usatoday--2020-09-07--Pandemic preschool: How to navigate sending your kid into an unfamiliar building with masked strange

Pandemic preschool: How to navigate sending your kid into an unfamiliar building with masked strangers

Many child care centers and preschools that survived COVID-19 shutdowns are reopening their doors this fall , but the first day of class looks a little different this year , leaving some kids and guardians feeling anxious .
Minors account for about 8 % of all cases in the U.S. , and most have mild symptoms and fully recover within one to two weeks – quicker than most adults .
However , a small percentage of children have been reported to have more severe illness , and researchers are still learning more about the role children play in asymptomatic spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , families and staff safe , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that child care programs implement an array of new safety measures amid the pandemic , such as reducing class sizes , intensifying cleaning protocols , taking children ’ s temperatures each morning , requiring kids and staff to wear face masks , staggering drop-off and pick-up times , spreading nap mats out six feet apart , ending family-style mealtimes and more .
Many states and counties have additional guidance .
`` For so many of the parents I talk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
The uncertainty is stressful , '' said Dr. Erica Lee , a psychiatrist at Boston Children ’ s Hospital .
`` Kids are really resilient , and they follow their parents ' and teachers ' cues .
The more calm and predictability we can create for them at home and at school , the better kids will do . ''
To help you prepare for your child 's new adventure , USA TODAY spoke with pediatricians , child psychologists and preschool administrators to gather tips and tricks for what to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day and in the first few weeks .
From air hugs to airplane arms : What reopening day care centers look like during COVID-19 The key to a smooth preschool transition is helping your child understand what to expect at school and getting them into a regular routine , experts say .
Amid the pandemic , these basic practices become even more essential .
`` Back-to-school happens every year , and it happens differently for every family and every child , '' said Dr. Elanna Yalow , chief academic officer at KinderCare Learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 1,600 early childhood education centers .
`` A lot of the fundamentals probably matter a little bit more now , but they 're the same . ''
Weeks before school starts , establish a regular bedtime and meal schedule .
If you can , find out what your child 's school schedule will be , and practice going through the motions of their day .
`` Preschool is all about routine , and if you have a good routine at home in the morning and evening , then it ’ s very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ predictable routines happening in a preschool , '' said Caroline Maese , a regional manager at Learning Care Group , a Michigan-based company that operates more than 900 child care and early education centers .
Back-to-school shopping 2020:5 tips to get ready whether at home or in the classroom Try to help your child grasp what their building and classroom will look like .
Some schools are offering after hours building tours , sharing photos or offering virtual tours .
`` It used to be we would offer you the opportunity to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we offer you the virtual tour , '' Maese said .
`` Directors have iPads , and they ’ re able to walk parents through the building and meet teachers . ''
If you receive a photo of your child 's classroom , ask your child to draw a picture of it or tell a story about the first day , Yalow said .
Make sure the image or narrative incorporates public health precautions , such as desks being spaced out and frequent hand-washing .
`` It ’ s not only a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it ’ s a great way for you to understand what your child may be thinking about , '' Yalow said .
Some schools provide photos of their teachers online , too , so it may be helpful to show your child images of their future teacher so that they understand what they look like beneath their mask , said Yesenia Marroquin , a clinical psychologist in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Children 's Hospital of Philadelphia .
You can also practice school drop-off and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday morning , try going through the motions of your morning routine and pretend to drop your child off at school , getting as close to the building as possible , she said .
`` It gives them a little bit of familiarity on their own terms without an audience of additional folks who are trying to drop off their kiddos , '' Marroquin said .
If you have n't already , it 's important to help your child establish proper hygiene habits in advance .
`` If kids have not been out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around them so they can get used to seeing people wearing one , '' said Dr. Angela Mattke , pediatrician at Mayo Clinic .
`` Slowly let them touch and feel , pick out and decorate their mask .
Then get their stuffed animals to wear the mask .
Any time you can do pretend play it can make it go much easier . ''
Other strategies for getting kids excited about wearing masks include talking to them about how superheroes also wear masks to stay safe or purchasing them a mask that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lee suggested .
Since many public health concepts are abstract , try to find ways to make these ideas more concrete for your child , Mattke said .
When it comes to social distancing , it may be helpful to draw lines with chalk on the ground and play a game .
For hand washing , practice singing `` Happy Birthday '' twice so that your child knows how long to wash. Will my child be sent home for cough , runny nose ?
What to know about day care guidelines during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to seeing new faces or having social interactions , it may be helpful to set up some virtual or socially distanced play dates in the weeks leading up to school , Lee said .
As you 're navigating this entire process with your child and exposing them to new habits , it 's important to speak in an excited tone , Mattke said .
`` I would strongly recommend that parents talk about social distancing and masking in a positive manner .
Preschoolers love to be helpful , and if we teach them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep themselves healthy so that they can keep other people healthy , they ’ re going to be much more willing to do it , '' Mattke said .
On the first day of school , try to exude excitement about your child 's new milestone , and plan a small celebration with them for after school to reward their bravery and give them something to look forward to , experts said .
Empowering your child to make choices also helps them feel more secure and in control , Lee said .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make a series of decisions by offering them a choice of two or three options : What do you want to have for breakfast ?
Which mask do you want to wear ?
Which lunch box do you want to bring ?
Make sure to pack your child at least one extra face mask in a plastic bag , Mattke said .
`` It 's definitely going to get dirty .
I 've seen that with my own kids , '' she said .
Since many schools require parents and guardians to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the building – not in the classroom – amid the pandemic , it may be helpful to establish a fun or silly `` goodbye ritual , '' Lee said .
Try a handshake or dance .
And plan to take your first-day-of-school photos at home or before arriving at the building .
Even if your child is accustomed to wearing a face mask , school may be the first time your child encounters another kid who struggles to wear their mask , Lee said .
She suggested you role-play the scenario with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their teacher about it , if the situation arises .
At some point during the school day , your child may start to feel uneasy , so make sure to prepare your child with some strategies they can use if that starts to happen , Lee said .
Make sure they know who in the classroom they will be able to go to for help .
Teach your child to take deep belly breathes , or introduce them to a `` feelings chart , '' which allows kids to point at emotive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're feeling , she said .
`` I would still celebrate the moments .
Still celebrate the first day of school because it is a beautiful milestone , '' Mattke said .
`` Have an ice cream party or something special to celebrate the end of the first day of school because it gives kids enthusiasm and something to look forward to . ''
Just do n't go overboard , Marroquin said .
`` It ’ s not giving them a new tablet because they made it through the first day of school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s something that ’ s small and sustainable over time . ''
Without the daily face-to-face interactions with teachers , many parents are wondering how they can check in with schools about how their child is doing .
Preschool administrators say they encourage parents to stay in touch through a variety of means .
Several preschool systems – including KinderCare , Learning Care Group and The Goddard School – were already offering app-based communication with parents that allow teachers to send messages , photos and videos to parents throughout the day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ app and request updates on their child .
`` It 's particularly important in the time of COVID when parents don ’ t feel they have as much access , '' Yalow said .
`` Some families may see that as being a burden or pest – or they don ’ t want to be 'that parent ' – but we know that for our children it ’ s not a burden , it is a gift .
That communication is absolutely essential . ''
Learning Care Group is also rolling out live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guardians can log on and watch their child at school .
Maese said the group had already been in the process of implementing the `` Watch Me Grow '' program – to help connect with extended family members and deployed parents – and accelerated the program roll-out due to COVID-19 .
`` Parents really enjoy it .
I think it gives them more things to talk about with their children because they know what they ’ ve been doing throughout the day , '' Maese said .
During the pandemic , are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID is taking a toll now and will in the future Try to stay connected to your child 's learning by replicating some of the games or activities they 're doing at school back at home , Yalow said .
`` Find more creative and more concrete ways to really understand you child ’ s experience at the center .
If they say they played something , ask them questions and see if you can play it at home , '' Yalow said .
As time goes on , remember to find joy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It ’ s very easy for families to focus on that first day or first week and then take for granted the experiences they ’ re having with their teachers and friends , '' Yalow said .
`` You may settle into a practical routine , but I would continue to celebrate the wonder of what the children are experiencing . ''
Since local coronavirus dynamics remain fluid , it 's best to prepare your child for the possibility of reverting to remote learning .
`` If the school has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that potential change , '' Marroquin said .
Parents , remember to check in with your own emotions , too The first day or school is n't just hard for kids – it 's also hard for parents , so be aware of your own feelings and talk out your stresses and strategies with friends and other parents , experts say .
`` There ’ s always a certain anxiety about children going back to school or starting school for the first time , and now that feeling may be magnified , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-care measures work best for you to relax and recharge .
`` Because they ’ re doing so much , parents really need to take care of themselves so that they can keep showing up for their children , '' she said .
'We kind of trained them last spring ' : Virtual learning means expectations are low Focus on the positives , and do n't feel guilty if you 're excited to send your child off to school , Yalow said .
`` Preschool experiences are amazing for young children .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Yalow said .
`` There ’ s nothing wrong with knowing that your child is going to have great experiences during the day . ''

Pandemic preschool: How to navigate sending your child into an unfamiliar building with masked strangers
Show Caption Hide Caption What to know about sending kids to school in flu season amid COVID-19 Is it a cold or COVID-19? The top doctor at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta explains what parents need to know this flu season. USA TODAY
Masked strangers. Temperature checks. Unfamiliar kids playing 6 feet away.
Many child care centers and preschools that survived COVID-19 shutdowns are reopening their doors this fall. But the first day of class looks a little different this year, leaving some kids and guardians feeling anxious.
Minors account for about 8% of all coronavirus cases in the U.S., and most have mild symptoms and fully recover within one to two weeks – quicker than most adults. But a small percentage of children have been reported to have more severe illness, and researchers are still learning more about the role children play in asymptomatic spread of the disease.
To keep kids, families and staff safe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that child care programs implement an array of new safety measures amid the pandemic, such as reducing class sizes, intensifying cleaning protocols, taking children’s temperatures each morning, requiring kids and staff to wear face masks, staggering drop-off and pickup times, spreading nap mats out 6 feet apart, ending family-style mealtimes and more. Many states and counties have additional guidance.
"For so many of the parents I talk to, it’s a scary time. The uncertainty is stressful," said Dr. Erica Lee, a psychologiat Boston Children’s Hospital. "Kids are really resilient, and they follow their parents' and teachers' cues. The more calm and predictability we can create for them at home and at school, the better kids will do."
To help you prepare for your child's new adventure, USA TODAY spoke with pediatricians, child psychologists and preschool administrators to gather tips and tricks for what to do before school starts, on the first day and in the first few weeks.
Setting up for school? 5 tips to save time, money on the tech you need Back to school looks so different in 2020. Whether going remote or in person, here's how to save some time and money to prepare your student for class Roddy Blellock, Special to USA TODAY
From air hugs to airplane arms: What reopening day care centers look like during COVID-19
Before school starts: Set expectations and routines
The key to a smooth preschool transition is helping your child understand what to expect at school and getting them into a regular routine, experts say. Amid the pandemic, these basic practices become even more essential.
"Back-to-school happens every year, and it happens differently for every family and every child," said Dr. Elanna Yalow, chief academic officer at KinderCare Learning Centers, a Portland, Oregon-based company operating more than 1,600 early childhood education centers. "A lot of the fundamentals probably matter a little bit more now, but they're the same."
Weeks before school starts, establish a regular bedtime and meal schedule. If you can, find out what your child's school schedule will be and practice going through the motions of their day.
"Preschool is all about routine, and if you have a good routine at home in the morning and evening, then it’s very easy for children to adapt to the predictable routines happening in a preschool," said Caroline Maese, a regional manager at Learning Care Group, a Michigan-based company that operates more than 900 child care and early education centers.
Back-to-school shopping 2020: 5 tips to get ready whether at home or in the classroom
Try to help your child grasp what their building and classroom will look like. Some schools are offering after-hours building tours, sharing photos or offering virtual tours.
"It used to be we would offer you the opportunity to come into the building to tour. Now we offer you the virtual tour," Maese said. "Directors have iPads, and they’re able to walk parents through the building and meet teachers."
If you receive a photo of your child's classroom, ask your child to draw a picture of it or tell a story about the first day, Yalow said. Make sure the image or narrative incorporates public health precautions, such as spaced-out desks and frequent hand-washing.
"It’s not only a great way to have your child express themselves, but it’s a great way for you to understand what your child may be thinking about," Yalow said.
Some schools provide photos of their teachers online, too, so it may be helpful to show your child images of their future teacher so that they understand what they look like beneath their mask, said Yesenia Marroquin, a clinical psychologist in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
You also can practice school drop-off and pickup, Marroquin said. On a Saturday morning, try going through the motions of your morning routine and pretend to drop your child off at school, getting as close to the building as possible, she said.
"It gives them a little bit of familiarity on their own terms without an audience of additional folks who are trying to drop off their kiddos," Marroquin said.
If you haven't already, it's important to help your child establish proper hygiene habits in advance.
"If kids have not been out and about much, wear your mask around them so they can get used to seeing people wearing one," said Dr. Angela Mattke, pediatrician at the Mayo Clinic. "Slowly let them touch and feel, pick out and decorate their mask. Then get their stuffed animals to wear the mask. Anytime you can do pretend-play, it can make it go much easier."
Other strategies for getting kids excited about wearing masks include talking to them about how superheroes also wear masks to stay safe or buying them a mask that matches something their parents or siblings wear, Lee suggested.
Because many public health concepts are abstract, try to find ways to make these ideas more concrete for your child, Mattke said. When it comes to social distancing, it may be helpful to draw lines with chalk on the ground and play a game. For hand-washing, practice singing "Happy Birthday" twice so that your child knows how long to wash.
Will my child be sent home for cough, runny nose? What to know about day care guidelines during COVID-19
If your child is not used to seeing new faces or having social interactions, it may be helpful to set up some virtual or socially distanced play dates in the weeks leading up to school, Lee said.
As you're navigating this entire process with your child and exposing them to new habits, it's important to speak in an excited tone, Mattke said.
"I would strongly recommend that parents talk about social distancing and masking in a positive manner. Preschoolers love to be helpful, and if we teach them that it’s their job to keep themselves healthy so that they can keep other people healthy, they’re going to be much more willing to do it," Mattke said.
The first day: Establish a 'goodbye ritual'
On the first day of school, try to exude excitement about your child's new milestone, and plan a small celebration with them for after school to reward their bravery and give them something to look forward to, experts said.
Empowering your child to make choices also helps them feel more secure and in control, Lee said. That morning before school, allow your child to make a series of decisions by offering them a choice of two or three options: What do you want to have for breakfast? Which mask do you want to wear? Which lunch box do you want to bring?
Make sure to pack your child at least one extra face mask in a plastic bag, Mattke said.
"It's definitely going to get dirty. I've seen that with my own kids," she said.
Because many schools require parents and guardians to drop their children off at the entrance of the building – not in the classroom – amid the pandemic, it may be helpful to establish a fun or silly "goodbye ritual," Lee said. Try a handshake or dance. And plan to take your first-day-of-school photos at home or before arriving at the building.
Even if your child is accustomed to wearing a face mask, school may be the first time your child encounters another kid who struggles to wear their mask, Lee said. She suggested you role-play the scenario with your child and encourage them to talk to their teacher about it, if the situation arises.
At some point during the school day, your child may start to feel uneasy, so make sure to prepare your child with some strategies they can use if that starts to happen, Lee said. Make sure they know who in the classroom they will be able to go to for help. Teach your child to take deep belly breaths, or introduce them to a "feelings chart," which allows kids to point at emotive faces to help them identify what they're feeling, she said.
"I would still celebrate the moments. Still celebrate the first day of school because it is a beautiful milestone," Mattke said. "Have an ice cream party or something special to celebrate the end of the first day of school because it gives kids enthusiasm and something to look forward to."
Just don't go overboard, Marroquin said.
"It’s not giving them a new tablet because they made it through the first day of school," she said. "It’s something that’s small and sustainable over time."
Staying in touch: Virtual tours, messaging apps, live feeds
Without the daily face-to-face interactions with teachers, many parents are wondering how they can check in with schools about how their child is doing. Preschool administrators say they encourage parents to stay in touch through a variety of means.
Several preschool systems – including KinderCare, Learning Care Group and The Goddard School – were already were offering app-based communication with parents that allow teachers to send messages, photos and videos to parents throughout the day. Parents can send teachers questions through the app and request updates on their child.
"It's particularly important in the time of COVID when parents don’t feel they have as much access," Yalow said. "Some families may see that as being a burden or pest – or they don’t want to be 'that parent' – but we know that for our children it’s not a burden, it is a gift. That communication is absolutely essential."
Learning Care Group is also rolling out live feed camera access so that parents and guardians can log on and watch their child at school. Maese said the group had already been in the process of implementing the "Watch Me Grow" program – to help connect with extended family members and deployed parents – and accelerated the program roll-out due to COVID-19.
"Parents really enjoy it. I think it gives them more things to talk about with their children because they know what they’ve been doing throughout the day," Maese said.
Coronavirus: How access to the internet is not created equal As schools debate about returning to online learning, the lack of internet access for many Americans is a big sticking point. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
During the pandemic, are the little kids all right? Survey shows COVID is taking a toll now and will in the future
Try to stay connected to your child's learning by replicating some of the games or activities they're doing at school back at home, Yalow said.
"Find more creative and more concrete ways to really understand you child’s experience at the center. If they say they played something, ask them questions and see if you can play it at home," Yalow said.
As time goes on, remember to find joy in your child's new daily experiences.
"It’s very easy for families to focus on that first day or first week and then take for granted the experiences they’re having with their teachers and friends," Yalow said. "You may settle into a practical routine, but I would continue to celebrate the wonder of what the children are experiencing."
Since local coronavirus dynamics remain fluid, it's best to prepare your child for the possibility of reverting to remote learning. "If the school has to go virtual again, prepare them for that potential change," Marroquin said.
Parents, remember to check in with your own emotions, too
The first day or school isn't just hard for kids – it's also hard for parents, so be aware of your own feelings and talk out your stresses and strategies with friends and other parents, experts say.
"There’s always a certain anxiety about children going back to school or starting school for the first time, and now that feeling may be magnified," Yalow said.
Lee recommends implementing whatever self-care measures work best for you to relax and recharge.
"Because they’re doing so much, parents really need to take care of themselves so that they can keep showing up for their children," she said.
'We kind of trained them last spring': Virtual learning means expectations are low
Focus on the positives, and don't feel guilty if you're excited to send your child off to school, Yalow said.
"Preschool experiences are amazing for young children. The excitement and enthusiasm should be real," Yalow said. "There’s nothing wrong with knowing that your child is going to have great experiences during the day."


usatoday--2020-09-07--Miami Dolphins name Ryan Fitzpatrick starting quarterback over Tua Tagovailoa

Ryan Fitzpatrick will open the season as starting quarterback for Miami Dolphins , coach Brian Flores said Monday .
The @ @ @ @ @ to Fitzpatrick 's experience , leadership skills and that he exceeded expectations as a starter @ @ @ @ @ a year like this with no OTA 's , limited time , this is not @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` He 's done a good job throughout training camp . ''
Rookie @ @ @ @ @ pick in the last NFL Draft , will serve as Fitzpatrick 's backup , since @ @ @ @ @ Rosen .
Jake Rudock will be Miami 's third quarterback , for now resuming his @ @ @ @ @ squad .
Fitzpatrick , 37 , had a 5-8 record as Miami starter last season @ @ @ @ @ of the year , he led Miami to an upset victory at New England .
@ @ @ @ @ at the Patriots next Sunday .

Miami Dolphins name Ryan Fitzpatrick starting quarterback over Tua Tagovailoa
Show Caption Hide Caption Erin Andrews on FOX's NFL coverage: Expect fake crowd noise, don't expect watered down product SportsPulse: Mackenzie Salmon connected with Erin Andrews to see how Fox is planning on broadcasting NFL games this fall and how she will adapt to not being allowed on sidelines for games. USA TODAY
Ryan Fitzpatrick will open the season as starting quarterback for Miami Dolphins, coach Brian Flores said Monday.
The decision was long expected due to Fitzpatrick's experience, leadership skills and that he exceeded expectations as a starter in 2019.
"In a year like this with no OTA's, limited time, this is not groundbreaking news," Flores said. "He's done a good job throughout training camp."
Rookie Tua Tagovailoa, the fifth pick in the last NFL Draft, will serve as Fitzpatrick's backup, since the team has cut Josh Rosen.
Jake Rudock will be Miami's third quarterback, for now resuming his Miami career on the practice squad.
Fitzpatrick, 37, had a 5-8 record as Miami starter last season. In the last game of the year, he led Miami to an upset victory at New England.
The Dolphins open this season at the Patriots next Sunday.


usatoday--2020-09-06--Jacob Blake speaks from his hospital bed: 'Change your lives out there'

MILWAUKEE – Jacob Blake , shot seven times by Kenosha , Wisconsin , police , has some powerful words from his hospital bed as the nation grapples with escalating tension over racial inequities : “ There ’ s a lot more life to live.
” A minute-long video was posted to Twitter on Saturday by Blake 's attorney , Benjamin Crump , in which the 29-year-old Black man calmly described the pain he 's experienced and encouraged viewers to value their lives and lives of others .
Blake is paralyzed from the waist down after being shot in the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officer Rusten Sheskey on Aug. 23 .
“ There ’ s a lot more life to live out here man , ” he said .
“ Your life , and not only just your life , your legs – something that you need to move around and move forward in life – can be taken from you like this .
I promise you , the type of ( expletive ) that you will go through – I got staples in my back , staples in my ( expletive ) stomach – you do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this ( expletive ) , man .
Thousands march : Thousands march with Jacob Blake family in Kenosha : 'We ’ ll walk hand in hand' “ Every 24 hours , it ’ s ... pain .
It hurts to breathe , it hurts to sleep , it hurts to move from side to side , it hurts to eat .
Please , I ’ m telling you , change your lives out there .
We can stick together , make some money , make everything easier for our people out here , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much time that has been wasted.
” The video comes a day after Blake made his first public appearance by video in Kenosha County Circuit Court .
On Friday , he pleaded not guilty to several charges stemming from a domestic incident in May – a case unrelated to the shooting .
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing and being conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice .
Video of the shooting set off days of protests in Kenosha – which sometimes included looting , arson and violence – and attracted in-person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential nominee Joe Biden .
Biden in Kenosha : Biden describes talk with Jacob Blake during Kenosha visit : 'He talked about how nothing was going to defeat him' Trump in Kenosha : Trump claims credit for bringing calm to Kenosha in visit criticized as politicizing unrest Blake was initially handcuffed to his hospital bed with deputies stationed in the room until the open warrant in the domestic case was vacated a week ago after a $ 500 bail was posted .
The handcuffing outraged Blake ’ s family and others , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ page for Blake ’ s medical expenses and counseling for him and his family raised $ 2.2 million as of Saturday evening .

Elliot Hughes, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Jacob Blake speaks from his hospital bed: 'Change your lives out there'
Show Caption Hide Caption Jacob Blake speaks from hospital bed: Life can change in an instant Jacob Blake delivered the minute-long video from his hospital bed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. USA TODAY, Wochit
MILWAUKEE – Jacob Blake, shot seven times by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has some powerful words from his hospital bed as the nation grapples with escalating tension over racial inequities: “There’s a lot more life to live.”
A minute-long video was posted to Twitter on Saturday by Blake's attorney, Benjamin Crump, in which the 29-year-old Black man calmly described the pain he has experienced and encouraged viewers to value their lives and lives of others. Blake is paralyzed from the waist down after being shot in the back at point-blank range by Kenosha Police Department Officer Rusten Sheskey on Aug. 23.
“There’s a lot more life to live out here man,” he said. “Your life, and not only just your life, your legs – something that you need to move around and move forward in life – can be taken from you like this. I promise you, the type of (expletive) that you will go through – I got staples in my back, staples in my (expletive) stomach – you do not want to have to deal with this (expletive), man.
#JacobBlake released this powerful video message from his hospital bed today, reminding everyone just how precious life is. #JusticeForJacobBlake pic.twitter.com/87CYlgPDBj — Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) September 6, 2020
Thousands march: Thousands march with Jacob Blake family in Kenosha: 'We’ll walk hand in hand'
“Every 24 hours, it’s ... pain. It hurts to breathe, it hurts to sleep, it hurts to move from side to side, it hurts to eat. Please, I’m telling you, change your lives out there. We can stick together, make some money, make everything easier for our people out here, man, because there’s so much time that has been wasted.”
The video comes a day after Blake made his first public appearance by video in Kenosha County Circuit Court. On Friday, he pleaded not guilty to several charges stemming from a domestic incident in May, a case unrelated to the shooting.
The investigation into the shooting is being conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Video of the shooting set off days of protests in Kenosha – which sometimes included looting, arson and violence – and attracted in-person visits from President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
Biden in Kenosha: Biden describes talk with Jacob Blake during Kenosha visit: 'He talked about how nothing was going to defeat him'
Trump in Kenosha: Trump claims credit for bringing calm to Kenosha in visit criticized as politicizing unrest
Blake was initially handcuffed to his hospital bed with deputies stationed in the room until the open warrant in the domestic case was vacated a week ago after a $500 bail was posted. The handcuffing outraged Blake’s family and others, including Gov. Tony Evers.
A GoFundMe page for Blake’s medical expenses and counseling for him and his family raised $2.2 million as of Saturday evening.


usatoday--2020-09-06--North Carolina beachgoers pull shark from ocean to 'remove hook' from its mouth

North Carolina beachgoers pull shark from ocean to 'remove hook ' from its mouth Oak Island , N.C. beachgoers pulled @ @ @ @ @ to remove a hook from its mouth , according to an eyewitness .
Joey Woosley @ @

North Carolina beachgoers 'remove hook' from shark's mouth
Oak Island, N.C. beachgoers pulled a shark from the ocean to remove a hook from its mouth, according to an eyewitness. Joey Woosley via Storyful
Storyful


usatoday--2020-09-07--Biden ramps up outreach to women with voter engagement program, Republican surrogates

This story was published in partnership with The 19th , a nonprofit , nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender , politics and policy .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is ramping up his outreach to women by releasing a blueprint outlining how his campaign believes President Donald Trump has failed them and marshaling high-profile women , including some Republicans , to help make the case .
Biden ’ s campaign will also mark Women ’ s Equality Day on Wednesday — the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment — with vice presidential pick U.S .
Senator Kamala Harris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Sister ” voter engagement program for Black women .
Republican women such as Christine Todd Whitman , a former governor of New Jersey who served in the George W. Bush administration , and Susan Molinari , a former U.S. House of Representatives member from New York , are also on board to make the case to more conservative women .
Both said they were prepared to help in any way that they could .
In the blueprint , titled “ Trump has failed American women , ” Biden slams Trump for disbanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Girls .
Valerie Jarrett , who co-chaired the council during the Obama administration , will play a role in Biden ’ s outreach .
“ It ensured that every department and agency in the federal government looked at their policies , programs and initiatives through the gender lens and asked themselves the question : are the policies , programs and initiatives supportive of women and girls ?
” Jarrett said in an interview , adding that it came to an “ abrupt halt ” when Trump took office .
Biden has pledged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gender Equity if elected in November .
Jarrett said the new council would allow the White House to “ resume that important work.
” Biden ’ s campaign also says Trump ’ s efforts to weaken the Affordable Care Act have endangered women with pre-existing conditions , including pregnancy ; criticizes the Trump administration for continuing to collect pay disparity data from medium and large employers only under court order ; and denounced Trump ’ s Department of Education for rolling back Obama-era policies intended to ensure more rigorous investigations of campus sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a series that Biden ’ s campaign is releasing evaluating Trump administration policies and their effects on specific constituencies .
A report earlier in the week examined the Trump presidency ’ s impact on young Americans .
“ He has failed women in so many ways , ” Whitman said of Trump .
“ The fact that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are emphasizing what they would do , I think , shows the huge gap between the two campaigns.
” In addition to creating the White House Council on Gender Equity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide universal preschool education and improve women ’ s economic security by working with Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act , which would punish employers for retaliating against workers who share salary information and allow workers to sue for punitive damages in wage discrimination cases , among other provisions .
The Biden and Trump campaigns both know that women ’ s support is critical to their chances for success .
In 2016 , Trump split the vote of White women nearly evenly with Democrat Hillary Clinton , who won women overall by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that women are more likely than men to reconsider their support for Trump and that a potentially historic gender gap is opening ahead of November .
Molinari said Trump ’ s focus on wooing “ suburban housewives ” with law-and-order rhetoric is a “ patent diminution of who we are and what we are concerned about.
” “ We know that women may be the deciding vote in some key states , ” Molinari said .
“ And all we want to do is say to Republicans and independents who have concerns about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time : it ’ s okay , it will work out .
This is a man who has always treated individuals with kindness , respect and courage .
”

Biden ramps up outreach to women with voter engagement program, Republican surrogates
This story was published in partnership with The 19th, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy.
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden is ramping up his outreach to women by releasing a blueprint outlining how his campaign believes President Donald Trump has failed them and marshaling high-profile women, including some Republicans, to help make the case.
Biden’s campaign will also mark Women’s Equality Day on Wednesday — the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the 19th Amendment — with vice presidential pick U.S. Senator Kamala Harris’ launch of a nationwide “Sister to Sister” voter engagement program for Black women.
Republican women such as Christine Todd Whitman, a former governor of New Jersey who served in the George W. Bush administration, and Susan Molinari, a former U.S. House of Representatives member from New York, are also on board to make the case to more conservative women. Both said they were prepared to help in any way that they could.
In the blueprint, titled “Trump has failed American women,” Biden slams Trump for disbanding the White House Council on Women and Girls. Valerie Jarrett, who co-chaired the council during the Obama administration, will play a role in Biden’s outreach.
“It ensured that every department and agency in the federal government looked at their policies, programs and initiatives through the gender lens and asked themselves the question: are the policies, programs and initiatives supportive of women and girls?” Jarrett said in an interview, adding that it came to an “abrupt halt” when Trump took office.
Biden has pledged to create a new White House Council on Gender Equity if elected in November. Jarrett said the new council would allow the White House to “resume that important work.”
Biden’s campaign also says Trump’s efforts to weaken the Affordable Care Act have endangered women with pre-existing conditions, including pregnancy; criticizes the Trump administration for continuing to collect pay disparity data from medium and large employers only under court order; and denounced Trump’s Department of Education for rolling back Obama-era policies intended to ensure more rigorous investigations of campus sexual assault.
The blueprint is the latest in a series that Biden’s campaign is releasing evaluating Trump administration policies and their effects on specific constituencies. A report earlier in the week examined the Trump presidency’s impact on young Americans.
“He has failed women in so many ways,” Whitman said of Trump. “The fact that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are emphasizing what they would do, I think, shows the huge gap between the two campaigns.”
In addition to creating the White House Council on Gender Equity, Biden pledges in the document to provide universal preschool education and improve women’s economic security by working with Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would punish employers for retaliating against workers who share salary information and allow workers to sue for punitive damages in wage discrimination cases, among other provisions.
Kamala Harris: 5 things to know about Joe Biden's running mate Joe Biden made history when he chose Kamala Harris as his running mate. USA TODAY
The Biden and Trump campaigns both know that women’s support is critical to their chances for success. In 2016, Trump split the vote of White women nearly evenly with Democrat Hillary Clinton, who won women overall by roughly a 15-point margin. Polls show that women are more likely than men to reconsider their support for Trump and that a potentially historic gender gap is opening ahead of November.
Molinari said Trump’s focus on wooing “suburban housewives” with law-and-order rhetoric is a “patent diminution of who we are and what we are concerned about.”
“We know that women may be the deciding vote in some key states,” Molinari said. “And all we want to do is say to Republicans and independents who have concerns about voting for a Democrat for the first time: it’s okay, it will work out. This is a man who has always treated individuals with kindness, respect and courage.”


usatoday--2020-09-06--'We do have two systems of justice in America': Kamala Harris says Barr, Trump in 'different reality

Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris said Sunday that when it comes to racial disparities in the criminal justice system , President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr are `` spending full-time in a different reality . ''
`` The reality of America today is what we have seen over generations – and , frankly , since our inception – which is we do have two systems of justice in America , '' Harris told CNN , contradicting Barr , who told the cable news network last week , `` I do n't think there are two justice systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` State of the Union '' that , adjusted for population numbers , Black men are more likely to be stopped by police without probable cause .
`` There 's no question that we have seen an unacceptable incidence for generations of unarmed Black men being killed .
Nobody can deny that , '' Harris said .
'False narrative ' : AG Barr rejects claims of an 'epidemic ' of police shootings of unarmed Black suspects '' I do n't think that most reasonable people who are paying attention to the facts would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said , adding that the judicial system has `` engaged in racism . ''
Protests against police brutality and racial discrimination took on renewed energy during the Obama administration .
They resurged with even greater force after George Floyd , an unarmed Black man , died after a white Minneapolis police officer restrained him with a knee to the back of his neck .
A second wave of demonstrations broke out this year after a police officer in Kenosha , Wisconsin , shot Jacob Blake in the back multiple times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Kenosha last week , Trump disparaged the idea that Blake 's shooting or other recent incidents of police killing or injuring Black Americans were rooted in systemic racism .
`` Reckless , far-left politicians continue to push the destructive message that our nation and our law enforcement are oppressive or racist , '' Trump said .
Trump takes on critical race theory : White House memo calls for ban on federal agency training that suggests U.S. is racist When he came to Kenosha two days later , Biden said , `` Underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States still exists , has existed for 400 years . ''
Last month , Harris told NBC News , `` based on what I ’ ve seen , it seems that the officer should be charged '' in Blake 's shooting , adding , `` I don ’ t see how anybody could reason that that was justifiable . ''
Harris adjusted her comments Sunday , saying , `` I 'm not in full possession of the facts of the case . ''
`` But , based on what I have seen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be considered and should be considered in a very serious way – and that there should be accountability and consequence , '' she said .
The judicial system must `` require accountability and consequence for everyone who breaks the rules or breaks the law , and that includes police officers , '' Harris said .
`` But everyone is entitled to due process , everyone , including police officers .
And I encourage that .
I support that .
I think our democracy and our system of justice requires that . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case , '' she added .
Biden walked a similar line last week , telling reporters `` we should let the judicial system work its way , '' while also believing `` there ’ s a minimum need '' for the officer who shot Blake `` to be charged , '' as well as those involved in the death of Breonna Taylor – who was shot and killed March 13 in Louisville , Kentucky , after police forcibly entered her apartment .
When asked Sunday if charges were warranted in the death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died in March after being forcibly restrained by police officers in Rochester , New York , Harris said she was `` going to give the benefit of the doubt to the prosecutors who are involved in the case . ''
To prevent future deaths and injuries caused by police , Harris said she and Biden have proposed changes like barring chokeholds and increasing `` accountability for police officers who break the rules and break the law . ''
`` State of the Union '' anchor Dana Bash pointed out that in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see more police officers on the streets but in June she told The New York Times , `` It is status-quo thinking to believe that putting more police on the streets creates more safety .
That 's wrong . ''
When asked about the apparent change in opinion , Harris indicated she would like to see more police officers on the streets .
`` What I would say now is what I would say then , which is , I want to make sure that , if a woman is raped , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being murders another human being , that there will be a police officer that responds to that case and that there will be accountability and consequence for the offender .
Yes , '' she said .
Harris said the most effective way to reduce crime in Black communities was to address economic inequality .
`` If you go into any upper-class suburb in America , you will not see police presence , but what you will see are well-funded public schools , high rates of homeownership , small businesses that have access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And so , if we want to create safe communities , one of the smartest ways we can do that is invest in the health of those communities , because healthy communities are safe communities . ''
`` We have got to , in America , reimagine how we are accomplishing public safety , '' she said .
Harris said that all of the reforms she and Biden have proposed are built on `` recognizing that there are huge disparities in our country based on race . ''
`` And it does us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those disparities to pretend they do n't exist . ''

'We do have two systems of justice in America': Kamala Harris says Barr, Trump in 'different reality' on race
Show Caption Hide Caption Kenosha police shooting and a vision of America: States of America Candidates arrive in Kenosha to push their version of what America should be. How does that play with across the nation? States of America, USA TODAY
Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris said Sunday that when it comes to racial disparities in the criminal justice system, President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr are "spending full-time in a different reality."
"The reality of America today is what we have seen over generations – and, frankly, since our inception – which is we do have two systems of justice in America," Harris told CNN, contradicting Barr, who told the cable news network last week, "I don't think there are two justice systems."
Harris said on CNN's "State of the Union" that, adjusted for population numbers, Black men are more likely to be stopped by police without probable cause.
"There's no question that we have seen an unacceptable incidence for generations of unarmed Black men being killed. Nobody can deny that," Harris said.
'False narrative': AG Barr rejects claims of an 'epidemic' of police shootings of unarmed Black suspects
"I don't think that most reasonable people who are paying attention to the facts would dispute that there are racial disparities," she said, adding that the judicial system has "engaged in racism."
Protests against police brutality and racial discrimination took on renewed energy during the Obama administration. They resurged with even greater force after George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer restrained him with a knee to the back of his neck. A second wave of demonstrations broke out this year after a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin, shot Jacob Blake in the back multiple times, leaving him paralyzed.
During his visit to Kenosha last week, Trump disparaged the idea that Blake's shooting or other recent incidents of police killing or injuring Black Americans were rooted in systemic racism.
"Reckless, far-left politicians continue to push the destructive message that our nation and our law enforcement are oppressive or racist," Trump said.
Trump takes on critical race theory: White House memo calls for ban on federal agency training that suggests U.S. is racist
When he came to Kenosha two days later, Biden said, "Underlying racism that is institutionalized in the United States still exists, has existed for 400 years."
Last month, Harris told NBC News, "based on what I’ve seen, it seems that the officer should be charged" in Blake's shooting, adding, "I don’t see how anybody could reason that that was justifiable."
Harris adjusted her comments Sunday, saying, "I'm not in full possession of the facts of the case."
"But, based on what I have seen, I think that charges very much should be considered and should be considered in a very serious way – and that there should be accountability and consequence," she said.
The judicial system must "require accountability and consequence for everyone who breaks the rules or breaks the law, and that includes police officers," Harris said. "But everyone is entitled to due process, everyone, including police officers. And I encourage that. I support that. I think our democracy and our system of justice requires that."
"I'm clearly not the prosecutor in the case," she added.
Biden walked a similar line last week, telling reporters "we should let the judicial system work its way," while also believing "there’s a minimum need" for the officer who shot Blake "to be charged," as well as those involved in the death of Breonna Taylor – who was shot and killed March 13 in Louisville, Kentucky, after police forcibly entered her apartment.
When asked Sunday if charges were warranted in the death of Daniel Prude, a Black man who died in March after being forcibly restrained by police officers in Rochester, New York, Harris said she was "going to give the benefit of the doubt to the prosecutors who are involved in the case."
To prevent future deaths and injuries caused by police, Harris said she and Biden have proposed changes like barring chokeholds and increasing "accountability for police officers who break the rules and break the law."
"State of the Union" anchor Dana Bash pointed out that in her 2009 book, Harris wrote she wanted to see more police officers on the streets but in June she told The New York Times, "It is status-quo thinking to believe that putting more police on the streets creates more safety. That's wrong."
When asked about the apparent change in opinion, Harris indicated she would like to see more police officers on the streets.
"What I would say now is what I would say then, which is, I want to make sure that, if a woman is raped, a child is molested or one human being murders another human being, that there will be a police officer that responds to that case and that there will be accountability and consequence for the offender. Yes," she said.
Harris said the most effective way to reduce crime in Black communities was to address economic inequality.
"If you go into any upper-class suburb in America, you will not see police presence, but what you will see are well-funded public schools, high rates of homeownership, small businesses that have access to capital," she said. "And so, if we want to create safe communities, one of the smartest ways we can do that is invest in the health of those communities, because healthy communities are safe communities."
"We have got to, in America, reimagine how we are accomplishing public safety," she said.
Harris said that all of the reforms she and Biden have proposed are built on "recognizing that there are huge disparities in our country based on race."
"And it does us no good if we want to solve those disparities to pretend they don't exist."
Contributing: Molly Beck, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; Will Cleveland, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle


usatoday--2020-09-07--'Extreme behavior': California sets record as wildfires torch more than 2M acres this year

Intense heat , parched conditions and high winds fueled record-shattering wildfires and strained the electrical grid across much of California on Monday , forcing the Forest Service to close eight national forests .
California has been struggling with a record-breaking fire season this year – more than 2 million acres have been torched .
The days ahead look equally grim .
`` Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior , new fire starts are likely , weather conditions are worsening , and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire , ” said Randy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region .
More than 12,000 lightning strikes in the past three weeks have sparked almost two dozen major fires , according to Cal Fire .
The fires have burned tens of thousands of acres , destroyed homes and caused thousands of residents to flee .
September and October are historically the worst fire months , Cal Fire spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff said : “ It ’ s usually hot , and the fuels really dry out .
And we see more of our wind events.
” Widespread power outages had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and businesses were dark Monday afternoon .
Pacific Gas & Electric warned customers in Central and Northern California that power might be cut Tuesday because of the increasing fire danger .
In Southern California , a pyrotechnic device at a gender-reveal event sparked a fire that roared through thousands of acres .
The El Dorado Fire near Yucaipa began burning Saturday , and authorities said the culprit was a device sometimes used to release blue or pink smoke to announce the gender of an expected baby .
The fire , 70 miles east @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 7,000 acres and was 5 % contained Monday .
Evacuations were ordered in several small communities .
Temperatures in the fire zone have climbed into the 90s , and downtown Los Angeles reached as high as 111 degrees in recent days .
A record high temperature of 121 degrees was recorded in the nearby Woodland Hills neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley .
`` CAL FIRE reminds the public that with the dry conditions and critical fire weather , it does n't take much to start a wildfire , '' the press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting fires due to negligence or illegal activity can be held financially responsible and criminally responsible . ''
The family that used the pyrotechnic device tried to extinguish the fire themselves , then called 911 and remained on the scene until firefighters arrived , Cal Fire Capt .
Bennet Milloy said .
The family has “ absolutely been cooperating ” with officials , Milloy told The Desert Sun on Monday .
He described the event as a small gathering of family members rather than a `` party . ''
No arrests have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the district attorney whether any charges will be filed , he said .
Possible charges also depend on whether any homes are lost or people injured , Milloy said .
In Northern California , helicopters pulled more than 200 people to safety early Sunday as flames raced nearby from the Creek Fire roaring through a section of the Sierra National Forest since Friday .
Firefighters were able to save the tiny town of Shavers , but the blaze surrounded Mammoth Pool Campground and destroyed about 30 homes in the town of Big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burned , and the fire was listed as `` 0 % '' contained .
“ 'You can ’ t hardly see in front of you , ” area resident Jack Machado said .
“ The sky ’ s turning red .
It looks like Mars out there.
” National Guard leader Gen. Daniel Hokanson tweeted a photo of dozens of people crammed into a helicopter .
`` Simply extraordinary , lifesaving work by the @ CalGuard airlifting more than 200 people to safety overnight from the imminent danger of the # CreekFire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard stands Always Ready , Always There to support our communities and nation in times of need . ''
More than 200 campers rescued by helicopter : Creek Fire prompts state of emergency in California Gov .
Gavin Newsom urged state residents to keep their thermostats at 78 degrees or higher , to use appliances sparingly and to keep lights off whenever possible .
`` Power outages were avoided ... due in large part to individual conservation efforts , '' Newsom said .
`` Even more conservation efforts are needed . ''
Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bolster the state ’ s emergency response .
He also issued an emergency proclamation for the counties of Fresno , Madera and Mariposa , which are fighting the Creek Fire ; for San Bernardino County , which is battling the El Dorado Fire ; and for San Diego County because of the Valley Fire .
More than 14,000 firefighters were battling the blazes .
`` As we reflect on Labor Day , we want to thank the firefighters and first responders that have worked tirelessly battling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Thank you . ''
Contributing : Joshua Yeager , Visalia Times-Delta ; Nicole Hayden and Colin Atagi , Palm Springs Desert Sun ; The Associated Press

Sherry Barkas, John Bacon and Sheyanne N Romero, USA TODAY

'Extreme behavior': California sets record as wildfires torch more than 2M acres this year
Show Caption Hide Caption Man captures Valley Fire on video as it burns the California hillside A man drove through the Japatul Valley in San Diego County and captured the Valley Fire as it scorched the the hillside on Sept. 6. USA TODAY, Storyful
Intense heat, parched conditions and high winds fueled record-shattering wildfires and strained the electrical grid across much of California on Monday, forcing the Forest Service to close eight national forests.
California has been struggling with a record-breaking fire season this year – more than 2 million acres have been torched. The days ahead look equally grim.
"Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire,” said Randy Moore, regional forester for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region.
Latest wildfire updates Tuesday: Washington town devastated; helicopters rescuing stranded California hikers
In Northern California on Monday night, Fresno County Fire Department reported that up to 50 people were trapped near Lake Edison and that 14 hikers were trapped near China Peak. A rescue effort was unsuccessful due to "heavy smoke conditions," Fresno County PIO stated in a social media post. Another effort was being planned to evacuate the trapped people.
Fresno County Lt. Brandon Purcell stressed during a press conference that the trapped people "are safe" and "just can't get out because of roadblocks."
Most of the hikers had started their routes Friday before the Creek Fire ignited. The fire has since grown to 135,000-plus acres, and is 0% contained. At least one person died, according to Fresno Battalion Chief Tony Escobedo.
Trapped California campers rescued by helicopters amid wildfires Authorities say around 150 people were trapped and 10 were injured at a Mammoth Pool campground after flames blocked the only road out of the area. Wochit
“'You can’t hardly see in front of you,” area resident Jack Machado said. “The sky’s turning red. It looks like Mars out there.”
Earlier, helicopters pulled more than 200 people to safety as flames raced nearby from the Creek Fire roaring through a section of the Sierra National Forest since Friday. Firefighters were able to save the tiny town of Shavers from the flames, but the blaze surrounded Mammoth Pool Campground and destroyed about 30 homes in the town of Big Creek.
More than 12,000 lightning strikes in the past three weeks have sparked almost two dozen major fires, according to Cal Fire. The fires have burned tens of thousands of acres, destroyed homes and caused thousands of residents to flee.
September and October are historically the worst fire months, Cal Fire spokeswoman Lynne Tolmachoff said: “It’s usually hot, and the fuels really dry out. And we see more of our wind events.”
Widespread power outages had not materialized, although almost 60,000 homes and businesses were dark Monday afternoon. The state’s largest utility, Pacific Gas & Electric, was preparing to cut power to 172,000 customers in 22 counties in the northern half of the state to reduce the possibility its lines and other equipment could spark new fires.
In Southern California, a pyrotechnic device at a gender-reveal event sparked a fire that roared through thousands of acres. The El Dorado Fire near Yucaipa began burning Saturday, and authorities said the culprit was a device sometimes used to release blue or pink smoke to announce the gender of an expected baby.
The fire, 70 miles east of Los Angeles, had burned more than 7,000 acres and was 5% contained Monday. Evacuations were ordered in several small communities.
Temperatures in the fire zone have climbed into the 90s, and downtown Los Angeles reached as high as 111 degrees in recent days. A record high temperature of 121 degrees was recorded in the nearby Woodland Hills neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley.
"CAL FIRE reminds the public that with the dry conditions and critical fire weather, it doesn't take much to start a wildfire," the press release said. "Those responsible for starting fires due to negligence or illegal activity can be held financially responsible and criminally responsible."
Fire officials: El Dorado blaze sparked during gender reveal party
The family that used the pyrotechnic device tried to extinguish the fire themselves, then called 911 and remained on the scene until firefighters arrived, Cal Fire Capt. Bennet Milloy said. The family has “absolutely been cooperating” with officials, Milloy told The Desert Sun on Monday. He described the event as a small gathering of family members rather than a "party."
No arrests have been made, and it will be up to the district attorney whether any charges will be filed, he said. Possible charges also depend on whether any homes are lost or people injured, Milloy said.
More than 200 campers rescued by helicopter: Creek Fire prompts state of emergency in California
Gov. Gavin Newsom urged state residents to keep their thermostats at 78 degrees or higher, to use appliances sparingly and to keep lights off whenever possible.
"Power outages were avoided ... due in large part to individual conservation efforts," Newsom said. "Even more conservation efforts are needed."
Newsom has declared a statewide emergency and secured a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bolster the state’s emergency response. He also issued an emergency proclamation for the counties of Fresno, Madera and Mariposa, which are fighting the Creek Fire; for San Bernardino County, which is battling the El Dorado Fire; and for San Diego County because of the Valley Fire.
More than 14,000 firefighters were battling the blazes.
"As we reflect on Labor Day, we want to thank the firefighters and first responders that have worked tirelessly battling the August Lightning Siege fires," Newsom said. "Thank you."
Contributing: Sheyanne N. Romero and Joshua Yeager, Visalia Times-Delta; Nicole Hayden and Colin Atagi, Palm Springs Desert Sun; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-09-07--'Operation Homecoming' leads to rescue of 8 endangered children in Indiana, US Marshals say

INDIANAPOLIS — Eight missing children were rescued during a five-day operation in the Indianapolis area , according to a Friday release from the U.S .
Marshals Southern District of Indiana .
The children rescued during `` Operation Homecoming '' are between 6 to 17 years old and `` considered to be some of the most at-risk and challenging recovery cases in the area , '' the release said .
No further details about the youths or their circumstances were released .
An adult was also arrested during the operation on charges that included parental kidnapping , possession of weapons and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the U.S .
Marshals Service planned for months with other organizations including the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children .
The children were turned over to the care of the Indiana Department of Child Services .
This is the first missing children operation for the U.S .
Marshals Southern Indiana District , according to the release .
“ The Marshals are committed to assisting state and local agencies with locating and recovering endangered missing children to help prevent their falling victim to crimes of violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S .
Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana , said in the release .
“ We will use every resource at our disposal to find [ the missing children ] .
” More than 50 children were recovered in similar operations that recently took place in Georgia and Ohio .
In Ohio , `` Operation Safety Net '' led to the discovery of 25 children ages 13 to 18 in less than three weeks , the Marshals Service said .
The operation is likely to continue into October , U.S .
Marshal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Operation Not Forgotten '' helped recover 39 children earlier this month .
Many of the children recovered were found with a parent , kidnapped by a parent , had gone missing from child services or had fled juvenile justice , Darby Kirby , chief of the Marshals ' Missing Child Unit , told USA TODAY last week .
That 's in contrast to widespread fears about child abductions at the hands of strangers , Shehan said .
It is much more common for a child to become ensnared in human trafficking through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away .
In the Georgia operation , 15 recovered children were victims of trafficking – most would be considered runaways `` who fell into the human trafficking realm , '' according to Kirby .
These operations are part of efforts at the local level to locate missing children rather than a coordinated nationwide sweep , Kirby said .
Since 2005 , the marshals have helped recover 1,800 missing children .

'Operation Homecoming' leads to rescue of 8 endangered children in Indiana, US Marshals say
Show Caption Hide Caption Human trafficking: Victims live in fear, making convictions hard to get Law enforcement and prosecutors explain the difficulties in bringing charges - and the hurdles in convicting traffickers. Jarrad Henderson, USA TODAY
INDIANAPOLIS — Eight missing children were rescued during a five-day operation in the Indianapolis area, according to a Friday release from the U.S. Marshals Southern District of Indiana.
The children rescued during "Operation Homecoming" are between 6 to 17 years old and "considered to be some of the most at-risk and challenging recovery cases in the area," the release said.
No further details about the youths or their circumstances were released.
An adult was also arrested during the operation on charges that included parental kidnapping, possession of weapons and intimidation.
To help locate these children, the U.S. Marshals Service planned for months with other organizations including the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The children were turned over to the care of the Indiana Department of Child Services.
This is the first missing children operation for the U.S. Marshals Southern Indiana District, according to the release.
“The Marshals are committed to assisting state and local agencies with locating and recovering endangered missing children to help prevent their falling victim to crimes of violence and exploitation,” Dan McClain, U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana, said in the release. “We will use every resource at our disposal to find [the missing children].”
More than 50 children were recovered in similar operations that recently took place in Georgia and Ohio.
In Ohio, "Operation Safety Net" led to the discovery of 25 children ages 13 to 18 in less than three weeks, the Marshals Service said. The operation is likely to continue into October, U.S. Marshal Peter Elliott said.
Georgia's "Operation Not Forgotten" helped recover 39 children earlier this month. Many of the children recovered were found with a parent, kidnapped by a parent, had gone missing from child services or had fled juvenile justice, Darby Kirby, chief of the Marshals' Missing Child Unit, told USA TODAY last week.
That's in contrast to widespread fears about child abductions at the hands of strangers, Shehan said. It is much more common for a child to become ensnared in human trafficking through the actions of a relative or after running away.
In the Georgia operation, 15 recovered children were victims of trafficking – most would be considered runaways "who fell into the human trafficking realm," according to Kirby.
These operations are part of efforts at the local level to locate missing children rather than a coordinated nationwide sweep, Kirby said. Since 2005, the marshals have helped recover 1,800 missing children.
Contributing: Jessica Flores and Joel Shannon, USA TODAY
Follow Lydia Gerike on Twitter @LydiaGerike.


usatoday--2020-09-07--This goat wasn't kidding around: Georgia farm animal jumps into cop car, chews papers, spills a drin

A curious goat hopped into a Georgia patrol car last week — to munch on documents , spill a drink and eventually head-butt a cop to the ground .
It was all captured on bodycam footage .
The Douglas County Sheriff ’ s Office shared the video on Facebook .
According to the post , an on-duty sheriff 's deputy , who remains unidentified , was serving civil papers at the time of the encounter .
She had left the car door open .
Moments later , a new ( and uninvited ) passenger arrived .
`` Due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits daily , she routinely leaves her vehicle 's door open because she has had to [ retreat ] on a number of occasions from vicious dogs , '' the sheriff 's office wrote .
`` Never once did she expect or even consider what was about to happen this day ! ''
As the deputy knocks on the house 's door , she 's heard saying , “ I hope that goat don ’ t get in my car . ''
Seconds after , she laughs and says , `` Oh [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper . ''
The deputy hurries back to the car , trying to nudge the goat from the front seat while fighting for papers in its mouth .
When the furry creature finally exits the vehicle — leaving chewed-up documents and a beverage that 's no longer contained to the cup holder — it knocks her to the ground with its head .
The deputy was uninjured , the sheriff 's office said .
`` [ Although ] she was knocked to the ground she was not physically harmed in the incident , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` At the end of the day we all got a little laugh out of it and we hope you do as well ! ''

This goat wasn't kidding around: Georgia farm animal jumps into cop car, chews papers, spills a drink, then head-butts deputy
Show Caption Hide Caption Cop stopped by goat playing in her squad car This goat has no respect for authority. USA TODAY, Storyful
A curious goat hopped into a Georgia patrol car last week — to munch on documents, spill a drink and eventually head-butt a cop to the ground. It was all captured on bodycam footage.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office shared the video on Facebook. According to the post, an on-duty sheriff's deputy, who remains unidentified, was serving civil papers at the time of the encounter.
She had left the car door open. Moments later, a new (and uninvited) passenger arrived.
"Due to the number of houses [the deputy] visits daily, she routinely leaves her vehicle's door open because she has had to [retreat] on a number of occasions from vicious dogs," the sheriff's office wrote.
"Never once did she expect or even consider what was about to happen this day!"
As the deputy knocks on the house's door, she's heard saying, “I hope that goat don’t get in my car."
Seconds after, she laughs and says, "Oh [expletive], he's eating the paper."
The deputy hurries back to the car, trying to nudge the goat from the front seat while fighting for papers in its mouth.
When the furry creature finally exits the vehicle — leaving chewed-up documents and a beverage that's no longer contained to the cup holder — it knocks her to the ground with its head.
The deputy was uninjured, the sheriff's office said.
"[Although] she was knocked to the ground she was not physically harmed in the incident," the sheriff's office said. "At the end of the day we all got a little laugh out of it and we hope you do as well!"


usatoday--2020-09-08--Frances Tiafoe's remarkable U.S. Open run comes to a halt in Round of 16 vs. Daniil Medvedev

NEW YORK — Frances Tiafoe had the best first week of his U.S. Open life .
Then came Labor Day night , and the second week , and it didn ’ t go nearly as well .
The 82nd-ranked player in the world , Tiafoe goes by the nickname “ The Big Foe.
” But the real `` Big Foe '' in Arthur Ashe Stadium was No .
5 Daniil Medvedev , the spindly 6-foot-6 Russian across the net .
Medvedev drubbed Tiafoe , 6-4 , 6-1 , 6-0 , and all hope for the home country along with him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American male in the men ’ s draw .
The upshot is that there will be no Americans among the eight quarterfinalists .
It was a lopsided fourth-round match from the start , Medvedev as consistent as a metronome , slugging angled groundstrokes , dominating with his serve , and moving with astonishing quickness and grace for such a big man .
Tiafoe , who had COVID-19 two months ago , made a full recovery and was compelling to watch in his opening matches , showcasing his natural exuberance , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were discernible against Medvedev .
He managed just seven winners against 32 errors .
He won just seven points in the third set , which would ’ ve been stopped if this were a boxing match .
He could never find his footing against Medvedev .
ASH BARTY : Reigning French Open champ opts out of tournament due to COVID-19 concerns US OPEN 2020 : Serena Williams fights off Maria Sakkari , advances to quarterfinals A 2019 U.S. Open finalist who dug out out of two-set hole to take Rafael Nadal to five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his 40 service games over his first three matches , winning all nine sets .
If he wasn ’ t at his best against Tiafoe , he was very close .
He went up an early break in the first , and smoked a winner down the line en route to breaking again for 5-2 .
Tiafoe managed to break Medvedev to get to 5-3 in the first , and almost had another break point when he cracked a backhand into the tape at 30-30 of Game 10 , the ball popping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was set point , and Tiafoe missed a backhand and that was it .
Medvedev broke Tiafoe at 15 to start the second set , and again in the first game of the third .
Tiafoe was in a ditch he could not get out of .
Medvedev steamrolling through with little resistance .
Tiafoe probably wondering whatever happened to that wonderful opening week .

Wayne Coffey, Special to USA TODAY Sports

Frances Tiafoe's remarkable U.S. Open run comes to a halt in Round of 16 vs. Daniil Medvedev
NEW YORK — Frances Tiafoe had the best first week of his U.S. Open life. Then came Labor Day night, and the second week, and it didn’t go nearly as well.
The 82nd-ranked player in the world, Tiafoe goes by the nickname “The Big Foe.” But the real "Big Foe" in Arthur Ashe Stadium was No. 5 Daniil Medvedev, the spindly 6-foot-6 Russian across the net. Medvedev drubbed Tiafoe, 6-4, 6-1, 6-0, and all hope for the home country along with him.
The 22-year-old Tiafoe was the last American male in the men’s draw. The upshot is that there will be no Americans among the eight quarterfinalists.
It was a lopsided fourth-round match from the start, Medvedev as consistent as a metronome, slugging angled groundstrokes, dominating with his serve, and moving with astonishing quickness and grace for such a big man.
Tiafoe, who had COVID-19 two months ago, made a full recovery and was compelling to watch in his opening matches, showcasing his natural exuberance, as well as his dazzling athleticism. None of those were discernible against Medvedev. He managed just seven winners against 32 errors. He won just seven points in the third set, which would’ve been stopped if this were a boxing match. He could never find his footing against Medvedev.
ASH BARTY: Reigning French Open champ opts out of tournament due to COVID-19 concerns
US OPEN 2020: Serena Williams fights off Maria Sakkari, advances to quarterfinals
A 2019 U.S. Open finalist who dug out out of two-set hole to take Rafael Nadal to five sets last year, Medvedev won 38 of his 40 service games over his first three matches, winning all nine sets. If he wasn’t at his best against Tiafoe, he was very close. He went up an early break in the first, and smoked a winner down the line en route to breaking again for 5-2. Tiafoe managed to break Medvedev to get to 5-3 in the first, and almost had another break point when he cracked a backhand into the tape at 30-30 of Game 10, the ball popping up — and staying on his side. It was set point, and Tiafoe missed a backhand and that was it.
Medvedev broke Tiafoe at 15 to start the second set, and again in the first game of the third. Tiafoe was in a ditch he could not get out of. Medvedev steamrolling through with little resistance. Tiafoe probably wondering whatever happened to that wonderful opening week.


usatoday--2020-09-07--Facebook will pay some app and Instagram users for deactivating accounts, taking surveys ahead of el

Facebook will pay some users as much as $ 120 to not use the app or Instagram ahead of the 2020 election as part of a study .
The social media giant announced its new research partnership Aug. 31 is to `` better understand the impact of Facebook and Instagram on key political attitudes and behaviors during the US 2020 elections . ''
Some users have been sent a survey asking them how much they ’ d `` need to be paid in exchange for deactivating '' their accounts , according to screenshots posted by Washington Post reporter Elizabeth Dwoskin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed users would be paid in a tweet replying to Dwoskin .
Save better , spend better : Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox .
Sign up here '' Anyone who chooses to opt-in – whether it 's completing surveys or deactivating FB or IG for a period of time – will be compensated , '' Bourgeois tweeted .
`` This is fairly standard for this type of academic research . ''
About 200,000 to 400,000 people are expected to participate in the study , according to Facebook 's frequently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeds no more ?
: Amazon bans foreign seeds , plants sales as investigation over mysterious packages continues Election Day 2020 : Old Navy to help with national poll worker shortage by encouraging employees to work polls '' Representative , scientific samples of people in the US will be selected and invited to participate in the study .
Some potential participants will see a notice in Facebook or Instagram inviting them to take part in the study , '' Facebook said in the FAQ .
`` Study samples will be designed to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US adult population , as well as users of Facebook and Instagram . ''
Dwoskin 's screenshot of an Instagram survey shows users are being asked to choose between $ 10 , $ 15 or $ 20 a week .
`` Your account would be deactivated in late September for either 1 week or 6 weeks .
To participate , you must be willing to deactivate your account for both time periods and not use Instagram during that time , '' the screenshot notes .
`` When the study starts , you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been selected to deactivate your account for . ''
Users assigned to deactivate their account through the election will need to take a survey before reactivating their accounts , according to the screenshot , which says more details will be sent to users in late September .
For the study , Facebook said it is partnering with independent researchers who it says are experts `` focused on democracy , elections and social media . ''
The researchers `` won ’ t be paid by Facebook and they won ’ t answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are n't expected to be published until at least the middle of next year , Facebook said .
`` To continue to amplify all that is good for democracy on social media , and mitigate against that which is not , we need more objective , dispassionate , empirically grounded research , '' Facebook said .
Facebook announced Thursday that it is changing how it handles political ads ahead of the election .
In a blog post , Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company wo n't accept new political ads in the @ @ @ @ @

Facebook will pay some app and Instagram users for deactivating accounts, taking surveys ahead of election
Show Caption Hide Caption Facebook won't allow new political ads the week before election Facebook's update suggests the rules don't take effect until late October. USA TODAY
Facebook will pay some users as much as $120 to not use the app or Instagram ahead of the 2020 election as part of a study.
The social media giant announced its new research partnership Aug. 31 is to "better understand the impact of Facebook and Instagram on key political attitudes and behaviors during the US 2020 elections."
Some users have been sent a survey asking them how much they’d "need to be paid in exchange for deactivating" their accounts, according to screenshots posted by Washington Post reporter Elizabeth Dwoskin on Twitter.
Facebook spokesperson Liz Bourgeois confirmed users would be paid in a tweet replying to Dwoskin.
Save better, spend better: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here
"Anyone who chooses to opt-in – whether it's completing surveys or deactivating FB or IG for a period of time – will be compensated," Bourgeois tweeted. "This is fairly standard for this type of academic research."
Anyone who chooses to opt in – whether it’s completing surveys or deactivating FB or IG for a period of time – will be compensated. This is fairly standard for this type of academic research. More here: https://t.co/uw4B8XhsYY — Liz Bourgeois (@Liz_Shepherd) September 3, 2020
About 200,000 to 400,000 people are expected to participate in the study, according to Facebook's frequently asked questions about the study.
Mystery seeds no more?: Amazon bans foreign seeds, plants sales as investigation over mysterious packages continues
Election Day 2020: Old Navy to help with national poll worker shortage by encouraging employees to work polls
"Representative, scientific samples of people in the US will be selected and invited to participate in the study. Some potential participants will see a notice in Facebook or Instagram inviting them to take part in the study," Facebook said in the FAQ. "Study samples will be designed to ensure that participants mirror the diversity of the US adult population, as well as users of Facebook and Instagram."
Dwoskin's screenshot of an Instagram survey shows users are being asked to choose between $10, $15 or $20 a week.
"Your account would be deactivated in late September for either 1 week or 6 weeks. To participate, you must be willing to deactivate your account for both time periods and not use Instagram during that time," the screenshot notes. "When the study starts, you’ll find out which time period you’ve been selected to deactivate your account for."
Users assigned to deactivate their account through the election will need to take a survey before reactivating their accounts, according to the screenshot, which says more details will be sent to users in late September.
For the study, Facebook said it is partnering with independent researchers who it says are experts "focused on democracy, elections and social media." The researchers "won’t be paid by Facebook and they won’t answer to Facebook either." The findings aren't expected to be published until at least the middle of next year, Facebook said.
"To continue to amplify all that is good for democracy on social media, and mitigate against that which is not, we need more objective, dispassionate, empirically grounded research," Facebook said.
Facebook announced Thursday that it is changing how it handles political ads ahead of the election. In a blog post, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company won't accept new political ads in the week before Election Day.
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko


usatoday--2020-09-07--Serena Williams fights off Maria Sakkari, advances to U.S. Open quarterfinals

NEW YORK – Her recent September pattern is well-established by now .
Serena Williams spends the entire fortnight at the U.S. Open carving up her opponents as if her racket were an electric knife .
Then the end comes , and her knife morphs into a pair of safety scissors .
As great a champion as the 38-year-old Williams is – and when you ’ ve won six Open titles and 23 Grand Slams overall , great might be underselling her – her closing skills have become suspect in these last years of her career .
She hasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Grand Slam finals .
In Australia , the last major before the coronavirus began its worldwide rampage , she made 56 errors in a third-round loss to Wang Qiang of China .
After tennis ’ restart this summer , she had a series of three-set matches , and lost two of them .
One was against American Shelby Rogers , a surprise quarterfinalist here , and another to Greece ’ s Maria Sakkari , who was down a set and 1-4 in the tiebreaker before rallying to win , and take the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason to wonder how the eighth-ranked Williams , playing in her 20th U.S. Open , would close matches at this tournament , particularly as it moves into its second week .
We now have our answer .
Her closing skills are fine .
In fact , they might be as strong as they have ever been .
That was an unmistakable takeaway from Labor Day afternoon , when Williams was across the Arthur Ashe Stadium from , yes , Maria Sakkari .
Sakkari , ranked No .
22 , had a spotty day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ splendidly .
She was poised , seemingly not overwhelmed at all by the occasion – and the opportunity she had to become the first Greek woman to make a Grand Slam quarterfinal .
She actually out-aced Williams ( 13 to 12 ) and was rarely rattled , even after squandering three break points in Game 5 of the first set , and going on to lose it .
Sakkari kept fighting , pounding serves and deep groundstrokes .
She took a 4-0 lead in the tiebreak , and even after Williams got even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the line , Sakkari held on and took the set when Williams knocked a forehand long .
Now here was where it got really interesting .
Sakkari drilled an artful forehand passing shot for a winner and broke Williams to open the third , then held for 2-0 .
The wheels appeared to be coming off the proverbial rails for Williams .
You wondered if the safety scissors were taking over .
They did not .
Williams was asked what she feels best about over her first four matches .
“ I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ I always compete , but competing and having a good attitude I think is what I 'm most satisfied about.
” In the third round , Williams lost the first set decisively to Sloane Stephens .
Over the next two sets , she won 28 of her 32 first-service points , and made just 10 errors .
It amounted to a closing clinic .
Against Sakkari , after an up-and-down breaker in which she ripped her best backhand return of the match for a winner , but made two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to feel as if the Unisphere were on her back after falling into a two-game ditch .
She answered by hitting a crosscourt forehand winner to break back for 2-2 .
It may have been her best shot of the tournament , given the circumstances .
The crowd would have erupted with that shot , but there is no crowd , of course .
So Williams does some inner channeling .
“ I ’ m super passionate , '' she said .
“ This is my job .
This is what I wake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I train to do 365 days of the year.
” Williams hit a rocket of a backhand return in the eighth game of the third to go up 0-40 , and got the break when Sakkari , looking shakier than she had all day , hit a meek , back-footed forehand into the net for the break .
It was 5-3 and Williams didn ’ t dawdle , serving it out , her last stroke a superbly placed angled backhand .
Sakkari hit her own backhand , into the net .
Williams praised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought she played even better than the last time , even though the outcome was reversed .
“ She 's such a good competitor .
It was a really intense match , ” Williams said .
Her quarterfinal opponent is Tsvetana Pironkova , a Bulgarian making her first appearance in Flushing Meadows since 2016 , having taken time off to give birth and raise her son .
She has been out so long she doesn ’ t even have a ranking .
Williams has won all four of their matches , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players remain in the field .
Serena Williams needs to win three more matches for No .
24 , her first Slam in 44 months .
She knows one thing for certain : She will need to bring her freshly sharpened closing skills to do it .

Serena Williams fights off Maria Sakkari, advances to U.S. Open quarterfinals
NEW YORK – Her recent September pattern is well-established by now. Serena Williams spends the entire fortnight at the U.S. Open carving up her opponents as if her racket were an electric knife. Then the end comes, and her knife morphs into a pair of safety scissors.
As great a champion as the 38-year-old Williams is – and when you’ve won six Open titles and 23 Grand Slams overall, great might be underselling her – her closing skills have become suspect in these last years of her career. She hasn’t won a set in her last four Grand Slam finals. In Australia, the last major before the coronavirus began its worldwide rampage, she made 56 errors in a third-round loss to Wang Qiang of China. After tennis’ restart this summer, she had a series of three-set matches, and lost two of them. One was against American Shelby Rogers, a surprise quarterfinalist here, and another to Greece’s Maria Sakkari, who was down a set and 1-4 in the tiebreaker before rallying to win, and take the third set 6-1.
So there was ample reason to wonder how the eighth-ranked Williams, playing in her 20th U.S. Open, would close matches at this tournament, particularly as it moves into its second week. We now have our answer.
Her closing skills are fine. In fact, they might be as strong as they have ever been. That was an unmistakable takeaway from Labor Day afternoon, when Williams was across the Arthur Ashe Stadium from, yes, Maria Sakkari. Sakkari, ranked No. 22, had a spotty day with her forehand but otherwise acquitted herself splendidly. She was poised, seemingly not overwhelmed at all by the occasion – and the opportunity she had to become the first Greek woman to make a Grand Slam quarterfinal. She actually out-aced Williams (13 to 12) and was rarely rattled, even after squandering three break points in Game 5 of the first set, and going on to lose it. Sakkari kept fighting, pounding serves and deep groundstrokes. She took a 4-0 lead in the tiebreak, and even after Williams got even at 6-6 with a backhand winner down the line, Sakkari held on and took the set when Williams knocked a forehand long.
Now here was where it got really interesting. Sakkari drilled an artful forehand passing shot for a winner and broke Williams to open the third, then held for 2-0. The wheels appeared to be coming off the proverbial rails for Williams. You wondered if the safety scissors were taking over.
They did not.
Williams was asked what she feels best about over her first four matches.
“I think most pleasing is just competing,” she said. “I always compete, but competing and having a good attitude I think is what I'm most satisfied about.”
In the third round, Williams lost the first set decisively to Sloane Stephens. Over the next two sets, she won 28 of her 32 first-service points, and made just 10 errors. It amounted to a closing clinic. Against Sakkari, after an up-and-down breaker in which she ripped her best backhand return of the match for a winner, but made two errors to lose it, she had to feel as if the Unisphere were on her back after falling into a two-game ditch.
She answered by hitting a crosscourt forehand winner to break back for 2-2. It may have been her best shot of the tournament, given the circumstances. The crowd would have erupted with that shot, but there is no crowd, of course. So Williams does some inner channeling.
“I’m super passionate," she said. “This is my job. This is what I wake up to do. This is what I train to do 365 days of the year.”
Williams hit a rocket of a backhand return in the eighth game of the third to go up 0-40, and got the break when Sakkari, looking shakier than she had all day, hit a meek, back-footed forehand into the net for the break. It was 5-3 and Williams didn’t dawdle, serving it out, her last stroke a superbly placed angled backhand. Sakkari hit her own backhand, into the net.
Williams praised Sakkari’s game, said she thought she played even better than the last time, even though the outcome was reversed. “She's such a good competitor. It was a really intense match,” Williams said.
Her quarterfinal opponent is Tsvetana Pironkova, a Bulgarian making her first appearance in Flushing Meadows since 2016, having taken time off to give birth and raise her son. She has been out so long she doesn’t even have a ranking. Williams has won all four of their matches, but the last was five years ago.
Eight players remain in the field. Serena Williams needs to win three more matches for No. 24, her first Slam in 44 months. She knows one thing for certain: She will need to bring her freshly sharpened closing skills to do it.