usatoday--2020-08-20--Steve Bannon, Andrew Badolato indicted — but relationship spans decades

President Donald Trump 's former White House adviser Steve Bannon and three other men could face up to 40 years in prison each after they were arrested Thursday and charged with wire fraud and money laundering .
Bannon and one of those men , Andrew Badaloto , have a relationship dating back two decades — including questionable business ventures .
Bannon , Badaloto , Brian Kolfage and Timothy Shea were named in an indictment unsealed by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the United States Postal Inspection Services for allegedly defrauding hundreds of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowdfunding campaign known as “ We Build the Wall ” that raised more than $ 25 million .
( Read the indictment at the end of the story . )
The scheme began in December 2018 , according to prosecutor .
The “ Build the Wall ’ ’ campaign was intended to raise money to build a wall on the southern border of the United States and members of the group publicly stated all donations would be used for that cause .
The indictment claimed those representations were false and the money raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Bannon have had a tight relationship since around 2000 .
Shortly after Bannon became Donald Trump ’ s campaign manager in 2016 , he used Badolato ’ s address on a Florida voter registration form even though it was clear he never lived there .
MORE : Does Stephen Bannon live in Sarasota County ?
Because he ’ s registered to vote there An investigation by the Herald-Tribune published in 2018 revealed that Badolato ’ s past includes “ numerous lawsuits , substantial monetary judgments and sizable Internal Revenue Service liens filed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felons for stock-related fraud ; an extortion attempt after he borrowed money from a self-described mobster that led to him wearing a wire for the FBI ; an association with a Costa Rican offshore firm that was called a 'money laundering hub ' by the Justice Department ; and sexual assault allegations made by three women over a period of four years that allegedly took place inside his million-dollar home on Casey Key Road . ''
“ As alleged , the defendants defrauded hundreds of thousands of donors , capitalizing on their interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of dollars , under the false pretense that all of that money would be spent on construction , ’ ’ Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a statement .
“ While repeatedly assuring donors that Brian Kolfage , the founder and public face of “ We Build the Wall , ’ ’ would not be paid a cent , the defendants secretly schemed to pass hundreds of thousands of dollars to Kolfage , which he used to fund his lavish lifestyle .
We thank the USPIS for their partnership in investigating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to rooting out and prosecuting fraud wherever we find it .
”

Steve Bannon, Andrew Badolato indicted — but relationship spans decades
Show Caption Hide Caption Steve Bannon, ex-Trump adviser, indicted for fraud Ex-Trump adviser Steve Bannon was charged with fraud by federal prosecutors in connection with a border wall fundraising effort. USA TODAY
President Donald Trump's former White House adviser Steve Bannon and three other men could face up to 40 years in prison each after they were arrested Thursday and charged with wire fraud and money laundering.
Bannon and one of those men, Andrew Badaloto, have a relationship dating back two decades — including questionable business ventures.
Bannon, Badaloto, Brian Kolfage and Timothy Shea were named in an indictment unsealed by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the United States Postal Inspection Services for allegedly defrauding hundreds of thousands of donors in connection with an online crowdfunding campaign known as “We Build the Wall” that raised more than $25 million. (Read the indictment at the end of the story.)
More: Steve Bannon, Andrew Badolato, Casey Key and a questionable association
The scheme began in December 2018, according to prosecutor. The “Build the Wall’’ campaign was intended to raise money to build a wall on the southern border of the United States and members of the group publicly stated all donations would be used for that cause. The indictment claimed those representations were false and the money raised was used for personal gains.
Badolato and Bannon have had a tight relationship since around 2000. Shortly after Bannon became Donald Trump’s campaign manager in 2016, he used Badolato’s address on a Florida voter registration form even though it was clear he never lived there.
MORE: Does Stephen Bannon live in Sarasota County? Because he’s registered to vote there
An investigation by the Herald-Tribune published in 2018 revealed that Badolato’s past includes “numerous lawsuits, substantial monetary judgments and sizable Internal Revenue Service liens filed against him; business dealings with convicted felons for stock-related fraud; an extortion attempt after he borrowed money from a self-described mobster that led to him wearing a wire for the FBI; an association with a Costa Rican offshore firm that was called a 'money laundering hub' by the Justice Department; and sexual assault allegations made by three women over a period of four years that allegedly took place inside his million-dollar home on Casey Key Road."
“As alleged, the defendants defrauded hundreds of thousands of donors, capitalizing on their interest in funding a border wall to raise millions of dollars, under the false pretense that all of that money would be spent on construction,’’ Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a statement. “While repeatedly assuring donors that Brian Kolfage, the founder and public face of “We Build the Wall,’’ would not be paid a cent, the defendants secretly schemed to pass hundreds of thousands of dollars to Kolfage, which he used to fund his lavish lifestyle. We thank the USPIS for their partnership in investigating this case, and we remain dedicated to rooting out and prosecuting fraud wherever we find it.”


usatoday--2020-08-20--Democratic Convention Speaker: Barack Obama

Barack Obama takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention Former president Barack Obama delivers a blistering speech criticizing Donald @ @ @ @ @ , outlines his trust in Joe Biden 's abilities .

Barack Obama takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention
Former president Barack Obama delivers a blistering speech criticizing Donald Trump's lack of leadership, outlines his trust in Joe Biden's abilities.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-21--Joe Biden puts character on the ballot and other takeaways from the final night of the DNC

WASHINGTON – On the final night of the Democratic National Convention , an array of family members , former White House rivals and elected officials talked about Joe Biden 's character , portraying him as loyal , empathetic and a person of moral clarity .
While the prior three nights featured discussions of issues such as climate change and gun violence , Thursday focused on Biden 's faith , his family and the connections he 's made through decades as a U.S. senator followed by eight years as vice president to former President Barack Obama .
Speakers shared stories of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives .
There were repeated reminders to vote and jokes from actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus , the moderator for the evening whose quips drew mixed reviews on social media .
Biden 's pitch : 'Is that the America you want ? '
Biden used his acceptance speech to highlight his vision for dealing with the multiple challenges facing the country , including the pandemic , a recession and a national reckoning over racism .
As speaker after speaker had done on the first three nights of the DNC , Biden attacked President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was not up to the job .
`` Character is on the ballot , compassion is on the ballot , decency , science , democracy .
They 're all on the ballot , '' Biden said .
`` Who we are as a nation , what we stand for , and , most importantly – who we want to be .
That 's all on the ballot .
The choice could not be more clear . ''
Standing on a stage surrounded by flags in an empty convention hall , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over his first term , including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` Just judge this president by the facts , '' Biden said , before citing statistics on the virus ' spread in the U.S. and the jarring numbers of deaths , job losses and business closures .
`` We lead the world in confirmed cases .
We lead the world in deaths , '' Biden said .
`` Our economy is in tatters , with Black , Latino , Asian American , and Native American communities bearing the brunt of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time , the president still does not have a plan , '' he added .
DNC live updates : Joe Biden accepts Democratic presidential nomination , setting the stage for combative race against Trump ' I had to turn the loss into purpose ' : How Joe Biden shares Iowans ' grief on the campaign trail Biden accused Trump of having `` cloaked America in darkness '' using anger and fear .
He said he would be `` ally of the light '' if elected .
He chronicled some of the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump 's reaction to the deadly white supremacist attack in Charlottesville , Va. , when he said there were `` very fine people on both sides . ''
`` Is that the America you want for you , for your family , your children ? ''
Biden asked .
Boy who connected with Biden over stutter offers moving speech One of the most memorable moments of the evening came with 13-year-old Brayden Harrington , who connected with Biden on the campaign trail in New Hampshire in February over their shared experience with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I would n't be talking to you today , '' Brayden said , reading from a white sheet of paper where he typed out his speech , using the same method Biden used over the years to mark certain words and letters to make them easier to read .
`` I 'm just a regular kid , '' he said .
`` And in a short amount of time .
Joe Biden made me feel more confident about something that 's bothered me my whole life . ''
Biden has previously discussed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said he practiced his speaking by reciting poems in the mirror .
Team of former rivals rib each other and praise Biden Former 2020 presidential candidates spoke to one another via virtual conference , in a show of unity between more progressive and moderate members of the party to both unite behind Biden and also poke a little fun .
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar , former Texas Rep. Beto O ’ Rourke , Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders , former South Bend , Ind.
, Mayor Pete Buttigieg , Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yang were present on the call .
“ Bernie , don ’ t you laugh , I have questions for you , ” Sen. Cory Booker said during the call .
“ Why does my girlfriend like you more than she likes me ?
” he said , referring to actress Rosario Dawson ’ s public support for Sanders during the primary season .
“ Because she ’ s smarter than you , isn ’ t that the obvious answer ?
” Sanders quipped back with a laugh .
The candidates spent a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s character and outlining the moments with him that have stuck with them .
Klobuchar recalled one phone call in particular from Biden , after she gave a speech on the Senate floor .
“ I wondered if my mom was even watching this on C-SPAN , ” Klobuchar said .
“ And at that moment , the cellphone rings , and I actually thought maybe my mom was watching it .
And you know what , it was Joe Biden – and that kind of goes to not only his kindness for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it also goes to how much he cares about our government.
” Hunter and Ashley Biden speak about their father The convention featured a conversation between Joe Biden 's son Hunter and his daughter Ashley in which they appeared to finish each others ' sentences when discussing their dad , calling him `` rock steady , '' a `` great father '' and the `` worst enemy any bully ever saw . ''
Biden 's family tree : A look at who 's who in Joe Biden 's close-knit family 'You do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' : Joe Biden irked by reporter 's questions about Hunter , Ukraine The segment ended with a clip of their late brother and Biden 's son – Beau Biden – calling Joe Biden a `` hero '' as he introduced the former vice president at the 2012 Democratic convention .
Hunter Biden became a controversial figure in politics after being thrust into the national spotlight last year when he became a central player in the Trump impeachment inquiry .
At the heart of the scandal were allegations Trump used the power of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to investigate Joe Biden and his ties to Burisma , a Ukrainian natural gas company .
Hunter Biden had served on the board of Burisma .
The convention aired a tribute to the late Rep. John Lewis , featuring interviews with the late Rep. Elijah Cummings , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , and former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams .
A video juxtaposed images of Lewis ’ march across the Edmund Pettus bridge in Selma , Alabama – which led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – with photographs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lewis suffered a fractured skull when he was beaten by a state trooper on the bridge .
“ All of these decades later , while he and others of his generation achieved much , we ’ re still fighting against police brutality and fighting for our voting rights , ” Rev .
Raphael Warnock said .
“ And so we best honor him by fighting the fight that he fought.
” The video was followed by a performance by John Legend and Common , who performed their song “ Glory , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which chronicled the now-iconic march .
Keisha Lance Bottoms , the Atlanta mayor who became a leading figure amid nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd , prefaced the segment by encouraging viewers to vote .
“ In his parting essay written to us , Congressman Lewis expressed his pride in the activism that has swept our country and he reminded us that if we fail to exercise our right to vote , we can lose it , ” she said .
Bottoms also alluded to the Trump administration ’ s recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are those who are disgracefully using this pandemic to spread misinformation and interfere with voting , ” she said .
Julia Louis-Dreyfus gets mixed reviews for 'Veep ' humor at DNC Actress and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus hosted the last night of the convention , offering a much different tone than the celebrity hosts over the last three nights .
The speeches , both somber and hopeful , were broken up by jokes and hot takes by Louis-Dreyfus , which left some on social media torn .
The jokes , told to an empty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a host of issues , from his golf games to the president 's photo op at a church across from the White House , which took place after police used tear gas and other irritants to clear peaceful protesters from the area .
More : Julia Louis-Dreyfus turns 59 : The 'Seinfeld ' and 'Veep ' star through the years '' Just remember : Joe Biden ’ goes to church so regularly , that he doesn ’ t even need tear gas and a bunch of federalized troops to help him get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vice president in HBO 's `` Veep , '' told convention watchers after an emotional segment chronicling Biden 's faith and how it guides his leadership .
After a segment on voting and its importance , Louis-Dreyfus said , `` If we all vote there is nothing Facebook , Fox News or Vladimir Putin can do to stop us . ''
Louis-Dreyfus was n't the only comedian to play a part in Thursday 's event .
Comedian Sarah Cooper , who gained fame due to her viral lip-syncs of Trump 's remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's comments about mail-in voting then offered remarks about the importance of voting and accused Trump of trying to sway the election in his favor .

Christal Hayes, Jason Lalljee and Caren Bohan, USA TODAY

Joe Biden puts character on the ballot and other takeaways from the final night of the DNC
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden accepts Democratic nomination, rips Pres. Trump Senator Joe Biden targets President Trump as he accepts the nomination at the Democratic National Convention. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – On the final night of the Democratic National Convention, an array of family members, former White House rivals and elected officials talked about Joe Biden's character, portraying him as loyal, empathetic and a person of moral clarity.
While the prior three nights featured discussions of issues such as climate change and gun violence, Thursday focused on Biden's faith, his family and the connections he's made through decades as a U.S. senator followed by eight years as vice president to former President Barack Obama.
Speakers shared stories of the difference he'd made in their lives. There were repeated reminders to vote and jokes from actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, the moderator for the evening whose quips drew mixed reviews on social media.
Biden's pitch: 'Is that the America you want?'
Biden used his acceptance speech to highlight his vision for dealing with the multiple challenges facing the country, including the pandemic, a recession and a national reckoning over racism. As speaker after speaker had done on the first three nights of the DNC, Biden attacked President Donald Trump's record in handling these crises and said he was not up to the job.
"Character is on the ballot, compassion is on the ballot, decency, science, democracy. They're all on the ballot," Biden said. "Who we are as a nation, what we stand for, and, most importantly – who we want to be. That's all on the ballot. The choice could not be more clear."
Standing on a stage surrounded by flags in an empty convention hall, Biden criticized the president's conduct and policies over his first term, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Just judge this president by the facts," Biden said, before citing statistics on the virus' spread in the U.S. and the jarring numbers of deaths, job losses and business closures.
"We lead the world in confirmed cases. We lead the world in deaths," Biden said. "Our economy is in tatters, with Black, Latino, Asian American, and Native American communities bearing the brunt of it."
"And after all this time, the president still does not have a plan," he added.
DNC live updates: Joe Biden accepts Democratic presidential nomination, setting the stage for combative race against Trump
'I had to turn the loss into purpose': How Joe Biden shares Iowans' grief on the campaign trail
Biden accused Trump of having "cloaked America in darkness" using anger and fear. He said he would be "ally of the light" if elected.
He chronicled some of the president's actions overseas and domestically, including the Trump's reaction to the deadly white supremacist attack in Charlottesville, Va., when he said there were "very fine people on both sides."
"Is that the America you want for you, for your family, your children?" Biden asked.
Boy who connected with Biden over stutter gives moving speech
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came with 13-year-old Brayden Harrington, who connected with Biden on the campaign trail in New Hampshire in February over their shared experience with a stutter.
"Without Joe Biden, I wouldn't be talking to you today," Brayden said, reading from a white sheet of paper where he typed out his speech, using the same method Biden used over the years to mark certain words and letters to make them easier to read.
Brayden Harrington shares his Joe Biden story with the DNC Brayden Harrington, a 13-year-old who met Joe Biden in New Hampshire last year, shares his story about Biden's advice on overcoming a stutter. USA TODAY
"I'm just a regular kid," he said. "And in a short amount of time, Joe Biden made me feel more confident about something that's bothered me my whole life."
Biden has previously discussed his struggles with stuttering growing up, and said he practiced his speaking by reciting poems in the mirror.
Team of former rivals ribs each other and praises Biden
Former 2020 presidential candidates spoke to one another via virtual conference, in a show of unity between more progressive and moderate members of the party to both unite behind Biden and also poke a little fun.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Venture for America founder Andrew Yang were present on the call.
“Bernie, don’t you laugh, I have questions for you,” Sen. Cory Booker said during the call. “Why does my girlfriend like you more than she likes me?” he said, referring to actress Rosario Dawson’s public support for Sanders during the primary season.
“Because she’s smarter than you, isn’t that the obvious answer?” Sanders quipped back with a laugh.
The candidates spent a majority of the call promoting Biden’s character and outlining the moments with him that have stuck with them.
Klobuchar recalled one phone call in particular from Biden, after she gave a speech on the Senate floor.
“I wondered if my mom was even watching this on C-SPAN,” Klobuchar said. “And at that moment, the cellphone rings, and I actually thought maybe my mom was watching it. And you know what, it was Joe Biden – and that kind of goes to not only his kindness for calling me and being a mentor, but it also goes to how much he cares about our government.”
Hunter and Ashley Biden speak about their father
The convention featured a conversation between Joe Biden's son Hunter and his daughter Ashley in which they appeared to finish each others' sentences when discussing their dad, calling him "rock steady," a "great father" and the "worst enemy any bully ever saw."
Biden's family tree: A look at who's who in Joe Biden's close-knit family
'You do not know what you're talking about': Joe Biden irked by reporter's questions about Hunter, Ukraine
The segment ended with a clip of their late brother and Biden's son – Beau Biden – calling Joe Biden a "hero" as he introduced the former vice president at the 2012 Democratic convention.
Hunter Biden became a controversial figure in politics after being thrust into the national spotlight last year when he became a central player in the Trump impeachment inquiry.
At the heart of the scandal were allegations Trump used the power of his office to push a foreign power to investigate Joe Biden and his ties to Burisma, a Ukrainian natural gas company. Hunter Biden had served on the board of Burisma.
Tribute to civil rights icon John Lewis
The convention aired a tribute to the late Rep. John Lewis, featuring interviews with the late Rep. Elijah Cummings, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.
A video juxtaposed images of Lewis’ march across the Edmund Pettus bridge in Selma, Alabama – which led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – with photographs of Black Lives Matter protests occurring this year. Lewis suffered a fractured skull when he was beaten by a state trooper on the bridge.
“All of these decades later, while he and others of his generation achieved much, we’re still fighting against police brutality and fighting for our voting rights,” Rev. Raphael Warnock said. “And so we best honor him by fighting the fight that he fought.”
The video was followed by a performance by John Legend and Common, who performed their song “Glory,” written for the 2015 film Selma, which chronicled the now-iconic march.
Keisha Lance Bottoms, the Atlanta mayor who became a leading figure amid nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd, prefaced the segment by encouraging viewers to vote.
“In his parting essay written to us, Congressman Lewis expressed his pride in the activism that has swept our country and he reminded us that if we fail to exercise our right to vote, we can lose it,” she said.
Bottoms also alluded to the Trump administration’s recent attacks on mail-in voting.
“There are those who are disgracefully using this pandemic to spread misinformation and interfere with voting,” she said.
DNC speaker: Atlanta, Ga. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Keisha Lance Bottoms, mayor of Georgia's largest city, delivers a message endorsing Joe Biden at the Democratic National Convention. USA TODAY
Julia Louis-Dreyfus gets mixed reviews for 'Veep' humor at DNC
Actress and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus hosted the last night of the convention, offering a much different tone than the celebrity hosts over the last three nights.
The speeches, both somber and hopeful, were broken up by jokes and hot takes by Louis-Dreyfus, which left some on social media torn. The jokes, told to an empty studio without an audience, attacked Trump on a host of issues, from his golf games to the president's photo op at a church across from the White House, which took place after police used tear gas and other irritants to clear peaceful protesters from the area.
More: Julia Louis-Dreyfus' comedy as Democratic National Convention host stirs debate
More: Julia Louis-Dreyfus turns 59: The 'Seinfeld' and 'Veep' star through the years
Comedian Sarah Cooper riffs on Trump at DNC Comedian Sarah Cooper appeared at the DNC's convention, reviving her famous TikTok videos in which she imitates Donald Trump. After her comedy skit, where she copied Trump talking about mail-in ballots, Cooper urged all viewers to vote. (Aug. 20) AP
"Just remember: Joe Biden goes to church so regularly, that he doesn’t even need tear gas and a bunch of federalized troops to help him get there," Louis-Dreyfus, who plays a vice president in HBO's "Veep," told convention watchers after an emotional segment chronicling Biden's faith and how it guides his leadership.
After a segment on voting and its importance, Louis-Dreyfus said, "If we all vote there is nothing Facebook, Fox News or Vladimir Putin can do to stop us."
Louis-Dreyfus wasn't the only comedian to play a part in Thursday's event. Comedian Sarah Cooper, who gained fame due to her viral lip-syncs of Trump's remarks, did a lip-sync of some of Trump's comments about mail-in voting then offered remarks about the importance of voting and accused Trump of trying to sway the election in his favor.


usatoday--2020-08-21--More than 4 in 10 Americans have concerns about the fairness of the presidential election, survey sa

WASHINGTON – With the November election less than 75 days away , nearly half of Americans are not confident the country can hold a fair election , according to a new survey .
More than four in ten ( 46 % ) Americans say they are not too confident or not at all confident that the general election will be conducted fairly and accurately in November , according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project .
Concern is similar among members of both parties , and concern among older voters is up .
The survey comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Postal Service 's ability to handle an expected surge of mail-in ballots in the November elections .
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy , who is facing calls to step down by Democrats , will be testifying before the Senate Friday and will testify before the House Oversight Committee next week .
Last week , the Postal Service warned election officials around the country that not all ballots may be delivered in time to be counted even if they are requested before state deadlines and mailed back promptly .
President Donald Trump , who voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s primary , has been sharply critical of voting by mail , warning without evidence that it is more fraudulent than voting in person and part of a plot by Democrats to `` rig the election.
” He has also declined supporting additional funding for the USPS .
Voting rights activists also have worried about in-person voting in November , after the primary season saw long lines , issues with voting machines and limited polling locations open .
There survey also shows concerns about whether everyone eligible to vote will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of three ( 36 % ) Americans are not too confident or not at all confident that all citizens who want to vote will be able to vote , according to the Nationscape Insights analysis , a project of Democracy Fund , UCLA and USA TODAY .
'America is not intimidated by you ' : Dems push back at Trump over mail voting , Postal Service at DNC The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate designed to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The poll was conducted July 23 to July 29 , with 6,585 Americans surveyed .
There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points .
Robert Griffin , research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group , said that concern has likely gone up due to political messaging from both Democrats and Republicans .
That could be key Democrats worried about the USPS being able to handle the influx of mail-in ballots or Trump casting doubt on whether he will accept the election results .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differentiation here between the different narratives when we talk about specifically it being an access to the ballot type of issue , where it 's pretty clear that Democrats are kind of more than twice as worried about that type of scenario , '' he said .
According to the survey , 49 % of Democrats are not too confident or not at all confident that the election will be conducted fairly and accurately , with Republicans at 38 % .
When broken down by the candidate they support , 48 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Americans supporting Trump at 41 % .
The partisan gap is larger among Americans ’ confidence level on whether all voters who want to vote will be able to .
More than four out of 10 Democrats ( 46 % ) say they are not too confident or not at all confident that all citizens who want to vote in the election will be able to .
That is a more than 25 percentage point gap from Republicans , who are 20 % .
The gap is similar between Biden and Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , respectively .
More : Where you can vote by mail , absentee ballot in the 2020 election There is also a gap between younger voters ' and older voters ' confidence level .
Typically , young voters already have a lower level of confidence in voting .
Unlike in previous years , however , older voters ' lack of confidence in voting is much higher than it typically is , Griffin said .
Griffin said the environment right now is `` creating uncertainty between a lot of different groups the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of voters ages 18-29 ( 56 % ) said they are not too confident or not at all confident that the election will be conducted fairly and accurately .
That number is 14 percentage points higher than voters ages 65 and up , who are at 42 % .

More than 4 in 10 Americans have concerns about the fairness of the presidential election, survey says
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – With the November election less than 75 days away, nearly half of Americans are not confident the country can hold a fair election, according to a new survey.
More than four in ten (46%) Americans say they are not too confident or not at all confident that the general election will be conducted fairly and accurately in November, according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project. Concern is similar among members of both parties, and concern among older voters is up.
The survey comes amid growing concerns about the United States Postal Service's ability to handle an expected surge of mail-in ballots in the November elections. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who is facing calls to step down by Democrats, will be testifying before the Senate Friday and will testify before the House Oversight Committee next week.
Last week, the Postal Service warned election officials around the country that not all ballots may be delivered in time to be counted even if they are requested before state deadlines and mailed back promptly.
President Donald Trump, who voted by mail this week in Florida’s primary, has been sharply critical of voting by mail, warning without evidence that it is more fraudulent than voting in person and part of a plot by Democrats to "rig the election.” He has also declined supporting additional funding for the USPS.
Voting rights activists also have worried about in-person voting in November, after the primary season saw long lines, issues with voting machines and limited polling locations open.
There survey also shows concerns about whether everyone eligible to vote will be able to cast a ballot.
More than one out of three (36%) Americans are not too confident or not at all confident that all citizens who want to vote will be able to vote, according to the Nationscape Insights analysis, a project of Democracy Fund, UCLA and USA TODAY.
'America is not intimidated by you': Dems push back at Trump over mail voting, Postal Service at DNC
The Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project is a large-scale study of the American electorate designed to conduct 500,000 interviews about policies and the presidential candidates during the 2020 election cycle. The poll was conducted July 23 to July 29, with 6,585 Americans surveyed. There is a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points.
Robert Griffin, research director for the Democracy Fund Voter Study Group, said that concern has likely gone up due to political messaging from both Democrats and Republicans. That could be key Democrats worried about the USPS being able to handle the influx of mail-in ballots or Trump casting doubt on whether he will accept the election results.
"You can kind of see some of the differentiation here between the different narratives when we talk about specifically it being an access to the ballot type of issue, where it's pretty clear that Democrats are kind of more than twice as worried about that type of scenario," he said.
Why voter suppression in the US has increased since 2013 Civil rights experts point to long wait times to vote as a sign of growing voter suppression in the U.S. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
According to the survey, 49% of Democrats are not too confident or not at all confident that the election will be conducted fairly and accurately, with Republicans at 38%. When broken down by the candidate they support, 48% of Americans supporting Joe Biden lack confidence, with Americans supporting Trump at 41%.
The partisan gap is larger among Americans’ confidence level on whether all voters who want to vote will be able to.
More than four out of 10 Democrats (46%) say they are not too confident or not at all confident that all citizens who want to vote in the election will be able to. That is a more than 25 percentage point gap from Republicans, who are 20%.
The gap is similar between Biden and Trump voters, 46% to 22%, respectively.
More: Where you can vote by mail, absentee ballot in the 2020 election
There is also a gap between younger voters' and older voters' confidence level. Typically, young voters already have a lower level of confidence in voting. Unlike in previous years, however, older voters' lack of confidence in voting is much higher than it typically is, Griffin said.
Griffin said the environment right now is "creating uncertainty between a lot of different groups the United States right now."
More than half of voters ages 18-29 (56%) said they are not too confident or not at all confident that the election will be conducted fairly and accurately. That number is 14 percentage points higher than voters ages 65 and up, who are at 42%.
Contributing: Nicholas Wu and Joey Garrison


usatoday--2020-08-21--Aldon Smith earning rave reviews from Cowboys after nearly five-year suspension

FRISCO , Texas — The Aldon Smith hype train has traveled far in one week of Cowboys practices .
Ask head coach Mike McCarthy and he ’ ll tell you the defensive end jumps out .
“ If you walked away from practice , you ’ d say , ‘ Hey , who the hell was No .
58 ?
’ That ’ s my thought when he walked out on the field for the first time , ” McCarthy said Thursday .
Ask Dak Prescott—whom Smith has swatted a pass from and gone flying to avoid hitting—and the quarterback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t show the rust of player whose last NFL game appearance was in November 2015 .
“ He ’ s a monster , ” Prescott said .
“ Damn sure doesn ’ t look like he hasn ’ t played in five years .
Doesn ’ t play like it .
Energy would never tell you that .
Very fortunate to have him.
” Ask defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and he ’ ll oscillate between the “ awesome size ” and “ impressive ” big-man frame Smith fills .
“ From a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a whole lot of limitations , ” Nolan said Wednesday .
“ He understands football very well.
” But Smith , Nolan and McCarthy all divert from the physical gifts when considering the key to rediscovering a first-round draft pick who notched a league-record 33 1/2 sacks in his first two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers .
All emphasize how Smith will need to jell with his defensive-line teammates .
Good news for Cowboys fans : So far , Smith ’ s grading well on that front , too .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
1 , interacts with the other players , to be honest with you , ” Nolan said .
“ He 's a team player .
He 's got a lot of personality [ and ] I see their chemistry .
That 's so important , not only on the defensive line , but in the defense.
” Smith signed with the Cowboys on April 1 to a one-year deal worth $ 2 million and a chance of up to $ 2 million more in incentives .
He moved to Dallas on May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his indefinite substance-abuse suspension .
He had been clean since July 2019 , a person with knowledge of his reinstatement process told USA TODAY Sports .
The person was granted anonymity due to the sensitive nature of substance-abuse suspensions .
Smith was eligible to apply for reinstatement as early as 2016 , after a year away .
The league factors in criminal activity , arrests and convictions in determining whether a player merits reinstatement .
Smith ’ s off-field issues since 2015 also have included arrests on suspicions of domestic violence ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misdemeanor charges in the case ) , a hit-and-run and DUI .
He doesn ’ t take for granted his improbable return .
Smith felt physically ready before training camp actually arrived , preparation he credits to his work at Jay Glazer ’ s Los Angeles gym , Unbreakable Performance Center , and sessions with a North Texas trainer .
But—and he acknowledges , he didn ’ t even tell his teammates at the time—actually taking an NFL field again to practice was surreal .
“ I was thinking in my head , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ road , ’ ” Smith said .
“ Being back on the field after that much time off was a blessing .
… I was just really grateful.
” Smith ’ s seemingly quick acclimation to new teammates isn ’ t an accident .
There is nothing he missed more from 2015-20 , he says , than the brotherhood of a locker room .
`` The camaraderie , ” Smith said .
“ Just being with the guys , working with the guys and seeing each other get better .
Making plays , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good , watching what we did wrong , being able to laugh about it .
Being able to help , being able to get help .
All the interaction that a lot of people don ’ t see and actually builds a team into being a close-knit group .
“ That ’ s something that I missed and I enjoy , and I ’ m glad I ’ m back around it.
” His teammates have said they are glad to have him , too .
Four-time Pro Bowl defensive Everson Griffen assessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well in spite of his lengthy hiatus .
Returning defensive captain DeMarcus Lawrence touted Smith ’ s charisma and personality as a fit on a line in which Lawrence and Smith have complemented each other in camp , as each tries multiple positions and stances .
“ We just click , ” Smith said of Lawrence .
Coaches are preaching caution with tackling in practice so far .
McCarthy concedes that the longer a player is away from the game , the harder it is to succeed upon return .
But Smith has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s acclimation phases .
He ’ s heavier than he ’ s played at before but said he ’ s learned to leverage that weight and find flexibility .
“ Makes the power more powerful , ” he said .
Smith steers clear of thinking too deeply about the Cowboys ’ Sept. 13 opener at the Rams .
Instead , he locks in on mastering his scheme and rhythm .
Even with his new build , he doesn ’ t consider himself rusty—just constantly polishing .
“ Aldon is off to a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s impressive .
”

Aldon Smith earning rave reviews from Cowboys after nearly five-year suspension
Show Caption Hide Caption How NFC East teams will or won't make the playoffs SportsPulse: It's the most talked about division in sports. It's the NFC East. We provide a reason for why each team will or won't make the playoffs. Yes, New York and Washington too. USA TODAY
FRISCO, Texas — The Aldon Smith hype train has traveled far in one week of Cowboys practices.
Ask head coach Mike McCarthy and he’ll tell you the defensive end jumps out.
“If you walked away from practice, you’d say, ‘Hey, who the hell was No. 58?’ That’s my thought when he walked out on the field for the first time,” McCarthy said Thursday.
Ask Dak Prescott—whom Smith has swatted a pass from and gone flying to avoid hitting—and the quarterback will tell you his new teammate doesn’t show the rust of player whose last NFL game appearance was in November 2015.
“He’s a monster,” Prescott said. “Damn sure doesn’t look like he hasn’t played in five years. Doesn’t play like it. Energy would never tell you that. Very fortunate to have him.”
Ask defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and he’ll oscillate between the “awesome size” (6-4, 280 pounds) and “impressive” big-man frame Smith fills.
“From a physical standpoint, there’s really not a whole lot of limitations,” Nolan said Wednesday. “He understands football very well.”
But Smith, Nolan and McCarthy all divert from the physical gifts when considering the key to rediscovering a first-round draft pick who notched a league-record 33 1/2 sacks in his first two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.
NFL RECORD PROJECTIONS: Will Cowboys win NFC East?
Aldon Smith: "I’ve always liked to use speed and power, and I’ve added some weight that’s muscle. So it just makes the power more powerful."
(📷: Dallas Cowboys) pic.twitter.com/ZVogli60HB — Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) August 20, 2020
All emphasize how Smith will need to jell with his defensive-line teammates. Good news for Cowboys fans: So far, Smith’s grading well on that front, too.
“I like the way Aldon, No. 1, interacts with the other players, to be honest with you,” Nolan said. “He's a team player. He's got a lot of personality [and] I see their chemistry. That's so important, not only on the defensive line, but in the defense.”
Smith signed with the Cowboys on April 1 to a one-year deal worth $2 million and a chance of up to $2 million more in incentives. He moved to Dallas on May 1 before he was reinstated May 20 from his indefinite substance-abuse suspension. He had been clean since July 2019, a person with knowledge of his reinstatement process told USA TODAY Sports. The person was granted anonymity due to the sensitive nature of substance-abuse suspensions.
Smith was eligible to apply for reinstatement as early as 2016, after a year away. The league factors in criminal activity, arrests and convictions in determining whether a player merits reinstatement. Smith’s off-field issues since 2015 also have included arrests on suspicions of domestic violence (he later pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges in the case), a hit-and-run and DUI.
He doesn’t take for granted his improbable return.
Smith felt physically ready before training camp actually arrived, preparation he credits to his work at Jay Glazer’s Los Angeles gym, Unbreakable Performance Center, and sessions with a North Texas trainer. But—and he acknowledges, he didn’t even tell his teammates at the time—actually taking an NFL field again to practice was surreal.
“I was thinking in my head, ‘It’s been a long road,’” Smith said. “Being back on the field after that much time off was a blessing. … I was just really grateful.”
Smith’s seemingly quick acclimation to new teammates isn’t an accident. There is nothing he missed more from 2015-20, he says, than the brotherhood of a locker room.
"The camaraderie,” Smith said. “Just being with the guys, working with the guys and seeing each other get better. Making plays, watching film, watching what we did good, watching what we did wrong, being able to laugh about it. Being able to help, being able to get help. All the interaction that a lot of people don’t see and actually builds a team into being a close-knit group.
“That’s something that I missed and I enjoy, and I’m glad I’m back around it.”
His teammates have said they are glad to have him, too. Four-time Pro Bowl defensive Everson Griffen assessed Smith as playing, running and striking well in spite of his lengthy hiatus. Returning defensive captain DeMarcus Lawrence touted Smith’s charisma and personality as a fit on a line in which Lawrence and Smith have complemented each other in camp, as each tries multiple positions and stances.
“We just click,” Smith said of Lawrence.
Coaches are preaching caution with tackling in practice so far. McCarthy concedes that the longer a player is away from the game, the harder it is to succeed upon return. But Smith has met all benchmarks in the team’s acclimation phases. He’s heavier than he’s played at before, carrying an extra 15 pounds from his listed weight as a linebacker for the 49ers, but said he’s learned to leverage that weight and find flexibility.
“Makes the power more powerful,” he said.
Smith steers clear of thinking too deeply about the Cowboys’ Sept. 13 opener at the Rams. Instead, he locks in on mastering his scheme and rhythm. Even with his new build, he doesn’t consider himself rusty—just constantly polishing.
“Aldon is off to a good start,” McCarthy said. “He’s impressive.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein.


usatoday--2020-08-21--Two hurricanes expected in Gulf of Mexico; Florida still in path of one

PALM BEACH , Fla. — The National Hurricane Center is forecasting for two tropical depressions to reach hurricane strength , with both sharing the Gulf of Mexico at the same time .
If that forecast holds true , it would be the first time in recorded history that two hurricanes muscled through the Gulf ’ s warm waters simultaneously , according to Colorado State University researcher Phil Klotzbach .
It could also be another record breaker for 2020 with the potential for seven tropical cyclone landfalls in the continental U.S. before the end of August .
South Florida , its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ path of a messy Tropical Depression 13 , which is predicted to become a tropical storm Friday before shaving north of Puerto Rico on a path toward Florida .
While Boca Raton through Boynton Beach remained in the cone of uncertainty early Friday , areas north of Boynton Beach were out of the cone .
Communities west were also still in the cone .
The system was having trouble settling on a future overnight , and NHC meteorologists warned the forecast models that predict storm intensity vary widely .
The U.S. model and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open wave , while the HWRF take it to a major hurricane .
The official forecast calls for TD 13 to be a strong tropical storm near South Florida as it cuts through the Keys and into the Gulf of Mexico , where it is forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane with 75-mph winds .
The current track , which shifted slightly south and west overnight , has TD 13 making landfall Wednesday in an area from the Panhandle to eastern Louisiana as a Category 1 hurricane .
Tropical Depression 14 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early Friday and expected to become a tropical storm before hitting the Yucatan Peninsula , is forecast to weaken slightly in the southern Gulf of Mexico but reach hurricane strength before making a landfall Tuesday in Texas or far eastern Louisiana .
That means Louisiana could be in the path of two potential hurricanes that could make landfall within hours of each other .
The next names on the 2020 hurricane list are Laura , Marco and Nana .
Hurricane names : From Arthur to Wilfred , here 's the list of names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get their names ?
: Naming tropical cyclones dates back to the 1800s It was unclear early Friday which system would win the name race and earn Laura , but if Laura forms this week it would be the earliest “ L ” storm on record , beating current record holder Hurricane Luis , which formed on Aug. 29 , 1995 .
The record holder for earliest “ M ” named storm is 2005′s Hurricane Maria , which formed on Sept. 2 .
This hurricane season has lived up to forecasts that called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prediction Center ’ s most recent estimate was for up to 25 named storms , which would require using the Greek alphabet .
There are 21 names on the six-year rotating list of storm names .
The names end with the letter W and exclude Q , U , X , Y and Z. Klotzbach said there is no record of two hurricanes existing in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time , but there is precedent for two tropical cyclones — hurricane , storm or depression — to occupy the space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coast and Cuba-Brownsville , and the 1959 storms Beulah and an unnamed system shared the Gulf of Mexico .

Two Gulf hurricanes at the same time? Tropical Storms Laura, Marco have formed
Show Caption Hide Caption 2020 hurricane season prediction: Two hurricanes at the same time The National Hurricane Center recently updated its 2020 outlook calling for 7-11 hurricanes, including 3-6 major hurricanes. USA TODAY
PALM BEACH, Fla. — The National Hurricane Center is forecasting for two tropical systems to reach hurricane strength, with both sharing the Gulf of Mexico at the same time.
One system is Tropical Storm Laura, which formed Friday morning in the Atlantic Ocean.
If that forecast holds true, it would be the first time in recorded history that two hurricanes muscled through the Gulf’s warm waters simultaneously, according to Colorado State University researcher Phil Klotzbach.
It could also be another record-breaker for 2020 with the potential for seven tropical cyclone landfalls in the continental U.S. before the end of August.
South Florida, its west coast and Panhandle remain in the path of a messy Tropical Storm Laura, which is predicted to move across Puerto Rico on a path toward the Gulf.
Laura is expected to produce 3 to 6 inches of rain over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands through Sunday, the Hurricane Center said. "Locally heavy rainfall could lead to flash and urban flooding, as well as an increased potential for mudslides. Some rivers may overflow their banks," the Center warned.
Laura was centered about 40 miles east of Antigua Friday afternoon, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. It was heading west at 17 mph, according to the Hurricane Center.
A tropical storm warning was in effect for Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands and several Caribbean islands. A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning, in this case within the next 12 to 24 hours.
The most Atlantic named storms to make landfall in the continental US (CONUS) by the end of August is 6, set in 1886 and 1916. The CONUS has already had 5 this year: Bertha, Cristobal, Fay, Hanna and Isaias. #TD13 #TD14 #hurricane pic.twitter.com/pV55VDTupO — Philip Klotzbach (@philklotzbach) August 20, 2020
NHC meteorologists warned the forecast models that predict storm intensity vary widely. The U.S. model and the Euro degenerate Laura into an open wave, while the HWRF takes it to a major hurricane.
The official forecast calls for Laura to be a strong tropical storm near South Florida as it cuts through the Keys and into the Gulf of Mexico, where it is forecast to become a Category 1 hurricane with 75-mph winds.
Two tropical depressions to reach hurricane strength at same time in the Gulf of Mexico The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two tropical depressions that are expected to reach hurricane strength in the Gulf of Mexico. Fox - 35 Orlando, Fox - 35 Orlando
South Florida could begin feeling tropical-storm-force winds early Monday.
The current track, which shifted slightly south and west overnight, has Laura making landfall Wednesday in an area from the Panhandle to eastern Louisiana as a Category 1 hurricane.
Tropical Storm Marco, previously Tropical Depression 14 that was named as a Tropical Storm Friday night, is currently 180 miles southeast of Cozumel, Mexico. The National Hurricane Center expects the storm to strengthen as it approaches the Yucatan Peninsula.
The storm has maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour and experts say it should be at or near hurricane strength when it reaches the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico late Saturday.
If the tropical depression strengthens as expected, Marco became the earliest "M" storm on record.
The center of the storm is expected to cross the northeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula Saturday night and move over the central Gulf of Mexico toward the northwestern Gulf on Sunday and Monday, according to the NHS.
Hurricane names: From Arthur to Wilfred, here's the list of names for the 2020 season
How do storms get their names?: Naming tropical cyclones dates back to the 1800s
Laura is the earliest “L” storm on record, beating previous record holder Hurricane Luis, which formed on Aug. 29, 1995.
The record holder for earliest “M” named storm is 2005′s Hurricane Maria, which formed on Sept. 2.
This hurricane season has lived up to forecasts that called for above-normal activity. The Climate Prediction Center’s most recent estimate was for up to 25 named storms, which would require using the Greek alphabet.
There are 21 names on the six-year rotating list of storm names. The names end with the letter W and exclude Q, U, X, Y and Z.
Klotzbach said there is no record of two hurricanes existing in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time, but there is precedent for two tropical cyclones – hurricane, storm or depression – to occupy the space together.
The 1933 storms dubbed Treasure Coast and Cuba-Brownsville, and the 1959 storms Beulah and an unnamed system shared the Gulf of Mexico.
Miller reported from Palm Beach, Florida; Rice from Bethesda, Maryland.


usatoday--2020-08-21--Work from home: No cubicles? No problem. How to bond with your team when you work together, apart

Initially , Lisa Sanders thought her staff would be working from home for a couple of weeks , maybe a month max .
Now , that thinking has turned into several months , and the staff not returning to the office for the rest of this year .
Like many other executives running a big company , she 's relying on videoconferencing to not only make sure the work is getting done but also coming up with creative strategies to maintaining a bond with her colleagues while working remotely .
She said the results have been surprisingly positive , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a lifesaver .
We 've been very fortunate to be able to thrive as a business , '' said Sanders , the vice president of operations and chief of staff at Zededa , which designs and develops cloud-based enterprise software with offices in both San Jose , California , and Bangalore , India .
`` It 's been a very fluid situation , and we 're still learning to adapt . ''
Maintaining a healthy work environment while spending hours behind a computer screen and a video camera is a challenge many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're being asked to complete tasks , develop new skills , and improve our communication along the way .
Much of that is happening through videoconferencing .
Home is the new office According to a recent study , researchers compared employee behavior over two eight-week periods before and after shelter-in-place was mandated .
Looking at email and meeting meta-data , the group calculated the workday lasted 48.5 minutes longer ; the number of meetings increased about 13 % , and people sent an average of 1.4 more emails per day to their colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new normal , said Tom Griffiths , the CEO , and co-founder of Hone , a remote management training startup with offices in San Francisco and New York , '' The way we used to work and do training was in the office and the classroom , '' he said , but remote work trends have shifted now almost overnight .
`` We could n't have imagined that a few months ago . ''
Griffiths said Hone might have had a head start in the way companies are currently utilizing videoconferencing .
Instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's professional coaches teach its customers with live sessions using video conferencing with classes between eight and 12 people .
The goal is to get those taking their classes to retain their training and offering feedback quickly .
Engagement is measured by seeing how many questions company employees ask during the training .
`` We keep mixing it up , so they stay engaged and are not too tempted to check their email or eat their lunch , '' Griffiths said .
Griffiths said his company has recently seen demand from companies to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
USA TODAY analysis : Why are there still so few Black executives in America ?
Adjusting to the new normal Overall , Griffiths said video conferencing could be effective if employers do n't overwhelm their workers with so many of them during the day .
He encourages companies to set goals and targets with their employee .
He said the outcome and results should be the bottom line , whether they show up on the screen either at 8 a.m. or noon , to foster `` a level of trust that shows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sanders of Zededa agrees .
While she can have up to eight video conference meetings a day because of her dual roles , she 's encouraged her staff to dress down for meetings and find time to block out time to focus on both work , themselves , and their families .
She said it 's completely healthy now that while tasks are discussed during video conference meetings for interruptions to occur from family members asking questions , to pets jumping onscreen for attention .
`` We immediately embraced it .
We laugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , '' Sanders said .
`` It 's humanizing , makes us real people , and gives a glimpse into our co-workers ' lives , and I think it creates a stronger connection than just sitting in an office . ''
Sanders also has one-on-one video conference meetings with her staff with the intent to `` create an even deeper bond between myself and them , '' even though they are working remotely .
About three months ago , to combat work-from-home fatigue and possibly more extended hours , she and Zededa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the offices by noon on Fridays .
`` We close down communications , and encourage our staff to spend time with their families , to relax and get recharged , '' she said .
`` We also advise them not to attend a meeting just for the sake of attending them .
If you do n't have to , politely decline it , ask colleagues to help fill you in later . ''
And , Sanders helps organize the company 's optional `` 5 p.m. happy hour '' through videoconferencing .
Many Zededa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often morphs into a sing-along .
`` They bring their guitars , and sometimes their kids join in , and it 's so wonderful to see their families get involved , '' she said .
`` It 's been a great experience . ''
She 's already thinking about the company 's holiday party , which will take place via videoconferencing .
`` There 's going to be a lot of onscreen planning for that , too , '' she said .

Work from home: No cubicles? No problem. How to bond with your team when you work together, apart
Show Caption Hide Caption How to work from home but still feel connected You can work from home without feeling so isolated. Here are some great ways to stay connected with your team. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
Initially, Lisa Sanders thought her staff would be working from home for a couple of weeks, maybe a month max. Now, that thinking has turned into several months, and the staff not returning to the office for the rest of this year.
Like many other executives running a big company, she's relying on videoconferencing to not only make sure the work is getting done but also coming up with creative strategies to maintaining a bond with her colleagues while working remotely.
She said the results have been surprisingly positive, and productivity has increased.
"Videoconferencing has been a lifesaver. We've been very fortunate to be able to thrive as a business," said Sanders, the vice president of operations and chief of staff at Zededa, which designs and develops cloud-based enterprise software with offices in both San Jose, California, and Bangalore, India. "It's been a very fluid situation, and we're still learning to adapt."
Maintaining a healthy work environment while spending hours behind a computer screen and a video camera is a challenge many of us are dealing with. We're being asked to complete tasks, develop new skills, and improve our communication along the way. Much of that is happening through videoconferencing.
Home is the new office
According to a recent study, researchers compared employee behavior over two eight-week periods before and after shelter-in-place was mandated. Looking at email and meeting metadata, the group calculated the workday lasted 48.5 minutes longer; the number of meetings increased about 13%, and people sent an average of 1.4 more emails per day to their colleagues.
And that's quickly becoming our new normal, said Tom Griffiths, the CEO, and co-founder of Hone, a remote management training startup with offices in San Francisco and New York.
"The way we used to work and do training was in the office and the classroom," he said, but remote work trends have shifted now almost overnight. "We couldn't have imagined that a few months ago."
Griffiths said Hone might have had a head start in the way companies are currently utilizing videoconferencing. Instead of using prerecorded videos, the company's professional coaches teach its customers with live sessions using videoconferencing with classes between eight and 12 people.
The goal is to get those taking their classes to retain their training and offering feedback quickly. Engagement is measured by seeing how many questions company employees ask during the training. "We keep mixing it up, so they stay engaged and are not too tempted to check their email or eat their lunch," Griffiths said.
Griffiths said his company has recently seen demand from companies to provide diversity and inclusion and bias training.
USA TODAY analysis: Why are there still so few Black executives in America?
Upgrading: 10 cool app plug-ins to enhance your video meeting experience
Telework tips: How to be more productive while working at home If you're working from home, here are some tips to maximize productivity and create an effective home workspace. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
Adjusting to the new normal
Overall, Griffiths said videoconferencing could be effective if employers don't overwhelm their workers with so many of them during the day. He encourages companies to set goals and targets with their employee. He said the outcome and results should be the bottom line, whether they show up on the screen either at 8 a.m. or noon, to foster "a level of trust that shows they can do the job."
Sanders of Zededa agrees. While she can have up to eight videoconference meetings a day because of her dual roles, she's encouraged her staff to dress down for meetings and find time to block out time to focus on both work, themselves, and their families.
She said it's completely healthy now that while tasks are discussed during videoconference meetings for interruptions to occur from family members asking questions, to pets jumping onscreen for attention.
"We immediately embraced it. We laugh more than anything at the challenges around it," Sanders said. "It's humanizing, makes us real people, and gives a glimpse into our co-workers' lives, and I think it creates a stronger connection than just sitting in an office."
Liven up video meetings: Add social hours, games, trivia and fun
Sanders also has one-on-one videoconference meetings with her staff with the intent to "create an even deeper bond between myself and them," even though they are working remotely.
Relax and recharge
About three months ago, to combat work-from-home fatigue and possibly more extended hours, Sanders and Zededa CEO Said Ouissal decided to shut down the offices by noon on Fridays.
"We close down communications, and encourage our staff to spend time with their families, to relax and get recharged," she said. "We also advise them not to attend a meeting just for the sake of attending them. If you don't have to, politely decline it, ask colleagues to help fill you in later."
And, Sanders helps organize the company's optional "5 p.m. happy hour" through videoconferencing. Many Zededa employees are musicians, so the occasion often morphs into a sing-along.
"They bring their guitars, and sometimes their kids join in, and it's so wonderful to see their families get involved," she said. "It's been a great experience."
She's already thinking about the company's holiday party, which will take place via videoconferencing.
"There's going to be a lot of onscreen planning for that, too," she said.


usatoday--2020-08-21--A way to travel in Hawaii? Government unveils 'resort bubble' concept to hop between islands

Hawaii Gov .
David Ige announced earlier this week that the state wo n't reopen to tourism until at least October , which means its 14-day mandatory quarantine for both out-of-state and inter-island travelers ( in Kauai , Hawaii , Maui and Kalawao counties ) remains intact .
But details have since emerged about a `` resort bubble concept '' for inter-island travelers .
The state calls the program an `` enhanced movement quarantine '' that each county can develop to give residents and visitors the ability to travel between islands without a 14-day quarantine .
Officials had been reviewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roam freely on resorts while their movements are tracked via a wearable monitor to ensure they stay inside the boundaries of the facilities .
The so-called “ resort bubble ” concept would keep the tourists within a “ geofence ” that tracks their movements , West Hawaii Today reported .
Forget about a Hawaii vacation for now : Travel off limits until at least October as COVID-19 spike delays tourism reopening If counties opt to establish these programs , they can work with resorts or hotels for housing these travelers in question .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ geographical areas and limit their contact with people not under self-quarantine restrictions .
Travelers who participate must sign waivers saying they voluntarily chose to participate , as well as allow electronic monitoring and access to their health information .
All are required to pay for associated costs .
`` At a certain point , we need to learn to co-exist with this virus and the EMQ or 'resort bubble ' is just one step in the staged approach for a broader opening of travel , '' Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami said during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that factors for the program were still being ironed out , like determining which resorts would want to follow all the safety and security measures , as well as testing of a geo-fencing electronic quarantine monitor .
`` Technology is not a replacement for human behavior , '' he added .
The tourism delay , the second since the program was announced in June , will affect passengers who bet on the previous Sept. 1 reopening plan and bought airline tickets to Hawaii ; airline flight schedules ; and , of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine began in March , and the latest extension means much of the year will be wiped out as few visitors want to be confined to their hotel or vacation rental .
The state also reinstituted a ban on social gatherings over five people , inside and outside , and other restrictions on Oahu , home to Honolulu and the site of the vast majority of the state 's coronavirus cases .
Hawaii , initially seen as a model for containing coronavirus spread with just 900 cases in total between February and June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July .
There have been 5,844 cases of COVID-19 in Hawaii as of Aug. 20 , with 45 reportedly dead .
Yeah , about other travelers though : Forget about a Hawaii vacation until at least October as COVID-19 spike delays tourism reopening Hmm : Hawaii may use 'geofence ' technology to track tourists during coronavirus pandemic

A way to travel in Hawaii? Government unveils 'resort bubble' concept to hop between islands
Show Caption Hide Caption Hawaii extends tourist quarantine until October Hawaii's planned September 1 start date for allowing out-of-state visitors to bypass a 14-day quarantine has been delayed until October. USA TODAY
Hawaii Gov. David Ige announced last week that the state won't reopen to tourism until at least October, which means its 14-day mandatory quarantine for both out-of-state and inter-island travelers (in Kauai, Hawaii, Maui and Kalawao counties) remains intact. But details have since emerged about a "resort bubble concept" for inter-island travelers.
The state calls the program an "enhanced movement quarantine" that each county can develop to give residents and visitors the ability to travel between islands without a 14-day quarantine.
Officials had been reviewing an idea that would allow tourists to roam freely on resorts while their movements are tracked via a wearable monitor to ensure they stay inside the boundaries of the facilities.
The “resort bubble” concept would keep the tourists within a “geofence” that tracks their movements, West Hawaii Today reported.
Forget about a Hawaii vacation for now: Travel off limits until at least October as COVID-19 spike delays tourism reopening
If counties opt to establish these programs, they can work with resorts or hotels for housing these travelers in question. Travelers who enroll must stay in specific geographical areas and limit their contact with people not under self-quarantine restrictions. Travelers who participate must sign waivers saying they voluntarily chose to participate, as well as allow electronic monitoring and access to their health information. All are required to pay for associated costs.
"At a certain point, we need to learn to co-exist with this virus and the EMQ or 'resort bubble' is just one step in the staged approach for a broader opening of travel," Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami said during a news briefing last week. He said that factors for the program were still being ironed out, like determining which resorts would want to follow all the safety and security measures, as well as testing of a geofencing electronic quarantine monitor.
"Technology is not a replacement for human behavior," he added.
The tourism delay, the second since the program was announced in June, will affect passengers who bet on the previous Sept. 1 reopening plan and bought airline tickets to Hawaii; airline flight schedules; and, of course, Hawaii's pummeled tourism industry. The quarantine began in March, and the latest extension means much of the year will be wiped out as few visitors want to be confined to their hotel or vacation rental.
The state also reinstituted a ban on social gatherings over five people, inside and outside, and other restrictions on Oahu, home to Honolulu and the site of the vast majority of the state's coronavirus cases.
Hawaii, initially seen as a model for containing coronavirus spread with just 900 cases in total between February and June, has seen a surge since early July. There have been 6,356 cases of COVID-19 in Hawaii as of Saturday, including 47 deaths.
Contributing: Dawn Gilbertson, USA TODAY; The Associated Press
Yeah, about other travelers though: Forget about a Hawaii vacation until at least October as COVID-19 spike delays tourism reopening
Hmm: Hawaii may use 'geofence' technology to track tourists during coronavirus pandemic


usatoday--2020-08-21--'Living in my car'? Fall semester online means college students are scrambling for housing, Wi-Fi

When California State University announced May 12 its schools would be online for the fall semester , Graciela Moran thought she might end up homeless .
The San Bernardino student is immunocompromised and had been living in her dorm as a residential assistant .
But with the Cal State announcement , her contract ended and her stipend was taken away .
Her father , a carpet installer , had to keep working during the city 's increase in coronavirus infections , so she could n't move home without putting herself at risk .
`` I was really thinking about living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her mind raced as she weighed finding a full-time job that would allow her to afford an apartment .
But the college stepped in .
A COVID-19 relief fund from the Basic Needs Department provided the fifth-year senior , who is also the school 's student body president , with the payment she needed to stay in her dorm room .
When it was safe for her to move home , Cal State provided her with a Wi-Fi hotspot and a computer to do her classwork —among the $ 4 million in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students .
Cal State , the largest public university system in the nation , was among the first schools to put learning mostly online for fall 2020 — with massive consequences for its nearly 500,000 undergraduates .
One-third are the first in their family to attend college .
Sixty percent are students of color .
Like Moran , many are struggling to find the best way to learn , and still be a college student . '
I am the future ' : Students are fighting to defy college dropout stats during COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They 're renting out laptops and providing Wi-Fi to students and have been training faculty on how to use technology , said Leslie Kennedy , senior director of technology services .
`` That will minimize or remove the digital divide , '' she said .
Putting courses online instantly has disproportionate effects on some students .
In California , 10 % of all households do n't have internet access , according to a Pew Research Center study in 2017 .
More than a quarter lack broadband subscriptions .
The 22-university consortium that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already committed to eliminating equity gaps , including the digital divide , by graduation 2025 .
The administration at CSUSB `` saved my life in so many aspects , '' said Moran — providing her with internet , a place to stay , disability accommodations and mental health support .
Still , some students and professors say the university system can only go so far in providing support .
For example , Sacramento State has converted a parking garage into a classroom where as many as 100 students each weekday park , pull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or do homework from their vehicles .
They access the internet through Eduroam , the school 's Wi-Fi service , in a distraction-free environment .
COVID-19 pushed learning online : But half of all Americans lack high-speed internet But the State Hornet , Sac State 's student newspaper , reported in May that the parking facility was only open for a limited time frame each day .
At the San Bernardino campus , Paola Galvez , a rising second-year , would pull into a Wi-Fi-equipped parking lot to do her reading after spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struck .
In April , she was surrounded by other students using the drive-in Wi-Fi .
The internet at school was faster and better than what she has at home .
Students ' usage dropped off as the semester ended , she said .
Students count on their campuses for more than just Wi-Fi .
They use school computers , child care facilities , spaces to work and study , food banks and clothes closets .
The clothes closet at the Dominguez Hills campus offered students casual everyday wear as well as business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to the State Bulletin , the school 's newspaper .
It has closed temporarily because of the pandemic .
Then there 's the problem of how to teach students and find effective ways to test them while courses are online .
The problem mainly lies with faculty , who need to be understanding and flexible toward students , said Pascale Guiton , a biology professor at Cal State-East Bay .
`` How do you keep them motivated ?
Because they can just sit there and not do anything , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work flexibility into their classes , said Christian Roessler , an economics professor at Cal State-East Bay .
When classes are flexible , students are less likely to cheat , Roessler said .
In some cases , even with all the supports Cal State is providing , there are no good solutions for students .
Rising fourth-year student Gabriel Islas did n't have Wi-Fi at home .
In the spring , when Cal State-Long Beach first went online , he took advantage of the Wi-Fi at the university to finish a podcast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But he was driving 35 minutes each way just to get online .
Days after he got the email telling students Cal State would be online for the fall , he bought internet access for his family .
`` I was n't planning on waking up at 6 a.m. to drive to Starbucks for Wi-Fi to attend my class , '' he said .
He also paid $ 240 for a desk , so he could work from the privacy of his bedroom , instead of doing homework at his kitchen table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Funko Pop !
figures , posters and LED lighting .
He can get to work without even having to turn the light on in his room , he said .
Students say they understand why Cal State made the decision to move online and would n't want to go back to college anyway during a pandemic .
But that does n't make it any less hard emotionally or mentally .
As the student newspaper staff at Cal State-Fullerton was planning how they might put out the news remotely , editor-in-chief Jessica Benda , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It seemed like such a far-fetched scenario .
`` And then , like , fast forward a couple weeks later , everything that we were talking about happened , '' she said .
`` That was crazy to me . ''
Taylor Helmes , a rising senior student at Cal State-Dominguez Hills , will graduate this year and will miss out on parts of what makes the last year of college so special .
`` I grieved over my spring semester that was cut short .
Plus , the hustle and bustle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always gives me butterflies , '' Helmes said .
`` I 'll miss that , too . ''
Meanwhile , students are bracing for another possible outcome : for spring 2020 to be online as well .
But for Benda , her biggest concern is staying connected through this semester .
`` Everyone 's been having a difficult time , '' she said .
`` My biggest goal for this semester is to check up on my friends and make sure everyone is doing okay , because these are tough times and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

When California State University announced May 12 its schools would be online for the fall semester, Graciela Moran thought she might end up homeless.
The San Bernardino student is immunocompromised and had been living in her dorm as a residential assistant. But with the Cal State announcement, her contract ended and her stipend was taken away. Her father, a carpet installer, had to keep working during the city's increase in coronavirus infections, so she couldn't move home without putting herself at risk.
"I was really thinking about living in my car," she said. Her mind raced as she weighed finding a full-time job that would allow her to afford an apartment.
But the college stepped in. A COVID-19 relief fund from the Basic Needs Department provided the fifth-year senior, who is also the school's student body president, with the payment she needed to stay in her dorm room. When it was safe for her to move home, Cal State provided her with a Wi-Fi hotspot and a computer to do her classwork —among the $4 million in laptops and tablets purchased and distributed to students.
Graciela Moran transformed her makeup vanity in her bedroom into her permanent workspace for her classes at Cal State-San Bernardino. Moran, the student body president at the campus, will be a senior this fall. Harrison Hill, USA TODAY
Cal State, the largest public university system in the nation, was among the first schools to put learning mostly online for fall 2020 — with massive consequences for its nearly 500,000 undergraduates. One-third are the first in their family to attend college. Sixty percent are students of color. Like Moran, many are struggling to find the best way to learn, and still be a college student.
'I am the future': Students are fighting to defy college dropout stats during COVID-19
The Cal State colleges have helped out. They're renting out laptops and providing Wi-Fi to students and have been training faculty on how to use technology, said Leslie Kennedy, senior director of technology services.
"That will minimize or remove the digital divide," she said.
'Saved my life'
Putting courses online instantly has disproportionate effects on some students. In California, 10% of all households don't have internet access, according to a Pew Research Center study in 2017. More than a quarter lack broadband subscriptions.
Your browser does not support the video tag. Madeline Beck, Senior at Cal State, Sacramento
The 23-university consortium that makes up the Cal State system has already committed to eliminating equity gaps, including the digital divide, by graduation 2025.
The administration at CSUSB "saved my life in so many aspects," said Moran — providing her with internet, a place to stay, disability accommodations and mental health support.
Still, some students and professors say the university system can only go so far in providing support.
For example, Sacramento State has converted a parking garage into a classroom where as many as 100 students each weekday park, pull out their laptops and attend class virtually or do homework from their vehicles. They access the internet through Eduroam, the school's Wi-Fi service, in a distraction-free environment.
COVID-19 pushed learning online: But half of all Americans lack high-speed internet
But the State Hornet, Sac State's student newspaper, reported in May that the parking facility was only open for a limited time frame each day.
At the San Bernardino campus, Paola Galvez, a rising second-year, would pull into a Wi-Fi-equipped parking lot to do her reading after spring classes went online when the pandemic first struck. In April, she was surrounded by other students using the drive-in Wi-Fi.
The internet at school was faster and better than what she has at home. Students' usage dropped off as the semester ended, she said.
Students count on their campuses for more than just Wi-Fi. They use school computers, child care facilities, spaces to work and study, food banks and clothes closets.
The clothes closet at the Dominguez Hills campus offered students casual everyday wear as well as business attire for professional environments, completely free, according to the State Bulletin, the school's newspaper. It has closed temporarily because of the pandemic.
Your browser does not support the video tag. Lilo Arakelian, Junior at Chico State University
Then there's the problem of how to teach students and find effective ways to test them while courses are online. The problem mainly lies with faculty, who need to be understanding and flexible toward students, said Pascale Guiton, a biology professor at Cal State-East Bay.
"How do you keep them motivated? Because they can just sit there and not do anything," she said.
Cal State is encouraging professors to work flexibility into their classes, said Christian Roessler, an economics professor at Cal State-East Bay. When classes are flexible, students are less likely to cheat, Roessler said.
Cal State-East Bay, seen from a distance. Jennifer Williams / Wikimedia Commons
No perfect solution
In some cases, even with all the supports Cal State is providing, there are no good solutions for students.
Rising fourth-year student Gabriel Islas didn't have Wi-Fi at home. In the spring, when Cal State-Long Beach first went online, he took advantage of the Wi-Fi at the university to finish a podcast he had worked on with a friend.
But he was driving 35 minutes each way just to get online.
Days after he got the email telling students Cal State would be online for the fall, he bought internet access for his family.
"I wasn't planning on waking up at 6 a.m. to drive to Starbucks for Wi-Fi to attend my class," he said.
He also paid $240 for a desk, so he could work from the privacy of his bedroom, instead of doing homework at his kitchen table. The new workspace is lined with Funko Pop! figures, posters and LED lighting. He can get to work without even having to turn the light on in his room, he said.
Your browser does not support the video tag. Jessica Benda, Junior at Cal State, Fullerton
Students say they understand why Cal State made the decision to move online and wouldn't want to go back to college anyway during a pandemic. But that doesn't make it any less hard emotionally or mentally.
Students partied, the school wasn't read: How Notre Dame's back-to-campus plan unraveled
As the student newspaper staff at Cal State-Fullerton was planning how they might put out the news remotely, editor-in-chief Jessica Benda, a rising third-year, remembers thinking: "It seemed like such a far-fetched scenario.
"And then, like, fast forward a couple weeks later, everything that we were talking about happened," she said. "That was crazy to me."
Taylor Helmes, a rising senior student at Cal State-Dominguez Hills, will graduate this year and will miss out on parts of what makes the last year of college so special.
"I grieved over my spring semester that was cut short. Plus, the hustle and bustle of the first few weeks of school always gives me butterflies," Helmes said. "I'll miss that, too."
Meanwhile, students are bracing for another possible outcome: for spring 2020 to be online as well.
But for Benda, her biggest concern is staying connected through this semester.
"Everyone's been having a difficult time," she said. "My biggest goal for this semester is to check up on my friends and make sure everyone is doing okay, because these are tough times and we need to look out for each other."
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the number of universities in the Cal State system. There are 23.