usatoday--2020-09-26--Meet the groups bailing protesters nationwide from jail. They're demanding bail reform.

LOUISVILLE , Ky. – It was after midnight when Louisville police hauled the last of 127 people into jail following Wednesday night 's Breonna Taylor protests , but bail fund advocates were already at work .
Checking records and calling relatives to see who could n't afford to bail themselves out , Shelton McElroy within hours posted a bond from a pool of donated money , scrambling to set up post-release support , from transportation to legal referrals .
Organizers know it does n't take long for anyone stuck behind bars , whether on a minor or major charge , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their footing in life because they ca n't afford pretrial bail .
`` We 're always in action mode … just trying to get people out , '' he said .
The work of nonprofit bail funds in Louisville and across the country — which serve low-income people languishing in jail pretrial solely because of unaffordable bail — have gotten both a national spotlight and massive financial infusion after receiving millions in donations since racial justice protests began in late May over police killings .
While bailing protesters has gotten much attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been released without cash bail .
Yet the influx of funds has bolstered the funds ' everyday work with average citizens , stuck in jail under a cash bail system that discriminates against the poor and disproportionately impacts people of color .
Nationally , about 60 % of people in U.S. jails are awaiting trial , many because they ca n't pay their bonds .
`` Rich people get out of jail .
If you ’ re poor , you sit in jail , '' said veteran criminal defense attorney Ted Shouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Project , one of two Louisville funds .
Despite their new largesse , leaders of Louisville 's two bail organizations and other advocates are still not able to fill the need , especially in rural Kentucky .
They want lasting change that will put them out of a job .
`` Permanent bail reform is still so needed , '' said Shameka Parrish-Wright , the Bail Project 's manager who also is a protest leader — and who herself was arrested Thursday during demonstrations on charges that her lawyer said are bogus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ same night without a cash bail , too many others with low-level charges commonly are not , advocates say .
Proponents , which include some prosecutors , want to do away with bail for all but the most dangerous defendants .
They point to studies that show defendants with no bail are just as likely to return to court as those with bail .
They say new attention to the funds ' work — coupled with coronavirus-related jail releases and trial delays that are leading some judges and prosecutors to rethink and minimize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ window for long-sought legislative reform .
“ What ’ s happening right now is unprecedented in terms of how many people are aware of the problem , ” said McElroy , of the Louisville Community Bail Fund , who argues cash bail pressures defendants to accept plea deals , fuels mass incarceration and ruins lives .
Louisville ’ s two bail funds — the Bail Project , part of a national network that received $ 16 million in donations since protests began , and Black Lives Matter-run Louisville Community Bail Fund , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together as of mid-September had posted bonds for at least 483 people since protests began .
The Louisville Bail Project has helped 2,300 people since it started in 2018 and 380 since April , among them 37 protestors .
Most fell under the group ’ s $ 5,000 soft bail cap .
The majority of those it helps have a felony charge .
The Louisville Community Bail Fund has bailed out at least 103 people since protests began , focusing on those with larger bails averaging $ 20,000 , said one of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they provide pretrial support such as court reminders , rides and housing , job and legal referrals .
MeElroy said clients are met at the jail door , with water , a phone to use , clothing if they need it , a ride — and a plan to support them .
At least 90 % of clients return to court , Parrish-Wright said .
Kentucky ’ s pandemic-related efforts to administratively release defendants , embraced by some prosecutors , defense attorneys and judges , is also bolstering the case against cash bail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of trouble .
Though data is still being collected , in many cases people are n't reoffending or failing to show up to court at significantly higher rates , according to some judges , attorneys and prosecutors .
“ This is helping change people ’ s minds .
The old lock-them-up-and-throw-away-the-key until their trial , that group is being proven wrong , ” said Jefferson Commonwealth Attorney Tom Wine .
Louisville ’ s jail population has fallen to less than 1,300 inmates , compared to being routinely more than 2,000 last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the pandemic subsides , and some state officials have said a return to pre-pandemic levels is possible .
Shouse said the group would like to `` work its way out of a job '' through lasting reform .
“ This is the moment , '' he said , noting that protests ' spotlight on criminal justice inequities including cash bail and the pandemic have raised awareness and `` brought us to a place where real bail reform is possible.
” Under Kentucky law , judges are required to set bail based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential danger of release to the community ; the defendant ’ s ties to the community ; and the likelihood the defendant will appear .
While federal courts can hold defendants with no bail , judges in Kentucky must set bail in all but capital murder cases .
However , it doesn ’ t have to be full cash .
They can release a person on their own recognizance , order an unsecured bond where no money is due unless the person fails to return , including some signed by a family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow bail bonds businesses .
Breonna Taylor:1 hurt after car crashed into crowd at Los Angeles protest Bails are supposed to be `` reasonable , '' but a person ’ s ability to pay is often given scant consideration , Shouse said .
Instead , bails are set by `` custom , practice , moral disapproval and the charge before the judge , '' he said .
Judges get pretrial services risk assessments on a defendant .
But sometimes bail decisions occur in minuteslong hearings that can be “ not as thorough as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Attorney Mike O ’ Connell , who favors cashless bail for lower-level cases , with fuller hearings on more serious ones .
Sometimes people with overdue fines or restitution for crimes like criminal mischief are jailed under a bond in the amount they owe .
While that prompts some to quickly come up with the money , others are left in jail because they genuinely ca n't pay it , said District Judge Stephanie Pearce Burke .
In Kentucky in 2016 , there were 64,123 defendants charged with nonviolent , nonsexual crimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afford their bail , according to a study of state court data by the nonprofit Louisville-based Pegasus Institute .
They spent an average of 109 days in jail .
A Kentucky Center for Economic Policy report last year found that 57 % of criminal district court and circuit court cases in Kentucky are subject to pretrial monetary bail , with 39 % actually resulting in pretrial release .
In the six months Demontez Campbell sat in Hardin County jail , for example , unable to make bail while awaiting trial for third-degree burglary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live .
To get out and repair his life , he pleaded guilty and was put on probation .
But then he missed a court date and faced another $ 1,500 bond he couldn ’ t afford .
He turned to the Louisville Bail Project to pay it — saving him , he said , from another devastating setback .
“ It would have knocked the wind out of me trying to rebuild my life , my relationship with my daughter , ” said Campbell , who also got help with rides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ referrals .
In recent years , states from California to New York have enacted changes to limit money bail .
New York last year restricted the use of bail for many nonviolent crimes , which reduced jail populations but sparked a backlash after opponents argued some were committing new crimes .
'Mad .
Pissed .
Upset . '
: A day later , Breonna Taylor 's mom returns to site of protests Louisville Democratic State Sen. Morgan McGarvey said he plans to introduce or support such legislation next year , though details have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in the court system have different ideas about what that might look like .
Annette Karem , a Jefferson district judge , said she favors reducing cash bail use and adding funding to expand pretrial release conditions like home incarceration or drug treatment .
Some prosecutors want expanded detention hearings and bail with more non-financial conditions .
Shouse supports releasing all charged with a misdemeanor and or lower-level Class D felonies on their own recognizance unless a hearing is requested .
But state Sen. John Schickel , a Republican , opposes legislative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said would limit a judge ’ s discretion and could be open to abuse .
“ Cash bail is really something that protects citizens from being held by the government , ” he said .
In January , Kentucky ’ s Public Advocacy Department petitioned the state Supreme Court to fix what it called a broken and unconstitutional system .
It argued that county jails are clogged with people who can ’ t afford to post bail , which was overused for minor offenses .
Kentucky and U.S. constitutions prohibit excessive bail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legislature to consider changes to the bail , parole and probation systems as part of an effort to ease jail and prison overcrowding .
“ It seems like everyone agrees it ’ s an unfair system .
But the difficulty is creating a system that establishes who should be let out and who shouldn ’ t , ” said Kate Miller , advocacy director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky .
“ But I do think all this will add momentum.
” For now , people like Mitzi Wilson are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago , she said , the $ 10,000 bond holding her son on a robbery charge might well have been a million .
`` Couldn ’ t afford the bail , not even a lawyer , none of that , ” she said .
Freed with the help of both groups , her son also got support : rides to probation and help with a job to get his life on track .
He was later sentenced to probation .
He ’ s now “ staying out of trouble , ” Wilson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important.
” Such work began having a national moment after millions of dollars were donated to such funds when protests sparked by police killings of Taylor in Louisville and George Floyd in Minneapolis first broke out .
The Minnesota Freedom Fund first gained attention , drawing tens of millions in donations , and since then celebrities and activists have helped drive donations to funds around the country .
The 80 funds in the National Bail Fund Network have bailed out more than 10,000 people in recent months , the group said .
Louisville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bailing people out since 2017 , Helm said , but it was few and far between until donations flooded in .
“ It ’ s been really exciting .
We ’ re a grassroots organization .
So it ’ s been extremely overwhelming , ” Helm said .
Police and prosecutors have long raised concerns about judges releasing defendants accused of violent crimes to await trial , and some in Louisville cited concern about the bail fund posting bonds of up to $ 100,000 on charges such as assault and domestic violence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ notify victims in some cases .
McElroy said they give each case a `` high level of consideration '' of the circumstances , talking to attorneys and families , and consider victims .
And he said that even people with serious charges should be presumed innocent and allowed to prepare a defense outside of jail just like wealthier defendants .
Research also shows people incarcerated pretrial are actually more likely to be found guilty and to receive harsher sentences , according to the Kentucky Economic Policy Center .
“ It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plea deal , ” McElroy said , which he said has made some prosecutors reluctant to embrace bail reform .
The funds get referrals from public defenders , calls from parents or phone calls from jail .
The Bail Project reviews documents and talks to inmates and families to decide who could benefit from bail , what support they have and need .
In Louisville , the vast majority of protesters have been released on their own recognizance , with some being stuck with higher bonds on more serious charge or because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appearance .
Many of the protesters arrested Wednesday in the wake of the decision not to charge any officers directly in connection with Taylor 's death were also released on their own recognizance , some advocates said .
Breonna Taylor : What 's next for the 2 officers who were n't indicted in the shooting ?
On a Friday earlier this month , Bail Project client advocate Savvy Shabazz walked into a downtown bank and withdrew $ 40,700 from the bank teller .
He slid it into his pocket and walked down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jail inmates — each behind bars solely because they couldn ’ t afford their bond .
Once they ’ re out , the Bail Project offers support so they reappear in court .
It could mean rides , bus tickets , housing or job referrals and reminders and help getting to court appointments so they can get the money back and reuse it .
” The money we used to get you out ?
We need those funds to get someone else out , ” he tells clients .

Chris Kenning, Louisville Courier Journal

Meet the groups bailing protesters nationwide from jail. They're demanding bail reform.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – It was after midnight when Louisville police hauled the last of 127 people into jail following Wednesday night's Breonna Taylor protests, but bail fund advocates were already at work.
Checking records and calling relatives to see who couldn't afford to bail themselves out, Shelton McElroy within hours posted a bond from a pool of donated money, scrambling to set up post-release support, from transportation to legal referrals.
Organizers know it doesn't take long for anyone stuck behind bars, whether on a minor or major charge, to lose a job, an apartment and their footing in life because they can't afford pretrial bail.
"We're always in action mode … just trying to get people out," he said.
The work of nonprofit bail funds in Louisville and across the country — which serve low-income people languishing in jail pretrial solely because of unaffordable bail — have gotten both a national spotlight and massive financial infusion after receiving millions in donations since racial justice protests began in late May over police killings.
While bailing protesters has gotten much attention, the majority of protesters in Louisville have been released without cash bail. Yet the influx of funds has bolstered the funds' everyday work with average citizens, stuck in jail under a cash bail system that discriminates against the poor and disproportionately impacts people of color.
Nationally, about 60% of people in U.S. jails are awaiting trial, many because they can't pay their bonds.
"Rich people get out of jail. If you’re poor, you sit in jail," said veteran criminal defense attorney Ted Shouse, who has worked with the Bail Project, one of two Louisville funds.
Despite their new largesse, leaders of Louisville's two bail organizations and other advocates are still not able to fill the need, especially in rural Kentucky. They want lasting change that will put them out of a job.
"Permanent bail reform is still so needed," said Shameka Parrish-Wright, the Bail Project's manager who also is a protest leader — and who herself was arrested Thursday during demonstrations on charges that her lawyer said are bogus.
While she was released from jail the same night without a cash bail, too many others with low-level charges commonly are not, advocates say.
Proponents, which include some prosecutors, want to do away with bail for all but the most dangerous defendants. They point to studies that show defendants with no bail are just as likely to return to court as those with bail.
Breonna Taylor protest updates: Sit-in on Brooklyn Bridge; Protests in LA, Seattle, Chicago, Philly
They say new attention to the funds' work — coupled with coronavirus-related jail releases and trial delays that are leading some judges and prosecutors to rethink and minimize cash bail — makes for a promising window for long-sought legislative reform.
“What’s happening right now is unprecedented in terms of how many people are aware of the problem,” said McElroy, of the Louisville Community Bail Fund, who argues cash bail pressures defendants to accept plea deals, fuels mass incarceration and ruins lives.
Louisville’s two bail funds — the Bail Project, part of a national network that received $16 million in donations since protests began, and Black Lives Matter-run Louisville Community Bail Fund, which got more than $3.5 million — together as of mid-September had posted bonds for at least 483 people since protests began.
The Louisville Bail Project has helped 2,300 people since it started in 2018 and 380 since April, among them 37 protestors. Most fell under the group’s $5,000 soft bail cap. The majority of those it helps have a felony charge. The Louisville Community Bail Fund has bailed out at least 103 people since protests began, focusing on those with larger bails averaging $20,000, said one of its coordinators, Channelle Helm.
Both said they provide pretrial support such as court reminders, rides and housing, job and legal referrals. MeElroy said clients are met at the jail door, with water, a phone to use, clothing if they need it, a ride — and a plan to support them.
At least 90% of clients return to court, Parrish-Wright said.
Kentucky’s pandemic-related efforts to administratively release defendants, embraced by some prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges, is also bolstering the case against cash bail as people return to court and stay out of trouble.
Though data is still being collected, in many cases people aren't reoffending or failing to show up to court at significantly higher rates, according to some judges, attorneys and prosecutors.
“This is helping change people’s minds. The old lock-them-up-and-throw-away-the-key until their trial, that group is being proven wrong,” said Jefferson Commonwealth Attorney Tom Wine.
Louisville’s jail population has fallen to less than 1,300 inmates, compared to being routinely more than 2,000 last year. But that could ramp back up after the pandemic subsides, and some state officials have said a return to pre-pandemic levels is possible.
Shouse said the group would like to "work its way out of a job" through lasting reform.
“This is the moment," he said, noting that protests' spotlight on criminal justice inequities including cash bail and the pandemic have raised awareness and "brought us to a place where real bail reform is possible.”
Under Kentucky law, judges are required to set bail based on the seriousness of the alleged crime; the potential danger of release to the community; the defendant’s ties to the community; and the likelihood the defendant will appear.
While federal courts can hold defendants with no bail, judges in Kentucky must set bail in all but capital murder cases. However, it doesn’t have to be full cash. They can release a person on their own recognizance, order an unsecured bond where no money is due unless the person fails to return, including some signed by a family member or third-party. Kentucky doesn't allow bail bonds businesses.
Breonna Taylor: 1 hurt after car crashed into crowd at Los Angeles protest
Bails are supposed to be "reasonable," but a person’s ability to pay is often given scant consideration, Shouse said. Instead, bails are set by "custom, practice, moral disapproval and the charge before the judge," he said.
Judges get pretrial services risk assessments on a defendant. But sometimes bail decisions occur in minuteslong hearings that can be “not as thorough as they should be,” said Jefferson County Attorney Mike O’Connell, who favors cashless bail for lower-level cases, with fuller hearings on more serious ones.
Sometimes people with overdue fines or restitution for crimes like criminal mischief are jailed under a bond in the amount they owe. While that prompts some to quickly come up with the money, others are left in jail because they genuinely can't pay it, said District Judge Stephanie Pearce Burke.
In Kentucky in 2016, there were 64,123 defendants charged with nonviolent, nonsexual crimes jailed before trial because they could not afford their bail, according to a study of state court data by the nonprofit Louisville-based Pegasus Institute. They spent an average of 109 days in jail.
A Kentucky Center for Economic Policy report last year found that 57% of criminal district court and circuit court cases in Kentucky are subject to pretrial monetary bail, with 39% actually resulting in pretrial release.
In the six months Demontez Campbell sat in Hardin County jail, for example, unable to make bail while awaiting trial for third-degree burglary, he lost his job and place to live.
To get out and repair his life, he pleaded guilty and was put on probation. But then he missed a court date and faced another $1,500 bond he couldn’t afford. He turned to the Louisville Bail Project to pay it — saving him, he said, from another devastating setback.
“It would have knocked the wind out of me trying to rebuild my life, my relationship with my daughter,” said Campbell, who also got help with rides to court, bus tickets and job referrals.
In recent years, states from California to New York have enacted changes to limit money bail. New York last year restricted the use of bail for many nonviolent crimes, which reduced jail populations but sparked a backlash after opponents argued some were committing new crimes.
'Mad. Pissed. Upset.': A day later, Breonna Taylor's mom returns to site of protests
Louisville Democratic State Sen. Morgan McGarvey said he plans to introduce or support such legislation next year, though details haven't been worked out. Those who work in the court system have different ideas about what that might look like.
Annette Karem, a Jefferson district judge, said she favors reducing cash bail use and adding funding to expand pretrial release conditions like home incarceration or drug treatment. Some prosecutors want expanded detention hearings and bail with more non-financial conditions. Shouse supports releasing all charged with a misdemeanor and or lower-level Class D felonies on their own recognizance unless a hearing is requested.
But state Sen. John Schickel, a Republican, opposes legislative bail limits on certain crimes, which he said would limit a judge’s discretion and could be open to abuse. “Cash bail is really something that protects citizens from being held by the government,” he said.
In January, Kentucky’s Public Advocacy Department petitioned the state Supreme Court to fix what it called a broken and unconstitutional system. It argued that county jails are clogged with people who can’t afford to post bail, which was overused for minor offenses. Kentucky and U.S. constitutions prohibit excessive bail.
Gov. Andy Beshear has urged the legislature to consider changes to the bail, parole and probation systems as part of an effort to ease jail and prison overcrowding.
“It seems like everyone agrees it’s an unfair system. But the difficulty is creating a system that establishes who should be let out and who shouldn’t,” said Kate Miller, advocacy director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky. “But I do think all this will add momentum.”
For now, people like Mitzi Wilson are relying on bail funds.
About two years ago, she said, the $10,000 bond holding her son on a robbery charge might well have been a million.
"Couldn’t afford the bail, not even a lawyer, none of that,” she said.
Freed with the help of both groups, her son also got support: rides to probation and help with a job to get his life on track. He was later sentenced to probation. He’s now “staying out of trouble,” Wilson said. “The help was so important.”
Such work began having a national moment after millions of dollars were donated to such funds when protests sparked by police killings of Taylor in Louisville and George Floyd in Minneapolis first broke out.
The Minnesota Freedom Fund first gained attention, drawing tens of millions in donations, and since then celebrities and activists have helped drive donations to funds around the country.
The 80 funds in the National Bail Fund Network have bailed out more than 10,000 people in recent months, the group said.
Louisville's Black Lives Matter group had started bailing people out since 2017, Helm said, but it was few and far between until donations flooded in. “It’s been really exciting. We’re a grassroots organization. So it’s been extremely overwhelming,” Helm said.
Police and prosecutors have long raised concerns about judges releasing defendants accused of violent crimes to await trial, and some in Louisville cited concern about the bail fund posting bonds of up to $100,000 on charges such as assault and domestic violence. Wine said his office has had to notify victims in some cases.
McElroy said they give each case a "high level of consideration" of the circumstances, talking to attorneys and families, and consider victims. And he said that even people with serious charges should be presumed innocent and allowed to prepare a defense outside of jail just like wealthier defendants.
Research also shows people incarcerated pretrial are actually more likely to be found guilty and to receive harsher sentences, according to the Kentucky Economic Policy Center.
“It’s a way to pressure you into making a plea deal,” McElroy said, which he said has made some prosecutors reluctant to embrace bail reform.
The funds get referrals from public defenders, calls from parents or phone calls from jail. The Bail Project reviews documents and talks to inmates and families to decide who could benefit from bail, what support they have and need.
In Louisville, the vast majority of protesters have been released on their own recognizance, with some being stuck with higher bonds on more serious charge or because of past charges such as missing a court appearance.
Many of the protesters arrested Wednesday in the wake of the decision not to charge any officers directly in connection with Taylor's death were also released on their own recognizance, some advocates said.
Breonna Taylor: What's next for the 2 officers who weren't indicted in the shooting?
On a Friday earlier this month, Bail Project client advocate Savvy Shabazz walked into a downtown bank and withdrew $40,700 from the bank teller.
He slid it into his pocket and walked down to the courthouse to free the latest 11 jail inmates — each behind bars solely because they couldn’t afford their bond.
Once they’re out, the Bail Project offers support so they reappear in court. It could mean rides, bus tickets, housing or job referrals and reminders and help getting to court appointments so they can get the money back and reuse it.
”The money we used to get you out? We need those funds to get someone else out,” he tells clients.
Follow Chris Kenning on Twitter: @chris_kenning.


usatoday--2020-09-26--'Father of the Bride' cast reunites 25 years later for sort-of sequel, with new cameos

It turns out Steve Martin 's `` Father of the Bride '' character George Banks is well-equipped to deal with a pandemic .
We know , because the neurotic and lovable character reunited with the rest of the movie 's main cast Friday for a new story self-recorded by the actors and written and directed by Nancy Meyers .
`` Father of the Bride Part 3 ( ish ) '' was shared on the Netflix YouTube and Facebook accounts to benefit World Central Kitchen .
The nearly 27-minute-long sort-of-sequel , which takes place 25 years after `` Father of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has been that long ) follows a current-day Banks family Zoom , complete with Nina ( Diane Keaton ) , daughter Annie ( Kimberly Williams-Paisley ) , son Matty ( Kieran Culkin ) and eclectic wedding planner Franck ( Martin Short ) .
The babies from the second movie , now in their 20s , are also on the call and played by Florence Pugh and Ben Platt .
And there are new characters : Robert De Niro and Alexandra Shipp make appearances .
Amid COVID-19 , we learn that George has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kids , obsessing over the availability of Clorox wipes and measuring out a 54-foot table that could safely seat his family at a social distance .
He spends time deliberating over how to take off his face mask after washing his hands , and decides to use two pencils to nimbly remove the straps from his ears .
`` I know all of you think I 'm an overreacter , '' he says in his sweats .
`` I 've never had anything this huge to overreact to . ''
The conversation rehashes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updates on the characters before viewers learn the real reason for the family chat : Matty , now a 37-year-old writer , would like to marry his doctor girlfriend Rachel ( Shipp ) , who 's quarantining in a hotel room , on Zoom .
Her father ( De Niro ) also joins the call .
The ceremony , officiated by Franck , is schmaltzy but charming .
After George gets over the fact that he wo n't get to watch Rachel 's dad fund an elaborate wedding while he enjoys the food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he gets sentimental .
`` I could n't be prouder of my family , or happier for Matt and Rachel , '' he says .
`` We 're living in a tough time ... but we 've managed to stay OK all these months because we have each other . ''
As Platt 's George ( Annie 's newborn from `` Father of the Bride 2 , '' named for her father ) sings `` The Way You Look Tonight , '' it 's hard not to let your eyes water .

'Father of the Bride' cast reunites 25 years later for sort-of sequel, with new cameos
Show Caption Hide Caption The Joys of Working With De Niro Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo and Andrew Rannells on working opposite intimidating co-star Robert De Niro in writer-director Nancy Meyers' workplace relationship comedy, 'The Intern.' (Oct. 9) AP
It turns out Steve Martin's "Father of the Bride" character George Banks is well-equipped to deal with a pandemic.
We know, because the neurotic and lovable character reunited with the rest of the movie's main cast Friday for a new story self-recorded by the actors and written and directed by Nancy Meyers. "Father of the Bride Part 3 (ish)" was shared on the Netflix YouTube and Facebook accounts to benefit World Central Kitchen.
The nearly 27-minute-long sort-of-sequel, which takes place 25 years after "Father of the Bride Part II" (yes, it has been that long) follows a current-day Banks family Zoom, complete with Nina (Diane Keaton), daughter Annie (Kimberly Williams-Paisley), son Matty (Kieran Culkin) and eclectic wedding planner Franck (Martin Short).
The babies from the second movie, now in their 20s, are also on the call and played by Florence Pugh and Ben Platt. And there are new characters: Robert De Niro and Alexandra Shipp make appearances.
Amid COVID-19, we learn that George has been sending hundreds of masks to his kids, obsessing over the availability of Clorox wipes and measuring out a 54-foot table that could safely seat his family at a social distance. He spends time deliberating over how to take off his face mask after washing his hands, and decides to use two pencils to nimbly remove the straps from his ears.
"I know all of you think I'm an overreacter," he says in his sweats. "I've never had anything this huge to overreact to."
The conversation rehashes some "FotB" stories and gives updates on the characters before viewers learn the real reason for the family chat: Matty, now a 37-year-old writer, would like to marry his doctor girlfriend Rachel (Shipp), who's quarantining in a hotel room, on Zoom. Her father (De Niro) also joins the call.
The ceremony, officiated by Franck, is schmaltzy but charming. After George gets over the fact that he won't get to watch Rachel's dad fund an elaborate wedding while he enjoys the food and flowers he didn't pay for, he gets sentimental.
"I couldn't be prouder of my family, or happier for Matt and Rachel," he says. "We're living in a tough time ... but we've managed to stay OK all these months because we have each other."
As Platt's George (Annie's newborn from "Father of the Bride 2," named for her father) sings "The Way You Look Tonight," it's hard not to let your eyes water.


usatoday--2020-09-26--Tampa Bay Lightning beat Dallas Stars after overtime penalty to Stars captain Jamie Benn

Kevin Shattenkirk scored a power-play goal in overtime Friday night as the Tampa Bay Lightning took a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final .
The goal came with Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn in the penalty box for tripping Tyler Johnson , a call that his teammates disputed .
Shattenkirk got the winner at 6:34 after the Stars ' tying goal had deflected in off the defenseman .
`` In my head , I was thinking I deserved some good karma after that , '' he said .
The Lightning overcame 2-0 and 3-2 deficits and blew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 5-4 victory in Game 4 .
The Lightning will be in position to wrap up their first championship since 2004 .
There 's a quick turnaround for Game 5 Saturday night ( 8 p.m .
ET , NBC ) .
It 's the first back-to-back nights in a Stanley Cup Final since 2009 .
INVITE : Fan invited to arena watch party after neighbor calls police as he yells at TV The Stars were n't happy with the call against Benn in overtime .
Said Stars forward Joe Pavelski : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time for a play where Tyler Johnson steps in front of Jamie Benn and it has no real effect on the play , and Jamie breathes on him and the guy falls over .
Whether that ’ s the case or not , there ’ s a little battle going on there , but it ’ s playoffs , it ’ s overtime .
We expect 5-on-5 . ''
Stars coach Rick Bowness said he saw a `` hockey play . ''
“ It ’ s two guys going for a loose puck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also did n't like the fact that Brayden Point was called for embellishment on a Corey Perry penalty near the end of the third period .
`` We ’ re not sure we felt there should be a four-on-four at the end of regulation there , '' Lightning coach Jon Cooper said .
The Lightning went 3-for-4 on the power play while the Stars went 0-for-3 .
`` Our power play had a chance to end the game ( on a 4-on-3 in overtime ) , and they did n't get it done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top line of Benn , Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov got shifted around .
Pavelski took Seguin 's place , and Seguin moved to a line with Corey Perry .
It paid off as Benn and Seguin picked up their first points of the series .
Benn fed Pavelski to give the Stars a 2-0 lead in the first period .
Seguin made a slick move and pass to get Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy out of position , and Perry followed it up to make it 3-2 .
Seguin also picked up an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which tied the game at 4-4 in the third period .
Pavelski has 60 postseason goals , tying him for first by a U.S.-born skater .
Point was responsible for the first Lightning comeback .
He made a sharp move on a breakaway to beat Anton Khudobin in the first period .
His second goal was on a second-period deflection to give him 13 goals this postseason .
`` I think it ’ s just sticking with the process , '' Point said of the Lightning 's comebacks .
`` We weren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just the next shift , and it worked out for us tonight . ''
Nikita Kucherov picked up two assists to give him 25 in the playoffs , a record for a winger .
`` We rely on the big guys to score those goals , and they ’ re coming through , '' Lightning forward Alex Killorn said .
Vasilevskiy made a spectacular save in the second period to prevent the Stars from going ahead 4-2 .
He stretched out to make a pad save on Nick Caamano shot to keep the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yanni Gourde scored a power-play goal at 18:54 to tie the game .
Lightning captain Steven Stamkos , who scored in Game 3 in his first appearance in nearly seven months , sat out Game 4 .
He got a goal on his first shot in the Lightning 's 5-2 victory but played only five first-period shifts and none in the final two periods .

Tampa Bay Lightning beat Dallas Stars after overtime penalty to Stars captain Jamie Benn
Show Caption Hide Caption Should Stanley Cup winner get an asterisk? Former goalie weighs in SportsPulse: Mackenzie Salmons sits down with former NHL goalie and NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes to discuss the level of play during the Stanley Cup Finals= and whether or not the winner should have an asterisk in the record books. USA TODAY
Kevin Shattenkirk scored a power-play goal in overtime Friday night as the Tampa Bay Lightning took a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final.
The goal came with Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn in the penalty box for tripping Tyler Johnson, a call that his teammates disputed.
Shattenkirk got the winner at 6:34 after the Stars' tying goal had deflected in off the defenseman.
"In my head, I was thinking I deserved some good karma after that," he said.
The Lightning overcame 2-0 and 3-2 deficits and blew a 4-3 lead on the way to a 5-4 victory in Game 4.
The Lightning will be in position to wrap up their first championship since 2004. There's a quick turnaround for Game 5 Saturday night (8 p.m. ET, NBC). It's the first back-to-back nights in a Stanley Cup Final since 2009.
INVITE: Fan invited to arena watch party after neighbor calls police as he yells at TV
A look at Game 4:
Disputed call
The Stars weren't happy with the call against Benn in overtime.
Said Stars forward Joe Pavelski: “I don’t have a ton of time for a play where Tyler Johnson steps in front of Jamie Benn and it has no real effect on the play, and Jamie breathes on him and the guy falls over. Whether that’s the case or not, there’s a little battle going on there, but it’s playoffs, it’s overtime. We expect 5-on-5."
Stars coach Rick Bowness said he saw a "hockey play."
“It’s two guys going for a loose puck," he said.
The Lightning also didn't like the fact that Brayden Point was called for embellishment on a Corey Perry penalty near the end of the third period.
The penalties to Perry and Point. pic.twitter.com/315PdTGl9V — Here's Your Replay ⬇ (@TheReplayGuy) September 26, 2020
"We’re not sure we felt there should be a four-on-four at the end of regulation there," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said.
The Lightning went 3-for-4 on the power play while the Stars went 0-for-3.
"Our power play had a chance to end the game (on a 4-on-3 in overtime), and they didn't get it done," Bowness said.
Line change
The struggling top line of Benn, Tyler Seguin and Alexander Radulov got shifted around.
Pavelski took Seguin's place, and Seguin moved to a line with Corey Perry.
It paid off as Benn and Seguin picked up their first points of the series.
Joe Pavelski is LOCKED IN. 🔒
His 11th goal of the #StanleyCup Playoffs, and it's a dandy. #GoStars pic.twitter.com/LcrVyCFYdU — #StanleyCup Final on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) September 26, 2020
Benn fed Pavelski to give the Stars a 2-0 lead in the first period.
Corey Perry is so-o greasy that when he scores, the puck OOZES over the goal line. https://t.co/UtBmb33Hy2 — Bruce McCurdy (@BruceMcCurdy) September 26, 2020
Seguin made a slick move and pass to get Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy out of position, and Perry followed it up to make it 3-2.
Seguin also picked up an assist on Pavelski's second goal, which tied the game at 4-4 in the third period.
Pavelski has 60 postseason goals, tying him for first by a U.S.-born skater.
Lightning star power
Point was responsible for the first Lightning comeback. He made a sharp move on a breakaway to beat Anton Khudobin in the first period.
Brayden Point with the filthy finish off the feed from Ondrej Palat pic.twitter.com/9KZLqIOMM1 — Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) September 26, 2020
His second goal was on a second-period deflection to give him 13 goals this postseason.
"I think it’s just sticking with the process," Point said of the Lightning's comebacks. "We weren’t focusing on the end result, just the next shift, and it worked out for us tonight."
Nikita Kucherov picked up two assists to give him 25 in the playoffs, a record for a winger.
"We rely on the big guys to score those goals, and they’re coming through," Lightning forward Alex Killorn said.
Big save
Vasilevskiy made a spectacular save in the second period to prevent the Stars from going ahead 4-2.
He stretched out to make a pad save on Nick Caamano shot to keep the Lightning close.
Vasilevskiy keeping it a one-goal game with his Go Go Gadget leg. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/bcqDE2djhq — NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) September 26, 2020
It paid off when Yanni Gourde scored a power-play goal at 18:54 to tie the game.
Stamkos sits
Lightning captain Steven Stamkos, who scored in Game 3 in his first appearance in nearly seven months, sat out Game 4.
He got a goal on his first shot in the Lightning's 5-2 victory but played only five first-period shifts and none in the final two periods.


usatoday--2020-09-26--Ranking the seven SEC games on its opening college football weekend

The SEC is set to leap right into conference action Saturday with seven matchups traditionally held later in the season .
If lacking the sort of marquee , national-impact games that dot the SEC schedule in October and November , the league 's opening slate offers a first look at defending national champion LSU and road games for fellow College Football Playoff contenders Alabama , Georgia and Florida .
Overall , the SEC 's arrival raises the quality of play across the Bowl Subdivision .
Five of the top eight in the Amway Coaches Poll Each of the league 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team , From first to last , here 's how the league 's opening weekend shakes out : It 's the debut for new Mississippi State coach Mike Leach and an early chance for LSU to silence some of the critics pegging the Tigers to fall short of another West division championship , let alone a return trip to the College Football Playoff .
As expected , Myles Brennan has been named Joe Burrow 's successor at quarterback .
But how close will the Tigers resemble last year 's record-setting offense ?
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his development after an often impressive but occasionally uneven freshman season ; he 's viewed as one of college football 's potential breakout stars .
Kentucky is strong on both sides of the line , especially with an offensive front with multiple all-conference contenders .
With Kentucky just on the verge of the Top 25 , a win at Auburn would send the Wildcats soaring into the Coaches Poll and complicate the SEC East race .
LOOKING AHEAD:10 questions facing the SEC as the season gets started Saturday STAFF PICKS : Forecasting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Top 25 games WHERE THINGS STAND : Start of SEC play brings boost to college football While not a game with hugely important national ramifications , this is an SEC matchup with substantial implications for the two programs involved .
A season-opening loss would cost Tennessee much of the goodwill accumulated by last year 's strong close .
Every game is important for a South Carolina program fresh off a disappointing 2019 .
In a way , though , a Tennessee loss would echo more than a South Carolina win — the Volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year 's expectations .
WHAT 'S NEXT ?
: Five questions that need answering ahead of Week 4 STAFF PICKS : Forecasting the SEC 's opening weekend and all Top 25 games WHERE THINGS STAND : Start of SEC play brings boost to college football Florida has been somewhat overlooked behind Georgia , the recent powerhouse from the East division , but the Gators are a legitimate playoff contender in coach Dan Mullen 's third season .
Yet they 'll spend the opener again outside the center of attention ; the national focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lane Kiffin 's return to the SEC .
Missouri 's Eli Drinkwitz , another coach starting at a new school , draws Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide as his welcome-to-the-SEC moment .
The Tigers are significant underdogs .
Meanwhile , this probably sounds familiar : Alabama is expected to enter the postseason at or near the top of the conference and poised to secure a playoff berth .
Quarterback Mac Jones takes over for Tua Tagovailoa while the defense brings back star linebacker Dylan Moses , who missed all of 2019 due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with an Arkansas program in the early stages of what will be a detailed and laborious rebuild under new coach Sam Pittman .
( Arkansas is expected to be an underdog in every game this season . )
Any intrigue that exists stems from the Bulldogs ' recent developments at quarterback : Wake Forest transfer Jamie Newman opted out of the season , leaving redshirt freshman D ’ Wan Mathis and Southern California transfer JT Daniels in contention for the starting job .
With Daniels still working his way back from a knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play a huge part in Georgia 's push for the conference title .
7 .
Vanderbilt at No .
11 Texas A & M The Commodores are expected to again bring up the rear in the East while A & M sits among the second or third tier of preseason playoff contenders .
The Aggies have the pieces to take that step forward under Jimbo Fisher but no longer have the luxury of a relatively easy schedule , with games against Alabama and Florida to begin October and matchups with Auburn and LSU @ @ @ @ @ @

Ranking the seven SEC games on its opening college football weekend
Show Caption Hide Caption Heisman contender on playing college football amidst COVID-19: 'If you want to play you need to chill out' SportsPulse: Mackenzie Salmon connected with Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard and asked how he's handling playing this college football season during a pandemic, as well as how his current relationship is with head coach Mike Gundy. USA TODAY
The SEC is set to leap right into conference action Saturday with seven matchups traditionally held later in the season.
If lacking the sort of marquee, national-impact games that dot the SEC schedule in October and November, the league's opening slate offers a first look at defending national champion LSU and road games for fellow College Football Playoff contenders Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
Overall, the SEC's arrival raises the quality of play across the Bowl Subdivision. Five of the top eight teams in the Amway Coaches Poll come from the conference.
Each of the league's seven games feature at least one ranked team,
From first to last, here's how the league's opening weekend shakes out:
1. Mississippi State at No. 5 LSU
It's the debut for new Mississippi State coach Mike Leach and an early chance for LSU to silence some of the critics pegging the Tigers to fall short of another West division championship, let alone a return trip to the College Football Playoff. As expected, Myles Brennan has been named Joe Burrow's successor at quarterback. But how close will the Tigers resemble last year's record-setting offense?
2. Kentucky at No. 8 Auburn
The spotlight is on Auburn quarterback Bo Nix and his development after an often impressive but occasionally uneven freshman season; he's viewed as one of college football's potential breakout stars. Kentucky is strong on both sides of the line, especially with an offensive front with multiple all-conference contenders. With Kentucky just on the verge of the Top 25, a win at Auburn would send the Wildcats soaring into the Coaches Poll and complicate the SEC East race.
LOOKING AHEAD: 10 questions facing the SEC as the season gets started Saturday
STAFF PICKS: Forecasting the SEC's opening weekend and all Top 25 games
WHERE THINGS STAND: Start of SEC play brings boost to college football
3. No. 21 Tennessee at South Carolina
While not a game with hugely important national ramifications, this is an SEC matchup with substantial implications for the two programs involved. A season-opening loss would cost Tennessee much of the goodwill accumulated by last year's strong close. Every game is important for a South Carolina program fresh off a disappointing 2019. In a way, though, a Tennessee loss would echo more than a South Carolina win — the Volunteers have to start fast to match this year's expectations.
WHAT'S NEXT?: Five questions that need answering ahead of Week 4
STAFF PICKS: Forecasting the SEC's opening weekend and all Top 25 games
WHERE THINGS STAND: Start of SEC play brings boost to college football
4. No. 6 Florida at Mississippi
Florida has been somewhat overlooked behind Georgia, the recent powerhouse from the East division, but the Gators are a legitimate playoff contender in coach Dan Mullen's third season. Yet they'll spend the opener again outside the center of attention; the national focus in this game will instead be on Lane Kiffin's return to the SEC.
5. No. 2 Alabama at Missouri
Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz, another coach starting at a new school, draws Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide as his welcome-to-the-SEC moment. The Tigers are significant underdogs. Meanwhile, this probably sounds familiar: Alabama is expected to enter the postseason at or near the top of the conference and poised to secure a playoff berth. Quarterback Mac Jones takes over for Tua Tagovailoa while the defense brings back star linebacker Dylan Moses, who missed all of 2019 due to injury.
6. No. 3 Georgia at Arkansas
Georgia shouldn't struggle with an Arkansas program in the early stages of what will be a detailed and laborious rebuild under new coach Sam Pittman. (Arkansas is expected to be an underdog in every game this season.) Any intrigue that exists stems from the Bulldogs' recent developments at quarterback: Wake Forest transfer Jamie Newman opted out of the season, leaving redshirt freshman D’Wan Mathis and Southern California transfer JT Daniels in contention for the starting job. With Daniels still working his way back from a knee injury, Mathis is in position to play a huge part in Georgia's push for the conference title.
7. Vanderbilt at No. 11 Texas A&M
The Commodores are expected to again bring up the rear in the East while A&M sits among the second or third tier of preseason playoff contenders. The Aggies have the pieces to take that step forward under Jimbo Fisher but no longer have the luxury of a relatively easy schedule, with games against Alabama and Florida to begin October and matchups with Auburn and LSU to end the regular season.


usatoday--2020-09-25--Thom Brennaman resigns from Cincinnati Reds, Fox Sports Ohio after using homophobic slur

A little more than a month after Thom Brennaman was suspended for using a homophobic slur during a Cincinnati Reds broadcast , Brennaman confirmed to The Cincinnati Enquirer that he resigned from his job with the Reds and Fox Sports Ohio .
Brennaman apologized for the slur during the Fox Sports Ohio broadcast on Aug. 19 , and then wrote a letter that was published in The Enquirer : '' I can not erase what I have done , '' Brennaman wrote .
`` The only thing I can do is humbly apologize , accept the consequences of my actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differently from now on . ''
The incident occurred in the first game of a doubleheader when the hot mic caught the tail end of a sentence : `` the ( expletive ) capital of the world . ''
Brennaman did not appear to realize his mic had picked up the slur and continued broadcasting until he left the broadcast midway through the second game of the doubleheader .
Brennaman was with the Reds for 14 seasons , joining their broadcasting team in 2007 .
After his on-air slur , he was removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of the football season .
This was his 33rd season announcing Major League Baseball games .
The Reds released a statement on Aug. 19 that the organization was `` devastated by the horrific , homophobic remark made this evening by broadcaster Thom Brennaman .
He was pulled off the air , and effective immediately was suspended from doing Reds broadcasts .
`` In no way does this incident represent our players , coaches , organization , or our fans .
We share our sincerest apologies to the LGBTQ+ community in Cincinnati , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and beyond .
The Reds embrace a zero-tolerance policy for bias or discrimination of any kind , and we are truly sorry to anyone who has been offended . ''
Fox Sports Ohio said in a statement on Aug. 19 : `` The language that Thom Brennaman used this evening is hateful , offensive , and in no way reflects the values of FOX Sports Ohio .
We agree with the Reds decision to suspend him until further notice . ''

Thom Brennaman resigns from Cincinnati Reds, Fox Sports Ohio after using homophobic slur
Show Caption Hide Caption WATCH: Thom Brennaman apologizes for using homophobic slur on air during Reds game. Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Thom Brennaman made an apology Wednesday evening after using a homophobic slur on air. Provided, Cincinnati Enquirer
A little more than a month after Thom Brennaman was suspended for using a homophobic slur during a Cincinnati Reds broadcast, Brennaman confirmed to The Cincinnati Enquirer that he resigned from his job with the Reds and Fox Sports Ohio.
Brennaman apologized for the slur during the Fox Sports Ohio broadcast on Aug. 19, and then wrote a letter that was published in The Enquirer:
"I cannot erase what I have done," Brennaman wrote. "The only thing I can do is humbly apologize, accept the consequences of my actions and resolve to be better and behave differently from now on."
The incident occurred in the first game of a doubleheader when the hot mic caught the tail end of a sentence: "the (expletive) capital of the world." Brennaman did not appear to realize his mic had picked up the slur and continued broadcasting until he left the broadcast midway through the second game of the doubleheader.
Brennaman was with the Reds for 14 seasons, joining their broadcasting team in 2007. After his on-air slur, he was removed from Fox's NFL broadcasts before the start of the football season. This was his 33rd season announcing Major League Baseball games.
The Reds released a statement on Aug. 19 that the organization was "devastated by the horrific, homophobic remark made this evening by broadcaster Thom Brennaman. He was pulled off the air, and effective immediately was suspended from doing Reds broadcasts.
"In no way does this incident represent our players, coaches, organization, or our fans. We share our sincerest apologies to the LGBTQ+ community in Cincinnati, Kansas City, all across this country, and beyond. The Reds embrace a zero-tolerance policy for bias or discrimination of any kind, and we are truly sorry to anyone who has been offended."
Fox Sports Ohio said in a statement on Aug. 19: "The language that Thom Brennaman used this evening is hateful, offensive, and in no way reflects the values of FOX Sports Ohio. We agree with the Reds decision to suspend him until further notice."


usatoday--2020-09-26--Analysis: LSU's losses too great to overcome as defending champions upset by Mississippi State 44-34

As it turns out , losing the Heisman Trophy winner , two of college football 's best assistant coaches , the Bowl Subdivision 's top-ranked wide receiver and more will take its toll on LSU .
Who knew ?
The first look at the new-look Tigers was an ugly one : LSU lost 44-34 at home to Mississippi State for the program 's first setback since Nov. 24 , 2018 , quickly revealing how all the losses run up since winning the national championship in January are going to be too much for this team to overcome .
LSU was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poll and one of four teams to earn a first-place vote , joining No .
1 Clemson , No .
2 Alabama and No .
10 Ohio State .
If mathematically possible — LSU will have opportunities against several ranked teams , though that ’ s also part of the problem — regaining this place near the front of the College Football Playoff chase seems extremely unlikely .
The Tigers still have games ahead against Alabama , No .
6 Florida , No .
8 Auburn and No .
11 Texas A & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the clearer wins : Mississippi State is just starting under new coach Mike Leach , whose track record at Washington State suggested a one-year learning curve before his offense took flight .
Even given the program 's success against ranked teams under Ed Orgeron , scrambling back into the hunt for the national semifinals would demand no more than one additional loss while navigating an SEC-only gauntlet of opponents .
The expectations will change for LSU .
The preseason hype was the reward for completing one of the most dominant seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the defending champion , giving LSU the benefit of the doubt ignored what needed to be replaced during a unique offseason : Joe Burrow .
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady .
Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda .
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire .
Wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Ja ’ Marr Chase .
Four offensive linemen .
Defensive linemen K'Lavon Chaisson and Rashard Lawrence .
Linebacker Patrick Queen .
Safety Grant Delpit .
No .
3 Oklahoma shocked by Kanas State : QB Spencer Rattler starts strong , but struggles late Pac-12 : Oregon safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declares for NFL draft In all , the Tigers entered September needing to replace about 30 members of last year ’ s roster and both coordinators .
In addition , they played Saturday without all-everything cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. , a borderline Heisman Trophy contender .
While Burrow 's replacement , Myles Brennan , threw for 344 yards and three touchdowns , the offense lacked the explosiveness and tempo of last year 's record-setting unit .
The defense , now run by former Nebraska coach Bo Pelini , allowed Mississippi State quarterback K.J @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600 yards .
Hindsight makes this an easy point : We should 've seen this coming .
With 2019 far in the rear-view mirror , LSU 's 2020 season is already spiraling — and the hardest parts are still to come .

Analysis: LSU's losses too great to overcome as defending champions upset by Mississippi State 44-34
Show Caption Hide Caption Amway Coaches Poll: Miami and Central Florida rise in the latest poll USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down the latest Amway Coaches Poll. USA TODAY
As it turns out, losing the Heisman Trophy winner, two of college football's best assistant coaches, the Bowl Subdivision's top-ranked wide receiver and more will take its toll on LSU. Who knew?
The first look at the new-look Tigers was an ugly one: LSU lost 44-34 at home to Mississippi State for the program's first setback since Nov. 24, 2018, quickly revealing how all the losses run up since winning the national championship in January are going to be too much for this team to overcome.
LSU was No. 5 in the Amway Coaches Poll and one of four teams to earn a first-place vote, joining No. 1 Clemson, No. 2 Alabama and No. 10 Ohio State. If mathematically possible — LSU will have opportunities against several ranked teams, though that’s also part of the problem — regaining this place near the front of the College Football Playoff chase seems extremely unlikely.
The Tigers still have games ahead against Alabama, No. 6 Florida, No. 8 Auburn and No. 11 Texas A&M. This was supposed to be one of the clearer wins: Mississippi State is just starting under new coach Mike Leach, whose track record at Washington State suggested a one-year learning curve before his offense took flight.
Even given the program's success against ranked teams under Ed Orgeron, scrambling back into the hunt for the national semifinals would demand no more than one additional loss while navigating an SEC-only gauntlet of opponents.
The expectations will change for LSU.
The preseason hype was the reward for completing one of the most dominant seasons in recent FBS history. If customary for the defending champion, giving LSU the benefit of the doubt ignored what needed to be replaced during a unique offseason:
Joe Burrow. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase. Four offensive linemen. Defensive linemen K'Lavon Chaisson and Rashard Lawrence. Linebacker Patrick Queen. Safety Grant Delpit.
No. 3 Oklahoma shocked by Kanas State: QB Spencer Rattler starts strong, but struggles late
Pac-12: Oregon safety Jevon Holland opts out of season and declares for NFL draft
In all, the Tigers entered September needing to replace about 30 members of last year’s roster and both coordinators. In addition, they played Saturday without all-everything cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., a borderline Heisman Trophy contender.
While Burrow's replacement, Myles Brennan, threw for 344 yards and three touchdowns, the offense lacked the explosiveness and tempo of last year's record-setting unit. The defense, now run by former Nebraska coach Bo Pelini, allowed Mississippi State quarterback K.J. Costello to throw for more than 600 yards.
With 623 yards (yes, 623 YARDS!) K.J. Costello now holds the single-game SEC passing record. https://t.co/nZSju7CY4b — SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) September 26, 2020
Hindsight makes this an easy point: We should've seen this coming. With 2019 far in the rear-view mirror, LSU's 2020 season is already spiraling — and the hardest parts are still to come.
Follow USA TODAY Sports colleges reporter Paul Myerberg on Twitter @PaulMyerberg


usatoday--2020-09-26--White supremacist gang member who waited in ambush for police died in shootout, sheriff says

A California sheriff 's office on Friday identified a man who died in a shootout with deputies as a member of a white supremacist gang and said the suspect died after he waited in ambush for police .
Christopher Michael Straub — 38 of Templeton , California — fled from police , hid in a nearby cemetery and shot at deputies on Thursday morning , according to a news release and press conference from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff 's Office .
`` The suspect fled into the cemetery , hid behind some thick shrubbery and ambushed the deputy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ian Parkinson said Thursday .
The incident occurred after a deputy recognized Straub 's vacant vehicle as belonging to a wanted felon and tried to stop Straub , who was walking in the area , Parkinson said .
Deputy Sheriff Richard `` Ted '' Lehnhoff was wounded in the leg during the ensuing gun battle .
The shootout ended in Straub 's death as he returned to his vehicle — which was disabled — and attempted to get in it , presumably to retrieve loaded weapons stored there , Parkinson said .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one bolt action hunting rifle , one shotgun , two handguns plus the handgun he used to shoot at Deputies '' in that vehicle .
Straub was identified by the sheriff 's office as a member of a white supremacist gang on multiple occasions , but Parkinson has declined to identify the gang , the San Luis Obispo Tribune reports .
Los Angeles sheriffs : Black man was shot to death by deputies after he grabbed a pistol June : California 'ambush ' suspect dead after shootouts with police in Paso Robles ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warrant at his residence , police also found he was illegally manufacturing weapons parts .
Straub was booked into California jails more than two dozen times and was being investigated by the Sheriff 's Gang Task Force before Thursday 's incident , according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff 's Office .
Lehnhoff underwent surgery on Thursday and is recovering the sheriff 's office says .

White supremacist gang member who waited in ambush for police died in shootout, sheriff says
A California sheriff's office on Friday identified a man who died in a shootout with deputies as a member of a white supremacist gang and said the suspect died after he waited in ambush for police.
Christopher Michael Straub — 38 of Templeton, California — fled from police, hid in a nearby cemetery and shot at deputies on Thursday morning, according to a news release and press conference from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office.
"The suspect fled into the cemetery, hid behind some thick shrubbery and ambushed the deputy as they got closer," Sheriff Ian Parkinson said Thursday.
The incident occurred after a deputy recognized Straub's vacant vehicle as belonging to a wanted felon and tried to stop Straub, who was walking in the area, Parkinson said.
Deputy Sheriff Richard "Ted" Lehnhoff was wounded in the leg during the ensuing gun battle.
The shootout ended in Straub's death as he returned to his vehicle — which was disabled — and attempted to get in it, presumably to retrieve loaded weapons stored there, Parkinson said. Police reported finding "four assault rifles, one bolt action hunting rifle, one shotgun, two handguns plus the handgun he used to shoot at Deputies" in that vehicle.
Straub was identified by the sheriff's office as a member of a white supremacist gang on multiple occasions, but Parkinson has declined to identify the gang, the San Luis Obispo Tribune reports.
Los Angeles sheriffs: Black man was shot to death by deputies after he grabbed a pistol
June: California 'ambush' suspect dead after shootouts with police in Paso Robles; 3 officers injured
After conducing a search warrant at his residence, police also found he was illegally manufacturing weapons parts.
Straub was booked into California jails more than two dozen times and was being investigated by the Sheriff's Gang Task Force before Thursday's incident, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office.
The San Luis Obispo Tribune reports Straub's convictions include a weapons manufacturing charge.
Lehnhoff underwent surgery on Thursday and is recovering the sheriff's office says.


usatoday--2020-09-27--Breonna Taylor protests: Hundreds disperse in Louisville as curfew begins; car drives through equali

Breonna Taylor protests: Hundreds disperse in Louisville as curfew begins; car drives through equality protest in California, injuring 2

LOUISVILLE , Ky. – Hundreds of people who took to the streets of Louisville on Saturday ran to churches and other indoor spaces as curfew fell across the city , three days after a grand jury did not indict three police officers directly connected to Breonna Taylor 's death .
Protests happened in several cities across the country earlier in the day – including in Portland , Chicago , Kansas City , Boston , Worcester , Greenville and Baltimore – and others were underway into the evening in New York City , Washington , D.C. , and Raleigh .
Louisville @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months Saturday .
More than 500 protesters marched for nearly an hour around 7 p.m. , chanting `` This is what democracy looks like '' and `` Breeway . ''
The group returned to Jefferson Square Park , the heart of the ongoing protests , but dispersed by 9 p.m. , running to `` safe houses '' as sirens blared and city and state police and National Guard vehicles drove by the area .
At least four people on the sidewalk were arrested , according to reporters at the scene , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charged with .
Several people returned to First Unitarian Church , which protesters have used over the past two nights as a sanctuary from police after the curfew .
Some ate food , drank water or went outside to buy ice cream .
Earlier Saturday , a small group of people gathered outside Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell 's home in Louisville .
The night before , 22 people were arrested in Louisville after violating curfew .
Many were charged with unlawful assembly and failure to disperse , all misdemeanors .
Subscribe : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a newsletter on race and identity Hundreds of people in Raleigh , North Carolina , gathered downtown Saturday and headed toward a police precinct as officers in riot gear stood outside the courthouse , according to local news reports and social media posts .
At one point , someone in a group of protesters threw a firework toward a group of police officers , and it exploded in the air between the two groups , according to video posted to Twitter by a local reporter .
Around 10 p.m .
ET , Raleigh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking windows and damaging property , and police declared an unlawful assembly .
The department said it had extinguished a small fire and was making arrests .
Earlier in the day , dozens of people gathered in downtown Chicago for a `` Say Her Name Rally , '' where organizers gave pink roses to the Black women there and raised money for organizations led by Black women and girls , according to recordings of the event .
`` Do you know what America has done to the Black woman ? ''
said Dr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development program who spoke at the rally .
`` Every day we are persecuted , unjustly prosecuted , abused and ridiculed , wrongly accused .
And none of us are exempt . ''
Protesters and counterprotesters face off in Portland , clash in Kansas City , Yorba Linda In Portland , Oregon , hundreds of people – dozens of them wearing militarized body armor – gathered for a right-wing rally Saturday organized by the Proud Boys .
The group , designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the embattled city since Memorial Day , when the death of George Floyd in police custody prompted protests nationwide .
The group described it as a free speech event to support President Donald Trump and the police , restore law and order and condemn anti-fascists , `` domestic terrorism '' and `` violent gangs of rioting felons '' in the streets .
Police said at one point 1,000 other people gathered at a nearby park where local media reported that multiple anti-fascist groups planned to gather in response to the Proud Boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boys rally ended without serious violence and the counterprotest started `` winding down . ''
Police are investigating an assault after a suspect kicked a man who was livestreaming at the rally .
Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reese said police made three arrests and will maintain a `` highly visible presence '' to deter criminal activity .
Oregon Gov .
Kate Brown announced Friday that she would invoke a state of emergency , sending in state troopers and sheriff ’ s deputies .
`` The pattern of these particular groups is clear : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Brown said .
At a `` march for equality '' in Yorba Linda , California , south of Los Angeles , on Saturday protesters yelled at counter-protesters holding American and `` Trump 2020 '' flags .
The two groups were initially on opposite side of the street but later merged , engaging in physical altercations , according to the Orange County Sheriff 's Department .
At least one person was pepper-sprayed .
About 40 minutes after the demonstrations began , officers declared an unlawful assembly .
A woman , who was part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowd and hit a man and a woman , who had non-life-threatening injuries and were taken by ambulance , according to the sheriff 's department .
The man had possible broken legs and the woman had `` multiple injuries all over her body , '' according to Carrie Braun , director of public affairs for the department .
The woman who struck the two demonstrators was quickly detained and was being questioned .
It was unclear if she would be arrested , Braun said .
`` It 's unknown at this time if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that person was attempting to leave the area , '' Braun said .
Police in Kansas City , Missouri , arrested multiple people during clashes between demonstrators and counterprotesters at a pro-Trump truck rally that were caught on camera by a reporter on the scene .
Altercations occasionally broke out between counterprotesters holding anti-Trump signs and the thousands driving in cars adorned with red , white and blue and pro-Trump slogans , according to the city 's NPR affiliate .
The Kansas City Missouri Police Department could not immediately be reached for comment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bacon and Jordan Culver , USA TODAY ; The Associated Press .

Joshua Bote, Matt Mencarini, N'dea Yancey-Bragg and Grace Hauck, USA TODAY NETWORK

Breonna Taylor protests: Hundreds disperse in Louisville after curfew, car burned; 2 injured in Calif. protest
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hundreds of people who took to the streets of Louisville on Saturday ran to churches and other indoor spaces as curfew fell across the city on the fourth night of nationwide protests after a grand jury did not indict three police officers directly connected to Breonna Taylor's death.
People in more than a dozen cities and towns across the country on Saturday invoked Taylor's name during gatherings demanding justice for her case. Larger marches and rallies took place in Portland, Nashville, Chicago, New York City, Washington, D.C., Raleigh, Kansas City, Boston and Baltimore.
Smaller demonstrations also cropped up in Worcester, Massachusetts; Greenville, South Carolina; Poughkeepsie, New York; Akron, Ohio; and Daytona Beach, Florida. In Bristol, Pennsylvania, several dozen people held a candlelight vigil on the banks of the Delaware River.
Louisville saw one of its largest crowds in months. More than 500 protesters marched for nearly an hour around 7 p.m., chanting "This is what democracy looks like" and "Breeway."
Breonna Taylor: Autopsy report reveals how Louisville police shots killed her
The group returned to Jefferson Square Park, the heart of the ongoing protests, but dispersed by 9 p.m., running to "safe houses" as sirens blared and city and state police and National Guard vehicles drove by the area. At least four people on the sidewalk were arrested, according to reporters at the scene, but it wasn't immediately clear what they were charged with.
Several people returned to First Unitarian Church, which protesters have used over the past two nights as a sanctuary from police after the curfew. The group stayed on church grounds for more than two hours — eating food, drinking water and debating next steps — before some began to leave.
Just before midnight, Louisville police said on Twitter that "marchers are starting to break windows, set fires (including a car), and destroy property." The department said more arrests would be made.
Several windows at Spalding University and a nearby high school were broken, and a city map sign was shattered, according to the Louisville police live stream. A burned vehicle was sitting in a parking lot. Fireworks had ignited the car, which was engulfed in flames before the fire department arrived and extinguished the fire, according to the live stream.
Earlier Saturday, a small group of people gathered outside Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's home in Louisville for the second consecutive day. The dozen or so protesters used spoons to hit pots and pans while they chanted "Vote him out" and "Say her name," referring to Taylor.
The night before, 22 people were arrested in Louisville after violating curfew. Many were charged with unlawful assembly and failure to disperse, all misdemeanors.
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Only sound at the park now, 20 minutes after curfew, is the whirring of a helicopter. Here’s the Breonna Taylor, David McAtee and Tyler Gerth memorials. #Louisville pic.twitter.com/WGDAelLJIN — Hayes Gardner (@HayesGardner) September 27, 2020
Any question about whether momentum would continue on the fourth night of Louisville protest since the #BreonnaTaylor grand jury ruling were answered Saturday with one of the largest demonstrations in days @courierjournal pic.twitter.com/eZrbmBwMCD — Chris Kenning (@chris_kenning) September 26, 2020
Protests continue in Raleigh, Nashville, Chicago
Hundreds of people in Raleigh, North Carolina, gathered downtown Saturday and headed toward a police precinct as officers in riot gear stood outside the courthouse, according to local news reports and social media posts. At one point, someone in a group of protesters threw a firework toward a group of police officers, and it exploded in the air between the two groups, according to video posted to Twitter by a local reporter.
Around 10 p.m. ET, Raleigh police said on Twitter that protesters were breaking windows and damaging property, and police declared an unlawful assembly. The department said it had extinguished a small fire and was making arrests.
In Nashville, about 300 protesters gathered and marched around the State Capitol and downtown after a series of speeches from legislators, Black Lives Matter representatives, community organizers and members of People's Plaza Tennessee, a group that set up camp outside the Capitol for 62 days.
"Every institution is perpetuating a total indifference to the value of Black lives," said Xtiana Danielle, a member of the People’s Plaza group, which is calling for the police to be defunded and all Confederate monuments removed. "I’m sad, and I’m mad. This is a call to action. The final say is always white supremacy, and we can’t allow that anymore."
Earlier in the day, dozens of people gathered in downtown Chicago for a "Say Her Name Rally," where organizers gave pink roses to the Black women there and raised money for organizations led by Black women and girls, according to recordings of the event.
"Do you know what America has done to the Black woman?" said Dr. Niama Malachi, director of a youth development program who spoke at the rally. "Every day we are persecuted, unjustly prosecuted, abused and ridiculed, wrongly accused. And none of us are exempt."
Protesters and counterprotesters face off in Portland, clash in Kansas City, Yorba Linda
In Portland, Oregon, hundreds of people – dozens of them wearing militarized body armor – gathered for a right-wing rally Saturday organized by the Proud Boys. The group, designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, has frequently clashed with Black Lives Matter protesters in the embattled city since Memorial Day, when the death of George Floyd in police custody prompted protests nationwide.
The group described it as a free speech event to support President Donald Trump and the police, restore law and order and condemn anti-fascists, "domestic terrorism" and "violent gangs of rioting felons" in the streets.
Police said at one point 1,000 other people gathered at a nearby park where local media reported that multiple anti-fascist groups planned to gather in response to the Proud Boys rally.
Law enforcement said the Proud Boys rally ended without serious violence and the counterprotest started "winding down." Police are investigating an assault after a suspect kicked a man who was livestreaming at the rally.
Breonna Taylor decision: The 'very troubling' questions Kentucky's attorney general isn't answering
Multnomah County Sheriff Mike Reese said police made three arrests and will maintain a "highly visible presence" to deter criminal activity. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown announced Friday that she would invoke a state of emergency, sending in state troopers and sheriff’s deputies.
"The pattern of these particular groups is clear: to intimidate, instigate and inflame," Brown said.
At a "march for equality" in Yorba Linda, California, south of Los Angeles, on Saturday protesters yelled at counter-protesters holding American and "Trump 2020" flags. The two groups were initially on opposite side of the street but later merged, engaging in physical altercations, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Department. At least one person was pepper-sprayed. About 40 minutes after the demonstrations began, officers declared an unlawful assembly.
A woman, who was part of the demonstrations, drove through the crowd and hit a man and a woman, who had non-life-threatening injuries and were taken by ambulance, according to the sheriff's department. The man had possible broken legs and the woman had "multiple injuries all over her body," according to Carrie Braun, director of public affairs for the department.
The woman who struck the two demonstrators was quickly detained and was being questioned. It was unclear if she would be arrested, Braun said.
"It's unknown at this time if that was an intentional act or if that person was attempting to leave the area," Braun said.
'Be very careful in the middle of the street': People have driven into protests 104 times this summer
Police in Kansas City, Missouri, arrested multiple people during clashes between demonstrators and counterprotesters at a pro-Trump truck rally that were caught on camera by a reporter on the scene. Altercations occasionally broke out between counterprotesters holding anti-Trump signs and the thousands driving in cars adorned with red, white and blue and pro-Trump slogans, according to the city's NPR affiliate.
The Kansas City Missouri Police Department could not immediately be reached for comment.
In Seattle, dozens of people dressed in all black marched through the city Saturday evening. Some broke windows, sprayed graffiti and set fires in bins on the street, according to Seattle police. At least eight were arrested.
The group did not appear to be marching in honor of Breonna Taylor, according to Seattle police. It was not immediately clear who the group was.
Contributing: Joel Shannon, John Bacon and Jordan Culver, USA TODAY; Sandy Mazza, Nashville Tennessean; The Associated Press.