usatoday--2020-08-02--Online school? Some parents want to hire tutors, start mini schools this year. Most can't afford to.

CHICAGO – Millions of parents across the nation are facing difficult decisions about what to do with their kids this school year .
But the pandemic affects every family differently , for reasons that range from their socioeconomic status to their health to the fields they work in .
Some parents are in a better position than others to ensure their children stay healthy and keep up with schoolwork , and researchers are raising questions about how the pandemic may continue to exacerbate existing educational inequalities .
`` Kids who are disproportionately low-income are at highest risk for learning losses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy .
`` When these gaps in learning open up , absent some really serious and sustained intervention , the kids won ’ t ( catch up ) .
That will result in less academic achievement , lower lifetime earnings and even lower productivity in adulthood . ''
USA TODAY spoke with more than a dozen families from neighborhoods across Chicago , and many agreed : It 's not safe to send kids back yet .
But some parents can afford to hire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their kids while they stay home from school .
Others – in a city where 270,000 public school students are on free or reduced-price lunch , and an estimated 100,000 lack access to high-speed internet – are more concerned about simply obtaining the tools needed to make online learning possible .
'You ca n't fall behind ' : Some parents turn to 'pods' While most of the largest school districts in the U.S. have decided to start fully online , Chicago so far is planning a hybrid in-person and at-home learning model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remote .
The hybrid plan assigns students to `` pods '' of about 15 for in-person learning , which would take place two days a week for most students .
The other days would be used for e-learning .
As parents weigh options for the coming school year , city officials are gathering input from families in a citywide survey and series of community meetings .
The district said Tuesday it did not yet know how many students would opt for fully remote classes .
Class is scheduled to start Sept. 8 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ help vet your back-to-school choices Many parents living in more affluent neighborhoods said they were closely tracking the coronavirus situation in the city and did n't yet feel comfortable with sending their children back to school .
Some , concerned about their children falling behind academically and wanting to be able to maintain jobs without much interruption , plan to hire child care or tutoring help .
West Side resident Jeremy Sutton said he and his wife would consider sending their 5-year-old son back to school for the two in-person instruction days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cohort of other students from his 15-person pod to get together on their e-learning days .
`` My thought was , 'Could we find a few other families to do some sort of group ? '
If we ca n't have school in a classroom safely ... maybe we could get three to five kids together and hire somebody to facilitate , '' Sutton said .
`` That would be not as good as being in class , ( but ) that would be better than nothing . ''
What is a 'pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean for equity ?
Sutton , a money manager , and his wife , a real estate attorney , are both working from home full time , and work is almost as busy as it 's ever been , Sutton said .
They lasted about two weeks into the shutdown before hiring a child care professional to work with their son about five hours a day .
`` I ’ m very conscious of the fact that we are able to do this , and not everybody can .
And that ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are already problems worse , '' said Sutton , who formerly served on the board of an education organization in Chicago .
`` If everybody was going to lose a year at the same time , then that ’ s fine .
The worry is that this isn ’ t going to happen evenly , and that ’ s the problem . ''
North Side resident Michael Hoffman , vice president of managed care for a laboratory , has two daughters heading into third and tenth grade .
Hoffman said he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he 's not seeing enough coronavirus testing in the city .
But he 's concerned about his youngest daughter falling behind and losing her chance of getting into the kind of select high school his older daughter now attends .
For now , he 's working from home , and he can help her with schoolwork .
( Hoffman splits childcare 50-50 with his ex-wife . )
If his job becomes more demanding , he plans to hire a tutor .
`` Especially in Chicago , you can ’ t fall behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want to get into the select schools , '' Hoffman said .
Online school ?
In-person ?
How parents are making their own fall 2020 decisions Families affected by COVID-19 hesitant to send kids back : 'It 's kind of scary' In neighborhoods with more low-income families and people of color , home to many front-line workers , parents were also hesitant about sending their kids back to school .
Many said they knew people who had died from COVID-19 .
But for most of these parents , hiring a tutor is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Side resident Michele Urbina , a single mom who works security at a CPS school and is in remission for cancer , said she was n't ready to send her 14-year-old daughter to school .
Urbina said two of her cousins – a postal worker and a medical assistant – have had COVID-19 , and her uncle recently passed away from the disease .
`` With how the numbers have started to rise again , and the number of cases that are reported daily now , it ’ s kind of scary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Donicia Young , who has four kids and works at a day care center , said she 's not planning to send her kids to school and has set up a learning area for her kids at home .
Contracting the virus is a top concern , Young said .
Two family members recently died from COVID-19 , and her 16-year-old son has asthma , Young said .
`` I can ’ t take any chances with him , '' Young said .
Young said her kids love e-learning and that their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows other kids have struggled .
`` They ’ re not disrupted on the laptop , '' she said .
`` I told my kids : 'You ’ re backwards . '
But they love it , and they love doing projects online . ''
West Side resident Yarimar Nieves said she is n't in a position to hire a tutor , but has been doing her best to help her kids with online learning .
She and her husband , who works as a window washer , have two sons , 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided by their school .
Nieves said the boys have been keeping up with online summer school by sharing a school-provided laptop – one of the more than 100,000 laptops and tablets distributed by the district .
`` My biggest concern is safety .
That is always going to be my number one thing in my head , '' Nieves said .
Nieves said she was concerned about losing access to school-provided lunches if she decided to keep her kids home , but school administrators reassured her the district would continue providing food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an initiative in June to extend hotspot coverage for students in temporary living situations and expand high-speed internet access to students .
The $ 50 million initiative was expected to roll out over the next four years and prioritize families in need on the city ’ s South and West Sides .
But working families say they have other financial concerns to consider .
Rosaura Oquendo , who lives nearby and has custody of her 8-year-old grandson , said she 's been paying for a babysitter while she 's at work part time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a financial burden for me , but I know for a fact that he ’ s safe at home , '' said Oquendo , who does n't plan to send her grandson back to school until there 's a vaccine .
Oquendo said it 's hard for her grandson to focus on online learning .
He 's frequently getting up to go to the bathroom or grab a snack .
She said he focuses more in school , but she 's skeptical of the district 's current plan .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is CPS going to pay for the test or for me to stay home taking care of my grandson ? ''
she asked .
For some parents , online learning has n't been too frustrating thus far .
They 've been able to supplement learning or get extra time with their kids .
South Side resident Kevin Robinson , who manages civilian construction projects and is a union member , said he 's grateful that his work has given him some flexibility to step away and do things with the kids – two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two twins boys , 4 – during the day .
He and his wife wo n't be sending their kids back to school because the risk of transmission is `` too dangerous , '' he said .
`` I ’ m not as worried about the academic side of it .
We ’ ve been buying them books , watching PBS with them , talking to them , '' Robinson said .
`` I ’ m more concerned about the social side of it .
They ’ re missing out on childhood experiences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she 's also been trying to supplement her kids ' schoolwork as much as possible .
A freelance florist who typically works weddings , Blue said she 's been out of work since the pandemic began , and the family is relying on her husband 's income as an engineer .
She 's all for 100 % online learning for her three kids , 14 , 11 and 9 .
`` Even in the e-learning this past spring , we supplemented , '' Blue said .
`` My oldest , I gave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are must-reads .
My middle guy , we ’ ve been talking a lot about social justice .
And my little one , she ’ s been devouring novels , and we ’ ve been doing lots of arts projects . ''
Claudia Muniz , a West Side resident who works in sales at a bank , said she prefers having her kids – entering eighth and ninth grade – home because she can work alongside them .
`` If anything , it ’ s been better for me because I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As I do work on my laptop , they ’ re sitting next to me doing work on their laptops doing work , '' Muniz said .
Many parents expressed concerns about their children 's mental health and social skills but said the risks of contracting or spreading the virus outweighed the benefits of going back to school .
South Side resident Shawn Rogers argued otherwise .
Rogers said he 's not in a position to help his kids with school during the day .
Rogers was working as the manager of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the pandemic , and now he 's working six days a week cleaning carpets .
Rogers said he 's not too concerned about coordinating child care – he 's used to working that out with his ex-wife – but he wants his two sons , 6 and 8 , to go back to school so that they can continue to socialize with other kids .
`` They can learn a lot from me , but they need to learn a lot from the community .
They need to see other people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rogers said he 's `` not too worried '' about his kids contracting or spreading the virus if they return for in-person instruction .
`` I focus on my kids ’ immune system .
I make them eat their vitamins , exercise , eat healthy .
They climb trees and drink out of the water hose , '' he said .
`` To be honest , I think we may have had it , and it just kind of passed . ''
All parents agreed : Whatever preliminary plan they set up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 situation in Chicago continues to evolve .
`` I feel like parents , teachers , everyone – we ’ re choosing between three or four really crappy choices , and we ’ re trying to make the choice that will hurt the fewest people , '' said Jenny Ludwig , who lives on the North Side with two kids , 7 and 4 , and her husband , a public school teacher .
`` Everyone I know would agree that it ’ s an impossible choice . ''

Some parents want to hire tutors, start mini schools this year. Most can't afford to.
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How access to the internet is not created equal As schools debate about returning to online learning, the lack of internet access for many Americans is a big sticking point. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
CHICAGO – Millions of parents across the nation are facing difficult decisions about what to do with their kids this school year. But the pandemic affects every family differently, for reasons that range from their socioeconomic status to their health to the fields they work in.
Some parents are in a better position than others to ensure their children stay healthy and keep up with schoolwork, and researchers are raising questions about how the pandemic may exacerbate existing educational inequalities.
"Kids who are disproportionately low-income are at highest risk for learning losses," said Ariel Kalil, a professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. "When these gaps in learning open up, absent some really serious and sustained intervention, the kids won’t (catch up). That will result in less academic achievement, lower lifetime earnings and even lower productivity in adulthood."
USA TODAY spoke with more than a dozen families from neighborhoods across Chicago, and many agreed: It's not safe to send kids back yet. But some parents can afford to hire personal tutors and buy new learning materials for their kids while they stay home from school. Others – in a city where 270,000 public school students are on free or reduced-price lunch and an estimated 100,000 lack access to high-speed internet – are more concerned about simply obtaining the tools needed to make online learning possible.
'You can't fall behind': Some parents turn to 'pods'
While most of the largest school districts in the U.S. have decided to start fully online, Chicago so far is planning a hybrid in-person and at-home learning model, with the option to go fully remote. The hybrid plan assigns students to "pods" of about 15 for in-person learning, which would take place two days a week for most students. The other days would be used for e-learning.
As parents weigh options for the coming school year, city officials are gathering opinions from families in a citywide survey and series of community meetings. The district said Tuesday that it did not yet know how many students would opt for fully remote classes. Class is scheduled to start Sept. 8.
Parents guide to online school: 9 questions to help vet your back-to-school choices
Many parents living in more affluent neighborhoods said they were closely tracking the coronavirus spread in the city and didn't yet feel comfortable with sending their children back to school. Some, concerned about their children falling behind and wanting to be able to maintain jobs without much interruption, plan to hire child care or tutoring help.
West Side resident Jeremy Sutton said he and his wife would consider sending their 5-year-old son back to school for the two in-person instruction days, but they are looking into forming a cohort of other students from his 15-person pod to get together on their e-learning days.
"My thought was, 'Could we find a few other families to do some sort of group?' If we can't have school in a classroom safely ... maybe we could get three to five kids together and hire somebody to facilitate," Sutton said. "That would be not as good as being in class, (but) that would be better than nothing."
What is a 'pandemic pod'? And what does it mean for equity?
Sutton, a money manager, and his wife, a real estate attorney, are working from home full time, and work is almost as busy as it has ever been, Sutton said. They lasted about two weeks into the shutdown before hiring a child care professional to work with their son about five hours a day.
"I’m very conscious of the fact that we are able to do this, and not everybody can. And that’s not really fair and will make problems that are already problems worse," said Sutton, who formerly served on the board of an education organization in Chicago. "If everybody was going to lose a year at the same time, then that’s fine. The worry is that this isn’t going to happen evenly, and that’s the problem."
North Side resident Michael Hoffman, vice president of managed care for a laboratory, has two daughters heading into third and 10th grade. Hoffman said he's not comfortable sending them back to school because he's not seeing enough coronavirus testing in the city. But he's concerned about his youngest daughter falling behind and losing her chance of getting into the kind of select high school his older daughter now attends.
For now, he's working from home, and he can help her with schoolwork. (Hoffman splits childcare 50-50 with his ex-wife.) If his job becomes more demanding, he plans to hire a tutor.
"Especially in Chicago, you can’t fall behind. You just can’t if you want to get into the select schools," Hoffman said.
Online school? In-person? How parents are making their own fall 2020 decisions
Families affected by COVID-19 hesitant to send kids back: 'It's kind of scary'
In neighborhoods with more low-income families and people of color, home to many front-line workers, parents were also hesitant about sending their kids back to school. Many said they knew people who had died from COVID-19.
But for most of these parents, hiring a tutor isn't a part of the equation.
West Side resident Michele Urbina, a single mom who works security at a public school and is in remission for cancer, said she wasn't ready to send her 14-year-old daughter to school. Urbina said two of her cousins – a postal worker and a medical assistant – have had COVID-19, and her uncle recently died from the disease.
"With how the numbers have started to rise again, and the number of cases that are reported daily now, it’s kind of scary," Urbina said of in-person instruction.
Donicia Young, who has four kids and works at a day care center, said she's not planning to send her kids to school and has set up a learning area for her kids at home.
Contracting the virus is a top concern, Young said. Two family members recently died from COVID-19, and her 16-year-old son has asthma, Young said.
"I can’t take any chances with him," Young said.
Young said that her kids love e-learning and that their grades have even improved – although she knows other kids have struggled.
"They’re not disrupted on the laptop," she said. "I told my kids: 'You’re backwards.' But they love it, and they love doing projects online."
West Side resident Yarimar Nieves said she isn't in a position to hire a tutor but has been doing her best to help her kids with online learning. She and her husband, who works as a window washer, have two sons, 10 and 11, who rely on lunches provided by their school. Nieves said the boys have been keeping up with online summer school by sharing a school-provided laptop – one of the more than 100,000 laptops and tablets distributed by the district.
"My biggest concern is safety. That is always going to be my number one thing in my head," Nieves said.
Nieves said she was concerned about losing access to school-provided lunches if she decided to keep her kids home, but school administrators reassured her the district would continue providing food.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also launched an initiative in June to extend hot spot coverage for students in temporary living situations and expand high-speed internet access to students. The $50 million initiative was expected to roll out over the next four years and prioritize families in need on the city’s South and West sides.
But working families say they have other financial concerns to consider. Rosaura Oquendo, who lives nearby and has custody of her 8-year-old grandson, said she has been paying for a babysitter while she's at work part time in the car insurance industry.
"It’s a financial burden for me, but I know for a fact that he’s safe at home," said Oquendo, who doesn't plan to send her grandson back to school until there's a vaccine.
Oquendo said it's hard for her grandson to focus on online learning. He's frequently getting up to go to the bathroom or grab a snack. She said he focuses more in school, but she's skeptical of the district's current plan.
"If my grandson gets the virus, is CPS going to pay for the test or for me to stay home taking care of my grandson?" she asked.
Parents buy books, assign projects, spend time at home with kids
For some parents, online learning hasn't been too frustrating thus far. They've been able to supplement learning or get extra time with their kids.
South Side resident Kevin Robinson, who manages civilian construction projects and is a union member, said he's grateful his work has given him some flexibility to step away and do things with the kids – two girls, 8 and 6, and two twins boys, 4 – during the day. He and his wife won't be sending their kids back to school because the risk of transmission is "too dangerous," he said.
"I’m not as worried about the academic side of it. We’ve been buying them books, watching PBS with them, talking to them," Robinson said. "I’m more concerned about the social side of it. They’re missing out on childhood experiences."
Southwest Side resident Becca Blue said she's also been trying to supplement her kids' schoolwork as much as possible. A freelance florist who typically works weddings, Blue said she's been out of work since the pandemic began, and the family is relying on her husband's income as an engineer. She's all for 100% online learning for her three kids, 14, 11 and 9.
"Even in the e-learning this past spring, we supplemented," Blue said. "My oldest, I gave him some short stories that I think are must-reads. My middle guy, we’ve been talking a lot about social justice. And my little one, she’s been devouring novels, and we’ve been doing lots of arts projects."
Claudia Muniz, a West Side resident who works in sales at a bank, said she prefers having her kids – entering eighth and ninth grade – home because she can work alongside them.
"If anything, it’s been better for me because I’ve gotten to spend time with them. As I do work on my laptop, they’re sitting next to me doing work on their laptops," Muniz said.
Parents weigh tough choice: Prioritize health or social skills?
Many parents expressed concerns about their children's mental health and social skills but said the risks of contracting or spreading the virus outweighed the benefits of going back to school. South Side resident Shawn Rogers argued otherwise.
Rogers said he's not in a position to help his kids with school during the day. Rogers was working as the manager of a French dining restaurant when it closed down because of the pandemic, and now he's working six days a week cleaning carpets.
Rogers said he's not too concerned about coordinating child care – he's used to working that out with his ex-wife – but he wants his two sons, 6 and 8, to go back to school so they can continue to socialize with other kids.
"They can learn a lot from me, but they need to learn a lot from the community. They need to see other people in action," Rogers said.
Rogers said he's "not too worried" about his kids contracting or spreading the virus if they return for in-person instruction.
"I focus on my kids’ immune system. I make them eat their vitamins, exercise, eat healthy. They climb trees and drink out of the water hose," he said. "To be honest, I think we may have had it, and it just kind of passed."
Homeschooling ideas: Tips to keep kids engaged during coronavirus If school has been canceled and you're stuck at home with the kids, you can still help them learn valuable lessons even if you're not an expert. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
All parents agreed: Whatever preliminary plan they set up for their kids will likely change as the pandemic in Chicago continues to evolve.
"I feel like parents, teachers, everyone – we’re choosing between three or four really crappy choices, and we’re trying to make the choice that will hurt the fewest people," said Jenny Ludwig, who lives on the North Side with two kids, 7 and 4, and her husband, a public school teacher. "Everyone I know would agree that it’s an impossible choice."
Follow Grace Hauck on Twitter @grace_hauck.
'Like a pawn in a political game': Contradictory school reopening plans leave teachers, parents reeling


usatoday--2020-08-02--Opinion: How Kyle Lowry makes the Raptors an NBA Finals threat

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — The Toronto Raptors lost their NBA Finals MVP , but they still have their identity .
They rightfully remain concerned with staying healthy through the coronavirus pandemic and using the NBA ’ s platform to address systemic racism .
And yet they still have someone who views this as an opportunity instead of an obstacle .
The reason for the Raptors navigating through such fluid and stressful circumstances with ease ?
Look no further than Raptors guard Kyle Lowry .
Not only did he demonstrate why the Raptors remain a legit championship contender after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday with 33 points , 14 rebounds and six assists , Lowry has balanced his fiery on-court play with steady perspective .
`` Understanding there is always going to be some ups and downs and going to be some big waves and low waves and smooth sailing , '' Lowry said .
`` You got to be able to ride the wave , whatever it is .
If it is a high moment , you just stay even . ''
And if it is a low moment ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Raptors ( 47-18 ) challenge the Milwaukee Bucks ( 54-12 ) , Boston Celtics ( 43-22 ) and Miami Heat ( 42-24 ) as the best Eastern Conference team 13 months after Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green left their championship roster .
And Lowry has ensured the Raptors have stayed just as sharp despite not playing an NBA game for over four months once the league suspended play because of the pandemic .
`` They won a championship for a reason , '' Lakers star LeBron James said .
`` And it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Kawhi and obviously you see that . ''
It was also significantly because of Lowry , who stymied the Western Conference ’ s best team with qualities that make him beloved to Raptors fans and an irritant to his opponents .
ON FIRE : Warren drops 53 points to lead Pacers to key win over Sixers He fired from 3-point range ( 5-of-9 ) .
He attacked the basket either to finish at the rim ( 8-of-16 ) or draw a trip to the free-throw line ( 12-of-15 ) .
He drew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent him to floor , but he always stood up quickly .
He did the same thing when he drew charges , even on the 6-foot-9 , 250-pound James .
`` He seems to get himself into incredible shape , and he seems happy , '' Raptors coach Nick Nurse said .
`` He seems focused and is really excited and ready to play .
It rubs off on the other guys .
That ’ s what makes him a great leader . ''
Sure , Lowry might play with emotion .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at officials and even drew a technical late in the game .
And he has little patience for wasted small talk .
The Raptors marvel at Lowry ’ s ability , however , to harness those emotions while also showing his humanity .
During the league ’ s four-month hiatus , forward O.G .
Anunoby credited Lowry for frequently organizing team Zoom calls to offer league updates and positive reinforcement .
Behind the scenes , Lowry also remained vocal with the NBA players union during its talks with the league about how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform to address systemic racism .
`` It ’ s just understanding the times are different .
You have to be able to adjust , '' Lowry said .
`` That ’ s one thing about professional athletes and professionals in general .
The adjustment rate is high .
We ’ re able to adjust at any moment , any situation and any time .
That ’ s the one thing I ’ ve learned throughout my career being able to adjust on the fly and not being stuck in your own ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such perspective earlier in his career with the Memphis Grizzlies ( 2007-2009 ) and Houston Rockets ( 2009-2012 ) .
He also struggled to accept the Raptors ’ decision to include good friend DeMar DeRozan in a trade package to the San Antonio Spurs for Leonard in 2018 .
And his intense play in previous seasons contributed to various injuries .
And now ?
A year after winning a championship with Leonard , Lowry may have topped himself .
He has averaged 19.7 points ( third-most in his career ) , 7.7 assists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( career-high ) .
While the Raptors also have championship continuity in Marc Gasol , Serge Ibaka , Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet , Lowry ’ s presence elevates those around him .
`` It does rub off when they play a little harder , '' Nurse said of his team .
`` They would really have to copy it more and block out like he does and take more charges .
They do play with a good amount of energy , effort and connectivity because of Kyle being out there , doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wish they really emulated him on some stuff . ''
Lowry has led the team ’ s charge both with his on-court play and his interest in speaking out on systemic racism .
That started with Lowry being among all the participants with the Raptors and Lakers to kneel during both the American and Canadian national anthems .
When Lowry knelt on a towel as support over the hard-wood floor , he thought about a white police officer kneeling on George Floyd , an unarmed Black man .
`` To think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being ’ s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds , that ’ s a bad thought to have , '' Lowry said .
`` That is an unbelievably messed up thing that happened to an innocent Black man . ''
The efforts continued with his attire and words .
After wearing `` Education Reform '' on the back of his Raptors jersey , Lowry wore a `` Black Lives Matter '' hat .
He called for justice for Breonna Taylor , an unarmed 28-year-old Black woman that was killed in March in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was part of a money-laundering operation .
He talked about voter suppression in the Black community .
`` These things are the things that are getting me going and wanting me to go out there and do my job as best as I can , '' Lowry said .
`` Our job is to be professional basketball players .
But we also want to send messages and uplift other Black Americans that ’ s out there and Black people around the world .
That ’ s what we ’ re doing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message and the momentum going . ''
What will it take for the Raptors to keep their momentum ?
Lean on Lowry for his on-court intensity and off-court calmness .
`` I take that approach every single day , '' Lowry said .
`` I think that ’ s where I ’ ve become a better person , man and leader . ''

Opinion: How Kyle Lowry makes the Raptors an NBA Finals threat
Show Caption Hide Caption NBA power rankings: Lakers lead the way with games back underway SportsPulse: The NBA has finally gotten back underway and our NBA experts ranked all 22 teams participating in the reset. USA TODAY
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Toronto Raptors lost their NBA Finals MVP, but they still have their identity. They rightfully remain concerned with staying healthy through the coronavirus pandemic and using the NBA’s platform to address systemic racism. And yet they still have someone who views these circumstances as an opportunity instead of an obstacle.
The reason for the Raptors navigating through such fluid and stressful issues with ease? Look no further than Raptors guard Kyle Lowry. Not only did he demonstrate why the Raptors remain a legit championship contender after leading them to a 107-92 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday with 33 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Lowry has balanced his fiery on-court play with steady perspective.
"Understanding there is always going to be some ups and downs and going to be some big waves and low waves and smooth sailing," Lowry said. "You got to be able to ride the wave, whatever it is. If it is a high moment, you just stay even."
🙌 @Klow7 does it all in the @Raptors W over LAL! #WholeNewGame
33 PTS | 14 REB (career high) | 6 AST | 5 3PM pic.twitter.com/qyvf6sPfKs — NBA (@NBA) August 2, 2020
And if it is a low moment? Do the same thing. That helped the Raptors (47-18) challenge the Milwaukee Bucks (54-12), Boston Celtics (43-22) and Miami Heat (42-24) as the best Eastern Conference team 13 months after Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green left their championship roster. Lowry has ensured the Raptors have stayed just as sharp despite not playing an NBA game for over four months once the league suspended play because of the pandemic.
"They won a championship for a reason," Lakers star LeBron James said. "And it wasn’t just all solely because of Kawhi and obviously you see that."
It was also significantly because of Lowry, who stymied the Western Conference’s best team with qualities that make him beloved to Raptors fans and an irritant to his opponents.
ON FIRE: Warren drops 53 points to lead Pacers to key win over Sixers
NO PROBLEM: Embiid downplays heated exchange with teammate
He fired from 3-point range (5-of-9). He attacked the basket either to finish at the rim (8-of-16) or draw a trip to the free-throw line (12-of-15). He drew whistles after absorbing brutal contact that often sent him to floor, but he always stood up quickly. He did the same thing when he drew charges, even on the 6-foot-9, 250-pound James.
"He seems to get himself into incredible shape, and he seems happy," Raptors coach Nick Nurse said of Lowry. "He seems focused and is really excited and ready to play. It rubs off on the other guys. That’s what makes him a great leader."
Sure, Lowry might play with emotion. He competes with uncompromising intensity. He yaps at officials and even drew a technical late in the game. And he has little patience for wasted small talk. The Raptors marvel at Lowry’s ability, however, to harness those emotions while also showing his humanity.
During the league’s four-month hiatus, forward O.G. Anunoby credited Lowry for organizing team Zoom calls frequently to offer league updates and positive reinforcement. Behind the scenes, Lowry also remained vocal with the NBA players union during its talks with the league about how to handle its safety protocols and use its platform to address systemic racism.
"It’s just understanding the times are different. You have to be able to adjust," Lowry said. "That’s one thing about professional athletes and professionals in general. The adjustment rate is high. We’re able to adjust at any moment, any situation and any time. That’s the one thing I’ve learned throughout my career being able to adjust on the fly and not being stuck in your own ways."
Lowry may not have had such perspective earlier in his career with the Memphis Grizzlies (2007-2009) and Houston Rockets (2009-2012). He also struggled to accept the Raptors’ decision to include good friend DeMar DeRozan in a trade package to the San Antonio Spurs for Leonard in 2018. And his intense play in previous seasons contributed to various injuries.
And now? A year after winning a championship with Leonard, Lowry may have topped himself. He has averaged 19.7 points (third-most in his career), 7.7 assists (third-most) and 8.9 3-point attempts (career-high). While the Raptors also have championship continuity in Marc Gasol, Serge Ibaka, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet, Lowry’s presence elevates those around him.
"It does rub off when they play a little harder," Nurse said of Lowry's impact on his teammates. "They would really have to copy it more and block out like he does and take more charges. They do play with a good amount of energy, effort and connectivity because of Kyle being out there, doing it and directing traffic and such. I wish they really emulated him on some stuff."
Lowry has led the team’s charge both with his on-court play and his interest in speaking out on systemic racism. That started with Lowry being among all the participants with the Raptors and Lakers to kneel during both the American and Canadian national anthems. When Lowry knelt on a towel as support over the hard-wood floor, he thought about a white police officer kneeling on George Floyd, an unarmed Black man.
"To think about a human being kneeling on another human being’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, that’s a bad thought to have," Lowry said. "That is an unbelievably messed up thing that happened to an innocent Black man."
The efforts continued with his attire and words. After wearing "Education Reform" on the back of his Raptors jersey, Lowry wore a "Black Lives Matter" hat. He called for justice for Breonna Taylor, an unarmed 28-year-old Black woman that was killed in March in her sleep after police officers wrongfully suspected she was part of a money-laundering operation. He talked about voter suppression in the Black community.
"These things are the things that are getting me going and wanting me to go out there and do my job as best as I can," Lowry said. "Our job is to be professional basketball players. But we also want to send messages and uplift other Black Americans that’s out there and Black people around the world. That’s what we’re doing, trying to win games and keep our message and the momentum going."
What will it take for the Raptors to keep their momentum? Lean on Lowry for his on-court intensity and off-court calmness.
"I take that approach every single day," Lowry said. "That’s where I’ve become a better person, man and leader."
Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.


usatoday--2020-08-02--Police hold suspect in connection with professional poker player Susie Zhao's death

DETROIT – A 60-year-old Michigan man has been taken into custody in connection with the death of professional poker player Susie Zhao .
The White Lake Township Police Department took the Pontiac man into custody around 9 a.m. Friday after locating the suspect 's vehicle , the department said in a news release .
Police stopped the suspect near I-275 and Michigan Avenue and executed the search warrant , White Lake Township Police Detective Lt. Christopher Hild said .
Zhao 's body was found badly burned July 13 at a state park in White Lake Township , about 40 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was killed at the recreation area , then her body was set ablaze , although her cause of death has not yet been released .
Susie Zhao : Mystery deepens in death of professional poker player found burned in Michigan The professional poker player had recently moved to live with her parents in Waterford after living in California and Las Vegas for more than 10 years .
Known to other players as Susie Q , the 33-year-old Zhao had winnings of at least $ 187,441 , according to the World Series of Poker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event in 2012 .
White Lake Township police Detective Lt. Chris Hild has noted that her death could be related to her travels on the poker circuit .
The investigation into Zhao 's death is ongoing , police said .
Contributing : Emma Dale of the Free Press ; The Associated Press

Police hold suspect in connection with professional poker player Susie Zhao's death
Show Caption Hide Caption Suzie Zhao: Police holding suspect in poker player's death A source close to the death investigation of Susie Zhao says a person is in custody. Fox - 2 Detroit
DETROIT – A 60-year-old Michigan man has been taken into custody in connection with the death of professional poker player Susie Zhao.
The White Lake Township Police Department took the Pontiac man into custody around 9 a.m. Friday after locating the suspect's vehicle, the department said in a news release. Police stopped the suspect near I-275 and Michigan Avenue and executed the search warrant, White Lake Township Police Detective Lt. Christopher Hild said.
Zhao's body was found badly burned July 13 at a state park in White Lake Township, about 40 miles northwest of Detroit. Authorities believe she was killed at the recreation area, then her body was set ablaze, although her cause of death has not yet been released.
Susie Zhao: Mystery deepens in death of professional poker player found burned in Michigan
The professional poker player had recently moved to live with her parents in Waterford after living in California and Las Vegas for more than 10 years.
Known to other players as Susie Q, the 33-year-old Zhao had winnings of at least $187,441, according to the World Series of Poker website, including $73,805 at an event in 2012.
White Lake Township police Detective Lt. Chris Hild has noted that her death could be related to her travels on the poker circuit.
The investigation into Zhao's death is ongoing, police said.
Contributing: Emma Dale of the Free Press; The Associated Press
Follow Meredith Spelbring on Twitter @mere0415.


usatoday--2020-07-31--Boston Marathon bomber's death sentence overturned, new trial ordered for sentencing phase

A Massachusetts federal appeals court vacated the death sentence of the surviving Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev based on bias @ @ @ @

Boston Marathon bomber sentence overturned, new trial ordered
A Massachusetts federal appeals court vacated the death sentence of the surviving Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev based on bias held in 2015.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-02--Apple Fire spreads and forces evacuations in California's Cherry Valley

Homes are evacuated as the Apple Fire continues to grow in Southern California .

Apple Fire spreads and forces evacuations in California
Homes are evacuated as the Apple Fire continues to grow in Southern California.
Storyful


usatoday--2020-07-31--Rescuer saves kangaroo from death...twice

When two boys discovered a kangaroo had fallen down a mine shaft in Victoria , Australia , Manfred Zabinskas was @ @ @ @ @ animal .

Rescuer saves kangaroo from death...twice
When two boys discovered a kangaroo had fallen down a mine shaft in Victoria, Australia, Manfred Zabinskas was called in to rescue the animal.
Animalkind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-03--Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson tests positive for COVID-19

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has tested positive for the novel coronavirus , the team confirmed Sunday night .
ESPN was the first to report this development .
`` We received confirmation this evening that Head Coach Doug Pederson tested positive for COVID-19 , '' the Eagles said in a statement .
`` Pederson is asymptomatic and doing well .
He is currently in self-quarantine and in communication with the team 's medical staff .
`` The organization is following the protocols established by the NFL and the NFLPA .
Any individuals in close contact with Pederson at our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with daily testing procedures and compliance with all protocols before returning to the facility . ''
Pederson is the second NFL head coach to test positive for the coronavirus .
In March , New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19 .
Last week , Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson disclosed that he had tested positive for COVID-19 .
The coronavirus has been the top story line as NFL teams open training camps .
There have been 42 players to opt out of the 2020 season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patriots .
Two starting quarterbacks — the Detroit Lions ' Matthew Stafford and the Jacksonville Jaguars ' Gardner Minshew — have been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list .
Pederson directed the Eagles to the first Super Bowl win in franchise history during the 2017 season , defeating the Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII .

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson tests positive for COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption What would make the NFL cancel games and the season? USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell breaks down various potential contingencies as the NFL tries to play during a pandemic. USA TODAY
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the team confirmed Sunday night.
ESPN was the first to report this development.
"We received confirmation this evening that Head Coach Doug Pederson tested positive for COVID-19," the Eagles said in a statement. "Pederson is asymptomatic and doing well. He is currently in self-quarantine and in communication with the team's medical staff.
"The organization is following the protocols established by the NFL and the NFLPA. Any individuals in close contact with Pederson at our facility have been notified and will continue with daily testing procedures and compliance with all protocols before returning to the facility."
Pederson is the second NFL head coach to test positive for the coronavirus. In March, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton revealed that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Last week, Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson disclosed that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
The coronavirus has been the top story line as NFL teams open training camps. There have been 42 players to opt out of the 2020 season, including eight members of the New England Patriots. Two starting quarterbacks — the Detroit Lions' Matthew Stafford and the Jacksonville Jaguars' Gardner Minshew — have been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Pederson directed the Eagles to the first Super Bowl win in franchise history during the 2017 season, defeating the Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII.


usatoday--2020-08-03--Microsoft confirms it's exploring purchase of TikTok after CEO's conversation with President Trump

Microsoft said Sunday it will continue discussions to purchase the video app TikTok after a conversation between CEO Satya Nadella and President Donald Trump .
The announcement came after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that Trump is expected to take action `` in the coming days '' against TikTok and other Chinese software companies viewed as national security threats .
`` Microsoft will move quickly to pursue discussions with TikTok ’ s parent company , ByteDance , in a matter of weeks , and in any event completing these discussions no later than September 15 , 2020 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
`` During this process , Microsoft looks forward to continuing dialogue with the United States Government , including with the President . ''
TikTok features short videos , known for their lighthearted feel .
The app has become a favorite of young people .
Save better , spend better : Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox .
Sign up here Trump said Friday the Chinese-owned TikTok will be banned in the U.S. , which he said he can do through emergency powers or an executive order .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ByteDance is harvesting data from Americans .
The U.S. Navy last year urged service members to delete the app from government devices .
Earlier Sunday , Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on ABC ’ s “ This Week ” that TikTok can ’ t remain in its current form because it `` risks sending back information on 100 million Americans.
” Speaking on Fox News Channel 's `` Sunday Morning Futures , '' Pompeo said TikTok and WeChat , a messaging app , were “ feeding data directly to the Chinese Communist Party.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes his decision , will make sure that everything we have done drives us as close to zero risk for the American people , '' Pompeo said .
Congress and technology : Do lawmakers understand Google and Facebook enough to regulate them ?
TikTok responds to Trump 's proposed ban : 'We 're not planning on going anywhere' In its statement , Microsoft said it `` appreciates the importance of addressing the President ’ s concerns '' and `` is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` The discussions with ByteDance will build upon a notification made by Microsoft and ByteDance to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States , '' Microsoft said .
`` The two companies have provided notice of their intent to explore a preliminary proposal that would involve a purchase of the TikTok service in the United States , Canada , Australia , and New Zealand and would result in Microsoft owning and operating TikTok in these markets . ''
Microsoft said its proposed `` new structure would build on the experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world-class security , privacy , and digital safety protections . ''
Microsoft said it `` would ensure that all private data of TikTok ’ s American users is transferred to and remains in the United States .
To the extent that any such data is currently stored or backed-up outside the United States , Microsoft would ensure that this data is deleted from servers outside the country after it is transferred . ''
TikTok could not be immediately reached for comment Sunday night .
On Saturday , the company told USA TODAY its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. , with strict controls on employee access .
“ We are committed to protecting our users ' privacy and safety as we continue working to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform , ” TikTok said in its statement Saturday .
Daniel Ives , an analyst with Wedbush Securities , said in a note to investors that with an acquisition , Microsoft would be throwing its `` hat in the ring and trying to compete with other tech giants such as Facebook in a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its consumer business . ''
`` For Microsoft this would be a big bet on the consumer social media space , which the company has stayed away from over the last decade , '' Ives wrote .
`` Microsoft buying TikTok and these U.S. operations would resolve the security issues with this app . ''

Microsoft confirms it's exploring purchase of TikTok after CEO's conversation with President Trump
Show Caption Hide Caption TikTok: President Trump says he plans to ban the popular app "As far as TikTok is concerned, we're banning them from the United States," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One as he returned from Florida. USA TODAY, Wochit
Microsoft said Sunday it will continue discussions to purchase the video app TikTok after a conversation between CEO Satya Nadella and President Donald Trump.
The announcement came after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Sunday that Trump is expected to take action "in the coming days" against TikTok and other Chinese software companies viewed as national security threats.
"Microsoft will move quickly to pursue discussions with TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, in a matter of weeks, and in any event completing these discussions no later than September 15, 2020," Microsoft said in a blog post Sunday. "During this process, Microsoft looks forward to continuing dialogue with the United States Government, including with the President."
TikTok features short videos, known for their lighthearted feel. The app has become a favorite of young people.
Save better, spend better: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here
Trump said Friday the Chinese-owned TikTok will be banned in the U.S., which he said he can do through emergency powers or an executive order.
His threat comes as the administration investigates whether ByteDance is harvesting data from Americans. The U.S. Navy last year urged service members to delete the app from government devices.
Earlier Sunday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on ABC’s “This Week” that TikTok can’t remain in its current form because it "risks sending back information on 100 million Americans.”
Speaking on Fox News Channel's "Sunday Morning Futures," Pompeo said TikTok and WeChat, a messaging app, were “feeding data directly to the Chinese Communist Party.”
"The President, when he makes his decision, will make sure that everything we have done drives us as close to zero risk for the American people," Pompeo said.
Congress and technology: Do lawmakers understand Google and Facebook enough to regulate them?
TikTok responds to Trump's proposed ban: 'We're not planning on going anywhere'
In its statement, Microsoft said it "appreciates the importance of addressing the President’s concerns" and "is committed to acquiring TikTok subject to a complete security review and providing proper economic benefits to the United States."
"The discussions with ByteDance will build upon a notification made by Microsoft and ByteDance to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States," Microsoft said. "The two companies have provided notice of their intent to explore a preliminary proposal that would involve a purchase of the TikTok service in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and would result in Microsoft owning and operating TikTok in these markets."
Microsoft said its proposed "new structure would build on the experience TikTok users currently love, while adding world-class security, privacy, and digital safety protections."
Microsoft said it "would ensure that all private data of TikTok’s American users is transferred to and remains in the United States. To the extent that any such data is currently stored or backed-up outside the United States, Microsoft would ensure that this data is deleted from servers outside the country after it is transferred."
TikTok could not be immediately reached for comment Sunday night. On Saturday, the company told USA TODAY its U.S. user data is stored in the U.S., with strict controls on employee access.
“We are committed to protecting our users' privacy and safety as we continue working to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform,” TikTok said in its statement Saturday.
Sassy grandma has more than 1 million fans online Matthew Stewart has been recording his 87-year-old grandma for years. Together, they have more than 1 million fans on TikTok. Humankind, USA TODAY
Daniel Ives, an analyst with Wedbush Securities, said in a note to investors that with an acquisition, Microsoft would be throwing its "hat in the ring and trying to compete with other tech giants such as Facebook in a new avenue of growth for the next decade for its consumer business."
"For Microsoft this would be a big bet on the consumer social media space, which the company has stayed away from over the last decade," Ives wrote. "Microsoft buying TikTok and these U.S. operations would resolve the security issues with this app."
Contributing: John Fritze, Jefferson Graham, David Jackson, and Courtney Subramanian, USA TODAY; Associated Press
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko


usatoday--2020-08-02--NASA astronauts splash down near Florida in a SpaceX Crew Dragon

A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in orbit retracted its claw from an attached trunk Sunday , releasing the support structure and exposing a massive heat shield designed to protect NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley from the treacherous process of Earth entry .
The spacecraft that departed the International Space Station only 19 hours earlier then performed a critical deorbit burn , placing the duo on an irreversible trajectory toward the Gulf of Mexico .
As expected , plasmas that quickly formed around the capsule during re-entry caused a communications blackout as the heat shield kept thousands of degrees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 85 degrees .
After several callouts to Crew Dragon with no response , Hurley 's signal finally made it through : `` Endeavour has you loud and clear . ''
'Not what we were anticipating ' : After successful splashdown of SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule , private boats swarm astronauts Coronavirus live updates : Texas doc fights 'war against COVID and war against stupidity ' ; Birx warns rural Americans ; stimulus talks drag on Named Endeavour for SpaceX 's second demonstration – but first crewed – mission to the ISS , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set the astronauts down on calm , `` glass-like '' waters about 40 miles off the coast of Pensacola .
As expected , the splashdown was observed at 2:48 p.m. Eastern time .
`` On behalf of the SpaceX and NASA teams , welcome back to planet Earth , '' a mission manager at SpaceX 's headquarters in California said .
`` Thanks for flying SpaceX . ''
`` It truly was our honor and privilege to fly this flight of the Crew Dragon and Endeavour , '' mission commander and former space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery teams .
After plucking the 27,000-pound capsule out of the water , teams on SpaceX 's Go Navigator ship asked Behnken and Hurley to remain in the capsule for a bit longer than expected as the spacecraft vented remnants of dangerous engine propellants .
The duo were cleared to start leaving the capsule a little over an hour after splashdown .
After the egress process , SpaceX and NASA medical teams performed quick checkups before a helicopter landed on the ship for transport to Naval Air Station Pensacola .
A NASA jet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson Space Center in Houston , Texas , Sunday evening .
Their wives , Megan McArthur and Karen Nyberg , also both astronauts , and children were expected to greet them at JSC .
Hurley is a retired Marine Corps colonel and Behnken is an active-duty Air Force colonel .
Sunday 's operations brought a safe end to a wildly popular and successful Demo-2 , which was SpaceX 's last demonstration mission before NASA certifies the spacecraft for full-time human spaceflight .
If post-splashdown checkouts and data reviews look good , the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two separate flights later this year and early next year .
`` We certainly feel comfortable that we 're on the right path to carry commercial passengers , '' SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell told reporters .
`` Based on the results so far , I 'm really comfortable . ''
Behnken and Hurley 's liftoff from Kennedy Space Center on May 30 marked the first time in nearly a decade that NASA astronauts launched from U.S. soil .
After they arrived on station , the duo worked on their spacecraft , helped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hosted countless interviews from 250 miles above Earth .
`` What an amazing day .
Today we really made history , '' NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine told reporters during a post-splashdown teleconference .
`` We are entering a new era of human spaceflight where NASA is no longer the purchaser , owner , and operator of all the hardware .
We are going to be a customer . ''
In total , the `` space dads , '' as they 're affectionately known , traveled millions of miles during their 1,024 orbits of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first time in 45 years – since the Apollo-Soyuz program – that NASA astronauts splashed down in a American-made capsule .
The only wrinkle noted during post-splashdown operations was the unexpected arrival of several privately owned boats , which encircled Crew Dragon to try and get an up-close view .
The presence of unauthorized boats can not only be dangerous for returning astronauts , but for the boaters themselves as spacecraft vent toxic propellants used in space .
NASA 's efforts to restore American human spaceflight are collectively known as the multibillion-dollar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boeing 's Starliner capsule for future flights to the ISS .
That spacecraft is expected to fly on an uncrewed demonstration mission no earlier than October .
`` This is an amazing moment , '' Bridenstine said .
`` And the Commercial Crew Program has really just proven how we go forward . ''
`` Anybody who 's touched Endeavour , you should take a moment to just cherish this day , especially given all the things that have happened this year , '' Hurley said as Behnken , also a former shuttle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We certainly ca n't thank you enough and our families ca n't think you enough .
We 're just proud to be a small part of this effort to get people to and from the space station . ''

NASA astronauts splash down near Florida in a SpaceX Crew Dragon
A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in orbit retracted its claw from an attached trunk Sunday, releasing the support structure and exposing a massive heat shield designed to protect NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley from the treacherous process of Earth entry.
The spacecraft that departed the International Space Station only 19 hours earlier performed a critical deorbit burn, placing the duo on an irreversible trajectory toward the Gulf of Mexico. As expected, plasmas that quickly formed around the capsule during re-entry caused a communications blackout as the heat shield kept thousands of degrees at bay and the interior a toasty 85 degrees.
After several callouts to Crew Dragon with no response, Hurley's signal finally made it through: "Endeavour has you loud and clear."
'Not what we were anticipating': After successful splashdown of SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, private boats swarm astronauts
Coronavirus live updates: Texas doc fights 'war against COVID and war against stupidity'; Birx warns rural Americans; stimulus talks drag on
Named Endeavour for SpaceX's second demonstration – but first crewed – mission to the ISS, the spacecraft successfully deployed its parachutes and set the astronauts down on calm, "glass-like" waters about 40 miles off the coast of Pensacola. As expected, the splashdown was observed at 2:48 p.m. Eastern time.
"On behalf of the SpaceX and NASA teams, welcome back to planet Earth," a mission manager at SpaceX's headquarters in California said. "Thanks for flying SpaceX."
"It truly was our honor and privilege to fly this flight of the Crew Dragon and Endeavour," mission commander and former space shuttle astronaut Hurley said while waiting for recovery teams.
After plucking the 27,000-pound capsule out of the water, teams on SpaceX's Go Navigator ship asked Behnken and Hurley to remain in the capsule for a bit longer than expected as the spacecraft vented remnants of dangerous engine propellants. The duo were cleared to start leaving the capsule a little over an hour after splashdown.
After the egress process, SpaceX and NASA medical teams performed quick checkups before a helicopter landed on the ship for transport to Naval Air Station Pensacola. A NASA jet was scheduled to take them to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, Sunday evening.
Their wives, Megan McArthur and Karen Nyberg, also both astronauts, and children were expected to greet them in Houston. Hurley is a retired Marine Corps colonel and Behnken is an active-duty Air Force colonel.
Sunday's operations brought a safe end to a wildly popular and successful Demo-2, which was SpaceX's last demonstration mission before NASA certifies the spacecraft for full-time human spaceflight. If post-splashdown checkouts and data reviews look good, the agency is scheduled to fly eight astronauts on two separate flights later this year and early next year.
"We certainly feel comfortable that we're on the right path to carry commercial passengers," SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell told reporters. "Based on the results so far, I'm really comfortable."
Behnken and Hurley's liftoff from Kennedy Space Center on May 30 marked the first time in nearly a decade that NASA astronauts launched from U.S. soil. After they arrived on the station, the duo worked on their spacecraft, helped the ISS crew with science experiments, and hosted countless interviews from 250 miles above Earth.
"What an amazing day. Today we really made history," NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine told reporters during a post-splashdown teleconference. "We are entering a new era of human spaceflight where NASA is no longer the purchaser, owner, and operator of all the hardware. We are going to be a customer."
In total, the "space dads," as they're affectionately known, traveled millions of miles during their 1,024 orbits of Earth. Their Sunday splashdown also marked the first time in 45 years – since the Apollo-Soyuz program – that NASA astronauts splashed down in a American-made capsule.
The only wrinkle noted during post-splashdown operations was the unexpected arrival of several privately owned boats that encircled Crew Dragon to get an up-close view. The presence of unauthorized boats can not only be dangerous for returning astronauts, but for the boaters themselves as spacecraft vent toxic propellants used in space.
NASA's efforts to restore American human spaceflight are collectively known as the multibillion-dollar Commercial Crew Program, which also selected Boeing's Starliner capsule for future flights to the ISS. That spacecraft is expected to fly on an uncrewed demonstration mission no earlier than October.
"This is an amazing moment," Bridenstine said. "And the Commercial Crew Program has really just proven how we go forward."
"Anybody who's touched Endeavour, you should take a moment to just cherish this day, especially given all the things that have happened this year," Hurley said as Behnken, also a former shuttle astronaut, was removed from the capsule. "We certainly can't thank you enough and our families can't think you enough. We're just proud to be a small part of this effort to get people to and from the space station."
Follow reporter Emre Kelly on Twitter: @EmreKelly


usatoday--2020-08-03--Apple Fire grows in Southern California: 7,800 ordered to evacuate; 0% contained

PALM SPRINGS , Calif. – More than a thousand Southern California firefighters and multiple aircraft were working Sunday to battle the Apple Fire near Beaumont , California , which has spread to more than 20,000 acres , sent smoke drifting to Arizona and threatens thousands of homes in Riverside and San Bernardino counties .
The massive blaze , which began Friday evening as two smaller fires that eventually merged , has continued to grow , fed by low humidity , a slight breeze , thick vegetation and triple-digit temperatures .
By midday Sunday , the Apple Fire had scorched about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was 0 % contained .
About 1,360 firefighters and multiple aircraft were battling the blaze and dropping water and fire retardant from the air .
Earlier Sunday , some official reports had said the fire was 12 % contained , though Cal Fire Capt .
Fernando Herrera confirmed there has never been any containment .
About 7,800 people from 2,600 residences have been ordered to evacuate , officials said late Saturday .
No injuries have been reported .
Smoke from the fire has drifted as far away as the city of Globe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the National Weather Service 's Phoenix office .
The main body of smoke is visible across the south-central and southwest regions of the state .
Fire officials say the cause remains under investigation .
Herrera said the fire is burning on two sides .
The western edge is in the Forest Falls area in San Bernardino County ; the eastern flank has headed toward the Morongo Band of Mission Indians ' reservation in Riverside County .
As of Sunday morning , a portion of the reservation remained under an evacuation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a warning .
Morongo Casino Resort & Spa , located slightly to the south , has not been affected by evacuation notices .
Throughout Saturday night , Herrera said , firefighters and bulldozers built fire lines in anticipation of continued aerial attacks .
`` It is steep terrain , rugged terrain , '' he said .
`` Access is limited .
We ca n't really get to it on foot .
We rely a lot on the aircraft to do the work during the day . ''
Eye-level northwesterly winds up to 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday night ; these winds are closest to the ground and most likely to affect the fire 's behavior .
Overnight , those winds were forecast to drop to 3 to 5 mph , said James Brotherton , a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in San Diego .
Westerly winds forecast for Monday will be more concerning , Brotherton said .
Daytime winds on Monday are expected to be around 10 mph but could get up to 25 mph around the ridges , the higher elevations in the fire area .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 30 mph .
“ The nearby ridges , we are always concerned about how strong those winds are because they could affect the fire area , ” he said .
If the wind pushes the fire east toward the San Gorgonio pass – even at just 10 to 15 mph – that could change the outlook of the fire , because the pass already is a natural wind tunnel .
As of Saturday night , the only structures lost were a single-family home and two outbuildings near Avenida Miravilla in Cherry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be looking for any other damaged structures where the fire had burned .
`` It 's so hot and it 's so intense in some of these areas that have n't been mopped up that it 's hard to get in to make an assessment , '' he said .
Officials said that in addition to the blaze , they are mindful of protecting evacuees from the coronavirus pandemic .
An evacuation center is being used as more of a check-in point rather than an actual shelter .
On Friday night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were placed in hotel rooms , according to John Medina , shelter supervisor with the American Red Cross .
Banning resident Martin Yedwalsky , 50 , and his family spent the night at a Redlands Super 8 motel after evacuating Saturday afternoon .
He would have preferred staying home but decided to flee out of concern for his 89-year-old father , who is in a wheelchair .
They were joined by Yedwalsky ’ s 20- and 18-year-old sons , whom he praised for calmly evacuating .
They spent the night watching a Los @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elderly father made it clear he wanted to return home as they watched the fire burn from afar .
“ You could see the actual fire from Redlands .
That ’ s 25 miles away , ” Yedwalsky said .
“ I ’ m worried , but what can you do ?
I got my loved ones with me .
Everything else can be replaced.
” Previous reporting by Desert Sun reporters Maria Sestito and Brian Blueskye contributed to this report .
City News Service also contributed to this report .

Shane Newell, Brian Blueskye and Maria Sestito, Palm Springs Desert Sun

Apple Fire grows in Southern California: 20,500 acres scorched, 7,800 ordered to evacuate
Show Caption Hide Caption Apple Fire in Southern California leads thousands to be evacuated Firefighters continue to battle the Apple Fire in Southern California as thousands are evacuated. Storyful
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – More than a thousand Southern California firefighters and multiple aircraft were working Sunday to battle the Apple Fire near Beaumont, California, which has spread to more than 20,000 acres, sent smoke drifting to Arizona and threatens thousands of homes in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
The massive blaze, which began Friday evening as two smaller fires that eventually merged, has continued to grow, fed by low humidity, a slight breeze, thick vegetation and triple-digit temperatures.
By midday Sunday, the Apple Fire had scorched 20,516 acres — more than 32 square miles — destroyed three structures and was 5% contained by 8 p.m. Sunday night. About 1,360 firefighters and multiple aircraft were battling the blaze and dropping water and fire retardant from the air. Earlier Sunday, some official reports had said the fire was 12% contained, though Cal Fire Capt. Fernando Herrera confirmed there has never been any containment.
About 7,800 people from 2,600 residences have been ordered to evacuate, officials said late Saturday. No injuries have been reported.
Smoke from the fire has drifted as far away as the city of Globe, Arizona, roughly 400 miles away, according to the National Weather Service's Phoenix office. The main body of smoke is visible across the south-central and southwest regions of the state.
Fire officials say the cause remains under investigation.
Herrera said the fire is burning on two sides. The western edge is in the Forest Falls area in San Bernardino County; the eastern flank has headed toward the Morongo Band of Mission Indians' reservation in Riverside County.
As of Sunday morning, a portion of the reservation remained under an evacuation order, while other sections fell under a warning. Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, located slightly to the south, has not been affected by evacuation notices.
Throughout Saturday night, Herrera said, firefighters and bulldozers built fire lines in anticipation of continued aerial attacks.
"It is steep terrain, rugged terrain," he said. "Access is limited. We can't really get to it on foot. We rely a lot on the aircraft to do the work during the day."
Started the day assisting RSO with the #AppleFire. Personnel from Emergency Ops assisting with planning and evacs of Oak Glen. View from top of Oak Glen pic.twitter.com/Vxe5NK8E0x — Lt. James Mahan (@SBCSDLtMahan) August 2, 2020
Eye-level northwesterly winds up to 10 mph were forecast in the fire area Sunday night; these winds are closest to the ground and most likely to affect the fire's behavior. Overnight, those winds were forecast to drop to 3 to 5 mph, said James Brotherton, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in San Diego.
Westerly winds forecast for Monday will be more concerning, Brotherton said. Daytime winds on Monday are expected to be around 10 mph but could get up to 25 mph around the ridges, the higher elevations in the fire area. By Monday night, those winds could pick up to 30 mph.
“The nearby ridges, we are always concerned about how strong those winds are because they could affect the fire area,” he said.
If the wind pushes the fire east toward the San Gorgonio pass – even at just 10 to 15 mph – that could change the outlook of the fire, because the pass already is a natural wind tunnel.
As of Saturday night, the only structures lost were a single-family home and two outbuildings near Avenida Miravilla in Cherry Valley.
Herrera said an assessment team will be looking for any other damaged structures where the fire had burned.
"It's so hot and it's so intense in some of these areas that haven't been mopped up that it's hard to get in to make an assessment," he said.
Evacuations during a pandemic
Officials said that in addition to the blaze, they are mindful of protecting evacuees from the coronavirus pandemic. An evacuation center is being used as more of a check-in point rather than an actual shelter.
On Friday night, 31 people checked in and seven families were placed in hotel rooms, according to John Medina, shelter supervisor with the American Red Cross.
Banning resident Martin Yedwalsky, 50, and his family spent the night at a Redlands Super 8 motel after evacuating Saturday afternoon. He would have preferred staying home but decided to flee out of concern for his 89-year-old father, who is in a wheelchair.
They were joined by Yedwalsky’s 20- and 18-year-old sons, whom he praised for calmly evacuating. They spent the night watching a Los Angeles Lakers game, but Yedwalsky's elderly father made it clear he wanted to return home as they watched the fire burn from afar.
“You could see the actual fire from Redlands. That’s 25 miles away,” Yedwalsky said. “I’m worried, but what can you do? I got my loved ones with me. Everything else can be replaced.”
Previous reporting by Desert Sun reporters Maria Sestito and Brian Blueskye contributed to this report. City News Service also contributed to this report.
Reach reporters Shane Newell (@journoshane), Maria Sestito (@RiaSestito), and Brian Blueskye (brian.blueskye@desertsun.com)


usatoday--2020-08-03--NBA live updates: What does Day 4 have in store for NBA fans?

It 's more NBA , NCAA tournament-style on Sunday with six games .
But before we get to that , a quick reminder that Indiana 's T.J. Warren scored 53 points in the Pacers ' victory over Philadelphia , and Toronto , the defending champ in case you forgot , beat the Los Angeles Lakers behind a stellar performance from Kyle Lowry on Saturday .
Today 's games began with Brooklyn 's 118-110 victory over Washington , which further dims the Wizards ' chances of forcing a play-in game for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference .
Boston blew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portland 128-124 , and San Antonio 's 108-106 victory over Memphis keeps the Spurs in the playoff hunt .
Sacramento 's playoff chances took a hit with 132-116 loss to Orlando .
Also on tap today : Milwaukee-Houston at 8:30 p.m .
ET and Dallas-Phoenix at 9 p.m .
ET .
Remember , playoff spots and seeding are on the line during the final stretch , no matter how much it feels like the beginning of a new season .
Stay on top of all the action with updates from throughout the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mark Medina — on the ground at Disney World — and the USA TODAY Sports NBA team , including analysis , news and highlights : Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo against Houston had his 15th game with at least 30 points , 15 rebounds and five assists this season , joining Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players to record 15 games with at that many points , rebounds and assists in a season , according to Elias Sports Bureau .
It 's just another reason why Antetokounmpo is headed for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trail Blazers trailed the Boston Celtics by 24 points in the first half and were down 21 with 7:28 left in the third quarter .
By 9:51 of the fourth quarter , the Blazers had tied the score .
During that stretch , Portland All-Star guard Damian Lillard scored 18 points and then helped the Blazers take the lead .
But the Celtics managed to come away with a 128-124 victory , a much-needed win for Boston , which has Miami chasing it for the third seed in the Eastern Conference .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who are in ninth place in the Western Conference and trying to get into the playoffs .
Lillard finished with 30 points and 16 assists , and Jusuf Nurkic had 30 points and nine rebounds .
Jayson Tatum bounced back from a poor offensive game against Milwaukee on Friday with 34 points and eight assists , and Jaylen Brown dropped in 30 points for the Celtics .
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has spent the past two months speaking out on systemic racism .
So how did he feel when a handful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kneel to protest systemic racism during the national anthem ?
`` I don ’ t really have a reaction , '' Brown said .
`` Everybody has a choice to do what they feel is right and they believe in .
That ’ s up to them .
I ’ m not really disagreeing .
I ’ m appreciative of people that believe in the same thing that I do .
With those people , hopefully we come to an understanding if there is any type of disagreement or a collision .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ comment for people that don ’ t see the world the same way . ''
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac , who is Black , cited his Christian faith to explain why he declined to kneel with teammates and wear a `` Black Lives Matter '' shirt during the national anthem Friday against the Brooklyn Nets .
Although both have been outspoken on racial inequality , San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and assistant Becky Hammon stood during the national anthem before Friday ’ s game against the Kings .
Popovich declined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heat center Myers Leonard stood during the national anthem before Saturday ’ s game against the Denver Nuggets .
Leonard wore a `` Black Lives Matter '' shirt and fist bumped with teammates afterwards , but he cited his family ’ s military background as the reason why he stood .
Brown has a different view on that issue .
He was among one of several NBA players that engaged in peaceful protests after white police officer Derek Chauvin killed unarmed Black man George Floyd on Memorial Day .
So before Boston played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of the Celtics and Blazers players and coaches while wearing a `` Black Lives Matter '' shirt .
`` Angela Davis once said that racism is so dangerous not because of individual actors , but because it is deeply embedded in the apparatus .
I think about that quote a lot when I think about the national anthem , '' Brown said .
`` That was written by Francis Scott Key , who was a slave owner .
When we talk about the national anthem , we don ’ t really talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which addresses slavery .
It mentions there is no hope for a hireling or a slave but the gloom of the grave .
Racism is so deeply embedded in our country that people don ’ t even flinch or shift at the idea .
It is what it is .
It ’ s not the protests .
It ’ s not the police officers or the police brutality .
It is , but it is also the framework of systemic oppression .
That starts with the national anthem .
Being able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be really enough .
I ’ m proud of the NBA for being on the right side of how people feel . ''
Brown offered that statement before taking any questions about Boston ’ s win over Portland .
Brown wore a shirt after that game that read `` Shoot hoops , not people . ''
`` It gets me fired up , '' Brown said .
`` I think about the War of 1812 when the national anthem was written .
It ’ s 2020 now , and we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 1812 .
But you ’ re not acknowledging the framework and thought that put into it during that time period .
You understand the leisure of having a country willing to fight for your independence and wiling to fight for your right to be free .
All of that comes to my mind when I hear the national anthem .
But there are also people that are not experiencing that same leisure .
So my thoughts in my mind go to that as well . ''
The bag of ice wrapped tightly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even had time to ask , Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker made it clear his knee feels just fine .
Celtics coach Brad Stevens does not want to take a chance .
After Walkers ’ previous left knee injury flared up during the season restart , the Celtics put him on a minutes restriction so he does not experience the same kind of pain he had in March .
In the Celtics ’ win over Portland , Walker played only 22 minutes despite scoring 22 points on 5-of-6 shooting .
During Friday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only 19 minutes despite finishing with 16 points on a 6-of-9 clip .
`` I don ’ t really have a choice , honestly , '' Walker said .
`` Brad is not going to put me back in , so it doesn ’ t really matter what emotions I got .
He is not going to go over the restriction .
It doesn ’ t matter .
My best bet is to stay positive and cheer my teammates on to the best of my ability .
That ’ s how I try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' And when he is on the court , Walker has crammed in a lot of production .
`` I ’ m just being myself , '' he said .
`` I ’ m just trying to play the game the right way .
When I have opportunities to attack , I ’ ll attack .
I ’ m just trying to play the game right way . ''
Spurs right in the thick of playoff hunt These seeding games are starting to take on greater importance in the playoff race .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portland trying to sneak into the playoffs , there ’ s another team that isn ’ t getting enough attention : the San Antonio Spurs .
Portland ’ s loss to Boston combined with San Antonio ’ s 108-106 victory against Memphis put the Spurs in ninth place by winning percentage , a fraction ahead of the Trail Blazers .
Jaren Jackson Jr. made a 3-pointer to tie the score at 106 with 10.6 seconds left in the fourth quarter .
But savvy veteran DeMar DeRozan got Dillon Brooks to bite on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made both free throws , and Jackson missed a 3 at the buzzer .
The Grizzlies are in eighth place , but if the ninth-place team is within four games of the No .
8 seed , there will be a play-in game for the final playoff spot .
The Spurs are trying to extend their playoff streak to 23 seasons , which would establish an NBA record .
San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich stood for the national anthem in the Spurs ’ first game of the NBA restart , but that doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand with Black Lives Matter .
He has been one of the most outspoken coaches when it comes to race and equality .
On Sunday , a reporter asked if Marco Belinelli was in or out for Sunday ’ s game against Memphis .
In response , Popovich launched into 374-word history lesson and commentary about what happened on Aug. 2 , 1900 , and it focused on race and treatment of Black people in America .
Popovich perhaps learned on this from the Equal Justice Initiative Calendar which details a racial injustice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began , `` Our No .
1 priority as far as the county and society is concerned is racial justice , actually racial injustice that exists in our country and trying to make everything just for all people .
Just as a reminder , in this world a lot of people really do not understand the breadth and depth of this horrific situation that Black people have been in for so long .
And I just want to give you one example .
… '' After he finished , he said , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler , who had 22 points , seven rebounds and four assists in the Heat ’ s win against Denver on Saturday , missed Sunday ’ s practice with an excused absence .
The Heat play Toronto on Monday at 1:30 p.m .
ET , and coach Erik Spoelstra declined to give more details on Sunday .
However , Heat forward Jae Crowder had a concerning tone when he used the word quarantine in relation to Butler .
`` We ’ re going to talk to him as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever he ’ s in , '' Crowder said .
`` But it ’ s just next-man-up mentality from the standpoint of staying locked-in and engaged because we know he ’ s locked-in and engaged once he ’ s able to get back with us .
It ’ s definitely a curveball for all of us to hear stuff like what ’ s going on with him , and you never know what to expect .
You just have to stay mentally engaged as much as possible during this time . ''
Butler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5:30 p.m .
ET injury report which is meant to `` designate a participation status and identify a specific injury , illness or potential instance of a healthy player resting for any player whose participation in the game may be affected by such injury , illness or rest . ''
Washington center Thomas Bryant , 23 , had 18 points and seven rebounds and made four three-pointers in the first half against Brooklyn .
He ’ s matched up against 22-year-old Nets center Jarrett Allen , who had 14 points and seven rebounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game has marginal impact on the standings for playoffs seeds ( the Wizards are unlikely to make the playoffs ) , this a fun matchup of young centers .
Bryant finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds , and Allen had 21 points and 14 rebounds as Brooklyn inched closer to securing a playoff spot .

Jeff Zillgitt, Mark Medina and Matt Eppers, USA TODAY

NBA bubble Day 4 recap: Celtics survive Blazers in wild thriller after coughing up big lead
Show Caption Hide Caption NBA story lines you may have forgotten SportsPulse: Need a refresher on where we left off with the NBA before play was halted? Mackenzie Salmon hits the rewind button and gets us up to speed. USA TODAY
It's more NBA, NCAA tournament-style on Sunday with six games.
But before we get to that, a quick reminder that Indiana's T.J. Warren scored 53 points in the Pacers' victory over Philadelphia, and Toronto, the defending champ in case you forgot, beat the Los Angeles Lakers behind a stellar performance from Kyle Lowry on Saturday.
Today's games began with Brooklyn's 118-110 victory over Washington, which further dims the Wizards' chances of forcing a play-in game for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Boston blew a big lead then managed to beat Portland 128-124, and San Antonio's 108-106 victory over Memphis keeps the Spurs in the playoff hunt. Sacramento's playoff chances took a hit with 132-116 loss to Orlando.
Houston defeated Milwaukee 120-116 as the Rockets moved into tie with Utah for fourth place in the West. Houston attempted 61 3-pointers, tying an NBA record for a regulation game, according to ESPN. The Rockets made 21 of those 3s.
Phoenix closed the night by overcoming a 13-point halftime deficit to edge Dallas 117-115, despite 40 points from Luka Doncic.
Remember, playoff spots and seeding are on the line during the final stretch, no matter how much it feels like the beginning of a new season.
Stay on top of all the action with updates from throughout the day and the night from Jeff Zillgitt, Mark Medina — on the ground at Disney World — and the USA TODAY Sports NBA team, including analysis, news and highlights:
Antetokounmpo joins elite company
Milwaukee star Giannis Antetokounmpo against Houston had his 15th game with at least 30 points, 15 rebounds and five assists this season, joining Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the only players to record 15 games with at that many points, rebounds and assists in a season, according to Elias Sports Bureau.
It's just another reason why Antetokounmpo is headed for his second consecutive MVP award.
Celtics win wild one against Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers trailed the Boston Celtics by 24 points in the first half and were down 21 with 7:28 left in the third quarter.
By 9:51 of the fourth quarter, the Blazers had tied the score. During that stretch, Portland All-Star guard Damian Lillard scored 18 points and then helped the Blazers take the lead.
But the Celtics managed to come away with a 128-124 victory, a much-needed win for Boston, which has Miami chasing it for the third seed in the Eastern Conference. It was a tough loss for the Blazers, who are in ninth place in the Western Conference and trying to get into the playoffs.
Lillard finished with 30 points and 16 assists, and Jusuf Nurkic had 30 points and nine rebounds.
Jayson Tatum bounced back from a poor offensive game against Milwaukee on Friday with 34 points and eight assists, and Jaylen Brown dropped in 30 points for the Celtics.
Brown goes deep on national anthem issue
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has spent the past two months speaking out on systemic racism. So how did he feel when a handful of NBA coaches and players have declined to kneel to protest systemic racism during the national anthem?
"I don’t really have a reaction," Brown said. "Everybody has a choice to do what they feel is right and they believe in. That’s up to them. I’m not really disagreeing. I’m appreciative of people that believe in the same thing that I do. With those people, hopefully we come to an understanding if there is any type of disagreement or a collision. But I don’t have a comment for people that don’t see the world the same way."
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, who is Black, cited his Christian faith to explain why he declined to kneel with teammates and wear a "Black Lives Matter" shirt during the national anthem Friday against the Brooklyn Nets. Although both have been outspoken on racial inequality, San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and assistant Becky Hammon stood during the national anthem before Friday’s game against the Kings. Popovich declined to explain his reasoning. Lastly, Miami Heat center Myers Leonard stood during the national anthem before Saturday’s game against the Denver Nuggets. Leonard wore a "Black Lives Matter" shirt and fist bumped with teammates afterwards, but he cited his family’s military background as the reason why he stood.
Brown has a different view on that issue. He was among one of several NBA players that engaged in peaceful protests after white police officer Derek Chauvin killed unarmed Black man George Floyd on Memorial Day. So before Boston played Portland on Sunday, Brown knelt with all of the Celtics and Blazers players and coaches while wearing a "Black Lives Matter" shirt.
"Angela Davis once said that racism is so dangerous not because of individual actors, but because it is deeply embedded in the apparatus. I think about that quote a lot when I think about the national anthem," Brown said. "That was written by Francis Scott Key, who was a slave owner. When we talk about the national anthem, we don’t really talk about the third verse that was written, which addresses slavery. It mentions there is no hope for a hireling or a slave but the gloom of the grave. Racism is so deeply embedded in our country that people don’t even flinch or shift at the idea. It is what it is. It’s not the protests. It’s not the police officers or the police brutality. It is, but it is also the framework of systemic oppression. That starts with the national anthem. Being able to take a knee is appropriate and may not be really enough. I’m proud of the NBA for being on the right side of how people feel."
Brown offered that statement before taking any questions about Boston’s win over Portland. Brown wore a shirt after that game that read "Shoot hoops, not people."
"It gets me fired up," Brown said. "I think about the War of 1812 when the national anthem was written. It’s 2020 now, and we’re honoring the independence, the second independence of 1812. But you’re not acknowledging the framework and thought that put into it during that time period. You understand the leisure of having a country willing to fight for your independence and wiling to fight for your right to be free. All of that comes to my mind when I hear the national anthem. But there are also people that are not experiencing that same leisure. So my thoughts in my mind go to that as well."
Walker dealing with minutes restriction
The bag of ice wrapped tightly around his left knee. Before anyone even had time to ask, Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker made it clear his knee feels just fine.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens does not want to take a chance. After Walkers’ previous left knee injury flared up during the season restart, the Celtics put him on a minutes restriction so he does not experience the same kind of pain he had in March. In the Celtics’ win over Portland, Walker played only 22 minutes despite scoring 22 points on 5-of-6 shooting. During Friday’s loss to Milwaukee, Walker logged only 19 minutes despite finishing with 16 points on a 6-of-9 clip.
"I don’t really have a choice, honestly," Walker said. "Brad is not going to put me back in, so it doesn’t really matter what emotions I got. He is not going to go over the restriction. It doesn’t matter. My best bet is to stay positive and cheer my teammates on to the best of my ability. That’s how I try to stay engaged in the game."
And when he is on the court, Walker has crammed in a lot of production.
"I’m just being myself," he said. "I’m just trying to play the game the right way. When I have opportunities to attack, I’ll attack. I’m just trying to play the game right way."
Spurs right in the thick of playoff hunt
These seeding games are starting to take on greater importance in the playoff race.
With all the talk about New Orleans or Portland trying to sneak into the playoffs, there’s another team that isn’t getting enough attention: the San Antonio Spurs.
Portland’s loss to Boston combined with San Antonio’s 108-106 victory against Memphis put the Spurs in ninth place by winning percentage, a fraction ahead of the Trail Blazers.
Jaren Jackson Jr. made a 3-pointer to tie the score at 106 with 10.6 seconds left in the fourth quarter. But savvy veteran DeMar DeRozan got Dillon Brooks to bite on a pump fake and foul him. DeRozan made both free throws, and Jackson missed a 3 at the buzzer.
The Grizzlies are in eighth place, but if the ninth-place team is within four games of the No. 8 seed, there will be a play-in game for the final playoff spot. The Spurs are trying to extend their playoff streak to 23 seasons, which would establish an NBA record.
Popovich answers question, his way
San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich stood for the national anthem in the Spurs’ first game of the NBA restart, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t stand with Black Lives Matter. He has been one of the most outspoken coaches when it comes to race and equality.
On Sunday, a reporter asked if Marco Belinelli was in or out for Sunday’s game against Memphis. In response, Popovich launched into 374-word history lesson and commentary about what happened on Aug. 2, 1900, and it focused on race and treatment of Black people in America. Popovich perhaps learned on this from the Equal Justice Initiative Calendar which details a racial injustice every day of the year.
He began, "Our No. 1 priority as far as the county and society is concerned is racial justice, actually racial injustice that exists in our country and trying to make everything just for all people. Just as a reminder, in this world a lot of people really do not understand the breadth and depth of this horrific situation that Black people have been in for so long. And I just want to give you one example. …"
First question for Gregg Popovich today was about Marco Belinelli's status for the game against the Grizzlies. This was his answer: pic.twitter.com/oLxV6J2mdD — Royce Young (@royceyoung) August 2, 2020
After he finished, he said, "Marco Belinelli is out tonight."
Butler misses practice with excused absence
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, who had 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists in the Heat’s win against Denver on Saturday, missed Sunday’s practice with an excused absence.
The Heat play Toronto on Monday at 1:30 p.m. ET, and coach Erik Spoelstra declined to give more details on Sunday. However, Heat forward Jae Crowder had a concerning tone when he used the word quarantine in relation to Butler.
"We’re going to talk to him as soon as he gets out of quarantine and whatever he’s in," Crowder said. "But it’s just next-man-up mentality from the standpoint of staying locked-in and engaged because we know he’s locked-in and engaged once he’s able to get back with us. It’s definitely a curveball for all of us to hear stuff like what’s going on with him, and you never know what to expect. You just have to stay mentally engaged as much as possible during this time."
Butler was not listed on the Heat's 5:30 p.m. ET injury report which is meant to "designate a participation status and identify a specific injury, illness or potential instance of a healthy player resting for any player whose participation in the game may be affected by such injury, illness or rest."
Battle of young bigs in Nets-Wizards game
Washington center Thomas Bryant, 23, had 18 points and seven rebounds and made four three-pointers in the first half against Brooklyn. He’s matched up against 22-year-old Nets center Jarrett Allen, who had 14 points and seven rebounds in the opening half.
While this game has marginal impact on the standings for playoffs seeds (the Wizards are unlikely to make the playoffs), this a fun matchup of young centers.
Bryant finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds, and Allen had 21 points and 14 rebounds as Brooklyn inched closer to securing a playoff spot.