usatoday--2020-11-19--Anthony Edwards taken No. 1 by Timberwolves in 2020 NBA draft; Hornets pick LaMelo Ball

The Minnesota Timberwolves conducted months of interviews and workouts , reviewed hours upon hours of video and held all-day and all-night front-office meetings to discuss draft prospects .
By the time 8 p.m .
ET rolled around on Wednesday , Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas and his staff calculated who would help the franchise take the step next toward the playoffs .
Anthony Edwards , the 19-year-old shooting guard who spent his freshman season at Georgia , is the player the Timberwolves want alongside center-forward Karl-Anthony Towns and guard D ’ Angelo Russell .
`` I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with those guys because Russell likes to play off the ball sometimes , and I can play on the ball , '' Edwards said .
`` When he wants to play on the rock , I can play off the ball .
And KAT is the best three-point shooting big man in the league .
So I feel we ca n't go wrong with that , a lot of pick-and-pops , pick-and-rolls and such . ''
Edwards was with family and friends and had drawings beside him of his mom , Yvette , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died in 2015 , when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced his name as the No .
1 pick in the draft .
`` I 'm feeling very joyful and excited just because of the fact I had my mother and my grandmother next to me , '' Edwards said .
MORE : Five things to know about the Timberwolves ' No .
1 pick With the No .
2 pick , Golden State selected center James Wiseman .
The 7-1 big man played three games for Memphis before he was ruled ineligible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his ineligibility , Wiseman decided to leave Memphis and prepare for the draft .
In his three college games , Wiseman averaged 19.7 points , 10.7 rebounds and three blocks and shot 76.9 % from the field .
He is a traditional center who thrives in the paint , has good hands , can run the floor and will be a strong option in pick-and-roll situations .
He gives the Warriors a strong presence in the paint .
`` I 'm great at adapting on a team , so I feel very comfortable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 'm ready for it .
I 'm preparing for it .
I 'm ready to go in there and play my position , play my role .
And just having great teammates around me that are going to teach me the game , that are going to help grow my game , I 'm ready for that .
I 'm just prepared , fully prepared . ''
At No .
3 , Charlotte solidified its point guard of the future , taking LaMelo Ball .
Some general managers consider Ball the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At 6-7 , he has great size for a point guard and exceptional passing skills .
He needs to improve his jump shot , but that ’ s not unusual for young point guards joining the NBA in their teens .
Ball has taken an interesting route to the league in a short time – from high school in California to a pro team in Lithuania to prep school in Ohio to another pro team in Australia and back to the USA for pre-draft training .
In 12 games in Australia ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17 points , 7.5 rebounds and seven assists before a foot injury ended his season .
He had back-to-back triple doubles and was the league ’ s rookie of the year .
Lonzo and LaMelo become the first brothers selected in the top 10 of the draft .
Chicago drafted Florida State ’ s Patrick Williams at No .
4 – the first surprise of the 2020 draft .
Williams was a projected lottery pick but not considered a top-five pick .
He was rising on team draft boards in the last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trade up to take him in the 6-to-10 range .
Williams didn ’ t start one game and didn ’ t average double figures for the Seminoles .
Yet the 6-8 forward has potential and key attributes : quickness , explosiveness , strength , athleticism .
Developing a 3-point shot to complement his midrange game would be a big boost .
`` I worked out for Chicago , and it was just basketball talk , talking about schemes and ways that I play the game and what I see when I 'm out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And then I talked to ( Bulls coach ) Billy Donovan on the phone , I would say a couple weeks ago , and that was just more basketball talk about what I expect from the league , what I see when I 'm watching games , that type of thing .
A lot of basketball talk .
`` I can definitely tell that the front office is basketball smart .
They know what they 're talking about , which not every front office is like that , so I 'm blessed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top five , Cleveland selected Auburn ’ s Isaac Okoro – another surprise pick .
The first three picks in the draft were expected .
After Edwards , Wiseman and Ball , several teams had different views of the rest of the lottery picks .
With Dayton ’ s Obi Toppin and Israel ’ s Deni Avdija dropping out of the top five , two teams were bound to get steals in the draft .
Those two teams : New York and Washington .
The Knicks selected Toppin at No .
8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
9 .
Toppin enters the league at 22 years old , but he was the consensus college player of the year in 2019-20 , averaging 20 points and 7.5 rebounds and shooting 63.3 % from the field , including 39 % on 3-pointers .
At No .
9 , Avdija becomes the first player from Israel to get drafted in the top 10 .
Omri Casspi was previously the top pick from Israel , selected No .
23 in 2009 .
Avdija , 19 , has spent the past three seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and averaged 12.3 points , 5.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season .
At 6-9 , he can handle the ball and play on the perimeter .
As the top pick , Edwards joins Dominque Wilkins as the only players from Georgia to go in the top five of the draft .
At 6-5 , 225 pounds , Edwards has an amazing upside as a scorer .
He averaged 19.1 points and scored 37 points , including 33 in the second half , against Michigan State last season .
But there are some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Given the amount of time the Timberwolves put into this draft , Edwards assuaged any concerns .
In the NBA ’ s first virtual draft – because of COVID-19 – Silver called selections from an ESPN studio in Connecticut .
Draft prospects were sent “ gifting lockers ” that included a Microsoft Surface tablet , Beat Powerbeats Pro earbuds , iPhone with tripod , Ring light , Beats Pill wireless speaker and hats for every team .

Anthony Edwards taken No. 1 by Timberwolves in 2020 NBA draft; Hornets pick LaMelo Ball
Show Caption Hide Caption NBA Draft: Anthony Edwards selected No. 1 by the Minnesota Timberwolves SportsPulse: The Georgia product will now call Minnesota home after being selected No. 1 by the Timberwolves and USA TODAY Sports' Scott Gleeson tells us what they can expect. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
The Minnesota Timberwolves conducted months of interviews and workouts, reviewed hours upon hours of video and held all-day and all-night front-office meetings to discuss draft prospects.
By the time 8 p.m. ET rolled around on Wednesday, Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas and his staff calculated who would help the franchise take the step next toward the playoffs.
Anthony Edwards, the 19-year-old shooting guard who spent his freshman season at Georgia, is the player the Timberwolves want alongside center-forward Karl-Anthony Towns and guard D’Angelo Russell.
"I feel like I'm going to fit perfect with those guys because Russell likes to play off the ball sometimes, and I can play on the ball," Edwards said. "When he wants to play on the rock, I can play off the ball. And KAT is the best three-point shooting big man in the league. So I feel we can't go wrong with that, a lot of pick-and-pops, pick-and-rolls and such."
Edwards was with family and friends and had drawings beside him of his mom, Yvette, and grandmother, Shirley, who both died in 2015, when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced his name as the No. 1 pick in the draft.
"I'm feeling very joyful and excited just because of the fact I had my mother and my grandmother next to me," Edwards said.
NBA DRAFT TRACKER: First-round analysis for each pick
MORE: Five things to know about the Timberwolves' No. 1 pick
With the No. 2 pick, Golden State selected center James Wiseman.
The 7-1 big man played three games for Memphis before he was ruled ineligible for 12 games. Instead of waiting out his ineligibility, Wiseman decided to leave Memphis and prepare for the draft.
In his three college games, Wiseman averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and three blocks and shot 76.9% from the field. He is a traditional center who thrives in the paint, has good hands, can run the floor and will be a strong option in pick-and-roll situations.
He gives the Warriors a strong presence in the paint.
"I'm great at adapting on a team, so I feel very comfortable with that," Wiseman said. "I'm ready for it. I'm preparing for it. I'm ready to go in there and play my position, play my role. And just having great teammates around me that are going to teach me the game, that are going to help grow my game, I'm ready for that. I'm just prepared, fully prepared."
At No. 3, Charlotte solidified its point guard of the future, taking LaMelo Ball.
Some general managers consider Ball the most talented player in the draft. At 6-7, he has great size for a point guard and exceptional passing skills. He needs to improve his jump shot, but that’s not unusual for young point guards joining the NBA in their teens.
Ball has taken an interesting route to the league in a short time – from high school in California to a pro team in Lithuania to prep school in Ohio to another pro team in Australia and back to the USA for pre-draft training.
In 12 games in Australia’s pro league last season, Ball averaged 17 points, 7.5 rebounds and seven assists before a foot injury ended his season. He had back-to-back triple doubles and was the league’s rookie of the year.
Lonzo and LaMelo become the first brothers selected in the top five of the draft.
OPINION: Like it or not, LaVar Ball deserves praise
Chicago drafted Florida State’s Patrick Williams at No. 4 – the first surprise of the 2020 draft. Williams was a projected lottery pick but not considered a top-five pick. He was rising on team draft boards in the last week, and several teams were trying to trade up to take him in the 6-to-10 range.
Williams didn’t start one game and didn’t average double figures for the Seminoles. Yet the 6-8 forward has potential and key attributes: quickness, explosiveness, strength, athleticism. Developing a 3-point shot to complement his midrange game would be a big boost.
"I worked out for Chicago, and it was just basketball talk, talking about schemes and ways that I play the game and what I see when I'm out there," Williams said. "And then I talked to (Bulls coach) Billy Donovan on the phone, I would say a couple weeks ago, and that was just more basketball talk about what I expect from the league, what I see when I'm watching games, that type of thing. A lot of basketball talk.
"I can definitely tell that the front office is basketball smart. They know what they're talking about, which not every front office is like that, so I'm blessed to be in Chicago."
Rounding out the top five, Cleveland selected Auburn’s Isaac Okoro – another surprise pick. The first three picks in the draft were expected. After Edwards, Wiseman and Ball, several teams had different views of the rest of the lottery picks.
With Dayton’s Obi Toppin and Israel’s Deni Avdija dropping out of the top five, two teams were bound to get steals in the draft. Those two teams: New York and Washington. The Knicks selected Toppin at No. 8, and the Wizards drafted Avdija at No. 9.
Toppin enters the league at 22 years old, but he was the consensus college player of the year in 2019-20, averaging 20 points and 7.5 rebounds and shooting 63.3% from the field, including 39% on 3-pointers.
At No. 9, Avdija becomes the first player from Israel to get drafted in the top 10. Omri Casspi was previously the top pick from Israel, selected No. 23 in 2009. Avdija, 19, has spent the past three seasons in Israel’s top pro league and averaged 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season. At 6-9, he can handle the ball and play on the perimeter.
Hayes became the highest player ever drafted from France when Detroit selected him No. 7.
As the top pick, Edwards joins Dominque Wilkins as the only players from Georgia to go in the top five of the draft.
At 6-5, 225 pounds, Edwards has an amazing upside as a scorer. He averaged 19.1 points and scored 37 points, including 33 in the second half, against Michigan State last season. But there are some questions about his drive and dedication.
Given the amount of time the Timberwolves put into this draft, Edwards assuaged any concerns.
In the NBA’s first virtual draft – because of COVID-19 – Silver called selections from an ESPN studio in Connecticut. Draft prospects were sent “gifting lockers” that included a Microsoft Surface tablet, Beat Powerbeats Pro earbuds, iPhone with tripod, Ring light, Beats Pill wireless speaker and hats for every team.


usatoday--2020-11-18--In meeting with Biden, emergency workers plead for equipment, testing to combat 'skyrocketing' coron

As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office in two months , he heard Wednesday from a firefighter , nurses and a caregiver who described chronic shortages of protective equipment , tests and contact tracing to combat the coronavirus pandemic .
The virus , combined with rebuilding the economy , is the biggest challenge facing Biden .
The online roundtable came as the number of cases nationwide grows rapidly , with more than 11 million cases nationwide and nearly 250,000 deaths so far .
Mary Turner , an intensive-care nurse who is president of Minnesota Nurses Association , began crying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dying patient or caring for a colleague who had fallen ill. She said earlier in the pandemic , nurses were using single-use masks for 10 shifts .
While caring for COVID-19 patients since February , Turner said she still hasn ’ t been tested .
“ You ’ re kidding me , ” Biden said during the roundtable from The Queen theater in Wilmington , Delaware .
More : 'Compromised position ' : Dr. Anthony Fauci on why he thinks he has n't heard from Joe Biden 's team The virtual meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former vice president held in the past week , to demonstrate his preparation for the presidency , even as President Donald Trump continues to fight election results in court and asked for a partial recount in Wisconsin .
On Friday , Biden met with members of his COVID-19 Advisory Board , including Dr. Vivek Murthy , a former surgeon general ; Dr. David Kessler , former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration ; and Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith of the Yale School of Medicine .
On Monday , Biden met virtually with corporate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safely rebuild the economy .
On Tuesday , Biden met with military , intelligence and foreign-affairs experts outside government to hear about the biggest national security challenges facing the country , despite the Trump administration refusing to provide security briefings as part of the transition .
To combat the pandemic , Biden has urged a national requirement for everyone to wear masks for at least two months and to practice social distancing .
But governors –rather than the president – are responsible for those kinds of orders .
Biden said more state and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wear masks and practice social distancing as the number of deaths is projected to hit 400,000 by his inauguration Jan. 20 .
“ This has reached a proportion that is way , way , way out of whack , '' Biden said .
`` It is skyrocketing with no real end in sight . ''
“ What I ’ m hoping is we don ’ t have to have any more suffering to convince the public at large that this requires some very significant action , '' he added .
Most of Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective equipment and paid sick leave for frontline workers depend on rescinding much of Trump 's tax cut for corporations and wealthy individuals .
But congressional Republicans who control the Senate reacted skeptically to more spending , which Biden said could change when Trump leaves office .
More : Poll : More Americans happy Donald Trump lost than are happy Joe Biden won '' Hopefully when he ’ s gone , they ’ ll be more willing to do what they know needs to be done , what has to be done , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4416 in Hamilton County , Indiana , told Biden that face masks are being reused despite being intended for single use .
He said hospitals were given priority for protective equipment , leaving firefighters , emergency medical technicians and paramedics to fend for themselves .
“ That puts our patients at risk , ” Murray said .
Turner , the ICU nurse , urged greater distribution of protective equipment , testing and tracing the contacts of people who are infected .
She said nurses have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment .
“ There is something seriously wrong when nurses have to take to the street to beg for protection in the middle of a pandemic .
“ We ’ re not being given the protection that we need . ''
More:6 lawmakers in 5 days : New COVID-19 infections put spotlight on Congress ’ loose guidelines Patricia Forrai-Gunter , a school nurse in Cleveland who sits on the executive board of the American Federation of Teachers , said when schools closed in her city in March 20 , workers drove their emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decide when and how to reopen , she said schools don ’ t have any equipment and in some cases have poor ventilation .
“ We ’ re ready to help , if we could just have some more boots on the ground , ” she said .
The General Services Administration hasn ’ t approved a formal transition for Biden to prepare for office .
He said that prevented him from learning about the size of stockpiles of protective equipment .
“ We know there ’ s not much at all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also eager to learn about the plan for delivering potential vaccines to more than 300 million Americans : who is first in line , how will they be distributed .
“ There ’ s a whole lot of things not being made available to us , ” Biden said .

In meeting with Biden, emergency workers plead for equipment, testing to combat 'skyrocketing' coronavirus cases
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden urges Americans to limit Thanksgiving plans President-elect Joe Biden is urging all Americans to follow the advice of health and medical professionals when making their Thanksgiving plans amid the ongoing pandemic. Biden says he and his wife Jill are having the same discussions. (Nov. 16) AP
As President-elect Joe Biden prepares to take office in two months, he heard Wednesday from a firefighter, nurses and a caregiver who described chronic shortages of protective equipment, tests and contact tracing to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
The virus, combined with rebuilding the economy, is the biggest challenge facing Biden. The online roundtable came as the number of cases nationwide grows rapidly, with more than 11 million cases nationwide and nearly 250,000 deaths so far.
Mary Turner, an intensive-care nurse who is president of Minnesota Nurses Association, began crying as she described holding the hand of a dying patient or caring for a colleague who had fallen ill. She said earlier in the pandemic, nurses were using single-use masks for 10 shifts. While caring for COVID-19 patients since February, Turner said she still hasn’t been tested.
“You’re kidding me,” Biden said during the roundtable from The Queen theater in Wilmington, Delaware.
More: 'Compromised position': Dr. Anthony Fauci on why he thinks he hasn't heard from Joe Biden's team
The virtual meeting was one in a series that the former vice president held in the past week, to demonstrate his preparation for the presidency, even as President Donald Trump continues to fight election results in court and asked for a partial recount in Wisconsin.
On Friday, Biden met with members of his COVID-19 Advisory Board, including Dr. Vivek Murthy, a former surgeon general; Dr. David Kessler, former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration; and Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith of the Yale School of Medicine.
On Monday, Biden met virtually with corporate and labor leaders to discuss how to safely rebuild the economy. On Tuesday, Biden met with military, intelligence and foreign-affairs experts outside government to hear about the biggest national security challenges facing the country, despite the Trump administration refusing to provide security briefings as part of the transition.
Biden also named nine White House aides Tuesday.
To combat the pandemic, Biden has urged a national requirement for everyone to wear masks for at least two months and to practice social distancing. But governors –rather than the president – are responsible for those kinds of orders.
Biden said more state and local leaders have begun urging people to wear masks and practice social distancing as the number of deaths is projected to hit 400,000 by his inauguration Jan. 20.
“This has reached a proportion that is way, way, way out of whack," Biden said. "It is skyrocketing with no real end in sight."
“What I’m hoping is we don’t have to have any more suffering to convince the public at large that this requires some very significant action," he added.
Most of Biden's proposals for federal spending to provide protective equipment and paid sick leave for frontline workers depend on rescinding much of Trump's tax cut for corporations and wealthy individuals. But congressional Republicans who control the Senate reacted skeptically to more spending, which Biden said could change when Trump leaves office.
More: Poll: More Americans happy Donald Trump lost than are happy Joe Biden won
"Hopefully when he’s gone, they’ll be more willing to do what they know needs to be done, what has to be done," Biden said.
Tony Murray, president of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4416 in Hamilton County, Indiana, told Biden that face masks are being reused despite being intended for single use. He said hospitals were given priority for protective equipment, leaving firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics to fend for themselves.
“That puts our patients at risk,” Murray said.
Turner, the ICU nurse, urged greater distribution of protective equipment, testing and tracing the contacts of people who are infected. She said nurses have walked picket lines to plead for more equipment.
“There is something seriously wrong when nurses have to take to the street to beg for protection in the middle of a pandemic.
“We’re not being given the protection that we need."
More: 6 lawmakers in 5 days: New COVID-19 infections put spotlight on Congress’ loose guidelines
Patricia Forrai-Gunter, a school nurse in Cleveland who sits on the executive board of the American Federation of Teachers, said when schools closed in her city in March 20, workers drove their emergency equipment to hospitals. But as officials decide when and how to reopen, she said schools don’t have any equipment and in some cases have poor ventilation.
“We’re ready to help, if we could just have some more boots on the ground,” she said.
The General Services Administration hasn’t approved a formal transition for Biden to prepare for office. He said that prevented him from learning about the size of stockpiles of protective equipment.
“We know there’s not much at all,” Biden said.
He’s also eager to learn about the plan for delivering potential vaccines to more than 300 million Americans: who is first in line, how will they be distributed.
“There’s a whole lot of things not being made available to us,” Biden said.


usatoday--2020-11-18--'Compromised position': Dr. Anthony Fauci on why he thinks he hasn't heard from Joe Biden's team

WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday he wants to begin talks with President-elect Joe Biden to ensure a smooth transition for the new administration but believes the Biden team is wary of putting him in a `` compromised position '' as President Donald Trump refuses to concede the election .
Fauci , the nation 's top infectious disease expert , has n't spoken to Biden as the U.S. battles a significant spike in the coronavirus pandemic and the president-elect looks to start working on his plan to combat the virus .
`` I have not been formally told that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USA TODAY 's Editorial Board , referring to the lack of communications from the Biden team including Ron Klain , Biden 's newly named chief of staff .
`` But it 's quite obvious that this is a very sensitive period .
I do n't want to get into that .
I have tried to the best of my ability to stay out of the political aspects and just focus on my role as a public health person , a physician and a scientist . ''
Fauci , director of the National Institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` To be honest with you , I believe that the Biden people including Ron Klain understand that and do n't want to put me in a compromised position . ''
More : 'Dark winter ' : Biden says lack of coordination with White House on COVID-19 is biggest hurdle to transition Biden , who has told the public to prepare for a `` dark winter '' as COVID-19 spreads , warned this week , `` More people may die if we don ’ t coordinate . ''
Fauci , who has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a part of five transitions .
But he 's drawn regular criticism from supporters of Trump and increasingly the president himself , who slammed Fauci as a `` disaster '' two weeks before the election .
`` I can tell you , transitions are really important , and they 're important because you do n't want to miss a step , '' Fauci said .
Fauci likened a smooth transition to a relay race in which runners pass the baton as they continue to run , not from a standstill .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you pass the baton .
That 's what a smooth transition is .
It 's very , very much like a relay race . ''
After the 2016 election , Fauci said , President Barack Obama 's outgoing chief of staff Denis McDonough organized a meeting with Trump 's incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus to begin discussions before Trump 's inauguration on how to respond to potential outbreaks .
`` That kind of thing makes it easier to just go from one to the other , '' Fauci said .
`` So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to do that .
That would be helpful . ''
TJ Ducklo , a spokesman for the Biden transition team , declined to comment on Fauci 's remarks .
More : After Fauci said he 's not surprised Trump got COVID-19 , president calls top disease expert a 'disaster' Biden and his incoming team of advisors are seeking a sign-off form the General Services administrator , Trump-appointee Emily Murphy , who must ascertain the election results before the current administration can start working with the Biden team .
Because she has n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and use of resources for the new administration are on hold .
The GSA 's decision has also blocked the new administration from using federal office space and gaining access to government agencies that they 'll soon take over .
Biden also has not received a daily classified briefing on national security threats that is given to incoming presidents .
Biden 's team has worked to move forward anyway .
That includes assembling a 13-member coronavirus task force co-chaired by David Kessler , professor of pediatrics and epidemiology and biostatistics at the University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Drug Administration commissioner from 1990 to 1997 ; Vivek Murthy , former U.S. surgeon general under Obama ; and Marcella Nunez-Smith , associate professor of internal medicine , public health and management at Yale University .
More : Dr. Anthony Fauci urges Americans to 'think twice ' about holiday travel plans Murthy pushed for `` cooperation and communication '' from the Trump administration during a briefing with media Tuesday .
Information sought by Biden 's team , NBC News reported , includes : the total number of N95 masks , plastic gloves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of nurses to administer millions of doses of vaccines next year ; terms of vaccine contracts with pharmaceutical companies ; and access to existing databases on testing , vaccinations and protective gear .
Biden has urged all Americans to wear face masks amid rising positive COVID-19 cases and said he would work with governors and local governments to enforce masks mandates .
Biden campaigned on following the advice of doctors to combat the coronavirus pandemic and listening to Fauci , in particular .
Trump has often disregarded Fauci 's recommendations aimed at curbing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed optimism about two vaccines that have shown promising test results .
He said he believes the distribution of doses of the vaccines could begin by the end of December or January .
But he said `` COVID fatigue '' and `` denial '' is a real issue in many states .
`` If we can hang on and implement the public health measures , help is really on the way , '' Fauci said .
More : There are now two promising potential COVID vaccines .
This is what we know about @ @

'Compromised position': Dr. Anthony Fauci on why he thinks he hasn't heard from Joe Biden's team
Show Caption Hide Caption Dr. Anthony Fauci explains why presidential transitions are important Dr. Anthony Fauci compared the transition of power to a relay race when describing its importance. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Dr. Anthony Fauci said Wednesday he wants to begin talks with President-elect Joe Biden to ensure a smooth transition for the new administration but believes the Biden team is wary of putting him in a "compromised position" as President Donald Trump refuses to concede the election.
Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, hasn't spoken to Biden as the U.S. battles a significant spike in the coronavirus pandemic and the president-elect looks to start working on his plan to combat the virus.
"I have not been formally told that anything is forbidden," Fauci told USA TODAY's Editorial Board, referring to the lack of communications from the Biden team including Ron Klain, Biden's newly named chief of staff. "But it's quite obvious that this is a very sensitive period. I don't want to get into that. I have tried to the best of my ability to stay out of the political aspects and just focus on my role as a public health person, a physician and a scientist."
Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, added: "To be honest with you, I believe that the Biden people including Ron Klain understand that and don't want to put me in a compromised position."
More: 'Dark winter': Biden says lack of coordination with White House on COVID-19 is biggest hurdle to transition
Biden, who has told the public to prepare for a "dark winter" as COVID-19 spreads, warned this week, "More people may die if we don’t coordinate."
Fauci, who has served under six presidential administrations, has been a part of five transitions. But he's drawn regular criticism from supporters of Trump and increasingly the president himself, who slammed Fauci as a "disaster" two weeks before the election.
"I can tell you, transitions are really important, and they're important because you don't want to miss a step," Fauci said.
More: Joe Biden pushes ahead on transition, working around Donald Trump
Fauci likened a smooth transition to a relay race in which runners pass the baton as they continue to run, not from a standstill. "You're all running together. And you pass the baton. That's what a smooth transition is. It's very, very much like a relay race."
After the 2016 election, Fauci said, President Barack Obama's outgoing chief of staff Denis McDonough organized a meeting with Trump's incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus to begin discussions before Trump's inauguration on how to respond to potential outbreaks.
"That kind of thing makes it easier to just go from one to the other," Fauci said. "So yes, I wish we would be able to do that. That would be helpful."
TJ Ducklo, a spokesman for the Biden transition team, declined to comment on Fauci's remarks.
More: After Fauci said he's not surprised Trump got COVID-19, president calls top disease expert a 'disaster'
Biden and his incoming team of advisors are seeking a sign-off form the General Services administrator, Trump-appointee Emily Murphy, who must ascertain the election results before the current administration can start working with the Biden team.
Because she hasn't, millions of dollars in federal funding and use of resources for the new administration are on hold. The GSA's decision has also blocked the new administration from using federal office space and gaining access to government agencies that they'll soon take over. Biden also has not received a daily classified briefing on national security threats that is given to incoming presidents.
Biden's team has worked to move forward anyway. That includes assembling a 13-member coronavirus task force co-chaired by David Kessler, professor of pediatrics and epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California and a former U.S. Food and Drug Administration commissioner from 1990 to 1997; Vivek Murthy, former U.S. surgeon general under Obama; and Marcella Nunez-Smith, associate professor of internal medicine, public health and management at Yale University.
More: Dr. Anthony Fauci urges Americans to 'think twice' about holiday travel plans
Murthy pushed for "cooperation and communication" from the Trump administration during a briefing with media Tuesday.
Information sought by Biden's team, NBC News reported, includes: the total number of N95 masks, plastic gloves and syringes available nationwide; the availability of nurses to administer millions of doses of vaccines next year; terms of vaccine contracts with pharmaceutical companies; and access to existing databases on testing, vaccinations and protective gear.
Biden has urged all Americans to wear face masks amid rising positive COVID-19 cases and said he would work with governors and local governments to enforce masks mandates.
Biden campaigned on following the advice of doctors to combat the coronavirus pandemic and listening to Fauci, in particular. Trump has often disregarded Fauci's recommendations aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
Fauci expressed optimism about two vaccines that have shown promising test results. He said he believes the distribution of doses of the vaccines could begin by the end of December or January. But he said "COVID fatigue" and "denial" is a real issue in many states.
"If we can hang on and implement the public health measures, help is really on the way," Fauci said.
More: There are now two promising potential COVID vaccines. This is what we know about them.
Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.


usatoday--2020-11-19--Opinion: Like it or not, LaVar Ball deserves praise. He's had two sons in NBA draft top three: LaMel

The 2020 NBA draft will be remembered as a painful one for critics of LaVar Ball .
Sorry , haters , but on Wednesday , Ball made history .
He became the only man to have sons picked in the Top 5 of the NBA draft .
LaMelo Ball , LaVar ’ s youngest son , was taken by the Charlotte Hornets with the No .
3 pick .
Lonzo Ball , LaVar ’ s oldest son , was taken by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No .
2 pick of the 2017 draft .
“ It is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sims , who coached Lonzo , LaMelo and their brother , LiAngelo , when he was an assistant coach at Chino Hills High School in Southern California .
“ LaVar dedicated his life to his boys , developing them.
’ ’ As measured by the NBA draft , only one set of brothers is close .
The only other brothers both picked in the top 10 of the draft are Eugene Short , ninth overall in 1975 , and Purvis Short , fifth overall in 1978 .
LIVE TRACKER : Keep up with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NO .
1 PICK : Anthony Edwards taken first overall by Timberwolves TRANSFORMATION : How LaMelo Ball went from misunderstood to can't-miss NBA draft pick So on the eve of LaVar ’ s historic night , it was time to call George Raveling , the Nike executive and former college coach who in 2017 said Ball is “ the worst thing to happen to basketball in the last hundred years.
” Surely he wanted to pay respects to LaVar despite LaVar ’ s penchant for outrageous statements ( in his heyday , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ’ Michael Jordan one-on-one ) and meddlesome ways ( he publicly criticized former Lakers coach Luke Walton when Lonzo was with the Lakers and he criticized former New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry after Lonzo was traded to the Pelicans . )
“ I ’ m not going to get involved in that circus , ’ ’ Raveling said .
So it was time to reach out to Charles Barkley , the NBA Hall of Famer who in 2019 said of LaVar , “ Wherever LaVar Ball is , there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Surely Barkley wanted to pay LaVar respect for what will transpire at the draft and , well , we ’ re still waiting for Barkley to respond to a text message .
Then there are the critics Sims said he heard when LaVar was coaching Lonzo , LaMelo and LiAngelo on the AAU circuit and playing against older kids — sometimes five years older than LaMelo .
“ They were saying he put too much pressure on them .
‘ Oh , they ’ re little babies , ’ '' Sims said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids , you have to play better all the time .
And he had expectations and those kids played up all the time and that ’ s what made them as good as they are.
’ “ One of the critical things is he had a hands-on attitude .
He taught them what they needed to know and he put them under a physical conditioning program that allowed them to play with stronger , bigger players .
He had a plan .
Those things , I think , made a difference.
’ ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had selected LaMelo Ball , the player was sitting between his parents .
And don ’ t forget about the Ball boys ’ mother , Tina , said Sims .
“ All the media and all the fans , they were fully focused on LaVar , but Tina was a high contributor to the success of the boys , ’ ’ he said .
Sims was Tina ’ s basketball coach at Alta Loma High School and helped her get a scholarship to California State University at Los Angeles .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a member of the men ’ s basketball team .
They married and had their three sons , with LaVar in charge of basketball and Tina playing a less visible role .
“ She was the stabilizing force behind everything that was happening , ’ ’ Sims said .
“ I don ’ t think that they could have made it any other way .
She was a safe harbor for them to go to.
’ ’ Tina Ball suffered a stroke in 2017 .
But she is part of Facebook ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality show , which has documented part of her recovery .
Over the years , LaVar has said that as their boys were growing up , Tina took care of the schoolwork and LaVar took care of basketball .
“ He didn ’ t allow a lot of people on the outside influence him , ’ ’ Sims said .
“ There are a lot of coaches that restrict your talents and don ’ t let your talents bloom .
And lavar , one of the things he did was he played a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw the club teams play , they played with reckless abandon .
I mean , they pressed all the time .
it was run and shoot , run and shoot.
’ ’ In that system the Ball boys thrived , with Lonzo and LaMelo becoming elite playmakers .
At Chino Hills High School , LaVar insisted the coaches use the same freewheeling style of basketball LaVar used when he was coaching his sons in AAU basketball .
In 2015-16 , all three Ball boys played for Chino Hills and the team went 35-0 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sims recalled the conflict before and after that stellar season .
“ They ’ re were a lot of arguments , ’ ’ Sims said .
“ I mean , outright screaming matches at summer league games .
And scrimmages and so forth .
It was ugly .
“ LaVar was constantly giving instructions and the system was working .
People were trying to deny it but it was actually working .
You got to give him that.
’ ’ After the 2020 draft , you got to give LaVar props .
Like @ @ @ @

Opinion: Like it or not, LaVar Ball deserves praise. He's had two sons in NBA draft top three: LaMelo in 2020, Lonzo in 2017
Show Caption Hide Caption NBA Draft: LaMelo Ball selected No. 3 by the Charlotte Hornets SportsPulse: After a couple years playing abroad, LaMelo Ball will now call Charlotte home after being selected No. 3 by the Hornets and USA TODAY Sports' Scott Gleeson tells us what they can expect. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
The 2020 NBA draft will be remembered as a painful one for critics of LaVar Ball.
Sorry, haters, but on Wednesday, Ball made history. He became the only man to have sons picked in the Top 5 of the NBA draft.
LaMelo Ball, LaVar’s youngest son, was taken by the Charlotte Hornets with the No. 3 pick. Lonzo Ball, LaVar’s oldest son, was taken by the Los Angeles Lakers with the No. 2 pick of the 2017 draft.
“It is not an accident,’’ said Mel Sims, who coached Lonzo, LaMelo and their brother, LiAngelo, when he was an assistant coach at Chino Hills High School in Southern California. “LaVar dedicated his life to his boys, developing them.’’
As measured by the NBA draft, only one set of brothers is close.
The only other brothers both picked in the top 10 of the draft are Eugene Short, ninth overall in 1975, and Purvis Short, fifth overall in 1978.
After the draft, LaVar tweeted two photos -- a crossed-armed shot of himself and a shot with his left arm draped around LaMelo and his right arm draped around Lonzo.
"I TOLD YOU SO,'' LaVar tweeted. "Proud of you @MELOD1P.''
I TOLD YOU SO‼ Proud of you @MELOD1P 💯 pic.twitter.com/ZLKRpokaO6 — Lavar Ball (@Lavarbigballer) November 19, 2020
LIVE TRACKER: Keep up with first-round analysis for each NBA draft pick
NO. 1 PICK: Anthony Edwards taken first overall by Timberwolves
TRANSFORMATION: How LaMelo Ball went from misunderstood to can't-miss NBA draft pick
On the eve of LaVar’s historic night, it was time to call George Raveling, the Nike executive and former college coach who in 2017 said Ball is “the worst thing to happen to basketball in the last hundred years.”
Surely he wanted to pay respects to LaVar despite LaVar’s penchant for outrageous statements (in his heyday, he said, he could have “killed’’ Michael Jordan one-on-one) and meddlesome ways (he publicly criticized former Lakers coach Luke Walton when Lonzo was with the Lakers and he criticized former New Orleans Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry after Lonzo was traded to the Pelicans.)
“I’m not going to get involved in that circus,’’ Raveling said.
So it was time to reach out to Charles Barkley, the NBA Hall of Famer who in 2019 said of LaVar, “Wherever LaVar Ball is, there’s a village missing an idiot.’’
Surely Barkley wanted to pay LaVar respect for what will transpire at the draft and, well, we’re still waiting for Barkley to respond to a text message.
Then there are the critics Sims said he heard when LaVar was coaching Lonzo, LaMelo and LiAngelo on the AAU circuit and playing against older kids — sometimes five years older than LaMelo.
“They were saying he put too much pressure on them. ‘Oh, they’re little babies,’" Sims said. “But when you play with older kids, you have to play better all the time. And he had expectations and those kids played up all the time and that’s what made them as good as they are.’
“One of the critical things is he had a hands-on attitude. He taught them what they needed to know and he put them under a physical conditioning program that allowed them to play with stronger, bigger players. He had a plan. Those things, I think, made a difference.’’
When NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Charlotte had selected LaMelo Ball, the player was sitting between his parents. And don’t forget about the Ball boys’ mother, Tina, said Sims.
“All the media and all the fans, they were fully focused on LaVar, but Tina was a high contributor to the success of the boys,’’ he said.
Sims was Tina’s basketball coach at Alta Loma High School and helped her get a scholarship to California State University at Los Angeles. That’s where Tina met LaVar, who was a member of the men’s basketball team.
They married and had their three sons, with LaVar in charge of basketball and Tina playing a less visible role.
“She was the stabilizing force behind everything that was happening,’’ Sims said. “I don’t think that they could have made it any other way. She was a safe harbor for them to go to.’’
Tina Ball suffered a stroke in 2017. But she is part of Facebook’s “Ball in the Family’’ reality show, which has documented part of her recovery.
Over the years, LaVar has said that as their boys were growing up, Tina took care of the schoolwork and LaVar took care of basketball.
“He didn’t allow a lot of people on the outside influence him,’’ Sims said. “There are a lot of coaches that restrict your talents and don’t let your talents bloom. And lavar, one of the things he did was he played a wide open ballgame. If you ever saw the club teams play, they played with reckless abandon. I mean, they pressed all the time. it was run and shoot, run and shoot.’’
In that system the Ball boys thrived, with Lonzo and LaMelo becoming elite playmakers. At Chino Hills High School, LaVar insisted the coaches use the same freewheeling style of basketball LaVar used when he was coaching his sons in AAU basketball.
MORE: Top brother acts in NBA history
MORE: Did Chino Hills produce the greatest high school team ever?
In 2015-16, all three Ball boys played for Chino Hills and the team went 35-0 and won the mythical national championships. Sims recalled the conflict before and after that stellar season.
“They’re were a lot of arguments,’’ Sims said. “I mean, outright screaming matches at summer league games. And scrimmages and so forth. It was ugly.
“LaVar was constantly giving instructions and the system was working. People were trying to deny it but it was actually working. You got to give him that.’’
After the 2020 draft, you got to give LaVar props.
Like it or not.


usatoday--2020-11-18--Several starters, key Las Vegas Raiders players land on COVID-19 list ahead of game vs. Kansas City

Several key starting defenders on the Las Vegas Raiders have landed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list as the team gears up to face AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday .
The team placed six players on the list Wednesday , including safety Johnathan Abram , defensive tackle Maliek Collins , nose tackle Johnathan Hankins , all of whom are starters , and defensive end Arden Key , cornerback Isaiah Johnson and defensive tackle Kendall Vickers , who are backups .
They joined defensive end Clelin Ferrell and cornerback Lamarcus Joyner , both starters , who were placed on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown and linebacker Cory Littleton were already on the list at the start of the week .
MORE : NFL discusses expanding playoff field to 16 as COVID-19 contingency plan According to the NFL Network , Ferrell tested positive for the novel coronavirus and many of the other additions are due to high-risk close contacts .
For the players who are deemed close contacts , they will be eligible to play Sunday , provided they test negative leading up to gameday .
Even if they continue to test negative for the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice time and preparation for Sunday 's game .
Ferrell posted an Instagram story to his verified account Tuesday , hinting that he would miss the Chiefs game .
`` I ’ m doing OK thank you to everyone who reached out !
!
! ''
Ferrell wrote .
`` I ’ ll be back better than ever !
!
( Expletive ) hurts but we got better goals than one game !
!
Thank you Raider nation !
! ''
The Raiders ( 6-3 ) already defeated the Chiefs ( 8-1 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NFL 's second-ranked scoring offense , averaging 31.8 points a game .
Earlier on Wednesday , the NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams , indicating that the league was placing every franchise in the intensive protocol , effective Saturday , for the remainder of the season .
`` Obviously the world is in a state right now where that 's a great decision , '' Gruden said of the NFL putting all teams under the intensive protocol for the remainder of the season .
`` It impacts everything just like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do a lot of Zoom meetings and you 've got to adapt to the rules and you 've got to keep safety paramount . ''

Several starters, key Las Vegas Raiders players land on COVID-19 list ahead of game vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Show Caption Hide Caption Should the NFL consider a bubble system for the playoffs? USA Sports' Mackenzie Salmon breaks own the NFL's fight against COVID-19 with NFL writers Mike Jones and Jarrett Bell. USA TODAY
Several key starting defenders on the Las Vegas Raiders have landed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list as the team gears up to face AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
The team placed six players on the list Wednesday, including safety Johnathan Abram, defensive tackle Maliek Collins, nose tackle Johnathan Hankins, all of whom are starters, and defensive end Arden Key, cornerback Isaiah Johnson and defensive tackle Kendall Vickers, who are backups.
They joined defensive end Clelin Ferrell and cornerback Lamarcus Joyner, both starters, who were placed on the list on Tuesday.
Offensive tackle Trent Brown and linebacker Cory Littleton were already on the list at the start of the week.
NFL CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: Unidentified Rams player tests positive; Raiders lose Clelin Ferrell
MORE: NFL discusses expanding playoff field to 16 as COVID-19 contingency plan
According to the NFL Network, Ferrell tested positive for the novel coronavirus and many of the other additions are due to high-risk close contacts.
For the players who are deemed close contacts, they will be eligible to play Sunday, provided they test negative leading up to gameday. Even if they continue to test negative for the virus, though, the additions will significantly disrupt practice time and preparation for Sunday's game.
Ferrell posted an Instagram story to his verified account Tuesday, hinting that he would miss the Chiefs game.
"I’m doing OK thank you to everyone who reached out!!!" Ferrell wrote. "I’ll be back better than ever!! (Expletive) hurts but we got better goals than one game!! Thank you Raider nation!!"
The Raiders (6-3) already defeated the Chiefs (8-1) earlier this year. Kansas City has the NFL's second-ranked scoring offense, averaging 31.8 points a game.
Earlier on Wednesday, the NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams, indicating that the league was placing every franchise in the intensive protocol, effective Saturday, for the remainder of the season.
"Obviously the world is in a state right now where that's a great decision," Gruden said of the NFL putting all teams under the intensive protocol for the remainder of the season. "It impacts everything just like it impacts this press conference. You do a lot of Zoom meetings and you've got to adapt to the rules and you've got to keep safety paramount."


usatoday--2020-11-19--In coronavirus war, hang on, help is on the way with COVID-19 vaccine: Anthony Fauci Q&A

With U.S. coronavirus deaths passing 250,000 and at least two effective vaccines on the horizon , the USA TODAY Editorial Board spoke Wednesday with Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation ’ s leading authority on infectious diseases .
Fauci , who turns 80 next month , has been director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984 .
Questions and answers have been edited for length , clarity and flow : Q : At what point did you realize that this novel coronavirus was not another drill , that it was your worst nightmare coming to pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gradual thing that went from an uneasiness to a real concern to ‘ oh , my goodness , it 's here.
’ When I saw what the Chinese were doing , starting to build a lot of hospitals like overnight , ( we knew ) there 's something really bad going on there .
At the end of January we had our first case ( in the United States ) .
Very soon thereafter , it became clear that there was community spread .
That 's when I knew we were in for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was going on in China .
And then when Italy exploded , it just nailed it down that it 's going to be really a problem .
Q : We 're in an excruciating time where the virus is surging throughout the country even as apparently safe and effective vaccines are on the horizon .
What 's the most important thing for people to do between now and when the cavalry arrives ?
A : The cavalry is on its way .
It 's not here yet , but it 's going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than expected efficacy signal on two vaccines .
We 're likely to already start having distribution of doses , hopefully by the end of December but certainly no later than at the beginning of January .
If we can hang on and implement the public health measures , help is really on the way .
Q .
What about COVID fatigue and denialism ?
A .
Even in some of the states where they 're getting really hit badly , we 're hearing people even denying there 's a problem as their hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a spillover of a combination of fatigue for people who are trying ( to stay safe ) and denial for people who always think that everything is fake news .
It really becomes an unprecedented public health challenge .
Q .
Do we need a lockdown ?
A .
You do n't need to shut everything down .
You just have to look at where you 're having the spread and make sure you put a bit of a clamp on that without shutting down every shop and every small business .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I find it so frustrating that when I ( talk about ) the five measures — uniform wearing of masks ; physical distance ; avoiding congregate settings , particularly indoors ; trying to do things , to the extent possible that weather allows , outdoors more than indoors ; and washing hands — people sometimes interpret that as shutting down .
That 's not shutting down .
That 's implementing public health measures at the same time as you keep things open .
Q .
Why is the virus spreading so quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today are in innocent family and friend dinner gatherings at home because of the almost intuitive instinct that , when you 're with family and friends and nobody appears to be physically ill , it 's OK to congregate 10 or 12 people for drinks or for a meal or what have you .
But it 's indoors because the weather is cold .
That 's where we 're seeing these types of outbreaks .
As we get into the colder weather , we should really think twice about these kinds of dinner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , people have to reevaluate and take a risk-benefit assessment for their own individual family unit as to whether they want to have a big family gathering now , particularly as cases are surging in almost every single part of the country .
Q : Is it safe to fly home for the holiday ?
A : Even though in general , planes can be safe , it 's not totally safe , just like anywhere when you 're out in the environment with people .
( You have to consider ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a situation where you have elderly people or people who have underlying conditions that would put them at a higher risk of a serious outcome .
That should determine what your decision is about the risk you 're willing to take .
The risk of not traveling is less than the risk of traveling .
We do n't quantify that .
We do n't know exactly how much that is .
So you 've got to decide during this period of a lot of infection going on … do you want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where there may be 12 , 15 , 20 people ?
Q .
What is your own family doing this year ?
A. I have three adult daughters who live in different parts of the country .
They made a decision because of my age that as much as they would love to see me , and my wife and I would love to see them , that they are not going to come for Thanksgiving .
So we decided that my wife and I are going to say we had a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to a great Thanksgiving next year .
But ( this year ) we 're going to call a time out .
Q : On Tuesday , you said that the time has come for a less disjointed , more unified national response .
Have we passed the point where it makes sense for every city and county and state to be issuing its own guidelines and curfews ?
A : There are obviously going to be some differences , because we have such a large , diverse country .
But the differences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be really some common denominators that everyone follows .
We 've got to say , ‘ OK , folks , enough is enough with this political divisiveness , with this claiming that people are making things up .
Get rid of these ridiculous conspiracy theories and realize this is a public health crisis.
’ … We do n't want to shut down as a nation because of the psychological and economic consequences of that .
But we at least have got to be consistent in doing some fundamental things , so that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vulnerable position .
A .
The data speak for themselves .
We have over 11 million infections .
We have ( more than ) 250,000 deaths .
When you look at the map , where the colors that get darker and redder show that there 's increased activity , it 's almost the entire country .
Things are going in the wrong direction in an arena of increased risk , namely the cooler and colder weather .
I mean , let 's go , folks .
What about that do n't you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a strategy to reach the skeptics ?
Can they be reached ?
A : It 's very frustrating and , in many respects , it is beyond frustrating because as a person of science , you 're guided by the data .
Sometimes the data are not clear .
Sometimes you get studies that vary a bit and confuse people .
But sometimes data are really solid , and you ca n't run away from data that 's solid .
Q .
What about people who claim COVID is no worse than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 250,000 coronavirus ) deaths , 11 million infections and 70,000 people in the hospital .
Flu does n't even come close .
When you ask me about frustration , which borders on pain , it ’ s that either people do n't want to look at the data or they look at the data and they say it 's fake .
No , it is n't fake .
… This is a global issue .
I tell the people who deny or think that this is nothing , do you mean that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same thing , is making things up ?
They 're not .
I mean , it 's so obvious .
Q .
How is the latest surge manifesting itself ?
A .
Go to Billings , Montana , where this intensive care ( doctor told NPR that they ) have 24 ICU beds , but yesterday we had 44 ICU patients .
You never , ever see that with seasonal flu .
That 's the issue of the day .
Q .
Some people are just very resistant to data and facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do , or does it really depend more on national leadership ?
A : What we do need is a consistency of message .
… This is real , and if the divisiveness is so severe that people do n't think it 's real when people are flooding hospitals and dying at a rate that we have n't seen with a disease of this type in 102 years , I hope that 's enough of a stimulus for us to drop back as a nation and say , hey , folks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other about what this divide is between us , because it is mind boggling in many respects .
Q : Have there been discussions with the incoming Biden camp about finding better ways to communicate with the public ?
A : No , there have not been any formal discussions .
Q : Do you wish that there were discussions ?
A : Yes .
… I have served under six administrations and have witnessed and been a part of five transitions .
Transitions are really important .
They are important because you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I use the metaphor of a relay race where , when you look at a relay race and someone is running fast and they pass the baton on to the next person in the relay , you do n't have the person running stop and then have the next person start from a stop .
You 're all running together and you pass the baton .
That 's where the smooth transition is .
Q .
Was there a smooth transition in 2016 ?
A. I can remember four years ago with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Trump administration .
( There ) was a meeting in the Old Executive Office building where I was there talking about the concept of emerging infections and why it would be important to be able to know and understand that they do occur and they occur in a way that sometimes is insidious .
I mean , that 's what I 'm talking about .
That kind of thing makes it easier to just go from one to the other .
So , yes , I would wish that we would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be helpful .
Q : If Ron Klain , Biden 's incoming chief of staff who has a lot of experience with public health , were to call you after this meeting , are you allowed to take his call ?
Or have you been told you 're forbidden to speak with the Biden transition team ?
A : I have not been formally told that anything is forbidden .
But it 's quite obvious that this is a very sensitive period .
… I have tried to the best of my ability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and just focus on my role as a public health person , a physician and a scientist .
To be honest with you , I believe that the Biden people , including Ron Klain , understand that and do n't want to put me in a compromised position .
Q : New York and several other states are saying they want an extra layer of review for any vaccines that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration , essentially because they do n't trust anything coming out of the Trump administration .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wise or appropriate ?
A : I understand what they 're doing , ( but ) I think they may have the unintended consequence of creating a layer of doubt about the ultimate decision and recommendation that a vaccine is safe and effective .
And maybe by my saying this here , I can have a public outreach to them to explain that the process of a decision , whether something is safe and effective , is really an independent process .
Q .
What is the process ?
A .
The data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no one , not to the administration , not to the company and not to me .
They 're independent , and they independently and intermittently look at the data .
And the last time they looked at the data , this independent group said the data are extraordinary .
There were 95 cases ( of COVID-19 ) — 90 in the placebo group and five in the vaccine group , which was a 94.5 % efficacy .
There were 11 severe cases — zero in the vaccine group , 11 in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefully .
The data were then presented to me , which they did this past Sunday afternoon .
Q .
What happens next ?
A .
The data will be presented to the FDA to get an emergency use authorization .
The career scientists , who are beholden to no one , will look at the data and then they will get advice from their advisory board , which is called the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee .
That group will then advise the FDA as to whether or not they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or for a biological license application .
Then those data will be published and will be public for all the scientists around to look at .
It is transparent , and it 's independent .
Q .
Can you understand why some people are skeptical ?
A. I know there 's a lot of stuff coming out of Washington to get people concerned .
Is there pressure , or what have you ?
But I can tell you that the process is such that I would — when it gets approved by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn , when it comes — take the vaccine and I would recommend that my family take the vaccine .
Q : If the first doses of vaccine are available for front-line workers in December and January , when should the U.S. general population expect to get theirs ?
A : Just the normal everyday person in the street , likely starting sometime in April as we go into May , June , July .
So that hopefully , by the time we get to the end of the second quarter and looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do get people vaccinated to a high degree , then you can start talking about this umbrella or blanket of protection on society that would diminish dramatically the risk of a person being exposed or even being infected .
Q .
And when would life return to normal ?
A .
When so many people are protected , that 's when you get into the real herd immunity , namely , the overwhelming majority of the population is protected because of the vaccine .
So that 's why when people ask when do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some sort of normality , it 's kind of dependent upon us .
One other comment that I want to link to my answer , is that just because you 're vaccinated does not mean that you should abandon all public health measures .
The vaccine is a complement , not a substitute .
It would be a substitute when you get everybody vaccinated and there 's no virus around , sort of like with measles .
Q : A survey that came out in September said that only 32 % of Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine enough to take it .
How would you reach out to the Black community and reassure people that taking the vaccine is actually safe ?
A : Well , the first thing is that we need to understand the truly understandable reasons why minority communities , particularly African Americans , feel that way .
Because history of the interaction between the federal government and the arena of health is not a good history dating back to the Tuskegee issues and even others that have followed .
… So there are two things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and independence .
And two , outreach to the community by people who are trusted by the community .
Q .
Were minority groups adequately represented in the clinical trials for the Moderna vaccine developed in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health ?
A .
Here at NIH ( we worked ) very hard to get minority representation in the actual clinical trial .
So that when the clinical trial is proven to be safe and effective , you can go to the brown and Black community and say , you know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we know it works and is safe in you because here 's the data from the trial .
What you do n't want to do is to get a ‘ white man 's vaccine ’ and say we 're going to give it to Black people , or say that it 's not been properly tested in an equitable way in brown and Black people .
So what we did with the trial is we said we want representation of the elderly , white , brown , Black , people with underlying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel if it 's effective across the board .
Q : And then you need to persuade people to take it .
A : That 's really important .
We know we have an efficacious vaccine .
We 've proven it .
It 's 94.5 % -95 % efficacious .
It would not be effective if people do n't take it .
If you have 30 % , 40 % , 50 % of the population that do n't want to take it , you have an efficacious vaccine that is being blocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking it .
The best case scenario , if we really want to crush this outbreak , is to have a highly efficacious vaccine , which we already know we have .
We have two of them , and we likely will have more than two .
And to make that vaccine effective by having the overwhelming majority of the population take it .
It would be extremely detrimental if we have an efficacious vaccine and people do n't take it .
It would be actually a tragedy .
Q : Once you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it take to develop immunity ?
A : You can expect that about seven days or so following the second boost , you can actually get a considerable degree of protection .
In fact , some people might even get a degree of protection after the first dose , maybe two weeks or three weeks after the first dose .
But clearly , when you get out to about seven days after the second dose , you can be fairly certain that you were in a good degree of immunity .
Q .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ A .
We do not know that .
That 's an important question .
And that 's the reason why these studies go out for two years .
Q : At what point does it become unethical to keep people in the placebo groups ?
A : It becomes unethical if you have widespread availability of the vaccine that 's highly effective and just for the purpose of the study , you 're keeping them in a placebo group .
But you can extend it for a week or two to get data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealing with , because the long-range benefit to the individual and to society would likely be much , much greater for that extra week or two that you keep them on .
Q .
If multiple vaccines are available , how do I know which one to take ?
A .
The availability of the distribution is going to be recommended to the CDC ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ) , which is the final decider as to what the prioritization is .
… You 're going to see kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you might find , which we 've seen with other vaccines , is that some might be more appropriate for the elderly versus the young , some maybe more for pregnant women versus people with underlying conditions .
We do n't know that yet .
… What we 're hearing in the preliminary analysis of the data is that ( the first two vaccines appear ) to be effective across all the subgroups , which is really quite good news .
Q : What concerns you most right now ?
A : If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late fall and the ( daily ) baseline of infections is over 100,000 , it becomes so difficult ( to control surges ) because the degree of community spread that represents is really profound .
And it makes what we have to do so much more difficult .
Which is the reason why I get back to what I said — Please folks , hang on to the extent that we can , because help is on the way with a vaccine .
This is not going to be an indefinite situation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ end .
MORE Q & As : Coronavirus experts on what to do and U.S. response to the pandemic

In coronavirus war, hang on, help is on the way with COVID-19 vaccine: Anthony Fauci Q&A Dr. Anthony Fauci: When the COVID-19 vaccine gets approved by the FDA, I would take the vaccine and I would recommend that my family take the vaccine.
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Enough is enough' with political divisiveness, false COVID claims: Fauci Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, talks COVID-19 frustrations, vaccine and building public trust. USA TODAY
With U.S. coronavirus deaths passing 250,000 and at least two effective vaccines on the horizon, the USA TODAY Editorial Board spoke Wednesday with Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading authority on infectious diseases. Fauci, who turns 80 next month, has been director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984. Questions and answers have been edited for length, clarity and flow:
Q: At what point did you realize that this novel coronavirus was not another drill, that it was your worst nightmare coming to pass?
A: It was really a gradual thing that went from an uneasiness to a real concern to ‘oh, my goodness, it's here.’ When I saw what the Chinese were doing, starting to build a lot of hospitals like overnight, (we knew) there's something really bad going on there. At the end of January we had our first case (in the United States). Very soon thereafter, it became clear that there was community spread. That's when I knew we were in for some serious trouble, particularly with what was going on in China. And then when Italy exploded, it just nailed it down that it's going to be really a problem.
Q: We're in an excruciating time where the virus is surging throughout the country even as apparently safe and effective vaccines are on the horizon. What's the most important thing for people to do between now and when the cavalry arrives?
A: The cavalry is on its way. It's not here yet, but it's going to come. We have an even better than expected efficacy signal on two vaccines. We're likely to already start having distribution of doses, hopefully by the end of December but certainly no later than at the beginning of January. If we can hang on and implement the public health measures, help is really on the way.
Q. What about COVID fatigue and denialism?
A. Even in some of the states where they're getting really hit badly, we're hearing people even denying there's a problem as their hospitals are getting filled. I think that's a spillover of a combination of fatigue for people who are trying (to stay safe) and denial for people who always think that everything is fake news. It really becomes an unprecedented public health challenge.
Q. Do we need a lockdown?
A. You don't need to shut everything down. You just have to look at where you're having the spread and make sure you put a bit of a clamp on that without shutting down every shop and every small business. You don't need to do that. I find it so frustrating that when I (talk about) the five measures — uniform wearing of masks; physical distance; avoiding congregate settings, particularly indoors; trying to do things, to the extent possible that weather allows, outdoors more than indoors; and washing hands — people sometimes interpret that as shutting down. That's not shutting down. That's implementing public health measures at the same time as you keep things open.
Q. Why is the virus spreading so quickly?
A. Many of the infections today are in innocent family and friend dinner gatherings at home because of the almost intuitive instinct that, when you're with family and friends and nobody appears to be physically ill, it's OK to congregate 10 or 12 people for drinks or for a meal or what have you. But it's indoors because the weather is cold. That's where we're seeing these types of outbreaks. As we get into the colder weather, we should really think twice about these kinds of dinner parties.
Q. Like Thanksgiving dinner?
A. With Thanksgiving next week, people have to reevaluate and take a risk-benefit assessment for their own individual family unit as to whether they want to have a big family gathering now, particularly as cases are surging in almost every single part of the country.
Q: Is it safe to fly home for the holiday?
A: Even though in general, planes can be safe, it's not totally safe, just like anywhere when you're out in the environment with people. (You have to consider) whether or not in your family you have a situation where you have elderly people or people who have underlying conditions that would put them at a higher risk of a serious outcome. That should determine what your decision is about the risk you're willing to take. The risk of not traveling is less than the risk of traveling. We don't quantify that. We don't know exactly how much that is. So you've got to decide during this period of a lot of infection going on … do you want to travel and go to a Thanksgiving meal where there may be 12, 15, 20 people?
Q. What is your own family doing this year?
A. I have three adult daughters who live in different parts of the country. They made a decision because of my age that as much as they would love to see me, and my wife and I would love to see them, that they are not going to come for Thanksgiving. So we decided that my wife and I are going to say we had a great Thanksgiving last year and we're looking forward to a great Thanksgiving next year. But (this year) we're going to call a timeout.
Q: On Tuesday, you said that the time has come for a less disjointed, more unified national response. Have we passed the point where it makes sense for every city and county and state to be issuing its own guidelines and curfews?
A: There are obviously going to be some differences, because we have such a large, diverse country. But the differences shouldn't be fundamental. There should be really some common denominators that everyone follows. We've got to say, ‘OK, folks, enough is enough with this political divisiveness, with this claiming that people are making things up. Get rid of these ridiculous conspiracy theories and realize this is a public health crisis.’ … We don't want to shut down as a nation because of the psychological and economic consequences of that. But we at least have got to be consistent in doing some fundamental things, so that's what concerns me. We're in a vulnerable position.
Q. How vulnerable?
A. The data speak for themselves. We have over 11 million infections. We have (more than) 250,000 deaths. When you look at the map, where the colors that get darker and redder show that there's increased activity, it's almost the entire country. Things are going in the wrong direction in an arena of increased risk, namely the cooler and colder weather. I mean, let's go, folks. What about that don't you understand?
Q: Do you have a strategy to reach the skeptics? Can they be reached?
A: It's very frustrating and, in many respects, it is beyond frustrating because as a person of science, you're guided by the data. Sometimes the data are not clear. Sometimes you get studies that vary a bit and confuse people. But sometimes data are really solid, and you can't run away from data that's solid.
Q. What about people who claim COVID is no worse than the flu?
A. You have (over 250,000 coronavirus) deaths, 11 million infections and 70,000 people in the hospital. Flu doesn't even come close. When you ask me about frustration, which borders on pain, it’s that either people don't want to look at the data or they look at the data and they say it's fake. No, it isn't fake. … This is a global issue. I tell the people who deny or think that this is nothing, do you mean that every single country in Europe is doing the same thing, is making things up? They're not. I mean, it's so obvious.
Q. How is the latest surge manifesting itself?
A. Go to Billings, Montana, where this intensive care (doctor told NPR that they) have 24 ICU beds, but yesterday we had 44 ICU patients. You never, ever see that with seasonal flu. That's the issue of the day.
Q. Some people are just very resistant to data and facts. Is there really anything that we can do, or does it really depend more on national leadership?
A: What we do need is a consistency of message. … This is real, and if the divisiveness is so severe that people don't think it's real when people are flooding hospitals and dying at a rate that we haven't seen with a disease of this type in 102 years, I hope that's enough of a stimulus for us to drop back as a nation and say, hey, folks, we got to start talking to each other about what this divide is between us, because it is mind boggling in many respects.
Q: Have there been discussions with the incoming Biden camp about finding better ways to communicate with the public?
A: No, there have not been any formal discussions.
Q: Do you wish that there were discussions?
A: Yes. … I have served under six administrations and have witnessed and been a part of five transitions. Transitions are really important. They are important because you don't want to miss a step. I use the metaphor of a relay race where, when you look at a relay race and someone is running fast and they pass the baton on to the next person in the relay, you don't have the person running stop and then have the next person start from a stop. You're all running together and you pass the baton. That's where the smooth transition is.
Q. Was there a smooth transition in 2016?
A. I can remember four years ago with the transition of the Obama administration to the Trump administration. (There) was a meeting in the Old Executive Office building where I was there talking about the concept of emerging infections and why it would be important to be able to know and understand that they do occur and they occur in a way that sometimes is insidious. I mean, that's what I'm talking about. That kind of thing makes it easier to just go from one to the other. So, yes, I would wish that we would be able to do that. That would be helpful.
Q: If Ron Klain, Biden's incoming chief of staff who has a lot of experience with public health, were to call you after this meeting, are you allowed to take his call? Or have you been told you're forbidden to speak with the Biden transition team?
A: I have not been formally told that anything is forbidden. But it's quite obvious that this is a very sensitive period. … I have tried to the best of my ability to stay out of the political aspects and just focus on my role as a public health person, a physician and a scientist. To be honest with you, I believe that the Biden people, including Ron Klain, understand that and don't want to put me in a compromised position.
Q: New York and several other states are saying they want an extra layer of review for any vaccines that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, essentially because they don't trust anything coming out of the Trump administration. Is that extra layer of review either wise or appropriate?
A: I understand what they're doing, (but) I think they may have the unintended consequence of creating a layer of doubt about the ultimate decision and recommendation that a vaccine is safe and effective. And maybe by my saying this here, I can have a public outreach to them to explain that the process of a decision, whether something is safe and effective, is really an independent process.
Q. What is the process?
A. The data and safety monitoring board is beholden to no one, not to the administration, not to the company and not to me. They're independent, and they independently and intermittently look at the data. And the last time they looked at the data, this independent group said the data are extraordinary. There were 95 cases (of COVID-19) — 90 in the placebo group and five in the vaccine group, which was a 94.5% efficacy. There were 11 severe cases — zero in the vaccine group, 11 in the placebo group. They examined that data carefully. The data were then presented to me, which they did this past Sunday afternoon.
Q. What happens next?
A. The data will be presented to the FDA to get an emergency use authorization. The career scientists, who are beholden to no one, will look at the data and then they will get advice from their advisory board, which is called the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. That group will then advise the FDA as to whether or not they should approve the vaccine for an EUA or for a biological license application. Then those data will be published and will be public for all the scientists around to look at. It is transparent, and it's independent.
Q. Can you understand why some people are skeptical?
A. I know there's a lot of stuff coming out of Washington to get people concerned. Is there pressure, or what have you? But I can tell you that the process is such that I would — when it gets approved by the FDA, given the time of my turn, when it comes — take the vaccine and I would recommend that my family take the vaccine.
Q: If the first doses of vaccine are available for front-line workers in December and January, when should the U.S. general population expect to get theirs?
A: Just the normal everyday person in the street, likely starting sometime in April as we go into May, June, July. So that hopefully, by the time we get to the end of the second quarter and looking at the third quarter, if we do get people vaccinated to a high degree, then you can start talking about this umbrella or blanket of protection on society that would diminish dramatically the risk of a person being exposed or even being infected.
Q. And when would life return to normal?
A. When so many people are protected, that's when you get into the real herd immunity, namely, the overwhelming majority of the population is protected because of the vaccine. So that's why when people ask when do I think when they get back to some sort of normality, it's kind of dependent upon us. One other comment that I want to link to my answer, is that just because you're vaccinated does not mean that you should abandon all public health measures. The vaccine is a complement, not a substitute. It would be a substitute when you get everybody vaccinated and there's no virus around, sort of like with measles.
Q: A survey that came out in September said that only 32% of Black Americans said that they would trust the vaccine enough to take it. How would you reach out to the Black community and reassure people that taking the vaccine is actually safe?
A: Well, the first thing is that we need to understand the truly understandable reasons why minority communities, particularly African Americans, feel that way. Because history of the interaction between the federal government and the arena of health is not a good history dating back to the Tuskegee issues and even others that have followed. … So there are two things. One, show transparency and consistency and independence. And two, outreach to the community by people who are trusted by the community.
Q. Were minority groups adequately represented in the clinical trials for the Moderna vaccine developed in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health?
A. Here at NIH (we worked) very hard to get minority representation in the actual clinical trial. So that when the clinical trial is proven to be safe and effective, you can go to the brown and Black community and say, you know, you all participated in the trial and we know it works and is safe in you because here's the data from the trial. What you don't want to do is to get a ‘white man's vaccine’ and say we're going to give it to Black people, or say that it's not been properly tested in an equitable way in brown and Black people. So what we did with the trial is we said we want representation of the elderly, white, brown, Black, people with underlying conditions so that we can get a feel if it's effective across the board.
Q: And then you need to persuade people to take it.
A: That's really important. We know we have an efficacious vaccine. We've proven it. It's 94.5%-95% efficacious. It would not be effective if people don't take it. If you have 30%, 40%, 50% of the population that don't want to take it, you have an efficacious vaccine that is being blocked from being effective because people aren't taking it. The best case scenario, if we really want to crush this outbreak, is to have a highly efficacious vaccine, which we already know we have. We have two of them, and we likely will have more than two. And to make that vaccine effective by having the overwhelming majority of the population take it. It would be extremely detrimental if we have an efficacious vaccine and people don't take it. It would be actually a tragedy.
Q: Once you get the vaccine, how long does it take to develop immunity?
A: You can expect that about seven days or so following the second boost, you can actually get a considerable degree of protection. In fact, some people might even get a degree of protection after the first dose, maybe two weeks or three weeks after the first dose. But clearly, when you get out to about seven days after the second dose, you can be fairly certain that you were in a good degree of immunity.
Q. How long will that immunity last?
A. We do not know that. That's an important question. And that's the reason why these studies go out for two years.
Q: At what point does it become unethical to keep people in the placebo groups?
A: It becomes unethical if you have widespread availability of the vaccine that's highly effective and just for the purpose of the study, you're keeping them in a placebo group. But you can extend it for a week or two to get data to really nail down what you're dealing with, because the long-range benefit to the individual and to society would likely be much, much greater for that extra week or two that you keep them on.
Q. If multiple vaccines are available, how do I know which one to take?
A. The availability of the distribution is going to be recommended to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), which is the final decider as to what the prioritization is. … You're going to see kind of a graded rollout of vaccines. What you might find, which we've seen with other vaccines, is that some might be more appropriate for the elderly versus the young, some maybe more for pregnant women versus people with underlying conditions. We don't know that yet. … What we're hearing in the preliminary analysis of the data is that (the first two vaccines appear) to be effective across all the subgroups, which is really quite good news.
Q: What concerns you most right now?
A: If you go into the winter or the late fall and the (daily) baseline of infections is over 100,000, it becomes so difficult (to control surges) because the degree of community spread that represents is really profound. And it makes what we have to do so much more difficult. Which is the reason why I get back to what I said — Please folks, hang on to the extent that we can, because help is on the way with a vaccine. This is not going to be an indefinite situation. It will change, and it will end.
MORE Q&As: Coronavirus experts on what to do and U.S. response to the pandemic


usatoday--2020-11-18--Karlie Kloss is expecting her first child with husband Joshua Kushner

Karlie Kloss is going to be a model mom .
The supermodel and `` Project Runway '' host , 28 , is expecting her first child with husband Joshua Kushner , Kloss confirmed on Instagram Wednesday .
`` good morning baby , '' Kloss captioned an intimate video showing off her growing baby bump while lounging in a black bra and pajama bottoms .
Kloss and Kushner 's baby news comes one month after the couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary in October .
Kloss and her husband threw an elaborate wedding bash in June 2019 after getting married in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I fall more in love with you every day ❤ Happy 2nd anniversary , '' Kloss captioned a black-and-white Instagram video of the couple slow dancing on their wedding day .
Kushner , 35 , added : `` happy anniversary karlie .
i pinch myself every day . ''
Karlie Kloss shares the making-of her custom Dior wedding gown on first anniversary Karlie Kloss and Joshua Kushner throw an elaborate wedding bash 8 months after tying the knot Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner , the husband of Ivanka Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite her polarizing in-laws , Kloss has said her political stance remains undeterred .
`` I 'm sure I 'm not the only person in this country who does not necessarily agree with their family on politics , '' she told Andy Cohen in January after a `` Project Runway '' contestant brought up her family during a viral moment .
`` I voted as a Democrat in 2016 and I plan to do the same in 2020 . ''
'Project Runway ' contestant goes viralafter bringing up the Kushners to host Karlie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very passionate about different issues , women 's reproductive health and you know , I 'm very involved with Planned Parenthood . ''
Cohen then turned the focus onto her `` love story '' with Joshua , saying they fell in love `` long before ( Trump 's ) election . ''
`` I met my man in 2012 , I was 19 years old – it was 2012 , it was a different world , '' she said .
`` My man and I have been through a lot together , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my partner .
It 's not been easy but it 's worth it .
And I would make that same decision a million times again . ''

Karlie Kloss is expecting her first child with husband Joshua Kushner
Show Caption Hide Caption Karlie Kloss is married! Supermodel weds Joshua Kushner Three months after announcing their engagement, Karlie Kloss and Joshua Kushner have officially tied the knot! Time
Karlie Kloss is going to be a model mom.
The supermodel and "Project Runway" host, 28, is expecting her first child with husband Joshua Kushner, Kloss confirmed on Instagram Wednesday.
"good morning baby," Kloss captioned an intimate video showing off her growing baby bump while lounging in a black bra and pajama bottoms.
Kloss and Kushner's baby news comes one month after the couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary in October. Kloss and her husband threw an elaborate wedding bash in June 2019 after getting married in a low-key ceremony eight months prior.
"I fall more in love with you every day ❤ Happy 2nd anniversary," Kloss captioned a black-and-white Instagram video of the couple slow dancing on their wedding day. Kushner, 35, added: "happy anniversary karlie. i pinch myself every day."
Karlie Kloss shares the making-of her custom Dior wedding gown on first anniversary
Karlie Kloss and Joshua Kushner throw an elaborate wedding bash 8 months after tying the knot
Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, the husband of Ivanka Trump and senior advisor to President Donald Trump.
Despite her polarizing in-laws, Kloss has said her political stance remains undeterred.
"I'm sure I'm not the only person in this country who does not necessarily agree with their family on politics," she told Andy Cohen in January after a "Project Runway" contestant brought up her family during a viral moment. "I voted as a Democrat in 2016 and I plan to do the same in 2020."
Karlie Kloss clarifies political stance after viral 'Project Runway' clip
'Project Runway' contestant goes viral after bringing up the Kushners to host Karlie Kloss
She continued, "I'm very passionate about different issues, women's reproductive health and you know, I'm very involved with Planned Parenthood."
Cohen then turned the focus onto her "love story" with Joshua, saying they fell in love "long before (Trump's) election."
"I met my man in 2012, I was 19 years old – it was 2012, it was a different world," she said. "My man and I have been through a lot together, and I'm so proud that he's my partner. It's not been easy but it's worth it. And I would make that same decision a million times again."
Contributing: Sara M Moniuszko


usatoday--2020-11-18--Barack Obama memoir 'A Promised Land' sells more than 887,000 copies on first day

President Barack Obama has another best-seller on his hands .
The first volume of Obama 's presidential memoirs , `` A Promised Land , '' which hit shelves Tuesday , sold more than 887,000 copies ( including preorders ) across all formats in the U.S. and Canada on its first day of release , publisher Penguin Random House announced Wednesday .
It 's on track to be the best-selling presidential memoir in modern history .
By comparison , Bill Clinton ’ s “ My Life ” sold around 400,000 copies on its first day and George W. Bush ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with sales for each memoir currently between 3.5 million and 4 million copies .
“ We are thrilled with the first day sales , ” said David Drake , publisher of the Penguin Random House imprint Crown .
“ They reflect the widespread excitement that readers have for President Obama 's highly anticipated and extraordinarily written book.
” '' A Promised Land '' charts Obama 's path to the White House up to 2011 and the killing of Osama bin Laden .
In it , the 59-year-old former president reflects on his legacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitions and the political reality of a Republican-controlled House and Senate that hampered them .
The book hit shelves just two weeks after his former vice president , Joe Biden , was voted to replace his successor , President Donald Trump .
Obama also authored the memoirs `` The Audacity of Hope : Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream '' ( 2006 ) and `` Dreams from My Father : A Story of Race and Inheritance '' ( 1995 ) , as well as the 2010 children 's book , `` Of Thee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daughters . ''
Barack is n't the only best-selling writer in the Obama family .
Former first lady Michelle Obama 's 2018 memoir `` Becoming '' sold 725,000 copies on its first day and more than 1.4 million copies in its first week of release , becoming one of the fastest-selling nonfiction books in history .
It has since sold 10 million copies worldwide and is still so in demand that Crown , which publishes both Obamas and reportedly paid around $ 60 million for their books , has yet to release a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel guilty ' : Barack Obama reflects on family , presidency in ' A Promised Land '

Barack Obama memoir 'A Promised Land' sells more than 887,000 copies on first day
Show Caption Hide Caption Barack Obama on ego and the presidency By the time he assumed office, Obama realized, "The ego part of it didn't interest me anymore. What interested me was what could I get done." Apple TV+
President Barack Obama has another best-seller on his hands.
The first volume of Obama's presidential memoirs, "A Promised Land," which hit shelves Tuesday, sold more than 887,000 copies (including preorders) across all formats in the U.S. and Canada on its first day of release, publisher Penguin Random House announced Wednesday. It's on track to be the best-selling presidential memoir in modern history.
By comparison, Bill Clinton’s “My Life” sold around 400,000 copies on its first day and George W. Bush’s “Decision Points” around 220,000, with sales for each memoir currently between 3.5 million and 4 million copies.
“We are thrilled with the first day sales,” said David Drake, publisher of the Penguin Random House imprint Crown. “They reflect the widespread excitement that readers have for President Obama's highly anticipated and extraordinarily written book.”
"A Promised Land" charts Obama's path to the White House up to 2011 and the killing of Osama bin Laden. In it, the 59-year-old former president reflects on his legacy, and the space between his presidential ambitions and the political reality of a Republican-controlled House and Senate that hampered them.
The book hit shelves just two weeks after his former vice president, Joe Biden, was voted to replace his successor, President Donald Trump.
Obama also authored the memoirs "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream" (2006) and "Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance" (1995), as well as the 2010 children's book, "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters."
Barack isn't the only best-selling writer in the Obama family. Former first lady Michelle Obama's 2018 memoir "Becoming" sold 725,000 copies on its first day and more than 1.4 million copies in its first week of release, becoming one of the fastest-selling nonfiction books in history. It has since sold 10 million copies worldwide and is still so in demand that Crown, which publishes both Obamas and reportedly paid around $60 million for their books, has yet to release a paperback.
Contributing: The Associated Press
'I was right to feel guilty': Barack Obama reflects on family, presidency in 'A Promised Land'