usatoday--2020-06-30--South Dakota tribal leader joins call to remove Mount Rushmore ahead of Trump visit

SIOUX FALLS , S.D .
– Another South Dakota tribal leader is calling for the removal of Mount Rushmore as President Donald Trump 's visit to the monument draws near .
Harold Frazier , chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe , said in a release that , `` Nothing stands as a greater reminder to the Great Sioux Nation of a country that can not keep a promise or treaty than the faces carved into our sacred land on what the United States calls Mount Rushmore . ''
Frazier also criticized the upcoming July 3 visit from Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kristi Noem have worked to bring back the monument 's annual fireworks show , which one fire expert has called `` ill-advised '' due to dry conditions .
`` We are now being forced to witness the lashing of our land with pomp , arrogance and fire hoping our sacred lands survive , '' Frazier said .
`` This brand on our flesh needs to be removed and I am willing to do it free of charge to the United States , by myself if I must . ''
Oglala Sioux President Julian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed the monument should be removed , calling it `` a great sign of disrespect . ''
The monument is carved in the Black Hills , land that was given to Native American tribes through the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 before miners seeking gold came to the area in 1874 , demanding the protection of the U.S. Army .
The Indian Appropriations Act of 1876 cut off all rations until the Lakota ended hostilities and ceded the Black Hills to the federal government .
The U.S. Court of Claims found in 1979 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 17.1 million in compensation due to the federal government 's seizure of the Black Hills .
The following year , the U.S. Supreme Court decided 8-1 that the federal government had violated the Fifth Amendment and the tribes were entitled to compensation in United State v. Sioux Nation of Indians .
The tribes declined the compensation because it would legally end their demand for the Black Hills to be returned to them .
Mount Rushmore should be 'removed , ' tribal president says ahead of Trump visit : What 's behind the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the stone themselves are not without controversy , either — George Washington and Thomas Jefferson held slaves , Abraham Lincoln approved the hanging of 38 Dakota men in Minnesota after a conflict with white settlers and Theodore Roosevelt is reported to have said `` I don ’ t go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians , but I believe nine out of every ten are . ''
`` Visitors look upon the faces of those presidents and extol the virtues that they believe make America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frazier said .
`` Lakota see the faces of the men who lied , cheated and murdered innocent people whose only crime was living on the land they wanted to steal . ''
When contacted for a statement , Noem 's office responded with a link to an interview with Noem from the June 30 edition of `` The Fox News Rundown Podcast . ''
Asked about Bear Runner 's comments , Noem said “ I think President Bear Runner is focusing on divisions .
I ’ d like to focus on what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are created equal .
That ’ s the vision these four men fought to achieve .
That 's what we should be continuing to fight for each and every day . ''
Gov .
Noem on taking down Mount Rushmore : 'Not on my watch' '' He can choose to continue the same rhetoric that he always has , '' Noem continued , `` he ’ s an activist that is always using inflammatory language , or we can choose to focus on what we can learn from these individuals.
” Noem responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week , when conservative pundit Ben Shapiro tweeted `` So , when is our woke historical revisionist priesthood going to insist on blowing up Mount Rushmore ? ''
in the wake of Confederate memorials around the country being removed , either by law or by force .
`` Not on my watch . ''
Noem replied .
Noem also replied to a now-deleted tweet from the Twitter account of the Democratic National Committee reading `` Trump has disrespected Native communities time and again .
He 's attempted to limit their voting rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 's holding a rally glorifying white supremacy at Mount Rushmore — a region once sacred to tribal communities . ''
Noem said in her own tweet that `` George Washington unified our nation .
Thomas Jefferson wrote 'All men are created equal . '
Abraham Lincoln ended slavery .
Teddy Roosevelt was the first President to dine with a black man at the White House .
It is shameful for @ TheDemocrats to slander these great leaders . ''
The governor 's office did not immediately reply when asked for a comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the monument .
Experts : We 're one-third of the way to a widely available coronavirus vaccine The last to abolish state whippings : Delaware to remove public whipping post Wednesday

Trevor J. Mitchell, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

South Dakota tribal leader joins call to remove Mount Rushmore ahead of Trump visit
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Another South Dakota tribal leader is calling for the removal of Mount Rushmore as President Donald Trump's visit to the monument draws near.
Harold Frazier, chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, said in a release that, "Nothing stands as a greater reminder to the Great Sioux Nation of a country that cannot keep a promise or treaty than the faces carved into our sacred land on what the United States calls Mount Rushmore."
Frazier also criticized the upcoming July 3 visit from Trump, where he and South Dakote Gov. Kristi Noem have worked to bring back the monument's annual fireworks show, which one fire expert has called "ill-advised" due to dry conditions.
"We are now being forced to witness the lashing of our land with pomp, arrogance and fire hoping our sacred lands survive," Frazier said. "This brand on our flesh needs to be removed and I am willing to do it free of charge to the United States, by myself if I must."
Oglala Sioux President Julian Bear Runner said last week that he also believed the monument should be removed, calling it "a great sign of disrespect."
The monument is carved in the Black Hills, land that was given to Native American tribes through the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868 before miners seeking gold came to the area in 1874, demanding the protection of the U.S. Army. The Indian Appropriations Act of 1876 cut off all rations until the Lakota ended hostilities and ceded the Black Hills to the federal government.
The U.S. Court of Claims found in 1979 that the Sioux Nation was entitled to $17.1 million in compensation due to the federal government's seizure of the Black Hills. The following year, the U.S. Supreme Court decided 8-1 that the federal government had violated the Fifth Amendment and that the tribes were entitled to compensation in United State v. Sioux Nation of Indians. The tribes declined the compensation because it would legally end their demand for the Black Hills to be returned to them.
Mount Rushmore should be 'removed,' tribal president says ahead of Trump visit: What's behind the site's controversial history
The presidents carved into the stone themselves are not without controversy, either — George Washington and Thomas Jefferson held slaves, Abraham Lincoln approved the hanging of 38 Dakota men in Minnesota after a conflict with white settlers, and Theodore Roosevelt is reported to have said "I don’t go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every 10 are."
"Visitors look upon the faces of those presidents and extol the virtues that they believe make America the country it is today," Frazier said. "Lakota see the faces of the men who lied, cheated and murdered innocent people whose only crime was living on the land they wanted to steal."
When contacted for a statement, Noem's office responded with a link to an interview with Noem from the June 30 edition of "The Fox News Rundown Podcast."
Asked about Bear Runner's comments, Noem said “I think President Bear Runner is focusing on divisions. I’d like to focus on what makes us special. That all men are created equal. That’s the vision these four men fought to achieve. That's what we should be continuing to fight for each and every day."
Gov. Noem on taking down Mount Rushmore: 'Not on my watch'
"He can choose to continue the same rhetoric that he always has," Noem continued, "he’s an activist that is always using inflammatory language, or we can choose to focus on what we can learn from these individuals.”
Noem responded to theoretical calls to remove the monument last week, when conservative pundit Ben Shapiro tweeted "So, when is our woke historical revisionist priesthood going to insist on blowing up Mount Rushmore?" in the wake of Confederate memorials around the country being removed, either by law or by force.
"Not on my watch." Noem replied.
Not on my watch. https://t.co/U6gGap5Ib6 — Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) June 23, 2020
Noem also replied to a now-deleted tweet from the Twitter account of the Democratic National Committee reading "Trump has disrespected Native communities time and again. He's attempted to limit their voting rights and blocked critical pandemic relief. Now he's holding a rally glorifying white supremacy at Mount Rushmore — a region once sacred to tribal communities."
George Washington unified our nation.
Thomas Jefferson wrote "All men are created equal."
Abraham Lincoln ended slavery.
Teddy Roosevelt was the first President to dine with a black man at the White House.
It is shameful for @TheDemocrats to slander these great leaders. pic.twitter.com/AWchCxYhVi — Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) June 30, 2020
Noem said in her own tweet that "George Washington unified our nation. Thomas Jefferson wrote 'All men are created equal.' Abraham Lincoln ended slavery. Teddy Roosevelt was the first President to dine with a black man at the White House. It is shameful for @TheDemocrats to slander these great leaders."
The governor's office did not immediately reply when asked for a comment on the tribe's calls to remove the monument.
Contributing: The Associated Press
Follow reporter Trevor J. MItchell on Twitter: @TJM613
Experts: We're one-third of the way to a widely available coronavirus vaccine
The last to abolish state whippings: Delaware to remove public whipping post Wednesday


usatoday--2020-07-01--Exclusive USA TODAY poll: Biden widens his lead, but Trump keeps the edge on enthusiasm

President Donald Trump is falling further behind Democrat Joe Biden in the race for the White House , a new USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll finds – but the president 's real opponent seems to be himself .
Opposition to Trump is by far the biggest factor propelling support for Biden , including among those who are lukewarm to the presumptive Democratic nominee .
Biden leads Trump by 12 percentage points , 53 % -41 % , the nationwide survey shows .
In a three-way ballot test , including a third-party line , Biden leads the Republican incumbent 46 % -37 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edge when it comes to enthusiasm among his supporters , an important factor in turning out voters .
Half of Trump backers say they are `` very excited '' about their candidate , almost double the 27 % of Biden backers who say that .
Candidate debates : Biden campaign commits to three , rejects Trump team 's call for more as 'distraction' '' Biden is a return to the status quo but it 's better than the direction we 've been heading , '' says James Pehrson , 23 , a Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among those polled .
`` I am not crazy enthusiastic about Biden as a candidate , '' he says , but Trump is `` not fit '' for the presidency .
`` I 'm actually very excited about ( the election ) with hope that Donald Trump will be reelected , '' Arlynn Garcia , 71 , a retiree and independent voter from Lake Havasu City , Arizona , said in a follow-up phone interview .
But she worries there is `` something in the air '' that has made the times uncertain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know what to trust any more . ''
she says .
`` So I 'm really nervous about it . ''
The survey asked voters to volunteer a word or two about why they support their candidate .
For Trump , 20 % cite the economy or jobs ; 13 % say he is doing a good job in office ; 12 % say they agree with him on issues .
Those top reasons are all tied to the president and his performance .
For Biden , 44 % say they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The second-ranking reason , at 8 % : `` Need a change . ''
Those top reasons are all tied to the president , too .
By a narrow 45 % -41 % , those surveyed predict Biden will defeat Trump in November .
`` They have seen this movie before , and their doubts about the outcome are rooted in the 2016 general election , '' says David Paleologos , director of the Suffolk Political Research Center .
Then , Democrat Hillary Clinton led in national polls but lost the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registered voters , taken by landline and cellphone Thursday through Monday , has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points .
The findings underscore the imperative for Biden to articulate a clear agenda for the country and to generate more enthusiasm among Democratic groups , including young people .
His choice of a running mate and his performance in the fall debates could be crucial opportunities to do that .
Where do Americans stand on election issues ?
Let them tell you how they feel about this policy In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely than white voters to say they are `` very excited '' about their candidate , 36 % compared with 29 % .
Among young voters in both parties , just 16 % of those under 25 and 23 % of those 25 to 34 report being `` very excited . ''
Among seniors , that number rises to 50 % .
The findings have a warning flare for Republicans down the ballot .
Asked about their vote for Congress in November , 51 % of those surveyed say they are inclined to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % say they are inclined to support an unnamed Republican .
Biden , waging a campaign constrained by concerns about the coronavirus , improved his standing since the USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll in the spring .
His support has ticked up 3 points in the two-way ballot test and 2 points in the three-way ballot .
Trump 's support has barely budged , down a single point since April in the three-way ballot and up a single point in the two-way ballot , more evidence of the rock-solid standing among his base he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago .
Are you registered to vote ?
Check your status Opposition to the president has also hardened amid criticism of his handling of COVID-19 and his response to demonstrations demanding racial justice and changes in policing .
While 22 % `` strongly '' approve of the job the president is doing , more than twice as many , 46 % , `` strongly '' disapprove .
That 's a jump from April , when 37 % `` strongly '' disapproved .
On both the pandemic and the protests , the poll shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views of most Americans .
`` Our country still has problems , and it 's not the problems that Trump has talked about , '' says Jacob Walker , 44 , an independent voter from Auburn , California .
He leans toward the GOP but plans to vote for Biden in November .
`` It 's different kinds of problems that we need to face that I think Biden will , probably not perfectly , face ... far better . ''
On handling the coronavirus , those surveyed overwhelmingly say Biden would do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % -33 % .
Asked about the national political conventions next month , most Americans oppose the decision by Republicans to stage a traditional rally in Jacksonville , Florida , for Trump to accept the GOP nomination , despite the pandemic .
That is called `` reckless and dangerous '' by 54 % of those surveyed , including more than one in three Republicans .
Half that number , 27 % , say Democrats made a mistake in moving largely toward a `` virtual '' convention anchored in Milwaukee , saying it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enthusiasm and organize supporters . ''
One in four Democrats call that decision a mistake .
On handling race relations , Americans by 2-1 , 59 % -30 % , say Biden would do a better job than Trump .
The president has characterized the protesters brought to the streets by the Black Lives Matter movement as `` thugs '' and `` anarchists '' and vowed to crack down on them .
Thirty-eight percent of those surveyed say the protesters are `` going too far . ''
A 52 % majority call the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matters in the United States . ''
Patrick Dohogne , 56 , an executive with a construction company in Hartland , Wisconsin , supports peaceful protests but has been dismayed by violence he has seen at some .
A Republican , he praises Trump 's record on appointing conservative judges , reducing federal regulations and cutting taxes , and he plans to vote for the president in November .
But , he says , referring to Trump 's provocative tweets , `` I do n't like the Twitter machine ; I never have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him I do n't particularly care for , '' though he says it should n't be surprising .
`` He was a showman-type person ; he is a stereotypical New Yorker , kind of outspoken and what-not . ''
If Biden wins , he is likely to have `` a heck of a time '' in trying to pull the country together , Dohogne predicts .
`` I think it 's going to be very hard , whoever gets elected , to try and reach out and try to promote bipartisanship and try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little more to the mainstream in the middle , '' he says .
`` I firmly believe that needs to happen . ''
Big issues ?
Biden better on handling 6 of 7 , say those surveyed Asked about seven major issues facing the nation , those surveyed say by double digits that Biden would do a better job in handling six of them : race relations , the COVID-19 pandemic , health care , immigration , national security and dealing with China .
Americans split on the seventh issue , the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better job , 45 % say Biden would .
There is a similar divide when asked whether each candidate has demonstrated seven traits of leadership : can get things done ; cares about people like you ; honest and trustworthy ; can bring the nation together ; will keep his promises ; has a vision for the country ; and has the right experience to be president .
'Law and order ' : Trump returns to 2016 theme as violence spreads after George Floyd death Trump receives a positive rating on just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vision for the country . ''
By 54 % -43 % , those surveyed say the president has demonstrated that characteristic .
They split evenly over whether he can `` get things done . ''
By double digits , they give him negative ratings on the other five traits .
Trump 's worst rating is on whether he can `` bring the nation together . ''
By 69 % -27 % , those surveyed say he has n't demonstrated that characteristic .
Biden receives a positive rating on all seven traits .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could bring the country together , has a vision for the country , `` cares about people like you '' and can get things done .
By 9 points , they say he would keep his promises and that he is honest and trustworthy .
Contrasting message : Joe Biden campaign seizes on opportunity to contrast Trump 's 'law and order ' message Two-thirds of those surveyed , 67 % , say Biden , a former vice president , has `` the right experience to be president . ''
Thirty-seven percent say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 3½ years .

Susan Page and Sarah Elbeshbishi, USA TODAY

Exclusive USA TODAY poll: Biden widens his lead, but Trump keeps the edge on enthusiasm
President Donald Trump is falling further behind Democrat Joe Biden in the race for the White House, a new USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll finds – but the president's real opponent seems to be himself.
Opposition to Trump is by far the biggest factor propelling support for Biden, including among those who are lukewarm to the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Biden leads Trump by 12 percentage points, 53%-41%, the nationwide survey shows. In a three-way ballot test, including a third-party line, Biden leads the Republican incumbent 46%-37%.
Trump continues to hold a significant edge when it comes to enthusiasm among his supporters, an important factor in turning out voters. Half of Trump backers say they are "very excited" about their candidate, almost double the 27% of Biden backers who say that.
Candidate debates: Biden campaign commits to three, rejects Trump team's call for more as 'distraction'
"Biden is a return to the status quo but it's better than the direction we've been heading," says James Pehrson, 23, a Democrat from Fairfax, Virginia, who was among those polled.
"I am not crazy enthusiastic about Biden as a candidate," he says, but Trump is "not fit" for the presidency.
"I'm actually very excited about (the election) with hope that Donald Trump will be reelected," Arlynn Garcia, 71, a retiree and independent voter from Lake Havasu City, Arizona, said in a follow-up phone interview. But she worries there is "something in the air" that has made the times uncertain.
"Everything is political. You don't know what to trust any more." she says. "So I'm really nervous about it."
The survey asked voters to volunteer a word or two about why they support their candidate. For Trump, 20% cite the economy or jobs; 13% say he is doing a good job in office; 12% say they agree with him on issues. Those top reasons are all tied to the president and his performance.
For Biden, 44% say they are casting a vote against Trump. The second-ranking reason, at 8%: "Need a change." Those top reasons are all tied to the president, too.
By a narrow 45%-41%, those surveyed predict Biden will defeat Trump in November. "They have seen this movie before, and their doubts about the outcome are rooted in the 2016 general election," says David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk Political Research Center. Then, Democrat Hillary Clinton led in national polls but lost the White House to Trump.
Paleologos on the Poll: First we couldn't talk politics at Thanksgiving. Now, the 4th?
The poll of 1,000 registered voters, taken by landline and cellphone Thursday through Monday, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
The findings underscore the imperative for Biden to articulate a clear agenda for the country and to generate more enthusiasm among Democratic groups, including young people. His choice of a running mate and his performance in the fall debates could be crucial opportunities to do that.
In the poll, Black voters are more likely than white voters to say they are "very excited" about their candidate, 36% compared with 29%. Among young voters in both parties, just 16% of those under 25 and 23% of those 25 to 34 report being "very excited." Among seniors, that number rises to 50%.
The findings have a warning flare for Republicans down the ballot. Asked about their vote for Congress in November, 51% of those surveyed say they are inclined to support an unnamed Democratic candidate; 37% say they are inclined to support an unnamed Republican.
Biden picks up support ; Trump's support barely budges
Biden, waging a campaign constrained by concerns about the coronavirus, improved his standing since the USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll in the spring. His support has ticked up 3 points in the two-way ballot test and 2 points in the three-way ballot.
Trump's support has barely budged, down a single point since April in the three-way ballot and up a single point in the two-way ballot, more evidence of the rock-solid standing among his base he has demonstrated since he was elected four years ago.
Are you registered to vote? Check your status
Opposition to the president has also hardened amid criticism of his handling of COVID-19 and his response to demonstrations demanding racial justice and changes in policing. While 22% "strongly" approve of the job the president is doing, more than twice as many, 46%, "strongly" disapprove. That's a jump from April, when 37% "strongly" disapproved.
US coronavirus map: Tracking the outbreak
Overall, 40% approve of Trump's performance, 58% disapprove.
On both the pandemic and the protests, the poll shows the president out of step with the views of most Americans.
"Our country still has problems, and it's not the problems that Trump has talked about," says Jacob Walker, 44, an independent voter from Auburn, California. He leans toward the GOP but plans to vote for Biden in November. "It's different kinds of problems that we need to face that I think Biden will, probably not perfectly, face ... far better."
On handling the coronavirus, those surveyed overwhelmingly say Biden would do a better job than Trump, 57%-33%.
Asked about the national political conventions next month, most Americans oppose the decision by Republicans to stage a traditional rally in Jacksonville, Florida, for Trump to accept the GOP nomination, despite the pandemic. That is called "reckless and dangerous" by 54% of those surveyed, including more than one in three Republicans.
Half that number, 27%, say Democrats made a mistake in moving largely toward a "virtual" convention anchored in Milwaukee, saying it will "cost them an opportunity to generate enthusiasm and organize supporters." One in four Democrats call that decision a mistake.
More: DNC announces sweeping changes to convention
'I don't like the Twitter machine'
On handling race relations, Americans by 2-1, 59%-30%, say Biden would do a better job than Trump.
The president has characterized the protesters brought to the streets by the Black Lives Matter movement as "thugs" and "anarchists" and vowed to crack down on them. Thirty-eight percent of those surveyed say the protesters are "going too far." A 52% majority call the protests "an appropriate response to racial matters in the United States."
More: Trump signs order protecting federal monuments and statues from vandalism
Patrick Dohogne, 56, an executive with a construction company in Hartland, Wisconsin, supports peaceful protests but has been dismayed by violence he has seen at some. A Republican, he praises Trump's record on appointing conservative judges, reducing federal regulations and cutting taxes, and he plans to vote for the president in November.
But, he says, referring to Trump's provocative tweets, "I don't like the Twitter machine; I never have. That is the negative part of him I don't particularly care for," though he says it shouldn't be surprising. "He was a showman-type person; he is a stereotypical New Yorker, kind of outspoken and what-not."
If Biden wins, he is likely to have "a heck of a time" in trying to pull the country together, Dohogne predicts.
"I think it's going to be very hard, whoever gets elected, to try and reach out and try to promote bipartisanship and try to promote the country coming back a little more to the mainstream in the middle," he says. "I firmly believe that needs to happen."
Big issues? Biden better on handling 6 of 7, say those surveyed
Asked about seven major issues facing the nation, those surveyed say by double digits that Biden would do a better job in handling six of them: race relations, the COVID-19 pandemic, health care, immigration, national security and dealing with China.
Americans split on the seventh issue, the economy: 47% say Trump would do a better job, 45% say Biden would.
There is a similar divide when asked whether each candidate has demonstrated seven traits of leadership: can get things done; cares about people like you; honest and trustworthy; can bring the nation together; will keep his promises; has a vision for the country; and has the right experience to be president.
'Law and order': Trump returns to 2016 theme as violence spreads after George Floyd death
Trump receives a positive rating on just one of them: having "a vision for the country." By 54%-43%, those surveyed say the president has demonstrated that characteristic. They split evenly over whether he can "get things done." By double digits, they give him negative ratings on the other five traits.
Trump's worst rating is on whether he can "bring the nation together." By 69%-27%, those surveyed say he hasn't demonstrated that characteristic.
Biden receives a positive rating on all seven traits. By double-digit margins, those surveyed say he could bring the country together, has a vision for the country, "cares about people like you" and can get things done. By 9 points, they say he would keep his promises and that he is honest and trustworthy.
Contrasting message: Joe Biden campaign seizes on opportunity to contrast Trump's 'law and order' message
Two-thirds of those surveyed, 67%, say Biden, a former vice president, has "the right experience to be president." Thirty-seven percent say that of Trump, who has been president for 3½ years.


usatoday--2020-06-30--Ilhan Omar, Joaquin Castro demand removal of USAID religious freedom adviser for social media posts

Democratic Reps. Joaquin Castro and Ilhan Omar called for the `` immediate removal '' of a religious freedom adviser at the U.S. Agency for International Development for his past comments they said demonstrate a `` historical pattern of prejudice against the Islamic faith and the Muslim population . ''
The appointment of Mark Kevin Lloyd , who worked as the Virginia field director for President Donald Trump ’ s 2016 campaign , drew immediate opposition because of his posts on social media , including one that called Islam a `` barbaric cult . ''
`` Mark Kevin Lloyd , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Islamophobic rhetoric has no business promoting religious freedom abroad , '' said Omar , who became one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress in 2018 .
`` Someone who doesn ’ t recognize the importance of religious diversity in our country can not credibly promote religious freedom internationally . ''
Castro said it was wrong to reward Lloyd 's `` pattern of prejudice and bigotry against those of the Islamic faith . ''
He noted that 32 % of the countries that USAID works with are majority Muslim , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help . ''
`` I fear with Mr. Lloyd at the helm those countries will face further discrimination .
I strongly urge USAID to remove Mr. Lloyd from his position as USAID ’ s Religious Freedom Adviser effective immediately , '' Castro said in a statement .
After the June 2016 Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting in which a Muslim man pledging allegiance to the Islamic State killed 49 people , Lloyd shared a meme on Facebook that said people should be forced to eat bacon before being allowed to buy a gun , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
AP also reported the June 30 post where he called Islam a cult , as well as one in which he said Muslims were seeking to impose Sharia law in America and that `` those who understand Islam for what it is are gearing up for the fight . ''
Castro and Omar also say Lloyd shared articles that endorsed China 's repression of the Muslim Uyghur minority and a post that claimed former President Barack Obama was connected to the Muslim Brotherhood .
They say in another one he `` notes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peaceful religion fail to understand history . ''
All of the posts have since been removed .
`` Far from an isolated incident of poor judgement , Mr. Lloyd ’ s behavior openly and frequently displays his contempt for a religion that counts nearly two billion followers , and constitutes the second largest religion in the world , '' Omar and Castro wrote in a letter to acting USAID Administrator John Barsa .
Acting USAID spokesperson Pooja Jhunjhunwala told USA TODAY the agency does not comment on oversight matters .
Jhunjhunwala confirmed receipt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said `` USAID always works closely and cooperatively with Congress . ''
In May , a USAID spokesperson told AP that `` Lloyd is a consummate professional who served his country honorably in the Navy .
The comments he made four years ago were in reference to radical Islam , not Islam . ''
USAID is a development agency established in 1961 with the passage of the Foreign Assistance Act .
The agency 's website says USAID has `` the twofold purpose of furthering America 's interests while improving lives in the developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to promote democracy and human rights , the agency works to promote religious freedom .
`` Advancing international religious freedom is a major foreign policy priority of the United States in order to reduce levels of religious persecution , bias and discrimination , reduce religion-related violent extremism and terrorism , and track and prevent potential mass atrocities through early warning systems , '' it says .
The agency cites work it has done in the Middle East , including $ 370 million it spent since 2017 to support religious and ethnic minorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islamic State and other actors .
Several anti-discrimination organizations have also called for Lloyd 's removal because of his past social media activity .
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt told AP Lloyd ’ s appointment was `` particularly offensive and inappropriate '' and called for Lloyd to `` apologize immediately '' for his posts .
`` Yet even with an apology , it is not clear how somebody with such views about one of ( the ) world ’ s main faiths and its adherents can serve as a fair arbiter on crafting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all , '' Greenblatt said .
`` There is no room in any government position – let alone a position meant to protect religious freedoms – for those who promote bigotry .
Lloyd is clearly unfit to serve a diverse , multi-faith society , '' said Robert McCaw , government affairs director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations , in a statement .

Ilhan Omar, Joaquin Castro demand removal of USAID religious freedom adviser for social media posts
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump calls on world to end religious persecution In a speech at the United Nations Monday, President Donald Trump called on all world leaders to take action to protect religious freedom in the wake of rising persecution of people based on their faith and beliefs. (Sept. 23) AP, AP
Democratic Reps. Joaquin Castro and Ilhan Omar called for the "immediate removal" of a religious freedom adviser at the U.S. Agency for International Development for his past comments they said demonstrate a "historical pattern of prejudice against the Islamic faith and the Muslim population."
The appointment of Mark Kevin Lloyd, who worked as the Virginia field director for President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, drew immediate opposition because of his posts on social media, including one that called Islam a "barbaric cult."
"Mark Kevin Lloyd, who has a long history of promoting hateful, Islamophobic rhetoric has no business promoting religious freedom abroad," said Omar, who became one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress in 2018. "Someone who doesn’t recognize the importance of religious diversity in our country cannot credibly promote religious freedom internationally."
Castro said it was wrong to reward Lloyd's "pattern of prejudice and bigotry against those of the Islamic faith." He noted that 32% of the countries that USAID works with are majority Muslim, "and all of those countries need our help."
"I fear with Mr. Lloyd at the helm those countries will face further discrimination. I strongly urge USAID to remove Mr. Lloyd from his position as USAID’s Religious Freedom Adviser effective immediately," Castro said in a statement.
SCOTUS: Supreme Court makes religious school education eligible for public aid
After the June 2016 Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting in which a Muslim man pledging allegiance to the Islamic State killed 49 people, Lloyd shared a meme on Facebook that said people should be forced to eat bacon before being allowed to buy a gun, The Associated Press reported in August 2016. AP also reported the June 30 post where he called Islam a cult, as well as one in which he said Muslims were seeking to impose Sharia law in America and that "those who understand Islam for what it is are gearing up for the fight."
Castro and Omar also say Lloyd shared articles that endorsed China's repression of the Muslim Uyghur minority and a post that claimed former President Barack Obama was connected to the Muslim Brotherhood. They say in another one he "notes that people who believe Islam is a peaceful religion fail to understand history."
All of the posts have since been removed.
"Far from an isolated incident of poor judgement, Mr. Lloyd’s behavior openly and frequently displays his contempt for a religion that counts nearly two billion followers, and constitutes the second largest religion in the world," Omar and Castro wrote in a letter to acting USAID Administrator John Barsa.
Acting USAID spokesperson Pooja Jhunjhunwala told USA TODAY the agency does not comment on oversight matters. Jhunjhunwala confirmed receipt of Castro and Omar's letter and said "USAID always works closely and cooperatively with Congress."
In May, a USAID spokesperson told AP that "Lloyd is a consummate professional who served his country honorably in the Navy. The comments he made four years ago were in reference to radical Islam, not Islam."
Castro and Omar called that response "woefully inadequate."
USAID is a development agency established in 1961 with the passage of the Foreign Assistance Act. The agency's website says USAID has "the twofold purpose of furthering America's interests while improving lives in the developing world."
As part of its effort to promote democracy and human rights, the agency works to promote religious freedom.
"Advancing international religious freedom is a major foreign policy priority of the United States in order to reduce levels of religious persecution, bias and discrimination, reduce religion-related violent extremism and terrorism, and track and prevent potential mass atrocities through early warning systems," it says.
The agency cites work it has done in the Middle East, including $370 million it spent since 2017 to support religious and ethnic minorities in the region from persecution by the Islamic State and other actors.
Several anti-discrimination organizations have also called for Lloyd's removal because of his past social media activity.
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt told AP Lloyd’s appointment was "particularly offensive and inappropriate" and called for Lloyd to "apologize immediately" for his posts.
"Yet even with an apology, it is not clear how somebody with such views about one of (the) world’s main faiths and its adherents can serve as a fair arbiter on crafting U.S. development assistance programs protecting religious freedom for all," Greenblatt said.
"There is no room in any government position – let alone a position meant to protect religious freedoms – for those who promote bigotry. Lloyd is clearly unfit to serve a diverse, multi-faith society," said Robert McCaw, government affairs director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, in a statement.
Contributing: The Associated Press
Omar: Rep. Ilhan Omar's father dies of coronavirus-related complications


usatoday--2020-06-30--Jacksonville, new site for President Trump's convention speech, will require masks in public, indoor

Jacksonville, new site for President Trump's convention speech, will require masks in public, indoors

JACKSONVILLE , Fla. – Jacksonville , where the Republican National Committee moved the party ’ s convention so President Donald Trump could accept the GOP nomination in a packed arena , announced Monday that it is requiring face masks in public and indoor locations .
City officials said they haven ’ t decided whether to require masks during the convention , which is scheduled Aug. 24-27 .
The policy also applies to anyone else who can ’ t socially distance .
The mask order goes into effect Monday evening .
The RNC backed out of Charlotte , North Carolina , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main site for the convention after North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles would n't commit to allowing a full convention because of health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The move by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry , a Republican who pushed for the convention and has opposed a mask mandate , comes as Florida has become one of the new epicenters in the coronavirus outbreak .
The state announced 8,530 new coronavirus cases Sunday , marking the third straight day of more than 8,000 new cases in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee is `` committed to holding a safe convention that fully complies with local health regulations in place at the time , '' noting that the event is still two months away .
The spokesperson said the RNC has a `` good working relationship '' with Jacksonville and Florida leaders and will continue to coordinate with them ahead of the convention .
Face masks have become a flashpoint in the political fight surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic .
Although medical experts advise the public to wear them to prevent the spread of the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Crowds at his first two large public events events since the coronavirus outbreak began , a rally in Tulsa , Oklahoma , and a gathering in Phoenix , included some people who wore masks but thousands who didn ’ t .
Trump ’ s election opponent , Democrat Joe Biden , said last week that he would use federal powers to require face masks in public .
The RNC chose Jacksonville before Florida ’ s surge in coronavirus cases .
In retreating from Charlotte , the RNC cited North Carolina 's social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 10 people in a room .
Trump and Republican have sought a `` full convention '' – one that would allow Trump to address an arena full of supporters like he did four years ago in Cleveland .
The RNC 's party business will remain in Charlotte , but officials are planning for the “ celebration , ” including Trump ’ s acceptance speech , to take place in Jacksonville .
How Jacksonville plans to enforce the new measure remains unclear .
Curry spokeswoman Nikki Kimbleton said city officials are still finalizing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Naval Air Station ’ s recent decision to make masks mandatory , as well as consultation with local health care leaders , played a role in the city ’ s decision .
Curry was not present at a news conference announcing the new policy .
His chief of staff , Jordan Elsbury , said he had an “ important family commitment.
” Jacksonville remains in Phase 2 of the reopening guidelines established by Republican Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis .
Restrictions limit capacity of auditoriums , entertainment venues and restaurants and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida Times-Union staff writer Christopher Hong contributed to this report .
Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @ joeygarrison .

Jacksonville, new site for President Trump’s convention speech, will require masks in public, indoors
Show Caption Hide Caption Doctors express concerns about RNC in Jacksonville due to coronavirus A recent spike in coronavirus cases in Florida has doctors asking the Republican National Convention to postpone the August event in Jacksonville. Fox - 35 Orlando, Fox - 35 Orlando
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville, where the Republican National Committee moved the party’s convention so President Donald Trump could accept the GOP nomination in a packed arena, announced Monday that it is requiring face masks in public and indoor locations.
City officials said they haven’t decided whether to require masks during the convention, which is scheduled Aug. 24-27. The policy also applies to anyone else who can’t socially distance. The mask order goes into effect Monday evening.
The RNC backed out of Charlotte, North Carolina, this month and picked Jacksonville as the main site for the convention after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles wouldn't commit to allowing a full convention because of health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The move by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, a Republican who pushed for the convention and has opposed a mask mandate, comes as Florida has become one of the new epicenters in the coronavirus outbreak.
More: Faced with coronavirus, Republican and Democratic leaders overhaul convention plans
The state announced 8,530 new coronavirus cases Sunday, marking the third straight day of more than 8,000 new cases in the state.
An RNC spokesperson said the committee is "committed to holding a safe convention that fully complies with local health regulations in place at the time," noting that the event is still two months away. The spokesperson said the RNC has a "good working relationship" with Jacksonville and Florida leaders and will continue to coordinate with them ahead of the convention.
Face masks have become a flashpoint in the political fight surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Although medical experts advise the public to wear them to prevent the spread of the virus, Trump has not worn masks publicly. Crowds at his first two large public events events since the coronavirus outbreak began, a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a gathering in Phoenix, included some people who wore masks but thousands who didn’t.
At 5 p.m. today, the City of Jacksonville will be adopting a mandatory mask requirement for public & indoor locations, and in other situations where individuals cannot socially distance.
Please continue to practice personal responsibility to help stop the spread of this virus. pic.twitter.com/dcAuolVMyZ — City of Jacksonville (COJ) (@CityofJax) June 29, 2020
Trump’s election opponent, Democrat Joe Biden, said last week that he would use federal powers to require face masks in public.
The RNC chose Jacksonville before Florida’s surge in coronavirus cases. In retreating from Charlotte, the RNC cited North Carolina's social distancing rule that prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people in a room. Trump and Republican have sought a "full convention" – one that would allow Trump to address an arena full of supporters like he did four years ago in Cleveland.
Florida virus cases rise at near-record rate Dr. Rajiv Bahl, an emergency medicine physician in Orlando Florida said that they are seeing an uptick in coronavirus patients in Central Florida hospitals. (June 26) AP
The RNC's party business will remain in Charlotte, but officials are planning for the “celebration,” including Trump’s acceptance speech, to take place in Jacksonville.
More: Jacksonville, Florida, emerges as front-runner for Republican National Convention
How Jacksonville plans to enforce the new measure remains unclear.
Curry spokeswoman Nikki Kimbleton said city officials are still finalizing the plan. Kimbleton said the city’s Naval Air Station’s recent decision to make masks mandatory, as well as consultation with local health care leaders, played a role in the city’s decision.
Curry was not present at a news conference announcing the new policy. His chief of staff, Jordan Elsbury, said he had an “important family commitment.”
Jacksonville remains in Phase 2 of the reopening guidelines established by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Restrictions limit capacity of auditoriums, entertainment venues and restaurants and bars to 50% of capacity.
Florida Times-Union staff writer Christopher Hong contributed to this report. Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.


usatoday--2020-06-30--'No consensus' in intelligence community over Russia bounty on US troops report, White House says

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump had not been briefed on reports that Russia was behind bounty payments to Taliban-linked militants over successful attacks on coalition troops because there were `` dissenting opinions '' within the U.S. intelligence community over the veracity of the reports , a White House spokeswoman said Monday .
`` There is no consensus within the intelligence community on these allegations and in effect there are dissenting opinions from some in the intelligence community with regards to the veracity of what 's being reported , '' White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said at a briefing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underlying allegations continue to be evaluated . ''
The White House briefed members of Congress over the intelligence reports Monday , McEnany told reporters .
Lawmakers had pressed the administration for more details after the New York Times reported Friday that Trump was informed months ago that a Russian intelligence unit offered secret cash payments to Taliban-linked militants to kill coalition troops , including Americans .
The Times reported late Monday that Trump received a written briefing on the matter in February .
McEnany declined to say who attended the administration 's briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff Mark Meadows called Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer on Sunday night to extend a bipartisan invitation to eight members of relevant committees .
Trump has insisted he did not know about the reported bounty and Russia and the Taliban have denied the existence of any such payments .
The Associated Press , citing U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the intelligence , reported Monday night that top White House officials were aware in early 2019 of classified intelligence indicating Russia was secretly offering bounties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans , a full year earlier than has been previously reported .
The assessment was included in at least one of Trump ’ s written daily intelligence briefings at the time , according to the officials .
Then-national security adviser John Bolton also told colleagues he briefed Trump on the intelligence assessment in March 2019 .
Though lawmakers were receiving a briefing over the bounty allegations on Monday afternoon , McEnany said the president still had n't been briefed on the issue because he is only `` briefed on verified intelligence . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence was included in the president 's written daily briefings .
National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien issued a statement late Monday night insisting that Trump had not been briefed and condemning the officials who leaked the intelligence to media .
`` Because the allegations in recent press articles have not been verified or substantiated by the Intelligence Community , President Trump had not been briefed on the items , '' O'Brien said .
`` Nevertheless , the Administration , including the National Security Council staff , have been preparing should the situation warrant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is continuing to evaluate intelligence that Russian operatives were `` engaged in malign activity against the United States and coalition forces , '' said Chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman .
`` To date , DOD has no corroborating evidence to validate the recent allegations found in open-source reports , '' Hoffman said .
`` Regardless , we always take the safety and security of our forces in Afghanistan – and around the world – most seriously and therefore continuously adopt measures to prevent harm from potential threats . ''
Trump tweeted Sunday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ informed him they did not deem the report credible and therefore did not brief him or Vice President Mike Penceon the initial intelligence .
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said in a statement Saturday that he had `` confirmed that neither the President nor the Vice President were ever briefed on any intelligence alleged by the New York Times in its reporting . ''
The report , later confirmed by multiple news agencies , alleged that a unit of Russia 's military intelligence agency – the G.R.U .
known for orchestrating assassinations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was behind the bounties on U.S. troops .
The intelligence was based on interrogations of militants in Afghanistan that found Russia offered funding for successful attacks on coalition troops last year , according to the Times report .
McEnany slammed the New York Times for its `` irresponsible '' decision to publish a report that the president had been briefed , but the paper has stood by its reporting .
`` We stand by our story , the details of which have not been denied by the President 's own National Security agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Late Monday , Ratcliffe and CIA Director Gina Haspel issued separate statements denouncing intelligence leaks to the press .
`` The selective leaking of any classified information disrupts the vital interagency work to collect , assess , and mitigate threats and places our forces at risk , '' Ratcliffe said .
`` It is also , simply put , a crime . ''
Ratcliffe said officials `` are still investigating the alleged intelligence referenced in recent media reporting , and we will brief the president and congressional leaders at the appropriate time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way it should .
Unfortunately , unauthorized disclosures now jeopardize our ability to ever find out the full story with respect to these allegations . ''
Haspel stressed that when developing intelligence assessments , initial reports often require `` additional collection and validation . ''
In general , she said , preliminary intelligence information `` is shared throughout the national security community – and with U.S. allies – as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of coalition forces overseas .
Leaks compromise and disrupt the critical interagency work to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Rep. Jim Banks , R-Ind.
, who said he was among the Republicans who attended the White House briefing , accused the Times of using `` unconfirmed intel in an ONGOING investigation into targeted killing of American soldiers in order to smear the President . ''
The Associated Press reported suspicions were raised after members of the elite Naval Special Warfare Development Group , also known as the SEAL Team Six , found $ 500,000 while raiding a Taliban outpost earlier this year .
Unnamed intelligence officials told the AP they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghanistan in 2019 to see if there was any evidence connecting them to the Russian bounties .
What we know : Reports say Russia offered bounty on US troops in Afghanistan The White House came under pressure after a chorus of lawmakers – both Republican and Democratic – questioned whether the president was kept in the dark or if he declined to act after he was briefed on the intelligence .
Several lawmakers cited Trump 's relationship with Vladimir Putin , and wondered if he is trying to shield the Russian president from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ D-N.H. , a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees , said , `` it is completely unacceptable for the President to continue to pursue policies that benefit Putin , such as withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany and pushing for Russia ’ s re-admittance to the G-8 . ''
Shaheen added : `` Russia ’ s adversarial actions against the United States demand a strong response , not appeasement.
” In calling for briefings of lawmakers , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , said `` Congress needs to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this significant threat to American troops and our allies and what options are available to hold Russia accountable.
” South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham , who golfed with Trump on Sunday , tweeted on Saturday that it was `` imperative '' that Congress get to the bottom of the reported bounties while Wyoming Republican Rep. Liz Cheney called on the White House to share more information .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , issued a statement saying he `` long warned about Russia ’ s efforts to undermine U.S. interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Afghanistan , '' noting that he authored an amendment condemning Trump 's decision to pull U.S. forces from Syria and Afghanistan .
“ The United States needs to prioritize defense resources , maintain a sufficient regional military presence , and continue to impose serious consequences on those who threaten us and our allies - like our strikes in Syria and Afghanistan against ISIS , the Taliban , and Russian mercenary forces that threatened our partners , '' he said .
Contributing : William Cummings and David Jackson , USA TODAY ; The Associated @ @

Courtney Subramanian and Michael Collins, USA TODAY

'No consensus' in intelligence community over Russia bounty on US troops report, White House says
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump denies knowing about intelligence from Russia on U.S. troops bounty President Trump denies knowing about an intelligence report that said Russia paid a bounty to the Taliban to kill U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump had not been briefed on reports that Russia was behind bounty payments to Taliban-linked militants over successful attacks on coalition troops because there were "dissenting opinions" within the U.S. intelligence community over the veracity of the reports, a White House spokeswoman said Monday.
"There is no consensus within the intelligence community on these allegations and in effect there are dissenting opinions from some in the intelligence community with regards to the veracity of what's being reported," White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said at a briefing with reporters. "The veracity of the underlying allegations continue to be evaluated."
The White House briefed members of Congress over the intelligence reports Monday, McEnany told reporters.
Lawmakers had pressed the administration for more details after the New York Times reported Friday that Trump was informed months ago that a Russian intelligence unit offered secret cash payments to Taliban-linked militants to kill coalition troops, including Americans. The Times reported late Monday that Trump received a written briefing on the matter in February.
McEnany declined to say who attended the administration's briefing but told reporters White House chief of staff Mark Meadows called Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer on Sunday night to extend a bipartisan invitation to eight members of relevant committees.
Trump has insisted he did not know about the reported bounty and Russia and the Taliban have denied the existence of any such payments.
The Associated Press, citing U.S. officials with direct knowledge of the intelligence, reported Monday night that top White House officials were aware in early 2019 of classified intelligence indicating Russia was secretly offering bounties to the Taliban for the deaths of Americans, a full year earlier than has been previously reported.
The assessment was included in at least one of Trump’s written daily intelligence briefings at the time, according to the officials. Then-national security adviser John Bolton also told colleagues he briefed Trump on the intelligence assessment in March 2019.
Though lawmakers were receiving a briefing over the bounty allegations on Monday afternoon, McEnany said the president still hadn't been briefed on the issue because he is only "briefed on verified intelligence." She also declined to say whether the intelligence was included in the president's written daily briefings.
National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien issued a statement late Monday night insisting that Trump had not been briefed and condemning the officials who leaked the intelligence to media.
"Because the allegations in recent press articles have not been verified or substantiated by the Intelligence Community, President Trump had not been briefed on the items," O'Brien said. "Nevertheless, the Administration, including the National Security Council staff, have been preparing should the situation warrant action."
The Department of Defense is continuing to evaluate intelligence that Russian operatives were "engaged in malign activity against the United States and coalition forces," said Chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman.
"To date, DOD has no corroborating evidence to validate the recent allegations found in open-source reports," Hoffman said. "Regardless, we always take the safety and security of our forces in Afghanistan – and around the world – most seriously and therefore continuously adopt measures to prevent harm from potential threats."
Intel just reported to me that they did not find this info credible, and therefore did not report it to me or @VP. Possibly another fabricated Russia Hoax, maybe by the Fake News @nytimesbooks, wanting to make Republicans look bad!!! https://t.co/cowOmP7T1S — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 29, 2020
Trump tweeted Sunday night that intelligence officials had "just" informed him they did not deem the report credible and therefore did not brief him or Vice President Mike Pence on the initial intelligence.
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said in a statement Saturday that he had "confirmed that neither the President nor the Vice President were ever briefed on any intelligence alleged by the New York Times in its reporting."
The report, later confirmed by multiple news agencies, alleged that a unit of Russia's military intelligence agency – the G.R.U. known for orchestrating assassinations and destabilization efforts against western democracies – was behind the bounties on U.S. troops.
The intelligence was based on interrogations of militants in Afghanistan that found Russia offered funding for successful attacks on coalition troops last year, according to the Times report.
McEnany slammed the New York Times for its "irresponsible" decision to publish a report that the president had been briefed, but the paper has stood by its reporting.
"We stand by our story, the details of which have not been denied by the President's own National Security agencies," said Times spokeswoman Eileen Murphy.
Late Monday, Ratcliffe and CIA Director Gina Haspel issued separate statements denouncing intelligence leaks to the press.
"The selective leaking of any classified information disrupts the vital interagency work to collect, assess, and mitigate threats and places our forces at risk," Ratcliffe said. "It is also, simply put, a crime."
Ratcliffe said officials "are still investigating the alleged intelligence referenced in recent media reporting, and we will brief the president and congressional leaders at the appropriate time. This is the analytic process working the way it should. Unfortunately, unauthorized disclosures now jeopardize our ability to ever find out the full story with respect to these allegations."
Haspel stressed that when developing intelligence assessments, initial reports often require "additional collection and validation."
In general, she said, preliminary intelligence information "is shared throughout the national security community – and with U.S. allies – as part of our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of coalition forces overseas. Leaks compromise and disrupt the critical interagency work to collect, assess, and ascribe culpability."
Rep. Jim Banks, R-Ind., who said he was among the Republicans who attended the White House briefing, accused the Times of using "unconfirmed intel in an ONGOING investigation into targeted killing of American soldiers in order to smear the President."
I just left the White House where I was briefed by CoS @MarkMeadows and top intelligence officials. They discussed @nytimes' hit piece falsely accusing @realDonaldTrump of ignoring reports that Russia placed bounties on American soldiers in Afghanistan.
A thread, 👇 — Jim Banks (@RepJimBanks) June 29, 2020
The Associated Press reported suspicions were raised after members of the elite Naval Special Warfare Development Group, also known as the SEAL Team Six, found $500,000 while raiding a Taliban outpost earlier this year.
Unnamed intelligence officials told the AP they are investigating attacks on U.S. troops in Afghanistan in 2019 to see if there was any evidence connecting them to the Russian bounties.
What we know: Reports say Russia offered bounty on US troops in Afghanistan
The White House came under pressure after a chorus of lawmakers – both Republican and Democratic – questioned whether the president was kept in the dark or if he declined to act after he was briefed on the intelligence.
Several lawmakers cited Trump's relationship with Vladimir Putin, and wondered if he is trying to shield the Russian president from embarrassing disclosures.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, said, "it is completely unacceptable for the President to continue to pursue policies that benefit Putin, such as withdrawing U.S. troops from Germany and pushing for Russia’s re-admittance to the G-8."
Shaheen added: "Russia’s adversarial actions against the United States demand a strong response, not appeasement.”
In calling for briefings of lawmakers, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said "Congress needs to know what the intelligence community knows about this significant threat to American troops and our allies and what options are available to hold Russia accountable.”
South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, who golfed with Trump on Sunday, tweeted on Saturday that it was "imperative" that Congress get to the bottom of the reported bounties while Wyoming Republican Rep. Liz Cheney called on the White House to share more information.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., issued a statement saying he "long warned about Russia’s efforts to undermine U.S. interests in the Middle East from Syria to Afghanistan," noting that he authored an amendment condemning Trump's decision to pull U.S. forces from Syria and Afghanistan.
“The United States needs to prioritize defense resources, maintain a sufficient regional military presence, and continue to impose serious consequences on those who threaten us and our allies - like our strikes in Syria and Afghanistan against ISIS, the Taliban, and Russian mercenary forces that threatened our partners," he said.
Contributing: William Cummings and David Jackson, USA TODAY; The Associated Press.


usatoday--2020-07-02--WNBA star Maya Moore shares video of wrongly convicted Missouri man's release from prison

Women 's basketball star Maya Moore , who has sat out the past two WNBA seasons to help free a wrongfully convicted Missouri man from prison , finally saw her efforts come to fruition on Wednesday .
Jonathan Irons , 40 , walked out of the Jefferson City Correctional Center a free man Wednesday -- four months after a judge overturned his conviction on burglary and assault charges from an incident that took place in 1998 .
Moore was there outside the prison doors to witness Irons ' release , recording the moment on video .
`` I feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m free , I ’ m blessed , I just want to live my life worthy of God ’ s help and influence , '' Irons said in the video , adding , `` I thank everybody who supported me .
Maya and her family ... '' Moore later shared on her Instagram account -- along with a one-word caption : FREEDOM .
Moore met Irons in 2007 when she visited him through a prison ministry program before her freshman year at the University of Connecticut .
While becoming one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basketball history , earning two Olympic gold medals and winning four WNBA titles with the Minnesota Lynx , Moore maintained contact with Irons .
Beginning in 2016 , she began to advocate his case publicly , helping to pay for his defense team and attending several of his courtroom hearings while he 's continued to maintain his innocence .
In March , a state judge issued a ruling that overturned Irons ' conviction and ordered him to be released from the maximum-security prison after serving 23 years of what was originally a 50-year @ @

WNBA star Maya Moore shares video of wrongly convicted Missouri man's release from prison
Show Caption Hide Caption How can NBA players have an impact on social justice legislation? USA TODAY Sports talked to Charles Grantham, Director of Sports Management at Seton Hall, about how the NBA can impact policy change in America. USA TODAY
Women's basketball star Maya Moore, who has sat out the past two WNBA seasons to help free a wrongfully convicted Missouri man from prison, finally saw her efforts come to fruition on Wednesday.
Jonathan Irons, 40, walked out of the Jefferson City Correctional Center a free man Wednesday -- four months after a judge overturned his conviction on burglary and assault charges from an incident that took place in 1998.
Moore was there outside the prison doors to witness Irons' release, recording the moment on video.
"I feel like I can live life now. I’m free, I’m blessed, I just want to live my life worthy of God’s help and influence," Irons said in the video, adding, "I thank everybody who supported me. Maya and her family ..."
Moore later shared on her Instagram account -- along with a one-word caption: FREEDOM.
Moore met Irons in 2007 when she visited him through a prison ministry program before her freshman year at the University of Connecticut.
While becoming one of the most decorated players in women's college basketball history, earning two Olympic gold medals and winning four WNBA titles with the Minnesota Lynx, Moore maintained contact with Irons.
Beginning in 2016, she began to advocate his case publicly, helping to pay for his defense team and attending several of his courtroom hearings while he's continued to maintain his innocence.
In March, a state judge issued a ruling that overturned Irons' conviction and ordered him to be released from the maximum-security prison after serving 23 years of what was originally a 50-year sentence.


usatoday--2020-07-01--Wizards guard Bradley Beal details dark exchange with police officer during traffic stop

Last month , Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal alluded to an exchange he had with a police officer while pulled over on metropolitan Washington D.C. ’ s busy I-495 .
He went into more detail on Wednesday in a video conference call with NBA reporters .
Beal said police stopped him a few years ago because the tint on his car windows was too dark .
“ So I guess that gave him a reason to search the car , ” Beal said .
“ I was being respectful .
We stepped out of the car – my wife and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time .
We all stepped out and sat on the side of the highway , whatever that cement block thing is on the side of the highway .
So we ’ re sitting on that , and I asked the officer if I could put my hood up because I ’ m literally on the side of the highway and there ’ s traffic and people slowly driving by , looking at it like , ‘ What ’ s going on over there ?
Who ’ s that ?
’ … “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ I said , ‘ I would just like not to be seen out in public.
’ He goes on to say , ‘ Well , who are you ?
’ What do you do ?
’ And I say , ‘ Sir , you ’ ve seen my license .
I hope you would know that my name is Bradley Beal .
But I play basketball for the Washington Wizards.
’ ” Beal , who remains undecided about playing in the NBA ’ s season restart in Orlando , said that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn .
“ His next question was , ‘ Well , how much money do you make a year ?
’ ” Beal said .
‘ Officer , I don ’ t want to be a smartass , but I think I make more than you per year.
’ ” He said , ‘ I can arrest your ( expletive ) right now and ( expletive ) up your headline and have you on SportsCenter on Monday , ’ ” Beal said .
“ For what , you know ?
Because I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a ticket and let me go .
`` And instead , it was one , get out of the car .
Searched us .
Sit on the side of the highway .
Searched the car .
Find nothing and then proceed to say , ‘ I will arrest you – just to ( expletive ) up your Monday headline.
’ “ Not arrest me because you found anything .
Not arrest me because I did something wrong .
But arrest me because you can .
That ’ s the ( expletive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Wizards guard Bradley Beal details dark exchange with police officer during traffic stop
Show Caption Hide Caption Will a return to play help NBA players have an impact on social justice? USA TODAY Sports' Mark Medina breaks down how players could have a greater impact by using their platforms if the NBA returns. USA TODAY
Last month, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal alluded to an exchange he had with a police officer while pulled over on metropolitan Washington D.C.’s busy I-495.
He went into more detail on Wednesday in a video conference call with NBA reporters.
Beal said police stopped him a few years ago because the tint on his car windows was too dark.
“So I guess that gave him a reason to search the car,” Beal said. “I was being respectful. We stepped out of the car – my wife and I and one of my friends at the time. We all stepped out and sat on the side of the highway, whatever that cement block thing is on the side of the highway. So we’re sitting on that, and I asked the officer if I could put my hood up because I’m literally on the side of the highway and there’s traffic and people slowly driving by, looking at it like, ‘What’s going on over there? Who’s that?’ …
“He said, ‘For what?’ I said, ‘I would just like not to be seen out in public.’ He goes on to say, ‘Well, who are you?’ What do you do?’ And I say, ‘Sir, you’ve seen my license. I hope you would know that my name is Bradley Beal. But I play basketball for the Washington Wizards.’”
Beal, who remains undecided about playing in the NBA’s season restart in Orlando, said that’s where the conversation took a strange turn.
“His next question was, ‘Well, how much money do you make a year?’ ” Beal said.
‘Officer, I don’t want to be a smartass, but I think I make more than you per year.’ ”
Then the exchange turned dark.
He said, ‘I can arrest your (expletive) right now and (expletive) up your headline and have you on SportsCenter on Monday,’ ” Beal said. “For what, you know? Because I had too dark of a tint. That’s a ticket and let me go.
"And instead, it was one, get out of the car. Searched us. Sit on the side of the highway. Searched the car. Find nothing and then proceed to say, ‘I will arrest you – just to (expletive) up your Monday headline.’
“Not arrest me because you found anything. Not arrest me because I did something wrong. But arrest me because you can. That’s the (expletive) we deal with in everyday life."


usatoday--2020-07-01--Christopher Columbus statue removed from Columbus City Hall

COLUMBUS , Ohio – Crews early Wednesday removed the statue of Christopher Columbus from in front of Columbus City Hall .
Shortly before 6:30 a.m. local time , the statue was lifted off its pedestal and rotated to face City Hall .
Within an hour , the statue had been placed onto a flatbed truck and taken away from the area .
According to a press release issued by the city Wednesday morning , Smoot Construction was involved in moving the statue , which “ will be placed in safekeeping at a secure city facility.
” Last month , Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see the statue removed from City Hall .
The decision was hailed by groups that say Columbus statues depict the explorer ’ s genocidal cleansing of the New World and exploitation of Native people , and opposed by Italian-Americans who say the statues are works of art that forge goodwill and should be preserved .
Ginther has called on the Columbus Art Commission to lead an effort to replace the statue with public artwork that better reflects the people of Columbus and offers a shared vision for the future .
The statue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its sister city of Genoa , Italy , was placed at City Hall in 1955 .

Christopher Columbus statue removed from Columbus City Hall
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Crews early Wednesday removed the statue of Christopher Columbus from in front of Columbus City Hall.
Shortly before 6:30 a.m. local time, the statue was lifted off its pedestal and rotated to face City Hall. Within an hour, the statue had been placed onto a flatbed truck and taken away from the area.
According to a press release issued by the city Wednesday morning, Smoot Construction was involved in moving the statue, which “will be placed in safekeeping at a secure city facility.”
Last month, Mayor Andrew J. Ginther said he wanted to see the statue removed from City Hall.
Mount Rushmore: South Dakota tribal leader joins call to remove Mount Rushmore ahead of Trump visit
The decision was hailed by groups that say Columbus statues depict the explorer’s genocidal cleansing of the New World and exploitation of Native people, and opposed by Italian-Americans who say the statues are works of art that forge goodwill and should be preserved.
Ginther has called on the Columbus Art Commission to lead an effort to replace the statue with public artwork that better reflects the people of Columbus and offers a shared vision for the future.
The statue, which was a gift to Columbus from its sister city of Genoa, Italy, was placed at City Hall in 1955.
US coronavirus map: Tracking the outbreak
More: Vehicle carrying Iowa governor struck Black Lives Matter protester who blocked the road


usatoday--2020-07-01--Opinion: Uncertainty of starting college football on time grows as NCAA hands off hard questions

As the calendar turns to July , a month that is slated to bring the opening of college football preseason camps , social media feeds of coaches and administrators across the country have been filled with messages imploring fans to wear masks if they want the season to begin on time .
But the campaign to mask up is more than just a public service announcement .
Instead , it ’ s a warning whose seriousness has started to dawn on weary athletic directors : If the current trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic does not change in the next two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as scheduled is in significant peril .
In conversations with more than a dozen administrators , coaches and others intimately involved with college sports , all of whom spoke with USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity in order to provide their honest assessment , the level of uncertainty and alarm around the current situation has only grown in recent days .
Pervasive optimism that the college football season would start and finish on time has given way to nervousness as programs continue to see players with COVID-19 infections during voluntary workouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or reversed some aspects of their reopening plans due to spiking case numbers .
The idea of delaying college football to the spring , which was dismissed as a last resort a few months ago , is being revived in some corners as a legitimate option to buy time and give programs more tools to manage a situation that many administrators privately admit is unwieldy and uncertain .
Meanwhile , some FBS conferences are actively engaged with banks on opening up lines of credit to guard against lost revenue , a key acknowledgment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this fall .
Ultimately , coaches and administrators still don ’ t know exactly what the next month will hold and whether a program can start contact practice without being overwhelmed by infections — which isn ’ t a very good sign on July 1 given initial expectations that the pandemic would die down in the summer and that accurate point-of-care testing would be widespread enough by now to test regularly .
Instead neither of those things have happened , and an industry that spent all spring saying time was on its side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As one Power Five athletic director mused , the next month might be the most crucial in the modern history of college sports .
The challenges in navigating the next few weeks , not to mention the months to come , are almost innumerable .
And yet they ’ ll have to be navigated under a fractured landscape that does not lend itself to nimbleness or consistency .
As one athletic director in the Midwest pointed out , it wasn ’ t until states within the SEC footprint started to open up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ push nationally to bring football players back to campus in June .
It ’ s unclear what that will now mean in the near and medium-term future with the virus surging in SEC states like Florida , Texas , Mississippi , Alabama and South Carolina , but the delusion of a relatively smooth transition back to sports has now been obliterated .
Even if the numbers in those states were stable , the reality of how difficult it ’ s going to be for programs to avoid constant disruptions has been laid bare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 30 players have had to isolate due to either testing positive for COVID-19 or coming into contact with someone who tested positive at the local bars .
A total of 37 Clemson players have tested positive .
At Kansas State , workouts were shut down because of positive tests for players who are believed to have been infected at a party .
Administrators have seen those numbers and are already worried about whether their schools have planned for enough quarantine space once campuses are fully opened to regular students .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitize and socially distance when players are in the athletic facilities , you can only do so much to monitor and control who athletes are coming into contact with most of the day .
You can ask players to reduce their social lives and stay inside as much as possible , but everyone knows it ’ s simply not realistic in a college setting .
Some schools are trying out a so-called pod system where smaller groupings of players ( often based around where they live ) are supposed to stay together when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Just as an example , each pod would only have one quarterback , one running back , etc.
, so that if there was an infection during the season it would reduce the chance of an entire position group being wiped out for weeks at a time .
It sounds good in theory , but the likelihood of that arrangement holding together effectively for five months seems small .
Contrary to popular belief among COVID-19 deniers , this isn ’ t about the death rate .
Everyone recognizes that young , healthy athletes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract the virus .
But even if you can temporarily put aside the ever-present concern that a small number could have bad outcomes or the unknown long-term effects , the contagiousness of the virus and the issue of asymptomatic spread presents a practical problem of how you can coach , prepare and play without needing to isolate significant portions of your team .
And the concerns go well beyond football .
Though it has received only a fraction of the attention due to the urgency of getting the football season started , basketball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward , having seen the lengths to which the NBA is going to build a bubble and knowing that such measures simply won ’ t be possible for their sport .
One Power Five coach told me he wonders specifically about the hundreds of November and December games all over the country where major conference teams pay guarantees to mid- and low-majors .
An SEC or ACC school will be financially able to test their players multiple times a week , but will the school from the Atlantic Sun or WAC that needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its budget ?
That coach said there was “ no way ” he ’ d allow his team to be on the same floor as an opponent that wasn ’ t testing its players .
It would be helpful in the middle of a pandemic if the NCAA was structured in a way to establish standards on issues like testing or scheduling , but so far it has only operated in the realm of recommendations and best practices .
It has left the hard questions to the conferences , which should have tackled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to quickly transition the football season to the spring if the virus hadn ’ t been controlled by June .
Instead , it got hung up on small-ball issues like recruiting and how often players could be on Zoom calls with their coaches .
There is , quite simply , no strong leader to answer these questions and forge a path forward .
And the result is , after months of administrators and coaches working endlessly to put out potential fires , there ’ s less confidence on July 1 than on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to take to get the season going .
Make no mistake : after weeks and weeks of delusion about having a semi-normal football season with packed stadiums , the mood around college sports has taken a decidedly pessimistic turn .
As determined as schools have been to push forward and plan for a football season starting at the end of August , the data coming in over the next few weeks will be crucial in whether it ’ s even possible .
That ’ s why the push for masks has come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ college sports .
Let ’ s hope it ’ s not too late .

Opinion: Uncertainty of starting college football on time grows as NCAA hands off hard questions
Show Caption Hide Caption Fragility of college football season: 'All it's going to take is one bad outcome' SportsPulse: Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg discuss if there will be college football this fall. As Wolken put its, all it takes is one bad outcome due to the pandemic to send the sport into chaos. USA TODAY
As the calendar turns to July, a month that is slated to bring the opening of college football preseason camps, social media feeds of coaches and administrators across the country have been filled with messages imploring fans to wear masks if they want the season to begin on time.
But the campaign to mask up is more than just a public service announcement. Instead, it’s a warning whose seriousness has started to dawn on weary athletic directors: If the current trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic does not change in the next two weeks, playing the college football season as scheduled is in significant peril.
In conversations with more than a dozen administrators, coaches and others intimately involved with college sports, all of whom spoke with USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity in order to provide their honest assessment, the level of uncertainty and alarm around the current situation has only grown in recent days.
Pervasive optimism that the college football season would start and finish on time has given way to nervousness as programs continue to see players with COVID-19 infections during voluntary workouts and multiple states have either slowed down or reversed some aspects of their reopening plans due to spiking case numbers. The idea of delaying college football to the spring, which was dismissed as a last resort a few months ago, is being revived in some corners as a legitimate option to buy time and give programs more tools to manage a situation that many administrators privately admit is unwieldy and uncertain. Meanwhile, some FBS conferences are actively engaged with banks on opening up lines of credit to guard against lost revenue, a key acknowledgment that schools fear a potential revenue wipeout this fall.
Ultimately, coaches and administrators still don’t know exactly what the next month will hold and whether a program can start contact practice without being overwhelmed by infections — which isn’t a very good sign on July 1 given initial expectations that the pandemic would die down in the summer and that accurate point-of-care testing would be widespread enough by now to test regularly.
Instead neither of those things have happened, and an industry that spent all spring saying time was on its side suddenly finds itself up against the clock. As one Power Five athletic director mused, the next month might be the most crucial in the modern history of college sports.
The challenges in navigating the next few weeks, not to mention the months to come, are almost innumerable. And yet they’ll have to be navigated under a fractured landscape that does not lend itself to nimbleness or consistency.
As one athletic director in the Midwest pointed out, it wasn’t until states within the SEC footprint started to open up in May that there was a strong push nationally to bring football players back to campus in June. It’s unclear what that will now mean in the near and medium-term future with the virus surging in SEC states like Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina, but the delusion of a relatively smooth transition back to sports has now been obliterated.
Even if the numbers in those states were stable, the reality of how difficult it’s going to be for programs to avoid constant disruptions has been laid bare by what happened at LSU, where at least 30 players have had to isolate due to either testing positive for COVID-19 or coming into contact with someone who tested positive at the local bars. A total of 37 Clemson players have tested positive. At Kansas State, workouts were shut down because of positive tests for players who are believed to have been infected at a party.
SPORTS AND COVID: Colleges reporting positive tests among athletes
Administrators have seen those numbers and are already worried about whether their schools have planned for enough quarantine space once campuses are fully opened to regular students. They also realize that despite significant measures to sanitize and socially distance when players are in the athletic facilities, you can only do so much to monitor and control who athletes are coming into contact with most of the day. You can ask players to reduce their social lives and stay inside as much as possible, but everyone knows it’s simply not realistic in a college setting.
Some schools are trying out a so-called pod system where smaller groupings of players (often based around where they live) are supposed to stay together when they’re outside the building. Just as an example, each pod would only have one quarterback, one running back, etc., so that if there was an infection during the season it would reduce the chance of an entire position group being wiped out for weeks at a time. It sounds good in theory, but the likelihood of that arrangement holding together effectively for five months seems small.
Contrary to popular belief among COVID-19 deniers, this isn’t about the death rate. Everyone recognizes that young, healthy athletes are highly unlikely to die if they contract the virus. But even if you can temporarily put aside the ever-present concern that a small number could have bad outcomes or the unknown long-term effects, the contagiousness of the virus and the issue of asymptomatic spread presents a practical problem of how you can coach, prepare and play without needing to isolate significant portions of your team.
And the concerns go well beyond football. Though it has received only a fraction of the attention due to the urgency of getting the football season started, basketball coaches are also concerned about the path forward, having seen the lengths to which the NBA is going to build a bubble and knowing that such measures simply won’t be possible for their sport.
One Power Five coach told me he wonders specifically about the hundreds of November and December games all over the country where major conference teams pay guarantees to mid- and low-majors. An SEC or ACC school will be financially able to test their players multiple times a week, but will the school from the Atlantic Sun or WAC that needs the $75,000 payday just to make its budget? That coach said there was “no way” he’d allow his team to be on the same floor as an opponent that wasn’t testing its players.
It would be helpful in the middle of a pandemic if the NCAA was structured in a way to establish standards on issues like testing or scheduling, but so far it has only operated in the realm of recommendations and best practices. It has left the hard questions to the conferences, which should have tackled those issues first and built a comprehensive plan to quickly transition the football season to the spring if the virus hadn’t been controlled by June. Instead, it got hung up on small-ball issues like recruiting and how often players could be on Zoom calls with their coaches.
There is, quite simply, no strong leader to answer these questions and forge a path forward. And the result is, after months of administrators and coaches working endlessly to put out potential fires, there’s less confidence on July 1 than on June 1 about what it’s going to take to get the season going.
Make no mistake: after weeks and weeks of delusion about having a semi-normal football season with packed stadiums, the mood around college sports has taken a decidedly pessimistic turn. As determined as schools have been to push forward and plan for a football season starting at the end of August, the data coming in over the next few weeks will be crucial in whether it’s even possible.
That’s why the push for masks has come so forcefully from so many corners of college sports. Let’s hope it’s not too late.


usatoday--2020-07-01--A groom in India died two days after getting married. Now, about 100 COVID-19 cases are linked to th

A 30-year-old Indian man with COVID-19 symptoms died two days after his wedding and now around 100 cases have been linked to the ceremony , according to media reports .
Relatives told multiple news outlets in India that the groom , who has not been identified , developed symptoms before the wedding and after traveling to his village in the city of Paliganj .
His family , however , insisted on holding the wedding due to “ huge financial losses ” that would take place if the family canceled , according to the Indian Express .
The outlet also reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a test performed on him .
Around 350 people were in attendance at the wedding , CBS News reported , nearly seven times more than the limit of 50 people required by the country ’ s Ministry of Home Affairs .
About week after the wedding , nearly 300 people were tested in the area — around 100 of whom were confirmed to have COVID-19 .
A majority of the cases were guests and their families .
The village has since been closed down as a containment zone , per the Indian Express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a guest had reported the wedding .
“ Our first priority now is to prevent the infection and break the chain , ” said Chiranjeev Pandey , a city official , to the Indian Express .
There are conflicting reports how many guests and relatives tested positive .
Business Today in India reported 95 positive cases tied to the wedding , while the Indian Express estimated 113 were infected with the virus .
The bride , per both outlets , was not one of them .
India remains hard-hit by the coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and more than 17,000 deaths , per the Johns Hopkins dashboard .
The country lifted its nationwide lockdown in June .

A groom in India died two days after getting married. Now, about 100 COVID-19 cases are linked to the wedding.
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Social distancing key to fighting COVID-19 Social distancing matters. Here is how to do it and how it can help curb the COVID-19 pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
A 30-year-old Indian man with COVID-19 symptoms died two days after his wedding and now around 100 cases have been linked to the ceremony, according to media reports.
Relatives told multiple news outlets in India that the groom, who has not been identified, developed symptoms before the wedding and after traveling to his village in the city of Paliganj.
His family, however, insisted on holding the wedding due to “huge financial losses” that would take place if the family canceled, according to the Indian Express. The outlet also reported that the groom was cremated without having a test performed on him.
Around 350 people were in attendance at the wedding, CBS News reported, nearly seven times more than the limit of 50 people required by the country’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
About week after the wedding, nearly 300 people were tested in the area — around 100 of whom were confirmed to have COVID-19. A majority of the cases were guests and their families.
The village has since been closed down as a containment zone, per the Indian Express. Authorities were only made aware after a guest had reported the wedding.
“Our first priority now is to prevent the infection and break the chain,” said Chiranjeev Pandey, a city official, to the Indian Express.
There are conflicting reports how many guests and relatives tested positive. Business Today in India reported 95 positive cases tied to the wedding, while the Indian Express estimated 113 were infected with the virus. The bride, per both outlets, was not one of them.
India remains hard-hit by the coronavirus, with 585,441 cases — the fourth-highest worldwide — and more than 17,000 deaths, per the Johns Hopkins dashboard. The country lifted its nationwide lockdown in June.
Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote


usatoday--2020-07-01--NFL cuts two weeks of preseason games amid coronavirus protocol preparations

The NFL has taken its next step in altering its calendar to prepare for a return to action amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The league on Wednesday decided to cancel two weeks of preseason games , a person with knowledge of the move told USA TODAY Sports ' Mike Jones .
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose the decision .
The first and fourth weeks of the exhibition slate will be eliminated .
Schedules will be reconfigured so that each team has one home game and one away contest .
Pro Football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
NFL teams are still scheduled to have veterans report for training camp by July 28 .
Canceling the first week of games provides a longer acclimation period as teams try to establish and implement protocols to mitigate exposure to and transmission of the virus , while also providing additional time for players to work on conditioning after conducting the offseason virtually .
Eliminating the final week , meanwhile , provides a greater buffer before the potential start of the season on Sept. 10 .
The NFL last week canceled the Pro Football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been set to kick off the preseason on Aug. 6 .

NFL cuts two weeks of preseason games amid coronavirus protocol preparations
Show Caption Hide Caption NFLPA bracing for truncated preseason: 'We're in the upside down' SportsPulse: Mackenzie Salmon connected with NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and asked him if he thinks there will be any normal resemblance of preseason this August. You can guess where the league is leaning. USA TODAY
The NFL has taken its next step in altering its calendar to prepare for a return to action amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The league on Wednesday decided to cancel two weeks of preseason games, a person with knowledge of the move told USA TODAY Sports' Mike Jones. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose the decision.
The first and fourth weeks of the exhibition slate will be eliminated. Schedules will be reconfigured so that each team has one home game and one away contest.
Pro Football Talk was first to report the news.
NFL teams are still scheduled to have veterans report for training camp by July 28. Canceling the first week of games provides a longer acclimation period as teams try to establish and implement protocols to mitigate exposure to and transmission of the virus, while also providing additional time for players to work on conditioning after conducting the offseason virtually.
Eliminating the final week, meanwhile, provides a greater buffer before the potential start of the season on Sept. 10.
The NFL last week canceled the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, which had been set to kick off the preseason on Aug. 6.