usatoday--2020-09-22--Sen. Kelly Loeffler says she is 'more conservative than Attila the Hun' in new campaign ad

WASHINGTON – Sen. Kelly Loeffler , R-Ga. , released a new campaign ad in which she depicts herself as being `` more conservative '' than ruler Attila the Hun , the ruthless ruler of the Hunnic Empire .
The 30-second ad begins with a man and woman sitting on a couch , talking about Loeffler ’ s conservative record backing President Donald Trump .
One actor replies , “ Yep , she ’ s more conservative than Attila the Hun.
” The ad then shows an actor apparently portraying Attila , who is grunting to a transcriber .
“ Fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ note-taker says .
He continues after Attila grunts : `` Attack big government .
Eliminate the liberal scribes .
Uh oh.
” More : Sen. Kelly Loeffler , co-owner of WNBA 's Atlanta Dream , says Black Lives Matter threatens to 'destroy ' America A narrator concludes , “ More conservative than Attila the Hun .
Kelly Loeffler , 100 percent Trump voting record , ” whle showing a picture of Loeffler and Trump together .
Attila was ruler of the Huns , a non-Christian people who have been described as barbarians , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led brutal attacks against the Roman Empire .
He became known as the “ scourge of god '' as his empire destroyed entire Roman cities and slaughtered thousands of people .
Loeffler is a millionaire GOP donor whom Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp appointed to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by three-term Sen. Johnny Isakson .
More : Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's death injects new urgency into Second Amendment debate amid Supreme Court battle She is running against Republican Congressman Doug Collins , a staunch Trump ally , and 19 other candidates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a political newcomer when Kemp appointed her , and was not the favorite among Republicans to takeover the seat .
Many speculated that she would try appeal to moderate women in the Atlanta suburbs in 2020 who may be drifting away from the GOP .
But she has instead tried to depict herself as the most conservative candidate in the race , The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported .
Democrat Matt Lieberman , the son of former U.S. senator and vice-presidential candidate Joe Lieberman , has also announced a bid for the seat .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a Democrat , released a memo Monday saying he is within striking distance of Loeffler in the polls .
'Unforgivable ' : Rep. Doug Collins slammed for tweet about Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's abortion stance after her death If no candidate gets 50 percent , a majority , the top two vote-earners go to a January runoff .
Stephen Lawson , Communications Director for Loeffler 's campaign , told USA TODAY the ad was `` a statewide buy . ''
The ad received attention online , with `` Attila the Hun '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberals and conservatives to criticize it .
Rep. Matt Gaetz , a favorite of the president , responded `` woof '' to the ad , saying , `` Imagine being so inauthentic in your own performance that you 'd pay money to create and distribute this ad . ''
More : Sen. Chuck Grassley indicates he wo n't oppose holding Supreme Court replacement hearings this year Collins ' campaign slammed the Hun comparison , claiming Loeffler thinks “ conservatives are grunting , filthy , mass-murdering open borders atheist polygamists.
” He then tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Loeffler 's face superimposed on his body .
The sheet includes nods at historical facts and speculations about the ruler .
Lawson responded to Collins criticisms , saying `` Conservative , Trump-voting Georgians love the ad , so it would make sense that Doug Collins hates it . ''
Warnock tweeted , `` I 'm running to be a voice for all Georgians and fight for health care .
Senator Loeffler is apparently using this as an audition for Saturday Night Live and The Apprentice . ''
More : Here are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filling Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's seat on the Supreme Court '' The View '' co-host Meghan McCain , daughter of late Republican senator John McCain , tweeted she could n't `` believe this ad is real , it 's so stupid . ''
`` No one thinks this is cool or convincing of you having ANY true conservative bona fides , '' McCain continued .
`` I had such higher hopes for conservative women in power . ''
Some also pointed out a possible historical inaccuracy in the ad , as ruler Genghis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attacked China .
According to some maps by cartographers and historians , Attila 's empire did not extend east past the Caspian Sea , thousands of miles from China .

Sen. Kelly Loeffler says she is 'more conservative than Attila the Hun' in new campaign ad
Show Caption Hide Caption Kelly Loeffler, new Georgia GOP senator, sworn in Wealthy Republican businesswoman and political newcomer Kelly Loeffler was sworn in Monday as the newest senator from Georgia. She replaces GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson, who stepped down in December because of health issues. (Jan. 7) AP
WASHINGTON – Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., released a new campaign ad in which she depicts herself as being "more conservative" than ruler Attila the Hun, the ruthless ruler of the Hunnic Empire.
The 30-second ad begins with a man and woman sitting on a couch, talking about Loeffler’s conservative record backing President Donald Trump. One actor replies, “Yep, she’s more conservative than Attila the Hun.”
The ad then shows an actor apparently portraying Attila, who is grunting to a transcriber.
“Fight China, got it,” the note-taker says. He continues after Attila grunts: "Attack big government. Eliminate the liberal scribes. Uh oh.”
More: Sen. Kelly Loeffler, co-owner of WNBA's Atlanta Dream, says Black Lives Matter threatens to 'destroy' America
A narrator concludes, “More conservative than Attila the Hun. Kelly Loeffler, 100 percent Trump voting record,” whle showing a picture of Loeffler and Trump together.
Attila was ruler of the Huns, a non-Christian people who have been described as barbarians, during the 5th century. They famously led brutal attacks against the Roman Empire. He became known as the “scourge of god" as his empire destroyed entire Roman cities and slaughtered thousands of people.
Loeffler is a millionaire GOP donor whom Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp appointed to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by three-term Sen. Johnny Isakson.
More: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death injects new urgency into Second Amendment debate amid Supreme Court battle
She is running against Republican Congressman Doug Collins, a staunch Trump ally, and 19 other candidates in a special election in November. Loeffler was a political newcomer when Kemp appointed her, and was not the favorite among Republicans to takeover the seat.
Many speculated that she would try appeal to moderate women in the Atlanta suburbs in 2020 who may be drifting away from the GOP. But she has instead tried to depict herself as the most conservative candidate in the race, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.
Democrat Matt Lieberman, the son of former U.S. senator and vice-presidential candidate Joe Lieberman, has also announced a bid for the seat. Rev. Raphael Warnock, also running as a Democrat, released a memo Monday saying he is within striking distance of Loeffler in the polls.
'Unforgivable': Rep. Doug Collins slammed for tweet about Ruth Bader Ginsburg's abortion stance after her death
If no candidate gets 50 percent, a majority, the top two vote-earners go to a January runoff.
Stephen Lawson, Communications Director for Loeffler's campaign, told USA TODAY the ad was "a statewide buy."
The ad received attention online, with "Attila the Hun" quickly trending on Twitter, leading both liberals and conservatives to criticize it.
Rep. Matt Gaetz, a favorite of the president, responded "woof" to the ad, saying, "Imagine being so inauthentic in your own performance that you'd pay money to create and distribute this ad."
Imagine being so inauthentic in your own performance that you’d pay money to create and distribute this ad.
Woof. https://t.co/HDJRXrINtP — Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) September 21, 2020
More: Sen. Chuck Grassley indicates he won't oppose holding Supreme Court replacement hearings this year
Collins' campaign slammed the Hun comparison, claiming Loeffler thinks “conservatives are grunting, filthy, mass-murdering open borders atheist polygamists.”
He then tweeted a "fact sheet" on Atilla with Loeffler's face superimposed on his body. The sheet includes nods at historical facts and speculations about the ruler.
.@KLoeffler's newest ad compares her to Atilla the Hun. So, I'll just leave this here... #TheMoreYouKnow pic.twitter.com/QcJkqz2SPl — Doug Collins (@CollinsforGA) September 21, 2020
Lawson responded to Collins criticisms, saying "Conservative, Trump-voting Georgians love the ad, so it would make sense that Doug Collins hates it."
Warnock tweeted, "I'm running to be a voice for all Georgians and fight for health care. Senator Loeffler is apparently using this as an audition for Saturday Night Live and The Apprentice."
More: Here are the senators to watch in the fight over filling Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat on the Supreme Court
"The View" co-host Meghan McCain, daughter of late Republican senator John McCain, tweeted she couldn't "believe this ad is real, it's so stupid."
"No one thinks this is cool or convincing of you having ANY true conservative bona fides," McCain continued. "I had such higher hopes for conservative women in power."
Some also pointed out a possible historical inaccuracy in the ad, as ruler Genghis Khan, not Atilla the Hun, attacked China.
According to some maps by cartographers and historians, Attila's empire did not extend east past the Caspian Sea, thousands of miles from China.
The more I think about that Loeffler ad, it seems very clear that whoever made it confused Genghis Khan and Attila the Hun — Ben Jacobs (@Bencjacobs) September 21, 2020


usatoday--2020-09-22--Coronavirus updates: Boo! CDC shuns trick-or-treating; Fauci on 'The Daily Show' is no laughing matt

Coronavirus updates: Boo! CDC shuns trick-or-treating; Fauci on 'The Daily Show' is no laughing matter; US nears 200K deaths

The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus was quietly poised to surpass 200,000 on Tuesday , less than eight months after the first American fatality .
The U.S. reached 100,000 deaths in May .
Now , some experts estimate the death toll could double by year 's end .
Fatigue for social distancing and the push to get back into offices and schools could fuel new cases – and deaths – in the coming weeks and months .
Experts at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington predict 410,000 deaths by January .
Life marches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a comeback after months of filming delays , and the Centers for Disease Control has issued guidelines for relatively safe Halloween celebrations .
Traditional trick-or-treating gets the thumbs-down .
And a public relations staffer at the National Institutes of Health is set to `` retire '' after being exposed for writing articles on a conservative website that attacked Dr. Anthony Fauci , who runs the agency .
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention walked back changed guidance on how the coronavirus spreads .
On Friday , the CDC posted an update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be sufficient to keep people safe and that ventilation was key to easing transmission indoors .
But on Monday , the agency said the new guidance was a `` draft version '' that was `` posted in error . ''
• Some economists say the U.S. could fall into a double-dip recession if Congress fails to pass another coronavirus stimulus package .
• After surpassing 15,000 confirmed deaths , California 's COVID-19 positivity rate in the last week dropped below 3 % , the Los Angeles Times reported .
📈 Today 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wisconsin , Wyoming and Puerto Rico set records for new cases in the week ending Monday .
The U.S. has reported more than 6.8 million cases and 199,800 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
Globally , there have been more than 31.3 million cases and 965,000 fatalities .
📰 What we 're reading : Will Las Vegas room rates rise ?
Will shows return to The Strip ?
We asked an insider .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak , state by state This file will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
Dr. Anthony Fauci 's appearance on Comedy Central 's `` The Daily Show with Trevor Noah '' on Monday night was no laughing matter .
Fauci denied having any political agenda and lamented the politicization taking place over public health protocols for combating COVID-19 .
He also acknowledged and decried the `` confused messages '' coming from the Trump administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` What has evolved now is that people almost take sides , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political statement , and that ’ s really very unfortunate , totally unfortunate , '' Fauci said .
`` This is a purely public health issue .
It should not be one against the other.
” Many of the art exhibits , festivals and lectures planned to mark the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower 's arrival at what is now Plymouth , Massachusetts , have been delayed or canceled due to coronavirus concerns , a development historian Elizabeth Fenn finds ironic .
Disease introduced by traders and settlers – either by happenstance or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ conquest ” of Native people .
“ The irony obviously runs quite deep , ” says Fenn , a history professor at the University of Colorado Boulder who has studied disease in Colonial America .
“ Novel infections did most of the dirty work of colonization.
” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated guidelines highlighting different levels of risk for Halloween fun .
Pumpkin carving at home or outside at a distance from others , participating in a virtual costume contest or having a `` scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower risk .
Moderate risk activities include leaving grab-and-go goodie bags outside for trick-or-treaters , having a small , outdoor and socially-distant costume parade and visiting a one-way , socially-distant haunted forest with masks ( greater distance is advised `` if screaming will likely occur '' ) .
The CDC recommends avoiding higher risk activities such as traditional trick-or-treating , and indoor costume parties or haunted houses .
The White House is urging U.S. governors to put politics aside and help the Trump administration promote future coronavirus vaccines as safe and effective .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use their bully pulpits and reassure the public that vaccines will be safe to take after a rigorous vetting process by the Food and Drug Administration .
“ What we don ’ t want is people undermining confidence in the process , ” Pence said in a private call with governors , the audio of which was obtained by The Associated Press .
Trump has escalated his promise for a coronavirus vaccine before Election Day .
But Democrats , independents and even some Republicans do not trust the Trump administration to produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an aggressive timeline .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce new restrictions on social interaction Tuesday as the government tries to slow the spread of the coronavirus before it spirals out of control .
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove told Sky News that pubs and restaurants across England will be ordered to close at 10 p.m. and people who can work from home will be encouraged to do so , reversing a government drive to get people back to the office .
The new restrictions come a day after the government ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus infections were doubling every seven days and could rise to 49,000 a day by mid-October if nothing is done to stem the tide .
NIH staffer who wrote online attacks against Dr. Anthony Fauci will 'retire' The National Institutes of Health said a public relations staffer who had been using a pseudonym on a conservative website to discount the seriousness of the coronavirus and attack Dr. Anthony Fauci , who runs the agency , and will retire .
The Daily Beast first identified and reported that William B .
Crews was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where , under the fake name “ streiff , ” derided the government ’ s work against the coronavirus outbreak , calling it `` massive fraud . ''
The articles directly contradict and demean the agency 's recommendations about COVID-19 .
They also trash Fauci , the nation 's leading infectious disease expert , calling him a `` mask nazi , '' among other insults .
Two new studies published in a scientific journal raise questions about whether transmission of the coronavirus on lengthy commercial airline flights might be more common than earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and two flight attendants on the same 15-hour flight from Boston to Hong Kong who later tested positive for COVID-19 .
It was found that the virus ' genetic sequence in all four was identical , which the study said `` strongly suggests that the virus can be transmitted during air travel . ''
The other study examined a 10-hour flight from London to Hanoi , Vietnam , in which 16 aboard were found to have the virus , 12 of whom were seated in business class within two seats or rows of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proximity was strongly associated with increased infection risk , '' the study concluded .
The studies , both published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases , are significant because travelers have slowly been returning to the air as more has become known about how to avoid contracting COVID-19 .
Both involve flights that occurred in March and they do n't spell out whether passengers were wearing masks .
NFL fines 3 coaches $ 100K apiece for not wearing masks on sidelines The NFL is n't issuing a second round of warnings regarding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sideline .
Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll , San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and Denver Broncos coach Vic Fangio were all fined $ 100,000 each by the NFL on Monday for violating the jointly approved protocol between the league and NFL Players Association , a person familiar with the league 's decision told USA TODAY Sports .
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the punishment .
ESPN 's Adam Schefter was first to report the news .
All three teams were also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one week after NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent sent out a memo to all 32 teams reminding them of the mask requirement in light of the coronavirus pandemic .
Anyone found in violation of the rule would subject both themselves and their teams to disciplinary measures , Vincent said .
COVID-19 survivors may need to get screened for heart damage While COVID-19 is known as a respiratory infection , there 's emerging evidence linking it to heart damage , too .
Cardiologists are seeing patients with signs of inflammation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after recovery from COVID-19 , experts say .
For that reason , anyone who plans on participating in vigorous exercise and was sick with COVID-19 for three or more days should get a cardiac screening before working out or participating in their sport , said Dr. Steven Erickson , medical director for Banner University Sports Medicine and Concussion Specialists in Phoenix .
`` You do n't get sick with COVID-19 and stay home from school for a week and the next day go back and play two hours of soccer , '' Erickson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk , and that is not what the medical community is recommending right now . ''
Having assessed seriously ill COVID-19 inpatients since March , Arizona cardiologist Dr .
Dawn Pedrotty said she has seen evidence linking the disease with cardiac damage .
What 's not clear is what that damage will mean for patients in the long term , but researchers and physicians are closely following the link , she said .
`` It 's an important public health message that it does affect more than your lungs , '' Pedrotty said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After months of planning and negotiating , Hollywood 's unions and major studios have reached a return-to-work agreement .
On Monday , The Directors Guild of America , the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees , the International Brotherhood of Teamsters , the Basic Crafts unions and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists jointly announced the deal reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers .
“ The protocols pave the way for creative workers , who have been hard hit by the pandemic , to resume @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around their health , ” the unions said in a joint statement .
The CDC said Monday that it had posted in error changed guidance on how COVID-19 spreads , walking back language that acknowledged the virus can spread via `` airborne particles . ''
`` There is growing evidence that droplets and airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and be breathed in by others , and travel distances beyond 6 feet , '' the now-removed guidance said on the CDC 's website .
A note at the top of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the language was a draft and the agency was still updating its guidance .
• In your inbox : Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
• On Facebook : A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus .
But what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .

Jessica Flores and John Bacon, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: US tops 200K deaths in less than 8 months but toll could double by year's end; FDA to set high bar for vaccine
Show Caption Hide Caption Why you didn't hear from COVID-19 contact tracers after your flight The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logged 1,600 COVID-19 investigations on commercial aircraft between January and August. USA TODAY
The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus quietly surpassed 200,000 on Tuesday, less than eight months after the first American fatality.
The U.S. reached 100,000 deaths in May. Now, some experts estimate the death toll could almost double by year's end.
Fatigue for social distancing and the push to get back into offices and schools could fuel new cases – and deaths – in the coming weeks and months. Experts at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington predict 378,321 deaths by Jan. 1.
The nation marches on. Hollywood is primed to make a comeback after months of filming delays, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidelines for relatively safe Halloween celebrations. Traditional trick-or-treating gets the thumbs-down.
Some significant developments:
Our travel writer David Oliver checked in at a few hotels to check out their coronavirus protocols. Here's what he found.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention walked back changed guidance on how the coronavirus spreads. On Friday, the CDC posted an update on its website saying 6 feet may not be sufficient to keep people safe and that ventilation was key to easing transmission indoors. But on Monday, the agency said the new guidance was a "draft version" that was "posted in error."
Some economists say the U.S. could fall into a double-dip recession if Congress fails to pass another coronavirus stimulus package.
📈 Today's numbers: Minnesota, Montana, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming and Puerto Rico set records for new cases in the week ending Monday. The U.S. has reported more than 6.8 million cases and 200,700 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Globally, there have been more than 31.4 million cases and 968,000 fatalities.
📰 What we're reading: Will Las Vegas room rates rise? Will shows return to The Strip? We asked an insider.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak, state by state
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
The Food and Drug Administration, whose autonomy has been questioned amid repeated interference from the Trump administration, will impose a higher standard for emergency authorization of a coronavirus vaccine in an effort to gain public trust, the Washington Post reported. The new requirement would make it highly unlikely a vaccine would be available before the Nov. 3 election, contrary to what President Donald Trump has predicted.
Vaccine manufacturers will have to follow participants in Stage 3 clinical trials for at least two months after they receive a second shot of the vaccine candidate, the newspaper said. Surveys have shown many Americans are skeptical a new coronavirus vaccine would be safe and effective, with as many as half the respondents saying they would not get the immunization if it were available today.
The FDA granted emergency authorization to hydroxychloroquine and convalescent plasma, two treatments for the virus touted by Trump but questioned by public health experts.
Seventh-ranked Notre Dame halted all its football activities and postponed Saturday's road game at Wake Forest after seven Irish players tested positive for the coronavirus. Notre Dame said in a statement that 13 players are in isolation, with 10 in quarantine. The schools may reschedule the game for Oct. 3, an open date for both.
"We managed an increase in positivity rates in August, and the players handled it wonderfully,'' Irish coach Brian Kelly said in a statement. "We knew COVID would present challenges throughout the season, and we'll always put student-athlete health and safety at the forefront of our decision making.''
– Eddie Timanus
COVID-19: How Herd Immunity works, why you still need to wear a mask Without masks and a vaccine, we could reach Herd Immunity from COVID-19, but deaths would skyrocket. We break down the science of it. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
200,000 in US dead as widely available vaccine still months away
The U.S. death toll reached 200,000 on Tuesday as states grapple with opening schools, restaurants, gyms and other small businesses. In March, President Donald Trump said keeping the death toll between 100,000 to 200,000 people would have indicated that his administration had “done a very good job.” As the number has continued to climb and a vaccine available to the masses does not appear imminent, Trump has sought to reshape the significance of the death tally.
“If we didn’t do our job, it would be three and half, two and half, maybe three million people,” Trump said Friday, leaning on extreme projections of what could have happened if nothing was done to fight the pandemic. “We have done a phenomenal job with respect to COVID-19.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi scheduled a moment of silence Tuesday in memory of the 200,000-plus Americans killed by COVID-19.
– Adrianna Rodriguez
With turnaround times for coronavirus tests in California down to an average of 1.2 days, the state no longer sees a need to prioritize who gets tested. State Health Secretary Mark Ghaly said Tuesday that California is urging counties to open the screenings to anyone who wants them, including people without symptoms.
Ghaly also said nail salons, which Gov. Gavin Newsom pinpointed as the origin of the state's initial outbreak, will be allowed to open, although the final decision will be up to the county health departments.
On Monday, California officials said the state's positivity rate had dipped below 3% for the first time, down to 2.8%.
Nicole Hayden, Palm Springs (Calif.) Desert Sun
President Donald Trump on Tuesday used his speech to the United Nations General Assembly to call on the global organization to hold Beijing accountable for the coronavirus pandemic, saying China "unleashed this plague onto the world."
Trump said China locked down domestic travel while allowing flights to leave China and infect the world. Trump again referred to COVID-19 as the "China virus" and berated the World Health Organization, which the U.S. has begun withdrawing from, for being "virtually controlled by China."
Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke shortly after Trump, calling for global cooperation and saying "any attempt of politicizing the issue or stigmatization must be rejected."
– Courtney Subramanian
College and professional sports teams in North Carolina may be allowed to host a few thousand fans in outdoor stadiums as soon as Oct. 2, Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday, adding that the decision would hinge on the state's coronavirus numbers continuing to improve or remaining flat.
Places that can seat more than 10,000 people outside would be able to operate at 7% of capacity while adhering to the recommended 6 feet of physical distancing, Cooper said.
Hundreds of detainees and staff at one of the largest federal immigration detention centers in the country are being tested for the coronavirus amid an outbreak.
As of Sunday, 53 of 394 people had tested positive for COVID-19 at the 1,940-bed Adelanto ICE Processing Center in San Bernardino County, California, according to a court filing citing Gabriel Valdez, assistant field office director of enforcement and removal operations for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE previously designated 20 of those 53 people as being at greater risk of complications from COVID-19 due to their age and preexisting medical conditions.
"I'm afraid of dying here," Jose Ricardo Viveros Rodriguez said in Spanish. Viveros Rodriguez, 72, has diabetes and high blood pressure and went on a hunger strike to raise awareness of the risk he faces at the facility.
Rebecca Plevin, Palm Springs (Calif.) Desert Sun
The KN95 mask is meant to filter out 95% of aerosol particles. However, the nonprofit patient safety organization ECRI issued an alert against the masks after an analysis found that up to 70% of the KN95s imported from China did not meet these filtration standards. U.S. hospitals were forced to purchase hundreds of thousands of KN95 masks produced in China over the past six months. ECRI tested nearly 200 masks from 15 different manufacturer models purchased by some of the largest health systems in the country. There was not only variability among the different brands but also inconsistencies among masks made by the same manufacturer.
“We are concerned about the safety of health care workers and patients when using KN95s in high-risk procedures and that’s why we sent out the hazard alert,” said Dr. Marcus Schabacker, ECRI’s president and chief executive officer. “We don’t use this lightly; we reserve that for immediate risk.”
– Adrianna Rodriguez
Former White House coronavirus task force member Olivia Troye says “it was frightening” when President Donald Trump said the virus would disappear "like magic."
Troye, an ex-aide to Vice President Pence, told NBC News’ "TODAY" show the task force was aware of how big COVID-19 would be in late January, before the first U.S. death. Troye said the president appeared dismissive of the virus.
“He said, 'When you're a politician, you have to shake a lot of hands. You have to shake a lot of hands. And these people are disgusting. It's gross. And so maybe, COVID'S probably a good thing, right? I don't have to shake hands. I don't have to do that anymore.'”
Pence has described Troye as a disgruntled employee while Trump says he does not remember ever meeting her.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he has no qualms about harshly penalizing coaches who violate the NFL’s protocols mandating that they wear face masks while roaming the sidelines. The NFL on Monday fined three coaches – San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan, Denver’s Vic Fangio and Seattle’s Pete Carroll – at $100,000 each for disregarding the policy. Their respective teams were docked $250,000 apiece.
“It’s consistent with the message,” Goodell told USA TODAY Sports. “You can’t let up. We’ve got to consistently do the things that have gotten us to this place and not think, ‘OK, things have gone so well, so it’s OK now.’ It’s not. You’ve got to stay on your toes and we’ve got to continue to be disciplined.”
– Jarrett Bell
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated guidelines highlighting different levels of risk for Halloween fun.
Pumpkin carving at home or outside at a distance from others, participating in a virtual costume contest or having a "scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search" at home are all considered lower risk.
Moderate-risk activities include leaving grab-and-go goodie bags outside for trick-or-treaters, having a small, outdoor and socially distant costume parade and visiting a one-way, socially distant haunted forest with masks (greater distance is advised "if screaming will likely occur").
The CDC recommends avoiding higher-risk activities such as traditional trick-or-treating and indoor costume parties or haunted houses.
– Erin Jensen
COVID: Will Halloween be the next event cancelled? As the Halloween season approaches, people across the country may be asking themselves "should we stay, or should we go?" USA TODAY
Lights, camera, action: After months of planning and negotiating, Hollywood's unions and major studios have reached a return-to-work agreement. On Monday, The Directors Guild of America, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Basic Crafts unions and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists jointly announced the deal reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
“The protocols pave the way for creative workers, who have been hard hit by the pandemic, to resume their crafts and livelihoods in workplaces redesigned around their health,” the unions said in a joint statement.
In your inbox: Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. . On Facebook: A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, Coronavirus Watch, to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19.
A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19. Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-09-22--Police cut off access to downtown Louisville ahead of Breonna Taylor decision

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — Police are restricting access in the downtown Louisville area on Tuesday in anticipation of an announcement on the Breonna Taylor case by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron .
Meanwhile , the police department canceled all days off and pending vacation requests .
The state of emergency cancellations are `` until further notice , '' LMPD said in a Monday statement.According to an internal memo , the order is to `` ensure we have the appropriate level of staffing to provide for public safety services and our policing functions . ''
Taylor , a 26-year-old Black woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March .
Since late May , protests , demonstrations and marches have filled Louisville .
Among the calls for reform is the demand that the officers involved in her death be arrested and criminally charged .
Those officers are Sgt .
Jonathan Mattingly , Detective Myles Cosgrove and ex-Detective Brett Hankison , who was fired in a decision he is contesting .
Click below to hear more Breonna Taylor news from Louisville A decision in the case could come as soon as this week .
The downtown federal courthouse will be closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Andy Beshear said Monday evening that he could not comment on his discussions with Cameron about a decision timeline .
The police department said early Tuesday that the barricades downtown are in order to keep the area safe for `` those coming downtown to express their First Amendment Rights , as well as those who live and work in the area . ''
Police are putting up vehicle barricades around Jefferson Square Park ( the site of ongoing protests ) and across the downtown perimeter and will restrict access even further near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed .
Officers are also restricting access to more than 25 blocks downtown , allowing in only those who live or work in the area .
Parking and access to garages inside the perimeter will also be limited , according to the department , which asked anyone currently parked in the area to move their car as soon as possible .
The department apologized for the `` inconveience '' to those who live and work downtown , and stressed in a statement that LMPD officials do not know when Cameron 's decision will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these steps is ensuring space and opportunity for potential protesters to gather and express their First Amendment rights , & to prepare for any eventuality to keep everyone safe , '' Fischer said in a Tweet early Tuesday .

Sarah Ladd and Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal

Louisville mayor declares 'state of emergency,' downtown access cut off ahead of Breonna Taylor decision
Show Caption Hide Caption Breonna Taylor: Louisville announces $12M settlement, police reforms The city of Louisville has agreed to pay Breonna Taylor's family $12 million in a civil lawsuit, which includes police reforms. USA TODAY
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Mayor Greg Fischer issued a state of emergency Tuesday for Louisville as the city's police began restricting access downtown in anticipation of an announcement on the Breonna Taylor case by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron.
The order was put in place "due to the potential for civil unrest, which allows (the mayor) to exercise any of his emergency powers, including those to hire or contract for services, and implementing curfews and other restrictions," according to a statement from the mayor's office.
Fischer, in the statement, said he doesn't know when an announcement on the Taylor case is coming.
The police department also declared a state of emergency Monday in order to provide for adequate staffing for whatever situations arise, said interim police Chief Robert Schroeder on Tuesday.
Powers given to the mayor in a state of emergency, according to a state statute 39A.100, include: permission to exclude all nonessential personnel from the scene of an emergency, to declare curfews and to request assistance from other U.S. agencies through the governor.
“Again, we do not know when the announcement will come, but we must prepare for it. Our goal is ensuring space and opportunity for potential protesters to gather and express their First Amendment rights after the announcement,” Fischer's statement, sent at 12:47 p.m. local time, said. “At the same time, we are preparing for any eventuality to keep everyone safe.”
The latest: Officer defends actions, slams mayor in mass email to Louisville cops
Protesters: Barriers meant to 'cage' in downtown ahead of Breonna Taylor decision
A second executive order restricts access to five downtown parking garages and bans on-street parking. Louisville Metro Police officials put up barricades in a more than 25-block downtown perimeter overnight to keep cars from being able to enter the area.
Meanwhile, all police department off days and vacation requests were canceled Monday to "ensure we have the appropriate level of staffing to provide for public safety services and our policing functions," Louisville police had previously announced.
A decision in the Taylor case could come as soon as this week. The downtown federal courthouse will be closed in anticipation of an announcement.
Gov. Andy Beshear said Monday evening that he could not comment on his discussions with Cameron about a decision timeline.
Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was fatally shot by Louisville police in March.
Since late May, protests, demonstrations and marches have filled Louisville. Among the calls for reform is the demand that the officers involved in her death be arrested and criminally charged. Those officers are Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, Detective Myles Cosgrove and former Detective Brett Hankison, who was fired in a decision he is contesting.
Click below to hear more Breonna Taylor news from Louisville
The police department said early Tuesday that the barricades downtown are to keep the area safe for "those coming downtown to express their First Amendment Rights, as well as those who live and work in the area."
Police put up vehicle barricades around Jefferson Square Park (the site of ongoing protests) and across the downtown perimeter and will restrict access further near the park, with only pedestrian access allowed.
Officers also restricted access to more than 25 blocks downtown, allowing in only those who live or work in the area. Parking and access to garages inside the perimeter will also be limited, according to the department, which asked anyone currently parked in the area to move their car as soon as possible.
The department apologized for the "inconvenience" to those who live and work downtown and stressed in a statement that LMPD officials do not know when Cameron's decision will be announced.
"Our goal with these steps is ensuring space and opportunity for potential protesters to gather and express their First Amendment rights, & to prepare for any eventuality to keep everyone safe," Fischer said in a tweet early Tuesday.
The plan to erect barricades ahead of a decision in the Taylor shooting was made long ago by police and the mayor's office but not announced earlier to avoid giving away tactics, Louisville police spokesman Lamont Washington said. The city started erecting barriers around midnight and around 3:30 a.m., when a public notice went out, he said.
Courier Journal columnist Joe Gerth was downtown early Tuesday and said there was no traffic on streets that would normally be bustling with rush hour traffic. He counted just three people outside City Hall, and a small number of people have gathered at Jefferson Square Park.
Meanwhile, the Louisville Downtown Partnership, a nonprofit that aims to help downtown businesses, urged organizations in the area on Monday to allow employees to work from home and take other steps in anticipation of "large crowds" related an announcement about the Breonna Taylor case.
More: Sign up here for This Is America, USA TODAY's newsletter on race and identity
Follow Sarah Ladd on Twitter at @ladd_sarah. Lucas Aulbach, @LucasAulbach


usatoday--2020-09-22--Los Angeles sheriff's deputies out of hospital, 'long road to recovery' as search continues for gunm

Los Angeles sheriff's deputies out of hospital, 'long road to recovery' as search continues for gunman

The two Los Angeles County sheriff 's deputies who were shot in an apparent ambush this month have `` a long road to recovery '' after being discharged from the hospital , the sheriff 's department announced Monday .
`` Great News .
.
.
both of our Deputies from the # ComptonAmbush have been discharged from the hospital and are resting , '' the Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Department tweeted .
`` They both have a long road to recovery and # LASD appreciates your continued prayers and all the support .
# LASDStrong '' The 31-year-old female @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sep. 12 after they were repeatedly shot while sitting in a patrol car parked near a metro stop in Compton .
On Thursday , Sheriff Alex Villanueva told ABC News that one of the deputies had been released from the intensive care unit and would soon be released from the hospital .
He will need more surgeries on his arm , ABC reported .
The other deputy was shot in the jaw and arms , Sheriff Alex Villanueva said .
Last week , Villanueva said that investigators have “ promising leads ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and officials have also asked for the public 's help in identifying the suspect .
Surveillance video released by police shows a person walk up to the patrol car and shooting through the passenger-side window with a handgun .
An extended version of the video reviewed by the Los Angeles Times shows the shooter fleeing the scene in the direction from which he came .
He turns a corner out of the frame , past a second figure on the sidewalk , according to the Times .
It ’ s unclear whether the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A Sheriff ’ s Department spokeswoman declined to comment , citing the ongoing investigation .
The passenger door of the patrol car opened , and a deputy stumbled out , hand on head , according to the newspaper .
Soon after that , the driver ’ s side door opened .
Officials offered a reward for information leading to an arrest that has swelled to $ 300,000 .
During an interview with KABC Radio on Monday , Villanueva also challenged Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James to match the reward money , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lives Matter movement .

'Long road to recovery': LA sheriff's deputies out of hospital; hunt continues for gunman
Show Caption Hide Caption Two Los Angeles County Sheriff deputies ambushed by a single gunman Two Los Angeles County Sheriff deputies shot multiple times by an unknown shooter, 'critically injuring' them both. USA TODAY
The two Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies who were shot in an apparent ambush this month have "a long road to recovery" after being discharged from the hospital, the sheriff's department announced Monday.
"Great News ... both of our Deputies from the #ComptonAmbush have been discharged from the hospital and are resting," the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department tweeted. "They both have a long road to recovery and #LASD appreciates your continued prayers and all the support. #LASDStrong"
The 31-year-old female deputy and 24-year-old male deputy underwent surgery Sep. 12 after they were repeatedly shot while sitting in a patrol car parked near a metro stop in Compton.
On Thursday, Sheriff Alex Villanueva told ABC News that one of the deputies had been released from the intensive care unit and would soon be released from the hospital. He will need more surgeries on his arm, ABC reported.
The other deputy was shot in the jaw and arms, Sheriff Alex Villanueva said.
Last week, Villanueva said that investigators have “promising leads” in the search for the gunman, and officials have also asked for the public's help in identifying the shooter. Surveillance video released by police shows a person walking up to the patrol car and shooting through the passenger-side window with a handgun.
An extended version of the video reviewed by the Los Angeles Times shows the shooter fleeing the scene in the direction from which he came. He turns a corner out of the frame, past a second figure on the sidewalk, according to the Times. It’s unclear whether the second person was involved in the shooting. A Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
The passenger door of the patrol car opened, and a deputy stumbled out, hand on head, according to the newspaper. Soon after that, the driver’s side door opened.
Officials offered a reward for information leading to an arrest that has swelled to $300,000. During an interview with KABC Radio on Monday, Villanueva also challenged Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James to match the reward money, citing James' support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-09-21--Two new studies indicate COVID-19 can spread on long airline flights, promote distancing

Two new studies published in a scientific journal raise questions about whether transmission of the coronavirus on lengthy commercial airline flights might be more common than earlier thought .
One looked at two passengers and two flight attendants on the same 15-hour flight from Boston to Hong Kongwho later tested positive for COVID-19 .
It was found that the virus ' genetic sequence in all four was identical , which the study said `` strongly suggests that the virus can be transmitted during air travel . ''
The other study examined a 10-hour flight from London to Hanoi , Vietnam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have the virus , 12 of whom were seated in business class within two seats or rows of the only symptomatic person .
`` Seating proximity was strongly associated with increased infection risk , '' the study concluded .
The studies , both published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases , are significant because travelers have slowly been returning to the air as more has become known about how to avoid contracting COVID-19 .
Both involve flights that occurred in March and they do n't spell out whether passengers were wearing masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Precautions to take when flying during the coronavirus pandemic Airlines are now requiring all passengers and crew aboard flights wear masks .
Also , many airlines have been flying their planes at reduced capacity , blocking off middle seats in order to afford more distance between passengers .
Less was known about how to limit transmission of the coronavirus when the flights studied occurred and before precautions like masks and social distancing were becoming commonplace , at least in the U.S .
The first study , conducted by researchers in the United Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records of 1,110 who had contracted COVID-19 to see who had traveled , leading to the discovery of the cluster of four who had been aboard the same long flight on a Boeing 777 .
The study was able to show that the viral sequence was unique to the four , with the distinct possibility that two passengers , a married couple seated one behind the other in business class , had contracted COVID-19 before getting on the flight .
`` The only location where all four persons were in close proximity for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the study states .
See how things have changed : Coronavirus is changing everyday life across the US The other study was conducted by Vietnamese and Australian researchers , identifying a 27-year-old businesswoman who had been experiencing a sore throat and cough as the one likely to have spread the infection .
After the trip on Vietnamese Airlines Flight 54 , a contact tracing effort was mounted to try to limit the spread .
It was found that 11 of the infected passengers in business class were seated relatively close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business class is already far less crowded than economy , which would seem to make transmission less likely .
The infected passenger was seated at a right-side window seat .
Those later infected included the two passengers in front of her and nine in the center aisles closest to her .
Only one was on the left side of the cabin .
Two passengers in the economy section of the plane also contracted the virus , but the study suggests their cases might have come from coming into contact with the virus during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the classes are kept separate .
The difficulties of tracking : Why you did n't hear from COVID-19 contact tracers after your flight '' The latest guidance from the international air travel industry classifies the in-flight transmission risk as very low and recommends only the use of face masks without additional measures to increase physical distance on board , such as blocking the middle seats .
Our findings challenge these recommendations , '' the study states .

Two new studies indicate COVID-19 can spread on long airline flights, promote distancing
Show Caption Hide Caption Airlines harp on safety as pandemic stalls travel U.S. airlines are announcing new steps to protect passengers from the coronavirus as the number of people flying has stalled, threatening a three-month gradual increase in air travel. (Aug. 17) AP
Two new studies published in a scientific journal raise questions about whether transmission of the coronavirus on lengthy commercial airline flights might be more common than earlier thought.
One looked at two passengers and two flight attendants on the same 15-hour flight from Boston to Hong Kong who later tested positive for COVID-19. It was found that the virus's genetic sequence in all four was identical, which the study said "strongly suggests that the virus can be transmitted during air travel."
The other study examined a 10-hour flight from London to Hanoi, Vietnam, in which 16 aboard were found to have the virus, 12 of whom were seated in business class within two seats or rows of the only symptomatic person. "Seating proximity was strongly associated with increased infection risk," the study concluded.
The studies, both published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, are significant because travelers have slowly been returning to the air as more has become known about how to avoid contracting COVID-19. Both involve flights that occurred in March and they don't spell out whether passengers were wearing masks.
Is it safe to fly? Precautions to take when flying during the coronavirus pandemic
Airlines are now requiring all passengers and crew aboard flights wear masks. Also, many airlines have been flying their planes at reduced capacity, blocking off middle seats in order to afford more distance between passengers.
Less was known about how to limit transmission of the coronavirus when the flights studied occurred and before precautions like masks and social distancing were becoming commonplace, at least in the U.S.
Happy Thanksgiving: Southwest Airlines will leave middle seats open through November
The first study, conducted by researchers in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, started by examining records of 1,110 who had contracted COVID-19 to see who had traveled, leading to the discovery of the cluster of four who had been aboard the same long flight on a Boeing 777.
The study was able to show that the viral sequence was unique to the four, with the distinct possibility that two passengers, a married couple seated one behind the other in business class, had contracted COVID-19 before getting on the flight.
"The only location where all four persons were in close proximity for an extended period was inside the airplane," the study states.
See how things have changed: Coronavirus is changing everyday life across the US
The other study was conducted by Vietnamese and Australian researchers, identifying a 27-year-old businesswoman who had been experiencing a sore throat and cough as the one likely to have spread the infection. After the trip on Vietnamese Airlines Flight 54, a contact tracing effort was mounted to try to limit the spread.
It was found that 11 of the infected passengers in business class were seated relatively close to the woman. The study notes that business class is already far less crowded than economy, which would seem to make transmission less likely.
The infected passenger was seated at a right-side window seat. Those later infected included the two passengers in front of her and nine in the center aisles closest to her. Only one was on the left side of the cabin. Two passengers in the economy section of the plane also contracted the virus, but the study suggests their cases might have come from coming into contact with the virus during immigration and baggage claim, since passengers in the classes are kept separate.
The difficulties of tracking: Why you didn't hear from COVID-19 contact tracers after your flight
"The latest guidance from the international air travel industry classifies the in-flight transmission risk as very low and recommends only the use of face masks without additional measures to increase physical distance on board, such as blocking the middle seats. Our findings challenge these recommendations," the study states.


usatoday--2020-09-22--Review: Millie Bobby Brown's spunky 'Enola Holmes' is worthy of Sherlock's good name

The game is pleasantly afoot yet again , with a new super-sleuth worthy of her forebears .
Directed by Harry Bradbeer ( “ Killing Eve , ” “ Fleabag ” ) , the girl-powered action-adventure “ Enola Holmes ” ( ★★★ out of four ; rated PG-13 ; streaming Wednesday on Netflix ) introduces Sherlock ’ s spunky teen sister into the storied detective ’ s screen legacy .
“ Stranger Things ” breakout Millie Bobby Brown lends smarts and charm to the title punch-throwing , clue-finding wild child in a clever if overlong coming-of-age quest that ’ s all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Set in 1884 , the movie unfurls in an England on the precipice of a new century , with women ’ s suffrage an important cause and a reform bill on the docket in London that could expand voting rights .
At the country estate where she lives , however , Enola is n't part of that world – she ’ s homeschooled by her eccentric mother Eudoria ( Helena Bonham Carter ) in the wonders of jiu jitsu , indoor tennis and reading the entire encyclopedia ( and every book in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look : Check out Millie Bobby Brown as Sherlock 's teen sister 'Stranger Things ' : Netflix teases the return of David Harbour 's Hopper in Season 4 On the morning of her 16th birthday , Enola wakes up to find her mom has disappeared , though she 's left some clues for the youngster to find .
Enola ’ s long-absent big brothers , snooty Mycroft ( Sam Claflin ) and world-famous Sherlock ( Henry Cavill ) , arrive to investigate the matter and Mycroft intends on sending Enola to finishing school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Horrified by the thought , Enola escapes , hops on a train to London to find her mom and becomes embroiled in a whole other mystery when she meets young Lord Tewkesbury ( Louis Partridge ) , a runaway marquess who ’ s being pursued by a murderous villain ( Burn Gorman ) in a bowler hat .
Written by Jack Thorne ( “ Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ” ) and based on Nancy Springer 's young-adult books , “ Enola ” borrows certain aspects from the recent Robert Downey Jr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s popular modern-day “ Sherlock ” with Benedict Cumberbatch , but thankfully it ’ s not a female-friendly reboot of 1985 's “ Young Sherlock Holmes.
” Enola is definitely her own Holmes , a talented teen who exudes a certain confidence that often gets her into sticky situations .
She ’ s never out of any fight , though , which goes a long way toward explaining her determined personality , and her inner thoughts come through in many humorous and revealing asides to the camera , breaking the fourth wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a freshness to the Holmes brand .
While Sherlock definitely takes a backseat to his sibling as a supporting character , Cavill ’ s take on the iconic role is both complementary and different from the familiar .
This detective puts up a bit of the cool , calculating exterior that we ’ re used to – and there ’ s a bruising quality that Cavill brings with his frame and filmography ( he is Superman , after all ) – yet his interactions and reconnection with Enola knock down that wall and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Cavill have great chemistry and their dynamic is the most fun of the film , as Sherlock lives for the times when his little sister gets one over on him .
“ Enola , '' which weaves in real-life history ( in this case , Britain ’ s Representation of the People Act of 1884 ) , also offers Netflix a potential franchise that 's well-suited to Brown ( who ’ s also a producer on the film ) and lets her do something fun other than battle 1980s interdimensional monsters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ same age as her onscreen character , Brown offers a youthful and enthusiastic authenticity much like Tom Holland 's Spider-Man – sure , you could get an older actor to play that part but you can ’ t beat the real thing .
All the female characters in “ Enola ” pop , though , from Carter ’ s off-the-wall mysterious matriarch to Susan Wokoma ’ s martial-arts instructor ( who takes no guff from A-list detectives ) .
It ’ s rather elementary : Young women yearning for an action heroine of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holmes , ” a problem-solving youngster we all could use more of in our streaming lives .

Review: Millie Bobby Brown's spunky 'Enola Holmes' is worthy of Sherlock's good name
Show Caption Hide Caption Emmys 2020 highlights: 'Schitt's Creek,' Zendaya, Jen Aniston The 2020 Emmys were filled with highlights, from Jennifer Aniston extinguishing a fire to 'Schitt's Creek' and Zendaya making award show history. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
The game is pleasantly afoot yet again, with a new super-sleuth worthy of her forebears.
Directed by Harry Bradbeer (“Killing Eve,” “Fleabag”), the girl-powered action-adventure “Enola Holmes” (★★★ out of four; rated PG-13; streaming Wednesday on Netflix) introduces Sherlock’s spunky teen sister into the storied detective’s screen legacy. “Stranger Things” breakout Millie Bobby Brown lends smarts and charm to the title punch-throwing, clue-finding wild child in a clever if overlong coming-of-age quest that’s all about embracing change instead of stuffy sameness.
Set in 1884, the movie unfurls in an England on the precipice of a new century, with women’s suffrage an important cause and a reform bill on the docket in London that could expand voting rights. At the country estate where she lives, however, Enola isn't part of that world – she’s homeschooled by her eccentric mother, Eudoria (Helena Bonham Carter), in the wonders of jiujitsu, indoor tennis and reading the entire encyclopedia (and every book in sight).
'Enola Holmes' first look: Check out Millie Bobby Brown as Sherlock's teen sister
'Stranger Things': Netflix teases the return of David Harbour's Hopper in Season 4
On the morning of her 16th birthday, Enola wakes up to find her mom has disappeared, though she's left some clues for the youngster to find. Enola’s long-absent big brothers, snooty Mycroft (Sam Claflin) and world-famous Sherlock (Henry Cavill), arrive to investigate the matter, and Mycroft intends on sending Enola to finishing school to be a proper “lady.” Horrified by the thought, Enola escapes, hops on a train to London to find her mom and becomes embroiled in a whole other mystery when she meets young Lord Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge), a runaway marquess who’s being pursued by a murderous villain (Burn Gorman) in a bowler hat.
Written by Jack Thorne (“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”) and based on Nancy Springer's young-adult books, “Enola” borrows certain aspects from the recent Robert Downey Jr. “Sherlock Holmes” movies and TV’s popular modern-day “Sherlock” with Benedict Cumberbatch, but thankfully it’s not a female-friendly reboot of 1985's “Young Sherlock Holmes.”
Enola is definitely her own Holmes, a talented teen who exudes a certain confidence that often gets her into sticky situations. She’s never out of any fight, though, which goes a long way toward explaining her determined personality, and her inner thoughts come through in many humorous and revealing asides to the camera, breaking the fourth wall a la “Fleabag” and giving a freshness to the Holmes brand.
While Sherlock definitely takes a back seat to his sibling as a supporting character, Cavill’s take on the iconic role is both complementary and different from the familiar. This detective puts up a bit of the cool, calculating exterior that we’re used to – and there’s a bruising quality that Cavill brings with his frame and filmography (he is Superman, after all) – yet his interactions and reconnection with Enola knock down that wall and reveal a warmhearted big lug. Brown and Cavill have great chemistry and their dynamic is the most fun of the film, as Sherlock lives for the times when his little sister gets one over on him.
“Enola," which weaves in real-life history (in this case, Britain’s Representation of the People Act of 1884), also offers Netflix a potential franchise that's well-suited to Brown (who’s also a producer on the film) and lets her do something fun other than battle 1980s interdimensional monsters. A British girl who’s the same age as her onscreen character, Brown offers a youthful and enthusiastic authenticity much like Tom Holland's Spider-Man – sure, you could get an older actor to play that part but you can’t beat the real thing. All the female characters in “Enola” pop, though, from Carter’s off-the-wall mysterious matriarch to Susan Wokoma’s martial-arts instructor (who takes no guff from A-list detectives).
It’s rather elementary: Young women yearning for an action heroine of their own get one with “Enola Holmes,” a problem-solving youngster we all could use more of in our streaming lives.


usatoday--2020-09-22--Your vote matters this year

Your vote matters this year

Thinking of sitting out the election ?
Here 's why your vote counts .

Voter registration day: Here's why your vote matters more than ever
Thinking of sitting out the election? Here's why your vote counts. Register, verify your status or request an absentee ballot at vote.usatoday.com.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-22--Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to become 1st woman to lie in state at U.S. Capitol

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to become 1st woman to lie in state at U.S. Capitol Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader @ @ @ @ @ at the U.S. Capitol , becoming the 1st woman to have such an honor .

Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol, becoming the 1st woman to have such an honor.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-23--House OKs spending bill, sending legislation to Senate just days before government set to shutdown

WASHINGTON – The House approved a government spending bill Tuesday in hopes of averting a government shutdown that would rock the country in eight days in the midst of a global pandemic .
The bill extends current government funding levels and would punt negotiations over a number of hot-button issues until Dec. 11 – a month after the election .
The legislation saw some last-minute changes with billions for farmers and pandemic food assistance programs for families , additions that allowed the bill to pass with bipartisan support in a 359-57 vote , with a majority of Republicans voting with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. , voted present .
It will now go to the Senate for approval , then , if approved , will head to the White House for President Donald Trump 's signature .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a deal on the proposal just before the vote , highlighting funds for food assistance programs that Democrats had sought .
`` We have reached an agreement with Republicans on the CR to add nearly $ 8 billion in desperately needed nutrition assistance for hungry schoolchildren and families , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commodity Credit Corporation , preventing funds for farmers from being misused for a Big Oil bailout . ''
The legislation , released on Monday , saw a hiccup after Republicans blasted the bill over the exclusion of aid for farmers , a top priority for the GOP and President Donald Trump .
Republicans had been pushing for billions in assistance as part of a farm bailout program and in return , Democrats hoped for money in food assistance in the bill .
But both items were not included when the spending bill was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation passing up in the air and raising fears that the government could shutdown next week .
More : White House and Congress reach informal deal to avert government shutdown at end of month More : Pelosi says House will stay in session until coronavirus stimulus deal is reached , moderate lawmakers push for compromise '' House Democrats ’ rough draft of a government funding bill shamefully leaves out key relief and support that American farmers need , '' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said after the bill 's text was released Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ add insult to injury and defund help for farmers and rural America . ''
McConnell has yet to weigh in on the updated spending bill .
Sen. Chuck Grassley , one of the senior Republicans in the Senate who represents agriculture-heavy Iowa , called the original bill `` hogwash '' and said Democrats should be `` ashamed for leaving our farmers in the lurch . ''
Democrats had criticized the loan program for farmers as a political slush fund with concerns over how money was being dolled out and whether politics was playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money .
The impasse led the House to press pause for several hours before taking up the legislation , allowing time for Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to continue hammering out a compromise .
The talks led to a bipartisan solution , adding $ 8 billion in increased spending on food-assistance programs and billions for the Commodity Credit Corporation , a borrowing program for farmers that has been utilized frequently due to the president 's policies on trade and the pandemic 's impacts on agriculture .
The two additions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill .
While pressure has mounted for Congress to pass more COVID-19 relief , lawmakers appear unlikely to take up any other stimulus package ahead of the election , especially as partisan bickering has reached new levels over the Supreme Court nomination fight .
Lawmakers in both parties , while happy in likely averting a shutdown next week , noted Tuesday evening that passing this bill , called a continuing resolution or CR , and keeping spending levels the same was a failure .
They acknowledged that both sides are responsible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal government and had failed to do so .
More : Coronavirus stimulus plans : What we know about the negotiations over relief The last government shutdown from Dec. 2018 to Jan. 2019 was the longest on record , at 35 days long .
Stemming from a standoff between Congress and the White House over funding for a wall along the southern U.S. border , it forced about 800,000 federal government workers to go on furloughs or without pay .
Trash piled up at national parks , air travel was disrupted and repairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even tax revenue decreased .
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated tax revenue was down $ 2 billion in 2019 because the IRS had halted some operations during the shutdown .
But a shutdown this year would have a ripple effect unlike those before it , experts said .
Sarah Binder , professor of political science at George Washington University and a Brookings Institution senior fellow , said it would be a “ catastrophic blow ” to have a shutdown in the middle of the pandemic , especially if workers at agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prevention and National Institutes of Health were furloughed .
But “ nobody really wants to be blamed for the government shutdown , ” especially so close to an election , she said .

House OKs spending bill, sending legislation to Senate just days before government set to shutdown
Show Caption Hide Caption US hits 200,000 COVID deaths as flu season looms ahead The U.S. has reached 200,000 deaths from the coronavirus. Now experts are looking ahead, and the forecast for the fall and winter isn't good. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The House approved a government spending bill Tuesday in hopes of averting a government shutdown that would rock the country in eight days in the midst of a global pandemic.
The bill extends current government funding levels and would punt negotiations over a number of hot-button issues until Dec. 11 – a month after the election. The legislation saw some last-minute changes with billions for farmers and pandemic food assistance programs for families, additions that allowed the bill to pass with bipartisan support in a 359-57 vote, with a majority of Republicans voting with Democrats. One lawmaker, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., voted present.
It will now go to the Senate for approval, then, if approved, will head to the White House for President Donald Trump's signature.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a deal on the proposal just before the vote, highlighting funds for food assistance programs that Democrats had sought.
"We have reached an agreement with Republicans on the CR to add nearly $8 billion in desperately needed nutrition assistance for hungry schoolchildren and families," she said. "We also increase accountability in the Commodity Credit Corporation, preventing funds for farmers from being misused for a Big Oil bailout."
The legislation, released on Monday, saw a hiccup after Republicans blasted the bill over the exclusion of aid for farmers, a top priority for the GOP and President Donald Trump.
Republicans had been pushing for billions in assistance as part of a farm bailout program and in return, Democrats hoped for money in food assistance in the bill. But both items were not included when the spending bill was released, leaving the chances of the legislation passing up in the air and raising fears that the government could shutdown next week.
More: White House and Congress reach informal deal to avert government shutdown at end of month
More: Pelosi says House will stay in session until coronavirus stimulus deal is reached, moderate lawmakers push for compromise
"House Democrats’ rough draft of a government funding bill shamefully leaves out key relief and support that American farmers need," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said after the bill's text was released Monday. "This is no time to add insult to injury and defund help for farmers and rural America."
McConnell has yet to weigh in on the updated spending bill.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, one of the senior Republicans in the Senate who represents agriculture-heavy Iowa, called the original bill "hogwash" and said Democrats should be "ashamed for leaving our farmers in the lurch."
Democrats had criticized the loan program for farmers as a political slush fund with concerns over how money was being dolled out and whether politics was playing a role in what states saw more money.
The impasse led the House to press pause for several hours before taking up the legislation, allowing time for Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to continue hammering out a compromise. The talks led to a bipartisan solution, adding $8 billion in increased spending on food-assistance programs and billions for the Commodity Credit Corporation, a borrowing program for farmers that has been utilized frequently due to the president's policies on trade and the pandemic's impacts on agriculture.
The two additions marked the only large pandemic-related relief in the bill. While pressure has mounted for Congress to pass more COVID-19 relief, lawmakers appear unlikely to take up any other stimulus package ahead of the election, especially as partisan bickering has reached new levels over the Supreme Court nomination fight.
Lawmakers in both parties, while happy in likely averting a shutdown next week, noted Tuesday evening that passing this bill, called a continuing resolution or CR, and keeping spending levels the same was a failure. They acknowledged that both sides are responsible to Americans in negotiating out spending for the federal government and had failed to do so.
More: Coronavirus stimulus plans: What we know about the negotiations over relief
The last government shutdown from Dec. 2018 to Jan. 2019 was the longest on record, at 35 days long. Stemming from a standoff between Congress and the White House over funding for a wall along the southern U.S. border, it forced about 800,000 federal government workers to go on furloughs or without pay.
Trash piled up at national parks, air travel was disrupted and repairs on the Hubble Space Telescope were delayed. Even tax revenue decreased. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated tax revenue was down $2 billion in 2019 because the IRS had halted some operations during the shutdown.
But a shutdown this year would have a ripple effect unlike those before it, experts said.
Sarah Binder, professor of political science at George Washington University and a Brookings Institution senior fellow, said it would be a “catastrophic blow” to have a shutdown in the middle of the pandemic, especially if workers at agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health were furloughed.
But “nobody really wants to be blamed for the government shutdown,” especially so close to an election, she said.
Contributing: Nicholas Wu


usatoday--2020-09-23--Citing family friendship and character, Cindy McCain endorses Joe Biden

Praising Joe Biden as a longtime family friend and an ally to military families like hers , Cindy McCain , the woman Republicans wanted to make first lady in 2008 , is endorsing the Democratic presidential nominee .
McCain on Tuesday avoided directly criticizing President Donald Trump , who had a stormy rivalry with her husband , the late Sen. John McCain , R-Ariz. , that lingered even after his death in 2018 .
Her endorsement comes just weeks before Arizonans are set to begin voting and after anonymous sources claimed to The Atlantic that Trump ridiculed McCain and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office .
McCain declined to speak about the impact she believes Trump would have on the nation , and globally , should he win a second term .
Instead , she told The Arizona Republic in an interview Tuesday that her endorsement is in part attributable to the character she sees in Biden , a longtime friend of the family who , like her , is a parent to troops who have served the United States in the military .
The decision , she said , was not about honoring her husband 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm like everybody else : I like a good leader and I feel like right now the president does n't have my back , he does n't take a stand on things that are really important and we have a time of crisis , '' Cindy McCain said .
`` I 'm worried that this could go further than it should .
My point in getting on board with Joe is that he 's proven — he 's been there .
I 've known him for 40 years .
I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honor and his integrity and those things are very important to me . ''
McCain said she will remain a registered Republican .
She said Biden practices the kind of bipartisan politics her husband did : `` Joe shares our values and our concerns and he cares about us .
I 'm a mother , I 'm a business owner , I 'm the mother of two military men and I want someone that understands me and understands what 's going on and knows what it takes to really make the tough decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decision to endorse Biden for some time .
She said he did not ask for her endorsement but was `` excited '' when she told him of her decision a few weeks ago .
`` It had nothing to do with John McCain at all ; it had everything to do with how I felt and how I 'm feeling , especially during these tough times , '' she said , noting Biden 's respect for the military .
`` That 's really important to my family , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not losers .
They 're not losers .
You call one a loser , you call all the members of the military losers , including my son . ''
McCain ’ s endorsement , which she announced from her home in Phoenix , comes as Biden is leading polls nationally and more narrowly in Arizona , which is expected to be a critical battleground for the White House .
Biden announced the endorsement earlier in the day , telling reporters she was backing him because of The Atlantic 's article .
`` Maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm about to go on one of these Zooms with John McCain 's wife , who is first time ever is endorsing me because of what he talks about with my son and John ’ s who are heroes , who served their country , you know he said they ’ re losers , they ’ re suckers , '' Biden said Tuesday at a fundraiser .
McCain has resisted injecting herself in partisan politics , largely avoiding the controversies that involved Trump and her husband since Trump first entered presidential politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocated less-partisan causes , such as ending human trafficking and aid to third-world countries .
McCain ’ s voice could help Democrats reach undecided independent voters and Republicans uneasy with Trump , the kind who for more than three decades supported John McCain .
McCain said she hopes her endorsement gives voters the courage to cross party lines , particularly women .
`` It is OK to look outside the box , it is OK to cross a party line and vote for someone else that 's perhaps not of your party but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` I hope I have an impact , I hope what I 'm doing is important and I just hope that Joe wins . ''
McCain ’ s endorsement comes weeks after she appeared in a video played during the Democratic National Convention that paid tribute to her husband and the long friendship he and Biden maintained in Washington .
That video , overlaid with photos and footage of the two men , sought to remind America of the type of bipartisanship and collegiality that once defined Washington .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The McCain-Biden friendship extended from politics to their home life , where the families celebrated milestones , hosted family get-togethers and , at the end of McCain ’ s life at the family home in Cornville , reflected on their adventures of days past .
McCain joins more than 100 former staffers and campaign workers of her late husband to endorse Biden ’ s bid .
McCain , along with her daughter , TV commentator Meghan McCain , have been at times outspoken critics against Trump , whose feud with the late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launched his first presidential bid .
The McCain women occasionally speak out against Trump , but these days , tend to only speak out in such a forceful manner when he re-airs his grievances .
McCain did not weigh in on Arizona ’ s closely watched U.S. Senate special election , where two well-funded candidates are vying to fill the remainder of her husband ’ s term .
Sen. Martha McSally , R-Ariz. , who lost her 2018 race for the state ’ s other Senate seat , is facing an aggressive challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a retired NASA astronaut and husband of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords , D-Ariz. Kelly is scheduled to appear on ABC ’ s “ The View , ” with Meghan and other co-hosts on Wednesday .
Cindy McCain told The Republic she would not be getting involved in Arizona politics this cycle or that particular race .
Have news to share about Arizona 's U.S. senators or national politics ?
Reach the reporter on Twitter and Facebook .
Contact her at yvonne.wingett @ arizonarepublic.com and 602-444-4712 .
Subscribe to our free political podcast , @ @ @

Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Ronald J. Hansen, Arizona Republic

Citing family friendship and character, Cindy McCain endorses Joe Biden
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden talks systemic racism and COVID-19 at town hall Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden spoke about systematic racism at a town hall in Pennsylvania hosted by CNN's Anderson Cooper. USA TODAY
Praising Joe Biden as a longtime family friend and an ally to military families such as hers, Cindy McCain, the woman Republicans wanted to make first lady in 2008, endorsed the Democratic presidential nominee Tuesday, a few weeks before Arizonans will begin voting.
Follow Arizona politics? Our reporters stay on top of it all. Subscribe now to azcentral.com.
President Donald Trump had a stormy rivalry with her husband, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that lingered even after McCain's death in 2018. Anonymous sources claimed to The Atlantic that Trump ridiculed McCain and others in the military.
Cindy McCain told The Arizona Republic in an interview Tuesday that her endorsement is in part attributable to the character she sees in Biden, who, like her, is a parent to members of the U.S. military.
The decision, she said, was not about honoring her husband's legacy. This was about her.
"I'm like everybody else: I like a good leader, and I feel like right now, the president doesn't have my back, he doesn't take a stand on things that are really important, and we have a time of crisis," McCain said. "I'm worried that this could go further than it should. My point in getting on board with Joe is that he's proven – he's been there. I've known him for 40 years. I know his character and his leadership and his honor and his integrity, and those things are very important to me."
McCain said she will remain a registered Republican. She said Biden practices the kind of bipartisan politics her husband did: "Joe shares our values and our concerns, and he cares about us. I'm a mother, I'm a business owner, I'm the mother of two military men, and I want someone that understands me and understands what's going on and knows what it takes to really make the tough decisions."
McCain said she thought about the decision for some time. She said Biden did not ask for her endorsement but was "excited" when she told him a few weeks ago.
"It had nothing to do with John McCain at all; it had everything to do with how I felt and how I'm feeling, especially during these tough times," she said, noting Biden's respect for the military.
"That's really important to my family," she said. "Our members of the military are not losers. They're not losers. You call one a loser, you call all the members of the military losers, including my son."
McCain announced the endorsement from her home in Phoenix. Biden leads in national polls and more narrowly in Arizona, which is likely to be a critical battleground for the White House.
Biden announced the endorsement earlier in the day, saying she backed him because of The Atlantic's article.
"Maybe I shouldn’t say it, but I'm about to go on one of these Zooms with John McCain's wife, who is, first time ever, is endorsing me because of what he talks about with my son and John’s who are heroes, who served their country. You know, he said they’re losers, they’re suckers," Biden said Tuesday at a fundraiser. Trump denied the allegations in the article.
McCain largely avoided the disputes between Trump and her husband. Throughout her public life, she has advocated for less-partisan causes, such as ending human trafficking and aid to developing countries.
McCain could help Democrats reach undecided independent voters and Republicans uneasy with Trump, the kind who supported John McCain for more than three decades.
McCain said she hopes her endorsement gives voters the courage to cross party lines, particularly women.
"It is OK to look outside the box, it is OK to cross a party line and vote for someone else that's perhaps not of your party but is perhaps a better candidate," she said. "I hope I have an impact, I hope what I'm doing is important and I just hope that Joe wins."
McCain appeared in a video played during the Democratic National Convention last month that paid tribute to her husband and the long friendship he and Biden maintained in Washington. That video, overlaid with photos and footage of the two men, sought to remind America that bipartisanship and collegiality are possible in politics. It stopped short of an endorsement of Biden.
The McCain-Biden friendship extended to their home life: The families celebrated milestones, hosted get-togethers and, at the end of John’s life at the McCains' home in Cornville, Arizona, reflected on their adventures.
McCain joins more than 100 former staffers and campaign workers of her late husband to endorse Biden.
McCain, along with her daughter, TV commentator Meghan McCain, have been outspoken critics against Trump, whose feud with the senator dated to 2015, when Trump launched his first presidential bid. These days, the McCain women tend to speak out against Trump only when he re-airs his grievances.
Cindy McCain did not weigh in on Arizona’s U.S. Senate special election, in which two well-funded candidates vie to fill the remainder of her late husband’s term.
Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., who lost her 2018 race for the state’s other Senate seat, faces an aggressive challenge by Democratic candidate Mark Kelly, a retired NASA astronaut and husband of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz.
Kelly is scheduled to appear on ABC’s “The View,” with Meghan and other co-hosts on Wednesday.
McCain told The Republic she would not get involved in Arizona politics this cycle.
Have news to share about Arizona's U.S. senators or national politics? Reach the reporter on Twitter and Facebook. Contact her at yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com and 602-444-4712.
Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.
Subscribe to our free political podcast, The Gaggle.


usatoday--2020-09-23--'It's a shame.' Trump reacts to COVID-19 death toll hitting 200,000

WASHINGTON – Making his first remarks on the latest grim milestone in the nation 's battle with coronavirus , President Donald Trump on Tuesday lamented the loss of 200,000 Americans who have died from the disease , describing it as `` a shame . ''
`` It 's a horrible thing , '' Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House as he left for a rally in Pennsylvania .
`` It should have never , ever happened . ''
But speaking later at a rally in the battleground state of Pennsylvania , Trump mocked his Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask – something his own administration has recommended – and asserted that his administration had done an `` A-plus job '' dealing with the pandemic .
During 90 minutes of remarks , Trump did not mention the death toll from the virus but instead blamedChina for allowing it to become a pandemic , promised a vaccine will be widely available for Americans soon and criticized social distancing measures approved by state officials that his own public health experts have called for .
`` You ca n't meet .
You ca n't congregate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` You ca n't give your wife ... a kiss goodnight , you got ta wear a mask .
You ca n't do anything ! ''
As the nation surpassed another dark benchmark , Trump glossed over earlier predictions that if the number of deaths in the U.S. peaked at around 200,000 people that would indicate his administration had `` done a very good job . ''
`` And so , if we can hold that down , as we ’ re saying , to 100,000 – that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even less , but to 100,000 ; so we have between 100- and 200,000 – we all , together , have done a very good job , '' Trump said at the White House on March 30 .
Addressing thoseearlier projections , Trump said Tuesday at the White House that `` the original numbers were around 200,000 if you do it right , if you did a good job and if the public worked along .
And if you did n't do it right you 'd be at two million , two-and-a-half million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brief back and forth with reporters on the South Lawn , Trump asked a questioner to remove her mask .
When she asked why he had n't spoken about the death toll , Trump demurred : `` Go ahead .
Anybody else ? ''
Trump 's visit to Pennsylvania was sandwiched between additionaltwo seismic political events : Republicans largely coalescing around a plan to move quickly on Trump 's Supreme Court nominee to fill the seat left vacant by the death last week of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the first presidential debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sept. 29 .
Trump mentioned the debate briefly on the rally stage , saying that Biden had `` been doing it all his life '' and adding that `` I ’ ve just started doing this stuff . ''
Trump carried Pennsylvania by just more than 44,000 votes in 2016 .
Polls show Biden with a a slim margin there : 4 points in the RealClearPolitics average of recent polls .
Trump , speaking at an outdoor rally at Pittsburgh International Airport , was making his fourth visit to the critical battleground this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should serve as a reminder of the state of current economic conditions under the Trump presidency .
`` Four years ago , candidate Donald Trump promised the hardworking people of Pittsburgh he would bring jobs back to the region , '' Biden said in a statement .
`` But since then , President Trump has only brought Pittsburgh economic turmoil under his watch . ''
The president has sought to project an image of returning to normal with his rallies , but they have drawn criticism from local public health officials .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Supreme Court nominee More : Trump says he welcomes second impeachment over Supreme Court seat Trump has ramped up his campaign presence since formally accepting the GOP nomination , attending 10 rallies since late August and a handful of other rally-like events .
Most of those events have been held outdoors , though he has faced criticism for holding a few indoor events during a recent swing through the Southwest .
His supporters at those events rarely practice social distancing or wear masks .
Trump has been at odds in recent days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine timeline .
Trump has said every American will have access to a vaccine by April , but health officials note no vaccine has been approved yet and CDC officials have predicted a vaccine wo n't be widely available until the summer or fall of next year .
`` The fact that we have come nowhere near that number is a testament to this president taking immediate action , '' Kayleigh McEnany said earlier in the day , referring to the estimates that as many as 2 million could die from the virus @ @

John Fritze, Michael Collins and David Jackson, USA TODAY

'It's a shame': Trump reacts to COVID-19 death toll hitting 200,000
Show Caption Hide Caption US hits 200,000 COVID deaths as flu season looms ahead The U.S. has reached 200,000 deaths from the coronavirus. Now experts are looking ahead, and the forecast for the fall and winter isn't good. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Making his first remarks on the latest grim milestone in the nation's battle with coronavirus, President Donald Trump on Tuesday lamented the loss of 200,000 Americans who have died from the disease, describing it as "a shame."
"It's a horrible thing," Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House as he left for a rally in Pennsylvania. "It should have never, ever happened."
"It’s a shame," he added.
But speaking later at a rally in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, Trump mocked his Democratic opponent Joe Biden for wearing a face mask – something his own administration has recommended – and asserted that his administration had done an "A-plus job" dealing with the pandemic.
During 90 minutes of remarks, Trump did not mention the death toll from the virus but instead blamed China for allowing it to become a pandemic, promised a vaccine will be widely available for Americans soon and criticized social distancing measures approved by state officials that his own public health experts have called for.
"You can't meet. You can't congregate. You can't look at each other," he said. "You can't give your wife...a kiss goodnight, you gotta wear a mask. You can't do anything!"
As the nation surpassed another dark benchmark, Trump glossed over earlier predictions that if the number of deaths in the U.S. peaked at around 200,000 people that would indicate his administration had "done a very good job."
COVID-19: How Herd Immunity works, why you still need to wear a mask Without masks and a vaccine, we could reach Herd Immunity from COVID-19, but deaths would skyrocket. We break down the science of it. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
"And so, if we can hold that down, as we’re saying, to 100,000 – that’s a horrible number – maybe even less, but to 100,000; so we have between 100- and 200,000 – we all, together, have done a very good job," Trump said at the White House on March 30.
Addressing those earlier projections, Trump said Tuesday at the White House that "the original numbers were around 200,000 if you do it right, if you did a good job and if the public worked along. And if you didn't do it right you'd be at two million, two-and-a-half million."
At another point during his brief back and forth with reporters on the South Lawn, Trump asked a questioner to remove her mask. When she asked why he hadn't spoken about the death toll, Trump demurred: "Go ahead. Anybody else?"
Trump's visit to Pennsylvania was sandwiched between additional two seismic political events: Republicans largely coalescing around a plan to move quickly on Trump's Supreme Court nominee to fill the seat left vacant by the death last week of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the first presidential debate with Biden, set for Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Trump mentioned the debate briefly on the rally stage, saying that Biden had "been doing it all his life" and adding that "I’ve just started doing this stuff."
Trump carried Pennsylvania by just more than 44,000 votes in 2016. Polls show Biden with a a slim margin there: 4 points in the RealClearPolitics average of recent polls. Trump, speaking at an outdoor rally at Pittsburgh International Airport, was making his fourth visit to the critical battleground this month.
Biden argued that the trip should serve as a reminder of the state of current economic conditions under the Trump presidency.
"Four years ago, candidate Donald Trump promised the hardworking people of Pittsburgh he would bring jobs back to the region," Biden said in a statement. "But since then, President Trump has only brought Pittsburgh economic turmoil under his watch."
The president has sought to project an image of returning to normal with his rallies, but they have drawn criticism from local public health officials.
More: Republicans likely have support for Trump's Supreme Court nominee
More: Trump says he welcomes second impeachment over Supreme Court seat
Trump has ramped up his campaign presence since formally accepting the GOP nomination, attending 10 rallies since late August and a handful of other rally-like events. Most of those events have been held outdoors, though he has faced criticism for holding a few indoor events during a recent swing through the Southwest.
His supporters at those events rarely practice social distancing or wear masks.
Trump has been at odds in recent days with members of his administration on the vaccine timeline. Trump has said every American will have access to a vaccine by April, but health officials note no vaccine has been approved yet and CDC officials have predicted a vaccine won't be widely available until the summer or fall of next year.
"The fact that we have come nowhere near that number is a testament to this president taking immediate action," Kayleigh McEnany said earlier in the day, referring to the estimates that as many as 2 million could die from the virus."