usatoday--2020-08-04--Caribbean resort sales: Get the deals and entry requirements for  Jamaica, USVI, more

While the Caribbean is a more popular destination for winter or spring getaways , the islands are trying to lure would-be travelers who have a bad case of cabin fever after five months of lockdowns , masks , surges and paused reopenings.In fact , the deals and discounts currently on offer are giving the high season ( December to April ) a run for its money .
With stringent and mandatory health and safety protocols in place at hotels , resorts and villas due to the coronavirus pandemic , you can swap your city or suburban surroundings for bargains on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : While all tourists must complete an online travel authorization form and undergo a health screening , those coming from high-risk states such as Arizona , Florida , New York , and Texas must also upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 10 days of arrival in Jamaica .
For twosomes looking to reignite that spark after months of seeing each other in sweatpants for months , Couples Resorts hits the sweet spot with rate reductions at all four adults-only all-inclusives : Couples Negril , Couples Tower Isle , Couples Sans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Couples Comeback ” offers nightly rates , per room , double occupancy , starting at $ 349 .
Rates are bookable through Sept. 30 for travel until Dec. 24 .
Sunset at the Palms , another adults-only resort in Negril , is offering nightly all-inclusive rates in treehouse-style rooms .
Bookable by Sept. 15 for travel through Oct. 31 , rates start at $ 311 per room , double occupancy .
Moon Palace Jamaica is offering all-inclusive nightly rates through Dec. 20 for a deluxe ocean view , based on double-occupancy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : All passengers must take a COVID-19 test with proof of a negative result no more than 72 hours before arrival .
Children who are 10 or younger do not need to take a COVID-19 test .
Travelers also must fill out a health declaration form and wear masks inside the airport at all times .
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is the top pick for adults-only looking for an all-inclusive vacation .
Offering nightly rates for a junior suite , per person , double occupancy , starting at $ 208 ; bookable with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday-Thursday stays through Dec. 23 , 2021 .
On a private peninsula between Little Bay and Great Bay , Divi Little Bay Beach Resort hits the bullseye with all-inclusive rates , per person , starting at $ 209 bookable by Aug. 31 for travel through Dec. 20 .
Entry requirements : Visitors 15 and up must complete a pre-screening on usvitravelportal.com within five days of travel , according to the USVI 's official tourism site .
Certain travelers , including those from states with an infection rate of more than 10 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test taken no more than five days before arrival in USVI .
At The Ritz-Carlton St Thomas , `` Stay Longer With Us '' offers nightly rates starting at $ 479 for a 5-night stay , $ 587 for single-night stays for bookings and travel until Nov. 30 .
Popular for the Snorkel Booze Hunt when underwater explorers comb the waters for hidden bottles of Cruzan Rum , Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas is offering $ 187.50 nightly room rates , double occupancy for travel until Dec. 24 .
Entry requirements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative result from a PCR test taken no more than seven days before arriving in St. Lucia , the island 's tourism site advises .
Hotel guests travelling from outside the designated travel bubble of low-risk Caribbean islands are required to remain on property for the duration of their stay except to participate in water-based excursions arranged by the hotel .
The fifth night is free at Jade Mountain when the `` Take Five '' package is booked in a Sky , Star or Moon Sanctuary .
Nightly rates start at $ 1,225 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 19 and again from Jan 3 .
- Dec. 19 2021 .
At the sibling resort Anse Chastanet , `` Escape Sale '' nightly rates start at $ 513 , bookable by Oct. 31 for travel through Dec. 19 .
Adults-only Serenity at Coconut Bay is offering all-inclusive nightly rates that start at $ 372 , per person , double occupancy , for stays booked by Aug. 31 for travel until Dec. 22 .
Reopening on Oct. 1 , Coconut Bay Beach Resort is offering all-inclusive nightly rates , per person , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rates are bookable by Aug. 31 for travel until Dec. 20 .
Landings Resort & Spa reopens on Oct. 1 with nightly rates for a one-bedroom Marina View Villa Suite starting at $ 315 bookable through Aug. 31 for travel between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 .
Entry requirements : All visitors must complete a disembarkation card with contact-tracing details such as their date of birth , passport information and the duration of their stay as well as completing a health assessment interview .
While all visitors 15 and older must present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 24 hot-spot states must complete their test 72 hours before departure or take one test before leaving and a second upon arrival at the airport .
Others may opt to be tested upon arrival .
The testing fee is $ 75 .
The adults-only Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort voted Best Caribbean Resort in the 2020 USA TODAY 10Best Readers ' Choice Awards is offering nightly rates through Dec. 22 starting at $ 403 , double occupancy , for a standard room in the Bucuti Wing .
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Welcome '' nightly rates starting at $ 357 for an ocean or pool view .
Earn Hyatt Loyalty points with stays booked online until Sept. 8 for travel until Dec. 20 .
Nightly rates in a Garden View room at Divi Aruba All Inclusive start $ 471 , double occupancy .
Stays are bookable until Dec. 15 for travel through Dec. 23 .
Next door , Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive is slated to reopen on Sept. 12 .
At the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino , nightly rates , per room , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stay Longer , Save More '' offer for stays of four or more nights .
Discounts are bookable until Sept. 30 for travel until Dec. 23 and Jan. 3 to Apr .
30 , 2021 .
Entry requirements : Barbados ' tourism site says that all ll visitors must complete an online customs entry form .
And while an advance COVID-19 test is not required , one is recommended in order to have your application form fast-tracked and anyone who does n't provide one will be tested upon arrival .
The all-suite South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nightly rates , per room , starting at $ 120 , double occupancy .
Rooms are bookable until Oct. 31 for travel through April 2021 .
Reopening on Sept. 1 , Sea Breeze Beach House is a 122-room boutique all-inclusive on the south coast .
Standard rooms are going for $ 373 per room , per night , double occupancy .
Rooms are bookable through Oct. 31 for travel until Jan. 5 , 2021 .
Entry requirements : Travelers need a negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory taken within five days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not count towards that period . )
The test result is a requirement to obtain a TCI Assured Travel Authorization to enter the country .
Steps from Grace Bay Beach , nightly rates for a junior suite at Palms Turks and Caicos start at $ 489 , double occupancy ; bookable through Nov. 30 for travel until Dec. 18 .
The Shore Club is the gold standard in sweet suites with nightly rates , double occupancy , starting at $ 499 bookable through Nov. 30 for travel until Dec. 23 , 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ocean Club Resorts ' Ocean Club and Ocean Club West are dishing up nightly rates for a Studio Suite at either resort starting at $ 214for travel until Dec. 18 .
Gratis perks include bicycles and beach loungers shaded by the resorts ’ signature pink umbrellas .
Entry requirements : A negative COVID-19 test result no older than seven days before the expected arrival date is required for all visitors , who should bring a printout with them .
They must all complete a Traveler Accommodation form online prior to arrival .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being denied entry .
Sandals Grande Antigua is open on Dickenson Bay ; the longest white sandy beach on the island .
For savings at all Sandals Resorts , ‘ instant credits ’ up to $ 1,000 are applied upon booking .
In Saint Lucia , Sandals Grande St. Lucian is open , Sandals Regency La Toc opens Aug. 31 and Sandals Halcyon Beach on Nov. 1 .
In Jamaica , Sandals Royal Caribbean , Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Negril are open , Sandals Ochi reopens on Sept. 3 , Sandals South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Plantation on Oct. 8 .
Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados reopen on Sept. 9 .
Gunpowder House & Suites is the real deal for history buffs with nightly rates bookable until Nov. 8 in a Deluxe Gunpowder Suite starting at $ 235 , double occupancy for travel until Aug. 30 and again from Oct. 10 - Nov. 8 .
A colorful collection of pastel cottages , Cocobay Resort is adults-only and all-inclusive with discounts bookable for travel now through Nov. 30 .
Nightly rates , double occupancy , for a Standard Cottage @ @ @ @ @

Caribbean resort sales: Get the deals and entry requirements for Jamaica, USVI, more
Show Caption Hide Caption Renew your "I do" in Aruba August is Romance Awareness Month in Aruba, and that means it's time for the annual Caribbean Vow Renewal Ceremony on beautiful Eagle Beach. 10Best Editors, USA TODAY 10Best
Though the Caribbean is a more popular destination for winter or spring getaways, the islands are trying to lure travelers who have a bad case of cabin fever after five months of lockdowns, masks, surges and paused reopenings. The deals and discounts on offer are giving the high season (December to April) a run for its money.
Stringent and mandatory health and safety protocols are in place at hotels, resorts and villas during the coronavirus pandemic, so you can swap your city or suburban surroundings for bargains on the beach without fear.
Jamaica
Entry requirements: All tourists must complete an online travel authorization form and undergo a health screening. Those coming from high-risk states such as Arizona, Florida, New York and Texas must also upload a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 10 days of arrival in Jamaica.
For twosomes looking to reignite that spark after months of seeing each other in sweatpants, Couples Resorts hits the sweet spot with rate reductions at all four adults-only getaways: Couples Negril, Couples Tower Isle, Couples Sans Souci and Couples Swept Away. The “Couples Comeback” offers nightly rates, per room, double occupancy, starting at $349. Rates are bookable through Sept. 30 for travel until Dec. 24.
Sunset at the Palms, another adults-only resort in Negril, offers nightly rates in treehouse-style rooms. Bookable by Sept. 15 for travel through Oct. 31, rates start at $311 per room, double occupancy.
Moon Palace Jamaica offers nightly rates through Dec. 20 for a deluxe ocean view, based on double occupancy, starting at $376.
St. Maarten
Entry requirements: All passengers must take a COVID-19 test and present proof of a negative result no more than 72 hours before arrival. Children who are 10 or younger do not need to take a COVID-19 test. Travelers must fill out a health declaration form and wear masks inside the airport at all times.
Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is the top pick for adults looking for a vacation. It offers nightly rates for a junior suite, per person, double occupancy, starting at $208; bookable with the "Weekday Wanderlust" offer for Sunday-Thursday stays through Dec. 23, 2021.
On a private peninsula between Little Bay and Great Bay, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort hits the bullseye with rates, per person, starting at $209 bookable by Aug. 31 for travel through Dec. 20.
US Virgin Islands
Entry requirements: According to the USVI tourism bureau, any visitor aged 15 or up must must complete a prescreening on usvitravelportal.com. Furthermore, anyone who resides in Puerto Rico or a state where the COVID-19 positivity rate is higher than 10% must provide a negative COVID-19 antigen (molecular/PCR/rapid) test result received within five days prior to travel or a positive COVID-19 antibody test result received within four months of travel. Travelers who have spent more than seven days in a hot spot must also submit a test. (Note that the five-day window is related to receiving test results, not taking the test itself.)
The Ritz-Carlton St Thomas offers nightly rates starting at $479 for a five-night stay, $587 for single-night stays for bookings and travel until Nov. 30.
Popular for the Snorkel Booze Hunt, in which underwater explorers comb the waters for hidden bottles of Cruzan Rum, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St. Thomas offers $187.50 nightly room rates, double occupancy, for travel until Dec. 24.
St. Lucia
Entry requirements: All arriving passengers must have a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than seven days before arriving in St. Lucia, the island's tourism site advises. Hotel guests traveling from outside the designated travel bubble of low-risk Caribbean islands are required to remain on property for the duration of their stay except to participate in water-based excursions arranged by the hotel.
The fifth night is free at Jade Mountain when the "Take Five" package is booked in a Sky, Star or Moon Sanctuary. Nightly rates start at $1,225 bookable until Oct. 31 for travel through Dec. 19 and again from Jan. 3-Dec. 19, 2021. At the sibling resort Anse Chastanet, "Escape Sale" nightly rates start at $513, bookable by Oct. 31 for travel through Dec. 19.
Adults-only Serenity at Coconut Bay offers nightly rates that start at $372, per person, double occupancy, for stays booked by Aug. 31 for travel until Dec. 22.
Reopening Oct. 1, Coconut Bay Beach Resort offers nightly rates, per person, double occupancy, starting at $154. Rates are bookable by Aug. 31 for travel until Dec. 20.
Landings Resort and Spa will reopen Oct. 1 with nightly rates for a one-bedroom Marina View Villa Suite starting at $315 bookable through Aug. 31 for travel from Oct. 1 to 31.
Aruba
Entry requirements: All visitors must complete a disembarkation card with contact-tracing details such as their date of birth, passport information and the duration of their stay, as well as a health assessment interview. All visitors 15 and older must present a negative PCR test result. Visitors from 24 hot spot states must complete their test 72 hours before departure or take one test before leaving and a second upon arrival at the airport. Others may opt to be tested upon arrival. The testing fee is $75.
The adults-only Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort – voted Best Caribbean Resort in the 2020 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards – offers nightly rates through Dec. 22 starting at $403, double occupancy, for a standard room in the Bucuti Wing.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa and Casino invites with the "Warm Welcome" nightly rates starting at $357 for an ocean or pool view. Earn Hyatt Loyalty points with stays booked online until Sept. 8 for travel until Dec. 20.
Nightly rates in a Garden View room at Divi Aruba All Inclusive start at $471, double occupancy. Stays are bookable until Dec. 15 for travel through Dec. 23. Next door, Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive is slated to reopen Sept. 12.
At the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino, nightly rates, per room, start at $247, using the "Stay Longer, Save More" offer for stays of four or more nights. Discounts are bookable until Sept. 30 for travel until Dec. 23 and Jan. 3 to April 30, 2021.
Barbados
Entry requirements: Barbados' tourism site says all visitors must complete an online customs entry form. Although an advance COVID-19 test is not required, one is recommended to have your application form fast-tracked, and anyone who doesn't provide one will be tested upon arrival.
The all-suite South Beach Hotel will reopen Aug. 15 with nightly rates, per room, starting at $120, double occupancy. Rooms are bookable until Oct. 31 for travel through April 2021.
Reopening Sept. 1, Sea Breeze Beach House is a 122-room boutique hotel on the south coast. Standard rooms go for $373 per night, double occupancy. Rooms are bookable through Oct. 31 for travel until Jan. 5, 2021.
Turks and Caicos Islands
Entry requirements: Travelers need a negative COVID-19 PCR test from an accredited laboratory taken within five days of travel (the travel day does not count toward that period.) The test result is a requirement to obtain a TCI Assured Travel Authorization to enter the country.
Steps from Grace Bay Beach, nightly rates for a junior suite at Palms Turks and Caicos start at $489, double occupancy, bookable through Nov. 30 for travel until Dec. 18.
The Shore Club is the gold standard in sweet suites with nightly rates, double occupancy, starting at $499 bookable through Nov. 30 for travel until Dec. 23, 2021.
One mile apart on Grace Bay Beach, Ocean Club Resorts' Ocean Club and Ocean Club West dish up nightly rates for a Studio Suite at either resort starting at $214 for travel until Dec. 18. Gratis perks include bicycles and beach loungers shaded by the resorts’ signature pink umbrellas.
Antigua
Entry requirements: A negative COVID-19 test result no older than seven days before the expected arrival date is required for all visitors, who should bring a printout with them. They must all complete a Traveler Accommodation form online before arrival. Failure to comply will result in travelers being denied entry.
Sandals Grande Antigua is open on Dickenson Bay, the longest white sandy beach on the island. For savings at all Sandals Resorts, “instant credits” up to $1,000 are applied upon booking. In St. Lucia, Sandals Grande St. Lucian is open, Sandals Regency La Toc will open Aug. 31 and Sandals Halcyon Beach on Nov. 1. In Jamaica, Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Negril are open, Sandals Ochi will reopen Sept. 3, Sandals South Coast on Oct. 1 and Sandals Royal Plantation on Oct. 8. Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados will reopen Sept. 9.
Gunpowder House and Suites is the real deal for history buffs with nightly rates bookable until Nov. 8 in a Deluxe Gunpowder Suite starting at $235, double occupancy for travel until Aug. 30 and again from Oct. 10-Nov. 8.
A colorful collection of pastel cottages, Cocobay Resort is adults-only with discounts bookable for travel through Nov. 30. Nightly rates, double occupancy, for a Standard Cottage start at $300.


usatoday--2020-08-04--Will Tlaib take her primary? Who will win the Kansas GOP Senate race? What to watch for Tuesday's el

WASHINGTON – In her first year as a congresswoman , Rashida Tlaib has garnered national attention as an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump and member of the “ Squad , ” a group of progressive congresswomen elected in 2018 .
But now Tlaib , who narrowly won the primary race to represent Michigan 's 13th congressional district , is locked into a tight primary race against Brenda Jones , the Detroit City Council president .
Tlaib during the 2018 midterms won the six-way primary race by less than 1,000 votes , with Jones finishing a close second .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other once more after Jones entered the primary race in late March .
Jones , however , has trailed in fundraising .
She also announced in early April that she had tested positive for COVID-19 .
But she ’ s remained competitive due to her name recognition from her time on the city council as well as receiving endorsements from key local leaders , such as Rev .
Wendell Anthony , the president of the NAACP ’ s Detroit chapter .
Riots .
Radicalism .
Corruption .
: Trump and Biden supporters turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although Tlaib , who was one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress , is facing a challenger , several progressive candidates have seen success throughout this primary season , including Jamaal Bowman , a progressive candidate for New York 's 16th Congressional District , defeated Rep. Eliot Engel , a 16-term incumbent .
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , who is also a member of the “ Squad , ” warded off her own primary challenger last month .
Tlaib also has the support of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , who endorsed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clay , the 10-term Democratic incumbent for Missouri ’ s 1st Congressional District , is facing a primary challenge from Cori Bush , a registered nurse and Black Lives Matter activist .
Bush , who became a political activist following the police shooting of Michael Brown in 2014 in Ferguson , has been endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and is backed by Justice Democrats , who helped elect progressive candidates like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez .
The race has received renewed attention after Bowman ’ s win .
He has also endorsed Bush .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ better-funded campaign .
As of mid-July , she ’ s raised nearly $ 570,000 , according to the Federal Election Commission .
Clay has raised nearly $ 744,000 .
However , Bush has outspent Clay on TV and radio ads in recent weeks , according to Huffpost .
This is not the first time Clay is facing Bush .
The two went head-to-head in 2018 , with Clay beating Bush in the Democratic primary .
Clay , who was first elected in 2000 , replaced his father Rep. Bill Clay Sr. , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and helped create the Congressional Black Caucus .
Clay Jr. received endorsements from Sen. Kamala Harris as well as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch .
Conservative Kris Kobach , the former Kansas secretary of state , is not the candidate Republicans want to win the GOP nomination to replace retiring Sen. Pat Roberts .
But Kobach is locked in a tight race with establishment Republican 's preferred candidate Rep. Roger Marshall , who has been endorsed by Roberts and has the support by the National Republican Senatorial Committee .
Kobach in 2018 was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Democrat Laura Kelly .
When Kobach first announced his candidacy , NRSC spokeswoman Joanna Rodriguez said in a statement that Kobach will put `` President Trump ’ s presidency and Senate Majority at risk , '' pointing to his loss to Kelly .
Internal polling showed Marshall leading the race earlier this summer , according to reports from Fox News and Politico .
However , a super PAC with links to Democrats spent $ 5 million boosting Kobach and slamming Marshall .
Since then , polling has showed the two candidates neck-to-neck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate race in Kansas in 88 years .
Republicans fear that if Kobach wins , it could leave room for the Democrats ' candidate to win in November .
Democrats have backed Barbara Bollier , a state senator who left the Republican Party in 2018 .
Bollier has outraised all her GOP opponents .
Where do Americans stand on election issues : Let them tell you .
Republican Bill Hagerty , who served as the U.S .
Ambassador to Japan under the Trump Administration , is the president 's preferred candidate to replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main opponent for the GOP primary is Manny Sethi , who has billed himself as a political outsider and criticized Hagerty as a part of the Republican establishment .
Throughout the primary season , Hagerty has led in polling .
Sethi , however , has been endorsed by Republican Sens .
Ted Cruz and Rand Paul .
Another race to look out for is the states ' 5th Congressional District Democratic primary race , where incumbent Jim Cooper main primary opponent is Keeda Haynes , a public defender .
Haynes has billed herself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has represented that district since 2003 .
Haynes , a Black woman , told the Tennessean that she is running because African-Americans like herself have felt `` locked out , abandoned and silenced '' by a government that was designed to represent everyone 's interests .
Joshua Rawlings , a 27-year-old former Republican , is also running in the Democratic primary .

Will Tlaib take her primary? Who will win the Kansas GOP Senate race? What to watch for Tuesday's election
Show Caption Hide Caption Tlaib could be most vulnerable ‘squad’ member Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s approach to governing as an unapologetic fighter and member of the “squad” has made her a target. Now, the Michigan Democrat is the squad’s most vulnerable member (July 23) AP
WASHINGTON – In her first year as a congresswoman, Rashida Tlaib has garnered national attention as an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump and member of the “Squad,” a group of progressive congresswomen elected in 2018.
But now Tlaib, who narrowly won the primary race to represent Michigan's 13th congressional district, is locked into a tight primary race against Brenda Jones, the Detroit City Council president.
Michigan is one of five states holding primaries Tuesday. Arizona, Kansas, Missouri and Washington are the other four. In addition, there's a primary Thursday in Tennessee.
Tlaib during the 2018 midterms won the six-way primary race by less than 1,000 votes, with Jones finishing a close second.
Now the two are going up against each other once more after Jones entered the primary race in late March. Jones, however, has trailed in fundraising. She also announced in early April that she had tested positive for COVID-19.
But she’s remained competitive due to her name recognition from her time on the city council as well as receiving endorsements from key local leaders, such as Rev. Wendell Anthony, the president of the NAACP’s Detroit chapter.
Riots. Radicalism. Corruption.: Trump and Biden supporters turn to apocalyptic themes in campaign ad wars.
Although Tlaib, who was one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress, is facing a challenger, several progressive candidates have seen success throughout this primary season, including Jamaal Bowman, a progressive candidate for New York's 16th Congressional District, defeated Rep. Eliot Engel, a 16-term incumbent. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is also a member of the “Squad,” warded off her own primary challenger last month.
Tlaib also has the support of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who endorsed her last week.
Rep. William Lacy Clay being primaried by progressive candidate Cori Bush
Rep. William Lacy Clay, the 10-term Democratic incumbent for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District, is facing a primary challenge from Cori Bush, a registered nurse and Black Lives Matter activist.
Bush, who became a political activist following the police shooting of Michael Brown in 2014 in Ferguson, has been endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and is backed by Justice Democrats, who helped elect progressive candidates like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The race has received renewed attention after Bowman’s win. He has also endorsed Bush.
Unlike in 2018, Bush has a better-funded campaign. As of mid-July, she’s raised nearly $570,000, according to the Federal Election Commission. Clay has raised nearly $744,000. However, Bush has outspent Clay on TV and radio ads in recent weeks, according to Huffpost.
This is not the first time Clay is facing Bush. The two went head-to-head in 2018, with Clay beating Bush in the Democratic primary.
Clay, who was first elected in 2000, replaced his father Rep. Bill Clay Sr., who served that district from 1969 to 2001 and helped create the Congressional Black Caucus. Clay Jr. received endorsements from Sen. Kamala Harris as well as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
More: Coronavirus pandemic creates America's first female recession amid child care, unemployment woes
Will Kris Kobach win in Kansas?
Conservative Kris Kobach, the former Kansas secretary of state, is not the candidate Republicans want to win the GOP nomination to replace retiring Sen. Pat Roberts.
But Kobach is locked in a tight race with establishment Republican's preferred candidate Rep. Roger Marshall, who has been endorsed by Roberts and has the support by the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Kobach in 2018 was the GOP nominee for Kansas governor and lost to Democrat Laura Kelly. When Kobach first announced his candidacy, NRSC spokeswoman Joanna Rodriguez said in a statement that Kobach will put "President Trump’s presidency and Senate Majority at risk," pointing to his loss to Kelly.
Internal polling showed Marshall leading the race earlier this summer, according to reports from Fox News and Politico. However, a super PAC with links to Democrats spent $5 million boosting Kobach and slamming Marshall. Since then, polling has showed the two candidates neck-to-neck.
A Democrat hasn't won a Senate race in Kansas in 88 years. Republicans fear that if Kobach wins, it could leave room for the Democrats' candidate to win in November.
Democrats have backed Barbara Bollier, a state senator who left the Republican Party in 2018. Bollier has outraised all her GOP opponents.
Where do Americans stand on election issues: Let them tell you.
What's happening for Thursday's Tennessee primary
Republican Bill Hagerty, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan under the Trump Administration, is the president's preferred candidate to replace retiring Sen. Lamar Alexander.
Hagerty's main opponent for the GOP primary is Manny Sethi, who has billed himself as a political outsider and criticized Hagerty as a part of the Republican establishment. Throughout the primary season, Hagerty has led in polling.
Not sure if you’re registered to vote?: Check your status.
Sethi, however, has been endorsed by Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and Rand Paul.
Another race to look out for is the state's 5th Congressional District Democratic primary race, where incumbent Jim Cooper main primary opponent is Keeda Haynes, a public defender.
Haynes has billed herself as a more progressive candidate over Cooper, who has represented that district since 2003. Haynes, a Black woman, told the Tennessean that she is running because African-Americans like herself have felt "locked out, abandoned and silenced" by a government that was designed to represent everyone's interests.
Joshua Rawlings, a 27-year-old former Republican, is also running in the Democratic primary.


usatoday--2020-08-04--When politics hits home: Pandemic moms are descendants of soccer and votes-for-women moms

In the 2020 election , millions of mothers will be the key to victory , just as they were in the battle for women ’ s right to vote .
Women who do not relish the political spotlight are the ones you have to watch — and watch out for .
President Donald Trump may be about to learn that lesson the hard way , just as the forces opposing women ’ s suffrage did .
Militants make more interesting headlines and often take most of the historical limelight .
There is no question that “ nasty women ” play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Their shocking tactics can force those in power into making mistakes that benefit the causes the women espouse .
They do not have to be numerous to gain media attention .
That was as true during the suffrage fight as it is today .
During the Woodrow Wilson administration , Alice Paul and her rabble-rousing suffragist supporters picketed the White House .
Known as the “ Silent Sentinels , ” the group totaled no more than 2,000 women .
While their picketing may seem quite a mild protest today , at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and appalling .
President Wilson had a few hundred of the Silent Sentinels arrested and jailed .
That led to a “ Night of Terror ” in which prison guards viciously beat jailed Sentinels , including one who suffered a heart attack and another who was 73 years old .
Wilson took a public relations drubbing and his administration ’ s overreaction contributed to a shift in public opinion toward suffrage .
Still , women who typically stay in the background of the political fray can be fierce mama bears for causes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women ?
In pre-pandemic days , political analysts called them “ soccer moms.
” In her previous life as a pollster , White House counselor Kellyanne Fitzpatrick Conway noted , “ Soccer moms of the 1990 ’ s were the ‘ supermoms ’ of the 1980 ’ s .
Many of them have kicked off their high heels and replaced them with Keds to watch their kids .
If you are a soccer mom , the world according to you is seen through the needs of your children.
” ‘ Where are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 19th Amendment and rewriting women ’ s history These days the pandemic has women sheltering in place with their families , so it has been months since they cheered for a kid ’ s sports team .
They are frantically concerned about how to support their families , keep them safe , and get work done while kids are underfoot , without camps , sports or other outside activities .
Their political choices are at the forefront of their daily lives .
How these women react to the presidential race and candidates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening plans and local and state orders , child care woes and the latest news about pandemic tragedies keep them in a constant state of agitation .
And then there are the president ’ s tweets , including those directly addressed to them ( anachronistically and , many would say , insultingly ) as “ Suburban Housewives of America , ” suggesting that Democrat Joe Biden “ will destroy your neighborhood and your American Dream .
I will preserve it , and make it even better !
” Year of the Woman 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes way beyond the numbers Women vote at higher rates than men and their votes make a difference .
They turned out in force in 2018 to change the makeup of the House and state legislatures , and they may well determine the outcome of the 2020 election .
These women are descendants ( spiritually if not literally ) of the women who won the battle for their own right to vote .
Over 100 years ago , legions of women canvassed , cajoled male voters , and found ways to convey to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to them and the well-being of their families .
They didn ’ t have tools like television or social media .
They raised money and consciousness for their cause by peddling cookbooks , hawking suffrage at state fairs , and selling pigs from their farms .
The influence of these mothers is micro , as well as macro .
One hundred years ago , a mother named Febb Ensminger Burn of Niota , Tennessee changed history with a wrinkled letter to her son that invoked the name of suffragist leader Carrie Chapman Catt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hurrah and vote for suffrage and don ’ t keep them in doubt .
.
.
.
I ’ ve been waiting to see how you stood but have not seen anything yet .
.
.
.
Don ’ t forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Catt .
.
.
With lots of love , Mama Following her instructions , on Aug. 18 , 1920 , 24-year-old Harry cast the deciding vote in the Tennessee legislature — giving the 19th Amendment the last state it needed for ratification .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffragists kept going .
They took suffrage over the finish line first in Congress in 1919 and then with ratification votes in 36 state legislatures .
The pandemic moms of today have a lot in common with the vote-for-women moms who helped make that happen .
They protect their families and expect society and their leaders to do the same .
Laura Kumin , a lawyer turned food historian , is the author of `` All Stirred Up : Suffrage Cookbooks , Food , and the Battle for Women 's Right to Vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Hamilton Cookbook : Cooking , Eating , and Entertaining in Hamilton 's World . ''
Find her on Instagram or at her food and cooking blog , Mother Would Know .

When politics hits home: Pandemic moms are descendants of soccer and votes-for-women moms Over 100 years ago, legions of women found ways to convey to nonactivist women that the vote was crucial to them and the well-being of their families.
Show Caption Hide Caption Women's suffrage movement used cookbooks as recipe for change The women's suffrage movement was also backed by non-activist women who believed the vote was crucial to them and their families. USA TODAY
In the 2020 election, millions of mothers will be the key to victory, just as they were in the battle for women’s right to vote. Women who do not relish the political spotlight are the ones you have to watch — and watch out for. President Donald Trump may be about to learn that lesson the hard way, just as the forces opposing women’s suffrage did.
Militants make more interesting headlines and often take most of the historical limelight. There is no question that “nasty women” play a significant role in making change. Their shocking tactics can force those in power into making mistakes that benefit the causes the women espouse. They do not have to be numerous to gain media attention.
That was as true during the suffrage fight as it is today. During President Woodrow Wilson's administration, Alice Paul and her rabble-rousing suffragist supporters picketed the White House. Known as the “Silent Sentinels,” the group totaled no more than 2,000 women. While their picketing might seem quite a mild protest today, at the time, society considered it unwomanly, radical and appalling.
Motivated by threats to family
Wilson had a few hundred of the Silent Sentinels arrested and jailed. That led to a “Night of Terror” in which prison guards viciously beat jailed Sentinels, including one who suffered a heart attack and another who was 73 years old. Wilson took a public relations drubbing, and his administration’s overreaction contributed to a shift in public opinion toward suffrage.
Still, women who typically stay in the background of the political fray can be fierce mama bears for causes that affect their families.
Who are these women? In pre-pandemic days, political analysts called them “soccer moms.” In her previous life as a pollster, White House counselor Kellyanne Fitzpatrick Conway noted, “Soccer moms of the 1990s were the ‘supermoms’ of the 1980s. Many of them have kicked off their high heels and replaced them with Keds to watch their kids. If you are a soccer mom, the world according to you is seen through the needs of your children.”
‘Where are the women?’: The centennial of the 19th Amendment and rewriting women’s history
These days, the pandemic has women sheltering in place with their families, so it has been months since they cheered for a kid’s sports team. They are frantically concerned about how to support their families, keep them safe and get work done while kids are underfoot and without camps, sports or other outside activities. Their political choices are at the forefront of their daily lives.
How these women react to the presidential race and candidates is complicated and fluid. Shifting school reopening plans and local and state orders, child care woes and the latest news about pandemic tragedies keep them in a constant state of agitation. And then there are the president’s tweets, including those directly addressed to them (anachronistically and, many would say, insultingly) as “Suburban Housewives of America,” saying presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden “will destroy your neighborhood and your American Dream. I will preserve it, and make it even better!”
Year of the Woman 2: Record election success for women that goes way beyond the numbers
Women vote at higher rates than men, and their votes make a difference. They turned out in force in 2018 to change the makeup of the House of Representatives and state legislatures, and they could well determine the outcome of the 2020 election.
Pigs, cookbooks and state fairs
These women are descendants (spiritually if not literally) of the women who won the battle for their own right to vote. Over 100 years ago, legions of women canvassed, cajoled male voters and found ways to convey to nonactivist women that the vote was crucial to them and the well-being of their families. They didn’t have tools like television or social media. They raised money and consciousness for their cause by peddling cookbooks, hawking suffrage at state fairs and selling pigs from their farms.
The influence of these mothers is micro as well as macro. One hundred years ago, a mother named Febb Ensminger Burn of Niota, Tennessee, changed history with a wrinkled letter to her son that invoked the name of suffragist leader Carrie Chapman Catt:
Dear Son ... Hurrah and vote for suffrage and don’t keep them in doubt. ... I’ve been waiting to see how you stood but have not seen anything yet. ... Don’t forget to be a good boy, and help Mrs. "Thomas Catt." ... With lots of love Mama
Following her instructions, on Aug. 18, 1920, 24-year-old Harry cast the deciding vote in the Tennessee legislature — giving the 19th Amendment the last state it needed for ratification.
In the face of multiple defeats, the suffragists kept going. They took suffrage over the finish line first in Congress in 1919 and then with ratification votes in 36 state legislatures. The pandemic moms of today have a lot in common with the vote-for-women moms who helped make that happen. They protect their families and expect society and their leaders to do the same.
Laura Kumin, a lawyer turned food historian, is the author of "All Stirred Up: Suffrage Cookbooks, Food, and the Battle for Women's Right to Vote" and "The Hamilton Cookbook: Cooking, Eating, and Entertaining in Hamilton's World." Find her on Instagram or at her food and cooking blog, Mother Would Know.


usatoday--2020-08-04--How to take better care of indoor plants

Knowing what your plants need and creating a simple plan will keep them green and happy .

Plant tips: Grow healthier plants indoors
Knowing what your plants need and creating a simple plan will keep them green and happy.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-08-04--Cape Cod beach closed after great white sharks spotted near shore

A beach in Cape Cod was closed to swimmers after two great white sharks were spotted near the shore .

Cape Cod beach closed after great white sharks spotted near shore
A beach in Cape Cod was closed to swimmers after two great white sharks were spotted near the shore.
Storyful


usatoday--2020-08-04--Report: Rutgers football's coronavirus outbreak grows to 28

Rutgers football 's coronavirus outbreak has grown to include more positive test results .
The number of Scarlet Knights players who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 has expanded to 28 from 15 , according to an NJ.com report Monday night .
The report also said several staff members have tested positive .
Rutgers announced on July 25 that it had quarantined its entire football program and halted in-person team activities after six players tested positive in its previous testing cycle .
Then during Gov .
Murphy 's news briefing last Wednesday , state health commissioner Judith Persichilli said `` we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoor gatherings in our state have led to community clusters of COVID-19 . ''
COVID what 's next : In New Jersey , can H.S .
sports be played during a second COVID spike ?
She went on to say that 15 members of the Scarlet Knights ' football team had contracted the virus .
But apparently that number has grown .
Rutgers football players began returning to campus on June 15 for voluntary workouts .
The program had implemented strict protocols to mitigate the risk , and two members of the program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing — one who had n't yet returned to campus , and one after returning .
The Scarlet Knights became the second Big Ten program to quarantine its entire team after Michigan State announced it was forced to go into quarantine .
The NCAA is allowing teams to begin training camp on Aug. 7 .
The Big Ten has already announced that it will play a conference-only schedule this fall , if a season is able to be held .
Rutgers has already seen how challenging that could become .

Report: Rutgers football's coronavirus outbreak grows to 28
Show Caption Hide Caption Rutgers Football: Will remote learning impact fall season? With classes going mostly remote for the fall semester, what will this mean for Rutgers Football? Ryan Ross and Chris Iseman, Asbury Park Press
Rutgers football's coronavirus outbreak has grown to include more positive test results.
The number of Scarlet Knights players who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 has expanded to 28 from 15, according to an NJ.com report Monday night.
The report also said several staff members have tested positive.
Rutgers announced on July 25 that it had quarantined its entire football program and halted in-person team activities after six players tested positive in its previous testing cycle.
Then during Gov. Murphy's news briefing last Wednesday, state health commissioner Judith Persichilli said "we have had several circumstances where indoor and outdoor gatherings in our state have led to community clusters of COVID-19."
COVID what's next: In New Jersey, can H.S. sports be played during a second COVID spike?
She went on to say that 15 members of the Scarlet Knights' football team had contracted the virus.
But apparently that number has grown.
Rutgers football players began returning to campus on June 15 for voluntary workouts.
The program had implemented strict protocols to mitigate the risk, and two members of the program had tested positive during initial rounds of testing — one who hadn't yet returned to campus, and one after returning.
The Scarlet Knights became the second Big Ten program to quarantine its entire team after Michigan State announced it was forced to go into quarantine.
Rutgers' 14-day quarantine would end on Aug. 8.
The NCAA is allowing teams to begin training camp on Aug. 7.
The Big Ten has already announced that it will play a conference-only schedule this fall, if a season is able to be held.
Rutgers has already seen how challenging that could become.
Email: iseman@northjersey.com Twitter: @chrisiseman


usatoday--2020-08-04--Trump says massive explosion in Beirut appears to be an attack but local officials are still investi

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Tuesday that U.S. military officials advised him that a massive explosion in Beirut appeared to be an `` attack , '' though he offered little detail to explain how his administration had come to that conclusion .
At least 60 people were killed and thousands were wounded in an explosion that caused widespread damage in the Lebanese capital .
Trump said he had been briefed by “ our great generals ” and that they “ seem to feel ” that the explosion was not an accident .
`` According to them – they would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they seem to think it was an attack , '' Trump told reporters at the White House .
`` It was a bomb of some kind . ''
The blast followed a fire that broke out in the city 's port area , based on multiple videos from the scene .
`` It looks like a terrible attack , '' Trump said during his opening remarks .
`` Our prayers go out to all the victims and their families , '' he said .
`` The United States stands ready to assist Lebanon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explosion is yet to be officially determined , Abbas Ibrahim , chief of Lebanese General Security , said it might have been caused by highly explosive material that was stored at the port after it was confiscated from a ship .
In a tweet on the Lebanese presidential account , the material was identified as ammonium nitrate , citing Prime Minister Hassan Diab as saying , `` It is unacceptable that a shipment of ammonium nitrate estimated at 2,750 tons has been present for six years in a warehouse without taking preventive measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' COVID-19 : 'It is what it is , ' Trump says of rising coronavirus death toll

John Fritze and Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY

Trump says massive explosion in Beirut appears to be an attack but local officials are still investigating
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump: explosion in Beirut was likely an 'attack' President Donald Trump says U.S. military generals have told him that they think the massive explosion that rocked Beirut on Tuesday, killing more than 70 people, was likely a bomb. (Aug. 4) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said Tuesday that U.S. military officials advised him that a massive explosion in Beirut appeared to be an "attack," though he offered little detail to explain how his administration had come to that conclusion.
At least 60 people were killed and thousands were wounded in an explosion that caused widespread damage in the Lebanese capital. Trump said he had been briefed by “our great generals” and that they “seem to feel” that the explosion was not an accident.
"According to them – they would know better than I would – but they seem to think it was an attack," Trump told reporters at the White House. "It was a bomb of some kind."
The blast followed a fire that broke out in the city's port area, based on multiple videos from the scene.
"It looks like a terrible attack," Trump said during his opening remarks.
"Our prayers go out to all the victims and their families," he said. "The United States stands ready to assist Lebanon."
More: 'Horror show': Massive explosion in Beirut kills dozens, wounds thousands
Explosion rocks downtown Beirut leaving massive plumes of smoke A massive explosion rocks downtown Beirut, Lebanon Storyful
Though the cause of the explosion is yet to be officially determined, Abbas Ibrahim, chief of Lebanese General Security, said it might have been caused by highly explosive material that was stored at the port after it was confiscated from a ship.
In a tweet on the Lebanese presidential account, the material was identified as ammonium nitrate, citing Prime Minister Hassan Diab as saying, "It is unacceptable that a shipment of ammonium nitrate estimated at 2,750 tons has been present for six years in a warehouse without taking preventive measures that endanger the safety of citizens."
COVID-19: 'It is what it is,' Trump says of rising coronavirus death toll
Yosemite: Donald Trump mispronounces 'Yosemite' at White House event


usatoday--2020-08-05--3 charged in shooting death of Texas ice cream vendor who was known in community as 'Grandpa,' polic

Weeks after the June shooting death of a Texas ice cream vendor frequently referred to as “ Grandpa ” by neighborhood kids , Austin police on Tuesday identified three men charged in his death .
Adelaido Bernabe Urias , 68 , had been selling ice cream out of a cart on June 23 when three men attempted to rob him , Austin police Detective Nathan Sexton said .
One of the men shot Urias multiple times before the group left the scene .
Police said they would not share which of the three men shot Urias .
Emergency crews found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the apartment complex with a gunshot wound , police said .
He was taken to a hospital , where he died on July 1 .
Florida man arrested : Charged with murder after fatally shooting Burger King worker over drive-thru delay , police say The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested 20-year-old Jermaine Jones and 19-year-old Devlon Wardy on Monday .
A third suspect , 18-year-old Marquis Davis , was arrested on July 13 on an unrelated charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon .
All three are charged with capital murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Complex in Del Valle , Texas , with bail set at $ 1 million each , police said .
Police also are seeking information about a fourth person who they say was driving a vehicle that day .
Police have not identified the fourth suspect .
After Urias died , Austin police homicide detectives took over the case .
Tipsters shared information with investigators that helped identify the suspects , police said .
COVID is out of control in small town : 'Everyone knows everyone ' in this small Texas town “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and upset that this nice old man who was just selling ice cream at $ 1.50 a piece , and was known by many in the community as a grandfather , was shot and killed over something so small , ” Sexton said .
It remains uncertain if money was taken from Urias , who still had his wallet on him after the robbery , Sexton said .
None of the suspects knew Urias before the robbery , police said .

Kelsey Bradshaw, Austin American-Statesman

3 charged in shooting death of Texas ice cream vendor who was known in community as 'Grandpa,' police say
Show Caption Hide Caption AP Top Stories August 4 A Here's the latest for Tuesday August 4th: Hurricane downgraded after making landfall; Congress working on COVID relief deal; Protesters confront state troopers in Portland; Three men rescued from tiny Pacific island. AP
Weeks after the June shooting death of a Texas ice cream vendor frequently referred to as “Grandpa” by neighborhood kids, Austin police on Tuesday identified three men charged in his death.
Adelaido Bernabe Urias, 68, had been selling ice cream out of a cart on June 23 when three men attempted to rob him, Austin police Detective Nathan Sexton said.
One of the men shot Urias multiple times before the group left the scene. Police said they would not share which of the three men shot Urias.
Emergency crews found Urias lying in the parking lot of the apartment complex with a gunshot wound, police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he died on July 1.
Florida man arrested: Charged with murder after fatally shooting Burger King worker over drive-thru delay, police say
The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested 20-year-old Jermaine Jones and 19-year-old Devlon Wardy on Monday. A third suspect, 18-year-old Marquis Davis, was arrested on July 13 on an unrelated charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
All three are charged with capital murder and are in the Travis County Correctional Complex in Del Valle, Texas, with bail set at $1 million each, police said.
Police also are seeking information about a fourth person who they say was driving a vehicle that day. Police have not identified the fourth suspect.
After Urias died, Austin police homicide detectives took over the case. Tipsters shared information with investigators that helped identify the suspects, police said.
COVID is out of control in small town: 'Everyone knows everyone' in this small Texas town
“The community were, of course, outraged and upset that this nice old man who was just selling ice cream at $1.50 a piece, and was known by many in the community as a grandfather, was shot and killed over something so small,” Sexton said.
It remains uncertain if money was taken from Urias, who still had his wallet on him after the robbery, Sexton said.
None of the suspects knew Urias before the robbery, police said.
Follow Kelsey Bradshaw on Twitter: @kbrad5


usatoday--2020-08-05--California authorities recover 2,000 to 3,000 roosters in raid of alleged illegal cockfighting ring

California authorities busted an alleged cockfighting ring on Monday , recovering 2,000 to 3,000 roosters from a property in an incorporated area of Los Angeles County — potentially one of the largest seizures in U.S. history .
The animals were `` in various states of health '' and will be inspected and documented by animal care and control officers , according to a news release posted to Facebook by the Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Department .
Several people who were on the property were also detained .
The search warrant operation was part of an investigation related to animal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cockfighting , the news release said .
As of Tuesday , investigators were still on scene , determining the animals ' ownership and evaluating potential criminal charges .
Several hundred livestock animals were also recovered from the Chatsworth property , according to authorities .
Pictures from the scene shared by the sheriff 's department showed roosters and dogs in cages , as well as the legs of horse that appeared to be bloody .
With a history that goes back more than 6,000 years , cockfighting is a sport in which two roosters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a small ring and encouraged to fight to the death , according the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals .
Although illegal in all 50 states , cockfighting persists across the U.S. , said the ASPCA .
The last major bust in Los Angeles County was three years ago , when the sheriff 's office recovered nearly 7,000 roosters in a property raid in the unincorporated community of Val Verde near Santa Clarita .
That May 2017 seizure was the largest of illegal cockfighting birds in U.S. history , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Care and Control .
A 2014 bust in New York that yielded more than 3,000 roosters and resulted in nine arrests also ranks among the nation 's largest seizures .
In an effort to stop cockfighting in 2018 , the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance limiting the number of mature male chickens that residents can keep in unincorporated areas .
Residents with more than 10 roosters on any size property needed to be licensed as an animal facility .

California authorities recover 2,000 to 3,000 roosters in raid of alleged illegal cockfighting ring
Show Caption Hide Caption Roosters have natural 'earplugs' for their own deafening crows Roosters crow so loudly that they’ve developed their own form of earplugs to keep from going deaf. Buzz60
California authorities busted an alleged cockfighting ring on Monday, recovering 2,000 to 3,000 roosters from a property in an incorporated area of Los Angeles County — potentially one of the largest seizures in U.S. history.
The animals were "in various states of health" and will be inspected and documented by animal care and control officers, according to a news release posted to Facebook by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Several people who were on the property were also detained.
The search warrant operation was part of an investigation related to animal cruelty and possession of game fowl for cockfighting, the news release said. As of Tuesday, investigators were still on scene, determining the animals' ownership and evaluating potential criminal charges.
Several hundred livestock animals were also recovered from the Chatsworth property, according to authorities. Pictures from the scene shared by the sheriff's department showed roosters and dogs in cages, as well as the legs of horse that appeared to be bloody.
With a history that goes back more than 6,000 years, cockfighting is a sport in which two roosters specifically bred to fight are placed in a small ring and encouraged to fight to the death, according the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Although illegal in all 50 states, cockfighting persists across the U.S., said the ASPCA.
The last major bust in Los Angeles County was three years ago, when the sheriff's office recovered nearly 7,000 roosters in a property raid in the unincorporated community of Val Verde near Santa Clarita.
That May 2017 seizure was the largest of illegal cockfighting birds in U.S. history, according to the county's Department of Animal Care and Control. A 2014 bust in New York that yielded more than 3,000 roosters and resulted in nine arrests also ranks among the nation's largest seizures.
In an effort to stop cockfighting in 2018, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance limiting the number of mature male chickens that residents can keep in unincorporated areas. Residents with more than 10 roosters on any size property needed to be licensed as an animal facility.


usatoday--2020-08-05--Tony Danza, Alyssa Milano set to star in planned 'Who's the Boss' sequel produced by Norman Lear

Whatever happened to widower Tony Micelli and his daughter , Samantha ?
Fans of `` Who 's the Boss , '' which ran for eight seasons ( 1984 to 1992 ) , could find out if a planned sequel series featuring original series stars Tony Danza and Alyssa Milano makes it to the small screen .
Danza and Milano , who played the father-daughter duo in the popular ABC comedy , are set to star in the sequel , which would include a new executive producer , the legendary Norman Lear .
Milano celebrated the news on Instagram Tuesday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sequel , confirmed the project .
`` # WhosTheBoss is coming back !
!
! ''
Milano wrote .
`` We feel the time is right to tell the story of where these amazing characters are today . ''
The sequel , which does n't yet have a TV home , will take place 30 years after events of the original series and center on former baseball player and retired housekeeper Tony ( Danza ) and his relationship with Samantha ( Milano ) , now a single mother living in the house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Light , who played divorced advertising executive Angela , and Danny Pintauro , who played her son , Jonathan , are supportive of the project and the hope is to work them and their characters into the show , according to Sony .
Katherine Helmond , who played Angela 's mother , died in 2019 .
`` Boss , '' part of Lear 's Embassy Communications library that was sold to Coca-Cola in 1985 , is now owned by Sony .
The new show will explore generational differences , opposing world views and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not involved with the original `` Boss , '' is an executive producer of Sony 's reimagined `` One Day at a Time . ''
Danza and Milano also will serve as executive producers .
The sequel 's eventual buyer would have the option to license the 196 original episodes .

Tony Danza, Alyssa Milano set to star in planned 'Who's the Boss' sequel produced by Norman Lear
Show Caption Hide Caption Alyssa Milano and Tony Danza reunite for a 'Who's the Boss?' sequel Tony Danza and Alyssa Milano will star in a "Who's the Boss?" TV sequel. It could join a list of other successful 80's reboots. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
Whatever happened to widower Tony Micelli and his daughter, Samantha?
Fans of "Who's the Boss," which ran for eight seasons (1984 to 1992), could find out if a planned sequel series featuring original series stars Tony Danza and Alyssa Milano makes it to the small screen.
Danza and Milano, who played the father-daughter duo in the popular ABC comedy, are set to star in the sequel, which would include a new executive producer, the legendary Norman Lear.
Milano celebrated the news on Instagram Tuesday and Sony Pictures Television, which is developing the sequel, confirmed the project.
"#WhosTheBoss is coming back!!!" Milano wrote. "We feel the time is right to tell the story of where these amazing characters are today."
The sequel, which doesn't yet have a TV home, will take place 30 years after events of the original series and center on former baseball player and retired housekeeper Tony (Danza) and his relationship with Samantha (Milano), now a single mother living in the house featured in the original show.
Judith Light, who played divorced advertising executive Angela, and Danny Pintauro, who played her son, Jonathan, are supportive of the project and the hope is to work them and their characters into the show, according to Sony. Katherine Helmond, who played Angela's mother, died in 2019.
"Boss," part of Lear's Embassy Communications library that was sold to Coca-Cola in 1985, is now owned by Sony. The new show will explore generational differences, opposing world views and parenting styles. Lear, who was not involved with the original "Boss," is an executive producer of Sony's reimagined "One Day at a Time."
Danza and Milano also will serve as executive producers. The sequel's eventual buyer would have the option to license the 196 original episodes.


usatoday--2020-08-04--Novavax becomes fifth COVID-19 vaccine developer to release promising early results

More good news in the pursuit of a COVID-19 vaccine : A fifth vaccine developer has released promising results from a small , early trial .
Novavax Inc. , of Gaithersburg , Maryland , released the results via a press release and call with media late Tuesday , showing the vaccine appeared safe and elicited a similar immune response to an active infection with COVID-19 .
`` Good news , '' said Dr. William Schaffner , a professor and infectious disease expert at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville , Tennessee .
`` I think it clearly boosts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more vaccines . ''
Moderna , AstraZeneca and Pfizer have all released promising Phase 1 results , with the first two publishing in major journals .
Chinese researchers also have published early trial results , and have begun providing their candidate vaccine to members of the military , Reuters reported .
In the new trial , participants were divided into four groups of 25 , company president Dr. Gregory Glenn said on the media call , sharing slides of the results .
One group received a placebo .
One group received one dose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A third group received two 5-microgram doses of the vaccine plus an adjuvant meant to boost the vaccine 's strength .
The last group received two higher doses , of 25 micrograms , plus the booster .
None of the trial participants had a severe reaction to the vaccine ; most just had sore arms for a day or two .
Reactions to the second dose of the vaccine were more significant than the first , which is typical .
The vaccine seems to have generated an immune reaction similar to those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the data shows .
True effectiveness can not be determined until the vaccine candidate is tested in many more volunteers .
Novavax has received $ 1.6 billion from the federal government to complete development of NVX‑CoV2373 and to scale up manufacturing .
The government will own 100 million doses of the developmental vaccine .
The company also has started production in six other countries , including in Europe , India and other parts of Asia , producing 1-2 billion doses next year , according to company CEO and president Stanley Erck .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a peer reviewed journal , which is the standard for scientific publications .
Schaffner said he thinks it was acceptable to release results via press release , because several of the other companies have done it , and `` it has become the new normal . ''
It would be `` terrible for the company '' if it came out later the information they released was shown to be inaccurate .
The side effects seen in the study were very encouraging , Schaffner said , and a `` small price to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on these results , he is confident that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will support the company 's move to shortly begin a Phase 2 trial in the U.S. and Australia , including older patients , and a large , Phase 3 trial by the end of September .
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics , Innovation and Competition in Healthcare .
The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input .

Novavax becomes fifth COVID-19 vaccine developer to release promising early results
Show Caption Hide Caption 4 phases of COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials explained Approving a vaccine in the U.S. usually takes years, but COVID-19 vaccines are moving through in record time. What does that mean? USA TODAY
More good news in the pursuit of a COVID-19 vaccine: A fifth vaccine developer has released promising results from a small, early trial.
Novavax Inc., of Gaithersburg, Maryland, released the results via a news release and call with media late Tuesday, showing the vaccine appeared safe and elicited a similar immune response to an active infection with COVID-19.
"Good news," said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor and infectious disease expert at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee. "I think it clearly boosts confidence that we will have one or more vaccines."
Moderna, AstraZeneca and Pfizer have all released promising Phase 1 results, with the first two publishing in major journals. Chinese researchers also have published early trial results, and have begun providing their candidate vaccine to members of the military, Reuters reported.
In the new trial, participants were divided into four groups of 25, company president Dr. Gregory Glenn said on the media call, sharing slides of the results. One group received a placebo. One group received one dose of the vaccine, called NVX‑CoV2373. A third group received two 5-microgram doses of the vaccine plus an adjuvant meant to boost the vaccine's strength. The last group received two higher doses, of 25 micrograms, plus the booster.
None of the trial participants had a severe reaction to the vaccine; most just had sore arms for a day or two. Reactions to the second dose of the vaccine were more significant than the first, which is typical.
The vaccine seems to have generated an immune reaction similar to those in people who have recovered from COVID-19, the data shows. True effectiveness cannot be determined until the vaccine candidate is tested in many more volunteers.
Novavax has received $1.6 billion from the federal government to complete development of NVX‑CoV2373 and to scale up manufacturing. The government will own 100 million doses of the developmental vaccine.
The company also has started production in six other countries, including in Europe, India and other parts of Asia, producing 1 billion to 2 billion doses next year, according to company CEO and president Stanley Erck.
The company plans to publish the trial results in a peer reviewed journal, which is the standard for scientific publications.
Schaffner said he thinks it was acceptable to release results via news release, because several of the other companies have done it, and "it has become the new normal." It would be "terrible for the company" if it came out later the information they released was shown to be inaccurate.
The side effects seen in the study were very encouraging, Schaffner said, and a "small price to pay for protection against COVID-19."
Based on these results, he is confident that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will support the company's move to shortly begin a Phase 2 trial in the U.S. and Australia, including older patients, and a large, Phase 3 trial by the end of September.
"Onward!" Schaffner said.
Contact Karen Weintraub at kweintraub@usatoday.com
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input.


usatoday--2020-08-04--Trump backtracks on his condemnation of mail-in voting, says Florida is an exception

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has castigated states for several months for moving to expand mail-in voting as the worsening coronavirus pandemic has made voters wary of venturing to the polls to cast their ballots .
He has warned , without evidence , that voting by mail will lead to widespread voter fraud .
On Tuesday , Trump singled out Florida as an exception , tweeting that his supporters there should request an absentee ballot and vote by mail because the election system in the Republican-run battleground state is `` Safe and Secure , Tried and True . ''
Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity of absentee votes , which are only sent out to eligible voters who request one .
After the 2018 election that featured testy recount battles in whisker-thin races for governor and U.S. Senate , the state adopted stricter rules on signature and verification rules , as well as speeding up the process for counting absentee ballots .
`` We 're further along in the vote-by-mail process than other states that are just jumping into it this election cycle , '' said Susan MacManus , University of South Florida Distinguished University Professor Emerita @ @ @ @ @ @ @ definitely ahead of the country . ''
Most political pundits agree Trump needs to capture Florida if he has any chance of winning re-election .
And winning Florida requires at least performing solidly with absentee voters , a tough assignment for Republicans when the president continually rips mail voting as fraudulent and corrupt , said University of Florida Political Scientist Michael McDonald , an expert on mail voting .
More : 'We will not allow you ' : Governors slam Trump for floating delay of presidential election '' The Trump campaign knows that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally got through to the president that his rhetoric on mail balloting , at least within Florida , is hurting his re-election chances , '' he said .
With its large contingent of seniors and a population that 's very transient , Florida has long encouraged mail-in voting .
In 2016 , 29 % of voters mailed in their ballot .
In 2018 , that rose to 32 % .
Given the pandemic 's impact , McDonald estimates up to half the state voters might mail in their ballot .
So far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago , Democrats requested 5,732 more absentee ballots than Republicans did though Republicans ended up casting 58,244 more , according to McDonald .
Through Tuesday , Democrats had requested nearly 600,000 more – 1.9 million vs. 1.3 million – state election figures show .
As they watched the opposition embrace mail-in-voting , key Republicans led by Gov .
Ron DeSantis have urged Trump to publicly encourage his supporters to do so as well given the importance of the Sunshine State in November , MacManus said .
`` He was getting a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but from a lot of Republicans across the state , '' she said .
`` They were complaining , knowing that his characterization of vote-by-mail was not accurate for Florida . ''
Asked at a White House news conference Tuesday afternoon about his tweet , Trump said he has `` total confidence '' in the Florida 's ability to administer mail ballots in a secure fashion .
`` Florida 's different from other states .
Florida 's been working on this for years ...
They 've really got a great system of absentee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you mail in your ballot in Florida , it 's going to matter . ''
More : Riots .
Radicalism .
Corruption .
Trump and Biden supporters turn to apocalyptic themes in campaign ad wars .
Trump may turn out to be one of those absentee voters .
Last year , he declared he was moving from his home base of New York to Florida , where he owns the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach .
Republicans are lagging in absentee requests in other swing states as well , McDonald said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many Democrats in North Carolina had requested mail ballots as Republicans , he tweeted .
And GOP leaders in the battleground states of Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin , are echoing similar concerns as those in Florida .
`` What the president is doing when he keeps saying that this mail-in balloting thing is fraudulent , he 's scaring our own voters from using a legit way to cast your ballot , '' said Rohn Bishop , the GOP chairman in Fond du Lac County , Wisconsin .
`` We 're kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think that 's the wisest way to go . ''
More : GOP : President Trump 's renomination vote to be held in private The president last week floated the idea of delaying the general election over his concerns of expanded mail-in voting , a decision that would require approval from Congress and was immediately dismissed by congressional Republicans and Democrats .
Trump has argued that the U.S .
Postal Service is not equipped to handle a surge in mail-in ballots and said a New York congressional primary race held in June should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to determine a winner .
On Monday , the president said his administration plans to sue Nevada to stop a just-passed bill guaranteeing mail-in ballots to all active voters .
One analysis from the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice found only 491 cases of absentee voter fraud out of billions of votes cast across all U.S. elections from 2000 to 2012 .
Prior to the pandemic , five states – Colorado , Hawaii , Oregon , Utah and Washington – mailed ballots to registered voters whether or not they requested one .
California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all voters as well .
Nevada 's decision to follow suit means there are seven states following that protocol .

Trump backtracks on his condemnation of mail-in voting, says Florida is an exception
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has castigated states for several months for moving to expand mail-in voting as the worsening coronavirus pandemic has made voters wary of venturing to the polls to cast their ballots. He has warned, without evidence, that voting by mail will lead to widespread voter fraud.
On Tuesday, Trump singled out Florida as an exception, tweeting that his supporters there should request an absentee ballot and vote by mail because the election system in the Republican-run battleground state is "Safe and Secure, Tried and True."
Whether you call it Vote by Mail or Absentee Voting, in Florida the election system is Safe and Secure, Tried and True. Florida’s Voting system has been cleaned up (we defeated Democrats attempts at change), so in Florida I encourage all to request a Ballot & Vote by Mail! #MAGA — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 4, 2020
Florida has taken aggressive steps to safeguard the integrity of absentee votes, which are only sent out to eligible voters who request one. After the 2018 election that featured testy recount battles in whisker-thin races for governor and U.S. Senate, the state adopted stricter rules on signature and verification rules, as well as speeding up the process for counting absentee ballots.
"We're further along in the vote-by-mail process than other states that are just jumping into it this election cycle," said Susan MacManus, University of South Florida Distinguished University Professor Emerita in political science. "Florida is definitely ahead of the country."
Most political pundits agree Trump needs to capture Florida if he has any chance of winning re-election. And winning Florida requires at least performing solidly with absentee voters, a tough assignment for Republicans when the president continually rips mail voting as fraudulent and corrupt, said University of Florida Political Scientist Michael McDonald, an expert on mail voting.
Trump slams Nevada lawmakers over mail-in voting President Donald Trump says his administration plans to sue Nevada after the state's lawmakers passed a bill to mail active voters ballots ahead of the November election amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Aug. 3) AP
More: 'We will not allow you': Governors slam Trump for floating delay of presidential election
"The Trump campaign knows that this is hurting them and the message finally got through to the president that his rhetoric on mail balloting, at least within Florida, is hurting his re-election chances," he said.
With its large contingent of seniors and a population that's very transient, Florida has long encouraged mail-in voting. In 2016, 29% of voters mailed in their ballot. In 2018, that rose to 32%. Given the pandemic's impact, McDonald estimates up to half the state voters might mail in their ballot.
So far, Democrats have a sizable advantage.
More: Trump threatens legal action after Nevada passes bill to expand mail-in voting
Four years ago, Democrats requested 5,732 more absentee ballots than Republicans did though Republicans ended up casting 58,244 more, according to McDonald. Through Tuesday, Democrats had requested nearly 600,000 more – 1.9 million vs. 1.3 million – state election figures show.
As they watched the opposition embrace mail-in-voting, key Republicans led by Gov. Ron DeSantis have urged Trump to publicly encourage his supporters to do so as well given the importance of the Sunshine State in November, MacManus said.
"He was getting a lot of pressure from not only the governor but from a lot of Republicans across the state," she said. "They were complaining, knowing that his characterization of vote-by-mail was not accurate for Florida."
Asked at a White House news conference Tuesday afternoon about his tweet, Trump said he has "total confidence" in the Florida's ability to administer mail ballots in a secure fashion.
"Florida's different from other states. Florida's been working on this for years ... They've really got a great system of absentee ballots," he said. "If you mail in your ballot in Florida, it's going to matter."
More: Riots. Radicalism. Corruption. Trump and Biden supporters turn to apocalyptic themes in campaign ad wars.
Trump may turn out to be one of those absentee voters. Last year, he declared he was moving from his home base of New York to Florida, where he owns the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach.
Republicans are lagging in absentee requests in other swing states as well, McDonald said. As of Tuesday, three times as many Democrats in North Carolina had requested mail ballots as Republicans, he tweeted.
And GOP leaders in the battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, are echoing similar concerns as those in Florida.
"What the president is doing when he keeps saying that this mail-in balloting thing is fraudulent, he's scaring our own voters from using a legit way to cast your ballot," said Rohn Bishop, the GOP chairman in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. "We're kind of hurting ourselves, and I don't think that's the wisest way to go."
More: GOP: President Trump's renomination vote to be held in private
The president last week floated the idea of delaying the general election over his concerns of expanded mail-in voting, a decision that would require approval from Congress and was immediately dismissed by congressional Republicans and Democrats.
Trump has argued that the U.S. Postal Service is not equipped to handle a surge in mail-in ballots and said a New York congressional primary race held in June should be invalidated as election officials have yet to determine a winner.
On Monday, the president said his administration plans to sue Nevada to stop a just-passed bill guaranteeing mail-in ballots to all active voters.
One analysis from the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice found only 491 cases of absentee voter fraud out of billions of votes cast across all U.S. elections from 2000 to 2012.
Prior to the pandemic, five states – Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington – mailed ballots to registered voters whether or not they requested one. California recently decided it will send ballots to all voters as well. Nevada's decision to follow suit means there are seven states following that protocol.
Contributing: Courtney Subramanian, Joey Garrison


usatoday--2020-08-04--Men rescued from Pacific Island after writing SOS message in sand

Men rescued from Pacific Island after writing SOS message in sand Three men stranded on an uninhabited island in the @ @ @ @ @ August 2 after a message they wrote in the sand was spotted by Australian and @ @ @

Men rescued from Pacific Island after writing SOS message in sand
Three men stranded on an uninhabited island in the Pacific Ocean were rescued on August 2 after a message they wrote in the sand was spotted by Australian and U.S. aircraft.
Storyful


usatoday--2020-07-06--Dance battle: Baby takes on nurse tech

Dance battle: Baby takes on nurse tech

Baby Blake is a frequent flyer at Children 's Healthcare of Atlanta .
When things get tough , nothing cheers @ @ @ @ @ dance-off with his favorite nurse tech .

Dance battle: Baby takes on nurse tech
Baby Blake is a frequent flyer at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. When things get tough, nothing cheers him up faster than a dance-off with his favorite nurse tech.
Humankind, USA TODAY