usatoday--2020-08-24--Grand Canyon's oldest fossilized footprints: What we know about the accidental discovery

On a day about 313 million years ago , a four-legged animal took a stroll up the slope of a sand dune , leaving only footprints behind .
On a day in 2016 , a geologist hiking with students in the Grand Canyon spotted the very footprints from this ancient amble on the surface of a boulder after it had tumbled from a cliff and landed near the Bright Angel Trail .
It turns out that this lucky find is something special : These footprints are the oldest ever discovered in the Grand Canyon and are among the earliest examples @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found anywhere in the world .
A new research paper led by paleontologist Steve Rowland at the University of Nevada , Las Vegas analyzes this chance find of two sets of footprints ( also called trackways ) on the same rock that are potentially both from the same unknown species .
Geologist Allan Krill was hiking with a group of students he brought to the Grand Canyon from Norway , where he is a professor , and noticed the footprints on a reddish boulder in a pile of fallen rocks on the side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an old friend of his , told him about the tracks a few days later and Rowland began working on describing them .
Remarkably , these impressions were made in dry sand over 300 million years ago when what is now Arizona was a coastal plain with wind-blown dunes close to the equator .
Rowland hypothesizes the impressions were preserved when the dry sand was lightly dampened , a crust formed and then they were buried by more sediment .
While it is not possible to determine exactly what species of animal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can confidently say they were made by early amniotes , a group of animals that laid shelled , fertilized eggs on land .
Modern-day reptiles , birds and mammals evolved from these early amniotes .
By carefully analyzing one of the trackways , Rowland can tell that the track-maker was about a foot long and walked up the slope of an ancient dune with a lateral sequence gait .
He said his cat helped him understand the lateral sequence gait as he was researching the trackways : “ She uses a lateral sequence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves and then the left front , and then the right rear and the right front and so on , ” he said .
Many four-legged animals move in this way .
The second trackway was potentially made by the same species — or even the same individual — soon after the first was made but this time the track-maker used a different type of gait and moved a bit faster up the dune slope .
The boulder is still on the Bright Angel Trail Many footprints from ancient vertebrates have been found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grand Canyon National Park .
Rock layers such as Coconino Sandstone and Hermit Shale have produced an array of footprints .
These trackways from the layer called the Manakacha Formation are the first from that formation and the oldest in the Grand Canyon by about 15 million years .
Other rocks containing trackways have been moved to museum collections , but for now , the boulders containing the newly described trackways have not been moved .
“ It 's the one ( boulder ) that 's right next to the trail that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that sort of thing , ” Rowland said .
100 things you should know about the Grand Canyon He has been in conversations with the National Park Service about removing these boulders — which is not a simple task and would need to involve a helicopter .
“ Hopefully , ” he said , “ they will eventually put them on display in a controlled environment.
” For now , it 's likely that dozens of people walk by the unmarked boulders each day , with only the keenest observers noticing this @ @ @ @ @ @

Grand Canyon's oldest fossilized footprints: What we know about the accidental discovery
Show Caption Hide Caption Massive dinosaur named ‘Dippy’ is going on display in Scotland The skeleton of a massive dinosaur named “Dippy” is set to go up on display in Scotland. Buzz60
On a day about 313 million years ago, a four-legged animal took a stroll up the slope of a sand dune, leaving only footprints behind.
On a day in 2016, a geologist hiking with students in the Grand Canyon spotted the very footprints from this ancient amble on the surface of a boulder after it had tumbled from a cliff and landed near the Bright Angel Trail.
It turns out that this lucky find is something special: These footprints are the oldest ever discovered in the Grand Canyon and are among the earliest examples of marks left by a shelled-egg-laying animal found anywhere in the world.
A new research paper led by paleontologist Steve Rowland at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas analyzes this chance find of two sets of footprints (also called trackways) on the same rock that are potentially both from the same unknown species.
Oldest animal footprints in Grand Canyon
Geologist Allan Krill was hiking with a group of students he brought to the Grand Canyon from Norway, where he is a professor, and noticed the footprints on a reddish boulder in a pile of fallen rocks on the side of the trail.
Rowland said Krill, an old friend of his, told him about the tracks a few days later and Rowland began working on describing them. Remarkably, these impressions were made in dry sand over 300 million years ago when what is now Arizona was a coastal plain with wind-blown dunes close to the equator.
Rowland hypothesizes the impressions were preserved when the dry sand was lightly dampened, a crust formed and then they were buried by more sediment.
What animal made these footprints?
While it is not possible to determine exactly what species of animal left these tracks, Rowland said he can confidently say they were made by early amniotes, a group of animals that laid shelled, fertilized eggs on land. Modern-day reptiles, birds and mammals evolved from these early amniotes.
By carefully analyzing one of the trackways, Rowland can tell that the track-maker was about a foot long and walked up the slope of an ancient dune with a lateral sequence gait.
He said his cat helped him understand the lateral sequence gait as he was researching the trackways: “She uses a lateral sequence walk, where the left rear foot moves and then the left front, and then the right rear and the right front and so on,” he said. Many four-legged animals move in this way.
The second trackway was potentially made by the same species — or even the same individual — soon after the first was made but this time the track-maker used a different type of gait and moved a bit faster up the dune slope.
The boulder is still on the Bright Angel Trail
Many footprints from ancient vertebrates have been found and described over the past century in Grand Canyon National Park. Rock layers such as Coconino Sandstone and Hermit Shale have produced an array of footprints. These trackways from the layer called the Manakacha Formation are the first from that formation and the oldest in the Grand Canyon by about 15 million years.
Other rocks containing trackways have been moved to museum collections, but for now, the boulders containing the newly described trackways have not been moved.
“It's the one (boulder) that's right next to the trail that's obviously most vulnerable to vandalism or weathering and that sort of thing,” Rowland said.
100 things you should know about the Grand Canyon
He has been in conversations with the National Park Service about removing these boulders — which is not a simple task and would need to involve a helicopter.
“Hopefully,” he said, “they will eventually put them on display in a controlled environment.”
For now, it's likely that dozens of people walk by the unmarked boulders each day, with only the keenest observers noticing this unique record of ancient history.


usatoday--2020-08-24--Upset at Jacob Blake shooting, Bucks' George Hill questions playing in NBA bubble

Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill didn ’ t want to talk basketball .
Not even after the Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic and took a 3-1 series lead .
In that moment , his mind – frustrated and angry – and his heart – broken as it is – was with Jacob Blake and his family .
Blake is the Wisconsin man who was shot by Kenosha police on Sunday , in an incident captured on video .
“ Watching stuff that happened in Wisconsin the other day really breaks my heart .
We ’ re down here playing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justice and all that , and to see it all still going on and we ’ re just playing the games like it ’ s nothing , it ’ s just a really messed up situation right now.
” When asked a basketball question , Hill replied , “ I don ’ t think we should be talking about basketball today .
We should talk about the Blake family and what ’ s going on .
It ’ s devastating and basketball shouldn ’ t even be on our mind right now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but none of this really matters.
” Hill even questioned why the NBA is playing games and made a plea to institute social justice reform .
“ First of all , we should n't even have came to this damn place to be honest , ” Hill said .
“ Coming here just took all the focal points off what the issues are .
But we 're here .
It is what it is .
We ca n't do anything from right here .
But definitely when it 's all settled , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This world has to change .
Our police department has to change .
Us a society has to change .
Right now , we ’ re not seeing any of that .
Lives are being taken as we speak day in and day out .
There ’ s no consequence or accountability for it .
That ’ s what has to change.
” Hill was angry at what he saw on the video .
`` It 's just sickening .
It 's heartless , ” he said .
“ Like I said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police to protect and serve .
Now , it 's looked at harass or shoot .
To almost take a guy 's life .
Thank God he 's still alive .
I know the cops are probably upset he ’ s still alive .
I know they surely tried to kill him .
But to almost take a guy 's life , especially in front of one 's kids , that was n't resisting , in his back at point-blank range , is a heartless and gutless situation .
We need some justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer used his pregame news conference to send thoughts and prayers to Blake and his family and urge systemic change .

Upset at Jacob Blake shooting, Bucks' George Hill questions playing in NBA bubble
Show Caption Hide Caption Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer addresses Jacob Blake shooting Sports Pulse: Bucks coach on ways the team is affected by Jacob Blake's shooting. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill didn’t want to talk basketball. Not even after the Bucks defeated the Orlando Magic and took a 3-1 series lead.
In that moment, his mind – frustrated and angry – and his heart – broken as it is – was with Jacob Blake and his family. Blake is the Wisconsin man who was shot by Kenosha police on Sunday, in an incident captured on video.
“Watching stuff that happened in Wisconsin the other day really breaks my heart. We’re down here playing the bubble to do these things for social justice and all that, and to see it all still going on and we’re just playing the games like it’s nothing, it’s just a really messed up situation right now.”
When asked a basketball question, Hill replied, “I don’t think we should be talking about basketball today. We should talk about the Blake family and what’s going on. It’s devastating and basketball shouldn’t even be on our mind right now. We’re thankful for the win, but none of this really matters.”
Hill even questioned why the NBA is playing games and made a plea to institute social justice reform.
“First of all, we shouldn't even have came to this damn place to be honest,” Hill said. “Coming here just took all the focal points off what the issues are. But we're here. It is what it is. We can't do anything from right here. But definitely when it's all settled, some things need to be done. This world has to change. Our police department has to change. Us a society has to change. Right now, we’re not seeing any of that. Lives are being taken as we speak day in and day out. There’s no consequence or accountability for it. That’s what has to change.”
Hill was angry at what he saw on the video.
"It's just sickening. It's heartless,” he said. “Like I said, you're supposed to look at the police to protect and serve. Now, it's looked at harass or shoot. To almost take a guy's life. Thank God he's still alive. I know the cops are probably upset he’s still alive. I know they surely tried to kill him. But to almost take a guy's life, especially in front of one's kids, that wasn't resisting, in his back at point-blank range, is a heartless and gutless situation. We need some justice for that.”
Earlier in the day, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer used his pregame news conference to send thoughts and prayers to Blake and his family and urge systemic change.


usatoday--2020-08-24--Democrats plan to project COVID-19 deaths outside DC hall holding RNC events

Democrats plan to counter the messages coming out of the Republican National Convention by putting the COVID-19 pandemic in the spotlight – literally .
As Republicans deliver convention speeches at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington , Democrats plan to use a projector to cast a slideshow about the ever-rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths outside the historic building .
`` During his convention , Trump and Republicans will try to mislead the public about their failure to contain the coronavirus or likely ignore this pandemic altogether .
That ’ s why we 're making sure voters know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership has led to over 175,000 deaths , more than 5 million cases , millions of lost jobs , and he still has no plan to stop it , '' Democratic National Committee War Room spokesperson Lily Adams told USA TODAY .
Democrats have regularly accused President Donald Trump and his Republican supporters of downplaying the severity of the pandemic .
Trump insisted for months that the GOP convention would be held in a traditional , live format before agreeing that much of the event would have to be held virtually because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easy task ' : GOP scrambles to finalize plans for convention amid COVID-19 , venue changes , Trump input In addition to projecting coronavirus statistics outside the Mellon Auditorium , prominent Democrats will offer addresses on each night of the convention on the ways they believe the U.S. is in crisis .
On Monday , Rep. Val Demings of Florida – one of the House impeachment managers during Trump 's Senate trial and a reported member of the shortlist of candidates Biden was considering as a running mate – will speak on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey will speak Tuesday on the `` Economy in Crisis . ''
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will address `` Health Care in Crisis '' on Wednesday and former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg will speak on the night Trump accepts the nomination about the `` Country in Crisis . ''
Trump attempted his own counter programming during the Democratic National Convention last week with rallies in Minnesota , Wisconsin , Arizona and Pennsylvania .
'Ask the family of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decries live Trump campaign events

William Cummings and David Jackson, USA TODAY

Democrats project COVID-19 deaths onto wall near DC hall holding RNC events
Show Caption Hide Caption Analysis: Expect 'ardent' Trump supporters for RNC In an election season of convention firsts, U.S. President Donald Trump is considering delivering his Republican convention speech from the White House. (Aug. 21) AP
Democrats countered the messages coming out of the Republican National Convention by putting the COVID-19 pandemic in the spotlight – literally.
As Republicans delivered convention speeches at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, Democrats used a projector to cast a giant slideshow about the ever-rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths onto the side of the former Newseum, about six blocks away.
"During his convention, Trump and Republicans will try to mislead the public about their failure to contain the coronavirus or likely ignore this pandemic altogether. That’s why we're making sure voters know the truth – Trump’s failed leadership has led to over 175,000 deaths, more than 5 million cases, millions of lost jobs, and he still has no plan to stop it," Democratic National Committee War Room spokesperson Lily Adams told USA TODAY.
Democrats have regularly accused President Donald Trump and his Republican supporters of downplaying the severity of the pandemic. Trump insisted for months that the GOP convention would be held in a traditional, live format before agreeing that much of the event would have to be held virtually because of the danger of infection.
'Not an easy task': GOP scrambles to finalize plans for convention amid COVID-19, venue changes, Trump input
In addition to projecting coronavirus statistics near the Mellon Auditorium, prominent Democrats will offer addresses on each night of the convention on the ways they believe the U.S. is in crisis.
On Monday, Rep. Val Demings of Florida – one of the House impeachment managers during Trump's Senate trial and a reported member of the shortlist of candidates Biden was considering as a running mate – will speak on the theme of "Families in Crisis."
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey will speak Tuesday on the "Economy in Crisis." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will address "Health Care in Crisis" on Wednesday and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg will speak on the night Trump accepts the nomination about the "Country in Crisis."
Trump attempted his own counter programming during the Democratic National Convention last week with rallies in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona and Pennsylvania.
'Ask the family of Herman Cain': DNC chair Perez decries live Trump campaign events


usatoday--2020-08-25--Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur meets with players on Kenosha shooting: 'Things have to change'

GREEN BAY , Wis. — Even with training camp taking up most of their time and COVID-19 precautions isolating them from friends and family even further , Green Bay Packers players do not live within a bubble .
They drive their cars , walk their dogs , pick up their groceries and get their hair cut , all in the city in which they work .
They are not insulated from the outside world and so when another video of another Black man being shot by the police emerged Sunday , it set off many of the same emotions that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Minneapolis police officer May 25 .
For a team that is nearly 70 % Black , the video of Jacob Blake being shot repeatedly in the back by a Kenosha police officer reverberated through the Packers ' locker room .
Blake was in serious condition Monday after undergoing surgery .
The incident resulted in coach Matt LaFleur meeting with his leadership council for 45 minutes after practice .
The group openly discussed the shooting and brainstormed ways the organization could respond .
KENNY STILLS : Texans WR says NFL could have saved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Roger Goodell can have change of heart , but ca n't change history on protests LaFleur opened his daily Zoom news conference apologizing for being late and then got emotional as he described the feelings being expressed in the meeting .
“ You know , it ’ s amazing to me that this is still happening , ” LaFleur said .
“ So , I wanted to get our guys ’ perspective , and try to float around some ideas on how we can make a difference and use our platform , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The social injustice , the police brutality , the antiquated laws , just got to bring awareness to everybody that Black lives matter .
We can ’ t stand for this any longer.
” Packers players had released a video called `` It ’ s Time For Change '' after the Floyd killing .
The video featured about a dozen players , both Black and white , expressing anger , hurt , disgust and frustration over police shootings of unarmed Black men .
Early in the video , several players team up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LaFleur also spoke in the video and the Packers organization , led by President/CEO Mark Murphy , has supported the Black Lives Matter movement and donated $ 500,000 – half of it a personal match from Murphy — to support local social justice reform and racial equality .
LaFleur ’ s response to the shooting of Blake was forceful .
He said he didn ’ t know all the facts around the shooting , but he was texted a video of Blake being shot in the back that was circulating on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his team open up about it .
“ It keeps happening over , and over , and over again , and it blows my mind that we ’ re sitting here in 2020 , and we can ’ t treat everybody the same , ” LaFleur said .
“ I don ’ t know , I ’ m just kind of at a loss for words .
I know I don ’ t know all the facts around the case , but it keeps happening over and over and over again.
” Tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minneapolis and has been one of the most outspoken Packers on social justice , used his Twitter account to express his feelings .
Just last week , Turner had talked in depth with reporters about why he felt it necessary to speak up and why the Black Lives Matter movement means so much to him .
Turner tried to explain how the police shootings affect Black men .
“ Imagine , ” he wrote .
“ Living your entire life & everytime you see a police car/officer you fear for your Life & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re going to lose your life at the hands of the people who are supposed to serve and protect you.
” At the end of the post , he wrote , “ Black On Earth.
” Quarterback Aaron Rodgers , who is on the leadership council , happened to be scheduled for a Zoom interview to talk about training camp .
He is on the video the Packers made and while not as outspoken as LaFleur or Turner , he said listening to others was as important as speaking his mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the meeting , other than that tight end Marcedes Lewis was the first to speak .
“ I think there were a lot of personal things that were said in those settings , ” Rodgers said .
“ I think like I said in the video and like we talked about in the video that we put out , there ’ s a systemic problem , and until the problem is fixed , this is going to be an all-too-common sighting in this country .
“ It obviously hits home being not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not going to comment directly on the video until more facts come out , but obviously it ’ s something where as a non-police officer , I think a lot of us , ( the ) natural question is when is lethal force necessary.
” Kicker Mason Crosby , who appears on the “ It ’ s Time to Change ” video , was also scheduled to talk to reporters Monday .
When asked about the leadership council meeting , he said the communication within the group was excellent .
Crosby said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from teammates was what made the meeting so important .
“ I feel like the different personalities and individuals in that room , I mean , just intelligent guys that bring out some amazing points , some amazing topics , things that , you know , different perspectives that some of us have n't experienced , ” Crosby said .
“ And I ’ m thankful to coach LaFleur for bringing that group together as often as we do and just having us talk and having us connect in so many different ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarding the Kenosha shooting : `` The Packers organization was shocked to see the video that showed police shooting Jacob Blake multiple times in the back .
We are hopeful Jacob makes a full recovery , and our thoughts are with his family .
`` While we understand a full investigation of this terrible incident will take place , we are deeply troubled at what again has become a painful example of the significant challenges we face with respect to police brutality , systemic racism and injustices against Black people .
We continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the needed change we all desire . ''
Rodgers said he ’ s aware his interactions with police haven ’ t been the same as others in the locker room and he has tried to listen to what his teammates are saying .
He said it ’ s time antiquated laws that punish people of color and keep systematic racism alive need to be removed .
Rodgers made a point of saying he has gotten to know current and former police officers who are around the team and doesn ’ t want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said it ’ s time the bad ones are removed and the good ones help make that happen .
“ It ’ s a bad look , ” Rodgers said .
“ I hope there can be cops who can speak out as we ’ re speaking out about these things and be as disgusted at this unfortunate norm has become in our country .
But it starts with the system that ’ s in place .
Until the system is changed , there ’ s not going to be a whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team is still in discussions about how it will support the social justice movement on the sideline before its season opener Sept. 13 in Minneapolis .
But he said he ’ s sure a statement will be made .
LaFleur said it will be well thought out .
“ I ’ m really proud of those guys that are on that group , ” he said .
“ You can tell it means something to these guys because this is real life .
This is bigger than football .
It ’ s awesome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys out there on this football team that , No .
1 , they care about each other but also they care about just what ’ s going on in society .
”

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur meets with players on Kenosha shooting: 'Things have to change'
Show Caption Hide Caption Aaron Rodgers on Jacob Blake shooting: 'There’s a systemic problem' Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers discusses the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha. Olivia Reiner, PackersNews
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Even with training camp taking up most of their time and COVID-19 precautions isolating them from friends and family even further, Green Bay Packers players do not live within a bubble.
They drive their cars, walk their dogs, pick up their groceries and get their hair cut, all in the city in which they work.
They are not insulated from the outside world and so when another video of another Black man being shot by the police emerged Sunday, it set off many of the same emotions that occurred when George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer May 25.
For a team that is nearly 70% Black, the video of Jacob Blake being shot repeatedly in the back by a Kenosha police officer reverberated through the Packers' locker room. Blake was in serious condition Monday after undergoing surgery. The incident resulted in coach Matt LaFleur meeting with his leadership council for 45 minutes after practice. The group openly discussed the shooting and brainstormed ways the organization could respond.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS: Upset at Jacob Blake shooting, George Hill questions playing in NBA bubble
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OPINION: Roger Goodell can have change of heart, but can't change history on protests
LaFleur opened his daily Zoom news conference apologizing for being late and then got emotional as he described the feelings being expressed in the meeting.
“You know, it’s amazing to me that this is still happening,” LaFleur said. “So, I wanted to get our guys’ perspective, and try to float around some ideas on how we can make a difference and use our platform, because things have to change.
“The social injustice, the police brutality, the antiquated laws, just got to bring awareness to everybody that Black lives matter. We can’t stand for this any longer.”
Packers players had released a video called "It’s Time For Change" after the Floyd killing. The video featured about a dozen players, both Black and white, expressing anger, hurt, disgust and frustration over police shootings of unarmed Black men. Early in the video, several players team up to say, “Enough is enough.”
LaFleur also spoke in the video and the Packers organization, led by President/CEO Mark Murphy, has supported the Black Lives Matter movement and donated $500,000 – half of it a personal match from Murphy — to support local social justice reform and racial equality.
LaFleur’s response to the shooting of Blake was forceful.
He said he didn’t know all the facts around the shooting, but he was texted a video of Blake being shot in the back that was circulating on social media and felt it important that he and his team open up about it.
“It keeps happening over, and over, and over again, and it blows my mind that we’re sitting here in 2020, and we can’t treat everybody the same,” LaFleur said. “I don’t know, I’m just kind of at a loss for words. I know I don’t know all the facts around the case, but it keeps happening over and over and over again.”
Tackle Billy Turner, who grew up in Minneapolis and has been one of the most outspoken Packers on social justice, used his Twitter account to express his feelings. Just last week, Turner had talked in depth with reporters about why he felt it necessary to speak up and why the Black Lives Matter movement means so much to him.
Turner tried to explain how the police shootings affect Black men.
“Imagine,” he wrote. “Living your entire life & everytime you see a police car/officer you fear for your Life & start praying because you are fearful that you’re going to lose your life at the hands of the people who are supposed to serve and protect you.”
At the end of the post, he wrote, “Black On Earth.”
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is on the leadership council, happened to be scheduled for a Zoom interview to talk about training camp. He is on the video the Packers made and while not as outspoken as LaFleur or Turner, he said listening to others was as important as speaking his mind.
Rodgers didn’t reveal much about the meeting, other than that tight end Marcedes Lewis was the first to speak.
“I think there were a lot of personal things that were said in those settings,” Rodgers said. “I think like I said in the video and like we talked about in the video that we put out, there’s a systemic problem, and until the problem is fixed, this is going to be an all-too-common sighting in this country.
“It obviously hits home being not far from Green Bay. I’m not going to comment directly on the video until more facts come out, but obviously it’s something where as a non-police officer, I think a lot of us, (the) natural question is when is lethal force necessary.”
Kicker Mason Crosby, who appears on the “It’s Time to Change” video, was also scheduled to talk to reporters Monday. When asked about the leadership council meeting, he said the communication within the group was excellent.
Crosby said just having the opportunity to hear experiences from teammates was what made the meeting so important.
“I feel like the different personalities and individuals in that room, I mean, just intelligent guys that bring out some amazing points, some amazing topics, things that, you know, different perspectives that some of us haven't experienced,” Crosby said. “And I’m thankful to coach LaFleur for bringing that group together as often as we do and just having us talk and having us connect in so many different ways."
The Packers released a statement regarding the Kenosha shooting: "The Packers organization was shocked to see the video that showed police shooting Jacob Blake multiple times in the back. We are hopeful Jacob makes a full recovery, and our thoughts are with his family.
"While we understand a full investigation of this terrible incident will take place, we are deeply troubled at what again has become a painful example of the significant challenges we face with respect to police brutality, systemic racism and injustices against Black people. We continue to call for meaningful dialogue to affect the needed change we all desire."
Statement from the Green Bay Packers https://t.co/njJWpt6sWN — Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 24, 2020
Rodgers said he’s aware his interactions with police haven’t been the same as others in the locker room and he has tried to listen to what his teammates are saying. He said it’s time antiquated laws that punish people of color and keep systematic racism alive need to be removed.
Rodgers made a point of saying he has gotten to know current and former police officers who are around the team and doesn’t want to paint them all the same. But he said it’s time the bad ones are removed and the good ones help make that happen.
“It’s a bad look,” Rodgers said. “I hope there can be cops who can speak out as we’re speaking out about these things and be as disgusted at this unfortunate norm has become in our country. But it starts with the system that’s in place. Until the system is changed, there’s not going to be a whole lot of change.”
Rodgers said the team is still in discussions about how it will support the social justice movement on the sideline before its season opener Sept. 13 in Minneapolis. But he said he’s sure a statement will be made.
LaFleur said it will be well thought out.
“I’m really proud of those guys that are on that group,” he said. “You can tell it means something to these guys because this is real life. This is bigger than football. It’s awesome to know that we have some compassionate guys out there on this football team that, No. 1, they care about each other but also they care about just what’s going on in society.”


usatoday--2020-08-24--Clemson, Alabama lead way in preseason NCAA Re-Rank 1-76

USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank 's preseason ranking of the Bowl Subdivision only goes to 76 due to the impact of COVID-19 on college football .
Regardless of the shortened list , one thing remains the same : Clemson is still at the top .
The Tigers are trailed by Alabama , Georgia , Oklahoma and Notre Dame .
Fifty-four teams have been removed from normal list of 130 as a result of four conferences opting against playing this fall .
The teams no longer considered include Ohio State , which had a case for being ranked ahead of Clemson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was a contender for the top five .
In fact , the four conferences no longer in competition — the Big Ten , Pac-12 , Mountain West and MAC — might 've accounted for as many as nine teams in the preseason Top 25 .
The upper third of the 1-76 now includes five representatives from the Group of Five .
Yeah , it 's going to be a strange season .
With the ACC and Big 12 playing just one non-conference game and the SEC playing none , look for very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end the regular season with two or fewer losses .
NEW PATH : How the College Football Playoff exist without Big Ten and Pac-12 ?
In addition to the Group of Five programs , the Top 25 features seven teams from the SEC and another seven teams from the ACC , counting temporary member Notre Dame .
The SEC has No .
2 Alabama , No .
3 Georgia , No .
5 Florida and No .
7 LSU .
From the Big 12 , No .
4 Oklahoma is joined by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 Oklahoma State , No .
21 TCU and No .
23 Iowa State .

Clemson, Alabama lead way in preseason NCAA Re-Rank 1-76
Show Caption Hide Caption Amway Coaches Poll: Clemson tops preseason list, LSU in surprising spot USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down the preseason Amway Coaches Poll which features the Clemson Tigers sitting at the top. Find out where your favorite team landed. USA TODAY
USA TODAY Sports NCAA Re-Rank's preseason ranking of the Bowl Subdivision only goes to 76 due to the impact of COVID-19 on college football.
Regardless of the shortened list, one thing remains the same: Clemson is still at the top. The Tigers are trailed by Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Notre Dame.
Fifty-four teams have been removed from normal list of 130 as a result of four conferences opting against playing this fall. The teams no longer considered include Ohio State, which had a case for being ranked ahead of Clemson, and projected Pac-12 front-runner Oregon, which was a contender for the top five.
In fact, the four conferences no longer in competition — the Big Ten, Pac-12, Mountain West and MAC — might've accounted for as many as nine teams in the preseason Top 25. The upper third of the 1-76 now includes five representatives from the Group of Five.
Yeah, it's going to be a strange season. With the ACC and Big 12 playing just one non-conference game and the SEC playing none, look for very few teams from these Power Five leagues to end the regular season with two or fewer losses.
BEST OF BEST: USA TODAY Sports college football preseason All-America team
NEW PATH: How the College Football Playoff exist without Big Ten and Pac-12?
In addition to the Group of Five programs, the Top 25 features seven teams from the SEC and another seven teams from the ACC, counting temporary member Notre Dame. The SEC has No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Georgia, No. 5 Florida and No. 7 LSU. From the Big 12, No. 4 Oklahoma is joined by No. 8 Texas, No. 12 Oklahoma State, No. 21 TCU and No. 23 Iowa State.


usatoday--2020-08-25--#AllInForVoting: Which star is your state's celebrity ambassador to get out the vote?

Have a question about voting in your state ?
Someone famous may soon be able to assist you .
With less than 75 days until the November election , Amazon Studios is preparing to release the Stacey Abrams-led film `` All In : The Fight for Democracy '' ( streaming on Prime Video Sept. 18 ) , an examination of the history of voter suppression , and is simultaneously launching a nonpartisan # AllInForVoting social action campaign to provide factual voting information to the masses via familiar faces .
Fifty influential actors , athletes , musicians , journalists and superstars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Patrick Dempsey and Gabrielle Union – have signed on to galvanize a state that hits close to home .
For example , Dempsey , best known as Derek `` McDreamy '' Shepherd in `` Grey 's Anatomy , '' will represent his home state of Maine .
Union , a self-proclaimed `` Nebraska Cornhusker diehard '' football fan , will assume the role for Nebraska .
`` Every voice should be heard , Nebraska ! ''
Union wrote Monday on her Instagram Story , which boasts over 16 million followers .
# @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and why celebs are posting More : Sharon Stone endorses Joe Biden , says 'don ’ t vote for a killer ' after sister catches COVID-19 As a state celebrity ambassador , each star will share vote-by-mail updates , registration deadlines and information on how to vote , as well as concerns of voter suppression tactics in the state .
The goal ?
To ensure Americans have all the resources they need to safely make an informed decision at the ballot box , according to an Amazon Studios release .
# AllInForVoting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations for the social campaign , including Abrams ’ Fair Fight Action , Advancement Project , Black Voters Matter , Rock the Vote , Southern Poverty Law Center , Voto Latino Foundation and Campus Voter Project .
See which star is your state ’ s celebrity ambassador ( with more to be announced soon ) :

#AllInForVoting: Which star is your state’s celebrity ambassador to get out the vote?
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Have a question about voting in your state? Someone famous may soon be able to assist you.
With less than 75 days until the November election, Amazon Studios is preparing to release the Stacey Abrams-led film "All In: The Fight for Democracy" (streaming on Prime Video Sept. 18), an examination of the history of voter suppression, and is simultaneously launching a nonpartisan #AllInForVoting social action campaign to provide factual voting information to the masses via familiar faces.
Fifty influential actors, athletes, musicians, journalists and superstars – including Gabrielle Union, Rajon Rondo and Patrick Dempsey – have signed on to galvanize a state that hits close to home.
For example, Dempsey, best known as Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd in "Grey's Anatomy," will represent his home state of Maine. Union, a self-proclaimed "Nebraska Cornhusker diehard" football fan, will assume the role for Nebraska.
"Every voice should be heard, Nebraska!" Union wrote Monday on her Instagram Story, which boasts over 16 million followers.
#ChallengeAccepted Instagram trend: How it started, and why celebs are posting
More: Sharon Stone endorses Joe Biden, says 'don’t vote for a killer' after sister catches COVID-19
As a state celebrity ambassador, each star will share vote-by-mail updates, registration deadlines and information on how to vote, as well as concerns of voter suppression tactics in the state.
The goal? To ensure Americans have all the resources they need to safely make an informed decision at the ballot box, according to an Amazon Studios release.
#AllInForVoting is also teaming up with civic engagement organizations for the social campaign, including Abrams’ Fair Fight Action, Advancement Project, Black Voters Matter, Rock the Vote, Southern Poverty Law Center, Voto Latino Foundation and Campus Voter Project.
See which star is your state’s celebrity ambassador (with more to be announced soon):
Arkansas
Actress Sheryl Underwood, "The Talk" co-host (Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas)
Colorado
Bowen Yang, "Saturday Night Live" cast member (Hometown: Aurora, Colorado)
Connecticut
Seth MacFarlane, "Family Guy" creator (Hometown: Kent, Connecticut)
Delaware
Aubrey Plaza, "Parks and Recreation" alum (Hometown: Wilmington, Delaware)
Florida
Rajon Rondo, Los Angeles Lakers basketball player
Georgia
Offset, Migos rapper (Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia)
Idaho
Kaitlyn Farrington, Olympic snowboarder (Hometown: Hailey, Idaho)
Illinois
AnnaSophia Robb, "The Carrie Diaries" star
Iowa
Patton Oswalt, "The King of Queens" alum
Kansas
Musician Melissa Etheridge (Hometown: Leavenworth, Kansas)
Kentucky
Actress Ashley Judd (Alumni: University of Kentucky)
Maine
Actor Patrick Dempsey (Hometown: Lewiston, Maine)
Massachusetts
Actress Elizabeth Banks (Hometown: Pittsfield, Massachusetts)
Minnesota
Lindsey Vonn, Olympic skier (Hometown: Saint Paul, Minnesota)
Missouri
Actor Don Cheadle (Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri)
Montana
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, "Modern Family" star (Hometown: Missoula, Montana)
Nebraska
Actress Gabrielle Union (Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska)
Oregon
Lisa Rinna, "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" (Hometown: Medford, Oregon)
Pennsylvania
Billy Porter, "Pose" star (Hometown: Pittsburgh)
Rhode Island
Actress Viola Davis (Hometown: Central Falls, Rhode Island)
South Carolina
Janelle Monáe, musician and actress
Tennessee
Connie Britton, "Nashville" star
Virginia
Journalist Katie Couric (Hometown: Arlington, Virginia)
Washington
Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls basketball player (Hometown: Renton, Washington)
Washington, D.C.
Actress Taraji P. Henson (Hometown: Washington)
Wisconsin
Bradley Whitford, "The Handmaid's Tale" star (Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin)
Wyoming
Travis Rice, Olympic snowboarder (Hometown: Jackson Hole, Wyoming)


usatoday--2020-08-25--Protest erupts after Wisconsin police shoot man

Officers deployed tear gas early Monday to disperse hundreds of people who protested after a police shooting in Kenosha , @ @

Protest erupts after Wisconsin police shoot man
Officers deployed tear gas early Monday to disperse hundreds of people who protested after a police shooting in Kenosha, Wis.
AP


usatoday--2020-08-24--How to move during the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 : How to move during a pandemic Moving in itself is stressful , but it 's even harder during @ @ @

COVID-19: How to move during a pandemic
Moving in itself is stressful, but it's even harder during the pandemic.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-24--Video shows 'mama' bear carrying baby cubs on her back across lake in Wisconsin

Strong 'mama ' bear spotted carrying baby cubs on her back across lake Three baby cubs hitched a ride on @ @ @ @ @ ' while swimming through the Chippewa Flowage in Wisconsin .

Strong 'mama' bear spotted carrying baby cubs on her back across lake
Three baby cubs hitched a ride on the back of their 'mama' while swimming through the Chippewa Flowage in Wisconsin.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-08-24--Segregated parks linked to higher COVID-19 deaths for Black and Latino Americans

Raquetta Dotley looks out of her South Chattanooga , Tennessee , apartment and sighs as she thinks about her small neighborhood park shoehorned in next to a cellulose plant and a biofuels factory that processes used grease and lard into animal feed .
Four miles away across the Tennessee River , however , lies the meticulously maintained Coolidge Park , with its stone paver walking paths , fountains and an antique carousel .
One key difference between the two areas ?
Dotley 's neighborhood is 90 % Black , while the two neighborhoods encompassing Coolidge Park are 75 % and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data .
It 's hard , Dotley says , to miss the message her community receives .
`` It draws a hard line , like we 're not supposed to be over there because they did n't design that for us in the first place , '' said Dotley , 38 .
`` We can get in our cars and drive a mile and see these nice parks on this river .
You start to ask , 'is this intentional , ' ask 'why there was more investment into that particular place than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pattern repeated across the United States , where the nicest parks tend to be in the wealthiest , whitest neighborhoods , according to a new study by the nonprofit land-access advocacy group Trust for Public Land .
Nationwide , parks serving primarily nonwhite populations are half the size of parks serving majority white populations , and are five times more crowded , the report found .
And parks serving majority low-income households are , on average , four times smaller and four times more crowded than parks serving wealthy neighborhoods .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Latino neighborhoods to have better access to parks and outdoor recreation opportunities , the coronavirus pandemic has shined a spotlight on the interlocking health challenges people living there face – challenges exacerbated by the lack of parks in which to exercise , get fresh air and even reset sleep rhythms .
Experts say the lack of access to parks means people living in dense , urban areas have a harder time getting as much physical exercise as recommended , and are missing out on equally important mental health wellness opportunities .
Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher rates of diabetes , obesity and heart disease because they are less likely to go to the doctor or have health insurance , and their overall health is poorer due to systemic poverty .
Those preexisting conditions have resulted in disproportionate rates of COVID-19 deaths among these demographic groups .
Black Americans are dying of COVID-19 infections at a rate that 's 2.1 times higher compared with white Americans , while Latinos are 1.1 times more likely to die .
Federal officials say discrimination , lack of access to health care , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those communities perform , poor housing and overall poverty are likely driving those higher death rates .
Compounding the issue : Some cities closed down parks as the pandemic spread , taking offline the few parks that some urban residents did have access to .
In many cases , cautious school officials also locked up playgrounds to prevent people from congregating , further limiting access to outdoor areas with fresh air and opportunities to exercise away from others .
Public health experts say improving the health of those communities helps improve life for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premiums to increased workplace productivity , along with fostering a sense of national unity .
`` Think of the potential we would have as a society if health was n't a barrier for people , if everyone was in tip-top shape , '' says Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos , an assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Maryland , and an expert on disparities in health care .
`` One of the most cost-effective ways to improve health is to find open space and use it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to parks reflects longstanding economic inequalities nationally .
While older , denser , poorer neighborhoods have fewer park options , modern suburban neighborhoods approved by majority-white local governments were designed with both private backyards and shared open space .
For a long time , mortgage redlining and other racist housing policies kept Black families living in dense apartment blocks and limited their ability to move to those suburbs like their white neighbors .
Put another way : `` People with money moved to areas where they could build houses around parks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president and director of national programs for the Trust for Public Land , which helps to conserve farmland and build or improve urban parks .
Benape argues the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the dangers of condemning people to live in dense , urban areas without access to parks or other open space , and that investing in parks does more than just improve the property values of people who live nearby .
Experts say it 's too early to conclude that lack of access to outdoor spaces has helped drive up coronavirus infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but say there 's likely a relationship between the two .
`` I 'm hoping that the disparities we 've been identifying result in a commitment to resolve them , '' says Galiatsatos , the public health expert .
`` If this virus can teach us one thing , it 's that disparities are here and present .
We have control over ending both the pandemic and the disparities .
The pandemic will end eventually , and we will need to figure out how to remove the disparities . ''
Growing up in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the joy of running free through Chet Holifield Park , no longer bound by the strict rules of their two-bedroom home shared with her parents and her six brothers and sisters .
Holding hands , Martínez and her siblings would walk the short distance to the park from their Montebello home , where on weekends , her extended family hung hammocks from the pine and palm trees , and grilled carne asada to celebrate birthdays or baby showers .
`` Community parks were so , so important to us because we did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` Financially , we did n't have that green space .
So we relied on our community to provide that for us .
And that 's very much a basic right to have that green space .
And if we do n't have that , where are we supposed to go ? ''
Today , Martínez is a volunteer with Latino Outdoors , leading kayaking trips , hikes , picnics and other adventures at Washington , D.C.-area parks .
The nonprofit 's mission is to help Latinos feel more comfortable using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but that can feel unwelcoming to people of color .
Latinos represent about 5 % of visitors to National Parks , and Black Americans make up just 2 % .
The lingering effects of the Jim Crow laws banning Black Americans from parks set aside for white people – some of which persisted into the 1960s – discourages many people of color from using parks further from their homes , Martinez says .
Even how those parks are policed matters , too : A law enforcement presence that might be comforting to some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latino families worried about being hassled , Martinez adds .
Multiple studies have shown police officers are more likely to target Black or Latinos for the same minor crimes committed by white people , like smoking marijuana in public .
`` These systems of oppression were never pulled out of public lands in a way that feels comfortable , '' she says .
`` Land management right now very much belongs to white people .
It 's very much been created by systems of white supremacy . ''
Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris , an internationally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longstanding inequities about park access requires a concerted and sustained effort , especially when trying to add more parks in dense areas .
Short of bulldozing existing buildings , city leaders can consider alternatives such as `` parklets '' – small patches of greenery atop parking spaces or between existing structures , she says .
Gentrification in many cities means available open land not owned by the public is quickly being turned into housing or stores , further limiting options .
`` These are the neighborhoods that need these open spaces the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open spaces , '' says Loukaitou-Sideris , an associate provost at the University of California , Los Angeles and a distinguished professor of urban planning in the Luskin School of Public Affairs .
`` While having large parks is wonderful , you ca n't fit large parks into these very dense cities and the land costs are huge .
So you have to think about creating smaller spaces distributed through neighborhoods . ''
Loukaitou-Sideris says providing basic access to parks for all Americans helps foster a sense of equality while providing an opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Public space is an important good in a democracy .
That 's where , historically , people from different walks of life would come together , '' she says .
`` You want a society that can give these different amenities to its residents on some level of equality . ''
Back near Dotley 's apartment in Chattanooga , it 's painfully clear the city lacks equality in parks access .
Historically , Black neighborhoods have small parks with few amenities , while wealthier white neighborhoods across the river look and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and wide , green spaces .
Dotley , who works for a nonprofit community foundation in the city 's Alton Park neighborhood , often takes Black children into those nicer parks in white neighborhoods , teaching them that all parks are open to all people .
`` We want to live long healthy lives , and one of the points of a park is to give us a place to get outside , '' she says .
`` I say , I live in this city , too .
I am a resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We want to participate .
We want to engage and activate in parks . ''

Segregated parks linked to higher COVID-19 deaths for Black and Latino Americans
Show Caption Hide Caption Why people of color are dying at higher rates from COVID-19 Communities of color are dying at higher rates from the novel coronavirus than white Americans. Here's how structural inequities play a role. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Raquetta Dotley looks out of her South Chattanooga, Tennessee, apartment and sighs as she thinks about her small neighborhood park shoehorned in next to a cellulose plant and a biofuels factory that processes used grease and lard into animal feed.
Four miles away across the Tennessee River, however, lies the meticulously maintained Coolidge Park, with its stone paver walking paths, fountains and an antique carousel. One key difference between the two areas? Dotley's neighborhood is 90% Black, while the two neighborhoods encompassing Coolidge Park are 75% and 96.5% white, according to Census data.
It's hard, Dotley says, to miss the message her community receives.
"It draws a hard line, like we're not supposed to be over there because they didn't design that for us in the first place," said Dotley, 38. "We can get in our cars and drive a mile and see these nice parks on this river. You start to ask, 'is this intentional,' ask 'why there was more investment into that particular place than our area?'"
It's a pattern repeated across the United States, where the nicest parks tend to be in the wealthiest, whitest neighborhoods, according to a new study by the nonprofit land-access advocacy group Trust for Public Land. Nationwide, parks serving primarily nonwhite populations are half the size of parks serving majority white populations, and are five times more crowded, the report found. And parks serving majority low-income households are, on average, four times smaller and four times more crowded than parks serving wealthy neighborhoods.
While health experts have long called for Black and Latino neighborhoods to have better access to parks and outdoor recreation opportunities, the coronavirus pandemic has shined a spotlight on the interlocking health challenges people living there face – challenges exacerbated by the lack of parks in which to exercise, get fresh air and even reset sleep rhythms.
Experts say the lack of access to parks means people living in dense, urban areas have a harder time getting as much physical exercise as recommended, and are missing out on equally important mental health wellness opportunities. Black and Hispanic Americans also tend to have higher rates of diabetes, obesity and heart disease because they are less likely to go to the doctor or have health insurance, and their overall health is poorer due to systemic poverty.
Those preexisting conditions have resulted in disproportionate rates of COVID-19 deaths among these demographic groups. Black Americans are dying of COVID-19 infections at a rate that's 2.1 times higher compared with white Americans, while Latinos are 1.1 times more likely to die. Federal officials say discrimination, lack of access to health care, the kinds of work many people in those communities perform, poor housing and overall poverty are likely driving those higher death rates.
Compounding the issue: Some cities closed down parks as the pandemic spread, taking offline the few parks that some urban residents did have access to. In many cases, cautious school officials also locked up playgrounds to prevent people from congregating, further limiting access to outdoor areas with fresh air and opportunities to exercise away from others.
Public health experts say improving the health of those communities helps improve life for all of us, from lower insurance premiums to increased workplace productivity, along with fostering a sense of national unity.
"Think of the potential we would have as a society if health wasn't a barrier for people, if everyone was in tip-top shape," says Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, an assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Maryland, and an expert on disparities in health care. "One of the most cost-effective ways to improve health is to find open space and use it."
City planning experts say the lack of access to parks reflects longstanding economic inequalities nationally. While older, denser, poorer neighborhoods have fewer park options, modern suburban neighborhoods approved by majority-white local governments were designed with both private backyards and shared open space. For a long time, mortgage redlining and other racist housing policies kept Black families living in dense apartment blocks and limited their ability to move to those suburbs like their white neighbors.
Put another way: "People with money moved to areas where they could build houses around parks," says Adrian Benepe, senior vice president and director of national programs for the Trust for Public Land, which helps to conserve farmland and build or improve urban parks.
Benape argues the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the dangers of condemning people to live in dense, urban areas without access to parks or other open space, and that investing in parks does more than just improve the property values of people who live nearby.
Experts say it's too early to conclude that lack of access to outdoor spaces has helped drive up coronavirus infection rates in Black and Latino communities, but say there's likely a relationship between the two.
"I'm hoping that the disparities we've been identifying result in a commitment to resolve them," says Galiatsatos, the public health expert. "If this virus can teach us one thing, it's that disparities are here and present. We have control over ending both the pandemic and the disparities. The pandemic will end eventually, and we will need to figure out how to remove the disparities."
Growing up in greater Los Angeles, Melissa Martínez remembers the joy of running free through Chet Holifield Park, no longer bound by the strict rules of their two-bedroom home shared with her parents and her six brothers and sisters. Holding hands, Martínez and her siblings would walk the short distance to the park from their Montebello home, where on weekends, her extended family hung hammocks from the pine and palm trees, and grilled carne asada to celebrate birthdays or baby showers.
"Community parks were so, so important to us because we didn't have a huge backyard," she says. "Financially, we didn't have that green space. So we relied on our community to provide that for us. And that's very much a basic right to have that green space. And if we don't have that, where are we supposed to go?"
Today, Martínez is a volunteer with Latino Outdoors, leading kayaking trips, hikes, picnics and other adventures at Washington, D.C.-area parks. The nonprofit's mission is to help Latinos feel more comfortable using the outdoor spaces that already exist, but that can feel unwelcoming to people of color. Latinos represent about 5% of visitors to National Parks, and Black Americans make up just 2%.
The lingering effects of the Jim Crow laws banning Black Americans from parks set aside for white people – some of which persisted into the 1960s – discourages many people of color from using parks further from their homes, Martinez says.
Even how those parks are policed matters, too: A law enforcement presence that might be comforting to some people might feel oppressive to Black or Latino families worried about being hassled, Martinez adds. Multiple studies have shown police officers are more likely to target Black or Latinos for the same minor crimes committed by white people, like smoking marijuana in public.
"These systems of oppression were never pulled out of public lands in a way that feels comfortable," she says. "Land management right now very much belongs to white people. It's very much been created by systems of white supremacy."
Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris, an internationally renowned urban planning professor, says reversing longstanding inequities about park access requires a concerted and sustained effort, especially when trying to add more parks in dense areas. Short of bulldozing existing buildings, city leaders can consider alternatives such as "parklets" – small patches of greenery atop parking spaces or between existing structures, she says. Gentrification in many cities means available open land not owned by the public is quickly being turned into housing or stores, further limiting options.
"These are the neighborhoods that need these open spaces the most, because they do not have private open spaces," says Loukaitou-Sideris, an associate provost at the University of California, Los Angeles and a distinguished professor of urban planning in the Luskin School of Public Affairs. "While having large parks is wonderful, you can't fit large parks into these very dense cities and the land costs are huge. So you have to think about creating smaller spaces distributed through neighborhoods."
Loukaitou-Sideris says providing basic access to parks for all Americans helps foster a sense of equality while providing an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to interact.
"Public space is an important good in a democracy. That's where, historically, people from different walks of life would come together," she says. "You want a society that can give these different amenities to its residents on some level of equality."
Back near Dotley's apartment in Chattanooga, it's painfully clear the city lacks equality in parks access. Historically, Black neighborhoods have small parks with few amenities, while wealthier white neighborhoods across the river look and feel like country clubs, with fountains and wide, green spaces.
Dotley, who works for a nonprofit community foundation in the city's Alton Park neighborhood, often takes Black children into those nicer parks in white neighborhoods, teaching them that all parks are open to all people.
"We want to live long healthy lives, and one of the points of a park is to give us a place to get outside," she says. "I say, I live in this city, too. I am a resident and I can use it, too. We want to participate. We want to engage and activate in parks."


usatoday--2020-08-25--Trump speeches, attacks on Biden: What to expect this week at the Republican National Convention

WASHINGTON – After cancellations , venue changes and scheduling chaos , the Republican National Convention will get underway this week with one constant : Donald Trump .
Trump plans to appear every night of the four-day virtual convention to give the president maximum air timeto promote his administration 's record and condemn his rival , Democratic contender Joe Biden .
Presidential nominees often do not appear at their own political conventions until the fourth and final night , to accept the nomination .
`` President Trump ’ s boundless optimism and certainty in America ’ s greatness is reflected in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contrast to the gloomy vision of America projected by Joe Biden and Democrats , '' said a campaign statement previewing Trump 's acceptance speech on Thursday .
How to watch the RNC USA TODAY will stream each night of the convention and will provide live coverage and analysis as events unfold .
ABC , CBS , and NBC will air convention coverage each night beginning at 10 p.m. EDT .
PBS and CNN begin their coverage at 8 p.m. , MSNBC begins at 7 p.m. Fox News ' official coverage starts at 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sean Hannity will likely cover the RNC in the two hours before .
The official livestream of the convention will also be available on Amazon Prime , Facebook , Twitch , Twitter and YouTube .
What will happen at the convention ?
More than 70 other GOP convention speakers plan to deliver Trump 's message on the virtual convention stage this week .
More : Here is what to expect on Day 1 of the Republican Convention and what Trump will be doing More : Who will speak at the RNC ?
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A regular Republican convention had been planned for Charlotte , N.C. , but was scrapped because of the spread of COVID-19 .
The GOP then said they 'd move the event to Jacksonville , Fla. , but those plans also fell by the wayside because of the pandemic .
Republicans will now host a mostly virtual convention with the theme “ Honoring the Great American Story , ” officials said , with each night devoted to a different aspect of that story : `` Land of Promise , '' `` Land of Opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and `` Land of Greatness . ''
The four-day line-up of speakers will include a gamut of big-name Republican officials and lesser-know Trump supporters , such as the the St. Louis couple who brandished guns at protesters who marched through their neighborhood and a woman who had her prison sentence commuted by the president .
Many of the speakers have been involved with issues that are important to the Trump campaign , including `` law and order , '' gun rights , criminal justice reform , religious liberty , and lower taxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Americans who tune in will see Trump has no plans to address the COVID-19 pandemic or the economic problems it has spawned .
`` What they will hear from Donald Trump this week are the last things our country needs : more desperate , wild-eyed lies and toxic division in vain attempts to distract from his mismanagement , '' said Biden spokesman Andrew Bates .
Monday 's agenda features GOP lawmakers like Sen. Tim Scott , R-S.C. , the only Black Republican in the Senate , and House members Steve Scalise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Jim Jordan of Ohio .
Ronna McDaniel , chairwoman of the Republican National Committee , also plans to speak .
In addition to Trump himself , each night of the convention will also feature a special guest speaker .
First Lady Melania Trump gets the spotlight on Tuesday , speaking from the White House Rose Garden that she helped re-design in recent weeks .
Wednesday includes the acceptance speech of Vice President Mike Pence .
His stage : Fort McHenry in Baltimore , site of the battle in the War of 1812 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star Spangled Banner , '' now the national anthem .
Athletes who kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality and other forms of racial discrimination are expected to be frequent targets during the GOP convention .
More : 'Not an easy task ' : GOP scrambles to finalize plans for convention amid COVID-19 , venue changes , Trump input More : Three things President Donald Trump and the GOP need to do at their convention Trump will give his acceptance speech Thursday from a controversial venue : The South Lawn of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy experts have noted that the White House – and Fort McHenry , for that matter – are funded by taxpayers for public purposes and should n't be used for such blatantly political events .
`` Hundreds and perhaps thousands of federal employees are being dragooned against their will into making these events happen , '' said ambassador Norman Eisen , a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution .
Trump 's speech is scheduled to be followed by fireworks by the National Mall .
Republican planners have been mum about where other speakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wraps , saying they want to reserve some surprises for viewers .
The week 's activities technically began Monday morning with a meeting in Charlotte , N.C. , where Republican National Committee members met to formally re-nominate Trump and Pence .
Charlotte was supposed to be the site of the convention .
But the Republicans pulled it after state government officials refused to lift restrictions on mass gatherings , citing the risk of spreading the coronavirus .
The GOP 's alternate venue , Jacksonville , Fla. , was also nixed amid a spike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for a virtual convention based mostly in Washington , D.C .

Trump speeches, attacks on Biden: What to expect this week at the Republican National Convention
Show Caption Hide Caption RNC: St. Louis couple who pointed guns at protesters to speak A St. Louis couple who pointed their guns at protesters marching through their community will speak at the Republican National Convention. USA TODAY, Storyful
WASHINGTON – After cancellations, venue changes and scheduling chaos, the Republican National Convention will get underway this week with one constant: Donald Trump.
Trump plans to appear every night of the four-day virtual convention to give the president maximum air time to promote his administration's record and condemn his rival, Democratic contender Joe Biden. Presidential nominees often do not appear at their own political conventions until the fourth and final night, to accept the nomination.
"President Trump’s boundless optimism and certainty in America’s greatness is reflected in his second-term goals and stands in stark contrast to the gloomy vision of America projected by Joe Biden and Democrats," said a campaign statement previewing Trump's acceptance speech on Thursday.
How to watch the RNC
USA TODAY will stream each night of the convention and will provide live coverage and analysis as events unfold.
ABC, CBS, and NBC will air convention coverage each night beginning at 10 p.m. EDT. PBS and CNN begin their coverage at 8 p.m., MSNBC begins at 7 p.m. Fox News' official coverage starts at 10 p.m., but hosts Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity will likely cover the RNC in the two hours before.
The official livestream of the convention will also be available on Amazon Prime, Facebook, Twitch, Twitter and YouTube.
What will happen at the convention?
More than 70 other GOP convention speakers plan to deliver Trump's message on the virtual convention stage this week.
More: Here is what to expect on Day 1 of the Republican Convention and what Trump will be doing
More: Who will speak at the RNC? What we know about the newly released lineup
A regular Republican convention had been planned for Charlotte, N.C., but was scrapped because of the spread of COVID-19. The GOP then said they'd move the event to Jacksonville, Fla., but those plans also fell by the wayside because of the pandemic.
Republicans will now host a mostly virtual convention with the theme “Honoring the Great American Story,” officials said, with each night devoted to a different aspect of that story: "Land of Promise," "Land of Opportunity," “Land of Heroes," and "Land of Greatness."
The four-day line-up of speakers will include a gamut of big-name Republican officials and lesser-know Trump supporters, such as the the St. Louis couple who brandished guns at protesters who marched through their neighborhood and a woman who had her prison sentence commuted by the president.
Many of the speakers have been involved with issues that are important to the Trump campaign, including "law and order," gun rights, criminal justice reform, religious liberty, and lower taxes and fewer regulations.
The Biden campaign said Americans who tune in will see Trump has no plans to address the COVID-19 pandemic or the economic problems it has spawned.
"What they will hear from Donald Trump this week are the last things our country needs: more desperate, wild-eyed lies and toxic division in vain attempts to distract from his mismanagement," said Biden spokesman Andrew Bates.
Monday's agenda features GOP lawmakers like Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., the only Black Republican in the Senate, and House members Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Matt Gaetz of Florida, and Jim Jordan of Ohio. Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, also plans to speak.
In addition to Trump himself, each night of the convention will also feature a special guest speaker.
First Lady Melania Trump gets the spotlight on Tuesday, speaking from the White House Rose Garden that she helped re-design in recent weeks.
Wednesday includes the acceptance speech of Vice President Mike Pence. His stage: Fort McHenry in Baltimore, site of the battle in the War of 1812 that inspired the writing of "The Star Spangled Banner," now the national anthem.
Athletes who kneel during the national anthem to protest police brutality and other forms of racial discrimination are expected to be frequent targets during the GOP convention.
More: 'Not an easy task': GOP scrambles to finalize plans for convention amid COVID-19, venue changes, Trump input
More: Three things President Donald Trump and the GOP need to do at their convention
Trump will give his acceptance speech Thursday from a controversial venue: The South Lawn of the White House.
Lawmakers and public policy experts have noted that the White House – and Fort McHenry, for that matter – are funded by taxpayers for public purposes and shouldn't be used for such blatantly political events.
Republican convention to kick off in North Carolina A pared-down Republican National Convention is set to begin Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina. A small group of delegates is in town to officially renominate President Donald Trump, who is expected to make an appearance in the Tar Heel state. (Aug. 24) AP
"Hundreds and perhaps thousands of federal employees are being dragooned against their will into making these events happen," said ambassador Norman Eisen, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.
Trump's speech is scheduled to be followed by fireworks by the National Mall.
Details quiet to surprise vi
Republican planners have been mum about where other speakers will be and kept other details under wraps, saying they want to reserve some surprises for viewers.
The week's activities technically began Monday morning with a meeting in Charlotte, N.C., where Republican National Committee members met to formally re-nominate Trump and Pence.
Charlotte was supposed to be the site of the convention. But the Republicans pulled it after state government officials refused to lift restrictions on mass gatherings, citing the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
The GOP's alternate venue, Jacksonville, Fla., was also nixed amid a spike in coronavirus cases in Florida, forcing plans for a virtual convention based mostly in Washington, D.C.


usatoday--2020-08-25--Joe Biden, Kamala Harris to get regularly tested for COVID-19, campaign says

WASHINGTON – Joe Biden and Kamala Harris , the Democratic presidential ticket , will be tested regularly for COVID-19 ahead of the November election , the campaign said Monday .
Staff who interact with the former vice president and California Senator will also be tested regularly , according to a campaign official .
If either Biden or Harris test positive of COVID-19 , the campaign will make it public , the official said .
Biden over the past several months has not held in-person campaign events and has made limited public appearances , where he often wears a mask and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president has been extremely critical of President Donald Trump 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
'Go Joe':27 Republican former members of Congress say they 'll back Biden over Trump Campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement that Biden for the entirety of this outbreak has `` lived his values , modeling and strongly encouraging responsible behavior to keep Americans safe while proposing the kind of desperately-needed national strategy for defeating this pandemic that Donald Trump still has not provided . ''
Trump and White House staff have been repeatedly tested for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he took hydroxychloroquine , a controversial drug he has promoted as a treatment for the coronavirus despite warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and medical professionals , as a prophylactic .
On Sunday , Kate Bedingfield , Biden 's deputy campaign manager and communications director , told ABC News that Biden has not not had the virus and has not been tested for COVID-19 .
`` He has not been tested .
However , we have put the strictest protocols in place and ... moving forward , should he need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be .
But he has not been tested yet , '' Bedingfield said .

Joe Biden, Kamala Harris to get regularly tested for COVID-19, campaign says
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden accepts Democratic Party nomination, outlines challenges Former vice president Joe Biden accepts the Democratic Party nomination for the 2020 presidential election, Biden outlined four crises facing America USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential ticket, will be tested regularly for COVID-19 ahead of the November election, the campaign said Monday.
Staff who interact with the former vice president and California Senator will also be tested regularly, according to a campaign official. If either Biden or Harris test positive of COVID-19, the campaign will make it public, the official said.
Biden over the past several months has not held in-person campaign events and has made limited public appearances, where he often wears a mask and practices social distancing. The former vice president has been extremely critical of President Donald Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
'Go Joe': 27 Republican former members of Congress say they'll back Biden over Trump
Campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement that Biden for the entirety of this outbreak has "lived his values, modeling and strongly encouraging responsible behavior to keep Americans safe while proposing the kind of desperately-needed national strategy for defeating this pandemic that Donald Trump still has not provided."
Kamala Harris: 5 things to know about Joe Biden's running mate Joe Biden made history when he chose Kamala Harris as his running mate. USA TODAY
Trump and White House staff have been repeatedly tested for COVID-19. The president in May also said he took hydroxychloroquine, a controversial drug he has promoted as a treatment for the coronavirus despite warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and medical professionals, as a prophylactic.
More: Democrats plan to project COVID-19 deaths outside DC hall holding RNC events
On Sunday, Kate Bedingfield, Biden's deputy campaign manager and communications director, told ABC News that Biden has not not had the virus and has not been tested for COVID-19.
"He has not been tested. However, we have put the strictest protocols in place and ... moving forward, should he need to be tested, he certainly would be. But he has not been tested yet," Bedingfield said.


usatoday--2020-08-24--As Trump hammers 'law and order' message at RNC, Barr's DOJ takes 'like it or not' approach

Four years ago , President Donald Trump 's law-and-order campaign became a part of his inaugural address when he vowed `` this American carnage stops right here and right now . ''
A similar message is set to echo through this week 's Republican National Convention .
`` We will bring back law and order .
...
The words 'law and order ' are words the Democrats do n't like to use , '' Trump told supporters last week as he toured the Midwest to counter Democratic National Convention programming .
`` The Democrats are promising to elevate their left-wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with lawbreakers and criminals ; my heart is with law-abiding , hardworking Americans ... and my heart is also with the great men and women of law enforcement . ''
Mark and Patricia McCloskey , who made national news when they emerged from their home in St. Louis , Missouri , brandishing firearms to confront protesters , were among the featured speakers on the RNC 's first night .
In an interview on Fox & Friends , Mark McCloskey defended their actions , referring to their hometown as `` a very dangerous place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in homicides .
Two hundred and fifty miles west , Kansas City , Missouri , has also seen a dramatic rise in murders .
Yet the first time Mayor Quinton Lucas heard that nearly 200 federal agents were headed to his city to combat violent crime was when the White House announced it on live television .
There was no consultation , no planning for a collaboration that would normally take weeks of preparation .
Lucas was suspicious of a possible political power play .
More than a month later , law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assisting in the arrests of 17 local murder suspects , including a Kansas City man accused in the slaying of 4-year-old LeGend Taliferro , for whom the federal strategy is named .
Nationwide , nearly 1,500 suspects have been swept up in recent weeks as part of Operation Legend , which now has a presence in eight other U.S. cities : Albuquerque , Chicago , Cleveland , Detroit , Milwaukee , Indianapolis , Memphis and St. Louis .
`` Operation Legend is working , ” said Tim Garrison , the chief federal prosecutor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ numbers , uneasy local officials have refused to fully embrace the Trump administration strategy , fearing that their cities have been co-opted by a sagging presidential campaign in search of a popular law-and-order theme that is set to be used like a hammer throughout the convention .
`` The reason this has been rolled out on a national scale is because we are in an election year , '' Lucas said .
`` The coronavirus response does n't seem to be polling well for them , so they have moved to something else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to do something about .
They are trying to make crime a partisan issue . ''
Similar concerns have been voiced in Albuquerque , New Mexico , and Memphis , Tennessee , where officials were initially unnerved by the Trump administration 's deployment of federal officers to battle protesters in Portland , Oregon , and Washington , D.C. , though they are not Operation Legend cities .
`` The skepticism continues today , '' said Albuquerque Police Department spokesman Gilbert Gallegos , adding that the city still has not been briefed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement effort in New Mexico .
`` The political overtones are a big part of this . ''
Trump is not the first Republican to adopt the theme .
Presidents Richard Nixon , Ronald Reagan and George H.W .
Bush all campaigned on various iterations of law and order , though the issue lost potency as crime rates fell during the 1990s and 2000s .
Attorney General William Barr has been unapologetic in the government 's push into cities largely led by Democrats .
Leading the Trump administration 's effort , the attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategy to fight violent crime and a move to boost local police who have been the targets of social justice demonstrations across the country after George Floyd 's death at the hands of Minneapolis officers .
`` Operation Legend is the heart of the federal government ’ s response to this uptick in violent crime , '' Barr said last week in Kansas City , where he unveiled the latest arrest numbers .
`` Its mission is to save lives , solve crimes , and take violent offenders off our streets before they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonizing or de-funding police , we are supporting and strengthening our law enforcement partners . ''
From its start , the Justice Department 's law enforcement operation has been framed in starkly political terms by none other than the president .
`` For decades , politicians running many of our nation ’ s major cities have put the interests of criminals above the rights of law-abiding citizens , '' Trump said last month at a White House ceremony marking Operation Legend 's launch .
`` These same politicians have now embraced the far-left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , causing violent crime in their cities to spiral – and I mean spiral seriously out of control . ''
Trump specifically called out the leadership of Albuquerque , Chicago and other cities as `` too proud '' to request federal government assistance .
`` My administration will be working to remove dangerous offenders sprung loose by these deadly policies – and , frankly , by these deadly politicians , '' Trump said at the event , where he was joined by Barr and FBI Director Chris Wray .
`` My vision for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more different from the lawlessness being pushed by the extreme radical left . ''
The president 's remarks were met with immediate pushback from Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller , police Chief Michael Geier , Kansas City Mayor Lucas and officials from other cities .
`` We always welcome partnerships in constitutional crime fighting that are in step with our community , but we won ’ t sell out our city for a bait-and-switch excuse to send secret police to Albuquerque , '' Keller said then , referring to the federal officers deployed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always identify their agency affiliations .
`` Operation Legend is not real crime fighting ; it ’ s politics standing in the way of police work and makes us less safe.
” Since then , Keller – who has described crime as the `` most pressing issue '' facing the city – said New Mexico U.S. Attorney John Anderson has provided assurances that the mission of federal agents deployed to the city would not expand beyond the crackdown on violent crime .
Nevertheless , the mayor said the city `` remained concerned '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vowed to `` hold the appropriate people accountable if this is not true . ''
Gallegos , the Albuquerque police spokesman , said the rushed nature of the operation , offering assistance that the city did not request , continues to fuel skepticism about the federal government 's intentions in New Mexico .
More than a month after about 35 federal agents and officers were announced for the collaborative law enforcement effort in Albuquerque , Gallegos said the police department is not aware of how many federal officers will be deployed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
The local tension generated by the federal government 's rapidly expanding violent-crime strategy was on full display last week in Memphis , where a group of City Council members offered a resolution publicly opposing the federal deployment of 40 agents and officers to the city .
Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas , sponsor of the proposal , said she worried about a lack of local control over the program , even though violent crime has surged in the city .
Murder and aggravated assault numbers are all running ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Major Cities Chiefs Association .
The resolution prompted an unusually sharp rebuke from U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant , who added that resistance to law enforcement was `` not legitimate public policy . ''
`` With all due respect to the council , no one 's permission is necessary for us to surge these federal resources into Memphis , '' the prosecutor told city leaders .
`` Federal law still applies here on the streets of Memphis .
As long as I 'm the United States attorney , we will , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unapologetically enforce that federal law against the worst of the worst criminals for harming our citizens and terrorizing our community . ''
Easter-Thomas ' resolution was ultimately defeated , but an uneasy undercurrent remains .
`` We all should be wary of this , if only because of who is in charge in the White House , '' the councilwoman said in an interview .

As Trump hammers 'law and order' message at RNC, Barr's DOJ takes 'like it or not' approach
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump Jr.: it's church, work, school vs. rioting Donald Trump Jr. ridiculed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden with name-calling in a fiery speech to the Republican National Convention and painted Biden as part of a movement aimed at stripping the nation of its most basic freedoms. (Aug. 24) AP
Four years ago, President Donald Trump's law-and-order campaign became a part of his inaugural address when he vowed "this American carnage stops right here and right now."
A similar, apocalyptic refrain echoed through the first night of the Republican National Convention and promises to be a recurring theme throughout the week.
"People of faith are under attack," Donald Trump Jr. said. "You’re not allowed to go to church, but mass chaos in the streets gets a pass ... Anarchists have been flooding our streets and Democrat mayors are ordering the police to stand down."
"When you are in trouble and need police, don’t count on the Democrats," Kimberly Guilfoyle, a lawyer and Trump Jr.'s girlfriend said in her RNC speech.
Rep. Jim Jordan said “crime, violence, mob rule” are happening in Democrat-controlled cities.
Mark and Patricia McCloskey, who made national news when they emerged from their home in St. Louis, Missouri, brandishing firearms to confront protesters, were also among the first night's speakers.
"Whether it is the defunding of police ... or encouraging anarchy on our streets, it seems as if the Democrats no longer view the government's job as protecting honest citizens from criminals but rather protecting criminals from honest citizens," Mark McCloskey said.
The Trump administration began hammering at the law-and-order message weeks before the convention, abruptly launching Operation Legend, a national violent crime crackdown that has since spread to nine U.S. cities.
The first time Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas heard that nearly 200 federal agents were headed to his city to combat violent crime was when the White House announced it on live television. There was no consultation, no planning for a collaboration that would normally take weeks of preparation. Lucas was suspicious of a possible political power play.
More than a month later, law enforcement authorities are crediting the federal deployment with assisting in the arrests of 17 local murder suspects, including a Kansas City man accused in the slaying of 4-year-old LeGend Taliferro, for whom the federal strategy is named. Nationwide, nearly 1,500 suspects have been swept up in recent weeks as part of Operation Legend, which now has a presence in Albuquerque, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Memphis and St. Louis.
OPERATION LEGEND: AG Barr announces 1,000 arrests, including suspects in 90 murders
"Operation Legend is working,” said Tim Garrison, the chief federal prosecutor in Kansas City.
Despite the encouraging numbers, uneasy local officials have refused to fully embrace the Trump administration strategy, fearing that their cities have been co-opted by a sagging presidential campaign in search of a popular law-and-order theme.
"The reason this has been rolled out on a national scale is because we are in an election year," Lucas said. "The coronavirus response doesn't seem to be polling well for them, so they have moved to something else (violent crime) that they can try to do something about. They are trying to make crime a partisan issue."
Similar concerns have been voiced in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Memphis, Tennessee, where officials were initially unnerved by the Trump administration's deployment of federal officers to battle protesters in Portland, Oregon, and Washington, D.C., though they are not Operation Legend cities.
"The skepticism continues today," said Albuquerque Police Department spokesman Gilbert Gallegos, adding that the city still has not been briefed on the full scope of the federal law enforcement effort in New Mexico. "The political overtones are a big part of this."
Trump is not the first Republican to adopt the theme. Presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush all campaigned on various iterations of law and order, though the issue lost potency as crime rates fell during the 1990s and 2000s.
Attorney General William Barr has been unapologetic in the government's push into cities largely led by Democrats. Leading the Trump administration's effort, the attorney general has cast it both as a strategy to fight violent crime and a move to boost local police who have been the targets of social justice demonstrations across the country after George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis officers.
"Operation Legend is the heart of the federal government’s response to this uptick in violent crime," Barr said last week in Kansas City, where he unveiled the latest arrest numbers. "Its mission is to save lives, solve crimes, and take violent offenders off our streets before they can claim more victims. Rather than demonizing or de-funding police, we are supporting and strengthening our law enforcement partners."
Barr: Federal task force made almost 1,500 arrests Attorney General William Barr says federal officers working alongside local police in the initiative known as "Operation Legend" have helped make nearly 1,500 arrests, including dozens for homicides and other violent crimes. (Aug. 19) AP
'Deadly politicians'
From its start, the Justice Department's law enforcement operation has been framed in starkly political terms by none other than the president.
"For decades, politicians running many of our nation’s major cities have put the interests of criminals above the rights of law-abiding citizens," Trump said last month at a White House ceremony marking Operation Legend's launch. "These same politicians have now embraced the far-left movement to break up our police departments, causing violent crime in their cities to spiral – and I mean spiral seriously out of control."
Trump specifically called out the leadership of Albuquerque, Chicago and other cities as "too proud" to request federal government assistance.
"My administration will be working to remove dangerous offenders sprung loose by these deadly policies – and, frankly, by these deadly politicians," Trump said at the event, where he was joined by Barr and FBI Director Chris Wray. "My vision for America’s cities could not be more different from the lawlessness being pushed by the extreme radical left."
These riots are an antigovernment movement from the Left that are all in Democrat run cities. The mayors have got to let their police do what they know how to do. Would be very easy to suppress or, call in the Federal Government. We will solve problem fast! @foxandfriends — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 23, 2020
The president's remarks were met with immediate pushback from Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, police Chief Michael Geier, Kansas City Mayor Lucas and officials from other cities.
"We always welcome partnerships in constitutional crime fighting that are in step with our community, but we won’t sell out our city for a bait-and-switch excuse to send secret police to Albuquerque," Keller said then, referring to the federal officers deployed to Portland and Washington whose uniforms did not always identify their agency affiliations. "Operation Legend is not real crime fighting; it’s politics standing in the way of police work and makes us less safe.”
Since then, Keller – who has described crime as the "most pressing issue" facing the city – said New Mexico U.S. Attorney John Anderson has provided assurances that the mission of federal agents deployed to the city would not expand beyond the crackdown on violent crime.
Nevertheless, the mayor said the city "remained concerned" because of the president's remarks and vowed to "hold the appropriate people accountable if this is not true."
Gallegos, the Albuquerque police spokesman, said the rushed nature of the operation, offering assistance that the city did not request, continues to fuel skepticism about the federal government's intentions in New Mexico.
More than a month after about 35 federal agents and officers were announced for the collaborative law enforcement effort in Albuquerque, Gallegos said the police department is not aware of how many federal officers will be deployed to the area.
"We don't know," he said.
'No permission necessary'
The local tension generated by the federal government's rapidly expanding violent-crime strategy was on full display last week in Memphis, where a group of City Council members offered a resolution publicly opposing the federal deployment of 40 agents and officers to the city.
Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas, sponsor of the proposal, said she worried about a lack of local control over the program, even though violent crime has surged in the city.
Murder and aggravated assault numbers are all running ahead of 2019, according to a midyear review by the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
The resolution prompted an unusually sharp rebuke from U.S. Attorney Michael Dunavant, who added that resistance to law enforcement was "not legitimate public policy."
"With all due respect to the council, no one's permission is necessary for us to surge these federal resources into Memphis," the prosecutor told city leaders. "Federal law still applies here on the streets of Memphis. As long as I'm the United States attorney, we will, in fact, aggressively, consistently, and unapologetically enforce that federal law against the worst of the worst criminals for harming our citizens and terrorizing our community."
Easter-Thomas' resolution was ultimately defeated, but an uneasy undercurrent remains.
"We all should be wary of this, if only because of who is in charge in the White House," the councilwoman said in an interview.
Trump counters Biden with law and order message President Donald Trump zeroed in on Midwest battleground states on Monday with a tough, law and order message to counterprogram former Vice President Joe Biden's show at the Democrats' national convention. (Aug. 17) AP
Contributing: John Fritze