usatoday--2020-09-14--Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary relieved of duty following Daniel Prude's death

ROCHESTER , N.Y. – Mayor Lovely Warren on Monday announced she is relieving Police Chief La'Ron Singletary of his command and requested a federal investigations into the death of Daniel Prude and of the Police Department .
The announcement came in the wake of protests over the death of Daniel Prude , the resignation of the entire RPD command staff , and calls for the mayor to resign as well .
Warren took no questions .
She also did not say who would immediately replace Singletary , leaving the police department without a public leader .
Singletary was not informed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when one of the RPD commanders saw it on Twitter , he said via text message to a reporter .
He had just left a virtual briefing with the mayor and City Council .
`` We have a pervasive problem in the Rochester Police Department , one that views everything through the eyes of the badge , '' the mayor said , adding : `` The culture of policing in Rochester must change . ''
Prude died in March from injuries sustained while being restrained by police .
The death did not become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when the Prude family held a news conference and released video obtained from police body-worn cameras .
Corporation Counsel Tim Curtin and Communications Director Justin Roj have been suspended for 30 days without pay .
The mayor 's announcement came during a hastily called news conference at City Hall moments after concluding the City Council briefing in which she sat alongside Curtin .
There was no mention of either during the briefing .
Singletary and his command staff announced last week that they were retiring or resigning their command positions .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That announcement was delivered in similar stunning fashion , at the start of a similar briefing as was held on Monday .
Warren appeared late to that session , having just learned of the chief 's decision .
Warren outlined a series of measures Monday , saying that a preliminary review by Deputy Mayor James Smith had provided the groundwork for the measures .
She said the city 's Office of Public Integrity would `` determine if any employees — including herself — violated city or departmental policies or ethical standards .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an outside agency to assess police training manuals , general orders and regulations , as well as the city 's open records process .
The Prude family lawyer requested video in the case back in April but the city did not fulfill the demand until August .
Warren previously announced that seven officers connected to Prude 's case had been suspended with pay .
New York state Attorney General Letitia James is investigating and has said she will impanel a grand jury .
Warren on Monday added requests for the U.S. Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice top get involved .
`` Frankly , the public should have been informed of Mr. Prude 's death and the circumstances that led to his death in March , '' Warren said , adding that she should have initiated this move after she saw the video last month .
She promised a `` robust '' and public-driven process to reform RPD and City Hall .
In a statement Roj posted on twitter , the city spokesman said he accepted the discipline .
`` I personally believe that Mr. Prude would be alive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humanity , and acted with compassion and restraint , '' he continued .

Brian Sharp, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Rochester Police Chief La'Ron Singletary relieved of duty following Daniel Prude's death
Show Caption Hide Caption Daniel Prude timeline: Black man died after police restrained him Daniel Prude, a 41-year-old Black man died of asphyxiation complications after being pinned to the ground by police in Rochester, New York. USA TODAY
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Mayor Lovely Warren on Monday announced she is relieving Police Chief La'Ron Singletary of his command and requested a federal investigations into the death of Daniel Prude and of the Police Department.
The announcement came in the wake of protests over the death of Daniel Prude, the resignation of the entire RPD command staff, and calls for the mayor to resign as well. Warren took no questions.
She also did not say who would immediately replace Singletary, leaving the police department without a public leader.
Singletary was not informed ahead of time but rather found out when one of the RPD commanders saw it on Twitter, he said via text message to a reporter. He had just left a virtual briefing with the mayor and City Council.
"We have a pervasive problem in the Rochester Police Department, one that views everything through the eyes of the badge," the mayor said, adding: "The culture of policing in Rochester must change."
Prude died in March from injuries sustained while being restrained by police. The death did not become public knowledge until this month, however, when the Prude family held a news conference and released video obtained from police body-worn cameras.
Corporation Counsel Tim Curtin and Communications Director Justin Roj have been suspended for 30 days without pay. The mayor's announcement came during a hastily called news conference at City Hall moments after concluding the City Council briefing in which she sat alongside Curtin.
There was no mention of either during the briefing.
Singletary and his command staff announced last week that they were retiring or resigning their command positions. The resignations were to be effective Sept. 29.
That announcement was delivered in similar stunning fashion, at the start of a similar briefing as was held on Monday. Warren appeared late to that session, having just learned of the chief's decision.
Warren outlined a series of measures Monday, saying that a preliminary review by Deputy Mayor James Smith had provided the groundwork for the measures.
She said the city's Office of Public Integrity would "determine if any employees — including herself — violated city or departmental policies or ethical standards." And that the city would bring in an outside agency to assess police training manuals, general orders and regulations, as well as the city's open records process.
The Prude family lawyer requested video in the case back in April but the city did not fulfill the demand until August.
Warren previously announced that seven officers connected to Prude's case had been suspended with pay.
New York state Attorney General Letitia James is investigating and has said she will impanel a grand jury. Warren on Monday added requests for the U.S. Attorney General's Office and the Department of Justice top get involved.
"Frankly, the public should have been informed of Mr. Prude's death and the circumstances that led to his death in March," Warren said, adding that she should have initiated this move after she saw the video last month.
She promised a "robust" and public-driven process to reform RPD and City Hall.
In a statement Roj posted on twitter, the city spokesman said he accepted the discipline.
"I personally believe that Mr. Prude would be alive today if the responding officers recogized his humanity, and acted with compassion and restraint," he continued.
Follow reporter Brian Sharp on Twitter: @sharproc.


usatoday--2020-09-15--'Welcome, welcome, welcome': Iconic host Alex Trebek brings 'Jeopardy!' back in a COVID-19 world

It was a new , socially distanced game-show world when `` Jeopardy ! ''
premiered its 37th season Monday .
And like a true Daily Double , seeing iconic host Alex Trebek back in action again was totally worth it .
`` Welcome , everyone .
Welcome , welcome , welcome , '' Trebek greeted the home audience for the first time since mid-summer .
Production shut down in March due to coronavirus and new episodes ran out in June .
`` We 're trying to provide as safe an environment as possible as we produce these new programs for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featured three new `` Jeopardy ! ''
players , as Zach Newkirk , the reigning champion when last season ended prematurely , was unable to travel from the East Coast for the premiere episode 's taping .
`` But we will be bringing him back to the program in a few weeks ' time , '' Trebek announced .
Trebek , the 80-year-old host and national treasure who 's been battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer since last year , was as enthusiastic and invested as ever interacting with and getting to know the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing the bassoon or traveling for a dream Spice Girls concert .
As much as things are the same in the game of `` Jeopardy ! ''
– the category wordplay is still sharp with the likes of `` President & Accounted For '' – some changes have come amid COVID-19 protocols .
An upgraded stage features more space between the three contestant podiums .
They 're at a safe distance from Trebek , who now will stay at his lectern instead getting up close and personal chatting with competitors .
Also , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ! ''
G.O.A.T .
Ken Jennings has joined the show as a consulting producer this season .
Beginning with Tuesday 's episode , Jennings will appear in special video categories as well as develop projects , help with contestant outreach and serve as show ambassador behind the scenes .

'Welcome, welcome, welcome': Iconic host Alex Trebek brings 'Jeopardy!' back in a COVID-19 world
Show Caption Hide Caption Drew Barrymore on hosting and making 'The Drew Barrymore Show' USA TODAY's Patrick Ryan sat down with Drew Barrymore to talk about her new talk show that will premiere live on September 14th on CBS. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
It was a new, socially distanced game-show world when "Jeopardy!" premiered its 37th season Monday. And like a true Daily Double, seeing iconic host Alex Trebek back in action again was totally worth it.
"Welcome, everyone. Welcome, welcome, welcome," Trebek greeted the home audience for the first time since mid-summer. Production shut down in March due to coronavirus and new episodes ran out in June. "We're trying to provide as safe an environment as possible as we produce these new programs for your enjoyment."
Monday's show featured three new "Jeopardy!" players, as Zach Newkirk, the reigning champion when last season ended prematurely, was unable to travel from the East Coast for the premiere episode's taping. "But we will be bringing him back to the program in a few weeks' time," Trebek announced.
Trebek, the 80-year-old host and national treasure who's been battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer since last year, was as enthusiastic and invested as ever interacting with and getting to know the contestants, whether they were talking about playing the bassoon or traveling for a dream Spice Girls concert.
As much as things are the same in the game of "Jeopardy!" – the category wordplay is still sharp with the likes of "President & Accounted For" – some changes have come amid COVID-19 protocols. An upgraded stage features more space between the three contestant podiums. They're at a safe distance from Trebek, who now will stay at his lectern instead getting up close and personal chatting with competitors.
Also, 74-time champion and recently crowned "Jeopardy!" G.O.A.T. Ken Jennings has joined the show as a consulting producer this season. Beginning with Tuesday's episode, Jennings will appear in special video categories as well as develop projects, help with contestant outreach and serve as show ambassador behind the scenes.


usatoday--2020-09-15--Pennsylvania's shutdown orders to stop coronavirus ruled unconstitutional by federal judge

Some of Pennsylvania Gov .
Tom Wolf 's restrictions limiting the size of gatherings , requiring people to stay home and keeping certain businesses closed to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus were unconstitutional , a federal judge ruled on Monday .
The efforts to keep residents safe from the coronavirus were well-intentioned , U.S. District Judge William Stickman IV wrote in his decision .
`` However , good intentions toward a laudable end are not alone enough to uphold governmental action against a constitutional challenge , '' the Trump-appointed federal judge said .
`` In an emergency , even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guard over its constitutional liberties only to find that liberties , once relinquished , are hard to recoup and that restrictions—while expedient in the face of an emergency situation—may persist long after immediate danger has passed , '' Stickman said .
The governor 's administration will seek to appeal the ruling , spokesperson Lyndsay Kensinger said .
`` The actions taken by the administration were mirrored by governors across the country and saved , and continue to save lives in the absence of federal action , '' Kensinger said in a statement .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania and the rest of the country are likely to face a challenging time with the possible resurgence of COVID-19 and the flu in the fall and winter . ''
More : Trump administration has not paid USPS for COVID-19 postcards featuring Trump 's name The lawsuit was brought by plaintiffs including several business owners and Republican lawmakers , and argued that limits on the number of people at gatherings , and the closure of `` non-life-sustaining '' businesses , violated the First Amendment right to assembly and the Fourteenth Amendment rights to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic governor had implemented orders as pandemic concerns grew in Pennsylvania , where more than 7,800 people have died and confirmed cases of the coronavirus have surpassed 140,000 , according to state reporting .
Wolf ended the stay-at-home and business closure orders as the state began to reopen , but maintained crowd size limits at 25 people indoors and 250 people outdoors .
Indoor businesses such as salons and restaurants are also operating at reduced capacities .
Thomas W. King III , who represented the plaintiffs , told the AP that the ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` What it means is they can ’ t do it again , and they should not have done it in the past , '' King said .
Kensinger said the ruling does not strike down other measures such as the mandatory mask order in place for all public spaces .
President Donald Trump tweeted his approval of the ruling on Monday , `` Congratulations Pennsylvania . ''
He also shared Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Kelly 's tweet explaining why he participated in the lawsuit .
`` I joined this lawsuit because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to free association , due process , and equal protection under the law , '' Kelly said .
Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said in a press conference on Monday that residents are encouraged to continue with their efforts to stop the spread of the virus , including avoiding large gatherings .
`` It 's critically important , no matter what the court case is , that people follow these very important guidelines , and are united in doing that , to stop the spread of the virus , '' @ @ @

Pennsylvania's shutdown orders to stop coronavirus ruled unconstitutional by federal judge
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: How Herd Immunity works, why you still need to wear a mask Without masks and a vaccine, we could reach Herd Immunity from COVID-19, but deaths would skyrocket. We break down the science of it. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Some of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf's restrictions limiting the size of gatherings, requiring people to stay home and keeping certain businesses closed to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus were unconstitutional, a federal judge ruled on Monday.
The efforts to keep residents safe from the coronavirus were well-intentioned, U.S. District Judge William Stickman IV wrote in his decision.
"However, good intentions toward a laudable end are not alone enough to uphold governmental action against a constitutional challenge," the Trump-appointed federal judge said.
"In an emergency, even a vigilant public may let down its guard over its constitutional liberties only to find that liberties, once relinquished, are hard to recoup and that restrictions—while expedient in the face of an emergency situation—may persist long after immediate danger has passed," Stickman said.
The governor's administration will seek to appeal the ruling, spokesperson Lyndsay Kensinger said.
"The actions taken by the administration were mirrored by governors across the country and saved, and continue to save lives in the absence of federal action," Kensinger said in a statement. "This decision is especially worrying as Pennsylvania and the rest of the country are likely to face a challenging time with the possible resurgence of COVID-19 and the flu in the fall and winter."
More: Trump administration has not paid USPS for COVID-19 postcards featuring Trump's name
The lawsuit was brought by plaintiffs including several business owners and Republican lawmakers, and argued that limits on the number of people at gatherings, and the closure of "non-life-sustaining" businesses, violated the First Amendment right to assembly and the Fourteenth Amendment rights to due process and equal protection.
The Democratic governor had implemented orders as pandemic concerns grew in Pennsylvania, where more than 7,800 people have died and confirmed cases of the coronavirus have surpassed 140,000, according to state reporting.
Wolf ended the stay-at-home and business closure orders as the state began to reopen, but maintained crowd size limits at 25 people indoors and 250 people outdoors. Indoor businesses such as salons and restaurants are also operating at reduced capacities.
Thomas W. King III, who represented the plaintiffs, told the AP that the ruling was "100% in our favor."
"What it means is they can’t do it again, and they should not have done it in the past," King said.
Kensinger said the ruling does not strike down other measures such as the mandatory mask order in place for all public spaces.
President Donald Trump tweeted his approval of the ruling on Monday, "Congratulations Pennsylvania." He also shared Pennsylvania Rep. Mike Kelly's tweet explaining why he participated in the lawsuit.
"I joined this lawsuit because emergency declarations do not supersede our right to free association, due process, and equal protection under the law," Kelly said.
Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said in a press conference on Monday that residents are encouraged to continue with their efforts to stop the spread of the virus, including avoiding large gatherings.
"It's critically important, no matter what the court case is, that people follow these very important guidelines, and are united in doing that, to stop the spread of the virus," Levine said.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-09-15--'I was floored': Coronavirus test prices charged by some hospitals and labs stun consumers, spur que

When Lisa Robertson sought coronavirus testing for her college athlete daughter , a pediatrician recommended a small , independent pharmacy in Arlington , Virginia .
Preston ’ s Pharmacy charged $ 35 to take a nasal swab specimen and sent it off to a lab , Principle Diagnostics , for quick results .
The lab billed her insurance company $ 864 – more than eight times than what the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reimburses for COVID-19 tests .
Her daughter learned days later she did not have the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 , and returned to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University .
But Robertson was surprised her insurer , a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan with robust benefits for federal employees and retirees , paid the full amount , via a check that she forwarded to the Bethlehem , Pennsylvania-based lab .
The lab did not respond to questionsfrom USA TODAY about the charges .
“ Why would it cost the lab $ 864 , and then our insurance paid ” the full amount , she said .
“ Is the lab taking advantage of a situation and not being regulated ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are raising , with 85 million tests administered so far and Congressional mandates that require insurers pay the full cost of testing , no matter how much hospitals or labs choose to bill .
As routine testing expands to workplaces , universities and professional sports leagues , labs may have found a lucrative niche amid the pandemic .
Erin Fuse-Brown , a Georgia State University College of Law associate law professor who has researched medical billing , said a key factor is that federal legislation requires insurers pay the full cost of COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labs and hospitals can charge .
`` It is not surprising that the price of tests are all over the map , '' Fuse-Brown said .
`` This requirement can create incentives for labs who are out-of-network to stay out-of-network and to charge higher prices for COVID tests because insurers are required to pay for them . ''
In July , the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent inquiries to 10 laboratories and hospitals about COVID test prices that reportedly ranged from $ 300 to $ 6,000 .
The committee 's letters described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ excessive , '' and questioned whether the labs complied with the Families First and CARES acts , both intended to ensure widespread testing at little to no cost for patients .
A doctor who worked for a chain of free-standing emergency rooms in Texas went to an Austin location to get a COVID-19 antibody test .
His insurance plan was billed $ 10,984 for the test and paid the entire amount , prompting the doctor to quit the chain , ProPublica reported .
Under the federal legislation , insurance companies must cover COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The legislation also requires providers post on a website the prices for COVID testing , but the Energy and Commerce committee noted some labs failed to meet this requirement .
'States duking it out for supply ' : Lack of federal plan leads to coronavirus testing delaysA separate analysis by the nonprofit and nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation found nearly one in four hospital websites did not publicly post prices .
Of the hospitals that did , Kaiser found some prices as high as $ 850 for a single test – not including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as the cost of a doctor ’ s visit , facility fee or specimen collection .
The median price was $ 127 , but about one in five hospitals charges more than $ 200 per diagnostic test .
A survey conducted by the industry group America ’ s Health Insurance Plans found hospitals or labs that did not contract with insurance plans tended to charge the most .
About 1 in 10 of these out-of-network providers charged an average $ 390 for a COVID test .
By comparison , Medicare , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pays labs $ 100 for each COVID test processed by a “ high-throughput ” machine designed to increase capacity and deliver faster results .
For other COVID tests run on different instruments , Medicare paid about $ 51 per test as of April , the agency said .
“ It does show there is price gouging occurring during this pandemic that we feel is not appropriate , ” said Jeanette Thornton , AHIP ’ s senior vice president of product , employer and commercial policy .
Thornton and others explained when such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs employers , consumers and taxpayers more because insurers raise premiums to keep pace with rising costs .
`` We wanted to get to the bottom of what these tests would be costing the health system as a whole , '' she said .
`` All of the health care costs are reflected in premiums for health insurance . ''
More on testing : Delays force labs to prioritize COVID-19 tests for some , not others 'It would be a nightmare' Soupergirl , a Washington D.C.-based company that make fresh soup , tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sara Polon began testing employees to keep them and the community safe .
If an employee had the virus but no symptoms , such routine testing could prevent spread to other workers , family or community members .
But Soupergirl suspended the employee testing briefly in July when it took a private lab more than two weeks to return test results – too long to identify an employee who might unwittingly spread the virus to others .
That never happened , and because turnaround times have since improved , Soupergirl resumed routinely testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the financial risk of ongoing testing .
The company pays $ 650 to $ 800 for a doctor to administer tests , which are sent to a lab .
She has not yet received a bill from a lab for this routine testing .
If she does get a bill directly from a lab or if her company 's insurer does not pay for the entire cost , it would be financially devastating for a small business trying to sustain operations during the pandemic .
`` I 'm petrified , '' Polon said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20,000 minimum , which would hit at some point during the second wave .
It would be a nightmare . ''
For Robertson , of McLean , Virginia , the direct cost of COVID testing has not immediately harmed her family 's finances .
Her insurer sent her a check down to the penny for the amount the lab charged .
Even though she thought the charges were excessive , she forwarded the check to the lab .
Robertson 's main concern is pricey testing charged to consumers and insurers will ultimately lead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what I don ’ t like , '' Robertson said .
`` Our policies are going to go up . ''
Do you have a bill from a COVID test that you are willing to share ?
Contact Ken Alltucker at alltuck @ usatoday.com .
'Really astonishing ' : Average cost of hospital ER visit surges 176 % in a decade , report says

'I was floored': Coronavirus test prices charged by some hospitals and labs stun consumers, spur questions
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 testing: Positivity rates and why they are so important COVID-19 widespread testing is crucial to fighting the pandemic, but is there enough testing? The answer is in the positivity rates. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
When Lisa Robertson sought coronavirus testing for her college athlete daughter, a pediatrician recommended a small, independent pharmacy in Arlington, Virginia.
Preston’s Pharmacy charged $35 to take a nasal swab specimen and sent it off to a lab, Principle Diagnostics, for quick results. The lab billed her insurance company $864 – more than eight times what the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reimburses for COVID-19 tests.
“I was floored,” Robertson said.
Her daughter learned days later she did not have the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and returned to her studies and college soccer team at Rice University. Robertson was surprised her insurer, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan with robust benefits for federal employees and retirees, paid the full amount, via a check that she forwarded to the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based lab.
The lab did not respond to questions from USA TODAY about the charges.
“Why would it cost the lab $864, and then our insurance paid” the full amount, Robertson asked. “Is the lab taking advantage of a situation and not being regulated?”
It’s a question more are raising. There have been 85 million tests administered, and congressional mandates require insurers to pay the full cost of testing, no matter how much hospitals or labs bill. As routine testing expands to workplaces, universities and professional sports leagues, labs may have found a lucrative niche amid the pandemic.
Erin Fuse-Brown, a Georgia State University College of Law associate professor who has researched medical billing, said federal legislation does not limit the amount labs and hospitals can charge for COVID-19 testing.
"It is not surprising that the price of tests are all over the map," Fuse-Brown said. "This requirement can create incentives for labs who are out-of-network to stay out-of-network and to charge higher prices for COVID tests because insurers are required to pay for them."
In July, the House Energy and Commerce Committee sent inquiries to 10 laboratories and hospitals about COVID-19 test prices that ranged from $300 to $6,000. The committee's letters described the charges as "unconscionable and clearly excessive" and questioned whether the labs complied with the Families First and Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Acts, both intended to ensure widespread testing at little to no cost for patients.
A doctor who worked for a chain of free-standing emergency rooms in Texas went to an Austin location to get a COVID-19 antibody test. His insurance plan was billed $10,984 for the test and paid the entire amount, prompting the doctor to quit the chain, ProPublica reported.
Under the federal legislation, insurance companies must cover COVID-19 testing at no cost to the patient. The legislation requires providers to post on a website the prices for testing, but the Energy and Commerce Committee noted some labs failed to meet this requirement.
'States duking it out for supply': Lack of federal plan leads to coronavirus testing delays
A separate analysis by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation found nearly one in four hospital websites did not publicly post prices. Of the hospitals that did, Kaiser found some prices as high as $850 for a single test – not including extra fees a consumer might be assessed, such as the cost of a doctor’s visit, facility fee or specimen collection. The median price was $127, but about one in five hospitals charge more than $200 per diagnostic test.
A survey conducted by the industry group America’s Health Insurance Plans found hospitals or labs that did not contract with insurance plans tended to charge the most. About 1 in 10 of these out-of-network providers charged an average $390 for a COVID-19 test.
By comparison, Medicare, the government insurance program for older Americans, pays labs $100 for each test processed by a “high-throughput” machine designed to increase capacity and deliver faster results. For other COVID-19 tests run on different instruments, Medicare paid about $51 per test as of April, the agency said.
“It does show there is price gouging occurring during this pandemic that we feel is not appropriate,” said Jeanette Thornton, AHIP’s senior vice president of product, employer and commercial policy.
Thornton and others said that when excessive prices are billed, it ultimately costs employers, consumers and taxpayers more because insurers raise premiums to keep pace.
"We wanted to get to the bottom of what these tests would be costing the health system as a whole," she said. "All of the health care costs are reflected in premiums for health insurance."
More on testing: Delays force labs to prioritize COVID-19 tests for some, not others
'It would be a nightmare'
Soupergirl, a Washington-based company that makes fresh soup, tests its 25 employees every week.
Founder Sara Polon began testing employees to keep them and the community safe. If an employee had the virus but no symptoms, such routine testing could prevent spread to other workers, family or community members.
Soupergirl suspended the employee testing briefly in July when it took a private lab more than two weeks to return test results – too long to identify an employee who might unwittingly spread the virus to others. That never happened, and because turnaround times have improved, Soupergirl resumed routinely testing employees.
Polon is worried about the financial risk of testing. The company pays $650 to $800 for a doctor to administer tests, which are sent to a lab. She has not received a bill from a lab for this routine testing.
If she does get a bill directly from a lab or if her company's insurer does not pay for the entire cost, it would be financially devastating for a small business trying to sustain operations during the pandemic.
"I'm petrified," Polon said. "It would probably be $20,000 minimum, which would hit at some point during the second wave. It would be a nightmare."
For Robertson of McLean, Virginia, the direct cost of COVID-19 testing has not immediately harmed her family's finances. Her insurer sent her a check down to the penny for the amount the lab charged. Even though she thought the charges were excessive, she forwarded the check to the lab.
Robertson's main concern is pricey testing charged to consumers and insurers will lead to higher health costs.
"That’s what I don’t like," Robertson said. "Our policies are going to go up."
Do you have a bill from a COVID-19 test that you are willing to share? Contact Ken Alltucker at alltuck@usatoday.com.
'Really astonishing': Average cost of hospital ER visit surges 176% in a decade, report says


usatoday--2020-09-15--Biden is getting trounced with Cuban American voters in Florida, a trend that could tip the state to

MIAMI , Fla. – Annette Collazo , a Florida Democrat who is running for a seat in the state legislature , was campaigning at a constituent ’ s home when she heard a TV ad that caught her attention .
Former Vice President Joe Biden , and other Democrats , were shown side-by-side with Latin American leaders like former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and former Cuban leader Fidel Castro .
The ad was paid for by President Donald Trump ’ s reelection campaign and played on Spanish-language television .
“ It is a concern because it 's such a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is Cuban American .
“ It 's preying on people 's vulnerabilities , their sensitivities , their family trauma of having to leave everything in their home country to come here . ''
More : 'Anxious , fearful , angry . '
At 50 days out to Election Day , many voters are wary of both Trump and Biden “ I think it ’ s deceptive , ” Collazo said of comparing Democrats to communist dictators .
The ad is one of many that have dominated TV and radio in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an influential group of Latino voters in Florida : Cuban Americans .
Biden is underperforming with Cuban Americans in Miami-Dade , the largest county in the state , as well as with Latino voters across Florida , according to recent polling .
The lack of support from Latino voters could cost Biden a win in Florida , which has backed the national winner in every election except one since 1964 .
Trump narrowly won the state four years ago by a little more than 1 % , a margin of fewer than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million cast .
Weeks of anxious prodding from Florida Democrats that Biden has taken the state for granted could finally be paying off .
On Tuesday , Biden will make his first visit to the Sunshine State since he secured the Democratic nomination .
The former vice president also is doing more to take on the round-the-clock attacks that he 's a socialist , a potent message when delivered to Latinos who fled repressive regimes .
And key allies , notably former New York City Mayor and billionaire Michael Bloomberg , are pledging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win the state .
With early voting just weeks away , the question now : Is it too little too late ?
Biden 's visit Tuesday comes a few days after his running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris , campaigned in Miami , meeting with Black leaders at Florida Memorial University , a historically Black college .
She also stopped for arepas at Amaize , a Venezuelan restaurant in Doral – also known as `` Doralzuela '' to locals due to the large Venezuelan population .
The president and Biden are virtually tied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an NBC News/Marist poll , after several polls over the summer had showed the former vice president with a lead over Trump .
The poll also shows Biden trailing Trump among Latino voters in the state , 46 % -50 % , a group Hillary Clinton won by nearly 30 points four years ago .
Hispanic people in Florida make up about a quarter of the state 's roughly 21.5 million population and 17 % of its registered voters .
As the single biggest Hispanic ethnicity in the nation 's biggest swing state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big influence on the political stage .
They have generally leaned Republican but younger generations are more liberal .
More : 'Outrageous ' : Sen. Kamala Harris , Democratic nominee for vice president , tells Black leaders in Florida Trump must be removed A poll of Miami-Dade County voters by Bendixen & Amandi International and the Miami Herald , also showed Trump with a slight lead over Biden among all Latino voters .
But the survey also found that among Cuban American voters , Trump led Biden by a whopping 38 percentage points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the state ’ s votes .
In 2016 , Clinton won the county over Trump by more than 290,000 votes ; President Barack Obama won the county by about 200,000 in 2012 .
While Clinton in 2016 also beat Trump statewide among Latino voters , 62 % to 35 % , she trailed him in support among Cuban American voters , 41 % to 54 % .
Biden does n't need Florida to win the presidency , but capturing the Sunshine State would likely portend an overwhelming victory nationally and be an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state his primary residence after complaining about being treated `` very badly '' by political leaders in New York .
No Republican since Calvin Coolidge in 1924 has captured the White House without winning Florida .
Biden has cut into Trump 's support with older votersin Florida and nationally but some of his strength with that demographic has been offset by his weakness with Latino voters , including Cuban Americans .
Biden could get a boost from outside his campaign .
A top aide to former presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg confirmed media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mayor plans to spend at least $ 100 million to help Biden in Florida .
Nuestro PAC , a group focused on Latino voter outreach created by former Bernie Sanders advisor , Chuck Rocha , also is investing millions into bilingual mail outreach to newly registered Latino voters in Florida , North Carolina and Pennsylvania .
Some Democrats also want to see Biden hit back more strongly against Trump 's characterization of the party as `` radical socialists . ''
The message has struck a nerve with many Latinos who are Cubans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fled communist regimes or have family members who did .
Al Cardenas , a Cuban American activist who once chaired Florida 's Republican Party , said the Trump campaign has successfully wooed South Florida Latinos largely because the president 's frequent broadsides against the Castro regime in Cuba and the Maduro regime in Venezuela have gone unanswered .
`` Democrats have gone silent on the subject , so he filled up that silence to satisfy significant portion of the exile communities , '' said Cardenas , who opposes Trump 's reelection but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the state have been pressing the Biden campaign to do more outreach with Hispanic voters .
In July , a seven-page letter from Florida Democratic Party field organizers accused the Biden campaign of lacking a “ fully actionable field plan ” as moves into working with the Florida party on voter outreach , according to the Miami Herald .
Last month , Voto Latino CEO Maria Teresa Kumar said the Biden campaign nationally has not done enough outreach to the Latino community .
Susan MacManus , political science professor emeritus at South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no surprise to us because it happens every four years . ''
More : Trump campaign courts Latino voters in Arizona , historically Democrats .
Here 's what that looks like '' People from outside of Florida think the Latino vote in Florida is cohesive and it ’ s very diverse , ” MacManus said .
Dario Moreno , a political professor at Florida International University who specializes in Cuba politics , said Democrats sensed momentum in Miami-Dade after they flipped two congressional seats there from Republican to Democrat in 2018 with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell .
“ After 2018 , when ( Democrats ) won the two congressional seats , they really took the Latinos for granted and haven ’ t really worked that community as much as they should have , ” Moreno said .
The Trump campaign has invested heavily in Miami-Dade County .
Politico reported last week that the campaign has outspent the Biden campaign by nearly $ 4 million in TV ads for the Miami-Fort Lauderdale media market , with much of that spent on Spanish-language ads .
While the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigning , Democrats are relying far more on social media .
Obama ’ s Cuba policy , which many older Cubans objected to , remains a millstone for Biden , some analysts said .
Get ready : Register to vote or check your status here Moreno said the Biden campaign needs to invest more resources into courting Latino voters in Florida , especially given the anger among many Cuban Americans at Obama 's efforts to restart diplomatic relations with Havana .
Biden 's serious consideration of California Rep. Karen Bass as a running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ praise for Fidel Castro , which she later renounced .
“ Given the margins that Hillary Clinton won Dade County by and given how close Florida is , the Democrats have to put real resources in the Hispanic community , '' Moreno said .
`` And they have to stop offending Cuban voters . ''
Cardenas said the competitive presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , who describes himself as a Democratic socialist , also appears to have turned off older Cuban Americans from the Democratic ticket , he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not taking the Latino vote for granted .
During Harris ' visit in Doral , she spoke briefly with diners in the restaurant and met with political strategist Ana Navarro and Democratic state Sen. Annette Taddeo .
Navarro , who wore a Biden-Harris T-shirt , has participated in virtual roundtables with the campaign for Latino voters in Florida and Wisconsin .
The campaign this past weekend also launched a series of television and radio ads aimed at appealing to Latino voters in Florida .
Two of the ads focus on Trump 's handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business owners contribute to the economy .
A third ad is focused on outreach to Puerto Rican voters in Florida that criticizes the president 's response to Hurricane Maria , which devastated the island in 2017 .
Ahead of the Florida primary in March , the Biden campaign also created Latino organizing groups in the state , such as Cubanos Con Biden – “ Cubans With Biden '' — and Boricuas Con Biden , or `` Puerto Ricans With Biden . ''
The groups have done digital organizing , phone banking and caravans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
Cubanos Con Biden has called into local radio shows to amplify Biden 's campaign message and have held counterprotests to Trump supporters .
Biden 's Florida press secretary Kevin Munoz said the groups `` ensure that members of their own community are communicating to their friends , their families about Joe Biden and doing this really culturally competent organizing . ''
`` It speaks to the fact that we can not just use a one-size-fits-all approach to reaching Hispanics , '' he said .
The Biden campaign has tried to hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviews with local stations , including with Spanish-language stations Telemundo and Univision .
During an interview last week with NBC ’ s local Miami station , Biden said Trump `` has done nothing to advance democracy and human rights ; on the contrary , the crackdown on Cubans by the regime has gotten worse under Trump , not better . ''
'Do I look like a socialist ? '
Biden also accused Trump of failing Venezuelans , adding that he would extend Temporary Protected Status to undocumented Venezuelans fleeing a humanitarian crisis in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done .
“ Venezuelan people are worse off , living in one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world , '' Biden said , adding that the country is `` no closer to a free election . ''
Visiting Pittsburgh last week , Biden also pushed back hard against being labeled a socialist .
`` Do I look like a radical socialist with a soft spot for rioters .
Really ? ''
Biden said during a campaign event .
Collazo said some Democrats are have tried to combat the `` radical socialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She said she has a shirt that says `` Anti-Communist '' and wears it proudly .
But for Trump ’ s Cuban American supporters , it still comes down to that one word : socialism .
Ricardo Gomez , a former police officer turned criminal defense attorney in Miami , said his family fought too hard to flee Fidel Castro ’ s Cuba only to end up with a socialist-leaning administration in the United States .
Gomez , whose father fought in the Bay of Pigs invasion and was held captive by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doesn ’ t believe that Biden and Harris are moderates , but have instead adopted the most radical ideals of the Democratic party .
“ They ’ ve adopted Bernie Sanders , they ’ ve adopted the AOC model , ” said Gomez , 60 , referring to progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez .
“ They ’ re not calling the anarchists in the street burning and looting what they are … street thugs.
” Gomez supports the idea of Social Security , Medicare and Medicaid – limited government programs that provide a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times .
But he said a Biden administration would push to vastly expand those programs , allowing people to become dependent on government handouts .
And that , he said , strikes fear into the hearts of immigrants from Cuba or Venezuela or Nicaragua .
“ The way communists and socialists work is they start taking from the top and distributing , but sooner or later they run out of stuff to distribute , ” he said .
“ Do we want this to become another Cuba ?
Do we want this to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understands that fear .
The 30-year-old Cuban American has heard the anguish in the voices of his relatives and friends when talking about the upcoming election .
But Rivero , who sells cruise packages , accused the Trump campaign of exploiting those fears by exaggerating , and oftentimes lying about , what a Biden presidency would look like .
More : Where do Americans stand on election issues ?
Let them tell you .
“ The ads down here , it ’ s Biden with a red background , he ’ s there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your house , ” Rivero said .
“ Yet we know that Joe Biden is a centrist .
He ’ s more in the middle than Hillary ( Clinton ) was , he ’ s more in the middle than Obama was , and we know he ’ s not a socialist , he ’ s not a communist .
But the Trump campaign , hats off to them .
They ’ re basically using that fear to re-traumatize people .
It ’ s triggering people to close up and refuse to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the psychological concept of “ ancestral trauma ” – when the agonies endured by one generation are passed down to the next .
Cardenas said he does n't understand why so many fellow Cuban Americans who fled the repressive Castro regime support the president , given his embrace of autocrats such as Russia 's Vladimir Putin and North Korea 's Kim Jong Un .
`` They haven ’ t learned their lesson from 1958 when Fidel said he was not a communist and he would provide good governance for everybody .
And people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came into exile a year later .
And now we have Trump who made all these promises , none of which have been fulfilled and people are buying into it again , '' he said .
`` Clearly his authoritarian style seems to be a hit among some folks.
” But Rivero said he ’ s hearing – quietly – from more friends and relatives that they ’ re leaning toward Biden .
He joined Cubanos Con Biden .
He ’ s taken part in caravans flying the Biden/Harris flag and been shocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving them the thumbs up and asking for lawn signs .
More : A majority of Americans see Biden as more empathetic to those with COVID-19 than Trump , survey finds In the predominantly Cuban American neighborhood of Westchester , Trump supporters have held rallies nearly every Saturday outside Tropical Park going back to 2016 .
But now , Rivero said he and other Biden supporters have set up a competing rally at the same park each Saturday and have been getting similarly sized crowds .
“ We do that so when people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , ” he said .
“ They ’ ve tried to rent every corner of the city and tried to paint it as a Trump town .
We ’ re trying to provide that outlet and say , ‘ No ' . ''

Rebecca Morin, Ledyard King and Alan Gomez, USA TODAY

Biden is getting trounced with Cuban American voters in Florida, a trend that could tip the state to Trump
Show Caption Hide Caption US battleground states emerge for 2020 election Battleground states are emerging for the White House race between US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden. Both candidates are hitting the campaign trail, despite the pandemic, with hopes of widening their electoral map. (Sept. 9) AP
MIAMI, Fla. – Annette Collazo, a Florida Democrat who is running for a seat in the state legislature, was campaigning at a constituent’s home when she heard a TV ad that caught her attention.
Former Vice President Joe Biden and other Democrats were shown side-by-side with Latin American leaders such as former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. The ad was paid for by President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign and played on Spanish-language television.
“It is a concern because it's such a very offensive accusation,” said Collazo, who is Cuban American. “It's preying on people's vulnerabilities, their sensitivities, their family trauma of having to leave everything in their home country to come here."
More: 'Anxious, fearful, angry.' At 50 days out to Election Day, many voters are wary of both Trump and Biden
“I think it’s deceptive,” Collazo said of comparing Democrats to communist dictators.
The ad is one of many that have dominated TV and radio in the state, and its message appears to be resonating with an influential group of Latino voters in Florida: Cuban Americans.
Biden is underperforming with Cuban Americans in Miami-Dade, the largest county in the state, as well as with Latino voters across Florida, according to recent polling. The lack of support from Latino voters could cost Biden a win in Florida, which has backed the national winner in every election except one since 1964.
Trump narrowly won the state four years ago by a little more than 1%, a margin of fewer than 113,000 votes out of more than 9.5 million cast.
Weeks of anxious prodding from Florida Democrats that Biden has taken the state for granted could finally be paying off.
On Tuesday, Biden will make his first visit to the Sunshine State since he secured the Democratic nomination. The former vice president also is doing more to take on the round-the-clock attacks that he's a socialist, a potent message when delivered to Latinos who fled repressive regimes. And key allies, notably former New York City Mayor and billionaire Michael Bloomberg, are pledging to expand their efforts to help Biden win the state.
With early voting just weeks away, the question now: Is it too little too late?
The importance of Miami-Dade County
Biden's visit Tuesday comes a few days after his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, campaigned in Miami, meeting with Black leaders at Florida Memorial University, a historically Black college. She also stopped for arepas at Amaize, a Venezuelan restaurant in Doral – also known as "Doralzuela" to locals due to the large Venezuelan population.
The president and Biden are virtually tied in the Sunshine State, according to an NBC News/Marist poll, after several polls over the summer had showed the former vice president with a lead over Trump.
The poll also shows Biden trailing Trump among Latino voters in the state, 46%-50%, a group Hillary Clinton won by nearly 30 points four years ago.
Hispanic people in Florida make up about a quarter of the state's roughly 21.5 million population and 17% of its registered voters. As the single biggest Hispanic ethnicity in the nation's biggest swing state, Cuban Americans in South Florida wield big influence on the political stage. They have generally leaned Republican, but younger generations are more liberal.
More: 'Outrageous': Sen. Kamala Harris, Democratic nominee for vice president, tells Black leaders in Florida Trump must be removed
A poll of Miami-Dade County voters by Bendixen & Amandi International and the Miami Herald, also showed Trump with a slight lead over Biden among all Latino voters. But the survey also found that among Cuban American voters, Trump led Biden by a whopping 38 percentage points.
Miami-Dade alone represents about 10% of the state’s votes. In 2016, Clinton won the county over Trump by more than 290,000 votes; President Barack Obama won the county by about 200,000 in 2012. While Clinton in 2016 also beat Trump statewide among Latino voters, 62% to 35%, she trailed him in support among Cuban American voters, 41% to 54%.
Biden doesn't need Florida to win the presidency, but capturing the Sunshine State would likely portend an overwhelming victory nationally and be an embarrassing setback for the president who made the state his primary residence after complaining about being treated "very badly" by political leaders in New York. No Republican since Calvin Coolidge in 1924 has captured the White House without winning Florida.
Biden has cut into Trump's support with older voters in Florida and nationally but some of his strength with that demographic has been offset by his weakness with Latino voters, including Cuban Americans.
Biden could get a boost from outside his campaign. A top aide to former presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg confirmed media reports that the former New York City mayor plans to spend at least $100 million to help Biden in Florida.
Nuestro PAC, a group focused on Latino voter outreach created by former Bernie Sanders advisor, Chuck Rocha, also is investing millions into bilingual mail outreach to newly registered Latino voters in Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
Some Democrats also want to see Biden hit back more strongly against Trump's characterization of the party as "radical socialists." The message has struck a nerve with many Latinos who are Cubans, Venezuelans and Nicaraguans, some of whom have fled communist regimes or have family members who did.
'Democrats have gone silent'
Al Cardenas, a Cuban American activist who once chaired Florida's Republican Party, said the Trump campaign has successfully wooed South Florida Latinos largely because the president's frequent broadsides against the Castro regime in Cuba and the Maduro regime in Venezuela have gone unanswered.
"Democrats have gone silent on the subject, so he filled up that silence to satisfy significant portion of the exile communities," said Cardenas, who opposes Trump's reelection but has not endorsed Biden.
Latino activists in the state have been pressing the Biden campaign to do more outreach with Hispanic voters.
In July, a seven-page letter from Florida Democratic Party field organizers accused the Biden campaign of lacking a “fully actionable field plan” as moves into working with the Florida party on voter outreach, according to the Miami Herald. Last month, Voto Latino CEO Maria Teresa Kumar said the Biden campaign nationally has not done enough outreach to the Latino community.
Susan MacManus, political science professor emeritus at South Florida University, said the letter “was no surprise to us because it happens every four years."
More: Trump campaign courts Latino voters in Arizona, historically Democrats. Here's what that looks like
"People from outside of Florida think the Latino vote in Florida is cohesive and it’s very diverse,” MacManus said.
Dario Moreno, a political professor at Florida International University who specializes in Cuba politics, said Democrats sensed momentum in Miami-Dade after they flipped two congressional seats there from Republican to Democrat in 2018 with the victories of Rep. Donna Shalala and Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
“After 2018, when (Democrats) won the two congressional seats, they really took the Latinos for granted and haven’t really worked that community as much as they should have,” Moreno said.
Door-to-door versus social media
The Trump campaign has invested heavily in Miami-Dade County. Politico reported last week that the campaign has outspent the Biden campaign by nearly $4 million in TV ads for the Miami-Fort Lauderdale media market, with much of that spent on Spanish-language ads.
While the Trump campaign has an extensive strategy of door-to-door campaigning, Democrats are relying far more on social media. Obama’s Cuba policy, which many older Cubans objected to, remains a millstone for Biden, some analysts said.
Get ready: Register to vote or check your status here
Moreno said the Biden campaign needs to invest more resources into courting Latino voters in Florida, especially given the anger among many Cuban Americans at Obama's efforts to restart diplomatic relations with Havana. Biden's serious consideration of California Rep. Karen Bass as a running mate also was damaging given her past praise for Fidel Castro, which she later renounced.
“Given the margins that Hillary Clinton won Dade County by and given how close Florida is, the Democrats have to put real resources in the Hispanic community," Moreno said. "And they have to stop offending Cuban voters."
Cardenas said the competitive presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who describes himself as a Democratic socialist, also appears to have turned off older Cuban Americans from the Democratic ticket, he said.
The Biden campaign says it is not taking the Latino vote for granted. During Harris' visit in Doral, she spoke briefly with diners in the restaurant and met with political strategist Ana Navarro and Democratic state Sen. Annette Taddeo. Navarro, who wore a Biden-Harris T-shirt, has participated in virtual roundtables with the campaign for Latino voters in Florida and Wisconsin.
The campaign this past weekend also launched a series of television and radio ads aimed at appealing to Latino voters in Florida. Two of the ads focus on Trump's handling of the economy and how Latino small business owners contribute to the economy. A third ad is focused on outreach to Puerto Rican voters in Florida that criticizes the president's response to Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island in 2017.
Ahead of the Florida primary in March, the Biden campaign also created Latino organizing groups in the state, such as Cubanos Con Biden – “Cubans With Biden" — and Boricuas Con Biden, or "Puerto Ricans With Biden."
The groups have done digital organizing, phone banking and caravans, called "Ridin' With Biden." Cubanos Con Biden has called into local radio shows to amplify Biden's campaign message and has held counterprotests to Trump supporters.
Trump, Biden campaigning differs amid pandemic With less than eight weeks until the Nov. 3 election, US President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden are taking diametrically opposite approaches to campaigning during the coronavirus pandemic. (Sept. 9) AP
Biden's Florida press secretary Kevin Munoz said the groups "ensure that members of their own community are communicating to their friends, their families about Joe Biden and doing this really culturally competent organizing."
"It speaks to the fact that we cannot just use a one-size-fits-all approach to reaching Hispanics," he said.
The Biden campaign has tried to hit back against Trump's messaging by doing interviews with local stations, including with Spanish-language stations Telemundo and Univision.
During an interview last week with NBC’s local Miami station, Biden said Trump "has done nothing to advance democracy and human rights; on the contrary, the crackdown on Cubans by the regime has gotten worse under Trump, not better."
'Do I look like a socialist?'
Biden also accused Trump of failing Venezuelans, adding that he would extend Temporary Protected Status to undocumented Venezuelans fleeing a humanitarian crisis in their country, which Trump has not done.
“Venezuelan people are worse off, living in one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world," Biden said, adding that the country is "no closer to a free election."
Visiting Pittsburgh last week, Biden also pushed back hard against being labeled a socialist.
"Do I look like a radical socialist with a soft spot for rioters. Really?" Biden said during a campaign event.
Collazo said some Democrats are have tried to combat the "radical socialist" messaging from Republicans on their own. She said she has a shirt that says "Anti-Communist" and wears it proudly.
But for Trump’s Cuban American supporters, it still comes down to that one word: socialism.
Bob Woodward book takeaways: Trump admits 'playing' down COVID threat, secret nuclear program, Kim Jong Un letters
Ricardo Gomez, a former police officer turned criminal defense attorney in Miami, said his family fought too hard to flee Fidel Castro’s Cuba only to end up with a socialist-leaning administration in the United States. Gomez, whose father fought in the Bay of Pigs invasion and was held captive by Castro’s forces for seven months, doesn’t believe that Biden and Harris are moderates, but have instead adopted the most radical ideals of the Democratic party.
“They’ve adopted Bernie Sanders, they’ve adopted the AOC model,” said Gomez, 60, referring to progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. “They’re not calling the anarchists in the street burning and looting what they are … street thugs.”
Gomez supports the idea of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – limited government programs that provide a last-resort safety net for people facing difficult times. But, he said, a Biden administration would push to vastly expand those programs, allowing people to become dependent on government handouts. And that, he said, strikes fear into the hearts of immigrants from Cuba or Venezuela or Nicaragua.
“The way communists and socialists work is they start taking from the top and distributing, but sooner or later they run out of stuff to distribute,” he said. “Do we want this to become another Cuba? Do we want this to become another Venezuela?”
Mike Rivero understands that fear. The 30-year-old Cuban American has heard the anguish in the voices of his relatives and friends when talking about the upcoming election. But Rivero, who sells cruise packages, accused the Trump campaign of exploiting those fears by exaggerating, and oftentimes lying about, what a Biden presidency would look like.
More: Where do Americans stand on election issues? Let them tell you.
“The ads down here, it’s Biden with a red background, he’s there saying he’s going to take your house,” Rivero said. “Yet we know that Joe Biden is a centrist. He’s more in the middle than Hillary (Clinton) was, he’s more in the middle than Obama was, and we know he’s not a socialist, he’s not a communist. But the Trump campaign, hats off to them. They’re basically using that fear to re-traumatize people. It’s triggering people to close up and refuse to have a conversation.”
He likens it to the psychological concept of “ancestral trauma” – when the agonies endured by one generation are passed down to the next.
Pushing back against Trump supporters
Cardenas said he doesn't understand why so many fellow Cuban Americans who fled the repressive Castro regime support the president, given his embrace of autocrats such as Russia's Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong Un.
"They haven’t learned their lesson from 1958 when Fidel said he was not a communist and he would provide good governance for everybody. And people bought into that, including everybody who came into exile a year later. And now we have Trump who made all these promises, none of which have been fulfilled and people are buying into it again," he said. "Clearly his authoritarian style seems to be a hit among some folks.”
But Rivero said he’s hearing – quietly – from more friends and relatives that they’re leaning toward Biden. He joined Cubanos Con Biden. He’s taken part in caravans flying the Biden/Harris flag and been shocked to see so many people honking, giving them the thumbs up and asking for lawn signs.
More: A majority of Americans see Biden as more empathetic to those with COVID-19 than Trump, survey finds
In the predominantly Cuban American neighborhood of Westchester, Trump supporters have held rallies nearly every Saturday outside Tropical Park going back to 2016. But now, Rivero said he and other Biden supporters have set up a competing rally at the same park each Saturday and have been getting similarly sized crowds.
“We do that so when people drive by it’s not all Trump,” he said. “They’ve tried to rent every corner of the city and tried to paint it as a Trump town. We’re trying to provide that outlet and say, ‘No'."


usatoday--2020-09-15--Theme parks could go mask-free next year if rapid COVID-19 testing is in place, ex-Disney staffer sa

According to Eddie Sotto , the only people wearing masks at theme parks should be the actors playing anthropomorphic rodents , ducks , dogs , and assorted other characters .
Yes , he knows there is a pandemic raging .
No , he ’ s not some anti-mask crusader .
Sotto spent 13 years as a Walt Disney Imagineer , the term that the company uses to describe its army of designers , writers , engineers and other creative and technical professionals who create its theme park experiences .
During that time , he had a hand in developing some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Disneyland in California and the industry 's first trackless indoor dark ride , Pooh ’ s Hunny Hunt at Tokyo Disneyland .
Sotto , now president of his own eponymous design studio , believes that social distancing , face coverings , sanitizer stations , deep cleaning of shared surfaces , and the other remedies that parks and attractions have introduced to deal with COVID-19 just aren ’ t cutting it .
“ You can ’ t treat people like they are in a hospital , ” Sotto says , referring to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what are inherently social spaces and the practices that disconnect visitors from theme park magic .
“ It ’ s a death spiral for the industry.
” Indeed , attendance at parks that have reopened amid the coronavirus pandemic has generally been disappointing .
Florida ’ s Walt Disney World , which was already operating its four theme parks with reduced hours , moved to an even shorter daily schedule earlier this month .
And some parks , such as Kennywood in Pennsylvania and its corporate cousin Story Land in New Hampshire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sotto ’ s radical solution ?
Only allow visitors through the turnstiles who have been cleared of infection .
Then let them scream to their hearts ’ content aboard roller coasters and party like it ’ s ( pre-pandemic ) 2019 .
No masks .
No distancing .
To help make these COVID-era oases possible at parks , cruise ships , stadiums , and elsewhere , Sotto plans to incorporate rapid-result testing as part of a screening process .
He envisions a minimally invasive procedure , such as providing a saliva sample @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coupled with onsite equipment that could accurately diagnose coronavirus infection within a few minutes .
And he wants to make it a fun experience .
Six months of carnage and counting : Travel industry , clobbered by coronavirus pandemic , struggles to rebound The technology isn ’ t quite there yet , but it is advancing rapidly , and should be ready for prime time soon .
Sotto says his goal is to be able to apply the strategies next season , possibly by spring 2021 .
Is the concept viable ?
Perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in rapid tests and their ability to help open communities up more , ” says Dr. Morgan Katz , an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University and an infectious disease expert .
But she says she is also a strong advocate for wearing masks and other preventative practices .
“ Do I think you can do one or the other ?
” Katz continues .
“ At this point , no .
It needs to be a combination of efforts.
” Still , she agrees there are merits to the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the success that the NBA has had with its social cocoon at the ESPN sports complex located at – ironically enough – Disney World .
And Katz notes that coronavirus tests have been evolving and improving at an impressive rate , pointing to the recent rapid antigen card test developed by Abbott Labs , which was given emergency approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration , as a promising example .
Given time , it may be possible for rapid tests to deliver more accurate findings and reduce both false negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Katz says that Sotto ’ s mask-free proposition just might work , adding , “ I don ’ t think it 's completely off the table.
” For Sotto , the `` aha '' moment came when he was considering airports and TSA security checkpoints .
Once passengers pass the screening process and enter the sheltered bubble of the terminal , they feel protected from the threat of terrorism .
Likewise , one of the primary tenets of Imagineering is to provide reassurance to theme park guests .
“ Making people feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a park , ” Sotto says .
“ They can ’ t enjoy an experience unless they are reassured.
” Airports may have provided the inspiration for developing COVID-free bubbles , but with their imposing screening devices and processes administered by grim TSA officers , they also offered a case study in how not to treat guests .
Sotto believes they are destroying the desire to travel .
Instead , he plans to use a “ secret weapon ” that attraction designers have in their tool kits : creating fun experiences .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoyable , and above all , whimsical .
It ’ s the imagination side of the Imagineering equation .
As an example , Sotto says that a Breathalyzer-type device could be disguised and themed as a bubble maker .
He describes a fanciful , interactive experience with guests blowing virtual bubbles that encase their images and follow them through a colorful space .
All the while , they are actually providing a sample that is collected and evaluated .
At the end of the experience , their bubbles could glow green to indicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s what Imagineers do , ” Sotto says .
“ We never settle .
We ask why can ’ t we make something better and more fun.
” Might the need for screening systems disappear once a vaccine is developed and deployed ?
Sotto doesn ’ t think so .
He again points to airports , noting that nearly two decades after the Sept.11 attacks and even some failed terrorist plots , airline passengers still have to go through security checkpoints and remove their shoes .
Likewise , he thinks the pandemic has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other places will want to be prepared for future pandemics and other events , and visitors will continue to want to be reassured before they engage in shared experiences .
That ’ s why Sotto calls his screening division Futureproof Experiences .
“ Our goal is to restore the happiest places on Earth to be the safest places on Earth , ” he says .

Theme parks could go mask-free next year if rapid COVID-19 testing is in place, ex-Disney staffer says
Show Caption Hide Caption Disney World reopens with new safety measures amid COVID concerns As Walt Disney World reopens, here are some new health and safety measures you may see. USA TODAY
According to Eddie Sotto, the only people wearing masks at theme parks should be the actors playing anthropomorphic rodents, ducks, dogs, and assorted other characters. Yes, he knows there is a pandemic raging. No, he’s not some anti-mask crusader.
Sotto spent 13 years as a Walt Disney Imagineer, the term that the company uses to describe its army of designers, writers, engineers and other creative and technical professionals who create its theme park experiences. During that time, he had a hand in developing some landmark attractions including the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland in California and the industry's first trackless indoor dark ride, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt at Tokyo Disneyland.
Sotto, now president of his own eponymous design studio, believes that social distancing, face coverings, sanitizer stations, deep cleaning of shared surfaces, and the other remedies that parks and attractions have introduced to deal with COVID-19 just aren’t cutting it.
“You can’t treat people like they are in a hospital,” Sotto says, referring to the attempts to keep people safely apart at what are inherently social spaces and the practices that disconnect visitors from theme park magic. “It’s a death spiral for the industry.”
Indeed, attendance at parks that have reopened amid the coronavirus pandemic has generally been disappointing. Florida’s Walt Disney World, which was already operating its four theme parks with reduced hours, moved to an even shorter daily schedule this month. And some parks, such as Kennywood in Pennsylvania and its corporate cousin Story Land in New Hampshire, called it a season on Labor Day.
Sotto’s radical solution? Only allow visitors through the turnstiles who have been cleared of infection. Then let them scream to their hearts’ content aboard roller coasters and party like it’s (pre-pandemic) 2019. No masks. No distancing.
To help make these COVID-era oases possible at parks, cruise ships, stadiums, and elsewhere, Sotto plans to incorporate rapid-result testing as part of a screening process. He envisions a minimally invasive procedure, such as providing a saliva sample or blowing into a Breathalyzer-like device, coupled with on-site equipment that could accurately diagnose coronavirus infection within a few minutes. And he wants to make it a fun experience.
Six months of carnage and counting: Travel industry, clobbered by coronavirus pandemic, struggles to rebound
The technology isn’t quite there yet, but it is advancing rapidly, and should be ready for prime time soon. Sotto says his goal is to be able to apply the strategies next season, possibly by spring.
Is the concept viable? Perhaps.
“I’m a believer in rapid tests and their ability to help open communities up more,” says Dr. Morgan Katz, an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University and an infectious disease expert. But she says she is also a strong advocate for wearing masks and other preventive practices.
“Do I think you can do one or the other?” Katz continues. “At this point, no. It needs to be a combination of efforts.”
Still, she agrees there are merits to the idea of establishing a protective bubble and points to the success the NBA has had with its social cocoon at the ESPN sports complex located at – ironically enough – Disney World. And Katz notes that coronavirus tests have been evolving at an impressive rate, pointing to the recent rapid antigen card test developed by Abbott Labs, which was given emergency approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as a promising example.
Given time, it may be possible for rapid tests to deliver more accurate findings and reduce inaccurate results. By next spring, Katz says that Sotto’s mask-free proposition just might work, adding, “I don’t think it's completely off the table.”
For Sotto, the "aha" moment came when he was considering airports and TSA security checkpoints. Once passengers pass the screening process and enter the sheltered bubble of the terminal, they feel protected from the threat of terrorism. Likewise, one of the primary tenets of Imagineering is to provide reassurance to theme park guests.
“Making people feel safe and happy is the chief objective at a park,” Sotto says. “They can’t enjoy an experience unless they are reassured.”
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Airports may have provided the inspiration for developing COVID-free bubbles, but with their imposing screening devices and processes administered by grim TSA officers, they also offered a case study in how not to treat guests. Sotto believes they are destroying the desire to travel.
Instead, he plans to use a “secret weapon” that attraction designers have in their tool kits: creating fun experiences. His COVID-screening procedure would be seamless, enjoyable, and above all, whimsical. It’s the imagination side of the Imagineering equation.
As an example, Sotto says that a Breathalyzer-type device could be disguised and themed as a bubble maker. He describes a fanciful, interactive experience with guests blowing virtual bubbles that encase their images and follow them through a colorful space. All the while, they are actually providing a sample that is collected and evaluated. At the end of the experience, their bubbles could glow green to indicate they are infection-free.
“That’s what Imagineers do,” Sotto says. “We never settle. We ask why can’t we make something better and more fun.”
Might the need for screening systems disappear once a vaccine is developed and deployed? Sotto doesn’t think so. He again points to airports, noting that nearly two decades after the Sept.11 attacks and even some failed terrorist plots, airline passengers still have to go through security checkpoints and remove their shoes. Likewise, he thinks the pandemic has precipitated a new normal.
Parks and other places will want to be prepared for future pandemics and other events, and visitors will continue to want to be reassured before they engage in shared experiences. That’s why Sotto calls his screening division Futureproof Experiences.
“Our goal is to restore the happiest places on Earth to be the safest places on Earth,” he says.


usatoday--2020-09-15--Eric Reid calls NFL's racial justice efforts 'half-hearted,' use of Colin Kaepernick's image 'diabol

Free agent safety Eric Reid has supported Colin Kaepernick before .
In 2016 , he became one of the quarterback 's first teammates to join him in kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice .
Reid went to bat for Kaepernick again Monday , blasting commissioner Roger Goodell for being opportunistic and saying that the league using footage of Kaepernick protesting during the playing of `` Lift Every Voice and Sing '' is `` diabolical . ''
`` What the @ NFL is doing is half-hearted at best , '' Reid tweeted , before turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nflcommish has gotten comfortable saying he 'was wrong ' as if his mere acknowledgement reconciles his admitted wrongdoing .
He hasn ’ t even called Colin to apologize , let alone reconcile , proving this is only PR for the current business climate .
`` As such , Roger Goodell uses video of Colin courageously kneeling to legitimize their disingenuous PR while simultaneously perpetuating systemic oppression , that the video he ’ s using fights against , by continuing to rob Colin of his career .
It ’ s diabolical . ''
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to players and offering more encouragement to express their beliefs .
Reid 's tweets came a day after Kaepernick offered his support of Reid on social media , saying the NFL was `` blackballing '' his former teammate .
`` While the NFL runs propaganda about how they care about Black Life , they are still actively blackballing Eric Reid ( @ E_Reid35 ) for fighting for the Black community , '' Kaepernick tweeted Sunday afternoon .
`` Eric set 2 franchise records last year , and is one of the best defensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 28 , recorded 97 solo tackles ( 130 total ) , but he was released in March following a coaching change .

Eric Reid calls NFL's racial justice efforts 'half-hearted,' use of Colin Kaepernick's image 'diabolical'
Show Caption Hide Caption Ed Reed on NFL's social justice end zone messages: 'We've been knowing these messages... what are we really doing' SportsPulse: Mackenzie Salmon connected with Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed to get his thoughts on the NFL's new social justice messaging that will be featured on end zones this year. Reed was pretty blunt about what 'messages' mean at this point. USA TODAY
Free agent safety Eric Reid has supported Colin Kaepernick before. In 2016, he became one of the quarterback's first teammates to join him in kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice.
Reid went to bat for Kaepernick again Monday, blasting commissioner Roger Goodell for being opportunistic and saying that the league using footage of Kaepernick protesting during the playing of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" is "diabolical."
"What the @NFL is doing is half-hearted at best," Reid tweeted, before turning his attention to Goodell. "@nflcommish has gotten comfortable saying he 'was wrong' as if his mere acknowledgement reconciles his admitted wrongdoing. He hasn’t even called Colin to apologize, let alone reconcile, proving this is only PR for the current business climate.
"As such, Roger Goodell uses video of Colin courageously kneeling to legitimize their disingenuous PR while simultaneously perpetuating systemic oppression, that the video he’s using fights against, by continuing to rob Colin of his career. It’s diabolical."
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2/2 business climate. As such, Roger Goodell uses video of Colin courageously kneeling to legitimize their disingenuous PR while simultaneously perpetuating systemic oppression, that the video he’s using fights against, by continuing to rob Colin of his career. It’s diabolical. — Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) September 14, 2020
In June, Goodell apologized for not listening to players and offering more encouragement to express their beliefs.
Reid's tweets came a day after Kaepernick offered his support of Reid on social media, saying the NFL was "blackballing" his former teammate.
"While the NFL runs propaganda about how they care about Black Life, they are still actively blackballing Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) for fighting for the Black community," Kaepernick tweeted Sunday afternoon. "Eric set 2 franchise records last year, and is one of the best defensive players in the league."
While the NFL runs propaganda about how they care about Black Life, they are still actively blackballing Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) for fighting for the Black community. Eric set 2 franchise records last year, and is one of the best defensive players in the league. https://t.co/KQXTaOCcnU — Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) September 13, 2020
Reid, 28, recorded 97 solo tackles (130 total), but he was released in March following a coaching change.
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.


usatoday--2020-09-15--As more schools shift to online learning, what should they do about cyberattacks?

PATERSON , N.J. — Some New Jersey students got a lesson in the pitfalls of virtual learning recently when their online classes were interrupted by obscenities , pornography and threats against teachers .
But the Paterson schools aren ’ t alone in dealing with electronic intrusions in the age of virtual learning .
Similar incidents have been reported in districts across the country , from California , Miami and Ohio to Lumberton , New Jersey , which was bombarded with pornographic images and racist language during Zoom conferences in April .
Problems with online security and privacy — from student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to only get worse as schools across the country shift to full- or part-time virtual learning because of the coronavirus pandemic , experts warn .
“ Zoom bombing , cyberbullying , phishing – you name it .
It has increased astronomically .
Everybody needs to be really mindful about security right now , ” said Kutub Thakur , an assistant professor and director of the Cyber Defense & Security Program at New Jersey City University .
“ Because everything is online , hackers are more active .
They target school systems and students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t really have any boundaries.
” In the spring , disruptions by intruders who shared hate-filled and pornographic content became so common that a new term was coined for the cyber-invasions : “ Zoom bombing , ” named for the popular videoconferencing platform .
Zoom and other technology companies responded by unveiling security updates including encryption and new privacy controls .
In Paterson , this month 's intrusions came on Google Meet , another platform used widely by schools .
At least 20 of the city ’ s roughly 50 schools were affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to educators .
On Friday , the school district identified between five and 10 Paterson students who officials say may have been responsible .
Officials said the culprits apparently got access to classes they were not enrolled in because students shared links and codes for the Google Meet sessions .
A class of 100 ?
: COVID-19 plans overwhelming some teachers with huge virtual classes “ If you have a public meeting where a password and link can be shared , that can cause problems , ” said Jaideep Vaidya , director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Learning , and Analytics .
“ People can log in from different accounts .
They can share it with friends who are not even in school.
” The most important defense measure schools can take , he said , was to continuously update software applications and use security features that control when people get admitted , who gets admitted , and what they are allowed to do .
Schools can make meetings private , open them only to invited participants and ask students to log in with a unique ID and password @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ waiting room ” where they admit students individually into an online class .
Some apps allow the host to block the transferring of files , mute microphones and restrict people from showing their screens .
Given the sheer number of people online , more problems can be expected .
And it ’ s not just salacious content that ’ s a concern .
Schools are vulnerable to phishing , where scammers use fraudulent emails to access personal information or install malware .
That can lead to ransomware attempts , when scammers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a school from accessing data and files until a ransom is paid .
In New Jersey , ransomware attacks were reported in Livingston and in Cherry Hill last fall , while Somerset Hills was hit this month .
Hospitals and other businesses also have been targeted .
For criminals , the schemes targeting schools may look even more attractive now , Vaidya said , given how dependent they are on virtual learning .
That could drive up ransom demands or make districts more likely to pay promptly , he said .
Thakur , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools must ensure anti-virus software and firewalls are up to date and that security devices are checked on a regular basis .
Schools also should back up all information and files in case of a ransomware attack .
Cybersecurity problems result from human action , so schools must educate staff , students and parents to prevent them , Thakur stressed .
“ Invest in online security education and how you protect yourself , '' he said .
`` In every class , there should be some kind of security awareness training and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tip : Schools should provide a disclaimer or warning that information about online classes and activity is restricted and can not be shared outside invited participants .
In Paterson , officials are trying to get that message across by disciplining the suspects who disrupted learning in nearly half the city ’ s schools .
Paterson Superintendent Eileen Shafer said the district is in the process of confirming the students ’ roles in the disruptions and may impose suspensions by Monday .
Shafer also said the Passaic County Prosecutor ’ s Office would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the virtual classes and the Paterson Police Department alerted about those who made threats .
“ There ’ s zero tolerance for this , ” Shafer said in an interview .
“ We wouldn ’ t tolerate it in a classroom in a physical building and we won ’ t tolerate it online .
”

As schools shift to online learning, what should they do about cyberattacks?
Show Caption Hide Caption Garfield school prepares for reopening Garfield school prepares for reopening. Tariq Zehawi, NorthJersey
PATERSON, N.J. – Some students got a lesson in the pitfalls of virtual learning when their online classes were interrupted by obscenities, pornography and threats against teachers.
Paterson schools aren’t alone in dealing with electronic intrusions in the age of virtual learning. Similar incidents have been reported in districts from California, Miami and Ohio to Lumberton, New Jersey, which was bombarded with pornographic images and racist language during Zoom conferences in April.
Problems with online security and privacy – from student pranks to ransomware attacks – are expected to get worse as schools shift to full- or part-time virtual learning because of the coronavirus pandemic, experts warned.
“Zoom bombing, cyberbullying, phishing – you name it, it has increased astronomically. Everybody needs to be really mindful about security right now,” said Kutub Thakur, an assistant professor and director of the Cyber Defense and Security Program at New Jersey City University. “Because everything is online, hackers are more active. They target school systems and students who are young, and they don’t really have any boundaries.”
In the spring, disruptions by intruders who spread hate-filled and pornographic content became so common that a term was coined for the online invasions: “zoom bombing,” named for the popular videoconferencing platform. Zoom and other technology companies responded by unveiling security updates, including encryption and privacy controls.
In Paterson, this month's intrusions came on Google Meet, another platform used widely by schools. At least 20 of the city’s roughly 50 schools were affected by the onslaught of inappropriate content, according to educators.
Friday, the school district identified five to 10 students who may have been responsible. Officials said the culprits apparently got access to classes they were not enrolled in because students shared links and codes for the Google Meet sessions.
A class of 100? COVID-19 plans overwhelm teachers with huge virtual classes
“If you have a public meeting where a password and link can be shared, that can cause problems,” said Jaideep Vaidya, director of the Rutgers Institute for Data Science, Learning and Analytics. “People can log in from different accounts. They can share it with friends who are not even in school.”
The most important defense measure schools can take, he said, is to continuously update software applications and use security features that control when people get admitted, who gets admitted and what they are allowed to do.
Schools can make meetings private, open them only to invited participants and ask students to log in with a unique ID and password. The meeting host can use a “waiting room” to admit students individually into an online class.
Some apps allow the host to block the transferring of files, mute microphones and restrict people from showing their screens.
Given the sheer number of people online, more problems can be expected. It’s not just salacious content that’s a concern.
Vulnerabilities of online learning
Schools are vulnerable to phishing, a process by which scammers use fraudulent emails to access personal information or install malware. That can lead to ransomware attempts, in which scammers get access to a system and block a school from data and files until a ransom is paid.
In New Jersey, ransomware attacks were reported in Livingston and in Cherry Hill last fall, and Somerset Hills was hit this month. Hospitals and other businesses also have been targeted.
For criminals, the schemes targeting schools may look even more attractive, Vaidya said, given how dependent they are on virtual learning. That could drive up ransom demands or make districts more likely to pay promptly, he said.
Thakur said schools must ensure that anti-virus software and firewalls are up to date and that security devices are checked on a regular basis. Schools should back up all information and files in case of a ransomware attack.
Cybersecurity problems result from human action, so schools must educate staff, students and parents to prevent them, Thakur stressed.
COVID-19 and schools: Summer parties, teacher shortages push suburban schools to scrap reopening plans
“Invest in online security education and how you protect yourself," he said. "In every class, there should be some kind of security awareness training and some sort of security guidelines."
Another tip: Schools should provide a disclaimer or warning that information about online classes and activity is restricted and cannot be shared outside invited participants.
Paterson officials are trying to get that message across by disciplining those suspected of disrupting learning in nearly half the city’s schools.
Superintendent Eileen Shafer said the district was trying to confirm the students’ roles in the disruptions.
Shafer said the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office would be notified about students who showed pornographic images in the virtual classes and the Paterson Police Department alerted about those who made threats.
“There’s zero tolerance for this,” Shafer said in an interview. “We wouldn’t tolerate it in a classroom in a physical building, and we won’t tolerate it online.”
Contributing: Joe Malinconico