usatoday--2020-07-14--LSU coach Ed Orgeron confident of college football's return: 'Football is the life blood of our coun

While the SEC is taking a wait-and-see approach to the upcoming football season due to the coronavirus pandemic , coach Ed Orgeron of the defending national champion LSU Tigers is moving full speed ahead .
`` I do n't think we can take this away from these players , take this away from our state and our country .
We need football , '' Orgeron said Tuesday at an education roundtable with Vice President Mike Pence .
`` Football is the lifeblood of our country in my opinion , '' he added .
`` It gets everything going , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Baton Rouge , the economy of the state of Louisiana . ''
The issue is whether schools can keep their players safe from the virus that 's infected over 3.4 million people nationwide and killed more than 136,000 .
Orgeron said LSU has taken significant measures with football players back on campus .
`` We spent a week educating them on COVID-19 .
I do n't think any other team in the country was more educated than we were , '' he said .
`` We have not had one kid catch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room .
It 's sterile .
We clean it everyday .
Everybody gets tested . ''
Despite those precautions , the team has had several players test positive .
`` Now , young men will be young men .
They went to a party .
A hundred people were there .
They got the virus .
They learned their lesson , '' Orgeron said .
`` They 're not going to a party anymore , I promise you . ''
OPINION : College football , even in the mighty SEC , is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the possibility of no football this year Vice President Pence said he and Orgeron privately discussed many of the issues schools and athletic departments are facing this fall .
“ I ’ m very confident that our universities can develop plans to safely reopen campuses and restart sports programs , ” Pence said .
The Big Ten and Pac-12 have already decided to alter their schools ' schedules and play only conference games this fall .
The SEC , ACC and Big 12 expect to make their decisions by the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ champions , `` We 're ready to go now .
We need football , '' Orgeron said .
`` The state needs it .
The country needs it . ''

LSU coach Ed Orgeron confident of college football's return: 'Football is the life blood of our country'
Show Caption Hide Caption Why fall college sports may be in peril SportsPulse: As Christine Brennan points out, the Ivy League's decisions have often been a tell tale sign for all college sports and it's time to prepare for a fall without college football. USA TODAY
While the SEC is taking a wait-and-see approach to the upcoming football season due to the coronavirus pandemic, coach Ed Orgeron of the defending national champion LSU Tigers is moving full speed ahead.
"I don't think we can take this away from these players, take this away from our state and our country. We need football," Orgeron said Tuesday at an education roundtable with Vice President Mike Pence.
"Football is the lifeblood of our country in my opinion," he added. "It gets everything going, it gets the economy going, the economy of Baton Rouge, the economy of the state of Louisiana."
The issue is whether schools can keep their players safe from the virus that's infected over 3.4 million people nationwide and killed more than 136,000.
Orgeron said LSU has taken significant measures with football players back on campus.
"We spent a week educating them on COVID-19. I don't think any other team in the country was more educated than we were," he said. "We have not had one kid catch the virus working out in our training room. It's sterile. We clean it everyday. Everybody gets tested."
Despite those precautions, the team has had several players test positive.
"Now, young men will be young men. They went to a party. A hundred people were there. They got the virus. They learned their lesson," Orgeron said. "They're not going to a party anymore, I promise you."
OPINION: College football, even in the mighty SEC, is in real trouble
NOTRE DAME: AD grapples with the possibility of no football this year
PATRIOT LEAGUE: Cancels fall sports due to coronavirus, waiting on winter sports
Vice President Pence said he and Orgeron privately discussed many of the issues schools and athletic departments are facing this fall. “I’m very confident that our universities can develop plans to safely reopen campuses and restart sports programs,” Pence said.
The Big Ten and Pac-12 have already decided to alter their schools' schedules and play only conference games this fall. The SEC, ACC and Big 12 expect to make their decisions by the end of July.
As for the defending national champions, "We're ready to go now. We need football," Orgeron said. "The state needs it. The country needs it."


usatoday--2020-07-14--Athleta makes the best face masks—and they're on sale right now

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
If you 're in the market for new face masks , you 're in luck .
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Whether you already have a number of cloth face coverings or not , this could be a great time to invest in more .
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help prevent the spread of the coronavirus , and many stores , states , and cities mandate it .
Since the recommendation stands for the foreseeable future , having a stash of face masks that are comfortable , breathable , and made of quality materials is worth it .
Need help finding products ?
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It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at any time .
When Reviewed tested the most popular cloth face masks on the market , our apparel expert dubbed Athleta ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can buy—and right now , you can get the 5-pack of masks for 20 % off .
These one-size-fits-all masks were our tester ’ s favorite for a multitude of reasons , including the thin , triple-layered fabric design and impressive balance between comfort and functionality .
Unlike other facial coverings , we found that Athleta ’ s masks were actually quite breathable and still provided the standard protection that ’ s necessary these days .
There are attached adjustable ear loops to fasten the fabric tightly against your face , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in cloth face masks—can also be adjusted for optimal safety and snugness .
We are n't the only ones who think these masks are great .
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Get the Everyday Non-Medical Masks 5 Pack at Athleta for $ 24 ( Originally $ 30 ) The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

Athleta makes the best face masks—and they’re on sale right now
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
If you're in the market for new face masks, you're in luck. Right now, you can get 20% off the best face coverings we tested at Reviewed—a 5-pack of masks from Athleta—with the code AP192CA4T2.
Whether you already have a number of cloth face coverings or not, this could be a great time to invest in more. Why? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing masks in public to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and many stores, states, and cities mandate it. Since the recommendation stands for the foreseeable future, having a stash of face masks that are comfortable, breathable, and made of quality materials is worth it.
Need help finding products? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Why we love Athleta's face masks
When Reviewed tested the most popular cloth face masks on the market, our apparel expert dubbed Athleta’s Everyday Non-Medical Masks the best ones you can buy—and right now, you can get the 5-pack of masks for 20% off.
These one-size-fits-all masks were our tester’s favorite for a multitude of reasons, including the thin, triple-layered fabric design and impressive balance between comfort and functionality. Unlike other facial coverings, we found that Athleta’s masks were actually quite breathable and still provided the standard protection that’s necessary these days. There are attached adjustable ear loops to fasten the fabric tightly against your face, and the nose piece—which isn’t always found in cloth face masks—can also be adjusted for optimal safety and snugness.
We aren't the only ones who think these masks are great. They already have a 4.5-star reviews from nearly 2,500 reviews, and that number is growing. The masks come in a variety of colors. The five-pack includes navy, tan, terracotta, black and trendy camo shades. Even better, Athleta is donating 100,000 non-medical masks to a major healthcare organization in support of essential workers.
Please note: While cloth facial coverings are essential nowadays, Athleta’s are not medical grade, nor have they been approved by the FDA. However, they provide an extra layer of protection by blocking respiratory droplets, which is the primary way that COVID-19 is transmitted.
How to get Athleta's face masks for 20% off
To get the discount, just head over to Athleta’s website and add this five-pack of the retailer’s face masks to your cart. At checkout, when you enter promo code AP192CA4T2, you’ll save $6 on the bundle. Normally $30, the multi-colored pack will be priced at just $24, which is the lowest price we've ever seen for these masks. Made from soft, breathable, and protective fabric, it'll be just under $5 per mask with this discount, making them a steal.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-07-14--Former veteran hospital nursing assistant pleads guilty to murder charges in string of insulin death

WASHINGTON – A former nursing assistant pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal murder charges in connection with a string of insulin deaths at a veterans hospital in West Virginia .
Federal prosecutors say Reta Mays injected lethal doses of insulin into eight veterans at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in rural Clarksburg , causing their blood sugar levels to drop to dangerously low levels .
Seven died shortly after .
The 46-year-old was charged with seven counts of second-degree murder and one count of assault with intent to commit murder , according to charging documents unsealed Tuesday .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not respond to requests for comment .
`` Nothing we have done will bring your loved ones back , '' Bill Powell , U.S. attorney in West Virginia , said at a press conference .
`` But we do hope that the work of these agents and prosecutors honored the memory of your loved ones in a way that they so justly deserved and , in some small fashion , assuage the anguish you have suffered . ''
The deaths gripped Clarksburg , where several war memorials honoring veterans stood at the center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years after a criminal investigation into suspicious deaths of 10 veterans at the hospital began .
All patients were elderly veterans staying in the hospital 's surgical unit , known as Ward 3A .
All suffered unexplained drops in their blood sugar levels . '
I trusted those people ' : Red flags missed , limiting evidence in potential serial killer case at VA hospital A string of suspicious deaths : What we know about veterans who died at the Clarksburg VA Mays began working at the hospital five years ago and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ward 3A .
As a nursing assistant , Mays was responsible for , among other things , acting as a one-on-one sitter for patients , checking vital signs and testing blood sugar levels , but she was not qualified to administer medication , including insulin .
USA TODAY reported in October that hospital staff missed opportunities to figure out what was happening , which may have risked veterans ' lives and limited evidence in the probe .
The hospital did n't adequately track insulin , and there were no surveillance cameras on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time a doctor alerted hospital supervisors of the deaths in June 2018 , at least eight patients had died under suspicious circumstances .
Several had been embalmed and buried , destroying potential evidence .
One veteran had been cremated .
Many of the bodies had to be exhumed for a medical examiner to perform autopsies .
Mays appeared in court for a plea hearing Tuesday , repeatedly saying `` Yes , sir '' to the judge 's questions , including whether she understood the terms of her plea deal .
At times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trembled beneath the white mask she was wearing .
Deaths grip small town : After 10 suspicious deaths at VA hospital , veterans demand answers .
'It 's scary – really scary' Tony O'Dell , who represents several of the victims ' families , said his clients are pleased with the outcome , although he said the investigation should not stop .
`` The VA hospital in Clarksburg had a frightening number of system failures that allowed this person to kill as many people as she did , '' O'Dell said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related deaths continued to pile up shows a complete lack of competence and a total lack of human caring . ''
Michael Missal , inspector general for the Department of Veteran Affairs , said his agency is conducting an investigation of the hospital 's policies and procedures , including medication management and communications among staffers .
Missal said investigators identified Mays as a person of interest shortly after officials were notified of the suspicious deaths in 2018 .
She was fired in July of that year .
`` We ’ re glad the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this investigation across the finish line and hopeful our court system will deliver the justice Clarksburg-area Veterans and families deserve , '' Wesley Walls , spokesman for the hospital , said in a statement .
Powell , the U.S. attorney , said Mays denied wrongdoing until recently , when she realized the mounting evidence against her .
`` While overdue , today justice is finally being served .
I hope today ’ s announcement brings some semblance of peace to their hearts and to the families who are still uncertain about the fate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchin , D-W.Va. , said in a statement .
Three deaths in three days : Veterans died at a VA hospital under the same suspicious circumstances .
What happened ?
Nurses who kill : Medical murderers and the mystery of the Clarksburg VA hospital in West Virginia Manchin , who introduced a bill requiring the Department of Veteran Affairs to submit detailed reports on patient safety , publicly pressured officials for answers and called for a Senate investigation .
The investigation drew the interest of Attorney General William Barr after it became public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deaths had been ruled homicides .
Felix Kirk McDermott , 82 , and George Nelson Shaw , Sr. , 81 , died in April 2018 .
The Army Forces medical examiner ruled that both men died by homicide by insulin injection .
The other victims are Archie Edgell , 84 , Robert Edge , Sr. , 82 , Robert Kozul , 89 , Raymond Golden , 88 , and one identified in charging documents as W.A.H .
USA TODAY reported last year that William Alfred Holloway , 96 , died after suffering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which blood sugar levels plummet .
Some of the deaths were ruled `` undetermined . ''
Several of the patients were not diabetic , while others had Type 2 diabetes but were either not prescribed insulin or needed only a small dose .
Court records say Mays injected another veteran , identified in court records as R.R.P.
, with insulin , although his blood sugar levels stabilized .
The man , 92 , died two weeks later , but the medical examiner was unable to tie his death to the insulin injection .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , of each other in 2017 and 2018 .
One veteran , John Hallman , 87 , was cremated , although his daughter said his medical records showed his level of insulin spiked before he died .
Mays previously worked as a correctional officer in West Virginia and at a privately-owned home care company based in Kentucky .

Former veteran hospital nursing assistant pleads guilty to murder charges in string of insulin deaths
Show Caption Hide Caption Family devastated by VA hospital death ruled homicide George Nelson Shaw Sr. died at a VA hospital in West Virginia in 2018. His death was ruled a homicide by an Armed Forces medical examiner. It's one of 10 deaths under investigation by authorities. Jack Gruber, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – A former nursing assistant pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal murder charges in connection with a string of insulin deaths at a veterans hospital in West Virginia.
Federal prosecutors say Reta Mays injected lethal doses of insulin into eight veterans at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in rural Clarksburg, causing their blood sugar levels to drop to dangerously low levels. Seven died shortly after.
The 46-year-old was charged with seven counts of second-degree murder and one count of assault with intent to commit murder, according to charging documents unsealed Tuesday. She faces life imprisonment. Her attorneys did not respond to requests for comment.
"Nothing we have done will bring your loved ones back," Bill Powell, U.S. attorney in West Virginia, said at a press conference. "But we do hope that the work of these agents and prosecutors honored the memory of your loved ones in a way that they so justly deserved and, in some small fashion, assuage the anguish you have suffered."
The deaths gripped Clarksburg, where several war memorials honoring veterans stood at the center of town.
The development comes two years after a criminal investigation into suspicious deaths of 10 veterans at the hospital began. All patients were elderly veterans staying in the hospital's surgical unit, known as Ward 3A. All suffered unexplained drops in their blood sugar levels.
'I trusted those people': Red flags missed, limiting evidence in potential serial killer case at VA hospital
A string of suspicious deaths: What we know about veterans who died at the Clarksburg VA
Mays began working at the hospital five years ago and was assigned to work the night shift in Ward 3A. As a nursing assistant, Mays was responsible for, among other things, acting as a one-on-one sitter for patients, checking vital signs and testing blood sugar levels, but she was not qualified to administer medication, including insulin.
Her motive remains unclear.
USA TODAY reported in October that hospital staff missed opportunities to figure out what was happening, which may have risked veterans' lives and limited evidence in the probe. The hospital didn't adequately track insulin, and there were no surveillance cameras on the ward, according to employees.
By the time a doctor alerted hospital supervisors of the deaths in June 2018, at least eight patients had died under suspicious circumstances. Several had been embalmed and buried, destroying potential evidence. One veteran had been cremated. Many of the bodies had to be exhumed for a medical examiner to perform autopsies.
Mays appeared in court for a plea hearing Tuesday, repeatedly saying "Yes, sir" to the judge's questions, including whether she understood the terms of her plea deal. At times, her body shook and her voice trembled beneath the white mask she was wearing.
Deaths grip small town: After 10 suspicious deaths at VA hospital, veterans demand answers. 'It's scary – really scary'
Tony O'Dell, who represents several of the victims' families, said his clients are pleased with the outcome, although he said the investigation should not stop.
"The VA hospital in Clarksburg had a frightening number of system failures that allowed this person to kill as many people as she did," O'Dell said in a statement. "The fact that the related deaths continued to pile up shows a complete lack of competence and a total lack of human caring."
Michael Missal, inspector general for the Department of Veteran Affairs, said his agency is conducting an investigation of the hospital's policies and procedures, including medication management and communications among staffers.
Missal said investigators identified Mays as a person of interest shortly after officials were notified of the suspicious deaths in 2018. She was fired in July of that year.
"We’re glad the Department of Justice stepped in to push this investigation across the finish line and hopeful our court system will deliver the justice Clarksburg-area Veterans and families deserve," Wesley Walls, spokesman for the hospital, said in a statement.
Powell, the U.S. attorney, said Mays denied wrongdoing until recently, when she realized the mounting evidence against her.
"While overdue, today justice is finally being served. I hope today’s announcement brings some semblance of peace to their hearts and to the families who are still uncertain about the fate of their veterans," Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said in a statement.
Three deaths in three days: Veterans died at a VA hospital under the same suspicious circumstances. What happened?
Nurses who kill: Medical murderers and the mystery of the Clarksburg VA hospital in West Virginia
Manchin, who introduced a bill requiring the Department of Veteran Affairs to submit detailed reports on patient safety, publicly pressured officials for answers and called for a Senate investigation.
The investigation drew the interest of Attorney General William Barr after it became public last year that at least two of the deaths had been ruled homicides.
Felix Kirk McDermott, 82, and George Nelson Shaw, Sr., 81, died in April 2018. The Army Forces medical examiner ruled that both men died by homicide by insulin injection.
The other victims are Archie Edgell, 84, Robert Edge, Sr., 82, Robert Kozul, 89, Raymond Golden, 88, and one identified in charging documents as W.A.H. USA TODAY reported last year that William Alfred Holloway, 96, died after suffering from severe hypoglycemia, a condition in which blood sugar levels plummet.
Some of the deaths were ruled "undetermined." Several of the patients were not diabetic, while others had Type 2 diabetes but were either not prescribed insulin or needed only a small dose.
Court records say Mays injected another veteran, identified in court records as R.R.P., with insulin, although his blood sugar levels stabilized. The man, 92, died two weeks later, but the medical examiner was unable to tie his death to the insulin injection.
All men died within months, sometimes days, of each other in 2017 and 2018.
One veteran, John Hallman, 87, was cremated, although his daughter said his medical records showed his level of insulin spiked before he died.
Mays previously worked as a correctional officer in West Virginia and at a privately-owned home care company based in Kentucky.
Contributing: Donovan Slack, Kevin Johnson and Ken Alltucker


usatoday--2020-07-14--What we know: The latest on possible replacement names for Washington's NFL franchise

Washington 's NFL team announced Monday that it will soon part ways with its name and logo after 87 years , in the wake of continued pressure from sponsors , fans and activists .
So now the question is : What 's next ?
The team has offered few clues about potential replacement names and logos , nor when such branding could be unveiled .
Coach Ron Rivera previously told The Washington Post that he would love to have the matter settled by the start of training camp at the end of the month , but the franchise has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , here 's a look at some of the possibilities that have been bandied about — and some of the key considerations as the team nears a decision .
What are the top contenders ?
There has been no shortage of fan suggestions , obviously — many of them made in jest .
( The Washington Lobbyists , Washington Beltway Drivers , etc . )
But in terms of serious contenders , it appears a few have floated to the top .
Much of the most recent discussion among fans and prognosticators has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Red , '' such as `` Red Wolves '' or `` Red Tails . ''
This would allow the team to continue to use its `` HTTR '' slogan for marketing purposes ; the acronym has previously been short for `` Hail To The Redskins . ''
The `` Red Tails '' name would also be something of an homage to the Tuskegee Airmen , which would be in line with Rivera 's stated desire to honor members of the military with the new name .
Washington owner Daniel Snyder has also previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He purchased an expansion franchise in the Arena Football League that was supposed to begin play in 2003 but never did .
He had planned to call that team the Washington Warriors .
( More on this possible name later . )
What do players and alumni think ?
Only a few current and former players have chimed in on this so far , at least in a public fashion .
Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen , former linebacker Will Compton and former cornerback Fred Smoot are among those who have expressed support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who frequently contributes to radio shows in the D.C. area , has been particularly vocal .
`` It is an endangered species .
It allows us to keep the 'HTTR , ' '' Smoot told NBC Sports Washington late last week .
`` It allows us to keep the burgundy and gold .
It allows us to have some crazy uniforms .
Like I said before , I can see 80,000 people in FedEx Field howling like wolves after Chase Young gets a sack to win a game . ''
Quarterback Dwayne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for `` Red Tails '' early in the process .
And ex-player Doc Walker , who now co-hosts a radio show for The Team 980 , has suggested the team switch to `` Warriors '' and revert to its 1960s logo of an arrow , describing it as an `` easy '' solution .
Which name do oddsmakers favor ?
As of Tuesday , it was `` Red Tails . ''
Online sports book Bovada LV listed `` Red Tails '' or `` Red Clouds '' at 2/1 odds , followed by `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' or any variety thereof .
A second sports book , BetOnline.ag , has `` Red Tails '' at 3/1 odds , just ahead of `` Generals '' and `` Warriors , '' each at 4/1 .
Interestingly , `` Red Wolves '' is not listed by Bovada LV , while garnering 6/1 odds at BetOnline.ag .
Given Snyder 's previous dabbling with the name , `` Warriors '' might seem like an easy solution , as Walker put it .
But there 's concern that the name would maintain the link between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially if , for example , the new logo was the arrow with feathers that Washington previously used as branding in the 1960s .
`` If that ’ s their idea , have they learned nothing ? ''
said Amanda Blackhorse , who previously fought to cancel the Washington team 's federal trademark registrations .
ESPN reported last week that Washington is planning to have no Native American imagery in connection with its new name .
But even if that is the case , critics say , the `` Warriors '' nickname has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could keep that connection alive .
When will a new name be revealed ?
The team has not disclosed any sort of timeline or target date for the official switch , beyond Rivera 's aforementioned preference that it be sorted out before the start of training camp .
The franchise is continuing to go by `` Redskins '' in the interim .
The Washington Post reported this week that the team 's preferred name is caught up in a trademark fight , which has delayed its announcement .
And securing that trademark is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to be taken in the coming weeks and months to completely finalize a name change .
There 's new merchandise to be manufactured and distributed , old logos and team names to be scrubbed from promotional and sponsor materials .
Then , of course , the team 's equipment itself .
NFL Network , for example , reported Monday that the franchise 's equipment staff has already received its equipment for the upcoming season , with the previous logo and name — jerseys , helmet decals , etc .
that will all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully embraces its new branding .
Contact Tom Schad at tschad @ usatoday.com or on Twitter @ Tom_Schad .

What we know: The latest on possible replacement names for Washington's NFL franchise
Show Caption Hide Caption After 87 years, Washington is changing the name of its NFL team Sports Pulse: Mackenzie Salmon reports on how Washington is finally changing their NFL team name after financial pressure from sponsors. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
Washington's NFL team announced Monday that it will soon part ways with its name and logo after 87 years, in the wake of continued pressure from sponsors, fans and activists.
So now the question is: What's next?
The team has offered few clues about potential replacement names and logos, nor when such branding could be unveiled. Coach Ron Rivera previously told The Washington Post that he would love to have the matter settled by the start of training camp at the end of the month, but the franchise has not specified a timeline.
While we wait, here's a look at some of the possibilities that have been bandied about — and some of the key considerations as the team nears a decision.
What are the top contenders?
There has been no shortage of fan suggestions, obviously — many of them made in jest. (The Washington Lobbyists, Washington Beltway Drivers, etc.) But in terms of serious contenders, it appears a few have floated to the top.
Much of the most recent discussion among fans and prognosticators has revolved around nicknames that begin with "Red," such as "Red Wolves" or "Red Tails." This would allow the team to continue to use its "HTTR" slogan for marketing purposes; the acronym has previously been short for "Hail To The Redskins." The "Red Tails" name would also be something of an homage to the Tuskegee Airmen, which would be in line with Rivera's stated desire to honor members of the military with the new name.
Washington owner Daniel Snyder has also previously shown a preference for "Warriors." He purchased an expansion franchise in the Arena Football League that was supposed to begin play in 2003 but never did. He had planned to call that team the Washington Warriors. (More on this possible name later.)
What do players and alumni think?
Only a few current and former players have chimed in on this so far, at least in a public fashion.
Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, former linebacker Will Compton and former cornerback Fred Smoot are among those who have expressed support for "Red Wolves." Smoot, who frequently contributes to radio shows in the D.C. area, has been particularly vocal.
"It is an endangered species. It allows us to keep the 'HTTR,'" Smoot told NBC Sports Washington late last week. "It allows us to keep the burgundy and gold. It allows us to have some crazy uniforms. Like I said before, I can see 80,000 people in FedEx Field howling like wolves after Chase Young gets a sack to win a game."
Quarterback Dwayne Haskins, meanwhile, expressed a preference for "Red Tails" early in the process. And ex-player Doc Walker, who now co-hosts a radio show for The Team 980, has suggested the team switch to "Warriors" and revert to its 1960s logo of an arrow, describing it as an "easy" solution.
Which name do oddsmakers favor?
As of Tuesday, it was "Red Tails." Online sports book Bovada LV listed "Red Tails" or "Red Clouds" at 2/1 odds, followed by "Warriors," then "Hogs," or any variety thereof. A second sports book, BetOnline.ag, has "Red Tails" at 3/1 odds, just ahead of "Generals" and "Warriors," each at 4/1.
Interestingly, "Red Wolves" is not listed by Bovada LV, while garnering 6/1 odds at BetOnline.ag.
What's the concern with Warriors?
Given Snyder's previous dabbling with the name, "Warriors" might seem like an easy solution, as Walker put it. But there's concern that the name would maintain the link between the team and Native American imagery — especially if, for example, the new logo was the arrow with feathers that Washington previously used as branding in the 1960s.
"If that’s their idea, have they learned nothing?" said Amanda Blackhorse, who previously fought to cancel the Washington team's federal trademark registrations.
ESPN reported last week that Washington is planning to have no Native American imagery in connection with its new name. But even if that is the case, critics say, the "Warriors" nickname has historic ties to Native American tropes that could keep that connection alive.
When will a new name be revealed?
The team has not disclosed any sort of timeline or target date for the official switch, beyond Rivera's aforementioned preference that it be sorted out before the start of training camp. The franchise is continuing to go by "Redskins" in the interim.
The Washington Post reported this week that the team's preferred name is caught up in a trademark fight, which has delayed its announcement. And securing that trademark is just one of several steps that will have to be taken in the coming weeks and months to completely finalize a name change.
There's new merchandise to be manufactured and distributed, old logos and team names to be scrubbed from promotional and sponsor materials. Then, of course, the team's equipment itself. NFL Network, for example, reported Monday that the franchise's equipment staff has already received its equipment for the upcoming season, with the previous logo and name — jerseys, helmet decals, etc. that will all need to be changed before the team fully embraces its new branding.
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.


usatoday--2020-07-15--Coastal flooding in US will continue to increase as seas rise, report says

• `` Nuisance '' or `` sunny day '' high-tide flooding is becoming more commonplace across the US .
• `` Climate change and carbon emissions are a factor at play when we look at how tides are rising . ''
• In 2019 alone , 19 locations along the East and Gulf Coasts set or tied records .
It does n't take a storm to inundate the coast with potentially ruinous floodwaters .
`` Nuisance '' or `` sunny day '' high-tide flooding is becoming more commonplace across the US , and a federal report released Tuesday by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such flooding will worsen in the decades to come as seas continue to rise .
“ America ’ s coastal communities and their economies are suffering from the effects of high-tide flooding , and it ’ s only going to increase in the future , ” said Nicole LeBoeuf , acting director of NOAA ’ s National Ocean Service .
As sea-level rise continues , damaging floods that decades ago happened only during a storm now happen more regularly , such as during a full-moon tide or with a change in prevailing winds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although not mentioned in the report Tuesday , seas are rising due in part to climate change : According to an online NOAA fact sheet , `` the two major causes of global sea level rise are thermal expansion caused by warming of the ocean ( since water expands as it warms ) and increased melting of land-based ice , such as glaciers and ice sheets . ''
In a press call with reporters Tuesday , LeBoeuf said that `` climate change and carbon emissions are a factor at play when we look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 alone , 19 locations along the East and Gulf Coasts set or tied records where rapidly increasing trends in high-tide flooding have emerged , NOAA said .
“ Evidence of a rapid increase in sea-level rise related flooding started to emerge about two decades ago , and now is very clear , ” the report said .
“ NOAA ’ s National Weather Service is issuing record numbers of watches ( and ) warnings for coastal flooding .
This will become the new normal unless coastal flood mitigation strategies are implemented or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw a threefold increase in flooding days compared to 2000 .
For example , Charleston , S.C. , had 13 days where flooding reached damaging levels , compared to the only two days that were typical in 2000 .
And along the western Gulf Coast , percentage increases were the highest , greater than five-fold .
In Texas , Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi had 21 and 18 flooding days in 2019 , and in 2000 those locations would typically only experience about one and three days , respectively .
`` As a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flooding first-hand and it is getting worse , '' said William Sweet , a NOAA oceanographer with the National Ocean Service and lead author of the report .
`` Records seem to be set every year .
Communities are straddled with this growing problem . ''
By 2030 , long-term projections show seven to 15 days of high-tide flooding for coastal communities nationally .
By 2050 , it rises to 25 to 75 days , suggesting high-tide flood levels may become the new high tide .

Coastal flooding in US will continue to increase as seas rise, report says
Show Caption Hide Caption Flood alerts: What they mean and what you should do Not all flood alerts are the same. Here's what you should take seriously. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
"Nuisance" or "sunny day" high-tide flooding is becoming more commonplace across the US.
"Climate change and carbon emissions are a factor at play when we look at how tides are rising."
In 2019 alone, 19 locations along the East and Gulf Coasts set or tied records.
It doesn't take a storm to inundate the coast with potentially ruinous floodwaters.
"Nuisance" or "sunny day" high-tide flooding is becoming more commonplace in the U.S., and a federal report released Tuesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns that such flooding will worsen in the decades to come as seas continue to rise.
“America’s coastal communities and their economies are suffering from the effects of high-tide flooding, and it’s only going to increase in the future,” said Nicole LeBoeuf, acting director of NOAA’s National Ocean Service.
As sea-level rise continues, damaging floods that decades ago happened only during a storm now happen more regularly, such as during a full-moon tide or with a change in prevailing winds or currents, according to NOAA.
Although not mentioned in the report Tuesday, seas are rising in part because of climate change: According to an online NOAA fact sheet, "The two major causes of global sea level rise are thermal expansion caused by warming of the ocean (since water expands as it warms) and increased melting of land-based ice, such as glaciers and ice sheets."
In a call with reporters Tuesday, LeBoeuf said that "climate change and carbon emissions are a factor at play when we look at how tides are rising.”
In 2019 alone, 19 locations along the east coast and Gulf coast set or tied records where rapidly increasing trends in high-tide flooding have emerged, NOAA said.
“Evidence of a rapid increase in sea-level rise related flooding started to emerge about two decades ago, and now is very clear,” the report said. “NOAA’s National Weather Service is issuing record numbers of watches (and) warnings for coastal flooding. This will become the new normal unless coastal flood mitigation strategies are implemented or enhanced.”
Last year, the Southeast saw a threefold increase in flooding days compared to 2000. For example, Charleston, S.C., had 13 days where flooding reached damaging levels, compared to the two days that were typical in 2000.
And along the western Gulf coast, percentage increases were the highest, greater than fivefold. In Texas, Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi had 21 and 18 flooding days in 2019, and in 2000 those locations would typically only experience about one and three days, respectively.
"As a Chesapeake Bay resident, I see the flooding firsthand, and it is getting worse," said William Sweet, a NOAA oceanographer with the National Ocean Service and lead author of the report. "Records seem to be set every year. Communities are straddled with this growing problem."
By 2030, long-term projections show seven to 15 days of high-tide flooding for coastal communities nationally. By 2050, it rises to 25 to 75 days, suggesting high-tide flood levels may become the new high tide.


usatoday--2020-07-14--Dashcam: Shaq stops along Florida interstate to assist crash victim

Shaq stops along Florida I-75 to help crash victim Shaquille O'Neal Stops to Help Driver After Crash on Florida Interstate @

Shaq stops along Florida I-75 to help crash victim
Shaquille O'Neal Stops to Help Driver After Crash on Florida Interstate.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-15--4 things to never put in washing machine

Washer don'ts : What not to put in washing machine Here 's how to properly clean items that your washing @ @ @ @

Washer don'ts: What not to put in washing machine
Here's how to properly clean items that your washing machine could ruin.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-14--Teen sees bright colors for the first time

Teen sees bright colors for the first time After learning their classmate is colorblind , teens raise money to surprise @ @ @ @ @

Teen sees bright colors for the first time
After learning their classmate is colorblind, teens raise money to surprise him with EnChroma glasses.
Humankind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-14--Parliament member's cat photobombs virtual committee meeting

Everybody wants screen time .
Especially this cat that photobombed a UK parliament meeting .

Cat's tail photobombed a virtual UK parliamentary meeting
Everybody wants screen time. Especially this cat that photobombed a UK parliament meeting.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-07-07--Parents: Download the free summer activity guide from the Smithsonian and USA TODAY

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

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


usatoday--2020-07-14--Coping with COVID: Earth is terrible. Let's look to the stars.

Editor 's Note : This is a preview of USA TODAY 's newsletter Staying Apart , Together , a guide to help us all cope with a world changed by coronavirus .
If you would like it in your inbox on Tuesdays and Saturdays , subscribe here .
It 's Tuesday , and it 's already a really tough week .
Every week since the pandemic began can arguably be called one of the tough weeks .
But when the news of the outbreak gets this scary , it 's hard to find any positivity to get us through another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home or working outside it and worrying about exposure .
On the most difficult days , it 's easy to fall into despair .
On days ( or , you know , weeks ) like this one I try to focus on the basics : Get as much sleep as possible , drink a lot of water , talk to my loved ones , go outside for a ( socially distanced ) walk , cuddle my dog , limit my news intake and practice mindfulness and meditation .
They are tiny victories , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory nonetheless .
Writing this newsletter for all of you helps , too .
We 're all going to get through the week .
Today 's appreciation for the wonders of space Things have n't been great on Earth recently , so let 's look at the sky instead .
Newly discovered Comet Neowise is paying a visit to the inner solar system for the first time in 6,800 years .
The comet has been getting brighter and brighter in the early morning sky , AccuWeather said , and in the coming days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the evening after sunset .
...
It 's actually the brightest comet in 23 years , since Comet Hale-Bopp in 1997 , according to NASA .
Soon it will be seen in the northwestern sky after sunset , and it will appear to zoom just below the Big Dipper .
... Be sure to take a look at the celestial visitor over the next few weeks , if you get the chance : It wo n't be back in our neighborhood for thousands of years , as it takes some 6,800 years to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NASA said .
Here 's how to see the beauty with your own eyes : • Start looking about one hour after sunset , when you ’ ll find it just over the northwest horizon as the last of twilight fades into darkness .
• Look about three fists below the “ bowl ” of the Big Dipper , which is hanging by its handle high above , and perhaps a little to the right .
• Although it 's visible with the naked eye , a simple telescope or pair of binoculars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is seen before twilight in the morning or after twilight in the evening .
The rest of this week , ending Sunday , is the best time to view the comet during the evening .
`` Comets are notoriously unpredictable , so it 's impossible to know if this one will remain so easy to spot , but if it does , it should become easier for more people to observe as July goes on , '' NASA said .
You can also check out this artist 's rendering of the comet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time lapse photography from the International Space Station .
• Many of us who have been working from home for months probably have the same question for our bosses : Is this the end of the office forever ?
• Considering how much we love pets in this newsletter I felt we had to discuss this development : There is apparently a new way to calculate dog years !
• Should we go out to eat or not ?
USA TODAY Network 's Bergen Record Food Editor Esther Davidowitz writes about the moral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business , but diners are likely putting waitstaff and chefs in danger , no matter how many safety protocols are in place .
There are no good options .
• What is the future of weddings ?
Is it all Zoom all the time ?
Sanitizer favors ?
Delays upon delays ?
My colleague Erin Jensen talked to experts about what happens for American nuptials moving forward .
• This week 's Ask HR ponders if your employer can make you take on a new role during the pandemic .

Coping with COVID: Earth is terrible. Let's look to the stars.
Editor's Note: This is a preview of USA TODAY's newsletter Staying Apart, Together, a guide to help us all cope with a world changed by coronavirus. If you would like it in your inbox on Tuesdays and Saturdays, subscribe here.
It's Tuesday, and it's already a really tough week.
Every week since the pandemic began can arguably be called one of the tough weeks. But when the news of the outbreak gets this scary, it's hard to find any positivity to get us through another day, whether you're stuck at home or working outside it and worrying about exposure.
On the most difficult days, it's easy to fall into despair. On days (or, you know, weeks) like this one I try to focus on the basics: Get as much sleep as possible, drink a lot of water, talk to my loved ones, go outside for a (socially distanced) walk, cuddle my dog, limit my news intake and practice mindfulness and meditation. They are tiny victories, but taking care of myself is a victory nonetheless.
Writing this newsletter for all of you helps, too. We're all going to get through the week.
Today's appreciation for the wonders of space
Things haven't been great on Earth recently, so let's look at the sky instead. Newly discovered Comet Neowise is paying a visit to the inner solar system for the first time in 6,800 years.
According to USA TODAY's weather reporter Doyle Rice:
The comet has been getting brighter and brighter in the early morning sky, AccuWeather said, and in the coming days, it will make an appearance in the evening after sunset. ... It's actually the brightest comet in 23 years, since Comet Hale-Bopp in 1997, according to NASA. Soon it will be seen in the northwestern sky after sunset, and it will appear to zoom just below the Big Dipper. ... Be sure to take a look at the celestial visitor over the next few weeks, if you get the chance: It won't be back in our neighborhood for thousands of years, as it takes some 6,800 years to complete its journey around the sun, NASA said.
Here's how to see the beauty with your own eyes:
Start looking about one hour after sunset, when you’ll find it just over the northwest horizon as the last of twilight fades into darkness.
Look about three fists below the “bowl” of the Big Dipper, which is hanging by its handle high above, and perhaps a little to the right.
Although it's visible with the naked eye, a simple telescope or pair of binoculars can reveal more detail, especially when it is seen before twilight in the morning or after twilight in the evening.
The rest of this week, ending Sunday, is the best time to view the comet during the evening. "Comets are notoriously unpredictable, so it's impossible to know if this one will remain so easy to spot, but if it does, it should become easier for more people to observe as July goes on," NASA said.
You can also check out this artist's rendering of the comet's rise above Earth, created using time lapse photography from the International Space Station.
Today's reads


usatoday--2020-07-14--Four ex-CDC directors decry Trump administration effort to 'cast public doubt' on reopening guidelin

Four former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sharply criticized the Trump administrationon Tuesday for undermining the federal health agency and casting doubt on its scientific guidelines in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` As America begins the formidable task of getting our kids back to school and all of us back to work safely amid a pandemic that is only getting worse , public health experts face two opponents : covid-19 , but also political leaders and others attempting to undermine the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , '' wrote former CDC Directors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Satcher and Richard Besser in an op-ed published Tuesday by The Washington Post .
`` As the debate last week around reopening schools more safely showed , these repeated efforts to subvert sound public health guidelines introduce chaos and uncertainty while unnecessarily putting lives at risk . ''
Can Trump do that ?
: FAQ on CDC guidelines , federal funding for schools during coronavirus The blistering op-ed comes afterPresident Donald Trump insisted schools reopen in the fall and attacked the CDC 's guidance for how states could move forward with plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The CDC recommendations included maintaining six feet of distance , installing physical barriers places where that is n't possible and closing common areas , such as playgrounds and dining halls .
Trump quickly declared his unhappiness with the guidance on Twitter .
`` I disagree with @ CDCgov on their very tough & expensive guidelines for opening schools , '' Trump tweeted .
`` While they want them open , they are asking schools to do very impractical things .
I will be meeting with them !
!
! ''
Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House Coronavirus Task Force , told reporters Trump 's concern about the recommendations being `` too tough '' was `` the reason why , next week , CDC is going to be issuing a new set of tools , five different documents that will be giving even more clarity on the guidance going forward . ''
But CDC Director Robert Redfield said the next day that the guidance would not change and the new documents were simply clarifying the guidelines already in place .
`` It is not unusual for CDC guidelines to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process that moves through multiple agencies and the White House .
But it is extraordinary for guidelines to be undermined after their release , '' Frieden , Koplan , Satcher and Besser wrote .
`` Through last week , and into Monday , the administration continued to cast public doubt on the agency ’ s recommendations and role in informing and guiding the nation ’ s pandemic response , '' they said .
`` On Sunday , Education Secretary Betsy DeVos characterized the CDC guidelines as an impediment to reopening schools quickly rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to doing so safely . ''
On Sunday , DeVos stressed that the CDC guidance was a `` recommendation '' and told CNN that local leaders should decide the best way for their schools to reopen .
That prompted `` State of the Union '' host Dana Bash to accuse DeVos – who voiced support for Trump 's threat to withhold funds from schools that failed to reopen – of `` trying to have it both ways '' by insisting schools reopen without giving them any specifics on how to do so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return to distance learning .
Trump vs. CDC : President attacks his own scientists over how to reopen schools safely '' The four of us led the CDC over a period of more than 15 years , spanning Republican and Democratic administrations alike , '' they said .
`` We can not recall over our collective tenure a single time when political pressure led to a change in the interpretation of scientific evidence . ''
In addition to the school guidelines , Trump has been at odds with CDC officials on a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contradicting health experts on the severity of the virus and the likely duration of the pandemic while advocating untested treatments .
On Sunday , Trump retweeted a post from former game show host Chuck Woolery , which said `` Everyone is lying '' about the coronavirus , including the CDC , the news media and Democrats , in order to hurt the president .
The same weekend , White House officials distributed a statement questioning the reliability of Dr. Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` about the number of times Dr. Fauci has been wrong on things . ''
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told CBS News that Fauci `` has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on '' and that he only follows Fauci 's advice `` with caution . ''
'In Fauci we trust ' : Democrats pounce on Trump 's rift with experts as coronavirus cases swell Dan Scavino , the White House director of social media , posted a cartoon on Facebook Monday portraying Fauci as a faucet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Sorry , Dr .
Faucet ! ''
Scavino wrote .
`` At least you know if I ’ m going to disagree with a colleague , such as yourself , it ’ s done publicly – and not cowardly , behind journalists with leaks . ''
Frieden , Koplan , Satcher and Besser said `` sound science is being challenged by partisan potshots '' that are `` sowing confusion and mistrust at a time when the American people need leadership , expertise and clarity . ''
Those attacks have led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against public health officials , they said .
In that context , they considered the `` willful disregard for public health guidelines , '' which has led to a surge in infections , `` unsurprising . ''
`` Sadly , we are not even close to having the virus under control .
Quite the opposite , in fact , '' they wrote .
Fauci : CDC expert has n't briefed Trump in at least two months , despite pandemic resurgence

Four ex-CDC directors decry Trump administration effort to 'cast public doubt' on reopening guidelines
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump says he has 'good relationship' with Fauci President Donald Trump says he has a "good relationship" with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious diseases expert, who has been sidelined by the White House. But, Trump says, he doesn't "always agree with him."(July 13) AP
Four former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sharply criticized the Trump administration on Tuesday for undermining the federal health agency and casting doubt on its scientific guidelines in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
"As America begins the formidable task of getting our kids back to school and all of us back to work safely amid a pandemic that is only getting worse, public health experts face two opponents: covid-19, but also political leaders and others attempting to undermine the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," wrote former CDC Directors Tom Frieden, Jeffrey Koplan, David Satcher and Richard Besser in an op-ed published Tuesday by The Washington Post.
"As the debate last week around reopening schools more safely showed, these repeated efforts to subvert sound public health guidelines introduce chaos and uncertainty while unnecessarily putting lives at risk."
Can Trump do that?: FAQ on CDC guidelines, federal funding for schools during coronavirus
The blistering op-ed comes after President Donald Trump insisted schools reopen in the fall and attacked the CDC's guidance for how states could move forward with plans to get children back into the classroom.
The CDC recommendations included maintaining six feet of distance, installing physical barriers places where that isn't possible and closing common areas, such as playgrounds and dining halls.
Trump quickly declared his unhappiness with the guidance on Twitter.
"I disagree with @CDCgov on their very tough & expensive guidelines for opening schools," Trump tweeted. "While they want them open, they are asking schools to do very impractical things. I will be meeting with them!!!"
I disagree with @CDCgov on their very tough & expensive guidelines for opening schools. While they want them open, they are asking schools to do very impractical things. I will be meeting with them!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2020
Vice President Mike Pence, the head of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, told reporters Trump's concern about the recommendations being "too tough" was "the reason why, next week, CDC is going to be issuing a new set of tools, five different documents that will be giving even more clarity on the guidance going forward."
But CDC Director Robert Redfield said the next day that the guidance would not change and the new documents were simply clarifying the guidelines already in place.
"It is not unusual for CDC guidelines to be changed or amended during a clearance process that moves through multiple agencies and the White House. But it is extraordinary for guidelines to be undermined after their release," Frieden, Koplan, Satcher and Besser wrote.
"Through last week, and into Monday, the administration continued to cast public doubt on the agency’s recommendations and role in informing and guiding the nation’s pandemic response," they said. "On Sunday, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos characterized the CDC guidelines as an impediment to reopening schools quickly rather than what they are: the path to doing so safely."
On Sunday, DeVos stressed that the CDC guidance was a "recommendation" and told CNN that local leaders should decide the best way for their schools to reopen. That prompted "State of the Union" host Dana Bash to accuse DeVos – who voiced support for Trump's threat to withhold funds from schools that failed to reopen – of "trying to have it both ways" by insisting schools reopen without giving them any specifics on how to do so, such what infection rates would justify a return to distance learning.
Trump vs. CDC: President attacks his own scientists over how to reopen schools safely
"The four of us led the CDC over a period of more than 15 years, spanning Republican and Democratic administrations alike," they said. "We cannot recall over our collective tenure a single time when political pressure led to a change in the interpretation of scientific evidence."
In addition to the school guidelines, Trump has been at odds with CDC officials on a number of issues since the outbreak began, contradicting health experts on the severity of the virus and the likely duration of the pandemic while advocating untested treatments.
On Sunday, Trump retweeted a post from former game show host Chuck Woolery, which said "Everyone is lying" about the coronavirus, including the CDC, the news media and Democrats, in order to hurt the president.
The same weekend, White House officials distributed a statement questioning the reliability of Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The statement said there was concern "about the number of times Dr. Fauci has been wrong on things."
White House trade adviser Peter Navarro told CBS News that Fauci "has been wrong about everything I have interacted with him on" and that he only follows Fauci's advice "with caution."
'In Fauci we trust': Democrats pounce on Trump's rift with experts as coronavirus cases swell
Dan Scavino, the White House director of social media, posted a cartoon on Facebook Monday portraying Fauci as a faucet, flushing the U.S. economy down the drain.
"Sorry, Dr. Faucet!" Scavino wrote. "At least you know if I’m going to disagree with a colleague, such as yourself, it’s done publicly – and not cowardly, behind journalists with leaks."
Frieden, Koplan, Satcher and Besser said "sound science is being challenged by partisan potshots" that are "sowing confusion and mistrust at a time when the American people need leadership, expertise and clarity." Those attacks have led to an "unconscionable and dangerous" backlash against public health officials, they said.
In that context, they considered the "willful disregard for public health guidelines," which has led to a surge in infections, "unsurprising."
"Sadly, we are not even close to having the virus under control. Quite the opposite, in fact," they wrote.
Contributing: David Jackson, John Fritze and Maureen Groppe
Fauci: CDC expert hasn't briefed Trump in at least two months, despite pandemic resurgence


usatoday--2020-07-15--Kansas Congressman Steve Watkins charged with felonies in voter registration case

Kansas Congressman Steve Watkins was charged Tuesday with four crimes , including three felonies , involving a situation in which he allegedly repeatedly signed documents listing a UPS Store in Topeka as his home address .
The charges are linked to the 2019 municipal election , in which Watkins voted but was not a candidate , said Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay , who is a Republican .
Kagay said he charged Watkins , 43 , with one felony count each of voting without being qualified , unlawful advance voting and interference with law enforcement involving providing false information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of a Change of Address .
The charges come as Watkins prepares to run in the Aug. 4 primary against two fellow Republicans , Dennis Taylor and Kansas Treasurer Jake La Turner , for the Republican nomination for the 2nd District Congressional seat Watkins has held since January 2019 .
This week ’ s charges were filed after an investigation conducted by the Shawnee County Sheriff ’ s Office , Kagay said .
He said that investigation , which Kagay requested after news of the alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2019 , was delayed significantly due to the COVID-19 shutdown .
Authorities contended last December that Watkins changed his residency in August 2019 for voter registration purposes , signed an application for a mail-in ballot in October 2019 and signed a document to cast his vote for the 2019 November election .
The documents showed Watkins ’ official residence as 6021 S.W .
29th in Topeka , which is the site of a UPS Store .
By changing his residency , Watkins moved from the Topeka City Council ’ s 5th District @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participated in an election decided by 13 votes last month .
Dylan Jones , Watkin 's press secretary , told USA TODAY in a statement that these are `` bogus charges . ''
“ Just like President Trump , Steve is being politically prosecuted by his opponents who can ’ t accept the results of the last election , ” the statement continued .
“ ...
This is a desperate political attack by a desperate political campaign on its dying breath down twenty points .
Jake LaTurner is hell bent on seeing Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every turn.
” Jim Joice , Watkins ’ chief of staff , said last December that Watkins made a mistake when he listed the UPS Store as his address .
Joice said the congressman actually lived in the Overlook Apartments which are about 2½ miles north of the UPS Store .
Those apartments are in the council ’ s 9th District .
Watkins won election in 2018 by getting 26 % of the vote in a seven-way primary , then defeating Paul Davis , a Democrat , in the general election .

Tim Hrenchir, The Topeka Capital-Journal

Kansas Congressman Steve Watkins charged with felonies in voter registration case
Kansas Congressman Steve Watkins was charged Tuesday with four crimes, including three felonies, involving a situation in which he allegedly repeatedly signed documents listing a UPS Store in Topeka as his home address.
The charges are linked to the 2019 municipal election, in which Watkins voted but was not a candidate, said Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay, who is a Republican.
Kagay said he charged Watkins, 43, with one felony count each of voting without being qualified, unlawful advance voting and interference with law enforcement involving providing false information; and a misdemeanor count of failing to notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of a Change of Address.
The charges come as Watkins prepares to run in the Aug. 4 primary against two fellow Republicans, Dennis Taylor and Kansas Treasurer Jake La Turner, for the Republican nomination for the 2nd District Congressional seat Watkins has held since January 2019.
This week’s charges were filed after an investigation conducted by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Kagay said.
He said that investigation, which Kagay requested after news of the alleged conduct was brought to his attention in December 2019, was delayed significantly due to the COVID-19 shutdown.
Authorities contended last December that Watkins changed his residency in August 2019 for voter registration purposes, signed an application for a mail-in ballot in October 2019 and signed a document to cast his vote for the 2019 November election. The documents showed Watkins’ official residence as 6021 S.W. 29th in Topeka, which is the site of a UPS Store.
By changing his residency, Watkins moved from the Topeka City Council’s 5th District to its 8th District, where he participated in an election decided by 13 votes last month.
Dylan Jones, Watkin's press secretary, told USA TODAY in a statement that these are "bogus charges."
“Just like President Trump, Steve is being politically prosecuted by his opponents who can’t accept the results of the last election,” the statement continued. “...This is a desperate political attack by a desperate political campaign on its dying breath down twenty points. Jake LaTurner is hell bent on seeing Democrat’s win and undermining Republicans at every turn.”
Jim Joice, Watkins’ chief of staff, said last December that Watkins made a mistake when he listed the UPS Store as his address. Joice said the congressman actually lived in the Overlook Apartments which are about 2½ miles north of the UPS Store. Those apartments are in the council’s 9th District.
Watkins won election in 2018 by getting 26% of the vote in a seven-way primary, then defeating Paul Davis, a Democrat, in the general election.
Contributing: Savannah Behrmann


usatoday--2020-07-14--Biden proposes $2 trillion to spur development of 100% clean energy by 2035

Former Vice President Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee for president , proposed to spend $ 2 trillion over four years to spur development of more energy without increasing greenhouse gas emissions , with a goal of generating 100 % clean energy by 2035 .
“ There is no more consequential challenge that we must meet in the next decade than the on-rushing climate crisis , ” Biden said in a speech Tuesday at the Chase Center in Wilmington , Del .
“ It is literally an existential threat to the health of our planet and to our very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of Biden 's broader economic agenda called `` Build Back Better , '' which he began to unveil Thursday with a $ 700 billion plan over four years to spur manufacturing and research and development .
His goal is to create 5 million jobs beyond the restoration of millions lost this year during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Other elements of the proposal include nationwide investment in infrastructure , confronting foreign efforts to move jobs overseas and investing in the workforce .
The energy proposal reflects his adoption of positions from Democratic rivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against President Donald Trump in November .
The proposal for $ 2 trillion over four years is a significant increase from the $ 1.7 trillion over 10 years that Biden proposed during the primaries .
Biden said he would shift the federal fleet of vehicles from gas to electric , which will support 1 million jobs at carmakers and their supply chains .
He proposed the government would provide grants to retool factories .
And he proposed to build 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles along highways .
The 2035 target date for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sooner than Biden had campaigned on – grew out of a unity task force with former rival Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt .
The co-chair of the climate task force , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , who had pushed for more ambitious goals to eliminate carbon emissions called the Green New Deal , said she was pleased with the unity platform .
Another former rival , Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, campaigned during the primaries by arguing that federal spending on clean energy would spur innovation in the industry and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the goods should be manufactured domestically .
Transforming the electric industry will become the greatest spurring of job creation in the 21st Century , Biden said .
Land-grant universities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities will devise ways to improve technologies to generate , store and transmit the energy , he said .
`` We need to get to work on it right away , '' Biden said .
A Trump campaign spokesman said Biden ’ s plan would kill 10 million American jobs supported by energy industries and return the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His plan is more like a socialist manifesto that promises to massively raise taxes , eliminate jobs in the coal , oil or natural gas industries , and crush the middle class , ” said spokesman Hogan Gidley .
“ ...
There is no way he can sell this radical agenda to union workers in energy-producing , manufacturing , or auto industry states like Pennsylvania , Ohio , Michigan , or Wisconsin.
” Biden also said his energy plan would : • Establish an Environmental and Climate Justice Division within the Justice Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrasted the proposal with the Trump Administration ’ s Environmental Protection Agency referring the fewest number of criminal anti-pollution cases to the Justice Department in 30 years .
• Revive two groups within the White House – the Justice Advisory Council and the Environmental Justice Interagency Council – to modernize environmental efforts .
The groups will publish an annual scorecard on those efforts .
• Overhaul the EPA External Civil Rights Compliance Office .
Biden argued that the office has ignored provisions in the 1964 Civil Rights Act to fight pollution that harming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frontline and fenceline communities near sources of pollution .
The monitors would release data publicly about the release of emissions , pollutants and toxics .
• Tackle water pollution in a comprehensive way .
For example , Biden would designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS ) a hazardous substance that contaminates drinking water for an estimated 110 million Americans .
Biden said his plan would create 250,000 jobs for plugging abandoned oil and gas wells , cleaning up polluted industrial sites .
His administration would hold executives accountable for their pollution that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also going to create jobs for people by cleaning up the environmental hazards that now have been abandoned , '' Biden said .

Biden proposes $2 trillion to spur development of 100% clean energy by 2035
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden holds virtual climate event on Earth Day Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden held a Earth Day town hall, virtually Wednesday from Wilmington, Delaware and his guest was climate activist and former Vice President Al Gore. (April 22) AP
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president, proposed to spend $2 trillion over four years to spur development of more energy without increasing greenhouse gas emissions, with a goal of generating 100% clean energy by 2035.
“There is no more consequential challenge that we must meet in the next decade than the on-rushing climate crisis,” Biden said in a speech Tuesday at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Del. “It is literally an existential threat to the health of our planet and to our very survival."
The energy proposal is part of Biden's broader economic agenda called "Build Back Better," which he began to unveil Thursday with a $700 billion plan over four years to spur manufacturing and research and development. His goal is to create 5 million jobs beyond the restoration of millions lost this year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other elements of the proposal include nationwide investment in infrastructure, confronting foreign efforts to move jobs overseas and investing in the workforce.
The energy proposal reflects his adoption of positions from Democratic rivals, in an effort to unify Democrats against President Donald Trump in November. The proposal for $2 trillion over four years is a significant increase from the $1.7 trillion over 10 years that Biden proposed during the primaries.
Biden said he would shift the federal fleet of vehicles from gas to electric, which will support 1 million jobs at carmakers and their supply chains. He proposed the government would provide grants to retool factories. And he proposed to build 500,000 charging stations for electric vehicles along highways.
The 2035 target date for 100% clean energy – 15 years sooner than Biden had campaigned on – grew out of a unity task force with former rival Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. The co-chair of the climate task force, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who had pushed for more ambitious goals to eliminate carbon emissions called the Green New Deal, said she was pleased with the unity platform.
Another former rival, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., campaigned during the primaries by arguing that federal spending on clean energy would spur innovation in the industry and that if the government invested in new products, the goods should be manufactured domestically.
Transforming the electric industry will become the greatest spurring of job creation in the 21st Century, Biden said. Land-grant universities and Historically Black Colleges and Universities will devise ways to improve technologies to generate, store and transmit the energy, he said.
"We need to get to work on it right away," Biden said.
A Trump campaign spokesman said Biden’s plan would kill 10 million American jobs supported by energy industries and return the country to dependence on foreign energy.
“His plan is more like a socialist manifesto that promises to massively raise taxes, eliminate jobs in the coal, oil or natural gas industries, and crush the middle class,” said spokesman Hogan Gidley. “... There is no way he can sell this radical agenda to union workers in energy-producing, manufacturing, or auto industry states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, or Wisconsin.”
Biden also said his energy plan would:
Establish an Environmental and Climate Justice Division within the Justice Department to pursue litigation against polluters. He contrasted the proposal with the Trump Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency referring the fewest number of criminal anti-pollution cases to the Justice Department in 30 years.
Revive two groups within the White House – the Justice Advisory Council and the Environmental Justice Interagency Council – to modernize environmental efforts. The groups will publish an annual scorecard on those efforts.
Overhaul the EPA External Civil Rights Compliance Office. Biden argued that the office has ignored provisions in the 1964 Civil Rights Act to fight pollution that harming communities.
Mandate new monitoring in frontline and fenceline communities near sources of pollution. The monitors would release data publicly about the release of emissions, pollutants and toxics.
Require community notification when industries release hazardous and toxic chemicals.
Tackle water pollution in a comprehensive way. For example, Biden would designate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a hazardous substance that contaminates drinking water for an estimated 110 million Americans.
Biden said his plan would create 250,000 jobs for plugging abandoned oil and gas wells, cleaning up polluted industrial sites. His administration would hold executives accountable for their pollution that companies leave behind.
"We're also going to create jobs for people by cleaning up the environmental hazards that now have been abandoned," Biden said.


usatoday--2020-07-14--U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith of Virginia says he tested positive for COVID-19

Rep. Morgan Griffith announced Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19 , joining the growing list of members of Congress to contract the disease .
The Virginia Republican announced he had tested positive on Twitter , where he wrote that he has been self-isolating since noticing symptoms , which he says are currently not `` significant . ''
Griffith held a news conference Thursday with other members of the House Freedom Caucus , a conservative and libertarian sect of Congress , where they encouraged President Donald Trump and state officials to reopen schools across America in the fall for in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a time where state governments and public health experts are at odds with the federal government about how to safely reopen schools , if at all .
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said this week that schools that do not reopen should not be eligible for federal assistance .
`` We also heard it 's not a matter of safe versus unsafe , '' Griffith said at the conference .
`` It 's about making sure that we mitigate the risks which we can easily do , we can take care of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the teachers . ''
Several members of Congress have tested positive for the virus in the past few months .
Indiana Republican Rep. Trey Hollingsworth announced on Facebook Monday that he had tested positive for antibodies , posting a photo of himself donating plasma .

U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith of Virginia says he tested positive for COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How vaccines are developed and tested Pressure to create a coronavirus vaccine is increasing by the day, but for a safe vaccine to enter the market, it takes time. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Rep. Morgan Griffith announced Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19, joining the growing list of members of Congress to contract the disease.
The Virginia Republican announced he had tested positive on Twitter, where he wrote that he has been self-isolating since noticing symptoms, which he says are currently not "significant."
Griffith held a news conference Thursday with other members of the House Freedom Caucus, a conservative and libertarian sect of Congress, where they encouraged President Donald Trump and state officials to reopen schools across America in the fall for in-person instruction.
The caucus gave the conference during a time where state governments and public health experts are at odds with the federal government about how to safely reopen schools, if at all. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said this week that schools that do not reopen should not be eligible for federal assistance.
"We also heard it's not a matter of safe versus unsafe," Griffith said at the conference. "It's about making sure that we mitigate the risks which we can easily do, we can take care of the students, we can take care of the teachers."
Several members of Congress have tested positive for the virus in the past few months. Indiana Republican Rep. Trey Hollingsworth announced on Facebook Monday that he had tested positive for antibodies, posting a photo of himself donating plasma.


usatoday--2020-07-14--'Russia, Russia, Russia': Trump tears into Sessions ahead of runoff against Tuberville in Alabama

President Donald Trump continued his effort to derail Jeff Sessions ' bid to return to the Senate , telling Alabama voters he `` made a mistake '' in choosing him to be attorney general on the eve of a runoff election between Sessions and former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville .
Sessions was one of the first prominent Republicans to endorse Trump in 2016 .
He and Trump agreed on the importance of curtailing illegal immigration and Sessions gave up his Senate seat to become attorney general after Trump 's unexpected victory over Hillary Clinton .
But their relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took office when Sessions recused himself from the investigation into Russian election interference , leading to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel .
`` I will tell you , I got to know Jeff Sessions very well , '' Trump said Monday in a conference call with GOP activists which he joined with Tuberville , according to The New York Times and AL.com .
`` I made a mistake when I put him in as the attorney general .
He had his chance and he blew it .
`` He recused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about on day one of a ridiculous scam , the Mueller scam , the Russia , Russia , Russia scam .
And Jeff didn ’ t have the courage to stay there .
He didn ’ t know about Russia .
He had nothing to do , but he immediately ran for the hills.
`` Trump told voters that if they elect Tuberville , their new senator `` is going to have a cold , direct line into my office .
That I can tell you . ''
Tuesday elections : The return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Cornyn ?
Here 's what to watch '' I will tell you that Tommy Tuberville is going to do a job like you haven ’ t seen , '' Trump said .
`` He ’ s going to take over and he ’ s going to be representing you and representing you well . ''
In the course of touting Tuberville 's talent as a coach , Trump mistakenly referred to University of Alabama coach Nick Saban as former NFL coach Lou Saban , who died in 2009 .
In response to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman John Rogers told AL.com , `` Tommy Tuberville is on the ballot , not Donald Trump . ''
`` Jeff Sessions is completely vetted , and he is the best qualified man to fight for Alabama in the U.S. Senate .
Jeff Sessions loves this state and he has the toughness , knowledge , and experience to deliver for Alabama , '' Rogers said .
Sessions has painted himself as the veteran Republican best able to unseat Sen. Doug Jones , who won Sessions ' former seat in a special election against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered the most vulnerable incumbent Democratic senator heading into November and polling indicates both Tuberville and Sessions would be heavy favorites against him .
But Rogers argued Tuberville has a `` scandal-ridden past that Doug Jones would exploit to the hilt if Tommy were the Republican nominee . ''
Tuberville has said he was vetted in his years coaching football and assailed Sessions as a Washington insider he failed to stand up for Trump .
And in a radio interview Monday , he said Trump 's support would be needed in November .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on your side , really , to have a great chance to beat the Democrat , '' he said .
Trump 's endorsement could carry a lot of weight in Alabama , a conservative state Trump won by nearly 30 percentage points in 2016 .
It is also the state that gives Trump the highest job-approval marks , according to a Morning Consult tracking poll .
`` Big Senate Race in Alabama on Tuesday .
Vote for @ TTuberville , he is a winner who will never let you down , '' Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a disaster who has let us all down .
We don ’ t want him back in Washington ! ''
`` I ’ ve taken the road less travelled .
Not sought fame or fortune .
My honor and integrity are far more important than these juvenile insults , '' Sessions tweeted in response .
`` Your scandal ridden candidate is too cowardly to debate .
As you know , Alabama does not take orders from Washington . ''

'Russia, Russia, Russia': Trump tears into Sessions ahead of runoff against Tuberville in Alabama
Show Caption Hide Caption Jeff Sessions speaks out about his exit from the Trump White House Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaking out about his controversial exit from the Trump White House. Veuer's Nick Cardona has that story. Buzz60
President Donald Trump continued his effort to derail Jeff Sessions' bid to return to the Senate, telling Alabama voters he "made a mistake" in choosing him to be attorney general on the eve of a runoff election between Sessions and former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville.
Sessions was one of the first prominent Republicans to endorse Trump in 2016. He and Trump agreed on the importance of curtailing illegal immigration and Sessions gave up his Senate seat to become attorney general after Trump's unexpected victory over Hillary Clinton. But their relationship soured just a few months after Trump took office when Sessions recused himself from the investigation into Russian election interference, leading to the appointment of Robert Mueller as special counsel.
"I will tell you, I got to know Jeff Sessions very well," Trump said Monday in a conference call with GOP activists which he joined with Tuberville, according to The New York Times and AL.com. "I made a mistake when I put him in as the attorney general. He had his chance and he blew it.
"He recused himself right at the beginning, just about on day one of a ridiculous scam, the Mueller scam, the Russia, Russia, Russia scam. And Jeff didn’t have the courage to stay there. He didn’t know about Russia. He had nothing to do, but he immediately ran for the hills. "
Trump told voters that if they elect Tuberville, their new senator "is going to have a cold, direct line into my office. That I can tell you."
Tuesday elections: The return of Jeff Sessions? Who takes on John Cornyn? Here's what to watch
"I will tell you that Tommy Tuberville is going to do a job like you haven’t seen," Trump said. "He’s going to take over and he’s going to be representing you and representing you well."
In the course of touting Tuberville's talent as a coach, Trump mistakenly referred to University of Alabama coach Nick Saban as former NFL coach Lou Saban, who died in 2009.
In response to the president's remarks, Sessions' spokesman John Rogers told AL.com, "Tommy Tuberville is on the ballot, not Donald Trump."
"Jeff Sessions is completely vetted, and he is the best qualified man to fight for Alabama in the U.S. Senate. Jeff Sessions loves this state and he has the toughness, knowledge, and experience to deliver for Alabama," Rogers said.
Sessions has painted himself as the veteran Republican best able to unseat Sen. Doug Jones, who won Sessions' former seat in a special election against former judge Roy Moore.
Big Senate Race in Alabama on Tuesday. Vote for @TTuberville, he is a winner who will never let you down. Jeff Sessions is a disaster who has let us all down. We don’t want him back in Washington! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 11, 2020
Jones is considered the most vulnerable incumbent Democratic senator heading into November and polling indicates both Tuberville and Sessions would be heavy favorites against him. But Rogers argued Tuberville has a "scandal-ridden past that Doug Jones would exploit to the hilt if Tommy were the Republican nominee."
Tuberville has said he was vetted in his years coaching football and assailed Sessions as a Washington insider he failed to stand up for Trump. And in a radio interview Monday, he said Trump's support would be needed in November.
"You gotta have President Trump on your side, really, to have a great chance to beat the Democrat," he said.
Trump's endorsement could carry a lot of weight in Alabama, a conservative state Trump won by nearly 30 percentage points in 2016. It is also the state that gives Trump the highest job-approval marks, according to a Morning Consult tracking poll.
"Big Senate Race in Alabama on Tuesday. Vote for @TTuberville, he is a winner who will never let you down," Trump tweeted on Saturday. "Jeff Sessions is a disaster who has let us all down. We don’t want him back in Washington!"
"I’ve taken the road less travelled. Not sought fame or fortune. My honor and integrity are far more important than these juvenile insults," Sessions tweeted in response. "Your scandal ridden candidate is too cowardly to debate. As you know, Alabama does not take orders from Washington."