usatoday--2020-10-17--Trump is pushing democracy to the limit and beyond. Don't go to prison for him.

The last four years have made it clear that our institutions are suffering from too many years of deferred maintenance .
That ’ s why I ’ ve been participating in the Guardrails of Democracy Project , an informal think tank made up of conservative , often Republican , lawyers who have grown increasingly concerned about the health of our democracy .
Guardrails of Democracy is about identifying reforms designed to reinvigorate and secure our existing system of checks and balances .
To paraphrase Donald Rumsfeld , we ’ re soldiering through this election season with the checks and balances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's going to be bad .
The FBI has already broken up a serious plot to kidnap one and maybe two sitting governors , and authorities are bracing for the worst .
In a recent poll , 55 % of Americans said they anticipate violence in the election ’ s aftermath .
So we will launch this project by reviewing some of the guardrails that have been created with just such a situation in mind .
While this is a discussion of federal law , lots of state laws would apply , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seditious conspiracy .
If you conspire to use force to hinder the application of any federal law or to seize federal property , you will spend up to 20 years in prison .
Note that you don ’ t have to actually succeed .
The essence of conspiracy is communication and agreement so you have committed seditious conspiracy even if you are simply planning this kind of “ activity , ” even if it is “ just ” over the internet .
Oath Keepers , Proud Boys and other assorted militia organizations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that criminalize interfering with an election or a vote count .
For example , it ’ s a felony to attempt to intimidate voters or to attempt to interfere with voting .
That means that while poll-watching is legal in most cases , poll watchers walk a fine line and had better be on their best behavior .
It is most definitely not the moment to exercise your Second Amendment rights unless you fancy spending up to 10 years in federal prison .
Federal law views having armed people of any sort at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potential vigilantes .
It ’ s a felony for even a government official to send “ armed men ” to the polls .
And there ’ s no exception for the attorney general or the president , on the contrary .
That statute also runs right down the chain of command , so if armed federal agents were to show up at a polling place , everyone who had a hand in deploying them would be facing up to five years in prison .
“ I was just following orders.
” won ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s one you probably hadn ’ t considered : a statute that makes it felony to make a false statement about a material fact to the federal government or to falsify , conceal or cover up a material fact from the federal government .
Normally , this statute is used when people outside the government are filing reports and answering questions .
But there is nothing in the statute that would prevent employees and officers of the federal government from being prosecuted for making false statements or trying to hide the truth in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So to anyone who might be pressured to come up with some handy “ facts ” about mail-in ballots and election fraud : Beware .
There is no evidence that mail-in ballots are particularly likely to be fraudulent and any statements you might make to the contrary or any other effort you might make to hide or distort the truth could earn you up to five years in prison .
This concerns are very real .
President Donald Trump could not be making it clearer that he is going to push our democracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond .
He 's spent months attempting to undermine our faith in the election , refused repeated opportunities to say that he would abide by the result , and , with his order to “ stand back and stand by , ” appointed the Proud Boys as the paramilitary wing of Trump 's version of Nixon 's 1971 Committee to Re-Elect the President .
But the situation we find ourselves in is not entirely unprecedented .
The original Committee to Re-Elect the President was an arm of the Nixon campaign set up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure Nixon won the 1972 presidential election .
Most of the members of the committee went to prison when their activities became public .
Should the election and its aftermath be a train wreck , history is going to repeat itself .
First in their sights : A kidnap and murder plot targeted Gretchen Whitmer .
It 's no coincidence she 's a woman .
If you are tempted to put your thumb on the election scale , do not try and fool yourself that this will never come out .
Should Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt that one of the first orders of business will be a full and public investigation of what happened during the election .
And even if Donald Trump should retain the presidency , the federal statute of limitations is at least five years for most crimes .
The mills of the criminal justice system may grind slowly , but they grind incredibly fine .
If you take action to subvert our democracy , your acts will neither be forgotten nor forgiven .
Sooner or later , justice will find you .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ America ’ s guardrails that are being tested .
Americans are being tested .
We live in a particular time .
On Nov. 3 , we have a choice to make , not just between candidates , but between democratic values on one hand , and fear and anger on the other .
Choose wisely .
We are all going to live with those choices for a very long time .
Republican Chris Truax , an appellate lawyer in San Diego and CEO of CertifiedVoter.com , is a member of USA TODAY 's @ @ @ @

Trump is pushing democracy to the limit and beyond. Don't go to prison for him. If you subvert our democracy, your acts will neither be forgotten nor forgiven. Sooner or later, justice will find you, even if Trump wins reelection.
Show Caption Hide Caption Voter registration day: Here's why your vote matters more than ever Thinking of sitting out the election? Here's why your vote counts. Register, verify your status or request an absentee ballot at vote.usatoday.com. USA TODAY
The last four years have made it clear that our institutions are suffering from too many years of deferred maintenance. That’s why I’ve been participating in the Guardrails of Democracy Project, an informal think tank made up of conservative, often Republican, lawyers who have grown increasingly concerned about the health of our democracy. Guardrails of Democracy is about identifying reforms designed to reinvigorate and secure our existing system of checks and balances.
To paraphrase Donald Rumsfeld, we’re soldiering through this election season with the checks and balances we’ve got. And it's going to be bad. The FBI has already broken up a serious plot to kidnap one and maybe two sitting governors, and authorities are bracing for the worst. In a recent poll, 55% of Americans said they anticipate violence in the election’s aftermath.
So we will launch this project by reviewing some of the guardrails that have been created with just such a situation in mind. While this is a discussion of federal law, lots of state laws would apply, too.
'Following orders' won't be a defense
First, the big one, seditious conspiracy. If you conspire to use force to hinder the application of any federal law or to seize federal property, you will spend up to 20 years in prison. Note that you don’t have to actually succeed. The essence of conspiracy is communication and agreement so you have committed seditious conspiracy even if you are simply planning this kind of “activity,” even if it is “just” over the internet. Oath Keepers, Proud Boys and other assorted militia organizations, take note.
There are several laws that criminalize interfering with an election or a vote count. For example, it’s a felony to attempt to intimidate voters or to attempt to interfere with voting. That means that while poll-watching is legal in most cases, poll watchers walk a fine line and had better be on their best behavior. It is most definitely not the moment to exercise your Second Amendment rights unless you fancy spending up to 10 years in federal prison.
Federal law views having armed people of any sort at the polls very seriously, much less potential vigilantes. It’s a felony for even a government official to send “armed men” to the polls. And there’s no exception for the attorney general or the president, on the contrary. That statute also runs right down the chain of command, so if armed federal agents were to show up at a polling place, everyone who had a hand in deploying them would be facing up to five years in prison. “I was just following orders.” won’t be a defense.
Here’s one you probably hadn’t considered: a statute that makes it felony to make a false statement about a material fact to the federal government or to falsify, conceal or cover up a material fact from the federal government. Normally, this statute is used when people outside the government are filing reports and answering questions. But there is nothing in the statute that would prevent employees and officers of the federal government from being prosecuted for making false statements or trying to hide the truth in an effort to influence government action.
So to anyone who might be pressured to come up with some handy “facts” about mail-in ballots and election fraud: Beware. There is no evidence that mail-in ballots are particularly likely to be fraudulent and any statements you might make to the contrary or any other effort you might make to hide or distort the truth could earn you up to five years in prison.
Texas GOP death wish: One dropbox in a county of 4.7 million people
These concerns are very real. President Donald Trump could not be making it clearer that he is going to push our democracy to the limit and, perhaps, beyond. He's spent months attempting to undermine our faith in the election, refused repeated opportunities to say that he would abide by the result, and, with his order to “stand back and stand by,” appointed the Proud Boys as the paramilitary wing of Trump's version of Nixon's 1971 Committee to Re-Elect the President.
Prison is a real possibility
But the situation we find ourselves in is not entirely unprecedented. The original Committee to Re-Elect the President was an arm of the Nixon campaign set up to engage in various illegal activities to make sure Nixon won the 1972 presidential election. Most of the members of the committee went to prison when their activities became public. Should the election and its aftermath be a train wreck, history is going to repeat itself.
First in their sights: A kidnap and murder plot targeted Gretchen Whitmer. It's no coincidence she's a woman.
If you are tempted to put your thumb on the election scale, do not try and fool yourself that this will never come out. Should Joe Biden become president, I have no doubt that one of the first orders of business will be a full and public investigation of what happened during the election. And even if Donald Trump should retain the presidency, the federal statute of limitations is at least five years for most crimes. The mills of the criminal justice system may grind slowly, but they grind incredibly fine. If you take action to subvert our democracy, your acts will neither be forgotten nor forgiven. Sooner or later, justice will find you.
In the end, it isn’t just America’s guardrails that are being tested. Americans are being tested. We live in a particular time. On Nov. 3, we have a choice to make, not just between candidates, but between democratic values on one hand, and fear and anger on the other. Choose wisely. We are all going to live with those choices for a very long time.
Republican Chris Truax, an appellate lawyer in San Diego and CEO of CertifiedVoter.com, is a member of USA TODAY's Board of Contributors.


usatoday--2020-10-16--Bold predictions for Week 7 of the college football season

Surprise performances and unexpected outcomes are anticipated each weekend in the wild world of college football .
Even if everyone knows they are coming , guessing when and where they will happen is difficult .
The USA TODAY Sports college football staff — Jace Evans , Paul Myerberg , Brent Schrotenboer , Erick Smith , Eddie Timanus and Dan Wolken — weigh in with some bold predictions for Week 6 of the season : Alabama enters its Saturday matchup with Georgia a shocking 65th in the country in total defense after its defensive debacle against Ole Miss .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even with Tua Tagovailoa and two first-round wide receivers gone to the NFL .
Steve Sarkisian ’ s unit is third in the country in yards per game , and the Crimson Tide is the nation ’ s highest-scoring team .
Meanwhile , the Bulldogs resemble the team Alabama used to be in the early days of its dynasty , their second-in-the-nation defense complemented by a methodical , smash-mouth offense .
So who wins this latest Game of the Century ?
As strong as Georgia has looked , I ’ m still going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had a massive wrench thrown into their preparation with coach Nick Saban ’ s positive test for COVID-19 .
MAJOR STAKES : What 's on line when No .
2 Alabama , No .
3 Georgia clash TOP FIVE : The games in Week 7 that will impact the College Football Playoff WHAt TO WATCH : Five biggest questions for Week 7 in college football No matter who is overseeing it , it ’ s hard to imagine the Crimson Tide defense getting embarrassed two weeks in a row .
Part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s conservative offensive approach .
Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart is clearly a fan of the grind-it-out formula Alabama relied on to win four national titles ( 2009 , 2011 , 2012 , 2015 ) during his tenure as the Crimson Tide ’ s defensive coordinator .
Against most teams Georgia faces , even in the SEC , pounding away until the dam breaks will work .
In this contest , though , the Georgia offense will not have the luxury of talent winning out over time .
As excellent as Georgia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to score some points , and it will be up to the Dawgs ’ offense to respond .
A deliberate approach low on explosive plays might be playing right into the hands of an Alabama defense that is still loaded with talent , despite its unusual struggles .
Saban-less Alabama beats Georgia and moves to No .
1 in the Amway Coaches Poll .
Beating the Bulldogs with Sarkisian in place of the six-time national champion will make the Crimson Tide the team to beat in the SEC and the race for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t dramatically impact the Bulldogs ’ chances , since there is plenty of time for Kirby Smart ’ s team to charge back into the top four .
Besides , the two SEC powers are expected to meet again in the conference championship game .
Texas A & M coach Jimbo Fisher earned some of that fat contract of his by upsetting a top-five Florida team last week at home .
But now we get to see a different kind of test for him and Mississippi State coach Mike Leach .
Fisher ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the Bulldogs have been strapped onto the Leach roller coaster : After a high-flying win against defending national champion LSU in the season opener , they crashed with two straight losses , leading to the usual roster crackdown by Leach in response .
He ’ s ridden out these spells before in similar fashion and knows how to tweak A & M , having gone 7-3 against the Aggies when he was coach at Texas Tech from 2000 to 2009 .
A & M also hasn ’ t won at Mississippi State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leach special over the Aggies .
Through three games , Auburn is about what was expected .
The Tigers are inconsistent on both sides of the ball , especially as quarterback Bo Nix struggles to carry a team that is n't as strong defensively as in 2019 .
A disappointing loss to Georgia and an unlikely win at home against Arkansas in the past two weeks illustrate the challenges facing the team .
A Saturday trip to South Carolina awaits Auburn and the recent performances are going to have to improve significantly .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ played Tennessee and Florida close .
With this game at home , South Carolina evens its record and further creates questions about the Tigers going forward .
During Clemson ’ s run of ACC dominance that began in 2015 , the Tigers have lost a grand total of two league games .
That number drops to zero since the arrival of Trevor Lawrence in 2018 .
That is not to say the Tigers didn ’ t have any close calls during that stretch .
Last year ’ s narrow escape came in Week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just how quickly Mack Brown ’ s return to Chapel Hill would bring results .
The top-10 showdown with Miami last Saturday was a potential stumbling block in theory , but Clemson was all business in the prime-time spotlight – ill-advised 61-yard field goal attempts notwithstanding .
This Saturday ’ s visit to Georgia Tech appears far less daunting .
The Yellow Jackets do have two league wins , which might be two more than many figured they ’ d have at this juncture .
Admittedly those victories were against Florida State and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between them .
As such , the Yellow Jackets might not have Clemson ’ s attention in the way that Miami did a week ago in a far more attractive TV window – and that ’ s where the Tigers occasionally encounter trouble .
When Clemson does struggle to put away an ACC opponent , it usually happens in one of those early games like this one .
So will the Tigers actually lose ?
No , they ’ ll put pedal to metal when they have to .
But they might not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t be shocked if halftime comes and things are still a little dicey .
Regardless of Saban testing positive for COVID-19 , a diagnosis that will likely keep him out of the stadium Saturday , this feels like the right time for Georgia to finally beat Alabama .
In a year when so many teams are struggling on defense , which might stem from the irregular ways teams have had to practice this year to account for the coronavirus , it seems like the Bulldogs are way ahead of the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Georgia is allowing just 3.7 yards per play and has racked up 10 sacks in three games .
Being able to generate pressure is going to be huge in slowing Mac Jones and an Alabama offense ranked second nationally in passing at 385 yards per game .
Georgia may not be the most dynamic team offensively , but Alabama 's struggling defense is going to give up points .
Georgia will get more stops in this game and come away with a key early-season win .

Bold predictions for Week 7 of the college football season
Show Caption Hide Caption How does Nick Saban's positive test impact college football moving forward? USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down how Nick Saban's positive COVID-19 test will impact the entire college football landscape. USA TODAY
Surprise performances and unexpected outcomes are anticipated each weekend in the wild world of college football. Even if everyone knows they are coming, guessing when and where they will happen is difficult.
The USA TODAY Sports college football staff — Jace Evans, Paul Myerberg, Brent Schrotenboer, Erick Smith, Eddie Timanus and Dan Wolken — weigh in with some bold predictions for Week 7 of the season:
Jace Evans
Alabama enters its Saturday matchup with Georgia a shocking 65th in the country in total defense after its defensive debacle against Ole Miss. But the Crimson Tide offense keeps rolling along, even with Tua Tagovailoa and two first-round wide receivers gone to the NFL. Steve Sarkisian’s unit is third in the country in yards per game, and the Crimson Tide is the nation’s highest-scoring team. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs resemble the team Alabama used to be in the early days of its dynasty, their second-in-the-nation defense complemented by a methodical, smash-mouth offense.
So who wins this latest Game of the Century? As strong as Georgia has looked, I’m still going with Alabama – even after the Tide had a massive wrench thrown into their preparation with coach Nick Saban’s positive test for COVID-19.
MAJOR STAKES: What's on line when No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Georgia clash
TOP FIVE: The games in Week 7 that will impact the College Football Playoff
WHAt TO WATCH: Five biggest questions for Week 7 in college football
No matter who is overseeing it, it’s hard to imagine the Crimson Tide defense getting embarrassed two weeks in a row. Part of the optimism on that front stems from Georgia’s conservative offensive approach. Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart is clearly a fan of the grind-it-out formula Alabama relied on to win four national titles (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015) during his tenure as the Crimson Tide’s defensive coordinator. Against most teams Georgia faces, even in the SEC, pounding away until the dam breaks will work. In this contest, though, the Georgia offense will not have the luxury of talent winning out over time. As excellent as Georgia’s defense has been, Alabama is going to score some points, and it will be up to the Dawgs’ offense to respond. A deliberate approach low on explosive plays might be playing right into the hands of an Alabama defense that is still loaded with talent, despite its unusual struggles.
Paul Myerberg
Saban-less Alabama beats Georgia and moves to No. 1 in the Amway Coaches Poll. Beating the Bulldogs with Sarkisian in place of the six-time national champion will make the Crimson Tide the team to beat in the SEC and the race for the playoff. But losing doesn’t dramatically impact the Bulldogs’ chances, since there is plenty of time for Kirby Smart’s team to charge back into the top four. Besides, the two SEC powers are expected to meet again in the conference championship game.
Brent Schrotenboer
Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher earned some of that fat contract of his by upsetting a top-five Florida team last week at home. But now we get to see a different kind of test for him and Mississippi State coach Mike Leach. Fisher’s Aggies play Saturday in Starkville, where the Bulldogs have been strapped onto the Leach roller coaster: After a high-flying win against defending national champion LSU in the season opener, they crashed with two straight losses, leading to the usual roster crackdown by Leach in response. He’s ridden out these spells before in similar fashion and knows how to tweak A&M, having gone 7-3 against the Aggies when he was coach at Texas Tech from 2000 to 2009. A&M also hasn’t won at Mississippi State since 2012. Bulldogs win in another Leach special over the Aggies.
Erick Smith
Through three games, Auburn is about what was expected. The Tigers are inconsistent on both sides of the ball, especially as quarterback Bo Nix struggles to carry a team that isn't as strong defensively as in 2019. A disappointing loss to Georgia and an unlikely win at home against Arkansas in the past two weeks illustrate the challenges facing the team.
A Saturday trip to South Carolina awaits Auburn and the recent performances are going to have to improve significantly. The Gamecocks may be 1-2 but they played Tennessee and Florida close. With this game at home, South Carolina evens its record and further creates questions about the Tigers going forward.
Eddie Timanus
During Clemson’s run of ACC dominance that began in 2015, the Tigers have lost a grand total of two league games. That number drops to zero since the arrival of Trevor Lawrence in 2018.
That is not to say the Tigers didn’t have any close calls during that stretch. Last year’s narrow escape came in Week 4 against North Carolina before we realized just how quickly Mack Brown’s return to Chapel Hill would bring results.
The top-10 showdown with Miami last Saturday was a potential stumbling block in theory, but Clemson was all business in the prime-time spotlight – ill-advised 61-yard field goal attempts notwithstanding. This Saturday’s visit to Georgia Tech appears far less daunting. The Yellow Jackets do have two league wins, which might be two more than many figured they’d have at this juncture. Admittedly those victories were against Florida State and Louisville, which have zero league wins between them.
As such, the Yellow Jackets might not have Clemson’s attention in the way that Miami did a week ago in a far more attractive TV window – and that’s where the Tigers occasionally encounter trouble. When Clemson does struggle to put away an ACC opponent, it usually happens in one of those early games like this one.
So will the Tigers actually lose? No, they’ll put pedal to metal when they have to. But they might not come out firing on all cylinders. Don’t be shocked if halftime comes and things are still a little dicey.
Dan Wolken
Regardless of Saban testing positive for COVID-19, a diagnosis that will likely keep him out of the stadium Saturday, this feels like the right time for Georgia to finally beat Alabama. In a year when so many teams are struggling on defense, which might stem from the irregular ways teams have had to practice this year to account for the coronavirus, it seems like the Bulldogs are way ahead of the game. The key numbers for this Saturday: Georgia is allowing just 3.7 yards per play and has racked up 10 sacks in three games. Being able to generate pressure is going to be huge in slowing Mac Jones and an Alabama offense ranked second nationally in passing at 385 yards per game. Georgia may not be the most dynamic team offensively, but Alabama's struggling defense is going to give up points. Georgia will get more stops in this game and come away with a key early-season win.


usatoday--2020-10-17--After foot spotted hanging from grocery store ceiling, police find man living in the rafters

RENO , Nev. – A man who had been living in the rafters of a Raley 's supermarket in Fernley , Nevada was arrested on Sept. 30 after employees noticed he had fallen through the ceiling , according to the Lyon County Sheriff 's Office .
A 35-year-old man was arrested and charged with burglary and obstructing a police officer after night shift employees at the grocery store found him while the store was closed .
`` The day we apprehended this person , the reason they noticed him was because when he made it through the roof of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the grocery store , his foot went through the ceiling , '' said Johnny Smith , captain of patrol for the Lyon County Sheriff 's Office .
`` ...
He took a bad step and one of his feet went through the ceiling , exposing his foot to where people could see it and that 's what alerted the employees . ''
Investigators discovered that the suspect had been using an exterior ladder outside of the building to climb up onto the roof and then down into the rafters of the store for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Smith also confirmed that the suspect had been stealing from the deli at the store and had set up a makeshift living area for himself .
`` From my understanding , he did have a couple of tools and he did have a little spread because he had been pretty much living up there , '' he said .
`` He had a few items to where he made himself at home . ''
Officers were notified but were unable to retrieve the suspect after the police K9 on scene got stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deputies on scene were trying to negotiate with this guy to come out of the ceiling area and he was refusing , they sent the K9 in there , '' Smith said .
`` The K9 went in there and unfortunately fell into some sort of shaft area and got stuck . ''
North Lyon County Fire was then contacted by the police , who were able to recover both without injury .

After foot spotted hanging from grocery store ceiling, police find man living in the rafters
RENO, Nev. – A man who had been living in the rafters of a Raley's supermarket in Fernley, Nevada was arrested on Sept. 30 after employees noticed he had fallen through the ceiling, according to the Lyon County Sheriff's Office.
A 35-year-old man was arrested and charged with burglary and obstructing a police officer after night shift employees at the grocery store found him while the store was closed.
"The day we apprehended this person, the reason they noticed him was because when he made it through the roof of the building and into the ceiling area of the grocery store, his foot went through the ceiling," said Johnny Smith, captain of patrol for the Lyon County Sheriff's Office. "...He took a bad step and one of his feet went through the ceiling, exposing his foot to where people could see it and that's what alerted the employees."
Investigators discovered that the suspect had been using an exterior ladder outside of the building to climb up onto the roof and then down into the rafters of the store for at least a week before being found.
Smith also confirmed that the suspect had been stealing from the deli at the store and had set up a makeshift living area for himself.
"From my understanding, he did have a couple of tools and he did have a little spread because he had been pretty much living up there," he said. "He had a few items to where he made himself at home."
Officers were notified but were unable to retrieve the suspect after the police K9 on scene got stuck going in after him.
"When the deputies on scene were trying to negotiate with this guy to come out of the ceiling area and he was refusing, they sent the K9 in there," Smith said. "The K9 went in there and unfortunately fell into some sort of shaft area and got stuck."
North Lyon County Fire was then contacted by the police, who were able to recover both without injury.
Follow reporter Terell Wilkins on Twitter @terelljwilkins


usatoday--2020-10-17--For family caregivers, COVID is a mental health crisis in the making

This story was published in partnership with The 19th , a nonprofit , nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender , politics and policy .
When COVID-19 emerged , Jyl Choate ’ s family entered into strict lockdown .
They had no choice : Choate , 51 , doesn ’ t have just herself to think of .
Beyond caring for her husband and two children , she is responsible for her 87-year-old mother .
“ Nobody wants to kill grandma , ” said Choate , who lives just outside of Atlanta in Marietta , Georgia .
“ If any of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get it.
” Choate ’ s whole life revolves around her mother : 14 hours a day , seven days a week , she makes sure her mom eats , exercises , takes her medications and goes to doctors ’ appointments .
Even before COVID , she stopped working to stay on top of her mother ’ s needs .
Now , the pandemic has strained her family ’ s finances .
Choate is more stressed than ever , sleeping maybe four or five hours a night .
If not for the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help care , even just for a few hours every now and then , to alleviate some of the burden .
Now the risk of exposure is too great to allow anyone else into the home .
Already , her mother has a host of medical conditions , including heart disease , COPD , osteoarthritis and macular degeneration .
COVID could be a death sentence .
If her mother falls — which happens often — Choate has tried to take care of her at home , doing all she can to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She recently had to break that rule , taking her mother in for emergency care .
But because of the pandemic , she isn ’ t allowed in to visit her mom and provide the assistance she normally would have .
Those worries have political ramifications for Choate , who wrote in a vote for Jeb Bush in 2016 .
She is a lifelong Republican in a state looking increasingly competitive for 2020 .
But she can ’ t vote for Donald Trump , she said — especially after the president , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ don ’ t be afraid ” of COVID .
“ We ’ ve got friends who died , but ‘ It ’ s OK , don ’ t be scared.
’ I ’ m supposed to tell my 87-year-old mother don ’ t be scared ?
” she said .
“ Don ’ t turn around and tell me I have nothing to be scared of when I have been locked down with my entire family since March.
” She watched the vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she said , was the decision whether to break with her party and vote for Joe Biden , or to just stay home .
Almost 42 million Americans , or 16 percent of all adults , serve as caregivers for relatives 50 or over .
The majority of the people doing this unpaid , labor-intensive work are women , and , on average , they are just shy of 50 themselves , according to data compiled by the AARP .
Many have jobs outside the home , or are also primary parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gotten little attention on the campaign trail .
But it ’ s at the forefront for those who are preparing to vote while they navigate a pandemic that has taken caregiving — already a grueling task — and rendered it all-consuming , with no promise of relief coming anytime soon .
And though there isn ’ t good data yet to show how many people have taken on caregiving burdens because of the pandemic , experts agree it ’ s likely a growing segment of the workforce , as resources like adult day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Caregiving is hard to start with .
But given isolation , [ and the ] inability to access services [ because of quarantine ] , it ’ s made it even more difficult , ” said Scott Beach , who directs survey research at the University of Pittsburgh ’ s Center for Social and Urban Research , and is currently studying the pandemic ’ s impact on caregivers .
“ It ’ s gone from a tough situation to even worse.
” Already , people who are caring for others appear less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And now , emerging research shows psychological consequences , too .
An August report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that two-thirds of unpaid caregivers for adults had at least one mental health condition , including anxiety , depression and suicidal ideation .
A survey conducted by the University of Pittsburgh found that from April through May family caregivers were more likely to experience anxiety , depression , isolation , fatigue , trouble sleeping and food insecurity — with worse outcomes for women caregivers .
Those conditions have likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the researchers on the survey .
“ They are being stretched thin .
This is at the same time that those who are working may be seeing cuts in their salaries or compensation , ” said Jamila Bookwala , a psychologist and dean of the faculty at Lafayette College .
“ We ’ re talking about the brewing of — I don ’ t want to call it perfect — it ’ s the imperfect storm .
This is going to take a toll for a long , long time.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on caregivers are spotlighting shortcomings in the nation ’ s family caregiver infrastructure .
They ’ re flaws that already existed , but have taken on outsize importance in the face of a pandemic .
Already , there isn ’ t a uniform policy for paid family leave , which means people who suddenly must assume caregiving responsibilities often lose income as a result .
The Families First Act , which mandated that during the pandemic , companies with fewer than 500 employees provide paid family leave , targeted that benefit for parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offers no such protection for people taking care of older relatives , or ones who are ill .
Even nuances in the government ’ s unpaid family leave mandate , which in theory covers all midsize employers , mean that almost half of all workers don ’ t qualify , a group that largely includes women and especially non-White women .
Paid leave is only part of the equation , though .
If someone takes time off to care for a relative , that can result in an eventual demotion at work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ older doesn ’ t have any definite end-date .
Once the paid leave period ends , caregivers still have to find a way to navigate work and their family responsibilities .
Family caregiver groups have also argued that Medicaid — the largest individual insurance payer for long-term care — could be leveraged to better support unpaid caregivers , who may take pay-cuts to support relatives , and often pay for caregiving supplies out of pocket .
Others say Social Security or other tax credits could play a role , too , even in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A vulnerability in our system and society has been exposed , ” said Lisa Winstel , who heads the Caregiving Action Network , which lobbies on behalf of caregivers .
The burden is acute for 21-year-old Robbie Goldberg , who lives in Framingham , Massachusetts .
She ’ s a part-time student at the local university — all of her classes are online right now — and the sole caregiver for her two elderly parents .
When COVID hit , she had to quit her job at a child care facility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Her mom has , among other conditions , chronic bronchitis , asthma , depression and opiate dependence , which all heighten the risk of viral exposure .
Her dad is in better health , but at age 80 , he ’ s also vulnerable to coronavirus complications .
Goldberg ’ s responsibilities include preparing all the meals , making sure her parents take their medications and sitting in on all their virtual doctors ’ visits .
In theory , she said , she would love to hire someone to help just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it feels like the cost and exposure outweigh the benefit.
” It ’ s taken a toll on her mental health .
Already , Goldberg had both ADHD and chronic anxiety .
Since leaving her job , she has lost her health insurance and , in turn , access to therapy .
The pandemic has heightened her own anxiety , and she ’ s had to change her medications , too .
“ It ’ s stressful to realize the outside world is no longer safe for your family , ” she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either Biden or Trump , though in 2016 , she was an avid Hillary Clinton supporter .
But she imagines that a Biden administration might be more attentive to caregivers like herself — less because of Biden , she said , and more because his running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris , is also a woman .
“ Kamala Harris seems like the kind of person who might understand that there are people who do work at home , ” she said .
“ They ’ d probably be willing to listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among caregivers doesn ’ t account for race .
But systemic factors in terms of whom COVID most affects means Black and Latinx people in many ways face a heavier burden .
Proportionally , they are already more likely to be caregivers , said Stipica Mudrazija , a senior research associate at the Urban Institute , who studies aging and long-term care .
At the same time , Black and Latinx women in particular are more likely to have lost jobs in the pandemic , and — if they ’ ve held onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guaranteed paid leave .
“ There are these structural factors making it all that much harder , ” Mudrazija said .
Under normal circumstances , Black caregivers in particular are more likely to place cultural value on taking care of family , and therefore less likely to show emotional strain from the work , said Peggye Dilworth-Anderson , a professor of health policy and management at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill .
But the pandemic has taken a disproportionate toll on Black people , which means caregivers are facing heightened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black caregivers are experiencing heightened anxiety , difficulties accessing medical care , difficulties having people come in to support them , and they are becoming exhausted , ” she said .
Ira Britt , who lives in Greensboro , North Carolina , has spent the past few months caring both for her mother and her husband — her mother has dementia , and her husband just finished chemotherapy .
Both are on insulin .
Britt , 69 , organizes her whole life around making sure both have meals they can eat and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tries to read or exercise regularly , but there simply isn ’ t time right now .
She does all the grocery shopping — Britt is at Walmart every Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. sharp , when the store is emptier and there ’ s less risk of exposure — because while her age elevates her own COVID risk , it ’ s nothing compared to what her family members would face .
Britt has seen multiple friends younger than her die of the virus .
She is doing her best to manage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past few months .
She prays , and does all she can to clean any potential source of germs and limit her and her family ’ s exposure to the outside world .
Still , there ’ s only so much she can do .
Before the pandemic , Britt had never suffered anxiety attacks .
She had her first one recently , waking up at 3 a.m. , terrified of an impending dentist appointment .
What if the dentist ’ s office wasn ’ t properly sanitized ?
And what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and passed it onto her family ?
“ I wasn ’ t concerned about myself — it was , ‘ Who is going to take care of them , who is going to make sure they are taken care of ?
’ ” she said .
“ I have never experienced anything like that .
”

For family caregivers, COVID-19 is a mental health crisis in the making
Show Caption Hide Caption Tips on how to deal with money stress and ways to seek help Marriage and family therapist Adriana Alejandre shares tips to handle anxiety over money and how to look for help during quarantine. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
When COVID-19 emerged, Jyl Choate’s family entered into a strict lockdown. They had no choice: Choate, 51, doesn’t have just herself to think of. Beyond caring for her husband and two children, she is responsible for her 87-year-old mother.
“Nobody wants to kill grandma,” said Choate, who lives just outside of Atlanta in Marietta, Georgia. “If any of us get the virus, she will probably get it.”
Choate’s whole life revolves around her mother: 14 hours a day, seven days a week, she makes sure her mom eats, exercises, takes her medications and goes to doctors’ appointments. Even before COVID-19, she stopped working to stay on top of her mother’s needs. Now, the pandemic has strained her family’s finances. Choate is more stressed than ever, sleeping maybe four or five hours a night.
If not for the health crisis, Choate might have hired someone to help care, even just for a few hours every now and then, to alleviate some of the burden. Now the risk of exposure is too great to allow anyone else into the home. Already, her mother has a host of medical conditions, including heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis and macular degeneration.
COVID-19 could be a death sentence. If her mother falls – which happens often – Choate has tried to take care of her at home, doing all she can to keep her from going to the hospital. She recently had to break that rule, taking her mother in for emergency care. But because of the pandemic, she isn’t allowed in to visit her mom and provide the assistance she normally would have.
Those worries have political ramifications for Choate, who wrote in a vote for Jeb Bush in 2016. She is a lifelong Republican in a state looking increasingly competitive for 2020. But she can’t vote for Donald Trump, she said – especially after the president, who recently contracted the coronavirus, told voters “don’t be afraid” of COVID-19.
“We’ve got friends who died, but ‘It’s OK, don’t be scared.’ I’m supposed to tell my 87-year-old mother don’t be scared?” she said. “Don’t turn around and tell me I have nothing to be scared of when I have been locked down with my entire family since March.”
She watched the vice presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Mike Pence with rapt attention. Hanging in the balance, she said, was the decision whether to break with her party and vote for Joe Biden or to just stay home.
Almost 42 million Americans, or 16% of all adults, serve as caregivers for relatives 50 or over. The majority of the people doing this unpaid, labor-intensive work are women, and, on average, they are just shy of 50 themselves, according to data compiled by the AARP. Many have jobs outside the home or are also primary parents for young children.
The issue has gotten little attention on the campaign trail. But it’s at the forefront for those who are preparing to vote while they navigate a pandemic that has taken caregiving – already a grueling task – and rendered it all-consuming, with no promise of relief coming anytime soon.
And though there isn’t good data yet to show how many people have taken on caregiving burdens because of the pandemic, experts agree it’s likely a growing segment of the workforce, as resources like adult day care and assisted-living facilities prove perilous.
“Caregiving is hard to start with. But given isolation, (and the) inability to access services (because of the quarantine), it’s made it even more difficult,” said Scott Beach, who directs survey research at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social and Urban Research, and is currently studying the pandemic’s impact on caregivers. “It’s gone from a tough situation to even worse.”
Already, people who are caring for others appear less likely to attend to their own health. And now, emerging research shows psychological consequences, too. An August report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that two-thirds of unpaid caregivers for adults had at least one mental health condition, including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.
A survey conducted by the University of Pittsburgh found that from April through May family caregivers were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, isolation, fatigue, trouble sleeping and food insecurity – with worse outcomes for women caregivers. Those conditions have likely persisted since May, said Beach, one of the researchers on the survey.
“They are being stretched thin. This is at the same time that those who are working may be seeing cuts in their salaries or compensation,” said Jamila Bookwala, a psychologist and dean of the faculty at Lafayette College. “We’re talking about the brewing of – I don’t want to call it perfect – it’s the imperfect storm. This is going to take a toll for a long, long time.”
Experts say the psychological and financial burdens on caregivers are spotlighting shortcomings in the nation’s family caregiver infrastructure. They’re flaws that already existed, but have taken on outsize importance in the face of a pandemic.
Already, there isn’t a uniform policy for paid family leave, which means people who suddenly must assume caregiving responsibilities often lose income as a result. The Families First Act, which mandated that during the pandemic, companies with fewer than 500 employees provide paid family leave, targeted that benefit for parents who need time for children. It offers no such protection for people taking care of older relatives, or ones who are ill.
Even nuances in the government’s unpaid family leave mandate, which in theory covers all midsize employers, mean that almost half of all workers don’t qualify, a group that largely includes women and especially non-White women.
Paid leave is only part of the equation, though. If someone takes time off to care for a relative, that can result in an eventual demotion at work. Plus, caregiving for someone who is older doesn’t have any definite end-date. Once the paid leave period ends, caregivers still have to find a way to navigate work and their family responsibilities.
Family caregiver groups have also argued that Medicaid – the largest individual insurance payer for long-term care – could be leveraged to better support unpaid caregivers, who may take pay cuts to support relatives and often pay for caregiving supplies out of pocket. Others say Social Security or other tax credits could play a role, too, even in just alleviating the financial burden caregivers face.
“A vulnerability in our system and society has been exposed,” said Lisa Winstel, who heads the Caregiving Action Network, which lobbies on behalf of caregivers.
The burden is acute for 21-year-old Robbie Goldberg, who lives in Framingham, Massachusetts. She’s a part-time student at the local university – all of her classes are online right now – and the sole caregiver for her two elderly parents.
When COVID-19 hit, she had to quit her job at a child care facility to avoid exposing her parents to the virus. Her mom has, among other conditions, chronic bronchitis, asthma, depression and opiate dependence, which all heighten the risk of viral exposure. Her dad is in better health, but at 80, he’s also vulnerable to coronavirus complications.
Goldberg’s responsibilities include preparing all the meals, making sure her parents take their medications and sitting in on all their virtual doctors’ visits. In theory, she said, she would love to hire someone to help just with cooking. In practice, “it feels like the cost and exposure outweigh the benefit.”
It’s taken a toll on her mental health. Already, Goldberg had both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and chronic anxiety. Since leaving her job, she has lost her health insurance and, in turn, access to therapy. The pandemic has heightened her own anxiety, and she’s had to change her medications, too.
“It’s stressful to realize the outside world is no longer safe for your family,” she said.
Goldberg isn’t excited about either Biden or Trump, though in 2016, she was an avid Hillary Clinton supporter. But she imagines that a Biden administration might be more attentive to caregivers like herself – less because of Biden, she said, and more because his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, is also a woman.
“Kamala Harris seems like the kind of person who might understand that there are people who do work at home,” she said. “They’d probably be willing to listen to people.”
'I'm speaking': Kamala Harris reclaims floor from Mike Pence at debate Sen. Kamala Harris swiftly reclaimed her time when Vice President Mike Pence interrupted her at the vice presidential debate. USA TODAY
Current data tracking mental health among caregivers doesn’t account for race. But systemic factors in terms of whom COVID-19 most affects means Black and Latino people in many ways face a heavier burden.
Proportionally, they are already more likely to be caregivers, said Stipica Mudrazija, a senior research associate at the Urban Institute, who studies aging and long-term care. At the same time, Black women and Latinas, in particular, are more likely to have lost jobs in the pandemic, and – if they’ve held onto work – are less likely to be guaranteed paid leave.
“There are these structural factors making it all that much harder,” Mudrazija said.
Under normal circumstances, Black caregivers, in particular, are more likely to place cultural value on taking care of family, and therefore less likely to show emotional strain from the work, said Peggye Dilworth-Anderson, a professor of health policy and management at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. But the pandemic has taken a disproportionate toll on Black people, which means caregivers are facing heightened worry about their loved ones.
“Black caregivers are experiencing heightened anxiety, difficulties accessing medical care, difficulties having people come in to support them, and they are becoming exhausted,” she said.
Ira Britt, who lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, has spent the past few months caring both for her mother and her husband – her mother has dementia, and her husband just finished chemotherapy. Both are on insulin.
Britt, 69, organizes her whole life around making sure both have meals they can eat and are taking their medicines. Normally, she tries to read or exercise regularly, but there simply isn’t time right now.
She does all the grocery shopping – Britt is at Walmart every Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. sharp when the store is emptier and there’s less risk of exposure – because while her age elevates her own COVID-19 risk, it’s nothing compared to what her family members would face. Britt has seen multiple friends younger than her die of the virus.
She is doing her best to manage her mental health, which has worsened in the past few months. She prays and does all she can to clean any potential source of germs and limit her and her family’s exposure to the outside world.
Still, there’s only so much she can do. Before the pandemic, Britt had never suffered anxiety attacks. She had her first one recently, waking up at 3 a.m., terrified of an impending dentist appointment. What if the dentist’s office wasn’t properly sanitized? And what if she were exposed to the virus and passed it onto her family?
“I wasn’t concerned about myself – it was, ‘Who is going to take care of them, who is going to make sure they are taken care of?’” she said. “I have never experienced anything like that.”
This story was published in partnership with The 19th, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy.


usatoday--2020-10-17--'Not going to waste a single minute on tweets': GOP Sen. Sasse pushes back after Trump attacks

WASHINGTON – Sen. Ben Sasse , a Nebraska Republican who has ramped up his criticism of President Donald Trump 's election strategy in recent days , brushed aside a fiery tweet Saturday in which the president described him as `` stupid and obnoxious . ''
`` Ben said the same thing to Nebraskans that he has repeatedly said to the president directly , '' James Wegmann , a Sasse spokesmansaid of the senator 's increasingly public criticism of the president .
`` Ben is focused on defending the Republican Senate majority , and he 's not going to waste a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public back and forth between Sasse , an occasional critic of the president , and Trump comes as Republicans are working overtime to try to keep control of the Senate and as the White House is counting on GOP votes to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court and approve an economic stimulus , should a proposal materialize .
Republicans are also concerned Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden 's lead in national and battleground state polling could be a drag on Senate races Republicans will need to win to retain control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Arizona .
Sasse drew the president 's ire by telling constituents during a recent call that Trump `` kisses dictators ' butts '' and has `` flirted with white supremacists . ''
Sasse 's office confirmed the authenticity of a recording , first reported by the Washington Examiner .
Sasse 's earlier criticism of Trump 's refusal to denounce the conspiracy theory group QAnon came up during Thursday 's NBC town hall – leading to one of the most newsworthy exchanges in that event .
Trump was asked by NBC moderator Savannah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the more viral moments of the evening .
A core tenet of QAnon is the false belief that Trump was elected to root out a secret child-sex trafficking ring run by Democratic politicians and celebrities .
`` I don ’ t get that , you ’ re the president .
You ’ re not like , someone ’ s crazy uncle who can just retweet whatever , '' Guthrie said .
`` No , no , no , '' Trump said , explaining one of his tweets that gave oxygen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retweet , and I do a lot of retweets . ''
Trump weighed back into a fight with Sasse on Saturday morning in a series of tweets , describing him as the `` least effective '' of the Republican caucus and a person who `` truly doesn ’ t have what it takes to be great . ''
`` Little Ben is a liability to the Republican Party , and an embarrassment to the Great State of Nebraska , '' Trump wrote .
`` Other than that , he ’ s just a @ @ @ @

'Not going to waste a single minute on tweets': GOP Sen. Sasse pushes back after Trump attacks
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump town hall: President asked about his position on white supremacy After refusing to denounce white supremacy at the first presidential debate, President Trump took a different path at his Town Hall on NBC. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Sen. Ben Sasse, a Nebraska Republican who has ramped up his criticism of President Donald Trump's election strategy in recent days, brushed aside a fiery tweet Saturday in which the president described him as "stupid and obnoxious."
"Ben said the same thing to Nebraskans that he has repeatedly said to the president directly," James Wegmann, a Sasse spokesman said of the senator's increasingly public criticism of the president. "Ben is focused on defending the Republican Senate majority, and he's not going to waste a single minute on tweets."
The public back and forth between Sasse, an occasional critic of the president, and Trump comes as Republicans are working overtime to try to keep control of the Senate and as the White House is counting on GOP votes to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court and approve an economic stimulus, should a proposal materialize.
Republicans are also concerned Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden's lead in national and battleground state polling could be a drag on Senate races Republicans will need to win to retain control of the chamber, including in Georgia and Arizona.
Sasse drew the president's ire by telling constituents during a recent call that Trump "kisses dictators' butts" and has "flirted with white supremacists." Sasse's office confirmed the authenticity of a recording, first reported by the Washington Examiner.
More: Sasse blasts Donald Trump: He 'kisses dictators' butts,'
Sasse's earlier criticism of Trump's refusal to denounce the conspiracy theory group QAnon came up during Thursday's NBC town hall – leading to one of the most newsworthy exchanges in that event. Trump was asked by NBC moderator Savannah Guthrie to disavow the group, in one of the more viral moments of the evening.
A core tenet of QAnon is the false belief that Trump was elected to root out a secret child-sex trafficking ring run by Democratic politicians and celebrities.
"I don’t get that, you’re the president. You’re not like, someone’s crazy uncle who can just retweet whatever," Guthrie said.
The least effective of our 53 Republican Senators, and a person who truly doesn’t have what it takes to be great, is Little Ben Sasse of Nebraska, a State which I have gladly done so much to help. @SenSasse was as nice as a RINO can be until he recently won the Republican.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2020
"No, no, no," Trump said, explaining one of his tweets that gave oxygen to the group. "That was a retweet, and I do a lot of retweets."
Trump weighed back into a fight with Sasse on Saturday morning in a series of tweets, describing him as the "least effective" of the Republican caucus and a person who "truly doesn’t have what it takes to be great."
"Little Ben is a liability to the Republican Party, and an embarrassment to the Great State of Nebraska," Trump wrote. "Other than that, he’s just a wonderful guy!"
Contributing: Nicholas Wu


usatoday--2020-10-18--College football winners and losers from Week 7 include Clemson, Auburn and Tennessee

Conference-only schedules continued to chew up several of the leading contenders in the SEC , leaving the league hinging its College Football Playoff hopes on a select few only four games into the regular season .
After a tough Saturday , the SEC has just four teams with fewer than two losses and a dwindling list of options for the national semifinals .
This isn ’ t to say the SEC champion isn ’ t a lock for the top four , or even that the conference won ’ t again have a case for making up half of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regular season .
And the SEC still has a monopoly on the college football spotlight .
Saturday night 's meeting of No .
2 Alabama and No .
3 Georgia is one of the most anticipated games of the regular season and perhaps the most important matchup in terms of its impact on the playoff .
In advance of the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs , however , Auburn and Tennessee fell to 2-2 after losing as favorites against long-suffering opponents — the Tigers to South Carolina and Tennessee at home to Kentucky .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Florida and others in struggling with the conference-only scheduling model that eliminated the warm-up period of non-league games against pushovers and forced teams to step right into more demanding matchups against SEC opponents .
Saturday was n't a complete disaster .
Texas A & M moved to 3-1 after beating Mississippi State 28-14 , the Aggies ' second win in a row after a lopsided loss against Alabama to start October .
Arkansas is now a very impressive and unexpected 2-2 after beating Ole Miss 33-21 .
Here are the rest of Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The list of eye-popping numbers from Clemson 's 73-7 rout of Georgia Tech includes 17 players who made at least one reception , which is absolutely ridiculous .
( Both of coach Dabo Swinney 's kids , Will and Drew , made a catch . )
Behind Trevor Lawrence 's 404 passing yards and five touchdowns , the Tigers remained unbeaten and made a case for staying at No .
1 in the Amway Coaches Poll .
The Wildcats have followed two close losses , to Auburn ( 29-13 ) and Ole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins against Mississippi State and Tennessee .
Both wins have been paced by the defense .
The Wildcats returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the game 's first five minutes and held Tennessee to just 287 yards of offense in winning 34-7 , the program 's first victory in Knoxville since 1984 .
NCAA EXECUTIVE : College sports ' financial woes could linger until 2023 There was understandable concern over how well the Hurricanes would bounce back after losing to Clemson , especially against a motivated opponent in Pittsburgh looking to rewrite its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single point .
Not that it was a banner performance : Miami 's 31-19 win did n't include much from the running game ( 2.6 yards per carry ) and saw quarterback D'Eriq King throw two interceptions for the second game in a row .
But King tossed a season-high four touchdowns and the Hurricanes held on to remain in the thick of the New Year 's Six bowl conversation .
The Razorbacks are the biggest surprise in the Bowl Subdivision and one of the great success stories in recent SEC history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passes in the 12-point win , Arkansas is sitting at 2-2 under first-year coach Sam Pittman after being picked in some circles to win no more than once against this SEC-only schedule .
South Carolina had never beaten Auburn as a member of the SEC .
The Tigers had n't lost to the Gamecocks , period , since 1933 .
It 's been that kind of year .
After spotting Auburn a 16-7 lead in the second quarter , South Carolina went on a 23-6 run to win 30-22 and knock the Tigers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost despite running for 209 yards on the ground , marking the program ’ s first loss when cracking the 200-yard mark since early in the 2016 season .
Here 's where we nitpick a win , which is unfair given how many other preseason contenders have already suffered one , two or even three losses .
But the Fighting Irish were uninspiring in a 12-7 win against Louisville , which had allowed 38.7 points per game and 6.8 yards per play in losing three straight in ACC play .
While able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectively and avoid any crucial turnovers , Notre Dame 's overall listlessness does n't breed confidence in how the Irish will fare against Clemson next month .
Needing a win to stay within range of Cincinnati and SMU in the American , UCF coughed up leads of 21 , 14 and 12 points in the second half and missed the potential game-winning field goal with 19 seconds left to lose 50-49 to Memphis .
For the Tigers , who were led by senior quarterback Brady White 's 486 passing yards and six touchdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streak to the Knights dating to 1990 .
After seeing its slim hopes of making the playoff outright eliminated in a loss earlier this month to Tulsa , falling to Memphis endangers UCF 's chances of claiming the access-bowl bid given to the best team in the Group of Five .
Combined , White and UCF sophomore quarterback Dillon Gabriel accounted for 1,034 passing yards and 11 scores .

College football winners and losers from Week 7 include Clemson, Alabama, Tennessee and Notre Dame
Conference-only schedules continued to chew up several of the leading contenders in the SEC, leaving the league hinging its College Football Playoff hopes on a select few only four games into the regular season.
After a tough Saturday, the SEC has just four teams with fewer than two losses and a dwindling list of options for the national semifinals.
This isn’t to say the SEC champion isn’t a lock for the top four, or even that the conference won’t again have a case for making up half of the playoff field, especially during this unique regular season.
And the SEC still has a monopoly on the college football spotlight. Alabama's 41-24 win against Georgia was one of the most anticipated games of the regular season and perhaps the most important matchup in terms of its impact on the playoff.
In advance of the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs, however, Auburn and Tennessee fell to 2-2 after losing as favorites against long-suffering opponents — the Tigers to South Carolina and Tennessee at home to Kentucky.
The Tigers and Volunteers join LSU, Florida and others in struggling with the conference-only scheduling model that eliminated the warm-up period of non-league games against pushovers and forced teams to step right into more demanding matchups against SEC opponents.
Saturday wasn't a complete disaster. Texas A&M moved to 3-1 after beating Mississippi State 28-14, the Aggies' second win in a row after a lopsided loss against Alabama to start October. Arkansas is now a very impressive and unexpected 2-2 after beating Ole Miss 33-21.
And Alabama made a strong case for being No. 1 in this week's Amway Coaches Poll. Even after a disappointing loss, Georgia will remain the team to beat in the East division and a threat to win the SEC and return to the playoff.
Here are the rest of Saturday's winners and losers in college football:
WINNERS
Clemson
The list of eye-popping numbers from Clemson's 73-7 rout of Georgia Tech includes 17 players who made at least one reception, which is absolutely ridiculous. (Both of coach Dabo Swinney's kids, Will and Drew, made a catch.) Behind Trevor Lawrence's 404 passing yards and five touchdowns, the Tigers remained unbeaten and might have done enough to stay atop the Coaches Poll.
Kentucky
The Wildcats have followed two close losses, to Auburn (29-13) and Ole Miss (42-41), with back-to-back wins against Mississippi State and Tennessee. Both wins have been paced by the defense. The Wildcats returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the game's first five minutes and held Tennessee to just 287 yards of offense in winning 34-7, the program's first victory in Knoxville since 1984.
PENALTY: Tennessee player flagged for kicking Kentucky player in groin
NCAA EXECUTIVE: College sports' financial woes could linger until 2023
Miami
There was understandable concern over how well the Hurricanes would bounce back after losing to Clemson, especially against a motivated opponent in Pittsburgh looking to rewrite its season after losing two straight games by a single point. Not that it was a banner performance: Miami's 31-19 win didn't include much from the running game (2.6 yards per carry) and saw quarterback D'Eriq King throw two interceptions for the second game in a row. But King tossed a season-high four touchdowns and the Hurricanes held on to remain in the thick of the New Year's Six bowl conversation.
Arkansas
The Razorbacks are the biggest surprise in the Bowl Subdivision and one of the great success stories in recent SEC history. After picking off six Ole Miss passes in the 12-point win, Arkansas is sitting at 2-2 under first-year coach Sam Pittman after being picked in some circles to win no more than once against this SEC-only schedule.
Florida State
The Mike Norvell era has its defining moment. After a horrible start — a lopsided loss to rival Miami, Norvell sidelined following a positive test for COVID-19 — the Seminoles pulled off the year's biggest upset by dominating North Carolina early and then holding on for a 31-28 win. The decision to name Jordan Travis the starting quarterback has paid off for the offense, which has rallied around the former Louisville transfer. Travis finished with 191 passing yards and 107 yards rushing, one of two Seminoles to crack the 100-yard mark on the ground.
Alabama
Pushed and threatened by a Georgia offense that hit on explosive plays through the air and a Georgia defense that is dangerous when able to attack the passer, Alabama responded to a 24-17 deficit by scoring the game's final 24 points. Credit goes to quarterback Mac Jones, who had another outstanding day, but the win was keyed by an unlikely source: Alabama's defense. Maligned through three games, the Crimson Tide made two key interceptions in the third quarter to spark the impressive win.
LOSERS
Auburn
South Carolina had never beaten Auburn as a member of the SEC. The Tigers hadn't lost to the Gamecocks, period, since 1933. It's been that kind of year. After spotting Auburn a 16-7 lead in the second quarter, South Carolina went on a 23-6 run to win 30-22 and knock the Tigers out of the playoff chase. Auburn lost despite running for 209 yards on the ground, marking the program’s first loss when cracking the 200-yard mark since early in the 2016 season.
Notre Dame
Here's where we nitpick a win, which is unfair given how many other preseason contenders have already suffered one, two or even three losses. But the Fighting Irish were uninspiring in a 12-7 win against Louisville, which had allowed 38.7 points per game and 6.8 yards per play in losing three straight in ACC play. While able to dominate the clock, run the ball effectively and avoid any crucial turnovers, Notre Dame's overall listlessness doesn't breed confidence in how the Irish will fare against Clemson next month.
Central Florida
Needing a win to stay within range of Cincinnati and SMU in the American, UCF coughed up leads of 21, 14 and 12 points in the second half and missed the potential game-winning field goal with 19 seconds left to lose 50-49 to Memphis. For the Tigers, who were led by senior quarterback Brady White's 486 passing yards and six touchdowns, the win snaps a 13-game losing streak to the Knights dating to 1990. After seeing its slim hopes of making the playoff outright eliminated in a loss earlier this month to Tulsa, falling to Memphis endangers UCF's chances of claiming the access-bowl bid given to the best team in the Group of Five. Combined, White and UCF sophomore quarterback Dillon Gabriel accounted for 1,034 passing yards and 11 scores.
Georgia
The sky isn't falling. Even after losing to Alabama, the Bulldogs remain in the thick of the playoff chase and the likeliest candidate to come out of the East division and meet the Crimson Tide in December for the SEC championship. The loss does raise questions about Stetson Bennett's future as the starting quarterback and about the health of a defense that had dominated through three games but allowed 564 yards to the Crimson Tide. Both issues can and will be addressed before these two teams meet again. The bigger concern: Are Georgia and Kirby Smart ever going to beat Nick Saban and Alabama?
Follow USA TODAY Sports colleges reporter Paul Myerberg on Twitter @PaulMyerberg


usatoday--2020-10-17--These photos show the intense smoke from Colorado's largest wildfire ever

ESTES PARK , Colo. — Firefighters face another day of critical danger Saturday as the Cameron Peak Fire , the biggest wildfire in Colorado history , continues to rage in the mountains west of Fort Collins and Loveland .
The wildfire measured more than 270 square miles Friday night as more strong winds kept firefighting aircraft on the ground and forced evacuations along a highway leading to Rocky Mountain National Park .
The fire is 57 % contained as of Saturday morning .
A red flag warning predicting another day of gusty winds and low humidity is in place for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time Saturday , when a cold front is expected to move over the Front Range , bringing with it lower daytime highs and reduced winds .
But first , gusts as high as 50 mph are expected across the burn area , with winds of up to 70 mph above 9,000 feet .
Widespread smoke is also expected to increase in Loveland and into the Denver metro area Saturday , and air quality in the Fort Collins area is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups until Sunday brings some expected clearing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wildfire in Colorado history , growing more than 20,000 acres in a day The wildfire started in mid-August in the high country 30 miles west of Fort Collins and has persisted despite getting over 1 foot of snow on Labor Day .
It was over 50 % contained before this week 's flare-ups .
It set the state 's record for the largest fire after strong winds Tuesday night and Wednesday morning caused it to grow by more than 40 square miles .
The fire has burned at least 100 structures , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grow after this week 's significant fire activity .
Its cause is believed to stem from human activity , but remains under investigation .
Meanwhile , 25 miles to the north of the Cameron Peak Fire , firefighters were also watching a windy forecast at the Mullen Fire on the Colorado-Wyoming line .
That fire has grown to more than 270 square miles and with 53 % containment as of the last reporting .
It has damaged 66 structures , and its cause remains under investigation .
Below , these photos show the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fire rages across

Chris Abshire and Eric Larsen, Fort Collins Coloradoan

These photos show the intense smoke from Colorado's largest wildfire ever
ESTES PARK, Colo. — Firefighters face another day of critical danger Saturday as the Cameron Peak Fire, the biggest wildfire in Colorado history, continues to rage in the mountains west of Fort Collins and Loveland.
The wildfire measured more than 270 square miles Friday night as more strong winds kept firefighting aircraft on the ground and forced evacuations along a highway leading to Rocky Mountain National Park. The fire is 57% contained as of Saturday morning.
A red flag warning predicting another day of gusty winds and low humidity is in place for the fire area through 6 p.m. local time Saturday, when a cold front is expected to move over the Front Range, bringing with it lower daytime highs and reduced winds.
But first, gusts as high as 50 mph are expected across the burn area, with winds of up to 70 mph above 9,000 feet. Widespread smoke is also expected to increase in Loveland and into the Denver metro area Saturday, and air quality in the Fort Collins area is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups until Sunday brings some expected clearing.
More: Cameron Peak Fire becomes largest wildfire in Colorado history, growing more than 20,000 acres in a day
The wildfire started in mid-August in the high country 30 miles west of Fort Collins and has persisted despite getting over 1 foot of snow on Labor Day. It was over 50% contained before this week's flare-ups.
It set the state's record for the largest fire after strong winds Tuesday night and Wednesday morning caused it to grow by more than 40 square miles.
Wildfire map: Track smoke, fire from Cameron Peak Fire
The fire has burned at least 100 structures, though damage assessment teams expect that number to grow after this week's significant fire activity. Its cause is believed to stem from human activity, but remains under investigation.
Meanwhile, 25 miles to the north of the Cameron Peak Fire, firefighters were also watching a windy forecast at the Mullen Fire on the Colorado-Wyoming line. That fire has grown to more than 270 square miles and with 53% containment as of the last reporting. It has damaged 66 structures, and its cause remains under investigation.
Below, these photos show the intensity of smoke as the Cameron Peak Fire rages across
Contributing: Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-17--The 5 best Amazon deals you can get this weekend

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
Happy Saturday , shoppers !
There ’ s truly nothing better than starting the well-anticipated weekend off with some incredible sales , and , lucky for you , we ’ ve got you well-covered in that department .
Despite Prime Day 2020 being over , Amazon is still offering a ton of must-shop price drops that will come in handy ahead of the holidays .
Need help finding products ?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsubscribe at any time .
You can start your Thanksgiving prep early by snagging a variation on one of our favorite roasting pans at a deep discount , for instance , or nab a popular 23andMe ancestry test for a loved one ( or yourself ! )
.
Ahead , check out the five best Amazon deals up for grabs this weekend .
Last holiday season , DNA kits were an über-popular gift for friends and family , and this year is guaranteed to be the same .
While we ’ ve yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has a collective 4.6-star rating from nearly 10,000 Amazon shoppers , who were thrilled with the information they received about their cultural background .
Buyers also raved about how easy the process was .
Here 's how it works : After providing a saliva sample and sending it off to the company , your results will be returned within two to three weeks .
From there , you 'll get more than 80 personalized reports , consisting of your ancestry details and composition , an outline of your genetic makeup and a rundown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and settled .
Additionally , there ’ s a DNA relative finder and an automatic family tree builder ( though you can turn those features off if you ’ d prefer ) .
Once $ 99 , you can snag this super-interesting kit for its Prime Day price of $ 89 , giving you $ 10 in savings .
Get the 23andMe Ancestry and Traits Service for $ 89 ( Save $ 10 ) 2 .
$ 80 off : One of our favorite affordable soundbars When it comes to technology , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ins and outs of electronics .
In fact , we ’ ve tested a ton of soundbars in our day , and one of our all-time favorites , the Polk Audio Signa S2 .
In fact , it 's our No.1 pick for soundbars priced at less than $ 200 .
Once $ 229 , it 's now $ 149 for an $ 80 discount .
In testing , there was a lot to love about this device , especially for its impressively low price point .
We found that it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set that includes easy Bluetooth connectivity and smart audio modes ( night , movie or music ) that made the sound crisp and clear .
We also noted that it ’ s made from durable materials , so it ’ ll last in the long-run , too .
Get the Polk Audio Signa S2 for $ 149 ( Save $ 80 ) 3 .
More than half-off : A variation on one of our top roasting pan picks Ready or not , the holidays are slowly beginning to creep up on us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the festive season as an opportunity to cook and bake to your heart ’ s content , we highly recommend nabbing the All-Clad E7649764 hard anodized nonstick roaster , normally $ 150 , now $ 69.95 .
All-Clad cookware is notorious for making great quality cookware—particularly in the roasting pan department .
When testing the similar All-Clad stainless steel E752C264 roaster ( $ 179.95 ) , we found it to be pretty impressive .
The tri-ply stainless construction provided a grade-A performance , which was particularly helpful for heat conductivity and durability , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We also loved the flat handles located on either side that helped with lifting this pan .
It even made an excellent gravy !
This more affordable option has a nonstick anodized interior , which helps with even heating , along with an anti-warp base that will keep the pan in its intended shape .
While we have n't tried it , it has a 4.7-star rating from customers who were impressed with its top-notch roasting abilities and easy-to-clean interior .
• Get the All-Clad E7649764 Hard-Anodized Nonstick Roaster for $ 69.95 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All-Clad Stainless Steel E752C264 Roaster for $ 179.95 ( Save $ 80.05 ) 4 .
Less than $ 15 : This Reviewed-approved essential oil diffuser As our former best overall oil diffuser ( the Airomé serenity medium diffuser , $ 29.74 , recently took its place ) , this InnoGear essential oil diffuser is still a great option—especially since it ’ s currently on sale .
It typically retails for $ 14.99 but you can save $ 3 by clicking on the coupon located beneath the price to drop the cost down to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheapest option we ’ ve tested so far , so it ’ s a great for those interested in aromatherapy who aren ’ t exactly sold yet .
We were happy with its unique features , like the built-in measuring cup and LED lights , and liked that the base automatically locked for spill-free transportation from room to room .
Get the InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser for $ 11.99 ( Save $ 3 ) Dash is an awesome brand for small kitchen appliances , and right now , you can nab its mini @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on sale for $ 19.99 .
Although we haven ’ t tried this device out yet , we love Dash ’ s mini waffle maker and web-famous rapid egg cooker .
This best-selling model has a 4.4-star rating from more than 700 customers , who were happy with how easy to use and clean it is .
The nonstick surface has seven rings ready for batter , and the exterior indicator light will let you know when your doughnuts are finished cooking .
There ’ s even an automatic shut-off feature in case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kitchen .
Get the Dash Mini Doughnut Maker for $ 19.99 ( Save $ 5 ) The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

The 5 best Amazon deals you can get this weekend
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Happy Saturday, shoppers! There’s truly nothing better than starting the well-anticipated weekend off with some incredible sales, and, lucky for you, we’ve got you well-covered in that department. Despite Prime Day 2020 being over, Amazon is still offering a ton of must-shop price drops that will come in handy ahead of the holidays.
Need help finding products? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
You can start your Thanksgiving prep early by snagging a variation on one of our favorite roasting pans at a deep discount, for instance, or nab a popular 23andMe ancestry test for a loved one (or yourself!). Ahead, check out the five best Amazon deals up for grabs this weekend.
1. A 10% markdown: The 23andMe DNA test
Last holiday season, DNA kits were an über-popular gift for friends and family, and this year is guaranteed to be the same. While we’ve yet to try the 23andMe test, it has a collective 4.6-star rating from nearly 10,000 Amazon shoppers, who were thrilled with the information they received about their cultural background. Buyers also raved about how easy the process was. Here's how it works: After providing a saliva sample and sending it off to the company, your results will be returned within two to three weeks. From there, you'll get more than 80 personalized reports, consisting of your ancestry details and composition, an outline of your genetic makeup and a rundown on how and when your ancestors traveled and settled. Additionally, there’s a DNA relative finder and an automatic family tree builder (though you can turn those features off if you’d prefer). Once $99, you can snag this super-interesting kit for its Prime Day price of $89, giving you $10 in savings.
Get the 23andMe Ancestry and Traits Service for $89 (Save $10)
2. $80 off: One of our favorite affordable soundbars
When it comes to technology, we here at Reviewed are pretty familiar with the ins and outs of electronics. In fact, we’ve tested a ton of soundbars in our day, and one of our all-time favorites, the Polk Audio Signa S2. In fact, it's our No.1 pick for soundbars priced at less than $200. Once $229, it's now $149 for an $80 discount. In testing, there was a lot to love about this device, especially for its impressively low price point. We found that it had excellent bass presence and a flexible feature set that includes easy Bluetooth connectivity and smart audio modes (night, movie or music) that made the sound crisp and clear. We also noted that it’s made from durable materials, so it’ll last in the long-run, too.
Get the Polk Audio Signa S2 for $149 (Save $80)
3. More than half-off: A variation on one of our top roasting pan picks
Ready or not, the holidays are slowly beginning to creep up on us. If you’re one to use the festive season as an opportunity to cook and bake to your heart’s content, we highly recommend nabbing the All-Clad E7649764 hard anodized nonstick roaster, normally $150, now $69.95. All-Clad cookware is notorious for making great quality cookware—particularly in the roasting pan department. When testing the similar All-Clad stainless steel E752C264 roaster ($179.95), we found it to be pretty impressive. The tri-ply stainless construction provided a grade-A performance, which was particularly helpful for heat conductivity and durability, thanks to the stainless steel linings. We also loved the flat handles located on either side that helped with lifting this pan. It even made an excellent gravy!
This more affordable option has a nonstick anodized interior, which helps with even heating, along with an anti-warp base that will keep the pan in its intended shape. While we haven't tried it, it has a 4.7-star rating from customers who were impressed with its top-notch roasting abilities and easy-to-clean interior.
4. 37% in savings: This Nespresso machine with a ton of features
Nespresso machines tend to teeter on the more expensive end of the spectrum, so snagging a model at a discount is always welcomed. Lucky for you, the Nespresso Vertuo next by De'Longhi, once $189.75, is currently on sale for $119.99, falling nearly $70 and giving you a 37% markdown. While we've yet to try this specific model out, we included the Nespresso Vertuo Evoluo by De'Longhi, $186.75, in our list of the best single-serve coffee makers thanks to its user-friendly features (like auto-ejecting the recyclable pods) and overall gorgeous design—plus, the taste of the coffee and espresso was far superior to other machines we tested. Although there are a few key differences between the two machines, the Vertuo Next has six brewing sizes (coffee can be served in 6-, 8- or 14-ounce, while espresso comes in a single or double) and, like the Vertuo Evoluo, has the auto-eject feature that we loved. Additionally, with your purchase, you'll nab the brand's Aeroccino milk frother ($79.99) and 30 Nespresso pods (10 Stormio, 10 Odacio and 10 Melozio, each of which range in caffeine strength).
Get the Nespresso Vertuo Next by De'Longhi for $119.99 (Save $69.76)
5. Down 20%: This too-cute mini doughnut maker
Dash is an awesome brand for small kitchen appliances, and right now, you can nab its mini doughnut maker, once $24.99, on sale for $19.99. Although we haven’t tried this device out yet, we love Dash’s mini waffle maker and web-famous rapid egg cooker. This best-selling model has a 4.4-star rating from more than 700 customers, who were happy with how easy to use and clean it is. The nonstick surface has seven rings ready for batter, and the exterior indicator light will let you know when your doughnuts are finished cooking. There’s even an automatic shut-off feature in case things get a little too chaotic in the kitchen.
Get the Dash Mini Doughnut Maker for $19.99 (Save $5)
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-10-17--Transit shutdowns fail to deter fourth day of Thai pro-democracy protests in Bangkok

BANGKOK — Pro-democracy activists in Thailand staged a fourth straight day of high-profile protests in the capital on Saturday , thwarting efforts by the authorities to stop them , including a shutdown of the city ’ s mass transit systems .
Unlike protests a day earlier , in which police used a water cannon to disperse protesters , Saturday ’ s demonstrations were peaceful , with no reports of any clashes by the time participants started heading home in the evening .
The protesters are calling for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to leave office , the constitution to be amended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s monarchy to undergo reform .
All stations of Bangkok ’ s elevated Skytrain transit system were closed Saturday afternoon to try to keep protesters from gathering .
The underground MRT system was also shut , and police blocked off several roads .
Protesters met anyway as planned at the Skytrain stations , where they held small impromptu rallies , in effect establishing a temporary but active presence across the city .
The organizers then issued a fresh advisory for followers to gather at three stations outside the city ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Once that was announced , money was pooled by participants so they could take taxis to get around the transit shutdown .
`` Right now we can do nothing much , '' said a 26-year-old hotel worker who asked to be called only Veronica .
`` What we can do right now is only show our power to let the outside see . ''
Several thousand people gathered in multiple locations , with some taking turns airing their views over a megaphone .
By the evening , police had not disturbed them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marching in the street .
Protesters began dispersing at 8 p.m. , the time organizers had said the protests would end .
More : Thailand king reinstates his royal consort after saying she undermined his wife , country 's queen The protesters acted despite a state of emergency imposed by Prayuth on Thursday that makes them all subject to arrest .
They also appeared not to be cowed by a crackdown on their rally in central Bangkok on Friday night , in which riot police backed up by water cannons cleared the streets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injuries were reported from that confrontation .
It was the first time in three months of sporadic protests that the authorities have employed such forceful tactics against the student-led movement .
A 20-year-old student who used the name Ryo said Friday night ’ s events had hardened his resistance .
`` I respect people ’ s political opinions , but after yesterday ’ s incident , I feel it was so harsh , perpetrating violence against unarmed people who had no weapons to fight back , '' he said .
Protective gear such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venues .
Friday night ’ s violent dispersal led the People ’ s Party , the protesters ’ umbrella organization , to declare in a statement that `` the government and military have established themselves as the enemy of the people . ''
Most of the group ’ s top leaders have been arrested .
The protesters have been doing their best to elude the authorities , using social media to assemble followers before police have time to block them .
The government has announced plans to take legal action against Twitter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but fresh calls to action were posted Saturday .
The protesters charge that Prayuth , who as army commander led a 2014 coup that toppled an elected government , was returned to power unfairly in last year ’ s general election because laws had been changed to favor a pro-military party .
The protesters say a constitution promulgated under military rule and passed in a referendum in which campaigning against it was illegal is undemocratic .
The call by the protesters for reform of the monarchy has significantly raised the political temperature in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for whom any critical discussion of the royal family is tantamount to treason .
King Maha Vajiralongkorn and other key members of the royal family are protected by a lese majeste law that has regularly been used to silence critics who risk up to 15 years in prison if deemed to have insulted the institution .
Prayuth ’ s declaration of a state of emergency said the measure was necessary because `` certain groups of perpetrators intended to instigate an untoward incident and movement in the Bangkok area by way of various methods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obstruction to the royal motorcade . ''
He was referring to an incident Wednesday that showed some members of a small crowd heckling a motorcade carrying Queen Suthida and Prince Dipangkorn as it slowly passed .
On Friday , two activists were arrested under a law covering violence against the queen for their alleged part in the incident .
They could face up to life in prison if convicted .
They denied any wrongdoing .

Transit shutdowns fail to deter fourth day of Thai pro-democracy protests in Bangkok
Show Caption Hide Caption Young Thai protesters back on Bangkok's streets Thousands of young Thai protesters returned to the streets of Bangkok on Saturday, a day after riot police used water cannon to break up a rally in the center of the city. (Oct. 17) AP
BANGKOK — Pro-democracy activists in Thailand staged a fourth straight day of high-profile protests in the capital on Saturday, thwarting efforts by the authorities to stop them, including a shutdown of the city’s mass transit systems.
Unlike protests a day earlier, in which police used a water cannon to disperse protesters, Saturday’s demonstrations were peaceful, with no reports of any clashes by the time participants started heading home in the evening.
The protesters are calling for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha to leave office, the constitution to be amended to make it more democratic and the nation’s monarchy to undergo reform.
All stations of Bangkok’s elevated Skytrain transit system were closed Saturday afternoon to try to keep protesters from gathering. The underground MRT system was also shut, and police blocked off several roads.
Protesters met anyway as planned at the Skytrain stations, where they held small impromptu rallies, in effect establishing a temporary but active presence across the city.
The organizers then issued a fresh advisory for followers to gather at three stations outside the city’s central area, where access was easier. Once that was announced, money was pooled by participants so they could take taxis to get around the transit shutdown.
"Right now we can do nothing much," said a 26-year-old hotel worker who asked to be called only Veronica. "What we can do right now is only show our power to let the outside see."
Several thousand people gathered in multiple locations, with some taking turns airing their views over a megaphone. By the evening, police had not disturbed them, even when some groups took to marching in the street. Protesters began dispersing at 8 p.m., the time organizers had said the protests would end.
More: Thailand king reinstates his royal consort after saying she undermined his wife, country's queen
The protesters acted despite a state of emergency imposed by Prayuth on Thursday that makes them all subject to arrest.
They also appeared not to be cowed by a crackdown on their rally in central Bangkok on Friday night, in which riot police backed up by water cannons cleared the streets in about an hour.
No major injuries were reported from that confrontation. It was the first time in three months of sporadic protests that the authorities have employed such forceful tactics against the student-led movement.
A 20-year-old student who used the name Ryo said Friday night’s events had hardened his resistance.
"I respect people’s political opinions, but after yesterday’s incident, I feel it was so harsh, perpetrating violence against unarmed people who had no weapons to fight back," he said.
Protective gear such as goggles was distributed Saturday at some venues.
Friday night’s violent dispersal led the People’s Party, the protesters’ umbrella organization, to declare in a statement that "the government and military have established themselves as the enemy of the people." Most of the group’s top leaders have been arrested.
The protesters have been doing their best to elude the authorities, using social media to assemble followers before police have time to block them. The government has announced plans to take legal action against Twitter and Facebook accounts that announce the protests, but fresh calls to action were posted Saturday.
The protesters charge that Prayuth, who as army commander led a 2014 coup that toppled an elected government, was returned to power unfairly in last year’s general election because laws had been changed to favor a pro-military party. The protesters say a constitution promulgated under military rule and passed in a referendum in which campaigning against it was illegal is undemocratic.
The call by the protesters for reform of the monarchy has significantly raised the political temperature in Thailand, angering many older conservative Thais for whom any critical discussion of the royal family is tantamount to treason.
King Maha Vajiralongkorn and other key members of the royal family are protected by a lese majeste law that has regularly been used to silence critics who risk up to 15 years in prison if deemed to have insulted the institution.
Prayuth’s declaration of a state of emergency said the measure was necessary because "certain groups of perpetrators intended to instigate an untoward incident and movement in the Bangkok area by way of various methods and via different channels, including causing obstruction to the royal motorcade."
He was referring to an incident Wednesday that showed some members of a small crowd heckling a motorcade carrying Queen Suthida and Prince Dipangkorn as it slowly passed.
On Friday, two activists were arrested under a law covering violence against the queen for their alleged part in the incident. They could face up to life in prison if convicted. They denied any wrongdoing.