usatoday--2020-08-24--Americana singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle, Steve Earle's son, dead at age 38

Justin Townes Earle , an award-winning Americana singer-songwriter and son to country-rock troubadour Steve Earle , has died at age 38 .
`` It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son , husband , father and friend Justin , '' said a message posted Sunday evening to Justin Townes Earle 's verified Facebook page .
`` So many of you have relied on his music and lyrics over the years and we hope that his music will continue to guide you on your journeys . ''
Brady Brock of New West Records , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death Sunday night .
A cause of death was not given at time of publication .
Born Jan. 4 , 1982 , Justin Townes Earle — named after folk songwriter and his father ’ s friend Townes Van Zandt — was raised in Nashville by his mother , Carol Ann Hunter .
As a teenager , he cut his teeth onstage with a weekly gig at Springwater Supper Club .
“ I would play Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin ’ Hopkins — blues standards — at Springwater , ” he told roots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That was the goal : I wanted to be an acoustic blues guy.
” He first debuted solo music in 2007 , signing to Bloodshot Records and releasing a debut EP , “ Yuma.
” In 2008 , he delivered his full-length album , “ The Good Life ” — an extended look into the rich realism he penned in songs that touched folk , blues , soul and country roots .
Gaining ears with textured songs anchored by nuanced characters , Earle would soon stretch his storytelling to the Grand Ole Opry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he won Emerging Act of the Year in 2010 .
`` If you were born here , you 've had access to everything from people like Guy Clark and even up to Elvis Costello , '' Earle told The Tennessean , part of the USA TODAY Network , in 2009 .
`` You can run across anybody in this town really easily .
You also have the advantage of being really close to Memphis , really close to the Mississippi Delta , and really close to North Carolina .
“ You 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single bit of American music came from .
You have an advantage — if you look for it , you can see the real thing .
That stuff 's really important . ''
His critical success continued in 2010 with third full-length “ Harlem River Blues.
” The album ’ s title track — a foot-stompin ’ crossroads of rock ’ n ’ roll and soul that sings about drowning in the New York City river — earned song of the year honors at the 2012 Americana Music Awards .
Like his father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addiction throughout much of his career .
He began using drugs at age 14 and “ by the time I was 16 I was completely off the rails , ” he told No Depression .
During his solo career , Earle earned a decade of clean life before relapsing twice and finding sobriety again , per a 2017 interview with Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett .
On Schiflett ’ s podcast , “ Walking The Line , ” Earle said that “ I got all my craziness out of the way as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly released music throughout the decade-plus that followed his debut effort ; Nashville-based New West Records released his ninth and last studio album , “ The Saint of Lost Causes , ” in May 2019 .

Matthew Leimkuehler, Nashville Tennessean

Americana singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle, Steve Earle's son, dead at age 38
Justin Townes Earle, an award-winning Americana singer-songwriter and son to country-rock troubadour Steve Earle, has died at age 38.
"It is with tremendous sadness that we inform you of the passing of our son, husband, father and friend Justin," said a message posted Sunday evening to Justin Townes Earle's verified Facebook page. "So many of you have relied on his music and lyrics over the years and we hope that his music will continue to guide you on your journeys."
Brady Brock of New West Records, Justin Townes Earle's label, confirmed the death Sunday night. A cause of death was not given at time of publication.
Born Jan. 4, 1982, Justin Townes Earle — named after folk songwriter and his father’s friend Townes Van Zandt — was raised in Nashville by his mother, Carol Ann Hunter. As a teenager, he cut his teeth onstage with a weekly gig at Springwater Supper Club.
“I would play Mississippi John Hurt and Lightnin’ Hopkins — blues standards — at Springwater,” he told roots tastemaker No Depression in 2017. “That was the goal: I wanted to be an acoustic blues guy.”
He first debuted solo music in 2007, signing to Bloodshot Records and releasing a debut EP, “Yuma.”
In 2008, he delivered his full-length album, “The Good Life” — an extended look into the rich realism he penned in songs that touched folk, blues, soul and country roots. Gaining ears with textured songs anchored by nuanced characters, Earle would soon stretch his storytelling to the Grand Ole Opry, Bonnaroo and Americana Music Awards, where he won Emerging Act of the Year in 2010.
"If you were born here, you've had access to everything from people like Guy Clark and even up to Elvis Costello," Earle told The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network, in 2009. "You can run across anybody in this town really easily. You also have the advantage of being really close to Memphis, really close to the Mississippi Delta, and really close to North Carolina.
“You're right in the middle of where every single bit of American music came from. You have an advantage — if you look for it, you can see the real thing. That stuff's really important."
His critical success continued in 2010 with third full-length “Harlem River Blues.” The album’s title track — a foot-stompin’ crossroads of rock ’n’ roll and soul that sings about drowning in the New York City river — earned song of the year honors at the 2012 Americana Music Awards.
Like his father, Justin Townes Earle struggled openly with addiction throughout much of his career. He began using drugs at age 14 and “by the time I was 16 I was completely off the rails,” he told No Depression.
During his solo career, Earle earned a decade of clean life before relapsing twice and finding sobriety again, per a 2017 interview with Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett. On Schiflett’s podcast, “Walking The Line,” Earle said that “I got all my craziness out of the way as a coffeehouse musician and a roadie.”
Earle regularly released music throughout the decade-plus that followed his debut effort; Nashville-based New West Records released his ninth and last studio album, “The Saint of Lost Causes,” in May 2019.


usatoday--2020-08-24--Marco moves closer to La., one of two storms threatening historic hit on Gulf Coast

MONROE , La .
– Tropical Storm Marco moved closer to Louisiana on Monday , one of two strong systems threatening a historic one-two punch along the Gulf Coast .
After spending much of the day Sunday as a hurricane , Marco was likely to make landfall Monday afternoon or evening in Louisiana as a tropical storm , forecasters said .
And , then , Tropical Storm Laura is expected to reach hurricane status before it roars into the state Wednesday .
National Weather Service meteorologist Benjamin Schott said such a confluence of storms has n't happened in the Gulf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas could see 15 inches of rain from the two storms , he said .
The National Hurricane Center cautioned that despite weakening from a hurricane on Sunday , Marco could still cause `` life-threatening storm surges and dangerous winds '' along the Gulf Coast .
`` We have a very unique situation with two storms that unfortunately are headed to Louisiana , '' Gov .
John Bel Edwards said Sunday .
`` They pose a challenge we have quite frankly not seen before . ''
Edwards said the double hit of storms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm surge as high as 10 feet in some areas and prompt flash flooding in others .
He said residents should be ready to shelter in place for at least 72 hours , warning that it may not be possible to deploy rescue helicopters and high-water vehicles after Marco 's storm surge if Laura comes in right behind .
Because of the COVID-19 threat , Edwards said , the state plans to activate large shelters with congregate settings only `` as a last resort . ''
Instead , the governor said , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use hotels and motels if large evacuations become necessary .
Officials in LaPlace , 30 miles upriver from New Orleans , distributed sandbags in low-lying areas and urged residents to seek cover and prepare .
On Grand Isle , south of New Orleans , Starfish Restaurant manager Nicole Fantiny watched a long line of people driving off the barrier island .
“ They are all packing up and leaving , ” she said .
“ My house was built in 1938 , so I think we ’ re good.
” Louisiana State University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing centers on campus Monday due to Marco , the university announced Sunday .
As of 8 a.m. EDT , the center of Marco was about 85 miles south-southeast of the Mississippi River , powering maximum sustained winds of 50 mph as it slid to the north-northwest at 10 mph .
Marco will hit parts of Louisiana , Mississippi and Alabama with storm surge , heavy rainfall and strong winds .
The system was downgraded to a tropical storm Sunday night .
The storm is expected to hook westward and likely reach Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Laura strengthened near eastern Cuba on Sunday night after killing at least 11 people in the Dominican Republic and Haiti .
The storm was traveling west-northwest at 21 mph , with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph , according to the National Hurricane Center 's 8 a.m. EDT advisory .
Puerto Rico Gov .
Wanda Vázquez declared a state of emergency , and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Pete Gaynor said his teams were `` on the ground and ready to support . ''
Downpours and gusty winds drenched the island , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some areas , prompting flood warnings .
On the U.S. mainland , a tropical storm warning was issued for portions of the Florida Keys as Laura approached .
The Keys could see winds between 39 to 57 mph through early Tuesday .
Laura was forecast to sweep over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico late Monday into Tuesday .
`` Environmental conditions will be more favorable for strengthening , and Laura is expected to become a hurricane prior to reaching the Gulf Coast , '' AccuWeather senior Meteorologist Rob Miller warned .
Landfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weather Service meteorologist , said Laura could make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane .
If that happened it would be the first Category 3 hurricane to strike Louisiana since Hurricane Rita in 2005 .
`` We are in unprecedented times , '' Reeves said .
`` We are dealing with not only two potential storms in the next few hours , we are also dealing with COVID-19 . ''
The storms could keep coming as tropical waves emerge off the coast of Africa , according to AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is just getting underway , is expected to be extremely active , he said .
The Atlantic hurricane season already has been a record-breaker .
Laura is the earliest L-named storm in the Atlantic Basin , breaking a record held by Luis , which formed Aug. 29 , 1995 .
This season has had 13 named storms , well above-normal activity .
Bacon reported from McLean , Virginia , Rice from Bethesda , Maryland .
Contributing : Rick Jervis , Jordan Culver and Jessica Flores , USA TODAY ; Brian Broom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ; The Associated Press

John Bacon, Greg Hilburn and Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

Tropical Storm Laura, the 'main attraction,' looms after weakened Marco makes landfall in Gulf Coast
Show Caption Hide Caption Tropical Storm Marco makes landfall on Gulf Coast as Laura looms Louisiana is expected to take the brunt of the impacts from both systems as the week progresses. Accuweather
Tropical Storm Laura is forecast to become a hurricane Tuesday after rain from a weakening Marco soaked portions of the Gulf Coast on Monday.
Marco was downgraded to a tropical depression late Monday night after making landfall about 6 p.m. near the mouth of the Mississippi River according to the National Hurricane Center. As of 11 p.m. EDT, Marco was traveling west at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 35 mph.
Meanwhile, Laura is expected to reach hurricane status before it roars toward the northwestern Gulf Coast late Wednesday and Thursday. The storm is moving west-northwest at 20 mph at maximum sustained winds of 65 mph as of late Monday.
The National Hurricane Center issued storm surge, hurricane and tropical storm warnings late Monday for portions of the U.S.: San Luis Pass Texas to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and from Port Bolivar, Texas, to west of Morgan City, Louisiana.
Laura should be much more of a big deal than Marco, forecasters said.
For the residents of the Louisiana coast, “they’re certainly lucky that Marco is not worse than it is,” University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy said Monday. “This (Marco) will come and go, and they can get ready for Laura. That’ll be the main attraction.”
Fifteen years and $15 billion after Katrina: New Orleans is more prepared for a major hurricane. For now.
National Weather Service meteorologist Benjamin Schott said Laura could make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane, which have winds of at least 111 mph. It would be the first Category 3 hurricane to strike Louisiana since Rita in 2005.
The National Hurricane Center said Monday that "there is an increasing risk of dangerous storm surge, wind and rainfall impacts from the upper Texas coast to the north-central Gulf Coast beginning Wednesday" from Laura.
Rain bands from both storms could bring a combined total of 2 feet of rain to parts of Louisiana, potentially raising the storm surge to more than 10 feet along the coastline and pushing water 30 miles up the rivers in a worst-case scenario, Schott said.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards told a news briefing Monday, “We’re only going to dodge the bullet so many times. And the current forecast for Laura has it focused intently on Louisiana.”
State emergencies were declared in Louisiana and Mississippi, and shelters were opened with cots set farther apart, among other measures designed to curb coronavirus infections.
August Creppel, chief of the United Houma Nation, was concerned about the group’s 17,000 members, spread out over six parishes along the Louisiana Gulf Coast.
“We know our people are going to get hit,” he said. “We just don’t know who yet.”
Sarah Manowitz, responsible for four bars in New Orleans' French Quarter, made sure windows were boarded up. She prepped her house and filled her tub with water. Manowitz is remaining on site, counting on a “community of people” who look out for each other during storms.
“We’re all going to help each other share food, share whatever supplies,” she said.
Although the storm has weakened, "gusty winds, heavy rainfall and lingering coastal flooding are expected from Marco along portions of the Gulf Coast through this (Monday) evening," the Hurricane Center said.
The system was downgraded to a tropical storm Sunday night. What's left of the storm is expected to turn west and reach Texas as a tropical depression or remnant low-pressure area by late Tuesday.
Laura strengthened near eastern Cuba on Sunday night after killing at least 11 people in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
A tropical storm warning was issued for portions of the Florida Keys as Laura approached. The Keys could see winds of 39 to 57 mph through early Tuesday.
Heavy rain will accompany the high winds from Laura: “From late Wednesday into Friday, Laura is expected to produce rainfall of 5 to 10 inches, with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches across portions of the west-central U.S. Gulf Coast near the Texas and Louisiana border north into portions of the lower Mississippi Valley,” the Hurricane Center wrote. “This rainfall could cause widespread flash and urban flooding, small streams to overflow their banks, and the possibility of some minor river flooding across this region.”
"Laura will expand in size on Tuesday and Wednesday, and will likely grow into a larger-than-average storm capable of generating a very large storm surge," according to meteorologists Bob Henson and Jeff Masters, who write for Yale Climate Connections.
The Atlantic hurricane season has been a record-breaker. Laura is the earliest L-named storm in the Atlantic Basin, breaking a record held by Luis, which formed Aug. 29, 1995. This season has had 13 named storms, well above-normal activity.
2020 could set a record for most hurricane hits this early in the year, if Laura also makes landfall this week. The most Atlantic named storms on record to make landfall in the continental USA by the end of August is six, which occurred in 1886 and 1916, according to Colorado State University meteorologist Phil Klotzbach. The continental USA has had five this year: Bertha, Cristobal, Fay, Hanna and Isaias, he said.
Contributing: John Bacon, Rick Jervis, Jordan Culver and Jessica Flores, USA TODAY; Brian Broom, The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, Miss.); Greg Hilburn, The (Monroe, Louisiana) News-Star; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-08-24--Here is what to expect on Day 1 of the Republican Convention and what Trump will be doing

WASHINGTON – The Republicans open their viral convention Monday , and President Donald Trump marks the occasion by traveling to the battleground state of North Carolina .
Trump lands in Charlotte , N.C. – where Republican officials have been holding meetings all weekend – and is expected to thank delegates after they vote to formally re-nominate him for a second term .
Then it 's on to Asheville , N.C. , to appear with daughter Ivanka Trump at an event to highlight an administration food delivery program .
The virtual Republican convention – first set for Charlotte , but pulled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – starts in the evening , with speakers to include Republican lawmakers and probably Trump himself .
`` President Trump ’ s 2020 Convention will honor the great American story , the American people that have written it , and how President Donald J. Trump 's Make America Great Again agenda has empowered them to succeed , '' the campaign said in a statement .
• Former U.S .
Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley Planners said they expect Trump to appear every night of the convention , leading up to his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday night .
Convention activities begin Monday at 9 a.m. EST in Charlotte with a Republican National Committee meeting for the purpose of nominating Trump .
The virtual online convention is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m .
ET .
The president 's party convenes online as he trails Democrat Joe Biden in most pre-election polls ; the president and allies said they will use the proceedings to promote their record and warn Americans about the consequences of a Democratic victory in the polls .
`` I 'm the only thing standing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , madness , and chaos , '' Trump told supporters last week in previewing what will likely be a rhetorically aggressive convention .
More : Three things President Donald Trump and the GOP need to do at their convention Tom Perez , chairman of the Democratic National Committee , predicted that Trump will `` do what he always does , lie , scare , divide , distract and make the week all about himself.
” The overall theme of the Republican convention is “ Honoring the Great American Story , ” officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different chapter .
There is the “ Land of Promise '' ( Monday ) , “ Land of Opportunity '' ( Tuesday ) , “ Land of Heroes '' ( Wednesday ) , and `` Land of Greatness '' ( Thursday , the night Trump speaks from the White House ) .
Monday 's agenda features GOP lawmakers like Sen. Tim Scott , R-S.C. , the only Black Republican in the Senate , and House members Steve Scalise of Louisiana , Matt Gaetz of Florida , and Jim Jordan of Ohio .
Ronna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Committee , also plans to speak .
The convention 's opening night also features high-profile supporters who plan to discuss different Trump policies .
They include Tanya Weinreis , a Montana coffee shop owner who received federal loans to keep paying her employees during the coronavirus outbreak , and Andrew Pollack , a gun-rights supporter who lost his daughter in the 2018 mass shooting at a high school in Parkland , Fla. More : 'Not an easy task ' : GOP scrambles to finalize plans for convention amid COVID-19 , venue changes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the RNC ?
What we know about the newly released lineup .
Trump himself is expected to make a virtual appearance at the convention after a day of activity in North Carolina , a pivotal state in the fall election .
Four years ago , Trump won the Tar Heel State – and its 15 electoral votes – by less than four percentage points over Hillary Clinton .
Current surveys give Trump a tiny lead over Biden , just 0.61 percentage points according to the Real Clear Politics average of recent polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site of the convention .
But the Republicans pulled it after the state government refused to lift restrictions on mass gatherings because of the risk of spreading the coronavirus .
The GOP then made plans for convention events in Jacksonville , Fla. , but pulled those as well because of a spike in coronavirus cases in Florida , forcing plans for a virtual convention based mostly in Washington , D.C. , and beyond .
On Wednesday , Vice President Mike Pence accepts his re-nomination with a speech at Fort McHenry in Baltimore , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 1812 that inspired the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner .
Expect the White House to make an appearance First lady Melania Trump will speak from the new landscaped Rose Garden .
Some 1,000 invited guests are expected to gather on the South Lawn of the White House for Trump 's acceptance speech on Thursday – much to the consternation of public interest groups who say the Executive Mansion and national parks should not be put to political uses .
`` No President and Vice President have ever abused our national parks for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Norman Eisen , a senior fellow with the Brookings Institution .
Jordan Libowitz , communications director with Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics , said the organization will see how things unfold before deciding whether to file some sort of complaint .
`` Giving a political speech of this magnitude and visibility on the White House grounds creates the appearance that it 's a government-sanctioned event , something multiple laws were written to avoid , '' Libowitz said .
Trump 's plans to address the convention every night also drew catcalls .
Former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now an opponent of the president , likened the convention plans to `` a one-man Broadway show , '' with Trump thinking it is always abot him , `` and that he alone can win without anyone ’ s help . ''
USA TODAY will stream each night of the convention , and will provide live coverage and analysis as events unfold .
ABC , CBS and NBC will air convention coverage each night beginning at 10 p.m. EST .
PBS and CNN begin their coverage at 8 p.m. , MSNBC begins at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts at 10 p.m. , but hosts Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity will likely cover the RNC in the two hours before .
The official livestream of the convention will also be available on Amazon Prime , Facebook , Twitch , Twitter and YouTube .

Here is what to expect on Day 1 of the Republican Convention and what Trump will be doing
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump: Dems' convention 'darkest, gloomiest' ever President Donald Trump slammed his political rival, Joe Biden, hours after Biden's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, saying the "Democrats held the darkest and angriest and gloomiest convention in American history." (Aug. 21) AP
WASHINGTON – The Republicans open their virtual convention Monday, and President Donald Trump marks the occasion by traveling to the battleground state of North Carolina.
Trump lands in Charlotte, N.C. – where Republican officials have been holding meetings all weekend – and is expected to thank delegates after they vote to formally re-nominate him for a second term.
Then it's on to Asheville, N.C., to appear with daughter Ivanka Trump at an event to highlight an administration food delivery program.
The virtual Republican convention – first set for Charlotte, but pulled because of the spread of the coronavirus – starts in the evening, with speakers to include Republican lawmakers and probably Trump himself.
"President Trump’s 2020 Convention will honor the great American story, the American people that have written it, and how President Donald J. Trump's Make America Great Again agenda has empowered them to succeed," the campaign said in a statement.
Who is talking today?
Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana
Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida
Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio
Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley
Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel
Georgia State Rep. Vernon Jones
Amy Johnson Ford
Kimberly Guilfoyle
Natalie Harp
Charlie Kirk
Kim Klacik
Mark and Patricia McCloskey
Sean Parnell
Andrew Pollack
Donald Trump Jr.
When will Trump talk?
Planners said they expect Trump to appear every night of the convention, leading up to his formal acceptance speech from the White House on Thursday night.
Convention activities begin Monday at 9 a.m. EST in Charlotte with a Republican National Committee meeting for the purpose of nominating Trump.
The virtual online convention is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. ET.
The president's party convenes online as he trails Democrat Joe Biden in most pre-election polls; the president and allies said they will use the proceedings to promote their record and warn Americans about the consequences of a Democratic victory in the polls.
"I'm the only thing standing between the American dream and total anarchy, madness, and chaos," Trump told supporters last week in previewing what will likely be a rhetorically aggressive convention.
More: Three things President Donald Trump and the GOP need to do at their convention
More: St. Louis couple, Covington Catholic student to speak at Republican National Convention
Biden and the Democrats.
Tom Perez, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, predicted that Trump will "do what he always does, lie, scare, divide, distract and make the week all about himself.”
The overall theme of the Republican convention is “Honoring the Great American Story,” officials said, with each night devoted to a different chapter.
There is the “Land of Promise" (Monday), “Land of Opportunity" (Tuesday), “Land of Heroes" (Wednesday), and "Land of Greatness" (Thursday, the night Trump speaks from the White House).
Monday's agenda features GOP lawmakers like Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., the only Black Republican in the Senate, and House members Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Matt Gaetz of Florida, and Jim Jordan of Ohio. Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, also plans to speak.
High-profile supporters on Day 1
The convention's opening night also features high-profile supporters who plan to discuss different Trump policies.
They include Tanya Weinreis, a Montana coffee shop owner who received federal loans to keep paying her employees during the coronavirus outbreak, and Andrew Pollack, a gun-rights supporter who lost his daughter in the 2018 mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla.
More: 'Not an easy task': GOP scrambles to finalize plans for convention amid COVID-19, venue changes, Trump input
More: Who's speaking at the RNC? What we know about the newly released lineup.
Trump himself is expected to make a virtual appearance at the convention after a day of activity in North Carolina, a pivotal state in the fall election.
Four years ago, Trump won the Tar Heel State – and its 15 electoral votes – by less than four percentage points over Hillary Clinton. Current surveys give Trump a tiny lead over Biden, just 0.61 percentage points according to the Real Clear Politics average of recent polls.
Charlotte was supposed to be the site of the convention. But the Republicans pulled it after the state government refused to lift restrictions on mass gatherings because of the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
The GOP then made plans for convention events in Jacksonville, Fla., but pulled those as well because of a spike in coronavirus cases in Florida, forcing plans for a virtual convention based mostly in Washington, D.C., and beyond.
On Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence accepts his re-nomination with a speech at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, site of the battle during the War of 1812 that inspired the writing of The Star-Spangled Banner.
Expect the White House to make an appearance
First lady Melania Trump will speak from the new landscaped Rose Garden.
Some 1,000 invited guests are expected to gather on the South Lawn of the White House for Trump's acceptance speech on Thursday – much to the consternation of public interest groups who say the Executive Mansion and national parks should not be put to political uses.
"No President and Vice President have ever abused our national parks for political purposes in this way," said Norman Eisen, a senior fellow with the Brookings Institution.
Jordan Libowitz, communications director with Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, said the organization will see how things unfold before deciding whether to file some sort of complaint.
"Giving a political speech of this magnitude and visibility on the White House grounds creates the appearance that it's a government-sanctioned event, something multiple laws were written to avoid," Libowitz said.
Trump's plans to address the convention every night also drew catcalls.
Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci, now an opponent of the president, likened the convention plans to "a one-man Broadway show," with Trump thinking it is always abot him, "and that he alone can win without anyone’s help."
How to watch
USA TODAY will stream each night of the convention, and will provide live coverage and analysis as events unfold.
ABC, CBS and NBC will air convention coverage each night beginning at 10 p.m. EST. PBS and CNN begin their coverage at 8 p.m., MSNBC begins at 7 p.m. Fox News' official coverage starts at 10 p.m., but hosts Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity will likely cover the RNC in the two hours before.
The official livestream of the convention will also be available on Amazon Prime, Facebook, Twitch, Twitter and YouTube.


usatoday--2020-08-24--Earl Thomas landing spots: Will Cowboys finally 'come get' ex-Ravens safety?

A Pro Bowl talent just dropped onto the open market less than three weeks before the first NFL regular-season game of the season .
The Baltimore Ravens cut Earl Thomas , a seven-time Pro Bowl safety , just one year into his four-year , $ 55 million deal , announcing Sunday they were releasing him for `` personal conduct that has adversely affected '' the team .
Multiple reports said that Thomas punched fellow starting safety Chuck Clark during Friday 's practice .
And just like that , the team that finished with the NFL 's best regular-season record last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accomplished players of his era .
So , what next ?
Coming off an unceremonious split and left to find a new team with little time to acclimate before the season , Thomas , 31 , might have to settle for a one-year pact .
But even though the three-time All-Pro might not be in his career-best form , he still offers significant value to a team in need of help in the secondary , particularly for one willing to let him operate in the single-high role in which he has thrived throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gets warning of possible chaos from flurry of apparent 'false positive ' COVID-19 tests GOODELL 'S MESSAGE FOR KAEPERNICK : ' I wish we had listened earlier' These eight teams could make for the most sensible landing spots for Thomas : The South Orange , Texas , native 's dalliance with Dallas dates back to 2017 , when the then-Seahawks standout told then-coach Jason Garrett after a game to `` come get me . ''
Nearly three years later , the timing might finally be right for both sides .
Though the Cowboys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ha Clinton-Dix this offseason and return Xavier Woods at the other starting spot , Thomas and his ballhawking tendencies would no doubt aid a defense that tied for a league-low seven interceptions last season .
From Thomas ' perspective , heading home to play for a contender likely ranks among the most attractive options for resetting his career .
And while Jerry Jones refused to give up substantial draft capital to land Jamal Adams , he now has a relatively low-cost avenue for bringing another star safety to the Dallas .
Having served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the franchise 's peak in 2013-14 , Dan Quinn is well-acquainted with Thomas ' capabilities and demeanor .
Beyond that familiarity , Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff also have ample motivation for bringing on a defensive stalwart given their unclear future after two 7-9 campaigns .
Atlanta is in clear need of reinforcements to slow the likes of Tom Brady and Drew Brees consistently this year , and Thomas is a substantial short-term upgrade on the in-house options at safety .
Brady 's arrival in Tampa this spring signaled the implementation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buccaneers to consider Thomas .
The defense 's front seven is formidable , but the back end is still likely a sore spot after ranking 30th in passing yards allowed ( 270.1 per game ) last year .
The salary cap situation , however , might be prohibitive , as the Buccaneers have a league-low $ 2.39 million available right now , according to overthecap.com .
This would n't be the Texas homecoming Thomas has long spoken of , but it could still be appealing .
Houston has won the AFC South in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet there 's a sizable gap to be closed on the top conference contenders in Kansas City and Baltimore .
Pairing Justin Reid with Thomas would make for a promising safety tandem , though the Texans might believe they already have that after handing Eric Murray a three-year , $ 18 million deal this offseason .
Ultimately , Bill O'Brien might not be sold on bringing on the veteran , as Thomas told The Athletic last year that the coach did n't believe he wanted to play football when the two spoke .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Richard Sherman would no doubt be cause for plenty of excitement in the Bay Area and beyond .
Yet while Sherman 's presence and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh 's Cover 3 scheme might lead some to believe San Francisco would be a natural landing spot , GM John Lynch stood pat a year ago when Thomas was a free agent , and he has since re-signed safety Jimmie Ward to a three-year , $ 28.5 million contract .
While the 49ers ca n't be dismissed , the defending NFC champions appear more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
Buying low on top talent is a familiar page out of the Bill Belichick playbook .
There 's no question that the Patriots coach admires Thomas , either , as he once likened the safety to Hall of Famer Ed Reed .
Still , even after losing several starters to free agency and opt-outs , a New England defense that 's heavy on man coverage might be ill-suited for Thomas .
It 's easy to see why GM Mike Mayock , who is n't afraid to make a bold acquisition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defense never plugged its leaks in allowing big pass plays , including 68 completions of 20-plus yards .
Probably not a bad idea , either , to have a strong countermeasure for tight ends in a division that features bona fide threats in Travis Kelce ( Chiefs ) and Hunter Henry ( Chargers ) as well as an emerging talent in Noah Fant ( Broncos ) .
But maybe Mayock will have pause about altering his training camp chemistry after last summer 's Antonio Brown debacle .
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley served in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first three years of Thomas ' career , and the two spoke in glowing terms about one another after the split .
Adding another top talent to a group that already includes Casey Hayward , Chris Harris and Derwin James , among others , would solidify the Bolts ' case for having the best secondary in the NFL .
The schematic fit would be straightforward , with Thomas patrolling deep while James and fellow safety Rayshawn Jenkins could be used all over the field .
Yet coach Anthony Lynn and GM Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make a drastic move , especially given that Los Angeles appears to be in a transition year after parting ways with longtime starting quarterback Philip Rivers .

Earl Thomas landing spots: Will Cowboys finally 'come get' ex-Ravens safety?
Show Caption Hide Caption NFL preseason power rankings: Rams, Bears could be bottom dwellers this season SportsPulse: We are less than a month away from the scheduled kickoff of the NFL season. Here is our preseason power rankings for 2020. There are plenty of surprises. USA TODAY
A Pro Bowl talent just dropped onto the open market less than three weeks before the first NFL regular-season game of the season.
The Baltimore Ravens cut Earl Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowl safety, just one year into his four-year, $55 million deal, announcing Sunday they were releasing him for "personal conduct that has adversely affected" the team. Multiple reports said that Thomas punched fellow starting safety Chuck Clark during Friday's practice.
And just like that, the team that finished with the NFL's best regular-season record last year parted with one of the most accomplished players of his era.
So, what next?
Coming off an unceremonious split and left to find a new team with little time to acclimate before the season, Thomas, 31, might have to settle for a one-year pact. But even though the three-time All-Pro might not be in his career-best form, he still offers significant value to a team in need of help in the secondary, particularly for one willing to let him operate in the single-high role in which he has thrived throughout his career.
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These eight teams could make for the most sensible landing spots for Thomas:
1. Cowboys
The South Orange, Texas, native's dalliance with Dallas dates back to 2017, when the then-Seahawks standout told then-coach Jason Garrett after a game to "come get me." Nearly three years later, the timing might finally be right for both sides. Though the Cowboys signed former Packers and Bears safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix this offseason and return Xavier Woods at the other starting spot, Thomas and his ballhawking tendencies would no doubt aid a defense that tied for a league-low seven interceptions last season. From Thomas' perspective, heading home to play for a contender likely ranks among the most attractive options for resetting his career. And while Jerry Jones refused to give up substantial draft capital to land Jamal Adams, he now has a relatively low-cost avenue for bringing another star safety to the Dallas.
2. Falcons
Having served as the Seahawks' defensive coordinator at the franchise's peak in 2013-14, Dan Quinn is well-acquainted with Thomas' capabilities and demeanor. Beyond that familiarity, Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff also have ample motivation for bringing on a defensive stalwart given their unclear future after two 7-9 campaigns. Atlanta is in clear need of reinforcements to slow the likes of Tom Brady and Drew Brees consistently this year, and Thomas is a substantial short-term upgrade on the in-house options at safety.
3. Buccaneers
Brady's arrival in Tampa this spring signaled the implementation of a win-now approach that should compel the Buccaneers to consider Thomas. The defense's front seven is formidable, but the back end is still likely a sore spot after ranking 30th in passing yards allowed (270.1 per game) last year. The salary cap situation, however, might be prohibitive, as the Buccaneers have a league-low $2.39 million available right now, according to overthecap.com.
4. Texans
This wouldn't be the Texas homecoming Thomas has long spoken of, but it could still be appealing. Houston has won the AFC South in four of the last five seasons, yet there's a sizable gap to be closed on the top conference contenders in Kansas City and Baltimore. Pairing Justin Reid with Thomas would make for a promising safety tandem, though the Texans might believe they already have that after handing Eric Murray a three-year, $18 million deal this offseason. Ultimately, Bill O'Brien might not be sold on bringing on the veteran, as Thomas told The Athletic last year that the coach didn't believe he wanted to play football when the two spoke.
5. 49ers
A "Legion of Boom" reunion with Richard Sherman would no doubt be cause for plenty of excitement in the Bay Area and beyond. Yet while Sherman's presence and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's Cover 3 scheme might lead some to believe San Francisco would be a natural landing spot, GM John Lynch stood pat a year ago when Thomas was a free agent, and he has since re-signed safety Jimmie Ward to a three-year, $28.5 million contract. While the 49ers can't be dismissed, the defending NFC champions appear more concerned with retaining their core than reconfiguring it.
6. Patriots
Buying low on top talent is a familiar page out of the Bill Belichick playbook. There's no question that the Patriots coach admires Thomas, either, as he once likened the safety to Hall of Famer Ed Reed. Still, even after losing several starters to free agency and opt-outs, a New England defense that's heavy on man coverage might be ill-suited for Thomas.
7. Raiders
It's easy to see why GM Mike Mayock, who isn't afraid to make a bold acquisition, would be drawn to Thomas given his defense never plugged its leaks in allowing big pass plays, including 68 completions of 20-plus yards. Probably not a bad idea, either, to have a strong countermeasure for tight ends in a division that features bona fide threats in Travis Kelce (Chiefs) and Hunter Henry (Chargers) as well as an emerging talent in Noah Fant (Broncos). But maybe Mayock will have pause about altering his training camp chemistry after last summer's Antonio Brown debacle.
8. Chargers
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley served in the same role for the Seahawks for the first three years of Thomas' career, and the two spoke in glowing terms about one another after the split. Adding another top talent to a group that already includes Casey Hayward, Chris Harris and Derwin James, among others, would solidify the Bolts' case for having the best secondary in the NFL. The schematic fit would be straightforward, with Thomas patrolling deep while James and fellow safety Rayshawn Jenkins could be used all over the field. Yet coach Anthony Lynn and GM Tom Telesco don't seem particularly inclined to make a drastic move, especially given that Los Angeles appears to be in a transition year after parting ways with longtime starting quarterback Philip Rivers.
Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.


usatoday--2020-08-24--A farewell to arts? Teachers fear coronavirus budget cuts may target art, music classes

If Becca Graves could press through the less pleasant parts of her junior year schedule at her small-town Massachusetts high school — the peers whose personalities perturbed her , the classes she didn ’ t care for — she could make it to Ms. E ’ s art class .
There she could relax , be herself , express her emotions without fear of judgment .
Her anxieties eased as she focused on drawing assignments or molded clay figures with her fingers .
“ I want to say it ’ s almost like a new coping skill , ” said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room at our school is a safe space.
” She ate lunch there daily rather than in the crowded cafeteria , as did a dozen or so other Murdock High School students .
Despite their diverse lifestyles and political views , Graves said , one thing united them — their love for Nicole Elias : Ms. E. When Graves starts her senior year in September , escaping to art class may no longer be an option .
Elias , along with all eight other teachers of specials , or elective classes — art @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winchendon Public Schools , received notice that her contract would not be renewed due to budget constraints .
The teacher layoffs come as cash-strapped school districts nationwide must implement costly safety measures to prevent COVID-19 ’ s spread and to equip students with the devices remote learning requires in the meantime .
Any school administrators pinning their hopes to another congressional relief bill have been disappointed so far .
While House Democrats signed off in May on a $ 3 trillion bill that included more than $ 100 billion for schools , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to state and local governments .
Winchendon already was tasked with trimming $ 600,000 from its 2021 fiscal year budget before COVID-19 closed schools in March , according to district superintendent Joan Landers .
Adding to the cost were recent expenditures in anticipation of students ’ return — replacing carpeted floors with tile , testing air conditioning systems , storing excess furniture to allow for social distancing and supplying bus drivers with personal protective equipment .
In a town of 10,000 with five public schools , teacher salaries make up much of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bone .
'Going to see massive cuts ' : Without more coronavirus relief , schools slash budgets , prep layoffs “ Everything in our budget is essential , ” Landers said .
“ That ’ s the hardest part.
” As pressure builds on school districts for more cuts , experts fear the move to single out specials programs portends a nationwide trend that may disrupt the “ whole child ” approach to education , adversely affect academic growth and disproportionately impact low-income families .
School districts struggling to navigate shrinking budgets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ art , music and physical education into their lesson plans to save on salaries , said Kristi Wilson , president of the American Association of School Administrators — an idea she opposes .
“ We have a real opportunity to return back to what is good about education and the whole child , ” Wilson said .
“ But we ’ re not going to do that if we push to cut the arts — and I fear that 's coming.
” Specials teachers across the country fear it , too .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Art Education Association president Thom Knab requested that they keep art programs a priority “ even amid difficult budget decisions.
” Widespread concern among art teachers that their jobs are in jeopardy prompted the plea , according to Mario Rossero , the association ’ s executive director .
Yet those same teachers , who often provide instruction to a school ’ s entire student body , have unique insight into students , their families and the community , he said .
As out-of-the-box thinkers by nature , they should be sought out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ table .
“ This is the time to reinvest and double down on the arts , ” said Rossero , who spent nearly 10 years teaching visual art in Pittsburgh and Chicago before moving on to administrative roles .
“ We are creative problem solvers .
We have limited resources , limited time and we try to pull off miracles .
We ’ re pretty good at figuring out ways around challenges and roadblocks.
” Though art and music are designated “ specials ” rather than “ essentials , ” they are particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose only access to the subjects is through public schools , said Andrew Spar , Florida Education Association vice president and a former elementary school music teacher .
“ When lawmakers say they have to address the achievement gap , the way to address it is to make sure those students have access to arts , P.E .
and elective programs that engage them and pull them in in ways they otherwise would n't get , ” Spar said .
During his nine years teaching in one of the poorest communities in Daytona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who participated in the school ’ s performing orchestra achieve greater test score growth than those who didn ’ t .
“ Students who excel in music also tend to do a lot better in problem solving , visioning and understanding the big picture and how things fit together , ” Spar said .
“ For kids that come from poverty to be able say , ‘ I have an advantage that someone else does n't have ’ — that 's pretty rare.
” The arts , and the inclusivity that they encourage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ whole child ” approach to education , which is centered around ensuring that each student — regardless of race , socioeconomic standing or learning style — is healthy , safe , engaged , supported and challenged .
“ Think about every student — maybe the kids who are quiet and creative and need to express themselves , ” Rossero said .
“ What are they going to do without an art space ?
It might be the reason they ’ re really engaging each day.
” The way that Graves described Elias @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not uncommon , he said .
“ It ’ s often a lifeline for students.
” ‘ It ’ s their only way out ’ Elias describes Winchendon as a tiny town with inner city problems .
Many of her Murdock High students are impoverished .
Some spend their spare time hunting and fishing — there ’ s not much else to do — and they bring Elias gifts of venison and turkey .
Their parents can ’ t afford music lessons or museum trips .
Few have traveled even as far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just an hour south .
Some of her students have lost parents to suicide , drug overdose or disease .
Some live with relatives or in foster homes .
“ It seems there are a lot of tragic cases , ” Elias said , a sense that ’ s amplified in a close-knit community .
She has worked to cultivate her classroom ’ s soothing atmosphere .
She understands the turmoil her students feel , and the power of art to alleviate it .
If the district doesn ’ t renew her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students than herself .
“ It 's a detriment to them to have not just visual arts cut but music , theater , P.E .
For some of these kids , it 's their only way out , ” she said .
“ It really helps to save lives.
” Landers , the district superintendent , said she is a “ very strong advocate ” for the arts , and is “ hopeful ” that at least some specials teachers ’ contracts can be renewed in the coming weeks .
The district originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the teachers in other subject areas have been invited back .
“ I have to believe that something positive is going to happen to enable us to give our students the best education they deserve , ” Landers said .
For Graves , losing her safe haven is one more stressor in a senior year that already will be filled with so many uncertainties .
When she heard Elias had lost her job , Graves said she emailed district officials to ask how she could help .
“ I want to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms. E stays with us , ” she recalled writing .
Graves was motivated to take action , she said , because Ms. E ’ s art class helped her lay down a burden she ’ d carried since childhood when her parents separated .
Her father left home , and Graves shouldered the blame .
“ I tried to do something about it to make myself better so maybe he would come back , ” Graves said .
Ms. E helped change her mindset .
“ There ’ s nothing I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot to realize that , ” Graves said .
“ Art is a reminder to me that you do n't have to be perfect .
”

A farewell to arts? Teachers fear coronavirus budget cuts may target art, music classes
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: 4 back-to-school items to keep kids safe While some students will continue online learning this year, others will go back to school. Here are a few items to help protect kids during a pandemic. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
If Becca Graves could press through the less pleasant parts of her junior year schedule at her small-town Massachusetts high school – the peers whose personalities perturbed her, the classes she didn’t care for – she could make it to Ms. E’s art class.
There she could relax, be herself, express her emotions without fear of judgment. Her anxieties eased as she focused on drawing assignments or molded clay figures with her fingers.
“I want to say it’s almost like a new coping skill,” said Graves, 17. “The art room at our school is a safe space.”
She ate lunch there daily rather than in the crowded cafeteria, as did a dozen or so other Murdock High School students. Despite their diverse lifestyles and political views, Graves said, one thing united them: their love for Nicole Elias: Ms. E.
When Graves starts her senior year in September, escaping to art class may no longer be an option.
Elias, along with all eight other teachers of specials, or elective classes – art, music and physical education – at Winchendon Public Schools, received notice that her contract would not be renewed because of budget constraints.
The teacher layoffs come as cash-strapped school districts nationwide must implement costly safety measures to prevent COVID-19’s spread and to equip students with the devices remote learning requires in the meantime.
Any school administrators pinning their hopes to another congressional relief bill have been disappointed so far. While House Democrats signed off in May on a $3 trillion bill that included more than $100 billion for schools, the Senate has resisted calls for additional aid to state and local governments.
Winchendon already was tasked with trimming $600,000 from its 2021 fiscal year budget before COVID-19 closed schools in March, according to district superintendent Joan Landers. Adding to the cost were expenditures in anticipation of students’ return: replacing carpeted floors with tile, testing air conditioning systems, storing excess furniture to allow for social distancing and supplying bus drivers with personal protective equipment.
In a town of 10,000 with five public schools, teacher salaries make up much of the budget. Each cut is close to the bone.
'Going to see massive cuts': Without more coronavirus relief, schools slash budgets, prep layoffs
“Everything in our budget is essential,” Landers said. “That’s the hardest part.”
As pressure builds on school districts for more cuts, experts fear the move to single out specials programs portends a nationwide trend that may disrupt the “whole child” approach to education, hinder academic growth and disproportionately hurt low-income families.
School districts struggling to navigate shrinking budgets may ask core subject teachers to incorporate art, music and physical education into their lesson plans to save on salaries, said Kristi Wilson, president of the American Association of School Administrators – an idea she opposes.
“We have a real opportunity to return back to what is good about education and the whole child,” Wilson said. “But we’re not going to do that if we push to cut the arts, and I fear that's coming.”
Arts and the achievement gap
Specials teachers across the country fear it, too.
In an open letter to school administrators, National Art Education Association president Thom Knab requested that they keep art programs a priority “even amid difficult budget decisions.”
Widespread concern among art teachers that their jobs are in jeopardy prompted the plea, according to Mario Rossero, the association’s executive director.
Yet those same teachers, who often provide instruction to a school’s entire student body, have unique insight into students, their families and the community, he said. As out-of-the-box thinkers by nature, they should be sought out and provided a seat at the decision-making table.
“This is the time to reinvest and double down on the arts,” said Rossero, who spent nearly 10 years teaching visual art in Pittsburgh and Chicago before moving on to administrative roles. “We are creative problem-solvers. We have limited resources, limited time and we try to pull off miracles. We’re pretty good at figuring out ways around challenges and roadblocks.”
Though art and music are designated “specials” rather than “essentials,” they are particularly vital to the overall success of students whose only access to the subjects is through public schools, said Andrew Spar, Florida Education Association vice president and a former elementary school music teacher.
“When lawmakers say they have to address the achievement gap, the way to address it is to make sure those students have access to arts, P.E. and elective programs that engage them and pull them in in ways they otherwise wouldn't get,” Spar said.
During his nine years teaching in one of the poorest communities in Daytona Beach, Florida, he saw students who participated in the school’s performing orchestra achieve greater test score growth than those who didn’t.
“Students who excel in music also tend to do a lot better in problem-solving, visioning and understanding the big picture and how things fit together,” Spar said. “For kids that come from poverty to be able to say ‘I have an advantage that someone else doesn't have’ – that's pretty rare.”
The arts, and the inclusivity they encourage, play an important role in the “whole child” approach to education, which is centered on ensuring that each student – regardless of race, socioeconomic standing or learning style – is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged.
“Think about every student – maybe the kids who are quiet and creative and need to express themselves,” Rossero said. “What are they going to do without an art space? It might be the reason they’re really engaging each day.”
The way that Graves described Elias’ art room as a safe space is not uncommon, he said. “It’s often a lifeline for students.”
‘It’s their only way out’
Elias describes Winchendon as a tiny town with inner-city problems. Many of her Murdock High students are impoverished. Some spend their spare time hunting and fishing – there’s not much else to do – and they bring Elias gifts of venison and turkey.
Their parents can’t afford music lessons or museum trips. Few have traveled even as far as Worcester, the nearest sizable city, just an hour south. Some of her students have lost parents to suicide, drug overdose or disease. Some live with relatives or in foster homes.
“It seems there are a lot of tragic cases,” Elias said, a sense that’s amplified in a close-knit community.
She has worked to cultivate her classroom’s soothing atmosphere. She understands the turmoil her students feel and the power of art to alleviate it.
If the district doesn’t renew her contract, she worries more for the students than herself.
“It's a detriment to them to have not just visual arts cut but music, theater, P.E. For some of these kids, it's their only way out,” she said. “It really helps to save lives.”
Landers, the district superintendent, said she is a “very strong advocate” for the arts and is “hopeful” that at least some specials teachers’ contracts can be renewed in the coming weeks. The district originally cut 38 teaching positions, but many of the teachers in other subject areas have been invited back.
“I have to believe that something positive is going to happen to enable us to give our students the best education they deserve,” Landers said.
For Graves, losing her safe haven is one more stressor in a senior year that already will be filled with so many uncertainties. When she heard Elias had lost her job, Graves said she emailed district officials to ask how she could help. “I want to know what I can do to make sure Ms. E stays with us,” she recalled writing.
Graves was motivated to take action, she said, because Ms. E’s art class helped her lay down a burden she’d carried since childhood when her parents separated. Her father left home, and Graves shouldered the blame.
“I tried to do something about it to make myself better so maybe he would come back,” Graves said. Ms. E helped change her mindset.
“There’s nothing I could have done, and it took a lot to realize that,” Graves said. “Art is a reminder to me that you don't have to be perfect.”


usatoday--2020-08-21--12 awesome holiday gifts to buy now during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has been going on for a few weeks for cardholders , so naturally I got the goods while they were still in stock .
With new pajamas to leggings to booties , I definitely got my fix .
But now I 'm going back for round two , though I 'm not shopping for myself—I 'm planning on getting holiday gifts for my friends and family .
Although it might seem a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with prices this low , it 's worth getting a head start on it .
Included in the sale are iconic items like Spanx leggings , Patagonia quarter-zips , Ugg slippers , and more that anyone would appreciate .
Here are 15 deals from the Nordstrom annual sale that also make great gifts—but you better act fast because things are selling out .
Need help finding products ?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter .
It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at any time .
Each and every year my mom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep her toes toasty in the winter months .
Ugg makes some of the softest ones on the market and a few pairs are heavily discounted right now .
The popular Cozette slippers are already sold out , but you 'll find a few Fluffette slippers still in stock that any giftee would love .
For guys , the Romeo Slipper is a cozy choice as well .
• Get the Ugg Fluffette Slipper for $ 59.90 ( Originally $ 89.95 ) • Get the Ugg Romeo Slipper for $ 59.90 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of things people love from Kate Spade , but one of the most popular is this personalized pendant necklace .
It ’ s dainty and elegant—perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions .
I would make a great gift , if you can still find their initial .
Get the Kate Spade Initial Pendant Necklace for $ 24.90 ( Originally $ 44 ) It will soon be `` hide under a blanket and do n't come out until spring '' weather , so there is no better gift than a blanket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep you warm , throw blankets are great for everyone .
Like the name implies , this throw blanket is pure bliss .
And more than 1,600 Nordstrom shoppers rave about it , giving it an average 4.8-star rating .
Plus , it 's still available in a few gorgeous colors to fit their style .
As one reviewer put it , it 's the 'softest , warmest light weight throw '' —and it 's only $ 25 .
Get the Nordstrom Bliss Plush Throw for $ 24.90 ( Originally $ 39.50 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leather Leggings is the best things Nordstrom sells .
They are great to wear with sweaters while running errands , and also great to pair with a top for nights out .
Every time I wear them , I get compliments .
With just about 3,000 rave reviews on Nordstrom ’ s website , I am not alone in my thoughts .
Seriously , anyone would love them as a gift .
They 're that great .
• Get the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings for $ 64.90 ( Originally $ 98 ) • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for $ 64.90 ( Originally $ 98 ) • Get the Spanx Plus Size Faux Leather Leggings for $ 64.90 ( Originally $ 98 ) I gifted my brother a Patagonia pullover a few years ago and I think it 's the best gift I 've even given me .
Every time he wears it , he sends me a picture of his clout ( Gen Z , am I right ? )
.
The popular quarter zip Better Sweater is 30 % off , and the sizes and colors are going quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pullover for someone , now is one of the best times to purchase it .
Get the Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter Zip Pullover for $ 83.90 ( Originally $ 119 ) The Madewell Transport Tote is my all time favorite bag .
I already have it in two colors , but I 'm hinting to my family that I want it in the gorgeous leopard calf-hair pattern as my `` fun '' bag , which is currently on sale .
It 's the perfect size , and I used to use it as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my laptop , notebook , lunch , water bottle , and Kindle .
Literally everything I need !
I 'm not alone in my obsession , and it would make an incredible gift during the holidays .
Get the Madewell Leopard Genuine Calf Hair Medium Transport Tote for $ 119.90 ( Originally $ 188 ) Yoga pants make a great gift for anyone , whether they 're into working out or just lounging around .
Zella leggings are inexpensive ( especially so when they 're on sale ) , but have an incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t tear or get itchy , and compared to brands like Lululemon , Athleta , and ALO , they are a fantastic price .
With 4.5 stars from over 6,000 people , there ’ s no questioning how good these things are .
• Get the Zella Studio Crop Lite Leggings for $ 35.90 ( Originally $ 55 ) • Get the Zella Live In High Waist Leggings for $ 38.90 ( Originally $ 59 ) • Get the Zella High Waist Studio Pocket 7/8 Leggings for $ 42.90 ( Originally $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ polos—all things that make Vineyard Vines such a beloved brand and all things that are included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale .
You 'll find their iconic ( and soft ) button-downs that are stylish with very minimal effort .
Get them as a gift when they 're on sale .
Get the Vineyard Vines Classic Fit Plaid Button-Down Performance Shirt for $ 69.90 ( Originally $ 115 ) This cardigan has over 3,200 reviews on Nordstrom and a 5-star rating .
I own this myself and can confirm it is actually a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it comes to cardigans and sweaters , the limit does not exist for the amount one can own .
They make great gifts—especially when they ’ re this cozy ( and chic ) .
There 's no better time to get one than when it 's on sale .
Get the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan for $ 76.90 ( Originally $ 116 ) The Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers are some of the coolest kicks around , which is what earned them more than 3,500 reviews and 4.6-star rating .
These coveted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of mens sizes on sale .
Anyone would love these .
Get the Adidas Stan Smith Low Top Sneaker for $ 47.90 ( Originally $ 80 ) Silk pillowcases are one of those things you want , but would never buy yourself .
Why ?
They 're known for preventing frizzy hair when you wakeup in the morning , making second day hair actually possible—but they can be pretty pricey With more than 700 reviews , people love the ones from Slip and praise their softness and quality .
You might as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're discounted .
Get the Pure Silk Caramel Queen Pillowcase Duo for $ 125 ( Originally $ 178 ) Hunter Boots are still one of my favorite gifts I 've ever gotten .
They 're essential for rainy weather and somehow make sloshing around in rubber boots actually look cute .
Plus , they actually live up to the hype .
When we put these rain boots to the test , we found that they did n't let any water sneak through , were easy to wipe clean , and are comfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few styles on sale at Nordstrom , including a fierce leopard print .
• Get the Hunter Original Tour Short Packable Rain Boot for $ 89.90 ( Originally $ 145 ) • Get the Hunter Original Leopard Print Refined Chelsea Waterproof Rain Boot for $ 99.90 ( Originally $ 160 ) • Get the Hunter Original Leopard Print Refined Short Waterproof Rain Boot for $ 98.90 ( Originally $ 165 ) • Get the Hunter Tour Packable Waterproof Rain Boot for $ 99.90 ( Originally $ 150 ) • Get the Hunter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boot for $ 109.90 ( Originally $ 175 ) The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

12 awesome holiday gifts to buy now during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has been going on for a few weeks for cardholders, so naturally I got the goods while they were still in stock. With new pajamas to leggings to booties, I definitely got my fix. But now I'm going back for round two, though I'm not shopping for myself—I'm planning on getting holiday gifts for my friends and family.
Although it might seem a little early to shop for the holidays, with prices this low, it's worth getting a head start on it. Included in the sale are iconic items like Spanx leggings, Patagonia quarter-zips, Ugg slippers, and more that anyone would appreciate. Here are 15 deals from the Nordstrom annual sale that also make great gifts—but you better act fast because things are selling out.
Need help finding products? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
1. Ugg Slippers
Each and every year my mom asks for a new pair of slippers to keep her toes toasty in the winter months. Ugg makes some of the softest ones on the market and a few pairs are heavily discounted right now. The popular Cozette slippers are already sold out, but you'll find a few Fluffette slippers still in stock that any giftee would love. For guys, the Romeo Slipper is a cozy choice as well.
2. Kate Spade Pendant Necklace
There are a lot of things people love from Kate Spade, but one of the most popular is this personalized pendant necklace. It’s dainty and elegant—perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions. I would make a great gift, if you can still find their initial.
Get the Kate Spade Initial Pendant Necklace for $24.90 (Originally $44)
3. Nordstrom Bliss Plush Throw
It will soon be "hide under a blanket and don't come out until spring" weather, so there is no better gift than a blanket. Doubling as decor and something to keep you warm, throw blankets are great for everyone. Like the name implies, this throw blanket is pure bliss. And more than 1,600 Nordstrom shoppers rave about it, giving it an average 4.8-star rating. Plus, it's still available in a few gorgeous colors to fit their style. As one reviewer put it, it's the 'softest, warmest light weight throw"—and it's only $25.
Get the Nordstrom Bliss Plush Throw for $24.90 (Originally $39.50)
4. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
In my humble opinion, the Faux Leather Leggings is the best things Nordstrom sells. They are great to wear with sweaters while running errands, and also great to pair with a top for nights out. Every time I wear them, I get compliments. With just about 3,000 rave reviews on Nordstrom’s website, I am not alone in my thoughts. Seriously, anyone would love them as a gift. They're that great.
5. Patagonia Better Sweaters
I gifted my brother a Patagonia pullover a few years ago and I think it's the best gift I've even given me. Every time he wears it, he sends me a picture of his clout (Gen Z, am I right?). The popular quarter zip Better Sweater is 30% off, and the sizes and colors are going quickly. If you've been eyeing this pullover for someone, now is one of the best times to purchase it.
Get the Patagonia Better Sweater Quarter Zip Pullover for $83.90 (Originally $119)
6. Madewell Transport Tote
The Madewell Transport Tote is my all time favorite bag. I already have it in two colors, but I'm hinting to my family that I want it in the gorgeous leopard calf-hair pattern as my "fun" bag, which is currently on sale. It's the perfect size, and I used to use it as my work bag because I could fit my laptop, notebook, lunch, water bottle, and Kindle. Literally everything I need! I'm not alone in my obsession, and it would make an incredible gift during the holidays.
Get the Madewell Leopard Genuine Calf Hair Medium Transport Tote for $119.90 (Originally $188)
7. Zella Leggings
Yoga pants make a great gift for anyone, whether they're into working out or just lounging around. Zella leggings are inexpensive (especially so when they're on sale), but have an incredible quality for the price. They don’t tear or get itchy, and compared to brands like Lululemon, Athleta, and ALO, they are a fantastic price. With 4.5 stars from over 6,000 people, there’s no questioning how good these things are.
8. Vineyard Vines Button-Down Shirt
Preppy prints, pastels, polos—all things that make Vineyard Vines such a beloved brand and all things that are included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. You'll find their iconic (and soft) button-downs that are stylish with very minimal effort. Get them as a gift when they're on sale.
Get the Vineyard Vines Classic Fit Plaid Button-Down Performance Shirt for $69.90 (Originally $115)
9. Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cardigan
This cardigan has over 3,200 reviews on Nordstrom and a 5-star rating. I own this myself and can confirm it is actually a comfortable blanket disguised as clothing. When it comes to cardigans and sweaters, the limit does not exist for the amount one can own. They make great gifts—especially when they’re this cozy (and chic). There's no better time to get one than when it's on sale.
Get the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan for $76.90 (Originally $116)
10. Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers
The Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers are some of the coolest kicks around, which is what earned them more than 3,500 reviews and 4.6-star rating. These coveted sneakers are still available in a ton of mens sizes on sale. Anyone would love these.
Get the Adidas Stan Smith Low Top Sneaker for $47.90 (Originally $80)
11. Slip Pillowcases
Silk pillowcases are one of those things you want, but would never buy yourself. Why? They're known for preventing frizzy hair when you wakeup in the morning, making second day hair actually possible—but they can be pretty pricey With more than 700 reviews, people love the ones from Slip and praise their softness and quality. You might as well gift someone one of these sets while they're discounted.
Get the Pure Silk Caramel Queen Pillowcase Duo for $125 (Originally $178)
12. Hunter Boots
Hunter Boots are still one of my favorite gifts I've ever gotten. They're essential for rainy weather and somehow make sloshing around in rubber boots actually look cute. Plus, they actually live up to the hype. When we put these rain boots to the test, we found that they didn't let any water sneak through, were easy to wipe clean, and are comfortable to walk in. You'll find a few styles on sale at Nordstrom, including a fierce leopard print.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-08-24--Kellyanne Conway to leave her White House adviser role to focus on her family

Kellyanne Conway to leave her White House job to focus on her family Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway leaves @ @ @ @ @ , and her husband will also be stepping away from the Lincoln Project .

Kellyanne Conway to leave her White House job to focus on her family
Senior White House adviser Kellyanne Conway leaves position to focus on family, and her husband will also be stepping away from the Lincoln Project.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-24--Watch: Day 1 of the Republican National Convention

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usatoday--2020-08-25--Tropical Storm Laura, the 'main attraction,' looms after weakened Marco makes landfall in Gulf Coast

As rain from a weakening Tropical Storm Marco soaked portions of the Gulf Coast on Monday , forecasters feared Laura , which is close behind , could deliver a much more serious blow to the area .
Marco made landfall about 6 p.m. Monday near the mouth of the Mississippi River and is forecast to weaken further to a tropical depression , according to the National Hurricane Center .
Tropical Storm Laura is expected to reach hurricane status before it roars toward the Gulf Coast on Wednesday and Thursday .
Laura should be much more of a big deal than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents of the Louisiana coast , “ they ’ re certainly lucky that Marco is not worse than it is , ” University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy said Monday .
“ This ( Marco ) will come and go , and they can get ready for Laura .
That ’ ll be the main attraction.
” Fifteen years and $ 15 billion after Katrina : New Orleans is more prepared for a major hurricane .
For now .
National Weather Service meteorologist Benjamin Schott said Laura could make landfall as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of at least 111 mph .
It would be the first Category 3 hurricane to strike Louisiana since Rita in 2005 .
The National Hurricane Center said Monday that `` there is an increasing risk of dangerous storm surge , wind and rainfall impacts from the upper Texas coast to the north-central Gulf Coast beginning Wednesday '' from Laura .
Rain bands from both storms could bring a combined total of 2 feet of rain to parts of Louisiana , potentially raising the storm surge to more than 10 feet along the coastline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivers in a worst-case scenario , Schott said .
Louisiana Gov .
John Bel Edwards told a news briefing Monday , “ We ’ re only going to dodge the bullet so many times .
And the current forecast for Laura has it focused intently on Louisiana.
” State emergencies were declared in Louisiana and Mississippi , and shelters were opened with cots set farther apart , among other measures designed to curb coronavirus infections .
August Creppel , chief of the United Houma Nation , was concerned about the group ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parishes along the Louisiana Gulf Coast .
“ We know our people are going to get hit , ” he said .
“ We just don ’ t know who yet.
” Sarah Manowitz , responsible for four bars in New Orleans ' French Quarter , made sure windows were boarded up .
She prepped her house and filled her tub with water .
Manowitz is remaining on site , counting on a “ community of people ” who look out for each other during storms .
“ We ’ re all going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share whatever supplies , ” she said .
As of 6 p.m. EDT , Marco had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph as it slid to the west-northwest at 8 mph .
All the tropical storm warnings and storm surge warnings for the Gulf Coast were discontinued , according to the Hurricane Center .
Although the storm has weakened , `` gusty winds , heavy rainfall and lingering coastal flooding are expected from Marco along portions of the Gulf Coast through this ( Monday ) evening , '' the Hurricane Center said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ storm Sunday night .
What 's left of the storm is expected to turn west and reach Texas as a tropical depression or remnant low-pressure area by late Tuesday .
Laura strengthened near eastern Cuba on Sunday night after killing at least 11 people in the Dominican Republic and Haiti .
The storm traveled west-northwest at 20 mph , with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph , according to the hurricane center 's latest advisory .
A tropical storm warning was issued for portions of the Florida Keys as Laura approached .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 57 mph through early Tuesday .
Heavy rain will accompany the high winds from Laura : “ From late Wednesday into Friday , Laura is expected to produce rainfall of 5 to 10 inches , with isolated maximum amounts of 15 inches across portions of the west-central U.S. Gulf Coast near the Texas and Louisiana border north into portions of the lower Mississippi Valley , ” the Hurricane Center wrote .
“ This rainfall could cause widespread flash and urban flooding , small streams to overflow their banks , and the possibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” '' Laura will expand in size on Tuesday and Wednesday , and will likely grow into a larger-than-average storm capable of generating a very large storm surge , '' according to meteorologists Bob Henson and Jeff Masters , who write for Yale Climate Connections .
The Atlantic hurricane season has been a record-breaker .
Laura is the earliest L-named storm in the Atlantic Basin , breaking a record held by Luis , which formed Aug. 29 , 1995 .
This season has had 13 named storms , well above-normal activity .
2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hits this early in the year , if Laura also makes landfall this week .
The most Atlantic named storms on record to make landfall in the continental USA by the end of August is six , which occurred in 1886 and 1916 , according to Colorado State University meteorologist Phil Klotzbach .
The continental USA has had five this year : Bertha , Cristobal , Fay , Hanna and Isaias , he said .
Contributing : John Bacon , Rick Jervis , Jordan Culver and Jessica Flores , USA TODAY ; Brian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miss . )
; Greg Hilburn , The ( Monroe , Louisiana ) News-Star ; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-08-24--NY AG investigating whether Donald Trump inflated value of Westchester County estate

ALBANY – New York 's top legal officer is investigating whether President Donald Trump and his company improperly inflated the value of his Seven Springs estate in Westchester County and three other properties to get tax breaks and better terms on loans and insurance , according to new legal filings .
State Attorney General Letitia James filed a motion Friday seeking to compel the Trump Organization to comply with seven subpoenas at the center of a dispute with the company , including one that would require Executive Vice President Eric Trump — the president 's son — to testify .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis of James ' ongoing investigation that was launched after former Trump Organization attorney Michael Cohen 's March 2019 congressional testimony accused Trump of inflating his assets .
The probe focuses on four major Trump properties , including the 212-acre Seven Springs estate in northern Westchester , which Trump had been trying to develop for years before agreeing to a conservation easement in 2015 .
According to the court documents , James ' office is examining whether Trump and his company boosted the assessed value of the sprawling Westchester property , allowing one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a $ 21.1 million tax exemption on forms submitted to the IRS .
James ' court filing claims the Trump Organization has turned over a number of documents related to the probe in compliance with subpoenas .
But the two sides have reached an impasse on some issues , including whether Eric Trump will have to testify .
`` They have stalled , withheld documents , and instructed witnesses , including Eric Trump , to refuse to answer questions under oath , '' James said in a statement Monday .
`` That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to compel the Trump Organization to comply with our office ’ s lawful subpoenas for documents and testimony . ''
The Trump Organization issued a statement saying the company would `` respond to this motion as appropriate . ''
`` While we have tried to cooperate in good faith with the investigation at every turn , the NYAG ’ s continued harassment of the company as we approach the election ( and filing of this motion on the first day of the Republican National Convention ) once again confirms that this investigation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ read .
James launched her investigation based on documents and testimony Cohen presented to Congress , in which he claimed Trump regularly inflated the value of his properties — and his net worth — in order to get better insurance and loan rates .
According to the court filing , the probe has zeroed in on Seven Springs and three other properties : 40 Wall Street in Manhattan , the Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago and the Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles .
Much of the court filings focus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cuts through the Westchester towns of Bedford , North Castle and New Castle and includes two mansions , including a stone manor home with marble bathrooms that was once owned by ketchup giant H.J .
Heinz .
Trump purchased the stately property for $ 7.5 million in 1995 , trying and failing to develop portions of it into a golf course and luxury housing over the years .
By 2015 , Trump agreed to a conservation easement at the property with the nonprofit North American Land Trust , in which Trump pledged not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easement is in effect for the life of the property , even if it changes hands .
The decision came with considerable tax benefits : A Trump-run LLC that owned the property was able to write down its taxes for the value of the donation .
James ' court filings claim Eric Trump , on behalf of the Trump Organization , hired Cushman & Wakefield , Inc. earlier in the year to perform an appraisal of the property to determine the value of the tax benefit before the easement was signed Dec. 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value of the property was $ 56.5 million , allowing the Trump-run LLC to claim the easement was worth $ 21.1 million on its tax documents .
James ' filings make clear the attorney general 's office has not yet determined whether any wrongdoing has occurred .
Instead , the court battle focuses on the status of seven subpoenas and whether the Trump Organization is within its rights to redact or withhold certain documents and information , as well as block Eric Trump and a land-use attorney involved in the Seven Springs deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Attorney General ) has not concluded its investigation and has not reached a determination regarding whether the facts identified to date establish violations of law , '' the court filing reads .
The Trump Organization 's statement characterized the legal filing as `` a discovery dispute over documents and the like . ''
`` The Trump Organization has done nothing wrong and , as the motion papers clearly state , the NYAG has made no determination that anything was improper or that any action is forthcoming , '' the statement reads .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the New York Attorney General 's Office have frequently clashed with Trump , a Republican , filing dozens of lawsuits challenging federal actions .
In 2019 , James took office and inherited a state lawsuit over the Trump Foundation , a charitable organization that shut down that year as part of a settlement with the state .
( A state judge also ordered Trump to pay $ 2 million of his personal funds to charity as part of the settlement . )
Earlier this month , when James filed a lawsuit seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump called it a `` terrible thing '' and advised the NRA to move its charter to another state , which is not allowed while the investigation is ongoing .
Jon Campbell is a New York state government reporter for the USA TODAY Network .
He can be reached at JCAMPBELL1 @ Gannett.com or on Twitter at @ JonCampbellGAN .

NY AG investigating whether Donald Trump inflated value of Westchester County estate
Show Caption Hide Caption President responds to criminal investigation into Trump Organization President Donald Trump responds to the NY criminal investigation into the Trump Organization during a coronavirus briefing. USA TODAY, Associated Press
ALBANY – New York's top legal officer is investigating whether President Donald Trump and his company improperly inflated the value of his Seven Springs estate in Westchester County and three other properties to get tax breaks and better terms on loans and insurance, according to new legal filings.
State Attorney General Letitia James filed a motion Friday seeking to compel the Trump Organization to comply with seven subpoenas at the center of a dispute with the company, including one that would require Executive Vice President Eric Trump — the president's son — to testify.
The motion lays out in detail the basis of James' ongoing investigation that was launched after former Trump Organization attorney Michael Cohen's March 2019 congressional testimony accused Trump of inflating his assets.
The probe focuses on four major Trump properties, including the 212-acre Seven Springs estate in northern Westchester, which Trump had been trying to develop for years before agreeing to a conservation easement in 2015.
According to the court documents, James' office is examining whether Trump and his company boosted the assessed value of the sprawling Westchester property, allowing one of his limited liability companies to claim a $21.1 million tax exemption on forms submitted to the IRS.
MANHATTAN DA: Delays enforcing subpoena of Trump tax records
James' court filing claims the Trump Organization has turned over a number of documents related to the probe in compliance with subpoenas. But the two sides have reached an impasse on some issues, including whether Eric Trump will have to testify.
"They have stalled, withheld documents, and instructed witnesses, including Eric Trump, to refuse to answer questions under oath," James said in a statement Monday. "That’s why we've filed a motion to compel the Trump Organization to comply with our office’s lawful subpoenas for documents and testimony."
The Trump Organization issued a statement saying the company would "respond to this motion as appropriate."
"While we have tried to cooperate in good faith with the investigation at every turn, the NYAG’s continued harassment of the company as we approach the election (and filing of this motion on the first day of the Republican National Convention) once again confirms that this investigation is all about politics," the statement read.
Cohen testimony spurred AG investigation
James launched her investigation based on documents and testimony Cohen presented to Congress, in which he claimed Trump regularly inflated the value of his properties — and his net worth — in order to get better insurance and loan rates.
According to the court filing, the probe has zeroed in on Seven Springs and three other properties: 40 Wall Street in Manhattan, the Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago and the Trump National Golf Club in Los Angeles.
Much of the court filings focus in on Seven Springs, the property that cuts through the Westchester towns of Bedford, North Castle and New Castle and includes two mansions, including a stone manor home with marble bathrooms that was once owned by ketchup giant H.J. Heinz.
Trump purchased the stately property for $7.5 million in 1995, trying and failing to develop portions of it into a golf course and luxury housing over the years.
By 2015, Trump agreed to a conservation easement at the property with the nonprofit North American Land Trust, in which Trump pledged not to develop 159 acres there. The easement is in effect for the life of the property, even if it changes hands.
The decision came with considerable tax benefits: A Trump-run LLC that owned the property was able to write down its taxes for the value of the donation.
James' court filings claim Eric Trump, on behalf of the Trump Organization, hired Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. earlier in the year to perform an appraisal of the property to determine the value of the tax benefit before the easement was signed Dec. 1, 2015.
The appraisal determined the value of the property was $56.5 million, allowing the Trump-run LLC to claim the easement was worth $21.1 million on its tax documents.
James' filings make clear the attorney general's office has not yet determined whether any wrongdoing has occurred.
Instead, the court battle focuses on the status of seven subpoenas and whether the Trump Organization is within its rights to redact or withhold certain documents and information, as well as block Eric Trump and a land-use attorney involved in the Seven Springs deal from testifying.
"(Office of the Attorney General) has not concluded its investigation and has not reached a determination regarding whether the facts identified to date establish violations of law," the court filing reads.
The Trump Organization's statement characterized the legal filing as "a discovery dispute over documents and the like."
"The Trump Organization has done nothing wrong and, as the motion papers clearly state, the NYAG has made no determination that anything was improper or that any action is forthcoming," the statement reads.
A Democrat, James and her predecessors in the New York Attorney General's Office have frequently clashed with Trump, a Republican, filing dozens of lawsuits challenging federal actions.
In 2019, James took office and inherited a state lawsuit over the Trump Foundation, a charitable organization that shut down that year as part of a settlement with the state. (A state judge also ordered Trump to pay $2 million of his personal funds to charity as part of the settlement.)
Earlier this month, when James filed a lawsuit seeking to dissolve the National Rifle Association, Trump called it a "terrible thing" and advised the NRA to move its charter to another state, which is not allowed while the investigation is ongoing.
Jon Campbell is a New York state government reporter for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at JCAMPBELL1@Gannett.com or on Twitter at @JonCampbellGAN.