usatoday--2020-09-01--Exclusive: Report finds TV tobacco imagery persists, and says young viewers turn to vaping

When young viewers see smoking on television , it can increase the likelihood they will try e-cigarettes , according to a first-of-its-kind study , part of a new report on tobacco and smoking imagery on TV .
The study , published in the scholarly journal Preventive Medicine and referenced in the third annual report on TV and smoking by public health group Truth Initiative , says young viewers with the highest exposure to TV tobacco depictions can be three times as likely to start vaping as those who do n't .
It did not find a significant connection between viewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that may be due statistically to low smoking rates among young people , for whom vaping is their primary choice of nicotine .
Truth Initiative 's `` Straight to Vape , '' obtained exclusively by USA TODAY , also finds tobacco and smoking depictions in the most popular shows for young people appear to be rising since the group 's first While You Were Streaming reports in 2018 and 2019 .
Nearly three-quarters of shows popular with young people studied feature tobacco/smoking images .
Netflix 's `` Stranger Things , '' the '80s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidents in last year 's Season 3 , by far the most of any show included in the report and about four times the number of images recorded in its first season in 2016 .
The streaming service last year adopted a tobacco-free policy for new shows aimed at younger audiences ( 14 or under ) , but the new edict does n't apply to current series and includes exceptions for `` creative vision '' and historical accuracy .
The report also singles out first-season HBO teen drama `` Euphoria '' for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows studied in 2018 and 2019 .
Concerns about tobacco images and their behavioral effects are magnified amid the coronavirus pandemic as young people have had more time to binge shows , Truth Initiative president and CEO Robin Koval says .
The report also cites new research that finds people who vape are five times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19 .
`` We now know that imagery influences young people to vape , we 're in the middle of a pandemic where we know that vaping makes young people more vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than ever before , '' Koval says .
`` We 've got a bit of a perfect storm here . ''
The latest While You Were Streaming report includes data from a study of 4,604 young viewers , ages 15 to 24 , published in Preventive Medicine that finds a link between TV smoking depictions and e-cigarette use .
Such behavior may start at an earlier age , too .
E-cigarettes , which generally contain nicotine and are considered especially unsafe for children , teens and young adults by the Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of nicotine use among young people .
( The CDC says e-cigarettes can benefit smokers who use them as a substitute for regular cigarettes . )
The report says usage among high school students rose from 11.7 % in 2017 to 27.5 % in 2019 , compared with traditional cigarette smoking levels that dropped from 23 % in 2000 to 5.4 % in 2017 , according to a study sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse .
The 2020 While You Were Streaming report , which continues the practice of tracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and young adults based on ratings , social media mentions and the preferences of those surveyed , finds traditional smoking , from a character puffing on a cigarette to a power wall of convenience-store brands , remains the dominant depiction , but vaping images are on the rise .
Season 3 of `` Stranger Things , '' which focuses on supernatural events in a small Indiana town in the 1980s , featured more than three times as many tobacco depictions as any show tracked in 2018 and 2019 .
Showtime 's `` Shameless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 226 incidents , and three animated series , Fox 's `` The Simpsons '' and `` Family Guy '' and Netflix 's `` Big Mouth , '' each featured more than 50 examples .
Koval says that `` Stranger Things '' is going `` in the wrong direction '' and that the Netflix ban on smoking and e-cigarette images announced last year contains `` big loopholes . ''
In a statement , Netflix said : `` We are committed to reducing smoking in our content .
This year the lion 's share of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But given our production schedules it will take time .
We 're the first entertainment company to feature information about smoking in the ratings for our members.
” Overall , a review of 277 episodes from 15 shows released in 2018 found 576 tobacco/smoking incidents .
In 152 episodes studied from 2019 's top 15 , researchers counted 1,156 incidents .
Vaping images are also on the rise , the report says .
In addition to the 67 seen on HBO 's `` Euphoria , '' which follows high school students dealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media , shows featuring e-cigarette depictions in 2019 include four on Netflix – “ Big Mouth ” ( 11 ) , “ On My Block ” ( 6 ) , “ Black Mirror ” ( 3 ) and “ You ” ( 1 ) – and ABC 's “ Black-ish ” ( 1 ) .
In a statement , HBO parent WarnerMedia said `` Euphoria '' has a median viewing age of 38 and depicts real-world behavior without trying to glamorize it .
`` 'Euphoria ' is a drama series created for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the challenges faced by contemporary youth in these turbulent times , '' the statement says .
`` E-cigarette usage is a part of the modern high school experience , as the Truth Initiative ’ s own research indicates .
'Euphoria ' ’ s creators took great care not to glamorize certain behaviors and to show the consequences of the characters ’ actions and decisions . ''
Raymond Niaura , interim chair of the department of epidemiology at the NYU School of Global Public Health , says the report 's findings echo earlier studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think it 's a bad look for any kind of popular media/art to depict smoking , '' says Niaura , who previously worked for Truth Initiative .
He adds that while adolescents should n't be vaping , he 'd be more concerned if the study found the images led to an increase in traditional smoking .
`` Cigarette smoking is terrible .
It 's less clear that vaping is as harmful as cigarette smoking , '' he says .
`` Nobody wants kids to be using any nicotine product .
But this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we saw a relationship between exposure and smoking uptake . ''
Some shows not on the list of youth favorites – ABC 's `` Grey 's Anatomy , '' Amazon 's `` Upload '' and NBC 's `` New Amsterdam '' and `` Chicago Med '' – are cited in `` Straight to Vape '' for episodes highlighting the negative health effects of e-cigarettes .
In a statement , Altria , which owns Philip Morris USA ( Marlboro , Virginia Slims ) , said that `` we do not want our brands depicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other entertainment media .
Juul said in a statement that its e-cigarette products are `` intended solely for adult smokers as an alternative to combustible cigarettes . ''
Both companies say they deny all requests for placement in entertainment media .
Truth Initiative recommends incorporating smoking depictions and information in show ratings ; increasing anti-smoking and anti-vaping advertising ; eliminating local tax breaks for shows that feature tobacco imagery ; and educating writers , directors and producers about the hazards of smoking depictions .
`` The best thing would be to work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that 's right for their young viewers , '' Koval says .
`` We have never been in a situation where we are more concerned about our health .
I ca n't think of a better time for them to take the right steps . ''

Exclusive: Report finds TV tobacco imagery persists, and says young viewers turn to vaping
Show Caption Hide Caption Truth Initiative video highlights TV smoking imagery link to vaping A PSA from anti-tobacco group Truth Initiative highlights findings that link exposure to tobacco imagery on TV to higher chance of vaping by youths. USA TODAY Handout
When young viewers see smoking on television, it can increase the likelihood they will try e-cigarettes, according to a first-of-its-kind study, part of a new report on tobacco and smoking imagery on TV.
The study, published in the scholarly journal Preventive Medicine and referenced in the third annual report on TV and smoking by public health group Truth Initiative, says young viewers with the highest exposure to TV tobacco depictions can be three times as likely to start vaping as those who don't.
It did not find a significant connection between viewing and traditional smoking, but it suggests that may be due statistically to low smoking rates among young people, for whom vaping is their primary choice of nicotine.
Truth Initiative's "Straight to Vape," obtained exclusively by USA TODAY, also finds tobacco and smoking depictions in the most popular shows for young people appear to be rising since the group's first While You Were Streaming reports in 2018 and 2019. Nearly three-quarters of shows popular with young people studied feature tobacco/smoking images.
Netflix's "Stranger Things," the '80s period horror drama, recorded 721 tobacco-related incidents in last year's Season 3, by far the most of any show included in the report and about four times the number of images recorded in its first season in 2016.
The streaming service last year adopted a tobacco-free policy for new shows aimed at younger audiences (14 or under), but the new edict doesn't apply to current series and includes exceptions for "creative vision" and historical accuracy.
The report also singles out first-season HBO teen drama "Euphoria" for the most e-cigarette depictions (67) in shows studied in 2018 and 2019.
Concerns about tobacco images and their behavioral effects are magnified amid the coronavirus pandemic as young people have had more time to binge shows, Truth Initiative president and CEO Robin Koval says. The report also cites new research that finds people who vape are five times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19.
"We now know that imagery influences young people to vape, we're in the middle of a pandemic where we know that vaping makes young people more vulnerable and young people are watching more content than ever before," Koval says. "We've got a bit of a perfect storm here."
The latest While You Were Streaming report includes data from a study of 4,604 young viewers, ages 15 to 24, published in Preventive Medicine that finds a link between TV smoking depictions and e-cigarette use. Such behavior may start at an earlier age, too.
E-cigarettes, which generally contain nicotine and are considered especially unsafe for children, teens and young adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are the dominant form of nicotine use among young people. (The CDC says e-cigarettes can benefit smokers who use them as a substitute for regular cigarettes.)
The report says usage among high school students rose from 11.7% in 2017 to 27.5% in 2019, compared with traditional cigarette smoking levels that dropped from 23% in 2000 to 5.4% in 2017, according to a study sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The 2020 While You Were Streaming report, which continues the practice of tracking the 15 most popular shows with youths and young adults based on ratings, social media mentions and the preferences of those surveyed, finds traditional smoking, from a character puffing on a cigarette to a power wall of convenience-store brands, remains the dominant depiction, but vaping images are on the rise.
Season 3 of "Stranger Things," which focuses on supernatural events in a small Indiana town in the 1980s, featured more than three times as many tobacco depictions as any show tracked in 2018 and 2019. Showtime's "Shameless" came in a distant second with 226 incidents, and three animated series, Fox's "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy" and Netflix's "Big Mouth," each featured more than 50 examples.
Koval says that "Stranger Things" is going "in the wrong direction" and that the Netflix ban on smoking and e-cigarette images announced last year contains "big loopholes."
In a statement, Netflix said: "We are committed to reducing smoking in our content. This year the lion's share of our new youth-rated shows had no smoking. But given our production schedules it will take time. We're the first entertainment company to feature information about smoking in the ratings for our members.”
Showtime declined to comment.
Overall, a review of 277 episodes from 15 shows released in 2018 found 576 tobacco/smoking incidents. In 152 episodes studied from 2019's top 15, researchers counted 1,156 incidents.
Vaping images are also on the rise, the report says. In addition to the 67 seen on HBO's "Euphoria," which follows high school students dealing with drugs, sex, trauma and social media, shows featuring e-cigarette depictions in 2019 include four on Netflix – “Big Mouth” (11), “On My Block” (6), “Black Mirror” (3) and “You” (1) – and ABC's “Black-ish” (1).
In a statement, HBO parent WarnerMedia said "Euphoria" has a median viewing age of 38 and depicts real-world behavior without trying to glamorize it.
"'Euphoria' is a drama series created for and marketed to adult audiences that depicts the challenges faced by contemporary youth in these turbulent times," the statement says. "E-cigarette usage is a part of the modern high school experience, as the Truth Initiative’s own research indicates. 'Euphoria'’s creators took great care not to glamorize certain behaviors and to show the consequences of the characters’ actions and decisions."
Raymond Niaura, interim chair of the department of epidemiology at the NYU School of Global Public Health, says the report's findings echo earlier studies on movies and smoking.
"I think it's a bad look for any kind of popular media/art to depict smoking," says Niaura, who previously worked for Truth Initiative. He adds that while adolescents shouldn't be vaping, he'd be more concerned if the study found the images led to an increase in traditional smoking.
"Cigarette smoking is terrible. It's less clear that vaping is as harmful as cigarette smoking," he says. "Nobody wants kids to be using any nicotine product. But this is far less worrying to me than if we saw a relationship between exposure and smoking uptake."
Some shows not on the list of youth favorites – ABC's "Grey's Anatomy," Amazon's "Upload" and NBC's "New Amsterdam" and "Chicago Med" – are cited in "Straight to Vape" for episodes highlighting the negative health effects of e-cigarettes.
In a statement, Altria, which owns Philip Morris USA (Marlboro, Virginia Slims), said that "we do not want our brands depicted in movies, television shows" or other entertainment media. Juul said in a statement that its e-cigarette products are "intended solely for adult smokers as an alternative to combustible cigarettes." Both companies say they deny all requests for placement in entertainment media.
Truth Initiative recommends incorporating smoking depictions and information in show ratings; increasing anti-smoking and anti-vaping advertising; eliminating local tax breaks for shows that feature tobacco imagery; and educating writers, directors and producers about the hazards of smoking depictions.
"The best thing would be to work in concert with the entertainment industry to do something that's right for their young viewers," Koval says. "We have never been in a situation where we are more concerned about our health. I can't think of a better time for them to take the right steps."


usatoday--2020-09-01--Doctor devotes her life to fighting for Black moms

Doctor devotes her life to fighting for Black moms Dr. Joia Crear-Perry has dedicated her life 's work to advocating @ @ @ @ @ founded the National Birth Equity Collaborative and is a fixture of the Black Mamas Matter @ @

Doctor devotes her life to fighting for Black moms
Dr. Joia Crear-Perry has dedicated her life's work to advocating for Black mothers. She founded the National Birth Equity Collaborative and is a fixture of the Black Mamas Matter Alliance.
Womankind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-01--How to cook a delicious steak in an air fryer

How to cook a delicious steak in an air fryer This is how to routinely cook a great steak in @ @ @ @

Air fryer tips: How to cook a mouth-watering steak
This is how to routinely cook a great steak in an air fryer.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-01--Stargaze from home with this time-lapsed video of the Milky Way in Western Australia

Stargaze from home with this time-lapsed video of the Milky Way in Western Australia If you want to do some @ @ @ @ @ check out this time-lapsed video of the Milky Way in Kimberley , Western Australia .

The Milky Way was captured on time-lapsed video in Western Australia
If you want to do some serious stargazing from home, check out this time-lapsed video of the Milky Way in Kimberley, Western Australia.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-09-02--Ed Markey defeats Joe Kennedy in Massachusetts primary, ending Kennedy family winning streak

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday , voters ended the Kennedy family winning streak in Massachusetts .
Sen. Ed Markey , the incumbent , defeated Rep. Joe Kennedy III in the Democratic primary .
In a concession speech Tuesday night , Kennedy said he would `` pledge my support to him and his campaign in the months ahead '' '' The senator is a good man , '' Kennedy said .
`` You have never heard me say otherwise . ''
Markey , 74 , was the frontrunner in what has become a closely watched race nationally .
Several months ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Markey recently took the lead in multiple polls .
According to an Emerson poll released last week , Markey was at 56 % while Kennedy was at 44 % with 4.6-point margin of error .
Get ready : Register to vote or check your status here Markey , a progressive , was first elected to the Senate in 2013 , but has been a member of Congress for over 40 years .
Despite running against a fresher face , Markey has received the backing of many young voters and key progressives like Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key progressive issues , such as the Green New Deal , which he co-sponsored .
Markey painted himself as the anti-establishment candidate going up against a member of one of the most storied political families in United States history .
Kennedy , 39 , was elected to the House in 2013 and scored big name endorsements , including the backing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
Throughout the campaign , Kennedy claimed Markey has not done enough as senator and has hit him for his record on racial inequity .
Kennedy is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ II and grandson of Robert F. Kennedy , the late U.S. Attorney General and New York senator .
Kennedy became the first member of his family to lose a congressional election in the state of Massachusetts .
.
Here are other key things to watch for in Tuesday ’ s primary : Neal , who has been a member of Congress for 30 years , won the Democratic nomination over his young progressive challenger , Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse .
Neal 's win comes as other high-profile Democrats have been ousted by progressives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cori Bush of Missouri are just two of the latest progressives , both backed by Justice Democrats , to beat incumbents in Democratic primaries .
Morse , 31 , also received the support of Justice Democrats , as well as Ocasio-Cortez .
Neal , 71 , is the chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means committee .
The race made national news after Morse , who is not married and is gay , was accused of inappropriate sexual contact with students when he was a guest lecturer at the University of Massachusetts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the school 's student newspaper , The Daily Collegian .
In a statement posted to Twitter , Morse said : `` I have never , in my life , had a non-consensual sexual encounter with anyone .
I have never used my position of power as Mayor and UMass lecturer for romantic or sexual gain , or to take advantage of students . ''
'It 's Trump vs. not-Trump ' : After conventions , Biden looks to excite his base while Trump tries to expand his Despite voting amid the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turnout record , anticipating at least 1.35 million ballots to be cast .
William Glavin , Massachusetts ' secretary of commonwealth , said Monday that due to the amount of mail-in ballots , along with in-person votes , counting will likely be slower than in previous years .
However , he noted that preliminary results are expected Wednesday morning .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , Gov .
Charlie Baker signed an order that allowed all Massachusetts voters to opt to vote by mail for Tuesday ’ s primary , in addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still in-person polling places for voters who chose not to vote by mail .

Ed Markey defeats Joe Kennedy in Massachusetts primary, ending Kennedy family winning streak
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Kennedy III loses primary to Ed Markey, ending family winning streak in Massachusetts In Rep. Joe Kennedy's concession speech, he called Sen. Ed Markey a "good man" and pledged to support him. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – Tuesday, voters ended the Kennedy family winning streak in Massachusetts.
Sen. Ed Markey, the incumbent, defeated Rep. Joe Kennedy III in the Democratic primary.
In a concession speech Tuesday night, Kennedy said he would "pledge my support to him and his campaign in the months ahead"
"The senator is a good man," Kennedy said. "You have never heard me say otherwise."
Markey, 74, was the front-runner in a closely watched race nationally.
Several months ago, Kennedy led in polling, but Markey recently took the lead in multiple polls. According to an Emerson poll released last week, Markey was at 56% while Kennedy was at 44% with a 4.6-percentage-point margin of error.
Get ready: Register to vote or check your status here
Markey, a liberal, was first elected to the Senate in 2013 but has been a member of Congress for more than 40 years. Despite running against a fresher face, Markey received the backing of many young voters and liberals such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., with whom Markey co-sponsored the Green New Deal, a proposal to counter climate change and economic inequality.
Markey painted himself as an anti-establishment candidate going up against a member of one of the most storied political families in U.S. history.
Kennedy, 39, was elected to the House in 2013 and scored big-name endorsements, including the backing of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Throughout the campaign, Kennedy claimed Markey has not done enough as senator and hit him for his record on racial inequity. Kennedy is the son of former Massachusetts Rep. Joseph Kennedy II and grandson of Robert F. Kennedy, the late U.S. attorney general and New York senator.
Kennedy became the first member of his family to lose a congressional election in the state of Massachusetts.
Incumbent Rep. Richard Neal defeats liberal challenger
Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal, who has been a member of Congress for 30 years, won the Democratic nomination over his young liberal challenger, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse.
Other high-profile Democrats have been ousted by challengers further to the left. Jamaal Bowman of New York and Cori Bush of Missouri, both backed by Justice Democrats, a left-leaning political action committee, beat incumbents in primaries. Morse, 31, also received support from Ocasio-Cortez.
Neal, 71, is the chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means committee.
Morse was accused of inappropriate sexual contact with students when he was a guest lecturer at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, according to a report in the school's student newspaper, The Daily Collegian.
In a statement posted to Twitter, Morse said, "I have never, in my life, had a non-consensual sexual encounter with anyone. I have never used my position of power as Mayor and UMass lecturer for romantic or sexual gain, or to take advantage of students."
'It's Trump vs. not-Trump': After conventions, Biden looks to excite his base while Trump tries to expand his
Record turnout was expected in primary
Despite voting amid the coronavirus pandemic, the state prepared for a new turnout record, anticipating at least 1.35 million ballots to be cast.
William Glavin, Massachusetts' secretary of commonwealth, said Monday that because of the amount of mail-in ballots, along with in-person votes, counting will probably be slower than in previous years.
Gov. Charlie Baker signed an order that allowed all Massachusetts voters to vote by mail for Tuesday’s primary, in addition to the general election in November.
There were still in-person polling places for voters who chose not to vote by mail.


usatoday--2020-09-01--Donald Trump goes maskless in Kenosha, and urges others to do so despite COVID-19 order

WASHINGTON – No masks in Kenosha for President Donald Trump .
Trump , who has expressed off-again , on-again support for mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic , was maskless again Tuesday as he surveyed businesses damaged during protests in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
At the start of a roundtable meeting with law enforcement personnel , local officials , and business owners , Trump told them they could take off their face masks `` if you feel more comfortable '' doing so .
`` Look how fast you took that off , '' he told one person .
None of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a group that included Attorney General William Barr and Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf .
Some members of Trump 's entourage were seen wearing masks during a tour of torched areas in a state that has suffered its share of coronavirus cases .
On Monday , the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported 75,603 total positive coronavirus test results in the Badger State and a total of 1,122 COVID-19 deaths .
In late July , Democratic Gov .
Tony Evers issued an order requiring all Wisconsin residents to wear masks indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order `` strongly recommends '' face coverings outside `` when it is not possible to maintain physical distancing . ''
More : 'Worse before it gets better . '
Trump delivers sober warning in return to coronavirus briefings More : Joe Biden says he would require wearing masks in public to prevent coronavirus spread For months , Trump refused to wear a mask , even during a highly publicized May visit to a manufacturing plant in Phoenix – a plant that made face masks .
Almost everyone else at the plant during Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covering .
Trump has worn masks on a few occasions , most notably during a July 11 visit with ill troops at Walter Reed hospital .
On July 21 he urged all Americans to do so , saying he was `` getting used '' to the idea .
`` We 're asking everybody that when you are not able to socially distance , wear a mask , get a mask , '' Trump said then .
`` Whether you like the mask or not , they have an impact , they 'll have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can get . ''
A few weeks later , Trump criticized Democratic presidential opponent Joe Biden for proposing a policy to have all of the nation 's governors require mask wearing in their states .
Calling it an unnecessary mandate , Trump said : “ We want to have a certain freedom .
That ’ s what we ’ re about . ''

Donald Trump goes maskless in Kenosha, and urges others to do so despite COVID-19 order
Show Caption Hide Caption Pres. Trump says Biden's call for mask mandate cannot be enforced President Trump says Biden's call for a national mask mandate cannot be enforced at Thursday's White House news briefing. USA TODAY, Associated Press
WASHINGTON – No masks in Kenosha for President Donald Trump.
Trump, who has expressed off-again, on-again support for mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, was maskless again Tuesday as he surveyed businesses damaged during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
At the start of a roundtable meeting with law enforcement personnel, local officials, and business owners, Trump told them they could take off their face masks "if you feel more comfortable" doing so.
"Look how fast you took that off," he told one person.
None of the roundtable participants wound up wearing masks, a group that included Attorney General William Barr and Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf.
Some members of Trump's entourage were seen wearing masks during a tour of torched areas in a state that has suffered its share of coronavirus cases. On Monday, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported 75,603 total positive coronavirus test results in the Badger State and a total of 1,122 COVID-19 deaths.
In late July, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers issued an order requiring all Wisconsin residents to wear masks indoors, except in private residences. The order "strongly recommends" face coverings outside "when it is not possible to maintain physical distancing."
More: 'Worse before it gets better.' Trump delivers sober warning in return to coronavirus briefings
More: Joe Biden says he would require wearing masks in public to prevent coronavirus spread
For months, Trump refused to wear a mask, even during a highly publicized May visit to a manufacturing plant in Phoenix – a plant that made face masks. Almost everyone else at the plant during Trump's visit wore some kind of face covering.
Trump has worn masks on a few occasions, most notably during a July 11 visit with ill troops at Walter Reed hospital. On July 21 he urged all Americans to do so, saying he was "getting used" to the idea.
"We're asking everybody that when you are not able to socially distance, wear a mask, get a mask," Trump said then. "Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact, they'll have an effect. We need everything we can get."
A few weeks later, Trump criticized Democratic presidential opponent Joe Biden for proposing a policy to have all of the nation's governors require mask wearing in their states.
Calling it an unnecessary mandate, Trump said: “We want to have a certain freedom. That’s what we’re about."


usatoday--2020-09-01--Federal prisons resume visitation in October, 7 months after COVID-19 forced suspension

The federal prison system , the largest in the country , is preparing to resume inmate visitation in October , seven months after social visits were suspended due to the threat posed by the deadly coronavirus , officials said Tuesday .
`` We are committed to protecting the health and welfare of those inmates who are entrusted to our care , as well as our staff , their families , and the communities we live and work in , '' BOP spokesman Emery Nelson said .
`` It is our highest priority to continue to do everything we can to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities ; therefore , every CDC recommended precaution will be incorporated into our visiting procedures . ''
The move comes as the virus has exacted a heavy toll , claiming the lives of 118 prisoners and two staff members .
And the threat still remains , with 1,643 inmates listed as infected , along with 661 staffers .
More than 11,000 inmates and staffers have recovered , the agency reported Tuesday .
SYMPTOMATIC PRISONER : Federal prison failed to isolate , allowed staff to work despite COVID-19 symptoms '' Visitation will be non-contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memo outlining the plan , adding that inmates will be separated by Plexiglas or a similar barrier to `` prevent any contact . ''
`` In the alternative , if a barrier is not present , social distancing ( six feet spaces ) between visitors and inmates must be enforced , '' the agency said .
`` The frequency and number of visitors should be adjusted to ensure all inmates have an opportunity to visit at least twice a month . ''
Inmates and their visitors will be required to wear face masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before visitors are allowed entry .
Kevin Ring , president of the prisoner advocacy group Families Against Mandatory Minimums , said BOP 's action represents a `` first step '' for anxious families who have gone months without seeing loved ones .
But he said the proposed restrictions , particularly the prohibition on physical contact , will be difficult to abide .
`` The families have been incredibly patient and understanding , '' Ring said .
Prisoners who are in isolation because of infection or in quarantine because of possible contact with infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As the pandemic swept the country , prisons have been among the hardest hit institutions .
And they are among the last to begin loosening restrictions .
More : Sentenced under now-invalid drug laws and less than a year from freedom , inmate gets COVID-19 Because of the heightened risk , the Justice Department approved the expedited placement of the most vulnerable inmates in home confinement .
Since March , more than 7,500 inmates have been released to serve the remainder of their sentences under some condition of home confinement .

Federal prisons resume visitation in October, 7 months after COVID-19 forced suspension
The federal prison system, the largest in the country, is preparing to resume inmate visitation in October, seven months after social visits were suspended due to the threat posed by the deadly coronavirus, officials said Tuesday.
"We are committed to protecting the health and welfare of those inmates who are entrusted to our care, as well as our staff, their families, and the communities we live and work in," BOP spokesman Emery Nelson said. "It is our highest priority to continue to do everything we can to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our facilities; therefore, every CDC recommended precaution will be incorporated into our visiting procedures."
The move comes as the virus has exacted a heavy toll, claiming the lives of 118 prisoners and two staff members. And the threat still remains, with 1,643 inmates listed as infected, along with 661 staffers. More than 11,000 inmates and staffers have recovered, the agency reported Tuesday.
SYMPTOMATIC PRISONER: Federal prison failed to isolate, allowed staff to work despite COVID-19 symptoms
CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK: Hundreds of infected, quarantined inmates chaofficials
"Visitation will be non-contact only," according to an internal memo outlining the plan, adding that inmates will be separated by Plexiglas or a similar barrier to "prevent any contact."
"In the alternative, if a barrier is not present, social distancing (six feet spaces) between visitors and inmates must be enforced," the agency said. "The frequency and number of visitors should be adjusted to ensure all inmates have an opportunity to visit at least twice a month."
Inmates and their visitors will be required to wear face masks, while temperature checks will be conducted before visitors are allowed entry.
Kevin Ring, president of the prisoner advocacy group Families Against Mandatory Minimums, said BOP's action represents a "first step" for anxious families who have gone months without seeing loved ones.
But he said the proposed restrictions, particularly the prohibition on physical contact, will be difficult to abide.
"The families have been incredibly patient and understanding," Ring said.
Prisoners who are in isolation because of infection or in quarantine because of possible contact with infected inmates will be barred from visitation.
As the pandemic swept the country, prisons have been among the hardest hit institutions. And they are among the last to begin loosening restrictions.
More: Sentenced under now-invalid drug laws and less than a year from freedom, inmate gets COVID-19
Because of the heightened risk, the Justice Department approved the expedited placement of the most vulnerable inmates in home confinement. Since March, more than 7,500 inmates have been released to serve the remainder of their sentences under some condition of home confinement.


usatoday--2020-09-01--Trump wins short delay in effort to shield financial records from prosecutors

WASHINGTON – President Trump won some breathing room Tuesday in his latest effort to keep his tax returns and financial records away from New York prosecutors .
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit temporarily blocked enforcement of the Manhattan district attorney 's subpoena to Mazars USA , the president 's accounting firm , so it can decide on Trump 's claim that it 's a `` fishing expedition . ''
But the court set up a brisk schedule , including oral argument on Sept. 25 , that likely means it will rule in a matter of weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court 's decision upholding the subpoena , that would leave only the Supreme Court as a last resort for the president .
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance is investigating hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential race to two women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump , allegations Trump has denied .
But Vance recently suggested the probe goes further and involves the Trump Organization .
U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero last month rejected Trump 's efforts to keep his records from Manhattan prosecutors – another blow to the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the way to the Supreme Court once and is likely to wind up there again .
Trump 's attorneys have claimed that he is immune from criminal investigations and that the subpoena was overly broad and was issued in bad faith .
The president also has cast the Manhattan investigation as a political `` witch hunt . ''
The Supreme Court shot down Trump 's claim of absolute immunity in a 7-2 ruling in July but said his lawyers could challenge the subpoena on other grounds in federal district court .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public wo n't see Trump 's financial documents because grand jury investigations are secret .
In his latest 103-page ruling , Marrero said the president is n't entitled to special privilege in the judicial process .
He said Trump 's broad claims of absolute immunity , which the Supreme Court rejected in July , could have adverse legal consequences .
More : Supreme Court says President Trump can not keep tax , financial records from prosecutors '' At its core , it amounts to absolute immunity through a back door , an entry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but also potentially other persons and entities , public and private , could effectively gain cover from judicial process , '' Marrero wrote .
Last month , Vance suggested that his office 's investigation goes beyond the hush money payments and that prosecutors are looking broadly at the president 's business .
Prosecutors cited public reporting on `` possibly extensive and protracted criminal conduct at the Trump Organization . ''
During a brief hearing before a three-judge appeals court panel Tuesday , Trump attorney William Consovoy repeated his assertion that the subpoena represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harassment .
`` The president will be irreparably injured if those records are disclosed , '' Consovoy said .
Judge John Walker , the lone panel member appointed by a Republican president , wondered whether the subpoena might be overly broad and `` engage in some fishing . ''
But Carey Dunne , general counsel for the Manhattan district attorney 's office , said Trump 's attorneys have no reason to suspect that the investigation ever was limited to hush money payments .
The appeals court previously rejected Trump 's first effort to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indication the president may fare no better this time .

Trump wins short delay in effort to shield financial records from prosecutors
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump Supreme Court rulings don't mean transparency on his finances The Supreme Court's rulings on President Trump's financial documents will not produce public information, or his tax returns, before the elections. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Trump won some breathing room Tuesday in his latest effort to keep his tax returns and financial records away from New York prosecutors.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit temporarily blocked enforcement of the Manhattan district attorney's subpoena to Mazars USA, the president's accounting firm, so it can decide on Trump's claim that it's a "fishing expedition."
But the court set up a brisk schedule, including oral argument on Sept. 25, that likely means it will rule in a matter of weeks. Unless it reverses a federal district court's decision upholding the subpoena, that would leave only the Supreme Court as a last resort for the president.
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance is investigating hush money payments made during the 2016 presidential race to two women who claimed to have had affairs with Trump, allegations Trump has denied. But Vance recently suggested the probe goes further and involves the Trump Organization.
U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero last month rejected Trump's efforts to keep his records from Manhattan prosecutors – another blow to the president, who has unsuccessfully fought the subpoena all the way to the Supreme Court once and is likely to wind up there again.
Trump's attorneys have claimed that he is immune from criminal investigations and that the subpoena was overly broad and was issued in bad faith. The president also has cast the Manhattan investigation as a political "witch hunt."
The Supreme Court shot down Trump's claim of absolute immunity in a 7-2 ruling in July but said his lawyers could challenge the subpoena on other grounds in federal district court. For the time being, that means the public won't see Trump's financial documents because grand jury investigations are secret.
In his latest 103-page ruling, Marrero said the president isn't entitled to special privilege in the judicial process. He said Trump's broad claims of absolute immunity, which the Supreme Court rejected in July, could have adverse legal consequences.
More: Supreme Court says President Trump cannot keep tax, financial records from prosecutors
"At its core, it amounts to absolute immunity through a back door, an entry point through which not only a president but also potentially other persons and entities, public and private, could effectively gain cover from judicial process," Marrero wrote.
Last month, Vance suggested that his office's investigation goes beyond the hush money payments and that prosecutors are looking broadly at the president's business. Prosecutors cited public reporting on "possibly extensive and protracted criminal conduct at the Trump Organization."
During a brief hearing before a three-judge appeals court panel Tuesday, Trump attorney William Consovoy repeated his assertion that the subpoena represents a fishing expedition and a form of harassment.
"The president will be irreparably injured if those records are disclosed," Consovoy said.
Judge John Walker, the lone panel member appointed by a Republican president, wondered whether the subpoena might be overly broad and "engage in some fishing."
But Carey Dunne, general counsel for the Manhattan district attorney's office, said Trump's attorneys have no reason to suspect that the investigation ever was limited to hush money payments.
The appeals court previously rejected Trump's first effort to quash the subpoena last December – an indication the president may fare no better this time.


usatoday--2020-09-01--White House resuming tours with guidelines to protect visitors safety

White House visitors will be able to see the newly renovated Rose Garden .
The tours will resume on September @ @

White House to resume public tours with safety precautions
White House visitors will be able to see the newly renovated Rose Garden. The tours will resume on September 12.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-01--Republicans say the Senate will take up coronavirus stimulus bill next week amid stalemate with Demo

WASHINGTON — A top Republican senator said Tuesday the GOP-controlled Senate will likely take up a new coronavirus stimulus bill next week , though it faces likely opposition in the Democratic-led House .
Sen. John Barrasso , R-Wyo.
, the third-ranking Republican senator , told reporters Tuesday the `` goal '' was to consider the `` focused , targeted '' COVID-19 measure .
The bill would exclude `` things that ( House Speaker ) Nancy Pelosi has put in her bill that are unrelated to coronavirus , '' though the bill 's details have not been finalized yet .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , hobbled businesses and left local governments scraping for money .
Many relief programs Congress approved in the spring have since dried up , putting pressure on the House and Senate to come up with a new round of stimulus funding .
But weeks of negotiations failed to result in a deal .
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told CNBC earlier Tuesday he also expected a Republican proposal to be put forward `` sometime next week . ''
He said the `` biggest stumbling block '' in negotiations over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and local governments that have slashed budgets amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
COVID-19 recession : 'What am I going to do at 55 ? '
: More temporary layoffs could become permanent during COVID-19 recession The Democratic proposal initially included about $ 1 trillion for state and local aid , but Meadows said the amount was not “ based on reality '' and said Republicans would agree to $ 150 billion instead .
Democrats have offered to cut a trillion dollars from its $ 3.4-trillion package to bring its total cost down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package needs to include funding for state and local governments and a boost to unemployment benefits .
COVID-19 stimulus negotiations hit a stalemate in August with Democratic lawmakers and White House negotiators unable to reach a deal on even the amount of funding necessary for a relief package .
Following a call with Meadows on Aug. 27 , Pelosi said the two sides remained at a `` tragic impasse '' on a relief package , and Democrats have argued any pared-down relief proposal would not be sufficient .
Pelosi told MSNBC Monday evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the problem .
They refuse to accept the science and what science is advising . ''
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told lawmakers Tuesday he believed both sides should come to agreements on provisions of a stimulus package first before agreeing on the total cost .
“ We should agree on areas where we can agree and move forward for the benefit of the American people….whether it ’ s 1 trillion or 1 and a half trillion , again , let ’ s not get caught on a number , '' Mnuchin told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of agreement on boosting unemployment benefits , school funding , stimulus checks , the Postal Service , and renewing a small business loan program , even if there were disagreements over the amount of funding needed for each provision .
The bill may even have trouble coming to a full vote in the Republican-majority Senate .
The bill must first secure 60 votes in the Senate to clear a key procedural threshold setting it up for a full vote .
But Republicans are doubtful a smaller package can secure that many votes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans and Democrats , meaning seven Democrats would have to join all Republicans to vote to move the bill forward .
Sen. Richard Burr , R-N.C. , told reporters on Aug. 28 the smaller package would `` probably will fail '' to pass the procedural hurdle .
More : $ 1,200 checks ?
Money for schools ?
Breaking down what Republicans and Democrats want in the coronavirus stimulus plan

Republicans say the Senate will take up coronavirus stimulus bill next week amid stalemate with Democrats
Show Caption Hide Caption How the Federal Reserve's interest rates affect the economy and you The Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates over the past few months. Here's how their actions affect you. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — A top Republican senator said Tuesday the GOP-controlled Senate will likely take up a new coronavirus stimulus bill next week, though it faces likely opposition in the Democratic-led House.
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the third-ranking Republican senator, told reporters Tuesday the "goal" was to consider the "focused, targeted" COVID-19 measure.
The bill would exclude "things that (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi has put in her bill that are unrelated to coronavirus," though the bill's details have not been finalized yet.
The coronavirus pandemic has put millions out of work, hobbled businesses and left local governments scraping for money. Many relief programs Congress approved in the spring have since dried up, putting pressure on the House and Senate to come up with a new round of stimulus funding. But weeks of negotiations failed to result in a deal.
White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows told CNBC earlier Tuesday he also expected a Republican proposal to be put forward "sometime next week." He said the "biggest stumbling block" in negotiations over a new relief bill was funding for state and local governments that have slashed budgets amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 recession: 'What am I going to do at 55?': More temporary layoffs could become permanent during COVID-19 recession
The Democratic proposal initially included about $1 trillion for state and local aid, but Meadows said the amount was not “based on reality" and said Republicans would agree to $150 billion instead. Democrats have offered to cut a trillion dollars from its $3.4-trillion package to bring its total cost down to $2.2 trillion but have maintained any package needs to include funding for state and local governments and a boost to unemployment benefits.
COVID-19 stimulus negotiations hit a stalemate in August with Democratic lawmakers and White House negotiators unable to reach a deal on even the amount of funding necessary for a relief package. Following a call with Meadows on Aug. 27, Pelosi said the two sides remained at a "tragic impasse" on a relief package, and Democrats have argued any pared-down relief proposal would not be sufficient.
Pelosi told MSNBC Monday evening Republicans "do not understand the gravity of the problem. They refuse to accept the science and what science is advising."
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told lawmakers Tuesday he believed both sides should come to agreements on provisions of a stimulus package first before agreeing on the total cost.
“We should agree on areas where we can agree and move forward for the benefit of the American people….whether it’s 1 trillion or 1 and a half trillion, again, let’s not get caught on a number," Mnuchin told lawmakers.
Mnuchin said there were areas of agreement on boosting unemployment benefits, school funding, stimulus checks, the Postal Service, and renewing a small business loan program, even if there were disagreements over the amount of funding needed for each provision.
The bill may even have trouble coming to a full vote in the Republican-majority Senate. The bill must first secure 60 votes in the Senate to clear a key procedural threshold setting it up for a full vote. But Republicans are doubtful a smaller package can secure that many votes. The Senate is currently split 53-47 between Republicans and Democrats, meaning seven Democrats would have to join all Republicans to vote to move the bill forward.
Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., told reporters on Aug. 28 the smaller package would "probably will fail" to pass the procedural hurdle.
More: $1,200 checks? Money for schools? Breaking down what Republicans and Democrats want in the coronavirus stimulus plan


usatoday--2020-09-01--Report: HHS to spend $250 million on contract to 'instill confidence to return to work' amid COVID-1

The Department of Health and Human Services ( HHS ) is offering a contract worth more than $ 250 million to a communications firm to oversee a campaign to “ defeat despair and inspire hope ” about the coronavirus pandemic , Politico reported Tuesday morning .
Politico reported that HHS sent out `` performance work statements '' to several firms weeks ago , which outlines the output expected of the firm that scores the contract .
The goals of the contract are to “ defeat despair and inspire hope , sharing best practices for businesses to operate in the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work and restart the economy , ” Politico reported , as well as to build a “ 'coalition of spokespeople ' around the country , provide important public health , therapeutic and vaccine information as the country reopens , and give Americans information on the phases of reopening . ''
“ By harnessing the power of traditional , digital and social media , the sports and entertainment industries , public health associations , and other creative partners to deliver important public health and economic information the administration can defeat despair , inspire hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work statement says .
The targets of this information will be businesses and workplaces , colleges and other schools , faith organizations , child care programs and law enforcement officials , according to Politico .
Trump 's response : ' I 'll be right eventually ' : Donald Trump defends his handling of COVID-19 About a dozen companies have expressed interest in the contract , most of which are not major well-known firms .
Two firms that received the proposal told Politico that they didn ’ t end up submitting a bid for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes as President Donald Trump faces widespread criticism for his handling of the coronavirus , and as his administration has consistently made false statements about its response to the pandemic .
Last week , for instance , Trump said that the country has “ among the lowest case-fatality rates of any major country anywhere in the world , '' which is misleading .
Saudi Arabia , South Korea , Russia , and India have lower case-fatality rates than the United States , which is among the 20 countries hardest hit by the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheered his response to the pandemic and used last week 's Republic National Convention as a platform to tell voters the president has things under control .
“ We are meeting this challenge , ” Trump said of his response to the pandemic as he accepted the GOP presidential nomination last week .
“ We are delivering life-saving therapies and we 'll produce a vaccine before the end of the year , or maybe even sooner.
” On Monday , Trump retweeted a post that falsely claimed the COVID-19 pandemic is not as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was removed by Twitter for sharing false information .
Public health experts have criticized the White House for spreading misinformation about the pandemic in the last few months as well .
In July , four former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention came out against the Trump administration for undermining the federal health agency and casting doubt on its scientific guidelines .
`` Through last week , and into Monday , the administration continued to cast public doubt on the agency ’ s recommendations and role in informing and guiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' former CDC Directors Tom Frieden , Jeffrey Koplan , David Satcher and Richard Besser said in a Washington Post op-ed .
`` On Sunday , Education Secretary Betsy DeVos characterized the CDC guidelines as an impediment to reopening schools quickly rather than what they are : the path to doing so safely . ''
The winning contractor will work with HHS ’ assistant secretary for public affairs , an office run by Michael Caputo , one of Trump 's former campaign advisors .

Report: HHS to spend $250 million on contract to 'instill confidence to return to work' amid COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 stimulus: Trump signs new executive orders despite stalemate President Trump signed four executive orders for COVID-19 relief but American's may not see benefits without congressional approval. USA TODAY
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is offering a contract worth more than $250 million to a communications firm to oversee a campaign to “defeat despair and inspire hope” about the coronavirus pandemic, Politico reported Tuesday morning.
Politico reported that HHS sent out "performance work statements" to several firms weeks ago, which outlines the output expected of the firm that scores the contract.
The goals of the contract are to “defeat despair and inspire hope, sharing best practices for businesses to operate in the new normal and instill confidence to return to work and restart the economy,” Politico reported, as well as to build a “'coalition of spokespeople' around the country, provide important public health, therapeutic and vaccine information as the country reopens, and give Americans information on the phases of reopening."
“By harnessing the power of traditional, digital and social media, the sports and entertainment industries, public health associations, and other creative partners to deliver important public health and economic information the administration can defeat despair, inspire hope and achieve national recovery,” the work statement says.
The targets of this information will be businesses and workplaces, colleges and other schools, faith organizations, child care programs and law enforcement officials, according to Politico.
Trump's response:'I'll be right eventually': Donald Trump defends his handling of COVID-19
About a dozen companies have expressed interest in the contract, most of which are not major well-known firms. Two firms that received the proposal told Politico that they didn’t end up submitting a bid for the contract.
News of the campaign comes as President Donald Trump faces widespread criticism for his handling of the coronavirus, and as his administration has consistently made false statements about its response to the pandemic.
Last week, for instance, Trump said that the country has “among the lowest case-fatality rates of any major country anywhere in the world," which is misleading.
Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Russia, and India have lower case-fatality rates than the United States, which is among the 20 countries hardest hit by the virus.
Trump and his supporters have repeatedly cheered his response to the pandemic and used last week's Republic National Convention as a platform to tell voters the president has things under control.
Social media: Twitter removes Trump's post touting a false 'cure' for COVID-19
“We are meeting this challenge,” Trump said of his response to the pandemic as he accepted the GOP presidential nomination last week. “We are delivering life-saving therapies and we'll produce a vaccine before the end of the year, or maybe even sooner.”
On Monday, Trump retweeted a post that falsely claimed the COVID-19 pandemic is not as deadly as officials have reported, which was removed by Twitter for sharing false information.
Public health experts have criticized the White House for spreading misinformation about the pandemic in the last few months as well.
In July, four former directors of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention came out against the Trump administration for undermining the federal health agency and casting doubt on its scientific guidelines.
"Through last week, and into Monday, the administration continued to cast public doubt on the agency’s recommendations and role in informing and guiding the nation’s pandemic response," former CDC Directors Tom Frieden, Jeffrey Koplan, David Satcher and Richard Besser said in a Washington Post op-ed. "On Sunday, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos characterized the CDC guidelines as an impediment to reopening schools quickly rather than what they are: the path to doing so safely."
The winning contractor will work with HHS’ assistant secretary for public affairs, an office run by Michael Caputo, one of Trump's former campaign advisors.


usatoday--2020-09-01--President Trump said some police officers who shoot unarmed suspects 'choke' like golfers

President Trump said some police officers who shoot unarmed suspects 'choke ' like golfers While discussing the shooting of Jacob @ @ @ @ @ , ' President Trump said some police officers who shoot unarmed suspects 'choke . '

Trump: Some police who shoot unarmed suspects 'choke' like golfers
While discussing the shooting of Jacob Blake on 'The Ingraham Angle,' President Trump said some police officers who shoot unarmed suspects 'choke.'
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-01--Trump defends Kenosha shooter Kyle Rittenhouse before visit to Wisconsin

President Donald Trump said that protesters `` violently attacked '' Kyle Rittenhouse , but the incident was under investigation .

Trump defends Kenosha shooter before visit to Wisconsin
President Donald Trump said that protesters "violently attacked" Kyle Rittenhouse, but the incident was under investigation.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-01--Liberty University opens investigation into 'all facets' of Jerry Falwell Jr.'s tenure

WASHINGTON — Liberty University on Monday announced it has opened an independent investigation into `` all facets '' of the tenure of Jerry Falwell Jr. , the evangelical school 's disgraced former president who resigned last week amid an alleged sex scandal .
The school hired a leading outside forensics firm , according to a statement issued by the Liberty 's executive committee on behalf of the board of trustees , that will investigate all aspects of Falwell 's 13-year run leading the school including `` financial , real estate and legal matters . ''
The school did not provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , based in Lynchburg , Virginia , is `` committed to learning the consequences that have flowed from a lack of spiritual stewardship by our former president , '' the statement said .
Falwell , an ardent an early supporter of President Donald Trump and the son of the university 's televangelist founder Jerry Fallwell , Sr. , resigned last week after Reuters published an interview with a man who said he had a yearslong sexual relationship with the evangelical leader 's wife , Becki Falwell , with her husband 's consent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giancarlo Granda , said the relationship involved him having sex with Becki Falwell while Jerry Falwell watched .
Falwell , university president since 2007 , acknowledged his wife 's extramarital affair but said he was not involved and that he and Becki forgave each other .
Liberty 's board statement said the past week `` challenged all of us to the core . ''
School officials defended the university 's actions .
`` While we had been willing to extend grace and understanding to Jerry Falwell , Jr. before , '' the university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to ask for his immediate resignation after revelations about his personal life `` came more fully to light . ''
Michael Bowe , Falwell 's attorney , did not respond to a request for comment on the new investigation .
Falwell had been on leave from Liberty University since Aug. 7 , after he posted ( and later deleted ) a controversial photo of himself with his arm around a pregnant woman , both of their stomachs exposed and their pants unzipped .
`` Some may say that all the signs were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , '' the university said .
`` It ’ s certainly fair to say that there were questionable comments made , worrying behavior , and inappropriate social media posts , but all the signs were not there until the start of last week .
While we still didn ’ t know the full scope of the matter , we have learned enough about the past to know that we had no choice but to take the leadership of Liberty University in a new direction . ''
Founded in 1971 , Liberty has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on campus and more than 100,000 when counting its online courses .
Known for its conservative politics , Liberty 's honor code states , `` Sexual relations outside of a biblically-ordained marriage between a natural-born man and a natural-born woman are not permissible at Liberty University . ''
Falwell was among the earliest Christian conservatives to endorse Trump ’ s 2016 presidential campaign and has routinely been in the spotlight since then for a series of controversies in both his role at Liberty and his personal life .
As severance compensation dictated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post he will receive $ 2.5 million over two years and then $ 8 million in retirement .
More : Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University : What we know Liberty 's board of directors also committed to considering the installment of a new leadership position to serve as a `` spiritual coach , mentor and guide '' to help ensure that every member of he Liberty community fulfills his or her '' spiritual responsibility to live out the Christian walk expected of each and every one of us at Liberty . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use the `` full range of his presidential authority '' to implement any changes necessary to improve the ongoing operations of the university .
`` We ask for continued prayers as we all manage this transition and for a continued commitment by us all to fulfill our spiritual mission here at Liberty University today and always , '' the university statement said .

Liberty University opens investigation into 'all facets' of Jerry Falwell Jr.'s tenure
Show Caption Hide Caption Jerry Falwell Jr. resigns as head of Liberty University amid reports Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University, has resigned from the school amid reports of his wife's sexual relationship with a business partner. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Liberty University on Monday announced it has opened an independent investigation into "all facets" of the tenure of Jerry Falwell Jr., the evangelical school's disgraced former president who resigned last week amid an alleged sex scandal.
The school hired a leading outside forensics firm, according to a statement issued by the Liberty's executive committee on behalf of the board of trustees, that will investigate all aspects of Falwell's 13-year run leading the school including "financial, real estate and legal matters." The school did not provide further details of the scope.
Liberty, based in Lynchburg, Virginia, is "committed to learning the consequences that have flowed from a lack of spiritual stewardship by our former president," the statement said.
Falwell, an ardent an early supporter of President Donald Trump and the son of the university's televangelist founder Jerry Fallwell, Sr., resigned last week after Reuters published an interview with a man who said he had a yearslong sexual relationship with the evangelical leader's wife, Becki Falwell, with her husband's consent and encouragement. The man, business partner Giancarlo Granda, said the relationship involved him having sex with Becki Falwell while Jerry Falwell watched.
More: Jerry Falwell Jr. officially resigns as Liberty University president, university confirms
Falwell, university president since 2007, acknowledged his wife's extramarital affair but said he was not involved and that he and Becki forgave each other.
Liberty's board statement said the past week "challenged all of us to the core." School officials defended the university's actions. "While we had been willing to extend grace and understanding to Jerry Falwell, Jr. before," the university said it acted "swiftly and decisively" to ask for his immediate resignation after revelations about his personal life "came more fully to light."
Michael Bowe, Falwell's attorney, did not respond to a request for comment on the new investigation.
Falwell had been on leave from Liberty University since Aug. 7, after he posted (and later deleted) a controversial photo of himself with his arm around a pregnant woman, both of their stomachs exposed and their pants unzipped.
"Some may say that all the signs were there for a long time before last week," the university said. "It’s certainly fair to say that there were questionable comments made, worrying behavior, and inappropriate social media posts, but all the signs were not there until the start of last week. While we still didn’t know the full scope of the matter, we have learned enough about the past to know that we had no choice but to take the leadership of Liberty University in a new direction."
Founded in 1971, Liberty has a student body of more than 15,000 on campus and more than 100,000 when counting its online courses. Known for its conservative politics, Liberty's honor code states, "Sexual relations outside of a biblically-ordained marriage between a natural-born man and a natural-born woman are not permissible at Liberty University."
Falwell was among the earliest Christian conservatives to endorse Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign and has routinely been in the spotlight since then for a series of controversies in both his role at Liberty and his personal life.
As severance compensation dictated by his contract, Falwell told the Washington Post he will receive $2.5 million over two years and then $8 million in retirement.
More: Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University: What we know
Liberty's board of directors also committed to considering the installment of a new leadership position to serve as a "spiritual coach, mentor and guide" to help ensure that every member of he Liberty community fulfills his or her" spiritual responsibility to live out the Christian walk expected of each and every one of us at Liberty."
The university tasked Acting President Jerry Provo to use the "full range of his presidential authority" to implement any changes necessary to improve the ongoing operations of the university.
"We ask for continued prayers as we all manage this transition and for a continued commitment by us all to fulfill our spiritual mission here at Liberty University today and always," the university statement said.
Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.