usatoday--2020-12-14--Nevermind the political messenger: When it comes to COVID-19 guidance, trust the message, experts sa

Nevermind the political messenger: When it comes to COVID-19 guidance, trust the message, experts say

California Gov .
Gavin Newsom ’ s trip to a posh restaurant in November to celebrate a friend ’ s birthday prompted swift backlash – and even Newsom himself said he could have modeled better behavior .
His ill-conceived dinner came after pleas to locals to avoid social gatherings to stop the spread of COVID-19 over the holidays .
It was just one instance of a politician who endorsed coronavirus-related restrictions engaging in behavior they told their constituents to avoid .
Politicians are human messengers , experts told USA TODAY .
They can – and sometimes do – fail to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the coronavirus .
That doesn ’ t mean people should give up on mitigation measures recommended by public health officials like wearing masks , social distancing and washing their hands .
Still , the actions of politicians can do `` extraordinary damage , '' said Dr. Georges Benjamin , executive director for the American Public Health Association .
“ You lose the authority to be able to get people to do what you ask , '' Benjamin told USA TODAY .
`` It also undermines people ’ s belief that what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so people don ’ t follow your advice because they don ’ t think you ’ re serious about it.
” Role-playing , planning for earthquakes , mass training : How US health care centers readied for arrival of COVID-19 vaccine What Americans should do is follow the advice of public health officials , experts said — even if politicians fail to do the same .
The coronavirus is raging through the United States , with more than 16.2 million confirmed cases Sunday night and record-breaking daily death totals .
“ We actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency protocols for different versions of crisis , ” Deborah Glik , professor at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health , said .
“ Fire , you look to the fire service .
Terrorism , you look to the FBI or the police .
In a pandemic , the leadership falls on the health sector.
” Newsom isn ’ t the only politician who ducked his own coronavirus restrictions .
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock apologized for flying to visit family members in Mississippi even as he tweeted out advice to residents asking them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early November , as health officials warned of an impending COVID-19 spike , Steve Adler , the mayor of Austin , Texas , hosted an outdoor wedding and reception with 20 guests for his daughter at a trendy hotel near downtown .
He followed that with a vacation to Cabo San Lucas , Mexico .
Your COVID-19 questions , answered : What are the side effects ?
What are the Pfizer vaccine 'ingredients ? '
“ Research would confirm again and again , when people feel that what ’ s asked from them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power , there ’ s a sense of betrayal that will occur , ” said Dominique Brossard , professor and chair of the Department of Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison .
She added , “ That betrayal can destroy trust .
As soon as trust is destroyed , potential of future of recommendation and regulations ... will tend not to be followed , as well.
” The public would n't be wrong to stop taking such politicians seriously , said Karl Minges , chair of the Department of Health Administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sciences at University of New Haven .
But frustrated citizens should instead turn to local health leaders — not political critics looking to capitalize on an opponent 's faux pas .
Some Americans may be required to get a COVID-19 vaccine .
But not by the federal government .
Local health leaders understand the uniquely local nature of COVID-19 in their community and are often on the frontlines of fighting the virus — so they tend to be more diligent about following health guidance , Minges said .
And , often , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scenes .
The protocols set by officials have chaffed – pandemic fatigue has set in nationwide .
“ That ’ s part of the problem we have , ” Glik said .
“ When you set out abstinence-only rules , it ’ s easier to break them.
” She said setting public health rules , then not abiding by them is a “ smaller sin ” than not having any coherent messaging or plan .
It ’ s a statement Minges echoed , saying politicians who set a bad example are better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ At least you ’ re providing that guidance to begin with , '' Minges said , even if it eventually is undermined .
Politicians in COVID-19 : 'We shouldn ’ t look to them as examples' So , what is the role of the politician in a pandemic ?
They should be messengers of critical information – such as mask wearing and social distancing , in the case of COVID-19 , Minges said .
Changing people 's behavior is hard and health officials have limited means of communicating their message , Minges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high-profile figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and the public support of politicians are among the most effective methods .
Elected officials will make mistakes , Brossard said .
Recognizing and owning those mistakes is critical to rebuilding trust .
Coronavirus spreads among elected leaders : Republicans are hit the hardest “ We shouldn ’ t look to them as examples , ” she said .
“ But , they should give us the example , do you see the difference ?
...
They need to realize they represent the people.
” UCLA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t used to having public health departments play such prominent roles in their lives .
While the pandemic continues in the U.S. , even with vaccines on the way , public health officials will continue to set the tone .
“ I think people don ’ t realize that , ” Glik said .
“ We haven ’ t really seen this level of disaster .
Typically , it ’ s foodborne outbreak or a measles outbreak and they ’ re smaller , they ’ re more contained , they 're more regional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health department steps in and does its thing , but people aren ’ t freaked out by it.
” JEC : All of Joel 's notes are here .
Wanted to make sure we did n't lose anything .

Jordan Culver and Joel Shannon, USA TODAY

Never mind the political messenger: When it comes to COVID-19 guidance, trust the message, experts say
Show Caption Hide Caption Cheers as first COVID-19 vaccine doses leave Michigan There were cheers from workers as the first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shipments left the Michigan facility. USA TODAY
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s trip to a posh restaurant in November to celebrate a friend’s birthday prompted swift backlash – and even Newsom himself said he could have modeled better behavior.
His ill-conceived dinner came after pleas to locals to avoid social gatherings to stop the spread of COVID-19 over the holidays. It was just one instance of politicians who endorsed coronavirus-related restrictions engaging in behavior they told their constituents to avoid.
Politicians are human messengers, experts told USA TODAY. They can – and sometimes do – fail to model the proper behavior to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That doesn’t mean people should give up on mitigation measures recommended by public health officials such as wearing masks, social distancing and washing their hands.
The actions of politicians can do "extraordinary damage," said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director for the American Public Health Association.
“You lose the authority to be able to get people to do what you ask," Benjamin told USA TODAY. "It also undermines people’s belief that what you’re saying is real, so people don’t follow your advice because they don’t think you’re serious about it.”
Role-playing, planning for earthquakes, mass training: How US health care centers readied for arrival of COVID-19 vaccine
Americans should follow the advice of public health officials, experts said – even if politicians fail to do the same. The coronavirus is raging through the USA, which had more than 16.2 million confirmed cases Monday and record-breaking daily death totals.
“We actually have, in this country, standardized emergency protocols for different versions of crisis,” said Deborah Glik, professor at UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. “Fire, you look to the fire service. Terrorism, you look to the FBI or the police. In a pandemic, the leadership falls on the health sector.”
Trust public health leaders to model appropriate behavior
Newsom isn’t the only politician who ducked his own coronavirus restrictions.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock apologized for flying to visit family members in Mississippi even as he tweeted out advice to avoid traveling over Thanksgiving.
In early November, as health officials warned of an impending COVID-19 spike, Steve Adler, the mayor of Austin, Texas, hosted an outdoor wedding and reception with 20 guests for his daughter at a trendy hotel near downtown.
He followed that with a vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
How the new RNA technology is used to create the COVID-19 vaccines The COVID-19 vaccine is using new technology that has never been used before in traditional vaccines. Here's how an mRNA vaccine works. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Your COVID-19 questions answered: What are the side effects? What are the Pfizer vaccine 'ingredients?'
“Research would confirm again and again, when people feel that what’s asked from them is not actually followed by those in power, there’s a sense of betrayal that will occur,” said Dominique Brossard, professor and chair of the Department of Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
She said: “That betrayal can destroy trust. As soon as trust is destroyed … recommendation and regulations ... will tend not to be followed, as well.”
The public wouldn't be wrong to stop taking such politicians seriously, said Karl Minges, chair of the Department of Health Administration and Policy at the University of New Haven's School of Health Sciences. Frustrated citizens should turn to health leaders – not political critics looking to capitalize on an opponent's faux pas.
Some Americans may be required to get a COVID-19 vaccine. But not by the federal government.
Health leaders understand the uniquely local nature of COVID-19 in their community and are often on the front lines fighting the virus – so they tend to be more diligent about following health guidance, Minges said. Often, they're the ones behind the scenes, informing the politicians.
The protocols set by officials have chafed – pandemic fatigue has set in nationwide.
“That’s part of the problem we have,” Glik said. “When you set out abstinence-only rules, it’s easier to break them.”
She said setting public health rules, then not abiding by them is a “smaller sin” than not having any coherent messaging or plan. It’s a statement Minges echoed, saying politicians who set a bad example are better than those who set no example.
“At least you’re providing that guidance to begin with," Minges said, even if it eventually is undermined.
Politicians in COVID-19 : 'We shouldn’t look to them as examples'
What is the role of the politician in a pandemic? They should be messengers of critical information – on mask wearing and social distancing in the case of COVID-19, Minges said.
Changing people's behavior is hard, and health officials have limited means of communicating their message, Minges said. Ad campaigns, statements from high-profile disease experts such as Anthony Fauci and the public support of politicians are among the most effective methods.
Elected officials will make mistakes, Brossard said. Recognizing and owning those mistakes is critical to rebuilding trust.
Coronavirus spreads among elected leaders: Republicans are hit the hardest
“We shouldn’t look to them as examples,” she said. “But they should give us the example, do you see the difference? ... They need to realize they represent the people.”
UCLA’s Glik said people aren’t used to having public health departments play such prominent roles in their lives. While the pandemic continues, even as vaccines are on the way, health officials will set the tone.
“We haven’t really seen this level of disaster,” Glik said. “Typically, it’s a food-borne outbreak or a measles outbreak, and they’re smaller, they’re more contained, they're more regional. At that point, yes, the health department steps in and does its thing, but people aren’t freaked out by it.”
Contributing: Winston Gieseke, The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, California); Tony Plohetski, Austin American-Statesman


usatoday--2020-12-13--Opinion: Program-worst defensive performance vs. North Carolina exposes Miami as a fraud

Sometimes , teams that aren ’ t great can have great seasons .
But it ’ s hard to live a lie for 10 games .
Heading into Saturday ’ s regular-season finale , Miami ( Fla. ) was on the verge of pulling off one of the great smoke-and-mirror jobs in recent memory .
At 8-1 and ranked No .
10 by the College Football Playoff selection committee , Miami ’ s record looked impressive enough on the surface to lock up a spot in a New Year ’ s Six bowl game .
Even though there wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ best win was 44-41 against N.C. State ?
— all they had to do was beat North Carolina to slide into the Orange Bowl .
That turned out to be a bit complicated .
In fact , at no point Saturday in the Tar Heels ’ 62-26 win did it appear as though the Hurricanes were in the same class as UNC .
“ The opening statement is we got our ass kicked , ” Miami coach Manny Diaz said in his postgame news conference .
“ Humiliating performance.
” How humiliating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst defensive performance in program history .
And there was really nothing more to it than that .
The Hurricanes couldn ’ t stop anything North Carolina did and were exposed as a team not nearly as good as its record .
Here at the Misery Index , we don ’ t think Miami fans ever for a second thought the Hurricanes were truly “ back ” this season .
But they didn ’ t expect a blowout of this magnitude with so much on the line , a performance that blew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ built in his second year .
For that reason , Miami takes No .
1 in the final Misery Index of the regular season , a weekly measurement of knee-jerk reactions based on what each fan base just watched .
FOUR MORE IN MISERY Florida : Let ’ s be real here .
Florida would be No .
1 in the Index this week , except that we already knew long before the infamous shoe throw by Marco Wilson and Cade York ’ s game-winning 57-yard field goal for LSU that the Gators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College Football Playoff team this year .
In theory ?
Sure , it was possible .
But it would have required Florida to beat Alabama next week in the SEC championship game , and ... hahahahahaha yeah .
Not with that defense .
Florida ’ s 37-34 loss , though , deserves more scrutiny .
The Gators rested star tight end Kyle Pitts for the SEC championship because he was a bit banged up .
Bad decision .
Arrogant decision .
They out-gained LSU 609-418 but committed three turnovers .
And , of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ball back in a tie game with less than 90 seconds left , Wilson chucked an LSU player ’ s shoe after a third-down stop , resulting in truly one of the dumbest unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in college football history and allowing a second chance that the Tigers took advantage of .
Florida approached this game against a bad LSU team like it was a given and got what it deserved , but its status as a Playoff contender was going to be exposed one way or another .
Nebraska : If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smith instead of Scott Frost , we ’ d look at the accomplishments through three years and discuss the merits of making a coaching change .
That isn ’ t going to happen because Frost is both a Nebraska legend and something of a last resort for a program that has absolutely spiraled since deciding that nine-win seasons weren ’ t good enough when it fired Bo Pelini in 2014 .
But losing 24-17 at home to a Minnesota team that was missing more than 30 players and hadn ’ t played since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s not bad enough , Frost showed up to his news conference complaining about the number of media timeouts before Nebraska drives , which would be a lame excuse under the best of circumstances .
Hey , at least somebody ’ s willing to put the schlock Frost is selling on television .
Arizona : The scary part for Arizona fans isn ’ t that Kevin Sumlin was fired Saturday .
It ’ s that without such an emphatic failure this year , capped off by a 70-7 humiliation at the hands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been willing to commit the $ 7 million to buy him out .
Arizona , whose athletic department has major financial challenges , wanted to do anything but pay a coach not to work .
Sumlin made that impossible .
Arizona lost 12 consecutive games going back to last season — all but one by double-figure margins .
Don ’ t feel too badly for Sumlin .
Combined with his Texas A & M buyout , he ’ s going to end up collecting $ 17 million for jobs he no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is whether the Wildcats will be able to run a more effective search than last time on a tight budget — and whether they ’ ll have someone capable of identifying below-market value talent .
Given the track record , that ’ s hard to believe .
Virginia Tech : There ’ s been growing chatter the last two weeks about the Hokies ’ willingness to make a clean break from coach Justin Fuente after five somewhat rocky seasons , despite the fact it would cost $ 10 million plus various buyouts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a real consideration , but so is the trajectory of both on-field performance and recruiting .
How do you balance it all ?
Well , Virginia Tech finishing the regular season with a dominant 33-15 win over rival Virginia to go 5-6 makes things more complicated , not less .
Had the Commonwealth Cup gone the other way , Virginia Tech fans wanting change would be far more confident that their day was coming .
Now ?
Who knows .
Wisconsin : For two weeks , the Badgers were an offensive juggernaut .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ were just offensive to watch .
In fairness , we ’ ll never really know how the major COVID-19 outbreak Wisconsin experienced changed the trajectory of its season .
But over the last three games , the Badgers have scored a combined 20 points with nine turnovers .
Wisconsin hasn ’ t finished with more losses than wins since 2001 , and that ’ s very much in play now after it slipped to 2-3 with Saturday 's loss to Iowa .
Illinois : It feels as if the cycle is about to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years , and at 17-39 overall , it ’ s clear he hasn ’ t cracked the code of why a flagship institution in a heavily populated state can ’ t get its act together .
Sure , Ron Zook took Illinois to one fluke Rose Bowl , and Ron Turner had a great season in 2001 .
But nobody ’ s really done it consistently in the Big Ten era , so the question becomes : Can anyone ?
If Illinois moves on from Smith , athletics director Josh Whitman will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roulette wheel .
Whether it yields more favorable results this time is unclear .
Navy : Coach Ken Niumatalolo wasn ’ t thrilled with the fact that the way the schedule fell this season , Army had 21 days to prepare for his team while the Midshipmen played the previous two weeks .
But with Navy at 3-7 , it ’ s hard to say Army ’ s 15-0 win was anything but a just result .
Still , it ’ s hard to swallow .
After 14 consecutive Navy wins in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last five .
Fans of the Midshipmen should start rooting for Army coach Jeff Monken to get hired at Vanderbilt , Arizona or anywhere else .
“ Not sure I can or want to watch another Frost coached team ” – Husker Online “ Why would any up and coming coach want this job ?
” – Wildcat Authority

Opinion: Program-worst defensive performance vs. North Carolina exposes Miami as a fraud
Sometimes, teams that aren’t great can have great seasons. But it’s hard to live a lie for 10 games.
Heading into Saturday’s regular-season finale, Miami (Fla.) was on the verge of pulling off one of the great smoke-and-mirror jobs in recent memory.
At 8-1 and ranked No. 10 by the College Football Playoff selection committee, Miami’s record looked impressive enough on the surface to lock up a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game. Even though there wasn’t much substance underneath — the Canes’ best win was 44-41 against N.C. State? — all they had to do was beat North Carolina to slide into the Orange Bowl.
That turned out to be a bit complicated. In fact, at no point Saturday in the Tar Heels’ 62-26 win did it appear as though the Hurricanes were in the same class as UNC.
“The opening statement is we got our ass kicked,” Miami coach Manny Diaz said in his postgame news conference. “Humiliating performance.”
How humiliating? Miami gave up 778 yards, the worst defensive performance in program history. And there was really nothing more to it than that. The Hurricanes couldn’t stop anything North Carolina did and were exposed as a team not nearly as good as its record.
Here at the Misery Index, we don’t think Miami fans ever for a second thought the Hurricanes were truly “back” this season. But they didn’t expect a blowout of this magnitude with so much on the line, a performance that blew a hole in the credibility Diaz has built in his second year.
Season tarnished?: Does North Carolina’s domination overshadow season where Hurricanes took step forward?
Week 15 winners and losers: Alabama, Northwestern and Georgia impress
For that reason, Miami takes No. 1 in the final Misery Index of the regular season, a weekly measurement of knee-jerk reactions based on what each fan base just watched.
FOUR MORE IN MISERY
Florida: Let’s be real here. Florida would be No. 1 in the Index this week, except that we already knew long before the infamous shoe throw by Marco Wilson and Cade York’s game-winning 57-yard field goal for LSU that the Gators weren’t going to be a College Football Playoff team this year. In theory? Sure, it was possible. But it would have required Florida to beat Alabama next week in the SEC championship game, and ... hahahahahaha yeah. Not with that defense. Florida’s 37-34 loss, though, deserves more scrutiny. The Gators rested star tight end Kyle Pitts for the SEC championship because he was a bit banged up. Bad decision. Arrogant decision. They out-gained LSU 609-418 but committed three turnovers. And, of course, with the chance to get the ball back in a tie game with less than 90 seconds left, Wilson chucked an LSU player’s shoe after a third-down stop, resulting in truly one of the dumbest unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in college football history and allowing a second chance that the Tigers took advantage of. Florida approached this game against a bad LSU team like it was a given and got what it deserved, but its status as a Playoff contender was going to be exposed one way or another.
Florida was flagged with unsportsmanlike conduct after this play: pic.twitter.com/BBsmOu64j9 — ESPN (@espn) December 13, 2020
Nebraska: If the Cornhuskers’ coach was named Scott Smith instead of Scott Frost, we’d look at the accomplishments through three years and discuss the merits of making a coaching change. That isn’t going to happen because Frost is both a Nebraska legend and something of a last resort for a program that has absolutely spiraled since deciding that nine-win seasons weren’t good enough when it fired Bo Pelini in 2014. But losing 24-17 at home to a Minnesota team that was missing more than 30 players and hadn’t played since Nov. 20?
As if that’s not bad enough, Frost showed up to his news conference complaining about the number of media timeouts before Nebraska drives, which would be a lame excuse under the best of circumstances. Hey, at least somebody’s willing to put the schlock Frost is selling on television.
Arizona: The scary part for Arizona fans isn’t that Kevin Sumlin was fired Saturday. It’s that without such an emphatic failure this year, capped off by a 70-7 humiliation at the hands of Arizona State, the school might not have been willing to commit the $7 million to buy him out. Arizona, whose athletic department has major financial challenges, wanted to do anything but pay a coach not to work. Sumlin made that impossible. Arizona lost 12 consecutive games going back to last season — all but one by double-figure margins. Don’t feel too badly for Sumlin. Combined with his Texas A&M buyout, he’s going to end up collecting $17 million for jobs he no longer has to do. Now the question is whether the Wildcats will be able to run a more effective search than last time on a tight budget — and whether they’ll have someone capable of identifying below-market value talent. Given the track record, that’s hard to believe.
Virginia Tech: There’s been growing chatter the last two weeks about the Hokies’ willingness to make a clean break from coach Justin Fuente after five somewhat rocky seasons, despite the fact it would cost $10 million plus various buyouts of his coaching staff. The cost is a real consideration, but so is the trajectory of both on-field performance and recruiting. How do you balance it all? Well, Virginia Tech finishing the regular season with a dominant 33-15 win over rival Virginia to go 5-6 makes things more complicated, not less. Had the Commonwealth Cup gone the other way, Virginia Tech fans wanting change would be far more confident that their day was coming. Now? Who knows.
TRENDING TOWARD MISERY
Wisconsin: For two weeks, the Badgers were an offensive juggernaut. The rest of the time, they were just offensive to watch. In fairness, we’ll never really know how the major COVID-19 outbreak Wisconsin experienced changed the trajectory of its season. But over the last three games, the Badgers have scored a combined 20 points with nine turnovers. Wisconsin hasn’t finished with more losses than wins since 2001, and that’s very much in play now after it slipped to 2-3 with Saturday's loss to Iowa.
Illinois: It feels as if the cycle is about to begin again. Lovie Smith has had five years, and at 17-39 overall, it’s clear he hasn’t cracked the code of why a flagship institution in a heavily populated state can’t get its act together. Sure, Ron Zook took Illinois to one fluke Rose Bowl, and Ron Turner had a great season in 2001. But nobody’s really done it consistently in the Big Ten era, so the question becomes: Can anyone? If Illinois moves on from Smith, athletics director Josh Whitman will get another chance to spin the coaching roulette wheel. Whether it yields more favorable results this time is unclear.
Navy: Coach Ken Niumatalolo wasn’t thrilled with the fact that the way the schedule fell this season, Army had 21 days to prepare for his team while the Midshipmen played the previous two weeks. But with Navy at 3-7, it’s hard to say Army’s 15-0 win was anything but a just result. Still, it’s hard to swallow. After 14 consecutive Navy wins in the series, Army has won four of the last five. Fans of the Midshipmen should start rooting for Army coach Jeff Monken to get hired at Vanderbilt, Arizona or anywhere else.
TOTALLY REAL AND IRRATIONAL MESSAGE BOARD THREADS
“Burning all my Cane gear” – Canes Insight
“No masks or social distancing this week please” – Gator Country
“Not sure I can or want to watch another Frost coached team” – Husker Online
“Why would any up and coming coach want this job?” – Wildcat Authority
“The league has caught up” – Badger247


usatoday--2020-12-14--Who should get the COVID vaccine next?

Who should get the COVID vaccine next?

After a very tough year , last month we received good news about vaccines that will protect against COVID-19 , the virus that has already killed more Americans than died in World War II .
Pfizer and Moderna submitted applications to the Food and Drug Administration for authorization to market vaccines that may prevent COVID-19 in 95 % of those who take them .
The FDA authorized Pfizer ’ s vaccine Friday and could authorize Moderna ’ s as soon as late this week .
A Centers for Disease Control advisory committee recommended this month that the first vaccine doses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents of long-term care facilities , health care workers because they care for everyone else and long-term care facility residents because they account for almost 40 % of COVID-19 deaths .
This recommendation was expected and it reflects sound judgment .
Now comes the hard part : deciding which groups will get the vaccine next .
This will be the most important and most difficult coronavirus challenge that the Biden administration will face .
The decision needs to be fair , transparent and designed to protect the largest number of persons without regard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ answer will literally decide who lives and who dies since the vaccine will be in short supply until late spring or summer .
In our view , this decision should be based on the simple principle that those who have the greatest risk of dying from COVID-19 should be the next to be vaccinated .
Applying this principle , people who live or work in high-risk , high-transmission communities must be given priority .
Giving vaccines as soon as possible to these people will save a disproportionate number of lives because they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many work in crowded conditions , including factories , meat packing plants , public safety jobs and agriculture .
Others live in close quarters .
Many are essential workers .
Vaccine distribution : Coronavirus vaccine injects urgency for the right vaccination distribution This population is diverse and mobile , presenting implementation challenges , but the need is clear .
Migrant agricultural workers have a three-fold higher risk for infection than the general population in one study .
American Indians and Alaska Natives have a 3.5 times higher infection rate .
While difficult to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homeless is high .
And critically , prisoners should also be prioritized , having a 4 times higher infection rate than the general population and greater than 8 times in some states .
These groups lack political power and they are usually the last to get society ’ s most important benefits .
Some in these groups will not want the vaccine — at least not initially .
This includes many in communities of color who have suffered and continue to suffer inequitable treatment and at times have been subjected to medical experimentation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privileged will question why these at-risk communities should be given priority .
Disagreement no matter what : I 've made tough decisions about human lives .
The COVID-19 vaccine is a similar challenge .
But if the guiding principle is saving lives , the vulnerable groups we have identified must be given priority for two reasons .
First , members of these groups , who have already withstood a significantly greater burden of the virus , are more likely to be saved by a COVID-19 vaccine because they are more likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority will slow transmission and benefit the entire community since these individuals often have social connections to many others who could be exposed .
Making sure that those who are most at risk are prioritized for access to the vaccine will help protect the public , allow businesses to re-open , and save lives .
Just as there was no room for missteps or delays in developing the vaccine , it is critically important that we make the best and most equitable public health judgments in deciding how to prioritize its distribution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex landscape is to center vaccine distribution plans to curtail transmission and deaths which calls for giving priority to persons who live and work in high-transmission communities .
William B. Schultz is a trustee of Partners In Health , was general counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services from 2011-16 , and was deputy commissioner for Policy of the Food and Drug Administration from 1994-1999 .
Dr. Regan H. Marsh is the senior technical lead for Partners In Health ’ s US Public Health Accompaniment Unit , an emergency physician at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boston , and on the faculty at Harvard Medical School .

William B. Schultz and Dr. Regan H. Marsh, Opinion contributors

Who should get the COVID vaccine next? The COVID-19 vaccine is here. The Biden administration's most important and difficult coronavirus decision will be which groups get it in what order.
Show Caption Hide Caption How the new RNA technology is used to create the COVID-19 vaccines The COVID-19 vaccine is using new technology that has never been used before in traditional vaccines. Here's how an mRNA vaccine works. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
After a very tough year, last month we received good news about vaccines that will protect against COVID-19, the virus that has already killed more Americans than died in World War II. Pfizer and Moderna submitted applications to the Food and Drug Administration for authorization to market vaccines that may prevent COVID-19 in 95% of those who take them. The FDA authorized Pfizer’s vaccine Friday and could authorize Moderna’s as soon as late this week.
A Centers for Disease Control advisory committee recommended this month that the first vaccine doses be given to health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities, health care workers because they care for everyone else and long-term care facility residents because they account for almost 40% of COVID-19 deaths. This recommendation was expected and it reflects sound judgment.
Vaccinate those at high risk
Now comes the hard part: deciding which groups will get the vaccine next. This will be the most important and most difficult coronavirus challenge that the Biden administration will face. The decision needs to be fair, transparent and designed to protect the largest number of persons without regard to income or social status.
The answer will literally decide who lives and who dies since the vaccine will be in short supply until late spring or summer. In our view, this decision should be based on the simple principle that those who have the greatest risk of dying from COVID-19 should be the next to be vaccinated.
Applying this principle, people who live or work in high-risk, high-transmission communities must be given priority. Giving vaccines as soon as possible to these people will save a disproportionate number of lives because they are more likely to get the coronavirus. Many work in crowded conditions, including factories, meat packing plants, public safety jobs and agriculture. Others live in close quarters. Many are essential workers.
Vaccine distribution: Coronavirus vaccine injects urgency for the right vaccination distribution
This population is diverse and mobile, presenting implementation challenges, but the need is clear. Migrant agricultural workers have a three-fold higher risk for infection than the general population in one study. American Indians and Alaska Natives have a 3.5 times higher infection rate. While difficult to measure, the infection risk amongst the homeless is high. And critically, prisoners should also be prioritized, having a 4 times higher infection rate than the general population and greater than 8 times in some states.
Guiding principle is saving lives
These groups lack political power and they are usually the last to get society’s most important benefits. Some in these groups will not want the vaccine — at least not initially. This includes many in communities of color who have suffered and continue to suffer inequitable treatment and at times have been subjected to medical experimentation. And some members of the historically privileged will question why these at-risk communities should be given priority.
Disagreement no matter what: I've made tough decisions about human lives. The COVID-19 vaccine is a similar challenge.
But if the guiding principle is saving lives, the vulnerable groups we have identified must be given priority for two reasons. First, members of these groups, who have already withstood a significantly greater burden of the virus, are more likely to be saved by a COVID-19 vaccine because they are more likely to be exposed. Second, giving these groups priority will slow transmission and benefit the entire community since these individuals often have social connections to many others who could be exposed. Making sure that those who are most at risk are prioritized for access to the vaccine will help protect the public, allow businesses to re-open, and save lives.
Just as there was no room for missteps or delays in developing the vaccine, it is critically important that we make the best and most equitable public health judgments in deciding how to prioritize its distribution. The best way forward across an incredibly complex landscape is to center vaccine distribution plans to curtail transmission and deaths which calls for giving priority to persons who live and work in high-transmission communities.
William B. Schultz is a trustee of Partners In Health, was general counsel of the Department of Health and Human Services from 2011-16, and was deputy commissioner for Policy of the Food and Drug Administration from 1994-1999. Dr. Regan H. Marsh is the senior technical lead for Partners In Health’s US Public Health Accompaniment Unit, an emergency physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and on the faculty at Harvard Medical School.


usatoday--2020-12-13--10 movies you need to see before the most unpredictable Oscar season ever

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10 movies you need to see before the most unpredictable Oscars night ever
Show Caption Hide Caption Oscars 2021: Shocking snubs and how diverse this year's nominees are USA TODAY Film Critic Brian Truitt explains which films were snubbed for the 2021 Oscar nominations and the diversity of this year's field of films. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
Who knows what Hollywood’s biggest night will exactly look and feel like on April 25, but one thing’s for sure about the upcoming Oscars: There are still enough high-end movies you'll want to watch in preparation.
That in itself is a minor miracle, with studios delaying so many of their big projects in the wake of COVID-19 and movie theaters temporarily closing their doors. But the Academy came through with some bold but good choices with its nominations this year, like Thomas Vinterberg breaking into best director for his under-the-radar Mads Mikkelsen raucous drama "Another Round" and Argentinian film "The Mole Agent" getting into best documentary.
Oscars 2021: Who's up, who's down, and where you can watch this year's contenders
Save a seat for Frances McDormand: 'Nomadland' is Oscar-ready
Here are 10 films to check out now that will be in contention on Oscar night:
'The Father'
Anthony Hopkins powered one Oscar best picture contender to a win with 1991's "The Silence of the Lambs" – could lightning strike twice? Up for best actor, Hopkins turns in one of his greatest performances in years playing a man with dementia trying to make sense of time and reality around him as his memory fades. And Olivia Colman, who plays his daughter making hard decisions when it comes to her dad's health, is up for supporting actress.
Where to watch: In theaters now, on video-on-demand platforms March 26
'Judas and the Black Messiah'
With Golden Globe and Critics Choice hardware already, Daniel Kaluuya is so far ruling the best supporting actor race with his powerful portrayal of Illinois' Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton in Shaka King's 1960s-set thriller. However, he now has some competition in the Oscar race from his co-star LaKeith Stanfield, who plays the FBI informant tasked to undermine Hampton's efforts.
Where to watch: In theaters
'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'
Twelve years after Heath Ledger was honored with a posthumous Oscar, it looks possible again: Chadwick Boseman, who died Aug. 28 at age 43, has already won Globe and Critics Choice honors and is a favorite to win best actor off his acclaimed performance as an egocentric cornet player in the August Wilson adaptation. And as the fiery title blues singer, Viola Davis made Oscar history when her second best-actress nomination made her the most-nominated Black actress ever.
Where to watch: Netflix
More: Female directors triumph in Oscar nominations, but why is 'Judas' the only Black-led film in the best picture race?
'Promising Young Woman'
As a medical-school dropout on a vicious, righteous and colorful path of vengeance, Carey Mulligan makes an exceedingly strong case for a best actress win in the biting and dark thriller. Thanks to precursor awards recognition, a best picture victory is also not out of the realm of possibility for the #MeToo-themed film, which also scored directing and original screenplay honors for first-time director Emerald Fennell.
Where to watch: Apple TV and other video-on-demand platforms
'Minari'
Lee Isaac Chung's acclaimed heartfelt drama about a Korean family seeking the American dream is coming on like a freight train. A Globe winner for best foreign-language film, "Minari" was a no-brainer for a best picture slot and Chung also nabbed a spot in Oscar's best director category. As the stubborn, hard-working farmer who moves his loved ones to rural Arkansas, Steven Yeun is in best actor contention, while Yuh-jung Youn, playing the clan's mischievous grandmother, is one to beat for supporting actress.
Where to watch: Apple TV and other video-on-demand platforms
'Nomadland'
Newly minted best actress nominee Frances McDormand could win Oscar No. 3 in Chloé Zhao's road-trip drama about a woman who works and travels across America as a nomad after her husband dies and her hometown collapses economically. And not only is she the first woman of color to earn a best director nomination, Zhao is the first woman in Oscar history to receive four nominations (directing, writing, editing and best picture) in a single year.
Where to watch: Hulu
'One Night in Miami'
While Regina King was snubbed for best director and "Miami" didn't make the best picture cut, Kemp Powers' excellent cinematic revamp of his stage play about a night spent in the company of Black icons Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge), Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir) and Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) didn't come up totally empty. Odom Jr., a Tony award winner for "Hamilton," scored a supporting actor nomination, and Powers earned a nod for adapted screenplay.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
'Mank'
Orson Welles' masterpiece "Citizen Kane memorably took home only one Oscar, for best original screenplay. Ironically, that's one of the few categories that skipped David Fincher's throwback drama about the classic's creation. With the most nominations of any film going into the Oscars, "Mank" is a contender in best picture and director categories, Gary Oldman (as "Kane" writer Herman Mankiewicz) secured a best actor nomination three years after winning for "Darkest Hour," and Amanda Seyfried nabbed her first Oscar nod for supporting actress.
Where to watch: Netflix
'Sound of Metal'
The most innovative and groundbreaking film of last year is poised to make some noise. Riz Ahmed grabbed his first best actor Oscar nod for his stunning portrayal of a hard-rock drummer who experiences a sudden loss of hearing and struggles to figure out his new life as a deaf person. "Sound of Metal" is also a legit contender up for best picture, and the film's a no-brainer to win the best sound category.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
'The Trial of the Chicago 7'
Writer/director Aaron Sorkin's historical drama re-creating the tumultuous riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago – and the notorious trial that followed – is chock-full of top-notch performances. Sorkin missed out on a director nomination but got one for original screenplay, and Sacha Baron Cohen (also an Oscar screenwriting nominee or "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm") was the lone member of an A-list cast to get a supporting actor nomination.
Where to watch: Netflix


usatoday--2020-12-13--Fan throws bra at 'Dr. Fauci,' Bruce Springsteen performs on 'Saturday Night Live'

Kate McKinnon is Dr. Fauci and host Timothée Chalamet sends a message on his hoodie in the latest episode of @ @ @ @ @ ''

Fan throws bra at 'Dr. Fauci' during Saturday Night Live' open
Kate McKinnon is Dr. Fauci and host Timothée Chalamet sends a message on his hoodie in the latest episode of "Saturday Night Live."
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-13--RBG, Kobe Bryant, Little Richard: Remembering notables who died in 2020

Corrections & clarifications : A previous version of this story had the incorrect year of Ray Manzarek ’ s death .
He died in 2013 .
In this year of the coronavirus pandemic , deaths were often just a cold statistic .
Grieving families barely had a moment to say goodbye , to remember or to celebrate .
But every well-lived life , whether lost to disease , old age , accident or other cause , leaves positive paths forward , or sometimes cautionary tales , for family , friends or fans .
Those memories can bring tears , renew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the hint of a grandparent shows up in the face of a newborn .
So it is with this year ’ s “ Passages , ” USA TODAY ’ s annual remembrance of those who lived big enough to inspire not only loved ones but whole generations .
Some of those who died in 2020 became icons by the end , bright lights not only of past accomplishments but of new ways still to come .
The lacy “ dissent collar ” worn by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tilt of the court , came to symbolize the resolve of her followers .
The raucous piano and whoops of Little Richard , 87 , left a legacy of lascivious joy from the very beginnings of rock and roll .
The shaken , not stirred , martinis of Scottish actor Sean Connery , 90 , who died on Halloween , removed all doubt that he was the true James Bond .
Their voices , too , often brought inspirations and challenges .
“ Your vote is precious , almost sacred .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to create a more perfect union , ’ ’ said Rep. John Lewis , 80 , an original Freedom Rider from 1961 who died in July , but not before he recommended that Joe Biden pick a woman of color as vice president .
“ It is a paradox that when we reach our prime , we also see there is a place where it finishes , ’ ’ wrote journalist Gail Sheehy , 83 , author of the influential “ Passages , ” who died in August .
“ The moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let someone else win , ” said NBA superstar Kobe Bryant , 41 , whose death with his daughter and others in a January helicopter crash was a shocking portent of the grim year to come .
The pandemic was barely starting when the deaths at the hands of police of ordinary Americans like George Floyd , 46 , and Breonna Taylor , 26 , sparked Black Lives Matter protests and helped raise social consciousness .
Some deaths shook nations in other ways .
Three days of mourning were ordered in Argentina following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 60 , whose famous “ Hand of God ” goal – the ball came off his hand into the net but was allowed to stand – helped secure the 1986 World Cup for his country .
Other deaths recalled pioneers .
A former Miss America , Phyllis George , who died at 70 , was just 26 when she joined CBS ’ Sunday pre-game show , “ The NFL Today , ” in 1975 , crossing a goal post for women in sportscasting .
“ Someone has to be first , ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That was Phyllis George — a true trailblazer . ''
The loss of media comforts added to the pain of 2020 .
The always affable Regis Philbin , 88 , who holds the record for most hours on television , was like a warm muffin and coffee every weekday morning .
And Alex Trebek , 80 , shared his battle with cancer even while proving that game shows like “ Jeopardy !
” could be intelligent and respectful of players and audience .
The largely uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 this year has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. , among them well-known figures from all walks of life .
Just a sampling of the virus 's deadly reach is breathtaking .
Among COVID-19 deaths were pioneering Black country music legend Charlie Pride , 86 ; Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver , 75 ; folk singer John Prine , 73 ; portrayer of Darth Vader , David Prowse , 85 ; Las Vegas lion handler Roy Horn , 75 , of Siegfried and Roy ; New York federal judge Kevin Duffy , 87 ; Fountains of Wayne rocker Adam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 83 ; rapper Ty , 47 ; historian Henry Graff , 98 ; Japanese Sumo wrestler Shobushi , 28 , and American wrestler Kamala , 70 ; disability activist and widow of John Glenn , Annie Glenn , 100 ; presidential candidate Herman Cain , 74 ; Bruce Williamson , 49 , of The Temptations ; Toots Hibbert , 77 , of Toots and the Maytals ; Tommy DeVito , 92 , of The Four Seasons ; Broadway ’ s Nick Cordero , 41 , and playwright Terrence McNally , 81 ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ writer Ben Bova , 88 ; and Medal of Honor winner for heroism in Vietnam , Army Command Sgt .
Maj. Bennie G. Adkins , 86 .
As lifespans lengthen , inevitably stars of the past century fade in memory .
Happily , their work survives : Some of the last stars of Hollywood ’ s Golden Age passed away in 2020 , among them eternal tough guy Kirk Douglas , 103 , and Olivia de Havilland , 104 , who brought a gentle spirit to 1939 ’ s grim “ Gone With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for fiery redhead Rhonda Fleming , 97 , co-star of films with Douglas , Charlton Heston and others .
Also lost were Diana Rigg , 82 , whose career spanned the dapper British TV series “ The Avengers ” to a regal turn in “ Game of Thrones ” ; and Max von Sydow , 90 , whose roles ranged from Jesus to an exorcist and Ming the Merciless in “ Flash Gordon.
” Tony Award winner Ian Holm , 88 , was nominated for an Oscar for “ Chariots of Fire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evil android in “ Alien.
” The “ Chariots ” cast also lost actor Ben Cross , 72 .
Jacqueline Scott , 89 , was known as “ The Youngest Old-Timer ” after appearing in more than 100 movies and TV series such as “ Bat Masterson ” and “ The Fugitive ” ; Edd “ Kookie ” Byrnes , 87 , a breakout star of the 1958 TV show “ 77 Sunset Strip ” also appeared as the dance-show host in “ Grease ” ; character actor Wilford Brimley , 85 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Cocoon , '' “ The Natural ” and the journalism drama “ Absence of Malice.
” Ken Osmond , 76 , played the unctuous Eddie Haskell on “ Leave it to Beaver ” – “ What a lovely dress , Mrs. Cleaver ” – and later , for real , became a Los Angeles police officer .
And no , he did not become rocker Alice Cooper , one of the urban legends that plagued his career .
Character actor John Karlan , 86 , besides playing Tyne Daly ’ s husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first freed vampire Barnabas Collins on the “ Dark Shadows ” soap opera in 1967 .
Other perennials included Hugh Downs , 99 , whose career goes back to the original `` TODAY '' show ; comedy writer Carl Reiner , 98 , who created the “ Dick Van Dyke Show ” and was straight man for Mel Brooks ’ 2000-Year-Old Man ; singer/dancer Paula Kelly , 77 ; deadpan satirist Buck Henry , 89 , and comedian Norm Crosby , 93 ; comic actors Fred Willard , 86 , and Jerry Stiller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 74 , of “ Good Times ” ; and Monty Python ’ s Terry Jones , 77 .
Gruff-guy-next-door Brian Dennehy , 81 , appeared in 180 films ; actress Honor Blackman , 94 , played Pussy Galore in “ Goldfinger ” ; the movie star looks of Lyle Waggoner , 84 , drew laughs with Carol Burnett ; David Lander , 73 , was memorable as Squiggy on “ Laverne and Shirley ” ; and TV star Robert Conrad , 84 , who saw his profile grow in ads with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I dare ya to knock this off.
” Among unexpected deaths were “ Glee ” star Naya Rivera , 33 , who drowned in a boating accident ; actor Orson Bean , 91 , who was struck by a car ; and Chadwick Boseman , 43 , who died of cancer after portraying Jackie Robinson , James Brown , Thurgood Marshall and a new cultural touchstone , the Black Panther .
Actress Kelly Preston , 57 , who appeared in “ Jerry Maguire ” and 60 other films and TV shows , died @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Happy Birthday , Hon !
’ ’ posted husband John Travolta on her birthday in October .
“ All my love , John.
” So many iconic baseball players died in 2020 that their names are almost enough .
Besides Seaver of the Mets , gone are slugger Al Kaline , 85 ( Tigers ) , and Dick Allen , 78 ( Phillies ) ; pitchers Whitey Ford , 91 , and Don Larsen , 90 ( Yankees ) , and Bob Gibson , 84 ( Cardinals ) ; speedster Lou Brock , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseman Joe Morgan , 77 ( Reds ) .
Also gone is legendary baseball writer Roger Kahn , 92 , who chronicled everyone listed here .
Football lost running backs Paul Hornung , 84 ( the “ Golden Boy ” from Notre Dame and Packers ) , and Gayle Sayers , 77 ( Bears ) , along with Don Shula , 90 ( coach of the undefeated 1972 Dolphins ) .
Basketball greats include Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr. , 78 ; Tommy Heinsohn , 86 , who was with the Celtics as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all 17 championships ; Wes Unseld , 74 ( Bullets ) ; Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan , 78 , and NBA Commissioner David Stern , 77 .
In hockey , Henri “ Pocket Rocket ” Richard , 84 , won 11 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens , the most by any player .
And 1960 Olympic decathlon winner Rafer Johnson , 86 , is also noted for helping subdue Robert F. Kennedy ’ s assassin in 1968 .
Beyond John Lewis , the civil rights movement lost the Rev .
Joseph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 95 , a close ally of the Rev .
Martin Luther King ; and Charles Evers , 97 , brother of slain activist Medgar Evers .
Other notables include deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak , 91 ; former Sens .
Slade Gorton , R-Wash. , 92 , Tom Coburn , R-Okla. 72 , and Paul Sarbanes , D-Md.
, 87 ; former national security adviser Brent Scowcroft , 95 ; David Dinkins , 93 , the first Black mayor of New York City ; test pilot Chuck Yeager , 97 , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decades before NASA aimed at the moon ; quantum physicist Freeman Dyson , 96 ; and Katherine Johnson , 101 , a “ Hidden Figures ” mathematician who helped NASA get to the moon .
Cable television tycoon Sumner Redstone , 97 , GE ’ s Jack Welch , 84 , and TV producer Fred Silverman , 82 , were among leaders who found their core businesses changing in a digital world .
“ The replenishing thing that comes with a nap – you end up with two mornings in a day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard-boiled New York City columnist Pete Hamill , gone at 85 .
Journalists silenced included jazz columnist Stanley Crouch , 74 ; political columnist Richard Reeves , 83 ; Deb Price , 62 , who wrote a groundbreaking column on gay issues for The Detroit News ; and PBS anchor Jim Lehrer , 85 .
Top authors ranged from spy turned spy novelist John le Carré , 89 , adventure novelist Clive Cussler , 88 , and “ Queen of Suspense ” Mary Higgins Clark , 92 ( all 51 of her books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 77 , whose 1976 “ Hite Report on Female Sexuality ” raised consciousness .
Creative forces such as magazine designer Milton Glaser , 91 ; Christo , 84 , who unveiled epic artwork in public spaces ; Mad magazine artist Mort Drucker , 91 ; and “ Blade Runner ” futurist Syd Mead , 86 , set standards for artists to come .
And playwright Larry Kramer , 84 , used his plays to push for AIDS awareness and government action .
The world of music lost players in all genres , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 65 ; classical guitarist Julian Bream , 87 ; country stars Pride , Kenny Rogers , 81 , Charlie Daniels , 83 , Mac Davis , 78 , Jan Howard , 91 , and Billy Joe Shaver , 81 ; and Ennio Morricone , 91 , composer of the classic theme from “ The Good , the Bad and the Ugly.
” Other musicians included Helen Reddy , 78 , whose “ I Am Woman ” became an anthem ; Jerry Jeff Walker , 78 , writer of “ Bojangles ” ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bebop jazz trio Lambert , Hendricks and Ross ; and singers Bill Withers , 81 , Betty Wright , 66 , and Johnny Nash , 80 , who sang “ I Can See Clearly Now.
” Lost band members included Bonnie Pointer , 69 ( Pointer Sisters ) , Ronald Bell , 68 ( Kool & the Gang ) , Peter Green , 73 ( original Fleetwood Mac ) , Neil Peart , 67 ( Rush ) , and Spencer Davis , 81 ( whose Spencer Davis Group was fronted by Steve Winwood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from World War II remembers the hopeful poignancy of “ We ’ ll Meet Again , ” aired during the war on big band broadcasts and Armed Forces Radio by British singer Vera Lynn , who died in June at age 103 .
The song was used ironically at the end of Stanley Kubrick ’ s “ Dr .
Strangelove ” in 1964 , but the words still have meaning , especially now after a year like no other : David Colton – @ dcoltonnow – is a former executive editor at USA @ @

Corrections & clarifications: A previous version of this story had the incorrect year of Ray Manzarek’s death. He died in 2013.
In this year of the coronavirus pandemic, deaths were often just a cold statistic. Grieving families barely had a moment to say goodbye, to remember or to celebrate.
But every well-lived life, whether lost to disease, old age, accident or other cause, leaves positive paths forward, or sometimes cautionary tales, for family, friends or fans. Those memories can bring tears, renew faith, and often spark a smile when the hint of a grandparent shows up in the face of a newborn.
So it is with this year’s “Passages,” USA TODAY’s annual remembrance of those who lived big enough to inspire not only loved ones but whole generations.
Some of those who died in 2020 became icons by the end, bright lights not only of past accomplishments but of new ways still to come.
Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died of metastatic pancreatic cancer at age 87, was the first woman to lie in state at the U.S. Capitol. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
The lacy “dissent collar” worn by Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose death at age 87 shifted the tilt of the court, came to symbolize the resolve of her followers. The raucous piano and whoops of Little Richard, 87, left a legacy of lascivious joy from the very beginnings of rock and roll. The shaken, not stirred, martinis of Scottish actor Sean Connery, 90, who died on Halloween, removed all doubt that he was the true James Bond.
Their voices, too, often brought inspirations and challenges.
Little Richard, left, and Sean Connery are among the icons who died in 2020. A rock and roll pioneer, Richard's frenetic stage presence, trademark piano pounding and supersonic vocals made him into a showbiz institution. Scottish actor Connery, meanwhile, embodied the suave British agent James Bond, playing the role in seven films. They were among the dozens of movies he starred in during his career. Little Richard, left, and Sean Connery are among the icons who died in 2020. A rock and roll pioneer, Richard's frenetic stage presence, trademark piano pounding and supersonic vocals made him into a showbiz institution. Scottish actor Connery, meanwhile, embodied the suave British agent James Bond, playing the role in seven films. They were among the dozens of movies he starred in during his career. Little Richard, left, and Sean Connery are among the icons who died in 2020. A rock and roll pioneer, Richard's frenetic stage presence, trademark piano pounding and supersonic vocals made him into a showbiz institution. Scottish actor Connery, meanwhile, embodied the suave British agent James Bond, playing the role in seven films. They were among the dozens of movies he starred in during his career. LEFT: Stephane De Sakutin, AFP/Getty Images; RIGHT: MATT MENDELSOHN, USA TODAY
“Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful, nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union,’’ said Rep. John Lewis, 80, an original Freedom Rider from 1961 who died in July, but not before he recommended that Joe Biden pick a woman of color as vice president.
“It is a paradox that when we reach our prime, we also see there is a place where it finishes,’’ wrote journalist Gail Sheehy, 83, author of the influential “Passages,” who died in August.
Chadwick Boseman, Kobe Bryant, RBG among the icons we lost in 2020 Remembering the stars who passed in 2020, from lawmakers to scholars and entertainers. USA TODAY
“The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win,” said NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, 41, whose death with his daughter and others in a January helicopter crash was a shocking portent of the grim year to come.
Former NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant, 41, died in a helicopter crash Jan. 26 along with his 13-year-old daughter and seven other people. Harrison Hill, Harrison Hill-USA TODAY via Imag
The pandemic was barely starting when the deaths at the hands of police of ordinary Americans like George Floyd, 46, and Breonna Taylor, 26, sparked Black Lives Matter protests and helped raise social consciousness.
Some deaths shook nations in other ways. Three days of mourning were ordered in Argentina following the loss of soccer superstar Diego Maradona, 60, whose famous “Hand of God” goal – the ball came off his hand into the net but was allowed to stand – helped secure the 1986 World Cup for his country.
Other deaths recalled pioneers. A former Miss America, Phyllis George, who died at 70, was just 26 when she joined CBS’ Sunday pre-game show, “The NFL Today,” in 1975, crossing a goal post for women in sportscasting. “Someone has to be first,’’ said ESPN anchor Hannah Storm. “That was Phyllis George — a true trailblazer."
The loss of media comforts added to the pain of 2020. The always affable Regis Philbin, 88, who holds the record for most hours on television, was like a warm muffin and coffee every weekday morning. And Alex Trebek, 80, shared his battle with cancer even while proving that game shows like “Jeopardy!” could be intelligent and respectful of players and audience.
COVID-19’S TOLL REACHES WIDE
The largely uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 this year has cost hundreds of thousands of lives in the U.S., among them well-known figures from all walks of life. Just a sampling of the virus's deadly reach is breathtaking.
Among COVID-19 deaths were pioneering Black country music legend Charley Pride, 86; Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver, 75; folk singer John Prine, 73; portrayer of Darth Vader, David Prowse, 85; survivor of "Gilligan's Island," Dawn Wells, 82; Las Vegas lion handler Roy Horn, 75, of Siegfried and Roy; New York federal judge Kevin Duffy, 87; Fountains of Wayne rocker Adam Schlesinger, 52; singer Trini Lopez, 83; rapper Ty, 47; historian Henry Graff, 98; Japanese Sumo wrestler Shobushi, 28, and American wrestler Kamala, 70; disability activist and widow of John Glenn, Annie Glenn, 100; presidential candidate Herman Cain, 74; Bruce Williamson, 49, of The Temptations; Toots Hibbert, 77, of Toots and the Maytals; Tommy DeVito, 92, of The Four Seasons; Broadway’s Nick Cordero, 41, and playwright Terrence McNally, 81; actress Lynn Kellogg, 77; science-fiction writer Ben Bova, 88; and Medal of Honor winner for heroism in Vietnam, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins, 86.
Also lost to complications from COVID-19: Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, 41, a Louisiana Republican who died less than a week before being sworn in.
ENTERTAINERS OF YEARS PAST
As lifespans lengthen, inevitably stars of the past century fade in memory. Happily, their work survives:
Some of the last stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age passed away in 2020, among them eternal tough guy Kirk Douglas, 103, and Olivia de Havilland, 104, who brought a gentle spirit to 1939’s grim “Gone With the Wind.” And Technicolor was tailor-made for fiery redhead Rhonda Fleming, 97, co-star of films with Douglas, Charlton Heston and others.
Rhonda Fleming, known as one of the most glamorous actresses of the 1940s and '50s, starred in more than 40 movies. Jim Pringle, AP
Also lost were Diana Rigg, 82, whose career spanned the dapper British TV series “The Avengers” to a regal turn in “Game of Thrones”; and Max von Sydow, 90, whose roles ranged from Jesus to an exorcist and Ming the Merciless in “Flash Gordon.”
Ann Reinking, 71, is remembered as a Broadway dancing queen and Hollywood actress. Tony Award winner Ian Holm, 88, was nominated for an Oscar for “Chariots of Fire," but is also remembered as an evil android in “Alien.” The “Chariots” cast also lost actor Ben Cross, 72.
Wilford Brimley, left, worked his way up from stunt performer to star of films such as “Cocoon” and “The Natural.” Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas wowed audiences in movies including "Spartacus," "The Bad and The Beautiful" and "Champion." Wilford Brimley, left, worked his way up from stunt performer to star of films such as “Cocoon” and “The Natural.” Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas wowed audiences in movies including "Spartacus," "The Bad and The Beautiful" and "Champion." Wilford Brimley, left, worked his way up from stunt performer to star of films such as “Cocoon” and “The Natural.” Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas wowed audiences in movies including "Spartacus," "The Bad and The Beautiful" and "Champion." LEFT: EVAN AGOSTINI, AP; RIGHT: DAB, AP
Jacqueline Scott, 89, was known as “The Youngest Old-Timer” after appearing in more than 100 movies and TV series such as “Bat Masterson” and “The Fugitive”; Edd “Kookie” Byrnes, 87, a breakout star of the 1958 TV show “77 Sunset Strip” also appeared as the dance-show host in “Grease”; character actor Wilford Brimley, 85, brought homespun truth to his roles in “Cocoon," “The Natural” and the journalism drama “Absence of Malice.”
Ken Osmond, 76, played the unctuous Eddie Haskell on “Leave it to Beaver” – “What a lovely dress, Mrs. Cleaver” – and later, for real, became a Los Angeles police officer. And no, he did not become rocker Alice Cooper, one of the urban legends that plagued his career. Character actor John Karlan, 86, besides playing Tyne Daly’s husband on “Cagney and Lacy,” first freed vampire Barnabas Collins on the “Dark Shadows” soap opera in 1967.
Television fans will miss the familiar faces of Ken Osmond, left, and Hugh Downs. Osmond is known for playing the two-faced teenage scoundrel Eddie Haskell on “Leave it to Beaver.” Downs had a seven-decade career that included co-hosting the ABC newsmagazine "20/20" and launching the memory-game show "Concentration." Television fans will miss the familiar faces of Ken Osmond, left, and Hugh Downs. Osmond is known for playing the two-faced teenage scoundrel Eddie Haskell on “Leave it to Beaver.” Downs had a seven-decade career that included co-hosting the ABC newsmagazine "20/20" and launching the memory-game show "Concentration." Television fans will miss the familiar faces of Ken Osmond, left, and Hugh Downs. Osmond is known for playing the two-faced teenage scoundrel Eddie Haskell on “Leave it to Beaver.” Downs had a seven-decade career that included co-hosting the ABC newsmagazine "20/20" and launching the memory-game show "Concentration." LEFT: RICHARD SHOTWELL, INVISION/AP; RIGHT: EVAN AGOSTINI, AP
Other perennials included Hugh Downs, 99, whose career goes back to the original "TODAY" show; comedy writer Carl Reiner, 98, who created the “Dick Van Dyke Show” and was straight man for Mel Brooks’ 2000-Year-Old Man; singer/dancer Paula Kelly, 77; deadpan satirist Buck Henry, 89, and comedian Norm Crosby, 93; comic actors Fred Willard, 86, and Jerry Stiller, 92; Ja’Net DuBois, 74, of “Good Times”; and Monty Python’s Terry Jones, 77.
Gruff-guy-next-door Brian Dennehy, 81, appeared in 180 films; actress Honor Blackman, 94, played Pussy Galore in “Goldfinger”; the movie star looks of Lyle Waggoner, 84, drew laughs with Carol Burnett; David Lander, 73, was memorable as Squiggy on “Laverne and Shirley”; and TV star Robert Conrad, 84, who saw his profile grow in ads with an Eveready battery on his shoulder. “I dare ya to knock this off.”
Actress Naya Rivera drowned in a Southern California lake in July during an outing with her 4-year-old son. Willy Sanjuan, Invision/AP
Among unexpected deaths were “Glee” star Naya Rivera, 33, who drowned in a boating accident; actor Orson Bean, 91, who was struck by a car; and Chadwick Boseman, 43, who died of cancer after portraying Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall and a new cultural touchstone, the Black Panther.
Actress Kelly Preston, 57, who appeared in “Jerry Maguire” and 60 other films and TV shows, died of breast cancer in July. “Happy Birthday, Hon!’’ posted husband John Travolta on her birthday in October. “All my love, John.”
SPORTS LOSES LEGENDS
So many iconic baseball players died in 2020 that their names are almost enough. Besides Seaver of the Mets, gone are slugger Al Kaline, 85 (Tigers), and Dick Allen, 78 (Phillies); pitchers Whitey Ford, 91, and Don Larsen, 90 (Yankees), and Bob Gibson, 84 (Cardinals); knuckleballer Phil Niekro, 81 (Braves); speedster Lou Brock, 81 (Cardinals), and second baseman Joe Morgan, 77 (Reds). Also gone is legendary baseball writer Roger Kahn, 92, who chronicled everyone listed here.
Football fans said goodbye this year to running backs Paul Hornung, left, the dazzling “Golden Boy” of the Green Bay Packers, and Gayle Sayers, the Chicago Bears legend whose friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo was featured in the TV movie "Brian's Song." Football fans said goodbye this year to running backs Paul Hornung, left, the dazzling “Golden Boy” of the Green Bay Packers, and Gayle Sayers, the Chicago Bears legend whose friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo was featured in the TV movie "Brian's Song." Football fans said goodbye this year to running backs Paul Hornung, left, the dazzling “Golden Boy” of the Green Bay Packers, and Gayle Sayers, the Chicago Bears legend whose friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo was featured in the TV movie "Brian's Song." LEFT: Associated Press; RIGHT: MALCOLM EMMONS, USA TODAY SPORTS
Football lost running backs Paul Hornung, 84 (the “Golden Boy” from Notre Dame and Packers), and Gayle Sayers, 77 (Bears), along with Don Shula, 90 (coach of the undefeated 1972 Dolphins).
Basketball greats include Georgetown coach John Thompson Jr., 78; Boston Celtics player/coaches Tommy Heinsohn, 86, and K.C. Jones, 88; Tommy Heinsohn, 86, who was with the Celtics as a player, coach and commentator for all 17 championships; Wes Unseld, 74 (Bullets); Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, 78, and NBA Commissioner David Stern, 77.
In hockey, Henri “Pocket Rocket” Richard, 84, won 11 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens, the most by any player. And 1960 Olympic decathlon winner Rafer Johnson, 86, is also noted for helping subdue Robert F. Kennedy’s assassin in 1968.
NEWSMAKERS REMEMBERED
Beyond John Lewis, the civil rights movement lost the Rev. Joseph Lowery, 98; C.T. Vivian, 95, a close ally of the Rev. Martin Luther King; and Charles Evers, 97, brother of slain activist Medgar Evers.
Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., who carried the struggle against racial discrimination from Southern battlegrounds of the 1960s to the halls of Congress, died in July. H. Darr Beiser, USA TODAY
Other notables include deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, 91; former Sens. Slade Gorton, R-Wash., 92, Tom Coburn, R-Okla. 72, and Paul Sarbanes, D-Md., 87; former national security adviser Brent Scowcroft, 95; David Dinkins, 93, the first Black mayor of New York City; test pilot Chuck Yeager, 97, who broke the sound barrier in 1947, decades before NASA aimed at the moon; quantum physicist Freeman Dyson, 96; and Katherine Johnson, 101, a “Hidden Figures” mathematician who helped NASA get to the moon.
Cable television tycoon Sumner Redstone, 97, GE’s Jack Welch, 84, and TV producer Fred Silverman, 82, were among leaders who found their core businesses changing in a digital world.
ARTS AND LITERATURE
“The replenishing thing that comes with a nap – you end up with two mornings in a day,” were the soothing words of usually hard-boiled New York City columnist Pete Hamill, gone at 85. Journalists silenced included jazz columnist Stanley Crouch, 74; political columnist Richard Reeves, 83; Deb Price, 62, who wrote a groundbreaking column on gay issues for The Detroit News; and PBS anchor Jim Lehrer, 85.
The literary world lost two bestselling authors early this year. Adventure novelist Clive Cussler died in February and "Queen of Suspense" Mary Higgins Clark passed in January. The literary world lost two bestselling authors early this year. Adventure novelist Clive Cussler died in February and "Queen of Suspense" Mary Higgins Clark passed in January. The literary world lost two bestselling authors early this year. Adventure novelist Clive Cussler died in February and "Queen of Suspense" Mary Higgins Clark passed in January. LEFT: LEANNA; RIGHT: MIKE DERER, AP
Top authors ranged from spy turned spy novelist John le Carré, 89, adventure novelist Clive Cussler, 88, and “Queen of Suspense” Mary Higgins Clark, 92 (all 51 of her books were bestsellers), to Shere Hite, 77, whose 1976 “Hite Report on Female Sexuality” raised consciousness.
Creative forces such as fashion icon Pierre Cardin, 98; magazine designer Milton Glaser, 91; Christo, 84, who unveiled epic artwork in public spaces; Mad magazine artist Mort Drucker, 91; and “Blade Runner” futurist Syd Mead, 86, set standards for artists to come. And playwright Larry Kramer, 84, used his plays to push for AIDS awareness and government action.
MUSIC MUTED IN 2020
The world of music lost players in all genres, including hyper-kinetic rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen, 65; classical guitarist Julian Bream, 87; country stars Pride, Kenny Rogers, 81, Charlie Daniels, 83, Mac Davis, 78, Jan Howard, 91, K.T. Oslin, 78, and Billy Joe Shaver, 81; rapper John Fletcher, 56; and Ennio Morricone, 91, composer of the classic theme from “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”
Guitar legend Eddie Van Halen, performing with Van Halen bandmate David Lee Roth in 2015, died of cancer in October. Greg Allen, Invision/AP
Other musicians included Helen Reddy, 78, whose “I Am Woman” became an anthem; Jerry Jeff Walker, 78, writer of “Bojangles”; Annie Ross, 89, of the bebop jazz trio Lambert, Hendricks and Ross; and singers Bill Withers, 81, Betty Wright, 66, and Johnny Nash, 80, who sang “I Can See Clearly Now.”
Lost band members included Leslie West, 75 (Mountain); Bonnie Pointer, 69 (Pointer Sisters); Ronald Bell, 68 (Kool & the Gang); Peter Green, 73 (original Fleetwood Mac); Neil Peart, 67 (Rush); and Spencer Davis, 81 (whose Spencer Davis Group was fronted by Steve Winwood).
Helen Reddy, left, and Bonnie Pointer were among the many musicians who died this year. Reddy was known for her feminist empowerment anthem "I Am Woman" and a long string of other Top 40 hits. Pointer co-founded the Pointer Sisters and later launched a solo career. Helen Reddy, left, and Bonnie Pointer were among the many musicians who died this year. Reddy was known for her feminist empowerment anthem "I Am Woman" and a long string of other Top 40 hits. Pointer co-founded the Pointer Sisters and later launched a solo career. Helen Reddy, left, and Bonnie Pointer were among the many musicians who died this year. Reddy was known for her feminist empowerment anthem "I Am Woman" and a long string of other Top 40 hits. Pointer co-founded the Pointer Sisters and later launched a solo career. LEFT: MIKE WINDLE, GETTY IMAGES; RIGHT: KATY WINN, INVISION/AP
Finally, anyone still living from World War II remembers the hopeful poignancy of “We’ll Meet Again,” aired during the war on big band broadcasts and Armed Forces Radio by British singer Vera Lynn, who died in June at age 103.
The song was used ironically at the end of Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove” in 1964, but the words still have meaning, especially now after a year like no other:
We'll meet again
Don't know where
Don't know when
But I know we'll meet again some sunny day
David Colton – @dcoltonnow – is a former executive editor at USA TODAY.


usatoday--2020-12-13--Trump supporters in DC backing unfounded voter fraud claims clash with counter-protesters

Supporters of President Donald Trump 's unfounded voter fraud claims in the District of Columbia clashed with counter-protesters .

Pro-Trump rally in Washington, D.C. includes arrests, stabbings
Supporters of President Donald Trump's unfounded voter fraud claims in the District of Columbia clashed with counter-protesters.
USA TODAY