usatoday--2020-08-11--'Let's win this, together': Biden, Harris spouses gear up for campaign trail over Twitter

On the heels of the announcement that they will be on the campaign trail together , the spouses of former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris , D-Calif. , expressed camaraderie in a Twitter exchange on Tuesday .
`` Hey @ DouglasEmhoff .
Are you ready ? ''
Dr. Jill Biden wrote to Douglas Emhoff , Harris ' husband , on Twitter .
`` Let 's win this , together . ''
Emhoff responded that he was `` ready to work ! ''
Biden 's campaign revealed Harris as his running mate on Tuesday , after months of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as second lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017 .
She was an educator for more than 30 years , teaching at community colleges before becoming second lady , then again when her husband left office .
Between the end of her time as second lady and her husband 's time on the 2020 campaign trail , Dr. Biden also helped oversee the Biden Foundation , which fundraised for causes such as expanded college affordability and increased employment opportunities for military spouses .
Dr. Biden has been active on the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she gained attention for helping fend off protesters who rushed to the stage during her husband 's Super Tuesday rally in Los Angeles .
In a parallel campaign moment , Emhoff wrestled away a mic from a protester who had taken it from Harris at an event in San Francisco , when she was still seeking the Democratic presidential nomination .
Emhoff tweeted afterward that he would `` do anything for her . ''
Emhoff is a litigator and partner at the DLA Piper Law Firm , where he practices entertainment and intellectual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who vied for the presidential nomination themselves , also expressed their congratulations on social media .
`` @ KamalaHarris fights tirelessly for justice , dignity , and equality for all Americans , '' former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg wrote on Twitter .
`` I 'm thrilled she 's joining the ticket and ca n't wait to call her my Vice President . ''
Congratulations to @ KamalaHarris , who will make history as our next Vice President , '' said Sen. Bernie Sanders , I-Vt. , on Twitter .
`` She understands what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people , fight for health care for all , and take down the most corrupt administration in history .
Let ’ s get to work and win . ''
Spouses of former Democratic presidential candidates were quick to support the newly minted ticket as well , including the former South Bend , Indiana , mayor 's husband , Chasten Buttigieg , and Sanders ' , wife , Jane O'Meara Sanders .
In response to the exchange between Dr. Biden and Emhoff , Jane Sanders told Emhoff that he would be `` a tremendous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also expressed her congratulations to Harris , and `` to all of us who want to see Trump & Pence soundly defeated . ''
`` Joe & Jill & Kamala & Doug , '' Chasten Buttigieg tweeted .
`` Get me T-shirt ’ s .
Let ’ s go . ''

'Let's win this, together': Biden, Harris spouses gear up for campaign trail over Twitter
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden picks Kamala Harris as VP running mate for 2020 election Kamala Harris will make history as the first Black woman and first Asian American person to be on a major party's presidential ticket. USA TODAY
On the heels of the announcement that they will be on the campaign trail together, the spouses of former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., expressed camaraderie in a Twitter exchange on Tuesday.
"Hey@DouglasEmhoff. Are you ready?" Dr. Jill Biden wrote to Douglas Emhoff, Harris' husband, on Twitter. "Let's win this, together."
Emhoff responded that he was "ready to work!"
Hey @DouglasEmhoff. Are you ready? — Dr. Jill Biden (@DrBiden) August 11, 2020
Biden's campaign revealed Harris as his running mate on Tuesday, after months of speculation and vetting.
Dr. Biden served as second lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She was an educator for more than 30 years, teaching at community colleges before becoming second lady, then again when her husband left office.
Between the end of her time as second lady and her husband's time on the 2020 campaign trail, Dr. Biden also helped oversee the Biden Foundation, which fundraised for causes such as expanded college affordability and increased employment opportunities for military spouses.
Dr. Biden has been active on the 2020 campaign trail. In one instance, she gained attention for helping fend off protesters who rushed to the stage during her husband's Super Tuesday rally in Los Angeles.
In a parallel campaign moment, Emhoff wrestled away a mic from a protester who had taken it from Harris at an event in San Francisco, when she was still seeking the Democratic presidential nomination.
Emhoff tweeted afterward that he would "do anything for her."
Emhoff is a litigator and partner at the DLA Piper Law Firm, where he practices entertainment and intellectual property law.
Democrats, including ones who vied for the presidential nomination themselves, also expressed their congratulations on social media.
"@KamalaHarris fights tirelessly for justice, dignity, and equality for all Americans," former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg wrote on Twitter. "I'm thrilled she's joining the ticket and can't wait to call her my Vice President."
.@KamalaHarris fights tirelessly for justice, dignity, and equality for all Americans.
I'm thrilled she's joining the ticket and can't wait to call her my Vice President. — Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) August 11, 2020
Congratulations to @KamalaHarris, who will make history as our next Vice President," said Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., on Twitter. "She understands what it takes to stand up for working people, fight for health care for all, and take down the most corrupt administration in history. Let’s get to work and win."
Spouses of former Democratic presidential candidates were quick to support the newly minted ticket as well, including the former South Bend, Indiana, mayor's husband, Chasten Buttigieg, and Sanders', wife, Jane O'Meara Sanders.
You will be a tremendous asset to the campaign Doug! Congratulations to @KamalaHarris, to you & to all of us who want to see Trump & Pence soundly defeated. The energy, enthusiasm, incisive wit & positive outlook you’ll both bring to this fight will seal the deal #BidenHarris2020 — Jane O'Meara Sanders (@janeosanders) August 11, 2020
In response to the exchange between Dr. Biden and Emhoff, Jane Sanders told Emhoff that he would be "a tremendous asset to the campaign."
She also expressed her congratulations to Harris, and "to all of us who want to see Trump & Pence soundly defeated."
"Joe&Jill& Kamala&Doug," Chasten Buttigieg tweeted. "Get me T-shirt’s. Let’s go."


usatoday--2020-08-11--Michael Flynn's efforts to force federal judge to dismiss case faces a skeptical appeals court

WASHINGTON – Michael Flynn 's efforts to force an end to the criminal case against him faced a skeptical appeals court Tuesday , as judges questioned whether the presiding judge overstepped his authority when he refused to immediately dismiss the case .
At issue is whether U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan abused his discretion when he appointed a third party , known as an amicus , to challenge the Justice Department 's bid to drop its prosecution of President Donald Trump 's former national security adviser .
Many of the appeals court judges , several of whom were appointed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's claims that he 's entitled to hear a challenge to the Justice Department 's motion to dismiss before ruling on it .
D.C .
Circuit Court Judge Thomas Griffith , one of the only three judges on the panel who were appointed by Republican presidents , rejected the notion that a judge 's role is merely ministerial .
`` It 's not ministerial .
You know it 's not .
The judge is not simply a rubber stamp , '' Griffith told Flynn 's attorney , Sidney Powell .
`` Are n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must do to educate himself or herself ( to be able to make a ruling ) ? ''
Powell argued that because the Justice Department had decided it no longer wanted to prosecute Flynn , Sullivan 's only role is to promptly grant dismissal , but he has , instead , appointed an amicus to `` usurp '' the role of prosecutors .
Sullivan 's actions have created an `` unconstitutional '' process that lacks any semblance of impartiality , and he has `` so invested himself '' for the purpose of prosecuting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Circuit Court Judge Cornelia Pillard seemed skeptical that Sullivan can only grant dismissal .
`` Your position is , 'No he ca n't hear both sides of the law .
He has to drop the case like a hot potato ? '
'' The Flynn saga : Justice Department showed 'gross abuse of prosecutorial power ' in Michael Flynn case , court-appointed arbiter says The hearing , which lasted nearly four hours , is the latest in Flynn 's tangled criminal and political saga .
The nearly 4-year-old case has now led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal appeals court in Washington , D.C. , where both Flynn and the Justice Department sought to dismiss the case , while Sullivan – himself represented by an attorney – argued he 's entitled to scrutinize the government 's motives .
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communications with a former Russian ambassador , but later reversed course , claiming investigators entrapped him into making false statements .
The Justice Department , too , reversed course , and sought to dismiss the case , arguing the interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` unjustified . ''
Instead of dismissing the case , Sullivan appointed a retired federal judge to challenge the Justice Department 's motion to dismiss and to determine whether Flynn had committed perjury for claiming he is innocent of a crime to which he had previously pleaded guilty .
In a 2-1 decision in June , an appeals court panel ruled in favor of Flynn and the Justice Department and ordered Sullivan to dismiss the case .
The panel ruled that Sullivan 's actions intruded on the Justice Department 's prosecutorial powers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ court orders dismissal of Michael Flynn case , likely ending prosecution of ex-Trump adviser The full appeals court , in a rare move , granted Sullivan 's request to rehear the case .
During the hearing , acting Solicitor General Jeff Wall argued that Sullivan 's decision to request a rehearing has created an appearance that he ca n't be impartial .
`` It raises a question in whether the district court is invested in what should be its official authority , '' Wall said .
Wall also said Sullivan can not hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Department 's motives in dropping the prosecution , adding that doing so entrenches on executive power .
The judges repeatedly pressed Wall on why a judge ca n't probe into the government 's actions , even if , for example , they suspect wrongdoing .
`` What if the court is concerned that favoritism is being played to a politically powerful defendant ?
Is that a proper concern ? ''
Griffith asked .
`` The district court may believe that the government had a bad motive ... but everybody agrees that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring a prosecution even if it should , '' Wall responded , adding that the same is true with dismissing cases .
Echoing Griffith , D.C .
Circuit Court Judge Patricia Millet asked what judges can do if , hypothetically , they believe the government lied to them .
`` The court has to grant dismissal ? ''
Wall said that judges ca n't inquire further but that they can sanction the prosecutors .
Pillard acknowledged that the Justice Department has the authority to drop or pursue a prosecution , but she bristled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question the agency 's decision to dismiss the case of a defendant it once aggressively prosecuted .
`` What self-respecting Article III district judge '' would simply dismiss a case `` without doing what he could do to understand both sides ? ''
Pillard asked , referring to the establishment of the judicial branch .
`` What is the government worried about ? ''
Many of the judges also seemed unconvinced that holding a hearing on the government 's motion to dismiss intrudes on prosecutorial powers .
D.C .
Circuit Court Judge Merrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately dismiss the case after the hearing .
Beth Wilkinson , Sullivan 's attorney , agreed , saying the case could have already been over had Sullivan been allowed to hold a hearing on the motion to dismiss .
Sullivan is simply doing what judges do , Wilkinson argued , and that is seeking to hear both sides before ruling on a motion .
She added that both Flynn 's attorneys and the Justice Department have merely speculated on what Sullivan might do .
D.C .
Circuit Court Judge Neomi Rao , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grant dismissal , questioned why the judge is prolonging the proceedings .
`` What we have here is an unopposed motion to dismiss .
What interest does the district judge have in continuing to scrutinize .
... What precisely is the judge 's interest in this ? ''
asked Rao , who was appointed by Trump .
The case , Rao said in the June opinion , is about whether a judge may prolong a prosecution by appointing an amicus and probing the government 's motives : `` On that , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He may not . ''

Michael Flynn's efforts to force federal judge to dismiss case faces a skeptical appeals court
Show Caption Hide Caption Justice Department dropping its case against Gen. Michael Flynn The DOJ will drop the criminal case against Gen. Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI about contact with a Russian Ambassador. Flynn pleaded guilty. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Michael Flynn's efforts to force an end to the criminal case against him faced a skeptical appeals court Tuesday, as judges questioned whether the presiding judge overstepped his authority when he refused to immediately dismiss the case.
At issue is whether U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan abused his discretion when he appointed a third party, known as an amicus, to challenge the Justice Department's bid to drop its prosecution of President Donald Trump's former national security adviser.
Many of the appeals court judges, several of whom were appointed by Democratic presidents, seemed sympathetic to Sullivan's claims that he's entitled to hear a challenge to the Justice Department's motion to dismiss before ruling on it.
D.C. Circuit Court Judge Thomas Griffith, one of the only three judges on the panel who were appointed by Republican presidents, rejected the notion that a judge's role is merely ministerial.
"It's not ministerial. You know it's not. The judge is not simply a rubber stamp," Griffith told Flynn's attorney, Sidney Powell. "Aren't you just arguing about what the judge must do to educate himself or herself (to be able to make a ruling)?"
Powell argued that because the Justice Department had decided it no longer wanted to prosecute Flynn, Sullivan's only role is to promptly grant dismissal, but he has, instead, appointed an amicus to "usurp" the role of prosecutors. Sullivan's actions have created an "unconstitutional" process that lacks any semblance of impartiality, and he has "so invested himself" for the purpose of prosecuting Flynn, Powell argued.
But D.C. Circuit Court Judge Cornelia Pillard seemed skeptical that Sullivan can only grant dismissal. "Your position is, 'No he can't hear both sides of the law. He has to drop the case like a hot potato?'"
The Flynn saga: Justice Department showed 'gross abuse of prosecutorial power' in Michael Flynn case, court-appointed arbiter says
The hearing, which lasted nearly four hours, is the latest in Flynn's tangled criminal and political saga. The nearly 4-year-old case has now led to an unusual legal battle in the federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., where both Flynn and the Justice Department sought to dismiss the case, while Sullivan – himself represented by an attorney – argued he's entitled to scrutinize the government's motives.
Flynn pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI about his communications with a former Russian ambassador, but later reversed course, claiming investigators entrapped him into making false statements. The Justice Department, too, reversed course, and sought to dismiss the case, arguing the interview during which Flynn made false statements was "unjustified."
Instead of dismissing the case, Sullivan appointed a retired federal judge to challenge the Justice Department's motion to dismiss and to determine whether Flynn had committed perjury for claiming he is innocent of a crime to which he had previously pleaded guilty.
In a 2-1 decision in June, an appeals court panel ruled in favor of Flynn and the Justice Department and ordered Sullivan to dismiss the case. The panel ruled that Sullivan's actions intruded on the Justice Department's prosecutorial powers.
Panel sides with Flynn: Federal appeals court orders dismissal of Michael Flynn case, likely ending prosecution of ex-Trump adviser
The full appeals court, in a rare move, granted Sullivan's request to rehear the case.
During the hearing, acting Solicitor General Jeff Wall argued that Sullivan's decision to request a rehearing has created an appearance that he can't be impartial. "It raises a question in whether the district court is invested in what should be its official authority," Wall said.
Wall also said Sullivan cannot hold a hearing in which he probes the Justice Department's motives in dropping the prosecution, adding that doing so entrenches on executive power. The judges repeatedly pressed Wall on why a judge can't probe into the government's actions, even if, for example, they suspect wrongdoing.
"What if the court is concerned that favoritism is being played to a politically powerful defendant? Is that a proper concern?" Griffith asked.
"The district court may believe that the government had a bad motive ... but everybody agrees that the United States can't be made to bring a prosecution even if it should," Wall responded, adding that the same is true with dismissing cases.
Echoing Griffith, D.C. Circuit Court Judge Patricia Millet asked what judges can do if, hypothetically, they believe the government lied to them. "The court has to grant dismissal?"
Wall said that judges can't inquire further but that they can sanction the prosecutors.
Pillard acknowledged that the Justice Department has the authority to drop or pursue a prosecution, but she bristled at the notion that Sullivan can't question the agency's decision to dismiss the case of a defendant it once aggressively prosecuted.
"What self-respecting Article III district judge" would simply dismiss a case "without doing what he could do to understand both sides?" Pillard asked, referring to the establishment of the judicial branch. "What is the government worried about?"
Many of the judges also seemed unconvinced that holding a hearing on the government's motion to dismiss intrudes on prosecutorial powers. D.C. Circuit Court Judge Merrick Garland raised the possibility that Sullivan may ultimately dismiss the case after the hearing.
Beth Wilkinson, Sullivan's attorney, agreed, saying the case could have already been over had Sullivan been allowed to hold a hearing on the motion to dismiss.
Sullivan is simply doing what judges do, Wilkinson argued, and that is seeking to hear both sides before ruling on a motion. She added that both Flynn's attorneys and the Justice Department have merely speculated on what Sullivan might do.
D.C. Circuit Court Judge Neomi Rao, who authored the previous opinion that ordered Sullivan to grant dismissal, questioned why the judge is prolonging the proceedings.
"What we have here is an unopposed motion to dismiss. What interest does the district judge have in continuing to scrutinize. ... What precisely is the judge's interest in this?" asked Rao, who was appointed by Trump.
The case, Rao said in the June opinion, is about whether a judge may prolong a prosecution by appointing an amicus and probing the government's motives: "On that, both the Constitution and cases are clear: He may not."


usatoday--2020-08-11--Trump attacks Kamala Harris over Kavanaugh hearings in first remarks since she was named Biden's run

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Tuesday attacked Sen. Kamala Harris over her questioning of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings in his first public remarks since she was named Joe Biden 's running mate .
Harris , a former prosecutor , grilled the judge over sexual misconduct allegations against him during the contentious 2018 confirmation hearings .
`` And the horrible way she treated Justice Kavanaugh , that was a horrible event .
I thought it was terrible for her , I thought it was terrible for our nation , '' Trump told reporters during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was the meanest , the most horrible most disrespectful of anybody in the U.S .
Senate . ''
Trump saved his remarks on Harris for the scheduled briefing .
But minutes after the announcement , Trump tweeted a new campaign attack ad on Harris , a vocal critic of the president .
The ad accuses Biden of `` handing over the reins to Kamala while they jointly embrace the radical left . ''
`` She is also known , from what I understand , as being just about the most liberal person @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have thought Biden would have tried to stay away from that a little bit , '' Trump said .
Biden announced Harris , one of his former Democratic primary challengers , as his No .
2 pick after weeks of speculation in the lead-up to next week 's Democratic convention .
She will become the first Black woman and first Asian American person on a major party 's presidential ticket .
Following the announcement , the Trump campaign seized on a feisty exchange between Harris and Biden during a June 2019 Democratic debate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the race .
Harris challenged Biden over his remarks about working with segregationist senators and criticized him for his previous opposition to federal busing mandates – a moment that hobbled his campaign and led to her brief surge in national polls .
`` Not long ago , Kamala Harris called Joe Biden a racist and asked for an apology she never received .
Clearly , Phony Kamala will abandon her own morals , as well as try to bury her record as a prosecutor , in order to appease the anti-police extremists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior adviser Katrina Pierson said in a statement Tuesday .
`` She is proof that Joe Biden is an empty shell being filled with the extreme agenda of the radicals on the left , '' Pierson added .
Harris has never called Biden a racist but said she thought it was `` hurtful '' to hear him talk about finding common ground with senators who built their careers on segregation .
Biden later apologized for those comments .
More : 'Let 's win this , together ' : Biden , Harris spouses gear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She was probably nastier than even Pocahontas to Joe Biden , '' Trump said of the Harris and Biden clash , referring to his nickname for Elizabeth Warren .
`` She was very disrespectful to Joe Biden .
And it 's hard to pick somebody that 's that disrespectful . ''
`` When you talk about him calling African countries s-hole countries , when you talk about him referring to immigrants as rapists and murderers , I don ’ t think you can reach any other conclusion , '' she told The Root @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a private citizen , Trump twice donated to Harris while she was a candidate for California attorney general in 2011 and 2013 for a combined total of $ 6,000 , according to state records .
Ivanka Trump , the president 's daughter and senior adviser , donated $ 2,000 to her re-election campaign for attorney general in 2014 .
A spokesman for the Harris campaign told the Sacramento Bee that Harris donated the $ 6,000 she received from Trump to a nonprofit that advocates for the rights of Central Americans .
The newspaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't make that donation until 2015 , one year after she won reelection as attorney general .
Asked about donations that both Trump and Ivanka Trump made to Harris during her campaign for attorney general in California , Trump campaign spokeswoman Katrina Pierson said later Tuesday that Trump , `` as a private businessman donated to candidates '' on both sides of the aisle .
`` I will note that Kamala Harris is a Black woman and he donated to her campaign , so I hope we can quash this racism argument now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mike Pence also weighed in during a campaign event in Mesa , Arizona , telling the crowd he wanted to `` welcome her to the race . ''
`` As you all know , Joe Biden and the Democratic Party have been overtaken by the radical left .
So given their promises of higher taxes , open borders , socialized medicine , and abortion on demand , it 's no surprise that he chose Senator Harris , '' he said .
Harris had long been a top contender for Biden 's running mate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ race .
In May , Biden vowed to choose a woman as his running mate .
It 's only the third time in U.S. history that a woman will be a vice presidential nominee on a major party 's ticket .
`` I was a little surprised that he picked her .
I 've been watching her for a long time , '' Trump said .
`` She did very poorly in the primaries and now she 's chosen , so we 'll see how that all works out . ''
Earlier on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself '' into selecting a woman as his running mate , musing that `` some people would say that men are insulted by that . ''
Other contenders for Biden 's No .
2 included Susan Rice , former national security adviser to President Barack Obama , Rep. Karen Bass of California , Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts , Rep. Val Demings of Florida , Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois .
The president has previously weighed in on Harris ' candidacy , telling reporters on July 29 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine choice . ''

Trump attacks Kamala Harris over Kavanaugh hearings in first remarks since she was named Biden's running mate
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump says VP pick Harris was 'disrespectful' to Biden during primary President Trump said he was surprised by Joe Biden's vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris saying she was, "very very nasty." USA TODAY, Associated Press
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Tuesday attacked Sen. Kamala Harris over her questioning of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings in his first public remarks since she was named Joe Biden's running mate.
Harris, a former prosecutor, grilled the judge over sexual misconduct allegations against him during the contentious 2018 confirmation hearings.
"And the horrible way she treated Justice Kavanaugh, that was a horrible event. I thought it was terrible for her, I thought it was terrible for our nation," Trump told reporters during a White House briefing. "I thought she was the meanest, the most horrible most disrespectful of anybody in the U.S. Senate."
Trump saved his remarks on Harris for the scheduled briefing. But minutes after the announcement, Trump tweeted a new campaign attack ad on Harris, a vocal critic of the president. The ad accuses Biden of "handing over the reins to Kamala while they jointly embrace the radical left."
Biden picks Kamala Harris: Presidential nominee Joe Biden picks Kamala Harris as his VP running mate
"She is also known, from what I understand, as being just about the most liberal person in the U.S. Senate and I would have thought Biden would have tried to stay away from that a little bit," Trump said.
Biden announced Harris, one of his former Democratic primary challengers, as his No. 2 pick after weeks of speculation in the lead-up to next week's Democratic convention. She will become the first Black woman and first Asian American person on a major party's presidential ticket.
Trump 'a little surprised' by Dem VP pick Harris President Donald Trump says he's "a little surprised" that his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, has selected Kamala Harris as his running mate. Trump also said that Harris "was very disrespectful to Joe Biden" during the Democratic primaries. (Aug. 11) AP
Following the announcement, the Trump campaign seized on a feisty exchange between Harris and Biden during a June 2019 Democratic debate, when the California senator was still in the race. Harris challenged Biden over his remarks about working with segregationist senators and criticized him for his previous opposition to federal busing mandates – a moment that hobbled his campaign and led to her brief surge in national polls.
"Not long ago, Kamala Harris called Joe Biden a racist and asked for an apology she never received. Clearly, Phony Kamala will abandon her own morals, as well as try to bury her record as a prosecutor, in order to appease the anti-police extremists controlling the Democrat Party," Trump senior adviser Katrina Pierson said in a statement Tuesday.
"She is proof that Joe Biden is an empty shell being filled with the extreme agenda of the radicals on the left," Pierson added.
Harris has never called Biden a racist but said she thought it was "hurtful" to hear him talk about finding common ground with senators who built their careers on segregation. Biden later apologized for those comments.
More: 'Let's win this, together': Biden, Harris spouses gear up for campaign trail over Twitter
"She was probably nastier than even Pocahontas to Joe Biden," Trump said of the Harris and Biden clash, referring to his nickname for Elizabeth Warren. "She was very disrespectful to Joe Biden. And it's hard to pick somebody that's that disrespectful."
Harris, however, has labeled Trump a racist.
"When you talk about him calling African countries s-hole countries, when you talk about him referring to immigrants as rapists and murderers, I don’t think you can reach any other conclusion," she told The Root in an interview last year.
As a private citizen, Trump twice donated to Harris while she was a candidate for California attorney general in 2011 and 2013 for a combined total of $6,000, according to state records. Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter and senior adviser, donated $2,000 to her re-election campaign for attorney general in 2014.
A spokesman for the Harris campaign told the Sacramento Bee that Harris donated the $6,000 she received from Trump to a nonprofit that advocates for the rights of Central Americans. The newspaper reported, however, that Harris didn't make that donation until 2015, one year after she won reelection as attorney general.
Asked about donations that both Trump and Ivanka Trump made to Harris during her campaign for attorney general in California, Trump campaign spokeswoman Katrina Pierson said later Tuesday that Trump, "as a private businessman donated to candidates" on both sides of the aisle.
"I will note that Kamala Harris is a Black woman and he donated to her campaign, so I hope we can quash this racism argument now," she added.
Vice President Mike Pence also weighed in during a campaign event in Mesa, Arizona, telling the crowd he wanted to "welcome her to the race."
"As you all know, Joe Biden and the Democratic Party have been overtaken by the radical left. So given their promises of higher taxes, open borders, socialized medicine, and abortion on demand, it's no surprise that he chose Senator Harris," he said.
More: Vice President Mike Pence takes jab at Kamala Harris during Arizona visit
Harris had long been a top contender for Biden's running mate after she dropped out of the presidential race. In May, Biden vowed to choose a woman as his running mate. It's only the third time in U.S. history that a woman will be a vice presidential nominee on a major party's ticket.
"I was a little surprised that he picked her. I've been watching her for a long time," Trump said. "She did very poorly in the primaries and now she's chosen, so we'll see how that all works out."
Earlier on Tuesday, Trump said Biden "roped himself" into selecting a woman as his running mate, musing that "some people would say that men are insulted by that."
Other contenders for Biden's No. 2 included Susan Rice, former national security adviser to President Barack Obama, Rep. Karen Bass of California, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Rep. Val Demings of Florida, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois.
The president has previously weighed in on Harris' candidacy, telling reporters on July 29 he thought she'd be a "fine choice."
Contributing: John Fritze and David Jackson


usatoday--2020-08-12--Coronavirus updates: Deaths, positive cases and quarantines as schools reopen; Big Ten will not play

The push to reopen schools for in-person education is becoming increasingly fraught with quarantines , virus outbreaks and coronavirus-related deaths .
In Georgia , more than 800 students from one school district have been asked to quarantine a week after the school year started .
In Florida , a third person with ties to a Tallahassee school that has not yet reopened has died after contracting COVID-19 , Meanwhile in Texas , the state surpassed 500,000 confirmed coronavirus cases Tuesday just as schools are beginning to reopen across the state .
Gov .
Greg Abbott is suggesting family and neighborhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in the rate of positive tests .
“ There 's a reason why this is happening , I believe , and that is some people feel if they 're just with family members '' they can let their guard down , Abbott told reporters .
“ And that turns out not to be the case . ''
Here are some significant developments : • Cleveland Indians pitcher Mike Clevinger is in quarantine after violating COVID-19 protocols .
• At least 49 state and local public health leaders have resigned , retired or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One of the latest departures came Sunday when California ’ s public health director was ousted .
• The Big Ten will not play football in the fall due to health concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic , the conference said Tuesday .
• Russia has become the first country to officially register a vaccine to combat COVID-19 .
Trump administration officials have questioned the thoroughness of Russia 's testing .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has recorded more than 164,000 deaths and 5.1 million cases of COVID-19 , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have been more than 738,000 deaths and 20 million cases .
📰 What we 're reading : Parents are torn as some schools in the same district face greater reopening risks than others .
The virus generally has affected poorer school communities more severely than wealthier areas .
3 virus deaths tied to Florida school before it reopens Three people from the Fort Braden School community in Tallahassee , Florida , have now died after contracting COVID-19 , further raising concerns about the state-mandated reopening of the school 's district , set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a school custodian who attended Fort Braden School as a child , died July 18 .
Karen Bradwell , 53 , who managed an after-school program at Fort Braden , died July 25 , a week after Jordan Byrd ’ s death .
And Jacqueline Byrd — a former Fort Braden School employee and Jordan Byrd 's mother — has died after her own fight with COVID-19 , according to loved ones .
Her death comes less than three weeks before the planned reopening of Leon County Schools .
All schools are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may choose to send their children to physical classrooms or enroll them in digital classes .
Big Ten makes it official : No football this fall The Big Ten will not play football in the fall due to health concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic , the conference said Tuesday .
After a dramatic few days full of meetings among coaches , athletics directors and university presidents , the stunning decision marks a potential tipping point for the Bowl Subdivision to play a season amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` The mental and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been at the center of every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward , ” Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said in a statement .
A Texas court has launched what the state says is the nation ’ s first virtual jury trial in a criminal case .
The case began Tuesday morning , with potential jurors popping onto the screen in a virtual Travis County courtroom before being separated out to complete surveys and receive training on how to use Zoom .
The misdemeanor traffic case is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest experiment in how to resume jury proceedings in a criminal justice system crippled by the pandemic .
“ You ’ re here today for jury duty in a different way , ” Judge Nicholas Chu said .
“ That ’ s jury duty by Zoom.
” More than 800 students in Georgia district asked to quarantine A week after the school year started , more than 800 students and 42 staff from one Georgia school district have been asked to quarantine after several tested positive for COVID-19 , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District , north of Atlanta , is sharing regular updates on coronavirus cases in its schools with the community .
The district has 40 schools and centers , 4,800 employees and more than 42,200 students .
“ We have students and staff reporting presumptive , pending and positive COVID-19 tests every day , and this will continue as we operate schools during a pandemic , ” Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Brian Hightower wrote in a letter to parents Friday , adding that the school system was taking “ extra steps for transparency.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the State Capitol in Sacramento , pressing lawmakers to allow their salons to reopen .
The Peaceful Pro-Beauty Rally is aimed at ending a temporary statewide regulation forcing them to conduct their business outside or not at all .
Rally organizer Alicia Orabella , a Bay-area salon owner , told abc10.com that beauty shops should not be lumped in with bars and restaurants .
“ We just ask that they listen to us , ” Orabella said of lawmakers .
“ Outside is not a safe environment .
I ’ m seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing pedicures in front of a dumpster .
That is no way sanitary . ''
Arizona reported more than 1,200 new COVID-19 cases and 45 new known deaths Tuesday , as hospitalizations for the disease generally continue four weeks of downward trends .
The state has seen hints of improvement after being a glaring hotspot earlier in the summer .
Identified cases rose to 188,737 and known deaths totaled 4,199 , according to the daily report by the Arizona Department of Health Services .
The 45 new known deaths reported on Tuesday represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health Services that day , but many occurred days and weeks prior .
Of known test results from last week , 8 % came back positive , according to the state .
A positivity rate of 5 % is considered a good benchmark that the spread is under control .
Also Tuesday : • A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data shows Indiana and Puerto Rico set records for new cases in a week .
• Meanwhile , record numbers of deaths were reported in Arkansas , California , Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also Puerto Rico .
• The United States has reported 5,094,400 cases and 163,463 deaths .
A virus outbreak among Vermont prisoners being held at a Mississippi prison highlights the potential danger of importing and exporting inmates during a global pandemic .
Vermont has one of the lowest virus rates in the nation , but six inmates brought back from Mississippi tested positive .
Corrections officials directed the privately-run Mississippi facility to test the rest of the inmates from Vermont , and about two-thirds of Vermont 's 219 inmates imprisoned out-of-state tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commissioner Jim Baker took responsibility for failing to ask more questions about the protocols in Mississippi , a virus hotspot .
`` Clearly , where we sit now with the number of positive tests , something went wrong , '' Baker said .
Survey : Youth COVID-19 cases almost doubled in four weeks Children represent less than 10 % of all confirmed U.S. COVID-19 cases , but the total number of youth cases has almost doubled in the last month , a new report says .
Almost 180,000 new child cases were reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , raising the total number to 380,174 , the American Academy of Pediatrics reported in a new survey .
The increase comes as schools across the nation begin to open their doors to students .
The good news : The data indicates that COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death is uncommon in children .
`` At this time , it appears that severe illness due to COVID-19 is rare among children , '' the survey says .
`` However , states should continue to provide detailed reports on COVID-19 cases , testing , hospitalizations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effects of COVID-19 on children ’ s health can continue to be documented and monitored . ''
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on Tuesday pressed the Trump administration case that China failed to adequately warn of the coronavirus after it was first detected in Wuhan .
China ’ s ruling Communist Party chose not to `` warn the world and work with the world on battling the virus '' Azar said , adding that the costs of that choice are rising every day .
The Trump administration has repeatedly accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Health Organization – and cited the claim in announcing U.S. withdrawal from WHO .
Azar is in Taiwan , the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the breakaway island since formal relations between Taiwan and mainland China were severed in 1979 .
Putin says his daughter got COVID-19 vaccine as Russia registers serum White House counselor Kellyanne Conway expressed skepticism about the testing backing up Russia ’ s claim that it has developed a COVID-19 vaccine .
President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said his daughter is among those to receive the vaccine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more stringent , ” Conway said Tuesday on “ Fox & Friends.
” “ Our FDA in our country sets the standards and what I understand from the Russia announcement is this is nowhere near where we are.
” Putin emphasized that the vaccine underwent the necessary tests and has proven efficient , offering a lasting immunity from the coronavirus .
However , scientists at home and abroad have been sounding the alarm that the rush to start using the vaccine before Phase 3 trials – which normally last for months and involve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Highest risk from in-class learning faced by communities needing it most A USA TODAY analysis of COVID-19 infection rates at the ZIP code level found that neighborhoods hit hardest by the coronavirus and others barely touched often exist side by side – and in the same district where officials are trying to determine if schools should open .
The numbers also show that , overwhelmingly , the areas facing the greatest risk are also the most to lose by delaying in-person instruction .
These mostly non-white ZIP codes are disproportionately poor , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access they need to succeed with distance education .
`` When you have the pressure of trying to meet everyone ’ s needs and then you fail , there 's no amount of liability insurance out there that can help you when someone dies , ” said Kristi Wilson , American Association of School Administrators president .
Alyssa Milano still battling symptoms months after becoming ill Alyssa Milano says she 's still suffering from chest pains , hair loss and other symptoms after becoming `` acutely sick '' with COVID-19 in April .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Milano , 47 , ran a detangler brush over her head multiple times , holding up the sizable clumps of hair that came out .
`` I just wanted to show you the amount of hair that 's coming out of my head as a result of COVID , '' the actress and activist said , imploring her followers to `` please take this seriously '' and `` wear a damn mask . ''
Illinois cracks down on violence against retailers who require masks Illinois has passed a law providing stiffer penalties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health guidance , '' such as requiring patrons to wear face-coverings or promoting social distancing .
The law makes the attacks aggravated battery and it sends the message that it ’ s vitally important for workers to be respected and protected while serving on the front lines , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said .
Aggravated battery can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison .
The law also increases disability pay for emergency workers affected by COVID-19 .
“ This legislation allows front line workers that have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while sending a clear message to all our essential workers that we are behind them and will do all we can to protect their safety and well-being , '' said State Representative Jay Hoffman .
On Facebook : There 's still a lot unknown about the coronavirus .
But what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .
In your inbox : Stay up-to-date with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter here .
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 here .

John Bacon, Jessica Flores and Joel Shannon, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: Deaths, positive cases and quarantines as schools reopen; Big Ten will not play football
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: Safety tips you need to know As coronavirus cases in some states start to rise again, make sure to remember these safety tips. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
The push to reopen schools for in-person education is becoming increasingly fraught with quarantines, virus outbreaks and coronavirus-related deaths.
In Georgia, more than 800 students from one school district have been asked to quarantine a week after the school year started. In Florida, a third person with ties to a Tallahassee school that has not yet reopened has died after contracting COVID-19,
Meanwhile in Texas, the state surpassed 500,000 confirmed coronavirus cases Tuesday just as schools are beginning to reopen across the state. Gov. Greg Abbott is suggesting family and neighborhood gatherings are to blame for a sharp rise in the rate of positive tests.
“There's a reason why this is happening, I believe, and that is some people feel if they're just with family members" they can let their guard down, Abbott told reporters. “And that turns out not to be the case."
Here are some significant developments:
Cleveland Indians pitcher Mike Clevinger is in quarantine after violating COVID-19 protocols.
At least 49 state and local public health leaders have resigned, retired or been fired since April across 23 states. One of the latest departures came Sunday when California’s public health director was ousted.
The Big Ten will not play football in the fall due to health concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, the conference said Tuesday.
Russia has become the first country to officially register a vaccine to combat COVID-19. Trump administration officials have questioned the thoroughness of Russia's testing.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has recorded more than 164,000 deaths and 5.1 million cases of COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, there have been more than 738,000 deaths and 20 million cases.
📰 What we're reading: Parents are torn as some schools in the same district face greater reopening risks than others. The virus generally has affected poorer school communities more severely than wealthier areas.
Three people from the Fort Braden School community in Tallahassee, Florida, have now died after contracting COVID-19, further raising concerns about the state-mandated reopening of the school's district, set for later this month.
Jordan Byrd, a school custodian who attended Fort Braden School as a child, died July 18. Karen Bradwell, 53, who managed an after-school program at Fort Braden, died July 25, a week after Jordan Byrd’s death.
And Jacqueline Byrd — a former Fort Braden School employee and Jordan Byrd's mother — has died after her own fight with COVID-19, according to loved ones.
Her death comes less than three weeks before the planned reopening of Leon County Schools. All schools are set to reopen Aug. 31; parents may choose to send their children to physical classrooms or enroll them in digital classes.
– Jeff Burlew, Tallahassee Democrat
Big Ten makes it official: No football this fall
The Big Ten will not play football in the fall due to health concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, the conference said Tuesday.
After a dramatic few days full of meetings among coaches, athletics directors and university presidents, the stunning decision marks a potential tipping point for the Bowl Subdivision to play a season amid the coronavirus pandemic.
"The mental and physical health and welfare of our student-athletes has been at the center of every decision we have made regarding the ability to proceed forward,” Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren said in a statement.
A Texas court has launched what the state says is the nation’s first virtual jury trial in a criminal case. The case began Tuesday morning, with potential jurors popping onto the screen in a virtual Travis County courtroom before being separated out to complete surveys and receive training on how to use Zoom. The misdemeanor traffic case is being broadcast live on YouTube and comes as the latest experiment in how to resume jury proceedings in a criminal justice system crippled by the pandemic.
“You’re here today for jury duty in a different way,” Judge Nicholas Chu said. “That’s jury duty by Zoom.”
More than 800 students in Georgia district asked to quarantine
A week after the school year started, more than 800 students and 42 staff from one Georgia school district have been asked to quarantine after several tested positive for COVID-19, according to the district's website. Cherokee County School District, north of Atlanta, is sharing regular updates on coronavirus cases in its schools with the community. The district has 40 schools and centers, 4,800 employees and more than 42,200 students.
“We have students and staff reporting presumptive, pending and positive COVID-19 tests every day, and this will continue as we operate schools during a pandemic,” Cherokee County Schools Superintendent Brian Hightower wrote in a letter to parents Friday, adding that the school system was taking “extra steps for transparency.”
– Wyatte Grantham-Philips
California hair stylists march on state Capitol
Hair stylists from across California rallied Tuesday at the State Capitol in Sacramento, pressing lawmakers to allow their salons to reopen. The Peaceful Pro-Beauty Rally is aimed at ending a temporary statewide regulation forcing them to conduct their business outside or not at all. Rally organizer Alicia Orabella, a Bay-area salon owner, told abc10.com that beauty shops should not be lumped in with bars and restaurants.
“We just ask that they listen to us,” Orabella said of lawmakers. “Outside is not a safe environment. I’m seeing nail salons down the streets that are doing pedicures in front of a dumpster. That is no way sanitary."
Arizona reports 1,200 new cases as hospitalizations steadily decline
Arizona reported more than 1,200 new COVID-19 cases and 45 new known deaths Tuesday, as hospitalizations for the disease generally continue four weeks of downward trends. The state has seen hints of improvement after being a glaring hotspot earlier in the summer. Identified cases rose to 188,737 and known deaths totaled 4,199, according to the daily report by the Arizona Department of Health Services. The 45 new known deaths reported on Tuesday represent the new deaths identified by the Arizona Department of Health Services that day, but many occurred days and weeks prior.
Of known test results from last week, 8% came back positive, according to the state. A positivity rate of 5% is considered a good benchmark that the spread is under control. Also Tuesday:
A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data shows Indiana and Puerto Rico set records for new cases in a week.
Meanwhile, record numbers of deaths were reported in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Hawaii and West Virginia, and also Puerto Rico.
The United States has reported 5,094,400 cases and 163,463 deaths.
– Alison Steinbach, Arizona Republic; Mike Stucka, USA TODAY
Virus outbreak found among Vermont inmates held in Mississippi prison
A virus outbreak among Vermont prisoners being held at a Mississippi prison highlights the potential danger of importing and exporting inmates during a global pandemic.
Vermont has one of the lowest virus rates in the nation, but six inmates brought back from Mississippi tested positive. Corrections officials directed the privately-run Mississippi facility to test the rest of the inmates from Vermont, and about two-thirds of Vermont's 219 inmates imprisoned out-of-state tested positive for the virus.
Vermont Interim Corrections Commissioner Jim Baker took responsibility for failing to ask more questions about the protocols in Mississippi, a virus hotspot. "Clearly, where we sit now with the number of positive tests, something went wrong," Baker said.
– Elizabeth Murray, Tom Mooney and Karen Dandurant
Survey: Youth COVID-19 cases almost doubled in four weeks
Children represent less than 10% of all confirmed U.S. COVID-19 cases, but the total number of youth cases has almost doubled in the last month, a new report says.
Almost 180,000 new child cases were reported from between July 9 and Aug. 6, raising the total number to 380,174, the American Academy of Pediatrics reported in a new survey. The increase comes as schools across the nation begin to open their doors to students. The good news: The data indicates that COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death is uncommon in children.
"At this time, it appears that severe illness due to COVID-19 is rare among children," the survey says. "However, states should continue to provide detailed reports on COVID-19 cases, testing, hospitalizations, and mortality by age so that the effects of COVID-19 on children’s health can continue to be documented and monitored."
Azar doubles down on China blame-game
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on Tuesday pressed the Trump administration case that China failed to adequately warn of the coronavirus after it was first detected in Wuhan. China’s ruling Communist Party chose not to "warn the world and work with the world on battling the virus" Azar said, adding that the costs of that choice are rising every day. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused China of withholding information from the U.N. World Health Organization – and cited the claim in announcing U.S. withdrawal from WHO.
Azar is in Taiwan, the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the breakaway island since formal relations between Taiwan and mainland China were severed in 1979.
Putin says his daughter got COVID-19 vaccine as Russia registers serum
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway expressed skepticism about the testing backing up Russia’s claim that it has developed a COVID-19 vaccine. President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said his daughter is among those to receive the vaccine.
“The U.S. standards are so much more stringent,” Conway said Tuesday on “Fox & Friends.” “Our FDA in our country sets the standards and what I understand from the Russia announcement is this is nowhere near where we are.”
Putin emphasized that the vaccine underwent the necessary tests and has proven efficient, offering a lasting immunity from the coronavirus. However, scientists at home and abroad have been sounding the alarm that the rush to start using the vaccine before Phase 3 trials – which normally last for months and involve thousands of people – could backfire.
Highest risk from in-class learning faced by communities needing it most
A USA TODAY analysis of COVID-19 infection rates at the ZIP code level found that neighborhoods hit hardest by the coronavirus and others barely touched often exist side by side – and in the same district where officials are trying to determine if schools should open. The numbers also show that, overwhelmingly, the areas facing the greatest risk are also the most to lose by delaying in-person instruction. These mostly non-white ZIP codes are disproportionately poor, so students may lack the devices or internet access they need to succeed with distance education.
"When you have the pressure of trying to meet everyone’s needs and then you fail, there's no amount of liability insurance out there that can help you when someone dies,” said Kristi Wilson, American Association of School Administrators president.
– Suzanne Hirt, Mark Nichols and Sommer Brugal
Coronavirus: How vaccines are developed and tested Pressure to create a coronavirus vaccine is increasing by the day, but for a safe vaccine to enter the market, it takes time. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Alyssa Milano still battling symptoms months after becoming ill
Alyssa Milano says she's still suffering from chest pains, hair loss and other symptoms after becoming "acutely sick" with COVID-19 in April. In a video shared to social media, Milano, 47, ran a detangler brush over her head multiple times, holding up the sizable clumps of hair that came out.
"I just wanted to show you the amount of hair that's coming out of my head as a result of COVID," the actress and activist said, imploring her followers to "please take this seriously" and "wear a damn mask."
– Hannah Yasharoff and Cydney Henderson
Illinois cracks down on violence against retailers who require masks
Illinois has passed a law providing stiffer penalties for assaulting a retail worker "conveying public health guidance," such as requiring patrons to wear face-coverings or promoting social distancing. The law makes the attacks aggravated battery and it sends the message that it’s vitally important for workers to be respected and protected while serving on the front lines, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. Aggravated battery can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison. The law also increases disability pay for emergency workers affected by COVID-19.
“This legislation allows front line workers that have been impacted by COVID-19 to focus on recovering while sending a clear message to all our essential workers that we are behind them and will do all we can to protect their safety and well-being," said State Representative Jay Hoffman.
More COVID-19 resources from USA TODAY
On Facebook: There's still a lot unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, Coronavirus Watch, to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19.
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 here.
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 here.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-08-11--Chicago man charged with attempted murder in shooting that police say sparked looting

Chicago police arrested and charged a man with attempted murder after they say he shot at officers in an incident that prompted looting downtown .
Latrell Allen , 20 , of Englewood was charged with two felony counts of attempted murder in the first degree and one felony count of unlawful use of a weapon , Chicago police said Monday .
He was arrested Sunday afternoon after police say he fled and fired multiple rounds at officers who were responding to a call of a person with a gun .
Officers returned fire and hit Allen , who was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken to a hospital , and three officers also were taken to a hospital for observation , police said .
The officers , who are part of a newly created Community Safety Team , were not wearing body cameras , Chicago 's civilian police oversight agency said .
The agency was investigating the incident and searching for any additional video or witnesses .
Activists with Black Lives Matter Chicago cast doubt on the police narrative of the incident in a statement Monday , saying Allen `` ran away , rightfully fearing for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist armed police . ''
Chicago police `` claims the victim shot first and that they found a gun on the scene .
These details are uncorroborated , partially because CPD also claims there is no body camera footage available for this interaction , '' the group said .
`` This is a clear violation of state law and CPD policy and another example of police showing a lack of transparency . ''
After the shooting , a crowd gathered in the South Side neighborhood and faced off with police after someone reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounded a child , said David Brown , Chicago Police Department superintendent , at a news conference Monday .
That crowd eventually dispersed .
`` Tempers flared , fueled by misinformation as the afternoon turned into evening , '' Brown said .
Later that night , hundreds smashed windows , stole from stores and clashed with police in Chicago ’ s Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of the city ’ s downtown .
About 100 people were arrested and 13 officers were injured , police said .
About 400 officers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posts on social media that Brown said were prompted by the shooting and encouraged a `` caravan '' of cars to engage in looting .
At least one security guard and a civilian were hospitalized in critical condition after being shot , Brown said .
Chicago raised some of its bridges and restricted access to parts of the city 's downtown Monday night .
About 200 protesters gathered Monday evening outside a police station and continued to raise questions about why the officers had not been wearing body cameras .
One sign at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been looted from us ... loot back . ''
The downtown area reopened Tuesday morning .
Another protest condemning the police shooting of Allen was planned at a police headquarters for Tuesday evening .

Grace Hauck and N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY

Chicago man charged with attempted murder in shooting that police say sparked looting
Show Caption Hide Caption Chicago stores looted after police injure man Hundreds of people stole from stores and clashed with police in Chicago after officers shot and injured a man during a confrontation. USA TODAY, Storyful
Chicago police arrested and charged a man with attempted murder after they say he shot at officers in an incident that prompted looting downtown.
Latrell Allen, 20, of Englewood was charged with two felony counts of attempted murder in the first degree and one felony count of unlawful use of a weapon, Chicago police said Monday. He was arrested Sunday afternoon after police say he fled and fired multiple rounds at officers who were responding to a call of a person with a gun.
Officers returned fire and hit Allen, who was in stable condition, police said. He was taken to a hospital, and three officers also were taken to a hospital for observation, police said.
The officers, who are part of a newly created Community Safety Team, were not wearing body cameras, Chicago's civilian police oversight agency said. The agency was investigating the incident and searching for any additional video or witnesses.
Activists with Black Lives Matter Chicago cast doubt on the police narrative of the incident in a statement Monday, saying Allen "ran away, rightfully fearing for his safety in this dangerous interaction with racist armed police."
Chicago police "claims the victim shot first and that they found a gun on the scene. These details are uncorroborated, partially because CPD also claims there is no body camera footage available for this interaction," the group said. "This is a clear violation of state law and CPD policy and another example of police showing a lack of transparency."
Chicago crowds clash with police: 100 arrested, 13 officers injured
After the shooting, a crowd gathered in the South Side neighborhood and faced off with police after someone reportedly told people that police had shot and wounded a child, said David Brown, Chicago Police Department superintendent, at a news conference Monday. That crowd eventually dispersed.
"Tempers flared, fueled by misinformation as the afternoon turned into evening," Brown said.
Later that night, hundreds smashed windows, stole from stores and clashed with police in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile shopping district and other parts of the city’s downtown. About 100 people were arrested and 13 officers were injured, police said.
About 400 officers were sent to the downtown area after seeing posts on social media that Brown said were prompted by the shooting and encouraged a "caravan" of cars to engage in looting.
At least one security guard and a civilian were hospitalized in critical condition after being shot, Brown said.
Chicago raised some of its bridges and restricted access to parts of the city's downtown Monday night. About 200 protesters gathered Monday evening outside a police station and continued to raise questions about why the officers had not been wearing body cameras. One sign at the protest read, "Our futures have been looted from us ... loot back."
The downtown area reopened Tuesday morning. Another protest condemning the police shooting of Allen was planned at a police headquarters for Tuesday evening.


usatoday--2020-08-11--3 COVID-19 deaths, including mom and son, tied to Florida school before it reopens

TALLAHASSEE , Fla. – The mother of Jordan Byrd , a 19-year-old custodian at a Tallahassee school who died of COVID-19 , has herself died of the virus , further raising concerns about the state-mandated reopening of the school 's district , set for later this month .
Jacqueline Byrd , a former Fort Braden School employee , died Monday morning , according to loved ones .
Her surviving son , Jacary Byrd , paid tribute to his late brother , Jordan Byrd , and his mom in a post on Facebook .
“ To my heart I will definitely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You and Jordan Byrd have both left me .
I know that you both are having a good time in the Lord .
Mommy I will definitely miss you.
” Jacqueline Byrd , 55 , is the third person from the Fort Braden School community to die after contracting COVID-19 .
Her son , Jordan Byrd , a school custodian who attended Fort Braden School as a child , died July 18 .
Karen Bradwell , 53 , who managed an after-school program at Fort Braden , died July 25 , a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bradwell ’ s daughter was Jordan Byrd ’ s girlfriend . '
A new angel':19-year-old Florida student dies from COVID-19 , raising concerns about opening schools Fort Braden is a PreK through 8th grade school that is a part of Leon County Schools .
Her death comes less than three weeks before the planned reopening of Leon County Schools .
All schools are set to reopen Aug. 31 ; parents may choose to send their children to physical classrooms or enroll them in digital classes .
School Board members have agonized over how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a pandemic and are encouraging parents to use a digital academy option to keep their kids at home .
`` Balancing the need for our children to be back in school with the need to keep our staff members safe is what keeps me up at night .
Sometimes I feel like we ’ re trying to manage and control the uncontrollable , '' Superintendent Rocky Hanna previously said .
Fort Braden School Principal Jimbo Jackson , who also serves as a county commissioner , has announced he ca n't support the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state of Florida has mandated .
Jackson and several family members are recovering themselves after testing positive for COVID-19 , which Jackson first announced in early July .
`` With great respect to our governor and state leaders , I have to look into the eyes of my school family of students and teachers and say I can not guarantee your safety in this environment , '' Jackson said in an email announcing Bradwell 's death .
`` That is a tremendous responsibility and makes me wonder who ’ s next ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait to mourn with another family . ''
Jacqueline Byrd , who went by “ Jackie , ” worked at Fort Braden Schools for years before her retirement .

3 COVID-19 deaths, including mom and son, tied to Florida school before it reopens
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 hits Fort Braden School community: Three have died Cases of the coronavirus have been reported by those with ties to Fort Braden, a rural western Leon County elementary school. Grace Pateras, USA TODAY
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The mother of Jordan Byrd, a 19-year-old custodian at a Tallahassee school who died of COVID-19, has herself died of the virus, further raising concerns about the state-mandated reopening of the school's district, set for later this month.
Jacqueline Byrd, a former Fort Braden School employee, died Monday morning, according to loved ones. Her surviving son, Jacary Byrd, paid tribute to his late brother and his mother in a post on Facebook.
“To my heart I will definitely miss you‼” he wrote. “You and Jordan Byrd have both left me. I know that you both are having a good time in the Lord. Mommy I will definitely miss you.”
Jacqueline Byrd, 55, is the third person from the Fort Braden School community to die after contracting COVID-19. Her son Jordan, a school custodian who attended Fort Braden School as a child, died July 18.
Karen Bradwell, 53, who managed an after-school program at Fort Braden, died July 25, a week after Jordan Byrd’s death. Bradwell’s daughter was Jordan Byrd’s girlfriend.
Coronavirus: How R-0 can be used to fight COVID-19 R-0 may be the most important scientific term you’ve never heard of when it comes to stopping the coronavirus pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
'A new angel': 19-year-old Florida student dies from COVID-19, raising concerns about opening schools
Second death: Fort Braden program director dies after COVID-19 battle
Fort Braden is a Pre-K through 8th grade school that is a part of Leon County Schools. Jacqueline Byrd's death comes less than three weeks before the planned reopening of Leon County Schools. All schools are set to reopen Aug. 31; parents may choose to send their children to physical classrooms or enroll them in digital classes.
School Board members have agonized over how to safely reopen schools in the middle of a pandemic and are encouraging parents to use a digital academy option to keep their kids at home.
"Balancing the need for our children to be back in school with the need to keep our staff members safe is what keeps me up at night," superintendent Rocky Hanna previously said. "Sometimes I feel like we’re trying to manage and control the uncontrollable."
Fort Braden School principal Jimbo Jackson, who also serves as a county commissioner, has announced that he can't support the physical reopening of classrooms — a step Florida has mandated. Jackson and several family members are themselves recovering after testing positive for COVID-19, a diagnosis Jackson first announced in early July.
"With great respect to our governor and state leaders, I have to look into the eyes of my school family of students and teachers and say I cannot guarantee your safety in this environment," Jackson said in an email announcing Bradwell's death. "That is a tremendous responsibility and makes me wonder who’s next? I cannot sit idly by and wait to mourn with another family."
Jacqueline Byrd, who went by “Jackie,” worked at Fort Braden Schools for years before her retirement.
Contributing: Joel Shannon, USA TODAY; Follow on Twitter: @JeffBurlew