom said. The assumptions that every officer is racist are unfair and wrong, he said.
Croom was drawn to law enforcement by experience. As a child growing up in New York City, he and a friend were approached by a stranger who offered them some candy if they’d go with him. A young Dana declined and went home; his friend did not. The friend was killed.
Prompted in part by such traumatic events, the Crooms moved to central Ohio. His father became a longtime Licking County deputy sheriff and sergeant, and Dana Croom followed his footsteps into law enforcement.
Croom has seen plenty of protests on Columbus streets, but he said there’s been nothing like this past month or so.
“I’ve been shot at, I’ve been shot, and I can honestly tell you that that first Saturday was probably the scaredest I’ve ever been,” he said. “Normally, the police take control. But not that day.”
Qualified immunity: How it protects police from civil lawsuits The doctrine of qualified immunity has been used to protect police from civil lawsuits and trials. Here's why it was put in place. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
At 55, he has been among the oldest to don the tactical gear and work the front lines of the protests. And Croom, too, took plenty of personal barbs.
“Uncle Tom,” he said. “I get that a lot.”
Croom said he sees the frustration and anger on the faces of the protesters. And he understands it. But as a longtime homicide detective, he wonders why the community doesn’t seem to call for answers to everyday killings, especially for the young Black men claimed by street violence. He wonders why society doesn’t try harder to address that.
“Black lives matter all the time,” he said. “Not just when the police do something.”
'I'm going to speak up'
After nearly 32 years with the division, Officer Jacqueline Fofana recently has been called back to the front lines, too. Working now as a child-abuse investigator, she has long been a diversity instructor at the police academy and takes an active role in hiring recruits.
She has always thought that part of her responsibility was to help bring about change.
“If I witness some act of discrimination or racism, I’m going to speak up,” she said. “That myth that Black officers are here and we aren’t going to speak up, it’s just not true.”
Even now, Fofana sees these protests as an educational opportunity. She said she knows there are officers who have profiled the Black community. And she knows people of color have been for so long the target of bias.
But now is the time to turn pain into action.
“People want their pain acknowledged,” said Fofana, 54. “It shouldn’t be a case of them vs. us. We’re ready and willing to change.”
She said she hopes this racial justice movement, rather than dismantling law enforcement, will increase diversity in the ranks and lead to better understanding.
“Now is the time to step up,” she said. “We’re in this process, this swell of change. We can all make a difference.”
Officer Jackson, who has had maybe five days off in the past month, said he not only hears the protesters but shares their pain and anger.
But he said that doesn’t mean being a police officer is wrong. He wishes more people understood his motivations.
He was 25 years old and on his way home from work in corrections when he stopped at a light. There, he saw yellow crime-scene tape surrounding a neighborhood bar.
It was Mother’s Day 1999.
“I remember these exact words coming out of my mouth: ‘Man, somebody done got killed again today.’ I drove home and later on we got that call.”
Robbers had shot his brother as he was leaving the bar. The case remains unsolved.
Jackson still can hear his mother’s screams of heartbreak.
So the protesters who question his loyalty to both his race and his profession? He only wishes they knew him better. Other people of color, he said, shouldn’t treat Black officers like they should not be standing on that line.
“That’s what civil rights was about — equal opportunities of employment,” he said. “We needed Black police officers, doctors, firemen. Now we’re having that change. Don’t down us for doing what our people and what my grandparents fought for us to have.”
Follow reporter Holly Zachariah on Twitter: @hollyzachariah
Cheyenne Woods: Changing the Game with her voice and her famous name
'Scared for my life,' but needing a salary: Teachers weigh risks as COVID-19 looms


usatoday--2020-07-09--Cafeteria fills with applause when soldier walks in

Cafeteria fills with applause when soldier walks in The decision to join the Army for her family meant Pvt .
@ @ @ @ @ her brother for a year .
This is how he reacted when they reunited .

Cafeteria fills with applause when soldier walks in
The decision to join the Army for her family meant Pvt. Graci Shirey wouldn't see her brother for a year. This is how he reacted when they reunited.
Militarykind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-10--Tips for taking care of your lawn

Tips for taking care of your lawn

Want a green lawn all summer long ?
Avoid these common mistakes .

Lawn care mistakes you're probably making
Want a green lawn all summer long? Avoid these common mistakes.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-09--Disney World reopens with new safety measures

As Walt Disney World reopens , here are some new health and safety measures you may see .

Disney World reopens with new safety measures amid COVID concerns
As Walt Disney World reopens, here are some new health and safety measures you may see.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-09--Federal Judge Emmet Sullivan asks appeals court to rehear Michael Flynn case

WASHINGTON – The judge overseeing the case of Michael Flynn is asking a federal appeals court in Washington to make the unusual decision of rehearing the appeal of President Donald Trump 's former national security adviser .
If the full appeals court agrees to rehear the case , it would resurrect the prospect of challenging the Justice Department 's controversial decision to drop the case against Flynn , a defendant who twice pleaded guilty .
And it would give U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan another shot at convincing the higher court that his equally controversial action – appointing a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drop the case and to examine whether Flynn had committed perjury for pleading guilty and later claiming to be innocent – was justified .
The Flynn saga : Federal appeals court orders dismissal of Michael Flynn case , likely ending prosecution of ex-Trump adviser Last month , a three-judge panel from the appeals court ruled that it was n't .
The panel , in a 2-1 decision , ordered the dismissal of Flynn 's case , handing a key victory to both Flynn and the Justice Department , which has cast doubt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency 's investigation of Flynn .
D.C .
Circuit Court Judge Neomi Rao , who wrote the opinion , called Sullivan 's actions `` unprecedented intrusions on individual liberty '' and on the Justice Department 's prosecutorial powers .
Rao described Sullivan 's actions as a `` mistaken understanding '' of a judge 's role .
His intent to `` scrutinize the reasoning and motives of the Department of Justice constitute irreparable harms that can not be remedied on appeal , '' said Rao , who was appointed by Trump last year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's attorney , Beth Wilkinson , said the panel 's ruling circumvents Supreme Court precedent about separation of powers between the judiciary and executive branches of government .
`` The panel ’ s decision threatens to turn ordinary judicial process upside down .
It is the district court ’ s job to consider and rule on pending motions , even ones that seem straightforward .
This Court , if called upon , reviews those decisions – it does not preempt them , '' Wilkinson wrote .
Wilkinson argued that Sullivan 's main goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue , which became impossible in Flynn 's case because both defense and prosecutors agreed to dismiss the case .
`` Judicial decisions are supposed to be based on the record before the court , not speculation about what the future may hold , '' Wilkinson said .
`` All the district court has done is ensure adversarial briefing and the opportunity to ask questions about a pending motion . ''
Sullivan 's move to ask for a rehearing is yet another unusual development in Flynn 's case – which began as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admitted lying to the FBI but has since devolved into a tangled and politically fraught saga that has pitted one branch of government against another .
The Roger Stone case : 'What had happened was wrong ' : DOJ lawyers accuse agency leaders of abusing power in Roger Stone case , other probes Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communications with a former Russian ambassador , but later reversed course , claiming investigators entrapped him into making false statements .
The Justice Department , under Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to dismiss the case .
The Justice Department , which tapped an outside prosecutor to review the case , argued that the January 2017 interview , during which Flynn made false statements to the FBI , was `` unjustified . ''
The interview did not have `` a legitimate investigative basis , '' making Flynn 's statements irrelevant `` even if untrue , '' the department argued .
Flynn 's attorneys have also argued that FBI notes and documents declassified in recent weeks are exculpatory evidence that prosecutors failed to disclose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Powell , a conservative lawyer and frequent Fox News commentator , has accused the FBI under the Obama administration of conspiring to frame Flynn .
Instead of granting dismissal , Sullivan appointed retired federal judge John Gleeson to argue against the Justice Department 's motion to dismiss and to examine whether Flynn had committed perjury .
Gleeson said the Justice Department showed a `` gross abuse of prosecutorial power '' in its push to drop the case .
`` The Department of Justice has a solemn responsibility to prosecute this case – like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favor , '' Gleeson argued .
`` It has abdicated that responsibility through a gross abuse of prosecutorial power , attempting to provide special treatment to a favored friend and political ally of the President of the United States . ''
Flynn 's attorneys asked the federal appeals court to intervene by ordering Sullivan to dismiss the case .

Federal Judge Emmet Sullivan asks appeals court to rehear Michael Flynn case
Show Caption Hide Caption Justice Department dropping its case against Gen. Michael Flynn The DOJ will drop the criminal case against Gen. Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI about contact with a Russian Ambassador. Flynn pleaded guilty. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The judge overseeing the case of Michael Flynn is asking a federal appeals court in Washington to make the unusual decision of rehearing the appeal of President Donald Trump's former national security adviser.
If the full appeals court agrees to rehear the case, it would resurrect the prospect of challenging the Justice Department's controversial decision to drop the case against Flynn, a defendant who twice pleaded guilty.
And it would give U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan another shot at convincing the higher court that his equally controversial action – appointing a third party to challenge the prosecutors' bid to drop the case and to examine whether Flynn had committed perjury for pleading guilty and later claiming to be innocent – was justified.
The Flynn saga: Federal appeals court orders dismissal of Michael Flynn case, likely ending prosecution of ex-Trump adviser
Last month, a three-judge panel from the appeals court ruled that it wasn't.
The panel, in a 2-1 decision, ordered the dismissal of Flynn's case, handing a key victory to both Flynn and the Justice Department, which has cast doubt on the legitimacy and fairness of the agency's investigation of Flynn.
D.C. Circuit Court Judge Neomi Rao, who wrote the opinion, called Sullivan's actions "unprecedented intrusions on individual liberty" and on the Justice Department's prosecutorial powers. Rao described Sullivan's actions as a "mistaken understanding" of a judge's role. His intent to "scrutinize the reasoning and motives of the Department of Justice constitute irreparable harms that cannot be remedied on appeal," said Rao, who was appointed by Trump last year.
In a court filing Thursday, Sullivan's attorney, Beth Wilkinson, said the panel's ruling circumvents Supreme Court precedent about separation of powers between the judiciary and executive branches of government.
"The panel’s decision threatens to turn ordinary judicial process upside down. It is the district court’s job to consider and rule on pending motions, even ones that seem straightforward. This Court, if called upon, reviews those decisions – it does not preempt them," Wilkinson wrote.
Wilkinson argued that Sullivan's main goal is to consider both sides of an issue, which became impossible in Flynn's case because both defense and prosecutors agreed to dismiss the case.
"Judicial decisions are supposed to be based on the record before the court, not speculation about what the future may hold," Wilkinson said. "All the district court has done is ensure adversarial briefing and the opportunity to ask questions about a pending motion."
The appeals court on Friday temporarily blocked its previous ruling from going into effect until it decides whether or not to rehear the case.
Sullivan's move to ask for a rehearing is yet another unusual development in Flynn's case – which began as a seemingly straightforward prosecution of a defendant who admitted lying to the FBI but has since devolved into a tangled and politically fraught saga that has pitted one branch of government against another.
The Roger Stone case: 'What had happened was wrong': DOJ lawyers accuse agency leaders of abusing power in Roger Stone case, other probes
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communications with a former Russian ambassador, but later reversed course, claiming investigators entrapped him into making false statements.
The Justice Department, under Attorney General William Barr, also reversed course and sought to dismiss the case. The Justice Department, which tapped an outside prosecutor to review the case, argued that the January 2017 interview, during which Flynn made false statements to the FBI, was "unjustified." The interview did not have "a legitimate investigative basis," making Flynn's statements irrelevant "even if untrue," the department argued.
Flynn's attorneys have also argued that FBI notes and documents declassified in recent weeks are exculpatory evidence that prosecutors failed to disclose. His legal team, led by Sidney Powell, a conservative lawyer and frequent Fox News commentator, has accused the FBI under the Obama administration of conspiring to frame Flynn.
Instead of granting dismissal, Sullivan appointed retired federal judge John Gleeson to argue against the Justice Department's motion to dismiss and to examine whether Flynn had committed perjury.
Gleeson said the Justice Department showed a "gross abuse of prosecutorial power" in its push to drop the case.
"The Department of Justice has a solemn responsibility to prosecute this case – like every other case – without fear or favor," Gleeson argued. "It has abdicated that responsibility through a gross abuse of prosecutorial power, attempting to provide special treatment to a favored friend and political ally of the President of the United States."
Flynn's attorneys asked the federal appeals court to intervene by ordering Sullivan to dismiss the case.


usatoday--2020-07-09--New York City paints Black Lives Matter mural on Trump Tower's doorstep

The planned mural in Manhattan provoked the ire of President Trump , who slammed the mural on Twitter as a @ @ @ @ @ ''

NYC paints Black Lives Matter mural in front of Trump Tower
The planned mural in Manhattan provoked the ire of President Trump, who slammed the mural on Twitter as a "symbol of hate."
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-09--White House says Supreme Court 'justices did not rule against' Trump holding tax records

White House : SCOTUS 'did not rule against ' Trump holding tax records The White House looks for the silver @ @ @ @ @ ruled President Trump ca n't keep his financial records away from a prosecutor .

White House: SCOTUS 'did not rule against' Trump holding tax records
The White House looks for the silver lining after the Supreme Court ruled President Trump can't keep his financial records away from a prosecutor.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-09--Former US Attorney Geoffrey Berman: AG Barr pressed him to resign to make way for favored candidate

WASHINGTON – Attorney General William Barr repeatedly pressed recently ousted Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman to resign during a chaotic weekend last month , the former prosecutor told a House panel Thursday .
Berman provided the account in an opening statement during a closed-door meeting with the House Judiciary Committee , following his abrupt firing as chief of the Justice Department 's most prestigious office .
`` The Attorney General said that if I did not resign from my position I would be fired .
He added that getting fired from my job would not be good for my resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him that while I did not want to get fired , I would not resign , '' Berman told lawmakers on the committee , which has been investigating allegations of politicization of the Justice Department .
The testimony from Berman , whose office has investigated and prosecuted several of President Donald Trump 's allies , is certain to raise additional questions about the Justice Department 's independence from a White House that has purged watchdogs , whistleblowers and others seen as disloyal .
'What had happened was wrong ' : DOJ lawyers accuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stone case , other probes Two weeks ago , two Justice Department prosecutors accused the agency 's leadership of abusing its power at the president 's behest .
One , a career Justice Department attorney who prosecuted Roger Stone , accused the agency 's leaders of giving the longtime GOP operative favorable treatment because he 's an ally of the president .
Berman was fired last month after an extraordinary clash with Barr , who had announced that Berman was stepping down to make way for Trump 's new nominee to lead the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insisted he had no intention of resigning until the Senate confirms a nominee , setting off a highly public fight over control of the pivotal office .
During a 45-minute meeting with Barr last month , Berman said the attorney general urged him to take a job as assistant attorney general for the Justice Department 's Civil Division , a post that was recently vacated .
`` I responded that I loved my job and my colleagues ...
I told the Attorney General that I was not interested in overseeing DOJ 's Civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , adding that his office has `` important investigations '' he wanted to see through to the end .
Although the attorney general `` was not at all dissatisfied '' with his performance as chief prosecutor in Manhattan , Berman said , the Trump administration wanted to put someone else in the position .
Trump intends to nominate Jay Clayton , the Securities and Exchange Commission chairman who has no experience as a federal prosecutor , to replace Berman .
'No intention of resigning ' : US attorney in Manhattan vows to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , continue probes '' I asked the Attorney General why I was being asked to resign prior to a nominee being confirmed .
He said it was because the Administration wanted to get Jay Clayton in that position , '' said Berman , who believes Clayton was not qualified for the job because of his lack of criminal experience .
Rep. Jerry Nadler , D-N.Y. , and chair of the House Judiciary Committee , described the effort to convince Berman to take a different position a `` quid pro quo '' that `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ although he told reporters it 's unclear if Barr 's actions were criminal .
During the conversation , Berman said he repeatedly made clear to Barr that he had no desire to leave his job and that `` there was no job offer that would entice me to resign from my position . ''
Based on Berman 's account , his conversations with Barr did not give him the impression that his fate was sealed .
But hours later , the Justice Department released a statement saying Berman is `` stepping down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Berman said .
The Justice Department also said that Craig Carpenito , chief federal prosecutor in New Jersey , will take his place until Clayton is confirmed by the Senate .
Appointing Carpenito and not someone who 's already in the Manhattan office , `` would have been unprecedented , unnecessary and unexplained , '' Berman said .
Trump later fired Berman the following day at Barr 's urging , although the president seemed to distance himself from the issue .
`` I 'm not involved , '' Trump told reporters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Carpenito , announcing that Berman 's top deputy , Audrey Strauss , will be temporarily in charge .
Before his removal , Berman referred to ongoing investigations within his office and his desire to advance them `` without delay or interruption . ''
He did not elaborate on specific probes , but his ouster came just days after former Trump national security adviser John Bolton revealed in a book that the president once sought to interfere in an investigation of a Turkish bank to pacify Turkey ’ s president , Recep Erdogan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigating Trump 's personal lawyer , Rudy Giuliani , and two former Giuliani business associates .
Clayton 's nomination appeared to be already in peril .
Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee had signaled he would not move forward with the nomination without sign off from New York 's two senators – both of whom have called for Clayton to remove his name from consideration .

Kristine Phillips and Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

Former US Attorney Geoffrey Berman: AG Barr pressed him to resign to make way for favored candidate
Show Caption Hide Caption Schumer calls for investigation into Berman firing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling for an investigation into the Trump administration's firing of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey Berman. (June 22) AP
WASHINGTON – Attorney General William Barr repeatedly pressed recently ousted Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman to resign during a chaotic weekend last month, the former prosecutor told a House panel Thursday.
Berman provided the account in an opening statement during a closed-door meeting with the House Judiciary Committee, following his abrupt firing as chief of the Justice Department's most prestigious office.
"The Attorney General said that if I did not resign from my position I would be fired. He added that getting fired from my job would not be good for my resume or future job prospects. I told him that while I did not want to get fired, I would not resign," Berman told lawmakers on the committee, which has been investigating allegations of politicization of the Justice Department.
A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment.
The testimony from Berman, whose office has investigated and prosecuted several of President Donald Trump's allies, is certain to raise additional questions about the Justice Department's independence from a White House that has purged watchdogs, whistleblowers and others seen as disloyal.
Geoffrey Berman firing: Attorney General Barr's glowing account of NY prosecutor's work further clouds dismissal
'What had happened was wrong': DOJ lawyers accuse agency leaders of abusing power in Roger Stone case, other probes
Two weeks ago, two Justice Department prosecutors accused the agency's leadership of abusing its power at the president's behest. One, a career Justice Department attorney who prosecuted Roger Stone, accused the agency's leaders of giving the longtime GOP operative favorable treatment because he's an ally of the president.
Berman was fired last month after an extraordinary clash with Barr, who had announced that Berman was stepping down to make way for Trump's new nominee to lead the Manhattan office. Berman, however, insisted he had no intention of resigning until the Senate confirms a nominee, setting off a highly public fight over control of the pivotal office.
During a 45-minute meeting with Barr last month, Berman said the attorney general urged him to take a job as assistant attorney general for the Justice Department's Civil Division, a post that was recently vacated.
"I responded that I loved my job and my colleagues ... I told the Attorney General that I was not interested in overseeing DOJ's Civil Division or in resigning," Berman said, adding that his office has "important investigations" he wanted to see through to the end.
Although the attorney general "was not at all dissatisfied" with his performance as chief prosecutor in Manhattan, Berman said, the Trump administration wanted to put someone else in the position. Trump intends to nominate Jay Clayton, the Securities and Exchange Commission chairman who has no experience as a federal prosecutor, to replace Berman.
'No intention of resigning': US attorney in Manhattan vows to resist Barr's effort to oust him, continue probes
"I asked the Attorney General why I was being asked to resign prior to a nominee being confirmed. He said it was because the Administration wanted to get Jay Clayton in that position," said Berman, who believes Clayton was not qualified for the job because of his lack of criminal experience.
Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and chair of the House Judiciary Committee, described the effort to convince Berman to take a different position a "quid pro quo" that "gets awfully close to bribery," although he told reporters it's unclear if Barr's actions were criminal.
A summary of the interview released by Democrats accused Barr of lying. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and ranking member of the committee, countered with his own summary disputing that Barr had done anything wrong.
"The interview uncovered no evidence of misconduct, wrongdoing, or criminality. The interview uncovered no nefarious plot to stifle ongoing investigations," according to the summary.
During the conversation, Berman said he repeatedly made clear to Barr that he had no desire to leave his job and that "there was no job offer that would entice me to resign from my position." Based on Berman's account, his conversations with Barr did not give him the impression that his fate was sealed.
But hours later, the Justice Department released a statement saying Berman is "stepping down."
U.S. Attorney says he won't quit after Barr announced his resignation The Justice Dept. announced the resignation of U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of N.Y. Geoffrey Berman. But he says he has no plans of resigning. Newsy, Newsy
"That statement was false," Berman said.
Berman declined to speculate about Barr's motives, but he said the attorney general's "irregular and unexplained actions" were problematic, according to a transcript of the interview.
"The Attorney General praised me privately and publicly. Why then did he insist on me resigning (before the Senate confirms a successor)? Why did the Attorney General say that I was stepping down when he knew I had neither resigned nor been fired?" Berman said.
The Justice Department also said that Craig Carpenito, chief federal prosecutor in New Jersey, will take Berman's place until Clayton is confirmed by the Senate. Appointing Carpenito and not someone who's already in the Manhattan office was suspect, Berman said, and "would have been unprecedented, unnecessary and unexplained."
Berman said appointing an outsider "would have resulted in the delay and disruption" of ongoing investigations. Berman declined to mention any specific investigation.
Trump ultimately fired Berman at Barr's urging, although the president seemed to distance himself from the issue. Barr also ultimately backtracked from his appointment of Carpenito, announcing that Berman's top deputy, Audrey Strauss, will be temporarily in charge.
Berman said that's the outcome he preferred.
"Were I to resign, an outsider would have come in as acting U.S. attorney, and I was not going to permit that," he told lawmakers. "And I would rather be fired than have that done."
Berman's ouster came just days after former Trump national security adviser John Bolton revealed in a book that the president once sought to interfere in an investigation of a Turkish bank to pacify Turkey’s president, Recep Erdogan. The office is also investigating Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and two former Giuliani business associates.
Clayton's nomination appeared to be already in peril. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee had signaled he would not move forward with the nomination without sign off from New York's two senators – both of whom have called for Clayton to remove his name from consideration.


usatoday--2020-07-09--Donald Trump plans to travel to West Texas for campaign fundraiser  despite COVID spike

WASHINGTON – Already under fire for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic , President Donald Trump plans to hold a campaign fundraiser this month in one of the nation 's top hot spots : Texas .
Trump is scheduled to travel to West Texas on July 29 for a `` Permian Basin Special Event , '' a three-part series of fundraisers to be held in Odessa .
Donors will choose from a $ 100,000-per-person `` roundtable '' meeting , a $ 50,000-per-couple photo opportunity , and a $ 2,800-per-person luncheon with the president , according to an invitation reviewed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be provided upon RSVP , '' the invitation says .
Trump is resuming campaign fundraisers and rallies despite surges in COVID-19 across the country .
Infections have multiplied since some states , urged on by Trump , began to re-open economies that had been shut down to stop the spread of the virus .
Trump 's first major campaign event , a June 20 rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , was `` likely '' a factor in a recent surge of cases there , local health officials said this week .
The resumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump finds himself falling behind Democratic challenger Joe Biden in public opinion polls – and in fundraising .
More : Joe Biden tops Donald Trump in fundraising for second straight month More : Doctors worry about coronavirus risks at Trump 's New Hampshire rally More : Trump 's Tulsa rally , protests 'likely ' contributed to a surge in coronavirus cases , local health official says Aides to Trump confirmed the invitation to Odessa , but did not comment further because the even has not been publicly announced .
Trump , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resumed in-person events on June 11 in another Texas city : Dallas .
On June 20 , Trump held his first rally in months at a half-filled sports arena in Tulsa .
Health officials in that city have said coronavirus cases have increased in the weeks since , in part because of the mass of people gathered to hear a Trump .
The president 's campaign has scheduled an airport rally Saturday in Portsmouth , N.H. Matt Mackowiak , a Texas-based Republican political consultant , said he 's confident the Trump campaign will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect the event will be small and carefully executed with public health guidelines protected , '' he said .
Trump has pushed states to re-open , despite warnings from health officials that it may have been too soon .
One of those states : Texas .
Since re-opening plans took effect , Texas has reported record numbers of COVID cases for three straight days , including more than 9,900 cases on Wednesday .
As of Thursday morning , nearly 3,000 people in Texas have died of the coronavirus .
The United States as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent days , including more than 59,000 new cases on Wednesday .
Trump has downplayed the increases , and continued to push for re-opening .
He is now urging local governments to re-open schools , and threatening them with a loss of federal funds if they do not comply .
`` We 're going to be putting a lot of pressure on : Open your schools in the fall , '' Trump said at the White House on Tuesday .

Donald Trump plans to travel to West Texas for campaign fundraiser despite COVID spike
Show Caption Hide Caption 4 things to know about Trump's niece's tell-all-book President Trump's niece, Mary Trump, will release her tell-all-book on July 14. Here are some of the most notable excerpts. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – Already under fire for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Donald Trump plans to hold a campaign fundraiser this month in one of the nation's top hot spots: Texas.
Trump is scheduled to travel to West Texas on July 29 for a "Permian Basin Special Event," a three-part series of fundraisers to be held in Odessa. Donors will choose from a $100,000-per-person "roundtable" meeting, a $50,000-per-couple photo opportunity, and a $2,800-per-person luncheon with the president, according to an invitation reviewed by USA TODAY.
"Additional details will be provided upon RSVP," the invitation says.
Trump is resuming campaign fundraisers and rallies despite surges in COVID-19 across the country. Infections have multiplied since some states, urged on by Trump, began to re-open economies that had been shut down to stop the spread of the virus. Trump's first major campaign event, a June 20 rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was "likely" a factor in a recent surge of cases there, local health officials said this week.
The resumption of his re-election campaign also comes as Trump finds himself falling behind Democratic challenger Joe Biden in public opinion polls – and in fundraising.
More: Joe Biden tops Donald Trump in fundraising for second straight month
More: Doctors worry about coronavirus risks at Trump's New Hampshire rally
More: Trump's Tulsa rally, protests 'likely' contributed to a surge in coronavirus cases, local health official says
Aides to Trump confirmed the invitation to Odessa, but did not comment further because the even has not been publicly announced.
Trump, who has held videoconference fundraisers during the pandemic, resumed in-person events on June 11 in another Texas city: Dallas.
On June 20, Trump held his first rally in months at a half-filled sports arena in Tulsa. Health officials in that city have said coronavirus cases have increased in the weeks since, in part because of the mass of people gathered to hear a Trump.
The president's campaign has scheduled an airport rally Saturday in Portsmouth, N.H.
Matt Mackowiak, a Texas-based Republican political consultant, said he's confident the Trump campaign will handle the event appropriately.
"I expect the event will be small and carefully executed with public health guidelines protected," he said.
Trump has pushed states to re-open, despite warnings from health officials that it may have been too soon.
One of those states: Texas.
Since re-opening plans took effect, Texas has reported record numbers of COVID cases for three straight days, including more than 9,900 cases on Wednesday. As of Thursday morning, nearly 3,000 people in Texas have died of the coronavirus.
The United States as a whole has seen record spikes in recent days, including more than 59,000 new cases on Wednesday.
Trump has downplayed the increases, and continued to push for re-opening. He is now urging local governments to re-open schools, and threatening them with a loss of federal funds if they do not comply.
"We're going to be putting a lot of pressure on: Open your schools in the fall," Trump said at the White House on Tuesday.
Contributing: John Fritze


usatoday--2020-07-10--Tropical Storm Fay forms off North Carolina coast, likely to make landfall Friday

The sixth named tropical storm in an already busy hurricane season is expected to bring heavy rain and flooding to the mid-Atlantic coast heading into the weekend .
Tropical Storm Fay formed Thursday off the North Carolina coast , and a National Weather Service advisory said rainfall is forecast across the mid-Atlantic coast into southeast New York and southern New England .
The rainfall `` may result in flash flooding '' in the most heavily impacted areas , according to the advisory .
Other impacts include winds of 40-50 mph and strengthening rip currents along the coast , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued by the weather service from Cape May , New Jersey , to Watch Hill , Rhode Island , meaning conditions are expected somewhere within the area during a 36-hour period .
What 's next ?
The Atlantic hurricane season got off to a busy start , then there was a lull Reconnaissance aircraft placed the center of Fay approximately 40 miles east-northeast of Cape Hatteras in North Carolina .
The storm was moving to the north at 7 mph , the advisory said .
Fay will experience slight strengthening into Friday before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tropical storm moves inland .
The Atlantic hurricane season , which officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30 , had already seen five named storms , two that formed before the official start of hurricane season , None of the five storms strengthened into hurricanes .
The peak of the season is mid-August through late October , and people should be on guard , meteorologists say .
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 60 % chance of an above-normal season .
`` You need to be preparing for this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're going to get hit , '' Dennis Feltgen , a meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center in Miami , told USA TODAY on Thursday .
`` If you do that , the odds are very good you will be a hurricane survivor , rather than a hurricane victim . ''
Fay is the earliest sixth Atlantic named storm in recorded history .
This record was previously held by Franklin , which formed in 2005 on July 22 , Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach said on Twitter .

Tropical Storm Fay forms off North Carolina coast, likely to make landfall Friday
Show Caption Hide Caption Tropical Storm Fay brings strong winds, several inches of rain Here's the latest on Tropical Storm Fay as it moves onshore in Delaware and New Jersey. Fox - Fox 29, Fox - Fox 29
The sixth named tropical storm in an already busy hurricane season is expected to bring heavy rain and flooding to the mid-Atlantic coast heading into the weekend.
Tropical Storm Fay formed Thursday off the North Carolina coast, and a National Weather Service advisory said rainfall is forecast across the mid-Atlantic coast into southeast New York and southern New England.
The rainfall "may result in flash flooding" in the most heavily impacted areas, according to the advisory. Other impacts include winds of 40-50 mph and strengthening rip currents along the coast, according to AccuWeather.
A tropical storm warning was issued by the weather service from Cape May, New Jersey, to Watch Hill, Rhode Island, meaning conditions are expected somewhere within the area during a 36-hour period.
What's next? The Atlantic hurricane season got off to a busy start, then there was a lull
Reconnaissance aircraft placed the center of Fay approximately 40 miles east-northeast of Cape Hatteras in North Carolina. The storm was moving to the north at 7 mph, the advisory said.
Fay will experience slight strengthening into Friday before it weakens as the center of the tropical storm moves inland.
Tropical Storm #Fay has formed off of the coast of North Carolina - the earliest 6th Atlantic named storm formation on record. Previous record was Franklin in 2005 on July 22nd. #hurricane pic.twitter.com/gJFhXbSRZJ — Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) July 9, 2020
The Atlantic hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, had already seen five named storms, two that formed before the official start of hurricane season, None of the five storms strengthened into hurricanes.
The peak of the season is mid-August through late October, and people should be on guard, meteorologists say. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season.
"You need to be preparing for this season as if this is the year you're going to get hit," Dennis Feltgen, a meteorologist at the National Hurricane Center in Miami, told USA TODAY on Thursday. "If you do that, the odds are very good you will be a hurricane survivor, rather than a hurricane victim."
Fay is the earliest sixth Atlantic named storm in recorded history.
This record was previously held by Franklin, which formed in 2005 on July 22, Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach said on Twitter.
Contributing: Khrysgiana Pineda, USA TODAY; The Associated Press.


usatoday--2020-07-10--More than 1 in 3 Americans say they know someone who has been sick from coronavirus, survey shows

WASHINGTON – As the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States continues to climb , Americans are three times as likely to know someone in their community who has been sick with the virus than they did in March , according to a new survey .
A disparity among racial groups that was n't there in March has also appeared .
More than one-third of Americans ( 36 % ) say someone they know outside of their immediate family or work has been sick with the coronavirus , according to a new survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than triple the number in mid-March , when it was 11 % .
The U.S. has hit 3 million documented cases of COVID-19 , representing roughly a quarter of the world ’ s cases and the same percentage of its deaths .
The spike in cases comes months after many states began easing social distancing guidelines .
But since the rise in cases , some states have begun pausing reopening the state and have issued new guidelines like requiring residents to wear masks .
The number of Americans who have said that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick with coronavirus has also more than doubled since March , according to the Nationscape Insights analysis , a project of Democracy Fund , UCLA and USA TODAY .
As of late June , that number is 8 % compared with 3 % in March .
And nearly three times as many Americans say that someone in their workplace has been sick with coronavirus ( 17 % ) than in March ( 6 % ) .
“ There 's just a much larger percentage of people today who are saying , 'This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' ” said Robert Griffin , research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group .
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate designed to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates during the 2020 election cycle .
The latest poll was conducted the week of June 25 , with 6,416 Americans surveyed .
There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points .
The older poll was conducted the week of March 18 , with 6,413 Americans surveyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points .
Nationscape Insights : Where do Americans stand on election issues ?
Let them tell you .
The survey also showed a growing racial disparity among those who report that they have immediate family members who have been sick with the virus .
Black ( 11 % ) and Latino ( 11 % ) Americans are more likely than white Americans ( 7 % ) to have had an immediate family member get sick , according to the survey .
These racial differences were not apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic , Black and Latino Americans have been disproportionately affected by the virus .
According to a report from the New York Times , Latino and Black Americans have been three times as likely to become infected with the virus than white Americans .
Both Black and Latino people are also nearly twice as likely to die from the virus compared to white Americans , the Times reported .
“ The impact of the disease across racial lines is really disparate , ” Griffin said , adding that not only are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become sick but also have the highest numbers of people reporting that they know someone who has gotten sick .

More than 1 in 3 Americans say they know someone who has been sick from coronavirus, survey shows
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 – As the number of COVID-19 cases in the USA climbs, Americans are three times as likely to know someone in their community who has been sick with the virus than they were in March, according to a new survey. A disparity among racial groups that wasn't there in March also appeared.
More than one-third of Americans (36%) say someone they know outside their immediate family or work has been sick with the coronavirus, according to a survey from the Democracy Fund and UCLA Nationscape Project. That number is more than triple the number in mid-March, when it was 11%.
The USA has hit 3 million documented cases of COVID-19, roughly a quarter of the world’s cases and the same percentage of its deaths. The spike in cases comes after many states eased social distancing guidelines. Since the rise in cases, some states paused reopening and issued requirements for residents to wear masks.
The number of Americans who say a member of their immediate family has been sick with coronavirus more than doubled since March, according to the Nationscape Insights analysis, a project of Democracy Fund, UCLA and USA TODAY. As of late June, that number is 8% compared with 3% in March.
Nearly three times as many Americans say someone in their workplace has been sick with coronavirus (17%) than in March (6%).
“There's just a much larger percentage of people today who are saying, ‘This is impacting me and my personal family,’ ” says Robert Griffin, research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group.
The Democracy Fund and UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate designed to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates during the 2020 election cycle. The latest poll was conducted the week of June 25, surveying 6,416 Americans. There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points. The older poll was conducted the week of March 18, surveying 6,413 Americans. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.1 percentage points.
Nationscape Insights: Where do Americans stand on election issues? Let them tell you.
The survey shows a growing racial disparity among those who report immediate family members have been sick with the virus.
Black (11%) and Latino (11%) Americans are more likely than white Americans (7%) to have an immediate family member who got sick, according to the survey. These racial differences were not apparent in the survey from March.
Amid the pandemic, Black and Latino Americans have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus. According to a report from The New York Times, Latino and Black Americans have been three times as likely to become infected with the virus than white Americans. Black and Latino people are nearly twice as likely to die from the virus compared with white Americans, the Times reported.
“The impact of the disease across racial lines is really disparate,” Griffin said, adding that not only are Black and Latino communities more likely to become sick but also have the highest numbers of people reporting that they know someone who got sick.
Contributing: Marco della Cava and Jorge L. Ortiz


usatoday--2020-07-10--'Not enough teachers to reopen': School districts expect booming demand for substitutes

DETROIT — As if school officials did n't already have a long enough to-do list before reopening classrooms this fall amid a global pandemic , here 's one more thing to add : deepening their pools of substitute teachers .
`` Without a question , that 's going to be a challenge for us , '' said Randy Liepa , superintendent of the Wayne County Regional Educational Services Agency , which supports schools in the county that includes Detroit .
`` Remember , schools are vying for the same substitute teachers .
If there is a need for additional substitute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are out there . ''
Schools across the nation struggle during normal times to find enough substitute teachers to fill classrooms when the assigned teacher calls in sick or must attend a training session .
With increased teacher absences expected due to COVID-19 , the need for subs is even greater .
`` It is a mathematical certainty that we are not going to have enough teachers to reopen schools , '' said Nicola Soares , president of Kelly Education , the school staffing division of Troy , Michigan-based Kelly Services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ four million assignments last year at schools in 41 states .
About 20 % of those subs worked in classrooms where the school was unable to find a full-time teacher .
Many of those spots still must be filled again this year as will other spots left vacant by teachers who are ill , quarantined , immune-compromised or caring for a loved one at home who is at high risk of infection , Soares said .
`` I like to think that our substitute teachers , or rather any employees working within our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next line of essential workers , '' Soares said .
Subs are paid , on average , $ 95 a day , Soares said , though that figure varies by location .
In some places , they are paid as little as $ 65 a day , while in states with higher costs of living , they can get as must as $ 175 .
Clark Galloway runs Grand Rapids-based EduStaff , which provides substitute teachers to almost 500 school districts in Michigan .
He said his firm has been surveying its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about returning to classrooms amid COVID-19 .
It also plans beefed up training for subs on things like personal protective equipment , social distancing and recognizing symptoms of COVID-19 , which may appear in students .
`` We are going to do everything we can to train subs on the basic needs of understanding of how to handle an environment , '' he said .
Other training is needed for subs to teach online , as all teachers were forced to do this spring when the pandemic forced the closure of school buildings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the unknown , but that ’ s what subs do every day , '' said Mya Fullmer , who has subbed in Michigan schools for the past two years .
`` I think substitute teachers are actually well-suited for this pandemic .
We start most workdays walking into a room full of unknowns : unknown lesson plan , unknown kids , unknown class behaviors .
COVID-19 is just another unknown , but on a much larger scale . ''
In January , Kelly Education commissioned the EdWeek Research Center to survey more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country about the need for substitute help .
The survey found 60 % of respondents said they were increasingly using substitutes to fill vacancies caused by a nationwide teacher shortage and 71 % expected the need for subs to rise in coming years . '
I just want that final hug ' : Longtime teachers struggle with retiring during pandemic Almost two-thirds of the educators who responded to the survey said higher pay and more professional training were needed to maintain and grow the pool of subs .
In Michigan , subs must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit , though some districts require more .
They also must undergo background checks .
Soares , a former school teacher , said subs are the `` quintessential gig workers . ''
She expects it to be difficult to fill all the available spots , but she said there is a potential pool of applicants among people who have never subbed before but may have lost their jobs during COVID-19 .
`` We do have , obviously , a surplus supply of talented people who are displaced or find themselves unemployed , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people with subject matter expertise in their own fields to consider subbing .
`` First and foremost , your country needs you , '' she said .
`` I would also say this is probably the best , the most noble profession that anybody can do . ''
Fullmer said the work is rewarding .
`` The best subs have patience , enjoy being around kids and teens , and feel energized facing something new every day , '' she said .
`` Sometimes the work is babysitting , sometimes it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days you feel like a special guest speaker with the right experience and information to get kids excited about learning . ''

'Not enough teachers to reopen': School districts expect booming demand for substitutes
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump believes these CDC school guidelines are too strict President Donald Trump criticizes the CDC guidelines for the upcoming school year. Which includes children, teachers, and staff getting regularly tested. USA TODAY
DETROIT — As if school officials didn't already have a long enough to-do list before reopening classrooms this fall amid a global pandemic, here's one more thing to add: deepening their pools of substitute teachers.
"Without a question, that's going to be a challenge for us," said Randy Liepa, superintendent of the Wayne County Regional Educational Services Agency, which supports schools in the county that includes Detroit. "Remember, schools are vying for the same substitute teachers. If there is a need for additional substitute teachers, there are only so many that are out there."
Schools across the nation struggle during normal times to find enough substitute teachers to fill classrooms when the assigned teacher calls in sick or must attend a training session. With increased teacher absences expected due to COVID-19, the need for subs is even greater.
"It is a mathematical certainty that we are not going to have enough teachers to reopen schools," said Nicola Soares, president of Kelly Education, the school staffing division of Troy, Michigan-based Kelly Services.
Soares said that her company filled almost four million assignments last year at schools in 41 states. About 20% of those subs worked in classrooms where the school was unable to find a full-time teacher. Many of those spots still must be filled again this year as will other spots left vacant by teachers who are ill, quarantined, immune-compromised or caring for a loved one at home who is at high risk of infection, Soares said.
College students face challenges with online learning College teachers and students discuss some of the challenges they face as their classes move online for the foreseeable future. Jasper Colt, USA TODAY
"I like to think that our substitute teachers, or rather any employees working within our school buildings, are going to be the next line of essential workers," Soares said.
Subs are paid, on average, $95 a day, Soares said, though that figure varies by location. In some places, they are paid as little as $65 a day, while in states with higher costs of living, they can get as must as $175.
Clark Galloway runs Grand Rapids-based EduStaff, which provides substitute teachers to almost 500 school districts in Michigan. He said his firm has been surveying its entire pool of subs to gauge concerns about returning to classrooms amid COVID-19. It also plans beefed up training for subs on things like personal protective equipment, social distancing and recognizing symptoms of COVID-19, which may appear in students.
"We are going to do everything we can to train subs on the basic needs of understanding of how to handle an environment," he said.
Other training is needed for subs to teach online, as all teachers were forced to do this spring when the pandemic forced the closure of school buildings.
"I’m mentally preparing for the unknown, but that’s what subs do every day," said Mya Fullmer, who has subbed in Michigan schools for the past two years. "I think substitute teachers are actually well-suited for this pandemic. We start most workdays walking into a room full of unknowns: unknown lesson plan, unknown kids, unknown class behaviors. COVID-19 is just another unknown, but on a much larger scale."
In January, Kelly Education commissioned the EdWeek Research Center to survey more than 2,000 education leaders from across the country about the need for substitute help.
The survey found 60% of respondents said they were increasingly using substitutes to fill vacancies caused by a nationwide teacher shortage and 71% expected the need for subs to rise in coming years.
'I just want that final hug': Longtime teachers struggle with retiring during pandemic
Almost two-thirds of the educators who responded to the survey said higher pay and more professional training were needed to maintain and grow the pool of subs.
In Michigan, subs must have at least 60 hours of college credit, though some districts require more. They also must undergo background checks.
Soares, a former school teacher, said subs are the "quintessential gig workers." She expects it to be difficult to fill all the available spots, but she said there is a potential pool of applicants among people who have never subbed before but may have lost their jobs during COVID-19.
"We do have, obviously, a surplus supply of talented people who are displaced or find themselves unemployed," she said, adding she would encourage people with subject matter expertise in their own fields to consider subbing.
"First and foremost, your country needs you," she said. "I would also say this is probably the best, the most noble profession that anybody can do."
Fullmer said the work is rewarding.
"The best subs have patience, enjoy being around kids and teens, and feel energized facing something new every day," she said. "Sometimes the work is babysitting, sometimes it’s performance art, but on the best days you feel like a special guest speaker with the right experience and information to get kids excited about learning."