usatoday--2020-09-22--Canadian woman charged with threatening Trump after letter with ricin mailed to White House

A 53-year-old Canadian woman has been charged with threatening President Donald Trump by allegedly mailing a letter laced with the poison ricin along with a message that referred to Trump as an `` Ugly Tyrant Clown , '' and called on him to `` remove your application for this election , '' according to court documents .
`` I made a special gift for you to make a decision , '' Pascale Cecile Veronique Ferrier allegedly wrote , referring to the potentially lethal powdery substance inside .
`` If it does n't work , I 'll find a better recipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my gun when I 'll be able to come .
Enjoy ! ''
Ferrier , arrested Sunday at the U.S.-Canadian border , was carrying a knife and loaded gun tucked in her waistband , federal authorities said .
The suspect , a resident of Quebec , appeared briefly Tuesday in a federal court in Buffalo , New York , where she was ordered detained pending a Sept. 28 bail hearing .
U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder , Jr. , entered an initial plea of not guilty on Ferrier 's behalf .
Assisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose first language is French , said little during the the hearing .
The Secret Service intercepted the letter Sept. 18 , at an off-site mail sorting and screening facility , before it reached the White House .
In addition to the Trump letter , federal investigators located six other similar mailings addressed to prison and detention center authorities in Texas , where the suspect had been arrested in March 2019 on a weapons possession charge .
Four of the letters allegedly bore fingerprints that matched the suspect , according to court documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the letter addressed to Trump , including the admonition : `` If it does n't work , I will find a better recipe . ''
A search of social media posting allegedly associated with Ferrier included threatening language directed at the president , along with identical phrases contained in the Trump letter .
In the Trump letter , Ferrier allegedly referred to `` cousins '' who live in the U.S. , and her desire that the president not win another four-year term .
When Ferrier was initially detained by U.S. Customs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegedly referred to `` being wanted by the FBI for the ricin letters . ''
The Secret Service 's initial testing of the substance in the Trump letter yielded a positive result for ricin .
It was confirmed in a later examination at the National Bioforensic Analysis Center in Frederick , Maryland .
Ricin explained : Just how deadly is it , how does it kill ?
Ricin , a poison drawn from the husks of castor beans , has surfaced in other plots targeting Trump , President Barack Obama and other officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Control , exposure to ricin through inhalation , ingestion or injection can lead to death .
In 2018 , a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment against a Utah man , alleging he threatened Trump and other administration officials in letters , some of which contained the natural ingredients used to make ricin .
In that case , a series of suspicious letters were addressed to Trump , then-Defense Secretary James Mattis , FBI Director Christopher Wray , CIA Director Gina Haspel and others .
In 2001 , following the the 9/11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country when letters containing anthrax were sent to congressional and media offices .
Those attacks killed five people and sickened more than a dozen others .
A microbiologist at the Army 's elite infectious disease laboratory in Fort Detrick , Maryland , Bruce Ivins , committed suicide in 2008 , as federal authorities were preparing to charge him in the attacks .

Canadian woman charged with threatening Trump after letter with ricin mailed to White House
Show Caption Hide Caption Intercepted letters show ricin, so what is it? The FBI says preliminary tests on a letter sent to President Obama indicate the presence of poisonous ricin. It comes the day after officials said a letter sent to Sen. Roger Wicker tested positive for poisonous ricin. (April 17) AP
A 53-year-old Canadian woman has been charged with threatening President Donald Trump by allegedly mailing a letter laced with the poison ricin along with a message that referred to Trump as an "Ugly Tyrant Clown," and called on him to "remove your application for this election," according to court documents.
"I made a special gift for you to make a decision," Pascale Cecile Veronique Ferrier allegedly wrote, referring to the potentially lethal powdery substance inside. "If it doesn't work, I'll find a better recipe for another poison or I might use my gun when I'll be able to come. Enjoy!"
Ferrier, arrested Sunday at the U.S.-Canadian border, was carrying a knife and loaded gun tucked in her waistband, federal authorities said .
The suspect, a resident of Quebec, appeared briefly Tuesday in a federal court in Buffalo, New York, where she was ordered detained pending a Sept. 28 bail hearing.
U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr., entered an initial plea of not guilty on Ferrier's behalf.
Assisted by an interpreter, the suspect, whose first language is French, said little during the the hearing.
The Secret Service intercepted the letter Sept. 18, at an off-site mail sorting and screening facility, before it reached the White House.
In addition to the Trump letter, federal investigators located six other similar mailings addressed to prison and detention center authorities in Texas, where the suspect had been arrested in March 2019 on a weapons possession charge.
Four of the letters allegedly bore fingerprints that matched the suspect, according to court documents. The mailings also contained language similar to the letter addressed to Trump, including the admonition: "If it doesn't work, I will find a better recipe."
A search of social media posting allegedly associated with Ferrier included threatening language directed at the president, along with identical phrases contained in the Trump letter.
In the Trump letter, Ferrier allegedly referred to "cousins" who live in the U.S., and her desire that the president not win another four-year term.
When Ferrier was initially detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorities on Sunday, she allegedly referred to "being wanted by the FBI for the ricin letters."
The Secret Service's initial testing of the substance in the Trump letter yielded a positive result for ricin. It was confirmed in a later examination at the National Bioforensic Analysis Center in Frederick, Maryland.
Ricin explained: Just how deadly is it, how does it kill?
Ricin, a poison drawn from the husks of castor beans, has surfaced in other plots targeting Trump, President Barack Obama and other officials. According to the Centers for Disease Control, exposure to ricin through inhalation, ingestion or injection can lead to death.
In 2018, a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment against a Utah man, alleging he threatened Trump and other administration officials in letters, some of which contained the natural ingredients used to make ricin.
In that case, a series of suspicious letters were addressed to Trump, then-Defense Secretary James Mattis, FBI Director Christopher Wray, CIA Director Gina Haspel and others.
In 2001, following the the 9/11 attacks, another form of bio-terrorism shook the country when letters containing anthrax were sent to congressional and media offices.
Those attacks killed five people and sickened more than a dozen others.
A microbiologist at the Army's elite infectious disease laboratory in Fort Detrick, Maryland, Bruce Ivins, committed suicide in 2008, as federal authorities were preparing to charge him in the attacks.


usatoday--2020-09-22--Judge gives Wisconsin voters more time to return absentee ballots

MADISON – A federal judge on Monday gave Wisconsin voters an extra six days to get their absentee ballots back to election clerks this fall in a broad decision that also will make it easier to hire poll workers .
Anticipating an appeal was likely , U.S. District Judge William Conley immediately stayed his ruling , writing that it would n't go into effect for at least a week .
If higher courts uphold his decision , the nation will have to wait for a week after Election Day to get full presidential results in a crucial swing state .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ clerks around the state sent more than 1 million absentee ballots to voters .
Absentee voting is expected to hit a record this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Conley ruled that absentee ballots would be counted if they are postmarked by Nov. 3 — Election Day — and received by clerks by Nov. 9 .
Ordinarily , ballots must be in the hands of clerks by the time polls close on Election Day .
State law allows voters to request absentee ballots until Oct. 29 , but those who request them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of being disenfranchised because their executed , mailed ballot will not be received by officials on or before the current election day deadline , '' Conley wrote .
`` Moreover , it is particularly unreasonable to expect undecided voters to exercise their voting franchise by absentee ballot well before the end of the presidential campaign , especially when Wisconsin ’ s statutory deadline is giving them a false sense of confidence in timely receipt , '' he added .
Conley also gave voters until Oct. 21 to register to vote by mail or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a one-week extension .
Wisconsin also allows voters to register at the polls .
Those who request absentee ballots but do n't receive them in time to cast them will be able to get replacement ballots via email or through a website , Conley ruled .
Usually , most voters must have absentee ballots physically delivered to them .
Conley also ruled poll workers for this election can work in any county , not just in the county where they reside .
That will make it easier for clerks to find poll workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Conley 's ruling was issued in response to four lawsuits brought by Democrats and groups aligned with them .
Some of them were extensions of litigation this spring over the April election for state Supreme Court .
Conley agreed to extend deadlines in the spring , and he issued a similar ruling Monday for this fall .
GOP lawmakers , the Republican National Committee and the state Republican Party have tried to prevent changes to the state 's voting rules .
They said they were reviewing Monday 's decision to decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided a victory for Democrats , he declined to provide them some of what they wanted .
For instance , he rejected their requests to expand early voting ; lift the state 's voter ID law for some voters ; mail absentee ballots to all registered voters ; allow clerks to start counting absentee ballots before Election Day ; and suspend the requirement that voters have a witness sign their absentee ballot envelope .
In the spring , Conley forbade election officials from reporting any election results until a week after the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But for this fall , he said clerks could immediately begin reporting their results , even though they will continue to receive valid ballots for six more days .
If the election is close , the public will have to wait until all the absentee ballots are in before they know who won the state .
Conley 's decision sets the election rules for a state that President Donald Trump won by less than a percentage point in 2016 .
Those rules could change again depending on appeals .
Conley , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Democratic President Barack Obama , emphasized that he was trying to ensure the election is conducted fairly and was n't thinking about the political dimensions of his ruling .
`` In a vain effort ( in both senses of that word ) at forestalling the inevitable judge appointment and bias dialogue so prevalent in what remains of the independent press , among commentators and on the internet , let me stress , as I did with the parties during the August hearing , the limited relief awarded today is without regard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be helped , except the average Wisconsin voter , be they party-affiliated or independent , '' Conley wrote .
The lawsuits are aimed at avoiding some of the problems the state faced in the spring .
Then , voters in Milwaukee and Green Bay had to wait in line for hours because so many polling places were closed .
Election officials have sorted out some of those issues without intervention from the courts .
Unlike in April , Milwaukee plans to have most of its polling places open in November .
Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , up from two in the spring .
Voters turned to absentee balloting in record numbers in April and they are expected to surpass those figures in November .
Clerks had trouble keeping up with the volume of requests they received in the spring but have said they 've been preparing so they can stay on top of an onslaught of requests this fall .
Many voters in the spring complained they did not receive their ballots or received them too late to cast them .
Problems with the postal service also prevented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials warned the spring election could cause a spike in coronavirus cases , but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a July report determined that did not happen in Milwaukee .
An initial appeal of Conley 's decision would go to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago .
From there , it could go to the U.S. Supreme Court , which is shorthanded after the death Friday of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg .
Conservatives have a 5-3 majority on the court .
The Supreme Court issued a decision the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules for that election .
The high court determined that absentee ballots for that election could be counted if they arrived after Election Day — but only if they were postmarked by Election Day .
Conley would have allowed the April ballots to be counted even without a postmark .
In Monday 's ruling , he noted the post office sometimes does not put postmarks on ballots or uses ones that do not include the day of the month .
`` It is this court ’ s view that local election officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absentee ballots lacking a definitive postmark if received by mail after election day but no later than November 9 , 2020 , as long as the ballot is signed and witnessed on or before November 3 , 2020 , unless there is some reason to believe that the ballot was actually placed in the mail after election day , '' he wrote .
Molly Beck of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report .
Contact Patrick Marley at patrick.marley @ jrn.com .
Follow him on Twitter at @ patrickdmarley .

Patrick Marley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Judge gives Wisconsin voters more time to return absentee ballots
Show Caption Hide Caption How the US Postal Service found itself in debt The U.S. Postal Service is facing record demand because of COVID-19 and the upcoming election. Does it have the funds to rise to the occasion? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
MADISON – A federal judge on Monday gave Wisconsin voters an extra six days to get their absentee ballots back to election clerks this fall in a broad decision that also will make it easier to hire poll workers.
Anticipating an appeal was likely, U.S. District Judge William Conley immediately stayed his ruling, writing that it wouldn't go into effect for at least a week. If higher courts uphold his decision, the nation will have to wait for a week after Election Day to get full presidential results in a crucial swing state.
Conley's decision came four days after clerks around the state sent more than 1 million absentee ballots to voters. Absentee voting is expected to hit a record this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Conley ruled that absentee ballots would be counted if they are postmarked by Nov. 3 — Election Day — and received by clerks by Nov. 9. Ordinarily, ballots must be in the hands of clerks by the time polls close on Election Day.
State law allows voters to request absentee ballots until Oct. 29, but those who request them that late "face a significant risk of being disenfranchised because their executed, mailed ballot will not be received by officials on or before the current election day deadline," Conley wrote.
"Moreover, it is particularly unreasonable to expect undecided voters to exercise their voting franchise by absentee ballot well before the end of the presidential campaign, especially when Wisconsin’s statutory deadline is giving them a false sense of confidence in timely receipt," he added.
Conley also gave voters until Oct. 21 to register to vote by mail or through the state's myvote.wi.gov website, a one-week extension. Wisconsin also allows voters to register at the polls.
Those who request absentee ballots but don't receive them in time to cast them will be able to get replacement ballots via email or through a website, Conley ruled. Usually, most voters must have absentee ballots physically delivered to them.
Conley also ruled poll workers for this election can work in any county, not just in the county where they reside. That will make it easier for clerks to find poll workers, which has been difficult during the pandemic.
Conley's ruling was issued in response to four lawsuits brought by Democrats and groups aligned with them. Some of them were extensions of litigation this spring over the April election for state Supreme Court.
Conley agreed to extend deadlines in the spring, and he issued a similar ruling Monday for this fall.
GOP reviews appeal options
GOP lawmakers, the Republican National Committee and the state Republican Party have tried to prevent changes to the state's voting rules. They said they were reviewing Monday's decision to decide whether to appeal.
While his ruling provided a victory for Democrats, he declined to provide them some of what they wanted. For instance, he rejected their requests to expand early voting; lift the state's voter ID law for some voters; mail absentee ballots to all registered voters; allow clerks to start counting absentee ballots before Election Day; and suspend the requirement that voters have a witness sign their absentee ballot envelope.
In the spring, Conley forbade election officials from reporting any election results until a week after the election, when they had received all ballots. But for this fall, he said clerks could immediately begin reporting their results, even though they will continue to receive valid ballots for six more days.
If the election is close, the public will have to wait until all the absentee ballots are in before they know who won the state.
Conley's decision sets the election rules for a state that President Donald Trump won by less than a percentage point in 2016. Those rules could change again depending on appeals.
Conley, who was nominated to the bench in 2010 by Democratic President Barack Obama, emphasized that he was trying to ensure the election is conducted fairly and wasn't thinking about the political dimensions of his ruling.
"In a vain effort (in both senses of that word) at forestalling the inevitable judge appointment and bias dialogue so prevalent in what remains of the independent press, among commentators and on the internet, let me stress, as I did with the parties during the August hearing, the limited relief awarded today is without regard to (or even knowledge of) who may be helped, except the average Wisconsin voter, be they party-affiliated or independent," Conley wrote.
The lawsuits are aimed at avoiding some of the problems the state faced in the spring. Then, voters in Milwaukee and Green Bay had to wait in line for hours because so many polling places were closed.
Election officials have sorted out some of those issues without intervention from the courts. Unlike in April, Milwaukee plans to have most of its polling places open in November. Green Bay intends to have 13 polling locations, up from two in the spring.
Record absentee balloting
Voters turned to absentee balloting in record numbers in April and they are expected to surpass those figures in November. Clerks had trouble keeping up with the volume of requests they received in the spring but have said they've been preparing so they can stay on top of an onslaught of requests this fall.
Many voters in the spring complained they did not receive their ballots or received them too late to cast them. Problems with the postal service also prevented some ballots from being counted.
Health officials warned the spring election could cause a spike in coronavirus cases, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a July report determined that did not happen in Milwaukee.
An initial appeal of Conley's decision would go to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.
From there, it could go to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is shorthanded after the death Friday of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Conservatives have a 5-3 majority on the court.
The Supreme Court issued a decision the day before the April election that modified the rules for that election. The high court determined that absentee ballots for that election could be counted if they arrived after Election Day — but only if they were postmarked by Election Day.
Conley would have allowed the April ballots to be counted even without a postmark. In Monday's ruling, he noted the post office sometimes does not put postmarks on ballots or uses ones that do not include the day of the month.
"It is this court’s view that local election officials should generally err toward counting otherwise legitimate absentee ballots lacking a definitive postmark if received by mail after election day but no later than November 9, 2020, as long as the ballot is signed and witnessed on or before November 3, 2020, unless there is some reason to believe that the ballot was actually placed in the mail after election day," he wrote.
Molly Beck of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.
Contact Patrick Marley at patrick.marley@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @patrickdmarley.


usatoday--2020-09-22--Sen. Lindsey Graham says Republicans have the votes to confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee

Sen. Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , said Monday that Senate Republicans have the votes to confirm President Trump ’ s Supreme Court nominee to fill the seat left by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who died Friday night .
“ We ’ ve got the votes to confirm Justice Ginsburg ’ s replacement before the election .
We ’ re going to move forward in the committee , ” Graham said on FOX News .
“ We ’ re going to move the nomination out of the committee to the floor of the United States Senate so that we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the Constitutional process.
” Graham is the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee , which is the committee that will vet and examine Trump ’ s eventual court nominee before the Senate holds a floor vote .
More : Donald Trump says he 'll 'probably ' announce Supreme Court pick by Saturday The South Carolina Senator sent a letter to the Democrats sitting on the Judiciary Committee , saying he thinks “ it is important that we proceed expeditiously to process any nomination made by President Trump to fill this vacancy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the other foot , you would do the same.
” Graham previously opposed President Obama ’ s nomination of Merrick Garland when Justice Anthony Scalia died in 2016 .
More : The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider Ruth Bader Ginsburg 's replacement .
Here are the members up for reelection His support to fill the Supreme Court vacancy less than two month from the November election is a change from his comments from both 2016 and 2018 .
During the Judiciary Committee hearing about Garland , Graham told listeners to “ use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a Republican president ( elected ) in 2016 and a vacancy occurs in the last year of the first term , you can say Lindsey Graham said , ‘ Let ’ s let the next president , whoever it might be , make that nomination.
’ ” Two years later , the senator echoed those words saying , while acknowledging he was on the record , saying : “ If an opening comes in the last year of President Trump ’ s term , and the primary process has started , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election.
” More : Then and now : What McConnell , others said about Merrick Garland in 2016 vs. after Ginsburg 's death In both his interview Monday night on Fox News and in his letter to Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee , Graham attributed his change of heart to the treatment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation process .
“ After Kavanaugh , everything changed with me .
You ’ re not going to intimidate me , ” Graham told FOX News host Sean Hannity .

Sen. Lindsey Graham says Republicans have the votes to confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee
Show Caption Hide Caption Remembering the life and accomplishments of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died at age 87. Ginsburg is most noted for her lifelong fight for equality for women. USA TODAY
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Monday that Senate Republicans have the votes to confirm President Trump’s Supreme Court nominee to fill the seat left by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Friday night.
“We’ve got the votes to confirm Justice Ginsburg’s replacement before the election. We’re going to move forward in the committee,” Graham said on FOX News. “We’re going to move the nomination out of the committee to the floor of the United States Senate so that we can vote before the election. That’s the Constitutional process.”
Graham is the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is the committee that will vet and examine Trump’s eventual court nominee before the Senate holds a floor vote.
More: Donald Trump says he'll 'probably' announce Supreme Court pick by Saturday
The South Carolina Senator sent a letter to the Democrats sitting on the Judiciary Committee, saying he thinks “it is important that we proceed expeditiously to process any nomination made by President Trump to fill this vacancy. I am certain if the shoe were on the other foot, you would do the same.”
Graham previously opposed President Obama’s nomination of Merrick Garland when Justice Anthony Scalia died in 2016.
More: The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider Ruth Bader Ginsburg's replacement. Here are the members up for reelection
His support to fill the Supreme Court vacancy less than two month from the November election is a change from his comments from both 2016 and 2018.
During the Judiciary Committee hearing about Garland, Graham told listeners to “use my words against me. If there’s a Republican president (elected) in 2016 and a vacancy occurs in the last year of the first term, you can say Lindsey Graham said, ‘Let’s let the next president, whoever it might be, make that nomination.’”
Two years later, the senator echoed those words saying, while acknowledging he was on the record, saying: “If an opening comes in the last year of President Trump’s term, and the primary process has started, we’ll wait to the next election.”
More: Then and now: What McConnell, others said about Merrick Garland in 2016 vs. after Ginsburg's death
In both his interview Monday night on Fox News and in his letter to Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Graham attributed his change of heart to the treatment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation process.
“After Kavanaugh, everything changed with me. You’re not going to intimidate me,” Graham told FOX News host Sean Hannity.


usatoday--2020-09-22--Trump tells United Nations to hold China 'accountable' for coronavirus pandemic

President Donald Trump declared that the United Nations must hold China “ accountable ” for failing to contain the coronavirus @

Trump says China 'unleashed' coronavirus 'onto the world'
President Donald Trump declared that the United Nations must hold China “accountable” for failing to contain the coronavirus.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-09-22--'He loves his rallies:' Biden says Trump puts supporters at risk with big events while keeping himse

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden accused President Donald Trump of endangering people who attend his rallies while limiting his own exposure , portraying the former real estate developer as a callous leader who ignores the interests of the average person .
Highlighting recent claims from a former White House pandemic adviser who alleged that Trump disparaged his followers , Biden accused the president of not caring about the working-class voters who form the foundation of his support .
`` The truth is he never really respected us very much , '' the former vice president said during a visit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state .
`` Oh , he loves his rallies .
And the next time he holds one , look closely .
Trump keeps his distance from anyone at a rally .
The folks who come , are packed as tightly as they can be , risking disease mostly without masks .
But not Trump .
He safely keeps his distance , '' he said .
`` For Trump , these rallies are about entertainment ( and ) adoration .
They 're not about respect .
Do n't kid yourself .
This is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he marked the U.S. coronavirus death total rising above 200,000 , Biden cited the claims of Olivia Troye .
She served as an adviser to Vice President Mike Pence , who chairs the pandemic response effort in the White House .
Last week , Troye alleged that she once heard Trump disparage attendees at his rallies during a task force meeting : `` Maybe this COVID thing is a good thing , '' she recalled him saying .
`` I do n't like shaking hands with people .
I do n't have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Her comments have been used by Trump 's foes in a new political ad .
More : Is 6 feet enough ?
CDC walks back its walkback on airborne transmission of COVID-19 Trump has said he does n't know who Troye is .
And Pence has described her as `` a disgruntled employee . ''
Biden 's speech Monday at an aluminum foundry builds on the comparison the former vice president has been crafting on the campaign trail : that he – a kid from blue-collar Scranton , Pennsylvania – has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folks than the president , a real estate mogul who grew up in New York City .
`` He sees the world from Park Avenue , '' Biden said .
`` I see it from where I grew up in a town like this , from Scranton , Pennsylvania .
Hardscrabble , hard-working town just like this and so many across Wisconsin .
When I look at the world form Park Avenue , basically all you can see is Wall Street . ''
Mantiwoc is a key county in a state considered crucial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who narrowly captured the state in 2016 over Hillary Clinton , won the county by 22 points ( 58-36 % ) .
In 2012 , Barack Obama defeated Mitt Romney by only three points : 51 % -48 % .
Unlike Trump 's rallies that feature hundreds of supporters , Biden wore a mask as he addressed about 30 people at the factory , with reporters seated in chairs placed inside white circles .
Trump has mocked the former vice president 's adherence to wearing a mask , which his administration 's health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus .
In June , the president derided a Biden appearance before only reporters by tweeting `` Joe Biden 's rally .
ZERO enthusiasm ! ''
During his roughly 25-minute speech , Biden did not mention the ongoing battle in Washington over whether to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court created by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who died Friday of pancreatic cancer at 87 .
Trump spent much of Monday discussing his desire to fill the seat as quickly as possible and said he would announce his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ echoed Democrats ' arguments that the president should wait for the results of the Nov. 3 election .
Monday was Biden 's second visit to Wisconsin .
Earlier this month , the former vice president and his wife , Jill , spoke to Jacob Blake , a Black man who was shot in the back seven times by a white police officer in Kenosha on Aug. 23 .

'He loves his rallies:' Biden says Trump puts supporters at risk with big events while keeping himself safe
Show Caption Hide Caption How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden accused President Donald Trump of endangering people who attend his rallies while limiting his own exposure, portraying the former real estate developer as a callous leader who ignores the interests of the average person.
Highlighting recent claims from a former White House pandemic adviser who alleged that Trump disparaged his followers, Biden accused the president of not caring about the working-class voters who form the foundation of his support.
"The truth is he never really respected us very much," the former vice president said during a visit to Mantiwoc, Wisconsin, a key swing state.
"Oh, he loves his rallies. And the next time he holds one, look closely. Trump keeps his distance from anyone at a rally. The folks who come, are packed as tightly as they can be, risking disease mostly without masks. But not Trump. He safely keeps his distance," he said. "For Trump, these rallies are about entertainment (and) adoration. They're not about respect. Don't kid yourself. This is a one-way street."
In his speech where he marked the U.S. coronavirus death total rising above 200,000, Biden cited the claims of Olivia Troye. She served as an adviser to Vice President Mike Pence, who chairs the pandemic response effort in the White House.
Last week, Troye alleged that she once heard Trump disparage attendees at his rallies during a task force meeting: "Maybe this COVID thing is a good thing," she recalled him saying. "I don't like shaking hands with people. I don't have to shake hands with these disgusting people." Her comments have been used by Trump's foes in a new political ad.
More: Is 6 feet enough? CDC walks back its walkback on airborne transmission of COVID-19
Trump has said he doesn't know who Troye is. And Pence has described her as "a disgruntled employee."
Biden's speech Monday at an aluminum foundry builds on the comparison the former vice president has been crafting on the campaign trail: that he – a kid from blue-collar Scranton, Pennsylvania – has a lot more in common with regular folks than the president, a real estate mogul who grew up in New York City.
"He sees the world from Park Avenue," Biden said. "I see it from where I grew up in a town like this, from Scranton, Pennsylvania. Hardscrabble, hard-working town just like this and so many across Wisconsin. When I look at the world form Park Avenue, basically all you can see is Wall Street."
Mantiwoc is a key county in a state considered crucial to the presidential election.
More: McConnell: Senate could confirm Ruth Bader Ginsburg's court replacement before election
Trump, who narrowly captured the state in 2016 over Hillary Clinton, won the county by 22 points (58-36%). In 2012, Barack Obama defeated Mitt Romney by only three points: 51%-48%.
Unlike Trump's rallies that feature hundreds of supporters, Biden wore a mask as he addressed about 30 people at the factory, with reporters seated in chairs placed inside white circles.
Trump has mocked the former vice president's adherence to wearing a mask, which his administration's health experts recommend to help prevent the spread of the virus. In June, the president derided a Biden appearance before only reporters by tweeting "Joe Biden's rally. ZERO enthusiasm!"
During his roughly 25-minute speech, Biden did not mention the ongoing battle in Washington over whether to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court created by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg who died Friday of pancreatic cancer at 87.
Trump spent much of Monday discussing his desire to fill the seat as quickly as possible and said he would announce his nominee by Saturday. Biden has previously echoed Democrats' arguments that the president should wait for the results of the Nov. 3 election.
Monday was Biden's second visit to Wisconsin.
Earlier this month, the former vice president and his wife, Jill, spoke to Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot in the back seven times by a white police officer in Kenosha on Aug. 23.


usatoday--2020-09-23--Louisville braces for fallout ahead of decision on charging police in Breonna Taylor case

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — Police put up concrete barriers and fencing .
The mayor declared a state of emergency .
More businesses nailed plywood to their storefront windows .
Downtown Louisville ’ s preparations and closures seemed more reminiscent of an approaching hurricane than a grand jury decision .
Louisville is bracing for an anxiously awaited decision on whether any police officers will be charged in the March 13 shooting death of Breonna Taylor , the 26-year-old unarmed Black woman fatally shot by police who has become a national symbol of racial injustice .
Downtown streets were eerily empty after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perimeter to limit car traffic , including around a park that 's been home to nearly four months of protests over the fatal shooting .
Protests in the city , since they began the last weekend in May , have remained largely peaceful , occasionally marred by violence , tear gas and pepper balls .
Settlement : Louisville announces $ 12M settlement , police changes in wake of Breonna Taylor shooting Louisville Metro Police interim Chief Robert Schroeder said the restrictions , long planned amid “ unprecedented times , ” were meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and avoid conflicts between drivers and demonstrators .
Protesters will still be able to access downtown on foot to demonstrate , he said .
“ In the community , we ’ ve all heard the rumors .
We all know something is coming .
We don ’ t know what it is , ” said Schroeder , whose spokesman said Tuesday there had been no viable threats of violence .
“ I hope all of this is not needed.
” Mayor Greg Fischer issued two executive orders Tuesday .
One declared a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil unrest , which allows him to exercise such emergency powers as enacting a curfew , and a second one restricts access to five downtown parking garages and on-street parking .
If large protests do erupt , police won ’ t use tear gas unless approved by the chief or deputy chief , or if gunfire erupts , police said — among several policy reforms enacted since the March 13 shooting of Taylor .
Federal security personnel have also reportedly been dispatched to protect Broadway ’ s federal courthouse , which closed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beshear said the National Guard and Kentucky State Police could serve limited roles in a response .
`` Our goal with these steps is ensuring space and opportunity for potential protesters to gather and express their First Amendment rights , & to prepare for any eventuality to keep everyone safe , '' Fischer wrote on Twitter .
He later called it a `` difficult , tense time for all of us . ''
Additional restaurants , offices and retail businesses were scrambling to board up windows on Tuesday .
A downtown school was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ruth Bader Ginsburg vigil postponed .
The historic Seelbach Hilton said in an email to guests it was closed until further notice after the city `` barricaded the downtown central business district . ''
The nearby Brown Hotel was open but some guests were canceling and checking out early .
`` No matter what the decision is , large crowds are expected and we anticipate positive and strong police response , '' the nonprofit Louisville Downtown Partnership wrote to members in an email .
`` Make plans to accommodate working remotely .
... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your team but also to make LMPD 's job to manage any potential unrest much more manageable . ''
Some protesters who have frequented Jefferson Square Park for nearly 120 days , where they 've served food , played music and come together in prayer while demanding justice for Taylor , said the city seemed to be preparing for confrontation , not justice .
`` I do n't believe you cage in any section of a city .
That 's possibly one of the worst decisions they could make , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` At some point , you need to be honest with why you ’ re putting these things up and what that says to a community that ’ s already facing so much trauma . ''
Sadiqa Reynolds , president and CEO of the Louisville Urban League , said she lives downtown and thinks city officials must be `` responding to some outside threat that the local protesters are unaware of . ''
`` There 's nothing in the planning of local protesters that would warrant this kind of response , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news that Sgt .
Jonathan Mattingly , one of the officers at the center of the Taylor shooting , had emailed fellow officers criticizing Fischer , the FBI and others while defending police actions the night Taylor died as “ legal , moral and ethical.
” “ You DO NOT DESERVE to be in this position , ” he wrote of his fellow officers .
“ The position that allows thugs to get in your face and yell , curse and degrade you .
Throw bricks bottles and urine on you and expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Mattingly , Myles Cosgrove and Brett Hankison — each fired their weapons while executing a search warrant on Taylor ’ s apartment in the early hours of March 13 .
Taylor 's boyfriend has said he did n't know it was police when the door was rammed open , and fired his gun .
Taylor was killed by police during the raid , while Mattingly , a 20-year veteran of the force , was shot in the leg .
Mattingly and Cosgrove are on administrative leave .
Hankison was fired in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settlement to pay her estate $ 12 million and enact a range of policing reforms .
On Tuesday , the sounds of saws cutting plywood and nail guns could be heard along Fourth Street and elsewhere downtown , where officials have said the coronavirus pandemic has been blamed as the main driver of downtown ’ s economic woes .
Yet the first weekend of demonstrations in late May , which resulted in some smashed windows and looted stores , have left lingering worries .
Olivia Griffin , who owns The Limbo bar and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corner of Fourth and Chestnut streets , said she supports the protests — and is working to do more to “ help the Black and brown marginalized community , '' she said .
But she also supports the boarding up of buildings because damage or theft could put her out of business .
`` I 'm ready for it to end , '' she continued .
`` I know however it ends , some bad stuff will happen , but there will be a relief to just have a conclusion .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was murdered in March and we still do n't have a result .
This is crazy . ''
Tom Owen , a University of Louisville historian and former Metro Council president , said he could n't think of `` anything comparable '' to the duration of racial justice protests and this week 's preparations — in part because of their downtown focus .
He noted civil rights unrest in 1968 and the 1970s busing debate were centered outside of downtown .
“ There has never been any ( protests ) as long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — the recognizable heart of the city , ” he said .
Some criminal defense lawyers have said it 's unlikely that the officers will be charged with murder , as protesters have demanded for months , and activists have asked Fischer to fire them if they are n't indicted .
Reporters Sarah Ladd , Jonathan Bullington , Bailey Loosemore , Ben Tobin , Dahlia Ghabour , and Lucas Aulbach contributed to this report .
Follow Chris Kenning on Twitter : @ chris_kenning .

Chris Kenning, Louisville Courier Journal

Louisville braces for fallout ahead of decision on charging police in Breonna Taylor case
Show Caption Hide Caption LMPD sets up blockades downtown ahead of Breonna Taylor case decision Louisville is bracing for a decision in the Breonna Taylor case and blockades have been set up around downtown limiting traffic and access. Alton Strupp, Louisville Courier Journal
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Police put up concrete barriers and fencing. The mayor declared a state of emergency. More businesses nailed plywood to their storefront windows.
Downtown Louisville’s preparations and closures seemed more reminiscent of an approaching hurricane than a grand jury decision.
Louisville is bracing for an anxiously awaited decision on whether any police officers will be charged in the March 13 shooting death of Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old unarmed Black woman fatally shot by police who has become a national symbol of racial injustice.
Downtown streets were eerily empty after police erected barricades Tuesday in a 25-block perimeter to limit car traffic, including around a park that's been home to nearly four months of protests over the fatal shooting.
Protests in the city, since they began the last weekend in May, have remained largely peaceful, occasionally marred by violence, tear gas and pepper balls.
Awaiting a Breonna Taylor decision: Louisville mayor declares 'state of emergency,' downtown access cut off
Settlement: Louisville announces $12M settlement, police changes in wake of Breonna Taylor shooting
Louisville Metro Police interim Chief Robert Schroeder said the restrictions, long planned amid “unprecedented times,” were meant to protect public safety, property, protesters and avoid conflicts between drivers and demonstrators.
Protesters will still be able to access downtown on foot to demonstrate, he said.
“In the community, we’ve all heard the rumors. We all know something is coming. We don’t know what it is,” said Schroeder, whose spokesman said Tuesday there had been no viable threats of violence.
“I hope all of this is not needed.”
Mayor Greg Fischer issued two executive orders Tuesday. One declared a state of emergency due to the potential for civil unrest, which allows him to exercise such emergency powers as enacting a curfew, and a second one restricts access to five downtown parking garages and on-street parking.
If large protests do erupt, police won’t use tear gas unless approved by the chief or deputy chief, or if gunfire erupts, police said — among several policy reforms enacted since the March 13 shooting of Taylor.
Federal security personnel have also reportedly been dispatched to protect Broadway’s federal courthouse, which closed for the week. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the National Guard and Kentucky State Police could serve limited roles in a response.
"Our goal with these steps is ensuring space and opportunity for potential protesters to gather and express their First Amendment rights, & to prepare for any eventuality to keep everyone safe," Fischer wrote on Twitter. He later called it a "difficult, tense time for all of us."
Breonna Taylor case: When will Daniel Cameron announce his decision?
Additional restaurants, offices and retail businesses were scrambling to board up windows on Tuesday. A downtown school was closed, bus routes altered and a Ruth Bader Ginsburg vigil postponed.
The historic Seelbach Hilton said in an email to guests it was closed until further notice after the city "barricaded the downtown central business district." The nearby Brown Hotel was open but some guests were canceling and checking out early.
"No matter what the decision is, large crowds are expected and we anticipate positive and strong police response," the nonprofit Louisville Downtown Partnership wrote to members in an email. "Make plans to accommodate working remotely. ... This is not only for the safety of your team but also to make LMPD's job to manage any potential unrest much more manageable."
Some protesters who have frequented Jefferson Square Park for nearly 120 days, where they've served food, played music and come together in prayer while demanding justice for Taylor, said the city seemed to be preparing for confrontation, not justice.
"I don't believe you cage in any section of a city. That's possibly one of the worst decisions they could make," said Hannah Drake, a writer and activist.
"At some point, you need to be honest with why you’re putting these things up and what that says to a community that’s already facing so much trauma."
Sadiqa Reynolds, president and CEO of the Louisville Urban League, said she lives downtown and thinks city officials must be "responding to some outside threat that the local protesters are unaware of."
"There's nothing in the planning of local protesters that would warrant this kind of response," she said.
Fueling tensions Tuesday was news that Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, one of the officers at the center of the Taylor shooting, had emailed fellow officers criticizing Fischer, the FBI and others while defending police actions the night Taylor died as “legal, moral and ethical.”
“You DO NOT DESERVE to be in this position,” he wrote of his fellow officers. “The position that allows thugs to get in your face and yell, curse and degrade you. Throw bricks bottles and urine on you and expect you to do nothing.”
Three officers — Mattingly, Myles Cosgrove and Brett Hankison — each fired their weapons while executing a search warrant on Taylor’s apartment in the early hours of March 13. Taylor's boyfriend has said he didn't know it was police when the door was rammed open, and fired his gun.
Taylor was killed by police during the raid, while Mattingly, a 20-year veteran of the force, was shot in the leg. Mattingly and Cosgrove are on administrative leave. Hankison was fired in June.
The city announced Sept. 15 a settlement to pay her estate $12 million and enact a range of policing reforms.
On Tuesday, the sounds of saws cutting plywood and nail guns could be heard along Fourth Street and elsewhere downtown, where officials have said the coronavirus pandemic has been blamed as the main driver of downtown’s economic woes.
Yet the first weekend of demonstrations in late May, which resulted in some smashed windows and looted stores, have left lingering worries.
Olivia Griffin, who owns The Limbo bar and The Mysterious Rack clothing store at the corner of Fourth and Chestnut streets, said she supports the protests — and is working to do more to “help the Black and brown marginalized community," she said.
But she also supports the boarding up of buildings because damage or theft could put her out of business.
"I'm ready for it to end," she continued. "I know however it ends, some bad stuff will happen, but there will be a relief to just have a conclusion. It's been over 100 days of protests. She was murdered in March and we still don't have a result. This is crazy."
Tom Owen, a University of Louisville historian and former Metro Council president, said he couldn't think of "anything comparable" to the duration of racial justice protests and this week's preparations — in part because of their downtown focus.
He noted civil rights unrest in 1968 and the 1970s busing debate were centered outside of downtown.
“There has never been any (protests) as long and as intense in the city center — the recognizable heart of the city,” he said.
Some criminal defense lawyers have said it's unlikely that the officers will be charged with murder, as protesters have demanded for months, and activists have asked Fischer to fire them if they aren't indicted.
Reporters Sarah Ladd, Jonathan Bullington, Bailey Loosemore, Ben Tobin, Dahlia Ghabour, and Lucas Aulbach contributed to this report. Follow Chris Kenning on Twitter: @chris_kenning.


usatoday--2020-09-23--Coronavirus updates: J&J begins late-stage trial for single-shot vaccine; Ginsburg viewing held outs

Coronavirus updates: J&J begins late-stage trial for single-shot vaccine; Ginsburg viewing held outside; parts of NYC see uptick in cases

Johnson & Johnson said Wednesday that it was beginning the final stage of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate trial as the company hopes to provide safe and effective protection with a single shot .
Other companies have already begun their late-stage trials , but Johnson & Johnson 's is the first vaccine candidate to reach Phase 3 requiring only one dose , which could ease the challenges of vaccine distribution .
While Johnson & Johnson plans to enroll 60,000 participants worldwide , the FDA is also preparing to announce a higher standard for emergency authorization of a coronavirus vaccine in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Times and Washington Post reported Tuesday .
Meanwhile , in Washington , a public viewing for the late Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was to be held outdoors on the front portico of the Supreme Court to allow for social distancing .
• The Miami-Dade County School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to start a staggered reopening plan on Oct. 14 in the country 's fourth-largest district .
• The CDC advised against traditional trick-or-treating this year amid the pandemic .
• The NCAA Division 1 Board of Directors approved a plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the FCS football championship – to spring 2021 .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has reported more than 6.8 million cases and 200,800 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
Five states – Minnesota , Montana , Utah , Wisconsin and Wyoming – set records for new cases in a week through late Tuesday while Montana a record number of deaths in a week .
Globally , there have been more than 31.6 million cases and 971,000 fatalities .
📰 What we 're reading : Our travel writer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotels to check out their coronavirus protocols .
Here 's what he found .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak , state by state This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
Parts of NYC see virus uptick that is 'cause for significant concern' Several neighborhoods in New York City have seen an uptick in coronavirus cases that is causing city officials `` significant concern . ''
New York 's health department identified multiple neighborhoods in Brooklyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all cases citywide as of Sept. 19 .
The uptick in the areas began Aug. 1 , the health department said Tuesday .
`` At this point in time , these increases could potentially evolve into more widespread community transmission and spread to other neighborhoods unless action is taken , '' the department said .
New York City was once the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. , adding around 5,000 new cases a day in late March and early April , but the city 's new case counts have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The final stage of Johnson & Johnson 's trial for its vaccine candidate , which would require only one dose , is set to begin Wednesday , the company announced .
The trial will be one of the largest in the world , with 60,000 volunteers in the U.S. , South Africa , Argentina , Brazil , Chile , Colombia , Mexico and Peru expected to receive doses .
A few other companies already have vaccine candidates in the final stage of trials to show whether they 're safe and effective , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ single-shot vaccine , if it ’ s safe and effective , will have substantial logistic advantages for global pandemic control , ” Dan Barouch , director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston , who partnered with Johnson & Johnson on the vaccine , told the Washington Post .
Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg returned to the Supreme Court for the final time Wednesday , with family , friends , former law clerks , colleagues on the high court and the public prepared for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ceremony just outside the courtroom Wednesday , Ginsburg 's casket will be on the front portico of the court for two days of public viewing outdoors with appropriate social distancing to guard against the coronavirus .
Gas tax hikes pile up as states become desperate for road repair revenue Americans who want to stay socially distant during the COVID-19 pandemic now have another reason to think twice before going out for gas .
Several states have increased gas taxes in recent months to make up for sudden shortfalls in revenue devoted to road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic partly because of social distancing and remote work arrangements , gasoline demand has fallen .
That 's one key factor triggering the tax increases as lawmakers seek to limit the impact of lower revenue on road repair budgets .
The good news for motorists is this : They ’ re currently saving at the pump because the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the economy to slow , pushing down demand and prices for petroleum and gasoline , which is made from crude oil .
The Miami-Dade County School Board on Tuesday voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oct. 14 after a record-breaking two-day meeting , the Miami Herald reported .
The staggered reopening plan will begin with students in Pre-K , kindergarten and first grade and students with special needs .
All students can return to classrooms by Oct. 21 .
Families who prefer remote-learning – which accounts for 51 % of the district 's families – can stick to that option , the newspaper reported .
The decision `` reflected a collective effort from a community that has been appropriately concerned about the potentially disastrous impact of prematurely reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dade president Karla Hernandez-Mats told The Herald in a statement .
The decision comes after New York City , the country 's largest school district , began in-person instruction on Monday .
'It 's been pretty rough ' : As more schools offer in-person options , what happens to the students who stay virtual ?
Four lawmakers have renewed bipartisan calls demanding answers for `` troubling conditions '' at two federal jails in Virginia , citing a lack of personal protective equipment and spoiled food being served to inmates .
Senators Mark R. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A. Donald McEachin and H. Morgan Griffith wrote a letter to the director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons expressing frustration on the lack of correspondence to concerns they addressed in a May 21 letter .
The concerns are regarding FCC Petersburg in Prince George County and United States Penitentiary Lee in Lee County .
`` Given the close quarters and frequent person-to-person interaction , correctional staff and incarcerated individuals are especially vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 .
Lack of PPE also creates additional risk of community spread outside the facilities , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have learned from facility staff that showers are restricted for individuals incarcerated at FCI Petersburg , a policy which further exacerbates sanitation and hygiene issues during a global pandemic.
” The lawmakers also say correctional officers were working 16-hour shifts without meal breaks , calling it `` unacceptable and dangerous . ''
FDA to impose higher standard for emergency authorization of vaccine The Food and Drug Administration , whose autonomy has been questioned amid repeated interference from the Trump administration , is expected to announce a higher standard for emergency authorization of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public trust , the New York Times and Washington Post reported .
The new requirement would make it highly unlikely a vaccine would be available before the Nov. 3 election , contrary to what President Donald Trump has predicted .
Vaccine manufacturers will have to follow participants in Stage 3 clinical trials for at least two months after they receive a second shot of the vaccine candidate , the newspapers said .
Surveys have shown many Americans are skeptical a new coronavirus vaccine would be safe and effective , with as many as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the immunization if it were available today .
The FDA granted emergency authorization to hydroxychloroquine and convalescent plasma , two treatments for the virus touted by Trump but questioned by public health experts .
The vaccine guidelines , drafted by a team of career scientists at the FDA and being reviewed by the White House , could come as early as this week , the Times reported .
Donald Trump on 200K coronavirus deaths in US : 'It 's a shame' Making his first remarks on the latest milestone in the nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump on Tuesday lamented the loss of 200,000 Americans who have died from the disease , describing it as `` a shame . ''
`` It 's a horrible thing , '' Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House as he left for a rally in Pennsylvania .
But , speaking later at a rally in the battleground state of Pennsylvania , Trump mocked his Democratic opponent Joe Biden for wearing a face mask – something his own administration has recommended – and asserted that his administration had done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
During 90 minutes of remarks , Trump did not mention the death toll from the virus but instead blamed China for allowing it to become a pandemic , promised a vaccine will be widely available for Americans soon and criticized social distancing measures approved by state officials that his own public health experts have called for .
Veteran Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward reportedly said Tuesday that he was `` quite frankly embarrassed '' for President Donald Trump that he had given himself an A+ grade for his coronavirus response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forum for the Citizen by CNN 2020 conference , said in his experience of covering nine different presidents he has `` never seen anything like '' Trump 's mangled handling of the ongoing pandemic .
Woodward recently released an explosive book on Trump titled `` Rage , '' which included the president telling the journalist in a recorded interview weeks before the first death in the U.S. that despite knowing how `` deadly '' and serious the coronavirus pandemic would be , he wanted to `` play it down '' and would to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Woodward in an interview on Feb. 7 about how much `` more deadly '' COVID-19 would be than the flu , a startling juxtaposition from the president 's public remarks at the time and in subsequent months .
The Trump administration indicated Tuesday that it would support separate funding measures to provide more financial relief for airlines , a move that could stave off layoffs of thousands of workers and drastic cuts to flight schedules .
With talks for an overall additional stimulus deal stalled , press secretary Kayleigh McEnany encouraged House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send separate funding bills , including one for airlines .
`` At this point , the onus is really on Speaker Pelosi , '' McEnany said at the daily media briefing .
`` We encourage her to send one-off bills , perhaps airline funding or other elements that we could work through the process to get to the American people . ''
Despite many empty seats , airlines have kept flying with help from a $ 50 billion allotment that was part of the Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security ( CARES @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sizzler , the famous steakhouse started 62 years ago , has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection , the latest business to suffer as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic .
In a statement , Sizzler said it filed for voluntary Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District in California on Monday .
The restaurant chain will start a restructuring process to reduce debt and renegotiate its leases with landlords .
`` Our current financial state is a direct consequence of the pandemic ’ s economic impact due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ refusal to provide necessary rent abatements , '' said Chris Perkins , president and chief services officer for Sizzler , in a statement .
The chain operates 107 locations across 10 states , including Puerto Rico , and has 485 employees .
• In your inbox : Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
• On Facebook : A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus .
But what we do know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .
• Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .

Jessica Flores and Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: Trump may overrule FDA; Missouri governor, wife test positive; Fauci, Sen. Rand Paul spar over pandemic response
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: How Herd Immunity works, why you still need to wear a mask Without masks and a vaccine, we could reach Herd Immunity from COVID-19, but deaths would skyrocket. We break down the science of it. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and his wife tested positive for the coronavirus Wednesday, the same day another Republican elected official, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, once again engaged Dr. Anthony Fauci in a contentious debate over the U.S. pandemic response. And President Donald Trump cast doubt on the FDA's assurances that it would keep politics out of the vaccine-approval process.
Earlier in the day, Johnson & Johnson said it was beginning the final stage of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate trial as the company hopes to provide safe and effective protection with a single shot.
While other companies have already begun their late-stage trials, Johnson & Johnson's is the first vaccine candidate to reach Phase 3 requiring only one dose, which could ease the challenges of vaccine distribution.
The news comes as the nation's top health experts told a Senate panel Wednesday that regulatory agencies were not cutting corners when it comes to vaccine safety.
"We feel cautiously optimistic that we will be able to have a safe and effective vaccine, although there is never a guarantee of that," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health.
Some significant developments:
The Miami-Dade County School Board voted unanimously Tuesday to start a staggered reopening plan on Oct. 14 in the country's fourth-largest district.
The CDC advised against traditional trick-or-treating this year amid the pandemic.
The NCAA Division 1 Board of Directors approved a plan Tuesday to move fall sports championships – including the FCS football championship – to spring 2021.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported more than 6.9 million cases and 201,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. Five states – Minnesota, Montana, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming – set records for new cases in a week through late Tuesday while Montana had a record number of deaths in a week. Globally, there have been more than 31.7 million cases and 973,000 fatalities.
📰 What we're reading: Our travel writer David Oliver checked in at a few hotels to check out their coronavirus protocols. Here's what he found.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak, state by state
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
Halloween: Here are 5 ways the CDC doesn't want you to celebrate Many traditional Halloween activities are a risk to spreading COVID-19, so here are some suggestions the CDC has stay safe this spooky season. USA TODAY
Hours after some of the administration's leading health officials offered assurances that the search for a coronavirus vaccine would be conducted free of political interference, President Donald Trump undercut that notion and suggested he may overrule the Federal Drug Administration.
Trump, who has predicted the arrival of a vaccine before the Nov. 3 election, questioned why the FDA would set a higher standard for granting emergency authorization for a vaccine, as the agency is reportedly planning on in an effort to gain public trust.
"I think that was a political move more than anything else,'' Trump said
The president added that the FDA guidance "has to be approved by the White House. We may or may not approve it.''
Earlier in the day, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn addressed concerns of politics playing a role in the approval process, emphasizing that career scientists at the FDA drive decision making: "Science will guide our decisions,'' Hahn said. "FDA will not permit any pressure from anyone to change that."
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a steadfast opponent of mandatory mask requirements, tested positive for the coronavirus Wednesday after his wife was also confirmed infected.
Parson's office said in a news release that the Republican leader "feels healthy and is displaying no symptoms." His wife, Teresa, tested positive earlier in the day and has experienced mild symptoms that include a cough and nasal congestion, her spokeswoman said.
All of Gov. Parson's official and campaign events have been canceled until further notice, including Friday's debate with Democratic challenger Nicole Galloway. Parson has repeatedly urged residents to wear masks and maintain social distancing but has been an outspoken opponent of mask mandates, often appearing at functions without one.
Parson is the second state governor known to have been infected by the virus. Fellow Republican Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma announced he had tested positive in mid-July, and three weeks later Ohio's Mike DeWine also said he tested positive, but hours later said a more sophisticated screening came out negative.
Dr. Anthony Fauci clashed once again with Sen. Rand Paul, and this time the nation's top infectious disease expert was more forceful in his comments.
Fauci scolded the Kentucky Republican for repeatedly misinterpreting his statements about the coronavirus pandemic during a hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on Wednesday, at one point telling Paul, "You are not listening to what the director of the CDC said.''
It was the third time in about four months the two sides sparred publicly over the pandemic response. Paul asked Fauci on Wednesday about his praise for New York's efforts to contain the pandemic, but Fauci batted away the question.
"No, no, you misconstrue that senator, and you've done that repeatedly in the past. They got hit very badly, they made some mistakes," Fauci said, adding that New York got its test positivity rate below 1% by following recommendations from the coronavirus task force regarding hand-washing, mask-wearing, social distancing and outdoor activities.
At the same hearing, Fauci told senators that college administrators should not send students home if there’s an outbreak on campus because they could transmit the disease to their communities.
-- Nicholas Wu
A scaled-down New Year's Eve in Times Square
The New Year's Eve celebration in New York's Times Square will be pared down to allow for social distancing and will include enhanced virtual elements, organizers said Wednesday. Details of the in-person festivities are still being worked out, but essential workers and first responders will be among those honored.
"Whether you want to turn off and turn away from the bad news of 2020, or turn to the new year with a sense of hope, renewal and resolution, you’ll be able to join us virtually like never before as part of the Times Square 2021 celebration," Jeff Straus, president of Countdown Entertainment, said in a statement.
The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday that since-reversed changes to the agency's testing guidelines that drew sharp criticism last month from infectious disease experts were misinterpreted.
The CDC posted revised guidelines in August that said asymptomatic people may not need a test – even if they’ve been exposed to the coronavirus. The CDC on Friday walked back that revision, reinforcing the need for all people who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 to get tested.
CDC head Dr. Robert Redfield told a Senate panel the changes in August "were not interpreted in the manner in which we had intended them to be interpreted." Redfield said the August revisions were intended to "reengage the medical and public health community as part of testing so that there was a public health action that happened as a consequence of every test."
A prominent evangelical church in Washington sued the city's government for allegedly violating the First Amendment by restricting the size of religious gatherings but allowing for anti-racism protests.
The lawsuit, which was first reported by The Washington Post, says D.C.'s government "favor(ed) certain expressive gatherings over others." According to the Post, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has limited services at houses of worship to 100 people or 50% of capacity during her phased reopening plan, but the lawsuit notes that she appeared at anti-racism rallies in June and allegedly has not enforced a ban on outdoor gatherings of more than 50 people. The lawsuit filed by the members of the Capitol Hill Baptist Church is the first by a religious group against the city and its coronavirus restrictions, the Post reported.
Parts of NYC see virus uptick that is 'cause for significant concern'
Several neighborhoods in New York City have seen an uptick in coronavirus cases that is causing city officials "significant concern."
New York's health department identified multiple neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens that account for 20% of all cases citywide as of Sept. 19. The uptick in the areas began Aug. 1, the health department said Tuesday. "These increases could potentially evolve into more widespread community transmission and spread to other neighborhoods unless action is taken," the department said.
New York City was once the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., adding around 5,000 new cases a day in late March and early April, but the city's new case counts have effectively flattened the past two months.
The final stage of Johnson & Johnson's trial for its vaccine candidate, which would require only one dose, is set to begin Wednesday, the company announced. The trial will be one of the largest in the world, with 60,000 volunteers in the U.S., South Africa, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru expected to receive doses.
A few other companies already have vaccine candidates in the final stage of trials to test whether they're safe and effective, but those require two shots.
“A single-shot vaccine, if it’s safe and effective, will have substantial logistic advantages for global pandemic control,” Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, who partnered with Johnson & Johnson on the vaccine, told The Washington Post.
The late Ruth Bader Ginsburg returned to the Supreme Court for the final time Wednesday, with family, friends, former law clerks, colleagues on the high court and the public bidding one last goodbye to the iconic justice.
After a brief ceremony just outside the courtroom Wednesday, Ginsburg's casket will be on the front portico of the court for two days of public viewing outdoors with appropriate social distancing to guard against the coronavirus.
– Richard Wolf
Americans who want to stay socially distant during the COVID-19 pandemic now have another reason to think twice before going out for gas.
Several states have increased gas taxes in recent months to make up for sudden shortfalls in revenue for road repairs. As Americans drive less during the pandemic partly because of social distancing and remote work arrangements, gasoline demand has fallen. That's one key factor triggering the tax increases as lawmakers seek to limit the impact of lower revenue on road repair budgets.
There's some good news for motorists: They’re currently saving at the pump because the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the economy to slow, pushing down demand and prices for petroleum and gasoline.
– Nathan Bomey
The Miami-Dade County School Board on Tuesday voted unanimously to gradually start in-person instruction on Oct. 14 after a record-breaking two-day meeting, the Miami Herald reported.
The staggered reopening plan will begin with students in pre-K, kindergarten and first grade and students with special needs. All students can return to classrooms by Oct. 21. Those who prefer remote-learning – which accounts for 51% of the district's families – can stick to that option, the newspaper reported.
The decision "reflected a collective effort from a community that has been appropriately concerned about the potentially disastrous impact of prematurely reopening physical classrooms," United Teachers of Dade president Karla Hernandez-Mats told The Herald in a statement.
The decision comes after New York City, the country's largest school district, began limited in-person instruction Monday.
'It's been pretty rough': As more schools offer in-person options, what happens to the students who stay virtual?
Four lawmakers have renewed bipartisan calls demanding answers for "troubling conditions" at two federal jails in Virginia, citing a lack of personal protective equipment, unsanitary conditions and spoiled food being served to inmates.
Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and Reps. Donald McEachin and Morgan Griffith wrote a letter to the director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons expressing frustration over the lack of response to concerns they addressed in a May 21 letter. The concerns are regarding FCC Petersburg in Prince George County and United States Penitentiary Lee in Lee County.
– William Atkinson, The Progress-Index
The Food and Drug Administration, whose autonomy has been questioned amid repeated interference from the Trump administration, is expected to announce a higher standard for emergency authorization of a coronavirus vaccine in an effort to gain public trust, the New York Times and Washington Post reported.
The new requirement would make it highly unlikely a vaccine would be available before the Nov. 3 election, contrary to what President Donald Trump has predicted.
Vaccine manufacturers will have to follow participants in Stage 3 clinical trials for at least two months after they receive a second shot of the vaccine candidate, the newspapers said. Surveys have shown many Americans are skeptical a new coronavirus vaccine would be safe and effective, with as many as half the respondents saying they would not get the immunization if it were available today.
The FDA granted emergency authorization to hydroxychloroquine and convalescent plasma, two treatments for the virus touted by Trump but questioned by public health experts. The vaccine guidelines, drafted by a team of career scientists at the FDA and being reviewed by the White House, could come as early as this week, the Times reported.
Making his first remarks on the latest milestone in the nation's battle with coronavirus, President Donald Trump on Tuesday lamented the loss of 200,000 Americans who have died from the disease, describing it as "a shame."
"It's a horrible thing," Trump told reporters on the South Lawn of the White House as he left for a rally in the battleground state of Pennsylvania. At the rally, Trump mocked his Democratic opponent Joe Biden for wearing a face mask – something White House public health experts have recommended – and said his administration had done an "A-plus job" dealing with the pandemic.
During 90 minutes of remarks, Trump did not mention the death toll from the virus but instead blamed China for allowing it to become a pandemic, promised a vaccine will be widely available for Americans soon and criticized social distancing measures approved by state officials that his own public health experts have called for.
– John Fritze, Michael Collins and David Jackson
Veteran Washington Post journalist Bob Woodward reportedly said Tuesday that he was "quite frankly embarrassed" for President Donald Trump giving himself an A+ grade for his coronavirus response.
Woodward, speaking at an invite-only forum for the Citizen by CNN 2020 conference, said in his experience of covering nine different presidents he has "never seen anything like" Trump's mangled handling of the ongoing pandemic.
Woodward recently released an explosive book on Trump titled "Rage," which included the president telling the journalist in a recorded interview weeks before the first death in the U.S. that despite knowing how "deadly" and serious the coronavirus pandemic would be, he wanted to "play it down" and would to continue to do so.
Trump also told Woodward in an interview on Feb. 7 about how much "more deadly" COVID-19 would be than the flu, a startling juxtaposition from the president's public remarks at the time and in subsequent months.
– Savannah Behrmann
The Trump administration indicated Tuesday that it would support separate funding measures to provide more financial relief for airlines, a move that could stave off layoffs of thousands of workers and drastic cuts to flight schedules.
With talks for an overall additional stimulus deal stalled, press secretary Kayleigh McEnany encouraged House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to send separate funding bills, including one for airlines.
"At this point, the onus is really on Speaker Pelosi," McEnany said at the daily media briefing. "We encourage her to send one-off bills, perhaps airline funding or other elements that we could work through the process to get to the American people."
Despite many empty seats, airlines have kept flying with help from a $50 billion allotment that was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that passed in March.
– Chris Woodyard
Sizzler, the steakhouse chain started 62 years ago, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the latest business to suffer as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, Sizzler said it filed for voluntary Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District in California on Monday. The restaurant chain will start a restructuring process to reduce debt and renegotiate its leases with landlords.
"Our current financial state is a direct consequence of the pandemic’s economic impact due to long-term indoor dining closures and landlords’ refusal to provide necessary rent abatements," Chris Perkins, president and chief services officer for Sizzler, said in a statement.
The chain operates 107 locations across 10 states and Puerto Rico.
– Brett Molina
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Contributing: The Associated Press