usatoday--2020-09-11--'Why in the world would he do that?': Trump allies and opponents question decision to speak to Woodw

Bob Woodward says President Donald Trump called him `` out of the blue '' in early February to `` unburden himself '' about how deadly a threat the coronavirus was to the U.S .
The revelation of that call – one of 18 interviews Woodward conducted with Trump as part of his research for his upcoming book , `` Rage '' – sparked outrage Wednesday because it contrasted with the president 's public comments at the time that downplayed the threat from the virus .
And it raised a common question among Trump 's allies and opponent alike : Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a veteran Washington Post journalist known for his unflattering , behind-the-scenes portrayals of several presidential administrations ?
Woodward , after all , is best known for his work at the Post on the Watergate break-in with Carl Bernstein .
Their reporting is often cited as one of the reasons for President Richard Nixon 's resignation .
Trump 's had previously dismissed Woodward as a `` liar '' and `` Dem operative '' after his first book on the Trump White House , `` Fear , '' was published in September 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woodward book .
He does n't understand what Woodward books are , '' former Sen. Claire McCaskill , D-Mo.
, said on MSNBC .
`` Who in their right mind , who ’ s running for office within the year , sits for 18 interviews with a journalist ?
This is not a smart thing to do .
This is beyond folly . ''
Fox News host Tucker Carlson said Woodward 's book `` spends 480 pages trashing the president , '' which is `` exactly what you thought it would be .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump participated in making the book .
The president sat for repeated interviews with Bob Woodward .
Why in the world would he do that ? ''
Carlson believed he had the answer : Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , talked him into it .
`` Now , remember Lindsey Graham is supposed to be a Republican so why would he do something like that ? ''
Carlson asked .
`` You 'd have to ask him , but keep in mind that Lindsey Graham has opposed – passionately opposed – virtually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ articulated when he first ran . ''
Woodward under fire : Bob Woodward defends keeping revelations about Trump and coronavirus quiet until book release '' So maybe you already know the answer , '' Carlson said , implying Graham – one of Trump 's most ardent defenders on Capitol Hill – had goaded Trump into the interviews as some kind of political sabotage .
Another conservative Fox News host , Mark Levin , referred to `` Graham 's absurd advice '' in a tweet linking to a Washington Examiner article about how Graham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Graham became the scapegoat based on a comment he made to The Daily Beast while defending Trump 's decision to downplay the coronavirus based on a desire to avoid a panic .
Graham told the news site Trump wanted to talk to Woodward for this book because Woodward did not interview the president for `` Fear . ''
`` The last book Woodward wrote , Trump said he didn ’ t know that he had wanted to be interviewed , '' Graham told the Daily Beast .
`` So I said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential author .
And , you know , you got a chance to tell your side of the story .
The president agreed and there you go . ''
`` Trump is his own man and keeps his own council – when that suits .
But , in this case , he was duped into 18 interviews with Woodward by Lindsey Graham ? ''
Sherman tweeted .
Many agreed with Graham that Trump 's willingness to speak with Woodward was based on his publicly expressed regret at not speaking to the journalist for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump told The Daily Caller he `` would have preferred to speak to him , but maybe not .
I think it probably wouldn ’ t have made a difference in the book .
He wanted to write the book a certain way . ''
`` It ’ s just nasty stuff .
I never spoke to him .
Maybe I wasn ’ t given messages that he called .
I probably would have spoken to him if he ’ d called , if he ’ d gotten through .
For some reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' Trump claimed at the time .
`` Perhaps Trump believed he would come out looking more favorable by talking to Woodward this time around , '' theorized Poynter 's Tom Jones .
CNN 's Kaitlan Collins concurred , tweeting , `` One reason Trump was so irritated aides did n't tell him about Woodward 's attempts to interview him for his last book was because he thought he could have made himself look better in it . ''
Throughout the interviews for `` Rage , '' Trump is clearly worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sometimes , he lobbies Woodward : `` It would be an honor to get a good book from you , '' Trump says .
More often , he is suspicious : `` You 're probably going to screw me , '' Trump says .
`` You know , because that 's the way it goes . ''
`` And in the end you 'll probably write a lousy book .
What can I say ? ''
Trump laments during another interview .
CNN analyst Chris Cillizza said Trump `` has a superhuman belief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in or out of almost anything . ''
`` Trump views himself as a master manipulator , someone who is so good at reading other people that he knows how to get what he wants even as they think they are getting what they want , '' Cillizza wrote .
`` Which is why Trump was so frustrated with his lack of involvement in 'Fear , ' he called Woodward after the manuscript had already been finished to offer to participate . ''
Cillizza said another reason that Trump agreed to talk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' with `` hunting out ways to cement his legacy in office , '' and Woodward is widely considered the presidential journalist of record .
Woodward told the Post he sees himself as writing the `` second draft of history . ''
( The first being daily news coverage . )
`` Woodward is writing the history of each president as it happens .
He is the most recognizable and famous political journalist in the country , '' Cillizza wrote .
`` When Bob Woodward says he wants to write about you – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or the president of the United States – you are flattered . ''
Karl Rove , a former adviser to President George W. Bush , agreed that Woodward 's reputation leads presidents to talk with him , even when it may not be in their best interest .
`` Every president does a Bob Woodward book and gives him plenty of interviews and then later comes to regret it , and this is probably one of those instances , '' Rove told Fox News .

'Why in the world would he do that?': Trump allies and opponents question decision to speak to Woodward
Show Caption Hide Caption Pres. Trump suggests he softened COVID reaction to reduce 'panic' A new book suggests that President Trump understood the threats of the coronavirus even as he told the nation it was no worse than the seasonal flu. USA TODAY
Bob Woodward says President Donald Trump called him "out of the blue" in early February to "unburden himself" about how deadly a threat the coronavirus was to the U.S.
The revelation of that call – one of 18 interviews Woodward conducted with Trump as part of his research for his upcoming book, "Rage" – sparked outrage Wednesday because it contrasted with the president's public comments at the time that downplayed the threat from the virus. And it raised a common question among Trump's allies and opponent alike:
Why would Trump agree to so many interviews with a veteran Washington Post journalist known for his unflattering, behind-the-scenes portrayals of several presidential administrations?
Bob Woodward book takeaways: Trump admits 'playing' down COVID-19 threat, secret nuclear program, Kim Jong Un letters
Woodward, after all, is best known for his work at the Post on the Watergate break-in with Carl Bernstein. Their reporting is often cited as one of the reasons for President Richard Nixon's resignation.
Trump's had previously dismissed Woodward as a "liar" and "Dem operative" after his first book on the Trump White House, "Fear," was published in September 2018.
“It is mostly anonymous sources in here, why should anyone trust you? General Mattis, General Kelly said it’s not true.” @SavannahGuthrie @TODAYshow Bob Woodward is a liar who is like a Dem operative prior to the Midterms. He was caught cold, even by NBC. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2018
"He's obviously never read a Woodward book. He doesn't understand what Woodward books are," former Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., said on MSNBC. "Who in their right mind, who’s running for office within the year, sits for 18 interviews with a journalist? This is not a smart thing to do. This is beyond folly."
Fox News host Tucker Carlson said Woodward's book "spends 480 pages trashing the president," which is "exactly what you thought it would be."
"What's surprising is that Donald Trump participated in making the book. The president sat for repeated interviews with Bob Woodward. Why in the world would he do that?"
Carlson believed he had the answer: Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., talked him into it.
"Now, remember Lindsey Graham is supposed to be a Republican so why would he do something like that?" Carlson asked. "You'd have to ask him, but keep in mind that Lindsey Graham has opposed – passionately opposed – virtually every major policy initiative that Donald Trump articulated when he first ran."
Woodward under fire: Bob Woodward defends keeping revelations about Trump and coronavirus quiet until book release
Tucker Carlson says that he has a source who told him that it was Sen. Lindsey Graham who brokered the interview between President Trump and Bob Woodward pic.twitter.com/FchaQvnAoY — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 10, 2020
"So maybe you already know the answer," Carlson said, implying Graham – one of Trump's most ardent defenders on Capitol Hill – had goaded Trump into the interviews as some kind of political sabotage.
Another conservative Fox News host, Mark Levin, referred to "Graham's absurd advice" in a tweet linking to a Washington Examiner article about how Graham urged the president to speak with Woodward.
Graham became the scapegoat based on a comment he made to The Daily Beast while defending Trump's decision to downplay the coronavirus based on a desire to avoid a panic. Graham told the news site Trump wanted to talk to Woodward for this book because Woodward did not interview the president for "Fear."
"The last book Woodward wrote, Trump said he didn’t know that he had wanted to be interviewed," Graham told the Daily Beast. "So I said, well, the guy is a well-known presidential author. And, you know, you got a chance to tell your side of the story. The president agreed and there you go."
Politico's Jake Sherman called Carlson's attempt to blame Graham "strange."
"Trump is his own man and keeps his own council – when that suits. But, in this case, he was duped into 18 interviews with Woodward by Lindsey Graham?" Sherman tweeted.
Many agreed with Graham that Trump's willingness to speak with Woodward was based on his publicly expressed regret at not speaking to the journalist for the previous book.
In 2018, Trump told The Daily Caller he "would have preferred to speak to him, but maybe not. I think it probably wouldn’t have made a difference in the book. He wanted to write the book a certain way."
"It’s just nasty stuff. I never spoke to him. Maybe I wasn’t given messages that he called. I probably would have spoken to him if he’d called, if he’d gotten through. For some reason I didn’t get messages on it," Trump claimed at the time.
"Perhaps Trump believed he would come out looking more favorable by talking to Woodward this time around," theorized Poynter's Tom Jones.
CNN's Kaitlan Collins concurred, tweeting, "One reason Trump was so irritated aides didn't tell him about Woodward's attempts to interview him for his last book was because he thought he could have made himself look better in it."
Trump talked to Woodward 18 times for this book, a decision many are now questioning. One reason Trump was so irritated aides didn't tell him about Woodward's attempts to interview him for his last book was because he thought he could have made himself look better in it. — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) September 9, 2020
Throughout the interviews for "Rage," Trump is clearly worried about how he will be portrayed. Sometimes, he lobbies Woodward: "It would be an honor to get a good book from you," Trump says.
More often, he is suspicious: "You're probably going to screw me," Trump says. "You know, because that's the way it goes."
"And in the end you'll probably write a lousy book. What can I say?" Trump laments during another interview.
CNN analyst Chris Cillizza said Trump "has a superhuman belief in his ability to talk his way in or out of almost anything."
"Trump views himself as a master manipulator, someone who is so good at reading other people that he knows how to get what he wants even as they think they are getting what they want," Cillizza wrote. "Which is why Trump was so frustrated with his lack of involvement in 'Fear,' he called Woodward after the manuscript had already been finished to offer to participate."
Cillizza said another reason that Trump agreed to talk to Woodward was that he is "obsessed" with "hunting out ways to cement his legacy in office," and Woodward is widely considered the presidential journalist of record. Woodward told the Post he sees himself as writing the "second draft of history." (The first being daily news coverage.)
"Woodward is writing the history of each president as it happens. He is the most recognizable and famous political journalist in the country," Cillizza wrote. "When Bob Woodward says he wants to write about you – even if you are a billionaire businessman or the president of the United States – you are flattered."
Karl Rove, a former adviser to President George W. Bush, agreed that Woodward's reputation leads presidents to talk with him, even when it may not be in their best interest.
"Every president does a Bob Woodward book and gives him plenty of interviews and then later comes to regret it, and this is probably one of those instances," Rove told Fox News.
Contributing: David Jackson


usatoday--2020-09-10--Fact check: Postal Service will deliver ballots with insufficient or unpaid postage

As confusion and misinformation builds surrounding voting this fall , multiple posts on Facebook make a claim about how to mail ballots .
`` 2 stamps needed for mail-in ballots ! ''
reads a post from the page Blue Dot in a Red Sea .
`` Make sure this info gets passed on !
# Vote . ''
Susan Terhune , the user behind the page , told USA TODAY that she is based in Oklahoma , `` where the ballot comes with a return envelope that states to provide your own postage . ''
Based on weight , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
However , Terhune wrote she was confused as to whether or not postage was actually required .
`` The USPS has stated that they will still deliver the votes even without proper postage , '' she wrote .
`` So then why do the envelopes in our state claim they are required ?
Who knows . ''
Fact check : USPS collection box locks are used as security measures during large events Rates vary by state , but local election officials are required to inform voters of correct postage Seventeen states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hawaii , Idaho , Iowa , Maryland , Minnesota , Missouri , Nevada , New Mexico , Oregon , Rhode Island , Virginia , Washington , West Virginia and Wisconsin — mandate prepaid postage for ballots , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures .
Others , like New Jersey , leave it up to the discretion of county clerks .
And still others — like Pennsylvania — will provide prepaid ballot return envelopes only for the upcoming election , a one-time change due to the expected uptick in vote-by-mail caused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Martha Johnson , a spokesperson for the U.S .
Postal Service , told USA TODAY that election officials are required to inform voters of the proper amount of postage for their ballots .
`` Unless the state or local election official provides a prepaid return envelope , voters must ensure that the appropriate postage is affixed to their return ballot envelope , '' Johnson wrote .
`` To help voters , the Postal Service requires election officials to inform voters of the amount of First-Class postage required to return their ballots .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Political Mail Guide states that election officials must consult with the Postal Service to determine proper postage for their ballots , and then `` indicate in a prominent location the proper amount of First-Class Mail postage that must be applied to balloting materials . ''
In past elections , that amount has varied from standard postage .
In 2016 , for example , San Diego County ( California ) told its voters that their ballots required 67 cents in postage — 20 cents above the then-standard 47 cents , according to Snopes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by federal law , but it also helps ensure timely processing and delivery by the Postal Service , '' Johnson wrote .
Ballots with 'insufficient or unpaid postage ' will still be delivered , and charged to the local Board of Elections Though postage is required , ballots without proper postage — or any postage at all — should still be delivered on time so that votes can be counted .
`` If a return ballot is nevertheless entered into the mailstream with insufficient or unpaid postage , it is the Postal Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivery of completed absentee or vote-by-mail ballots , '' Johnson wrote .
`` In cases where a ballot enters the mailstream without the proper amount of postage , the Postal Service will collect postage from the appropriate Board of Elections . ''
A set of guidelines for state and local elections published in January also confirms that `` shortpaid and unpaid absentee balloting materials will not be returned to the voter for additional postage , '' and that the Postal Service `` will not delay delivery of balloting materials . ''
Johnson added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working with state and local election officials on mailing requirements , including postage payment . ''
Fact check : Ballot envelopes with prepaid postage are already first-class mail No changes for the upcoming election , Postmaster 'committed ' to duties Though some individual states have altered their mail-in voting policies for the upcoming election , Johnson told USA TODAY the U.S .
Postal Service has not made any such changes .
“ There are currently no pending changes to the rates and classes of mail impacting ballots , '' she wrote .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raise prices in advance of the upcoming Presidential election in order to restrict voting by mail is wholly without merit , and frivolous . ''
Democrats and Republicans alike have expressed concerns about vote-by-mail and the role of the Postal Service in advance of the election , according to The Hill .
But Johnson wrote that the Postal Service and its leader , Postmaster General Louis DeJoy , are `` fully committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process . ''
`` If public policy makers choose to utilize the mail as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will do everything we can to deliver Election Mail in a timely manner consistent with our operational standards , '' she wrote .
Opinion : U.S .
Postal Service remains committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process Based on our research , the claims in this post are PARTLY FALSE because the required postage rate for mail-in ballots varies by state and municipality .
It is false to make the blanket statement that two stamps are required for each ballot .
Some ballots include prepaid postage , and do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true some states require postage , and in those cases , rules dictate that the amount must be clearly indicated to the voter on the ballot .
And even if the postage is underpaid or not paid at all , the Postal Service will still deliver ballots , and charge local election officials with the cost .
• NBC Philadelphia , Aug. 1 , Pennsylvania to Pay for Mail-In Ballot Postage in November Election • Emailed Statement from Martha Johnson , Spokesperson for the U.S .
Postal Service , August 10 • The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats both hold fears about US Postal Service , mail-in ballots Thank you for supporting our journalism .
You can subscribe to our print edition , ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here .
Our fact check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook .

Fact check: Postal Service will deliver ballots with insufficient or unpaid postage
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The claim: Mail-in ballots require two stamps
As confusion and misinformation build surrounding voting this fall, posts on Facebook make a claim about how to mail ballots.
"2 stamps needed for mail-in ballots!" reads a post from the page Blue Dot in a Red Sea. "Make sure this info gets passed on! #Vote."
Susan Terhune, the user behind the page, told USA TODAY she is based in Oklahoma, "where the ballot comes with a return envelope that states to provide your own postage." Based on weight, the ballot should have two stamps, she said.
Terhune wrote she was confused as to whether or not postage was actually required.
"The USPS has stated that they will still deliver the votes even without proper postage," she wrote. "So then why do the envelopes in our state claim they are required? Who knows."
Fact check: USPS collection box locks are used as security measures during large events
Rates vary by state, but election officials are required to inform voters of correct postage
Seventeen states – Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin – mandate prepaid postage for ballots, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Others, such as New Jersey, leave it up to the discretion of county clerks.
Still others – such as Pennsylvania – will provide prepaid ballot return envelopes only for the upcoming election, a one-time change due to the expected uptick in vote-by-mail caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to NBC Philadelphia.
Martha Johnson, a spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service, told USA TODAY that election officials are required to inform voters of the proper amount of postage for their ballots.
"Unless the state or local election official provides a prepaid return envelope, voters must ensure that the appropriate postage is affixed to their return ballot envelope," Johnson wrote. "To help voters, the Postal Service requires election officials to inform voters of the amount of First-Class postage required to return their ballots."
Similarly, the 2020 Election and Political Mail Guide says election officials must consult with the Postal Service to determine proper postage for their ballots, then "indicate in a prominent location the proper amount of First-Class Mail postage that must be applied to balloting materials."
In past elections, that amount has varied from standard postage.
In 2016, San Diego County (California) told its voters that their ballots required 67 cents in postage – 20 cents above the then-standard 47 cents, according to Snopes.
"Not only is proper postage required by federal law, but it also helps ensure timely processing and delivery by the Postal Service," Johnson wrote.
Fact check: All mailed ballots — called 'absentee' and not — require voter verification
Ballots with 'insufficient or unpaid postage' will be delivered , and charged to the local Board of Elections
Though postage is required, ballots without proper postage – or any postage at all – should still be delivered on time so votes can be counted.
"If a return ballot is nevertheless entered into the mailstream with insufficient or unpaid postage, it is the Postal Service’s policy not to delay the delivery of completed absentee or vote-by-mail ballots," Johnson wrote. "In cases where a ballot enters the mailstream without the proper amount of postage, the Postal Service will collect postage from the appropriate Board of Elections."
A set of guidelines for state and local elections published in January confirms that "shortpaid and unpaid absentee balloting materials will not be returned to the voter for additional postage" and that the Postal Service "will not delay delivery of balloting materials."
Johnson said the Postal Service is "proactively working with state and local election officials on mailing requirements, including postage payment."
Fact check: Ballot envelopes with prepaid postage are already first-class mail
No changes for the upcoming election , Postmaster 'committed' to duties
Though some individual states altered their mail-in voting policies for the upcoming election, Johnson told USA TODAY the U.S. Postal Service has not made any such changes.
“There are currently no pending changes to the rates and classes of mail impacting ballots," she wrote. "The baseless assertion that we intend to raise prices in advance of the upcoming Presidential election in order to restrict voting by mail is wholly without merit, and frivolous."
Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerns about vote-by-mail and the role of the Postal Service before the election, according to The Hill.
Johnson wrote that the Postal Service and its leader, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, are "fully committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process."
"If public policy makers choose to utilize the mail as a part of their election system, we will do everything we can to deliver Election Mail in a timely manner consistent with our operational standards," she wrote.
Opinion: US Postal Service remains committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process
Our rating: Partly false
Based on our research, the claims in this post are PARTLY FALSE because the required postage rate for mail-in ballots varies by state and municipality. It is false to make a blanket statement that two stamps are required for each ballot. Some ballots include prepaid postage and don't require stamps at all. It is true some states require postage, and in those cases, rules dictate that the amount must be clearly indicated to the voter on the ballot. Even if the postage is underpaid or not paid at all, the Postal Service will deliver ballots and charge local election officials with the cost.
Our fact-check sources:
Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here.
Our fact check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.
This fact check is available at IFCN’s 2020 US Elections FactChat #Chatbot on WhatsApp. Click here, for more.


usatoday--2020-09-11--Opinion: Skip Bayless' ignorant comments about Dak Prescott's mental health are offensive, dangerous

If someone were to take issue with every one of Skip Bayless ’ dumb or ill-formed opinions , there wouldn ’ t be time left for anything else .
Sometimes , however , what he says is too ignorant and offensive – too dangerous – to be ignored .
Today is one of those days .
Bayless criticized Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott for opening up about his mental health struggles , suggesting it indicated Prescott was weak .
What Prescott really needed to do , Bayless said on Thursday ’ s “ Undisputed , ” was to “ fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the depression.
” Rub some dirt on it while he ’ s at it , perhaps .
The stoicism and stiff upper lip that Bayless recommended have ruined people , both those who suffer from mental health issues and the loved ones who can only watch helplessly as they struggled in silence .
That Bayless made his comments on World Suicide Prevention Day , after Prescott said his brother Jace ’ s suicide contributed to his depression , was all the more cruel .
“ He had a lot of burdens on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was with their mother daily when she was dying of colon cancer in 2013 .
“ Our adversities , our struggles , what we go through is always going to be too much for ourselves and maybe too much for even one or two people , but never too much for a community or too much for people in the family that you love , ” Prescott said in a recent interview with Graham Bensinger .
“ So you have to share these things.
” For too long , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , believing , as Bayless suggested , that mental illness is a personal failing rather than the disease it actually is .
Would Bayless have told Jay Cutler to suck up his diabetes and throw away his insulin ?
Would he have been so blasé about Washington Football Team coach Ron Rivera ’ s recent cancer diagnosis ?
Would he have said Von Miller was risking his status as leader of the Denver Broncos because he has asthma ?
All of those are ridiculous .
So is suggesting mental health is something one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We do not agree with Skip Bayless ’ opinion on Undisputed this morning , '' FOX Sports said in a statement .
`` We have addressed the significance of this matter with Skip and how his insensitive comments were received by people internally at FOX Sports and our audience.
” Bayless deserves more than a stern talking to .
That Prescott was brave enough to give voice to the anxiety and depression he experienced this spring is not only a testament to his strength , it will make a difference .
If someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the most famous teams in the entire world , can admit he needed help , it will give countless others the courage to say they do , too .
By going public , Prescott is saving lives .
Only those who are themselves weak and small would think less of him for it .
“ Being a leader is about being genuine and being real , ” Prescott said after he was told about Bayless ’ comments .
“ No matter how big of a person you are , if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not going to be able to lead people the right way , ” Prescott added .
“ So , before I can lead , I ’ ve got to make sure my mind 's in the right place to do that .
… It ’ s important to be vulnerable , to be genuine , to be transparent .
“ I think that goes a long way when you 're a leader and when your voice is being heard by so many , and you can inspire . ''
For generations , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ superhuman beings who are immune to human frailties like pain or emotion .
But that has done them a disservice , and too often kept them from seeking the help they need , be it for concussions , broken bones or mental health .
Fortunately , more and more athletes are speaking out .
Michael Phelps , the greatest Olympian of all time , has devoted himself to mental health awareness in his retirement .
Kevin Love is open about his struggles with mental health , and Paul George is one of several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the NBA bubble has posed .
Athletes are role models , like it or not .
The more they acknowledge that mental health is as important as physical health , the better we ’ ll all be .
Bayless gets paid a lot of money by Fox Sports to say outlandish things and stir controversy .
But his comments Thursday went beyond that .
They were insulting and irresponsible , and they crossed a line .
Bayless long ago ceased to be worth listening to .
Some days are a bigger reminder @ @ @ @ @

Opinion: Skip Bayless' ignorant comments about Dak Prescott's mental health are offensive, dangerous
Show Caption Hide Caption Cowboys QB Dak Prescott on NFL’s return: We want to be a light through pandemic SportsPulse: Jori Epstein connected with Cowboys stars Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott to discuss what playing football amidst the pandemic means to them. Their answers did not disappoint. USA TODAY
If someone were to take issue with every one of Skip Bayless’ dumb or ill-formed opinions, there wouldn’t be time left for anything else.
Sometimes, however, what he says is too ignorant and offensive – too dangerous – to be ignored.
Today is one of those days.
Bayless criticized Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott for opening up about his mental health struggles, suggesting it indicated Prescott was weak. What Prescott really needed to do, Bayless said on Thursday’s “Undisputed,” was to “fight back” and not “give in to the depression.”
Rub some dirt on it while he’s at it, perhaps.
The stoicism and stiff upper lip that Bayless recommended have ruined people, both those who suffer from mental health issues and the loved ones who can only watch helplessly as they struggled in silence. That Bayless made his comments on World Suicide Prevention Day, after Prescott said his brother Jace’s suicide contributed to his depression, was all the more cruel.
“He had a lot of burdens on him,” Prescott said of Jace, who was with their mother daily when she was dying of colon cancer in 2013.
“Our adversities, our struggles, what we go through is always going to be too much for ourselves and maybe too much for even one or two people, but never too much for a community or too much for people in the family that you love,” Prescott said in a recent interview with Graham Bensinger. “So you have to share these things.”
For too long, we’ve been conditioned to do the opposite, believing, as Bayless suggested, that mental illness is a personal failing rather than the disease it actually is.
Would Bayless have told Jay Cutler to suck up his diabetes and throw away his insulin? Would he have been so blasé about Washington Football Team coach Ron Rivera’s recent cancer diagnosis? Would he have said Von Miller was risking his status as leader of the Denver Broncos because he has asthma?
All of those are ridiculous. So is suggesting mental health is something one should just “rise above.”
"We do not agree with Skip Bayless’ opinion on Undisputed this morning," FOX Sports said in a statement. "We have addressed the significance of this matter with Skip and how his insensitive comments were received by people internally at FOX Sports and our audience.”
Bayless deserves more than a stern talking to. That Prescott was brave enough to give voice to the anxiety and depression he experienced this spring is not only a testament to his strength, it will make a difference. If someone like Dak Prescott, the face of one of the most famous teams in the entire world, can admit he needed help, it will give countless others the courage to say they do, too.
By going public, Prescott is saving lives. Only those who are themselves weak and small would think less of him for it.
“Being a leader is about being genuine and being real,” Prescott said after he was told about Bayless’ comments. “No matter how big of a person you are, if you're not mentally healthy … you're not going to be able to lead people the right way,” Prescott added. “So, before I can lead, I’ve got to make sure my mind's in the right place to do that. … It’s important to be vulnerable, to be genuine, to be transparent.
“I think that goes a long way when you're a leader and when your voice is being heard by so many, and you can inspire."
For generations, we’ve held up athletes as these superhuman beings who are immune to human frailties like pain or emotion. But that has done them a disservice, and too often kept them from seeking the help they need, be it for concussions, broken bones or mental health.
Fortunately, more and more athletes are speaking out. Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympian of all time, has devoted himself to mental health awareness in his retirement. Kevin Love is open about his struggles with mental health, and Paul George is one of several players to acknowledge the psychological challenge being in the NBA bubble has posed.
Athletes are role models, like it or not. The more they acknowledge that mental health is as important as physical health, the better we’ll all be.
Bayless gets paid a lot of money by Fox Sports to say outlandish things and stir controversy. But his comments Thursday went beyond that. They were insulting and irresponsible, and they crossed a line.
Bayless long ago ceased to be worth listening to. Some days are a bigger reminder of that than others.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on Twitter @nrarmour.


usatoday--2020-09-10--80-year-old hiker missing for 3 nights shows up at a press event for his own disappearance

After three nights and four days lost in the wilderness , an 80-year-old hiker was reunited with his family — at a press conference originally planned as a continued effort to try and find him .
Harry Harvey was reported missing on Sunday , after he was separated from his walking partner in Yorkshire Dales , located in northeast England .
At the press conference , broadcast from the local Tan Hill Inn on Facebook Live , Harvey explained that he got caught in a heavy hail storm , but was able to stay safe for three nights .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want all of this [ worry and attention ] , but I had three really good wild camping nights , '' he said , adding that he never felt scared .
His son and daughter-in-law said they did n't have the same enjoyable experience — as they worried for Harvey 's well-being .
“ He ’ s had a blast , we ’ ve had a nightmare , '' said his daughter-in-law , Naomi .
All three thanked the rescuers and community for their successful efforts .
According to North Yorkshire 's Swaledale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescue members were involved in a joint-organization search for Harvey — including police and the Royal Air Force ( RAF ) .
On Tuesday , the North Yorkshire Police announced that Harvey was found by a wildlife photographer , `` who had seen our appeal and noticed Harry waving at her . ''
Other than a fall that left a mark on Harvey 's forehead , the family and officials say Harvey is in good health .
“ This is fantastic news that Harry has been found safe and well , '' stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to thank all the search volunteers for their time , as well as Gamekeepers , estate owners , farmers and local residents for their help and understanding . ''

80-year-old hiker missing for 3 nights shows up at a press event for his own disappearance
Show Caption Hide Caption Hiker missing in England turns up as family prepares to make appeal An 80-year-old man who was missing for two days appeared just as his family and police gathered to make a plea for help. PA Media - News, PA Media - News
After three nights and four days lost in the wilderness, an 80-year-old hiker was reunited with his family — at a press conference originally planned as a continued effort to try and find him.
Harry Harvey was reported missing on Sunday, after he was separated from his walking partner in Yorkshire Dales, located in northeast England.
At the press conference, broadcast from the local Tan Hill Inn on Facebook Live, Harvey explained that he got caught in a heavy hail storm, but was able to stay safe for three nights.
"In hindsight, I didn’t want all of this [worry and attention], but I had three really good wild camping nights," he said, adding that he never felt scared.
His son and daughter-in-law said they didn't have the same enjoyable experience — as they worried for Harvey's well-being.
“He’s had a blast, we’ve had a nightmare," said his daughter-in-law, Naomi.
All three thanked the rescuers and community for their successful efforts.
WATCH: the moment missing 80 year old hiker Harry Harvey was reunited with his family.
In his only broadcast interview, Harry told me for @itvtynetees and @itvcalendar that he'd enjoyed "three really good wild camping nights".
But his son says: "he's grounded!" pic.twitter.com/rZlRVqtnQA — Tom Barton (@tombarton) September 8, 2020
According to North Yorkshire's Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team, over 100 mountain rescue members were involved in a joint-organization search for Harvey — including police and the Royal Air Force (RAF).
On Tuesday, the North Yorkshire Police announced that Harvey was found by a wildlife photographer, "who had seen our appeal and noticed Harry waving at her."
Other than a fall that left a mark on Harvey's forehead, the family and officials say Harvey is in good health.
“This is fantastic news that Harry has been found safe and well," stated Local Inspector Mark Gee. "I want to thank all the search volunteers for their time, as well as Gamekeepers, estate owners, farmers and local residents for their help and understanding."


usatoday--2020-09-10--Coronavirus updates: Senate fails to advance $300B relief bill; FDA pledges not to rush vaccine; evi

Coronavirus updates: Senate fails to advance $300B relief bill; FDA pledges not to rush vaccine; evidence of cat infections

The Senate failed to advance a slimmed-down coronavirus relief bill Thursday that senators on both sides had acknowledged was unlikely to muster the votes to pass the chamber .
The bill was defeated in a 52-47 vote , and one Republican , Sen. Rand Paul , R-Ky. , voted with Democrats in opposing the bill .
The estimated $ 300 billion proposal , dubbed the Delivering Immediate Relief to America 's Families , Schools and Small Businesses Act , included bolstered unemployment benefits , funding for schools and liability protections for businesses and health care facilities .
Its failure leaves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Congress before the November election .
Meanwhile , universities across the country also continue to contend with COVID-19 challenges .
The University of Wyoming on Wednesday extended its fall return for the second time in a week , while the University of Wisconsin-Madison shifted to online education for two weeks .
• More than 857,000 Americans filed first-time applications for unemployment insurance last week , the Labor Department said Thursday .
• The race for a coronavirus vaccine to help end the pandemic has consumed the scientific community and created an escalating demand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Navajo Nation health officials on Wednesday reported zero deaths for the second time in three days .
No deaths were reported on Monday for the first time since March .
• President Donald Trump said he was publicly downplaying the coronavirus pandemic to not `` create a panic , '' according to an interview with veteran journalist Bob Woodward .
• The U.S. government is halting its enhanced entry screening for certain international passengers at airports starting Monday , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
• Michigan Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mandating a face covering be worn at all times by athletes when they can not maintain six feet of social distance .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has more than 6.3 million confirmed cases and more than 190,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
Globally , there are almost 28 million cases and more than 904,000 fatalities .
📰 What we 're reading : Here 's what President Donald Trump told the public about COVID-19 versus what he told veteran Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward as early as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. outbreak , state by state This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
Fauci : 'We need to hunker down ' for the rest of the year Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's leading infectious diseases expert , offered a word of warning to Americans as summer 's end approaches .
Speaking at a virtual panel with doctors from Harvard Medical School , per NBC News , Fauci said that the fight against the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year reaches its close .
He also cautioned against downplaying the severity of the virus , knowing `` what 's ahead '' if preventative measures are not met .
`` We need to hunker down and get through this fall and winter , because it ’ s not going to be easy , ” he said , adding that we can not `` look at the rosy side of things . ''
Vice President Mike Pence was at the January meeting at which President Donald Trump was warned about the severity of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
`` I was in the Oval Office the day that the team came in and briefed the president about what we perceived was happening in China , '' Pence said , when asked if he had received the same briefing Trump had from National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien .
`` The team came in and laid the facts as we knew them on the table to the president . ''
The Jan. 28 briefing included a `` jarring '' warning that the virus would be the `` biggest national security threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a new book written by Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward .
University of Missouri students reported that they were blocked by the school 's chancellor on Twitter this week after complaining about the lack of COVID-19 precautions on campus .
After an attorney threatened a lawsuit , Chancellor Mun Choi unblocked students , according to local outlets and Twitter .
In a letter sent to Choi , Texas lawyer and Mizzou graduate Christopher Bennett said the university 's top official had violated the First Amendment by blocking students from seeing or interacting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action in the U.S. District Court if he did n't unblock every student on Twitter .
After an unquestionably unique spring and summer , the NFL is ready to take the field for the 2020 season .
This year 's campaign kicks off Thursday night with the Kansas City Chiefs beginning their Super Bowl title defense at Arrowhead Stadium in a matchup with the Houston Texans .
Thursday will serve as an important milestone for the league as it marks an official return to play amid the pandemic .
Only one test out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent round returned a positive COVID-19 result , but with its preseason schedule canceled , the league has not had to account for teams traveling until now .
Arrowhead Stadium also will be one of the venues that will host fans in Week 1 , as 22 % of capacity ( around 16,800 total ) will be welcomed .
New York City transit riders will face $ 50 fine for refusing mask Riders who refuse to wear a mask while riding New York City 's public-transit system will face a $ 50 fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone riding New York City subway trains , buses or the Metro North and Long Island Rail Road commuter lines .
MTA President and CEO Patrick Foye announced the fine Thursday on a conference call with Gov .
Andrew Cuomo and Sarah Feinberg , interim president of the NYC Transit Authority , who said it is meant to bolster compliance with the state 's mask mandate .
Under Cuomo 's executive order , all riders are required to wear a mask while riding public transit as a way to limit the spread of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they look to October layoffs The days are quickly counting down for thousands of pilots , flight attendants , gate agents and other airline workers who face the prospect of being laid off at the end of the month if Congress does n't come through with a new stimulus agreement .
Why the urgency ?
The Department of Transportation barred airlines that accepted stimulus money from laying off employees until at least Oct. 1 , when $ 25 billion in payroll support protection money from the CARES Act expires .
On Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slimmed-down GOP coronavirus relief package that did n't allocate any aid for the airline industry .
That leaves open the chance that airline funds could be included in a compromise measure with the House .
15 % of cats in study test positive for COVID-19 antibodies Nearly 15 % of cats included in a Wuhan-based study tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies , providing further evidence that the virus can infect the animals .
Researchers in Wuhan sampled 102 cats from shelters , pet hospitals and COVID-19 patient households from January to March and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including four abandoned cats , four cats from pet hospitals and three cats with patient owners , according to the study published this month in the journal Emerging Microbes & Infections .
None of the cats showed symptoms or had an active infection .
The three cats owned by COVID-19 patients who tested positive for antibodies had the highest level of neutralizing antibodies – or ability to successfully block the infection .
Two of those cats had detectable antibodies for 110 days .
Researchers said that while there is no evidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can transmit the virus to cats , and cats may transmit the virus to other cats via respiratory droplets .
Scotland has joined England in limiting social gatherings to six people after a recent spike in coronavirus cases .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Scottish lawmakers the new regulations will start Monday , along with England , and apply to gatherings in and out of the home .
Scotland ’ s restriction is perhaps more onerous as it applies to a maximum of two households .
In England , six individuals from six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have joined a growing list of government officials , drug makers and public health experts who pledge they won ’ t compromise safety in the race for a coronavirus vaccine .
In a letter published Thursday in USA TODAY , eight top FDA officials and doctors affirmed the agency ’ s commitment that all `` decisions will continue to be guided by the best science '' and maintain independence from political forces .
The letter comes as the agency in recent weeks has faced criticism for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a COVID-19 treatment based on flawed analysis .
Another 857,000 workers file for unemployment as layoffs persist Although the nation is partially recovering from its steepest-ever recession amid the COVID-19 pandemic , businesses continue to lay off hundreds of thousands of workers as they grapple with fewer sales and depleted federal aid .
More than 857,000 Americans filed first-time applications for unemployment insurance – a rough measure of layoffs – last week , up about 20,000 from the previous week , the Labor Department said Thursday .
The figures are not seasonally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filed for benefits over the past six months .
While the weekly figures have trended down since peaking at 6.2 million in early spring , here ’ s some perspective : The previous all-time high for weekly claims on a non-seasonally adjusted basis was about 1 million during a recession in 1982 .
LA now just 'recommends ' trick-or-treating not happen One day after releasing guidelines banning trick-or-treating and other Halloween activities , health officials in Los Angeles walked back their rules on Wednesday .
They now are just `` recommending that trick-or-treating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Director Barbara Ferrer said .
Halloween carnivals , festivals , live entertainment , haunted house attractions and gatherings with non-household members – even if they are conducted outdoors – are not permitted , the updated guidance says .
Online parties , car parades , drive-in movies , themed meals at outdoors restaurants and more are recommended .
In Chicago , Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday that she does not `` expect to see mass crowds trick-or-treating like we have in years past , '' adding that , `` It 's not safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not safe for the adults . ''
America is facing a monkey shortage as demand skyrockets for COVID-19 research , experts say The race for a coronavirus vaccine to help end the pandemic has consumed the scientific community and created an escalating demand for an essential resource : monkeys .
Before drug companies call on human volunteers , monkeys are used in preclinical trials to test a vaccine ’ s safety and effectiveness .
But with more than 100 vaccines in development around the world , there aren ’ t enough monkeys to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortage , '' said Dr .
Skip Bohm , associate director and chief veterinary medical officer of the Tulane National Primate Research Center .
Read more .
World may have entered 'pandemic era ' driven by climate change COVID-19 may only be the beginning of global pandemics – a future scenario in which climate change may also play a role .
A recent study in the journal Cell said , written by Dr. Anthony Fauci and medical historian Dr. David Morens , argues that the world has `` entered a pandemic era .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ become more numerous .
“ I don ’ t have a crystal ball , but what we are seeing looks very much like an acceleration of pandemics , “ Morens told BuzzFeed News .
Causes he cited include deforestation , urban crowding and wet markets for wild game .
Climate change has not stopped because of COVID-19 , according to a United Nations report Wednesday .
Emissions are heading in the direction of pre-pandemic levels following a temporary decline caused by the lockdown and economic slowdown , the report said .
Trump told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 President Donald Trump acknowledged that he was publicly downplaying the coronavirus while privately admitting its severity to veteran Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward as early as February .
Trump told Woodward in an interview on Feb. 7 about how much `` more deadly '' COVID-19 would be than the flu , a startling juxtaposition from the president 's public remarks at the time and in the months since about COVID-19 , its lethality and its spread .
In Woodward 's book `` Rage , '' the journalist interviewed Trump 18 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I wanted to always play it down , '' Trump said to Woodward on March 19 , according to news outlets .
`` I still like playing it down , because I do n't want to create a panic . ''
U.S. to drop COVID-19 screenings for some international passengers The U.S. government is halting its enhanced entry screening for certain international passengers at airports starting Monday , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The current system of temperature checks and screening for COVID-19 symptoms at 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of shifting responsibility to the individual passenger .
Instead , the emphasis will be placed on pre-departure , in-flight and post-arrival health education ; voluntary electronic contact information collection ; and post-arrival recommendations for self-monitoring , including staying home for 14 days if arriving from a high-risk destination .
President Donald Trump may have to find a new home for planned weekend campaign rallies in Reno and Las Vegas after local officials warned the events would violate Nevada ’ s ban on gatherings of more than 50 people during the coronavirus pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sent a letter to rally organizers warning that Saturday 's planned 5,000-person event “ may not proceed ” after airport attorneys determined it would violate state and local COVID-containment directives .
`` This has nothing to do with politics , '' airport authority CEO Daren Griffin said in a statement .
`` The letter we sent is about directives and safety and not political campaigns.
” Earlier Wednesday , former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt , a Republican , tweeted without evidence that Trump ’ s scheduled appearances at the Reno-Tahoe Airport and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an `` outrageous '' act of `` partisan political retribution . ''
Gov .
Steve Sisolak , a Democrat , later tweeted that his office had `` no involvement '' in the decision .
• Daughter of Trump supporter who died of COVID : 'The president is on record lying' • Senior FDA career executives : We 're following the science to protect public health in pandemic • What it means when a vaccine trial is put on hold Most Michigan high school sports are getting a late start this fall , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure you see sports like you 've never seen before .
Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order mandating a face covering be worn at all times by `` athletes training for , practicing for , or competing in an organized sports when the athlete can not maintain six feet of social distance , except for occasional and fleeting moments . ''
Swimmers are excluded from this order , but football , soccer and volleyball players are not .
So , expect to see players on the field and on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games begin Sept. 18 .
University of Wisconsin shifts to remote learning after COVID spike The University of Wisconsin-Madison has paused in-person classes because of a spike in COVID-19 cases on campus .
Starting Monday , classes will be held remotely .
Officials canceled classes from Thursday to Saturday .
`` Unfortunately , our positive test rate among students continues to rise far too rapidly , '' officials announced Wednesday in a news release .
There 's also been a `` sharp '' increase of confirmed cases in two residence halls , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next two weeks .
Meanwhile , the University of Wyoming extended the pause on its fall return until Monday .
Officials said Wednesday that the extension will allow them `` to gather additional data about the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among the UW community . ''
Last week , President Edward Seidel paused the university 's fall return after seven students tested positive for the virus on Sept. 2 .
No COVID-19 deaths in Navajo Nation for second time in 3 days Navajo Nation health officials reported zero deaths for the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The news comes after tribal health officials reported no additional deaths on Monday for the first time since March .
Officials also reported 12 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday , bringing the total number of infections to 9,915 .
The death toll remains at 527 .
About 98,000 people have been tested as of Wednesday , and 7,100 have recovered , officials said .
'Wheel of Fortune ' makes COVID-19 era changes for 38th season '' Wheel of Fortune '' fans are going to see some changes when the long-running game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic , production of `` Wheel '' has been adjusted to accommodate safety protocols to slow the spread of coronavirus , according to a press release from the game show 's production company , Sony Pictures Television .
In addition to following local government guidelines and rigorous testing protocol for contestants , talent , staff and crew , the upcoming season of `` Wheel of Fortune '' will see the platform surrounding the wheel redesigned , allowing for contestants and host Pat Sajak to stand six feet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spin the wheel using a personal `` spinning cap , '' which is a small cloth pocket that allows contestants to grip and spin the wheel without actually touching it .
Teachers in at least three states have died after bouts with the coronavirus since the dawn of the new school year , and a teachers ' union leader worries that the return to in-person classes will have a deadly impact across the U.S. if proper precautions aren ’ t taken .
AshLee Marinis , a 34-year-old special education teacher in Missouri , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Elsewhere , a third-grade teacher died Monday in South Carolina , and two other educators died recently in Mississippi , which has reported 604 cases among school workers .
Randi Weingarten , president of the American Federation of Teachers , said schools need guidelines such as mandatory face coverings and strict social distancing rules to reopen safely .
`` If community spread is too high as it is in Missouri and Mississippi , if you don ’ t have the infrastructure of testing , and if you don ’ t have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the school , we believe that you can not reopen in person , '' Weingarten said .
• On Facebook : There 's still a lot unknown about the coronavirus .
But what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .
• In your inbox : Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .

Jessica Flores, John Bacon, Grace Hauck and Joshua Bote, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: Dr. Anthony Fauci says to 'hunker down' for the rest of the year; $300B relief bill fails in Senate; 191K US deaths
Show Caption Hide Caption Study shows Sturgis motorcycle rally was a COVID-19 'super-spreader' The study's goal was to estimate the impacts of a single "super-spreader" event on the spread of COVID-19. USA TODAY
The Senate failed to advance a slimmed-down coronavirus relief bill Thursday that senators on both sides had acknowledged was unlikely to muster the votes to pass the chamber.
The bill was defeated in a 52-47 vote, and one Republican, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., voted with Democrats in opposing the bill.
The estimated $300 billion proposal, dubbed the Delivering Immediate Relief to America's Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act, included bolstered unemployment benefits, funding for schools and liability protections for businesses and health care facilities. Its failure leaves little chance a stimulus bill will pass Congress before the November election.
Meanwhile, universities across the country also continue to contend with COVID-19 challenges. The University of Wyoming on Wednesday extended its fall return for the second time in a week, while the University of Wisconsin-Madison shifted to online education for two weeks.
Some significant developments:
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has more than 6.3 million confirmed cases and more than 191,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Globally, there are more than 28 million cases and more than 904,000 fatalities.
📰 What we're reading: Here's what President Donald Trump told the public about COVID-19 versus what he told veteran Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward as early as February.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak, state by state
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
Nearly three quarters of Americans say they see Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden as more caring to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic, while less than half say the same of President Donald Trump, a new survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project finds.
Also, a combined 66% of Americans say Biden is more caring to those who have lost their jobs, compared with Trump at 53%.
Robert Griffin, the research director for the Democracy Fund, said that Biden is likely seen more empathetic because he is seen as a "relatively compassionate person," while Trump is seen as a "no nonsense deal maker."
– Rebecca Morin
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious diseases expert, offered a word of warning to Americans as summer's end approaches.
Speaking at a virtual panel with doctors from Harvard Medical School, per NBC News, Fauci said that the fight against the coronavirus pandemic will only get more strenuous as the year reaches its close. He also cautioned against downplaying the severity of the virus, knowing "what's ahead" if preventative measures are not met.
"We need to hunker down and get through this fall and winter, because it’s not going to be easy,” he said, adding that we cannot "look at the rosy side of things."
COVID-19 testing: Positivity rates and why they are so important COVID-19 widespread testing is crucial to fighting the pandemic, but is there enough testing? The answer is in the positivity rates. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Vice President Mike Pence heard early warning about seriousness of COVID
Vice President Mike Pence was at the January meeting at which President Donald Trump was warned about the severity of the novel coronavirus, he told Fox News Thursday.
"I was in the Oval Office the day that the team came in and briefed the president about what we perceived was happening in China," Pence said, when asked if he had received the same briefing Trump had from National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien. "The team came in and laid the facts as we knew them on the table to the president."
The Jan. 28 briefing included a "jarring" warning that the virus would be the "biggest national security threat" of Trump's presidency, according to a new book written by Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward.
– Maureen Groppe
University of Missouri students reported that they were blocked by the school's chancellor on Twitter this week after complaining about the lack of COVID-19 precautions on campus.
After an attorney threatened a lawsuit, Chancellor Mun Choi unblocked students, according to local outlets and Twitter.
In a letter sent to Choi, Texas lawyer and Mizzou graduate Christopher Bennett said the university's top official had violated the First Amendment by blocking students from seeing or interacting with his tweets and could face legal action in the U.S. District Court if he didn't unblock every student on Twitter.
– Elinor Aspegren
Riders who refuse to wear a mask while riding New York City's public-transit system will face a $50 fine starting Monday. The fine applies to anyone riding New York City subway trains, buses or the Metro North and Long Island Rail Road commuter lines.
MTA President and CEO Patrick Foye announced the fine Thursday on a conference call with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Sarah Feinberg, interim president of the NYC Transit Authority, who said it is meant to bolster compliance with the state's mask mandate. Under Cuomo's executive order, all riders are required to wear a mask while riding public transit as a way to limit the spread of COVID-19.
– Jon Campbell, New York State Team
Time running for airline workers as they look to October layoffs
The days are quickly counting down for thousands of pilots, flight attendants, gate agents and other airline workers who face the prospect of being laid off at the end of the month if Congress doesn't come through with a new stimulus agreement.
Why the urgency? The Department of Transportation barred airlines that accepted stimulus money from laying off employees until at least Oct. 1, when $25 billion in payroll support protection money from the CARES Act expires.
On Thursday, the Senate failed to pass a slimmed-down GOP coronavirus relief package that didn't allocate any aid for the airline industry. That leaves open the chance that airline funds could be included in a compromise measure with the House.
– Chris Woodyard
15% of cats in study test positive for COVID-19 antibodies
Nearly 15% of cats included in a Wuhan-based study tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies, providing further evidence that the virus can infect the animals.
Researchers in Wuhan sampled 102 cats from shelters, pet hospitals and COVID-19 patient households from January to March and found that 15 tested positive for antibodies, including four abandoned cats, four cats from pet hospitals and three cats with patient owners, according to the study published this month in the journal Emerging Microbes & Infections.
None of the cats showed symptoms or had an active infection. The three cats owned by COVID-19 patients who tested positive for antibodies had the highest level of neutralizing antibodies – or ability to successfully block the infection. Two of those cats had detectable antibodies for 110 days.
Researchers said that while there is no evidence of transmission from cats to humans, humans can transmit the virus to cats, and cats may transmit the virus to other cats via respiratory droplets.
Scotland has joined England in limiting social gatherings to six people after a recent spike in coronavirus cases.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told Scottish lawmakers the new regulations will start Monday, along with England, and apply to gatherings in and out of the home.
Scotland’s restriction is perhaps more onerous as it applies to a maximum of two households. In England, six individuals from six different households can meet.
Senior members of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have joined a growing list of government officials, drug makers and public health experts who pledge they won’t compromise safety in the race for a coronavirus vaccine.
In a letter published Thursday in USA TODAY, eight top FDA officials and doctors affirmed the agency’s commitment that all "decisions will continue to be guided by the best science" and maintain independence from political forces.
The letter comes as the agency in recent weeks has faced criticism for approving convalescent plasma therapy for emergency use as a COVID-19 treatment based on flawed analysis.
– Adrianna Rodriguez
Although the nation is partially recovering from its steepest-ever recession amid the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses continue to lay off hundreds of thousands of workers as they grapple with fewer sales and depleted federal aid.
More than 857,000 Americans filed first-time applications for unemployment insurance – a rough measure of layoffs – last week, up about 20,000 from the previous week, the Labor Department said Thursday. The figures are not seasonally adjusted.
Over 55 million workers have filed for benefits over the past six months. While the weekly figures have trended down since peaking at 6.2 million in early spring, here’s some perspective: The previous all-time high for weekly claims on a non-seasonally adjusted basis was about 1 million during a recession in 1982.
– Paul Davidson
One day after releasing guidelines banning trick-or-treating and other Halloween activities, health officials in Los Angeles walked back their rules on Wednesday. They now are just "recommending that trick-or-treating not happen this year," Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said.
Halloween carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, haunted house attractions and gatherings with non-household members – even if they are conducted outdoors – are not permitted, the updated guidance says. Online parties, car parades, drive-in movies, themed meals at outdoors restaurants and more are recommended.
In Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Wednesday that she does not "expect to see mass crowds trick-or-treating like we have in years past," adding that, "It's not safe for the children. It’s not safe for the adults."
America is facing a monkey shortage as demand skyrockets for COVID-19 research, experts say
The race for a coronavirus vaccine to help end the pandemic has consumed the scientific community and created an escalating demand for an essential resource: monkeys.
Before drug companies call on human volunteers, monkeys are used in preclinical trials to test a vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. But with more than 100 vaccines in development around the world, there aren’t enough monkeys to go around.
"There is a shortage," said Dr. Skip Bohm, associate director and chief veterinary medical officer of the Tulane National Primate Research Center. Read more.
– Adrianna Rodriguez
COVID-19 may only be the beginning of global pandemics – a future scenario in which climate change may also play a role. A recent study in the journal Cell said, written by Dr. Anthony Fauci and medical historian Dr. David Morens, argues that the world has "entered a pandemic era." The study forecasts that pandemics could become more numerous.
“I don’t have a crystal ball, but what we are seeing looks very much like an acceleration of pandemics,“ Morens told BuzzFeed News. Causes he cited include deforestation, urban crowding and wet markets for wild game.
Climate change has not stopped because of COVID-19, according to a United Nations report Wednesday. Emissions are heading in the direction of pre-pandemic levels following a temporary decline caused by the lockdown and economic slowdown, the report said.
– Doyle Rice
The U.S. government is halting its enhanced entry screening for certain international passengers at airports starting Monday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The current system of temperature checks and screening for COVID-19 symptoms at 15 centralized airports will be dropped in favor of shifting responsibility to the individual passenger. Instead, the emphasis will be placed on pre-departure, in-flight and post-arrival health education; voluntary electronic contact information collection; and post-arrival recommendations for self-monitoring, including staying home for 14 days if arriving from a high-risk destination.
– David Oliver
President Donald Trump may have to find a new home for planned weekend campaign rallies in Reno and Las Vegas after local officials warned the events would violate Nevada’s ban on gatherings of more than 50 people during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority confirmed it had sent a letter to rally organizers warning that Saturday's planned 5,000-person event “may not proceed” after airport attorneys determined it would violate state and local COVID-containment directives.
"This has nothing to do with politics," airport authority CEO Daren Griffin said in a statement. "The letter we sent is about directives and safety and not political campaigns.”
Earlier Wednesday, former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, a Republican, tweeted without evidence that Trump’s scheduled appearances at the Reno-Tahoe Airport and Las Vegas’ Cirrus Aviation were scrapped in an "outrageous" act of "partisan political retribution." Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, later tweeted that his office had "no involvement" in the decision.
– James DeHaven, Reno Gazette Journal
What we're reading
Most Michigan high school sports are getting a late start this fall, and now a new executive order will make sure you see sports like you've never seen before.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order mandating a face covering be worn at all times by "athletes training for, practicing for, or competing in an organized sports when the athlete cannot maintain six feet of social distance, except for occasional and fleeting moments."
Swimmers are excluded from this order, but football, soccer and volleyball players are not. So, expect to see players on the field and on the sidelines wearing masks under their helmets when games begin Sept. 18.
– Kirkland Crawford and Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press
The University of Wisconsin-Madison has paused in-person classes because of a spike in COVID-19 cases on campus. Starting Monday, classes will be held remotely. Officials canceled classes from Thursday to Saturday. "Unfortunately, our positive test rate among students continues to rise far too rapidly," officials announced Wednesday in a news release.
There's also been a "sharp" increase of confirmed cases in two residence halls, and officials have asked residents to quarantine for the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, the University of Wyoming extended the pause on its fall return until Monday. Officials said Wednesday that the extension will allow them "to gather additional data about the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among the UW community." Last week, President Edward Seidel paused the university's fall return after seven students tested positive for the virus on Sept. 2.
COVID-19 resources from USA TODAY
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There's still a lot unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19. In your inbox: Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
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Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-09-11--University of Missouri chancellor blocks students tweeting about lack of COVID protections

University of Missouri students reported that they were blocked by the school 's chancellor on Twitter this week after complaining about the lack of COVID-19 precautions on campus .
After an attorney threatened a lawsuit , Chancellor and University of Missouri school system president Mun Choi unblocked students , according to the Columbia Daily Tribune of the USA TODAY Network and Twitter .
In a letter sent to Choi , Texas lawyer and Mizzou graduate Christopher Bennett said the university 's top official had violated the First Amendment by blocking students from seeing or interacting with his tweets and could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court if he did n't unblock every student on Twitter .
Christian Basi , a spokesperson for the university , confirmed to USA TODAY that Choi does have a personal Twitter account where he 's blocked students , partly because he `` has been on the receiving end of messages/tweets that were disrespectful and not constructive [ and ] some contained profanity . ''
He removed the blocks , according to Basi , `` because the university does not need the distraction caused by this matter . ''
Students had tweeted about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the low quality of students ' quarantine meals , lack of isolation housing and lack of testing .
“ Y ’ all post saying how you ’ re doing everything you can for covid and telling us to wash our hands , but then how come this happens in like half the bathrooms I walk into on campus ?
” wrote Cannon Summers , a junior studying statistics .
Summers posted that the account was blocked at 9:29 a.m. and that the block was removed at 10:42 p.m. “ I would like to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was but the reaction has been to dismiss concerns and not acknowledge them , ” Summers said .
The tweet was the first time Summers had tagged Choi .
Not all of the users he blocked had actually included the Twitter handle , instead using his name .
“ He was probably searching his name on Twitter to find out who was talking about him , ” Summers said .
“ If you are actively searching your name and the concerns people are bringing to you , instead of reacting constructively you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the students who agreed to let Bennett represent them .
Meanwhile , Boone County , home to the university ’ s campus in Columbia , recently reported a 44.6 % positive test rate in one week .
Student positivity rates have also risen over the past couple of weeks , with the university reporting 1,133 total student cases Wednesday , up from 168 cases when in-person classes resumed Aug. 24 .
Quarantined NYU studentstake to social media to complain about meals provided by school The concerns of students are reminiscent of reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meal deliveries at New York University .
At NYU , some students have said that meals have been delivered late or not at all , while others have been given food that doesn ’ t meet their dietary restrictions .

University of Missouri chancellor blocks students tweeting about lack of COVID protections
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus puts small colleges in a tough spot College presidents discuss the financial challenges they will face during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jasper Colt, USA TODAY
University of Missouri students reported that they were blocked by the school's chancellor on Twitter this week after complaining about the lack of COVID-19 precautions on campus.
After an attorney threatened a lawsuit, Chancellor and University of Missouri school system president Mun Choi unblocked students, according to the Columbia Daily Tribune of the USA TODAY Network and Twitter.
In a letter sent to Choi, Texas lawyer and Mizzou graduate Christopher Bennett said the university's top official had violated the First Amendment by blocking students from seeing or interacting with his tweets and could face legal action in the U.S. District Court if he didn't unblock every student on Twitter.
Christian Basi, a spokesperson for the university, confirmed to USA TODAY that Choi does have a personal Twitter account where he's blocked students, partly because he "has been on the receiving end of messages/tweets that were disrespectful and not constructive [and] some contained profanity."
He removed the blocks, according to Basi, "because the university does not need the distraction caused by this matter."
Students had tweeted about the lack of working sinks on campus, the low quality of students' quarantine meals, lack of isolation housing and lack of testing.
“Y’all post saying how you’re doing everything you can for covid and telling us to wash our hands, but then how come this happens in like half the bathrooms I walk into on campus?” wrote Cannon Summers, a junior studying statistics.
Summers posted that the account was blocked at 9:29 a.m. and that the block was removed at 10:42 p.m.
“I would like to say I am more surprised than I was but the reaction has been to dismiss concerns and not acknowledge them,” Summers said.
The tweet was the first time Summers had tagged Choi. Not all of the users he blocked had actually included the Twitter handle, instead using his name.
“He was probably searching his name on Twitter to find out who was talking about him,” Summers said. “If you are actively searching your name and the concerns people are bringing to you, instead of reacting constructively you are just blocking them.”
Summers is one of the students who agreed to let Bennett represent them.
Mizzou was very clearly unprepared to keep students safe upon their return this fall. In the following thread, we will be sharing details of what Mizzou won’t boast about on social media: the poor conditions that many students have to quarantine in. — University of Misery (@UofMisery) September 7, 2020
Meanwhile, Boone County, home to the university’s campus in Columbia, recently reported a 44.6% positive test rate in one week.
Student positivity rates have also risen over the past couple of weeks, with the university reporting 1,133 total student cases Wednesday, up from 168 cases when in-person classes resumed Aug. 24.
Quarantined NYU studentstake to social media to complain about meals provided by school
The concerns of students are reminiscent of reports and TikTok videos showing problems with quarantine meal deliveries at New York University.
At NYU, some students have said that meals have been delivered late or not at all, while others have been given food that doesn’t meet their dietary restrictions.
Contributing: Rudi Keller, Columbia (Mo.) Daily Tribune


usatoday--2020-09-10--How to make backyard camping magical

How to make backyard camping magical

If you ca n't get out of the city , try camping in your own backyard .

Family-friendly backyard camping ideas
If you can't get out of the city, try camping in your own backyard.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-11--100 western wildfires scorching more square miles than size of Connecticut

100 western wildfires scorching more square miles than size of Connecticut Dozens of wind-driven wildfires race through more than a @ @ @ @ @

Wildfires: California, Oregon, Washington, thousands of miles scorched
Dozens of wind-driven wildfires race through more than a dozen western U.S. states.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-10--'Trying to catch up, buddy?:' Emperor penguin follows Australian explorers in Antarctica

'Trying to catch up , buddy ?
: ' Emperor penguin follows Australian explorers in Antarctica An emperor penguin tried @ @ @ @ @ group of explorers from the Australian Antarctic Program in Antarctica .

Emperor penguin joins Australian explorers' trek in Antarctica
An emperor penguin tried to keep up with a group of explorers from the Australian Antarctic Program in Antarctica.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-09-10--Wisconsin Supreme Court says mailing of absentee ballots should be halted

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

Patrick Marley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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