usatoday--2020-10-05--7 key takeaways from the Lindsey Graham, Jaime Harrison debate

A particularly 2020 debate takeaway : It is notable that we could hear what both candidates said .
And the only time they were interrupted ?
That was by the moderator strongly enforcing the rules .
Overall , decorum returned to the political debate stage on Saturday as Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison faced off for the first time .
The 60-minute debate focused on their records and their often-clashing ideas after the first presidential debate on Tuesday devolved into mostly crosstalk .
Graham is a Republican from Seneca seeking his fourth term .
Harrison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Carolina Democratic Party who lives in Columbia .
Here is a closer look at what they said and did Saturday night , from themes of the evening to the big moments : In his first minute of speaking time , Graham laid out what he thinks this race is really about : capitalism versus socialism , conservative judges versus liberal judges , and law and order versus chaos .
Graham also continually brought up `` liberal Democrats , '' calling the party `` radical '' — and he said that those running the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This election is about taking me out '' because he `` stood up for Kavanaugh '' during Kavanaugh 's Supreme Court confirmation hearing and is now one of President Donald Trump 's most vocal supporters , Graham said .
`` They hate me .
This is not about Mr .
Harrison . ''
More : SC is 'so red it is sunburned , ' but Jaime Harrison might have a chance vs. Lindsey Graham And if Democrats `` keep the House , take over the Senate and Biden is president , God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Democratic Party 's complete control is a `` nightmare scenario , '' he said .
Graham claimed the Democratic party would use that power to eliminate the electoral college and stack the court with liberal judges .
'If you want conservative judges , I 'm your only bet in this race , '' he said .
'Well , Senator , how good is your word ? '
Harrison clearly had a strategy Saturday to question past Graham statements and pledges throughout his 25-year history in public office .
Harrison noted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not support a Supreme Court nominee this close to an election .
'Well , Senator , how good is your word when you made a promise to the American people — even more , you made a promise to the folks of South Carolina that you would n't be doing what you are doing right now , '' Harrison said .
Graham , who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee , reiterated this weekend that he plans to move forward with a crucial confirmation hearing for Trump 's U.S. Supreme Court justice nominee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president `` has every right to do this . ''
Harrison also claimed that the senator , when he was a congressman , said he would term-limit himself .
`` If you do n't believe me , Google it , '' Harrison said .
Graham had a simple response .
`` You can limit my term Nov. 3 if you like . ''
The questions were so 2020 .
So was the scene Most queries were coronavirus-related questions , but others touched on topics from abortion to climate change and from police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some questions were local , including ones about South Carolina infrastructure investment , historically Black colleges and universities , and tourism .
Coronavirus also shaped the stage and the scene .
The candidates ' podiums stood 13 feet apart , and no spectators were allowed in the audience at Allen University .
Harrison also said he brought the plexiglass barricade installed near his setup .
That image yielded the first viral tweet of the night .
So , what did they say about the coronavirus ?
Graham called the virus `` serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` we have to move on as a nation . ''
He noted that vaccines should be `` ready any month now , maybe sooner , '' and that drug therapies '' are working .
He said he is not going to `` shut down '' the nation .
`` This virus is going to pass , '' Graham said .
Harrison instead said there had been `` a failure in leadership '' in addressing the pandemic , saying America needed a 50-state strategy .
“ We failed to act , '' Harrison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act .
The White House failed to act .
The governors failed to act .
We need leaders who are going to step up and act.
” He said there was a need for a mask mandate , more testing in South Carolina and more federal benefits to those left unemployed due to the coronavirus .
Graham said he believed some of the unemployed were refusing to go back to work because they were being paid more in benefits than they did on the job .
They agreed — more than once They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they did n't support the New Green Deal , a Democratic-led congressional resolution to fight climate change .
They both said they do n't want to defund police departments .
They want to protect social security .
And they both claimed they would reach across the aisle in the spirit of bipartisanship as South Carolina 's senator .
They both got personal Each relied upon a resume of resilience rooted in humble South Carolina .
Harrison , 44 , introduced himself as the son of a teenage mother who was raised by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school education .
He spoke of how he graduated from Yale and Georgetown Law .
Later , he spoke of his great-aunt , who died due to the coronavirus in a nursing home .
Graham , 65 , also spoke about humble South Carolina roots .
He brought up on a few occasions his family 's businesses of a restaurant-bar-and-liquor store .
He spoke about how when he was 21 , his mother died of cancer , and after his father died 15 months later , Graham became the caretaker of his younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the debate did n't get a bit feisty there at the end The final moments of exchanges felt a bit more like clashing campaign advertisements than a debate .
After Harrison brought up paying off his student loans , Graham asked why he could n't pay this debt because of riches earned as a lobbyist , a point made in Graham campaign advertisements .
`` You are worried about everybody 's else paycheck other than your own , '' said Harrison , raising the issue that Graham voted for his own raises .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his sons , wife and his mother .
In the final 20 seconds , Graham started to explain how he supports his aunt and his niece .
But moderator Judi Gaston cut him off .
The debate , she said , was over .
Then , she mentioned what was next .

7 key takeaways from the Lindsey Graham, Jaime Harrison debate
A particularly 2020 debate takeaway: It is notable that we could hear what both candidates said.
And the only time they were interrupted? That was by the moderator strongly enforcing the rules.
Overall, decorum returned to the political debate stage on Saturday as Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic challenger Jaime Harrison faced off for the first time. The 60-minute debate focused on their records and their often-clashing ideas after the first presidential debate on Tuesday devolved into mostly crosstalk.
Graham is a Republican from Seneca seeking his fourth term. Harrison is a former chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party who lives in Columbia.
Here is a closer look at what they said and did Saturday night, from themes of the evening to the big moments:
Graham describes 'nightmare scenario'
In his first minute of speaking time, Graham laid out what he thinks this race is really about: capitalism versus socialism, conservative judges versus liberal judges, and law and order versus chaos.
Graham also continually brought up "liberal Democrats," calling the party "radical" — and he said that those running the party today are "nuts."
"This election is about taking me out" because he "stood up for Kavanaugh" during Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation hearing and is now one of President Donald Trump's most vocal supporters, Graham said. "They hate me. This is not about Mr. Harrison."
More: SC is 'so red it is sunburned,' but Jaime Harrison might have a chance vs. Lindsey Graham
And if Democrats "keep the House, take over the Senate and Biden is president, God help us all," he said. The Democratic Party's complete control is a "nightmare scenario," he said.
Graham claimed the Democratic party would use that power to eliminate the electoral college and stack the court with liberal judges.
'If you want conservative judges, I'm your only bet in this race," he said.
'Well, Senator, how good is your word?'
Harrison clearly had a strategy Saturday to question past Graham statements and pledges throughout his 25-year history in public office.
Harrison noted that Graham is going back on his promise to not support a Supreme Court nominee this close to an election.
'Well, Senator, how good is your word when you made a promise to the American people — even more, you made a promise to the folks of South Carolina that you wouldn't be doing what you are doing right now," Harrison said.
Graham, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, reiterated this weekend that he plans to move forward with a crucial confirmation hearing for Trump's U.S. Supreme Court justice nominee, Amy Coney Barrett. Graham said the president "has every right to do this."
Harrison also claimed that the senator, when he was a congressman, said he would term-limit himself. "If you don't believe me, Google it," Harrison said.
Graham had a simple response. "You can limit my term Nov. 3 if you like."
The questions were so 2020. So was the scene
Most queries were coronavirus-related questions, but others touched on topics from abortion to climate change and from police reform to negative advertising in political campaigns. Some questions were local, including ones about South Carolina infrastructure investment, historically Black colleges and universities, and tourism.
Coronavirus also shaped the stage and the scene. The candidates' podiums stood 13 feet apart, and no spectators were allowed in the audience at Allen University.
Harrison also said he brought the plexiglass barricade installed near his setup. That image yielded the first viral tweet of the night.
Jaime Harrison brought his own plexiglas divider to his Senate debate with Lindsay Graham. #SCSen pic.twitter.com/MX15BaY5S2 — Amy S. Rosenberg (@amysrosenberg) October 4, 2020
So, what did they say about the coronavirus?
Graham called the virus "serious." But he also stressed that "we have to move on as a nation." He noted that vaccines should be "ready any month now, maybe sooner," and that drug therapies" are working.
He said he is not going to "shut down" the nation. "This virus is going to pass," Graham said.
Harrison instead said there had been "a failure in leadership" in addressing the pandemic, saying America needed a 50-state strategy.
“We failed to act," Harrison said. "The Senate failed to act. The White House failed to act. The governors failed to act. We need leaders who are going to step up and act.”
He said there was a need for a mask mandate, more testing in South Carolina and more federal benefits to those left unemployed due to the coronavirus.
Graham said he believed some of the unemployed were refusing to go back to work because they were being paid more in benefits than they did on the job.
They agreed — more than once
They both said climate change was real but that they didn't support the New Green Deal, a Democratic-led congressional resolution to fight climate change.
They both said they don't want to defund police departments. They want to protect social security. And they both claimed they would reach across the aisle in the spirit of bipartisanship as South Carolina's senator.
They both got personal
Each relied upon a resume of resilience rooted in humble South Carolina.
Harrison, 44, introduced himself as the son of a teenage mother who was raised by grandparents who had less than a high school education. He spoke of how he graduated from Yale and Georgetown Law. Later, he spoke of his great-aunt, who died due to the coronavirus in a nursing home.
Graham, 65, also spoke about humble South Carolina roots. He brought up on a few occasions his family's businesses of a restaurant-bar-and-liquor store. He spoke about how when he was 21, his mother died of cancer, and after his father died 15 months later, Graham became the caretaker of his younger sister.
That's not to say the debate didn't get a bit feisty there at the end
The final moments of exchanges felt a bit more like clashing campaign advertisements than a debate.
After Harrison brought up paying off his student loans, Graham asked why he couldn't pay this debt because of riches earned as a lobbyist, a point made in Graham campaign advertisements.
Harrison countered in rebuttal.
"You are worried about everybody's else paycheck other than your own," said Harrison, raising the issue that Graham voted for his own raises.
Harrison also said he helps financially support his sons, wife and his mother.
In the final 20 seconds, Graham started to explain how he supports his aunt and his niece. But moderator Judi Gaston cut him off.
The debate, she said, was over. Then, she mentioned what was next.
In-person absentee voting in South Carolina starts Monday.


usatoday--2020-10-06--'Ain't nobody better': Carlos Correa burnishes postseason cred as Astros blast A's 10-5 in ALDS open

This odd Houston Astros journey into October has been so much about re-writing history , re-litigating championships won under dubious conditions , saying the things people may want to hear , that it ’ s easy to forget the actual , physical ability of the central characters .
And come autumn , few are better than Carlos Correa and George Springer .
Yeah , there ’ s no 2017 do-overs , no surrendering of a World Series trophy the Astros won partially , probably significantly , through dubious means , with an electronic sign-stealing scandal sullying their championship and various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to perform under duress don ’ t just disappear because your foibles are exposed for all the world to see .
And Monday afternoon , under a crackling sun that conspired to send baseballs into Dodger Stadium ’ s nether reaches , the Astros probably won their American League Division Series , due in large part to two of the greatest postseason performers in baseball history .
Major League Baseball ’ s response to the novel coronavirus determined they ’ d play this ALDS against the Oakland Athletics in the same stadium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where Springer was named Series MVP and Correa got down on a knee and became an engaged man , live , on national television .
This time , they arrived sullied heroes , and still searching for the timing and production that eluded them during the Astros ’ 29-31 season , a far cry from their three consecutive 100-win seasons .
In one afternoon , though , they served notice that this postseason stay may also be an extended one .
Correa leveraged that 91-degree L.A. afternoon and perhaps some hyperactive baseballs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Springer merely collected four hits and wore out an A ’ s pitching staff that bested the Astros in the regular season but in October suddenly looks very overmatched .
And in erasing a pair of early deficits and registering a 10-5 victory , the Astros and their two October stalwarts showed something resembling normal .
PREVIEW : Who will win battle of AL West rivals ?
“ Water seeks its own level .
George is closing in on 200 ABs and that ’ s about the time the big boys start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baker about Springer , who batted .265 in a pedestrian regular season , perhaps his last in Houston .
He and Baker credited recent work with hitting coach Alex Cintron to right some mechanical woes that dogged him late in a year in which he produced a career-worst .709 OPS .
It showed when he slugged a pair of home runs in their two-game sweep of Minnesota .
And even moreso Tuesday , when Correa ’ s two-run homer off A ’ s ace Chris Bassitt erased a 3-1 deficit in the fourth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s right , ” says Astros Game 1 starter Lance McCullers , “ ain ’ t nobody better .
And that ’ s just facts.
” Indeed , Correa became the first shortstop in big league history to have multiple multi-homer playoff games .
He now has 16 career playoff homers , which , at 26 , moves him into the top 10 all-time .
The man Correa tied at No .
10 ?
Carlos Beltran , who was the clubhouse conductor behind the Astros ’ sign-stealing scheme that significantly marred their 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the weeks before COVID-19 shut down the industry .
Correa may carry the villain tag forever .
McCullers , his 2012 draftmate and admittedly one of his best bros , thinks that ’ s silly .
“ Carlos Correa is not a villain .
He ’ s an amazing human , a humanitarian , ” says McCullers , who was dinged by three home run balls in his four innings of work .
“ He takes care of Houston .
He takes care of Puerto Rico .
“ The way people want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to go out there and win playoff games.
” Springer , meanwhile , now has 60 career postseason hits and an OPS approaching .900 .
A free agent this offseason , he will make a centerpiece in somebody ’ s outfield , but also might claim another championship on his way out of town .
There ’ s still 10 more wins to stack , which may do little to dissuade the skeptics .
It would certainly wash the taste of a most miserable year .
“ I just think we slowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is the playoffs , ” says Springer .
“ You never know if you ’ re going to get back here , so you might as well enjoy it.
” They usually do .

'Ain't nobody better': Carlos Correa burnishes postseason cred as Astros blast A's 10-5 in ALDS opener
Show Caption Hide Caption Are the Houston Astros fighting for their legacy this postseason? SportsPulse: The Houston Astros were the embarrassment of the league heading into the season after the team's cheating scandal was revealed. Our MLB reporters debate if they're fighting for their legacies this postseason. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
This odd Houston Astros journey into October has been so much about re-writing history, re-litigating championships won under dubious conditions, saying the things people may want to hear, that it’s easy to forget the actual, physical ability of the central characters.
And come autumn, few are better than Carlos Correa and George Springer.
Yeah, there’s no 2017 do-overs, no surrendering of a World Series trophy the Astros won partially, probably significantly, through dubious means, with an electronic sign-stealing scandal sullying their championship and various legacies.
But physical skill and the ability to perform under duress don’t just disappear because your foibles are exposed for all the world to see. And Monday afternoon, under a crackling sun that conspired to send baseballs into Dodger Stadium’s nether reaches, the Astros probably won their American League Division Series, due in large part to two of the greatest postseason performers in baseball history.
Major League Baseball’s response to the novel coronavirus determined they’d play this ALDS against the Oakland Athletics in the same stadium the Astros concluded their 2017 World Series, where Springer was named Series MVP and Correa got down on a knee and became an engaged man, live, on national television.
This time, they arrived sullied heroes, and still searching for the timing and production that eluded them during the Astros’ 29-31 season, a far cry from their three consecutive 100-win seasons.
In one afternoon, though, they served notice that this postseason stay may also be an extended one.
Correa leveraged that 91-degree L.A. afternoon and perhaps some hyperactive baseballs to pound a pair of home runs. Springer merely collected four hits and wore out an A’s pitching staff that bested the Astros in the regular season but in October suddenly looks very overmatched.
And in erasing a pair of early deficits and registering a 10-5 victory, the Astros and their two October stalwarts showed something resembling normal.
PLAYOFFS: Ranking the eight remaining contenders
PREVIEW: Who will win battle of AL West rivals?
“Water seeks its own level. George is closing in on 200 ABs and that’s about the time the big boys start swinging it,” mused manager Dusty Baker about Springer, who batted .265 in a pedestrian regular season, perhaps his last in Houston.
As for Correa?
He and Baker credited recent work with hitting coach Alex Cintron to right some mechanical woes that dogged him late in a year in which he produced a career-worst .709 OPS. It showed when he slugged a pair of home runs in their two-game sweep of Minnesota.
And even moreso Tuesday, when Correa’s two-run homer off A’s ace Chris Bassitt erased a 3-1 deficit in the fourth inning.
“When Carlos Correa’s right,” says Astros Game 1 starter Lance McCullers, “ain’t nobody better. And that’s just facts.”
Indeed, Correa became the first shortstop in big league history to have multiple multi-homer playoff games. He now has 16 career playoff homers, which, at 26, moves him into the top 10 all-time.
The man Correa tied at No. 10? Carlos Beltran, who was the clubhouse conductor behind the Astros’ sign-stealing scheme that significantly marred their 2017 title and made them springtime punching bags in the weeks before COVID-19 shut down the industry.
Correa may carry the villain tag forever. McCullers, his 2012 draftmate and admittedly one of his best bros, thinks that’s silly.
“Carlos Correa is not a villain. He’s an amazing human, a humanitarian,” says McCullers, who was dinged by three home run balls in his four innings of work. “He takes care of Houston. He takes care of Puerto Rico.
“The way people want to perceive us is fine. We have to go out there and win playoff games.”
Springer, meanwhile, now has 60 career postseason hits and an OPS approaching .900. A free agent this offseason, he will make a centerpiece in somebody’s outfield, but also might claim another championship on his way out of town.
There’s still 10 more wins to stack, which may do little to dissuade the skeptics. It would certainly wash the taste of a most miserable year.
“I just think we slowed it down, finally, understood that this is the playoffs,” says Springer. “You never know if you’re going to get back here, so you might as well enjoy it.”
They usually do.


usatoday--2020-10-02--Hiker tackles Parkinson's and Appalachian Trail

After Dan Schoenthal was diagnosed with Parkinson 's disease , he decided now is the time to finally accomplish a @ @ @ @ @ Appalachian trail .

Hiker tackles Parkinson's and Appalachian Trail
After Dan Schoenthal was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, he decided now is the time to finally accomplish a lifelong goal of hiking the Appalachian trail.
Sportskind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-05--McDonald's introduces new celebrity collaboration meal with J Balvin

You could get a free McFlurry when you order the new J Balvin meal at McDonald 's .

McDonald's releases new celebrity collaboration meal with J Balvin
You could get a free McFlurry when you order the new J Balvin meal at McDonald's.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-05--3 annoying face mask problems and how to fix it

3 annoying face mask problems and how to fix it Here are 3 solutions to fix those annoying face mask @ @

COVID-19: Fix annoying face mask issues
Here are 3 solutions to fix those annoying face mask problems.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-06--Shortly after returning from Walter Reed, Trump sends update from White House balcony

Shortly after returning from Walter Reed , Trump sends update from White House balcony Shortly after returning to the White @ @ @ @ @ the staff of Walter Reed hospital where he was treated for COVID-19 .

Pres. Trump tweets update from White House balcony
Shortly after returning to the White House, President Trump thanked the staff of Walter Reed hospital where he was treated for COVID-19.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-06--Donald Trump, infected with COVID-19, has returned to the White House. Doctors offer varying opinion

Should President Donald Trump have left Walter Reed National Military Medical Center while he has COVID-19 ?
Doctors have varying opinions on whether it was a good idea given he 's spent three days in the hospital , required oxygen and is on at least two medications that require IV drugs .
`` Feeling really good !
Don ’ t be afraid of Covid .
Don ’ t let it dominate your life , '' Trump tweeted Monday afternoon before returning to the White House .
`` We have developed , under the Trump Administration , some really great drugs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did 20 years ago ! ''
But leaving the hospital now could be problematic , according to some doctors who treat COVID-19 patients .
Although the White House has an excellent medical unit , it ’ s known that people with severe COVID-19 can deteriorate quickly — within 30 minutes to an hour , said Bob Wachter , chair of medicine at the University of California , San Francisco .
“ You want to be 50 feet from an ICU , not a helicopter ride away , ” he said .
How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest commander-in-chief to downplay medical troubles Sean Conley , the president 's doctor , acknowledged in a news conference Monday afternoon that the next week will be crucial to Trump 's recovery .
“ Though he may not entirely be out of the woods yet , the team and I agree that all our evaluations , and most importantly , his clinical status , support the president ’ s safe return home , where he ’ ll be surrounded by world-class medical care 24/7 , '' Conley said .
Conley added the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours , his oxygen levels were good , he 's was walking around and his breathing was normal .
`` Today it got to the point , he ’ s holding court with those of us around him , the whole team , going over all specifics , the testing , what the future is , '' he said .
`` We ’ ve been back and forth on what ’ s safe and what ’ s reasonable , and he has never once pushed us to do anything that was beyond safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted . ''
As the president will have access to high-quality care at his residence , it 's not unreasonable to send him home , said Dr. J. Randall Curtis , a professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle .
'All of us pay the price ' : White House rebuffed CDC offer to lead contact tracing investigation of Trump outbreak '' If he really is getting better , the chance that he will need more intensive care or a ventilator is low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's low , '' he said .
Curtis said he has had patients in their 70s and even 80s who have done well with mild COVID-19 and been able to return home .
That 's reasonable `` as long as they have someone to keep an eye on them , '' he said .
The decision really depends on the clinical judgment of the treating physicians , said Dr. Otto Yang , a professor of infectious disease at the University of California , Los Angeles .
“ If somebody has clearly turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is not requiring oxygen , then it ’ s not unreasonable to send them home , especially if they have reliable follow up care , ” he said .
Curtis emphasized the president 's course of illness ca n't be extrapolated to everyone else who gets the disease .
`` This in no way diminishes the importance of masks and social distancing , '' he said .
`` Over 200,000 people have died in the United States .
It is irresponsible to not take the pandemic seriously simply because one person 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Others are less convinced .
Wachter noted the president still has two to three days during which he is at highest risk for a sharp downturn in his condition .
`` If the president is demanding to return to the White House , it ’ s a sign of poor decision-making , '' he said .
Wachter said he was n't privy to the president 's full medical history and it 's impossible to know if he is being affected by the illness , which can cause fuzzy thinking called `` COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a steroid , dexamethasone , which can cause mania .
But Wachter was adamant that no one who 's hospitalized with COVID-19 should be allowed to make a medical determination of their ability to leave .
White House COVID-19 outbreak shows the limits of testing.Even the most accurate ones can miss the coronavirus early '' The same things that will make you altered in your thinking will also make you unable to make good judgments as to whether you ’ re altered , '' he said .
If he had a patient wanting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stay for severe COVID-19 , who was on multiple medicines and needing oxygen , his strong medical advice would be for them not to do it .
`` If they insisted , '' Wachter said , `` I would have them sign a form saying they were leaving against medical advice , so they could not sue us later for malpractice . ''

Elizabeth Weise and Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY

Donald Trump, infected with COVID-19, has returned to the White House. Doctors offer varying opinions on whether it was a good idea.
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump makes surprise visit in SUV outside Walter Reed President Donald Trump left the hospital minutes after tweeting that he was going to surprise supporters outside Walter Reed. USA TODAY, Wochit
Should President Donald Trump have left Walter Reed National Military Medical Center while he has COVID-19?
Doctors have varying opinions on whether it was a good idea given he's spent three days in the hospital, required oxygen and is on at least two medications that require IV drugs.
"Feeling really good! Don’t be afraid of Covid. Don’t let it dominate your life," Trump tweeted Monday afternoon before returning to the White House. "We have developed, under the Trump Administration, some really great drugs & knowledge. I feel better than I did 20 years ago!"
But leaving the hospital now could be problematic, according to some doctors who treat COVID-19 patients.
Although the White House has an excellent medical unit, it’s known that people with severe COVID-19 can deteriorate quickly — within 30 minutes to an hour, said Bob Wachter, chair of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
“You want to be 50 feet from an ICU, not a helicopter ride away,” he said.
How sick is the president? Donald Trump latest commander-in-chief to downplay medical troubles
Sean Conley, the president's doctor, acknowledged in a news conference Monday afternoon that the next week will be crucial to Trump's recovery.
“Though he may not entirely be out of the woods yet, the team and I agree that all our evaluations, and most importantly, his clinical status, support the president’s safe return home, where he’ll be surrounded by world-class medical care 24/7," Conley said.
Conley added the president had not had a fever in 72 hours, his oxygen levels were good, he's was walking around and his breathing was normal.
"Today it got to the point, he’s holding court with those of us around him, the whole team, going over all specifics, the testing, what the future is," he said. "We’ve been back and forth on what’s safe and what’s reasonable, and he has never once pushed us to do anything that was beyond safe and reasonable practice that we all first wanted."
As the president will have access to high-quality care at his residence, it's not unreasonable to send him home, said Dr. J. Randall Curtis, a professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.
'All of us pay the price': White House rebuffed CDC offer to lead contact tracing investigation of Trump outbreak
"If he really is getting better, the chance that he will need more intensive care or a ventilator is low. It's not zero, but it's low," he said.
Curtis said he has had patients in their 70s and even 80s who have done well with mild COVID-19 and been able to return home. That's reasonable "as long as they have someone to keep an eye on them," he said.
The decision really depends on the clinical judgment of the treating physicians, said Dr. Otto Yang, a professor of infectious disease at the University of California, Los Angeles.
“If somebody has clearly turned a corner and is doing very well and is not requiring oxygen, then it’s not unreasonable to send them home, especially if they have reliable follow up care,” he said.
Curtis emphasized the president's course of illness can't be extrapolated to everyone else who gets the disease.
"This in no way diminishes the importance of masks and social distancing," he said. "Over 200,000 people have died in the United States. It is irresponsible to not take the pandemic seriously simply because one person's medical course was not that bad."
Others are less convinced. Wachter noted the president still has two to three days during which he is at highest risk for a sharp downturn in his condition.
"If the president is demanding to return to the White House, it’s a sign of poor decision-making," he said.
Wachter said he wasn't privy to the president's full medical history and it's impossible to know if he is being affected by the illness, which can cause fuzzy thinking called "COVID fog." He's also taking a steroid, dexamethasone, which can cause mania.
But Wachter was adamant that no one who's hospitalized with COVID-19 should be allowed to make a medical determination of their ability to leave.
White House COVID-19 outbreak shows the limits of testing. Even the most accurate ones can miss the coronavirus early
"The same things that will make you altered in your thinking will also make you unable to make good judgments as to whether you’re altered," he said.
If he had a patient wanting to leave the hospital three days into a stay for severe COVID-19, who was on multiple medicines and needing oxygen, his strong medical advice would be for them not to do it.
"If they insisted," Wachter said, "I would have them sign a form saying they were leaving against medical advice, so they could not sue us later for malpractice."


usatoday--2020-10-05--The week in polls: Trump trails in 10 of 11 swing states, plurality says Biden won 1st debate

Last week , one of the most chaotic and belligerent presidential debates in U.S. history was overshadowed in little more than 48 hours by the news that President Donald Trump had tested positive for COVID-19 .
With all that going on , it 's understandable if you missed the flood of polls that are still rolling in on the state of the race between Trump and his Democratic challenger , Joe Biden .
USA TODAY is here to help .
Each week , we look at look the cumulative seven-days worth of polls , so you do n't have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they showed .
First , we look at the USA TODAY average of averages , which is based on the national averages compiled by polling sites RealClearPolitics and FiveThirtyEight , and see how the race has shifted from the week before .
Next , we look at the average polling data on key swing states .
Then , we look at the latest polls on tight Senate races .
Finally , we look at any interesting outliers , voter stances on important issues and any other pieces of data that jump out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ week were conducted wholly or partially before the presidential debate and few were completed after Trump 's announcement that he had contracted COVID-19 .
Last week : Biden gains on Trump nationally , leads in most swing states A Suffolk University/USA TODAY Network poll found Democrat Mark Kelly with a commanding lead over Sen. Martha McSally , R-Ariz. , suggesting Democrats in the state could sweep the top two races for the first time since 1944 , as the poll also found Biden with a 4-point lead over Trump .
A poll from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found Sen. Thom Tillis trailing his Democratic opponent , Cal Cunningham , 49 % -43 % , among likely voters .
That poll was conducted before Cunningham admitted he had sent text messages of a sexual nature to a woman who is not his wife .
It was also done before Tillis revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Polls continue to find Sen. Lindsey Graham in a tough fight for a fourth Senate term against his Democtaic challenger Jaime Harrison .
A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday found the two candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 48 % of likely voters .
Forty-nine percent of registered voters said Biden did a better job at Tuesday ’ s debate compared to 24 % who said Trump performed better , an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found – one of the few surveys released this week that was wholly conducted after the debate .
Seventeen percent did n't think either candidate did better than the other .
Overall , 73 % of those polled said the debates would have no influence on how they ’ d vote .
A New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found 64 % of likely Florida voters at least somewhat disapproved of the way Trump conducted himself during the debate , compared to the 39 % of voters who disapproved of Biden ’ s performance .
Nealry two-thirds say Trump could have avoided infection A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Sunday found 65 % – including 9 in 10 registered Democrats and 5 in 10 registered Republicans – believed if Trump `` had taken coronavirus more seriously , he probably would not have been infected . ''
Just over a third of Americans said Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the pandemic , while 55 % did not .
Overall , 57 % of Americans disapproved of how Trump has handled the coronavirus outbreak .
The Trump campaign announced Saturday it planned to resume in-person campaigning , despite Trump 's condition .
But more than two-thirds ( 67 % ) of Americans said the candidates should stop in-person campaigning because of the risk of spreading the virus .
According to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project , 56 % of Americans disapprove of the president 's handling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February , When broken down by race and ethnicity , Black ( 72 % ) , Latino ( 68 % ) , and Asian and Pacific Islander ( 68 % ) Americans are much more likely than white Americans ( 48 % ) to disapprove of the president 's handling of race , though white Americans disapproval is up 5 percentage points since February .

The week in polls: Trump trails in 10 of 11 swing states, plurality says Biden won 1st debate
Show Caption Hide Caption How polls work: The science behind gathering voter opinions The news cycle is jampacked with polls. But have you ever wondered how polls actually work and what they mean? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Last week, one of the most chaotic and belligerent presidential debates in U.S. history was overshadowed in little more than 48 hours by the news that President Donald Trump had tested positive for COVID-19.
With all that going on, it's understandable if you missed the flood of polls that are still rolling in on the state of the race between Trump and his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden.
USA TODAY is here to help. Each week, we look at look the cumulative seven-days worth of polls, so you don't have to and give you the gist of what they showed.
First, we look at the USA TODAY average of averages, which is based on the national averages compiled by polling sites RealClearPolitics and FiveThirtyEight, and see how the race has shifted from the week before. Next, we look at the average polling data on key swing states. Then, we look at the latest polls on tight Senate races. Finally, we look at any interesting outliers, voter stances on important issues and any other pieces of data that jump out.
Many of the polls in the past week were conducted wholly or partially before the presidential debate and few were completed after Trump's announcement that he had contracted COVID-19.
Last week: Biden gains on Trump nationally, leads in most swing states
National average
USA TODAY average of averages: Biden 50.8%, Trump 42.7% (Biden +8.1)
Last week: Biden 50.1%, Trump 42.9% (Biden +7.2)
Net change: Biden +0.9
RCP: Biden 50.7%, Trump 42.4%
FiveThirtyEight: Biden 50.8%, Trump 42.8%
Swing state averages
Arizona : Biden +3.3
USA TODAY average of averages: Biden 48.6%, Trump 45.3%
Last week: Biden 48.4%, Trump 44.8%
Net change: Trump +0.3
Florida : Biden +2.4
USA TODAY average of averages: Biden 47.9%, Trump 45.5%
Last week: Biden 48.4%, Trump 46.8%
Net change: Biden +0.8
Georgia : Biden +0.5
USA TODAY average of averages: Biden 47.0%, Trump 46.5%
Last week: Trump 46.8%, Biden 45.6%
Net change: Biden +1.7
Michigan : Biden +5.9
USA TODAY average of averages: Biden 49.7%, Trump 43.8%
Last week: Biden 49.6%, Trump 43.5%
Net change: Trump +0.2
Minnesota : Biden +8.8
USA TODAY average of averages: Biden 50.3%, Trump 41.5%
Last week: Biden 50.6%, Trump 41.5%
Net change: Trump +0.3
Nevada : Biden +5.7
USA TODAY average of averages: Biden 49.2%, Trump 43.5%
Last week: Biden 48.9%, Trump 43.0%
Net change: Trump +0.2
North Carolina : Biden +1.0
USA TODAY average of averages: Biden 47.5%, Trump 46.5%
Last week: Biden 47.3%, Trump 46.3%
Net change: 0.0
Ohio : Biden +1.5
USA TODAY average of averages: Biden 48.1%, Trump 46.6%
Last week: Biden 48.5%, Trump 46.3%
Net change: Trump +0.7
Pennsylvania : Biden +6.2
USA TODAY average of averages: Biden 50.4%, Trump 44.2%
Last week: Biden 49.4%, Trump 44.6%
Net change: Biden +1.4
Texas : Trump +2.8
USA TODAY average of averages: Trump 48.3%, Biden 45.5%
Last week: Trump 47.9%, Biden 45.2%
Net change: Trump +0.1
Wisconsin : Biden +6.1
USA TODAY average of averages: Biden 50.2%, Trump 44.1%
Last week: Biden 50.7%, Trump 43.8%
Net change: Trump +0.8
Senate races
Arizona: McSally vs. Kelly
A Suffolk University/USA TODAY Network poll found Democrat Mark Kelly with a commanding lead over Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., suggesting Democrats in the state could sweep the top two races for the first time since 1944, as the poll also found Biden with a 4-point lead over Trump.
Kelly led McSally by 9 percentage points.
North Carolina: Tillis vs. Cunningham
A poll from the University of Massachusetts Lowell released Tuesday found Sen. Thom Tillis trailing his Democratic opponent, Cal Cunningham, 49%-43%, among likely voters.
That poll was conducted before Cunningham admitted he had sent text messages of a sexual nature to a woman who is not his wife. It was also done before Tillis revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19.
South Carolina: Graham vs. Harrison
Polls continue to find Sen. Lindsey Graham in a tough fight for a fourth Senate term against his Democtaic challenger Jaime Harrison.
A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday found the two candidates even with each enjoying the support of 48% of likely voters.
Poll-pourri
Who won the debate?
Forty-nine percent of registered voters said Biden did a better job at Tuesday’s debate compared to 24% who said Trump performed better, an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll found – one of the few surveys released this week that was wholly conducted after the debate. Seventeen percent didn't think either candidate did better than the other.
Overall, 73% of those polled said the debates would have no influence on how they’d vote.
A New York Times/Siena College poll conducted after the debate found 64% of likely Florida voters at least somewhat disapproved of the way Trump conducted himself during the debate, compared to the 39% of voters who disapproved of Biden’s performance.
Nealry two-thirds say Trump could have avoided infection
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Sunday found 65% – including 9 in 10 registered Democrats and 5 in 10 registered Republicans – believed if Trump "had taken coronavirus more seriously, he probably would not have been infected." Just over a third of Americans said Trump has been telling the country the truth about the pandemic, while 55% did not.
Overall, 57% of Americans disapproved of how Trump has handled the coronavirus outbreak.
The Trump campaign announced Saturday it planned to resume in-person campaigning, despite Trump's condition. But more than two-thirds (67%) of Americans said the candidates should stop in-person campaigning because of the risk of spreading the virus.
Half disapprove of Trump's handling of race
According to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project, 56% of Americans disapprove of the president's handling of race – a six-percentage point increase from February,
When broken down by race and ethnicity, Black (72%), Latino (68%), and Asian and Pacific Islander (68%) Americans are much more likely than white Americans (48%) to disapprove of the president's handling of race, though white Americans disapproval is up 5 percentage points since February.
Contributing: Rebecca Morin, Matthew Brown, Sarah Elbeshbishi, Frank Witsil and Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY; Ronald J. Hansen, Arizona Republic


usatoday--2020-10-05--White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tests positive for COVID-19

Days after President Trump tested positive , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has also tested positive for COVID-19 .

Trump's press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tests positive for COVID-19
Days after President Trump tested positive, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has also tested positive for COVID-19.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-05--Poll: Biden up 10 points after Trump contracts coronavirus, 59% say postpone Oct. 15 debate until he

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden 's lead over President Donald Trump grew slightly in one of the first national polls conducted since the president announced he tested positive for COVID-19 .
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Sunday found Biden ahead of Trump by 10 percentage points ( 51 % -41 % ) among likely voters , a 1-point jump from a poll Sept. 30 .
That increase falls within the survey 's margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points .
An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll conducted before Trump became ill found Biden had surged to a 14-point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jump from a NBC/WSJ survey Sept. 20 .
Trump 's infection raised doubts that the candidates would be able to hold their second debate Oct. 15 , as scheduled .
Fifty-nine percent of Americans in the Reuters/Ipsos poll say the debate should be postponed until Trump has recovered from the virus .
The poll was conducted Friday and Saturday .
Trump announced early Friday he and first lady Melania Trump contracted the virus .
Before his announcement , Trump was rarely seen wearing a mask in public and had held several large in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defying recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Trump 's progress unclear : Trump 's doctors say he could go home Monday .
Other COVID-19 physicians say that seems early He regularly told Americans that the end of the outbreak was near , even as data indicated otherwise .
In his book `` Rage , '' journalist Bob Woodward said Trump told him in March he wanted to downplay the severity of the pandemic .
Sunday 's survey found 65 % – including 9 in 10 registered Democrats and 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Trump `` had taken coronavirus more seriously , he probably would not have been infected . ''
Slightly more than a third of Americans say Trump has been telling the country the truth about the pandemic , and 55 % say he has not .
Overall , 57 % of Americans disapprove of how Trump has handled the coronavirus outbreak .
The Trump campaign announced Saturday it planned to resume in-person campaigning , despite Trump contracting the coronavirus .
`` Operation MAGA '' will kick off with Vice President Mike Pence holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More than two-thirds ( 67 % ) of Americans say the candidates should stop in-person campaigning because of the risk of spreading the virus .

Poll: Biden up 10 points after Trump contracts coronavirus, 59% say postpone Oct. 15 debate until he recovers
Show Caption Hide Caption How polls work: The science behind gathering voter opinions The news cycle is jampacked with polls. But have you ever wondered how polls actually work and what they mean? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's lead over President Donald Trump grew slightly in one of the first national polls conducted since the president announced he tested positive for COVID-19.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Sunday found Biden ahead of Trump by 10 percentage points (51%-41%) among likely voters, a 1-point jump from a poll Sept. 30. That increase falls within the survey's margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.
An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll conducted before Trump became ill found Biden had surged to a 14-point lead among registered voters, a 6-point jump from a NBC/WSJ survey Sept. 20.
Trump's infection raised doubts that the candidates would be able to hold their second debate Oct. 15, as scheduled.
Fifty-nine percent of Americans in the Reuters/Ipsos poll say the debate should be postponed until Trump has recovered from the virus.
The poll was conducted Friday and Saturday. Trump announced early Friday he and first lady Melania Trump contracted the virus.
Before his announcement, Trump was rarely seen wearing a mask in public and had held several large in-person events, some of them indoors, defying recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Trump's progress unclear: Trump's doctors say he could go home Monday. Other COVID-19 physicians say that seems early
He regularly told Americans that the end of the outbreak was near, even as data indicated otherwise. In his book "Rage," journalist Bob Woodward said Trump told him in March he wanted to downplay the severity of the pandemic.
Sunday's survey found 65% – including 9 in 10 registered Democrats and 5 in 10 registered Republicans – say that if Trump "had taken coronavirus more seriously, he probably would not have been infected." Slightly more than a third of Americans say Trump has been telling the country the truth about the pandemic, and 55% say he has not.
Overall, 57% of Americans disapprove of how Trump has handled the coronavirus outbreak.
The Trump campaign announced Saturday it planned to resume in-person campaigning, despite Trump contracting the coronavirus. "Operation MAGA" will kick off with Vice President Mike Pence holding a rally in Arizona on Thursday.
More than two-thirds (67%) of Americans say the candidates should stop in-person campaigning because of the risk of spreading the virus.


usatoday--2020-10-05--Supreme Court: Could COVID-19 infections and Democratic delays torpedo Amy Coney Barrett's confirmat

WASHINGTON – The day before Sen. Mike Lee disclosed he had tested positive for COVID-19 , the Utah Republican participated in an in-person Senate Judiciary Committee meeting that lasted about 90 minutes and was attended by 15 other senators .
That session Thursday – during which Lee and other senators debated nominations while not wearing masks – highlights the possible pitfalls of the Senate Republicans ' fast-track confirmation plan for Amy Coney Barrett , President Donald Trump 's nominee for the Supreme Court vacancy .
Trump disclosed that he had tested positive Friday , and at least seven other people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett 's nomination have also been infected , including two Republican members of the Judiciary Committee .
Many other senators on the committee , which will question Barrett and consider whether she should be confirmed to the high court , have almost certainly been exposed to the coronavirus.If additional senators become ill and if they abide by federal quarantine guidelines , that could jeopardize the already-scrunched timeline for Barrett 's confirmation .
Sarah Binder , an expert on Congress with the Brookings Institution think tank , said the variables are the course of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` how brazen Republicans will be to bend or nuke rules that require physical presence of senators . ''
We watched hours of Amy Barrett speeches : Here ’ s what we learned about her judicial philosophy Here 's what we know about the timeline to confirm Barrett and whether it could be delayed or derailed : The Judiciary Committee , chaired by Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , plans to begin confirmation hearings Oct. 12 .
He said the hearings will last three to four days – and lawmakers can attend in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go forward even though the full Senate is in recess because of COVID-19 .
Democrats can use delaying tactics to draw out the hearings .
They accused the GOP of rushing Barrett 's confirmation in a `` power grab '' to cement a conservative tilt on the Supreme Court and argued the hearings would put more senators at risk of contracting COVID-19 .
It 's not clear how long Democrats can extend the confirmation process .
Sen. Dick Durbin , D-Ill. , a Judiciary Committee member , said they can slow Barrett 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A committee spokesperson did not respond to questions about a date the panel would vote on Barrett 's confirmation .
A committee vote could happen as early as Oct. 16 , but that seems unlikely .
Generally , Democrats can force a one-week hold on a committee vote .
If more senators become ill , that could further complicate the proceedings .
Which committee members have been diagnosed with COVID-19 ?
Two Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee have disclosed positive test results : Lee and Sen. Thom Tillis , R-N.C. Lee said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day he attended the Judiciary Committee 's meeting – after experiencing what he initially thought were allergy symptoms .
When he disclosed the positive result Friday , Lee said he would isolate for the next 10 days .
That means Lee could return to Senate business as early as Oct. 13 , the day after the Barrett hearings begin and the first day she will be questioned by lawmakers .
His return could be delayed if he becomes seriously ill. Tillis also reported testing positive Friday and said he would isolate for 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sunday , a spokesman for Tillis said his mild symptoms `` have significantly improved , and the only lingering symptom is the loss of his sense of taste and smell.
” Trump , others positive for COVID-19 : A running list of those tested and their results Have other senators been exposed ?
Yes .
Lee was probably contagious Thursday when he attended the committee hearing , a business meeting to discuss several lower-court nominees and a pending bill .
A video of the committee session shows Lee and 15 others animatedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where senators and staff were seated apart from each other .
Senators generally took their masks off when they spoke , and Lee raised his voice , which health experts say can propel air droplets farther than normal conversation does .
Several of those in the room announced negative test results Friday and Saturday , but it can take a few days after exposure for a test to show infection .
It can take up to 14 days before an infected person shows symptoms .
Lee attended a Senate GOP lunch Sept. 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , possibly widening the number of Republicans exposed if he was contagious .
One other Republican senator has tested positive : Ron Johnson of Wisconsin .
He is not on the Judiciary Committee .
`` Senator Johnson feels healthy and is not experiencing symptoms , '' his spokesperson , Ben Voelkel , said in a statement Saturday .
`` He will remain isolated until given the all-clear by his doctor . ''
Johnson was not among those attending the White House ceremony announcing Barrett 's nomination .
What happens if others test positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats on the Judiciary Committee .
If two Republicans are out of pocket for the vote , the makeup of the committee would be evenly split : 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats .
As long as the committee has a majority of its members present for a vote – 12 of the committee 's 22 senators – other senators can vote by proxy under the panel 's rules .
Republicans could advance Barrett 's nomination to the full Senate even if she receives an unfavorable vote in committee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nonpartisan arm of the legislative branch .
A negative recommendation or no recommendation `` permits a nomination to go forward , while alerting the Senate that a substantial number of committee members have reservations about the nomination , '' according to a CRS report on the Senate 's judicial confirmation process .
If several Republicans are ill and unable to attend a vote , the Democrats could try to deny the GOP the majority needed to advance Barrett 's nomination by not showing up .
Under the panel 's rules , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the committee unless a majority `` is actually present at the time such action is taken and a majority of those present support the action taken . ''
Binder , a professor of political science at George Washington University , said the Judiciary Committee 's rules require at least two members of the minority party to be present for a nine-person quorum to conduct business – such as voting on the Barrett recommendation .
She noted that Graham ignored that rule last year when he wanted to approve a bill Democrats opposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at `` little cost . ''
If would be harder , she said , for Graham to blow off the rule that requires 12 of 22 senators to be “ actually present ” to vote on a nomination .
If two Republican senators are too ill or too contagious to attend a committee meeting in person , the panel 's vote could be delayed , she said .
If and when Barrett goes to the full Senate , Democrats can continue to gum up the works , though they have not indicated how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Barrett 's nomination goes to the Senate floor ?
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , has not scheduled a vote on Barrett 's confirmation , but he has made it clear he wants her confirmed before the election Nov. 3 .
Two Republican senators indicated they will not support Barrett 's confirmation if the vote is held before the election : Sens .
Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska .
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the chamber , and Vice President Mike Pence can break any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McConnell has not changed Senate rules to allow proxy voting in light of the pandemic .
Sunday , Sen. Tom Cotton , R-Ark.
, predicted Barrett would be confirmed by the end of October , and he noted that senators in past years voted despite serious ailments .
“ There is a long tradition of ill or medically infirm senators being wheeled in to cast critical votes on the Senate floor , ” Cotton said .
“ Most recently , ( West Virginia Democratic Sen. ) Robert Byrd in 2009 repeatedly rolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months before his death , to vote for Obamacare.
” Byrd , 92 , did not have a highly contagious virus .
The Senate 's top Democrat , Chuck Schumer of New York , said Sunday that his party `` will use every tool in the toolbox to delay and not have the votes occur . ''
For Democrats to prevail , at least three GOP senators would have to be absent – and all Democrats would have to be present and vote `` no , '' along with Republicans Collins and Murkowski @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Supreme Court: Could COVID-19 infections and Democratic delays torpedo Amy Coney Barrett's confirmation?
Show Caption Hide Caption How a Supreme Court justice is nominated, confirmed, and opposed The Supreme Court is a vital component of our democracy. Here's how the process works to nominate, confirm, and oppose a potential justice. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The day before Sen. Mike Lee disclosed he had tested positive for COVID-19, the Utah Republican participated in an in-person Senate Judiciary Committee meeting that lasted about 90 minutes and was attended by 15 other senators.
That session Thursday – during which Lee and other senators debated nominations while not wearing masks – highlights the possible pitfalls of the Senate Republicans' fast-track confirmation plan for Amy Coney Barrett, President Donald Trump's nominee for the Supreme Court vacancy.
Trump disclosed that he had tested positive Friday, and at least seven other people who attended a White House ceremony unveiling Barrett's nomination have also been infected, including two Republican members of the Judiciary Committee.
Many other senators on the committee, which will question Barrett and consider whether she should be confirmed to the high court, have almost certainly been exposed to the coronavirus. If additional senators become ill and if they abide by federal quarantine guidelines, that could jeopardize the already-scrunched timeline for Barrett's confirmation.
Sarah Binder, an expert on Congress with the Brookings Institution think tank, said the variables are the course of the virus within Senate GOP ranks and "how brazen Republicans will be to bend or nuke rules that require physical presence of senators."
We watched hours of Amy Barrett speeches: Here’s what we learned about her judicial philosophy
Here's what we know about the timeline to confirm Barrett and whether it could be delayed or derailed:
The schedule
The Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., plans to begin confirmation hearings Oct. 12. He said the hearings will last three to four days – and lawmakers can attend in person or virtually. The hearing can go forward even though the full Senate is in recess because of COVID-19.
Democrats can use delaying tactics to draw out the hearings. They accused the GOP of rushing Barrett's confirmation in a "power grab" to cement a conservative tilt on the Supreme Court and argued the hearings would put more senators at risk of contracting COVID-19.
It's not clear how long Democrats can extend the confirmation process. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., a Judiciary Committee member, said they can slow Barrett's confirmation down but not stop it.
A committee spokesperson did not respond to questions about a date the panel would vote on Barrett's confirmation. A committee vote could happen as early as Oct. 16, but that seems unlikely. Generally, Democrats can force a one-week hold on a committee vote. If more senators become ill, that could further complicate the proceedings.
Which committee members have been diagnosed with COVID-19?
Two Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee have disclosed positive test results: Lee and Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.
Lee said he was tested Thursday – the same day he attended the Judiciary Committee's meeting – after experiencing what he initially thought were allergy symptoms. When he disclosed the positive result Friday, Lee said he would isolate for the next 10 days.
That means Lee could return to Senate business as early as Oct. 13, the day after the Barrett hearings begin and the first day she will be questioned by lawmakers. His return could be delayed if he becomes seriously ill.
Tillis also reported testing positive Friday and said he would isolate for 10 days if he has a speedy recovery. Sunday, a spokesman for Tillis said his mild symptoms "have significantly improved, and the only lingering symptom is the loss of his sense of taste and smell.”
Trump, others positive for COVID-19: A running list of those tested and their results
Have other senators been exposed?
Yes. Lee was probably contagious Thursday when he attended the committee hearing, a business meeting to discuss several lower-court nominees and a pending bill.
A video of the committee session shows Lee and 15 others animatedly debating in a spacious committee room, where senators and staff were seated apart from each other. Senators generally took their masks off when they spoke, and Lee raised his voice, which health experts say can propel air droplets farther than normal conversation does.
Several of those in the room announced negative test results Friday and Saturday, but it can take a few days after exposure for a test to show infection. It can take up to 14 days before an infected person shows symptoms.
Lee attended a Senate GOP lunch Sept. 29 and a Judiciary Committee hearing Sept. 30, possibly widening the number of Republicans exposed if he was contagious.
One other Republican senator has tested positive: Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. He is not on the Judiciary Committee.
"Senator Johnson feels healthy and is not experiencing symptoms," his spokesperson, Ben Voelkel, said in a statement Saturday. "He will remain isolated until given the all-clear by his doctor."
Johnson was not among those attending the White House ceremony announcing Barrett's nomination.
What happens if others test positive and have to quarantine?
There are 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats on the Judiciary Committee. If two Republicans are out of pocket for the vote, the makeup of the committee would be evenly split: 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats.
As long as the committee has a majority of its members present for a vote – 12 of the committee's 22 senators – other senators can vote by proxy under the panel's rules.
Republicans could advance Barrett's nomination to the full Senate even if she receives an unfavorable vote in committee, according to the Congress Research Service, a nonpartisan arm of the legislative branch.
A negative recommendation or no recommendation "permits a nomination to go forward, while alerting the Senate that a substantial number of committee members have reservations about the nomination," according to a CRS report on the Senate's judicial confirmation process.
If several Republicans are ill and unable to attend a vote, the Democrats could try to deny the GOP the majority needed to advance Barrett's nomination by not showing up. Under the panel's rules, no legislation or nomination can be reported out of the committee unless a majority "is actually present at the time such action is taken and a majority of those present support the action taken."
Binder, a professor of political science at George Washington University, said the Judiciary Committee's rules require at least two members of the minority party to be present for a nine-person quorum to conduct business – such as voting on the Barrett recommendation.
She noted that Graham ignored that rule last year when he wanted to approve a bill Democrats opposed, and he could do so again at "little cost."
If would be harder, she said, for Graham to blow off the rule that requires 12 of 22 senators to be “actually present” to vote on a nomination. If two Republican senators are too ill or too contagious to attend a committee meeting in person, the panel's vote could be delayed, she said.
If and when Barrett goes to the full Senate, Democrats can continue to gum up the works, though they have not indicated how far they would go.
What happens when Barrett's nominati on goes to the Senate floor?
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has not scheduled a vote on Barrett's confirmation, but he has made it clear he wants her confirmed before the election Nov. 3.
Two Republican senators indicated they will not support Barrett's confirmation if the vote is held before the election: Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the chamber, and Vice President Mike Pence can break any tie votes. Unlike in the House, McConnell has not changed Senate rules to allow proxy voting in light of the pandemic.
Sunday, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., predicted Barrett would be confirmed by the end of October, and he noted that senators in past years voted despite serious ailments.
“There is a long tradition of ill or medically infirm senators being wheeled in to cast critical votes on the Senate floor,” Cotton said. “Most recently, (West Virginia Democratic Sen.) Robert Byrd in 2009 repeatedly rolled in, in a wheelchair, just months before his death, to vote for Obamacare.”
Byrd, 92, did not have a highly contagious virus.
The Senate's top Democrat, Chuck Schumer of New York, said Sunday that his party "will use every tool in the toolbox to delay and not have the votes occur."
For Democrats to prevail, at least three GOP senators would have to be absent – and all Democrats would have to be present and vote "no," along with Republicans Collins and Murkowski – to defeat Barrett's nomination.
Contributing: Nicholas Wu and Ledyard King


usatoday--2020-10-07--Nearly one-third of hospitalized COVID patients develop brain malfunction, study finds

It has already been established that COVID-19 is much more than merely a respiratory illness , and new research sheds light on how much it impacts another critical part of the body – the brain .
Almost one-third of the patients hospitalized with COVID-19 developed encephalopathy – a degeneration of brain function – according to a study by Northwestern Medicine in Chicago .
The finding raises serious national concerns in light of President Donald Trump ’ s recent three-night stay at Walter Reed Medical Center , and on a larger scale they also highlight the mental damage the coronavirus has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to The COVID Tracking Project , more than 415,000 people in the U.S. have been hospitalized with the disease , which has killed more than 210,000 Americans among nearly 7.5 million infected by the virus .
WebMD describes encephalopathy – not to be confused with encephalitis , or swelling of the brain – as a group of disorders that represent “ a serious health problem that , without treatment , can cause temporary or permanent brain damage.
’ ’ “ Encephalopathy , which is characterized by altered mental function ranging from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most severe neurologic manifestation of COVID-19 , ” said Dr. Igor Koralnik , a professor of neurology at Northwestern University who treats patients in the Northwestern Medicine healthcare system .
Koralnik is one of the authors of the study , the first one of its kind in the U.S. , conducted on 509 COVID patients within the hospital network in Chicago and its suburbs .
The research , published Monday in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology , explored the neurologic manifestations of COVID and found some were present in 82.3 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the course of the disease .
Those symptoms included muscle pain ( 44.8 % of all those reviewed ) , headaches ( 37.7 % ) , encephalopathy ( 31.8 % ) , dizziness ( 29.7 % ) and disorders of taste ( 15.9 % ) and smell ( 11.4 % ) .
The scientists discovered that not only were patients with encephalopathy less able to take care of themselves – 32.1 % of them had that ability after being discharged from the hospital , compared to 89.3 % of those who did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also much more likely to die within 30 days of being admitted to the hospital ( 21.7 % compared to 3.2 % ) .
“ Neurologic manifestations occur in most hospitalized COVID‐19 patients , ’ ’ the analysis says .
“ Encephalopathy was associated with increased morbidity and mortality , independent of respiratory disease severity.
’ ’ Dr. Richard Temes , director of the Center for Neurocritical Care at Northwell Health in Manhasset , New York , said that even though the study examined patients at hospitals in the Chicago area , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t respect boundaries , borders or geography.
’ ’ Temes pointed out that most people who contract the disease won ’ t endure the harsh symptoms the researchers noted , but those who become critically ill – requiring a stay in an ICU and possibly sedation and use of a ventilator – are at the highest risk for those manifestations .
“ This study highlights that for survivors of COVID-19 , when they survive the infection , their recovery is just beginning , ’ ’ he said .
“ These patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ’

Nearly one-third of hospitalized COVID-19 patients develop brain malfunction, study finds
Show Caption Hide Caption Pres. Trump COVID-19 care included typical drugs, only faster President Trump received mostly the same treatment as anyone would get for COVID-19, except for one experimental drug and the speed of his care. USA TODAY
It has already been established that COVID-19 is much more than merely a respiratory illness, and new research sheds light on how much it impacts another critical part of the body – the brain.
Almost one-third of the patients hospitalized with COVID-19 developed encephalopathy – a degeneration of brain function – according to a study by Northwestern Medicine in Chicago.
The finding raises serious national concerns in light of President Donald Trump’s recent three-night stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and on a larger scale, they also highlight the mental damage the coronavirus has inflicted on tens of thousands of Americans.
According to The COVID Tracking Project, more than 415,000 people in the U.S. have been hospitalized with the disease, which has killed more than 210,000 Americans among nearly 7.5 million infected by the virus.
WebMD describes encephalopathy – not to be confused with encephalitis, or swelling of the brain – as a group of disorders that represent “a serious health problem that, without treatment, can cause temporary or permanent brain damage.’’
“Encephalopathy, which is characterized by altered mental function ranging from mild confusion to coma, is the most severe neurologic manifestation of COVID-19,” said Dr. Igor Koralnik, a professor of neurology at Northwestern University who treats patients in the Northwestern Medicine health care system.
Koralnik is one of the authors of the study, the first one of its kind in the U.S., conducted on 509 COVID-19 patients within the hospital network in Chicago and its suburbs.
The research, published Monday in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, explored the neurologic manifestations of COVID-19 and found some were present in 82.3% of the patients at some point in the course of the disease.
Those symptoms included muscle pain (44.8% of all those reviewed), headaches (37.7%), encephalopathy (31.8%), dizziness (29.7%) and disorders of taste (15.9%) and smell (11.4%).
The scientists discovered that not only were patients with encephalopathy less able to take care of themselves – 32.1% of them had that ability after being discharged from the hospital, compared to 89.3% of those who did not develop that symptom – but they were also much more likely to die within 30 days of being admitted to the hospital (21.7% compared to 3.2%).
“Neurologic manifestations occur in most hospitalized COVID‐19 patients,’’ the analysis says. “Encephalopathy was associated with increased morbidity and mortality, independent of respiratory disease severity.’’
Dr. Richard Temes, director of the Center for Neurocritical Care at Northwell Health in Manhasset, New York, said that even though the study examined patients at hospitals in the Chicago area, the results are applicable nationally because COVID-19 “doesn’t respect boundaries, borders or geography.’’
Temes pointed out that most people who contract the disease won’t endure the harsh symptoms the researchers noted, but those who become critically ill – requiring a stay in an ICU and possibly sedation and use of a ventilator – are at the highest risk for those manifestations.
“This study highlights that for survivors of COVID-19, when they survive the infection, their recovery is just beginning,’’ he said. “These patients can have longstanding and lingering effects.’’


usatoday--2020-10-06--Housing the homeless, feeding school children: How Black families devastated by police violence are

When Black Lives Matter protests erupted across the country following George Floyd 's death , Bridgett Floyd thought theshow of support would mark an end to police violence against Black people .
But two weeks later Rayshard Brooks was fatally shot by an Atlanta police officer .
Two months after that , Jacob Blake was shot in the back seven times by a Kenosha police officer .
Then it was cyclist Dijon Kizzee , who was killed by Los Angeles County sheriff 's deputies Aug 31 .
Most recently , a white Texas police officer was charged Monday with murdering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` To continually turn on the TV and see police brutality is still being done , there has to be a change , '' said Bridgett Floyd , who is George Floyd 's younger sister .
Bridgett Floyd sprung into action .
She and her siblings launched the George Floyd Memorial Foundation in September , joining a growing movement of Black families devastated by police brutality and racist violence who are fighting to end the unjust treatment of people of color .
The families have created foundations to lobby for police reform @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and brown neighborhoods and provide a support system for each other .
They 've stood on the frontlines of the fight for racial justice , often holding back tears as they speak out at protests , press conferences and meetings with officials .
Some families are still seeking justice in their own cases .
On Monday , prosecutors in California announced they would reopen the case of Oscar Grant following demands from his family .
Grant was fatally shot by Bay Area Rapid Transit Officer Johannes Mehserle in Oakland , California , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was charged with murder , but a jury only convicted him of involuntary manslaughter and he served 11 months .
Relatives have also run for political office .
In August , Sybrina Fulton , whose 17-year-old son Trayvon Martin was killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in 2012 , narrowly lost the race for Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners in Florida .
Lesley McSpadden , whose 18-year-old son Michael Brown was killed by a white police officer in 2014 , lost her bid for Ferguson City Council in Missouri last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke at the Get Your Knee Off Our Necks Commitment March on Washington in August that marked the 57th anniversary of the historic March on Washington and called for national police reform .
Some also met with President Donald Trump at the White House in June to seek justice in their cases .
Black Americans are three times more likely than white Americans to be killed by police , according to a study published this year by the Harvard T.H .
Chan School of Public Health .
Advocacy , the families say , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After facing the hurt , they have a desire to keep their loved one 's legacy alive and prevent more Black families from experiencing the same grief .
“ We pretty much want to be on the frontlines to help fight systemic racism , ” Bridgett Floyd said .
`` And being that my brother is n't here to be the voice that people need to hear , we are going to make sure that we ( are ) that voice by promoting global awareness , and peaceful protests for justice and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Memorial Day after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
Dig deeper on race and identity : Subscribe to This Is America , USA TODAY 's newsletter Bridgett Floyd said she created the George Floyd Memorial Foundation to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement .
It strives to propose police reform , engage in protests , encourage voting , host community events , educate the public on racial injustice and open centers that will be safe havens for young Black men .
Bridgett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second chance program that provides services for men and women released from prison .
The Floyd family officially launched the foundation during a National Homeless Day event in Minneapolis on Sept. 13 .
At the event , the family presented a $ 5,000 donation to the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center where George Floyd worked .
Benjamin Crump , a prominent civil rights attorney who represents several Black families changed forever by police violence , including the Floyds , said the launch event was fitting because George Floyd was known as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to medical appointments and basketball games .
Crump said he , too , thought the global response to George Floyd 's death would lead to better police relations in the Black community .
`` I still thought George ’ s case was one of such proportion that police were going to stop , at least for a while , killing us , '' Crump told USA TODAY .
“ But that ’ s not the case and we ’ ve got work to do , and that ’ s why the ( George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever.
” Some Black families crushed by racist violence and police brutality this year are gradually finding their voice .
At a news conference in Louisville Sept. 25 , Breonna Taylor 's aunt , Bianca Austin , read a statement from Taylor 's mother , Tamika Palmer , responding to news that the three Louisville officers who fatally shot Taylor in March were not indicted for her death .
Instead , one officer , Brett Hankison , was indicted on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment for firing bullets that went into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This has been emotionally , mentally and physically draining for my sister , '' Austin said .
Wanda Cooper-Jones , whose son , Ahmaud Arbery , was chased and killed by three white men on Feb. 23 as he jogged through a southern Georgia neighborhood , spoke at the Commitment March on Washington and joined Breonna Taylor protests in Louisville this summer .
Cooper-Jones said while she was still grieving , she wanted to show her support for Palmer .
The two mothers met in Louisville and embraced each other .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ahmaud was killed and I was surrounded by family , '' Cooper-Jones said in an interview with USA TODAY .
`` But no one I was surrounded by could feel what I was going through .
And it was important to be around someone who could feel the same the pain . ''
Cooper-Jones said she does n't believe Arbery or Taylor 's cases have gotten justice .
She wants the three district attorneys who failed to arrest the men who killed Arbery to be held accountable by `` whatever means necessary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Roddie '' Bryan were not arrested and charged with murder until after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case in May .
The three men remain in jail , awaiting trial .
Cooper-Jones said she eventually wants to create a foundation that caters to young , Black males .
Her goal would be to keep them out of the criminal justice system and on a path to success .
`` I want to help the youth , I love children , '' Cooper-Jones said .
`` But I 'm still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal . ''
Fighting for justice has bonded many Black families together .
Cephus Johnson , Oscar Grant 's uncle , recalled being angry after Grant 's death .
Witnesses recorded video of the officer shooting Grant in the back as he lied face down on the train platform .
`` When I saw the video I could remember collapsing , '' Johnson said , adding that he was shocked to see such unjust treatment of a Black person in a nation where everyone should be created equal .
He found peace knowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours before he was killed .
Grant was heavy on his spirit that night , he said .
“ Uncle loves you and God loves you , '' the text read .
Years later , after seeing the outpouring of support from the Oakland community , he decided to become an advocate for change .
In 2014 , he founded Families United 4 Justice — a network of Black people who have lost family members to police brutality or racist violence .
The non-profit 's main goals are police accountability and holistic support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Families United 4 Justice successfully pushed California lawmakers to pass several police reform laws .
Notably , the group lobbied for the bill known as `` Stephon Clark 's Law , '' which was passed in 2019 and requires police to use deadly force only when `` necessary '' instead of the previous wording of `` reasonable . ''
Families United 4 Justice hosts a conference every year where families gather for workshops on dealing with the media , telling their story , and the history of policing among other topics .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conference held in Las Vegas , Johnson said .
Johnson said Families United 4 Justice has helped him cope with Grant 's death , helping him make new friends who ultimately feel like sisters and brothers .
Smaller chapters of Families United 4 Justice have been created in cities across the country , he said .
“ Everybody knows now that something has to be done , ” Johnson said .
“ Because there is a real internal struggle within this country when it comes to the state and the people .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the police.
” Valerie Castile , whose son , Philando Castile , was fatally shot by a Minneapolis police officer in 2016 , also wanted to help other families hurt by police brutality .
Castile said after accepting that she would never get her son back , she founded the Philando Castile Relief Foundation in 2018 .
The organization offers meals , grief counseling services , funeral attire and grocery store gift cards for families .
The foundation also strives to end child hunger .
Since it launched , the organization has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school lunch debt for students in Minneapolis-St. Paul area schools , Valerie Castile said .
Before his death , Philando Castile was a school lunch supervisor at J. J. Hill Montessori School in St. Paul .
He knew all of his students by name , he knew their food allergies , memorized their school lunch account pin numbers and enjoyed mentoring them , Valerie Castile said .
“ Our communities are struggling on so many different levels and what happened to Philando was wrong on so many levels , '' Valerie Castile said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look at the overall big picture .
It 's very important that we stand with our community because we have been oppressed for so long . ''

Housing the homeless, feeding school children: How Black families devastated by police violence are fighting to end racism
Show Caption Hide Caption George Floyd's brother Philonise Floyd testifies before Congress George Floyd's brother gave an emotional opening during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on policing. USA TODAY
When Black Lives Matter protests erupted across the country following George Floyd's death, Bridgett Floyd thought the show of support would mark an end to police violence against Black people.
But two weeks later Rayshard Brooks was fatally shot by an Atlanta police officer. Two months after that, Jacob Blake was shot in the back seven times by a Kenosha, Wisconsin, police officer. Then it was cyclist Dijon Kizzee, who was killed by Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies Aug. 31. Most recently, a white Texas police officer was charged Monday with murdering Jonathan Price, a 31-year-old Black man.
"To continually turn on the TV and see police brutality is still being done, there has to be a change," said Bridgett Floyd, who is George Floyd's younger sister.
Bridgett Floyd sprung into action. She and her siblings launched the George Floyd Memorial Foundation in September, joining a growing movement of Black families devastated by police brutality and racist violence who are fighting to end the unjust treatment of people of color.
The families have created foundations to lobby for police reform, racial equality and investment in Black and brown neighborhoods and provide a support system for each other. They've stood on the front lines of the fight for racial justice, often holding back tears as they speak out at protests, press conferences and meetings with officials.
Some families are still seeking justice in their own cases.
On Monday, prosecutors in California announced they would reopen the case of Oscar Grant following demands from his family. Grant was fatally shot by Bay Area Rapid Transit Officer Johannes Mehserle in Oakland, California, on New Years Day in 2009. Mehserle was charged with murder, but a jury only convicted him of involuntary manslaughter and he served 11 months.
Relatives have also run for political office.
In August, Sybrina Fulton, whose 17-year-old son Trayvon Martin was killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in 2012, narrowly lost the race for Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners in Florida. Lesley McSpadden, whose 18-year-old son Michael Brown was killed by a white police officer in 2014, lost her bid for Ferguson City Council in Missouri last year.
Many families impacted by police violence spoke at the Get Your Knee Off Our Necks Commitment March on Washington in August that marked the 57th anniversary of the historic March on Washington and called for national police reform. Some also met with President Donald Trump at the White House in June to seek justice in their cases.
Black Americans are three times more likely than white Americans to be killed by police, according to a study published this year by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Advocacy, the families say, is often part of the grieving process.
After facing the hurt, they have a desire to keep their loved one's legacy alive and prevent more Black families from experiencing the same grief.
“We pretty much want to be on the front lines to help fight systemic racism,” Bridgett Floyd said. "And being that my brother isn't here to be the voice that people need to hear, we are going to make sure that we (are) that voice by promoting global awareness, and peaceful protests for justice and police brutality."
George Floyd died on Memorial Day after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Dig deeper on race and identity: Subscribe to This Is America, USA TODAY's newsletter
Bridgett Floyd said she created the George Floyd Memorial Foundation to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement. It strives to propose police reform, engage in protests, encourage voting, host community events, educate the public on racial injustice and open centers that will be safe havens for young Black men. Bridgett Floyd said she also wants to create a second chance program that provides services for men and women released from prison.
The Floyd family officially launched the foundation during a National Homeless Day event in Minneapolis on Sept. 13. At the event, the family presented a $5,000 donation to the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center where George Floyd worked.
Benjamin Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney who represents several Black families changed forever by police violence, including the Floyds, said the launch event was fitting because George Floyd was known as a selfless man who would take homeless people to medical appointments and basketball games.
Crump said he, too, thought the global response to George Floyd's death would lead to better police relations in the Black community.
"I still thought George’s case was one of such proportion that police were going to stop, at least for a while, killing us," Crump told USA TODAY. “But that’s not the case and we’ve got work to do, and that’s why the (George Floyd) foundation is needed more than ever.”
Mothers speak out against violence
Some Black families crushed by racist violence and police brutality this year are gradually finding their voice.
At a news conference in Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 25, Breonna Taylor's aunt, Bianca Austin, read a statement from Taylor's mother, Tamika Palmer, responding to news that the three Louisville officers who fatally shot Taylor in March were not indicted for her death. Instead, one officer, Brett Hankison, was indicted on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment for firing bullets that went into a neighboring unit where three people were home.
Breonna Taylor's mom: 'the system as a whole has failed her' The aunt of Breonna Taylor reads a statement from Taylor's mother, Tamika Palmer, describing her heartbreak and anger. USA TODAY
"This has been emotionally, mentally and physically draining for my sister," Austin said.
Wanda Cooper-Jones, whose son, Ahmaud Arbery, was chased and killed by three white men on Feb. 23 as he jogged through a southern Georgia neighborhood, spoke at the Commitment March on Washington and joined Breonna Taylor protests in Louisville this summer.
Cooper-Jones said while she was still grieving, she wanted to show her support for Palmer. The two mothers met in Louisville and embraced each other.
"I thought about the days after Ahmaud was killed and I was surrounded by family," Cooper-Jones said in an interview with USA TODAY. "But no one I was surrounded by could feel what I was going through. And it was important to be around someone who could feel the same the pain."
Cooper-Jones said she doesn't believe Arbery or Taylor's cases have gotten justice. She wants the three district attorneys who failed to arrest the men who killed Arbery to be held accountable by "whatever means necessary."
Gregory and Travis McMichael and William "Roddie" Bryan were not arrested and charged with murder until after the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case in May. The three men remain in jail, awaiting trial.
Cooper-Jones said she eventually wants to create a foundation that caters to young Black males. Her goal would be to keep them out of the criminal justice system and on a path to success.
"I want to help the youth, I love children," Cooper-Jones said. "But I'm still grieving and trying to get back to normal."
Families unite in advocacy
Fighting for justice has bonded many Black families together.
Cephus Johnson, Oscar Grant's uncle, recalled being angry after Grant's death. Witnesses recorded video of the officer shooting Grant in the back as he lied face down on the train platform.
"When I saw the video I could remember collapsing," Johnson said, adding that he was shocked to see such unjust treatment of a Black person in a nation where everyone should be created equal.
He found peace knowing he had texted Grant, 22, hours before he was killed. Grant was heavy on his spirit that night, he said. “Uncle loves you and God loves you," the text read.
Years later, after seeing the outpouring of support from the Oakland community, he decided to become an advocate for change.
In 2014, he founded Families United 4 Justice – a network of Black people who have lost family members to police brutality or racist violence. The nonprofit's main goals are police accountability and holistic support services for its families.
Johnson said Families United 4 Justice successfully pushed California lawmakers to pass several police reform laws. Notably, the group lobbied for the bill known as "Stephon Clark's Law," which was passed in 2019 and requires police to use deadly force only when "necessary" instead of the previous wording of "reasonable."
Families United 4 Justice hosts a conference every year where families gather for workshops on dealing with the media, telling their story, and the history of policing among other topics. In 2019, some 175 families attended the conference held in Las Vegas, Johnson said.
Johnson said Families United 4 Justice has helped him cope with Grant's death, helping him make new friends who ultimately feel like sisters and brothers. Smaller chapters of Families United 4 Justice have been created in cities across the country, he said.
“Everybody knows now that something has to be done,” Johnson said. “Because there is a real internal struggle within this country when it comes to the state and the people. And the people are suffering at the hands of the police.”
Valerie Castile, whose son, Philando Castile, was fatally shot by a Minneapolis police officer in 2016, also wanted to help other families hurt by police brutality.
Castile said after accepting that she would never get her son back, she founded the Philando Castile Relief Foundation in 2018. The organization offers meals, grief counseling services, funeral attire and grocery store gift cards for families.
The foundation also strives to end child hunger. Since it launched, the organization has paid off more than $150,000 in school lunch debt for students in Minneapolis-St. Paul area schools, Valerie Castile said.
Before his death, Philando Castile was a school lunch supervisor at J. J. Hill Montessori School in St. Paul. He knew all of his students by name, he knew their food allergies, memorized their school lunch account pin numbers and enjoyed mentoring them, Valerie Castile said.
“Our communities are struggling on so many different levels and what happened to Philando was wrong on so many levels," Valerie Castile said. "I had to take time to look at the overall big picture. It's very important that we stand with our community because we have been oppressed for so long."