usatoday--2020-09-06--How 'Mulan's Jason Scott Lee got ripped playing villain Böri Khan: 'I was tortured to death every da

Jason Scott Lee wreaks havoc in `` Mulan '' as the villainous Böri Khan .
But reaching hard warrior status was an epic journey for the actor who starred in `` Dragon : The Bruce Lee Story '' 27 years ago .
Lee , 53 , was surprised how ripped director Niki Caro and trainer Bojan Mladenovic , wanted to make his Böri Khan for the live-action remake now streaming on Disney+ ( as a $ 30 premium add-on ) .
`` Bojan said to me , 'Hey , can we make an agreement ?
I think you can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' `` Lee recalls with a laugh , speaking by telephone from his Hawaiian home .
`` I said , 'Holy cow !
You know I 'm in my 50s . '
But he said age does n't matter .
We shook hands .
Deal .
That was the end of the old me . ''
`` Then I was tortured to death every day , '' adds Lee .
`` I was walking crooked for months . ''
Who is Yifei Liu ?
Meet Disney 's new 'Mulan' How to watch Mulan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on September 4 , 2020 Caro was going in a slightly different direction from the 1998 animated original `` Mulan , '' which had hulking villain Shan Yu , when casting 5-foot-9 Lee .
`` If they wanted that Shan Yu-type imposing , they would have gotten another actor , '' says Lee .
`` They wanted me to be really lean and stripped down .
A sinewy , snaky character . ''
Khan is a ruthless tribal leader seeking revenge for his father 's death at the hands of the Chinese Emperor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his people 's land and culture .
Holding an uneasy alliance with the witch Xian Lang ( Gong Li ) , the flowing-haired Khan eventually faces off with the titular warrior Mulan ( Yifei Liu ) .
Caro admits she almost did n't cast the American actor of Chinese and Hawaiian descent due to his sweet demeanor .
`` Jason 's such a gentle man .
I needed a shredded killer , '' says Caro .
`` But he 's such a good actor and I knew he 'd take his preparation very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more sword-swinging in Disney 's new and improved live-action 'Mulan' Fall streaming preview:10 must-see new movies to see while stuck at home , from 'Mulan ' to 'Rebecca' Lee already came packing the beard and mustache – `` I just grew it all out , '' he says – while the flowing Khan locks were a noticeably heavy hair weave .
Khan 's heavily scarred appearance started with an actual scar on Lee 's chest from an injury he received while filming a movie in Kazakhstan that got infected and is impressively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ awesome , and they enhanced it .
They loved it so much they used it as a template for the others , '' says Lee , who spent two hours in the makeup chair for his facial scars .
He worked on his scowl continually , even on the street .
The actor knew he was hitting on villain gold by the expression on passersby 's faces .
`` I 'd be walking and testing my scowl , going , 'What if I did something like this ? '
says Lee .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking like , 'Oh , my God , he 's going to tear me out . '
`` The Khan body was the hardest part , requiring double workout sessions over two-and-a-half months marshaled by Mladenovic , Warm-up alone was a half-hour of exhausting bear crawls .
Then the real workouts began .
`` I mean , that was intense , '' says Lee , who would drag himself home to his wife of 12 years , Diana Chan .
`` I told my wife , ' I have a little bit of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
`` The diet was just as rigorous .
Lee would finish his typical dinner of 10 egg whites with a banana for dessert , and Diana would bring home aromatic Chinese food , which he could n't touch .
`` It was like , 'You 're torturing me ! '
But she could n't believe I was eating like I was , '' says Lee , who tried exactly one wonton noodle for taste .
`` I was so proud of myself for sticking to my plan . ''
The results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 % body fat mark .
He was leaner than he was portraying Bruce Lee , and , at 145 pounds , below his 150-pound high school body weight .
It all worked toward Lee 's big unveiling as shirtless Khan grimly prepares for battle in his yurt alongside Xian Lang .
Even Lee was surprised when he took off his robe for the scene .
`` You 're just ripped , you look at yourself and it 's like , 'Oh , my God , everything 's there , ' `` Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me afterwards and said , 'Thank you for your hard work , It 's on film .
It 's forever . '
`` Lee could focus on scenes of villainy , raiding , killing and a memorable scene where the riding Khan catches an arrow shot at him , and shoots it back .
While he often rode real `` Mulan '' steeds , that scene featured a prop horse in front of a wind machine .
Lee amazed himself when he perfectly twirled the arrow in his hand to quickly fire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blowing so strong that it blew the arrow backwards , so I was able to maintain control , '' says Lee .
`` I got so lucky .
It looked so natural . ''
The actor has kept in shape after production , even during COVID-19 quarantine .
But he 's not Böri Khan-ripped .
So he 's thrilled to show his Hawaiian friends and former classmates how he rocks it in `` Mulan . ''
`` In Hawaii , everyone really cuts loose after age 35 .
My high school Class of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shocked and jealous when they see me in this movie , '' he says .

How 'Mulan's Jason Scott Lee got ripped playing villain Böri Khan: 'I was tortured to death every day'
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Mulan' star Yifei Liu explains how she got into character USA TODAY's Bryan Alexander chatted with "Mulan" star Yifei Liu about how she brought the iconic character to life. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
Jason Scott Lee wreaks havoc in "Mulan" as the villainous Böri Khan. But reaching hard warrior status was an epic journey for the actor who starred in "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story" 27 years ago.
Lee, 53, was surprised how ripped director Niki Caro and trainer Bojan Mladenovic wanted to make his Böri Khan for the live-action remake now streaming on Disney+ (as a $30 premium add-on).
"Bojan said to me, 'Hey, can we make an agreement? I think you can get down to 4% body fat,' " Lee recalls with a laugh, speaking by telephone from his Hawaiian home. "I said, 'Holy cow! You know I'm in my 50s.' But he said age doesn't matter. We shook hands. Deal. That was the end of the old me."
"Then I was tortured to death every day," adds Lee. "I was walking crooked for months."
Who is Yifei Liu? Meet Disney's new 'Mulan'
How to watch Mulan: Watch the live-action Mulan on Disney+ on September 4, 2020
Caro was going in a slightly different direction from the 1998 animated original "Mulan," which had hulking villain Shan Yu, when casting 5-foot-9 Lee.
"If they wanted that Shan Yu-type imposing, they would have gotten another actor," says Lee. "They wanted me to be really lean and stripped down. A sinewy, snaky character."
Khan is a ruthless tribal leader seeking revenge for his father's death at the hands of the Chinese Emperor (Jet Li) while fighting for his people's land and culture. Holding an uneasy alliance with the witch Xian Lang (Gong Li), the flowing-haired Khan eventually faces off with the titular warrior Mulan (Yifei Liu).
Caro admits she almost didn't cast the American actor of Chinese and Hawaiian descent due to his sweet demeanor.
"Jason's such a gentle man. I needed a shredded killer," says Caro. "But he's such a good actor and I knew he'd take his preparation very seriously."
Review: No singing, more sword-swinging in Disney's new and improved live-action 'Mulan'
Fall streaming preview: 10 must-see new movies to see while stuck at home, from 'Mulan' to 'Rebecca'
Lee already came packing the beard and mustache – "I just grew it all out," he says – while the flowing Khan locks were a noticeably heavy hair weave. Khan's heavily scarred appearance started with an actual scar on Lee's chest from an injury he received while filming a movie in Kazakhstan that got infected and is impressively permanently raised.
"It's pretty awesome, and they enhanced it. They loved it so much they used it as a template for the others," says Lee, who spent two hours in the makeup chair for his facial scars.
He worked on his scowl continually, even on the street. The actor knew he was hitting on villain gold by the expression on passersby's faces.
"I'd be walking and testing my scowl, going, 'What if I did something like this?' says Lee. "I'd look up and see people looking like, 'Oh, my God, he's going to tear me out.' "
The Khan body was the hardest part, requiring double workout sessions over two-and-a-half months marshaled by Mladenovic. Warm-up alone was a half-hour of exhausting bear crawls. Then the real workouts began. "I mean, that was intense," says Lee, who would drag himself home to his wife of 12 years, Diana Chan. "I told my wife, 'I have a little bit of an inkling of what labor feels like.' "
The diet was just as rigorous. Lee would finish his typical dinner of 10 egg whites with a banana for dessert, and Diana would bring home aromatic Chinese food, which he couldn't touch.
"It was like, 'You're torturing me!' But she couldn't believe I was eating like I was," says Lee, who tried exactly one wonton noodle for taste. "I was so proud of myself for sticking to my plan."
The results were clear even before he hit the 4% body fat mark. He was leaner than he was portraying Bruce Lee, and, at 145 pounds, below his 150-pound high school body weight. It all worked toward Lee's big unveiling as shirtless Khan grimly prepares for battle in his yurt alongside Xian Lang. Even Lee was surprised when he took off his robe for the scene.
"You're just ripped, you look at yourself and it's like, 'Oh, my God, everything's there,' " Lee recalls feeling. "Niki came up to me afterwards and said, 'Thank you for your hard work, It's on film. It's forever.' "
Lee could focus on scenes of villainy, raiding, killing and a memorable scene where the riding Khan catches an arrow shot at him and shoots it back. While he often rode real "Mulan" steeds, that scene featured a prop horse in front of a wind machine. Lee amazed himself when he perfectly twirled the arrow in his hand to quickly fire back.
"The wind machine was blowing so strong that it blew the arrow backwards, so I was able to maintain control," says Lee. "I got so lucky. It looked so natural."
Following production, Lee says he contracted COVID-19 traveling to the London premiere of "Mulan" in March, which was ultimately canceled by the pandemic.
"My symptoms were very mild, three days of chills and body ache, then no sense of taste or smell, but a prolonged fatigue lasted a little over three weeks," he says. "Should've stayed home!"
The actor has experienced no residual effects ("Keeping vigilant and masked!") and says he's kept in shape during his COVID-19 quarantine at home in Hawaii.
But he's not Böri Khan-ripped. So he's thrilled to show his Hawaiian friends and former classmates how he rocks it in "Mulan."
"In Hawaii, everyone really cuts loose after age 35. My high school Class of 1984 classmates are going to be very shocked and jealous when they see me in this movie," he says.


usatoday--2020-09-06--Raptors bury Celtics from 3-point range to win Game 4 and tie series 2-2

LAKE BUENA VISTA , Fla. — Figuring out how the Toronto Raptors defeated the Boston Celtics 100-93 in Game 4 on Saturday was easy .
Just look at the 3-point shooting .
Toronto outscored Boston 51-21 on 3-pointers , with the Raptors making 17-of-44 ( 38.6 % ) and the Celtics making 7-of-35 ( 20 % ) .
`` I was extremely happy , '' Raptors coach Nick Nurse said .
`` We made a lot of them .
We had a whole bunch more go in and out .
They were very , very good looks .
The analytics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out over time .
When some of them are going in , it seems like the looks are a lot better .
I have to watch the tape .
I felt to me like they were a little better tonight than they ’ ve been . ''
All-Star Kyle Lowry , who was one of three Raptors to play at least 44 minutes , made two free throws putting the Raptors ahead 98-87 with 2:20 left in the fourth , and Boston just didn ’ t enough time remaining to complete a comeback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tied 2-2 , the series has been distilled to a best-of-3 in the Eastern Conference semifinals between two well-coached , hard-playing , talented teams .
Game 5 is Monday ( 6:30 p.m .
ET , TNT ) .
For the second consecutive season , the defending champion Raptors fell behind 2-0 in a series only to tie it .
Last year , it happened against Milwaukee in the conference finals , and the Raptors won the series .
EAST SHOCKER : Bucks need Giannis to be the MVP to avoid elimination NO LAME @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of long-term future '' Our guys are used to playing big minutes in intense situations over long series , '' Nurse said .
`` We didn ’ t have very good rhythm coming into this series , and we needed to find some or we were going to be in trouble .
Now , we ’ ve found some ( and ) playing a little better .
It feels like really as a team and certainly individuals are coming back to who they are and who they can be .
There ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t shoot the ball well overall from the field ( just 39.5 % ) , but it had enough firepower from deep .
Fred VanVleet ( 17 points ) made five 3s , Serge Ibaka ( 18 points ) made four 3s , Lowry ( 22 points , 11 rebounds , seven assists , two steals , two blocks ) connected on four 3s and OG Anunoby , the hero of Game 3 , made two triples and had 11 points , three rebounds , three assist and two blocks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ miss league , '' Nurse said .
`` We made a bunch of them , and they didn ’ t make a bunch .
It ’ s always a boost for everyone when the ball goes in .
It helps your defense and energizes you , too .
It always helps , and when they ’ re not going in , you can see the energy drop , the body language change .
Everybody likes to see their own shot go through the net . ''
All-Star Pascal Siakam was the outlier on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2-of-13 , but he had 23 points and 11 rebounds .
Jaylen Brown missed his first nine 3-point attempts for Boston , and Brown , Jayson Tatum , Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker were a combined 5-of-29 from outside the arc .
Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points and 10 rebounds .
Lowry did n't care as much about Toronto 's made 3s as he cared about its defense , which held Boston to a series-low in points .
`` Make it tough for everything they 're trying to do , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have really good screeners , and Kemba , Tatum and Brown and Smart , they can shoot the ball .
We 've got to make it tough .
We gave up some open ones that we should n't have given up .
... Just try to wear them down , contest them and keep playing hard . ''
In each game , the team with the most 3-pointers has won .
It seems simplistic to break down a complicated game and pin wins and losses on one category , but Nurse also thinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You need to make 3s , and you need to stop them from making a bunch , '' he said .
`` That 's really been the story of the games , probably a lot of the games that are going on in the playoffs right here .
I do n't know if it 's as simple as that or not .
It kind of feels like it right now .
It 's a huge part of the game .
We 're trying to defend them at a super-high level and challenge them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create good ones for our guys to step into and shoot them . ''

Raptors bury Celtics from 3-point range to win Game 4 and tie series 2-2
Show Caption Hide Caption NBA players reunite with their families Families are reuniting inside the NBA bubble. Watch these sweet moments unfold. Sportskind, USA TODAY
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Figuring out how the Toronto Raptors defeated the Boston Celtics 100-93 in Game 4 on Saturday was easy.
Just look at the 3-point shooting.
Toronto outscored Boston 51-21 on 3-pointers, with the Raptors making 17-of-44 (38.6%) and the Celtics making 7-of-35 (20%).
"I was extremely happy," Raptors coach Nick Nurse said. "We made a lot of them. We had a whole bunch more go in and out. They were very, very good looks. The analytics guys will tell you this stuff balances out over time. When some of them are going in, it seems like the looks are a lot better. I have to watch the tape. I felt to me like they were a little better tonight than they’ve been."
All-Star Kyle Lowry, who was one of three Raptors to play at least 44 minutes, made two free throws putting the Raptors ahead 98-87 with 2:20 left in the fourth, and Boston just didn’t enough time remaining to complete a comeback.
45 points, 22 rebounds for KLow and Spicy P! #NBAPlayoffs #WeTheNorth @pskills43: 23 PTS, 11 REB @Klow7: 22 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST
Game 5 ▶ Mon. (9/7) 6:30pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/vNNOf3a9ui — NBA (@NBA) September 6, 2020
From Boston up 2-0 to now tied 2-2, the series has been distilled to a best-of-3 in the Eastern Conference semifinals between two well-coached, hard-playing, talented teams. Game 5 is Monday (6:30 p.m. ET, TNT).
For the second consecutive season, the defending champion Raptors fell behind 2-0 in a series only to tie it. Last year, it happened against Milwaukee in the conference finals, and the Raptors won the series.
EAST SHOCKER: Bucks need Giannis to be the MVP to avoid elimination
NO LAME DUCK: Rockets should make D'Antoni part of long-term future
ANGRY COACH: Nuggets' Malone upset over guest policy for coaches
"Our guys are used to playing big minutes in intense situations over long series," Nurse said. "We didn’t have very good rhythm coming into this series, and we needed to find some or we were going to be in trouble. Now, we’ve found some (and) playing a little better. It feels like really as a team and certainly individuals are coming back to who they are and who they can be. There’s a lot of toughness."
Toronto didn’t shoot the ball well overall from the field (just 39.5%), but it had enough firepower from deep.
Fred VanVleet (17 points) made five 3s, Serge Ibaka (18 points) made four 3s, Lowry (22 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, two blocks) connected on four 3s and OG Anunoby, the hero of Game 3, made two triples and had 11 points, three rebounds, three assist and two blocks.
Kyle Lowry on Raptors’ improved three-point shooting (17-44) in Game 4 win over Celtics: “I still don’t think we’re close to where we can be shooting it at... They contest really, really hard... If we get one of those games where we’re really hot, it makes a big difference.” pic.twitter.com/jMxAzN0cOY — Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) September 6, 2020
"It’s a make or miss league," Nurse said. "We made a bunch of them, and they didn’t make a bunch. It’s always a boost for everyone when the ball goes in. It helps your defense and energizes you, too. It always helps, and when they’re not going in, you can see the energy drop, the body language change. Everybody likes to see their own shot go through the net."
All-Star Pascal Siakam was the outlier on 3s for the Raptors, making just 2-of-13, but he had 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Jaylen Brown missed his first nine 3-point attempts for Boston, and Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart and Kemba Walker were a combined 5-of-29 from outside the arc.
Tatum led the Celtics with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Lowry didn't care as much about Toronto's made 3s as he cared about its defense, which held Boston to a series-low in points.
"Make it tough for everything they're trying to do," Lowry said. "We know they have really good screeners, and Kemba, Tatum and Brown and Smart, they can shoot the ball. We've got to make it tough. We gave up some open ones that we shouldn't have given up. ... Just try to wear them down, contest them and keep playing hard."
In each game, the team with the most 3-pointers has won. It seems simplistic to break down a complicated game and pin wins and losses on one category, but Nurse also thinks there's something to it.
"You need to make 3s, and you need to stop them from making a bunch," he said. "That's really been the story of the games, probably a lot of the games that are going on in the playoffs right here. I don't know if it's as simple as that or not. It kind of feels like it right now. It's a huge part of the game. We're trying to defend them at a super-high level and challenge them, and we're certainly trying to create good ones for our guys to step into and shoot them."
Follow Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt.


usatoday--2020-09-06--Despite injured assistant, scratched horse and tumble, trainer Bob Baffert wins Kentucky Derby again

LOUISVILLE , Ky. — Authentic may have won the 146th Kentucky Derby in wire-to-wire fashion , but for trainer Bob Baffert , it was the ultimate up-and-down , take-the-good-with-the-bad kind of day .
At 6:30 p.m. , Baffert ’ s horse Thousand Words reared in the paddock , falling and knocking over Baffert 's assistant trainer , Jimmy Barnes , breaking his arm .
Thousand Words , who was uninjured , was promptly scratched from the Run for the Roses .
Half an hour later , Authentic — who became Baffert ’ s lone entry in the race — put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , staving off a late effort from heavy favorite Tiz the Law to win at Churchill Downs in front of a nearly empty track .
Moments later , Baffert got emotional on national television , describing Barnes ’ injury and Authentic ’ s win .
Then , in the winner ’ s circle , Authentic knocked Baffert over .
“ The garland of roses , for some reason , I ’ d never seen it , they had a long red ribbon at the end of them , and that was hitting ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was spooking him , ” Baffert said , “ and every time he ’ d feel it , he spun around , and he was like a bowling ball .
He bowled us all down.
” Within an hour , Baffert had lost a horse , and an assistant , and been knocked down .
But still , his team stood as Kentucky Derby champions .
As he took a sip from a mint julep to open Saturday evening ’ s press conference , Baffert quipped : “ I needed that.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Roses with Silver Charm , Real Quiet , War Emblem , American Pharoah and Justify .
The win is the legendary trainer ’ s third in the last six years and his sixth ever , tying him with Ben A. Jones for the most in Kentucky Derby history .
“ Right now , I just feel fortunate that I won the Kentucky Derby , ” Baffert said .
Baffert said 2020 has been a challenging year for him.In July , the Arkansas Racing Commission suspended him for 15 days , a decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his horses failed post-race drug tests in May .
The injury to Barnes , his assistant , before the race felt like even more bad news , he said .
“ Today , when Jimmy broke his arm , I go look at this , ‘ It doesn ’ t end , ’ ” said Baffert .
But then , Authentic raced like a champion , propelling Baffert to yet another victory .
Baffert even shrugged off his spill in the winner ’ s circle .
“ It ’ s been a roller-coaster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the love of the horses that keeps me going , ” Baffert said , again choking up on what was an up-and-down day in an unprecedented year .
“ They ’ re the best therapy a human can have , and I love being around them.
” Hayes Gardner can be reached at hgardner @ gannett.com ; Twitter : @ HayesGardner .

Hayes Gardner, Louisville Courier Journal

Despite injured assistant, scratched horse and tumble, trainer Bob Baffert wins Kentucky Derby again
Show Caption Hide Caption Bob Baffert wins a historic sixth Kentucky Derby Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert wins a record-tying sixth Kentucky Derby. Dominique Yates, Louisville Courier Journal
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Authentic may have won the 146th Kentucky Derby in wire-to-wire fashion, but for trainer Bob Baffert, it was the ultimate up-and-down, take-the-good-with-the-bad kind of day.
At 6:30 p.m., Baffert’s horse Thousand Words reared in the paddock, falling and knocking over Baffert's assistant trainer, Jimmy Barnes, breaking his arm. Thousand Words, who was uninjured, was promptly scratched from the Run for the Roses.
Half an hour later, Authentic — who became Baffert’s lone entry in the race — put together a masterful performance on the racetrack, staving off a late effort from heavy favorite Tiz the Law to win at Churchill Downs in front of a nearly empty track.
Moments later, Baffert got emotional on national television, describing Barnes’ injury and Authentic’s win. Then, in the winner’s circle, Authentic knocked Baffert over.
“The garland of roses, for some reason, I’d never seen it, they had a long red ribbon at the end of them, and that was hitting (Authentic’s) hind leg and it was spooking him,” Baffert said, “and every time he’d feel it, he spun around, and he was like a bowling ball. He bowled us all down.”
Within an hour, Baffert had lost a horse, and an assistant, and been knocked down. But still, his team stood as Kentucky Derby champions.
As he took a sip from a mint julep to open Saturday evening’s press conference, Baffert quipped: “I needed that.”
Baffert had previously won the Run for the Roses with Silver Charm, Real Quiet, War Emblem, American Pharoah and Justify. The win is the legendary trainer’s third in the last six years and his sixth ever, tying him with Ben A. Jones for the most in Kentucky Derby history.
“Right now, I just feel fortunate that I won the Kentucky Derby,” Baffert said.
Kentucky Derby scratches 2020: Thousand Words flips in paddock The Bob Baffert horse was immediately scratched from the Kentucky Derby after he flipped in the paddock ahead of the race. Jason Frakes, Louisville Courier Journal
Baffert said 2020 has been a challenging year for him. In July, the Arkansas Racing Commission suspended him for 15 days, a decision he is appealing, after two of his horses failed post-race drug tests in May.
The injury to Barnes, his assistant, before the race felt like even more bad news, he said.
“Today, when Jimmy broke his arm, I go look at this, ‘It doesn’t end,’” said Baffert.
But then, Authentic raced like a champion, propelling Baffert to yet another victory. Baffert even shrugged off his spill in the winner’s circle.
“It’s been a roller-coaster year, but thankfully, it’s the love of the horses that keeps me going,” Baffert said, again choking up on what was an up-and-down day in an unprecedented year. “They’re the best therapy a human can have, and I love being around them.”
Hayes Gardner can be reached at hgardner@gannett.com; Twitter: @HayesGardner.


usatoday--2020-09-06--Mike Trout becomes Angels' all-time home run leader after hitting No. 300

Mike Trout was already an Angels all-time great , but Saturday night he made it official .
Trout hit his 300th career home run Saturday , passing Tim Salmon to become the franchise 's career home run leader .
The milestone homer came against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of a seven-inning doubleheader at Angel Stadium .
Trout crushed a 1-2 fastball from right-hander Brandon Bielak for a two-run shot to right in the third inning to set the club mark .
The Los Angeles center fielder , who turned 29 on Aug. 7 , reached the Angels record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of playing .
Salmon set his mark of 299 after 1,672 games over a 14-year career .
Trout , a three-time American League MVP , is the 151st player to reach the 300-home run mark .
He is the fastest player in MLB history to reach 300 career home runs and 200 stolen bases , according to Elias Sports Bureau , passing Hall of Famer Willie Mays .
Trout went 3-for-3 with four runs scored and two RBI in Game 1 of the doubleheader to lift the Angels to a 10-9 win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trout now leads the majors with the most this season .
Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey @ usatoday.com or on Twitter @ analisbailey .

Mike Trout becomes Angels' all-time home run leader after hitting No. 300
Show Caption Hide Caption MLB's top storylines:Padres are on a playoff push USA TODAY Steve Gardner breaks down the top storylines in MLB. USA TODAY
Mike Trout was already an Angels all-time great, but Saturday night he made it official.
Trout hit his 300th career home run Saturday, passing Tim Salmon to become the franchise's career home run leader.
The milestone homer came against the Houston Astros in Game 1 of a seven-inning doubleheader at Angel Stadium. Trout crushed a 1-2 fastball from right-hander Brandon Bielak for a two-run shot to right in the third inning to set the club mark.
The Los Angeles center fielder, who turned 29 on Aug. 7, reached the Angels record in just 1,235 games in his 10 years of playing. Salmon set his mark of 299 after 1,672 games over a 14-year career.
Trout, a three-time American League MVP, is the 151st player to reach the 300-home run mark. He is the fastest player in MLB history to reach 300 career home runs and 200 stolen bases, according to Elias Sports Bureau, passing Hall of Famer Willie Mays.
Trout went 3-for-3 with four runs scored and two RBI in Game 1 of the doubleheader to lift the Angels to a 10-9 win.
With his 15th homer of 2020, Trout now leads the majors with the most this season.
Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey@usatoday.com or on Twitter @analisbailey.


usatoday--2020-09-05--Fake invoices for phony grants target PayPal customers

Imagine getting an invoice claiming that you owe $ 100 for something called the 2020 coronavirus tax rebates .
`` Because you pay your income taxes on time , you have been awarded a '' To get your grant , simply give us your checking account information , and we will direct-deposit the grant into your bank account ! ''
The invoice , supposedly from the Internal Revenue Service , could be tempting for those who need extra cash amid the pandemic .
Con artists know that families are under financial stress and distracted by a variety of challenging situations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Car shopping:5 reasons COVID-19 pandemic gives the edge to cars , SUVs , pickups Labor Day : Gas prices are set to be lowest since 2004 And while losing $ 50 or $ 100 might be a nuisance for those who are well off , those who are struggling ca n't afford it .
And paying one such fake invoice could set you up as someone who could be easily tricked into handing over more money .
`` You pay this check and I will help you get this government grant , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government grant arrives in your account 30 days after the check is paid .
`` Now the coronavirus is serious and the IRS does not have enough money to issue additional government grants .
`` Please keep silent , this is not an opportunity for everyone . ''
Yep , it 's a great opportunity to get scammed and give a crook access to your bank account .
Some consumers have been asked to hand over $ 250 up-front .
Consumers complain that they 've been receiving such invoices via their PayPal accounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fake WHO invoice that can range from $ 20 to $ 50 that unexpectedly appears in PayPal accounts .
The fake WHO invoice states , in part : `` COVID-19 Relief Fund : Help us to expand our water , sanitation , hygiene and health programs to save more lives .
As COVID-19 spreads , it poses a grave danger to communities with struggling health systems . ''
More : New scam demands victims stay on the phone : Here 's how it works Some wonder why PayPal is n't blocking these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some fear that somehow scammers could access their money , perhaps if the consumer somehow unknowingly sets up an automatic payment of some kind .
.
Consumers were concerned that this was n't a garden variety phishing attempt .
An `` invoice '' in an account sounds official , especially when it 's connected to an account that 's used to pay bills or repay friends .
PayPal confirmed that such invoices are fake .
The invoices `` have been canceled and we 're taking the appropriate actions against the persons who sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employee told one consumer .
And PayPal told that customer that nothing else was out of line with that account .
Kim Eichorn , a spokesperson for PayPal , told me that the company 's team was `` aware of this scam , and had already enabled advanced fraud and risk management tools in order to protect any customers who may have received this email . ''
PayPal said , `` The security of our customer ’ s account information is always a top priority for PayPal .
When we become aware of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law enforcement agencies , industry partners and use our own systems to detect fraud and mitigate the issue . ''
PayPal customers are encouraged to protect themselves when clicking links or opening attachments .
Customers can report potential phishing emails to spoof @ paypal.com .
In general , experts say it 's best that you do n't open an email you think may be fake .
Do n't reply , do n't click on inks and do n't open attachments .
No one should give any money toward an advance fee – for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they 've won a prize or somehow get access to supposedly free money .
The fraudsters make off with your cash and you 're left with nothing .
This latest PayPal invoice drama , of course , is n't the only dirty trick out there .
The IRS has warned of a tremendous uptick in phishing schemes that are distributed via email , letters , texts and links .
The crooks are often using the keywords `` Coronavirus , '' `` COVID-19 '' and `` stimulus . ''
Scam artists have long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enterprises – with phony invoices .
Often , the invoices look legitimate and try to get you to pay for some service or product that you might have used .
On Aug. 19 , for example , an invoice scam out of New York reportedly bilked Amazon out of at least $ 19 million , according to the U.S. Department of Justice .
`` The defendants manipulated Amazon ’ s vendor system in attempts to fraudulently induce Amazon to pay for goods that Amazon had not ordered , '' according to the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of New York .
If big players can get taken by an invoice scam , why not everyday consumers ?
ContactSusan Tompor v stompor @ freepress.com .
Follow her on Twitter @ tompor .
To subscribe , please go to freep.com/specialoffer .
Read more on business and sign up for our business newsletter .

Fake invoices for phony grants target PayPal customers
Imagine getting an invoice claiming that you owe $100 for something called the 2020 coronavirus tax rebates.
"Because you pay your income taxes on time, you have been awarded a
free $12,500 government grant," the invoice says.
"To get your grant, simply give us your checking account information, and we will direct-deposit the grant into your bank account!"
The invoice, supposedly from the Internal Revenue Service, could be tempting for those who need extra cash amid the pandemic.
Con artists know that families are under financial stress and distracted by a variety of challenging situations, such as job loss or illness.
Car shopping: 5 reasons COVID-19 pandemic gives the edge to cars, SUVs, pickups
Labor Day: Gas prices are set to be lowest since 2004
And while losing $50 or $100 might be a nuisance for those who are well off, those who are struggling can't afford it.
And paying one such fake invoice could set you up as someone who could be easily tricked into handing over more money.
"You pay this check and I will help you get this government grant," the invoice says."The government grant arrives in your account 30 days after the check is paid.
"Now the coronavirus is serious and the IRS does not have enough money to issue additional government grants.
"Please keep silent, this is not an opportunity for everyone."
Yep, it's a great opportunity to get scammed and give a crook access to your bank account. Some consumers have been asked to hand over $250 up-front.
Consumers complain that they've been receiving such invoices via their PayPal accounts. There has been online chatter about a fake WHO invoice that can range from $20 to $50 that unexpectedly appears in PayPal accounts.
The fake WHO invoice states, in part: "COVID-19 Relief Fund: Help us to expand our water, sanitation, hygiene and health programs to save more lives. As COVID-19 spreads, it poses a grave danger to communities with struggling health systems."
More: New scam demands victims stay on the phone: Here's how it works
Some wonder why PayPal isn't blocking these scammers in the first place. And some fear that somehow scammers could access their money, perhaps if the consumer somehow unknowingly sets up an automatic payment of some kind. .
Consumers were concerned that this wasn't a garden variety phishing attempt. An "invoice" in an account sounds official, especially when it's connected to an account that's used to pay bills or repay friends.
PayPal confirmed that such invoices are fake. The invoices "have been canceled and we're taking the appropriate actions against the persons who sent those to you," a PayPal employee told one consumer. And PayPal told that customer that nothing else was out of line with that account.
Kim Eichorn, a spokesperson for PayPal, told me that the company's team was "aware of this scam, and had already enabled advanced fraud and risk management tools in order to protect any customers who may have received this email."
PayPal said, "The security of our customer’s account information is always a top priority for PayPal. When we become aware of phishing scams, we proactively work with law enforcement agencies, industry partners and use our own systems to detect fraud and mitigate the issue."
PayPal customers are encouraged to protect themselves when clicking links or opening attachments. Customers can report potential phishing emails to spoof@paypal.com.
In general, experts say it's best that you don't open an email you think may be fake. Don't reply, don't click on inks and don't open attachments.
No one should give any money toward an advance fee – for taxes, legal documents, whatever – if they've won a prize or somehow get access to supposedly free money. The fraudsters make off with your cash and you're left with nothing.
This latest PayPal invoice drama, of course, isn't the only dirty trick out there.
The IRS has warned of a tremendous uptick in phishing schemes that are distributed via email, letters, texts and links. The crooks are often using the keywords "Coronavirus," "COVID-19" and "stimulus."
Scam artists have long targeted small businesses – and even mammoth enterprises – with phony invoices. Often, the invoices look legitimate and try to get you to pay for some service or product that you might have used.
On Aug. 19, for example, an invoice scam out of New York reportedly bilked Amazon out of at least $19 million, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
"The defendants manipulated Amazon’s vendor system in attempts to fraudulently induce Amazon to pay for goods that Amazon had not ordered," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York.
If big players can get taken by an invoice scam, why not everyday consumers?


usatoday--2020-09-07--Coronavirus live updates: US governors urge Labor Day vigilance, safety; Israel imposes overnight cu

Coronavirus live updates: US governors urge Labor Day vigilance, safety; Israel imposes overnight curfews; CDC to lead vaccine distribution

Labor Day is typically summer 's final hurrah .
That one last chance to get together with friends and family for a cookout or a trip to the beach or the river .
It could be the difference between life and death this year , warned governors from across the U.S. as the nation 's coronavirus death toll approached 190,000 , some 60,000 more than any other country .
“ We ’ re facing the challenge of our lifetimes and we must do better , ” Kentucky 's Democratic Gov .
Andy Beshear said Sunday while announcing that The Bluegrass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second straight week for most positive cases with 4,742 , up from 4,503 the previous week .
Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp , a Republican , expressed similar worry as The Peach State surpassed 6,000 deaths : “ This # LaborDayWeekend , I am urging all Georgians to wear a mask , practice social distancing , wash their hands ... By staying vigilant in the fight against COVID-19 , we can continue to protect people & paychecks in GA !
, ” he said on Twitter .
Mapping coronavirus : Tracking the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contending with record-breaking temperatures of 110 degrees and higher flocked to the beaches , creating the potential for further spread of the virus in the state with the most reported cases , New Orleans was warning against `` unacceptable '' gatherings that `` could have serious consequences that show up in the data two weeks from now , '' city officials said .
There were 36 calls about large gatherings and 46 calls for businesses not following the rules on Friday and Saturday in New Orleans , according to the city .
President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday weekend , pushing for `` social distancing , wearing a mask whenever the distancing is not possible . ''
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom , a Democrat who has many times sparred with Trump , did the same : `` Wear a mask .
BE SMART .
I know we ’ re tired of # COVID19 but literal lives are at stake , '' he said on Twitter .
• A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data through late Saturday shows three states had a record number of deaths in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Dakota .
• Ahead of the Jewish New Year , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered overnight curfews in many cities beginning Monday amid a surge in COVID-19 cases .
• At least 7,000 health care workers worldwide have died from the coronavirus , according to Amnesty International .
That total includes more than 1,000 deaths in the U.S. 📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has 6.2 million confirmed cases and nearly 189,000 deaths .
Globally , there are 26.9 million cases and more than 881,000 fatalities .
📰 What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a COVID-19 test if you plan to travel ?
It 's confusing .
That 's in part because states have different views on COVID-19 risks , the role of testing and the need for quarantine .
This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
Frances Tiafoe , last hope for American men at US Open , 'ready ' for Labor Day match Frances Tiafoe , the last American male standing at the U.S. Open , began his summer by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had tested positive for COVID-19 .
He 's hoping for a different sort of positive on Labor Day , in Arthur Ashe Stadium , in a round-of-16 matchup against No .
5 Daniil Medvedev , who battled Rafael Nadal over five sets in last year 's final .
“ I ’ m ready to go now , ” Tiafoe told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday .
“ Feeling good and playing well .
My ( COVID-19 result ) was definitely a shock to everybody .
My symptoms weren ’ t too bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foe , '' Tiafoe , 22 , is one of the best stories in American tennis .
He is the son of refugees who fled Sierra Leone amid a civil war .
His father , Constant , helped on the construction of the Junior Tennis Champions Center ( JTCC ) in College Park , Maryland , then worked as a maintenance man there , where his 5-year-old boy would hit the ball against the wall , pretending he was playing Roger Federer at the U.S. Open .
With new infections at record levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Year , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered overnight curfews in some 40 cities and towns , beginning Monday at 7 p.m .
It 's unknown how long the curfews will remain in place .
People will not be allowed to venture more than 500 yards from their homes , and nonessential businesses must close .
Netanyahu , however , resisted reported recommendations for full lockdowns after an uproar by politically powerful religious politicians following hours of consultations on Sunday .
When a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available , there 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturers to the American public .
The process will be run by the CDC , which for decades has overseen vaccine distribution in the United States and ran the last national vaccination effort during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic .
Still , Tinglong Dai , a professor of operations management who studies health care analytics at the Johns Hopkins University , told USA TODAY he expects the vaccine supply chain to be `` mind-bogglingly complex . ''
• Who will get it first ?
While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers , first-responders and people at high risk for severe disease are likely to get first dibs .
• Who will pay for it ?
All the vaccine supplied in the initial phases will be purchased by the U.S. government and no one will be charged for the actual dos .
• What about availability ?
Vaccine is expected to be in short supply , at least in the beginning , though CDC planning documents say significantly more will be available by January 2021 .
COVID-19 toll on health workers : At least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least 7,000 health workers worldwide have died after contracting COVID-19 , human rights organization Amnesty International said last week .
`` For over seven thousand people to die while trying to save others is a crisis on a staggering scale .
Every health worker has the right to be safe at work , and it is a scandal that so many are paying the ultimate price , '' Steve Cockburn , Head of Economic and Social Justice at Amnesty International , said in a statement .
At least 1,320 health workers are confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest known figure for any country , the group said .
The U.S. has seen the second-highest number of health care worker deaths , Amnesty International said , with more than 1,000 deaths .
• 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
• 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 .

Coronavirus live updates: US governors urge Labor Day vigilance, safety; Florida case count falls to lowest since June; 189K US deaths
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 testing: Positivity rates and why they are so important COVID-19 widespread testing is crucial to fighting the pandemic, but is there enough testing? The answer is in the positivity rates. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Labor Day is typically summer's final hurrah. It could be the difference between life and death this year, warned governors from across the U.S. as the nation's coronavirus death toll approached 190,000, about 62,000 more than any other country.
“We’re facing the challenge of our lifetimes and we must do better,” Kentucky's Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday while announcing that The Bluegrass State had set a record for the second straight week for most positive cases with 4,742, up from 4,503 the previous week.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, expressed similar worry as The Peach State surpassed 6,000 deaths: “This #LaborDayWeekend, I am urging all Georgians to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash their hands ... By staying vigilant in the fight against COVID-19, we can continue to protect people & paychecks in GA!,” he said on Twitter.
Mapping coronavirus: Tracking the U.S. outbreak, state by state
Some significant developments:
A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data through late Saturday shows three states had a record number of deaths in the last week: Kentucky, Missouri and North Dakota.
Ahead of the Jewish New Year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered overnight curfews in many cities beginning Monday amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.
At least 7,000 health care workers worldwide have died from the coronavirus, according to Amnesty International. That total includes more than 1,000 deaths in the U.S.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has almost 6.3 million confirmed cases and nearly 189,000 deaths. Globally, there are more than 27 million cases and almost 900,000 fatalities.
📰 What we're reading: Do you need a COVID-19 test if you plan to travel? It's confusing. That's in part because states have different views on COVID-19 risks, the role of testing and the need for quarantine.
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
Florida reported 1,838 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, the lowest single-day number of new infections since June 15.
That's according to the latest state data released by the Florida Health Department. The report also reflected 22 new deaths, pushing down the average number of deaths over the past week to 99 a day — the lowest since July 16.
But health officials across the state are waiting to see if the Labor Day weekend might produce an uptick in the number of coronavirus cases, as most of the state’s beaches remain open through the Labor Day holiday.
To date, the state has recorded more than 648,200 cases of COVID-19. In all, the state has tallied 12,023 deaths linked to the virus since the outbreak began.
A double lung transplant COVID-19 patient is feeling fine and will be going home Tuesday from a Polish hospital, physicians said. Grzegorz Lipinski, 45, needed the transplant after the virus almost totally destroyed his lungs, Marian Zembala said. Lipinski is head of the medical instruments sterilization room at a hospital in Tychy, southern Poland, that only treats COVID-19 patients. He was initially treated there but had the double transplant in July at the Silesia Center of Heart Diseases in Zabrze, where Zembala serves as director.
Research suggests Black patients have better outcomes when treated by Black doctors and nurses. Yet, only 5% of doctors nationwide are Black, and only 2% are Black women, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Kay McField, a 51-year-old single mother in Jackson, Mississippi, is a patient at the Central Mississippi Health Services clinic on the campus of historically Black Tougaloo College.
“It’s meaningful to be taken care of by someone who looks like you, who understands you,” said Kay McField, a patient in Jackson, Mississippi. “Other doctors go into the exam room, and they don’t ask your name. And me, when I go there and be treated that way, I’m not going back no more.”
As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, there have been many questions about what – or even where – the workplace will be in the future.
Video-based conference calls on platforms such as Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams are with us to stay. It’s an approach that literally overnight went from something unusual to completely mainstream, and the remote workplace has created habits that we’re not going to be able to walk away from. Further down the road, we may well fall back into some of our old work habits and environments.
For the next year or so, however, and especially as we enter into a more uncertain cold weather, indoor-focused fall and winter season, it seems likely that work is going to be pretty similar to what we’ve been experiencing. Home is where the work is.
– Bob O'Donnell
Many child care centers and preschools that survived COVID-19 shutdowns are reopening their doors this fall, but the first day of class looks a little different this year, leaving some kids and guardians feeling anxious.To keep kids, families and staff safe, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that child care programs implement an array of new safety measures, such as reducing class sizes, requiring kids and staff to wear face masks, staggering drop-off and pick-up times, spreading nap mats out six feet apart, ending family-style mealtimes and more. Many states and counties have additional guidance.
"Kids are really resilient, and they follow their parents' and teachers' cues," said Dr. Erica Lee, a psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital. "The more calm and predictability we can create for them at home and at school, the better kids will do."
– Grace Hauck
While Californians contending with record-breaking temperatures of 110 degrees and higher flocked to the beaches, creating the potential for further spread of the virus in the state with the most reported cases, New Orleans was warning against "unacceptable" gatherings that "could have serious consequences that show up in the data two weeks from now," city officials said. There were 36 calls about large gatherings and 46 calls for businesses not following the rules on Friday and Saturday in New Orleans, according to the city.
President Donald Trump urged safety ahead of the holiday weekend, pushing for "social distancing, wearing a mask whenever the distancing is not possible."
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has many times sparred with Trump, did the same: "Wear a mask. BE SMART. I know we’re tired of #COVID19 but literal lives are at stake," he said on Twitter.
With new infections at record levels less than two weeks before the Jewish New Year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered overnight curfews in about 40 cities and towns, beginning Monday at 7 p.m. It's unknown how long the curfews will remain in place. People will not be allowed to venture more than 500 yards from their homes, and nonessential businesses must close.
Netanyahu, however, resisted reported recommendations for full lockdowns after an uproar by politically powerful religious politicians following hours of consultations on Sunday.
When a COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, there's a plan in place for its distribution from manufacturers to the American public. The process will be run by the CDC, which for decades has overseen vaccine distribution in the United States and ran the last national vaccination effort during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.
Still, Tinglong Dai, a professor of operations management who studies health care analytics at the Johns Hopkins University, told USA TODAY he expects the vaccine supply chain to be "mind-bogglingly complex."
Who will get it first? While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still finalizing plans, front-line medical workers, first-responders and people at high risk for severe disease are likely to get first dibs.
While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is still finalizing plans, front-line medical workers, first-responders and people at high risk for severe disease are likely to get first dibs. Who will pay for it? All the vaccine supplied in the initial phases will be purchased by the U.S. government and no one will be charged for the actual dose.
All the vaccine supplied in the initial phases will be purchased by the U.S. government and no one will be charged for the actual dose. What about availability? The vaccine is expected to be in short supply, at least in the beginning, though CDC planning documents say significantly more will be available by January 2021.
– Elizabeth Weise
At least 7,000 health workers worldwide have died after contracting COVID-19, human rights organization Amnesty International said last week.
"For over seven thousand people to die while trying to save others is a crisis on a staggering scale. Every health worker has the right to be safe at work, and it is a scandal that so many are paying the ultimate price," Steve Cockburn, Head of Economic and Social Justice at Amnesty International, said in a statement.
At least 1,320 health workers are confirmed to have died in Mexico alone, the highest known figure for any country, the group said. The U.S. has seen the second-highest number of health care worker deaths, Amnesty International said, with more than 1,000 deaths.
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.
There's still a lot unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. 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.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. 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.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-09-07--The one glaring weakness for each of these 9 Super Bowl contenders

It 's the beauty of the NFL : in any given season , a number of teams can rise from the middle of the pack to the field of top contenders .
But even at the top , teams can slip because no roster , no coaching staff and no squad is perfect .
Each has at least one significant weakness that can potentially become a fatal flaw .
So while many will look at the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs , Baltimore Ravens or San Francisco 49ers as the teams to beat , here 's a look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ betting favorites to win it all .
All lines are provided through betMGM and are as of Sunday evening .
Though the team looked to address this issue with the trade for defensive end Calais Campbell , the Ravens ranked 21st in the NFL with 37 sacks forced on opposing quarterbacks .
Baltimore 's defense was among the stingiest defenses , overall , ranking third in the league in scoring defense ( 17.6 points a game allowed ) , but if the team 's pass rush goes dormant for long stretches , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be what took down the team in the divisional round against the Titans , when running back Derrick Henry controlled the game with 195 rushing yards , but that should be considered a fluke , more than anything .
Pass rush is a bigger concern .
This might be the roster that is , on paper , as close to perfect as you will see in the league .
But there 's still a glaring hole at cornerback .
Safety Tyrann Mathieu leads the secondary and has enough versatility to allow Chiefs defensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yet , starting corner Beshaud Breeland will miss the first four games of the season due to a suspension , leaving a thin group left to adjust .
While second-year pro Rashad Fenton and third-year player Charvarius Ward are still growing and have plenty of potential , this is simply a spot where defenses might attack KC .
Still , the rest of the defense should be good enough where this is n't a concern that ruins their title defense hopes .
You can point to inconsistencies in the passing game or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the biggest flaw facing the 49ers comes in the red zone , on both sides of the ball .
On defense , San Francisco allowed opponents to convert 60 % of trips inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns , which tied it for 22nd in the league .
On offense , it was n't much better .
Just 53.23 % ( ranked 21st ) of red zone trips turned into touchdowns .
That both keeps points off the board and puts more pressure on the ( very good ) defense .
Over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt like a team whose window to win was rapidly closing .
While pressure to capitalize on a talented roster might be a factor , that 's not something that should affect this team 's play .
Instead , production in the rushing game might be the problem to watch .
While that might be crazy to say on a team that has Alvin Kamara as its starter , New Orleans ' offense has n't been the same since Mark Ingram left for Baltimore in free agency after the 2018 season .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per rushing attempt ranked 18th .
Injury issues and lack of talented depth could also show up down the stretch .
It seems like most years , the problem for Seattle is the same : offensive line .
Three-fifths of last year 's group that started the season opener are no longer with the team .
And while quarterback Russell Wilson is a magician behind the line of scrimmage and often makes up for mistakes committed on Seattle 's offensive line , the team is asking inexperienced players like center B.J .
Finney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step up right away .
Right tackle Brandon Shell is also a new face , but one that comes with plenty of question marks .
Losing star edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney in free agency also hurts , but the Seahawks have always found ways to generate pressure on opposing offenses .
This is an offensive roster that is loaded with plenty of talent , but the big question , without a doubt , is whether all these new additions will be able to gel and produce right away without growing pains .
Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ familiarity with tight end Rob Gronkowski should help .
But getting those two , plus newly signed running back Leonard Fournette , projected rookie starting right tackle Tristan Wirfs and several others to all get on the same page while learning a new offense could be a tall task .
It would n't be a surprise to see the Bucs pick up their play later in the season if they start slowly .
The Cowboys offense is stacked and got even better this offseason with the addition of rookie receiver CeeDee Lamb .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on defense and in the secondary .
After losing cornerback Byron Jones to Miami in free agency , the team will likely look to Jourdan Lewis to fill in as a starter .
In training camp , though , the secondary suffered various nagging injuries at corner ( Lewis and fellow starter Chidobe Awuzie ) and safety , which has its own depth concerns .
Free agent safety Earl Thomas is always linked to Dallas and he would provide a huge boost to a unit that needs it , if the team signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could require an adjustment period , but Rivers ' relationship with coach Frank Reich , who served as the Chargers ' offensive coordinator in 2014-15 , should ease that .
Rather , cornerback , and the secondary overall , are bigger issues .
The Colts appeared to be a playoff team last season , but closed the season 1-5 in large part because of a secondary that yielded way too many big plays .
Indianapolis signed Xavier Rhodes at corner , though the former Vikings All-Pro has battled inconsistency issues .
That also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has n't been quite the same since an ACL and MCL tear in his right knee in 2017 .
Everyone is making a big point of 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton being a question mark , but he will almost certainly elevate the play of everyone around him .
The far bigger concern is depth on a roster that has massive holes due to departures and opt-outs due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
In particular , receiver is a concern as is linebacker , safety and right tackle .
Losing linebacker Dont ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opt-outs hurt , but right tackle Marcus Cannon might leave the biggest hole .
And at receiver , aside from veteran slot receiver Julian Edelman , New England does n't have a pass catcher with any proven experience .
If you love talking football , we have the perfect spot for you .
Join our Facebook Group , The Ruling Off the Field , to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders .
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The one glaring weakness for each of these 9 Super Bowl contenders
Show Caption Hide Caption NFL preseason power rankings: Rams, Bears could be bottom dwellers this season SportsPulse: We are less than a month away from the scheduled kickoff of the NFL season. Here is our preseason power rankings for 2020. There are plenty of surprises. USA TODAY
It's the beauty of the NFL: in any given season, a number of teams can rise from the middle of the pack to the field of top contenders.
But even at the top, teams can slip because no roster, no coaching staff and no squad is perfect. Each has at least one significant weakness that can potentially become a fatal flaw.
So while many will look at the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens or San Francisco 49ers as the teams to beat, here's a look at the Achilles' heel for the betting favorites to win it all.
All lines are provided through betMGM and are as of Sunday evening.
Baltimore Ravens, +400
Though the team looked to address this issue with the trade for defensive end Calais Campbell, the Ravens ranked 21st in the NFL with 37 sacks forced on opposing quarterbacks. Baltimore's defense was among the stingiest defenses, overall, ranking third in the league in scoring defense (17.6 points a game allowed), but if the team's pass rush goes dormant for long stretches, it could spell trouble.
Another weakness might be what took down the team in the divisional round against the Titans, when running back Derrick Henry controlled the game with 195 rushing yards, but that should be considered a fluke, more than anything. Pass rush is a bigger concern.
Kansas City Chiefs, +600
This might be the roster that is, on paper, as close to perfect as you will see in the league. But there's still a glaring hole at cornerback. Safety Tyrann Mathieu leads the secondary and has enough versatility to allow Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to get creative.
Yet, starting corner Beshaud Breeland will miss the first four games of the season due to a suspension, leaving a thin group left to adjust. While second-year pro Rashad Fenton and third-year player Charvarius Ward are still growing and have plenty of potential, this is simply a spot where defenses might attack KC. Still, the rest of the defense should be good enough where this isn't a concern that ruins their title defense hopes.
San Francisco 49ers, +1000
You can point to inconsistencies in the passing game or a late-season slump on offensive third downs, but the biggest flaw facing the 49ers comes in the red zone, on both sides of the ball.
On defense, San Francisco allowed opponents to convert 60% of trips inside the 20-yard line into touchdowns, which tied it for 22nd in the league. On offense, it wasn't much better. Just 53.23% (ranked 21st) of red zone trips turned into touchdowns. That both keeps points off the board and puts more pressure on the (very good) defense.
New Orleans Saints, +1200
Over the past few seasons, this has felt like a team whose window to win was rapidly closing. While pressure to capitalize on a talented roster might be a factor, that's not something that should affect this team's play. Instead, production in the rushing game might be the problem to watch.
While that might be crazy to say on a team that has Alvin Kamara as its starter, New Orleans' offense hasn't been the same since Mark Ingram left for Baltimore in free agency after the 2018 season. Last year, New Orleans' 4.29 yards per rushing attempt ranked 18th. Injury issues and lack of talented depth could also show up down the stretch.
Seattle Seahawks, +1400
It seems like most years, the problem for Seattle is the same: offensive line. Three-fifths of last year's group that started the season opener are no longer with the team. And while quarterback Russell Wilson is a magician behind the line of scrimmage and often makes up for mistakes committed on Seattle's offensive line, the team is asking inexperienced players like center B.J. Finney and rookie right guard Damien Lewis to step up right away. Right tackle Brandon Shell is also a new face, but one that comes with plenty of question marks.
Losing star edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney in free agency also hurts, but the Seahawks have always found ways to generate pressure on opposing offenses.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, +1400
This is an offensive roster that is loaded with plenty of talent, but the big question, without a doubt, is whether all these new additions will be able to gel and produce right away without growing pains.
Tom Brady is the marquee addition and his familiarity with tight end Rob Gronkowski should help. But getting those two, plus newly signed running back Leonard Fournette, projected rookie starting right tackle Tristan Wirfs and several others to all get on the same page while learning a new offense could be a tall task. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Bucs pick up their play later in the season if they start slowly.
Dallas Cowboys, +1600
The Cowboys offense is stacked and got even better this offseason with the addition of rookie receiver CeeDee Lamb. Dallas' issue, unquestionably, is on defense and in the secondary.
After losing cornerback Byron Jones to Miami in free agency, the team will likely look to Jourdan Lewis to fill in as a starter. In training camp, though, the secondary suffered various nagging injuries at corner (Lewis and fellow starter Chidobe Awuzie) and safety, which has its own depth concerns. Free agent safety Earl Thomas is always linked to Dallas and he would provide a huge boost to a unit that needs it, if the team signs him.
Indianapolis Colts, +2000
Introducing veteran quarterback Philip Rivers could require an adjustment period, but Rivers' relationship with coach Frank Reich, who served as the Chargers' offensive coordinator in 2014-15, should ease that. Rather, cornerback, and the secondary overall, are bigger issues.
The Colts appeared to be a playoff team last season, but closed the season 1-5 in large part because of a secondary that yielded way too many big plays. Indianapolis signed Xavier Rhodes at corner, though the former Vikings All-Pro has battled inconsistency issues. That also goes for safety Malik Hooker, who hasn't been quite the same since an ACL and MCL tear in his right knee in 2017.
New England Patriots, +2500
Everyone is making a big point of 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton being a question mark, but he will almost certainly elevate the play of everyone around him. The far bigger concern is depth on a roster that has massive holes due to departures and opt-outs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In particular, receiver is a concern as is linebacker, safety and right tackle. Losing linebacker Dont'a Hightower and safety Patrick Chung to opt-outs hurt, but right tackle Marcus Cannon might leave the biggest hole. And at receiver, aside from veteran slot receiver Julian Edelman, New England doesn't have a pass catcher with any proven experience.
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usatoday--2020-09-07--MLB power rankings: On his way to superstardom, Tim Anderson leads young White Sox towards postseaso

Leading the American League Central through Sunday , the Chicago White Sox are well on their way to the club 's first postseason berth since 2008 and could be a trendy World Series pick come the end of September .
While Chicago 's 23-year-old outfield phenoms Eloy Jimenez ( 11 HR , .864 OPS ) and Luis Robert ( 11 HR , .886 OPS , 6 steals ) have gotten much of the attention as Rookie of the Year contenders the past two seasons , it 's shortstop Tim Anderson who should be getting more national press .
The 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hitting ( .351 ) again and has made further strides at the plate this year .
His walk rate ( 5.9 % ) is more than double what it was last season and his strikeout rate has improved as well .
These young White Sox should be competitors for years to come , but this October is a prime opportunity for the 27-year-old Anderson to introduce himself to the uninitiated .
• Not surprisingly , Dodgers are MLB 's first team to 30 wins .
• Offense could use a boost from recently-promoted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last four starts : 2.21 ERA , 17 strikeouts , two walks .
• Josh Donaldson back in action after a month on the IL .
• Shane Bieber becomes fourth player to start a season with nine straight eight-plus strikeout games .
• Rookie Nick Madrigal went 11-for-26 in first seven games back from injury .
• Jake Cronenworth is the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year .
• An Ian Happ MVP candidacy is not something we expected .
• If Cole Hamels makes it back in coming weeks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapon .
• Gerrit Cole 's last three starts : 0-3 , 5.63 ERA in 16 innings .
• Lance McCullers Jr. to the injured list with neck nerve irritation .
• Nector Neris trending in the right direction heading into season 's final weeks .
• 10 of the team 's final 20 games are against Yankees .
• Raimel Tapia hit .315 with a .415 OBP in first 14 games batting leadoff .
• Starter Sandy Alcantara , an All-Star last year , returning to form after COVID layoff .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seth Lugo has 20 strikeouts in 11⅔ innings .
• Got the better of Madison Bumgarner in his first start against former team .
• Eugenio Suarez heating up : nine homers , 20 RBI , 1.270 OPS from Aug. 23-Sept. 5 .
• Will prospect Matt Manning get a chance to contribute down the stretch ?
• Justin Dunn ( acquired in Robinson Cano trade ) looks like a long-term rotation fixture • Time is running out for Washington mount a turnaround .
• Landed pitchers Caleb Smith and Humberto Mejia in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Franklin Barreto playing every day since coming over in Tommy La Stella trade .
• Greg Holland ( 2.66 ERA in 21 games ) thriving in return to Kansas City .
• Missed an opportunity to deal Lance Lynn at the peak of his value .
• Ke'Bryan Hayes starts his career 5-for-15 with three extra-base hits .

MLB power rankings: On his way to superstardom, Tim Anderson leads young White Sox towards postseason
Show Caption Hide Caption MLB's top storylines:Padres are on a playoff push USA TODAY Steve Gardner breaks down the top storylines in MLB. USA TODAY
Leading the American League Central through Sunday, the Chicago White Sox are well on their way to the club's first postseason berth since 2008 and could be a trendy World Series pick come the end of September.
While Chicago's 23-year-old outfield phenoms Eloy Jimenez (11 HR, .864 OPS) and Luis Robert (11 HR, .886 OPS, 6 steals) have gotten much of the attention as Rookie of the Year contenders the past two seasons, it's shortstop Tim Anderson who should be getting more national press.
The 2019 AL batting champion leads the league in hitting (.351) again and has made further strides at the plate this year. His walk rate (5.9%) is more than double what it was last season and his strikeout rate has improved as well.
These young White Sox should be competitors for years to come, but this October is a prime opportunity for the 27-year-old Anderson to introduce himself to the uninitiated.
Here's how USA TODAY Sports' seven-person panel voted this week:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers (–)
Not surprisingly, Dodgers are MLB's first team to 30 wins.
2. Tampa Bay Rays (–)
Offense could use a boost from recently promoted Nate Lowe.
3. Oakland Athletics (–)
Sean Manaea's last four starts: 2.21 ERA, 17 strikeouts, two walks.
4. Minnesota Twins (+7)
Josh Donaldson back in action after a month on the IL.
5. Cleveland Indians (-1)
Shane Bieber becomes fourth player to start a season with nine straight eight-plus strikeout games.
6. Chicago White Sox (+2)
Rookie Nick Madrigal went 11-for-26 in first seven games back from injury.
7. San Diego Padres (-1)
Jake Cronenworth is the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year.
8. Chicago Cubs (-1)
An Ian Happ MVP candidacy is not something we expected.
9. Atlanta Braves (+1)
If Cole Hamels makes it back in coming weeks, the left-hander could be Atlanta's secret weapon.
10. New York Yankees (-5)
Gerrit Cole's last three starts: 0-3, 5.63 ERA in 16 innings.
11. Houston Astros (-2)
Lance McCullers Jr. to the injured list with neck nerve irritation.
12. Philadelphia Phillies (+1)
Nector Neris trending in the right direction heading into season's final weeks.
13. Toronto Blue Jays (-1)
10 of the team's final 20 games are against Yankees.
14. St. Louis Cardinals (+1)
Giovanny Gallegos has emerged as Mike Shildt's top ninth-inning option.
15. Colorado Rockies (-1)
Raimel Tapia hit .315 with a .415 OBP in first 14 games batting leadoff.
16. Miami Marlins (–)
Starter Sandy Alcantara, an All-Star last year, returning to form after COVID layoff.
17. New York Mets (+1)
In three starts since joining rotation, Seth Lugo has 20 strikeouts in 11⅔ innings.
18. Milwaukee Brewers (+3)
Reliever Devin Williams has 35 strikeouts in 17 innings.
19. San Francisco Giants (+1)
Got the better of Madison Bumgarner in his first start against former team.
20. Cincinnati Reds (-1)
Eugenio Suarez heating up: nine homers, 20 RBI, 1.270 OPS from Aug. 23-Sept. 5.
21. Baltimore Orioles (+1)
With win Saturday, Orioles snapped Yankees' 18-game winning streak at Camden Yards.
22. Detroit Tigers (-5)
Will prospect Matt Manning get a chance to contribute down the stretch?
23. Seattle Mariners (+4)
Justin Dunn (acquired in Robinson Cano trade) looks like a long-term rotation fixture
24. Washington Nationals (-1)
Time is running out for Washington to mount a turnaround.
25. Arizona Diamondbacks (-1)
Landed pitchers Caleb Smith and Humberto Mejia in Starling Marte trade with Miami.
26. Los Angeles Angels (+2)
Franklin Barreto playing every day since coming over in Tommy La Stella trade.
27. Kansas City Royals (+2)
Greg Holland (2.66 ERA in 21 games) thriving in return to Kansas City.
28. Boston Red Sox (+1)
Backup catcher Kevin Plawecki proving himself a useful player.
29. Texas Rangers (-3)
Missed an opportunity to deal Lance Lynn at the peak of his value.
30. Pittsburgh Pirates (–)


usatoday--2020-09-07--Zoom, the office and the future: What will work look like after coronavirus?

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic drags on , there have been many questions about what ( or even where ) the workplace will be in the future , particularly for people who work at companies based in traditional offices .
Of course , some of it is obvious .
Just look around .
Video-based conference calls on platforms like Zoom , Skype , Microsoft Teams , Google Meet , Cisco Webex , etc .
are – like it or not – with us to stay .
It ’ s an approach that literally overnight went from something unusual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workplace has created habits that we ’ re not going to be able to simply walk away from .
Yes , there ’ s a growing awareness that it ’ s possible to have too much of a good thing – well , at least , too many video calls .
As a result , the number and length of video-based meetings will likely decline somewhat over time , but they aren ’ t going to disappear .
They are starting to evolve , however , thanks to the immense competition among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programmers who are creating these tools have to use them extensively as well .
( That isn ’ t always the case with other applications . )
In addition to lots of new views of participants and content , we ’ ve begun to see immensely practical benefits like real-time audio transcription of the meeting – making it significantly easier and faster to confirm your notes , double check what was said , or catch up on a meeting you may have missed .
Beyond video calls , however , other changes are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ density of work environments is almost certainly going to decrease , and the implications from that move are many .
When employees do start to return to the office – and those dates keep getting pushed further and further back for many organizations – some companies plan to implement rotating schedules to reduce the number of people in a given space .
Back to the office : Should employers force workers to get COVID-19 vaccine ?
Coronavirus economy : Pandemic likely to leave legacy of fear and uncertainty for decades Others plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to spread people out , while still others have adjusted to larger numbers of work-from-home employees and , therefore , expect to reduce the office space they have .
In most cases , the work environments people return to will include physical changes to facilitate social distancing practices through the introduction of things like plastic barriers , higher cube walls , rearranged environments and more .
In short , it ’ s not likely to be what you remembered ( or what you may be hoping for ) .
Faced with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may start to consider longer-term workplace alternatives – either more permanent work-from-home arrangements ( potentially even in other cities – as some have started to do ) or a more nomadic type of work lifestyle , where people start working from a range of different locations including their homes , offices , coffee shops , and other places , just to bring a bit of variety to their everyday experience .
Connectivity technologies like 5G and enhanced versions of Wi-Fi ( specifically Wi-Fi 6E ) will be critical in all these situations because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connections ( and ideally a backup connectivity solution in case one of them isn ’ t working well ) .
Thankfully , we ’ re starting to see many more mobile PCs that integrate these technologies come to market from major vendors like Lenovo , Dell , and HP , with more on the way .
In addition to enhanced hardware , we ’ re starting to see companies look at new software solutions to both ease the back-to-office process , as well as improve the overall employee experience .
In the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are leveraging their position as providers of in-office wired and wireless networking equipment to create solutions like their DNA Spaces indoor location service .
Among other things , DNA Spaces can track how many people are in a given section of an office or are scheduled to use a given conference room and use intelligent analytics to notify employees of potential people jams .
Companies like Citrix and VMware have been seeing strong interest in some of the virtual desktop solutions that they have for enabling easy remote access to all the applications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking the concept even further by building a series of micro-apps within its Citrix Desktop that can be used to check on the physical and even mental health of employees via simple surveys and check-in procedures .
It ’ s all part of a bigger effort we will likely see grow and evolve as companies try to figure out how to best leverage technology to maintain closer , more personal connections with employees , a need essentially created by this pandemic .
Further down the road , we may well fall back into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environments , though even those won ’ t be exactly the way they were .
For the next year or so , however , and especially as we enter into a more uncertain cold weather , indoor-focused fall and winter season , it seems likely that the near-term future of work is going to be pretty similar to what we ’ ve been experiencing .
USA TODAY columnist Bob O'Donnell is the president and chief analyst of TECHnalysis Research , a market research and consulting firm that provides strategic consulting and market research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial community .
His clients are major technology firms including Microsoft , HP , Dell , Samsung and Intel .
You can follow him on Twitter @ bobodtech .

Zoom, the office and the future: What will work look like after coronavirus?
Show Caption Hide Caption How to work from home but still feel connected You can work from home without feeling so isolated. Here are some great ways to stay connected with your team. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, there have been many questions about what (or even where) the workplace will be in the future, particularly for people who work at companies based in traditional offices.
Of course, some of it is obvious. Just look around.
Video-based conference calls on platforms like Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco Webex, etc. are – like it or not – with us to stay. It’s an approach that literally overnight went from something unusual to completely mainstream, and the remote workplace has created habits that we’re not going to be able to simply walk away from.
Yes, there’s a growing awareness that it’s possible to have too much of a good thing – well, at least, too many video calls. As a result, the number and length of video-based meetings will likely decline somewhat over time, but they aren’t going to disappear. They are starting to evolve, however, thanks to the immense competition among the different platforms and the critical factor that programmers who are creating these tools have to use them extensively as well. (That isn’t always the case with other applications.)
In addition to lots of new views of participants and content, we’ve begun to see immensely practical benefits like real-time audio transcription of the meeting – making it significantly easier and faster to confirm your notes, double check what was said, or catch up on a meeting you may have missed.
Beyond video calls, however, other changes are clearly afoot.
Most importantly, the density of work environments is almost certainly going to decrease, and the implications from that move are many. When employees do start to return to the office – and those dates keep getting pushed further and further back for many organizations – some companies plan to implement rotating schedules to reduce the number of people in a given space.
Back to the office: Should employers force workers to get COVID-19 vaccine?
Coronavirus economy: Pandemic likely to leave legacy of fear and uncertainty for decades
Workplace impact: Will the remote work trend sound a death knell for office buildings?
Others plan to increase the amount of space they have in order to spread people out, while still others have adjusted to larger numbers of work-from-home employees and, therefore, expect to reduce the office space they have.
In most cases, the work environments people return to will include physical changes to facilitate social distancing practices through the introduction of things like plastic barriers, higher cube walls, rearranged environments and more. In short, it’s not likely to be what you remembered (or what you may be hoping for).
Faced with that disappointing reality, even more people may start to consider longer-term workplace alternatives – either more permanent work-from-home arrangements (potentially even in other cities – as some have started to do) or a more nomadic type of work lifestyle, where people start working from a range of different locations including their homes, offices, coffee shops, and other places, just to bring a bit of variety to their everyday experience.
Connectivity technologies like 5G and enhanced versions of Wi-Fi (specifically Wi-Fi 6E) will be critical in all these situations because of the absolutely essential need for high-speed connections (and ideally a backup connectivity solution in case one of them isn’t working well). Thankfully, we’re starting to see many more mobile PCs that integrate these technologies come to market from major vendors like Lenovo, Dell, and HP, with more on the way.
Telework tips: How to set up the best home office for remote work If you're working from home, here are some tips to stay productive and ensure your home office is optimized for working remotely. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
In addition to enhanced hardware, we’re starting to see companies look at new software solutions to both ease the back-to-office process, as well as improve the overall employee experience. In the case of the former, companies like Cisco are leveraging their position as providers of in-office wired and wireless networking equipment to create solutions like their DNA Spaces indoor location service.
Among other things, DNA Spaces can track how many people are in a given section of an office or are scheduled to use a given conference room and use intelligent analytics to notify employees of potential people jams.
Companies like Citrix and VMware have been seeing strong interest in some of the virtual desktop solutions that they have for enabling easy remote access to all the applications an employee may need. Citrix is taking the concept even further by building a series of micro-apps within its Citrix Desktop that can be used to check on the physical and even mental health of employees via simple surveys and check-in procedures.
It’s all part of a bigger effort we will likely see grow and evolve as companies try to figure out how to best leverage technology to maintain closer, more personal connections with employees, a need essentially created by this pandemic.
Further down the road, we may well fall back into more of our old work habits and environments, though even those won’t be exactly the way they were. For the next year or so, however, and especially as we enter into a more uncertain cold weather, indoor-focused fall and winter season, it seems likely that the near-term future of work is going to be pretty similar to what we’ve been experiencing.
It’s still a work-at-home world.
USA TODAY columnist Bob O'Donnell is the president and chief analyst of TECHnalysis Research, a market research and consulting firm that provides strategic consulting and market research services to the technology industry and professional financial community. His clients are major technology firms including Microsoft, HP, Dell, Samsung and Intel. You can follow him on Twitter @bobodtech.