usatoday--2020-07-07--Double whammy: United says coronavirus surges and new quarantine rules are denting travel demand – a

WhenNew York , New Jersey and Connecticut announced a 14-day quarantine for arriving travelers in late June amid a coronavirus surge in several Sun Belt states , the big question for the airline industry was whether it would stunt a nascent travel rebound .
United Airlines answered the question with a resounding yes in a securities filing late Tuesday following an employee town hall .
Less than a week after touting its plans to add 25,000 more flights in August due to an uptick in travel demand , the airline said it would pare back those plans .
Instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did in August 2019 , it will operate just 35 % .
The reason : `` reduced demand to destinations experiencing increases in COVID-19 cases and/or new quarantine requirements or other restrictions on travel . ''
United said its Newark , New Jersey , hub has been hit particularly hard , with net bookings for domestic flights within the next 30 days down 84 % on July 1 versus a year ago .
Just a few weeks earlier , net bookings were off 65 % from a year ago .
Net bookings are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancellations .
The news comes as Chicago , United 's hometown and site of a major hub at O'Hare International Airport , this week joined the list of destinations requiring arriving passengers from 15 states to self-quarantine .
And it comes as New York , New Jersey and Connecticut expanded their quarantine advisory to 19 states .
Chicago enacts quarantine : City will require visitors from 15 hot spots - like Florida and California - to self-isolate United said it plans to evaluate and cancel flights on a rolling 60-day basis until it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand .
It said it expects its seat capacity to remain at August levels for the rest of 2020 .
Overall , the airline said it expects travel demand to remain suppressed until `` a widely accepted treatment and/or vaccine for COVID-19 is available . ''
United is the first major airline to publicly detail the early damage from the spike in coronavirus cases and new travel restrictions .
More details are expected when airlines begin reporting second-quarter financial results next week .
Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie said in late June that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine , which includes travelers arriving from its critical Florida airports , was `` not great news . ''
But he said at the time that it was too early to tell whether the spike in cases and new travel restrictions would hurt bookings at a time when Spirit was adding summer flights due to increased travel demand .
Read this before you hit the road : These states still require travelers to self-quarantine or present negative COVID-19 test

Double whammy: United says coronavirus surges and new quarantine rules are denting travel demand – again
Show Caption Hide Caption United Airlines to add nearly 25,000 flights to August schedule United Airlines announced Wednesday the addition of nearly 25,000 domestic and international flights in August. Buzz60
When New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced a 14-day quarantine for arriving travelers in late June amid a coronavirus surge in several Sun Belt states, the big question for the airline industry was whether it would stunt a nascent travel rebound.
United Airlines answered the question with a resounding yes in a securities filing late Tuesday following an employee town hall.
Less than a week after touting its plans to add 25,000 more flights in August due to an uptick in travel demand, the airline said it would pare back those plans. Instead of operating 40% of the flights it did in August 2019, it will operate just 35%.
The reason: "reduced demand to destinations experiencing increases in COVID-19 cases and/or new quarantine requirements or other restrictions on travel.''
United said its Newark, New Jersey, hub has been hit particularly hard, with net bookings for domestic flights within the next 30 days down 84% on July 1 versus a year ago. Just a few weeks earlier, net bookings were off 65% from a year ago. Net bookings are the number of new bookings, minus cancellations.
The news comes as Chicago, United's hometown and site of a major hub at O'Hare International Airport, this week joined the list of destinations requiring arriving passengers from 15 states to self-quarantine. And it comes as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut expanded their quarantine advisory to 19 states.
Chicago enacts quarantine: City will require visitors from 15 hot spots - like Florida and California - to self-isolate
United said it plans to evaluate and cancel flights on a rolling 60-day basis until it sees signs of a recovery in travel demand. It said it expects its seat capacity to remain at August levels for the rest of 2020.
Overall, the airline said it expects travel demand to remain suppressed until "a widely accepted treatment and/or vaccine for COVID-19 is available.''
United is the first major airline to publicly detail the early damage from the spike in coronavirus cases and new travel restrictions. More details are expected when airlines begin reporting second-quarter financial results next week.
Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie said in late June that the the New York tri-state area's quarantine, which includes travelers arriving from its critical Florida airports, was "not great news.''
But he said at the time that it was too early to tell whether the spike in cases and new travel restrictions would hurt bookings at a time when Spirit was adding summer flights due to increased travel demand.
Read this before you hit the road: These states still require travelers to self-quarantine or present negative COVID-19 test


usatoday--2020-07-07--Several Republican senators say they will not attend GOP convention as COVID-19 cases in Florida spi

WASHINGTON – Several top Republican lawmakers said they would skip the Republican National Convention as coronavirus cases climb in Florida , where President Donald Trump is set to accept the party 's nomination in August before a large crowd .
The RNC backed out of Charlotte , North Carolina , last month and picked Jacksonville as the main site for the convention after North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles would n't commit to allowing a full convention because of health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic .
On a Monday conference call with local reporters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age 86 the oldest Republican senator , said he would avoid the convention `` because of the virus situation . ''
Grassley said he has attended every RNC since he was elected to the Senate in 1980 .
Since the convention was moved , Jacksonville has begun requiring that face masks be worn in public and indoor locations as a health precaution .
More : 'Far beyond garden-variety narcissism . '
Book by Trump 's niece paints him as habitual liar , inept businessman More : Jacksonville , new site for President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks in public , indoors Florida has seen a dramatic uptick in coronavirus cases over the last month , setting new daily records in the past few weeks .
The state saw more than 210,000 total infections and 3,840 deaths as of Tuesday .
A few other GOP lawmakers have announced they are deliberating or wo n't be attending the convention while not pointing back to coronavirus specifically .
Sen. Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn. , who is retiring at the end of the year , said Tuesday through a spokesperson he would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haulsee said the senator , despite being an honorary chair of the Tennessee Trump campaign , would not attend `` because he believes the delegate spots should be reserved '' for those who have not attended the convention before .
Sen. Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska , `` does not plan to attend the convention at this time , '' spokesperson Karina Borger told USA TODAY .
More : At least 21 states pause reopening or take new steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 More : Black Americans report hate crimes , violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black Lives Matter gains Following widespread protests over racial injustice and outrage over Trump 's response , Murkowski said she is struggling over whether she can support the president in November .
`` I am struggling with it .
I have struggled with it for a long time , '' she said in June .
In a set of tweets , the president appeared to respond , vowing to campaign against her and back any other candidate running , no matter the person .
Murkowski is up for reelection in 2022 .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portsmouth , N.H. , as several states report jump in coronavirus cases Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine , said through a spokesperson to USA TODAYthat she would not be attending the convention because it was her custom not to attend the convention in years she was up for reelection .
She skipped the convention in 2008 , as well as in 1996 , when she first ran and was elected to the Senate , according to the Bangor Daily News .
His office did not specify whether his absence would be due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February , saying the president committed `` an appalling abuse of the public trust , '' Romney voted to convict Trump on the first article of impeachment following the Senate trial , becoming the first senator ever to vote against his own party 's president in an impeachment trial .
Since , Romney and Trump have had a turbulent relationship , with the president openly mocking the 2012 GOP nominee for president .
More : Trump claims 99 % of coronavirus cases are 'totally harmless ' ; 'long haulers ' with lingering symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached out to the offices of Romney and Murkowski for additional comment on their planned absences from the convention .
Additionally , Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner , R-Wis. , the second-most senior Republican in the House `` has yet to decide if he will attend the convention this year , '' spokesperson Ryan Kelly said .
Republicans have been wrestling with Trump 's response to the protests and coronavirus , with some pleading for him to tone down his rhetoric .

Nicholas Wu and Savannah Behrmann, USA TODAY

Several Republican senators say they will not attend GOP convention as COVID-19 cases in Florida spike
Show Caption Hide Caption Florida governor tells state 'no need to be fearful' amid coronavirus Florida Governor Ron DeSantis told people to "focus on facts" as coronavirus cases climb. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Several top Republican lawmakers said they would skip the Republican National Convention as coronavirus cases climb in Florida, where President Donald Trump is set to accept the party's nomination in August before a large crowd.
The RNC backed out of Charlotte, North Carolina, last month and picked Jacksonville as the main site for the convention after North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles wouldn't commit to allowing a full convention because of health concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic.
On a Monday conference call with local reporters, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, at age 86 the oldest Republican senator, said he would avoid the convention "because of the virus situation."
Grassley said he has attended every RNC since he was elected to the Senate in 1980.
Since the convention was moved, Jacksonville has begun requiring that face masks be worn in public and indoor locations as a health precaution.
More: 'Far beyond garden-variety narcissism.' Book by Trump's niece paints him as habitual liar, inept businessman
More: Jacksonville, new site for President Trump’s convention speech, will require masks in public, indoors
Florida has seen a dramatic uptick in coronavirus cases over the last month, setting new daily records in the past few weeks. The state saw more than 210,000 total infections and 3,840 deaths as of Tuesday.
Trump himself signaled he was "flexible" on holding the convention in Jacksonville as coronavirus cases climb.
"It really depends on the timing. Look, We can do a lot of things, but we're very flexible," he said in a Tuesday interview on Greta Van Susteren's "Full Court Press."
Other Republican lawmakers have said they will skip the convention or are undecided on attending, though they did not explicitly reference the coronavirus risk.
Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., who is retiring at the end of the year, said Tuesday through a spokesperson he would not be attending the convention.
Spokesperson Taylor Haulsee said the senator, despite being an honorary chair of the Tennessee Trump campaign, would not attend "because he believes the delegate spots should be reserved" for those who have not attended the convention before.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, "does not plan to attend the convention at this time," spokesperson Karina Borger told USA TODAY.
More: At least 21 states pause reopening or take new steps to limit the spread of COVID-19
More: Black Americans report hate crimes, violence in wake of George Floyd protests and Black Lives Matter gains
Following widespread protests over racial injustice and outrage over Trump's response, Murkowski said she is struggling over whether she can support the president in November.
"I am struggling with it. I have struggled with it for a long time," she said in June.
In a set of tweets, the president appeared to respond, vowing to campaign against her and back any other candidate running, no matter the person. Murkowski is up for reelection in 2022.
More: Trump to hold campaign rally in Portsmouth, N.H., as several states report jump in coronavirus cases
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said through a spokesperson to USA TODAYthat she would not be attending the convention because it was her custom not to attend the convention in years she was up for reelection.
She skipped the convention in 2008, as well as in 1996, when she first ran and was elected to the Senate, according to the Bangor Daily News.
Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, "won’t be attending the RNC convention,” spokesperson Arielle Mueller told USA TODAY.
His office did not specify whether his absence would be due to COVID-19 or for other reason, though Romney and the president have had a turbulent relationship.
In February, saying the president committed "an appalling abuse of the public trust," Romney voted to convict Trump on the first article of impeachment following the Senate trial, becoming the first senator ever to vote against his own party's president in an impeachment trial.
More: Trump claims 99% of coronavirus cases are 'totally harmless'; 'long haulers' with lingering symptoms say he's wrong
Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, told local reporters at the end of June he would make a decision depending on the virus situation.
"We'll see where we are in late August," Portman said at the time. "If I go, I'm going to go taking precautions."
On Tuesday, Sen. Joni Ernst told reporters she also is planning to attend, though it would likely be "one day in and out."
"But that may change," she said. "We certainly need to monitor what's going on on the ground."
Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., told reporters in the Capitol on Thursday he was "probably not" going to the RNC.
"Well, I have some things to do in Kansas that I got to do, Roberts, 84, said. "And unfortunately I didn’t know what was canceled and what was not or whatever so I will probably not be."
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also declined to say whether he would attend.
Asked by reporters in an event in Covington, Kentucky, on Thursday if he would attend the convention, McConnell, 78, called the convention a "challenging situation" and said, "we'll have to wait and see how things look in late August" to determine whether it would be safe.
Senator Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, talked today in Kentucky about his stance on whether he will attend the Republican convention in Jacksonville, Florida. @Enquirer pic.twitter.com/m9Onp0pvzQ — Chris Mayhew (@reportermayhew) July 9, 2020
Additionally, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., the second-most senior Republican in the House, "has yet to decide if he will attend the convention this year," spokesperson Ryan Kelly said.
Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, the top Republican on the House Armed Services Committee, told the Wichita Falls Times-Record News, part of the USA TODAY Network, he was not attending because he was retiring from Congress this year.
Republicans have been wrestling with Trump's response to the protests and coronavirus, with some pleading for him to tone down his rhetoric.
Contributing: Wichita Falls Times-Record, Des Moines Register, Cincinnati Enquirer


usatoday--2020-07-07--Amid Black Lives Matter protests, more school districts are pushing to address racism. Is it enough?

LEVITTOWN , Pa. — T.R .
Kannan is no stranger to racism .
The school board president in the Pennsbury School District in Bucks County , Pennsylvania , has seen it firsthand before immigrating to the U.S. from India , where discrimination on religion , caste and gender is widespread .
More than 20 years later , Kannan has grown accustomed to experiencing microaggressions , or unconscious biases that others may not be aware of .
“ Sometimes there ’ s a feeling of unease that ’ s always there , ” he said .
“ I ’ ve seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it from family , friends and everyone.
” To create an environment in schools where students hopefully will not feel these pressures , the administration has asked the school board to come up with a plan to make equity a key focus by creating a dedicated position to provide “ leadership and oversight in equity and excellence , ” officials said .
“ You need to look at policies , you need to look at curriculum , you need to look at disciplinary practices , you need to look at simply educating everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Kannan said .
“ You need to look at hiring .
So I would say almost every aspect of what we need . ''
Hiring someone to oversee equity in education is one of the many practices school districts in Bucks County and around the country are implementing to be more proactive in battling systemic racism .
In Indianapolis , for instance , school commissioners recently adopted a new racial equity policy .
Milwaukee school board members are calling for a regional plan to desegregate schools and reduce inequities among in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't enough .
In Bucks County , past and present students in the Council Rock and New Hope-Solebury school districts have taken it upon themselves to push for change in their districts .
Council Rock High School South graduates Farah Contractor , a Muslim Asian-American , and Danielle Randall , who is white , wrote a letter to school officials listing 15 steps they feel would make the district more in tune and sensitive to issues like systemic racism and diversity .
They include changing the “ Indian ” nickname for athletic teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding more Black and indigenous peoples ’ history to the American history curriculum , adding more world and LGBTQ history to the curriculum , and making an active effort to hire and train a more diverse teaching staff .
Contractor and Randall , who also are both 2019 University of Pennsylvania graduates , have gathered about 1,700 signatures in support of the letter .
“ Many of our former classmates and other members of the community took to social media in the last few weeks to share ignorant posts about the BLM ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systemic racism , ” the former students wrote in an email .
“ Farah and her family have experienced micro and macroaggressions living in a conservative county as Muslim South Asians .
We both have witnessed discrimination and racist behavior in the Council Rock community not limited to swastikas drawn on school property and racial profiling .
“ We also reflected on the heavily Eurocentric education at CR and felt that CR adding a more diverse curriculum would help broaden the perspective of students to life outside of suburban Bucks County .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prompt the administration to revise its curriculum and policies regarding systemic racism , as well as hold themselves accountable for these changes.
” Saying that he had not seen the petition , Robert Fraser , the Council Rock superintendent , did not specifically address points raised in the two graduates ’ letter but emailed a general statement that read “ I have been rocked to my core with the senseless killings of George Floyd and others , and I have urged our Council Rock community to come together as one to combat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and all forms of racism . ''
Council Rock School Board President Andy Block wrote in an email , “ I am aware that a petition is circulating , but will reserve any comment specific to that letter until we have received it.
” The district already has taken steps following several racial incidents in recent years , like forming a diversity and inclusion council , sensitivity and other training for students and staff , curriculum additions and special assemblies around issues of tolerance and inclusion .
“ This fight to end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one , and we believe one of the key steps in this process is to properly educate our youth in the true history of this nation , ” Contractor and Randall wrote in their letter to Council Rock officials .
In New Hope-Solebury , 2017 graduate Drew Vogelsang was among a handful of former students who felt systemic racism wasn ’ t being addressed properly by the district .
To combat the issue , Vogelsang helped pen a letter and organize a petition asking administrators and school board members to form a detailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designation .
To date , the petition has received 558 signatures from alumni , parents , faculty , staff and community members .
Along with the petition , the district was sent 12 pages of personal comments and experiences from past and present students that school officials later described “ heartbreaking.
” Vogelsang said the district provided a “ safe and encouraging place for us to grow as students and world citizens , ” but it all occurred in what many in the community refer to as the “ New Hope bubble.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black students nearly 5 times as often as white students In a district where the population is 92 % white , “ meaningful engagement with racial issues is rare while frequent microaggressions and more overt racist acts are not uncommon , ” Vogelsang said .
The petition calls for the district to create a committee to oversee the “ implementation of anti-racism into the district ’ s curriculum and culture.
” “ There is a deficiency in our classrooms regarding education on issues of structural , institutional , individual and systemic racism , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Thus , we are calling for action to be made in the existing curricula and culture , for this action to be overseen by a committee that is responsible and responsive to all stakeholders in the district , and a public statement released by the district committing to lasting change.
“ In response , the school board on Tuesday approved the creation of an equity committee to examine procedures , programming , policies and curriculum in the district .
The district also pledged to schedule outreach programs , virtual town hall meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as other initiatives while school board members attend anti-racism seminars offered through the state .
“ We ask your patience as we make mistakes along the way , but we know that is a necessary part of growth and we accept that responsibility as board members , teachers and administrators , ” according to a statement from the district .
While not everything is intentional , perception is important , Pennsbury ’ s Kannan said . '
A scary reality ' : Students react to colleges ' reopening plans with mix of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school board , students have expressed frustration that faculty does not always reflect their makeup — whether it be race or religion — while others asked why some categories of kids receive more discipline than others and why test scores are lower at certain schools , Kannan said .
Meanwhile , some staff have expressed concerns about being the only person of color in their building , he added .
Kannan said everything from text books to new policies must be looked at through an “ equity lens.
“ “ How do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we can make sure that everyone is not forgetting ( these issues ) ?
” he said .
“ Having someone think through this on top of their jobs is not enough , so that is why we have to find someone who can look at all these things.
” Despite the challenges , Kannan said the attention racial injustice has garnered in recent weeks has given him a renewed hope .
“ I am happy to see the peaceful protests in our community , many times led by young people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organizations , cities , states , and the federal government , ” he said .

Anthony DiMattia and Chris English, Bucks County Courier Times

Amid Black Lives Matter protests, more school districts are pushing to address racism. Is it enough?
Show Caption Hide Caption Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Aleesia Johnson responds to unrest Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Aleesia Johnson shares her perspective amid national unrest over police brutality and racial inequality. Jenna Watson, jenna.watson@indystar.com
LEVITTOWN, Pa. — T.R. Kannan is no stranger to racism.
The school board president in the Pennsbury School District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, has seen it firsthand before immigrating to the U.S. from India, where discrimination on religion, caste and gender is widespread.
More than 20 years later, Kannan has grown accustomed to experiencing microaggressions, or unconscious biases that others may not be aware of.
“Sometimes there’s a feeling of unease that’s always there,” he said. “I’ve seen it myself, I’ve heard it from family, friends and everyone.”
To create an environment in schools where students hopefully will not feel these pressures, the administration has asked the school board to come up with a plan to make equity a key focus by creating a dedicated position to provide “leadership and oversight in equity and excellence,” officials said.
“You need to look at policies, you need to look at curriculum, you need to look at disciplinary practices, you need to look at simply educating everyone on what’s going on,” Kannan said. “You need to look at hiring. So I would say almost every aspect of what we need."
Hiring someone to oversee equity in education is one of the many practices school districts in Bucks County and around the country are implementing to be more proactive in battling systemic racism. In Indianapolis, for instance, school commissioners recently adopted a new racial equity policy. Milwaukee school board members are calling for a regional plan to desegregate schools and reduce inequities among in the region.
'This impacts your life forever': How 1 school district addresses students' racism charges
Some say it still isn't enough. In Bucks County, past and present students in the Council Rock and New Hope-Solebury school districts have taken it upon themselves to push for change in their districts.
Council Rock High School South graduates Farah Contractor, a Muslim Asian-American, and Danielle Randall, who is white, wrote a letter to school officials listing 15 steps they feel would make the district more in tune and sensitive to issues like systemic racism and diversity.
They include changing the “Indian” nickname for athletic teams at Council Rock High School North, adding more Black and indigenous peoples’ history to the American history curriculum, adding more world and LGBTQ history to the curriculum, and making an active effort to hire and train a more diverse teaching staff.
Could Black Americans get reparations for centuries of slavery? Lawmakers have been trying to pass reparation bills for descendants of slaves. Here's why it's taken so long - and how it might work. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Contractor and Randall, who also are both 2019 University of Pennsylvania graduates, have gathered about 1,700 signatures in support of the letter.
“Many of our former classmates and other members of the community took to social media in the last few weeks to share ignorant posts about the BLM (Black Lives Matter) movement and about systemic racism,” the former students wrote in an email.
“Farah and her family have experienced micro and macroaggressions living in a conservative county as Muslim South Asians. We both have witnessed discrimination and racist behavior in the Council Rock community not limited to swastikas drawn on school property and racial profiling.
“We also reflected on the heavily Eurocentric education at CR and felt that CR adding a more diverse curriculum would help broaden the perspective of students to life outside of suburban Bucks County. We thought this letter would be well timed and prompt the administration to revise its curriculum and policies regarding systemic racism, as well as hold themselves accountable for these changes.”
Saying that he had not seen the petition, Robert Fraser, the Council Rock superintendent, did not specifically address points raised in the two graduates’ letter but emailed a general statement that read “I have been rocked to my core with the senseless killings of George Floyd and others, and I have urged our Council Rock community to come together as one to combat any hate crime, any hate speech, and all forms of racism."
Council Rock School Board President Andy Block wrote in an email, “I am aware that a petition is circulating, but will reserve any comment specific to that letter until we have received it.”
The district already has taken steps following several racial incidents in recent years, like forming a diversity and inclusion council, sensitivity and other training for students and staff, curriculum additions and special assemblies around issues of tolerance and inclusion.
“This fight to end these oppressive systems is not an instantaneous one, and we believe one of the key steps in this process is to properly educate our youth in the true history of this nation,” Contractor and Randall wrote in their letter to Council Rock officials.
In New Hope-Solebury, 2017 graduate Drew Vogelsang was among a handful of former students who felt systemic racism wasn’t being addressed properly by the district.
To combat the issue, Vogelsang helped pen a letter and organize a petition asking administrators and school board members to form a detailed plan beyond its No Place for Hate designation. To date, the petition has received 558 signatures from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and community members.
Along with the petition, the district was sent 12 pages of personal comments and experiences from past and present students that school officials later described “heartbreaking.”
Vogelsang said the district provided a “safe and encouraging place for us to grow as students and world citizens,” but it all occurred in what many in the community refer to as the “New Hope bubble.”
Equity in education: Austin schools suspend Black students nearly 5 times as often as white students
In a district where the population is 92% white, “meaningful engagement with racial issues is rare while frequent microaggressions and more overt racist acts are not uncommon,” Vogelsang said.
The petition calls for the district to create a committee to oversee the “implementation of anti-racism into the district’s curriculum and culture.”
“There is a deficiency in our classrooms regarding education on issues of structural, institutional, individual and systemic racism,“ Vogelsang wrote in the letter. ”Thus, we are calling for action to be made in the existing curricula and culture, for this action to be overseen by a committee that is responsible and responsive to all stakeholders in the district, and a public statement released by the district committing to lasting change.“
In response, the school board on Tuesday approved the creation of an equity committee to examine procedures, programming, policies and curriculum in the district.
The district also pledged to schedule outreach programs, virtual town hall meetings and professional developments on social justice as well as other initiatives while school board members attend anti-racism seminars offered through the state.
“We ask your patience as we make mistakes along the way, but we know that is a necessary part of growth and we accept that responsibility as board members, teachers and administrators,” according to a statement from the district.
While not everything is intentional, perception is important, Pennsbury’s Kannan said.
'A scary reality': Students react to colleges' reopening plans with mix of optimism, fear
During sessions with the school board, students have expressed frustration that faculty does not always reflect their makeup — whether it be race or religion — while others asked why some categories of kids receive more discipline than others and why test scores are lower at certain schools, Kannan said.
Meanwhile, some staff have expressed concerns about being the only person of color in their building, he added.
Kannan said everything from text books to new policies must be looked at through an “equity lens.“
“How do we get a regular focus on this so that we can make sure that everyone is not forgetting (these issues)?” he said. “Having someone think through this on top of their jobs is not enough, so that is why we have to find someone who can look at all these things.”
Despite the challenges, Kannan said the attention racial injustice has garnered in recent weeks has given him a renewed hope.
“I am happy to see the peaceful protests in our community, many times led by young people, and a series of actions taken by organizations, cities, states, and the federal government,” he said.


usatoday--2020-07-07--'Melania and Me': Former Melania Trump confidante Stephanie Winston Wolkoff's tell-all due Sept. 1

Melania Trump 's former confidante Stephanie Winston Wolkoff is penning a tell-all book centered around her longtime friendship , and fallout , with the first lady .
`` Melania and Me , '' published by Gallery Books , an imprint of Simon & Schuster , is due out on September 1 .
The book will cover the origin 's of Wolkoff and the first lady 's friendship in New York City and delve into Wolkoff 's help planning President Trump 's presidential inauguration , according to the publisher 's description .
And the book will address Wolkoff 's hasty exit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the first lady in February 2018 .
`` In her memoir , Wolkoff chronicles her journey from their friendship that started in New York to her role as the First Lady 's trusted advisor to her abrupt and very public departure , '' the publisher 's description read .
Mary Trump 's family tell-all : Book publication date moved up to July 14 , two weeks early The book announcement follows the release of a critical memoir by President Trump 's former national security adviser John Bolton , and just before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's family tell-all , `` Too Much and Never Enough : How My Family Created the World ’ s Most Dangerous Man . ''
Wolkoff , who was known for helping Vogue editor Anna Wintour plan the annual Met Gala social event , has been a friend to the first lady for 15 years .
She was one of the first people the first lady turned to after Trump was elected , working as an unpaid senior adviser .
That duty ceased abruptly in February 2018 after a New York Times report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inaugural committee paid $ 26 million to Wolkoff 's recently formed company , WIS Media Partners of Marina del Rey , Calif .
Spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said at the time that the first lady 's office had `` severed the gratuitous services contract '' with Wolkoff .
In a May 2019 New York Timesstory , Wolkoff denied that she was forced out and that she had excessively profited from helping to organize the inauguration .
“ Was I fired ?
No , ” Wolkoff said .
“ Did I personally receive $ 26 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Was I thrown under the bus ?
Yes.
” Wolkoff has been back in the spotlight this year as her knowledge of the inaugural committee 's workings caught the eye of investigators .
In January , the District of Columbia 's attorney general Karl Racine sued President Trump 's inaugural committee and companies , saying the nonprofit organization `` grossly '' misused its funds by overpaying for space at Trump 's hotel in Washington during the inauguration – paying $ 1.03 million for food and space over four days .
Racine ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ivanka Trump and other inauguration officials that the price was too high , `` an amount far above even the hotel ’ s own internal pricing guidelines , '' according to a Racine release .

'Melania and Me': Former Melania Trump confidante Stephanie Winston Wolkoff's tell-all due Sept. 1
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump lays wreath at Korean War Memorial President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump lay a wreath at the Korean War Memorial, marking the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Both spoke to about a dozen Korean war veterans after the wreath-laying. (June 25) AP
Melania Trump's former confidante Stephanie Winston Wolkoff is penning a tell-all book centered around her longtime friendship, and fallout, with the first lady.
"Melania and Me," published by Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, is due out on September 1. The book will cover the origins of Wolkoff and the first lady's friendship in New York City and delve into Wolkoff's help planning President Trump's presidential inauguration, according to the publisher's description.
And the book will address Wolkoff's hasty exit from her role as a senior advisor to the first lady in February 2018.
"In her memoir, Wolkoff chronicles her journey from their friendship that started in New York to her role as the First Lady's trusted advisor to her abrupt and very public departure," the publisher's description read.
Mary Trump's family tell-all: Book publication date moved up to July 14, two weeks early
The book announcement follows the release of a critical memoir by President Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton, and just before the July 14 publication date of niece Mary Trump's family tell-all, "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man."
Wolkoff, who was known for helping Vogue editor Anna Wintour plan the annual Met Gala social event, has been a friend to the first lady for 15 years. She was one of the first people the first lady turned to after Trump was elected, working as an unpaid senior adviser.
John Bolton's memoir: Trump's White House was 'like living inside a pinball machine'
That duty ceased abruptly in February 2018 after a New York Times report revealed tax filings showing that the Trump inaugural committee paid $26 million to Wolkoff's recently formed company, WIS Media Partners of Marina del Rey, Calif. Spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said at the time that the first lady's office had "severed the gratuitous services contract" with Wolkoff.
In a May 2019 New York Times story, Wolkoff denied that she was forced out and that she had excessively profited from helping to organize the inauguration.
“Was I fired? No,” Wolkoff said. “Did I personally receive $26 million or $1.6 million? No. Was I thrown under the bus? Yes.”
Wolkoff has been back in the spotlight this year as her knowledge of the inaugural committee's workings caught the eye of investigators.
In January, the District of Columbia's attorney general Karl Racine sued President Trump's inaugural committee and companies, saying the nonprofit organization "grossly" misused its funds by overpaying for space at Trump's hotel in Washington during the inauguration – paying $1.03 million for food and space over four days.
Racine’s office claimed Wolkoff warned President Trump, Ivanka Trump and other inauguration officials that the price was too high, "an amount far above even the hotel’s own internal pricing guidelines," according to a Racine release.


usatoday--2020-07-07--Facebook boycott: Civil rights leaders condemn Zuckerberg, Facebook for fueling racial hatred and vi

After meeting with Facebook executives Tuesday , civil rights leaders ripped into CEO Mark Zuckerberg , saying he showed no signs of taking steps to curb hatred and violence on the company 's platforms .
The sharp rebuke , coming amid escalating calls for reform at the social media giant , set the stage for further conflict in the nearly month-long advertising boycott led by civil rights groups .
`` Zuckerberg offered the same old defense of white supremacist , anti-Semitic , Islamophobic and other hateful groups on Facebook that the Stop Hate For Profit Coalitions , advertisers and society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before , '' the coalition of civil rights group said in a statement .
According to civil rights leaders who attended , Zuckerberg agreed to hire a high-level executive with civil rights expertise during the meeting , which lasted a little over an hour , but made no other concessions , including changing how it handles President Donald Trump 's controversial posts .
`` We expected in the call today that we would have some clarity , that we would have some details and that we would have results , '' Anti-Defamation League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unfortunately , we got no details , no clarity and no results . ''
Facebook did acknowledge the disappointment of civil rights leaders .
`` This meeting was an opportunity for us to hear from the campaign organizers and reaffirm our commitment to combating hate on our platform , '' the company said in a statement .
`` They want Facebook to be free of hate speech and so do we .
That 's why it 's so important that we work to get this right . ''
What civil rights groups want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and harassment of Black users Top brands pull ads : But will the Facebook advertising boycott force the company to change ?
The civil rights groups have led a massive backlash against Facebook , with nearly 1,000 companies pulling millions of dollars in advertising to protest the spread of hate speech , violent threats and misinformation on Facebook 's platforms .
The leaders came to the meeting with Facebook with a list of 10 demands , none of which were met , NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said .
Those demands included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech and misinformation , removing all hate speech and hate groups and refunding corporations when ads appear next to hate speech .
`` We should expect more from a company like Facebook , '' Johnson said .
The contentious meeting came as the # StopHateForProfit campaign continues to gain steam .
Seizing on the public conversation over racial injustice and police brutality after the death in police custody of George Floyd to shed new light on the spread of racism and hate on Facebook and Instagram , the campaign quickly dominoed , emerging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s public image .
“ When we started this we were compelled , because after the death of George Floyd , we saw white nationalists organizing in the open on Facebook to disrupt the Black Lives Matter protests , to undermine them and spread violence .
And Facebook , when we showed it to them , did nothing , '' Greenblatt said .
Facebook has met before with civil rights group leaders , most recently to take issue with the company ’ s policy of not fact-checking politicians ’ ads and its hands-off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With such high stakes , Rashad Robinson , president of Color of Change , said the coalition of civil rights groups and advertisers will not back down '' Mark Zuckerberg , Sheryl Sandberg and the entire Facebook community knows that we have come to the table , we 've engaged , we 've pushed and many times we have gotten from them that they are doing everything they possibly can , that they are making all the changes necessary and then we see the results of changes not implemented , of decisions not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Robinson said .
`` At the end of the day , this platform is far too important for us not to continue to press and to continue to push forward . ''
The increased pressure comes as Facebook prepares to release the final civil rights report in a years-long audit .
That report , authored by former ACLU director and civil rights attorney Laura Murphy , will be released Wednesday , according to Facebook 's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg .
Sandberg , Chris Cox , chief product officer , and Carolyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solutions , also took part in Tuesday ’ s meeting .
“ We have made real progress over the years , but this work is never finished and we know what a big responsibility Facebook has to get better at finding and removing hateful content , ” Sandberg wrote in a blog post published prior to the meeting .
Analysts don ’ t expect Facebook , which makes the vast majority of revenue from ad sales , to take a major financial hit from the boycott .
Top brands including Ford and Unilever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Facebook ’ s $ 70 billion in annual revenue .
The company , whose market cap is approaching $ 700 billion , is still expected to have a strong quarter .

Facebook boycott: Civil rights leaders condemn Zuckerberg, Facebook for fueling racial hatred and violence
Show Caption Hide Caption Are black Facebook users censored from discussing racism online? Carolyn Wysinger is a teacher and activist who says Facebook censors her from discussing racism online, sometimes locking her out of her account. USA TODAY
After meeting with Facebook executives Tuesday, civil rights leaders ripped into CEO Mark Zuckerberg, saying he showed no signs of taking steps to curb hatred and violence on the company's platforms.
The sharp rebuke, coming amid escalating calls for reform at the social media giant, set the stage for further conflict in the nearly month-long advertising boycott led by civil rights groups.
"Zuckerberg offered the same old defense of white supremacist, anti-Semitic, Islamophobic and other hateful groups on Facebook that the Stop Hate For Profit Coalitions, advertisers and society at large have heard too many times before," the coalition of civil rights group said in a statement.
According to civil rights leaders who attended, Zuckerberg agreed to hire a high-level executive with civil rights expertise during the meeting, which lasted a little over an hour, but made no other concessions, including changing how it handles President Donald Trump's controversial posts.
"We expected in the call today that we would have some clarity, that we would have some details and that we would have results," Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt told reporters. "Unfortunately, we got no details, no clarity and no results."
Facebook did acknowledge the disappointment of civil rights leaders.
"This meeting was an opportunity for us to hear from the campaign organizers and reaffirm our commitment to combating hate on our platform," the company said in a statement. "They want Facebook to be free of hate speech and so do we. That's why it's so important that we work to get this right."
What civil rights groups want: For Facebook to stop hate speech and harassment of Black users
Top brands pull ads: But will the Facebook advertising boycott force the company to change?
The civil rights groups have led a massive backlash against Facebook, with nearly 1,000 companies pulling millions of dollars in advertising to protest the spread of hate speech, violent threats and misinformation on Facebook's platforms.
The leaders came to the meeting with Facebook with a list of 10 demands, none of which were met, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said. Those demands included submitting to regular independent audits of hate speech and misinformation, removing all hate speech and hate groups and refunding corporations when ads appear next to hate speech.
"We should expect more from a company like Facebook," Johnson said.
The contentious meeting came as the #StopHateForProfit campaign continues to gain steam.
Seizing on the public conversation over racial injustice and police brutality after the death in police custody of George Floyd to shed new light on the spread of racism and hate on Facebook and Instagram, the campaign quickly dominoed, emerging as a significant threat to Facebook’s public image.
“When we started this we were compelled, because after the death of George Floyd, we saw white nationalists organizing in the open on Facebook to disrupt the Black Lives Matter protests, to undermine them and spread violence. And Facebook, when we showed it to them, did nothing," Greenblatt said.
Facebook has met before with civil rights group leaders, most recently to take issue with the company’s policy of not fact-checking politicians’ ads and its hands-off approach to Trump’s posts.
With such high stakes, Rashad Robinson, president of Color of Change, said the coalition of civil rights groups and advertisers will not back down
"Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg and the entire Facebook community knows that we have come to the table, we've engaged, we've pushed and many times we have gotten from them that they are doing everything they possibly can, that they are making all the changes necessary and then we see the results of changes not implemented, of decisions not enforced and commitments not delivered on," Robinson said. "At the end of the day, this platform is far too important for us not to continue to press and to continue to push forward."
The increased pressure comes as Facebook prepares to release the final civil rights report in a years-long audit. That report, authored by former ACLU director and civil rights attorney Laura Murphy, will be released Wednesday, according to Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg.
Sandberg, Chris Cox, chief product officer, and Carolyn Everson, vice president of global marketing solutions, also took part in Tuesday’s meeting.
“We have made real progress over the years, but this work is never finished and we know what a big responsibility Facebook has to get better at finding and removing hateful content,” Sandberg wrote in a blog post published prior to the meeting.
Analysts don’t expect Facebook, which makes the vast majority of revenue from ad sales, to take a major financial hit from the boycott. Top brands including Ford and Unilever participating in the boycott represent a fraction of Facebook’s $70 billion in annual revenue. The company, whose market cap is approaching $700 billion, is still expected to have a strong quarter .


usatoday--2020-07-08--Usain Bolt posts baby daughter's name and photos on social media

Nearly two months after their daughter was born , Usain Bolt and his girlfriend Kasi Bennett have finally publicly revealed her name : Olympia Lightning Bolt .
Olympia Lightning was born on May 17 , but the couple was not the one to originally announce her birth -- that was done by Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness .
Bolt and Bennett did n't share any photos or even the baby 's name until Tuesday , when both shared the name along with photos on Instagram and Twitter .
Tuesday is also Bennett 's 30th birthday .
Bolt wished her a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bennett posted a tweet referring to Olympia Lightning as `` my gift . ''
On Instagram , Bolt said , `` We have started a new chapter together with our daughter Olympia Lightning Bolt . ''
Fellow Olympic medalist Serena Williams , who had a daughter named Alexis Olympia ( who goes by Olympia ) in 2017 , indicated she approved of the name .
According to Baby Name Wizard , Olympia means `` of Mt .
Olympus , '' the home of the gods in Greek mythology , and can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes from the same root word as the Olympic games .
In addition to the play on words , `` Lightning Bolt '' is also a frequent nickname for Usain given his multiple world records in sprint events .
With a name like that , it wo n't be any surprise if Olympia Lightning Bolt takes the world by storm .

Usain Bolt posts baby daughter's name and photos on social media
Nearly two months after their daughter was born, Usain Bolt and his girlfriend Kasi Bennett have finally publicly revealed her name: Olympia Lightning Bolt.
Olympia Lightning was born on May 17, but the couple was not the one to originally announce her birth -- that was done by Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness.
Bolt and Bennett didn't share any photos or even the baby's name until Tuesday, when both shared the name along with photos on Instagram and Twitter.
Tuesday is also Bennett's 30th birthday. Bolt wished her a happy birthday on both Twitter and Instagram and Bennett posted a tweet referring to Olympia Lightning as "my gift."
Olympia Lightning Bolt ⚡ pic.twitter.com/Ovo5PzVQAt — Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) July 7, 2020
On Instagram, Bolt said, "We have started a new chapter together with our daughter Olympia Lightning Bolt."
Fellow Olympic medalist Serena Williams, who had a daughter named Alexis Olympia (who goes by Olympia) in 2017, indicated she approved of the name.
😍😍😍😍❤❤❤❤ — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) July 7, 2020
According to Baby Name Wizard, Olympia means "of Mt. Olympus," the home of the gods in Greek mythology, and can also mean "heavenly." The name comes from the same root word as the Olympic games.
In addition to the play on words, "Lightning Bolt" is also a frequent nickname for Usain given his multiple world records in sprint events.
With a name like that, it won't be any surprise if Olympia Lightning Bolt takes the world by storm.


usatoday--2020-07-07--Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, longest-married presidential couple, celebrate 74th anniversary

The former president and first lady celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary Tuesday , adding to their record as the longest-married presidential couple in our nation 's history .
The Carters officially clenched the title in October after passing the previous record held by former President George H.W .
Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush , who were married 73 years and 111 days when Barbara died in April 2018 .
`` They are now the longest married presidential couple and still going strong at 26,765 days , '' the Carter Center , a nonprofit founded by the 39th president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notched the top spot in October .
'Still going strong ' : Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter become longest-married presidential couple Carter , 95 , and Rosalynn , 92 , married July 7 , 1946 , in a Methodist church in their hometown of Plains , Georgia , when he was 21 and she was 18 , after Carter graduated from the U.S .
Naval Academy .
The couple has known each other their entire lives – Carter 's sister Ruth was Rosalynn 's best friend .
`` I ’ d known Rosalynn since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were next-door neighbors , '' Carter said in Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue 's book `` What Makes A Marriage Last , '' which published in May .
The feeling was mutual .
Rosalynn admitted , `` I always said I fell in love with a photograph of him on ( Ruth ’ s ) bedroom wall . ''
Carter said he `` just felt compatible '' with Rosalynn .
He explained , `` She was beautiful and innocent , and there was a resonance .
We rode in the rumble seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her boyfriend in the front – and I kissed her on that first date .
I remember that vividly .
I never was doubtful about her , and that Christmas , I told her I loved her and asked her to marry me . ''
It turned out to be the highlight of Carter 's life .
`` The best thing I ever did was marry Rosalynn , '' Carter said during a C-SPAN interview at The Carter Center in 2015 .
`` That 's the pinnacle of my life . ''
Marlo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' of marriage with celeb couples in new book The couple has spent more than seven decades together , including four years in the White House .
They share four children , 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren .
The Carters credit their marriage 's longevity to their faith .
`` We read the Bible together every night , '' Carter said in `` What Makes A Marriage Last . ''
`` And when I ’ m overseas , or when Rosalynn is traveling , we still read the same chapter , even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We share the same text , and it keeps us connected . ''
In addition to his record-breaking marriage , Carter is the oldest living president , and in March 2019 , became the nation 's longest-lived president .
Rosalynn Carter : The former first lady 's life and career in pictures

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, longest-married presidential couple, celebrate 74th anniversary
Show Caption Hide Caption Why former President Jimmy Carter always goes home to Plains, Georgia Plains, Georgia, holds a special place in former President Jimmy Carter's heart. USA TODAY
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter are relationship goals.
The former president and first lady celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary Tuesday, adding to their record as the longest-married presidential couple in our nation's history.
The Carters officially clenched the title in October after passing the previous record held by former President George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush, who were married 73 years and 111 days when Barbara died in April 2018.
"They are now the longest married presidential couple and still going strong at 26,765 days," the Carter Center, a nonprofit founded by the 39th president, announced on Twitter after the Carters notched the top spot in October.
'Still going strong': Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter become longest-married presidential couple
Carter, 95, and Rosalynn, 92, married July 7, 1946, in a Methodist church in their hometown of Plains, Georgia, when he was 21 and she was 18, after Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. The couple has known each other their entire lives – Carter's sister Ruth was Rosalynn's best friend.
"I’d known Rosalynn since the day she was born, because we were next-door neighbors," Carter said in Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue's book "What Makes A Marriage Last," which published in May.
The feeling was mutual. Rosalynn admitted, "I always said I fell in love with a photograph of him on (Ruth’s) bedroom wall."
Carter said he "just felt compatible" with Rosalynn. He explained, "She was beautiful and innocent, and there was a resonance. We rode in the rumble seat of a Ford pickup – Ruth and her boyfriend in the front – and I kissed her on that first date. I remember that vividly. I never was doubtful about her, and that Christmas, I told her I loved her and asked her to marry me."
It turned out to be the highlight of Carter's life.
"The best thing I ever did was marry Rosalynn," Carter said during a C-SPAN interview at The Carter Center in 2015. "That's the pinnacle of my life."
Marlo Thomas, Phil Donahue explore 'secret sauce' of marriage with celeb couples in new book
The couple has spent more than seven decades together, including four years in the White House. They share four children, 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
The Carters credit their marriage's longevity to their faith.
"We read the Bible together every night," Carter said in "What Makes A Marriage Last." "And when I’m overseas, or when Rosalynn is traveling, we still read the same chapter, even though we might be five thousand miles apart. We share the same text, and it keeps us connected."
In addition to his record-breaking marriage, Carter is the oldest living president, and in March 2019, became the nation's longest-lived president.
Contributing: Dustin Barnes; Nashville Tennessean
Rosalynn Carter: The former first lady's life and career in pictures


usatoday--2020-07-07--Opinion: Patrick Mahomes' $503 million extension shows he's on his own level as a quarterback and bu

Patrick Mahomes knew what he wanted .
He knew what mattered to him .
And he didn ’ t care what anyone else viewed as the “ normal ” or “ smart ” way to handle his business .
Conventional has never ranked among the adjectives used to describe the Kansas City Chiefs ’ reigning Super Bowl MVP and 2018 NFL MVP , who is not yet even 25 years of age .
So it should have come as no surprise when the quarterback signed a contract that not only shattered all kinds of records for NFL players but pro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s fitting that Mahomes , in agreeing to a deal that will pay him up to $ 503 million over the next 12 years , would become the first half-a-billion-dollar athlete in U.S. sports history .
The Chiefs made a big statement about Mahomes ’ worth to the organization and their commitment to him .
But as he and his agents approached the negotiation table this offseason , Mahomes found it important to make a statement of his own .
It wasn ’ t that he sees himself as the best football player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world .
He wanted to convey how greatly he values his situation .
That ’ s why he defied conventional wisdom .
Many young NFL stars opt for four- or five-year contracts that position them to revisit the ever-inflating market while still in their primes and maximize long-term financial security .
But as far as Mahomes was concerned , why worry about the next payday when you can command more than a decade ’ s worth of elite-level paydays and generational wealth in one fell swoop ?
As he considered his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything he ever wanted right in front of him .
“ More than anything , Patrick wanted to make a statement about his long-term commitment to the family of chairman Clark Hunt , the Kansas City Chiefs organization , his teammates , and the city of Kansas City , ” one of his agents , Leigh Steinberg , told USA TODAY Sports Tuesday morning .
“ The Chiefs are the team he always wants to play for , and Kansas City is the community he always wants to be a part of .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ always been a marriage made in heaven.
” Whenever a star athlete lands a mega contract , the public scrambles to dissect all of the fine print to differentiate the real money and monopoly money , and to determine whether or not said athlete made a smart decision .
Even as eye-popping as Mahomes ’ deal is , there are some who point out that the two-time Pro Bowl selection could be leaving money on the table .
But in truth , not only did Mahomes understand the market , he also understood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knows the Chiefs view him as a generational talent whom opponents would try to lure away if he became a free agent before his 30th birthday .
That understanding enabled him to command a contract that exceeds Russell Wilson ’ s previously league-leading average salary of $ 35 million by another $ 10 million annually .
And because of Mahomes ’ confidence in his own abilities and the decision-making of Chiefs management , he also didn ’ t feel the sense of paranoia that makes some athletes desperate to ensure the flexibility to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Self-belief positioned Mahomes and his team to pursue a baseball-like contract – fitting given the fact that his father , Patrick Mahomes Sr. , pitched in the Major Leagues for 11 years .
Mahomes leveraged his way into a rare deal that ’ s virtually impossible for the Chiefs to get out of because of the upfront money , roster bonuses from 2025 to 2031 that total $ 218.8 million and a clause that prevents any trade unless the quarterback himself approves .
Another pressing matter beyond long-term security kept popping up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stages of the negotiation process .
“ How do we win more Super Bowls ?
” he repeatedly asked his agents .
He wanted to ensure that his contract didn ’ t follow the path of many other quarterback deals , leaving the cupboards so bare that their teams struggled to surround them with talent .
So the Chiefs and Mahomes ’ agents successfully structured the deal in a way that still leaves the team with reasonable salary cap room for years .
“ Obviously , I wanted the security to take care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my family , ” Mahomes explained at his Tuesday news conference before also expressing joy over being able to further invest in the Kansas City community .
“ But I want to keep great football players around me .
I 'd be lying if I sat here and said it does n't help me having great players all around me on the field .
I knew this would be the right way to do it , to accomplish both things that are important to me . ''
In the words of Mahomes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust shone through as the strongest element throughout the negotiation process .
There was pre-existing trust shared between the Hunt family and Steinberg , who has treasured a friendship with the Chiefs ’ owners ever since they drafted his first NFL client ( fourth-rounder Mark Bailey ) in 1977 , his first first-round pick ( guard Brad Budde ) in 1980 and others , including eventual Hall of Famers Derrick Thomas ( 1989 ) and Tony Gonzalez ( 1997 ) .
The trust extended to Steinberg ’ s business partner Chris Cabott , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the negotiations , and Chiefs general manager Brett Veach , who developed a friendship with Cabott a decade ago when he was a scout with the Eagles .
And trust between Mahomes and Reid , who developed the quarterback from a rookie backup to one of the league ’ s biggest stars a year later , was also crucial .
With a singular focus , the two camps got the deal done in what Reid described as “ a win-win for the player and the organization.
” Said Mahomes , “ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I trust in them , they trust in me , and we were able to get this contract done the right way .
Not that it just gives me the security I ’ ve always wanted but also allows the team to be great around me my full career .
I trust things will be handled the right way and we will be in position to win a lot of football games , and hopefully a lot more championships , as my career goes on.
” There ’ s just something different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as a quarterback , a leader , and as a businessman .
He does it his way .
In breath-taking fashion .
And he leaves no room for doubt about his excellence and commitment .
Follow USA TODAY Sports ’ Mike Jones on Twitter @ ByMikeJones and listen to the Football Jones podcast on iTunes .

Opinion: Patrick Mahomes' $503 million extension shows he's on his own level as a quarterback and businessman
Show Caption Hide Caption Patrick Mahomes' historic deal means great things for Dak Prescott, Deshaun Watson What I'm Hearing: USA TODAY Sports' Mike Jones details the historic numbers from Patrick Mahomes' massive new contract with the Chiefs and what it means for the quarterback market going forward. USA TODAY
Patrick Mahomes knew what he wanted. He knew what mattered to him. And he didn’t care what anyone else viewed as the “normal” or “smart” way to handle his business.
Conventional has never ranked among the adjectives used to describe the Kansas City Chiefs’ reigning Super Bowl MVP and 2018 NFL MVP, who is not yet even 25 years of age.
So it should have come as no surprise when the quarterback signed a contract that not only shattered all kinds of records for NFL players but pro athletes as a whole.
It’s fitting that Mahomes, in agreeing to a deal that will pay him up to $503 million over the next 12 years, would become the first half-a-billion-dollar athlete in U.S. sports history.
The Chiefs made a big statement about Mahomes’ worth to the organization and their commitment to him.
But as he and his agents approached the negotiation table this offseason, Mahomes found it important to make a statement of his own. It wasn’t that he sees himself as the best football player in the NFL or the best athlete in the world.
He wanted to convey how greatly he values his situation. That’s why he defied conventional wisdom. Many young NFL stars opt for four- or five-year contracts that position them to revisit the ever-inflating market while still in their primes and maximize long-term financial security.
But as far as Mahomes was concerned, why worry about the next payday when you can command more than a decade’s worth of elite-level paydays and generational wealth in one fell swoop?
As he considered his future, Mahomes concluded that he has everything he ever wanted right in front of him.
“More than anything, Patrick wanted to make a statement about his long-term commitment to the family of chairman Clark Hunt, the Kansas City Chiefs organization, his teammates, and the city of Kansas City,” one of his agents, Leigh Steinberg, told USA TODAY Sports Tuesday morning. “The Chiefs are the team he always wants to play for, and Kansas City is the community he always wants to be a part of. From draft day on, this has always been a marriage made in heaven.”
Whenever a star athlete lands a mega contract, the public scrambles to dissect all of the fine print to differentiate the real money and monopoly money, and to determine whether or not said athlete made a smart decision.
Even as eye-popping as Mahomes’ deal is, there are some who point out that the two-time Pro Bowl selection could be leaving money on the table.
But in truth, not only did Mahomes understand the market, he also understood the power that he holds. He knows the Chiefs view him as a generational talent whom opponents would try to lure away if he became a free agent before his 30th birthday.
That understanding enabled him to command a contract that exceeds Russell Wilson’s previously league-leading average salary of $35 million by another $10 million annually.
And because of Mahomes’ confidence in his own abilities and the decision-making of Chiefs management, he also didn’t feel the sense of paranoia that makes some athletes desperate to ensure the flexibility to manipulate his competitive situation every few years.
Self-belief positioned Mahomes and his team to pursue a baseball-like contract – fitting given the fact that his father, Patrick Mahomes Sr., pitched in the Major Leagues for 11 years.
Mahomes leveraged his way into a rare deal that’s virtually impossible for the Chiefs to get out of because of the upfront money, roster bonuses from 2025 to 2031 that total $218.8 million and a clause that prevents any trade unless the quarterback himself approves.
Another pressing matter beyond long-term security kept popping up in Mahomes’ mind during the early stages of the negotiation process.
“How do we win more Super Bowls?” he repeatedly asked his agents.
He wanted to ensure that his contract didn’t follow the path of many other quarterback deals, leaving the cupboards so bare that their teams struggled to surround them with talent.
So the Chiefs and Mahomes’ agents successfully structured the deal in a way that still leaves the team with reasonable salary cap room for years.
“Obviously, I wanted the security to take care of my family and future generations of my family,” Mahomes explained at his Tuesday news conference before also expressing joy over being able to further invest in the Kansas City community. “But I want to keep great football players around me. I'd be lying if I sat here and said it doesn't help me having great players all around me on the field. I knew this would be the right way to do it, to accomplish both things that are important to me."
In the words of Mahomes, his agent, and Chiefs brass, trust shone through as the strongest element throughout the negotiation process.
There was pre-existing trust shared between the Hunt family and Steinberg, who has treasured a friendship with the Chiefs’ owners ever since they drafted his first NFL client (fourth-rounder Mark Bailey) in 1977, his first first-round pick (guard Brad Budde) in 1980 and others, including eventual Hall of Famers Derrick Thomas (1989) and Tony Gonzalez (1997).
The trust extended to Steinberg’s business partner Chris Cabott, who did much of the heavy-lifting on the negotiations, and Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, who developed a friendship with Cabott a decade ago when he was a scout with the Eagles.
And trust between Mahomes and Reid, who developed the quarterback from a rookie backup to one of the league’s biggest stars a year later, was also crucial.
With a singular focus, the two camps got the deal done in what Reid described as “a win-win for the player and the organization.”
Said Mahomes, “There’s trust amongst everybody. As much as I trust in them, they trust in me, and we were able to get this contract done the right way. Not that it just gives me the security I’ve always wanted but also allows the team to be great around me my full career. I trust things will be handled the right way and we will be in position to win a lot of football games, and hopefully a lot more championships, as my career goes on.”
There’s just something different about Patrick Mahomes. As an athlete, as a quarterback, a leader, and as a businessman. He does it his way. In breath-taking fashion. And he leaves no room for doubt about his excellence and commitment.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Mike Jones on Twitter @ByMikeJones and listen to the Football Jones podcast on iTunes.


usatoday--2020-07-07--Marine in custody after reports of shots fired at California's Twentynine Palms base

PALM SPRINGS , Calif. – A Marine was transported to a hospital for a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a two-hour interaction with police at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms .
Capt .
Nicole Plymale said the base 's police department received reports of shots fired around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning .
Officers were dispatched to the scene and `` cordoned off '' the suspect .
The incident is under investigation .
The gunshot wound was self-inflicted around 8:30 a.m. , Plymale said , and the suspect was transported to a medical facility for treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shelter-in-place order was lifted , the gates to the base reopened and staff returned to work , Plymale said .
Authorities allowed vehicles to enter the base as of 9 a.m. Tuesday .
The U.S. Marines confirmed that authorities were investigating reports of an active shooter on the base in a series of tweets starting around 8 a.m. '' Military police responded to reports of gunshots , '' a tweet said .
The base is adjacent to the town of Twentynine Palms in the high desert of Southern California , about 150 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600,000 acres , it is the largest base operated by the Marine Corps .
About 8,500 people live on the base , and about 25,000 live in the neighboring town .

Christopher Damien, Palm Springs Desert Sun

Marine dies from self-inflicted gunshot after police confrontation at Twentynine Palms base in California
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — A Marine who was transported to a Palm Springs hospital for a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a two-hour interaction with police at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms died on Tuesday, Capt. Nicole Plymale said.
Plymale said the base's police department received reports of shots fired around 6:30 a.m. Officers were dispatched to the scene and soon after "cordoned off" the suspect where the Marine was found on a remote hillside on the base.
Military police were communicating with the Marine when the person sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound around 8:30 a.m., Plymale said. No other injuries were reported and officers did not fire any shots during the incident.
Plymale confirmed the death on Tuesday evening. It was unclear when the Marine died.
Officials would not say whether the initial shots were aimed at anyone for any reason, but added that the incident is under investigation.
A shelter-in-place order was given around 7 a.m. and was lifted around 9 a.m., when the gates to the base were reopened and staff arrived to work as normal, Plymale said.
The U.S. Marines confirmed on Twitter that authorities were investigating reports of an active shooter on the base in a series of tweets starting around 8 a.m.
"Military police responded to reports of gunshots," a second tweet said. "We cannot confirm a suspect in custody at this time. More to follow."
The Marine Corps tweeted just before 9:30 a.m. that the "individual is currently being treated and will be transported to a medical facility," adding the incident is under investigation.
The base is located just adjacent to the town of Twentynine Palms in the high desert of Southern California, about 150 miles east of Los Angeles. At almost 600,000 acres, it is the largest base operated by the Marine Corps. About 8,500 people live on the base and about 25,000 live in the neighboring town.
An investigation was launched last year after a Navy corpsman at the base was killed in an "off-duty capacity," Lt. Cameron Edinburgh, a spokesman for the base, said when the investigation was opened. And four Marines stationed at the base have been accused of homicides in the past four years, two of whom have been convicted.
However, base administration have not reported that the investigation into Tuesday's incident is related to any ongoing investigation.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-07-07--14 Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants test positive for COVID-19

Fourteen flight attendants tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a recent training at Hawaiian Airlines ' Honolulu headquarters and are now in quarantine , according to the airline , which has canceled its flight attendant training due to the circumstances .
`` We are supporting our team members in their recovery , and other employees involved in the training have been self-monitoring their health , in accordance with CDC and state Department of Health guidance provided to us , '' Alex Da Silva , a Hawaiian Airlines spokesperson , told USA TODAY .
`` We have also reinforced our office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have temporarily canceled our flight attendant training in order to deep clean our facilities . ''
Guests are required to wear face masks on Hawaiian Airlines flights , and flight attendants wear them while serving guests on board , according to the airline 's website .
Mask requirements are now a given when flying in North America .
5 flights in 4 weeks : What it 's really like to fly during the coronavirus pandemic Hawaiian Airlines will begin offering a reduced schedule between the state and certain mainland U.S. cities starting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus rates in comparison to the rest of the country .
As of July 6 , at least 1,030 people were reported to have COVID-19 in the state and 19 have reportedly died .
For comparison , Arizona has more than 100,000 cases .
There are nearly 3 million coronavirus cases in the U.S .
Important : Q & A : I 'm traveling to Hawaii .
Do I need a coronavirus test ?
Starting on Aug. 1 , Hawaii will require proof of a negative coronavirus test for visitors to avoid a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ige announced the requirement on June 24 .
Visitors to the state will also be required to undergo a temperature check .
Anyone with a temperature of 100.4℉ will undergo a secondary screening at the airport .
Travelers will also be asked to fill out a questionnaire .
`` The health of our community remains our primary focus .
This multi-layered pre-travel testing and screening process allows travelers an alternative to the 14-day travel quarantine , '' Ige said in a statement .
Yikes : Passenger removed from Spirit Airlines flight for refusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the rescue : Airline sends emergency plane to bring stranded family home

14 Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants test positive for COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: US airlines announce face mask requirements to travel Many U.S. airlines including American, Southwest, United, Delta, Alaska, Frontier and JetBlue have announced passengers must wear masks while flying. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
Fourteen flight attendants tested positive for COVID-19 after attending training at Hawaiian Airlines' Honolulu headquarters and are in quarantine, according to the airline, which canceled its flight attendant training because of the circumstances.
"We are supporting our team members in their recovery, and other employees involved in the training have been self-monitoring their health, in accordance with CDC and state Department of Health guidance provided to us," Alex Da Silva, a Hawaiian Airlines spokesperson, told USA TODAY. "We have also reinforced our office protocols to keep our employees safe and have temporarily canceled our flight attendant training in order to deep clean our facilities."
Guests are required to wear face masks on Hawaiian Airlines flights, and flight attendants wear them while serving guests, according to the airline's website.
Mask requirements are a given when flying in North America.
5 flights in 4 weeks: What it's really like to fly during the coronavirus pandemic
Hawaiian Airlines will offer a reduced schedule between the state and certain mainland U.S. cities, starting Aug. 1.
Hawaii has seen low coronavirus rates compared with the rest of the country.
As of Tuesday, there were more than 1,070 coronavirus cases in the state, and 19 people have died. By comparison, Arizona has more than 100,000 cases. There are nearly 3 million coronavirus cases in the USA.
Q&A: I'm traveling to Hawaii. Do I need a coronavirus test?
Starting Aug. 1, Hawaii will require proof of a negative coronavirus test for visitors to avoid a 14-day quarantine.
Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced the requirement June 24. Visitors to the state will also be required to undergo a temperature check. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 degrees will undergo a secondary screening at the airport. Travelers will be asked to fill out a questionnaire.
"The health of our community remains our primary focus. This multi-layered pre-travel testing and screening process allows travelers an alternative to the 14-day travel quarantine," Ige said in a statement.
Contributing: Curtis Tate
Yikes: Passenger removed from Spirit Airlines flight for refusing to wear a mask
Aww: Spirit to the rescue: Airline sends emergency plane to bring stranded family home


usatoday--2020-07-07--Anthony Fauci warns US is 'knee-deep' in first wave of coronavirus cases and prognosis is 'really no

WASHINGTON – Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , said Monday that the U.S. handle on the coronavirus outbreak is “ really not good ” and that action is needed to curb the spread .
In an interview via Facebook Live , the nation 's top infectious disease expert said , `` We are still knee-deep in the first wave of this .
And I would say , this would not be considered a wave .
It was a surge , or a resurgence of infections superimposed upon a baseline . ''
New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highs , climbing to about 50,000 a day .
Nearly 3 million Americans have contracted the virus , and more than 130,000 have died , according to data from John Hopkins University .
Fauci , speaking online with the National Institutes of Health , linked the surge in part to cities and states that may have reopened too quickly .
“ A series of circumstances associated with various states and cities trying to open up in the sense of getting back to some form of normality has led to a situation where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in the chat with NIH Director Francis Collins .
Reopening America : At least 21 states pause reopening or take new steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 According to John Hopkins University , at least 32 states report higher rates of new cases this week compared with prior periods .
`` The European Union as an entity , it went up and then came down to baseline , '' Fauci said .
`` Now they 're having little blips , as you might expect , as they try to reopen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to baseline , and now it 's surging back up .
So it 's a serious situation that we have to address immediately . ''
Fauci warned Congress last week that new coronavirus infections could increase to 100,000 a day if the nation doesn ’ t get its surge of cases under control .
The White House Coronavirus Task Force has all but halted public briefings , and President Donald Trump 's administration has offered conflicting messaging on everything from the existence of the surge to how individuals should respond .
Trump claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 99 % of coronavirus cases are `` totally harmless . ''

Anthony Fauci warns US is 'knee-deep' in first wave of coronavirus cases and prognosis is 'really not good'
Show Caption Hide Caption Dr. Fauci: society's responsibility in conquering COVID-19 Dr. Anthony Fauci speaks to how personal responsibility and social distancing is the key to ending the spread of the coronavirus. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Monday that the U.S. handle on the coronavirus outbreak is “really not good” and that action is needed to curb the spread.
In an interview via Facebook Live, the nation's top infectious disease expert said, "We are still knee-deep in the first wave of this. And I would say, this would not be considered a wave. It was a surge, or a resurgence of infections superimposed upon a baseline."
New cases in the USA have reached record highs, climbing to about 50,000 a day. Nearly 3 million Americans have contracted the virus, and more than 130,000 have died, according to data from John Hopkins University.
Fauci, speaking online with the National Institutes of Health, linked the surge in part to cities and states that may have reopened too quickly.
“A series of circumstances associated with various states and cities trying to open up in the sense of getting back to some form of normality has led to a situation where we now have record-breaking cases,” Fauci said in the chat with NIH Director Francis Collins.
Reopening America: At least 21 states pause reopening or take new steps to limit the spread of COVID-19
According to John Hopkins University, at least 32 states report higher rates of new cases this week compared with prior periods.
"The European Union as an entity, it went up and then came down to baseline," Fauci said. "Now they're having little blips, as you might expect, as they try to reopen. We went up, never came down to baseline, and now it's surging back up. So it's a serious situation that we have to address immediately."
Fauci warned Congress last week that new coronavirus infections could increase to 100,000 a day if the nation doesn’t get its surge of cases under control.
The White House Coronavirus Task Force has all but halted public briefings, and President Donald Trump's administration has offered conflicting messaging on everything from the existence of the surge to how individuals should respond.
Trump claimed during his Fourth of July remarks that 99% of coronavirus cases are "totally harmless."


usatoday--2020-07-07--Blackout Day 2020: Economic protest encourages supporting Black-owned businesses

Blackout Day comes amid calls for social justice and racial equality .

Blackout Day 2020 rallies behind Black-owned businesses
Blackout Day comes amid calls for social justice and racial equality.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-07--Trump administration plans to withdraw US from World Health Organization

President Trump officially plans to withdraw US from WHO Congress received formal notification of the decision after President Trump announced @ @ @ @ @ U.S. relationship with WHO .

President Trump officially plans to withdraw US from WHO
Congress received formal notification of the decision after President Trump announced his intention to end the U.S. relationship with WHO.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-07-08--Want a cheap mortgage? Move to these cities

When the coronavirus pandemic began battering the global economy in March , Brittney Stroh , 32 , began shopping around to refinance her mortgage for a second time in Colorado Springs .
Stroh , a school administrator at Atlas Preparatory School , reached out to Security Service Federal Credit Union , her lender at the time , which offered her a 2.5 % rate , down from 3.85 % .
But they wanted $ 4,000 in closing costs .
Then she sought options with Wells Fargo to see whether she could save more money by refinancing with them , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She eventually settled on a 2.63 % rate with Ent Credit Union on a 15-year mortgage , which knocked $ 95 off her monthly payment .
“ We were really excited to snag a lower rate , ” Stroh says , adding that her husband is an athletic director .
“ We ’ re really fortunate because we work in education , so our jobs are fairly secure .
But budget cuts are coming from the state , so no job is absolutely safe .
For us , it ’ s always been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible.
” House hunting hurdles : COVID has n't stopped the housing market , but good luck finding a home you can afford A dream home , a vintage school bus and quirky roller skates : Here 's what couples are buying with their pandemic wedding funds Stroh isn ’ t alone .
When it comes to scoring the best mortgage rate , geography matters .
Metropolitan areas with a higher concentration of banks tend to have lower mortgage rates for borrowers than those metros with fewer banks , according to a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that provides homeowners with additional liquidity .
There is a more than 0.75 % spread across lenders and a 0.35 % spread across metropolitan areas for identical borrowers , the study showed .
Haus analyzed more than 8.5 million mortgage originations from Freddie Mac between 2012 and 2018 .
Why the variation ?
It ’ s typically due to supply and demand , experts say .
Markets with higher rates tend to have fewer banks , while markets with lower rates tend to be in markets with more banks .
And the level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prove to be vital for savings if borrowers choose to use locally based institutions .
For Americans looking for a lower mortgage rate , borrowers have better success shopping around than trying to improve their credit profile , according to Ralph McLaughlin , chief economist at Haus .
That ’ s because the variation in mortgage rates is driven much more immediately by lender and property location than by reasonable borrower improvements in credit score , debt-to-income and down payment amounts , McLaughlin says .
“ For those looking to take advantage of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do is shop around , ” McLaughlin says .
“ You can ’ t do a lot in the short run to raise your credit score to get a lower mortgage rate .
But what you can easily do is shop around online , and that often times can lead to much cheaper rates.
” The cheapest vs. most expensive cities and lenders Some of the variation among rates is due to the level of bank concentration in a given market , which suggests that some borrowers in markets with low concentrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is more than a 0.45 % spread across metropolitan areas , data from Haus showed .
Homebuyers or refinancers in Dubuque , Iowa ; Springfield , Illinois ; and Lima , Ohio , had the cheapest rates , with discounts of 0.23 % , 0.18 % and 0.16 % , respectively .
The most expensive rates were in Sandusky , Ohio ; McAllen , Texas ; and Danville , Virginia .
The biggest discounts typically were among smaller banks and credit unions .
The two least expensive lenders — New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are , on average , about 0.75 % less expensive than the two most expensive lenders — Citizens National Bank and Texas Capital Bank .
Rounding out the five least expensive lenders were USAA , PHH and Provident .
Rounding out the five most expensive were Plaza Home Mortgage , Pacific Union Financial and GMAC Mortgage .
What borrowers should do The best way for homebuyers and existing homeowners to lower their mortgage rate is to seek options among multiple lenders , experts advise .
Rate shopping won ’ t ding a credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard inquiry , borrowers typically have two weeks to have additional hard inquiries without any further degradation to their credit , he added .
A hard inquiry occurs when a lender checks a borrower ’ s credit report to determine how much risk they pose .
It shows up on a credit report and can affect a credit score .
The biggest return to improving a credit score is by moving from “ Bad , ” or below 650 , to “ Good , ” between 700 to 749 .
That , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is 0.34 % lower , according to Haus .
Still , moving from “ Good ” to “ Very Good ” ( 750-799 ) or “ Excellent ” ( above 800 ) would yield a reduction of only 0.08 % and 0.09 % , respectively .
“ People think this is a long process , '' Stroh says , `` But after going through two refinances , the time invested is so little compared with the savings .
”

Want a cheap mortgage? Move to these cities
Show Caption Hide Caption Finances: How to get rent, mortgage relief The federal government CARES Act and various cities and banks are offering relief. Here's what you should know. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
When the coronavirus pandemic began battering the global economy in March, Brittney Stroh, 32, began shopping around to refinance her mortgage for a second time in Colorado Springs.
Stroh, a school administrator at Atlas Preparatory School, reached out to Security Service Federal Credit Union, her lender at the time, which offered her a 2.5% rate, down from 3.85%. But they wanted $4,000 in closing costs. Then she sought options with Wells Fargo to see whether she could save more money by refinancing with them, but rates hovered just above 3%.
She eventually settled on a 2.63% rate with Ent Credit Union on a 15-year mortgage, which knocked $95 off her monthly payment.
Save better, spend better: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here
“We were really excited to snag a lower rate,” Stroh says, adding that her husband is an athletic director. “We’re really fortunate because we work in education, so our jobs are fairly secure. But budget cuts are coming from the state, so no job is absolutely safe. For us, it’s always been about keeping our expenses as low as possible.”
Stroh isn’t alone. When it comes to scoring the best mortgage rate, geography matters.
Metropolitan areas with a higher concentration of banks tend to have lower mortgage rates for borrowers than those metros with fewer banks, according to a new report from Haus, a home-financing startup that provides homeowners with additional liquidity.
There is a more than 0.75% spread across lenders and a 0.35% spread across metropolitan areas for identical borrowers, the study showed. Haus analyzed more than 8.5 million mortgage originations from Freddie Mac between 2012 and 2018.
Why the variation? It’s typically due to supply and demand, experts say.
Markets with higher rates tend to have fewer banks, while markets with lower rates tend to be in markets with more banks. And the level of bank concentration in a market could prove to be vital for savings if borrowers choose to use locally based institutions.
House hunting hurdles: COVID hasn't stopped the housing market, but good luck finding a home you can afford
A dream home, a vintage school bus and quirky roller skates: Here's what couples are buying with their pandemic wedding funds
For Americans looking for a lower mortgage rate, borrowers have better success shopping around than trying to improve their credit profile, according to Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at Haus.
That’s because the variation in mortgage rates is driven much more immediately by lender and property location than by reasonable borrower improvements in credit score, debt-to-income and down payment amounts, McLaughlin says.
“For those looking to take advantage of low rates, the best thing they can do is shop around,” McLaughlin says. “You can’t do a lot in the short run to raise your credit score to get a lower mortgage rate. But what you can easily do is shop around online, and that often times can lead to much cheaper rates.”
The cheapest vs. most expensive cities and lenders
Some of the variation among rates is due to the level of bank concentration in a given market, which suggests that some borrowers in markets with low concentrations of banks may benefit from rate shopping.
There is more than a 0.45% spread across metropolitan areas, data from Haus showed. Homebuyers or refinancers in Dubuque, Iowa; Springfield, Illinois; and Lima, Ohio, had the cheapest rates, with discounts of 0.23%, 0.18% and 0.16%, respectively. The most expensive rates were in Sandusky, Ohio; McAllen, Texas; and Danville, Virginia.
The biggest discounts typically were among smaller banks and credit unions.
The two least expensive lenders — New York Community Bank and Chicago Mortgage Solutions — are, on average, about 0.75% less expensive than the two most expensive lenders — Citizens National Bank and Texas Capital Bank. Rounding out the five least expensive lenders were USAA, PHH and Provident. Rounding out the five most expensive were Plaza Home Mortgage, Pacific Union Financial and GMAC Mortgage.
What borrowers should do
The best way for homebuyers and existing homeowners to lower their mortgage rate is to seek options among multiple lenders, experts advise.
Rate shopping won’t ding a credit score, McLaughlin says. After a hard inquiry, borrowers typically have two weeks to have additional hard inquiries without any further degradation to their credit, he added. A hard inquiry occurs when a lender checks a borrower’s credit report to determine how much risk they pose. It shows up on a credit report and can affect a credit score.
The biggest return to improving a credit score is by moving from “Bad,” or below 650, to “Good,” between 700 to 749. That, on average, should yield a mortgage rate that is 0.34% lower, according to Haus. Still, moving from “Good” to “Very Good” (750-799) or “Excellent” (above 800) would yield a reduction of only 0.08% and 0.09%, respectively.
“People think this is a long process," Stroh says, "But after going through two refinances, the time invested is so little compared with the savings.”