usatoday--2020-06-26--Think that extra $600 in unemployment benefits will last until the end of July? Think again.

Many out-of-work Americans counting on receiving an extra $ 600 a week through the end of July may be surprised to discover that benefit will disappear nearly a week earlier than they expected .
The additional $ 600 in weekly jobless benefits provided by the federal government is officially set to end July 31 .
But states will pay it only through the week ending July 25 or July 26 , a significant blow to unemployed workers counting on that money to bolster state benefits that average just $ 370 a week .
`` The ( Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks ending no later than the week ending prior to Friday , July 31 , 2020 , '' the U.S. Department of Labor said in a statement .
`` For all states except ( New York ) , that is Saturday , July 25th .
New York ’ s end date is Sunday , July 26th . ''
Save better , spend better : Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox .
Sign up here The confusion lies in the fine print .
Unemployment benefits are paid by states on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end date on Saturday or Sunday .
But the federal legislation known as the CARES Act , which authorized the additional compensation , says the benefit will end “ on or before July 31 ” – a Friday .
That means , given the payment schedules of most states , the last week of the extra $ 600 payments will end the prior Saturday or Sunday .
A Trump administration official said the CARES Act legislation is inaccurate as written .
Efforts to reach lawmakers who participated in drafting the legislation were unsuccessful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with some states mistakenly listing July 31 as the end date , including New York .
New York state 's department of labor said it would switch the end date on its website for the additional $ 600 benefit from July 31 to the week ending July 26 after USA TODAY inquired about it .
To avoid any confusion , Alabama 's Department of Labor said it will alert those who receive benefits that their extra income bump will end after July 25 .
“ We will be messaging it at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hutchison , a spokeswoman for the state 's labor department , said in an email .
$ 600 was crucial to many The extra weekly payment of $ 600 is part of the CARES Act , a $ 1.8 trillion package Congress passed to help the nation weather the economic storm brought by the coronavirus pandemic , which shuttered businesses , slowed spending and erased a staggering 22 million jobs in just two months .
In 13 weeks , 45.7 million people filed first-time claims for jobless benefits as the unemployment rate soared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highest level since the Great Depression .
The extra $ 600 payment provided a vital boost , significantly increasing the assistance to those who had lost work .
And even economists expected it to last through the end of July .
`` We ’ ve all being saying it ’ s July 31st , but it ’ s not , '' says Heidi Shierholz , senior economist and director of policy for the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute .
Checks that are $ 600 lighter will mean that already struggling Americans will have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , and it may take even longer for the battered economy to regain its footing .
“ This is one major thing helping the economy , and taking it away really negatively impacts on the broader economy , not to mention the individuals whose own circumstances have been much affected , ” said Zach Schiller , research director for Policy Matters Ohio .
Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown told reporters Tuesday that it was important to continue the benefit at a time when the country is still dealing with the pandemic , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be evicted from their homes .
“ It puts money in people ’ s pockets , ” the Ohio Democrat said .
“ We ’ re going to see a massive number of people evicted.
” Jobless rate soars : Unemployment in Florida hits record high , but peak may be near Too much unemployment ?
: I was furloughed and got too many unemployment payments .
Here ’ s how I sent the money back For Melissa Rusk of Bradenton , Florida , the thought of losing the $ 600 federal subsidy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much to bear .
`` I would say it ’ s just about life or death in some situations , '' she said .
`` It can potentially mean the difference between being able to help my husband pay bills like groceries or the car payment . ''
Rusk , 36 , lost her job at a recreational vehicle rental facility at the end of April .
Her husband still works a warehouse job , but his income does n't cover the expenses for their family of six , which includes four children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal subsidy , and with the numbers of new coronavirus infections skyrocketing in Florida , Rusk fears she will be forced to take a customer-facing job that could put her family , including her mother who has heart disease , COPD and diabetes , at risk for contracting COVID-19 .
`` I would have to literally put my life at risk and just take the chance and hope to God that I don ’ t get sick , '' she said .
The earlier-than-anticipated ending of the program will likely put more pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to negotiate another possible coronavirus emergency package .
`` Lawmakers think they have until the end of July to figure this out , '' says Shierholz , `` but they don ’ t . ''
Attempts to get a comment from the legislation 's sponsor , Rep. Joe Courtney ( D-Connecticut ) and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell ( R-Kentucky ) on Thursday were unsuccessful .
When asked about the early termination of the program , a Senate Democratic aide who did not want to be identified because they were not authorized to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why Democrats have been pushing for an extension and considering the possibility of automatically tying the benefits to the condition of the economy .
Democrats have made extending unemployment one of their priorities , but Republicans have been skeptical , noting that some Americans are making more on unemployment than they were at their jobs and that businesses trying to reopen are having trouble rehiring .
`` The federal government will meet its obligation under the CARES Act .
Any phase four economic package must prioritize pro-growth economic measures that incentivize employers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a return to the labor market , '' Judd Deere , White House deputy press secretary , said in a statement to USA TODAY .
House Democrats in May narrowly passed a $ 3 trillion coronavirus package that among other things would extend the $ 600 boosted unemployment assistance until January .
But the bill was considered a nonstarter by the Republican-controlled Senate , whose leaders argued more time was needed to examine how the trillions already passed were working and what needs remain as the country started to reopen .
Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberal wish list ” at the time .
Since then , top Democrats have continued to point to the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act , or the HEROES Act , pressuring the Senate to take up the measure .
“ They say they do n't want to do unemployment insurance , '' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference last week about the need for more legislation to address the pandemic .
`` This is the 13th week that we 've had over a million people applying for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reluctant to approve an extension to unemployment across the board , with some wanting reforms or other changes as part of any forthcoming package .
“ We need to go back to the CARES Act , do some tailoring , really understand who 's hurting out there , who really over the last three months made far less money than they did last year , '' Sen. Thom Tillis , R-N.C. , said on Tuesday .
Phylicia Darice , 30 , of Chattanooga , Tennessee , has yet to receive any unemployment benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furloughed .
She says no one from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development informed her that the CARES Act supplement would end July 25 , though she has called the department roughly 100 times to ask about the progress of her claim .
`` That 's kind of frustrating , that you keep going through it , and then you feel like you 're being lied to , '' Darice said .
Darice , who worked in retail customer service , may be able to return to work at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still spreading , the future is uncertain .
After weeks without income or unemployment benefits , she is stretched thin financially , she says .
Losing a week of supplemental money will have a significant impact on her household .
`` I realize $ 600 may not be much to some , but you 're talking about the livelihood for someone eating for ... a couple of weeks , '' Darice said .
`` Or making sure rent is paid for August , because nothing is guaranteed . ''
Contributing : Michael Collins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wendy Rhodes , The Palm Beach ( Florida ) Post ; Cassandra Stephenson , The ( Nashville ) Tennessean ; Mark Williams , The Columbus ( Ohio ) Dispatch .

Charisse Jones, Coral Murphy and Brent Schrotenboer, USA TODAY

Think that extra $600 in unemployment benefits will last until the end of July? Think again.
Show Caption Hide Caption The CARES Act unemployment benefits ends on or before July 31 Millions of Americans have filed for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The extra federal benefit was allotted "for weeks of unemployment ending on or before July 31," meaning the last full week of July, unless Congress extends it. USA TODAY, Wochit
Many out-of-work Americans counting on receiving an extra $600 a week through the end of July may be surprised to discover that benefit will disappear nearly a week earlier than they expected.
The additional $600 in weekly jobless benefits provided by the federal government is officially set to end July 31. But states will pay it only through the week ending July 25 or July 26, a significant blow to unemployed workers counting on that money to bolster state benefits that average just $370 a week.
"The (Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation) $600 can be paid for weeks ending no later than the week ending prior to Friday, July 31, 2020,'' the U.S. Department of Labor said in a statement. "For all states except (New York), that is Saturday, July 25th. New York’s end date is Sunday, July 26th."
Save better, spend better: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here
The confusion lies in the fine print. Unemployment benefits are paid by states on a weekly or biweekly basis with a defined end date on Saturday or Sunday. But the federal legislation known as the CARES Act, which authorized the additional compensation, says the benefit will end “on or before July 31” – a Friday.
That means, given the payment schedules of most states, the last week of the extra $600 payments will end the prior Saturday or Sunday. A Trump administration official said the CARES Act legislation is inaccurate as written. Efforts to reach lawmakers who participated in drafting the legislation were unsuccessful.
The technicality apparently led to confusion, with some states mistakenly listing July 31 as the end date, including New York.
New York state's department of labor said it would switch the end date on its website for the additional $600 benefit from July 31 to the week ending July 26 after USA TODAY inquired about it.
To avoid any confusion, Alabama's Department of Labor said it will alert those who receive benefits that their extra income bump will end after July 25.
“We will be messaging it at least two weeks in advance,” Tara Hutchison, a spokeswoman for the state's labor department, said in an email.
$600 was crucial to many
The extra weekly payment of $600 is part of the CARES Act, a $1.8 trillion package Congress passed to help the nation weather the economic storm brought by the coronavirus pandemic, which shuttered businesses, slowed spending and erased a staggering 22 million jobs in just two months.
In 13 weeks, 45.7 million people filed first-time claims for jobless benefits as the unemployment rate soared to 13.3%, close to the highest level since the Great Depression.
Ohio benefits: Ending sooner than many thought
The extra $600 payment provided a vital boost, significantly increasing the assistance to those who had lost work. And even economists expected it to last through the end of July.
"We’ve all being saying it’s July 31st, but it’s not,'' says Heidi Shierholz, senior economist and director of policy for the left-leaning Economic Policy Institute.
Checks that are $600 lighter will mean that already struggling Americans will have to pull their belts even tighter, economists say, and it may take even longer for the battered economy to regain its footing.
“This is one major thing helping the economy, and taking it away really negatively impacts on the broader economy, not to mention the individuals whose own circumstances have been much affected,” said Zach Schiller, research director for Policy Matters Ohio.
Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown told reporters Tuesday that it was important to continue the benefit at a time when the country is still dealing with the pandemic, especially as moratoriums lift on when renters can be evicted from their homes.
“It puts money in people’s pockets,” the Ohio Democrat said. “We’re going to see a massive number of people evicted.”
Jobless rate soars: Unemployment in Florida hits record high, but peak may be near
Too much unemployment?: I was furloughed and got too many unemployment payments. Here’s how I sent the money back
For Melissa Rusk of Bradenton, Florida, the thought of losing the $600 federal subsidy for even one week is almost too much to bear.
"I would say it’s just about life or death in some situations," she said. "It can potentially mean the difference between being able to help my husband pay bills like groceries or the car payment."
Rusk, 36, lost her job at a recreational vehicle rental facility at the end of April. Her husband still works a warehouse job, but his income doesn't cover the expenses for their family of six, which includes four children ages 7 to 18.
Without the federal subsidy, and with the numbers of new coronavirus infections skyrocketing in Florida, Rusk fears she will be forced to take a customer-facing job that could put her family, including her mother who has heart disease, COPD and diabetes, at risk for contracting COVID-19.
"I would have to literally put my life at risk and just take the chance and hope to God that I don’t get sick," she said.
The earlier-than-anticipated ending of the program will likely put more pressure on Congress in July when lawmakers plan to negotiate another possible coronavirus emergency package.
"Lawmakers think they have until the end of July to figure this out,'' says Shierholz, "but they don’t."
Attempts to get a comment from the legislation's sponsor, Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) and Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) on Thursday were unsuccessful.
When asked about the early termination of the program, a Senate Democratic aide who did not want to be identified because they were not authorized to talk said it was an example of why Democrats have been pushing for an extension and considering the possibility of automatically tying the benefits to the condition of the economy.
Democrats have made extending unemployment one of their priorities, but Republicans have been skeptical, noting that some Americans are making more on unemployment than they were at their jobs and that businesses trying to reopen are having trouble rehiring.
"The federal government will meet its obligation under the CARES Act. Any phase four economic package must prioritize pro-growth economic measures that incentivize employers and our great American workforce for re-employment and a return to the labor market," Judd Deere, White House deputy press secretary, said in a statement to USA TODAY.
House Democrats in May narrowly passed a $3 trillion coronavirus package that among other things would extend the $600 boosted unemployment assistance until January.
But the bill was considered a nonstarter by the Republican-controlled Senate, whose leaders argued more time was needed to examine how the trillions already passed were working and what needs remain as the country started to reopen. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called it a “liberal wish list” at the time.
Since then, top Democrats have continued to point to the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, or the HEROES Act, pressuring the Senate to take up the measure.
“They say they don't want to do unemployment insurance,'' House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference last week about the need for more legislation to address the pandemic. "This is the 13th week that we've had over a million people applying for unemployment.''
But Republicans have been reluctant to approve an extension to unemployment across the board, with some wanting reforms or other changes as part of any forthcoming package.
“We need to go back to the CARES Act, do some tailoring, really understand who's hurting out there, who really over the last three months made far less money than they did last year,'' Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said on Tuesday.
Phylicia Darice, 30, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, has yet to receive any unemployment benefits since she applied in mid-April after being furloughed.
She says no one from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development informed her that the CARES Act supplement would end July 25, though she has called the department roughly 100 times to ask about the progress of her claim.
"That's kind of frustrating, that you keep going through it, and then you feel like you're being lied to," Darice said.
Darice, who worked in retail customer service, may be able to return to work at the end of July, but with the virus still spreading, the future is uncertain. After weeks without income or unemployment benefits, she is stretched thin financially, she says. Losing a week of supplemental money will have a significant impact on her household.
"I realize $600 may not be much to some, but you're talking about the livelihood for someone eating for ... a couple of weeks," Darice said. "Or making sure rent is paid for August, because nothing is guaranteed."
Contributing: Michael Collins and Christal Hayes, USA TODAY; Wendy Rhodes, The Palm Beach (Florida) Post; Cassandra Stephenson, The (Nashville)Tennessean; Mark Williams, The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch.


usatoday--2020-06-27--Chris Paul on NBA addressing racial issues: 'It's never a shut up and dribble situation'

In just over a month , 22 of the NBA 's 30 teams will step onto a court and do something they have not done since mid-March .
They will play in a basketball game .
With the NBA resuming the season in the middle of a novel coronavirus pandemic and protests on racial inequality , the league plans to do much more than determine its champion .
`` It 's never a shut up and dribble situation , '' Chris Paul , the Oklahoma City Thunder guard and NBA players union president , said Friday in a conference call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear us . ''
How will the NBA and its players ensure that their voices are heard ?
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver , NBPA executive director Michele Roberts , Paul and NBPA first vice president Andre Iguodala did not share definitive plans .
Yet , they offered a few clues .
MOVING FORWARD : Silver , Paul call on NBA to improve diversity in hiring Silver said the NBA has created a foundation `` to expand educational and economic opportunities across the Black community . ''
Silver and Paul vowed that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black people , women and other minorities for front-office and coaching positions .
The NBA and the NBPA announced this week that they are `` both committed to fostering an environment that encourages candid conversations between players and league and team leadership and finding tangible and sustainable ways to address racial inequality across the country . ''
It is not immediately clear if the NBA will allow players , coaches and staff members to protest during the national anthem .
Or if NBA teams will wear Black Lives Matters slogans on their jersey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which guest speakers the NBA will invite to ESPN ’ s Wide World of Sports complex .
`` I won ’ t tell you much specifically , but there is such an opportunity for our players both to learn and to teach and to promote and advance , '' Roberts said .
`` This is truly once in a lifetime opportunity . ''
Nearly two weeks ago , some NBA players expressed concern if this was the right opportunity to pursue .
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving , who is also on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conference call expressing concern on whether a resumed NBA season would distract from efforts to address racial inequality and police brutality .
Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard , Lakers guard Avery Bradley and Clippers guard Lou Williams expressed similar sentiments .
This week , a handful of players opted not to participate in the resumed season , including Washington Wizards forward Davis Bertans , Portland Trail Blazers forward Trevor Ariza and Bradley .
Bertans opted out for injury prevention entering his free agency .
Ariza wants to take advantage of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And Bradley expressed concern about his six-year-old son ’ s respiratory issues .
`` You show me a league where everybody has the same views , '' Paul said .
`` We have 450 players .
It ’ s always hard to be on the same page .
But one thing about it is we learned to communicate better .
None of us are perfect .
But what we ’ re learning is when we communicate with each other .
The guys that choose to go play , we support those .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go play . ''
Either way , the majority of NBA players have opted to participate in the resumed season .
During the league ’ s hiatus , players have taken varying efforts to address racial injustice .
They have posted various social media messages decrying law enforcement for killing unarmed Black people , including George Floyd , Rayshard Brooks , Breonna Taylor and Elijah McClain .
Plenty of NBA players have participated in peaceful protests , including Indiana ’ s Malcolm Brogdon , Boston ’ s Jaylen Brown , Minnesota ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Josh Okogie , the Lakers ’ Danny Green , Atlanta ’ s Trae Young and Philadelphia ’ s Tobias Harris .
LeBron James formed a group to address voter suppression and increase voter turnout in the Black community .
The Timberwolves and the Lakers have added various programs to address racial justice programs among their players and staff .
`` I can ’ t imagine anything healthier than that , '' Roberts said .
`` I would ’ ve been ashamed had there been a conversation that the players have said about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Frankly as an African American woman , I would ’ ve been disappointed .
I know these men .
There was a great conversation and we are continuing the conversation . ''

Chris Paul on NBA addressing racial issues: 'It's never a shut up and dribble situation'
Show Caption Hide Caption Some NBA players deciding whether it's worth it to return this season SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Mark Medina discusses the difficult decision facing players to resume the season and how teams have reacted to the few who have already opted out. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
In just over a month, 22 of the NBA's 30 teams will step onto a court and do something they have not done since mid-March. They will play in a basketball game.
With the NBA resuming the season in the middle of a novel coronavirus pandemic and protests on racial inequality, the league plans to do much more than determine its champion.
"It's never a shut up and dribble situation," Chris Paul, the Oklahoma City Thunder guard and NBA players union president, said Friday in a conference call. "You're going to continue to hear us."
How will the NBA and its players ensure that their voices are heard? NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NBPA executive director Michele Roberts, Paul and NBPA first vice president Andre Iguodala did not share definitive plans. Yet, they offered a few clues.
MOVING FORWARD: Silver, Paul call on NBA to improve diversity in hiring
SCHEDULE: NBA releases slate of seeding games to finish regular season
Silver said the NBA has created a foundation "to expand educational and economic opportunities across the Black community." Silver and Paul vowed that the league will improve its hiring practice for Black people, women and other minorities for front-office and coaching positions. The NBA and the NBPA announced this week that they are "both committed to fostering an environment that encourages candid conversations between players and league and team leadership and finding tangible and sustainable ways to address racial inequality across the country."
It is not immediately clear if the NBA will allow players, coaches and staff members to protest during the national anthem. Or if NBA teams will wear Black Lives Matters slogans on their jersey as the English Premier League. Or which guest speakers the NBA will invite to ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex.
"I won’t tell you much specifically, but there is such an opportunity for our players both to learn and to teach and to promote and advance," Roberts said. "This is truly once in a lifetime opportunity."
Here's how the NBA bubble looks for players at Disney World USA TODAY Sports' Mark Medina breaks down the details of the NBA bubble in Orlando. USA TODAY
Nearly two weeks ago, some NBA players expressed concern if this was the right opportunity to pursue.
Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving, who is also on the NBPA’s executive committee, led a conference call expressing concern on whether a resumed NBA season would distract from efforts to address racial inequality and police brutality. Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard, Lakers guard Avery Bradley and Clippers guard Lou Williams expressed similar sentiments.
This week, a handful of players opted not to participate in the resumed season, including Washington Wizards forward Davis Bertans, Portland Trail Blazers forward Trevor Ariza and Bradley. Bertans opted out for injury prevention entering his free agency. Ariza wants to take advantage of his month-long custody with his 12-year-old son. And Bradley expressed concern about his six-year-old son’s respiratory issues.
"You show me a league where everybody has the same views," Paul said. "We have 450 players. It’s always hard to be on the same page. But one thing about it is we learned to communicate better. None of us are perfect. But what we’re learning is when we communicate with each other. The guys that choose to go play, we support those. And we support those that don’t go play."
Either way, the majority of NBA players have opted to participate in the resumed season. During the league’s hiatus, players have taken varying efforts to address racial injustice.
They have posted various social media messages decrying law enforcement for killing unarmed Black people, including George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, Breonna Taylor and Elijah McClain. Plenty of NBA players have participated in peaceful protests, including Indiana’s Malcolm Brogdon, Boston’s Jaylen Brown, Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell and Josh Okogie, the Lakers’ Danny Green, Atlanta’s Trae Young and Philadelphia’s Tobias Harris. LeBron James formed a group to address voter suppression and increase voter turnout in the Black community. The Timberwolves and the Lakers have added various programs to address racial justice programs among their players and staff.
"I can’t imagine anything healthier than that," Roberts said. "I would’ve been ashamed had there been a conversation that the players have said about getting back to play and nothing else. Frankly as an African American woman, I would’ve been disappointed. I know these men. There was a great conversation and we are continuing the conversation."
Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


usatoday--2020-06-27--As MLB makes plans for 2020 season, what about the mascots?

In the 101 pages of Major League Baseball 's health protocols in returning to play amid the coronavirus pandemic , individuals are classified as either Tier 1 , 2 or 3 based on whether they work on the field , in the clubhouse or adjacent to the action .
There 's one class missing in this guide , however , a Tier 4 group that will be temporarily displaced but not forgotten .
They 've been cut into baseball 's ambitious , unprecedented and relatively tenuous plans to play a 2020 season , right there on Page 46 of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dystopian .
`` Home Clubs may have their mascot in the ballpark if they choose , however under no circumstances are mascots permitted on the field of play or in any other Restricted Area on game days . ''
60-GAME SCHEDULE : '' Hopefully , we never have to do this again '' ANOTHER QUANDRY : How to potentially handle fans at the park Indeed , how can you rob the Phanatic of his ATV , Orbit of his penchant to bamboozle opponents , the Racing Presidents of their hopalong sprint to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball in 2020 , where you make the best of what 's around .
And in the same manner that a 60-game , regionally-limited season is far from the 162-game hike fans are accustomed to , a socially-distanced furry friend is better than none at all .
With that , let 's take a look at a handful of mascots who may best flourish amid the constraints of the season : Bernie Brewer : The man 's signature move has always occurred several hundred feet away from humanity .
So when Christian Yelich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bernie 's slide should be open for business .
Mr. Met : Should he reprise his most notorious moment , it will , at the least , test whether these broadcasts are operating on a seven-second delay .
The Mariner Moose : He is visually interesting .
The gorgeous summer climate of Seattle wo n't make it seem like he 's dying in that plush costume .
And an empty concourse will give him a wide runway for his traditional sprint with the Mariners flag after victories .
The Pirate Parrot : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Pierogi Race and launching hot dogs into the stands .
With an empty stadium and pre-fab meals provided by the club , the bird figures to eat a little healthier in 2020 .
Raymond Ray : With John Bolton back in the news , this sea creature no longer has the most ridiculous mustache you 'll find on TV .
Yes , we 'd be remiss to do a mascot bit without resurfacing the most unforgettable moment of player-mascot interaction .
Suffice to say , the Brewers did not plan on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hack at their Racing Sausages during a 2003 game .
Just another reason why workplace conditions for the mascots figure to be much safer this year .
FIRST U.S. LEAGUE BACK : What to know for NWSL Challenge Cup DO N'T MISS THESE : 13 must-see games on the new NBA schedule CP3 ON NBA AND RACE : `` It 's never a shut up and dribble situation '' NHL DRAFT : No .
1 overall pick remains undecided after lottery draw NFL HOT SEAT : 20 recent first-round picks who need to @ @ @ @

As MLB makes plans for 2020 season, what about the mascots?
Show Caption Hide Caption Explaining this crazy 60-game MLB season with numbers SportsPulse: This baseball season will be a downright sprint and certifiably crazy. Mackenzie Salmon breaks down everything you need to know about the 2020 season with numbers. USA TODAY
In the 101 pages of Major League Baseball's health protocols in returning to play amid the coronavirus pandemic, individuals are classified as either Tier 1, 2 or 3 based on whether they work on the field, in the clubhouse or adjacent to the action.
There's one class missing in this guide, however, a Tier 4 group that will be temporarily displaced but not forgotten.
Mascots.
They've been cut into baseball's ambitious, unprecedented and relatively tenuous plans to play a 2020 season, right there on Page 46 of a tome that seems to alternate between draconian and dystopian.
"Home Clubs may have their mascot in the ballpark if they choose, however under no circumstances are mascots permitted on the field of play or in any other Restricted Area on game days."
(Insert Phillie Phanatic sad face).
Indeed, how can you rob the Phanatic of his ATV, Orbit of his penchant to bamboozle opponents, the Racing Presidents of their hopalong sprint to the tape?
Well, this is baseball in 2020, where you make the best of what's around. And in the same manner that a 60-game, regionally-limited season is far from the 162-game hike fans are accustomed to, a socially-distanced furry friend is better than none at all.
With that, let's take a look at a handful of mascots who may best flourish amid the constraints of the season:
Bernie Brewer: The man's signature move has always occurred several hundred feet away from humanity. So when Christian Yelich goes deep at Miller Park this year, Bernie's slide should be open for business.
Mr. Met: Should he reprise his most notorious moment, it will, at the least, test whether these broadcasts are operating on a seven-second delay.
The Mariner Moose: He is visually interesting. The gorgeous summer climate of Seattle won't make it seem like he's dying in that plush costume. And an empty concourse will give him a wide runway for his traditional sprint with the Mariners flag after victories.
The Pirate Parrot: Signature bits include interacting with the participants of the Pierogi Race and launching hot dogs into the stands. With an empty stadium and pre-fab meals provided by the club, the bird figures to eat a little healthier in 2020.
Raymond Ray: With John Bolton back in the news, this sea creature no longer has the most ridiculous mustache you'll find on TV.
Video of the day
Yes, we'd be remiss to do a mascot bit without resurfacing the most unforgettable moment of player-mascot interaction. Suffice to say, the Brewers did not plan on Pirates first baseman Randall Simon taking a hack at their Racing Sausages during a 2003 game. Just another reason why workplace conditions for the mascots figure to be much safer this year.
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COACH K SPEAKS: Black Lives Matter a "human rights statement"
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usatoday--2020-06-27--1,700 troops will support Trump's 4th of July celebration plans, Pentagon says

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon announced Friday that for the second year in a row , the Department of Defense will provide troops and substantial support to President Donald Trump 's expanded Independence Day celebrations .
Approximately 1,700 troops will provide support to the Department of the Interior with `` Salute to America '' celebrations in Washington , D.C. , as well as flyovers of other cities including New York , Boston , Baltimore , Philadelphia and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial , Lt. Col. Chris Mitchell , a Pentagon spokesman , said in a statement .
`` The highlight of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salute to the Great Cities of the American Revolution.
, '' Mitchell said .
`` The flyovers will begin in Boston and proceed to New York City , Philadelphia and Baltimore .
From there they will join other Department of Defense and heritage aircraft in the Salute to America over our nation 's capital . ''
Coronavirus updates : New US cases hit single-day record ; as heat rises in places like Florida and Mexico , so do infections The statement did not specify which aircraft would be showcased , but it added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost for the Department of Defense , and these aircraft and crews would be using these hours for proficiency and training at other locations if they were not conducting these flyovers . ''
`` The exact timing of the flyovers is still being worked and will be announced soon , '' the statement reads .
More : Health officials are possibly missing 10 coronavirus cases for every 1 case detected Last year 's celebration involved flyovers by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter , B-2 stealth bomber , and F-22 Raptor .
The nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tanks , and Trump 's demand they be part of his `` Salute to America '' on the National Mall prompted criticism .
The announcement of the troops ' assistance comes one day after a new report from the Government Accountability Office said that Trump 's elaborate Independence Day celebrations last year in D.C. , cost double that of previous years , ringing up $ 13 million in taxpayer dollars .
Report : Trump 's 2019 Fourth of July event cost $ 13 million , double that of previous years Much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for ( the Department of Defense ) to transport several vehicles to the National Mall '' and `` the production and execution of the Salute to America event , '' according to the GAO .
While D.C. 's annual parade has been canceled this year amid coronvirus concerns , the president is currently planning to push ahead with modified plans for a July Fourth celebration in the capital , despite objections from lawmakers .
They have expressed worry about crowds gathering amid the health crisis and the cost during a turbulent economy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for primarily with annual federal appropriations . ''
More : Trump cancels weekend trip to NJ , says he wants to monitor protests White House spokesperson Judd Deere told USA TODAY that the event `` will have a different look than 2019 to ensure the health and safety of those attending . ''
The White House announced Trump `` will host the 2020 Salute to America on the South Lawn of the White House and Ellipse '' this year .

1,700 troops will support Trump's 4th of July celebration plans, Pentagon says
Show Caption Hide Caption Tanks roll into the capital ahead of Trump's 4th of July event Tanks rolled into D.C. for President Donald Trump's 4th of July event. Trump confirmed that tanks and other vehicles would be present for his speech. AP/Spectee
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon announced Friday that for the second year in a row, the Department of Defense will provide troops and substantial support to President Donald Trump's expanded Independence Day celebrations.
About 1,700 troops will provide support to the Department of the Interior with "Salute to America" celebrations in Washington, D.C., as well as flyovers of other cities, including New York, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Lt. Col. Chris Mitchell, a Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement.
"The highlight of this year's celebration will be our salute to the Great Cities of the American Revolution.," Mitchell said. "The flyovers will begin in Boston and proceed to New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore. From there they will join other Department of Defense and heritage aircraft in the Salute to America over our nation's capital."
Coronavirus updates: New US cases hit single-day record; as heat rises in places like Florida and Mexico, so do infections
The statement did not specify which aircraft would be showcased, but it added that "flying hours are a sunk cost for the Department of Defense, and these aircraft and crews would be using these hours for proficiency and training at other locations if they were not conducting these flyovers."
"The exact timing of the flyovers is still being worked and will be announced soon," the statement reads.
More: Health officials are possibly missing 10 coronavirus cases for every 1 case detected
Last year's celebration involved flyovers by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, B-2 Stealth Bomber and F-22 Raptor. The nation's capital last year also rumbled with tanks, and Trump's demand they be part of his "Salute to America" on the National Mall prompted criticism.
The announcement comes one day after a new report from the Government Accountability Office said Trump's Independence Day celebrations last year in Washington cost double that of previous years, ringing up $13 million in taxpayer dollars.
Report: Trump's 2019 Fourth of July event cost $13 million, double that of previous years
Much of the increase was "attributable to the cost for (the Department of Defense) to transport several vehicles to the National Mall" and "the production and execution of the Salute to America event," according to the GAO.
While D.C.'s annual parade has been canceled this year amid coronvirus concerns, the president plans to push ahead with modified plans for a July Fourth celebration in the capital despite objections from lawmakers.
They have expressed worry about crowds gathering amid the health crisis and the cost during a turbulent economy. Last year's cost was "paid for primarily with annual federal appropriations."
More: Trump cancels weekend trip to NJ, says he wants to monitor protests
White House spokesman Judd Deere told USA TODAY the event "will have a different look than 2019 to ensure the health and safety of those attending."
The White House announced Trump "will host the 2020 Salute to America on the South Lawn of the White House and Ellipse" this year.


usatoday--2020-06-28--Floridians avoid the beaches as state racks up record numbers of coronavirus cases

Surging numbers of new coronavirus cases in Florida had many wary of flocking to beaches Saturday , with many staying home and most spreading out from one another .
A typical weekend in late June would see street parking filled up and throngs of people at the end of Minuteman Causeway in Cocoa Beach .
On Saturday , however , nearly all of the few hundred people at the popular beach spot were camped out in small groups with plenty of distance between .
In case you missed it : As Florida 's COVID-19 numbers jump to record levels again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while governor resists mask requirements A typical sight along Brevard County beaches from Cape Canaveral to the Melbourne Beach area Saturday was parking lots crowded with cars while people on the beaches themselves maintained physical distance between one another .
Cocoa Beach Mayor Ben Malik said he had concerns about crowds flocking to the beach but also believes that fresh air and sunshine is much needed as long as people take precautions .
`` My personal opinion is the beach is such a wide spot that people can stay distanced , '' Malik @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on beaches and businesses might stop some spread , people must ultimately be responsible for themselves , Malik added .
`` At the end of the day it 's impossible for the government to regulate common sense or we 'll be accused of some 5G conspiracy nonsense . ''
Malik counted himself as somewhat of a coronavirus skeptic until a friend in his 50s recently passed away after developing COVID-19 .
He hopes people who come from other areas to Cocoa Beach will do the right thing and wear masks and stay distanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and new record numbers of coronavirus cases in Brevard County , located on the east coast of central Florida .
The newest batch of 250 cases shattered the previous day 's then-record 148 new cases .
Florida as a whole continued to climb with 9,585 coronavirus cases added Saturday .
In a recent reversal , New York , New Jersey and Connecticut recently imposed restrictions on travelers from Florida and other states where the transmission rate is currently high .
The number of new cases in the Northeast has been dropping while Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NJ , Conn. direct out-of-state travelers to quarantine because of COVID-19 Not all interstate travel was restricted or stopped and not everyone was as concerned or scared of crossing state lines .
By the way : Booze ban catches bars by surprise as COVID-19 cases skyrocket Marty Davis was with a small group of friends visiting Cocoa Beach from Philadelphia , an area that has seen its case numbers go down in recent weeks .
`` We 're from Philly .
I feel like as long as you do your due diligence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , wear your mask , wipe down your stuff .
I see the people who live down here do n't even wear them , '' he said of the masks .
They chose the beach because they can maintain distance and are n't enclosed with other people indoors breathing recycled air from an air conditioner .
`` The way we look at it , with how it 's dropping in Philly and we 're following procedure '' we feel safe , Davis said .
`` It 's a Philly thing , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
Brevard residents James and Courtnie Smith figured a quick swim in the ocean would be a good way to cool off in the 90-degree weather .
They had just come from the Cocoa Beach skatepark down the road .
The couple stood in the shade of a lifeguard station away from any other groups of people , saying that are n't too concerned as they 've been staying to themselves as much as possible when out and doing what they can to stay safe .
`` As long as everyone stays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Courtnie said , there 's not much more people can do .
`` We 've been dealing it with quite some time now so we 're starting to loosen up a bit but still wearing masks , of course , '' James added .
Although Brevard County has no current plans to limit access to beaches , other areas of Florida do .
In Miami , which already saw large surges of coronavirus , officials plan to close beaches during the weekend of July 4 .
Although many at the beach Saturday were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malik said there are still pockets of people who are ignoring Centers for Disease Control recommendations when it comes to coronavirus .
`` We need people to do the right thing and it 's so incredibly frustrating , '' he said .
`` A walk on the beach , a jog , a surf , a swim .
All of those things are good for you .
It 's not necessarily a death sentence . ''
But for those still partying on the beach with social distancing , he had a question .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that percentage that does n't make it or gives it to a family member ?
I do n't . ''
Contact Vazquez at tvazquez @ floridatoday.com , 321-917-7491 or on Twitter @ tyler_vazquez .
Support his work by subscribing to FloridaToday.com .
Did you know ?
: Pandemic ’ s youth embrace myths as COVID-19 cases skyrocket in Florida

Floridians avoid the beaches as state racks up record numbers of coronavirus cases
Show Caption Hide Caption Florida virus cases rise at near-record rate Dr. Rajiv Bahl, an emergency medicine physician in Orlando Florida said that they are seeing an uptick in coronavirus patients in Central Florida hospitals. (June 26) AP
Surging numbers of coronavirus cases in Florida had many wary of flocking to beaches Saturday as many stayed home and most spread out from one another.
A typical weekend in late June would see street parking filled up and throngs of people at the end of Minuteman Causeway in Cocoa Beach. On Saturday, however, nearly all of the few hundred people at the popular beach spot were camped out in small groups with plenty of distance between them.
In case you missed it: As Florida's COVID-19 numbers jump to record levels again, bars ordered to stop alcohol sales while governor resists mask requirements
A typical sight along Brevard County beaches from Cape Canaveral to the Melbourne Beach area Saturday was parking lots crowded with cars while people on the beaches themselves maintained physical distance.
Cocoa Beach Mayor Ben Malik said he had concerns about crowds flocking to the beach but also believes fresh air and sunshine is much-needed as long as people take precautions.
"My personal opinion is the beach is such a wide spot that people can stay distanced," Malik said.
Although state and local restrictions on beaches and businesses might stop some spread, people must ultimately be responsible for themselves, Malik added.
"At the end of the day it's impossible for the government to regulate common sense or we'll be accused of some 5G conspiracy nonsense."
Malik counted himself as somewhat of a coronavirus skeptic until a friend in his 50s recently died after developing COVID-19. He hopes people who come from other areas to Cocoa Beach will do the right thing and wear masks and stay distanced.
Saturday brought with it near-record heat and new record numbers of coronavirus cases in Brevard County on the east coast of central Florida. The newest batch of 250 cases shattered the previous day's record 148 new cases. Florida as a whole continued to climb with 9,585 new coronavirus cases Saturday.
In a reversal, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut recently imposed restrictions on travelers from Florida and other states where the transmission rate is high. The number of new cases in the Northeast has been dropping while Florida's rise.
Turnabout: NY, NJ, Conn. direct out-of-state travelers to quarantine because of COVID-19
Not all interstate travel was restricted or stopped and not everyone was as concerned or scared of crossing state lines.
By the way: Booze ban catches bars by surprise as COVID-19 cases skyrocket
Marty Davis was with a small group of friends visiting Cocoa Beach from Philadelphia, an area that has seen its case numbers drop in recent weeks.
"We're from Philly. I feel like as long as you do your due diligence, you're fine. Wash your hands, wear your mask, wipe down your stuff. I see the people who live down here don't even wear" masks, he said.
They chose the beach because they can maintain distance and aren't enclosed with other people indoors.
"The way we look at it, with how it's dropping in Philly and we're following procedure," we feel safe, Davis said.
"It's a Philly thing," he said to explain his fearlessness over the coronavirus.
Brevard residents James and Courtnie Smith figured a quick swim in the ocean would be a good way to cool off in the 90-degree weather. They had just come from the Cocoa Beach skate park down the road.
The couple stood in the shade of a lifeguard station away from any other groups of people and said they aren't too concerned because they've been staying to themselves as much as possible when out and doing what they can to stay safe.
"As long as everyone stays safe and keeps their distance," Courtnie said, there's not much more people can do.
"We've been dealing with it quite some time now, so we're starting to loosen up a bit but still wearing masks, of course," James added.
Although Brevard County has no plans to limit access to beaches, other areas of Florida do. In Miami, which already saw large surges of coronavirus, officials plan to close beaches for the July Fourth weekend.
Although many at the beach Saturday were maintaining distance and not crowding, Mayor Malik said there are still pockets of people who are ignoring Centers for Disease Control recommendations when it comes to the coronavirus.
"We need people to do the right thing, and it's so incredibly frustrating," he said. "A walk on the beach, a jog, a surf, a swim. All of those things are good for you. It's not necessarily a death sentence."
'Absolutely appalled': Thousands crowd British beaches, ignoring social distancing and risking COVID-19 exposure
But for those still partying on the beach with social distancing, he had a question.
"Do you want to be in that percentage that doesn't make it or gives it to a family member? I don't."
Contact Vazquez at tvazquez@floridatoday.com, 321-917-7491 or on Twitter @tyler_vazquez. Support his work by subscribing to FloridaToday.com.
Did you know? Pandemic’s youth embrace myths as COVID-19 cases skyrocket in Florida


usatoday--2020-06-28--Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Hudson, Miley Cyrus get 'Global Goal: Unite for Our Future' concert going

`` The year 2020 has come to be a defining period that has impacted all of us around the world in ways we could have never imagined , host Dwayne Johnson said , explaining the intertwined forces that inspired Saturday 's `` Global Goal : Unite for Our Future – The Concert '' : coronavirus and systemic racism .
`` As we 're doing our very best to process the unprecedented hardships this new virus can cause , we also continue to witness another ongoing disease that plagues our world for decades – centuries even : oppression and inequality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer a `` flashpoint . ''
He continued , `` In the face of both of these ongoing fights , we must recognize that the people living in poverty are the ones whose health is at greatest risk .
It 's no surprise that they 're also the ones who suffer most when economies fail .
Our Black Americans and people of color all around the world have been hit the hardest during these unprecedented times .
Access to help is a fundamental right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow it to be dictated by income or race .
Equality is a fundamental right that we can not allow to be dictated by income or race .
The future depends on what we do today .
And today , we unite for our future . ''
Like other benefit shows conducted during the coronavirus pandemic such as March 's `` Living Room Concert , '' the `` Unite for our Future '' concert took place remotely , with the participants beaming in from all over the country and world .
The leadoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Where Peaceful Waters Flow '' from the deck of a boat floating down the Chicago River , while the For Love Choir performed an a capella rendition of Beyoncé 's `` Freedom '' from a hilltop in Santa Clarita County , California .
`` The power of women creates change .
So let 's keep coming together to create that change – good change , '' the Oscar winner said before launching into her stirring cover of the Gladys Knight and the Pips classic .
Other performers for the two-hour NBC broadcast include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quavo , Miley Cyrus , J Balvin , Yemi Alade and Christine and the Queens .
Celebrities also pitched in : `` Westworld '' star Thandie Newton narrated a documentary segment on the search for a COVID-19 vaccine – and the eventual challenges of distributing it to 190 countries worldwide .
`` We must protect the groups that are most at risk like healthcare workers or people with existing health conditions , '' Newton said .
`` Or those in refugee camps around the world where more than 70 million displaced people do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` We ca n't do this as isolated countries or isolated systems , '' Dr. Zolelwa Sifumba said .
`` It 's going to take the whole world . ''
Miley Cyrus , performing a countryfied version of The Beatles ' `` Help '' from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena , California , dedicated her set to `` those who are tirelessly working on testing , treatment and vaccines so all of us can come together in places like this empty stadium again . ''
The original Broadway cast of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premiere on Disney+ on Friday , contributed their virtual `` Tonight Show '' performance of the Schuyler Sisters-led `` Helpless '' with the help of star/creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and the `` Tonight Show '' house band The Roots and Tony winner Daveed Diggs .
`` The Masked Singer '' judge Ken Jeong , a licensed physician , urged viewers to `` keep updated , keep informed '' and `` do n't deny the science . ''
`` COVID-19 has laid bare the inequities of our broken social systems in our communities – especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ color , '' supermodel-turned-actress Naomi Campbell said .
`` We are in this for the long haul and getting to the other side will require an ongoing and collective effort .
There are no quick fixes .
But if everyone of us steps up to help our brothers and sisters , we will all be the better for it . ''
Other stars slated to make appearances include Chris Rock , Hugh Jackman , Kerry Washington , Charlize Theron , Forest Whitaker , David Beckham , Salma Hayek Pinault , Diane Kruger , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coster-Waldau and Olivia Colman .

Dwayne Johnson, Jennifer Hudson, Miley Cyrus team up for 'Global Goal: Unite for Our Future' concert
Show Caption Hide Caption Keith Urban plays drive-in concert for medical workers Country star Keith Urban played a concert for medical workers at a drive-in movie theater in Tennessee. (May 15) AP
Two defining forces inspired Saturday's "Global Goal: Unite for Our Future – The Concert": coronavirus and systemic racism.
"The year 2020 has come to be a defining period that has impacted all of us around the world in ways we could have never imagined," said Dwayne Johnson, the event's host. "As we're doing our very best to process the unprecedented hardships this new virus can cause, we also continue to witness another ongoing disease that plagues our world for decades – centuries even: oppression and inequality."
He called George Floyd's death in police custody a "flashpoint."
"In the face of both of these ongoing fights, we must recognize that the people living in poverty are the ones whose health is at greatest risk. It's no surprise that they're also the ones who suffer most when economies fail. Our Black Americans and people of color all around the world have been hit the hardest during these unprecedented times," he said. Access and equality are fundamental rights that "we cannot allow to be dictated by income or race. The future depends on what we do today. And today, we unite for our future."
Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen, announced after the summit and concert that $6.9 billion in cash and loans had been pledged in support of those whose lives have been upended by the coronavirus crisis.
He called it “an incredible next step on our journey out of the COVID-19 era," but reminded "there is more still to be done, as no one is safe until everyone is safe."
Like other benefit shows conducted during the coronavirus pandemic, such as March's "Living Room Concert," the "Unite for Our Future" concert took place remotely, with the participants beaming in from all over the country and world.
One message was constant throughout the broadcast: As Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau put it, "To keep our citizens safe and restart our economies, we have to beat this disease everywhere."
The performances: Jennifer Hudson, Miley Cyrus, Coldplay
The opening performer, Hudson, sang "Where Peaceful Waters Flow" from the deck of a boat floating down the Chicago River, while the For Love Choir performed an a capella rendition of Beyoncé's "Freedom" from a hilltop in Santa Clarita County, California.
"The power of women creates change. So let's keep coming together to create that change – good change," Hudson said before launching into her stirring cover of the Gladys Knight and the Pips classic.
Other performers for the two-hour NBC broadcast include Shakira, Coldplay, Justin Bieber and Quavo, Miley Cyrus, J Balvin, Yemi Alade and Christine and the Queens.
Cyrus, performing a countrified version of The Beatles' "Help!" from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, dedicated her set to "those who are tirelessly working on testing, treatment and vaccines so all of us can come together in places like this empty stadium again."
Coldplay contributed a brightly hued video of their song "Paradise," prefaced by a quote from Nelson Mandela: "May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears."
Gospel icon Kirk Franklin joined with Tori Kelly and Christian music duo For King and Country to perform "Together," interspersed with photos and footage of last month's protests.
The reunions: 'Hamilton,' 'X-Men'
The original Broadway cast of "Hamilton," whose final performances will be seen Friday as a Disney+ film, contributed their virtual "Tonight Show" performance of the Schuyler Sisters-led "Helpless" with the help of star/creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and the "Tonight Show" house band The Roots and Tony winner Daveed Diggs.
"Hamilton" wasn't the only reunion: Hugh Jackman reunited the original stars of the "X-Men" franchise after 20 years.
Now, you might be thinking, where there is Jackman, there is likely to be sabotage by Ryan Reynolds. And you'd be right. The "Deadpool" star looped in younger members of the "X-Men" franchise like James McAvoy and Sophie Turner, who apologized, thinking she'd logged into a "Game of Thrones" reunion."
In a failed effort to keep her interested, Reynolds interjected: "You know, Tyrion Lannister was in an 'X-Men' film."
They dedicated the video to the "true superheroes fighting for a safer, healthier, more equitable world."
The speakers: Billy Porter, Naomi Campbell
Billy Porter, who won a Tony for playing a drag queen in "Kinky Boots" and an Emmy for FX's LGBTQ period drama "Pose," talked about knowing "what it's like to be on the outside looking in. As if I'm only allowed to exist on the fringes of society. Yeah, I remember those times. But I don't live like that anymore. I refuse to. From Miss Rosa Parks to Malcolm to Martin, as well as transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson, who boldly stood on the front lines at Stonewall in 1969, I'll forever be grateful to those who fought for us to be where we are today. And it's up to us to keep on fighting."
He added, "Young activists have flooded the streets around the globe to continue fighting for justice for Black people, for the LBGTQIA community. The world is changing right before our eyes and it's a beautiful thing to see."
Supermodel-turned-actress Naomi Campbell discussed how "COVID-19 has laid bare the inequities of our broken social systems in our communities – especially the Black community and our communities of color." She noted: "We are in this for the long haul and getting to the other side will require an ongoing and collective effort. There are no quick fixes. But if every one of us steps up to help our brothers and sisters, we will all be the better for it."
Politicians were well-represented. In addition to Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson all spoke about their efforts to stop the virus and help protect vulnerable populations.
"If and when an effective vaccine is found – wherever it's found, whoever finds it – then we, as global leaders have a moral duty to ensure that it is truly available to all," said Johnson, who himself battled a severe case of COVID-19. "Because this pandemic threatens every one of us."
"Westworld" star Thandie Newton narrated a documentary segment on the search for a COVID-19 vaccine – and the eventual challenges of distributing it to 190 countries worldwide.
"We must protect the groups that are most at risk like health care workers or people with existing health conditions," Newton said. "Or those in refugee camps around the world where more than 70 million displaced people don't have the option to socially distance."
In a documentary segment titled "How We've Won Before," Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates discussed how the world came together to eradicate polio.
"That's what we want to see here with COVID: the world working together, helping each other, getting to the end of this disease," he said.
Johnson returned near the end, noting, "With all of our backs up against the wall, an extraordinary silver lining has emerged: world unity. Unity formed in the face of a global health pandemic. Unity born in the face of racial injustice. The events of 2020 have shed a light on a path moving forward, exposing the incredible compassion and empathy that we're capable of achieving when we stand united, active in the mission to normalize equality."
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-06-27--Elijah McClain was injected with ketamine before he died. Is that legal?

Amid calls for justice for Elijah McClain — a 23-year-old Black man who died after he was stopped by police in Aurora , Colorado , and placed in a carotid hold by an officer — the use of ketamine during his arrest has also drawn scrutiny .
McClain 's family says he was walking home last August when officers responded to a call of a suspicious person acting erratically .
Colorado Gov .
Jared Polis on Thursday appointed a special prosecutor to re-examine the case following intense public pressure and an online petition that garnered more than 3 million signatures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office declined to file criminal charges in November , but in the wake of the killings of George Floyd , Ahmaud Arbery , Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks , there has been renewed interest in McClain 's case .
An autopsy was unable to determine whether McClain 's death was an accident , due to natural causes or a homicide ; however , medical and legal experts told USA TODAY that the injection of ketamine may have played a role .
In medical settings , ketamine is routinely used for its rapid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also used illicitly as a hallucinogen .
Here 's what to know about the use of the drug during arrests and its risks .
Can ketamine or other sedatives be used during an arrest ?
Yes , said Geoffrey Henley , a Dallas attorney in the case of Tony Timpa , who died during an arrest in which officers pinned his shoulders , knees and neck to the ground as he pleaded for help .
Timpa was also dosed with a sedative .
Henley said , citing precedent from previous cases , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generally allowed and protected under qualified immunity principles to administer sedatives to patients during an arrest following proper medical judgments .
In general , past cases have not established clearly that using sedatives during an arrest is an example of excessive force , Henley said .
'Justice For Elijah McClain ' : Petition calls for case to be looked into nearly a year after McClain 's death Henley said administering sedatives is often the protocol in some cases during which officers are subduing someone they believe to be resisting arrest .
The goal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thrashing , which can cause injury or distress and elevate their heart rate .
`` It 's unfortunate , and it 's tragic , '' Henley said .
`` With respect to the ketamine , it very well may have been reckless by the EMTs .
I wonder about that , but I think it 's going to be difficult to make such a claim . ''
Although rare , it is also possible that someone 's adrenaline levels rise so high during an arrest that it causes cardiac arrest , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine at Indiana University .
According to Aurora Fire Rescue 's department policy , ketamine is considered appropriate to administer to a patient who shows signs of `` excited delirium , '' a condition characterized by aggressive activity , confused and unconnected thoughts or speech , hallucinations , and extraordinary strength and endurance when struggling .
According to a flowchart of the department 's policy , the `` goal is rapid tranquilization in order to minimize time struggling . ''
But `` excited delirium '' isn ’ t a recognized diagnosis in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manual , commonly known as the DSM or the International Classification of Diseases ( ICD-9 ) of the World Health Organization .
The American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Medical Examiners do recognize it .
For decades , critics have pointed to the fact that the term is applied almost exclusively to in-custody deaths or deaths that otherwise involve law enforcement .
More on 'excited delirium ' : 'Excited delirium ' cited as factor in many fatal police restraint cases .
Some say it 's bogus .
Why was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
On Aug. 24 , 2019 , the Aurora Police Department received a call around 10:30 p.m. about a `` suspicious man '' wearing a ski mask , according to a release .
Officers arrived and tried to stop McClain , who they said was `` actively resisting '' and trying to grab one of their guns .
McClain told the officers that he was going home and asked that they `` please respect my boundaries . ''
Police said McClain had ignored their initial command to stop , but McClain told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he could listen , according to a report of the incident from the district attorney 's office .
Police put McClain in a carotid hold , applying pressure around his neck , restricting blood flow to the brain .
McClain briefly went unconscious .
According to the district attorney 's report , the Aurora Fire Department was called to the scene , per police policy for when a carotid hold is used .
When fire personnel and medics arrived at the scene of McClain 's arrest , a fire medic requested that McClain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
More on Elijah McClain case : Special prosecutor appointed to investigate his death after millions sign petition Fire medic Jeremy Cooper told investigators that he requested ketamine following the fire department 's protocol for when someone shows signs of `` excited delirium . ''
The District Attorney 's report says that Cooper requested 500 milligrams of ketamine .
In a statement , Aurora Fire Rescue said an investigation into its personnel 's actions during McClain 's arrest found that `` the actions of the responders were consistent and aligned with our established @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings indicate that our personnel demonstrated a high level of technical skill and professionalism while providing care to the patient . ''
The report from the Adams County Coroner 's Office could not make a conclusion on what caused McClain 's death .
The report said it was possible McClain had an `` idiosyncratic drug reaction , '' which can occur when a drug is administered at therapeutic levels but still has an unexpected reaction .
His death could have been due to natural causes if he `` had an undiagnosed mental illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or homicide could have been the cause if the carotid hold led to arrhythmia , the report said .
The report also listed several contributing factors , including the combination of intense physical exertion and a narrow left coronary artery .
Is ketamine dangerous in these cases ?
Ketamine , under appropriate dosage levels and with otherwise healthy patients , is generally considered safe , said Dr. Robert Glatter , an emergency physician in New York City .
But there are circumstances under which administering ketamine could have adverse and potentially lethal effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or low oxygen levels , is dehydrated or has low blood pressure , Glatter said .
The use of the carotid hold in combination with the ketamine injection could have created `` dangerous conditions '' for McClain , Glatter said .
`` These drugs do carry risks and , with certain types of patients under certain types of stressors , they can have adverse consequences and they can be lethal , '' he added .
Zipes , who reviewed the district attorney 's and coroner 's report cited a number of possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ketamine is used during an arrest : Injecting the drug too quickly or without proper monitoring , an unknown medical history and possible interactions with other substances in the patient 's system .
The coroner 's report says McClain was also found to have marijuana in his system .
`` No one can really say with absolute certainty what the cause was .
My gut is it 's related to the ketamine , '' Zipes said .

Elijah McClain was injected with ketamine before he died. Is that legal?
Amid calls for justice for Elijah McClain — a 23-year-old Black man who died after he was stopped by police in Aurora, Colorado, and placed in a carotid hold by an officer — the use of ketamine during his arrest has also drawn scrutiny.
McClain's family says he was walking home last August when officers responded to a call of a suspicious person acting erratically. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday appointed a special prosecutor to re-examine the case following intense public pressure and an online petition that garnered more than 3 million signatures.
Adams County district attorney Dave Young's office declined to file criminal charges in November, but in the wake of the killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks, there has been renewed interest in McClain's case.
An autopsy was unable to determine whether McClain's death was an accident, due to natural causes or a homicide; however, medical and legal experts told USA TODAY that the injection of ketamine may have played a role. In medical settings, ketamine is routinely used for its rapid and anesthetic effects, but it is also used illicitly as a hallucinogen.
Here's what to know about the use of the drug during arrests and its risks.
Can ketamine or other sedatives be used during an arrest?
Yes, said Geoffrey Henley, a Dallas attorney in the case of Tony Timpa, who died during an arrest in which officers pinned his shoulders, knees and neck to the ground as he pleaded for help. Timpa was also dosed with a sedative.
Henley said, citing precedent from previous cases, that paramedics or other emergency medical professionals are generally allowed and protected under qualified immunity principles to administer sedatives to patients during an arrest following proper medical judgments. In general, past cases have not established clearly that using sedatives during an arrest is an example of excessive force, Henley said.
'Justice For Elijah McClain': Petition calls for case to be looked into nearly a year after McClain's death
Henley said administering sedatives is often the protocol in some cases during which officers are subduing someone they believe to be resisting arrest. The goal is to prevent the person from struggling and thrashing, which can cause injury or distress and elevate their heart rate.
"It's unfortunate, and it's tragic," Henley said. "With respect to the ketamine, it very well may have been reckless by the EMTs. I wonder about that, but I think it's going to be difficult to make such a claim."
Although rare, it is also possible that someone's adrenaline levels rise so high during an arrest that it causes cardiac arrest, said Dr. Douglas Zipes, a professor of medicine at Indiana University.
According to Aurora Fire Rescue's department policy, ketamine is considered appropriate to administer to a patient who shows signs of "excited delirium," a condition characterized by aggressive activity, confused and unconnected thoughts or speech, hallucinations, and extraordinary strength and endurance when struggling.
According to a flowchart of the department's policy, the "goal is rapid tranquilization in order to minimize time struggling."
But "excited delirium" isn’t a recognized diagnosis in the American Psychiatric Association’s leading diagnostic manual, commonly known as the DSM or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) of the World Health Organization. The American College of Emergency Physicians and the National Association of Medical Examiners do recognize it.
For decades, critics have pointed to the fact that the term is applied almost exclusively to in-custody deaths or deaths that otherwise involve law enforcement.
More on 'excited delirium': 'Excited delirium' cited as factor in many fatal police restraint cases. Some say it's bogus.
Why was Elijah McClain arrested, injected with ketamine?
On Aug. 24, 2019, the Aurora Police Department received a call around 10:30 p.m. about a "suspicious man" wearing a ski mask, according to a release. Officers arrived and tried to stop McClain, who they said was "actively resisting" and trying to grab one of their guns.
Elijah McClain: Body cam shows events that led to 23-year-old's death Elijah McClain, 23, died after being thrown to the ground, restrained and being injected with the tranquilizer Ketamine by Aurora police. Staff video, USA TODAY
McClain told the officers that he was going home and asked that they "please respect my boundaries." Police said McClain had ignored their initial command to stop, but McClain told the officers he was stopping his music so he could listen, according to a report of the incident from the district attorney's office.
Police put McClain in a carotid hold, applying pressure around his neck, restricting blood flow to the brain. McClain briefly went unconscious.
According to the district attorney's report, the Aurora Fire Department was called to the scene, per police policy for when a carotid hold is used.
When fire personnel and medics arrived at the scene of McClain's arrest, a fire medic requested that McClain be injected with ketamine to sedate him.
More on Elijah McClain case: Special prosecutor appointed to investigate his death after millions sign petition
Fire medic Jeremy Cooper told investigators that he requested ketamine following the fire department's protocol for when someone shows signs of "excited delirium."
The District Attorney's report says that Cooper requested 500 milligrams of ketamine.
In a statement, Aurora Fire Rescue said an investigation into its personnel's actions during McClain's arrest found that "the actions of the responders were consistent and aligned with our established protocols. In fact, the initial findings indicate that our personnel demonstrated a high level of technical skill and professionalism while providing care to the patient."
The report from the Adams County Coroner's Office could not make a conclusion on what caused McClain's death.
The report said it was possible McClain had an "idiosyncratic drug reaction," which can occur when a drug is administered at therapeutic levels but still has an unexpected reaction. His death could have been due to natural causes if he "had an undiagnosed mental illness that led to Excited Delirium," or homicide could have been the cause if the carotid hold led to arrhythmia, the report said.
The report also listed several contributing factors, including the combination of intense physical exertion and a narrow left coronary artery.
Is ketamine dangerous in these cases?
Ketamine, under appropriate dosage levels and with otherwise healthy patients, is generally considered safe, said Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician in New York City.
But there are circumstances under which administering ketamine could have adverse and potentially lethal effects, including if a patient has hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, is dehydrated or has low blood pressure, Glatter said.
The use of the carotid hold in combination with the ketamine injection could have created "dangerous conditions" for McClain, Glatter said.
"These drugs do carry risks and, with certain types of patients under certain types of stressors, they can have adverse consequences and they can be lethal," he added.
Zipes, who reviewed the district attorney's and coroner's report cited a number of possible complications that can cause health issues when ketamine is used during an arrest: Injecting the drug too quickly or without proper monitoring, an unknown medical history and possible interactions with other substances in the patient's system. The coroner's report says McClain was also found to have marijuana in his system.
"No one can really say with absolute certainty what the cause was. My gut is it's related to the ketamine," Zipes said.
Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Katie Wedell and Cara Kelly


usatoday--2020-06-27--After months of Zoom appearances, Duchess Kate joins families to plant garden at children's hospice

Duchess Kate helped brighten The Nook , a children 's hospice near the eastern English city of Norwich , by joining families to plant a garden , marking the end of Children ’ s Hospice Week on Thursday .
It was one of the first in-person public appearances since the coronavirus pandemic began .
The royal , who shared new family photos of husband Prince William and their children for his birthday last weekend , also visited a gardening center in Norfolk on June 18 .
“ I ’ d also like to pay tribute to all those families out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after a child with a life-limiting illness , '' the Duchess said , according to a release from Kensington Palace .
`` You do the most extraordinary job and I know it ’ s particularly hard at the moment so my thoughts go out to you all.
” Together , Kate , a volunteer gardener , staff members and two families planted `` sensory plants '' including rosemary , lavender and bay , plus strawberry plants , geraniums , hydrangeas and other herb plants – the color scheme was lilac and is meant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , she is seen wearing a crepe floral midi dress that royal fashion watchers identified as being from Faithfull the Brand with a pair of beige espadrilles , her go-to summer footwear .
The Nook is one of the East Anglia ’ s Children ’ s Hospices ( EACH ) , which care for children and young adults with life-threatening illnesses in several counties and supports their families .
While there , she met with EACH 's care and facilities team members for a discussion and to and give thanks for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release from Kensington Palace .
`` The care and the nurture that you provide children and families in the most unimaginable circumstances is just awe-inspiring , '' said Kate .
The Duchess has been a patron of EACH since 2012 and attended The Nook 's opening last year .
EACh offers nursing care , symptom management , well-being activities , therapy and volunteer services in the home to meet the needs of the patient and family .
During the coronavirus pandemic , EACH has continued to offer end-of-life and emergency care in addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services online and over the phone .
Duchess Kate wants your quarantine photos : Royal hopes to 'share a moment in time ' with coronavirus photo project The Children 's Hospice Week for 2020 was organized by the United Kingdom 's `` Together for Short Lives '' charity , which describes itself as a `` lifeline '' for the families of seriously ill children .
During the week , the charity worked to raise funds for all 54 of the children 's hospices located in the U.K. 'Nurture ourselves ' : Duchess Kate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others amid coronavirus changes

After months of Zoom appearances, Duchess Kate joins families to plant garden at children's hospice
Show Caption Hide Caption Duke and Duchess of Cambridge played bingo with care home residents The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tried their hands as bingo callers in a virtual game for care home residents in Cardiff, Wales. USA TODAY, Storyful
Duchess Kate helped brighten The Nook, a children's hospice near the eastern English city of Norwich, by joining families to plant a garden, marking the end of Children’s Hospice Week on Thursday.
It was one of the first in-person public appearances since the coronavirus pandemic began. The royal, who shared new family photos of husband Prince William and their children for his birthday last weekend, also visited a gardening center in Norfolk on June 18.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to all those families out there who are caring for and looking after a child with a life-limiting illness," the Duchess said, according to a release from Kensington Palace. "You do the most extraordinary job and I know it’s particularly hard at the moment so my thoughts go out to you all.”
Together, Kate, a volunteer gardener, staff members and two families planted "sensory plants" including rosemary, lavender and bay, plus strawberry plants, geraniums, hydrangeas and other herb plants – the color scheme was lilac and is meant to be calming.
In photos released Saturday, she is seen wearing a crepe floral midi dress that royal fashion watchers identified as being from Faithfull the Brand with a pair of beige espadrilles, her go-to summer footwear.
The Nook is one of the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), which care for children and young adults with life-threatening illnesses in several counties and supports their families. While there, she met with EACH's care and facilities team members for a discussion and to and give thanks for the work they do, according to a release from Kensington Palace.
"The care and the nurture that you provide children and families in the most unimaginable circumstances is just awe-inspiring," said Kate.
The Duchess has been a patron of EACH since 2012 and attended The Nook's opening last year.
EACh offers nursing care, symptom management, well-being activities, therapy and volunteer services in the home to meet the needs of the patient and family. During the coronavirus pandemic, EACH has continued to offer end-of-life and emergency care in addition to support for bereavement, shifting some services online and over the phone.
Duchess Kate wants your quarantine photos: Royal hopes to 'share a moment in time' with coronavirus photo project
The Children's Hospice Week for 2020 was organized by the United Kingdom's "Together for Short Lives" charity, which describes itself as a "lifeline" for the families of seriously ill children. During the week, the charity worked to raise funds for all 54 of the children's hospices located in the U.K.
'Nurture ourselves':Duchess Kate urges kids to be kind to themselves and others amid coronavirus changes


usatoday--2020-06-27--'We want routine COVID testing': Union members demand Disneyland reopen safely

The Coalition of Resort Labor Unions held a `` Disney Caravan for Safety '' in Anaheim , California , on Saturday to demand that the park reopen in a manner that would keep visitors and cast members safe amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We think now it 's an opportunity for them , when they do reopen , to do it as safely as possible , '' said Maria Hernandez , an organizer with Unite Here Local 11 , one of the unions within the coalition that represents more than 32,000 hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite Disney pushing back its July reopening , and that more than 100 cars drove around Disneyland as employees demanded safety amid the pandemic on Saturday .
One union member , Joey Hamamoto , told USA TODAY that he wants COVID-19 testing for Disney employees in order to better protect their own family members , coworkers and Disney guests .
“ In April my aunt died from COVID-19 , '' said Hamamoto , a valet at Disney ’ s Grand California Hotel and Spa and member of Unite Here Local 11 .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and my dad who suffered a stroke last month . ''
Many of those protesting Saturday were part of the Coalition of Resort Labor Unions , which represents multiple unions and 17,000 Disney cast members .
Negotiations between the company and the Coalition are ongoing , according to a press release provided by Hernandez .
The coalition has also requested California Gov .
Gavin Newsom to step in and ensure that the reopening of Disneyland is safe .
`` We want routine COVID testing for cast members , '' Hernandez said .
Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In addition , the Coalition is advocating for higher staffing levels to accomplish required deep cleaning , a guarantee that managers will uphold CDC guidelines and the electrostatic spraying of rooms .
Disney said late Wednesday that it has to delay the planned reopening of Disneyland and California Adventure and on-site hotels because California is not issuing reopening protocols until after July 4 .
It had previously planned to reopen July 17 .
`` Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and to restart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to delay the reopening of our theme park and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials , '' Disney Parks said in a statement on Twitter .
It did not set a new reopening date , saying it will do so once it has a `` clearer understanding '' of when guidelines will be released .
Earlier this month , a petition was launched to delay the reopening .
Last week , the Coalition of Resort Labor Unions sent a letter to Newsom saying it was too early to reopen Disneyland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
Disney 's statement about the delayed reopening on Wednesday referenced its talks with unions .
`` In order to reopen our theme parks we need to negotiate agreements with our unions to return employees to work , '' the company said .
`` We have had positive discussions and are very pleased we have signed agreements from 20 union affiliates . ''
Disney said Downtown Disney District will still reopen as planned on July 9 .
The reopening of the shopping , dining and entertainment complex was previously approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening guidelines , the company said .
Walt Disney World in Florida is due to reopen July 11 .
Disney said its reopening plans for the Florida theme parks and those in Shanghai and Hong Kong were preapproved .
Groups representing workers and actors at Walt Disney World have called for the theme park to delay its planned July 11 reopening , too , as coronavirus cases surge in Florida .
USA TODAY reached out to Disney for comment .
Disney 's Splash Mountain : To get new theme amid calls to ditch @ @

'We want routine COVID testing': Union members demand Disneyland reopen safely
The Coalition of Resort Labor Unions held a "Disney Caravan for Safety" in Anaheim, California, on Saturday to demand that the park reopen in a manner that would keep visitors and cast members safe amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"We think now it's an opportunity for them, when they do reopen, to do it as safely as possible," said Maria Hernandez, an organizer with Unite Here Local 11, one of the unions within the coalition that represents more than 32,000 hospitality workers in Southern California and Arizona.
She said that the event was still on despite Disney pushing back its July reopening and that more than 100 cars drove around Disneyland as employees demanded safety.
One union member, Joey Hamamoto, told USA TODAY he wants COVID-19 testing for Disney employees to better protect their own family members, co-workers and Disney guests.
“In April my aunt died from COVID-19," said Hamamoto, a valet at Disney’s Grand California Hotel and Spa and member of Unite Here Local 11. "My brother has COVID-19 as we speak, and my dad, who suffered a stroke last month."
Many of those protesting Saturday were part of the Coalition of Resort Labor Unions, which represents multiple unions and 17,000 Disney cast members. Negotiations between the company and the coalition are ongoing, according to a press release provided by Hernandez. The coalition also has requested that California Gov. Gavin Newsom step in and ensure that the reopening of Disneyland is safe.
"We want routine COVID testing for cast members," Hernandez said. Disney has not agreed to the testing yet.
In addition, the coalition is advocating for higher staffing levels for required deep cleaning, a guarantee that managers will uphold CDC guidelines and the electrostatic spraying of rooms.
Disney said late Wednesday that it had to delay the planned reopening of Disneyland and California Adventure and on-site hotels because California is not issuing reopening protocols until after July 4. It had planned to reopen July 17.
"Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and to restart our business we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme park and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials,'' Disney Parks said in a statement on Twitter.
It did not set a new reopening date, saying it will do so once it has a "clearer understanding'' of when guidelines will be released.
Earlier this month, a petition was launched to delay the reopening. Last week, the Coalition of Resort Labor Unions sent a letter to Newsom saying it was too early to reopen Disneyland, which closed in mid-March because of the pandemic.
Disney's statement about the delayed reopening on Wednesday referenced its talks with unions.
"In order to reopen our theme parks we need to negotiate agreements with our unions to return employees to work,'' the company said. "We have had positive discussions and are very pleased we have signed agreements from 20 union affiliates.''
Disney said Downtown Disney District will still reopen as planned on July 9. The reopening of the shopping, dining and entertainment complex had been approved under the state's restaurant and retail reopening guidelines, the company said.
Walt Disney World in Florida is due to reopen July 11. Disney said its reopening plans for the Florida theme parks and those in Shanghai and Hong Kong were preapproved.
Groups representing workers and actors at Walt Disney World have called for the theme park to delay its planned July 11 reopening, too, as coronavirus cases surge in Florida.
Disney spokeswoman Liz Jaeger said the union leaders do not speak for everyone.
“To date, 20 union affiliates have signed agreements that include health and safety measures such as additional sick pay, reduced park capacity and face coverings for guests and cast members, allowing us to responsibly bring back our cast as soon as possible," she told USA TODAY. "It’s incredibly unfortunate that some unions leaders are staging a caravan at the same time we are trying to get people back to work.”
Contributing: Dawn Gilbertson
Disney's Splash Mountain: To get new theme amid calls to ditch racist history


usatoday--2020-06-25--Grandma shark makes surprise visit

Grandma shark makes surprise visit

This grandma had n't seen her grandchildren for seven weeks .
That 's why she ordered an inflatable shark costume @ @ @ @ @ long-overdue hug .

Grandma shark makes surprise visit
This grandma hadn't seen her grandchildren for seven weeks. That's why she ordered an inflatable shark costume and headed over for a long-overdue hug.
Humankind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-06-26--Could DC become the 51st state? Here's why is might not happen

The House bill , aptly named `` H.R .
51 , '' would allow for the admission of a new @ @ @ @ @ Douglass Commonwealth after Fredrick Douglass .

Washington, DC, statehood: House passes bill to make DC 51st state
The House bill, aptly named "H.R. 51," would allow for the admission of a new state, called Washington, Douglass Commonwealth after Fredrick Douglass.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-06-27--Trump signs order prioritizing job skills over college degree in government hiring

President Trump signed an executive order changing federal hiring practices to prioritize job skills over college degrees .

Trump orders prioritizing job skills over college degree in hiring
President Trump signed an executive order changing federal hiring practices to prioritize job skills over college degrees.
USA TODAY