usatoday--2020-11-17--'It's an ending': Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino makes his men's basketball comeback at Iona College

If the perception exists that he was desperate to return to men 's college basketball , Rick Pitino has been quick to deny it .
Pitino actually insists he was more eager to return to the NBA than college , but in tiny Iona College , a mid-major Catholic school in Westchester County , New York , he found major appeal .
`` If Iona was in Pennsylvania , I would 've stayed in Europe , '' he said .
Instead , with a homecoming of sorts , the Long Island native has begun his comeback — three years after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Hall of Fame coach 's tenure at Louisville .
Now 68 , Pitino has n't set a timeline for how long he will coach the Gaels , but he has been steadfast in one prediction : The job will be his last .
`` They 've all used it as springboards for different jobs , '' Pitino said , referencing some past Iona coaches , like Jim Valvano and current Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard .
`` I 'm the opposite .
For me , it 's not a springboard .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ : NCAA knows it must hold a men 's basketball tournament come COVID-19 hell or high water Many had wondered if Pitino 's last chapter would prove to be more infamous .
Louisville fired him for cause in October 2017 after an FBI investigation into college basketball revealed a six-figure pay-to-play scheme centered around five-star recruit Brian Bowen .
Two years following his dismissal , Pitino settled a $ 38.7 million lawsuit with the university .
His firing was reclassified as a resignation that claimed `` zero liability '' for Pitino or Louisville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit Pitino with a five-game suspension he has yet to serve .
The NCAA also levied on him a Level Two violation , which could potentially lead to a suspension or future recruiting limitations .
Pitino does n't expect a resolution for several years and continues to deny any wrongdoing .
He believes he would `` be out of basketball '' if the NCAA had strong evidence against him .
`` I have no concerns about the NCAA or any penalties at all , '' Pitino said .
`` I 've never done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurt a team , or to go against the grain of the rules we play by .
Were mistakes made and am I responsible ?
Certainly I am .
I was the leader of the program .
But I know exactly what they have .
They have nothing on me at all that I 've done wrong in this case . ''
For its part , Iona 's administration faced criticism for hiring Pitino in March .
A few years prior to the pay-to-play scandal , a former staffer , Andre McGee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strippers to Pitino 's recruits in an on-campus dorm .
In response , the university self-imposed a postseason ban for the 2015-16 season while the allegations were investigated .
But the NCAA eventually vacated Louisville 's 2012 Final Four appearance and 123 wins , including the 2013 national championship , making the program the only men 's basketball team ever stripped of a Division I title .
Pitino 's past had made him toxic .
But after coaching the last two seasons at Panathinaikos , a EuroLeague and Greek Basket League team in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporter in Iona 's new president Seamus Carey .
The two had some familiarity .
Prior to Carey coming to New Rochelle , he served in the same role for five years at Transylvania University , a small , private liberal arts school in Lexington , Kentucky .
The former basketball player and New York native had met Pitino through Rick Avare , a Transylvania alum and Pitino 's business partner , and they attended several Louisville games together .
That relationship led Carey to contact Avare last winter when Iona 's successful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the midst of missing the entire season with a health matter .
Carey was uncertain of Cluess ' future with the program and asked Avare if Pitino would have interest in Iona .
The coach filtered some pointed questions through Avare .
`` He wanted to make sure wherever he went , the admin and the program would be supportive of him , '' Carey said .
Carey and Iona 's athletic director , Matt Glovaski , flew to Madrid prior to Panathinaikos ' Euroleague game at Real Madrid on Feb. 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours at their hotel and later joined him , his son , niece and nephew at an Irish pub .
`` The only place open on a Monday night after his game , '' Carey said .
Although the two were familiar with one another , they had no personal relationship .
Carey found himself much more interested in learning about Pitino than , say , what his plans were for the Gaels ' offense or defense .
`` I was very interested in meeting him as a person , '' Carey said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about was the allegations brought against him by the NCAA because we had done our work .
We knew the charges .
We knew what he did n't do , so I was n't worried about the NCAA part of it . ''
Pitino said he never pitched himself for the job during that meeting , but conceded he did n't have to .
Carey already had a familiarity with him and what he 'd done with the Louisville program , in addition to key people close to him , a list that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pitino 's one-time partner in owning horses .
`` There 's the truth and the non-truth , '' Pitino said .
`` The only people who know the truth are people who know you , good and bad .
Seamus is close with Rick Avare .
LaPenta is close with my family .
Those people know the type of programs I 've run .
They know the truth , not hearsay .
It was easier because you never had to prove your integrity or your honor .
They already knew it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the day after Cluess ' resignation in March .
The COVID-19 pandemic kept Pitino off campus until the summer , and kept the myth of the man circulating among returning players and the eight new recruits brought in , sight unseen , by Pitino and his staff .
Senior guard Isaiah Ross started a group text among players , stressing to prepare for Pitino to hold them to a high-major standard .
They finally met him in mid-August after out-of-state players served a two-week quarantine off campus .
For Ross ' part , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ landed him at Iona meant nothing .
`` No , not at all , '' he said .
`` I was n't even thinking about things like that .
He 's so successful .
I do n't even really care about that kind of stuff . ''
Forward Dylan van Eyck , a Euroleague fan who watched Pitino at Louisville and during his stay in Greece , said he spent the first week somewhat starstruck .
Pitino smoothed the getting-to-know-you by taking van Eyck , Ross and fellow seniors Asante Gist and Colton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first week of conversations with him and really getting to know him as a coach and a man , it does n't feel like I 'm being coached by Rick Pitino anymore , '' van Eyck said .
`` I feel like I 'm being coached by my coach . ''
Pitino has changed the team 's practice structure significantly .
Players come to the gym in small groups each day for 45 minutes of player development with him .
Practices are devoted entirely to team concepts .
The players also believe the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a better chance to succeed .
Last year , they were down a coach all season without Cluess , who had led them to four straight NCAA Tournaments .
The Gaels , the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference 's winningest program since the conference began play during the 1981-82 season , suffered a rare losing season under acting coach Tra Arnold .
`` It 's definitely been a change , '' Ross said .
`` We 've gone from no coach to a Hall of Fame coach . ''
Pitino has brought high expectations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has helped fundraise close to $ 1 million for plans to build new basketball offices and locker rooms and improve the weight room inside the Hynes Athletics Center , which just opened a renovated 2,578-seat gym last year .
The team has already worked to strengthen its non-conference schedule in the coming seasons .
Iona has a signed three-year deal with Hofstra ; a home-and-home against BYU highlighted by a game at Madison Square Garden ; plus the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas , which also features Kansas and Alabama , Pitino @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what takes place between the lines , '' he added .
`` It has to be every single thing about the program .
It has to reek excellence .
That 's my goal here .
On-court achievements , of course , but achievements in facilities , achievements in scheduling , achievements with players being placed in high-level jobs after they 're done playing .
It 's so many areas . ''
While the appeal of having such a difference-maker is clear for Iona in the win column and at the box office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have sold out its Catholic values .
Carey pointed to Iona 's campus-wide devotion to Catholicism , and argued the `` crux of our faith is forgiveness . ''
`` He admits that he 's made some mistakes , '' Carey said .
`` But this is where , while I think Rick Pitino will be great for Iona College , Iona College will be great for Rick . ''
Josh Thomson is the Sports Editor for The Journal News and Poughkeepsie Journal .
He can be reached by e-mail at jthomson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lohudinsider , and on Instagram at @ lohudinsider .

Josh Thomson, Rockland/Westchester Journal News

'It's an ending': Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino makes his men's basketball comeback at Iona College
If the perception exists that he was desperate to return to men's college basketball, Rick Pitino has been quick to deny it. Pitino actually insists he was more eager to return to the NBA than college, but in tiny Iona College, a mid-major Catholic school in Westchester County, New York, he found major appeal.
"If Iona was in Pennsylvania, I would've stayed in Europe," he said.
Instead, with a homecoming of sorts, the Long Island native has begun his comeback — three years after scandals and investigation brought an abrupt end to the Hall of Fame coach's tenure at Louisville.
Now 68, Pitino hasn't set a timeline for how long he will coach the Gaels, but he has been steadfast in one prediction: The job will be his last.
"They've all used it as springboards for different jobs," Pitino said, referencing some past Iona coaches, like Jim Valvano and current Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard. "I'm the opposite. For me, it's not a springboard. It's an ending."
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Many had wondered if Pitino's last chapter would prove to be more infamous. Louisville fired him for cause in October 2017 after an FBI investigation into college basketball revealed a six-figure pay-to-play scheme centered around five-star recruit Brian Bowen.
Two years following his dismissal, Pitino settled a $38.7 million lawsuit with the university. His firing was reclassified as a resignation that claimed "zero liability" for Pitino or Louisville.
Still, the NCAA had already hit Pitino with a five-game suspension he has yet to serve. The NCAA also levied on him a Level Two violation, which could potentially lead to a suspension or future recruiting limitations.
Pitino doesn't expect a resolution for several years and continues to deny any wrongdoing. He believes he would "be out of basketball" if the NCAA had strong evidence against him.
"I have no concerns about the NCAA or any penalties at all," Pitino said. "I've never done anything to hurt a student athlete, hurt a team, or to go against the grain of the rules we play by. Were mistakes made and am I responsible? Certainly I am. I was the leader of the program. But I know exactly what they have. They have nothing on me at all that I've done wrong in this case."
For its part, Iona's administration faced criticism for hiring Pitino in March. A few years prior to the pay-to-play scandal, a former staffer, Andre McGee, was found to have provided prostitutes and strippers to Pitino's recruits in an on-campus dorm.
In response, the university self-imposed a postseason ban for the 2015-16 season while the allegations were investigated. But the NCAA eventually vacated Louisville's 2012 Final Four appearance and 123 wins, including the 2013 national championship, making the program the only men's basketball team ever stripped of a Division I title.
Pitino's past had made him toxic. But after coaching the last two seasons at Panathinaikos, a EuroLeague and Greek Basket League team in Athens, Greece, he found a supporter in Iona's new president Seamus Carey.
The two had some familiarity. Prior to Carey coming to New Rochelle, he served in the same role for five years at Transylvania University, a small, private liberal arts school in Lexington, Kentucky.
The former basketball player and New York native had met Pitino through Rick Avare, a Transylvania alum and Pitino's business partner, and they attended several Louisville games together. That relationship led Carey to contact Avare last winter when Iona's successful head coach, Tim Cluess, was in the midst of missing the entire season with a health matter.
Carey was uncertain of Cluess' future with the program and asked Avare if Pitino would have interest in Iona. The coach filtered some pointed questions through Avare.
"He wanted to make sure wherever he went, the admin and the program would be supportive of him," Carey said.
Carey and Iona's athletic director, Matt Glovaski, flew to Madrid prior to Panathinaikos' Euroleague game at Real Madrid on Feb. 24. They met with Pitino for several hours at their hotel and later joined him, his son, niece and nephew at an Irish pub.
"The only place open on a Monday night after his game," Carey said.
Although the two were familiar with one another, they had no personal relationship. Carey found himself much more interested in learning about Pitino than, say, what his plans were for the Gaels' offense or defense.
"I was very interested in meeting him as a person," Carey said. "What I wasn't concerned about was the allegations brought against him by the NCAA because we had done our work. We knew the charges. We knew what he didn't do, so I wasn't worried about the NCAA part of it."
Pitino said he never pitched himself for the job during that meeting, but conceded he didn't have to. Carey already had a familiarity with him and what he'd done with the Louisville program, in addition to key people close to him, a list that includes Iona booster, Robert LaPenta, Pitino's one-time partner in owning horses.
"There's the truth and the non-truth," Pitino said. "The only people who know the truth are people who know you, good and bad. Seamus is close with Rick Avare. LaPenta is close with my family. Those people know the type of programs I've run. They know the truth, not hearsay. It was easier because you never had to prove your integrity or your honor. They already knew it."
The college moved quickly to hire Pitino the day after Cluess' resignation in March. The COVID-19 pandemic kept Pitino off campus until the summer, and kept the myth of the man circulating among returning players and the eight new recruits brought in, sight unseen, by Pitino and his staff.
Senior guard Isaiah Ross started a group text among players, stressing to prepare for Pitino to hold them to a high-major standard. They finally met him in mid-August after out-of-state players served a two-week quarantine off campus.
For Ross' part, the part of Pitino's past that landed him at Iona meant nothing.
"No, not at all," he said. "I wasn't even thinking about things like that. He's so successful. I don't even really care about that kind of stuff."
Forward Dylan van Eyck, a Euroleague fan who watched Pitino at Louisville and during his stay in Greece, said he spent the first week somewhat starstruck. Pitino smoothed the getting-to-know-you by taking van Eyck, Ross and fellow seniors Asante Gist and Colton Cashaw to dinner.
"After the first week of conversations with him and really getting to know him as a coach and a man, it doesn't feel like I'm being coached by Rick Pitino anymore," van Eyck said. "I feel like I'm being coached by my coach."
Pitino has changed the team's practice structure significantly. Players come to the gym in small groups each day for 45 minutes of player development with him. Practices are devoted entirely to team concepts.
The players also believe the program's new infrastructure will give them a better chance to succeed. Last year, they were down a coach all season without Cluess, who had led them to four straight NCAA Tournaments. The Gaels, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference's winningest program since the conference began play during the 1981-82 season, suffered a rare losing season under acting coach Tra Arnold.
"It's definitely been a change," Ross said. "We've gone from no coach to a Hall of Fame coach."
Pitino has brought high expectations off the court as well. He has helped fundraise close to $1 million for plans to build new basketball offices and locker rooms and improve the weight room inside the Hynes Athletics Center, which just opened a renovated 2,578-seat gym last year.
The team has already worked to strengthen its non-conference schedule in the coming seasons. Iona has a signed three-year deal with Hofstra; a home-and-home against BYU highlighted by a game at Madison Square Garden; plus the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas, which also features Kansas and Alabama, Pitino said.
"It's more than what takes place between the lines," he added. "It has to be every single thing about the program. It has to reek excellence. That's my goal here. On-court achievements, of course, but achievements in facilities, achievements in scheduling, achievements with players being placed in high-level jobs after they're done playing. It's so many areas."
While the appeal of having such a difference-maker is clear for Iona in the win column and at the box office, Carey rejected any criticism that the college may have sold out its Catholic values.
Carey pointed to Iona's campus-wide devotion to Catholicism, and argued the "crux of our faith is forgiveness."
"He admits that he's made some mistakes," Carey said. "But this is where, while I think Rick Pitino will be great for Iona College, Iona College will be great for Rick."
Josh Thomson is the Sports Editor for The Journal News and Poughkeepsie Journal. He can be reached by e-mail at jthomson@lohud.com, on Twitter at @lohudinsider, and on Instagram at @lohudinsider.


usatoday--2020-11-17--Ryan Reynolds recalls his final conversation with Alex Trebek: 'It's still heartbreaking'

Ryan Reynolds is looking back on his last conversation with beloved `` Jeopardy ! ''
host Alex Trebek , who died earlier this month at 80 after a battle pancreatic cancer .
In an interview with Extra Monday , the Candaian actor , 44 , said he was chatting with late game show host about one of the shows he had coming up .
`` I had been on the show a number of times , he was asking me about perhaps coming on again .
I was shooting in Atlanta and was unable to do it , '' Reynolds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people like that that you grew up watching and suddenly you are talking to them on the phone , you start to reflect.
” Ryan continued , “ You just never know ; tomorrow is not a given .
Hug them tight , the people in your life .
It was really shocking and sad .
Obviously , he was sick and it wasn ’ t totally , wildly unexpected .
It ’ s still heartbreaking nonetheless .
It ’ s absolutely gut-wrenching.
” Reynolds was one of the many celebrities who paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his death .
`` Alex Trebek was kind enough to film a cameo for our film Free Guy last year despite his battle .
He was gracious and funny , '' the actor tweeted at the time .
`` In addition to being curious , stalwart , generous , reassuring and of course , Canadian .
We love you , Alex .
And always will . ''
After touching tributes poured in , Trebek 's wife Jean Currivan Trebek thanked fans for their support while sharing a special photo of her and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Instagram Wednesday , she shared a photo from their wedding day .
In the image , he is dressed in a white tuxedo , looking at her face and putting a ring onto her finger while she , in her white gown and veil , looks down at her hand .
`` My family and I sincerely thank you all for your compassionate messages and generosity , '' she captioned the image .
`` Your expressions have truly touched our hearts .
Thank you so very , very much ...
Many Blessings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : LeVar Burton is 'flattered ' by petition to be 'Jeopardy ! '
host , pays tribute to Alex Trebek 's family Photos : Alex Trebek , a look back at his life and career

Ryan Reynolds recalls his final conversation with Alex Trebek: 'It’s still heartbreaking'
Show Caption Hide Caption Alex Trebek: 'Jeopardy!' contestants remember late game show host Alex Trebek, the longtime "Jeopardy!" host, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. USA TODAY
Ryan Reynolds is looking back on his last conversation with beloved "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek, who died earlier this month at 80 after a battle withpancreatic cancer.
In an interview with Extra Monday, the Candaian actor, 44, said he was chatting with late game show host about one of the shows he had coming up.
"I had been on the show a number of times, he was asking me about perhaps coming on again. I was shooting in Atlanta and was unable to do it," Reynolds explained. "When you speak with people like that that you grew up watching and suddenly you are talking to them on the phone, you start to reflect.”
Ryan continued, “You just never know; tomorrow is not a given. Hug them tight, the people in your life. It was really shocking and sad. Obviously, he was sick and it wasn’t totally, wildly unexpected. It’s still heartbreaking nonetheless. It’s absolutely gut-wrenching.”
Reynolds was one of the many celebrities who paid tribute to Trebek on social media following his death.
"Alex Trebek was kind enough to film a cameo for our film Free Guy last year despite his battle. He was gracious and funny," the actor tweeted at the time. "In addition to being curious, stalwart, generous, reassuring and of course, Canadian. We love you, Alex. And always will."
After touching tributes poured in, Trebek's wife Jean Currivan Trebek thanked fans for their support while sharing a special photo of her and the game show legend.
In a post to Instagram Wednesday, she shared a photo from their wedding day. In the image, he is dressed in a white tuxedo, looking at her face and putting a ring onto her finger while she, in her white gown and veil, looks down at her hand.
"My family and I sincerely thank you all for your compassionate messages and generosity," she captioned the image. "Your expressions have truly touched our hearts. Thank you so very, very much... Many Blessings to all, Jean Trebek"
More: LeVar Burton is 'flattered' by petition to be 'Jeopardy!' host, pays tribute to Alex Trebek's family
Photos: Alex Trebek, a look back at his life and career


usatoday--2020-11-17--Allen Robinson's agent blasts Bears for not throwing wide receiver the ball in red zone

The agent for Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson took to Twitter on Monday night to express his frustrations about playcalling during the game against the Minnesota Vikings , notably that his client was n't getting the ball in a key situation .
“ Throw 12 the Damn Ball in the Redzone !
JUST ONCE !
My goodness.. ” agent Brandon Parker tweeted .
The tweet came during a first-quarter drive in the Bears ' 19-13 loss , which saw Chicago fail to convert several times with a first-and-goal opportunity on the 7-yard line .
The Bears settled for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the red zone .
Robinson made six catches for 43 yards on nine targets in the game .
“ Should he not be the first read in the redzone 99 % of the time ?
” Parker tweeted .
“ Only team in the league that won ’ t throw it to the WR1 in the redzone .
Same guy who ’ s leading the league in contested catches.. What ’ s really going on ?
” Robinson , who paces the Bears with 755 receiving yards on 63 catches , has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract ; he is earning $ 13 million this year .
Parker told ESPN in September that his client has not requested a trade .
On Monday night , Parker continued to tweet several more times , saying that he thought Nick Foles was is a `` good QB '' but the lack of red-zone targets has been a `` head scratcher . ''
According to NFLsavant.com , Robinson has been targeted nine times in the red zone this year , 44th in the league , with five catches .
The Bears had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said their fans `` deserve better than this , '' before ending the night by saying that the blame does n't rest on Foles .
`` Prayers up to @ NickFoles The lack of production isn ’ t on Nick .
No qb could have success behind that OL .
It ’ s a shame.. , '' Parker tweeted .

Allen Robinson's agent blasts Bears for not throwing wide receiver the ball in red zone
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The agent for Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson took to Twitter on Monday night to express his frustrations about playcalling during the game against the Minnesota Vikings, notably that his client wasn't getting the ball in a key situation.
“Throw 12 the Damn Ball in the Redzone! JUST ONCE! My goodness..” agent Brandon Parker tweeted.
The tweet came during a first-quarter drive in the Bears' 19-13 loss, which saw Chicago fail to convert several times with a first-and-goal opportunity on the 7-yard line. The Bears settled for a field goal in their lone trip to the red zone in a game in which coach Matt Nagy surrendered his play-calling duties for the first time to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.
Robinson made six catches for 43 yards on nine targets in the game.
“Should he not be the first read in the redzone 99% of the time?” Parker tweeted. “Only team in the league that won’t throw it to the WR1 in the redzone. Same guy who’s leading the league in contested catches.. What’s really going on?”
Should he not be the first read in the redzone 99% of the time? Only team in the league that won’t throw it to the WR1 in the redzone. Same guy who’s leading the league in contested catches.. What’s really going on? — Brandon Parker (@B_Parker21) November 17, 2020
Parker's frustration bubbled over as Robinson nears the completion of a three-year, $42 million deal with the Bears. And though the former Pro Bowler is tracking toward a 100-catch, 1,200-yard season with roughly five TDs, those aren't the kind of numbers that lead to a top-of-market deal in free agency.
On Monday night, Parker continued to tweet several more times, saying that he thought Nick Foles was is a "good QB" but the lack of red-zone targets has been a "head scratcher." According to NFLsavant.com, Robinson has been targeted nine times in the red zone this year, 44th in the league, with five catches.
The Bears had 149 yards of offense, and Parker said their fans "deserve better than this," before ending the night by saying that the blame doesn't rest on Foles.
"Prayers up to @NickFoles The lack of production isn’t on Nick. No qb could have success behind that OL. It’s a shame..," Parker tweeted.


usatoday--2020-11-17--Senators spar over wearing masks while speaking on Senate floor

Senators spar over wearing masks while speaking on Senate floor Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown criticized his Republican colleagues for not @ @ @ @ @ Senate floor .

COVID: Senators quarrel over use of face mask on Senate floor
Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown criticized his Republican colleagues for not using masks enough on the Senate floor.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-18--Chuck Grassley, Senate's oldest Republican and third in line to president, tests positive for corona

DES MOINES — U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley , the oldest Republican currently serving in the Senate , has tested positive for coronavirus , he announced Tuesday afternoon .
`` While I still feel fine , the test came back positive for the coronavirus .
I am continuing to follow my doctors ’ orders and CDC guidelines , '' Grassley said in a statement .
`` I ’ ll be keeping up on my work for the people of Iowa from home .
I appreciate everyone ’ s well wishes and prayers , and look forward to resuming my normal schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced Tuesday morning that he was in quarantine while awaiting a test result after learning he ’ d been exposed to the virus .
That test came back positive .
He is the sixth member of the Senate to have reported a positive test .
Grassley said Tuesday morning that he plans to continue working virtually from home , according to the statement .
His spokesperson , Michael Zona , said Grassley can participate in nearly all Senate business aside from voting .
The 87-year-old senator chairs the Senate Finance Committee and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making him third in line for the presidency after the vice president and speaker of the House .
He was first elected to the Senate in 1980 .
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people older than 80 face the steepest risk of severe complications from the coronavirus .
That 's especially true if they have other chronic health issues .
Grassley , currently serving his seventh term , often brags that he has n't missed a Senate vote since July 20 , 1993 when severe flooding damaged Iowa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago .
That streak of 8,927 consecutive votes ended Tuesday since the Senate has not allowed members to vote remotely during the coronavirus pandemic as the House has .
Grassley was last in the Senate on Monday , when he made remarks asking Iowans to do their part to limit the spread of the virus by washing their hands , limiting activity outside of their household , social distancing and wearing a mask .
`` Although promising vaccines for the coronavirus are on the horizon it ’ s more important than ever to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world are seeing cases explode .
It ’ s critical for Iowans to step up their personal responsibilities to stay safe and healthy for themselves and their loved ones , '' he said in his last remarks before his diagnosis .
`` We ’ re going to get through this together , but we need everyone to do their part . ''
Grassley also attended a meeting with Senate Republican leadership on Monday , which includes Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
And he was seen on the Senate floor patting the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virginia .
Both senators were wearing masks .
It was not immediately clear whether any others senators might quarantine due to Grassley 's diagnosis .
Grassley holds the record for longest length of time without missing a vote in the history of the Senate .
He broke the previous record , held by the late U.S. Sen. William Proxmire of Wisconsin , in 2016 .
`` I ’ m disappointed I wasn ’ t able to vote today in the Senate , but the health of others is more important than any record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I take my commitment to represent Iowans .
Choosing not to potentially expose others to this deadly virus is obviously the right and responsible thing to do , '' Grassley said in a statement Tuesday afternoon .
Grassley has completed his annual 99-county tour of Iowa this year , a tradition he 's maintained every year he 's been in the Senate .
Zona said staff have been limiting contact with Grassley since the beginning of the pandemic and have been following the guidelines of the Senate physician regarding social distancing and mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in contact with Sen. Grassley have been appropriately notified and are instructed to follow the advice of their physicians as well as all CDC and local health guidelines , '' Zona said in an email .
Asked if Grassley knows where he was exposed to the virus , Zona said : `` We will provide further details when we are able . ''
Zona said Grassley will quarantine `` for as long as his doctors recommend . ''
In early October , Grassley said he would not seek a coronavirus test after attending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fellow senator who later tested positive for the virus .
At the time , Zona said Grassley 's doctors did not recommend he get tested since he was not within six feet of U.S. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah , who tested positive .
Grassley campaigned around the state for President Donald Trump , U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and other Republicans prior to the Nov. 3 election , including at a Trump rally in Dubuque on Nov. 1 .
Congresswoman-elect Ashley Hinson , another soon-to-be member of Iowa 's congressional delegation , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Republican who will be sworn in to represent the 1st Congressional District in January , said she has no idea where she got the virus .
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register .
He can be reached by email at sgrubermil @ registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169 .
Follow him on Twitter at @ sgrubermiller .

Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register

Chuck Grassley, Senate's oldest Republican and third in line to president, tests positive for coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption Chuck Grassley, Senate's oldest Republican tests positive for COVID-19 The 87-year-old senator from Iowa is the president pro tempore of the Senate, making him third in line for the presidency. USA TODAY
DES MOINES — U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, the oldest Republican currently serving in the Senate, has tested positive for coronavirus, he announced Tuesday afternoon.
"While I still feel fine, the test came back positive for the coronavirus. I am continuing to follow my doctors’ orders and CDC guidelines," Grassley said in a statement. "I’ll be keeping up on my work for the people of Iowa from home. I appreciate everyone’s well wishes and prayers, and look forward to resuming my normal schedule when I can."
The 87-year-old announced Tuesday morning that he was in quarantine while awaiting a test result after learning he’d been exposed to the virus. That test came back positive. He is the sixth member of the Senate to have reported a positive test.
I’ve tested positive for coronavirus. I’ll b following my doctors’ orders/CDC guidelines & continue to quarantine. I’m feeling good + will keep up on my work for the ppl of Iowa from home. I appreciate everyone’s well wishes + prayers &look fwd to resuming my normal schedule soon — ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) November 17, 2020
Grassley said Tuesday morning that he plans to continue working virtually from home, according to the statement. His spokesperson, Michael Zona, said Grassley can participate in nearly all Senate business aside from voting.
The 87-year-old senator chairs the Senate Finance Committee and is the president pro tempore of the Senate, making him third in line for the presidency after the vice president and speaker of the House. He was first elected to the Senate in 1980.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people older than 80 face the steepest risk of severe complications from the coronavirus. That's especially true if they have other chronic health issues.
Grassley, currently serving his seventh term, often brags that he hasn't missed a Senate vote since July 20, 1993 when severe flooding damaged Iowa. That was more than 27 years ago. That streak of 8,927 consecutive votes ended Tuesday since the Senate has not allowed members to vote remotely during the coronavirus pandemic as the House has.
Grassley was last in the Senate on Monday, when he made remarks asking Iowans to do their part to limit the spread of the virus by washing their hands, limiting activity outside of their household, social distancing and wearing a mask.
"Although promising vaccines for the coronavirus are on the horizon it’s more important than ever to stop the surge. Countries across the world are seeing cases explode. It’s critical for Iowans to step up their personal responsibilities to stay safe and healthy for themselves and their loved ones," he said in his last remarks before his diagnosis.
"We’re going to get through this together, but we need everyone to do their part."
Grassley also attended a meeting with Senate Republican leadership on Monday, which includes Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. And he was seen on the Senate floor patting the back of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Both senators were wearing masks.
It was not immediately clear whether any others senators might quarantine due to Grassley's diagnosis.
Grassley holds the record for longest length of time without missing a vote in the history of the Senate. He broke the previous record, held by the late U.S. Sen. William Proxmire of Wisconsin, in 2016.
That circle represents Grassley missing today’s 11 am vote. First time he’s missed a vote since 1993. Get well, @ChuckGrassley - an amazing run of consecutive votes. Now @SenSusanCollins has longest active streak (almost 24 years without missing a vote). pic.twitter.com/lfLRUDCmfY — Paul Kane (@pkcapitol) November 17, 2020
"I’m disappointed I wasn’t able to vote today in the Senate, but the health of others is more important than any record. My voting streak reflects how seriously I take my commitment to represent Iowans. Choosing not to potentially expose others to this deadly virus is obviously the right and responsible thing to do," Grassley said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
Grassley has completed his annual 99-county tour of Iowa this year, a tradition he's maintained every year he's been in the Senate.
Zona said staff have been limiting contact with Grassley since the beginning of the pandemic and have been following the guidelines of the Senate physician regarding social distancing and mask wearing.
"Those who have been in contact with Sen. Grassley have been appropriately notified and are instructed to follow the advice of their physicians as well as all CDC and local health guidelines," Zona said in an email.
Asked if Grassley knows where he was exposed to the virus, Zona said: "We will provide further details when we are able."
Zona said Grassley will quarantine "for as long as his doctors recommend."
In early October, Grassley said he would not seek a coronavirus test after attending a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting with a fellow senator who later tested positive for the virus. At the time, Zona said Grassley's doctors did not recommend he get tested since he was not within six feet of U.S. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, who tested positive.
Grassley campaigned around the state for President Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and other Republicans prior to the Nov. 3 election, including at a Trump rally in Dubuque on Nov. 1.
Congresswoman-elect Ashley Hinson, another soon-to-be member of Iowa's congressional delegation, also tested positive for coronavirus recently. Hinson, a Republican who will be sworn in to represent the 1st Congressional District in January, said she has no idea where she got the virus.
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.


usatoday--2020-11-17--'Operation Stolen Innocence': 170-plus people charged in Florida child sex trafficking network

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. – A two-year investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department into the horrific sexual exploitation of a young teenage girl netted a staggering amount of arrests – with more than 170 people charged over recent months .
On Tuesday , TPD Chief Lawrence Revell and state and federal officials announced results of Operation Stolen Innocence , a highly secretive investigation into the commercial sex trafficking of the girl , who was 13 and 14 when the alleged offenses occurred .
The investigation , which police officials declined to even acknowledge for months , was likely the biggest of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Revell said .
Some 106 people were charged with felonies , including human trafficking , lewd and lascivious battery on a child under 16 and production and possession of child pornography .
Another 72 people were charged with misdemeanors , including solicitation of prostitution .
Those swept up in the investigation include a former write-in candidate for local office , a P.E .
teacher and a former chairman of the Seminole Boosters , Inc. , a fundraising arm for Florida State University athletics .
Several of the defendants are women , charged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” with the girl in exchange for cash .
`` I know it 's hard to believe that something like this happens here in our community , '' said Lorena Vollrath-Bueno , felony chief for the State Attorney 's Office .
`` But it does . ''
The investigation began in late 2018 after investigators spotted the girl in an online sex-for-pay listing .
TPD ’ s Special Victims Unit set out to rescue the child , who cooperated in efforts to bring charges against the people who exploited her .
Revell praised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The arrests in this operation are the culmination of the diligent work from our dedicated investigators , who have worked tirelessly to bring justice to the victims in this case , '' he said .
`` I can not say enough about the work that you all did and how proud I am of each of you.
” Numerous agencies worked with TPD in the investigation : the U.S. Department of Homeland Security , the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office for the Northern District of Florida , the U.S .
Marshals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Enforcement , the State Attorney ’ s Office and the Leon County Sheriff ’ s Office .
U.S. Attorney Larry Keefe vowed to continue going after child sex traffickers .
Nearly 20 of the defendants , including some from out of state , face federal charges .
“ We in local , state and federal law enforcement are all working together as a team to dismantle their networks and to pursue , prosecute and punish those who are involved , ” he said .
“ Operation Stolen Innocence is an excellent example of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put it all together and get it done , to take down a child trafficking network right here in our community.
” Police would not discuss details that could identify the victim – including whether her mother was involved or charged in the sex trafficking ring .
A number of defendants told investigators during sworn interviews that the girl ’ s mother wouldn ’ t allow anyone to have sex with her unless they brought money or drugs , according to police reports .
Others described encounters that happened inside a filthy apartment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The meetings were arranged over text messages , Facebook and other social media and apps , leaving a vast electronic trail of evidence that took investigators months to unravel .
Elizabeth Bascom of TPD , one of the lead investigators , called the girl ’ s exploitation “ horrific.
” She said the abuse likely began even before her 13th birthday .
Chief Revell said the girl is “ on the road to recovery , and she ’ s doing well given the situation.
” Bascom said she plans to testify in court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point how many of the cases will go to trial .
“ She does have things to say , ” Bascom said .
“ She was able to say that this has seriously impacted her life , and it is very difficult at times .
But she is working to get her life back.
” ‘ Any child can be at risk ’ Vollrath-Bueno , a veteran prosecutor of child sex crimes , said human trafficking is a $ 150 billion global industry , with nearly two-thirds of the profit coming from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest 50,000 people are trafficked each year in the United States alone .
“ The exact numbers ... are hard to define because human trafficking , like many crimes , lives in the dark , ” she said .
“ It is notoriously under-reported.
” Vollrath-Bueno said victims can be adults or children , male or female and exploited for sex or labor .
In the U.S. , she said , the average age a child enters the sex trade ranges from 12 to 14 .
“ Children with low visibility in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health issues , drug issues , frequent runaways , are most at risk , ” she said .
“ I say ‘ most ’ because any child can be at risk.
” Investigators urged victims and people who are aware of victims to speak out .
People can report information to the Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 .
For a complete list of those charged , click here .
More : Pentagon to withdraw troops from Afghanistan , Iraq in Trump 's waning days

'Operation Stolen Innocence': More than 170 charged in Florida child sex trafficking network
Show Caption Hide Caption How to recognize the signs of human trafficking There are several warning signs for human trafficking, including poor health, a lack of control over their lives and harsh working conditions. Wochit
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A two-year investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department into the horrific sexual exploitation of a teenage girl netted a staggering amount of arrests, with more than 170 people charged over recent months.
On Tuesday, Tallahassee police chief Lawrence Revell and state and federal officials announced results of Operation Stolen Innocence, a highly secretive investigation into the commercial sex trafficking of the girl, who was 13 and 14 when the alleged offenses occurred.
The investigation, which police officials declined to even acknowledge for months, was likely the biggest of its kind in Tallahassee’s history, Revell said.
More than 100 people were charged with felonies, including human trafficking, lewd and lascivious battery on a child under 16 and production and possession of child pornography. Another 72 were charged with misdemeanors, including solicitation of prostitution.
Those swept up in the investigation include a former write-in candidate for local office, a P.E. teacher and a former chairman of Seminole Boosters Inc., a fundraising arm for Florida State University athletics. Several of the defendants are women, charged with helping to arrange paid “plays” with the girl in exchange for cash.
"I know it's hard to believe that something like this happens here in our community," said Lorena Vollrath-Bueno, felony chief for the State Attorney's Office. "But it does."
The investigation began in late 2018 after investigators spotted the girl in an online sex-for-pay listing.
The Tallahassee police Special Victims Unit set out to rescue the child, who cooperated in efforts to bring charges against the people who exploited her. Revell praised the police work.
"The arrests in this operation are the culmination of the diligent work from our dedicated investigators, who have worked tirelessly to bring justice to the victims in this case," he said. "I cannot say enough about the work that you all did and how proud I am of each of you.”
Numerous agencies worked with police in the investigation: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the State Attorney’s Office and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Attorney Larry Keefe vowed to continue going after child sex traffickers. Nearly 20 of the defendants, including some from out of state, face federal charges.
“We in local, state and federal law enforcement are all working together as a team to dismantle their networks and to pursue, prosecute and punish those who are involved,” he said. “Operation Stolen Innocence is an excellent example of how all levels of law enforcement can put it all together and get it done, to take down a child trafficking network right here in our community.”
Victim's existence was 'horrific'
Police would not discuss details that could identify the victim – including whether her mother was involved or charged in the sex trafficking ring.
A number of defendants told investigators during sworn interviews that the girl’s mother wouldn’t allow anyone to have sex with her unless they brought money or drugs, according to police reports. Others described encounters that happened inside a filthy apartment and hotels and motels across town.
The meetings were arranged over text messages, Facebook and other social media and apps, leaving a vast electronic trail of evidence that took investigators months to unravel.
Elizabeth Bascom, one of the lead police investigators, called the girl’s exploitation “horrific.” She said the abuse probably began even before her 13th birthday.
Revell said the girl is “on the road to recovery, and she’s doing well given the situation.” Bascom said the girl plans to testify in court, though it’s unclear at this point how many of the cases will go to trial.
“She does have things to say,” Bascom said. “She was able to say that this has seriously impacted her life, and it is very difficult at times. But she is working to get her life back.”
‘Any child can be at risk’
Vollrath-Bueno, a veteran prosecutor of child sex crimes, said human trafficking is a $150-billion-a-year global industry, with nearly two-thirds of the profit coming from commercial sexual exploitation.
She said estimates suggest 50,000 people are trafficked each year in the United States alone.
“The exact numbers ... are hard to define because human trafficking, like many crimes, lives in the dark,” she said. “It is notoriously underreported.”
Vollrath-Bueno said victims can be adults or children, male or female and exploited for sex or labor. In the U.S., she said, the average age a child enters the sex trade is 12 to 14.
“Children with low visibility in the community, unstable home lives, mental health issues, drug issues, frequent runaways, are most at risk,” she said. “I say ‘most’ because any child can be at risk.”
Investigators urged victims and people who are aware of victims to speak out. People can report information to the Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888.
For a complete list of those charged, click here.
Follow reporter Jeff Burlew on Twitter: @JeffBurlew
More: Pentagon to withdraw troops from Afghanistan, Iraq in Trump's waning days
1 federal prison, 8 deaths: Report details COVID-19's early march through the system


usatoday--2020-11-18--Harvey Weinstein is 'being closely monitored' after coming down with a fever in prison

The convicted sex offender and disgraced Hollywood mogul , 68 – who 's currently serving a 23-year sentence at Wende Correctional Facility in Erie County , New York – is `` being closely monitored , '' his rep , Juda Engelmayer , confirmed to USA TODAY Tuesday .
Although Engelmayer would `` neither confirm nor deny that Mr. Weinstein has tested positive for COVID-19 , '' the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists a fever as a common symptom of the highly contagious virus .
Weinstein was reportedly diagnosed with the coronavirus in March , according to law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ( New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision ) and the excellent team at Wende CF to ensure Mr. Weinstein receives the proper medical attention he needs , '' Engelmayer added .
The CDC said it 's investigating some possible reinfections but has not yet confirmed any .
It only considers infections more than 90 days apart to be possible reinfections ; otherwise , someone 's illness is likely a lingering infection .
Harvey Weinsteincharged with six additional sex assault counts in LA , including rape This is not Weinstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday that Weinstein 's recent illness `` should come as no surprise ( given ) that Mr. Weinstein has numerous maladies and conditions including a heart condition , high blood pressure and spinal stenosis . ''
In February , Weinstein was rushed to a New York hospital with high blood pressure shortly after being convicted of third-degree rape and criminal sexual act in the first degree .
He used a walker the duration of his trial .
At the time , Engelmayer told USA TODAY that Weinsten was `` on 10 medications , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certified disabled by doctors . ''
In March , Michael Powers , president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association , confirmed that Weinstein was placed in isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus .
Harvey Weinstein tests positive for coronavirus in New York prison , placed in isolation What ’ s next for Harvey Weinstein ?
He remains hospitalized , 'will be monitored closely' Weinstein once was one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood .
But his reputation for angry bullying and abusive behavior followed him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in October 2017 , The New York Times and then New Yorker magazine published shocking exposés in which A-list stars and other named women accused him of appalling sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to groping to rape .
In the following months , scores of other women – nearly 90 in total – came forward to add their own allegations against Weinstein , as well as many other powerful Hollywood figures , powering the # MeToo movement to call out sexual misconduct in workplaces .
Weinstein lost his career , his company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scandal tsunami that engulfed him , and by February 2020 , he lost his freedom , after being convicted at the first , and so far only , full criminal trial arising from the # MeToo movement .

Harvey Weinstein is 'being closely monitored' after coming down with a fever in prison
Show Caption Hide Caption Harvey Weinstein gets 23 years in prison for two sex crimes Formerly powerful movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was indicted in May 2018 and charged with five sex crimes. He was found guilty on two charges. USA TODAY
Harvey Weinstein has fallen ill with a fever.
The convicted sex offender and disgraced Hollywood mogul, 68 – who's currently serving a 23-year sentence at Wende Correctional Facility in Erie County, New York – is "being closely monitored," his rep, Juda Engelmayer, confirmed to USA TODAY Tuesday.
Although Engelmayer would "neither confirm nor deny that Mr. Weinstein has tested positive for COVID-19," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists a fever as a common symptom of the highly contagious virus. Weinstein was reportedly diagnosed with the coronavirus in March, according to law enforcement officials.
"We are working with the (New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision) and the excellent team at Wende CF to ensure Mr. Weinstein receives the proper medical attention he needs," Engelmayer added.
The CDC said it's investigating some possible reinfections but has not yet confirmed any. It only considers infections more than 90 days apart to be possible reinfections; otherwise, someone's illness is likely a lingering infection.
Harvey Weinstein charged with six additional sex assault counts in LA, including rape
This is not Weinstein's first health scare.
Engelmayer said Tuesday that Weinstein's recent illness "should come as no surprise (given) that Mr. Weinstein has numerous maladies and conditions including a heart condition, high blood pressure and spinal stenosis."
In February, Weinstein was rushed to a New York hospital with high blood pressure shortly after being convicted of third-degree rape and criminal sexual act in the first degree. He used a walker the duration of his trial.
At the time, Engelmayer told USA TODAY that Weinsten was "on 10 medications, had back surgery (and) is certified disabled by doctors."
In March, Michael Powers, president of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, confirmed that Weinstein was placed in isolation after testing positive for the coronavirus.
Harvey Weinstein tests positive for coronavirus in New York prison, placed in isolation
What’s next for Harvey Weinstein? He remains hospitalized, 'will be monitored closely'
Weinstein once was one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood. But his reputation for angry bullying and abusive behavior followed him, if rarely spoken of publicly.
Then, in October 2017, The New York Times and then New Yorker magazine published shocking exposés in which A-list stars and other named women accused him of appalling sexual misconduct ranging from harassment to groping to rape.
In the following months, scores of other women – nearly 90 in total – came forward to add their own allegations against Weinstein, as well as many other powerful Hollywood figures, powering the #MeToo movement to call out sexual misconduct in workplaces.
Weinstein lost his career, his company and his wife and family in the scandal tsunami that engulfed him, and by February 2020, he lost his freedom, after being convicted at the first, and so far only, full criminal trial arising from the #MeToo movement.
Contributing: Leora Arnowitz, Maria Puente, Karen Weintraub


usatoday--2020-11-17--New Orleans cancels Mardi Gras parades for 2021: 'It's going to look different'

The City of New Orleans announced that Mardi Gras parades will not be allowed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
“ The guidelines are very clear that you ca n't have a gathering that large , '' said Beau Tidwell , communications director for the City of New Orleans , at a press conference on Tuesday .
Under current guidelines , outdoor gatherings in the city are limited to 150 people .
At the start of the pandemic in March , New Orleans COVID-19 numbers spiked and the city became one of the early hot spots in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak on the city ’ s Carnival celebration for drawing more than 1 million visitors to New Orleans , which contributed to the spread of the virus .
The Carnival season ended last year on Feb. 25 .
The city ’ s first presumptive case of COVID-19 was March 9 .
Although New Orleans faced criticism after the fact for holding Mardi Gras parades , Mayor LaToya Cantrell defended the decision .
In late February , only a handful of COVID-19 infections had been confirmed in the United States .
Large events continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump assured the nation in a tweet at that time that “ the Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA.
” Carnival is a celebration with deep roots in the Christian tradition , offering a season of excess before Lent .
Carnival begins on Jan. 6 , or Twelfth Night , and concludes on Mardi Gras , literally `` Fat Tuesday , '' the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday .
The date of Fat Tuesday varies .
In 2021 , it falls on Feb. 16 .
Parades , where masked riders toss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the most public part of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans .
The season also includes sharing king cakes , attending formal balls , dressing up in homemade costumes and celebrating with small walking groups like Skull and Bone Gang .
`` Mardi Gras 2021 is not canceled .
It 's going to look different , '' Tidwell said .
The city is seeking ideas from krewes , which put on the large parades , and the general public for how Carnival celebrations can be modified in 2021 to maintain social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside New Orleans , is still evaluating whether it will allow Mardi Gras parades in 2021 .
News tips ?
Story ideas ?
Questions ?
Call reporter Todd Price at 504-421-1542 or email him at taprice @ gannett.com .
Sign up for The American South newsletter .

New Orleans cancels Mardi Gras parades for 2021: 'It's going to look different'
Show Caption Hide Caption 5 things to know about Mardi Gras Let the good times roll with these Fat Tuesday facts. USA TODAY
New Orleans has announced that Mardi Gras parades will not be allowed next year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The guidelines are very clear that you can't have a gathering that large," said Beau Tidwell, communications director for the city, at a news conference Tuesday.
Under current guidelines, outdoor gatherings in the city are limited to 150 people.
At the start of the pandemic in March, New Orleans' COVID-19 numbers spiked and the city became one of the early hot spots in the United States.
Many experts blamed the outbreak on the city’s Carnival celebration for drawing more than 1 million visitors to New Orleans. The Carnival season ended last year on Feb. 25. The city’s first presumptive case of COVID-19 was identified March 9.
Although New Orleans faced criticism after the fact for holding Mardi Gras parades, Mayor LaToya Cantrell defended the decision. In late February, only a handful of COVID-19 infections had been confirmed in the United States. Large events continued throughout the country, and President Donald Trump assured the nation in a tweet at the time that “the Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA.”
Carnival is a celebration with deep roots in the Christian tradition, offering a season of excess before Lent. Carnival begins Jan. 6, or Twelfth Night, and concludes on Mardi Gras, literally "Fat Tuesday," the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The date of Fat Tuesday varies. In 2021, it falls on Feb. 16.
Parades, where masked riders toss beads and trinkets to the crowds, are the most public part of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. The season also includes sharing king cakes, attending formal balls, dressing up in homemade costumes and celebrating with small walking groups like Skull and Bone Gang.
"Mardi Gras 2021 is not canceled," Tidwell said. "It's going to look different."
The city is seeking ideas from krewes, which put on the large parades, and the general public for how Carnival celebrations can be modified in 2021 to maintain social distancing.
Jefferson Parish, the suburb just outside New Orleans, is still evaluating whether it will allow Mardi Gras parades next year.
News tips? Story ideas? Questions? Call reporter Todd Price at 504-421-1542 or email him at taprice@gannett.com. Sign up for The American South newsletter.


usatoday--2020-11-17--Dolly Parton donated $1 million to help fund promising Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

A million-dollar donation by Dolly Parton has helped fund the production of a promising new coronavirus vaccine by Moderna Therapeutics .
Massachusetts-based biotechnology company Moderna released data early Monday on its candidate vaccine , mRNA-1273 , finding that it reduced the risk of COVID-19 infection by 94.5 % .
According to a preliminary report on the vaccine by The New England Journal of Medicine , Parton was credited among others for her donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center , which she announced in April .
Parton has long been a patron of philanthropy .
She founded the Imagination Library in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and opened her Dollywood empire in 1986 to employ thousands of East Tennesseans .
Parton tweeted she would be donating a million dollars to Vanderbilt because of her friendship with Dr. Naji Abumrad , who treated her after a 2014 car crash and informed the country star that the hospital was making `` exciting advancements '' toward a cure for the coronavirus .
The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center is researching synthetic antibodies that could treat and even prevent the virus .
The Moderna vaccine was made possible by the researchers at Vanderbilt , Emory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
In Tennessee , the COVID-19 situation is bleak .
The state recorded its highest levels of infection , death and test positivity ever in the past week .
As of Friday , the state was averaging 3,900 infections and 44 deaths daily .
The average positivity rate was up to 12 % .
Of Tennessee 's 95 counties in the past week , 88 have a positivity rate above 10 % , the White House threshold for a `` red zone . ''
While Parton and her spokespeople have not commented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fans were eager to show their support online .
There are still months to go before the vaccine becomes widely available to the public , pending Food and Drug Administration approval and peer review .
But Parton 's help gave a glimmer of hope to everyone affected by the virus and fans of the icon 's work .
Twitter users took to social media to share their enthusiasm for the vaccine and Parton 's involvement , with some even making a parody of her famous song `` Jolene . ''
`` And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easily take my gran / But you do n't know what she means to me / Vaccine . ''
More : Broadway casts , Dolly Parton , more stars to perform at Macy 's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2020 More : Dolly Parton 's secret to a long marriage : 'We 're not in each other 's faces all the time '

Dolly Parton wanted her $1 million COVID-19 vaccine donation 'to do good and evidently, it is!'
Show Caption Hide Caption Women of the Century: Dolly Parton loves people, and they love her back Dolly Parton is one of the most prolific singer-songwriters of our age, but she's as well-known for her philanthropy as she is for her creativity. USA TODAY
Dolly Parton is commenting on her million-dollar donation that helped fund the production of a promising new coronavirus vaccine by Moderna Therapeutics.
When the country star was asked about her donation during a virtual appearance on "Today" Tuesday, she said she was just told about the impact it had before she went on the air.
"I'm just happy that anything I do can help somebody else. And when I donated the money to the COVID fund I wanted it to do good and evidently, it is!" she said. "Let's just hope we find a cure real soon."
Her tweet of the interview clip has garnered positive reaction from Twitter users with more than 71,000 likes and nearly 9,000 retweets as of early Wednesday.
Massachusetts-based biotechnology company Moderna released data early Monday on its candidate vaccine, mRNA-1273, finding that it reduced the risk of COVID-19 infection by 94.5%.
According to a preliminary report on the vaccine by The New England Journal of Medicine, Parton was credited among others for her donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which she announced in April.
Parton offers helping hand
Parton has long been a patron of philanthropy. She founded the Imagination Library in the 1990s to boost literacy among children and opened her Dollywood empire in 1986 to employ thousands of East Tennesseans.
Parton tweeted she would be donating a million dollars to Vanderbilt because of her friendship with Dr. Naji Abumrad, who treated her after a 2014 car crash and informed the country star that the hospital was making "exciting advancements" toward a cure for the coronavirus.
My longtime friend Dr. Naji Abumrad, who’s been involved in research at Vanderbilt for many years, informed me that they were making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure. — Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) April 1, 2020
The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center is researching synthetic antibodies that could treat and even prevent the virus. The Moderna vaccine was made possible by the researchers at Vanderbilt, Emory University, National Institutes of Health and others.
In Tennessee, the COVID-19 situation is bleak. The state recorded its highest levels of infection, death and test positivity ever in the past week. As of Friday, the state was averaging 3,900 infections and 44 deaths daily.
The average positivity rate was up to 12%. Of Tennessee's 95 counties in the past week, 88 have a positivity rate above 10%, the White House threshold for a "red zone."
While Parton and her spokespeople have not commented on her involvement in the vaccine development, fans were eager to show their support online.
'Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vacciiiiiiiiiiiiiine'
There are still months to go before the vaccine becomes widely available to the public, pending Food and Drug Administration approval and peer review. But Parton's help gave a glimmer of hope to everyone affected by the virus and fans of the icon's work.
Twitter users took to social media to share their enthusiasm for the vaccine and Parton's involvement, with some even making a parody of her famous song "Jolene."
Why are we not discussing the fact that the vaccine with the good news this morning was partly funded by Dolly Parton?
Vaccine, vaccine, vaccine, vacciiiiiiiiiiiiiine — Jonathan Katz, hoping for pumpkin snacks (@JonathanPKatz) November 16, 2020
If anyone wants to actually record this, PLEASE be my guest
(feel free to tweak the lyrics, some of the rhythm is a bit dodgy because I was writing so fast) — Gretchen McCulloch (@GretchenAMcC) November 17, 2020
Dolly once again saving us from ourselves. 🙌🏼 https://t.co/R4dp8WfOo6 — MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) November 17, 2020
"And I can easily understand / Covid could easily take my gran / But you don't know what she means to me / Vaccine."
More: Broadway casts, Dolly Parton, more stars to perform at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2020
More: Dolly Parton's secret to a long marriage: 'We're not in each other's faces all the time'


usatoday--2020-11-17--LSU promises review of Title IX policies, faces calls for resignations, after USA TODAY investigatio

Louisiana State University administrators and coaches are under fire after a USA TODAY investigation that found systemic mishandling of sexual misconduct and dating violence complaints by the school .
Hours after Thomas Galligan , LSU ’ s interim president , released a statement Monday acknowledging the university ’ s failings and promising a review of its policies , representatives from more than a dozen LSU student groups called for the resignation of anyone who has mishandled Title IX complaints .
There has been an outcry from faculty and students on social media , and a protest is scheduled Friday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covering up sexual assault cases.
” “ The common word that I saw yesterday was disgust , ” said Angel Upshaw , co-president of the LSU student group Tigers Against Sexual Assault .
“ It showed how much survivors are dismissed and not believed .
It was shocking to everyone .
This isn ’ t going to one of these things that we let blow over.
” Upshaw was among the 26 student leaders who signed the open letter supporting resignation for LSU officials .
“ LSU as a community can not and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ address past Title IX claims or correct our policies while these administrators and the culture of rape and victim-blaming they have created maintain their positions.
” A USA TODAY investigation published Monday found that officials in the university ’ s athletic department and broader administration repeatedly have ignored complaints against abusers , denied victims ’ requests for protection and subjected them to further harm by known perpetrators .
At least nine football players have been reported to police for accusations of sexual misconduct and dating violence since coach Ed Orgeron took over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The university is known to have disciplined only two of them , and one – former wide receiver Drake Davis – was not expelled until four months after he was convicted of physically abusing his former girlfriend .
Orgeron addressed the story in his weekly teleconference Monday , reading a statement about the need to support and protect survivors and saying he complies with reporting protocols .
He declined to address the topic beyond the statement .
USA TODAY also found three cases in which , rather than expelling or suspending male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LSU allowed them to stay on campus .
The men , non-athletes , received `` deferred suspensions , '' a probationary period during which they must stay out of trouble .
Will Mari , an assistant professor of media law , said students and faculty alike have been talking about the USA TODAY story , both in person and on social media .
“ In my class , we spent the first 10 minutes Monday talking about it , ” he said .
“ A lot of my female students were just angry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were wanting answers .
“ For many of them , I think this confirms their own concerns.
” Olivia James , an opinion columnist at The Reveille , LSU ’ s student newspaper , told USA TODAY that the first story she wrote for the paper detailed the indifference she experienced from both LSU and the LSU Police Department after a man exposed himself to her while she was walking back to her dorm .
After the story ran , James said , LSU PD tried to pressure her into taking it down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technicalities instead of protecting a student , ” James said .
“ I say all of this to say that it ’ s not even just about football : Rape culture is the culture at LSU .
Silencing women to protect the interests of the university has always been the main priority and students have just about had enough .
“ We demand change , and we want it now.
” STAR , which provides sexual assault support resources in Louisiana , said in a statement that “ it has been “ ignored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the university that we know are hotspots for sexual assault , specifically LSU ’ s Greek system and the athletics department.
” In April 2017 , it sent a letter to Orgeron , then-LSU president F. King Alexander and then-LSU athletic director Joe Alleva expressing concerns with how the athletic department was handling sexual assault prevention efforts .
“ STAR received no response to this letter from any of the three individuals we sent it to , ” the group said .
In his statement , Galligan announced that LSU has hired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ independent , comprehensive review of our Title IX policies and procedures.
” The probe is supposed to be completed by spring , which is also when Galligan ’ s time as interim president is due to end .
But USA TODAY ’ s investigation found the problem is not with LSU ’ s policies but rather officials and administrators who ignore or sidestep them .
LSU spokesman Jim Sabourin clarified Tuesday that the review will focus on “ the entirety ” of the Title IX process , from the time allegations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjudicated .
The review will look at the specific cases mentioned in USA TODAY ’ s investigation and whether those were handled properly , he said .
`` If there are patterns evident in why certain allegations do n't make it to the Title IX process , then we need to know why , '' Sabourin said , adding that a summary of the findings and any recommendations from the review will be made public when it is complete .
Federal law and LSU ’ s own policies require campus officials to report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Title IX office to conduct an initial investigation .
LSU also requires school officials – coaches included – to report to police if they witness or are told about possible sexual misconduct or dating violence occurring on campus .
Title IX is the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education .
In the case of Davis , at least seven LSU officials had direct knowledge he was abusing his girlfriend , an LSU women ’ s tennis player , but they sat on the information for months while Davis continued to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hire outside law firms when they have been accused of widespread Title IX violations .
But such investigations don ’ t guarantee clarity – or change .
When Baylor hired Pepper Hamilton in the wake of its sex abuse scandal , the law firm did only an oral presentation of its findings to the school ’ s Board of Regents .
The university and the firm have said no written report was ever produced so only people at that Board of Regents meeting know what the firm discovered , leading to questions about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he and other faculty members he has talked with would have preferred the investigation not have any ties to LSU .
“ I would be personally happier to see them ask the governor to send someone , ” Mari said .
“ I think a lot of us are skeptical on the faculty side , ” he added .
“ I don ’ t want to speak for all 800 of my fellow faculty , but I would say a lot of us seem wary with that kind of solution.
” But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ university has no choice but to be transparent in its findings , and to follow through on recommended changes .
An attempt to minimize the USA TODAY investigation drew backlash on social media – LSU punter Zach Von Rosenberg wound up deleting a tweet in which he defended Orgeron ’ s handling of the cases cited – and the anger is not abating .
Jack Green , a co-author of the letter that called for the resignation of “ any administration or staff of LSU or LSU athletics who have either actively mishandled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have knowledge of the mishandling or suppression and failed to act , ” said representatives from several additional student groups have added their names since it was first issued late Monday .
Caroline Schroeder was featured in USA TODAY ’ s investigation Monday as one of two women who separately reported a fraternity member for sexual assault .
Although she had requested that her name not be included in the story , she changed her mind afterward when she said she experienced an outpouring of support from fellow students and on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the almost universal support for the survivors in the story and disappointment in LSU , ” Schroder said .
“ I expected to see a lot more skeptical people , but the generally positive response has calmed my nerves.
” As for LSU ’ s response , Schroeder said Galligan ’ s statement is “ not going to cut it.
” “ I didn ’ t have any issue with the current policy , ” she said .
“ The issue is simply that they need to follow the current policy as @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Kenny Jacoby, Nancy Armour and Jessica Luther, USA TODAY

LSU promises review of Title IX policies, faces calls for resignations, after USA TODAY investigation
Louisiana State University administrators and coaches are under fire after a USA TODAY investigation that found systemic mishandling of sexual misconduct and dating violence complaints by the school.
Hours after Thomas Galligan, LSU’s interim president, released a statement Monday acknowledging the university’s failings and promising a review of its policies, representatives from more than a dozen LSU student groups called for the resignation of anyone who has mishandled Title IX complaints. There has been an outcry from faculty and students on social media, and a protest is scheduled Friday afternoon “for LSU to take responsibility for covering up sexual assault cases.”
“The common word that I saw yesterday was disgust,” said Angel Upshaw, co-president of the LSU student group Tigers Against Sexual Assault. “It showed how much survivors are dismissed and not believed. It was shocking to everyone. This isn’t going to be one of these things that we let blow over.”
Upshaw was among the 26 student leaders who signed the open letter supporting resignation for LSU officials.
“LSU as a community cannot and will not effectively investigate this failure to address past Title IX claims or correct our policies while these administrators and the culture of rape and victim-blaming they have created maintain their positions.”
A USA TODAY investigation published Monday found that officials in the university’s athletic department and broader administration repeatedly have ignored complaints against abusers, denied victims’ requests for protection and subjected them to further harm by known perpetrators.
At least nine football players have been reported to police for accusations of sexual misconduct and dating violence since coach Ed Orgeron took over the team four years ago, records show. The university is known to have disciplined only two of them, and one – former wide receiver Drake Davis – was not expelled until four months after he was convicted of physically abusing his former girlfriend.
Orgeron addressed the story in his weekly teleconference Monday, reading a statement about the need to support and protect survivors and saying he complies with reporting protocols. He declined to address the topic beyond the statement.
More: Colorado State athletes criticize administration for handling of sexual misconduct cases
USA TODAY also found three cases in which, rather than expelling or suspending male students found responsible for sexual assault, LSU allowed them to stay on campus. The men, non-athletes, received "deferred suspensions," a probationary period during which they must stay out of trouble.
Will Mari, an assistant professor of media law, said students and faculty alike have been talking about the USA TODAY story, both in person and on social media.
“In my class, we spent the first 10 minutes Monday talking about it,” he said. “A lot of my female students were just angry, understandably, and many of them were wanting answers.
“For many of them, I think this confirms their own concerns.”
Olivia James, an opinion columnist at The Reveille, LSU’s student newspaper, told USA TODAY that the first story she wrote for the paper detailed the indifference she experienced from both LSU and the LSU Police Department after a man exposed himself to her while she was walking back to her dorm. After the story ran, James said, LSU PD tried to pressure her into taking it down.
“They wanted to focus on technicalities instead of protecting a student,” James said. “I say all of this to say that it’s not even just about football: Rape culture is the culture at LSU. Silencing women to protect the interests of the university has always been the main priority and students have just about had enough.
“We demand change, and we want it now.”
STAR, which provides sexual assault support resources in Louisiana, said in a statement that “it has been “ignored and dismissed by other departments and programs within the university that we know are hotspots for sexual assault, specifically LSU’s Greek system and the athletics department.”
In April 2017, it sent a letter to Orgeron, then-LSU president F. King Alexander and then-LSU athletic director Joe Alleva expressing concerns with how the athletic department was handling sexual assault prevention efforts.
“STAR received no response to this letter from any of the three individuals we sent it to,” the group said.
In his statement, Galligan announced that LSU has hired law firm Husch Blackwell to do an “independent, comprehensive review of our Title IX policies and procedures.” The probe is supposed to be completed by spring, which is also when Galligan’s time as interim president is due to end.
But USA TODAY’s investigation found the problem is not with LSU’s policies but rather officials and administrators who ignore or sidestep them.
LSU spokesman Jim Sabourin clarified Tuesday that the review will focus on “the entirety” of the Title IX process, from the time allegations are reported to when they are investigated and adjudicated. The review will look at the specific cases mentioned in USA TODAY’s investigation and whether those were handled properly, he said.
"If there are patterns evident in why certain allegations don't make it to the Title IX process, then we need to know why," Sabourin said, adding that a summary of the findings and any recommendations from the review will be made public when it is complete.
Federal law and LSU’s own policies require campus officials to report allegations of sexual violence to the school’s Title IX office to conduct an initial investigation. LSU also requires school officials – coaches included – to report to police if they witness or are told about possible sexual misconduct or dating violence occurring on campus.
Title IX is the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education.
In the case of Davis, at least seven LSU officials had direct knowledge he was abusing his girlfriend, an LSU women’s tennis player, but they sat on the information for months while Davis continued to assault and strangle her.
Schools often hire outside law firms when they have been accused of widespread Title IX violations. But such investigations don’t guarantee clarity – or change.
When Baylor hired Pepper Hamilton in the wake of its sex abuse scandal, the law firm did only an oral presentation of its findings to the school’s Board of Regents. The university and the firm have said no written report was ever produced so only people at that Board of Regents meeting know what the firm discovered, leading to questions about the firm’s impartiality.
Mari said he and other faculty members he has talked with would have preferred the investigation not have any ties to LSU.
“I would be personally happier to see them ask the governor to send someone,” Mari said.
“I think a lot of us are skeptical on the faculty side,” he added. “I don’t want to speak for all 800 of my fellow faculty, but I would say a lot of us seem wary with that kind of solution.”
But the reaction of students might mean the university has no choice but to be transparent in its findings, and to follow through on recommended changes. An attempt to minimize the USA TODAY investigation drew backlash on social media – LSU punter Zach Von Rosenberg wound up deleting a tweet in which he defended Orgeron’s handling of the cases cited – and the anger is not abating.
Jack Green, a co-author of the letter that called for the resignation of “any administration or staff of LSU or LSU athletics who have either actively mishandled, suppressed Title IX claims, or have knowledge of the mishandling or suppression and failed to act,” said representatives from several additional student groups have added their names since it was first issued late Monday.
Caroline Schroeder was featured in USA TODAY’s investigation Monday as one of two women who separately reported a fraternity member for sexual assault. Although she had requested that her name not be included in the story, she changed her mind afterward when she said she experienced an outpouring of support from fellow students and on social media.
“I’m pleasantly surprised by the almost universal support for the survivors in the story and disappointment in LSU,” Schroder said. “I expected to see a lot more skeptical people, but the generally positive response has calmed my nerves.”
As for LSU’s response, Schroeder said Galligan’s statement is “not going to cut it.”
“I didn’t have any issue with the current policy,” she said. “The issue is simply that they need to follow the current policy as it’s currently written.”


usatoday--2020-11-17--Family of Black woman fatally shot while playing video games with nephew sues Fort Worth, ex-cop

Members of Atatiana Jefferson 's family are suing the city of Fort Worth , Texas and the former police charged with murdering the 28-year-old Black woman who was shot in her home last year while playing video games with her nephew .
Jefferson 's father , Jerome Eschor , her aunt Venitta Body and another relative Arita Eschor are listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit which was filed in federal district court last week .
Jefferson had been babysitting her 8-year-old nephew at her mother ’ s home on Oct. 12 , 2019 when a neighbor called a non-emergency police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ajar .
Police have said that then-Officer Aaron Dean , who is white , opened fire from outside through a window after “ perceiving a threat , '' although there was no sign he or the other responding officer knocked on the front door or announced their presence in the backyard .
Who was Atatiana 'Tay ' Jefferson ?
Fort Worth woman killed by cop represented 'honor , integrity' Although a firearm was found in Jefferson 's home after the incident , police and city leaders said that was not relevant to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention and hundreds attended her funeral last year .
Dean , 36 , resigned from the force after he was charged with murder .
Judge David Hagerman last month tentatively scheduled Dean 's trial for August .
The lawsuit accuses Dean of violating Jefferson 's constitutionally protected civil rights as well as assault and battery .
It also claims that the city and the Fort Worth Police Department are liable because they knew or should have known that Dean `` exhibited a pattern of escalating encounters with the public . ''
The lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to properly train and supervise its officers or discipline Dean .
Fort Worth police chief : 'No excuse ' for Aaron Dean to shoot Atatiana Jefferson in her home Dean was criticized in a performance review in 2018 for missing calls for help over the radio and sometimes having `` tunnel vision . ''
His supervisor wrote that the officer had poor communication skills and that when he forgot to do something , “ rather than owning up to it , his responses are evasive and deflecting , ” according to the Fort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Family of Black woman fatally shot while playing video games with nephew sues Fort Worth, ex-cop
Show Caption Hide Caption Ex-Fort Worth cop Aaron Dean arrested after killing a woman in her home Former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean was freed on bond after resigning and being charged with murder for shooting Atatiana Jefferson. USA TODAY
Members of Atatiana Jefferson's family are suing the city of Fort Worth, Texas and the former police charged with murdering the 28-year-old Black woman who was shot in her home last year while playing video games with her nephew.
Jefferson's father, Jerome Eschor, her aunt Venitta Body and another relative Arita Eschor are listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit which was filed in federal district court last week.
Jefferson had been babysitting her 8-year-old nephew at her mother’s home on Oct. 12, 2019 when a neighbor called a non-emergency police line to report that a door was ajar.
Police have said that then-Officer Aaron Dean, who is white, opened fire from outside through a window after “perceiving a threat," although there was no sign he or the other responding officer knocked on the front door or announced their presence in the backyard.
Who was Atatiana 'Tay' Jefferson? Fort Worth woman killed by cop represented 'honor, integrity'
Although a firearm was found in Jefferson's home after the incident, police and city leaders said that was not relevant to her death. The fatal shooting drew national attention and hundreds attended her funeral last year.
Dean, 36, resigned from the force after he was charged with murder. Judge David Hagerman last month tentatively scheduled Dean's trial for August.
The lawsuit accuses Dean of violating Jefferson's constitutionally protected civil rights as well as assault and battery. It also claims that the city and the Fort Worth Police Department are liable because they knew or should have known that Dean "exhibited a pattern of escalating encounters with the public."
The lawsuit also alleges that the police department failed to properly train and supervise its officers or discipline Dean.
Fort Worth police chief: 'No excuse' for Aaron Dean to shoot Atatiana Jefferson in her home
Dean was criticized in a performance review in 2018 for missing calls for help over the radio and sometimes having "tunnel vision." His supervisor wrote that the officer had poor communication skills and that when he forgot to do something, “rather than owning up to it, his responses are evasive and deflecting,” according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, which obtained the records.
Contributing: Doug Stanglin, USA TODAY; The Associated Press
Follow N'dea Yancey-Bragg on Twitter: @NdeaYanceyBragg