usatoday--2020-08-28--Coronavirus live updates: CDC attempts to clarify testing guidelines; Hawaii tourist arrivals plumme

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday attempted to clarify controversial testing guidelines published Monday that said people with no symptoms “ do not necessarily need a test ” – even if they were exposed to an infected person .
In a statement , Director Robert Redfield said those who come in close contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 patient could be tested , even if they don ’ t show symptoms .
“ Everyone who needs a COVID-19 test , can get a test , ” he said .
“ Everyone who wants a test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key is to engage the needed public health community in the decision with the appropriate follow-up action.
” But even his Thursday statement falls short of previous guidance , in which the CDC recommended contacts of those infected with the virus be tested specifically because of the threat of asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic transmission .
Also the number of new coronavirus cases may be falling in three Western states , but there is no holding back when it comes to testing .
California and Nevada say they are going to increase testing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal that also will lower the costs of tests and lead to faster results .
Oregon 's rate of positive coronavirus cases has fallen to the point that it almost meets Gov .
Kate Brown 's threshold for reopening schools .
Nationally , economists estimate weekly unemployment claims will slightly dip from the 1.1 million who applied the week before .
A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data show new case records were set in Hawaii , Indiana , Iowa , Kansas and North Dakota , and also Guam .
Record numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Arkansas , Guam and Virgin Islands .
• At the RNC , Vice President Mike Pence said the administration marshaled all its forces against COVID and had a `` seamless partnership '' with the nation 's governors .
• Amid Hurricane Laura , many Texans are staying in hotels , not shelters , as protection from the coronavirus .
Texas is offering testing at some shelters .
• Disneyland says it is ready to reopen as soon as it gets the go-ahead from California .
• A stay-at-home order for the island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the order will last for two weeks .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has more than 5.8 million confirmed infections and 180,000 deaths .
Worldwide , there have been more than 828,000 deaths and 24.3 million cases , according to John Hopkins University data .
📰 What we 're reading : Can employers force their workers to get a COVID-19 vaccination ?
it 's a prickly subject .
This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly 100 % in July , state report says Tourist arrivals in Hawaii declined by almost 98 % in July compared to a year ago , according to a report released Thursday by state officials .
The Hawaii Tourism Authority said a total of 22,562 people traveled to the state in July by air .
That number was 995,210 in 2019 .
Most of the visitors in July traveled from the U.S. mainland , with only about 2,000 international travelers .
The total number of arrivals for the first seven months of 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receives $ 15K gift as it faces fines for defying state orders A gym in Ventura , California , ordered to close indoor operations because of COVID-19 restrictions remains open inside despite the possibility of fines gym owners say could add up to $ 3,000 a day .
BSF Fitness 's fight has been supported by a $ 15,000 donation from Godspeak Calvary Chapel , the Newbury Park church engaged in its own fight against COVID restrictions .
BSF opened in mid-May before state and local officials eased COVID restrictions on gyms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Gov .
Gavin Newsom ordered churches , fitness centers , hair salons and other businesses in Ventura County and other regions on a state watch list to hold only outside operations .
Maryland schools can now fully reopen , Gov .
Larry Hogan says Maryland Gov .
Larry Hogan on Thursday authorized all schools to fully reopen after meeting a set of COVID-19 guidelines .
`` The authority to reopen continues to rest with county school systems , but nearly everyone agrees that there is no substitute for in-person instruction .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on flexible hybrid plans to safely get some of our kids back into classrooms , '' Hogan said on Twitter .
The state 's 24 school districts will begin the school year online , but 16 have said they will try to get groups of students back into classrooms as early as mid-September , the Baltimore Sun reported .
The other eight districts said the first semester will be entirely online-only , the newspaper reported .
Director Robert Redfield attempted to clarify recently changed CDC guidelines for COVID-19 testing after receiving backlash from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement Thursday that the agency was focusing on testing individuals with symptomatic illness , significant exposure , vulnerable populations , essential workers and `` those individuals who may be asymptomatic when prioritized by medical and public heath officials . ''
The clarification still falls short of previous guidance , in which the CDC recommended contacts of those infected with the virus be tested specifically because of the threat of asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic transmission .
Redfield said the updated guidelines were coordinated in conjunction with the White House Coronavirus Task Force and task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was absent from the meeting .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , told CNN he was undergoing surgery and was n't present at the August 20 task force meeting where these controversial updated guidelines were discussed .
`` I was under general anesthesia in the operating room and was not part of any discussion or deliberation regarding the new testing recommendations , '' Fauci said .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The agency discovered that some hand sanitizers are being packaged in beer cans , children ’ s food pouches , water bottles , juice bottles and vodka bottles .
The FDA also found that some hand sanitizers contain food flavors , such as chocolate or raspberry .
“ I am increasingly concerned about hand sanitizer being packaged to appear to be consumable products , such as baby food or beverages , ” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn .
“ These products could confuse consumers into accidentally ingesting a potential deadly product.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dangerous to add scents with food flavors as children could eat the hand sanitizer and get alcohol poisoning .
“ Manufacturers should be vigilant about packaging and marketing their hand sanitizers in food or drink packages in an effort to mitigate any potential inadvertent use by consumers , ” Hahn said .
Abbott Laboratories has received emergency-use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a $ 5 coronavirus test that can deliver results in 15 minutes .
The test is the size of a small greeting card and can be administered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or other medical professional .
Abbott said it will ship millions of the tests in September and plans up to 50 million by October .
That would significantly increase the nation ’ s supply of tests to detect the virus that causes COVID-19 .
The antigen test uses technology similar to a pregnancy test .
A medical worker takes a nasal swab , inserts the sample into a slot and closes the card .
The card displays one line for a negative result or two lines for a positive .
The FDA authorized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients within seven days of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms .
It 's not authorized for home use .
The FDA said antigen tests generally have lower sensitivity than lab-based PCR tests , so people who test negative with an antigen test may need a PCR test to rule out a coronavirus infection .
Abbott said its antigen test has a sensitivity – a measure of whether the test correctly identifies a case – of 97.1 % .
Report : LSU offensive line down to four because of positives , quarantines LSU ’ s defense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off to a rocky start , with just one month before the Tigers open their season .
Positive COVID-19 tests or a risk of exposure to infected individuals have sidelined nearly the entire offensive line position group in quarantine , according to a report in the Baton Rouge Advocate .
Citing multiple people , the story by the Advocate said all but four members of the offensive line have either tested positive for the novel coronavirus or are isolating because of high-risk exposure .
Players who test positive must isolate for 10 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 24 hours before returning to practice , according to SEC COVID-19 protocols .
Individuals with high-risk exposure must quarantine for 14 days .
Mental health and college sports : Medical experts warn it is being overlooked , especially in Black athletes California will more than double its coronavirus testing to up to 250,000 people a day , Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced .
It has a $ 1.4-billion contract with a Massachusetts company aimed at providing faster results and lower costs .
In reporting 6,004 new cases , Newsom tweeted Wednesday that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declines '' in case counts .
Nevada , too , says the number of new cases has decreased since peaking above 1,400 on July 15 .
Officials say the decrease is due at least in part to the state 's face-covering mandate and limits on large gatherings .
It is also increasing testing in its high-population areas of Reno and Las Vegas .
In Oregon , officials note not only that the case counts are falling , but that the rate of positive tests also has declined .
It stands at 5.1 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of Gov .
Kate Brown 's requirements for reopening schools will have been met .
Disneyland 'ready ' to reopen once it gets approval from California officials Disneyland is ready to let the magic begin anew .
All it needs is a go-ahead from California officials .
The head of Disney 's theme parks said Disneyland is ready to open once California releases its health and safety guidelines for theme parks , a move that 's been hampered by a more full retreat of cases of the coronavirus .
Orange County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday from a list of counties on California 's monitoring list for coronavirus .
Disney World in Orlando , Florida , has been fully open since July 15 , after closing for nearly four months .
COVID-19 cases may be falling in many states , but not unemployment Though the number of Americans testing positive for the coronavirus may be ebbing in some cities , the economic damage drags on .
About 1 million workers filed initial applications for unemployment insurance last week , economists estimate , a slight dip from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The number seeking unemployment aid for the first time has been volatile , slightly dipping and rising , yet remaining stubbornly high – far above the previous record of 695,000 weekly claims set during an economic downturn in 1982 .
The see-sawing numbers reflect the stops and starts occurring throughout the U.S. economy , as businesses gradually reopen in some parts , while others roll back or halt re-openings as COVID-19 cases spike .
On Facebook : There 's still a lot unknown about the coronavirus .
But what we do know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .
In your inbox : Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .

Chris Woodyard, Adrianna Rodriguez and Jessica Flores, USA TODAY

Coronavirus live updates: CDC attempts to clarify testing guidelines; Hawaii tourist arrivals plummet by 98%; Maryland OKs school reopenings
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How R-0 can be used to fight COVID-19 R-0 may be the most important scientific term you’ve never heard of when it comes to stopping the coronavirus pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday attempted to clarify controversial testing guidelines published Monday that said people with no symptoms “do not necessarily need a test” – even if they were exposed to an infected person.
In a statement, Director Robert Redfield said those who come in close contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 patient could be tested, even if they don’t show symptoms.
“Everyone who needs a COVID-19 test, can get a test,” he said. “Everyone who wants a test does not necessarily need a test; the key is to engage the needed public health community in the decision with the appropriate follow-up action.”
But even his Thursday statement falls short of previous guidance, in which the CDC recommended contacts of those infected with the virus be tested specifically because of the threat of asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic transmission.
Also the number of new coronavirus cases may be falling in three Western states, but there is no holding back when it comes to testing.
California and Nevada say they are going to increase testing. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a deal that also will lower the costs of tests and lead to faster results. Oregon's rate of positive coronavirus cases has fallen to the point that it almost meets Gov. Kate Brown's threshold for reopening schools.
Nationally, economists estimate weekly unemployment claims will slightly dip from the 1.1 million who applied the week before.
A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data show new case records were set in Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas and North Dakota, and also Guam. Record numbers of deaths were also reported in Alaska and Arkansas, Guam and Virgin Islands.
Some significant developments:
At the RNC, Vice President Mike Pence said the administration marshaled all its forces against COVID and had a "seamless partnership" with the nation's governors.
Amid Hurricane Laura, many Texans are staying in hotels, not shelters, as protection from the coronavirus. Texas is offering testing at some shelters.
Disneyland says it is ready to reopen as soon as it gets the go-ahead from California.
A stay-at-home order for the island Oahu went into effect Thursday morning. Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell says the order will last for two weeks.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has more than 5.8 million confirmed infections and 180,000 deaths. Worldwide, there have been more than 828,000 deaths and 24.3 million cases, according to John Hopkins University data.
📰 What we're reading: Can employers force their workers to get a COVID-19 vaccination? it's a prickly subject.
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to the Daily Briefing.
COVID-19: How to move during a pandemic Moving in itself is stressful, but it's even harder during the pandemic. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
The University of Arizona found early signs of COVID-19 in a student dorm this week by testing wastewater and were able to head off an outbreak, school leaders announced Thursday.
Researchers at the school have looked for traces of the virus in wastewater samples taken from the greater Tucson area since March and have gathered samples from 20 buildings on the UA campus since school started.
Earlier this week, data collected from the dorms found higher viral loads in wastewater samples taken from Likins Hall. A team led by Dr. Ian Pepper, director of the UA's Water and Energy Sustainable Technology Center, tested the samples five more times to confirm the findings, said UA President Dr. Robert Robbins.
The university on Wednesday tested the entire dorm, about 311 people, and found two positive cases, Robbins said. The two individuals, who were asymptomatic, are now in isolation, preventing further spread in Likins Hall.
– Paulina Pineda and Rachel Leingang, Arizona Republic
Tourist arrivals in Hawaii declined by almost 98% in July compared to a year ago, according to a report released Thursday by state officials.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority said a total of 22,562 people traveled to the state in July by air. That number was 995,210 in 2019.
Most of the visitors in July traveled from the U.S. mainland, with only about 2,000 international travelers. The total number of arrivals for the first seven months of 2020 dropped nearly 65%.
A gym in Ventura, California, ordered to close indoor operations because of COVID-19 restrictions remains open inside despite the possibility of fines gym owners say could add up to $3,000 a day.
BSF Fitness's fight has been supported by a $15,000 donation from Godspeak Calvary Chapel, the Newbury Park church engaged in its own fight against COVID restrictions.
BSF opened in mid-May before state and local officials eased COVID restrictions on gyms. The business remained open indoors in July after Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered churches, fitness centers, hair salons and other businesses in Ventura County and other regions on a state watch list to hold only outside operations.
– Tom Kisken, Ventura County Star
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan on Thursday authorized all schools to fully reopen after meeting a set of COVID-19 guidelines.
"The authority to reopen continues to rest with county school systems, but nearly everyone agrees that there is no substitute for in-person instruction. It is essential that we all work together on flexible hybrid plans to safely get some of our kids back into classrooms," Hogan said on Twitter.
The state's 24 school districts will begin the school year online, but 16 have said they will try to get groups of students back into classrooms as early as mid-September, the Baltimore Sun reported. The other eight districts said the first semester will be entirely online-only, the newspaper reported.
Director Robert Redfield attempted to clarify recently changed CDC guidelines for COVID-19 testing after receiving backlash from infectious disease experts.
He said in a statement Thursday that the agency was focusing on testing individuals with symptomatic illness, significant exposure, vulnerable populations, essential workers and "those individuals who may be asymptomatic when prioritized by medical and public heath officials."
The clarification still falls short of previous guidance, in which the CDC recommended contacts of those infected with the virus be tested specifically because of the threat of asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic transmission.
Redfield said the updated guidelines were coordinated in conjunction with the White House Coronavirus Task Force and task force experts, however, one leader said he was absent from the meeting.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN he was undergoing surgery and wasn't present at the August 20 task force meeting where these controversial updated guidelines were discussed.
"I was under general anesthesia in the operating room and was not part of any discussion or deliberation regarding the new testing recommendations," Fauci said.
FDA warns against hand sanitizers packaged in food, drink containers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about alcohol-based hand sanitizers that are being packaged in food and drink containers.
The agency discovered that some hand sanitizers are being packaged in beer cans, children’s food pouches, water bottles, juice bottles and vodka bottles. The FDA also found that some hand sanitizers contain food flavors, such as chocolate or raspberry.
“I am increasingly concerned about hand sanitizer being packaged to appear to be consumable products, such as baby food or beverages,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn. “These products could confuse consumers into accidentally ingesting a potential deadly product.”
He also added that it’s dangerous to add scents with food flavors as children could eat the hand sanitizer and get alcohol poisoning.
“Manufacturers should be vigilant about packaging and marketing their hand sanitizers in food or drink packages in an effort to mitigate any potential inadvertent use by consumers,” Hahn said.
Abbott Laboratories has received emergency-use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a $5 coronavirus test that can deliver results in 15 minutes. The test is the size of a small greeting card and can be administered by a school nurse, a doctor or other medical professional.
Abbott said it will ship millions of the tests in September and plans up to 50 million by October. That would significantly increase the nation’s supply of tests to detect the virus that causes COVID-19.
The antigen test uses technology similar to a pregnancy test. A medical worker takes a nasal swab, inserts the sample into a slot and closes the card. The card displays one line for a negative result or two lines for a positive.
The FDA authorized Abbott's antigen test for use on patients within seven days of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. It's not authorized for home use.
The FDA said antigen tests generally have lower sensitivity than lab-based PCR tests, so people who test negative with an antigen test may need a PCR test to rule out a coronavirus infection. Abbott said its antigen test has a sensitivity – a measure of whether the test correctly identifies a case – of 97.1%.
Mental health and college sports: Medical experts warn it is being overlooked, especially in Black athletes
California will more than double its coronavirus testing to up to 250,000 people a day, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced. It has a $1.4-billion contract with a Massachusetts company aimed at providing faster results and lower costs. In reporting 6,004 new cases, Newsom tweeted Wednesday that the state continues to see "modest declines" in case counts.
Nevada, too, says the number of new cases has decreased since peaking above 1,400 on July 15. Officials say the decrease is due at least in part to the state's face-covering mandate and limits on large gatherings. It is also increasing testing in its high-population areas of Reno and Las Vegas.
In Oregon, officials note not only that the case counts are falling, but that the rate of positive tests also has declined. It stands at 5.1%. If it falls to 5%, one of Gov. Kate Brown's requirements for reopening schools will have been met.
Disneyland is ready to let the magic begin anew. All it needs is a go-ahead from California officials.
The head of Disney's theme parks said Disneyland is ready to open once California releases its health and safety guidelines for theme parks, a move that's been hampered by a more full retreat of cases of the coronavirus.
Orange County, where Disneyland resides, was removed on Sunday from a list of counties on California's monitoring list for coronavirus.
Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has been fully open since July 15, after closing for nearly four months.
– Curtis Tate
Though the number of Americans testing positive for the coronavirus may be ebbing in some cities, the economic damage drags on.
About 1 million workers filed initial applications for unemployment insurance last week, economists estimate, a slight dip from the 1.1 million who applied the week before.
The number seeking unemployment aid for the first time has been volatile, slightly dipping and rising, yet remaining stubbornly high – far above the previous record of 695,000 weekly claims set during an economic downturn in 1982.
The see-sawing numbers reflect the stops and starts occurring throughout the U.S. economy, as businesses gradually reopen in some parts, while others roll back or halt re-openings as COVID-19 cases spike.
– Charisse Jones
On Facebook: There's still a lot unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, Coronavirus Watch, to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19.
In your inbox: Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter.
Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-08-28--Pine Gulch Fire becomes largest wildfire in Colorado history, burning over 217 square miles near Gra

The Pine Gulch Fire became the largest wildfire in Colorado history on Thursday , surpassing 217 square miles near Grand Junction and eclipsing a 2002 blaze that still ranks among the nation 's most intense conflagrations .
Sparked by lightning on July 31 , the Pine Gulch Fire has burned through 139,006 acres of remote terrain in western Colorado , with containment at 77 % , according to InciWeb .
Fire crews have shifted their focus from fire suppression to suppression repair to minimize damage to soil , water and other natural resources , according to Incident Commander Dan Dallas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 137,760 acres near Colorado Springs in 2002 , had been the state 's largest wildfire .
The arson-caused blaze that destroyed 600 structures remains one of the most severe wildfires with respect to burning intensity , according to the U.S. Forest Service .
Hot and dry weather conditions persisted at the Pine Gulch Fire on Thursday , with winds gusting up to 20 mph .
Area thunderstorms did not directly affect the fire , according to officials .
There 's a 15 % of `` wetting rain '' going into the weekend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Pine Gulch Fire is one of four major wildfires burning in Colorado , including the Grizzly Creek Fire in Glenwood Canyon , the Williams Fork Fire in Grand County and the Cameron Peak Fire near Redfeather Lakes .
The Grizzly Creek Fire , which forced a two-week shutdown of Interstate 70 in both directions after sparking on Aug. 10 , had burned 32,302 acres and was 61 % contained as of Thursday night .
The interstate reopened Monday following the longest-ever closure for one of the state 's busiest east-west corridors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history , by acreage , have all flared up in the last 18 years .
Here 's the list , according to Denver7 :

Pine Gulch Fire becomes largest wildfire in Colorado history, burning over 217 square miles near Grand Junction
Show Caption Hide Caption Aerial footage shows hills Burned by Pine Gulch Fire in Colorado Aerial footage from Colorado shows hills burned by the Pine Gulch Fire and fire crews’ containment lines in the Roan Creek Drainage Area on Aug. 25. Storyful
The Pine Gulch Fire became the largest wildfire in Colorado history on Thursday, surpassing 217 square miles near Grand Junction and eclipsing a 2002 blaze that still ranks among the nation's most intense conflagrations.
Sparked by lightning on July 31, the Pine Gulch Fire has burned through 139,006 acres of remote terrain in western Colorado, with containment at 77%, according to InciWeb. Fire crews have shifted their focus from fire suppression to suppression repair to minimize damage to soil, water and other natural resources, according to Incident Commander Dan Dallas.
The Hayman Fire, which scorched 137,760 acres near Colorado Springs in 2002, had been the state's largest wildfire. The arson-caused blaze that destroyed 600 structures remains one of the most severe wildfires with respect to burning intensity, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
Picture this: Striking photos from California wildfires show homes, boats engulfed in flames
🔥 The #PineGulchFire is now the largest wildfire in Colorado history at 139,006 acres. The previous record largest Colorado wildfire was the #HaymanFire, which burned 137,760 acres. Crews & firefighters continue to work hard to contain the Pine Gulch fire - now up to 77%. #COwx pic.twitter.com/fOFDkyfgFR — NWS Grand Junction (@NWSGJT) August 28, 2020
Hot and dry weather conditions persisted at the Pine Gulch Fire on Thursday, with winds gusting up to 20 mph. Area thunderstorms did not directly affect the fire, according to officials. There's a 15% of "wetting rain" going into the weekend, Dallas wrote in his report on InciWeb.
The Pine Gulch Fire is one of four major wildfires burning in Colorado, including the Grizzly Creek Fire in Glenwood Canyon, the Williams Fork Fire in Grand County and the Cameron Peak Fire near Redfeather Lakes.
The Grizzly Creek Fire, which forced a two-week shutdown of Interstate 70 in both directions after sparking on Aug. 10, had burned 32,302 acres and was 61% contained as of Thursday night. The interstate reopened Monday following the longest-ever closure for one of the state's busiest east-west corridors.
The 10 largest wildfires in Colorado history, by acreage, have all flared up in the last 18 years. Here's the list, according to Denver7:
Pine Gulch Fire (2020): 139,006 acres Hayman Fire (2002): 137,760 acres Spring Fire (2018): 108,045 acres High Park Fire (2012): 87,284 acres Missionary Ridge Fire (2002): 72,962 acres 416 Fire (2018): 54,000 acres Bridger Fire (2008): 45,800 acres Last Chance Fire (2012): 45,000 acres Bear Springs/Callie Marie fires (2011): 44,662 acres 117 Fire (2018): 42,795 acres
Contributing: Jordan Culver, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-27--Harris: 'Vigilantes and extremists derail the path to justice' for Jacob Blake

WASHINGTON – Sen. Kamala Harris , the Democratic vice presidential nominee , criticized violence and looting amid protests against police brutality , saying Thursday `` these vigilantes and extremists derail the path to justice '' for Jacob Blake , an unarmed Black man shot multiple times in the back by a police officer in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
`` People are rightfully angry and exhausted .
And after the murders of Breonna ( Taylor ) , George ( Floyd ) , Ahmaud ( Arbery ) , and so many others , it ’ s no wonder people are taking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Harris said during remarks at George Washington University in Washington , D.C .
But Harris only offered her defense to peaceful protestors .
`` We should not confuse them with those looting and committing acts of violence , including , the shooter who was arrested for murder , '' referring to Kyle Rittenhouse , 17 , who faces a first-degree intentional homicide charge in Kenosha County after two protesters in Kenosha were shot and killed and another was injured late Tuesday .
`` Make no mistake , we will not let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to justice , '' she added .
Harris ' comments come as President Donald Trump and his allies are working to tie Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to the nationwide protests against police brutality .
Throughout the Republican National Convention this week , the president 's allies have claimed Biden and Harris support defunding the police , a phrase that protesters have been using to call for police funds to be reallocated to community services .
Biden has repeatedly said he does n't support draining funding from local police departments .
Blake , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police seven or eight times , with less than three minutes elapsing between the time the first officer arrived on the scene and shots being fired .
Video footage shows Blake getting shot in the back as he gets into the driver 's seat of a vehicle .
The Blake family says he is paralyzed and may never walk again .
His children witnessed the shooting .
Biden and Harris spoke to Blake 's family Wednesday .
Harris said during her Thursday remarks that `` it 's sickening '' and `` all too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot by police , adding `` it must end . ''
More : Biden camp says Pence , McEnany used 'debunked scare tactics and gaslighting ' to distract from Trump failures at RNC Harris , the first Black woman and Asian woman to be nominated as a vice presidential candidate for a major party , said injustices facing Black Americans can only be remedied `` when we finally come together to pass meaningful police reform and broader criminal justice reform , '' and address systemic racism .
`` The reality is that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has never been treated as fully human , and we have yet to fulfill that promise of equal justice under law , '' Harris said .

Harris: 'Vigilantes and extremists derail the path to justice' for Jacob Blake
Show Caption Hide Caption Jacob Blake shooting timeline: What events led to the shooting Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot by Kenosha, Wisconsin, police on August 19. Here's a detailed timeline of events. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, criticized violence and looting amid protests against police brutality, saying Thursday "these vigilantes and extremists derail the path to justice" for Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man shot multiple times in the back by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
"People are rightfully angry and exhausted. And after the murders of Breonna (Taylor), George (Floyd), Ahmaud (Arbery), and so many others, it’s no wonder people are taking to the streets. And I support them," Harris said during remarks at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
But Harris only offered her defense to peaceful protestors.
"We should not confuse them with those looting and committing acts of violence, including, the shooter who was arrested for murder," referring to Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, who faces a first-degree intentional homicide charge in Kenosha County after two protesters in Kenosha were shot and killed and another was injured late Tuesday.
"Make no mistake, we will not let these vigilantes and extremists derail the path to justice," she added.
More: Biden: Trump sees Wisconsin unrest as 'political benefit'
Harris' comments come as President Donald Trump and his allies are working to tie Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to the nationwide protests against police brutality. Throughout the Republican National Convention this week, the president's allies have claimed Biden and Harris support defunding the police, a phrase that protesters have been using to call for police funds to be reallocated to community services. Biden has repeatedly said he doesn't support draining funding from local police departments.
Kamala Harris: 5 things to know about Joe Biden's running mate Joe Biden made history when he chose Kamala Harris as his running mate. USA TODAY
Blake, 29, on Sunday was shot by police seven or eight times, with less than three minutes elapsing between the time the first officer arrived on the scene and shots being fired. Video footage shows Blake getting shot in the back as he gets into the driver's seat of a vehicle.
The Blake family says he is paralyzed and may never walk again. His children witnessed the shooting. Biden and Harris spoke to Blake's family Wednesday.
Harris said during her Thursday remarks that "it's sickening" and "all too familiar" to see another Black man shot by police, adding "it must end."
More: Biden camp says Pence, McEnany used 'debunked scare tactics and gaslighting' to distract from Trump failures at RNC
Harris, the first Black woman and Asian woman to be nominated as a vice presidential candidate for a major party, said injustices facing Black Americans can only be remedied "when we finally come together to pass meaningful police reform and broader criminal justice reform," and address systemic racism.
"The reality is that the life of a Black person in America has never been treated as fully human, and we have yet to fulfill that promise of equal justice under law," Harris said.
Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY; Meg Jones and Joe Taschler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel


usatoday--2020-08-27--Baltimore Ravens call for 'arrest and charge' of police officers in Breonna Taylor killing, Jacob Bl

On a day in which several NFL teams canceled practice to discuss police brutality and racial injustice , the Baltimore Ravens outlined a desired course of action .
The Ravens on Thursday issued a statement in which the organization called for officials to `` arrest and charge the police officers responsible for Breonna Taylor 's killing and Jacob Blake 's shooting . ''
The team also listed six other actionable points in its statement , including demanding Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell bring the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 to the floor for a vote .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Representatives in June , would limit the use of qualified immunity as a defense and authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to issue subpoenas when investigating police departments for a pattern of discrimination , among other things .
The organization also is seeking `` prison sentencing reform that is fair and equitable '' and asked for `` every citizen to act with respect and compliance when engaging with the police . ''
`` With yet another example of racial discrimination with the shooting of Jacob Blake , and the unlawful abuse of peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ society , '' the Ravens said in the statement .
`` It is imperative that all people – regardless of race , religion , creed or belief – come together to say , 'Enough is enough ! '
`` This is bigger than sports .
Racism is embedded in the fabric of our nation 's foundation and is a blemish on our country 's history .
If we are to change course and make our world a better place , we must face this problem head-on and act now to enact positive change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` time to accept accountability and acknowledge the ramifications of slavery and racial injustice . ''
The statement comes four days after Blake , a 29-year-old unarmed Black man , was shot seven times in the back by police officers in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
Taylor , a 26-year-old EMT in Louisville , was killed in March after police shot her in her own home .
Defensive end Calais Campbell , who joined the Baltimore Ravens via trade this offseason after winning the NFL 's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote on Twitter : `` We want real change !
And we want it now ! ''
The Ravens opted to practice on Thursday but canceled team meetings in the afternoon .

Baltimore Ravens call for 'arrest and charge' of police officers in Breonna Taylor killing, Jacob Blake shooting
Show Caption Hide Caption What NBA's Adam Silver gets right on social justice that NFL's Roger Goodell just doesn't SportsPulse: Jarrett Bell shares what he thinks makes Adam Silver the ideal leader for a sports league during tumultuous times and why Roger Goodell hasn't done the same when it comes to social justice. USA TODAY
On a day in which several NFL teams canceled practice to discuss police brutality and racial injustice, the Baltimore Ravens outlined a desired course of action.
The Ravens on Thursday issued a statement in which the organization called for officials to "arrest and charge the police officers responsible for Breonna Taylor's killing and Jacob Blake's shooting."
The team also listed six other actionable points in its statement, including demanding Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell bring the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 to the floor for a vote. The bill, passed in the House of Representatives in June, would limit the use of qualified immunity as a defense and authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice to issue subpoenas when investigating police departments for a pattern of discrimination, among other things.
The organization also is seeking "prison sentencing reform that is fair and equitable" and asked for "every citizen to act with respect and compliance when engaging with the police."
"With yet another example of racial discrimination with the shooting of Jacob Blake, and the unlawful abuse of peaceful protesters, we MUST unify as a society," the Ravens said in the statement. "It is imperative that all people – regardless of race, religion, creed or belief – come together to say, 'Enough is enough!'
"This is bigger than sports. Racism is embedded in the fabric of our nation's foundation and is a blemish on our country's history. If we are to change course and make our world a better place, we must face this problem head-on and act now to enact positive change."
The Ravens added that it is "time to accept accountability and acknowledge the ramifications of slavery and racial injustice."
The statement comes four days after Blake, a 29-year-old unarmed Black man, was shot seven times in the back by police officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT in Louisville, was killed in March after police shot her in her own home.
Defensive end Calais Campbell, who joined the Baltimore Ravens via trade this offseason after winning the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2019 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, wrote on Twitter: "We want real change! And we want it now!"
The Ravens opted to practice on Thursday but canceled team meetings in the afternoon.


usatoday--2020-08-28--Review: Goofballs Bill & Ted are as essential as ever in a most triumphant 'Face the Music'

If there ’ s proof time travel exists , it ’ s that the creators of 1989 ’ s “ Bill & Ted ’ s Excellent Adventure ” have found a way to again harness that same goofball magic in a very bogus 2020 .
Dusting off their dude-speak and air-guitaring skills after a few decades , Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves return as Bill S. Preston Esq .
and Ted “ Theodore ” Logan for the new time-hopping comedy “ Bill & Ted Face the Music ” ( ★★★ out of four ; rated PG-13 ; available on streaming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday ) .
Directed by Dean Parisot with a screenplay by original film writers Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon , Bill and Ted ’ s third outing checks all the appropriate franchise boxes ( real historical figures , sweet musical tunes , rad one-liners ) , puts a big stupid grin on your face , yet also brings a certain dignity and depth to these two ride-or-die best friends now in middle age .
Party on , old dudes ?
Alex Winter , Keanu Reeves tackle middle age in 'Bill & Ted Face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an exclusive look at the actor 's first comic book “ Bill & Ted ’ s Bogus Journey ” in 1991 ended with Bill and Ted ’ s Wyld Stallyns band performing a most triumphant concert , although the ensuing years were not kind .
Now viewed as has-beens – daughters Billie ( Brigette Lundy-Paine ) and Thea ( Samara Weaving ) are their dads ’ biggest fans – Bill and Ted struggle mightily to write the song destined to unite the world .
What they don ’ t know is that tune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as all reality is becoming unglued ( Babe Ruth trading places with George Washington at Valley Forge , that sort of thing ) .
When things seem bleakest , a messenger ( Kristen Schaal ) in a space pod arrives to take them centuries forward .
” They totally love us in the future , dude , ” Bill says to Ted .
Well , not so much .
Our heroes are told that they have 77 minutes and 25 seconds before they ’ re supposed to play this prophesied number or else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bunch into the time-traveling phone booth from the old days and steal the tune from their future selves .
With his comedy classic `` Galaxy Quest , '' Parisot showed a distinct knack for melding absurdist comedy with characters so alive they touch your soul , and all that comes to bear successfully in “ Face the Music.
” Billie and Thea are a fresh and modern reimagining of the Bill and Ted template and the ones who get an excellent adventure this time , going back in time to assist their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Bill and Ted ’ s quest , however , is a lot more philosophical .
The dudes go to couples therapy with their forgiving wives ( Jayma Mays and Erinn Hayes ) early on in the film , but it ’ s a theme that plays out in a bigger way .
Bill and Ted essentially need couples therapy with themselves as they navigate a “ Christmas Carol ” -type situation , visiting with different Bills and Teds ( from hulking convicts to jerks with fake English accents ) in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everybody ends up in hell , where Bill and Ted need to have a chat with old bass-playing pal Death ( William Sadler ) from “ Bogus Journey.
” Kid Cudi ( playing himself ) shows up knowing a whole lot about the time-space continuum , but the breakout supporting character this go-round is Robot ( a fabulous Anthony Carrigan ) , the Terminator-esque android sent from the future to kill Bill and Ted who hilariously suffers from insecurity and nervous breakdowns .
While “ Face the Music ” is best when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard , it 's also a movie that knows exactly what it is and doesn ’ t bother to have an insincere moment .
“ Be excellent to each other ” is not a throwaway saying , but a thoughtful mantra wired into the DNA of the movie and its stars .
Each have done their own things in Hollywood ( Winter is an ace documentary director , Reeves is an icon driving the Keanussance ) , and their Bill and Ted is a duo that feels as essential now as they ever @ @

Review: Goofballs Bill & Ted are as essential as ever in a most triumphant 'Face the Music'
Show Caption Hide Caption Keanu Reeves says 'Bill & Ted' wouldn't Zoom much during pandemic USA TODAY's Brian Truitt chats with Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter about reprising their roles for "Bill & Ted Face the Music," out Friday. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
If there’s proof time travel exists, it’s that the creators of 1989’s “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” have found a way to again harness that same goofball magic in a very bogus 2020.
Dusting off their dude-speak and air-guitaring skills after a few decades, Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves return as Bill S. Preston Esq. and Ted “Theodore” Logan for the new time-hopping comedy “Bill & Ted Face the Music” (★★★ out of four; rated PG-13; available on streaming and video platforms and in select theaters Friday).
Directed by Dean Parisot with a screenplay by original film writers Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon, Bill and Ted’s third outing checks all the appropriate franchise boxes (real historical figures, sweet musical tunes, rad one-liners), puts a big stupid grin on your face, yet also brings a certain dignity and depth to these two ride-or-die best friends now in middle age.
Party on, old dudes? Alex Winter, Keanu Reeves tackle middle age in 'Bill & Ted Face the Music'
Keanu Reeves: Check out an exclusive look at the actor's first comic book
“Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey” in 1991 ended with Bill and Ted’s Wyld Stallyns band performing a most triumphant concert, although the ensuing years were not kind. Now viewed as has-beens – daughters Billie (Brigette Lundy-Paine) and Thea (Samara Weaving) are their dads’ biggest fans – Bill and Ted struggle mightily to write the song destined to unite the world.
What they don’t know is that tune needs to get written, stat, as all reality is becoming unglued (Babe Ruth trading places with George Washington at Valley Forge, that sort of thing). When things seem bleakest, a messenger (Kristen Schaal) in a space pod arrives to take them centuries forward.
”They totally love us in the future, dude,” Bill says to Ted.
Well, not so much. Our heroes are told that they have 77 minutes and 25 seconds before they’re supposed to play this prophesied number or else, and it leads Bill and Ted to bunch into the time-traveling phone booth from the old days and steal the tune from their future selves.
Bill and Ted are back to 'Face the Music' in new trailer Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter return as time-traveling best friends who have to write a song to unite the world in 'Bill & Ted Face the Music.' USA TODAY
With his comedy classic "Galaxy Quest," Parisot showed a distinct knack for melding absurdist comedy with characters so alive they touch your soul, and all that comes to bear successfully in “Face the Music.” Billie and Thea are a fresh and modern reimagining of the Bill and Ted template and the ones who get an excellent adventure this time, going back in time to assist their fathers and recruit a seriously epic band. Bill and Ted’s quest, however, is a lot more philosophical.
The dudes go to couples therapy with their forgiving wives (Jayma Mays and Erinn Hayes) early on in the film, but it’s a theme that plays out in a bigger way. Bill and Ted essentially need couples therapy with themselves as they navigate a “Christmas Carol”-type situation, visiting with different Bills and Teds (from hulking convicts to jerks with fake English accents) in order to hopefully get their excellent spirit back.
Everybody ends up in hell, where Bill and Ted need to have a chat with old bass-playing pal Death (William Sadler) from “Bogus Journey.” Kid Cudi (playing himself) shows up knowing a whole lot about the time-space continuum, but the breakout supporting character this go-round is Robot (a fabulous Anthony Carrigan), the Terminator-esque android sent from the future to kill Bill and Ted who hilariously suffers from insecurity and nervous breakdowns.
While “Face the Music” is best when you don’t think about it too hard, it's also a movie that knows exactly what it is and doesn’t bother to have an insincere moment. “Be excellent to each other” is not a throwaway saying, but a thoughtful mantra wired into the DNA of the movie and its stars. Each have done their own things in Hollywood (Winter is an ace documentary director, Reeves is an icon driving the Keanussance), and their Bill and Ted is a duo that feels as essential now as they ever did.


usatoday--2020-08-28--Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen apologizes for saying MLB commissioner 'doesn't get it' on hot mic

In a video posted to the team 's website – and deleted soon afterwards – New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen was caught on camera having a candid conversation with two other people about Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred and the league 's handling of protests .
Van Wagenen said in the video that Manfred suggested staging a gesture before Thursday night 's game against the Miami Marlins – but ultimately play the game – as others around the league have opted not to play Wednesday and Thursday in protest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later Thursday night , Van Wagenen issued a statement that he had misinterpreted what had been said in a conversation between Manfred and Mets owner Jeff Wilpon .
`` Jeff Wilpon called Commissioner Manfred this afternoon to notify him that our players voted not to play .
They discussed the challenges of rescheduling the game .
Jeff proposed an idea of playing the game an hour later , '' Van Wagenen said in the statement .
The Mets and Marlins wound up not playing Thursday .
`` I misunderstood that this was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this was Jeff 's suggestion , '' the statement said .
`` The players had already made their decision so I felt the suggestion was not helpful .
`` My frustration with the Commissioner was wrong and unfounded .
I apologize to the Commissioner for my disrespectful comments and poor judgement in inaccurately describing the contents of his private conversation with Jeff Wilpon . ''
Addressing the media after the game was postponed , Van Wagenen further expressed his regret .
`` I hold myself personally responsible for this .
Hot mic or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that damaged the commissioner and the Mets organization , '' the team 's second-year GM said .
`` This conversation is about the pain and anguish Black people are experiencing every day in this country .
That I put myself into this conversation that takes away from the point , I ’ m disappointed in myself .
I take responsibility for that . ''
Manfred issued a statement of his own denying that he had tried to influence players ' and teams ' decisions on whether to play .
“ Over the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of clubs have decided not to play games .
I have said both publicly and privately that I respect those decisions and support the need to address social injustice , '' Manfred 's statement said .
`` I have not attempted in any way to prevent players from expressing themselves by not playing , nor have I suggested any alternative form of protest to any club personnel or any player .
Any suggestion to the contrary is wrong.
” The leaked video was an extended recording of the team 's pregame video call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Van Wagenen was clipped by users online .
`` Baseball is trying to come up with a solution , saying 'you know what would be super powerful , ' `` Van Wagenen says to his colleagues off camera in the video , before noting that the information was to stay with `` the three of us here – it ca n't leave this room . ''
Van Wagenen goes on to say he was told : `` You know it would be really great if you just have them all take the field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then they come back and play at 8:10 . ''
Someone off camera asks : `` Who said that ? ''
Van Wagenen answers `` Rob '' before going on to say that `` with ( Mets owner ) Jeff ( Wilpon ) , scheduling is going to be a nightmare , there 's so much at stake . ''
The team 's GM says he responded to the owner : `` I said 'Jeff , that 's not happening .
They 're not playing . '
'' Says someone off camera : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` But that 's Rob 's instinct , '' Van Wagenen says , pointing to someone off camera , noting it was `` exactly what you and I were talking about . ''
`` At leadership level he does n't get it .
He just does n't get it . ''
The conversation continues with Van Wagenen updating colleagues on the status of discussions between Mets and Marlins players as to whether they would play Thursday .
`` Jeff wants to appease Rob , '' says someone off camera .
Van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the players first and foremost .
But he has to be the messenger for Rob to at least throw that to us .
I told Jeff 'that 's not happening , Jeff – these guys are n't playing . '
I just stopped it there , I was n't even going to take it to ( Mets ' MLBPA representative ) Michael ( Conforto ) . ''

Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen apologizes for saying MLB commissioner 'doesn't get it' on hot mic
In a video posted to the team's website – and deleted soon afterwards – New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen was caught on camera having a candid conversation with two other people about Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred and the league's handling of protests.
Van Wagenen said in the video that Manfred suggested staging a gesture before Thursday night's game against the Miami Marlins – but ultimately play the game – as others around the league have opted not to play Wednesday and Thursday in protest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
However, later Thursday night, Van Wagenen issued a statement that he had misinterpreted what had been said in a conversation between Manfred and Mets owner Jeff Wilpon.
"Jeff Wilpon called Commissioner Manfred this afternoon to notify him that our players voted not to play. They discussed the challenges of rescheduling the game. Jeff proposed an idea of playing the game an hour later," Van Wagenen said in the statement.
The Mets and Marlins wound up not playing Thursday.
"I misunderstood that this was the Commissioner's idea. In actuality, this was Jeff's suggestion," the statement said. "The players had already made their decision so I felt the suggestion was not helpful.
"My frustration with the Commissioner was wrong and unfounded. I apologize to the Commissioner for my disrespectful comments and poor judgement in inaccurately describing the contents of his private conversation with Jeff Wilpon."
Addressing the media after the game was postponed, Van Wagenen further expressed his regret.
"I hold myself personally responsible for this. Hot mic or no hot mic, I made comments that damaged the commissioner and the Mets organization," the team's second-year GM said.
"This conversation is about the pain and anguish Black people are experiencing every day in this country. That I put myself into this conversation that takes away from the point, I’m disappointed in myself. I take responsibility for that."
Manfred issued a statement of his own denying that he had tried to influence players' and teams' decisions on whether to play.
“Over the past two days, players on a number of clubs have decided not to play games. I have said both publicly and privately that I respect those decisions and support the need to address social injustice," Manfred's statement said.
"I have not attempted in any way to prevent players from expressing themselves by not playing, nor have I suggested any alternative form of protest to any club personnel or any player. Any suggestion to the contrary is wrong.”
The leaked video was an extended recording of the team's pregame video call with the media and the segment with Van Wagenen was clipped by users online.
"Baseball is trying to come up with a solution, saying 'you know what would be super powerful,' " Van Wagenen says to his colleagues off camera in the video, before noting that the information was to stay with "the three of us here – it can't leave this room."
Van Wagenen goes on to say he was told: "You know it would be really great if you just have them all take the field, then they leave the field and then they come back and play at 8:10."
Here's the full, audio-boosted 2:20 of the Mets/Manfred/Van Wagenen stream, there's about 20 seconds of blank air that I cut out at the end pic.twitter.com/ALHfYZCQQ3 — MLB Insider Dinger (@atf13atf) August 27, 2020
Someone off camera asks: "Who said that?"
Van Wagenen answers "Rob" before going on to say that "with (Mets owner) Jeff (Wilpon), scheduling is going to be a nightmare, there's so much at stake."
The team's GM says he responded to the owner: "I said 'Jeff, that's not happening. They're not playing.'"
Says someone off camera: "They're not dealing with reality."
"But that's Rob's instinct," Van Wagenen says, pointing to someone off camera, noting it was "exactly what you and I were talking about."
"At leadership level he doesn't get it. He just doesn't get it."
The conversation continues with Van Wagenen updating colleagues on the status of discussions between Mets and Marlins players as to whether they would play Thursday.
"Jeff wants to appease Rob," says someone off camera.
Van Wagenen responds: "Jeff wants to support the players first and foremost. But he has to be the messenger for Rob to at least throw that to us. I told Jeff 'that's not happening, Jeff – these guys aren't playing.' I just stopped it there, I wasn't even going to take it to (Mets' MLBPA representative) Michael (Conforto)."


usatoday--2020-08-28--A visual timeline of violence in Kenosha after police shooting of Jacob Blake

Demonstrators sit in the street , in front of law enforcement , on August 25 , 2020 in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
As the city declared a state of emergency curfew , a third night of civil unrest occurred after the shooting of Jacob Blake , 29 , on August 23 .
Brandon Bell/Getty Images The police shooting of another Black man , this time in Kenosha , Wisconsin , has fueled additional alarm and anger over excessive use of force .
Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back Sunday by a seven-year veteran officer , authorities say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at times violent , that drew Kyle Rittenhouse , a 17-year-old white male and self-described militia supporter , who is charged with shooting and killing two people and wounding a third .
Here is a detailed look at how events played out , beginning Aug. 23 : Shortly after 5 p.m. local time , Jacob Blake , a 29-year-old Black man , is shot by police while getting into an SUV with his three sons , ages 8 , 5 , and 3 .
A bystander ’ s video appears to show a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back of his shirt as Blake enters his vehicle , then shooting him from behind seven times at close range .
Kenosha police say officers were called to the 2800 block of 40th Street at 5:11 p.m. in response to a domestic incident .
According to police radio transmissions , Blake is shot less than three minutes after the officers arrive .
Authorities identified Officer Rusten Sheskey as the sole shooter and said Blake was also tased .
A knife was found in Blake 's car , according to the Wisconsin Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gather as news of the shooting spreads .
Kenosha County declares an overnight emergency curfew from 10:15 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday .
A number of buildings are burned , including a state probation and parole office .
Officers fire tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowds late Sunday .
Most of the protesters leave .
The city uses garbage trucks to block the Kenosha Courthouse entrance at 56th and Sheridan streets .
At least three trucks are burned .
Firefighters begin cleaning up damage from the protests .
Wisconsin Attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Department of Justice 's Division of Criminal Investigations will lead the shooting investigation .
At 8 p.m. local time , about 125 National Guard members arrive in Kenosha to guard against looting and vandalism and to protect firefighters , Gov .
Tony Evers says .
A lawyer for Blake 's family says he is in stable condition but is paralyzed , and says it will take `` a miracle '' for him to walk again .
About 125 more National Guard members are deployed , bringing the total to 250 .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a metal barrier outside the courthouse .
Demonstrators throw fireworks and bottles at police , who respond by firing tear gas and rubber bullets .
Demonstrators are expelled from Civic Center Park as protests continue .
Shortly after 10 p.m. local time , armed people identifying themselves as `` militia '' are seen patrolling businesses downtown in a video streamed on social media .
Rittenhouse , the teen later arrested in the fatal shootings , is seen carrying a weapon with this group and being recorded by several people on videos that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10:30 p.m. , Rittenhouse is seen asking the police for water .
At 11:44 p.m. , police report three or four people trying to light vehicles on fire at a car lot on 63rd Street and Sheridan Road in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
A few minutes later , an officer advised extreme caution to responding squads .
“ We ’ ve seen at least four people with handguns running around here.
” Around 11:45 p.m. , videos capture a figure that resembles Rittenhouse with a long gun being pursued by a second man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle shop on 63rd Street and Sheridan .
The pursuer throws an object at him .
It misses , and they disappear behind a row of cars .
Several gunshots are heard and people begin screaming and running .
In a second video , the person with the long gun runs behind a row of cars , pursued by the one who threw the object .
A single gunshot is heard .
The pursuer is running toward the person with a gun when four shots are heard and the pursuer falls .
Several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returns to the shooting victim , who is being aided by a passerby .
Someone says , `` Call 911 . ''
The shooter pauses to look at the body , then backs away and pulls out his phone .
The man helping the victim rips off his shirt to stop the bleeding from the victim ’ s head wound .
As more people arrive , it appears that the shooter begins running .
He is holding his phone to his ear and , though the audio is muffled , says what sounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' As he runs away , people are heard screaming , `` He shot him ! ''
As he is running , several people are seen attempting to intercept him .
He falls to the ground near 61st Street and Sheridan Road .
A few people begin to run at him .
The shooter ultimately fires four shots at three people who rush toward him , hitting two of them .
One of the victims is briefly on top of him , with his skateboard against his body .
He shoots that person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The victim stumbles forward a few paces before he crumples to the ground and lies still .
The last victim , who is carrying a handgun and a cellphone , is running toward the shooter when the skateboarder is shot .
A foot or two away , he covers his head with his hands and pauses for a moment before moving toward the man with the rifle again , who shoots him in the arm .
The victim runs away , screaming for a medic .
A video shows graphic imagery of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streamer offers medical help .
The shooter continues running toward the intersection .
He sees some police cars and raises his arms .
The police appear to continue down the road toward the injured .
At 11:51 p.m. , police audio shows the first report of a gunshot victim .
Police said it looked like an injured person had been put in the back of a black SUV .
“ It looks like they ’ re stuffing him in the back of a security vehicle from KMH [ Kenosha Medical Center ] .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer says : “ We have somebody down in the middle of the road , CPR in progress.
” The location was confirmed as 63rd and Sheridan .
“ We ’ re going to need more here.
” Forty-seven seconds later , police reported a person running northbound through 10th Avenue , from 6th and 3rd .
“ He dropped his gun ; we ’ re holding it right now .
It ’ s 63 and 11.
” At 11:58 p.m. , police reported two civilians in the ER and confirmed no officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third gunshot victim walking into the ER right now , ” police said just after midnight .
At 12:12 a.m. , Police offer some additional information on the shooter .
“ He was running southbound , turned around and fired into the crowd . ''
Confrontations between police and protesters continue into Tuesday night .
Police arrest 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse , who is white , at his home in Antioch , Illinois .
Under Wisconsin law , Rittenhouse will be tried as an adult .
He is in custody in Illinois and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charges were filed Thursday in Kenosha County Court in a complaint that details how Rittenhouse used an AR-15-style rifle to shoot and kill Joseph Rosenbaum , 36 , and Anthony Huber , 26 , and injure Gaige Grosskreutz , 26 , shortly before midnight along Sheridan Road , where protesters went after being expelled from Civic Center Park during clashes with law enforcement .
Rittenhouse was charged with first-degree intentional homicide in connection to the fatal shooting of Huber , the second victim who prosecutors say was shot in the chest while trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the first shooting , which occurred a minute-and-a-half earlier , he faces a first-degree reckless homicide charge .
Rosenbaum was shot multiple times in the Car Source car lot at 63rd Street and Sheridan Road .
The complaint says Rosenbaum suffered gunshot wounds to the groin , back , and hand .
He had a graze wound on the right side of his forehead and a superficial wound on his left thigh , the complaint says .
Law enforcement had earlier said he was shot in the head .
The U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has opened a civil rights investigation into the shooting .
The Kenosha County Board has asked the governor for 1,500 additional National Guard troops .
SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting ; Associated Press ; USA TODAY research ; © Mapcreator.io | © OSM.org ; GoogleEarth ; NAACP ; Kristen T Harris via Storyful ; Brendan Gutenschwager via Storyful CREDIT Maghen Moore , Becky Kellog , Sonu Trivedi , Sean Dougherty , Anntaninna Biondo , Eve Chen , Andy Scott , Javier Zarracina , Rachel Piper , Greg Borowski , and Shawn Sullivan contributed @ @ @ @

Janet Loehrke, George Petras and Ramon Padilla, USA TODAY

Demonstrators sit in the street, in front of law enforcement, on August 25, 2020 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. As the city declared a state of emergency curfew, a third night of civil unrest occurred after the shooting of Jacob Blake, 29, on August 23. Brandon Bell/Getty Images
The police shooting of another Black man, this time in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has fueled additional alarm and anger over excessive use of force. Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back Sunday by a seven-year veteran officer, authorities say.
The shooting set off protests, at times violent, that drew Kyle Rittenhouse, a 17-year-old white male and self-described militia supporter, who is charged with shooting and killing two people and wounding a third. Here is a detailed look at how events played out, beginning Aug. 23:
Sunday, Aug. 23: Blake is shot
Shortly after 5 p.m. local time, Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, is shot by police while getting into an SUV with his three sons, ages 8, 5, and 3. A bystander’s video appears to show a white police officer grabbing Blake by the back of his shirt as Blake enters his vehicle, then shooting him from behind seven times at close range.
Kenosha police say officers were called to the 2800 block of 40th Street at 5:11 p.m. in response to a domestic incident. According to police radio transmissions, Blake is shot less than three minutes after the officers arrive.
Authorities identified Officer Rusten Sheskey as the sole shooter and said Blake was also tased. A knife was found in Blake's car, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice on Wednesday.
Hundreds of protesters gather as news of the shooting spreads. Kenosha County declares an overnight emergency curfew from 10:15 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday.
A number of buildings are burned, including a state probation and parole office.
Officers fire tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowds late Sunday. Most of the protesters leave.
The scene near the 2800 block of 40th street where Jacob Blake was shot by a Kenosha police officer on Aug. 23, 2020. Angela Peterson / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Monday, Aug. 24: Violent protest
The city uses garbage trucks to block the Kenosha Courthouse entrance at 56th and Sheridan streets. At least three trucks are burned. Firefighters begin cleaning up damage from the protests.
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announces that the state's Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigations will lead the shooting investigation.
At 8 p.m. local time, about 125 National Guard members arrive in Kenosha to guard against looting and vandalism and to protect firefighters, Gov. Tony Evers says.
A man records a city truck on fire outside the Kenosha County Courthouse in Kenosha on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020. Kenosha police shot a man Sunday evening, setting off unrest in the city. Protests broke out after police shot Jacob Blake, 29, a Black man. Mike De Sisti / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Tuesday, Aug. 25: Two persons fatally shot
A lawyer for Blake's family says he is in stable condition but is paralyzed, and says it will take "a miracle" for him to walk again.
About 125 more National Guard members are deployed, bringing the total to 250.
That evening, protesters and law enforcement clash at a metal barrier outside the courthouse. Demonstrators throw fireworks and bottles at police, who respond by firing tear gas and rubber bullets. Demonstrators are expelled from Civic Center Park as protests continue.
Shortly after 10 p.m. local time, armed people identifying themselves as "militia" are seen patrolling businesses downtown in a video streamed on social media. Rittenhouse, the teen later arrested in the fatal shootings, is seen carrying a weapon with this group and being recorded by several people on videos that appear on social media.
At around 10:30 p.m., Rittenhouse is seen asking the police for water.
At 11:44 p.m., police report three or four people trying to light vehicles on fire at a car lot on 63rd Street and Sheridan Road in Kenosha, Wisconsin. A few minutes later, an officer advised extreme caution to responding squads.
“We’ve seen at least four people with handguns running around here.”
Around 11:45 p.m., videos capture a figure that resembles Rittenhouse with a long gun being pursued by a second man through the parking lot of a preowned vehicle shop on 63rd Street and Sheridan.
The pursuer throws an object at him. It misses, and they disappear behind a row of cars. Several gunshots are heard and people begin screaming and running.
In a second video, the person with the long gun runs behind a row of cars, pursued by the one who threw the object. A single gunshot is heard. The pursuer is running toward the person with a gun when four shots are heard and the pursuer falls.
Several more shots are heard and the gunman returns to the shooting victim, who is being aided by a passerby. Someone says, "Call 911."
The shooter pauses to look at the body, then backs away and pulls out his phone. The man helping the victim rips off his shirt to stop the bleeding from the victim’s head wound.
As more people arrive, it appears that the shooter begins running. He is holding his phone to his ear and, though the audio is muffled, says what sounds like, "I shot somebody."
As he runs away, people are heard screaming, "He shot him!"
As he is running, several people are seen attempting to intercept him. He falls to the ground near 61st Street and Sheridan Road. A few people begin to run at him.
The shooter ultimately fires four shots at three people who rush toward him, hitting two of them.
One of the victims is briefly on top of him, with his skateboard against his body. He shoots that person in the chest as he rolls off. The victim stumbles forward a few paces before he crumples to the ground and lies still.
The last victim, who is carrying a handgun and a cellphone, is running toward the shooter when the skateboarder is shot. A foot or two away, he covers his head with his hands and pauses for a moment before moving toward the man with the rifle again, who shoots him in the arm.
The victim runs away, screaming for a medic. A video shows graphic imagery of the victim's wound as a live streamer offers medical help.
The shooter continues running toward the intersection. He sees some police cars and raises his arms. The police appear to continue down the road toward the injured.
At 11:51 p.m., police audio shows the first report of a gunshot victim. Police said it looked like an injured person had been put in the back of a black SUV. “It looks like they’re stuffing him in the back of a security vehicle from KMH [Kenosha Medical Center].”
At 11:52 p.m., a police officer says: “We have somebody down in the middle of the road, CPR in progress.” The location was confirmed as 63rd and Sheridan. “We’re going to need more here.”
Forty-seven seconds later, police reported a person running northbound through 10th Avenue, from 6th and 3rd. “He dropped his gun; we’re holding it right now. It’s 63 and 11.”
At 11:58 p.m., police reported two civilians in the ER and confirmed no officers were down. “I have a third gunshot victim walking into the ER right now,” police said just after midnight.
At 12:12 a.m., Police offer some additional information on the shooter. “He was running southbound, turned around and fired into the crowd."
Confrontations between police and protesters continue into Tuesday night.
Law enforcement in riot gear line up against protesters during clashes outside the Kenosha County Courthouse late Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in Kenosha, Wis. David Goldman, AP
Wednesday, Aug. 26: Suspect, 17, arrested
Police arrest 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, who is white, at his home in Antioch, Illinois. Under Wisconsin law, Rittenhouse will be tried as an adult. He is in custody in Illinois and is scheduled for an extradition hearing Friday.
At least five charges were filed Thursday in Kenosha County Court. A complaint details how Rittenhouse used an AR-15-style rifle to shoot and kill Joseph Rosenbaum, 36, and Anthony Huber, 26, and injure Gaige Grosskreutz, 26, shortly before midnight along Sheridan Road, where protesters went after being expelled from Civic Center Park during clashes with law enforcement.
First-degree intentional homicide is the most serious charge, Rittenhouse would face life in prison if convicted. He also faces charges of first-degree reckless homicide, attempted first-degree intentional homicide, two counts of first-degree recklessly endangering safety and one count of possession of a dangerous weapon by a person under 18.
Rittenhouse was charged with first-degree intentional homicide in connection to the fatal shooting of Huber, the second victim who prosecutors say was shot in the chest while trying to pull Rittenhouse's gun from him.
In the first shooting, which occurred a minute-and-a-half earlier, he faces a first-degree reckless homicide charge. Rosenbaum was shot multiple times in the Car Source car lot at 63rd Street and Sheridan Road.
The complaint says Rosenbaum suffered gunshot wounds to the groin, back, and hand. He had a graze wound on the right side of his forehead and a superficial wound on his left thigh, the complaint says. Law enforcement had earlier said he was shot in the head.
In a statement released late Friday, Rittenhouse's lead attorney, John M. Pierce of the law firm Pierce Bainbridge, characterized the shootings as self-defense.
The U.S. Department of Justice also confirms that it has opened a civil rights investigation into the shooting.
The Kenosha County Board has asked the governor for 1,500 additional National Guard troops.
About 600 people chanting "Black live matter" march peacefully Wednesday, August 26, 2020 near downtown in Kenosha, Wis. Violent unrest broke out after video of the shooting of Jacob Blake, 29, was widely disseminated on social media Sunday. Blake was shot in the back several times by a Kenosha police officer and left paralyzed. Mark Hoffman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA T
SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting; Associated Press; USA TODAY research; © Mapcreator.io | © OSM.org; GoogleEarth; NAACP; Kristen T Harris via Storyful; Brendan Gutenschwager via Storyful
CREDIT Maghen Moore, Becky Kellogg, Sonu Trivedi, Sean Dougherty, Anntaninna Biondo, Eve Chen, Andy Scott, Javier Zarracina, Rachel Piper, Greg Borowski, and Shawn Sullivan contributed to this report.


usatoday--2020-08-27--91-year-old activist continues to change the world

Lupe Anguiano has worked under presidents , marched alongside Cesar Chavez and wrote policies with Gloria Steinem .
At 91 @ @ @ @ @ the world .

91-year-old activist continues to change the world
Lupe Anguiano has worked under presidents, marched alongside Cesar Chavez and wrote policies with Gloria Steinem. At 91, she's still changing the world.
Womankind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-27--How long your pantry food actually lasts

How long your pantry food actually lasts This is when shelf-stable items like flour and condiments actually expire .

Pantry food you can eat safely past expiration date
This is when shelf-stable items like flour and condiments actually expire.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-28--Protesters outside the White House make themselves heard inside as Trump readies RNC speech

Raucous protesters chanted and banged drums near the White House as more than a thousand guests of the president were gathered inside in advance of President Donald Trump ’ s acceptance speech .
An area outside had also become a dance party featuring EDM remixes of MoTown music .
The noise – along with occasional police sirens – could be heard faintly from within the White House grounds .
Another area had turned into a raucus dance party .
“ Black women matter , because we get stuff done !
” some yelled .
Shortly before 10:30 , while Ivanka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech to introduce her father , protesters began using bullhorns , whistles and bells while chanting “ Black Lives Matter ” just outside the White House .
Minutes later , protesters beyond the gates began setting off firecrackers at the start of Trump 's speech .
They also amped up the horn-blowing and the chants – all audible from the South Lawn of the White House – but none of it seemed to distract Trump or his supporters , who chanted `` USA ! ''
and `` Four More Years ! ''
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the horns , sounding similar to the vuvuzela that dominated the background of the 2010 World Cup , grew louder and was audible on televised broadcasts of the speech .
Outside the gates , crowds chanted `` Black Lives Matter '' and `` No justice , no peace !
” The crowds were gathered between the White House and National Mall and in Black Lives Matter Plaza , the epicenter of the protests earlier this year over racial injustice amid the death of George Floyd and others at the hands of law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests on city property near the White House Thursday night .
Refuse Fascism is holding a # TrumpPenceOutNOW rally down the street in Black Lives Matter Plaza – renamed amid the protests earlier this summer .
The Party Majority PAC , which was founded by former Clinton aides , is organizing a # ThePeoplesHouse demonstration nearby .
Fencing and barriers around the White House have been bolstered ahead of Thursday night 's events in anticipation of the protests .
Demonstrations outside the White House following Floyd 's death led to some vandalism and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after authorities cleared Lafayette Square of peaceful protesters for Trump 's walk to nearby St. John 's Church for a photo op .
Refuse Fascism co-founder Carl Dix said his organization – which began planning the demonstration after Trump decided his acceptance speech would be delivered at the White House – initially only expected a few dozen participants but that interest had swelled after Jacob Blake was shot multiple times in the back this week by police .
Dix said he initially expected only a small crowd , but convention speakers denounced demonstrations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famous for pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters , among its speakers , he thought '' That 's why I expect that there will be an even larger crowd of people in D.C. , '' Dix told USA TODAY .
The streets outside the White House were crowded .
The handmade sign held aloft by one man read “ My Melanin is not a threat.
” The sign of another protester declared : “ Defund the police is a strategy .
Abolish the police is the goal.
” Republicans have repeatedly accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
Biden has said he does not support that and has called for a $ 300 million increase in police funding to address concerns about racial profiling .

Matthew Brown, David Jackson and Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY

Protesters outside the White House make themselves heard inside as Trump delivers RNC speech
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump to accept GOP nomination on giant WH stage A crowd gathered at the White House to watch Donald Trump accept the Republican nomination for a second term. Despite tradition and regulation to not use the White House for purely political events, a massive stage was set up on the South Lawn. (Aug. 27) AP
Raucous protesters chanted and banged drums near the White House as more than a thousand guests of the president were gathered inside in advance of President Donald Trump’s acceptance speech.
An area outside had also become a dance party featuring EDM remixes of MoTown music.
The noise – along with occasional police sirens – could be heard faintly from within the White House grounds. Another area had turned into a raucus dance party.
“Black women matter, because we get stuff done!” some yelled.
Shortly before 10:30, while Ivanka Trump was in the middle of her speech to introduce her father, protesters began using bullhorns, whistles and bells while chanting “Black Lives Matter” just outside the White House.
Protesters try to drown out Trump's speech Hundreds of demonstrators gathered around the White House on Thursday night for a “noise demonstration and dance party" in an attempt to drown out President Donald Trump's speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination. (Aug. 28) AP
Minutes later, protesters beyond the gates began setting off firecrackers at the start of Trump's speech. They also amped up the horn-blowing and the chants – all audible from the South Lawn of the White House – but none of it seemed to distract Trump or his supporters, who chanted "USA!" and "Four More Years!"
About 10 minutes into his speech, though, the horns, sounding similar to the vuvuzela that dominated the background of the 2010 World Cup, grew louder and was audible on televised broadcasts of the speech.
Outside the gates, crowds chanted "Black Lives Matter" and "No justice, no peace!”
The crowds were gathered between the White House and National Mall and in Black Lives Matter Plaza, the epicenter of the protests earlier this year over racial injustice amid the death of George Floyd and others at the hands of law enforcement.
At least two groups planned protests on city property near the White House Thursday night. Refuse Fascism is holding a #TrumpPenceOutNOW rally down the street in Black Lives Matter Plaza – renamed amid the protests earlier this summer. The Party Majority PAC, which was founded by former Clinton aides, is organizing a #ThePeoplesHouse demonstration nearby.
Fencing and barriers around the White House have been bolstered ahead of Thursday night's events in anticipation of the protests. Demonstrations outside the White House following Floyd's death led to some vandalism and violent confrontations with security forces, notably after authorities cleared Lafayette Square of peaceful protesters for Trump's walk to nearby St. John's Church for a photo op.
With the White House as a backdrop, activists chant “Black Women Matter, because we get stuff done” #dcprotest pic.twitter.com/GM92w7yIX9 — Matt Brown (@mrbrownsir) August 28, 2020
Refuse Fascism co-founder Carl Dix said his organization – which began planning the demonstration after Trump decided his acceptance speech would be delivered at the White House – initially only expected a few dozen participants but that interest had swelled after Jacob Blake was shot multiple times in the back this week by police.
Dix said he initially expected only a small crowd, but convention speakers denounced demonstrations and a Missouri couple, who became famous for pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters, among its speakers, he thought
"That's why I expect that there will be an even larger crowd of people in D.C.," Dix told USA TODAY.
The streets outside the White House were crowded.
The handmade sign held aloft by one man read “My Melanin is not a threat.”
The sign of another protester declared: “Defund the police is a strategy. Abolish the police is the goal.”
Republicans have repeatedly accused Joe Biden of wanting to defund the police. Biden has said he does not support that and has called for a $300 million increase in police funding to address concerns about racial profiling.
Contributing: Rebecca Morin, William Cummings


usatoday--2020-08-27--Michigan election officials decry 'racist' robocall that attacks mail-in voting

DETROIT – The top elections and legal officials in Michigan jointly denounced a robocall making the rounds in Detroit on Thursday , labeling it a racist and inaccurate attempt to dissuade the use of mail-in voting .
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents that other misinformation campaigns are likely to crop up as the Nov. 3 general election draws near .
“ This is an unconscionable , indefensible , blatant attempt to lie to citizens about their right to vote , ” Benson said in a news release .
“ The call preys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the criminal justice system – at a moment of historic reckoning and confrontation of systemic racism and the generational trauma that results – and twists it into a fabricated threat in order to discourage people from voting . ''
More : Trump keeps blasting 'universal ' mail voting .
But few states are planning that in November Authorities learned of the roughly 37-second call after someone who received it alerted radio station WWJ .
The call falsely claims that voters who apply for and use absentee ballots are providing personal information that may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , credit card companies to collect debts and the U.S. Centers for Disease Countrol and Prevention to “ track people for mandatory vaccines . ''
None of this is true .
`` Do n't be ( inaudible ) into giving your private information to the man .
Stay safe , and beware of vote by mail , '' the robocall states , according to a copy of the recording provided by Benson 's office .
Nationally , President Donald Trump and other Republicans continue to repeat false claims about mail-in voting , arguing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or corrupt election .
Experts say vote-by-mail does not give an advantage to either political party and election fraud in any form is incredibly rare .
The call mentions an organization and the names of two right-wing provocateurs who are routinely accused of peddling misinformation .
However , Nessel said the state is still working to confirm who recorded and orchestrated the distribution of the robocall .
“ This is an unfortunate but perfect example of just how low people will go to undermine this election , ” Nessel said in the news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with scare tactics designed to intimidate Black voters – and we are already working hard to find the bad actors behind this effort . ''
More than 1.6 million people successfully cast absentee ballots in Michigan ’ s Aug. 4 primary election .
In Michigan , mail-in voting and absentee voting are the same thing , and the method is a secure way to participate in the electoral process , Benson and other elections experts say .
This fall , more than 3 million Michigan voters are expected to use absentee ballots as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19pandemic rages on .
Any registered voter can apply for an absentee ballot now , either online or in person at their local clerk 's office .

Michigan election officials decry 'racist' robocall that attacks mail-in voting
Show Caption Hide Caption Mail-in votes, USPS caught in COVID-19 relief negotiations President Donald Trump has offered conflicting statements about supplementary funding for the U.S. Postal Service. USA TODAY
DETROIT – The top elections and legal officials in Michigan jointly denounced a robocall making the rounds in Detroit on Thursday, labeling it a racist and inaccurate attempt to dissuade the use of mail-in voting.
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel warned residents that other misinformation campaigns are likely to crop up as the Nov. 3 general election draws near.
“This is an unconscionable, indefensible, blatant attempt to lie to citizens about their right to vote,” Benson said in a news release. “The call preys on voters’ fear and mistrust of the criminal justice system – at a moment of historic reckoning and confrontation of systemic racism and the generational trauma that results – and twists it into a fabricated threat in order to discourage people from voting."
More: Romney criticizes Trump's mail-in voting attacks, COVID-19 response
More: Trump keeps blasting 'universal' mail voting. But few states are planning that in November
Authorities learned of the roughly 37-second call after someone who received it alerted radio station WWJ. The call falsely claims that voters who apply for and use absentee ballots are providing personal information that may be used by police to exercise warrants, credit card companies to collect debts and the U.S. Centers for Disease Countrol and Prevention to “track people for mandatory vaccines."
None of this is true.
"Don't be (inaudible) into giving your private information to the man. Stay safe, and beware of vote by mail," the robocall states, according to a copy of the recording provided by Benson's office.
Nationally, President Donald Trump and other Republicans continue to repeat false claims about mail-in voting, arguing the process may lead to a rigged or corrupt election. Experts say vote-by-mail does not give an advantage to either political party and election fraud in any form is incredibly rare.
The call mentions an organization and the names of two right-wing provocateurs who are routinely accused of peddling misinformation. However, Nessel said the state is still working to confirm who recorded and orchestrated the distribution of the robocall.
“This is an unfortunate but perfect example of just how low people will go to undermine this election,” Nessel said in the news release.
“This robocall is fraught with scare tactics designed to intimidate Black voters – and we are already working hard to find the bad actors behind this effort."
More than 1.6 million people successfully cast absentee ballots in Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary election. In Michigan, mail-in voting and absentee voting are the same thing, and the method is a secure way to participate in the electoral process, Benson and other elections experts say.
This fall, more than 3 million Michigan voters are expected to use absentee ballots as the presidency is up for grabs and the COVID-19pandemic rages on. Any registered voter can apply for an absentee ballot now, either online or in person at their local clerk's office.
Follow Dave Boucher on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1


usatoday--2020-08-27--Kenosha aftermath: Wisconsin college replaces Vice President Mike Pence as commencement speaker

WASHINGTON – Wisconsin Lutheran College on Thursday said it is replacing Vice President Mike Pence as Saturday 's commencement speaker because of `` escalating events '' in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
Even before the shooting of Jacob Blake on Sunday by Wisconsin police , the school 's choice of Pence drew complaints from some students and alumni who said it would politicize the ceremony that falls two months before election day .
In a statement Thursday , the school said that after `` further review with careful consideration of the escalating events in Kenosha '' the board and administration jointly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jeske of St. Marcus Lutheran Church speak instead .
Pence spokesman Devin O'Malley said the vice president `` understands and supports '' the school 's `` decision to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students . ''
Pence `` wishes the students well as they celebrate the accomplishment of graduating from college and as they embark on their next journey , '' O'Malley said in a statement .
Pence mentioned Wisconsin in his speech to the Republican National Convention Wednesday in which he told voters they would `` not be safe in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The violence must stop , whether in Minneapolis , Portland or Kenosha , '' Pence said .
`` We will have law and order on the streets of this country for every American of every race and creed and color . ''
“ With all due respect Mr. Vice President , that violence is happening right now in Donald Trump ’ s America , ” Biden campaign senior adviser Symone Sanders said on a call with reporters .
“ You own this.
” Wisconsin Luther College had initially defended the decision to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an endorsement of a political party and “ can not ” be viewed as a political event .
“ We believe it is possible within our context to leave partisan politics at the door and to celebrate America , our freedoms , Christian servant leadership and our graduates ' immense accomplishments , ” the statement said .
But more than 100 students and alumni signed an online open letter calling the decision “ blatantly inappropriate.
” “ The mere invitation of a vice president of an incredibly divisive and controversial ticket to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election is ignorant and deceptive , ” the letter reads .
“ WLC can not reasonably suggest that this is not an endorsement of any political party or candidate ( s ) .
”

Kenosha aftermath: Wisconsin college replaces Vice President Mike Pence as commencement speaker
Show Caption Hide Caption Pence accepts nomination, says 'violence must stop' In his address to the Republican National Convention from Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Vice President Mike Pence said Americans "won't be safe" in Joe Biden's America and forcefully defended law enforcement amid rising race tension. (Aug. 27) AP
WASHINGTON – Wisconsin Lutheran College on Thursday said it is replacing Vice President Mike Pence as Saturday's commencement speaker because of "escalating events" in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Even before the shooting of Jacob Blake on Sunday by Wisconsin police, the school's choice of Pence drew complaints from some students and alumni who said it would politicize the ceremony that falls two months before election day.
In a statement Thursday, the school said that after "further review with careful consideration of the escalating events in Kenosha" the board and administration jointly decided to have the Rev. Mark Jeske of St. Marcus Lutheran Church speak instead.
Pence spokesman Devin O'Malley said the vice president "understands and supports" the school's "decision to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students."
Pence "wishes the students well as they celebrate the accomplishment of graduating from college and as they embark on their next journey," O'Malley said in a statement.
Pence mentioned Wisconsin in his speech to the Republican National Convention Wednesday in which he told voters they would "not be safe in Joe Biden’s America."
"The violence must stop, whether in Minneapolis, Portland or Kenosha," Pence said. "We will have law and order on the streets of this country for every American of every race and creed and color."
RNC speech: Vice President Mike Pence calls election a choice on whether 'America remains America'
The Biden campaign pushed back Thursday.
“With all due respect Mr. Vice President, that violence is happening right now in Donald Trump’s America,” Biden campaign senior adviser Symone Sanders said on a call with reporters. “You own this.”
Wisconsin Luther College had initially defended the decision to invite Pence, saying it was not an endorsement of a political party and “cannot” be viewed as a political event.
“We believe it is possible within our context to leave partisan politics at the door and to celebrate America, our freedoms, Christian servant leadership and our graduates' immense accomplishments,” the statement said.
But more than 100 students and alumni signed an online open letter calling the decision “blatantly inappropriate.”
“The mere invitation of a vice president of an incredibly divisive and controversial ticket to speak in a swing state months before an election is ignorant and deceptive,” the letter reads. “WLC cannot reasonably suggest that this is not an endorsement of any political party or candidate(s).”
Contributing: Elliot Hughes, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.