usatoday--2020-08-10--'I can't afford tuition': College students face financial strains, health concerns from pandemic ahe

Brittany Goddard ’ s final semester at Howard University isn ’ t the dream ending she imagined in Washington , D.C .
When the coronavirus pandemic shut down the U.S. economy in March , she scrambled to pack up her belongings since she had to be out of her dorm room within 48 hours .
At the same time , she lost her part-time job at a catering company and still hasn ’ t received unemployment after filing for jobless benefits in April .
She was set to study abroad in Barcelona over the summer , but those plans were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with just weeks to go before the fall semester begins , she ’ s worried about how she ’ ll pay the remaining balance of her tuition and fees – roughly $ 9,000 – since her financial aid won ’ t cover it at the private school .
“ It ’ s heartbreaking .
I ’ m a low-income student .
I ca n't afford tuition , ” Goddard , 20 , says , who ’ s created a GoFundMe page to raise money since her mother doesn ’ t have the means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a federal student loan available to parents of dependent undergraduate students .
“ We do n't have much , '' Goddard says .
`` My mom is a single parent putting two kids through college alone .
I ’ m trying to make it through the final stretch.
” 'Insulin or groceries ' : How reduced unemployment affects struggling Americans from California to Mississippi COVID : Millennials , Gen Zers say pandemic has derailed their financial independence Millions of students across the country , like Goddard , face financial strains and health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to colleges and universities this fall .
It comes at an unpredictable time for faculty and parents as policymakers in Washington grapple with further coronavirus outbreaks , leaving schools rushing to implement plans for the new academic year .
Just over a third of college students will return to campus and attend class in-person this fall if given the option , according to a new report from Student Loan Hero , which was given exclusively to USA TODAY .
Another 16 % still plan to return to campus , but will take courses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to study online from home , the data shows .
While many students plan to take advantage of online learning options this fall , they don ’ t necessarily think their courses should cost as much as in-person classes .
Almost 66 % of students think remote classes are of lower quality than those held in person , and that tuition costs should be reduced accordingly , data from Student Loan Hero shows .
In the fall , Fitch Ratings forecasts that annual enrollment declines could range from 5 % to 20 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result of the pandemic .
Private colleges could experience more meaningful financial effects than public colleges , given a higher reliance on tuition and student fee revenues , for which the median share of total revenue is 82 % , compared with 38 % for rated public universities , according to Fitch Ratings .
Tuition constraints threaten to exacerbate the financial effects of enrollment declines , experts say .
The economic downturn could weaken expected family contributions and endowments , and increase financial aid needs .
Enrollment pressures related to a drop in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some institutions more so than others , experts say .
For instance , private colleges in competitive regions with challenging demographics like in the Northeast will likely be among those most affected .
But other schools with a wider geographic draw are poised to be less vulnerable .
Along those lines , Harvard recently acknowledged in an email to faculty and staff that more than 20 % of its students do not intend to enroll this fall , according to a report in the Harvard Crimson .
Across the country , Jennifer Degutis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending her son , Ryan Contreras , 19 , back to school for his sophomore year at the University of California , San Diego .
Contreras , an aerospace engineer major , will have his classes online this semester , Degutis says .
But his housing options are up in the air if he doesn ’ t return this fall .
He was guaranteed housing on campus for his first two years with his financial aid package , but if he comes back in the spring , he ’ ll be put on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He would need to remain on campus since he doesn ’ t have a car , and they still do n't know whether he ’ ll be paired with a roommate yet .
The price of a single room was too expensive with rising costs , and they would have to pay fees for him to use the campus facilities even if he stayed home , she says .
When students arrive at the university this month , they will find coronavirus testing stations strategically planted throughout campus .
“ It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going back to school in this chaos , ” says Degutis , who ’ s a retail manager at Five Below , a discount store .
She lives nearly three hours away from the school in La Quinta , California .
A work-study program is also part of his financial aid package , but there are n't many options and she 's unsure of how he ’ ll be able to work in the library or in dining halls due to social-distancing measures .
Just over 46 % of student workers are very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work during the fall semester , according to Student Loan Hero .
And only about 1 in 5 students say their college offered a price cut for the fall semester due to the pandemic .
Not only has the pandemic created financial headaches for parents and students , but it also threatens to affect their children 's mental well-being , Degutis cautions .
“ All of my son 's classes are online , so my concerns as a parent are also about his mental health if he ’ s confined to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Degutis .
Tracy Kapiloff , 54 , of Houston , Texas , agrees .
She is worried about sending her daughter , Andie Kapiloff , 19 , back to an out-of-state school in a few weeks .
Her daughter , a sophomore at Swarthmore College , a private , liberal arts college in Pennsylvania , is studying political science and is also on the women ’ s lacrosse team .
But athletics are halted for now , and she ’ ll be living alone on campus this year , Kapiloff says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health .
Do you want your kid living in a single room , taking online classes while not seeing any friends ?
Plus the high cost of education .
Is it worth it ?
” says Kapiloff , who is paying about $ 73,000 per year in tuition , fees and living costs .
“ But then you think about her staying home indefinitely and not having any interaction with friends or teachers , so it seemed worse to remain at home.
” The school is planning to intermittently conduct group testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If a student is positive , they ’ ll test each person individually with a lower , nasal swab , she says .
“ It ’ s weird .
You send your kids to college sometimes worried about a big social scene .
But now there ’ s no parties or alcohol with the pandemic , '' says Kapiloff .
`` My concern is her education .
But her concern is being social and navigating the new normal on campus.
” An increasing number of colleges are offering students a choice of online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the college students polled by Student Loan Hero say they plan to take classes online in the upcoming semester .
This fall , Garrett Weed , 22 , will finish his last semester as a marketing major at Georgia State University in Atlanta .
But he 's concerned about how the school will prevent further outbreaks , he says .
He ’ s scheduled to take four courses this semester .
One is online , but he hasn ’ t received guidance about the other three .
He ’ s worried that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campus and risk contracting the virus , he says .
“ It ’ s scary .
This doesn ’ t seem like the smartest thing to do , ” says Weed .
“ I ’ d prefer if all classes were online.
” Students ’ primary concern is avoiding the coronavirus , according to Student Loan Hero .
The next two major worries on the list were not learning as much due to online classes and not having the college experience they wanted in terms of social life and extracurriculars .
Weed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casual , street-food restaurant , lost his job in the spring .
He filed for unemployment in April and didn ’ t get his first check until June , he says .
Since the spring , he ’ s been socially distancing with his family , who live about 45 minutes outside of Atlanta .
He eventually moved out of his apartment at the end of July since he could n't afford rent .
He ’ s also run into challenges trying to get an internship since many places aren ’ t hiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s scary to go that long with no source of income , ” says Weed , who has a mix of scholarships and student loans to pay for school .
This semester was the first time that he had to pay his remaining balance – $ 200 – out of pocket .
He normally would receive a refund to help cover a portion of his living expenses , he says .
“ It ’ s frustrating not being fully independent .
There aren ’ t jobs readily available for me to apply for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I graduate , I want to get a decent job .
An internship would help out so much , but I don ’ t know if I ’ ll be able to now.
” Others have n't retrieved their belongings from the spring Goddard , who is a double major in political science and Spanish at Howard University , stashed her belongings in storage in the spring , expecting to return to school in the fall .
But now she ’ s finishing her final months as an undergraduate living at home in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t know when she ’ ll be able to return to get her stuff .
She opted to stay with her mother since her financial aid and lack of income couldn ’ t cover her living expenses on campus .
She attended Howard University , a historically Black college and university , for the experience to be around a diverse group of young adults .
Although the school is reopening in the fall , there won ’ t be a homecoming , football games or double-dutching on campus this semester , she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College is the most transformative years of your life .
Things are never going to be the same , ” Goddard says .
“ I wanted to go out with a bang , but COVID ruined it .
”

'I can't afford tuition': College students face financial strains, health concerns from pandemic ahead of fall semester
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Brittany Goddard’s final semester at Howard University isn’t the dream ending she imagined in Washington, D.C.
When the coronavirus pandemic shut down the U.S. economy in March, she scrambled to pack up her belongings since she had to be out of her dorm room within 48 hours. At the same time, she lost her part-time job at a catering company and still hasn’t received unemployment after filing for jobless benefits in April.
She was set to study abroad in Barcelona over the summer, but those plans were upended due to the pandemic. And with just weeks to go before the fall semester begins, she’s worried about how she’ll pay the remaining balance of her tuition and fees – roughly $9,000 – since her financial aid won’t cover it at the private school.
“It’s heartbreaking. I’m a low-income student. I can't afford tuition,” Goddard, 20, says, who’s created a GoFundMe page to raise money since her mother doesn’t have the means to take out another Parent PLUS Loan, a federal student loan available to parents of dependent undergraduate students.
“We don't have much," Goddard says. "My mom is a single parent putting two kids through college alone. I’m trying to make it through the final stretch.”
'Insulin or groceries': How reduced unemployment affects struggling Americans from California to Mississippi
COVID: Millennials, Gen Zers say pandemic has derailed their financial independence
Colleges brace for stagnant enrollment
Millions of students across the country, like Goddard, face financial strains and health fears as they decide whether to return to colleges and universities this fall. It comes at an unpredictable time for faculty and parents as policymakers in Washington grapple with further coronavirus outbreaks, leaving schools rushing to implement plans for the new academic year.
Just over a third of college students will return to campus and attend class in-person this fall if given the option, according to a new report from Student Loan Hero, which was given exclusively to USA TODAY. Another 16% still plan to return to campus, but will take courses online, while roughly 29% plan to study online from home, the data shows.
While many students plan to take advantage of online learning options this fall, they don’t necessarily think their courses should cost as much as in-person classes. Almost 66% of students think remote classes are of lower quality than those held in person, and that tuition costs should be reduced accordingly, data from Student Loan Hero shows.
In the fall, Fitch Ratings forecasts that annual enrollment declines could range from 5% to 20% for many colleges and universities as a result of the pandemic. Private colleges could experience more meaningful financial effects than public colleges, given a higher reliance on tuition and student fee revenues, for which the median share of total revenue is 82%, compared with 38% for rated public universities, according to Fitch Ratings.
Record drop in GDP and what it means for the American economy The U.S. economy just had its worse performance ever as businesses shut down across the country as well as much travel decline. USA TODAY
Tuition constraints threaten to exacerbate the financial effects of enrollment declines, experts say. The economic downturn could weaken expected family contributions and endowments, and increase financial aid needs.
Enrollment pressures related to a drop in international students and incoming freshmen will affect some institutions more so than others, experts say. For instance, private colleges in competitive regions with challenging demographics like in the Northeast will likely be among those most affected. But other schools with a wider geographic draw are poised to be less vulnerable.
Along those lines, Harvard recently acknowledged in an email to faculty and staff that more than 20% of its students do not intend to enroll this fall, according to a report in the Harvard Crimson.
Parents worry about financial aid, housing costs
Across the country, Jennifer Degutis, 48, has mixed feelings about sending her son, Ryan Contreras, 19, back to school for his sophomore year at the University of California, San Diego.
Contreras, an aerospace engineer major, will have his classes online this semester, Degutis says. But his housing options are up in the air if he doesn’t return this fall. He was guaranteed housing on campus for his first two years with his financial aid package, but if he comes back in the spring, he’ll be put on a wait list, she says.
He would need to remain on campus since he doesn’t have a car, and they still don't know whether he’ll be paired with a roommate yet. The price of a single room was too expensive with rising costs, and they would have to pay fees for him to use the campus facilities even if he stayed home, she says.
When students arrive at the university this month, they will find coronavirus testing stations strategically planted throughout campus.
“It’s nerve-wracking to know he’s going back to school in this chaos,” says Degutis, who’s a retail manager at Five Below, a discount store. She lives nearly three hours away from the school in La Quinta, California.
A work-study program is also part of his financial aid package, but there aren't many options and she's unsure of how he’ll be able to work in the library or in dining halls due to social distancing measures.
Just over 46% of student workers are very concerned they won’t be able to work during the fall semester, according to Student Loan Hero. And only about 1 in 5 students say their college offered a price cut for the fall semester due to the pandemic.
Mental health is a priority for parents
Not only has the pandemic created financial headaches for parents and students, but it also threatens to affect their children's mental well-being, Degutis cautions.
“All of my son's classes are online, so my concerns as a parent are also about his mental health if he’s confined to his dorm room for 12 weeks,” says Degutis.
Tracy Kapiloff, 54, of Houston agrees. She is worried about sending her daughter, Andie Kapiloff, 19, back to an out-of-state school in a few weeks.
Her daughter, a sophomore at Swarthmore College, a private, liberal arts college in Pennsylvania, is studying political science and is also on the women’s lacrosse team. But athletics are halted for now, and she’ll be living alone on campus this year, Kapiloff says.
“I’m concerned about her mental health. Do you want your kid living in a single room, taking online classes while not seeing any friends? Plus the high cost of education. Is it worth it?” says Kapiloff, who is paying about $73,000 per year in tuition, fees and living costs.
“But then you think about her staying home indefinitely and not having any interaction with friends or teachers, so it seemed worse to remain at home.”
The school is planning to intermittently conduct group testing for the virus throughout the semester. If a student is positive, they’ll test each person individually with a lower, nasal swab, she says.
“It’s weird. You send your kids to college sometimes worried about a big social scene. But now there’s no parties or alcohol with the pandemic," says Kapiloff. "My concern is her education. But her concern is being social and navigating the new normal on campus.”
An increasing number of colleges are offering students a choice of online or in-person classes. About 45% of the college students polled by Student Loan Hero say they plan to take classes online in the upcoming semester.
Some students fear on-campus classes
This fall, Garrett Weed, 22, will finish his last semester as a marketing major at Georgia State University in Atlanta. But he's concerned about how the school will prevent further outbreaks, he says.
He’s scheduled to take four courses this semester. One is online, but he hasn’t received guidance about the other three. He’s worried that he’ll have to commute on campus and risk contracting the virus, he says.
“It’s scary. This doesn’t seem like the smartest thing to do,” says Weed. “I’d prefer if all classes were online.”
Students’ primary concern is avoiding the coronavirus, according to Student Loan Hero. The next two major worries on the list were not learning as much due to online classes and not having the college experience they wanted in terms of social life and extracurriculars.
Weed, who worked part time at Bartaco, a casual, street-food restaurant, lost his job in the spring. He filed for unemployment in April and didn’t get his first check until June, he says.
Since the spring, he’s been socially distancing with his family, who live about 45 minutes outside of Atlanta. He eventually moved out of his apartment at the end of July since he couldn't afford rent. He’s also run into challenges trying to get an internship since many places aren’t hiring, he added.
“It’s scary to go that long with no source of income,” says Weed, who has a mix of scholarships and student loans to pay for school. This semester was the first time that he had to pay his remaining balance – $200 – out of pocket. He normally would receive a refund to help cover a portion of his living expenses, he says.
“It’s frustrating not being fully independent. There aren’t jobs readily available for me to apply for," says Weed. "When I graduate, I want to get a decent job. An internship would help out so much, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to now.”
Others haven't retrieved their belongings from the spring
Goddard, who is a double major in political science and Spanish at Howard University, stashed her belongings in storage in the spring, expecting to return to school in the fall. But now she’s finishing her final months as an undergraduate living at home in Atlanta and doesn’t know when she’ll be able to return to get her stuff.
She opted to stay with her mother since her financial aid and lack of income couldn’t cover her living expenses on campus.
She attended Howard University, a historically Black college and university, for the experience to be around a diverse group of young adults. Although the school is reopening in the fall, there won’t be a homecoming, football games, or double Dutching on campus this semester, she says.
“I’m devastated. College is the most transformative years of your life. Things are never going to be the same,” Goddard says. “I wanted to go out with a bang, but COVID ruined it.”


usatoday--2020-08-10--#WeWantToPlay: Top college football players call for creation of players association

With the 2020 college football season seemingly on the brink due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic , players flocked to social media with a simple message : # WeWantToPlay .
Later Sunday , some of the biggest names in the sport — among them Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence , Ohio State QB Justin Fields , Alabama RB Najee Harris and Oklahoma State RB Chuba Hubbard — took to Twitter to reiterate their stance on the 2020 season , calling on the Power Five conferences to take certain actions to help make that happen .
Most notable in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin groundwork for a college football players association .
Among the players ' asks in the statement — `` Representative of the players of all Power 5 conferences '' — that began with `` We all want to play football this season '' : '' Establish universal mandated health & safety procedures and protocols to help college-athletes against COVID-19 among all conferences throughout the NCAA .
`` Give players the opportunity to opt out and respect their decision .
`` Guarantee eligibility whether a player chooses to play the season or not .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ communication & trust between players and officials ; ultimately create a college football players association . ''
The # WeWantToPlay statement was also accompanied by the hashtag # WeAreUnited , a hashtag the Pac-12 unity group attempting to address a number of athlete concerns has been using .

#WeWantToPlay: Top college football players call for creation of players association
Show Caption Hide Caption What a fall without football would do to the American sports psyche SportsPulse: From high school Friday night lights to Monday Night Football football is an engrained part of American culture and our fall sports calendars. What would a fall without it do to the American sports psyche? USA TODAY
With the 2020 college football season seemingly on the brink due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, players flocked to social media with a simple message: #WeWantToPlay.
Later Sunday, some of the biggest names in the sport — among them Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, Ohio State QB Justin Fields, Alabama RB Najee Harris and Oklahoma State RB Chuba Hubbard — took to Twitter to reiterate their stance on the 2020 season, calling on the Power Five conferences to take certain actions to help make that happen.
Most notable in the statement was the players' call to begin groundwork for a college football players association.
Among the players' asks in the statement — "Representative of the players of all Power 5 conferences" — that began with "We all want to play football this season":
"Establish universal mandated health & safety procedures and protocols to help college-athletes against COVID-19 among all conferences throughout the NCAA.
"Give players the opportunity to opt out and respect their decision.
"Guarantee eligibility whether a player chooses to play the season or not.
"Use our voices to establish open communication & trust between players and officials; ultimately create a college football players association."
The #WeWantToPlay statement was also accompanied by the hashtag #WeAreUnited, a hashtag the Pac-12 unity group attempting to address a number of athlete concerns has been using.


usatoday--2020-08-10--Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jatavis Brown abruptly retires at 26

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jatavis Brown retired Sunday , choosing to end his NFL career at 26 after just four seasons @ @ @ @ @ agent addition in March , placed his name on the reserve/retired list .
According to @ @ @ @ @ internally was he simply felt it was time for him to step away . ''
@ @ @ @ @ deal that would pay him up to $ 1.0475 million , including $ 550,000 in @ @ @ @ @ line to potentially start and be a special teams contributor .
The Eagles ' roster @ @ @ @ @ Nate Gerry , Davion Taylor , Duke Riley , Alex Singleton , Shaun Bradley and @ @ @ @ @ selected Brown out of Akron in the fifth round of the 2016 draft .
At @ @ @ @ @ first-team three years in a row .

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jatavis Brown abruptly retires at 26
Show Caption Hide Caption 'The plan is very fluid': Ian Eagle details what NFL broadcasts could look like this fall SportsPulse: We connected with NBA and NFL broadcaster Ian Eagle to see how he thinks NFL games will look on tv this fall amidst the pandemic. He also believes the NFL can learn a thing or two from how the NBA has come back. USA TODAY
Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jatavis Brown retired Sunday, choosing to end his NFL career at 26 after just four seasons.
Brown, a free agent addition in March, placed his name on the reserve/retired list. According to ESPN, "the word internally was he simply felt it was time for him to step away." Brown had signed a one-year deal that would pay him up to $1.0475 million, including $550,000 in guarantees.
Brown was in line to potentially start and be a special teams contributor. The Eagles' roster includes linebackers T.J. Edwards, Nate Gerry, Davion Taylor, Duke Riley, Alex Singleton, Shaun Bradley and Dante Olson.
The Chargers selected Brown out of Akron in the fifth round of the 2016 draft. At Akron, he was All-MAC first-team three years in a row.


usatoday--2020-08-10--NHL draft lottery: Ranking the eight teams 1-8 in terms of who is least deserving of No. 1 pick

For the eight teams that were knocked out of the qualifying round of the NHL playoffs , there is a consolation prize of sorts that will be awarded Monday ( 6 p.m .
ET ; NHL Network , NBCSN ) : the first overall pick in the 2020 draft and the chance to make Alexis Lafrenière their franchise forward .
The first phase of the June 26 draft lottery revealed that one of the eliminated teams from the qualifiers would nab the No .
1 position , a reality that had a 2.5 % chance of happening .
The seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHL ’ s expanded season restart , one that included 12 teams from each conference , instead of the typical eight in the playoffs .
The top four teams from each conference battled for seeding , while the rest played to advance into the first round .
And as is the case in the wild world that is the NHL postseason , upsets abound : the No .
12 Chicago Blackhawks defeated the No .
5 Edmonton Oilers ; the No .
12 Montreal Canadiens beat the No .
5 Pittsburgh Penguins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coyotes sent the No .
6 Nashville Predators home .
Other teams now in running for the top pick include the No .
11 New York Rangers , No .
10 Minnesota Wild , No .
10 Florida Panthers , No .
9 Winnipeg Jets and No .
8 Toronto Maple Leafs .
But instead of ranking the teams based on which are most deserving of landing the No .
1 pick , we have decided to reverse course and rank them based on which would be most unfair to the rest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Pittsburgh finished with 86 points , good for fifth in the Eastern Conference .
Adding Lafrenière to play alongside Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin ... that would be hard to game plan against when considering there 's also Jake Guentzel , Jason Zucker and Bryan Rust to also worry about .
It also would give the Pens a franchise player to build around as Crosby and Malkin enter the latter stages of their career , a time that was supposed to give other teams a chance at the East ; the Penguins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , including winning three Stanley Cups .
2 .
Toronto Maple Leafs : Four years after landing Auston Matthews at No .
1 and two years after signing John Taveras , it does not seem fair for the Maple Leafs to now add Lafrenière to that forward group , one that also includes wingers Mitch Marner and William Nylander .
Even if hockey-crazed Toronto has come up short of expectations in recent years , it would now be set up for the next decade to torment the East .
3 .
Edmonton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Oilers have picked 10 times in the top 10 , including four times at No .
1 overall .
There have been disaster picks ( Nail Yakupov at No .
1 ) and picks of hockey ’ s best player today ( Connor McDavid No .
1 ) and this season 's likely MVP ( Leon Draisaitl at No .
3 ) .
Edmonton could use more scoring-line players as it has struggled to build around those two .
4 .
New York Rangers : Even though the Rangers have gone playoff-less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a marquee franchise that generally spends to the salary cap in a big city that loves star power .
They jumped from No .
6 in the draft to No .
2 last season , and took winger Kaapo Kakko , 19 , who was inconsistent but showed signs of being a dominant player .
Their rebuild has also gone quicker than expected thanks to the addition of Artemi Panarin , the continued emergence of Mika Zibanejad as first-line center and the play of rookie defenseman Adam Fox .
Adding Lafrenière would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players .
5 .
Nashville Predators : While the Predators still boast one of the best defensive groups in hockey and a general manager that is among the most aggressive , their offense has remained mediocre at best the past few years , even after trading away Seth Jones for Ryan Johansen and signing Matt Duchene .
They had reached the playoffs for five consecutive seasons , losing in the Stanley Cup Final in 2017 , but their resume seems incomplete without the ultimate prize .
There 's a lot to like about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnansen , Duchene , Viktor Arvidsson and Filip Forsberg .
6 .
Winnipeg Jets : Coach Paul Maurice has seemingly done well developing his younger , talented offensive players , and Lafrenière would only add more explosiveness to an exciting group .
With Mark Scheifele , Kyle Connor , Blake Wheeler , Patrik Laine and Nik Ehlers , Lafrenière would have a supporting cast suited to helping his game develop , while not having to be the top point producer immediately .
Outside of those players , however , the Jets are a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depth .
Maybe getting Lafrenière would be karma for the Jets losing Scheifele and Laine in Game 1 of the qualifying round .
7 .
Florida Panthers : Florida spent big last offseason on goaltending ( Sergei Bobrovsky ) only to finish third-worst in goals against .
It is also a market that continues to struggle to draw fans , finishing 29th in average home attendance ( 14,401 ) , according to ESPN .
Perhaps a dynamic talent to call their own like Lafrenière could rejuvenate the franchise .
8 .
Minnesota Wild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third , which it did during its first season .
Even though winger Kevin Fiala broke through , the roster is aging and many of the Wild 's other top players ( Ryan Suter , Zach Parise , Eric Staal ) are 35 or older .
Lafrenière would infuse high-end talent , fresh legs and excitement to franchise that has slipped in recent years .

NHL draft lottery: Ranking the eight teams 1-8 in terms of who is least deserving of No. 1 pick
For the eight teams that were knocked out of the qualifying round of the NHL playoffs, there is a consolation prize of sorts that will be awarded Monday (6 p.m. ET; NHL Network, NBCSN): the first overall pick in the 2020 draft and the chance to make Alexis Lafrenière their franchise forward.
The first phase of the June 26 draft lottery revealed that one of the eliminated teams from the qualifiers would nab the No. 1 position, a reality that had a 2.5% chance of happening. The seven other teams were those not included in the NHL’s expanded season restart, one that included 12 teams from each conference, instead of the typical eight in the playoffs. The top four teams from each conference battled for seeding, while the rest played to advance into the first round.
And as is the case in the wild world that is the NHL postseason, upsets abound: the No. 12 Chicago Blackhawks defeated the No. 5 Edmonton Oilers; the No. 12 Montreal Canadiens beat the No. 5 Pittsburgh Penguins; and the No. 11 Arizona Coyotes sent the No. 6 Nashville Predators home. Other teams now in running for the top pick include the No. 11 New York Rangers, No. 10 Minnesota Wild, No. 10 Florida Panthers, No. 9 Winnipeg Jets and No. 8 Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL PREDICTIONS: Here's how Stanley Cup playoffs will unfold
But instead of ranking the teams based on which are most deserving of landing the No. 1 pick, we have decided to reverse course and rank them based on which would be most unfair to the rest of the teams.
1. Pittsburgh Penguins: Pittsburgh finished with 86 points, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference. Adding Lafrenière to play alongside Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin ... that would be hard to game plan against when considering there's also Jake Guentzel, Jason Zucker and Bryan Rust to also worry about. It also would give the Pens a franchise player to build around as Crosby and Malkin enter the latter stages of their career, a time that was supposed to give other teams a chance at the East; the Penguins advanced to the playoffs for 13 consecutive years, including winning three Stanley Cups.
2. Toronto Maple Leafs: Four years after landing Auston Matthews at No. 1 and two years after signing John Taveras, it does not seem fair for the Maple Leafs to now add Lafrenière to that forward group, one that also includes wingers Mitch Marner and William Nylander. Even if hockey-crazed Toronto has come up short of expectations in recent years, it would now be set up for the next decade to torment the East.
3. Edmonton Oilers: Since the 2009 draft, the Oilers have picked 10 times in the top 10, including four times at No. 1 overall. There have been disaster picks (Nail Yakupov at No. 1) and picks of hockey’s best player today (Connor McDavid No. 1) and this season's likely MVP (Leon Draisaitl at No. 3). Edmonton could use more scoring-line players as it has struggled to build around those two.
4. New York Rangers: Even though the Rangers have gone playoff-less for the last three seasons, they are a marquee franchise that generally spends to the salary cap in a big city that loves star power. They jumped from No. 6 in the draft to No. 2 last season, and took winger Kaapo Kakko, 19, who was inconsistent but showed signs of being a dominant player. Their rebuild has also gone quicker than expected thanks to the addition of Artemi Panarin, the continued emergence of Mika Zibanejad as first-line center and the play of rookie defenseman Adam Fox. Adding Lafrenière would give them a stellar collection of young players.
5. Nashville Predators: While the Predators still boast one of the best defensive groups in hockey and a general manager that is among the most aggressive, their offense has remained mediocre at best the past few years, even after trading away Seth Jones for Ryan Johansen and signing Matt Duchene. They had reached the playoffs for five consecutive seasons, losing in the Stanley Cup Final in 2017, but their resume seems incomplete without the ultimate prize. There's a lot to like about a forward core that includes Lafrenière, Johnansen, Duchene, Viktor Arvidsson and Filip Forsberg.
6. Winnipeg Jets: Coach Paul Maurice has seemingly done well developing his younger, talented offensive players, and Lafrenière would only add more explosiveness to an exciting group. With Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Blake Wheeler, Patrik Laine and Nik Ehlers, Lafrenière would have a supporting cast suited to helping his game develop, while not having to be the top point producer immediately. Outside of those players, however, the Jets are a bit top heavy and could use offensive depth. Maybe getting Lafrenière would be karma for the Jets losing Scheifele and Laine in Game 1 of the qualifying round.
7. Florida Panthers: Florida spent big last offseason on goaltending (Sergei Bobrovsky) only to finish third-worst in goals against. It is also a market that continues to struggle to draw fans, finishing 29th in average home attendance (14,401), according to ESPN. Perhaps a dynamic talent to call their own like Lafrenière could rejuvenate the franchise.
8. Minnesota Wild: Minnesota has never picked higher than third, which it did during its first season. Even though winger Kevin Fiala broke through, the roster is aging and many of the Wild's other top players (Ryan Suter, Zach Parise, Eric Staal) are 35 or older. Lafrenière would infuse high-end talent, fresh legs and excitement to franchise that has slipped in recent years.


usatoday--2020-08-10--Tree explodes after lightning strikes near homes in Louisiana

Lightning strike causes damage after it hit and exploded a tree A woman had to duck and cover outside her @ @ @ @ @ when a lightning strike hit a tree near her house .

Lightning strike causes damage after it hit and exploded a tree
A woman had to duck and cover outside her Morgan City, Louisiana home when a lightning strike hit a tree near her house.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-08-11--Trump abruptly taken out of briefing room as White House goes into lockdown following a shooting

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump was abruptly removed from the briefing room on Monday during a press conference with reporters because of a shooting about a block away from the White House .
The president was in the middle of his opening statement when an aide who appeared to be a member of the Secret Service came to his side and escorted him off the podium .
Trump returned to the room after a few moments and reported that there had been a shooting outside the White House .
`` It was law enforcement shot someone , it seems to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now on the way to the hospital , '' Trump said .
Secret Service shot the suspect outside the fence , near the White House , he said .
Washington , D.C. , officials said that first responders took a man with a gunshot wound to an area hospital .
The person was in serious , if not critical , condition .
The U.S. Secret Service said one of its officers was also transported to a hospital .
`` You were surprised , I was surprised also , '' Trump said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Oval Office during the incident , said he was n't aware of the reason for the shooting , which took place on 17th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue .
`` It might not have had anything to do with me , '' Trump said .
`` It might have been something else . ''
More : White House was locked down as protests over Floyd 's death reach capital Asked if he was rattled by the experience , Trump responded : `` Do I seem rattled ? ''
Lock downs at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happen for nearby shooters , breaches of the White House perimeter and even bags abandoned nearby .
But it is rare for lockdowns to occur when the president is on stage and extremely rare for the president to be removed by Secret Service in the middle of remarks .
The last high-profile lock down took place in May because of protesters outside the White House , demonstrating over the death of George Floyd .
Reporters inside the White House indicated the building was on lock down shortly after the shooting .
Trump professed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The world has always been a dangerous place , '' Trump said .
`` That 's not something that 's unique . ''
The president returned to the briefing room minutes later and , after fielding several questions about the shooting , returned to his prepared remarks .
`` So I was telling you that the Dow Jones and the S & P 500 are now 50 % above the March level , '' he said .
`` Spent twelve years in the Secret Service and I ’ ve never seen that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Republican commentator and former Secret Service agent .

John Fritze, David Jackson and Courtney Subramanian, USA TODAY

Trump abruptly taken out of briefing room as White House goes into lockdown following a shooting
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump quickly taken from briefing, White House locked down President Donald Trump was abruptly taken out of the Brady Briefing Room on Monday during a daily session with reporters. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump was abruptly removed from the briefing room on Monday during a press conference with reporters because of a shooting about a block away from the White House.
The president was in the middle of his opening statement when an aide who appeared to be a member of the Secret Service came to his side and escorted him off the podium. Trump returned to the room after a few moments and reported that there had been a shooting outside the White House.
"It was law enforcement shot someone, it seems to be the suspect. And the suspect is now on the way to the hospital," Trump said.
In a statement, the Secret Service said a 51-year old male approached one of the agency's uniformed officers posted near the White House complex, telling the officer that he had a weapon.
"The suspect then turned around, ran aggressively towards the officer, and in a drawing motion, withdrew an object from his clothing," the statement said. "He then crouched into a shooter’s stance as if about to fire a weapon. The Secret Service officer discharged his weapon striking the individual in the torso. "
No firearm was found on the suspect, said a law enforcement official who is not authorized to comment publicly.
Officers rendered aid and first responders were called to the scene. Both the officer and the suspect were taken to local hospitals, the agency said.
The White House complex was not breached during the incident, the statement said.
The Secret Service Office of Professional Responsibility will launch an internal review of the officer’s actions and the D.C Metropolitan Police Department also has been asked to investigate.
"You were surprised, I was surprised also," Trump said.
Trump, who said he was taken to the Oval Office during the incident, said he wasn't aware of the reason for the shooting.
"It might not have had anything to do with me," Trump said. "It might have been something else."
More: White House was locked down as protests over Floyd's death reach capital
Asked if he was rattled by the experience, Trump responded: "Do I seem rattled?"
Lock downs at the White House are relatively common and can happen for nearby shooters, breaches of the White House perimeter and even bags abandoned nearby. But it is rare for lockdowns to occur when the president is on stage and extremely rare for the president to be removed by Secret Service in the middle of remarks.
The last high-profile lock down took place in May because of protesters outside the White House, demonstrating over the death of George Floyd.
The Secret Service can confirm there has been an officer involved shooting at 17th Street and Pennsylvania Ave. Law enforcement officials are on the scene. More information to follow. — U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) August 10, 2020
Reporters inside the White House indicated the building was on lock down shortly after the shooting. Trump professed little worry about his own safety.
"The world has always been a dangerous place," Trump said. "That's not something that's unique."
The president returned to the briefing room minutes later and, after fielding several questions about the shooting, returned to his prepared remarks.
"So I was telling you that the Dow Jones and the S&P 500 are now 50% above the March level," he said.
"Spent twelve years in the Secret Service and I’ve never seen that before," tweeted Dan Bongino, a Republican commentator and former Secret Service agent.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson, Kristine Phillips


usatoday--2020-08-10--100 arrested, 13 officers injured after Chicago crowds clash with police

Police in Chicago said 100 people were arrested and 13 officers were injured after hundreds smashed windows , stole from stores and clashed with police early Monday in Chicago ’ s Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of the city ’ s downtown .
About 400 officers were dispatched to Chicago 's downtown area after seeing posts on social media encouraging a `` caravan '' of cars to engage in looting , Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown said at a news conference Monday .
At one point , shots were fired at police and officers returned fire .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but Brown said a security guard and a civilian were hospitalized in critical condition after being shot .
Brown said the social media posts appear to have been prompted by an incident earlier in the day in which police officers wounded a 20-year-old man with a long criminal history who shot at them .
A Facebook video later circulated falsely claiming police had shot and killed a 15-year-old boy .
`` This was not an organized protest .
Rather , this was an incident of pure criminality , '' Brown said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our police officers and against our city . ''
Along the Magnificent Mile , people were seen going in and out of stores carrying shopping bags full of merchandise and also running out of a bank that had its windows smashed , the Chicago Tribune reported , and as the crowd grew vehicles dropped off more people in the area .
One officer was seen slumped against a building and a rock was thrown at a police vehicle , the newspaper said .
Police worked early Monday to disperse the crowds .
Brown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the downtown area and a special team of investigators will examine hours of footage from Sunday night and pledged `` to pursue these offenders to the fullest extent of the law . ''
Those arrested were expected to face charges including looting , disorderly conduct and battery against police .
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called this incident `` abject criminal behavior . ''
`` This is not legitimate First Amendment protected speech .
These were not poor people engaged in petty theft to feed themselves and their family , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct . ''
Lightfoot said the city has activated a neighborhood protection program that will be in place “ for foreseeable days until we know our neighborhoods are safe.
” Travel restrictions in and out of downtown were imposed after the incident and eased later in the day , but were to be in place again from 8 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday .
With a major storm approaching the city , there figure to be few people out on the streets anyway .
Lightfoot said she had talked early Monday with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreed there was no need to call in the state 's National Guard .
She also sent a clear message to President Donald Trump that his intervention was not welcome .
Trump has criticized the city 's handling of increased levels of gun violence , which resulted in more homicides in July than any month in decades , and last month sent federal agents to Chicago in what was called an anti-crime initiative .
`` No , we do not need federal troops in Chicago .
Period .
Full stop , '' Lightfoot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president will have his way with this incident , but I ’ m calling upon him to do the things that we do need .
We need common-sense gun control.
’ ’ Brown suggested that lenient treatment in Chicago to those engaged in criminal activity during the protests that followed the George Floyd police killing in Minneapolis may have emboldened the looters and vandals Monday morning .
Lightfoot was also critical of the limited prosecutions by Cook County State 's Attorney Kim Foxx , who defended herself , saying , “ Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Videos of the vandalism showed large groups of people ransacking stores and loading merchandise into vehicles , pulling cash registers and even teller machines out of shops .
Brown said the unrest , which began shortly after midnight , was sparked by a shooting in the city 's South Side hours earlier .
Officers responded to a reports of a man with a gun and the 20-year-old suspect fled and pointed a weapon at police .
Officers returned fire and struck the suspect , who Brown said is expected to survive .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken to a hospital for treatment and three officers involved also were taken to a hospital for observation , according to a statement from police .
`` After this shooting a crowd gathered on the South Side , '' he said .
`` Tempers flared , fueled by misinformation as the afternoon turned into evening . ''
More than an hour after the shooting , police and witnesses said the crowd faced off with police after someone reportedly told people that police had shot and wounded a child .
That crowd eventually dispersed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again declared by authorities Sunday night in Portland when protesters marched to a police union building , blocked a road and set dumpster fires as officers continue to try to quell nightly unrest in Oregon ’ s largest city .
The protest was broken up almost as soon as it formed outside the Portland Police Association building – the same building where protesters were dispersed after a fire was started inside the union ’ s offices the night before .
Demonstrators had marched to the building from a nearby park .
The road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were seen rising from dumpsters in the middle of the street .
Police began forcing the crowd of a couple hundred away from the building .
While demonstrators were being dispersed , commercial-grade fireworks were thrown at officers , injuring two , police said .
The department released photos of the officers ’ injuries , including a photo of a face covering that “ partially melted ” from the firework .
The officers were treated at the scene .
In Colorado , 10 people were injured Sunday after a gunman apparently opened fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park south of downtown Denver .
Denver police asked for the public 's help in identifying the shooter .
Investigators said it appeared the drive-by shooting was unconnected to the family gathering and occurred shortly before 5 p.m. None of the victims appeared to have suffered life-threatening injuries , police said .
In Washington , D.C. , a dispute that erupted into gun fire during a large outdoor party early Sunday left one person dead and some 20 others injured , including an off-duty officer “ struggling for her life , ” according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , died in the shooting that occurred after midnight in a southeast side neighborhood where people had gathered for music and food , Peter Newsham , the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department , told reporters .
“ There was some kind of a dispute , ” Newsham said .
“ Multiple weapons were produced.
” Police said at least three shooters may have been involved , though no arrests were immediately announced .
Newsham said a motive for the shooting wasn ’ t clear .

100 arrested, 13 officers injured after Chicago crowds clash with police
Show Caption Hide Caption Chicago stores looted after police injure man Hundreds of people stole from stores and clashed with police in Chicago after officers shot and injured a man during a confrontation. USA TODAY, Storyful
Police in Chicago said 100 people were arrested and 13 officers were injured after hundreds smashed windows, stole from stores and clashed with police early Monday in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of the city’s downtown.
About 400 officers were dispatched to Chicago's downtown area after seeing posts on social media encouraging a "caravan" of cars to engage in looting, Chicago Police Department Superintendent David Brown said at a news conference Monday.
At one point, shots were fired at police and officers returned fire. No officers were wounded by gunfire, but Brown said a security guard and a civilian were hospitalized in critical condition after being shot.
Brown said the social media posts appear to have been prompted by an incident earlier in the day in which police officers wounded a 20-year-old man with a long criminal history who shot at them. A Facebook video later circulated falsely claiming police had shot and killed a 15-year-old boy.
"This was not an organized protest. Rather, this was an incident of pure criminality," Brown said. "This was an act of violence against our police officers and against our city."
Along the Magnificent Mile, people were seen going in and out of stores carrying shopping bags full of merchandise and also running out of a bank that had its windows smashed, the Chicago Tribune reported, and as the crowd grew vehicles dropped off more people in the area.
One officer was seen slumped against a building and a rock was thrown at a police vehicle, the newspaper said. Police worked early Monday to disperse the crowds.
Brown said a heavy police presence is expected in the downtown area and a special team of investigators will examine hours of footage from Sunday night and pledged "to pursue these offenders to the fullest extent of the law."
Those arrested were expected to face charges including looting, disorderly conduct and battery against police. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called this incident "abject criminal behavior."
"This is not legitimate First Amendment protected speech. These were not poor people engaged in petty theft to feed themselves and their family," she said. "This was straight-up felony criminal conduct."
Lightfoot said the city has activated a neighborhood protection program that will be in place “for foreseeable days until we know our neighborhoods are safe.” Travel restrictions in and out of downtown were imposed after the incident and eased later in the day, but were to be in place again from 8 p.m. Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday. With a major storm approaching the city, there figure to be few people out on the streets anyway.
Lightfoot said she had talked early Monday with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and they agreed there was no need to call in the state's National Guard.
She also sent a clear message to President Donald Trump that his intervention was not welcome. Trump has criticized the city's handling of increased levels of gun violence, which resulted in more homicides in July than any month in decades, and last month sent federal agents to Chicago in what was called an anti-crime initiative.
"No, we do not need federal troops in Chicago. Period. Full stop,'' Lightfoot said. "I’m sure the president will have his way with this incident, but I’m calling upon him to do the things that we do need. We need common-sense gun control.’’
Brown suggested that lenient treatment in Chicago to those engaged in criminal activity during the protests that followed the George Floyd police killing in Minneapolis may have emboldened the looters and vandals Monday morning.
Lightfoot was also critical of the limited prosecutions by Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx, who defended herself, saying, “Those cases are coming to court now.”
Videos of the vandalism showed large groups of people ransacking stores and loading merchandise into vehicles, pulling cash registers and even teller machines out of shops.
Brown said the unrest, which began shortly after midnight, was sparked by a shooting in the city's South Side hours earlier. Officers responded to a reports of a man with a gun and the 20-year-old suspect fled and pointed a weapon at police. Officers returned fire and struck the suspect, who Brown said is expected to survive.
A gun was recovered and the suspect was taken to a hospital for treatment and three officers involved also were taken to a hospital for observation, according to a statement from police.
"After this shooting a crowd gathered on the South Side," he said. "Tempers flared, fueled by misinformation as the afternoon turned into evening."
More than an hour after the shooting, police and witnesses said the crowd faced off with police after someone reportedly told people that police had shot and wounded a child. That crowd eventually dispersed.
Elsewhere this weekend: Portland riot; Denver, D.C. shootings
In Portland, a riot was again declared by authorities Sunday night in Portland when protesters marched to a police union building, blocked a road and set dumpster fires as officers continue to try to quell nightly unrest in Oregon’s largest city.
The protest was broken up almost as soon as it formed outside the Portland Police Association building – the same building where protesters were dispersed after a fire was started inside the union’s offices the night before. Demonstrators had marched to the building from a nearby park. The road was blocked with fencing, and flames were seen rising from dumpsters in the middle of the street.
Police began forcing the crowd of a couple hundred away from the building. While demonstrators were being dispersed, commercial-grade fireworks were thrown at officers, injuring two, police said. The department released photos of the officers’ injuries, including a photo of a face covering that “partially melted” from the firework. The officers were treated at the scene.
In Colorado, 10 people were injured Sunday after a gunman apparently opened fire on a family gathering in a small park south of downtown Denver.
Denver police asked for the public's help in identifying the shooter. Investigators said it appeared the drive-by shooting was unconnected to the family gathering and occurred shortly before 5 p.m. None of the victims appeared to have suffered life-threatening injuries, police said.
In Washington, D.C., a dispute that erupted into gun fire during a large outdoor party early Sunday left one person dead and some 20 others injured, including an off-duty officer “struggling for her life,” according to police.
Christopher Brown, 17, died in the shooting that occurred after midnight in a southeast side neighborhood where people had gathered for music and food, Peter Newsham, the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, told reporters.
“There was some kind of a dispute,” Newsham said. “Multiple weapons were produced.”
Police said at least three shooters may have been involved, though no arrests were immediately announced. Newsham said a motive for the shooting wasn’t clear.
Contriibuting: Ryan W. Miller, Trevor Hughes, Jorge L. Ortiz; The Associated Press.
Follow N'dea Yancey-Bragg on Twitter: @NdeaYanceyBragg.


usatoday--2020-08-11--Dangerous derecho soars into Chicago after lashing Iowa with 100-mph winds

The derecho hit Chicago in the early afternoon and the National Weather Service warned that travel plans should be altered and loose objects should be secured before the storm began .
The storm brought winds of more than 80 miles per hour throughout Illinois , ripping through buildings , power lines and trees .
According to ABC Chicago , hundreds of thousands of people are without power due to the storms .
Downed branches and trees , flooding , car crashes and road blockages were reported throughout Chicago and most of Illinois .
Trees around 70 to 80 years old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winds in River Grove , also reported by ABC Chicago .
A local utility company reported at least 117,000 power customers were without electricity by early evening .
Derechoes are often referred to as inland hurricanes due to their hurricane-like conditions , in terms of ferocious wind and torrential rain .
“ People should take these storms seriously , ” National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Barjenbruch said .
“ These winds are incredibly strong.
” The windstorm ripped through portions of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa , leaving hundreds of thousands of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , over 420,000 customers were without power in Iowa , according to PowerOutage.us .
Nearly 40,000 were also powerless in Nebraska .
There were several reports of wind gusts exceeding 100 mph in Iowa , including a gust of 112 mph in Midway , the Weather Channel said .
In order to be classified as a derecho , the storm must include wind gusts of at least 58 mph and its wind damage swath must extend from 250 to 400 miles .
The term `` straight-line wind damage '' sometimes is used to @ @ @ @

Doyle Rice and Autumn Schoolman, USA TODAY

Dangerous derecho soars through Chicago after lashing Iowa with 100-mph winds
Show Caption Hide Caption Roof disintegrates as derecho hits Chicago Intense winds blasted through Chicago on Aug. 10, blowing the roof off of a building into oncoming traffic. Accuweather
A derecho – a dangerous, ferocious wall of wind – lashed through the Midwest on Monday, flipping cars, downing trees and knocking out power for thousands.
The derecho lasted several hours, traveling through Nebraska, Iowa and parts of Wisconsin and Illinois. The storm hit Chicago in the early afternoon, prompting the National Weather Service to warn that travel plans be altered and loose objects be secured.
The storm brought winds of 92 miles per hour near Dixon, about 100 miles west of Chicago, the National Weather Service reported, as it ripped through buildings, power lines and trees.
According to ABC Chicago, hundreds of thousands of people were without power due to the storms. Downed branches and trees, flooding, car crashes and road blockages were reported throughout Chicago and most of Illinois.
Trees around 70 to 80 years old were torn to shreds by the high winds in River Grove, ABC Chicago reported.
Derechoes are often referred to as inland hurricanes due to their hurricane-like conditions, in terms of ferocious wind and torrential rain.
“People should take these storms seriously,” National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Barjenbruch said. “These winds are incredibly strong.”
Northern Illinois University meteorology professor Victor Gensini called the derecho one of the worst weather events in the U.S. in 2020. "This is our version of a hurricane," he added.
In Chicago just north of Addison and Lake Shore. Roof starting to blow off! Video cred to my friend Jasmine. Stay safe everyone! #storm #Chicago #Weather pic.twitter.com/pWyJD5SnAb — Adam Howard (@ashoward1) August 10, 2020
After tearing through Illinois, the strong part of the storm moved into north central Indiana by late afternoon.
In central Iowa, several people were injured and widespread property damage was reported in Marshall County after 100-mph winds, homeland security coordinator Kim Elder said.
“We had quite a few people trapped in buildings and cars,” Elder said on Monday. "We’re in life-saving mode right now.”
Elder said some people reported their cars flipping over from the wind; having power lines fall on them; and getting injured when hit by flying debris. Dozens of cars at one factory had their windshields blown out. Buildings also caught fire.
In the Des Moines area, more than 100,000 customers lost power as wind gusts reached 70 mph, the Weather Service said.
“It’s a lot of tree damage. Very high winds. It will be a significant effort to get through it all and get everybody back on,” said MidAmerican Energy spokeswoman Tina Hoffman.
Brianne Cummins, a hairstylist who runs her business out of her home, said she thought she was witnessing a tornado. She and a customer watched at 10:45 a.m. as the sky suddenly darkened and the wind picked up. The power went out.
A tree in Cummins' backyard fell onto her neighbor's garage, piercing its metal roof. Debris was strewn her streeet, which felt like the epicenter of the storm, Cummins said.
"It was like a movie," Cummins said, "because we saw these branches lift up at once and then just (were) thrown down."
In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, tens of thousands also lost power. The city's public safety spokesman, Greg Buelow, said there was “both significant and widespread damage throughout the city."
In order to be classified as a derecho, the storm must include wind gusts of at least 58 mph and its wind damage swath must extend from 250 to 400 miles. The term "straight-line wind damage" sometimes is used to describe derecho damage.
“They are basically self-sustaining amoebas of thunderstorms,” Gensini said. “Once they get going like they did across Iowa, it’s really hard to stop these suckers.”
Contributing: Ryan Miller, USA TODAY; Philip Joens, Andrea May Sahouri and Donnelle Eller, Des Moines Register; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-08-10--Puerto Ricans, upset at botched primary, demand answers

SAN JUAN , Puerto Rico ( AP ) — The future of Puerto Rico 's botched primaries rested in the hands of the island 's Supreme Court as answers trickled out Monday on why voting centers lacked ballots and forced officials to reschedule part of the primaries in a blow to the U.S. territory ’ s democracy .
A plan to hold another primary on Aug. 16 for centers that could not open on Sunday could change depending on the ruling of a lawsuit filed by Pedro Pierluisi , who is running against Gov .
Wanda Vázquez to become the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party .
Joining the lawsuit was Puerto Rico Sen. Eduardo Bhatia , of the main opposition Popular Democratic Party .
Meanwhile , María Dolores Santiago , the electoral commission official for the New Progressive Party , told The Associated Press that key officials knew about the problems leading up to the primary on Sunday , but nobody did anything to stop it .
She said the last of the remaining ballots arrived Saturday at 8:30 p.m. , days behind schedule , and that trucks loaded with the ballots and electronic voting machines did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the primary , when normally they depart one or two days beforehand .
Santiago repeatedly refused to answer questions including why she didn ’ t personally suggest that the primaries be delayed during Saturday ’ s meeting with the president of the electoral commission .
She only said that at the time , the general agreement was to go ahead and hold the primary .
“ Maybe other decisions should have been taken , but we have to work with reality , ” she said .
“ It 's unfair to throw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other top officials from the island 's two main parties have demanded that the president of the elections commission resign after a lack of ballots meant people were only able to vote in nearly 60 of 110 precincts on Sunday .
Carlos Méndez , president of the island ’ s House of Representatives , also demanded the commission release the results of the completed votes .
Juan Ernesto Dávila , the commission 's president , told The Associated Press that there was never a discussion with Santiago or any other official about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We were focused on trying to push out this electoral event , ” he said .
“ I do n't think it was a mistake ... there were a lot of factors playing against us.
” Among them , he mentioned the pandemic , Tropical Storm Isaias , and a last-minute request from the two main parties to print more than 75,000 additional ballots .
He said he is now focused on trying to find funds and materials needed for the additional primary .
“ What would we have done differently ?
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm focused on solving the situation , ” he said .
It was the first time primaries have been halted and led many to worry that it has cracked Puerto Ricans ’ confidence in their government and could affect the outcome of upcoming November general elections on an island with a voter participation rate of nearly 70 % .
“ That scar will never leave Puerto Rico , ” said political analyst Domingo Emanuelli .
“ It was a hold-up of the country ’ s democracy.
” The primary pits two candidates who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s political turmoil .
Vázquez faces Pierluisi , who represented Puerto Rico in Congress from 2009 to 2017 .
Pierluisi briefly served as governor after Gov .
Ricardo Rosselló resigned in August 2019 following widespread street protests over a profanity-laced chat that was leaked and government corruption .
But Puerto Rico ’ s Supreme Court ruled that Vázquez , then the justice secretary , was constitutionally next in line because there was no secretary of state .
Meanwhile , the main opposition Popular Democratic Party , which supports Puerto Rico ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was holding a primary for the first time in its 82-year history .
Three people are vying to become governor — San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz , known for her public spats with U.S. President Donald Trump following the devastation of Hurricane Maria ; Puerto Rico Sen. Eduardo Bhatia ; and Carlos Delgado , mayor of the northwest coastal town of Isabela .
A federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico 's finances dismissed accusations that the electoral commission did not have enough funding , saying it approved all of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the result ( of ) inefficient organization at an agency that only two weeks ago struggled to procure the printing of ballots for an election that was originally supposed to take place on June 7 , ” the board said in a statement .
“ The State Elections Commission has sufficient money , and it has the more than enough staff to perform the one task it is charged with.
” The ongoing chaos could be further disrupted by additional lawsuits , experts say .
Edgardo Román , president of the Bar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation is in a legally gray area .
A new date has to be set for those who didn ’ t get a chance to vote because the ballots never arrived , he said , but it ’ s less clear what will happen to those who didn ’ t return to centers to vote because they didn ’ t find out in time that the ballots eventually arrived .
“ We have had the worse electoral experience in the history of Puerto Rico , ” he said , The political upheaval was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a 31-year-old federal employee who didn ’ t get a chance to vote on Sunday , said he would try again on Aug. 16 even though he is frustrated and said what happened is irrational .
“ One has to go out and vote , ” he said .
“ The only way to fix all of this is kicking people out .
”

Puerto Ricans, upset at botched primary, demand answers
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The future of Puerto Rico's botched primaries rested in the hands of the island's Supreme Court as answers trickled out Monday on why voting centers lacked ballots and forced officials to reschedule part of the primaries in a blow to the U.S. territory’s democracy.
A plan to hold another primary on Aug. 16 for centers that could not open on Sunday could change depending on the ruling of a lawsuit filed by Pedro Pierluisi, who is running against Gov. Wanda Vázquez to become the potential nominee of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party. Joining the lawsuit was Puerto Rico Sen. Eduardo Bhatia, of the main opposition Popular Democratic Party.
Meanwhile, María Dolores Santiago, the electoral commission official for the New Progressive Party, told The Associated Press that key officials knew about the problems leading up to the primary on Sunday, but nobody did anything to stop it. She said the last of the remaining ballots arrived Saturday at 8:30 p.m., days behind schedule, and that trucks loaded with the ballots and electronic voting machines didn't leave until Sunday, the day of the primary, when normally they depart one or two days beforehand.
Santiago repeatedly refused to answer questions including why she didn’t personally suggest that the primaries be delayed during Saturday’s meeting with the president of the electoral commission. She only said that at the time, the general agreement was to go ahead and hold the primary.
“Maybe other decisions should have been taken, but we have to work with reality,” she said. “It's unfair to throw around blame.”
Gov. Wanda Vázquez and other top officials from the island's two main parties have demanded that the president of the elections commission resign after a lack of ballots meant people were only able to vote in nearly 60 of 110 precincts on Sunday. Carlos Méndez, president of the island’s House of Representatives, also demanded the commission release the results of the completed votes.
Juan Ernesto Dávila, the commission's president, told The Associated Press that there was never a discussion with Santiago or any other official about changing the primaries' date.
“We were focused on trying to push out this electoral event,” he said. “I don't think it was a mistake ... there were a lot of factors playing against us.”
Among them, he mentioned the pandemic, Tropical Storm Isaias, and a last-minute request from the two main parties to print more than 75,000 additional ballots. He said he is now focused on trying to find funds and materials needed for the additional primary.
“What would we have done differently? I'm not focused on that. I'm focused on solving the situation,” he said.
It was the first time primaries have been halted and led many to worry that it has cracked Puerto Ricans’ confidence in their government and could affect the outcome of upcoming November general elections on an island with a voter participation rate of nearly 70%.
“That scar will never leave Puerto Rico,” said political analyst Domingo Emanuelli. “It was a hold-up of the country’s democracy.”
The primary pits two candidates who served as replacement governors following last year’s political turmoil. Vázquez faces Pierluisi, who represented Puerto Rico in Congress from 2009 to 2017.
Pierluisi briefly served as governor after Gov. Ricardo Rosselló resigned in August 2019 following widespread street protests over a profanity-laced chat that was leaked and government corruption. But Puerto Rico’s Supreme Court ruled that Vázquez, then the justice secretary, was constitutionally next in line because there was no secretary of state.
Meanwhile, the main opposition Popular Democratic Party, which supports Puerto Rico’s current political status as a U.S. territory, was holding a primary for the first time in its 82-year history. Three people are vying to become governor — San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz, known for her public spats with U.S. President Donald Trump following the devastation of Hurricane Maria; Puerto Rico Sen. Eduardo Bhatia; and Carlos Delgado, mayor of the northwest coastal town of Isabela.
A federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico's finances dismissed accusations that the electoral commission did not have enough funding, saying it approved all of its funding requests.
“The disruptions ... are the result (of) inefficient organization at an agency that only two weeks ago struggled to procure the printing of ballots for an election that was originally supposed to take place on June 7,” the board said in a statement. “The State Elections Commission has sufficient money, and it has the more than enough staff to perform the one task it is charged with.”
The ongoing chaos could be further disrupted by additional lawsuits, experts say.
Edgardo Román, president of the Bar Association of Puerto Rico, said the situation is in a legally gray area. A new date has to be set for those who didn’t get a chance to vote because the ballots never arrived, he said, but it’s less clear what will happen to those who didn’t return to centers to vote because they didn’t find out in time that the ballots eventually arrived.
“We have had the worse electoral experience in the history of Puerto Rico,” he said,
The political upheaval was demoralizing to some, but Gireliz Zambrana, a 31-year-old federal employee who didn’t get a chance to vote on Sunday, said he would try again on Aug. 16 even though he is frustrated and said what happened is irrational.
“One has to go out and vote,” he said. “The only way to fix all of this is kicking people out.”


usatoday--2020-08-10--Reward offered for info on 'Tiger King' star Carole Baskin's husband, who disappeared in 1997

ST. PETERSBURG , Fla. ( AP ) — The family of a Florida man who disappeared in 1997 , and who appeared on the hit TV series `` Tiger King , '' has hired a lawyer and is offering $ 100,000 in exchange for information to help solve the case .
Attorney John Phillips held a news conference in Tampa Monday and announced an independent investigation into Don Lewis ' disappearance .
He also said that on behalf of the Lewis family , he 's filed a lawsuit against Lewis ' second wife Carole Baskin in an attempt to depose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the record .
He and the family have also paid for Tampa-area billboards asking for information in the case .
Lewis vanished a day before a scheduled trip to Costa Rica and was never found .
He was declared legally dead in 2002 .
He and Baskin started the animal sanctuary , which later became Big Cat Rescue Corp. in Tampa , Florida .
More : Carole Baskin awarded zoo property of 'Tiger King ' Joe Exotic , man who allegedly tried to have her killed More : Sheriff says will of 'Tiger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband forged Three of Lewis ' daughters were at the news conference .
Lewis ' youngest daughter Gale Rathbone , expressed gratitude for those interested in the case .
`` Amazingly , our little family tragedy has become your tragedy .
Our search for closure and truth has become your mission also , '' she said .
`` We all know by now that ( Lewis ) was not a perfect man .
But do only the perfect among us deserve justice ? ''
In an email sent to the Associated Press Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's been my policy not to discuss pending litigation until it 's been resolved , '' she wrote .
`` I had told some news outlets that I thought the press conference on Aug. 10 was just a publicity stunt , but at that time was not aware there would be pending litigation . ''
Lewis ' case , and Baskin , were featured in Tiger King .
Baskin is still the owner of Big Cat Rescue , and lobbies for abolishing private wildlife ownership .
Tiger King was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as `` Joe Exotic , '' an eccentric former Oklahoma zookeeper who loves big cats .
Earlier this year , Maldonado-Passage was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire plot .
He was convicted of trying to hire someone to kill Baskin , who had tried to shut him down , accusing the Oklahoma zoo of abusing animals and selling big cat cubs .
In retaliation , Maldonado-Passage raised questions about Baskin 's former husband , Jack `` Don '' Lewis .
The documentary extensively covered Maldonado-Passage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband and possibly fed him to her tigers .
Baskin has n't been charged with any crime and has repeatedly released statements refuting the accusations made in the series .
Maldonaldo-Passage is currently in prison .
A federal judge in June granted control of the Oklahoma zoo that was previously run by Maldonado-Passage — also known as Joe Exotic — to Big Cat Rescue Corp. Baskin previously sued Maldonado-Passage for trademark and copyright infringements and won a $ 1 million civil judgment against him .
The judge found that ownership of the zoo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an attempt to avoid paying the judgment .
In March , the Hillsborough County sheriff asked for tips in the case of Lewis and announced a reopening of Lewis ' case .

Reward offered for info on 'Tiger King' star Carole Baskin's husband, who disappeared in 1997
Show Caption Hide Caption Here's what happened to 'Tiger King' animals after doc Joe Exotic had hundreds of tigers in the Netflix 'Tiger King' documentary. The Wild Animal Sanctuary saved 39 of them. Animalkind, USA TODAY
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The family of a Florida man who disappeared in 1997, and who appeared on the hit TV series "Tiger King," has hired a lawyer and is offering $100,000 in exchange for information to help solve the case.
Attorney John Phillips held a news conference in Tampa Monday and announced an independent investigation into Don Lewis' disappearance. He also said that on behalf of the Lewis family, he's filed a lawsuit against Lewis' second wife Carole Baskin in an attempt to depose her and get her to speak on the record. He and the family have also paid for Tampa-area billboards asking for information in the case.
Lewis vanished a day before a scheduled trip to Costa Rica and was never found. He was declared legally dead in 2002. He and Baskin started the animal sanctuary, which later became Big Cat Rescue Corp. in Tampa, Florida.
More: Carole Baskin awarded zoo property of 'Tiger King' Joe Exotic, man who allegedly tried to have her killed
More:Sheriff says will of 'Tiger King' star Carole Baskin's missing husband forged
Three of Lewis' daughters were at the news conference. Lewis' youngest daughter Gale Rathbone, expressed gratitude for those interested in the case.
"Amazingly, our little family tragedy has become your tragedy. Our search for closure and truth has become your mission also," she said. "We all know by now that (Lewis) was not a perfect man. But do only the perfect among us deserve justice?"
In an email sent to the Associated Press Monday, Baskin said she wouldn't comment. "It's been my policy not to discuss pending litigation until it's been resolved," she wrote. "I had told some news outlets that I thought the press conference on Aug. 10 was just a publicity stunt, but at that time was not aware there would be pending litigation."
Lewis' case, and Baskin, were featured in Tiger King. Baskin is still the owner of Big Cat Rescue, and lobbies for abolishing private wildlife ownership.
Tiger King was a documentary series about Joseph Maldonado-Passage, also known as "Joe Exotic," an eccentric former Oklahoma zookeeper who loves big cats.
Earlier this year, Maldonado-Passage was sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire plot. He was convicted of trying to hire someone to kill Baskin, who had tried to shut him down, accusing the Oklahoma zoo of abusing animals and selling big cat cubs.
In retaliation, Maldonado-Passage raised questions about Baskin's former husband, Jack "Don" Lewis. The documentary extensively covered Maldonado-Passage's repeated accusations that Baskin killed her husband and possibly fed him to her tigers. Baskin hasn't been charged with any crime and has repeatedly released statements refuting the accusations made in the series.
Maldonaldo-Passage is currently in prison. A federal judge in June granted control of the Oklahoma zoo that was previously run by Maldonado-Passage — also known as Joe Exotic — to Big Cat Rescue Corp.
Baskin previously sued Maldonado-Passage for trademark and copyright infringements and won a $1 million civil judgment against him. The judge found that ownership of the zoo was fraudulently transferred to Maldonado-Passage's mother in an attempt to avoid paying the judgment.
In March, the Hillsborough County sheriff asked for tips in the case of Lewis and announced a reopening of Lewis' case.


usatoday--2020-08-10--COVID-19 testing 'very likely' when Royal Caribbean returns to cruising, executive says

Royal Caribbean is considering coronavirus testing as part of its plan to resume sailing , a company executive said during a quarterly earnings presentation Monday .
The company has paused its cruise operations since March and hopes to resume them in November , if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifts its no-sail order , which is set to expire at the end of September .
The U.S. cruise industry has voluntarily extended its sailing suspension through Oct. 31 .
Though company executives gave no firm date for the resumption of cruises , one said testing would be key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that testing will occur , '' said Michael Bayley , CEO of Royal Caribbean International.He offered no additional details , including whether testing would be for crew members and passengers or to which cruise lines testing would apply .
Royal Caribbean canceled 1,545 sailings since March 13 , including all of its sailings in the second quarter .
The company posted a $ 1.3 billion loss for the quarter and expects to post a loss for the third quarter and for the year .
One tangible impact : Royal Caribbean Group was supposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of 2021 but now will take delivery of only three : Silver Moon in October , Odyssey of the Seas , in early 2021 and Silver Dawn late in 2021 .
COVID-19 impacts : Cruise lines are shedding ships from their fleets .
Here 's what it means for cruisers Royal Caribbean 's Wonder of the Seas was supposed to make its debut next year as the world 's largest cruise ship , but its arrival is on hold indefinitely because of the pandemic .
The ship will be able to carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Caribbean Group 's fleet includes 62 ships , with another 16 on order .
Jason Liberty , the company 's chief financial officer , said it was looking at selling older ships in the fleet .
`` We are evaluating opportunities to sell ships , '' he said , while not specifying which ones .
The company reported bookings for 2021 comparable with years past , in a sign that demand for cruising could return .
Bayley noted that younger people and loyalty customers were driving sales .
`` I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of pent-up demand , '' he said .
`` People certainly want to have a vacation next year . ''
In the near term , Liberty said , the joint Healthy Sail Panel of Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is looking at every facet of safety , from whether ultraviolet lights can effectively kill the virus to how to improve meal service .
Some of the proposed changes might prove costly , such as whether to modify ships to promote social distancing .
And such recommendations could smack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best fight the coronavirus , including how soon a vaccine might be on the way .
The company could resume sailings in China and Australia before November , but executives made no commitments in the quarterly earnings presentation Monday .
Ultimately , the prevalence of the virus would determine when sailings can resume , Liberty said .
`` It ’ s a real puzzle , '' he said .
`` There are so many variables to consider . ''

COVID-19 testing 'very likely' when Royal Caribbean returns to cruising, executive says
Show Caption Hide Caption Watch: World's largest cruise ship Symphony of the Seas arrives in Miami Cruise hub Miami got its biggest ship ever on Friday as Royal Caribbean's giant new Symphony of the Seas arrived for the first time. At 228,081 tons, it's the largest cruise vessel ever built. USA TODAY
Royal Caribbean is considering coronavirus testing as part of its plan to resume sailing, a company executive said during a quarterly earnings presentation Monday.
The company has paused its cruise operations since March and hopes to resume them in November, if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifts its no-sail order, which is set to expire at the end of September. The U.S. cruise industry has voluntarily extended its sailing suspension through Oct. 31. Though company executives gave no firm date for the resumption of cruises, one said testing would be key.
"It’s very likely that testing will occur," said Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International. He offered no additional details, including whether testing would be for crew members and passengers or to which cruise lines testing would apply.
Royal Caribbean Group owns four cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea and Azamara.
Royal Caribbean canceled 1,545 sailings since March 13, including all of its sailings in the second quarter. The company posted a $1.3 billion loss for the quarter and expects to post a loss for the third quarter and for the year.
One tangible impact: Royal Caribbean Group was supposed to receive five new ships by the end of 2021 but now will take delivery of only three: Silver Moon in October, Odyssey of the Seas, in early 2021 and Silver Dawn late in 2021.
COVID-19 impacts: Cruise lines are shedding ships from their fleets. Here's what it means for cruisers
Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas was supposed to make its debut next year as the world's largest cruise ship, but its arrival is on hold indefinitely because of the pandemic.
The ship will be able to carry 6,000 passengers and 2,200 crew members.
Royal Caribbean Group's fleet includes 62 ships, with another 16 on order.
Jason Liberty, the company's chief financial officer, said it was looking at selling older ships in the fleet.
"We are evaluating opportunities to sell ships," he said, while not specifying which ones.
The company reported bookings for 2021 comparable with years past, in a sign that demand for cruising could return. Bayley noted that younger people and loyalty customers were driving sales.
"I’m hopeful we’re going to see a lot of pent-up demand," he said. "People certainly want to have a vacation next year."
In the near term, Liberty said, the joint Healthy Sail Panel of Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is looking at every facet of safety, from whether ultraviolet lights can effectively kill the virus to how to improve meal service.
Some of the proposed changes might prove costly, such as whether to modify ships to promote social distancing. And such recommendations could smack into the evolving nature of how to best fight the coronavirus, including how soon a vaccine might be on the way.
The company could resume sailings in China and Australia before November, but executives made no commitments in the quarterly earnings presentation Monday.
Ultimately, the prevalence of the virus would determine when sailings can resume, Liberty said.
"It’s a real puzzle," he said. "There are so many variables to consider."
Contributing: Morgan Hines, USA TODAY