USA TODAY Editorial

Four years ago , the Editorial Board — an ideologically and demographically diverse group of journalists that is separate from the news staff and operates by consensus — broke with tradition and took sides in the presidential race for the first time since USA TODAY was founded in 1982 .
We urged readers not to vote for Donald Trump , calling the Republican nominee unfit for office because he lacked the “ temperament , knowledge , steadiness and honesty that America needs from its presidents.
” We stopped short , however , of an outright endorsement of Hillary Clinton , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Editorial Board unanimously supports the election of Joe Biden , who offers a shaken nation a harbor of calm and competence .
Recent polls show that more than 90 % of voters have decided between Biden and Trump , and nothing at this point will change their minds .
This editorial is for those of you who are still uncertain about which candidate to vote for , or whether to vote at all .
It ’ s also for those who settled on Trump but might be having last-minute doubts .
Maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because you hoped he ’ d shake things up in Washington or bring back blue-collar jobs .
Maybe you liked his populist , anti-elitist message .
Maybe you couldn ’ t stomach the idea of supporting a Democrat as polarizing as Clinton .
Maybe you cast a ballot for a minor party candidate , or just stayed home .
Now , two weeks until Election Day , we suggest you consider a variation of the question Republican Ronald Reagan asked voters when he ran for president in 1980 : Is America better off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Beset by disease , economic suffering , a racial reckoning and natural disasters fueled by a changing climate , the nation is dangerously off course .
We spoke to dozens of people in Michigan , Ohio and Wisconsin , battleground states that helped propel Trump into the White House in 2016 .
Many declined to comment , citing a general disgust with the election or fear of speaking out publicly .
While some said they were personally better off , most of those willing to talk on camera expressed anguish and dismay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lucinda , it is too much .
Yes , Mecca , it is time for a change .
When Trump was elected as the nation ’ s first president without previous experience in government or the military , we hoped that he would become , as he promised during the 2016 campaign , “ more disciplined ” and “ so presidential that you people will be so bored.
” After all , when you are a passenger on an airplane , you root for the pilot , even one who has never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are a pilot or the president , the most important part of your job is crisis management .
But when confronted with an emergency — COVID-19 , the biggest public health threat in more than a century — Trump didn ’ t land the plane safely on the Hudson River .
His shambolic response to the coronavirus pandemic has inflated a national death toll that is equivalent to the crashes of more than 1,000 Boeing-737 jetliners .
The United States , with 4 % of the world ’ s population , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If America is at war against COVID-19 and `` I ’ m a wartime president , '' as Trump declared in March , the invisible enemy is winning and now has even penetrated the White House grounds .
There is little doubt that Biden would have handled the crisis more capably .
He surely would not have become a superspreader of coronavirus misinformation .
Back in January , in a column for USA TODAY , the former vice president warned that the novel virus emerging in China “ will get worse before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump is “ the worst possible person to lead our country through a global health challenge.
” During the campaign , Biden has modeled mask wearing and other public health recommendations that Trump has flouted while downplaying the threat .
A Biden administration would follow the science and build trust in emerging vaccines .
It 's no secret that the Editorial Board disagrees with Trump not just on his approach to the coronavirus but also on fundamental issues , from health care and climate change to immigration and trade .
Policy differences , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our first-ever presidential endorsement .
Diverse views , even ones we think are wrongheaded , are a staple of American politics and something to celebrate .
If this were a choice between two capable major party nominees who happened to have opposing ideas , we wouldn ’ t choose sides .
Different voters have different concerns .
But this is not a normal election , and these are not normal times .
This year , character , competence and credibility are on the ballot .
Given Trump ’ s refusal to guarantee a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so , too , is the future of America 's democracy .
For nearly four decades , the Editorial Board has stood for certain core values : truth , accountability , civility in public discourse , opposition to racism , common-ground solutions to the nation ’ s problems , and steadfast support for First Amendment rights .
These aren ’ t partisan issues , or at least they shouldn ’ t be .
Donald Trump has trampled each of these principles , making more than 20,000 false or misleading statements , ducking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of invective at his critics , trafficking in racial fearmongering , governing more as the leader of the red states than of the United States , and relentlessly attacking the free press .
Everything about Biden ’ s nearly half-century political career suggests he would do a far better job of respecting these values .
“ We need to revive the spirit of bipartisanship in this country , the spirit of being able to work with one another , ” the Democratic nominee said in a recent speech in Gettysburg , Pennsylvania .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s unbounded narcissism and chronic chaos .
Having surmounted heartbreaking personal loss — his first wife and year-old daughter died in a car crash , and his son Beau died of brain cancer — Biden exudes decency and empathy .
Ask yourself : Can you imagine Joe Biden denigrating servicemembers as losers ?
Cozying up to autocrats abroad ?
Shaking down a foreign leader for dirt on a political opponent ?
All politicians , of course , have flaws , and Biden is no exception .
He turns 78 next month and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England , is somewhat past peak .
For someone billed as a foreign policy expert , he managed to be wrong about both the Persian Gulf War ( he opposed the 1991 effort to expel Saddam Hussein ’ s forces from Kuwait ) and the Iraq War ( he supported the 2003 U.S. invasion , which turned into a debacle ) .
His handling of Anita Hill ’ s sexual harassment claim against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas in 1991 , when Biden was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee , has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cringeworthy gaffes , and his sentences can wander off into uncharted territory .
Nevertheless , Biden is an experienced hand with working-class roots who understands the American dream .
He knows the levers of power and how to wield them .
He has a history of working across the aisle on such issues as health care , racial justice and the environment .
He has the knowledge and the personality to begin repairing America ’ s tattered reputation around the world .
Maybe you ’ ve heard Republican operatives and commentators trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radicals .
But if he was able to resist such unaffordable progressive ideas as `` Medicare for All '' and the `` Green New Deal '' during the heat of the Democratic primaries , it is hard to envision him embracing them once he is in the White House .
Biden is well positioned to repair the wreckage Trump has made of the federal government , from the foreign service to the science agencies Trump has tried to politicize .
As vice president in the Obama administration , Biden played a central role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipped to handle another one .
Even before the pandemic struck , Trump did no better than the Obama-Biden administration on job creation , the stock market and economic growth .
( Remember his promise to pay off the national debt in eight years ?
It 's now $ 27 trillion , up more than $ 7 trillion from four years ago . )
Biden knows that the recovery process will require , first and foremost , a comprehensive national response to the COVID-19 crisis that has upended Americans ’ lives and left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This extraordinary moment in the history of our nation requires an extraordinary response .
With his plans , his personnel picks , his experience and his humanity , Joe Biden can help lead the United States out of this morass and into the future .
Your vote can help make that happen .
Will this endorsement have any effect on what you read about the presidential campaign in USA TODAY ’ s news reports ?
No .
Will it cause the Editorial Board to pull its punches if Biden were to become president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorse a presidential nominee again .
In fact , we hope we 'll never have to .

Four years ago, the Editorial Board — an ideologically and demographically diverse group of journalists that is separate from the news staff and operates by consensus — broke with tradition and took sides in the presidential race for the first time since USA TODAY was founded in 1982. We urged readers not to vote for Donald Trump, calling the Republican nominee unfit for office because he lacked the “temperament, knowledge, steadiness and honesty that America needs from its presidents.” We stopped short, however, of an outright endorsement of Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee. This year, the Editorial Board unanimously supports the election of Joe Biden, who offers a shaken nation a harbor of calm and competence.
Recent polls show that more than 90% of voters have decided between Biden and Trump, and nothing at this point will change their minds. This editorial is for those of you who are still uncertain about which candidate to vote for, or whether to vote at all. It’s also for those who settled on Trump but might be having last-minute doubts.
Tweet Facebook Email Email this story Share Share this story The case for Joe Biden. The case against Donald Trump. Share Our View.
Maybe you backed Trump the last time around because you hoped he’d shake things up in Washington or bring back blue-collar jobs. Maybe you liked his populist, anti-elitist message. Maybe you couldn’t stomach the idea of supporting a Democrat as polarizing as Clinton. Maybe you cast a ballot for a minor party candidate, or just stayed home.
Opposing View by Vice President Pence: Reelect President Trump to renew America’s promise Read
Now, two weeks until Election Day, we suggest you consider a variation of the question Republican Ronald Reagan asked voters when he ran for president in 1980: Is America better off now than it was four years ago?
Beset by disease, economic suffering, a racial reckoning and natural disasters fueled by a changing climate, the nation is dangerously off course. We spoke to dozens of people in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, battleground states that helped propel Trump into the White House in 2016. Many declined to comment, citing a general disgust with the election or fear of speaking out publicly. While some said they were personally better off, most of those willing to talk on camera expressed anguish and dismay about the nation's direction:
Anita Giltner of Holland, Michigan I am definitely not better off today than I was four years ago. I think America in general is much worse off today now that Donald Trump has unhooked us from so many of our traditions and our safeguards. … He is trying to tear down the Affordable Care Act, which is criminal. Quote icon
Daniel Viar, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, who didn’t vote in 2016 The way (Trump) has handled (COVID-19) so far has just been gross mismanagement. … Trump has repealed a bunch of environmental restrictions, which is really important to me because my age group and my demographic are the ones that are going to inherit the Earth. Quote icon
Lucinda Young of Toledo, Ohio It's getting worse. … There’s not a lot of food around, there’s not a lot of money around, people are getting evicted. … I just wish the United States could pull together. … Why do we got to fight against each other? It’s too much. Quote icon
Mecca Vaughn of Milwaukee You have a president who is … mocking people, attacking people on Twitter. … We’re dealing with diversity and racism right now in our country, and we need a new leader who stands up and faces these challenges, like Joe Biden. ... I think it’s time for a change. Quote icon
Yes, Lucinda, it is too much. Yes, Mecca, it is time for a change.
Crisis management
When Trump was elected as the nation’s first president without previous experience in government or the military, we hoped that he would become, as he promised during the 2016 campaign, “more disciplined” and “so presidential that you people will be so bored.” After all, when you are a passenger on an airplane, you root for the pilot, even one who has never been in a cockpit before.
Whether you are a pilot or the president, the most important part of your job is crisis management. But when confronted with an emergency — COVID-19, the biggest public health threat in more than a century — Trump didn’t land the plane safely on the Hudson River. His shambolic response to the coronavirus pandemic has inflated a national death toll that is equivalent to the crashes of more than 1,000 Boeing-737 jetliners.
The United States, with 4% of the world’s population, has 20% of its reported coronavirus deaths. If America is at war against COVID-19 and "I’m a wartime president," as Trump declared in March, the invisible enemy is winning and now has even penetrated the White House grounds.
COVID-19 pandemic in President Trump's words Since the coronavirus pandemic started, the United States has recorded more than 8.2 million cases of COVID-19 and over 220,000 deaths. Mike Thompson, USA TODAY
There is little doubt that Biden would have handled the crisis more capably. He surely would not have become a superspreader of coronavirus misinformation. Back in January, in a column for USA TODAY, the former vice president warned that the novel virus emerging in China “will get worse before it gets better,” and that Trump is “the worst possible person to lead our country through a global health challenge.” During the campaign, Biden has modeled mask wearing and other public health recommendations that Trump has flouted while downplaying the threat. A Biden administration would follow the science and build trust in emerging vaccines.
Character and core values
It's no secret that the Editorial Board disagrees with Trump not just on his approach to the coronavirus but also on fundamental issues, from health care and climate change to immigration and trade. Policy differences, however, are not the reason behind our first-ever presidential endorsement. Diverse views, even ones we think are wrongheaded, are a staple of American politics and something to celebrate.
If this were a choice between two capable major party nominees who happened to have opposing ideas, we wouldn’t choose sides. Different voters have different concerns. But this is not a normal election, and these are not normal times. This year, character, competence and credibility are on the ballot. Given Trump’s refusal to guarantee a peaceful transfer of power if he loses, so, too, is the future of America's democracy.
For nearly four decades, the Editorial Board has stood for certain core values: truth, accountability, civility in public discourse, opposition to racism, common-ground solutions to the nation’s problems, and steadfast support for First Amendment rights. These aren’t partisan issues, or at least they shouldn’t be.
Donald Trump has trampled each of these principles, making more than 20,000 false or misleading statements, ducking responsibility for his actions, spewing streams of invective at his critics, trafficking in racial fearmongering, governing more as the leader of the red states than of the United States, and relentlessly attacking the free press.
Everything about Biden’s nearly half-century political career suggests he would do a far better job of respecting these values. “We need to revive the spirit of bipartisanship in this country, the spirit of being able to work with one another,” the Democratic nominee said in a recent speech in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Working-class roots
Biden is a worthy antidote to Trump’s unbounded narcissism and chronic chaos. Having surmounted heartbreaking personal loss — his first wife and year-old daughter died in a car crash, and his son Beau died of brain cancer — Biden exudes decency and empathy. Ask yourself: Can you imagine Joe Biden denigrating servicemembers as losers? Cozying up to autocrats abroad? Shaking down a foreign leader for dirt on a political opponent?
All politicians, of course, have flaws, and Biden is no exception. He turns 78 next month and, like the November foliage in New England, is somewhat past peak.
For someone billed as a foreign policy expert, he managed to be wrong about both the Persian Gulf War (he opposed the 1991 effort to expel Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait) and the Iraq War (he supported the 2003 U.S. invasion, which turned into a debacle). His handling of Anita Hill’s sexual harassment claim against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas in 1991, when Biden was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has not aged well. He is capable of cringeworthy gaffes, and his sentences can wander off into uncharted territory.
Nevertheless, Biden is an experienced hand with working-class roots who understands the American dream. He knows the levers of power and how to wield them. He has a history of working across the aisle on such issues as health care, racial justice and the environment. He has the knowledge and the personality to begin repairing America’s tattered reputation around the world.
An extraordinary moment
Maybe you’ve heard Republican operatives and commentators trying to paint Biden as a puppet of far-left radicals. But if he was able to resist such unaffordable progressive ideas as "Medicare for All" and the "Green New Deal" during the heat of the Democratic primaries, it is hard to envision him embracing them once he is in the White House.
Biden is well positioned to repair the wreckage Trump has made of the federal government, from the foreign service to the science agencies Trump has tried to politicize. As vice president in the Obama administration, Biden played a central role in the last economic recovery and is equipped to handle another one.
Even before the pandemic struck, Trump did no better than the Obama-Biden administration on job creation, the stock market and economic growth. (Remember his promise to pay off the national debt in eight years? It's now $27 trillion, up more than $7 trillion from four years ago.) Biden knows that the recovery process will require, first and foremost, a comprehensive national response to the COVID-19 crisis that has upended Americans’ lives and left large sectors of the economy reeling.
This extraordinary moment in the history of our nation requires an extraordinary response. With his plans, his personnel picks, his experience and his humanity, Joe Biden can help lead the United States out of this morass and into the future. Your vote can help make that happen.
Will this endorsement have any effect on what you read about the presidential campaign in USA TODAY’s news reports? No. Will it cause the Editorial Board to pull its punches if Biden were to become president? Also no.
We may never endorse a presidential nominee again. In fact, we hope we'll never have to.
USA TODAY Editorial Board on Biden endorsement: 'Trump has trampled on ... values' For the first time in USA TODAY's history, the Editorial Board is endorsing a presidential candidate. Several board members explain why. USA TODAY
× The case for Joe Biden. The case against Donald Trump. Share Our View.
USA TODAY editorials


usatoday--2020-10-20--Coronavirus updates: Trump, Fauci and 'The Godfather;' barista stays calm during customer's mask tir

Coronavirus updates: Trump, Fauci and 'The Godfather;' barista stays calm during customer's mask tirade; US deaths top 220K

The top U.S. infectious disease expert is shrugging off sharp criticism from President Donald Trump while the U.S. is keeping its borders with Canada and Mexico closed for another month in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , tapped `` The Godfather '' in describing his relationship with Trump .
`` It ’ s like in 'The Godfather ' – nothing personal , strictly business as far as I ’ m concerned , '' Fauci told Southern California AM radio station KNX1070 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my job and take care of the people of this country . ''
Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf said restrictions on non-essential travel will be extended through Nov. 21 .
The announcement comes days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it would keep its borders closed until the U.S. gains control of the coronavirus .
• Fargo became the first city in North Dakota to issue a face mask mandate on Monday amid the state 's rising coronavirus caseload .
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask on trains , planes , buses and other transportation .
• As states finalize their distribution plans for a COVID-19 vaccine , California Gov .
Gavin Newsom said the state will independently review any FDA-approved vaccines before passing one out .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has reported more than 8.2 million cases and 220,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins data .
The global totals : More than 40.4 million cases and 1.1 million deaths .
📚Read this : The latest in USA TODAY 's Deadly Discrimination series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest death rates from COVID-19 .
Seven have populations where people of color make up the majority .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak in your state .
This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
Barista after profane tirade : ' I 'm Black in America ' and so has learned to cope A California Starbucks barista who was berated by a customer in a now-viral video says situations like this happen almost every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with them .
Alex Beckom , 19 , shared the short clip taken by a bystander Sunday that shows Beckom serving the customer while calmly reminding the woman that she needs to wear a mask .
The unidentified customer accuses Beckom of discriminating against her because she is a supporter of President Donald Trump and using expletives to describe Black Lives Matter .
“ I ’ m Black in America so I ’ ve dealt with these kinds of situations before , ” Beckom told NBC San Diego .
“ So I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in these kinds of situations because I don ’ t want to risk my job.
” The customer , who is wearing a mask below her chin , claims in the video she is not required by law to wear a face mask and yells profanities at Beckom .
San Diego County , where the incident took place , requires residents to wear face coverings in stores and restaurants except while seated and eating a meal .
Fauci references 'The Godfather ' as relationship with Trump fractures Nobody is offering a deal that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationship between President Trump and Fauci appears to be disintegrating fast as Election Day approaches .
Trump has repeatedly called for states to ease COVID-19 restrictions while Fauci has counseled caution .
Trump , in a phone call to campaign staffers , blasted Fauci as a `` disaster '' who along with other public health `` idiots ... have gotten it wrong , '' NBC News reported , citing a recording of the call .
Fauci shook off the president 's rant , referencing `` The Godfather '' and saying his relationship with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I would prefer not to comment on that and just get on with what we are really trying to do , '' Fauci said .
`` And what we are trying to do is to protect the health and welfare and safety of the American people predominantly , and ultimately , of the world . ''
State ready , sort of , for crush of demand when vaccine is ready State public health departments say they ’ re ready to leap into action as soon as a COVID-19 vaccine is approved but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can be widely distributed .
The earliest date a vaccine is expected to arrive is now around Thanksgiving so that gives states a little breathing room .
A month ago Nov. 1 had been a primary target date .
Dr. Nirav Shah , director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention , says it 's like planning an outdoor picnic for 1.3 million of his closest friends ( the population of Maine ) without knowing how much food he has , who 's coming , how he 's going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't eat .
In Mississippi , state health officials have been working hard to get ready , said Dr. Thomas Dobbs , the state health officer .
`` This is going to be a Herculean effort , '' he said .
Nancy Pelosi 's deadline for COVID-19 stimulus bill by Election Day is Tuesday The clock is ticking for Democrats and Republicans to reach a COVID-19 relief deal after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi set a Tuesday deadline for both sides to come together to restore urgently needed benefits before Election Day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ major policy differences on COVID-19 testing , child tax credit provisions and funding for state and local governments.Pelosi reported some progress on a deal late Monday , telling MSNBC : `` Finally , they have come to the table and we ’ re going to try to get something done . ''
President Donald Trump ended relief talks at the beginning of the month , telling Senate Republicans to focus instead on the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett , but he reversed course , reopening negotiations with congressional Democrats .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mississippi Gov .
Tate Reeves announced Monday that a mask mandate will be reinstated for nine counties in an effort to combat the rise of COVID-19 cases in the state .
All residents in the impacted counties will be required to wear a mask in all public areas where it 's not possible to maintain six feet of distance .
In addition , all private and public social gatherings will be limited to 10 people while indoors and 50 people outdoors .
The order will not apply to churches , classrooms or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Mississippi is experiencing a rise in cases following the expiration of the state 's mask mandate at the end of September .
The new executive order will begin at 8 a.m. Wednesday and remain in effect until Nov. 11 .
Baltimore hotel offers free lodging for people who ca n't quarantine at home A historic Baltimore hotel has been repurposed amid the coronavirus pandemic , serving as a free isolation center for people with COVID-19 .
Since May , more than 600 people have come through the Lord Baltimore Hotel ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Referrals to the city ’ s Triage , Respite and Isolation Center come from hospitals as well as homeless shelters and recovery houses .
It ’ s intended for people who aren ’ t sick enough to require hospitalization but who can ’ t self-isolate at home .
The initiative is a partnership between Baltimore and the University of Maryland Medical System .
It ’ s being funded through $ 103 million the city received from the federal coronavirus relief bill .
While those dollars expire in December , city officials plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agency to keep it open longer , the newspaper reported .
A Wisconsin judge has revived Gov .
Tony Evers ' order limiting public gatherings , including the number of customers who may visit bars and restaurants at one time .
Judge James Babler denied a motion from the Tavern League of Wisconsin and two bars to continue to block the Evers administration 's latest health emergency order after a ruling last week by a Sawyer County judge that prevented enforcement of the order temporarily .
Babler , who was appointed by former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plaintiffs could not show they were complying with the order and therefore had n't proved they were harmed by it .
`` This critically important ruling will help us prevent the spread of this virus by restoring limits on public gatherings , '' Evers said in a statement .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom said his state won ’ t allow distribution of coronavirus vaccines until it is reviewed by the state ’ s own panel of experts – no matter who wins the presidential election next month .
The governor named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rollout of vaccines by the federal government or vaccine developers .
The board members hail from top California top universities and medical providers , along with state and local public health officials .
Newsom ’ s position pledge raises the possibility that California ’ s 40 million residents might not receive a vaccine as distribution begins in other states .
• In your inbox : Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .
• On Facebook : A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus .
But what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .

John Bacon and Jessica Flores, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: Nearly 300K more deaths than usual; Trump, Fauci and 'The Godfather;' Disneyland won't reopen soon
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 symptoms versus flu symptoms We answer the often searched question: "What are the symptoms of coronavirus versus the flu?" USA TODAY
The top U.S. infectious disease expert is shrugging off sharp criticism from President Donald Trump while the U.S. is keeping its borders with Canada and Mexico closed for another month in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, tapped "The Godfather" in describing his relationship with Trump.
"It’s like in 'The Godfather' – nothing personal, strictly business as far as I’m concerned," Fauci told Southern California AM radio station KNX1070. "I just want to do my job and take care of the people of this country."
Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf said restrictions on non-essential travel will be extended through Nov. 21. The announcement comes days after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it would keep its borders closed until the U.S. gains control of the coronavirus.
Some significant developments:
Fargo became the first city in North Dakota to issue a face mask mandate on Monday amid the state's rising coronavirus caseload.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a "strong recommendation" for people to wear a mask on trains, planes, buses and other transportation.
As states finalize their distribution plans for a COVID-19 vaccine, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state will independently review any FDA-approved vaccines before passing one out.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported more than 8.2 million cases and 220,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The global totals: More than 40.5 million cases and 1.1 million deaths.
📚Read this: The latest in USA TODAY's Deadly Discrimination series looks at the 10 U.S. counties with the highest death rates from COVID-19. Seven have populations where people of color make up the majority.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak in your state.
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
First lady Melania Trump canceled her first campaign rally in months on Tuesday, citing a "lingering cough" from her COVID-19 diagnosis earlier this month.
"Mrs. Trump continues to feel better every day following her recovery from COVID-19, but with a lingering cough, and out of an abundance of caution, she will not be traveling today," her chief of staff and spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement to USA TODAY.
Trump, 50, had been scheduled to accompany President Donald Trump to a campaign rally in Erie, Ohio, on Tuesday evening. It would have been her first campaign rally appearance in more than a year and her first public sighting since she and the president tested positive on Oct. 2 for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
— Maria Puente
California state health officials issued theme park rules Tuesday that make it clear Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood and other top attractions won't be reopening anytime soon.
The guidelines require that large theme parks can't open until the county in which they are situated reaches the highest of four tiers when it comes to COVID-19 spread.
But Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are both situated in Orange County, south of Los Angeles, which is currently in the third category, labeled "substantial." Universal Studios Hollywood is in Los Angeles County, which is in the lowest category "widespread."
Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the state Department of Health and Human Services, said on a conference call that the new guidelines are realistic, noting that San Francisco County had achieved the highest level. That level requires there be less than one case a day per 100,000 residents and a testing positivity rate of less than 2%.
When large theme parks are allowed to reopen, they will be limited to 25% capacity.
— Jayme Deerwester and Chris Woodyard
Undergraduate students at the University of Michigan will have to stay largely in their dorms or apartments for two weeks, under a new order from Washtenaw County aimed at curbing a sharp uptick in cases at the school, which brought students back on campus for a hybrid semester.
According to the order, undergraduate students must remain in their residence, unless attending class, accessing dining services, or carrying out approved work that cannot be done remotely. Students who wish to return to a primary residence may do so only if they have completed the university’s procedures for leaving campus safely.
“The situation locally has become critical, and this order is necessary to reverse the current increase in cases,” said Jimena Loveluck, health officer for Washtenaw County, which includes Ann Arbor and the university.
The number of cases reported last week at the University of Michigan, per its dashboard, was 301, up from 279 the previous week. In response to the order, the university said it is shifting more classes online.
– David Jesse and Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press
A recent survey found Americans’ willingness to get a COVID-19 vaccine may be determined by its medical effectiveness as well as politics.
According to the survey of nearly 2,000 adults, published Tuesday in JAMA Network Open awaiting peer review, people were most swayed by vaccine efficacy, adverse effects and duration of protection.
Researchers at Cornell University found Americans were about 16% more likely to get a COVID-19 vaccine if it was 90% effective instead of 50%. Americans were about 7% more likely to get the vaccine if incidence of major adverse effects was 1 in 1 million as opposed to 1 in 10,000.
However, there’s also a political component.
According to the survey, Americans would be more willing to get the vaccine if endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization than if it was endorsed by any of the candidates running for president.
The probability of choosing a vaccine was lowest when it was recommended by President Donald Trump, but people were only about 2% more likely to get a vaccine when it was endorsed by former Vice President Joe Biden.
– Adrianna Rodriguez
The list of drugs shown as effective for treating COVID-19 got longer Tuesday.
In a large clinical study, tocilizumab, an immune modulator long used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, showed it can save lives if given to critically ill COVID-19 patients within the first two days of being admitted to an intensive care unit.
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, showed just over 27% of ICU patients treated with tocilizumab died within a month, compared with 37% of those just as seriously ill who did not receive the drug.
Tocilizumab, a so-called monoclonal antibody, has been used during the outbreak because of its effect on tamping down immune over-reactions, which have been common with COVID-19.
However, smaller studies, including one published at the same time by the same journal have shown mixed results, with some finding the drug did not reduce deaths.
– Karen Weintraub
The Mountain West Conference has called off the college football game Saturday between Colorado State and New Mexico due to coronavirus concerns in New Mexico, marking the 30th Football Bowl Subdivision game either canceled or postponed since the season began.
"Due to the prevalence of the COVID-19 virus in Bernalillo County and in accordance with state guidelines, the University of New Mexico is unable to participate in the scheduled football game on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Colorado State University," read a release from the Mountain West.
"Therefore, the Mountain West is canceling the game and declaring it a no contest. There is no plan to reschedule the game."
The Mountain West schedule begins Saturday, the first of eight consecutive weeks for an eight-game schedule. That leaves no room for makeups.
— Fort Collins Coloradoan
The coronavirus pandemic has left about 285,000 more people dead in the U.S. than would be expected in a typical year, two-thirds of them from COVID-19 itself and the rest from other causes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday, according to the Washington Post.
"The CDC said the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, has taken a disproportionate toll on Latinos and Blacks, as previous analyses have noted. But the CDC also found, surprisingly, that it has struck 25- to 44-year-olds very hard: Their “excess death” rate is up 26.5 percent over previous years, the largest change for any age group," the Post said.
According to the Post, "it is not clear whether that spike is caused by the well-recognized shift in covid-19 deaths toward younger people between May and August, or deaths from other causes, the CDC said."
The Republican-controlled Senate is set to vote on the reauthorization of the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seemed to back away from a Tuesday deadline to reach a deal on a COVID-19 stimulus plan before the election.
The bill reauthorizes another round of the small business loans but is likely to be blocked by Democrats, who have opposed standalone relief bills.
Pelosi said in an interview with Bloomberg her Tuesday ultimatum was not actually a deadline to have a deal but in fact "the day where we would have our terms on the table, to be able to go to the next step."
Asked how a bill could come together, Pelosi left open the possibility a bill might not be passed until after the election, saying "we could still continue the negotiations. It might not be finished by Election Day."
– Nicholas Wu and Christal Hayes
U.S. drug overdose deaths are on track to reach an all-time high, based on available information obtained by The Associated Press. Addiction experts blame the pandemic, which has left people stressed and isolated, disrupted treatment and recovery programs, and contributed to an increasingly dangerous illicit drug supply.
Before the coronavirus even arrived, the U.S. was in the midst of the deadliest drug overdose epidemic in its history, with a record 71,000 overdose deaths last year.
This year’s tally likely will surpass that, according to preliminary death data from nine states reviewed by The Associated Press and national data on emergency responses to reported drug overdoses.
National numbers take months to tabulate, because tests and death investigations can take time even when medical examiners offices are not stretched thin by a pandemic.
Patients who have COVID-19 are at five times more risk for in-hospital death than patients with influenza, according to a study published Tuesday in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Mortality and Morbidity report.
The report also found that COVID-19 patients were hospitalized three times longer than influenza patients and were admitted to the intensive care unit at double the rate.
The study looked at nearly 4,000 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from March to May and nearly 5,500 hospitalized patients with influenza from Oct. 2018 to Feb. 2020 from the Veterans Health Administration.
It contributes to mounting evidence that COVID-19 may be deadlier than the seasonal flu, despite comparisons made by the Trump Administration.
– Adrianna Rodriguez
Sixteen states set records for new cases in the seven-day period ending Monday, another sign that infections across the nation are booming, a USA TODAY analysis of data from Johns Hopkins reveals. And 42 states had more cases in the latest week than in the week before, while 34 states had a higher rate of people testing positive than the week before, an analysis of COVID Tracking Project data shows.
North Dakota is reporting cases on a per-capita basis at a rate about two-thirds higher than any state had during the spring or summer surges. Health officials said the daily positivity rate is just under 20%. The World Health Organization has recommended the number be under 5% before governments ease major restrictions.
More ominous news: New daily hospitalizations reached 37,744, the most in a single day since Aug. 25.
– Michael Stucka
Americans would be more willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine if endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization than if it were endorsed by a presidential candidate, according to a survey published Tuesday in JAMA Network Open. The probability of choosing a vaccine was lowest when it was recommended by President Donald Trump, but it wasn’t significantly higher when it was endorsed by former vice president Joe Biden.
Vaccine efficacy, side effects and duration of protection had the largest impact on people’s willingness to get a vaccine, according to the survey. Americans were also less willing to get the vaccine if it was manufactured in China or the United Kingdom vs. in the United States. And an emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was associated with a lower probability of getting a vaccine – people would be more willing if the vaccine went through the full FDA regulatory process.
– Adrianna Rodriguez
Woman refuses to wear mask, goes on profane tirade A Starbucks barista kept her cool as a woman used expletives to describe Black Lives Matter. USA TODAY, Storyful
A California Starbucks barista who was berated by a customer in a now-viral video says situations like this happen almost every day and she’s learned to cope with them. Alex Beckom, 19, shared the short clip taken by a bystander Sunday that shows Beckom serving the customer while calmly reminding the woman that she needs to wear a mask. The unidentified customer accuses Beckom of discriminating against her because she is a supporter of President Donald Trump and using expletives to describe Black Lives Matter.
“I’m Black in America so I’ve dealt with these kinds of situations before,” Beckom told NBC San Diego. “So I’m able to stay calm and collected in these kinds of situations because I don’t want to risk my job.”
The customer, who is wearing a mask below her chin, claims in the video she is not required by law to wear a face mask and yells profanities at Beckom. San Diego County, where the incident took place, requires residents to wear face coverings in stores and restaurants except while seated and eating a meal.
– N'dea Yancey-Bragg
Nobody is offering a deal that can't be refused, but the relationship between President Trump and Fauci appears to be disintegrating fast as Election Day approaches. Trump has repeatedly called for states to ease COVID-19 restrictions while Fauci has counseled caution. Trump, in a phone call to campaign staffers, blasted Fauci as a "disaster" who along with other public health "idiots ... have gotten it wrong," NBC News reported, citing a recording of the call. Fauci shook off the president's rant, referencing "The Godfather" and saying his relationship with Trump is "just business."
“I would prefer not to comment on that and just get on with what we are really trying to do," Fauci said. "And what we are trying to do is to protect the health and welfare and safety of the American people predominantly, and ultimately, of the world."
State public health departments say they’re ready to leap into action as soon as a COVID-19 vaccine is approved but caution that it remains unclear how fast it can be widely distributed. The earliest date a vaccine is expected to arrive is now around Thanksgiving so that gives states a little breathing room. A month ago Nov. 1 had been a primary target date.
Dr. Nirav Shah, director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, says it's like planning an outdoor picnic for 1.3 million of his closest friends (the population of Maine) without knowing how much food he has, who's coming, how he's going to invite them and what they can and can't eat. In Mississippi, state health officials have been working hard to get ready, said Dr. Thomas Dobbs, the state health officer.
"This is going to be a Herculean effort," he said.
– Elizabeth Weise
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Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together.
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Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-20--Tennessee poll worker fired after turning away voters in Black Lives Matter shirts, masks

MEMPHIS — A Shelby County , Tennessee , poll worker was fired Friday after election officials learned that he had turned away voters who were wearing masks and T-shirts that said Black Lives Matter .
“ What he did was patently wrong and he was fired , ” said Suzanne Thompson , spokeswoman for the Shelby County Election Commission .
State law prohibits people from wearing items with the name of a political party or candidate currently on the ballot while in a polling place , but statements like “ Black Lives Matter ” or “ I Can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law .
A manager of operations went to the Dave Wells Community Center in Memphis during early voting and fired the worker on the spot after confirming the reports , Thompson said .
2020 Election : Memphis women look for common ground in early voting initiative Voting : What COVID-19 precautions to expect when you cast your vote in Shelby County A day later , a second poll worker at the location did not show up for work , quitting .
The two poll workers were friends and drove to work together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government and religion .
She can be reached at katherine.burgess @ commercialappeal.com , 901-529-2799 or followed on Twitter @ kathsburgess .

Katherine Burgess, Memphis Commercial Appeal

Tennessee poll worker fired after turning away voters in Black Lives Matter shirts, masks
Show Caption Hide Caption Why voter suppression in the US has increased since 2013 Civil rights experts point to long wait times to vote as a sign of growing voter suppression in the U.S. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
MEMPHIS — A Shelby County, Tennessee, poll worker was fired Friday after election officials learned that he had turned away voters who were wearing masks and T-shirts that said Black Lives Matter.
“What he did was patently wrong and he was fired,” said Suzanne Thompson, spokeswoman for the Shelby County Election Commission.
State law prohibits people from wearing items with the name of a political party or candidate currently on the ballot while in a polling place, but statements like “Black Lives Matter” or “I Can’t Breathe” are not violations of that law.
A manager of operations went to the Dave Wells Community Center in Memphis during early voting and fired the worker on the spot after confirming the reports, Thompson said.
2020 Election: Memphis women look for common ground in early voting initiative
Voting: What COVID-19 precautions to expect when you cast your vote in Shelby County
A day later, a second poll worker at the location did not show up for work, quitting. The two poll workers were friends and drove to work together, Thompson said.
Katherine Burgess covers county government and religion. She can be reached at katherine.burgess@commercialappeal.com, 901-529-2799 or followed on Twitter @kathsburgess.


usatoday--2020-10-20--Joe Biden has narrow lead over President Donald Trump in new Florida poll

Democrat Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump by just one percentage point in Florida , according to a University of North Florida poll released Tuesday .
Biden 's lead is within the poll 's margin of error , making the race essentially a toss-up with Election Day two weeks away .
`` This is Florida , and elections are never easy here , I expect this race to come down to the wire , '' said Michael Binder , the director of UNF 's Public Opinion Research Lab .
The latest survey is an improvement for Trump , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UNF poll from earlier in the month .
Biden is now at 48 % support in Florida compared to 47 % for Trump , according to the UNF poll .
Another 3 % of voters are undecided and 1 % are voting third party .
Military and the election : Pentagon reiterates that troops have no role in US election – that includes vets at polls Trump 's support is lagging among senior voters and Biden is struggling with Hispanic voters according to the survey , which confirms trends seen throughout the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Biden with voters 65 and older in the UNF poll .
That 's below the 17-point margin of victory exit polls show Trump had among Florida seniors in 2016 .
Meanwhile , Biden is up by just seven points among Florida 's Hispanic voters , according to the UNF survey .
Clinton won these voters in 2016 by a 27-point margin , according to exit polls .
Pennsylvania : Supreme Court allows Pennsylvania to count ballots received up to 3 days after Election Day But Biden is doing better than Clinton with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survey has Biden at 37 % support among white voters .
Clinton won just 32 % of white voters in Florida , according to exit polls .
Trump retains the support of 92 % of Florida voters who backed him in 2016 , according to the UNF survey , while 6 % of Trump 's 2016 supporters back Biden and 2 % are undecided .
More voters disapprove of the job Trump is doing as president ( 49 % ) than approve ( 47 % ) , according to the poll .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Oct. 12-16 and has a 3.3 percentage point margin of error .

Joe Biden has narrow lead over President Donald Trump in new Florida poll
Show Caption Hide Caption How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Democrat Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump by just one percentage point in Florida, according to a University of North Florida poll released Tuesday.
Biden's lead is within the poll's margin of error, making the race essentially a toss-up with Election Day two weeks away.
"This is Florida, and elections are never easy here, I expect this race to come down to the wire," said Michael Binder, the director of UNF's Public Opinion Research Lab.
The latest survey is an improvement for Trump, who was trailing Biden by six points in a UNF poll from earlier in the month. Biden is now at 48% support in Florida compared to 47% for Trump, according to the UNF poll. Another 3% of voters are undecided and 1% are voting third party.
Military and the election: Pentagon reiterates that troops have no role in US election – that includes vets at polls
Trump's support is lagging among senior voters and Biden is struggling with Hispanic voters according to the survey, which confirms trends seen throughout the election.
The president has a 10-point lead over Biden with voters 65 and older in the UNF poll. That's below the 17-point margin of victory exit polls show Trump had among Florida seniors in 2016.
Meanwhile, Biden is up by just seven points among Florida's Hispanic voters, according to the UNF survey. Clinton won these voters in 2016 by a 27-point margin, according to exit polls.
Pennsylvania: Supreme Court allows Pennsylvania to count ballots received up to 3 days after Election Day
But Biden is doing better than Clinton with white voters in Florida. The UNF survey has Biden at 37% support among white voters. Clinton won just 32% of white voters in Florida, according to exit polls.
Trump retains the support of 92% of Florida voters who backed him in 2016, according to the UNF survey, while 6% of Trump's 2016 supporters back Biden and 2% are undecided.
More voters disapprove of the job Trump is doing as president (49%) than approve (47%), according to the poll.
The survey of 863 likely voters was conducted from Oct. 12-16 and has a 3.3 percentage point margin of error.


usatoday--2020-10-20--NFL power rankings: Packers' meltdown leads to another change at No. 1

1 .
Seahawks ( 2 ) : They reach power rankings pinnacle coming off their bye , though the No .
1 team each of the past two weeks ( Chiefs , Packers ) has subsequently lost .
Seattle will have Buffalo and four NFC West games over next five weeks , easily the toughest stretch of its schedule .
2 .
Steelers ( 9 ) : What 's more impressive ?
WR Chase Claypool thrusting himself into offensive rookie of the year consideration – he now has six TDs in five games – or garnering a sweet nickname befitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love ... `` Mapletron . ''
3 .
Titans ( 7 ) : Some notes on Derrick Henry .
Over past three regular seasons , there have been six 200-yard rushing efforts ... three by Henry .
Four players have three career games with 200 rush yards and two TDs – Henry ... plus Hall of Famers Jim Brown , Barry Sanders and LaDainian Tomlinson .
And Henry 's only the fifth to have two touchdown runs of at least 90 yards .
Dude is special .
4 .
Raiders ( 5 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % completion rate , his 115.9 QB rating ranks second , he 's thrown just one INT – yet is striking deep .
Time to start mentioning his name in the MVP conversation ... especially with my recency bias still shining on Las Vegas .
5 .
Chiefs ( 6 ) : They chewed up Buffalo for 245 yards on the ground , most since Andy Reid arrived in K.C .
in 2013 .
Now add Le'Veon Bell to that mix .
Could be deadly .
6 reasons : Why Le'Veon Bell signing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things : We learned from Week 6 of the 2020 NFL season Elliott takes blame for Dallas loss : ' I want to say I 'm sorry' 6 .
Ravens ( 8 ) : Baltimore is 5-1 for the third time in franchise 's 25-season history .
The other two occurrences were precursors to Super Bowl victories .
7 .
Buccaneers ( 15 ) : Tom Brady blah , blah , blah .
Look who now owns league 's top-ranked defense , which includes breakout CB Jamel Dean .
A team that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on both sides of the ball than anyone realized .
8 .
Packers ( 1 ) : On one hand , they 've only lost five games under Matt LaFleur .
On the other , those defeats have been by an average of 19.2 points .
9 .
Saints ( 12 ) : They have n't allowed a 100-yard rusher since Nov. 19 , 2017 ... since Washington 's Samaje Perine hit the century mark .
That 's a remarkable streak of 48 consecutive games .
10 .
Bills ( 11 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time .
But that 's OK .
They remain atop AFC East – although barely – and are n't scheduled for their next showcase under the lights until December .
11 .
Browns ( 10 ) : With a sack Sunday of oft-battered Joe Burrow , DE Myles Garrett will become first Cleveland player to record one in six consecutive games .
12 .
Colts ( 13 ) : If you had to guess who league 's leading scorer was , probably be quite some time before you got to undrafted Indianapolis rookie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made everyone forget about Adam Vinatieri .
13 .
Bears ( 14 ) : They 're in first place , so give them credit for grit .
But nothing comes easily to this team , especially on offense .
Watching Chicago try to score from the 1-yard line Sunday – failing in a four-tight end set , then a three-receiver set – before QB Nick Foles did it himself ... just painful .
14 .
Patriots ( 4 ) : They 'd been above .500 through five weeks for a league record 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed in New England this year .
15 .
Dolphins ( 18 ) : How about CB Xavien Howard , who does n't get sufficient recognition .
He 's picked off a pass in four consecutive games and has a league-high 12 interceptions since 2018 .
16 .
Panthers ( 16 ) : What a great signing WR Robby Anderson has been , his reunion with former Temple coach Matt Rhule helping him blossom into a weapon averaging nearly 100 yards a week .
17 .
Lions ( 23 ) : After losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a double-digit lead , they hung on to beat Jacksonville by 18 .
Keep a close eye on Detroit , which plays one team with a winning record ( Colts ) over next six weeks .
18 .
Cardinals ( 17 ) : Beating up on highly depleted Dallas reveals little .
The real test comes Sunday , when undefeated Seahawks kick off month-long homestand in desert .
19 .
49ers ( 20 ) : ICYMI , Deebo Samuel deemed himself , fellow WR Brandon Aiyuk and TE George Kittle the `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Samuel is producing second-best 12.5 YAC per reception , better than his brothers combined ( 10.7 ) .
20 .
Rams ( 3 ) : Admittedly , time to take hard look at this team – which fattened up on NFC East – and re-evaluate .
Aaron Donald ca n't do it alone up front .
21 .
Broncos ( 27 ) : Can they build momentum after upset in New England ?
Not if K Brandon McManus is only source of points Sunday against Kansas City .
22 .
Chargers ( 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team to lose three in a row while coughing up a lead of at least 17 points ... but danger should be minimal against Jacksonville .
23 .
Eagles ( 19 ) : Despite their growing injuries and QB Carson Wentz 's mishaps , beating the lowly Giants on Thursday night will put Philadelphia in first place .
24 .
Falcons ( 28 ) : Been nine years between head coaching wins for interim boss Raheem Morris , who 's more deserving of a second chance than many retreads who have already enjoyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) : Maybe this is misguided , but it seems playing DT Geno Atkins more than 18 snaps when you have a 21-point lead might be prudent ?
26 .
Vikings ( 22 ) : I keep coming back to training camp , when S Harrison Smith said , `` I guess I 've kind of been out of the loop – I did n't know we were supposed to be bad . ''
You should probably stay looped in going forward , Harrison .
27 .
Texans ( 26 ) : With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft picks , might it be in everyone 's best interest to start shopping J.J. Watt to contenders ?
28 .
Cowboys ( 24 ) : Given state of offensive line and defense , it probably would n't matter all that much even if QB Dak Prescott were still available .
29 .
Jaguars ( 29 ) : Four most recent losses have come by an average of 15 points ... but now that might not even be good enough to get Trevor Lawrence into town .
30 .
Giants ( 31 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most talented team in – OK , near – New York City , G-Men are outgunned pretty much ever week .
But congrats to rookie coach Joe Judge and his troops , who unfailingly compete and saw their effort pay off Sunday .
31 .
Washington ( 30 ) : Maybe the WFT would have converted that two-point attempt in New York if RB Adrian Peterson was still on roster .
Instead , this team plods along as NFL 's worst rushing team .
Good decision cutting AD , fellas .
32 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making case as worst team in NYJ history , no small feat .
They 've been outscored by 18.3 points per game for a differential of -110 , nearly twice as bad as next-worst team ( Jags , -56 ) .
If you love talking football , we have the perfect spot for you .
Join our Facebook Group , The Ruling Off the Field , to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders .
Do the right thing , sign up now !

NFL power rankings: Packers' meltdown leads to another change at No. 1
Show Caption Hide Caption NFL power rankings 7.0: Cowboys come crashing down and there's a new number one SportsPulse: The Cowboys are currently a bottom five team and we have a new number one after the Green Bay Packers got throttled by Tampa Bay. Mackenzie Salmon reveals our biggest risers and fallers in this week's power rankings. USA TODAY
NFL power rankings, 2020 post-Week 6 edition (previous rank in parentheses):
1. Seahawks (2): They reach power rankings pinnacle coming off their bye, though the No. 1 team each of the past two weeks (Chiefs, Packers) has subsequently lost. Seattle will have Buffalo and four NFC West games over next five weeks, easily the toughest stretch of its schedule.
2. Steelers (9): What's more impressive? WR Chase Claypool thrusting himself into offensive rookie of the year consideration – he now has six TDs in five games – or garnering a sweet nickname befitting a Canadian native? You gotta love ... "Mapletron."
They don't call him Mapletron for nothing 👀 pic.twitter.com/c8kYNZGRVV — NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) October 18, 2020
3. Titans (7): Some notes on Derrick Henry. Over past three regular seasons, there have been six 200-yard rushing efforts ... three by Henry. Four players have three career games with 200 rush yards and two TDs – Henry ... plus Hall of Famers Jim Brown, Barry Sanders and LaDainian Tomlinson. And Henry's only the fifth to have two touchdown runs of at least 90 yards. Dude is special.
4. Raiders (5): Derek Carr paces NFL with 73.1% completion rate, his 115.9 QB rating ranks second, he's thrown just one INT – yet is striking deep. Time to start mentioning his name in the MVP conversation ... especially with my recency bias still shining on Las Vegas.
5. Chiefs (6): They chewed up Buffalo for 245 yards on the ground, most since Andy Reid arrived in K.C. in 2013. Now add Le'Veon Bell to that mix. Could be deadly.
6 reasons: Why Le'Veon Bell signing could pay off handsomely for Chiefs
32 things: We learned from Week 6 of the 2020 NFL season
Elliott takes blame for Dallas loss: 'I want to say I'm sorry'
6. Ravens (8): Baltimore is 5-1 for the third time in franchise's 25-season history. The other two occurrences were precursors to Super Bowl victories.
7. Buccaneers (15): Tom Brady blah, blah, blah. Look who now owns league's top-ranked defense, which includes breakout CB Jamel Dean. A team that's still jelling might have far more upside on both sides of the ball than anyone realized.
8. Packers (1): On one hand, they've only lost five games under Matt LaFleur. On the other, those defeats have been by an average of 19.2 points.
9. Saints (12): They haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher since Nov. 19, 2017 ... since Washington's Samaje Perine hit the century mark. That's a remarkable streak of 48 consecutive games.
10. Bills (11): Welp, apparently not ready for prime time. But that's OK. They remain atop AFC East – although barely – and aren't scheduled for their next showcase under the lights until December.
11. Browns (10): With a sack Sunday of oft-battered Joe Burrow, DE Myles Garrett will become first Cleveland player to record one in six consecutive games.
12. Colts (13): If you had to guess who league's leading scorer was, probably be quite some time before you got to undrafted Indianapolis rookie K Rodrigo Blankenship ... who's basically made everyone forget about Adam Vinatieri.
13. Bears (14): They're in first place, so give them credit for grit. But nothing comes easily to this team, especially on offense. Watching Chicago try to score from the 1-yard line Sunday – failing in a four-tight end set, then a three-receiver set – before QB Nick Foles did it himself ... just painful.
14. Patriots (4): They'd been above .500 through five weeks for a league record 18 straight seasons ... but a lot has changed in New England this year.
15. Dolphins (18): How about CB Xavien Howard, who doesn't get sufficient recognition. He's picked off a pass in four consecutive games and has a league-high 12 interceptions since 2018.
16. Panthers (16): What a great signing WR Robby Anderson has been, his reunion with former Temple coach Matt Rhule helping him blossom into a weapon averaging nearly 100 yards a week.
17. Lions (23): After losing a league-record six consecutive games when they had a double-digit lead, they hung on to beat Jacksonville by 18. Keep a close eye on Detroit, which plays one team with a winning record (Colts) over next six weeks.
18. Cardinals (17): Beating up on highly depleted Dallas reveals little. The real test comes Sunday, when undefeated Seahawks kick off month-long homestand in desert.
19. 49ers (20): ICYMI, Deebo Samuel deemed himself, fellow WR Brandon Aiyuk and TE George Kittle the "YAC Bros." earlier this month. Samuel is producing second-best 12.5 YAC per reception, better than his brothers combined (10.7).
20. Rams (3): Admittedly, time to take hard look at this team – which fattened up on NFC East – and re-evaluate. Aaron Donald can't do it alone up front.
21. Broncos (27): Can they build momentum after upset in New England? Not if K Brandon McManus is only source of points Sunday against Kansas City.
22. Chargers (21): In danger of becoming first team to lose three in a row while coughing up a lead of at least 17 points ... but danger should be minimal against Jacksonville.
23. Eagles (19): Despite their growing injuries and QB Carson Wentz's mishaps, beating the lowly Giants on Thursday night will put Philadelphia in first place.
24. Falcons (28): Been nine years between head coaching wins for interim boss Raheem Morris, who's more deserving of a second chance than many retreads who have already enjoyed one.
25. Bengals (25): Maybe this is misguided, but it seems playing DT Geno Atkins more than 18 snaps when you have a 21-point lead might be prudent?
26. Vikings (22): I keep coming back to training camp, when S Harrison Smith said, "I guess I've kind of been out of the loop – I didn't know we were supposed to be bad." You should probably stay looped in going forward, Harrison.
27. Texans (26): With Houston mired at 1-5 and devoid of draft picks, might it be in everyone's best interest to start shopping J.J. Watt to contenders?
28. Cowboys (24): Given state of offensive line and defense, it probably wouldn't matter all that much even if QB Dak Prescott were still available.
29. Jaguars (29): Four most recent losses have come by an average of 15 points ... but now that might not even be good enough to get Trevor Lawrence into town.
30. Giants (31): Though they're (arguably) the most talented team in – OK, near – New York City, G-Men are outgunned pretty much ever week. But congrats to rookie coach Joe Judge and his troops, who unfailingly compete and saw their effort pay off Sunday.
31. Washington (30): Maybe the WFT would have converted that two-point attempt in New York if RB Adrian Peterson was still on roster. Instead, this team plods along as NFL's worst rushing team. Good decision cutting AD, fellas.
32. Jets (32): Quickly making case as worst team in NYJ history, no small feat. They've been outscored by 18.3 points per game for a differential of -110, nearly twice as bad as next-worst team (Jags, -56).
***
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis
If you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!


usatoday--2020-10-20--Jamie Lynn Spears on why she decided to 'hide away' during pregnancy

Jamie Lynn Spears is recalling how her world changed when she announced her pregnancy at age 16 .
In an interview with Nylon Monday , the `` Zoey 101 '' star , 29 , shared what was going through her mind when she found out she was expecting .
“ I am mortified to have to tell my parents this and my family this .
I do not care what TMZ thinks about it , ” she told the magazine .
“ That was all I was thinking about : ‘ These are the people I love that I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm pregnant .
There 's a human being growing inside of me , and I 'm so young , I 'm almost a baby myself.
’ `` She continued , `` I did n't really care about any of that nonsense , but when we did announce that I was pregnant , I did hide away for a little bit during that time , and I did n't have a phone .
But of course , the paparazzi still found me .
It 's not like I was in LA walking down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was in the middle of nowhere Mississippi.
” She explained her next move was to set up a new life outside of the spotlight , which is where she stayed for about five years .
“ So , I got me a little house .
I put a big gate up around it , and I was like , ‘ I 'm going to stay here , raise my baby , and figure this out because this is real life .
I 've put myself in this situation , I 'm not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but these are the cards that I have to play , ’ ” she continued .
“ And I tried to do the best that I could .
And yet , sure enough , everywhere I went in Mississippi for that whole nine months , there was always paparazzi on me everywhere I went .
But I just knew that if I just stayed away from it long enough that I could give my child some sense of normalcy back in her life.
” She also made clear that her pregnancy coincided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it was n't the cause of the show 's demise .
`` In today 's world , immediately I 'd have my social media to post something , and it 'd be cleared up , ” she said .
“ But even today , people still have their thoughts about it .
I did n't become pregnant until probably six months after we wrapped or something like that , but some of the episodes had not aired yet . ''
She continued , `` I think that there was a conversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ‘ Do we air these episodes ?
’ But the show had already wrapped and there was never a negotiation to go into any more seasons .
We were too old .
It was done.
” Age did n't stop Spears from endorsing a possible reboot of the show back in July 2019 .
After TMZ shared speculation last summer that Nickelodeon might be bringing back your favorite Pacific Coast Academy teens for a glimpse into their adult lives , a few other headlines popped up , leading fans to wonder if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the buzz in an Instagram post .
And although it did n't appear there were any concrete plans for a reboot , Spears left the door open .
`` Yo , @ nickelodeon have your people call my people 🤝😉 '' Spears captioned a screenshot of a headline stating she 's `` reportedly in talks to reboot 'Zoey 101 . '
`` More : Jamie Lynn Spears is expecting Baby No .
2 : 'Maddie is FINALLY going to be a big sister' More : Emma Roberts reveals she 's pregnant with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Garrett Hedlund

Jamie Lynn Spears on why she decided to 'hide away' during pregnancy
Show Caption Hide Caption Jamie Lynn Spears’ daughter visits her school after serious ATV accident Eight-year-old Maddie Aldridge, daughter of Jamie Lynn Spears, was declared well enough to visit her school for Valentine’s Day after suffering life-threatening injuries from an ATV accident. USA TODAY
Jamie Lynn Spears is recalling how her world changed when she announced her pregnancy at age 16.
In an interview with Nylon Monday, the "Zoey 101" star, 29, shared what was going through her mind when she found out she was expecting.
“I am mortified to have to tell my parents this and my family this. I do not care what TMZ thinks about it,” she told the magazine. “That was all I was thinking about: ‘These are the people I love that I have to tell, and also, I'm pregnant. There's a human being growing inside of me, and I'm so young, I'm almost a baby myself.’ "
She continued, "I didn't really care about any of that nonsense, but when we did announce that I was pregnant, I did hide away for a little bit during that time, and I didn't have a phone. But of course, the paparazzi still found me. It's not like I was in LA walking down the middle of the most popular boulevard; I was in the middle of nowhere Mississippi.”
She explained her next move was to set up a new life outside of the spotlight, which is where she stayed for about five years.
“So, I got me a little house. I put a big gate up around it, and I was like, ‘I'm going to stay here, raise my baby, and figure this out because this is real life. I've put myself in this situation, I'm not condoning it or saying it's right, but these are the cards that I have to play,’” she continued. “And I tried to do the best that I could. And yet, sure enough, everywhere I went in Mississippi for that whole nine months, there was always paparazzi on me everywhere I went. But I just knew that if I just stayed away from it long enough that I could give my child some sense of normalcy back in her life.”
She also made clear that her pregnancy coincided with "Zoey 101" ending in, but it wasn't the cause of the show's demise.
"In today's world, immediately I'd have my social media to post something, and it'd be cleared up,” she said. “But even today, people still have their thoughts about it. I didn't become pregnant until probably six months after we wrapped or something like that, but some of the episodes had not aired yet."
She continued, "I think that there was a conversation with Nickelodeon, rightfully so, of, ‘Do we air these episodes?’ But the show had already wrapped and there was never a negotiation to go into any more seasons. We were too old. It was done.”
Age didn't stop Spears from endorsing a possible reboot of the show back in July 2019.
After TMZ shared speculation last summer that Nickelodeon might be bringing back your favorite Pacific Coast Academy teens for a glimpse into their adult lives, a few other headlines popped up, leading fans to wonder if the rumors were true.
Spears acknowledged the buzz in an Instagram post. And although it didn't appear there were any concrete plans for a reboot, Spears left the door open.
"Yo, @nickelodeon have your people call my people 🤝😉" Spears captioned a screenshot of a headline stating she's "reportedly in talks to reboot 'Zoey 101.' "
Contributing: Hannah Yasharoff
More: Jamie Lynn Spears is expecting Baby No. 2: 'Maddie is FINALLY going to be a big sister'
More: Emma Roberts reveals she's pregnant with a baby boy in new photos with boyfriend Garrett Hedlund


usatoday--2020-10-20--How do I look for a new job without telling my boss? Ask HR

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. , a human resources expert , is tackling your questions as part of a series for USA TODAY .
Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management , the world 's largest HR professional society .
The questions are submitted by readers , and Taylor 's answers below have been edited for length and clarity .
Have a question ?
Do you have an HR or work-related question you ’ d like me to answer ?
Submit it here .
Question : I 'm unhappy at my current company , and am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , I do n't want my current employer to know I 'm looking , because it 's likely I 'll get terminated .
How do I get around that tricky section on a job application that requires the contact information for your current employer ?
– Anonymous Johnny C. Taylor Jr. : This challenge is a lot easier to overcome than many people might think .
The fact of the matter is most employers will not contact your current employer without discussing it with you first .
And typically , reference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applicant is further along in the process .
In fact , the majority of job applications include a check box to specify that potential employers do not contact a current employer .
I recommend checking this box if you wish to maintain the secrecy of your job search .
You might also include “ I would prefer not to list my current employer ’ s contact information until a job offer is received.
” Potential employers are likely familiar with situations similar like yours and will generally understand and honor your request to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an offer is imminent .
Applying for a new position can be nerve-wracking – trust me , I understand .
If you still feel unsure , you could even add a note explaining you are currently employed and would appreciate it if your application was kept private during the interview process .
In most cases , this ask may be unnecessary but , if you ’ re worried , it could be enough to buy the peace of mind you need to be and feel your best .
I ’ ll say this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried and true approach for employers to make smart hiring decisions .
They are an integral part of any job application .
I encourage you to reach out to your references and let them know you are beginning the job search so they are not caught off guard if a hiring manager reaches out .
Harassment not reported : Can HR do anything about it ?
Ask HR COVID-19 : Can I forbid employees from traveling during pandemic ?
Ask HR Q : I am a new , young manager .
One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 'm naturally an open and friendly person and I want to have a good relationship with my team .
However , because I 'm so close in age and was once their peer , how do I draw respectful boundaries without coming across as cold ?
– Anonymous Taylor : Congratulations !
Getting promoted to manager is a big deal , and hopefully , one of many more landmark moments in your career .
That said , I totally see how your excitement might be mixed with apprehension .
Going from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their boss can feel like a 180 .
While boundaries do and will change , it doesn ’ t mean you must completely transform your working relationship .
In fact , your new position could improve it .
To make the best of it , here are a few ways you might try establishing healthy boundaries to build a productive dynamic : • Set aside time for individual and team meetings with your new reports to discuss what they are working on .
Great ideas often come from these free-flowing , open and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them know you welcome their questions , ideas and perspectives .
• Be patient and allow your team to ease into this newly-established relationship .
You ’ re embarking on this journey together .
• Build trust by providing direction and support as needed .
And remember , you can still be an effective leader while being friendly and approachable .
This doesn ’ t take away from your managerial skill set and newfound authority .
Remember : This adjustment isn ’ t all about you .
While you ’ re getting acclimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports are also adapting to working with a new manager – who was once their peer .
It can be tricky , maybe even a bit awkward , but just know it ’ s a completely normal period of transition .
For additional guidance , consider finding a relevant course on LinkedIn or earning a management certification .
You can still socialize with former peers , just keep it professional and consider limiting conversations to hobbies or interests .
There will be a lot of fine-tuning on both ends as you navigate your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come with it .
Bottom line : Trust yourself , lead with empathy , confidence and transparency , and you will forge a winning team .

Johnny C. Taylor Jr., Special to USA TODAY

How do I look for a new job without telling my boss? Ask HR
Johnny C. Taylor Jr., a human resources expert, is tackling your questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society.
The questions are submitted by readers, and Taylor's answers below have been edited for length and clarity.
Have a question? Do you have an HR or work-related question you’d like me to answer? Submit it here.
Question: I'm unhappy at my current company, and am starting to search for a new job. However, I don't want my current employer to know I'm looking, because it's likely I'll get terminated. How do I get around that tricky section on a job application that requires the contact information for your current employer? – Anonymous
Johnny C. Taylor Jr.: This challenge is a lot easier to overcome than many people might think.
The fact of the matter is most employers will not contact your current employer without discussing it with you first. And typically, reference checks won’t occur until an applicant is further along in the process.
In fact, the majority of job applications include a check box to specify that potential employers do not contact a current employer. I recommend checking this box if you wish to maintain the secrecy of your job search.
You might also include “I would prefer not to list my current employer’s contact information until a job offer is received.” Potential employers are likely familiar with situations similar like yours and will generally understand and honor your request to refrain from contacting a current employer until an offer is imminent.
Applying for a new position can be nerve-wracking – trust me, I understand. If you still feel unsure, you could even add a note explaining you are currently employed and would appreciate it if your application was kept private during the interview process. In most cases, this ask may be unnecessary but, if you’re worried, it could be enough to buy the peace of mind you need to be and feel your best.
I’ll say this, though. Reference checks are a tried and true approach for employers to make smart hiring decisions. They are an integral part of any job application. I encourage you to reach out to your references and let them know you are beginning the job search so they are not caught off guard if a hiring manager reaches out.
Happy job hunting!
Coronavirus: College grad shares job search journey amid pandemic With hiring freezes and new competition, job searching for college graduates continue to become complicated during the coronavirus pandemic. USA TODAY
Harassment not reported: Can HR do anything about it? Ask HR
COVID-19: Can I forbid employees from traveling during pandemic? Ask HR
Q: I am a new, young manager. One of my direct reports is around my age. I'm naturally an open and friendly person and I want to have a good relationship with my team. However, because I'm so close in age and was once their peer, how do I draw respectful boundaries without coming across as cold? – Anonymous
Taylor: Congratulations! Getting promoted to manager is a big deal, and hopefully, one of many more landmark moments in your career. That said, I totally see how your excitement might be mixed with apprehension. Going from being peers with your colleagues to becoming their boss can feel like a 180.
While boundaries do and will change, it doesn’t mean you must completely transform your working relationship. In fact, your new position could improve it.
To make the best of it, here are a few ways you might try establishing healthy boundaries to build a productive dynamic:
• Set aside time for individual and team meetings with your new reports to discuss what they are working on. Great ideas often come from these free-flowing, open and collaborative conversations with the team. Let them know you welcome their questions, ideas and perspectives.
• Be patient and allow your team to ease into this newly-established relationship. You’re embarking on this journey together.
• Build trust by providing direction and support as needed. And remember, you can still be an effective leader while being friendly and approachable. This doesn’t take away from your managerial skill set and newfound authority.
Remember: This adjustment isn’t all about you. While you’re getting acclimated to your new position, your direct reports are also adapting to working with a new manager – who was once their peer. It can be tricky, maybe even a bit awkward, but just know it’s a completely normal period of transition. For additional guidance, consider finding a relevant course on LinkedIn or earning a management certification.
You can still socialize with former peers, just keep it professional and consider limiting conversations to hobbies or interests. There will be a lot of fine-tuning on both ends as you navigate your new role and the new dynamics that come with it.
Bottom line: Trust yourself, lead with empathy, confidence and transparency, and you will forge a winning team.


usatoday--2020-10-20--Election 2020 live updates: 2 weeks until Election Day, Trump in Pennsylvania as Democrats try to wi

Election 2020 live updates: 2 weeks until Election Day, Trump in Pennsylvania as Democrats try to win over Cuban American voters

The end of the 2020 presidential campaign is near .
With just two weeks until Election Day , President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are making final appeals to voters key to winning what has been a contentious contest .
Trump holds a rally Tuesday in Erie , Pennsylvania , as both he and Biden fight for the Keystone State .
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that Pennsylvania absentee ballots can be received up to three days after Election Day .
In Florida , which began in-person early voting Monday , Democrats are making a late push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overwhelmingly supported Trump .
Meanwhile , both sides prepare for Thursday 's final presidential debate in Nashville , where the candidates ' mics will be cut while the other speaks .
• COVID stimulus : House Speaker Nancy Pelosi set the end of the day Tuesday as the deadline to get a COVID-19 stimulus deal done before Election Day .
She and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are still in talks .
• Pentagon : As Election Day violence becomes a concern , leaders at the Pentagon have sought to shelter the military from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top leaders reiterating that troops hold no role in elections .
• Boffo : Trump used the word in a tweet Monday .
Here 's what it means .
📊 What the polls are saying : Joe Biden holds a narrow 1-point lead over President Donald Trump in Florida , according to a poll released Tuesday .
📆 14 days until Election Day , two days until the final presidential debate , 92 days until Inauguration Day , 74 days left in 2020 .
🗳 Voting : See USA TODAY 's Voter Guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
Tennessee poll worker fired after turning away voters in Black Lives Matter shirts , masks A Shelby County , Tennessee , poll worker was fired Friday after election officials learned that he had turned away voters who were wearing masks and T-shirts that said Black Lives Matter .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he was fired , ” said Suzanne Thompson , spokeswoman for the Shelby County Election Commission .
State law prohibits people from wearing items with the name of a political party or candidate currently on the ballot while in a polling place , but statements like “ Black Lives Matter ” or “ I Can ’ t Breathe ” are not violations of that law .
A manager of operations went to the Dave Wells Community Center in Memphis during early voting and fired the worker on the spot after confirming the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired : Tennessee poll worker fired after turning away voters in Black Lives Matter shirts , masks Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said Monday that recently published emails purporting to document the business dealings of Hunter Biden are not connected to a Russian disinformation effort , even as federal authorities continued to review whether the material was part of such a campaign .
Ratcliffe , in an interview with Fox Business , did not elaborate on the basis of his conclusion , though he acknowledged knowing `` little '' about the material @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The FBI , according to a person familiar with the matter , has been investigating at least in part whether the material , allegedly drawn from a laptop owned by Biden and provided to the newspaper by Rudy Giuliani , President Donald Trump 's personal lawyer , may be tied to a Russian influence operation aimed at undercutting Biden 's father and Democratic nominee Joe Biden .

Election 2020 updates: Donald Trump says he 'wasn't coming to Erie' in a pre-COVID world
Show Caption Hide Caption Harris returns to campaign trail with Fla. stops Kamala Harris has returned to the campaign trail with rallies in Florida to mark the first day of voting in the Sunshine State. She was briefly absent when people connected with her team tested positive for the coronavirus. (Oct. 19) AP
The end of the 2020 presidential campaign is near. With just two weeks until Election Day, President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are making final appeals to voters key to winning what has been a contentious contest.
Trump holds a rally Tuesday in Erie, Pennsylvania, as both he and Biden fight for the Keystone State. The Supreme Court ruled Monday that Pennsylvania absentee ballots can be received up to three days after Election Day.
In Florida, which began in-person early voting Monday, Democrats are making a late push to woo Cuban Americans, who have overwhelmingly supported Trump.
Meanwhile, both sides prepare for Thursday's final presidential debate in Nashville, where the candidates' mics will be cut while the other speaks.
☕ The latest:
📊 What the polls are saying: Joe Biden holds a narrow 1-point lead over President Donald Trump in Florida, according to a poll released Tuesday. Trump leads Biden by 17 percentage points in Kentucky, a a far smaller advantage compared to 2016, when he beat Hillary Clinton by 30 percentage points in the state. In North Carolina, voters are nearly split, with Biden holding a 1-point edge in a survey of likely voters.
📆 14 days until Election Day, two days until the final presidential debate, 92 days until Inauguration Day, 74 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.
Trump: 'I wasn't coming to Erie' without COVID-19
President Donald Trump told a rally crowd in battleground Pennsylvania on Tuesday that he wouldn’t have to campaign so much for reelection were it not for the coronavirus pandemic.
"Before the plague came in, I had it made. I wasn't coming to Erie. I mean, I have to be honest: There's no way I was coming....I would have called you and said, ‘Hey, Erie, you know, if you have a chance get out and vote,’” Trump said to laughter from the audience.
“We had this thing won," Trump asserted about the election, "and then we got hit with the plague and I had to go back to work. ‘Hello, Erie, may I please have your vote?’”
Trump joked about the cold weather and spent less time on stage than usual, just about an hour. He’s made similar remarks about the weather as he has stepped up his schedule considerably in recent days, telling a rally audience in Wisconsin this weekend that he wasn’t speaking on a "freezing night with 45 degree winds" because it was fun.
“What do you think?” he asked. “Think I'm doing this for my health?”
Polls show Trump is running slightly behind in battleground states such as Pennsylvania. Nationally, 58% of voters disapprove of how Trump has handled the virus, according to an ABC News/Washington Post poll earlier this month, a figure that has been essentially unchanged since the summer.
Even if the virus had not struck the U.S. as hard as it has and raised questions about his administration's response, Trump almost certainly would have campaigned in Pennsylvania. He held one of his first rallies there after becoming president in 2017 and held at least four political events in the state in 2018.
— John Fritze
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the Senate will vote on Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court on Monday, likely allowing Barrett to take her place as the ninth justice just days before Election Day.
The Kentucky Republican outlined a schedule at his weekly news conference Tuesday that would mean the Senate would remain in session this weekend to debate her confirmation before voting on Monday.
“We'll be voting to confirm justice to-be Barrett next Monday,” McConnell said. "And I think that will be another signature accomplishment in our effort to put on the courts, the federal courts, men and women who believe in a quaint notion that maybe the job of a judge is to actually follow the law.”
Barrett has sailed through the confirmation process. After four days of hearings and hours of questioning by senators last week, a vote on her nomination is set to be taken up by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday. The hearings were largely without controversy or drama, allowing Barrett to retain enough Republican support that is likely to lead to her confirmation.
McConnell plans to take up her confirmation on Friday, setting up two days of debate over the weekend and a final vote by the chamber on Monday – eight days before the election.
– Christal Hayes
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi seemed to back away from a Tuesday deadline to reach a deal on a COVID-19 stimulus plan before the election.
Pelosi said in an interview with Bloomberg her Tuesday ultimatum was not actually a deadline to have a deal but in fact "the day where we would have our terms on the table, to be able to go to the next step."
Asked how a bill could come together, Pelosi left open the possibility a bill might not be passed until after the election, saying "we could still continue the negotiations. It might not be finished by Election Day."
Pelosi spokesperson Drew Hammill said Monday the speaker hoped she would "have clarity on whether we will be able to pass a bill before the election" by the end of Tuesday.
– Nicholas Wu
The Republican-controlled Senate is set to vote on the reauthorization of the Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses as Congress runs up against a Tuesday deadline to reach a deal on COVID-19 stimulus before the election.
The bill reauthorizes another round of the small business loans but is likely to be blocked by Democrats, who have opposed standalone relief bills.
Meanwhile, Congress and the White House face a Tuesday deadline to reach a deal before the election. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi set the deadline for both sides to reach a deal to restore urgently needed benefits before Nov. 3.
– Nicholas Wu
Senate vote on PPP: Senate to vote on PPP reauthorization Tuesday as COVID-19 stimulus deadline nears
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Attorney General William Barr should "appoint somebody" to investigate immediately Joe Biden and his son Hunter.
"We’ve gotta get the attorney general to act," Trump said during an interview on "Fox & Friends." "He’s gotta act. And he’s gotta act fast."
The comments echo the president's past demands that Barr take action against members of the Barack Obama administration – including the former vice president – for investigating the Trump campaign team over Russian interference in the 2016 presidential campaign.
This time, Trump wants an investigation into a laptop computer and alleged emails regarding Hunter Biden's business dealings in Ukraine and China. Trump and his supporters claim the emails show Joe Biden's involvement in his son's business affairs, but there is no evidence of a direct connection.
FBI probe: FBI probing whether emails in New York Post story about Hunter Biden are tied to Russian disinformation
There is also concern about the origins of the emails and the laptop that was provided to the New York Post by Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer who has been conducting his own investigation of the Bidens.
Federal authorities are investigating whether the material may be tied to a Russian disinformation aimed at undercutting the Democratic nominee, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Biden backers said Trump is trying to use the investigative powers of the federal government to dump dirt right before Election Day.
"With the election 14 days away we wake up to trump shouting for bill barr to arrest his political opponent’s family," tweeted Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr., D-N.J.
– David Jackson
A Shelby County, Tennessee, poll worker was fired Friday after election officials learned that he had turned away voters who were wearing masks and T-shirts that said Black Lives Matter.
“What he did was patently wrong, and he was fired,” said Suzanne Thompson, spokeswoman for the Shelby County Election Commission.
State law prohibits people from wearing items with the name of a political party or candidate currently on the ballot while in a polling place, but statements like “Black Lives Matter” or “I Can’t Breathe” are not violations of that law.
A manager of operations went to the Dave Wells Community Center in Memphis during early voting and fired the worker on the spot after confirming the reports, Thompson said.
– Katherine Burgess (Memphis Commercial Appeal)
Poll worker fired: Tennessee poll worker fired after turning away voters in Black Lives Matter shirts, masks
Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe said Monday that recently published emails purporting to document the business dealings of Hunter Biden are not connected to a Russian disinformation effort, even as federal authorities continued to review whether the material was part of such a campaign.
Ratcliffe, in an interview with Fox Business, did not elaborate on the basis of his conclusion, though he acknowledged knowing "little" about the material published by the New York Post.
The FBI, according to a person familiar with the matter, has been investigating at least in part whether the material, allegedly drawn from a laptop owned by Biden and provided to the newspaper by Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, may be tied to a Russian influence operation aimed at undercutting Biden's father and Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
– Kevin Johnson
Ratcliffe: Russia disinformation not behind published emails targeting Biden; FBI reviewing