usatoday--2020-06-22--Saharan dust could bring fewer tropical storms, beautiful sunsets

AUSTIN , Texas – A cloud of dust blowing through the Gulf of Mexico may not sound like an encouraging forecast , but it might be just what we need to keep tropical storms at bay and enjoy some gorgeous sunsets .
During the summer months , a large plume of dust can appear in the atmosphere over the Sahara Desert in northern Africa , kicked up by strong winds on the Earth ’ s surface .
This mass of dust combines with warm , dry air to form the Saharan Air Layer .
Riding trade winds westward from Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the Atlantic Ocean , reaching as far west as the Gulf of Mexico .
This week , conditions lined up perfectly for a cloud of dust to be swept out with the Saharan Air Layer .
“ There ’ s a lot of dust with this one , ” said University of Texas meteorology lecturer Troy Kimmel .
“ A lot of it is suspended at mid- and high levels of the atmosphere.
” Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict that the dust cloud reached the eastern edge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make its way to the Texas Gulf Coast this week .
Aaron Treadway , a meteorologist with the National Weather Service , said “ impacts on air quality and tropical systems ” are the two biggest things that will come from the presence of Saharan dust .
“ For us and a lot of the other southern U.S. states where this dust is supposed to end up , it ’ s going to impact the air quality for a couple of days , ” Treadway said .
But the Texas Commission on Environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duration of the dust is not expected to be enough to raise the daily ( particulate matter in the atmosphere ) beyond the 'Good ' range throughout the impacted regions.
” Although some people may be more sensitive to the dust than others , Kimmel says there may be a silver lining because of the timing of the cloud ’ s arrival : “ The good news with that is we ’ re all wearing masks.
” “ Tropical storms need a lot of moist air and relatively calm upper level winds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The lack of moisture and increased winds are not conducive for tropical storm development.
” Another benefit of dust from the Sahara Desert : more vivid sunsets and sunrises .
As the sun passes the curve of the Earth , its rays shine through a thicker layer of atmosphere .
Dust and water particles in the atmosphere are responsible for scattering sunlight , creating the rich colors of sunsets and sunrises .
With the added dust in the atmosphere , a greater number of particles can refract sunlight into a range of purples @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Kelly P. Franklin, kfranklin@statesman.com

Saharan dust could bring fewer tropical storms, beautiful sunsets
AUSTIN, Texas – A cloud of dust blowing through the Gulf of Mexico may not sound like an encouraging forecast, but it might be just what we need to keep tropical storms at bay and enjoy some gorgeous sunsets.
During the summer months, a large plume of dust can appear in the atmosphere over the Sahara Desert in northern Africa, kicked up by strong winds on the Earth’s surface. This mass of dust combines with warm, dry air to form the Saharan Air Layer.
Riding trade winds westward from Africa to North America, the dust drifts across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching as far west as the Gulf of Mexico. This week, conditions lined up perfectly for a cloud of dust to be swept out with the Saharan Air Layer.
“There’s a lot of dust with this one,” said University of Texas meteorology lecturer Troy Kimmel. “A lot of it is suspended at mid- and high levels of the atmosphere.”
Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict that the dust cloud reached the eastern edge of the Caribbean over the weekend and possibly make its way to the Texas Gulf Coast this week.
Aaron Treadway, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said “impacts on air quality and tropical systems” are the two biggest things that will come from the presence of Saharan dust.
“For us and a lot of the other southern U.S. states where this dust is supposed to end up, it’s going to impact the air quality for a couple of days,” Treadway said.
But the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality forecasts that “the intensity and duration of the dust is not expected to be enough to raise the daily (particulate matter in the atmosphere) beyond the 'Good' range throughout the impacted regions.”
Although some people may be more sensitive to the dust than others, Kimmel says there may be a silver lining because of the timing of the cloud’s arrival: “The good news with that is we’re all wearing masks.”
“Tropical storms need a lot of moist air and relatively calm upper level winds to form,” Treadway said. “The lack of moisture and increased winds are not conducive for tropical storm development.”
Another benefit of dust from the Sahara Desert: more vivid sunsets and sunrises. As the sun passes the curve of the Earth, its rays shine through a thicker layer of atmosphere.
Dust and water particles in the atmosphere are responsible for scattering sunlight, creating the rich colors of sunsets and sunrises. With the added dust in the atmosphere, a greater number of particles can refract sunlight into a range of purples, pinks, oranges and yellows.


usatoday--2020-06-22--As Doak Campbell Stadium name comes under fire, FSU president says university will study issue

Florida State president John Thrasher has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Doak S. Campbell , the namesake for FSU 's football stadium .
Campbell 's legacy has come under fire over the last few weeks .
Campbell was a trailblazer in getting the stadium that went on to bear his name built during his time as FSU president .
However , he was also called out in an online petition by former FSU football linebacker Kendrick Scott for his `` non inclusive views of blacks as a segregationist . ''
In Scott 's petition , he calls for Campbell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stadium .
`` I have been following with great interest the petitions circulating on social media asserting that Doak S. Campbell , FSU 's president in 1947 during its transition from the Florida State College for Women , resisted integration and asking that the stadium no longer bear his name , '' Thrasher said in a tweet posted on his account .
`` I have asked Athletics Director David Coburn to immediately review this issue and make recommendations to me .
I look forward to receiving his report soon . ''
Thrasher 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to what has been a growing outcry on social media from FSU fans about the need to change the name of the stadium .
During a time where ongoing racial injustice and inequality has been protested across the country , the stadium name would be a major statement about how seriously FSU is taking this potential issue .
FSU 's Advisory Panel on University Namings and Recognitions -- which Thrasher created in July of 2018 -- will also likely have input in the matter as Coburn reviews the issue .
Should a name @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a number of names have already been thrown about .
Many are calling for the stadium to be renamed for legendary FSU football coach Bobby Bowden , who the field is currently named after .
Another suggestion may be Osceola Stadium , honoring the university 's Seminole nickname and its connection with the Seminole Tribe of Florida .
FSU may also elect to pursue selling the naming rights to a sponsor for financial gain .
It 's worth noting that the Florida Legislature is considering a bill which would force public colleges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legislature before selling off naming rights to stadiums and arenas .
Doak Campbell III , the grandson of the former FSU president , told the Palm Beach Post on Monday that his father was not pro-segregation .
Whatever the solution winds up being , this does n't seem to be an issue being taken lightly by the university .
Reach Curt Weiler at cweiler @ tallahassee.com or follow him on Twitter @ CurtMWeiler .

As Doak Campbell Stadium name comes under fire, FSU president says university will study issue
Show Caption Hide Caption Myron Rolle's journey from football to coronavirus front lines SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Steve Gardner discusses the story of Myron Rolle, a college football standout who is now battling on the front lines in the fight against coronavirus. USA TODAY
Florida State president John Thrasher has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Doak S. Campbell, the namesake for FSU's football stadium.
Campbell's legacy has come under fire over the last few weeks. Campbell was a trailblazer in getting the stadium that went on to bear his name built during his time as FSU president.
However, he was also called out in an online petition by former FSU football linebacker Kendrick Scott for his "non inclusive views of blacks as a segregationist." In Scott's petition, he calls for Campbell's name to be removed from the stadium.
"I have been following with great interest the petitions circulating on social media asserting that Doak S. Campbell, FSU's president in 1947 during its transition from the Florida State College for Women, resisted integration and asking that the stadium no longer bear his name," Thrasher said in a tweet posted on his account.
"I have asked Athletics Director David Coburn to immediately review this issue and make recommendations to me. I look forward to receiving his report soon."
Thrasher's public comments on the matter bring credence to what has been a growing outcry on social media from FSU fans about the need to change the name of the stadium.
During a time where ongoing racial injustice and inequality has been protested across the country, the stadium name would be a major statement about how seriously FSU is taking this potential issue.
FSU's Advisory Panel on University Namings and Recognitions -- which Thrasher created in July of 2018 -- will also likely have input in the matter as Coburn reviews the issue.
Should a name change be deemed necessary by FSU officials, a number of names have already been thrown about. Many are calling for the stadium to be renamed for legendary FSU football coach Bobby Bowden, who the field is currently named after.
Another suggestion may be Osceola Stadium, honoring the university's Seminole nickname and its connection with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
FSU may also elect to pursue selling the naming rights to a sponsor for financial gain.
It's worth noting that the Florida Legislature is considering a bill which would force public colleges and universities to get permission from the Legislature before selling off naming rights to stadiums and arenas.
Doak Campbell III, the grandson of the former FSU president, told the Palm Beach Post on Monday that his father was not pro-segregation.
Whatever the solution winds up being, this doesn't seem to be an issue being taken lightly by the university.
Reach Curt Weiler at cweiler@tallahassee.com or follow him on Twitter @CurtMWeiler.


usatoday--2020-06-19--High school senior runs the bases at graduation

High school graduate , Trey James , pretended to hit a home run and then ran the bases at the @ @ @ @ @ commencement .

High school senior runs the bases at graduation
High school graduate, Trey James, pretended to hit a home run and then ran the bases at the newly-constructed Globe Life Field during commencement.
Sportskind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-06-22--Colleges detail what it could look like for students when they reopen for fall 2020

Online learning , single rooms in hotels as dorms and staggered scheduling are just some of the ideas in motion @ @ @ @ @ .

Coronavirus reopening: College fall 2020 plans vary widely
Online learning, single rooms in hotels as dorms and staggered scheduling are just some of the ideas in motion for 2020's fall semester.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-06-22--Stuffed teddy bears take over an amusement park

Stuffed sloths and teddy bears got to ride the Super Swing at a re-opened amusement park outside of Amsterdam .

Teddy bears pack rides, takeover Netherlands amusement park
Stuffed sloths and teddy bears got to ride the Super Swing at a re-opened amusement park outside of Amsterdam.
Storyful, Wochit


usatoday--2020-05-06--Which states require travelers to self-quarantine?

States are slowly beginning to open back up , but that does n't mean travelers are free to come and go as they please in most places amid the coronavirus pandemic .
USA TODAY has an update on the states that discouraged interstate travel by requiring or recommending that visitors and residents returning from other states quarantine .
Recently , at least one has state has updated their rules to require a recent , negative COVID-19 test in lieu of a blanket quarantine policy .
Some counties or municipalities have issued similar advice to travelers , so anyone looking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a summer vacation should check government websites for their destination and anywhere they plan to stop overnight .
See which states have lifted quarantine orders and which still require or recommend them .
Alaska Gov .
Mike Dunleavy and the state 's Department of Health and Social Services are lifting the state 's mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers .
Both interstate and international travelers can come to Alaska as long as they meet the following requirements : • If tested within 72 hours to five days before they leave their destination , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a negative PCR ( antigen ) coronavirus test .
They ca n't enter if the test is positive .
• Alternately , if they had a negative PCR test within five days of departure , they can retest upon arrival in Alaska .
They should minimize contact until the results of the second test come in .
• If travelers choose to test on arrival , they should register with the testing site and need to quarantine until results are in .
The traveler will have to quarantine if positive .
• If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical infrastructure workforce , as determined by the state , they have to adhere to their company 's community protective plan the state has on file .
If none of the above applies ( the traveler does n't have a test result , rejects testing , or is not a critical worker ) , that person must quarantine for 14 days .
`` Travelers will be asked to minimize in-person interactions for an additional 7-14 days after arrival and will be offered a follow-up test , '' according to a June 3 statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete and sign the Alaska Travel Declaration form and present a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival . ''
Travelers who already had COVID-19 , tested positive at least three weeks prior to their arrival , are currently asymptomatic and can show a doctor 's note attesting to their recovery do not need to be retested .
A state Department of Healthdirective that took effect May 14 requires 14 days of self-quarantine for travelers from New York , New Jersey , Connecticut , New Orleans and all international locations .
The state urges any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transportation to self-quarantine for 14 days .
Staying Apart , Together : A newsletter about how to cope with the coronavirus pandemic Everyone traveling from New York , New Jersey , Connecticut or Louisiana must self-isolate or self-quarantine for 14 days , or for however long they will remain in the state if it 's shorter , per executive orders from Gov .
Ron DeSantis .
Neither order applies to airline employees nor people `` performing military , emergency or health responses . ''
Though Gov .
Gov .
David Ige is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to quarantine as of June 16 , visitors from outside the state will still have to isolate for two weeks through July 31 .
“ We are working very hard toward re-opening out-of-state travel , but we ’ re not there yet .
We are being very cautious .
There are new virus flare-ups in key mainland markets – including California where more than 2,000 new cases were reported yesterday .
Oregon , Arizona and Texas are also reporting their highest number of new daily cases , ” Ige said in a June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , people entering the state from areas with substantial community spread or case rates higher than Idaho 's are urged to self-quarantine for 14 days , according to a new `` Stay Healthy '' order .
Nonessential travel is now allowed , according to the order The state requires a 14-day quarantine for Kansans returning from these states , as of June 17 : • Maryland ( on or after May 12 ) • Alabama ( on or after June 17 ) • Arizona ( on or after June 17 ) • Arkansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People must also quarantine for 14 days if they traveled out of the country on or after March 15 or went on a cruise ship or river cruise on or after March 15 .
Kansas was encouraging ( though not mandating ) those who traveled to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri over Memorial Day weekend to self-quarantine for 14 days if they did n't take precautions like social distancing or wearing face masks .
An executive order requires travelers to the state to self-quarantine for 14 days , regardless of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days , and visitors are urged not to come if they have coronavirus symptoms .
Health care , public safety , transportation and designated essential workers are exempt .
Nebraskans traveling from international destinations should self-quarantine and monitor themselves for 14 days or for the duration of their visit if it 's shorter than that .
The recommendation excludes health care workers , commuters and certain other groups .
Travelers who fly into New Mexico airports must self-quarantine for 14 days ( or fewer if their stay is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 executive order from Gov .
Michelle Lujan Grisham .
Certain groups are excluded from the order : Military personnel , airline employees , health care workers and others .
Gov .
Kevin Stitt has not rescinded his executive order requiring people arriving on flights from the New York tri-state area ( New York , New Jersey and Connecticut ) , Washington state , California or Louisiana to quarantine for 14 days .
Airline personnel , military , health care and emergency workers are exempt .
Gov .
Gina M. Raimondo lifted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A 14-day self-quarantine is required for anyone coming into the state for a non-work-related purpose if the U.S. locality they are coming from has instituted a COVID-19 related stay-at-home restriction , shelter-in-place restriction or made a comparable announcement .
The restriction will not apply to anyone traveling for medical treatment nor public health , public safety or health care workers .
The state recommends that travelers returning from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread stay home for a period of 14 days from the date of departure .
Gov .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to `` yellow , '' or low-risk , May 16 ( and further updated this May 29 ) , but a recommendation to limit out-of-state travel and quarantine 14 days upon return from high-risk areas remains in place .
On May 15 , Gov .
Phil Scott extended Vermont 's coronavirus state of emergency until June 15 .
Travelers to the state must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival .
The state Department of Health recommends a 14-day self-quarantine for those who have traveled internationally , on a cruise ship or river @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where COVID-19 circulates widely in the community .
The Department of Health Services says that certain ciites and counties in the state may subject travelers to stay at home or self-quarantine for 14 days .
Contributing : Curtis Tate , Bill Keveney , Hannah Yasharoff , Nicquel Terry Ellis , Jorge L. Ortiz , USA TODAY ; Jon Campbell , New York State Team – USA TODAY Network ; Reno Gazette Journal ; The Associated Press

These states require travelers to self-quarantine or present a negative COVID-19 test
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Self-quarantine things you can and can't do For those under self-quarantine in the confines of their home, here are some do's and don'ts amid the COVID-19 outbreak. USA TODAY
Editor's note: This story is no longer being updated. Find the latest state-by-state travel restrictions and recommendations here.
More than half a year into the COVID-19 pandemic and a few months after most states loosened lockdown restrictions, some governors are cracking down again, saying their citizens have become complacent and dropped their guards, opening the door for new surges this fall.
Even as Hawaii finally enacts a long-awaited testing program that will allow out-of-state visitors to return without spending their entire vacation in quarantine, New Mexico is taking that option off the table.
USA TODAY has an update on the states that are discouraging interstate travel by requiring or recommending that visitors and residents returning from other states quarantine. And some states are requiring a recent, negative COVID-19 test in lieu of a blanket quarantine policy.
Some counties or municipalities have issued similar advice to travelers, so anyone looking to go on a road trip or take a vacation should check government websites for their destination and anywhere they plan to stop overnight.
Here are the states that require or recommend traveler quarantines:
Coronavirus: How R-0 can be used to fight COVID-19 R-0 may be the most important scientific term you’ve never heard of when it comes to stopping the coronavirus pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Alaska
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced that beginning August 11, non-Alaska residents need a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival in the state or proof they are waiting on results from a test taken in that 72-hour period. Non-residents without a pre-test can get one on arrival, though for a price.
"If a non-resident arrives without a pre-test, testing is available for $250 per test," according to a policy on the state's website. "The traveler will be required to quarantine while waiting on results."
Testing is free for Alaska residents.
The previous policy, below, will stay in effect through August 10.
Dunleavy and the state's Department of Health and Social Services lifted the state's mandatory 14-day quarantine for travelers. Both interstate and international travelers can come to Alaska as long as they meet the following requirements:
If tested within 72 hours to five days before they leave their destination, they can come into Alaska with proof of a negative PCR coronavirus test. They can't enter if the test is positive.
Alternately, if they had a negative PCR test within five days of departure, they can retest upon arrival in Alaska. They should minimize contact until the results of the second test come in.
If the traveler is a member of the critical infrastructure workforce, as determined by the state, they have to adhere to their company's community protective plan the state has on file.
If none of the above applies (the traveler doesn't have a test result, rejects testing, or is not a critical worker), that person must quarantine for 14 days.
Arkansas
While the state no longer mandates a 14-day quarantine for visitors, it still asks that Arkansans consider doing so when returning from travel to affected areas.
Connecticut
Effective June 25, the state will require a 14-day quarantine for any visitor or resident returning from a region with a transmission rate of 10 positive tests for every 100,000 residents on a seven-day rolling average.
Click here for the full list.
Staying Apart, Together: A newsletter about how to cope with the coronavirus pandemic
District of Columbia
Washington, D.C. will require travelers coming to the city to self-quarantine for 14 days if they are arriving from a high-risk area on nonessential travel.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said July 24 that the self-quarantine requirement would take effect the following week. Maryland and Virginia, which border D.C., are exempt from the order, but other states that see a seven-day moving average of new COVID-19 cases at 10 or more per 100,000 people will be affected.
As of Sept. 21, the updated list of "high-risk states" that require a 14-day self-quarantine include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin .
Florida
Effective Aug. 6, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis rescinded the state's14-day quarantine rule for visitors from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
Hawaii
Hawaii's long-awaited COVID-19 testing program is in effect as of Oct. 15. The program allows out-of-state travelers to bypass a mandatory 14-day quarantine by presenting a negative nucleic acid amplification (NAAT) test from an approved lab, taken within 72 hours before they arrive. All visitors ages 5 and up must be tested in order to skip quarantine. Travelers must also complete the state's mandatory Travel and Health Form. The negative test result must be uploaded to the visitor's Safe Travels account before they can leave quarantine. According to the state, the mandatory 14-day quarantine remains in effect for all inter-island travelers, except for those arriving on the island of Oahu.
Hawaii vacations are finally a lot easier: But are tourists really welcome?
Illinois
The city of Chicago is requiring visitors from certain states to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or face possible fines.
Check here for weekly updates on Tuesdays.
Kansas
The state requires a 14-day quarantine for those heading to Kansas who have traveled domestically and been at gatherings of more than 500 people, beginning on or after Aug. 11.
Kentucky
Under a new advisory announced Monday, Kentuckians who travel to nine hot spot states reporting positive testing rates equal or greater than 15% are now recommended to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. The states included in Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s travel advisory are Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Mississippi.
Beshear said case clusters have been traced to residents who have recently returned from vacations or attended large gatherings such as block parties or barbecues.
Maine
Unless a visitor has a negative PCR COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours of travel, all but those from the following states must self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their state of residency: Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont and Massachusetts. Visitors under quarantine are not allowed to go to grocery stores and therefore must bring enough food to last the duration of their quarantine or arrange to have food brought to them.
Maryland
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on July 29 issued a travel advisory urging residents to avoid visiting some states with rapidly increasing cases of coronavirus.
The travel advisory applies to states with positive test rates of or higher than 10%. As of July 29, that would include Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, South Carolina and Texas.
Hogan said if people must visit those states, they should immediately be tested upon returning to Maryland and quarantine themselves until learning the results.
Coronavirus: Social distancing key to fighting COVID-19 Social distancing matters. Here is how to do it and how it can help curb the COVID-19 pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Massachusetts
As of Aug. 1, everyone coming into Massachusetts (except those coming from lower-risk states) must quarantine for 14 days or show a negative COVID-19 test result administered up to 72 hours in advance of their arrival. If the test results haven't come in before travelers get to Massachusetts, they quarantine until the results are in.
Anyone entering the state has to fill out a travel form before entering, also as of Aug. 1. However, those traveling from lower-risk states or who meet other exemptions won't have to do so. Details here.
People who don't follow the rules could be subject to a $500 fine per day.
Nebraska
Nebraskans returning from international travel and visitors coming to the state for less than 14 days should self-quarantine for the duration of their visit. The recommendation excludes health care workers, commuters and certain other groups.The recommendation excludes health care workers, commuters and certain other groups.
New Hampshire
Under the state's "Safer at Home" guidelines, it requests – but does not require – out-of-state visitors who will be staying in New Hampshire for an extended period of time to self-quarantine for 14 days.
New Jersey
Travelers flying into New Jersey from so-called hot spot states where coronavirus is spiking will be asked to fill out a survey starting July 20.
The announcement came from state health Commissioner Judith Persichilli more than three weeks after Gov. Phil Murphy joined his counterparts in New York and Connecticut to announce a mandatory 14-day quarantine for visitors arriving from states with high numbers of positive cases.
Keep up with the list here.
New Mexico
Effective, Friday, Oct. 16, the state has rescinded a policy that allowed visitors to bypass a 14-day quarantine by presenting a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel. In addition, hotel occupancy has been capped at 60% for establishments certified safe by the state and 25% for those that have not.
New York
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's state, which was the U.S. epicenter of the pandemic early on, is also requiring visitors and residents returning from from out of state to quarantine for 14 days. Check the list.
Ohio
People traveling to Ohio from states with positive COVID-19 testing rates of 15% or higher are subject to the state's new travel advisory. Stay up-to-date here.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvanians should quarantine for 14 days when returning from the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and Tennessee. The state's health department encourages those who traveled or plan to travel to an area with high coronavirus case counts to stay home for 14 days after their trips.
Rhode Island
You must self-quarantine for 14 days or provide a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arriving in Rhode Island if coming from certain states with a COVID-19 positivity rate higher than 5% (check here for the up-to-date list). You can leave quarantine if you receive a negative test result once in the state.
South Carolina
The state recommends that travelers returning from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread stay home for a period of 14 days from the date of departure.
Utah
The state asks visitors or returning residents to quarantine if they've been in high-risk areas.
Vermont
Effective June 15, "Visitors and travelers coming to Vermont by plane, bus or train ─ or those who make stops in a personal vehicle ─ must quarantine for 14 days when they arrive," the state health department said.
Visitors may either:
Traveling by car: Quarantine in their home state for 14 days before traveling in their personal vehicle and making no stops.
Traveling using commercial transportation or driving with stops: Quarantine for 14 days at a lodging facility in Vermont
Virginia
The state Department of Health recommends a 14-day self-quarantine for those who have traveled internationally, on a cruise ship or river boat, or to a U.S. area where COVID-19 circulated widely in the community.
West Virginia
The Bureau of Public Health's most recent COVID-19 bulletin "recommends state residents with plans to vacation in a crowded area be extremely cautious, practice social distancing and wear a face mask, and those who have traveled or are traveling to a large or crowded vacation area to self-monitor/quarantine for 14 days upon return."
Wisconsin
The Department of Health Services says that certain cities and counties in the state may subject travelers to stay at home or self-quarantine for 14 days.
Contributing: Ryan Miller, Curtis Tate, Bill Keveney, Hannah Yasharoff, Nicquel Terry Ellis, Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY; Jon Campbell, New York State Team – USA TODAY Network; Reno Gazette Journal; York Daily Record; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-06-22--Who will face Mitch McConnell? 3-way Kentucky Democratic primary comes to a head Tuesday

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker stood in a Louisville parking lot Wednesday morning , mask pulled down to his chin , and promised the crowd gathered there : `` This is our time .
We will win . ''
Across town , hours later , former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath stood beside union workers in the muggy afternoon heat as they called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to let a roughly $ 3 trillion , Democrat-crafted coronavirus relief bill move forward .
And that evening , retired Marine , farmer and substitute teacher Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risks posed by COVID-19 — hosted a virtual town hall where Kentuckians could ask about education policies .
As the final days of a primary race marked by a pandemic and protests against racism and police brutality tick away to Tuesday ’ s Election Day , the top three Democratic candidates are taking different paths to the finish line .
But they all have the same goal : to persuade Kentucky Democrats they 're the one who can dethrone McConnell this November and end his 36-year Senate career .
`` I would say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to happen next week , I probably would n't believe them because it really is a very , very fuzzy race , '' Broihier said Tuesday .
Through TV and newspaper advertisements and a series of campaign events in cities around Kentucky , Booker is capitalizing on a late-in-the-game surge of support — sparked by his decision to march in recent protests in his hometown of Louisville , where the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor has caused national outrage .
Broihier is largely avoiding in-person events because of concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
However , he 's calling voters , doing press interviews and holding town halls online to highlight his commitment to the progressive policies he champions , like universal basic income and `` Medicare for All . ''
Meanwhile , McGrath is flooding the zone with advertising , holding telephone town halls and spending time in public talking with Kentuckians , although she is n't hosting any campaign events because of the pandemic .
Related : Can Booker really pull this off and defeat McGrath in US Senate primary ?
Here 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push to win over voters .
About 100 people filled the parking lot in front of Highland Coffee Co. on Bardstown Road on Wednesday morning to see Booker , who grew up in Louisville 's West End .
Standing before the mostly masked crowd , Booker called them family , told them he loved them and asked for their help in rising up , demanding real , structural change and working together to end generational poverty .
`` Poverty is a policy choice , '' he told them .
`` We have some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them being Mount McConnell . ''
He emphasized how he has experienced the same hardships many other Kentuckians have , offering up a personal story about when he realized as a child that his mother was n't eating because there was only enough food for him .
`` Working multiple jobs just so we can struggle , '' he said .
`` It ai n't right . ''
After his speech , Booker snapped photos with people who lined up to meet him .
The event was part of a `` statewide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stretch before Election Day .
Stops include Louisville , Glasgow , Bowling Green and other cities .
On top of that , his campaign team is knocking on voters ' doors , as well .
It 's a far cry from how Booker and the other candidates handled the first weeks of the pandemic , when they stopped holding public events and canvassing neighborhoods and pivoted to connecting with people by phone and online .
However , Booker stressed the importance of this moment .
`` We want everyone to be safe while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know we ca n't afford to stay home , '' he said .
See also : New poll shows Booker surging past McGrath in US Senate primary McGrath also is spending more time in public than she has in recent months .
She went to Frankfort on Wednesday to visit with Kentuckians who were waiting in an hours-long line to get help with their unemployment claims .
She said one woman told her she had to leave her job as a manager at a fast-food restaurant because she 's a single mom and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving her no other way to ensure they were taken care of while she worked .
`` My feeling is : They need to have a better voice in Washington , '' McGrath said .
Later that afternoon , she showed up at a rally union workers held in Louisville to urge the McConnell-led Senate to pass a relief package dubbed the HEROES Act .
She offered a few words of support as the event ended but mainly listened and spoke one-on-one with the people gathered outside the home of the Teamsters Local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ! ''
one man yelled as she promised she 'd keep working hard to get rid of McConnell .
McGrath said she 's going out to places where people already are but is n't willing to host events that will attract crowds or send campaigners door to door because of the coronavirus .
`` I mean , the last thing we want to do is be part of the problem with the pandemic , right ? ''
she said .
`` So , it 's a balance . ''
McGrath held telephone town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , a caller said she feared for her biracial grandchildren .
McGrath told her : `` America was founded on this ideal , this promise , that everybody should be treated with dignity and respect .
That everybody should be given a fair shot .
And I think right now we , as Americans , have to acknowledge that we haven ’ t kept that promise ... particularly for Black Americans . ''
`` We need to change the culture of policing in our country , '' she continued .
`` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that believes that chokeholds ( are ) a tactic that we should use in this country .
So to me , we should have banned that yesterday . ''
Read more : Chuck Schumer on Amy McGrath : ' I believe that she ’ ll win her primary' Unlike Booker and McGrath , Broihier is maintaining a stricter policy of not attending events or doing other in-person campaigning , such as knocking on doors , because of his concerns about protecting the public 's health .
He made an exception for a meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which Booker also attended .
McGrath went to a Juneteenth event on Friday , too , in Somerset .
In Louisville that afternoon , Booker greeted the people gathered there with his fist in the air .
`` Happy Juneteenth , family , '' he told them .
When it was Broihier 's turn , he told the crowd that police unions have a stranglehold on government that must be eradicated , which garnered some claps and cheers .
Apart from Friday 's event , Broihier and his team mainly have stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls , text messages and virtual town halls .
During a town hall on health care Tuesday , he described how he — like many people — has made trade-offs because of a lack of affordable , accessible services .
He said he does n't have dental insurance right now and was wearing cheap `` cheaters '' from Walmart because he ca n't afford to see an eye doctor .
And he connected those experiences to why he supports a single-payer health care system .
`` For me as a candidate , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at something and say , 'This is terrible , something must be done , ' '' Broihier told The Courier Journal .
He stressed that he 's offering voters a detailed array of policies he believes would help solve some of the country 's top problems .
`` I think it rings true with people , '' he said .
Getting out the vote All three candidates are focusing firepower on making sure people actually vote , especially since the pandemic has changed how this election works .
Mail-in voting has been expanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can vote in person has been drastically reduced .
Broihier said contacting voters to make sure they know how they can vote and remember to send in their ballot is an `` all-hands effort '' now .
“ Every single person on my team is doing it , '' he explained .
`` Thankfully , most people I 've talked to have already secured their mail-in ballots . ''
McGrath has advocated for Kentuckians ' opportunities to vote to be expanded and set up a website , kentuckyvotes.com , that her team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can vote in every county .
`` Voting is a right , and we should be able to vote safely , '' she said .
`` So , we 're using our resources to be able to help people to vote . ''
Booker is in get-out-the-vote mode , too .
He said his team is working to arrange shuttles that can give voters a ride to Louisville 's sole polling place , the Kentucky Exposition Center , and reaching out to organizers across the state to see what they need .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
See also : Kentucky should brace for an 'election week ' with delayed primary results The campaigns also are relying on advertising and interviews to reach voters .
McGrath , who has raised more than $ 40 million , is pouring over $ 3 million into ads during the last stretch of the primary .
She said the goal is to make sure people know her core message .
`` And that is that I ’ m a Democrat and that I am somebody that ’ s going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I am somebody that cares about health care .
I am somebody that cares about equal justice for all ... and that is going to be committed to doing the things that we need to do to move us in the right direction . ''
Booker had only raised around $ 792,000 as of June 3 , but his campaign manager , Colin Lauderdale , said Thursday that he brought in $ 2.4 million since June began .
And that extra cash is helping the campaign compete on advertising .
McGrath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the recent protests against police brutality .
In hers , McGrath expressed dismay over the death of George Floyd — a 46-year-old Black man who died in May after a former police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes — and promised voters : `` As your senator , I will stand up to any president who treats people as less than human . ''
Booker criticized McGrath 's ad on social media and said it `` is exploiting our pain . ''
His own ad juxtaposed McGrath 's explanation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend the first few days of protests because she `` had some family things going on '' with footage of Booker walking with protesters in Louisville .
McGrath recently said on Twitter that she later attended a vigil for Breonna Taylor in Lexington as well as an interfaith gathering in Louisville .
Broihier , who had raised over $ 494,000 as of June 3 , said his team took a targeted , data-driven approach to advertising .
`` No one ’ s got Amy McGrath money except for Amy McGrath , so we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend the money was in the last month , '' he said .
`` We are not leaving a dollar unspent . ''
All the candidates have been doing press interviews , but Broihier — the former editor of a weekly newspaper — has especially emphasized the importance he places on talking to local news outlets across the state .
Social media is also part of his and the other candidates ' toolboxes , with Broihier promoting videos and posts that highlight his endorsement by famed Kentucky author , farmer and environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positions .
More races:8 state House primary races to watch in Kentucky on Tuesday Also:4 state Senate primaries ( and one special election ) to watch in Kentucky on Tuesday McConnell 's shadow is ever-present in this primary — and the nationwide impact of the power he wields in the Senate has put this election on the radar for a lot of people who do n't live in the Bluegrass State .
Money has flowed into the race not only from Kentuckians but also from out-of-state residents — especially to McGrath , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington , D.C. , have taken an interest , too .
McGrath got a vote of confidence last week from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , who said : `` I believe that she ’ ll win her primary , and I believe that she ’ ll give McConnell a run for his money . ''
But Booker has won endorsements from big names too , including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York , Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and — last week — Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Elizabeth Warren , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backed by former 2020 Democratic presidential candidates Andrew Yang and Marianne Williamson , offered a critical take on his opponents ' endorsements .
`` I 'm not Chuck Schumer 's candidate .
I 'm not Bernie Sanders ' candidate .
I 'm Kentucky 's candidate , '' he said Thursday on Twitter .
`` Progressive .
Fearless .
All yours . ''
McConnell 's recent legacy is inextricable from that of President Donald Trump , whom he has worked with to confirm a record number of federal judges .
And in a presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from voters ' minds .
Booker and Broihier have slammed McGrath as a `` pro-Trump '' Democrat , while she has tried to keep the focus on McConnell in a state where the president won big in 2016 .
However , McGrath — whom McConnell 's re-election campaign has nicknamed `` Extreme Amy McGrath '' and painted as a far-left Democrat — pushed back against the idea that she 's pro-Trump .
`` I 'm tired of the labels , '' she said Wednesday .
`` If people look at who I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who served her country .
They ’ re going to see somebody who will work with anyone to do what is right for Kentucky .
To do what is right by workers , '' she explained .
`` And at the same time , I ’ ll have the guts to stand up to anyone when it comes to Kentucky or when it comes to the Constitution of the United States that I swore to defend six times in my life . ''
Whether Kentucky Democrats agree — and think she has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Broihier — is up for a final vote on Tuesday .
Opinion : National shift makes Charles Booker the Senate candidate of the moment

Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal

Who will face Mitch McConnell? 3-way Kentucky Democratic primary comes to a head Tuesday
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker stood in a Louisville parking lot Wednesday morning, mask pulled down to his chin, and promised the crowd gathered there: "This is our time. We will win."
Across town, hours later, former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath stood beside union workers in the muggy afternoon heat as they called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to let a roughly $3 trillion, Democrat-crafted coronavirus relief bill move forward.
And that evening, retired Marine, farmer and substitute teacher Mike Broihier — ever-mindful of the public health risks posed by COVID-19 — hosted a virtual town hall where Kentuckians could ask about education policies.
As the final days of a primary race marked by a pandemic and protests against racism and police brutality tick away to Tuesday’s election day, the top three Democratic candidates are taking different paths to the finish line.
But they all have the same goal: to persuade Kentucky Democrats they're the one who can dethrone McConnell this November and end his 36-year Senate career.
"I would say that if anyone says they know what’s going to happen next week, I probably wouldn't believe them because it really is a very, very fuzzy race," Broihier said Tuesday.
Through TV and newspaper advertisements and a series of campaign events in cities around Kentucky, Booker is capitalizing on a late-in-the-game surge of support — sparked by his decision to march in recent protests in his hometown of Louisville, where the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor has caused national outrage.
Broihier is largely avoiding in-person events because of concerns about protecting people's health during the pandemic. However, he's calling voters, doing press interviews and holding town halls online to highlight his commitment to the progressive policies he champions, like universal basic income and "Medicare for All."
Meanwhile, McGrath is flooding the zone with advertising, holding telephone town halls and spending time in public talking with Kentuckians, although she isn't hosting campaign events because of the pandemic.
Related: Can Booker really pull this off and defeat McGrath in US Senate primary?
Here's a look at the trio's final push to win over voters.
Meeting voters, virtually or in person
About 100 people filled the parking lot in front of Highland Coffee Co. on Bardstown Road on Wednesday morning to see Booker, who grew up in Louisville's West End.
Standing before the mostly masked crowd, Booker called them family, told them he loved them and asked for their help in rising up, demanding real, structural change and working together to end generational poverty.
"Poverty is a policy choice," he told them. "We have some mountains that need to move, one of them being Mount McConnell."
He emphasized that he has experienced the same hardships many Kentuckians have, offering a personal story about when he realized as a child that his mother wasn't eating because there was only enough food for him.
"Working multiple jobs just so we can struggle," he said. "It ain't right."
After his speech, Booker snapped photos with people who lined up to meet him.
The event was part of a "statewide tour" Booker planned for the final stretch before Election Day. Stops include Louisville, Glasgow, Bowling Green and other cities. On top of that, his campaign team is knocking on voters' doors, as well.
It's a far cry from how Booker and the other candidates handled the first weeks of the pandemic, when they stopped holding public events and canvassing neighborhoods and pivoted to connecting with people by phone and online.
However, Booker stressed the importance of this moment.
"We want everyone to be safe while we do it, but we also know we can't afford to stay home," he said.
See also: New poll shows Booker surging past McGrath in US Senate primary
McGrath also is spending more time in public than she has in recent months.
She went to Frankfort on Wednesday to visit Kentuckians who were waiting in an hours-long line to get help with their unemployment claims.
McGrath said one woman told her she had to leave her job as a manager at a fast-food restaurant because she's a single mom and that her children's day care closed, leaving her no other way to ensure they were taken care of while she worked.
"My feeling is: They need to have a better voice in Washington," McGrath said.
Later that afternoon, she showed up at a rally union workers held in Louisville to urge the McConnell-led Senate to pass a relief package dubbed the HEROES Act.
She offered a few words of support as the event ended, but mainly listened and spoke one on one with the people gathered outside the home of the Teamsters Local 89 union.
"Yeah, Amy!" one man yelled as she promised she'd keep working hard to get rid of McConnell.
McGrath said she's going out to places where people already are but isn't willing to host events that will attract crowds or send campaigners door to door because of the coronavirus.
"I mean, the last thing we want to do is be part of the problem with the pandemic, right?" she said. "So, it's a balance."
McGrath held telephone town halls this week, too. During one, a caller said she feared for her biracial grandchildren.
McGrath told her: "America was founded on this ideal, this promise, that everybody should be treated with dignity and respect. That everybody should be given a fair shot. And I think right now we, as Americans, have to acknowledge that we haven’t kept that promise ... particularly for Black Americans."
"We need to change the culture of policing in our country," she continued. "For example, I know no police officer that believes that chokeholds (are) a tactic that we should use in this country. So to me, we should have banned that yesterday."
Read more: Chuck Schumer on Amy McGrath: 'I believe that she’ll win her primary'
Unlike Booker and McGrath, Broihier is maintaining a stricter policy of not attending events or doing other in-person campaigning, such as knocking on doors, because of his concerns about protecting the public's health.
He made an exception for a meet and greet in downtown Louisville on Juneteenth, which Booker also attended. McGrath went to a Juneteenth event on Friday, too, in Somerset.
In Louisville that afternoon, Booker greeted the people gathered there with his fist in the air. "Happy Juneteenth, family," he told them.
When it was Broihier's turn, he told the crowd that police unions have a stranglehold on government that must be eradicated, which garnered some claps and cheers.
Apart from Friday's event, Broihier and his team mainly have stuck to contacting voters online and through phone calls, text messages and virtual town halls.
During a town hall on health care Tuesday, he described how he — like many people — has made trade-offs because of a lack of affordable, accessible services.
He said he doesn't have dental insurance right now and was wearing cheap "cheaters" from Walmart because he can't afford to see an eye doctor. And he connected those experiences to why he supports a single-payer health care system.
"For me as a candidate, it’s not enough to just point at something and say, 'This is terrible, something must be done,'" Broihier told The Courier Journal.
He stressed that he's offering voters a detailed array of policies he believes would help solve some of the country's top problems.
"I think it rings true with people," he said.
Earlier: McGrath maintains fundraising edge over McConnell, Democratic rivals
Getting out the vote
All three candidates are focusing firepower on making sure people actually vote, especially since the pandemic has changed how this election works.
Mail-in voting has been expanded, and the number of places where people can vote in person has been drastically reduced.
Broihier said contacting voters to make sure they know how they can vote and remember to send in their ballot is an "all-hands effort" now.
“Every single person on my team is doing it," he explained. "Thankfully, most people I've talked to have already secured their mail-in ballots."
McGrath has advocated for Kentuckians' opportunities to vote to be expanded and set up a website, kentuckyvotes.com, that her team updates with the latest information on how people can vote in every county.
"Voting is a right, and we should be able to vote safely," she said. "So, we're using our resources to be able to help people to vote."
Booker is in get-out-the-vote mode, too.
He said his team is working to arrange shuttles that can give voters a ride to Louisville's sole polling place, the Kentucky Exposition Center, and reaching out to organizers across the state to see what they need.
"This is what we do," he said.
See also: Kentucky should brace for an 'election week' with delayed primary results
Big money, big ads
The campaigns also are relying on advertising and interviews to reach voters.
McGrath, who has raised more than $40 million, is pouring over $3 million into ads during the last stretch of the primary.
She said the goal is to make sure people know her core message.
"And that is that I’m a Democrat and that I am somebody that’s going to work for you," she said. "I am somebody that cares about health care. I am somebody that cares about equal justice for all ... and that is going to be committed to doing the things that we need to do to move us in the right direction."
Booker had raised only around $792,000 as of June 3, but his campaign manager, Colin Lauderdale, said Thursday that he brought in $2.4 million since June began. And that extra cash is helping the campaign compete on advertising.
McGrath and Booker both introduced ads this week about the recent protests against police brutality.
In hers, McGrath expressed dismay over the death of George Floyd — a 46-year-old Black man who died in May after a former police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes — and promised voters: "As your senator, I will stand up to any president who treats people as less than human."
Booker criticized McGrath's ad on social media and said it "is exploiting our pain."
His own ad juxtaposed McGrath's explanation during a debate that she didn't attend the first few days of protests because she "had some family things going on" with footage of Booker walking with protesters in Louisville.
McGrath recently said on Twitter that she later attended a vigil for Breonna Taylor in Lexington as well as an interfaith gathering in Louisville.
Broihier, who had raised over $494,000 as of June 3, said his team took a targeted, data-driven approach to advertising.
"No one’s got Amy McGrath money except for Amy McGrath, so we decided as a campaign the best time to spend the money was in the last month," he said. "We are not leaving a dollar unspent."
All the candidates have been doing press interviews, but Broihier — the former editor of a weekly newspaper — has especially emphasized the importance he places on talking to local news outlets across the state.
Social media is also part of his and the other candidates' toolboxes, with Broihier promoting videos and posts that highlight his endorsement by famed Kentucky author, farmer and environmental activist Wendell Berry and his progressive policy positions.
More races: 8 state House primary races to watch in Kentucky on Tuesday
Also: 4 state Senate primaries (and one special election) to watch in Kentucky on Tuesday
Attracting national attention
McConnell's shadow is ever-present in this primary — and the nationwide impact of the power he wields in the Senate has put this election on the radar for a lot of people who don't live in the Bluegrass State.
Money has flowed into the race not only from Kentuckians but also from out-of-state residents — especially to McGrath, the most prolific fundraiser.
Congressional superstars in Washington, D.C., have taken an interest, too.
McGrath got a vote of confidence last week from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who said: "I believe that she’ll win her primary, and I believe that she’ll give McConnell a run for his money."
But Booker has won endorsements from big names too, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and — last week — Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, both of Massachusetts.
Broihier, who is backed by former 2020 Democratic presidential candidates Andrew Yang and Marianne Williamson, offered a critical take on his opponents' endorsements.
"I'm not Chuck Schumer's candidate. I'm not Bernie Sanders' candidate. I'm Kentucky's candidate," he said Thursday on Twitter. "Progressive. Fearless. All yours."
McConnell's recent legacy is inextricable from that of President Donald Trump, whom he has worked with to confirm a record number of federal judges. And in a presidential election year, Trump is never far from voters' minds.
Booker and Broihier have slammed McGrath as a "pro-Trump" Democrat, while she has tried to keep the focus on McConnell in a state where the president won big in 2016.
However, McGrath — who McConnell's re-election campaign has nicknamed "Extreme Amy McGrath" and painted as a far-left Democrat — pushed back against the idea that she's pro-Trump. "I'm tired of the labels," she said Wednesday.
"If people look at who I am they’re going to see somebody who served her country. They’re going to see somebody who will work with anyone to do what is right for Kentucky. To do what is right by workers," she explained. "And at the same time, I’ll have the guts to stand up to anyone when it comes to Kentucky or when it comes to the Constitution of the United States that I swore to defend six times in my life."
Whether Kentucky Democrats agree — and think she has a better chance of beating McConnell than Booker or Broihier — is up for a final vote on Tuesday.
Opinion: National shift makes Charles Booker the Senate candidate of the moment
Reach reporter Morgan Watkins: 502-582-4502; mwatkins@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @morganwatkins26. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: courier-journal.com/subscribe.


usatoday--2020-06-22--John Bolton would have convicted Trump, says he's not "competent to be president"

John Bolton would have convicted Trump , says he 's not 'competent' In his new book , John Bolton issues @ @ @ @ @ Trump as president , including that he would have convicted him of abuse of power @

John Bolton would have convicted Trump, says he's not 'competent'
In his new book, John Bolton issues a scathing criticism of Donald Trump as president, including that he would have convicted him of abuse of power.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-06-23--NIH director skips South Carolina beach vacation, warns public about coronavirus travel risks

National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins knows you 're tired of being cooped up in the house for more than a dozen weeks – but that does n't mean it 's time to break your quarantine and travel just yet .
`` I know people are really hoping to have a chance to get out and do something besides sitting at home like I am right now for the 13th week in a row , '' Collins said during a USA TODAY editorial board meeting Tuesday .
`` But at the same time , that does come with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have greater vulnerability because of age or chronic disease , I would think that ought to be taken with great seriousness . ''
He said that if you look at the numbers , there 's no question that the number of cases has trended upward over the past few weeks , and more than half of U.S. states are seeing an uptick in daily infections .
But Collins said that while the number of deaths is still dropping ( a fact that should not be glossed over ) , the hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people who should n't have died and who did . ''
He said Americans should n't be too complacent as the case curve heads upward , since there 's a delay between the relationship of new cases and when you start to see more deaths .
`` I 'm kind of holding my breath here that we do n't see the curve of deaths start back up again , '' Collins said .
`` I hope and pray that does not happen . ''
Those looking to travel will have to make their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as this virus is circulating in our country , and as long as we have not yet developed a vaccine that can protect people , then making a decision about what you 're doing today is going to play out in terms of that benefit and risk , '' Collins said .
That includes everything from just going out in public to getting on a plane , despite efforts to minimize risks .
Airlines and hotels have administered intense cleaning regimens and policies to help stop the spread of coronavirus and lure travelers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. How much coronavirus risk is there in common travel activities ?
We asked an expert Collins ' own beach trip to South Carolina is now on hold .
The number of confirmed new cases in the state is growing : 6,288 for the seven days ending June 22 , up from 4,578 the week before .
`` As a grandfather and a guy who hoped to have a beach week with my grandkids and my daughters coming up in about a month , we 're not doing it , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seem like it was going to be a wise circumstance given that the family 's all over the country and some of them live in hot spots .
And there would be no way to know if we all assemble in some big , rambling beach house that somebody was n't bringing a virus to the party . ''
He added that it 's ultimately a personal decision : `` Everybody has to size up their own risks , figuring out what is the current spread of the virus in their communities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Airports welcome back travelers with new rules , protocols and promises Tips here , too : Traveling again ?
Leisure and business travelers share tips to stay safe from coronavirus

NIH director skips South Carolina beach vacation, warns public about coronavirus travel risks
Show Caption Hide Caption Department of Transportation answers travelers' heated questions The Department of Transportation says travelers still have rights during this time, and we have answers to some of their biggest travel questions. USA TODAY, Wochit
National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins knows you're tired of being cooped up in the house for more than a dozen weeks – but that doesn't mean it's time to break your quarantine and travel just yet.
"I know people are really hoping to have a chance to get out and do something besides sitting at home like I am right now for the 13th week in a row," Collins said during a USA TODAY editorial board meeting Tuesday. "But at the same time, that does come with certain consequences, and particularly for people who have greater vulnerability because of age or chronic disease, I would think that ought to be taken with great seriousness."
He said that if you look at the numbers, there's no question that the number of cases has trended upward over the past few weeks, and more than half of U.S. states are seeing an uptick in daily infections. But Collins said that while the number of deaths is still dropping (a fact that should not be glossed over), the hundreds of people who are dying are still "people who shouldn't have died and who did."
He said Americans shouldn't be too complacent as the case curve heads upward, since there's a delay between the relationship of new cases and when you start to see more deaths.
"I'm kind of holding my breath here that we don't see the curve of deaths start back up again," Collins said. "I hope and pray that does not happen."
Those looking to travel will have to make their own benefit-risk calculation.
"As long as this virus is circulating in our country, and as long as we have not yet developed a vaccine that can protect people, then making a decision about what you're doing today is going to play out in terms of that benefit and risk," Collins said.
That includes everything from just going out in public to getting on a plane, despite efforts to minimize risks. Airlines and hotels have administered intense cleaning regimens and policies to help stop the spread of coronavirus and lure travelers back, and cruises remain suspended in the U.S.
How much coronavirus risk is there in common travel activities? We asked an expert
Collins' own beach trip to South Carolina is now on hold. The number of confirmed new cases in the state is growing: 6,288 for the seven days ending June 22, up from 4,578 the week before.
"As a grandfather and a guy who hoped to have a beach week with my grandkids and my daughters coming up in about a month, we're not doing it," he said. "It just didn't seem like it was going to be a wise circumstance given that the family's all over the country and some of them live in hot spots. And there would be no way to know if we all assemble in some big, rambling beach house that somebody wasn't bringing a virus to the party."
He added that it's ultimately a personal decision: "Everybody has to size up their own risks, figuring out what is the current spread of the virus in their communities."
If you do decide to travel: Airports welcome back travelers with new rules, protocols and promises
Tips here, too: Traveling again? Leisure and business travelers share tips to stay safe from coronavirus


usatoday--2020-06-23--'Hoping and praying there is a change coming': Rayshard Brooks honored at funeral at Ebenezer Baptis

ATLANTA – Rayshard Brooks was remembered Tuesday in a private funeral at the church where Martin Luther King Jr. once worshipped amid powerful pleas that the 27-year-old 's death in a police shooting would not be in vain .
“ It ’ s very overwhelming , and it ’ s something that I feel like in my heart should not have happened , ” said Glenda Caruthers , who stood outside Ebenezer Baptist Church before the service started .
“ I may not even know him , but it seems like I do in a way .
It saddens my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happening in our world today .
I ’ m hoping and praying that there is a change coming so that nothing else like this happens again.
” The Rev .
Raphael G. Warnock , senior pastor at Ebenezer and a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate , eulogized Brooks .
The father of three young girls and a teen stepson , who has been called a `` girl dad '' by his loved ones , died June 12 hours after celebrating one daughter 's eighth birthday .
His death came just weeks after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and further stoked outrage and protests over racial injustice .
King ’ s daughter , the Rev .
Bernice King , denounced structural racism in remarks at the funeral and called for demonstrations in support of racial equality to continue .
“ If we miss this moment , we will find ourselves returning again and again to a pathway of chaos and self-destruction , ” King said .
“ So to all of my activists , to all of my organizers and people of good will , we can not stop our cry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We can not stop our demonstrations until our voices are heard and our demands for police reform are met .
We must not stop until white supremacist policies and practices are no longer the order of the day.
” King later paid tribute to her father 's “ I Have a Dream ” speech and declared : “ Rayshard Brooks did not die in vain , because justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.
” Public viewing : Mourners pay tribute to Rayshard Brooks at public viewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Rayshard Brooks ' death , protests and fallout from incident at Atlanta Wendy's A video montage tribute , showing photos of Brooks , often with his family and friends , was broadcast inside the church .
A recorded song by Yolanda Adams played while the images shuffled .
Among those at the service were Brooks ’ widow , Tomika Miller ; Stacey Abrams , the former state lawmaker who has been mentioned as a potential running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden ; and Jon Ossoff , a young Georgia media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsuccessful run for Congress in 2017 .
Some mourners wore T-shirts with Brooks ’ picture .
Nearly everyone wore masks to protect against the coronavirus .
“ We demand police reform , ” Warnock said in the eulogy .
“ We need police reform , God knows we do .
But hear me this day .
This is much bigger than the police .
Police brutality is as predictable as it is tragic .
We will always have police brutality as long as we remain a nation committed to mass incarceration .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incarceration is the beast .
And all beasts have to be fed .
The escalation of encounters between police and citizens is the means through which the beast is fed.
” Outside the church on Tuesday , a Jumbotron was placed in front of the bell tower to stream the service .
A livestream was also offered for others to observe online .
“ I was surprised that it happened , ” said Kandace McCoy , who is a member of the Dominion City Decatur church congregation in Decatur , Georgia , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was surprised that it actually hit close to home .
I didn ’ t know that it would be somebody that we actually knew because it ’ s always in other states .
I was very surprised , however , good things still come from situations like this .
That ’ s what we ’ re hoping for , that God will work everything out for the good .
And He will.
” Brooks ' family attorney , L. Chris Stewart , said last week that comedian and actor Tyler Perry will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The private service came one day after hundreds lined up for a public viewing at Ebenezer .
Brooks was to be buried in Atlanta .
Brooks died after an altercation with police who were responding to a call about a man being asleep in his car while in line at a Wendy 's drive-through .
He failed a sobriety test and was being handcuffed when he struggled to get away from police .
Video from the scene shows Brooks fleeing with an officer 's Taser when an officer shoots him from behind .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s 6,000 members , but his death sparked protests in Atlanta and beyond .
Within days of the shooting , Police Chief Erika Shields stepped down from her post , officer Garrett Rolfe was fired and charged with 11 counts , including felony murder , and officer Devin Brosnan was placed on administrative duty and faces three charges .
For a community in mourning , the hope is that Brooks ' death will serve a purpose .
“ As a believer in Christ , we know that there is eternal life , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it didn ’ t have to happen , ” said Paul Thibodeaux , a pastor at Impact Church in Atlanta .
“ So the significance of this is we celebrate life , but I believe there ’ s a lot that we ’ re to learn from this , a lot that this country has to learn , a lot that this country needs to change.
” Founded in 1886 , Ebenezer Baptist Church was Martin Luther King Jr. ’ s church for most of his life .
His father was the pastor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ served as co-pastor from 1960 until his assassination in 1968 .
The funeral for the civil rights leader was held at the historic church site .
It is home to the Martin Luther King Jr .
Historic Site and includes several buildings around the King home on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta 's historic Sweet Auburn district .
Will Brooks ' death bring change ?
“ I know it will , ” McCoy said .
“ Not just his death , but the movement that ’ s going on right now in America , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s going to change because it ’ s already in effect .
”

Lorenzo Reyes and David Heath, USA TODAY

'Hoping and praying there is a change coming': Rayshard Brooks honored at funeral at Ebenezer Baptist Church
ATLANTA – Rayshard Brooks was remembered Tuesday in a private funeral at the church where Martin Luther King Jr. once worshipped amid powerful pleas that the 27-year-old's death in a police shooting would not be in vain.
“It’s very overwhelming, and it’s something that I feel like in my heart should not have happened,” said Glenda Caruthers, who stood outside Ebenezer Baptist Church before the service started. “I may not even know him, but it seems like I do in a way. It saddens my heart, but things like this keep happening in our world today. I’m hoping and praying that there is a change coming so that nothing else like this happens again.”
The Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, senior pastor at Ebenezer and a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, eulogized Brooks. The father of three young girls and a teen stepson, who has been called a "girl dad" by his loved ones, died June 12 hours after celebrating one daughter's eighth birthday. His death came just weeks after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and further stoked outrage and protests over racial injustice.
King’s daughter, the Rev. Bernice King, denounced structural racism in remarks at the funeral and called for demonstrations in support of racial equality to continue.
“If we miss this moment, we will find ourselves returning again and again to a pathway of chaos and self-destruction,” King said. “So to all of my activists, to all of my organizers and people of good will, we cannot stop our cry for justice and our fight for freedom. We cannot stop our demonstrations until our voices are heard and our demands for police reform are met. We must not stop until white supremacist policies and practices are no longer the order of the day.”
King later paid tribute to her father's “I Have a Dream” speech and declared: “Rayshard Brooks did not die in vain, because justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.”
Public viewing: Mourners pay tribute to Rayshard Brooks at public viewing in Atlanta
What we know: Timeline of Rayshard Brooks' death, protests and fallout from incident at Atlanta Wendy's
A video montage tribute, showing photos of Brooks, often with his family and friends, was broadcast inside the church. A recorded song by Yolanda Adams played while the images shuffled.
Among those at the service were Brooks’ widow, Tomika Miller; Stacey Abrams, the former state lawmaker who has been mentioned as a potential running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden; and Jon Ossoff, a young Georgia media executive who broke fundraising records amid an unsuccessful run for Congress in 2017.
Some mourners wore T-shirts with Brooks’ picture. Nearly everyone wore masks to protect against the coronavirus.
“We demand police reform,” Warnock said in the eulogy. “We need police reform, God knows we do. But hear me this day. This is much bigger than the police. Police brutality is as predictable as it is tragic. We will always have police brutality as long as we remain a nation committed to mass incarceration.
"Systemic racism is the framework. Mass incarceration is the beast. And all beasts have to be fed. The escalation of encounters between police and citizens is the means through which the beast is fed.”
Outside the church on Tuesday, a Jumbotron was placed in front of the bell tower to stream the service. A livestream was also offered for others to observe online.
“I was surprised that it happened,” said Kandace McCoy, who is a member of the Dominion City Decatur church congregation in Decatur, Georgia, where Miller is also a member.
“I was surprised that it actually hit close to home. I didn’t know that it would be somebody that we actually knew because it’s always in other states. I was very surprised, however, good things still come from situations like this. That’s what we’re hoping for, that God will work everything out for the good. And He will.”
Brooks' family attorney, L. Chris Stewart, said last week that comedian and actor Tyler Perry will be paying for the funeral costs. The private service came one day after hundreds lined up for a public viewing at Ebenezer. Brooks was to be buried in Atlanta.
Brooks died after an altercation with police who were responding to a call about a man being asleep in his car while in line at a Wendy's drive-through. He failed a sobriety test and was being handcuffed when he struggled to get away from police. Video from the scene shows Brooks fleeing with an officer's Taser when an officer shoots him from behind.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner's office ruled Brooks' death a homicide.
Brooks was not among the congregation’s 6,000 members, but his death sparked protests in Atlanta and beyond. Within days of the shooting, Police Chief Erika Shields stepped down from her post, officer Garrett Rolfe was fired and charged with 11 counts, including felony murder, and officer Devin Brosnan was placed on administrative duty and faces three charges.
For a community in mourning, the hope is that Brooks' death will serve a purpose.
“As a believer in Christ, we know that there is eternal life, but this is a tough one, because it didn’t have to happen,” said Paul Thibodeaux, a pastor at Impact Church in Atlanta. “So the significance of this is we celebrate life, but I believe there’s a lot that we’re to learn from this, a lot that this country has to learn, a lot that this country needs to change.”
Founded in 1886, Ebenezer Baptist Church was Martin Luther King Jr.’s church for most of his life. His father was the pastor there for 44 years, and King served as co-pastor from 1960 until his assassination in 1968. The funeral for the civil rights leader was held at the historic church site.
It is home to the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site and includes several buildings around the King home on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta's historic Sweet Auburn district.
Will Brooks' death bring change? “I know it will,” McCoy said. “Not just his death, but the movement that’s going on right now in America, to bring more light to Black lives. It’s going to change because it’s already in effect.”
Contributing: Cara Kelly; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-06-23--Authorities investigating apparent noose incident at Sonoma Raceway

An apparent noose was discovered by an employee at Sonoma Raceway in California on Saturday , prompting an investigation , as racing deals with the aftermath of another noose being found in Black driver Bubba Wallace 's garage at Talladega Supersweedway on Sunday .
Sonoma Raceway general manager Steve Page said in a statement that an employee found a piece of twine fashioned in the shape of a noose on a tree on the track 's property Saturday morning .
“ On Saturday , a Sonoma Raceway staff member discovered a piece of twine tied in what appeared to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raceway property , '' the statement read .
`` Our staff , on-site business tenants and local law enforcement have been contacted and asked to share any information they may have .
The incident is under investigation by the Sonoma County Sheriff ’ s Department .
Sonoma Raceway takes this incident very seriously and is dedicated to operating a facility that is welcoming to everyone.
” '' You can reasonably interpret ( it ) to be a noose , '' Page told NBC Bay Area .
`` ( The employee ) was understandably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have something like that show up on our property is disgusting . ''
The Sonoma County Sheriff 's Office told NBC Bay Area that the perpetrator , if arrested , could be charged with a hate crime .
`` We take it very seriously , '' sheriff 's spokesman Orlando Rodriguez told NBC Bay Area .
`` That 's why we 're out there with the violent crimes unit , ( to ) put every effort into making an ID on this . ''
The NASCAR community rallied around Wallace in a moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race at Talladega on Monday .
On June 10 , NASCAR permanently banned the Confederate flag and its imagery from all races and events .

Authorities investigating apparent noose incident at Sonoma Raceway
Show Caption Hide Caption Where NASCAR goes from here after despicable noose incident SportsPulse: The sports world rallied around Bubba Wallace after a noose was found in his garage at Talladega Motor Speedway this past weekend. Now NASCAR is looking to bring the hammer down on whoever is responsible. USA TODAY
An apparent noose was discovered by an employee at Sonoma Raceway in California on Saturday, prompting an investigation, as racing deals with the aftermath of another noose being found in Black driver Bubba Wallace's garage at Talladega Supersweedway on Sunday.
Sonoma Raceway general manager Steve Page said in a statement that an employee found a piece of twine fashioned in the shape of a noose on a tree on the track's property Saturday morning.
“On Saturday, a Sonoma Raceway staff member discovered a piece of twine tied in what appeared to be a noose hanging from a tree on raceway property," the statement read. "Our staff, on-site business tenants and local law enforcement have been contacted and asked to share any information they may have. The incident is under investigation by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department. Sonoma Raceway takes this incident very seriously and is dedicated to operating a facility that is welcoming to everyone.”
"You can reasonably interpret (it) to be a noose," Page told NBC Bay Area.
"(The employee) was understandably very upset about it.
"To have something like that show up on our property is disgusting."
The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office told NBC Bay Area that the perpetrator, if arrested, could be charged with a hate crime.
"We take it very seriously," sheriff's spokesman Orlando Rodriguez told NBC Bay Area. "That's why we're out there with the violent crimes unit, (to) put every effort into making an ID on this."
The NASCAR community rallied around Wallace in a moving show of support prior to the rain-delayed race at Talladega on Monday.
On June 10, NASCAR permanently banned the Confederate flag and its imagery from all races and events.


usatoday--2020-06-23--MLB 2020: When, where and how? Answering your burning questions for the (possible) season

So there ’ s going to be a Major League Baseball season .
And unlike 1994 , which until this summer was the last time labor relations got so ugly , this time , there will be a World Series contested .
And due to the COVID-19 pandemic , 2020 will look nothing like any season before .
So , how will this all work ?
Will a pitcher ever bat again ?
What happens if the Miami Marlins end up as World Series champions ?
Yes , there are so many questions .
Fortunately , we have answers for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the union prepare to put aside their differences and , probably , play ball : When and where ?
Ah yes , a simple question posed by MLB Players ’ Association executive director Tony Clark became a hashtag hit among players , a labor rallying cry nearly as impactful as Karl Marx ’ s “ Workers of the world , unite !
” OK , maybe not quite .
Anyhow , MLB does have a loose idea for how the season it is largely implementing will play out , players and COVID-19 limitations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can report for a second “ spring training ” by July 1 .
With the government adding professional athletes under the “ essential workers ” umbrella , that date should be workable even for foreign-born players traveling from afar .
It has earmarked July 24 as its “ Opening Day , ” almost four months after the original March 26 openers were wiped out as the novel coronavirus began ravaging the country .
And it plans on 60 games across 66 days , a schedule a bit more compressed than players are accustomed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ puts the end of the regular season at Sept. 27 .
And against whom ?
Though earlier proposals had floated the possibility of changing the league 's structure for the abbreviated season , divisional alignment ( East , Central and West in each league ) will remain the same .
To limit travel amid COVID-19 , teams will play opponents only within their geographical region – West teams against West , and so on .
So you ’ ll see plenty of usual interleague rivals – Mets vs. Yankees , Brewers vs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ matchups .
Like Dodgers vs. Astros – where any bangs of a trash can figure to reverberate through an empty stadium .
So the playoffs are a free-for-all ?
Not exactly .
Because MLB and the union could not reach agreement on length of season , one of the sweeteners to add revenue for the 30 owners – expanding the playoff field from 10 to 16 teams – was not enacted .
So it will be business as usual come September-October – two wild cards and five teams per league .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , somewhat absurd .
Sixty games after a hurried spring training – barely one-third the usual schedule – will far from guarantee the best teams make the playoffs , let alone win the World Series .
Famously , the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals started 19-31 .
Still , the 60-game mark a year ago featured plenty of the usual suspects – the Astros , Yankees , Twins , Rays , Dodgers and Brewers all eventually made the playoffs in the same positions they occupied 60 games in , with the Braves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Expect an interloper or two , though .
For once , it ’ s truly a sprint and not a marathon .
Will pitchers ever hit again ?
Not this year , as a universal designated hitter will be in place for 2020 .
But the pitcher at the plate is not yet gone forever .
The MLB-union impasse resulted in at least a temporary reprieve for lovers of the pitcher hitting .
Oh , he ’ ll disappear for this year , as the universal designated hitter is a part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to agree upon .
But for now , the 2021 season will proceed without the universal DH .
And yes , Bartolo Colon is still looking to stay in the game .
Just saying .
Are tie games a thing ?
Will they change ‘ runs ’ to ‘ points ?
’ Maybe and no .
The pandemic is causing both sides to minimize risk as much as they can , and thus it ’ s expected at the least that extra innings will begin with a runner on second base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged as an earned run against the pitcher .
Why ?
Well , the idea is to get players in and out of the stadium and not in close proximity with one another as soon as possible .
It ’ s also fair to assume that as games grow longer and attention spans wander , best practices of social distancing and hand sanitizing figure to wane , too .
So , fewer 18-inning knockdown , drag-out battles and more quick endings to get everyone on the bus and back to their Places of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for tie games in the event the extra-innings tiebreaker fails to break an impasse quickly .
Weren ’ t there already rules changes ?
Yep .
Lest you forget , pitchers will be forced to face a minimum of three batters unless an inning ends .
And rosters are permanently expanded to 26 .
For this season only , it ’ s expected rosters will grow to around 30 to mitigate the effects of a shortened spring training on pitchers .
Additionally , a “ taxi squad ” of about 20 more players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active roster as needed .
So , they won ’ t recall players from the minors ?
Nope , because it ’ s expected there will not be a minor-league season this year .
Given the breakout of COVID-19 that prompted MLB to close all its spring-training facilities , and the significant logistics required to merely get a major-league season in , it ’ s easy to understand why .
More complicated : The long-term reckoning – contraction , a shorter draft , fewer players – that minor league baseball faces .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
What happens when baseball has a Rudy Gobert moment ?
You might say it already has .
At least 40 players - some of them established major leaguers – have tested positive for COVID-19 .
As part of the health and safety protocols established that players are asked to approve , the league will not shut down if an active player tests positive .
Instead , players will be tested “ multiple ” times per week and a positive test will result in the player – but not his teammates – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – from college football to all the major pro leagues – seems intent on forging ahead in the face of positive COVID-19 tests .
Of course , this is in theory , and not in practice .
Could a rash of positives result in a game postponement in a fashion similarly dramatic to when the Utah Jazz ’ s Gobert tested positive on March 11 , a touchstone moment for not just sports , but the nation ?
Hey , it ’ s 2020 .
You can ’ t rule anything out .

MLB 2020: When, where and how? Answering your burning questions for the (possible) season
Show Caption Hide Caption Rob Manfred mandates shortened MLB season, here's how it will look What I'm Hearing: No deal was ever struck. Which is why Rob Manfred used his emergency powers to mandate a shortened MLB season. Bob Nightengale explains what this baseball will look like. USA TODAY
So there’s going to be a Major League Baseball season.
(Sort of.)
And unlike 1994, which until this summer was the last time labor relations got so ugly, this time, there will be a World Series contested.
(Hopefully).
And due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 will look nothing like any season before.
(Definitely).
So, how will this all work? Will a pitcher ever bat again? What happens if the Miami Marlins end up as World Series champions?
Yes, there are so many questions. Fortunately, we have answers for almost all of them as MLB and the union prepare to put aside their differences and, probably, play ball:
When and where?
Ah yes, a simple question posed by MLB Players’ Association executive director Tony Clark became a hashtag hit among players, a labor rallying cry nearly as impactful as Karl Marx’s “Workers of the world, unite!”
OK, maybe not quite.
Anyhow, MLB does have a loose idea for how the season it is largely implementing will play out, players and COVID-19 limitations willing.
It is hoping all players can report for a second “spring training” by July 1. With the government adding professional athletes under the “essential workers” umbrella, that date should be workable even for foreign-born players traveling from afar.
It has earmarked July 24 as its “Opening Day,” almost four months after the original March 26 openers were wiped out as the novel coronavirus began ravaging the country.
And it plans on 60 games across 66 days, a schedule a bit more compressed than players are accustomed to but not onerously so. That puts the end of the regular season at Sept. 27.
And against whom?
Though earlier proposals had floated the possibility of changing the league's structure for the abbreviated season, divisional alignment (East, Central and West in each league) will remain the same.
To limit travel amid COVID-19, teams will play opponents only within their geographical region – West teams against West, and so on. So you’ll see plenty of usual interleague rivals – Mets vs. Yankees, Brewers vs. Twins – and a few other spicy matchups.
Like Dodgers vs. Astros – where any bangs of a trash can figure to reverberate through an empty stadium.
So the playoffs are a free-for-all?
Not exactly. Because MLB and the union could not reach agreement on length of season, one of the sweeteners to add revenue for the 30 owners – expanding the playoff field from 10 to 16 teams – was not enacted. So it will be business as usual come September-October – two wild cards and five teams per league.
But the playoff field itself may look, well, somewhat absurd.
Sixty games after a hurried spring training – barely one-third the usual schedule – will far from guarantee the best teams make the playoffs, let alone win the World Series. Famously, the 2019 World Series champion Washington Nationals started 19-31.
Still, the 60-game mark a year ago featured plenty of the usual suspects – the Astros, Yankees, Twins, Rays, Dodgers and Brewers all eventually made the playoffs in the same positions they occupied 60 games in, with the Braves upgrading from wild-card status to division winners.
Expect an interloper or two, though. For once, it’s truly a sprint and not a marathon.
Will pitchers ever hit again?
Not this year, as a universal designated hitter will be in place for 2020. But the pitcher at the plate is not yet gone forever.
The MLB-union impasse resulted in at least a temporary reprieve for lovers of the pitcher hitting. Oh, he’ll disappear for this year, as the universal designated hitter is a part of the health and safety protocols the parties are expected to agree upon.
But for now, the 2021 season will proceed without the universal DH. And yes, Bartolo Colon is still looking to stay in the game. Just saying.
Are tie games a thing? Will they change ‘runs’ to ‘points?’
Maybe and no. The pandemic is causing both sides to minimize risk as much as they can, and thus it’s expected at the least that extra innings will begin with a runner on second base, though he won’t be charged as an earned run against the pitcher.
Why? Well, the idea is to get players in and out of the stadium and not in close proximity with one another as soon as possible. It’s also fair to assume that as games grow longer and attention spans wander, best practices of social distancing and hand sanitizing figure to wane, too. So, fewer 18-inning knockdown, drag-out battles and more quick endings to get everyone on the bus and back to their Places of Quarantine.
That may include a provision for tie games in the event the extra-innings tiebreaker fails to break an impasse quickly.
Weren’t there already rules changes?
Yep. Lest you forget, pitchers will be forced to face a minimum of three batters unless an inning ends. And rosters are permanently expanded to 26.
For this season only, it’s expected rosters will grow to around 30 to mitigate the effects of a shortened spring training on pitchers. Additionally, a “taxi squad” of about 20 more players will be staying ready to augment the active roster as needed.
So, they won’t recall players from the minors?
Nope, because it’s expected there will not be a minor-league season this year. Given the breakout of COVID-19 that prompted MLB to close all its spring-training facilities, and the significant logistics required to merely get a major-league season in, it’s easy to understand why.
More complicated: The long-term reckoning – contraction, a shorter draft, fewer players – that minor league baseball faces. That’s a deeper dive for another day.
What happens when baseball has a Rudy Gobert moment?
You might say it already has. At least 40 players - some of them established major leaguers – have tested positive for COVID-19. As part of the health and safety protocols established that players are asked to approve, the league will not shut down if an active player tests positive.
Instead, players will be tested “multiple” times per week and a positive test will result in the player – but not his teammates – being isolated.
But the sports industry – from college football to all the major pro leagues – seems intent on forging ahead in the face of positive COVID-19 tests. Of course, this is in theory, and not in practice.
Could a rash of positives result in a game postponement in a fashion similarly dramatic to when the Utah Jazz’s Gobert tested positive on March 11, a touchstone moment for not just sports, but the nation?
Hey, it’s 2020. You can’t rule anything out.


usatoday--2020-06-23--3 people, including one child, found dead in New Jersey swimming pool

EAST BRUNSWICK , N.J. — Three people were found dead Monday in a swimming pool , and police are investigating @ @ @ @ @ `` East Brunswick Police are actively investigating a scene where three people were found deceased @ @ @ @ @ East Brunswick Police Chief Frank LoSacco said in an email statement .
Police identified the @ @ @ @ @ , a 32-year-old woman and her 8-year-old daughter .
Originally police thought they were responding @ @ @ @ @ a neighbor who heard screaming called 911 .
`` This is a devastating day for @ @ @ @ @ is too early to determine exactly what happened .
We are working with the Middlesex @ @ @ @ @ release information as it develops , '' LoSacco said in the statement .
A police @ @ @ @ @ victims were discovered at 4:50 p.m Monday at a pool in East Brunswick .

Suzanne Russell, Bridgewater Courier News

3 people, including one child, found dead in New Jersey swimming pool
Show Caption Hide Caption 3 people found dead in New Jersey swimming pool 3 members of the same family died in a pool accident in East Brunswick, N.J. Fox - 5 NY, Fox - 5 NY
EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Three people were found dead Monday in a swimming pool, and police are investigating to determine what happened.
"East Brunswick Police are actively investigating a scene where three people were found deceased in a pool," East Brunswick Police Chief Frank LoSacco said in an email statement.
Police identified the victims as a 62-year-old man, a 32-year-old woman and her 8-year-old daughter. Originally police thought they were responding to a fall victim after a neighbor who heard screaming called 911.
"This is a devastating day for our entire community. It is too early to determine exactly what happened. We are working with the Middlesex County Prosecutors office and will release information as it develops," LoSacco said in the statement.
A police monitoring service indicates the drowning victims were discovered at 4:50 p.m Monday at a pool in East Brunswick.