usatoday--2020-07-31--Here's what we know about Trump suggesting the idea of delaying the November election

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Thursday raised the idea of delaying the November election because of issues stemming from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic .
The suggestion came from a tweet where he said universal mail-in voting would cause the most `` fraudulent election in history . ''
`` It will be a great embarrassment to the USA .
Delay the Election until people can properly , securely and safely vote ?
?
? ''
Trump tweeted .
More : Trump floats delaying election over mail-in voting , legal experts say that power rests with Congress What followed was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political allies and rivals , and a press conference where he appeared to take back some of his earlier statements .
Here is what you need to know about Trump 's tweet , the reaction and some of the legal conversations that took place as the day unfolded .
Trump later claims tweet was to start discussion Trump tweeted later Thursday , writing , `` Glad I was able to get the very dishonest LameStream Media to finally start talking about the RISKS to our Democracy from dangerous Universal Mail-In-Voting ( not Absentee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) . ''
“ Do I want to see a date change ?
No , '' Trump said during the press conference Thursday , `` but I do n't want to see a crooked election . ''
' I do n't want a delay ' : Trump rows back on delaying election but not on mail-in ballots Sen John Cornyn , R-Texas , told reporters on Capitol Hill earlier Thursday that Trump ’ s election-delay tweet was a joke so `` all you guys in the press , your heads will explode and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ users on twitter have pointed out that the suggestion may have been a distraction from two grim milestones : the sharpest economic contraction in modern American history and more than 150,000 deaths caused by the coronavirus .
Pete Buttigieg , the former South Bend , Indiana , mayor , and a Democratic presidential candidate , tweeted , `` The USA held an election during the Civil War , and we will hold one in 96 days .
No distractions—let 's get to work . ''
Just minutes before Trump 's morning tweet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street after the U.S. posted a record economic contraction in the second quarter as the coronavirus pandemic battered the economy , leading to widespread business shutdowns .
More : Dow slides 200 points after US posts record economic drop in second quarter Meadows : 'Not optimistic ' on COVID-19 stimulus deal , as lawmakers debate unemployment boost The U.S. economy shrank at a 32.9 % annual rate in the April-June period , its worst quarter in history by far .
Also adding to pressure Thursday , another 1.4 million laid-off Americans applied for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
Chris Lu , a former Obama administration cabinet secretary , tweeted , '' What Trump is suggesting is dangerous , but it 's also an intentional distraction . ''
MoveOn , a progressive public policy advocacy group , tweeted that `` Trump 's outrageous suggestion that the election be postponed is just a distraction from today 's disastrous economic news .
Do n't fall for it — and make a plan to vote ! ''
Former Vice President Joe Biden told Majority Whip Jim Clyburn , D-S.C. , at a virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attempt to distract from the funeral of the late Rep. John Lewis , saying Trump `` doesn ’ t want to focus on what ’ s going on today with our buddy , and your close friend , Jim , who you just buried . ''
Trump and others in his administration have repeatedly railed against mail-in ballots specifically heading toward November , calling them unsafe and untrustworthy as COVID-19 forces many Americans to stay and vote from home .
Trump and Republicans have sought to draw a distinction between absentee voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , disabled people and others who are unable to vote in person on Election Day – and universal mail-in voting , where ballots are mailed to all registered voters .
Only a few states historically have utilized universal mail-in voting .
Opinion : Trump and Barr are making false claims about mail-in ballots to scare us out of voting According to election experts , absentee and mail-in voting are fundamentally the same thing – voting from home .
And while there were bumps in the presidential primary elections regarding voting-by-mail , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November would lead to widespread voter fraud .
More : 'He 's scaring our own voters ' : Republicans run into a Donald Trump problem as they push mail voting The president tweeted earlier in July , that mail-in ballots are `` Just a formula for RIGGING an Election '' but `` Absentee Ballots are fine because you have to go through a precise process to get your voting privilege .
Not so with Mail-Ins .
Rigged Election !
!
! ''
However , as David Becker , founder of the nonpartisan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to USA TODAY , `` There is essentially no difference between absentee and mail-in voting '' and that for both absentee and mail-in ballots , there are several identifying features included to protect the integrity of the ballot , including matching a voter 's signature .
Becker also pointed out voter fraud is not be one of the biggest potential problems with mail ballots , but rather , the `` confusion about requesting a ballot , filling out the ballot or envelope , or returning the ballot could all lead to some voters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More : 'Do-or-die moment ' to boost vote-by-mail for November election .
But the politics is getting harder As a response to the ongoing pandemic , states have loosened rules and restrictions on how citizens can receive postal voting ballots , with some proactively sending ballots to all registered voters due to the pandemic .
`` About 1 in 4 voters voted by mail in 2016 including , more than 1 in 4 in Florida , where the president now votes , ” Becker continued .
Trump has voted by mail several times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 presidential primary .
The date of the presidential election is set by federal law , meaning Congress , not the president , has the power to change it , according to Edward Foley , a law professor from Ohio State University and an election law expert .
Delaying a presidential election would be unprecedented – the nation did not do so even during the Civil War and World War II .
More : 'We will not allow you ' : Governors slam Trump for floating delay of presidential election Even if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , it would be very difficult legally .
The Constitution requires congressional elections every two years .
To hold congressional and presidential elections together , a delayed presidential election would still need to take place in 2020 .
Regardless , the four-year term of a president , in this case Trump , ends at noon on Jan. 20 , according to the 20th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution .
Therefore , if the presidential election were somehow not held , Trump would not simply continue to hold office , according to Foley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Must know Election results on the night of the Election , not days , months , or even years later ! ''
This is not a requirement for any election in the United States .
He also reiterated this point several times during the press conference , saying the results may be delayed by `` weeks and even months . ''
Even some of the president 's most loyal supporters pushed back on the idea that the election would be moved .
More : McConnell , other top Republicans say Election Day is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hampshire Gov .
Chris Sununu , a Republican and Trump supporter , tweeted , `` Make no mistake : the election will happen in New Hampshire on November 3rd .
End of story .
Our voting system in NH is secure , safe , and reliable .
We have done it right 100 % of the time for 100 years – this year will be no different . ''
Sen. Chuck Grassley , R-Iowa , cited the Constitution , and said `` we 're a country based on a rule of law .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ until we change the law . ''
Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , who is a vocal Trump supporter on Capitol Hill , said the president 's call to delay the election is not `` a particularly good idea.
” Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , dismissed Trump ’ s idea in an interview with WNKY television , saying , “ Never in the history of the country , through wars , depressions and the Civil War , have we ever not had a federally scheduled election on time , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do that again this Nov. 3.
” Sens .
Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida , who both represent critical states in the 2020 election , dismissed the idea that the election could change .
More : Trump to brief reporters after floating the idea of delaying the election Rubio stated , “ We ’ re going to have an election , it ’ s going to be legitimate , it ’ s going to be credible , it ’ s going to be the same as it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying “ I think election fraud is a serious problem , but , no , we should not delay the election.
” To the left of the aisle , Democrats expressed their stern disapproval with the suggestion .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , tweeted language from the U.S. Constitution in response : `` The Congress may determine the Time of choosing the Electors , and the Day on which they shall give their Votes ; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.
” Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top contender to run as presumptive nominee Biden 's running mate , tweeted , `` Donald Trump is terrified .
He knows he 's going to lose to @ joebiden . ''
`` We will see you at the ballot box on November 3rd , @ realDonaldTrump , '' she continued .
'Do not hold grudges ' : Biden 's notes reveal several talking points about Kamala Harris Sen. Tim Kaine , D-Va. , expressed disbelief that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo – a Harvard educated lawyer – refused to refute the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Senate hearing Thursday , noting it is clearly established that Trump does not have that power .
“ I do n't think it 's that hard a question ... that should lead to any equivocation by somebody who 's fourth in line of succession to be president of the United States , ” Kaine said .
Former President George W. Bush at John Lewis ' funeral : 'He will live forever in the hearts of Americans' Andrew Bates , Biden 's director of rapid response , tweeted an article from April where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election .
`` Phone home , '' he quote-tweeted in response to the Trump campaign then stating such a suggestion from Biden `` fuels election conspiracy theory while the media keeps quiet . ''

Here's what we know about Trump suggesting the idea of delaying the November election
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump suggests delaying election in fear of 'fraudulent' voting The United States has never delayed an election, even during the Civil War and World War II. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Thursday raised the idea of delaying the November election because of issues stemming from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The suggestion came from a tweet where he said universal mail-in voting would cause the most "fraudulent election in history."
"It will be a great embarrassment to the USA. Delay the Election until people can properly, securely and safely vote???" Trump tweeted.
More: Trump floats delaying election over mail-in voting, legal experts say that power rests with Congress
What followed was a day of reactions from legal experts, political allies and rivals, and a press conference where he appeared to take back some of his earlier statements.
Here is what you need to know about Trump's tweet, the reaction and some of the legal conversations that took place as the day unfolded.
Trump later claims tweet was to start discussion
Trump tweeted later Thursday, writing, "Glad I was able to get the very dishonest LameStream Media to finally start talking about the RISKS to our Democracy from dangerous Universal Mail-In-Voting (not Absentee Voting, which I totally support!)."
Glad I was able to get the very dishonest LameStream Media to finally start talking about the RISKS to our Democracy from dangerous Universal Mail-In-Voting (not Absentee Voting, which I totally support!). — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2020
“Do I want to see a date change? No," Trump said during the press conference Thursday, "but I don't want to see a crooked election."
'I don't want a delay': Trump rows back on delaying election but not on mail-in ballots
Sen John Cornyn, R-Texas, told reporters on Capitol Hill earlier Thursday that Trump’s election-delay tweet was a joke so "all you guys in the press, your heads will explode and you'll write about it.”
Some users on twitter have pointed out that the suggestion may have been a distraction from two grim milestones: the sharpest economic contraction in modern American history and more than 150,000 deaths caused by the coronavirus.
Pete Buttigieg, the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor, and a Democratic presidential candidate, tweeted, "The USA held an election during the Civil War, and we will hold one in 96 days. No distractions—let's get to work."
The USA held an election during the Civil War, and we will hold one in 96 days. No distractions—let's get to work. — Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 30, 2020
Just minutes before Trump's morning tweet, news broke that stocks slumped on Wall Street after the U.S. posted a record economic contraction in the second quarter as the coronavirus pandemic battered the economy, leading to widespread business shutdowns.
More: Dow slides 200 points after US posts record economic drop in second quarter
Meadows: 'Not optimistic' on COVID-19 stimulus deal, as lawmakers debate unemployment boost
The U.S. economy shrank at a 32.9% annual rate in the April-June period, its worst quarter in history by far. Also adding to pressure Thursday, another 1.4 million laid-off Americans applied for unemployment benefits, which will formally expire Friday.
Chris Lu, a former Obama administration cabinet secretary, tweeted," What Trump is suggesting is dangerous, but it's also an intentional distraction."
MoveOn, a progressive public policy advocacy group, tweeted that "Trump's outrageous suggestion that the election be postponed is just a distraction from today's disastrous economic news. Don't fall for it — and make a plan to vote!"
Former Vice President Joe Biden told Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., at a virtual fundraiser that Trump's election-delay tweet was an attempt to distract from the funeral of the late Rep. John Lewis, saying Trump "doesn’t want to focus on what’s going on today with our buddy, and your close friend, Jim, who you just buried."
More: Photos from capitol procession of Rep. John Lewis
Mail-in ballots vs. absentee ballots
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
Trump and others in his administration have repeatedly railed against mail-in ballots specifically heading toward November, calling them unsafe and untrustworthy as COVID-19 forces many Americans to stay and vote from home.
Trump and Republicans have sought to draw a distinction between absentee voting – offered to seniors, the military, disabled people and others who are unable to vote in person on Election Day – and universal mail-in voting, where ballots are mailed to all registered voters. Only a few states historically have utilized universal mail-in voting.
Opinion:Trump and Barr are making false claims about mail-in ballots to scare us out of voting
According to election experts, absentee and mail-in voting are fundamentally the same thing – voting from home.
And while there were bumps in the presidential primary elections regarding voting-by-mail, there is little to no evidence that mail-in ballots in November would lead to widespread voter fraud.
More: 'He's scaring our own voters': Republicans run into a Donald Trump problem as they push mail voting
The president tweeted earlier in July, that mail-in ballots are "Just a formula for RIGGING an Election" but "Absentee Ballots are fine because you have to go through a precise process to get your voting privilege. Not so with Mail-Ins. Rigged Election!!!"
However, as David Becker, founder of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research explained to USA TODAY, "There is essentially no difference between absentee and mail-in voting" and that for both absentee and mail-in ballots, there are several identifying features included to protect the integrity of the ballot, including matching a voter's signature.
Becker also pointed out voter fraud is not be one of the biggest potential problems with mail ballots, but rather, the "confusion about requesting a ballot, filling out the ballot or envelope, or returning the ballot could all lead to some voters not having their votes counted."
More: 'Do-or-die moment' to boost vote-by-mail for November election. But the politics is getting harder
As a response to the ongoing pandemic, states have loosened rules and restrictions on how citizens can receive postal voting ballots, with some proactively sending ballots to all registered voters due to the pandemic.
"About 1 in 4 voters voted by mail in 2016 including, more than 1 in 4 in Florida, where the president now votes,” Becker continued.
Trump has voted by mail several times, including in Florida’s March 17 presidential primary.
Delaying election faces constitutional issues
The date of the presidential election is set by federal law, meaning Congress, not the president, has the power to change it, according to Edward Foley, a law professor from Ohio State University and an election law expert.
Delaying a presidential election would be unprecedented – the nation did not do so even during the Civil War and World War II.
More: 'We will not allow you': Governors slam Trump for floating delay of presidential election
Even if the president and Congress wanted to delay the election, it would be very difficult legally. The Constitution requires congressional elections every two years. To hold congressional and presidential elections together, a delayed presidential election would still need to take place in 2020.
Regardless, the four-year term of a president, in this case Trump, ends at noon on Jan. 20, according to the 20th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Therefore, if the presidential election were somehow not held, Trump would not simply continue to hold office, according to Foley.
The president later tweeted, "Must know Election results on the night of the Election, not days, months, or even years later!"
This is not a requirement for any election in the United States.
He also reiterated this point several times during the press conference, saying the results may be delayed by "weeks and even months."
GOP response
Even some of the president's most loyal supporters pushed back on the idea that the election would be moved.
More: McConnell, other top Republicans say Election Day isn't moving after Trump floated delay
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican and Trump supporter, tweeted, "Make no mistake: the election will happen in New Hampshire on November 3rd. End of story. Our voting system in NH is secure, safe, and reliable. We have done it right 100% of the time for 100 years – this year will be no different."
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, cited the Constitution, and said "we're a country based on a rule of law. No one is going to change anything until we change the law."
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who is a vocal Trump supporter on Capitol Hill, said the president's call to delay the election is not "a particularly good idea.”
Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., dismissed Trump’s idea in an interview with WNKY television, saying, “Never in the history of the country, through wars, depressions and the Civil War, have we ever not had a federally scheduled election on time, and we’ll find a way to do that again this Nov. 3.”
Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Marco Rubio of Florida, who both represent critical states in the 2020 election, dismissed the idea that the election could change.
More: Trump to brief reporters after floating the idea of delaying the election
Rubio stated, “We’re going to have an election, it’s going to be legitimate, it’s going to be credible, it’s going to be the same as it’s always been,”
Cruz agreed, saying “I think election fraud is a serious problem, but, no, we should not delay the election.”
Democrats response
To the left of the aisle, Democrats expressed their stern disapproval with the suggestion.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., tweeted language from the U.S. Constitution in response: "The Congress may determine the Time of choosing the Electors, and the Day on which they shall give their Votes; which Day shall be the same throughout the United States.”
More: Obama condemns voter suppression in John Lewis eulogy, as Trump attacks mail-in voting
Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., who has been raised as a top contender to run as presumptive nominee Biden's running mate, tweeted, "Donald Trump is terrified. He knows he's going to lose to @joebiden."
"We will see you at the ballot box on November 3rd, @realDonaldTrump," she continued.
Donald Trump is terrified. He knows he's going to lose to @JoeBiden. It will require every single one of us to make that happen.
We will see you at the ballot box on November 3rd, @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/GeEH6Csvym — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) July 30, 2020
'Do not hold grudges': Biden's notes reveal several talking points about Kamala Harris
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., expressed disbelief that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo – a Harvard educated lawyer – refused to refute the idea that Trump could delay the election during a Senate hearing Thursday, noting it is clearly established that Trump does not have that power.
“I don't think it's that hard a question ... that should lead to any equivocation by somebody who's fourth in line of succession to be president of the United States,” Kaine said.
Former President George W. Bush at John Lewis' funeral: 'He will live forever in the hearts of Americans'
Andrew Bates, Biden's director of rapid response, tweeted an article from April where Biden said Trump would try to delay the election.
"Phone home," he quote-tweeted in response to the Trump campaign then stating such a suggestion from Biden "fuels election conspiracy theory while the media keeps quiet."
Contributing: David Jackson, Joey Garrison, John Fritze, Nicholas Wu, Courtney Subramanian, Bart Jansen, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-30--CDC: Hundreds sick, 1 dead in nationwide Salmonella outbreak linked to chicks, ducklings

Chicks and ducklings kept in backyards are the likely source of a nationwide Salmonella outbreak that has sickened nearly 1,000 people and killed one person , the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday .
Reported cases have grown four-fold in a matter of days , increasing from 212 last Friday to 938 Tuesday .
Sick people range in age from 1 to 94-years-old , and more than 150 people have been hospitalized .
Every state except Hawaii and Rhode Island has now reported at least one case , the CDC says .
Kentucky and Tennessee are currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now believes backyard poultry — specifically chicks and ducklings — are to blame for the outbreak , citing interviews with 409 ill people .
The animals were obtained from several sources and testing has revealed three outbreak strains , the CDC reports .
`` You can get sick with a Salmonella infection from touching backyard poultry or their environment .
Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella bacteria even if they look healthy and clean and show no signs of illness , '' the investigation notice warns .
Backyard poultry , especially chickens , have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many owners continue to use them as a source for eggs and meat , too .
People who own backyard poultry should wash their hands after touching the animals .
`` Don ’ t kiss backyard poultry or snuggle them and then touch your face or mouth , '' the CDC says .
`` Don ’ t let backyard poultry inside the house , especially in areas where food or drink is prepared , served , or stored . ''
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include diarrhea , fever and abdominal cramps .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms in 6 hours to six days after being exposed .
Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body , but most people most people recover without treatment .
The illness typically lasts four to seven days .
In rare cases , salmonella infection can cause death .
People with weakened immune systems , children younger than 5 years and adults older than 65 years are more likely to have severe illness .

CDC: Hundreds sick, 1 dead in nationwide Salmonella outbreak linked to chicks, ducklings
Show Caption Hide Caption Your ultimate guide to proper hand-washing When people ask how to protect themselves against the spread of COVID-19, one of the first suggestions from doctors is washing your hands. Here are the do's and don'ts. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Chicks and ducklings kept in backyards are the likely source of a nationwide Salmonella outbreak that has sickened nearly 1,000 people and killed one person, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.
The outbreak nearly doubled in size since the CDC's last report on June 24. Sick people range in age from 1 to 94-years-old, and more than 150 people have been hospitalized.
A separate salmonella outbreak tied to red onions has caused nearly 400 cases reported in 34 states this month.
Every state except Hawaii and Rhode Island has now reported at least one case in the poultry-related outbreak, the CDC says. Kentucky and Tennessee are currently the hardest hit states.
The agency believes backyard poultry — specifically chicks and ducklings — are to blame for the outbreak, citing interviews with 409 ill people.
The animals were obtained from several sources and testing has revealed three outbreak strains, the CDC reports.
"You can get sick with a Salmonella infection from touching backyard poultry or their environment. Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella bacteria even if they look healthy and clean and show no signs of illness," the investigation notice warns.
Backyard poultry, especially chickens, have become popular pets in the U.S. Many owners continue to use them as a source for eggs and meat, too.
People who own backyard poultry should wash their hands after touching the animals.
"Don’t kiss backyard poultry or snuggle them and then touch your face or mouth," the CDC says. "Don’t let backyard poultry inside the house, especially in areas where food or drink is prepared, served, or stored."
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. People sickened by the bacteria typically have symptoms in 6 hours to six days after being exposed.
Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body, but most people most people recover without treatment. The illness typically lasts four to seven days.
In rare cases, salmonella infection can cause death.
People with weakened immune systems, children younger than 5 years and adults older than 65 years are more likely to have severe illness.
Contributing: Zlati Meyer, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-30--You'll have to wait a little longer for a new phone, Apple's next iPhones to be delayed for 'several

Apple 's new iPhones , which have been consistently released in the last week of September , will be delayed this year , due to supply chain issues .
Apple said Thursday that the new phone would be a `` few weeks late , '' which could mean mid-to-late October for the release of – what 's expected to be called – the iPhone 12 .
Daniel Ives , an analyst with Wedbush Securities , predicts the four editions of the phones will be out in the first or second week of October .
Analysts had initially thought the delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks like delays will be limited to a few weeks rather than months as some had suspected , '' says Yoram Wurmser , an analyst with market research firm eMarketer .
While the pandemic slowed down Apple 's supply chain , it had the opposite on consumers , who responded to work at home rules by buying more iPhones , iPads , Macintosh computers and Apple Watches , and viewing more iTunes movies than usual .
Camera : You do n't have to use the latest iPhone to win awards .
This year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Apple said it set a record for the June quarter , with $ 59.7 billion in revenue , up 11 % from the year-ago quarter .
Ives says he `` almost fell off my chair , '' in reading the numbers .
`` It 's one of the most impressive performances I 've ever seen by Apple . ''
In an earnings call with analysts Thursday , Apple CEO Tim Cook summed up the performance to a variety of factors .
Apple got some help from stimulus checks , the re-opening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May and June , and the release of the revived iPhone SE – the lowest priced iPhone in the lineup , starting at $ 399 .
`` That really helped the results , '' Cook said .
Apple sold $ 26.4 billion worth of iPhones , up from $ 25.9 billion in the year-ago quarter , and all other product categories were up as well .
Apple sold $ 7 billion worth of Mac computers , up from $ 5.8 billion , to $ 6.5 billion for the iPad ( up from $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes the Apple Watch and AirPods , saw $ 6.4 billion in sales , up from $ 5.5 billion , and Services , which includes Apple Music , iTunes movie rentals and iCloud online storage , jumped to $ 13.1 billion from $ 11.4 billion .

You'll have to wait a little longer for a new phone, Apple's next iPhones to be delayed for 'several weeks'
Apple's new iPhones, which have been consistently released in the last week of September, will be delayed this year, due to supply chain issues.
Apple said Thursday that the new phone would be a "few weeks late," which could mean mid-to-late October for the release of – what's expected to be called – the iPhone 12.
Daniel Ives, an analyst with Wedbush Securities, predicts the four editions of the phones will be out in the first or second week of October.
Analysts had initially thought the delay would be even longer. "It looks like delays will be limited to a few weeks rather than months as some had suspected," says Yoram Wurmser, an analyst with market research firm eMarketer.
While the pandemic slowed down Apple's supply chain, it had the opposite on consumers, who responded to work at home rules by buying more iPhones, iPads, Macintosh computers and Apple Watches, and viewing more iTunes movies than usual.
Money: Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Google reports mixed earnings amid pandemic
Camera: You don't have to use the latest iPhone to win awards. This year's winner used phone introduced in 2017.
Apple said it set a record for the June quarter, with $59.7 billion in revenue, up 11% from the year-ago quarter.
Ives says he "almost fell off my chair," in reading the numbers. "It's one of the most impressive performances I've ever seen by Apple."
In an earnings call with analysts Thursday, Apple CEO Tim Cook summed up the performance to a variety of factors. Apple got some help from stimulus checks, the re-opening of Apple retail stores in many locations in May and June, and the release of the revived iPhone SE – the lowest priced iPhone in the lineup, starting at $399.
"That really helped the results," Cook said.
Apple sold $26.4 billion worth of iPhones, up from $25.9 billion in the year-ago quarter, and all other product categories were up as well. Apple sold $7 billion worth of Mac computers, up from $5.8 billion, to $6.5 billion for the iPad (up from $5.5 billion).
Wearables, which includes the Apple Watch and AirPods, saw $6.4 billion in sales, up from $5.5 billion, and Services, which includes Apple Music, iTunes movie rentals and iCloud online storage, jumped to $13.1 billion from $11.4 billion.
Follow USA TODAY's Jefferson Graham (@jeffersongraham) on Twitter


usatoday--2020-07-30--Donald Trump doesn't decide whether an election will work. That's up to voters.

Donald Trump raised the specter Thursday of a delayed presidential election — citing unfounded claims of mail-in ballot fraud .
His tweet sent shivers through Americans who fear he 'll stop at nothing to remain in office .
By all accounts , Trump lacks legal authority to postpone the vote and , in any event , the Constitution says his first term ends Jan. 20 .
The presidential election has never been delayed in an American history replete with times of war and pestilence .
But where the president succeeded , and can do still more damage , was fomenting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already fraught with risks to its integrity .
Millions are frightened even to cast votes at a time when a highly communicable disease is running rampant through too many communities .
States are racing to accommodate by expanding mail-in voting , even though many have not done so at this scale .
Fumbling primary efforts in several states led to hours of waiting in line for in-person ballots .
While voter enthusiasm is high , new registration is in free fall — particularly among young people and minorities — as coronavirus undermines traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that growing numbers of Democrats and Republicans are primed to reject elections results that do n't go their way .
The good news is there 's still time to build confidence in the Nov. 3 vote : ►A fair election during a pandemic costs money .
Congress must settle differences on a coronavirus stimulus bill , and that includes coming together on election money for the states .
Republicans need to embrace the funding and Democrats need to ease up strings attached to the spending so the two sides can compromise .
States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — perhaps attracting them with the offer of education credits — since traditional volunteers are predominantly older people understandably averse to working during an outbreak where they are at higher risk of infection .
Where early in-person voting is expanded , as it should be , those workers will be needed for longer periods of time .
►Make mail-in voting work .
However much Trump and Attorney General William Barr ( without evidence ) rail against the process , the risks of fraud are almost nonexistent .
Thankfully , most states are n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 80 million voters are being mailed ballots or applications to vote by states , and an additional 96 million will be able to vote by mail if they request it .
That 's 77 % of the voting population .
It 's another reason federal funding is crucial .
States and counties will be investing in additional ballot-counting space , equipment such as high-speed scanners , and specialized envelopes and paper , to facilitate record levels of mailed ballots .
And staffing need will grow still further .
States should accept mailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposed to those that arrive by Election Day , in anticipation of an overwhelmed Postal Service ( run by a Trump supporter who has already slowed down processing ) .
In the alternative , states could provide more drop-off sites for absentee ballots to avoid relying on the mail .
►Voters need to be vigilant and patient .
Those who want to mail in their vote should begin to act now to request a ballot and return it as soon as possible to avoid having it rejected for arriving too late .
Others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be conducted in their precinct to avoid long lines .
More than anything , voters need to understand that the winner of the election may not be known at the end of Nov. 3 .
The odds are strong , particularly given the days it could take to count mailed-in votes , that the result will be tardy .
It certainly wo n't discredit the results , no matter what Trump might say or do .
This election will test not only the integrity of the electoral process , but also whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , governments “ deriv ( e ) their just powers from the consent of the governed.
” Trump 's tweets should n't distract from the need to get the vote right .
If you ca n't see this reader poll , please refresh your page .

Donald Trump doesn't decide whether an election will work. That's up to voters. Our View: But amid coronavirus, he can stir up fears about mail-in balloting and in-person voting. There's time to build up confidence for Nov. 3.
Show Caption Hide Caption How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Donald Trump raised the specter Thursday of a delayed presidential election — citing unfounded claims of mail-in ballot fraud. His tweet sent shivers through Americans who fear he'll stop at nothing to remain in office.
By all accounts, Trump lacks legal authority to postpone the vote and, in any event, the Constitution says his first term ends Jan. 20. The presidential election has never been delayed in an American history replete with times of war and pestilence.
But where the president succeeded, and can do still more damage, was fomenting confusion and angst ahead of an election already fraught with risks to its integrity.
Millions are frightened even to cast votes at a time when a highly communicable disease is running rampant through too many communities. States are racing to accommodate by expanding mail-in voting, even though many have not done so at this scale.
Fumbling primary efforts in several states led to hours of waiting in line for in-person ballots. While voter enthusiasm is high, new registration is in free fall — particularly among young people and minorities — as coronavirus undermines traditional sign-up efforts.
It's little wonder that growing numbers of Democrats and Republicans are primed to reject elections results that don't go their way.
The good news is there's still time to build confidence in the Nov. 3 vote:
►A fair election during a pandemic costs money. Congress must settle differences on a coronavirus stimulus bill, and that includes coming together on election money for the states. Republicans need to embrace the funding and Democrats need to ease up strings attached to the spending so the two sides can compromise.
States must hire and train younger poll workers — perhaps attracting them with the offer of education credits — since traditional volunteers are predominantly older people understandably averse to working during an outbreak where they are at higher risk of infection. Where early in-person voting is expanded, as it should be, those workers will be needed for longer periods of time.
►Make mail-in voting work. However much Trump and Attorney General William Barr (without evidence) rail against the process, the risks of fraud are almost nonexistent. Thankfully, most states aren't listening. The result is that more than 80 million voters are being mailed ballots or applications to vote by states, and an additional 96 million will be able to vote by mail if they request it. That's 77% of the voting population.
It's another reason federal funding is crucial. States and counties will be investing in additional ballot-counting space, equipment such as high-speed scanners, and specialized envelopes and paper, to facilitate record levels of mailed ballots. And staffing need will grow still further. States should accept mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day, as opposed to those that arrive by Election Day, in anticipation of an overwhelmed Postal Service (run by a Trump supporter who has already slowed down processing). In the alternative, states could provide more drop-off sites for absentee ballots to avoid relying on the mail.
►Voters need to be vigilant and patient. Those who want to mail in their vote should begin to act now to request a ballot and return it as soon as possible to avoid having it rejected for arriving too late. Others can learn whether and where early voting will be conducted in their precinct to avoid long lines.
More than anything, voters need to understand that the winner of the election may not be known at the end of Nov. 3. The odds are strong, particularly given the days it could take to count mailed-in votes, that the result will be tardy. It certainly won't discredit the results, no matter what Trump might say or do.
This election will test not only the integrity of the electoral process, but also whether, as the Declaration of Independence asserts, governments “deriv(e) their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Trump's tweets shouldn't distract from the need to get the vote right.
USA TODAY's editorial opinions are decided by its Editorial Board, separate from the news staff and the USA TODAY Network. Most editorials are coupled with an Opposing View, a unique USA TODAY feature. To read more editorials, go to the Opinion front page or sign up for the daily Opinion email newsletter. To respond to this editorial, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com.
If you can't see this reader poll, please refresh your page.


usatoday--2020-07-30--'Glee' star Naya Rivera laid to rest, died within minutes, according to reports

Naya Rivera has been laid to rest after drowning in a Southern California lake earlier this month .
Rivera was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles on July 24 , according to People and Entertainment Tonight , who cite the `` Glee '' star 's death certificate .
The outlets report the certificate was filed in Ventura County , California , where she died .
The document also states that the 33-year-old actress died within a manner of minutes and that no other significant conditions contributed to her death , according to the outlets .
On July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she rented with her 4-year-old son , Josey , at Ventura County 's Lake Piru .
The Ventura County Sheriff 's Office announced on July 13 that a body found at the lake had been identified as Rivera .
The Ventura County Medical Examiner 's Office later revealed on Twitter that an autopsy showed Rivera died from drowning , described as an `` accident . ''
Authorities formally identified Rivera 's body using dental records .
According to Ventura County 's Sheriff Bill Ayub , Rivera 's body was spotted by a boat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lake , '' where the water was 35 to 60 feet deep .
'Heaven gained our sassy angel ' : Naya Rivera 's family speaks out after 'Glee ' actress ' drowning On July 8 , boaters found Rivera 's child alone on the boat with Rivera 's purse , wallet and life jacket .
Police believe Rivera ’ s unanchored boat started to drift away from the actress and her son while they were swimming .
Ayub said Rivera `` mustered enough energy to get her son back on the boat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` Her son described being helped into the boat by Naya , who boosted him onto the deck from behind , '' Ayub said .
`` ( Her son ) told investigators that he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water . ''
Chris Colfer and Heather Morris of 'Glee ' pay emotional tribute to friend Naya Rivera Ryan Dorsey , Rivera 's ex-husband and the father of their son , remembered Rivera in a lengthy Instagram post on Saturday .
`` This is so unfair ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hole left in everyone 's hearts , '' Dorsey , 37 , wrote .
`` I ca n't believe this is life now .
I do n't know if I 'll ever believe it . ''
`` You were just here , '' he added , noting that Rivera and Josey had gone swimming at Dorsey 's house the day prior to her disappearance .
Dorsey continued : `` I 'm thankful for our times and our journey that brought us together and gave us the sweetest and kindest smart little boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Southern California native , Rivera was born and raised in the Santa Clarita Valley of Los Angeles County , approximately 20 miles from Lake Piru .
She had previously been to the lake , authorities said .
Rivera started her career in entertainment at age 4 , with recurring roles on `` Family Matters '' and `` The Royal Family , '' as well as minor appearances on other shows like `` Baywatch '' and `` The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air , '' according to IMDb .
She is best known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Fox musical dramedy `` Glee , '' which ran from 2009 to 2015 .
Most recently , Rivera starred as Collette Jones for three seasons of the YouTube Red series `` Step Up : High Water . ''
Naya Rivera 's ex Ryan Dorsey speaks out for first time since her death : 'Hold your loved ones close '

'Glee' star Naya Rivera laid to rest, death certificate says she died within minutes, according to reports
Show Caption Hide Caption Body of actress Naya Rivera found at Lake Piru after six-day search A body found at Lake Piru in Southern California has been identified as “Glee” actress Naya Rivera, according to Ventura County Sheriff. USA TODAY
Naya Rivera has been laid to rest after drowning in a Southern California lake earlier this month.
Rivera was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles on July 24, according to People and Entertainment Tonight, who cite the "Glee" star's death certificate. The outlets report the certificate was filed in Ventura County, California, where she died.
The document also states that the 33-year-old actress died within minutes and that no other significant conditions contributed to her death, according to the outlets.
On Thursday, Netflix also confirmed a Deadline report that Rivera will make a posthumous appearance on a previously recorded episode of "Sugar Rush," a baking competition show.
Rivera serves as a guest judge on a Season 3 episode, which will be released Friday. The episode is dedicated to the late actress.
On July 8, Rivera disappeared from a boat she rented with her 4-year-old son, Josey, at Ventura County's Lake Piru. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office announced on July 13 that a body found at the lake had been identified as Rivera.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office later revealed on Twitter that an autopsy showed Rivera died from drowning, described as an "accident." Authorities formally identified Rivera's body using dental records.
According to Ventura County's Sheriff Bill Ayub, Rivera's body was spotted by a boat crew "in the northeastern portion of the lake," where the water was 35 to 60 feet deep.
'Heaven gained our sassy angel': Naya Rivera's family speaks out after 'Glee' actress' drowning
On July 8, boaters found Rivera's child alone on the boat with Rivera's purse, wallet and life jacket.
Police believe Rivera’s unanchored boat started to drift away from the actress and her son while they were swimming. Ayub said Rivera "mustered enough energy to get her son back on the boat but not enough to save herself."
"Her son described being helped into the boat by Naya, who boosted him onto the deck from behind," Ayub said. "(Her son) told investigators that he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water."
Chris Colfer and Heather Morris of 'Glee' pay emotional tribute to friend Naya Rivera
Ryan Dorsey, Rivera's ex-husband and the father of their son, remembered Rivera in a lengthy Instagram post on Saturday.
"This is so unfair...there's not enough words to express the hole left in everyone's hearts," Dorsey, 37, wrote. "I can't believe this is life now. I don't know if I'll ever believe it."
"You were just here," he added, noting that Rivera and Josey had gone swimming at Dorsey's house the day prior to her disappearance.
Dorsey continued: "I'm thankful for our times and our journey that brought us together and gave us the sweetest and kindest smart little boy we could ever hope for."
A Southern California native, Rivera was born and raised in the Santa Clarita Valley of Los Angeles County, approximately 20 miles from Lake Piru. She had previously been to the lake, authorities said.
Rivera started her career in entertainment at age 4, with recurring roles on "Family Matters" and "The Royal Family," as well as minor appearances on other shows like "Baywatch" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," according to IMDb. She is best known for her role as the snarky Santana Lopez on the Fox musical dramedy "Glee," which ran from 2009 to 2015.
Most recently, Rivera starred as Collette Jones for three seasons of the YouTube Red series "Step Up: High Water."
Naya Rivera's ex Ryan Dorsey speaks out for first time since her death: 'Hold your loved ones close'
Contributing: Cydney Henderson and Hannah Yasharoff


usatoday--2020-07-30--Bryan Cranston reveals he had COVID-19, says he's now donating 'liquid gold' plasma

Bryan Cranston is revealing that he had coronavirus .
Now , he says he 's using his antibodies in hopes of helping others .
`` I had COVID-19 a little while ago , '' Cranston , in a mask , tells fans in an Instagram video posted Thursday .
In the post 's caption , he writes that he got the virus despite strictly following protocols .
`` I 'm very lucky , '' he says , `` very mild symptoms . ''
Text at the bottom of Cranston 's video describes the Emmy winner 's symptoms as including a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of taste and smell .
Since recovering , Cranston explains that he has started giving plasma at the UCLA Blood and Plasma Donation Center , `` because I have the antibodies . ''
Text on the selfie video reads that doing so `` will help people recover faster and be used in scientific research studies about this virus . ''
Cranston 's Instagram video continues , following the actor inside the center , where he shows viewers what it 's like to sit in a chair for an hour , squeeze a ball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needle in your arm and watch movies as body fluid drains into a bag .
After the donation is done , Cranston jokes that his 840mL of plasma is `` liquid gold . ''
As Cranston notes , more than 150,000 Americans have died from COVID-19 ; more than 4.4 million Americans have tested positive for the virus , according to Johns Hopkins University .
Worldwide , there have been more than 662,000 deaths and 16.8 million cases .
`` Hopefully it helps , '' he says .
More : Mel Gibson has @ @ @ @ @ @

Bryan Cranston reveals he had COVID-19, says he's now donating 'liquid gold' plasma
Show Caption Hide Caption Hanks: 'If you can't wear a mask... I got no respect for you' Tom Hanks has little patience for those who refuse to wear a mask in public. The Academy Award-winner and his actress-singer wife Rita Wilson tested positive for coronavirus in March. (July 7) AP
Bryan Cranston is revealing that he had coronavirus. Now, he says he's using his antibodies in hopes of helping others.
"I had COVID-19 a little while ago," Cranston, in a mask, tells fans in an Instagram video posted Thursday. In the post's caption, he writes that he got the virus despite strictly following protocols.
"I'm very lucky," he says, "very mild symptoms." Text at the bottom of Cranston's video describes the Emmy winner's symptoms as including a slight headache, chest tightness and loss of taste and smell.
Since recovering, Cranston explains that he has started giving plasma at the UCLA Blood and Plasma Donation Center, "because I have the antibodies." Text on the selfie video reads that doing so "will help people recover faster and be used in scientific research studies about this virus."
Cranston's Instagram video continues, following the actor inside the center, where he shows viewers what it's like to sit in a chair for an hour, squeeze a ball, have someone named Ron stick a needle in your arm and watch movies as body fluid drains into a bag.
After the donation is done, Cranston jokes that his 840mL of plasma is "liquid gold."
As Cranston notes, more than 150,000 Americans have died from COVID-19; more than 4.4 million Americans have tested positive for the virus, according to Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, there have been more than 662,000 deaths and 16.8 million cases.
"Hopefully it helps," he says.
More: Mel Gibson has recovered from coronavirus after weeklong hospitalization


usatoday--2020-07-30--Isaias forecast to become hurricane Friday; Tropical storm watch issued for Florida

• Isaias ' rain was unleashing small landslides and causing widespread flooding and power outages across Puerto Rico .
• The projected path of the storm continues to keep most of Florida in its track .
• Isaias is the earliest ninth Atlantic named storm to form .
After lashing portions of the Caribbean with rain and wind , Tropical Storm Isaias is now forecast to become a hurricane on Friday , the National Hurricane Center said .
A tropical storm watch has been posted for parts of the east coast of Florida , as the projected path of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in its possible track .
`` Isaias is forecast to be near the central Bahamas Friday night and move near or over the Northwest Bahamas and near South Florida on Saturday , '' the hurricane center said .
The hurricane center added that `` there is a risk of impacts from winds , heavy rainfall , and storm surge this weekend along the Florida east coast and spreading northward along the remainder of the U.S. east coast through early next week . ''
Isaias is a large cyclone with tropical-storm-force winds extending up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portions of Florida could start feeling tropical-storm-force winds as early as Friday night , but more likely Saturday morning , the National Weather Service said .
Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis said residents could feel the impacts from the storm into early next week .
He encouraged everyone to prepare by having at least seven days of supplies .
On Thursday , Isaias ' rain unleashed small landslides and causing widespread flooding and power outages across Puerto Rico .
The storm knocked out power to more than 400,000 customers across Puerto Rico , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Power Authority .
Minor damage was reported elsewhere in the island , where tens of thousands of people still use tarps as roofs over homes damaged by Hurricane Maria in September 2017 .
As of 5 p.m .
ET , Isaias had 60 mph winds and was centered about about 250 miles southeast of the southeastern Bahamas , according to the hurricane center .
It was moving west northwest at 20 mph , and its center was expected to move over Hispaniola ( which consists of the countries of Haiti and the Dominican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the southeastern Bahamas by early Friday .
Isaias : How to pronounce this new storm name and how hurricanes get their names Isaias is the earliest ninth Atlantic named storm to form in an Atlantic hurricane season , according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach .
The previous record was Irene on Aug. 7 , 2005 , Klotzbach tweeted .
So far this year , Cristobal , Danielle , Edouard , Fay , Gert and Hanna have also been the earliest named Atlantic storms for their alphabetic order .
Contributing : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasure Coast Newspapers ; Kimberly Miller , The Palm Beach Post

Isaias forecast to become hurricane Friday; Tropical storm watch issued for Florida
Show Caption Hide Caption Isaias impacts Caribbean as Southeast prepares for another storm Isaias is already impacting parts of the Caribbean, and it is expected to set its sights on the U.S. USA TODAY
Isaias' rain was unleashing small landslides and causing widespread flooding and power outages across Puerto Rico.
The projected path of the storm continues to keep most of Florida in its track.
Isaias is the earliest ninth Atlantic named storm to form.
After lashing portions of the Caribbean with rain and wind, Tropical Storm Isaias is now forecast to become a hurricane on Friday, the National Hurricane Center said.
A tropical storm watch has been posted for parts of the east coast of Florida, as the projected path of the storm continues to keep most of Florida in its possible track.
"Isaias is forecast to be near the central Bahamas Friday night and move near or over the Northwest Bahamas and near South Florida on Saturday," the hurricane center said.
The hurricane center added that "there is a risk of impacts from winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge this weekend along the Florida east coast and spreading northward along the remainder of the U.S. east coast through early next week."
Isaias is a large cyclone with tropical-storm-force winds extending up to 240 miles from its center. Portions of Florida could start feeling tropical-storm-force winds as early as Friday night, but more likely Saturday morning, the National Weather Service said.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said residents could feel the impacts from the storm into early next week. He encouraged everyone to prepare by having at least seven days of supplies.
On Thursday, Isaias' rain unleashed small landslides and causing widespread flooding and power outages across Puerto Rico.
The storm knocked out power to more than 400,000 customers across Puerto Rico, according to the island’s Electric Power Authority. Minor damage was reported elsewhere in the island, where tens of thousands of people still use tarps as roofs over homes damaged by Hurricane Maria in September 2017.
As of 5 p.m. ET, Isaias had 60 mph winds and was centered about about 250 miles southeast of the southeastern Bahamas, according to the hurricane center.
It was moving west northwest at 20 mph, and its center was expected to move over Hispaniola (which consists of the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic) later on Thursday and near the southeastern Bahamas by early Friday.
Isaias: How to pronounce this new storm name and how hurricanes get their names
Isaias is the earliest ninth Atlantic named storm to form in an Atlantic hurricane season, according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach. The previous record was Irene on Aug. 7, 2005, Klotzbach tweeted.
How to make sure your home is ready for a hurricane Hurricanes can deal massive damage to homes. Here are a few tips that can help minimize the damage. Accuweather
So far this year, Cristobal, Danielle, Edouard, Fay, Gert and Hanna have also been the earliest named Atlantic storms for their alphabetic order.
Contributing: The Associated Press; Cheryl McCloud, Treasure Coast Newspapers; Kimberly Miller, The Palm Beach Post


usatoday--2020-07-29--Skateboarder thrives while living with cystic fibrosis

Beau Rich lives with cystic fibrosis , a genetic condition that affects his breathing .
Despite life-long treatment , skateboarding @ @ @ @

Skateboarder thrives while living with cystic fibrosis
Beau Rich lives with cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that affects his breathing. Despite life-long treatment, skateboarding saved his life.
Sportskind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-30--Ask The Captain: Why have flying altitudes changed during the pandemic?

I enjoy sitting on my deck , watching planes overhead and following them on an aviation app .
With the decrease of flights due to COVID-19 , I now see many flights at elevations of about 40,000 feet , or about 5,000 feet higher than pre-pandemic .
Why the change in altitude ?
There are at least a couple of reasons for the higher altitudes that you are seeing on the app : 1 .
Many flights are not as full as they were , so they are lighter and can fly at higher altitudes , which are more fuel-efficient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competing for the higher , more-fuel-efficient altitudes .
Most airliners have maximum certified altitudes of 39,000 to 41,000 feet ; a few can go higher but usually do not .
Many business jets can fly higher , routinely cruising in the high 40,000s .
The maximum altitude for many business jets is 51,000 feet .
I had a friend back in the '80s whose father-in-law was a pilot for PanAm .
He claimed that Dulles International Airport in D.C. was the most tricky and difficult airport .
Your thoughts ?
I would respectfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to operate in and out .
The Reagan National Airport downtown is more challenging .
John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company , Safety Operating Systems .

Ask The Captain: Why have flying altitudes changed during the pandemic?
I enjoy sitting on my deck, watching planes overhead and following them on an aviation app. With the decrease of flights due to COVID-19, I now see many flights at elevations of about 40,000 feet, or about 5,000 feet higher than pre-pandemic. Why the change in altitude?
– Bob from Lee’s Summit, Missouri
There are at least a couple of reasons for the higher altitudes that you are seeing on the app:
1. Many flights are not as full as they were, so they are lighter and can fly at higher altitudes, which are more fuel-efficient.
2. There is less traffic competing for the higher, more-fuel-efficient altitudes.
Most airliners have maximum certified altitudes of 39,000 to 41,000 feet; a few can go higher but usually do not. Many business jets can fly higher, routinely cruising in the high 40,000s. The maximum altitude for many business jets is 51,000 feet.
I had a friend back in the '80s whose father-in-law was a pilot for PanAm. He claimed that Dulles International Airport in D.C. was the most tricky and difficult airport. Your thoughts?
– C.J. in Alabama
I would respectfully disagree. Dulles is an easy airport to operate in and out. The Reagan National Airport downtown is more challenging.
John Cox is a retired airline captain with US Airways and runs his own aviation safety consulting company, Safety Operating Systems.


usatoday--2020-07-31--'Terrible story': Trump meets with Vanessa Guillen's family as they push for military sexual harassm

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump met Thursday with the family of Spc .
Vanessa Guillen , who disappeared from Fort Hood in April and whose remains were found earlier this month .
“ It ’ s an incredible story .
It ’ s a terrible story , ” Trump said to the family in the Oval Office .
“ So we ’ re going to look into it very powerfully .
We already have started , as you know , and we ’ ll get to the bottom of it .
Maybe things can come out that will help other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ ll be in touch with you constantly.
” A funeral has not been held because Guillen was dismembered and relatives are awaiting her remains , the family ’ s lawyer , Natalie Khawam , told Trump .
“ If I can help you out with the funeral , I ’ ll help you out , financially , I ’ ll help you , ” Trump said .
Also Thursday , the Army named an independent panel of five experts to investigate whether personnel at Fort Hood and the surrounding community have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discrimination to flourish .
The independent review will be led by Chris Swecker , a lawyer and former assistant director of the FBI ’ s Criminal Investigative Division .
The Army has been under fire for its investigation into the disappearance and death of Guillen , 20 .
Days after she went missing , investigators had focused on Spc .
Aaron Robinson as the primary suspect .
It took two months to develop evidence to lock him up , and he fled before he could be detained and died by suicide .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the search for Vanessa Guillen “ The Army is committed to taking care of our soldiers , civilians , families , and soldiers for life , and this independent review will explore the current command climate and culture at Fort Hood , '' Army Sec .
Ryan McCarthy said in a statement .
Guillen ’ s mother , Gloria Guillen , said she was angry to hear McCarthy say her daughter was not sexually harassed .
She said she had spoken to her daughter about the harassment , but Gloria Guillen did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month , Army officials disclosed that Guillen may have been harassed in an unrelated matter to her disappearance and murder .
That matter is under investigation .
Before meeting with Trump the family marched with supporters of the # IAmVanessaGuillen bill , which would allow active duty service members to file sexual harassment and assault claims to a third-party agency instead of their chain of command .
# IAmVanessaGuillen : She was sexually assaulted at Fort Hood .
Because of Guillen , she 's sharing her story '' My sister is gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but other survivors are here with their families ... her leadership needs to be held accountable , '' said Guillen 's younger sister Lupe to marchers ahead of the rally .
Groups from around the country attended the march , including members of the NoMàs Movement , a community organization dedicated to combating military sexual assault .
Rep. Sylvia Garcia , D-Texas , attended the march , writing on Twitter that `` We can not stop until Gloria Guillén and the rest of the Guillén family receive # JusticiaPorVanessaGuillén .
Today it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
U.S. Reps. Markwayne Mullin , R-Okla. , and Tulsi Gabbard , D-Hawaii , are sponsoring the bill .
Rep. Jackie Speier , D-Calif. , a member of the Armed Services Committee , is preparing legislation to reform prosecution of sexual assault cases in the military .
The measure would also direct the Government Accountability Office to examine the Pentagon 's sexual harassment and assault prevention and response programs and its procedures for responding to missing troops .
More than one-third of women soldiers at Fort Hood have reported sexual harassment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Speier 's subcommittee on personnel on Wednesday .

'Terrible story': Trump meets with Vanessa Guillen's family as they push for military sexual harassment reforms
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump meets with family of slain soldier Vanessa Guillen President Donald Trump met with the family of slain soldier Vanessa Guillen at the White House. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump met Thursday with the family of Spc. Vanessa Guillen, who disappeared from Fort Hood in April and whose remains were found earlier this month.
“It’s an incredible story. It’s a terrible story,” Trump said to the family in the Oval Office. “So we’re going to look into it very powerfully. We already have started, as you know, and we’ll get to the bottom of it. Maybe things can come out that will help other people in a situation like Vanessa. We’ll be in touch with you constantly.”
A funeral has not been held because Guillen was dismembered and relatives are awaiting her remains, the family’s lawyer, Natalie Khawam, told Trump.
“If I can help you out with the funeral, I’ll help you out, financially, I’ll help you,” Trump said.
Also Thursday, the Army named an independent panel of five experts to investigate whether personnel at Fort Hood and the surrounding community have allowed a climate of sexual harassment and discrimination to flourish.
The independent review will be led by Chris Swecker, a lawyer and former assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division.
The Army has been under fire for its investigation into the disappearance and death of Guillen, 20. Days after she went missing, investigators had focused on Spc. Aaron Robinson as the primary suspect. It took two months to develop evidence to lock him up, and he fled before he could be detained and died by suicide.
More: Ten weeks: A timeline of the search for Vanessa Guillen
“The Army is committed to taking care of our soldiers, civilians, families, and soldiers for life, and this independent review will explore the current command climate and culture at Fort Hood," Army Sec. Ryan McCarthy said in a statement.
Guillen’s mother, Gloria Guillen, said she was angry to hear McCarthy say her daughter was not sexually harassed. She said she had spoken to her daughter about the harassment, but Gloria Guillen did not detail what her daughter said.
Earlier this month, Army officials disclosed that Guillen may have been harassed in an unrelated matter to her disappearance and murder. That matter is under investigation.
Before meeting with Trump the family marched with supporters of the #IAmVanessaGuillen bill, which would allow active duty service members to file sexual harassment and assault claims to a third-party agency instead of their chain of command.
#IAmVanessaGuillen: She was sexually assaulted at Fort Hood. Because of Guillen, she's sharing her story
"My sister is gone, she's in a better place, but other survivors are here with their families ... her leadership needs to be held accountable," said Guillen's younger sister Lupe to marchers ahead of the rally.
Groups from around the country attended the march, including members of the NoMàs Movement, a community organization dedicated to combating military sexual assault.
Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Texas, attended the march, writing on Twitter that "We cannot stop until Gloria Guillén and the rest of the Guillén family receive #JusticiaPorVanessaGuillén. Today it is about Vanessa Guillén and her legacy."
No podemos parar hasta que Gloria Guillén y el resto de la familia Guillén reciban #JusticiaPorVanessaGuillén. Hoy se trata de Vanessa Guillén y su legado. pic.twitter.com/qaFDkeFOg6 — Rep. Sylvia Garcia (@RepSylviaGarcia) July 30, 2020
U.S. Reps. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., and Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, are sponsoring the bill.
Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., a member of the Armed Services Committee, is preparing legislation to reform prosecution of sexual assault cases in the military. The measure would also direct the Government Accountability Office to examine the Pentagon's sexual harassment and assault prevention and response programs and its procedures for responding to missing troops.
Speier held a hearing Wednesday on issues related to Guillen's case.
More than one-third of women soldiers at Fort Hood have reported sexual harassment in a survey last month, Army officials told Speier's subcommittee on personnel on Wednesday.
Contributing: Jason Lalljee, USA TODAY; Associated Press


usatoday--2020-07-30--Ohio pharmacy board reverses ban on hydroxychloroquine after GOP Gov. DeWine's request

COLUMBUS , Ohio – The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy has changed course on its ban of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine as coronavirus treatments following the governor ’ s urging to do so .
Beginning Thursday , pharmacies , clinics and other medical institutions were to be prohibited from dispensing or selling the drugs to treat COVID-19 , according to regulations issued by the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy .
They could still be used in clinical trials , said Cameron McNamee , director of policy and communications for the board .
That regulation change has since been pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the board now plans to re-examine the issue with the assistance of the State Medical Board of Ohio , clinical experts , and other stakeholders to determine its next steps , according to an announcement .
The board ’ s shift came after Republican Gov .
Mike DeWine asked the state pharmacy board on Thursday morning to rescind its plan to ban hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine as treatments for the virus .
'America 's Frontline Doctors ' : May be real doctors , but experts say they do n't know what they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor-patient decision DeWine said the decision of how to treat COVID-19 should instead be between patients and their doctors .
“ The Board of Pharmacy and the State Medical Board of Ohio should revisit the issue , listen to the best medical science , and open the process up for comment and testimony from experts , ” DeWine said in a prepared statement .
Hydroxychloroquine has been touted by President Donald Trump despite medical studies showing the drug to be ineffective at treating the disease .
The drug may also cause serious cardiac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Drug Administration .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in mid-June revoked an emergency authorization for hydroxychloroquine that had allowed it to be used to treat COVID-19 patients .
Despite the FDA ’ s revocation and until now , it could technically still be used for off-label treatment of the virus in Ohio , McNamee said .
“ Basically , it ’ s a patient safety issue , ” McNamee said on Wednesday before DeWine ’ s request and the board ’ s subsequent reversal .
“ We ’ re looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s best for the patients of Ohio.
” Under the regulation , pharmacists in Ohio found to be selling or dispensing the drug to treat COVID-19 could have faced disciplinary action ranging anywhere from a warning or fine to a temporary suspension of their license .
That action would have depended on the situation , McNamee said Wednesday .
“ The long and short of it is , we want people to focus on what works , such as social distancing and mask use , ” McNamee said .
“ We ultimately want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not exposing themselves to drugs that have shown not to be effective in treating COVID-19.
” The board ’ s original move to ban the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 came as misinformation continued to spread about it .
As recently as this week , Trump has promoted the drug and said he took it as a preventative measure .
McNamee said the board ’ s initial decision had nothing to do with Trump ’ s continued endorsement of hydroxychloroquine .
This isn ’ t the first time the state pharmacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use of the drug during the pandemic .
In March , the Ohio Board of Pharmacy cracked down on doctors who were hoarding hydroxychloroquine for themselves , family and friends in case it was needed .
At that time , the board implemented restrictions that said the drug could be prescribed only for those who had tested positive for COVID-19 .
Hydroxychloroquine is typically used to treat malaria , a mosquito-borne illness that causes fever , chills and influenza-like symptoms , according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that cause inflammation , such as lupus and forms of arthritis .
In the early days of the pandemic , the Ohio Department of Health stockpiled the drug in case it turned out to be a good treatment .
The state purchased more than 2 million hydroxychloroquine pills for $ 602,629 on April 9 , Melanie Amato , spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Health , said via email in June .
On April 20 , Capital Wholesale Drug in Columbus donated 2 million hydroxychloroquine pills — worth about $ 680,000 — from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Mason , Ohio .
The amount of pills stockpiled by the state is equivalent to nearly two years ’ worth of prescriptions that the state typically would use for its managed-care programs , according to data provided by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services .
“ The company that donated the 2 million pills is taking them back , ” Amato said via email Wednesday .
“ The ones we purchased we are still looking at options at donating them to foundations that can use them to treat lupus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in coronavirus patients months after recovering from COVID-19

Ohio pharmacy board reverses ban on hydroxychloroquine after GOP Gov. DeWine’s request
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump again touts hydroxychloroquine for COVID A day after President Donald Trump and his son shared a fresh dose of misinformation about hydroxychloroquine in videos that were taken down by Twitter and Facebook, Trump again touted the benefits of the drug, insisting it's safe and effective. (July 28) AP
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy has changed course on its ban of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine as coronavirus treatments following the governor’s urging to do so.
Beginning Thursday, pharmacies, clinics and other medical institutions were to be prohibited from dispensing or selling the drugs to treat COVID-19, according to regulations issued by the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy. They could still be used in clinical trials, said Cameron McNamee, director of policy and communications for the board.
That regulation change has since been pulled back by the board though. Instead, the board now plans to re-examine the issue with the assistance of the State Medical Board of Ohio, clinical experts, and other stakeholders to determine its next steps, according to an announcement.
The board’s shift came after Republican Gov. Mike DeWine asked the state pharmacy board on Thursday morning to rescind its plan to ban hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine as treatments for the virus.
'America's Frontline Doctors': May be real doctors, but experts say they don't know what they're talking about
DeWine says treatment should be doctor-patient decision
DeWine said the decision of how to treat COVID-19 should instead be between patients and their doctors.
“The Board of Pharmacy and the State Medical Board of Ohio should revisit the issue, listen to the best medical science, and open the process up for comment and testimony from experts,” DeWine said in a prepared statement.
Hydroxychloroquine has been touted by President Donald Trump despite medical studies showing the drug to be ineffective at treating the disease. The drug may also cause serious cardiac side effects, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
Ohio speaker Householder indicted in federal bribery case: Title stripped in 90-0 vote
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in mid-June revoked an emergency authorization for hydroxychloroquine that had allowed it to be used to treat COVID-19 patients. Despite the FDA’s revocation and until now, it could technically still be used for off-label treatment of the virus in Ohio, McNamee said.
“Basically, it’s a patient safety issue,” McNamee said on Wednesday before DeWine’s request and the board’s subsequent reversal. “We’re looking at the best science to determine what’s best for the patients of Ohio.”
Under the regulation, pharmacists in Ohio found to be selling or dispensing the drug to treat COVID-19 could have faced disciplinary action ranging anywhere from a warning or fine to a temporary suspension of their license. That action would have depended on the situation, McNamee said Wednesday.
“The long and short of it is, we want people to focus on what works, such as social distancing and mask use,” McNamee said. “We ultimately want to make sure people are being safe and not exposing themselves to drugs that have shown not to be effective in treating COVID-19.”
The board’s original move to ban the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 came as misinformation continued to spread about it. As recently as this week, Trump has promoted the drug and said he took it as a preventative measure.
McNamee said the board’s initial decision had nothing to do with Trump’s continued endorsement of hydroxychloroquine.
State purchased $600,000 worth of drug in April
This isn’t the first time the state pharmacy board has stepped in to regulate the use of the drug during the pandemic.
In March, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy cracked down on doctors who were hoarding hydroxychloroquine for themselves, family and friends in case it was needed. At that time, the board implemented restrictions that said the drug could be prescribed only for those who had tested positive for COVID-19.
Hydroxychloroquine is typically used to treat malaria, a mosquito-borne illness that causes fever, chills and influenza-like symptoms, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The drug is also used to treat conditions that cause inflammation, such as lupus and forms of arthritis.
In the early days of the pandemic, the Ohio Department of Health stockpiled the drug in case it turned out to be a good treatment.
The state purchased more than 2 million hydroxychloroquine pills for $602,629 on April 9, Melanie Amato, spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Health, said via email in June. On April 20, Capital Wholesale Drug in Columbus donated 2 million hydroxychloroquine pills — worth about $680,000 — from drug maker Prasco, which is based in Mason, Ohio.
The amount of pills stockpiled by the state is equivalent to nearly two years’ worth of prescriptions that the state typically would use for its managed-care programs, according to data provided by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“The company that donated the 2 million pills is taking them back,” Amato said via email Wednesday. “The ones we purchased we are still looking at options at donating them to foundations that can use them to treat lupus and malaria.”
Contributing: Rick Rouan and Lucas Sullivan, Columbus Dispatch
Follow reporter Max Filby on Twitter: @MaxFilby
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usatoday--2020-07-30--Arizona Republican Rep. David Schweikert admits 11 ethics violations, will pay $50K fine

Arizona Republican Rep. David Schweikert reached a deal announced Thursday to end a longstanding House Ethics Committee investigation by admitting to 11 rules violations , accepting a reprimand , and agreeing to pay a $ 50,000 fine .
The committee found “ substantial evidence ” of violations by the five-term congressman stretching from 2010 into 2018 .
Those violations include undisclosed loans and campaign contributions ; misuse of campaign funds for personal purposes ; improper spending by his office ; and an environment where office staffers were pressured to do political work .
The deal caps an investigation that has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political career since late 2017 , when allegations of misspending first surfaced .
In a statement , Grace White , a spokeswoman for Schweikert , said he wanted to move ahead and did n't address the substantive issues in the probe .
`` We are pleased the Committee has issued their report and we can move forward from this chapter .
As noted in the review , all issues have been resolved and Congressman Schweikert will continue working hard for Arizona ’ s 6th District , '' she said .
In his response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were problems .
“ I bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring that my congressional office and my campaign adhere to both the letter and spirit of the wide array of laws , rules , and regulations that govern our important work , ” he told the committee .
But Schweikert stalled in cooperating with the committee ’ s probe and was untruthful at times , the panel noted .
“ Schweikert ’ s testimony lacked candor at times .
In taking issue with the ( committee ’ s ) questioning strategy , Representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide truthful and candid testimony , ” according to the report that accompanied Schweikert ’ s deal with the committee .
For nearly two years , Schweikert maintained the matter under investigation was little more than a bookkeeping dispute .
After the separate Office of Congressional Ethics , which helps screen potential cases for the Ethics Committee , revealed its investigative findings against Schweikert 's longtime former chief of staff , Oliver Schwab , in June 2019 , Schweikert political adviser Chris Baker shifted tone .
He acknowledged serious problems had existed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ was grossly misplaced.
” The committee 's new report comes as Schweikert has struggled to mount a financially viable reelection campaign while Democrats have four candidates vying to challenge him in November .
One of them , Hiral Tipirneni , has $ 1 million more than Schweikert ’ s cash-strapped campaign .
Entering July , only one House incumbent , Rep. Chip Roy , R-Texas , had a larger cash deficit than Schweikert would if Tipirneni wins Tuesday ’ s Democratic primary .
The report deals another blow to Schweikert , whose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the GOP .
But the Republican-leaning district is the kind of suburban , relatively well-educated location that has drifted toward Democrats , especially in the Trump era .
Schweikert has struggled to raise money throughout the current campaign .
For Schweikert , a member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee , the allegations of misspending hit directly at the heart of his political persona as a budget and finance expert .
More : Trump floats delaying election over mail-in voting , legal experts say that power rests with Congress The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congressional Ethics , which investigates potential cases and refers them to the Ethics Committee .
That investigation amassed a troubling paper trail involving Schwab that implicated Schweikert , too .
Unlike OCE , the Ethics Committee has subpoena power and was able to burrow in even deeper .
In August 2018 , OCE ’ s board found it had “ substantial reason ” to believe Schweikert may have received improper gifts , omitted key details from his required personal and campaign financial disclosures and paid staff out of line for the work they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after OCE publicly released the evidence it gathered against Schwab , Schweikert ’ s campaign acknowledged there were problems and that his trust in Schwab was “ grossly misplaced.
” By then , the Ethics Committee had extended its investigation against him , and Democrats had promised a tougher battle for his seat .
Campaign finance reports throughout the current cycle have underscored that .
In three of the four quarters during the past year , Schweikert ’ s campaign spent more than it took in , a telltale sign of distress .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ debt-larded losses in 1994 and 2008 before he toppled former U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell , D-Ariz. , in the tea party-fueled wave election of 2010 .
Schweikert could not rest on his laurels with that victory because the state ’ s political lines were redrawn beginning with the 2012 elections .
To remain in office under the redrawn district lines , Schweikert had to defeat fellow GOP freshman U.S. Rep. Ben Quayle , the son of former Vice President Dan Quayle , in a 2012 primary .
He won , but the victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mailers raised questions of Quayle ’ s sexuality and a story in Politico citing unnamed sources said Quayle was among dozens of members of Congress who frolicked in the Sea of Galilee during a 2011 trip to Israel .
Schweikert maintained he had not impugned Quayle the way many interpreted it , but to many Republicans , he had crossed a line .
At the same time , Schweikert had also weakened the political hand of then-House Speaker John Boehner , R-Ohio , by voting against certain budget measures , among other acts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , GOP leaders booted Schweikert and three other House Republicans from their committees .
Schweikert , who lost a seat on the House Financial Services Committee , said at the time that the purge targeted “ the more outspoken conservatives ” and “ there is retribution for voting your conscience now.
” Whatever the reason , Schweikert was back on that committee after the 2014 elections and promoted to the Ways and Means Committee after the 2016 elections .
By then , Schweikert was a member of the House Freedom Caucus , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boehner into retirement in 2015 .
Even so , Schweikert rarely bucked his party 's leaders and was seen as a bridge to the party ’ s often-unruly right flank .
At the beginning of the Trump administration , Schweikert reliably stuck with his party ’ s two signature legislative efforts : the failed attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and the successful passage of sweeping tax cuts that largely benefited corporations .
Even with the cloud of the ethics investigation newly underway , Schweikert won a fifth term in 2018 by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points .
In three prior runs in the same district , Schweikert won by an average of 27 points .
Reach the reporter Ronald J. Hansen at ronald.hansen @ arizonarepublic.com .
Follow him on Twitter @ ronaldjhansen .

Arizona Republican Rep. David Schweikert admits 11 ethics violations, will pay $50K fine
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump suggests delaying election in fear of 'fraudulent' voting The United States has never delayed an election, even during the Civil War and World War II. USA TODAY
Arizona Republican Rep. David Schweikert reached a deal announced Thursday to end a longstanding House Ethics Committee investigation by admitting to 11 rules violations, accepting a reprimand, and agreeing to pay a $50,000 fine.
The committee found “substantial evidence” of violations by the five-term congressman stretching from 2010 into 2018. Those violations include undisclosed loans and campaign contributions; misuse of campaign funds for personal purposes; improper spending by his office; and an environment where office staffers were pressured to do political work.
The deal caps an investigation that has cast a shadow over Schweikert’s political career since late 2017, when allegations of misspending first surfaced.
In a statement, Grace White, a spokeswoman for Schweikert, said he wanted to move ahead and didn't address the substantive issues in the probe.
"We are pleased the Committee has issued their report and we can move forward from this chapter. As noted in the review, all issues have been resolved and Congressman Schweikert will continue working hard for Arizona’s 6th District," she said.
In his response to the Ethics Committee, Schweikert acknowledged there were problems.
“I bear ultimate responsibility for ensuring that my congressional office and my campaign adhere to both the letter and spirit of the wide array of laws, rules, and regulations that govern our important work,” he told the committee.
But Schweikert stalled in cooperating with the committee’s probe and was untruthful at times, the panel noted.
“Schweikert’s testimony lacked candor at times. In taking issue with the (committee’s) questioning strategy, Representative Schweikert attempts to shift his responsibility to provide truthful and candid testimony,” according to the report that accompanied Schweikert’s deal with the committee.
More: Ohio speaker Householder indicted in federal bribery case; title stripped in 90-0 vote
More: U.S. economy contracted record 32.9% in Q2 amid state shutdowns, COVID-19 contagion fears
For nearly two years, Schweikert maintained the matter under investigation was little more than a bookkeeping dispute.
After the separate Office of Congressional Ethics, which helps screen potential cases for the Ethics Committee, revealed its investigative findings against Schweikert's longtime former chief of staff, Oliver Schwab, in June 2019, Schweikert political adviser Chris Baker shifted tone. He acknowledged serious problems had existed and said Schweikert’s trust in Schwab “was grossly misplaced.”
The committee's new report comes as Schweikert has struggled to mount a financially viable reelection campaign while Democrats have four candidates vying to challenge him in November.
One of them, Hiral Tipirneni, has $1 million more than Schweikert’s cash-strapped campaign.
Entering July, only one House incumbent, Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, had a larger cash deficit than Schweikert would if Tipirneni wins Tuesday’s Democratic primary.
Report undercuts image
The report deals another blow to Schweikert, whose Scottsdale-based congressional district is historically safe ground for the GOP. But the Republican-leaning district is the kind of suburban, relatively well-educated location that has drifted toward Democrats, especially in the Trump era.
Schweikert has struggled to raise money throughout the current campaign.
For Schweikert, a member of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, the allegations of misspending hit directly at the heart of his political persona as a budget and finance expert.
More: Trump floats delaying election over mail-in voting, legal experts say that power rests with Congress
Ethics case snowballed
The Schweikert probe began with the Office of Congressional Ethics, which investigates potential cases and refers them to the Ethics Committee. That investigation amassed a troubling paper trail involving Schwab that implicated Schweikert, too.
Unlike OCE, the Ethics Committee has subpoena power and was able to burrow in even deeper.
In August 2018, OCE’s board found it had “substantial reason” to believe Schweikert may have received improper gifts, omitted key details from his required personal and campaign financial disclosures and paid staff out of line for the work they actually did.
In June 2019, after OCE publicly released the evidence it gathered against Schwab, Schweikert’s campaign acknowledged there were problems and that his trust in Schwab was “grossly misplaced.”
By then, the Ethics Committee had extended its investigation against him, and Democrats had promised a tougher battle for his seat. Campaign finance reports throughout the current cycle have underscored that.
In three of the four quarters during the past year, Schweikert’s campaign spent more than it took in, a telltale sign of distress.
Losing, winning, surviving
Schweikert’s up-and-down congressional history includes debt-larded losses in 1994 and 2008 before he toppled former U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz., in the tea party-fueled wave election of 2010.
Schweikert could not rest on his laurels with that victory because the state’s political lines were redrawn beginning with the 2012 elections.
To remain in office under the redrawn district lines, Schweikert had to defeat fellow GOP freshman U.S. Rep. Ben Quayle, the son of former Vice President Dan Quayle, in a 2012 primary.
He won, but the victory came at a high price.
Campaign mailers raised questions of Quayle’s sexuality and a story in Politico citing unnamed sources said Quayle was among dozens of members of Congress who frolicked in the Sea of Galilee during a 2011 trip to Israel.
Schweikert maintained he had not impugned Quayle the way many interpreted it, but to many Republicans, he had crossed a line.
At the same time, Schweikert had also weakened the political hand of then-House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, by voting against certain budget measures, among other acts of rebellion. After the 2012 elections, GOP leaders booted Schweikert and three other House Republicans from their committees.
Schweikert, who lost a seat on the House Financial Services Committee, said at the time that the purge targeted “the more outspoken conservatives” and “there is retribution for voting your conscience now.”
Whatever the reason, Schweikert was back on that committee after the 2014 elections and promoted to the Ways and Means Committee after the 2016 elections.
By then, Schweikert was a member of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of activist conservatives who helped drive Boehner into retirement in 2015. Even so, Schweikert rarely bucked his party's leaders and was seen as a bridge to the party’s often-unruly right flank.
A tougher road ahead
At the beginning of the Trump administration, Schweikert reliably stuck with his party’s two signature legislative efforts: the failed attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and the successful passage of sweeping tax cuts that largely benefited corporations.
Even with the cloud of the ethics investigation newly underway, Schweikert won a fifth term in 2018 by defeating Democrat Anita Malik by 10 percentage points. In three prior runs in the same district, Schweikert won by an average of 27 points.
Reach the reporter Ronald J. Hansen at ronald.hansen@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @ronaldjhansen.


usatoday--2020-07-30--Trump suggests delaying election to avoid 'inaccurate & fraudulent' election in tweet

The United States has never delayed an election , even during the Civil War and World War II .

Trump suggests delaying election in fear of 'fraudulent' voting
The United States has never delayed an election, even during the Civil War and World War II.
USA TODAY