usatoday--2020-06-23--Woman intentionally coughed on 1-year-old after argument with mom over social distancing, police say

A California woman intentionally coughed on a 1-year-old baby after an argument over social distancing .
The incident , which occurred Friday at a Yogurtland in San Jose , California , took place after the woman was standing in line in front of the baby , her mother and her grandmother .
According to a statement from San Jose police , the woman was aggravated that the mother , Mireya Mora , was standing too close to her and not practicing social distancing .
The woman removed her face mask , confronted the child in their stroller and coughed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then left the yogurt shop .
Investigators believe the customer is a white woman in her 60s , police said , though her identity has not been confirmed .
She has been charged with assault .
Mora told KGO-TV in San Francisco that she believes the attack may have been racially motivated .
`` Me and my grandma are Hispanic , and she started telling me about my distance and harassing me and my son once I started speaking Spanish to my grandma , ” she said to the station .
Her son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coughed on him , she added , but has since recovered .
“ If he were to get sick … I can ’ t even imagine , ” she said to KGO-TV .

Woman intentionally coughed on 1-year-old after argument with mom over social distancing, police say
Show Caption Hide Caption Woman seen coughing on baby after argument with mom over social distancing Police are looking for a woman who appeared to purposely cough on a 1-year-old at a Yogurtland in California amid the coronavirus pandemic. USA TODAY, Wochit
A California woman intentionally coughed on a 1-year-old baby after an argument over social distancing.
The incident, which occurred Friday at a Yogurtland in San Jose, California, took place after the woman was standing in line in front of the baby, her mother and her grandmother.
According to a statement from San Jose police, the woman was aggravated that the mother, Mireya Mora, was standing too close to her and not practicing social distancing.
The woman removed her face mask, confronted the child in their stroller and coughed in the child's face repeatedly. She then left the yogurt shop.
Investigators believe the customer is a white woman in her 60s, police said, though her identity has not been confirmed. She has been charged with assault.
Mora told KGO-TV in San Francisco that she believes the attack may have been racially motivated.
"Me and my grandma are Hispanic, and she started telling me about my distance and harassing me and my son once I started speaking Spanish to my grandma,” she said to the station.
Her son had a slight fever after the woman coughed on him, she added, but has since recovered.
“If he were to get sick … I can’t even imagine,” she said to KGO-TV.
Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote


usatoday--2020-06-23--Ready to fly again? Southwest launches annual fall fare sale, with one-way tickets starting at $39

Southwest Airlines typically has two major fare sales a year , in June and October .
The airline launched this year 's June sale on Tuesday , a few weeks later than normal , but there 's an upside for travelers : Starting fares are lower than in recent years , given the coronavirus pandemic that has crushed travel demand .
The nation 's largest domestic carrier said one-way fares begin at $ 39 , compared with $ 49 last year and in 2018 .
On longer flights , it is touting sale fares of $ 79 and $ 99 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by route and travel date .
The three-day sale generally covers travel between Aug. 11 and Dec. 17 , excluding travel around Thanksgiving .
Last year 's sale also blacked out Labor Day weekend travel , but this one does not .
The biggest fine print beyond that : Sale fares are generally not available on Fridays and Sundays , ruling out traditional weekend getaways .
More days of the week are blacked out for flights to and from Las Vegas and Florida , popular vacation destinations .
Where can I fly for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sale routes .
Travelers can search fares from their departing airport ( s ) on the airline 's website.Another way to search : use the airline 's low-fare calendar for dates with the cheapest rates .
Competing airlines generally match Southwest 's sales , so travelers in the mood to fly should shop around for the best deals and routes .
Like all airlines , Southwest has taken extensive measures to convince travelers that it 's safe to fly .
The airline recently said it will leave middle seats open through Sept. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Prevention has not relaxed its guidelines about travel during the pandemic , noting that coronavirus cases and deaths have been reported in all 50 states .
`` Because travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading COVID-19 , staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick , '' the agency says on its website .
Despite the guidelines , Southwest and other airlines have reported an uptick in travel demand as summer vacation season kicked off .
One indicator : The Transportation Security Administration screened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airline employees on Monday for the first time since mid-March .
That is still down 78 % from a year ago but up from a low of 87,534 in mid-April .

Ready to fly again? Southwest launches annual fall fare sale, with one-way tickets starting at $39
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: US airlines announce face mask requirements to travel Many U.S. airlines including American, Southwest, United, Delta, Alaska, Frontier and JetBlue have announced passengers must wear masks while flying. USA TODAY, USA TODAY
Southwest Airlines typically has two major fare sales a year, in June and October.
The airline launched this year's June sale on Tuesday, a few weeks later than normal, but there's an upside for travelers: Starting fares are lower than in recent years, given the coronavirus pandemic that has crushed travel demand.
The nation's largest domestic carrier said one-way fares begin at $39, compared with $49 last year and in 2018. On longer flights, it is touting sale fares of $79 and $99 each way, but fares vary widely by route and travel date.
The three-day sale generally covers travel between Aug. 11 and Dec. 17, excluding travel around Thanksgiving. Last year's sale also blacked out Labor Day weekend travel, but this one does not.
The biggest fine print beyond that: Sale fares are generally not available on Fridays and Sundays, ruling out traditional weekend getaways. More days of the week are blacked out for flights to and from Las Vegas and Florida, popular vacation destinations.
Where can I fly for $39?
Here's a sampling of sale routes. Travelers can search fares from their departing airport(s) on the airline's website. Another way to search: use the airline's low-fare calendar for dates with the cheapest rates.
Baltimore to/from Charlotte, Charleston, Detroit, Hartford
Chicago to from/Indianapolis, Cleveland, Cincinnati
Phoenix to/from Las Vegas, Albuquerque, San Diego
Houston to/from New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Dallas, San Antonio
Detroit to Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis
Competing airlines generally match Southwest's sales, so travelers in the mood to fly should shop around for the best deals and routes.
Like all airlines, Southwest has taken extensive measures to convince travelers that it's safe to fly. The airline recently said it will leave middle seats open through Sept. 30. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not relaxed its guidelines about travel during the pandemic, noting that coronavirus cases and deaths have been reported in all 50 states.
"Because travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading COVID-19, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick,'' the agency says on its website.
Despite the guidelines, Southwest and other airlines have reported an uptick in travel demand as summer vacation season kicked off. One indicator: The Transportation Security Administration screened more than 600,000 passengers and airport and airline employees on Monday for the first time since mid-March. That is still down 78% from a year ago but up from a low of 87,534 in mid-April.


usatoday--2020-06-23--University of Cincinnati will remove Marge Schott's name from baseball stadium

Marge Schott 's name will no longer be displayed on the University of Cincinnati 's baseball stadium .
Acting on a recommendation by UC President Neville G. Pinto , the Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to remove the name of the late Cincinnati Reds owner from the university 's baseball stadium .
`` Marge Schott ’ s record of racism and bigotry stands at stark odds with our University ’ s core commitment to dignity , equity and inclusion , ” said Pinto in a release .
“ My recommendation to the board to remove her name is grounded in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclusion is as essential as speaking up for inclusion .
I hope this action serves as an enduring reminder that we can not remain silent or indifferent when it comes to prejudice , hate or inequity .
More than ever , our world needs us to convert our values into real and lasting action.
” The decision comes after a petition created by former University of Cincinnati baseball player Jordan Ramey asked the university to change the baseball stadium from Marge Schott Stadium to a new name , citing Schott ’ s history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UC pitcher and senior captain Nathan Moore said the Marge Schott Stadium name honors `` an individual who was openly racist '' and quickly garnered the support of UC Athletics Hall of Famer and two-time World Series champion Kevin Youkilis , who is of Jewish descent .
In its resolution , the board explained that Schott ’ s name would be removed from the baseball stadium and another space in the archives library , effective immediately .
“ We….want to say , unequivocally , we stand with President Pinto and our campus community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , inequality and indifference .
The change we want to see starts with us , '' the board 's resolution stated .
This marks the second name removal by UC ’ s board in recent months .
In December 2019 , the trustees unanimously voted to officially name the university ’ s largest college the “ College of Arts and Sciences ” as an academic entity , to clarify that the name of slave owner Charles McMicken was not part of the college ’ s name .
The Schott name on the baseball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years after her death following a $ 2 million donation to the UC Athletics Varsity Village project by the Marge and Charles Schott Foundation .
Saint Ursula Academy announced earlier this month that it will rename the buildings that carry Schott 's name .
Schott contributed several million dollars to Saint Ursula to have a science wing built in her name , said Jill Cahill , director of communications for Saint Ursula .

University of Cincinnati will remove Marge Schott's name from baseball stadium
Show Caption Hide Caption How can Roger Goodell prove black lives matter in the NFL? USA TODAY Sports spoke with Seton Hall's Director of Sports Management Charles Grantham about Roger Goodell's video apology to the players. USA TODAY
Marge Schott's name will no longer be displayed on the University of Cincinnati's baseball stadium.
Acting on a recommendation by UC President Neville G. Pinto, the Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to remove the name of the late Cincinnati Reds owner from the university's baseball stadium.
"Marge Schott’s record of racism and bigotry stands at stark odds with our University’s core commitment to dignity, equity and inclusion,” said Pinto in a release.
“My recommendation to the board to remove her name is grounded in the firm belief that speaking out against exclusion is as essential as speaking up for inclusion. I hope this action serves as an enduring reminder that we cannot remain silent or indifferent when it comes to prejudice, hate or inequity. More than ever, our world needs us to convert our values into real and lasting action.”
The decision comes after a petition created by former University of Cincinnati baseball player Jordan Ramey asked the university to change the baseball stadium from Marge Schott Stadium to a new name, citing Schott’s history of racially insensitive conduct and anti-Semitism.
UC pitcher and senior captain Nathan Moore said the Marge Schott Stadium name honors "an individual who was openly racist" and quickly garnered the support of UC Athletics Hall of Famer and two-time World Series champion Kevin Youkilis, who is of Jewish descent.
In its resolution, the board explained that Schott’s name would be removed from the baseball stadium and another space in the archives library, effective immediately.
“We….want to say, unequivocally, we stand with President Pinto and our campus community in our collective fight to end racism, inequality and indifference. The change we want to see starts with us," the board's resolution stated.
This marks the second name removal by UC’s board in recent months. In December 2019, the trustees unanimously voted to officially name the university’s largest college the “College of Arts and Sciences” as an academic entity, to clarify that the name of slave owner Charles McMicken was not part of the college’s name.
The Schott name on the baseball stadium dated back to 2006, two years after her death following a $2 million donation to the UC Athletics Varsity Village project by the Marge and Charles Schott Foundation.
Saint Ursula Academy announced earlier this month that it will rename the buildings that carry Schott's name. Schott contributed several million dollars to Saint Ursula to have a science wing built in her name, said Jill Cahill, director of communications for Saint Ursula.


usatoday--2020-06-23--Sheila Ford Hamp replaces mother, Martha Firestone Ford, as Lions owner, chairman

The Detroit Lions have a new principal owner , but the organization is not changing hands .
Sheila Ford Hamp will replace her mother , Martha Firestone Ford , as Lions owner and chairman effective immediately .
`` My mother has inspired all of us since taking on leadership of the Lions over six years ago , '' Ford Hamp said in a statement released by the team .
`` She has been a tireless leader to our family , our team and our community .
Her smart decisions have given me a solid foundation to take the team forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the team , I want to thank her for her countless contributions .
I look forward to leading the Lions to excellence on and off the field . ''
Ford Hamp has been a fixture in the organization , attending home and road games and taking part in key organizational decisions , since her mother took controlling interest in the team after William Clay Ford ’ s death in March of 2014 .
She was appointed to the NFL ’ s Super Bowl and Major Events advisory committee last spring , and in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ semi-public show of power , met with a small group of reporters , along with her mother and team president Rod Wood , last December when the organization announced its decision to bring head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn back for a third season together this fall .
`` ( Changing coaches ) would have been the popular choice , the popular decision , and we knew that , '' Ford Hamp said at the time .
`` But as I say , we ’ re doing what is right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ford Hamp and Wood all declined at that mostly-background session to address the organization ’ s succession plan for ownership , which has long been the subject of rumor and speculation .
At the time , they reiterated that Firestone Ford had no plans to sell the team and the Lions would remain in the Ford family for the foreseeable future , and all three signed a letter to fans that read in part , “ To be clear , our expectation is for the Lions to be a playoff contender in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lions in 1963 , on the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated , for about $ 6 million .
Firestone Ford , 94 , has been owner and chairman the past six seasons , with her four children , Ford Hamp , Martha Ford Morse , Bill Ford Jr. and Elizabeth Ford Kontulis , serving as vice chairmen .
The Lions have reached the playoffs twice under her guidance , in 2014 and 2017 , and have posted a 45-50-1 record overall .
`` It has been a great honor for our family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the National Football League , '' Firestone Ford said in a released statement .
`` I am gratified that this family tradition , which my husband and I began almost six decades ago , will continue under Sheila 's guiding hand .
It is clear to me that Sheila will provide superb leadership and is fully committed to competitive excellence and community involvement . ''
Ford Hamp , the second oldest of Firestone Ford ’ s children , assumed a prominent decision-making role under her mother ’ s watch , and long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner .
She ’ s accompanied her mother to league meetings since 2014 and has been a sounding board at a minimum , and perhaps even a driving force at times , behind key organization decisions like the mid-season firing of Tom Lewand and Martin Mayhew in 2015 , the hiring of Wood as president and Quinn as GM , and retaining Quinn and Patricia late last season .
She was the commanding voice in the room during ownership ’ s December meeting with reporters , and her league responsibilities — she ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve on a committee since Bill Ford Jr. was on the broadcast committee in 2013-14 — was seen as training before taking over the team full-time .
“ Sheila ’ s a relatively new member of the committee and it ’ a been great to have her on board , '' NFL executive vice president of club business and league events Peter O'Reilly told the Free Press last spring .
`` Obviously , Sheila in joining has been part of a number of our recent conversations , provides a great perspective .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and very engaged and contributes a ton to the group . ''
Ford Hamp has declined interview requests through the team in recent years out of deference to her mother , but is routinely on the field conversing with Wood , Patricia and other NFL owners before most games .
According to a biography on the team ’ s website , Ford Hamp was part of the class of female undergraduates from Yale , where she played varsity tennis .
She he was an accomplished junior tennis player in Michigan , where she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to her bio , and earned her masters in teaching and early childhood education from Boston University .
Along with her role with the Lions , Ford Hamp is vice chairman of The Henry Ford , where her husband , Steve , who also regularly attends games and training camp practices , was president from 1996-2005 , and serves on the boards of Henry Ford Hospital , the Ford Motor Company Fund and the College for Creative Studies .
The Lions remain one of six NFL teams with a female owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Virginia McCaskey ) , New Orleans Saints ( Gayle Benson ) , Tennessee Titans ( Amy Adams Strunk ) , Houston Texans ( Janice McNair ) and Seattle Seahawks ( Jody Allen ) .
The Buffalo Bills are co-owned by Kim and Terry Pegula , the Cleveland Browns are co-owned by Dee and Jimmy Haslam and the San Francisco 49ers are co-owned by Denise DeBartolo York and John York .

Sheila Ford Hamp replaces mother, Martha Firestone Ford, as Lions owner, chairman
The Detroit Lions have a new principal owner, but the organization is not changing hands.
Sheila Ford Hamp will replace her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, as Lions owner and chairman effective immediately.
"My mother has inspired all of us since taking on leadership of the Lions over six years ago," Ford Hamp said in a statement released by the team. "She has been a tireless leader to our family, our team and our community. Her smart decisions have given me a solid foundation to take the team forward. On behalf of the family and the team, I want to thank her for her countless contributions. I look forward to leading the Lions to excellence on and off the field."
Ford Hamp has been a fixture in the organization, attending home and road games and taking part in key organizational decisions, since her mother took controlling interest in the team after William Clay Ford’s death in March of 2014.
She was appointed to the NFL’s Super Bowl and Major Events advisory committee last spring, and in what was thought to be her first semi-public show of power, met with a small group of reporters, along with her mother and team president Rod Wood, last December when the organization announced its decision to bring head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn back for a third season together this fall.
"(Changing coaches) would have been the popular choice, the popular decision, and we knew that," Ford Hamp said at the time. "But as I say, we’re doing what is right for the organization."
Firestone Ford, Ford Hamp and Wood all declined at that mostly-background session to address the organization’s succession plan for ownership, which has long been the subject of rumor and speculation.
Martha Firestone Ford to step down as principal owner of Detroit Lions
Sheila Ford Hamp to succeed mother as team’s principal owner and chairman pic.twitter.com/HU0FehT0WO — Detroit Lions (@Lions) June 23, 2020
At the time, they reiterated that Firestone Ford had no plans to sell the team and the Lions would remain in the Ford family for the foreseeable future, and all three signed a letter to fans that read in part, “To be clear, our expectation is for the Lions to be a playoff contender in 2020.”
William Clay Ford bought the Lions in 1963, on the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated, for about $6 million.
Firestone Ford, 94, has been owner and chairman the past six seasons, with her four children, Ford Hamp, Martha Ford Morse, Bill Ford Jr. and Elizabeth Ford Kontulis, serving as vice chairmen. The Lions have reached the playoffs twice under her guidance, in 2014 and 2017, and have posted a 45-50-1 record overall.
"It has been a great honor for our family to be associated with the Lions and with the National Football League," Firestone Ford said in a released statement. "I am gratified that this family tradition, which my husband and I began almost six decades ago, will continue under Sheila's guiding hand. It is clear to me that Sheila will provide superb leadership and is fully committed to competitive excellence and community involvement."
Ford Hamp, the second oldest of Firestone Ford’s children, assumed a prominent decision-making role under her mother’s watch, and long been pegged as the likely successor as owner.
She’s accompanied her mother to league meetings since 2014 and has been a sounding board at a minimum, and perhaps even a driving force at times, behind key organization decisions like the mid-season firing of Tom Lewand and Martin Mayhew in 2015, the hiring of Wood as president and Quinn as GM, and retaining Quinn and Patricia late last season.
She was the commanding voice in the room during ownership’s December meeting with reporters, and her league responsibilities — she’s the first member of Lions ownership to serve on a committee since Bill Ford Jr. was on the broadcast committee in 2013-14 — was seen as training before taking over the team full-time.
“Sheila’s a relatively new member of the committee and it’a been great to have her on board," NFL executive vice president of club business and league events Peter O'Reilly told the Free Press last spring. "Obviously, Sheila in joining has been part of a number of our recent conversations, provides a great perspective. ... She’s been very active and very engaged and contributes a ton to the group."
Ford Hamp has declined interview requests through the team in recent years out of deference to her mother, but is routinely on the field conversing with Wood, Patricia and other NFL owners before most games.
According to a biography on the team’s website, Ford Hamp was part of the class of female undergraduates from Yale, where she played varsity tennis.
She he was an accomplished junior tennis player in Michigan, where she won a state title at age 17, according to her bio, and earned her masters in teaching and early childhood education from Boston University.
Along with her role with the Lions, Ford Hamp is vice chairman of The Henry Ford, where her husband, Steve, who also regularly attends games and training camp practices, was president from 1996-2005, and serves on the boards of Henry Ford Hospital, the Ford Motor Company Fund and the College for Creative Studies.
The Lions remain one of six NFL teams with a female owner, along with the Chicago Bears (Virginia McCaskey), New Orleans Saints (Gayle Benson), Tennessee Titans (Amy Adams Strunk), Houston Texans (Janice McNair) and Seattle Seahawks (Jody Allen). The Buffalo Bills are co-owned by Kim and Terry Pegula, the Cleveland Browns are co-owned by Dee and Jimmy Haslam and the San Francisco 49ers are co-owned by Denise DeBartolo York and John York.
Follow Dave Birkett on Twitter: @davebirkett.


usatoday--2020-06-23--Coronavirus updates: Vaccine could be ready by end of 2020, Fauci says; tennis player Novak Djokovic

A vaccine candidate could be available by the end of 2020 or early 2021 , the nation 's top infectious disease expert told a House committee Tuesday .
In a Congressional hearing about the Trump administration 's coronavirus response , Dr. Anthony Fauci said there were a number of promising vaccines in development and that it 's about `` when and not if '' they get positive results .
Meanwhile , more than half of U.S. states are seeing surges in new daily infections .
The outbreak is accelerating in the U.S. and other countries , said Dr. Michael Ryan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization .
But Ryan on Monday dismissed the notion that record-breaking daily cases is due to more testing .
A quick look at some of the hotspots : • In at least six states , the number of total infections has topped 100,000 , including in Florida , where Gov .
Ron DeSantis has said he wo n't lock down the state again , although local governments may still implement their own restrictions .
• In Texas , Monday marked the 11th consecutive day the state set a new high for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permits were suspended at several bars for violating social distancing protocols .
• Arizona also reported record hospitalizations on Monday ahead of President Donald Trump 's visit on Tuesday .
The governor last week allowed cities and counties to enforce their own face mask mandates .
• In the U.K. , Prime Minister Boris Johnson rolled back some social distancing measures Tuesday and announced the beginning of the end of `` our long national hibernation . ''
– The Guardian • Star men 's tennis player Novak Djokovic and his wife , Jelena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he announced Tuesday .
– USA TODAY • The Food and Drug Administration is warning people not to use certain hand sanitizer products due to the potential presence of methanol , a toxic substance when absorbed through skin or ingested .
– USA TODAY • President Donald Trump reportedly told his aides that he supports a second stimulus payment for Americans , though some senior White House officials and congressional Republicans are skeptical of more checks .
– Washington Post • The pandemic has pushed multiple states – including Kentucky and New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their primary elections , and to expand early and absentee voting , in order to stave off the risk of spreading the virus in crowded polling stations .
– USA TODAY • Gilead Sciences , the company behind the drug remdesivir that is being used to treat coronavirus patients , is starting human trials for an inhaled version of the drug .
– CNBC 📈Today 's stats on the coronavirus : Worldwide infections have surpassed 9.1 million , with 2.3 million in the United States , according to Johns Hopkins University .
More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more than 120,000 deaths in the U.S .
The pandemic ruined many couples ' dream weddings .
But some are getting creative with how they 've spent their wedding funds , and instead using them to buy a dream home , a vintage school bus and quirky roller skates .
Read their stories here .
Vaccines are not all created equal .
Making a vaccine involves a variety of technologies and approaches , and there are now more than 150 vaccine development efforts worldwide .
Take a look at the technology behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on slowing down testing : In a letter to the Health and Human Services Department watchdog , Senate Democrats said they 're seeking an investigation into President Donald Trump 's claim he asked `` his people '' to slow down testing for the coronavirus .
But officials testifying on Capitol Hill on Tuesday said they had never been directed to slow down testing .
Timeline : It 's been five months since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced what was thought to be the first confirmed coronavirus case in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Rachel Aretakis and Grace Hauck, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: Vaccine could be ready by end of 2020, Fauci says; tennis player Novak Djokovic tests positive
A vaccine candidate could be available by the end of 2020 or early 2021, the nation's top infectious disease expert told a House committee Tuesday.
In a Congressional hearing about the Trump administration's coronavirus response, Dr. Anthony Fauci said there were a number of promising vaccines in development and that it's about "when and not if" they get positive results.
Meanwhile, more than half of U.S. states are seeing surges in new daily infections. The outbreak is accelerating in the U.S. and other countries, said Dr. Michael Ryan, the emergencies chief at the World Health Organization. But Ryan on Monday dismissed the notion that record-breaking daily cases is due to more testing.
A quick look at some of the hotspots:
In at least six states, the number of total infections has topped 100,000 , including in Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he won't lock down the state again, although local governments may still implement their own restrictions.
, including in Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he won't lock down the state again, although local governments may still implement their own restrictions. In Texas , Monday marked the 11th consecutive day the state set a new high for COVID-19 hospitalizations. Meanwhile in Austin, alcohol permits were suspended at several bars for violating social distancing protocols.
, Monday marked the 11th consecutive day the state set a new high for COVID-19 hospitalizations. Meanwhile in Austin, alcohol permits were suspended at several bars for violating social distancing protocols. Arizona also reported record hospitalizations on Monday ahead of President Donald Trump's visit on Tuesday. The governor last week allowed cities and counties to enforce their own face mask mandates.
Today's biggest news
📈 Today's stats on the coronavirus: Worldwide infections have surpassed 9.1 million, with 2.3 million in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 472,000 people have died worldwide, with more than 120,000 deaths in the U.S.
What we're reading
The pandemic ruined many couples' dream weddings. But some are getting creative with how they've spent their wedding funds, and instead using them to buy a dream home, a vintage school bus and quirky roller skates. Read their stories here.
Vaccines are not all created equal. Making a vaccine involves a variety of technologies and approaches, and there are now more than 150 vaccine development efforts worldwide. Take a look at the technology behind designing a vaccine against COVID-19.
Trump on slowing down testing: In a letter to the Health and Human Services Department watchdog, Senate Democrats said they're seeking an investigation into President Donald Trump's claim he asked "his people" to slow down testing for the coronavirus. But officials testifying on Capitol Hill on Tuesday said they had never been directed to slow down testing.
Timeline: It's been five months since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced what was thought to be the first confirmed coronavirus case in the U.S. Read how the pandemic unfolded here.
Contributing: Christal Hayes, USA TODAY; Associated Press


usatoday--2020-06-23--Can AOC win again? Who will face Mitch McConnell? Here's what to watch in Tuesday's primaries

Voters cast their ballots in several states on Tuesday in the latest elections to be held amid the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 120,000 people in the U.S .
The pandemic pushed multiple states – including Kentucky and New York , which vote Tuesday – to postpone their primary elections , and to expand early and absentee voting , in order to stave off the risk of spreading the virus in crowded polling stations .
States that have cast ballots since the outbreak began have been plagued by long lines due to fewer in-person polls being open and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to work the polls on Election Day .
The continuing nationwide protests against police brutality and discrimination could also play a role in voter turnout and possibly influence who comes away victorious when the votes are counted .
In addition to primaries , several other states , including South Carolina and Mississippi , will hold runoff elections .
Here are a few races to watch Tuesday : The most closely watched race on Tuesday will likely be the one between the Democrats battling for the chance to try to unseat Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath , Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker , and retired Marine , farmer and substitute teacher Mike Broihier are considered the top contenders for the chance to end McConnell 's 36-year Senate career .
McGrath has the backing of the Democratic Party establishment , including Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer , and has raised $ 41.1 million – more than McConnell and her Democratic rivals combined .
Those resources have enabled her to flood the airwaves with advertising , while also holding telephone town halls and spending time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite McGrath 's deep coffers , the race is tight .
Last week , a poll found Booker leading McGrath , 44 % -36 % .
Booker gained national attention when he joined protesters in the streets of his hometown after the death of Breonna Taylor , a 26-year-old Black woman who died in March after Louisville police officers shot her in her home .
He has won the endorsement of progressive Democrats such as Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York .
Broihier , whom the recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 % support , is backed by former 2020 Democratic presidential candidates Andrew Yang and Marianne Williamson .
He has pitched himself as `` Kentucky 's candidate , '' beholden to neither the Schumer nor Sanders wings of the party .
Kentucky 's primary was originally scheduled for May but was pushed back due to the pandemic .
All registered voters were given the option to request an absentee ballot and , according to Secretary of State Michael Adams , 27 % of them took that option or voted early in person as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state 's counties , including the populous Jefferson County , will have only one in-person polling station open on Election Day , which some have decried as a form of `` voter suppression . ''
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie , who drew President Donald Trump 's wrath when he threatened to hold up a vote on the CARES ACT in March , is facing a primary challenge from attorney Todd McMurtry , who represented Covington Catholic High School student Nick Sandmann in defamation cases against several news media companies .
House Foreign Affairs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fierce primary challenge from three candidates , the strongest from former middle school principal Jamaal Bowman .
Bowman is backed by progressives like Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders , reflecting an ideological divide within the Democratic Party as establishment figures like 2016 presidential nominee Hillary Clinton have rushed to defend the 16-term congressman .
Bowman is hoping to pull off an upset like Ocasio-Cortez , who defeated longtime incumbent Joe Crowley in 2018 .
Ocasio-Cortez occasionally butted heads with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in her quest to upset the status quo , but Pelosi has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facing her first primary challenge with three candidates vying to make her a one-term representative , journalist Michelle Caruso-Cabrera who called the democratic socialist a `` polarizing , divisive force . ''
More : Ocasio-Cortez faces first reelection test as progressives work to maintain their movement Three Republicans are seeking the nomination to take on Sen. Mark Warner in November .
The Democratic incumbent and former governor is heavily favored to win reelection but retired Army Lt. Col. Daniel Gade , Afghanistan veteran Thomas Speciale and teacher Alissa Baldwin are hoping to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the odds .
Republican freshman Rep. Denver Riggleman lost his party 's nomination earlier this month to Bob Good , a former official in the athletics department at Liberty University .
Riggelman , who angered social conservatives in his district when he officiated a gay wedding lost his party ’ s nomination , lost to Good in a non-primary convention .
The moderate Riggelman 's defeat by the more conservative Good could make the race in the 5th District , which went easily to Trump in 2016 , competitive .
Four Democrats are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : retired Marines R.D .
Huffstetler , John Lesinski , and Claire Russo , and physician Cameron Webb .
Contributing : Christal Hayes , USA TODAY ; Phillip M. Bailey , Ben Tobin and Morgan Watkins , Louisville Courier Journal ; Mark Lungariello , Rockland/Westchester Journal News ; The Associated Press .

Can AOC win again? Who will face Mitch McConnell? Here's what to watch in Tuesday's primaries
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
Voters cast their ballots in several states on Tuesday in the latest elections to be held amid the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 120,000 people in the U.S.
The pandemic pushed multiple states – including Kentucky and New York, which vote Tuesday – to postpone their primary elections, and to expand early and absentee voting, in order to stave off the risk of spreading the virus in crowded polling stations.
States that have cast ballots since the outbreak began have been plagued by long lines due to fewer in-person polls being open and a decrease in the number of people willing to work the polls on Election Day. The continuing nationwide protests against police brutality and discrimination could also play a role in voter turnout and possibly influence who comes away victorious when the votes are counted.
In addition to primaries, several other states, including South Carolina and Mississippi, will hold runoff elections. Here are a few races to watch Tuesday:
Kentucky
The most closely watched race on Tuesday will likely be the one between the Democrats battling for the chance to try to unseat Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in the fall. Former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath, Kentucky state Rep. Charles Booker, and retired Marine, farmer and substitute teacher Mike Broihier are considered the top contenders for the chance to end McConnell's 36-year Senate career.
McGrath has the backing of the Democratic Party establishment, including Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, and has raised $41.1 million – more than McConnell and her Democratic rivals combined. Those resources have enabled her to flood the airwaves with advertising, while also holding telephone town halls and spending time out in public talking with Kentuckians. Despite McGrath's deep coffers, the race is tight. Last week, a poll found Booker leading McGrath, 44%-36%.
Booker gained national attention when he joined protesters in the streets of his hometown after the death of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman who died in March after Louisville police officers shot her in her home. He has won the endorsement of progressive Democrats such as Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.
Broihier, whom the recent poll found in a distant third with 4% support, is backed by former 2020 Democratic presidential candidates Andrew Yang and Marianne Williamson. He has pitched himself as "Kentucky's candidate," beholden to neither the Schumer nor Sanders wings of the party.
Kentucky's primary was originally scheduled for May but was pushed back due to the pandemic. All registered voters were given the option to request an absentee ballot and, according to Secretary of State Michael Adams, 27% of them took that option or voted early in person as of June 15. Many of the state's counties, including the populous Jefferson County, will have only one in-person polling station open on Election Day, which some have decried as a form of "voter suppression."
More: While national voices claim 'voter suppression,' Kentucky on pace for record voter turnout
Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who drew President Donald Trump's wrath when he threatened to hold up a vote on the CARES ACT in March, is facing a primary challenge from attorney Todd McMurtry, who represented Covington Catholic High School student Nick Sandmann in defamation cases against several news media companies.
New York
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel is facing a fierce primary challenge from three candidates, the strongest from former middle school principal Jamaal Bowman. Bowman is backed by progressives like Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders, reflecting an ideological divide within the Democratic Party as establishment figures like 2016 presidential nominee Hillary Clinton have rushed to defend the 16-term congressman.
Bowman is hoping to pull off an upset like Ocasio-Cortez, who defeated longtime incumbent Joe Crowley in 2018. Ocasio-Cortez occasionally butted heads with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in her quest to upset the status quo, but Pelosi has since endorsed her reelection. She is facing her first primary challenge with three candidates vying to make her a one-term representative, journalist Michelle Caruso-Cabrera who called the democratic socialist a "polarizing, divisive force."
More: Ocasio-Cortez faces first reelection test as progressives work to maintain their movement
Virginia
Three Republicans are seeking the nomination to take on Sen. Mark Warner in November. The Democratic incumbent and former governor is heavily favored to win reelection but retired Army Lt. Col. Daniel Gade, Afghanistan veteran Thomas Speciale and teacher Alissa Baldwin are hoping to become the Republican candidate to unseat him against the odds.
Republican freshman Rep. Denver Riggleman lost his party's nomination earlier this month to Bob Good, a former official in the athletics department at Liberty University. Riggelman, who angered social conservatives in his district when he officiated a gay wedding lost his party’s nomination, lost to Good in a non-primary convention.
The moderate Riggelman's defeat by the more conservative Good could make the race in the 5th District, which went easily to Trump in 2016, competitive. Four Democrats are seeking the nomination to take on Good: retired Marines R.D. Huffstetler, John Lesinski, and Claire Russo, and physician Cameron Webb.
Contributing: Christal Hayes, USA TODAY; Phillip M. Bailey, Ben Tobin and Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal; Mark Lungariello, Rockland/Westchester Journal News; The Associated Press.


usatoday--2020-06-23--Hairstylist stunned to see her horse show up at work

Hairstylist stunned to see her horse show up at work Elizabeth Arthur is a hairstylist at a salon in Arlington @ @ @ @ @ where she was when some people who love her very much brought her a surprise @ @ @ @ @ .

Hairstylist stunned to see her horse show up at work
Elizabeth Arthur is a hairstylist at a salon in Arlington, TN. That's where she was when some people who love her very much brought her a surprise visitor: her beloved horse.
Animalkind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-06-23--'Reckless and irresponsible': Joe Biden blasts Donald Trump's Arizona visit amid pandemic

PHOENIX – Former Vice President Joe Biden called President Donald Trump ’ s plans to speak Tuesday to thousands of supporters in Phoenix “ reckless and irresponsible ” at a time when the number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Arizona is continuing to rise .
Trump will make two stops in Arizona , including a swing through Yuma to see the construction of a border wall that has been a centerpiece of his campaign pitch .
Biden , the Democratic presidential candidate who is now challenging Trump in this year ’ s election , argued the visit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
“ Instead of doing the hard work needed to solve the public health and economic crises facing America , Donald Trump remains focused on his expensive , ineffective and wasteful ‘ wall ’ on our Southern Border , ” Biden said in a written statement to The Arizona Republic .
More : 'The stakes are high ' : After Tulsa rally , Trump heads to battleground states looking for a boost Biden seized on Trump ’ s visit to attack the administration ’ s handling of a pandemic that remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a month after Arizona ended its stay at home order .
Biden noted in his statement that more than 1,300 Arizonans have died , and more than 50,000 have tested positive for the coronavirus .
“ Make no mistake : this visit is a distraction , ” Biden said .
“ It ’ s a distraction from Donald Trump ’ s failed response to combat the spread of COVID-19 .
It ’ s a distraction from his failure to get Americans — including many in Arizona — the testing we need .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ inability to offer a concrete , effective reopening plan that ’ s rooted in science and public health .
It ’ s a distraction from his corrupt recovery that failed to get small businesses and working families the resources they needed to weather this pandemic.
” Trump ’ s visit Tuesday marks his third to the state in five months and comes as he seeks to hold on to this swing state that could be decisive in his re-election bid .
The stops in his trip fit with some broader themes of Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in north Phoenix .
More : Trump ’ s Tulsa rally : He says he wanted to 'slow the testing down ' on COVID-19 and other takeaways Trump is traveling to the state , rallying supporters and capturing attention here at the same time Biden has scaled back big in-person campaign events in favor of smaller gatherings or digital events .
Biden spent Monday afternoon , for example , on a round of fundraisers convened via the teleconferencing service Zoom .
Still , Biden has led in eight of the nine Arizona polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information tracked by Real Clear Politics .

'Reckless and irresponsible': Joe Biden blasts Donald Trump's Arizona visit amid pandemic
Show Caption Hide Caption Ignoring warnings, Trump presses ahead with rally President Donald Trump was ignoring health warnings and pressing ahead with a comeback rally in the midst of a pandemic. (June 20) AP
PHOENIX – Former Vice President Joe Biden called President Donald Trump’s plans to speak Tuesday to thousands of supporters in Phoenix “reckless and irresponsible” at a time when the number of people hospitalized with the coronavirus in Arizona is continuing to rise.
Trump will make two stops in Arizona, including a swing through Yuma to see the construction of a border wall that has been a centerpiece of his campaign pitch.
Biden, the Democratic presidential candidate who is now challenging Trump in this year’s election, argued the visit to the state is a distraction amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Instead of doing the hard work needed to solve the public health and economic crises facing America, Donald Trump remains focused on his expensive, ineffective and wasteful ‘wall’ on our Southern Border,” Biden said in a written statement to The Arizona Republic.
More: 'The stakes are high': After Tulsa rally, Trump heads to battleground states looking for a boost
Biden seized on Trump’s visit to attack the administration’s handling of a pandemic that remains a real danger in the state well over a month after Arizona ended its stay at home order.
Biden noted in his statement that more than 1,300 Arizonans have died, and more than 50,000 have tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Make no mistake: this visit is a distraction,” Biden said. “It’s a distraction from Donald Trump’s failed response to combat the spread of COVID-19. It’s a distraction from his failure to get Americans — including many in Arizona — the testing we need. It’s a distraction from his inability to offer a concrete, effective reopening plan that’s rooted in science and public health. It’s a distraction from his corrupt recovery that failed to get small businesses and working families the resources they needed to weather this pandemic.”
Trump’s visit Tuesday marks his third to the state in five months and comes as he seeks to hold on to this swing state that could be decisive in his re-election bid.
The stops in his trip fit with some broader themes of Trump's campaign— the border and a megachurch in north Phoenix.
More: Trump’s Tulsa rally: He says he wanted to 'slow the testing down' on COVID-19 and other takeaways
Trump is traveling to the state, rallying supporters and capturing attention here at the same time Biden has scaled back big in-person campaign events in favor of smaller gatherings or digital events.
Biden spent Monday afternoon, for example, on a round of fundraisers convened via the teleconferencing service Zoom.
Still, Biden has led in eight of the nine Arizona polls taken since early March, according to information tracked by Real Clear Politics.


usatoday--2020-06-23--Protesters attempted to take down the Andrew Jackson statue near the White House in D.C.

Protesters vandalized and attempted to take down Andrew Jackson statue Tensions are on the rise as protesters tried to take @ @ @ @ @ in Lafayette Square near the White House in Washington , D.C .

Protesters vandalized and attempted to take down Andrew Jackson statue
Tensions are on the rise as protesters tried to take down the Andrew Jackson statue in Lafayette Square near the White House in Washington, D.C.
USA TODAY, Associated Press


usatoday--2020-06-23--Biden campaign commits to three debates, rejects Trump team's call for more as 'distraction'

Former Vice President Joe Biden 's campaign on Monday confirmed the presumptive Democratic nominee will take part in three scheduled presidential debates , but dismissed the call from President Donald Trump 's advisers for a fourth debate as a `` distraction . ''
Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani requested the additional debate in a call last week with Frank Fahrenkopf , the co-chair of the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates .
They argued that because of the coronavirus pandemic and the push for expanded mail-in-voting , many ballots could be sent before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We want fair debates , '' Parscale said in the call , according to The Associated Press .
`` We want them sooner and we want a bigger schedule .
We also don ’ t want them up against football games competing for viewers . ''
Trump 's team also suggested allowing each campaign to help select the moderators , including the ability to veto the selections .
`` Our position is straightforward and clear : Biden will accept the Commission 's debates , on the Commission 's dates , under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's independent choice of moderators , '' said Biden campaign manager Jen O ’ Malley Dillon in a letter to the debate commission .
Tuesday 's primaries : Can AOC win again ?
Who will face Mitch McConnell ?
Here 's what to watch '' Donald Trump and Mike Pence should do the same .
That is what every candidate for President and Vice President have done in modern times , Democrat and Republican alike .
That is what the Biden campaign is willing to do .
Any 'debate proposals ' in lieu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change the subject , avoid debates , or create a distracting 'debate about debates . '
'' The first debate is scheduled for Sept. 29 at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana , the second Oct. 15 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami , and the third for a week later , Oct. 22 , at Belmont University in Nashville , Tenn .
The University of Michigan had planned to host the second debate , but the school announced Tuesday that it would not host due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had threatened that the president would not take part in the debates because Parscale believed members of the debate commission were hostile to the president and would select unfriendly moderators .
Biden has avoided live campaign events since the pandemic began in order to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus .
Trump 's team has painted that decision as an effort to keep Biden `` in the basement '' in order to avoid gaffes .
After Biden 's campaign rejected the idea of a fourth debate , Trump campaign communications director Tim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid '' to send the Democrat out in unscripted situations , noting it ’ s been more than 80 days since Biden held a news conference .
'The stakes are high ' : After Tulsa rally , Trump heads to battleground states looking for a boost '' An earlier and longer debate schedule is necessary so Americans can see the clear difference between President Trump ’ s vibrant leadership and Biden ’ s confused meandering , '' Murtaugh said in a statement .
O'Malley Dillon said the Trump campaign was trying to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the fact that the president `` is trailing badly in the polls , and is desperate to change the subject from his failed leadership of the country . ''
`` No one should be fooled : The Trump campaign 's new position is a debate distraction , '' she said .
`` The Trump position seems to be saying that he will debate if he can pick the moderators : Clearly the President , who largely conducts interviews only with favorable news outlets , is afraid of facing questions from a neutral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate commission to confirm that there would be plans in place to mitigate the risk of spreading the coronavirus .
She said there was no reason the candidates `` can not meet for debates with appropriate safety and social distancing measures . ''
She also said she hoped the commission would find a way to make the second debate a town hall event , as it has been in each election since 1992 , despite the threat of COVID-19 .
The candidates will receive their formal invitations to participate in the debates after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at their respective conventions .
The last time there were more than three presidential debates was in 1960 , when then-Sen. John F. Kennedy squared off with then-Vice President Richard Nixon four times .
There were no debates in 1964 , 1968 and 1972 , and there were just two in 1980 , 1984 , 1988 and 1996 .
There have been three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate in each of the past five elections .

Biden campaign commits to three debates, rejects Trump team's call for more as 'distraction'
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden's vice presidential candidate: 6 possibilities The former vice president will soon begin the process of selecting a running mate as the Democratic primary nears its end. USA TODAY
Former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign on Monday confirmed the presumptive Democratic nominee will take part in three scheduled presidential debates, but dismissed the call from President Donald Trump's advisers for a fourth debate as a "distraction."
Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani requested the additional debate in a call last week with Frank Fahrenkopf, the co-chair of the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates. They argued that because of the coronavirus pandemic and the push for expanded mail-in-voting, many ballots could be sent before the first scheduled debate takes place.
"We want fair debates," Parscale said in the call, according to The Associated Press. "We want them sooner and we want a bigger schedule. We also don’t want them up against football games competing for viewers."
Trump's team also suggested allowing each campaign to help select the moderators, including the ability to veto the selections.
"Our position is straightforward and clear: Biden will accept the Commission's debates, on the Commission's dates, under the Commission's established format and the Commission's independent choice of moderators," said Biden campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon in a letter to the debate commission.
Tuesday's primaries: Can AOC win again? Who will face Mitch McConnell? Here's what to watch
"Donald Trump and Mike Pence should do the same. That is what every candidate for President and Vice President have done in modern times, Democrat and Republican alike. That is what the Biden campaign is willing to do. Any 'debate proposals' in lieu of that are just an effort to change the subject, avoid debates, or create a distracting 'debate about debates.'"
The first debate is scheduled for Sept. 29 at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, the second Oct. 15 at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, and the third for a week later, Oct. 22, at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. The University of Michigan had planned to host the second debate, but the school announced Tuesday that it would not host due to coronavirus concerns.
In December, Parscale had threatened that the president would not take part in the debates because Parscale believed members of the debate commission were hostile to the president and would select unfriendly moderators.
Biden has avoided live campaign events since the pandemic began in order to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Trump's team has painted that decision as an effort to keep Biden "in the basement" in order to avoid gaffes. After Biden's campaign rejected the idea of a fourth debate, Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh claimed the Biden campaign was "afraid" to send the Democrat out in unscripted situations, noting it’s been more than 80 days since Biden held a news conference.
'The stakes are high': After Tulsa rally, Trump heads to battleground states looking for a boost
"An earlier and longer debate schedule is necessary so Americans can see the clear difference between President Trump’s vibrant leadership and Biden’s confused meandering," Murtaugh said in a statement.
O'Malley Dillon said the Trump campaign was trying to create a controversy over the debates to distract from the fact that the president "is trailing badly in the polls, and is desperate to change the subject from his failed leadership of the country."
"No one should be fooled: The Trump campaign's new position is a debate distraction," she said. "The Trump position seems to be saying that he will debate if he can pick the moderators: Clearly the President, who largely conducts interviews only with favorable news outlets, is afraid of facing questions from a neutral moderator."
O'Malley Dillon asked the debate commission to confirm that there would be plans in place to mitigate the risk of spreading the coronavirus. She said there was no reason the candidates "cannot meet for debates with appropriate safety and social distancing measures."
She also said she hoped the commission would find a way to make the second debate a town hall event, as it has been in each election since 1992, despite the threat of COVID-19.
The candidates will receive their formal invitations to participate in the debates after they formally accept their parties' nominations at their respective conventions.
The last time there were more than three presidential debates was in 1960, when then-Sen. John F. Kennedy squared off with then-Vice President Richard Nixon four times. There were no debates in 1964, 1968 and 1972, and there were just two in 1980, 1984, 1988 and 1996. There have been three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate in each of the past five elections.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-06-23--University of Michigan confirms it won't host presidential debate. Here's why

The uncertainty surrounding the fall semester , including ongoing COVID-19 concerns , led the University of Michigan to withdraw from hosting a presidential debate in October .
The school made the official announcement Tuesday morning .
The Free Press was the first to report the move Monday evening .
“ Given the scale and complexity of the work we are undertaking to help assure a safe and healthy fall for our students , faculty and staff and limited visitors — and in consideration of the public health guidelines in our state as well as advice from our own experts — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to safely host the presidential debate as planned , '' U-M President Mark Schlissel said in a letter sent to the commission that runs the debates .
U-M had been set to host the second presidential debate between Republican incumbent Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden Oct. 15 .
That debate will now be held at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Miami .
'The stakes are high ' : After Tulsa rally , Trump heads to battleground states looking for a boost On Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face-to-face instruction in the fall , but said many classes would remain online or be some sort of hybrid .
Schlissel said the university was planning a `` public health informed '' semester .
`` We will protect our students , faculty and staff with a broad array of research-based public health measures and tools , '' Schlissel said in making the announcement of U-M 's plans for fall .
Schlissel told the commission in his letter that hosting the debate would have been a `` tremendous opportunity for our university community to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features of our democracy — the open exchange of ideas — while setting an example of civic engagement and shining a light on the outstanding academic strengths of our institution.
” The university had been planing a semester-long program of events around the debate .
It will continue special programming , the university said Tuesday morning .
Tuesday primaries : Can AOC win again ?
Who will face Mitch McConnell ?
Here 's what to watch in Tuesday 's primaries The debate had been scheduled to take place largely on the university 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the men 's and women 's basketball teams and the women 's gymnastics team .
Educational and outreach activities were scheduled to take place in facilities near Crisler Center and in other parts of the Ann Arbor campus .
This would have been the first presidential debate in Michigan since 1992 .
That one took place at Michigan State University .
Both parties have had debates among presidential candidates for their nominations in Michigan , including the Democrats meeting in Detroit in July .
Debates in Michigan have been the setting for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would like to forget .
The top one has to be former Texas Gov .
Rick Perry , who , during a 2011 presidential debate at Oakland University in Rochester was flummoxed by a question on which federal departments he would eliminate .
“ Commerce , Education , ” he said pausing , while counting on his fingers and listening while his rivals suggested other potential candidates for shutdowns .
“ The third one , I can ’ t .
Sorry .
Oops.
” He never recovered and suspended his campaign two months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas Gov .
George W. Bush ’ s turn in the hot seat during a debate at Calvin College in Grand Rapids , with most of the other GOP candidates ganging up on him .
But he had a moment of levity with Sen. John McCain , when the two shook hands on stage and promised not to run negative ads against one another , while businessman Steve Forbes , who had been running attack ads against Bush , said “ I will continue to tell the truth.
” Trump : Senate Dems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'slow the testing down ' comment Ten days after the debate , Bush and McCain started airing negative ads against one another in the days leading up to the Michigan presidential primary .
By the time Michigan ’ s primary election rolled around , Forbes had dropped out of the race and McCain won the battle , winning Michigan .
But Bush won the election war and then narrowly won the Electoral College in the general election over Democrat Al Gore .
U-M has been the host to a variety of other key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ B. Johnson 's `` Great Society '' speech and the clinical trials of the Salk polio vaccine .
It was on the steps of the Michigan Union that presidential hopeful John F. Kennedy delivered his speech in 1960 announcing his vision of what would become the Peace Corps .
Contributing : Kathleen Gray and Todd Spangler , Detroit Free Press ; The Associated Press .
Follow David Jesse on Twitter @ reporterdavidj

University of Michigan confirms it won't host presidential debate. Here's why
Show Caption Hide Caption How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The uncertainty surrounding the fall semester, including ongoing COVID-19 concerns, led the University of Michigan to withdraw from hosting a presidential debate in October.
The school made the official announcement Tuesday morning. The Free Press was the first to report the move Monday evening.
“Given the scale and complexity of the work we are undertaking to help assure a safe and healthy fall for our students, faculty and staff and limited visitors — and in consideration of the public health guidelines in our state as well as advice from our own experts — we feel it is not feasible for us to safely host the presidential debate as planned," U-M President Mark Schlissel said in a letter sent to the commission that runs the debates.
U-M had been set to host the second presidential debate between Republican incumbent Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden Oct. 15. That debate will now be held at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County in Miami.
'The stakes are high': After Tulsa rally, Trump heads to battleground states looking for a boost
On Monday, the university announced it would resume face-to-face instruction in the fall, but said many classes would remain online or be some sort of hybrid. Schlissel said the university was planning a "public health informed" semester.
"We will protect our students, faculty and staff with a broad array of research-based public health measures and tools," Schlissel said in making the announcement of U-M's plans for fall.
Schlissel told the commission in his letter that hosting the debate would have been a "tremendous opportunity for our university community to contribute to one of the most important features of our democracy — the open exchange of ideas — while setting an example of civic engagement and shining a light on the outstanding academic strengths of our institution.”
The university had been planing a semester-long program of events around the debate. It will continue special programming, the university said Tuesday morning.
Tuesday primaries: Can AOC win again? Who will face Mitch McConnell? Here's what to watch in Tuesday's primaries
The debate had been scheduled to take place largely on the university's athletics campus. Crisler Center is home to the men's and women's basketball teams and the women's gymnastics team. Educational and outreach activities were scheduled to take place in facilities near Crisler Center and in other parts of the Ann Arbor campus.
This would have been the first presidential debate in Michigan since 1992. That one took place at Michigan State University. Both parties have had debates among presidential candidates for their nominations in Michigan, including the Democrats meeting in Detroit in July.
Debates in Michigan have been the setting for some historic moments, including some candidates would like to forget.
The top one has to be former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who, during a 2011 presidential debate at Oakland University in Rochester was flummoxed by a question on which federal departments he would eliminate. “Commerce, Education,” he said pausing, while counting on his fingers and listening while his rivals suggested other potential candidates for shutdowns. “The third one, I can’t. Sorry. Oops.” He never recovered and suspended his campaign two months later.
In 2000, it was Texas Gov. George W. Bush’s turn in the hot seat during a debate at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, with most of the other GOP candidates ganging up on him. But he had a moment of levity with Sen. John McCain, when the two shook hands on stage and promised not to run negative ads against one another, while businessman Steve Forbes, who had been running attack ads against Bush, said “I will continue to tell the truth.”
Trump: Senate Dems ask HHS watchdog to investigate Trump's 'slow the testing down' comment
Ten days after the debate, Bush and McCain started airing negative ads against one another in the days leading up to the Michigan presidential primary. By the time Michigan’s primary election rolled around, Forbes had dropped out of the race and McCain won the battle, winning Michigan. But Bush won the election war and then narrowly won the Electoral College in the general election over Democrat Al Gore.
U-M has been the host to a variety of other key moments in history, including President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" speech and the clinical trials of the Salk polio vaccine. It was on the steps of the Michigan Union that presidential hopeful John F. Kennedy delivered his speech in 1960 announcing his vision of what would become the Peace Corps.
Contributing: Kathleen Gray and Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press; The Associated Press. Follow David Jesse on Twitter @reporterdavidj


usatoday--2020-06-23--Trump issues executive order limiting temporary work visas

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that will suspend temporary visas for foreign workers until the end of 2020 , angering advocates who say he is targeting immigrants for domestic political reasons .
The order applies to a variety of work visas used for many types of jobs , a move that the administration says could free up as many as 525,000 jobs to be filled by Americans .
But immigration groups , which have been bracing for the order for days , argue that Trump is targeting immigrants to placate his political base .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ American workforce , '' said Beth Werlin , executive director of the American Immigration Council .
`` As our nation recovers from the coronavirus pandemic , immigrants in all industries will be essential to rebuilding our nation . ''
Trump 's latest move follows his decision in April to temporarily suspend immigration to the U.S. , a move he said was needed to protect American jobs in light of the coronavirus pandemic .
Trump suspended the issuance of green cards for 60 days to foreign citizens who want to live in the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The new order extends Trump 's original ban through Dec. 30 and expands it by imposing restrictions on work visas .
The freeze applies to H-1B visas designed for high-skilled workers , particularly in the tech industry , and H-2B visas used by seasonal workers , such as in the construction and hospitality industries .
Others that are impacted are H-4 visas given to spouses of H-1B visa holders ; L-1 visas for executives who work for large corporations ; and some J-1 visas for scholars and professors .
In addition , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on long-term reforms to the immigration system , including changing the way H-1B visas are distributed .
Right now , the H-1B visas are distributed by lottery .
The new approach would allot them to applicants who earn the highest wages .
Court : Aligning with liberals on DACA , Chief Justice Roberts asserts his independence The decision to suspend temporary work visas comes days after the Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration 's effort to wind down the DACA program to shield those brought to the country illegally as children from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House , the court 's liberals joined with Chief Justice John Roberts in blocking the effort .
Trump said his administration will try to end the legal protections for `` Dreamers . ''
David Bier , an immigration policy analyst at the libertarian Cato Institute , said suspending the L-1 visa for foreign corporate executives would hurt the American economy .
`` It 's a crucial tool for growth and innovation and the admin would hurt the recovery by ending it , '' he tweeted .
Kerri Talbot of the Immigration Hub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accused Trump and his senior adviser Stephen Miller of `` scapegoating immigrants and refugees to distract from the administration ’ s failures to put forward a meaningful response to the coronavirus pandemic . ''
`` Today ’ s order and the administration ’ s recent actions on asylum have nothing to do with combating the virus or providing any relief for struggling families , '' Talbot said .
`` This proclamation is just more political fodder rooted in racism and white supremacy for Trump ’ s base . ''
Trump : President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite Supreme Court ruling Trump supporters and groups advocating for reduced levels of immigration hailed the move .
`` Great news , '' tweeted U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar , R-Ariz. `` Keep the exemptions tight .
Hire American . ''
Dan Stein , president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform , said Trump promised to put American workers first , `` and , to his credit , he did just that . ''
`` Voters understand that continued high levels of immigration and guest worker admissions are an impediment to American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Stein said .
`` Perhaps most importantly , this pause provides an opportunity to structure long-term reforms to massively abused guest worker programs . ''

David Jackson, John Fritze and Michael Collins, USA TODAY

Trump issues executive order limiting temporary work visas
Show Caption Hide Caption US suspends some worker visas through end of year The U.S. is suspending some visas, including for skilled workers and executives for large corporations, through at least the end of the year. Newsy, Newsy
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that will suspend temporary visas for foreign workers until the end of 2020, angering advocates who say he is targeting immigrants for domestic political reasons.
The order applies to a variety of work visas used for many types of jobs, a move that the administration says could free up as many as 525,000 jobs to be filled by Americans.
But immigration groups, which have been bracing for the order for days, argue that Trump is targeting immigrants to placate his political base.
"Immigrant workers are vital to the American workforce," said Beth Werlin, executive director of the American Immigration Council. "As our nation recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, immigrants in all industries will be essential to rebuilding our nation."
Trump's latest move follows his decision in April to temporarily suspend immigration to the U.S., a move he said was needed to protect American jobs in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Trump suspended the issuance of green cards for 60 days to foreign citizens who want to live in the U.S. That order was to expire Monday.
The new order extends Trump's original ban through Dec. 30 and expands it by imposing restrictions on work visas.
The freeze applies to H-1B visas designed for high-skilled workers, particularly in the tech industry, and H-2B visas used by seasonal workers, such as in the construction and hospitality industries. Others that are impacted are H-4 visas given to spouses of H-1B visa holders; L-1 visas for executives who work for large corporations; and some J-1 visas for scholars and professors.
In addition, Trump has instructed his aides to begin work on long-term reforms to the immigration system, including changing the way H-1B visas are distributed. Right now, the H-1B visas are distributed by lottery. The new approach would allot them to applicants who earn the highest wages.
Court: Aligning with liberals on DACA, Chief Justice Roberts asserts his independence
The decision to suspend temporary work visas comes days after the Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration's effort to wind down the DACA program to shield those brought to the country illegally as children from deportation. In a blow to the White House, the court's liberals joined with Chief Justice John Roberts in blocking the effort. Trump said his administration will try to end the legal protections for "Dreamers."
David Bier, an immigration policy analyst at the libertarian Cato Institute, said suspending the L-1 visa for foreign corporate executives would hurt the American economy. "It's a crucial tool for growth and innovation and the admin would hurt the recovery by ending it," he tweeted.
AP Debrief: Supreme Court rejects Trump on DACA The Supreme Court has rejected President Donald Trump’s effort to end legal protections for 650,000 young immigrants, the second stunning election-season rebuke from the court in a week. (June 18) AP
Kerri Talbot of the Immigration Hub, an immigrants' rights advocacy group, accused Trump and his senior adviser Stephen Miller of "scapegoating immigrants and refugees to distract from the administration’s failures to put forward a meaningful response to the coronavirus pandemic."
"Today’s order and the administration’s recent actions on asylum have nothing to do with combating the virus or providing any relief for struggling families," Talbot said. "This proclamation is just more political fodder rooted in racism and white supremacy for Trump’s base."
Trump: President will try again to deport young migrants, despite Supreme Court ruling
Trump supporters and groups advocating for reduced levels of immigration hailed the move.
"Great news," tweeted U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz. "Keep the exemptions tight. Hire American."
Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform, said Trump promised to put American workers first, "and, to his credit, he did just that."
"Voters understand that continued high levels of immigration and guest worker admissions are an impediment to American workers recovering along with the economy," Stein said. "Perhaps most importantly, this pause provides an opportunity to structure long-term reforms to massively abused guest worker programs."