usatoday--2020-07-12--A game of 'cat and mouse': Hacking attacks on hospitals for patient data increase during coronavirus

BOSTON — On the day before the July 4 holiday weekend , Mount Auburn Hospital 's information technology team identified some unusual activity .
Alarmed , they quickly took steps to disconnect the Cambridge hospital 's computer system from the internet .
They switched to backup manual procedures instead of automatic ones .
No patient data was compromised , and the Harvard-affiliated hospital continued its normal operations , according to hospital officials .
Such attempted attacks are a daily – if not hourly – occurrence at America 's hospitals .
And they don ’ t always end as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 80 % of medical practices have been the victims of cyberattacks , according to a national survey .
Over half reported patient safety concerns from the hacks , and 20 % said that their business had been interrupted for more than five hours .
“ That can be the difference between life and death , ” said Wendi Whitmore , a cybersecurity expert and vice president of IBM X-Force , a commercial security research team .
And the situation has only gotten worse during the months-long coronavirus pandemic , as more employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical facilities were cash-strapped and stretched thin because of COVID-19 .
Between March and April , IBM saw a 6,000 % increase in spam attacks on information technology systems , leveraging COVID-19 , many of them at health care facilities , Whitmore said , describing the situation as a continuous “ cat and mouse ” game between criminals and institutions .
Whitmore said there ’ s been a huge increase in security incidents in recent months , climbing about 75 % in North America and 125 % in Europe and the Middle East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instance , saw a doubling of attempted hacking attacks in March , specifically phishing emails , hunting for someone on the staff who would click on a malicious link and allow malware into the health system'snetwork , said Gary Gooden , chief information security officer at the Washington-based health system .
The reason : Hackers can make a lot of money .
Globally , cybercrime adds up to billions of dollars a year , Gooden said .
Stealing a credit card number might be useful for only a day or two , until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card .
But an electronic medical record is far more valuable .
The FBI reported in 2014 that a stolen credit card or even social security number was worth just $ 1 on the black market , while an electronic health record would fetch about $ 50 – $ 1,000 if it belonged to a celebrity or public figure .
Electronic health records , according to the FBI report , can “ be used to file fraudulent insurance claims , obtain prescription medication , and advance identity theft.
” Health record theft also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost twice as long to recognize as normal identity theft , the report found .
Stealing a newborn or toddler ’ s electronic health record is even more prized , Gooden said , because thieves are rarely caught .
“ You have a free run for 18 years to utilize these personas.
” They also try to steal the identities of children who die at the hospital , hoping they won ’ t get caught , he said .
Cyber criminals are particularly fond of phishing attacks that entice people to click on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their computer networks .
Corporate email protectionscan identify and remove nearly all potentially malicious emails before a user within the health care system ever sees them , Gooden said .
But for the final few , the vigilance of employees remains crucial .
The lures for getting people to open these spam emails have evolved over the course of the pandemic , said Ryan Witt , managing director at Proofpoint , a technology security company based in Sunnyvale , California .
In February , he said , most of the phishing attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often by impersonating health authorities .
At the height of the early pandemic in March , the emails offered access to face masks or other personal protective gear .
“ We found a source of equipment for you !
” was a typical offer .
Then in April , these tempting emails offered advice on how to get stimulus funding checks .
Lately , they ’ ve shifted yet again , he said , and now the focus is on “ getting first in line for a vaccine ” – though one doesn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ’ s a seasonality to cyber-attacks , with more coming during traditional vacation times , when criminals assume defenses are lowered and staff is reduced , said Colin Zick , a partner and co-chair of the privacy and data security practice at Foley Hoag , a Boston-based law firm .
He expects phishing attacks to go up in September , if people return to their offices after working from home .
“ Another change in workflow , ” Zick said .
“ It ’ s the perfect opportunity for someone to send @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m still out , but I want you to do this.
’ ” To protect against these ever-changing approaches , Gooden said , hospitals and medical facilities “ have to constantly pivot and stay ahead of the curve in terms of technology and practices.
” Whitmore agrees .
She advises institutions to require multi-factor authentication – using a cellphone to corroborate a person 's identity – warn staff about spam , back up their most critical information offline , and encrypt patient information .
“ It ’ s about installing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detect when there are attacks against their environment , ” she said .
“ That buys us time.
” But every medical institution is vulnerable .
“ You have to be eternally vigilant , ” Zick said .
“ As long as we ’ ve got an open internet that is highly unregulated , that ’ s the downside.
” There ’ s not much an individual can do to protect their own medical information , Zick and others said , except trust their health care providers to do it for them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure he has access to his own records if they were ever lost for good .
And he said if he saw a provider acting carelessly with his data – such as not using two-factor authentication – he would offer them some free advice .
On June 3 , information technology staff at the University of California San Francisco realized that their network ’ s security had been breached two days earlier .
They quarantined several IT systems within the School of Medicine as a safety measure , and isolated the activity from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement from the university .
Patient care remained unaffected , the school said , but the attackers launched malware that encrypted a few servers within the School of Medicine , `` making them temporarily inaccessible.
” The university paid less than half the demanded ransom – about $ 1.14 million – in exchange for the stolen data .
The FBI is investigating .
Just a few years ago , criminals were asking for $ 1,200 , Whitmore said , but `` now we 're seeing ransomware demands ranging from $ 10,000 to $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ransomed data when paid , because otherwise organizations would stop paying , but once the criminals access a computer system they may leave behind the means to do it again .
Large institutions are getting more sophisticated at protecting themselves , Whitmore and others said .
But they may still be vulnerable when one of their suppliers or , say , a small specialty medical clinic , is hacked .
If the computer systems are linked , the criminals can try to access the bigger facility through the smaller one .
“ Your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collective security , ” said Dr. Titus Schleyer , a professor of biomedical informatics at the Indiana University School of Medicine and a research scientist at the Regenstrief Institute , a research organization in Indianapolis .
“ If you have a weak partner … all your security doesn ’ t help you.
” Zick said the “ sweet spot ” is mid-sized medical practices that have tens of thousands of health records , but aren ’ t big enough to hire dedicated IT staff to protect the data .
Cybercriminals range from those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re doing , ” to sophisticated rings of computer scientists , often from the former Eastern Bloc countries , Schleyer said .
Most attacks are aimed at getting money .
But some , backed by countries like Russia and China , as well as many others , are looking for information – perhaps the results of a clinical trial for a new COVID-19 therapy , or candidate vaccine .
“ You do have government actors in the hacking space , no question about it , ” Schleyer said , adding that he did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get COVID-related information .
Zick said he expects China and Russia will be looking for information , ideally without the victims knowing they ’ ve been spied on .
More ransomware originates tends to originate from North Korea and Eastern Europe , he said , where hackers don ’ t care about the information , only the money it can yield .
Going forward , what cyber security experts worry about the most is quantum computing , Schleyer said .
Quantum computers , which operate differently than classic ones , will be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We need to be ready for that moment , ” Schleyer said .
“ That ’ ll upset IT around the world when that happens.
” Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics , Innovation and Competition in Healthcare .
The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input .

A game of 'cat and mouse': Hacking attacks on hospitals for patient data increase during coronavirus pandemic
Show Caption Hide Caption FBI: Russians hacked hundreds of thousands of routers worldwide The FBI issued a formal warning that Russian computer hackers had compromised hundreds of thousands of home and office routers and could collect user information or shut down network traffic. Veuer's Maria Mercedes Galuppo has more. Buzz60
BOSTON – On the day before the July 4 holiday weekend, Mount Auburn Hospital's information technology team identified some unusual activity. Alarmed, they quickly took steps to disconnect the Cambridge hospital's computer system from the internet. They switched to backup manual procedures instead of automatic ones.
No patient data was compromised, and the Harvard-affiliated hospital continued its normal operations, according to hospital officials.
Such attempted attacks are a daily – if not hourly – occurrence at America's hospitals. And they don’t always end as well as Mount Auburn’s did.
More than 80% of medical practices have been the victims of cyberattacks, according to a national survey. Over half reported patient safety concerns from the hacks, and 20% said that their business had been interrupted for more than five hours.
“That can be the difference between life and death,” said Wendi Whitmore, a cybersecurity expert and vice president of IBM X-Force, a commercial security research team.
And the situation has only gotten worse during the monthslong coronavirus pandemic, as more employees switched to working from home, and medical facilities were cash-strapped and stretched thin because of COVID-19.
Between March and April, IBM saw a 6,000% increase in spam attacks on information technology systems, leveraging COVID-19, many of them at health care facilities, Whitmore said, describing the situation as a continuous “cat and mouse” game between criminals and institutions.
Whitmore said there’s been a huge increase in security incidents in recent months, climbing about 75% in North America and 125% in Europe and the Middle East.
Seattle Children’s, for instance, saw a doubling of attempted hacking attacks in March, specifically phishing emails, hunting for someone on the staff who would click on a malicious link and allow malware into the health system's network, said Gary Gooden, chief information security officer at the Washington-based health system.
The reason: Hackers can make a lot of money. Globally, cybercrime adds up to billions of dollars a year, Gooden said.
Stealing a credit card number might be useful for only a day or two, until the person realizes it and cancels their card. But an electronic medical record is far more valuable.
The FBI reported in 2014 that a stolen credit card or even social security number was worth just $1 on the black market, while an electronic health record would fetch about $50 – $1,000 if it belonged to a celebrity or public figure.
Electronic health records, according to the FBI report, can “be used to file fraudulent insurance claims, obtain prescription medication, and advance identity theft.” Health record theft also is more difficult to detect, taking almost twice as long to recognize as normal identity theft, the report found.
Stealing a newborn or toddler’s electronic health record is even more prized, Gooden said, because thieves are rarely caught. “You have a free run for 18 years to utilize these personas.” They also try to steal the identities of children who die at the hospital, hoping they won’t get caught, he said.
Phishing attacks a favorite tactic
Cybercriminals are particularly fond of phishing attacks that entice people to click on email links that provide the thief access to their computer networks. Corporate email protections can identify and remove nearly all potentially malicious emails before a user within the health care system ever sees them, Gooden said. But for the final few, the vigilance of employees remains crucial.
The lures for getting people to open these spam emails have evolved over the course of the pandemic, said Ryan Witt, managing director at Proofpoint, a technology security company based in Sunnyvale, California.
In February, he said, most of the phishing attempts provided basic information about the coronavirus, often by impersonating health authorities. At the height of the early pandemic in March, the emails offered access to face masks or other personal protective gear. “We found a source of equipment for you!” was a typical offer.
Then in April, these tempting emails offered advice on how to get stimulus funding checks. Lately, they’ve shifted yet again, he said, and now the focus is on “getting first in line for a vaccine” – though one doesn’t yet exist.
Typically, there’s a seasonality to cyberattacks, with more coming during traditional vacation times, when criminals assume defenses are lowered and staff is reduced, said Colin Zick, a partner and co-chair of the privacy and data security practice at Foley Hoag, a Boston-based law firm.
He expects phishing attacks to go up in September, if people return to their offices after working from home.
“Another change in workflow,” Zick said. “It’s the perfect opportunity for someone to send a phishing email, that says ‘I’m still out, but I want you to do this.’”
Cyber safety requires eternal vigilance
To protect against these ever-changing approaches, Gooden said, hospitals and medical facilities “have to constantly pivot and stay ahead of the curve in terms of technology and practices.”
Whitmore agrees. She advises institutions to require multifactor authentication – using a cellphone to corroborate a person's identity – warn staff about spam, back up their most critical information offline, and encrypt patient information.
“It’s about installing a series of tripwires that allow organizations to detect when there are attacks against their environment,” she said. “That buys us time.”
But every medical institution is vulnerable.
“You have to be eternally vigilant,” Zick said. “As long as we’ve got an open internet that is highly unregulated, that’s the downside.”
There’s not much an individual can do to protect their own medical information, Zick and others said, except trust their health care providers to do it for them.
Zick requests his medical file periodically to ensure he has access to his own records if they were ever lost for good. And he said if he saw a provider acting carelessly with his data – such as not using two-factor authentication – he would offer them some free advice.
Hacker ransom demands skyrocking
On June 3, information technology staff at the University of California, San Francisco realized that their network’s security had been breached two days earlier. They quarantined several IT systems within the School of Medicine as a safety measure, and isolated the activity from the UCSF network, according to a statement from the university.
Patient care remained unaffected, the school said, but the attackers launched malware that encrypted a few servers within the School of Medicine, "making them temporarily inaccessible.”
The university paid less than half the demanded ransom – about $1.14 million – in exchange for the stolen data. The FBI is investigating.
Just a few years ago, criminals were asking for $1,200, Whitmore said, but "now we're seeing ransomware demands ranging from $10,000 to $25 million." Attackers do release ransomed data when paid, because otherwise organizations would stop paying, but once the criminals access a computer system they may leave behind the means to do it again.
Large institutions are getting more sophisticated at protecting themselves, Whitmore and others said. But they may still be vulnerable when one of their suppliers or, say, a small specialty medical clinic, is hacked. If the computer systems are linked, the criminals can try to access the bigger facility through the smaller one.
“Your security is only as good as your collective security,” said Dr. Titus Schleyer, a professor of biomedical informatics at the Indiana University School of Medicine and a research scientist at the Regenstrief Institute, a research organization in Indianapolis. “If you have a weak partner … all your security doesn’t help you.”
Zick said the “sweet spot” is mid-sized medical practices that have tens of thousands of health records, but aren’t big enough to hire dedicated IT staff to protect the data.
Cash and information are cyber targets
Cybercriminals range from those “have no idea what they’re doing,” to sophisticated rings of computer scientists, often from the former Eastern Bloc countries, Schleyer said.
Most attacks are aimed at getting money. But some, backed by countries like Russia and China, as well as many others, are looking for information – perhaps the results of a clinical trial for a new COVID-19 therapy, or candidate vaccine.
“You do have government actors in the hacking space, no question about it,” Schleyer said, adding that he did not know of any specific attempts to get COVID-related information.
Zick said he expects China and Russia will be looking for information, ideally without the victims knowing they’ve been spied on. More ransomware tends to originate from North Korea and Eastern Europe, he said, where hackers don’t care about the information, only the money it can yield.
Going forward, what cybersecurity experts worry about the most is quantum computing, Schleyer said. Quantum computers, which operate differently than classic ones, will be able to decode current protective systems.
“We need to be ready for that moment,” Schleyer said. “That’ll upset IT around the world when that happens.”
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input.


usatoday--2020-07-12--Some Americans refuse to mask up. Rules, fines and free masks will change that, experts say.

Many Americans have embraced health officials ' recommendation to wear masks in public , but those who refuse to mask up are likely to encounter increasing pressure in the coming weeks and months .
There is a “ sizable minority ” of Americans who are skeptical , Ashish Jha , the director of the Harvard Global Health Institute , told USA TODAY — evidenced in part by numerous viral videos showing shoppers flouting mask rules .
Critics often say mask mandates infringe on their personal freedom .
Some right-leaning Americans have called masks a tool of oppression , Democratic conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence shows face coverings are an effective way of slowing the spread of COVID-19 , leading more state leaders to enact mask mandates .
On Friday , Texas Gov .
Greg Abbott , a Republican , went so far as to say face coverings were “ the only way ” to avoid another shutdown of the state 's economy .
Local officials voting to require face masks in public have faced lawsuits and have been shouted down by their constituents , but Jha and other experts compare the emerging rules to traffic regulations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving are dangerous , not wearing a mask during a pandemic is similarly reckless — it puts your and others ' lives at risk , Jha said .
As government-issued mask mandates become more common , experts told USA TODAY those rules — along with fines , free masks and education — can help shape the behavior of a nation , similar to how traffic enforcement discourages bad driving .
Here 's a look at how mask rules are being enforced now and what experts say will work best in changing the behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks .
What are the rules about masks right now ?
As with many government actions relating to the coronavirus , states have unveiled a patchwork of rules governing masks .
Currently , about half of states mandate masks in public .
Enforcement of those rules is even more uneven .
Some local governments including West Hollywood , California , and Pensacola , Florida , have announced plans to use fines to enforce the regulations .
Meanwhile , other law enforcement agencies have publicly declined to enforce the laws .
Some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from businesses , which have the right to deny service to customers who are not wearing a mask .
How can officials get more people to wear masks ?
Cincinnati 's enforcement strategy serves as an example for the rest of the country , Dr. Angela Duckworth — an author , professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and co-director of the Penn-Wharton Behavior Change for Good Initiative — told USA TODAY .
In that system , health inspectors respond to complaints by approaching the unmasked individual and asking the question “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antonio Young , the Cincinnati Health Department 's director of environmental health , thinks that most of the time people will comply with the rule at that point .
If not , the inspector can issue a $ 25 fine .
That 's the kind of system Duckworth and Jha hope to see rolled out more widely .
They say hallmarks of an effective campaign include : • Education : People should know that evidence has already shown that by wearing a mask you can help protect others from getting the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also be helping protect yourself .
That message should be made clear across the nation , especially from trusted local politicians , doctors and even religious leaders .
• Rules : Government mandates provide clarity on a confusing topic , help motivate people who might otherwise be ambivalent and give businesses incentive to help with enforcement .
• Free masks : Making masks freely available helps reduce excuses for not wearing a mask and helps deescalate enforcement .
Why do some people refuse to wear a mask ?
Many Americans cherish their individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the best of circumstances can take years .
As the virus has taken hold in more conservative regions in the South and West , face coverings have become an unlikely focus of political partisanship , leading to mass refusals to wear them .
Complicating things further , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges some health concerns in their mask guidance : Wearing a mask `` may exacerbate a physical or mental health condition , lead to a medical emergency , or introduce significant safety concerns , '' in some people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common claims around this exception , such as mask wearing causing low oxygen levels , have been debunked .
Also , businesses can make reasonable modifications for people with disabilities — including curbside pickup , offering appointments and face shields instead of face masks , the Southeast ADA Center in Atlanta has said .
Other factors contributing to challenges around mask wearing , according to Duckworth and Jha : • Misinformation : For example , debunked Facebook post on hypoxia went viral but it was false .
• Confusion : In the early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not encourage mask use , only to pivot in the face of mounting evidence .
Changing that guidance based on evidence was good science , but confusing to many people .
• Leadership : Some influential leaders , including President Donald Trump , have not fully backed masks .
Trump made news Saturday by publicly wearing a mask , and numerous governors have declined to mandate masks statewide .
That 's in part contributed to some seeing wearing a mask as a political statement .
Meanwhile , social pressure around masks continues to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a `` # maskon '' hashtag and online tools that allow you to add a digital mask to your profile picture has morphed into public shaming of people who have made a scene while defying mask rules , often with political overtones .
The increasing intensity surrounding the issue has left Jha with mixed feelings .
On one hand , he supports using social pressure to normalize mask wearing .
On the other hand , he worries that it could turn into vigilantism .
Most people “ want to do the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are pushing back against mask rules have likely been `` fed a lot of misinformation .
”

Some Americans refuse to mask up. Rules, fines and free masks will change that, experts say.
Show Caption Hide Caption Masks explained by an actual expert An expert explains the need to wear face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Colin Murphey, Wochit
Many Americans have embraced health officials' recommendation to wear masks in public, and those who refuse to mask up are likely to encounter increasing pressure in the coming weeks and months.
There is a “sizable minority” of Americans who are skeptical, Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, told USA TODAY – evidenced in part by numerous viral videos showing shoppers flouting mask rules.
Critics say mask mandates infringe on their personal freedom. Some right-leaning Americans call masks a tool of oppression, Democratic conspiracy and even sacrilege.
Evidence shows face coverings are an effective way of slowing the spread of COVID-19, leading more state leaders to enact mask mandates. Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, said face coverings were “the only way” to avoid another shutdown of the state's economy.
Officials voting to require face masks in public have faced lawsuits and have been shouted down by their constituents.
Jha and other experts compare the emerging rules to traffic regulations.
Just as speeding and drinking and driving are dangerous, not wearing a mask during a pandemic is similarly reckless – it puts your and others' lives at risk, Jha said.
As government-issued mask mandates become more common, experts told USA TODAY those rules – along with fines, free masks and education – could help shape the behavior of a nation, similar to how traffic enforcement discourages bad driving.
Here's a look at how mask rules are being enforced and what experts said will work best in changing the behavior of people skeptical of masks.
What are the rules about masks?
Like many government actions relating to the coronavirus, states have unveiled a patchwork of rules governing masks. About half of states mandate masks in public.
Enforcement of those rules is uneven. Some local governments, including in West Hollywood, California and Pensacola, Florida, plan to use fines to enforce the regulations. Other law enforcement agencies publicly declined to enforce the laws.
Some of the most consistent, nationwide enforcement comes from businesses, which have the right to deny service to customers who are not wearing a mask.
Coronavirus: How R-0 can be used to fight COVID-19 R-0 may be the most important scientific term you’ve never heard of when it comes to stopping the coronavirus pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
How can officials get more people to wear masks?
Cincinnati's enforcement strategy serves as an example for the rest of the country, Angela Duckworth – an author, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and co-director of the Penn-Wharton Behavior Change for Good Initiative – told USA TODAY.
In that system, health inspectors respond to complaints by approaching the unmasked individual and asking, “Would you like a mask?”
Antonio Young, the Cincinnati Health Department's director of environmental health, said that most of the time, people will comply with the rule at that point. If not, the inspector can issue a $25 fine.
That's the kind of system Duckworth and Jha hope to see rolled out more widely. They said hallmarks of an effective campaign include:
Education : People should know that evidence shows that by wearing a mask, you can help protect others from getting the virus. New research suggests wearers may also be helping protect themselves. That message should be made clear across the nation, especially from trusted politicians, doctors and even religious leaders.
: People should know that evidence shows that by wearing a mask, you can help protect others from getting the virus. New research suggests wearers may also be helping protect themselves. That message should be made clear across the nation, especially from trusted politicians, doctors and even religious leaders. Rules : Government mandates provide clarity on a confusing topic, help motivate people who might otherwise be ambivalent and give businesses incentive to help with enforcement.
: Government mandates provide clarity on a confusing topic, help motivate people who might otherwise be ambivalent and give businesses incentive to help with enforcement. Free masks: Making masks freely available helps reduce excuses for not wearing one and helps deescalate enforcement.
Why do some people refuse to wear a mask ?
Many Americans cherish their individual liberties, and shaping cultural norms even under the best of circumstances can take years.
As the virus has taken hold in more conservative regions in the South and West, face coverings have become an unlikely focus of political partisanship, leading to mass refusals to wear them.
Complicating things further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges some health concerns in its mask guidance: Wearing a mask "may exacerbate a physical or mental health condition, lead to a medical emergency, or introduce significant safety concerns" in some people.
Some of the most common claims around this exception, such as mask wearing causing low oxygen levels, have been debunked. Businesses can make reasonable modifications for people with disabilities – including curbside pickup, offering appointments and face shields instead of face masks, the Southeast ADA Center in Atlanta said.
Other factors contributing to challenges around mask wearing, according to Duckworth and Jha:
Misinformation : For example, a debunked Facebook post on hypoxia went viral.
: For example, a debunked Facebook post on hypoxia went viral. Confusion : In the early days of the pandemic, officials did not encourage mask use, only to pivot in the face of mounting evidence. Changing that guidance based on evidence was good science, but confusing to many people.
: In the early days of the pandemic, officials did not encourage mask use, only to pivot in the face of mounting evidence. Changing that guidance based on evidence was good science, but confusing to many people. Leadership: Some influential leaders, including President Donald Trump, have not fully backed masks, though he publicly wore one Saturday. Numerous governors have declined to mandate masks statewide. That's in part contributed to some seeing wearing a mask as a political statement.
Donald Trump’s political allies urge him to put on a face mask President Trump is getting a fresh push to don a face mask during the pandemic from some Republicans and members of Fox News. Buzz60
Social pressure around masks continues to grow.
What started out months ago as a "#maskon" hashtag and online tools that allow users to add a digital mask to their profile picture morphed into public shaming of people who have made a scene while defying mask rules, often with political overtones.
The intensity surrounding the issue has left Jha with mixed feelings.
On one hand, he supports using social pressure to normalize mask wearing. On the other, he worries it could turn into vigilantism.
Most people “want to do the right thing," he said. Those who push back against mask rules have probably been "fed a lot of misinformation.”
Contributing: Gus Garcia-Roberts, Adrienne Dunn and Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY; Hannah K. Sparling, Cincinnati Enquirer


usatoday--2020-07-12--COVID-19 survivors share stories of lingering symptoms

Many of the more than 3 million people who have gotten COVID-19 report lingering symptoms for weeks , and sometimes @ @ @

Dozens are dead and major landmarks have been lost amid wildfires on Maui and elsewhere.
The FBI shoots and kills a man during an arrest for threats against President Joe Biden.
USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub looks at rising COVID-19 rates, and whether we should be worried.
Donald Trump's Twitter account info turned over to Special Counsel as part of search warrant.
USA TODAY Education Reporter Alia Wong looks at how some states consider address sharing for school placement a crime.
Episode Transcript available here
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usatoday--2020-07-11--Migrant rescues in Arizona desert exceed 2019 total despite COVID-19 pandemic

PHOENIX – The number of migrants rescued by U.S. border agents so far this year in Arizona 's desert wilderness has already surpassed the total for 2019 , according to U.S. Border Patrol officials .
Rescues spiked despite restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border during the COVID-19 pandemic and with three of the hottest months remaining in the fiscal year .
The number of migrant rescues in Arizona goes up seasonally starting around March , when temperatures along the desert border begin to reach triple digits and remain that way until about September .
On Thursday , the National Weather Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona until Monday .
Temperatures along the border are forecast to reach up to 121 degrees in Yuma County and up to 118 degrees in western Pima County , leaving border agents on high alert .
`` Many times they ( migrants ) do n't carry enough water to survive the journey , so they 're wandering through the desert because of how large it is , and they may not necessarily know where to go , or they get lost , '' said Agent Jose Garibay , the spokesman for Border Patrol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be wandering the desert for days . ''
July 2 : Amid COVID-19 , Trump administration keeps immigration courts open , putting judges , lawyers and immigrants at risk '' Not only are they lost in 118- , 120-degree weather , but now the agents themselves are having to go out there and look for these individuals as well , so ... it 's also dangerous for the agents that are working out there as well , '' he added .
Border Patrol reported that agents in Arizona have rescued at least 1,054 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which began on Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30 .
But the majority of rescues take place during the warmer months .
In comparison , agents tallied 1,006 rescues in Arizona last year .
This year 's spike corresponds to an overall increase in migrant apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border since March .
That 's when the U.S. government began implementing a series of restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19 , including immediately expelling most apprehended migrants back to Mexico .
Border enforcement statistics published Thursday showed that agents apprehended 30,300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S.-Mexico border in June .
They turned back nearly 90 percent .
Apprehensions have climbed after bottoming out in April , the first full month with the border restrictions in place because of the new coronavirus , according to the data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection , which includes the Border Patrol .
The number of migrants processed along Arizona 's border with Mexico also have been rising over the past three months .
Apprehensions rose 47 percent from May to 5,604 in June , according to CBP 's numbers .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the adult male .
We 're seeing folks from Mexico as well as Central America , `` said Agent Daniel Hernandez , the spokesman for Border Patrol 's Tucson Sector .
`` We passed last year 's number in June , so we 're roughly around 980 . ''
Enforcement of Arizona 's 372-mile-long border with Mexico is split between two Border Patrol sectors .
The Tucson Sector covers the eastern two thirds and accounts for the overwhelming majority of migrant rescues .
The Yuma Sector covers the remaining third to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the entire Arizona border , a large number of them are concentrated in the West Desert , the name border agents use to describe a vast area in western Pima County that includes some of the driest , hottest and most remote areas in the state .
Each year during the warmer months , the Tucson Sector surges staff and resources to this part of the border in anticipation of a spike in calls .
They have 34 rescue beacons spread throughout the area that migrants can activate when in distress .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but agents have noticed a significant increase in the past three months .
They 've carried out 80 rescues so far this year .
By this point in 2019 , agents had recorded 64 .
Most of the rescues in the Yuma Sector are concentrated along the remote , eastern portions of the sector , adjoining the West Desert .
`` With everything still getting hotter , and it 's still not being the hottest time of the year so far , we do definitely foresee more rescues continuing to be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Border Patrol 's policies are responsible not just for the rescues , but also the deaths of migrants recorded at the border .
They point to the agency 's 1994 `` prevention through deterrence '' strategy for pushing migrants and smugglers to more remote and rugged areas of the border .
Border Patrol officials in the past three months have described multiple rescues along the Arizona border .
The most recent example , disclosed Thursday , described two rescues earlier in the week .
In the first one from Monday , agents on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and treated an unconscious 20-year-old migrant from Guatemala for severe dehydration .
The next day , agents found two migrants wandering in the desert near Tombstone , in Cochise County .
The man was fine , but the 26-year-old woman traveling with him was drifting in and out of consciousness , the Border Patrol said .
In both instances , medical crews transported the two unconscious migrants to a nearby hospital via helicopter , often times the easiest and fastest method of transportation , especially in remote areas of the border .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Homeland Security began expelling migrants apprehended at the border to their countries of origin , rather than processing them , to avoid COVID-19 outbreaks at their permanent facilities .
Most expulsions , under the authority of an emergency order the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19 under Title 42 , happen within two hours , according to the Border Patrol .
Hernandez said the first priority whenever they encounter migrants in distress or in need of rescue is to get them medical attention , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure they get the treatment that they need .
Once they 're given clean bill of health by medical professional , then we can put them back in the immigration system and perhaps they may be candidates for the Title 42 expulsion , '' he said .
The Arizona border remains one of the deadliest corridors for migrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally .
The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner tracks the number of human remains recovered each year from the deserts along the area comprising Border Patrol 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , the office reported the recovery of the remains of 153 `` undocumented border crossers , '' the term they use for migrants .
That 's the highest number in the past five years , although the number indicates when the remains were found , not when the person died .
This year , 96 human remains have been recovered at the Arizona border , according to a map of migrant mortality maintained by the aid group Humane Borders , using data from the medical examiner .
Of that total , 82 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most of them in the West Desert where the Tucson Sector said the majority of migrant rescues are concentrated .
Humanitarian organizations , such as No More Deaths , have continued to drop off gallons of water for migrants trekking through the desert , especially in western Pima County , despite the COVID-19 pandemic .
Large sections of the Arizona-Mexico border have become construction sites as crews replace outdated fencing or vehicle barriers with 30-foot steel bollards .
There 's active construction as several sites along the border , including at rugged desert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the rescues take place .
Construction crews have finished installing new fencing along 31 miles in Yuma County .
Another 212 miles are under construction , according to Customs and Border Protection : 137 miles in the Tucson Sector and 75 miles in the Yuma Sector .
Border Patrol officials said they have n't seen a correlation between active construction sites and the locations where they have been encountering migrants in need of rescue .

Migrant rescues in Arizona desert exceed 2019 total despite COVID-19 pandemic
PHOENIX – The number of migrants rescued by U.S. border agents this year in Arizona's desert wilderness has surpassed the total for 2019, according to U.S. Border Patrol officials.
Rescues spiked despite restrictions at the U.S.-Mexican border during the COVID-19 pandemic, and three of the hottest months remain in the fiscal year.
The number of migrant rescues in Arizona goes up seasonally starting around March, when temperatures along the desert border begin to reach triple digits and remain that way until about September.
Thursday, the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for southern Arizona until Monday. Temperatures along the border are forecast to reach up to 121 degrees in Yuma County and up to 118 degrees in western Pima County, leaving border agents on high alert.
"Many times, they (migrants) don't carry enough water to survive the journey, so they're wandering through the desert because of how large it is, and they may not necessarily know where to go, or they get lost," said Agent Jose Garibay, spokesman for the Border Patrol's Yuma Sector. "They could be wandering the desert for days."
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"Not only are they lost in 118-, 120-degree weather, but now the agents themselves are having to go out there and look for these individuals as well, so ... it's also dangerous for the agents," he said.
The Border Patrol reported that agents in Arizona have rescued at least 1,054 people this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30. The majority of rescues take place during the warmer months.
In comparison, agents tallied 1,006 rescues in Arizona last year.
This year's spike corresponds to an overall increase in migrant apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexican border since March. That's when the U.S. government began implementing restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19, including expelling most apprehended migrants back to Mexico.
Border enforcement statistics published Thursday showed that agents apprehended 30,300 migrants, mostly single adults along the U.S.-Mexican border in June. They turned back nearly 90%.
Apprehensions have climbed after bottoming out in April, the first full month with the border restrictions in place because of the coronavirus, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol.
Rescues concentrated in Pima County
The number of migrants processed along Arizona's border with Mexico has risen over the past three months. Apprehensions rose 47% from May to 5,604 in June, according to CBP's numbers.
"Primarily, the person we're rescuing is the adult male. We're seeing folks from Mexico as well as Central America, " said Agent Daniel Hernandez, spokesman for the Border Patrol's Tucson Sector. "We passed last year's number in June, so we're roughly around 980."
Enforcement of Arizona's 372-mile-long border with Mexico is split between two Border Patrol sectors. The Tucson Sector covers the eastern two-thirds and accounts for the overwhelming majority of migrant rescues. The Yuma Sector covers the remaining third to the west.
Though rescues are up along the entire Arizona border, a large number of them are concentrated in the West Desert, the name border agents use to describe a vast area in western Pima County that includes some of the driest, hottest and most remote areas in the state.
Each year during the warmer months, the Tucson Sector surges staff and resources to this part of the border in anticipation of a spike in calls. It has 34 rescue beacons spread throughout the area that migrants can activate when in distress.
The Yuma Sector records fewer rescues each year, but agents noticed a significant increase in the past three months.
They've carried out 80 rescues this year. By this point in 2019, agents had recorded 64. Most of the rescues in the Yuma Sector are concentrated along the remote, eastern portions of the sector, adjoining the West Desert.
"With everything still getting hotter, and it's still not being the hottest time of the year so far, we do definitely foresee more rescues continuing to be made," Garibay said.
Critics such as the humanitarian aid organization No More Deaths argued that the Border Patrol's policies are responsible not just for the rescues but also the deaths of migrants at the border. They point to the agency's "prevention through deterrence" strategy in 1994 for pushing migrants and smugglers to more remote and rugged areas of the border.
The US border enforcement strategy of "prevention through deterrence" is DESIGNED to cause people to suffer and die.
So when Border Patrol "rescues" someone it's "like a ship captain pushing everybody in the water and then throwing in a few life jackets." https://t.co/86o2ei7u63 — No More Deaths (@NoMoreDeaths) July 3, 2020
Migrants hospitalized , then expelled
Border Patrol officials described multiple rescues along the Arizona border in the past three months.
The most recent example, disclosed Thursday, described two rescues earlier in the week. Monday, agents on patrol at the Tohono O'odham Nation encountered and treated an unconscious 20-year-old migrant from Guatemala for severe dehydration.
The next day, agents found two migrants wandering in the desert near Tombstone in Cochise County. The man was fine, but a 26-year-old woman traveling with him drifted in and out of consciousness, the Border Patrol said.
In both instances, medical crews transported the two unconscious migrants to a nearby hospital via helicopter, often the easiest and fastest method of transportation, especially in remote areas of the border.
On March 21, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security began expelling migrants apprehended at the border to their countries of origin, rather than processing them, to avoid COVID-19 outbreaks at facilities.
Most expulsions, under the authority of an emergency order the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued to prevent the spread of COVID-19 under Title 42, happen within two hours, according to the Border Patrol.
Hernandez said the first priority whenever agents encounter migrants in distress or in need of rescue is to get them medical attention, if needed.
"We're going to make sure they get the treatment that they need. Once they're given a clean bill of health by medical professionals, then we can put them back in the immigration system, and perhaps they may be candidates for the Title 42 expulsion," he said.
Humanitarian aid work continues
The Arizona border remains one of the deadliest corridors for migrants attempting to enter the USA illegally.
The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner tracks the number of human remains recovered each year from the desert of the Border Patrol's Tucson Sector.
In 2019, the office reported the recovery of the remains of 153 "undocumented border crossers," the highest number in the past five years, although the number indicates when the remains were found, not when the person died.
This year, 96 sets of human remains have been recovered at the Arizona border, according to a map of migrant mortality maintained by the aid group Humane Borders, using data from medical examiners.
Of that total, 82 sets of remains were recovered in Pima County, most of them in the West Desert where the Tucson Sector said the majority of migrant rescues are concentrated.
No More Deaths drops off gallons of water for migrants trekking through the desert, especially in western Pima County.
Today the desert was so hot I drank 3 full Nalgene bottles of water & electrolytes without having to pee... 😕 But that's why every @NoMoreDeaths gallon counts. We put out of 100 gallons. #SafePassage, no one should have to walk this desert in this sun. 🌵🖤 pic.twitter.com/SoiQSslsVA — Tinea (@tinea10) July 6, 2020
Large sections of the Arizona-Mexico border have become construction sites as crews replace outdated fencing or vehicle barriers with 30-foot steel bollards, including in rugged desert areas in southwestern Arizona, where most of the rescues take place.
Construction crews finished installing fencing along 31 miles in Yuma County. An additional 212 miles of fencing is under construction, according to Customs and Border Protection: 137 miles in the Tucson Sector and 75 miles in the Yuma Sector.
Border Patrol officials said they haven't seen a correlation between construction sites and the locations where they have encountered migrants in need of rescue.
Follow Rafael Carranza on Twitter @RafaelCarranza.


usatoday--2020-07-13--Fire, explosion on USS Bonhomme Richard sends 21 people to hospitals, fills San Diego skies with dar

An amphibious assault ship caught fire on Sunday at Naval Base San Diego , resulting in an on-board explosion that injured 21 people and filled the skies with dark smoke , according to officials .
The entire crew of the USS Bonhomme Richard has been accounted for and all are off the 840-foot vessel , according to a statement from Naval Surface Forces , U.S. Pacific Fleet .
Seventeen sailors and four civilians were taken to local hospitals and all were in stable condition , Rear Admiral Philip Sobeck said during a Sunday night press conference .
The blaze was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle storage , Sobeck said .
While the Navy is still working to determine the cause of the explosion , Sobeck said it was likely due to `` backdraft of overpressurization as the compartment started heating up . ''
Approximately 160 sailors were aboard the 23-year-old ship at the time , officials said in a statement — far fewer than if the ship was on active duty .
As of 6:30 p.m. , Sobeck said most of the smoke still billowing from the ship came from `` normal things you 'd find in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and books .
The fuel tanks were far from the fire and not affected .
“ We are grateful for the quick and immediate response of local , base , and shipboard firefighters aboard USS Bonhomme Richard , ” Admiral Mike Gilday , chief of Naval Operations , said in a statement .
Two other destroyers , the USS Fitzgerald and the USS Russell , were moved to a pier further away from the fire during the day .
San Diego is the Bonhomme Richard 's home port and it was undergoing routine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ship has the capacity to deploy and land helicopters , smaller boats and amphibious vehicles .

Fire, explosion on USS Bonhomme Richard sends 21 people to hospitals, fills San Diego skies with dark smoke
Show Caption Hide Caption Fire on Naval Base sends several sailors to hospital An amphibious assault ship caught fire after an explosion on Sunday at Naval Base San Diego, injuring 18 sailors and filling the skies with smoke. Associated Press
An amphibious assault ship caught fire on Sunday at Naval Base San Diego, resulting in an on-board explosion that injured 21 people and filled the skies with dark smoke, according to officials.
The entire crew of the USS Bonhomme Richard has been accounted for and all are off the 840-foot vessel, according to a statement from Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Seventeen sailors and four civilians were taken to local hospitals and all were in stable condition, Rear Admiral Philip Sobeck said during a Sunday night press conference.
The blaze was reported around 8:30 a.m. in the lower vehicle storage, Sobeck said. While the Navy is still working to determine the cause of the explosion, Sobeck said it was likely due to "backdraft of overpressurization as the compartment started heating up."
Approximately 160 sailors were aboard the 23-year-old ship at the time, officials said in a statement — far fewer than if the ship was on active duty.
As of 6:30 p.m., Sobeck said most of the smoke still billowing from the ship came from "normal things you'd find in a compartment," such as clothes and books. The fuel tanks were far from the fire and not affected.
“We are grateful for the quick and immediate response of local, base, and shipboard firefighters aboard USS Bonhomme Richard,” Admiral Mike Gilday, chief of Naval Operations, said in a statement.
Two other destroyers, the USS Fitzgerald and the USS Russell, were moved to a pier further away from the fire during the day.
San Diego is the Bonhomme Richard's home port and it was undergoing routine maintenance at the time of the fire. The ship has the capacity to deploy and land helicopters, smaller boats and amphibious vehicles.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-07-12--Sen. Lindsey Graham said he will call Robert Mueller to testify before his committee

WASHINGTON – Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , said Sunday he will grant a request from Democrats to call Robert Mueller to testify before his committee , after the former Russia special counsel penned an op-ed pushing back against President Donald Trump 's decision to commute the sentence of a longtime ally .
Mueller broke his yearlong silence Saturday , defending the prosecution of Roger Stone and the broader investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election .
In an op-ed published in The Washington Post , Mueller said the flamboyant political operative was `` prosecuted and convicted because he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains a convicted felon , and rightly so , '' Mueller wrote .
Roger Stone clemency : Trump grants clemency to ally Roger Stone after railing against 'unfair ' conviction , sentencing Mueller 's remarks , prompted by Trump 's commutation of Stone 's 40-month prison sentence Friday , are the first since he testified before a House committee last year after his team brought charges against at least a half-dozen Trump associates during his campaign and after he took office .
Stone , who was supposed to begin serving his sentence Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a result of Mueller 's nearly two-year investigation .
Mueller 's voluminous report , released last year , found that the Trump campaign was an eager beneficiary to Russia 's systematic efforts to help Trump win the presidency , but it did not find a conspiracy with the Kremlin .
The report also identified instances of possible obstructive behavior by Trump , including attempting to get Mueller fired .
Graham , chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and one of Trump 's fiercest allies in Congress , previously rejected calls from Democrats to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That appears to have changed .
`` Apparently Mr. Mueller is willing – and also capable – of defending the Mueller investigation through an oped in the Washington Post , '' Graham said Sunday .
In a letter to Graham last year , Senate Democrats said Mueller 's report , while comprehensive , leaves many outstanding questions , including about Trump 's personal and business ties in Moscow and his campaign 's efforts to obtain emails damaging to then-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton .
`` We believe Robert Mueller would be best-suited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both sides of the aisle – and we feel the Committee would benefit greatly from his testimony , '' according to the letter .

Sen. Lindsey Graham said he will call Robert Mueller to testify before his committee
Show Caption Hide Caption Robert Mueller breaks silence on Russia probe Special Counsel Robert Mueller makes his first public statements on the Russia investigation. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday he will grant a request from Democrats to call Robert Mueller to testify before his committee, after the former Russia special counsel penned an op-ed pushing back against President Donald Trump's decision to commute the sentence of a longtime ally.
Mueller broke his yearlong silence Saturday, defending the prosecution of Roger Stone and the broader investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. In an op-ed published in The Washington Post, Mueller said the flamboyant political operative was "prosecuted and convicted because he committed federal crimes."
"He remains a convicted felon, and rightly so," Mueller wrote.
Mueller breaks silence: Former Russia special counsel Robert Mueller defends Roger Stone prosecution in wake of Trump commutation
Roger Stone clemency: Trump grants clemency to ally Roger Stone after railing against 'unfair' conviction, sentencing
Mueller's remarks, prompted by Trump's commutation of Stone's 40-month prison sentence Friday, are the first since he testified before a House committee last year after his team brought charges against at least a half-dozen Trump associates during his campaign and after he took office.
Stone, who was supposed to begin serving his sentence Tuesday, was the last person charged as a result of Mueller's nearly two-year investigation. Mueller's voluminous report, released last year, found that the Trump campaign was an eager beneficiary to Russia's systematic efforts to help Trump win the presidency, but it did not find a conspiracy with the Kremlin. The report also identified instances of possible obstructive behavior by Trump, including attempting to get Mueller fired.
Graham, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and one of Trump's fiercest allies in Congress, previously rejected calls from Democrats to have Mueller testify before the committee. That appears to have changed.
"Apparently Mr. Mueller is willing – and also capable – of defending the Mueller investigation through an oped in the Washington Post," Graham said Sunday.
In a letter to Graham last year, Senate Democrats said Mueller's report, while comprehensive, leaves many outstanding questions, including about Trump's personal and business ties in Moscow and his campaign's efforts to obtain emails damaging to then-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
"We believe Robert Mueller would be best-suited to answer these and other questions – from both sides of the aisle – and we feel the Committee would benefit greatly from his testimony," according to the letter.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson


usatoday--2020-07-12--#FreeWoj: LeBron James shows support for suspended ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski

ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski has some pretty powerful support in the NBA community after getting into a little trouble with his bosses last week .
The network reportedly suspended Wojnarowski without pay for a profane two-word email he sent to the office of Sen. Josh Hawley , R-Missouri that the lawmaker later made public .
Hawley had written an open letter to NBA commissioner Adam Silver , calling for the league to allow messages in support of police , the military and Hong Kong protesters on player jerseys – in addition to the pre-approved messages in support of social justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lakers star LeBron James offered his opinion by tweeting the hashtag # FreeWOJ , followed by a pair of fist emojis signaling his solidarity .
Wojnarowski has since apologized to Sen. Hawley and to his ESPN colleagues for his actions .
ESPN called his behavior `` completely unacceptable '' and said officials were discussing the matter internally .
However , the New York Post reported that Wojnarowski had his trip this week to the NBA bubble in Orlando canceled .
Several players had previously tweeted support for Wojnarowski including Enes Kanter , Lou @ @ @ @ @

#FreeWoj: LeBron James shows support for suspended ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski
Show Caption Hide Caption NBA restart: Five games you have to watch during new schedule SportsPulse: The NBA will finish the regular season with 88 games in 15 days during its Disney bubble. USA TODAY Sports' Mackenzie Salmon identifies the five you can't miss. USA TODAY
ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski has some pretty powerful support in the NBA community after getting into a little trouble with his bosses last week.
The network reportedly suspended Wojnarowski without pay for a profane two-word email he sent to the office of Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri that the lawmaker later made public.
Hawley had written an open letter to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, calling for the league to allow messages in support of police, the military and Hong Kong protesters on player jerseys – in addition to the pre-approved messages in support of social justice issues.
On Sunday, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James offered his opinion by tweeting the hashtag #FreeWOJ, followed by a pair of fist emojis signaling his solidarity.
Wojnarowski has since apologized to Sen. Hawley and to his ESPN colleagues for his actions.
ESPN called his behavior "completely unacceptable" and said officials were discussing the matter internally. However, the New York Post reported that Wojnarowski had his trip this week to the NBA bubble in Orlando canceled.
Several players had previously tweeted support for Wojnarowski including Enes Kanter, Lou Williams and Patrick Beverley.


usatoday--2020-07-12--Tesla cuts prices of Model Y electric SUV up to $3,000 as the automaker's stock reaches record highs

Tesla has reduced the price of its mid-size Model Y SUV by $ 3,000 after cutting prices of the Model 3 , Model S and Model X up to $ 5,000 in May .
The Model Y electric sports utility vehicle now starts at $ 49,990 for the Long Range dual motor version , according to the Tesla website , down 6 % from the $ 52,990 price tag in February .
The Performance version was reduced $ 1,000 and now is listed at $ 59,990 .
With potential incentives and gas savings of $ 4,300 , the Long Range @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Performance at $ 55,690 , Tesla says on its website .
The automaker didn ’ t immediately respond to USA TODAY ’ s request for comment Sunday .
Car buying tips amid COVID-19:6 key questions answered on new , used cars , trucks , SUVs When do new cars come out ?
: You 'll have to wait to buy 2021 , as automakers delay next year 's models Tesla started manufacturing the Model Y in January , several months ahead of schedule .
The SUV is a slightly larger vehicle than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Model 3 compact car .
The SUV is based on the same architecture as the Model 3 but has more space and an optional third row .
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently qualified for a compensation package worth about $ 770 million after the electric vehicle company hit certain goals reflecting its rapid growth in recent years .
The company 's stock has continued to beat records and closed at $ 1,544.65 Friday with shares surging 11 % .
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index , as of Saturday , Musk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a net worth of $ 70.5 billion , ahead of Warren Buffet at $ 69.2 billion .
However , the company earned the worst score among the 32 major vehicle brands in J.D .
Power 's 2020 Initial Quality Study , which was released in June , because of various problems reported by owners .
The 34th annual version of the J.D .
Power study , which gauges the performance of new vehicles in their first 90 days , marks the first time the company has rated Tesla .
Bed Bath & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to know about the popular discount amid upcoming store closings

Tesla cuts prices of Model Y electric SUV up to $3,000 as the automaker's stock reaches record highs
Show Caption Hide Caption Take a test ride of the new Tesla Model Y Tesla unveiled their newest vehicle, an electric SUV dubbed the Tesla Model Y. USA TODAY
Tesla has reduced the price of its mid-size Model Y SUV by $3,000 after cutting prices of the Model 3, Model S and Model X up to $5,000 in May.
The Model Y electric sport utility vehicle now starts at $49,990 for the Long Range dual motor version, according to the Tesla website, down 6% from the $52,990 price tag in February. The Performance version was reduced $1,000 and now is listed at $59,990.
With potential incentives and gas savings of $4,300, the Long Range is listed at $45,690 and the Performance at $55,690, Tesla says on its website.
The automaker didn’t immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment Sunday.
Car buying tips amid COVID-19: 6 key questions answered on new, used cars, trucks, SUVs
When do new cars come out?: You'll have to wait to buy 2021, as automakers delay next year's models
Tesla started manufacturing the Model Y in January, several months ahead of schedule. The SUV is a slightly larger vehicle than the company's most popular and affordable vehicle, the Model 3 compact car.
The SUV is based on the same architecture as the Model 3 but has more space and an optional third row.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently qualified for a compensation package worth about $770 million after the electric vehicle company hit certain goals reflecting its rapid growth in recent years.
The company's stock has continued to beat records and closed at $1,544.65 Friday with shares surging 11%. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, as of Saturday, Musk was the world’s seventh-richest person with a net worth of $70.5 billion, ahead of Warren Buffet at $69.2 billion.
However, the company earned the worst score among the 32 major vehicle brands in J.D. Power's 2020 Initial Quality Study, which was released in June, because of various problems reported by owners.
The 34th annual version of the J.D. Power study, which gauges the performance of new vehicles in their first 90 days, marks the first time the company has rated Tesla.
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Contributing: Nathan Bomey
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko


usatoday--2020-07-13--Life inside the bubble with NBA players: Golf, fishing and shotgunning beers

New Orleans Pelicans guard J.J. Redick played a round of golf Saturday at the Disney compound and planned another round on Sunday with the promise to shotgun a can of Bud Light if users reached 10,000 retweets .
`` Didn ’ t expect that tweet to get 10,000 retweets , '' Redick said , `` but NBA Twitter never fails . ''
Pelicans vice president of basketball operations David Griffin pleaded for this not to happen .
But it happened alright , Redick shotgunning a beer from a portable ice bath .
Welcome to life inside the NBA bubble-like environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The best place to watch is on social media where players are giving behind-the-scenes access to what 's happening .
`` When I was growing up , you had AAU days , and once the AAU season is over you go back to your respective cities and then AAU season starts back up again that next spring and it ’ s like you never left , '' Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said .
The Philadelphia 76ers , among other teams , went fishing on one of the Disney lakes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but didn ’ t know how to properly release it back into the water , dropping it on the pier as the fish flopped back into the water .
Noted bassmaster and Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George and teammate Montrezl Harrell each landed big bass .
Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee brought his bike .
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kyle Korver , who confirmed to USA TODAY Sports he will wear `` Black Lives Matter '' on the back of his jersey , is among several players who brought golf clubs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ guitar .
Some players posted video of taking a COVID-19 tests — with the nasopharyngeal swab collecting a sample from a nostril .
And several players traveled with their gaming systems and set them up in their rooms .
`` I ’ ve been playing video games with other guys on the team , '' Lakers forward Anthony Davis said .
`` Everyone has brought their gaming system so we ’ re online playing against each other or being teammates . ''
Houston 's P.J .
Tucker brought an 85-inch TV .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next three months , '' Tucker said .
`` So , I have to make it as much as home as I could . ''
The NBA is providing several activities , including visits to Disney attractions after hours .
`` Getting outside and playing some golf was key , '' Redick said .
`` Bubble life has been fine .
I think ( Memphis guard ) Ja Morant said it best .
The hotel is fine .
The food is fine .
Everything is fine .
We ’ re here to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have a responsibility and a job to do .
It ’ s fine . ''
THE BUBBLE : How NBA campus has taken shape in Orlando The 22 teams participating in the NBA ’ s restart are out of quarantine and have practiced at least once in preparation for the eight-game restart on July 30 .
Video emerging from practices reveal players without masks ( which is allowed ) and coaches wearing masks .
Convention center and ballroom spaces at Disney have been turned into practice courts .
`` The freedom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach Brett Brown said .
`` You take off your mask and you have a basketball in your hands and you have a passport to what you remember and what brings you to a level of normalcy none of us had . ''
Teams are slowly getting back into practice mode after four months off .
The past four days in Orlando are among the first full-team practices since the season was suspended on March 11 .
For teams expecting a deep run in the playoffs , such as the Lakers , Clippers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be different than a team trying to improve their seeding or get into the playoffs .
`` It ’ s a little bit different than a normal road routine , '' Spoelstra said .
`` But we do have our team room , which also serves as our meal room and our meeting room .
So we tend to be in there quite a bit .
There ’ s a nice walking path .
There ’ s a restaurant on campus where you can eat indoor or outdoors .
We ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room we ’ ve spent a lot of time in . ''
The Heat placed players ' family photos in the team room to provide a sense of comfort .
`` It touched me seeing my daughter on the wall , and I ’ m sure it touched other players as well , '' forward Jae Crowder said .
On Saturday night , Heat players watched UFC fights and played dominoes — a Jimmy Butler favorite — in the team room .
`` That ’ s our safe haven , '' Crowder said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it out . ''
Yes , there have been some complaints about the food and hotel rooms .
And while those have gotten attention , the complaints have been minimal .
Miami ’ s Meyers Leonard videoed himself walking in a hallway saying he reached out to the Disney concierge service for 12-ounce cans of Coors Light .
Disney can provide that , and on Sunday , Meyers joined Redick in the Shotgun Club .
Philadelphia ’ s visual arts expert Matisse Thybulle already produced a nine-minute video titled `` Welcome To The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personality Casey Neistat , who has 12 million subscribers , watched it and replied to Thybulle on Twitter , `` MATISSE , LETS COLLABORATE . ''
Thybulle responded : `` Aside from being able to play basketball again , you just made this whole bubble thing worth it .
Let ’ s figure something out when I ’ m free . ''
And Sixers forward Tobias Harris , who is good friends with Dallas ’ Boban Marjanovic , couldn ’ t help notice Marjanovic hanging with someone else .
On Instagram , Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pier and said , `` Look at this man , hanging out with Luka ( Donic ) .
Shhh . ''
It ’ s early and it might not always be easy , but the players are finding a way to make this work .

Life inside the bubble with NBA players: Golf, fishing and shotgunning beers
Show Caption Hide Caption Nuts and bolts of NBA's approved plan to restart SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Mackenzie Salmon breaks down all the details and key dates to know for the NBA's approved plan to restart the 2019-20 season. USA TODAY
New Orleans Pelicans guard J.J. Redick played a round of golf Saturday at the Disney compound and planned another round on Sunday with the promise to shotgun a can of Bud Light if users reached 10,000 retweets.
"Didn’t expect that tweet to get 10,000 retweets," Redick said, "but NBA Twitter never fails."
Pelicans vice president of basketball operations David Griffin pleaded for this not to happen. But it happened alright, Redick shotgunning a beer from a portable ice bath.
Welcome to life inside the NBA bubble-like environment — an AAU-style basketball camp for millionaires. The best place to watch is on social media where players are giving behind-the-scenes access to what's happening.
"When I was growing up, you had AAU days, and once the AAU season is over you go back to your respective cities and then AAU season starts back up again that next spring and it’s like you never left," Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said.
The Philadelphia 76ers, among other teams, went fishing on one of the Disney lakes. Star guard Ben Simmons caught a fish but didn’t know how to properly release it back into the water, dropping it on the pier as the fish flopped back into the water.
Noted bassmaster and Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George and teammate Montrezl Harrell each landed big bass.
*nba players post all their catches*
paul george: pic.twitter.com/mQ2ZtpgxdO — NBA Bubble Life (@NBABubbleLife) July 12, 2020
Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee brought his bike. Milwaukee Bucks guard Kyle Korver, who confirmed to USA TODAY Sports he will wear "Black Lives Matter" on the back of his jersey, is among several players who brought golf clubs. Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse brought his guitar.
Some players posted video of taking a COVID-19 tests — with the nasopharyngeal swab collecting a sample from a nostril. And several players traveled with their gaming systems and set them up in their rooms.
"I’ve been playing video games with other guys on the team," Lakers forward Anthony Davis said. "Everyone has brought their gaming system so we’re online playing against each other or being teammates."
Houston's P.J. Tucker brought an 85-inch TV. "It’s my home for the next three months," Tucker said. "So, I have to make it as much as home as I could."
The NBA is providing several activities, including visits to Disney attractions after hours.
"Getting outside and playing some golf was key," Redick said. "Bubble life has been fine. I think (Memphis guard) Ja Morant said it best. The hotel is fine. The food is fine. Everything is fine. We’re here to play basketball, to further our mission. We have a responsibility and a job to do. It’s fine."
DON'T MISS: 13 must-see games to finish the regular season
THE BUBBLE: How NBA campus has taken shape in Orlando
The 22 teams participating in the NBA’s restart are out of quarantine and have practiced at least once in preparation for the eight-game restart on July 30.
Video emerging from practices reveal players without masks (which is allowed) and coaches wearing masks. Convention center and ballroom spaces at Disney have been turned into practice courts.
"The freedom of a gymnasium is priceless," Sixers coach Brett Brown said. "You take off your mask and you have a basketball in your hands and you have a passport to what you remember and what brings you to a level of normalcy none of us had."
Teams are slowly getting back into practice mode after four months off. The past four days in Orlando are among the first full-team practices since the season was suspended on March 11.
For teams expecting a deep run in the playoffs, such as the Lakers, Clippers, Raptors and Bucks, their approach may be different than a team trying to improve their seeding or get into the playoffs.
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra conducted his press conference on Sunday wearing a mask.
"It’s a little bit different than a normal road routine," Spoelstra said. "But we do have our team room, which also serves as our meal room and our meeting room. So we tend to be in there quite a bit. There’s a nice walking path. There’s a restaurant on campus where you can eat indoor or outdoors. We’ll continue to explore. But that team room we’ve spent a lot of time in."
The Heat placed players' family photos in the team room to provide a sense of comfort.
"It touched me seeing my daughter on the wall, and I’m sure it touched other players as well," forward Jae Crowder said.
On Saturday night, Heat players watched UFC fights and played dominoes — a Jimmy Butler favorite — in the team room.
"That’s our safe haven," Crowder said. "We get together and talk it out."
Yes, there have been some complaints about the food and hotel rooms. And while those have gotten attention, the complaints have been minimal.
Miami’s Meyers Leonard videoed himself walking in a hallway saying he reached out to the Disney concierge service for 12-ounce cans of Coors Light. Disney can provide that, and on Sunday, Meyers joined Redick in the Shotgun Club.
Philadelphia’s visual arts expert Matisse Thybulle already produced a nine-minute video titled "Welcome To The Bubble — Day 1." YouTube personality Casey Neistat, who has 12 million subscribers, watched it and replied to Thybulle on Twitter, "MATISSE, LETS COLLABORATE."
Thybulle responded: "Aside from being able to play basketball again, you just made this whole bubble thing worth it. Let’s figure something out when I’m free."
And Sixers forward Tobias Harris, who is good friends with Dallas’ Boban Marjanovic, couldn’t help notice Marjanovic hanging with someone else.
On Instagram, Harris posted a video of Marjanovic walking on a pier and said, "Look at this man, hanging out with Luka (Donic). Shhh."
It’s early and it might not always be easy, but the players are finding a way to make this work.
Follow Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt.


usatoday--2020-07-12--Marine dad gives family the best wake-up call ever

Marine dad gives family the best wake-up call ever After an extended deployment , U.S. Marine GySgt .
Wesley Johnson @ @ @ @ @ was the first thing his family saw when they woke up .

Marine dad gives family the best wake-up call ever
After an extended deployment, U.S. Marine GySgt. Wesley Johnson wanted to make sure he was the first thing his family saw when they woke up.
Militarykind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-12--Epic Sydney, Australia storm timelapse is mesmerizing

Resident Jason van Genderen recorded video showing the storm as it passes out over the ocean drenching the eastern Australian @ @

Timelapse: Epic Australia storm plunges city into darkness
Resident Jason van Genderen recorded video showing the storm as it passes out over the ocean drenching the eastern Australian coastline.
USA TODAY, Wochit