usatoday--2020-05-19--Michael Flynn asks appeals court to intervene in his case and assign him to a different judge

WASHINGTON – Michael Flynn is asking a federal appeals court to force the dismissal of his case and to assign him to a different judge , saying the one who 's been overseeing it has abused his discretion .
Flynn 's attorneys on Tuesday asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C .
Circuit to order U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan to dismiss Flynn 's case , as prosecutors have requested .
They took special issue with Sullivan 's appointment of a retired judge to challenge the Justice Department 's move to abandon the prosecution and to examine whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declaring his innocence from a crime he had earlier admitted .
`` The district court has no authority to adopt the role of prosecutor or change the issues in the case by inviting or appointing ( a representative ) to perform the investigation or prosecution that the court deems appropriate , '' Flynn 's lawyers argued .
`` The district court order appointing an amicus is both unauthorized and bespeaks a disturbing lack of appreciation of the court ’ s limited role when confronted with a motion to dismiss by the government in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saga : Retired judge to examine if Michael Flynn should be held in contempt , challenge DOJ 's bid to drop case The appeal is the latest escalation in what has become a confrontational and long-standing criminal case of President Donald Trump 's former national security adviser .
Flynn , one of half a dozen Trump campaign aides and allies who were prosecuted as a result of the special counsel Russia investigation , pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communications with a former Russian ambassador .
He later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trapping him into making false statements and not disclosing evidence that would 've exonerated him .
The Justice Department under Attorney General William Barr , who has tapped an outside prosecutor to review Flynn 's case , later announced its intention to abandon the prosecution .
The department said the January 2017 interview during which Flynn made false statements to the FBI was `` unjustified . ''
The interview did not have `` a legitimate investigative basis , '' making Flynn 's statements irrelevant `` even if untrue , '' the department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Sullivan appointed retired federal judge John Gleeson to argue against dropping the case and to assess whether Flynn should be held in contempt for perjury .
Judge delays ruling : Judge in Michael Flynn case delaying decision on DOJ request to abandon prosecution Flynn 's attorneys said Sullivan did not have the authority to appoint a third party .
They also said the judge ca n't deny the motion to dismiss the case , saying the Justice Department has `` sole authority '' to drop its prosecution .
`` The district judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue the case indefinitely , rubbing salt in General Flynn ’ s open wound from the Government ’ s misconduct and threatening him with criminal contempt , '' the attorneys wrote .
The attorneys escalated attacks on Sullivan , calling him `` an umpire '' who wants `` to steal public attention from the players . ''
They revived the judge 's blistering rebuke of the former Army general during a 2018 sentencing hearing to make the case that Sullivan is n't impartial toward Flynn .
`` Arguably you sold your country out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearing that was later postponed .
They also attacked Gleeson , suggesting that the appointed amicus had already signaled his bias against Flynn in a Washington Post op-ed published soon after prosecutors announced their intent to drop the case .
Flynn 's attorneys said Gleeson 's article `` excoriated '' the government 's position when it suggested that it sought to make Sullivan `` a party to corruption . ''
'Total exoneration ' : Trump says new FBI notes exonerate Michael Flynn , analysts say that 's not the case '' The government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appended to its motion , '' Flynn 's lawyers argued .
`` Nothing in the record casts doubt on the Government ’ s reasons for moving to dismiss . ''
In the op-ed , which Gleeson co-authored with two other former Justice Department officials , the retired judge said the effort to dismiss Flynn 's case `` reeks of improper political influence . ''
The article also asserted that Sullivan has an obligation to scrutize the government 's attempt to drop the case , quoting the Supreme Court : `` The waters of @ @ @ @ @ @

Kristine Phillips and Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

Michael Flynn asks appeals court to intervene in his case and assign him to a different judge
Show Caption Hide Caption Justice Department dropping its case against Gen. Michael Flynn The DOJ will drop the criminal case against Gen. Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI about contact with a Russian Ambassador. Flynn pleaded guilty. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Michael Flynn is asking a federal appeals court to force the dismissal of his case and to assign him to a different judge, saying the one who's been overseeing it has abused his discretion.
Flynn's attorneys on Tuesday asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to order U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan to dismiss Flynn's case, as prosecutors have requested. They took special issue with Sullivan's appointment of a retired judge to challenge the Justice Department's move to abandon the prosecution and to examine whether the former Army general committed perjury for declaring his innocence from a crime he had earlier admitted. The appeals court on Thursday asked Sullivan to respond to Flynn.
"The district court has no authority to adopt the role of prosecutor or change the issues in the case by inviting or appointing (a representative) to perform the investigation or prosecution that the court deems appropriate," Flynn's lawyers argued. "The district court order appointing an amicus is both unauthorized and bespeaks a disturbing lack of appreciation of the court’s limited role when confronted with a motion to dismiss by the government in a criminal case."
The Flynn saga: Retired judge to examine if Michael Flynn should be held in contempt, challenge DOJ's bid to drop case
The appeal is the latest escalation in what has become a confrontational and long-standing criminal case of President Donald Trump's former national security adviser. Flynn, one of half a dozen Trump campaign aides and allies who were prosecuted as a result of the special counsel Russia investigation, pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communications with a former Russian ambassador. He later reversed course, accusing Justice Department officials of trapping him into making false statements and not disclosing evidence that would've exonerated him.
The Justice Department under Attorney General William Barr, who has tapped an outside prosecutor to review Flynn's case, later announced its intention to abandon the prosecution. The department said the January 2017 interview during which Flynn made false statements to the FBI was "unjustified." The interview did not have "a legitimate investigative basis," making Flynn's statements irrelevant "even if untrue," the department argued.
Instead of granting the dismissal, Sullivan appointed retired federal judge John Gleeson to argue against dropping the case and to assess whether Flynn should be held in contempt for perjury.
'Brick by brick': Michael Flynn case continues DOJ's dismantling of Robert Mueller's investigation
Judge delays ruling: Judge in Michael Flynn case delaying decision on DOJ request to abandon prosecution
Flynn's attorneys said Sullivan did not have the authority to appoint a third party. They also said the judge can't deny the motion to dismiss the case, saying the Justice Department has "sole authority" to drop its prosecution.
"The district judge’s orders reveal his plan to continue the case indefinitely, rubbing salt in General Flynn’s open wound from the Government’s misconduct and threatening him with criminal contempt," the attorneys wrote.
President Trump claims Michael Flynn exonerated by FBI notes President Trump says newly released FBI notes show that Gen. Michael Flynn was unfairly ousted. During a White House event, Trump fielded questions. USA TODAY
The attorneys escalated attacks on Sullivan, calling him "an umpire" who wants "to steal public attention from the players." They revived the judge's blistering rebuke of the former Army general during a 2018 sentencing hearing to make the case that Sullivan isn't impartial toward Flynn.
"Arguably you sold your country out," Sullivan told Flynn during the hearing that was later postponed.
They also attacked Gleeson, suggesting that the appointed amicus had already signaled his bias against Flynn in a Washington Post op-ed published soon after prosecutors announced their intent to drop the case. Flynn's attorneys said Gleeson's article "excoriated" the government's position when it suggested that it sought to make Sullivan "a party to corruption."
'Total exoneration': Trump says new FBI notes exonerate Michael Flynn, analysts say that's not the case
"The government has amply supported its assertions with documents appended to its motion," Flynn's lawyers argued. "Nothing in the record casts doubt on the Government’s reasons for moving to dismiss."
In the op-ed, which Gleeson co-authored with two other former Justice Department officials, the retired judge said the effort to dismiss Flynn's case "reeks of improper political influence." The article also asserted that Sullivan has an obligation to scrutize the government's attempt to drop the case, quoting the Supreme Court: "The waters of justice are not polluted."


usatoday--2020-05-19--Report: Trump won't unveil Obama's official White House portrait anytime soon

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will not be unveiling his predecessor Barack Obama ’ s official White House portrait , a report says .
NBC first reported that the event to unveil Obama 's official portrait was n't currently on the calendar , and may not even occur while Trump is in office , including potentially throughout the duration of a second term if he wins re-election .
This would mean `` it could be 2025 '' before Obama 's portrait unveiling happens , the report states , despite Obama leaving office in 2017 .
The tradition of first-term presidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many administrations and is supposed to represent a rare moment of harmony and camaraderie in Washington .
Whitmer : I had 'conversation ' with Biden campaign about vice presidency Most recently , Obama hosted former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush for the unveiling of their official portraits .
During that ceremony , Obama said , `` We may have our differences politically , but the presidency transcends those differences . ''
The 45th and 44th presidents have broken some precedents as their relationship has remained tense through Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escalated even more in the past few weeks .
More : Trump says if Pompeo 's 'wife is n't there ' a staffer should do the dishes so he can work Trump has repeatedly accused Obama of unjustly targeting his associates in what he calls `` Obamagate , '' and has called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to call his predecessor to testify in hearings about the origins of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election .
Trump , however , has yet to explain what crime he thinks Obama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` committed the biggest political crime in American history . ''
Barr : Obama , Biden not under criminal investigation despite Trump 's claims NBC also reported that Obama has “ no interest ” in taking part in the portrait tradition while Trump occupies the White House .
Obama , who has usually remained quiet about Trump since leaving the White House , has taken some veiled swipes in recent weeks during the coronavirus pandemic .
Addressing a virtual event Saturday for historically black colleges and universities , Obama said many U.S. leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in charge '' during the pandemic .
About a week ago , Obama called the response to the coronavirus pandemic an `` absolute chaotic disaster '' in a call with 3,000 people who served in his administration .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , said Obama `` should have kept his mouth shut '' over the Trump administration 's handling of coronavirus , continuing that he thinks `` it 's a little bit classless , frankly , to critique an administration that comes after you . ''
Obama and Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since Trump 's Inauguration Day , and that was at the funeral for President George H.W .
Bush in 2018 .
During a Fox News town hall , Trump said of their interaction : `` Sat next to him , and I said , 'Hello . '
And then I said , 'goodbye . '
That 's about it . ''
' I think she 's a waste of time ' : Trump dismisses Nancy Pelosi calling him 'morbidly obese' The official White House portraits are different from the portraits that hang in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' were particularly popular in the nation 's capital after their unveiling in February 2018 , prompting a record number of visitors .
The most recent president to not attend a official portrait unveiling was Jimmy Carter , who requested not to have a ceremony .
According to the report , the portrait process for the Obama 's `` stalled '' in 2017 , after they went through the process of selecting the artist , and finalizing a contract .
Both a spokesperson for Obama and the White House declined to comment to @ @

Report: Trump won't unveil Obama's official White House portrait anytime soon
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump will reportedly not unveil Obama's White House portrait Former President Barack Obama has "no interest" in taking part in the portrait tradition while Trump is in office, a report says. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump will not be unveiling his predecessor Barack Obama’s official White House portrait, a report says.
NBC first reported that the event to unveil Obama's official portrait wasn't currently on the calendar, and may not even occur while Trump is in office, including potentially throughout the duration of a second term if he wins re-election.
This would mean "it could be 2025" before Obama's portrait unveiling happens, the report states, despite Obama leaving office in 2017.
The tradition of first-term presidents hosting their predecessor dates back decades through many administrations and is supposed to represent a rare moment of harmony and camaraderie in Washington.
Whitmer: I had 'conversation' with Biden campaign about vice presidency
Most recently, Obama hosted former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush for the unveiling of their official portraits.
During that ceremony, Obama said, "We may have our differences politically, but the presidency transcends those differences."
The 45th and 44th presidents have broken some precedents as their relationship has remained tense through Trump's tenure thus far, and has escalated even more in the past few weeks.
More: Trump says if Pompeo's 'wife isn't there' a staffer should do the dishes so he can work
Trump has repeatedly accused Obama of unjustly targeting his associates in what he calls "Obamagate," and has called on the Senate Judiciary Committee to call his predecessor to testify in hearings about the origins of the investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
Trump, however, has yet to explain what crime he thinks Obama committed specifically, but said his predecessor "committed the biggest political crime in American history."
Barr: Obama, Biden not under criminal investigation despite Trump's claims
NBC also reported that Obama has “no interest” in taking part in the portrait tradition while Trump occupies the White House.
Obama, who has usually remained quiet about Trump since leaving the White House, has taken some veiled swipes in recent weeks during the coronavirus pandemic.
Addressing a virtual event Saturday for historically black colleges and universities, Obama said many U.S. leaders "aren’t even pretending to be in charge" during the pandemic.
About a week ago, Obama called the response to the coronavirus pandemic an "absolute chaotic disaster" in a call with 3,000 people who served in his administration.
Reporter challenges Trump claims about 'Obamagate' A reporter from the Washington Post challenged President Donald Trump about his accusation over the weekend that former President Barack Obama, "committed the biggest political crime in American history." (May 11) AP
More: Democrats outline election plan to make health care their top issue amid coronavirus
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Obama "should have kept his mouth shut" over the Trump administration's handling of coronavirus, continuing that he thinks "it's a little bit classless, frankly, to critique an administration that comes after you."
Obama and Trump have reportedly only met once in person since Trump's Inauguration Day, and that was at the funeral for President George H.W. Bush in 2018.
During a Fox News town hall, Trump said of their interaction: "Sat next to him, and I said, 'Hello.' And then I said, 'goodbye.' That's about it."
'I think she's a waste of time': Trump dismisses Nancy Pelosi calling him 'morbidly obese'
The official White House portraits are different from the portraits that hang in the National Portrait Gallery. The Obamas' were particularly popular in the nation's capital after their unveiling in February 2018, prompting a record number of visitors.
The most recent president to not attend a official portrait unveiling was Jimmy Carter, who requested not to have a ceremony.
According to the report, the portrait process for the Obama's "stalled" in 2017, after they went through the process of selecting the artist, and finalizing a contract.
Both a spokesperson for Obama and the White House declined to comment to NBC.
Contributing: Doug Stanglin, Joel Shannon, Sara M Moniuszko, Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY; Billy Kobin, Louisville Courier Journal


usatoday--2020-05-19--House tells Supreme Court its investigation into possible impeachable offenses isn't over

WASHINGTON – House Democrats told the Supreme Court that it needs grand jury evidence from the Russia probe as they continue to investigate whether President Donald Trump had committed additional impeachable offenses .
In a court filing Monday , the House Judiciary Committee said the secret grand jury evidence gathered by former special counsel Robert Mueller 's Russia investigation `` is central '' to its inquiry into possible obstruction of justice by the president .
`` If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses ... the Committee will proceed accordingly – including , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommend new articles of impeachment , '' Douglas Letter , the House 's general counsel , wrote .
Letter said the committee is also looking into improper political influence in the Justice Department 's handling of the cases of Roger Stone and Michael Flynn , two presidential allies who were indicted as a result of the Mueller investigation .
Court sides with Congress : DC appeals court allows release of secret Mueller grand jury testimony to Congress The Justice Department has argued the House committee is n't entitled to grand jury evidence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific testimony it needs access to or how it would help its investigation into potential obstruction by the president .
`` Not only does the public have an interest in protecting grand-jury secrecy , but ( the House committee ) has provided no basis to conclude that it has urgent need of the requested materials for a hypothetical second impeachment , '' Solicitor Noel Francisco wrote .
House Democrats and the Justice Department have been locked in a legal battle over the grand jury evidence .
In March , a federal appeals court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House committee is entitled to the evidence .
The Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court to review the lower court 's ruling .
Letter told the Supreme Court that the committee still needs the grand jury material even if the impeachment proceedings , which focused on the Trump administration 's dealings with Ukraine , have concluded .
`` The Committee ’ s investigation did not cease with the conclusion of the impeachment trial , '' Letter wrote .
The House committee 's investigation focuses on instances of possible obstruction of justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released last year .
A separate but related subpoena seeks testimony from former White House counsel Donald McGahn , a key witness on possible obstruction by Trump .
The Trump administration has blocked McGahn from testifying , saying Congress ca n't force high-ranking presidential aides to testify .
In February , a three-judge appeals court panel ruled that McGahn does not have to testify , saying the judiciary ca n't be an `` ombudsman '' who resolves disputes between the executive and legislative branches of government .
The full appeals reheard the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Letter suggested that the committee 's investigation has expanded to include the Justice Department 's handling of the cases of Stone and Flynn .
Separation of powers : Trump administration faces tough questions from federal court in separation of powers disputes with Congress The department was met with swift backlash in February after it backed away from a stiff prison recommendation for Stone , who was convicted in November of lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation to protect Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign .
Four career attorneys who prosecuted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Justice Department , again , sparked a political firestorm when it sought to drop the prosecution of Flynn , Trump 's former national security adviser .
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communications with a former Russian ambassador .
Flynn later reversed course , claiming investigators trapped him into making a false statement .
Last week , U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan tapped a retired federal judge to challenge the Justice Department 's bid to dismiss Flynn 's case and to address whether the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a crime he had earlier admitted .

House tells Supreme Court its investigation into possible impeachable offenses isn't over
Show Caption Hide Caption Chairman Nadler: Fight is 'not just about Mueller report' During the House Judiciary Committee meeting, Chairman Nadler said Congress' fight is "not just about the Mueller report." USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – House Democrats told the Supreme Court that it needs grand jury evidence from the Russia probe as they continue to investigate whether President Donald Trump had committed additional impeachable offenses.
In a court filing Monday, the House Judiciary Committee said the secret grand jury evidence gathered by former special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation "is central" to its inquiry into possible obstruction of justice by the president. "If this material reveals new evidence supporting the conclusion that President Trump committed impeachable offenses ... the Committee will proceed accordingly – including, if necessary, by considering whether to recommend new articles of impeachment," Douglas Letter, the House's general counsel, wrote.
Letter said the committee is also looking into improper political influence in the Justice Department's handling of the cases of Roger Stone and Michael Flynn, two presidential allies who were indicted as a result of the Mueller investigation.
Court sides with Congress: DC appeals court allows release of secret Mueller grand jury testimony to Congress
The Justice Department has argued the House committee isn't entitled to grand jury evidence, saying it has failed to explain which specific testimony it needs access to or how it would help its investigation into potential obstruction by the president.
"Not only does the public have an interest in protecting grand-jury secrecy, but (the House committee) has provided no basis to conclude that it has urgent need of the requested materials for a hypothetical second impeachment," Solicitor General Noel Francisco wrote.
House Democrats and the Justice Department have been locked in a legal battle over the grand jury evidence. In March, a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., ruled that the House committee is entitled to the evidence. The Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court to review the lower court's ruling.
Letter told the Supreme Court that the committee still needs the grand jury material even if the impeachment proceedings, which focused on the Trump administration's dealings with Ukraine, have concluded.
"The Committee’s investigation did not cease with the conclusion of the impeachment trial," Letter wrote.
The House committee's investigation focuses on instances of possible obstruction of justice detailed in Mueller's voluminous report, released last year. A separate but related subpoena seeks testimony from former White House counsel Donald McGahn, a key witness on possible obstruction by Trump. The Trump administration has blocked McGahn from testifying, saying Congress can't force high-ranking presidential aides to testify.
In February, a three-judge appeals court panel ruled that McGahn does not have to testify, saying the judiciary can't be an "ombudsman" who resolves disputes between the executive and legislative branches of government. The full appeals reheard the case last month.
In the Monday filing, Letter suggested that the committee's investigation has expanded to include the Justice Department's handling of the cases of Stone and Flynn.
Separation of powers: Trump administration faces tough questions from federal court in separation of powers disputes with Congress
The department was met with swift backlash in February after it backed away from a stiff prison recommendation for Stone, who was convicted in November of lying to Congress and obstructing the Russia investigation to protect Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign. Four career attorneys who prosecuted Stone left the case in apparent protest.
The Justice Department, again, sparked a political firestorm when it sought to drop the prosecution of Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser. Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communications with a former Russian ambassador. Flynn later reversed course, claiming investigators trapped him into making a false statement.
Last week, U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan tapped a retired federal judge to challenge the Justice Department's bid to dismiss Flynn's case and to address whether the former Army general committed perjury after claiming innocence from a crime he had earlier admitted.


usatoday--2020-05-19--New polls show Biden leading Trump in key states of Arizona, Florida and Virginia

Former Vice President Joe Biden , the presumptive Democratic nominee to take on President Donald Trump on Nov. 3 , leads in three key battleground states , according to separate polls released Tuesday .
Biden , who also maintains a lead in national polling , leads Trump in Arizona , Florida and Virginia – two of which Trump won in 2016 .
A survey of 600 likely voters in Arizona conducted from May 9-11 by OH Predictive Insights found Biden leading Trump 50 % to 43 % in the state .
In 2016 , Trump beat former Secretary of State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points .
OH Predictive Insights also found Democrat Mark Kelly leading Republican incumbent Sen. Martha McSally , 51 % to 38 % , in a closely watched Senate race .
A Democrat has n't won the presidential contest in Arizona since Bill Clinton in 1996 .
In Florida , a poll of 2,149 likely voters conducted from May 14-17 by Point Blank Political found Biden leading Trump by a more narrow margin , 52.3 % -47.7 % , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candidates were included in the poll , Biden 's 4.6-percentage-point lead shrunk to 0.6 .
In 2016 , Trump beat Clinton in Florida by 1.3 percentage points .
If Biden is able to wrest the state from the president in November , it will likely be due to his stronger support among independent voters .
Clinton lost those voters by 4 percentage points in 2016 but Biden is lead Trump among them , 44.4 % -36.5 % , according to the poll .
Barack Obama won Florida in both the 2008 and 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of error of plus or minus 3.5 % .
Clinton beat Trump in Virginia by nearly 5 percentage points in 2016 and Biden is poised to perform even better , according to The Roanoke College Poll .
That survey of 563 potential voters conducted from May 3-17 found Biden leading Trump in Virginia by a 12-point margin , 51 % -39 % .
The poll also found Virginia 's Democratic incumbent Sen. Mark Warner with a comfortable , 48 % -31 % lead over a generic Republican candidate in his bid for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of error was plus or minus 4.1 % .

New polls show Biden leading Trump in key states of Arizona, Florida and Virginia
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden's vice presidential candidate: 6 possibilities The former vice president will soon begin the process of selecting a running mate as the Democratic primary nears its end. USA TODAY
Former Vice President Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee to take on President Donald Trump on Nov. 3, leads in three key battleground states, according to separate polls released Tuesday.
Biden, who also maintains a lead in national polling, leads Trump in Arizona, Florida and Virginia – two of which Trump won in 2016.
Arizona
A survey of 600 likely voters in Arizona conducted from May 9-11 by OH Predictive Insights found Biden leading Trump 50% to 43% in the state. In 2016, Trump beat former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton there by 3.5 percentage points.
That poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
OH Predictive Insights also found Democrat Mark Kelly leading Republican incumbent Sen. Martha McSally, 51% to 38%, in a closely watched Senate race. A Democrat hasn't won the presidential contest in Arizona since Bill Clinton in 1996.
Florida
In Florida, a poll of 2,149 likely voters conducted from May 14-17 by Point Blank Political found Biden leading Trump by a more narrow margin, 52.3%-47.7%, in a head-to-head matchup. But when third-party candidates were included in the poll, Biden's 4.6-percentage-point lead shrunk to 0.6.
In 2016, Trump beat Clinton in Florida by 1.3 percentage points. If Biden is able to wrest the state from the president in November, it will likely be due to his stronger support among independent voters. Clinton lost those voters by 4 percentage points in 2016 but Biden is lead Trump among them, 44.4%-36.5%, according to the poll.
Barack Obama won Florida in both the 2008 and 2012 elections. The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5%.
Virginia
Clinton beat Trump in Virginia by nearly 5 percentage points in 2016 and Biden is poised to perform even better, according to The Roanoke College Poll.
That survey of 563 potential voters conducted from May 3-17 found Biden leading Trump in Virginia by a 12-point margin, 51%-39%.
The poll also found Virginia's Democratic incumbent Sen. Mark Warner with a comfortable, 48%-31% lead over a generic Republican candidate in his bid for a third term.
That poll's margin of error was plus or minus 4.1%.


usatoday--2020-05-19--Whitmer: I had 'conversation' with Biden campaign about vice presidency

DETROIT – Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer has had `` a conversation with some folks '' connected to former Vice President Joe Biden 's campaign about being his running mate , but stopped short of saying she is being seriously vetted for the job , she told a TV audience Tuesday .
Responding to a question put to her on NBC 's `` Today '' show about whether the vetting to be Biden 's vice presidential nominee has begun , Whitmer mentioned the conversation briefly before quickly adding , `` All of my energy is going into this crisis , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed nearly 5,000 people in Michigan since March .
Biden , who won Michigan 's March 10 primary and is the presumptive Democratic nominee to face Republican President Donald Trump in November , said nearly two months ago that Whitmer — the governor of a state Trump won by two-tenths of 1 % of the vote four years ago — was on his list of potential running mates .
But Whitmer 's comments to `` Today '' news host Craig Melvin were among the first in which she has suggested vetting has started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her about it .
When he asked if she could provide more details about the discussions , Whitmer described it as `` an opening conversation and ... not something I could call a professional , formalized vetting . ''
More : Whitmer says stay-at-home order prevented 3,500 more deaths , urges people to stay inside More : Gov .
Whitmer to allow partial reopening of northern Michigan , starting Friday She said she was `` making a little bit of time to stay connected to the campaign , '' but that her overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job as governor `` the honor of a lifetime . ''
Whitmer has clearly raised her national profile in recent months , however .
Last week , she had appearances on CNN and ABC 's `` The View '' and joined an online discussion with Biden and two other governors about the response to coronavirus .
On Monday , she appeared on NBC 's `` Late Night with Seth Meyers , '' saying protests against her stay-at-home orders , where some have displayed Confederate flags and firearms , do n't represent the real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan , have criticized Whitmer for her TV appearances , saying she is auditioning for the vice presidential nomination .
Biden made clear in March he would pick a woman to be his running mate .
Among those expected to be up for consideration are U.S. Sens .
Kamala Harris of California , Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts , Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota ; former Georgia state House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams and others .
Contact Todd Spangler attspangler @ freepress.com .
Follow him on Twitter @ tsspangler .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for ourelections newsletter .

Whitmer: I had 'conversation' with Biden campaign about vice presidency
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden's vice presidential candidate: 6 possibilities The former vice president will soon begin the process of selecting a running mate as the Democratic primary nears its end. USA TODAY
DETROIT – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has had "a conversation with some folks" connected to former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign about being his running mate, but stopped short of saying she is being seriously vetted for the job, she told a TV audience Tuesday.
Responding to a question put to her on NBC's "Today" show about whether the vetting to be Biden's vice presidential nominee has begun, Whitmer mentioned the conversation briefly before quickly adding, "All of my energy is going into this crisis," referring to the coronavirus pandemic which has killed nearly 5,000 people in Michigan since March.
Biden, who won Michigan's March 10 primary and is the presumptive Democratic nominee to face Republican President Donald Trump in November, said nearly two months ago that Whitmer — the governor of a state Trump won by two-tenths of 1% of the vote four years ago — was on his list of potential running mates.
.@CraigMelvin asks MI @GovWhitmer about being a possible choice as vice president on #JoeBiden's ticket.
"I'm making a little bit of time to stay connected to the campaign but the most important thing I have to do right now is be the governor of my home state." pic.twitter.com/pEJC6XvEkJ — 3rd Hour of TODAY (@3rdHourTODAY) May 19, 2020
But Whitmer's comments to "Today" news host Craig Melvin were among the first in which she has suggested vetting has started and that the campaign has talked to her about it. When he asked if she could provide more details about the discussions, Whitmer described it as "an opening conversation and ... not something I could call a professional, formalized vetting."
More: Whitmer says stay-at-home order prevented 3,500 more deaths, urges people to stay inside
More: Gov. Whitmer to allow partial reopening of northern Michigan, starting Friday
She said she was "making a little bit of time to stay connected to the campaign," but that her overall focus was on Michigan, calling her job as governor "the honor of a lifetime."
Whitmer has clearly raised her national profile in recent months, however. Last week, she had appearances on CNN and ABC's "The View" and joined an online discussion with Biden and two other governors about the response to coronavirus. On Monday, she appeared on NBC's "Late Night with Seth Meyers," saying protests against her stay-at-home orders, where some have displayed Confederate flags and firearms, don't represent the real Michigan.
.@GovWhitmer of MI talks to us about her recent plans to ease some stay-at-home restrictions.
"I'm not going to succumb to political pressure or political demonstrations... the fact of the matter is we have to listen to our epidemiologists...we have got to get this right." pic.twitter.com/HYtbXuNJDl — 3rd Hour of TODAY (@3rdHourTODAY) May 19, 2020
Republicans, especially those in Michigan, have criticized Whitmer for her TV appearances, saying she is auditioning for the vice presidential nomination.
Biden made clear in March he would pick a woman to be his running mate. Among those expected to be up for consideration are U.S. Sens. Kamala Harris of California, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota; former Georgia state House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams and others.
Contact Todd Spangler at tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @tsspangler. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.


usatoday--2020-05-19--Oregon Supreme Court stays lower court ruling that nullified governor's coronavirus measures

SALEM – Late Monday night , the Oregon Supreme Court hit the brakes on a Baker County judge 's order that had invalidated Gov .
Kate Brown 's executive actions to slow the coronavirus pandemic .
Baker County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Shirtcliff had ruled earlier Monday that Brown 's executive orders , which restricted public activities to reduce transmission of the virus , were `` null and void . ''
But about eight hours later , the Supreme Court issued a stay , which means Shirtcliff 's earlier order can not go into effect until the higher court considers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have decried the infringements on their personal and religious freedoms , as well as their ability to earn a living .
As Oregon 's highest court weighs the issue , measures across the country meant to enforce social distancing and slow the spread of the coronavirus – which has killed more than 90,000 people in the U.S. – are facing mounting legal challenges .
Last week , Wisconsin 's Supreme Court struck down similar orders imposed by Gov .
Tony Evers , the first time a statewide order of its kind has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resort .
That ruling forced the Democratic governor to work with the state legislature on future restrictions , but the Republicans who control the legislature have indicated they would rather leave the decisions to local officials .
On Tuesday , a federal District Court judge ordered the New York State Board of Elections to hold its June 23 presidential primary election after the Democratic commissioners canceled it out of concerns about COVID-19 , which has killed more than 22,000 people in the state .
The commissioners argued the election was unnecessary because Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judge Analisa Torres ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought by former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang .
Torres said canceling the election deprived voters of the right to select the Democratic delegates who would represent them at the Democratic National Convention .
`` Protecting the public from the spread of COVID-19 is an important state interest , '' Torres wrote .
`` But the Court is not convinced that canceling the presidential primary would meaningfully advance that interest – at least not to the degree as would justify the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting rights .
On March 25 , A New Hampshire court denied an emergency motion to overturn a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people .
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court refused April 13 to overturn restrictions from Gov .
Tom Wolf in a case from four businesses and an individual who had argued he didn ’ t have the authority to close the businesses .
How the feds are responding Attorney General William Barr has expressed support for the position of those challenging stay-at-home orders and other restrictions , telling conservative radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights don ’ t go away in an emergency . ''
The Department of Justice has sided with Virginia church in a federal lawsuit against Gov .
Ralph Northam 's order barring gatherings of 10 or more people .
A lawsuit was also brought against Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan 's stay-at-home order .
Maryland .
The state 's lawyers argued the measure was `` a rational and justified policy response to a public health threat . ''
But Hogan lifted the measure on his own Friday , without any court ruling .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ other governors have defended their orders as necessary measures for the health and safety of their residents .
`` From the beginning of this crisis , I have worked within my authority , using science and data as my guide , heeding the advice of medical experts , '' Brown said in a statement .
`` This strategy has saved lives and protected Oregonians from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic . ''
Through her orders , Brown had banned public gatherings of more than 10 people and taken other measures to prevent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of spreading the highly-contagious coronavirus .
Several dozen plaintiffs opposed to Brown 's orders , including state legislators and churches , filed a lawsuit against her on May 6 in Baker County Circuit Court .
Brown rapidly filed an appeal following Shirtcliff 's ruling against her , asking the court on Monday afternoon to issue a stay and to weigh in on the case .
`` The governor ’ s orders are not required for public safety when plaintiffs can continue to utilize social distancing and safety protocols at larger gatherings involving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and businesses deemed essential by the governor have been authorized to do , '' Shirtcliff wrote in an opinion published Monday .
The judge evaluated several legal factors .
Among them , the plaintiffs showed that they would face `` irreparable harm , '' because the restrictions on public gatherings would infringe upon their religious liberties , Shirtcliff wrote .
While some states have started allowing a wider range of public activities , there is concern from public health experts that there is not enough testing and tracing for the virus to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly groups of people gathering indoors .
There also have been several high-profile cases of outbreaks among religious congregations .
Asymptomatic people can also spread the virus unknowingly to others .
Many Americans have started to experience `` quarantine fatigue '' after two months of social isolation and economic devastation due to government measures meant to slow the spread of the virus .
But polls have shown that a majority still support social distancing restrictions and are wary of lifting them too quickly .
When asked what they thought of the measures taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 51 % of registered voters said they were reasonable and another 31 % said they were not strict enough , according to a survey by the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University and The Harris Poll .
Sixty-eight percent said they were more worried about the danger posed by reopening too soon than the economic consequences of staying locked down too long .
The Harvard/Harris poll , which was conducted from May 13-14 , found that 55 % thought shelter-in-place orders were still necessary and 45 % said we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such measures were no longer needed .
And as of a month ago , the vast majority of Oregonians supported the stay at home order .
In a statewide poll of 900 Oregonians conducted April 17-21 , the public opinion firm DHM Research , partnering with the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center – both nonpartisan – found that 82 % of Oregonians either strongly or somewhat supported the `` stay-at-home '' order .
Contributing : Bart Jansen , USA TODAY ; Molly Beck and Patrick Marley , Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ; The Associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Statesman Journal .
Follow her on Twitter @ kcwithycombe .
Follow USA TODAY 's William Cummings @ wwcummings .

William Cummings and Claire Withycombe, USA TODAY

Oregon Supreme Court stays lower court ruling that nullified governor's coronavirus measures
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus prevention: Avoid the handshake when you greet people As coronavirus spreads, people are getting more cautious and creative with their social interactions. USA TODAY
SALEM – Late Monday night, the Oregon Supreme Court hit the brakes on a Baker County judge's order that had invalidated Gov. Kate Brown's executive actions to slow the coronavirus pandemic.
Baker County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Shirtcliff had ruled earlier Monday that Brown's executive orders, which restricted public activities to reduce transmission of the virus, were "null and void." But about eight hours later, the Supreme Court issued a stay, which means Shirtcliff's earlier order cannot go into effect until the higher court considers the issue.
Opponents of the measures have decried the infringements on their personal and religious freedoms, as well as their ability to earn a living.
As Oregon's highest court weighs the issue, measures across the country meant to enforce social distancing and slow the spread of the coronavirus – which has killed more than 90,000 people in the U.S. – are facing mounting legal challenges.
Unrest over lockdowns: Ruling overturning Wisconsin stay-at-home order highlights widening US debate
A national trend
Last week, Wisconsin's Supreme Court struck down similar orders imposed by Gov. Tony Evers, the first time a statewide order of its kind has been knocked down by a court of last resort.
That ruling forced the Democratic governor to work with the state legislature on future restrictions, but the Republicans who control the legislature have indicated they would rather leave the decisions to local officials.
On Tuesday, a federal District Court judge ordered the New York State Board of Elections to hold its June 23 presidential primary election after the Democratic commissioners canceled it out of concerns about COVID-19, which has killed more than 22,000 people in the state.
The commissioners argued the election was unnecessary because Biden was the sole remaining candidate, but Judge Analisa Torres ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit brought by former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang. Torres said canceling the election deprived voters of the right to select the Democratic delegates who would represent them at the Democratic National Convention.
"Protecting the public from the spread of COVID-19 is an important state interest," Torres wrote. "But the Court is not convinced that canceling the presidential primary would meaningfully advance that interest – at least not to the degree as would justify the burdensome impingement" of the plaintiff's voting rights.
On March 25, A New Hampshire court denied an emergency motion to overturn a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court refused April 13 to overturn restrictions from Gov. Tom Wolf in a case from four businesses and an individual who had argued he didn’t have the authority to close the businesses.
How the feds are responding
Attorney General William Barr has expressed support for the position of those challenging stay-at-home orders and other restrictions, telling conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, "federal constitutional rights don’t go away in an emergency."
The Department of Justice has sided with Virginia church in a federal lawsuit against Gov. Ralph Northam's order barring gatherings of 10 or more people.
A lawsuit was also brought against Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's stay-at-home order. Maryland. The state's lawyers argued the measure was "a rational and justified policy response to a public health threat." But Hogan lifted the measure on his own Friday, without any court ruling.
The fight in Oregon
Like Hogan, Oregon's Brown and other governors have defended their orders as necessary measures for the health and safety of their residents.
"From the beginning of this crisis, I have worked within my authority, using science and data as my guide, heeding the advice of medical experts," Brown said in a statement. "This strategy has saved lives and protected Oregonians from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic."
Through her orders, Brown had banned public gatherings of more than 10 people and taken other measures to prevent contact between Oregonians that could pose a risk of spreading the highly-contagious coronavirus.
Several dozen plaintiffs opposed to Brown's orders, including state legislators and churches, filed a lawsuit against her on May 6 in Baker County Circuit Court.
Brown rapidly filed an appeal following Shirtcliff's ruling against her, asking the court on Monday afternoon to issue a stay and to weigh in on the case.
"The governor’s orders are not required for public safety when plaintiffs can continue to utilize social distancing and safety protocols at larger gatherings involving spiritual worship, just as grocery stores and businesses deemed essential by the governor have been authorized to do," Shirtcliff wrote in an opinion published Monday.
The judge evaluated several legal factors. Among them, the plaintiffs showed that they would face "irreparable harm," because the restrictions on public gatherings would infringe upon their religious liberties, Shirtcliff wrote.
While some states have started allowing a wider range of public activities, there is concern from public health experts that there is not enough testing and tracing for the virus to be able to safely resume public activities, particularly groups of people gathering indoors.
There also have been several high-profile cases of outbreaks among religious congregations. Asymptomatic people can also spread the virus unknowingly to others.
How Americans feel about stay-at-home orders
Many Americans have started to experience "quarantine fatigue" after two months of social isolation and economic devastation due to government measures meant to slow the spread of the virus.
But polls have shown that a majority still support social distancing restrictions and are wary of lifting them too quickly.
When asked what they thought of the measures taken to slow the spread of the virus, 51% of registered voters said they were reasonable and another 31% said they were not strict enough, according to a survey by the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University and The Harris Poll. Sixty-eight percent said they were more worried about the danger posed by reopening too soon than the economic consequences of staying locked down too long.
The Harvard/Harris poll, which was conducted from May 13-14, found that 55% thought shelter-in-place orders were still necessary and 45% said we had already "flattened the curve" and such measures were no longer needed.
And as of a month ago, the vast majority of Oregonians supported the stay at home order.
In a statewide poll of 900 Oregonians conducted April 17-21, the public opinion firm DHM Research, partnering with the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center – both nonpartisan – found that 82% of Oregonians either strongly or somewhat supported the "stay-at-home" order.
Contributing: Bart Jansen, USA TODAY; Molly Beck and Patrick Marley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; The Associated Press
Claire Withycombe is a reporter at the Statesman Journal. Follow her on Twitter @kcwithycombe. Follow USA TODAY's William Cummings @wwcummings.


usatoday--2020-05-19--Democrats outline election plan to make health care their top issue amid coronavirus

WASHINGTON – The campaign arms for Democrats , from the presidential contest and congressional races to state legislatures and gubernatorial elections , have centered their focus on a single issue they expect will lead them to victory in November : health care .
Though Democrats have consistently focused on health care as a major issue in the fall elections , coronavirus upped the stakes and thrust the topic even more into the spotlight as more than 1.5 million Americans have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 91,000 have died from it .
In a six-page memo shared with USA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along with campaign arms for Democratic senators , representatives , governors , attorneys general and state legislatures – outlined a top-to-bottom effort to highlight health care in races across the country in addition to GOP-led efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act .
The Supreme Court could hear arguments this fall on a federal appeals court 's ruling that the law 's health insurance mandate is unconstitutional .
The high court is unlikely to decide the fate of the Affordable Care Act until after the fall elections .
Democrats plan to make those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toward the the landmark legislation signed into law in 2010 by President Barack Obama a central piece of their strategy .
More : Supreme Court once again will decide fate of Affordable Care Act “ It is the worst possible time to try to dismantle our health care system , '' the chairs and co-chairs for the six groups said in a statement .
`` But Republicans at every level of the ballot are fighting in court to take away people ’ s health care – or blocking millions of working families from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats are the party of health care .
We ’ re going to keep reminding them of that through November.
” Democrats made health care a centerpiece in the 2018 elections and credit the focus on the issue with helping them take control of the House .
But spirited debates within the party over `` Medicare For All '' and expanding upon the Affordable Care Act defined the early part of the presidential contest .
The party made the issue central to its rebuttal of President Donald Trump 's State of the Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was largely overshadowed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripping up the president 's speech .
The memo outlines how Democrats will focus on the issue in campaigns level-by-level .
It notes that in the presidential election , the focus will be on Trump 's health care plan , and in congressional elections – in which Democrats will defend their majority in the House and aim to take control of the Senate – there will be an emphasis on incumbent GOP voting records on health care .
Democrats plan to put a spotlight on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Medicaid expansion and went to court to push back against the Affordable Care Act .

Democrats outline election plan to make health care their top issue amid coronavirus
Show Caption Hide Caption Hospitals, health care sector reel from pandemic A global pandemic that creates a huge need for health care is also delivering a financial blow to that sector. (May 18) AP
WASHINGTON – The campaign arms for Democrats, from the presidential contest and congressional races to state legislatures and gubernatorial elections, have centered their focus on a single issue they expect will lead them to victory in November: health care.
Though Democrats have consistently focused on health care as a major issue in the fall elections, coronavirus upped the stakes and thrust the topic even more into the spotlight as more than 1.5 million Americans have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 91,000 have died from it.
In a six-page memo shared with USA TODAY, the Democratic National Committee – along with campaign arms for Democratic senators, representatives, governors, attorneys general and state legislatures – outlined a top-to-bottom effort to highlight health care in races across the country in addition to GOP-led efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
The Supreme Court could hear arguments this fall on a federal appeals court's ruling that the law's health insurance mandate is unconstitutional. The high court is unlikely to decide the fate of the Affordable Care Act until after the fall elections.
Democrats plan to make those legal challenges and years of GOP animosity toward the the landmark legislation signed into law in 2010 by President Barack Obama a central piece of their strategy.
More: Supreme Court once again will decide fate of Affordable Care Act
More: Democrats elevate health care as coronavirus-era campaign argument
Supreme Court will again hear if Obamacare if is unconstitutional The Supreme Court will take a look at another challenge of the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, in the fall. USA TODAY
“It is the worst possible time to try to dismantle our health care system," the chairs and co-chairs for the six groups said in a statement. "But Republicans at every level of the ballot are fighting in court to take away people’s health care – or blocking millions of working families from life-saving Medicaid coverage. Voters know that Democrats are the party of health care. We’re going to keep reminding them of that through November.”
Democrats made health care a centerpiece in the 2018 elections and credit the focus on the issue with helping them take control of the House. But spirited debates within the party over "Medicare For All" and expanding upon the Affordable Care Act defined the early part of the presidential contest.
The party made the issue central to its rebuttal of President Donald Trump's State of the Union address this year, a response that was largely overshadowed by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripping up the president's speech.
The memo outlines how Democrats will focus on the issue in campaigns level-by-level. It notes that in the presidential election, the focus will be on Trump's health care plan, and in congressional elections – in which Democrats will defend their majority in the House and aim to take control of the Senate – there will be an emphasis on incumbent GOP voting records on health care.
Democrats plan to put a spotlight on Republican governors and attorneys general who fought Medicaid expansion and went to court to push back against the Affordable Care Act.


usatoday--2020-05-19--Trump responds to questions over Pompeo 'dog walking, washing dishes'

President Trump said if Mike Pompeo 's 'wife is n't there ' a staffer should do the dishes so he @ @ @

Trump responds to Mike Pompeo investigation
President Trump said if Mike Pompeo's 'wife isn't there' a staffer should do the dishes so he can work.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-19--President Trump: I'm taking hydroxychloroquine now

President Donald Trump said Monday he is taking the anti-malaria drug despite warnings about its effectiveness .

Trump says he's taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent coronavirus
President Donald Trump said Monday he is taking the anti-malaria drug despite warnings about its effectiveness.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-05-19--Rubio named acting Senate Intelligence chairman amid FBI probe into Sen. Richard Burr

WASHINGTON – Sen. Marco Rubio has been named the acting chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee , replacing North Carolina GOP Sen. Richard Burr , who stepped aside while he 's under federal investigation for stock sales made ahead of a coronavirus-driven market crash .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , handed Rubio the gavel on Monday , calling the Florida Republican a `` talented and experienced '' leader and noted his work on subjects ranging from China and Iran to Russia and North Korea .
McConnell noted Rubio 's appointment was only temporarily and it 's unclear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burr may return to leading the panel .
`` The senior senator for Florida is a talented and experienced Senate leader with expertise in foreign affairs and national security matters , '' McConnell said in a statement .
`` Senator Rubio was the natural choice for this temporary assignment on the basis of accumulated committee service .
His proven leadership on pertinent issues only made the decision easier . ''
McConnell noted that the post is crucial because while the nation 's intelligence officials are `` dedicated , hard-working men and women '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent years have made painfully clear with respect to federal law enforcement , we also need proactive leadership from within and thorough oversight from Congress to keep partisan bias and political interference out of these sensitive activities . ''
Rubio , in a statement , said he looked forward to leading the committee .
`` I am grateful to Leader McConnell for his confidence in me to lead the Senate Intelligence Committee during Senator Burr ’ s absence from the Chairmanship , '' Rubio said .
`` The Committee has long been one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I look forward to continuing that tradition . ''
The Florida Republican and 2016 presidential candidate serving his second term in the Senate has generally defended the work of U.S. intelligence agencies and has been a foreign policy hawk on Russia and China .
Last year , he sponsored legislation requiring Chinese companies to provide certain financial information if they are publicly traded in U.S. markets .
His ascension is not expected to alter the panel 's bipartisan handling of security issues forged under Burr and the top Democrat on the committee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ panel receives classified briefings and oversees the activities of the nation 's intelligence operations .
Sen. Richard Burr : Burr steps down as chairman of Intelligence Committee as FBI seizes phone in investigation As a member of the Intelligence Committee , Rubio has forcefully countered President Donald Trump ’ s claim that Russia did not meddle in the U.S. election .
He also voted for a bill to make sure Trump could not dial back economic sanctions against Moscow without congressional approval .
And he ’ s publicly wished the president took a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Rubio has championed .
The post could give Rubio , 47 , a more expansive Capitol Hill resume should he decide to run for president again as many expect he will .
Burr gave up the chairmanship of the Intelligence Commission Thursday , amid questions that he illegally sold the stocks after receiving information obtained as a member of the committee on the severity of the oncoming COVID-19 pandemic .
Burr and his wife sold up to $ 1.6 million in February , and said they did so based only on public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called his decision to step side `` necessary to allow the Committee to continue its essential work free of external distractions . ''
He also has asked the Ethics Committee to review the matter .
Bromance : They insulted each other on the campaign trail , but now Trump and Rubio are chummy With the investigation intensifying , McConnell , said in a statement Thursday that he and Burr agreed that it would be in `` the bests interests '' of the Intelligence Committee for the North Carolina Republican to step down as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other senators including Jim Inhofe , R-Okla. Kelly Loeffler , R-Ga. and Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , and their spouses or advisers sold stocks around the same time lawmakers received briefings about the severity of the coronavirus , financial disclosure forms showed .
But none have been as scrutinized as Burr whose cellphone was seized by federal investigators as part of the probe .

Ledyard King and Christal Hayes, USA TODAY

Rubio named acting Senate Intelligence chairman amid FBI probe into Sen. Richard Burr
Show Caption Hide Caption Burr: Probe is a distraction to Intel Committee Sen. Richard Burr said the probe into his stock sales has become a distraction to the "important" work of the Senate Intelligence Committee. He's stepped aside as chairman of the panel after the FBI served a search warrant for his phone. (May 14) AP
WASHINGTON – Sen. Marco Rubio has been named the acting chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, replacing North Carolina GOP Sen. Richard Burr, who stepped aside while he's under federal investigation for stock sales made ahead of a coronavirus-driven market crash.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., handed Rubio the gavel on Monday, calling the Florida Republican a "talented and experienced" leader and noted his work on subjects ranging from China and Iran to Russia and North Korea. McConnell noted Rubio's appointment was only temporarily and it's unclear whether it could become permanent or whether Burr may return to leading the panel.
"The senior senator for Florida is a talented and experienced Senate leader with expertise in foreign affairs and national security matters," McConnell said in a statement. "Senator Rubio was the natural choice for this temporary assignment on the basis of accumulated committee service. His proven leadership on pertinent issues only made the decision easier."
McConnell noted that the post is crucial because while the nation's intelligence officials are "dedicated, hard-working men and women" they also need oversight. "As recent years have made painfully clear with respect to federal law enforcement, we also need proactive leadership from within and thorough oversight from Congress to keep partisan bias and political interference out of these sensitive activities."
Rubio, in a statement, said he looked forward to leading the committee.
"I am grateful to Leader McConnell for his confidence in me to lead the Senate Intelligence Committee during Senator Burr’s absence from the Chairmanship," Rubio said. "The Committee has long been one that conducts its work seriously, and I look forward to continuing that tradition."
The Florida Republican and 2016 presidential candidate serving his second term in the Senate has generally defended the work of U.S. intelligence agencies and has been a foreign policy hawk on Russia and China. Last year, he sponsored legislation requiring Chinese companies to provide certain financial information if they are publicly traded in U.S. markets.
His ascension is not expected to alter the panel's bipartisan handling of security issues forged under Burr and the top Democrat on the committee, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia. The panel receives classified briefings and oversees the activities of the nation's intelligence operations.
Over 11 months ago,I offered bill requiring all foreign companies,including from #CHINA,to provide audit information if they are listed on U.S. stock exchange
We still need this law
But happy to see @POTUS is looking at executive action on this as well https://t.co/l1oHuSvFN6 — Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) May 14, 2020
Sen. Richard Burr: Burr steps down as chairman of Intelligence Committee as FBI seizes phone in investigation
As a member of the Intelligence Committee, Rubio has forcefully countered President Donald Trump’s claim that Russia did not meddle in the U.S. election. He also voted for a bill to make sure Trump could not dial back economic sanctions against Moscow without congressional approval. And he’s publicly wished the president took a harder stance on global human rights, which Rubio has championed.
The post could give Rubio, 47, a more expansive Capitol Hill resume should he decide to run for president again as many expect he will.
Burr gave up the chairmanship of the Intelligence Commission Thursday, amid questions that he illegally sold the stocks after receiving information obtained as a member of the committee on the severity of the oncoming COVID-19 pandemic.
Burr and his wife sold up to $1.6 million in February, and said they did so based only on public news reports about the coronavirus. He called his decision to step side "necessary to allow the Committee to continue its essential work free of external distractions." He also has asked the Ethics Committee to review the matter.
Bromance: They insulted each other on the campaign trail, but now Trump and Rubio are chummy
With the investigation intensifying, McConnell, said in a statement Thursday that he and Burr agreed that it would be in "the bests interests" of the Intelligence Committee for the North Carolina Republican to step down as its chairman. He will remain on the panel.
Other senators including Jim Inhofe, R-Okla. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga. and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and their spouses or advisers sold stocks around the same time lawmakers received briefings about the severity of the coronavirus, financial disclosure forms showed. But none have been as scrutinized as Burr whose cellphone was seized by federal investigators as part of the probe.
Contributing: Kevin Johnson


usatoday--2020-05-20--Trump calls high number of coronavirus cases in the US a 'badge of honor,' attributes it to testing

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Tuesday called the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States – the highest in the world – a “ badge of honor , ” arguing the still-increasing number of cases is simply evidence the country is testing more people .
“ By the way , you know , when you say that we lead in cases , that ’ s because we have more testing than anybody else , ” the president said at the White House .
“ When we have a lot of cases , I don ’ t look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at that in a certain respect as being a good thing , because it means our testing is much better .
So , if we were testing a million people instead of 14 million people , it would have far few cases , right ?
“ So , I view it as a badge of honor .
Really , it ’ s a badge of honor , ” Trump said .
'This will kill you ' : People are warning others following Trump 's apparent use of hydroxychloroquine The U.S. has performed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Covid Tracking Project .
However , the country still faces testing shortages after months of hurdles in development and access .
At a Senate hearing last week , Sen. Mitt Romney , R-Utah , said U.S. testing for coronavirus is “ nothing to celebrate ” because the country “ treaded water ” during the early stages of the pandemic while other countries such as South Korea tested people aggressively to curb the outbreak .
'Worse than any recession since World War II ' : Mnuchin , Powell grilled on coronavirus response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. had conducted only 2,000 tests while South Korea had completed 140,000 .
Romney He said more aggressive testing was part of the reason why South Korea has had more success in fighting the virus .
South Korea has had 263 COVID-19 deaths , while the U.S. surpassed 92,000 Tuesday , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
It took the U.S. until mid-April to pass South Korea in testing , which confirmed its first COVID-19 case on the same day , and until April 25 to surpass Finland .
Trump is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most completed tests by any nation .
However , that represents a single test for approximately 3.7 % of the population .
The U.S. still trails many nations in per capita testing , including the United Kingdom , Italy and Germany .
Despite ramping up national testing in the U.S. , health experts have raised concerns that not enough are being done for state 's to safely reopen .
Ashish Jha , director of the Harvard Global Health Institute , told a congressional panel monitoring the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs more than 900,000 tests every day to safely open up again .
We are doing about a third of that . ''
More : Trump threatens to permanently cut WHO funding and withdraw US membership Trump recently said : `` If we did very little testing , [ America ] would n't have the most cases .
So , in a way , by doing all of this testing , we make ourselves look bad . ''

Trump calls high number of coronavirus cases in the USA a 'badge of honor,' attributes it to testing
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Trump says high case numbers is 'badge of honor' President Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., which is the highest in the world, a 'badge of honor.' USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump called the number of COVID-19 cases in the USA – the highest in the world – a “badge of honor” Tuesday, arguing that the increasing number of cases is simply evidence the country is testing more people.
“By the way, you know, when you say that we lead in cases, that’s because we have more testing than anybody else,” the president said at the White House. “When we have a lot of cases, I don’t look at that as a bad thing. I look at that in a certain respect as being a good thing, because it means our testing is much better. So if we were testing a million people instead of 14 million people, it would have far few cases, right?
“So I view it as a badge of honor. Really, it’s a badge of honor,” Trump said.
'This will kill you': People warn others after Trump's apparent use of hydroxychloroquine
President Trump: "So, when we have a lot of cases I don't look at that as a bad thing. I look at that, in a certain respect, as being a good thing because it means our testing is much better...I view it as a badge of honor. Really it's a badge of honor..." pic.twitter.com/fUJJ2gQ2Ry — CSPAN (@cspan) May 19, 2020
The USA has performed more than 12 million tests, according to the COVID Tracking Project. The country still faces testing shortages after months of hurdles in development and access.
At a Senate hearing last week, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said U.S. testing for coronavirus is “nothing to celebrate” because the country “treaded water” during the early stages of the pandemic while nations such as South Korea tested people aggressively to curb the outbreak.
'Worse than any recession since World War II': Mnuchin, Powell questioned on coronavirus response
Romney said that by March 6, the USA had conducted only 2,000 tests while South Korea had completed 140,000.
South Korea has had 263 COVID-19 deaths; the USA surpassed 92,000 as of Wednesday, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
It took the USA until mid-April to pass South Korea in testing and until April 25 to surpass Finland.
'Unrivaled'? Fact-checking Donald Trump's claims about COVID-19 testing
The USA still trails many nations in per capita testing, including the United Kingdom, Italy and Germany.
Trump says he's taking hydroxychloroquine to prevent coronavirus President Donald Trump said Monday he is taking the anti-malaria drug despite warnings about its effectiveness. USA TODAY
Despite the increase in national testing, health experts raised concerns that not enough is being done for states to safely reopen.
Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, told a congressional panel monitoring the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic last week, "The U.S. needs more than 900,000 tests every day to safely open up again. We are doing about a third of that."
More: Trump threatens to permanently cut WHO funding and withdraw US membership
On May 6, Trump said, "If we did very little testing, [America] wouldn't have the most cases. So, in a way, by doing all of this testing, we make ourselves look bad."


usatoday--2020-05-20--Ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen to be released Thursday amid coronavirus fears

WASHINGTON – Michael Cohen , President Donald Trump 's former personal lawyer who is serving a three-year sentence , is set to be released from a New York federal prison Thursday to serve the remainder of his term at home amid coronavirus fears , a person familiar with the matter said Wednesday .
Cohen , who had been held at a prison camp in Otisville , New York , is due to be released on furlough pending a formal placement in home confinement , said the source , who is not authorized to comment publicly .
More than two dozen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus at the prison facility .
Cohen had been set for early release in April , but moving him to home confinement has been delayed .
Last month , Attorney General William Barr announced a plan to expedite the release of vulnerable prisoners to home confinement as infections and fatalities mounted .
Barr asked Bureau of Prison officials to grant home confinement based on factors including a prisoner 's age and vulnerability to COVID-19 , their conduct in prison , and the crimes for which they were convicted .
In a court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bureau of Prisons is prioritizing inmates who have served 50 % of their punishment .
Officials are also prioritizing inmates with short prison sentences : those who have 18 months or less left and have served 25 % of their time .
As of Wednesday , the Bureau of Prisons has moved 2,932 prisoners to home confinement .
More than 2,200 prisoners and nearly 200 staffers have tested positive for COVID-19 .
At least 58 inmates have died .
Coronavirus and prisons : AG William Barr expediting release of vulnerable inmates at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a self-described Trump fixer , pleaded guilty to coordinating payoffs to buy the silence of adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal .
The women said they had sexual affairs with Trump before he was elected .
Cohen insisted he acted at the direction of Trump , who has denied the affairs .
Cohen has since been disbarred .
He had been set for release in November 2021 .
On May 13 , former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was released to home confinement after his lawyers argued his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable to the deadly virus .

Kevin Johnson and Kristine Phillips, USA TODAY

Ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen to be released Thursday amid coronavirus fears
Show Caption Hide Caption Ex-Donald Trump lawyer Michael Cohen to be released from prison President Donald Trump's former lawyer and longtime fixer Michael Cohen will be released from federal prison to serve the remainder of his sentence in home confinement because of the coronavirus pandemic. (April 17) AP Domestic
WASHINGTON – Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal lawyer who is serving a three-year sentence, is set to be released from a New York federal prison Thursday to serve the remainder of his term at home amid coronavirus fears, a person familiar with the matter said Wednesday.
Cohen, who had been held at a prison camp in Otisville, New York, is due to be released on furlough pending a formal placement in home confinement, said the source, who is not authorized to comment publicly.
Lawyers representing Cohen declined comment Wednesday.
More than two dozen inmates and officers have been infected with the virus at the prison facility.
Cohen had been set for early release in April, but moving him to home confinement has been delayed.
Cohen release delayed: Ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen to get early prison release amid coronavirus fears
Last month, Attorney General William Barr announced a plan to expedite the release of vulnerable prisoners to home confinement as infections and fatalities mounted. Barr asked Bureau of Prison officials to grant home confinement based on factors including a prisoner's age and vulnerability to COVID-19, their conduct in prison, and the crimes for which they were convicted.
In a court filing last month, an official said the Bureau of Prisons is prioritizing inmates who have served 50% of their punishment. Officials are also prioritizing inmates with short prison sentences: those who have 18 months or less left and have served 25% of their time.
As of Wednesday, the Bureau of Prisons has moved 2,932 prisoners to home confinement. More than 2,200 prisoners and nearly 200 staffers have tested positive for COVID-19. At least 58 inmates have died.
Coronavirus and prisons: AG William Barr expediting release of vulnerable inmates at federal prisons swamped by coronavirus
Manafort moved home: Ex-Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort released from prison amid coronavirus pandemic
Cohen, a self-described Trump fixer, pleaded guilty to coordinating payoffs to buy the silence of adult film star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. The women said they had sexual affairs with Trump before he was elected. Cohen insisted he acted at the direction of Trump, who has denied the affairs.
Cohen has since been disbarred. He had been set for release in November 2021.
On May 13, former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort was released to home confinement after his lawyers argued his age and litany of illnesses make him vulnerable to the deadly virus.


usatoday--2020-05-20--Police officer suicides down in midst of pandemic after soaring numbers prompted alarm in 2019

Suicides among law enforcement officers , which soared last year , have slowed markedly in the first months of 2020 as the deadly coronavirus pandemic has put increasing demands on officers to enforce local shutdown orders and placed them at risk of contracting the virus , according to data gathered by a police advocacy group..
Officer suicides are down nearly 30 % so far this year , compared to the same period in 2019 – a drop from 89 deaths to 63 , according to Blue H.E.L.P.
, which relies on data submissions from family members , law enforcement agencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is at a loss for a definitive explanation for the sudden , but welcome , lull , analysts suggest that the increased need for public services during the health emergency , and a corresponding wave of goodwill for those who provide it , may be helping to sustain the most vulnerable .
`` We do n't know why the numbers are going the way they are going , '' said Karen Solomon , president and co-founder of Blue H.E.L.P .
`` It could be that people are not reporting like they normally would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be that the pandemic has created a sense of purpose and need for helpers that can make a difference . ''
More : ‘ Isolation is a big trigger ’ : Feelings of suicide are amplified amid a pandemic Before COVID-19 , law enforcement and health officials had been sounding the alarm about the suicide threat stalking the ranks of police departments across the country .
The New York Police Department , faced with a spate of deaths last year , declared a “ mental health crisis.
” The Chicago Police Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In February , Attorney General William Barr , in a speech to the nation ’ s largest association of police chiefs , referred to “ staggering statistics ” gathered by Blue H.E.L.P.
, which reported 228 suicides in 2019 , a 44 % increase from the year before .
The data , which the group acknowledges is likely incomplete , also highlighted a stunning lack of research on why law enforcement officers take their own lives .
Though many institutions track police officer deaths in the line of duty – from fatal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been no national repository for tracking and analyzing officer suicides .
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for years has tracked deaths in the line of duty .
The group does not recognize suicides as line-of-duty deaths , but analysts have attributed job stress and exposure to trauma as contributing to officers ' mental decline .
An urgent need for tracking A provision in the government 's spending bill in December directed the Justice Department 's Bureau of Justice Statistics to start tracking officer suicides .
A status report , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March , has been delayed .
More : More and more Americans are dying by suicide .
What are we missing ?
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen , D-N.H. , said the increasing pressures faced by police during the pandemic make such a tracking system an even more urgent priority for the federal government .
`` Law enforcement officers are now not only exposed to the tremendous stress and trauma that comes with protecting our communities , but also the added anxieties brought by COVID-19 , '' Shaheen said .
`` The coronavirus pandemic has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enforcement officers who have experienced additional calls for assistance , significant on-the-job risk of exposure to the virus and potential job loss as states and municipalities face revenue shortfalls . ''
John Violanti , a University of Buffalo professor of epidemiology and environmental health , supports the creation of national repository having reported that the risk of suicide among law enforcement officers is 54 % greater than other American workers .
The finding was based on an analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data ending in 2014 .
While he does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a scientific representation of the problem , he said the group 's most recent findings – while surprising – could be attributed to the recent outpouring of public support for nurses , doctors firefighters and police who are required to work through the pandemic .
More : We tell suicidal people to go to therapy .
So why are therapists rarely trained in suicide ?
`` Police and all first responders are now looked on as heroes , '' Violanti said .
`` But at some point that is going to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begins to fade , Violanti , a former New York state trooper , and Solomon said there is concern that the suicide numbers may spike again .
`` We 're putting officers in a very bad place , in increasing positions of strain , '' Violanti said , adding that local shutdown orders have required police to make arrests at churches , backyard parties and other unlikely places for violations of such things as mass-gathering prohibitions .
`` It 's a lot to ask of police ; I think ( the numbers ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Molly High is more than familiar with the pain endured by officers and their families before and after such losses .
High has little doubt that her husband 's exposure to the most disturbing side of policing had something to do with his suicide in January .
During more than two decades in law enforcement in Idaho and Washington state , Phillip High , 53 , investigated arson , reconstructed deadly vehicle collisions and once was swept up in a shootout .
`` There was so much trauma , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therapist '' : Why are therapists rarely trained in suicide ?
Getting help : How to find a therapist if you ’ re suicidal In retrospect , High said her husband 's private nature masked mounting distress that she now thinks may have taken hold four years ago .
`` I just thought he was stressed ; I did n't recognize it at first , '' she said .
Set to retire Feb. 29 , Phillip High was working on another master 's degree to prepare for a second career in counseling first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed to fall into a steep spiral , increasingly isolating himself at work and at home .
After work , his wife said , he would retreat to his study to watch television .
He was often sick to his stomach .
He could n't eat ; he could n't sleep .
There were times when he could n't find the words to express his distress .
`` He totally shut down , '' she said .
In early January , the couple found help in Salt Lake City , where Phillip High @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stress disorder .
He returned home encouraged that the treatment was helpful , but he quickly sank into depression as his wife looked for long-term care .
Two days after returning from Utah , Phillip High killed himself .
This month , Molly High had planned to travel to Washington , D.C. , in commemoration of National Police Week , a tradition that had deep meaning for the couple and their ties to law enforcement .
The coronavirus emergency changed all that , but the message she had planned to share there with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who have taken their own lives remains just as relevant .
`` We 're trying to bring awareness to this issue , '' she said .
`` The job did kill these men , but nobody wants to acknowledge that . ''
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts , you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK ( 8255 ) any time day or night , or chat online .
Crisis Text Line also provides free , 24/7 , confidential support via text message @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 741741 .

Police officer suicides down in midst of pandemic after soaring numbers prompted alarm in 2019
Show Caption Hide Caption Save a life by knowing the signs of suicide On average, there are more than 128 suicides per day in the United States, attempted by people with and without known mental health conditions. USA TODAY
Suicides among law enforcement officers, which soared last year, have slowed markedly in the first months of 2020 as the deadly coronavirus pandemic has put increasing demands on officers to enforce local shutdown orders and placed them at risk of contracting the virus, according to data gathered by a police advocacy group..
Officer suicides are down nearly 30% so far this year, compared to the same period in 2019 – a drop from 89 deaths to 63, according to Blue H.E.L.P., which relies on data submissions from family members, law enforcement agencies and online searches.
While the group is at a loss for a definitive explanation for the sudden, but welcome, lull, analysts suggest that the increased need for public services during the health emergency, and a corresponding wave of goodwill for those who provide it, may be helping to sustain the most vulnerable.
"We don't know why the numbers are going the way they are going," said Karen Solomon, president and co-founder of Blue H.E.L.P. "It could be that people are not reporting like they normally would because of the virus. Or it could be that the pandemic has created a sense of purpose and need for helpers that can make a difference."
Before COVID-19, law enforcement and health officials had been sounding the alarm about the suicide threat stalking the ranks of police departments across the country.
The New York Police Department, faced with a spate of deaths last year, declared a “mental health crisis.” The Chicago Police Department grappled with rising numbers of its own.
'Crisis point': The life-saving lesson suicidal people can teach a world in pandemic
In February, Attorney General William Barr, in a speech to the nation’s largest association of police chiefs, referred to “staggering statistics” gathered by Blue H.E.L.P., which reported 228 suicides in 2019, a 44% increase from the year before.
The data, which the group acknowledges is likely incomplete, also highlighted a stunning lack of research on why law enforcement officers take their own lives. Though many institutions track police officer deaths in the line of duty – from fatal shootings to heart attacks – there has been no national repository for tracking and analyzing officer suicides.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for years has tracked deaths in the line of duty. The group does not recognize suicides as line-of-duty deaths, but analysts have attributed job stress and exposure to trauma as contributing to officers' mental decline.
An urgent need for tracking
A provision in the government's spending bill in December directed the Justice Department's Bureau of Justice Statistics to start tracking officer suicides. A status report, which was due to be delivered to Congress in March, has been delayed.
More: More and more Americans are dying by suicide. What are we missing?
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said the increasing pressures faced by police during the pandemic make such a tracking system an even more urgent priority for the federal government.
"Law enforcement officers are now not only exposed to the tremendous stress and trauma that comes with protecting our communities, but also the added anxieties brought by COVID-19," Shaheen said.
"The coronavirus pandemic has only increased stress and uncertainty for law enforcement officers who have experienced additional calls for assistance, significant on-the-job risk of exposure to the virus and potential job loss as states and municipalities face revenue shortfalls."
John Violanti, a University of Buffalo professor of epidemiology and environmental health, supports the creation of national repository having reported that the risk of suicide among law enforcement officers is 54% greater than other American workers. The finding was based on an analysis of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data ending in 2014.
While he does not regard Blue H.E.L.P.'s data as a scientific representation of the problem, he said the group's most recent findings – while surprising – could be attributed to the recent outpouring of public support for nurses, doctors firefighters and police who are required to work through the pandemic.
'Isolation is a big trigger': Feelings of suicide are amplified amid a pandemic
Therapy: We tell suicidal people to go to therapy. So why are therapists rarely trained in suicide?
"Police and all first responders are now looked on as heroes," Violanti said. "But at some point that is going to go away."
And when that goodwill begins to fade, Violanti, a former New York state trooper, and Solomon said there is concern that the suicide numbers may spike again.
"We're putting officers in a very bad place, in increasing positions of strain," Violanti said, adding that local shutdown orders have required police to make arrests at churches, backyard parties and other unlikely places for violations of such things as mass-gathering prohibitions.
"It's a lot to ask of police; I think (the numbers) are going to go up," he said.
'So much trauma'
Molly High is more than familiar with the pain endured by officers and their families before and after such losses.
High has little doubt that her husband's exposure to the most disturbing side of policing had something to do with his suicide in January.
During more than two decades in law enforcement in Idaho and Washington state, Phillip High, 53, investigated arson, reconstructed deadly vehicle collisions and once was swept up in a shootout.
"There was so much trauma," Molly High said.
"See a therapist": Why are therapists rarely trained in suicide?
Getting help: How to find a therapist if you’re suicidal
In retrospect, High said her husband's private nature masked mounting distress that she now thinks may have taken hold four years ago. "I just thought he was stressed; I didn't recognize it at first," she said.
Set to retire Feb. 29, Phillip High was working on another master's degree to prepare for a second career in counseling first responders. But last year, he seemed to fall into a steep spiral, increasingly isolating himself at work and at home.
After work, his wife said, he would retreat to his study to watch television. He was often sick to his stomach. He couldn't eat; he couldn't sleep. There were times when he couldn't find the words to express his distress.
"He totally shut down," she said.
In early January, the couple found help in Salt Lake City, where Phillip High spent four days being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder. He returned home encouraged that the treatment was helpful, but he quickly sank into depression as his wife looked for long-term care.
Two days after returning from Utah, Phillip High killed himself.
This month, Molly High had planned to travel to Washington, D.C., in commemoration of National Police Week, a tradition that had deep meaning for the couple and their ties to law enforcement. The coronavirus emergency changed all that, but the message she had planned to share there with spouses and family members of police officers who have taken their own lives remains just as relevant.
"We're trying to bring awareness to this issue," she said. "The job did kill these men, but nobody wants to acknowledge that."
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online.
Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.