usatoday--2020-08-25--'Living in a mega-fire era': Dry lightning could bring new threat as 14,000 firefighters battle more

'Living in a mega-fire era': Dry lightning could bring new threat as 14,000 firefighters battle more than 625 wildfires in California

Fire officials say they are preparing for a `` marathon '' to suppress the wildfires that are raging across California – including two of the largest in state history .
That 's even after a quieter-than-expected Monday .
`` We are essentially living in a mega-fire era , '' said Jake Hess , a Cal Fire unit chief for Santa Clara .
`` We have folks that have been working for Cal Fire for the last five years and this is all they understand is mega fires since they started .
These significant incidents have been outpacing themselves every year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was forecast to be warm and dry , with highs in the low 90s in the Bay Area , and erratic winds up to 65 mph .
There was more looming danger as thunderstorms in the early morning then again in the afternoon could bring lightning with limited rainfall that could spark new fires .
California 's air quality is worse than India 's : That 's not good in a pandemic On Monday , Gov .
Gavin Newsom echoed fire officials , describing the week ahead as critical as more than 14,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Golden State .
`` We 're deploying every resource we have at our disposal , '' he said .
At least seven people have died from the fires , Newsom said , including at least five from the LNU complex .
Cal Fire assistant deputy director Daniel Berlant said about 170,000 people remain evacuated , though about 50,000 were allowed back into their homes starting Sunday .
Tens of thousands of homes remain threatened , too .
Officials warned that all of the state 's residents should still be ready and on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looming threat of more lightning with hot temperatures and unpredictable winds .
Air quality is becoming an increasing issue , too .
Much of the Central Valley is under an air quality alert from the National Weather Service .
The concentration of `` the tiny particles ( PM2.5 ) in the Bay Area is roughly five times the daily average limit set by the EPA , ” said Coty Jen , assistant professor at the Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies at Carnegie Mellon University .
“ Even healthy people are reporting headaches , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current smoke event , '' Jen said .
Here 's what we know Tuesday : Three of California 's largest fires continue to burn around San Francisco Since thousands of lightning strikes began hitting the state on Aug. 15 , firefighters have responded to more than 600 wildfires , according to the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection ( Cal Fire ) .
Two fire complexes , the LNU Lightning Complex to the north and SCU Lightning Complex to the southeast , have grown to be the second and third largest wildfires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burning on all sides of the Bay Area : the LNU Lightning Complex is burning 315,000 acres and was 25 % contained ; the SCU Lightning Complex has burned 360,055 acres Monday night with 15 % containment ; and the CZU Lightning Complex to the south has burned 78,000 and was 13 % contained .
The LNU Lightning Complex has been the most deadly and damaging in Northern California , having destroyed hundreds of homes and killed at least five people .
California is on fire : What are fire whirls , fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
However , late Monday it was surpassed in acreage burned by the SCU fire , which has destroyed 12 minor structures and threatened more than 20,000 .
Across California , more than 13,000 lighting strikes have been recorded since Aug. 15 , igniting hundreds of blazes .
More than 14,000 firefighters , 2,400 engines and 95 aircraft are combating the fires .
In total , more than 1,200 buildings have been destroyed , Berlant said .
In firefighters ' `` best day yet , '' helicopters dropped 200,000 gallons of water on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations chief Mark Brunton said .
The National Weather Service office in San Francisco said some air flow was expected to clear out smoke along the coast Tuesday , though smoky and hazy conditions were still expected .
Other large fires included the Butte/Tehama/Glenn Lightning Complex west of Red Bluff and the River Fire south of Salinas , both of which had burned nearly 50,000 acres each .
In Southern California , several other fires were burning around the Los Angeles area but were closer to being contained .
Do n't go into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's still 'highly dangerous' State officials are warning that the danger is far from over around wildfires and admonishing residents for failing to stay out of evacuated areas .
Six people who returned to a restricted area south of San Francisco to check on their properties were surprised by fire and had to be rescued , the San Mateo County Sheriff ’ s Office said .
Looters have been warned they ’ ll be arrested if caught .
“ It is highly dangerous in there still , ” said Jonathan Cox , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referring to the blaze north of Santa Cruz .
“ We have bridges that have failed , old wooden bridges that have failed that may not appear failed to people that they may drive on .
It is not safe.
” As tens of thousands have been forced from their homes , looters have taken advantage of the situation , local authorities have warned .
In one case , a looter burglarized a California firefighter 's marked vehicle , Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart said Sunday .
Redwoods , some 2,000 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state park When a massive wildfire swept through California ’ s oldest state park last week , it was feared many trees in a grove of old-growth redwoods , some of them 2,000 years old and among the tallest living things on Earth , may finally have succumbed .
The historic headquarters at Big Basin Redwoods State Park is gone , as are many small buildings and campground infrastructure that went up in flames as fire swept through the park about 45 miles south of San Francisco .
But the forest is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director for the Sempervirens Fund , an environmental group dedicated to the protection of redwoods and their habitats .
“ It will regrow .
Every old growth redwood I ’ ve ever seen , in Big Basin and other parks , has fire scars on them .
They ’ ve been through multiple fires , possibly worse than this.
” Further south , the Dolan Fire scorched through the Ventana Wildlife Preserve where dozens of free-flying California condors live , chewing up the vegetation and leaving little behind .
The Ventana Wildlife Society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring back the endangered native California vulture .
Although the wildfire has the potential to set recovery back for the California condor by years , it could also be good for the birds , said VWS Executive Director Kelly Sorenson .
`` We have good reason to be hopeful , '' he said .
How to stay safe from wildfire smoke Wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes , nose , throat and lungs , make it hard to breathe and make you cough or wheeze , according to the Centers for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to smoke , the CDC recommends choosing a room that can be closed off to outside air .
Place a portable air cleaner or filter in the room if possible , the CDC says , and wear a respirator to filter out smoke .
California fires : This is how a lightning storm can start a wildfire While most cloth or surgical masks will help prevent the spread of the coronavirus , they do n't keep people safe from harmful particles in smoke .
A mask designed to filter fine particulate matter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though supplies are scarce because of the pandemic .
Kottlowski said the more layers , the better , if you do n't have access to a respirator .
Some face coverings allow you to put an additional filter in to protect you from smoke particles , he said .
An air conditioning unit with high efficiency filters can capture fine particles from smoke , and setting the system to recirculate mode can prevent outside air from coming in .
Also , avoid burning candles and frying or broiling meat , the CDC says @

California crews battling massive wildfires get some good news: 'The weather is really cooperating with us'
Show Caption Hide Caption Driver's dashcam captures frightening ride through the Hennessey Fire Wildfires have spread across Napa and Sonoma counties in California following a series of lightning strikes that hit the area earlier this week. USA TODAY, Storyful
Firefighters battling the historic blazes in Northern California made progress Tuesday in getting the massive fires under control after weather conditions helped them out the day before.
Temperatures cooled in the region, lightning strikes, many of which sparked the fires, decreased, and fire officials said they've had successes battling three blazes burning around the San Francisco Bay Area as they prepare for a "marathon" in the coming weeks to suppress the rest of the wildfires.
“The weather is really cooperating with us,” said Mark Brunton, operations chief with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, which is known as Cal Fire.
But that good weather may not be here to stay: Temperatures are forecast to rise in the coming days into the weekend.
"We are going to return back to a warming and drying trend," Cal Fire Assistant Deputy Director Daniel Berlant said.
September and October are typically the peak months of fire season, he said. "So to be in the middle of August and already have the second- and the third-largest wildfires in our state’s history is very concerning to us."
Gov. Gavin Newsom previously said that the state was "deploying every resource we have at our disposal" as more than 14,000 firefighters battle more than 650 wildfires that ignited in August.
And Cal Fire is in talks with the National Guard and California Conservation Corps about providing reinforcements as the already devastating wildfire season threatens to get even worse.
At least seven people have died in the fires, and 1,400 structures were destroyed, Berlant said. About 170,000 people were evacuated, and although about 50,000 were allowed back into their homes starting Sunday, about 75,000 structures remain threatened by the fires.
Cal Fire officials say residents should still be ready to go at any time even if they aren't immediately impacted by evacuation orders or advisories. And if the evacuation order for the area impacting their home hasn't lifted, residents should stay out of evacuated areas.
Air quality is becoming an increasing issue. Much of the Central Valley is under an air quality alert from the National Weather Service. The concentration of "the tiny particles (PM2.5) in the Bay Area is roughly five times the daily average limit set by the EPA,” said Coty Jen, assistant professor at the Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies at Carnegie Mellon University.
“Even healthy people are reporting headaches, bloody noses, etc., during this current smoke event," Jen said.
California's air quality is worse than India's: That's not good in a pandemic
Wildfires in California, western US point to climate change Wildfires in California and other western states are getting worse every year, but is climate change all to blame? We explain. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Here's what we know Tuesday:
Three of California's largest fires continue to burn around San Francisco
Two fire complexes, the LNU Lightning Complex to the north of San Francisco and SCU Lightning Complex to the southeast, have grown to be the second- and third-largest wildfires in California history.
Three fires are burning on all sides of the Bay Area: the LNU Lightning Complex has burned 352,000 acres and was 27% contained; the SCU Lightning Complex has burned 363,000 acres and was 15% contained; and the CZU Lightning Complex to the south has burned 78,000 acres and was 17% contained.
Across California, more than 13,000 lighting strikes have been recorded since Aug. 15, igniting hundreds of blazes. More than 14,000 firefighters, 2,400 engines and 95 aircraft combat the fires.
"Containment numbers on a number of fronts have increased," Berlant said Tuesday afternoon as firefighters made progress throughout the Bay Area.
The LNU Lightning Complex has been the most deadly and damaging in Northern California, having destroyed hundreds of homes and killed at least five people. More than 30,000 structures were threatened.
California is on fire: What are fire whirls, fire tornadoes, fire clouds and dry lightning?
The SCU fire, which has destroyed 18 structures and threatened more than 20,000, surpassed the LNU in acreage burned.
Other large fires included the Butte/Tehama/Glenn Lightning Complex west of Red Bluff and the River Fire south of Salinas, both of which had burned nearly 50,000 acres each.
In Southern California, several fires burned around the Los Angeles area but were closer to being contained.
Don't go into evacuated areas: Fire officials say it's still 'highly dangerous'
State officials warned that the danger is far from over and admonished residents for failing to stay out of evacuated areas.
Six people who returned to a restricted area south of San Francisco to check on their properties were surprised by fire and had to be rescued, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office said.
Looters were warned they’ll be arrested if caught.
“It is highly dangerous in there still,” said Jonathan Cox, a deputy fire chief for Cal Fire, referring to the blaze north of Santa Cruz. “We have bridges that have failed, old wooden bridges that have failed that may not appear failed to people that they may drive on. It is not safe.”
After tens of thousands were forced from their homes, looters took advantage of the situation, authorities warned. One looter burglarized a firefighter's marked vehicle, Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart said.
Redwoods, some 2,000 years old, survive flames at Big Basin state park
When a massive wildfire swept through California’s oldest state park last week, it was feared many trees in a grove of old-growth redwoods, some of them 2,000 years old and among the tallest living things on Earth, may have succumbed.
The historic headquarters at Big Basin Redwoods State Park is gone, as are many small buildings and campground infrastructure that went up in flames as fire swept through the park about 45 miles south of San Francisco.
But the forest is not gone, said Laura McLendon, conservation director for the Sempervirens Fund, an environmental group dedicated to the protection of redwoods and their habitats.
“It will regrow. Every old growth redwood I’ve ever seen, in Big Basin and other parks, has fire scars on them. They’ve been through multiple fires, possibly worse than this.”
Farther south, the Dolan Fire scorched through the Ventana Wildlife Preserve where dozens of free-flying California condors live. The blaze chewed up the vegetation, leaving little behind.
The Ventana Wildlife Society (VWS) has fought for decades to bring back the endangered native California vulture.
Although the wildfire has the potential to set recovery back for the condor by years, it could also be good for the birds, VWS Executive Director Kelly Sorenson said.
"We have good reason to be hopeful," he said.
How to stay safe from wildfire smoke
Wildfire smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs, make it hard to breathe and make you cough or wheeze, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
To reduce exposure to smoke, the CDC recommends choosing a room that can be closed off to outside air. Place a portable air cleaner or filter in the room if possible, the CDC says, and wear a respirator to filter out smoke.
California fires: This is how a lightning storm can start a wildfire
Though most cloth or surgical masks will help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, they don't keep people safe from harmful particles in smoke. A mask designed to filter fine particulate matter, such as an N-95, is best, though supplies are scarce because of the pandemic.
An air conditioning unit with high-efficiency filters can capture fine particles from smoke, and setting the system to recirculate mode can prevent outside air from coming in. Avoid burning candles and frying or broiling meat, the CDC says.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-08-25--Costa Cruises to require cruise passengers to test negative for COVID-19 ahead of boarding

Costa Cruises , the Italian line which is a subsidiary of cruise giant Carnival Corp. , will require all passengers to have a negative COVID-19 test result prior to boarding .
Before embarking , all passengers will be subject to an antigen test starting with its first Sept. 6 departure and on all ships resuming operations going forward .
`` The quick antigenic test will identify any suspicious cases that may be subjected to a PCR test for further check , thus determining the possibility of embarkation , '' the cruise line said in a release Tuesday .
MSC Cruises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers should take have a negative antigen test before boarding .
But the rapid test is the subject of concern for inaccurate results .
Antigen tests detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus .
Testing materials are cheaper and more plentiful .
And the tests are fast , delivering results in 15 minutes .
But they 're considered less sensitive than PCR tests , which Costa is instituting as a secondary step if the Antigen test indicates infection , and more likely to miss a case .
PCR tests detect the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensitive because they find even low levels of the virus , these have been the diagnostic test for public health and clinical labs since the beginning of the pandemic .
The cruise line announced earlier this month that they would resume operations on two vessels , the Costa Deliziosa and the Costa Diadema , early next month with the first voyage departing on Sept. 6 .
All voyages are open only to Italian cruisers , according to a release provided by Carnival Corp. Spokesperson Roger Frizzell .
Between Sept. 6 and Sept. 27 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embark on weekly cruises , departing on Sundays from Trieste , according to an Aug. 20 release provided by Frizzell .
The Deliziosa will make five stops in the Southern part of the country including Siracusa and Catania in Sicily , Corigliano-Rossano in Calabria and Bari and Brindisi in Puglia .
Meanwhile , the Diadema will depart on a single itinerary from Genoa on Sept. 19 to make port calls in the western Mediterranean .
Stops include destinations such as Rome , Naples , Cagliari , Palmero and La Spezia .
All port @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' according to the release .
The line 's newly implemented health and safety protocol , which was developed with public health experts , according to the company , is in accordance with the Italian government and the EU Healthy Gateways program , which was released in July .
Their new health strategy is subject to updates .
As Costa approaches its first departure date on Sept. 6 , the cruise line is also the `` first '' to earn Biosafety Trust Certification from RINA , an over 150-year-old testing , inspection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the Tuesday release .
The certification examined all elements of cruising both on board and shoreside from embarkation procedures to hospitality , to fitness centers , shore excursions and more .
It also looked at the compliance of the system and procedures to prevent and control infectious disease onboard .
Italy has had upwards of 260,000 coronavirus cases with more than 35,000 deaths total , per Johns Hopkins data .
And according to the Weather Channel 's coronavirus map which provides data from Watson , their artificial intelligence tracking tool that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization , there was a 2 % uptick in cases on Monday with more than 1,200 new cases reported .
By contrast , the United States has had more than 5.7 million cases and nearly 180,000 deaths according to Johns Hopkins , with nearly 39,000 new cases reported on Sunday per the CDC .
The rest of the Italian cruise line 's ships wo n't sail before Sept. 30 , however .
The company is extending the pause of is cruise season until that date , save for the aforementioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Costa line , experienced several outbreaks early on in the pandemic – most notably on the Diamond Princess , which had an outbreak onboard that infected upwards of 700 people , and the Grand Princess .

Costa Cruises to require cruise passengers to test negative for COVID-19 ahead of boarding
Costa Cruises, the Italian line that is a subsidiary of cruise giant Carnival Corp., will require all passengers to have a negative COVID-19 test result prior to boarding.
Before embarking, all passengers will be subject to an antigen test starting with its first Sept. 6 departure and on all ships resuming operations going forward.
"The quick antigenic test will identify any suspicious cases that may be subjected to a PCR test for further check, thus determining the possibility of embarkation," the cruise line said in a release Tuesday.
MSC Cruises has also implemented a requirement that all passengers have a negative antigen test before boarding.
But the rapid test is a subject of concern amid inaccurate results.
Antigen tests detect specific proteins on the surface of the virus. Testing materials are cheaper and more plentiful. And the tests are fast, delivering results in 15 minutes. But they're considered less sensitive than PCR tests, which Costa is instituting as a secondary step if the antigen test suggests infection.
PCR tests detect the virus's genetic material. Considered more sensitive because they find even low levels of the virus, they have been the diagnostic test for public health and clinical labs since the beginning of the pandemic.
The cruise line announced this month that it would resume operations on two vessels, the Costa Deliziosa and the Costa Diadema, next month, with the first voyage departing on Sept. 6. All voyages are open only to Italian cruisers, according to a release provided by Carnival Corp. Spokesperson Roger Frizzell.
Between Sept. 6 and Sept. 27, the Costa Deliziosa is scheduled to embark on weekly cruises, departing Sundays from Trieste, according to an Aug. 20 release provided by Frizzell.
The Deliziosa will make five stops in the southern part of the country, including Siracusa and Catania in Sicily, Corigliano-Rossano in Calabria and Bari and Brindisi in Puglia.
Meanwhile, the Diadema will depart on a single itinerary from Genoa on Sept. 19 to make port calls in the western Mediterranean. Stops include Rome, Naples, Cagliari, Palmero and La Spezia.
All port calls will include "protected shore excursions," according to the release.
The line's newly implemented health and safety protocol, which was developed with public health experts, according to the company, is in accordance with the Italian government and the EU Healthy Gateways program, which was released in July. Their new health strategy is subject to updates.
As Costa approaches its first departure date Sept. 6, the cruise line is also the first to earn Biosafety Trust Certification from RINA, an over 150-year-old testing, inspection, certification and ship classification company, according to the Tuesday release.
The certification examined all elements of cruising both onboard and shoreside, from embarkation procedures to hospitality, to fitness centers and shore excursions. It also looked at system compliance, and procedures to prevent and control infectious disease onboard.
Italy has seen 260,000 coronavirus cases, with more than 35,000 deaths total, per Johns Hopkins data. And according to the Weather Channel's coronavirus map, which provides data from Watson, their artificial intelligence tracking tool that compiles data from third party sources including the World Health Organization, there was a 2% uptick in cases Monday, with more than 1,200 new cases reported. By contrast, the United States has had more than 5.7 million cases and nearly 180,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins, with nearly 39,000 new cases reported Sunday, per the CDC.
The rest of the Italian cruise line's ships won't sail before Sept. 30.
Carnival Corp., including its Costa line, saw several outbreaks early in the pandemic – notably on the Diamond Princess, which saw an outbreak that infected 700 people, and on the Grand Princess.
Contributing: Ken Alltucker, David Oliver


usatoday--2020-08-25--Sheltering Florida lifeguards get close-up view of lightning

Lifeguards in Panama City Beach , Florida , got a close-up view of a lightning strike , as Tropical Storm @ @ @ @ @ of Mexico .

Sheltering Florida lifeguards get close-up view of lightning
Lifeguards in Panama City Beach, Florida, got a close-up view of a lightning strike, as Tropical Storm Marco moved across the Gulf of Mexico.
Storyful


usatoday--2020-08-25--Democrats project COVID-19 deaths onto wall near DC hall holding RNC events

Democrats countered the messages coming out of the Republican National Convention by putting the COVID-19 pandemic in the spotlight – literally .
As Republicans delivered convention speeches at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington , Democrats used a projector to cast a giant slideshow about the ever-rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths onto the side of the former Newseum , about six blocks away .
`` During his convention , Trump and Republicans will try to mislead the public about their failure to contain the coronavirus or likely ignore this pandemic altogether .
That ’ s why we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – Trump ’ s failed leadership has led to over 175,000 deaths , more than 5 million cases , millions of lost jobs , and he still has no plan to stop it , '' Democratic National Committee War Room spokesperson Lily Adams told USA TODAY .
Democrats have regularly accused President Donald Trump and his Republican supporters of downplaying the severity of the pandemic .
Trump insisted for months that the GOP convention would be held in a traditional , live format before agreeing that much of the event would have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of infection .
'Not an easy task ' : GOP scrambles to finalize plans for convention amid COVID-19 , venue changes , Trump input In addition to projecting coronavirus statistics near the Mellon Auditorium , prominent Democrats will offer addresses on each night of the convention on the ways they believe the U.S. is in crisis .
On Monday , Rep. Val Demings of Florida – one of the House impeachment managers during Trump 's Senate trial and a reported member of the shortlist of candidates Biden was considering as a running mate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Families in Crisis . ''
Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey will speak Tuesday on the `` Economy in Crisis . ''
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will address `` Health Care in Crisis '' on Wednesday and former South Bend , Indiana , Mayor Pete Buttigieg will speak on the night Trump accepts the nomination about the `` Country in Crisis . ''
Trump attempted his own counter programming during the Democratic National Convention last week with rallies in Minnesota , Wisconsin , Arizona and Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' : DNC chair Perez decries live Trump campaign events

William Cummings and David Jackson, USA TODAY

Democrats project COVID-19 deaths onto wall near DC hall holding RNC events
Show Caption Hide Caption Analysis: Expect 'ardent' Trump supporters for RNC In an election season of convention firsts, U.S. President Donald Trump is considering delivering his Republican convention speech from the White House. (Aug. 21) AP
Democrats countered the messages coming out of the Republican National Convention by putting the COVID-19 pandemic in the spotlight – literally.
As Republicans delivered convention speeches at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, Democrats used a projector to cast a giant slideshow about the ever-rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths onto the side of the former Newseum, about six blocks away.
"During his convention, Trump and Republicans will try to mislead the public about their failure to contain the coronavirus or likely ignore this pandemic altogether. That’s why we're making sure voters know the truth – Trump’s failed leadership has led to over 175,000 deaths, more than 5 million cases, millions of lost jobs, and he still has no plan to stop it," Democratic National Committee War Room spokesperson Lily Adams told USA TODAY.
Democrats have regularly accused President Donald Trump and his Republican supporters of downplaying the severity of the pandemic. Trump insisted for months that the GOP convention would be held in a traditional, live format before agreeing that much of the event would have to be held virtually because of the danger of infection.
'Not an easy task': GOP scrambles to finalize plans for convention amid COVID-19, venue changes, Trump input
In addition to projecting coronavirus statistics near the Mellon Auditorium, prominent Democrats will offer addresses on each night of the convention on the ways they believe the U.S. is in crisis.
On Monday, Rep. Val Demings of Florida – one of the House impeachment managers during Trump's Senate trial and a reported member of the shortlist of candidates Biden was considering as a running mate – will speak on the theme of "Families in Crisis."
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey will speak Tuesday on the "Economy in Crisis." House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will address "Health Care in Crisis" on Wednesday and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg will speak on the night Trump accepts the nomination about the "Country in Crisis."
Trump attempted his own counter programming during the Democratic National Convention last week with rallies in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona and Pennsylvania.
'Ask the family of Herman Cain': DNC chair Perez decries live Trump campaign events


usatoday--2020-08-25--Jerry Falwell Jr. reportedly resigns as head of Liberty University amid sex scandal

Jerry Falwell Jr. , president of Liberty University , has resigned from the school amid reports of his wife 's @ @ @ @ @ partner .

Jerry Falwell Jr. resigns as head of Liberty University amid reports
Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University, has resigned from the school amid reports of his wife's sexual relationship with a business partner.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-25--RNC: What to expect on Day 2 of the convention: Melania Trump, Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump, Mike Pompe

WASHINGTON – First lady Melania Trump takes center stage as the Republican convention enters its second night on Tuesday .
Melania Trump will speak in prime time from the newly renovated White House Rose Garden , a project she supervised .
The first lady 's speech caps an evening at the GOP 's virtual convention that features the usual assortment of lawmakers and high-profile supporters of President Donald Trump .
There will also be an unusual appearance by the nation 's top diplomat , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
President Donald Trump himself is also expected to show up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans to appear every night this week , leading up to his formal acceptance speech on Thursday night , also at the White House .
The program is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m .
ET .
Two other presidential family members – son Eric Trump and daughter Tiffany Trump – are also scheduled to speak at the convention .
In headlining Tuesday 's schedule , Melania Trump is likely to give a soft-edged speech designed to appeal to women voters .
She is expected to discuss women 's suffrage and the 100th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Amendment to the U.S. Constitution .
`` The women ’ s right to vote was a turning point in the history of women ’ s rights in the United States and stood as an example to the world , '' she said in a speech marking the milestone Monday .
The Trump campaign faced a firestorm of criticism after Melania Trump 's speech to the RNC in 2016 because of passages in it that closely resembled parts of a 2008 convention speech by first lady Michelle Obama , prompting accusations of plagiarism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued a statement taking responsibility for the similarities .
Trump speeches , attacks on Biden : What to expect this week at the Republican National Convention RNC Day 1 : Here is what to expect on the first day of the GOP convention Democrats and political analysts have criticized Pompeo 's planned convention speech – a rare political appearance by a sitting secretary of State .
Pompeo , who is on a Middle East trip and will address the convention from a yet-to-be disclosed location , said on his personal Twitter account that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with you how my family is more SAFE and more SECURE because of President Trump .
See you all on Tuesday night ! ''
Brett Bruen , a former U.S. diplomat , said Pomeo 's appearance at a political convention violates past practice and protocol .
`` You do not campaign while overseas , '' Bruen tweeted .
`` It damages the strength of speaking as one country to our allies & adversaries . ''
Lawmakers on Tuesday 's schedule include U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Iowa Gov .
Kim Reynolds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who helped Trump with his defense during the impeachment trial earlier this year , is also scheduled to speak .
The roster also includes supporters of the Trump presidency who have been involved in issues that are a major part of his campaign .
Abby Johnson , a former director of Planned Parenthood who is now anti-abortion activist , is among the convention speakers .
So is Mary Ann Mendoza , an ‘ Angel Mom ’ whose son was killed in 2014 in a car collision with a migrant who was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's list : Nicholas Sandmann , a high school student who sued news outlets over reporting on his encounter with a Native American demonstrator .
USA TODAY will stream each night of the convention and will provide live coverage and analysis as events unfold .
ABC , CBS , and NBC will air convention coverage each night beginning at 10 p.m. EDT .
PBS and CNN begin their coverage at 8 p.m. MSNBC begins at 7 p.m. , and live coverage on NBC News Now will stream for free on Peacock starting at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts at 10 p.m. , but hosts Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity will likely cover the RNC in the two hours before .
The official livestream of the convention will also be available on Amazon Prime , Facebook , Twitch , Twitter and YouTube .

RNC: What to expect on Day 2 of the convention: Melania Trump, Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump, Mike Pompeo
Show Caption Hide Caption White House Rose Garden set for first lady speech The White House Rose Garden has been spruced up in time for its moment in the campaign spotlight. First lady Melania Trump will deliver her Republican National Convention speech Tuesday night from the garden. (Aug. 22) AP
WASHINGTON – First lady Melania Trump takes center stage as the Republican convention enters its second night on Tuesday.
Melania Trump will speak in prime time from the newly renovated White House Rose Garden, a project she supervised.
The first lady's speech caps an evening at the GOP's virtual convention that features the usual assortment of lawmakers and high-profile supporters of President Donald Trump.
There will also be an unusual appearance by the nation's top diplomat, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
President Donald Trump himself is also expected to show up during the online convention Tuesday. He plans to appear every night this week, leading up to his formal acceptance speech on Thursday night, also at the White House.
More: Melania Trump opens children's art exhibit to mark anniversary of 19th Amendment
The program is scheduled to start at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Two other presidential family members – son Eric Trump and daughter Tiffany Trump – are also scheduled to speak at the convention.
In headlining Tuesday's schedule, Melania Trump is likely to give a soft-edged speech designed to appeal to women voters. She is expected to discuss women's suffrage and the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
"The women’s right to vote was a turning point in the history of women’s rights in the United States and stood as an example to the world," she said in a speech marking the milestone Monday.
The Trump campaign faced a firestorm of criticism after Melania Trump's speech to the RNC in 2016 because of passages in it that closely resembled parts of a 2008 convention speech by first lady Michelle Obama, prompting accusations of plagiarism. A Trump, Meredith McIver, later issued a statement taking responsibility for the similarities.
Trump speeches, attacks on Biden: What to expect this week at the Republican National Convention
RNC Day 1: Here is what to expect on the first day of the GOP convention
Democrats and political analysts have criticized Pompeo's planned convention speech – a rare political appearance by a sitting secretary of State.
Pompeo, who is on a Middle East trip and will address the convention from a yet-to-be disclosed location, said on his personal Twitter account that he is "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!"
Brett Bruen, a former U.S. diplomat, said Pomeo's appearance at a political convention violates past practice and protocol.
"You do not campaign while overseas," Bruen tweeted. "It damages the strength of speaking as one country to our allies & adversaries."
Lawmakers on Tuesday's schedule include U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who helped Trump with his defense during the impeachment trial earlier this year, is also scheduled to speak.
The roster also includes supporters of the Trump presidency who have been involved in issues that are a major part of his campaign.
Abby Johnson, a former director of Planned Parenthood who is now anti-abortion activist, is among the convention speakers. So is Mary Ann Mendoza, an ‘Angel Mom’ whose son was killed in 2014 in a car collision with a migrant who was in the country illegally.
Also on Tuesday's list: Nicholas Sandmann, a high school student who sued news outlets over reporting on his encounter with a Native American demonstrator.
How to watch
USA TODAY will stream each night of the convention and will provide live coverage and analysis as events unfold.
ABC, CBS, and NBC will air convention coverage each night beginning at 10 p.m. EDT. PBS and CNN begin their coverage at 8 p.m. MSNBC begins at 7 p.m., and live coverage on NBC News Now will stream for free on Peacock starting at 8 p.m. Fox News' official coverage starts at 10 p.m., but hosts Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity will likely cover the RNC in the two hours before.
The official livestream of the convention will also be available on Amazon Prime, Facebook, Twitch, Twitter and YouTube.


usatoday--2020-08-25--Donald Trump Jr. said China wants 'Beijing Biden' to win the presidential election

Donald Trump Jr. , known for his combative and colorful social media presence , described his father ’ s opponent as “ basically the Loch Ness Monster of the Swamp ” during the Republican National Convention on Monday .
In one of the top speeches of the convention ’ s first night , the president ’ s oldest son said former Vice President Joe Biden has been lurking around Washington , D.C. , for the past half-century .
“ He sticks his head up every now and then to run for president , then he disappears and doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jr. said .
“ So if you ’ re looking for hope , look to the man who did what the failed Obama-Biden administration never could do and built the greatest economy our country has ever seen.
” “ President Trump , ” he added , “ will do it again.
” Read USA TODAY 's live coverage : RNC kicks off with Trump accepting nomination in surprise appearance Trump Jr. has the highest-profile of the president ’ s children in his re-election campaign .
He ’ s a top surrogate , fundraiser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadcasts and the campaign ’ s digital shows .
On his Instagram account , Trump Jr. refers to himself as a “ General in the Meme Wars.
” His high level of involvement is a change from 2016 .
In that campaign , he is most known for having set up the Trump Tower meeting between campaign officials and a Russian lawyer that was looked into as part of special counsel Robert Mueller ’ s investigation into Russian interference in the election .
Monday , Trump Jr. put the spotlight on China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beijing Biden ” to win because he won ’ t be as tough on them as Trump is .
He also blamed the disruption of economy on the coronavirus – which arrived “ courtesy of the Chinese Communist Party.
” While there ’ s “ light at the end of the tunnel ” on the coronavirus under his father ’ s leadership , Trump Jr. said , he criticized Biden for saying in an ABC interview Sunday that if he were president , he would shut the country down to stop the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommended by scientists .
Who will speak at the RNC ?
: The lineup for the rest of the week He accused the Democrats of imposing a “ cancel ” culture on the nation ’ s founders by tearing down monuments .
And he said people of faith are under attack , being prevented from going to church while “ mass chaos in the streets gets a pass.
” “ It ’ s almost like this election is shaping up to be church , work , and school versus rioting , looting and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Or , in the words of Biden and the Democrats , 'peaceful protesting .
’ ”

Donald Trump Jr. said China wants 'Beijing Biden' to win the presidential election
Show Caption Hide Caption RNC: Trump Jr. critiques policies of 'Beijing' Biden During the Republican National Convention's first night, Donald Trump Jr. is critical of Joe Biden's political reputation. USA TODAY, Associated Press
Donald Trump Jr., known for his combative and colorful social media presence, described his father’s opponent as “basically the Loch Ness Monster of the Swamp” during the Republican National Convention on Monday.
In one of the top speeches of the convention’s first night, the president’s oldest son said former Vice President Joe Biden has been lurking around Washington, D.C., for the past half-century.
“He sticks his head up every now and then to run for president, then he disappears and doesn’t do much in between,” Trump Jr. said. “So if you’re looking for hope, look to the man who did what the failed Obama-Biden administration never could do and built the greatest economy our country has ever seen.”
“President Trump,” he added, “will do it again.”
Read USA TODAY's live coverage: RNC kicks off with Trump accepting nomination in surprise appearance
Trump Jr. has the highest-profile of the president’s children in his re-election campaign. He’s a top surrogate, fundraiser and messenger through social media, conservative broadcasts and the campaign’s digital shows.
On his Instagram account, Trump Jr. refers to himself as a “General in the Meme Wars.”
His high level of involvement is a change from 2016. In that campaign, he is most known for having set up the Trump Tower meeting between campaign officials and a Russian lawyer that was looked into as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the election.
Monday, Trump Jr. put the spotlight on China, saying the Chinese Communist Party wants “Beijing Biden” to win because he won’t be as tough on them as Trump is. He also blamed the disruption of economy on the coronavirus – which arrived “courtesy of the Chinese Communist Party.”
While there’s “light at the end of the tunnel” on the coronavirus under his father’s leadership, Trump Jr. said, he criticized Biden for saying in an ABC interview Sunday that if he were president, he would shut the country down to stop the spread of the coronavirus — if that were recommended by scientists.
“It’s madness,” said Trump Jr.
Who will speak at the RNC?: The lineup for the rest of the week
He accused the Democrats of imposing a “cancel” culture on the nation’s founders by tearing down monuments. And he said people of faith are under attack, being prevented from going to church while “mass chaos in the streets gets a pass.”
“It’s almost like this election is shaping up to be church, work, and school versus rioting, looting and vandalism,” Trump Jr. said. “Or, in the words of Biden and the Democrats, 'peaceful protesting.’”


usatoday--2020-08-25--Sen. Tim Scott headlines first night of the RNC, shares family history

Sen. Tim Scott headlines first night of the 2020 RNC Sen. Tim Scott shared the story of his family , @ @ @ @ @ Cotton to Congress in one lifetime .
”

Sen. Tim Scott headlines first night of the 2020 RNC
Sen. Tim Scott shared the story of his family, saying they went "from Cotton to Congress in one lifetime.”
USA TODAY, Associated Press


usatoday--2020-08-25--Trump Jr. takes jabs at 'Beijing' Biden, describes as DC's Loch Ness monster

During the Republican National Convention 's first night , Donald Trump Jr. is critical of Joe Biden 's political reputation @

RNC: Trump Jr. critiques policies of 'Beijing' Biden
During the Republican National Convention's first night, Donald Trump Jr. is critical of Joe Biden's political reputation.
USA TODAY, Associated Press


usatoday--2020-08-25--Nikki Haley calls out Democrats' 'cancel culture', defends Pres. Trump

Nikki Haley , former U.S. ambassador to the UN , praises the efforts of President Trump while being critical of @ @ @ @ @ .

RNC: Nikki Haley calls out Democrats' 'cancel culture'
Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the UN, praises the efforts of President Trump while being critical of former Vice President Joe Biden.
USA TODAY, Associated Press


usatoday--2020-08-28--Protesters outside the White House make themselves heard inside as Trump delivers RNC speech

Raucous protesters chanted and banged drums near the White House as more than a thousand guests of the president were gathered inside in advance of President Donald Trump ’ s acceptance speech .
An area outside had also become a dance party featuring EDM remixes of MoTown music .
The noise – along with occasional police sirens – could be heard faintly from within the White House grounds .
Another area had turned into a raucus dance party .
“ Black women matter , because we get stuff done !
” some yelled .
Shortly before 10:30 , while Ivanka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech to introduce her father , protesters began using bullhorns , whistles and bells while chanting “ Black Lives Matter ” just outside the White House .
Minutes later , protesters beyond the gates began setting off firecrackers at the start of Trump 's speech .
They also amped up the horn-blowing and the chants – all audible from the South Lawn of the White House – but none of it seemed to distract Trump or his supporters , who chanted `` USA ! ''
and `` Four More Years ! ''
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the horns , sounding similar to the vuvuzela that dominated the background of the 2010 World Cup , grew louder and was audible on televised broadcasts of the speech .
Outside the gates , crowds chanted `` Black Lives Matter '' and `` No justice , no peace !
” The crowds were gathered between the White House and National Mall and in Black Lives Matter Plaza , the epicenter of the protests earlier this year over racial injustice amid the death of George Floyd and others at the hands of law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests on city property near the White House Thursday night .
Refuse Fascism is holding a # TrumpPenceOutNOW rally down the street in Black Lives Matter Plaza – renamed amid the protests earlier this summer .
The Party Majority PAC , which was founded by former Clinton aides , is organizing a # ThePeoplesHouse demonstration nearby .
Fencing and barriers around the White House have been bolstered ahead of Thursday night 's events in anticipation of the protests .
Demonstrations outside the White House following Floyd 's death led to some vandalism and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after authorities cleared Lafayette Square of peaceful protesters for Trump 's walk to nearby St. John 's Church for a photo op .
Refuse Fascism co-founder Carl Dix said his organization – which began planning the demonstration after Trump decided his acceptance speech would be delivered at the White House – initially only expected a few dozen participants but that interest had swelled after Jacob Blake was shot multiple times in the back this week by police .
Dix said he initially expected only a small crowd , but convention speakers denounced demonstrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famous for pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters , among its speakers , he thought '' That 's why I expect that there will be an even larger crowd of people in D.C. , '' Dix told USA TODAY .
The streets outside the White House were crowded .
The handmade sign held aloft by one man read “ My Melanin is not a threat.
” The sign of another protester declared : “ Defund the police is a strategy .
Abolish the police is the goal.
” Republicans have repeatedly accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
Biden has said he does not support that and has called for a $ 300 million increase in police funding to address concerns about racial profiling .

Matthew Brown, David Jackson and Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY

Protesters outside the White House make themselves heard inside as Trump delivers RNC speech
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump to accept GOP nomination on giant WH stage A crowd gathered at the White House to watch Donald Trump accept the Republican nomination for a second term. Despite tradition and regulation to not use the White House for purely political events, a massive stage was set up on the South Lawn. (Aug. 27) AP
Raucous protesters chanted and banged drums near the White House as more than a thousand guests of the president were gathered inside in advance of President Donald Trump’s acceptance speech.
An area outside had also become a dance party featuring EDM remixes of MoTown music.
The noise – along with occasional police sirens – could be heard faintly from within the White House grounds. Another area had turned into a raucus dance party.
“Black women matter, because we get stuff done!” some yelled.
Shortly before 10:30, while Ivanka Trump was in the middle of her speech to introduce her father, protesters began using bullhorns, whistles and bells while chanting “Black Lives Matter” just outside the White House.
Protesters try to drown out Trump's speech Hundreds of demonstrators gathered around the White House on Thursday night for a “noise demonstration and dance party" in an attempt to drown out President Donald Trump's speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination. (Aug. 28) AP
Minutes later, protesters beyond the gates began setting off firecrackers at the start of Trump's speech. They also amped up the horn-blowing and the chants – all audible from the South Lawn of the White House – but none of it seemed to distract Trump or his supporters, who chanted "USA!" and "Four More Years!"
About 10 minutes into his speech, though, the horns, sounding similar to the vuvuzela that dominated the background of the 2010 World Cup, grew louder and was audible on televised broadcasts of the speech.
Outside the gates, crowds chanted "Black Lives Matter" and "No justice, no peace!”
The crowds were gathered between the White House and National Mall and in Black Lives Matter Plaza, the epicenter of the protests earlier this year over racial injustice amid the death of George Floyd and others at the hands of law enforcement.
At least two groups planned protests on city property near the White House Thursday night. Refuse Fascism is holding a #TrumpPenceOutNOW rally down the street in Black Lives Matter Plaza – renamed amid the protests earlier this summer. The Party Majority PAC, which was founded by former Clinton aides, is organizing a #ThePeoplesHouse demonstration nearby.
Fencing and barriers around the White House have been bolstered ahead of Thursday night's events in anticipation of the protests. Demonstrations outside the White House following Floyd's death led to some vandalism and violent confrontations with security forces, notably after authorities cleared Lafayette Square of peaceful protesters for Trump's walk to nearby St. John's Church for a photo op.
With the White House as a backdrop, activists chant “Black Women Matter, because we get stuff done” #dcprotest pic.twitter.com/GM92w7yIX9 — Matt Brown (@mrbrownsir) August 28, 2020
Refuse Fascism co-founder Carl Dix said his organization – which began planning the demonstration after Trump decided his acceptance speech would be delivered at the White House – initially only expected a few dozen participants but that interest had swelled after Jacob Blake was shot multiple times in the back this week by police.
Dix said he initially expected only a small crowd, but convention speakers denounced demonstrations and a Missouri couple, who became famous for pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters, among its speakers, he thought
"That's why I expect that there will be an even larger crowd of people in D.C.," Dix told USA TODAY.
The streets outside the White House were crowded.
The handmade sign held aloft by one man read “My Melanin is not a threat.”
The sign of another protester declared: “Defund the police is a strategy. Abolish the police is the goal.”
Republicans have repeatedly accused Joe Biden of wanting to defund the police. Biden has said he does not support that and has called for a $300 million increase in police funding to address concerns about racial profiling.
Contributing: Rebecca Morin, William Cummings


usatoday--2020-08-28--Watch: The final night of the Republican National Convention

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usatoday--2020-08-28--'The results speak for themselves': What Ivanka Trump and her siblings said about their father at th

The Republican National Convention has been a family affair for President Donald Trump , featuring speeches from first lady Melania Trump and all four of his adult children this week .
Ivanka Trump , who spoke on the closing night of the convention , praised her father 's tenure in office , alluding his antagonistic , often crude comments toward lawmakers and other public figures .
`` I recognize that my father 's communication style is not to everyone 's taste , but the results speak for themselves , '' she said .
The president 's oldest daughter , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisor to her father , spoke glowingly of the president 's response to the pandemic , as well as his military and criminal justice policies .
`` I 've watched ( him ) take on the failed policies of the past and do what no other leader has done before , '' she said .
She touted Trump 's criminal justice reform law in particular , which she described as having `` rectified the disparities in the 1994 Biden crime bill that disproportionately hurt African Americans . ''
More : Jared Kushner says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their kids back to school and have 'no fear in doing so' Here 's what Trump 's other children had to say this week : Donald Trump Jr. was the first of the president 's children to speak at the convention .
His girlfriend , Kimberly Guilfoyle , also spoke on Monday .
Trump Jr. set the tone of the convention as combative , calling Democratic nominee Joe Biden `` Beijing Biden '' and `` the Loch Ness monster of the swamp . ''
Trump Jr. praised his father ’ s economic record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his father ’ s cuts in taxes and regulations provided “ rocket fuel ” to the economy , boosting growth and bringing about the lowest unemployment rate in nearly 50 years .
`` After eight years of Obama and Biden ’ s slow growth , Trump ’ s policies have been like rocket fuel to the economy and especially to the middle class , '' he said .
`` Biden has promised to take that money back out of your pocket and keep it in the swamp . ''
Trump Jr. blamed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus pandemic on the `` Chinese Communist Party , '' saying that they `` know he ’ ll weaken us both economically and on a world stage . ''
The president has overseen a solid economy since taking office in 2017 , but his administration has often mischaracterized the state of the economy under President Obama and overstated its own contributions to it .
The economy has undergone a steady recovery since the Great Recession of 2007-09 , the longest expansion in American history .
And Trump Jr. praised his father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` As the virus began to spread , the President acted quickly and ensured ventilators got the hospitals that needed them most , '' he said .
`` He delivered PPE to our brave frontline workers , and he rallied the mighty American private sector to tackle this new challenge . ''
Trump Jr. 's assertion about federal dispersal of PPE and ventilators contradicts what state leaders from both sides of the aisle said about their own supply needs in the early months of the pandemic .
Eric Trump attacked Democrats in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanting to `` destroy '' the nation .
Trump , who helps manage his father 's company , the Trump Organization , highlighted his father 's military policies and said that Democrats want to eliminate American cultural images .
More : NY AG investigating whether Donald Trump inflated value of Westchester County estate '' My father rebuilt the mighty American military , adding new jets , aircraft carriers , '' he said .
`` He increased wages for our incredible men and women in uniform .
He expanded our military defense budget to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The younger Trump blamed Democrats for the destruction of monuments that have occurred in protests around the country in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd , and extended that into the dissolution of other American symbols .
`` ( Democrats ) want to destroy the monuments of our forefathers .
They want to disrespect our flag , burn the stars and stripes that represent patriotism and the American dream , '' he said .
`` That ’ s what a vote for Donald Trump represents .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American dream , and for the American flag . ''
Trump also echoed his brother 's characterization of Biden and China , calling the former vice president a `` total pushover '' for `` communist China . ''
He delivered a personal message to the president , noting that while he missed working with him each day , `` I ’ m damn proud to be on the front lines of this fight .
I am proud of what you are doing for this country . ''
Eric Trump closed by acknowledging the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president 's younger brother .
`` Dad , let ’ s make Uncle Robert very proud . ''
Tiffany Trump , who has been less involved in politics or the public stage than her siblings , also praised her father 's policies and criticized the media in her speech Tuesday night .
Trump , who recently graduated from Georgetown University 's law school , said she related to other graduates entering the job market during a recession .
`` As a recent graduate , I can relate to so many of you who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
`` My father built a thriving economy once , and believe me , he will do it again . ''
In particular , Trump singled out her father 's support of policies that would make medical drugs more accessible and inexpensive , but made false claims in the process .
`` If you believe in expanding quality and affordable healthcare , only President Trump , my father , signed 'right to try ' into law , the favored nations clause , and other actions to lower drug prices and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .
The president did sign the `` right to try '' law in 2018 , which gives terminally ill patients the ability to access experimental drugs that have not won approval from the Food and Drug Administration .
But Trump has not signed the `` favored nations '' clause , which would lower certain Medicare drug prices by tying prices to those paid in other countries , according to multiple media outlets .
The president held a signing ceremony for four executive orders aimed at lowering drug prices in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favored nations clause – the most consequential of the orders – until Aug. 24 , a date that passed without the White House moving forward on the order or saying if it will .
The president 's youngest daughter also criticized the media , saying that people are `` manipulated and visibly coerced by the media and tech giants . ''
`` Rather than allowing Americans the right to form our own beliefs , this misinformation system keeps people mentally enslaved to the ideas they deem correct , '' she said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amongst us . ''

'The results speak for themselves': What Ivanka Trump and her siblings said about their father at the RNC
Show Caption Hide Caption RNC: Ivanka Trump: the president 'has changed Washington' Daughter and advisor to the president, Ivanka Trump highlights his convictions at the Republican National Convention. USA TODAY
The Republican National Convention has been a family affair for President Donald Trump, featuring speeches from first lady Melania Trump and all four of his adult children this week.
Ivanka Trump, who spoke on the closing night of the convention, praised her father's tenure in office, alluding to his antagonistic, often crude comments toward lawmakers and other public figures.
"I recognize that my father's communication style is not to everyone's taste, but the results speak for themselves," she said.
The president's oldest daughter, who serves in an official capacity as an advisor to her father, spoke glowingly of the president's response to the pandemic, as well as his military and criminal justice policies.
"I've watched (him) take on the failed policies of the past and do what no other leader has done before," she said.
She touted Trump's criminal justice reform law in particular, which she described as having "rectified the disparities in the 1994 Biden crime bill that disproportionately hurt African Americans."
More: Jared Kushner says he and Ivanka Trump 'absolutely' sending their kids back to school and have 'no fear in doing so'
Here's what Trump's other children had to say this week:
Donald Trump, Jr.
Donald Trump Jr. was the first of the president's children to speak at the convention. His girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, also spoke on Monday.
Trump Jr. set the tone of the convention as combative, calling Democratic nominee Joe Biden "Beijing Biden" and "the Loch Ness monster of the swamp."
Trump Jr. praised his father’s economic record in the White House, saying that his father’s cuts in taxes and regulations provided “rocket fuel” to the economy, boosting growth and bringing about the lowest unemployment rate in nearly 50 years.
"After eight years of Obama and Biden’s slow growth, Trump’s policies have been like rocket fuel to the economy and especially to the middle class," he said. "Biden has promised to take that money back out of your pocket and keep it in the swamp."
RNC: Trump Jr. critiques policies of 'Beijing' Biden During the Republican National Convention's first night, Donald Trump Jr. is critical of Joe Biden's political reputation. USA TODAY, Associated Press
Trump Jr. blamed the country's economic collapse in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic on the "Chinese Communist Party," saying that they "know he’ll weaken us both economically and on a world stage."
The president has overseen a solid economy since taking office in 2017, but his administration has often mischaracterized the state of the economy under President Obama and overstated its own contributions to it. The economy has undergone a steady recovery since the Great Recession of 2007-09, the longest expansion in American history.
And Trump Jr. praised his father's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
"As the virus began to spread, the President acted quickly and ensured ventilators got the hospitals that needed them most," he said. "He delivered PPE to our brave frontline workers, and he rallied the mighty American private sector to tackle this new challenge."
Trump Jr.'s assertion about federal dispersal of PPE and ventilators contradicts what state leaders from both sides of the aisle said about their own supply needs in the early months of the pandemic.
Eric Trump: Proud of what my dad is doing for US Eric Trump, one of President Donald Trump's sons, made his case for his father's reelection on Tuesday, the second night of the Republican National Convention. He called this election a fight for freedom "that only my father can win." (Aug. 26) AP
Eric Trump
Eric Trump attacked Democrats in his speech Tuesday night, accusing them of wanting to "destroy" the nation.
Trump, who helps manage his father's company, the Trump Organization, highlighted his father's military policies and said that Democrats want to eliminate American cultural images.
More: NY AG investigating whether Donald Trump inflated value of Westchester County estate
"My father rebuilt the mighty American military, adding new jets, aircraft carriers," he said. "He increased wages for our incredible men and women in uniform. He expanded our military defense budget to $721 billion per year."
The younger Trump blamed Democrats for the destruction of monuments that have occurred in protests around the country in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, and extended that into the dissolution of other American symbols.
"(Democrats) want to destroy the monuments of our forefathers. They want to disrespect our flag, burn the stars and stripes that represent patriotism and the American dream," he said. "That’s what a vote for Donald Trump represents. It’s a vote for the American spirit, the American dream, and for the American flag."
Trump also echoed his brother's characterization of Biden and China, calling the former vice president a "total pushover" for "communist China."
He delivered a personal message to the president, noting that while he missed working with him each day, "I’m damn proud to be on the front lines of this fight. I am proud of what you are doing for this country."
Eric Trump closed by acknowledging the recent death of Robert Trump, the president's younger brother. "Dad, let’s make Uncle Robert very proud."
Tiffany Trump makes pitch for father Donald Newly minted Georgetown Law school graduate, Tiffany Trump, took to center stage at the Republican National Convention Tuesday evening to make a pitch for a second term for her father, Donald Trump. (Aug. 25) AP
Tiffany Trump
Tiffany Trump, who has been less involved in politics or the public stage than her siblings, also praised her father's policies and criticized the media in her speech Tuesday night.
Trump, who recently graduated from Georgetown University's law school, said she related to other graduates entering the job market during a recession.
"As a recent graduate, I can relate to so many of you who might be looking for a job," she said. "My father built a thriving economy once, and believe me, he will do it again."
In particular, Trump singled out her father's support of policies that would make medical drugs more accessible and inexpensive, but made false claims in the process.
"If you believe in expanding quality and affordable healthcare, only President Trump, my father, signed 'right to try' into law, the favored nations clause, and other actions to lower drug prices and keep Americans from getting ripped off," she said.
The president did sign the "right to try" law in 2018, which gives terminally ill patients the ability to access experimental drugs that have not won approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
But Trump has not signed the "favored nations" clause, which would lower certain Medicare drug prices by tying prices to those paid in other countries, according to multiple media outlets.
The president held a signing ceremony for four executive orders aimed at lowering drug prices in July, but delayed the order on the favored nations clause – the most consequential of the orders – until Aug. 24, a date that passed without the White House moving forward on the order or saying if it will.
The president's youngest daughter also criticized the media, saying that people are "manipulated and visibly coerced by the media and tech giants."
"Rather than allowing Americans the right to form our own beliefs, this misinformation system keeps people mentally enslaved to the ideas they deem correct," she said. "This has fostered unnecessary fear and divisiveness amongst us."


usatoday--2020-08-28--Fireworks and protests planned in DC for Trump's acceptance speech at close of RNC

President Donald Trump 's speech Thursday night at the White House at the close of the Republican National Convention will be met with fireworks and protests .
A massive pyrotechnical display is planned on the National Mall after Trump 's official nomination speech .
But organizers are also bracing for protests that could kindle confrontations like those in other cities where anti-police brutality demonstrations have turned violent .
The National Park Service approved a permit for the Republican National Committee to set off more than 7,800 aerial mines , shells , comets and Roman candles on the Washington Monument grounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just after 11 p.m. EST .
Trump 's 2019 `` Salute to America , '' which Interior Secretary David Bernhardt hailed as `` the largest in recent memory , '' featured 10,000 fireworks .
The RNC will pay for the event and reimburse NPS for costs associated with overseeing the show and preparing the permit , NPS spokesman Mike Litterst told USA TODAY .
Litterst said no permits have been requested to hold protests on National Park grounds during the RNC events at the White House .
The only NPS permit for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maryland Republican Party , which is holding a rally in support of the president .
But at least two groups are planning protests on D.C. city property near the White House Thursday night .
Refuse Fascism is holding a # TrumpPenceOutNOW rally down the street in Black Lives Matter Plaza and The Party Majority PAC , which was founded by former Clinton aides , is organizing a # ThePeoplesHouse demonstration nearby .
Fencing and barriers around the White House have been bolstered ahead of Thursday night 's events in anticipation of the protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death of George Floyd , a Black man killed by Minneapolis police officers , led to some vandalism and violent confrontations with security forces .
The recent violence in Kenosha , Wisconsin , erupted after video showed police shoot Jacob Blake , a Black man , multiple times in the back on Sunday , leaving Blake paralyzed .
The shooting sparked a new wave of protests in Kenosha and around the U.S .
Protests grew violent in Kenosha Tuesday , when two people were killed and another injured .
Seventeen-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has demanded cities quell the protests and restore `` law and order . ''
'Law and order ' : As Trump hammers message at RNC , Barr 's DOJ takes 'like it or not ' approach Refuse Fascism co-founder Carl Dix said his organization – which began planning the demonstration after Trump decided his acceptance speech would be delivered at the White House – initially only expected a few dozen participants but that interest had swelled because of the events in Kenosha .
Dix described the two killings in Kenosha as the logical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included numerous denunciations of the demonstrations and featured a Missouri couple , who became famous for pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters , among its speakers .
`` I mean the convention was celebrating this kind of vigilantism , '' Dix told USA TODAY .
`` I think a lot of people are making that connection .
That 's why I expect that there will be an even larger crowd of people in D.C. '' The groups did not obtain permits from the District , Metropolitan Police Department spokeswoman Brianna Jordan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police would be there to `` monitor/support marches , if necessary . ''
Protests in Washington following the police shooting of Blake have been relatively small and peaceful .
After a video of demonstrators haranguing a woman dining outside a D.C. restaurant went viral , Mayor Muriel Bowser – a Black Lives Matter advocate – condemned the behavior , telling The Washington Post it was `` highly inappropriate '' and `` likely against the law . ''
When asked about the protests near the White House , Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden ’ s allies might come out to try to create civil unrest , but we have faith in law enforcement and the Secret Service . ''
Dix agreed there was a chance of violence , but said it would not be the protesters who instigated it .
`` There 's a possibility that between the official security and Trump 's stormtrooper base , there could be violence unleashed on the protests , '' he said .
`` But we 're not going to let that intimidate us from raising our voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Trump/Pence regime has got to go . ''
`` We do n't condone violence , but if it comes from the other side we 're not going to back down , '' organizer Coco Das told USA TODAY .
`` And we 'll be calling even more people out the next day . ''
When asked about the planned fireworks display , Das said it would be a fitting end to the RNC , which she called a `` celebration of white supremacy and misogyny and xenophobia . ''
`` To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a force of people in the streets who are acting non-violently , determined to stop this regime from seizing and consolidating power through a second term , '' she said .

Fireworks and protests planned in DC for Trump's acceptance speech at close of RNC
Show Caption Hide Caption RNC: Vice Pres. Mike Pence lauds Trump White House Vice President Mike Pence closed the third night of the RNC from Fort McHenry, Maryland by trumpeting the Trump administration's accomplishments. USA TODAY, Associated Press
President Donald Trump's speech Thursday night at the White House at the close of the Republican National Convention will be met with fireworks and protests.
A massive pyrotechnical display is planned on the National Mall after Trump's official nomination speech. But organizers are also bracing for protests that could kindle confrontations like those in other cities where anti-police brutality demonstrations have turned violent.
The National Park Service approved a permit for the Republican National Committee to set off more than 7,800 aerial mines, shells, comets and Roman candles on the Washington Monument grounds after Trump formally accepts his renomination, just after 11 p.m. EST. Trump's 2019 "Salute to America," which Interior Secretary David Bernhardt hailed as "the largest in recent memory," featured 10,000 fireworks.
The RNC will pay for the event and reimburse NPS for costs associated with overseeing the show and preparing the permit, NPS spokesman Mike Litterst told USA TODAY.
Litterst said no permits have been requested to hold protests on National Park grounds during the RNC events at the White House. The only NPS permit for a gathering there so far was for the Maryland Republican Party, which is holding a rally in support of the president.
But at least two groups are planning protests on D.C. city property near the White House Thursday night. Refuse Fascism is holding a #TrumpPenceOutNOW rally down the street in Black Lives Matter Plaza and The Party Majority PAC, which was founded by former Clinton aides, is organizing a #ThePeoplesHouse demonstration nearby.
Fencing and barriers around the White House have been bolstered ahead of Thursday night's events in anticipation of the protests. Demonstrations outside the White House following the death of George Floyd, a Black man killed by Minneapolis police officers, led to some vandalism and violent confrontations with security forces.
The recent violence in Kenosha, Wisconsin, erupted after video showed police shoot Jacob Blake, a Black man, multiple times in the back on Sunday, leaving Blake paralyzed. The shooting sparked a new wave of protests in Kenosha and around the U.S. Protests grew violent in Kenosha Tuesday, when two people were killed and another injured. Seventeen-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse faces charges in the shooting.
Trump has demanded cities quell the protests and restore "law and order."
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Refuse Fascism co-founder Carl Dix said his organization – which began planning the demonstration after Trump decided his acceptance speech would be delivered at the White House – initially only expected a few dozen participants but that interest had swelled because of the events in Kenosha.
Dix described the two killings in Kenosha as the logical outcome of the Republican convention, which included numerous denunciations of the demonstrations and featured a Missouri couple, who became famous for pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters, among its speakers.
"I mean the convention was celebrating this kind of vigilantism," Dix told USA TODAY. "I think a lot of people are making that connection. That's why I expect that there will be an even larger crowd of people in D.C."
The groups did not obtain permits from the District, Metropolitan Police Department spokeswoman Brianna Jordan said in an email. She said D.C. police would be there to "monitor/support marches, if necessary."
Protests in Washington following the police shooting of Blake have been relatively small and peaceful. After a video of demonstrators haranguing a woman dining outside a D.C. restaurant went viral, Mayor Muriel Bowser – a Black Lives Matter advocate – condemned the behavior, telling The Washington Post it was "highly inappropriate" and "likely against the law."
When asked about the protests near the White House, Trump campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said, "It’s possible that Joe Biden’s allies might come out to try to create civil unrest, but we have faith in law enforcement and the Secret Service."
Dix agreed there was a chance of violence, but said it would not be the protesters who instigated it.
"There's a possibility that between the official security and Trump's stormtrooper base, there could be violence unleashed on the protests," he said. "But we're not going to let that intimidate us from raising our voices to say, in non-violent protests, that the Trump/Pence regime has got to go."
"We don't condone violence, but if it comes from the other side we're not going to back down," organizer Coco Das told USA TODAY. "And we'll be calling even more people out the next day."
When asked about the planned fireworks display, Das said it would be a fitting end to the RNC, which she called a "celebration of white supremacy and misogyny and xenophobia."
"To match the fireworks display there needs to be a force of people in the streets who are acting non-violently, determined to stop this regime from seizing and consolidating power through a second term," she said.