usatoday--2020-11-24--As soon as my family pod expanded, we caught COVID-19. Here's why I don't regret it.

My wife and I socially distanced for the greater part of this year .
Then we were infected with COVID-19 last month while visiting family .
Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer last week implored Michigan residents to cancel their holiday plans , and I know from experience the question we 're all asking ourselves while making plans this holiday season : Is it worth the risk ?
In the beginning of the pandemic , my then-pregnant wife and I followed all the medical advice from her doctors strictly .
If we saw friends , they were at least six feet away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In June , we asked family members in our bubble to stay away from their friends or visit them outdoors .
My teenage sisters-in-law sacrificed sleepovers and hangouts to keep my wife and unborn child safe .
To see family outside our bubble , we stayed outdoors and six feet away .
No hugs .
No touching .
COVID-19 : America 's health depends on how fast and well we distribute the COVID vaccine To attend a friend ’ s tiny , outdoor , COVID-friendly wedding , my wife and I camped out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathing their air in case they were asymptomatic but infectious .
Did I mention my wife was eight months pregnant and it was August ?
Leading up to our baby ’ s due date , we decided that , to us , it was worth the risk to invite a few family members into our bubble .
As much as we anticipated needing help with changing diapers and household chores , we knew their emotional support and physical presence would be even more crucial to our well-being .
Then , last month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a family visit .
It was a terrible week .
I wish that our 6-week-old child never had a fever .
And I wish my wife and other family members didn ’ t have to go through the list of symptoms we ’ re all very familiar with by now .
Thankfully , we are all recovered now ( except my wife still ca n't smell ) .
I thank God that no one was hospitalized or seriously ill as so many have been throughout this pandemic .
We recognize this disease has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blessed to have had relatively mild cases .
Everyone is going to have to make tough decisions about spending time with those they love this holiday season .
They might heed Whitmer 's advice and wait until next year , or decide that seeing family was worth the risk .
Anthony Fauci Q & A : In coronavirus war , hang on , help is on the way with COVID-19 vaccine Despite what happened , I don ’ t regret our decision to see family and benefit from being close to them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months while we lived in fear and social isolation .
Was it the wrong call ?
Was it worth the risk ?
I do n't know .
Maybe this holiday season , we will all have to do the best we can without the answers .
Brendan Clarey is an editorial fellow at The Detroit News , where this column originally appeared .
Follow him on Twitter : @ BrendanClarey The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend celebrating Thanksgiving at home with the people you live with .
People organizing or attending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety precautions .

As soon as my family pod expanded, we caught COVID-19: Here's why I don't regret it Was it the wrong call? Was it worth the risk? Every holiday and family gathering brings tough choices.
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How R-0 can be used to fight COVID-19 R-0 may be the most important scientific term you’ve never heard of when it comes to stopping the coronavirus pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
My wife and I socially distanced for the greater part of this year. Then we were infected with COVID-19 last month while visiting family.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last week implored Michigan residents to cancel their holiday plans, and I know from experience the question we're all asking ourselves while making plans this holiday season: Is it worth the risk?
In the beginning of the pandemic, my then-pregnant wife and I followed all the medical advice from her doctors strictly. If we saw friends, they were at least six feet away, and we were always outside.
In June, we asked family members in our bubble to stay away from their friends or visit them outdoors. My teenage sisters-in-law sacrificed sleepovers and hangouts to keep my wife and unborn child safe.
To see family outside our bubble, we stayed outdoors and six feet away. No hugs. No touching.
COVID-19: America's health depends on how fast and well we distribute the COVID vaccine
To attend a friend’s tiny, outdoor, COVID-friendly wedding, my wife and I camped out in my parents’ backyard to avoid breathing their air in case they were asymptomatic but infectious.
Did I mention my wife was eight months pregnant and it was August?
A family's essential support
Leading up to our baby’s due date, we decided that, to us, it was worth the risk to invite a few family members into our bubble. As much as we anticipated needing help with changing diapers and household chores, we knew their emotional support and physical presence would be even more crucial to our well-being.
Then, last month, we ended up catching the coronavirus on a family visit. It was a terrible week. I wish that our 6-week-old child never had a fever. And I wish my wife and other family members didn’t have to go through the list of symptoms we’re all very familiar with by now.
Thankfully, we are all recovered now (except my wife still can't smell). I thank God that no one was hospitalized or seriously ill as so many have been throughout this pandemic. We recognize this disease has taken many lives, and we were blessed to have had relatively mild cases.
Everyone is going to have to make tough decisions about spending time with those they love this holiday season. They might heed Whitmer's advice and wait until next year, or decide that seeing family was worth the risk.
Anthony Fauci Q&A: In coronavirus war, hang on, help is on the way with COVID-19 vaccine
Despite what happened, I don’t regret our decision to see family and benefit from being close to them, especially after missing them for months and months while we lived in fear and social isolation.
Was it the wrong call? Was it worth the risk?
I don't know. Maybe this holiday season, we will all have to do the best we can without the answers.
Brendan Clarey is an editorial fellow at The Detroit News, where this column originally appeared. Follow him on Twitter: @BrendanClarey
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend celebrating Thanksgiving at home with the people you live with. People organizing or attending larger gatherings should take additional health and safety precautions.


usatoday--2020-11-24--'Jeopardy!' resumes filming Nov. 30 after Alex Trebek's death; interim host is Ken Jennings

Ken Jennings will be the first interim `` Jeopardy ! ''
host when the TV game show resumes production Nov. 30 , less than a month after longtime , beloved host Alex Trebek died .
Jennings will be one of several interim hosts before the show decides on a permanent replacement , `` Jeopardy ! ''
announced in a statement .
“ Alex believed in the importance of 'Jeopardy ! '
and always said that he wanted the show to go on after him , ” executive producer Mike Richards said in a statement announcing the resumption of production .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ legacy by continuing to produce the game he loved . ''
`` By bringing in familiar guest hosts for the foreseeable future , our goal is to create a sense of community and continuity for our viewers , '' said Richards .
Jennings responded to the hosting news with a respectful Twitter bow to Trebek , who was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March 2019 and died at age 80 on Nov. 8 .
More : Alex Trebek of 'Jeopardy ! '
dies at 80 after pancreatic cancer battle '' There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I 'm honored to be helping 'Jeopardy ! '
out with this in January , '' Jennings wrote .
Earlier this year , Jennings , 46 , claimed the title of `` Jeopardy !
Greatest of All Time '' in a prime-time event .
He also holds the all-time records for most consecutive games won ( 74 ) and highest winnings in regular-season play ( $ 2,520,700 ) .
`` Jeopardy ! ''
will air 10 of Trebek 's best episodes the weeks of Dec. 21 and Dec. 28 .
Trebek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air the week of Jan. 4 , in order `` to give his millions of fans a chance to see his final appearances , '' the show announced .
The first week of guest-hosted shows will air the week of Jan. 11 starting with Jennings .
Jennings has been the subject of discussion for a potential permanent hosts given his popularity and long-standing success on the show .
Internet fans posted an online Change.org petition to have LeVar Burton appointed host , with more than 100,000 people signing .
Trebek himself weighed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It ’ s probably going to be a woman , somebody younger , somebody bright , somebody personable , somebody with a great sense of humor , so I nominated Betty White , '' he joked .
He then mentioned some more serious candidates , including CNN 's Laura Coates , LA Kings announcer Alex Faust and TCM ’ s Ben Mankiewicz .

‘Jeopardy!' resumes filming Nov. 30 after Alex Trebek's death; interim host is Ken Jennings
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Jeopardy!' names Ken Jennings interim host after Alex Trebek's death Ken Jennings claimed the "Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time" title in a prime-time event. USA TODAY
Ken Jennings will be the first interim "Jeopardy!" host when the TV game show resumes production Nov. 30, less than a month after longtime, beloved host Alex Trebek died.
Jennings will be one of several interim hosts before the show decides on a permanent replacement, "Jeopardy!" announced in a statement.
“Alex believed in the importance of 'Jeopardy!' and always said that he wanted the show to go on after him,” executive producer Mike Richards said in a statement announcing the resumption of production. “We will honor Alex’s legacy by continuing to produce the game he loved."
"By bringing in familiar guest hosts for the foreseeable future, our goal is to create a sense of community and continuity for our viewers," said Richards.
Jennings responded to the hosting news with a respectful Twitter bow to Trebek, who was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March 2019 and died at age 80 on Nov. 8.
More: Alex Trebek of 'Jeopardy!' dies at 80 after pancreatic cancer battle
"There will only ever be one Alex Trebek, but I'm honored to be helping 'Jeopardy!' out with this in January," Jennings wrote.
There will only ever be one Alex Trebek, but I'm honored to be helping Jeopardy! out with this in January. https://t.co/2m2b5IQnkw — Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) November 23, 2020
Earlier this year, Jennings, 46, claimed the title of "Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time" in a prime-time event. He also holds the all-time records for most consecutive games won (74) and highest winnings in regular-season play ($2,520,700).
"Jeopardy!" will air 10 of Trebek's best episodes the weeks of Dec. 21 and Dec. 28. Trebek's final week of episodes will now air the week of Jan. 4, in order "to give his millions of fans a chance to see his final appearances," the show announced.
The first week of guest-hosted shows will air the week of Jan. 11 starting with Jennings.
Alex Trebek: 'Jeopardy!' contestants remember late game show host Alex Trebek, the longtime "Jeopardy!" host, died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. USA TODAY
Jennings has been the subject of discussion for a potential permanent hosts given his popularity and long-standing success on the show. Internet fans posted an online Change.org petition to have LeVar Burton appointed host, with more than 100,000 people signing.
Trebek himself weighed in on a possible future replacement in 2019.
"It’s probably going to be a woman, somebody younger, somebody bright, somebody personable, somebody with a great sense of humor, so I nominated Betty White," he joked.
He then mentioned some more serious candidates, including CNN's Laura Coates, LA Kings announcer Alex Faust and TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz.


usatoday--2020-11-24--What to know before the first College Football Playoff rankings are released Tuesday night

Members of the College Football Playoff selection committee already have descended on Grapevine , Texas , and after deliberating into Monday evening will reconvene Tuesday to complete the debut rankings for the 2020 season .
Even as Zoom calls and remote interviews have become the standard in college football , the committee is scheduled to meet in person each week through Dec. 20 , when the group will reveal the makeup of the national semifinals and New Year 's Six bowls .
If the routine feels normal , the deliberations will be anything but .
Never in the history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take so many factors into account , including the widespread elimination of non-conference play and the variety in games played across every Power Five league .
It 's lent the proceedings an air of uncertainty and unpredictability .
( It is 2020 , after all . )
Several questions loom as the committee sets the tone for the rest of the regular season .
How will the committee compare teams ?
One team is unbeaten but has played five games .
Another has one loss but has played eight games .
Each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a winning record , though the first team has one more win against Power Five competition .
That would be Northwestern , the only 5-0 team in the Big Ten .
The other is Miami ( Fla. ) , which is 7-1 with the lone loss coming against Clemson .
Of the teams in this week 's Amway Coaches Poll , one , Brigham Young , has played nine games and another nine have played eight .
Seven have played seven games .
Two have played six and five games .
One , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three teams have played three .
In comparison , every team in last season 's debut playoff rankings had played eight or nine games .
How this plays out with the committee is anyone 's guess .
The only analog may be in 2014 , when the committee met for the first time and essentially created a blueprint for assessing and evaluating the entirety of the Bowl Subdivision .
How can you rate the conferences ?
The lack of a traditional non-conference season will make it difficult to determine the pecking order among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the perception of a conference is informed in large part by how it fares against other leagues in September ; this year 's schedule did not include games between teams from two separate Power Five conferences .
`` You don ’ t really know the strengths of each conference , or you try to determine or ascertain what it might be , '' said former Central Michigan coach Herb Deromedi , who sat on the committee from 2016-19 .
`` But it ’ s not as easy as all of a sudden having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and looking at comparative scores and things like that . ''
Will absences due to COVID-19 be taken into account ?
Games missed due to COVID-19 will be considered in the same way the committee has historically viewed injuries .
According to the selection protocols , the committee will analyze `` relevant factors such as key injuries that may have affected a team ’ s performance during the season or likely will affect its postseason performance . ''
The most notable example in 2020 is that of Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month 's overtime loss at Notre Dame .
How the committee places that loss into context may be impacted by the play of Lawrence 's replacement , freshman D.J .
Uiagalelei , who threw for 439 yards and two touchdowns in his first career road start .
Where will the best of the Group of Five land ?
Look for the committee to be conservative in how it ranks Cincinnati , Brigham Young and Coastal Carolina , the three unbeaten teams at the front of the pack in the Group of Five .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Amway Coaches Poll , that could mean falling behind another handful of Power Five teams if the committee questions the Bearcats ' strength of schedule .
( Cincinnati has five wins against opponents with non-losing records . )
Cincinnati still figures to have the highest debut placement of any Group of Five team in playoff history , a mark currently held by Central Florida , which opened at No .
12 in 2018 .
The highest ranking by a Group of Five team at any point in the playoff rankings is No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
Will there be an eight-team playoff ?
Not in 2020 , at least .
Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott asked the playoff management committee in September to consider expanding this year 's playoff field to eight teams but the proposal was declined after `` thorough , respectful and civil discussion , '' Bill Hancock said .
An annual topic of conversation , the eight-team field is the likeliest evolution for the format , though six teams is also an option .
That proposed system , which has been promoted by Wisconsin athletics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guaranteed spot for the best team from the Group of Five and give the top two seeds opening-round byes .
Just do n't hold your breath : The playoff 's current contract with ESPN , worth about $ 5.6 billion over 12 years , does n't expire until after the 2025-26 postseason .
And which teams will make up the debut top four ?
Alabama is an easy pick for No .
1 .
All seven of the Crimson Tide 's wins have come by 15 or more points , with the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Notre Dame will slot in at No .
2 as the only other Power Five team still unbeaten after six or more games .
There is no debate over which teams will come in third and fourth — it 'll be Ohio State and Clemson .
But while the Buckeyes are No .
3 in the Amway Coaches Poll , the Tigers could leapfrog in the playoff rankings by virtue of four wins against Power Five opponents with a non-losing record .
While Ohio State can tout Saturday 's 42-35 victory against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins have come against teams ( Nebraska , Penn State and Rutgers ) with a combined record of 2-12 .

What to know before the first College Football Playoff rankings are released Tuesday night
Show Caption Hide Caption Ohio State holds off Indiana to stay towards the top of the Amway Coaches Poll USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down the latest Amway Coaches Poll. USA TODAY
Members of the College Football Playoff selection committee already have descended on Grapevine, Texas, and after deliberating into Monday evening will reconvene Tuesday to complete the debut rankings for the 2020 season.
Even as Zoom calls and remote interviews have become the standard in college football, the committee is scheduled to meet in person each week through Dec. 20, when the group will reveal the makeup of the national semifinals and New Year's Six bowls.
If the routine feels normal, the deliberations will be anything but. Never in the history of the postseason format has the committee needed to take so many factors into account, including the widespread elimination of non-conference play and the variety in games played across every Power Five league.
It's lent the proceedings an air of uncertainty and unpredictability. (It is 2020, after all.) Several questions loom as the committee sets the tone for the rest of the regular season.
How will the committee compare teams?
Here's a scenario for the committee:
One team is unbeaten but has played five games. Another has one loss but has played eight games. Each has three wins against opponents currently holding a winning record, though the first team has one more win against Power Five competition. That would be Northwestern, the only 5-0 team in the Big Ten. The other is Miami (Fla.), which is 7-1 with the lone loss coming against Clemson.
Of the teams in this week's Amway Coaches Poll, one, Brigham Young, has played nine games and another nine have played eight. Seven have played seven games. Two have played six and five games. One, Ohio State, has played four and three teams have played three.
In comparison, every team in last season's debut playoff rankings had played eight or nine games.
How this plays out with the committee is anyone's guess. The only analog may be in 2014, when the committee met for the first time and essentially created a blueprint for assessing and evaluating the entirety of the Bowl Subdivision.
How can you rate the conferences?
The lack of a traditional non-conference season will make it difficult to determine the pecking order among the Power Five leagues. Typically, the perception of a conference is informed in large part by how it fares against other leagues in September; this year's schedule did not include games between teams from two separate Power Five conferences.
"You don’t really know the strengths of each conference, or you try to determine or ascertain what it might be," said former Central Michigan coach Herb Deromedi, who sat on the committee from 2016-19. "But it’s not as easy as all of a sudden having a game being played between two conferences and looking at comparative scores and things like that."
Will absences due to COVID-19 be taken into account?
Games missed due to COVID-19 will be considered in the same way the committee has historically viewed injuries. According to the selection protocols, the committee will analyze "relevant factors such as key injuries that may have affected a team’s performance during the season or likely will affect its postseason performance."
The most notable example in 2020 is that of Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who tested positive for COVID-19 and missed this month's overtime loss at Notre Dame. How the committee places that loss into context may be impacted by the play of Lawrence's replacement, freshman D.J. Uiagalelei, who threw for 439 yards and two touchdowns in his first career road start.
Where will the best of the Group of Five land?
Look for the committee to be conservative in how it ranks Cincinnati, Brigham Young and Coastal Carolina, the three unbeaten teams at the front of the pack in the Group of Five. For Cincinnati, No. 7 in the Amway Coaches Poll, that could mean falling behind another handful of Power Five teams if the committee questions the Bearcats' strength of schedule. (Cincinnati has five wins against opponents with non-losing records.)
Cincinnati still figures to have the highest debut placement of any Group of Five team in playoff history, a mark currently held by Central Florida, which opened at No. 12 in 2018. The highest ranking by a Group of Five team at any point in the playoff rankings is No. 8, also by UCF in 2018.
Will there be an eight-team playoff?
Not in 2020, at least. Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott asked the playoff management committee in September to consider expanding this year's playoff field to eight teams but the proposal was declined after "thorough, respectful and civil discussion," Bill Hancock said.
An annual topic of conversation, the eight-team field is the likeliest evolution for the format, though six teams is also an option. That proposed system, which has been promoted by Wisconsin athletics director Barry Alvarez, would include a guaranteed spot for the best team from the Group of Five and give the top two seeds opening-round byes.
Just don't hold your breath: The playoff's current contract with ESPN, worth about $5.6 billion over 12 years, doesn't expire until after the 2025-26 postseason.
And which teams will make up the debut top four?
Alabama is an easy pick for No. 1. All seven of the Crimson Tide's wins have come by 15 or more points, with the last three by a combined score of 152-20. Notre Dame will slot in at No. 2 as the only other Power Five team still unbeaten after six or more games. There is no debate over which teams will come in third and fourth — it'll be Ohio State and Clemson.
But while the Buckeyes are No. 3 in the Amway Coaches Poll, the Tigers could leapfrog in the playoff rankings by virtue of four wins against Power Five opponents with a non-losing record. While Ohio State can tout Saturday's 42-35 victory against Indiana, the Buckeyes' three remaining wins have come against teams (Nebraska, Penn State and Rutgers) with a combined record of 2-12.
Follow Paul Myerberg on Twitter @PaulMyerberg


usatoday--2020-11-24--No one should place allegiance to a political party before their devotion to our nation

Between the two of us , we accumulated nearly 80 years of military service on behalf of the United States .
We each had the privilege of acting as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — the second-highest position in our armed forces .
One of us was appointed to the role by a Democratic president ; the other , by a Republican .
As commissioned officers , we both swore an oath to defend and uphold the Constitution .
And today , given the circumstances surrounding this election , our continued sense of duty compels us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regardless of their political affiliation — to trust the final results of this election : Democrat Joe Biden will be the next commander-in-chief .
The entire weight of our democracy rests upon a handful of principles .
Chief among them is our collective faith , as a people , in the enduring strength and integrity of the American government .
And no American should place their allegiance to a single political party before their devotion to our nation as a whole .
That ’ s why , to borrow a phrase from our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on anyone questioning the legitimacy of our democratic processes .
The integrity behind the election We wish to underscore our steadfast conviction that the vast majority of election officials are honest , hardworking public servants with the best interests of our nation at heart .
And though no human endeavor is flawless , there are safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the process .
Every state maintains concrete steps to authenticate absentee ballots , and each has a deadline by which it will verify its results .
The process this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we expect as Americans .
To claim otherwise , without evidence , compromises the sanctity of our democracy .
Much has been made about the significant number of absentee ballots cast by mail because of COVID-19 .
The reality is that members of the armed forces have successfully voted by mail since the Civil War .
During our time in the military , we cast ballots from nearly every corner of the world .
Indeed , members of the U.S. military vote from every clime and place , including aboard the International Space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On every occasion , we and our fellow service members have complete confidence that our ballots will be received and counted .
2020 elections : Trump and polarization drove record turnout .
So did mail voting , which should be universal .
To put it simply : If voting by mail is acceptable for the members of the military , then it should be acceptable for the rest of our population .
The rest of the world looks to us as an example for free and fair elections As we have seen since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ task to tally a massive number of absentee ballots .
An estimated 65 million Americans voted by mail .
But voters must have confidence that every one of these votes has counted .
That ’ s why our local officials have taken so much time to carry out this immense responsibility .
We have devoted our lives to advancing America ’ s ideals abroad , often in the face of regimes that oppressed their own people — from the Soviet Union to North Korea to Afghanistan and Iraq .
We have watched nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the United States as a model when holding their own democratic elections and ensuring peaceful transitions of power .
If we refuse to accept the results of this election , it will deliver a lasting victory for the enemies of democracy — and a terrible blow to all those who view America as a beacon of liberty and self-determination .
During the course of our duties , we have come to understand the democratic freedoms we enjoy in this country are fragile — and can never be taken for granted .
Still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a firm foundation ; the incredible turnout of voters this year — despite the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic — proves this fact .
Now , it is our collective responsibility to preserve and advance it , to trust in both our democratic process and in the final results of this election .
Retired Admiral Bill Owens and retired General James Cartwright are both former vice chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — the second most senior military officer in the United States .
Both are also members of the bipartisan @ @ @ @ @ @

Bill Owens and James Cartwright, Opinion contributors

No one should place allegiance to a political party before their devotion to our nation As retired members of the military, we've cast votes from all over the world and know it works, so stop questioning the legitimacy of this election.
Between the two of us, we accumulated nearly 80 years of military service on behalf of the United States. We each had the privilege of acting as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — the second-highest position in our armed forces. One of us was appointed to the role by a Democratic president; the other, by a Republican.
As commissioned officers, we both swore an oath to defend and uphold the Constitution. And today, given the circumstances surrounding this election, our continued sense of duty compels us to speak. We urge every American — regardless of their political affiliation — to trust the final results of this election: Democrat Joe Biden will be the next commander-in-chief.
The entire weight of our democracy rests upon a handful of principles. Chief among them is our collective faith, as a people, in the enduring strength and integrity of the American government. And no American should place their allegiance to a single political party before their devotion to our nation as a whole. That’s why, to borrow a phrase from our military days, we call Bravo Sierra on anyone questioning the legitimacy of our democratic processes.
The integrity behind the election
We wish to underscore our steadfast conviction that the vast majority of election officials are honest, hardworking public servants with the best interests of our nation at heart. And though no human endeavor is flawless, there are safeguards in place to protect the integrity of the process.
Every state maintains concrete steps to authenticate absentee ballots, and each has a deadline by which it will verify its results. The process this year has been carried out with the integrity we expect as Americans. To claim otherwise, without evidence, compromises the sanctity of our democracy.
Much has been made about the significant number of absentee ballots cast by mail because of COVID-19. The reality is that members of the armed forces have successfully voted by mail since the Civil War. During our time in the military, we cast ballots from nearly every corner of the world. Indeed, members of the U.S. military vote from every clime and place, including aboard the International Space Station and onboard submarines deployed worldwide. On every occasion, we and our fellow service members have complete confidence that our ballots will be received and counted.
2020 elections: Trump and polarization drove record turnout. So did mail voting, which should be universal.
To put it simply: If voting by mail is acceptable for the members of the military, then it should be acceptable for the rest of our population.
The rest of the world looks to us as an example for free and fair elections
As we have seen since Election Day, it is an awesome task to tally a massive number of absentee ballots. An estimated 65 million Americans voted by mail. But voters must have confidence that every one of these votes has counted. That’s why our local officials have taken so much time to carry out this immense responsibility.
We have devoted our lives to advancing America’s ideals abroad, often in the face of regimes that oppressed their own people — from the Soviet Union to North Korea to Afghanistan and Iraq. We have watched nations in Asia, Africa and Europe look to the United States as a model when holding their own democratic elections and ensuring peaceful transitions of power.
If we refuse to accept the results of this election, it will deliver a lasting victory for the enemies of democracy — and a terrible blow to all those who view America as a beacon of liberty and self-determination.
Transition: To prevent a future transition mess, Congress should fix the law
During the course of our duties, we have come to understand the democratic freedoms we enjoy in this country are fragile — and can never be taken for granted. Still, we believe our republic stands on a firm foundation; the incredible turnout of voters this year — despite the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic — proves this fact. Now, it is our collective responsibility to preserve and advance it, to trust in both our democratic process and in the final results of this election.
Retired Admiral Bill Owens and retired General James Cartwright are both former vice chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — the second most senior military officer in the United States. Both are also members of the bipartisan National Council on Election Integrity.


usatoday--2020-11-24--USA TODAY Sports' preseason All-America teams for men's college basketball: 15 must-watch players

With the 2020-21 men 's college basketball season set to tip off Wednesday – two weeks later than scheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic – USA TODAY Sports provides its preseason All-America list .
After an unusual offseason , most of the first team is led by key returnees with the sport seeing an uptick in veterans this season .
That 's especially true in the Big Ten , as five of the 15 players on the three preseason teams play in that league .
There are still one-and-done freshmen on the list , although fewer than previous years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-team selection , will be the must-watch freshman this season .
The do-everything guard is expected to make an immediate impact on his way to the 2021 NBA draft .
*G Jared Butler , Baylor .
There 's a reason the Bears are No .
1 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll .
Butler is the lead returnee on coach Scott Drew 's national title contender .
Butler averaged 16 points and 3.1 assists per game in 2019-20 .
*G Ayo Dosunmu , Illinois .
The Illini are poised for a breakout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a driving force for coach Brad Underwood 's team .
Dosunmu averaged 16.6 points , 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season .
If Illinois does big things this season , Dosunmu will be a major reason why .
*F Corey Kispert , Gonzaga .
The 'Zags are a national title threat , and Kispert is a key cog for a team that thrives based on all of its pieces coming together .
.
Kispert is a high-level three-point shooter , and at 6-7 , can stretch the floor as a catalyst in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
*F Sam Hauser , Virginia .
The Marquette transfer averaged 14.9 points a game last year and has shot 44.5 % from three-point range in three years .
He 'll fit in perfectly in coach Tony Bennett 's methodical offense and be a key for a Cavs group looking to challenge for the ACC title .
*F/C Luka Garza , Iowa .
Garza was the runner-up for national player of the year behind Dayton 's Obi Toppin last year , and he 'll be a front runner for that award again on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ averaged 24 points and 9.8 rebounds last season and is the centerpiece on Iowa 's balanced roster .

USA TODAY Sports' preseason All-America teams for men's college basketball: 15 must-watch players
With the 2020-21 men's college basketball season set to tip off Wednesday – two weeks later than scheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic – USA TODAY Sports provides its preseason All-America list.
After an unusual offseason, most of the first team is led by key returnees with the sport seeing an uptick in veterans this season. That's especially true in the Big Ten, as five of the 15 players on the three preseason teams play in that league.
There are still one-and-done freshmen on the list, although fewer than previous years. Oklahoma State's Cade Cunningham, a second-team selection, will be the must-watch freshman this season. The do-everything guard is expected to make an immediate impact on his way to the 2021 NBA draft.
FIRST TEAM
*G Jared Butler, Baylor. There's a reason the Bears are No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. Butler is the lead returnee on coach Scott Drew's national title contender. Butler averaged 16 points and 3.1 assists per game in 2019-20.
*G Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois. The Illini are poised for a breakout season and the 6-5 junior guard is a driving force for coach Brad Underwood's team. Dosunmu averaged 16.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season. If Illinois does big things this season, Dosunmu will be a major reason why.
*F Corey Kispert, Gonzaga. The 'Zags are a national title threat, and Kispert is a key cog for a team that thrives based on all of its pieces coming together. . Kispert is a high-level three-point shooter, and at 6-7, can stretch the floor as a catalyst in coach Mark Few's free-flowing offensive system.
*F Sam Hauser, Virginia. The Marquette transfer averaged 14.9 points a game last year and has shot 44.5% from three-point range in three years. He'll fit in perfectly in coach Tony Bennett's methodical offense and be a key for a Cavs group looking to challenge for the ACC title.
*F/C Luka Garza, Iowa. Garza was the runner-up for national player of the year behind Dayton's Obi Toppin last year, and he'll be a front runner for that award again on a Big Ten title favorite. Garza averaged 24 points and 9.8 rebounds last season and is the centerpiece on Iowa's balanced roster.
SECOND TEAM
G Collin Gillespie, Villanova
G Cade Cunningham, Oklahoma State
G BJ Boston, Kentucky
G Remy Martin, Arizona State
C Kofi Cockburn, Illinois
THIRD TEAM
G Marcus Garrett, Kansas
G Marcus Zegarowski, Creighton
G Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga
F Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana
F/C Nate Reuvers, Wisconsin
Follow college basketball reporter Scott Gleeson on Twitter @ScottMGleeson.


usatoday--2020-11-24--Thanksgiving weather forecast: Here's where you'll be able to hold your get-togethers outside

• Residents from Maine to Florida should be prepared for wet weather during the daytime hours on Thanksgiving .
• Almost the entire remainder of the nation should be dry on Turkey Day .
• Across southern California , gusty winds will begin to ramp up on Thanksgiving Day .
Thanksgiving will look a bit different this year : With experts recommending against big family gatherings inside because of the coronavirus , folks might be tempted to head outside to get together and safely practice social distancing .
But will the weather hinder those plans ?
Unfortunately , on Thanksgiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be prepared for wet weather during the daytime hours , AccuWeather said .
`` A storm system moving through the East Coast on Thanksgiving Day could force some people indoors who may have hoped otherwise , '' AccuWeather meteorologist Renee Duff said .
`` Places such as Boston , New York City and Philadelphia could all get dampened by rain , but if this storm moves along any quicker it may start to dry out later in the afternoon . ''
Temperatures are n't expected to be bitterly cold , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being outside wo n't feel too frigid along the East Coast .
Highs will top out mainly in the 50s and 60s in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states , and in the 70s and even some 80s in the Southeast and Florida , the National Weather Service said .
Some holiday tips : Cook your turkey , but cancel your traditional Thanksgiving plans While residents in the East will have to dodge raindrops on Thanksgiving , almost the entire remainder of the nation should be dry on Turkey Day .
In fact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the nation , the weather should cooperate for families looking to spend some time outdoors , according to AccuWeather .
Temperatures that are 5-10 degrees above average can be expected in places such as Chicago , St. Louis and Minneapolis on Thursday .
And along with the comfortable late-November temperatures , a blend of clouds and sunshine and a relatively light southwest breeze could even allow for some outdoor plans to go off without a hitch , AccuWeather said .
A history lesson : After a summer of racial reckoning , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thanksgiving ?
Elsewhere , it will be typically chilly in the Northwest and mild and dry in the Southwest on Thanksgiving .
However , winds could be a factor in California : `` Across Southern California , gusty winds will begin to ramp up on Thanksgiving Day , leading to increased wildfire concerns , '' Duff said .
`` So anyone with plans to use outdoor flames or turkey fryers should exercise caution . ''
Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended against holiday travel this year , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For those who decide to fly or hit the roads on Tuesday and Wednesday , the weather in the central U.S. will be on the stormy side .
CDC urges public to stay home : CDC recommends that Americans do n't travel for Thanksgiving On Tuesday , light snow is forecast to fall in portions of Colorado and also the Upper Midwest , especially in Minnesota , Wisconsin and Michigan .
The snow will continue over parts of the Upper Midwest through Tuesday evening , the National Weather Service said .
The snow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday into Wednesday .
Also on Tuesday , severe thunderstorms are forecast to rattle portions of the sSouth Central U.S. , including much of Oklahoma , Missouri and Arkansas .
Large hail and severe wind gusts will be the primary hazards from the storms , the Storm Prediction Center said .
By Wednesday , while the threat for severe storms lessens , rain will be the main weather story for a large portion of the Midwest and Deep South , slowing travel in those regions .
Travel in the Northwest will also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mountain snow , especially on Wednesday .
Drivers will need to use caution as the snow will make driving conditions hazardous , the Weather Service warned .

Thanksgiving weather forecast: Here's where you'll be able to hold your get-togethers outside
Show Caption Hide Caption Thanksgiving: 8 items you need for dinner outside If you're planning on having Thanksgiving dinner outside, here are eight must-haves. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
Residents from Maine to Florida should be prepared for wet weather during the daytime hours on Thanksgiving.
Almost the entire remainder of the nation should be dry on Turkey Day.
Across southern California, gusty winds will begin to ramp up on Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving will look a bit different this year: With experts recommending against big family gatherings inside because of the coronavirus, folks might be tempted to head outside to get together and safely practice social distancing.
But will the weather hinder those plans?
Unfortunately, on Thanksgiving Day, residents from Maine to Florida should be prepared for wet weather during the daytime hours, AccuWeather said.
"A storm system moving through the East Coast on Thanksgiving Day could force some people indoors who may have hoped otherwise," AccuWeather meteorologist Renee Duff said. "Places such as Boston, New York City and Philadelphia could all get dampened by rain, but if this storm moves along any quicker it may start to dry out later in the afternoon."
Temperatures aren't expected to be bitterly cold, however, so if it does clear out, being outside won't feel too frigid along the East Coast. Highs will top out mainly in the 50s and 60s in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, and in the 70s and even some 80s in the Southeast and Florida, the National Weather Service said.
Some holiday tips: Cook your turkey, but cancel your traditional Thanksgiving plans
While residents in the East will have to dodge raindrops on Thanksgiving, almost the entire remainder of the nation should be dry on Turkey Day. In fact, for millions of Americans across the center of the nation, the weather should cooperate for families looking to spend some time outdoors, according to AccuWeather.
Temperatures that are 5-10 degrees above average can be expected in places such as Chicago, St. Louis and Minneapolis on Thursday. And along with the comfortable late-November temperatures, a blend of clouds and sunshine and a relatively light southwest breeze could even allow for some outdoor plans to go off without a hitch, AccuWeather said.
A history lesson: After a summer of racial reckoning, is America ready to learn the truth about Thanksgiving?
6 tips for a virtual Thanksgiving dinner to stay connected with family If you can't visit family due to the COVID-19 pandemic, host a virtual Thanksgiving dinner instead. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
Elsewhere, it will be typically chilly in the Northwest and mild and dry in the Southwest on Thanksgiving. However, winds could be a factor in California: "Across Southern California, gusty winds will begin to ramp up on Thanksgiving Day, leading to increased wildfire concerns," Duff said.
"So anyone with plans to use outdoor flames or turkey fryers should exercise caution."
Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended against holiday travel this year, people have already been surging through airports. For those who decide to fly or hit the roads on Tuesday and Wednesday, the weather in the central U.S. will be on the stormy side.
CDC urges public to stay home: CDC recommends that Americans don't travel for Thanksgiving
On Tuesday, light snow is forecast to fall in portions of Colorado and also the Upper Midwest, especially in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The snow will continue over parts of the Upper Midwest through Tuesday evening, the National Weather Service said. The snow will change over to all rain overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
Also on Tuesday, severe thunderstorms are forecast to rattle portions of the sSouth Central U.S., including much of Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas. Large hail and severe wind gusts will be the primary hazards from the storms, the Storm Prediction Center said.
By Wednesday, while the threat for severe storms lessens, rain will be the main weather story for a large portion of the Midwest and Deep South, slowing travel in those regions.
Travel in the Northwest will also be impacted by coastal and valley rain and mountain snow, especially on Wednesday. Drivers will need to use caution as the snow will make driving conditions hazardous, the Weather Service warned.


usatoday--2020-11-22--Don't get scammed by 'Secret Sister' online gift exchange

If it sounds too good to be true , then it probably is .
Here 's why you should avoid @ @ @ @ @ exchange .

'Secret Sister' exchange: Don't get scammed
If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Here's why you should avoid the 'Secret Sister' gift exchange.
USA TODAY, Wochit


usatoday--2020-11-26--Dead mink infected with a mutated form of COVID-19 rise from graves after mass culling

Mink infected with a mutated strain of COVID-19 in Denmark appear to be rising from the dead , igniting a national frenzy and calls from local officials to cremate mink carcasses .
While the sight itself is certainly terrifying for the residents of West Jutland , a region of the country grappling with confirmed COVID-19 cases connected to mink , there is likely a scientific explanation for the zombie-like reemergence from their graves .
A Danish police spokesman , Thomas Kristensen , told a state broadcaster that gases form while the body decays underground , according to the Guardian .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst cases , the mink get pushed out of the ground , ” Kristensen said of the nightmarish sight .
There are many 'zombie ' animals .
Here 's which ones you should actually worry about .
The nation has planned to cull all 15 million mink in the country , which produce 40 % of the world ’ s mink fur .
Because of the rushed burial , the animals were placed in shallow graves – just over three feet deep .
Now , officials plan to bury the creatures in graves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be also monitored nonstop until a fence can be set up , the Guardian reported .
But for some local officials , that may not suffice .
Some have also been concerned about the graves ’ proximity to rivers and other water sources , which may contaminate water supplies in the region .
At least two mayors have suggested burning all the mink corpses in order to prevent further concerns , the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten reported .
Animals infected : North Denmark in lockdown after mutated coronavirus infects mink being farmed for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported more than 74,000 COVID cases and 800 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins .
Contributing : The Associated Press .
Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter : @ joshua_bote .

Dead minks infected with a mutated form of COVID-19 rise from graves after mass culling
Show Caption Hide Caption Denmark to slaughter 15M farmed minks over coronavirus fears A Danish report shows a mutation in COVID-19 has been found in 12 people in the northern part of the country who were infected by minks. USA TODAY, Wochit
Minks infected with a mutated strain of COVID-19 in Denmark appear to be rising from the dead, igniting a national frenzy and calls from local officials to cremate mink carcasses.
While the sight itself is certainly terrifying for the residents of West Jutland, a region of the country grappling with confirmed COVID-19 cases connected to mink, there is likely a scientific explanation for the zombie-like reemergence from their graves.
A Danish police spokesman, Thomas Kristensen, told a state broadcaster that gases form while the body decays underground, according to the Guardian.
“In this way, in the worst cases, the mink get pushed out of the ground,” Kristensen said of the nightmarish sight.
There are many 'zombie' animals. Here's which ones you should actually worry about.
The nation has planned to cull all 15 million minks in the country, which produce 40% of the world’s mink fur.
Because of the rushed burial, the animals were placed in shallow graves – just over three feet deep. Now, officials plan to bury the creatures in graves nearly double the depth. The area will be also monitored nonstop until a fence can be set up, the Guardian reported.
But for some local officials, that may not suffice.
Some have also been concerned about the graves’ proximity to rivers and other water sources, which may contaminate water supplies in the region. At least two mayors have suggested burning all the mink corpses in order to prevent further concerns, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten reported.
Animals infected: North Denmark in lockdown after mutated coronavirus infects mink being farmed for fur
As of Wednesday, Denmark has reported more than 74,000 COVID-19 cases and 800 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins.
Contributing: The Associated Press. Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote.


usatoday--2020-11-26--Biden shows how to pick the best people for key posts

President-elect Joe Biden 's choices for Treasury , the State Department and other key security posts offer the nation experience and competence in place of what has been sycophancy , dysfunction and the occasional outright cruelty .
For Americans weary of the churn of the Donald Trump years , the message from the incoming administration is clear : Adults will be back in charge .
The turnover rate in the Trump administration among senior advisers was 91 % , and Cabinet positions changed hands 11 times — more musical chairs than any previous administration dating back before Ronald Reagan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` best people , '' Trump 's taste in talent ran to the unorthodox at best and at times the incoherent .
He installed defrocked intelligence director Mike Flynn as national security adviser ( later convicted on felony charges , only to be undeservedly pardoned Wednesday by Trump ) .
Wealthy GOP donor Betsy DeVos was named education secretary .
Firebrand conservative congressman John Ratcliffe was tapped to be director of national intelligence , despite padding a résumé reflecting meager relevant experience .
The first tranche of designated replacements from Biden offers smarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team that reflects America 's diversity of talent .
► Treasury secretary .
Few economic résumés are as gold-plated as Janet Yellen 's .
The former chair of the Federal Reserve and president of the highly respected American Economic Association , Yellen , 74 , has more experience directing high-level economic policy than almost anyone .
These skills are in dire need as the nation 's economy shows signs of faltering amid spiraling rates of coronavirus infections and deaths .
`` She 's the ultimate steady hand , '' financial policy analyst Ian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State .
Antony Blinken , 58 , is a former deputy secretary of State under Barack Obama and national security adviser to Biden as vice-president .
Blinken is characterized as a pragmatic centrist committed to multilateral diplomacy and rebuilding alliances frayed under Trump 's watch .
During an introduction of Biden nominees Tuesday , Blinken spoke movingly of his stepfather surviving the Holocaust as a child in Europe and being liberated by American troops .
`` That 's what America represents to the world , '' Blinken said .
► Homeland Security secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuban refugees who fled Fidel Castro 's regime in 1960 .
A former U.S. attorney for the central district of California , Mayorkas , 61 , served as deputy Homeland Security secretary under Obama , where he was architect of the DACA ( Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ) program .
If confirmed , Mayorkas would be the first Latino in that post and would redirect an agency involved in some of the worst depredations of the Trump era , including the caging of children deliberately separated from their parents at the border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State John Kerry , 76 , as a special presidential envoy for climate change ; Avril Haines , 51 , ex-CIA deputy director to be the first female director of national intelligence ; 35-year diplomatic veteran Linda Thomas-Greenfield , 68 , as United Nations ambassador ( restoring that post to Cabinet level ) ; and as national security adviser , Jake Sullivan , 43 , who led secret negotiations with Iran that led to the 2015 nuclear deal .
Republican critics will have a hard time demonizing these picks as wild-eyed leftists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weighed in , calling the nominees too Ivy League ( despite numerous Trump agency chiefs with identical educational pedigrees ) , too reflective of the Obama years or too hesitant to confront China .
They 'll have their chance to question the nominees at their Senate confirmation hearings .
To be sure , picking the best and brightest advisers does n't prevent presidents from stumbling into foreign policy debacles , as the Vietnam War showed .
Nor does it guarantee a scandal-free administration .
Even so , one thing is already clear : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upgrade over Trump 's chaotic crew .
You might even call it a transition from the ridiculous to the sublime .

Biden shows how to pick the best people for key posts Our View: President-elect's choices reflect America's diversity and a return of competence.
President-elect Joe Biden's choices for Treasury, the State Department and other key security posts offer the nation experience and competence in place of what has been sycophancy, dysfunction and the occasional outright cruelty.
For Americans weary of the churn of the Donald Trump years, the message from the incoming administration is clear: Adults will be back in charge.
The turnover rate in the Trump administration among senior advisers was 91%, and Cabinet positions changed hands 11 times — more musical chairs than any previous administration dating back before Ronald Reagan.
Despite his promise to hire only the "best people," Trump's taste in talent ran to the unorthodox at best and at times the incoherent. He installed defrocked intelligence director Mike Flynn as national security adviser (later convicted on felony charges, only to be undeservedly pardoned Wednesday by Trump). Wealthy GOP donor Betsy DeVos was named education secretary. Firebrand conservative congressman John Ratcliffe was tapped to be director of national intelligence, despite padding a résumé reflecting meager relevant experience.
The first tranche of designated replacements from Biden offers smarter, more reliable helmsmanship, and a team that reflects America's diversity of talent.
► Treasury secretary. Few economic résumés are as gold-plated as Janet Yellen's. The former chair of the Federal Reserve and president of the highly respected American Economic Association, Yellen, 74, has more experience directing high-level economic policy than almost anyone. These skills are in dire need as the nation's economy shows signs of faltering amid spiraling rates of coronavirus infections and deaths. "She's the ultimate steady hand," financial policy analyst Ian Katz told Axios.
► Secretary of State. Antony Blinken, 58, is a former deputy secretary of State under Barack Obama and national security adviser to Biden as vice-president. Blinken is characterized as a pragmatic centrist committed to multilateral diplomacy and rebuilding alliances frayed under Trump's watch. During an introduction of Biden nominees Tuesday, Blinken spoke movingly of his stepfather surviving the Holocaust as a child in Europe and being liberated by American troops. "That's what America represents to the world," Blinken said.
► Homeland Security secretary. Alejandro Mayorkas is a child of Cuban refugees who fled Fidel Castro's regime in 1960. A former U.S. attorney for the central district of California, Mayorkas, 61, served as deputy Homeland Security secretary under Obama, where he was architect of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. If confirmed, Mayorkas would be the first Latino in that post and would redirect an agency involved in some of the worst depredations of the Trump era, including the caging of children deliberately separated from their parents at the border.
Other key picks include former Secretary of State John Kerry, 76, as a special presidential envoy for climate change; Avril Haines, 51, ex-CIA deputy director to be the first female director of national intelligence; 35-year diplomatic veteran Linda Thomas-Greenfield, 68, as United Nations ambassador (restoring that post to Cabinet level); and as national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, 43, who led secret negotiations with Iran that led to the 2015 nuclear deal.
Republican critics will have a hard time demonizing these picks as wild-eyed leftists. But several GOP senators have already weighed in, calling the nominees too Ivy League (despite numerous Trump agency chiefs with identical educational pedigrees), too reflective of the Obama years or too hesitant to confront China. They'll have their chance to question the nominees at their Senate confirmation hearings.
To be sure, picking the best and brightest advisers doesn't prevent presidents from stumbling into foreign policy debacles, as the Vietnam War showed. Nor does it guarantee a scandal-free administration.
Even so, one thing is already clear: Biden's serious-minded personnel picks represent an upgrade over Trump's chaotic crew. You might even call it a transition from the ridiculous to the sublime.


usatoday--2020-11-25--Santa Ana winds bring Thanksgiving wildfire danger to Southern California: 'Be extremely cautious,'

Fire weather may be coming to large swathes of Southern California this holiday weekend .
The National Weather Service is forecasting Santa Ana winds between 40 and 65 mph from near Los Angeles to the U.S.-Mexico border beginning on Thanksgiving Day , prompting warnings of power shutoffs for thousands and increasing the danger of wildfires in a state that has already experienced its worst season .
Utility provider Southern California Edison has warned more than 76,000 customers in five counties that they could be without power for Thanksgiving in an effort to prevent wildfire ignition from potential wind damage to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire weather conditions could develop through Wednesday night , with potential red flag warnings by early Thursday evening .
`` We are urging the public to be extremely cautious with anything that can start a fire , '' the Los Angeles NWS office said .
`` Those living in wildland interfaces and areas vulnerable to wildfire should have a plan and be ready to evacuate if a fire starts . ''
Climate Point : Sign up for USA TODAY 's free weekly email newsletter on climate , energy and environment The Santa Anas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winds blow from the interior toward the coast , and combined with low humidity , have the potential to create dangerous fire conditions In the past , Southern California 's fire season ran from about May or June to November , according to Cal Fire .
Now , it seems as if wildfires can break out just about any time of the year .
But the worst blazes are still reserved for July and August , when the state is baking , then later in the fall when the flames are pushed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Santa Anas in the south and the Diablos in the north .
Golden State wildfires have killed 31 people this year .
Five of the six of the largest wildfires in California history started in August and September and , collectively , burned more than 2,500 square miles , an area about the size of Delaware .

Santa Ana winds bring Thanksgiving wildfire danger to Southern California: 'Be extremely cautious,' warns National Weather Service
Show Caption Hide Caption Wildfire burns for thousands of acres in front of car A man was traveling near Walker, California, the same day a massive wildfire broke out. USA TODAY, Storyful
Fire weather may be coming to large swathes of Southern California this holiday weekend.
The National Weather Service is forecasting Santa Ana winds between 40 and 65 mph from near Los Angeles to the U.S.-Mexico border beginning on Thanksgiving Day, prompting warnings of power shutoffs for thousands and increasing the danger of wildfires in a state that has already experienced its worst season.
Utility provider Southern California Edison has warned more than 76,000 customers in five counties that they could be without power for Thanksgiving in an effort to prevent wildfire ignition from potential wind damage to power lines.
The NWS warned that fire weather conditions could develop through Wednesday night, with potential red flag warnings by early Thursday evening.
"We are urging the public to be extremely cautious with anything that can start a fire," the Los Angeles NWS office said. "Those living in wildland interfaces and areas vulnerable to wildfire should have a plan and be ready to evacuate if a fire starts."
Climate Point: Sign up for USA TODAY's free weekly email newsletter on climate, energy and environment
The Santa Anas bring seasonal risk each year. Those winds blow from the interior toward the coast, and combined with low humidity, have the potential to create dangerous fire conditions
In the past, Southern California's fire season ran from about May or June to November, according to Cal Fire. Now, it seems as if wildfires can break out just about any time of the year. But the worst blazes are still reserved for July and August, when the state is baking, then later in the fall when the flames are pushed by hot, dry and capricious winds – Santa Anas in the south and the Diablos in the north.
Golden State wildfires have killed 31 people this year. Five of the six of the largest wildfires in California history started in August and September and, collectively, burned more than 2,500 square miles, an area about the size of Delaware.
Contributing: Chris Woodyard, USA TODAY; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-11-25--Joe Biden tamps down idea of nominating Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders for Cabinet jobs

President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday tamped down the possibility of nominating Sens .
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders to Cabinet positions , and instead suggested he would like too keep them in the Senate to push forward his progressive agenda .
During an interview with NBC News ’ Lester Holt , the reporter asked Biden if he had talked to his former primary rivals about Cabinet roles .
`` We already have significant representation among progressives in our administration , but there 's nothing really off the table , '' the president-elect said .
Biden said there would be downsides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ member .
Joe Biden picks for top jobs : A spy chief who fixes cars , an envoy who practices 'gumbo diplomacy' '' One thing is really critical , taking someone out of the Senate , taking someone out of the House , particularly a person of consequence , is a really difficult decision that would have to be made , '' he said .
`` I have a very ambitious , very progressive agenda , and it 's going to take really strong leaders in the House and Senate to get it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vying for the labor secretary position .
During an interview with CNN this month , Sanders said he would accept the nomination if Biden appointed him to that position .
`` If I had a portfolio that allowed me to stand up and fight for working families , would I do it ?
Yes , I would , '' Sanders said .
Progressives have also pushed for Warren to be nominated as Treasury secretary .
However , Biden will appoint Janet Yellen , who is supported by both moderates and progressives .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this week , including Alejandro Mayorkas as secretary of Homeland Security , who would be the first immigrant and first Latino to hold the post ; Antony Blinken as secretary of state ; Linda Thomas-Greenfield as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations ; and Avril Haines to lead the U.S. intelligence community .
When asked whether he would nominate or select a Republican or `` someone who voted for President Trump , '' Biden said yes .
Biden 's comments will likely draw the ire of progressives .
Throughout the campaign , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Cindy McCain , widow of the late Sen. John McCain , and former Ohio Gov .
John Kasich , who gave brief remarks at the Democratic National Convention .
`` I want this country to be united , '' Biden said .
`` The purpose of our administration is once again reunited .
We ca n't keep this virial and political dialogue going .
It has to end . ''

Joe Biden tamps down idea of nominating Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders for Cabinet jobs
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden calls on Senate to consider Cabinet promptly President-elect Joe Biden rolled out Cabinet picks for his national security team Tuesday, saying his choices will "make us proud to be Americans." Biden also called on the Senate to take up his nominations quickly and "in good faith." (Nov. 24) AP
President-elect Joe Biden on Tuesday tamped down the possibility of nominating Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders to Cabinet positions, and instead suggested he would like too keep them in the Senate to push forward his progressive agenda.
During an interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt, the reporter asked Biden if he had talked to his former primary rivals about Cabinet roles.
"We already have significant representation among progressives in our administration, but there's nothing really off the table," the president-elect said.
Biden said there would be downsides to tapping a Democratic House or Senate member.
Joe Biden picks for top jobs: A spy chief who fixes cars, an envoy who practices 'gumbo diplomacy'
"One thing is really critical, taking someone out of the Senate, taking someone out of the House, particularly a person of consequence, is a really difficult decision that would have to be made," he said. "I have a very ambitious, very progressive agenda, and it's going to take really strong leaders in the House and Senate to get it done."
Sanders has reportedly been vying for the labor secretary position. During an interview with CNN this month, Sanders said he would accept the nomination if Biden appointed him to that position.
"If I had a portfolio that allowed me to stand up and fight for working families, would I do it? Yes, I would," Sanders said.
GSA allows President-elect Biden to transition to the White House Emily Murphy, the head of the General Services Administration, says she'll allow President-elect Joe Biden to begin his transition to the White House. USA TODAY, Associated Press
Progressives have also pushed for Warren to be nominated as Treasury secretary. However, Biden will appoint Janet Yellen, who is supported by both moderates and progressives.
Biden has announced several appointments to his administration this week, including Alejandro Mayorkas as secretary of Homeland Security, who would be the first immigrant and first Latino to hold the post; Antony Blinken as secretary of state; Linda Thomas-Greenfield as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; and Avril Haines to lead the U.S. intelligence community.
'Almost impossible': As education divide deepens, Democrats fear a demographic problem for future power
When asked whether he would nominate or select a Republican or "someone who voted for President Trump," Biden said yes.
Biden's comments will likely draw the ire of progressives. Throughout the campaign, Biden often highlighted Republicans who supported his campaign like Cindy McCain, widow of the late Sen. John McCain, and former Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who gave brief remarks at the Democratic National Convention.
"I want this country to be united," Biden said. "The purpose of our administration is once again reunited. We can't keep this virial and political dialogue going. It has to end."


usatoday--2020-11-25--Some of Iowa's first legal hemp crops set on fire because THC exceeds federal limits

DES MOINES — Jay Kata 's first hemp crop went up in smoke .
The plants grown by him and his farming partners in southeast Iowa were mowed down , windrowed — then set ablaze .
What remained was tilled under after the field became `` too hot '' : The level of THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol , the psychoactive compound in cannabis plants like hemp ) exceeded state and federal limits .
`` It was pretty heartbreaking , '' said Kata , who was among nearly 90 Iowans this year who set out to produce the state 's first government-authorized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of marijuana .
Iowa farmers planted hemp on about 680 acres ( over 1 square mile ) this year , according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture .
Growers are hoping to cash in on a burgeoning market for hemp-derived cannabidiols , or CBDs .
The non-psychoactive compound is being added to everything from sparking water and chocolates to body creams and dog treats with the promise that it can relieve a host of maladies .
It 's a $ 5 billion market that is forecast to grow rapidly over the next few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels within the legal limit was just one of a host of hurdles Iowa 's initial batch of growers discovered — from backbreaking hand-weeding and harvesting to battling insects and trying to sell their crop in an oversaturated market .
Still , Clear Lake farmer Greg Nicholas , one of the new hemp growers , said the experiment was exhilarating .
`` It was fun learning about a new crop ...
There was just a lot more to it than we thought , '' said Nicholas , who sees hemp as a way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million acres ( over 34,800 square miles ) of corn and soybeans .
The state says it 's difficult to determine exactly how much hemp was harvested , since farmers could grow a varying number of plants on each acre .
About 13 % of Iowa farmers ' hemp fields had to be fully or partially destroyed because the THC levels in the plants exceeded 0.3 % , the maximum allowed under state and federal laws .
Kata said he believes the THC levels in his 2 acres of plants spiked because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sunlight and nutrients .
Testing showed THC levels were nearly three times the allowed limit , he said .
`` It was a pretty big letdown , '' said Kata , an entrepreneur who worked with two farmers and another investor to grow the crop .
The four will regroup to decide if they should try again next year .
More : How a Colorado-based CBD brand ensures its ingredients are of high quality Wisconsin : This Milwaukee company rolls thousands of CBD joints every day and is bringing in millions The work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the biggest challenges , hemp growers said .
`` Everything grows well in Iowa soils , '' including the weeds , Kata said .
Unlike with corn and soybeans , no herbicide is certified to control weeds in hemp fields .
Nicholas said he and his family spent several hours every day hand-weeding 15 acres of hemp , despite trying several mechanical approaches .
Sometimes the field `` was a carpet of weeds , '' said Nicholas , who crawled on his hands and knees to find the hemp among the weeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around it and not dig the plants up .
`` It was disheartening at times , '' Nicholas said .
`` I ’ d put ( my ) head down and focus on 5 feet in front of me , then worry about the next 5 feet .
If you looked up , you ’ d get overwhelmed pretty quickly . ''
Kata said he and his partners also spent several hours a day weeding their crop .
At one point , they hired a crew to finish weeding the field .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work .
`` We just could n't keep up , '' Kata said .
Brian Portwood , who farms in eastern Iowa , battled with weeds as well as pests .
He hand-sprayed 600 plants on a half-acre twice a week with a pesticide and nutrients until the plants began flowering .
`` It was an incredible amount of labor , '' said Portwood , adding that it took 10 people two weeks to hand-harvest the crop .
Portwood and his crew grew hemp seedlings and replanted them in the fields mostly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the plants ' leaves so they would n't compete with the buds , which contain the CBD , for nutrients .
After harvest , his team had to hang the plants to dry them , then separated the buds before storing them .
`` I anticipated some of the work , but nothing like it actually was , '' he said .
Nicholas harvested with a stripper header that farmers use to pull kernels from wheat plants .
He also bought from an Iowa company a drying system especially designed for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a Colorado company that will use the cannabidiols in consumer goods , such as creams and tinctures .
Portwood has yet to sell his hemp crop , something he will focus on after he wraps up harvesting his corn crop , which was damaged by the derecho that swept through Iowa in August .
He said he will decide if growing the hemp was worth the work `` once I have a check in my hand . ''
Earlier : Iowa farmers will be able to grow , harvest hemp , ag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid for it ?
One of the biggest challenges that Iowa hemp growers have experienced is finding buyers for their crop , said Robin Pruisner , Iowa 's state entomologist and hemp administrator .
Despite the growing demand for CBD products , Hemp Benchmarks , an industry pricing report , shows prices for most hemp products have fallen 20 % to 80 % over the past year .
Pruisner said the market has seen a glut of products after Congress legalized production in 2018 .
Nicholas said he 's heard horror stories about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from two or three years ago .
`` We decided we would n't put a seed in the ground until we had a contract or a buyer , '' he said .
Nicholas ' crop is still being assessed for its CBD properties , but he anticipates he will at least break even on it .
Nicholas , Kata and Portwood hope the fledgling hemp market will eventually generate enough demand that Iowa corn and soybeans growers could consider adding it as a third crop .
Prices for the traditional row crops have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs have climbed .
`` Farming is getting more and more challenging , '' said Nicholas , who farms with his father .
`` It ’ s been difficult to make a living . ''
If the hemp markets get stronger , Portwood said , he feels his first year will help him .
`` I 'll at least have some experience and be ahead of the game , '' he said .
A new state law this year will allow for the production and sale of consumable goods made with hemp in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could increase the market for their crop .
Nicholas sees the new law opening the door for businesses and jobs .
`` If we can grow it , we should be able to process it , '' he said .
Nicholas and Kata would like to see the federal government — and the states that match its program — increase the amount of THC that hemp plants can contain , so farmers are n't at risk of having their crops destroyed .
Nicholas said he worried this year that his fields might `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have been required to destroy it , it would have been devastating .
Absolutely devastating , '' he said .
Pruisner encourages hemp farmers to have their crops privately tested to prevent THC levels from rising beyond the maximum allowed .
The state tests fields before farmers harvest them to ensure they 're within the required limit .
The state performed 119 initial tests on hemp fields and 103 passed ; 16 fields failed and were fully or partially destroyed .
Seed varieties , growing conditions and soil types , among other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in when hemp should be harvested to remain under the required THC level , Pruisner said .
More : How these 2 winemakers are moving into cannabis cultivation Where weed is now legal : These states legalized recreational marijuana on Election Day She said she sees support in the hemp industry for raising THC levels to 1 % , an amount it is generally believed that consumers can ingest without getting a buzz .
Nicholas , who fielded questions all summer long about his family 's hemp field , hopes that more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can provide .
Advocates say hemp has many of the therapeutic benefits that marijuana provides , without the high .
Nicholas and his family use some of the hemp products from the company that is buying his crop .
`` I think it will be very positive for everybody , '' said the 36-year-old , who plans to grow hemp again next year .
He sees the plant providing water and soil benefits when it becomes a third crop in the corn-soybean rotation .
`` I hope if my kids decide to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relax as a society and realize it ’ s not as scary as we ’ re making it out to be . ''

Some of Iowa's first legal hemp crops set on fire because THC exceeds federal limits
Show Caption Hide Caption US farmers look to grow now-legal marijuana cousin The legalization of hemp is spurring U.S. farmers into unfamiliar terrain, enticing them with profits amid turmoil in agriculture while proving to be a tricky endeavor in the early stages (Nov. 21) AP
DES MOINES, Iowa – Jay Kata's first hemp crop went up in smoke.
The plants grown by him and his farming partners in southeast Iowa were mowed down, windrowed – then set ablaze.
What remained was tilled under after the field became "too hot": The level of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in cannabis plants like hemp) exceeded state and federal limits.
"It was pretty heartbreaking," said Kata, who was among nearly 90 Iowans this year who set out to produce the state's first government-authorized crop of hemp, a close relative of marijuana.
Iowa farmers planted hemp on about 680 acres (over 1 square mile) this year, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture. Growers are hoping to cash in on a burgeoning market for hemp-derived cannabidiols, or CBD. The non-psychoactive compound is being added to everything from sparkling water and chocolates to body creams and dog treats with the promise that it can relieve a host of maladies.
It's a $5 billion market that is forecast to grow rapidly over the next few years. But keeping hemp's THC levels within the legal limit was just one of a host of hurdles Iowa's initial batch of growers discovered – from backbreaking hand-weeding and harvesting to battling insects and trying to sell their crop in an oversaturated market.
Still, Clear Lake farmer Greg Nicholas, one of the new hemp growers, said the experiment was exhilarating.
"It was fun learning about a new crop... There was just a lot more to it than we thought," said Nicholas, who sees hemp as a way to begin diversifying the state's 22.3 million acres (over 34,800 square miles) of corn and soybeans.
The state says it's difficult to determine exactly how much hemp was harvested since farmers could grow a varying number of plants on each acre.
About 13% of Iowa farmers' hemp fields had to be fully or partially destroyed because the THC levels in the plants exceeded 0.3%, the maximum allowed under state and federal laws.
Kata said he believes the THC levels in his 2 acres of plants spiked because they became stressed, fighting against weeds for sunlight and nutrients. Testing showed THC levels were nearly three times the allowed limit, he said.
"It was a pretty big letdown," said Kata, an entrepreneur who worked with two farmers and another investor to grow the crop. The four will regroup to decide if they should try again next year.
More: How a Colorado-based CBD brand ensures its ingredients are of high quality
Wisconsin: This Milwaukee company rolls thousands of CBD joints every day and is bringing in millions
'Disheartening at times'
The work required to keep weeds down was one of the biggest challenges, hemp growers said.
"Everything grows well in Iowa soils," including the weeds, Kata said.
Unlike corn and soybeans, no herbicide is certified to control weeds in hemp fields. Nicholas said he and his family spent several hours every day hand-weeding 15 acres of hemp, despite trying several mechanical approaches.
Sometimes the field "was a carpet of weeds," said Nicholas, who crawled on his hands and knees to find the hemp among the weeds so the person behind him could hoe around it and not dig the plants up.
"It was disheartening at times," Nicholas said. "I’d put (my) head down and focus on 5 feet in front of me, then worry about the next 5 feet. If you looked up, you’d get overwhelmed pretty quickly."
Kata said he and his partners also spent several hours a day weeding their crop. At one point, they hired a crew to finish weeding the field. It took 40 men two days to do the work.
"We just couldn't keep up," Kata said.
Brian Portwood, who farms in eastern Iowa, battled with weeds as well as pests. He hand-sprayed 600 plants on a half-acre twice a week with a pesticide and nutrients until the plants began flowering.
"It was an incredible amount of labor," said Portwood, adding that it took 10 people two weeks to hand-harvest the crop.
Portwood and his crew grew hemp seedlings and replanted them in the fields mostly by hand, and he pruned some of the plants' leaves so they wouldn't compete with the buds, which contain the CBD, for nutrients. After harvest, his team had to hang the plants to dry them, then separated the buds before storing them.
"I anticipated some of the work, but nothing like it actually was," he said.
Nicholas harvested with a stripper header that farmers use to pull kernels from wheat plants. He also bought a drying system from an Iowa company specially designed for a cannabis crop. He has a contract with a Colorado company that will use the cannabidiols in consumer goods, such as creams and tinctures.
Portwood has yet to sell his hemp crop, something he will focus on after he wraps up harvesting his corn crop, which was damaged by the derecho that swept through Iowa in August.
He said he will decide if growing the hemp was worth the work "once I have a check in my hand."
Earlier: Iowa farmers will be able to grow, harvest hemp, ag secretary says. But will they get paid for it?
Farmers struggle to find markets
One of the biggest challenges that Iowa hemp growers have experienced is finding buyers for their crop, said Robin Pruisner, Iowa's state entomologist and hemp administrator.
Despite the growing demand for CBD products, Hemp Benchmarks, an industry pricing report, shows prices for most hemp products have fallen 20% to 80% over the past year. Pruisner said the market has seen a glut of products after Congress legalized production in 2018.
Nicholas said he's heard horror stories about farmers who have been stuck with harvests from two or three years ago.
"We decided we wouldn't put a seed in the ground until we had a contract or a buyer," he said.
Nicholas' crop is still being assessed for its CBD properties, but he anticipates he will at least break even on it.
Nicholas, Kata and Portwood hope the fledgling hemp market will eventually generate enough demand that Iowa corn and soybeans growers could consider adding it as a third crop. Prices for the traditional row crops have fallen in recent years, while production costs have climbed.
"Farming is getting more and more challenging," said Nicholas, who farms with his father. "It’s been difficult to make a living."
If the hemp markets get stronger, Portwood said, he feels his first year will help him. "I'll at least have some experience and be ahead of the game," he said.
A new state law this year will allow for the production and sale of consumable goods made with hemp in Iowa, a move that growers say could increase the market for their crop.
Nicholas sees the new law opening the door for businesses and jobs. "If we can grow it, we should be able to process it," he said.
Nicholas and Kata would like to see the federal government – and the states that match its program – increase the amount of THC that hemp plants can contain, so farmers aren't at risk of having their crops destroyed.
Nicholas said he worried this year that his fields might "go hot."
"If we would have been required to destroy it, it would have been devastating. Absolutely devastating," he said.
Pruisner encourages hemp farmers to have their crops privately tested to prevent THC levels from rising beyond the maximum allowed. The state tests fields before farmers harvest them to ensure they're within the required limit.
The state performed 119 initial tests on hemp fields and 103 passed; 16 fields failed and were fully or partially destroyed.
Seed varieties, growing conditions and soil types, among other factors, can result in wide differences in when hemp should be harvested to remain under the required THC level, Pruisner said.
More: How these 2 winemakers are moving into cannabis cultivation
Where weed is now legal: These states legalized recreational marijuana on Election Day
She said she sees support in the hemp industry for raising THC levels to 1%, an amount that is generally believed that consumers can ingest without getting a buzz.
Nicholas, who fielded questions all summer long about his family's hemp field, hopes that more people become comfortable with hemp and the benefits it can provide.
Advocates say hemp has many of the therapeutic benefits that marijuana provides, without the high. Nicholas and his family use some of the hemp products from the company that is buying his crop.
"I think it will be very positive for everybody," said the 36-year-old, who plans to grow hemp again next year. He sees the plant providing water and soil benefits when it becomes a third crop in the corn-soybean rotation.
"I hope if my kids decide to become farmers, that we’ll relax as a society and realize it’s not as scary as we’re making it out to be."
Follow Donnelle Eller on Twitter: @DonnelleE.


usatoday--2020-11-25--Girl who was handcuffed by police at age 11 dies of COVID-19 at age 14, family says

DETROIT — A Michigan girl who was the center of a police controversy after being placed in handcuffs by officers when she was 11 years old has died of COVID-19 complications , her family said online Sunday .
Honestie Hodges , 14 , tested positive for the coronavirus on Nov. 9 and was rushed to the Helen DeVos Children ’ s Hospital later that day , according to an online fundraising page set up by the girl 's grandmother , Alisa Niemeyer .
Niemeyer posted an update Sunday to the fundraiser , writing , `` It is with an extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of you that my beautiful , sassy , smart loving Granddaughter has gone home to be with Jesus . ''
A spokesperson for Spectrum Health System , which includes Helen Devos Children ’ s Hospital , said Honestie 's condition was listed as critical Sunday morning .
A Grand Rapids police officer placed Honestie in handcuffs in December 2017 as police searched for one of her aunts suspected in a stabbing .
Body camera footage shows Honestie crying and pleading with the officer not to cuff her .
The incident sparked demands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department found that the officers involved did not violate department policy , however , Police Chief David Rahinsky said footage from the incident left him `` nauseated . ''
The department later adopted a youth interaction policy called the `` Honestie Policy . ''
Niemeyer said Honestie endured brain complications and was on a ventilator while at the hospital .
Honestie also received a blood transfusion , Niemeyer said online .
Niemeyer said she started the fundraiser to help her daughter , Honestie 's mother , pay for rent and food for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work while Honestie was hospitalized .
Messages to Niemeyer were not immediately returned .

Girl who was handcuffed by police at age 11 dies of COVID-19 at age 14, family says
DETROIT — A Michigan girl who was the center of a police controversy after being placed in handcuffs by officers when she was 11 years old has died of COVID-19 complications, her family said online Sunday.
Honestie Hodges, 14, tested positive for the coronavirus on Nov. 9 and was rushed to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital later that day, according to an online fundraising page set up by the girl's grandmother, Alisa Niemeyer.
Niemeyer posted an update Sunday to the fundraiser, writing, "It is with an extremely heavy heart that I have to tell all of you that my beautiful, sassy, smart loving Granddaughter has gone home to be with Jesus."
A spokesperson for Spectrum Health System, which includes Helen Devos Children’s Hospital, said Honestie's condition was listed as critical Sunday morning.
A Grand Rapids police officer placed Honestie in handcuffs in December 2017 as police searched for one of her aunts suspected in a stabbing. Body camera footage shows Honestie crying and pleading with the officer not to cuff her.
The incident sparked demands for justice. The Grand Rapids Police Department found that the officers involved did not violate department policy, however, Police Chief David Rahinsky said footage from the incident left him "nauseated." The department later adopted a youth interaction policy called the "Honestie Policy."
Honestie Hodges, who was handcuffed by the police outside her home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2017, has died of Covid-19. She was 14. https://t.co/4fy0oWyfva — The New York Times (@nytimes) November 25, 2020
Niemeyer said Honestie endured brain complications and was on a ventilator while at the hospital. Honestie also received a blood transfusion, Niemeyer said online.
Niemeyer said she started the fundraiser to help her daughter, Honestie's mother, pay for rent and food for her four other children since she could not work while Honestie was hospitalized.
Messages to Niemeyer were not immediately returned.
Follow Omar Abdel-Baqui on Twitter @omarabdelb.


usatoday--2020-11-25--Biden says he won't order an investigation of Trump, president's legal troubles remain

President-elect Joe Biden downplayed the prospect of pursuing investigations of President Donald Trump after he leaves office .
`` I will not do what this president does and use the Justice Department as my vehicle to insist that something happened , '' Biden told NBC News ' Lester Holt in an interview Tuesday .
`` What I 'm focused on is getting the American public back at a place where they have some certainty , some surety , some knowledge that they can make it , '' the president-elect said .
Others in Biden 's orbit have made similar comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell the Justice Department who to investigate or who not to investigate , ” incoming White House chief of staff Ron Klain told ABC News ' `` This Week '' on Sunday .
'Vulnerable to prosecution ' : When Trump leaves White House , presidential 'cloak of immunity ' goes away Fact check : What 's true and what 's false about the 2020 election The comments come as speculation around Trump 's post-presidency legal troubles remains , with some calling for the president to be prosecuted for alleged misbehavior in office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the prospect that the Justice Department , which traditionally operates independently of the White House on criminal matters , could involve itself in such an inquiry .
Biden also acknowledged that states may continue their own legal fights with Trump .
'Abuse of the rule of law':1,000 ex-judges , attorneys slam Trump 's false claims of voter fraud '' There are a number of investigations that I 've read about that are at a state level , '' Biden said .
`` There 's nothing at all that I can or can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. is leading an ongoing criminal probe of the Trump Organization for potential tax and bank fraud committed prior to the president 's time in office .
The inquiry originated in the federal prosecution of Trump 's personal attorney Michael Cohen .
New York Attorney General Letitia James is engaged in a similar civil inquiry that has the potential to become a criminal investigation , depending on what prosecutors uncover .
Two women , writer Jean Carroll and restaurant owner Summer Zervos are pursuing defamation lawsuits related to Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assault .
On the campaign trail this year , Biden voiced concerns about a president pursuing legal actions against a predecessor .
`` I think it is a very , very unusual thing and probably not very – how can I say it ?
– good for democracy to be talking about prosecuting former presidents , '' Biden said in August .
Rep. Bill Pascrell , D-N.J. , called on Biden to investigate Trump on the first day of his administration , arguing `` he has engaged in treachery , in treason .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ political wrongdoing accountable in the past has invited greater malfeasance by bad actors .
A repeat of those failures in 2021 further emboldens criminality by our national leaders and continues America down the path of lawlessness and authoritarianism .
There must be accountability , '' Pascrell said .
Transition process : Biden calls on Senate to consider Cabinet promptly While running for the Democratic nomination for president , Vice President-elect Kamala Harris expressed a similar sentiment , arguing `` there has to be accountability . ''
Harris has since deferred to Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever concede to Biden ?
: Approving the transition may be as close as he gets to that , aides say More : Kamala Harris may finally change how corporate America sees and treats Black women

Biden says he won't order an investigation of Trump, president's legal troubles remain
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden calls Trump's invitation to Michigan lawmakers 'outrageous' President-elect Biden responded to President Trump's efforts to overturn the result of the election, "it's just outrageous what he's doing." USA TODAY
President-elect Joe Biden downplayed the prospect of pursuing investigations of President Donald Trump after he leaves office.
"I will not do what this president does and use the Justice Department as my vehicle to insist that something happened," Biden told NBC News' Lester Holt in an interview Tuesday.
"What I'm focused on is getting the American public back at a place where they have some certainty, some surety, some knowledge that they can make it," the president-elect said.
Others in Biden's orbit have made similar comments. “Joe Biden is not going to tell the Justice Department who to investigate or who not to investigate,” incoming White House chief of staff Ron Klain told ABC News' "This Week" on Sunday.
'Vulnerable to prosecution': When Trump leaves White House, presidential 'cloak of immunity' goes away
Fact check: What's true and what's false about the 2020 election
The comments come as speculation around Trump's post-presidency legal troubles remains, with some calling for the president to be prosecuted for alleged misbehavior in office.
Biden's comments did not rule out the prospect that the Justice Department, which traditionally operates independently of the White House on criminal matters, could involve itself in such an inquiry. Biden also acknowledged that states may continue their own legal fights with Trump.
'Abuse of the rule of law': 1,000 ex-judges, attorneys slam Trump's false claims of voter fraud
"There are a number of investigations that I've read about that are at a state level," Biden said. "There's nothing at all that I can or cannot do about that."
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. is leading an ongoing criminal probe of the Trump Organization for potential tax and bank fraud committed prior to the president's time in office.
The inquiry originated in the federal prosecution of Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen.
More: Attorney General William Barr's election fraud memo brings new storm to Justice Department
New York Attorney General Letitia James is engaged in a similar civil inquiry that has the potential to become a criminal investigation, depending on what prosecutors uncover.
Two women, writer Jean Carroll and restaurant owner Summer Zervos are pursuing defamation lawsuits related to Trump's denial of their allegations of sexual assault.
On the campaign trail this year, Biden voiced concerns about a president pursuing legal actions against a predecessor.
'Loss of democracy': Experts worry Trump legal challenges in swing states threaten democratic legitimacy
"I think it is a very, very unusual thing and probably not very – how can I say it? – good for democracy to be talking about prosecuting former presidents," Biden said in August.
But some Democrats disagree.
Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., called on Biden to investigate Trump on the first day of his administration, arguing "he has engaged in treachery, in treason."
"Failure to hold financial and political wrongdoing accountable in the past has invited greater malfeasance by bad actors. A repeat of those failures in 2021 further emboldens criminality by our national leaders and continues America down the path of lawlessness and authoritarianism. There must be accountability," Pascrell said.
Transition process: Biden calls on Senate to consider Cabinet promptly
While running for the Democratic nomination for president, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris expressed a similar sentiment, arguing "there has to be accountability." Harris has since deferred to Biden's position on the matter.
Will Trump ever concede to Biden?: Approving the transition may be as close as he gets to that, aides say
'Riding a tiger': William Barr's politically charged tenure puts DOJ on ballot with Trump
More: Kamala Harris may finally change how corporate America sees and treats Black women