usatoday--2020-10-14--Trump keeps talking about fracking in Pennsylvania: Here's what we know about this hot campaign issu

With the election weeks away , fracking has once again become a hot button issue for President Donald Trump 's campaign .
In a Tuesday rally in Johnstown , Pa. , Trump drilled former Vice President Joe Biden 's campaign , saying Biden promises `` no more fracking '' in Pennsylvania if elected .
`` This went on for a year and a half , no fracking , no fracking , no fracking , '' he told the crowd .
Fracking is the act of extracting Marcellus shale natural gas by way of hydraulic drilling , or fracturing .
Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas in the country .
More : In Johnstown , Trump predicts victory in Pa. against the polling odds — just like 2016 Pennsylvania sits on trillions of cubic feet of Marcellus shale natural gas , with most of the state 's active wells drilled in the southwest , northeast and northcentral parts of the state .
The campaigns of both Trump and Joe Biden have been focusing heavily on Pennsylvania , making frequent visits to parts of the state that are home to fracking operations , such as Pittsburgh and Luzerne County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's important to acknowledge Pennsylvania 's relationship with the industry .
Real costs : Pennsylvania 's natural gas industry enjoys tax breaks that save producers hundreds of millions of dollars .
The commonwealth is the largest natural gas producer in the nation that does not impose a severance tax , although it does charge a per-well impact fee .
The most recent tax break , passed in July as House Bill 732 , is an amendment to the Pa. tax code and may save companies up to $ 667 million over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for companies looking to establish themselves in the state .
In turn , the industry is said to have contributed millions to regional economies between 2004 and 2016 .
A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University found this contribution to be about $ 21 million .
But the Delaware Riverkeeper Network argues the real costs of fracking outweigh these benefits , according to a 2019 report .
Washington County bears the highest burden in Pennsylvania , the report said , with residents that live within two miles of active wells paying $ 23.9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northeast Pennsylvania , Bradford County residents who live within two miles of wells pay $ 7.2 million per year .
In the Poconos , the cost for residents living within two miles of wells is $ 2 million for Luzerne County , and $ 300,000 in Wayne .
These costs are incurred when operations contribute to environmental damage or premature deaths related to fracking , according to the report .
Environmental and community safety : In June of this year , state Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Range Resources pleaded `` no contest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well sites in Washington County .
Multiple site investigations revealed the company had contaminated local creek waters , resulting in damage to a small portion of acreage on a nearby farm , which required the removal of approximately 100 trees and 12,000 square feet of soil .
A 2018 pipeline explosion in Beaver County forced the evacuation of dozens of homes `` shooting fire 150 feet into the air . ''
Clean drinking water has also come up in the debate over Marcellus shale and fracking .
The Delaware River runs 330 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maryland .
Marcellus shale underlies 36 % of the river basin .
In September 2017 , the Delaware River Basin Commission , a coalition of experts from the tri-state area , approved a resolution to publish proposed changes to its regulations that would ban high volume hydraulic fracking in the watershed and discourage both the export of water for fracking outside the basin and import of fracking wastewater .
New York included legislation in its 2021 Fiscal Year budget to permanently ban hydraulic fracturing .
The ban was introduced in 2015 after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence of increased water and air pollution related to the process , and a lack of evidence to contradict those concerns .
A 2015 study revealed that several homes in Bradford County had drinking water contaminated by fracking .
Studies suggest that fracking may be to blame for some air pollution .
In this year 's State of the Air Report , the American Lung Association gave Washington County , home to most of Pa. 's fracking operations , a `` C '' grade .
Pittsburgh and the New York-Newark metropolitan area , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a failing grade .
The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre region received a `` C '' grade .
The report highlighted threats to regulations on the natural gas industry as hazardous to air quality .
The Trump administration has attempted to roll back Obama-era regulations on methane emissions .
The regulation requires gas companies to monitor and limit methane leaks from wells .
Climate Point : Trouble in the Galapagos .
Drilling in Alaska ?
And more record heat .
Just how many fracking jobs are there in Pa. ?
Trump has frequently attacked Biden 's stance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ citing the preservation of jobs in the natural gas industry .
In early September , Trump came to Latrobe , Pennsylvania , about an hour east of Pittsburgh , and warned that if fracking were banned it would eliminate 900,000 jobs before claiming a few minutes later that there are 940,000 fracking-related jobs .
That , according to one fact check report , exaggerated the number of industry jobs by 3,500 percent .
Citing an analysis by the environmental group Food & Water Watch , Pittsburgh City Paper ’ s Ryan Deto wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pennsylvania between 2016 and 2018 and that number likely declined in recent years as market prices have declined and companies made cuts .
The industry , though , has historically asserted many more jobs rely on it than some critics have claimed .
A 2017 report commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute claimed the industry supported 322,600 jobs in Pennsylvania , including more than 216,000 related jobs in areas such as services , wholesale and retail , manufacturing , transportation and warehousing , and others .
Data shows that fracking jobs fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Delaware Riverkeeper report attributes a recent low in employment in the industry to falling gas prices and automation reducing the need for labor .
In a 2015 report published in the Agricultural and Resource Economics Review , it was found that half of fracking jobs in Pennsylvania were n't filled by locals .
`` The development of the Marcellus has had only a modest impact on overall employment and that the local employment impact is likely to be even smaller , '' the report says .
According to the report , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ typically attract employees who may commute or relocate for the job .
`` In the case of the Marcellus , many of the jobs created are regional , transitory , '' the report says .
`` The analysis confirms what many local residents have been saying : much of the increase in employment from Marcellus shale development in Pennsylvania has largely benefitted out-of-county and out-of-state residents . ''
In a recent interview with the Pocono Record , U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey said Biden 's plan to curtail domestic energy production , specifically natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden has made conflicting statements on fracking in the past , but his campaign has clarified his position as “ banning new oil and gas permitting on public lands and waters , ” while leaving states alone to decide if they should continue the practice .
Related : How the next presidency could impact economy in the Poconos Trump used Biden 's inconsistencies on fracking against him during Tuesday 's rally , telling crowds Biden flip-flopped on the issue of fracking in Pennsylvania `` like nothing happened . ''
According to Congressman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been `` pandering '' to voters depending on where he is stumping .
`` It 's hard to tell '' where the former vice president stands on fracking , Keller , a Republican , told Fox News .
`` He tells one group one thing , and the other group another thing , depending on his location . ''
Trump has often criticized Biden 's position on fracking , in person and on Twitter .
In Tuesday 's rally , Trump asked the crowd if they `` could imagine '' he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm the opposite of that , by the way , '' Trump said .
Last week , Trump tweeted a video of a town hall in which a member of the audience who hailed from western Pennsylvania asked Biden running mate Kamala Harris her position on fracking .
Trump included his reaction to the video : `` Joe Biden and Kamala Harris BOTH want to BAN FRACKING . ''
When asked if she would commit to a federal ban , Harris responded : `` There 's no question I 'm in favor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in question is footage from a CNN town hall in 2019 , while Harris was campaigning to be the democratic nominee for president , and before Harris joined Biden as his running mate .
In the full version of the clip , available on YouTube , Harris explains her history on fracking in California as it pertains to drilling on public lands and acknowledges possible environmental and public health concerns due to fracking .
The social media stratosphere was quick to call out contradictions on Trump 's pro-fracking stance .
Some called Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time .
This stance could be perceived as contradictory as the fracking industry has been quickly replacing the coal industry in Pennsylvania .
Twitter user @ bbrashaw wrote : `` Fracking for natural gas is putting coal out of business .
Trump is pro fracking .
Trump is pro coal .
How 's that work ? ''
In Pennsylvania , the fracking boom has contributed to a lesser dependence on coal , as natural gas provides a cheaper and cleaner alternative to the fossil fuel .
Trump in the past has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coal industry , ending related tweets with the hashtag : `` # EndingWarOnCoal '' More : President Trump has yet to save the struggling coal industry , numbers show More : Always a battleground : Is Pa. the most important swing state in the 2020 election ?

Ashley Catherine Fontones, Pocono Record

Trump keeps talking about fracking in Pennsylvania: Here's what we know about this hot campaign issue
Show Caption Hide Caption Video: Trump talks about Pa. fracking at Johnstown rally President Donald Trump touted his pro-fracking policies at a campaign rally in Johnstown, Pa. Oct. 14, 2020. Matthew Toth, York Daily Record
With the election weeks away, fracking has once again become a hot button issue for President Donald Trump's campaign.
In a Tuesday rally in Johnstown, Pa., Trump drilled former Vice President Joe Biden's campaign, saying Biden promises "no more fracking" in Pennsylvania if elected.
"This went on for a year and a half, no fracking, no fracking, no fracking," he told the crowd.
Fracking is the act of extracting Marcellus shale natural gas by way of hydraulic drilling, or fracturing. Pennsylvania is the second top producer of natural gas in the country.
More: In Johnstown, Trump predicts victory in Pa. against the polling odds — just like 2016
Pennsylvania sits on trillions of cubic feet of Marcellus shale natural gas, with most of the state's active wells drilled in the southwest, northeast and northcentral parts of the state.
The campaigns of both Trump and Joe Biden have been focusing heavily on Pennsylvania, making frequent visits to parts of the state that are home to fracking operations, such as Pittsburgh and Luzerne County.
To understand this focus on fracking, it's important to acknowledge Pennsylvania's relationship with the industry.
Cost of fracking
Real costs: Pennsylvania's natural gas industry enjoys tax breaks that save producers hundreds of millions of dollars.
The commonwealth is the largest natural gas producer in the nation that does not impose a severance tax, although it does charge a per-well impact fee.
The most recent tax break, passed in July as House Bill 732, is an amendment to the Pa. tax code and may save companies up to $667 million over 25 years. The bill provides incentive for companies looking to establish themselves in the state.
In turn, the industry is said to have contributed millions to regional economies between 2004 and 2016. A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University found this contribution to be about $21 million.
But the Delaware Riverkeeper Network argues the real costs of fracking outweigh these benefits, according to a 2019 report. Washington County bears the highest burden in Pennsylvania, the report said, with residents that live within two miles of active wells paying $23.9 million in fracking-related costs annually. In northeast Pennsylvania, Bradford County residents who live within two miles of wells pay $7.2 million per year. In the Poconos, the cost for residents living within two miles of wells is $2 million for Luzerne County, and $300,000 in Wayne.
These costs are incurred when operations contribute to environmental damage or premature deaths related to fracking, according to the report.
Environmental and community safety: In June of this year, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Range Resources pleaded "no contest" to charges of negligent oversight of well sites in Washington County. Multiple site investigations revealed the company had contaminated local creek waters, resulting in damage to a small portion of acreage on a nearby farm, which required the removal of approximately 100 trees and 12,000 square feet of soil.
A 2018 pipeline explosion in Beaver County forced the evacuation of dozens of homes "shooting fire 150 feet into the air."
Clean drinking water has also come up in the debate over Marcellus shale and fracking.
The Delaware River runs 330 miles from upstate New York through Pennsylvania to Maryland. Marcellus shale underlies 36% of the river basin.
In September 2017, the Delaware River Basin Commission, a coalition of experts from the tri-state area, approved a resolution to publish proposed changes to its regulations that would ban high volume hydraulic fracking in the watershed and discourage both the export of water for fracking outside the basin and import of fracking wastewater.
New York included legislation in its 2021 Fiscal Year budget to permanently ban hydraulic fracturing. The ban was introduced in 2015 after the New York State Department of Health found evidence of increased water and air pollution related to the process, and a lack of evidence to contradict those concerns.
A 2015 study revealed that several homes in Bradford County had drinking water contaminated by fracking.
Studies suggest that fracking may be to blame for some air pollution.
In this year's State of the Air Report, the American Lung Association gave Washington County, home to most of Pa.'s fracking operations, a "C" grade. Pittsburgh and the New York-Newark metropolitan area, which includes the Poconos, both received a failing grade. The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre region received a "C" grade.
The report highlighted threats to regulations on the natural gas industry as hazardous to air quality. The Trump administration has attempted to roll back Obama-era regulations on methane emissions. The regulation requires gas companies to monitor and limit methane leaks from wells.
Climate Point: Trouble in the Galapagos. Drilling in Alaska? And more record heat.
Just how many fracking jobs are there in Pa.?
Trump has frequently attacked Biden's stance on energy in the Keystone State, citing the preservation of jobs in the natural gas industry.
In early September, Trump came to Latrobe, Pennsylvania, about an hour east of Pittsburgh, and warned that if fracking were banned it would eliminate 900,000 jobs before claiming a few minutes later that there are 940,000 fracking-related jobs.
That, according to one fact check report, exaggerated the number of industry jobs by 3,500 percent.
Citing an analysis by the environmental group Food & Water Watch, Pittsburgh City Paper’s Ryan Deto wrote that there were about 26,000 fracking-related jobs in Pennsylvania between 2016 and 2018 and that number likely declined in recent years as market prices have declined and companies made cuts.
The industry, though, has historically asserted many more jobs rely on it than some critics have claimed. A 2017 report commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute claimed the industry supported 322,600 jobs in Pennsylvania, including more than 216,000 related jobs in areas such as services, wholesale and retail, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and others.
Data shows that fracking jobs fell in 2016, even though production increased. The Delaware Riverkeeper report attributes a recent low in employment in the industry to falling gas prices and automation reducing the need for labor.
In a 2015 report published in the Agricultural and Resource Economics Review, it was found that half of fracking jobs in Pennsylvania weren't filled by locals.
"The development of the Marcellus has had only a modest impact on overall employment and that the local employment impact is likely to be even smaller," the report says.
According to the report, fracking jobs are highly specialized, and typically attract employees who may commute or relocate for the job.
"In the case of the Marcellus, many of the jobs created are regional, transitory," the report says. "The analysis confirms what many local residents have been saying: much of the increase in employment from Marcellus shale development in Pennsylvania has largely benefitted out-of-county and out-of-state residents."
Biden's position on fracking
In a recent interview with the Pocono Record, U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey said Biden's plan to curtail domestic energy production, specifically natural gas exploration, would hurt Pennsylvania workers. Biden has made conflicting statements on fracking in the past, but his campaign has clarified his position as “banning new oil and gas permitting on public lands and waters,” while leaving states alone to decide if they should continue the practice.
Related: How the next presidency could impact economy in the Poconos
Trump used Biden's inconsistencies on fracking against him during Tuesday's rally, telling crowds Biden flip-flopped on the issue of fracking in Pennsylvania "like nothing happened."
According to Congressman Fred Keller (PA-12), Biden has been "pandering" to voters depending on where he is stumping.
"It's hard to tell" where the former vice president stands on fracking, Keller, a Republican, told Fox News. "He tells one group one thing, and the other group another thing, depending on his location."
Trump's position on fracking
Trump has often criticized Biden's position on fracking, in person and on Twitter.
In Tuesday's rally, Trump asked the crowd if they "could imagine" he told them he would ban fracking.
"I'm the opposite of that, by the way," Trump said.
Last week, Trump tweeted a video of a town hall in which a member of the audience who hailed from western Pennsylvania asked Biden running mate Kamala Harris her position on fracking. Trump included his reaction to the video: "Joe Biden and Kamala Harris BOTH want to BAN FRACKING."
When asked if she would commit to a federal ban, Harris responded: "There's no question I'm in favor of banning fracking." The clip in question is footage from a CNN town hall in 2019, while Harris was campaigning to be the democratic nominee for president, and before Harris joined Biden as his running mate.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris BOTH want to BAN FRACKING. pic.twitter.com/FpcvoVXcKH — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 8, 2020
In the full version of the clip, available on YouTube, Harris explains her history on fracking in California as it pertains to drilling on public lands and acknowledges possible environmental and public health concerns due to fracking.
The social media stratosphere was quick to call out contradictions on Trump's pro-fracking stance.
I think there’s a story we’re missing here. Fracking for natural gas is putting coal out of business. Trump is pro fracking. Trump is pro coal. How’s that work? https://t.co/V0p2M9j180 pic.twitter.com/4VAfSoEZvP — Brian Brashaw (@bbrashaw) October 12, 2020
Some called Trump out on being pro-fracking and pro-coal at the same time. This stance could be perceived as contradictory as the fracking industry has been quickly replacing the coal industry in Pennsylvania.
Twitter user @bbrashaw wrote: "Fracking for natural gas is putting coal out of business. Trump is pro fracking. Trump is pro coal. How's that work?"
In Pennsylvania, the fracking boom has contributed to a lesser dependence on coal, as natural gas provides a cheaper and cleaner alternative to the fossil fuel.
It is finally happening for our great clean coal miners! https://t.co/suAnjs6Ccz — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 2, 2017
Trump in the past has expressed support for coal miners and the coal industry, ending related tweets with the hashtag: "#EndingWarOnCoal"
USA TODAY Pennsylvania Capitol Bureau reporter J.D. Prose contributed to this story
More: President Trump has yet to save the struggling coal industry, numbers show
More: Always a battleground: Is Pa. the most important swing state in the 2020 election?


usatoday--2020-10-15--Here's what to know about the Joe Biden, Donald Trump competing town halls tonight

WASHINGTON — In lieu of a second debate , President Donald Trump and his Democratic opponent Joe Biden will participate in competing town halls Thursday night .
The candidates were originally scheduled to square off in a town hall debate on this day in Miami .
But the Commission on Presidential Debates last week announced the debate would be held virtually due to the president 's COVID-19 diagnosis on Oct. 1 .
Trump quickly swatted down the idea of participating in a virtual debate , and his campaign later asked that the second and third debates be pushed back a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dates , and said that they would not hold a town hall debate with just one candidate .
The debate was officially cancelled on Friday .
Biden ’ s campaign was quick to announce a town hall after the president initially backed out of the planned second debate .
The former vice president 's town hall will be hosted by ABC News at 8 p.m .
ET .
The president 's town hall is scheduled for the same time , but on NBC News .
Stakes are high for both candidates With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election , the competing events will act as one of the final moments for each candidate to energize their base and swing undecided voters to their side .
Grant Reeher , a political science professor at Syracuse University ’ s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs , told USA TODAY that Trump could be looking to recover after being largely criticized for his performance in the first presidential debate last month , where the candidates traded insults and crosstalk clogged much of the conversation .
`` I think there 's more pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in terms of the way he comes across in this event , '' Reeher said .
Reeher said the format for Thursday 's event is a benefit to Biden , who is `` naturally more comfortable '' than Trump in a town hall , adding `` this is a format that 's really made for , like a Bill Clinton or Joe Biden .
Someone that is interested in connecting with every individual that they meet . ''
Trump will also be looking to boost his standing in the polls , which have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to double digits .
The former vice president appears to also be making gains in key battleground states like Pennsylvania , Michigan and Wisconsin .
In addition , more than 14 million Americans have already voted , so time is running out for both candidates to convince a dwindling number of undecided voters .
What to expect from both events For Trump 's town hall , the president will meet with `` a group of Florida voters on critical issues impacting their vote less than three weeks before Election Day , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be outside and moderated by “ Today '' show co-host Savannah Guthrie .
While new details on Biden 's town hall have n't been released , including the location , ABC said last week that the event will be held `` in accordance with state and local government health and safety regulations , as well as guidelines set forward by health officials . ''
The competing town halls have caused some backlash online .
`` Having dueling town halls is bad for democracy-voters should be able to watch both and I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Katie Couric wrote in a tweet .
`` This will be good for Trump because people like to watch his unpredictability .
This is a bad decision .
# vote '' But Reheer , of Syracuse University , noted that the final debate will likely be the one that holds the most impact for voters .
The two candidates will square off in one last debate on Oct. 22 in Nashville .
Both campaigns have agreed to the Nashville debate , according to the commission .
Reeher said that while there probably is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could be swayed , doubts can still be raised among voters who have not yet cast a ballot for either candidate .
He said Trump could raise doubts among people in certain income levels of what Biden presidency looks like , especially with a Democratic-controlled Congress .
Biden , on the other hand , could still hit Trump on his response to the coronavirus pandemic and make voters second guess their choice , Reeher said .
`` There 's room on both sides for ... raising some doubts about the other candidates @ @ @ @ @

Here's what to know about the Joe Biden, Donald Trump competing town halls tonight
Show Caption Hide Caption Who won the presidential debate is in the eye of the beholder Who won the presidential debate is in the eye of the beholder as Trump and Biden argue, giving little of substance to voters and both claiming victory. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — In lieu of a second debate, President Donald Trump and his Democratic opponent Joe Biden will participate in competing town halls Thursday night.
The candidates were originally scheduled to square off in a town hall debate on this day in Miami. But the Commission on Presidential Debates last week announced the debate would be held virtually due to the president's COVID-19 diagnosis on Oct. 1.
Trump quickly swatted down the idea of participating in a virtual debate, and his campaign later asked that the second and third debates be pushed back a week. The commission declined to change the dates, and said that they would not hold a town hall debate with just one candidate. The debate was officially cancelled on Friday.
Biden’s campaign was quick to announce a town hall after the president initially backed out of the planned second debate. The former vice president's town hall will be hosted by ABC News at 8 p.m. ET. The president's town hall is scheduled for the same time, but on NBC News.
Stakes are high for both candidates
With only 19 days until the Nov. 3 election, the competing events will act as one of the final moments for each candidate to energize their base and swing undecided voters to their side.
Grant Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, told USA TODAY that Trump could be looking to recover after being largely criticized for his performance in the first presidential debate last month, where the candidates traded insults and crosstalk clogged much of the conversation.
"I think there's more pressure on (Trump) to remedy that in terms of the way he comes across in this event," Reeher said.
Reeher said the format for Thursday's event is a benefit to Biden, who is "naturally more comfortable" than Trump in a town hall, adding "this is a format that's really made for, like a Bill Clinton or Joe Biden. Someone that is interested in connecting with every individual that they meet."
Trump will also be looking to boost his standing in the polls, which have shown him trailing Biden by mid-single digits up to double digits. The former vice president appears to also be making gains in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. In addition, more than 14 million Americans have already voted, so time is running out for both candidates to convince a dwindling number of undecided voters.
Trump says he'll 'kiss everyone' in crowd at Florida rally President Trump claimed himself cured of COVID-19 and said he is "immune" from the virus. Some medical professionals say there is no guarantee of that. Associated Press, USA TODAY
What to expect from both events
For Trump's town hall, the president will meet with "a group of Florida voters on critical issues impacting their vote less than three weeks before Election Day," NBC said. The town hall will be outside and moderated by “Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie.
While new details on Biden's town hall haven't been released, including the location, ABC said last week that the event will be held "in accordance with state and local government health and safety regulations, as well as guidelines set forward by health officials."
The competing town halls have caused some backlash online.
"Having dueling town halls is bad for democracy-voters should be able to watch both and I don’t think many will," journalist Katie Couric wrote in a tweet. "This will be good for Trump because people like to watch his unpredictability. This is a bad decision. #vote"
Will Donald Trump participate in any more debates? – States of America Phillip Bailey and guests discuss the presidential debates and what we learned from the VP debate, including thoughts from the moderator, Susan Page. States of America, USA TODAY
But Reheer, of Syracuse University, noted that the final debate will likely be the one that holds the most impact for voters. The two candidates will square off in one last debate on Oct. 22 in Nashville. Both campaigns have agreed to the Nashville debate, according to the commission.
Reeher said that while there probably isn't a large group of undecided voters that could be swayed, doubts can still be raised among voters who have not yet cast a ballot for either candidate.
He said Trump could raise doubts among people in certain income levels of what Biden presidency looks like, especially with a Democratic-controlled Congress. Biden, on the other hand, could still hit Trump on his response to the coronavirus pandemic and make voters second guess their choice, Reeher said.
"There's room on both sides for ... raising some doubts about the other candidates," he said.
Contributing: Savannah Behrmann, Joey Garrison and David Jackson


usatoday--2020-10-15--Pro Football Hall of Fame member, two-time Super Bowl champion Fred Dean dies at 68

Fred Dean , Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and two-time Super Bowl winner , died Wednesday at the age of 68 .
Although sacks did not become an official recorded stat until the twilight of his career , Dean was a prolific and feared pass-rusher during his 11-year career between the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers .
Born in Louisiana , Dean played his college football at Louisiana Tech , where he was on some dominant teams before the Chargers selected him 33rd overall in the 1975 draft .
Dean spent the first six full seasons of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first Pro Bowl selection in 1979 and first All-Pro nod the next year .
Three games into the 1981 season , the San Francisco 49ers traded for the 6-foot-3 , 230-pound lineman , and Dean rewarded that decision by being an All-Pro for the second straight season .
Playing for legendary San Francisco coach Bill Walsh , Dean won two Super Bowls ( XVI and XIX ) .
In 1983 , he made the Pro Bowl for the fourth and final time in his career .
Sacks did not become an official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dean was limited to nine games and one start .
But in the next season , he recorded 17.5 sacks .
His 141-game career ended after the 1985 season and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008 .
According to the San Jose Mercury News , former 49ers teammate Dwight Hicks posted on his private Facebook account that Dean had been battling COVID-19 .
No cause of death was given in the Hall of Fame 's death announcement .
`` The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Fame president and CEO David Baker said in a statement .
`` He exemplified many of the values learned from this great game – commitment , integrity , courage – over the course of his life .
Our thoughts and prayers are with Fred ’ s wife , Pam , and their entire family .
We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations .
The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Fred ’ s memory . ''

Pro Football Hall of Fame member, two-time Super Bowl champion Fred Dean dies at 68
Fred Dean, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and two-time Super Bowl winner, died Wednesday at the age of 68.
Although sacks did not become an official recorded stat until the twilight of his career, Dean was a prolific and feared pass-rusher during his 11-year career between the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers.
Born in Louisiana, Dean played his college football at Louisiana Tech, where he was on some dominant teams before the Chargers selected him 33rd overall in the 1975 draft.
Dean spent the first six full seasons of his career in San Diego, earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 1979 and first All-Pro nod the next year. Three games into the 1981 season, the San Francisco 49ers traded for the 6-foot-3, 230-pound lineman, and Dean rewarded that decision by being an All-Pro for the second straight season.
Playing for legendary San Francisco coach Bill Walsh, Dean won two Super Bowls (XVI and XIX). In 1983, he made the Pro Bowl for the fourth and final time in his career.
Sacks did not become an official stat until the 1982 season, when Dean was limited to nine games and one start. But in the next season, he recorded 17.5 sacks. His 141-game career ended after the 1985 season and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008.
According to the San Jose Mercury News, former 49ers teammate Dwight Hicks posted on his private Facebook account that Dean had been battling COVID-19. No cause of death was given in the Hall of Fame's death announcement.
"The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Fred Dean," Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said in a statement. "He exemplified many of the values learned from this great game – commitment, integrity, courage – over the course of his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Fred’s wife, Pam, and their entire family. We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Fred’s memory."
Follow Chris Bumbaca on Twitter @BOOMbaca.


usatoday--2020-10-15--'We don't think it's a hoax': Only three U.S. counties left without COVID cases. How did they avoid

'We don't think it's a hoax': Only three U.S. counties left without COVID cases. How did they avoid the virus?

Nine months into a pandemic that shows no signs of relenting , it seems like the coronavirus has reached into every corner of the U.S. Well , not quite , but it ’ s close .
Three counties – technically two and a borough – remain as the lone holdouts , fighting off the virus and reporting no cases of COVID-19 so far .
They are Esmeralda County in Nevada , Loving County in Texas and Skagway in Alaska , which uses the term “ boroughs ’ ’ rather than “ counties.
’ ’ All three are remotely located and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key factors in allowing them to escape a scourge that has sickened 7.9 million Americans and killed more than 216,000 .
Esmeralda , with 826 residents over nearly 3,600 square miles , and Loving , with 169 residents spread over 677 square miles , have the smallest population per area of any counties in the contiguous U.S. Skagway is more densely populated with 1,095 residents concentrated on 20 blocks , but the port hamlet on the southeastern panhandle of Alaska – near the northern edge of British Columbia – is surrounded by mountains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Road travel into Canada has been restricted because of the pandemic .
When King County in Texas registered the first coronavirus infection among its approximately 280 inhabitants Tuesday , those three counties were left as the final pieces of unbroken resistance to the virus .
Dr. Steven Woolf , director emeritus of the Center on Society and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University , said the U.S. has failed to implement the necessary policies to control the pandemic , which helps explain why it has recorded more cases and deaths that any country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
: Is it the flu or COVID-19 ?
How to tell the difference “ The virus didn ’ t get to all those counties by hopping on a bus .
This is being transmitted by humans , ’ ’ Woolf said .
“ The policies we ’ ve relaxed have allowed people to transmit the virus , because they ’ re not wearing masks , they ’ re not social distancing , they ’ re gathering in large groups , they ’ re going to football games , they ’ re attending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry the virus on to a new destination.
’ ’ Even while avoiding the virus , Skagway has paid a steep price .
Usually a regular stop on the popular Inside Passage cruise ship route , the borough has seen its economy devastated by the trip cancellations forced by the COVID-19 outbreaks .
Not a single ship arrived at its port this year .
Borough manager Brad Ryan said most of the residents are receiving assistance checks from a reserve fund , and the municipality “ would be in dire , dire straits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
The additional 1,200 jobs usually created by the influx of cruise travelers from mid-spring through the summer disappeared this year , and along with them the 2,000 temporary residents who normally triple the size of Skagway for several months .
“ Life is completely different , ’ ’ Ryan said .
“ Starting in April , we would have seen cruise ships come in here and 12,000-18,000 people a day walking off the ships and walking around the town .
Then when they went back to the ship , you would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full of the people that are here working.
’ ’ Their absence did help keep the virus at bay , as did efforts to offer free testing and emphasize the importance of wearing masks , keeping social distance and encouraging those coming in from elsewhere to isolate themselves for 14 days .
Getting at the truth : Fact check : Viral post that claims COVID-19 is a fraud cites no evidence The roughly 100 children in school are attending classes in person but with precautions that include regular screenings , eating lunch in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school sports .
That last preventive measure has been particularly hard , said Ryan , who worries about how the borough will continue to dodge the virus as the approaching cold weather forces people indoors .
“ Right now everybody would be going and watching all the kids playing basketball , ’ ’ Ryan said .
“ It ’ s a community event everybody goes to and it ’ s not happening , so people are really missing that social interaction.
’ ’ Folks in Esmeralda County , a mining and agricultural community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are used to less-frequent interaction .
The county ’ s largest townships house about 300 people , and glitzy Las Vegas is a three-hour drive away .
Depending on where they live in the county , residents may be more than 100 miles from the nearest hospital , making it imperative that they steer clear of the virus .
Esmeralda Sheriff Ken Elgan said the few markets and businesses in the county have followed CDC guidelines , and residents have been wearing masks when going out in public .
Elgan said he hasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If he had , Elgan could tell them about his daughter , a nurse in Louisiana who got infected and had to spend four day in a hospital .
“ Our people have worked really hard , on their own basically , to stay COVID-19-free , ’ ’ said Elgan , whose county has drawn interest recently from media outlets .
“ We all take it seriously .
That ’ s why we don ’ t have any cases of it .
We don ’ t think it ’ s a hoax @ @ @

These are the last counties in America with no COVID-19 cases: How did they avoid the virus?
Nine months into a pandemic that shows no signs of relenting, it seems like the coronavirus has reached into every corner of the U.S.
Well, not quite, but it’s close.
Until Thursday, three counties – technically two and a borough – remained as the lone holdouts, fighting off the virus and reporting no cases of COVID-19. They are Esmeralda County in Nevada, Loving County in Texas and Skagway in Alaska, which uses the term “boroughs’’ rather than “counties.’’
But perhaps it is inevitable that even those counties may be getting only a temporary reprieve. At 12:40 p.m. Alaska Time on Thursday, Skagway announced its first case in a statement from borough clerk Emily Deach that advised residents to "shelter in place until contact tracing is complete.''
All three counties are remotely located and have fewer than 1,100 residents, undoubtedly key factors in allowing them for so long to escape a scourge that has sickened 7.9 million Americans and killed more than 216,000.
Esmeralda, with 826 residents over nearly 3,600 square miles, and Loving, with 169 residents spread over 677 square miles, have the smallest population per area of any counties in the contiguous U.S.
Skagway is more densely populated with 1,095 residents concentrated on 20 blocks, but the port hamlet on the southeastern panhandle of Alaska – near the northern edge of British Columbia – is surrounded by mountains and reachable mostly by air or water. Road travel into Canada has been restricted because of the pandemic.
When King County in Texas registered the first coronavirus infection among its approximately 280 inhabitants Tuesday, those three counties were left as the final pieces of unbroken resistance to the virus. Now there are only two.
Dr. Steven Woolf, director emeritus of the Center on Society and Health at Virginia Commonwealth University, said the U.S. has failed to implement the necessary policies to control the pandemic, which helps explain why it has recorded more cases and deaths that any country in the world.
Which is which?: Is it the flu or COVID-19? How to tell the difference
“The virus didn’t get to all those counties by hopping on a bus. This is being transmitted by humans,’’ Woolf said. “The policies we’ve relaxed have allowed people to transmit the virus because they’re not wearing masks, they’re not social distancing, they’re gathering in large groups, they’re going to football games, they’re attending political rallies and creating superspreader events that carry the virus on to a new destination.’’
Even while avoiding the virus until Thursday, Skagway has paid a steep price. Usually a regular stop on the popular Inside Passage cruise ship route, the borough has seen its economy devastated by the trip cancellations forced by the COVID-19 outbreaks. Not a single ship arrived at its port this year.
Borough manager Brad Ryan said most of the residents are receiving assistance checks from a reserve fund, and the municipality “would be in dire, dire straits’’ if it lost another tourist season.
The additional 1,200 jobs usually created by the influx of cruise travelers from mid-spring through the summer disappeared this year, and along with them the 2,000 temporary residents who normally triple the size of Skagway for several months.
“Life is completely different,’’ Ryan said. “Starting in April, we would have seen cruise ships come in here and 12,000-18,000 people a day walking off the ships and walking around the town. Then when they went back to the ship, you would have seen all the restaurants and bars full of the people that are here working.’’
Their absence did help keep the virus at bay, as did efforts to offer free testing and emphasize the importance of wearing masks, keeping social distance and encouraging those coming in from elsewhere to isolate themselves for 14 days.
Getting at the truth: Fact check: Viral post that claims COVID-19 is a fraud cites no evidence
The roughly 100 children in school are attending classes in person but with precautions that include regular screenings, eating lunch in the classrooms and hardly any participation in school sports.
That last preventive measure has been particularly hard, said Ryan, who worries about the borough preventing spread of the virus as the approaching cold weather forces people indoors.
“Right now everybody would be going and watching all the kids playing basketball,’’ Ryan said. “It’s a community event everybody goes to and it’s not happening, so people are really missing that social interaction.’’
Folks in Esmeralda County, a mining and agricultural community that borders California on the west, are used to less-frequent interaction. The county’s largest townships house about 300 people, and glitzy Las Vegas is a three-hour drive away.
Depending on where they live in the county, residents may be more than 100 miles from the nearest hospital, making it imperative that they steer clear of the virus.
Esmeralda Sheriff Ken Elgan said the few markets and businesses in the county have followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, and residents have been wearing masks when going out in public.
Elgan said he hasn’t been running into virus skeptics. If he had, Elgan could tell them about his daughter, a nurse in Louisiana who got infected and had to spend four days in a hospital.
“Our people have worked really hard, on their own basically, to stay COVID-19-free,’’ said Elgan, whose county has drawn interest recently from media outlets. “We all take it seriously. That’s why we don’t have any cases of it. We don’t think it’s a hoax.’’


usatoday--2020-10-15--Cameron Peak Fire grows to largest in Colorado's history

Huge clouds of smoke rose from the Cameron Peak Fire in north Colorado as high winds from a cold front @ @ @ @ @ flames on October 14 .

Cameron Peak Fire grows to largest in Colorado's history
Huge clouds of smoke rose from the Cameron Peak Fire in north Colorado as high winds from a cold front in the area fanned the flames on October 14.
Storyful


usatoday--2020-10-15--2020 election live updates: Trump and Biden holding town halls; final Amy Coney Barrett hearing

Americans will hear from Donald Trump and Joe Biden on Thursday after all , though not in a debate and on separate channels with different hosts .
The president and his Democratic challenger will each hold town halls Thursday evening after the second presidential debate , originally set for Miami , was canceled earlier this month .
Both events start at 8 p.m. EDT .
Biden is in Philadelphia on ABC with George Stephanopoulos and Trump is in Miami with Savannah Guthrie .
The final presidential debate is still scheduled for Oct. 22 in Nashville .
Expect some town hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett , Trump 's Supreme Court nominee , whose fourth and final day of confirmation hearings is Thursday .
The closing hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee will feature legal experts and character witnesses .
Democrats have conceded Republicans have the votes to push Barrett 's nomination through , but they have still spent this week asking the judge pointed questions on abortion , voting rights and the Affordable Care Act .
• First lady Melania Trump said Wednesday that after an initial test , 14-year-old Barron Trump tested positive for COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ deciding to host President Donald Trump 's town hall on Thursday .
📆 19 days until Election Day , seven days until the final presidential debate , 97 days until Inauguration Day , 79 days left in 2020 .
🗳 Voting : See USA TODAY 's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote , when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues .
We will update this article throughout the day .
You can follow all of USA TODAY 's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled visit from Sen. Kamala Harris to Asheville , North Carolina , on Thursday as in-person early voting kicks off has been canceled , campaign staff said shortly before Harris was set to arrive at the Asheville Regional Airport .
A campaign staffer told media gathered at the airport that the event was off and to expect a news release with more detail shortly .
No other details were given .
DES MOINES – Facing tightening polls with less than three weeks before Election Day , President Donald Trump sought to appeal to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iowa , a state he won handily just four years ago .
`` You 're a big state to me , '' Trump told thousands of supporters at Des Moines International Airport .
`` You have tremendous influence and tremendous power and you 've never let me down . ''
The president appeared at his third rally in as many days more than a week after he was hospitalized for COVID-19 .
Trump is looking to close the gap with Biden , who has consistently maintained an edge over the president in national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The pair remain locked in a dead heat in Iowa , but the former vice president leads Trump by 6 points in Michigan and Nevada , according to a CBS/YouGov poll taken between Oct. 6-9 .
Trump disputed polls showing him tied or behind Biden , insisting that his campaign has `` more enthusiasm now than we ever did four years ago . ''
COVID stimulus update : Mnuchin says deal before election would be 'difficult' Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Wednesday that passing another COVID-19 stimulus package before the election would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ d say at this point getting something done before the election and executing on that would be difficult , just given where we are , ” he said at the Milken Institute Global Conference .
The Republican-controlled Senate is set to act on a roughly $ 500 billion stimulus proposal next week , an amount rejected by congressional Democrats as insufficient to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic .
The last White House offer of about $ 1.8 trillion was also rejected by House Democrats , who have held fast to their $ 2.2 trillion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , as part of ongoing stimulus negotiations Wednesday .
The two will meet again Thursday .

2020 election updates: Harris cancels events after staffer tests positive for COVID, while Trump says no daily testing
Show Caption Hide Caption Barrett hearing: Sen. Kamala Harris talks women's right to an abortion Sen. Kamala Harris highlighted the impact Barrett could have on a woman's right to an abortion on the second day of confirmation hearings. USA TODAY
Americans will hear from Donald Trump and Joe Biden on Thursday after all, though not in a debate, and on separate channels with different hosts.
The president and his Democratic challenger will each hold town halls Thursday evening after the second presidential debate was canceled after Trump refused to participate virtually. Both events start at 8 p.m. EDT. Biden is in Philadelphia on ABC with George Stephanopoulos and Trump is in Miami with Savannah Guthrie on NBC, which has come under fire for its decision.
The final presidential debate is still scheduled for Oct. 22 in Nashville.
Expect some town hall discussion to focus on Judge Amy Coney Barrett, Trump's Supreme Court nominee, whose fourth and final day of confirmation hearings wrapped up Thursday. The closing hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee featured legal experts and character witnesses.
☕ The latest:
📆 19 days until Election Day, seven days until the final presidential debate, 97 days until Inauguration Day, 79 days left in 2020.
🗳 Voting: See USA TODAY's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote, when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues.
We will update this article throughout the day. You can follow all of USA TODAY's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday after voting early in Louisville, Kentucky, “we have the votes” to confirm Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett.
The full Senate would start to consider her nomination on Oct. 23, he said, a day after the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to vote on her nomination, which would move the final confirmation vote to the full Senate.
McConnell's pledge to bring Barrett's nomination forward one day after she is likely to clear the Senate Judiciary Committee means the soonest the full Senate could vote to confirm her would be Oct. 26, eight days before Election Day.
"We'll go to the floor with her on Friday, the 23rd and stay on it until we finish this," McConnell said, adding "We have the votes."
Democrats have conceded Republicans have the votes, but have still spent this week asking the judge pointed questions on abortion, voting rights and the Affordable Care Act.
- Nicholas Wu and Christal Hayes
Trump praised Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett’s performance at her confirmation hearing this week, telling supporters in North Carolina on Thursday that she was “flawless.
During an airport campaign rally in Greenville, North Carolina, Trump lauded Barrett as “a great intellect” and boasted that she was “toying” with Democrats who grilled her during her hearing.
Trump’s rally in North Carolina – a key battleground in the Nov. 3 election – is his first stop on a two-day campaign swing that also will take him to Ocala, Florida, and Macon, Georgia.
It was also Trump’s fourth rally in as many days as he tries to close the gap with Biden. Biden has consistently maintained an edge over Trump in national polls and in some key battleground states, including North Carolina.
Trump beat Hillary Clinton by 3 percentage points in North Carolina in 2016, but polls show a close race in the state this year. Biden holds a 3.3 percentage point lead over Trump in the Tar Heel State in the RealClearPolitics average of polls.
– Michael Collins
Four years after Democrats were burned by polls, Joe Biden’s presidential campaign is pushing back at pundits on Twitter who are convinced the former vice president has the inside track against Trump.
Recent polls show Biden has built a double-digit lead nationally and widened his leads in several key battleground states.
Biden campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon sought to stop any early celebrating and refocus the Biden troops on the work still ahead.
“[T]here is still a long way to go in this campaign, and we think this race is far closer than folks on this website think. Like a lot closer,” O’Malley Dillon said in a series of tweets Wednesday announcing the campaign’s record-setting fundraising totals.
Now: Early voting is already underway in many states. Millions of voters have already cast their ballots. But there is still a long way to go in this campaign, and we think this race is far closer than folks on this website think. Like a lot closer. (4/?) — Jen O'Malley Dillon (@jomalleydillon) October 15, 2020
Biden’s polling lead comes four years after Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton also led national polling and was seen by most election forecasters as the frontrunner.
There are some key differences, however, this year: Biden is more consistently topping 50% in polls than Clinton did. He has larger leads in battleground states. Third-party candidates are getting a smaller share of the vote. There are fewer undecided voters. And Biden has maintained a consistent lead throughout a race that has seen little tightening.
- Joey Garrison
Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, canceled campaign trips to key battleground states through Sunday after two people associated with the campaign tested positive for COVID-19.
Harris had planned to campaign Thursday in North Carolina, in Asheville and Charlotte; on Friday in Cleveland; and on Saturday in Pennsylvania, in Allentown and Philadelphia.
The positive tests late Wednesday included a flight crew member, who doesn't work for the campaign, and the senator’s communications director, Liz Allen, according to Biden campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon. Harris wasn’t in close contact with either person within two days of the tests and so faces no obligation to quarantine, Dillon said.
“Regardless, out of an abundance of caution and in line with our campaign’s commitment to the highest levels of precaution, we are canceling Senator Harris’s travel through Sunday, October 18th,” Dillon said.
– Bart Jansen
Harris events canceled: Sen. Kamala Harris cancels trips after two linked to campaign test positive for COVID-19
Two weeks after he tested positive for COVID-19, Trump said Thursday he is not tested for the virus every day.
"Not every day, but I'm tested a lot," Trump said during an interview on Fox Business Network.
Doctors have declared Trump symptom-free, allowing him to return to the campaign trail this week, including scheduled appearances Thursday in the swing states of North Carolina and Florida.
Trump has refused to disclose his testing history before he announced his positive test with a tweet in the early morning hours of Oct. 2. That leaves open the possibility Trump was infected in previous days that included a fundraiser in New Jersey, a rally in Minnesota, and a debate with Biden in Cleveland.
For months, Trump and his aides claimed he was tested every day; since he contracted the virus, they have said he was only tested "regularly."
Trump has a rally in Greenville, N.C., today. During the Fox interview, Trump rejected the notion that the rallies are contributing to the spread of COVID-19. The events are outside, Trump said, and many of his supporters wear masks, citing an event Wednesday in Des Moines, Iowa.
"There were many, many people wearing masks," Trump said.
– David Jackson
Biden said Wednesday he raised $383 million in campaign funds in September, breaking the one-month record for a presidential candidate that he set the month before.
It leaves the Biden campaign with a robust $432 million on hand less than 20 days before the Nov. 3 election, according to campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillion.
“That’s more than I’ve ever raised in my whole life,” Biden said in a video chat with a supporter posted by the campaign. “I’m really humbled by it.”
The record-setting fundraising haul comes as the better-financed Biden campaign is already outspending President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign significantly on television advertising in battleground states.
Biden fundraising: Joe Biden outraises President Donald Trump by more than $150M in August
The fundraising figure is the combination of money raised by the Biden campaign, the Democratic National Committee and their joint fundraising efforts.
O’Malley Dillon said the campaign raised $203 million through online donations and had 1.1 million new donors last month, raising the number of unique donors to 5.5 million throughout the campaign.
The Trump campaign did not respond to a request seeking Trump’s fundraising totals for September. The campaign has until Oct. 20 to submit their financial documents to the Federal Election Commission.
In August, Biden raised $364.5 million, shattering the $210 million raised by the Trump campaign by $154.5 million.
– Joey Garrison


usatoday--2020-10-15--'We don't think it's a hoax': Only three counties in American haven't had COVID-19 cases. How did th

'We don't think it's a hoax': Only three counties in American haven't had COVID-19 cases. How did they avoid the virus?


Retirement 🏦

Many seniors worry about running out of money in retirement .
And that 's a valid concern .
The truth is , you can save diligently throughout your career , but if you 're not careful about how much you spend as a senior , you nest egg can quickly get depleted .
That 's why it 's important to not only follow a retirement budget , but aim to keep your expenses as low as possible .
And here are a few ways to accomplish the latter .
You 'll often hear that downsizing makes sense in retirement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost you less money to live in and maintain .
But actually , when it comes to housing costs , less square footage does n't necessarily mean less of an expense .
If you trade in your 2,500-square-foot suburban home for a 600-square-foot apartment in a major metro area , you may find that the latter results in a higher mortgage payment .
Could you live on $ 18,168 a year in retirement ?
: Here 's why you might have to if you rely on Social Security .
More : From assessing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are 6 easy steps to retirement planning Rather than focus on the size of your home , aim to simply spend less on a home .
Downsizing might help you accomplish that goal , but you may also find that if you move from a 2,500-square-foot home right outside a city to the same-sized home in a more rural area , your expenses -- namely , your mortgage and property taxes – will go down .
( And to be clear , not every senior manages to enter retirement mortgage-free , so you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with once your career ends . )
The state you move to could dictate how much money you 're forced to spend on taxes in retirement , so relocating strategically could really cut your costs .
You may want to consider choosing a state with no income tax : Alaska , Florida , Nevada , South Dakota , Texas , Washington , and Wyoming all fit this bill .
You may also want to choose a state that does n't impose taxes on Social Security benefits .
Right now , there are 13 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It costs an average of $ 9,282 per year to own a vehicle .
If you 're able to live someplace in retirement that does n't require you to have your own car , you could save a fortune .
Plus , all of that walking is apt to be great for your health , so you might shave down your medical costs as an added bonus .
Keep in mind that even if you move someplace where a car is n't required , you may not be able to walk everywhere .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that public transportation is often discounted for seniors , so you may find that you still save a bundle even if you wind up taking the bus three times a week .
Healthcare is another major expense for seniors , but you can keep your personal costs down by choosing the right Medicare coverage .
If you stick with original Medicare , you 'll need to select a Part D drug plan every year .
Researching your plan choices could result in major savings – think lower premiums and copays .
More : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check could among the smallest ever next year Another option you might consider is enrolling in Medicare Advantage instead of original Medicare .
You may find that your premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses are lower with Medicare Advantage , especially since Advantage plans generally cover key services like dental care , vision exams , and hearing tests , whereas original Medicare does not .
When you 're no longer working , you 'll need something meaningful to do with your time .
And to that end , the more creative you are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financially strained you 'll be .
To get started , think about your interests .
If you 're the outdoorsy type , you can explore free parks or hiking trails in your area , or see if it 's possible to get involved in a community garden .
If you like culture , look into free classes or concerts at community centers or free admission days at local museums .
Of course , this is n't to say that you ca n't or should n't treat yourself to the occasional afternoon at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you make a point to pursue free entertainment , you 'll stretch your savings nicely .
You deserve to spend your senior years feeling financially secure .
Make an effort to keep your retirement expenses to a minimum , and you 'll have less to worry about as you navigate this new and exciting stage of life .
The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news , analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives .
Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The $ 16,728 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you 're like most Americans , you 're a few years ( or more ) behind on your retirement savings .
But a handful of little-known `` Social Security secrets '' could help ensure a boost in your retirement income .
For example : one easy trick could pay you as much as $ 16,728 more ... each year !
Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits , we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here to discover how to learn more about these strategies .

Here are 5 ways to cut costs in retirement and stretch your savings
Many seniors worry about running out of money in retirement. And that's a valid concern.
The truth is, you can save diligently throughout your career, but if you're not careful about how much you spend as a senior, you nest egg can quickly get depleted. That's why it's important to not only follow a retirement budget, but aim to keep your expenses as low as possible. And here are a few ways to accomplish the latter.
1. Move to a less expensive home
You'll often hear that downsizing makes sense in retirement, since a smaller home is apt to cost you less money to live in and maintain. But actually, when it comes to housing costs, less square footage doesn't necessarily mean less of an expense. If you trade in your 2,500-square-foot suburban home for a 600-square-foot apartment in a major metro area, you may find that the latter results in a higher mortgage payment.
Could you live on $18,168 a year in retirement?: Here's why you might have to if you rely on Social Security.
More: From assessing income sources to asset allocation, here are 6 easy steps to retirement planning
Rather than focus on the size of your home, aim to simply spend less on a home. Downsizing might help you accomplish that goal, but you may also find that if you move from a 2,500-square-foot home right outside a city to the same-sized home in a more rural area, your expenses -- namely, your mortgage and property taxes – will go down. (And to be clear, not every senior manages to enter retirement mortgage-free, so you may indeed have housing payments to contend with once your career ends.)
2. Relocate someplace with more favorable tax treatment
The state you move to could dictate how much money you're forced to spend on taxes in retirement, so relocating strategically could really cut your costs. You may want to consider choosing a state with no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming all fit this bill. You may also want to choose a state that doesn't impose taxes on Social Security benefits. Right now, there are 13 states that fall into this category.
3. Move to a walkable city
It costs an average of $9,282 per year to own a vehicle. If you're able to live someplace in retirement that doesn't require you to have your own car, you could save a fortune. Plus, all of that walking is apt to be great for your health, so you might shave down your medical costs as an added bonus.
Keep in mind that even if you move someplace where a car isn't required, you may not be able to walk everywhere. The good news, though, is that public transportation is often discounted for seniors, so you may find that you still save a bundle even if you wind up taking the bus three times a week.
4. Choose the right Medicare plan
Healthcare is another major expense for seniors, but you can keep your personal costs down by choosing the right Medicare coverage. If you stick with original Medicare, you'll need to select a Part D drug plan every year. Researching your plan choices could result in major savings – think lower premiums and copays.
More: Why the increase in your Social Security check could among the smallest ever next year
Another option you might consider is enrolling in Medicare Advantage instead of original Medicare. You may find that your premium costs and out-of-pocket expenses are lower with Medicare Advantage, especially since Advantage plans generally cover key services like dental care, vision exams, and hearing tests, whereas original Medicare does not.
5. Seek out free entertainment
When you're no longer working, you'll need something meaningful to do with your time. And to that end, the more creative you are in seeking out free entertainment, the less financially strained you'll be.
To get started, think about your interests. If you're the outdoorsy type, you can explore free parks or hiking trails in your area, or see if it's possible to get involved in a community garden. If you like culture, look into free classes or concerts at community centers or free admission days at local museums. Of course, this isn't to say that you can't or shouldn't treat yourself to the occasional afternoon at the movies or the mall. But if you make a point to pursue free entertainment, you'll stretch your savings nicely.
You deserve to spend your senior years feeling financially secure. Make an effort to keep your retirement expenses to a minimum, and you'll have less to worry about as you navigate this new and exciting stage of life.
The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.
Offer from the Motley Fool: The $16,728 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook
If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $16,728 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies.


usatoday--2020-10-16--After town hall wraps up, Biden sticks around to take questions from audience

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden 's town hall was over , but he was n't done speaking with voters .
The former vice president stayed behind after his 90-minute ABC News town hall Thursday night to answer additional questions from voters who sat in the audience .
Nearly 30 minutes after the town hall finished , the Biden was seen on ABC 's livestream continuing to speak to the audience at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia .
Biden , who was seated and not wearing a mask during the town hall , put on his mask and walked around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the audience members still had .
Members of the audience also put on their masks after the town hall finished and maintained social distance while seated .
One audience member pulled out a note card with his question written on it , which the former vice president answered .
Biden answered questions on sending in the National Guard to stop protests , as well as the Muslim travel ban , according to ABC News reporter Johnny Verhovek .
COVID-19 , QAnon and court packing : Here are the top moments from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump , who also had a town hall Thursday evening in Miami , stuck around afterwards to take photos with some of the members of the audience .
Several of the audience members at Biden 's town hall were still undecided about voting for the former vice president or even voting at all .
During the town hall , Biden hinted that he was willing to take some extra time to talk to voters .
Cedric , a Black progressive voter from Harrisburg , Pennsylvania , asked Biden during the event how he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters under 30 .
Biden spoke about giving more funding to historically Black colleges and universities ( HBCUs ) , as well as to Title 1 schools .
The former vice president also highlighted investing into Black entrepreneurs .
During his answer , moderator George Stephanopoulos interjected asking the voter whether he had heard enough to convince him to vote for the former vice president .
“ There 's a lot more if you want to hang out afterwards , I 'll tell you more.
” Biden told the young voter .

After town hall wraps up, Biden sticks around to take questions from audience
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden town hall: Biden asked how he would support young Black voters Former Vice President Joe Biden was questioned by a young Black voter at his ABC town hall about what he can do differently than former presidents. USA TODAY
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's town hall was over, but he wasn't done speaking with voters.
The former vice president stayed behind after his 90-minute ABC News town hall Thursday night to answer additional questions from voters who sat in the audience. Nearly 30 minutes after the town hall finished, the Biden was seen on ABC's livestream continuing to speak to the audience at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
Biden, who was seated and not wearing a mask during the town hall, put on his mask and walked around the stage while addressing questions that some of the audience members still had. Members of the audience also put on their masks after the town hall finished and maintained social distance while seated.
One audience member pulled out a note card with his question written on it, which the former vice president answered. Biden answered questions on sending in the National Guard to stop protests, as well as the Muslim travel ban, according to ABC News reporter Johnny Verhovek.
COVID-19, QAnon and court packing: Here are the top moments from the Biden, Trump town halls
President Donald Trump, who also had a town hall Thursday evening in Miami, stuck around afterwards to take photos with some of the members of the audience.
Several of the audience members at Biden's town hall were still undecided about voting for the former vice president or even voting at all.
During the town hall, Biden hinted that he was willing to take some extra time to talk to voters.
Cedric, a Black progressive voter from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, asked Biden during the event how he is going to turn out young Black voters under 30.
Biden spoke about giving more funding to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), as well as to Title 1 schools. The former vice president also highlighted investing into Black entrepreneurs.
Town hall: Trump refuses to condemn conspiracy group QAnon
During his answer, moderator George Stephanopoulos interjected asking the voter whether he had heard enough to convince him to vote for the former vice president.
“I think so,” the voter replied.
“There's a lot more if you want to hang out afterwards, I'll tell you more.” Biden told the young voter.


usatoday--2020-10-16--A Colorado man who expressed 'hatred' of Jewish people and planned to blow up a synagogue pleads gui

A Colorado man who claimed he was fighting a `` racial holy war '' pleaded guilty on Wednesday to federal hate crime and explosives charges after his plot to blow up a synagogue was thwarted by federal agents .
Richard Holzer , 28 , pleaded guilty to `` intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs , through force and the attempted use of explosives and fire , '' according to federal prosecutors .
Holzer , who `` self-identifies as Neo-Nazi and a white supremacist , '' according to federal authorities , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage and destroy , by means of fire and explosives , a building used in interstate commerce . ''
Read more on race and identity : Sign up for USA TODAY ’ s This Is America newsletter Both pleas stem from Holzer 's admission that he planned to destroy Temple Emanuel in Pueblo , Colorado , officials said in a statement .
He 'll be sentenced Jan. 20 and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the hate crime charge .
He faces an additional maximum of 20 years for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FBI agents and `` repeatedly expressed his hatred of Jewish people and suggested using explosive devices to destroy '' Temple Emanuel , according to the statement .
Those agents gave Holzer `` inert '' explosive devices .
When Holzer accepted the devices , he removed a copy of `` Mein Kampf '' from his bag and told the agents , `` This is a move for our race , '' according to the department .
The inert explosives included two pipe bombs and 14 sticks of dynamite .
In meetings with undercover FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` get that place off the map . ''
Holzer also sent undercover agents pictures of himself holding guns , saying he was `` getting ready for RAHOWA , '' or racial holy war , federal authorities said .
`` This is the most important work that we can do — protecting our communities by stopping an attack before it occurred , '' U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn said in the statement .
Acting DHS secretary : White supremacy is 'most persistent and lethal threat ' internally to US After his arrest in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously tried to poison congregants at Temple Emanuel — the FBI found no evidence those attempts happened .
He was arrested while wearing a Nazi armband and carrying a knife and a mask , along with the inert explosives he got from the undercover agents .
`` The defendant attempted to bomb the Temple Emanuel Synagogue to drive people of Jewish faith out of his community , '' Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband said .
`` Violence motivated by religious intolerance strikes at the heart of a free society , and the Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these violent acts of hate . ''

A Colorado man who expressed 'hatred' of Jewish people and planned to blow up a synagogue pleads guilty to federal hate crime
Show Caption Hide Caption AP Top Stories October 15 Here's the latest for Thursday October 15th: Senate Judiciary Committee to consider Barrett nomination; Trump holds rally in Iowa; Coronavirus cases and deaths surge in Wisconsin; Wildfire forces evacuations in northern Colorado. AP
A Colorado man who claimed he was fighting a "racial holy war" pleaded guilty on Thursday to federal hate crime and explosives charges after his plot to blow up a synagogue was thwarted by federal agents.
Richard Holzer, 28, pleaded guilty to "intentionally attempting to obstruct persons in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs, through force and the attempted use of explosives and fire," according to federal prosecutors.
Holzer, who "self-identifies as Neo-Nazi and a white supremacist," according to federal authorities, also pleaded guilty to "attempting to maliciously damage and destroy, by means of fire and explosives, a building used in interstate commerce."
Read more on race and identity: Sign up for USA TODAY’s This Is America newsletter
Both pleas stem from Holzer's admission that he planned to destroy Temple Emanuel in Pueblo, Colorado, officials said in a statement. He'll be sentenced Jan. 20 and faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the hate crime charge. He faces an additional maximum of 20 years for the explosives charge.
Holzer met with undercover FBI agents and "repeatedly expressed his hatred of Jewish people and suggested using explosive devices to destroy" Temple Emanuel, according to the statement.
Those agents gave Holzer "inert" explosive devices. When Holzer accepted the devices, he removed a copy of "Mein Kampf" from his bag and told the agents, "This is a move for our race," according to the department.
The inert explosives included two pipe bombs and 14 sticks of dynamite. In meetings with undercover FBI agents, Holzer said he wanted to "get that place off the map."
Holzer also sent undercover agents pictures of himself holding guns, saying he was "getting ready for RAHOWA," or racial holy war, federal authorities said.
"This is the most important work that we can do — protecting our communities by stopping an attack before it occurred," U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn said in the statement.
Acting DHS secretary: White supremacy is 'most persistent and lethal threat' internally to US
After his arrest in November 2019, investigators said Holzer bragged he previously tried to poison congregants at Temple Emanuel — the FBI found no evidence those attempts happened. He was arrested while wearing a Nazi armband and carrying a knife and a mask, along with the inert explosives he got from the undercover agents.
"The defendant attempted to bomb the Temple Emanuel Synagogue to drive people of Jewish faith out of his community," Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband said. "Violence motivated by religious intolerance strikes at the heart of a free society, and the Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute these violent acts of hate."
Contributing: Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-15--Twitter sees outage on eve of Trump, Biden town hall events

Twitter , the popular micro-blogging service , saw its service interrupted Thursday afternoon of the eve of two televised presidential campaign town halls .
`` We know people are having trouble Tweeting and using Twitter , '' the company said in a statement .
`` We ’ re working to fix this issue as quickly as possible .
We ’ ll share more when we have it and Tweet from @ TwitterSupport when we can – stay tuned . ''
Twitter directed readers to the website https : //status.twitterstat.us/ where it keeps people up to date on Twitter status .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the website .
However , by 7:30 p.m .
ET , service had restored to some users .
Tweets : Gay men takeover # ProudBoys on Twitter after Trump mentions far-right group the Proud Boys The outage initially started at around 5:30 p.m .
ET , reported the Verge and is Twitter 's biggest outage since February , which let users come with a novel workaround by scheduling tweets .
That did n't work Thursday .
In July , Twitter saw another outage that was described as an internal hack that hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama , Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and Tesla CEO Elon Musk .
The new outage follows reports that Senate Republicans had demanded a public appearance by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in response to tweets from president Donald Trump being flagged and taken down Wednesday for providing misinformation .
The company suffered a major service failure earlier this year when the Twitter accounts of some of the most famous people in the country were compromised as part of an apparent bitcoin scam in July .
Victims included Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elon Musk .
Twitter added in a statement that `` we have no evidence of a security breach or hack , and we 're currently investigating internal causes . ''

Twitter sees outage on eve of Trump, Biden town hall events
Twitter, the popular micro-blogging service, saw its service interrupted Thursday afternoon of the eve of two televised presidential campaign town halls.
"We know people are having trouble Tweeting and using Twitter," the company said in a statement. "We’re working to fix this issue as quickly as possible. We’ll share more when we have it and Tweet from @TwitterSupport when we can – stay tuned."
Twitter directed readers to the website https://status.twitterstat.us/ where it keeps people up to date on Twitter status. Twitter confirmed that status was down on the website.
However, by 7:30 p.m. ET, service had restored to some users.
Tweets: Gay men takeover #ProudBoys on Twitter after Trump mentions far-right group the Proud Boys
@Jack: Twitter brain drain pummels stock
The outage initially started at around 5:30 p.m. ET, reported the Verge and is Twitter's biggest outage since February, which let users come with a novel workaround by scheduling tweets. That didn't work Thursday.
In July, Twitter saw another outage that was described as an internal hack that hit the accounts of notables including former president Barack Obama, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
The new outage follows reports that Senate Republicans had demanded a public appearance by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey in response to tweets from president Donald Trump being flagged and taken down Wednesday for providing misinformation.
The company suffered a major service failure earlier this year when the Twitter accounts of some of the most famous people in the country were compromised as part of an apparent bitcoin scam in July. Victims included Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Twitter added in a statement that "we have no evidence of a security breach or hack, and we're currently investigating internal causes."
Follow USA TODAY's Jefferson Graham (@jeffersongraham) on Twitter


usatoday--2020-10-15--Scott Peterson's murder convictions of wife and unborn son to be reexamined

In less than two months , Scott Peterson has gone from facing the death penalty for the 2004 conviction of killing his wife and unborn son to facing the possibility of a new trial .
The California Supreme Court , which in August overturned Peterson ’ s death penalty , on Thursday ordered his murder convictions be examined , according to multiple published reports .
At issue in what was once a high-profile case : The court said a juror failed to disclose she had been involved with other legal proceedings and , as a result , committed `` prejudicial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angeles Times .
In 2000 , the juror in question filed a lawsuit seeking a restraining order after her boyfriend 's ex-girlfriend harassed her while she was pregnant , the Times reported .
California high court overturns death penalty for Scott Peterson in slaying of pregnant wife The San Mateo County Superior Court will determine whether Peterson , 47 , should receive a new trial .
Peterson lived in Modesto when the 2002 deaths occurred , but the trial was held San Mateo , about 70 miles away , because of pretrial publicity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigators said that on Christmas Eve 2002 Peterson killed his wife , 27-year-old Laci Peterson , who was eight months pregnant , and dumped the bodies from his fishing boat into San Francisco Bay .
The bodies resurfaced there months later .
In 2005 , a year after his conviction , Peterson was sentenced to die .
But on Aug. 24 , in overturning the death penalty , the California Supreme Court justices said the trial judge in the case “ made a series of clear and significant errors in jury selection that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precedent , undermined Peterson ’ s right to an impartial jury at the penalty phase .
”

Scott Peterson's murder convictions of wife and unborn son to be reexamined
In less than two months, Scott Peterson has gone from facing the death penalty for the 2004 conviction of killing his wife and unborn son to facing the possibility of a new trial.
The California Supreme Court, which in August overturned Peterson’s death penalty, on Thursday ordered his murder convictions be examined, according to multiple published reports.
At issue in what was once a high-profile case: The court said a juror failed to disclose she had been involved with other legal proceedings and, as a result, committed "prejudicial misconduct,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
In 2000, the juror in question filed a lawsuit seeking a restraining order after her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend harassed her while she was pregnant, the Times reported.
The San Mateo County Superior Court will determine whether Peterson, 47, should receive a new trial. Peterson lived in Modesto when the 2002 deaths occurred, but the trial was held San Mateo, about 70 miles away, because of pretrial publicity.
Before Peterson’s conviction, investigators said that on Christmas Eve 2002 Peterson killed his wife, 27-year-old Laci Peterson, who was eight months pregnant, and dumped the bodies from his fishing boat into San Francisco Bay.
The bodies resurfaced there months later.
In 2005, a year after his conviction, Peterson was sentenced to die.
But on Aug. 24, in overturning the death penalty, the California Supreme Court justices said the trial judge in the case “made a series of clear and significant errors in jury selection that, under long-standing United States Supreme Court precedent, undermined Peterson’s right to an impartial jury at the penalty phase.”
Contributing: Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-15--Malcolm Jenkins wants more from NFL: 'Tokenism really doesn't mean that much'

As Malcolm Jenkins rounds the home stretch of his stellar playing career , the resume for the 32-year-old New Orleans Saints strong safety continues to grow .
It already includes two Super Bowl victories , three Pro Bowl selections , nearly 900 tackles and seven pick-sixes , including one thrown by fellow social justice champion , Colin Kaepernick .
His on-field accomplishments are rock solid , but football fans oftentimes fail to remember some of the game ’ s most skilled players once they call it quits .
However , it ’ s not likely Jenkins will meet that same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s also established himself as one of the league ’ s most active and ardent fighters for social justice .
It ’ s a calling which he sees continuing long after his playing days are over .
He co-founded the Players Coalition , which aims to make an impact on social justice and racial equality through education and allocation of resources .
He ’ s also marched to protest the police killing of George Floyd , and has been embroiled in some high-profile conflicts with a pair of colleagues : fellow safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ sellout ” in 2018 , and Saints quarterback Drew Brees , who initially called it “ disrespectful ” for players to kneel during the national anthem .
Jenkins also made headlines in July for what some considered downplaying DeSean Jackson ’ s anti-Semitic Instagram posts in which the Eagles wide receiver referenced quotes falsely attributed to Adolph Hitler .
“ Those things have taught me ( that ) when you have dialogue , you have disagreements ; you have people talking – it ’ s a good thing , ” Jenkins told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the way people are thinking is being challenged .
There is a ton of different ideas out there and the more we can have dialogue about solutions and less about if the problems actually even exist , I think the better off we are.
” One of Jenkins ' latest off-the-field projects has been working as executive producer on the documentary `` Black Boys . ''
Jenkins said the film is intended to instill into Black children the ability to “ see themselves outside of just being an athlete or an entertainer.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avenues to allow these kids , who Jenkins feels have their “ humanity under attack ” as early as grade school , to explore what they can do with their minds and creativity – two aspects Jenkins said are : “ often left out of their narrative.
” Since being praised ( and scorned ) for raising his fist during the national anthem on Sept. 19 , 2016 , Jenkins has fought to bring awareness to racial inequality and social injustice .
And the efforts of Jenkins and others has been paying off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roger Goodell apologizing for “ not listening to NFL players earlier ” and the NFL displaying social justice statements in end zones , helmets and team caps .
But Jenkins says there has to be more than words .
“ At this point , the tokenism really doesn ’ t mean that much , ” said Jenkins .
Instead , he sees real change coming when team owners leverage their considerable political clout .
“ I want to see them really use that political power and political will that they have , for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Jenkins .
The upcoming election will play a major role in whether those policy changes come to fruition .
He preaches the importance of voting and praises the NFL ’ s initiative designed to motivate people to register and vote .
“ I have been very encouraged to see teams commit their stadiums to be polling places , to volunteer , to service those polls ; all of those things are important and I am definitely encouraged by that effort.
” The Saints currently sit atop the NFL South standings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high level .
However , the shelf life for a 32-year-old NFL defensive back is fleeting .
The next phase of life may not include a uniform , cleats and a helmet , but if all goes as planned , it will continue to include activism .
“ I feel like my voice in this space is important and ( I ) will continue to do that in a way that is unique to me , ” said Jenkins .

Malcolm Jenkins wants more from NFL: 'Tokenism really doesn’t mean that much'
Show Caption Hide Caption Saints' Malcolm Jenkins explains 'tokenism' problem of NFL social justice initiatives SportsPulse: Mackenzie Salmon connected with Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins to discuss the latest social justice initiatives the NFL has taken. He also shares what he's learned from his past confrontation with Eric Reid and the reaction from his comments on DeSean Jackson this offseason. USA TODAY
As Malcolm Jenkins rounds the home stretch of his stellar playing career, the resume for the 32-year-old New Orleans Saints strong safety continues to grow.
It already includes two Super Bowl victories, three Pro Bowl selections, nearly 900 tackles and seven pick-sixes, including one thrown by fellow social justice champion, Colin Kaepernick.
His on-field accomplishments are rock solid, but football fans oftentimes fail to remember some of the game’s most skilled players once they call it quits.
However, it’s not likely Jenkins will meet that same fate.
That’s because he’s also established himself as one of the league’s most active and ardent fighters for social justice. It’s a calling which he sees continuing long after his playing days are over.
He co-founded the Players Coalition, which aims to make an impact on social justice and racial equality through education and allocation of resources. He’s also marched to protest the police killing of George Floyd, and has been embroiled in some high-profile conflicts with a pair of colleagues: fellow safety Eric Reid, who called Jenkins a “sellout” in 2018, and Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who initially called it “disrespectful” for players to kneel during the national anthem.
Jenkins also made headlines in July for what some considered downplaying DeSean Jackson’s anti-Semitic Instagram posts in which the Eagles wide receiver referenced quotes falsely attributed to Adolph Hitler.
FRED DEAN: Pro Football Hall of Fame member, two-time Super Bowl champion Fred Dean dies at 68
“Those things have taught me (that) when you have dialogue, you have disagreements; you have people talking – it’s a good thing,” Jenkins told USA TODAY Sports.
“It means the way people are thinking is being challenged. There is a ton of different ideas out there and the more we can have dialogue about solutions and less about if the problems actually even exist, I think the better off we are.”
One of Jenkins' latest off-the-field projects has been working as executive producer on the documentary "Black Boys." Jenkins said the film is intended to instill into Black children the ability to “see themselves outside of just being an athlete or an entertainer.”
Instead, he wants to present other avenues to allow these kids, who Jenkins feels have their “humanity under attack” as early as grade school, to explore what they can do with their minds and creativity – two aspects Jenkins said are: “often left out of their narrative.”
Since being praised (and scorned) for raising his fist during the national anthem on Sept. 19, 2016, Jenkins has fought to bring awareness to racial inequality and social injustice.
And the efforts of Jenkins and others has been paying off in recent months.
Some examples include Roger Goodell apologizing for “not listening to NFL players earlier” and the NFL displaying social justice statements in end zones, helmets and team caps. But Jenkins says there has to be more than words.
“At this point, the tokenism really doesn’t mean that much,” said Jenkins.
Instead, he sees real change coming when team owners leverage their considerable political clout.
“I want to see them really use that political power and political will that they have, for the policy changes that we actually need,” said Jenkins.
The upcoming election will play a major role in whether those policy changes come to fruition.
He preaches the importance of voting and praises the NFL’s initiative designed to motivate people to register and vote.
“I have been very encouraged to see teams commit their stadiums to be polling places, to volunteer, to service those polls; all of those things are important and I am definitely encouraged by that effort.”
The Saints currently sit atop the NFL South standings and Jenkins continues to play at a high level. However, the shelf life for a 32-year-old NFL defensive back is fleeting.
The next phase of life may not include a uniform, cleats and a helmet, but if all goes as planned, it will continue to include activism.
“I feel like my voice in this space is important and (I) will continue to do that in a way that is unique to me,” said Jenkins.