usatoday--2020-09-02--Portland protests: Donald Trump threatens to send federal forces back into the city; Mayor Ted Wheel

As Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown 's plan to increase law enforcement in Portland faced criticism , President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to send federal forces back into the city , a day after he defended his supporters ' actions during a caravan that preceded the fatal shooting of a supporter of a right-wing group .
`` We 're ready , willing and able to send in , you know , a massive group of people that are really highly trained , '' Trump said in a meeting with law enforcement officers and Attorney General William Barr in Kenosha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that problem in less than an hour in Portland … and at some point , Bill , we ’ ll just have to do it ourselves . ''
Aaron `` Jay '' Danielson , 39 , was fatally shot in Portlandon Saturday after clashes between Trump supporters and protesters erupted in the city , which has seen nightly protests since the killing of George Floyd , a Black man in police custody , in May .
Police released few details about the shooting and have not named a suspect .
Danielson wore a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group active in Portland .
Video and photos Saturday showed both sides shouting and lobbing projectiles at each other .
Some images showed people in vehicles in a pro-Trump caravan firing paintballs at protesters .
Other videos showed cars nearly running over protesters .
`` Paint is a defensive mechanism .
Paint is not bullets , '' Trump said during a White House briefing Monday .
Someone connected with violent protests `` shot a young gentleman and killed him , '' he said .
`` Not with paint but with a bullet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ called on to come to Portland to aid police officers in patrolling protests dismissed her plan Monday .
More on Patriot Prayer : What is the right-wing group linked to Portland confrontations and who is Joey Gibson ?
Here 's what we know Tuesday : Brown released details of her peace plan Sunday , which includes deploying Oregon State Police , asking for help from law enforcement and calling on the Multnomah County District Attorney ’ s Office to prosecute arson and other violent offenses .
Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts said adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't work unless Portland ’ s newly elected district attorney is harder on protesters .
Roberts said that too often , demonstrators arrested on low-level crimes are released .
`` The same offenders are arrested night after night , only to be released by the court and not charged with a crime by the DA ’ s office .
The next night , they are back at it , endangering the lives of law enforcement and the community all over again , '' Roberts said .
`` The criminal justice system will need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accountable . ''
Washington County Sheriff Pat Garrett was also critical of Brown 's plan .
On Tuesday , Gresham police also declined to play a role .
Brown 's plan includes creating a forum among the city 's Black leaders and Mayor Ted Wheeler .
Trump has often lashed out at Wheeler for the unrest , calling him a `` joke of a mayor '' and a `` fool '' in the wake of the shooting .
Black leaders expressed concern over the plan , which would increase law enforcement on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just there , the odds of getting arrested at this point are almost so high as to the point of being guaranteed , '' Shanice Clarke , a founder of the Black Millennial Movement , told The Associated Press .
Wheeler needs to do more than `` just showing up to a press conference and saying it ’ s Trump ’ s fault '' for Black people to feel they are being listened to , she said .
Visual timeline from Kenosha : Violence after police shooting of Jacob Blake Mayor Ted Wheeler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after protests at his building The Oregonian reported Tuesday night that Mayor Ted Wheeler is looking for a new place to live following repeated demonstrations at his Pearl District condo building .
Monday night 's demonstration included demands for his resignation , the newspaper reported .
In an email on Tuesday to other residents of the 144-unit high-rise building , Wheeler said it would be “ best for me and for everyone else ’ s safety and peace ” for him to find a new home .
The Oregonian reported on Monday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tossed a picnic table in it .
Windows on the ground floor were broken , and some protesters took items from a dental office .
Video shared by New York Times reporter Mike Baker showed police swarm in and make arrests .
Police declared the mass gathering a riot late Monday and arrested 19 people , according to a news release .
Demonstrators have rallied in Portland every night since Floyd , a Black man , died as a white Minneapolis police officer dug his knee into Floyd 's neck for nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive protests around the country .
The unrest in Portland has ebbed and flowed , but tensions were reignited when Trump ordered federal agents to the city to protect a federal courthouse and quell violence .
Those agents withdrew July 31 , but smaller nightly protests have continued in pockets of the city .
More than 600 people have been arrested since late May .
What happened during the caravan , shooting ?
Danielson was shot about 15 minutes after the caravan left downtown Portland on Saturday .
The group of vehicles rolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearby Clackamas .
Fights and skirmishes broke out between Trump supporters and protesters .
Video showed both sides hurling objects .
Protesters lit Trump flags on fire and lobbed water bottles .
Trump supporters fired paintball guns and pepper spray as they drove into some protesters .
Hours before he was fatally shot , Danielson and a friend headed downtown to the caravan .
They wore hats with the insignia of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer and appeared armed with knives and paintball guns .
In a video of the shooting , three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ground .
Based in Washington state , Patriot Prayer is a right-wing group `` about fighting corruption , big government , and tyranny using God for strength and the power of love , '' founder Joey Gibson wrote on the group 's Facebook page .
The group has often clashed with protesters in Portland , and the Southern Poverty Law Center , which advocates for civil rights , said Patriot Prayer members often engage in violence against their political opponents .
`` Our concern now is that ( far-right groups in Portland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an excuse to act with even more impunity against anti-fascists , leftists , Black Lives Matter activists and journalists , '' said Cassie Miller , senior research analyst for the SPLC .
Gibson called Danielson a friend and wrote on Facebook , `` We love Jay and he had such a huge heart .
God bless him and the life he lived . ''
Chandler Pappas , who was seen next to Danielson on Saturday , told a rally Sunday that the man was `` Christian '' and `` conservative . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was just killed senselessly for no reason other than he believed something different than they do , '' Pappas said .

Portland protests: Donald Trump threatens to send federal forces back into the city; Mayor Ted Wheeler seeks new home
Show Caption Hide Caption Man fatally shot amid clashes in Portland; Mayor and Trump have war of words A fatal shooting in Portland has led to a war of words between Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and President Donald Trump. Wochit, USA TODAY
As Oregon Gov. Kate Brown's plan to increase law enforcement in Portland faced criticism, President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to send federal forces back into the city, a day after he defended his supporters' actions during a caravan that preceded the fatal shooting of a supporter of a right-wing group.
"We're ready, willing and able to send in, you know, a massive group of people that are really highly trained," Trump said in a meeting with law enforcement officers and Attorney General William Barr in Kenosha, Wisconsin. "We could solve that problem in less than an hour in Portland … and at some point, Bill, we’ll just have to do it ourselves."
Aaron "Jay" Danielson, 39, was fatally shot in Portland on Saturday after clashes between Trump supporters and protesters erupted in the city, which has seen nightly protests since the killing of George Floyd, a Black man in police custody, in May.
Police released few details about the shooting and have not named a suspect. Danielson wore a hat with an insignia for a right-wing group active in Portland.
Video and photos Saturday showed both sides shouting and lobbing projectiles at each other. Some images showed people in vehicles in a pro-Trump caravan firing paintballs at protesters. Other videos showed cars nearly running over protesters.
"Paint is a defensive mechanism. Paint is not bullets," Trump said during a White House briefing Monday. Someone connected with violent protests "shot a young gentleman and killed him," he said. "Not with paint but with a bullet."
Nearby sheriff's offices that Brown called on to come to Portland to aid police officers in patrolling protests dismissed her plan Monday.
More on Patriot Prayer: What is the right-wing group linked to Portland confrontations and who is Joey Gibson?
Here's what we know Tuesday:
Sheriffs: Brown's plan won't end 'cycle of violence' in Portland
Brown released details of her peace plan Sunday, which includes deploying Oregon State Police, asking for help from law enforcement and calling on the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office to prosecute arson and other violent offenses.
Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts said adding more law enforcement to the mix wouldn't work unless Portland’s newly elected district attorney is harder on protesters. Roberts said that too often, demonstrators arrested on low-level crimes are released.
The law that allows DHS to send federal agents to cities like Portland The Trump administration sends federal agents in cities like Portland by citing the Department of Homeland Security. Here is breakdown on the law. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
"The same offenders are arrested night after night, only to be released by the court and not charged with a crime by the DA’s office. The next night, they are back at it, endangering the lives of law enforcement and the community all over again," Roberts said. "The criminal justice system will need to do its part and hold offenders accountable."
Washington County Sheriff Pat Garrett was also critical of Brown's plan. On Tuesday, Gresham police also declined to play a role.
Brown's plan includes creating a forum among the city's Black leaders and Mayor Ted Wheeler. Trump has often lashed out at Wheeler for the unrest, calling him a "joke of a mayor" and a "fool" in the wake of the shooting.
Black leaders expressed concern over the plan, which would increase law enforcement on the streets.
"If you’re just there, the odds of getting arrested at this point are almost so high as to the point of being guaranteed," Shanice Clarke, a founder of the Black Millennial Movement, told The Associated Press.
Wheeler needs to do more than "just showing up to a press conference and saying it’s Trump’s fault" for Black people to feel they are being listened to, she said.
Visual timeline from Kenosha: Violence after police shooting of Jacob Blake
Mayor Ted Wheeler plans to find new place to live after protests at his building
The Oregonian reported Tuesday night that Mayor Ted Wheeler is looking for a new place to live following repeated demonstrations at his Pearl District condo building.
Monday night's demonstration included demands for his resignation, the newspaper reported.
In an email on Tuesday to other residents of the 144-unit high-rise building, Wheeler said it would be “best for me and for everyone else’s safety and peace” for him to find a new home.
The Oregonian reported on Monday night that people lit a fire with newspapers and tossed a picnic table in it. Windows on the ground floor were broken, and some protesters took items from a dental office.
Video shared by New York Times reporter Mike Baker showed police swarm in and make arrests. Police declared the mass gathering a riot late Monday and arrested 19 people, according to a news release.
Demonstrators have rallied in Portland every night since Floyd, a Black man, died as a white Minneapolis police officer dug his knee into Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes. His death led to massive protests around the country.
The unrest in Portland has ebbed and flowed, but tensions were reignited when Trump ordered federal agents to the city to protect a federal courthouse and quell violence.
Those agents withdrew July 31, but smaller nightly protests have continued in pockets of the city. More than 600 people have been arrested since late May.
'People's worst fears' came alive: In Kenosha, guns, militia inject chilling dimension into protests
What happened during the caravan, shooting?
Danielson was shot about 15 minutes after the caravan left downtown Portland on Saturday.
The group of vehicles rolled into the city after a rally in nearby Clackamas. Fights and skirmishes broke out between Trump supporters and protesters. Video showed both sides hurling objects. Protesters lit Trump flags on fire and lobbed water bottles. Trump supporters fired paintball guns and pepper spray as they drove into some protesters.
Hours before he was fatally shot, Danielson and a friend headed downtown to the caravan. They wore hats with the insignia of the right-wing group Patriot Prayer and appeared armed with knives and paintball guns.
In a video of the shooting, three shots are heard before Danielson falls to the ground.
Sheriff: 2 Los Angeles deputies killed Black man who dropped a handgun
What is Patriot Prayer?
Based in Washington state, Patriot Prayer is a right-wing group "about fighting corruption, big government, and tyranny using God for strength and the power of love," founder Joey Gibson wrote on the group's Facebook page.
The group has often clashed with protesters in Portland, and the Southern Poverty Law Center, which advocates for civil rights, said Patriot Prayer members often engage in violence against their political opponents.
"Our concern now is that (far-right groups in Portland) will use this tragic death as an excuse to act with even more impunity against anti-fascists, leftists, Black Lives Matter activists and journalists," said Cassie Miller, senior research analyst for the SPLC.
Gibson called Danielson a friend and wrote on Facebook, "We love Jay and he had such a huge heart. God bless him and the life he lived."
Chandler Pappas, who was seen next to Danielson on Saturday, told a rally Sunday that the man was "Christian" and "conservative."
"He was a good man, and he was just killed senselessly for no reason other than he believed something different than they do," Pappas said.
Contributing: John Bacon, Jordan Culver, Jorge Ortiz, USA TODAY; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-09-02--Election 2020: Where the presidential race stands following the political conventions

Election 2020 : Where the presidential race stands following the political conventions With Labor Day fast approaching , a USA @ @ @ @ @ ' impact and where the race stands now .

Here's where the presidential race stands after the conventions
With Labor Day fast approaching, a USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll explores the conventions' impact and where the race stands now.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-03--Heat put league-best Bucks in 0-2 hole as Jimmy Butler hits free throws with no time remaining

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — In a game where Milwaukee and Miami fouled shooters on the perimeter regularly , the Heat got the last call that mattered of a crazy sequence to end the game .
Following Milwaukee forward Khris Middleton ’ s three free throws with 4.3 seconds left in the fourth quarter , which tied the game , Miami ’ s Jimmy Butler made two free throws with no time remaining after he was fouled by Giannis Antetokounmpo , giving the Heat a 116-114 victory – and a surprising 2-0 series lead over the Bucks in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and over that he didn ’ t care who did the scoring as long as the Miami Heat won .
Following his 40-point effort in Game 1 against Milwaukee , Butler had just 13 points Wednesday , but six other Heat players reached double figures .
The Heat nearly blew a 113-107 lead with 19.8 seconds left .
Antetokounmpo scored on driving dunk , and the Bucks forced a steal , leading to a Brook Lopez layup with 8.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter , making it 113-111 .
Butler made just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving Milwaukee a chance to force overtime .
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer drew up a play , and Miami guard Goran Dragic fouled Middleton on a 3-pointer .
Overtime seemed like a possibility , but Butler drew the foul .
With Milwaukee and Toronto losing the first two games of their series , it ’ s the first time since 1984 that the top two seeds in the same conference are down 2-0 .
The Heat are confident , and the Bucks are in trouble .
Bubble ball has not been kind to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record in the regular season but have yet to rediscover that same success .
Dragic scored 23 points , his sixth consecutive game with at least 20 points .
Rookie Tyler Herro scored 17 points , Jae Crowder had 16 , Duncan Robinson added 13 , Bam Adebayo had 15 points and nine rebounds and Kelly Olynk had 11 points .
Time after time , the Heat had answers for the Bucks .
When Milwaukee cut Miami 's lead to 97-93 , Herro and Crowder made consecutive threes , pushing the Heat ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bucks cut it to 105-102 , Olynyk ’ s three , two Butler free throws and two Adebayo free throws gave the Heat a 111-102 lead with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter .
Once again , the Heat took advantage of Milwaukee ’ s willingness to give up 3-pointers , outscoring the Bucks 51-21 on threes and shooting 37.8 % compared to Milwaukee ’ s 28 % from that range .
And just as important as what the Heat did offensively , they once again limited Antetokounmpo .
Miami ’ s game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let the reigning MVP dominate .
Antetokounmpo had 29 points and 14 rebounds but just three assists .
Milwaukee also had 14 turnovers , which Miami turned into 22 points .

Heat put league-best Bucks in 0-2 hole as Jimmy Butler hits free throws with no time remaining
Show Caption Hide Caption Down 2-0 to Celtics, Raptors upset with officiating What I'm Hearing: USA TODAY Sports' mark Medina was on hand for Game 2 between the Celtic and Raptors and breaks down Toronto's frustration with the officiating. What I'm Hearing, USA TODAY
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — In a game where Milwaukee and Miami fouled shooters on the perimeter regularly, the Heat got the last call that mattered of a crazy sequence to end the game.
Following Milwaukee forward Khris Middleton’s three free throws with 4.3 seconds left in the fourth quarter, which tied the game, Miami’s Jimmy Butler made two free throws with no time remaining after he was fouled by Giannis Antetokounmpo, giving the Heat a 116-114 victory – and a surprising 2-0 series lead over the Bucks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Butler professed over and over that he didn’t care who did the scoring as long as the Miami Heat won.
Following his 40-point effort in Game 1 against Milwaukee, Butler had just 13 points Wednesday, but six other Heat players reached double figures.
The Heat nearly blew a 113-107 lead with 19.8 seconds left. Antetokounmpo scored on driving dunk, and the Bucks forced a steal, leading to a Brook Lopez layup with 8.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter, making it 113-111.
Butler made just one free throw after a foul, giving Milwaukee a chance to force overtime. Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer drew up a play, and Miami guard Goran Dragic fouled Middleton on a 3-pointer. Overtime seemed like a possibility, but Butler drew the foul.
Jimmy Butler gets the foul at the buzzer 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/DYQUkCBcoK — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 3, 2020
With Milwaukee and Toronto losing the first two games of their series, it’s the first time since 1984 that the top two seeds in the same conference are down 2-0.
The Heat are confident, and the Bucks are in trouble. Bubble ball has not been kind to the Bucks, who had the best record in the regular season but have yet to rediscover that same success.
Dragic scored 23 points, his sixth consecutive game with at least 20 points. Rookie Tyler Herro scored 17 points, Jae Crowder had 16, Duncan Robinson added 13, Bam Adebayo had 15 points and nine rebounds and Kelly Olynk had 11 points.
Jimmy Butler hits the free throw for the win! pic.twitter.com/7L5cGaUwSi — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 3, 2020
Time after time, the Heat had answers for the Bucks. When Milwaukee cut Miami's lead to 97-93, Herro and Crowder made consecutive threes, pushing the Heat’s lead to 103-93. When the Bucks cut it to 105-102, Olynyk’s three, two Butler free throws and two Adebayo free throws gave the Heat a 111-102 lead with 1:56 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Once again, the Heat took advantage of Milwaukee’s willingness to give up 3-pointers, outscoring the Bucks 51-21 on threes and shooting 37.8% compared to Milwaukee’s 28% from that range.
And just as important as what the Heat did offensively, they once again limited Antetokounmpo. Miami’s game plan is obvious: don’t let the reigning MVP dominate. Antetokounmpo had 29 points and 14 rebounds but just three assists.
Milwaukee also had 14 turnovers, which Miami turned into 22 points.


usatoday--2020-09-02--Coronavirus live updates: CDC tells officials to be ready for vaccine by November; steroids can help

Clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine can be legitimately cut short and could allow a vaccine to become available more quickly than previously expected if results are overwhelming , Dr. Anthony Fauci says .
And the CDC is telling some health officials to be ready to start distributing a vaccine by November , according to one report .
Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said he is confident the experts making the call on a vaccine would not be swayed by political pressure as Election Day approaches .
The Trump administration announced a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease financial pressures fueled by the pandemic .
The federal edict came down after some states , including California and Nevada , announced similar protections against evictions .
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney apologized on Twitter after a photo of him eating in a Maryland restaurant made the rounds on social media .
And Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi faced criticism for visiting a hair salon in San Francisco despite the city 's current guidelines intended to curb the spread of the coronavirus .
• Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to participate in a global alliance to develop and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine .
• The COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel , part of the National Institutes of Health , said Wednesday that there ’ s no solid evidence for or against recommending convalescent plasma to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients .
• Antibodies produced after infection by the coronavirus last for at least four months after diagnosis , longer than previously believed , a new study finds .
• Who should be the first to get the coronavirus vaccine ?
Front-line health care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , all of whom are at higher risk of contracting the virus , according to a new report from the National Academies of Science , Medicine and Engineering .
📈 Today 's numbers : A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data through late Tuesday shows four states set records for new cases in a week while two states had a record number of deaths in a week .
New case records were set in Iowa , Minnesota , South Dakota and West Virginia .
Record numbers of deaths were reported in Arkansas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has 6 million confirmed cases and over 184,000 deaths .
Globally , there are 25.8 million cases and more than 858,000 people have died .
📰 What we 're reading : California , the first state to reach 700,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 , announced a new tiered plan for reopening businesses that some critics say has inequities .
This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to the Daily Briefing .
The first COVID-19 death associated with a massive biker rally in Sturgis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the event attracted more than 400,000 vehicles and drew widespread concern from public health officials .
The death was reported by Minnesota Department of Health Infectious Disease Director Kris Ehresmann at a Wednesday briefing .
Minnesota — South Dakota 's neighbor to the east — is tracking an ongoing outbreak of 50 cases tied to the August event , Ehresmann said .
That outbreak only includes people who attended the event .
A Minnesota man who died was in his 60s and had underlying health conditions .
The rally went forward despite fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem welcomed bikers and the tourist dollars they spend .
Report : CDC says vaccine could be ready by November The CDC is telling some health officials around the country to be ready to start distributing a vaccine to prevent the coronavirus by November , the New York Times reports .
That would be on the early side of what officials have laid out as a best-case scenario : that a vaccine will be ready by the end of the year .
A COVID-19 vaccine could be available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ produce overwhelmingly positive results , Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s top infectious disease official , told Kaiser Health News .
`` Limited COVID -19 vaccine doses may be available by early November 2020 , but COVID-19 vaccine supply will increase substantially in 2021 , '' reads the CDC document .
At least two clinical trials of 30,000 volunteers are now expected to conclude by the end of the year , but Fauci said an independent board has the authority to end the trials weeks early if interim results are overwhelmingly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deficit is projected to hit a record $ 3.3 trillion because of COVID-19 costs and the recession , the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday .
That ’ s more than triple the 2019 shortfall .
The deficit projection was attributed to the coronavirus disruption of the economy and the cost of legislation enacted by Congress in response to the pandemic .
It was less than a year ago that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned lawmakers that the ballooning federal debt could hamper Congress ’ ability to support the economy in a downturn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus appeared in the U.S. “ The federal budget is on an unsustainable path , with high and rising debt , ” Powell told the Joint Economic Committee in November .
Many more vaccine volunteers will be needed Three Phase 3 trials have started in the U.S. for vaccines against the coronavirus and volunteers have been stepping up to be human guinea pigs to make sure they are safe .
But with seven candidate vaccines now funded by the federal government on their way towards Phase 3 , a lot more volunteers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least 210,000 .
Half receive the active vaccine and half a placebo .
Participants wo n't know whether they got the actual vaccine until their trial ends in about two years .
In the meantime , they are left wondering whether their lack of a sore arm or fever means they received the placebo or just got lucky .
`` If I got the placebo , then I will go and get the actual shot when ready , '' said one volunteer , Dusta Eisenman , 44 , of San Jose , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's how .
Canada 's chief medical officer issued some guidelines Wednesday on having sex in the age of COVID-19 .
Dr. Theresa Tam advised Canadians to wear a mask during sexual intercourse and to check for any symptoms beforehand , especially with a new partner .
While COVID-19 is not easily transmittable through bodily fluids , reported Reuters , Tam advises against kissing or any face-to-face contact during sexual intimacy .
`` Canadians can find ways to enjoy physical intimacy while safeguarding the progress we have all made containing COVID-19 , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at IU-Bloomington under quarantine Seven more Greek houses at Indiana University-Bloomington are being directed to quarantine because of COVID-19 , bringing the total up to 30 out of 40 Greek houses as of Wednesday evening .
IU Bloomington reported an 8.1 % positivity rate among students living in fraternity and sorority housing during its mitigation testing , according to a Monday update to its testing dashboard .
Residence halls had a 1.63 % positivity rate .
All communal living houses are directed to suspend in-person activities other than dining and housing until at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chuck Carney .
Kentucky hops up poll worker hunt with beer can labels With volunteer ranks thinned by fear of the coronavirus , Kentucky is trying to put some fizz into its recruitment effort for poll workers for November 's general election by soliciting for them on beer cans .
Secretary of State Michael Adams ' office is working with the Kentucky Guild of Brewers to get out the word on beer labels .
The message includes a QR code linked to a site where people can register to vote and apply to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year I testified to the Legislature that we had a poll worker crisis in Kentucky , ” Adams said in a statement .
“ COVID-19 certainly hasn ’ t helped .
We need younger generations to step up and be good citizens , and so we enlisted the help of Kentucky ’ s craft breweries to reach them.
” A package of new studies published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association confirms that patients severely ill with COVID-19 can benefit from steroids .
The drugs can save about 1 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use on COVID-19 patients , and hydrocortisone are equally effective , the research found .
Overall , the research found the most severely ill COVID-19 patients , those who are on ventilators , benefited the most , Dr. Todd Rice of Vanderbilt University , who co-wrote the editorial , said in a JAMA interview .
Steroids likely tamped down an immune system overreaction .
Patients who were considered mildly ill with COVID-19 , those who were hospitalized but not overwhelmed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the studies found .
There is a gray area , the researchers admitted , where it ’ s hard to determine whether to give steroids to patients who have relatively mild disease at the moment but seem likely to decline .
After shift to online learning , Miami schools now face cyberattacks First came a shift from classroom instruction to online learning because of the coronavirus .
Now comes cyberattacks that could lead to a halt online learning .
Florida ’ s largest school district has faced multiple cyberattacks this week that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via personal computer , Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said in a tweet Wednesday .
So far , he said the hackers have n't been able to penetrate the district ’ s servers .
The FBI and Secret Service have been asked to investigate .
The Transportation Security Administration is testing a system that matches your ID to your face , avoiding person-to-person contact that could spread the coronavirus .
The system , now part of a pilot program at Washington 's Reagan National Airport , is similar to a technology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ International Airport in Las Vegas .
However , the new system will allow passengers to insert their ID into the scanner , rather than handing it to a TSA officer .
`` In light of COVID-19 , advanced health and safety precautions have become a top priority and part of the new normal for TSA , '' said Administrator David Pekoske in a statement Tuesday .
Pekoske said if the pilot program proves successful , it may be implemented at more airports .
Pompeo defends decision not to participate in global vaccine effort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defended the Trump administration ’ s controversial decision not to participate in a global alliance to develop and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine .
The White House confirmed earlier this week that it would not be part of the vaccine alliance , which is being led in part by the World Health Organization and involves more than 170 other countries .
The global effort involves not only developing an effective vaccine but also ensuring it is equitably distributed across the globe .
Pompeo told reporters Wednesday the U.S. would not participate in the global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political .
The vaccine alliance is being co-led by Gavi , which focuses on providing vaccines to children in poor countries , and other groups .
The Trump administration has moved to withdraw the United States from the WHO , arguing it was too soft on China when the novel coronavirus first emerged .
Critics say this decision isolates the United States and risks hindering the worldwide race to find an effective vaccine .
The U.S. government is canceling some of its contracts to buy new ventilators , saying the national stockpile is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run short on the life-saving machines in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic .
The Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday that it has nearly 120,000 ventilators available for deployment to state and local health officials if needed .
The Trump administration had signed nearly $ 3 billion in contracts to get more ventilators as demand surged in the spring , but the cancellation of some of the contracts was billed as a cost-savings measure as demand was no longer as high .
President Donald Trump faced criticism in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to use his powers under the Defense Production Act to ramps up production of ventilators .
At the time , the national stockpile had only about 16,660 ventilators ready to deploy .
The COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel , part of the National Institutes of Health , said there ’ s no solid evidence for or against recommending convalescent plasma to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients .
The statement Wednesday comes less than 10 days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency authorization for using plasma taken from patients who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewed data from a preliminary study by the Mayo Clinic and found that while the treatment may be beneficial for non-intubated patients , there was no comparable difference in death rates .
`` There are currently no data from well-controlled , adequately powered randomized clinical trials that demonstrate efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 , '' the panel wrote .
First come , first served wo n't cut it when vaccine becomes available The first coronavirus vaccine doses to become available should go to front-line health care workers at the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with paramedics , firefighters and police also would get priority , according to a draft report released by the National Academies of Science , Medicine and Engineering .
Next on the priority list should be people of all ages with underlying conditions , the report said .
A vaccine probably would be in scarce supply initially , with enough doses for only 3 % to 4 % of the U.S. population , the report said .
Francis Collins , director of the National Institutes of Health , and Dr. Robert Redfield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention , created the panel that wrote the draft .
The panel is made up of doctors , ethicists , public health officials and scientists .
Philadelphia 's mayor apologized after a photo of him eating inside a Maryland restaurant circulated on social media despite a ban on indoor restaurant dining in the City of Brotherly Love .
A spokesperson for Mayor Jim Kenney confirmed that he dined at a friend 's restaurant on the Chesapeake Bay .
Kenney justified the decision by saying that he felt the risk was low because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases .
One vocal critic was chef and restaurant owner Marc Vetri , who criticized the hypocrisy of Kenney dining indoors while restaurants in the city `` close , suffer and fight for every nickel . ''
Plans call for city restaurants to partially open beginning Tuesday .
Census Bureau to stop in-person counting early in some cities The U.S. Census Bureau is ending in-person counting in some cities , including San Diego , as early as Sept. 18 , two weeks before the Sept. 30 deadline , NPR reported .
`` In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier than Sept. 30 – based on the rates of completion , self-response rates and the number of hours our available workforce can work , '' the bureau told NPR .
Minnesota 's state demographer Susan Brower told NPR that counting may also be done in two weeks in Minnesota 's Hennepin County .
The Census Bureau first postponed its spring deadline to Oct. 31 because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The deadline changed again last month to Sept. 30 .
Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan says all businesses can reopen Friday All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open Friday as the state enters the third phase of its coronavirus recovery plan , Gov .
Larry Hogan announced .
Up to 100 people will be allowed at indoor venues , or 250 people at outdoor venues .
All retail stores as well as churches and houses of worship will be able to increase capacity from 50 % to 75 % .
Local jurisdictions will still be able to decide not to open as much as the state plan allows .
`` I want to remind the people of Maryland that moving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this crisis is behind us and remind them that we must remain vigilant so that we can keep Maryland open for business , '' Hogan said at a news conference .
Hurt by COVID-19 , Australia slips into first recession in 28 years Australia ’ s economy has suffered its sharpest quarterly drop since the Great Depression because of the pandemic .
Data released on Wednesday confirmed the country is experiencing its first recession in 28 years .
The latest national accounts showed the economy shrank 7 % in the June , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Combined with a smaller 0.3 % drop in the March quarter , the definition of a technical recession – two consecutive quarters of contraction – has been fulfilled .
The Trump administration said Tuesday that it is implementing a national four-month moratorium on residential evictions because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Relying on a 1944 Public Health Service Act that gives the administration broad quarantine powers , the moratorium will run through Dec. 31 .
It applies to individuals earning less than $ 99,000 a year and who are unable to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump is committed to helping hard-working Americans stay in their homes and combating the spread of the coronavirus , '' White House spokesman Brian Morgenstern told reporters Tuesday .
On Facebook : There 's still a lot 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 .
In your inbox : Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
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 .

John Bacon, Jessica Flores, Chris Woodyard and Joshua Bote, USA TODAY

Coronavirus live updates: CDC tells officials to be ready for vaccine by November; steroids can help severely ill patients
Show Caption Hide Caption 4 phases of COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials explained Approving a vaccine in the U.S. usually takes years, but COVID-19 vaccines are moving through in record time. What does that mean? USA TODAY
Clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine can be legitimately cut short and could allow a vaccine to become available more quickly than previously expected if results are overwhelming, Dr. Anthony Fauci says. And the CDC is telling some health officials to be ready to start distributing a vaccine by November, according to one report.
Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he is confident the experts making the call on a vaccine would not be swayed by political pressure as Election Day approaches.
The Trump administration announced a nationwide ban on evictions until December to ease financial pressures fueled by the pandemic. The federal edict came down after some states, including California and Nevada, announced similar protections against evictions.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney apologized on Twitter after a photo of him eating in a Maryland restaurant made the rounds on social media. And Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi faced criticism for visiting a hair salon in San Francisco despite the city's current guidelines intended to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Some significant developments:
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday defended the Trump administration’s controversial decision not to participate in a global alliance to develop and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine.
The COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel, part of the National Institutes of Health, said Wednesday that there’s no solid evidence for or against recommending convalescent plasma to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Antibodies produced after infection by the coronavirus last for at least four months after diagnosis, longer than previously believed, a new study finds.
Who should be the first to get the coronavirus vaccine? Front-line health care workers, paramedics, firefighters and police, all of whom are at higher risk of contracting the virus, according to a new report from the National Academies of Science, Medicine and Engineering.
📈 Today's numbers: A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data through late Tuesday shows four states set records for new cases in a week while two states had a record number of deaths in a week. New case records were set in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota and West Virginia. Record numbers of deaths were reported in Arkansas, Hawaii and Guam. The U.S. has 6 million confirmed cases and over 184,000 deaths. Globally, there are 25.8 million cases and more than 858,000 people have died.
📰 What we're reading: California, the first state to reach 700,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, announced a new tiered plan for reopening businesses that some critics say has inequities.
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to the Daily Briefing.
The first COVID-19 death associated with a massive biker rally in Sturgis, South Dakota has been reported weeks after the event attracted more than 400,000 vehicles and drew widespread concern from public health officials.
The death was reported by Minnesota Department of Health Infectious Disease Director Kris Ehresmann at a Wednesday briefing. Minnesota — South Dakota's neighbor to the east — is tracking an ongoing outbreak of 50 cases tied to the August event, Ehresmann said. That outbreak only includes people who attended the event.
A Minnesota man who died was in his 60s and had underlying health conditions. The rally went forward despite fears it could become a super-spread event. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem welcomed bikers and the tourist dollars they spend.
– Joel Shannon
The CDC is telling some health officials around the country to be ready to start distributing a vaccine to prevent the coronavirus by November, the New York Times reports.
That would be on the early side of what officials have laid out as a best-case scenario: that a vaccine will be ready by the end of the year. A COVID-19 vaccine could be available earlier than expected if ongoing clinical trials produce overwhelmingly positive results, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease official, told Kaiser Health News.
"Limited COVID -19 vaccine doses may be available by early November 2020, but COVID-19 vaccine supply will increase substantially in 2021," reads the CDC document.
At least two clinical trials of 30,000 volunteers are now expected to conclude by the end of the year, but Fauci said an independent board has the authority to end the trials weeks early if interim results are overwhelmingly positive or negative.
The federal budget deficit is projected to hit a record $3.3 trillion because of COVID-19 costs and the recession, the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday.
That’s more than triple the 2019 shortfall. The deficit projection was attributed to the coronavirus disruption of the economy and the cost of legislation enacted by Congress in response to the pandemic.
It was less than a year ago that Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned lawmakers that the ballooning federal debt could hamper Congress’ ability to support the economy in a downturn – and that was months before the coronavirus appeared in the U.S.
“The federal budget is on an unsustainable path, with high and rising debt,” Powell told the Joint Economic Committee in November.
Three Phase 3 trials have started in the U.S. for vaccines against the coronavirus and volunteers have been stepping up to be human guinea pigs to make sure they are safe.
But with seven candidate vaccines now funded by the federal government on their way towards Phase 3, a lot more volunteers will be needed – a combined total of at least 210,000.
Half receive the active vaccine and half a placebo. Participants won't know whether they got the actual vaccine until their trial ends in about two years. In the meantime, they are left wondering whether their lack of a sore arm or fever means they received the placebo or just got lucky.
"If I got the placebo, then I will go and get the actual shot when ready," said one volunteer, Dusta Eisenman, 44, of San Jose, California. Want to volunteer? Here's how.
– Karen Weintraub
Canada's chief medical officer issued some guidelines Wednesday on having sex in the age of COVID-19.
Dr. Theresa Tam advised Canadians to wear a mask during sexual intercourse and to check for any symptoms beforehand, especially with a new partner.
While COVID-19 is not easily transmittable through bodily fluids, reported Reuters, Tam advises against kissing or any face-to-face contact during sexual intimacy.
"Canadians can find ways to enjoy physical intimacy while safeguarding the progress we have all made containing COVID-19," Tam said.
Seven more Greek houses at Indiana University-Bloomington are being directed to quarantine because of COVID-19, bringing the total up to 30 out of 40 Greek houses as of Wednesday evening.
IU Bloomington reported an 8.1% positivity rate among students living in fraternity and sorority housing during its mitigation testing, according to a Monday update to its testing dashboard. Residence halls had a 1.63% positivity rate.
All communal living houses are directed to suspend in-person activities other than dining and housing until at least Sept. 14, said IU spokesperson Chuck Carney.
– Lydia Gerike, Indianapolis Star
With volunteer ranks thinned by fear of the coronavirus, Kentucky is trying to put some fizz into its recruitment effort for poll workers for November's general election by soliciting for them on beer cans.
Secretary of State Michael Adams' office is working with the Kentucky Guild of Brewers to get out the word on beer labels. The message includes a QR code linked to a site where people can register to vote and apply to be a poll worker.
“Last year I testified to the Legislature that we had a poll worker crisis in Kentucky,” Adams said in a statement. “COVID-19 certainly hasn’t helped. We need younger generations to step up and be good citizens, and so we enlisted the help of Kentucky’s craft breweries to reach them.”
– Emma Austin, Louisville Courier Journal
A package of new studies published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association confirms that patients severely ill with COVID-19 can benefit from steroids. The drugs can save about 1 in 12 patients treated.
Both dexamethasone, which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use on COVID-19 patients, and hydrocortisone are equally effective, the research found.
Overall, the research found the most severely ill COVID-19 patients, those who are on ventilators, benefited the most, Dr. Todd Rice of Vanderbilt University, who co-wrote the editorial, said in a JAMA interview. Steroids likely tamped down an immune system overreaction.
Patients who were considered mildly ill with COVID-19, those who were hospitalized but not overwhelmed with inflammation, did not benefit from steroids, the studies found. There is a gray area, the researchers admitted, where it’s hard to determine whether to give steroids to patients who have relatively mild disease at the moment but seem likely to decline.
– Karen Weintraub
First came a shift from classroom instruction to online learning because of the coronavirus. Now comes cyberattacks that could lead to a halt online learning.
Florida’s largest school district has faced multiple cyberattacks this week that appear to be aimed at disrupting instruction via personal computer, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said in a tweet Wednesday.
So far, he said the hackers haven't been able to penetrate the district’s servers. The FBI and Secret Service have been asked to investigate.
The Transportation Security Administration is testing a system that matches your ID to your face, avoiding person-to-person contact that could spread the coronavirus.
The system, now part of a pilot program at Washington's Reagan National Airport, is similar to a technology that was tested last year at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. However, the new system will allow passengers to insert their ID into the scanner, rather than handing it to a TSA officer.
"In light of COVID-19, advanced health and safety precautions have become a top priority and part of the new normal for TSA," said Administrator David Pekoske in a statement Tuesday.
Pekoske said if the pilot program proves successful, it may be implemented at more airports.
– Curtis Tate
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday defended the Trump administration’s controversial decision not to participate in a global alliance to develop and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine.
The White House confirmed earlier this week that it would not be part of the vaccine alliance, which is being led in part by the World Health Organization and involves more than 170 other countries. The global effort involves not only developing an effective vaccine but also ensuring it is equitably distributed across the globe.
Pompeo told reporters Wednesday the U.S. would not participate in the global vaccine effort because the WHO is too political. The vaccine alliance is being co-led by Gavi, which focuses on providing vaccines to children in poor countries, and other groups. The Trump administration has moved to withdraw the United States from the WHO, arguing it was too soft on China when the novel coronavirus first emerged.
Critics say this decision isolates the United States and risks hindering the worldwide race to find an effective vaccine.
– Deirdre Shesgreen
The U.S. government is canceling some of its contracts to buy new ventilators, saying the national stockpile is full after some states feared they'd run short on the life-saving machines in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday that it has nearly 120,000 ventilators available for deployment to state and local health officials if needed. The Trump administration had signed nearly $3 billion in contracts to get more ventilators as demand surged in the spring, but the cancellation of some of the contracts was billed as a cost-savings measure as demand was no longer as high.
President Donald Trump faced criticism in March from some mayors and governors who urged him to use his powers under the Defense Production Act to ramps up production of ventilators. At the time, the national stockpile had only about 16,660 ventilators ready to deploy.
Coronavirus: How vaccines are developed and tested Pressure to create a coronavirus vaccine is increasing by the day, but for a safe vaccine to enter the market, it takes time. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel, part of the National Institutes of Health, said there’s no solid evidence for or against recommending convalescent plasma to treat hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
The statement Wednesday comes less than 10 days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency authorization for using plasma taken from patients who have recovered from the coronavirus. The panel reviewed data from a preliminary study by the Mayo Clinic and found that while the treatment may be beneficial for non-intubated patients, there was no comparable difference in death rates.
"There are currently no data from well-controlled, adequately powered randomized clinical trials that demonstrate efficacy and safety of convalescent plasma for COVID-19," the panel wrote.
– Adrianna Rodriguez
The first coronavirus vaccine doses to become available should go to front-line health care workers at the highest risk of being exposed to the virus, with paramedics, firefighters and police also would get priority, according to a draft report released by the National Academies of Science, Medicine and Engineering.
Next on the priority list should be people of all ages with underlying conditions, the report said. A vaccine probably would be in scarce supply initially, with enough doses for only 3% to 4% of the U.S. population, the report said.
Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, and Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, created the panel that wrote the draft. The panel is made up of doctors, ethicists, public health officials and scientists.
– Elizabeth Weise
Philadelphia's mayor apologized after a photo of him eating inside a Maryland restaurant circulated on social media despite a ban on indoor restaurant dining in the City of Brotherly Love. A spokesperson for Mayor Jim Kenney confirmed that he dined at a friend's restaurant on the Chesapeake Bay. Kenney justified the decision by saying that he felt the risk was low because Cecil County had fewer than 800 COVID-19 cases.
One vocal critic was chef and restaurant owner Marc Vetri, who criticized the hypocrisy of Kenney dining indoors while restaurants in the city "close, suffer and fight for every nickel." Plans call for city restaurants to partially open beginning Tuesday.
The U.S. Census Bureau is ending in-person counting in some cities, including San Diego, as early as Sept. 18, two weeks before the Sept. 30 deadline, NPR reported. "In some areas, nonresponse followup will finish earlier than Sept. 30 – based on the rates of completion, self-response rates and the number of hours our available workforce can work," the bureau told NPR.
Minnesota's state demographer Susan Brower told NPR that counting may also be done in two weeks in Minnesota's Hennepin County. The Census Bureau first postponed its spring deadline to Oct. 31 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The deadline changed again last month to Sept. 30.
All businesses in Maryland will be able to open Friday as the state enters the third phase of its coronavirus recovery plan, Gov. Larry Hogan announced. Up to 100 people will be allowed at indoor venues, or 250 people at outdoor venues. All retail stores as well as churches and houses of worship will be able to increase capacity from 50% to 75%. Local jurisdictions will still be able to decide not to open as much as the state plan allows.
"I want to remind the people of Maryland that moving into Stage 3 does not mean that this crisis is behind us and remind them that we must remain vigilant so that we can keep Maryland open for business," Hogan said at a news conference.
Australia’s economy has suffered its sharpest quarterly drop since the Great Depression because of the pandemic. Data released on Wednesday confirmed the country is experiencing its first recession in 28 years. The latest national accounts showed the economy shrank 7% in the June, the biggest contraction since records began in 1959. Combined with a smaller 0.3% drop in the March quarter, the definition of a technical recession – two consecutive quarters of contraction – has been fulfilled.
The Trump administration said Tuesday that it is implementing a national four-month moratorium on residential evictions because of the coronavirus pandemic. Relying on a 1944 Public Health Service Act that gives the administration broad quarantine powers, the moratorium will run through Dec. 31. It applies to individuals earning less than $99,000 a year and who are unable to make rent or housing payments.
"President Trump is committed to helping hard-working Americans stay in their homes and combating the spread of the coronavirus," White House spokesman Brian Morgenstern told reporters Tuesday.
– John Fritze and Nicholas Wu
COVID-19 resources from USA TODAY
On Facebook: There's still a lot 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.
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.
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--2020-09-03--'False narrative': AG Barr rejects claims of an 'epidemic' of police shootings of unarmed Black susp

Attorney General William Barr on Wednesday rejected assertions that police shootings of unarmed Black suspects had become an American epidemic , casting such claims as a `` false narrative . ''
`` I do n't think that there are two justice systems , '' Barr said in an interview with CNN .
`` I think the narrative that police are in some epidemic of shooting unarmed Black men is simply a false narrative . ''
The attorney general 's comments come a day after he accompanied President Donald Trump to Kenosha , Wisconsin , where the president offered support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local police shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back , leaving him paralyzed .
More : Joe Biden says police officers who shot Jacob Blake , Breonna Taylor should be charged In the wide-ranging interview , Barr also appeared to stoke Trump 's claims that mail-in voting could be vulnerable to fraud and that extremists were traveling from city to city to incite violence at demonstrations against police abuse .
`` This is playing with fire , '' Barr said , referring to the mail-in ballot campaign waged in the wake of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to in-person voting .
Last week , U.S. intelligence officials said that they had `` not seen '' coordinated efforts to manipulate mail-in balloting , despite Trump 's ominous warnings about the prospect of massive fraud .
`` We have not seen a coordinated voter fraud effort , '' a senior law enforcement official told reporters during an election security briefing .
Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen , speaking at a separate event last week , appeared to echo the security assessment .
`` We have yet to see any activity intended to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rosen said during an online conference hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies , adding that it would be difficult for foreign actors to do so .
On Wednesday , the attorney general supported the president 's contentions , suggesting that voting by mail was vulnerable to `` fraud and coercion . ''
Relying on such a system in a politically divided country , Barr said , was `` reckless and dangerous . ''
Election 2020 : Chris Wallace , Susan Page among moderators for presidential and vice presidential debates Barr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movements of demonstrators who , the attorney general claimed , have been traveling to cities throughout the United States to foment violence .
The attorney general said investigators were responding to `` multiple reports , '' suggesting a coordinated infiltration of social justice protests sparked by the the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police .
Earlier this week , Trump promoted an unsubstantiated theory that he was alerted to a plane carrying extremists dressed in dark uniforms , suggesting that they were part of an organized group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about Trump 's claim Wednesday , Barr said : `` I do n't know what the president is referring to . ''

'False narrative': AG Barr rejects claims of an 'epidemic' of police shootings of unarmed Black suspects
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump defends Kenosha shooter before visit to Wisconsin President Donald Trump said that protesters "violently attacked" Kyle Rittenhouse, but the incident was under investigation. USA TODAY
Attorney General William Barr on Wednesday rejected assertions that police shootings of unarmed Black suspects had become an American epidemic, casting such claims as a "false narrative."
"I don't think that there are two justice systems," Barr said in an interview with CNN. "I think the narrative that police are in some epidemic of shooting unarmed Black men is simply a false narrative."
The attorney general's comments come a day after he accompanied President Donald Trump to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where the president offered support for law enforcement in the contentious days after local police shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back, leaving him paralyzed.
More: Joe Biden says police officers who shot Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor should be charged
In the wide-ranging interview, Barr also appeared to stoke Trump's claims that mail-in voting could be vulnerable to fraud and that extremists were traveling from city to city to incite violence at demonstrations against police abuse.
"This is playing with fire," Barr said, referring to the mail-in ballot campaign waged in the wake of the risk posed by the deadly coronavirus to in-person voting.
Last week, U.S. intelligence officials said that they had "not seen" coordinated efforts to manipulate mail-in balloting, despite Trump's ominous warnings about the prospect of massive fraud.
"We have not seen a coordinated voter fraud effort," a senior law enforcement official told reporters during an election security briefing.
Deputy Attorney General Jeff Rosen, speaking at a separate event last week, appeared to echo the security assessment.
"We have yet to see any activity intended to prevent voting or change votes," Rosen said during an online conference hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, adding that it would be difficult for foreign actors to do so.
On Wednesday, the attorney general supported the president's contentions, suggesting that voting by mail was vulnerable to "fraud and coercion."
Relying on such a system in a politically divided country, Barr said, was "reckless and dangerous."
Election 2020: Chris Wallace, Susan Page among moderators for presidential and vice presidential debates
Barr also said federal authorities were tracking the movements of demonstrators who, the attorney general claimed, have been traveling to cities throughout the United States to foment violence.
The attorney general said investigators were responding to "multiple reports," suggesting a coordinated infiltration of social justice protests sparked by the the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.
Earlier this week, Trump promoted an unsubstantiated theory that he was alerted to a plane carrying extremists dressed in dark uniforms, suggesting that they were part of an organized group promoting violence at local demonstrations.
Asked about Trump's claim Wednesday, Barr said: "I don't know what the president is referring to."


usatoday--2020-09-02--Maskless Lara Trump is '100 percent comfortable' sending her toddler to preschool amid pandemic

PALM BEACH , Fla. — Lara Trump , the only person at a Women for Trump roundtable on Tuesday without a mask , said she was `` 100 percent comfortable '' sending her 2-year-old back to a private preschool where his classmates will not be required to wear masks and social distancing likely wo n't happen .
`` Sadly , the mainstream media has scared a lot of people in this country , '' Trump said , adding that research has shown young children seem to catch and transmit the virus less than adults and children tend not to experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand the seasonal flu is much more deadly than COVID would ever be , '' said Trump , the 37-year-old mother of two .
COVID-19 has in fact proven to be deadlier than the 1918 Spanish flu and seasonal influenza , experts and research say .
Fact check : COVID-19 is deadlier than the 1918 Spanish flu and seasonal influenza In addition , according to a COVID-19 study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Pediatrics , kids who seem healthy may be actually more contagious than sick adults — leading researchers to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
“ Kids are a possible source of spreading this virus , ” Dr. Alessio Fasano , senior author and director of the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Researcher Center at Massachusetts General Hospital , told USA TODAY .
“ And this should be taken into account in the planning stages for reopening schools.
” Among guidance for K-12 school reopening plans , the Center for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) , strongly encourages the usage of cloth face coverings and social distancing , whenever possible .
The CDC does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years old , those who have trouble breathing or are unconscious , and anyone who is unable to remove a face covering without assistance .
'Silent spreaders ' of COVID-19 : Kids who seem healthy may be more contagious than sick adults , study says More : Here 's how parents can protect their kids from coronavirus as schools reopen Trump still advocates for physical reopening .
It is not just that virtual learning has proven to be less effective than classroom teaching ; opportunities for teachers to detect and report child abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free lunch are missing , she said .
`` It 's imperative we get our kids back to school . ''
Trump delivered her comments at Southeastern College in Florida , as many schools across the country welcomed students back this week — only to halt in-person learning after students and teachers tested positive for the virus .
More : Jared Kushner says he and Ivanka Trump 'absolutely ' sending their kids back to school and have 'no fear in doing so' School reopening : Chaos reigns in some schools with in-person learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump , who is married to the president 's son Eric and is a senior advisor to her father-in-law 's campaign , dove into several other controversies .
About 20 attendees at the round-table were asked to wear masks before Trump entered the room .
Trump did not wear a mask .
However , participants were socially-distanced in seats around the table .
As for New York Attorney General Letitia James asking a judge to compel Eric Trump to answers questions under oath about the Trump Organization 's business practices , Lara @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` vendetta '' against Trump and his family .
`` It 's very clear this has nothing to do with upholding the law or doing what is right , '' Trump said .
`` I think it 's absolutely disgusting . ''
Trump called Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden `` the true Trojan horse of the far left radical , socialist wing of the Democratic party now . ''
Regarding racial unrest across the country that recently turned violent , Trump blamed `` Democratic mayors out there who would rather play politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The violence ended , she added , `` within 24 hours of this president being allowed to send in federal troops ... it 's what should be done in every city . ''
Trump warned that the country `` could not survive a Biden presidency . ''
`` I truly believe that Donald Trump will go down in history as one of our greatest American presidents , '' Trump said .

Maskless Lara Trump is '100 percent comfortable' sending her toddler to preschool amid pandemic
PALM BEACH, Fla. — Lara Trump, the only person at a Women for Trump roundtable on Tuesday without a mask, said she was "100 percent comfortable" sending her 2-year-old back to a private preschool where his classmates will not be required to wear masks and social distancing likely won't happen.
"Sadly, the mainstream media has scared a lot of people in this country," Trump said, adding that research has shown young children seem to catch and transmit the virus less than adults and children tend not to experience severe complications.
"With children we understand the seasonal flu is much more deadly than COVID would ever be," said Trump, the 37-year-old mother of two.
Recent studies, however, say differently.
COVID-19 has in fact proven to be deadlier than the 1918 Spanish flu and seasonal influenza, experts and research say.
Fact check: COVID-19 is deadlier than the 1918 Spanish flu and seasonal influenza
In addition, according to a COVID-19 study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Pediatrics, kids who seem healthy may be actually more contagious than sick adults — leading researchers to call children "silent spreaders" of the coronavirus.
“Kids are a possible source of spreading this virus,” Dr. Alessio Fasano, senior author and director of the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Researcher Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, told USA TODAY. “And this should be taken into account in the planning stages for reopening schools.”
Among guidance for K-12 school reopening plans, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strongly encourages the usage of cloth face coverings and social distancing, whenever possible. The CDC does not suggest masks for children younger than 2 years old, those who have trouble breathing or are unconscious, and anyone who is unable to remove a face covering without assistance.
'Silent spreaders' of COVID-19: Kids who seem healthy may be more contagious than sick adults, study says
More: Here's how parents can protect their kids from coronavirus as schools reopen
Trump still advocates for physical reopening. It is not just that virtual learning has proven to be less effective than classroom teaching; opportunities for teachers to detect and report child abuse and for needy children to eat a free lunch are missing, she said. "It's imperative we get our kids back to school."
Trump delivered her comments at Southeastern College in Florida, as many schools across the country welcomed students back this week — only to halt in-person learning after students and teachers tested positive for the virus.
More: Jared Kushner says he and Ivanka Trump 'absolutely' sending their kids back to school and have 'no fear in doing so'
School reopening: Chaos reigns in some schools with in-person learning. Many kids are learning at home.
Trump, who is married to the president's son Eric and is a senior advisor to her father-in-law's campaign, dove into several other controversies.
About 20 attendees at the round-table were asked to wear masks before Trump entered the room. Trump did not wear a mask. However, participants were socially-distanced in seats around the table.
As for New York Attorney General Letitia James asking a judge to compel Eric Trump to answers questions under oath about the Trump Organization's business practices, Lara Trump blasted James, saying she had a "vendetta" against Trump and his family.
"It's very clear this has nothing to do with upholding the law or doing what is right," Trump said. "I think it's absolutely disgusting."
Trump called Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden "the true Trojan horse of the far left radical, socialist wing of the Democratic party now."
Regarding racial unrest across the country that recently turned violent, Trump blamed "Democratic mayors out there who would rather play politics than keep their community safe." The violence ended, she added, "within 24 hours of this president being allowed to send in federal troops...it's what should be done in every city."
Trump warned that the country "could not survive a Biden presidency."
"I truly believe that Donald Trump will go down in history as one of our greatest American presidents," Trump said.
Contributing: Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY.


usatoday--2020-09-02--'Star Trek: Discovery' casts first non-binary and transgender characters

The `` Star Trek '' universe will soon include both non-binary and transgender characters .
On Wednesday , CBS All Access announced that `` Star Trek : Discovery '' will add the roles of Adira , an intelligent and self-assured non-binary character who joins the U.S.S .
Discovery , and Gray , a warm and eager transgender character who longs to fulfill his dream of being a Trill host .
The new characters are played by actors whose gender identities coincide with those of their characters .
Blu del Barrio , a non-binary actor who uses they/them pronouns and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since age 7 , plays Adira in their first major TV role .
`` When I got the call that I 'd been cast as Adira , I had n't yet told the majority of my friends and family that I was non-binary , '' del Barrio told GLAAD about their connection to the character .
`` I had only recently discovered the word and realized that it described how I 'd felt for a long time .
I knew I wanted to tell my friends and family , so when this ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the universe saying 'go ahead . '
`` Ian Alexander , a transgender actor and activist who uses they/them and he/him pronouns and starred as Buck Vu in `` The OA , '' plays Gray .
According to CBS , Alexander is the first out transgender Asian-American person to act on television .
`` I 'm extremely excited , '' Alexander said in an Instagram post shared when the casting news was released .
`` Star Trek : Discovery '' – one of the franchise 's newer shows along with `` Star Trek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Lower Decks '' and the recently announced `` Star Trek : Strange New Worlds '' – has its Season 3 debut on Oct. 15 .

'Star Trek: Discovery' casts first non-binary and transgender characters
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Star Trek: Picard:' Breaking down Patrick Stewart's return TV reporter Bill Keveney describes what it was like to talk with Patrick Stewart about the new "Star Trek: Picard" series. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
The "Star Trek" universe will soon include both non-binary and transgender characters.
On Wednesday, CBS All Access announced that "Star Trek: Discovery" will add the roles of Adira, an intelligent and self-assured non-binary character who joins the U.S.S. Discovery, and Gray, a warm and eager transgender character who longs to fulfill his dream of being a Trill host. The new characters are played by actors whose gender identities coincide with those of their characters.
Blu del Barrio, a non-binary actor who uses they/them pronouns and has been acting in theater and short films since age 7, plays Adira in their first major TV role.
"When I got the call that I'd been cast as Adira, I hadn't yet told the majority of my friends and family that I was non-binary," del Barrio told GLAAD about their connection to the character. "I had only recently discovered the word and realized that it described how I'd felt for a long time. I knew I wanted to tell my friends and family, so when this (role) happened, it felt like the universe saying 'go ahead.' "
Ian Alexander, a transgender actor and activist who uses they/them and he/him pronouns and starred as Buck Vu in "The OA," plays Gray.
According to CBS, Alexander is the first out transgender Asian-American person to act on television. "I'm extremely excited," Alexander said in an Instagram post shared when the casting news was released.
"Star Trek: Discovery" – one of the franchise's newer shows along with "Star Trek: Picard," "Star Trek: Lower Decks" and the recently announced "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" – has its Season 3 debut on Oct. 15.


usatoday--2020-09-02--30 of 40 Greek houses now under quarantine at Indiana University-Bloomington

INDIANAPOLIS – Seven more Greek houses at Indiana University-Bloomington are being directed to quarantine because of COVID-19 , bringing the total up to 30 as of Wednesday evening .
There are 2,600 students in 42 communal living houses at IU , IU spokesperson Chuck Carney said .
The houses include 40 fraternity and sorority houses and the Evans Scholars and Christian Student Fellowship houses .
IU Bloomington reported an 8.1 % positivity rate among students living in fraternity and sorority housing during its mitigation testing , according to a Monday update to its testing dashboard .
Residence halls had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University of Alabama now has more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases -- with nearly 500 in the past three days Reopening plans : COVID-19 hot spots such as frat parties , bars could ruin fall 2020 college reopening plans All communal living houses are directed to suspend in-person activities other than dining and housing until at least Sept. 14 , Carney said .
Last week , eight houses were on the list of quarantined houses on the IU Division of Student Affairs ' website .
Fourteen houses were quarantined as of Monday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Health Department .
IU does not own sorority or fraternity houses .
The full list of IU Greek houses under quarantine include : Also on Wednesday , the Montgomery County Health Department announced an outbreak of 14 cases at Wabash College in Crawfordsville .
The cases are related to communal living , including dormitories and fraternity housing , health officials said .

30 of 40 Greek houses now under quarantine at Indiana University-Bloomington
Show Caption Hide Caption Schools face challenges in reopening Schools across the country are struggling how to reopen while keeping students, teachers and staff safe. At Baldwin High School on Long Island, New York, they have implemented many safety measures that mirror schools across the country. (Aug. 31) AP
INDIANAPOLIS – Seven more Greek houses at Indiana University-Bloomington are being directed to quarantine because of COVID-19, bringing the total up to 30 as of Wednesday evening.
There are 2,600 students in 42 communal living houses at IU, IU spokesperson Chuck Carney said. The houses include 40 fraternity and sorority houses and the Evans Scholars and Christian Student Fellowship houses.
IU Bloomington reported an 8.1% positivity rate among students living in fraternity and sorority housing during its mitigation testing, according to a Monday update to its testing dashboard. Residence halls had a 1.63% positivity rate.
Education: University of Alabama now has more than 1,000 COVID-19 cases -- with nearly 500 in the past three days
Reopening plans: COVID-19 hot spots such as frat parties, bars could ruin fall 2020 college reopening plans
All communal living houses are directed to suspend in-person activities other than dining and housing until at least Sept. 14, Carney said.
Last week, eight houses were on the list of quarantined houses on the IU Division of Student Affairs' website. Fourteen houses were quarantined as of Monday morning.
The quarantine directive comes from the Monroe County Health Department. IU does not own sorority or fraternity houses.
The full list of IU Greek houses under quarantine include:
Acacia
Alpha Chi Omega
Alpha Delta Pi
Alpha Epsilon Phi
Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Phi
Alpha Sigma Phi
Alpha Xi Delta
Beta Theta Pi
Delta Gamma
Gamma Phi Beta
Kappa Delta
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Phi Delta Theta
Phi Gamma Delta
Phi Kappa Psi
Pi Beta Phi
Pi Kappa Phi
Phi Sigma Kappa
Sigma Alpha Epsilon
Sigma Chi
Theta Chi
Zeta Tau Alpha
Also on Wednesday, the Montgomery County Health Department announced an outbreak of 14 cases at Wabash College in Crawfordsville.
The cases are related to communal living, including dormitories and fraternity housing, health officials said.
Contributing: Michael Reschke, Bloomington Herald-Time Follow Lydia Gerike on Twitter: @LydiaGerike.


usatoday--2020-09-02--Cowboys QB Dak Prescott shares preference for how team should address national anthem

FRISCO , Texas — Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has never taken a knee during the national anthem .
No Cowboys player has in the four years since Colin Kaepernick sparked a wave of players protesting racial injustice and police brutality on NFL sidelines before kickoff .
But ask Prescott , and there ’ s no need to wait on announcing a team policy for the national anthem .
If the decision were his , Prescott would give his teammates free rein to address the anthem as they please .
“ It ’ s about expressing yourself , ” Prescott said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kicks off its season against the Rams .
“ I wouldn ’ t say it ’ s going to be about expressing one idea .
That 's where we are as a country right now .
Individuals have different thoughts , different perceptions and different feelings than their neighbor .
So for you to force your opinion and your perceptions on somebody I think is n't very important right now .
“ If I had it my way , that 's exactly what we 'd do : Express ourselves individually but love and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jerry Jones had insisted in previous seasons that his players stand , “ toe on the line , ” during the anthem .
In recent weeks , Jones has suggested he ’ ll work to show grace as he aims to strike a balance between players ’ freedom of expression and what he believes the American flag ’ s “ symbol is to America.
” The Cowboys , along with many other teams across the NFL and professional sports , are increasingly discussing issues of discrimination and social justice in formal settings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the shooting of a Black man , Jacob Blake , by a white police offer in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
Nine NFL teams canceled practices in the aftermath to strategize on maximizing their platforms and mobilizing toward change .
During the Cowboys ' meetings , players say they discussed the importance of voter registration , potential initiatives for the team to help underserved north Texas youth , and how teammates can best support each other in sensitive times .
Offensive tackle Cam Erving told reporters about racial discrimination he ’ s experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was pulled over for allegedly speeding and a driver at a Tennessee gas station shouting the N-word at Erving about 18 months ago .
McCarthy ’ s message to players in meetings : As a white man , he ’ s working to better listen and understand .
“ It ’ s about how do we help ?
” Prescott said Wednesday .
“ How do we help one another ?
How do we help one another feel safe ?
” Personally , Prescott has fought for racial justice throughout the summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd was killed in late May by a white Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee against the Black man 's neck for more than eight minutes , Prescott pledged $ 1 million to “ improve our police training and address systematic racism through education and advocacy.
” He ’ s since been working with his foundation to launch programming he hopes will foster better trust between communities and law enforcement .
Prescott also wrote a letter to Oklahoma Gov .
Kevin Stitt in support of a Black death row inmate sentenced in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just so much wrong within that , so much wrong within his conviction , so much wrong with his trial.
” But like Prescott ’ s pledge—which he clarifies is a commitment forward rather than a donation he gave this summer and moved on from—his approach to the shooting of Blake and activism generally in the sports world is measured .
Prescott is careful to note that he doesn ’ t want to comment immediately on each instance of police brutality or discrimination .
“ Just 'cause we ’ re popular doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
“ So I think we all need to be better at that—at educating ourselves and figuring out exactly what it is we can do and the particular role we can play within our communities and then further that.
” On NFL teams ' playing of the national anthem , however , Prescott has studied enough to formulate his opinion .
He ’ s started every game for the Cowboys since Dallas selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 draft .
Even without a long-term contract , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the undisputed leader of the locker room .
He ’ s committed to amplifying his teammates ’ voice as well .
“ Right now , it 's about listening to the other man , having empathy for him and understanding where he may be coming from , ” Prescott said .
“ I think , if anything , you ’ ll just see guys expressing themselves , and more so from that you 're going to see people supporting one another and loving one another .
“ Then we 'll all be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game of football is winning .
But in life , I think it 's love and equality.
” If you love talking football , we have the perfect spot for you .
Join our Facebook Group , The Ruling Off the Field , to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders .
Do the right thing , sign up now !

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott shares preference for how team should address national anthem
Show Caption Hide Caption What NBA's Adam Silver gets right on social justice that NFL's Roger Goodell just doesn't SportsPulse: Jarrett Bell shares what he thinks makes Adam Silver the ideal leader for a sports league during tumultuous times and why Roger Goodell hasn't done the same when it comes to social justice. USA TODAY
FRISCO, Texas — Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has never taken a knee during the national anthem.
No Cowboys player has in the four years since Colin Kaepernick sparked a wave of players protesting racial injustice and police brutality on NFL sidelines before kickoff.
But ask Prescott, and there’s no need to wait on announcing a team policy for the national anthem. If the decision were his, Prescott would give his teammates free rein to address the anthem as they please.
“It’s about expressing yourself,” Prescott said Wednesday afternoon, 11 days before Dallas kicks off its season against the Rams. “I wouldn’t say it’s going to be about expressing one idea. That's where we are as a country right now. Individuals have different thoughts, different perceptions and different feelings than their neighbor. So for you to force your opinion and your perceptions on somebody I think isn't very important right now.
“If I had it my way, that's exactly what we'd do: Express ourselves individually but love and support one another collectively.”
Dak Prescott believes Cowboys can express themselves as individuals while supporting each other collectively.
Dak: “We’ll all be working toward a common goal—which, in the game of football, is winning. But in life, I think it's love and equality.” pic.twitter.com/YQayW6DaEl — Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) September 2, 2020
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had insisted in previous seasons that his players stand, “toe on the line,” during the anthem. In recent weeks, Jones has suggested he’ll work to show grace as he aims to strike a balance between players’ freedom of expression and what he believes the American flag’s “symbol is to America.”
“I think the individuality of expressing yourself is part of that decision,” head coach Mike McCarthy said Thursday morning. “I saw Dak’s comments this morning, and I think he expressed it very well. I thought he hit the nail right on the head and that’s the way we’ll move forward.”
The Cowboys, along with many other teams across the NFL and professional sports, are increasingly discussing issues of discrimination and social justice in formal settings. McCarthy convened a team meeting last Thursday in the days after the shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake, by a white police offer in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Nine NFL teams canceled practices in the aftermath to strategize on maximizing their platforms and mobilizing toward change.
Cowboys RT La'el Collins on C Joe Looney's message to team: "Everybody should love one another. You should love people. Even if you don’t, don’t hate them. You know what I mean?" https://t.co/Ut9YtVYx8K — Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 28, 2020
During the Cowboys' meetings, players say they discussed the importance of voter registration, potential initiatives for the team to help underserved north Texas youth, and how teammates can best support each other in sensitive times. Players “want to do something that makes a boom and people remember and actually create some change,” defensive tackle Tyrone Crawford said. Crawford also said players were given “the green light” to express themselves.
“Just whatever we are feeling,” he said, when asked to clarify what was green lighted. “To express how we feel and say what we want to say.”
Offensive tackle Cam Erving told reporters about racial discrimination he’s experienced personally, including police handcuffing him when he was pulled over for allegedly speeding and a driver at a Tennessee gas station shouting the N-word at Erving about 18 months ago. McCarthy preached a similar message to players in meetings: As a white man, he told them, he’s working to better listen and understand.
“It’s about how do we help?” Prescott said Wednesday. “How do we help one another? How do we help one another feel safe?”
Personally, Prescott has fought for racial justice throughout the summer and before. A week after George Floyd was killed in late May by a white Minneapolis police officer who pressed his knee against the Black man's neck for more than eight minutes, Prescott pledged $1 million to “improve our police training and address systematic racism through education and advocacy.” He’s since been working with his foundation to launch programming he hopes will foster better trust between communities and law enforcement. Prescott also wrote a letter to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt in support of a Black death row inmate sentenced in 1999. Prescott believes there “was just so much wrong within that, so much wrong within his conviction, so much wrong with his trial.”
But like Prescott’s pledge—which he clarifies is a commitment forward rather than a donation he gave this summer and moved on from—his approach to the shooting of Blake and activism generally in the sports world is measured. Prescott is careful to note that he doesn’t want to comment immediately on each instance of police brutality or discrimination.
“Just 'cause we’re popular doesn’t mean that we’re politicians,” he said. “So I think we all need to be better at that—at educating ourselves and figuring out exactly what it is we can do and the particular role we can play within our communities and then further that.”
On NFL teams' playing of the national anthem, however, Prescott has studied enough to formulate his opinion. He’s started every game for the Cowboys since Dallas selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 draft. Even without a long-term contract, he’s secure in his voice as the undisputed leader of the locker room. He’s committed to amplifying his teammates’ voice as well.
“Right now, it's about listening to the other man, having empathy for him and understanding where he may be coming from,” Prescott said. “I think, if anything, you’ll just see guys expressing themselves, and more so from that you're going to see people supporting one another and loving one another.
“Then we'll all be working toward a common goal—which in the game of football is winning. But in life, I think it's love and equality.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein.
If you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!