usatoday--2020-09-25--Pilot arranges special World War II flyover above his 98-year-old dad's house

YORK , Pa. — The old anti-aircraft gunner looked up into a cloudless , late-morning sky .
The growl of engines in the distance grew louder .
Moments later , four authentic World War II planes soared just a thousand feet above in perfect alignment , trailing smoke for all to see .
Arlington `` Art '' Kahley saluted with a wave of his hickory walking stick .
The planes made four passes over their Regents Glen neighborhood on the southwest side of York .
A life of service validated , once again .
It meant even more than that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as quick and his heart as kind as ever , but age and ailments have weighed heavy .
He just turned 98 last week .
Parkinson 's disease has made doing most anything difficult , including standing and walking a few steps .
He needed a date on the calendar to look forward to , to keep going , so to speak .
It finally arrived Wednesday in the form of the flyover led by his pilot son , David .
`` It was my objective for months , to live this long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Art Kahley said .
“ When you ’ re as old as I am , I need objectives and dates to try and be .
I didn ’ t know if I would make it , '' he said , a smile forming .
David Kahley will participate in a much larger flyover in Washington , D.C. Friday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of V-E Day , when Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allies in 1945 .
The event , organized by the Arsenal of Democracy group , will include more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final `` missing man formation , '' which honors dead or missing service members .
Though scheduled for May 8 , it was postponed by the pandemic .
It would have been too difficult for Art Kahley to attend now .
`` OK , '' his son figured , `` I 'll take the airshow to him . ''
Art Kahley grew up near York City 's Farquhar Park during the Great Depression .
His mother raised him and his three siblings .
His father died when he was 4 .
His great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After graduating from York High he was drafted into the Army and eventually shipped to the South Pacific .
There , his ships zigzagged through hostile waters , always leery of torpedo attacks , moving from one island station to the next .
He said he lived on Fiji for 13 months , then New Guinea and finally the Philippines .
His job was to guard air strips and shoot enemy planes out of the sky .
Fortunately , he said , he never had to engage in full combat .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through Europe building Army bridges for the Allies .
“ It ’ s still a part of my life even though it ’ s been a long time ago , '' Art Kahley said of his service .
`` It ’ s still a part of my life . ''
Moved by his father to fly He was n't sure what he would do when he returned from the war .
But Art Kahley 's skill as a violinist opened doors .
A high school in Yorkneeded a music teacher and a band @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give it a try .
He grew to love it and tried to help every group who needed him .
He would go on to teach thousands of students at York Suburban through more than 30 years .
Later , he and his wife , Mildred , helped lead student groups on ambassador band trips , making 21 tours through Europe and Asia .
Along the way their son , David , learned to play the French horn and to fly .
Lessons at the Lancaster Airport grew into a passion with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The war still influenced him growing up in the 1960s , from movies and TV to books and stories from friends and relatives — just not from his father .
`` They didn ’ t talk about it .
It was just something they did , '' David Kahley said of WWII veterans .
`` But it was around .
It took over the country for four years .
We 've had COVID for , what , seven months ?
`` I was just enthralled ( by their service ) . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ War II plane and began running in air shows .
It eventually led him to the 75th anniversary celebration in Washington — and a way to honor his father .
The postponement , in a well-timed twist , now coincided closely with his father 's birthday .
It kept that motivational date on his calendar a few months longer .
About 20 family and friends gathered outside the Kahley 's home Wednesday to watch the brief show .
Precisely at 11:15 a.m. the plane engines could be heard approaching from the west .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ T-6 Texan appeared in the lead , flanked by three authentic war planes .
They had made it from Culpeper , Virginia in 45 minutes .
Applause and cheers rang out .
Some shed tears at the tribute .
The son and his pilot friends then pulled away and disappeared into the sky .
The father stayed on his front porch , a bit in awe of what he had just seen .
Seventy-five years spooled through his mind , back to those days on islands in the South Pacific and everything since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to put into words .
But he had made it .
He smiled and offered this to his son : '' Thank you very much , sir .
You did a fine job . ''

Pilot arranges special World War II flyover above his 98-year-old dad's house
Show Caption Hide Caption See propeller flyover for World War II vet, Art Kahley See a flyover for World War II vet, Art Kahley with his son Dave in the lead, on his 98th birthday with vintage photos. Paul Kuehnel, pkuehnel@ydr.com
YORK, Pa. — The old anti-aircraft gunner looked up into a cloudless, late-morning sky. The growl of engines in the distance grew louder.
Moments later, four authentic World War II planes soared just a thousand feet above in perfect alignment, trailing smoke for all to see.
Arlington "Art" Kahley saluted with a wave of his hickory walking stick.
The planes made four passes over their Regents Glen neighborhood on the southwest side of York.
A show of honor, son to father.
A life of service validated, once again.
It meant even more than that for Art Kahley. His wit is as quick and his heart as kind as ever, but age and ailments have weighed heavy. He just turned 98 last week. Parkinson's disease has made doing most anything difficult, including standing and walking a few steps.
He needed a date on the calendar to look forward to, to keep going, so to speak.
It finally arrived Wednesday in the form of the flyover led by his pilot son, David.
"It was my objective for months, to live this long and see this happen ...," Art Kahley said.
“When you’re as old as I am, I need objectives and dates to try and be. I didn’t know if I would make it," he said, a smile forming.
David Kahley will participate in a much larger flyover in Washington, D.C. Friday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of V-E Day, when Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Allies in 1945.
The event, organized by the Arsenal of Democracy group, will include more than 60 planes. Kahley will lead the final "missing man formation," which honors dead or missing service members.
Though scheduled for May 8, it was postponed by the pandemic. It would have been too difficult for Art Kahley to attend now.
"OK," his son figured, "I'll take the airshow to him."
From WWII to beloved band director
Art Kahley grew up near York City's Farquhar Park during the Great Depression.
His mother raised him and his three siblings. His father died when he was 4.
His great gift was learning to play the violin.
After graduating from York High he was drafted into the Army and eventually shipped to the South Pacific. There, his ships zigzagged through hostile waters, always leery of torpedo attacks, moving from one island station to the next.
He said he lived on Fiji for 13 months, then New Guinea and finally the Philippines. His job was to guard air strips and shoot enemy planes out of the sky.
Fortunately, he said, he never had to engage in full combat.
Meanwhile, his brother Edward made it safely through Europe building Army bridges for the Allies.
“It’s still a part of my life even though it’s been a long time ago," Art Kahley said of his service. "It’s still a part of my life."
Moved by his father to fly
He wasn't sure what he would do when he returned from the war.
But Art Kahley's skill as a violinist opened doors. A high school in Yorkneeded a music teacher and a band director, and he figured he'd give it a try.
He grew to love it and tried to help every group who needed him. He would go on to teach thousands of students at York Suburban through more than 30 years. Later, he and his wife, Mildred, helped lead student groups on ambassador band trips, making 21 tours through Europe and Asia.
Along the way their son, David, learned to play the French horn and to fly.
Lessons at the Lancaster Airport grew into a passion with a particular interest in World War II craft. The war still influenced him growing up in the 1960s, from movies and TV to books and stories from friends and relatives — just not from his father.
"They didn’t talk about it. It was just something they did," David Kahley said of WWII veterans. "But it was around. It took over the country for four years. We've had COVID for, what, seven months?
"I was just enthralled (by their service)."
David Kahley eventually bought his own World War II plane and began running in air shows. It eventually led him to the 75th anniversary celebration in Washington — and a way to honor his father.
The postponement, in a well-timed twist, now coincided closely with his father's birthday. It kept that motivational date on his calendar a few months longer.
The stage was set.
About 20 family and friends gathered outside the Kahley's home Wednesday to watch the brief show. Precisely at 11:15 a.m. the plane engines could be heard approaching from the west.
David Kahley's dark blue, two-seat T-6 Texan appeared in the lead, flanked by three authentic war planes. They had made it from Culpeper, Virginia in 45 minutes.
Applause and cheers rang out. Some shed tears at the tribute.
The son and his pilot friends then pulled away and disappeared into the sky.
The father stayed on his front porch, a bit in awe of what he had just seen. Seventy-five years spooled through his mind, back to those days on islands in the South Pacific and everything since.
So much to soak in and try to put into words.
But he had made it.
He smiled and offered this to his son:
"Thank you very much, sir. You did a fine job."


usatoday--2020-09-25--Breonna Taylor: Kentucky grand jury finds no police culpability

Kentucky grand jury finds no police culpability in death of Breonna Taylor .
President Trump looks to secure conservative majority @ @ @ @

Breonna Taylor: Kentucky grand jury finds no police culpability
Kentucky grand jury finds no police culpability in death of Breonna Taylor. President Trump looks to secure conservative majority on Supreme Court.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-25--Top Senate Judiciary Democrat Feinstein says she doesn't 'have the power' to block Trump's Supreme C

WASHINGTON — Sen. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , the top Democrat on the Senate panel that examines potential Supreme Court judges , acknowledged Thursday she did not have the power to block President Donald Trump 's nominee from passing through the Republican-controlled Senate .
`` Neither this committee nor the Senate should consider a nomination at this time , '' she said Thursday during a meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee .
`` I recognize I don ’ t have the power to carry that through , but I feel it very deeply . ''
Feinstein said the next president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fill the seat vacated by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's death , but `` If things move forward , and a nominee is confirmed before a new president is inaugurated , it is deeply concerning . ''
Democrats want the GOP-majority Senate to hold off on Supreme Court nomination proceedings until after Election Day in the hopes Democratic challenger Joe Biden defeats Trump and Democrats take over control of the Senate .
However , Republicans are pushing forward quickly and Trump is expected to announce his nominee Saturday .
Democrats in Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do to halt the process .
Republicans appear to have the numbers to pass Trump 's nominee out of the Senate Judiciary Committee , where Republicans hold 12-10 seat advantage , to the Senate , where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority .
A nominee needs only a majority in the 100-member Senate to be confirmed .
More : Trump says he wants to fill Supreme Court seat quickly in case justices need to settle election dispute More : Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to lie in state at US Capitol Friday after two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , D-Ill. , the second-ranking Senate Democrat and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee , told reporters on Tuesday , `` You can slow things down , but you can ’ t stop them . ''
`` I ’ ve been around here a few years , '' he said .
`` You can slow things down but you can ’ t stop them .
And there comes a point , we use whatever tools we have available , but ultimately there will be a vote , '' he said .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually do , Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse , D-R.I. , also a Judiciary Committee member , said on Monday , `` You mean some triple secret trick procedure that we managed to hold back through Gorsuch and Kavanaugh ?
No , '' he said with a sarcastic smile .

Nicholas Wu and Christal Hayes, USA TODAY

Top Senate Judiciary Democrat Feinstein says she doesn't 'have the power' to block Trump's Supreme Court nominee
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump: 'very, very close' to a Supreme Court pick President Donald Trump says he'll announce his decision on a Supreme Court nominee to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg this Saturday at 5pm. He says he has "a constitutional obligation" to make sure nine justices are seated. (Sept. 22) AP
WASHINGTON — Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the Senate panel that examines potential Supreme Court judges, acknowledged Thursday she did not have the power to block President Donald Trump's nominee from passing through the Republican-controlled Senate.
"Neither this committee nor the Senate should consider a nomination at this time," she said Thursday during a meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee. "I recognize I don’t have the power to carry that through, but I feel it very deeply."
Feinstein said the next president should make the decision on the nomination to fill the seat vacated by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, but "If things move forward, and a nominee is confirmed before a new president is inaugurated, it is deeply concerning."
Democrats want the GOP-majority Senate to hold off on Supreme Court nomination proceedings until after Election Day in the hopes Democratic challenger Joe Biden defeats Trump and Democrats take over control of the Senate. However, Republicans are pushing forward quickly and Trump is expected to announce his nominee Saturday.
President Trump's Supreme Court 'short list' - States of America President Trump released his short list to fill any future Supreme Court vacancies and he’s doubling down on conservatives. Will it work to entice conservative voters? States of America, USA TODAY
Democrats in Congress have mostly acknowledged there is little they can do to halt the process. Republicans appear to have the numbers to pass Trump's nominee out of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Republicans hold 12-10 seat advantage, to the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority. A nominee needs only a majority in the 100-member Senate to be confirmed.
More: Trump says he wants to fill Supreme Court seat quickly in case justices need to settle election dispute
More: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to lie in state at US Capitol Friday after two days at Supreme Court
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the second-ranking Senate Democrat and a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told reporters on Tuesday, "You can slow things down, but you can’t stop them."
"I’ve been around here a few years," he said. "You can slow things down but you can’t stop them. And there comes a point, we use whatever tools we have available, but ultimately there will be a vote," he said.
When asked if there was anything Democrats could actually do, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., also a Judiciary Committee member, said on Monday, "You mean some triple secret trick procedure that we managed to hold back through Gorsuch and Kavanaugh? No," he said with a sarcastic smile.


usatoday--2020-09-25--Bold predictions for Week 4 of the college football season

Shocking disappointments and better-than-expected performances are anticipated each weekend in the wild world of college football .
It 's especially true in the first month of the season as teams have yet to get into the swing of the schedules and are more prone to mistakes .
The USA TODAY Sports college football staff — Jace Evans , Paul Myerberg , Brent Schrotenboer , Erick Smith , Eddie Timanus and Dan Wolken — weigh in with some bold predictions for Week 4 of the college football season : College football memes collide this week as we ’ re “ Talkin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if “ The U ” is back .
The Seminoles were not impressive in their season opener two weeks ago , meekly falling 16-13 to rebuilding Georgia Tech in the debut of coach Mike Norvell – who won ’ t even be on the sidelines this week at Hard Rock Stadium after he tested positive for COVID-19 .
Though it hasn ’ t been the smoothest start on or off the field , it ’ s far too early to make any judgments about the Norvell era , especially given the instability the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few years .
Florida State has some talent , but this is still a bit of a rebuilding project , which makes it unfortunate that Norvell won ’ t be able to directly help his team for this prime time game early in his tenure .
As for the Hurricanes , no , they ’ re not “ back ” either – but they do look much improved in Manny Diaz ’ s second season .
They have two solid games under their belt in 2020 , and the bet is for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida State for the fourth consecutive year .
Surely , Florida State fans will remain calm if the team gets off to an 0-2 start .
Several SEC games are closer than expected as the league joins the rest of the Bowl Subdivision in stumbling out of the gate after an uneven offseason and fall camp .
That ’ s not to say that Missouri ’ s going to beat Alabama , or that Arkansas has a shot against Georgia .
But even with an extra few weeks compared to the ACC and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be immune from the sloppiness and lack of timing that has plagued even some of the best teams from those Power Five leagues .
It could make for an interesting Saturday .
LOOKING AHEAD:10 questions facing the SEC as the season gets started WHERE THINGS STAND : Start of SEC play brings boost to college football On a Saturday full of potentially lopsided games , Texas Tech hits a potential fork in the road of second-year coach Matt Wells ' tenure .
The Texas Longhorns come to Lubbock after Wells ’ Red Raiders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a lower subdivision team whose quarterback threw for 567 yards in a 35-33 loss .
A win instantly would help Wells win over the fan base after last year ’ s 4-8 season .
But a loss , especially a lopsided loss , could start an ugly slide .
And this one just smells like a lopsided loss , well beyond the point spread of 18 .
Texas wins by at least four touchdowns as star quarterback Sam Ehlinger lifts the Longhorns to an easy 2-0 start , increasing the buzz in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trophies .
There 's a bunch of hype surrounding Tennessee after the Volunteers finished last season with six consecutive victories .
Can they turn that hype into greater success in the third year with coach Jeremy Pruitt ?
South Carolina will provide an early indication of where things stand for UT .
The Gamecocks have won three of four in the series and four of the last five against Tennessee at home .
There are two constants to Will Muschamp 's team : Playing with intensity and a stingy defense .
Those two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The deciding factor will be if Colorado State transfer quarterback Collin Hill can squeeze enough points out of the offense to pull an upset .
The bet is that he will .
We don ’ t know a whole lot about Army yet .
The Black Knights were quite impressive in their two victories against Middle Tennessee and Louisiana-Monroe , but it ’ s safe to say neither of those teams will be competing for any championships this year .
We ’ d know more had Army been able to square off with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of weeks earlier , but alas that game didn ’ t occur .
We know even less about Cincinnati .
Sure , the Bearcats are coming off a solid season and have been pegged to contend in the American .
They did what they were supposed to do against Austin Peay in their 2020 debut last week , but again , that didn ’ t really tell us much .
But we do know this .
No matter how well you simulate it in practice , the Army option attack is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you at full game speed for the first time .
Teams with superior talent on the defensive side eventually adjust to it , but sometimes it happens too late .
So can the Black Knights pull off the road upset ?
These are supposed to be bold predictions , right ?
So yes , Army will take down a ranked team and get back into the Top 25 .
After nailing the bold prediction two weeks in a row with Louisiana-Lafayette over Iowa State and Liberty over Western Kentucky , we 're feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's try to make it 3-for-3 with North Carolina State going into Blacksburg and beating Virginia Tech , which is not based so much in confidence about the Wolfpack but trepidation about the state of the Hokies .
Maybe this is n't such a huge reach , but Virginia Tech is still the favorite in this game according to oddsmakers .
That seems a little bit generous to the Hokies given their less-than-ideal preparation for the season .
Though we do n't know the exact extent of the COVID-19 problems they 've had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talked pretty openly this week about the difficulties he 's had in preparing the team to play as they 've had a couple games postponed ( including this one , which was initially scheduled for two weeks ago ) and a bunch of players out of practice .
That 's fairly typical of how this season is going to go , but it just seems like the Wolfpack is in a better place at the moment .

Bold predictions for Week 4 of the college football season
Show Caption Hide Caption Amway Coaches Poll: Miami and Central Florida rise in the latest poll USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down the latest Amway Coaches Poll. USA TODAY
Shocking disappointments and better-than-expected performances are anticipated each weekend in the wild world of college football. It's especially true in the first month of the season as teams have yet to get into the swing of the schedules and are more prone to mistakes.
The USA TODAY Sports college football staff — Jace Evans, Paul Myerberg, Brent Schrotenboer, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus and Dan Wolken — weigh in with some bold predictions for Week 4 of the college football season:
Jace Evans
College football memes collide this week as we’re “Talkin’ bout the Noles” while examining if “The U” is back. The Seminoles were not impressive in their season opener two weeks ago, meekly falling 16-13 to rebuilding Georgia Tech in the debut of coach Mike Norvell – who won’t even be on the sidelines this week at Hard Rock Stadium after he tested positive for COVID-19. Though it hasn’t been the smoothest start on or off the field, it’s far too early to make any judgments about the Norvell era, especially given the instability the once-mighty program has gone through the past few years. Florida State has some talent, but this is still a bit of a rebuilding project, which makes it unfortunate that Norvell won’t be able to directly help his team for this prime time game early in his tenure.
As for the Hurricanes, no, they’re not “back” either – but they do look much improved in Manny Diaz’s second season. They have two solid games under their belt in 2020, and the bet is for them to keep that momentum as they dispatch Florida State for the fourth consecutive year. Surely, Florida State fans will remain calm if the team gets off to an 0-2 start.
Paul Myerberg
Several SEC games are closer than expected as the league joins the rest of the Bowl Subdivision in stumbling out of the gate after an uneven offseason and fall camp. That’s not to say that Missouri’s going to beat Alabama, or that Arkansas has a shot against Georgia. But even with an extra few weeks compared to the ACC and Big 12, the SEC will not be immune from the sloppiness and lack of timing that has plagued even some of the best teams from those Power Five leagues. It could make for an interesting Saturday.
BIG GAMES: SEC showdowns lead Week 4 matchups with playoff impact
LOOKING AHEAD: 10 questions facing the SEC as the season gets started
WHERE THINGS STAND: Start of SEC play brings boost to college football
Brent Schrotenboer
On a Saturday full of potentially lopsided games, Texas Tech hits a potential fork in the road of second-year coach Matt Wells' tenure. The Texas Longhorns come to Lubbock after Wells’ Red Raiders barely hung on to beat Houston Baptist, a lower subdivision team whose quarterback threw for 567 yards in a 35-33 loss. A win instantly would help Wells win over the fan base after last year’s 4-8 season. But a loss, especially a lopsided loss, could start an ugly slide. And this one just smells like a lopsided loss, well beyond the point spread of 18. Texas wins by at least four touchdowns as star quarterback Sam Ehlinger lifts the Longhorns to an easy 2-0 start, increasing the buzz in Austin about playoff potential and other postseason trophies.
Erick Smith
There's a bunch of hype surrounding Tennessee after the Volunteers finished last season with six consecutive victories. Can they turn that hype into greater success in the third year with coach Jeremy Pruitt?
South Carolina will provide an early indication of where things stand for UT. The Gamecocks have won three of four in the series and four of the last five against Tennessee at home. There are two constants to Will Muschamp's team: Playing with intensity and a stingy defense. Those two factors should keep the game close. The deciding factor will be if Colorado State transfer quarterback Collin Hill can squeeze enough points out of the offense to pull an upset. The bet is that he will.
Eddie Timanus
We don’t know a whole lot about Army yet. The Black Knights were quite impressive in their two victories against Middle Tennessee and Louisiana-Monroe, but it’s safe to say neither of those teams will be competing for any championships this year. We’d know more had Army been able to square off with BYU, which had just thumped Navy a couple of weeks earlier, but alas that game didn’t occur.
We know even less about Cincinnati. Sure, the Bearcats are coming off a solid season and have been pegged to contend in the American. They did what they were supposed to do against Austin Peay in their 2020 debut last week, but again, that didn’t really tell us much.
But we do know this. No matter how well you simulate it in practice, the Army option attack is hard to stop when it comes at you at full game speed for the first time. Teams with superior talent on the defensive side eventually adjust to it, but sometimes it happens too late.
So can the Black Knights pull off the road upset? These are supposed to be bold predictions, right? So yes, Army will take down a ranked team and get back into the Top 25.
Dan Wolken
After nailing the bold prediction two weeks in a row with Louisiana-Lafayette over Iowa State and Liberty over Western Kentucky, we're feeling pretty good about ourselves. So let's try to make it 3-for-3 with North Carolina State going into Blacksburg and beating Virginia Tech, which is not based so much in confidence about the Wolfpack but trepidation about the state of the Hokies. Maybe this isn't such a huge reach, but Virginia Tech is still the favorite in this game according to oddsmakers. That seems a little bit generous to the Hokies given their less-than-ideal preparation for the season. Though we don't know the exact extent of the COVID-19 problems they've had at Virginia Tech, coach Justin Fuente talked pretty openly this week about the difficulties he's had in preparing the team to play as they've had a couple games postponed (including this one, which was initially scheduled for two weeks ago) and a bunch of players out of practice. That's fairly typical of how this season is going to go, but it just seems like the Wolfpack is in a better place at the moment.


usatoday--2020-09-26--Coronavirus updates: US cases pass 7 million mark; Florida lifts restrictions; America is nowhere ne

The U.S. has reported more than 7 million cases of COVID-19 as of Friday , a milestone that comes days after leading experts projected the virus ' spread was set to rapidly increase in coming months .
It has been eight months and four days since nation 's first case was announced , and in that time the U.S. has become the hardest-hit country in the world for both cases and deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
But the U.S. death toll from the virus may almost double by Jan. 1 amid a `` major winter surge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington , a source often cited by the White House and federal public health authorities .
Among the factors that could drive such a surge : A restriction-weary public wearing masks and staying at home less .
Researchers warned states would likely need to reenact restrictions to combat the virus ' spread .
That recommendation came the same week as Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis lifted all virus restrictions on restaurants and businesses , saying `` We ’ re not closing anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Gov .
Ralph Northam and his wife tested positive for COVID-19 , his office announced Friday , the same day that President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a rally at an airport in the state .
• A WHO official warned that it was `` not only imaginable , but sadly very likely '' that 2 million people worldwide would die from the virus before a vaccine is widely available .
• Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have agreed to talk about a new coronavirus relief package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , House Democrats are working on passing a $ 2.4 trillion measure next week .
• Current coronavirus outbreaks are heating up fast in smaller cities in the heartland , where anti-mask sentiment tends to run high .
• Two former administrators of a Massachusetts veterans home have been charged over their handling of an outbreak where nearly 80 people died , the state attorney general said Friday .
• United Airlines will roll out a new COVID-19 testing program for passengers beginning Oct. 15 .
📈 Today 's numbers : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and 203,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
Globally , there have been more than 32.3 million cases and over 985,000 fatalities .
A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data through late Thursday shows seven states — Minnesota , Montana , North Dakota , Oklahoma , Utah , Wisconsin and Wyoming , and also Puerto Rico — set records for new cases in a week while North Dakota had a record number of deaths in a week .
📰 What we 're reading : Is it safe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this the year to skip it ?
🗺 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 .
US is nowhere near herd immunity , study finds By the end of July , about 9 % of American adults had been exposed to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 , according to a new study of dialysis patients , the largest yet looking for evidence of the disease in people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American public is a long way from achieving `` herd immunity '' – having enough infections to prevent further spread of the virus .
The infection rates varied from essentially zero in some states that avoided infection by mid-summer , to more than one-third of residents in parts of New York hard-hit in the spring .
The new study , published in The Lancet , is in line with previous , smaller studies , and also showed areas with high numbers of Black and non-white Latino residents had higher infection rates than mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths 'likely ' before a vaccine widely available The global death toll from the new coronavirus sits just below 1 million , but without further action to slow the spread , it will likely double before a vaccine is widely available , a World Health Organization official said Friday .
Dr. Mike Ryan , head the WHO ’ s health emergencies program , said that 2 million deaths was `` not only imaginable , but sadly very likely '' in the absence of increased testing , tracing , social distancing , mask wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus .
“ The time for action is now on every single aspect of this strategic approach , ” Ryan said .
Gov .
Ron DeSantis said Friday he was lifting COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants and other businesses across Florida as he pushed to reopen the state 's economy .
DeSantis also said any local government limitations affecting restaurants and other businesses would have to be justified by his administration .
“ We ’ re not closing anything going forward , ” DeSantis said , while insisting that the state is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase again .
The Phase 3 order will allow theme parks to operate at full capacity and lift any restrictions on gatherings , although the state still is recommending people avoid crowded spaces .
Bars can go beyond 50 % capacity , if local governments give them the green light , DeSantis said .
Queen Elizabeth II to cut costs as royal family faces $ 45M hit from pandemic Britain ’ s Queen Elizabeth II and her family are facing a $ 45 million hit from the coronavirus pandemic , partly due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s money-manager said Friday .
Releasing the royal household ’ s annual accounts , Keeper of the Privy Purse Michael Stevens said a lack of income from visitors to royal buildings was likely to bring a general funding shortfall of $ 19 million over three years .
He said the impact of the pandemic is also likely to cause a $ 25.4 million shortfall in a 10-year , $ 469 million program to replace antiquated heating , plumbing and wiring at Buckingham Palace , the queen ’ s London home .
Two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Massachusetts for veterans , where almost 80 patients died from the virus , are now facing criminal charges , the state attorney general announced Friday .
The former superintendent and medical director of Holyoke Soldiers ’ Home will each face 10 counts , including charges criminal neglect and causing serious bodily injury .
Attorney General Maura Healey said Bennett Walsh and David Clinton were indicted by a grand jury , believed to be the first such case in the United States involving nursing home employees facing criminal charges for COVID-19 deaths .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to COVID-19 after the operators made the “ most disturbing ” decision to consolidate two units into one , mixing COVID-positive patients with those that had no symptoms and allowing the virus to spread , Healey said .
Virginia Gov .
Ralph Northam and first lady Pamela Northam tested positive for COVID-19 , his office said in a statement Friday morning .
The two were tested after a staff member in their residence developed symptoms and later tested positive .
According to a news release , Gov .
Northam is asymptomatic while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We are grateful for your thoughts and support , but the best thing you can do for us — and most importantly , for your fellow Virginians — is to take this seriously , '' Northam said .
US hit 200K deaths on Tuesday .
By Friday , more than 3,000 more have died — the number of lives lost on 9/11 .
The United States surpassed 200,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday , and by the end of the week , the country has already lost more than 3,000 more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sept. 11 terror attacks .
As of Friday afternoon , an additional 3,147 people in the U.S. had died since the country hit the grim 200,000 mark , according to Johns Hopkins data .
On 9/11 , 2,977 people were killed in the attacks .
According to a projection by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington , the U.S. death toll from the virus could almost double by Jan. 1 , expected to reach approximately 371,500 by the end of the year .
New York City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in months as the city 's health department said certain hot spot areas may have nonessential businesses closed if their case numbers continue to rise .
Parts of Brooklyn and Queens were facing a rollback in reopenings after the neighborhoods have seen a spike in cases in the past month .
The city said it was considering closing nonessential businesses and private schools and banning gatherings of 10 or more in the areas if cases do not come down by early next week .
The city also planned to send more inspectors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing and social distancing .
Fines could be issued for those refusing to wear masks , the health department said .
The Pac-12 will join the Big Ten in attempting to play football this fall , the league announced Thursday , reversing a decision made in August to postpone until the winter or spring at the earliest due to the health concerns posed by the coronavirus pandemic .
The Mountain West Conference followed a few hours later by announcing an Oct. 24 return , the ninth of 10 FBS conferences that now plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pac-12 play will begin on Nov. 6 with a seven-game schedule consisting of only league games and culminating with the conference championship game on Dec. 18 .
A Virginia health official is warning that President Donald Trump 's planned rally Friday poses a `` severe public health threat '' as 4,000 people are expected to attend .
Dr. Natasha Dwamena , a Department of Public Health district director , wrote a letter to the private company that leases the hangar where the rally is scheduled to take place .
She said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would defy Gov .
Ralph 's Northam 's order banning gatherings of more than 250 people .
The governor 's top health and transportation aides also sent letters to airport officials to remind them they have `` the authority to enforce '' the state 's law .
A conservative radio host and chairman of the Virginia delegation for the Trump campaign said Democrats are trying to block the rally for political reasons .
`` Panic has set amongst Virginia Democrats , '' John Fredericks said .
Rio de Janeiro delayed its annual Carnival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ century due to the coronavirus , officials announced Thursday .
Rio ’ s League of Samba Schools , LIESA , said the spread of the coronavirus has made it impossible to safely hold the traditional parades that are a cultural mainstay and , for many , a source of livelihood .
“ Carnival is a party upon which many humble workers depend .
The samba schools are community institutions , and the parades are just one detail of all that , ” Luiz Antonio Simas , a historian who specializes in Rio ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Associated Press .
“ An entire cultural and productive chain was disrupted by COVID.
” Rio ’ s City Hall has yet to announce a decision about the Carnival street parties that also take place across the city .
Brazil ’ s first confirmed coronavirus case was Feb. 26 , one day after this year ’ s Carnival ended .
More than 824,000 Americans file for unemployment A rebound in hiring that began this summer is sputtering amid regional flareups of the coronavirus , signaling that it may be years before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 824,000 Americans filed for unemployment insurance for the first time last week , the Labor Department said Thursday .
The newest round of 824,542 claims is significantly lower than the record high 6.2 million who filed first-time claims in early spring when most non-essential businesses closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
But the number of filings rose from the week before by 28,527 .
And in less than seven months , more than 57 million have sought unemployment assistance for the first time .
• In your inbox : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 about COVID-19 .
• Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .

Jessica Flores, Ryan W. Miller and Joel Shannon, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: US cases pass 7 million mark; Florida lifts restrictions; America is nowhere near herd immunity
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 testing: Positivity rates and why they are so important COVID-19 widespread testing is crucial to fighting the pandemic, but is there enough testing? The answer is in the positivity rates. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The U.S. has reported more than 7 million cases of COVID-19 as of Friday, a milestone that comes days after leading experts projected the virus' spread was set to rapidly increase in coming months.
It has been eight months and four days since nation's first case was announced, and in that time the U.S. has become the hardest-hit country in the world for both cases and deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
But the U.S. death toll from the virus may almost double by Jan. 1 amid a "major winter surge," according to a projection by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, a source often cited by the White House and federal public health authorities. Among the factors that could drive such a surge: A restriction-weary public wearing masks and staying at home less.
Researchers warned states would likely need to reenact restrictions to combat the virus' spread. That recommendation came the same week as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted all virus restrictions on restaurants and businesses, saying "We’re not closing anything going forward."
Meanwhile in Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam and his wife tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced Friday, the same day that President Donald Trump is scheduled to hold a rally at an airport in the state.
Some significant developments:
A WHO official warned that it was "not only imaginable, but sadly very likely" that 2 million people worldwide would die from the virus before a vaccine is widely available.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have agreed to talk about a new coronavirus relief package, the New York Times reported. Meanwhile, House Democrats are working on passing a $2.4 trillion measure next week.
Current coronavirus outbreaks are heating up fast in smaller cities in the heartland, where anti-mask sentiment tends to run high.
Two former administrators of a Massachusetts veterans home have been charged over their handling of an outbreak where nearly 80 people died, the state attorney general said Friday.
United Airlines will roll out a new COVID-19 testing program for passengers beginning Oct. 15.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported more than 7 million cases and 203,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Globally, there have been more than 32.3 million cases and over 985,000 fatalities. A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data through late Thursday shows seven states — Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming, and also Puerto Rico — set records for new cases in a week while North Dakota had a record number of deaths in a week.
📰 What we're reading: Is it safe to travel this Holiday season? Or is this the year to skip it?
🗺 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.
By the end of July, about 9% of American adults had been exposed to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, according to a new study of dialysis patients, the largest yet looking for evidence of the disease in people's blood.
That data shows the American public is a long way from achieving "herd immunity" – having enough infections to prevent further spread of the virus.
The infection rates varied from essentially zero in some states that avoided infection by mid-summer, to more than one-third of residents in parts of New York hard-hit in the spring.
The new study, published in The Lancet, is in line with previous, smaller studies, and also showed areas with high numbers of Black and non-white Latino residents had higher infection rates than mostly white communities.
— Karen Weintraub
The global death toll from the new coronavirus sits just below 1 million, but without further action to slow the spread, it will likely double before a vaccine is widely available, a World Health Organization official said Friday.
Dr. Mike Ryan, head the WHO’s health emergencies program, said that 2 million deaths was "not only imaginable, but sadly very likely" in the absence of increased testing, tracing, social distancing, mask wearing and other measures to slow the spread of the virus.
“The time for action is now on every single aspect of this strategic approach,” Ryan said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday he was lifting COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants and other businesses across Florida as he pushed to reopen the state's economy.
DeSantis also said any local government limitations affecting restaurants and other businesses would have to be justified by his administration.
“We’re not closing anything going forward,” DeSantis said, while insisting that the state is prepared with plans in place if infections increase again.
The Phase 3 order will allow theme parks to operate at full capacity and lift any restrictions on gatherings, although the state still is recommending people avoid crowded spaces.
Bars can go beyond 50% capacity, if local governments give them the green light, DeSantis said.
– John Kennedy, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and her family are facing a $45 million hit from the coronavirus pandemic, partly due to a shortage of tourists, the monarch’s money-manager said Friday.
Releasing the royal household’s annual accounts, Keeper of the Privy Purse Michael Stevens said a lack of income from visitors to royal buildings was likely to bring a general funding shortfall of $19 million over three years.
He said the impact of the pandemic is also likely to cause a $25.4 million shortfall in a 10-year, $469 million program to replace antiquated heating, plumbing and wiring at Buckingham Palace, the queen’s London home.
Two former operators of a nursing home in Massachusetts for veterans, where almost 80 patients died from the virus, are now facing criminal charges, the state attorney general announced Friday.
The former superintendent and medical director of Holyoke Soldiers’ Home will each face 10 counts, including charges criminal neglect and causing serious bodily injury. Attorney General Maura Healey said Bennett Walsh and David Clinton were indicted by a grand jury, believed to be the first such case in the United States involving nursing home employees facing criminal charges for COVID-19 deaths.
At least 76 veterans at the home died due to COVID-19 after the operators made the “most disturbing” decision to consolidate two units into one, mixing COVID-positive patients with those that had no symptoms and allowing the virus to spread, Healey said.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam and first lady Pamela Northam tested positive for COVID-19, his office said in a statement Friday morning.
The two were tested after a staff member in their residence developed symptoms and later tested positive. According to a news release, Gov. Northam is asymptomatic while first lady Northam is experiencing mild symptoms.
"We are grateful for your thoughts and support, but the best thing you can do for us — and most importantly, for your fellow Virginians — is to take this seriously," Northam said.
The United States surpassed 200,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, and by the end of the week, the country has already lost more than 3,000 more people, roughly the death toll of the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
As of Friday afternoon, an additional 3,147 people in the U.S. had died since the country hit the grim 200,000 mark, according to Johns Hopkins data. On 9/11, 2,977 people were killed in the attacks.
According to a projection by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, the U.S. death toll from the virus could almost double by Jan. 1, expected to reach approximately 371,500 by the end of the year.
New York City could see its first new COVID-19 shutdowns in months as the city's health department said certain hot spot areas may have nonessential businesses closed if their case numbers continue to rise.
Parts of Brooklyn and Queens were facing a rollback in reopenings after the neighborhoods have seen a spike in cases in the past month. The city said it was considering closing nonessential businesses and private schools and banning gatherings of 10 or more in the areas if cases do not come down by early next week.
The city also planned to send more inspectors to the areas to monitor compliance of mask wearing and social distancing. Fines could be issued for those refusing to wear masks, the health department said.
The Pac-12 will join the Big Ten in attempting to play football this fall, the league announced Thursday, reversing a decision made in August to postpone until the winter or spring at the earliest due to the health concerns posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Mountain West Conference followed a few hours later by announcing an Oct. 24 return, the ninth of 10 FBS conferences that now plan to complete their seasons by Dec. 20.
Pac-12 play will begin on Nov. 6 with a seven-game schedule consisting of only league games and culminating with the conference championship game on Dec. 18.
– Paul Myerberg
A Virginia health official is warning that President Donald Trump's planned rally Friday poses a "severe public health threat" as 4,000 people are expected to attend.
Dr. Natasha Dwamena, a Department of Public Health district director, wrote a letter to the private company that leases the hangar where the rally is scheduled to take place. She said the rally at the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport would defy Gov. Ralph's Northam's order banning gatherings of more than 250 people.
The governor's top health and transportation aides also sent letters to airport officials to remind them they have "the authority to enforce" the state's law.
A conservative radio host and chairman of the Virginia delegation for the Trump campaign said Democrats are trying to block the rally for political reasons. "Panic has set amongst Virginia Democrats," John Fredericks said.
Rio de Janeiro delayed its annual Carnival parade for the first time in a century due to the coronavirus, officials announced Thursday. Rio’s League of Samba Schools, LIESA, said the spread of the coronavirus has made it impossible to safely hold the traditional parades that are a cultural mainstay and, for many, a source of livelihood.
“Carnival is a party upon which many humble workers depend. The samba schools are community institutions, and the parades are just one detail of all that,” Luiz Antonio Simas, a historian who specializes in Rio’s Carnival, said in an interview with the Associated Press. “An entire cultural and productive chain was disrupted by COVID.”
Rio’s City Hall has yet to announce a decision about the Carnival street parties that also take place across the city.
Brazil’s first confirmed coronavirus case was Feb. 26, one day after this year’s Carnival ended.
More than 824,000 Americans file for unemployment
A rebound in hiring that began this summer is sputtering amid regional flareups of the coronavirus, signaling that it may be years before the jobs market fully recovers.
More than 824,000 Americans filed for unemployment insurance for the first time last week, the Labor Department said Thursday.
The newest round of 824,542 claims is significantly lower than the record high 6.2 million who filed first-time claims in early spring when most non-essential businesses closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
But the number of filings rose from the week before by 28,527. And in less than seven months, more than 57 million have sought unemployment assistance for the first time.
– Charisse Jones
COVID-19 resources from USA TODAY
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--2020-09-25--Voting groups report surge in registrations after death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Many Americans signed up to vote after the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last week , according to multiple voter registration organizations .
Vote.org said it saw 40,771 new registrations on the weekend that followed Ginsburg 's death on Sept. 18 , a 68 % increase over the previous Saturday and Sunday .
And the group said it received 35,288 requests for mail-in ballots , a 42 % jump from the weekend before .
`` Following Justice Ginsburg 's passing , the significant uptick in interactions with Vote.org 's registration and mail ballot resources , culminating in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , speaks to an energy among Americans who want to make sure their voices are heard this election , '' Vote.org CEO Andrea Hailey said in a statement.
`` Carolyn DeWitt , president of Rock the Vote , told CNBC her organization experienced a similar surge .
RIP RBG : Ruth Bader Ginsburg makes history as the first woman , Jewish person to lie in state at US Capitol '' I do think that the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has galvanized eligible voters , in particular , who understand the role of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the future of civil rights , '' DeWitt said .
Ginsburg 's death came just ahead of Voter Registration Day , when Rock the Vote , NextGen America and When We All Vote – a voter engagement organization co-chaired by former first lady Michelle Obama – all broke previous registration records , according to CNN .
When We All Vote reported more than 82,000 voters started or completed the registration process from Saturday to Thursday .
Are you registered ?
Check your status now Filling Ginsburg 's seat on the bench has become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nov. 3 election .
Eighty percent of likely voters in a recent Economist/YouGov poll said the choice of the next justice is personally important to them .
When asked if the seat should be filled right away by Trump or if he should wait for the election results , 83 % of Democrats said the seat should be left vacant for the election winner , while 80 % of Republicans said Republicans should fill the seat now .
'Honor her wish ' : Trump jeered as he pays respects to Ginsburg at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to Ginsburg 's death , voter registration is dramatically down from 2016 , according to a recent study from the Brennan Center for Justice .
The study attributed the decline to the coronavirus pandemic , which has killed more than 200,000 in the U.S .
The study , released Monday , found voter registration had plummeted an average of 38 % in 17 of 21 states that in analyzed .
The levels varied dramatically by state , with some down only slightly – such as in Wisconsin , which was down 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down significantly , such as Maryland , where registration was down four of the states – Alaska , Idaho , Michigan , and Utah – saw a rise in registrations .

Voting groups report surge in registrations after death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Show Caption Hide Caption The Republican race to replace Ruth Bader Ginsburg The GOP held up hearings for President Obama's Supreme Court nominee in 2016. But it's a different story for President Trump's nominee in 2020. States of America, Wochit
Many Americans signed up to vote after the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last week, according to multiple voter registration organizations.
Vote.org said it saw 40,771 new registrations on the weekend that followed Ginsburg's death on Sept. 18, a 68% increase over the previous Saturday and Sunday. And the group said it received 35,288 requests for mail-in ballots, a 42% jump from the weekend before.
"Following Justice Ginsburg's passing, the significant uptick in interactions with Vote.org's registration and mail ballot resources, culminating in record numbers on National Voter Registration Day, speaks to an energy among Americans who want to make sure their voices are heard this election," Vote.org CEO Andrea Hailey said in a statement. "
Carolyn DeWitt, president of Rock the Vote, told CNBC her organization experienced a similar surge.
RIP RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg makes history as the first woman, Jewish person to lie in state at US Capitol
"I do think that the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg has galvanized eligible voters, in particular, who understand the role of the Supreme Court and are concerned about the future of civil rights," DeWitt said.
Ginsburg's death came just ahead of Voter Registration Day, when Rock the Vote, NextGen America and When We All Vote – a voter engagement organization co-chaired by former first lady Michelle Obama – all broke previous registration records, according to CNN. When We All Vote reported more than 82,000 voters started or completed the registration process from Saturday to Thursday.
Are you registered? Check your status now
Filling Ginsburg's seat on the bench has become a hotly debated partisan issue heading into the Nov. 3 election. Eighty percent of likely voters in a recent Economist/YouGov poll said the choice of the next justice is personally important to them. When asked if the seat should be filled right away by Trump or if he should wait for the election results, 83% of Democrats said the seat should be left vacant for the election winner, while 80% of Republicans said Republicans should fill the seat now.
'Honor her wish': Trump jeered as he pays respects to Ginsburg at Supreme Court
Despite the reported registrations surge related to Ginsburg's death, voter registration is dramatically down from 2016, according to a recent study from the Brennan Center for Justice. The study attributed the decline to the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 200,000 in the U.S.
Dems accuse GOP of hypocrisy on court debate Democrats are accusing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of blatant hypocrisy after he pledged a Senate vote on President Donald Trump's nominee to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Supreme Court seat. (Sept. 22) AP
The study, released Monday, found voter registration had plummeted an average of 38% in 17 of 21 states that in analyzed. The levels varied dramatically by state, with some down only slightly – such as in Wisconsin, which was down 2% relative to 2016 – and others down significantly, such as Maryland, where registration was down four of the states – Alaska, Idaho, Michigan, and Utah – saw a rise in registrations.
Saturday announcement: Trump to announce nominee to fill Ginsburg's seat


usatoday--2020-09-25--Recalled mushrooms likely linked to salmonella outbreak shipped to restaurants in more than 30 state

Recalled mushrooms likely linked to salmonella outbreak shipped to restaurants in more than 30 states

Two federal health agencies are investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella infections likely linked to wood ear mushrooms imported by Wismettac Asian Foods , Inc. of Santa Fe Springs , California .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration both issued notices this week advising consumers to be cautious when ordering meals with mushrooms as the dried mushrooms were shipped to restaurants in 31 states and Washington , D.C. '' Consumers can ask restaurants where mushrooms are from before ordering to avoid eating recalled mushrooms , '' the FDA said in a notice about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported cases of the salmonella infection in 10 states .
Four people have been hospitalized , the CDC said .
Saw recall : More than 256,000 Kobalt cordless saws sold at Lowe 's recalled for 'laceration hazard' '' Restaurants should not sell or serve recalled wood ear mushrooms distributed by Wismettac Asian Foods , Inc. , labeled as Shirakiku brand Black Fungus ( Kikurage ) , '' the FDA said .
`` Restaurants should immediately discard any of the recalled product . ''
Wismettac Asian Foods is voluntarily recalling the 5-pound bags of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of `` the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children , frail or elderly people , and others with weakened immune systems , '' the company said on its website .
According to the recall and health alerts , the product was distributed to restaurants in Arkansas , California , Colorado , Connecticut , Delaware , Florida , Georgia , Hawaii , Iowa , Illinois , Indiana , Louisiana , Massachusetts , Maryland , Michigan , Minnesota , Missouri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , New Jersey , New York , Ohio , Oregon , Pennsylvania , South Carolina , Tennessee , Texas , Virginia , Washington , Wisconsin andWashington , D.C. , as well as British Columbia in Canada .
The FDA also advises `` restaurants that received recalled products should use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled product , to reduce the risk of cross contamination . ''
The recall notice said consumers with questions can contact the company at recall @ wismettacusa.com .

Mushroom recall: Wood ear mushrooms likely linked to salmonella outbreak shipped to restaurants in 30-plus states
Show Caption Hide Caption Why food recalls are increasing E.Coli, metal and even a dead bat has have been found in recalled food. In fact, food recalls are increasing. Yet, that might actually be a good sign. Here's why. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Two federal health agencies are investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella infections probably linked to wood ear mushrooms imported by Wismettac Asian Foods of Santa Fe Springs, California.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration issued notices this week advising consumers to be cautious when ordering meals with mushrooms. The dried mushrooms were shipped to restaurants in 31 states and Washington, D.C.
"Consumers can ask restaurants where mushrooms are from before ordering to avoid eating recalled mushrooms," the FDA said.
There have been 41 reported cases of the salmonella infection in 10 states. Four people have been hospitalized, the CDC said.
Saw recall: More than 256,000 Kobalt cordless saws sold at Lowe's recalled for 'laceration hazard'
Pimento cheese chase: Costco reportedly pulls Palmetto Cheese after founder calls Black Lives Matter a 'terror organization'
"Restaurants should not sell or serve recalled wood ear mushrooms distributed by Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc., labeled as Shirakiku brand Black Fungus (Kikurage)," the FDA said. "Restaurants should immediately discard any of the recalled product."
Wismettac Asian Foods voluntarily recalled the 5-pound bags of dried fungus that were imported from China because of "the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems," the company said on its website.
According to the recall and health alerts, the product was distributed to restaurants in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin andWashington, D.C., as well as British Columbia in Canada.
The FDA said, "Restaurants that received recalled products should use extra vigilance in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces that may have come in contact with recalled product to reduce the risk of cross contamination."
The recall notice said consumers with questions can contact the company at recall@wismettacusa.com.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko


usatoday--2020-09-25--'Release the transcripts': Ben Crump slams decision in Breonna Taylor case, calls out systemic racis

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — Members of Breonna Taylor 's family and their attorneys on Friday called on Kentucky 's attorney general to release the transcripts of the grand jury proceedings that led to the decision not to indict any officer in her fatal shooting .
The press conference came after a hectic night for Louisville .
Police arrested at least two dozen protesters , including a state legislator , Thursday night as around 100 people huddled on a nearby church 's property , hoping to avoid additional arrests .
Ben Crump , one of the attorneys for the family , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cameron presented to the jury .
He spoke Friday at Jefferson Square Park , the epicenter of protests , in the family 's first press conference since the decision was announced .
Crump called the decision part of a `` pattern of the blatant disrespect and marginalization of Black people , but especially Black women . ''
`` There seems to be two justice systems in America : One for Black America , and one for white America , '' Crump said , before leading the crowd in chants of `` release the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney for the family , demanded that Cameron reveal whether he presented any charges against the officers who shot Taylor to the grand jury .
`` You ca n't pawn this off on the grand jury if your office made that decision , '' Baker said .
`` Do n't tell us that the grand jury made this determination if it was truly your determination . ''
The latest from Louisville : Cop injured in Breonna Taylor shooting threatens lawsuits over being called 'murderer' Fact checking 8 myths : Was she asleep when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footage ?
The grand jury on Wednesday indicted former Louisville officer Brett Hankison on wanton endangerment charges for firing 10 rounds into Taylor 's apartment and an adjoining unit where three people were present .
Hankison was fired in June .
Taylor , a 26-year-old ER technician , was killed shortly before 1 a.m. on March 13 when officers came to her apartment looking for drugs and cash as part of a larger narcotics investigation connected to her former boyfriend .
She was shot six times .
None of the officers who fired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Cameron saying they acted in self-defense after Taylor 's boyfriend , Kenneth Walker , fired at them first .
Cameron refused to tell reporters Wednesday whether he recommended that grand jurors exonerate all three police officers on homicide charges , citing the secrecy of grand jury proceedings .
But other prosecutors in Kentucky , notably Dave Stengel , the former commonwealth ’ s attorney in Jefferson County where Louisville is located , have disclosed whether they made recommendations to grand juries in police shooting cases — or left decisions solely up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other states .
In 2015 , for example , after a 13-month investigation of the police shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice , who was shot in a Cleveland park while holding a toy gun , the Cuyahoga County prosecutor disclosed that he advised the grand jury to issue no indictment .
Kentucky ’ s grand jury secrecy rule says “ all persons present during any part of the proceedings of a grand jury shall keep its proceedings and the testimony given before it secret.
” Bennett Gershman , a nationally recognized expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pace University in New York , said under those rules prosecutors could elect to reveal their grand jury recommendations or keep them confidential .
He said he is not aware of any prosecutor being sanctioned for disclosing a recommendation .
Grand jury proceedings are secret for four reasons , the U.S. Supreme Court has said : • To prevent those under investigation from interfering with witnesses ; • to reduce the chance that a person about to be indicted will flee ; • and to protect innocent people who may be grand jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kuhn , a spokesperson for Cameron , issued a statement Friday saying the attorney general `` understands that the family of Ms. Breonna Taylor is in an incredible amount of pain and anguish , and he also understands that the outcome of the Grand Jury proceedings was not what they had hoped .
`` Regarding today ’ s statements at the press conference , everyone is entitled to their opinion , but prosecutors and grand jury members are bound by the facts and by the law .
Attorney General Cameron is committed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity of the prosecution before him and continue fulfilling his ethical obligations both as a prosecutor and as a partner in the ongoing federal investigation . ''
Tamika Palmer , Taylor 's mother , said that although Cameron had the power to help the city start healing she knew he would `` never do his job , '' in a statement read Friday by Bianca Austin , Taylor 's aunt .
`` I was reassured Wednesday of why I have no faith in the legal system , in the police , in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` They are not made to protect us Black and brown people . ''
Austin , continuing to read Palmer 's statement , said that police `` robbed the world of a queen . ''
More from Tamika Palmer : Hopes dashed twice for Breonna Taylor 's mother over lack of charges against officers Tamika Mallory , co-founder of social justice group Until Freedom that has been staging protests in Louisville , called Cameron a `` coward '' and a `` sell-out '' who upheld the system of white supremacy .
Mallory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year by the city 's police union , after which Cameron pledged to be an advocate for police .
`` He ’ s a man of his word as it related to his relationship to police ... he protected the police , '' she said .
`` We have no respect for you . ''
Mallory again called on Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer to fire the officers who shot Taylor and pledged to continue to protest until he does so .
She said protesters would begin gathering again at 5 p.m. Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that `` violence and destruction will not be tolerated . ''
`` I know that most protesters continue to be peaceful and lawful , '' Fischer said .
`` But I want to caution the peaceful protesters : If you 're in a group where disruptive and violent behavior is happening , you need to separate from that group , or you will be subject to arrest . ''
' A long , tough week':24 arrested as Breonna Taylor protests again take over Louisville streets ; curfew extended through weekend Meanwhile , state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday night during protests and released from jail Friday morning , said she is going to make sure Breonna 's Law — a statewide law to ban no-knock search warrants — will be heard .
The family was also joined Friday by Jacob Blake Sr. , the father of Jacob Blake Jr. , who was recently shot in the back by police in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
Blake Sr. said he came down to Louisville to support Palmer .
`` We did n't choose this fraternity , '' he said .
`` This @ @ @ @ @

N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Ben Tobin and Andrew Wolfson, USA TODAY

'Release the transcripts': Ben Crump slams decision in Breonna Taylor case, calls out systemic racism in the legal system
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Members of Breonna Taylor's family and their attorneys on Friday called on Kentucky's attorney general to release the transcripts of the grand jury proceedings that led to the decision not to indict any officer in her fatal shooting.
The press conference came after a hectic night for Louisville. Police arrested at least two dozen protesters, including a state legislator, Thursday night as around 100 people huddled on a nearby church's property, hoping to avoid additional arrests.
Ben Crump, one of the attorneys for the family, questioned what evidence Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron presented to the jury. He spoke Friday at Jefferson Square Park, the epicenter of protests, in the family's first press conference since the decision was announced. Crump called the decision part of a "pattern of the blatant disrespect and marginalization of Black people, but especially Black women."
"There seems to be two justice systems in America: One for Black America, and one for white America," Crump said, before leading the crowd in chants of "release the transcripts."
Lonita Baker, another attorney for the family, demanded that Cameron reveal whether he presented any charges against the officers who shot Taylor to the grand jury.
"You can't pawn this off on the grand jury if your office made that decision," Baker said. "Don't tell us that the grand jury made this determination if it was truly your determination."
The latest from Louisville: Cop injured in Breonna Taylor shooting threatens lawsuits over being called 'murderer'
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The grand jury on Wednesday indicted former Louisville officer Brett Hankison on wanton endangerment charges for firing 10 rounds into Taylor's apartment and an adjoining unit where three people were present. Hankison was fired in June.
Taylor, a 26-year-old ER technician, was killed shortly before 1 a.m. on March 13 when officers came to her apartment looking for drugs and cash as part of a larger narcotics investigation connected to her former boyfriend. She was shot six times.
How a grand jury works, why some are contentious A previous version of this video generalized what occurs if a grand jury decides not to indict; jurisdictions have different protocols. USA TODAY
None of the officers who fired shots that killed Taylor were charged, with Cameron saying they acted in self-defense after Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired at them first.
Cameron refused to tell reporters Wednesday whether he recommended that grand jurors exonerate all three police officers on homicide charges, citing the secrecy of grand jury proceedings.
But other prosecutors in Kentucky, notably Dave Stengel, the former commonwealth’s attorney in Jefferson County where Louisville is located, have disclosed whether they made recommendations to grand juries in police shooting cases — or left decisions solely up to the grand jury.
So have prosecutors in other states.
In 2015, for example, after a 13-month investigation of the police shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice, who was shot in a Cleveland park while holding a toy gun, the Cuyahoga County prosecutor disclosed that he advised the grand jury to issue no indictment.
Kentucky’s grand jury secrecy rule says “all persons present during any part of the proceedings of a grand jury shall keep its proceedings and the testimony given before it secret.”
Bennett Gershman, a nationally recognized expert on prosecutorial ethics who teaches law at Pace University in New York, said under those rules prosecutors could elect to reveal their grand jury recommendations or keep them confidential. He said he is not aware of any prosecutor being sanctioned for disclosing a recommendation.
Grand jury proceedings are secret for four reasons, the U.S. Supreme Court has said:
To prevent those under investigation from interfering with witnesses;
to encourage witnesses to speak freely;
to reduce the chance that a person about to be indicted will flee;
and to protect innocent people who may be grand jury targets but are never indicted.
Elizabeth Kuhn, a spokesperson for Cameron, issued a statement Friday saying the attorney general "understands that the family of Ms. Breonna Taylor is in an incredible amount of pain and anguish, and he also understands that the outcome of the Grand Jury proceedings was not what they had hoped.
"Regarding today’s statements at the press conference, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but prosecutors and grand jury members are bound by the facts and by the law. Attorney General Cameron is committed to doing everything he can to ensure the integrity of the prosecution before him and continue fulfilling his ethical obligations both as a prosecutor and as a partner in the ongoing federal investigation."
Tamika Palmer, Taylor's mother, said that although Cameron had the power to help the city start healing she knew he would "never do his job," in a statement read Friday by Bianca Austin, Taylor's aunt.
"I was reassured Wednesday of why I have no faith in the legal system, in the police, in the law," Palmer's statement said. "They are not made to protect us Black and brown people."
Austin, continuing to read Palmer's statement, said that police "robbed the world of a queen."
Read the full statement: Here's what Breonna Taylor's mom said about Daniel Cameron and the grand jury's decision
More from Tamika Palmer: Hopes dashed twice for Breonna Taylor's mother over lack of charges against officers
Tamika Mallory, co-founder of social justice group Until Freedom that has been staging protests in Louisville, called Cameron a "coward" and a "sell-out" who upheld the system of white supremacy. Mallory also criticized him for his endorsement last year by the city's police union, after which Cameron pledged to be an advocate for police.
"He’s a man of his word as it related to his relationship to police ... he protected the police," she said. "We have no respect for you."
Mallory again called on Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer to fire the officers who shot Taylor and pledged to continue to protest until he does so. She said protesters would begin gathering again at 5 p.m. Friday.
Fischer in a media briefing Friday stressed that "violence and destruction will not be tolerated."
"I know that most protesters continue to be peaceful and lawful," Fischer said. "But I want to caution the peaceful protesters: If you're in a group where disruptive and violent behavior is happening, you need to separate from that group, or you will be subject to arrest."
'A long, tough week': 24 arrested as Breonna Taylor protests again take over Louisville streets; curfew extended through weekend
Meanwhile, state Rep. Attica Scott, who was arrested Thursday night during protests and released from jail Friday morning, said she is going to make sure Breonna's Law — a statewide law to ban no-knock search warrants — will be heard.
The family was also joined Friday by Jacob Blake Sr., the father of Jacob Blake Jr., who was recently shot in the back by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Blake Sr. said he came down to Louisville to support Palmer.
"We didn't choose this fraternity," he said. "This fraternity chose us."
Contributing: Tessa Duvall and Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal