usatoday--2020-07-12--Former Russia special counsel Robert Mueller defends Roger Stone prosecution in wake of Trump commut

Former Russia special counsel Robert Mueller pushed back against President Donald Trump on Saturday , defending the prosecution of Roger Stone and the larger investigation into Russia interference in the 2016 election , saying that the flamboyant political operative was `` prosecuted and convicted because he committed federal crimes . ''
`` He remains a convicted felon , and rightly so , '' Mueller said in a column published Saturday in The Washington Post .
Mueller 's remarks , prompted by Trump 's commutation of Stone 's 40-month prison sentence Friday , are the first since he testified before a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his team brought charges against at least a half-dozen former Trump aides during his campaign and after he took office .
'Abandoned the rule of law ' : Lawmakers react to Trump granting clemency to Roger Stone 'Unfair ' conviction : Trump grants clemency to ally Roger Stone after railing against conviction , sentencing Stone was the last person charged by the Mueller team during the nearly two-year Russia investigation .
`` Russia ’ s actions were a threat to America ’ s democracy , '' Mueller wrote .
`` It was critical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mueller said the FBI had evidence that the Russians had signaled to a Trump campaign adviser that they could assist the campaign through the anonymous release of information damaging to the Democratic candidate .
`` Stone became a central figure in our investigation for two key reasons : He communicated in 2016 with individuals known to us to be Russian intelligence officers , and he claimed advance knowledge of WikiLeaks ’ release of emails stolen by those Russian intelligence officers , '' Mueller wrote .
`` We also identified numerous links between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – Stone among them .
We did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired with the Russian government in its activities , '' the former special counsel wrote , re-asserting the team 's conclusions .
`` The investigation did , however , establish that the Russian government perceived it would benefit from a Trump presidency and worked to secure that outcome .
It also established that the campaign expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts . ''
More : DOJ signals it will release a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stone Mueller offered a detailed accounting of investigators ' focus on Stone by federal prosecutors and Congress .
`` He lied by denying he had communicated with the Trump campaign about the timing of WikiLeaks ’ releases , '' Mueller wrote .
`` He in fact updated senior campaign officials repeatedly about WikiLeaks .
And he tampered with a witness , imploring him to stonewall Congress .
`` The jury ultimately convicted Stone of obstruction of a congressional investigation , five counts of making false statements to Congress and tampering with a witness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his sentence has been commuted , he will not go to prison .
But his conviction stands . ''
Mueller said the `` essential question '' of whether those efforts involved the Trump campaign required investigation .
`` When a subject lies to investigators , it strikes at the core of the government ’ s efforts to find the truth and hold wrongdoers accountable , '' Mueller said .
`` It may ultimately impede those efforts .
`` We made every decision in Stone ’ s case , as in all our cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law and in accordance with the rule of law .
The women and men who conducted these investigations and prosecutions acted with the highest integrity .
Claims to the contrary are false , '' he said .
White House spokesman Judd Deere responded Saturday night , saying `` Mueller should keep his promise to the American people and let the report , which fully exonerated the President , stand instead of pontificating in the editorial pages with more spin.
” Mueller 's defense comes after Democrats assailed Trump 's action and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R-Utah , criticized Trump 's intervention .
`` Unprecedented , historic corruption : an American president commutes the sentence of a person convicted by a jury of lying to shield that very president , '' Romney wrote on Twitter Saturday morning .
Trump granted Stone clemency days before he was to report to a Georgia prison to begin serving his sentence .
Trump has pardoned allies before , but Stone is the first individual directly connected to Trump 's campaign to receive presidential clemency .
A statement issued by the White House on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Russia Hoax that the Left and its allies in the media perpetuated for years in an attempt to undermine the Trump Presidency , '' claiming that prosecutors made `` process-based charges '' in lieu of `` finding evidence of collusion with Russia . ''
This is not the first time that Romney has publicly condemned Trump .
When he voted to convict Trump on an impeachment charge in February , he was the only Republican senator to do so , and became the first senator ever to vote against his own party @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Former Russia special counsel Robert Mueller defends Roger Stone prosecution in wake of Trump commutation
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump grants clemency to Roger Stone President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of his longtime confidant Roger Stone. USA TODAY, Wochit
Former Russia special counsel Robert Mueller pushed back against President Donald Trump on Saturday, defending the prosecution of Roger Stone and the larger investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, saying the flamboyant political operative was "prosecuted and convicted because he committed federal crimes."
"He remains a convicted felon, and rightly so," Mueller said in a column published Saturday in The Washington Post.
Mueller's remarks, prompted by Trump's commutation of Stone's 40-month prison sentence Friday, are the first since he testified before a House committee nearly a year ago after his team brought charges against at least a half-dozen former Trump aides during his campaign and after he took office.
'Abandoned the rule of law': Lawmakers react to Trump granting clemency to Roger Stone
'Unfair' conviction: Trump grants clemency to ally Roger Stone after railing against conviction, sentencing
Stone was the last person charged by the Mueller team during the nearly two-year Russia investigation.
"Russia’s actions were a threat to America’s democracy," Mueller wrote. "It was critical that they be investigated and understood."
Mueller said the FBI had evidence that the Russians signaled to a Trump campaign adviser that they could assist the campaign through the anonymous release of information damaging to the Democratic presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton.
"Stone became a central figure in our investigation for two key reasons: He communicated in 2016 with individuals known to us to be Russian intelligence officers, and he claimed advance knowledge of WikiLeaks’ release of emails stolen by those Russian intelligence officers," Mueller wrote.
"We also identified numerous links between the Russian government and Trump campaign personnel – Stone among them. We did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired with the Russian government in its activities," the former special counsel wrote, reasserting the team's conclusions. "The investigation did, however, establish that the Russian government perceived it would benefit from a Trump presidency and worked to secure that outcome. It also established that the campaign expected it would benefit electorally from information stolen and released through Russian efforts."
More: DOJ signals it will release a less-redacted version of Mueller report concerning Roger Stone
Mueller offered a detailed accounting of investigators' focus on Stone by federal prosecutors and Congress.
"He lied by denying he had communicated with the Trump campaign about the timing of WikiLeaks’ releases," Mueller wrote. "He in fact updated senior campaign officials repeatedly about WikiLeaks. And he tampered with a witness, imploring him to stonewall Congress.
"The jury ultimately convicted Stone of obstruction of a congressional investigation, five counts of making false statements to Congress and tampering with a witness," Mueller wrote. "Because his sentence has been commuted, he will not go to prison. But his conviction stands."
Mueller said the "essential question" of whether those efforts involved the Trump campaign required investigation.
"When a subject lies to investigators, it strikes at the core of the government’s efforts to find the truth and hold wrongdoers accountable," Mueller said. "It may ultimately impede those efforts.
"We made every decision in Stone’s case, as in all our cases, based solely on the facts and the law and in accordance with the rule of law. The women and men who conducted these investigations and prosecutions acted with the highest integrity. Claims to the contrary are false," he said.
White House spokesman Judd Deere said Saturday night, "Mueller should keep his promise to the American people and let the report, which fully exonerated the president, stand instead of pontificating in the editorial pages with more spin.”
Democrats and some Republicans, including Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, criticized Trump's intervention.
"Unprecedented, historic corruption: an American president commutes the sentence of a person convicted by a jury of lying to shield that very president," Romney wrote on Twitter Saturday morning.
Romney: Roger Stone commutation 'unprecedented, historic corruption'
Trump granted Stone clemency days before he was to report to a Georgia prison to serve his sentence.
Trump has pardoned allies before, but Stone is the first individual directly connected to Trump's campaign to receive presidential clemency.
A statement issued by the White House on Friday called Stone "a victim of the Russia Hoax that the Left and its allies in the media perpetuated for years in an attempt to undermine the Trump Presidency," claiming that prosecutors made "process-based charges" in lieu of "finding evidence of collusion with Russia."
Romney was the only Republican senator who voted to convict Trump on an impeachment charge in February, becoming the first senator ever to vote against his own party's president in an impeachment trial.


usatoday--2020-07-11--Jeff Sessions blasts Trump's 'juvenile insults' ahead of Alabama runoff election against Tuberville

President Donald Trump sparred with his former Attorney General Jeff Sessions over Twitter on Saturday , days before Sessions competes in a bitter Tuesday election for his old Alabama Senate seat .
After again endorsing Sessions ' opponent in the Republican run-off – former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville – Trump blasted Sessions as `` a disaster who has let us all down .
We don ’ t want him back in Washington ! ''
Trump has held a grudge against Sessions ever since he recused himself in the investigation into Russian election interference that marred the first two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has explicitly tied his endorsement of Tuberville to Sessions ' recusal .
`` My honor and integrity are far more important than these juvenile insults , '' Sessions fired back , before criticizing Tuberville .
`` Your scandal ridden candidate is too cowardly to debate .
As you know , Alabama does not take orders from Washington . ''
Trump initially endorsed Tuberville for Sessions ' old seat in March .
Tuberville and Sessions are competing Tuesday for the GOP nomination to face incumbent Democratic Sen. Doug Jones in the fall .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ primaries in New Jersey and Delaware Trump eventually fired Sessions in 2018 , saying he would have never hired him in the first place if he 'd known he would recuse himself from the investigation .
Sessions ' recusal eventually led to Robert Mueller 's appointment to special counsel and a nearly two-year election probe that shadowed Trump 's early years in office .
Trump was ultimately not charged with a crime .
Over the years , Sessions has gone from being one of Trump 's most vocal supporters to becoming one his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first senator to endorse Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primary , giving his campaign legitimacy before that year 's Super Tuesday nominating contests .
Sessions supported Trump long before the official endorsement , famously wearing a “ Make America Great Again ” hat at a Trump rally in August 2015 and praising Trump 's border wall plans .
In a television interview last summer , Trump called Sessions ' appointment as attorney general the `` biggest mistake '' of his presidency .
Trump 's attacks on Sessions have continued throughout his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Sessions to drop out of the race .
`` Jeff , you had your chance & you blew it , '' Trump tweeted in an exchange with Sessions , when Sessions again defended his recusal .
`` You had no courage , & ruined many lives . ''
More : Alabama primary voter 's guide : Much about Donald Trump ; little about the state Despite Trump 's fierce opposition to Sessions ' bid for Senate , Sessions has continually used his support of Trump as a key part of his campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Make America Great Again '' hat in advertisements , and mentioned that he was the first senator to endorse Trump .

Jeff Sessions blasts Trump's 'juvenile insults' ahead of Alabama runoff election against Tuberville
Show Caption Hide Caption Jeff Sessions speaks out about his exit from the Trump White House Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaking out about his controversial exit from the Trump White House. Veuer's Nick Cardona has that story. Buzz60
President Donald Trump sparred with his former Attorney General Jeff Sessions over Twitter on Saturday, days before Sessions competes in a bitter Tuesday election for his old Alabama Senate seat.
After again endorsing Sessions' opponent in the Republican run-off – former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville – Trump blasted Sessions as "a disaster who has let us all down. We don’t want him back in Washington!"
Trump has held a grudge against Sessions ever since he recused himself in the investigation into Russian election interference that marred the first two years of Trump's presidency. Trump has explicitly tied his endorsement of Tuberville to Sessions' recusal.
"My honor and integrity are far more important than these juvenile insults," Sessions fired back, before criticizing Tuberville. "Your scandal ridden candidate is too cowardly to debate. As you know, Alabama does not take orders from Washington."
Trump initially endorsed Tuberville for Sessions' old seat in March. Tuberville and Sessions are competing Tuesday for the GOP nomination to face incumbent Democratic Sen. Doug Jones in the fall.
More: What to know about Tuesday's primaries in New Jersey and Delaware
Big Senate Race in Alabama on Tuesday. Vote for @TTuberville, he is a winner who will never let you down. Jeff Sessions is a disaster who has let us all down. We don’t want him back in Washington! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 11, 2020
I’ve taken the road less travelled. Not sought fame or fortune. My honor and integrity are far more important than these juvenile insults. Your scandal ridden candidate is too cowardly to debate. As you know, Alabama does not take orders from Washington. https://t.co/1I6ROih43E — Jeff Sessions (@jeffsessions) July 11, 2020
Trump eventually fired Sessions in 2018, saying he would have never hired him in the first place if he'd known he would recuse himself from the investigation. Sessions' recusal eventually led to Robert Mueller's appointment to special counsel and a nearly two-year election probe that shadowed Trump's early years in office. Trump was ultimately not charged with a crime.
Over the years, Sessions has gone from being one of Trump's most vocal supporters to becoming one his frequent subjects of ridicule. Sessions was the first senator to endorse Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, giving his campaign legitimacy before that year's Super Tuesday nominating contests. Sessions supported Trump long before the official endorsement, famously wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat at a Trump rally in August 2015 and praising Trump's border wall plans.
In a television interview last summer, Trump called Sessions' appointment as attorney general the "biggest mistake" of his presidency.
Trump's attacks on Sessions have continued throughout his Senate campaign. In May, Trump told Sessions to drop out of the race.
"Jeff, you had your chance & you blew it," Trump tweeted in an exchange with Sessions, when Sessions again defended his recusal. "You had no courage, & ruined many lives."
More: Alabama primary voter's guide: Much about Donald Trump; little about the state
Despite Trump's fierce opposition to Sessions' bid for Senate, Sessions has continually used his support of Trump as a key part of his campaign. Sessions has worn a red "Make America Great Again" hat in advertisements, and mentioned that he was the first senator to endorse Trump.


usatoday--2020-07-11--Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19

NEW YORK – Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for COVID-19 , according to manager Aaron Boone .
Chapman was not at Yankee Stadium on Saturday , where the club was preparing to play in a late afternoon intrasquad game .
Boone said Chapman ’ s symptoms are mild , but that `` he will not be here for the foreseeable future . ''
In his absence , lefty Zack Britton would likely take over the closer ’ s role for the Yankees , who are scheduled to open the abbreviated 60-game MLB season on July 23 at Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolating at home , infielder DJ LeMahieu and pitcher Luis Cessa , because of positive COVID-19 tests before traveling to New York for summer training .
POSITIVE TESTS : Who has tested positive in MLB for coronavirus NOT PLAYING : Who has opted out of playing the 2020 season Chapman participated in workouts at Yankee Stadium for a week but had yet to appear in an intrasquad game .
Yankees players have been tested for coronavirus every other day since arriving at camp .
`` He 's got mild symptoms , but overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Chapman .
“ I feel like we ’ re following all protocols , ’ ’ Boone said .
“ We have not had any other positive tests .
We ’ ve adhered to all the contract tracing … so we feel like we ’ ve handled it and are handling it .
“ Even moving forward , a positive test is probably going to come our way , ’ ’ Boone said .
“ And it ’ s about doing all the things that hopefully as a whole keep us safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel we ’ re doing a good job in here of managing .
’ ’

Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption Most anticipated games of the 2020 MLB season USA TODAY Sports' Ralphie Aversa breaks down the 5 most intriguing games of the 2020 MLB regular season. USA TODAY
NEW YORK – Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for COVID-19, according to manager Aaron Boone.
Chapman was not at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, where the club was preparing to play in a late afternoon intrasquad game.
Boone said Chapman’s symptoms are mild, but that "he will not be here for the foreseeable future."
In his absence, lefty Zack Britton would likely take over the closer’s role for the Yankees, who are scheduled to open the abbreviated 60-game MLB season on July 23 at Washington.
The Yankees already have two players isolating at home, infielder DJ LeMahieu and pitcher Luis Cessa, because of positive COVID-19 tests before traveling to New York for summer training.
POSITIVE TESTS: Who has tested positive in MLB for coronavirus
NOT PLAYING: Who has opted out of playing the 2020 season
Chapman participated in workouts at Yankee Stadium for a week but had yet to appear in an intrasquad game.
Yankees players have been tested for coronavirus every other day since arriving at camp.
"He's got mild symptoms, but overall is doing well,'' Boone said of Chapman.
“I feel like we’re following all protocols,’’ Boone said. “We have not had any other positive tests. We’ve adhered to all the contract tracing … so we feel like we’ve handled it and are handling it.
“Even moving forward, a positive test is probably going to come our way,’’ Boone said. “And it’s about doing all the things that hopefully as a whole keep us safe and healthy.
“Bur right now we feel we’re doing a good job in here of managing.’’
Follow Caldera on Twitter @pcaldera


usatoday--2020-07-11--Charles Barkley says sports world is turning social justice statements into a 'circus'

Hall of Fame basketball player Charles Barkley said the sports world 's focus on social justice statements is becoming a distracting `` circus '' that does n't fully address core issues the country is facing or produce real change .
In a guest appearance Friday on CNBC , Barkley said he 's felt the national spotlight — on athletes and the media covering them — shines too brightly on statements like kneeling during the national anthem or social justice messages displayed on jerseys .
`` What 's happening now is we 're turning into a circus , '' said Barkley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Instead of talking about racial equality , racial justice and economic justice , we spend all our time worrying about who 's kneeling and not kneeling .
What 's being said on buses .
What 's been said on jerseys .
I think we 're missing the point .
`` We need police reform , prison reform .
Those are No .
1 and No .
2 things to focus on .
We need the cops , good cops out there policing bad cops .
...
When we spend time focusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's gon na defeat purpose .
My concern is this is turning into a circus instead of trying to do some good stuff . ''
The NBA announced plans last week that players in Orlando will be allowed to showcase social justice-related messages on the back of their jerseys with phrases that include “ Black Lives Matter , ” `` I Ca n't Breathe '' and “ Equality . ''
Barkley said the influx of social justice messages could turn off fans just looking for escapism .
`` We are in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Sports used to be a place where fans could go and get away from reality .
Now it 's such a mixture .
It 's going to be fascinating watching what happens with the fans .
Fans are at a disadvantage , they 're going through the pandemic .
They do n't want to see a bunch of rich people talking about stuff all the time .
I do n't think there 's a right or wrong answer .
People lost jobs and the last thing they want to do is turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff all the time .
It 's going to be very interesting to see how the public reacts . ''
The NBA restarts its season July 31 with 22 teams inside a `` bubble '' at Disney World .
Barkley said there 's an unpredictability factor to how things will go , noting that it will be difficult to avoid a positive coronavirus test to a player that could derail the season .
He also said he felt like the NFL and college football have an advantage of watching the NBA , NHL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how well live sports will fare .
`` We are all flying in the dark right now and I do n't think anybody knows what 's going to happen , '' Barkley said .

Charles Barkley says sports world is turning social justice statements into a 'circus'
Show Caption Hide Caption How can NBA players have an impact on social justice legislation? USA TODAY Sports talked to Charles Grantham, Director of Sports Management at Seton Hall, about how the NBA can impact policy change in America. USA TODAY
Hall of Fame basketball player Charles Barkley said the sports world's focus on social justice statements is becoming a distracting "circus" that doesn't fully address core issues the country is facing or produce real change.
In a guest appearance Friday on CNBC, Barkley said he's felt the national spotlight — on athletes and the media covering them — shines too brightly on statements like kneeling during the national anthem or social justice messages displayed on jerseys.
"What's happening now is we're turning into a circus," said Barkley, a basketball analyst for Turner Sports. "Instead of talking about racial equality, racial justice and economic justice, we spend all our time worrying about who's kneeling and not kneeling. What's being said on buses. What's been said on jerseys. I think we're missing the point.
"We need police reform, prison reform. Those are No. 1 and No. 2 things to focus on. We need the cops, good cops out there policing bad cops. ... When we spend time focusing on what's on the jersey, that's gonna defeat purpose. My concern is this is turning into a circus instead of trying to do some good stuff."
The NBA announced plans last week that players in Orlando will be allowed to showcase social justice-related messages on the back of their jerseys with phrases that include “Black Lives Matter,” "I Can't Breathe" and “Equality." Barkley said the influx of social justice messages could turn off fans just looking for escapism.
"We are in a divided country," Barkley said. "Sports used to be a place where fans could go and get away from reality. Now it's such a mixture. It's going to be fascinating watching what happens with the fans. Fans are at a disadvantage, they're going through the pandemic. They don't want to see a bunch of rich people talking about stuff all the time. I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. People lost jobs and the last thing they want to do is turn on the television to hear arguments about stuff all the time. It's going to be very interesting to see how the public reacts."
The NBA restarts its season July 31 with 22 teams inside a "bubble" at Disney World. Barkley said there's an unpredictability factor to how things will go, noting that it will be difficult to avoid a positive coronavirus test to a player that could derail the season. He also said he felt like the NFL and college football have an advantage of watching the NBA, NHL and MLB host their seasons to gauge how well live sports will fare.
"We are all flying in the dark right now and I don't think anybody knows what's going to happen," Barkley said.


usatoday--2020-07-12--National Sexual Assault Hotline sees record demand during pandemic. Many reaching out are children.

Many of them call when they feel there is nowhere else to turn .
The girl whose brother was brought home by the pandemic and began to abuse her again .
The victim separated from her favorite teacher after a coronavirus-related school closure .
The child who urgently needed help calling 911 .
As the coronavirus pandemic has engulfed the country , more children are reaching out to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network 's National Sexual Assault Hotline , which said this week it 's experiencing its highest demand for services in its 26-year history .
In May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RAINN 's online hotline , which sees some of the most urgent cases , were minors .
`` Their safety net collapsed during this period , '' said RAINN president Scott Berkowitz .
`` Normally the first people to spot signs of abuse are adults outside the immediate family .
Teachers and guidance counselors and the parents of friends .
Once kids were cut off from that support group , we 've seen in a lot of states that reports to child abuse authorities have declined . ''
Sexual violence experts and state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decline , which may be the result of teachers , who are mandated to report abuse , having less access to students .
But they caution against generalizing how school closures , stay-at-home orders and pandemic-related stressors may be impacting rates of child sexual abuse .
What experts say with certainty is that the pandemic is creating additional mental health challenges for victims .
Berkowitz , who said the majority of young people who reach out to RAINN are living with their abuser , often need emotional support .
Children have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are lifelines for victims of abuse .
Many kids lost the reprieve of school and are now isolated from friends and other trusted adults .
Those who live with their abusers may be in a state of hypervigilance , increasingly alert as the threat of abuse looms .
This is on top of their COVID-specific stress – fear of the unknown , uncertainty about when their lives will change again .
`` The stressors these children are facing will have a lifelong affect on their mental and physical health , '' said Laura @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sexual Violence Resource Center .
`` A child ’ s developing brain is heavily impacted by toxic stress , and the more a child ’ s stress response is activated and prolonged by abuse and the conditions that surround it the more they suffer , '' COVID may put some kids at risk while offering others protection Child sexual abuse occurs when a child is exposed to sexual acts or behavior .
Boys and girls are vulnerable , though research shows girls are abused three times more often than boys .
Children are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know and trust , and frequently by someone who lives in the home .
COVID-19 has put many children in close and constant proximity to their abuser , which has many child welfare advocates worried .
But Kristen Houser , a nationally recognized expert on sexual violence and deputy secretary for Pennsylvania 's Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services , said there are many different motivations and behaviors related to abuse , making it impossible to generalize about what may be happening during the pandemic .
Some children may be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home with their abusers or because an abusive family member , such as an older sibling , has returned to the home .
But stay-at-home orders may make another child more safe , adding in the constant presence of additional family members , which can reduce opportunities for the abuser to perpetrate .
Still , there are other variables .
Some perpetrators wo n't be deterred by additional people in the home , and will instead see how far they can push boundaries .
Larry Nassar , Houser notes , abused his victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some homes , physical acts may become less frequent , but abusers may find other ways to cause harm .
`` The sexual abuse may take the form of sexually explicit conversation ... and could still feel very threatening to a child , '' said Jon Rubin , deputy secretary for Pennsylvania 's Office of Children .
When the threat of abuse looms Experts say while there is no statistical evidence of increased child sexual abuse , the threat of abuse , which for some children may now be more constant , can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's not additional abusive acts occurring , that victim already has firsthand knowledge that it 's possible , '' Houser said .
`` The increased hypervigilance could be really disruptive . ''
Hypervigilance , the state of anticipating danger , can lead to physical and mental exhaustion , research shows .
Repeated or prolonged activation of a child ’ s stress response can even change the functioning of the developing brain .
Houser said children are resilient , but that resiliency is often rooted in outside supports , which COVID-19 has stripped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being at school , less socializing with friends , maybe not being with other positive adult role models or extended family – those things could actually exacerbate a child 's experience , even if they 're not continuously being abused , '' she said .
How adults can help Pre-COVID , it was already difficult to spot abuse .
Houser said people who work in victims services assume the majority of child sexual abuse cases are not reported .
It takes time , attention and thoughtfulness for teachers , parents and other caregivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a young person that would encourage them to disclose .
Now many children are n't able to leave their abusive environments , which is often when they feel safest opening up .
Experts say caring adults , especially extended family , can spot signs of abuse by paying close attention to changes in a child 's behavior .
Sleeping patterns may shift .
A previously gregarious child may appear withdrawn or become more fearful or reluctant to be alone with a certain family member .
Houser says it 's important to recognize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's a crime that makes adults feel intensely emotional and angry , but that may not be how the child feels .
Because the abuse is often committed by somebody the child trusts and loves , they may hate the abuse , but not the abuser .
Being sensitive to the child 's feelings is key to getting them the help they need .
`` Part of what people who offend do is create such confusion by mixing genuine , real affection and love for the child with manipulation of how naive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` When we on the outside respond as if the person who did the abuse is monstrous .
We run the risk of actually shutting children down so that they are afraid to disclose to us or ask for our help . ''
You may also want to read : • What happens when you 're stuck at home , but home is n't safe ?
• Thousands of Catholic priests were accused of sexual abuse , then what happened ?
If you are a survivor of sexual assault , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 800.656.HOPE ( 4673 ) or visit hotline.rainn.org/online and receive confidential support .

National Sexual Assault Hotline sees record demand during pandemic. Many reaching out are children.
Show Caption Hide Caption Global Pandemic: Through the Eyes of Children The Associated Press asked children across the globe to talk about their lives — and their future — amid the coronavirus pandemic. They expressed themselves in drawings, song, dance and even LEGO. AP Video produced by Martha Irvine. (May 27) AP
Many of them call when they feel there is nowhere else to turn.
The girl whose brother was brought home by the pandemic and began to abuse her again. The victim separated from her favorite teacher after a coronavirus-related school closure. The child who called 911 in need of urgent help.
As the coronavirus pandemic has engulfed the country, more children are reaching out to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network's National Sexual Assault Hotline, which said this week that it's experiencing its highest demand for services in its 26-year history. In May and June, half of visitors to RAINN's online hotline, which sees some of the most urgent cases, were minors.
"Their safety net collapsed during this period," RAINN President Scott Berkowitz said. "Normally, the first people to spot signs of abuse are adults outside the immediate family: teachers and guidance counselors and the parents of friends. Once kids were cut off from that support group, we've seen in a lot of states that reports to child abuse authorities have declined."
Sexual violence experts and state agency officials say they are concerned by the decline, which may be the result of teachers, who are mandated to report abuse, having less access to students. But they caution against generalizing how school closures, stay-at-home orders and pandemic-related stressors may be impacting rates of child sexual abuse.
What experts say with certainty is that the pandemic is creating additional mental health challenges for victims. Berkowitz, who said the majority of young people who reach out to RAINN are living with their abuser, often need emotional support.
Children have been stripped of their normal routines, which are lifelines for victims of abuse. Many kids lost the reprieve of school and are now isolated from friends and other trusted adults. Those who live with their abusers may be in a state of hypervigilance, increasingly alert as the threat of abuse looms. This is on top of their COVID-19-specific stress – fear of the unknown, uncertainty about when their lives will change again.
"The stressors these children are facing will have a lifelong affect on their mental and physical health," said Laura Palumbo, communications director at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. "A child’s developing brain is heavily impacted by toxic stress, and the more a child’s stress response is activated and prolonged by abuse and the conditions that surround it the more they suffer."
COVID-19 may put some kids at risk while offering others protection
Child sexual abuse occurs when a child is exposed to sexual acts or behavior. Boys and girls are vulnerable, though research shows girls are abused three times more often than boys.
Children are most often sexually abused by people they know and trust, and frequently by someone who lives in the home. COVID-19 has put many children in close and constant proximity to their abuser, which has many child welfare advocates worried.
But Kristen Houser, a nationally recognized expert on sexual violence and deputy secretary for Pennsylvania's Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said there are many motivations and behaviors related to abuse, making it impossible to generalize about what may be happening during the pandemic.
Some children may be more at risk because they're trapped at home with their abusers or because an abusive family member, such as an older sibling, has returned to the home. But stay-at-home orders may make another child more safe, adding in the constant presence of additional family members, which can reduce opportunities for the abuser to perpetrate.
Still, there are other variables. Some perpetrators won't be deterred by additional people in the home, and will instead see how far they can push boundaries. Larry Nassar, Houser notes, abused his victims with parents in the room.
In some homes, physical acts may become less frequent, but abusers may find other ways to cause harm.
"The sexual abuse may take the form of sexually explicit conversation ... and could still feel very threatening to a child," said Jon Rubin, deputy secretary for Pennsylvania's Office of Children.
When the threat of abuse looms
Experts say while there is no statistical evidence of increased child sexual abuse, the threat of abuse, which for some children may now be more constant, can create added suffering.
"Even if there's not additional abusive acts occurring, that victim already has firsthand knowledge that it's possible," Houser said. "The increased hypervigilance could be really disruptive."
Hypervigilance, the state of anticipating danger, can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, research shows. Repeated or prolonged activation of a child’s stress response can even change the functioning of the developing brain.
Houser said children are resilient, but that resiliency is often rooted in outside supports, which COVID-19 has stripped.
"The isolation and no longer being at school, less socializing with friends, maybe not being with other positive adult role models or extended family – those things could actually exacerbate a child's experience, even if they're not continuously being abused," she said.
How adults can help
Pre-COVID-19, it was already difficult to spot abuse. Houser said people who work in victims services assume the majority of child sexual abuse cases are not reported. It takes time, attention and thoughtfulness for teachers, parents and other caregivers to facilitate the type of safe communication with a young person that would encourage them to disclose.
Now, many children aren't able to leave their abusive environments, which is often when they feel safest opening up.
Experts say caring adults, especially extended family, can spot signs of abuse by paying close attention to changes in a child's behavior. Sleeping patterns may shift. A previously gregarious child may appear withdrawn or become more fearful or reluctant to be alone with a certain family member.
Houser says it's important to recognize child sexual abuse involves complex dynamics. It's a crime that makes adults feel intensely emotional and angry, but that may not be how the child feels. Because the abuse is often committed by somebody the child trusts and loves, they may hate the abuse, but not the abuser.
Being sensitive to the child's feelings is key to getting them the help they need.
"Part of what people who offend do is create such confusion by mixing genuine, real affection and love for the child with manipulation of how naive the child may be," she said. "When we on the outside respond as if the person who did the abuse is monstrous, w We run the risk of actually shutting children down so that they are afraid to disclose to us or ask for our help."
You may also want to read:
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visit hotline.rainn.org/online and receive confidential support.


usatoday--2020-07-11--'Sadness and rage': Obituary for man who died of COVID-19 blames politicians for his death

PHOENIX – Mourners stood scattered among grave stones , faces masked and down-turned , giving a wide radius around the white casket where Deacon Jose Garza stood and eulogized Mark Anthony Urquiza .
Urquiza died on June 30 at the age of 65 from complications due to COVID-19 , leaving behind his daughter , Kristin , his life partner , Brenda , and the entire community of Tolleson where he was born and raised .
His obituary , which was published in the Arizona Republic on Wednesday , remembers him for his `` infectious energy , strong will , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid blame for his death .
`` Mark , like so many others , should not have died from COVID-19 .
His death is due to the carelessness of the politicians who continue to jeopardize the health of brown bodies through a clear lack of leadership , refusal to acknowledge the severity of this crisis , and inability and unwillingness to give clear and decisive direction on how to minimize risk , '' it reads .
His daughter and daughter-in-law are `` channeling our sadness and rage into building an awareness campaign so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' it reads .
COVID-19 robbed Urquiza of his life – and the funeral Kristin Urquiza thought her father deserved .
“ The amount of people that wanted to be here but couldn ’ t is overwhelming , ” she said .
“ It absolutely breaks my heart to know that this man who was so beloved by so many people for 65 years isn ’ t able to get a proper send-off.
” Many of the several dozen in attendance who knew Urquiza since childhood stuck around Holy Cross Cemetery in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garza concluded , seeking shade and swapping stories and photographs about the departed .
The pallbearers waited until everyone dispersed , however , to lower the casket into the ground beside his parents ' graves , since new precautionary measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 have not only limited attendance to 50 but also restricted funeral-goers from witnessing the burial .
This grief at her father ’ s death and inadequate farewell , as well as her anger at what she believes were policy failures that directly caused his unnecessary death , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doug Ducey to the funeral .
He had not responded to the invitation by Wednesday morning .
She had wanted to show Ducey that the more than 2,000 Arizonans who have lost their lives to the new coronavirus are not just numbers .
“ They are people like my dad who have entire families and communities behind them that are mourning , ” she said .
“ I feel as if he was robbed , ” she said , and that he was not the only one .
'The west Valley mayor ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people mingled – 6 feet or more apart – around Urquiza 's grave site , sharing memories of the man they fondly referred to as `` Black Jack '' for his lifelong love of the eponymous card game .
Many of them had known him for decades , having grown up in Tolleson together .
Even after marrying his high school sweetheart and moving to nearby Maryvale to raise his daughter and work as a quality assurance inspector in the aerospace industry , Urquiza had remained close with the community of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brother , another brother from another mother , '' said Larry Tritz , who had met Urquiza when he was a track star at Tolleson Union High School .
They learned to raise honeybees together , Tritz remembered .
Many remembered Urquiza for his boundless energy for fun and for life , always inviting his friends and brothers to the bar , a concert , a sports game , or a NASCAR race .
He was the life of the party , throwing massive celebrations every year for his birthday , said Garry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
When he sang karaoke , Fendrick grinned and recounted , “ he wasn ’ t very good , but he always sold it.
” Exhausted staff , not enough beds : Inside an Arizona hospital battling a global COVID-19 hot spot His daughter remembered how her father stayed close with his friends from Tolleson throughout her childhood and into his 60s .
“ He was so committed to the community , to his community , '' she said .
“ One of the things this tragedy exposed is the incredibly huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone in his life . ''
Then , with a laugh , she added , `` My father was kind of like the west Valley mayor in a way.
” '' I ’ m surprised about this show up , '' said John Limon , peering around the cemetery at the around 50 people who had made it to his childhood friend 's funeral .
`` But with this thing going on , I can see why not everyone showed up.
” Rick Urquiza agreed that , if not for the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chapel and cemetery to the brim .
“ He went out of this world too fast , ” he said softly and tearfully .
“ I ’ m still in shock.
” 'Gov .
Ducey has blood on his hands' Kristin Urquiza found out her father was dying on a drive to Phoenix from her home in San Francisco .
`` I had to take the phone call at a gas station on the side of the highway that his heart was failing , ” she said .
That was how she spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : with him sedated and alone except for the nurse who held up the phone so that his family , over FaceTime , could be with him virtually as he took his last breaths .
Urquiza became ill on June 11 and tested positive for COVID-19 the next day .
Five days later , he told his life partner , Brenda , that he needed to go to the hospital .
He was kept on a high oxygen treatment for 10 days , his condition steadily declining , before he was moved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was gone four days later , on June 30 .
He had no underlying health conditions , according to his daughter .
“ I ’ m still in shock .
I can ’ t believe it , '' said Brenda Urquiza , who had been with Mark for 48 years .
They dated in high school for three years , then were married for over 20 , and eventually divorced but were still living together in Maryvale for the last 10 .
`` He had more life to live .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , too , too early , '' she said .
`` It makes me sad that he doesn ’ t get to be here and see Kristin , all that she ’ s gon na do , and his nephews and nieces and his brothers and sisters.
” Brenda had also tested positive for COVID-19 but has fortunately experienced little to no symptoms .
While she doesn ’ t know how exactly he contracted the virus , Kristin Urquiza said that she does know that her father trusted Ducey 's advice and sheltered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which started in March .
When Ducey allowed businesses to open back up on May 15 , she said , “ my dad was completely under the impression that it was safe to resume activities as normal.
” Her mother added , `` His friends called , 'come on , we 're going to have a few drinks ' or 'we 're going to do karaoke . '
You know , he just could n't stay away . ''
Ducey closed bars again on June 29 , a day before Mark Urquiza @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was completely unnecessary and wouldn ’ t have happened had we acted quickly and swiftly in a way that prioritized public health , ” his daughter said .
She also said she is `` enraged '' by the disproportionate effects the pandemic is having on communities of color around the country .
Tolleson is majority Hispanic and working class , as is Maryvale .
Urquiza 's father was an immigrant from Durango , Mexico , and his mother was a first-generation Mexican American .
Recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are as much as five times higher than for white people .
They are also more likely to die from COVID-19 than white people .
Meanwhile , Maryvale has seen some of the worst infection rates but least opportunities for COVID-19 testing in the city .
She said this is why she extended an invitation to the funeral to Gov .
Ducey , whose office had received the letter , according to the Fedex tracking website , but did not respond .
She wanted him to witness firsthand what she believed was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I believe that our elected officials have the power and the responsibility to keep their constituents safe , ” she said .
`` I think that Ducey ’ s got blood on his hands.
” Ducey on Thursday issued an executive order further limiting restaurant capacity for dine-in service to below 50 % .
`` This is a process of risk reduction , '' Ducey said .
`` It 's about making the best decision possible to reduce your risk of contracting this virus , to reduce your risk of spreading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to someone that 's most vulnerable . ''
Following her father 's funeral , Kristin Urquiza traveled to downtown Phoenix , accompanied by her mother and her partner , Christine Keeves , to set up a candlelit vigil outside the Arizona Capitol .
She posted the event for the `` Vigil & Ofrenda for those lost to COVID '' on her Facebook page , Marked by COVID , which she had created on Sunday `` in honor of her father ... to drive a culture change around COVID prevention to save lives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his hands , '' Kristin Urquiza repeated to the press .
`` That blood is the blood of my father and nearly 2,000 other Arizonans that have died so far . ''
She also said that her father deserved more than to die alone apart from his family , and to not be able to have the entire cemetery filled with his friends .
`` If I can run a safe funeral , this governor can run a safe state ! ''
she said .
In attendance was state Rep. Raquel Terán , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who said that she is there to be in solidarity with the Urquiza family .
`` Righteous anger , '' she said regarding Kristin Urquiza 's statement to Ducey .
`` There needs to be responsibility .
... That 's why I 'm here , because we need accountability on all levels . ''
Kristin Urquiza is using her grief and fury to draw attention to the state and , she hopes , effect change .
She has told her father 's story to NBC News and raised more than $ 30,000 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and start a campaign to spread information about COVID-19 .
She said that , through her anger and pain , she is hoping that something positive can come out of this .
`` I will not allow him to be just another number , another death , '' she said .
`` I am calling on people across the state as well as people across the country to come forward with your story to put faces and names to the lives that we have lost so that not only Gov .
Ducey but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crisis so that there are no more deaths . ''

Emily Wilder and Joel Shannon, USA TODAY NETWORK

'Sadness and rage': Obituary for man who died of COVID-19 blames politicians for his death
Show Caption Hide Caption Family angry as they bury loved one who died of COVID-19 The Urquiza family is furious with Arizona leadership for their handling of the pandemic as they bury Mark Anthony Urquiza, who died of COVID-19. David Wallace, The Republic | azcentral.com
PHOENIX – Mourners stood scattered among grave stones, faces masked and down-turned, giving a wide radius around the white casket where Deacon Jose Garza stood and eulogized Mark Anthony Urquiza.
Urquiza died on June 30 at the age of 65 from complications due to COVID-19, leaving behind his daughter, Kristin, his life partner, Brenda, and the entire community of Tolleson where he was born and raised.
His obituary, which was published in the Arizona Republic on Wednesday, remembers him for his "infectious energy, strong will, and yes, stubbornness."
It also laid blame for his death.
"Mark, like so many others, should not have died from COVID-19. His death is due to the carelessness of the politicians who continue to jeopardize the health of brown bodies through a clear lack of leadership, refusal to acknowledge the severity of this crisis, and inability and unwillingness to give clear and decisive direction on how to minimize risk," it reads.
His daughter and daughter-in-law are "channeling our sadness and rage into building an awareness campaign so fewer families are forced to endure this," it reads.
COVID-19 robbed Urquiza of his life – and the funeral Kristin Urquiza thought her father deserved.
“The amount of people that wanted to be here but couldn’t is overwhelming,” she said. “It absolutely breaks my heart to know that this man who was so beloved by so many people for 65 years isn’t able to get a proper send-off.”
Many of the several dozen in attendance who knew Urquiza since childhood stuck around Holy Cross Cemetery in Avondale in the hot summer breeze after Garza concluded, seeking shade and swapping stories and photographs about the departed.
The pallbearers waited until everyone dispersed, however, to lower the casket into the ground beside his parents' graves, since new precautionary measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 have not only limited attendance to 50 but also restricted funeral-goers from witnessing the burial.
This grief at her father’s death and inadequate farewell, as well as her anger at what she believes were policy failures that directly caused his unnecessary death, compelled Kristin Urquiza to invite Gov. Doug Ducey to the funeral. He had not responded to the invitation by Wednesday morning.
She had wanted to show Ducey that the more than 2,000 Arizonans who have lost their lives to the new coronavirus are not just numbers.
“They are people like my dad who have entire families and communities behind them that are mourning,” she said.
“I feel as if he was robbed,” she said, and that he was not the only one.
'The west Valley mayor' and the life of the party
Handfuls of people mingled – 6 feet or more apart – around Urquiza's grave site, sharing memories of the man they fondly referred to as "Black Jack" for his lifelong love of the eponymous card game.
Many of them had known him for decades, having grown up in Tolleson together. Even after marrying his high school sweetheart and moving to nearby Maryvale to raise his daughter and work as a quality assurance inspector in the aerospace industry, Urquiza had remained close with the community of his childhood.
"He was just another brother, another brother from another mother," said Larry Tritz, who had met Urquiza when he was a track star at Tolleson Union High School. They learned to raise honeybees together, Tritz remembered.
Many remembered Urquiza for his boundless energy for fun and for life, always inviting his friends and brothers to the bar, a concert, a sports game, or a NASCAR race.
He was the life of the party, throwing massive celebrations every year for his birthday, said Garry Fendrick, who knew Urquiza for 35 years. When he sang karaoke, Fendrick grinned and recounted, “he wasn’t very good, but he always sold it.”
Exhausted staff, not enough beds: Inside an Arizona hospital battling a global COVID-19 hot spot
Photos: World struggles to stop spread of coronavirus
His daughter remembered how her father stayed close with his friends from Tolleson throughout her childhood and into his 60s.
“He was so committed to the community, to his community," she said. “One of the things this tragedy exposed is the incredibly huge heart and generosity my dad had for anyone in his life."
Then, with a laugh, she added, "My father was kind of like the west Valley mayor in a way.”
"I’m surprised about this show up," said John Limon, peering around the cemetery at the around 50 people who had made it to his childhood friend's funeral. "But with this thing going on, I can see why not everyone showed up.”
Rick Urquiza agreed that, if not for the pandemic, his older brother would have filled the chapel and cemetery to the brim.
“He went out of this world too fast,” he said softly and tearfully. “I’m still in shock.”
'Gov. Ducey has blood on his hands'
Kristin Urquiza found out her father was dying on a drive to Phoenix from her home in San Francisco.
"I had to take the phone call at a gas station on the side of the highway that his heart was failing,” she said. That was how she spoke to her father for the last time: with him sedated and alone except for the nurse who held up the phone so that his family, over FaceTime, could be with him virtually as he took his last breaths.
Urquiza became ill on June 11 and tested positive for COVID-19 the next day. Five days later, he told his life partner, Brenda, that he needed to go to the hospital. He was kept on a high oxygen treatment for 10 days, his condition steadily declining, before he was moved to the ICU and put on a ventilator. He was gone four days later, on June 30. He had no underlying health conditions, according to his daughter.
“I’m still in shock. I can’t believe it," said Brenda Urquiza, who had been with Mark for 48 years. They dated in high school for three years, then were married for over 20, and eventually divorced but were still living together in Maryvale for the last 10.
"He had more life to live. It’s just too early for him, too, too early," she said. "It makes me sad that he doesn’t get to be here and see Kristin, all that she’s gonna do, and his nephews and nieces and his brothers and sisters.”
Brenda had also tested positive for COVID-19 but has fortunately experienced little to no symptoms.
While she doesn’t know how exactly he contracted the virus, Kristin Urquiza said that she does know that her father trusted Ducey's advice and sheltered in place during his first stay-at-home order, which started in March.
When Ducey allowed businesses to open back up on May 15, she said, “my dad was completely under the impression that it was safe to resume activities as normal.”
Her mother added, "His friends called, 'come on, we're going to have a few drinks' or 'we're going to do karaoke.' You know, he just couldn't stay away."
Ducey closed bars again on June 29, a day before Mark Urquiza died.
"Dad’s death was completely unnecessary and wouldn’t have happened had we acted quickly and swiftly in a way that prioritized public health,” his daughter said.
She also said she is "enraged" by the disproportionate effects the pandemic is having on communities of color around the country.
Tolleson is majority Hispanic and working class, as is Maryvale. Urquiza's father was an immigrant from Durango, Mexico, and his mother was a first-generation Mexican American.
Recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows that hospitalization rates for Black and brown people are as much as five times higher than for white people. They are also more likely to die from COVID-19 than white people.
Meanwhile, Maryvale has seen some of the worst infection rates but least opportunities for COVID-19 testing in the city.
She said this is why she extended an invitation to the funeral to Gov. Ducey, whose office had received the letter, according to the Fedex tracking website, but did not respond. She wanted him to witness firsthand what she believed was the result of his lack of leadership.
US coronavirus map: Tracking the outbreak
"I believe that our elected officials have the power and the responsibility to keep their constituents safe,” she said. "I think that Ducey’s got blood on his hands.”
Ducey on Thursday issued an executive order further limiting restaurant capacity for dine-in service to below 50%.
"This is a process of risk reduction," Ducey said. "It's about making the best decision possible to reduce your risk of contracting this virus, to reduce your risk of spreading the virus and especially spreading the virus to someone that's most vulnerable."
Marked by COVID vigil at Capitol
Following her father's funeral, Kristin Urquiza traveled to downtown Phoenix, accompanied by her mother and her partner, Christine Keeves, to set up a candlelit vigil outside the Arizona Capitol.
She posted the event for the "Vigil & Ofrenda for those lost to COVID" on her Facebook page, Marked by COVID, which she had created on Sunday "in honor of her father ... to drive a culture change around COVID prevention to save lives."
"Governor Ducey has blood on his hands," Kristin Urquiza repeated to the press. "That blood is the blood of my father and nearly 2,000 other Arizonans that have died so far."
She also said that her father deserved more than to die alone apart from his family, and to not be able to have the entire cemetery filled with his friends.
"If I can run a safe funeral, this governor can run a safe state!" she said.
In attendance was state Rep. Raquel Terán, whose district includes part of Maryvale and who said that she is there to be in solidarity with the Urquiza family.
"Righteous anger," she said regarding Kristin Urquiza's statement to Ducey. "There needs to be responsibility. ... That's why I'm here, because we need accountability on all levels."
Kristin Urquiza is using her grief and fury to draw attention to the state and, she hopes, effect change. She has told her father's story to NBC News and raised more than $30,000 with a GoFundMe to cover his funeral costs and start a campaign to spread information about COVID-19.
She said that, through her anger and pain, she is hoping that something positive can come out of this.
"I will not allow him to be just another number, another death," she said. "I am calling on people across the state as well as people across the country to come forward with your story to put faces and names to the lives that we have lost so that not only Gov. Ducey but the Trump administration takes this crisis as a crisis so that there are no more deaths."
Follow Emily Wilder on Twitter @vv1lder


usatoday--2020-07-11--Walt Disney World reopens to the public after 4-month coronavirus closure

Walt Disney World reopens to the public after coronavirus closure Walt Disney World has reopened to the public but with @ @ @ @ @ prevent the spread of COVID-19 .

Walt Disney World reopens to the public after coronavirus closure
Walt Disney World has reopened to the public but with many new precautions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
USA TODAY, Wochit


usatoday--2020-07-11--Former Russia special counsel Robert Mueller defends Roger Stone prosecution in wake of Trump commut


usatoday--2020-07-11--Top writer for Tucker Carlson resigns

Top writer for Tucker Carlson resigns

The top writer for Tucker Carlson , Fox News host , has resigned .

Writer for Tucker Carlson resigns
The top writer for Tucker Carlson, Fox News host, has resigned.
USA TODAY, Wochit


usatoday--2020-07-11--Rep. Matt Gaetz rents office space from donor, former client despite House rules: report

Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz has been renting office space , with taxpayer money , from a longtime friend , donor and former legal client , despite House of Representatives rules against such practices , Politico reported Friday .
Gaetz and Florida real estate developer Collier Merrill both told Politico in interviews that the property is being rented below a market rate , but Gaetz later tweeted it is `` at or below market rate . ''
The congressman has paid nearly $ 200,000 for the space since taking office in 2017 .
House rules state that members must certify they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or continue to have , a professional or legal relationship ( except as a landlord and tenant ) . ''
Under the rules , the lease agreement must also be at a fair market value .
Gaetz says the agreement was authorized by the House Administrative Counsel , but a spokesperson told Politico the Florida congressman did n't feel the need to disclose his relationship with Merrill .
The Office of Congressional Ethics notified Gaetz 's office in a July 1 letter that a preliminary review into the matter was terminated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen ; New Jersey nursing home has history of citations ; US deaths top 33k The outlet found the two have a decades-long relationship .
Gaetz represented Merrill and his company as a lawyer in the past and attended fundraisers at one of Merrill 's restaurants .
Merrill donated gift certificates to children selected by Gaetz as winners of a congressional art contest , and has also been cited praising Gaetz 's work .
“ It ’ s not difficult ( at ) all for me to explain to you that I get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement approved by the House of Representatives , a friend of mine donates gift certificate to high-achieving students and I seek the counsel of a former [ Pensacola Bay Area ] Chamber of Commerce president on business issues and I happen to cite that person in a press release about legislation that would help all restaurants in my district equally , ” Gaetz told Politico .
“ There is nothing difficult about any of that.
” Merrill 's Empire Partners LLC charges Gaetz $ 5,000 per month for a more than 3,000-square-foot floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The money comes out of his member expenses allotment .
“ I probably be damned if I do , damned if I did n't .
If I [ set the rent ] too cheap , I 'm probably doing him a favor , if I do it too expensive , he ’ s doing me a favor , '' Merrill told Politico .
New coronavirus guidelines : Trump aims at reopening parts of US , lifting restrictions In a series of tweets posted ahead of the report being published , Gaetz defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lease agreement `` at or below market rate '' in a change from his earlier statement .
He said the outlet was writing a `` smear piece '' and accused Sen. Richard Burr , R-N.C. , of planting the story .
Gaetz said his office spends less than the amount it is allocated and `` returns $ 500k 2 taxpayers . ''
`` .
@ politico is writing a smear piece on me as shills for the @ SenatorBurr camp .
( Probably in exchange for some other intel story . )
'' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly getting a deal for taxpayers while allowing a beloved , multi-generation local community leader to donate some free food to students who excel in Art , '' he said .
Burr and other senators were revealed to have sold off stock holdings ahead of the market crash due to the spread of the coronavirus .
Gaetz has publicly called for Burr , who denied wrongdoing and asked for an ethics review into his own conduct , to resign from Congress .

Rep. Matt Gaetz rents office space from donor, former client despite House rules: report
Show Caption Hide Caption President Donald Trump gets defensive at coronavirus briefing President Donald Trump turned a coronavirus White House briefing into a defense of his response actions to the deadly pandemic and confronted media. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz has been renting office space, with taxpayer money, from a longtime friend, donor and former legal client, despite House of Representatives rules against such practices, Politico reported Friday.
Gaetz and Florida real estate developer Collier Merrill both told Politico in interviews that the property is being rented below a market rate, but Gaetz later tweeted it is "at or below market rate." The congressman has paid nearly $200,000 for the space since taking office in 2017.
House rules state that members must certify they are not "relatives nor have had, or continue to have, a professional or legal relationship (except as a landlord and tenant)." Under the rules, the lease agreement must also be at a fair market value.
Gaetz says the agreement was authorized by the House Administrative Counsel, but a spokesperson told Politico the Florida congressman didn't feel the need to disclose his relationship with Merrill. The Office of Congressional Ethics notified Gaetz's office in a July 1 letter that a preliminary review into the matter was terminated.
Coronavirus updates: Some Florida beaches to reopen; New Jersey nursing home has history of citations; US deaths top 33k
The outlet found the two have a decades-long relationship. Gaetz represented Merrill and his company as a lawyer in the past and attended fundraisers at one of Merrill's restaurants. Merrill donated gift certificates to children selected by Gaetz as winners of a congressional art contest, and has also been cited praising Gaetz's work.
“It’s not difficult (at) all for me to explain to you that I get rent at below market rate in an agreement approved by the House of Representatives, a friend of mine donates gift certificate to high-achieving students and I seek the counsel of a former [Pensacola Bay Area] Chamber of Commerce president on business issues and I happen to cite that person in a press release about legislation that would help all restaurants in my district equally,” Gaetz told Politico. “There is nothing difficult about any of that.”
Merrill's Empire Partners LLC charges Gaetz $5,000 per month for a more than 3,000-square-foot floor at Seville Tower in Pensacola, Fla. The money comes out of his member expenses allotment.
“I probably be damned if I do, damned if I didn't. If I [set the rent] too cheap, I'm probably doing him a favor, if I do it too expensive, he’s doing me a favor," Merrill told Politico.
New coronavirus guidelines: Trump aims at reopening parts of US, lifting restrictions
In a series of tweets posted ahead of the report being published, Gaetz defended his agreement with Merrill, calling his lease agreement "at or below market rate" in a change from his earlier statement. He said the outlet was writing a "smear piece" and accused Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., of planting the story.
Gaetz said his office spends less than the amount it is allocated and "returns $500k 2 taxpayers."
".@politico is writing a smear piece on me as shills for the @SenatorBurr camp. (Probably in exchange for some other intel story.)"
"So I’ve been busted possibly getting a deal for taxpayers while allowing a beloved, multi-generation local community leader to donate some free food to students who excel in Art," he said.
They will compare to Burr’s actual cheating but remember this:
Burr got a deal for himself (probably more than one).
At worst, I got a deal for taxpayers (and some fish sandwiches for students) never ever realizing personal financial gain as a consequence of elected office. — Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) April 16, 2020
Burr and other senators were revealed to have sold off stock holdings ahead of the market crash due to the spread of the coronavirus. Gaetz has publicly called for Burr, who denied wrongdoing and asked for an ethics review into his own conduct, to resign from Congress.


usatoday--2020-07-12--Trump grants clemency to ally Roger Stone after railing against 'unfair' conviction, sentencing

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of his longtime confidant Roger Stone , a Republican operative convicted of lying to Congress to protect the president 's campaign from an investigation into Russian election interference .
The White House announced Trump 's decision late Friday , days before Stone was set to report to prison for a 40-month sentence handed down in February , a stunning outcome for a well-knownconsultant who advised political campaigns for decades .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany described Stone as `` a victim of the Russia Hoax that the Left and its allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attempt to undermine the Trump presidency . ''
But congressional Democrats slammed the move , the latest in series of instances in which the president has wielded his broad clemency powers in highly political criminal cases .
The grant , which wiped out Stone 's sentence but left his conviction in place , brought the years-long battle over Russia 's involvement in the 2016 election back to the forefront in the middle of Trump 's bid for reelection .
Stone was the last person charged in the nearly two-year probe by special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D-Calif. , a leading figure in the congressional Russia investigation , said Stone repeatedly lied to the House Intelligence Committee that Schiff chairs .
`` Stone knew that telling the truth about his interactions with senior campaign officials and Trump himself would expose the president ’ s eagerness to obtain foreign help , '' Schiff said .
`` So he lied . ''
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner , the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee , said that while `` the United States was founded on the rule of law '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but contempt for it . ''
The Justice Department declined to comment on Trump 's decision Friday .
Grant Smith , an attorney for Stone , said his client was `` incredibly honored '' that Trump used `` his awesome and unique power under the Constitution of the United States for this act of mercy . ''
The Justice Department told a federal appeals court this week that Stone should begin his sentence July 14 , despite his plea to delay it over concerns about the coronavirus .
Hours later , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the conservative news organization Newsmax .
`` He was framed .
He was treated horribly , '' Trump said of Stone .
`` His prayer may be answered . ''
Trump 's decision follows a public dispute with Attorney General William Barr in February over the president 's public remarks about criminal cases .
Trump railed against the Justice Department for recommending Stone serve up to nine years , describing the initial recommendation as a `` miscarriage of justice . ''
Justice officials backed away from that tougher sentence .
That reaction prompted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration who say the president is making inappropriate forays into criminal cases .
Robert Litt , a lawyer for Aaron Zelinsky – one of the attorneys who prosecuted Stone but later quit the case in protest after the Justice Department backtracked from the tougher sentence – did not comment on the clemency .
But Litt said Zelinsky `` stands by his testimony '' before the House Judiciary Committee and the findings of the Mueller investigation .
Zelinsky testified last month that the Justice Department gave Stone `` unprecedentedly favorable treatment '' because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has granted clemency in a series of political cases .
In February , he commuted the prison sentence of former Illinois Gov .
Rod Blagojevich , a Democrat , and granted pardons to former New York City police commissioner Bernard Kerik , rogue financier Michael Milken and former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr. Trump for years has offered vague answers to questions about whether he would use his sweeping clemency powers to help allies and former employees ensnared by the Russian investigations , which he has collectively dismissed as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stone 's sentence this year , U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said the GOP consultant `` took it upon himself to lie , to impede , to obstruct before the investigation was complete , in an endeavor to influence the result . ''
Stone was found guilty in November of lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation .
The 67-year-old GOP operative was one of several Trump associates to be convicted in cases stemming from Mueller 's investigation into Russia 's interference in the 2016 presidential election .
`` Not only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursing a case that never should have existed , and arrested in an operation that never should have been approved , but there were also serious questions about the jury in the case , '' the White House said in a statement .
Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , said he believes the commutation was justified .
`` Mr. Stone is in his 70s and this was a non-violent , first-time offense , '' Graham tweeted .
More : Who was pardoned , who got shorter sentences in Trump 's clemency spree ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ – full legal forgiveness for a crime – and 10 commutations , which shortens a sentence .
Though that clemency has often been aimed at conservative figures such as Joe Arpaio , a former sheriff in Arizona , and commentator Dinesh D'Souza , the decision on Stone represents the first time Trump has circumvented the justice system in a case directly tied to himself .
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler and Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney , both New York Democrats , asserted in a joint statement that the commutation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By this action , President Trump abused the powers of his office in an apparent effort to reward Roger Stone for his refusal to cooperate with investigators examining the president ’ s own conduct , '' the said .
`` No other president has exercised the clemency power for such a patently personal and self-serving purpose . ''
Stone was convicted of lying to investigators about efforts by Trump campaign aides to learn about WikiLeaks ' plans to release emails that Russian operatives stole from Hillary Clinton 's campaign .
Mueller 's investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign to help Trump , but found no evidence he coordinated with the effort .
Mueller : Trump ’ s aides were eager to take Russian dirt .
But it wasn ’ t a conspiracy Because the president dismisses the investigations as politically motivated he has also written off the indictments and convictions of former aides and associates .
His decision to grant clemency to Stone comes at a time when polls show he is trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in key battleground states .
Biden campaign spokesman Bill Russo said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power , releasing this commutation on a Friday night , hoping to yet again avoid scrutiny as he lays waste to the norms and the values that make our country a shining beacon to the rest of the world . ''
Trump has expressed sympathy for several former aides convicted of crimes , but he had previously refused to reveal his plans about clemency .
Trump 's other pardons – including Arpaio , D'Souza and Scooter Libby , former Vice President Dick Cheney 's chief of staff – have often involved highly politicized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to two members of the military , Army 1st Lt. Clint Lorance and Maj. Mathew Golsteyn , who were accused of war crimes but who become causes célèbres in conservative media outlets .
In wielding his clemency power , Trump has circumvented the formal process for review .
That process includes an FBI background check and recommendations from career prosecutors .
Because the president 's power to pardon comes directly from the Constitution , he 's not required to go through that process .

John Fritze, Kevin Johnson and Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY

Trump grants clemency to ally Roger Stone after railing against 'unfair' conviction, sentencing
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump grants clemency to Roger Stone President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of his longtime confidant Roger Stone. USA TODAY, Wochit
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of his longtime confidant Roger Stone, a Republican operative convicted of lying to Congress to protect the president's campaign from an investigation into Russian election interference.
The White House announced Trump's decision late Friday, days before Stone was set to report to prison for a 40-month sentence handed down in February, a stunning outcome for a well-known consultant who advised political campaigns for decades.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany described Stone as "a victim of the Russia Hoax that the Left and its allies in the media perpetuated for years in an attempt to undermine the Trump presidency."
But congressional Democrats slammed the move, the latest in series of instances in which the president has wielded his broad clemency powers in highly political criminal cases. The grant, which wiped out Stone's sentence but left his conviction in place, brought the years-long battle over Russia's involvement in the 2016 election back to the forefront in the middle of Trump's bid for reelection.
Stone was the last person charged in the nearly two-year probe by special counsel Robert Mueller.
Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., a leading figure in the congressional Russia investigation, said Stone repeatedly lied to the House Intelligence Committee that Schiff chairs.
"Stone knew that telling the truth about his interactions with senior campaign officials and Trump himself would expose the president’s eagerness to obtain foreign help," Schiff said. "So he lied."
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said that while "the United States was founded on the rule of law" it seemed that Trump "has nothing but contempt for it."
The Justice Department declined to comment on Trump's decision Friday.
Grant Smith, an attorney for Stone, said his client was "incredibly honored" that Trump used "his awesome and unique power under the Constitution of the United States for this act of mercy."
The Justice Department told a federal appeals court this week that Stone should begin his sentence July 14, despite his plea to delay it over concerns about the coronavirus. Hours later, the president presaged his decision during an interview with the conservative news organization Newsmax.
"He was framed. He was treated horribly," Trump said of Stone. "His prayer may be answered."
Trump's decision follows a public dispute with Attorney General William Barr in February over the president's public remarks about criminal cases. Trump railed against the Justice Department for recommending Stone serve up to nine years, describing the initial recommendation as a "miscarriage of justice."
Justice officials backed away from that tougher sentence.
That reaction prompted an outcry from critics of the Trump administration who say the president is making inappropriate forays into criminal cases.
Robert Litt, a lawyer for Aaron Zelinsky – one of the attorneys who prosecuted Stone but later quit the case in protest after the Justice Department backtracked from the tougher sentence – did not comment on the clemency.
But Litt said Zelinsky "stands by his testimony" before the House Judiciary Committee and the findings of the Mueller investigation. Zelinsky testified last month that the Justice Department gave Stone "unprecedentedly favorable treatment" because he's a friend of the president.
Trump has granted clemency in a series of political cases. In February, he commuted the prison sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, and granted pardons to former New York City police commissioner Bernard Kerik, rogue financier Michael Milken and former San Francisco 49ers owner Edward DeBartolo Jr.
Trump for years has offered vague answers to questions about whether he would use his sweeping clemency powers to help allies and former employees ensnared by the Russian investigations, which he has collectively dismissed as a "hoax."
In handing down Stone's sentence this year, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson said the GOP consultant "took it upon himself to lie, to impede, to obstruct before the investigation was complete, in an endeavor to influence the result."
Stone was found guilty in November of lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation. The 67-year-old GOP operative was one of several Trump associates to be convicted in cases stemming from Mueller's investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential election.
"Not only was Mr. Stone charged by overzealous prosecutors pursing a case that never should have existed, and arrested in an operation that never should have been approved, but there were also serious questions about the jury in the case," the White House said in a statement.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he believes the commutation was justified.
"Mr. Stone is in his 70s and this was a non-violent, first-time offense," Graham tweeted.
More: Who was pardoned, who got shorter sentences in Trump's clemency spree?
The president had previously granted 25 pardons – full legal forgiveness for a crime – and 10 commutations, which shortens a sentence. Though that clemency has often been aimed at conservative figures such as Joe Arpaio, a former sheriff in Arizona, and commentator Dinesh D'Souza, the decision on Stone represents the first time Trump has circumvented the justice system in a case directly tied to himself.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler and Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, both New York Democrats, asserted in a joint statement that the commutation undermines the rule of law.
"By this action, President Trump abused the powers of his office in an apparent effort to reward Roger Stone for his refusal to cooperate with investigators examining the president’s own conduct," the said. "No other president has exercised the clemency power for such a patently personal and self-serving purpose."
“What has happened to Roger Stone should never happen to anyone in our Country again.” @TuckerCarlson @FoxNews — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2020
Stone was convicted of lying to investigators about efforts by Trump campaign aides to learn about WikiLeaks' plans to release emails that Russian operatives stole from Hillary Clinton's campaign. Mueller's investigation found Russia undertook a "sweeping" campaign to help Trump, but found no evidence he coordinated with the effort.
Mueller: Trump’s aides were eager to take Russian dirt. But it wasn’t a conspiracy
Because the president dismisses the investigations as politically motivated he has also written off the indictments and convictions of former aides and associates. His decision to grant clemency to Stone comes at a time when polls show he is trailing presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in key battleground states.
Biden campaign spokesman Bill Russo said that Trump had "once again abused his power, releasing this commutation on a Friday night, hoping to yet again avoid scrutiny as he lays waste to the norms and the values that make our country a shining beacon to the rest of the world."
Trump has expressed sympathy for several former aides convicted of crimes, but he had previously refused to reveal his plans about clemency.
Trump's other pardons – including Arpaio, D'Souza and Scooter Libby, former Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff – have often involved highly politicized cases. Trump granted pardons last year to two members of the military, Army 1st Lt. Clint Lorance and Maj. Mathew Golsteyn, who were accused of war crimes but who become causes célèbres in conservative media outlets.
More: Trump pardons servicemembers in high profile war crimes cases
In wielding his clemency power, Trump has circumvented the formal process for review. That process includes an FBI background check and recommendations from career prosecutors. Because the president's power to pardon comes directly from the Constitution, he's not required to go through that process.