usatoday--2020-09-11--'Mulan' controversy: Congressional commission writes to Disney CEO Bob Chapek demanding answers

Disney 's live-action `` Mulan '' is coming under fire for filming partly in China 's Xinjiang province , where there have been allegations of human rights abuses .
Activists and organizations have taken to social media to denounce the film after noticing the end credits share a `` special thanks '' to multiple government entities in Xinjiang .
And now , a congressional commission is demanding answers from Disney 's CEO .
In July , Washington sanctioned senior Chinese officials who it claimed are responsible for mass detentions , religious persecution and forced sterilization against Muslim Uighur minorities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistreats Uighur Muslims in far-western Xinjiang , but human rights organizations and foreign media reports alleged that authorities detained about a million people in so-called re-education camps .
China said the camps are vocational centers needed to counter radicalism .
On Friday , the Congressional-Executive Commission on China said on Twitter that it sent a bipartisan letter to Disney ’ s Chief Executive Officer , Bob Chapek , demanding answers about Disney ’ s dealings with the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region ( XUAR ) .
“ Disney ’ s apparent cooperation with officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China ( PRC ) who are most responsible for committing atrocities – or for covering up those crimes – is profoundly disturbing , ” the letter reads .
It continues , “ The decision to film parts of ‘ Mulan ’ in the XUAR , in cooperation with local security and propaganda elements , offers tacit legitimacy to these perpetrators of crimes that may warrant the designation of genocide.
” The letter also lists several specific points for the CEO to address that involve the company 's dealings in the region as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights abuses while making `` Mulan . ''
USA TODAY has reached out to Disney for comment .
This is n't the only controversy surrounding `` Mulan . ''
The film 's star Yifei Liu walked into her first global controversy last August when she retweeted a post supportive of Chinese-backed police against Hong Kong protesters .
The tweet drew heavy criticism and intensified calls from global critics to boycott the remake .
I 've fought China 's slow-motion genocide of Uighur Muslims : Now , my family are victims .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uyghur human rights , tweeted a statement Monday about the filming location as well as Liu 's tweet .
`` In the new # Mulan , @ Disney thanks the public security bureau in ( Xinjiang city ) Turpan , which has been involved in the internment camps in East Turkistan , '' the statement read .
`` Last year , the actor publicly supported the # HongKongPolice in their violent crackdowns on pro-democracy protesters . ''
User @ jeannette_ng shared an image of the credit screen to Twitter on Sunday .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicity department of CPC Xinjiang uyghur autonomous region committee in the credits .
You know , the place where the cultural genocide is happening , '' the caption reads .
`` They filmed extensively in Xinjiang , which the subtitles call 'Northwest China ' # BoycottMulan . ''
User @ JooeySiiu tweeted Tuesday , `` Not only did the actress Liu Yi-fei of # Mulan publicly supported # PoliceBrutality , the film was also found to be filmed in Xinjiang — where the CCP detains countless Uyghurs inside the 're-education camps ' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Uyghurs . ''
Hong Kong activist Nathan Law tweeted Monday , `` Why we should # BoycottMulan ?
It ’ s about hypocrisy .
In Hollywood movies , they claim to embrace social justice .
In fact , they kowtow to autocratic China disgracefully .
They shamed themselves by upholding values they don ’ t even believe in .
Movies , should be more than money . ''
User @ shawnwzhang tweeted Monday , `` Mulan thanks Turpan Bureau of Public Security because it was filmed in Turpan in 2018 , the peak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Uyghur were put into camps by Turpan Bureau of Public Security when filming Mulan there ? ''
In an interview with USA TODAY before the movie 's release , Liu said she is n't engaging in political discussion as an actress , adding that she was naïve to step into the debate .
`` It 's obviously very frustrating and obviously this is a very complicated question , '' she says .
`` I 'm not a political expert , I 'm an artist , so I just hoped this gets resolved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Meet Disney 's new 'Mulan' 'Mulan ' is streaming : Live-action 'Mulan ' is on Disney+ – but there 's a catch

'Mulan' controversy: Congressional commission writes to Disney CEO Bob Chapek demanding answers
Show Caption Hide Caption Stars say 'Mulan' brings fresh approach to ancient Chinese story Action star Jet Li - who appears opposite Liu Yifei in the latest version of "Mulan" - says he signed up to the movie at the insistence of his 15-year-old daughter. (Sept. 2) AP
Disney's live-action "Mulan" is coming under fire for filming partly in China's Xinjiang province, where there have been allegations of human rights abuses.
Activists and organizations have taken to social media to denounce the film after noticing the end credits share a "special thanks" to multiple government entities in Xinjiang. And now, a congressional commission is demanding answers from Disney's CEO.
In July, Washington sanctioned senior Chinese officials who it claimed are responsible for mass detentions, religious persecution and forced sterilization against Muslim Uighur minorities in Xinjiang.
China has repeatedly denied it mistreats Uighur Muslims in far-western Xinjiang, but human rights organizations and foreign media reports alleged that authorities detained about a million people in so-called re-education camps. China said the camps are vocational centers needed to counter radicalism.
On Friday, the Congressional-Executive Commission on China said on Twitter that it sent a bipartisan letter to Disney’s Chief Executive Officer, Bob Chapek, demanding answers about Disney’s dealings with the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
“Disney’s apparent cooperation with officials of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) who are most responsible for committing atrocities – or for covering up those crimes – is profoundly disturbing,” the letter reads.
Chairs send bipartisan letter to @Disney inquiring about the filming of #Mulan in #Xinjiang #Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and #Disney’s relationship with security and propaganda entities responsible for committing, or covering up, atrocities in the #XUAR. pic.twitter.com/ucKTc7o1LV — China Commission (@CECCgov) September 11, 2020
It continues, “The decision to film parts of ‘Mulan’ in the XUAR, in cooperation with local security and propaganda elements, offers tacit legitimacy to these perpetrators of crimes that may warrant the designation of genocide.”
The letter also lists several specific points for the CEO to address that involve the company's dealings in the region as well as its executives' awareness of alleged human rights abuses while making "Mulan."
On Thursday, Disney CFO Christine McCarthy addressed the criticism at a virtual Bank of America investor conference.
“Mulan was primarily shot – almost the entirety – in New Zealand,” McCarthy told the conference. “And in an effort to accurately depict some of the unique landscape and geography of the country of China for this historical period-piece drama, we filmed scenery in 20 different locations in China.
“Now, it’s common knowledge that in order to film in China, you have to be granted permission, and that permission comes from the central government’s publicity department. It’s also common knowledge in the film industry, and it’s a practice that is done throughout the world, to acknowledge in a film’s credits the national and local governments that allowed you to film there. And so, in our credits, it recognized both China, as well as locations in New Zealand.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Disney for comment.
This isn't the only controversy surrounding "Mulan."
The film's star Yifei Liu walked into her first global controversy last August when she retweeted a post supportive of Chinese-backed police against Hong Kong protesters. The tweet drew heavy criticism and intensified calls from global critics to boycott the remake.
I've fought China's slow-motion genocide of Uighur Muslims: Now, my family are victims.
The World Uyghur Congress, an organization promoting Uyghur human rights, tweeted a statement Monday about the filming location as well as Liu's tweet.
"In the new #Mulan, @Disney thanks the public security bureau in (Xinjiang city) Turpan, which has been involved in the internment camps in East Turkistan," the statement read. "Last year, the actor publicly supported the #HongKongPolice in their violent crackdowns on pro-democracy protesters."
User @jeannette_ng shared an image of the credit screen to Twitter on Sunday.
"Mulan specifically thank(s) the publicity department of CPC Xinjiang uyghur autonomous region committee in the credits. You know, the place where the cultural genocide is happening," the caption reads. "They filmed extensively in Xinjiang, which the subtitles call 'Northwest China' #BoycottMulan."
User @JooeySiiu tweeted Tuesday, "Not only did the actress Liu Yi-fei of #Mulan publicly supported #PoliceBrutality, the film was also found to be filmed in Xinjiang — where the CCP detains countless Uyghurs inside the 're-education camps'. #BoycottMulan, for Hongkongers and for Uyghurs."
Hong Kong activist Nathan Law tweeted Monday, "Why we should #BoycottMulan? It’s about hypocrisy. In Hollywood movies, they claim to embrace social justice. In fact, they kowtow to autocratic China disgracefully. They shamed themselves by upholding values they don’t even believe in. Movies, should be more than money."
User @shawnwzhang tweeted Monday, "Mulan thanks Turpan Bureau of Public Security because it was filmed in Turpan in 2018, the peak of re-education campaign. How many thousands of Uyghur were put into camps by Turpan Bureau of Public Security when filming Mulan there?"
In an interview with USA TODAY before the movie's release, Liu said she isn't engaging in political discussion as an actress, adding that she was naïve to step into the debate.
"It's obviously very frustrating and obviously this is a very complicated question," she says. "I'm not a political expert, I'm an artist, so I just hoped this gets resolved soon."
Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard, Bryan Alexander, Charles Trepany
Who is Yifei Liu? Meet Disney's new 'Mulan'
'Mulan' is streaming: Live-action 'Mulan' is on Disney+ – but there's a catch


usatoday--2020-09-12--Coronavirus updates: 'Normal living' will come months after vaccine, Fauci says; Florida bars to re-

On the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack , Americans are struggling with feelings of safety once again as another American is diagnosed with the coronavirus every 2.45 seconds .
While a race to a vaccine is widely considered the only path back to a pre-pandemic way of life , Dr. Anthony Fauci cautioned that a safe and effective vaccine will not immediately bring back normalcy .
A return to `` normal living '' — life without masks and physical distancing , where people can go to a movie or a large gathering without fear of becoming infected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several months '' after a vaccine first arrives , Fauci , said on CNN .
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said infection rates need to drop dramatically , something expected after the months-long logistical nightmare of manufacturing hundreds of millions of vaccines and distributing them .
Meanwhile , most state case counts and deaths , with the exception of Wisconsin , are improving across the nation , but deaths are still more than a third higher than they were at the beginning of July .
America has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• California reached a bleak milestone , becoming the first state in the nation to reach 750,000 coronavirus cases .
Los Angeles County claims a third of those cases , becoming the first county to surpass 250,000 cases .
• The Senate failed to pass a slimmed-down coronavirus relief bill Thursday in a 52-47 vote .
One Republican senator voted with Democrats against the bill .
• New York City , transit commuters will face a $ 50 fine beginning Monday if they refuse to wear a face mask 📈 Today 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6.4 million confirmed cases and more than 192,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
Globally , there are more than 28 million cases and more than 911,000 fatalities .
📰 What we 're reading : The sprint to create a COVID-19 vaccine started in January .
So , where do things stand ?
We took a look at how we got here – and how far we have to go .
Read it here .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak , state by state This file will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
NIH directer 'puzzled and rather disheartened ' by large events , Trump rallies The director of the National Institutes of Health , Dr. Francis Collins , expressed disappointment in the political divisiveness over protection measures against the coronavirus , as seen by the large crowds that gather at President Donald Trump 's rallies .
`` As a scientist , I 'm pretty puzzled and rather disheartened , '' Collins said Thursday when asked during a CNN town hall what he thinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan rally where few wore masks or kept distance from each other .
Trump 's campaign rally on Thursday , held at MBS International Airport near Saginaw , drew more than 5,000 supporters .
Despite state guidelines that require masks in areas where it is not possible to maintain 6 feet of distance from others , many in the crowd were seen without them .
Trump 's recent rallies have often featured largely maskless crowds .
The Republican National Convention was also criticized for speeches delivered in front of large crowds .
Children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a day camp spread it to their relatives , according to a new report that underscores that kids can bring the germ home and infect others .
Scientists already know children can spread the virus .
But the study published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “ definitively indicates — in a way that previous studies have struggled to do — the potential for transmission to family members , ” said William Hanage , a Harvard University infectious diseases researcher .
The findings don ’ t mean that schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it does confirm that the virus can spread within those places and then be brought home by kids .
So , masks , disinfection and social distancing are needed .
And people who work in such facilities have to be careful and get tested if they think they may be infected , experts said .
The study also shows that children with no symptoms , or very mild symptoms , can spread the infection , just like adults can .
Ohio State University students can expect the “ new normal ” on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the spring , officials said in an announcement Friday .
The university announced plans to continue a mix of in-person and online courses for the spring semester , cancel spring break and make other changes to the academic calendar as it continues to work through the COVID-19 pandemic .
Provost Bruce A. McPheron said in an email to the university community that existing health measures and policies will continue to be in place in the spring .
Instead of spring break , there will be two `` instructional breaks , '' or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach will keep our community together throughout the semester and reduce travel-related exposures , ” McPheron said .
New data suggests that young people may be more at risk for severe developments from coronavirus infection than previously thought .
A study of more than 3,200 hospitalized young adults , age 18 to 34 , found that about 1 in 5 of them required intensive care , according to a Harvard research letter published Wednesday in JAMA Internal Medicine .
Researchers also found that 10 % required mechanical ventilation and 2.7 % died .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower than that reported for older adults with COVID-19 , young adults with at least one underlying condition faced risks comparable with those observed in middle-aged adults without them .
Harvard scientists also noted that more than half of these patients requiring hospitalization were Black or Hispanic .
Cases and deaths are down , but remain devastating Wisconsin on Thursday set a record for the most coronavirus cases in a week – and it was the only state to do so .
In July ’ s devastating surge , it wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new records every day .
But while most states are doing better than their worst , the country continues to bear a terrible burden .
Deaths are still more than a third higher than they were at the beginning of July .
An American has been dying of COVID-19 every two minutes , Johns Hopkins University data shows .
Nearly 5,000 Americans died in the latest week .
America has been averaging about 35,000 cases per day .
In the latest week , that means every 2.45 seconds another American is diagnosed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nearly a quarter-million Americans tested positive .
On a person-by-person basis , America reports in four days the number of cases South Korea has reported in the entire pandemic .
Adjusted for population , America reports as many deaths between breakfast and lunch as Vietnam has ever had .
Cases are rising again in the European Union , but the United States has substantially more cases with substantially less population .
And the European Union has been reporting deaths at a fifth the pace of the United States .
The United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s population , 22.7 % of the world ’ s reported cases and 21.1 % of its deaths .
Adults with COVID-19 are more likely to have dined out : CDC study Eating out at restaurants is a high-risk activity , according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The study found adults with confirmed COVID-19 were about twice as likely as other study participants to say they dined out at a restaurant in the 14 days before becoming sick .
Also , positive patients were more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or coffee shop when the analysis was limited to those without close contact to people with known coronavirus .
The study included 314 symptomatic adults who were tested for COVID-19 in July at 11 health care facilities across multiple states .
Of that group , 154 patients tested positive for COVID-19 .
Florida bars will be allowed to reopen Monday at half capacity , state says Raise a glass : Florida bars may reopen Monday at half capacity .
Halsey Beshears , secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Florida Gov .
Ron DeSantis on June 26 ordered all bars shut down .
`` Starting Monday , all bars will be reopened at 50 % occupancy , '' Beshears announced on Twitter on Thursday evening .
Restrictions put in place at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic still limit restaurants to operating at only 50 % capacity for indoor dining rooms , with tables 6 feet apart to comply with social distancing orders .
Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey on Trump : ' I do not feel misled ' on COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dangers of the novel coronavirus have not shaken Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey 's faith in Trump 's handling of the pandemic , the Republican leader said Thursday .
`` I do not feel misled , '' Ducey said at an afternoon news briefing , which primarily focused on suicide prevention .
`` There has been a sense of urgency and seriousness about this since Day One . ''
Ducey brushed off the news of the president 's conflicting remarks , sidestepping a question about whether he knew of Trump 's plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguing that , for him , `` trust is built through experience and actions . ''
According to a new book by journalist Bob Woodward , Trump knew weeks before the first confirmed U.S. coronavirus death that COVID-19 was deadly , highly contagious and a threat to young people , not just older adults .
Airline workers look to Congress to save them from October layoffs The days are quickly counting down for thousands of pilots , flight attendants , gate agents and other airline workers who face the prospect of being laid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Congress does n't come through with a new stimulus agreement .
`` Without additional federal aid , U.S. airlines will be forced to make very difficult business decisions including furloughs and service reductions , '' wrote Carter Yang , spokesman for the airlines ' chief industry organization , Airlines for America , in a note to USA TODAY .
Why the urgency ?
The Department of Transportation barred airlines that accepted stimulus money from laying off employees until at least Oct. 1 , when $ 25 billion in payroll support protection money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , the Senate failed to reach the 60-vote minimum needed to pass a slimmed-down , $ 300 billion GOP coronavirus relief package that did n't allocate any aid for the airline industry .
That leaves open the chance that airline funds could be included in a compromise measure with the House .
Survey : Joe Biden more empathetic to those with COVID-19 than Donald Trump Nearly three quarters of Americans say they see Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as more caring to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic , while less than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , a new survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project finds .
Also , a combined 66 % of Americans say Biden is more caring to those who have lost their jobs , compared with Trump at 53 % .
Robert Griffin , the research director for the Democracy Fund , said that Biden is likely seen more empathetic because he is seen as a `` relatively compassionate person , '' while Trump is seen as a `` no nonsense deal maker . ''
• On Facebook : There 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .
• In your inbox : Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
• Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .

Jessica Flores, Adrianna Rodriguez and Joel Shannon, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: 'Normal living' will come months after vaccine, Fauci says; Florida bars to re-open at half-capacity
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
On the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, Americans are struggling with feelings of safety once again as another American is diagnosed with the coronavirus every 2.45 seconds.
While a race to a vaccine is widely considered the only path back to a pre-pandemic way of life, Dr. Anthony Fauci cautioned that a safe and effective vaccine will not immediately bring back normalcy.
A return to "normal living" — life without masks and physical distancing, where people can go to a movie or a large gathering without fear of becoming infected with COVID-19 — won't come until "several months" after a vaccine first arrives, Fauci, said on CNN.
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said infection rates need to drop dramatically, something expected after the months-long logistical nightmare of manufacturing hundreds of millions of vaccines and distributing them.
Meanwhile, most state case counts and deaths, with the exception of Wisconsin, are improving across the nation, but deaths are still more than a third higher than they were at the beginning of July. America has been averaging about 35,000 cases per day.
Some significant developments:
California reached a bleak milestone, becoming the first state in the nation to reach 750,000 coronavirus cases. Los Angeles County claims a third of those cases, becoming the first county to surpass 250,000 cases.
The Senate failed to pass a slimmed-down coronavirus relief bill Thursday in a 52-47 vote. One Republican senator voted with Democrats against the bill.
Chinese scientists began Phase 1 human trials for a coronavirus vaccine nasal spray.
New York City, transit commuters will face a $50 fine beginning Monday if they refuse to wear a face mask
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has more than 6.4 million confirmed cases and more than 192,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Globally, there are more than 28 million cases and more than 911,000 fatalities.
📰 What we're reading: The sprint to create a COVID-19 vaccine started in January. So, where do things stand? We took a look at how we got here – and how far we have to go. Read it here.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak, state by state
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
The director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, expressed disappointment in the political divisiveness over protection measures against the coronavirus, as seen by the large crowds that gather at President Donald Trump's rallies.
"As a scientist, I'm pretty puzzled and rather disheartened," Collins said Thursday when asked during a CNN town hall what he thinks of large events such as Trump's Michigan rally where few wore masks or kept distance from each other.
Trump's campaign rally on Thursday, held at MBS International Airport near Saginaw, drew more than 5,000 supporters. Despite state guidelines that require masks in areas where it is not possible to maintain 6 feet of distance from others, many in the crowd were seen without them.
Trump's recent rallies have often featured largely maskless crowds. The Republican National Convention was also criticized for speeches delivered in front of large crowds.
— Jeanine Santucci
Children who caught the coronavirus at day cares and a day camp spread it to their relatives, according to a new report that underscores that kids can bring the germ home and infect others.
Scientists already know children can spread the virus. But the study published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “definitively indicates — in a way that previous studies have struggled to do — the potential for transmission to family members,” said William Hanage, a Harvard University infectious diseases researcher.
The findings don’t mean that schools and child-care programs need to close, but it does confirm that the virus can spread within those places and then be brought home by kids. So, masks, disinfection and social distancing are needed. And people who work in such facilities have to be careful and get tested if they think they may be infected, experts said.
The study also shows that children with no symptoms, or very mild symptoms, can spread the infection, just like adults can.
— The Associated Press
Ohio State University students can expect the “new normal” on campus this semester to last at least through the spring, officials said in an announcement Friday.
The university announced plans to continue a mix of in-person and online courses for the spring semester, cancel spring break and make other changes to the academic calendar as it continues to work through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provost Bruce A. McPheron said in an email to the university community that existing health measures and policies will continue to be in place in the spring. Instead of spring break, there will be two "instructional breaks," or days with no classes.
“This approach will keep our community together throughout the semester and reduce travel-related exposures,” McPheron said.
– Jennifer Smola, The Columbus Dispatch
New data suggests that young people may be more at risk for severe developments from coronavirus infection than previously thought.
A study of more than 3,200 hospitalized young adults, age 18 to 34, found that about 1 in 5 of them required intensive care, according to a Harvard research letter published Wednesday in JAMA Internal Medicine. Researchers also found that 10% required mechanical ventilation and 2.7% died.
While the in-hospital mortality rate is still lower than that reported for older adults with COVID-19, young adults with at least one underlying condition faced risks comparable with those observed in middle-aged adults without them. Harvard scientists also noted that more than half of these patients requiring hospitalization were Black or Hispanic.
Wisconsin on Thursday set a record for the most coronavirus cases in a week – and it was the only state to do so. In July’s devastating surge, it wasn’t unusual for a dozen states to have new records every day.
But while most states are doing better than their worst, the country continues to bear a terrible burden. Deaths are still more than a third higher than they were at the beginning of July. An American has been dying of COVID-19 every two minutes, Johns Hopkins University data shows. Nearly 5,000 Americans died in the latest week.
America has been averaging about 35,000 cases per day. In the latest week, that means every 2.45 seconds another American is diagnosed with the coronavirus. In the latest week, nearly a quarter-million Americans tested positive.
On a person-by-person basis, America reports in four days the number of cases South Korea has reported in the entire pandemic. Adjusted for population, America reports as many deaths between breakfast and lunch as Vietnam has ever had. Cases are rising again in the European Union, but the United States has substantially more cases with substantially less population. And the European Union has been reporting deaths at a fifth the pace of the United States.
The United States has about 4.3% of the world’s population, 22.7% of the world’s reported cases and 21.1% of its deaths.
– Mike Stucka
Eating out at restaurants is a high-risk activity, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study found adults with confirmed COVID-19 were about twice as likely as other study participants to say they dined out at a restaurant in the 14 days before becoming sick.
Also, positive patients were more likely to report going to a bar or coffee shop when the analysis was limited to those without close contact to people with known coronavirus.
The study included 314 symptomatic adults who were tested for COVID-19 in July at 11 health care facilities across multiple states. Of that group, 154 patients tested positive for COVID-19.
Raise a glass: Florida bars may reopen Monday at half capacity. Halsey Beshears, secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, announced Thursday night that bars may reopen after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 26 ordered all bars shut down.
"Starting Monday, all bars will be reopened at 50% occupancy," Beshears announced on Twitter on Thursday evening.
Restrictions put in place at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic still limit restaurants to operating at only 50% capacity for indoor dining rooms, with tables 6 feet apart to comply with social distancing orders.
– Sarajane Sullivan, Naples Daily News
Revelations that President Donald Trump publicly downplayed the dangers of the novel coronavirus have not shaken Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey's faith in Trump's handling of the pandemic, the Republican leader said Thursday.
"I do not feel misled," Ducey said at an afternoon news briefing, which primarily focused on suicide prevention. "There has been a sense of urgency and seriousness about this since Day One."
Ducey brushed off the news of the president's conflicting remarks, sidestepping a question about whether he knew of Trump's plans to downplay the virus' gravity and arguing that, for him, "trust is built through experience and actions."
According to a new book by journalist Bob Woodward, Trump knew weeks before the first confirmed U.S. coronavirus death that COVID-19 was deadly, highly contagious and a threat to young people, not just older adults.
– Maria Polletta, Arizona Republic
The days are quickly counting down for thousands of pilots, flight attendants, gate agents and other airline workers who face the prospect of being laid off at the end of the month if Congress doesn't come through with a new stimulus agreement.
"Without additional federal aid, U.S. airlines will be forced to make very difficult business decisions including furloughs and service reductions," wrote Carter Yang, spokesman for the airlines' chief industry organization, Airlines for America, in a note to USA TODAY.
Why the urgency? The Department of Transportation barred airlines that accepted stimulus money from laying off employees until at least Oct. 1, when $25 billion in payroll support protection money from the CARES Act expires.
On Thursday, the Senate failed to reach the 60-vote minimum needed to pass a slimmed-down, $300 billion GOP coronavirus relief package that didn't allocate any aid for the airline industry. That leaves open the chance that airline funds could be included in a compromise measure with the House.
– Chris Woodyard
Nearly three quarters of Americans say they see Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as more caring to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, while less than half say the same of President Donald Trump, a new survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project finds.
Also, a combined 66% of Americans say Biden is more caring to those who have lost their jobs, compared with Trump at 53%.
Robert Griffin, the research director for the Democracy Fund, said that Biden is likely seen more empathetic because he is seen as a "relatively compassionate person," while Trump is seen as a "no nonsense deal maker."
– Rebecca Morin
On Facebook: There's still a lot unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, Coronavirus Watch, to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19.
There's still a lot unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19. In your inbox: Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-09-11--Is your Sur La Table closing? The kitchen goods retailer is liquidating more stores by the end of Se

Going-out-of-business liquidation sales are now underway at 17 additional Sur La Table stores .
The Seattle-based luxury kitchen goods retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July and announced plans to close 51 of its 121 stores while looking for a buyer for remaining locations .
Five locations were listed as permanently closed in July .
According to a news release Friday , liquidation firms Great American Group , SB360 Capital Partners and Tiger Capital Group are managing the sales at the closing stores , which started Aug. 28 , and the initial discounts are up to 30 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A joint venture by Marquee Brands and CSC Generation , bought the remaining Sur La Table stores , brand and related intellectual property last month , the release said , noting that more than 55 Sur La Table locations will continue to operate across the country .
Save better , spend better : Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox .
Sign up here According to the retailer 's website , stores will close by the end of September .
Sixty-three locations were listed as permanently closed Friday .
Sur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering cooking classes at some of its stores , will not offer classes at closing locations , it said on its customer FAQ page .
Classes will continue at select stores and online .
The company previously said the closings are `` a result of the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis . ''
J.C. Penney sale : Mall owners Simon and Brookfield to acquire J.C. Penney out of bankruptcy despite 'screaming matches' Stein Mart store closings : Stein Mart to close all stores in bankruptcy amid COVID-19 pandemic .
Liquidation sales underway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the end of September , according to the store locator .

Is your Sur La Table closing? The kitchen goods retailer is liquidating more stores by the end of September
Show Caption Hide Caption Can malls survive COVID-19 pandemic and permanent store closings? Consumers are scared to go out and retailers are floundering. Is there a future for the traditional indoor shopping mall? USA TODAY, Wochit
Going-out-of-business liquidation sales are now underway at 17 additional Sur La Table stores.
The Seattle-based luxury kitchen goods retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July and announced plans to close 51 of its 121 stores while looking for a buyer for remaining locations. Five locations were listed as permanently closed in July.
According to a news release Friday, liquidation firms Great American Group, SB360 Capital Partners and Tiger Capital Group are managing the sales at the closing stores, which started Aug. 28, and the initial discounts are up to 30% off original prices, the release said.
A joint venture by Marquee Brands and CSC Generation, bought the remaining Sur La Table stores, brand and related intellectual property last month, the release said, noting that more than 55 Sur La Table locations will continue to operate across the country.
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According to the retailer's website, stores will close by the end of September. Sixty-three locations were listed as permanently closed Friday.
Sur La Table, which is known for offering cooking classes at some of its stores, will not offer classes at closing locations, it said on its customer FAQ page. Classes will continue at select stores and online.
The company previously said the closings are "a result of the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis."
J.C. Penney sale: Mall owners Simon and Brookfield to acquire J.C. Penney out of bankruptcy despite 'screaming matches'
Stein Mart store closings: Stein Mart to close all stores in bankruptcy amid COVID-19 pandemic. Liquidation sales underway
Sur La Table store closings 2020
The following stores are slated to close by the end of September, according to the store locator.
California Sur La Table closing stores
Burlingame: 1208 Donnelly Ave.
Dublin: Persimmon Place, 5186 Dublin Blvd.
Los Angeles: Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St.
Woodland Hills: Village at Topanga, 6316 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
San Francisco: Ferry Building Marketplace
Santa Monica: 301 Wilshire Blvd.
Florida Sur La Table closures
Aventura: 19501 Biscayne Blvd.
Sarasota: Pineapple Square, 22 N. Lemon Ave.
West Palm Beach: Rosemary Square, 700 S. Rosemary Ave.
Michigan Sur La Table closing store
Grand Rapids: Breton South Village, 2500 Burton Street SE
Nebraska Sur La Table closure
Omaha: One Pacific Place, 10353 Pacific St.
North Carolina Sur La Table closings
Durham: The Streets at Southpoint, 8030 Renaissance Parkway
Huntersville: Northcross Commons, 9129 Sam Furr Road
Tennessee Sur La Table closure
Germantown/Memphis: Saddle Creek, 7509 Poplar Ave.
Texas Sur La Table closing store
Fort Worth: Waterside, 3700 Vision Drive
Virginia Sur La Table closure
Alexandria: 326 King St.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko


usatoday--2020-09-11--Texans' J.J. Watt on boos during moment of unity with Chiefs: 'Don't fully understand that'

Prior to kickoff of the 2020 NFL season 's first game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans on Thursday , both teams stood together for a moment of unity as the league 's players continue to highlight the quest for racial justice .
However , fans began booing when players and coaches stood the length of the field arm-in-arm and the public address announcer called for `` a moment of silence to support racial equality in our country , '' with the two teams connected by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson .
Most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment concluded and the teams returned to their sidelines .
Some booed while the teams lined up in unity .
Houston defensive end J.J. Watt , who stood next to Watson , found the negative aspect of the crowd 's reaction confusing .
`` The moment of unity I personally thought was good , ” Watt said , via NFL Network , after Houston 's 34-20 loss .
“ I mean the booing during that moment was unfortunate .
I don ’ t fully understand that .
There was no flag involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two teams coming together to show unity . ''
The gesture came after the Texans remained in the locker room for the national anthem and `` Lift Every Voice And Sing . ''
The Chiefs were on the field for the songs , and defensive end Alex Okafor knelt with his right fist in the air .
Both coaches , Andy Reid of the Chiefs and the Texans ' Bill O'Brien , said they did not notice the booing .
`` A locker room is a very diverse place , '' Watt said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different backgrounds , there 's people from all different situations .
I 've been very fortunate to be a part of a lot of locker rooms throughout my life .
In this locker room , we 've had more conversations than we 've ever had about topics that may be uncomfortable to talk about .
Maybe people have never opened up these conversations . ''
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began peacefully protesting police brutality and racism in 2016 by kneeling during the anthem .
Initially ostracized , he 's been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that has not offered him a job in years .
`` For me , I 've learned a lot , '' Watt said .
`` I 've been educated a lot .
It 's really been a growing experience for our team , and I think we 've come a lot closer because of it .
Friendships and relationships in this locker room will last a lifetime . ''

Texans' J.J. Watt on boos during moment of unity with Chiefs: 'Don't fully understand that'
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: The 3 best bets you should consider for NFL Week 1 SportsPulse: The games are finally here. And we are here to help you place the smartest bets for kickoff weekend. Lorenzo Reyes provides his locks for Week 1 in the NFL. USA TODAY
Prior to kickoff of the 2020 NFL season's first game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans on Thursday, both teams stood together for a moment of unity as the league's players continue to highlight the quest for racial justice.
However, fans began booing when players and coaches stood the length of the field arm-in-arm and the public address announcer called for "a moment of silence to support racial equality in our country," with the two teams connected by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. Most of the nearly 16,000 in attendance cheered when the moment concluded and the teams returned to their sidelines. Some booed while the teams lined up in unity.
Houston defensive end J.J. Watt, who stood next to Watson, found the negative aspect of the crowd's reaction confusing.
"The moment of unity I personally thought was good,” Watt said, via NFL Network, after Houston's 34-20 loss. “I mean the booing during that moment was unfortunate. I don’t fully understand that. There was no flag involved. There was nothing involved other than two teams coming together to show unity."
The gesture came after the Texans remained in the locker room for the national anthem and "Lift Every Voice And Sing." The Chiefs were on the field for the songs, and defensive end Alex Okafor knelt with his right fist in the air.
Both coaches, Andy Reid of the Chiefs and the Texans' Bill O'Brien, said they did not notice the booing.
"A locker room is a very diverse place," Watt said. "There's people from all different backgrounds, there's people from all different situations. I've been very fortunate to be a part of a lot of locker rooms throughout my life. In this locker room, we've had more conversations than we've ever had about topics that may be uncomfortable to talk about. Maybe people have never opened up these conversations."
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began peacefully protesting police brutality and racism in 2016 by kneeling during the anthem. Initially ostracized, he's been heralded as a hero by a league that has not offered him a job in years.
"For me, I've learned a lot," Watt said. "I've been educated a lot. It's really been a growing experience for our team, and I think we've come a lot closer because of it. Friendships and relationships in this locker room will last a lifetime."
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.


usatoday--2020-09-11--Rite Aid fires manager who defended herself when customer without mask became violent

YORK , Pa. – Elena Santiago says she was fired from her job at a Rite Aid in York , Pennsylvania after she defended herself from a customer who reacted violently when she asked him to leave the store for refusing to wear a face mask .
Before the incident , Santiago loved that job .
A shift manager at the Rite Aid pharmacy just off the square in downtown York , she loved talking to regular customers , people she considered friends .
The store serves as a center of the community downtown – more like the corner store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For instance , during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when toilet paper and hand sanitizer were in short supply , she would ask regular customers for their phone numbers and call them when shipments arrived .
Save better , spend better : Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox .
Sign up here Wednesday morning , she woke up for the first time in four-and-a-half years without her job .
It began when a young man carrying a skateboard walked into the store at about 12:28 p.m. Sept. 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CDC advice : The CDC tells stores not to argue with angry anti-mask customers When the man entered the store , Santiago said she asked him if he had a face mask .
The man ignored her , so she asked again .
The store keeps masks on-hand for customers who don ’ t have any , and she offered to give him one .
People entering the store are required by the governor ’ s order to wear one .
The man , standing by the snack aisle , responded rudely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a face mask .
She told him , “ If you ’ re going to disrespect me , I ’ m going to have to ask you to leave the store.
” The man refused to leave , and she told him she was going to call the police .
The man responded that if she called the cops , according to Santiago , he would physically attack her .
Santiago had previously had run-ins with rude customers , and she said more often than not they would leave the store when asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases , would return a day or so later to apologize .
A few months ago , though , the store had a problem with some kids and adults stealing and trashing the store and throwing merchandise at the staff , she said .
She asked her district manager for a security guard , knowing that the chain posts them at stores that have had problems .
She said the district manager declined her request .
When it was apparent the man wasn ’ t going to leave , Santiago said she asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help her .
The man turned to her and shoved her into the magazine rack .
She hit her forehead on the rack and was left with bruises on her legs .
Masks required : Uber will soon require selfies for some riders with an expansion of a mask verification feature Over 100 health leaders to governors : Require masks to help contain the coronavirus Then , she said , the man began “ wrecking the store , ” knocking displays off the front counter and throwing the cash register to the floor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the man heard her , he turned to her again .
At this point , Santiago pulled her small pocket knife and her pepper spray from her pocket .
She lives in a room downtown , and she carried the knife and pepper spray for protection because she would walk to work before dawn and sometimes leave work after dark .
( The knife had been in her locker at work , she said , but since it was close to the end of her shift , she had put it in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forget it . )
She pointed her knife at him and went to use her pepper spray , she said , but since it was the first time she ever used it , she ended up spraying herself .
The man then left the store , she said , breaking the glass in two front windows with his skateboard from the sidewalk outside .
The episode was captured by a surveillance camera .
The police arrived about 30 minutes after the man left and took a report , she said .
Her son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who live in town , the only family she has in York – came to her aid and , along with some of her co-workers , scoured downtown , looking for the man .
They didn ’ t see him .
Santiago went back to her room .
She was shaken , she said , replaying the episode over and over again in her head .
The following morning , she returned to work at 7 to begin her shift .
She said a human resources person called from corporate headquarters in Camp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing .
He asked whether she went to the hospital , she said .
She said she had not .
“ I knew that a doctor would tell me to take off from work , and I didn ’ t want to , ” she said .
“ I have to work.
” The HR person told her to take off Saturday and Sunday , with pay , and return after the Labor Day holiday .
She finished her pharmacy shift at noon Tuesday and received a phone call from HR telling her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job , Santiago said .
She said the HR person told her that , for one thing , store personnel are not supposed to enforce the government-mandated mask requirement .
For another , she had violated company policy by having a weapon at work , her pocket knife .
The HR person asked her whether she had anything to say .
“ I was speechless , ” Santiago said .
“ I thought , if anything , they ’ d write me up .
I didn ’ t expect to get fired.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up before .
She composed herself , she said , and asked for a second chance .
The answer was no .
So , she found herself , at 40 , without a job .
She had always worked .
Before she went to work at Rite Aid , she worked at McDonald ’ s downtown , and even after she started at the drugstore , she continued to work third shift at the fast-food franchise until it became too much .
“ I really don ’ t understand it , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defending myself .
They ’ re punishing me for defending myself .
I think it ’ s unfair how they handled it .
“ What was I supposed to do , let him hit me again , or defend myself ?
” Rite Aid spokesman Chris Savarese said the company doesn ’ t comment on personnel issues and referred questions about the episode to the York City police .
York City police confirmed the incident and reported that it is under investigation .
Meanwhile , Santiago has filed for unemployment .
“ Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to find another job .
”

Rite Aid defends firing manager who pulled knife on violent, maskless customer Video shows that the man shoved her into shelves and ransacked the store before breaking the plate-glass storefront window.
Show Caption Hide Caption Clerk fired from Pa. Rite-Aid for defending herself from attacker who refused to mask Elena Santiago was fired her from job at the Rite Aid in York, Pa. after she defended herself from a customer who refused to wear a mask. Paul Kuehnel, pkuehnel@ydr.com
UPDATED: This story was updated from when it was first published with a response from Rite Aid.
YORK, Pa. – Elena Santiago says she was fired from her job at a Rite Aid in York, Pennsylvania, after she defended herself from a customer who reacted violently when she asked him to leave the store for refusing to wear a face mask.
Rite Aid has said that she lost her job because she possessed and displayed a knife during the episode — not because she defended herself and others in the store.
Before the incident, Santiago loved that job.
A shift manager at the Rite Aid pharmacy just off the square in downtown York, she loved talking to regular customers, people she considered friends. The store serves as a center of the community downtown – more like the corner store than part of a corporate chain.
For instance, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when toilet paper and hand sanitizer were in short supply, she would ask regular customers for their phone numbers and call them when shipments arrived.
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Last week, she woke up for the first time in four-and-a-half years without her job.
It began when a young man carrying a skateboard walked into the store at about 12:28 p.m. Sept. 3, not wearing a face mask.
When the man entered the store, Santiago said she asked him if he had a face mask. The man ignored her, so she asked again. The store keeps masks on hand for customers who don’t have any, and she offered to give him one. People entering the store are required by the governor’s order to wear one.
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The man, standing by the snack aisle, responded rudely, saying he didn't need to wear a face mask.
She told him, “If you’re going to disrespect me, I’m going to have to ask you to leave the store.” The man refused to leave, and she told him she was going to call the police.
The man responded that if she called the cops, according to Santiago, he would physically attack her.
Santiago had previously had run-ins with rude customers, and she said more often than not they would leave the store when asked to do so and, in some cases, would return a day or so later to apologize.
A few months ago, though, the store had a problem with some kids and adults stealing and trashing the store and throwing merchandise at the staff, she said. She asked her district manager for a security guard, knowing that the chain posts them at stores that have had problems. She said the district manager declined her request.
When it was apparent the man wasn’t going to leave, Santiago said she asked the cashier to page her co-workers to help her.
The man turned to her and shoved her into the magazine rack. She hit her forehead on the rack and was left with bruises on her legs.
Then, she said, the man began “wrecking the store,” knocking displays off the front counter and throwing the cash register to the floor.
Santiago called the police, and when the man heard her, he turned to her again.
'I feel threatened!': Viral video shows shopper throwing tantrum, but who protects workers?
CDC advice: The CDC tells stores not to argue with angry anti-mask customers
At this point, Santiago pulled her small pocket knife and her pepper spray from her pocket. She lives in a room downtown, and she carried the knife and pepper spray for protection because she would walk to work before dawn and sometimes leave work after dark. (The knife had been in her locker at work, she said, but since it was close to the end of her shift, she had put it in her pocket so she wouldn’t forget it.)
She pointed her knife at him and went to use her pepper spray, she said, but since it was the first time she ever used it, she ended up spraying herself.
The man then left the store, she said, breaking the glass in two front windows with his skateboard from the sidewalk outside.
The episode was captured by a surveillance camera.
The police arrived about 30 minutes after the man left and took a report, she said. Her son – one of her two grown children who live in town, the only family she has in York – came to her aid and, along with some of her co-workers, scoured downtown, looking for the man. They didn’t see him.
Santiago went back to her room. She was shaken, she said, replaying the episode over and over again in her head.
The following morning, she returned to work at 7 to begin her shift.
She said a human resources person called from corporate headquarters in Camp Hill and asked her how she was doing. He asked whether she went to the hospital, she said. She said she had not. “I knew that a doctor would tell me to take off from work, and I didn’t want to,” she said. “I have to work.”
The HR person told her to take off Saturday and Sunday, with pay, and return after the Labor Day holiday.
She finished her pharmacy shift at noon last Tuesday and received a phone call from HR telling her she was fired from her $11-an-hour job, Santiago said.
She said the HR person told her that, for one thing, store personnel are not supposed to enforce the government-mandated mask requirement. For another, she had violated company policy by having a weapon at work, her pocket knife.
The HR person asked her whether she had anything to say.
“I was speechless,” Santiago said. “I thought, if anything, they’d write me up. I didn’t expect to get fired.”
She said she had never been written up before.
She composed herself and asked for a second chance, she said. The answer was no.
So, she found herself, at 40, without a job. She had always worked. Before she went to work at Rite Aid, she worked at McDonald’s downtown, and even after she started at the drugstore, she continued to work third shift at the fast-food franchise until it became too much.
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“I really don’t understand it,” she said. “I was fired for defending myself. They’re punishing me for defending myself. I think it’s unfair how they handled it.
“What was I supposed to do, let him hit me again or defend myself?”
Rite Aid spokesperson Chris Savarese wrote in an email that Santiago was fired for having a knife while on the job.
"We understand the concern regarding the incident in York, PA,” Savarese wrote in the email. “For many reasons, we have a no tolerance policy specific to associates bringing weapons to our facilities and having weapons on person. The primary reason is to keep our associates, customers and communities safe, and to mitigate an escalation of any situation. In this unfortunate incident, the show and use of weapons by our associate created an escalation.
“We also understand tensions are high in today's environment, which is all the more reason for our associates not to carry weapons in our facilities,” he wrote. “The incident is currently being investigated by the York City police department.”
Santiago, on Sunday, responded to Rite Aid’s statement, saying, “I didn’t create any problem.”


usatoday--2020-09-11--Bidens bring beer and baked goods on visit to Shanksville fire company

YORK , Pa. — Former Vice President Joe Biden stopped at the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Company on Friday to pay his respects and to deliver on a promise he had made about eight years ago .
He came by the fire company on the anniversary of 9/11 after visiting the Flight 93 National Memorial nearby in Stonycreek Township , where he paid tribute to the 40 passengers and crew members who died when their plane crashed after a battle with terrorists .
He did so after the mid-morning ceremony with dignitaries , including President Donald Trump , was complete and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the public .
He and his wife , Jill Biden , arrived at the fire hall in a black SUV at about 1:30 p.m. Jill Biden carried two boxes of doughnuts and a bundt cake wrapped in a red , white and blue ribbon for people at the station .
Joe Biden brought out six-packs of beer .
He told the first responders on his last visit , in 2011 , that he owed them a beer the next time he came to town .
“ I keep my promises , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — and joined in the laughter .
The Democratic presidential nominee did not discuss the campaign .
Instead he discussed how first responders saved his life and how important they are to their local communities .
“ I was impressed that he kept his promise about the beer , ” said Jennifer Kimmel , of Jennerstown , who has family both in the fire department and in the area .
'America will always rise up ' : Trump and Biden pay respects to 9/11 victims in memorial visits 'It defies logic':9/11 families urge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sudan off terror list I liked that he talked about something that we can relate to in a small town , ” she said .
“ What he said , it was from the heart.
” Biden stayed and talked with the small crowd of about 50 people for close to 30 minutes .
He bumped elbows with many people and took time to learn about some of them .
He called 10-year-old , Justin Kimmel , Jennifer Kimmel ’ s son , “ chief.
” And he asked Justin about himself .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I like him .
”

Bidens bring beer and baked goods on visit to Shanksville fire company
Show Caption Hide Caption 9/11: The staggering numbers in the September 11th attacks We will never forget the lives lost on September 11th at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on United Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. USA TODAY
YORK, Pa. — Former Vice President Joe Biden stopped at the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Company on Friday to pay his respects and to deliver on a promise he had made about eight years ago.
He came by the fire company on the anniversary of 9/11 after visiting the Flight 93 National Memorial nearby in Stonycreek Township, where he paid tribute to the 40 passengers and crew members who died when their plane crashed after a battle with terrorists. He did so after the mid-morning ceremony with dignitaries, including President Donald Trump, was complete and the gates to the park were open to the public.
He and his wife, Jill Biden, arrived at the fire hall in a black SUV at about 1:30 p.m. Jill Biden carried two boxes of doughnuts and a bundt cake wrapped in a red, white and blue ribbon for people at the station. Joe Biden brought out six-packs of beer.
He told the first responders on his last visit, in 2011, that he owed them a beer the next time he came to town.
“I keep my promises,” he said to the group around him — and joined in the laughter.
The Democratic presidential nominee did not discuss the campaign. Instead he discussed how first responders saved his life and how important they are to their local communities.
“I was impressed that he kept his promise about the beer,” said Jennifer Kimmel, of Jennerstown, who has family both in the fire department and in the area.
'America will always rise up': Trump and Biden pay respects to 9/11 victims in memorial visits
'It defies logic': 9/11 families urge Trump administration to drop deal to take Sudan off terror list
I liked that he talked about something that we can relate to in a small town,” she said. “What he said, it was from the heart.”
Biden stayed and talked with the small crowd of about 50 people for close to 30 minutes. He bumped elbows with many people and took time to learn about some of them.
He called 10-year-old, Justin Kimmel, Jennifer Kimmel’s son, “chief.” And he asked Justin about himself.
After Biden left, Justin said, “I like him.”


usatoday--2020-09-11--NIH director 'puzzled' by politicization of COVID protection efforts, Trump's Michigan rally

WASHINGTON — The director of the National Institutes of Health , Dr. Francis Collins , expressed disappointment in the political divisiveness over protection measures against the coronavirus , as seen by the large crowds that gather at President Donald Trump 's rallies .
`` As a scientist , I 'm pretty puzzled and rather disheartened , '' Collins said Thursday when asked during a CNN town hall what he thinks of large events such as Trump 's Michigan rally where few wore masks or kept distance from each other .
Trump 's campaign rally on Thursday , held at MBS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 5,000 supporters .
Despite state guidelines that require masks in areas where it is not possible to maintain 6 feet of distance from others , many in the crowd were seen without them .
The president has been resistant to wearing a mask in public and only solidly endorsed the practice as `` patriotic '' in July after the White House and his campaign stressed repeatedly that masks were only a recommendation , not a requirement , by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
His campaign now sells Make America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump supporters do n't think the pandemic is enough to warrant mask-wearing .
One Michigan rally attendee , identified by CNN as Rod Beebee , was asked by CNN 's Jim Acosta why he was n't wearing a mask .
`` Because there 's no COVID , '' he said .
`` It 's a fake pandemic , created to destroy the United States of America . ''
`` It just deeply puzzles me .
How did we get here ? ''
Collins said .
`` Imagine you were an alien who landed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that our planet was afflicted by an infectious disease and that masks were an effective way to prevent the spread .
And yet when you went around , you saw some people not wearing them and some people wearing them and you tried to figure out why .
`` And it turned out it was their political party , and you would scratch your head and think , 'This is just not a planet that has much promise for the future , if something that is so straightforward can somehow get twisted into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' '' Collins continued .
Why do n't some Americans wear masks ?
: Some people listen to health experts , others ignore them : What it means for America 's future with COVID-19 Collins was appointed NIH director by former President Barack Obama and selected by Trump to continue in the role during the current administration .
Trump 's rallies since he began campaigning again in June have often featured largely maskless crowds .
The Republican National Convention was also criticized for speeches delivered in front of large crowds .
The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revelations in veteran journalist Bob Woodward 's forthcoming book show Trump said he wanted to downplay the virus to prevent `` panic . ''
He also acknowledged early on that the virus `` goes through air . ''
Dr. Anthony Fauci , part of the White House coronavirus task force and the nation 's leading infectious disease expert , also commented on large gatherings , including political rallies , on Friday : `` If you 're outdoors and you 're crowded together and you do n't have a mask , the chances of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are there . ''

NIH director 'puzzled' by politicization of COVID protection efforts, Trump's Michigan rally
Show Caption Hide Caption Pres. Trump suggests he softened COVID reaction to reduce 'panic' A new book suggests that President Trump understood the threats of the coronavirus even as he told the nation it was no worse than the seasonal flu. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — The director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Francis Collins, expressed disappointment in the political divisiveness over protection measures against the coronavirus, as seen by the large crowds that gather at President Donald Trump's rallies.
"As a scientist, I'm pretty puzzled and rather disheartened," Collins said Thursday when asked during a CNN town hall what he thinks of large events such as Trump's Michigan rally where few wore masks or kept distance from each other.
Trump's campaign rally on Thursday, held at MBS International Airport near Saginaw, drew more than 5,000 supporters. Despite state guidelines that require masks in areas where it is not possible to maintain 6 feet of distance from others, many in the crowd were seen without them.
The president has been resistant to wearing a mask in public and only solidly endorsed the practice as "patriotic" in July after the White House and his campaign stressed repeatedly that masks were only a recommendation, not a requirement, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His campaign now sells Make America Great Again face coverings.
Fact check: Trump makes wild claims about revitalizing auto industry at Michigan rally
But some Trump supporters don't think the pandemic is enough to warrant mask-wearing. One Michigan rally attendee, identified by CNN as Rod Beebee, was asked by CNN's Jim Acosta why he wasn't wearing a mask.
"Because there's no COVID," he said. "It's a fake pandemic, created to destroy the United States of America."
Jim @Acosta asks folks at a Trump event why aren't they wearing masks... pic.twitter.com/SaShh0HjpB — Donie O'Sullivan (@donie) September 11, 2020
"It just deeply puzzles me. How did we get here?" Collins said. "Imagine you were an alien who landed on planet Earth, and you saw that our planet was afflicted by an infectious disease and that masks were an effective way to prevent the spread. And yet when you went around, you saw some people not wearing them and some people wearing them and you tried to figure out why.
"And it turned out it was their political party, and you would scratch your head and think, 'This is just not a planet that has much promise for the future, if something that is so straightforward can somehow get twisted into decision-making that really makes no sense,'" Collins continued.
Why don't some Americans wear masks?: Some people listen to health experts, others ignore them: What it means for America's future with COVID-19
Collins was appointed NIH director by former President Barack Obama and selected by Trump to continue in the role during the current administration.
Trump's rallies since he began campaigning again in June have often featured largely maskless crowds. The Republican National Convention was also criticized for speeches delivered in front of large crowds.
The president came under fire this week as new revelations in veteran journalist Bob Woodward's forthcoming book show Trump said he wanted to downplay the virus to prevent "panic." He also acknowledged early on that the virus "goes through air."
Dr. Anthony Fauci, part of the White House coronavirus task force and the nation's leading infectious disease expert, also commented on large gatherings, including political rallies, on Friday: "If you're outdoors and you're crowded together and you don't have a mask, the chances of a respiratory transmission of a virus clearly are there."


usatoday--2020-09-11--More young people are dying by suicide, and experts aren't sure why

The rate of suicide among those aged 10 to 24 increased nearly 60 % between 2007 and 2018 , according to a report released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The rise occurred in most states , with 42 experiencing significant increases .
`` It 's a real trend that has been demanding , for a while , a serious public health and research effort to understand what is happening and why , '' said Anna Mueller , an associate professor of sociology at Indiana University Bloomington who studies suicides in adolescents .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media , which is one of the explanations that I most consistently see . ''
The suicide rate increased from 6.8 per 100,000 in 2007 to 10.7 in 2018 .
The report compared three-year averages of suicide rates for 2007–2009 and 2016–2018 and found : • The 2016–2018 suicide rate among persons aged 10–24 was highest for Alaska ( 31.4 per 100,000 ) .
• States with the highest suicide rates for that period include South Dakota ( 23.6 ) , Montana ( 23.2 ) , Wyoming ( 20.5 ) and New Mexico @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Northeast were among those with the lowest suicide rates : New Jersey ( 5.7 ) , Rhode Island ( 5.9 ) , New York ( 5.9 ) , Connecticut ( 6.3 ) , and Massachusetts ( 6.4 ) .
• Even states with the lowest rates experienced significant increases : New Jersey had an increase of 39 % , New York about 44 % , and Massachusetts about 64 % .
Pandemic mental health : A new CDC study shows who we need to worry about most In the last decade , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
There are theories on drivers , the rise of social media among them , but researchers say there are not enough data to draw conclusions .
Suicide rates are not increasing in every country that has seen a rise in social media use .
Suicide prevention experts have lamented a lack of real-time data to better assess trends .
The latest CDC report , for example , is based on deaths from 2018 .
`` We 're making decisions about suicide prevention programming for 2021 and beyond based on data that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonathan Singer , president of the American Association of Suicidology and associate professor at Loyola University 's School of Social Work .
Public health experts are considering a variety of possible causes for the increase .
From 2000 to 2007 , the youth suicide rate was relatively stable .
In late 2007 , the country entered an economic recession .
`` I do n't think we can underestimate the role of the economic recession of 2008 on youth suicide rates , '' Singer said .
`` During the recession they saw their parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to move schools .
They lost friends .
My concern is that we will see an increase in youth suicide several years down the line following the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic . ''
A CDC survey in August on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting Americans ' mental health found 75 % of respondents 18-24 reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health symptom .
Twenty-five percent of respondents in this age group seriously considered suicide in the 30 days before completing the survey .
Experts say stressors such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have roughly the same effect on suicides as an economic recession , has become an increasing concern for young people .
Fear of school shootings and the prohibitive cost of college may also be factors .
Many children , experts say , are struggling to imagine their futures .
Spotty mental health screening , poor access to mental health services and stigma may also be obstacles to getting help to those considering suicide .
What 's needed , Mueller said , is something akin to the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sample of adolescents in grades 7 through 12 during the 1994-1995 school year and followed them into young adulthood .
A study of this kind would help public health experts better understand what may be driving the increases and how best to intervene .
Children are vulnerable , but suicidal thoughts are not uncommon Adolescence is a vulnerable time , experts say .
It 's when children are developing their sense of self — who they are and who they can be .
`` As adults , we really rely on a core @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through some of those rough times in life .
We pull a lot of stability out of that , '' Mueller said .
When kids hit adolescence , they experience so many changes at once , including puberty .
Their environments often change as they enter high school , which is typically larger and less personal .
These changes can weaken safety nets .
There are unique circumstances that trigger suicide among different populations , experts say , which is why prevention efforts can not be based on white male adolescents .
'We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ youth suicide rate rising far faster than for whites George Floyd video adds to trauma : 'When is the last time you saw a white person killed online ? '
Q & A : What do we tell our children about racial violence ?
`` We absolutely need to be really careful to not think about suicide as just a white kid problem , '' Mueller said .
`` It 's absolutely not .
Kids across racial and ethnic groups and sexual orientations experience suicidal thoughts , and even attempt at significant rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose sight of the fact that suicidal thoughts are not uncommon , especially among young people .
`` It is fairly normal for kids to have thoughts of suicide at times during adolescence and early adulthood , '' she said .
`` We need to be prepared to talk about it openly and honestly . ''
You may also be interested in : • If you 've ever had suicidal thoughts , make a safety plan • The lifesaving lesson suicidal people can teach a world in a pandemic • America is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daisy Coleman 's suicide a reminder of the lasting impact of rape If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts , you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK ( 8255 ) any time day or night , or chat online .
Crisis Text Line also provides free , 24/7 , confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741 .
For people who identify as LGBTQ , if you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal , you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386 .
Alia E. Dastagir is a recipient of a Rosalynn Carter fellowship for mental health journalism .
Follow her on Twitter : @ alia_e

More young people are dying by suicide, and experts aren't sure why
Show Caption Hide Caption Lili Reinhart recalls teenage panic attack Upcoming film "Chemical Hearts" explores teenage trauma, depression, suicide and heartbreak - that's why "Riverdale" star Lili Reinhart was so passionate about the film. (Aug. 21) AP
The rate of suicide among those aged 10 to 24 increased nearly 60% between 2007 and 2018, according to a report released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rise occurred in most states, with 42 experiencing significant increases.
"It's a real trend that has been demanding, for a while, a serious public health and research effort to understand what is happening and why," said Anna Mueller, an associate professor of sociology at Indiana University Bloomington who studies suicides in adolescents. "I don't buy that it's just social media, which is one of the explanations that I most consistently see."
The suicide rate increased from 6.8 per 100,000 in 2007 to 10.7 in 2018. The report compared three-year averages of suicide rates for 2007–2009 and 2016–2018 and found:
The 2016–2018 suicide rate among persons aged 10–24 was highest for Alaska (31.4 per 100,000).
States with the highest suicide rates for that period include South Dakota (23.6), Montana (23.2), Wyoming (20.5) and New Mexico (19.6).
States in the Northeast were among those with the lowest suicide rates: New Jersey (5.7), Rhode Island (5.9), New York (5.9), Connecticut (6.3), and Massachusetts (6.4).
Even states with the lowest rates experienced significant increases: New Jersey had an increase of 39%, New York about 44%, and Massachusetts about 64%.
Pandemic mental health: A new CDC study shows who we need to worry about most
In the last decade, suicide has become increasingly common among young people. There are theories on drivers, the rise of social media among them, but researchers say there are not enough data to draw conclusions. Suicide rates are not increasing in every country that has seen a rise in social media use.
Suicide prevention experts have lamented a lack of real-time data to better assess trends. The latest CDC report, for example, is based on deaths from 2018.
"We're making decisions about suicide prevention programming for 2021 and beyond based on data that are 3 years old," said Jonathan Singer, president of the American Association of Suicidology and associate professor at Loyola University's School of Social Work.
Possible factors driving the suicide rate
Public health experts are considering a variety of possible causes for the increase. From 2000 to 2007, the youth suicide rate was relatively stable. In late 2007, the country entered an economic recession.
"I don't think we can underestimate the role of the economic recession of 2008 on youth suicide rates," Singer said. "During the recession they saw their parents lose homes and jobs; they had to move schools. They lost friends. My concern is that we will see an increase in youth suicide several years down the line following the economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic."
A CDC survey in August on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting Americans' mental health found 75% of respondents 18-24 reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health symptom. Twenty-five percent of respondents in this age group seriously considered suicide in the 30 days before completing the survey.
Experts say stressors such as climate change, which has been found to have roughly the same effect on suicides as an economic recession, has become an increasing concern for young people. Fear of school shootings and the prohibitive cost of college may also be factors. Many children, experts say, are struggling to imagine their futures.
Spotty mental health screening, poor access to mental health services and stigma may also be obstacles to getting help to those considering suicide.
What's needed, Mueller said, is something akin to the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which looked at a nationally representative sample of adolescents in grades 7 through 12 during the 1994-1995 school year and followed them into young adulthood. A study of this kind would help public health experts better understand what may be driving the increases and how best to intervene.
Children are vulnerable, but suicidal thoughts are not uncommon
Adolescence is a vulnerable time, experts say. It's when children are developing their sense of self — who they are and who they can be.
"As adults, we really rely on a core sense of who we are to get through some of those rough times in life. We pull a lot of stability out of that," Mueller said.
When kids hit adolescence, they experience so many changes at once, including puberty. Their environments often change as they enter high school, which is typically larger and less personal. These changes can weaken safety nets.
There are unique circumstances that trigger suicide among different populations, experts say, which is why prevention efforts cannot be based on white male adolescents.
'We're losing our kids': Black youth suicide rate rising far faster than for whites
George Floyd video adds to trauma: 'When is the last time you saw a white person killed online?'
Q&A: What do we tell our children about racial violence?
"We absolutely need to be really careful to not think about suicide as just a white kid problem," Mueller said. "It's absolutely not. Kids across racial and ethnic groups and sexual orientations experience suicidal thoughts, and even attempt at significant rates."
But Mueller cautioned not to lose sight of the fact that suicidal thoughts are not uncommon, especially among young people.
"It is fairly normal for kids to have thoughts of suicide at times during adolescence and early adulthood," she said. "We need to be prepared to talk about it openly and honestly."
You may also be interested in:
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online.
Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
For people who identify as LGBTQ, if you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, you can also contact The Trevor Project's TrevorLifeline 24/7/365 at 1-866-488-7386.
Alia E. Dastagir is a recipient of a Rosalynn Carter fellowship for mental health journalism. Follow her on Twitter: @alia_e


usatoday--2020-09-11--Don't throw away your groceries. Give it a second chance.

Do n't throw away your groceries .
Give it a second chance .
Your groceries can last you a longer @ @ @ @ @ it .

Grocery tips: How to make food last longer
Your groceries can last you a longer time if you properly store it.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-11--Wisconsin Supreme Court says mailing of absentee ballots should be halted

MADISON , Wis. — The Wisconsin Supreme Court told election officials Thursday that absentee ballots should not be mailed for now while the court determines whether they should include the Green Party 's presidential ticket .
The 4-3 order left open the possibility of reprinting some ballots and delaying the printing of others — moves that election officials said would cause them to miss deadlines set by state law .
The order fell along ideological lines , with the conservatives in the majority and the liberals in dissent .
In response to the order , the state Elections Commission submitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many as 378,000 ballots have already been sent to voters .
But the head of the commission said there was no way to know for certain how many ballots have been sent because that duty falls to municipal clerks , not the commission .
Adding candidates to the ballots after some have been sent would be complicated .
Voters who have already been sent a ballot would need to get a second one and clerks would have to make sure no one voted twice .
County officials expressed frustration with the court handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending ballots to voters .
Those concerns were noted in a spreadsheet they filled out for the commission that was provided to the court late Thursday .
`` These potential issues should have been dealt with before the final hour , '' said a notation from Bayfield County .
In its order , the court told the commission to advise municipal clerks that they should not mail any absentee ballots until further order of the court .
Most ballots have already been printed and requiring them to be reprinted with the names of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to election officials .
Those delays could make it harder for some voters to cast ballots , particularly those who live overseas or are serving in the military .
The majority wrote that it was issuing the order because it needed `` definite factual information about whether and when absentee ballots have , in fact , been printed , requested and mailed . ''
But the commission said it was unable to gather much information from nearly 2,000 local officials within several hours , as the court ordered .
The order was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conservatives , Chief Justice Patience Roggensack and Justices Rebecca Bradley , Brian Hagedorn and Annette Ziegler .
In dissent were the liberals , Justices Ann Walsh Bradley , Rebecca Dallet and Jill Karofsky .
`` Given the breadth of the information requested and the minimal time allotted to obtain it , I fear that the majority of this court is asking the impossible of our approximately 1,850 municipal clerks throughout the state , '' Bradley wrote for the dissenters .
Meagan Wolfe , the executive director of the Elections Commission , told reporters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some absentee ballots likely have gone out but she did n't know how many .
Later , she filed an affidavit that said the number could be more than 378,000 .
Clerks in large cities had been planning to mail their ballots in the coming days , she said .
Those communities need to send their ballots out in batches over a few days because they have so many of them .
Clerks need to start soon because of a state law that requires them to mail them by Sept. 17 , Wolfe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have requested absentee ballots so far and mail voting this year is expected to hit a record because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Having to add names to the ballots after some have been mailed would create confusion and logistical headaches , Wolfe said .
`` It would be incredibly challenging to manage that process , '' she said .
The state Supreme Court has the power to suspend the state law that requires absentee ballots to be mailed by Sept. 17 , but Democrats quickly noted a separate federal law requires them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters by Sept. 19 .
`` Someone needs to let Wisconsin ( and its Supreme Court ) know that FEDERAL LAW requires military and ( overseas ) ballots to go out at least 45 days before the election .
It is day 54 , '' Democratic attorney Marc Elias wrote in a tweet .
The Green Party case centers on whether presidential nominee Howie Hawkins and vice presidential nominee Angela Walker should be on the ballot .
The Elections Commission did n't include the Green Party on the ballot after it deadlocked last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Milwaukee native , provided two different addresses on her campaign filings , and the three Democrats on the commission said that should keep the Green Party off the ballot .
The commission 's three Republicans wanted the Green Party on the ballot .
Unspoken at last month 's commission meeting was how the Green Party could affect the presidential election .
Democrats fear the liberal party could take votes away from Democratic nominee Joe Biden and Republicans hope such a situation will help GOP President Donald Trump .
Trump won Wisconsin four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ point .
The Green Party candidate in 2016 , Jill Stein , received more votes than Trump 's margin of victory .
A separate case is pending in Brown County Circuit Court over whether to add rapper Kanye West to the ballot .
The commission rejected West 5-1 after finding his team was late in filing his paperwork last month .
Judge John Zakowski said Wednesday he was likely to rule in that case by next week .
He expressed some concerns about the deadlines for mailing ballots but also said the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if he later determines West 's name should be added to the ballot .

Patrick Marley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Wisconsin Supreme Court says mailing of absentee ballots should be halted
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Supreme Court told election officials Thursday that absentee ballots should not be mailed for now while the court determines whether they should include the Green Party's presidential ticket.
The 4-3 order left open the possibility of reprinting some ballots and delaying the printing of others — moves that election officials said would cause them to miss deadlines set by state law.
The order fell along ideological lines, with the conservatives in the majority and the liberals in dissent.
In response to the order, the state Elections Commission submitted a report late Thursday that suggested as many as 378,000 ballots have already been sent to voters. But the head of the commission said there was no way to know for certain how many ballots have been sent because that duty falls to municipal clerks, not the commission.
Adding candidates to the ballots after some have been sent would be complicated. Voters who have already been sent a ballot would need to get a second one and clerks would have to make sure no one voted twice.
Fact check: All mailed ballots — called 'absentee' and not — require voter verification
County officials expressed frustration with the court handling the case so near the deadline for sending ballots to voters. Those concerns were noted in a spreadsheet they filled out for the commission that was provided to the court late Thursday.
"These potential issues should have been dealt with before the final hour," said a notation from Bayfield County.
In its order, the court told the commission to advise municipal clerks that they should not mail any absentee ballots until further order of the court.
Most ballots have already been printed and requiring them to be reprinted with the names of more candidates could cause significant delays, according to election officials. Those delays could make it harder for some voters to cast ballots, particularly those who live overseas or are serving in the military.
The majority wrote that it was issuing the order because it needed "definite factual information about whether and when absentee ballots have, in fact, been printed, requested and mailed." But the commission said it was unable to gather much information from nearly 2,000 local officials within several hours, as the court ordered.
The order was unsigned but issued by the court's conservatives, Chief Justice Patience Roggensack and Justices Rebecca Bradley, Brian Hagedorn and Annette Ziegler.
In dissent were the liberals, Justices Ann Walsh Bradley, Rebecca Dallet and Jill Karofsky.
"Given the breadth of the information requested and the minimal time allotted to obtain it, I fear that the majority of this court is asking the impossible of our approximately 1,850 municipal clerks throughout the state," Bradley wrote for the dissenters.
Meagan Wolfe, the executive director of the Elections Commission, told reporters just before the order was issued that some absentee ballots likely have gone out but she didn't know how many. Later, she filed an affidavit that said the number could be more than 378,000.
Clerks in large cities had been planning to mail their ballots in the coming days, she said. Those communities need to send their ballots out in batches over a few days because they have so many of them.
1 million voters have requested ballots
Clerks need to start soon because of a state law that requires them to mail them by Sept. 17, Wolfe said. Nearly a million Wisconsin voters have requested absentee ballots so far and mail voting this year is expected to hit a record because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Having to add names to the ballots after some have been mailed would create confusion and logistical headaches, Wolfe said.
"It would be incredibly challenging to manage that process," she said.
The state Supreme Court has the power to suspend the state law that requires absentee ballots to be mailed by Sept. 17, but Democrats quickly noted a separate federal law requires them to be sent to military and overseas voters by Sept. 19.
"Someone needs to let Wisconsin (and its Supreme Court) know that FEDERAL LAW requires military and (overseas) ballots to go out at least 45 days before the election. It is day 54," Democratic attorney Marc Elias wrote in a tweet.
The Green Party case
The Green Party case centers on whether presidential nominee Howie Hawkins and vice presidential nominee Angela Walker should be on the ballot.
The Elections Commission didn't include the Green Party on the ballot after it deadlocked last month on the issue. Walker, a Milwaukee native, provided two different addresses on her campaign filings, and the three Democrats on the commission said that should keep the Green Party off the ballot. The commission's three Republicans wanted the Green Party on the ballot.
Unspoken at last month's commission meeting was how the Green Party could affect the presidential election. Democrats fear the liberal party could take votes away from Democratic nominee Joe Biden and Republicans hope such a situation will help GOP President Donald Trump.
Trump won Wisconsin four years ago by less than 1 percentage point. The Green Party candidate in 2016, Jill Stein, received more votes than Trump's margin of victory.
🚨Someone needs to let Wisconsin (and its Supreme Court) know that FEDERAL LAW requires military and oversees ballots to go out at least 45 days before the election. It is day 54.https://t.co/EXg98jdwzP — Marc E. Elias (@marceelias) September 10, 2020
A separate case is pending in Brown County Circuit Court over whether to add rapper Kanye West to the ballot. The commission rejected West 5-1 after finding his team was late in filing his paperwork last month.
Judge John Zakowski said Wednesday he was likely to rule in that case by next week. He expressed some concerns about the deadlines for mailing ballots but also said the state could send a second ballot to voters if he later determines West's name should be added to the ballot.
Contributing: Eric Litke
Follow Patrick Marley on Twitter @patrickdmarley.