usatoday--2020-08-15--2020 elections: I never got an absentee ballot for my primary. I still don't know why.

I applied online for an absentee ballot on July 15 , maybe a little late , but with plenty of time before Michigan 's Aug. 4 primary election , I thought .
By the next day , the Detroit City Clerk 's ballot tracking site reported that my ballot application — made through the Michigan secretary of State 's website — had been received , that my ballot had been printed and was ready to mail .
That was the last update .
When my ballot had n't arrived by Election Day , I voted in person .
Almost a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trax still offers the same message , even though the primary is long over .
For the last week , I 've been trying to understand what happened , and how many voters it happened to .
The second part was easy .
State records suggest that 459 Detroiters who applied for an absentee ballot through the secretary of State 's website never got one .
That 's 11 % of the 4,263 Detroit voters who applied online , using a new form offered by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson 's office ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the state ) .
But despite a lot of phone calls over the past week , I still ca n't answer the first question .
Worse , accounts started to surface online late last week from Detroiters who 'd received and mailed their ballots , but for whom Ballot Trax did n't register a received or accepted ballot .
I 'm trying to learn more about that , too .
Jake Rollow , a spokesman for Benson 's office , said all online applications are sent to local clerks and to those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of voters , called the qualified voter file , that all elections officials use , along with a message alerting the clerk that new applications have arrived .
Rollow confirmed that all 459 of the ballot applications were made before the July 31 deadline , and that my application was placed in Winfrey 's print queue .
From there , he said , the file shows my application was removed from the print queue .
That happens when a ballot is either printed , or manually removed from the queue .
Rollow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happened after that .
Winfrey said my application never arrived in her office 's system .
`` It ’ s showing on our end that we just didn ’ t receive them , '' Winfrey said last week .
She said the Ballot Trax notification that my ballot application had been received and printed must have been generated automatically , and that she ca n't speak of the other 458 applicants , for whom I do n't have identifying information , in specifics .
Our view:2020 election : Vote by mail works , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : U.S .
Postal Service remains committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process '' We need to look into that , because that ’ s 459 people who didn ’ t get their ballot .
... probably it 's much like the problem with yours , that we just didn ’ t receive it from the state , '' she said .
None of the other local clerks I called reported the operational problems Winfrey blames for the ballot deficit , and Rollow says qualified voter file records do n't suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any other jurisdiction , but it 's possible that other places had the same problem .
I 'm sure that some voters who never received the absentee ballots they sought voted in person , as I did .
There 's no way to tell how many did n't vote .
The overwhelming majority of Detroiters who applied for absentee ballots got them .
According to state records , the clerk 's office received 106,120 absentee ballot applications and mailed 105,289 .
( If you 're doing the math , that 's 372 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't receive ballots .
Local clerks say that in any election cycle , some voters return applications that are incomplete , sent to the wrong jurisdiction , are n't signed , or are disqualified for some other reason .
In a close election , 459 votes can determine who takes a local government post , a state legislative district , or even a congressional seat .
And in a general election , an 11 % failure rate is an even more significant number .
Voting is a privilege , but it 's also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voter is too many — particularly in Detroit , a majority Black city where the fight to participate in the fundamental act of American democracy still echoes , and where residents are keenly aware that voter suppression is growing in some parts of the country .
Livonia City Clerk Susan Nash , who is also president of the Association of Wayne County Clerks , says ballots are like wedding guests : You invite a hundred , knowing only 80 will come .
But every guest is important , dear to the party 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in assigning blame , but there 's a problem .
With little more than two months before the Nov. 3 general election , it has to get fixed .
Nancy Kaffer is a Free Press columnist , where this column originally appeared .
Follow her on Twitter : @ nancykaffer

2020 elections: I never got an absentee ballot for my primary. I still don't know why. Voting is a privilege, but also a right. So it's a problem that absentee ballots were never mailed to hundreds of Detroit voters who applied online.
Show Caption Hide Caption Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
I applied online for an absentee ballot on July 15, maybe a little late, but with plenty of time before Michigan's Aug. 4 primary election, I thought.
By the next day, the Detroit City Clerk's ballot tracking site reported that my ballot application — made through the Michigan secretary of State's website — had been received, that my ballot had been printed and was ready to mail.
That was the last update. When my ballot hadn't arrived by Election Day, I voted in person. Almost a month later, the tracking site Ballot Trax still offers the same message, even though the primary is long over.
For the last week, I've been trying to understand what happened, and how many voters it happened to.
The second part was easy.
State records suggest that 459 Detroiters who applied for an absentee ballot through the secretary of State's website never got one. That's 11% of the 4,263 Detroit voters who applied online, using a new form offered by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's office (the only online absentee ballot application tool in the state).
But despite a lot of phone calls over the past week, I still can't answer the first question.
Worse, accounts started to surface online late last week from Detroiters who'd received and mailed their ballots, but for whom Ballot Trax didn't register a received or accepted ballot. I'm trying to learn more about that, too.
A glitch in the process
Jake Rollow, a spokesman for Benson's office, said all online applications are sent to local clerks and to those clerks' print queues through the master list of voters, called the qualified voter file, that all elections officials use, along with a message alerting the clerk that new applications have arrived. Rollow confirmed that all 459 of the ballot applications were made before the July 31 deadline, and that my application was placed in Winfrey's print queue.
From there, he said, the file shows my application was removed from the print queue. That happens when a ballot is either printed, or manually removed from the queue. Rollow said his team can't determine what happened after that.
Winfrey said my application never arrived in her office's system.
"It’s showing on our end that we just didn’t receive them," Winfrey said last week.
She said the Ballot Trax notification that my ballot application had been received and printed must have been generated automatically, and that she can't speak of the other 458 applicants, for whom I don't have identifying information, in specifics.
Our view: 2020 election: Vote by mail works, despite what Donald Trump says
Opposing view: U.S. Postal Service remains committed to fulfilling our role in the electoral process
"We need to look into that, because that’s 459 people who didn’t get their ballot. ... probably it's much like the problem with yours, that we just didn’t receive it from the state," she said.
None of the other local clerks I called reported the operational problems Winfrey blames for the ballot deficit, and Rollow says qualified voter file records don't suggest a glut of unprocessed absentee ballot applications in any other jurisdiction, but it's possible that other places had the same problem.
I'm sure that some voters who never received the absentee ballots they sought voted in person, as I did. There's no way to tell how many didn't vote.
The overwhelming majority of Detroiters who applied for absentee ballots got them. According to state records, the clerk's office received 106,120 absentee ballot applications and mailed 105,289. (If you're doing the math, that's 372 voters who mailed paper applications and didn't receive ballots. Local clerks say that in any election cycle, some voters return applications that are incomplete, sent to the wrong jurisdiction, aren't signed, or are disqualified for some other reason. In a close election, 459 votes can determine who takes a local government post, a state legislative district, or even a congressional seat.
And in a general election, an 11% failure rate is an even more significant number.
Voting is a privilege, but it's also a right. And even one disenfranchised voter is too many — particularly in Detroit, a majority Black city where the fight to participate in the fundamental act of American democracy still echoes, and where residents are keenly aware that voter suppression is growing in some parts of the country.
Livonia City Clerk Susan Nash, who is also president of the Association of Wayne County Clerks, says ballots are like wedding guests: You invite a hundred, knowing only 80 will come. But every guest is important, dear to the party's hosts.
It's a good analogy.
I'm not particularly interested in assigning blame, but there's a problem. With little more than two months before the Nov. 3 general election, it has to get fixed.
Nancy Kaffer is a Free Press columnist, where this column originally appeared. Follow her on Twitter: @nancykaffer


usatoday--2020-08-16--FDA approves COVID-19 saliva test developed at Yale in partnership with the NBA, NBPA

A saliva-based COVID-19 test developed by researchers at Yale in partnership and funding from the NBA and National Basketball Players Association was approved on Saturday for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
Called SalivaDirect , the test uses saliva samples to detect COVID-19 .
SalivaDirect is non-invasive and requires just a small sample , reducing risks for healthcare workers collecting samples .
Anne Wyllie , assistant professor and associate research scientist at Yale School of Public Health , said she expects labs to charge about $ 10 for the test .
In late June , NBA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submitting samples for the study .
There an altruistic component to SalivaDirect tests .
The testing method is open source , `` meaning that designated laboratories could follow the protocol to obtain the required components and perform the test in their lab according to Yale ’ s instructions for use , '' the FDA said in a statement .
In other words , Yale and its researchers are not looking to profit .
Yale postdoctoral fellow Chantal Vogels and adjunct assistant clinical professor Doug Brackney led the laboratory development and validation .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other saliva testing methods at a 88 % -94 % rate , according to data cited by public health expert Andy Slavitt .
Researchers have been looking for a COVID-19 test that is less invasive than the nasopharyngeal swabbing method and less expensive , which can lead to widespread testing and make up for shortages of other testing methods .
“ Providing this type of flexibility for processing saliva samples to test for COVID-19 infection is groundbreaking in terms of efficiency and avoiding shortages of crucial test components like reagents , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
The FDA 's statement said the Yale School of Public Health submitted data that meets the FDA ’ s criteria for emergency use authorization .
SalivaDirect results have been validated with reagents and “ yields similar outcomes as ( nasopharyngeal ) swabbing , '' Yale said in a news release .
“ In talking to our partners at the NBA , we heard from them that in addition to finding less invasive testing solutions for its players and staff , there is a strong desire on their part to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low-income communities , so it became immediately clear that our interests were aligned , ” Nathan Grubaugh , assistant professor at the Yale School of Public Health , said in a statement in June .
NBPA medical chief Joe Rogowski said : “ Not only does it offer the potential for players to have an alternative method of testing within the NBA Campus in Orlando , but more importantly it allows them to leverage their regular testing to make a larger contribution to public health in the fight against this virus . ''

FDA approves COVID-19 saliva test developed at Yale in partnership with the NBA, NBPA
Show Caption Hide Caption Inside the NBA bubble: How technology keeps everyone safe SportsPulse: Only two days into his time in the NBA bubble, Mark Media is realizing just how far the league is willing to go in order to ensure safety for not only the players and coaches, but the media as well. USA TODAY
A saliva-based COVID-19 test developed by researchers at Yale in partnership and funding from the NBA and National Basketball Players Association was approved on Saturday for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Called SalivaDirect, the test uses saliva samples to detect COVID-19. SalivaDirect is non-invasive and requires just a small sample, reducing risks for healthcare workers collecting samples.
Anne Wyllie, assistant professor and associate research scientist at Yale School of Public Health, said she expects labs to charge about $10 for the test. In late June, NBA players who opted into the program began submitting samples for the study.
There an altruistic component to SalivaDirect tests. The testing method is open source, "meaning that designated laboratories could follow the protocol to obtain the required components and perform the test in their lab according to Yale’s instructions for use," the FDA said in a statement.
In other words, Yale and its researchers are not looking to profit.
Yale postdoctoral fellow Chantal Vogels and adjunct assistant clinical professor Doug Brackney led the laboratory development and validation.
When comparing results, SalivaDirect matched nasopharyngeal swab and other saliva testing methods at a 88%-94% rate, according to data cited by public health expert Andy Slavitt.
Researchers have been looking for a COVID-19 test that is less invasive than the nasopharyngeal swabbing method and less expensive, which can lead to widespread testing and make up for shortages of other testing methods.
“Providing this type of flexibility for processing saliva samples to test for COVID-19 infection is groundbreaking in terms of efficiency and avoiding shortages of crucial test components like reagents,” FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn said in a statement.
The FDA's statement said the Yale School of Public Health submitted data that meets the FDA’s criteria for emergency use authorization. SalivaDirect results have been validated with reagents and “yields similar outcomes as (nasopharyngeal) swabbing," Yale said in a news release.
“In talking to our partners at the NBA, we heard from them that in addition to finding less invasive testing solutions for its players and staff, there is a strong desire on their part to give back to the public and especially help low-income communities, so it became immediately clear that our interests were aligned,” Nathan Grubaugh, assistant professor at the Yale School of Public Health, said in a statement in June.
NBPA medical chief Joe Rogowski said: “Not only does it offer the potential for players to have an alternative method of testing within the NBA Campus in Orlando, but more importantly it allows them to leverage their regular testing to make a larger contribution to public health in the fight against this virus."
Follow USA TODAY Sports NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt


usatoday--2020-08-15--Dying wish of late Field of Dreams owner is still coming true

DYERSVILLE , Ia .
— As Tom Mietzel walks across the gravel behind home plate of the `` Field of Dreams '' movie site and looks off into left field , he ca n't help but think of his late wife , Denise Stillman .
Less than half a mile away from where he 's standing is a specially constructed , 8,000-seat ballpark .
The site is off-limits to fans , and even to Mietzel , who runs the company that is in charge of the property .
If the CEO of Go The Distance wants to venture over , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League Baseball , which is limiting foot traffic until next year ’ s game there .
So , this spot behind home plate is about as close as he usually gets .
But even from this distance , and with rows of corn and other fans standing in front of him playing on the famous field , Mietzel can see plenty of the new park .
“ She would have loved it , ” Mietzel said of Stillman .
And she certainly would have .
The former owner of the Field of Dreams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLB game to come to Iowa .
Her dream will become a reality … at some point .
The Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals were supposed to be playing at the new park on Thursday .
But the COVID-19 pandemic pushed back MLB ’ s plans for a game in Dyersville until sometime in 2021 .
Whenever that day comes , it will be because of Stillman ’ s dream , which was carried on by her friends , family and coworkers after she died of liver cancer in 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we ’ re the ones that are able to see this through for her , ” said Roman Weinberg , the director of operations for Go The Distance .
“ I know she ’ d be happy about it.
” A posterboard Mietzel keeps on a cabinet in his office is a daily reminder of Stillman and her dream .
It illustrates Stillman ’ s passion for what she called All-Star Ballpark Heaven , a softball and baseball complex at the Field of Dreams site that could host youth tournaments .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after her death , include youth parks .
Another one of Stillman 's hopes is realized just beyond the site of the movie diamond 's left field : The ballfield where the MLB game was to be played .
“ She knew if she could get MLB to come in and play a game , it would do a number of things , ” Mietzel said .
Stillman , who started Go The Distance , hoped an MLB game could add some credibility for her project and add some much-needed light on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLB to pitch a plan .
Stillman wasn ’ t the only one interested in a game being played in the Iowa town .
In fact , MLB commissioner Rob Manfred , who was getting games organized to play at various unique sites like Fort Bragg , North Carolina , had Marla Miller , MLB 's senior vice president of special events , get in touch with Stillman about possibly playing there .
Manfred , who visited the site in 2016 for a 25th anniversary celebration , was adamant about bringing baseball to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his mind that we would be able to go back there , '' Miller said .
Getting it done was n't easy , though .
The plan was put on the backburner when Stillman became embroiled in a lawsuit with a group of neighboring property owners , who argued that the movie site had been improperly rezoned by Dyersville from agricultural to commercial ground in a deal to make way for her plans .
And by the time the Iowa Supreme Court upheld the process in 2016 , the damage had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project ’ s investors were no longer all-in .
Then , in April of 2017 , Stillman was diagnosed with hepatic endothelial hemangioendothelioma , a rare vascular liver tumor .
She was given less than a year to live .
With the time Stillman had left , she kept plugging away at the project .
In 2018 , she called Miller to update MLB on their legal victory and to let them know she was still interested .
Stillman did n't tell Miller she was near death .
Instead , she forged away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nov. 7 , 2018 .
`` It was one of the last things she was working on , '' Mietzel said .
`` Some of the last emails she did was to MLB .
So , it was on her mind right until the end . ''
Mietzel made sure Stillman 's wish of an MLB game would become a reality .
When he took over Go The Distance , he made it his top goal .
`` I promised her when she was dying that I would take over for her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks with MLB heated up .
That winter , Mietzel showed a group of representatives from MLB around the site .
They tested the soil to make sure they could dig deep enough into the ground to create a field that would meet MLB 's regulations .
Mietzel helped negotiate a deal — part of which took place at the table inside the farmhouse — which called for the game to be played on a field separate from the iconic movie diamond .
Miller said MLB had discussed possibly playing on the movie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many adjustments and Stillman had made it clear before her death that she was n't on board with that approach .
`` She got very , very concerned we would lose the magic of the original field , and she was right , so that 's why we started looking at adjacent land to the field , '' Miller said .
In February of 2019 , Mietzel signed the deal with MLB .
That August , MLB announced that the White Sox and New York Yankees would be playing at the temporary stadium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the construction and even create a pathway through a cornfield taking fans to the ballpark and overlooking the famous movie location .
Miller said that had it not been for Stillman 's dream and her company 's commitment to making it a reality , the game would have been unlikely to come together .
`` It 's really been her family that has tried to keep alive that dream since her passing , '' Miller said .
But the dream is on hold , again .
When the pandemic hit , MLB took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replaced them with the Cardinals .
Then earlier this month , MLB announced it was pushing the game to 2021 .
The plan is to keep the White Sox part of the game , with an opponent and a date to be announced .
It does n't bother Mietzel , who knows the game will happen eventually .
He even hopes it becomes an annual event on MLB 's calander .
`` I 've waited this long , '' Mietzel said .
`` I 'm not going to lose any sleep over it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So , why worry ? ''
Besides , the way Mietzel looks at it , Stillman 's dream is finally coming true .
Not only is the MLB game making its way to Iowa , but so is her dream of the multiuse complex , on which Mietzel hopes to start construction next year .
It 's a bittersweet accomplishment because Stillman ca n't be there to see it built .
`` Part of the Field of Dreams lure is it is spiritual , in the fact that you can almost sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that used to be here that have played such an impact on our lives .
And I sense that everyday when I get here , `` Weinberg said .
`` I can sense her here .
And it 's reassuring and keeps us moving forward . ''
Tommy Birch , the Register 's sports enterprise and features reporter , has been working at the newspaper since 2008 .
He was the 2018 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year .
Reach him at tbirch @ dmreg.com or 515-284-8468 .
Follow him on Twitter @ TommyBirch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible .
Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal.

Dying wish of late Field of Dreams owner is still coming true
Show Caption Hide Caption Go The Distance CEO Tom Mietzel Tom Mietzel talks about why the Field of Dreams MLB game was so important to his wife who passed away. Tommy Birch, tbirch@dmreg.com
DYERSVILLE, Ia. — As Tom Mietzel walks across the gravel behind home plate of the "Field of Dreams" movie site and looks off into left field, he can't help but think of his late wife, Denise Stillman.
Less than half a mile away from where he's standing is a specially constructed, 8,000-seat ballpark. The site is off-limits to fans, and even to Mietzel, who runs the company that is in charge of the property.
If the CEO of Go The Distance wants to venture over, he must receive special permission from Major League Baseball, which is limiting foot traffic until next year’s game there. So, this spot behind home plate is about as close as he usually gets.
But even from this distance, and with rows of corn and other fans standing in front of him playing on the famous field, Mietzel can see plenty of the new park.
“She would have loved it,” Mietzel said of Stillman.
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And she certainly would have. The former owner of the Field of Dreams movie site spent years pushing for an MLB game to come to Iowa. Her dream will become a reality … at some point. The Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals were supposed to be playing at the new park on Thursday. But the COVID-19 pandemic pushed back MLB’s plans for a game in Dyersville until sometime in 2021.
Whenever that day comes, it will be because of Stillman’s dream, which was carried on by her friends, family and coworkers after she died of liver cancer in 2018.
“I take pride in the fact that we’re the ones that are able to see this through for her,” said Roman Weinberg, the director of operations for Go The Distance. “I know she’d be happy about it.”
The dream
A posterboard Mietzel keeps on a cabinet in his office is a daily reminder of Stillman and her dream. It illustrates Stillman’s passion for what she called All-Star Ballpark Heaven, a softball and baseball complex at the Field of Dreams site that could host youth tournaments. The plans, put together last year, after her death, include youth parks.
Another one of Stillman's hopes is realized just beyond the site of the movie diamond's left field: The ballfield where the MLB game was to be played.
“She knew if she could get MLB to come in and play a game, it would do a number of things,” Mietzel said.
Stillman, who started Go The Distance, hoped an MLB game could add some credibility for her project and add some much-needed light on the site. Mietzel said Stillman even called MLB to pitch a plan. Stillman wasn’t the only one interested in a game being played in the Iowa town.
In fact, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, who was getting games organized to play at various unique sites like Fort Bragg, North Carolina, had Marla Miller, MLB's senior vice president of special events, get in touch with Stillman about possibly playing there. Manfred, who visited the site in 2016 for a 25th anniversary celebration, was adamant about bringing baseball to Dyersville.
"He always had it in his mind that we would be able to go back there," Miller said.
Getting it done wasn't easy, though. The plan was put on the backburner when Stillman became embroiled in a lawsuit with a group of neighboring property owners, who argued that the movie site had been improperly rezoned by Dyersville from agricultural to commercial ground in a deal to make way for her plans. And by the time the Iowa Supreme Court upheld the process in 2016, the damage had been done. Meitzel said some of the project’s investors were no longer all-in.
Then, in April of 2017, Stillman was diagnosed with hepatic endothelial hemangioendothelioma, a rare vascular liver tumor. She was given less than a year to live. With the time Stillman had left, she kept plugging away at the project.
In 2018, she called Miller to update MLB on their legal victory and to let them know she was still interested. Stillman didn't tell Miller she was near death.
Instead, she forged away on the project until she died on Nov. 7, 2018.
"It was one of the last things she was working on," Mietzel said. "Some of the last emails she did was to MLB. So, it was on her mind right until the end."
The dream come true
Mietzel made sure Stillman's wish of an MLB game would become a reality. When he took over Go The Distance, he made it his top goal.
"I promised her when she was dying that I would take over for her," Mietzel said.
He's followed through.
In 2018, talks with MLB heated up. That winter, Mietzel showed a group of representatives from MLB around the site. They tested the soil to make sure they could dig deep enough into the ground to create a field that would meet MLB's regulations.
Mietzel helped negotiate a deal — part of which took place at the table inside the farmhouse — which called for the game to be played on a field separate from the iconic movie diamond. Miller said MLB had discussed possibly playing on the movie site. But there would be too many adjustments and Stillman had made it clear before her death that she wasn't on board with that approach.
"She got very, very concerned we would lose the magic of the original field, and she was right, so that's why we started looking at adjacent land to the field," Miller said.
In February of 2019, Mietzel signed the deal with MLB. That August, MLB announced that the White Sox and New York Yankees would be playing at the temporary stadium. MLB would pay for all of the construction and even create a pathway through a cornfield taking fans to the ballpark and overlooking the famous movie location. Miller said that had it not been for Stillman's dream and her company's commitment to making it a reality, the game would have been unlikely to come together.
"It's really been her family that has tried to keep alive that dream since her passing," Miller said.
But the dream is on hold, again. When the pandemic hit, MLB took the Yankees out of the game and replaced them with the Cardinals.
Then earlier this month, MLB announced it was pushing the game to 2021.
The plan is to keep the White Sox part of the game, with an opponent and a date to be announced. It doesn't bother Mietzel, who knows the game will happen eventually. He even hopes it becomes an annual event on MLB's calander.
"I've waited this long," Mietzel said. "I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. They said they're coming back. So, why worry?"
Besides, the way Mietzel looks at it, Stillman's dream is finally coming true. Not only is the MLB game making its way to Iowa, but so is her dream of the multiuse complex, on which Mietzel hopes to start construction next year. It's a bittersweet accomplishment because Stillman can't be there to see it built.
"Part of the Field of Dreams lure is it is spiritual, in the fact that you can almost sense the souls of loved ones and people that used to be here that have played such an impact on our lives. And I sense that everyday when I get here, " Weinberg said. "I can sense her here. And it's reassuring and keeps us moving forward."
Tommy Birch, the Register's sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He was the 2018 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468. Follow him on Twitter @TommyBirch.
Your subscription makes work like this possible. Subscribe today at DesMoinesRegister.com/Deal.


usatoday--2020-08-15--Screening kids is not enough to keep coronavirus from schools, experts say

INDIANAPOLIS — A child returning to school this fall might go through the following morning routine : their parent checks them for COVID-19 symptoms , they take a socially distanced bus ride , and a faculty member , like a school nurse , conducts a final screening at the school entrance before letting them through the door .
As students return to class , many school districts have introduced routine symptom screenings into their reopening plans .
But their effectiveness and feasibility in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in schools remain unclear .
Adam Karcz , director of infection prevention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Children , said screenings are limited for a variety of reasons , including that the novel coronavirus shares many symptoms with common illnesses like the flu and not everyone with COVID-19 will have symptoms .
`` COVID-19 is unique with the challenge , '' Karcz said , `` that you can spread that without being or showing signs that you 're actually sick . ''
Though screenings might help in preventing the spread of coronavirus , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does n't recommend universal health screenings or COVID-19 testing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's why Karcz says school districts should pair symptom screenings with other mitigation tactics .
`` Screenings are one part of the puzzle , '' Karcz said .
`` The other parts of that puzzle that you can see that schools are putting in place are the universal masking , the social distancing , the hand hygiene and the additional disinfection . ''
But symptom screening should n't all be on the schools .
Karcz said parents should partner with districts to stop community spread .
`` We all have a public and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 and the community , '' Karcz said .
`` If a child is sick or showing signs or symptoms , parents are going know best . ''
Varying circumstances for schools might make this image unrealistic , said Linda Mendonca , president-elect of the National Association of School Nurses .
`` With screenings to enter the building on a daily basis , '' Mendonca said , `` logistically , it 's a lot . ''
Parents taking part in screening their child for symptoms also helps take some of the burdens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mendonca says will be spread thin as schools reopen .
About three in 10 schools in the Midwest do n't have a nurse , and about one in three have a nurse working full-time in 2017 , according to data from the Journal of School Nursing .
Though the Indiana Department of Education reported about 70 % of school nurses working full-time at one building in 2018 , it tallied only about half of the state 's schools in its survey .
`` How do you open a school without a school nurse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a challenge . ''
Coronavirus and schools : Trump says open them .
Teachers say not until they 're safe .
As cases rise , unions may win .
A lack of funding for school nursing programs wo n't only make school nurses susceptible to COVID-19 infections , Mendonca said .
It 'll also leave students vulnerable .
`` The safety of students and staff is the priority here , '' Mendonca said .
`` That 's what needs to be taken into consideration when any decision-making is made . ''
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whatever it takes to mitigate community spread , no matter what it takes .
`` Things are changing every day , '' Mendoca said .
`` Scientists are learning more about COVID-19 every day , so it 's very hard to know how it 's gon na play out in schools . ''

Screening kids is not enough to keep coronavirus from schools, experts say
Show Caption Hide Caption How Indiana schools can reopen safely The Indiana Department of Education has updated its guidelines to help school officials and parents decide how schools can reopen safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Dwight Adams, dwight.adams@indystar.com
INDIANAPOLIS – A child returning to school this fall might go through the following morning routine: Their parent checks them for COVID-19 symptoms, they take a socially distanced bus ride, and a faculty member, like a school nurse, conducts a final screening at the school entrance before letting them through the door.
As students return to class, many school districts have introduced routine symptom screenings into their reopening plans. But their effectiveness and feasibility in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in schools remain unclear.
Adam Karcz, director of infection prevention at Indiana University's Riley Hospital for Children, said screenings are limited for a variety of reasons, including that the novel coronavirus shares many symptoms with common illnesses like the flu, and not everyone with COVID-19 will have symptoms.
"COVID-19 is unique with the challenge that you can spread that without being or showing signs that you're actually sick," Karcz said.
Though screenings might help in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn't recommend universal health screenings or COVID-19 testing at schools because of such limitations.
That's why Karcz says school districts should pair symptom screenings with other mitigation tactics.
"Screenings are one part of the puzzle," Karcz said. "The other parts of that puzzle that you can see that schools are putting in place are the universal masking, the social distancing, the hand hygiene and the additional disinfection."
But symptom screening shouldn't all be on the schools. Karcz said parents should partner with districts to stop community spread.
"We all have a public and social responsibility as part of helping reduce COVID-19 and the community," Karcz said. "If a child is sick or showing signs or symptoms, parents are going to know best."
Quite an undertaking
Varying circumstances for schools might make this image unrealistic, said Linda Mendonca, president-elect of the National Association of School Nurses.
"With screenings to enter the building on a daily basis," Mendonca said, "logistically, it's a lot."
Parents taking part in screening their child for symptoms also helps take some of the burdens of contact tracing off school nurses, who Mendonca says will be spread thin as schools reopen.
About three in 10 schools in the Midwest don't have a nurse, and about one in three have a nurse working full-time in 2017, according to data from the Journal of School Nursing.
Though the Indiana Department of Education reported about 70% of school nurses working full-time at one building in 2018, it tallied only about half of the state's schools in its survey.
"How do you open a school without a school nurse?" Mendonca said. "That's a challenge."
Coronavirus and schools: Trump says open them. Teachers say not until they're safe. As cases rise, unions may win.
A lack of funding for school nursing programs won't only make school nurses susceptible to COVID-19 infections, Mendonca said. It'll also leave students vulnerable.
"The safety of students and staff is the priority here," Mendonca said. "That's what needs to be taken into consideration when any decision-making is made."
That's why Mendonca believes schools should do whatever it takes to mitigate community spread, no matter what it takes.
"Things are changing every day," Mendoca said. "Scientists are learning more about COVID-19 every day, so it's very hard to know how it's gonna play out in schools."


usatoday--2020-08-14--The 16 best deals you can get for under $25 at Nordstrom's massive sale

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 is here , and currently open to all Nordstrom cardholders ( us normal shoppers have to wait until August 19 to shop the sale , sorry ! )
.
This highly-anticipated sale features amazing price drops on top brands like Kate Spade , Zella , and BP .
and there are some amazing picks this year .
Seriously , we 've shopped them all .
While most of these luxury items are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can find a few incredible things for under $ 25 .
Yes , you heard me right .
From trendy matching jogger sets to water bottles with a cult following , these are the 16 best deals you 'll find for less than $ 25 at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale .
Need help finding products ?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter .
It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at any time .
1 .
BP .
Jogger Pants & Top ( Get both as a matching set !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that comes in multiple patterns !
Matching sets have been all over social media , and will most likely continue to thrive there , especially as we head into another round of pandemic fall/winter .
Nordstrom 's juniors brand , BP.
, makes quality clothing , and at just under $ 25 for the pants and top , you 're getting a steal .
You can also get shorts to match instead .
Act fast , though .
Matching sets have been a hot ticket item this year , selling out just about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jogger Pants for $ 24.90 ( Originally $ 39 ) • Get the BP .
Cozy Top for $ 24.90 ( Originally $ 39 ) • Get the BP .
Cozy Shorts for $ 15.90 ( Originally $ 25 ) Short-sleeve tops are essential for all seasons .
Wear them in winter with a cardigan and wear them in summer with shorts .
This Caslon v-neck t-shirt is amazing .
I own them in multiple colors and styles , and continue to stock up when they are on sale .
Others agree that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have over 2,100 solid reviews .
Get the Caslon Rounded V-Neck T-Shirt for $ 12.90 ( Originally $ 25 ) Like the name implies , this throw blanket is pure bliss .
And more than 1,600 Nordstrom shoppers rave about it , giving it an average 4.8-star rating .
Plus , it 's available is so many gorgeous colors to fit your style and cozy up on the couch with .
As one reviewer put it , it 's the 'softest , warmest light weight throw '' —and it 's only $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Throw for $ 24.90 ( Originally $ 39.50 ) If you 're looking for underwear that is high quality , stylish , and does n't feel like it 's actually there , look no further than Hanky Panky .
I 've tried buying cheap and more affordable underwear , but they always rip .
Hanky Panky underwear , though ?
It does n't rip .
It does n't become gross over time .
Not to mention , it is glorious to wear .
For years , I would n't buy these because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I always buy them—but only when they 're on sale .
The regular rise thongs are my favorite , but depending on your underwear preference , there are options galore .
Okay , now that you all know what underwear I wear , let 's move on .
Get the Hanky Panky Regular Rise Lace Thong for $ 16.90 ( Originally $ 22 ) If you have n't dabbled in Spanx underwear yet , I encourage you to do so while it 's on sale .
I own these and think they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extra coverage , but you also want to be able to breathe and not feel constrained ( one day I wore heavy-duty Spanx for twelve hours and felt like I was wearing a giant elastic around my stomach ; these are about one hundred times more comfortable ) .
Nearly 580 reviewers agree with me that they are a great purchase , so I am not alone on Spanx fan island .
I am on this island with a lot of other people , too .
Come join us .
Get the Spanx @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Originally $ 24 ) Whether you 're looking for no-show socks or cozy socks , you might not be able to find ones you owned ( the dryer probably ate them , it 's fine ) , but you can find great deals on all types of new socks during Nordstrom 's annual sale .
Zella 's no-show socks are the only sock of such kind that do not fall off my heels as I walk ( or pedal on a stationary bike ) .
With over 4 stars from over 340 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only one who appreciates these socks .
• Get the Barefoot Dreams 2-Pack CozyChic Socks for $ 19.90 ( Originally $ 30 ) • Get the Zella 3-Pack Low Training Socks for $ 18.90 ( Originally $ 29 ) Whether your preferred exercise is running , yoga , or kickboxing , you need a good sports bra .
The Zella Studio Lite bras are ideal for more low-impact activities like yoga and barre , and come highly rated with more than 300 reviews and a 4.4-star rating .
Plus , they go great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zella Studio Lite Longline Bra for $ 24.90 ( Originally $ 39 ) • Get the Zella Body Fusion Sports Bra for $ 22.90 ( Originally $ 35 ) There are a lot of things people love from Kate Spade , but one of the most popular is this personalized pendant necklace .
Engraved with the initial of your choice , it ’ s dainty and elegant—perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions .
Get the Kate Spade Initial Pendant Necklace for $ 24.90 ( Originally $ 44 ) Working out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recipe for disaster ( so much sweat ! )
but not if you ’ re wearing this one from Nike .
It ’ s made with the moisture-wicking Dri-Fit fabric that Nike is famous for and fans like that it keeps them dry yet warm when they ’ re exercising in cooler weather .
They also say it ’ s great for just lounging around the house , too .
Get the Nike Legend 2.0 Long Sleeve Dri-FIT Training T-Shirt for $ 22.50 ( Originally $ 30 ) Regular T-shirts are great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially if you ’ re running , lifting weights , or doing anything even remotely physical .
From activewear brands like Rhone and Zella , these tees are designed not only to fit loosely ( but not too loosely ) but they ’ re also made with breathable materials that wick away sweat and keep you cool and comfortable .
Get the Zella Seamless Performance T-Shirt for $ 24.90 ( Originally $ 39 ) You might not think to buy undershirts and basic tanks at Nordstrom—but why not ?
There are plenty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like these tanks from Nordstrom ’ s in-house brand that reviewers say are perfect for layering .
Get the Nordstrom 4-Pack Supima Cotton Athletic Tanks for $ 24.15 ( Originally $ 34.50 ) Step up your pajama game with a pair of silky soft sleep shorts from Polo Ralph Lauren .
It 's on sale right now and comes highly recommended from shoppers who say the high-end pajamas last a long time and are great for both hot and cold sleepers alike .
Get the Polo Ralph Lauren Sleep Shorts for $ 20.90 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re in need of some spare bath towels , these ones from Nordstrom are at an amazing price right now .
With over 600 reviews and a 4.7-star rating , reviewers absolutely love these towels because they ’ re soft , plush , and feel luxury , even though they ’ re relatively inexpensive .
There ’ s also several colors to choose from to fit your home ’ s atheistic .
Get the Nordstrom Hydrocotton Bath Towel for $ 18.90 ( Originally $ 29 ) Corkcicle makes an incredible line of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tumblers that makes beach walks with a roadie functional .
They come in a ton of different colors and patterns and keep your drink ice cold for hours , which is extra important during the summer months .
Right now , you can find a few of their top-rated items on sale in Copper and the Sparkle Moondance colors .
• Get the Corkcicle 16-Ounce Stainless Steel Canteen in Sparkle Moondance for $ 22.90 ( Originally $ 34.95 ) • Get the Corkcicle 16-Ounce Stainless Steel Canteen in Copper for $ 22.90 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OGs when it comes to water bottles , the classic S ’ well bottle has over 2,000 reviews at Nordstrom .
Not only does it come in a variety of pretty colors and patterns ( including marble and floral ) , but people also say that it keeps their drinks cold for hours thanks to the insulated stainless steel design and that the twist-on lid is very leak-proof .
• Get the S'well Suzani 17-Ounce Water Bottle for $ 22.90 ( Originally $ 35 ) • Get the S'well Smokey Quartz 17-Ounce Water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 ) Mario Badescu 's facial spray is a key item in any skincare routine .
It ’ s known for soothing skin and reducing redness .
Right now , you can get a pack of all the brand ’ s essential products on sale .
Get the Mario Badescu The Essentials Set for $ 23 ( Originally $ 33 ) The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was published but may change over time .

The 16 best deals you can get for under $25 at Nordstrom's massive sale
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 is here, and currently open to all Nordstrom cardholders (us normal shoppers have to wait until August 19 to shop the sale, sorry!). This highly-anticipated sale features amazing price drops on top brands like Kate Spade, Zella, and BP. and there are some amazing picks this year. Seriously, we've shopped them all.
While most of these luxury items are still pretty pricey even at a discount, you can find a few incredible things for under $25. Yes, you heard me right. From trendy matching jogger sets to water bottles with a cult following, these are the 16 best deals you'll find for less than $25 at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.
Need help finding products? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
1. BP. Jogger Pants & Top (Get both as a matching set!)
Behold: A cozy matching set that comes in multiple patterns! Matching sets have been all over social media, and will most likely continue to thrive there, especially as we head into another round of pandemic fall/winter. Nordstrom's juniors brand, BP., makes quality clothing, and at just under $25 for the pants and top, you're getting a steal. You can also get shorts to match instead. Act fast, though. Matching sets have been a hot ticket item this year, selling out just about everywhere.
2. Caslon V-Neck T-Shirt
Short-sleeve tops are essential for all seasons. Wear them in winter with a cardigan and wear them in summer with shorts. This Caslon v-neck t-shirt is amazing. I own them in multiple colors and styles, and continue to stock up when they are on sale. Others agree that they are a great buy, as they have over 2,100 solid reviews.
Get the Caslon Rounded V-Neck T-Shirt for $12.90 (Originally $25)
3. Nordstrom Bliss Plush Throw
Like the name implies, this throw blanket is pure bliss. And more than 1,600 Nordstrom shoppers rave about it, giving it an average 4.8-star rating. Plus, it's available is so many gorgeous colors to fit your style and cozy up on the couch with. As one reviewer put it, it's the 'softest, warmest light weight throw"—and it's only $25.
Get the Nordstrom Bliss Plush Throw for $24.90 (Originally $39.50)
4. Hanky Panky Underwear
If you're looking for underwear that is high quality, stylish, and doesn't feel like it's actually there, look no further than Hanky Panky. I've tried buying cheap and more affordable underwear, but they always rip. Hanky Panky underwear, though? It doesn't rip. It doesn't become gross over time. Not to mention, it is glorious to wear. For years, I wouldn't buy these because of the price tag, but now, I always buy them—but only when they're on sale. The regular rise thongs are my favorite, but depending on your underwear preference, there are options galore. Okay, now that you all know what underwear I wear, let's move on.
Get the Hanky Panky Regular Rise Lace Thong for $16.90 (Originally $22)
5. Spanx Underwear
If you haven't dabbled in Spanx underwear yet, I encourage you to do so while it's on sale. I own these and think they are great for when you want a little extra coverage, but you also want to be able to breathe and not feel constrained (one day I wore heavy-duty Spanx for twelve hours and felt like I was wearing a giant elastic around my stomach; these are about one hundred times more comfortable). Nearly 580 reviewers agree with me that they are a great purchase, so I am not alone on Spanx fan island. I am on this island with a lot of other people, too. Come join us.
Get the Spanx Undie-tectable Lace Hi-Hipster Panties for $15.90 (Originally $24)
6. Socks
Whether you're looking for no-show socks or cozy socks, you might not be able to find ones you owned (the dryer probably ate them, it's fine), but you can find great deals on all types of new socks during Nordstrom's annual sale. Zella's no-show socks are the only sock of such kind that do not fall off my heels as I walk (or pedal on a stationary bike). With over 4 stars from over 340 reviews, I cannot be the only one who appreciates these socks.
7. Sports Bras
Whether your preferred exercise is running, yoga, or kickboxing, you need a good sports bra. The Zella Studio Lite bras are ideal for more low-impact activities like yoga and barre, and come highly rated with more than 300 reviews and a 4.4-star rating. Plus, they go great with Zella leggings.
8. Kate Spade Pendant Necklace
There are a lot of things people love from Kate Spade, but one of the most popular is this personalized pendant necklace. Engraved with the initial of your choice, it’s dainty and elegant—perfect for both everyday wear and special occasions.
Get the Kate Spade Initial Pendant Necklace for $24.90 (Originally $44)
9. Nike Long Sleeve Shirt
Working out in a long sleeve shirt might sound like a recipe for disaster (so much sweat!) but not if you’re wearing this one from Nike. It’s made with the moisture-wicking Dri-Fit fabric that Nike is famous for and fans like that it keeps them dry yet warm when they’re exercising in cooler weather. They also say it’s great for just lounging around the house, too.
Get the Nike Legend 2.0 Long Sleeve Dri-FIT Training T-Shirt for $22.50 (Originally $30)
10. Zella Performance T-Shirts
Regular T-shirts are great but performance T-shirts are even better, especially if you’re running, lifting weights, or doing anything even remotely physical. From activewear brands like Rhone and Zella, these tees are designed not only to fit loosely (but not too loosely) but they’re also made with breathable materials that wick away sweat and keep you cool and comfortable.
Get the Zella Seamless Performance T-Shirt for $24.90 (Originally $39)
11. Nordstrom Tanks
You might not think to buy undershirts and basic tanks at Nordstrom—but why not? There are plenty of great quality ones to choose from, like these tanks from Nordstrom’s in-house brand that reviewers say are perfect for layering.
Get the Nordstrom 4-Pack Supima Cotton Athletic Tanks for $24.15 (Originally $34.50)
12. Polo Ralph Lauren Pajama Shorts
Step up your pajama game with a pair of silky soft sleep shorts from Polo Ralph Lauren. It's on sale right now and comes highly recommended from shoppers who say the high-end pajamas last a long time and are great for both hot and cold sleepers alike.
Get the Polo Ralph Lauren Sleep Shorts for $20.90 (Originally $32)
13. Nordstrom Hydrocotton Bath Towel
If you’re in need of some spare bath towels, these ones from Nordstrom are at an amazing price right now. With over 600 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, reviewers absolutely love these towels because they’re soft, plush, and feel luxury, even though they’re relatively inexpensive. There’s also several colors to choose from to fit your home’s atheistic.
Get the Nordstrom Hydrocotton Bath Towel for $18.90 (Originally $29)
14. Corkcicle Insulated Glasses
Corkcicle makes an incredible line of insulated wine glasses, canisters, and tumblers that makes beach walks with a roadie functional. They come in a ton of different colors and patterns and keep your drink ice cold for hours, which is extra important during the summer months. Right now, you can find a few of their top-rated items on sale in Copper and the Sparkle Moondance colors.
15. S'well Water Bottle
One of the OGs when it comes to water bottles, the classic S’well bottle has over 2,000 reviews at Nordstrom. Not only does it come in a variety of pretty colors and patterns (including marble and floral), but people also say that it keeps their drinks cold for hours thanks to the insulated stainless steel design and that the twist-on lid is very leak-proof.
16. Mario Badescu Essentials
Mario Badescu's facial spray is a key item in any skincare routine. It’s known for soothing skin and reducing redness. Right now, you can get a pack of all the brand’s essential products on sale.
Get the Mario Badescu The Essentials Set for $23 (Originally $33)
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-08-15--Fans ask Adele, 'where's the album'? She's sharing more on social media but no word on new songs

Adele 's fans , not too unlike Rihanna 's , are only concerned about one thing : The album .
Where is it ?
The 32-year-old artist shared a photo Friday on Instagram of a book she was reading , titled `` Untamed : Stop pleasing , start living , '' and wrote a lengthy caption encouraging her followers to read this life-changing book .
`` I am so ready for myself after reading this book !
It ’ s as if I just flew into my body for the very first time .
Whew !
Anyone who has any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and give into yourself with any kind of desire to hold on for dear life - Do it .
Read it .
Live it .
Practice it , '' she wrote , before giving a shout out to the book 's author , Glennon Doyle .
While Doyle acknowledged Adele 's shout out in the comments section , one fan asked the artist : `` Adele , where 's the album ? ''
The songstress 's last album , `` 25 , '' was released in 2015 and fans have been anxiously awaiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks like they 'll be waiting a bit longer .
`` I honestly have no idea , '' Adele responded to her fan .
Some fans initially thought the book art Adele shared was in promotion of a single .
A few even asked her to `` do an audio book for it '' just to hear her voice .
Last year on her birthday and following her split from husband , Simon Konecki , the singer committed to spending the year `` all on myself . ''
She added , `` For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m ready to feel the world around me and look up for once… Learning to REALLY truly love yourself is it , and I ’ ve only just realized that that is more than enough . ''
Since then , she 's shared sporadic updates , including one shot from Drake 's birthday party last October .
`` I used to cry but now I sweat , '' the singer captioned the photo along with the crying-laughing emoji .
Adele has recently been posting on social media more frequently .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of herself crouching down under a TV playing Beyoncé 's `` Black is King . ''
In the photo , Adele is raising her arm drawing attention to the screen while wearing a brown shirt that matches Queen Bey 's in the frame .
`` Thank you Queen for always making us all feel so loved through your art , '' Adele captioned the post , adding two black heart emojis .

Fans ask Adele, 'where's the album'? She's sharing more on social media but no word on new songs
Show Caption Hide Caption Adele shows off body transformation in birthday post Adele has revealed her dramatic weight loss in a new Instagram picture to celebrate her 32nd birthday. Bang Showbiz, Video Elephant
Adele's fans, not too unlike Rihanna's, are only concerned about one thing: The album. Where is it?
The 32-year-old artist shared a photo Friday on Instagram of a book she was reading , titled "Untamed: Stop pleasing, start living," and wrote a lengthy caption encouraging her followers to read this life-changing book.
"I am so ready for myself after reading this book! It’s as if I just flew into my body for the very first time. Whew! Anyone who has any kind of capacity to truly let go and give into yourself with any kind of desire to hold on for dear life - Do it. Read it. Live it. Practice it," she wrote, before giving a shout out to the book's author, Glennon Doyle.
While Doyle acknowledged Adele's shout out in the comments section, one fan asked the artist: "Adele, where's the album?"
The songstress's last album, "25," was released in 2015 and fans have been anxiously awaiting the drop of another, but it looks like they'll be waiting a bit longer.
"I honestly have no idea," Adele responded to her fan.
Some fans initially thought the book art Adele shared was in promotion of a single. A few even asked her to "do an audio book for it" just to hear her voice.
Last year on her birthday and following her split from husband, Simon Konecki, the singer committed to spending the year "all on myself." She added, "For the first time in a decade I’m ready to feel the world around me and look up for once… Learning to REALLY truly love yourself is it, and I’ve only just realized that that is more than enough."
Since then, she's shared sporadic updates, including one shot from Drake's birthday party last October.
"I used to cry but now I sweat," the singer captioned the photo along with the crying-laughing emoji.
Adele has recently been posting on social media more frequently. Earlier this month, she shared an Instagram photo of herself crouching down under a TV playing Beyoncé's "Black is King." In the photo, Adele is raising her arm drawing attention to the screen while wearing a brown shirt that matches Queen Bey's in the frame.
"Thank you Queen for always making us all feel so loved through your art," Adele captioned the post, adding two black heart emojis.
Contributing: Hannah Yasharoff
More: Beyoncé's new backup dancers? Ayesha Curry's daughters slay 'Black is King' dance routine


usatoday--2020-08-16--An Epic showdown: 'Fortnite' publisher's suits vs. Apple, Google and what it means for you

The Fortnite competition is going way beyond the game .
First , Epic Games , the publisher of the popular online video game , introduced a direct payment option for mobile players – sidestepping the Apple App store and Google Play store payment methods , which nets each of those tech giants a cut of the revenue .
Apple and Google , subsequently , pulled the mobile game from their stores .
Epic Games ' answer ?
Suits filed against both companies describing each one 's app store as anti-competitive and monopolistic .
How the confrontation plays out has massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers pay for apps such as games and streaming entertainment .
`` This is a big deal , '' said Michael Pachter , an analyst with Wedbush Securities , in a note to investors .
`` Epic is challenging Apple 's ( and Google 's ) pricing within their stores and offering an alternative for users to get the same thing at a lower price . ''
TikTok : Trump orders app company to sell U.S. assets by 90 days , citing national security concerns What is the argument ?
Founded in 1991 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publisher of games such as Unreal , Gears of War and Infinity Blade , as well as the Unreal Engine , which powers countless video games from Batman Arkham Asylum to Sea of Thieves .
Its free-to-play game Fortnite , released in September 2017 , has become a hit with 350 million players across multiple gaming platforms including video game consoles , PCs , and Android and iOS smartphones and tablets .
The game generated an estimated $ 2.4 billion in revenue in 2018 and $ 1.8 billion in 2019 , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is free to play , but you can buy in-game currency called V-Bucks which is used to purchase new weapons , customized outfits and dances , or emotes , for their in-game personas .
When players on Apple and Android devices spend , Apple and Google get a 30 % cut of those sales .
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has argued that the online marketplaces that sell games – Apple 's App Store , the Google Play store and Valve 's PC game store Steam –take an unfair cut from game sales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payment system for Fortnite players on Android and iOS devices gives players a discount compared to buying through the Apple and Google apps .
As of Thursday , players could choose to purchase 1,000 V-Bucks directly from Epic Games for $ 7.99 – the same price as on PCs or home video game consoles .
Through Apple 's App Store and Google Play , the same purchase costs $ 9.99 .
It 's not Epic 's first move against what it considers higher-than-suitable charges .
In December 2018 , Epic opened its own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game makers 12 % for sales , to compete with Steam , which also charges a 30 % cut on sales .
“ It ’ s about economic efficiency when you have these stores sucking out a huge fraction of the profits from games , '' Sweeney told The Verge in April 2019 .
`` Valve , Apple , and Google make more profit through there storefront fees than the devs make off their own games.
” Not inherently .
App stores serve as one-stop shopping for consumers for all kinds of applications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use allows you to make a choice on which marketplace to support .
Within the app stores , companies such as Apple and Google curate content and help connect game makers with consumers .
`` There is value to that , '' Pachter says .
`` Epic does n't dispute the value , but thinks it 's closer to 12 % than to 30 % . ''
Dan Niles , founding partner of AlphaOne Capital Partners , told CNBC that Apple deserves payment for access to its App Store .
“ I mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Apple , but the charges they put on the App Store is not one of them , '' he said .
`` I mean , at the end of the day , Epic Games chose to be on the platform ; those were the terms .
If they didn ’ t want to do it , they didn ’ t have to , and they get a lot of benefit from being able to access Apple ’ s 1.5 billion devices globally.
” Does this mean higher or lower prices ?
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fortnite player on Android or iOS through Epic 's payment method , you are getting lower prices with that 20 % discount .
And Epic 's prices on consoles and PCs apparently seem reasonable to the millions who pay for V-bucks on those platforms .
Developers such as Epic , the company argues in its suit against Apple , are forced to charge higher prices `` in order to pay Apple ’ s app tax . ''
Breaking Apple 's hold on distribution – and giving developers access to iPhones directly – would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandeep Vaheesan , legal director of Open Markets Institute .
Tying arrangements , such as software for devices , require consumers to pay for a product that could be priced higher simply because the party – in this case , Apple – has certain power and leverage in the market , he says .
“ When firms such as Apple dominate a market , they decide who participates and on what terms , '' he said in a statement .
`` Epic ’ s lawsuit is an important move against Apple ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The federal judiciary must enforce existing antitrust prohibitions , including the categorical ban on tying by firms with power , and open the app market for iPhone owners and app developers.
“ But an open market could lead to consumers paying another way – with less secure and less reliable apps – argues tech consultant and business advisor Shelly Palmer in a blog post .
Apple and Google created online malls and they `` rent space to 3rd parties .
The price is 30 % of your sales .
For that 'fee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of potential customers .
There is no version of a mobile Fortnite without the app stores , '' he said .
`` The app store guidelines basically ensure a level of quality control for end users . ''
Alex Kantrowitz , founder of the newsletter Big Technology , told CNBC that Apple should back down , and lower Epic 's fee .
“ Rent collecting is bad for its business long term .
So you have to decide as a business , do you want to make your money milking your asset @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money innovating into the future ?
” In the end , whether prices go down or up will depend on how this standoff is resolved .
When Fortnite gets an update and current players do n't receive the new content , will their anger be directed at Apple and Google or Epic ?
And then , what will the response be ?
When will this be resolved ?
If the disputes play out in the courts , they could take a long time .
The parties could come to a settlement .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tech – the CEOs of Amazon , Apple , Facebook and Google testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee two weeks ago – could be enough for Apple to submit .
Apple , in the past , has made deals .
It reduced how its cut from 30 % to 15 % after Spotify subscribers ' first year .
But Spotify still filed an antitrust complaint against Apple in the European Union last year , charging the `` Apple tax '' and other App Store measures hamper its growth .
During the April-June quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 2 trillion – reported revenue from Services , which includes the App Store , Apple Music , iTunes movie rentals and iCloud online storage , of $ 13.1 billion , up from $ 11.4 billion a year ago .
Epic , which is private , is braced for battle .
Earlier this month , it got $ 1.78 billion in investments , including $ 250 million from Sony to acquire a minority interest in Epic , boosting the company 's valuation to $ 17.3 billion .
The influx , Sweeney said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accelerates Epic ’ s efforts to build a new kind of digital ecosystem using real-time 3D technology , services that connect hundreds of millions of people , and a digital storefront that offers a fair business model . ''

An Epic showdown: 'Fortnite' publisher's suits vs. Apple, Google and what it means for you
Show Caption Hide Caption Why Fortnite is suing Google and Apple The company behind the hugely popular game Fortnite is suing Google and Apple after being removed from their app stores. Buzz60
The Fortnite competition is going way beyond the game.
First, Epic Games, the publisher of the popular online video game, introduced a direct payment option for mobile players – sidestepping the Apple App store and Google Play store payment methods, which nets each of those tech giants a cut of the revenue.
Apple and Google, subsequently, pulled the mobile game from their stores. Epic Games' answer? Suits filed against both companies describing each one's app store as anti-competitive and monopolistic.
How the confrontation plays out has massive implications for how – and who – consumers pay for apps such as games and streaming entertainment. "This is a big deal," said Michael Pachter, an analyst with Wedbush Securities, in a note to investors. "Epic is challenging Apple's (and Google's) pricing within their stores and offering an alternative for users to get the same thing at a lower price."
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What is the argument?
Founded in 1991, Epic Games is well-known as the publisher of games such as Unreal, Gears of War and Infinity Blade, as well as the Unreal Engine, which powers countless video games from Batman Arkham Asylum to Sea of Thieves.
Its free-to-play game Fortnite, released in September 2017, has become a hit with 350 million players across multiple gaming platforms including video game consoles, PCs, and Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. The game generated an estimated $2.4 billion in revenue in 2018 and $1.8 billion in 2019, according to SuperData, a Nielsen company.
Fortnite is free to play, but you can buy in-game currency called V-Bucks which is used to purchase new weapons, customized outfits and dances, or emotes, for their in-game personas. When players on Apple and Android devices spend, Apple and Google get a 30% cut of those sales.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has argued that the online marketplaces that sell games – Apple's App Store, the Google Play store and Valve's PC game store Steam –take an unfair cut from game sales and in-game transactions.
Its new mobile payment system for Fortnite players on Android and iOS devices gives players a discount compared to buying through the Apple and Google apps. As of Thursday, players could choose to purchase 1,000 V-Bucks directly from Epic Games for $7.99 – the same price as on PCs or home video game consoles. Through Apple's App Store and Google Play, the same purchase costs $9.99.
It's not Epic's first move against what it considers higher-than-suitable charges. In December 2018, Epic opened its own online PC game download store, charging game makers 12% for sales, to compete with Steam, which also charges a 30% cut on sales.
“It’s about economic efficiency when you have these stores sucking out a huge fraction of the profits from games," Sweeney told The Verge in April 2019. "Valve, Apple, and Google make more profit through there storefront fees than the devs make off their own games.”
Are app stores anti-competitive?
Not inherently. App stores serve as one-stop shopping for consumers for all kinds of applications including games. And the device you use allows you to make a choice on which marketplace to support.
Within the app stores, companies such as Apple and Google curate content and help connect game makers with consumers. "There is value to that," Pachter says. "Epic doesn't dispute the value, but thinks it's closer to 12% than to 30%."
Dan Niles, founding partner of AlphaOne Capital Partners, told CNBC that Apple deserves payment for access to its App Store. “I mean, I have a lot of issues with Apple, but the charges they put on the App Store is not one of them," he said. "I mean, at the end of the day, Epic Games chose to be on the platform; those were the terms. If they didn’t want to do it, they didn’t have to, and they get a lot of benefit from being able to access Apple’s 1.5 billion devices globally.”
Does this mean higher or lower prices?
That depends. If you are currently a Fortnite player on Android or iOS through Epic's payment method, you are getting lower prices with that 20% discount. And Epic's prices on consoles and PCs apparently seem reasonable to the millions who pay for V-Bucks on those platforms.
Developers such as Epic, the company argues in its suit against Apple, are forced to charge higher prices "in order to pay Apple’s app tax.''
Breaking Apple's hold on distribution – and giving developers access to iPhones directly – would lead to to lower prices, says Sandeep Vaheesan, legal director of Open Markets Institute. Tying arrangements, such as software for devices, require consumers to pay for a product that could be priced higher simply because the party – in this case, Apple – has certain power and leverage in the market, he says.
“When firms such as Apple dominate a market, they decide who participates and on what terms," he said in a statement. "Epic’s lawsuit is an important move against Apple’s monopoly in the sale of iPhone apps. The federal judiciary must enforce existing antitrust prohibitions, including the categorical ban on tying by firms with power, and open the app market for iPhone owners and app developers.“
But an open market could lead to consumers paying another way – with less secure and less reliable apps – argues tech consultant and business advisor Shelly Palmer in a blog post. Apple and Google created online malls and they "rent space to 3rd parties. The price is 30% of your sales. For that 'fee,' you are given access to millions of potential customers. There is no version of a mobile Fortnite without the app stores," he said. "The app store guidelines basically ensure a level of quality control for end users."
Alex Kantrowitz, founder of the newsletter Big Technology, told CNBC that Apple should back down, and lower Epic's fee. “Rent collecting is bad for its business long term. So you have to decide as a business, do you want to make your money milking your asset or do you want to make your money innovating into the future?”
In the end, whether prices go up or down will depend on how this standoff is resolved. Still, Pachter is doubtful that developers will reduce prices.
What happens when Fortnite gets an update later this month and current players cannot get the new content? Will their anger be directed at Apple and Google or Epic? And then, what will the response be?
When will this be resolved?
If the disputes play out in the courts, they could take a long time. The parties could come to a settlement.
And the threat of Congressional regulation on big tech – the CEOs of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee two weeks ago – could be enough for Apple to submit.
Apple, in the past, has made deals. It reduced how its cut from 30% to 15% after Spotify subscribers' first year. But Spotify still filed an antitrust complaint against Apple in the European Union last year, charging the "Apple tax" and other App Store measures hamper its growth.
During the April-June quarter, Apple – now valued at nearly $2 trillion – reported revenue from Services, which includes the App Store, Apple Music, iTunes movie rentals and iCloud online storage, of $13.1 billion, up from $11.4 billion a year ago.
Epic, which is private, is braced for battle. Earlier this month, it got $1.78 billion in investments, including $250 million from Sony to acquire a minority interest in Epic, boosting the company's valuation to $17.3 billion.
The influx, Sweeney said in an announcement of the funding, "accelerates Epic’s efforts to build a new kind of digital ecosystem using real-time 3D technology, services that connect hundreds of millions of people, and a digital storefront that offers a fair business model."
Follow Mike Snider on Twitter: @MikeSnider.