usatoday--2020-08-25--'It is just so wrong': Mike Pompeo under fire for speaking to RNC from Middle East

WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will dive into politically fraught waters Tuesday when he addresses the Republican National Convention – breaking diplomatic protocol and perhaps the State Department 's own policy on engaging in partisan political activity .
Pompeo 's remarks will be recorded and piped in from the Middle East , where he 's traveling on official State Department business .
Several media outlets in Washington and Israel reported that he will tape his remarks from Jerusalem .
`` It 's unprecedented and it 's , in my judgment , inappropriate , '' said Aaron David Miller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Endowment for International Peace .
Miller worked for a half-dozen former secretaries of state from both parties , from George Schultz to Colin Powell .
The State Department said Pompeo would address the RNC in his `` personal capacity . ''
A spokesperson , who was not authorized to comment on the record , said no official agency resources would be used for Pompeo 's remarks , and his staff has not been involved in preparing his speech or in making the arrangements for Pompeo 's appearance .
Takeaways from first night of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , looting and vandalism , ' Tim Scott offers optimistic speech on race : Takeaways from the RNC But critics said that 's a distinction without a difference and note that Pompeo 's remarks appear to directly flout a policy that he approved restricting State Department employees from taking part in political activities .
A State Department memo , issued in December 2019 , says agency employees can not `` engage in political activity in concert with a partisan candidate , political party , or partisan political group . ''
The memo specifically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a convention .
`` Senate-confirmed Presidential appointees may not even attend a political party convention or convention-related event , '' reads the memo , which was released Monday evening by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel , D-N.Y. And just last month , Pompeo himself warned State Department employees against engaging in restricted political activity .
“ It is important that the Department ’ s employees do not improperly engage the Department of State in the political process , and that they adhere to the Hatch Act and Department policies in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote in a July 24 cable released by Engel .
`` Secretary Pompeo 's decision to address the Republican Convention from Jerusalem is n't just an abuse of taxpayer dollars , '' said Democrat Joe Biden 's deputy campaign manager Kate Bedingfield .
`` Every day America 's diplomats abroad proudly represent our country – not a political party – but Mike Pompeo 's repeated and blatant use of his office for overtly political purposes only serves to undercut their work , and it further weakens the critical alliances and global relationships that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this administration 's recklessness . ''
The Times of Israel reported that Pompeo would deliver his remarks from an `` undisclosed location '' in Jerusalem , where he met Monday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu .
The State Department press office refused to confirm that .
American support for Israel is a galvanizing issue for Evangelical voters , a pivotal constituency for the GOP .
Critics accused Pompeo of using Israel as a `` prop '' to gin up support for Trump as he trails in the polls against Democratic presidential nominee Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong , '' said former Wendy Sherman , who held high-level State Department positions in the Clinton and Obama administrations .
She and others noted that Defense and State department chiefs normally do not engage in any partisan campaign activities on behalf of the presidents they serve , because they represent the United States abroad and are supposed to be above the domestic political fray .
Sherman said she was appalled that Pompeo is not only addressing the GOP convention but doing so from Jerusalem , a holy city that holds immense significance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Law and order : As Trump hammers 'law and order ' message at RNC , Barr 's DOJ takes 'like it or not ' approach It is `` disrespectful '' to the history and significance of Jerusalem `` to be doing a political speech from such a holy city , '' Sherman said .
“ Jerusalem should not be a prop for a domestic partisan political convention.
” Pompeo left for the Middle East on Sunday , and he is scheduled to travel to Sudan , Bahrain , and the United Arab Emirates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's campaign released the convention line-up , Pompeo posted a message about his remarks from his personal Twitter account .
`` Looking forward to sharing with you how my family is more SAFE and more SECURE because of President Trump .
See you all on Tuesday night !
, '' the secretary posted on Sunday .
Pompeo has not taken any questions from the one reporter traveling with him on the trip .
He did not respond when she asked `` is this a campaign stop ? ''
The trip seems to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggesting Pompeo 's schedule was in flux even as his plane left the United States .

'It is just so wrong': Mike Pompeo under fire for speaking to RNC from Israel
Show Caption Hide Caption Pompeo touts 'pro-life' US foreign policy in Iowa Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a gathering of Christian conservatives in Iowa the Trump administration is pursuing a foreign policy that's pro-life, pro-religious freedom and pro-national security. (July 17) AP
WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will dive into politically fraught waters Tuesday when he addresses the Republican National Convention – breaking diplomatic protocol and perhaps the State Department's own policy on engaging in partisan political activity.
Pompeo's remarks will be recorded and piped in from Israel, where he's traveling on official State Department business. The State Department refused to say where Pompeo would tape his remarks, but a CNN photo appeared to show him on the roof of the historic King David Jerusalem Hotel, surrounded by TV equipment. And a reporter traveling with Pompeo said the secretary taped his political message in between meetings with Israeli officials on Monday.
"It's unprecedented and it's, in my judgment, inappropriate," said Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Miller worked for a half-dozen former secretaries of state from both parties, from George Schultz to Colin Powell. Previous secretaries of state have eschewed such overtly political activities.
The State Department said Pompeo would address the RNC in his "personal capacity." A spokesperson, who was not authorized to comment on the record, said no official agency resources would be used for Pompeo's remarks, and his staff has not been involved in preparing his speech or in making the arrangements for Pompeo's appearance.
Takeaways from first night of RNC: Donald Trump Jr. blasts 'rioting, looting and vandalism,' Tim Scott offers optimistic speech on race: Takeaways from the RNC
But critics said that's a distinction without a difference and note that Pompeo's remarks appear to directly flout a policy that he approved restricting State Department employees from taking part in political activities.
A State Department memo, issued in December 2019, says agency employees cannot "engage in political activity in concert with a partisan candidate, political party, or partisan political group." The memo specifically bars high-level State Department officials from participating in a convention.
"Senate-confirmed Presidential appointees may not even attend a political party convention or convention-related event," reads the memo, which was released Monday evening by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y.
And just last month, Pompeo himself warned State Department employees against engaging in restricted political activity. “It is important that the Department’s employees do not improperly engage the Department of State in the political process, and that they adhere to the Hatch Act and Department policies in their own political activities," he wrote in a July 24 cable released by Engel.
On Tuesday, Rep. Joaquin Castro, a top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, opened a probe into Pompeo's decision, saying he has "a gross disregard" for ethics rules and "a blatant willingness to violate federal law for political gain." And the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil liberties organization, filed a complaint with the State Department's watchdog asking the office to investigate whether Pompeo's speech is a violation of the Hatch Act, which bars federal employees from engaging in certain partisan political conduct.
Democrat Joe Biden's deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, blasted Pompeo's appearance as "an abuse of taxpayer dollars" that undercut the work of American diplomats.
The Times of Israel reported that Pompeo would deliver his remarks from an "undisclosed location" in Jerusalem, where he met Monday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
American support for Israel is a galvanizing issue for Evangelical voters, a pivotal constituency for the GOP.
Critics accused Pompeo of using Israel as a "prop" to gin up support for Trump as he trails in the polls against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
"It is just so wrong," said former Wendy Sherman, who held high-level State Department positions in the Clinton and Obama administrations.
She and others noted that Defense and State department chiefs normally do not engage in any partisan campaign activities on behalf of the presidents they serve, because they represent the United States abroad and are supposed to be above the domestic political fray.
Sherman said she was appalled that Pompeo is not only addressing the GOP convention but doing so from Jerusalem, a holy city that holds immense significance for Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Law and order: As Trump hammers 'law and order' message at RNC, Barr's DOJ takes 'like it or not' approach
It is "disrespectful" to the history and significance of Jerusalem "to be doing a political speech from such a holy city," Sherman said. “Jerusalem should not be a prop for a domestic partisan political convention.”
Pompeo left for the Middle East on Sunday, stopping in Israel first and then traveling to Sudan on Tuesday. He is scheduled to visit Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates later this week.
After Trump's campaign released the convention line-up, Pompeo posted a message about his remarks from his personal Twitter account.
"Looking forward to sharing with you how my family is more SAFE and more SECURE because of President Trump. See you all on Tuesday night!," the secretary posted on Sunday.
Pompeo has not taken any questions from the one reporter traveling with him on the trip. He did not respond when she asked "is this a campaign stop?"
The trip seems to have been hastily arranged, with pool reports suggesting Pompeo's schedule was in flux even as his plane left the United States.


usatoday--2020-08-25--My sister doesn't have COVID-19, but I'm scared she won't make it out of 2020

My sister doesn ’ t yet have the virus , but COVID-19 is already killing her .
Before the pandemic , Erica struggled .
The isolation of New York City ’ s spring lockdown pushed her off a proverbial cliff from which I ’ m not sure she can return .
From birth my sister has struggled .
Born with a dislocated hip , at 3 years old she spent months in a full body cast and wheelchair following surgery .
Unable to walk , run , and play like other children , she gained weight as a toddler and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s hard start continued with intellectual disabilities and a diagnosis of schizophrenia in her 20s .
She ’ s struggled with weight , twice losing close to 100 lbs in the last decade but regaining it and more .
Her fiercest advocate — our mother — died when Erica was 13 .
I ’ ve worried about losing our 77-year-old father to COVID-19 , given his history of cancer , lung problems , and high blood pressure .
With reports of younger people battling severe cases , many of them with preexisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to worry about my 37-year-old sister 's heightened risk of COVID-19 complications and death .
Trying to care from a distance When I last saw her in February , Erica wasn ’ t doing great but not awful .
I cancelled my March trip , fearing I ’ d kill my father , who she lives with , if I brought the virus home .
I helped from afar , paying rent and utilities so he didn ’ t have to travel to cash checks .
I called daily with public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I sent medicine and a guitar , art supplies , and books to feed Erica ’ s soul in quarantine .
My sister had climbed out of extreme isolation last summer .
It took persistent urging to get her to leave the house and return to mental health treatment .
Just as she ’ d reestablished her routines , she had to isolate again for her safety and our father ’ s .
COVID-19 : Online learning can work .
Here 's how my class found the energy and inspiration .
She had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person appointments to compel her to walk to the bus and run errands .
She couldn ’ t use the internet anymore with public library closures or attend a psychosocial clubhouse where she participated in social activities .
Her mobility plummeted and depression soared .
I found a disaster when I returned this summer .
Erica stayed in bed most days .
Empty soda bottles and candy wrappers piled beneath , and a mountain of dirty clothes that no longer fit grew in the corner .
I discovered her ankle monstrously swollen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but no one examined her .
She insisted it didn ’ t hurt until finally admitting that it did .
Erica ’ s used to being in poor health , never wanting to cause trouble .
“ I ’ m good , ” she answers whenever I ask how she is .
Vulnerable and on the edge She ’ s far from “ good.
” At 37 , she ’ s having more trouble than many of the 70 , 80 , and 90-year-olds I ’ ve met in my research on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach her foot or squeeze her swollen ankle into her shoes or socks , only a plastic slipper .
Getting her to the clinic was no small feat .
The doctor warned of what he called `` expiration of life '' in the next 10 years at Erica 's BMI of 84 .
“ 4-7-5 pounds.
” I had to ask him to repeat this number several times .
When I last accompanied her in 2018 , Erica weighed 350 pounds .
Forget 10 years .
I worry about her surviving 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fall that lands her in a nursing home or the COVID that robs her breath .
We ’ re waiting for Medicaid to approve a homecare aide and medical transportation to appointments because she can not walk to the bus and can barely get into a taxi with my assistance .
It feels too little , too late .
My sister isn ’ t alone .
We ’ ve barely scratched the surface of the pandemic ’ s collateral damage as reports surface about increases in drug overdoses , anxiety , depression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fearful of routine check-ups , even disregarding serious symptoms of stroke and heart attack .
With perpetual surges on the horizon and the threat of necessary future shutdowns , our failure to control the virus condemns vulnerable people like my sister to isolation , delayed medical care , and premature deaths of despair .
Risks of recovery : With COVID-19 , don ’ t only focus on deaths .
Too many Americans are alive and in misery .
Before leaving I cleaned and stocked the house with healthy food and 100 rolls of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s room , but there ’ s much more to do when I return to help prepare her space for the long winter .
I clipped my sister ’ s overgrown toenails and washed her feet .
Scaly yellowish scabbing gave them a reptilian appearance .
She laughed as I inadvertently tickled her feet .
I laughed too , to keep from crying .
I told her it wasn ’ t too bad .
And it wasn ’ t .
But it saddened me to return to the immobility of Erica ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ d scratch the itch she couldn ’ t reach .
I couldn ’ t hug her before I left , having strictly masked and physically distanced from my family .
I patted her arm .
I didn ’ t have time to say this before dashing to the airport : The world doesn ’ t love you , Erica .
The pandemic has exposed how we devalue the lives of those we deem “ throwaway people , ” the poor , sick , disabled , old , immigrant , and minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t allow more than 176,000 deaths and counting .
But we ’ ve met many caring people , such as the patient immigrant cabdrivers that risked their own health by physically coming close to us to assist as you struggled into the taxi .
We all need a little help sometimes , said the kind man who brought us home .
I try to remember these helpers when pulled down by the unbearable weight of this situation .
They remind me that it ’ s often those with the least who help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be tough , but weary and not enough .
I ’ m sorry for that .
You ’ re gentle , kind , and deserve much more than this world has given you .
But I love you and will do everything I can to ensure you live in dignity , however long that is .
Stacy Torres is an assistant professor of sociology in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at University of California , San Francisco .

My sister doesn't have COVID-19, but I'm scared she won't make it out of 2020 My sister is not alone. From increases in overdoses to a rise in depression, we’ve barely scratched the surface of the pandemic’s collateral damage.
My sister doesn’t yet have the virus, but COVID-19 is already killing her.
Before the pandemic, Erica struggled. The isolation of New York City’s spring lockdown pushed her off a proverbial cliff from which I’m not sure she can return.
From birth my sister has struggled. Born with a dislocated hip, at 3 years old she spent months in a full body cast and wheelchair following surgery. Unable to walk, run, and play like other children, she gained weight as a toddler and has faced lifelong mobility challenges. Erica’s hard start continued with intellectual disabilities and a diagnosis of schizophrenia in her 20s. She’s struggled with weight, twice losing close to 100 lbs in the last decade but regaining it and more. Her fiercest advocate — our mother — died when Erica was 13.
I’ve worried about losing our 77-year-old father to COVID-19, given his history of cancer, lung problems, and high blood pressure. With reports of younger people battling severe cases, many of them with preexisting conditions and obesity, I've now had to worry about my 37-year-old sister's heightened risk of COVID-19 complications and death.
Trying to care from a distance
When I last saw her in February, Erica wasn’t doing great but not awful. I cancelled my March trip, fearing I’d kill my father, who she lives with, if I brought the virus home. I helped from afar, paying rent and utilities so he didn’t have to travel to cash checks. I called daily with public health advice to safeguard against the virus. I sent medicine and a guitar, art supplies, and books to feed Erica’s soul in quarantine.
My sister had climbed out of extreme isolation last summer. It took persistent urging to get her to leave the house and return to mental health treatment. Just as she’d reestablished her routines, she had to isolate again for her safety and our father’s.
COVID-19:Online learning can work. Here's how my class found the energy and inspiration.
She had phone therapy sessions but no longer had in-person appointments to compel her to walk to the bus and run errands. She couldn’t use the internet anymore with public library closures or attend a psychosocial clubhouse where she participated in social activities. Her mobility plummeted and depression soared.
I found a disaster when I returned this summer. Erica stayed in bed most days. Empty soda bottles and candy wrappers piled beneath, and a mountain of dirty clothes that no longer fit grew in the corner. I discovered her ankle monstrously swollen. She’d had a phone appointment, but no one examined her. She insisted it didn’t hurt until finally admitting that it did. Erica’s used to being in poor health, never wanting to cause trouble. “I’m good,” she answers whenever I ask how she is.
Vulnerable and on the edge
She’s far from “good.” At 37, she’s having more trouble than many of the 70, 80, and 90-year-olds I’ve met in my research on older adults. She can no longer reach her foot or squeeze her swollen ankle into her shoes or socks, only a plastic slipper.
Getting her to the clinic was no small feat. The doctor warned of what he called "expiration of life" in the next 10 years at Erica's BMI of 84. “4-7-5 pounds.” I had to ask him to repeat this number several times. When I last accompanied her in 2018, Erica weighed 350 pounds. Forget 10 years. I worry about her surviving 2020.
With her poor balance, I dread the fall that lands her in a nursing home or the COVID that robs her breath. We’re waiting for Medicaid to approve a homecare aide and medical transportation to appointments because she cannot walk to the bus and can barely get into a taxi with my assistance. It feels too little, too late.
America's 'throwaway people'
My sister isn’t alone. We’ve barely scratched the surface of the pandemic’s collateral damage as reports surface about increases in drug overdoses, anxiety, depression, and the health declines of people fearful of routine check-ups, even disregarding serious symptoms of stroke and heart attack. With perpetual surges on the horizon and the threat of necessary future shutdowns, our failure to control the virus condemns vulnerable people like my sister to isolation, delayed medical care, and premature deaths of despair.
Risks of recovery: With COVID-19, don’t only focus on deaths. Too many Americans are alive and in misery.
Before leaving I cleaned and stocked the house with healthy food and 100 rolls of toilet paper. We organized Erica’s room, but there’s much more to do when I return to help prepare her space for the long winter. I clipped my sister’s overgrown toenails and washed her feet. Scaly yellowish scabbing gave them a reptilian appearance. She laughed as I inadvertently tickled her feet. I laughed too, to keep from crying.
I told her it wasn’t too bad. And it wasn’t. But it saddened me to return to the immobility of Erica’s time in the body cast, when I’d scratch the itch she couldn’t reach.
I couldn’t hug her before I left, having strictly masked and physically distanced from my family. I patted her arm. I didn’t have time to say this before dashing to the airport:
The world doesn’t love you, Erica. The pandemic has exposed how we devalue the lives of those we deem “throwaway people,” the poor, sick, disabled, old, immigrant, and minority. If our leadership cared we wouldn’t allow more than 176,000 deaths and counting. But we’ve met many caring people, such as the patient immigrant cabdrivers that risked their own health by physically coming close to us to assist as you struggled into the taxi. We all need a little help sometimes, said the kind man who brought us home.
I try to remember these helpers when pulled down by the unbearable weight of this situation. They remind me that it’s often those with the least who help the most.
Erica, my love may be tough, but weary and not enough. I’m sorry for that. You’re gentle, kind, and deserve much more than this world has given you. But I love you and will do everything I can to ensure you live in dignity, however long that is.
Stacy Torres is an assistant professor of sociology in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at University of California, San Francisco.


usatoday--2020-08-25--Tropical Storms Marco and Laura: Insurance typically covers some, but not all, damage

As Tropical Storms Marco and Laura barrel toward Louisiana , you may wonder how well your homeowners or renters insurance will hold up in a natural disaster .
The answer largely depends on the disaster .
Damage from many calamities are covered by a standard policy , but a handful are not and require separate coverage for protection .
Even if your insurance covers the peril , it may not be enough .
Many homeowners and renters don ’ t have adequate protection to cover all their losses .
And , because of a change in the tax law , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific cases .
Here ’ s what you need to know about your insurance covering your house or apartment .
Cars are another matter , but we ’ ll get to that , too .
Homeowners , condo and renters insurance cover damage sustained from most perils , including tornado , hurricanes , severe storms , rain , wind and fires .
Homeowners insurance will pay to repair the structure of the property up to the insured amount and other detached structures like a garage or garden shed – typically around 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount .
It also covers possessions inside the home – typically up to 50 % to 70 % of what the structure of your home is insured for .
Landscaping elements such as trees and shrubs are generally reimbursed at about $ 500 per item , says Loretta Worters , a vice president at the Insurance Information Institute .
One-two storm punch : Marco moves closer to Gulf Coast as Laura , the 'main attraction , ' lurks Condo insurance covers possessions and some structural elements , such as drywall in the unit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should cover damage to the building .
Renter ’ s insurance only covers your possessions – often excluding appliances – but your landlord should have a policy that covers the structural elements of the apartment .
What damage is not covered ?
Damage from flooding and earth movement – which includes earthquakes , mudslides , landslides and sinkholes– is excluded from homeowners , condo and renters insurance .
To get flood and mudslide protection , you must buy a separate policy from the federally funded National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for your possessions ; these are not automatically included in the flood policy , says Don Griffin , vice president of personal lines at American Property Casualty Insurance .
For earthquakes , you must buy a separate policy from a private insurer or , if you live in California , from the state ’ s California Earthquake Authority .
In some states , insurers will cover sinkholes if you buy separate coverage .
Stocking up : :Americans are buying Mace , RVs , bulk foods as COVID-19 pandemic drags on Some policies may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where it 's common – such as windstorms for coastal states .
“ In coastal states like Texas , Florida and Louisiana , they have what they call coastal programs , ” Griffin says .
“ What it does is if windstorm is excluded in the policy , you can buy it back through the state ’ s program.
” A homeowners , condo or renters policy will reimburse you for any additional living expenses you incur because you can ’ t live in your damaged home : costs like hotels , restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverage pays only for expenses you wouldn ’ t normally have , ” Worters says .
“ It also has either a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit or a time limit , so check your policy to see what type of coverage you have.
” Any theft or damage done to your home by looters or vandals after a disaster is also covered by your homeowners , condo or renters policy .
Record storm wallop : Gulf Coast braces for 'unprecedented ' challenge as Tropical Storms Marco and Laura surge toward landfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ covered by your insurance , but only if the damage is from a federally declared disaster .
This is a significant change under the new tax reform law .
Before , any unreimbursed casualty or theft losses could be deducted .
To deduct the losses , you must subtract $ 100 from each loss before adding them up .
The total must be more than 10 % of your adjusted gross income .
Homeowners and renters can also apply for a low-interest , long-term federal loan from the Small Business Association to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can borrow up to $ 200,000 to repair or replace your primary home along with up to $ 40,000 to replace possessions .
Your insurer can cover only what it knows you lost .
That ’ s why it ’ s important to keep accurate records for filing claims in the future .
Make sure your insurance policy accurately describes your home – including square footage , number of rooms , age and materials it ’ s constructed from .
It should also account for any recent improvements – like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upgrades – such as a room addition or new pool .
It ’ s also important to have an inventory of your possessions .
It can be hard to remember what you owned in the emotional aftermath of a disaster , especially if you and your family are dealing with injuries or worse .
An easy way to take inventory ahead of time is to go through each room and closet and record every possession on your smartphone 's video .
When possible , note the make and model of items , especially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as art , collectibles or jewelry require additional coverage apart from your homeowners , condo or renter ’ s insurance , and must get appraised first before getting a separate policy .
Store your inventory record and insurer ’ s contact info somewhere besides your house or digitally where you can retrieve it at any time .
What about your car ?
If your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage – which is not required by law – then your insurer will pay for costs to repair damage to your car from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events or simply a fallen branch .
Unlike homeowners insurance , your auto policy typically covers flood and earth movement .
Your auto insurance often will cover rental car fees while your car is repaired or replaced .
In some cases , it ’ s not automatically included , so you have to purchase this coverage at an extra cost .

Tropical Storms Marco and Laura: Insurance typically covers some, but not all, damage
Show Caption Hide Caption Hurricane Hunters capture view of Laura from above NOAA Hurricane Hunter Nick Underwood captured Tropical Storm Laura on Aug. 24, with the center of circulation just south of the coast of Cuba. Accuweather
As Tropical Storms Marco and Laura barrel toward Louisiana, you may wonder how well your homeowners or renters insurance will hold up in a natural disaster.
The answer largely depends on the disaster. Damage from many calamities are covered by a standard policy, but a handful are not and require separate coverage for protection.
Even if your insurance covers the peril, it may not be enough. Many homeowners and renters don’t have adequate protection to cover all their losses. And, because of a change in the tax law, uninsured losses can only be deducted in specific cases.
Here’s what you need to know about your insurance covering your house or apartment. Cars are another matter, but we’ll get to that, too.
What damage does insurance cover?
Homeowners, condo and renters insurance cover damage sustained from most perils, including tornado, hurricanes, severe storms, rain, wind and fires. Homeowners insurance will pay to repair the structure of the property up to the insured amount and other detached structures like a garage or garden shed – typically around 10% of the main structure’s insured amount.
It also covers possessions inside the home – typically up to 50% to 70% of what the structure of your home is insured for. Landscaping elements such as trees and shrubs are generally reimbursed at about $500 per item, says Loretta Worters, a vice president at the Insurance Information Institute.
One-two storm punch: Marco moves closer to Gulf Coast as Laura, the 'main attraction,' lurks
Condo insurance covers possessions and some structural elements, such as drywall in the unit. The condo association’s insurance should cover damage to the building. Renter’s insurance only covers your possessions – often excluding appliances – but your landlord should have a policy that covers the structural elements of the apartment.
Why hurricanes, storms may be stronger in 2018 The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration just released its 2018 hurricane forecasts. Here's what you need to know. Just the FAQs
What damage is not covered?
Damage from flooding and earth movement – which includes earthquakes, mudslides, landslides and sinkholes– is excluded from homeowners, condo and renters insurance.
To get flood protection, you must buy a separate policy from the federally funded National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer. You must also buy separate coverage for your possessions; these are not automatically included in the flood policy, says Don Griffin, vice president of personal lines at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association.
For earthquakes, you must buy a separate policy from a private insurer or, if you live in California, from the state’s California Earthquake Authority. In some states, insurers will cover sinkholes if you buy separate coverage.
Stocking up:: Americans are buying Mace, RVs, bulk foods as COVID-19 pandemic drags on
Some policies may also exclude specific weather in certain areas where it's common – such as windstorms for coastal states.
“In coastal states like Texas, Florida and Louisiana, they have what they call coastal programs,” Griffin says. “What it does is if windstorm is excluded in the policy, you can buy it back through the state’s program.”
Any other coverage?
A homeowners, condo or renters policy will reimburse you for any additional living expenses you incur because you can’t live in your damaged home: costs like hotels, restaurant meals and laundromat expenses.
“The coverage pays only for expenses you wouldn’t normally have,” Worters says. “It also has either a percentage of your dwelling coverage limit or a time limit, so check your policy to see what type of coverage you have.”
Any theft or damage done to your home by looters or vandals after a disaster is also covered by your homeowners, condo or renters policy.
Record storm wallop: Gulf Coast braces for 'unprecedented' challenge as Tropical Storms Marco and Laura surge toward landfall
What about uncovered losses?
You can deduct personal property losses not covered by your insurance, but only if the damage is from a federally declared disaster. This is a significant change under the new tax reform law. Before, any unreimbursed casualty or theft losses could be deducted.
To deduct the losses, you must subtract $100 from each loss before adding them up. The total must be more than 10% of your adjusted gross income.
Homeowners and renters can also apply for a low-interest, long-term federal loan from the Small Business Association to help pay for losses from a declared disaster. You can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace your primary home along with up to $40,000 to replace possessions.
Insurance preparation
Your insurer can cover only what it knows you lost. That’s why it’s important to keep accurate records for filing claims in the future.
Make sure your insurance policy accurately describes your home – including square footage, number of rooms, age and materials it’s constructed from. It should also account for any recent improvements – like a new roof or water heater – and upgrades – such as a room addition or new pool.
It’s also important to have an inventory of your possessions. It can be hard to remember what you owned in the emotional aftermath of a disaster, especially if you and your family are dealing with injuries or worse.
An easy way to take inventory ahead of time is to go through each room and closet and record every possession on your smartphone's video. When possible, note the make and model of items, especially higher-end appliances.
Rare or expensive items such as art, collectibles or jewelry require additional coverage apart from your homeowners, condo or renter’s insurance, and must get appraised first before getting a separate policy.
Store your inventory record and insurer’s contact info somewhere besides your house or digitally where you can retrieve it at any time.
What about your car?
If your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage – which is not required by law – then your insurer will pay for costs to repair damage to your car from any peril, such as major weather events or simply a fallen branch. Unlike homeowners insurance, your auto policy typically covers flood and earth movement.
Your auto insurance often will cover rental car fees while your car is repaired or replaced. In some cases, it’s not automatically included, so you have to purchase this coverage at an extra cost.
Contributing: Paul Davidson


usatoday--2020-08-25--Colleges need COVID-19 tests to reopen, scientists say. Some don't have much of a plan.

COVID-19 outbreaks already are interrupting colleges ’ plans to reopen their campuses across the country .
But just how big those interruptions are — and whether the outbreaks can be contained — hinges in part on colleges ’ plans to test students rapidly .
And some campuses don ’ t have much of a plan at all .
The approaches vary nationally .
Some institutions , like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign , plan to screen thousands of people daily using new federally approved tests that rely on saliva rather than invasive nose swabs .
Others , like Notre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test negative for the virus before they were even allowed to set foot on campus .
But the University of Northern Georgia skipped mass testing for students coming back to campus and is instead simply asking students who develop COVID-19 symptoms to stay home from class .
And Liberty University ’ s plan only to test people who have symptoms , without testing possibly asymptomatic carriers , has drawn criticism from other universities slated to play the Virginia institution in football .
( The university No college ’ s approach is the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contradicting federal guidance on mass testing for higher education .
The Centers of Disease Control , in guidance updated June 30 , said such efforts are unproven and that it “ does not recommend entry testing of all returning students , faculty , and staff.
” In contrast , Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus coordinator , recently said universities should implement entry tests and be prepared to test up to 10,000 people a day , the Center for Public Integrity reported .
Most universities ’ plans fall somewhere between the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consequences of each approach will play out in real time , said Amesh A. Adalja , a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins ’ Center for Health Security .
“ This isn ’ t something we have worked out , ” he said .
Adalja questioned how effective a massive testing campaign would be if people were still allowed to come and go from the university when they pleased .
( Many of the outbreaks on college campuses so far have been tied to off-campus gatherings . )
COVID-19 outbreaks : The virus will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen at all ?
Money is a factor .
In any case , most universities are unlikely to be able to reopen safely , no matter what their testing approach is , said A. David Paltiel , a professor at Yale ’ s School of Public Health .
He recently built a mathematical model to track the spread of the virus on college campuses .
He found scenarios in which universities can open safely , he said , but “ it ’ s an incredibly high bar .
It ’ s probably one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” And one of the requirements for reaching that bar ?
Frequent testing , up to every two days in some cases .
In no scenario , the report reads , would “ symptom-based screening alone would be sufficient to contain an outbreak.
” Without clear federal guidance , students and families must assess whether a college ’ s plan is sufficient .
Campuses are going to have cases , but that doesn ’ t mean the situation is out of control , Adalja said .
He said families may want to consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is compared with similar institutions .
And he said colleges ought to set up their courses such that students can feel comfortable switching between in-person and virtual learning should they get sick .
As it is , universities ’ testing plans are changing frequently .
Testing students before they came to campus was a crucial part of the University of Notre Dame ’ s plan to launch in-person fall classes .
The private Indiana university sent tests to roughly 12,000 people ahead of their return to campus .
Less than 1 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The university said those results were encouraging .
As the university reopened , cases climbed rapidly within the first week .
Administrators blamed the outbreak on students who went to off-campus parties .
To slow the spread , the university paused in-person classes for two weeks and increased testing of random people on campus .
Purdue University had planned to test students only before they came back , and then if they reported symptoms .
But that institution has since altered its plans to try to test 10 % of the population every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just days after the university suspended dozens of students in connection to an off-campus party .
Smaller campuses are changing plans too , as outbreaks pop up at colleges around the country .
The College of Charleston hadn ’ t planned on requiring students to get tested before returning to campus , but has since required that those moving in to campus do so .
The situation was the same for the University of the South in Tennessee , which now will require students to take a test on campus before they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to test their communities aggressively and require compliance for anyone who wants to be on campus .
The University of Illinois started class Monday with plans to use a newly developed salvia test to run checks on up to 20,000 people a day .
The method doesn ’ t rely on nose swabs , and produces results in an hour , according to the university .
“ The faster we can notify people , the faster we can stop the spread , ” said Rebecca Lee Smith , a pathology professor at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than others .
For example , the University of Kentucky had already tested much of its student body , but it plans to retest students in Greek organizations .
The university found these students have a higher rate of infection compared with their peers , after outbreaks last week started at fraternities and sororities around the country .
'Safe but still having fun ' : Colleges hope off-campus housing does n't doom fall semester Of course , not every university has the research capabilities of a public flagship university like Illinois .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like the Broad Institute , which is working with colleges in Massachusetts , or the Just Project , which has provided testing equipment to historically Black universities .
Still others are taking a looser approach that transfers a large share of the responsibility for managing the virus ’ spread to its community members .
The University of Northern Georgia , for example , said its health services division will only test symptomatic patients .
Officials have also asked that people planning to come to campus monitor themselves for high temperatures or COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the university specifically cited the CDC guidance that said mass testing was not recommended .
Arkansas State University wants its students to fill out a form before receiving further instructions about if and where they should be tested .
The University of Southern Indiana ’ s plan asks that anyone who may have coronavirus to fill out a form , stay off campus and call their doctor .
Paltiel said he is wary of universities relying solely on symptomatic tracking .
That ’ s like calling the fire department after a blaze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
His team ’ s research found no scenario where testing solely on symptoms was sufficient to prevent wider outbreaks .
“ You can ’ t play catch up with this virus , ” he said .
Paltiel also criticized the CDC ’ s guidance and said the agency was wrong in its assessment that mass testing wasn ’ t necessary , given the large role that people without obvious symptoms play in spreading the virus .
And a re-entry test alone is insufficient to prevent outbreaks , he said .
Universities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unwilling , to test large numbers of people regularly , he said , “ have no business reopening.
” Education coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation .
The Gates Foundation does not provide editorial input .

Colleges need COVID-19 tests to stay open, scientists say. Some don't have much of a plan
Show Caption Hide Caption College students returning to campus could drive surges of COVID cases Communal living spaces and a younger population may be a contributing factor to new surges in COVID-19 cases on college campuses. USA TODAY
COVID-19 outbreaks already are interrupting colleges’ plans to reopen across the country. But just how big those interruptions are – and whether the outbreaks can be contained – hinges in part on colleges’ plans to test students rapidly.
And some campuses don’t have much of a plan at all.
The approaches vary nationally. Some institutions, like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, plan to screen thousands of people daily using new federally approved tests that rely on saliva rather than invasive nose swabs.
Others, like Notre Dame or Purdue, required students to test negative for the virus before they were even allowed to set foot on campus.
But the University of North Georgia skipped mass testing for students coming back to campus and is instead simply asking students who develop COVID-19 symptoms to stay home from class. And Liberty University’s plan to test only people who have symptoms, without testing possibly asymptomatic carriers, has drawn criticism from other universities slated to play the Virginia institution in football.
No college’s approach is the same. That’s thanks in part to contradictory federal guidance on mass testing for higher education. The Centers of Disease Control, in guidance updated June 30, said such efforts are unproven and that it “does not recommend entry testing of all returning students, faculty, and staff.”
COVID back to school: Fall semester 2020 means uncertainty and fear Going back to school amid COVID-19 outbreaks means uncertainty and fear for students and teachers, but staying home presents problems too. Harrison Hill and Scott Clause, USA TODAY
In contrast, Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus coordinator, recently said universities should implement entry tests and be prepared to test up to 10,000 people a day, the Center for Public Integrity reported.
Most universities’ plans fall somewhere between the no-testing and constant monitoring approaches. The consequences of each approach will play out in real time, said Amesh A. Adalja, a senior scholar at Johns Hopkins’ Center for Health Security.
“This isn’t something we have worked out,” he said.
Adalja questioned how effective a massive testing campaign would be if people were still allowed to come and go from the university when they pleased. (Many of the outbreaks on college campuses so far have been tied to off-campus gatherings.)
COVID-19 outbreaks: The virus will hit colleges this fall. So why reopen at all? Money is a factor.
In any case, most universities are unlikely to be able to reopen safely, no matter what their testing approach is, said A. David Paltiel, a professor at Yale’s School of Public Health. He recently built a mathematical model to track the spread of the virus on college campuses. He found scenarios in which universities can open safely, he said, but “it’s an incredibly high bar. It’s probably one that most universities can’t reach.”
And one of the requirements for reaching that bar? Frequent testing, up to every two days in some cases.
In no scenario, the report reads, would “symptom-based screening alone ... be sufficient to contain an outbreak.”
Testing plans changing
Without clear federal guidance, students and families must assess whether a college’s plan is sufficient.
Campuses are going to have cases, but that doesn’t mean the situation is out of control, Adalja said. He said families may want to consider how robust a university’s plan is compared with similar institutions. And he said colleges ought to set up their courses such that students can feel comfortable switching between in-person and virtual learning should they get sick.
As it is, universities’ testing plans are changing frequently.
Testing students before they came to campus was a crucial part of the University of Notre Dame’s plan to launch in-person fall classes. The private Indiana university sent tests to roughly 12,000 people ahead of their return to campus. Fewer than 1% of them tested positive for the virus. The university said those results were encouraging.
They didn’t last.
As the university reopened, cases climbed rapidly within the first week. Administrators blamed the outbreak on students who went to off-campus parties.
To slow the spread, the university paused in-person classes for two weeks and increased testing of random people on campus.
What went wrong: How Notre Dame's back-to-campus plan unraveled
Purdue University had planned to test students only before they came back, and then if they reported symptoms. But the institution has since altered its plans to try to test 10% of the population every week. The change in plans comes just days after the university suspended dozens of students in connection to an off-campus party. After its first week of class ended Friday, Purdue said it had 80 confirmed coronavirus cases among its students since Aug. 1.
Smaller campuses are changing plans too, as outbreaks pop up at colleges around the country. The College of Charleston hadn’t planned to require students to be tested before returning to campus, but has since required those moving to campus to do so. The situation was the same for the University of the South in Tennessee, which now will require students to take a test on campus before they can move into their dorms.
COVID-19: FDA opens the door to rapid at-home testing At-home testing could transform the fight against the novel coronavirus. USA TODAY
Others plan to test their communities aggressively and require compliance for anyone who wants to be on campus. The University of Illinois started class Monday with plans to use a newly developed saliva test to check up to 20,000 people a day. The method doesn’t rely on nasal swabs, and produces results in an hour, according to the university.
“The faster we can notify people, the faster we can stop the spread,” said Rebecca Lee Smith, a pathology professor at the university.
Some communities may be targeted more than others. For example, the University of Kentucky has already tested much of its student body, but it plans to retest students in Greek organizations. The university found that those students have a higher rate of infection compared with their peers, after outbreaks last week began at fraternities and sororities around the country.
'Safe but still having fun': Colleges hope off-campus housing doesn't doom fall semester
Of course, not every university has the research capabilities of a public flagship university like Illinois.
Some colleges are relying on third-party testers, like the Broad Institute, which is working with colleges in Massachusetts, or the Just Project, which has provided testing equipment to historically Black universities.
'No business reopening'?
Still others are taking a looser approach that transfers a large share of the responsibility for managing the virus’ spread to its community members.
The University of North Georgia, for example, said its health services division will test only symptomatic patients. Officials have also asked that people planning to come to campus monitor themselves for high temperatures or COVID-19 symptoms. In explaining its testing policy, the university specifically cited the CDC guidance that said mass testing was not recommended.
Arkansas State University wants its students to fill out a form before receiving further instructions about whether and where they should be tested. The University of Southern Indiana’s plan asks that anyone who may have coronavirus fill out a form, stay off campus and call their doctor.
Paltiel said he was wary of universities relying solely on symptomatic tracking. That’s like calling the fire department after a blaze has already consumed a building, he said. His team’s research found no scenario where testing solely based on symptoms was sufficient to prevent wider outbreaks.
“You can’t play catch up with this virus,” he said.
Paltiel also criticized the CDC’s guidance and said the agency was wrong in its assessment that mass testing wasn’t necessary, given the large role that people without obvious symptoms play in spreading the virus.
And a re-entry test alone is insufficient to prevent outbreaks, he said.
Universities that lack the capacity, or are unwilling, to test large numbers of people regularly, he said, “have no business reopening," he said.
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the name of the University of North Georgia.
Education coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Foundation does not provide editorial input.


usatoday--2020-08-25--Urban Meyer 'heartbroken' for players, coaches after cancellation of Big Ten fall football

Urban Meyer knows how he ’ d be coping with the cancellation of the Big Ten fall football season if he were still the head coach at Ohio State .
“ I wouldn ’ t handle it well , ” Meyer told The Dispatch in an interview for the Buckeyextra.com podcast .
That doesn ’ t come as a surprise , because , well , nobody is particularly happy about not having Buckeyes football in 2020 .
Meyer ’ s natural intensity would make that particularly hard for him to swallow .
Meyer remains close to the program he coached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players , coaches and parents facing unwanted free time in the coming months .
“ I just feel for those players , ” he said .
“ I ’ m heartbroken .
I ’ ve talked to so many of those players because I know their families so well.
” Meyer said that some college football observers don ’ t realize all the work that players put in preparing for a season , on top of their academic responsibilities .
“ You ’ re talking six hours a day put into this thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s gone , ” he said .
Coaches put in even more hours .
It ’ s an endless grind , especially factoring in recruiting , which never stops .
Meyer said he talks daily to his successor , Ryan Day .
“ He ’ s not doing well , ” Meyer said .
That stems from Day ’ s close relationships with his players , Meyer said , and the heartache they ’ re all feeling .
Meyer said that when he coached , the university president and athletic director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he always felt most accountable to his players .
“ There ’ s no other profession ... where your employees , or the people you lead , you go into their homes when they ’ re 17 years old , hug their families and promise them you ’ re going to take care of their kids , ” Meyer said .
“ In corporate America , you don ’ t do that .
You just hire people .
In athletic administration or even university administration , you don ’ t do that .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see some strong emotion , raw emotion , when you start talking about student-athletes .
And I know that ’ s what makes Ryan the great coach that he is .
He cares so deeply for his players.
” NCAA Re-Rank : Clemson , Alabama lead way in preseason re-ranking from 1 to 76 Meyer is conflicted about the Big Ten ’ s decision not to play this fall .
He understands the severity of the coronavirus and believes the conference should trust the experts .
But he also questions if the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Could we have put this thing off for a little while , like the SEC , and just buy more time and let the players continue to train ?
” Meyer said .
He pointed out that Ohio State players were being tested twice a week and diligently following COVID-19 protocols .
Meyer gushed about the way Ohio State players have handled themselves during an excruciating time .
He said the letter the players wrote supporting the way Ohio State has protected them during the pandemic “ brought a tear to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it contrasted with critical letters written by others , particularly Pac-12 players .
“ That must mean they don ’ t trust your doctors , ” Meyer said .
“ They don ’ t trust coaches , that they don ’ t trust the commissioner .
And they feel like they ’ re being exploited .
I was like , ‘ Wow , that ’ s awful to go to work every day and not trust who you ’ re working with.
’ I just can ’ t imagine that.
” Ohio State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to parents to athletic director Gene Smith to new president Kristina M. Johnson — about wanting to delay the season if necessary , not cancel .
Meyer said that Johnson , who officially started Monday , reached out to him .
“ I ’ ve talked to her on the phone a couple of times and met her one time , and I ’ m very impressed , ” he said .
“ I ’ m glad she ’ s here.
” Johnson was named to the Big Ten task force formed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Day wants that to start in January .
Meyer believes that ’ s the only option .
“ Coach Day is working very hard , along with several people and Gene about a January/February ( season ) , ” Meyer said .
“ I think the further you move back , if you ’ re talking about a true spring season , there ’ s no chance that ’ ll happen.
” Meyer will again work for Fox this season after earning positive reviews for his analysis last year .
Big Ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Fox package .
The network will go heavy on Big 12 games this year .
If the Big 12 , SEC and ACC play while the Big Ten and Pac-12 don ’ t , Meyer knows how devastating that would be to those inside and outside the Ohio State program .
“ How ’ s it going to be if Ryan Day , Chris Olave , Kerry Coombs and Justin Fields are watching Alabama play Clemson on national television or seeing teams play all year long , and they ’ re sitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” Meyer said .
“ I ’ m not sure what you say to the players.
” Factor in that the Browns and Bengals are proceeding with their seasons , as are the Cincinnati Bearcats in the American Athletic Conference — Meyer ’ s son , Nate , has joined the team as a walk-on — and even high schools .
Disappointment could turn into something more visceral , he predicted .
“ I think there will be rage , ” Meyer said .
“ It ’ ll be a tough go.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a unified conference , or at least presented a public front of unity if conflict arose .
The decision not to play in 2020 has opened clear fissures .
Meyer believes it ’ s temporary .
“ I think we ’ ll come back together , ” he said .
“ There are some hard feelings out there .
College football is a bigger concern .
I think the Big Ten will be fine .
I still believe it ’ s the greatest entity that ’ s out there .
“ On one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone said , ‘ Hey , this is a chance to blow up football and have college football start all over again , ’ and I kind of lost my mind .
I ’ m so tired of everybody complaining and saying how bad everything is .
In my mind , there is nothing greater than college athletics .
Nothing.
” But the long term does nothing for players who worked for this year and now won ’ t play .
He spoke of Jonathon Cooper , the senior defensive end from Gahanna @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postseason last year to preserve redshirt status that allowed him to play in 2020 .
“ The reality is that Jonathon Cooper is not going to play a senior year in college football , and that ’ s not right with me , ” Meyer said .
“ It ’ s devastating .
”

Urban Meyer 'heartbroken' for players, coaches after cancellation of Big Ten fall football
Show Caption Hide Caption Why college football will never be the same financially USA Today Sports' Dan Wolken and Paul Myerberg explain the financial debt college football will incur from a fall without football. USA TODAY
Urban Meyer knows how he’d be coping with the cancellation of the Big Ten fall football season if he were still the head coach at Ohio State.
“I wouldn’t handle it well,” Meyer told The Dispatch in an interview for the Buckeyextra.com podcast.
That doesn’t come as a surprise, because, well, nobody is particularly happy about not having Buckeyes football in 2020. Meyer’s natural intensity would make that particularly hard for him to swallow.
Meyer remains close to the program he coached for seven years. He aches for players, coaches and parents facing unwanted free time in the coming months.
“I just feel for those players,” he said. “I’m heartbroken. I’ve talked to so many of those players because I know their families so well.”
Meyer said that some college football observers don’t realize all the work that players put in preparing for a season, on top of their academic responsibilities.
“You’re talking six hours a day put into this thing, and then all of a sudden it’s gone,” he said.
Coaches put in even more hours. It’s an endless grind, especially factoring in recruiting, which never stops. Meyer said he talks daily to his successor, Ryan Day.
“He’s not doing well,” Meyer said.
That stems from Day’s close relationships with his players, Meyer said, and the heartache they’re all feeling. Meyer said that when he coached, the university president and athletic director might have been his bosses, but he always felt most accountable to his players.
“There’s no other profession ... where your employees, or the people you lead, you go into their homes when they’re 17 years old, hug their families and promise them you’re going to take care of their kids,” Meyer said. “In corporate America, you don’t do that. You just hire people. In athletic administration or even university administration, you don’t do that.
“So that’s why you see some strong emotion, raw emotion, when you start talking about student-athletes. And I know that’s what makes Ryan the great coach that he is. He cares so deeply for his players.”
NCAA Re-Rank: Clemson, Alabama lead way in preseason re-ranking from 1 to 76
LOSING MONEY: Ohio State athletic department projects loss of $130 million in revenue
Meyer is conflicted about the Big Ten’s decision not to play this fall. He understands the severity of the coronavirus and believes the conference should trust the experts. But he also questions if the decision was premature and believes transparency was belated.
“Could we have put this thing off for a little while, like the SEC, and just buy more time and let the players continue to train?” Meyer said.
He pointed out that Ohio State players were being tested twice a week and diligently following COVID-19 protocols.
Meyer gushed about the way Ohio State players have handled themselves during an excruciating time. He said the letter the players wrote supporting the way Ohio State has protected them during the pandemic “brought a tear to your eye,” especially with how it contrasted with critical letters written by others, particularly Pac-12 players.
“That must mean they don’t trust your doctors,” Meyer said. “They don’t trust coaches, that they don’t trust the commissioner. And they feel like they’re being exploited. I was like, ‘Wow, that’s awful to go to work every day and not trust who you’re working with.’ I just can’t imagine that.”
Ohio State has been in alignment — from players to parents to athletic director Gene Smith to new president Kristina M. Johnson — about wanting to delay the season if necessary, not cancel. Meyer said that Johnson, who officially started Monday, reached out to him.
“I’ve talked to her on the phone a couple of times and met her one time, and I’m very impressed,” he said. “I’m glad she’s here.”
Johnson was named to the Big Ten task force formed to pursue a substitute season in early 2021. Day wants that to start in January. Meyer believes that’s the only option.
“Coach Day is working very hard, along with several people and Gene about a January/February (season),” Meyer said. “I think the further you move back, if you’re talking about a true spring season, there’s no chance that’ll happen.”
Meyer will again work for Fox this season after earning positive reviews for his analysis last year. Big Ten games have been a big part of the Fox package. The network will go heavy on Big 12 games this year.
If the Big 12, SEC and ACC play while the Big Ten and Pac-12 don’t, Meyer knows how devastating that would be to those inside and outside the Ohio State program.
“How’s it going to be if Ryan Day, Chris Olave, Kerry Coombs and Justin Fields are watching Alabama play Clemson on national television or seeing teams play all year long, and they’re sitting on their hands in Columbus, Ohio?” Meyer said. “I’m not sure what you say to the players.”
Factor in that the Browns and Bengals are proceeding with their seasons, as are the Cincinnati Bearcats in the American Athletic Conference — Meyer’s son, Nate, has joined the team as a walk-on — and even high schools.
Disappointment could turn into something more visceral, he predicted.
“I think there will be rage,” Meyer said. “It’ll be a tough go.”
The Big Ten usually has been a unified conference, or at least presented a public front of unity if conflict arose. The decision not to play in 2020 has opened clear fissures. Meyer believes it’s temporary.
“I think we’ll come back together,” he said. “There are some hard feelings out there. College football is a bigger concern. I think the Big Ten will be fine. I still believe it’s the greatest entity that’s out there.
“On one of the TV shows we did, someone said, ‘Hey, this is a chance to blow up football and have college football start all over again,’ and I kind of lost my mind. I’m so tired of everybody complaining and saying how bad everything is. In my mind, there is nothing greater than college athletics. Nothing.”
But the long term does nothing for players who worked for this year and now won’t play. He spoke of Jonathon Cooper, the senior defensive end from Gahanna who chose not to play in the postseason last year to preserve redshirt status that allowed him to play in 2020.
“The reality is that Jonathon Cooper is not going to play a senior year in college football, and that’s not right with me,” Meyer said. “It’s devastating.”


usatoday--2020-08-25--Former Seahawks rookie corner Kemah Siverand apologizes for sneaking guest into team hotel

The Seattle Seahawks waived Kemah Siverand on Aug. 11 for attempting to sneak a woman into the team hotel .
On Monday night , the undrafted rookie free agent cornerback who played at Oklahoma State posted a lengthy apology on Twitter .
`` After taking time to reflect and really consider the seriousness of my actions , I have tried to find the appropriate words to apologize to all of those affected by my poor decision and immaturity , '' Siverand said .
`` I 've privately apologized to coach ( Pete ) Carroll , ( general manager ) John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I violated team rules , which would have been unacceptable in normal times , but absolutely inexcusable now during a pandemic .
I understand my lapse in judgement put my teammates and the organization at risk , thankfully no one else was affected by my actions . ''
ESPN reported hotel cameras showed the woman wearing Seahawks gear in an effort to disguise herself as a player .
`` I want everyone to know that I am truly sorry , hold myself accountable , and am ready to move forward , '' Siverand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to make sure this one mistake will not define me , and I will continue training harder than ever to continue pursuing my dreams of playing in the National Football League . ''

Former Seahawks rookie corner Kemah Siverand apologizes for sneaking guest into team hotel
Show Caption Hide Caption What would make the NFL cancel games and the season? USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell breaks down various potential contingencies as the NFL tries to play during a pandemic. USA TODAY
The Seattle Seahawks waived Kemah Siverand on Aug. 11 for attempting to sneak a woman into the team hotel. On Monday night, the undrafted rookie free agent cornerback who played at Oklahoma State posted a lengthy apology on Twitter.
"After taking time to reflect and really consider the seriousness of my actions, I have tried to find the appropriate words to apologize to all of those affected by my poor decision and immaturity," Siverand said. "I've privately apologized to coach (Pete) Carroll, (general manager) John Schneider, and the Seahawks organization. I violated team rules, which would have been unacceptable in normal times, but absolutely inexcusable now during a pandemic. I understand my lapse in judgement put my teammates and the organization at risk, thankfully no one else was affected by my actions."
ESPN reported hotel cameras showed the woman wearing Seahawks gear in an effort to disguise herself as a player.
I made a mistake, let people down, and am truly sorry. Thank you to everyone that reached out to offer support. pic.twitter.com/bBtkAwtCyq — Kemah Siverand (@TheKSiverand) August 24, 2020
"I want everyone to know that I am truly sorry, hold myself accountable, and am ready to move forward," Siverand wrote in his apology. "I want to make sure this one mistake will not define me, and I will continue training harder than ever to continue pursuing my dreams of playing in the National Football League."


usatoday--2020-08-25--Common, Tracee Ellis Ross, more stars show support for Jacob Blake after police shooting

Stars including Tracee Ellis Ross , Michael B. Jordan and Demi Lovato are using their platforms to call attention to Jacob Blake , a Black man who was shot in the back multiple times Sunday by police in Wisconsin .
In an Instagram story post Monday , Ross wrote that she was `` praying for # jacobblake 's recovery . ''
Blake underwent surgery Sunday night and was in stable condition Monday , his family and attorney said .
Graphic video circulating on social media shows Blake walking toward a car , followed by an officer who has a weapon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reaches into the vehicle , and an officer tugs on his shirt .
At least seven gunshots can be heard , followed by a car horn .
Two officers can be seen in the video near the car ; it is unclear what happened before the video was recorded .
Ben Crump , the attorney representing Blake ’ s family , said Blake ’ s three sons were in the car when Blake was shot .
`` Seven shots in the back , '' lamented Dr. Ibram X. Kendi , author of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` Seven shots .
Seven .
In the back .
For breaking up a fight .
I 'm undone .
Shot in front of his children .
I 'm undone .
As # JacobBlake fights for his life , his kids are fighting off their trauma .
I 'm undone . ''
Looking for books about racism ?
Experts suggest these must-read titles for adults and kids Police have released little information about what led to the shooting and haven ’ t said why officers approached Blake .
Crump said Blake was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Demand the immediate firing and arrest of the officer ! ''
Michael B. Jordan wrote in an Instagram story post Monday night , sharing a graphic with information on how to contact Kenosha and Wisconsin officials .
Ariana Grande and Hailey Bieber shared similar infographics .
Camila Cabello tweeted she was `` praying for this man and his family '' and demanding `` a new world . ''
`` I 'm praying for the collective healing of this country , of our Black brothers and sisters who have to live in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain , '' Cabello added .
`` We need change , we need these cops ARRESTED , and we need a sign that this government has enough empathy and cares enough about humanity to do something about it . ''
`` How is this still happening !
?
BE THE CHANGE WE NEED , '' Demi Lovato wrote in an Instagram post .
Chelsea Handler tweeted a plea to others to do more to help beyond sharing Instagram and Twitter posts .
`` Allyship isn ’ t a social media trend , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been tirelessly fighting for centuries , and whatever little progress you thought we made recently carries no weight when you see what continues to happen to Black people . ''
`` Hamilton '' star Leslie Odom Jr. responded to a post about the state of Blake 's health : `` Brother , live .
We want liberation in this place . ''

Kevin Hart, Tracee Ellis Ross, more stars show support for Jacob Blake after police shooting
Show Caption Hide Caption Jacob Blake: Celebs call for justice through their social media Stars are calling for justice and weighing in on Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot in the back multiple times by police in Wisconsin. USA TODAY
Stars including Tracee Ellis Ross, Michael B. Jordan and Demi Lovato are using their platforms to call attention to Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot in the back multiple times Sunday by police in Wisconsin.
In an Instagram story post Monday, Ross wrote that she was "praying for #jacobblake's recovery." Blake underwent surgery Sunday night and was in stable condition Monday, his family and attorney said. His father, also named Jacob Blake, told the Chicago Sun-Times that his son is paralyzed from the waist down.
Graphic video circulating on social media shows Blake walking toward a car, followed by an officer who has a weapon drawn. Blake opens the car door and reaches into the vehicle, and an officer tugs on his shirt. At least seven gunshots can be heard, followed by a car horn. Two officers can be seen in the video near the car; it is unclear what happened before the video was recorded. Ben Crump, the attorney representing Blake’s family, said Blake’s three sons were in the car when Blake was shot.
"Seven shots in the back," lamented Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, author of "How to be an Antiracist." "Seven shots. Seven. In the back. For breaking up a fight. I'm undone. Shot in front of his children. I'm undone. As #JacobBlake fights for his life, his kids are fighting off their trauma. I'm undone."
Rapper Cardi B shared the viral video on Instagram, calling it "sickening" in the caption.
"I can’t believe it ! What’s going to be the excuse now?" she wrote. "SOMETHING MUST HAPPEN!"
Black man in stable condition after being shot by Wisconsin police Jacob Blake was shot by Wisconsin police responding to a domestic incident, according to the Kenosha Police Department. USA TODAY
Looking for books about racism? Experts suggest these must-read titles for adults and kids
Police have released little information about what led to the shooting and haven’t said why officers approached Blake. Crump said Blake was helping to deescalate a domestic situation.
"Demand the immediate firing and arrest of the officer!" Michael B. Jordan wrote in an Instagram story post Monday night, sharing a graphic with information on how to contact Kenosha and Wisconsin officials. Ariana Grande and Hailey Bieber shared similar infographics.
"Black. Lives. Matter," Common wrote Monday afternoon.
Kevin Hart questioned in a series of tweets Tuesday why officers felt it necessary to shoot Blake when he was outnumbered.
"Another black man shot multiple times by police officers...It’s shoot first & detain second in these streets," Hart wrote. "Multiple officers were present....he could have been grabbed...he could have been tased....He could have immediately been stopped when he started walking around the car."
The comedian added: "If you still don’t understand what 'Black Lives Matter' means and is about then you are blind and flat out ignorant to real problem. OUR LIVES MATTER....STOP (expletive) KILLING US. STOP SHOOTING US....JUST (expletive) STOP."
Another black man shot multiple times by police officers...It’s shoot first & detain second in these streets. Multiple officers were present....he could have been grabbed...he could have been tased....He could have immediately been stopped when he started walking around the car — Kevin Hart (@KevinHart4real) August 25, 2020
Camila Cabello tweeted she was "praying for this man and his family" and demanding "a new world."
"I'm praying for the collective healing of this country, of our Black brothers and sisters who have to live in a world that's given them so much pain," Cabello added. "We need change, we need these cops ARRESTED, and we need a sign that this government has enough empathy and cares enough about humanity to do something about it."
"How is this still happening!? BE THE CHANGE WE NEED," Demi Lovato wrote in an Instagram post.
"May the cops who shot him in the back in front of his children face justice," tweeted "Star Trek" actor and activist George Takei. "May we all work to end police terror and racial violence in this country."
Chelsea Handler tweeted a plea to others to do more to help beyond sharing Instagram and Twitter posts.
"Allyship isn’t a social media trend," she wrote. "Black people have been tirelessly fighting for centuries, and whatever little progress you thought we made recently carries no weight when you see what continues to happen to Black people."
"Hamilton" star Leslie Odom Jr. responded to a post about the state of Blake's health: "Brother, live. We want liberation in this place."
Contributing: Jordan Culver, USA TODAY; Ashley Luthern and Piet Levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


usatoday--2020-08-24--'I May Destroy You': How HBO's tragicomedy brilliantly depicts sexual assault trauma, consent

Spoiler alert !
Contains details about the first season of HBO 's `` I May Destroy You . ''
There are shows that take your breath away .
And then there 's `` I May Destroy You . ''
In all of our quarantine viewing , there 's nothing that 's shaken us more than HBO 's exhilarating , emotional dark comedy , which has been praised by critics and celebrities , including Adele and Seth Rogen .
It ends its 12-episode run Monday ( 10:30 ET/PT ) .
Created by the genius Michaela Coel ( Netflix 's `` Chewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ follows free-spirited British writer Arabaella ( Coel ) , who is drugged and raped in the first episode .
She spends much of the season trying to piece together the assault and find her attacker , with the help of best friends Terry ( Weruche Opia ) and Kwame ( Paapa Essiedu ) , who are both navigating their own issues and sexuality .
Kwame , a queer Black man , is also raped in an early episode , by a man he met on a hookup app .
The assault occurs right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adds to his confusion about what happened .
Grappling with trauma , Kwame decides to meet and have sex with a white woman , Nilufer ( Pearl Chanda ) , who fetishizes his Blackness .
When Nilufer makes flippant homophobic remarks afterward , Kwame reveals that he 's gay , and she resentfully throws him out .
Arabella struggles to sympathize with Kwame , and challenges him for having sex with someone under false pretenses .
At the same time , she 's forced to confront her own imperfect views of what constitutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital conversation that no other project of the # MeToo era has so far tackled as comprehensively or unflinchingly as `` I May Destroy You . ''
USA TODAY talked to Essiedu about Kwame 's arc and why this show is so necessary .
He 's ' a monster ' : 'On the Record ' gives first-hand accounts of Russell Simmons rape claims Women of the Century : Tarana Burke on the power of empathy , the building block of the Me Too movement Question : It 's heartbreaking watching Kwame try to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have them cast doubt on his experience .
What do you think that scene says about how male sexual assault victims can struggle to come forward ?
Paapa Essiedu : I think it 's something particularly about Black queer men , and how their assault is statistically underreported and underacted on .
But that scene is also looking at , what does it mean to be a Black man coming into a police station ?
Historically , we know that Black men are seen as perpetrators or aggressors ; they 're seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So as a Black man , when you come in as a victim looking for help , especially as a Black queer man , it seems like that 's something that does n't really compute in the eyes of these institutions , and therefore , you 're brushed aside .
If you compare Arabella 's experience reporting her assault with Kwame 's experience reporting his , there 's quite a big gap .
It says something about those institutions at large and who they feel is worthy of attention .
Q : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be so easy to get wrapped up in what you want out of a hookup , without really considering the other person 's emotions or experience .
What resonated with you most about Kwame 's encounter with Nilufer ?
Essiedu : Kwame 's in survival mode : There 's been so many instances of him being disregarded or invalidated , and he 's got a real urge to do whatever he can to take control .
That 's what leads him into this situation with this woman who 's got a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really problematic stuff to him that he 's trying to ignore just to get that monkey off his shoulder , in a way that people sometimes do in hookups .
There 's a lot of people doing regretful stuff in that episode , and he 's flawed .
He gets it wrong sometimes .
But that 's the great achievement of the show : It exists on a knife-edge where one thing he does is his fault and another thing she does is her fault , so who 's really at blame ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ show will help people better understand consent ?
Essiedu : I feel like our education around consent and what it means is so far behind where we need to be .
Those gray areas or that lack of definition in our ideas around consent is what allows predators to take advantage .
That 's what allows people to use power to put people in positions of being oppressed or suppressed .
It comes from that lack of clarity about what we mean when we talk about consent , and what we expect both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we expect of our own behaviors towards other people .
So I hope this show is a big indictator or directional pole to help us move into a more conscious place .
Q : What can you tease about the series finale ?
Essiedu : That 's the only episode I 've watched three or four times .
I feel like ( Michaela ) has portrayed a woman who is unrelenting in her pursuit of loving and forgiving and knowing herself , in a way that requires such a huge amount of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it that makes me feel hopeful , in the fact that it can be done and you can take ownership over your experience .

'I May Destroy You': How HBO's tragicomedy brilliantly depicts sexual assault trauma, consent
Show Caption Hide Caption First Auditions: Michaela Coel British actress Michaela Coel was so overcome with nerves for her first ever audition that she decided not to go - and still got the role. (Jan. 23) AP
Spoiler alert! Contains details about the first season of HBO's "I May Destroy You."
There are shows that take your breath away. And then there's "I May Destroy You."
In all of our quarantine viewing, there's nothing that's shaken us more than HBO's exhilarating, emotional dark comedy, which has been praised by critics and celebrities, including Adele and Seth Rogen. It ends its 12-episode run Monday (10:30 ET/PT).
Created by the genius Michaela Coel (Netflix's "Chewing Gum"), the semiautobiograhical show follows free-spirited British writer Arabaella (Coel), who is drugged and raped in the first episode. She spends much of the season trying to piece together the assault and find her attacker, with the help of best friends Terry (Weruche Opia) and Kwame (Paapa Essiedu), who are both navigating their own issues and sexuality.
Kwame, a queer Black man, is also raped in an early episode, by a man he met on a hookup app. The assault occurs right after they had consensual sex, which adds to his confusion about what happened. Grappling with trauma, Kwame decides to meet and have sex with a white woman, Nilufer (Pearl Chanda), who fetishizes his Blackness. When Nilufer makes flippant homophobic remarks afterward, Kwame reveals that he's gay, and she resentfully throws him out.
Arabella struggles to sympathize with Kwame, and challenges him for having sex with someone under false pretenses. At the same time, she's forced to confront her own imperfect views of what constitutes consent. It's a messy but vital conversation that no other project of the #MeToo era has so far tackled as comprehensively or unflinchingly as "I May Destroy You."
USA TODAY talked to Essiedu about Kwame's arc and why this show is so necessary.
He's 'a monster': 'On the Record' gives first-hand accounts of Russell Simmons rape claims
Women of the Century: Tarana Burke on the power of empathy, the building block of the Me Too movement
Question: It's heartbreaking watching Kwame try to report his rape to police, only to have them cast doubt on his experience. What do you think that scene says about how male sexual assault victims can struggle to come forward?
Paapa Essiedu: I think it's something particularly about Black queer men, and how their assault is statistically underreported and underacted on. But that scene is also looking at, what does it mean to be a Black man coming into a police station? Historically, we know that Black men are seen as perpetrators or aggressors; they're seen as criminals in those kind of spaces. So as a Black man, when you come in as a victim looking for help, especially as a Black queer man, it seems like that's something that doesn't really compute in the eyes of these institutions, and therefore, you're brushed aside.
If you compare Arabella's experience reporting her assault with Kwame's experience reporting his, there's quite a big gap. It says something about those institutions at large and who they feel is worthy of attention.
Q: Especially now with dating apps, it can be so easy to get wrapped up in what you want out of a hookup, without really considering the other person's emotions or experience. What resonated with you most about Kwame's encounter with Nilufer?
Essiedu: Kwame's in survival mode: There's been so many instances of him being disregarded or invalidated, and he's got a real urge to do whatever he can to take control. That's what leads him into this situation with this woman who's got a lot of f***ed-up politics. She's saying really problematic stuff to him that he's trying to ignore just to get that monkey off his shoulder, in a way that people sometimes do in hookups.
There's a lot of people doing regretful stuff in that episode, and he's flawed. He gets it wrong sometimes. But that's the great achievement of the show: It exists on a knife-edge where one thing he does is his fault and another thing she does is her fault, so who's really at blame?
Q: How do you hope this show will help people better understand consent?
Essiedu: I feel like our education around consent and what it means is so far behind where we need to be. Those gray areas or that lack of definition in our ideas around consent is what allows predators to take advantage. That's what allows people to use power to put people in positions of being oppressed or suppressed. It comes from that lack of clarity about what we mean when we talk about consent, and what we expect both to be done to you but also what we expect of our own behaviors towards other people. So I hope this show is a big indictator or directional pole to help us move into a more conscious place.
Q: What can you tease about the series finale?
Essiedu: That's the only episode I've watched three or four times. I feel like (Michaela) has portrayed a woman who is unrelenting in her pursuit of loving and forgiving and knowing herself, in a way that requires such a huge amount of courage. There's something about seeing it that makes me feel hopeful, in the fact that it can be done and you can take ownership over your experience.