usatoday--2020-07-06--GOP Sen. Grassley: Congress may override Trump veto on removing Confederate names from military base

DES MOINES – A senior Republican senator and staunch ally of President Donald Trump said Monday that Congress would `` probably override '' a veto if the president decided to veto a Congressional plan to rename military bases named after Confederate leaders .
Sen. Chuck Grassley , R-Iowa , made the comments Monday on a call with reporters when discussing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would remove the names of Confederate leaders from military assets within three years .
Trump has threatened to veto the spending bill if it contains the amendment .
`` I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just based on that , '' Grassley said of Trump .
Grassley raised the possibility that the issue of renaming bases could be considered separately from the full defense spending bill but said he believes Congress has the votes to override a presidential veto if it comes to that .
`` If it came to overriding a veto , we 'd probably override the veto , '' he said .
The senator 's comments are an unusual divergence from the president inside a Republican party that has typically stuck by him .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months away , and the party would typically want to head into its August convention with a united front .
Trump has issued eight vetoes during his presidency , and none have overridden by Congress .
The calls to rename U.S. military bases named for Confederate military commanders have gained steam amid nationwide protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd , a Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also said last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing Confederate names of bases .
`` There shouldn ’ t be a knee-jerk reaction to renaming bases , '' Grassley said Monday .
`` And I imagine that in my lifetime , there ’ s been a lot of bases that have had their names changed .
I ’ m not aware of it .
But the extent to which it ’ s a thoughtful process and not a knee-jerk reaction , I wouldn ’ t have any objection to it . ''
More : President Donald Trump says Redskins , Indians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ More : President Donald Trump calls for NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace to apologize for noose 'hoax' The Black Lives Matter protests have resulted in legislation in many states and communities to change police practices and to remove racist symbols from businesses and public sites , such as statues honoring the leaders of the Confederacy .
In some cases , protesters have also toppled statues of Confederate leaders or other historical U.S. leaders who owned slaves .
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst , also an Iowa Republican , supported the amendment in a U.S. Armed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said then that she understood “ there will be opposition to it ” but “ it is a discussion that we absolutely need to have.
” Ernst was one of four Senate Republicans in competitive elections on the Senate Armed Services Committee , which approved the amendment by voice vote , including Sens .
Tom Tillis of North Carolina , David Perdue of Georgia , and Martha McSally of Arizona .
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register .
He can be reached by email at sgrubermil @ registermedia.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him on Twitter at @ sgrubermiller .
Your subscription makes our journalism possible .
Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal .

Stephen Gruber-Miller and Savannah Behrmann, Des Moines Register

GOP Sen. Grassley: Congress may override Trump veto on removing Confederate names from military bases
Show Caption Hide Caption Confederate monuments are being taken down or defaced by protesters Historical Confederate monuments are being taken down and defaced from protests over the death of George Floyd. USA TODAY, Storyful
DES MOINES – A senior Republican senator and staunch ally of President Donald Trump said Monday that Congress would "probably override" a veto if the president decided to veto a Congressional plan to rename military bases named after Confederate leaders.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, made the comments Monday on a call with reporters when discussing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would remove the names of Confederate leaders from military assets within three years.
Trump has threatened to veto the spending bill if it contains the amendment.
"I would hope he wouldn’t veto it just based on that," Grassley said of Trump.
Grassley raised the possibility that the issue of renaming bases could be considered separately from the full defense spending bill but said he believes Congress has the votes to override a presidential veto if it comes to that.
"If it came to overriding a veto, we'd probably override the veto," he said.
The senator's comments are an unusual divergence from the president inside a Republican party that has typically stuck by him. It comes as the general election is only months away, and the party would typically want to head into its August convention with a united front.
Trump has issued eight vetoes during his presidency, and none have overridden by Congress.
The calls to rename U.S. military bases named for Confederate military commanders have gained steam amid nationwide protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
More: Some Republicans split with Trump, support removing Confederate statues and renaming military bases
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also said last month he'd also be "OK" changing Confederate names of bases.
"There shouldn’t be a knee-jerk reaction to renaming bases," Grassley said Monday. "And I imagine that in my lifetime, there’s been a lot of bases that have had their names changed. I’m not aware of it. But the extent to which it’s a thoughtful process and not a knee-jerk reaction, I wouldn’t have any objection to it."
More: President Donald Trump says Redskins, Indians considering name changes 'to be politically correct'
More: President Donald Trump calls for NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace to apologize for noose 'hoax'
The Black Lives Matter protests have resulted in legislation in many states and communities to change police practices and to remove racist symbols from businesses and public sites, such as statues honoring the leaders of the Confederacy. In some cases, protesters have also toppled statues of Confederate leaders or other historical U.S. leaders who owned slaves.
Video: WH press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tries to clarify President Trump's NASCAR tweet
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, also an Iowa Republican, supported the amendment in a U.S. Armed Services Committee vote last month.
Ernst said then that she understood “there will be opposition to it” but “it is a discussion that we absolutely need to have.”
Ernst was one of four Senate Republicans in competitive elections on the Senate Armed Services Committee, which approved the amendment by voice vote, including Sens. Tom Tillis of North Carolina, David Perdue of Georgia, and Martha McSally of Arizona.
Contributing: Maureen Groppe, David Jackson
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.
Your subscription makes our journalism possible. Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal.


usatoday--2020-07-06--Charlie Daniels, Country Music Hall of Famer known for 'Devil Went Down to Georgia,' dies at 83

Charlie Daniels , a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame best known for `` The Devil Went Down to Georgia , '' died Monday morning after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke .
He was 83 .
Daniels ' death was confirmed by his publicist , Don Murry Grubbs , to The Tennessean , part of the USA TODAY Network .
He is survived by his wife , Hazel , and son Charlie Daniels , Jr. By the time the Charlie Daniels Band topped the charts with “ Devil ” in 1979 , the instrumentalist , singer and songwriter had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Music City .
As a session musician , he played on three of Bob Dylan ’ s albums — including the revolutionary “ Nashville Skyline ” — as well as recordings for Ringo Starr , Leonard Cohen , Tammy Wynette and other luminaries .
He was a fixture of the touring circuit for the next 40 years .
A Grammy-winning singer , entertainer , songwriter and fiddle virtuoso , he migrated from an earlier countercultural stance epitomized on `` Long Haired Country Boy '' to become an advocate for patriotism and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle' Born Oct. 28 , 1936 , in Wilmington , North Carolina , Charles Edward Daniels grew up inspired by church music and local bluegrass bands .
He listened to Nashville ’ s WSM and WLAC , which streamed country and R & B music from Music City all the way through Daniels ’ radio speaker in North Carolina .
Daniels merged those sounds in the mid-1950s to create rock band The Jaguars , which most notably recorded instrumental single “ Jaguar , ” in Fort Worth , Texas , for national distribution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ d connect with producer Bob Johnston , who — years later — Daniels would credit with helping him find his way as a songwriter and sought-after session player in Nashville .
In 1964 , Daniels and Johnston co-wrote “ It Hurts Me , ” a single cut by Elvis Presley that proved the first victory in decades of songwriting success to come .
“ ( Elvis ) recorded it , and it was by far … the biggest thing that had ever happened to me in my life , ” Daniels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help , Daniels carved his name in the late 1960s and early ‘ 70s as a marquee Nashville player , working with the likes of Starr , Cohen and , most notably , Dylan .
The life of a session sideman would n't stick , though .
He 'd cut a self-titled debut album in 1970 , forming the Charlie Daniels Band — or CDB , as it was known for decades at concert theaters , state fairs and race tracks — in 1971 .
A bearded embodiment of fast-fiddlin ' Southern life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts in the early 1970s , none more notable than `` Fire on the Mountain ” — the Platinum-selling release that spilled into mainstream country success .
Daniels would proceed to sell more than 13.5 million records , per the RIAA , logging nine Gold , Platinum or multi-Platinum releases .
`` His music fused the immediacy of Southern Rock with the classic country storytelling that he heard as a child , '' Kyle Young , CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum , said Monday .
`` He brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to the sources even as he explored the edges . ''
Backed by `` The South 's Gon na Do It Again , '' Trudy '' and the rest of his growing catalog , Daniels would forge a reputation among his peers as a scorching live player .
`` We would follow him into battle , '' friend and Nashville musician Larry Gatlin shared Monday .
`` We would not follow him on stage .
We couldn ’ t .
No one else could either .
‘ Nuff said . ''
'Devil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' fiery music Upon its release in 1979 , “ The Devil Went Down to Georgia ” didn ’ t just top the country chart , it became a huge pop crossover hit – climbing up to No .
3 on Billboard ’ s Hot 100 chart behind The Knack ’ s “ My Sharona ” and Earth Wind and Fire ’ s “ After the Love Has Gone.
” The song won Daniels ' only Grammy Award in 1979 , for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1980 John Travolta movie “ Urban Cowboy ” , which was closely identified with the rise of country music generated by that film .
Some of his other hits were “ Drinkin ’ My Baby Goodbye , '' “ Boogie Woogie Fiddle Country Blues ” and “ Uneasy Rider . ''
In the 1990s Daniels softened some of his lyrics from his earlier days when he often was embroiled in controversy .
In “ The Devil Went Down to Georgia , ” Daniels originally called the devil a “ son of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ son of a gun.
” In his 1980 hit “ Long Haired Country Boy , ” he used to sing about being “ stoned in the morning ” and “ drunk in the afternoon.
” Daniels changed it to “ I get up in the morning .
I get down in the afternoon.
” “ I guess I ’ ve mellowed in my old age , ” Daniels said in 1998 .
Otherwise , though , he rarely backed down from in-your-face lyrics .
His “ Simple Man ” in 1990 suggested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as alligator bait .
His “ In America ” in 1980 told the country ’ s enemies to “ go straight to hell.
” Such tough talk earned him guest spots on “ Politically Incorrect , ” the G. Gordon Liddy radio show and on C-Span taking comments from viewers .
Daniels joined the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 , and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016 .
Daniels was an ardent supporter of the troops A staunch supporter of U.S. troops and veterans , Daniels spent much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for service members in Kuwait , Iraq and Afghanistan .
In 2014 , he co-founded the Journey Home Project .
The non-profit has now raised more than $ 1 million for veterans and veterans-related programs and charities .
The following year saw the opening of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University .
For the last four years , hardly a day went by without Daniels sharing this message on his Twitter account : “ 22 VETERANS COMMIT SUICIDE EVERY DAY !
!
” On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1980 's confrontational `` In America '' solidified his reputation as one of the most outspoken figures in country music .
In daily posts , he would decry abortion as “ murder , ” ask fans to “ pray for the blue , ” and declare that “ Benghazi ain ’ t going away.
” On July 4 , just days before his death , Daniels tweeted : “ We ’ re sitting on the upstairs porch looking at the northern horizon and watching America light up , fireworks going off all over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statues and burn buildings but you can ’ t kill the spirit of patriots and when they ’ ve had enough this madness will end.
” But in his twilight years , Daniels also continued to relate to the countercultural heroes he once played with .
In 2014 , he covered “ The Times They Are a-Changin , ” “ Hard Rain ’ s Gon na Fall ” and others on a full album of acoustic Dylan covers .
`` All these things , they 're just all part of my life , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It all adds up .
And whatever differences you may have , there are 12 notes of music in the world where you can find common ground . ''
In 1994 , Daniels returned to the gospel music that influenced him as a child , releasing his first Christian album , “ The Door.
” The record would yield Daniels his first of three Grammy Award nominations for Southern gospel recordings .
He ’ d earn his last Grammy Award nomination in 2005 , for Country Instrumental Performance on “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 , he joined the ranks of country music stalwarts enshrined as a Grand Ole Opry member .
He ’ d regularly perform on the 94-year-old country music radio tradition until his death .
“ To be able to be a member and to have my name linked with my heroes is some pretty heady stuff for a guy that loves music and loves the Grand Ole Opry as much as I do , ” Daniels once said .
Beyond the Opry , Daniels was a fixture of touring circuit until COVID-19 brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We play over one hundred cities every year and they ’ re all special in their own way , but when you get a chance to bring it all back home , especially when so many of your friends are joining you , it don ’ t get much better than that , '' Daniels said in 2019 .
In 2016 , Daniels earned a top honor for any Nashville musician : A place alongside the all-time greats in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum .
Entering at nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Travis and Fred Foster for the year ’ s Hall of Fame class .
He was “ weak ” and speechless when hearing the news he would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame , Daniels told The Tennessean in 2016 .
“ I ’ m so glad it went this way , ” Daniels said .
“ This is the cherry on top of the icing .
It doesn ’ t go any further .
That ’ s where the cake stops .
”

Dave Paulson and Matthew Leimkuehler, Nashville Tennessean

Charlie Daniels, Country Music Hall of Famer known for 'Devil Went Down to Georgia,' dies at 83
Show Caption Hide Caption Charlie Daniels, best known for 'Devil Went Down to Georgia,' dies Charlie Daniels was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. USA TODAY
Charlie Daniels, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame best known for "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," died Monday morning after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. He was 83.
Daniels' death was confirmed by his publicist, Don Murry Grubbs, to The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. He is survived by his wife, Hazel, and son Charlie Daniels, Jr.
By the time the Charlie Daniels Band topped the charts with “Devil” in 1979, the instrumentalist, singer and songwriter had long established a remarkable, multifaceted career in Music City. As a session musician, he played on three of Bob Dylan’s albums — including the revolutionary “Nashville Skyline” — as well as recordings for Ringo Starr, Leonard Cohen, Tammy Wynette and other luminaries.
He was a fixture of the touring circuit for the next 40 years. A Grammy-winning singer, entertainer, songwriter and fiddle virtuoso, he migrated from an earlier countercultural stance epitomized on "Long Haired Country Boy" to become an advocate for patriotism and the military.
'We would follow him into battle'
Born Oct. 28, 1936, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Charles Edward Daniels grew up inspired by church music and local bluegrass bands. He listened to Nashville’s WSM and WLAC, which streamed country and R&B music from Music City all the way through Daniels’ radio speaker in North Carolina.
Daniels merged those sounds in the mid-1950s to create rock band The Jaguars, which most notably recorded instrumental single “Jaguar,” in Fort Worth, Texas, for national distribution via Epic Records. In Texas, he’d connect with producer Bob Johnston, who — years later — Daniels would credit with helping him find his way as a songwriter and sought-after session player in Nashville.
In 1964, Daniels and Johnston co-wrote “It Hurts Me,” a single cut by Elvis Presley that proved the first victory in decades of songwriting success to come.
“(Elvis) recorded it, and it was by far … the biggest thing that had ever happened to me in my life,” Daniels once said.
With Johnston’s help, Daniels carved his name in the late 1960s and early ‘70s as a marquee Nashville player, working with the likes of Starr, Cohen and, most notably, Dylan.
The life of a session sideman wouldn't stick, though. He'd cut a self-titled debut album in 1970, forming the Charlie Daniels Band — or CDB, as it was known for decades at concert theaters, state fairs and race tracks — in 1971.
A bearded embodiment of fast-fiddlin' Southern life, Daniels cut a handful of solo efforts in the early 1970s, none more notable than "Fire on the Mountain” — the Platinum-selling release that spilled into mainstream country success. Daniels would proceed to sell more than 13.5 million records, per the RIAA, logging nine Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum releases.
"His music fused the immediacy of Southern Rock with the classic country storytelling that he heard as a child," Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, said Monday. "He brought new audiences to country music, pointing people to the sources even as he explored the edges."
Backed by "The South's Gonna Do It Again," Trudy" and the rest of his growing catalog, Daniels would forge a reputation among his peers as a scorching live player.
"We would follow him into battle," friend and Nashville musician Larry Gatlin shared Monday. "We would not follow him on stage. We couldn’t. No one else could either. ‘Nuff said."
'Devil Went Down To Georgia' and Daniels' fiery music
Upon its release in 1979, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” didn’t just top the country chart, it became a huge pop crossover hit – climbing up to No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart behind The Knack’s “My Sharona” and Earth Wind and Fire’s “After the Love Has Gone.”
The song won Daniels' only Grammy Award in 1979, for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. A year later, he played himself in the 1980 John Travolta movie “Urban Cowboy”, which was closely identified with the rise of country music generated by that film. Some of his other hits were “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye," “Boogie Woogie Fiddle Country Blues” and “Uneasy Rider."
In the 1990s Daniels softened some of his lyrics from his earlier days when he often was embroiled in controversy.
In “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” Daniels originally called the devil a “son of a bitch,” but changed it to “son of a gun.”
In his 1980 hit “Long Haired Country Boy,” he used to sing about being “stoned in the morning” and “drunk in the afternoon.” Daniels changed it to “I get up in the morning. I get down in the afternoon.”
“I guess I’ve mellowed in my old age,” Daniels said in 1998.
Otherwise, though, he rarely backed down from in-your-face lyrics.
His “Simple Man” in 1990 suggested lynching drug dealers and using child abusers as alligator bait. His “In America” in 1980 told the country’s enemies to “go straight to hell.”
Such tough talk earned him guest spots on “Politically Incorrect,” the G. Gordon Liddy radio show and on C-Span taking comments from viewers.
Daniels joined the Grand Ole Opry in 2008, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
Daniels was an ardent supporter of the troops
A staunch supporter of U.S. troops and veterans, Daniels spent much of his career traveling overseas to play for service members in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan.
In 2014, he co-founded the Journey Home Project. The non-profit has now raised more than $1 million for veterans and veterans-related programs and charities. The following year saw the opening of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University.
For the last four years, hardly a day went by without Daniels sharing this message on his Twitter account: “22 VETERANS COMMIT SUICIDE EVERY DAY!!”
On the platform, the man who sang 1980's confrontational "In America" solidified his reputation as one of the most outspoken figures in country music. In daily posts, he would decry abortion as “murder,” ask fans to “pray for the blue,” and declare that “Benghazi ain’t going away.”
On July 4, just days before his death, Daniels tweeted: “We’re sitting on the upstairs porch looking at the northern horizon and watching America light up, fireworks going off all over the place. You may tear down statues and burn buildings but you can’t kill the spirit of patriots and when they’ve had enough this madness will end.”
But in his twilight years, Daniels also continued to relate to the countercultural heroes he once played with. In 2014, he covered “The Times They Are a-Changin,” “Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall” and others on a full album of acoustic Dylan covers.
"All these things, they're just all part of my life," he told The Tennessean in 2014. "It all adds up. And whatever differences you may have, there are 12 notes of music in the world where you can find common ground."
Late career honors
In 1994, Daniels returned to the gospel music that influenced him as a child, releasing his first Christian album, “The Door.” The record would yield Daniels his first of three Grammy Award nominations for Southern gospel recordings. He’d earn his last Grammy Award nomination in 2005, for Country Instrumental Performance on “I’ll Fly Away.”
At age 70, he joined the ranks of country music stalwarts enshrined as a Grand Ole Opry member. He’d regularly perform on the 94-year-old country music radio tradition until his death.
“To be able to be a member and to have my name linked with my heroes is some pretty heady stuff for a guy that loves music and loves the Grand Ole Opry as much as I do,” Daniels once said.
Beyond the Opry, Daniels was a fixture of touring circuit until COVID-19 brought the industry to a halt this year.
"We play over one hundred cities every year and they’re all special in their own way, but when you get a chance to bring it all back home, especially when so many of your friends are joining you, it don’t get much better than that," Daniels said in 2019.
In 2016, Daniels earned a top honor for any Nashville musician: A place alongside the all-time greats in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Entering at nearly 80 years old, he joined Randy Travis and Fred Foster for the year’s Hall of Fame class.
He was “weak” and speechless when hearing the news he would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Daniels told The Tennessean in 2016.
“I’m so glad it went this way,” Daniels said. “This is the cherry on top of the icing. It doesn’t go any further. That’s where the cake stops.”
Contributing: AP


usatoday--2020-07-06--Change Confederate military base names to honor those who fought for America

Heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson once famously quipped , “ Everyone has a plan , until they get punched in the mouth.
” An equally true principle might go something like this : “ Change never happens , until it smacks you in the face.
” For decades , majorities of Americans have shrugged off the debate over the many Confederate symbols , ranging from flags to statues of generals , that dot the South .
As if to underscore how rapidly things are changing , the Republican-controlled Senate is racing toward one important change : renaming the 10 U.S. military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to rename the bases , contained in a defense authorization bill , faces one major obstacle : President Donald Trump is vowing to veto it .
The move to change the names comes amid movement in public sentiment and after the secretaries of Defense and the Army said they are open to having a bipartisan dialogue on renaming the bases .
It 's about time .
States and localities will need to deal with their Confederate statues and place names .
And Congress will likely take up separate legislation dealing with 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting rid of Confederate military base names is a good place to start .
After all , why should a nation honor generals who took up arms against it ?
The United States has no Army base named after Charles Cornwallis , the British general during the Revolutionary War , or famous turncoat Benedict Arnold .
Why should there be bases named after people who fought on the wrong side at battles like Gettysburg and Antietam ?
Some of these installations , including Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Hood in Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
About the only thing positive to say about Braxton Bragg and John Bell Hood is that neither was a particularly effective general .
What about Grant and Eisenhower ?
Meanwhile , there are plenty more deserving candidates who could be honored .
There is no fort named after Ulysses S. Grant , the Union general who won the Civil War and later became president .
There used to be a small one in in Arizona , but it 's now a state prison .
Nor are there many forts named after great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eisenhower , for instance , has only a hospital , which is on one of the bases named for a Confederate general .
And below these luminaries are numerous heroes of lesser rank — many of them from racial and ethnic minorities — who fought , and sometimes died , with great bravery and distinction .
OTHER VIEWS : Confederate names on military bases and Civil War history Making the case against Confederate base names even stronger is the cause these generals were fighting for .
Slavery is the worst stain on America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be confronted , not rationalized or papered over .
The Southern states seceded after the election of America ’ s greatest president , Abraham Lincoln , because they felt that he would take the country in a direction that would eventually ban human bondage .
It is time to use military base names to honor people who fought for America , not those who sought to tear the United States apart .
If you ca n't see this reader poll , please refresh your page .

Change Confederate military base names to honor those who fought for America The United States should not glorify those who took up arms to try to tear it apart and defended slavery: Our view
Show Caption Hide Caption White House refutes push to rename Army bases President Donald Trump is insisting his administration will not consider changing the name of any of the 10 Army bases that are named for Confederate Army officers. (June 10) AP
Heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson once famously quipped, “Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth.” An equally true principle might go something like this: “Change never happens, until it smacks you in the face.” For decades, majorities of Americans have shrugged off the debate over the many Confederate symbols, ranging from flags to statues of generals, that dot the South. As if to underscore how rapidly things are changing, the Republican-controlled Senate is racing toward one important change: renaming the 10 U.S. military bases named after Confederate generals.
The plan to rename the bases, contained in a defense authorization bill, faces one major obstacle: President Donald Trump is vowing to veto it.
The move to change the names comes amid movement in public sentiment and after the secretaries of Defense and the Army said they are open to having a bipartisan dialogue on renaming the bases.
Wrong side of Gettysburg, Antietam
It's about time. States and localities will need to deal with their Confederate statues and place names. And Congress will likely take up separate legislation dealing with 11 Confederate statues in the Capitol. But getting rid of Confederate military base names is a good place to start.
After all, why should a nation honor generals who took up arms against it? The United States has no Army base named after Charles Cornwallis, the British general during the Revolutionary War, or famous turncoat Benedict Arnold. Why should there be bases named after people who fought on the wrong side at battles like Gettysburg and Antietam?
Some of these installations, including Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Fort Hood in Texas, are among America’s biggest. About the only thing positive to say about Braxton Bragg and John Bell Hood is that neither was a particularly effective general.
What about Grant and Eisenhower?
Meanwhile, there are plenty more deserving candidates who could be honored. There is no fort named after Ulysses S. Grant, the Union general who won the Civil War and later became president. There used to be a small one in in Arizona, but it's now a state prison.
Nor are there many forts named after great 20th century military leaders. Dwight D. Eisenhower, for instance, has only a hospital, which is on one of the bases named for a Confederate general. And below these luminaries are numerous heroes of lesser rank — many of them from racial and ethnic minorities — who fought, and sometimes died, with great bravery and distinction.
OTHER VIEWS: Confederate names on military bases and Civil War history
Making the case against Confederate base names even stronger is the cause these generals were fighting for. Slavery is the worst stain on America’s history. It needs to be confronted, not rationalized or papered over. The Southern states seceded after the election of America’s greatest president, Abraham Lincoln, because they felt that he would take the country in a direction that would eventually ban human bondage.
It is time to use military base names to honor people who fought for America, not those who sought to tear the United States apart.
USA TODAY's editorial opinions are decided by its Editorial Board, separate from the news staff and the USA TODAY Network. Most editorials are coupled with an Opposing View, a unique USA TODAY feature. To read more editorials, go to the Opinion front page or sign up for the daily Opinion email newsletter. To respond to this editorial, submit a comment to letters@usatoday.com.
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usatoday--2020-07-06--Supreme Court upholds law banning cellphone robocalls

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Monday upheld a nearly 30-year-old ban on automated calls to cellphones despite concerns that it violates the First Amendment .
To fix that constitutional problem , the justices ruled that a recent exception to the law allowing robocalls to people who owe the government money must be eliminated .
The decision was written by Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh , and several justices agreed only in part .
The ruling brought to a close an unusual case in which neither side sought what the court deemed the most acceptable result .
Political consultants and pollsters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the government wanted the ban and the government-debt exception upheld .
Instead , as Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch quipped during oral argument in May , the result was `` the irony of a First Amendment challenge leading to the suppression of more speech as a remedy . ''
He and Associate Justice Clarence Thomas would have given political operatives the exemption they sought .
A majority of justices went in the opposite direction and took away the exemption for debt collection .
`` Americans passionately disagree about many things .
But they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robocalls , '' Kavanaugh wrote .
By severing the exception for government debt rather than the entire law , he said , `` the tail ( one unconstitutional provision ) does not wag the dog . ''
`` Constitutional litigation is not a game of gotcha against Congress , where litigants can ride a discrete constitutional flaw in a statute to take down the whole , otherwise constitutional statute , '' Kavanaugh said .
He noted the federal government gets `` a staggering number of complaints about robocalls – 3.7 million complaints in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a constant barrage of complaints . ''
These are the most important decisions before the Supreme Court this year .
During oral argument in May , Roman Martinez , the lawyer representing political challengers to the law , noted the exception `` exposes 60 million Americans to unlimited calls to collect more than $ 4.2 trillion in debt .
Those are the kinds of calls consumers hate the most . ''
Although Martinez wanted his clients to be able to reach cellphones , the high court 's ruling emerged as the least objectionable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against content-based discrimination .
If debts to the government merit an unwanted call , some justices reasoned , then political calls would have to be permitted .
`` If you just take a peek , just a peek , at the real world here , this is one of the more popular laws on the books , because people do n't like cellphone robocalls , '' Kavanaugh said in May .
`` That seems just common sense . ''
Associate Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for himself and fellow liberal Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the exception for debt collection pass muster .
Given that a majority of justices disagreed on the exception , they agreed it should be severed rather than bring down the entire law with it .
Gorsuch said the better course would have been to declare the cellphone ban unconstitutional because of the exception and allow debt collectors and political operatives to call freely .
He noted that , unlike when the original law was enacted , cellphone owners generally pay monthly fees rather than being charged for outgoing and incoming calls , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls .
`` Somehow , in the name of vindicating the First Amendment , our remedial course today leads to the unlikely result that not a single person will be allowed to speak more freely and , instead , more speech will be banned , '' he wrote .

Supreme Court upholds law banning cellphone robocalls
Show Caption Hide Caption Chief Justice John Roberts is not a sure bet for conservative rulings Chief Justice John Roberts has been a conservative vote in important past rulings, but recent decisions have some wondering if he's now a swing vote. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Monday upheld a nearly 30-year-old ban on automated calls to cellphones despite concerns that it violates the First Amendment.
To fix that constitutional problem, the justices ruled that a recent exception to the law allowing robocalls to people who owe the government money must be eliminated. The decision was written by Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and several justices agreed only in part.
The ruling brought to a close an unusual case in which neither side sought what the court deemed the most acceptable result. Political consultants and pollsters wanted the original law declared unconstitutional, while the government wanted the ban and the government-debt exception upheld.
Instead, as Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch quipped during oral argument in May, the result was "the irony of a First Amendment challenge leading to the suppression of more speech as a remedy." He and Associate Justice Clarence Thomas would have given political operatives the exemption they sought.
A majority of justices went in the opposite direction and took away the exemption for debt collection.
"Americans passionately disagree about many things. But they are largely united in their disdain for robocalls," Kavanaugh wrote. By severing the exception for government debt rather than the entire law, he said, "the tail (one unconstitutional provision) does not wag the dog."
"Constitutional litigation is not a game of gotcha against Congress, where litigants can ride a discrete constitutional flaw in a statute to take down the whole, otherwise constitutional statute," Kavanaugh said.
He noted the federal government gets "a staggering number of complaints about robocalls – 3.7 million complaints in 2019 alone. The states likewise field a constant barrage of complaints."
During oral argument in May, Roman Martinez, the lawyer representing political challengers to the law, noted the exception "exposes 60 million Americans to unlimited calls to collect more than $4.2 trillion in debt. Those are the kinds of calls consumers hate the most."
Although Martinez wanted his clients to be able to reach cellphones, the high court's ruling emerged as the least objectionable way to uphold its free speech precedents against content-based discrimination. If debts to the government merit an unwanted call, some justices reasoned, then political calls would have to be permitted.
"If you just take a peek, just a peek, at the real world here, this is one of the more popular laws on the books, because people don't like cellphone robocalls," Kavanaugh said in May. "That seems just common sense."
Associate Justice Stephen Breyer wrote for himself and fellow liberal Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan that the original law and the exception for debt collection pass muster. Given that a majority of justices disagreed on the exception, they agreed it should be severed rather than bring down the entire law with it.
Gorsuch said the better course would have been to declare the cellphone ban unconstitutional because of the exception and allow debt collectors and political operatives to call freely.
He noted that, unlike when the original law was enacted, cellphone owners generally pay monthly fees rather than being charged for outgoing and incoming calls, and they can screen and block unwanted calls.
"Somehow, in the name of vindicating the First Amendment, our remedial course today leads to the unlikely result that not a single person will be allowed to speak more freely and, instead, more speech will be banned," he wrote.


usatoday--2020-07-06--Chicago will require visitors from 15 hot spots - like Florida and California - to quarantine

Chicago is taking a page from New York 's playbook : The Illinois city will require visitors from 15 states with high COVID-19 infection rates to quarantine for 14 days , effective Monday .
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the new policy on Thursday in a tweet : `` To preserve the gains Chicago has made , we 're issuing an Emergency Travel Order directing travelers entering or returning to Chicago from states experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases to quarantine for a period of 14 days . ''
The order applies the city of Chicago itself .
All 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list issued by New York , New Jersey and Connecticut as well .
A FAQ on the city 's website said any state with more than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents per day on a 7-day rolling average was eligible to be added to the quarantine list .
Chicago 's criteria is more permissive than that used by New York , New Jersey and Connecticut , which put states with 10 new cases per day on its lists .
Other states may be added as Chicago officials do weekly reviews .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewed and amended every Tuesday , starting July 14 , with the order effective for those states the following Friday ( three days later ) , '' the FAQ said .
Those who violate the quarantine face fines between $ 100 to $ 500 per day , up to $ 7,000 .
Hotels and short-term rentals will be asked to communicate the 14-day quarantine to guests who have traveled from one of the designated states .

Chicago will require visitors from 15 hot spots - like Florida and California - to quarantine
Show Caption Hide Caption Some travelers face quarantine in Chicago Chicago officials say people traveling to the city from 15 states with increasing numbers of confirmed cases of the coronavirus will have to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival or face possible fines. The order takes effect Monday. (July 3) AP
Chicago is taking a page from New York's playbook: The city is requiring visitors from 15 states with high COVID-19 infection rates to quarantine for 14 days.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the new policy on Thursday in a tweet: "To preserve the gains Chicago has made, we're issuing an Emergency Travel Order directing travelers entering or returning to Chicago from states experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases to quarantine for a period of 14 days."
The order applies to the city of Chicago itself.
Affected states are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.
All 15 of those states are also on the quarantine list issued by New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
An FAQ on the city's website said any state with more than 15 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents per day on a 7-day rolling average was eligible to be added to the quarantine list. Chicago's criteria is more permissive than that used by New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, which put states with 10 new cases per day on its lists.
Other states may be added as Chicago officials conduct weekly reviews.
"The list of states will be reviewed and amended every Tuesday, starting July 14, with the order effective for those states the following Friday (three days later)," the FAQ said.
Those who violate the quarantine face fines between $100 to $500 per day, up to $7,000.
Hotels and short-term rentals will be asked to communicate the 14-day quarantine to guests who have traveled from one of the designated states.
NY quarantine list: 8 more states added, including California, Tennessee, Georgia


usatoday--2020-07-06--Zoo keeper dies after Siberian tiger attacks as visitors look on

A zoo keeper in Switzerland died after she was attacked by a Siberian tiger as visitors looked on in horror Saturday .
The attack occurred inside Zurich 's zoo Saturday afternoon , zoo officials said .
Zoo goers who witnessed the attack alerted staff , and other zoo keepers rushed in to lure the big cat away from the zoo keeper .
Zoo officials did not identify the keeper but said she was a 55-year-old woman .
`` Sadly all help came too late .
The woman died at the scene , '' Zurich police spokeswoman Judith Hoedl said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , though the tiger complex remains closed , the zoo said in a statement .
An investigation was underway to determine how and why the keeper was in the same enclosure as the tiger .
The Siberian tiger , named Irina , was taken to another enclosure after the attack , but the zoo said in a statement there would be `` no consequences for the animal . ''
The tiger `` is a wild animal .
A person in their facility is an intruder into their territory .
In her reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' zoo officials said in a statement .
The zoo said counseling would be available for visitors and staff who witnessed the attack .
The zoo recently reopened after coronavirus-related shutdowns .
According to National Geographic , Siberian tigers are the world 's largest cats , growing more than 10 feet long and weighing more than 600 pounds .
The animals are endangered .

Zoo keeper dies after Siberian tiger attacks as visitors look on
A zoo keeper in Switzerland died after she was attacked by a Siberian tiger as visitors looked on in horror Saturday.
The attack occurred inside Zurich's zoo Saturday afternoon, zoo officials said. Zoo goers who witnessed the attack alerted staff, and other zoo keepers rushed in to lure the big cat away from the zoo keeper.
Zoo officials did not identify the keeper but said she was a 55-year-old woman.
"Sadly all help came too late. The woman died at the scene," Zurich police spokeswoman Judith Hoedl said.
The zoo was closed Sunday but reopened Monday, though the tiger complex remains closed, the zoo said in a statement. An investigation was underway to determine how and why the keeper was in the same enclosure as the tiger.
The Siberian tiger, named Irina, was taken to another enclosure after the attack, but the zoo said in a statement there would be "no consequences for the animal."
The tiger "is a wild animal. A person in their facility is an intruder into their territory. In her reaction, she only followed her natural instincts," zoo officials said in a statement.
The zoo said counseling would be available for visitors and staff who witnessed the attack. The zoo recently reopened after coronavirus-related shutdowns.
According to National Geographic, Siberian tigers are the world's largest cats, growing more than 10 feet long and weighing more than 600 pounds. The animals are endangered.
Contributing: The Associated Press
Follow USA TODAY's Ryan Miller on Twitter @RyanW_Miller


usatoday--2020-07-06--How a boy with one leg became a high school sports star and saved his family in a house fire

CLARINDA , Ia .
— Jakob Childs and his family were on their way to a local Walmart when he made a sobering joke .
In the back seat of his family 's Ford Escape , Childs was thinking about how as a child he survived a lawn mower accident that had chopped off most of one leg , and this spring , he survived a fire that had destroyed his family ’ s house and nearly killed them all .
The family was on its way to pick up food , clothes and toiletries to replace the ones they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point , I ’ m basically immortal . ''
Their son 's comment was meant as a joke , but then they started thinking about everything he had overcome and all he had accomplished .
With one leg , Jakob had become a star on the football field , a state qualifier on the wrestling mat and one of Iowa 's Clarinda High School ’ s top pitchers on the baseball team .
And then he saved his family from the fire .
Stephanie began to think there was some truth to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Perhaps he should feel immortal .
`` He just feels like he can overcome anything .
He ’ s done it .
He ’ s showed it .
He ’ s proved it , '' Stephanie said .
`` His accident , he overcame and did things that they said he probably wouldn ’ t be able to do . ''
And now , `` He says , ‘ I ’ ve seen where my bed was … I could have been in it .
We made it out.
’ '' Dan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jakob and Isaiah , several times : Stay away .
He knew just how intriguing the riding lawn mower owned by the family 's neighbors looked to the kids , like something fun to play on .
But Dan also knew how potentially dangerous it could be .
On Mother 's Day in May 2008 , before heading inside to eat lunch and handing the mower over to a neighbor , he reminded them to stay away again .
`` I did n't listen to my dad , '' Jakob now says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 10 , who , after a few minutes , had hopped onto the back of the lawn mower behind the neighbor for a joyride .
When Jakob saw Isaiah do it , he decided to follow , hopping on the back behind his brother .
But when the neighbor put the mower in reverse , both boys fell off .
Isaiah quickly got off the ground .
Jakob was knocked out for a few seconds , long enough to not realize what was happening .
The mower , which kept moving in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left leg .
Stephanie , who was in the bathroom getting ready for work , heard the scream through an open window .
Seconds later , Isaiah came in screaming .
Dan ran outside and saw Jakob lying on the ground .
`` I knew it was bad , '' Dan said .
Both of her parents had been emergency medical technicians .
She also works as a certified nursing assistant .
The mower blade had gone in right below Jakob 's left knee and slid down the shin bone .
It cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bones in his foot .
His first two toes were dangling from his foot , but there was nothing connecting the last three .
`` That was my biggest fear — that he was going to bleed out or he was going to flip into shock and more complicated things were going to happen , '' Stephanie said .
After the lawn mower was flipped off him , Jakob lay on the ground , bleeding profusely .
He was so out of it , he asked a first responder if he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital .
The blade had come a quarter inch away from severing the main vein in his leg .
If that had happened , it would have killed him .
When Jakob heard the word , he did n't know the meaning .
His father had to explain it .
Doctors told Jakob and his family that if they tried to save the leg , he could end up with a club foot or in a wheelchair for the rest of his life .
The best option , they determined , was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below his knee .
Jakob had two immediate concerns : What would his brother think , and how would his classmates react ?
Dan and Stephanie would explain to Isaiah what had happened to his kid brother .
Teachers at school would tell students what to expect when Jakob returned .
What Jakob was n't worried about : sports .
Jakob still planned to get outside and do everything other kids did .
`` He would tell a doctor , 'Doc , I 'm ready to go home .
I have a bike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ride itself , ' '' Stephanie recalled .
When Jakob got out of the hospital , that 's exactly what he did .
Stephanie watched her son ride his bike with one leg .
He played baseball in their yard and hopped around the bases .
Just a few days after getting out of the hospital , he popped his stitches and needed a cast for a few days .
`` It did n't stop him , '' Stephanie said .
It never would .
About a year and a half later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a competitive baseball league .
He wore a prosthetic when he played .
In seventh grade , he was cleared to play football and wrestle .
He took the prosthetic off when he wrestled .
His parents were worried about his safety and the response of other kids .
How would they react when they saw someone different ?
Dan feared there would be snickering and laughing .
`` I did n't want him to feel embarrassed because he was getting beat by these able-bodied kids , '' Dan said .
But most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prosthetic , which is usually hidden under his long pants .
The only time it became an issue was during a game in sixth or seventh grade when Jakob was rounding third base and the prosthetic flew off .
Jakob still tried to score .
`` He 's gained the respect of so many people over the years , '' Dan said .
`` I had my reservations 'bout how people were going to look at him .
But as you look around , people actually cheer him on rather than laugh at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School football team , he became an offensive guard and defensive end , racking up 28.5 total tackles for the Cardinals during his senior season .
In 2019 , he qualified for the state wrestling tournament .
Clarinda baseball coach Rodney Eberly considers Jakob one of his top pitchers .
So good that two years ago , Eberly had Jakob move from hitting right-handed to left-handed .
Eberly noticed that Jakob , even with his prosthetic , would land on his heel with his swings .
It would cause his swing to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When they moved him around , he became a quick contributor with his bat , too .
`` He 's kind of a freak of nature , '' Clarinda baseball player Parker Rock said .
Jakob has become so gifted at baseball that he hopes to play in college .
He 's currently focused on attending Northwest Missouri State .
May 9 was going to be the day of Jakob 's graduation reception .
His girlfriend , 19-year-old Madison Mills , had stayed at the Childs ' home overnight , playing video games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his sister , Tori .
Mills awakened around 5 a.m. to something burning .
She woke up Jakob , who initially was n't concerned .
He figured his mom might be out back burning leaves .
But he wanted to make sure .
He hopped up , found his prosthetic and ran downstairs and outside .
He did n't see his mom burning leaves , though .
He saw the side of their house on fire .
His brother , who was at his girlfriend 's house , was n't home .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his room , was still asleep .
So was his mom .
His father was barely awake .
After seeing the fire and realizing he could n't put it out , Jakob went running back into the house and screamed for someone to call 911 .
Tori got on the phone .
Jakob then ran to his parents ' room and woke them up .
As soon as he opened their door , Stephanie could smell the smoke .
Once Jakob got everyone up and out of the house , he started calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get out .
The fire , which started in an electrical box that had shorted , spread up to the attic .
The house ended up a complete loss .
The family moved into a local motel until the purchase of a new home can be finalized .
That morning , the family could do little but huddle in the driveway , watching many of their belongings — furniture and clothes — be ruined by the smoke and water that had filled the house .
Then two local firefighters walked out , carrying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collection of brackets , newspaper clippings and medals , a testament to all he had accomplished in sports , against all odds .
`` Jake hit his knees in the pavement , '' Stephanie said .
`` It was very , very emotional when they walked out with it . ''
She called it a miracle that the mementos survived .
It 's no shock , though .
The way his family looks at it , Jakob 's life has been full of miracles .

How a boy with one leg became a high school sports star and saved his family in a house fire
CLARINDA, Ia. — Jakob Childs and his family were on their way to a local Walmart when he made a sobering joke.
In the back seat of his family's Ford Escape, Childs was thinking about how as a child he survived a lawn mower accident that had chopped off most of one leg, and this spring, he survived a fire that had destroyed his family’s house and nearly killed them all. The family was on its way to pick up food, clothes and toiletries to replace the ones they lost when Childs said, “At this point, I’m basically immortal."
His father, Dan, and mother, Stephanie, started laughing.
Their son's comment was meant as a joke, but then they started thinking about everything he had overcome and all he had accomplished.
With one leg, Jakob had become a star on the football field, a state qualifier on the wrestling mat and one of Iowa's Clarinda High School’s top pitchers on the baseball team.
And then he saved his family from the fire.
Stephanie began to think there was some truth to what her son had said in jest. Perhaps he should feel immortal.
"He just feels like he can overcome anything. He’s done it. He’s showed it. He’s proved it," Stephanie said. "His accident, he overcame and did things that they said he probably wouldn’t be able to do."
And now, "He says, ‘I’ve seen where my bed was … I could have been in it. We made it out.’"
A horrific injury: 'I knew it was bad'
Dan remembers issuing the orders to his sons, Jakob and Isaiah, several times: Stay away.
He knew just how intriguing the riding lawn mower owned by the family's neighbors looked to the kids, like something fun to play on. But Dan also knew how potentially dangerous it could be.
On Mother's Day in May 2008, before heading inside to eat lunch and handing the mower over to a neighbor, he reminded them to stay away again.
"I didn't listen to my dad," Jakob now says with a grin.
Neither did Isaiah, 10, who, after a few minutes, had hopped onto the back of the lawn mower behind the neighbor for a joyride. When Jakob saw Isaiah do it, he decided to follow, hopping on the back behind his brother. But when the neighbor put the mower in reverse, both boys fell off.
Isaiah quickly got off the ground. Jakob was knocked out for a few seconds, long enough to not realize what was happening. The mower, which kept moving in reverse, drove right over Jakob's left leg.
Stephanie, who was in the bathroom getting ready for work, heard the scream through an open window. Seconds later, Isaiah came in screaming.
Dan ran outside and saw Jakob lying on the ground.
"I knew it was bad," Dan said.
So did Stephanie.
Both of her parents had been emergency medical technicians. She also works as a certified nursing assistant.
The mower blade had gone in right below Jakob's left knee and slid down the shin bone. It cut off his heel bone and most of the bones in his foot. His first two toes were dangling from his foot, but there was nothing connecting the last three.
Stephanie worried her son would die.
"That was my biggest fear — that he was going to bleed out or he was going to flip into shock and more complicated things were going to happen," Stephanie said.
After the lawn mower was flipped off him, Jakob lay on the ground, bleeding profusely. He was so out of it, he asked a first responder if he was going to have to go to the hospital.
The blade had come a quarter inch away from severing the main vein in his leg.
If that had happened, it would have killed him.
Determined to ride a bike, play baseball
Amputate.
When Jakob heard the word, he didn't know the meaning. His father had to explain it. Doctors told Jakob and his family that if they tried to save the leg, he could end up with a club foot or in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
The best option, they determined, was to amputate his mangled leg a few inches below his knee.
Jakob had two immediate concerns: What would his brother think, and how would his classmates react? Dan and Stephanie would explain to Isaiah what had happened to his kid brother. Teachers at school would tell students what to expect when Jakob returned.
What Jakob wasn't worried about: sports. Jakob still planned to get outside and do everything other kids did.
"He would tell a doctor, 'Doc, I'm ready to go home. I have a bike to ride. It's not going to ride itself,'" Stephanie recalled.
When Jakob got out of the hospital, that's exactly what he did.
Stephanie watched her son ride his bike with one leg. He played baseball in their yard and hopped around the bases. Just a few days after getting out of the hospital, he popped his stitches and needed a cast for a few days.
"It didn't stop him," Stephanie said.
It never would.
About a year and a half later, Jakob was cleared to play in a competitive baseball league. He wore a prosthetic when he played. In seventh grade, he was cleared to play football and wrestle. He took the prosthetic off when he wrestled.
His parents were worried about his safety and the response of other kids. How would they react when they saw someone different? Dan feared there would be snickering and laughing.
"I didn't want him to feel embarrassed because he was getting beat by these able-bodied kids," Dan said.
But most opposing players didn't even notice the prosthetic, which is usually hidden under his long pants. The only time it became an issue was during a game in sixth or seventh grade when Jakob was rounding third base and the prosthetic flew off.
Jakob still tried to score.
"He's gained the respect of so many people over the years," Dan said. "I had my reservations 'bout how people were going to look at him. But as you look around, people actually cheer him on rather than laugh at him."
On the Clarinda High School football team, he became an offensive guard and defensive end, racking up 28.5 total tackles for the Cardinals during his senior season. In 2019, he qualified for the state wrestling tournament. Clarinda baseball coach Rodney Eberly considers Jakob one of his top pitchers.
"He's just a good athlete," Eberly said.
So good that two years ago, Eberly had Jakob move from hitting right-handed to left-handed. Eberly noticed that Jakob, even with his prosthetic, would land on his heel with his swings. It would cause his swing to go up, leading to less contact.
When they moved him around, he became a quick contributor with his bat, too.
"He's kind of a freak of nature," Clarinda baseball player Parker Rock said.
Jakob has become so gifted at baseball that he hopes to play in college. He's currently focused on attending Northwest Missouri State.
A lost home: 'He saved everybody's lives'
May 9 was going to be the day of Jakob's graduation reception. His girlfriend, 19-year-old Madison Mills, had stayed at the Childs' home overnight, playing video games late into the night with Jakob and his sister, Tori. Mills awakened around 5 a.m. to something burning.
She woke up Jakob, who initially wasn't concerned. He figured his mom might be out back burning leaves.
But he wanted to make sure. He hopped up, found his prosthetic and ran downstairs and outside. He didn't see his mom burning leaves, though. He saw the side of their house on fire.
"I ran back upstairs," Jakob said.
His brother, who was at his girlfriend's house, wasn't home. But his sister, who had crashed in his room, was still asleep. So was his mom. His father was barely awake. After seeing the fire and realizing he couldn't put it out, Jakob went running back into the house and screamed for someone to call 911. Tori got on the phone.
Jakob then ran to his parents' room and woke them up. As soon as he opened their door, Stephanie could smell the smoke. Once Jakob got everyone up and out of the house, he started calling for the family's five dogs to get out.
"He saved everybody's lives," Dan said.
The fire, which started in an electrical box that had shorted, spread up to the attic. The house ended up a complete loss. The family moved into a local motel until the purchase of a new home can be finalized.
That morning, the family could do little but huddle in the driveway, watching many of their belongings — furniture and clothes — be ruined by the smoke and water that had filled the house. Then two local firefighters walked out, carrying some things. It was Jakob's collection of brackets, newspaper clippings and medals, a testament to all he had accomplished in sports, against all odds.
"Jake hit his knees in the pavement," Stephanie said. "It was very, very emotional when they walked out with it."
She called it a miracle that the mementos survived. It's no shock, though.
The way his family looks at it, Jakob's life has been full of miracles.


usatoday--2020-07-06--Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to skip Trump trade meeting amid tariff threat, coronavirus c

WASHINGTON – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he plans to skip a meeting with President Donald Trump and Mexico 's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to highlight a new trade deal signed by all three countries at the White House later this week .
Trump is scheduled to welcome López Obrador at the White House on Wednesday , a week after the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement , or USMCA , took effect .
Trudeau 's office confirmed that the prime minister would not attend the meeting to mark the start of the new trade pact but wished the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were recent discussions about the possible participation of Canada , the Prime Minister will be in Ottawa this week for scheduled Cabinet meetings and the long-planned sitting of Parliament , '' Alex Wellstead , Trudeau 's press secretary , said in a statement .
`` We continue to work with our NAFTA partners to ensure this new agreement becomes a success for all three countries.
” Trudeau signaled he would decline an invitation to the White House on Friday at a press conference , citing concerns over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and threats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. '' We ’ re obviously concerned about the proposed issue of tariffs on aluminum and steel that the Americans have floated recently .
We ’ re also concerned about the health situation and the coronavirus reality that is still hitting all three of our countries , ” Trudeau told reporters .
The U.S. has seen more than 2.8 million confirmed cases and more than 129,000 deaths , according to John Hopkins University data .
More than 49,000 new cases were reported Monday .
The U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anyone who does cross the border is required to quarantine for 14 days after visiting the United States .
Trudeau , who was already forced to quarantine earlier this year after his wife tested positive for COVID-19 , would have been required to again do so upon his return home .
López Obrador 's trip to Washington will be his first foreign visit since taking office in 2018 and he will be only the second head of state to visit Trump since the coronavirus pandemic unfolded .
The revised trade deal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the product of months of negotiations and replaces the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement , or NAFTA , which essentially eliminated tariffs on most goods traded among the three countries .

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to skip Trump trade meeting amid tariff threat, coronavirus concerns
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump vows to protect Mount Rushmore from any changes In the wake of statues and monuments being desecrated and taken down, President Trump vows to protect Mount Rushmore from any changes. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday he plans to skip a meeting with President Donald Trump and Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to highlight a new trade deal signed by all three countries at the White House later this week.
Trump is scheduled to welcome López Obrador at the White House on Wednesday, a week after the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, took effect. Trudeau's office confirmed that the prime minister would not attend the meeting to mark the start of the new trade pact but wished the U.S. and Mexico well.
"While there were recent discussions about the possible participation of Canada, the Prime Minister will be in Ottawa this week for scheduled Cabinet meetings and the long-planned sitting of Parliament," Alex Wellstead, Trudeau's press secretary, said in a statement. "We continue to work with our NAFTA partners to ensure this new agreement becomes a success for all three countries.”
Trudeau signaled he would decline an invitation to the White House on Friday at a press conference, citing concerns over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and threats of new aluminum and steel tariffs from the U.S.
"We’re obviously concerned about the proposed issue of tariffs on aluminum and steel that the Americans have floated recently. We’re also concerned about the health situation and the coronavirus reality that is still hitting all three of our countries,” Trudeau told reporters.
The U.S. has seen more than 2.8 million confirmed cases and more than 129,000 deaths, according to John Hopkins University data. More than 49,000 new cases were reported Monday.
Trump signs new trade deal with Mexico and Canada President Donald Trump signed the new USMCA trade agreement Wednesday, a major rewrite of the trade rules with Canada and Mexico. (Jan. 29) AP
The U.S. borders with Mexico and Canada remain closed to nonessential travel until July 21 and anyone who does cross the border is required to quarantine for 14 days after visiting the United States. Trudeau, who was already forced to quarantine earlier this year after his wife tested positive for COVID-19, would have been required to again do so upon his return home.
López Obrador's trip to Washington will be his first foreign visit since taking office in 2018 and he will be only the second head of state to visit Trump since the coronavirus pandemic unfolded.
The revised trade deal, one of Trump's signature goals, is the product of months of negotiations and replaces the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, which essentially eliminated tariffs on most goods traded among the three countries.


usatoday--2020-07-06--Kristian Alfonso ends three-decade 'Days of Our Lives' run, won't return when production resumes

Kristian Alfonso , who has starred in NBC 's `` Days of Our Lives '' for more than three decades , is departing the long-running soap .
Alfonso , who joined the show as central character Hope Williams Brady in 1983 , issued a statement Monday saying she wo n't be back when the show resumes production on Sept. 1 , after having been shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Aside from two short breaks , she has played the character over a 37-year run .
`` Days , '' which films months in advance of broadcast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already filmed Alfonso 's final appearance .
Corday Productions , which produces the show in association with Sony Pictures Television , confirmed Alfonso 's departure but declined to provide details regarding the timing and circumstances of the character 's goodbye .
“ I feel blessed and honored to have been invited into people 's homes for over three decades .
However , it is now time for me to write my next chapter .
I will not be returning to Days when it resumes production in September , ” Alfonso said in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filmed my last episode several months ago.
” Deadline first reported the news Monday .
Alfonso then posted her statement on Instagram .
In the statement , Alfonso referred to `` Days '' as `` a vital part of both my personal and professional journey '' and expressed appreciation for `` lifelong friendships with my extraordinarily talented castmates '' and `` one of the hardest working crews in all of television , many of whom have become part of my extended family . ''
She also thanked the show 's devoted fans .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans of Days – many of you have been with me on this journey from the beginning .
I can not thank you enough for your generosity , love and support .
I could not have done it without YOU !
!
! ''
she wrote .
NBC renewed `` Days '' for its 56th season in January after a rocky period late last year when its future was uncertain .
At one point , the show went on hiatus and cast members were released from their contracts .
Alfonso , 56 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few remaining survivors in a once-thriving daytime field , in 1983 as Hope Williams , a role previously played by a series of actors .
Alfonso 's Hope fell in love with and married Bo Brady ( Peter Reckell ) , a member of one of the show 's core families .
Alfonso departed `` Days '' in 1987 for a primetime soap gig on CBS ' `` Falcon Crest , '' returning briefly to the soap in 1990 .
She returned for good in 1994 in a role fitting for a daytime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looked like Hope and , indeed , turned out to be Hope .
Hope became an accomplished detective in the Salem Police Department and the character rose to police commissioner in 2017 .
The popularity of Alfonso 's soap character transcended `` Days '' as she played Hope in a Season 6 episode of NBC 's `` Friends . ''
Alfonso was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 1995 and she won four Soap Opera Digest awards during her run as Hope .

Kristian Alfonso ends three-decade 'Days of Our Lives' run, won't return when production resumes
Show Caption Hide Caption Entire 'Days of Our Lives' cast released from contracts NBC soap opera "Days of Our Lives" will go on an indefinite hiatus after releasing the entire cast from their contracts. USA TODAY
Kristian Alfonso, who has starred in NBC's "Days of Our Lives" for more than three decades, is departing the long-running soap.
Alfonso, who joined the show as central character Hope Williams Brady in 1983, issued a statement Monday saying she won't be back when the show resumes production on Sept. 1, after having been shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Aside from two short breaks, she has played the character over a 37-year run.
"Days," which films months in advance of broadcast, is still airing new episodes and has already filmed Alfonso's final appearance. Corday Productions, which produces the show in association with Sony Pictures Television, declined comment when asked for details regarding the timing and circumstances of the character's goodbye.
“I feel blessed and honored to have been invited into people's homes for over three decades. However, it is now time for me to write my next chapter. I will not be returning to Days when it resumes production in September,” Alfonso said in her statement. “I’ve already filmed my last episode several months ago.”
Deadline first reported the news Monday. Alfonso then posted her statement on Instagram.
In the statement, Alfonso referred to "Days" as "a vital part of both my personal and professional journey" and expressed appreciation for "lifelong friendships with my extraordinarily talented castmates" and "one of the hardest working crews in all of television, many of whom have become part of my extended family."
She also thanked the show's devoted fans.
"Finally – to the incredibly loyal fans of Days – many of you have been with me on this journey from the beginning. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity, love and support. I could not have done it without YOU!!!" she wrote.
NBC renewed "Days" for its 56th season in January after a rocky period late last year when its future was uncertain. At one point, the show went on hiatus and cast members were released from their contracts.
Alfonso, 56, joined the soap, one of the few remaining survivors in a once-thriving daytime field, in 1983 as Hope Williams, a role previously played by a series of actors. Alfonso's Hope fell in love with and married Bo Brady (Peter Reckell), a member of one of the show's core families.
Alfonso departed "Days" in 1987 for a primetime soap gig on CBS' "Falcon Crest," returning briefly to the soap in 1990. She returned for good in 1994 in a role fitting for a daytime soap: the amnesiac Gina, who looked like Hope and, indeed, turned out to be Hope.
Hope became an accomplished detective in the Salem Police Department and the character rose to police commissioner in 2017.
The popularity of Alfonso's soap character transcended "Days" as she played Hope in a Season 6 episode of NBC's "Friends."
Alfonso was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 1995 and she won four Soap Opera Digest awards during her run as Hope.


usatoday--2020-07-06--49ers' Solomon Thomas gifts dad brand new Tesla

San Francisco 49er Solomon Thomas ' dad has n't had a new car in over a decade .
His son @ @ @ @ @ change that .

49ers' Solomon Thomas gifts dad brand new Tesla
San Francisco 49er Solomon Thomas' dad hasn't had a new car in over a decade. His son thought it was time to change that.
Sportskind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-06--WH press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tries to clarify President Trump's NASCAR tweet

The White House press secretary attempts to clarify and defend the president 's tweet on NASCAR 's banning of the @ @ @ @ @ .

White House defends Trump's NASCAR tweet, call for apology
The White House press secretary attempts to clarify and defend the president's tweet on NASCAR's banning of the Confederate flag at its events.
Associated Press, Wochit


usatoday--2020-07-06--Sen. Chuck Grassley will skip the RNC for the first time in 40 years, citing coronavirus

DES MOINES – Citing concerns about the coronavirus , U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said he will not attend this year 's Republican National Convention , marking the first time he has sat out a convention since he was elected to the U.S. Senate 40 years ago .
`` I ’ m not going to go .
And I ’ m not going to go because of the virus situation , '' Grassley said Monday morning on a conference call with reporters .
Grassley , 86 , said he has attended every RNC since he was elected to the Senate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years to nominate the party 's candidate for president .
This year , President Donald Trump will accept the party 's nomination for reelection at a convention in Jacksonville , Florida , which is scheduled for Aug. 24-27 .
This year 's Republican convention was moved from Charlotte , North Carolina , after Gov .
Roy Cooper and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles , both Democrats , would n't commit to allowing a full convention because of health concerns .
Grassley said it made sense to move the convention from North Carolina since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe to host a large gathering there .
`` Going to a place where the governor feels that it ’ s safer is probably the right thing to do if you want to have a convention , '' he said .
`` And I think we should have a convention , but I think you should do whatever you can to make it as safe as possible so that would mean with face masks and with social distancing . ''
Since the convention was moved , Jacksonville began requiring face masks to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a health precaution .
Florida has seen a dramatic uptick in coronavirus cases over the last month , going from 667 new cases on June 1 to more than 10,000 new cases on Monday .
The state has seen more than 200,000 total infections and 3,730 deaths as of Monday morning .
Grassley said he plans to visit 29 Iowa counties over the next two weeks as part of his annual 99-county tour of Iowa .
He and his staff will wear face masks at the events , he said , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ require others to do so .
When he last held events around Memorial Day , Grassley said those who attended generally either wore masks or kept six feet apart .
He said he will encourage attendees to do both .
`` There ’ s generally a rule that if you ’ re six feet apart you don ’ t have to wear a mask , but I think doing both makes common sense and I ’ m going to encourage people to do both , '' he said .
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He can be reached by email at sgrubermil @ registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169 .
Follow him on Twitter at @ sgrubermiller .
Your subscription makes our journalism possible .
Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal .

Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register

Sen. Chuck Grassley will skip the RNC for the first time in 40 years, citing coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption 2020 Republican National Convention is moving to Jacksonville, Florida The Republican National Committee announced it has picked Jacksonville, Florida, as the location for its convention. USA TODAY, Wochit
DES MOINES – Citing concerns about the coronavirus, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said he will not attend this year's Republican National Convention, marking the first time he has sat out a convention since he was elected to the U.S. Senate 40 years ago.
"I’m not going to go. And I’m not going to go because of the virus situation," Grassley said Monday morning on a conference call with reporters.
Grassley, 86, said he has attended every RNC since he was elected to the Senate in 1980. The conventions are held every four years to nominate the party's candidate for president. This year, President Donald Trump will accept the party's nomination for reelection at a convention in Jacksonville, Florida, which is scheduled for Aug. 24-27.
This year's Republican convention was moved from Charlotte, North Carolina, after Gov. Roy Cooper and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, both Democrats, wouldn't commit to allowing a full convention because of health concerns.
Grassley said it made sense to move the convention from North Carolina since the governor didn't feel it was safe to host a large gathering there.
"Going to a place where the governor feels that it’s safer is probably the right thing to do if you want to have a convention," he said. "And I think we should have a convention, but I think you should do whatever you can to make it as safe as possible so that would mean with face masks and with social distancing."
Since the convention was moved, Jacksonville began requiring face masks to be worn in public and indoor locations as a health precaution. Florida has seen a dramatic uptick in coronavirus cases over the last month, going from 667 new cases on June 1 to more than 10,000 new cases on Monday. The state has seen more than 200,000 total infections and 3,730 deaths as of Monday morning.
Grassley said he plans to visit 29 Iowa counties over the next two weeks as part of his annual 99-county tour of Iowa. He and his staff will wear face masks at the events, he said, but he said he doesn't think he can require others to do so.
When he last held events around Memorial Day, Grassley said those who attended generally either wore masks or kept six feet apart. He said he will encourage attendees to do both.
"There’s generally a rule that if you’re six feet apart you don’t have to wear a mask, but I think doing both makes common sense and I’m going to encourage people to do both," he said.
Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at @sgrubermiller.
Your subscription makes our journalism possible. Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal.


usatoday--2020-07-06--The Supreme Court is now more conservative, but John Roberts' votes aren't so predictable

Chief Justice John Roberts is not a sure bet for conservative rulings Chief Justice John Roberts has been a conservative @ @ @ @ @ , but recent decisions have some wondering if he 's now a swing vote .

Chief Justice John Roberts is not a sure bet for conservative rulings
Chief Justice John Roberts has been a conservative vote in important past rulings, but recent decisions have some wondering if he's now a swing vote.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-06--The White House has sent conflicting messages on wearing masks and the new coronavirus cases

WASHINGTON — The country has seen an upward trend in coronavirus cases in several states experiencing record-breaking daily counts , and some local officials have halted their plans to reopen after lockdowns .
The United States has surpassed 2.8 million cases of coronavirus , according to Johns Hopkins University , with nearly 130,000 deaths .
But as states struggle with managing cases , administration officials have recently offered sometimes conflicting messaging on everything from if there is a surge to how individual people should respond .
Whose responsibility is it to encourage wearing masks ?
The president has resisted wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to much criticism from those who say he is setting a poor example for supporters and furthering the politicization wearing a mask .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has stressed repeatedly that masks are a recommendation from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the administration , not a requirement , and that it is each individual 's choice whether to follow that recommendation .
`` CDC guidelines are still recommended , but not required , '' McEnany said Tuesday .
`` And the president is the most tested man in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether to wear a mask . ''
Jacksonville will require masks : New site for President Trump ’ s RNC speech will require masks in public , indoors Others in the administration , like White House counselor Kellyanne Conway , Vice President Mike Pence and the coronavirus task force , have urged people to wear masks .
Individuals should wear masks , Conway said , adding that local officials have not been doing enough to spread the word that masks must be worn and enforcing those rules .
`` People are not wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're not wearing masks because the president of the United States is not wearing a mask , '' Conway told reporters .
`` They 're not wearing a mask because nobody 's saying , 'Put the mask on . '
'' But at large-scale events with the president , mask-wearing has not been a requirement made either by local officials or the Trump campaign .
At Trump 's Tulsa , Okla. campaign rally—the first large campaign event since the start of pandemic lockdowns—the campaign said it provided free masks to attendees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worn , which left many of the president 's supporters maskless that evening .
For Trump 's July 3 event at Mount Rushmore , South Dakota Gov .
Kristi Noem said masks would be provided but not required and social distancing would not be in effect .
Campaign official tests positive : Kimberly Guilfoyle , Donald Trump Jr. 's girlfriend , tests positive for coronavirus In recent days , several local and state officials have mandated masks outdoors and in public places , including in Jacksonville , Fla. , where the president is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican National Convention in late August .
Convention events were moved to Jacksonville after Trump slammed Charlotte , N.C. officials who would not commit to allowing a full convention because of the virus .
This week , Trump said he would be open to wearing one if he were in a crowd where social distancing was not possible .
`` If I were in a tight situation with people , I would absolutely , '' he said .
The next day , he appeared at a press briefing sans mask .
White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routinely for the coronavirus , and that masks are intended to prevent the spreading of the virus rather than protection from getting it .
In mid-June , Pence penned an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal in which he argued there is no second wave of the coronavirus , and that the administration 's efforts to curb the virus ' spread were working .
States were opening in a `` safe and responsible manner , '' he said .
Soon after , though , cases were spiking again and multiple states hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the measures taken .
In Texas , Gov .
Greg Abbott ordered the halting of indoor bar service and reduced maximum capacity for restaurants .
In Florida , bars are to stop serving alcohol .
The month of June in politics : Trump 's photo-op during protests outside the White House and other key political moments '' I think it ’ s pretty obvious that we are not going in the right direction , '' Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new infections could increase to 100,000 per day if the country doesn ’ t get its surge of cases under control , saying that several states may have moved “ too quickly ” in their reopenings .
Adm. Brett Giroir , assistant secretary for Health and Human Services who has overseen testing , also said Thursday that the U.S. is `` not flattening the curve right now .
The curve is still going up . ''
Does more testing equal more cases ?
Trump has said that the country 's recent rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of testing being done , despite health officials ' assessments that there is really an increased spread in many areas as they have reopened .
At his Tulsa rally on June 20 , Trump claimed that he asked for coronavirus testing to be slowed down , calling testing a `` double-edged sword '' and arguing that more cases discovered made the U.S. look bad .
`` Here 's the bad part : When you do testing to that extent , you 're going to find more people , you 're going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` So I said to my people , 'Slow the testing down , please . '
'' More testing needed , experts say : At 550,000 coronavirus tests daily in the US , testing still far below level for safe reopening The day after his rally , though , White House trade adviser Peter Navarro claimed that Trump 's remarks were made in a `` light moment , '' and were `` tongue in cheek . ''
The same day , Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said his remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the media 's focus on rising cases instead of testing capacity , but he was n't aware of any order from the president to slow testing .
Despite indications from his staffers that the comment about slowing testing was made in jest , Trump told reporters later that week , `` I do n't kid . ''
He has reiterated versions of the claim that increased testing leads to more cases many times .
`` Cases up only because of our big number testing .
Mortality rate way down !
!
! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giroir told members of Congress on Thursday that the spikes reflect a true increase in coronavirus cases , rather than just an expansion of testing .
Experts point to an increase as states have relaxed their social distancing requirements and the virus spreads .

The White House has sent conflicting messages on wearing masks and the new coronavirus cases
Show Caption Hide Caption Mnuchin: Trump supports wearing masks Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told the White House press corps Thursday that President Trump supports Americans wearing masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19. (July 2) AP
WASHINGTON — The country has seen an upward trend in coronavirus cases in several states experiencing record-breaking daily counts, and some local officials have halted their plans to reopen after lockdowns.
The United States has surpassed 2.8 million cases of coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University, with nearly 130,000 deaths.
But as states struggle with managing cases, administration officials have recently offered sometimes conflicting messaging on everything from if there is a surge to how individual people should respond.
Whose responsibility is it to encourage wearing masks?
The president has resisted wearing a mask when in public places, to much criticism from those who say he is setting a poor example for supporters and furthering the politicization wearing a mask.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany has stressed repeatedly that masks are a recommendation from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the administration, not a requirement, and that it is each individual's choice whether to follow that recommendation.
"CDC guidelines are still recommended, but not required," McEnany said Tuesday. "And the president is the most tested man in America. It’s his decision whether to wear a mask."
Jacksonville will require masks: New site for President Trump’s RNC speech will require masks in public, indoors
Others in the administration, like White House counselor Kellyanne Conway, Vice President Mike Pence and the coronavirus task force, have urged people to wear masks.
Individuals should wear masks, Conway said, adding that local officials have not been doing enough to spread the word that masks must be worn and enforcing those rules.
"People are not wearing masks. And I don't think they're not wearing masks because the president of the United States is not wearing a mask," Conway told reporters. "They're not wearing a mask because nobody's saying, 'Put the mask on.'"
But at large-scale events with the president, mask-wearing has not been a requirement made either by local officials or the Trump campaign. At Trump's Tulsa, Okla. campaign rally—the first large campaign event since the start of pandemic lockdowns—the campaign said it provided free masks to attendees, but would not require them to be worn, which left many of the president's supporters maskless that evening.
Kellyanne Conway: "People are not wearing masks. And I don't think they're not wearing masks because the President of the United States is not wearing a mask. They're not wearing a mask because nobody's saying put the mask on." pic.twitter.com/xClIBni8D3 — The Hill (@thehill) July 2, 2020
For Trump's July 3 event at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said masks would be provided but not required and social distancing would not be in effect.
Campaign official tests positive: Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr.'s girlfriend, tests positive for coronavirus
In recent days, several local and state officials have mandated masks outdoors and in public places, including in Jacksonville, Fla., where the president is scheduled to hold a rally during the Republican National Convention in late August. Convention events were moved to Jacksonville after Trump slammed Charlotte, N.C. officials who would not commit to allowing a full convention because of the virus.
This week, Trump said he would be open to wearing one if he were in a crowd where social distancing was not possible.
"If I were in a tight situation with people, I would absolutely," he said.
The next day, he appeared at a press briefing sans mask. White House officials have noted that Trump is tested routinely for the coronavirus, and that masks are intended to prevent the spreading of the virus rather than protection from getting it.
Is the curve flattening?
In mid-June, Pence penned an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal in which he argued there is no second wave of the coronavirus, and that the administration's efforts to curb the virus' spread were working.
States were opening in a "safe and responsible manner," he said.
Soon after, though, cases were spiking again and multiple states hit the brakes on their reopening plans or reversed some of the measures taken. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the halting of indoor bar service and reduced maximum capacity for restaurants. In Florida, bars are to stop serving alcohol.
The month of June in politics: Trump's photo-op during protests outside the White House and other key political moments
Coronavirus: Social distancing key to fighting COVID-19 Social distancing matters. Here is how to do it and how it can help curb the COVID-19 pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
"I think it’s pretty obvious that we are not going in the right direction," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Thursday.
Fauci has also predicted that new infections could increase to 100,000 per day if the country doesn’t get its surge of cases under control, saying that several states may have moved “too quickly” in their reopenings.
Adm. Brett Giroir, assistant secretary for Health and Human Services who has overseen testing, also said Thursday that the U.S. is "not flattening the curve right now. The curve is still going up."
Does more testing equal more cases?
Trump has said that the country's recent rise in coronavirus cases is due only to the amount of testing being done, despite health officials' assessments that there is really an increased spread in many areas as they have reopened.
At his Tulsa rally on June 20, Trump claimed that he asked for coronavirus testing to be slowed down, calling testing a "double-edged sword" and arguing that more cases discovered made the U.S. look bad.
"Here's the bad part: When you do testing to that extent, you're going to find more people, you're going to find more cases," Trump said. "So I said to my people, 'Slow the testing down, please.'"
More testing needed, experts say: At 550,000 coronavirus tests daily in the US, testing still far below level for safe reopening
The day after his rally, though, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro claimed that Trump's remarks were made in a "light moment," and were "tongue in cheek." The same day, Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf said his remarks were made in "frustration" at the media's focus on rising cases instead of testing capacity, but he wasn't aware of any order from the president to slow testing.
Despite indications from his staffers that the comment about slowing testing was made in jest, Trump told reporters later that week, "I don't kid."
He has reiterated versions of the claim that increased testing leads to more cases many times.
Cases, Cases, Cases! If we didn’t test so much and so successfully, we would have very few cases. If you test 40,000,000 people, you are going to have many cases that, without the testing (like other countries), would not show up every night on the Fake Evening News..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 4, 2020
"Cases up only because of our big number testing. Mortality rate way down!!!" Trump tweeted on June 23.
But Giroir told members of Congress on Thursday that the spikes reflect a true increase in coronavirus cases, rather than just an expansion of testing. Experts point to an increase as states have relaxed their social distancing requirements and the virus spreads.