usatoday--2020-10-13--Detroit Lions coaches know why Matthew Stafford's play has been mediocre

Matthew Stafford 's back is OK , but his feet need some fixing .
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan said Monday they do not believe the back injuries that Stafford suffered the last two seasons have contributed to his slow start this fall .
Rather , the Lions assistants said Stafford has been imprecise with his footwork .
`` I think there ’ s a lot of things that really go into ( how he 's played this year ) , '' Bevell said .
`` But I think when you simplify it as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had a small conversation with him about it , I think it usually goes back to your feet , because your feet really tell you the story .
Your feet is what gets you through your progressions , gets you through the play , and I think that we can continue ( to get better there ) . ''
Stafford was playing arguably the best football of his career last season when he fractured bones in his back late in a Week 9 loss to the Oakland Raiders and missed the final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished with 2,499 yards passing , 19 touchdowns and had career highs in passer rating ( 106 ) and yards per attempt ( 9.1 ) .
In the Lions ' 1-3 start this year , Stafford has thrown for 1,017 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions .
His modest 93.8 passer rating is only slighter better than rookie Joe Burrow , and he 's completing just 60.6 % of his passes , his lowest rate since 2014 .
“ I haven ’ t seen anything like concern on his end about injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s , to me , has felt well , hasn ’ t given you any indication of anything else .
I think footwork is always , it ’ s always big for quarterbacks , you ’ re always working on it .
If you think you ’ re ever done with that you ’ re probably headed for a problem .
It ’ s got to be constantly talked about .
Talked about within progressions , talked about redirecting your eyes with your feet .
It all ties together .
It never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something we always harp on , even when it ’ s perfect we ’ re going to harp on it and that ’ s what we ’ re doing now . ''
Poor footwork contributed to Stafford missing several throws in the Lions ' Week 4 loss to the New Orleans Saints and has been an issue on at least two of his interceptions this season .
Against the Saints , Stafford underthrew T.J. Hockenson in the front corner of the end zone while rolling to his right and throwing off his back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The game was tied at 14 at the time , and New Orleans went on to score the next 21 points .
In Week 1 , Stafford forced an interception into double coverage that set up the Chicago Bears ' winning touchdown drive .
In Week 2 , he did not square his feet before throwing an interception out of his own end zone that was returned for a touchdown .
He also threw an interception in Week 4 , when he tried to force a pass into double coverage , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turnovers against both the Saints and Packers were reminiscent of off-balance throws he often completed early in his career .
Still , Bevell insisted , `` I do not have any '' concerns about Stafford 's back , and that footwork is `` the main thing that we 're focusing on right now . ''
`` That hasn ’ t been brought up even once this year , '' Bevell said of Stafford 's health .
What could be contributing factors are injuries the Lions have dealt with on offense — No .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ two games of the season with a strained hamstring ; an inconsistent running game ; the fact that Stafford is on pace to take 48 sacks this season , which would be a career-high ; and the lack of an offseason the Lions had due to the coronavirus pandemic .
With no preseason games , Stafford went 10 months between game action , from the time he hurt back last year until the start of the regular season last month .
`` I thought we were really at a good place last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had all that time off and not running plays with guys in our offense , '' Bevell said .
`` So just continuing to work on those little details , making sure that our feet are helping us get through progressions , helping us make the decisions and that we bring our feet with us through all our throws . ''
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett @ freepress.com .
Follow him on Twitter @ davebirkett .

Detroit Lions coaches know why Matthew Stafford's play has been mediocre
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Matthew Stafford's back is OK, but his feet need some fixing.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan said Monday they do not believe the back injuries that Stafford suffered the last two seasons have contributed to his slow start this fall.
Rather, the Lions assistants said Stafford has been imprecise with his footwork.
"I think there’s a lot of things that really go into (how he's played this year)," Bevell said. "But I think when you simplify it as easy you can for the quarterback, I had a small conversation with him about it, I think it usually goes back to your feet, because your feet really tell you the story. Your feet is what gets you through your progressions, gets you through the play, and I think that we can continue (to get better there)."
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Stafford was playing arguably the best football of his career last season when he fractured bones in his back late in a Week 9 loss to the Oakland Raiders and missed the final eight games of the season.
He finished with 2,499 yards passing, 19 touchdowns and had career highs in passer rating (106) and yards per attempt (9.1).
In the Lions' 1-3 start this year, Stafford has thrown for 1,017 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions. His modest 93.8 passer rating is only slighter better than rookie Joe Burrow, and he's completing just 60.6% of his passes, his lowest rate since 2014.
“I haven’t seen anything like concern on his end about injuries," Ryan said. "He’s, to me, has felt well, hasn’t given you any indication of anything else. I think footwork is always, it’s always big for quarterbacks, you’re always working on it. If you think you’re ever done with that you’re probably headed for a problem. It’s got to be constantly talked about. Talked about within progressions, talked about redirecting your eyes with your feet. It all ties together. It never goes away. It’s just something we always harp on, even when it’s perfect we’re going to harp on it and that’s what we’re doing now."
Poor footwork contributed to Stafford missing several throws in the Lions' Week 4 loss to the New Orleans Saints and has been an issue on at least two of his interceptions this season.
Against the Saints, Stafford underthrew T.J. Hockenson in the front corner of the end zone while rolling to his right and throwing off his back foot after he left the pocket prematurely.
The game was tied at 14 at the time, and New Orleans went on to score the next 21 points.
In Week 1, Stafford forced an interception into double coverage that set up the Chicago Bears' winning touchdown drive. In Week 2, he did not square his feet before throwing an interception out of his own end zone that was returned for a touchdown. He also threw an interception in Week 4, when he tried to force a pass into double coverage, that was overturned by penalty.
Stafford's turnovers against both the Saints and Packers were reminiscent of off-balance throws he often completed early in his career.
Still, Bevell insisted, "I do not have any" concerns about Stafford's back, and that footwork is "the main thing that we're focusing on right now."
"That hasn’t been brought up even once this year," Bevell said of Stafford's health.
What could be contributing factors are injuries the Lions have dealt with on offense — No. 1 receiver Kenny Golladay missed the first two games of the season with a strained hamstring; an inconsistent running game; the fact that Stafford is on pace to take 48 sacks this season, which would be a career-high; and the lack of an offseason the Lions had due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With no preseason games, Stafford went 10 months between game action, from the time he hurt back last year until the start of the regular season last month.
"I thought we were really at a good place last year and then keep in mind, he had all that time off and not running plays with guys in our offense," Bevell said. "So just continuing to work on those little details, making sure that our feet are helping us get through progressions, helping us make the decisions and that we bring our feet with us through all our throws."
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.


usatoday--2020-10-13--Mitch McConnell and Amy McGrath spar over Supreme Court, COVID-19 aid, police reform in Monday debat

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic challenger Amy McGrath fired off answers about COVID-19 , the Supreme Court , police reform and other issues Monday night during a fast-paced , hour-long debate — the first and likely last one they 'll both do before the Nov. 3 election .
Both candidates kept hammering on the major points they each wanted to get across to Kentucky voters as they fielded an array of questions from WKYT news anchor Bill Bryant .
McConnell 's main message : He has used his clout to bring significant funds — $ 17.5 billion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term — to Kentucky and gives the state an influential voice in Congress .
`` Look , the question is : Who can be effective for Kentucky ? ''
he said .
`` I give Kentucky an opportunity to punch above its weight on national issues and to bring home things for this state that it would not otherwise get . ''
Meanwhile , McGrath repeatedly stressed what is perhaps the biggest theme of her campaign : McConnell — who was first elected a senator in 1984 — has been in office too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ways he should have to help Kentucky .
`` Sen. McConnell likes to talk about Kentucky punching above its weight .
Here in Kentucky , we know we feel like we ’ ve been sucker punched , '' she said during the debate , citing the state 's high rates of health problems like cancer and Kentuckians ' relatively low wages as examples .
Amy Coney Barrett : Senators to question Trump Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett as the second day of hearings begins '' Are you better off than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she asked the people watching the widely broadcast face-off between her and McConnell .
`` Are you better off than you were 36 years ago ? ''
McConnell and McGrath threaded those talking points throughout Monday 's debate , but they also spoke more specifically about particular challenges the country is dealing with right now .
Bryant opened the debate by asking what each candidate believes the federal government should be doing to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 .
McGrath criticized McConnell for failing to strike a deal with congressional Democrats for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said is needed in Kentucky , and accused him of `` playing these very partisan , political games '' in the midst of this crisis .
( The commonwealth has seen more than 1 million people file for unemployment during the pandemic . )
`` That ’ s not what you ’ re going to get from me , ” McGrath said .
“ I have a plan to get us through this coronavirus so that our schools are opened up safely , so that we get our economy back and stop playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats , especially House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , for the lack of a compromise .
`` We 've been in negotiation with the Speaker .
She 's been demanding we throw $ 3 trillion at this problem in a way that is largely , in many respects , unrelated to solving the problem , '' he said .
`` I think they do n't want a solution prior to the election . ''
Election week ?
Maybe not .
: Arizona , Florida and others could give us an early indication of who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in developing the $ 2 trillion Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security Act , commonly known as the CARES Act , which passed Congress in March .
Kentucky has received $ 13 billion from the CARES Act , but Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear has said Kentucky was counting on more aid from a new coronavirus relief package .
( McConnell indicated last week it ’ s unlikely Congress will approve any kind of COVID-19 relief legislation before the election . )
When asked how he 'd rate Beshear and President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) ways of handling the pandemic , McConnell responded : `` Well , I think they 've both done the best they can with an unknown disease that we were all trying to figure out how to handle . ''
McGrath , on the other hand , gave the federal government a failing grade .
`` Well , I give the president , the White House and this Congress an F for its handling of coronavirus .
Look , we have 213,000 Americans dead in nine months , '' she said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ War II , Korea , Vietnam , Persian Gulf War , Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined .
And Sen. McConnell thinks we 've done a good job ? ''
Moving the conversation from COVID-19 , Bryant read a question submitted by a University of Kentucky student asking if confirmation hearings for Trump 's nominee to succeed the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg should be happening less than a month before an election .
“ No '' is the short answer , McGrath said .
“ Nobody should be voting on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McGrath said , and suggested Congress should focus instead on passing another coronavirus relief package .
McConnell hit his campaign 's oft-cited point that McGrath will go along with other Democrats in Washington , D.C. , to `` pack '' the Supreme Court by expanding the number of justices on it .
( McGrath previously has said she 's open to considering adding seats to the court . )
He also praised Trump 's nominee , Judge Amy Coney Barrett , as `` an absolute legal all-star . ''
Concerning speculation Roe v. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the U.S. , could be overturned by a Supreme Court that includes Barrett , McConnell said he opposes abortion but stressed that there 's no way to know how justices would rule on specific issues .
`` No one knows what may happen with any nominee , '' he said .
`` Every Republican nominee has been projected to be a disaster for women and none of them have turned out that way . ''
McGrath offered this perspective : `` Well , I 'm Catholic and I 'm the mother of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been an important issue to me my whole life .
I 'm somebody that believes that the government should not be legislating my religion or my religious belief on others , and I do believe we already have reasonable restrictions on abortion in this country as per outlined in Roe v .
Wade . ''
Breonna Taylor , the 26-year-old Black woman police shot and killed in her Louisville apartment in March and whose death has garnered national attention , also came up Monday .
In the wake of a grand jury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer involved in the shooting on charges that were n't specifically related to Taylor 's death , Bryant asked this question that a UK student sent : `` Do you think justice was done ? ''
McConnell began his response by saying while he has `` great tolerance '' for peaceful demonstrations , he does not have `` much tolerance for violence and looting.
” He said Taylor ’ s death was `` an incredible tragedy , a botched job , a terrible outcome ... but I think in terms of justice in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laws that were written . ''
McConnell stressed he supports law enforcement officers .
`` Some of them are bad , but it ’ s not appropriate to defund the police or demonize police officers in general , '' he said .
McGrath responded by saying she does not support `` looting or rioting or destruction of property or violence in any way , '' and she does not want to defund the police .
She said Taylor 's death was `` an absolute tragedy '' and said leaders `` have to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need change in this country . ''
McConnell noted Senate Democrats blocked a GOP bill to institute police reforms and suggested it shows how Democrats in Congress have `` been slow-walking everything that comes up . ''
( They said they felt that particular proposal was inadequate . )
McGrath had a rebuttal to that : `` You 're hearing it all night long : More excuses ...
He ’ s the Senate majority leader , and he still can ’ t get it done . ''
One of the last issues the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opioid epidemic that has shattered many Kentucky families .
Bryant asked how the commonwealth can `` turn the tide '' on that front , and McConnell pointed to money he helped bring to the state to battle addiction and overdoses , including an $ 87 million grant for the University of Kentucky to help address and study this crisis .
`` We 're still fighting the battle .
It 's not over yet , but my clout has made a huge difference in providing funds for Kentucky on this big problem , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McConnell 's clout has allowed billions of prescription medication pills to flood into Kentucky , '' she said .
2020 Senate races : Democrats are trying to flip the Senate in 2020 .
These are the seats considered up for grabs on Election Day .
McGrath also said she wants to fix the Affordable Care Act and make health care easier to obtain so people struggling with addiction can get treatment and prevention .
As the debate wrapped up , the two candidates offered a final statement to Kentuckians .
`` We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is so dysfunctional and so partisan that even in the middle of a national crisis they ca n't get things done for Kentucky , '' she said .
`` You want more of that ?
I do n't .
I want change . ''
In his last comment of the night , McConnell said this is n't complicated .
`` Do you want somebody from New York to be setting the agenda for America and not terribly interested in Kentucky or do you want to continue to have one of the four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Kentucky , giving Kentucky an opportunity to punch above its weight , providing extra assistance for Kentucky ? ''
he said .
`` That 's the question .
She will transfer all of that to New York .
I will keep it in Kentucky . ''
Reach reporter Morgan Watkins : 502-582-4502 ; mwatkins @ courierjournal.com ; Twitter : @ morganwatkins26 .
Reach Emma Austin at eaustin @ gannett.com or on Twitter at @ emmacaustin .

Morgan Watkins and Emma Austin, Louisville Courier Journal

Mitch McConnell and Amy McGrath spar over Supreme Court, COVID-19 aid, police reform in Monday debate
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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Democratic challenger Amy McGrath fired off answers about COVID-19, the Supreme Court, police reform and other issues Monday night during a fast-paced, hour-long debate — the first and likely last one they'll both do before the Nov. 3 election.
Both candidates kept hammering on the major points they each wanted to get across to Kentucky voters as they fielded an array of questions from WKYT news anchor Bill Bryant.
McConnell's main message: He has used his clout to bring significant funds — $17.5 billion, he said, during his most recent term — to Kentucky and gives the state an influential voice in Congress.
"Look, the question is: Who can be effective for Kentucky?" he said. "I give Kentucky an opportunity to punch above its weight on national issues and to bring home things for this state that it would not otherwise get."
Meanwhile, McGrath repeatedly stressed what is perhaps the biggest theme of her campaign: McConnell — who was first elected a senator in 1984 — has been in office too long and has not used his clout in the ways he should have to help Kentucky.
Mitch McConnell cites White House's lax COVID rules for his absence Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday he hasn't been to the White House since August 6. USA TODAY
"Sen. McConnell likes to talk about Kentucky punching above its weight. Here in Kentucky, we know we feel like we’ve been sucker punched," she said during the debate, citing the state's high rates of health problems like cancer and Kentuckians' relatively low wages as examples.
Amy Coney Barrett: Senators to question Trump Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett as the second day of hearings begins
"Are you better off than you were six years ago?" she asked the people watching the widely broadcast face-off between her and McConnell. "Are you better off than you were 36 years ago?"
McConnell and McGrath threaded those talking points throughout Monday's debate, but they also spoke more specifically about particular challenges the country is dealing with right now.
Bryant opened the debate by asking what each candidate believes the federal government should be doing to mitigate the threat of COVID-19.
McGrath criticized McConnell for failing to strike a deal with congressional Democrats for a new coronavirus relief package, which she said is needed in Kentucky, and accused him of "playing these very partisan, political games" in the midst of this crisis. (The commonwealth has seen more than 1 million people file for unemployment during the pandemic.)
"That’s not what you’re going to get from me,” McGrath said. “I have a plan to get us through this coronavirus so that our schools are opened up safely, so that we get our economy back and stop playing these games."
But McConnell blamed Democrats, especially House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, for the lack of a compromise.
"We've been in negotiation with the Speaker. She's been demanding we throw $3 trillion at this problem in a way that is largely, in many respects, unrelated to solving the problem," he said. "I think they don't want a solution prior to the election."
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He also emphasized his involvement in developing the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the CARES Act, which passed Congress in March.
Kentucky has received $13 billion from the CARES Act, but Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has said Kentucky was counting on more aid from a new coronavirus relief package. (McConnell indicated last week it’s unlikely Congress will approve any kind of COVID-19 relief legislation before the election.)
When asked how he'd rate Beshear and President Donald Trump's respective (and quite different) ways of handling the pandemic, McConnell responded: "Well, I think they've both done the best they can with an unknown disease that we were all trying to figure out how to handle."
McGrath, on the other hand, gave the federal government a failing grade.
"Well, I give the president, the White House and this Congress an F for its handling of coronavirus. Look, we have 213,000 Americans dead in nine months," she said. "That's more Americans dead than World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan wars combined. And Sen. McConnell thinks we've done a good job?"
Candidate Q&A: McConnell, McGrath each answer 13 important questions ahead of Election Day
Moving the conversation from COVID-19, Bryant read a question submitted by a University of Kentucky student asking if confirmation hearings for Trump's nominee to succeed the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg should be happening less than a month before an election.
“No" is the short answer, McGrath said.
“Nobody should be voting on a Supreme Court nominee right now,” McGrath said, and suggested Congress should focus instead on passing another coronavirus relief package.
McConnell hit his campaign's oft-cited point that McGrath will go along with other Democrats in Washington, D.C., to "pack" the Supreme Court by expanding the number of justices on it. (McGrath previously has said she's open to considering adding seats to the court.)
He also praised Trump's nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett, as "an absolute legal all-star."
Concerning speculation Roe v. Wade, the ruling that legalized abortion in the U.S., could be overturned by a Supreme Court that includes Barrett, McConnell said he opposes abortion but stressed that there's no way to know how justices would rule on specific issues.
"No one knows what may happen with any nominee," he said. "Every Republican nominee has been projected to be a disaster for women and none of them have turned out that way."
McGrath offered this perspective: "Well, I'm Catholic and I'm the mother of three small children, and this issue has been an important issue to me my whole life. I'm somebody that believes that the government should not be legislating my religion or my religious belief on others, and I do believe we already have reasonable restrictions on abortion in this country as per outlined in Roe v. Wade."
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Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old Black woman police shot and killed in her Louisville apartment in March and whose death has garnered national attention, also came up Monday.
In the wake of a grand jury's recent decision to indict only one officer involved in the shooting on charges that weren't specifically related to Taylor's death, Bryant asked this question that a UK student sent: "Do you think justice was done?"
Neither candidate directly answered that question.
McConnell began his response by saying while he has "great tolerance" for peaceful demonstrations, he does not have "much tolerance for violence and looting.”
He said Taylor’s death was "an incredible tragedy, a botched job, a terrible outcome... but I think in terms of justice in America, we have to follow the laws that were written."
McConnell stressed he supports law enforcement officers. "Some of them are bad, but it’s not appropriate to defund the police or demonize police officers in general," he said.
McGrath responded by saying she does not support "looting or rioting or destruction of property or violence in any way," and she does not want to defund the police.
She said Taylor's death was "an absolute tragedy" and said leaders "have to take a step back and recognize that we need change in this country."
McConnell noted Senate Democrats blocked a GOP bill to institute police reforms and suggested it shows how Democrats in Congress have "been slow-walking everything that comes up." (They said they felt that particular proposal was inadequate.)
McGrath had a rebuttal to that: "You're hearing it all night long: More excuses... He’s the Senate majority leader, and he still can’t get it done."
One of the last issues the candidates addressed during the debate was the opioid epidemic that has shattered many Kentucky families.
Bryant asked how the commonwealth can "turn the tide" on that front, and McConnell pointed to money he helped bring to the state to battle addiction and overdoses, including an $87 million grant for the University of Kentucky to help address and study this crisis.
"We're still fighting the battle. It's not over yet, but my clout has made a huge difference in providing funds for Kentucky on this big problem," the longtime senator said.
McGrath accused McConnell of not holding Big Pharma accountable.
"Sen. McConnell's clout has allowed billions of prescription medication pills to flood into Kentucky," she said.
2020 Senate races: Democrats are trying to flip the Senate in 2020. These are the seats considered up for grabs on Election Day.
McGrath also said she wants to fix the Affordable Care Act and make health care easier to obtain so people struggling with addiction can get treatment and prevention.
As the debate wrapped up, the two candidates offered a final statement to Kentuckians.
"We have the leader of a Senate right now that is so dysfunctional and so partisan that even in the middle of a national crisis they can't get things done for Kentucky," she said. "You want more of that? I don't. I want change."
In his last comment of the night, McConnell said this isn't complicated.
"Do you want somebody from New York to be setting the agenda for America and not terribly interested in Kentucky or do you want to continue to have one of the four congressional leaders from our state looking out for Kentucky, giving Kentucky an opportunity to punch above its weight, providing extra assistance for Kentucky?" he said. "That's the question. She will transfer all of that to New York. I will keep it in Kentucky."
Reach reporter Morgan Watkins: 502-582-4502; mwatkins@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @morganwatkins26. Reach Emma Austin at eaustin@gannett.com or on Twitter at @emmacaustin.


usatoday--2020-10-13--Putting Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court is not court packing

The confirmation hearing of Judge Amy Coney Barrett could easily have been mistaken for the sentencing hearing for John Wayne Gacy .
Surrounding Barrett were huge pictures of sick individuals .
One would think that Barrett was being confronted with the faces of her victims .
In reality , the pictures perfectly captured a far more important message .
Senators had finally broken free from any pretense of principle in reviewing the qualifications of a nominee .
Indeed , many are about to create a new rule , the Barrett Rule , allowing conditional confirmation voting .
The pictures were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators that she would vote against an Affordable Care Act challenge or they would vote against her confirmation .
There has long been a debate over the legitimate grounds for opposing a Supreme Court nominee .
While senators can vote under the Constitution for good , bad or no reason at all , most have sought to justify their votes on some principled basis .
For most of our history , senators followed the rule that disagreement with a nominee ’ s jurisprudential views was not a basis to vote against their confirmation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entitled to appoint jurists reflecting their own legal viewpoint and the primary basis for voting against a nominee was on the lack of qualifications or some disqualifying personal or professional controversy .
It was a rule of senatorial deference that controlled the majority of nominations in our history .
Voting against nominees based on their expected votes Members began to chafe at the limitations of this principle in the second half of the twentieth century .
With abortion , desegregation and other hot button issues , confirmations became politics by another means .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ open about voting against nominees solely on the basis for their expected votes .
This trend was accelerated in October 1987 in the confirmation hearing of Judge Robert Bork presided over by a senator from Delaware named Joe Biden .
Bork was labeled “ outside of the mainstream ” of legal thought and rejected in a process that is now called “ Borking.
” Democratic members have struggled with changing rationales for voting against Barrett , who has impeccable credentials as an accomplished academic and respected jurist .
One such implausible claim was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sen. Chris Coons ( D. , Del . )
on Fox News Sunday .
He claimed the nomination “ constitutes court packing.
” Both Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris ( D. , Cal . )
have referred to nominating conservatives as court packing .
Biden and others have refused to tell voters whether they will move to pack the Supreme Court if the Democrats retake both the Senate and the White House ( a proposal once denounced by Ruth Bader Ginsburg herself ) .
Instead of answering , Coons and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court packing — a position that would allow them to vote against her without the need to consider her actual qualifications .
The portrayal of the Barrett nomination as court packing is facially absurd .
Court packing is the expansion of the Court to create a dominant ideological majority .
Referring to such a proposal by Franklin Delano Roosevelt , then Sen. Joe Biden once denounced it as “ a bonehead idea .
.
.
a terrible , terrible mistake ” in seeking to add seats to the Court just to create a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Supreme Court is not court packing under any remotely plausible definition .
Otherwise , anytime you disagree with the choices of a president , it would be court packing despite leaving the court the same size .
Supreme court nomination : Why Senate is right to move forward with Amy Coney Barrett nomination With little traction on the packing pitch , Senators were left with a rare moment of clarity .
Indeed , Sen. Cory Booker ( D. , NJ ) captured it best when , without waiting to hear from Barrett , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
The reason was that she might vote against the ACA .
The clear suggestion is that , after an election , the Democrats hoped to nominate someone who would clearly support the ACA .
The issue was simply her expected vote on Nov. 10 in the case of California v. Texas .
We have now reached the Rubicon of confirmation politics .
Thirty-three years after the Bork hearing , senators are now stripping away any pretense or nuance : they will oppose Barrett because of her expected votes on cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they will vote against Barrett to prevent her from voting on a pending case , California v. Texas , dealing with the constitutionality of the ACA .
Sen. Mazie K. Hirono ( D. , HI ) announced recently that she would vote against Barrett because “ she will vote to strike down the Affordable Care Act.
” In reality , the ACA case is unlikely to be struck down .
The Court may uphold the lower court in declaring the individual mandate of the original ACA to be unconstitutional , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be “ severed ” from the rest of the statute .
Most legal experts believe that the Court has a clear majority favoring severance and preserving the rest of the act .
The law was originally saved by Chief Justice John Roberts who felt that the individual mandate was constitutional .
Congress later nullified the mandate .
The question before the Court is whether the rest of the act can be “ severed ” from the now defunct mandate — a question that cuts across the Court ’ s ideological divisions .
Indeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to uphold the rest of the law .
Thus , despite the pictures in the hearing , the picture for the ACA looks solid even with a Justice Barrett on the Court .
Indeed , no one knows how Barrett would vote on the issue of severability .
SCOTUS and Amy Coney Barrett : The secular left , Democrats ca n't impose a religious test on Amy Coney Barrett The more important decision in the hearing is that some Senators are now invoking the right to vote against a nominee on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this pending case .
It will be a uniquely ironic moment since it was Ginsburg who refused to answer questions on pending or expected cases as improper and unethical inquiries by the Senate .
It became known as the `` Ginsburg Rule . ''
We may now have the Barrett Rule where a nomination can be rejected without such assurances .
The Barrett Rule would allow not only for the packing of a Court but the packing of the Court with guaranteed ideological drones .
It is court packing without any pretense .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ finally strip away any nuance or nicety .
The court , like Congress , would become subject toraw and brutal politics at its very worst .
Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University and a member of USA TODAY ’ s Board of Contributors .
Follow him on Twitter : @ JonathanTurley

Putting Amy Coney Barrett on the Supreme Court is not court packing Democrats will vote against Amy Coney Barrett soley because she might rule the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional.
Show Caption Hide Caption Amy Coney Barrett discusses role of the courts at confirmation hearing Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett spoke about the responsibility of the courts in an opening statement at her confirmation hearing. USA TODAY
The confirmation hearing of Judge Amy Coney Barrett could easily have been mistaken for the sentencing hearing for John Wayne Gacy. Surrounding Barrett were huge pictures of sick individuals. One would think that Barrett was being confronted with the faces of her victims. In reality, the pictures perfectly captured a far more important message. Senators had finally broken free from any pretense of principle in reviewing the qualifications of a nominee. Indeed, many are about to create a new rule, the Barrett Rule, allowing conditional confirmation voting. The pictures were meant to pressure Barrett to either satisfy senators that she would vote against an Affordable Care Act challenge or they would vote against her confirmation.
There has long been a debate over the legitimate grounds for opposing a Supreme Court nominee. While senators can vote under the Constitution for good, bad or no reason at all, most have sought to justify their votes on some principled basis. For most of our history, senators followed the rule that disagreement with a nominee’s jurisprudential views was not a basis to vote against their confirmation. A president was viewed as constitutionally entitled to appoint jurists reflecting their own legal viewpoint and the primary basis for voting against a nominee was on the lack of qualifications or some disqualifying personal or professional controversy. It was a rule of senatorial deference that controlled the majority of nominations in our history.
Voting against nominees based on their expected votes
Members began to chafe at the limitations of this principle in the second half of the twentieth century. With abortion, desegregation and other hot button issues, confirmations became politics by another means. With every year, senators became more open about voting against nominees solely on the basis for their expected votes. This trend was accelerated in October 1987 in the confirmation hearing of Judge Robert Bork presided over by a senator from Delaware named Joe Biden. Bork was labeled “outside of the mainstream” of legal thought and rejected in a process that is now called “Borking.”
How a Supreme Court justice is nominated, confirmed, and opposed The Supreme Court is a vital component of our democracy. Here's how the process works to nominate, confirm, and oppose a potential justice. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Democratic members have struggled with changing rationales for voting against Barrett, who has impeccable credentials as an accomplished academic and respected jurist. One such implausible claim was made the day before the hearing by Sen. Chris Coons (D., Del.) on Fox News Sunday. He claimed the nomination “constitutes court packing.” Both Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris (D., Cal.) have referred to nominating conservatives as court packing. Biden and others have refused to tell voters whether they will move to pack the Supreme Court if the Democrats retake both the Senate and the White House (a proposal once denounced by Ruth Bader Ginsburg herself). Instead of answering, Coons and others insist that Barrett's nomination is court packing — a position that would allow them to vote against her without the need to consider her actual qualifications.
The portrayal of the Barrett nomination as court packing is facially absurd. Court packing is the expansion of the Court to create a dominant ideological majority. Referring to such a proposal by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, then Sen. Joe Biden once denounced it as “a bonehead idea . . . a terrible, terrible mistake” in seeking to add seats to the Court just to create a majority. Filling a vacancy on the Supreme Court is not court packing under any remotely plausible definition. Otherwise, anytime you disagree with the choices of a president, it would be court packing despite leaving the court the same size.
Supreme court nomination: Why Senate is right to move forward with Amy Coney Barrett nomination
With little traction on the packing pitch, Senators were left with a rare moment of clarity. Indeed, Sen. Cory Booker (D., NJ) captured it best when, without waiting to hear from Barrett, Booker announced that he would vote against her. The reason was that she might vote against the ACA. The clear suggestion is that, after an election, the Democrats hoped to nominate someone who would clearly support the ACA. The issue was simply her expected vote on Nov. 10 in the case of California v. Texas.
Barrett and the ACA
We have now reached the Rubicon of confirmation politics. Thirty-three years after the Bork hearing, senators are now stripping away any pretense or nuance: they will oppose Barrett because of her expected votes on cases. In particular, Democrats have been arguing that they will vote against Barrett to prevent her from voting on a pending case, California v. Texas, dealing with the constitutionality of the ACA. Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D., HI) announced recently that she would vote against Barrett because “she will vote to strike down the Affordable Care Act.”
In reality, the ACA case is unlikely to be struck down. The Court may uphold the lower court in declaring the individual mandate of the original ACA to be unconstitutional, but the real issue is whether that provision can be “severed” from the rest of the statute. Most legal experts believe that the Court has a clear majority favoring severance and preserving the rest of the act. The law was originally saved by Chief Justice John Roberts who felt that the individual mandate was constitutional. Congress later nullified the mandate.
The question before the Court is whether the rest of the act can be “severed” from the now defunct mandate — a question that cuts across the Court’s ideological divisions. Indeed, conservatives like Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh are expected to uphold the rest of the law. Thus, despite the pictures in the hearing, the picture for the ACA looks solid even with a Justice Barrett on the Court. Indeed, no one knows how Barrett would vote on the issue of severability.
SCOTUS and Amy Coney Barrett: The secular left, Democrats can't impose a religious test on Amy Coney Barrett
The more important decision in the hearing is that some Senators are now invoking the right to vote against a nominee on the basis of her expected vote on this pending case. It will be a uniquely ironic moment since it was Ginsburg who refused to answer questions on pending or expected cases as improper and unethical inquiries by the Senate. It became known as the "Ginsburg Rule." We may now have the Barrett Rule where a nomination can be rejected without such assurances.
The Barrett Rule would allow not only for the packing of a Court but the packing of the Court with guaranteed ideological drones. It is court packing without any pretense. Like our current politics, it would finally strip away any nuance or nicety. The court, like Congress, would become subject to raw and brutal politics at its very worst.
Jonathan Turley is the Shapiro Professor of Public Interest Law at George Washington University and a member of USA TODAY’s Board of Contributors. Follow him on Twitter: @JonathanTurley


usatoday--2020-10-13--'It doesn't make any sense:' Lane Kiffin responds to Nick Saban's sign-stealing accusation

OXFORD , Miss .
— Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin did n't steal Alabama 's defensive signals on Saturday .
And he would 've had no use for them even if he got them .
Alabama coach Nick Saban was flummoxed after his defense allowed 48 points and 647 yards in a 63-48 win over Ole Miss .
So flummoxed , he opined that maybe Ole Miss knew what Alabama was planning to do .
`` It seemed like everything we did , they had an answer for , '' Saban said Saturday .
`` I 'm not sure if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But that 's not anything unusual .
It seemed like any time we called something they had the best thing they could call against it .
They had a really good plan . ''
Speaking with the media on Monday , Kiffin debunked Saban 's theory .
`` If you understand tempo , signals would n't help us , '' Kiffin said .
`` We call a play basically before the last play is even over .
Before they mark the ball , we call our play .
Then they scramble to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to get their guys lined up .
It would n't do us any good .
By the time someone would relay that to us , we 're already snapping the ball . ''
Kiffin said he 's never known Saban 's defensive signals , even when he was Saban 's offensive coordinator from 2014-16 .
Besides , when Kiffin worked at Alabama the Crimson Tide 's defensive coordinators were Kirby Smart and Jeremy Pruitt , now the head coaches at Georgia and Tennessee .
Signals and terminology have likely changed across four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saban was n't the only person who thought Ole Miss knew what the Alabama defense had planned .
Linebacker Dylan Moses was asked about whether he thought Ole Miss had stolen the Crimson Tide 's signals and Moses replied `` I definitely do . ''
For subscribers : Can Ole Miss football 's worst-in-the-country defense be fixed this season ?
Ole Miss ran for 268 yards Saturday , the most an Alabama defense had allowed since the last time the Crimson Tide played Ole Miss .
Ole Miss threw for 379 yards , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since facing Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow of LSU last season .
Ole Miss ' 647 yards of total offense are the most any Alabama defense has allowed in a game ever .
Kiffin credits his players and philosophy for those achievements , not any advantage gleaned from knowing which plays the defense was going to run .
`` People do it , '' Kiffin said .
`` It 's not illegal .
People do it all the time .
It 's usually people that play slower .
People steal our signals all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to translate that to the players because we 're going so fast .
We did n't do that .
It is what it is .
It does n't make any sense if you understand how we play . ''

'It doesn't make any sense': Lane Kiffin responds to Nick Saban's sign-stealing theory
Show Caption Hide Caption Clemson stays at the top of Amway Coaches Poll USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down the latest Amway Coaches Poll. USA TODAY
OXFORD, Miss. — Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin didn't steal Alabama's defensive signals on Saturday. And he would've had no use for them even if he got them.
Alabama coach Nick Saban was flummoxed after his defense allowed 48 points and 647 yards in a 63-48 win over Ole Miss. So flummoxed, he opined that maybe Ole Miss knew what Alabama was planning to do.
"It seemed like everything we did, they had an answer for," Saban said Saturday. "I'm not sure if they had our signals or what. But that's not anything unusual. It seemed like any time we called something they had the best thing they could call against it. They had a really good plan."
Speaking with the media on Monday, Kiffin debunked Saban's theory.
"If you understand tempo, signals wouldn't help us," Kiffin said. "We call a play basically before the last play is even over. Before they mark the ball, we call our play. Then they scramble to get their play called. They're just trying to get their guys lined up. It wouldn't do us any good. By the time someone would relay that to us, we're already snapping the ball."
Kiffin said he's never known Saban's defensive signals, even when he was Saban's offensive coordinator from 2014-16. Besides, when Kiffin worked at Alabama the Crimson Tide's defensive coordinators were Kirby Smart and Jeremy Pruitt, now the head coaches at Georgia and Tennessee. Signals and terminology have likely changed across four years and a couple coaching changes.
Saban wasn't the only person who thought Ole Miss knew what the Alabama defense had planned. Linebacker Dylan Moses was asked about whether he thought Ole Miss had stolen the Crimson Tide's signals and Moses replied "I definitely do."
For subscribers: Can Ole Miss football's worst-in-the-country defense be fixed this season?
Ole Miss ran for 268 yards Saturday, the most an Alabama defense had allowed since the last time the Crimson Tide played Ole Miss. Ole Miss threw for 379 yards, the most an Alabama defense had allowed since facing Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow of LSU last season.
Ole Miss' 647 yards of total offense are the most any Alabama defense has allowed in a game ever.
Kiffin credits his players and philosophy for those achievements, not any advantage gleaned from knowing which plays the defense was going to run.
"People do it," Kiffin said. "It's not illegal. People do it all the time. It's usually people that play slower. People steal our signals all the time. But it's hard to translate that to the players because we're going so fast. We didn't do that. It is what it is. It doesn't make any sense if you understand how we play."
Follow Nick Suss at @nicksuss on Twitter.


usatoday--2020-10-13--'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Kaitlyn Bristowe broke wild on '80s night, Johnny Weir was near-perf

'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Kaitlyn Bristowe broke wild on '80s night, Johnny Weir was near-perfect

`` Dancing With the Stars '' survived its first scoring malfunction drama last week , which lead to scenes of chaos on live TV as host Tyra Banks tried to sort out the botched finale .
Banks assured USA TODAY , and viewers again Monday night , that the correct celebrity ( Anne Heche ) , was sent home amid the bedlam , chalked to a computer error .
Monday night 's only tragedy was the fashion for the show 's ’ 80s Night .
There was a lot of big hair , three terrible mullets , bright colors and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed break-dance skills , she lost her skirt in the process .
Here 's what went down before a truly `` Desperate '' ending . '
I go toward risk ' : 'DWTS ' host Tyra Banks on critics , Tom Bergeron 's 'big shoes to fill' The “ One Day at a Time ” standout kicked off ’ 80s night in style in a teal outfit and bright pink leggings while jazz dancing to `` Maniac '' from `` Flashdance . ''
She was already dancing like she never had before , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shadow-silhouetted chair for the stunning finale – a replay of the epic `` Flashdance '' water drop , a la Jennifer Beal .
Machado was soaked , but smiling .
`` He had to talk me into that , '' she said of partner Sasha Farber .
`` You 're a maniac , and I mean that in the best possible way , '' crowed judge Derek Hough .
The judges rolled straight 8s .
( Total score : 24/30 ) Jesse Metcalfe did n't rule the world with his tango '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for his breakout moment .
It did n't come in his tango with pro Sharna Burgess to Tears for Fears ' “ Everybody Wants to Rule the World . ''
He looked the part in an all-white suit and shoes along with a permed wig .
But his missteps left the judges fretful .
`` You went wrong , quite a few times , '' said dismayed judge Bruno Tonioli , who gave a tepid 6 score .
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was kinder , saying Metcalfe was `` feeling the music for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 7 .
His total score ( 19/30 ) left the star in peril , which would come back to haunt him .
'Selling Sunset ' star bought the entire block from the New Kids Chrishell Stause professed her undying love for New Kids on the Block and showed some suggestive moves in her cha cha to “ You Got it ( The Right Stuff ) ” with pro Gleb Savchenko .
The reality star even pulled off the New Kids side-by-side solo dance moves .
But mostly it was hot for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn a cha cha into 'Dirty Dancing , ' `` said Tonioli by way of compliment .
But he criticized some foot placement issues , giving a 7 with other middling scores .
( Total score : 19/30 ) Jeannie Mai danced to 'Like a Virgin ' like it was n't the very first time “ The Real ” star paid respect to the icon of outrageousness , Madonna , dancing her jazz number with pro Brandon Armstrong to “ Like a Virgin . ''
Emerging from a pink , foam-filled bathtub , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to impress with impossibly acrobatic twirls and a persistently radiant smile .
Inaba was wowed , saying Mai is the show 's `` most exciting performer .
There 's something about you that lights up . ''
The judges lit up straight 8s .
( Total score : 24/30 ) The `` Cheer '' coach was the main victim of last week 's craziness , having to be hauled back onto the dance floor to face elimination at the end due to the scoring error .
She survived .
But last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is with fans .
Aldama sought redemption , dancing the tango to Soft Cell 's `` Tainted Love '' with mullet-wearing pro Val Chmerkovskiy .
Far more stern than seductive , she kicked her legs out of a glam gown and glided across the dance floor .
`` You were focused like a laser-guided missile , '' said Tonioli .
`` Even Val 's mullet did n't distract you . ''
`` We saved you last week , and you did n't disappoint , '' said Inaba , who bestowed Aldama 's first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Banks .
( Total score : 26/30 ) A.J .
McLean made his first prom , and was king Backstreet Boy McLean admitted he never made his high school prom , doing boy-band global tour duty .
He had his moment Monday in a tux and a ridiculous wig , waltzing with partner Cheryl Burke to Journey 's slow-dance fave `` Open Arms '' in a faux gym dance floor setting .
The two ended up putting crowns on each other 's head to close it off .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowned , because you are doing all the right things , '' said Tonioli , as the judges gave straight 8s .
( Total score : 24/30 ) Skai came back to Earth after her 10 After getting her first ( and the season 's first ) 10 score last week , Disney Channel star Skai Jackson and partner Alan Bersten went jazz dance to `` The Power of Love '' by Huey Lewis & The News .
A little unfair to have ’ 80s night with Jackson , who was born in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energetic routine with hair-whipping , flips and lifts ( with some shaky landings ) with Bersten dressed as `` Back the Future '' star Doc Brown .
Jackson could n't go back in time to the 10 score , however , as the judges ' reviews were mixed , even as Inaba pointed out `` moments of greatness . ''
On an off night , Jackson pulled straight 8s .
( Total score : 24/30 ) Football star Davis was unrecognizable in a shoulder-length wig for his tango to Bon Jovi 's `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But even as he professed to loving the tune , Davis came up tentative in the dance moves with some missed steps .
Maybe it was the hair for the normally bald baller .
`` It is hot , '' Davis admitted afterward .
`` I have so much respect for women . ''
Hough actually pulled out football terms in his critique , calling for Davis to `` attack '' like he was in the `` red zone . ''
Davis scored straight 7s , which left him vulnerable .
( Total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bachelor '' star vowed to show new moves Monday .
And she did , kicking up her high heels and twirling her skirt on the dance floor , seemingly forgetting how `` Dancing '' played up her ballroom career-threatening ankle injury weeks ago .
Wearing nerd glasses , Bristowe 's tango to Tiffany 's `` I Think We 're Alone Now , '' ended with break-dance moves and partner Artem Chigvintsev whipping off her skirt ( to reveal shorts ) .
But wow , what a surprise moment .
`` I did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Inaba , asking the other judges , `` Did you expect that ? ''
Tonioli called it an `` action-packed ’ 80s blockbuster .
You never knew what was going to happen next . ''
The judges gave Bristowe , who is already the season 's highest-scoring dancer , lofty straight 9s .
( Total score : 27/30 ) Seeing the rapper rolling his arms to DeBarge 's sappy `` Rhythm of the Night '' while wearing nerd glasses , a sleeveless , stone-washed denim jacket and a beaming smile – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Stars '' great .
Nelly 's exacting samba with his ridiculously big-haired ( wig ) partner Danielle Karagach had the judges euphoric .
`` That made me so happy , '' said Inaba .
`` I do n't know what 's going on , but it was yummy . ''
The judges gave straight 8s .
( Total score : 24/30 ) Olympic figure skater Weir seemed back on the ice rink , dancing a contemporary number to Bonnie Tyler 's `` Total Eclipse of the Heart '' with partner Britt Stewart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weir did n't wear any shoes for the number .
Nor did he bother to explain his bare feet .
Whatever , the whole thing brought Weir to his `` happy place . ''
The dance was so good that when Tonioli started to give a small critique among his praise , the crowd boo-ed .
And it was n't just fake audience noise .
Someone was boo-ing .
`` Take a bow , '' said Inaba , calling the dance `` incredible . ''
She and Hough gave perfect 10 scores ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , with Tonioli giving a 9 .
( Total score : 29/30 ) Nev Schulman took on the mullet for a manic quickstep '' Catfish '' star Schulman donned hot-pink pants that would have made David Lee Roth blush and wore the mullet of the night .
His quickstep dance with partner Jenna Johnson to A-ha 's `` Take on Me '' was so energetic , Schulman was panting all through the judges ' comments .
But he hit the steps .
There were no scoring screw-ups … The faulty computers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first celebrities to safely leave the floor , and she did n't get called back .
In the end , footballer Davis and `` Desperate '' Metcalfe were left , the final two standing and in peril based on viewer votes and judges ' scores .
It was up to the judges to decide who would be spared elimination , and who would go home .
Inaba and Tonioli ended the drama quickly , both voting to send Metcalfe home .
No tie-breaker needed .
Davis will be back in the lineup next @ @

'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Kaitlyn Bristowe broke wild on ’80s night; Jesse Metcalfe eliminated
Show Caption Hide Caption Anne Heche discusses Ellen, Tyra Banks reads wrong cards on 'DWTS' Anne Heche revealed on "Dancing with the Stars" that her romance with Ellen DeGeneres cost her a multi-million dollar movie deal. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
"Dancing With the Stars" survived its first scoring malfunction drama last week, which lead to scenes of chaos on live TV as host Tyra Banks tried to sort out the botched finale.
Banks assured USA TODAY, and viewers again Monday night, that the correct celebrity (Anne Heche), was sent home amid the bedlam, chalked to a computer error.
Monday night's only tragedy was the fashion for the show's ’80s Night. There was a lot of big hair, three terrible mullets, bright colors and "Bachelorette" Kaitlyn Bristowe not only showed break-dance skills, she lost her skirt in the process.
Here's what went down before a truly "Desperate" ending.
Last week's 'DWTS' mayhem:: Tyra Banks announces live TV miscue in wild finish, elimination drama
'I go toward risk': 'DWTS' host Tyra Banks on critics, Tom Bergeron's 'big shoes to fill'
Justina Machado put the splash back into 'Flashdance'
The “One Day at a Time” standout kicked off ’80s night in style in a teal outfit and bright pink leggings while jazz dancing to "Maniac" from "Flashdance."
She was already dancing like she never had before, then Machado shocked everyone by jumping onto a shadow-silhouetted chair for the stunning finale – a replay of the epic "Flashdance" water drop, a la Jennifer Beal.
Machado was soaked, but smiling. "He had to talk me into that," she said of partner Sasha Farber.
"You're a maniac, and I mean that in the best possible way," crowed judge Derek Hough. The judges rolled straight 8s. (Total score: 24/30)
Jesse Metcalfe didn't rule the world with his tango
"Desperate Housewives" star Metcalfe was looking for his breakout moment. It didn't come in his tango with pro Sharna Burgess to Tears for Fears' “Everybody Wants to Rule the World." He looked the part in an all-white suit and shoes along with a permed wig. But his missteps left the judges fretful.
"You went wrong, quite a few times," said dismayed judge Bruno Tonioli, who gave a tepid 6 score. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was kinder, saying Metcalfe was "feeling the music for the first time," and giving a 7. His total score (19/30) left the star in peril, which would come back to haunt him.
'Selling Sunset' star bought the entire block from the New Kids
Chrishell Stause professed her undying love for New Kids on the Block and showed some suggestive moves in her cha cha to “You Got it (The Right Stuff)” with pro Gleb Savchenko. The reality star even pulled off the New Kids side-by-side solo dance moves. But mostly it was hot for a samba.
"Only those two can turn a cha cha into 'Dirty Dancing,' " said Tonioli by way of compliment. But he criticized some foot placement issues, giving a 7 with other middling scores. (Total score: 19/30)
Jeannie Mai danced to 'Like a Virgin' like it wasn't the very first time
“The Real” star paid respect to the icon of outrageousness, Madonna, dancing her jazz number with pro Brandon Armstrong to “Like a Virgin." Emerging from a pink, foam-filled bathtub, and fully in Madonna lace, Mai continued to impress with impossibly acrobatic twirls and a persistently radiant smile.
Inaba was wowed, saying Mai is the show's "most exciting performer. There's something about you that lights up." The judges lit up straight 8s. (Total score: 24/30)
Monica Aldama didn't let past tainted scoring affect her
The "Cheer" coach was the main victim of last week's craziness, having to be hauled back onto the dance floor to face elimination at the end due to the scoring error. She survived. But last week's episode shows how vulnerable the performer is with fans.
Aldama sought redemption, dancing the tango to Soft Cell's "Tainted Love" with mullet-wearing pro Val Chmerkovskiy. Far more stern than seductive, she kicked her legs out of a glam gown and glided across the dance floor.
"You were focused like a laser-guided missile," said Tonioli. "Even Val's mullet didn't distract you."
"We saved you last week, and you didn't disappoint," said Inaba, who bestowed Aldama's first 9 score. "Talk about redemption," said Banks. (Total score: 26/30)
·
A.J. McLean made his first prom, and was king
Backstreet Boy McLean admitted he never made his high school prom, doing boy-band global tour duty. He had his moment Monday in a tux and a ridiculous wig, waltzing with partner Cheryl Burke to Journey's slow-dance fave "Open Arms" in a faux gym dance floor setting.
The two ended up putting crowns on each other's head to close it off.
"The king and queen of the prom are crowned, because you are doing all the right things," said Tonioli, as the judges gave straight 8s. (Total score: 24/30)
Skai came back to Earth after her 10
After getting her first (and the season's first ) 10 score last week, Disney Channel star Skai Jackson and partner Alan Bersten went jazz dance to "The Power of Love" by Huey Lewis & The News.
A little unfair to have ’80s night with Jackson, who was born in 2002. But she pulled off the energetic routine with hair-whipping, flips and lifts (with some shaky landings) with Bersten dressed as "Back the Future" star Doc Brown.
Jackson couldn't go back in time to the 10 score, however, as the judges' reviews were mixed, even as Inaba pointed out "moments of greatness." On an off night, Jackson pulled straight 8s. (Total score: 24/30)
Vernon Davis wigged out to Bon Jovi
Football star Davis was unrecognizable in a shoulder-length wig for his tango to Bon Jovi's "Livin' On a Prayer." But even as he professed to loving the tune, Davis came up tentative in the dance moves with some missed steps. Maybe it was the hair for the normally bald baller. "It is hot," Davis admitted afterward. "I have so much respect for women."
Hough actually pulled out football terms in his critique, calling for Davis to "attack" like he was in the "red zone." Davis scored straight 7s, which left him vulnerable. (Total score: 21/30).
Kaitlyn Bristowe lost her skirt showing breakdancing skills
"The Bachelor" star vowed to show new moves Monday. And she did, kicking up her high heels and twirling her skirt on the dance floor, seemingly forgetting how "Dancing" played up her ballroom career-threatening ankle injury weeks ago.
Wearing nerd glasses, Bristowe's tango to Tiffany's "I Think We're Alone Now," ended with break-dance moves and partner Artem Chigvintsev whipping off her skirt (to reveal shorts). But wow, what a surprise moment.
"I did not see that coming at the end," said Inaba, asking the other judges, "Did you expect that?" Tonioli called it an "action-packed ’80s blockbuster. You never knew what was going to happen next." The judges gave Bristowe, who is already the season's highest-scoring dancer, lofty straight 9s. (Total score: 27/30)
Nelly dancing to DeBarge was unforgettable
Seeing the rapper rolling his arms to DeBarge's sappy "Rhythm of the Night" while wearing nerd glasses, a sleeveless, stone-washed denim jacket and a beaming smile – that is what makes "Dancing With the Stars" great.
Nelly's exacting samba with his ridiculously big-haired (wig) partner Danielle Karagach had the judges euphoric.
"That made me so happy," said Inaba. "I don't know what's going on, but it was yummy." The judges gave straight 8s. (Total score: 24/30)
Johnny Weir's bare feet brought the 10s
Olympic figure skater Weir seemed back on the ice rink, dancing a contemporary number to Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" with partner Britt Stewart. One major difference was the idiosyncratic Weir didn't wear any shoes for the number. Nor did he bother to explain his bare feet.
Whatever, the whole thing brought Weir to his "happy place." The dance was so good that when Tonioli started to give a small critique among his praise, the crowd boo-ed. And it wasn't just fake audience noise. Someone was boo-ing.
"Take a bow," said Inaba, calling the dance "incredible." She and Hough gave perfect 10 scores (the first double 10 of the season), with Tonioli giving a 9. (Total score: 29/30)
Nev Schulman took on the mullet for a manic quickstep
"Catfish" star Schulman donned hot-pink pants that would have made David Lee Roth blush and wore the mullet of the night. His quickstep dance with partner Jenna Johnson to A-ha's "Take on Me" was so energetic, Schulman was panting all through the judges' comments. But he hit the steps.
Tonioli called it "exuberant," giving a 9 score. (Total score: 26/30)
There were no scoring screw-ups …
The faulty computers were fixed. Aldama was one of the first celebrities to safely leave the floor, and she didn't get called back.
In the end, footballer Davis and "Desperate" Metcalfe were left, the final two standing and in peril based on viewer votes and judges' scores.
It was up to the judges to decide who would be spared elimination, and who would go home.
Inaba and Tonioli ended the drama quickly, both voting to send Metcalfe home. No tie-breaker needed. Davis will be back in the lineup next week.


usatoday--2020-10-13--Apple's new iPhone is finally coming. Are you excited yet?

New iPhones will be revealed today , but do phone shoppers still have the same lovin ' feeling ?
For years , like clockwork , new iPhones have been released in the fall and consumers snapped them up quickly , before inventory inevitably ran out , and slow responders were forced to wait for weeks .
Enthusiasts camped out in tents to snag bragging rights to be first with the new iPhone .
Then Apple got better at inventory management , and convinced customers they did n't have to wait on line , just order it ahead of time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release day .
So we do n't see the masses outside Apple Stores like we used to .
And with a pandemic and many Apple Stores closed to the public , the odds of that happening again this year are remote .
But with Apple set to release new editions of the iPhone on Tuesday , what of the enthusiasm for new models that will touted as more powerful and faster than last year 's ?
The skinny : What to expect from next iPhone announcement Buying an iPhone 12 : Make some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ives , an analyst with Wedbush Securities contends that the release of the devices believed to be called iPhone 12 is a `` once in a decade '' upgrade opportunity for Apple that will be its biggest seller since 2014 's iPhone 6 , the first of the modern iPhones to have a larger LCD screen .
He suggests there are 350 million iPhones owners who have waited at least three and half years to upgrade , and that the promise of connecting to the new , faster , wireless 5G networks on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in getting them to hit the pre-order button .
Apple is expected to debut four editions of the new iPhone , starting at $ 699 and going up the ladder to a starting price of $ 1,099 .
All are expected to connect to 5G networks .
Ives admits that 5G currently is in its early stages , with speeds that are n't much faster than the current 4G but that he expects that to change in the next 12 to 18 months .
`` This is the launching pad for 5G , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the standard for over a year , he says , due to the size of Apple 's 1 billion-plus iPhone user base .
He expects between 75 million to 80 million iPhones to sell before the end of the year .
Last year , Ives had projected sales of 65 million units sold for the quarter , and Apple ended up selling 72 million .
It finished the year with just over 180 million iPhones sold .
Apple iPhone sales peaked in 2014 with sales of 231 million units , the year iPhone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The company stunned Wall Street in its most recent earnings report , when it announced that after several quarters of declining iPhone sales , that sales were up , even during a pandemic , as consumers turned to tools for working from home , like the iPhone , iPad and Macintosh computers .
Who 's going to buy the new iPhone ?
Photographer Pete Halvorsen is one of those who has to get the new iPhone 12 , sight unseen .
He plans on putting in a pre-order this week , like he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current phone to his wife , who in turns gifts their teenage daughter with her old model .
Halvorsen once put in 8.5 hours waiting on a long line for an iPhone but has since switched to online pre-orders , since it 's more efficient .
He knows he wants the next iPhone , because as a photographer , the camera is always improved enough to make a difference , and he says the iOS 14 operating system upgrade always runs smoother on the new phones .
`` Even if the updates are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warrant a new model , '' he says .
But when we asked on social media about how eager consumers were to buy the new model , many were skeptical .
`` The iPhone was revolutionary and unquestionably changed the world , '' notes Bruce Braun , a retired TV exec .
`` People wanted to be part of that revolution and have a phone that matched the hype .
Apple is now just making incremental improvements to make a good product better every year , as technology innovates .
Where 's the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ especially if it costs over $ 1000 ? ''
`` I 'm going to try to hold on to my phone for a while longer ( and I used to change phones all the time ! )
.
I just do n't see the point in it especially at the price points . ''
But Michael Markman , a former Apple executive , says the excitement for new iPhones has n't faded .
`` It 's that satisfaction lasts longer , '' he said .
`` In the early years , the delta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge .
Since the 7 , however , the phones have really good .
Since the X , they ’ ve been great .
Makes it a lot easier for people to hold on for another year .
Or three . ''
And if Markman and Ives are right , shoppers could be buying a lot of new phones putting in orders for many upgrades this year .

Apple's new iPhone is finally coming. Are you excited yet?
Show Caption Hide Caption Why 5G isn’t quite what you think Cellular technology is about to make an evolutionary leap. 5G is almost here. But you're gonna have to wait a little longer. Here's why. USA TODAY, Just the FAQs
New iPhones will be revealed today, but do phone shoppers still have the same lovin' feeling?
For years, like clockwork, new iPhones have been released in the fall and consumers snapped them up quickly, before inventory inevitably ran out, and slow responders were forced to wait for weeks.
Enthusiasts camped out in tents to snag bragging rights to be first with the new iPhone. Then Apple got better at inventory management, and convinced customers they didn't have to wait on line, just order it ahead of time, and it would be awaiting you on release day. So we don't see the masses outside Apple Stores like we used to.
And with a pandemic and many Apple Stores closed to the public, the odds of that happening again this year are remote. But with Apple set to release new editions of the iPhone on Tuesday, what of the enthusiasm for new models that will touted as more powerful and faster than last year's?
Apple 5G iPhone: What you need to know about 5G for the iPhone 12
Apple unveils the iPhone 12: Follow live for updates
Buying an iPhone 12: Make some cash by selling your old device
Dan Ives, an analyst with Wedbush Securities contends that the release of the devices believed to be called iPhone 12 is a "once in a decade" upgrade opportunity for Apple that will be its biggest seller since 2014's iPhone 6, the first of the modern iPhones to have a larger LCD screen.
He suggests there are 350 million iPhones owners who have waited at least three and half years to upgrade, and that the promise of connecting to the new, faster, wireless 5G networks on the new iPhones will do the trick in getting them to hit the pre-order button.
Apple is expected to debut four editions of the new iPhone, starting at $699 and going up the ladder to a starting price of $1,099. All are expected to connect to 5G networks.
Ives admits that 5G currently is in its early stages, with speeds that aren't much faster than the current 4G but that he expects that to change in the next 12 to 18 months.
"This is the launching pad for 5G," despite Samsung's relentless hyping of the standard for over a year, he says, due to the size of Apple's 1 billion-plus iPhone user base.
He expects between 75 million to 80 million iPhones to sell before the end of the year. Last year, Ives had projected sales of 65 million units sold for the quarter, and Apple ended up selling 72 million. It finished the year with just over 180 million iPhones sold.
Apple iPhone sales peaked in 2014 with sales of 231 million units, the year iPhone 6 was introduced, says Ives. The company stunned Wall Street in its most recent earnings report, when it announced that after several quarters of declining iPhone sales, that sales were up, even during a pandemic, as consumers turned to tools for working from home, like the iPhone, iPad and Macintosh computers.
Who's looking to buy the new iPhone?
Photographer Pete Halvorsen is one of those who has to get the new iPhone 12, sight unseen. He plans on putting in a pre-order this week, like he does every year, handing down his current phone to his wife, who in turns gifts their teenage daughter with her old model.
I always do. — Pete Halvorsen (@petehalvorsen) October 12, 2020
Halvorsen once put in 8.5 hours waiting on a long line for an iPhone but has since switched to online pre-orders, since it's more efficient.
He knows he wants the next iPhone, because as a photographer, the camera is always improved enough to make a difference, and he says the iOS 14 operating system upgrade always runs smoother on the new phones.
"Even if the updates are incremental, it's still enough to warrant a new model," he says.
But when we asked on social media about how eager consumers were to buy the new model, many were skeptical.
"The iPhone was revolutionary and unquestionably changed the world," notes Bruce Braun, a retired TV exec. "People wanted to be part of that revolution and have a phone that matched the hype. Apple is now just making incremental improvements to make a good product better every year, as technology innovates. Where's the thrill of something truly revolutionary again, especially if it costs over $1000?"
Kat Eller Murray, a San Francisco based marketing exec, also votes a firm no.
"I'm going to try to hold on to my phone for a while longer (and I used to change phones all the time!). I just don't see the point in it especially at the price points."
But Michael Markman, a former Apple executive, says the excitement for new iPhones hasn't faded.
"It's that satisfaction lasts longer," he said. "In the early years, the delta from one iteration to the next was huge. Since the 7, however, the phones have really good. Since the X, they’ve been great. Makes it a lot easier for people to hold on for another year. Or three."
And if Markman and Ives are right, shoppers could be buying a lot of new phones putting in orders for many upgrades this year.
Follow USA TODAY's Jefferson Graham (@jeffersongraham) on Twitter


usatoday--2020-10-13--Round trip to Tokyo for $173? Pandemic spawns once-in-a-lifetime airfare deals – if you're ready to

Anyone who has checked the prices of flights online lately may be shocked at what they are seeing .
Here are some sample Halloween weekend getaways from Google Flights , as seen on the site Monday , for flights leaving Thursday , Oct. 28 , and returning Sunday , Nov. 1 .
It 's not just those dates or that platform .
Choose any .
Due to the coronavirus pandemic , some airfares appear so low that they look like the airlines might have posted them by mistake .
Yet the screaming bargains can also be viewed as cruel irony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take advantage of the low fares out of fear of contracting COVID-19 while traveling , a risk for which there seems to be no general agreement yet .
Is it safe to fly ?
Precautions to take when flying during the coronavirus pandemic For those willing to take the chance , however , these may be once-in-a-lifetime deals .
Airlines ' normal pricing mechanisms have been thrown out of whack by the cratering of travel .
Planes have been averaging about a third full in recent weeks and carriers collectively losing about $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their trade group , Airlines for America .
Airlines have answered by drastically cutting prices in order to fill seats .
Even at those levels , many travelers are n't biting , especially when some of the biggest discounts are to destinations that have strict quarantine requirements that are sure to ruin any vacation and basically puts them off-limits to all but returning residents .
New York , New Jersey and Connecticut have maintained one of the country 's strictest quarantine requirements – 14 days for anyone arriving from 35 states and territories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a testing positivity rate of 10 % over a seven-day rolling average .
If you 'd booked over the past few days , you could have flown from Atlanta to New York for as little as $ 71 round trip on United , leaving on Oct. 27 and returning Oct. 31 , but Georgia is one of the states included among those requiring quarantine .
Airline bailout , relief talks stall : Nancy Pelosi urges airlines to delay 'devastating ' cuts as Democratic aid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's cheap , but is flying safe ?
There 's also the matter of personal safety .
Experts say anyone who wants to travel should n't just look for low fares but rather also try to discern whether the coronavirus , which causes COVID-19 , is on the uptick in their destination .
COVID-19 rates may be low now , but they could rise by the time of the trip .
`` Now we really have to start our research on a destination by looking at its public health landscape , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Atmosphere Research Group .
`` You don ’ t want to buy a ticket to a place that may not be healthy . ''
Would-be travelers also need to check out entry or testing requirements .
One popular tourism state , Hawaii , will allow travelers to test for COVID-19 in lieu of a 14-day quarantine starting Thursday , but there are lots of rules and caveats .
'You know that your dream 's ending ' : Flight attendants bid tearful goodbyes as they 're furloughed As for the trip itself , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who believe that passengers who take precautions by wearing a mask continuously and trying to distance from others should be fine .
There has been no proof that the virus is easily transmitted on planes .
Two recent studies , however , raised issues about whether passengers can catch the virus on a plane .
They were based on examples early in the pandemic and did n't indicate whether passengers wore masks , as is now required by all major U.S. airlines .
For those willing to take the chance , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lower prices than the everyday bargains .
Travel is likely to slow during the first week of November as the nation is distracted by Election Day , resulting in even better deals , Harteveldt said .
He noted , too , that passengers might want to check out package deals for hotel , car and airlines , which can shave off another 10 % from the total price .
Prices are so low that some appear to flyers like the rare `` mistake fares '' in which technology snafus lead to airlines posting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or hours until they are discovered , said Darci Valiente , member operations specialist for Scott 's Cheap Flights , an online service that tips members to especially juicy deals .
Should you book a winter holiday flight now ?
3 reasons to do it , 1 reason to wait It is n't just domestic travel lighting up bargain hunters .
Valiente points to recent deals on American Airlines to South American destinations that were good through next July , like San Francisco to Buenos Aires , Argentina , for $ 291 round @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Guayaquil , Ecuador , for $ 191 ; or Washington , D.C. , to Santiago , Chile , at $ 297 .
Those are the kind of trips that normally could go for up to $ 1,200 , she said .
At one point , Air Canada was offering flights from Pittsburgh to Tokyo , Japan , at $ 173 round trip , she said .
The offer , which like some of the others , did n't last long , was good through April – just in time for cherry blossom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to court leisure passengers with deals , perks and new destinations No one knows what the COVID-19 situation will be like through the middle of next year or whether countries might close or reclose their borders .
Japan is currently closed to Americans and Canadians .
And the CDC continues to warn Americans against travel to much of the world even to countries that allow visitation .
With many airlines having eliminated change fees – charging passengers when they change their itineraries – booking becomes less of a gamble .
`` A lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a lot of us have our fingers and toes crossed about getting back to normal , '' Valiente said .
Of course , when things get back to normal , airfares are sure to rise .
Even in the short term , airlines that have been depending on federal stimulus money may cut money-losing flights now that the relief payments have run out .
They are no longer required to keep them as a condition of receiving aid .
Congress is yet to work out a new relief package .
So for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of deals , '' Valiente said .
But `` people are very nervous to travel . ''

Round trip to Tokyo for $173? Pandemic spawns once-in-a-lifetime airfare deals – if you're ready to travel
Show Caption Hide Caption Multiple major US airlines drop change fees on domestic tickets Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have all joined United Airlines in ditching change fees for flights within the U.S. USA TODAY
Anyone who has checked the prices of flights online lately may be shocked at what they are seeing.
Here are some sample Halloween weekend getaways from Google Flights, as seen on the site Monday, for flights leaving Thursday, Oct. 28, and returning Sunday, Nov. 1.
Los Angeles to Chicago: $125 round trip on United Airlines
Minneapolis to Orlando, Florida: $147 round trip on Sun Country Airlines
Cleveland to Miami: $150 round trip on American Airlines
Seattle to Denver: $107 round trip on Delta Air Lines
It's not just those dates or that platform. Choose any.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, some airfares appear so low that they look as if the airlines might have posted them by mistake. Yet the screaming bargains can also be viewed as cruel irony: Relatively few customers will dare to take advantage of the low fares out of fear of contracting COVID-19 while traveling, a risk for which there seems to be no general agreement yet.
Is it safe to fly? Precautions to take when flying during the coronavirus pandemic
For those willing to take the chance, however, these may be once-in-a-lifetime deals.
Airlines' normal pricing mechanisms have been thrown out of whack by the cratering of travel. Planes have been averaging about one-third full in recent weeks and carriers collectively losing about $5 billion a month, according to their trade group, Airlines for America. Airlines have answered by drastically cutting prices to fill seats.
Even at those levels, many travelers aren't biting, especially when some of the biggest discounts are to destinations that have strict quarantine requirements that are sure to ruin any vacation and basically put them off-limits to all but returning residents.
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have maintained one of the country's strictest quarantine requirements – 14 days for anyone arriving from 35 states and territories that either have a positive test rate for the coronavirus higher than 10 per 100,000 residents or a testing positivity rate of 10% over a seven-day rolling average.
If you'd booked over the past few days, you could have flown from Atlanta to New York for as little as $71 round trip on United, leaving on Oct. 27 and returning Oct. 31, but Georgia is one of the states included among those requiring quarantine.
Airline bailout, relief talks stall: Nancy Pelosi urges airlines to delay 'devastating' cuts as Democratic aid proposal fails to advance
Yeah, it's cheap, but is flying safe?
There's also the matter of personal safety.
Experts say anyone who wants to travel shouldn't just look for low fares but rather also try to discern whether the coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, is on the increase at their destination. COVID-19 rates may be low now, but they could rise by the time of the trip.
"Now we really have to start our research on a destination by looking at its public health landscape," said Henry Harteveldt, travel industry analyst for the Atmosphere Research Group. "You don’t want to buy a ticket to a place that may not be healthy."
Would-be travelers also need to check out entry or testing requirements. One popular tourism state, Hawaii, will allow travelers to test for the coronavirus in lieu of a 14-day quarantine starting Thursday, but there are lots of rules and caveats.
'You know that your dream's ending': Flight attendants bid tearful goodbyes as they're furloughed
As for the trip itself, experts are divided. Harteveldt is among those who believe that passengers who take precautions by wearing a mask continuously and trying to distance from others should be fine. There has been no proof that the virus is easily transmitted on planes.
Two recent studies, however, raised questions about whether passengers can catch the virus on a plane. They were based on examples early in the pandemic and didn't indicate whether passengers wore masks, as is now required by all major U.S. airlines.
For those willing to take the chance, there's always a chance to score even lower prices than the everyday bargains.
Travel is likely to slow during the first week of November as the nation is distracted by Election Day, resulting in even better deals, Harteveldt said. He noted, too, that passengers might want to check out package deals for hotel, car and airlines, which can shave another 10% off the total price.
Prices are so low that some appear to travelers like the rare "mistake fares" in which technology snafus lead to airlines posting ridiculously low fares for a few minutes or hours until they are discovered, said Darci Valiente, member operations specialist for Scott's Cheap Flights, an online service that tips members to especially juicy deals.
Should you book a winter holiday flight now? 3 reasons to do it, 1 reason to wait
International deals abound, too
It isn't just domestic travel lighting up bargain hunters.
Valiente points to recent deals on American Airlines to South American destinations that were good through next July, like San Francisco to Buenos Aires, Argentina, for $291 round trip; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Guayaquil, Ecuador, for $191; or Washington, D.C., to Santiago, Chile, at $297. Those are the kind of trips that normally could go for up to $1,200, she said.
At one point, Air Canada was offering flights from Pittsburgh to Tokyo at $173 round trip, she said. The offer, which like some of the others, didn't last long, was good through April – just in time for cherry blossom season.
New trend: Airlines forced to court leisure passengers with deals, perks and new destinations
No one knows what the COVID-19 situation will be like through the middle of next year or whether countries might close or reclose their borders. Japan is closed to Americans and Canadians. And the CDC continues to warn Americans against travel to much of the world even to countries that allow visitors.
With many airlines having eliminated change fees – charging passengers when they change their itineraries – booking becomes less of a gamble.
"A lot of people are looking to 2021, and a lot of us have our fingers and toes crossed about getting back to normal," Valiente said.
Of course, when things get back to normal, airfares are sure to rise. Even in the short term, airlines that have been depending on federal stimulus money may cut money-losing flights now that the relief payments have run out. They are no longer required to keep them as a condition of receiving aid. Congress is yet to work out a new relief package.
So for now, there are "a lot of deals," Valiente said. But "people are very nervous to travel."


usatoday--2020-10-13--Trump proclaims he is healthy after COVID-19 and he'll 'kiss everyone' in crowd at rally

Trump proclaims he is healthy after COVID-19 and he 'll 'kiss everyone ' in crowd at rally President Trump claimed @ @ @ @ @ said he is `` immune '' from the virus .
Some medical professionals say there @ @ @ @ @ .

Trump says he'll 'kiss everyone' in crowd at Florida rally
President Trump claimed himself cured of COVID-19 and said he is "immune" from the virus. Some medical professionals say there is no guarantee of that.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-13--Supreme Court temporarily allows Trump administration to end census head count

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Tuesday temporarily allowed the Trump administration to end its 2020 census count earlier than planned , a move that could result in undercounting racial and ethnic minorities and others in hard-to-reach communities .
The Commerce Department had asked the justices to block a lower court ruling that barred the administration from stopping the head count on Oct. 5 .
The administration had sought to stop counting in order to determine the number of House seats and electoral votes each state gets for the coming decade by Dec. 31 , before Trump might have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsigned , Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor registered her dissent .
She said `` meeting the deadline at the expense of the accuracy of the census is not a cost worth paying . ''
`` The harms caused by rushing this year ’ s census count are irreparable , '' Sotomayor wrote .
`` And respondents will suffer their lasting impact for at least the next 10 years . ''
The action blocks a federal judge 's decision that would have kept census workers in the field through the end of the month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 the deadline for reporting final numbers used to apportion House seats and distribute federal funds for the next 10 years .
On a separate track , the Trump administration has asked the court to let it exclude undocumented immigrants from the numbers used to apportion House seats .
A federal court has blocked the move , which the Justice Department has appealed to the justices .
The moving calendar targets are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic , which disrupted Census Bureau workers going door to door .
The administration initially sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a three-month delay , but later moved it up to Oct. 5 , so that the report on apportionment could be delivered to President Donald Trump by the end of the year .
In the past , the Supreme Court has not looked kindly on the Trump administration 's use of the census .
In June 2019 , it blocked the president 's plan to add a question on citizenship , with Chief Justice John Roberts writing that the rationale `` seems to have been contrived . ''

Supreme Court temporarily allows Trump administration to end census head count
Show Caption Hide Caption Why the U.S. Census matters President Trump is expected to drop his fight to get the citizenship question for the 2020 census. What is the census and why does the U.S. have one? We explain. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Tuesday temporarily allowed the Trump administration to end its 2020 census count earlier than planned, a move that could result in undercounting racial and ethnic minorities and others in hard-to-reach communities.
The Commerce Department had asked the justices to block a lower court ruling that barred the administration from stopping the head count on Oct. 5. The administration had sought to stop counting in order to determine the number of House seats and electoral votes each state gets for the coming decade by Dec. 31, before Trump might have to leave office.
While the decision was unsigned, Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor registered her dissent. She said "meeting the deadline at the expense of the accuracy of the census is not a cost worth paying."
"The harms caused by rushing this year’s census count are irreparable," Sotomayor wrote. "And respondents will suffer their lasting impact for at least the next 10 years."
The action blocks a federal judge's decision that would have kept census workers in the field through the end of the month. That in turn would have made April 30 the deadline for reporting final numbers used to apportion House seats and distribute federal funds for the next 10 years.
On a separate track, the Trump administration has asked the court to let it exclude undocumented immigrants from the numbers used to apportion House seats. A federal court has blocked the move, which the Justice Department has appealed to the justices.
The moving calendar targets are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted Census Bureau workers going door to door. The administration initially sought the Oct. 31 deadline, which represented a three-month delay, but later moved it up to Oct. 5, so that the report on apportionment could be delivered to President Donald Trump by the end of the year.
In the past, the Supreme Court has not looked kindly on the Trump administration's use of the census. In June 2019, it blocked the president's plan to add a question on citizenship, with Chief Justice John Roberts writing that the rationale "seems to have been contrived."