usatoday--2020-09-01--How NBA Coaches for Racial Justice initiative came into being — and what team leaders hope to achiev

On the same day in May , two events crystallized racial injustice in America .
George Floyd , an unarmed Black man , was killed by a white police officer when he held his knee on Floyd 's neck for nearly nine minutes ; and Amy Cooper , a white woman , called 911 after a Black man asked her to leash her pet .
The United States , already in the throes of the coronavirus health pandemic , was finally and jarringly awakened to a social justice pandemic that had roiled for hundreds of years Atlanta Hawks coach Lloyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke with Black NBA assistant coaches who had “ a lot of concerns about how everybody was feeling that week , ” Pierce told USA TODAY Sports .
“ It was an emotional exchange .
I ’ ve spoken with David Vanterpool , Jamahl Mosley , J.B. Bickerstaff , David Fizdale , John Bryant .
It ’ s a crew of us that speak to each other pretty regularly and what I gauged was that a lot of guys who wanted to say something and wanted to express some anger were frustrated and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it from an assistant coach ’ s position.
” GAME 7 PICKS : Who has the edge in Denver Nuggets-Utah Jazz elimination game CA N'T FAULT THEM : Rockets ca n't be blamed for Russell Westbrook trade Out of that desire to make sure assistant coaches had their voices heard on race and racial injustice , something larger sprouted : Coaches for Racial Justice , an initiative that ’ s associated with the National Basketball Coaches Association .
Pierce moved quickly .
He called Rick Carlisle , NBCA president , and David Fogel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were on board .
Then , Pierce called Nate McMillan , Mike Brown , Fizdale , Bickerstaff – all Black coaches – and then Gregg Popovich and Steve Kerr .
“ I worked with both of those guys with Team USA , ” Pierce said .
“ We ’ ve had some dialogue on this in the past .
They ’ re two of three or four of the most outspoken in our group on this issue , racial justice .
They were completely supportive.
” Soon , all 30 head coaches had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we had a meeting that was powerful , ” Pierce said of coaches sharing experiences and ideas .
The initiative has taken off .
Attempted before ?
In 1991 , ex-NBA player Craig Hodges sought similar game boycott — but had little support “ It was frustration , anger and motivation .
That ’ s where we were , ” Bickerstaff said .
“ There was a bunch of people who were frustrated that we were revisiting the same thing over and over and over again .
There was frustration from people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that sustained interest in the problem .
Then there was motivation from the same people to get together and do something about it .
“ Instead of just issuing a statement , what ’ s our action plan ?
That ( was ) what was most impressive – people were willing to act and build programs that are sustainable to address the issues we felt needed to be addressed.
” Pierce is the committee chairman , joined by Fizdale , Popovich , Kerr , Brett Brown , Quin Snyder and Stan Van Gundy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth-telling and education , raising awareness of and teaching the history of racial injustice , impacting non-partisan policy reform , and working with local grassroots organizations to create change in every NBA market , ” according to a mission statement .
The coaches formed partnerships with high-profile organizations , created a PSA and will have a social media platform .
They are wearing Coaches for Racial Justice pins on their shirts while working inside the NBA bubble .
— The Obama Foundation , Mothers Against Police Brutality and the Equal Justice Initiative founded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Just Mercy , '' the book that was turned into a recent movie starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx , have pledged to partner with and assist Coaches for Racial Justice .
The coaches also plan to work locally with police and community groups .
“ I was very encouraged not only by the humility the coaches showed in wanting to learn but also their resolve , ” Stevenson , who founded the Equal Justice Initiative in 1989 , told USA TODAY Sports .
“ I ’ m pushing people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I don ’ t think we ’ re free in America .
I think we have inherited a serious problem that requires a very focused and serious response , and we ’ ve been advocating at EJI for an era of truth and justice .
We ’ ve built this museum and built this memorial , and all the coaches , Lloyd in particular , have been incredibly responsive to that call.
” Pierce wanted and needed the other coaches to hear him .
“ When I say me , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of African-American men that all the coaches know , and I wanted to speak directly from that perspective and how I felt – the anger and emotion but also the vulnerability and to express this isn ’ t a new feeling , ” Pierce said .
“ As a Black man , you grow up knowing how to survive and how to live despite racism and despite the insecurity of when you see a police officer or when you see a person clutch their purse .
You just know those things .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that way now and wanting to share it now.
” Then , Pierce sought results , through education and action .
“ We threw out many ideas of what we can do but it really comes back to what are we best at .
We ’ re best at bringing people together and building trust mainly through sport ... Let ’ s have a discussion with people who run our businesses that we interact with every day , people we knew in the white community and try and grow that knowledge and understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Pierce drove from Atlanta to Montgomery , Alabama , to meet with Stevenson , who has joined video conferences with the coaches .
Stevenson has a connection with the NBA and has screened `` Just Mercy '' for several teams , including the Brooklyn Nets , Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers .
He also hosted screenings for Kobe Bryant just a month before the former NBA star died in a helicopter crash in January .
Stevenson ’ s book about his life and his legal defense of those caught in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He founded the EJI `` to end mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the U.S. , challenge racial and economic injustice and protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in America . ''
He made a lasting impression with the coaches quickly .
“ The struggles that he ’ s gone through to get Supreme Court decisions overturned , get people off death row , amazing stuff that takes so much patience , so much wherewithal and so much inner fortitude , ” Carlisle said .
Each day while on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Carlisle opens his news conference by reading an entry from the EJI calendar .
“ On July 16th , 1944 , a woman named Irene Morgan , a Black woman , is arrested in Virginia for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on an interstate Greyhound bus , ” Carlisle said .
“ Now , this is was almost 12 years before Rosa Parks .
This did go to the courts , I believe it went to the Supreme Court .
They ruled it was unconstitutional but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to uphold the ruling of the Supreme Court .
Another blatant example.
” It is a way not only to remember what happened but force people to think about despicable acts and push for change .
Stevenson helped write the script for the TV spot and will assist with messaging .
His effort with the coaches begins with two facets : learning and talking .
“ We all have to educate ourselves about this history so we can understand the nature of the problem , ” Stevenson said .
“ With COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemiologists and researchers trying to understand the nature of this illness so we can come up with an effective treatment and cure .
We ’ ve never really investigated the harm and character of racial oppression , inequality and hierarchy , and that has to be addressed.
” More than just a moment Coaches have embraced learning and getting the message out in different ways .
“ The education that I ’ ve been able to receive on a number of issues is humbling in many ways , ” said Snyder , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his children to a Juneteenth event .
“ It ’ s also inspiring .
… There is a real point of emphasis to gather information and be thoughtful .
So when we do decide there are things we want to be able to impact and act on , there is clarity on what those things are.
” Popovich , who coaches the Spurs , and Clippers coach Doc Rivers have encouraged voting with Popovich wearing a T-shirt that reads “ Vote Your Life Depends on It ” and Rivers wearing a hat that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike D ’ Antoni wore a “ Vote by Mail ” T-shirt to a news conference , and Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins wore an “ End Mass Incarceration ” T-shirt .
Though Golden State isn ’ t in the bubble , Kerr is vocal , and Van Gundy , Brett Brown and McMillan , who aren ’ t coaching in the NBA right now , all have demanded change .
“ I appreciate the buy-in of people who don ’ t look like me and their commitment to do whatever it takes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Before this happened , we ’ ve had plenty of coaches who have been vocal about what ’ s right.
” While some coaches have been more vocal , more and more are speaking out now because they want to and have to , and Stevenson said their platform can spread the word .
“ That encourages me because that tells me they ’ re going to have to push this conversation , ” Stevenson said .
“ People in America are not comfortable having conversations about race .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We ’ ve practiced silence for a long time .
Now , we have to learn to practice truth telling.
” It ’ s the early days of the initiative but the group wants to focus now on education , voting and police reform .
They use Zoom to talk and generate ideas .
“ We ’ ve heard emotional stories and have seen the pain in other coaches ’ faces , '' Bickerstaff said .
`` It ’ s powerful to get 30 of the greatest leaders in sports on one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal , the ideas that you hear , the creativity , the intelligence , the passion.
” Bickerstaff didn ’ t want this to be just another moment in a news cycle that drifted to the next thing .
“ I ’ ve been encouraged and inspired that there ’ s more people that this matters to now that there has been in the past , ” he said .
“ In the past , it was easy to be neutral .
Now , you can ’ t be neutral .
You ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is no neutral anymore , and more people are picking the side of right .
I believe the majority of people believe in the right thing.
” Each coach is working with a group in his community .
Carlisle , who coaches the Mavericks , learned about Mothers Against Police Brutality from Van Gundy .
It ’ s a Dallas-based organization founded by Collette Flanagan , whose unarmed son , Clinton Allen , was shot to death by a Dallas police officer in 2013 .
Carlisle is working with MAPB to make change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , city council members and the chief of police .
Carlisle and MAPB are working with 8 Can ’ t Wait , a group that urges police reform through eight restrictive use of force policies .
“ The work goes on , ” Carlisle said .
“ I don ’ t see when it ’ s ever going to stop .
”

Jeff Zillgitt and Mark Medina, USA TODAY

How NBA Coaches for Racial Justice initiative came into being — and what team leaders hope to achieve
Show Caption Hide Caption Protest to tangible change: What NBA players really want going forward USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the demand from NBA players after boycotting playoff games. USA TODAY
On the same day in May, two events crystallized racial injustice in America.
George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was killed by a white police officer when he held his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes; and Amy Cooper, a white woman, called 911 after a Black man asked her to leash her pet.
The United States, already in the throes of the coronavirus health pandemic, was finally and jarringly awakened to a social justice pandemic that had roiled for hundreds of years
Atlanta Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce decided to take action. He spoke with Black NBA assistant coaches who had “a lot of concerns about how everybody was feeling that week,” Pierce told USA TODAY Sports.
“It was an emotional exchange. I’ve spoken with David Vanterpool, Jamahl Mosley, J.B. Bickerstaff, David Fizdale, John Bryant. It’s a crew of us that speak to each other pretty regularly and what I gauged was that a lot of guys who wanted to say something and wanted to express some anger were frustrated and trapped in not knowing how to express it from an assistant coach’s position.”
GAME 7 PICKS: Who has the edge in Denver Nuggets-Utah Jazz elimination game
CAN'T FAULT THEM: Rockets can't be blamed for Russell Westbrook trade
Out of that desire to make sure assistant coaches had their voices heard on race and racial injustice, something larger sprouted: Coaches for Racial Justice, an initiative that’s associated with the National Basketball Coaches Association.
Pierce moved quickly. He called Rick Carlisle, NBCA president, and David Fogel, the NBCA executive director. They were on board. Then, Pierce called Nate McMillan, Mike Brown, Fizdale, Bickerstaff – all Black coaches – and then Gregg Popovich and Steve Kerr.
“I worked with both of those guys with Team USA,” Pierce said. “We’ve had some dialogue on this in the past. They’re two of three or four of the most outspoken in our group on this issue, racial justice. They were completely supportive.”
Soon, all 30 head coaches had been contacted. “The next day we had a meeting that was powerful,” Pierce said of coaches sharing experiences and ideas.
The initiative has taken off.
LeBron James unplugged: Lakers star talks resumed NBA playoffs, racial justice, Obama, Kaepernick, Boseman
Attempted before? In 1991, ex-NBA player Craig Hodges sought similar game boycott — but had little support
“It was frustration, anger and motivation. That’s where we were,” Bickerstaff said. “There was a bunch of people who were frustrated that we were revisiting the same thing over and over and over again. There was frustration from people who felt we couldn’t do anything that sustained interest in the problem. Then there was motivation from the same people to get together and do something about it.
“Instead of just issuing a statement, what’s our action plan? That (was) what was most impressive – people were willing to act and build programs that are sustainable to address the issues we felt needed to be addressed.”
Pierce is the committee chairman, joined by Fizdale, Popovich, Kerr, Brett Brown, Quin Snyder and Stan Van Gundy. The group is “focusing on truth-telling and education, raising awareness of and teaching the history of racial injustice, impacting non-partisan policy reform, and working with local grassroots organizations to create change in every NBA market,” according to a mission statement.
Education and action
The coaches formed partnerships with high-profile organizations, created a PSA and will have a social media platform. They are wearing Coaches for Racial Justice pins on their shirts while working inside the NBA bubble. —
The Obama Foundation, Mothers Against Police Brutality and the Equal Justice Initiative founded by Bryan Stevenson, the author of "Just Mercy," the book that was turned into a recent movie starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx, have pledged to partner with and assist Coaches for Racial Justice. The coaches also plan to work locally with police and community groups.
“I was very encouraged not only by the humility the coaches showed in wanting to learn but also their resolve,” Stevenson, who founded the Equal Justice Initiative in 1989, told USA TODAY Sports.
“I’m pushing people to really confront this history of racial injustice. I don’t think we’re free in America. I think we have inherited a serious problem that requires a very focused and serious response, and we’ve been advocating at EJI for an era of truth and justice. We’ve built this museum and built this memorial, and all the coaches, Lloyd in particular, have been incredibly responsive to that call.”
Pierce wanted and needed the other coaches to hear him.
“When I say me, I’m speaking on behalf of a lot of African-American men that all the coaches know, and I wanted to speak directly from that perspective and how I felt – the anger and emotion but also the vulnerability and to express this isn’t a new feeling,” Pierce said.
“As a Black man, you grow up knowing how to survive and how to live despite racism and despite the insecurity of when you see a police officer or when you see a person clutch their purse. You just know those things. I wanted to express why everyone is feeling that way now and wanting to share it now.”
Then, Pierce sought results, through education and action.
“We threw out many ideas of what we can do but it really comes back to what are we best at. We’re best at bringing people together and building trust mainly through sport ... Let’s have a discussion with people who run our businesses that we interact with every day, people we knew in the white community and try and grow that knowledge and understanding of how a lot of African-Americans feel.”
Story continues below video:
What NBA's Adam Silver gets right on social justice that NFL's Roger Goodell just doesn't SportsPulse: Jarrett Bell shares what he thinks makes Adam Silver the ideal leader for a sports league during tumultuous times and why Roger Goodell hasn't done the same when it comes to social justice. USA TODAY
Pierce drove from Atlanta to Montgomery, Alabama, to meet with Stevenson, who has joined video conferences with the coaches. Stevenson has a connection with the NBA and has screened "Just Mercy" for several teams, including the Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers. He also hosted screenings for Kobe Bryant just a month before the former NBA star died in a helicopter crash in January.
Stevenson’s book about his life and his legal defense of those caught in an unequal justice system was published in 2014. He founded the EJI "to end mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the U.S., challenge racial and economic injustice and protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in America."
He made a lasting impression with the coaches quickly.
“The struggles that he’s gone through to get Supreme Court decisions overturned, get people off death row, amazing stuff that takes so much patience, so much wherewithal and so much inner fortitude,” Carlisle said.
Each day while on the NBA campus near Orlando, Florida, Carlisle opens his news conference by reading an entry from the EJI calendar.
“On July 16th, 1944, a woman named Irene Morgan, a Black woman, is arrested in Virginia for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on an interstate Greyhound bus,” Carlisle said. “Now, this is was almost 12 years before Rosa Parks. This did go to the courts, I believe it went to the Supreme Court. They ruled it was unconstitutional but the law enforcement people in the South just refused to uphold the ruling of the Supreme Court. Another blatant example.”
It is a way not only to remember what happened but force people to think about despicable acts and push for change.
Stevenson helped write the script for the TV spot and will assist with messaging. His effort with the coaches begins with two facets: learning and talking.
“We all have to educate ourselves about this history so we can understand the nature of the problem,” Stevenson said. “With COVID, we have our best scientists and epidemiologists and researchers trying to understand the nature of this illness so we can come up with an effective treatment and cure. We’ve never really investigated the harm and character of racial oppression, inequality and hierarchy, and that has to be addressed.”
More than just a moment
Coaches have embraced learning and getting the message out in different ways.
“The education that I’ve been able to receive on a number of issues is humbling in many ways,” said Snyder, the head coach of the Jazz who took his children to a Juneteenth event. “It’s also inspiring. … There is a real point of emphasis to gather information and be thoughtful. So when we do decide there are things we want to be able to impact and act on, there is clarity on what those things are.”
Popovich, who coaches the Spurs, and Clippers coach Doc Rivers have encouraged voting with Popovich wearing a T-shirt that reads “Vote Your Life Depends on It” and Rivers wearing a hat that reads “Vote.” Houston’s Mike D’Antoni wore a “Vote by Mail” T-shirt to a news conference, and Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins wore an “End Mass Incarceration” T-shirt.
Though Golden State isn’t in the bubble, Kerr is vocal, and Van Gundy, Brett Brown and McMillan, who aren’t coaching in the NBA right now, all have demanded change.
“I appreciate the buy-in of people who don’t look like me and their commitment to do whatever it takes to help resolve these issues,” Bickerstaff said. “Before this happened, we’ve had plenty of coaches who have been vocal about what’s right.”
While some coaches have been more vocal, more and more are speaking out now because they want to and have to, and Stevenson said their platform can spread the word.
“That encourages me because that tells me they’re going to have to push this conversation,” Stevenson said. “People in America are not comfortable having conversations about race. We’ve tried to hide from it. We’ve practiced silence for a long time. Now, we have to learn to practice truth telling.”
It’s the early days of the initiative but the group wants to focus now on education, voting and police reform. They use Zoom to talk and generate ideas.
“We’ve heard emotional stories and have seen the pain in other coaches’ faces," Bickerstaff said. "It’s powerful to get 30 of the greatest leaders in sports on one call with the energy focused on one goal, the ideas that you hear, the creativity, the intelligence, the passion.”
Bickerstaff didn’t want this to be just another moment in a news cycle that drifted to the next thing.
“I’ve been encouraged and inspired that there’s more people that this matters to now that there has been in the past,” he said. “In the past, it was easy to be neutral. Now, you can’t be neutral. You’re either racist or anti-racist. There is no neutral anymore, and more people are picking the side of right. I believe the majority of people believe in the right thing.”
Each coach is working with a group in his community.
Carlisle, who coaches the Mavericks, learned about Mothers Against Police Brutality from Van Gundy. It’s a Dallas-based organization founded by Collette Flanagan, whose unarmed son, Clinton Allen, was shot to death by a Dallas police officer in 2013. Carlisle is working with MAPB to make change locally and has met with the mayor, city council members and the chief of police. Carlisle and MAPB are working with 8 Can’t Wait, a group that urges police reform through eight restrictive use of force policies.
“The work goes on,” Carlisle said. “I don’t see when it’s ever going to stop.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports NBA reporters Jeff Zillgitt and Mark Medina on Twitter.


usatoday--2020-09-01--Election Day 2020: Old Navy to help with national poll worker shortage by encouraging employees to w

While a growing number of businesses are pledging to give workers time off to vote this Election Day , Old Navy is looking to help with the national poll worker shortage .
The San Francisco-based retailer announced Tuesday , which is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day , that it will pay store employees who serve as poll workers in the 2020 election .
Employees will also be paid by their county election commission , according to a news release .
Old Navy , which has 50,000-plus employees in its more than 1,000 U.S. stores , said it is working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of businesses , and Power the Polls in `` a national movement to recruit 250,000 new poll workers to ensure polling sites stay open and operate efficiently across the country '' Nov. 3 .
Walmart+ coming soon : Walmart 's new membership program to launch Sept. 15 with same-day delivery , fuel discount New Amazon store : Whole Foods Market opens first permanent online-only store for delivery orders '' Every voice in this country matters and deserves to be heard at the polls , and if we at Old Navy can be even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more accessible to the communities we call home , we are on board , ” said Nancy Green , head of Old Navy , in a statement .
According to Power the Polls , which calls itself the `` first-of-its-kind initiative to recruit poll workers to ensure a safe , fair election for all voters , '' most poll workers are over 60 and `` in the era of uncertainty caused by the coronavirus , fewer are signing up for the job . ''
Old Navy says it is also inviting consumers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how to sign up to apply at a polling location at www.powerthepolls.org/oldnavy .
Starbucks said it will give its 200,000 U.S. employees flexibility on Election Day , encouraging them to plan ahead with managers and schedule time to vote or volunteer at polling places .
The Starbucks app will help customers learn how to register to vote , the company said .
Walmart said it will give its 1.5 million U.S. workers up to three hours paid time off to vote .
Apple will give workers four hours off .
Coca-Cola , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees the day off .

Election Day 2020: Old Navy to help with national poll worker shortage by encouraging employees to work polls
While a growing number of businesses are pledging to give workers time off to vote this Election Day, Old Navy is looking to help with the national poll worker shortage.
Old Navy, a San Francisco-based retailer, announced Tuesday, which is National Poll Worker Recruitment Day, that it will pay store employees who serve as poll workers in the 2020 election. Employees will also be paid by their county election commission, according to a news release.
Old Navy, which has 50,000-plus employees in its more than 1,000 U.S. stores, said it is working with the Civic Alliance, a nonpartisan coalition of businesses, and Power the Polls in "a national movement to recruit 250,000 new poll workers to ensure polling sites stay open and operate efficiently across the country" Nov. 3.
Walmart+ coming soon: Walmart's new membership program to launch Sept. 15 with same-day delivery, fuel discount
New Amazon store: Whole Foods Market opens first permanent online-only store for delivery orders
"Every voice in this country matters and deserves to be heard at the polls, and if we at Old Navy can be even a small part of making that process more accessible to the communities we call home, we are on board,” said Nancy Green, head of Old Navy, in a statement.
According to Power the Polls, which calls itself the "first-of-its-kind initiative to recruit poll workers to ensure a safe, fair election for all voters," most poll workers are over 60 and "in the era of uncertainty caused by the coronavirus, fewer are signing up for the job."
Old Navy says it is also inviting consumers to participate at the polls. Learn more about how to sign up to apply at a polling location at www.powerthepolls.org/oldnavy.
Starbucks said it will give its 200,000 U.S. employees flexibility on Election Day, encouraging them to plan ahead with managers and schedule time to vote or volunteer at polling places. The Starbucks app will help customers learn how to register to vote, the company said.
Walmart said it will give its 1.5 million U.S. workers up to three hours paid time off to vote. Apple will give workers four hours off. Coca-Cola, Twitter, Cisco and Uber will give employees the day off.
Contributing: Associated Press
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko


usatoday--2020-09-02--Report: Coronavirus vaccine shouldn't be first-come, first-served

Coronavirus vaccine should n't be first-come , first-served when initial doses become available , and the focus should be on saving the most lives and reducing illness , according to a report released Tuesday .
The report by the National Academies of Science , Medicine and Engineering said available doses should first go to a `` jump-start '' group that includes front-line health care workers at the highest risk of being exposed to the virus .
Paramedics , firefighters and police also would get priority .
A vaccine probably would be in scare supply when it first became available – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 4 % of the U.S. population – so those at highest risk of sickness and death should be at the front of the line .
Next on the priority list should be people of all ages with underlying conditions that put them at significantly higher risk of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19 , according to the draft report , titled `` Preliminary Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine . ''
Older people living in care facilities or crowded settings would be in that category .
Francis Collins , director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Dr. Robert Redfield , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , created the committee , which is made up of doctors , ethicists , public health officials and scientists .
The public is being asked for comment on the draft report through Friday , The committee was tasked with looking at the ethical and fairness questions associated with distributing a lifesaving vaccine in the middle of a pandemic .
Though people of color , specifically Black , Hispanic and Native American communities , have been hit hardest by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been no evidence this was biologically based but instead reflected systemic racism .
For that reason , the recommendations focus on underlying causes instead of specific racial or ethnic categories .
The committee is one of several making recommendations about who should get the vaccine first when it becomes available .
Last month , the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security issued its own report , recommending that front-line health workers and first responders should be in the first tier , as well as people at greatest risk and their caregivers .
Who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed , who will be first in line to get it ?
Vaccine on track ?
FDA approval could come by end of 2020 , Operation Warp Speed official says On the job : Should employers force workers to get COVID-19 vaccine ?
Some experts say they should The most important recommendations would come from the CDC ’ s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices , which has been working since April to craft recommendations .
Since 1964 , the United States has relied on the CDC panel to decide who gets vaccines first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Drug Administration licenses a new vaccine , the advisory committee offers guidelines on how it should be distributed , to whom and when .
The committee met last Wednesday for public discussion and has a meeting scheduled for Sept. 22 at which is it expected to propose recommendations .
The National Academies panel proposes a four-phase approach , based on the presumption that when a vaccine first becomes available , only 10 million to 15 million courses of vaccine will likely be immediately available .
Most of the candidate vaccines require two doses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so 10 million to 15 million courses means 20 million to 30 million doses .
That ’ s enough to vaccinate 3 % to 5 % of the U.S. population .
In Phase 1 , high-risk health care workers and first responders would be the first to get vaccinated .
After them would come anyone with health conditions that make COVID-19 more dangerous for them , as well as older adults When more vaccine is available , Phase 2 would begin .
That would include workers in industries essential to the functioning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of exposure because they ca n't work from home .
That includes people who grow , pack and sell food , deliver mail , work in pharmacies , drive buses , trains and fly planes , as well as teachers and school staff .
It does n't include the estimated 37 % of American workers who can telecommute and are therefore not at high risk of contracting COVID-19 Also in the Phase 2 group should be all older adults who didn ’ t get a vaccine in Phase 1 , people in homeless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in prisons .
In Phase 3 , when the vaccine would be more plentiful , young adults , children and essential workers who didn ’ t get vaccine in Phase 3 would have the chance to be immunized .
Finally , in Phase 4 , when there would be ample vaccine , it should be available to everyone in the United States who didn ’ t get vaccinated in the earlier phases .
The committee acknowledged that as much of a third of the American public may decline a free , FDA-approved COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the vaccine is made available equitably and it ’ s clear who ’ s getting it first and why , more people may come to trust it .
Some groups have called for a different allocation , including schoolchildren and nonessential workers who are none the less important for the economy .
“ While the non-trivial effects of an economic downturn or an online semester can at least be partially reversed , death is the most irreversible outcome .
”

Report: Coronavirus vaccine shouldn't be first-come, first-served
Show Caption Hide Caption AMA updates progress of vaccine trials in US In a speech, delivered via livestream, the president of the American Medical Association laid out the progress being made in developing a COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. (Aug. 7) AP
Coronavirus vaccine shouldn't be first-come, first-served when initial doses become available, and the focus should be on saving the most lives and reducing illness, according to a report released Tuesday.
The report by the National Academies of Science, Medicine and Engineering said available doses should first go to a "jump-start" group that includes front-line health care workers at the highest risk of being exposed to the virus. Paramedics, firefighters and police also would get priority.
A vaccine probably would be in scare supply when it first became available – with enough doses for only 3% to 4% of the U.S. population – so those at highest risk of sickness and death should be at the front of the line.
Next on the priority list should be people of all ages with underlying conditions that put them at significantly higher risk of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19, according to the draft report, titled "Preliminary Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine." Older people living in care facilities or crowded settings would be in that category.
Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, and Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, created the committee, which is made up of doctors, ethicists, public health officials and scientists. The public is being asked for comment on the draft report through Friday,
The committee was tasked with looking at the ethical and fairness questions associated with distributing a lifesaving vaccine in the middle of a pandemic.
Though people of color, specifically Black, Hispanic and Native American communities, have been hit hardest by the pandemic, the committee said there has been no evidence this was biologically based but instead reflected systemic racism. For that reason, the recommendations focus on underlying causes instead of specific racial or ethnic categories.
The committee is one of several making recommendations about who should get the vaccine first when it becomes available. Last month, the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security issued its own report, recommending that front-line health workers and first responders should be in the first tier, as well as people at greatest risk and their caregivers.
Who decides: When a coronavirus vaccine is developed, who will be first in line to get it?
Vaccine on track? FDA approval could come by end of 2020, Operation Warp Speed official says
On the job: Should employers force workers to get COVID-19 vaccine? Some experts say they should
The most important recommendations would come from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which has been working since April to craft recommendations.
Since 1964, the United States has relied on the CDC panel to decide who gets vaccines first. As soon as the Food and Drug Administration licenses a new vaccine, the advisory committee offers guidelines on how it should be distributed, to whom and when.
The committee met last Wednesday for public discussion and has a meeting scheduled for Sept. 22 at which is it expected to propose recommendations.
A four-phase approach
The National Academies panel proposes a four-phase approach, based on the presumption that when a vaccine first becomes available, only 10 million to 15 million courses of vaccine will likely be immediately available.
Most of the candidate vaccines require two doses, 21 to 28 days apart, so 10 million to 15 million courses means 20 million to 30 million doses. That’s enough to vaccinate 3% to 5% of the U.S. population.
In Phase 1, high-risk health care workers and first responders would be the first to get vaccinated. After them would come anyone with health conditions that make COVID-19 more dangerous for them, as well as older adults
When more vaccine is available, Phase 2 would begin. That would include workers in industries essential to the functioning of society who are also at high risk of exposure because they can't work from home. That includes people who grow, pack and sell food, deliver mail, work in pharmacies, drive buses, trains and fly planes, as well as teachers and school staff.
It doesn't include the estimated 37% of American workers who can telecommute and are therefore not at high risk of contracting COVID-19
Also in the Phase 2 group should be all older adults who didn’t get a vaccine in Phase 1, people in homeless shelters and group homes, and people in prisons.
In Phase 3, when the vaccine would be more plentiful, young adults, children and essential workers who didn’t get vaccine in Phase 3 would have the chance to be immunized.
Finally, in Phase 4, when there would be ample vaccine, it should be available to everyone in the United States who didn’t get vaccinated in the earlier phases.
The committee acknowledged that as much of a third of the American public may decline a free, FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, but said it believed that if the vaccine is made available equitably and it’s clear who’s getting it first and why, more people may come to trust it.
Some groups have called for a different allocation, including schoolchildren and nonessential workers who are none the less important for the economy.
The committee rejected that argument.
“While the non-trivial effects of an economic downturn or an online semester can at least be partially reversed, death is the most irreversible outcome.”


usatoday--2020-09-02--Trump claims credit for bringing calm to Kenosha in visit criticized as politicizing unrest

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump claimed credit Tuesday for bringing calm to Kenosha , Wisconsin , during a visit to the city where the police shooting of an unarmed Black man touched off days of violent protests .
Although Trump suggested he helped quell the violence by sending the National Guard , it was Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers who activated the state ’ s National Guard and asked for help from Arizona , Michigan and Alabama , which sent Guard troops .
The president traveled to Wisconsin to survey the damage caused by last week 's unrest over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blake – a Black man who was shot seven times in the back and remains paralyzed and hospitalized .
In response to the violence , Evers activated the Wisconsin National Guard on Aug. 24 .
The governor requested assistance from the other states three days later .
However , Trump claimed credit for ordering in the National Guard .
`` This ended within an hour , as soon as we announced we were coming , and then they saw we were here .
This ended immediately , '' Trump said during a tour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He praised members of the National Guard , who he said `` put out the flame immediately . ''
Trump was heavily criticized before and during his visit by local officials and activists who said he was trying to capitalize politically on the city 's racial wounds .
Evers and Kenosha 's mayor raised concerns that his trip would amplify tensions in a city already on edge over the Blake incident and the fatal shooting of two protesters .
Police charged Kyle Rittenhouse , 17 , in the shooting deaths .
The teen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby town in Illinois to help protect businesses from property damage during the protests .
Trump toured fire-ravaged buildings and small businesses damaged amid citywide unrest .
He met with owners of a furniture store , a camera shop and a candle factory , according to the White House .
“ These are not acts of peaceful protest but , really , domestic terror , ” he said .
Trump said his Justice Department would provide $ 1 million to Kenosha law enforcement “ so that you can have some extra money to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” He said his administration would provide $ 4 million to help small businesses and more than $ 42 million to support public safety efforts statewide .
“ You went through hell just a few days ago , but I feel so safe .
… We 're safe because of law enforcement , '' Trump said .
Trump , joined by Attorney General William Barr , acting Homeland Security Chief Chad Wolf and Sen. Ron Johnson , R-Wis. , met with law enforcement and members of the National Guard at Bradford High School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard command center .
Trump held a roundtable discussion on community safety , in which he blamed the violence on `` anti-police and anti-American riots . ''
Asked if he had a message for Blake 's family , Trump said he wanted to speak to Julia Jackson , Blake 's mother , but `` it 's also better if it 's handled locally . ''
Blake 's family and faith leaders from 50 organizations , including Jesse Jackson , held their own event at the site where the 29-year-old father was shot by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal officials are investigating the incident .
Jackson emphasized that Tuesday would not be a day for protests and demonstration , urging listeners to resist helping create a `` commercial for Trump 's vision . ''
The celebratory event featured music , voter registration and a bouncy house for children to play in while participants cleaned up the community .
“ We decided to hold a rally to protest Trump by doing something for the community , '' said Tanya McLean , an organizer with Blak 262 .
`` It ’ s loving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Blake family is about.
” The president said he would n't meet with the family because they requested their lawyers be involved , which Trump said was `` inappropriate . ''
As he prepared for his trip , Trump expressed support for Rittenhouse , the suspect charged in the death of two protesters , saying he may have acted in self-defense .
Referring to cellphone video of the incident , Trump said it looked like protesters `` violently attacked '' Rittenhouse .
Sen. Tammy Baldwin , D-Wis. , criticized Trump for failing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil unrest .
“ This president has not provided leadership that unites people , and he has a bad habit of being divisive , which is not what the Kenosha community and Wisconsin wants or needs , '' she said .
`` I want President Trump to do what Jacob Blake ’ s mother , Julia Jackson , has asked every American to do – examine your heart.
” In a discussion with Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Monday , Trump criticized the Kenosha officer involved in Blake 's shooting .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times – I mean , couldn ’ t you have done something different ? ''
He also defended the officer , saying the victim `` might have been going for a weapon . ''
He said , `` But they choke , just like in a golf tournament – they miss a 3-foot putt . ''
Anthony Davis , head of the Kenosha NAACP , speaking on MSNBC , denounced Trump 's comment .
`` I play golf , '' he said .
`` I know about choking .
That ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t compare golf to a man ’ s life.
” Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said Trump is simply trolling for votes in a battleground state , seeking to take advantage of the turmoil to blame Democrats and rally supporters around his `` law and order '' message while distracting Americans from the coronavirus pandemic .
Biden urged Trump to denounce all violence , `` no matter who does it , no matter what political affiliation they have .
Period . ''
He said , `` If Donald Trump ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be president , and his preference for more violence – not less – is clear . ''

Courtney Subramanian, David Jackson and Molly Beck, USA TODAY

Trump claims credit for bringing calm to Kenosha in visit criticized as politicizing unrest
Show Caption Hide Caption 'We'll see what happens:' Trump discusses Kenosha and plan to visit President Trump talked about Kenosha and how well it's doing before his planned visit, but Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is urging him to 'reconsider' after a week of unrest. USA TODAY, Associated Press
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump claimed credit Tuesday for bringing calm to Kenosha, Wisconsin, during a visit to the city where the police shooting of an unarmed Black man touched off days of violent protests.
Although Trump suggested he helped quell the violence by sending the National Guard, it was Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers who activated the state’s National Guard and asked for help from Arizona, Michigan and Alabama, which sent Guard troops.
The president traveled to Wisconsin to survey the damage caused by last week's unrest over the police shooting on Aug. 23 of Jacob Blake – a Black man who was shot seven times in the back and remains paralyzed and hospitalized.
In response to the violence, Evers activated the Wisconsin National Guard on Aug. 24. The governor requested assistance from the other states three days later.
However, Trump claimed credit for ordering in the National Guard.
"This ended within an hour, as soon as we announced we were coming, and then they saw we were here. This ended immediately," Trump said during a tour of law enforcement operations in Kenosha.
He praised members of the National Guard, who he said "put out the flame immediately."
Trump was heavily criticized before and during his visit by local officials and activists who said he was trying to capitalize politically on the city's racial wounds.
Evers and Kenosha's mayor raised concerns that his trip would amplify tensions in a city already on edge over the Blake incident and the fatal shooting of two protesters. Police charged Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, in the shooting deaths. The teen said he traveled to Kenosha from a nearby town in Illinois to help protect businesses from property damage during the protests.
Trump toured fire-ravaged buildings and small businesses damaged amid citywide unrest. He met with owners of a furniture store, a camera shop and a candle factory, according to the White House.
“These are not acts of peaceful protest but, really, domestic terror,” he said.
Trump said his Justice Department would provide $1 million to Kenosha law enforcement “so that you can have some extra money to go out and do what you do.” He said his administration would provide $4 million to help small businesses and more than $42 million to support public safety efforts statewide.
“You went through hell just a few days ago, but I feel so safe. … We're safe because of law enforcement," Trump said.
Trump, joined by Attorney General William Barr, acting Homeland Security Chief Chad Wolf and Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., met with law enforcement and members of the National Guard at Bradford High School, which was transformed into a National Guard command center.
Trump held a roundtable discussion on community safety, in which he blamed the violence on "anti-police and anti-American riots."
Asked if he had a message for Blake's family, Trump said he wanted to speak to Julia Jackson, Blake's mother, but "it's also better if it's handled locally."
Blake's family and faith leaders from 50 organizations, including Jesse Jackson, held their own event at the site where the 29-year-old father was shot by a city police officer. Local and federal officials are investigating the incident.
Jackson emphasized that Tuesday would not be a day for protests and demonstration, urging listeners to resist helping create a "commercial for Trump's vision."
The celebratory event featured music, voter registration and a bouncy house for children to play in while participants cleaned up the community.
“We decided to hold a rally to protest Trump by doing something for the community," said Tanya McLean, an organizer with Blak 262. "It’s loving and peaceful, because that is what the Blake family is about.”
The president said he wouldn't meet with the family because they requested their lawyers be involved, which Trump said was "inappropriate."
As he prepared for his trip, Trump expressed support for Rittenhouse, the suspect charged in the death of two protesters, saying he may have acted in self-defense. Referring to cellphone video of the incident, Trump said it looked like protesters "violently attacked" Rittenhouse.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., criticized Trump for failing to provide the leadership Kenosha needs after civil unrest.
“This president has not provided leadership that unites people, and he has a bad habit of being divisive, which is not what the Kenosha community and Wisconsin wants or needs," she said. "I want President Trump to do what Jacob Blake’s mother, Julia Jackson, has asked every American to do – examine your heart.”
In a discussion with Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Monday, Trump criticized the Kenosha officer involved in Blake's shooting. "Shooting a guy in the back many times – I mean, couldn’t you have done something different?" He also defended the officer, saying the victim "might have been going for a weapon."
He said, "But they choke, just like in a golf tournament – they miss a 3-foot putt."
Anthony Davis, head of the Kenosha NAACP, speaking on MSNBC, denounced Trump's comment.
"I play golf," he said. "I know about choking. That’s a man’s life. ... You can’t compare golf to a man’s life.”
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said Trump is simply trolling for votes in a battleground state, seeking to take advantage of the turmoil to blame Democrats and rally supporters around his "law and order" message while distracting Americans from the coronavirus pandemic.
Biden urged Trump to denounce all violence, "no matter who does it, no matter what political affiliation they have. Period."
He said, "If Donald Trump can't say that, then he is unfit to be president, and his preference for more violence – not less – is clear."
Contributing: Molly Beck, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; Michael Collins, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-01--Serena Williams beats Kristie Ahn in straight sets to open quest for Grand Slam No. 24

NEW YORK — Olympia Ohanian turned three years old Tuesday .
Her mother had to work , putting in an afternoon shift in Arthur Ashe Stadium .
It got off to a patchy start , but by the time it was over , the world ’ s most decorated tennis mother celebrated Olympia just as she hoped she would , with a first-round triumph in the U.S. Open against fellow American Kristie Ahn .
Williams , the No .
3 seed and a 23-time Grand Slam champion , has been on a quest to win No .
24 , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since before Olympia was born .
She took the first step with a 7-5 , 6-3 triumph over Ahn , 28 , the world ’ s No .
96 player , who hung with Williams admirably at times in their first-ever meeting , even pushing her around somewhat and getting the best of a number of backcourt rallies .
But then the 38-year-old Williams elevated her play , producing the result that you would expect between a player with 352 Grand Slam victories and an opponent with three .
`` I was really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point , no matter how I was playing , '' Williams said in the on-court interview .
Williams ’ next opponent will be Margarita Gasparyan , a 117th-ranked Russian , who celebrated her 26th birthday earlier Tuesday with a 6-3 , 6-7 ( 7-0 ) , 6-0 triumph over Monica Puig of Puerto Rico .
Ahn , who had a scintillating run to the fourth round here last year ( the only major victories in her career ) showed plenty of game for much of the match .
Ahn broke Williams , owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport , in the very first game of the match , thanks to a pair of double faults , and held for 2-0 .
She broke Williams again to start the second set , moving Williams around and playing the steadier tennis .
It all came undone for Ahn in the fourth game of the second set , when up 40-15 and a point from a 3-1 lead , she double-faulted and then overhit two forehands .
Williams held at love for 3-2 , and then broke Ahn again at 15 , closing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the line .
In her five prior matches since the re-start of the tour in the pandemic , Williams went to three sets in each and had considerable trouble closing things out .
`` It 's been years .
It 's been the '90s since I won a match in straight sets , '' Williams joked .
`` I love my job .
At the end of the day , I love what I do .
One of these days it 's going to end .
I just love being out here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ahn when she finally locked in in the middle of the second set .
By the time Williams walloped her 11th ace en route to holding at love for 5-2 , you got the sense it was all but over save for the racket-tap over the net .
She passed Chris Evert with her 102nd singles win at Flushing Meadows .

Serena Williams beats Kristie Ahn in straight sets to open quest for Grand Slam No. 24
NEW YORK — Olympia Ohanian turned three years old Tuesday. Her mother had to work, putting in an afternoon shift in Arthur Ashe Stadium. It got off to a patchy start, but by the time it was over, the world’s most decorated tennis mother celebrated Olympia just as she hoped she would, with a first-round triumph in the U.S. Open against fellow American Kristie Ahn.
Williams, the No. 3 seed and a 23-time Grand Slam champion, has been on a quest to win No. 24, which would tie her with Margaret Court, since before Olympia was born. She took the first step with a 7-5, 6-3 triumph over Ahn, 28, the world’s No. 96 player, who hung with Williams admirably at times in their first-ever meeting, even pushing her around somewhat and getting the best of a number of backcourt rallies.
But then the 38-year-old Williams elevated her play, producing the result that you would expect between a player with 352 Grand Slam victories and an opponent with three.
"I was really happy with how I fought for every point, no matter how I was playing," Williams said in the on-court interview.
Williams’ next opponent will be Margarita Gasparyan, a 117th-ranked Russian, who celebrated her 26th birthday earlier Tuesday with a 6-3, 6-7 (7-0), 6-0 triumph over Monica Puig of Puerto Rico.
Ahn, who had a scintillating run to the fourth round here last year (the only major victories in her career) showed plenty of game for much of the match. Ahn broke Williams, owner of the most feared serve in the sport, in the very first game of the match, thanks to a pair of double faults, and held for 2-0. She broke Williams again to start the second set, moving Williams around and playing the steadier tennis. It all came undone for Ahn in the fourth game of the second set, when up 40-15 and a point from a 3-1 lead, she double-faulted and then overhit two forehands.
Williams held at love for 3-2, and then broke Ahn again at 15, closing it with a crackling backhand winner down the line.
The US Open is stepping up Sports Pulse: The US Open is using their platform to bring attention the frontline workers, BLM and other important topics SportsPulse, USA TODAY
In her five prior matches since the re-start of the tour in the pandemic, Williams went to three sets in each and had considerable trouble closing things out.
"It's been years. It's been the '90s since I won a match in straight sets," Williams joked. "I love my job. At the end of the day, I love what I do. One of these days it's going to end. I just love being out here."
She was considerably more efficient against Ahn when she finally locked in in the middle of the second set. By the time Williams walloped her 11th ace en route to holding at love for 5-2, you got the sense it was all but over save for the racket-tap over the net.
She passed Chris Evert with her 102nd singles win at Flushing Meadows.


usatoday--2020-09-01--Trump stokes unrest, Biden condemns selectively

The nation 's summer of unrest has devolved in several cities to radical elements facing off in the streets , seemingly poised for combat .
Blame-shifting over this tense situation is rampant .
But the vast majority of Americans have an uncluttered answer : Violence in all forms is simply wrong .
That goes for excessive police force used disproportionately against Blacks ; burning and looting by demonstrators protesting racial injustice ; and armed counter-demonstrations by right-wing elements .
By that calculus , plenty of accountable people are behaving irresponsible by : ►Stoking turmoil .
If President Donald Trump honestly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he could save lives by urging his followers to stay away from Black Lives Matter demonstrations in cities such as Portland , Oregon , and Kenosha , Wisconsin .
Instead , Trump does the opposite , applauding as `` GREAT PATRIOTS '' a caravan of disciples who ventured into Portland this past weekend .
One of them , Aaron J. Danielson , 39 , a supporter of a self-described conservative Christian group called Patriot Prayer , was shot dead Saturday night during protests .
Monday , the president defended 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traveled from his home in Illinois with a rifle and allegedly gunned down protesters in Kenosha last week .
Rittenhouse was arrested and charged with murder .
Trump , who visited Kenosha on Tuesday , has embraced a dangerous political strategy , seeking to energize his base and scare suburban voters by exploiting urban unrest .
He conflates peaceful protesters with the much smaller number who commit acts of violence , all but encouraging far-right groups to confront them .
►Selectively condemning violence .
In contrast to Trump , former Vice President Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for president , did the right thing in remarks Monday when he called out rioting , looting and setting fires as `` lawlessness , plain and simple .
And those who do it should be prosecuted . ''
Biden also singled out `` right-wing militia '' as contributors to violence , but avoided any reference to left-wing actors who can be equally fierce .
Publicly posted videos show the suspected gunman who killed Danielson in Portland standing with Black Lives Matter supporters before firing shots into Danielson 's chest .
Hours after Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation by police for that killing was identified as Michael Forest Reinoehl , 48 , a self-styled anti-fascist .
►Failing to stop the unrest .
Trump has repeatedly attacked Democratic mayors of cities where protesters have turned violent as being incapable of effective leadership , while seemingly oblivious to the fact that nationwide protests marred by occasional violence have occurred under his watch as president .
But there 's truth to the fact that Democratic mayors in Portland and Kenosha , and governors in their respective states , have n't acted quickly enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , businesses and property .
Wisconsin Gov .
Tony Evers called out additional National Guard troops days after the shootings in Kenosha , and Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown sent more state police to assist Portland law enforcement the day after Danielson was killed .
One of the lessons from the clashes in Charlottesville , Va. , in 2017 was that separating far-right and far-left elements is a key law enforcement tool to prevent confrontations from getting out of hand .
Quicker action in both recent cases might have helped authorities prevent deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every election cycle .
But this level of election-season violence has n't occurred since the street clashes of 1968 .
That makes it even more incumbent on leaders to act unselfishly and in a way that places a premium on lives , rather than political point-scoring .

Trump stokes unrest, Biden condemns selectively Our View: In Kenosha and Portland, lawlessness didn't have to be this bad
The nation's summer of unrest has devolved in several cities to radical elements facing off in the streets, seemingly poised for combat.
Blame-shifting over this tense situation is rampant. But the vast majority of Americans have an uncluttered answer: Violence in all forms is simply wrong.
That goes for excessive police force used disproportionately against Blacks; burning and looting by demonstrators protesting racial injustice; and armed counter-demonstrations by right-wing elements.
By that calculus, plenty of accountable people are behaving irresponsible by:
►Stoking turmoil. If President Donald Trump honestly sought law and order in the streets, he could save lives by urging his followers to stay away from Black Lives Matter demonstrations in cities such as Portland, Oregon, and Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Instead, Trump does the opposite, applauding as "GREAT PATRIOTS" a caravan of disciples who ventured into Portland this past weekend. One of them, Aaron J. Danielson, 39, a supporter of a self-described conservative Christian group called Patriot Prayer, was shot dead Saturday night during protests.
Monday, the president defended 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, as acting in self-defense when he traveled from his home in Illinois with a rifle and allegedly gunned down protesters in Kenosha last week. Rittenhouse was arrested and charged with murder.
Trump, who visited Kenosha on Tuesday, has embraced a dangerous political strategy, seeking to energize his base and scare suburban voters by exploiting urban unrest. He conflates peaceful protesters with the much smaller number who commit acts of violence, all but encouraging far-right groups to confront them.
►Selectively condemning violence. In contrast to Trump, former Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic Party's nominee for president, did the right thing in remarks Monday when he called out rioting, looting and setting fires as "lawlessness, plain and simple. And those who do it should be prosecuted."
Biden also singled out "right-wing militia" as contributors to violence, but avoided any reference to left-wing actors who can be equally fierce. Publicly posted videos show the suspected gunman who killed Danielson in Portland standing with Black Lives Matter supporters before firing shots into Danielson's chest. Hours after Biden's remarks Monday, a man under investigation by police for that killing was identified as Michael Forest Reinoehl, 48, a self-styled anti-fascist.
►Failing to stop the unrest. Trump has repeatedly attacked Democratic mayors of cities where protesters have turned violent as being incapable of effective leadership, while seemingly oblivious to the fact that nationwide protests marred by occasional violence have occurred under his watch as president.
But there's truth to the fact that Democratic mayors in Portland and Kenosha, and governors in their respective states, haven't acted quickly enough or employed enough manpower to safeguard lives, businesses and property. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers called out additional National Guard troops days after the shootings in Kenosha, and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown sent more state police to assist Portland law enforcement the day after Danielson was killed.
One of the lessons from the clashes in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017 was that separating far-right and far-left elements is a key law enforcement tool to prevent confrontations from getting out of hand. Quicker action in both recent cases might have helped authorities prevent deadly skirmishing.
Finger-pointing is a facet of every election cycle. But this level of election-season violence hasn't occurred since the street clashes of 1968. That makes it even more incumbent on leaders to act unselfishly and in a way that places a premium on lives, rather than political point-scoring.


usatoday--2020-09-02--US children could be 'more vulnerable' than ever to sex trafficking, advocates say. Here's what's be

US children could be 'more vulnerable' than ever to sex trafficking, advocates say. Here's what's being done to locate endangered kids.

Days after the U.S .
Marshals Service announced the rescue of 39 endangered children in Georgia , similar operations are ongoing in two other states as authorities target missing kids who may be victims of sex trafficking .
In Ohio , `` Operation Safety Net '' has led to the discovery of 25 children between the ages of 13 and 18 in less than three weeks , the Marshals Service says .
The operation is likely to continue into October , U.S .
Marshal Peter Elliott said .
And another two-week operation is underway near Indianapolis , Darby Kirby — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unit — told USA TODAY in an email Tuesday .
These operations are a part of ongoing efforts at the local level to locate missing children rather than a coordinated nationwide sweep , Kirby said .
Since 2005 , the Marshals have helped recover 1,800 missing children .
Operations like Safety Net allow agents to give undivided attention to finding endangered children , U.S.
Marshal ’ s Public Information Officer Anne Murphy said .
Fact check : Over 8,000 US trafficking arrests since 2017 have not included members of Congress “ If they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would find kids every day , ” said Suzanne Lewis-Johnson , CEO at RAHAB Ministries in Ohio , who formerly worked as an FBI agent and on a Child Exploitation Task Force running operations similar to the ones being conducted by the U.S .
Marshals Service .
The results of these operations will likely continue to challenge widespread assumptions about endangered children in the U.S. , Staca Shehan — a vice president with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children — told USA TODAY on Tuesday .
The recent operation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' — is a prime example .
Many of the 39 children recovered were found with a parent , were kidnapped by a parent , had gone missing from child services or had fled juvenile justice , according to Kirby 's statement .
Checking the facts : Claim linking Milwaukee police and sex trafficking conspiracy is unfounded That 's in contrast to widespread fears about child abductions at the hands of strangers , Shehan said .
In reality , it is much more common for a child to become ensnared in human trafficking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after running away .
In the Georgia operation , 15 recovered children were found to be victims of trafficking — most would be considered runaways `` who fell into the human trafficking realm , '' according to Kirby .
Some children who run away have been lured by predators online , according to Lewis-Johnson .
Human traffickers target vulnerabilities and recruit already missing children or kids who are at home and can be lured away , Lewis-Johnson said .
They ’ ll often look for insecurities , such as a poor home life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needing money or just feeling uncared for .
Lewis-Johnson said predators groom children and offer themselves as a counterfeit solution , luring them away from home .
Shehan also said misconceptions about endangered children can make it harder to locate children when they are missing .
A focus on the rare cases of abduction by stranger can make it easy for the public to overlook children who have run away or may be in danger through a parent or relative .
“ Right now , I believe our children are more vulnerable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Lewis-Johnson said .

Joel Shannon and Sean McDonnell, USA TODAY NETWORK

25 more endangered children located as sex trafficking busts continue in 2 states
Show Caption Hide Caption Human trafficking: Victims live in fear, making convictions hard to get Law enforcement and prosecutors explain the difficulties in bringing charges - and the hurdles in convicting traffickers. Jarrad Henderson, USA TODAY
Days after the U.S. Marshals Service announced the rescue of 39 endangered children in Georgia, similar operations are ongoing in two other states as authorities target missing kids who may be victims of sex trafficking.
In Ohio, "Operation Safety Net" led to the discovery of 25 children ages 13 to 18 in less than three weeks, the Marshals Service said. The operation is likely to continue into October, U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott said.
A two-week operation is underway near Indianapolis, Darby Kirby, chief of the Marshals' Missing Child Unit, told USA TODAY in an email Tuesday.
These operations are part of efforts at the local level to locate missing children rather than a coordinated nationwide sweep, Kirby said. Since 2005, the marshals have helped recover 1,800 missing children.
Operations such as Safety Net allow agents to give undivided attention to finding endangered children, U.S. Marshals Public Information Officer Anne Murphy said.
Fact check: More than 8,000 US trafficking arrests since 2017 have not included members of Congress
“If they were looking for kids every day, they would find kids every day,” said Suzanne Lewis-Johnson, CEO at RAHAB Ministries in Ohio, who worked as an FBI agent and on a Child Exploitation Task Force running operations similar to the ones conducted by the Marshals Service.
The results of these operations will challenge widespread assumptions about endangered children in the USA, Staca Shehan, a vice president with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, told USA TODAY on Tuesday.
The operation in Georgia – dubbed "Operation Not Forgotten" – is a prime example. Many of the 39 children recovered were found with a parent, kidnapped by a parent, had gone missing from child services or had fled juvenile justice, according to Kirby's statement.
Checking the facts: Claim linking Milwaukee police and sex trafficking conspiracy is unfounded
That's in contrast to widespread fears about child abductions at the hands of strangers, Shehan said. It is much more common for a child to become ensnared in human trafficking through the actions of a relative or after running away.
In the Georgia operation, 15 recovered children were victims of trafficking – most would be considered runaways "who fell into the human trafficking realm," according to Kirby.
Some children who run away have been lured by predators online, according to Lewis-Johnson.
Human traffickers target vulnerabilities and recruit missing children or kids who can be lured away from home, Lewis-Johnson said. They’ll often look for insecurities, such as a poor home life, or even social media posts about needing money or feeling uncared for.
Lewis-Johnson said predators groom children and offer themselves as a counterfeit solution.
Shehan said misconceptions about endangered children can make it harder to locate them. A focus on the rare cases of abduction by a stranger can make it easy for the public to overlook children who have run away or may be in danger from a parent or relative.
“Right now, I believe our children are more vulnerable to traffickers than they’ve ever been,” Lewis-Johnson said.


usatoday--2020-09-01--After two years, Shake Shack brings back spicy chicken sandwich with new heat level and accompanying

The Hot Chick ’ n , the spicy version of the classic Chick ’ n Shack sandwich , will be available at Shake Shacks nationwide ( excluding airports , stadiums and ballparks ) starting Tuesday .
This time around , Shake Shack is bringing along new `` hot '' items to accompany the Hot Chick ’ n .
Made with with the same guajillo chile and cayenne pepper dusting , the restaurant is introducing Hot Chick ’ n Bites , Hot Spicy Fries and Hot Spicy Cheese Fries .
`` When launching a new menu item , our focus has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elevated way , inspired by our deep culinary roots and with a focus on premium ingredients .
Our Hot Chick ’ n is no different , '' said Mark Rosati , culinary director at Shake Shack .
All the Hot Chick ’ n items are available in two spice levels ( hot and extra hot ) , but those who order through the Shack App or online can get access to a third spice level , `` Fire . ''
Fact check : Spicy snacks , such as Takis and hot Cheetos , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hot Chick ’ n , the spicy version of the classic Chick ’ n Shack sandwich was first introduced in 2017 and made a comeback in 2018 , each time for a limited engagement .
`` We ’ re always looking at ways we can continue to elevate the classics , and we take our guests ’ feedback to heart , '' Rosati told USA TODAY on whether to make the sandwich a permanent fixture of the menu or not .
`` Right now , we love to surprise and delight our guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never know . ''
Similar to the Chicken Sandwich War of last year , where fast-food chains were trying to claim chicken sandwich supremacy , the recent trend seems to be shifting toward ever spicier .
McDonald ’ s recently announced it would roll out Spicy Chicken McNuggets for the first time ever in the U.S. That'san item Wendy ’ s has had on and off their menu – and the chain threw a light jab on social media at McDonald 's last week .
And when Popeyes introduced its chicken sandwich in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war , '' it did so with a spicy option .
`` I think there ’ s also been a shift in spice level tolerance across America in general over the past couple years , '' Rosati added .
`` Spicy food keeps becoming more and more delicious and interesting , where it ’ s not just about high heat levels , but also about crave-able and intriguing flavors . ''
The spice blend Shake Shack created for its Hot Chick ' n was also used to create the restaurants own ranch dressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

After two years, Shake Shack brings back spicy chicken sandwich with new heat level and accompanying items
Spice lovers can rejoice. Shake Shack is bringing back a spicy favorite.
The Hot Chick’n, the spicy version of the classic Chick’n Shack sandwich, will be available at Shake Shacks nationwide (excluding airports, stadiums and ballparks) starting Tuesday.
This time around, Shake Shack is bringing along new "hot" items to accompany the Hot Chick’n. Made with with the same guajillo chile and cayenne pepper dusting, the restaurant is introducing Hot Chick’n Bites, Hot Spicy Fries and Hot Spicy Cheese Fries.
"When launching a new menu item, our focus has always been to do so in an elevated way, inspired by our deep culinary roots and with a focus on premium ingredients. Our Hot Chick’n is no different," said Mark Rosati, culinary director at Shake Shack.
All the Hot Chick’n items are available in two spice levels (hot and extra hot), but those who order through the Shack App or online can get access to a third spice level, "Fire."
Fact check: Spicy snacks, such as Takis and hot Cheetos, won't cause ulcers in children
More: McDonald's rolling out Spicy Chicken McNuggets on September 16
The Hot Chick’n, the spicy version of the classic Chick’n Shack sandwich was first introduced in 2017 and made a comeback in 2018, each time for a limited engagement.
"We’re always looking at ways we can continue to elevate the classics, and we take our guests’ feedback to heart," Rosati told USA TODAY on whether to make the sandwich a permanent fixture of the menu or not. "Right now, we love to surprise and delight our guests with different product drops, but you never know."
Similar to the Chicken Sandwich War of last year, where fast-food chains were trying to claim chicken sandwich supremacy, the recent trend seems to be shifting toward ever spicier.
McDonald’s recently announced it would roll out Spicy Chicken McNuggets for the first time ever in the U.S. That's an item Wendy’s has had on and off their menu – and the chain threw a light jab on social media at McDonald's last week. And when Popeyes introduced its chicken sandwich in August of 2019, starting the "war," it did so with a spicy option.
"I think there’s also been a shift in spice level tolerance across America in general over the past couple years," Rosati added. "Spicy food keeps becoming more and more delicious and interesting, where it’s not just about high heat levels, but also about crave-able and intriguing flavors."
The spice blend Shake Shack created for its Hot Chick'n was also used to create the restaurants own ranch dressing, which is on the menu permanently.
Follow Josh Rivera on Twitter: @Josh1Rivera.


usatoday--2020-09-01--Biden-Harris campaign launches merch for 'Animal Crossing'

Forget about bumper stickers .
Does you village have a yard sign ?
The Joe Biden-Kamala Harris campaign launched online merchandise Tuesday on the Nintendo Switch video game `` Animal Crossing : New Horizons . ''
In Animal Crossing players build their village and can catch fish and bugs to sell , dig fossils , make friends with the local animals and other players by wandering or visiting different islands .
“ Animal Crossing is a dynamic , diverse , and powerful platform that brings communities together from across the world .
It is an exciting new opportunity for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they build and decorate their islands , '' said Christian Tom , director of digital partnerships for the Biden-Harris campaign .
`` Since today marks the start of fall in the game and the leaves start to change color , we are introducing a staple for the season : Team Joe yard signs . ''
More : What the hidden message in JoeBiden.com says – it 's masked in the code More : Nintendo Switches are finally back in stock—here 's where to get one Over the summer it was reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Animal Crossing : New Horizons . ''
To capitalize on the game 's popularity , the campaign is also seeding the effort with a few gamer influencers who will be sharing their gameplay with their audiences on Wednesday .
Four yards signs are available to players on the platform : the Biden-Harris logo , Team Joe logo , “ Joe ” Pride logo and an aviators image .
The assets are 32x32 pixels , to keep in line with the platform , and users can download them through QR codes here .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretch towards November , this is one way we are finding new creative and innovative ways to meet voters where they are and bring our supporters together , '' added Tom .
`` This is just the start of how we plan to engage players ahead of November as we ’ re already looking forward to rolling out more digital swag , voter education tools , and organizing efforts on Animal Crossing and other platforms .
”

Biden-Harris campaign launches merch for 'Animal Crossing'
Forget about bumper stickers. Does you village have a yard sign?
The Joe Biden-Kamala Harris campaign launched online merchandise Tuesday on the Nintendo Switch video game "Animal Crossing: New Horizons."
In Animal Crossing players build their village and can catch fish and bugs to sell, dig fossils, make friends with the local animals and other players by wandering or visiting different islands.
“Animal Crossing is a dynamic, diverse, and powerful platform that brings communities together from across the world. It is an exciting new opportunity for our campaign to engage and connect Biden-Harris supporters as they build and decorate their islands," said Christian Tom, director of digital partnerships for the Biden-Harris campaign. "Since today marks the start of fall in the game and the leaves start to change color, we are introducing a staple for the season: Team Joe yard signs."
More: What the hidden message in JoeBiden.com says – it's masked in the code
More: Nintendo Switches are finally back in stock—here's where to get one
Over the summer it was reported that more than 11 million people were playing "Animal Crossing: New Horizons." To capitalize on the game's popularity, the campaign is also seeding the effort with a few gamer influencers who will be sharing their gameplay with their audiences on Wednesday.
Four yards signs are available to players on the platform: the Biden-Harris logo, Team Joe logo, “Joe” Pride logo and an aviators image. The assets are 32x32 pixels, to keep in line with the platform, and users can download them through QR codes here.
"As we enter the final campaign stretch towards November, this is one way we are finding new creative and innovative ways to meet voters where they are and bring our supporters together," added Tom. "This is just the start of how we plan to engage players ahead of November as we’re already looking forward to rolling out more digital swag, voter education tools, and organizing efforts on Animal Crossing and other platforms.”
Follow Josh Rivera on Twitter: @Josh1Rivera.


usatoday--2020-09-01--David Byrne apologizes for blackface in 1984 Talking Heads video: 'I have changed'

The former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne is expressing remorse for his `` huge blind spot '' after a 1984 skit of the musician donning blackface surfaced .
In a promotional video for the 1984 concert film `` Stop Making Sense , '' Byrne portrays different characters as he interviews himself .
At one point , he portrays an interviewer of color , where he wears brown body paint .
The British-American singer , 68 , tweeted Tuesday that the resurfaced clip was brought to his attention recently by a journalist .
Although he admits he had `` forgotten about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's `` grateful '' someone took the time to point out his `` major mistake in judgement . ''
`` To watch myself in the various characters , including black and brown face , I acknowledge it was a major mistake in judgement that showed a lack of real understanding , '' Byrne said in a series of tweets .
`` It ’ s like looking in a mirror and seeing someone else- you ’ re not , or were not , the person you thought you were . ''
More : Howard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Donald Trump Jr. calls him out Byrne said he hopes others can examine his past with `` honesty and accountability , '' while having the `` grace and understanding '' to acknowledge that `` someone like me , anyone really , can grow and change . ''
`` I ’ d like to think I am beyond making mistakes like this , but clearly at the time I was not , '' he tweeted .
`` Like I say at the end of our Broadway show American Utopia ' I need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since then . ''
Byrne 's 2019 Broadway show `` American Utopia '' has been adapted into an HBO documentary directed by Spike Lee .
“ American Utopia ” played at New York ’ s Hudson Theatre from October 2019 through February 2020 .
A fall return was planned before the pandemic shuttered Broadway through the end of the year .
The show features Byrne and 11 musical artists from around the world performing songs from the 2018 album of the same title , as well as Talking Heads hits .
The film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Film Festival on September 10 and drop on HBO in October .

David Byrne apologizes for blackface in 1984 Talking Heads video: 'I have changed'
Show Caption Hide Caption David Byrne on his musical 'Here Lies Love' Talking Heads frontman David Byrne talks about the musical, 'Here Lies Love' with star, Jaygee Macapugay. He co-wrote the immersive theater production with Fat Boy Slim. (November 21) AP
The former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne is expressing remorse for his "huge blind spot" after a 1984 skit of the musician donning blackface surfaced.
In a promotional video for the 1984 concert film "Stop Making Sense," Byrne portrays different characters as he interviews himself. At one point, he portrays an interviewer of color, where he wears brown body paint.
The British-American singer, 68, tweeted Tuesday that the resurfaced clip was brought to his attention recently by a journalist. Although he admits he had "forgotten about this skit," Byrne said he's "grateful" someone took the time to point out his "major mistake in judgement."
"To watch myself in the various characters, including black and brown face, I acknowledge it was a major mistake in judgement that showed a lack of real understanding," Byrne said in a series of tweets. "It’s like looking in a mirror and seeing someone else- you’re not, or were not, the person you thought you were."
More: Howard Stern addresses blackface skit that uses N-word after Donald Trump Jr. calls him out
To watch myself in the various characters, including black and brown face, I acknowledge it was a major mistake in judgement that showed a lack of real understanding. It’s like looking in a mirror and seeing someone else- you’re not, or were not, the person you thought you were. — DavidByrne.com (@DBtodomundo) September 1, 2020
Byrne said he hopes others can examine his past with "honesty and accountability," while having the "grace and understanding" to acknowledge that "someone like me, anyone really, can grow and change."
"I’d like to think I am beyond making mistakes like this, but clearly at the time I was not," he tweeted. "Like I say at the end of our Broadway show American Utopia 'I need to change too'..and I believe I have changed since then."
Byrne's 2019 Broadway show "American Utopia" has been adapted into an HBO documentary directed by Spike Lee.
“American Utopia” played at New York’s Hudson Theatre from October 2019 through February 2020. A fall return was planned before the pandemic shuttered Broadway through the end of the year. The show features Byrne and 11 musical artists from around the world performing songs from the 2018 album of the same title, as well as Talking Heads hits.
The film will premiere at the 45th Toronto International Film Festival on September 10 and drop on HBO in October.
Spike Lee's David Byrne documentary will open Toronto International Film Festival


usatoday--2020-09-01--More than $130K raised for California family after girls seen using Taco Bell WiFi for school work

More than $ 130,000 has been raised for a family in California after a photo of two young girls using the free WiFi in a Taco Bell parking lot to complete their school work went viral last week .
In the photo , two girls can be seen sitting on the sidewalk outside a Taco Bell in Salinas , California , working on laptops as an employee crouches down in front of them .
The faces of the girls in the photo are obscured , but the Salinas City Elementary School District identified the students after the photo began to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a hotspot , '' Richard Gebin , public relations officer for the district , told USA TODAY .
`` The digital divide is very real and delays in receiving needed technology are a statewide concern , '' Amy Ish , president of the Salinas City Elementary School District , said in a statement .
`` We are grateful the State is making technology a priority and look forward to receiving these hotspots in our District . ''
Coronavirus for kids without internet : Quarantined worksheets , learning in parking lots The district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is in full distance learning mode , according to Gebin .
School officials have already distributed 8,245 Chromebooks and 1,500 hotspots and are now waiting for 2,500 additional hotspots to be delivered .
Jackie Lopez said she started a fundraising campaign for the family after learning the family was going to be evicted from their home , according to a GoFundMe .
The fundraiser has since raised more than $ 130,000 and the family is working with an accountant to manage the funds .
“ All children deserve a happy place to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these little girls deserve a safe space to learn , ” Lopez wrote .
“ We appreciate every single one of you for helping making that happen.
” The school district clarified that it is not involved with any online fundraisers for the family .
A spokesperson from GoFundMe confirmed the fundraiser has been verified .
The image , which has been shared by several local officials , highlights the stark reality that many of the millions of children who are now going back to school virtually do not have access to internet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California , home to Silicon Valley ... but where the digital divide is as deep as ever , '' Kevin de León , president pro tempore of the California Senate said in a tweet Friday .
`` Where 40 % of all Latinos do n't have internet access .
This generation deserves better . ''
Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo also shared the photo on Twitter Wednesday saying , `` we must do better & solve this digital divide once & for all for all California students . ''
A spokesperson for Taco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough reminder of basic inequalities facing our communities , '' in a statement emailed to USA TODAY .
`` We and our franchisees have always been passionate about supporting youth education , and the owner of this restaurant is looking into additional ways to support these students and the broader community , '' a spokesperson said in an email .
'This is hell ' : Parents and kids hate online learning , but they could face more of it

More than $130K raised for California family after girls seen using Taco Bell WiFi for school work
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How access to the internet is not created equal As schools debate about returning to online learning, the lack of internet access for many Americans is a big sticking point. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
More than $130,000 has been raised for a family in California after a photo of two young girls using the free WiFi in a Taco Bell parking lot to complete their school work went viral last week.
In the photo, two girls can be seen sitting on the sidewalk outside a Taco Bell in Salinas, California, working on laptops as an employee crouches down in front of them. The faces of the girls in the photo are obscured, but the Salinas City Elementary School District identified the students after the photo began to circulate and "immediately provided the family with a hotspot," Richard Gebin, public relations officer for the district, told USA TODAY.
"The digital divide is very real and delays in receiving needed technology are a statewide concern," Amy Ish, president of the Salinas City Elementary School District, said in a statement. "We are grateful the State is making technology a priority and look forward to receiving these hotspots in our District."
Coronavirus for kids without internet: Quarantined worksheets, learning in parking lots
The district, which has just under 8,500 students, is in full distance learning mode, according to Gebin. School officials have already distributed 8,245 Chromebooks and 1,500 hotspots and are now waiting for 2,500 additional hotspots to be delivered.
Jackie Lopez said she started a fundraising campaign for the family after learning the family was going to be evicted from their home, according to a GoFundMe. The fundraiser has since raised more than $130,000 and the family is working with an accountant to manage the funds.
“All children deserve a happy place to live and because of their dedication, these little girls deserve a safe space to learn,” Lopez wrote. “We appreciate every single one of you for helping making that happen.”
The school district clarified that it is not involved with any online fundraisers for the family. A spokesperson from GoFundMe confirmed the fundraiser has been verified.
The image, which has been shared by several local officials, highlights the stark reality that many of the millions of children who are now going back to school virtually do not have access to internet in their homes.
"This is California, home to Silicon Valley...but where the digital divide is as deep as ever," Kevin de León, president pro tempore of the California Senate said in a tweet Friday. "Where 40% of all Latinos don't have internet access. This generation deserves better."
Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejo also shared the photo on Twitter Wednesday saying, "we must do better & solve this digital divide once & for all for all California students."
A spokesperson for Taco Bell Corp. called the photo "a tough reminder of basic inequalities facing our communities," in a statement emailed to USA TODAY.
"We and our franchisees have always been passionate about supporting youth education, and the owner of this restaurant is looking into additional ways to support these students and the broader community," a spokesperson said in an email.
'This is hell': Parents and kids hate online learning, but they could face more of it
Follow N'dea Yancey-Bragg on Twitter: @NdeaYanceyBragg