usatoday--2020-10-12--'Like we're going into quarantine': Americans plan to stockpile food this fall over fears of COVID-1

Leslyn Hall says she and her husband plan to stock up on groceries later this month .
At the back of her mind are concerns about disruptions in supplies if there ’ s another COVID-19 surge , as well as potential unrest surrounding the Nov. 3 presidential election .
“ We talked about doing a big shop like we ’ re going into quarantine , ” says Hall , 53 , of Burlington , Vermont .
On the list : enough basics such as milk , beans and rice to last for two to three weeks .
Hall , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grocery stores struggle to keep their shelves fully stocked and have shortages of products like cleaning supplies , even though her state has one of the lowest COVID-19 rates in the U.S. “ Arguably speaking , we have control of things in Vermont , but you still go into the grocery store and there are shelves that are sparse , ” she says .
Where home prices are hurting : How are big cities faring vs. the 'burbs ?
What American wants from a stimulus : Here are the top two things Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stock up her pantry this fall .
Slightly more than half of Americans in a recent poll from Sports and Leisure Research Group say they already have or plan to stockpile food and other essentials .
The chief reason : fears of a resurgent pandemic , which could lead to disruptions such as new restrictions on businesses .
On Oct. 2 , the number of COVID-19 cases in the USA was its highest in almost two months .
“ We still see a majority of Americans are concerned that we will see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's beginning to rear its head in a number of states , ” says Jon Last , president of the Sports and Leisure Research Group .
“ At the same time , there is COVID fatigue.
” He points to the survey ’ s findings that while roughly 52 % plan to stockpile this fall , about 48 % said they aren ’ t .
Of those who are stockpiling , the majority are concerned about an increase in infection rates , but a smaller share of people say they are worried about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shoppers are unlikely to see the types of shortages experienced in March and April when states enacted stay-at-home orders and grocery shelves were emptied of essentials like toilet paper and flour .
Grocery chains are stocking up on supplies ahead of the winter months to ensure they can meet demand as COVID-19 cases increase , as well as the holidays , according to The Wall Street Journal .
Already , there ’ s some evidence that grocery sales are rising , according to data from industry sources .
The typical bill for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 72 for the week ended October 6 , or 11 % higher from the week before , according to data company Envestnet Yodlee .
“ That 's the highest we 've seen since the first week of June and the second-highest since we started tracking this in January , ” said Bill Parsons , group president of data and analytics at Evestnet .
Grocery spending peaked in April , he notes .
Consumers are increasingly turning to online grocery delivery to fill their pantries , with 17.2 % of grocery sales now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the start of September , Parsons added .
Meanwhile , Instacart says searches for hard-to-find staples during the pandemic are on the upswing again , with a 14 % increase in “ toilet paper ” searches in the past four weeks .
Coronavirus and shopping for supplies : Getting to the bottom of the toilet paper shortage Grocery spending remains elevated partly because of the dynamics of the pandemic , according to Anne-Marie Roerink , principal and founder of 210 Analytics , which tracks grocery sales .
Millions of adults and children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which creates more demand for home-prepped meals .
“ All of us now have beans in the pantry and some meals ready to make , ” she says .
“ We have learned to buy online and replenish all the time rather than ‘ I 'm out of everything but condiments.
’ ” Aimee Picchi is a business journalist whose work appears in publications including USA TODAY , CBS News and Consumer Reports .
She spent almost a decade covering tech and media for Bloomberg News .
You can find her on @ @ @ @ @

'Like we're going into quarantine': Americans plan to stockpile food this fall over fears of COVID-19 surge, election unrest
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 pandemic: Psychology behind panic buying The coronavirus pandemic has caused toilet paper shortages and long lines, but panic buying is not a new phenomenon and it certainly isn’t helping. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Leslyn Hall says she and her husband plan to stock up on groceries later this month. At the back of her mind are concerns about disruptions in supplies if there’s another COVID-19 surge, as well as potential unrest surrounding the Nov. 3 presidential election.
“We talked about doing a big shop like we’re going into quarantine,” says Hall, 53, of Burlington, Vermont. On the list: enough basics such as milk, beans and rice to last for two to three weeks.
Hall, a consultant, points out that her local grocery stores struggle to keep their shelves fully stocked and have shortages of products like cleaning supplies, even though her state has one of the lowest COVID-19 rates in the U.S.
“Arguably speaking, we have control of things in Vermont, but you still go into the grocery store and there are shelves that are sparse,” she says.
Working from bed?You're not alone. Mattress sales bounce higher during the pandemic.
New home to-do list:What projects should you tackle first?
Hall isn’t alone in her plans to stock up her pantry this fall. Slightly more than half of Americans in a recent poll from Sports and Leisure Research Group, Engagious and ROKK Solutions, say they already have or plan to stockpile food and other essentials. The chief reason: fears of a resurgent pandemic, which could lead to disruptions such as new restrictions on businesses. On Oct. 2, the number of COVID-19 cases in the USA was its highest in almost two months.
More COVID-19 spikes
“We still see a majority of Americans are concerned that we will see more spikes in COVID, and it's beginning to rear its head in a number of states,” says Jon Last, president of the Sports and Leisure Research Group. “At the same time, there is COVID fatigue.”
He points to the survey’s findings that while roughly 52% plan to stockpile this fall, about 48% said they aren’t. Of those who are stockpiling, the majority are concerned about an increase in infection rates, but a smaller share of people say they are worried about unrest surrounding the election next month.
Where home prices are hurting:How are big cities faring vs. the 'burbs?
Shoppers are unlikely to see the types of shortages experienced in March and April when states enacted stay-at-home orders and grocery shelves were emptied of essentials like toilet paper and flour. Grocery chains are stocking up on supplies ahead of the winter months to ensure they can meet demand as COVID-19 cases increase, as well as the holidays, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Already, there’s some evidence that grocery sales are rising, according to data from industry sources. The typical bill for a trip to the grocery store rose to $72 for the week ended October 6, or 11% higher from the week before, according to data company Envestnet Yodlee.
What American wants from a stimulus: Here are the top two things
“That's the highest we've seen since the first week of June and the second-highest since we started tracking this in January,” said Bill Parsons, group president of data and analytics at Evestnet. Grocery spending peaked in April, he notes.
Searches rise for hard-to-find goods
Consumers are increasingly turning to online grocery delivery to fill their pantries, with 17.2% of grocery sales now spent online, an almost 2-percentage-point increase from the start of September, Parsons added. Meanwhile, Instacart says searches for hard-to-find staples during the pandemic are on the upswing again, with a 14% increase in “toilet paper” searches in the past four weeks.
Grocery spending remains elevated partly because of the dynamics of the pandemic, according to Anne-Marie Roerink, principal and founder of 210 Analytics, which tracks grocery sales. Millions of adults and children continue to work or learn from home, which creates more demand for home-prepped meals.
“All of us now have beans in the pantry and some meals ready to make,” she says. “We have learned to buy online and replenish all the time rather than ‘I'm out of everything but condiments.’”
Aimee Picchi is a business journalist whose work appears in publications including USA TODAY, CBS News and Consumer Reports. She spent almost a decade covering tech and media for Bloomberg News. You can find her on Twitter at @aimeepicchi.


usatoday--2020-10-12--Former Ohio State QB Cardale Jones says his presence at Vice President Mike Pence's rally in Columbu

COLUMBUS , Ohio -- Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones , and the Buckeyes ' national football championship , earned a shout out from Vice President Mike Pence as he spoke at a rally Monday .
But the Cleveland native , who led Ohio State at the end of the 2014 season to the College Football Playoff National Championship , was n't interested in discussing whom he supports in the presidential election Nov. 3 .
`` I do n't talk politics , '' Jones said when asked by a Dispatch reporter to comment .
In a later tweet , Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infer what they want .
I came out to support a friends business hosting a presidential event and the # FOP , an Organization of law enforcement that holds each other accountable for misconduct . ''
After starring in the Buckeyes ' 42-20 national championship win over Oregon , Jones played one game in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills .
He most recently played for the DC Defenders of the XFL .
During his remarks , Pence recognized Jones and OSU 's national title , offering up the obligatory `` O-H !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was hard for a Hoosier to root for the Buckeyes .
Emotions ran high at times outside Pence ’ s rally , where protesters voiced their dissent toward the administration of Republican President Donald Trump .
Staged at concrete contractor Nickolas Savko & Sons , the “ Make America Great Again ” event drew supporters and protesters alike , each wielding a different message .
“ I have so much emotion around this president and the administration and they way they have torn down our democracy , ” said Linda Strapp , 58 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt an obligation to protest because Trump supporters do not understand the amount of lives the current administration has negatively impacted .
Trump supporters filed into the rally as groups outside held signs and flags calling for change and objecting to a myriad of issues spanning from environmental policy to human rights to racial disparity .
Columbus resident Kathy Burgess , 56 , said it is her mission to end white supremacy , and that this propelled her to come to the rally and protest .
“ Donald Trump and his campaign , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ I wake up Black in this war every morning , so every morning that I wake up Black I ’ m going to be here to fight against white supremacy .
Once you end white supremacy , the police brutality dies along with it.
” Protesters from the Ohio Democratic Party invited Dr. Daniel Skinner , an associate professor in healthy policy at Ohio University , to speak to passersby about false information , among other issues .
Skinner said the stakes are extremely high , especially given the ideology @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett , who is on record opposing some aspects of the Affordable Care Act and has objected to the Roe v. Wade ruling making abortion legal .
“ We are at a moment of absolute crisis , and as the vice president made clear at the debate , they don ’ t have a plan to undo the damage that ’ s been done , ” Skinner said .
He said the need to have a voice was only amplified by the vice presidential debate , where Pence did not voice a plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ohio .
“ We have to be here to counteract any false information , but also to just make sure we are present , especially as people are voting right now , ” Skinner said .
The Pence rally is the most recent in a series of events Trump 's campaign has held with surrogates and campaign principals in Ohio .
Trump himself recently visited the state , and Pence was in Zanesville in September .
Former Vice President Joe Biden is back in Ohio as well on Monday for events in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the latest evidence that the campaigns believe Ohio , a traditional swing state , is in play for the 2020 election .
Trump won in Ohio by more than 8 points in 2016 , but recent polling suggests that the state could be a tossup .

Former Ohio State QB Cardale Jones says his presence at Vice President Mike Pence's rally in Columbus is not a political statement
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones, and the Buckeyes' national football championship, earned a shout out from Vice President Mike Pence as he spoke at a rally Monday.
But the Cleveland native, who led Ohio State at the end of the 2014 season to the College Football Playoff National Championship, wasn't interested in discussing whom he supports in the presidential election Nov. 3.
"I don't talk politics," Jones said when asked by a Dispatch reporter to comment.
In a later tweet, Jones wrote: "People are going to infer what they want. I came out to support a friends business hosting a presidential event and the #FOP, an Organization of law enforcement that holds each other accountable for misconduct."
After starring in the Buckeyes' 42-20 national championship win over Oregon, Jones played one game in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills. He most recently played for the DC Defenders of the XFL.
During his remarks, Pence recognized Jones and OSU's national title, offering up the obligatory "O-H!" The former Indiana governor said it was hard for a Hoosier to root for the Buckeyes.
Emotions ran high at times outside Pence’s rally, where protesters voiced their dissent toward the administration of Republican President Donald Trump.
Staged at concrete contractor Nickolas Savko & Sons, the “Make America Great Again” event drew supporters and protesters alike, each wielding a different message.
“I have so much emotion around this president and the administration and they way they have torn down our democracy,” said Linda Strapp, 58, of Columbus.
Strapp said she felt an obligation to protest because Trump supporters do not understand the amount of lives the current administration has negatively impacted.
Trump supporters filed into the rally as groups outside held signs and flags calling for change and objecting to a myriad of issues spanning from environmental policy to human rights to racial disparity.
Columbus resident Kathy Burgess, 56, said it is her mission to end white supremacy, and that this propelled her to come to the rally and protest.
“Donald Trump and his campaign, they thrive on hate,” Burgess said. “I wake up Black in this war every morning, so every morning that I wake up Black I’m going to be here to fight against white supremacy. Once you end white supremacy, the police brutality dies along with it.”
Protesters from the Ohio Democratic Party invited Dr. Daniel Skinner, an associate professor in healthy policy at Ohio University, to speak to passersby about false information, among other issues.
Skinner said the stakes are extremely high, especially given the ideology of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, who is on record opposing some aspects of the Affordable Care Act and has objected to the Roe v. Wade ruling making abortion legal.
“We are at a moment of absolute crisis, and as the vice president made clear at the debate, they don’t have a plan to undo the damage that’s been done,” Skinner said.
He said the need to have a voice was only amplified by the vice presidential debate, where Pence did not voice a plan to address any of the pressing needs in Ohio.
“We have to be here to counteract any false information, but also to just make sure we are present, especially as people are voting right now,” Skinner said.
The Pence rally is the most recent in a series of events Trump's campaign has held with surrogates and campaign principals in Ohio. Trump himself recently visited the state, and Pence was in Zanesville in September.
Former Vice President Joe Biden is back in Ohio as well on Monday for events in Toledo and Cincinnati. The dueling events are the latest evidence that the campaigns believe Ohio, a traditional swing state, is in play for the 2020 election.
Trump won in Ohio by more than 8 points in 2016, but recent polling suggests that the state could be a tossup.
Dispatch reporting intern Emma Scott Moran contributed to this story.


usatoday--2020-10-13--'No hesitations': As COVID-19 lingers in Texas, fans relish return to ballpark for NLCS between Dodg

ARLINGTON , Texas – Major League Baseball dipped its toes a little deeper into the waters of calculated risk Monday night , inviting paying clientele back through its doors , christening a stadium with two teams from faraway places and , perhaps , getting a glimpse of how life will be for at least another season .
Game 1 of the National League Championship Series pitted the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers and a group altogether absent from pandemic baseball : Fans .
With capacity limited to 25 % and tickets sold in groups of four with neighboring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throng of fans trickled through the gates of $ 1.1 billion Globe Life Field .
They are here largely because the state of Texas allowed it to be so .
Gov .
Greg Abbott ’ s controversial , early reopening of the state in the spring caused a summer spike in coronavirus cases and COVID-19 deaths , which passed the 17,000 mark Monday afternoon .
Abbott has been perhaps the most lenient in welcoming sports back in the pandemic , announcing in June that collegiate and professional sports venues could reopen with 50 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Division Series games here and in Houston ’ s Minute Maid Park but without fans , but announced its intent to stage NLCS and World Series games with 10,500 ticketbuyers in Globe Life Park .
The fans have responded : All seven World Series games are sold out , while NLCS tickets remain for Games 2 , 3 and 7 .
A sampling of fans at Monday ’ s Game 1 said the conditions laid out by MLB – mandatory face coverings , spaced seating , no reselling of tickets outside a group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their decision to attend .
“ With the seating and the masks , we felt very comfortable .
No hesitations , ” said Stephen Mueller , 48 , whose four-person pod included his parents and 17-year-old son , Austin , with whom he ’ s attended a game at all 30 major league parks .
They wore shirts commemorating the final day of Globe Life Park , across the street .
The Rangers ’ retractable-roof home was to open in late March , but the industry shutdown as the coronavirus exploded across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new Globe Life is a massive and daunting structure that almost looks like it wants to compete with AT & T Stadium – or “ Jerryworld , ” just across the street – the 1.8-million square foot edifice on 12 acres makes it among the more pandemic-friendly parks , if such a thing exists .
PREVIEW : Two best offenses clash in NLCS Perhaps the most unsettling visual in this time of pandemic was in the Grand Slam Team Store in the left field corner , where there was no COVID-19 related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security guards , and social-distancing was scarce as fans gathered around more popular items .
According to Abbott ’ s executive order , retail stores are to operate at 75 % capacity .
While that mark did not appear to be reached , there were , by one estimate , upward of 75 patrons inside at one point .
Meanwhile , as fans livened up the joint , there were reminders that this wasn ’ t an ordinary game .
Fans proceeded through ticketless , mobile entry to a greeting of hand-sanitizing dispensers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outfield mixed NLCS info and advertisements with admonishments to distance and keep masks on .
Every other sink in restrooms was roped off , an attendant sanitizing others after use .
On the massive monitor in right center field , an advertisement for Spectrum Solutions touted it as the company providing COVID-19 tests “ keeping MLB players on the field.
” Within the expansive concourses , the desire for normality was a little more evident .
Mask compliance seemed about 95 % .
By game time , it was clear there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
For Jarrod Forsythe , a 29-year-old Braves fan up from Houston for the game , it provided a marked contrast to crowds at several college football games .
“ There ’ s definitely some concern , but we ’ re wearing a mask , not crowding together like some of them down there , ” he said , beckoning toward fans aiming for batting-practice fly balls .
“ I wouldn ’ t go sit in a college football stadium right now .
It seems a little off.
” Added his friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very good job .
And I waited five minutes to get in .
I think the state of Texas has done what ’ s needed to make it a safe environment for the MLB.
” That ’ s a marked difference from the summer , when the seven-day rolling average of new coronavirus cases topped 10,000 .
While mask-wearing has helped tamp down the summer numbers , they are starting to rise again .
In Tarrant County , home to the Rangers and Cowboys , positive cases have more than doubled in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ending Sept. 12 to 3,200 the week ending Oct. 10 .
The games have gone on , however .
“ If you practice all the right protocols , you need to just move forward , ” said Cindy Hibler , who drove in with a friend from nearby McKinney .
“ I think they ’ ve done a great job figuring it out.
” So when the game began , there were boos for the Dodgers from a Braves crowd .
When a foul ball made its way to Dodgers first baseman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he tossed the ball into the stands .
“ It ’ s a step back toward normalcy where people have the right to be free and do what they want to do , ” Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen said .
“ If they want to go to a ballgame , go to a ballgame .
It ’ s not fun playing without fans .
“ People want to get back to living in the land of the free .
”

'No hesitations': As COVID-19 lingers in Texas, fans relish return to ballpark for NLCS between Dodgers and Braves
Show Caption Hide Caption Will this MLB postseason and World Series champ come with an asterisk? Sports Pulse: The MLB postseason has two losing teams in it. There was only a 60-game regular season. Does the 2020 World Series champion require an asterisk? Our MLB experts debate. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
ARLINGTON, Texas – Major League Baseball dipped its toes a little deeper into the waters of calculated risk Monday night, inviting paying clientele back through its doors, christening a stadium with two teams from faraway places and, perhaps, getting a glimpse of how life will be for at least another season.
Game 1 of the National League Championship Series pitted the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers and a group altogether absent from pandemic baseball: Fans.
With capacity limited to 25% and tickets sold in groups of four with neighboring seats roped off, a largely grateful throng of fans trickled through the gates of $1.1 billion Globe Life Field.
They are here largely because the state of Texas allowed it to be so. Gov. Greg Abbott’s controversial, early reopening of the state in the spring caused a summer spike in coronavirus cases and COVID-19 deaths, which passed the 17,000 mark Monday afternoon.
Abbott has been perhaps the most lenient in welcoming sports back in the pandemic, announcing in June that collegiate and professional sports venues could reopen with 50% fan capacity. MLB staged neutral-site Division Series games here and in Houston’s Minute Maid Park but without fans, but announced its intent to stage NLCS and World Series games with 10,500 ticketbuyers in Globe Life Park.
The fans have responded: All seven World Series games are sold out, while NLCS tickets remain for Games 2, 3 and 7.
A sampling of fans at Monday’s Game 1 said the conditions laid out by MLB – mandatory face coverings, spaced seating, no reselling of tickets outside a group of four – played a role in their decision to attend.
“With the seating and the masks, we felt very comfortable. No hesitations,” said Stephen Mueller, 48, whose four-person pod included his parents and 17-year-old son, Austin, with whom he’s attended a game at all 30 major league parks.
They wore shirts commemorating the final day of Globe Life Park, across the street. The Rangers’ retractable-roof home was to open in late March, but the industry shutdown as the coronavirus exploded across the country idled it until July.
While the new Globe Life is a massive and daunting structure that almost looks like it wants to compete with AT&T Stadium – or “Jerryworld,” just across the street – the 1.8-million square foot edifice on 12 acres makes it among the more pandemic-friendly parks, if such a thing exists.
ALCS: Amazing catch, homer lifts Rays over Astros in Game 2
PREVIEW: Two best offenses clash in NLCS
Perhaps the most unsettling visual in this time of pandemic was in the Grand Slam Team Store in the left field corner, where there was no COVID-19 related cap on occupants, according to two security guards, and social-distancing was scarce as fans gathered around more popular items.
According to Abbott’s executive order, retail stores are to operate at 75% capacity. While that mark did not appear to be reached, there were, by one estimate, upward of 75 patrons inside at one point.
Meanwhile, as fans livened up the joint, there were reminders that this wasn’t an ordinary game.
Fans proceeded through ticketless, mobile entry to a greeting of hand-sanitizing dispensers upon entry. The message boards in the outfield mixed NLCS info and advertisements with admonishments to distance and keep masks on. Every other sink in restrooms was roped off, an attendant sanitizing others after use.
On the massive monitor in right center field, an advertisement for Spectrum Solutions touted it as the company providing COVID-19 tests “keeping MLB players on the field.”
Within the expansive concourses, the desire for normality was a little more evident. Mask compliance seemed about 95%. By game time, it was clear there was plenty of room for all to stretch out.
For Jarrod Forsythe, a 29-year-old Braves fan up from Houston for the game, it provided a marked contrast to crowds at several college football games.
“There’s definitely some concern, but we’re wearing a mask, not crowding together like some of them down there,” he said, beckoning toward fans aiming for batting-practice fly balls. “I wouldn’t go sit in a college football stadium right now. It seems a little off.”
Added his friend Thad Adamek: “MLB is doing a very good job. And I waited five minutes to get in. I think the state of Texas has done what’s needed to make it a safe environment for the MLB.”
That’s a marked difference from the summer, when the seven-day rolling average of new coronavirus cases topped 10,000. While mask-wearing has helped tamp down the summer numbers, they are starting to rise again. In Tarrant County, home to the Rangers and Cowboys, positive cases have more than doubled in the last month, from 1,400 the week ending Sept. 12 to 3,200 the week ending Oct. 10.
The games have gone on, however.
“If you practice all the right protocols, you need to just move forward,” said Cindy Hibler, who drove in with a friend from nearby McKinney. “I think they’ve done a great job figuring it out.”
So when the game began, there were boos for the Dodgers from a Braves crowd. When a foul ball made its way to Dodgers first baseman Max Muncy, there were fans awaiting when he tossed the ball into the stands.
“It’s a step back toward normalcy where people have the right to be free and do what they want to do,” Dodgers reliever Blake Treinen said. “If they want to go to a ballgame, go to a ballgame. It’s not fun playing without fans.
“People want to get back to living in the land of the free.”


usatoday--2020-10-12--Don't inject politics into vaccine policy

In recent years , the anti-vaccine movement in the United States has become something of a disease itself , finding willing hosts in both the conspiracy theorists of the right and Big Pharma doubters of the left .
In a CNN poll taken early this month , only about half of Americans said they would try to get a COVID-19 vaccine once one is available , a percentage that seems to have declined in the last five months .
This makes it vital that government officials not do anything to sew doubts about a COVID-19 vaccination that is needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of normalcy .
And the only way to do that is to insist that all vaccines are thoroughly tested in clinical trials to make sure they are both safe and effective .
On this front , there is good news and bad news to report .
The good news : This month , the Food and Drug Administration published guidelines requiring vaccine makers to monitor their clinical trial patients for a median duration of at least two months after administering their last dose .
These two months are necessary to ensure that people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine .
The bad news : Getting to this step took work .
The White House reportedly held up the guidelines , trying to finagle some politically motivated announcement before Election Day .
And when science ultimately prevailed , President Donald Trump responded with an all-too-common snitfest .
In a tweet he called the FDA guidelines a `` political hit job . ''
The FDA , which has approval authority for new vaccines , deserves credit for sticking up for principle in this case .
But it , too , has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House .
First the agency authorized ( and then revoked ) emergency use of the unproven drug hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients .
Then , in August , it granted emergency authorization for use of convalescent plasma as a treatment even though outside doctors said the evidence from trials was still somewhat ambiguous .
It then further undermined its credibility by announcing its decision in political , not medical terms : “ Another Achievement in Administration ’ s Fight Against Pandemic , ” it said in a press release .
The FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it is under political pressure to approve another type of treatment using so-called monoclonal antibodies .
Eli Lilly and Regeneron both make such a treatment , and the latter was given to the president himself after he was diagnosed with COVID-19 .
It is time to stop politically motivated discussions of vaccines and treatments .
It is time to begin a sober and professional discussion of what lies ahead .
Late this year is the first time a vaccine could reach the point where enough volunteers have been tested , and for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine safe and effective .
And even then there would be important decisions to be made .
Who gets vaccinated first ?
Who gets what vaccines if multiple ones are available and have shown different effectiveness rates in clinical trials ?
This nation will not be totally rid of COVID-19 until it reaches a threshold called “ herd immunity , ” when enough people are immune that the disease can ’ t find enough new hosts to infect and consequently wanes .
The figure often given for COVID-19 is 70 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ combination of vaccinated people and people who have been exposed to the virus and then recovered .
Some unknown slice of the population might also have natural immunity or resistance .
A key variable is the effectiveness of the vaccine or vaccines ; the lower the effective rate , the longer it will take to protect the population as a whole .
Sorting all of this out will require careful , responsible public health messaging .
The coronavirus pandemic , which has claimed more than 214,000 American lives and is still going strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and anti-vax fearmongering will only make it worse .

Don't inject politics into vaccine policy Our View: People are already suspicious about vaccines. Political pressure on the Food and Drug Administration will further undermine trust.
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How vaccines are developed and tested Pressure to create a coronavirus vaccine is increasing by the day, but for a safe vaccine to enter the market, it takes time. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
In recent years, the anti-vaccine movement in the United States has become something of a disease itself, finding willing hosts in both the conspiracy theorists of the right and Big Pharma doubters of the left.
In a CNN poll taken early this month, only about half of Americans said they would try to get a COVID-19 vaccine once one is available, a percentage that seems to have declined in the last five months.
This makes it vital that government officials not do anything to sow doubts about a COVID-19 vaccination that is needed to help the nation return to some sort of normalcy. And the only way to do that is to insist that all vaccines are thoroughly tested in clinical trials to make sure they are both safe and effective.
On this front, there is good news and bad news to report. The good news: This month, the Food and Drug Administration published guidelines requiring vaccine makers to monitor their clinical trial patients for a median duration of at least two months after administering their last dose. These two months are necessary to ensure that people don’t have delayed reactions to the vaccine.
The bad news: Getting to this step took work. The White House reportedly held up the guidelines, trying to finagle some politically motivated announcement before Election Day. And when science ultimately prevailed, President Donald Trump responded with an all-too-common snitfest. In a tweet he called the FDA guidelines a "political hit job."
The FDA, which has approval authority for new vaccines, deserves credit for sticking up for principle in this case. But it, too, has taken some questionable actions under pressure from the White House.
First the agency authorized (and then revoked) emergency use of the unproven drug hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients. Then, in August, it granted emergency authorization for use of convalescent plasma as a treatment even though outside doctors said the evidence from trials was still somewhat ambiguous. It then further undermined its credibility by announcing its decision in political, not medical terms: “Another Achievement in Administration’s Fight Against Pandemic,” it said in a press release.
The FDA will be tested again in coming days as it is under political pressure to approve another type of treatment using so-called monoclonal antibodies. Eli Lilly and Regeneron both make such a treatment, and the latter was given to the president himself after he was diagnosed with COVID-19.
It is time to stop politically motivated discussions of vaccines and treatments. It is time to begin a sober and professional discussion of what lies ahead.
Late this year is the first time a vaccine could reach the point where enough volunteers have been tested, and for a long enough period, to deem the vaccine safe and effective. And even then there would be important decisions to be made. Who gets vaccinated first? Who gets what vaccines if multiple ones are available and have shown different effectiveness rates in clinical trials?
This nation will not be totally rid of COVID-19 until it reaches a threshold called “herd immunity,” when enough people are immune that the disease can’t find enough new hosts to infect and consequently wanes. The figure often given for COVID-19 is 70%.
To reach that figure will require some combination of vaccinated people and people who have been exposed to the virus and then recovered. Some unknown slice of the population might also have natural immunity or resistance.
A key variable is the effectiveness of the vaccine or vaccines; the lower the effective rate, the longer it will take to protect the population as a whole.
Sorting all of this out will require careful, responsible public health messaging. The coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 214,000 American lives and is still going strong, is bad enough. Political grandstanding and anti-vax fearmongering will only make it worse.


usatoday--2020-10-13--Padres OF Tommy Pham in good condition after stabbing incident

San Diego Padres outfielder Tommy Pham is recovering from surgery after suffering a stab wound in his lower back on Sunday night .
The team said the stabbing cut through three layers of skin , but did not cause damage to any internal organs .
`` While it was a very traumatic and eye-opening experience for me , I ’ m on the road to recovery and I know I ’ ll be back to my offseason training routine in no time , ” Pham said in a statement released by the team .
The San Diego Union-Tribune cites two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the incident occurred as the outfielder was leaving an establishment and walking back to his car .
There , he found people arguing , and the stabbing occurred after he asked the people to get away from his car .
“ We are aware of the incident last night involving Tommy Pham , ” the Padres said in a statement .
“ He was treated at UC San Diego Health and is currently in good condition .
He is expected to make a full recovery .
Pham , 32 , just completed his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the six previous seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals .
He hit .211 this year with three home runs , 12 RBI and six stolen bases in 31 games .
In the postseason , he hit .375 with one RBI and three stolen bases as the Padres defeated the Cardinals in the wild-card round , but were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL division series .

Padres OF Tommy Pham in good condition after stabbing incident
Show Caption Hide Caption Will this MLB postseason and World Series champ come with an asterisk? Sports Pulse: The MLB postseason has two losing teams in it. There was only a 60-game regular season. Does the 2020 World Series champion require an asterisk? Our MLB experts debate. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
San Diego Padres outfielder Tommy Pham is recovering from surgery after suffering a stab wound in his lower back on Sunday night.
The team said the stabbing cut through three layers of skin, but did not cause damage to any internal organs.
"While it was a very traumatic and eye-opening experience for me, I’m on the road to recovery and I know I’ll be back to my offseason training routine in no time,” Pham said in a statement released by the team.
The San Diego Union-Tribune cites two people who spoke to Pham as saying the incident occurred as the outfielder was leaving an establishment and walking back to his car. There, he found people arguing, and the stabbing occurred after he asked the people to get away from his car.
“We are aware of the incident last night involving Tommy Pham,” the Padres said in a statement. “He was treated at UC San Diego Health and is currently in good condition. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Pham, 32, just completed his first season with the Padres after playing the six previous seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays and St. Louis Cardinals. He hit .211 this year with three home runs, 12 RBI and six stolen bases in 31 games.
In the postseason, he hit .375 with one RBI and three stolen bases as the Padres defeated the Cardinals in the wild-card round, but were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL division series.


usatoday--2020-10-13--Manuel Margot's amazing catch, home run lift Rays over Astros in Game 2 of the ALCS

SAN DIEGO -- Manuel Margot always dreamed one day he ’ d have a game like this in a postseason game at Petco Park , hitting a home run one inning , and making a spectacular catch the next in front of his hometown fans .
He just thought it would be in a San Diego Padres ’ uniform .
Well , there may have been no fans Monday , and he was playing in a different uniform , but he ’ ll take it , leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a World Series , now have a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven American League Championship Series .
Margot , who had spent the previous three seasons in San Diego before being traded in February to the Rays , was a one-man highlight reel .
He didn ’ t even think he would be batting in the first inning when Ji-Man Choi hit a routine grounder to second baseman Jose Altuve with two outs .
Yet , Altuve short-hopped the throw to first baseman Yuli Gurriel , who dropped it , and casually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowing Choi to reach base .
Margot , who was moved up from seventh to fifth in the lineup , calmly ripped Astros starter Lance McCuller ’ s 86-mph curveball over the center-field fence for a three-run homer .
McCullers turned around and stared in disbelief , unable to fathom it traveled 406 feet .
“ We didn ’ t think that ball was gone , ’ ’ Astros manager Dusty Baker said on the TBS telecast .
Well , one inning later , there was that man again , this time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Astros leadoff hitter George Spring hit a long fly ball to right field , Margot ran 102 feet over to the railing , leaped into the air , caught it at the peak of his jump , crashed into the top of the wall , and tumbled into the stands .
He stood up and showed his glove with the ball to right-field umpire Manny Gonzalez .
Out !
Here ’ s a guy who hit only one home run in 47 games during the regular season , and suddenly has three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the first player in Rays ’ history to hit more homers in the postseason than the regular season .
“ He came up big for us in the wild card series and ALDS with some big home runs , ’ ’ Cash said .
“ He ’ s just a good player .
Manny is such a complete player .
I like to have him out there.
’ ’ Manny proved to the difference in the game with the Rays failing to get a hit off McCullers after the third inning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cover off the ball , only with little to show for it , stymied by a slew of defensive gems by shortstop Willy Adames , third baseman Joey Wendle and first baseman Choi .
Astros third baseman Alex Bregman was victimized all game by defensive brilliance and positioning , hitting balls 106.8-mph , 103.1-mph , 103-mph and 99.5-mph , and coming away without a hit in four plate appearances .
AMERICA 'S TEAM ?
Rays bandwagon may be expanding after they take Game 1 McCullers was brilliant for the Astros , yielding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a walk , retiring 14 consecutive batters at one point , but could never overcome the sloppy error that led to Margot ’ s three-run homer .
The Astros committed the fewest errors ( 20 ) in the major leagues this season , but now have made the most this postseason ( five ) .
The Astros have squandered two fabulous pitching performances , with their starters yielding just eight hits and three earned runs with 19 strikeouts over 13 innings this series ( 2.08 ERA ) , but here they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pitching matchups favoring the Rays the next two games .
Meanwhile , the Rays ’ mastery continues in close games , going 28-10 this season in games decided by two or fewer runs , showing unbelievable fortitude and moxie .
The way the Rays are playing , they are moving closer to that elusive World Series title

Manuel Margot's amazing catch, home run lift Rays over Astros in Game 2 of the ALCS
Show Caption Hide Caption Are the Houston Astros fighting for their legacy this postseason? SportsPulse: The Houston Astros were the embarrassment of the league heading into the season after the team's cheating scandal was revealed. Our MLB reporters debate if they're fighting for their legacies this postseason. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
SAN DIEGO -- Manuel Margot always dreamed one day he’d have a game like this in a postseason game at Petco Park, hitting a home run one inning, and making a spectacular catch the next in front of his hometown fans.
He just thought it would be in a San Diego Padres’ uniform.
Well, there may have been no fans Monday, and he was playing in a different uniform, but he’ll take it, leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros. The Rays, who have never won a World Series, now have a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven American League Championship Series.
Margot, who had spent the previous three seasons in San Diego before being traded in February to the Rays, was a one-man highlight reel.
He didn’t even think he would be batting in the first inning when Ji-Man Choi hit a routine grounder to second baseman Jose Altuve with two outs. Yet, Altuve short-hopped the throw to first baseman Yuli Gurriel, who dropped it, and casually took his foot off the bag, allowing Choi to reach base.
Margot, who was moved up from seventh to fifth in the lineup, calmly ripped Astros starter Lance McCuller’s 86-mph curveball over the center-field fence for a three-run homer. McCullers turned around and stared in disbelief, unable to fathom it traveled 406 feet.
“We didn’t think that ball was gone,’’ Astros manager Dusty Baker said on the TBS telecast.
Well, one inning later, there was that man again, this time, making one of the most dazzling catches. Astros leadoff hitter George Spring hit a long fly ball to right field, Margot ran 102 feet over to the railing, leaped into the air, caught it at the peak of his jump, crashed into the top of the wall, and tumbled into the stands.
He stood up and showed his glove with the ball to right-field umpire Manny Gonzalez. Out!
“That was unbelievable,’’ Rays manager Kevin Cash said.
Here’s a guy who hit only one home run in 47 games during the regular season, and suddenly has three homers in eight postseason games. He’s the first player in Rays’ history to hit more homers in the postseason than the regular season.
“He came up big for us in the wild card series and ALDS with some big home runs,’’ Cash said. “He’s just a good player. Manny is such a complete player. I like to have him out there.’’
Manny proved to the difference in the game with the Rays failing to get a hit off McCullers after the third inning, and the Astros continuing to rip the cover off the ball, only with little to show for it, stymied by a slew of defensive gems by shortstop Willy Adames, third baseman Joey Wendle and first baseman Choi.
Astros third baseman Alex Bregman was victimized all game by defensive brilliance and positioning, hitting balls 106.8-mph, 103.1-mph, 103-mph and 99.5-mph, and coming away without a hit in four plate appearances.
THE CATCH: Margot makes insane ALCS catch
AMERICA'S TEAM? Rays bandwagon may be expanding after they take Game 1
ALCS PREVIEW: Can Houston overcome top-seeded Tampa Bay?
McCullers was brilliant for the Astros, yielding just four hits and striking out 11 without a walk, retiring 14 consecutive batters at one point, but could never overcome the sloppy error that led to Margot’s three-run homer. The Astros committed the fewest errors (20) in the major leagues this season, but now have made the most this postseason (five).
The Astros have squandered two fabulous pitching performances, with their starters yielding just eight hits and three earned runs with 19 strikeouts over 13 innings this series (2.08 ERA), but here they are trailing, 0-2, with the starting pitching matchups favoring the Rays the next two games.
Meanwhile, the Rays’ mastery continues in close games, going 28-10 this season in games decided by two or fewer runs, showing unbelievable fortitude and moxie.
The way the Rays are playing, they are moving closer to that elusive World Series title
Follow Nightengale on Twitter: @Bnightengale


usatoday--2020-10-12--'This hatred is taught': Gisele Fetterman, Pennsylvania's second lady, records racist insults aimed

FOREST HILLS , Pa. — A visit to a local grocery store turned ugly Sunday when Gisele Barreto Fetterman , the wife of Pennsylvania Lt. Gov .
John Fetterman , said she was subjected to xenophobic and racist insults in a confrontation she captured briefly on video and posted to Twitter .
Gisele Fetterman , a formerly undocumented immigrant from Brazil who became an American citizen in 2009 , said she went to an Aldi ’ s near her home to buy kiwis .
While standing in line to check out , Fetterman said she was accosted by a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that ( n-word ) that Fetterman married ” and called the state 's second lady a thief who did not belong here .
Fetterman , 38 , said she was unaccompanied by her “ amazing ” security team because the family was in on a rainy Sunday night and she was just darting out “ for what I thought would be a five-minute trip to the grocery store.
” Lt. Gov .
John Fetterman is the former mayor of Braddock , and the couple still live there with their three children .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Network that the woman would hurl insults , walk away and then return to continue the verbal barrage .
A woman standing behind her asked if she was alone and warned her to not walk to her car alone , Fetterman said .
She was too upset to notify employees , Fetterman said .
“ I just wanted to get out of there and get home , ” she said .
Read more on race and identity : Sign up for USA TODAY ’ s This Is America newsletter Fetterman said she paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woman , but did not see her .
As she was backing her car out of her parking space , Fetterman said the woman came out of the store empty-handed and headed for her car .
Shaking and crying , Fetterman said she reached for her phone to record the incident , but only managed to capture the last few seconds in which the woman pulls down her mask and says , “ You ’ re a ( n-word ) .
” Since Sunday ’ s incident , Fetterman said she has heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incidents with the woman , some involving children .
“ This behavior and this hatred is taught , ” Fetterman posted on Twitter on Sunday .
“ If you know her , if she is our neighbor or relative , please , please teach her love instead.
” Fetterman reiterated those feelings on Monday , saying that she worries the woman could be teaching her grandchildren how to hate others .
“ She does not reflect the majority and there ’ s comfort in that , ” Fetterman said .
“ I only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes me want to fight more for my country.
” Fetterman said her state police security team is investigating the incident .
Gov .
Tom Wolf released a statement Monday condemning the incident and saying Fettermanhas the “ full support ” of him and his wife , Frances .
“ Racism and hate speech are always unacceptable , and unworthy of Pennsylvanians , ” Wolf said “ No Pennsylvanian should ever be made to feel unwelcome in our commonwealth because of their race or ethnicity , ” Wolf added .
“ Gisele Fetterman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making our state and world a better place and she — and every Pennsylvanian — deserves our respect , not the hatred too often displayed by people who seek only to further divide this country at a time when unity is so desperately needed .
John Fetterman replied to that tweet with one of his own , saying that he was `` deeply grateful '' to Wolf for supporting his wife .
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey , D-Scranton , posted about the incident on Twitter Sunday night .
“ Today at the grocery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giselefetterman was subjected to a racial slur and taunts .
As she said : ‘ this hatred is taught.
’ It ’ s on us to teach our children kindness , acceptance and inclusion , and condemn hate whenever and wherever we see it , ” Casey wrote .

'This hatred is taught': Gisele Fetterman, Pennsylvania's second lady, records racist insults aimed at her
Show Caption Hide Caption Racist slurs recorded aimed at wife of Pa. lieutenant governor Gisele Barreto Fetterman, the wife of Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, was grocery shopping when a woman hurled racial slurs at her. USA TODAY
FOREST HILLS, Pa. – A visit to a local grocery store turned ugly Sunday when Gisele Barreto Fetterman, the wife of Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, said she was subjected to xenophobic and racist insults in a confrontation she captured briefly on video and posted to Twitter.
Gisele Fetterman, a formerly undocumented immigrant from Brazil who became an American citizen in 2009, said she went to an Aldi’s near her home to buy kiwis.
While standing in line to check out, Fetterman said she was accosted by a woman who said, “There’s that (n-word) that Fetterman married” and called the state's second lady a thief who did not belong here.
Fetterman, 38, said she was unaccompanied by her “amazing” security team because the family was in on a rainy Sunday night and she was just darting out “for what I thought would be a five-minute trip to the grocery store.”
John Fetterman is the former mayor of Braddock, and the couple still live there with their three children.
On Monday, Fetterman told the USA TODAY Network that the woman would hurl insults, walk away and then return to continue the verbal barrage. A woman standing behind her asked if she was alone and warned her to not walk to her car alone, Fetterman said.
She was too upset to notify employees, Fetterman said. “I just wanted to get out of there and get home,” she said.
Read more on race and identity: Sign up for USA TODAY’s This Is America newsletter
Fetterman said she paid for her kiwis and looked for the woman, but did not see her. As she was backing her car out of her parking space, Fetterman said the woman came out of the store empty-handed and headed for her car.
Shaking and crying, Fetterman said she reached for her phone to record the incident, but only managed to capture the last few seconds in which the woman pulls down her mask and says, “You’re a (n-word).”
Since Sunday’s incident, Fetterman said she has heard from other residents who reported similar racist incidents with the woman, some involving children.
“This behavior and this hatred is taught,” Fetterman posted on Twitter on Sunday. “If you know her, if she is our neighbor or relative, please, please teach her love instead.”
Fetterman reiterated those feelings on Monday, saying that she worries the woman could be teaching her grandchildren how to hate others.
“She does not reflect the majority and there’s comfort in that,” Fetterman said. “I only love my country more. It just makes me want to fight more for my country.”
Fetterman said her state police security team is investigating the incident.
Gov. Tom Wolf released a statement Monday condemning the incident and saying Fettermanhas the “full support” of him and his wife, Frances.
“Racism and hate speech are always unacceptable, and unworthy of Pennsylvanians,” Wolf said
“No Pennsylvanian should ever be made to feel unwelcome in our commonwealth because of their race or ethnicity,” Wolf added. “Gisele Fetterman spends much of her time devoted to making our state and world a better place and she – and every Pennsylvanian – deserves our respect, not the hatred too often displayed by people who seek only to further divide this country at a time when unity is so desperately needed.
John Fetterman replied to that tweet with one of his own, saying that he was "deeply grateful" to Wolf for supporting his wife.
I am *deeply* grateful to the Governor for his support of @giselefetterman
The outpouring of love + support from Pennsylvania’s leadership + citizens has been truly humbling.
Gisele + I love this country and our commonwealth deeply.
Thank you PA, for standing with Gisele. 💙 https://t.co/Ekv2WLll9r — John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) October 12, 2020
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, posted about the incident on Twitter Sunday night.
“Today at the grocery store, PA’s Second Lady @giselefetterman was subjected to a racial slur and taunts. As she said: ‘this hatred is taught.’ It’s on us to teach our children kindness, acceptance and inclusion, and condemn hate whenever and wherever we see it,” Casey wrote.
Follow J.D. Prose on Twitter @jdprose.


usatoday--2020-10-12--Apple's 'Hi, Speed' event: What to expect from next iPhone announcement

Tuesday , Apple will unveil four new editions of one of the best-selling U.S. consumer devices in a virtual presentation on Apple 's website and YouTube channel .
Instead of mid-September , when Apple traditionally introduces new iPhones , the company was forced to delay the event because of manufacturing delays in China caused by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The big news this year : connectivity to the new , emerging speedy 5G wireless networks , hence Apple 's title for the event : `` Hi , Speed . ''
Apple enthusiast websites peg the four models as starting from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the current lineup .
According to MacRumors , the models will be named the iPhone 12 , iPhone 12 Pro , iPhone 12 Pro Max and a newer , smaller model , the iPhone 12 Mini .
The Mini would have the smallest screen size in the bunch , at 5.4 inches , bigger than the current entry-level model , the SE , which has a 4.7-inch screen .
The iPhone 12 will have the same screen size as the 11 , at 6.1 inches , according to MacRumors .
The top-of-the-line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6.7 inches , be the largest iPhone to date .
Andrew Murphy , an analyst with Loup Ventures , says the Mini is directed at consumers who want a smaller iPhone `` without sacrificing the extra power and speed '' from the newer 12 phones .
The SE is still more competitively priced , at $ 399 .
More : Apple is making the mask Emoji look happier during the pandemic Beyond the new iPhones , Apple looks to finally get competitive with Amazon and Google with a consumer-priced smart speaker , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The original HomePod was introduced in early 2018 with a $ 349 price tag .
The new , small HomePod will be `` more affordable to consumers , '' Zino says .
The speaker is expected to sell for $ 99 .
Google just introduced a new version of its Google Home speaker ( now called Nest Audio ) for $ 99 , and Amazon will ship a new , redesigned edition of the Echo speaker with what the company says is improved audio on Oct. 22 .
The new phone season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the release of Samsung 's S20 FE , a $ 699 budget version of its flagship S20 Ultra phone with cheaper material and less camera features and follows Wednesday with the release of Google 's updated Pixel phones , the 5 ( $ 699 ) and 4A ( with 5G ) ( $ 499 and $ 599 ) , which both connect to 5G networks .
But it 's the new iPhone that most U.S. consumers lust after .
Apple sold just under 200 million iPhones in 2019 and shocked Wall Street in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that even in a pandemic , phone sales ( along with iPad and Macintosh computers ) had increased substantially .
Zino believes that trend is going to continue .
He says the COVID-19 era has created a real hunger among consumers to get a new iPhone this year and predicts the new round of phones will be Apple 's best-selling since the iPhone 6 was released in 2014 .
`` Amid the COVID-19 pandemic , we think iPhone replacement cycles have now exceeded four years , as many consumers have held off on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expects the the iPhone 12 , 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max to be available Oct. 23 , with the Mini hitting stores on Nov. 13 .

Apple's 'Hi, Speed' event: What to expect from next iPhone announcement
Show Caption Hide Caption Apple expected to reveal new iPhone with 5G capabilities on October 13 Apple has sent out invitations for an Oct. 13 event called ‘Hi Speed.’ Many think Apple will reveal the iPhone 12, with 5G capabilities at the event. unbranded - Lifestyle, unbranded - Lifestyle
Who's ready for a new iPhone?
Tuesday, Apple will unveil four new editions of one of the best-selling U.S. consumer devices in a virtual presentation on Apple's website and YouTube channel.
Instead of mid-September, when Apple traditionally introduces new iPhones, the company was forced to delay the event because of manufacturing delays in China caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The big news this year: connectivity to the new, emerging speedy 5G wireless networks, hence Apple's title for the event: "Hi, Speed."
Apple enthusiast websites peg the four models as starting from $699 to $1,099, similar to the current lineup.
According to MacRumors, the models will be named the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max and a newer, smaller model, the iPhone 12 Mini.
The Mini would have the smallest screen size in the bunch, at 5.4 inches, bigger than the current entry-level model, the SE, which has a 4.7-inch screen. The iPhone 12 will have the same screen size as the 11, at 6.1 inches, according to MacRumors. The top-of-the-line iPhone 12 Pro Max will, at 6.7 inches, be the largest iPhone to date.
Andrew Murphy, an analyst with Loup Ventures, says the Mini is directed at consumers who want a smaller iPhone "without sacrificing the extra power and speed" from the newer 12 phones. The SE is still more competitively priced, at $399.
More: Apple is making the mask Emoji look happier during the pandemic
More: Apple's smaller rivals unite to fight iPhone app store rules
A new Apple smart speaker?
Beyond the new iPhones, Apple looks to finally get competitive with Amazon and Google with a consumer-priced smart speaker, according to analyst Angelo Zino of CFRA Research.
The original HomePod was introduced in early 2018 with a $349 price tag. The new, small HomePod will be "more affordable to consumers," Zino says. The speaker is expected to sell for $99.
Google just introduced a new version of its Google Home speaker (now called Nest Audio) for $99, and Amazon will ship a new, redesigned edition of the Echo speaker with what the company says is improved audio on Oct. 22.
The new phone season began in earnest in early October with the release of Samsung's S20 FE, a $699 budget version of its flagship S20 Ultra phone with cheaper material and less camera features and follows Wednesday with the release of Google's updated Pixel phones, the 5 ($699) and 4A (with 5G) ($499 and $599), which both connect to 5G networks.
But it's the new iPhone that most U.S. consumers lust after. Apple sold just under 200 million iPhones in 2019 and shocked Wall Street in its most recent earnings when it announced that even in a pandemic, phone sales (along with iPad and Macintosh computers) had increased substantially.
Zino believes that trend is going to continue. He says the COVID-19 era has created a real hunger among consumers to get a new iPhone this year and predicts the new round of phones will be Apple's best-selling since the iPhone 6 was released in 2014.
"Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we think iPhone replacement cycles have now exceeded four years, as many consumers have held off on discretionary purchases like iPhones."
MacRumors expects the the iPhone 12, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max to be available Oct. 23, with the Mini hitting stores on Nov. 13.
Apple's presentation Tuesday begins at 1 p.m. ET.
Follow USA TODAY's Jefferson Graham (@jeffersongraham) on Twitter


usatoday--2020-10-12--5 tips to get the most out of Amazon Prime Day

5 tips to get the most out of Amazon Prime Day Make sure to check off this list to get @ @ @ @ @ Prime Day .

Amazon Prime Day: 5 tips for great deals
Make sure to check off this list to get the best deals for Amazon Prime Day.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-12--Protesters, supporters gather outside SCOTUS for Amy Coney Barrett's hearings

Amy Coney Barrett protesters could be heard saying , `` No confirmation until inauguration , '' while supporters said `` @ @ @ @ @ ''

Amy Coney Barrett hearings: People gather outside SCOTUS
Amy Coney Barrett protesters could be heard saying, "No confirmation until inauguration," while supporters said "we have the votes."
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-12--Jennifer Aniston welcomes rescue puppy named Lord Chesterfield

Jennifer Aniston has two other dogs , a Schnauzer mix and a white pit bull .

Jennifer Aniston introduces new dog, Lord Chesterfield
Jennifer Aniston has two other dogs, a Schnauzer mix and a white pit bull.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-12--Sen. Gary Peters opens up about his family's personal abortion story

Sen. Gary Peters , for the first time , opened up about his personal experience with abortion in an Elle interview published Monday .
The Michigan Democratic incumbent shared details of the abortion his then-wife underwent in her second trimester to save her life .
Peters went public with the story as his reelection campaign continues and Senate hearings begin for President Donald Trump 's Supreme Court nominee , Judge Amy Coney Barrett .
In the 1980s , Peters first wife , Heidi , was four months pregnant with their second child when her water broke , leaving the fetus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magazine .
Doctors told them to wait for a miscarriage to naturally occur but that did n't happen .
“ It 's a story of how gut-wrenching and complicated decisions can be related to reproductive health , a situation I went through with my first wife , ” he told Elle .
The two went to the hospital the next day where the doctor recommended an abortion because the fetus had no chance of survival , but it was n't an option because of the hospital 's policy banning the procedure , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wait again for a miscarriage .
`` The mental anguish someone goes through is intense trying to have a miscarriage for a child that was wanted , '' Peters told the magazine .
Heidi 's health deteriorated and when they went to the hospital again , the doctor said she could lose her uterus if she was n't able to have an abortion .
If she were to become septic , she could die , doctors told them .
But the hospital board refused the doctor 's appeal for an exception to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the doctor recommended the couple find another physician to do the procedure quickly , Peters said .
Heidi was rushed into an emergency `` abortion that saved her uterus and possibly her life , '' according to Elle .
The experience was “ painful and traumatic , ” she said in a statement to the magazine , adding “ If it weren ’ t for urgent and critical medical care , I could have lost my life.
” Peters decided to go public with the story because “ it ’ s important for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to folks every day .
I ’ ve always considered myself pro-choice and believe women should be able to make these decisions themselves , but when you live it in real life , you realize the significant impact it can have on a family , '' he told Elle .
Confirmation hearings began Monday in the Senate Judiciary Committee for Barrett , who opposes abortion .
As a law professor , she was among hundreds who signed an anti-abortion letter in a 2006 newspaper ad calling for `` an end to the barbaric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Peters said he wo n't vote to confirm Barrett .
More : Fact-checking the US Senate race between Gary Peters and John James “ Michiganders have already started voting and ... they deserve to have a say in who nominates and confirms the next Supreme Court justice , '' Peters said in a statement .
`` As I have said before , I do not support the Senate moving forward on a Supreme Court nomination until after Inauguration Day .
I will vote against confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett to a lifetime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court.
” Peters is running a tight reelection campaign against Republican challenger , John James , who openly opposes abortion and called it a form of `` genocide . ''
James favors overturning Roe v. Wade and has not said whether he supports Michigan ’ s pre-Roe abortion ban .
`` It ’ s important for folks who are willing to tell these stories to tell them , especially now .
This is a pivotal moment for reproductive freedom , '' Peters told the magazine .
Contact Nushrat Rahman : nrahman @ freepress.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : @ NushratR .
Become a Free Press subscriber .

Sen. Gary Peters opens up about his family's personal abortion story
Sen. Gary Peters, for the first time, opened up about his personal experience with abortion in an Elle interview published Monday.
The Michigan Democratic incumbent shared details of the abortion his then-wife underwent in her second trimester to save her life. Peters went public with the story as his reelection campaign continues and Senate hearings begin for President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Amy Coney Barrett.
My story is one that’s tragically shared by so many Americans.
It’s a story of gut-wrenching and complicated decisions — but it’s important for folks to understand families face these situations every day.https://t.co/VA3VDbjWrO — Gary Peters (@GaryPeters) October 12, 2020
In the 1980s, Peters first wife, Heidi, was four months pregnant with their second child when her water broke, leaving the fetus without amniotic fluid, Peters told the magazine. Doctors told them to wait for a miscarriage to naturally occur but that didn't happen.
“It's a story of how gut-wrenching and complicated decisions can be related to reproductive health, a situation I went through with my first wife,” he told Elle.
The two went to the hospital the next day where the doctor recommended an abortion because the fetus had no chance of survival, but it wasn't an option because of the hospital's policy banning the procedure, according to Elle. The couple was told to wait again for a miscarriage.
"The mental anguish someone goes through is intense trying to have a miscarriage for a child that was wanted," Peters told the magazine.
Heidi's health deteriorated and when they went to the hospital again, the doctor said she could lose her uterus if she wasn't able to have an abortion. If she were to become septic, she could die, doctors told them.
But the hospital board refused the doctor's appeal for an exception to the anti-abortion policy. It was then the doctor recommended the couple find another physician to do the procedure quickly, Peters said.
Heidi was rushed into an emergency "abortion that saved her uterus and possibly her life," according to Elle.
The experience was “painful and traumatic,” she said in a statement to the magazine, adding “If it weren’t for urgent and critical medical care, I could have lost my life.”
Peters decided to go public with the story because “it’s important for folks to understand that these things happen to folks every day. I’ve always considered myself pro-choice and believe women should be able to make these decisions themselves, but when you live it in real life, you realize the significant impact it can have on a family," he told Elle.
Confirmation hearings began Monday in the Senate Judiciary Committee for Barrett, who opposes abortion. As a law professor, she was among hundreds who signed an anti-abortion letter in a 2006 newspaper ad calling for "an end to the barbaric legacy of Roe v. Wade."
Peters said he won't vote to confirm Barrett.
More: Fact-checking the US Senate race between Gary Peters and John James
More: What social media posts get wrong about Amy Coney Barrett’s religious beliefs
“Michiganders have already started voting and ... they deserve to have a say in who nominates and confirms the next Supreme Court justice," Peters said in a statement.
"As I have said before, I do not support the Senate moving forward on a Supreme Court nomination until after Inauguration Day. I will vote against confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett to a lifetime appointment on our nation’s highest court.”
Peters is running a tight reelection campaign against Republican challenger, John James, who openly opposes abortion and called it a form of "genocide." James favors overturning Roe v. Wade and has not said whether he supports Michigan’s pre-Roe abortion ban.
"It’s important for folks who are willing to tell these stories to tell them, especially now. This is a pivotal moment for reproductive freedom," Peters told the magazine.
Contact Nushrat Rahman: nrahman@freepress.com; 313-348-7558. Follow her on Twitter: @NushratR. Become a Free Press subscriber.


usatoday--2020-10-13--2020 election live updates: White House says Trump has tested negative for COVID without saying when

President Donald Trump has tested negative for COVID-19 on “ consecutive days , ” White House physician Sean Conley said in memo released Monday .
The document , posted to Twitter by White House staff , did not disclose which days Trump tested negative .
In the past , aides have declined to answer specific questions about the timing of the president ’ s past test results .
Conley said the results demonstrate that “ the president is not infectious to others.
” Trump was tested using the Abbott BinaxNOW antigen card , according to the memo .
• Six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top electoral prizes in the 2020 race for president .
USA TODAY Network reporters explore those battlegrounds .
• The New York Times released another installment in its investigation into Trump 's tax returns , this time delving into how the Trump Organization has benefitted from his time in the White House .
Here are the key takeaways .
• House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told House Democrats Sunday , `` we remain at an impasse '' on stimulus negotiations while the White House sent mixed signals on whether a deal was possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Last week , Biden jumped to a 10-point lead in national polling average – and surged in the key states of Florida , Michigan , North Carolina and Pennsylvania .
📆 22 days until Election Day , 10 days until the final presidential debate , 100 days until Inauguration Day , 82 days left in 2020 .
🗳 Voting : See USA TODAY 's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote , when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues .
We will update this article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of USA TODAY 's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter .
Donald Trump : `` I do n't have to be locked up in my basement '' President Donald Trump took the long way Monday in returning to the campaign trail .
Trump , who spoke for only 18 minutes at a White House event on Saturday , went for a little more than an hour during a comeback rally at Orlando Sanford International Airport in Florida .
`` I do n't have to be locked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't allow that to happen anyway , '' Trump told supporters .
`` When you 're the president you ca n't lock yourself in the basement . ''
While a traditional rally speech in many ways , Trump also addressed his illness and sought to struck a positive note .
While claiming himself cured of COVID , Trump also asserted he is `` immune '' from the virus moving forward , though some doctors said there is no guarantee of that .
The president also said he was willing to go into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Trump – to express his affection .
`` I 'll kiss everyone in that audience , '' he said .
`` I 'll kiss the guys and the beautiful women and the ...
I 'll just give you a big , fat kiss . ''
Poll : Trump trails in Wis. and Mich. , erodes support with white voters President Donald Trump trails Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the battleground states of Michigan and Wisconsin - both of which Trump won in 2016 - according to a New York Times/Sienna College poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leading Trump among likely voters 48 % -40 % in Michigan and 51 % -41 % in Wisconsin .
The Times said Trump `` faces modest but significant defections among white and independent voters , '' and `` a groundswell of opposition from those who voted for a minor-party candidate or didn ’ t vote at all in 2016 . ''
More likely voters said they support than oppose Amy Coney Barrett 's Supreme Court nomination in both Michigan ( 45 % -34 % ) and Wisconsin ( 44 % -39 % ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should hold Barrett 's confirmation vote before the election while thought they should only vote on Barrett if Trump wins .
In Wisconsin , 44 % said they thought the vote should be before the election and 42 % said the Barrett should n't get a vote if Trump is defeated .
The margin of error was plus or minus 4.6 percentage points for the Michigan poll and 4 points for the Wisconsin poll .
Judge Amy Coney Barrett 's opening statements ended the first of four confirmations hearings Monday .
All 22 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the panel tasked with vetting Supreme Court nominees – gave opening statements Monday followed by Barrett , whom President Donald Trump chose as his Supreme Court nominee in September .
In her opening statement , Barrett outlined her judicial philosophy , telling senators , `` courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life . ''
The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by , and accountable to , the people , '' the U.S .
Circuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not expect courts to do so , and courts should not try . ''
Senators will get the chance to ask Barrett questions on Tuesday in what is expected to be a contentious day on Capitol Hill .
This week in the polls The first week of polls conducted primarily after President Donald Trump contracted COVID-19 , generally did not offer much to bolster the president 's reelection hopes .
Biden continued to lead Trump in 10 of 11 swing states ( though Georgia is a virtual tie ) – and he expanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including big gains in Florida , Michigan , North Carolina and Pennsylvania .
Nationally , Biden surged 2 percentage points to a more than 10-point lead , according to the USA TODAY average of averages , which is based on the polling averages calculated by RealClearPolitics and FiveThirtyEight .
By comparison , 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton 's lead between the two polling averages was 6.2 points at this point four years ago .
The week in polls : Biden hits double-digit lead in national average , surges in Florida , Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Act at Barrett hearing More than 10 years after its passage , the Affordable Care Act was front and center again in Congress .
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee made the health care law signed by President Barack Obama in 2010 the centerpiece of their effort to defeat federal appeals court Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s confirmation to the Supreme Court .
Their effort reflects the politics of the moment : Rather than attacking Barrett over her devout Catholicism , which backfired on Democrats in 2017 when she was confirmed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 7th Circuit , they focused on the popular health care law instead .
That ’ s because the Affordable Care Act will come back before the high court next month , when a challenge mounted by Texas and other states led by Republicans is heard by eight – or nine , if Barrett is confirmed by then – justices .
The Trump administration backs the challenge .
The challenge stems from a $ 1.5 trillion tax cut passed by the Republican-dominated Congress in 2017 , which repealed the health care law 's tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That tax was intended to prod them into the health insurance marketplace rather than let them seek emergency care while uninsured .
Many health care law analysts expect the court to save most , if not all , of the law 's provisions , even with Barrett on the court .
The Senate will start confirmation hearings Monday for President Donald Trump 's Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett as Republicans aim to confirm her before Election Day .
Monday 's hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee is the first of four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators on the panel will give opening 10-minute statements , including Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. Barrett will be introduced by Indiana 's two Republican senators Todd Young and Mike Braun , and former Notre Dame Professor Patricia O'Hara , one of Barrett 's mentors .
The judge will also deliver her own opening statement .
President Donald Trump returns to the campaign trail Monday with a rally planned in Florida less than two weeks after he announced he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump has tested negative for the disease since contracting it , but the president told supporters Sunday he was `` totally negative '' for the virus , going beyond the public memos released from his doctors , who have said he is no longer a `` transmission risk . ''
Trump has also claimed he is now immune from the virus , though medical experts say that is not guaranteed .

Sean Rossman, William Cummings, John Fritze and David Jackson, USA TODAY

2020 election live updates: White House says Trump has tested negative for COVID without saying when
Show Caption Hide Caption Judge Amy Coney Barrett on what a Trump Supreme Court would look like Judge Amy Coney Barrett spoke at Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute in 2016 discussing what a Trump Supreme Court would look like. USA TODAY Handout
President Donald Trump has tested negative for COVID-19 on “consecutive days,” White House physician Sean Conley said in memo released Monday.
The document, posted to Twitter by White House staff, did not disclose which days Trump tested negative. In the past, aides have declined to answer specific questions about the timing of the president’s past test results.
Conley said the results demonstrate that “the president is not infectious to others.”
Trump was tested using the Abbott BinaxNOW antigen card, according to the memo.
How a Supreme Court justice is nominated, confirmed, and opposed The Supreme Court is a vital component of our democracy. Here's how the process works to nominate, confirm, and oppose a potential justice. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
☕ The latest:
Six states above all others have emerged as the top electoral prizes in the 2020 race for president. USA TODAY Network reporters explore those battlegrounds.
The New York Times released another installment in its investigation into Trump's tax returns, this time delving into how the Trump Organization has benefitted from his time in the White House. Here are the key takeaways.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told House Democrats Sunday, "we remain at an impasse" on stimulus negotiations while the White House sent mixed signals on whether a deal was possible.
📊 What the polls are saying: Last week, Biden jumped to a 10-point lead in national polling average – and surged in the key states of Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
📆 22 days until Election Day, 10 days until the final presidential debate, 100 days until Inauguration Day, 82 days left in 2020.
🗳 Voting: See USA TODAY's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote, when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues.
We will update this article throughout the day. You can follow all of USA TODAY's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter.
Donald Trump: "I don't have to be locked up in my basement"
President Donald Trump took the long way Monday in returning to the campaign trail.
Trump, who spoke for only 18 minutes at a White House event on Saturday, went for a little more than an hour during a comeback rally at Orlando Sanford International Airport in Florida.
"I don't have to be locked up in my basement and I wouldn't allow that to happen anyway," Trump told supporters. "When you're the president you can't lock yourself in the basement."
While a traditional rally speech in many ways, Trump also addressed his illness and sought to struck a positive note.
While claiming himself cured of COVID, Trump also asserted he is "immune" from the virus moving forward, though some doctors said there is no guarantee of that.
The president also said he was willing to go into the crowd – many of them maskless, like Trump – to express his affection.
"I'll kiss everyone in that audience," he said. "I'll kiss the guys and the beautiful women and the ... I'll just give you a big, fat kiss."
– David Jackson
Poll: Trump trails in Wis. and Mich., erodes support with white voters
President Donald Trump trails Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the battleground states of Michigan and Wisconsin - both of which Trump won in 2016 - according to a New York Times/Sienna College poll released Monday.
The poll found Biden leading Trump among likely voters 48%-40% in Michigan and 51%-41% in Wisconsin. The Times said Trump "faces modest but significant defections among white and independent voters," and "a groundswell of opposition from those who voted for a minor-party candidate or didn’t vote at all in 2016."
More likely voters said they support than oppose Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court nomination in both Michigan (45%-34%) and Wisconsin (44%-39%). In Michigan, thought the Senate should hold Barrett's confirmation vote before the election while thought they should only vote on Barrett if Trump wins. In Wisconsin, 44% said they thought the vote should be before the election and 42% said the Barrett shouldn't get a vote if Trump is defeated.
The margin of error was plus or minus 4.6 percentage points for the Michigan poll and 4 points for the Wisconsin poll.
– William Cummings
First day of Barrett confirmation hearings ends
Judge Amy Coney Barrett's opening statements ended the first of four confirmations hearings Monday.
All 22 members of the Senate Judiciary Committee – the panel tasked with vetting Supreme Court nominees – gave opening statements Monday followed by Barrett, whom President Donald Trump chose as his Supreme Court nominee in September.
In her opening statement, Barrett outlined her judicial philosophy, telling senators, "courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life."
The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by, and accountable to, the people," the U.S. Circuit judge said. "The public should not expect courts to do so, and courts should not try."
Senators will get the chance to ask Barrett questions on Tuesday in what is expected to be a contentious day on Capitol Hill.
– Sean Rossman
The first week of polls conducted primarily after President Donald Trump contracted COVID-19, generally did not offer much to bolster the president's reelection hopes.
Biden continued to lead Trump in 10 of 11 swing states (though Georgia is a virtual tie) – and he expanded his lead in seven of those states, including big gains in Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
Nationally, Biden surged 2 percentage points to a more than 10-point lead, according to the USA TODAY average of averages, which is based on the polling averages calculated by RealClearPolitics and FiveThirtyEight. By comparison, 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's lead between the two polling averages was 6.2 points at this point four years ago.
– William Cummings
The week in polls: Biden hits double-digit lead in national average, surges in Florida, Michigan
More than 10 years after its passage, the Affordable Care Act was front and center again in Congress.
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee made the health care law signed by President Barack Obama in 2010 the centerpiece of their effort to defeat federal appeals court Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation to the Supreme Court.
Their effort reflects the politics of the moment: Rather than attacking Barrett over her devout Catholicism, which backfired on Democrats in 2017 when she was confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, they focused on the popular health care law instead.
That’s because the Affordable Care Act will come back before the high court next month, when a challenge mounted by Texas and other states led by Republicans is heard by eight – or nine, if Barrett is confirmed by then – justices. The Trump administration backs the challenge.
The challenge stems from a $1.5 trillion tax cut passed by the Republican-dominated Congress in 2017, which repealed the health care law's tax on people who refuse to buy insurance. That tax was intended to prod them into the health insurance marketplace rather than let them seek emergency care while uninsured.
Many health care law analysts expect the court to save most, if not all, of the law's provisions, even with Barrett on the court.
– Richard Wolf
The Senate will start confirmation hearings Monday for President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett as Republicans aim to confirm her before Election Day.
Monday's hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee is the first of four days of confirmation hearings. All 22 senators on the panel will give opening 10-minute statements, including Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Barrett will be introduced by Indiana's two Republican senators Todd Young and Mike Braun, and former Notre Dame Professor Patricia O'Hara, one of Barrett's mentors. The judge will also deliver her own opening statement.
– Nicholas Wu
Amy Coney Barrett: Senate to begin confirmation hearings for Trump's Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett
President Donald Trump returns to the campaign trail Monday with a rally planned in Florida less than two weeks after he announced he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for COVID-19.
The White House has refused to say whether Trump has tested negative for the disease since contracting it, but the president told supporters Sunday he was "totally negative" for the virus, going beyond the public memos released from his doctors, who have said he is no longer a "transmission risk."
Trump has also claimed he is now immune from the virus, though medical experts say that is not guaranteed.
– Michael Collins


usatoday--2020-10-12--Amy Coney Barrett discusses role of the courts at confirmation hearing

Amy Coney Barrett discusses role of the courts at confirmation hearing Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett spoke about the @ @ @ @ @ an opening statement at her confirmation hearing .

Amy Coney Barrett discusses role of the courts at confirmation hearing
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett spoke about the responsibility of the courts in an opening statement at her confirmation hearing.
USA TODAY