usatoday--2020-12-27--What the economy needs after COVID-19 (and what it won't get from Joe Biden)

With the rollout of vaccines , the COVID-19 cloud over the economy should lift sometime around summer .
Ideally , between now and then , the foundation for sustainable private sector growth would be put in place .
Unfortunately , the instincts of President-elect Joe Biden and his team of economic advisers are in different directions .
Here is what such a foundation would consist of .
What the post-COVID economy needs Liquid capital investment markets .
Flexible labor markets .
Reasonable and consistent tax policies .
Reasonable and consistent regulatory policies .
Sound money .
And stable government finances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are contrary to each and every one of these foundational pillars .
And he has assembled a team of economic tinkerers , not foundation builders .
Front-line health care workers : If COVID-19 kills me , take care of my dog In the view of Biden and his team , the role of government isn ’ t to establish the foundation for sustained private sector economic growth and then allow markets to find their own paths .
Instead , the role of government is to drive , direct and manage the private economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monetary .
What Biden will do instead Biden wants to increase taxes on corporations .
He also wants to increase taxes on the wealthy , both income and capital gains .
All of which reduces the pool of investment capital , as well as its potential returns .
Investment capital is what fuels private sector economic growth .
His platform included a blizzard of new regulatory initiatives , covering the gambit from energy to labor .
A closely divided Senate will make it difficult to pass legislation implementing much of this , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the edges of its executive authority .
Which will invite litigation and create regulatory uncertainty , which was a major reason economic growth was so sluggish during Barack Obama ’ s second term .
In response to COVID-19 , there has been a bipartisan blowout of the federal budget .
Deficits have been at eye-watering levels not seen in peacetime .
Now that there will be a Democrat in the White House , congressional Republicans will undoubtedly redeploy their feigned alarm over debt and deficits .
But , even if they retain marginal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be calling the shots .
Biden has a big spending agenda .
There ’ s no chance that there will be movement toward putting federal government finances on a more responsible and sustainable footing by summer .
If anything , the uncertainty inherent in a federal government spending trillions more than it collects in revenue , with no plans to bring them into better alignment , will hang even more heavily over the private sector economy .
Coronavirus : Lockdown ?
I 've got this , I thought .
But COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me .
Biden ’ s tinkerers don ’ t think the job is to establish a solid foundation and then get out of the way .
They believe that the job of the federal government is to continuously finetune the economy , smoothing out market fluctuations .
That , however , is beyond government ’ s ken .
And the effort means a steady overhang of uncertainty , while predictability and consistency are what foster private sector economic growth .
The Fed is compounding the problem Unfortunately , the Fed is also in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And enablers .
The Fed is largely financing the debt the federal government is racking up .
It is continuing its buying spree of treasury and mortgage debt .
It promises low interest rates into perpetuity .
That creates froth in asset prices .
No one knows what the consequences will be or when they will manifest themselves .
But that ’ s not establishing sound money as a foundational pillar for private sector economic growth .
As vaccinations roll out , there will undoubtedly be a surge in economic activity , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all kinds .
I doubt , however , that there will be a V-shaped recovery , with a quick return to a pre-COVID economy .
The finances of many small businesses , and not a few large ones , have been devastated .
Many sectors of the economy will have to be recapitalized .
And chances are there will need to be at least a modest redeployment of labor .
Post-COVID , there will be fewer jobs in some sectors and more in others .
And a residual increase in remote working means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of jobs will change .
These transitions would occur quicker and more productively if the foundation for sustainable private sector economic growth were established by summer .
Biden and his tinkerers , however , will be trying other things .
Robert Robb is an opinion columnist at the Arizona Republic , where this column originally appeared .
Follow him on Twitter : @ RJRobb

What the economy needs after COVID-19 (and what it won't get from Joe Biden) The COVID cloud over the economy should lift by summer. Between now and then, the Biden administration is unlikely to do what should be done.
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 stimulus: Biden unveils new economic team Biden said "help is on the way" and called on Congress to pass a "robust" COVID-19 relief package while unveiling his administration's economic team. Associated Press, USA TODAY
With the rollout of vaccines, the COVID-19 cloud over the economy should lift sometime around summer.
Ideally, between now and then, the foundation for sustainable private sector growth would be put in place. Unfortunately, the instincts of President-elect Joe Biden and his team of economic advisers are in different directions.
Here is what such a foundation would consist of.
What the post-COVID economy needs
Liquid capital investment markets. Flexible labor markets. Reasonable and consistent tax policies. Reasonable and consistent regulatory policies. Sound money. And stable government finances.
Biden’s announced policy preferences are contrary to each and every one of these foundational pillars. And he has assembled a team of economic tinkerers, not foundation builders.
Front-line health care workers: If COVID-19 kills me, take care of my dog
In the view of Biden and his team, the role of government isn’t to establish the foundation for sustained private sector economic growth and then allow markets to find their own paths. Instead, the role of government is to drive, direct and manage the private economy through macroeconomic policies, both fiscal and monetary.
What Biden will do instead
Biden wants to increase taxes on corporations. He also wants to increase taxes on the wealthy, both income and capital gains. All of which reduces the pool of investment capital, as well as its potential returns. Investment capital is what fuels private sector economic growth.
His platform included a blizzard of new regulatory initiatives, covering the gambit from energy to labor. A closely divided Senate will make it difficult to pass legislation implementing much of this, so the Biden administration is likely to push the edges of its executive authority.
Which will invite litigation and create regulatory uncertainty, which was a major reason economic growth was so sluggish during Barack Obama’s second term.
It's a bipartisan budget blowout
In response to COVID-19, there has been a bipartisan blowout of the federal budget. Deficits have been at eye-watering levels not seen in peacetime.
Now that there will be a Democrat in the White House, congressional Republicans will undoubtedly redeploy their feigned alarm over debt and deficits. But, even if they retain marginal control of the Senate, they won’t be calling the shots.
Biden has a big spending agenda. There’s no chance that there will be movement toward putting federal government finances on a more responsible and sustainable footing by summer. If anything, the uncertainty inherent in a federal government spending trillions more than it collects in revenue, with no plans to bring them into better alignment, will hang even more heavily over the private sector economy.
Coronavirus: Lockdown? I've got this, I thought. But COVID-19 is lonely, even for loners like me.
Biden’s tinkerers don’t think the job is to establish a solid foundation and then get out of the way. They believe that the job of the federal government is to continuously finetune the economy, smoothing out market fluctuations.
That, however, is beyond government’s ken. And the effort means a steady overhang of uncertainty, while predictability and consistency are what foster private sector economic growth.
The Fed is compounding the problem
Unfortunately, the Fed is also in the hands of tinkerers these days. And enablers.
The Fed is largely financing the debt the federal government is racking up. It is continuing its buying spree of treasury and mortgage debt. It promises low interest rates into perpetuity. That creates froth in asset prices.
No one knows what the consequences will be or when they will manifest themselves. But that’s not establishing sound money as a foundational pillar for private sector economic growth.
As vaccinations roll out, there will undoubtedly be a surge in economic activity, as people feel safer engaging in interactions of all kinds.
Don't expect a rapid economic recovery
I doubt, however, that there will be a V-shaped recovery, with a quick return to a pre-COVID economy.
The finances of many small businesses, and not a few large ones, have been devastated. Many sectors of the economy will have to be recapitalized.
And chances are there will need to be at least a modest redeployment of labor. Post-COVID, there will be fewer jobs in some sectors and more in others. And a residual increase in remote working means that even the location of some quantity of jobs will change.
These transitions would occur quicker and more productively if the foundation for sustainable private sector economic growth were established by summer.
Biden and his tinkerers, however, will be trying other things.
Robert Robb is an opinion columnist at the Arizona Republic, where this column originally appeared. Follow him on Twitter: @RJRobb


usatoday--2020-12-27--All Elite Wrestling star Jon Huber, known as Brodie Lee, dies suddenly at 41

Jon Huber , a popular wrestler with the All Elite Wrestling organization , has died at age 41 .
Huber 's wife , Amanda , said on Instagram Saturday evening that her husband had a `` non COVID related lung issue . ''
Huber 's death was also announced by the official AEW Twitter account .
Amanda Huber posted a gallery of her husband , who she called `` the greatest father you would ever meet . ''
`` My best friend died today , '' said said , while thanking doctors and nurses at the Mayo Clinic .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' AEW tweeted .
`` In an industry filled with good people , Jon Huber was exceptionally respected and beloved in every way — a fierce and captivating talent , a thoughtful mentor and simply a very kind soul that starkly contradicted his persona as Mr. Brodie Lee .
`` Jon ’ s love for his wife Amanda , and children Brodie and Nolan , was evident to all of us who were fortunate to spend time with him , and we send our love and support to his beautiful family , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popularity among his peers and influence on the wrestling world was worldwide and transcended AEW . ''
`` I hope you all get to know someone like Jon .
He was the biggest family man & someone who made me laugh daily , '' tweeted current WWE Intercontinental Champion Big E. `` I 'll miss him every day for the rest of my life .
I love you , Brodie , and I thank you so much for loving me . ''
Huber made his AEW debut in March and captured the TNT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belt on Oct. 7 and had n't wrestled since due to what was believed to be an undisclosed injury .
Before AEW , Huber was known as Luke Harper in the WWE , where he won NXT and Smackdown tag team titles and was an Intercontinental champion .
A 2017 Democrat and Chronicle profile described how Huber went from a clean-cut Jesuit school graduate to a bearded mauler in the wring with a mercurial wrestling persona .
Huber played lacrosse for four years at McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester , New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including a time with former NHL star and fellow Rochester native Brian Gionta .
Huber 's professional career began with independent outfits Roc City Wrestling , Rochester Championship Wrestling , NWA Upstate , NWA New York and Upstate Prof Wrestling .
He was originally known as Huberboy # 2 before renaming himself Brodie Lee .
For 7½ years , he toured as a wrestler on weekends while working as a book clerk at the Rochester City School District 's Frederick Douglass campus .
`` Once in a while a kid would come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Huber , is this you ? '
And they would show me a video which was obviously me and I would say , 'Please don ’ t share that with anybody , ' `` Huber said in 2017 .
Huber was ready to give up touring when Amanda was pregnant in 2011 .
That 's when the WWE called , asking him to try out .
Huber signed a deal and moved to Florida to work his way up through the company 's developmental ranks .
He earned a spot on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominence as part of the Wyatt Family .
After making the WWE main roster , Huber and his family moved back to Rochester .
`` I 'm super proud of Rochester and super proud of what Rochester is and what Rochester represents , '' Harper told WWE in 2019 .
`` Instead of leave Rochester , I would prefer to have people associate Rochester with me and bring Rochester up . ''

Ryan Miller, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

All Elite Wrestling star Jon Huber, known as Brodie Lee, dies suddenly at 41
Jon Huber, a popular wrestler with the All Elite Wrestling organization, has died at age 41.
Huber's wife, Amanda, said on Instagram Saturday evening that her husband had a "non COVID related lung issue." Huber's death was also announced by the official AEW Twitter account.
Huber performed under the moniker Brodie Lee.
Amanda Huber posted a gallery of her husband, who she called "the greatest father you would ever meet."
"My best friend died today," said said, while thanking doctors and nurses at the Mayo Clinic.
"The All Elite Wrestling family is heartbroken," AEW tweeted. "In an industry filled with good people, Jon Huber was exceptionally respected and beloved in every way — a fierce and captivating talent, a thoughtful mentor and simply a very kind soul that starkly contradicted his persona as Mr. Brodie Lee.
"Jon’s love for his wife Amanda, and children Brodie and Nolan, was evident to all of us who were fortunate to spend time with him, and we send our love and support to his beautiful family, today and always. Jon’s popularity among his peers and influence on the wrestling world was worldwide and transcended AEW."
The wrestling world mourned Huber's death.
"I hope you all get to know someone like Jon. He was the biggest family man & someone who made me laugh daily," tweeted current WWE Intercontinental Champion Big E. "I'll miss him every day for the rest of my life. I love you, Brodie, and I thank you so much for loving me."
I hope you all get to know someone like Jon. He was the biggest family man & someone who made me laugh daily. I’ll miss him every day for the rest of my life. I love you, Brodie, and I thank you so much for loving me. — Florida Man (@WWEBigE) December 27, 2020
Huber made his AEW debut in March and captured the TNT Championship in August. He lost the belt on Oct. 7 and hadn't wrestled since due to what was believed to be an undisclosed injury.
Before AEW, Huber was known as Luke Harper in the WWE, where he won NXT and Smackdown tag team titles and was an Intercontinental champion.
A 2017 Democrat and Chronicle profile described how Huber went from a clean-cut Jesuit school graduate to a bearded mauler in the wring with a mercurial wrestling persona.
Huber played lacrosse for four years at McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, New York, and skated in youth hockey leagues, including a time with former NHL star and fellow Rochester native Brian Gionta.
Huber's professional career began with independent outfits Roc City Wrestling, Rochester Championship Wrestling, NWA Upstate, NWA New York and Upstate Prof Wrestling. He was originally known as Huberboy #2 before renaming himself Brodie Lee.
For 7½ years, he toured as a wrestler on weekends while working as a book clerk at the Rochester City School District's Frederick Douglass campus.
"Once in a while a kid would come to my office and say, 'Mr. Huber, is this you?' And they would show me a video which was obviously me and I would say, 'Please don’t share that with anybody,' " Huber said in 2017.
Huber was ready to give up touring when Amanda was pregnant in 2011. That's when the WWE called, asking him to try out.
Huber signed a deal and moved to Florida to work his way up through the company's developmental ranks. He earned a spot on the main roster in 2013 and rose to prominence as part of the Wyatt Family.
After making the WWE main roster, Huber and his family moved back to Rochester.
"I'm super proud of Rochester and super proud of what Rochester is and what Rochester represents," Harper told WWE in 2019. "Instead of leave Rochester, I would prefer to have people associate Rochester with me and bring Rochester up."


usatoday--2020-12-28--Help for movie theaters, farms, mass transit: What's in the COVID-19 rescue bill you might not know

The roughly $ 900 billion stimulus package Congress passed Monday to combat the spiraling COVID-19 pandemic is n't just about direct payments to millions of Americans , another round of forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans to small businesses , or money to help distribute the coronavirus vaccines .
The bill , which heads to President Donald Trump for his signature , attempts to address the far-reaching fallout of a virus that has killed more than 320,000 Americans , infected millions more and forced scores of businesses to shut down and lay off workers .
Trump denounced the bill Tuesday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill that have n't gotten a lot of attention : 1 ) Helping live stage venues keep the lights on Some $ 15 billion is included in the measure for performing arts centers , independent movie theaters and other cultural institutions that have been hit particularly hard by the imposition of social distancing measures designed to limit the spread of the virus .
Only those that have already closed or are at risk of shutting down would be eligible for the federal grants , said Sen. John Cornyn , R-TX , who was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stages Act which became part of the relief package .
More : # SaveOurStages : How the new COVID-19 relief package will help entertainment venues '' Texas ’ historic and world-class entertainment venues were some of the first businesses to close , and many remain shuttered nine months later , '' he said .
Many Americans who lost their jobs because of the pandemic have also had trouble coming up with the rent .
So the Coronavirus Aid , Relief and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act that Congress passed in March not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also prevented landlords from tossing out their COVID-strapped tenants until Dec. 31 .
The relief package adopted Monday adds another $ 25 billion to the pot of aid available to families .
And it extends that moratorium on evictions until Jan. 31 .
Democrats who had pushed for more help were willing to accept just a one-month extension under the assumption that the federal government will be more active to prevent evictions when Joe Biden is inaugurated as president Jan. 20 .
The bill includes $ 1.3 billion to expand broadband on reservations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an infrastructure program many lawmakers have long sought to address to close the digital divide .
So what does a faster and more reliable internet have to do with fighting a deadly virus .
Telehealth for one .
With the pandemic making access to already sparse medical resources even more limited , doctors could increase their connection to patients .
How a pasta dinner and Zoom chats rescued the COVID-19 relief bill and led to a $ 900 billion deal Another benefit would be distance learning .
With many communities limiting – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students have become more reliant on the internet for their instruction .
Few industries have felt the pain of pandemic 's stay-at-home response as much as airlines , passenger trains and transit agencies .
The bill Congress passed includes money for all three sectors : $ 2 billion for airports , $ 1 billion for Amtrak , and $ 14 billion for bus and rail systems serving cities and suburbs .
The money for airports also includes relief for businesses operating that serve passengers .
The measure also provides $ 15 billion in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well as $ 1 billion in grants to employees of contractors working for the airlines .
“ This legislation is a lifeline for businesses and workers who have been hanging on by a thread , '' U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow .
More than four million travel jobs have been lost this year , and this package includes long-needed provisions to help employers keep their lights on . ''
5 ) Confronting the stress of the pandemic While the virus itself has yet to infect more than 90 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic upheaval and social isolation has left many Americans emotionally drained , mentally exhausted and deeply depressed .
A Centers for Disease Control study released in August found that 40 % percent of American adults said they had struggled with mental health or substance abuse in June .
More : COVID-19 has devastated Americans ' mental health .
Here 's a simple way all of us can help .
The relief bill provides $ 4.25 billion to increase mental health and substance abuse services , including $ 50 million for suicide prevention programs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve meals and restaurants have to limit their capacity , farmers suffer as well .
The bill includes nearly $ 12 billion to help make up for losses America 's crop growers , poultry and dairy farmers , cattle ranchers and food processors have had to swallow – and to make sure they survive to feed the country when the nation is fully open for business again .
The money would help offset losses farmers have shouldered from lost crops and livestock because they were unable to process them due to a lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Forgiving a loan to the U.S .
Postal Service Tucked inside the relief package is a provision that forgives a federal $ 10 billion loan to the U.S .
Postal Service that was included in the CARES Act passed earlier this year .
While the loan was not needed at the time the terms were finalized in July , the bill passed Monday exempting the agency from having to repay any amount that was borrowed .
The postal service continues to face rising costs and decreasing consumer demand for first-class mail deliveries .

Help for movie theaters, farms, mass transit: What's in the COVID-19 rescue bill you might not know about
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 relief deal: Extra $300 in jobless aid Congress is rushing to pass a proposed COVID-19 relief bill. Here's what is in the package and what it means for you. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Rescuing concert halls and movie theaters. Expanding rural broadband capacity. Preventing suicide.
The roughly $900 billion stimulus package Congress passed Monday to combat the spiraling COVID-19 pandemic isn't just about direct payments to millions of Americans, another round of forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans to small businesses, or money to help distribute the coronavirus vaccines.
The bill, which heads to President Donald Trump for his signature, attempts to address the far-reaching fallout of a virus that has killed more than 320,000 Americans, infected millions more and forced scores of businesses to shut down and lay off workers. Trump denounced the bill Tuesday night.
Here are several provisions in the bill that haven't gotten a lot of attention:
1) Helping live stage venues keep the lights on
Some $15 billion is included in the measure for performing arts centers, independent movie theaters and other cultural institutions that have been hit particularly hard by the imposition of social distancing measures designed to limit the spread of the virus.
Only those that have already closed or are at risk of shutting down would be eligible for the federal grants, said Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, who was a chief sponsor of the Save Our Stages Act which became part of the relief package.
More: #SaveOurStages: How the new COVID-19 relief package will help entertainment venues
"Texas’ historic and world-class entertainment venues were some of the first businesses to close, and many remain shuttered nine months later," he said.
2) Keeping renters in their homes
Many Americans who lost their jobs because of the pandemic have also had trouble coming up with the rent. So the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that Congress passed in March not only provided assistance to those families but also prevented landlords from tossing out their COVID-strapped tenants until Dec. 31.
The relief package adopted Monday adds another $25 billion to the pot of aid available to families. And it extends that moratorium on evictions until Jan. 31.
Democrats who had pushed for more help were willing to accept just a one-month extension under the assumption that the federal government will be more active to prevent evictions when Joe Biden is inaugurated as president Jan. 20.
3) Expanding the internet in hard-to-reach areas
The bill includes $1.3 billion to expand broadband on reservations and other rural pockets of the country, an infrastructure program many lawmakers have long sought to address to close the digital divide.
So what does a faster and more reliable internet have to do with fighting a deadly virus. Telehealth for one. With the pandemic making access to already sparse medical resources even more limited, doctors could increase their connection to patients.
How a pasta dinner and Zoom chats rescued the COVID-19 relief bill and led to a $900 billion deal
Another benefit would be distance learning. With many communities limiting – or even eliminating – in-person classes, students have become more reliant on the internet for their instruction.
4) Protecting transportation systems from crashing
Few industries have felt the pain of pandemic's stay-at-home response as much as airlines, passenger trains and transit agencies.
The bill Congress passed includes money for all three sectors: $2 billion for airports, $1 billion for Amtrak, and $14 billion for bus and rail systems serving cities and suburbs. The money for airports also includes relief for businesses operating that serve passengers.
The measure also provides $15 billion in grants to employees of passenger air carriers as well as $1 billion in grants to employees of contractors working for the airlines.
“This legislation is a lifeline for businesses and workers who have been hanging on by a thread," U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. More than four million travel jobs have been lost this year, and this package includes long-needed provisions to help employers keep their lights on."
5) Confronting the stress of the pandemic
While the virus itself has yet to infect more than 90% of the nation, its wake of economic upheaval and social isolation has left many Americans emotionally drained, mentally exhausted and deeply depressed.
A Centers for Disease Control study released in August found that 40% percent of American adults said they had struggled with mental health or substance abuse in June.
More: COVID-19 has devastated Americans' mental health. Here's a simple way all of us can help.
The relief bill provides $4.25 billion to increase mental health and substance abuse services, including $50 million for suicide prevention programs.
6) Lending a hand to hard-hit agriculture
When schools aren't open to serve meals and restaurants have to limit their capacity, farmers suffer as well.
The bill includes nearly $12 billion to help make up for losses America's crop growers, poultry and dairy farmers, cattle ranchers and food processors have had to swallow – and to make sure they survive to feed the country when the nation is fully open for business again.
The money would help offset losses farmers have shouldered from lost crops and livestock because they were unable to process them due to a lack of workers or demand.
7) Forgiving a loan to the U.S. Postal Service
Tucked inside the relief package is a provision that forgives a federal $10 billion loan to the U.S. Postal Service that was included in the CARES Act passed earlier this year.
While the loan was not needed at the time the terms were finalized in July, the bill passed Monday exempting the agency from having to repay any amount that was borrowed.
The postal service continues to face rising costs and decreasing consumer demand for first-class mail deliveries.


usatoday--2020-12-27--Army Special Forces Sgt. Duke Webb charged in Illinois bowling alley rampage that killed 3

ROCKFORD , Ill. – An Army sergeant based in Florida was charged with murder after a shooting rampage at a bowling alley complex that left three people dead and three wounded , authorities said Sunday .
Duke Webb , 37 , was held in the Winnebago County Jail without bond on three counts each of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder in Saturday 's attack .
His first court appearance was set for Monday .
`` We believe this was a completely random act , '' Police Chief Dan O'Shea said Sunday .
`` There is no prior meeting or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and any of the victims in this case . ''
The tragedy adds to the deadliest year on record for this city of 150,000 people , 90 miles west of Chicago .
Saturday 's killings marked 35 homicides this year , the most of any year on records dating back to 1965 .
The next highest total was 31 , recorded in 1996 .
Rockford 's issues are a recurring theme across the nation .
More than 41,500 people died by gun violence this year nationwide , which is a record , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group Gun Violence Archive .
Cities – including Milwaukee ; Indianapolis ; Cincinnati and Columbus , Ohio ; Greensboro , North Carolina ; Kansas City , Missouri ; Louisville , Kentucky ; and Trenton , New Jersey – surpassed their all-time records for homicides .
Others , such as Philadelphia and Fort Worth , Texas , are seeing their highest numbers in decades .
'They 're not forgotten ' : America 's other epidemic killed 41,000 people this year Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said the eyes of the nation are on his city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they `` respond to an incident such as this , as one Rockford , supporting one another and coming together . ''
`` This type of violence in the city of Rockford needs to stop , '' McNamara said .
`` This type of violence throughout our country needs to stop . ''
Webb , a resident of Florida , was taken into custody within minutes of officers arriving on the scene .
He attempted to conceal his identity and hide two weapons that were recovered from the scene , O'Shea said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Webb into custody , O'Shea said .
The Army said Webb is a Special Forces assistant operations and intelligence sergeant based at Camp Bull Simons , Eglin Air Force Base , Florida .
He joined the Army in 2008 and was on leave Saturday .
“ We are shocked and saddened to learn about this tragic event , ” said Col. John W. Sannes , commander of 7th Special Forces Group .
“ Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded.
” The site of the attack , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alley , a bar and an off-track betting site .
The bowling alley and lower level of the complex was closed because of COVID-19 regulations , but there were 20 to 25 people in an upstairs bar operating within compliance , O'Shea said .
`` The two teenage victims were picking up food .
It 's a carryout establishment as well , '' O'Shea said .
`` They were not in the bar area . ''
O'Shea said shots were fired inside and outside the complex .
Most of the incident was captured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
Webb is charged with fatally shooting three men , ages 73 , 65 and 69 .
He is accused of wounding a 14-year-old boy , who was shot in the face and airlifted to a hospital in Madison , a 16-year-old girl and a 62-year-old man , who is in critical condition after undergoing surgery from the shooting .

Kevin Haas, Chris Green and John Bacon, Rockford Register Star

Army Special Forces Sgt. Duke Webb charged in Illinois bowling alley rampage that killed 3
Show Caption Hide Caption Suspect goes on shooting rampage at Illinois bowling alley Police say they believe the rampage was a random attack. USA TODAY
ROCKFORD, Ill. – An Army sergeant based in Florida was charged with murder after a shooting rampage at a bowling alley complex that left three people dead and three wounded, authorities said Sunday.
Duke Webb, 37, was held in the Winnebago County Jail without bond on three counts each of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder in Saturday's attack. His first court appearance was set for Monday.
"We believe this was a completely random act," Police Chief Dan O'Shea said Sunday. "There is no prior meeting or any kind of relationship between the suspect and any of the victims in this case."
The tragedy adds to the deadliest year on record for this city of 150,000 people, 90 miles west of Chicago. Saturday's killings marked 35 homicides this year, the most of any year on records dating back to 1965. The next highest total was 31, recorded in 1996.
Rockford's issues are a recurring theme across the nation. More than 41,500 people died by gun violence this year nationwide, which is a record, according to the independent data collection and research group Gun Violence Archive.
Cities – including Milwaukee; Indianapolis; Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; Greensboro, North Carolina; Kansas City, Missouri; Louisville, Kentucky; and Trenton, New Jersey – surpassed their all-time records for homicides. Others, such as Philadelphia and Fort Worth, Texas, are seeing their highest numbers in decades.
'They're not forgotten': America's other epidemic killed 41,000 people this year
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said the eyes of the nation are on his city, and its residents must show how they "respond to an incident such as this, as one Rockford, supporting one another and coming together."
"This type of violence in the city of Rockford needs to stop," McNamara said. "This type of violence throughout our country needs to stop."
Webb, a resident of Florida, was taken into custody within minutes of officers arriving on the scene. He attempted to conceal his identity and hide two weapons that were recovered from the scene, O'Shea said. No officers fired their weapons while taking Webb into custody, O'Shea said.
The Army said Webb is a Special Forces assistant operations and intelligence sergeant based at Camp Bull Simons, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He joined the Army in 2008 and was on leave Saturday.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn about this tragic event,” said Col. John W. Sannes, commander of 7th Special Forces Group. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and wounded.”
The site of the attack, Don Carter Lanes, includes the bowling alley, a bar and an off-track betting site. The bowling alley and lower level of the complex was closed because of COVID-19 regulations, but there were 20 to 25 people in an upstairs bar operating within compliance, O'Shea said.
"The two teenage victims were picking up food. It's a carryout establishment as well," O'Shea said. "They were not in the bar area."
O'Shea said shots were fired inside and outside the complex. Most of the incident was captured on surveillance video inside the business, he said.
Webb is charged with fatally shooting three men, ages 73, 65 and 69. He is accused of wounding a 14-year-old boy, who was shot in the face and airlifted to a hospital in Madison, a 16-year-old girl and a 62-year-old man, who is in critical condition after undergoing surgery from the shooting.
Contributing: Grace Hauck, USA TODAY; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-12-28--With one game left, Dallas Cowboys keep NFL playoff hopes alive by beating Philadelphia Eagles

ARLINGTON , Texas – The Cowboys ’ NFC East hopes will live another week .
Credit their receivers burning the Eagles more than the Eagles burned theirs , as Philadelphia ’ s offense started quickly then sputtered spectacularly on Sunday .
Credit also the Carolina Panthers , whose 20-13 victory prevented the Washington Football Team ( 6-9 ) from clinching the division .
Washington still holds the keys to the NFC East , a Week 17 victory over the Eagles away from a playoff berth .
But should Washington lose to Philadelphia next week , the winner of the Cowboys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the division title .
Here are three more things we learned in Dallas ’ 37-17 win : More : Jacksonville Jaguars secure No .
1 overall selection in 2021 NFL draft with loss , Jets victory During training camp , Cowboys receivers were not shy : Why couldn ’ t each of their three talented wideouts hit 1,000 yards in the same season , they wondered aloud ?
The lofty goal took a hit when franchise quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 5 .
But on Sunday , against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receivers doled out one burn after the next .
Michael Gallup racked up 58 yards after the catch on one tackle-breaking race down the left sideline , CeeDee Lamb took a wheel route 52 yards home and Amari Cooper stutter-stepped his way to a 69-yard reception … and the six-year pro ’ s fifth 1,000-yard season .
The result , unsurprisingly : Andy Dalton ’ s most productive day as a Cowboy .
Dalton completed 22 of 30 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns ( one interception ) , and his short-to-intermediate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ scoring drive just before the half , when Dalton found Gallup on a 19-yard toe-dragger down the left sideline … and then on a back-shoulder fade in the left corner of the end zone to take a 20-17 lead into halftime .
The Eagles wouldn ’ t score again .
The Cowboys defense is still historically bad .
Sunday , the unit broke the franchise records for most touchdowns and points allowed in a season .
The season-long issues that enabled those records – blown coverages in the secondary , an undisciplined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first quarter , quarterback Jalen Hurts ’ athleticism on display with back-to-back yards for double-digit gains .
Eagles running back Miles Sanders slipped into the end zone upright for the Eagles ’ first touchdown , and receiver DeSean Jackson needed just one play to burn Dallas for an 81-yard score the next series .
But the Cowboys defense allowed just three points in the second quarter .
And they shut out the Eagles in the second half .
That said , the teams did still combine for more than 900 yards in offense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cowboys defense snatched at least three takeaways .
All three were in the fourth quarter of the Eagles ’ unraveling .
Defensive end Randy Gregory forced his third fumble on the day , the first the Cowboys would recover .
Cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Anthony Brown each intercepted Hurts , who had gone consecutive starts without a pick .
Pair that with a 1-of-3 red-zone day for Philadelphia , and Gregory adding two hits ( 1.5 sacks ) to the effort ?
The Eagles are staying home for the postseason .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East title will not be defended .

With one game left, Dallas Cowboys keep NFL playoff hopes alive by beating Philadelphia Eagles
Show Caption Hide Caption NFC overreactions: Washington tumble and Cowboys rumble set up NFC East drama SportsPulse: The NFC East will go down to the final week of the season as well as every wild card spot in the NFC. Mackenzie Salmon reacts to the biggest storylines in the NFC from Week 16. USA TODAY
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Cowboys’ NFC East hopes will live another week.
Credit their receivers burning the Eagles more than the Eagles burned theirs, as Philadelphia’s offense started quickly then sputtered spectacularly on Sunday.
Credit also the Carolina Panthers, whose 20-13 victory prevented the Washington Football Team (6-9) from clinching the division.
Washington still holds the keys to the NFC East, a Week 17 victory over the Eagles away from a playoff berth. But should Washington lose to Philadelphia next week, the winner of the Cowboys at New York Giants matchup will take the division title.
Here are three more things we learned in Dallas’ 37-17 win:
More: Jacksonville Jaguars secure No. 1 overall selection in 2021 NFL draft with loss, Jets victory
More: Kansas City Chiefs clinch AFC's top seed with comeback win against Atlanta Falcons
Receivers light up
During training camp, Cowboys receivers were not shy: Why couldn’t each of their three talented wideouts hit 1,000 yards in the same season, they wondered aloud? The lofty goal took a hit when franchise quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 5. But on Sunday, against a flammable Eagles secondary, the Cowboys receivers doled out one burn after the next. Michael Gallup racked up 58 yards after the catch on one tackle-breaking race down the left sideline, CeeDee Lamb took a wheel route 52 yards home and Amari Cooper stutter-stepped his way to a 69-yard reception … and the six-year pro’s fifth 1,000-yard season. The result, unsurprisingly: Andy Dalton’s most productive day as a Cowboy. Dalton completed 22 of 30 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns (one interception), and his short-to-intermediate game sparkled too. Take the Cowboys’ scoring drive just before the half, when Dalton found Gallup on a 19-yard toe-dragger down the left sideline … and then on a back-shoulder fade in the left corner of the end zone to take a 20-17 lead into halftime. The Eagles wouldn’t score again.
Cowboys D holds off again
The Cowboys defense is still historically bad. Sunday, the unit broke the franchise records for most touchdowns and points allowed in a season. The season-long issues that enabled those records – blown coverages in the secondary, an undisciplined run defense – hurt them in the first quarter, quarterback Jalen Hurts’ athleticism on display with back-to-back yards for double-digit gains. Eagles running back Miles Sanders slipped into the end zone upright for the Eagles’ first touchdown, and receiver DeSean Jackson needed just one play to burn Dallas for an 81-yard score the next series. But the Cowboys defense allowed just three points in the second quarter. And they shut out the Eagles in the second half.
That said, the teams did still combine for more than 900 yards in offense.
Turnover ratio
For the third consecutive week, the Cowboys defense snatched at least three takeaways. All three were in the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ unraveling. Defensive end Randy Gregory forced his third fumble on the day, the first the Cowboys would recover. Cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and Anthony Brown each intercepted Hurts, who had gone consecutive starts without a pick. Pair that with a 1-of-3 red-zone day for Philadelphia, and Gregory adding two hits (1.5 sacks) to the effort? The Eagles are staying home for the postseason. For the 16th consecutive season, the NFC East title will not be defended.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein


usatoday--2020-12-28--Johnny Depp sends holiday Instagram message wishing for 'a better time ahead' after 'hard' 2020

Johnny Depp took a step away from his ongoing legal battles to send a holiday message to fans the day after Christmas .
Depp 's black-and-white Dec. 26 Instagram post was the embodiment of holiday celebrating , with the 57-year-old actor laughing at a bar with legendary Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan ( famed for the rowdy Christmas classic `` Fairytale of New York '' ) .
The moment was captured from the set of the documentary about the rocker , `` Crock of Gold : A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan , '' which Depp produced .
`` This year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here ’ s to a better time ahead , '' Depp wrote in the Instagram caption .
`` Happy Holidays , everyone !
My love and respect to you all .
Eternally , JD . ''
Johnny Depp exits 'Fantastic Beasts ' franchise : ' I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros.' The post had nearly 2 million likes by Sunday and included comments from rocker Patti Smith , who wrote , `` We are yours eternally . ''
Depp 's difficulties in 2020 have been high profile and are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes clear .
Saturday 's well-wishing post is just two spots over from Depp 's Nov. 6 Instagram post announcing he would no longer star as Grindelwald in the `` Fantastic Beasts '' film series .
In that post , Depp wrote that Warner Bros. , the studio behind the film , asked him to resign `` in light of recent events . ''
Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen ( `` Casino Royale , '' `` Rogue One : A Star Wars Story '' ) has been cast as the primary antagonist in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Harry Potter '' prequel series , currently in production .
Depp had sued News Group Newspapers ( NGN ) , owner of British tabloid The Sun , over a 2018 article that described him as a `` wife beater '' to then-wife Amber Heard .
After a contentious , sordid legal battle played out over three weeks this summer , a British judge ruled on Nov. 2 that the article was not libelous , saying it had been proven to be `` substantially true . ''
In the November Instagram post , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wrote : `` The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal . ''
`` My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false , '' he wrote .
`` My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time . ''
Last week , Depp ’ s legal counsel filed new documents in appeals court asking for a new trial .

Johnny Depp sends holiday Instagram message wishing for 'a better time ahead' after 'hard' 2020
Show Caption Hide Caption 2020 legal battles: Depp, Spears, Loughlin From Johnny Depp's failed lawsuit to the #FreeBritney movement, here are some of the biggest celebrity legal battles of 2020. (Dec. 8) AP
Johnny Depp took a step away from his ongoing legal battles to send a holiday message to fans the day after Christmas.
Depp's black-and-white Dec. 26 Instagram post was the embodiment of holiday celebrating, with the 57-year-old actor laughing at a bar with legendary Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan (famed for the rowdy Christmas classic "Fairytale of New York").
The moment was captured from the set of the documentary about the rocker, "Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan," which Depp produced.
"This year has been so hard for so many. Here’s to a better time ahead," Depp wrote in the Instagram caption. "Happy Holidays, everyone! My love and respect to you all. Eternally, JD."
Johnny Depp exits 'Fantastic Beasts' franchise: 'I have been asked to resign by Warner Bros.'
The post had nearly 2 million likes by Sunday and included comments from rocker Patti Smith, who wrote, "We are yours eternally."
Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom wrote, "Love you, buddy. Any year, anytime."
Depp's difficulties in 2020 have been high profile and are ongoing, as his official Instagram account makes clear.
Saturday's well-wishing post is just two spots over from Depp's Nov. 6 Instagram post announcing he would no longer star as Grindelwald in the "Fantastic Beasts" film series. In that post, Depp wrote that Warner Bros., the studio behind the film, asked him to resign "in light of recent events."
Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen ("Casino Royale," "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story") has been cast as the primary antagonist in the upcoming third installment of J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" prequel series, currently in production.
Depp had sued News Group Newspapers (NGN), owner of British tabloid The Sun, over a 2018 article that described him as a "wife beater" to then-wife Amber Heard. After a contentious, sordid legal battle played out over three weeks this summer, a British judge ruled on Nov. 2 that the article was not libelous, saying it had been proven to be "substantially true."
In the November Instagram post, a typewritten and signed Depp statement, he wrote: "The surreal judgement of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal."
"My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false," he wrote. "My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time."
Last week, Depp’s legal counsel filed new documents in appeals court asking for a new trial.


usatoday--2020-12-27--College football COVID-19 updates: Missouri withdrawal leads to cancellation of Music City Bowl agai

The TransPerfect Music City Bowl was canceled Sunday when Missouri pulled out because of a rise in COVID-19 cases .
The uptick appeared after the latest round of tri-weekly testing .
Players had returned to Columbia after having the option to go home to spend the Christmas holiday with family before preparing to play Iowa .
One person with knowledge of the situation told the Tribune that the Tigers have `` more than a dozen '' cases of COVID-19 .
The person added that Missouri 's current coronavirus issues date to the team 's road trip to Mississippi State on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I am disappointed that we were not able to finish the season against a tremendous opponent in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl later this week , '' Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz said in a statement Sunday afternoon .
`` I am extremely proud of the fight and resiliency that our players have shown throughout this challenging season .
`` This is the eighth time in 11 games we 've been faced with a schedule adjustment , but we 've been able to fight through and finish while competing at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which I believe shows the true character of our team . ''
Iowa will not seek an alternate opponent or makeup game , so its season will end at 6-2 .
Iowa had practiced Saturday and Sunday after returning from its own five-day pause after six coaches tested positive for COVID-19 .
The Hawkeyes were two-touchdown favorites against the Tigers .
The Hawkeyes entered the postseason at No .
15 in the College Football Playoff rankings and were riding a six-game winning streak .
They had their final two games canceled over opponents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pull out of the Dec. 19 matchup scheduled at Kinnick Stadium , making the Hawkeyes ' 28-7 win against Wisconsin on Dec. 12 officially their last game of the pandemic-shortened 2020 calendar .
Missouri , which finished 5-5 , already had a thin roster due to opt-outs , injuries , transfers and players leaving for the NFL draft .
The remaining roster would n't be enough for its postseason game .
“ Since concluding our regular season and conducting four rounds of tests over the last eight days , we have seen a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our student-athletes , coaches and staff , '' athletics director Jim Sterk said in a statement .
`` We unfortunately must pause all football team-related activities until at least Jan. 2 to help contain the virus ’ spread and ensure the health and well-being of everyone within our program and the community . ''
The cancellation means Drinkwitz , in his first season leading Missouri , wo n't have the opportunity for postseason incentives .
He could have earned a one-year extension and a $ 100,000 raise by defeating the Hawkeyes , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if Missouri wins a bowl game or eight contests in either of his first two seasons .

College football COVID-19 updates: Missouri withdrawal leads to cancellation of Music City Bowl against Iowa
The TransPerfect Music City Bowl was canceled Sunday when Missouri pulled out because of a rise in COVID-19 cases.
The uptick appeared after the latest round of tri-weekly testing. Players had returned to Columbia after having the option to go home to spend the Christmas holiday with family before preparing to play Iowa.
One person with knowledge of the situation told the Tribune that the Tigers have "more than a dozen" cases of COVID-19. The person added that Missouri's current coronavirus issues date to the team's road trip to Mississippi State on Dec. 19, not the holiday recess.
.
"I am disappointed that we were not able to finish the season against a tremendous opponent in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl later this week," Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz said in a statement Sunday afternoon. "I am extremely proud of the fight and resiliency that our players have shown throughout this challenging season.
"This is the eighth time in 11 games we've been faced with a schedule adjustment, but we've been able to fight through and finish while competing at a very high level throughout the season, which I believe shows the true character of our team."
Iowa will not seek an alternate opponent or makeup game, so its season will end at 6-2.
Iowa had practiced Saturday and Sunday after returning from its own five-day pause after six coaches tested positive for COVID-19. The Hawkeyes were two-touchdown favorites against the Tigers.
The Hawkeyes entered the postseason at No. 15 in the College Football Playoff rankings and were riding a six-game winning streak. They had their final two games canceled over opponents' COVID-19 issues. Michigan had to pull out of the Dec. 19 matchup scheduled at Kinnick Stadium, making the Hawkeyes' 28-7 win against Wisconsin on Dec. 12 officially their last game of the pandemic-shortened 2020 calendar.
Missouri, which finished 5-5, already had a thin roster due to opt-outs, injuries, transfers and players leaving for the NFL draft. The remaining roster wouldn't be enough for its postseason game.
“Since concluding our regular season and conducting four rounds of tests over the last eight days, we have seen a significant increase in positive COVID-19 tests among our student-athletes, coaches and staff," athletics director Jim Sterk said in a statement. "We unfortunately must pause all football team-related activities until at least Jan. 2 to help contain the virus’ spread and ensure the health and well-being of everyone within our program and the community."
The cancellation means Drinkwitz, in his first season leading Missouri, won't have the opportunity for postseason incentives.
He could have earned a one-year extension and a $100,000 raise by defeating the Hawkeyes, according to his contract. Those bonuses occur if Missouri wins a bowl game or eight contests in either of his first two seasons.
Contributing: Chad Leistikow, Des Moines Register


usatoday--2020-12-27--Reports: NFL teams looking at former Florida, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer

Despite saying two years ago that `` I do not believe I will coach again , '' Urban Meyer is at the center of multiple reports saying he is interested in an NFL gig .
The three-time National Championship winner has explored the idea of the Jacksonville Jaguars head coaching job , according to the Toledo Blade .
ESPN has reported that `` at least two NFL teams '' have contacted Meyer to gauge his interest in coaching at the next level and that `` he intends to decide in the next week , before the NFL regular season is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dabo Swinney on ranking Ohio State outside top 10 : ' I did n't think they were qualified' Meyer 's coaching resume features a 187-32 career record over 17 seasons , with stops at Bowling Green , Utah , Florida and Ohio State , where he won three Big Ten titles .
Meyer , 56 , stepped down from Florida in 2009 after five seasons due to stress-related health concerns that surfaced when he suffered chest pain following the SEC championship game .
He returned for another season and then stepped down again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more time to spend with his family .
Health concerns including headaches caused by an arachnoid cyst in his brain played a role in his decision to leave Ohio State in December 2018 after the Rose Bowl .
Meyer 's name came up last year in connection with the Dallas Cowboys head coaching job , but it never went anywhere .
Since Meyer 's departure from coaching two years ago , he works as an assistant athletic director at Ohio State and an analyst for Fox Sports college football broadcasts .
Jaguars current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 12-34 record since the start of 2018 -- still has one year remaining on his contract after this season .
With a 1-13 record identical to the New York Jets , Jacksonville and interim GM , Trent Baalke hold the tiebreaker for the No .
1 overall pick in the 2021 draft .
The presumptive No .
1 pick is Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence , who coincidentally will lead the Tigers against Ohio State on Friday in one of the College Football Playoff semifinals .
Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey @ usatoday.com @ @ @ @ @ @

Reports: NFL teams looking at former Florida, Ohio State coach Urban Meyer
Despite saying two years ago that "I do not believe I will coach again," Urban Meyer is at the center of multiple reports saying he is interested in an NFL gig.
The three-time National Championship winner has explored the idea of the Jacksonville Jaguars head coaching job, according to the Toledo Blade.
ESPN has reported that "at least two NFL teams" have contacted Meyer to gauge his interest in coaching at the next level and that "he intends to decide in the next week, before the NFL regular season is over."
More: Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on ranking Ohio State outside top 10: 'I didn't think they were qualified'
Meyer's coaching resume features a 187-32 career record over 17 seasons, with stops at Bowling Green, Utah, Florida and Ohio State, where he won three Big Ten titles.
Meyer, 56, stepped down from Florida in 2009 after five seasons due to stress-related health concerns that surfaced when he suffered chest pain following the SEC championship game. He returned for another season and then stepped down again in December 2010, saying he wanted more time to spend with his family. Health concerns including headaches caused by an arachnoid cyst in his brain played a role in his decision to leave Ohio State in December 2018 after the Rose Bowl.
Meyer's name came up last year in connection with the Dallas Cowboys head coaching job, but it never went anywhere.
Since Meyer's departure from coaching two years ago, he works as an assistant athletic director at Ohio State and an analyst for Fox Sports college football broadcasts.
Jaguars current head coach Doug Marrone -- who has a 12-34 record since the start of 2018 -- still has one year remaining on his contract after this season. With a 1-13 record identical to the New York Jets, Jacksonville and interim GM, Trent Baalke hold the tiebreaker for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft.
The presumptive No. 1 pick is Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence, who coincidentally will lead the Tigers against Ohio State on Friday in one of the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey@usatoday.com or on Twitter @analisbailey.


usatoday--2020-12-24--Navy son crashes mom's Christmas message

Elisabeth has n't seen her Navy son for three years .
So when he snuck up behind her while she @ @ @ @ @ a Christmas miracle .

Navy son crashes mom's Christmas message
Elisabeth hasn't seen her Navy son for three years. So when he snuck up behind her while she was shopping it was truly a Christmas miracle.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-26--Hungry deer served frosty surprise

Hungry deer served frosty surprise

This deer got more than it bargained for in snowy Beech Mountain , North Carolina .

Hungry deer dumped with snow
This deer got more than it bargained for in snowy Beech Mountain, North Carolina.
Staff video, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-27--'Three-martini lunch' tax break, foreign aid: Year-end bills  stir controversy

WASHINGTON – The $ 2.3 trillion spending package Congress overwhelmingly passed last week has a little bit of everything .
Fused from two major bills – a $ 900 billion coronavirus aid package to address the economic fallout of the pandemic and a $ 1.4 trillion spending measure to fund the government through Sept. 30 – the legislation includes money for direct payments to millions of families , vaccine distribution efforts and pay raises for the military .
It also includes controversial provisions that would extend tax breaks for race car tracks and business lunches , millions for venues that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon monoxide detectors be installed in public housing apartments .
It includes billions in foreign aid , which often draws conservatives ' ire , and money for President Donald Trump 's border wall , which enrages liberals .
Trump signaled he may veto the bill , saying some provisions , such as foreign aid and money for cultural institutions , have no place in a bill aimed at helping the country weather the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 332,000 and shuttered thousands of businesses .
In a video he tweeted Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` disgrace '' for not providing enough in direct payments to Americans and for spending too much on foreign aid ( though the budget he submitted to Congress this year calls for roughly the same funding levels ) .
More : $ 2,000 checks in limbo as Congress unable to agree on COVID-19 relief payments Many of the tax breaks and controversial provisions are included in the $ 1.4 trillion spending bill attached to the relief bill .
Government watchdog groups said that does n't excuse what Congress approved .
It is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantees high levels of farm subsidies deep into 2021 and ( tacks ) on dozens of other special-interest provisions that won ’ t be found until days or weeks after the lawmakers have left the Capitol , '' said Steve Ellis , president of Taxpayers for Common Sense , a nonpartisan watchdog group that tracks government spending .
'You could lose parts of the economy ' : Fed and Treasury urge Congress to approve more virus relief Here are some of the most controversial sections of the second-largest relief package in U.S. history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the package Congress passed , Trump decried billions in funding for programs in foreign countries .
All of the funding proposals the president complained about were equal to or slightly less than the allotments in the budget Trump proposed during negotiations .
More : Trump leaves Congress with holiday cliffhanger on COVID-19 bill as lawmakers scramble Some of the entries include $ 505 million in aid to Central American countries ; $ 25 million for gender equity and democracy promotion programs in Pakistan ; $ 1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southeast Asian nations .
The negotiated omnibus bill includes increases in military spending and contracts through 2021 .
Lawmakers approved $ 696 billion in military appropriations , including $ 23.3 billion to build 10 warships and $ 9.6 billion for 96 F-35 fighters .
Liberal Democrats opposed the budget increases , arguing for provisions that would “ reduce Pentagon spending to prevent waste , fraud and abuse while maintaining support for personnel and families.
” The White House initially opposed parts of the military spending bill , arguing they enabled military conflicts overseas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would allow businesses to deduct two full years worth of business meals when filing taxes , deriding the measure as “ three-martini lunches ” for the rich .
The tax code allows half of those costs to be deducted .
The cost of the new benefit , which the White House argued would help restaurants hurt by the pandemic , is projected at $ 6 billion in tax breaks for corporations over the next decade .
About $ 15 billion of aid is designated for performing arts centers , independent movie theaters and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the imposition of social distancing measures designed to limit the spread of the virus .
The Save Our Stages act is aimed at helping only venues that have closed or are at risk of shutting down .
Supporters of the bipartisan effort said the grants would provide financial support necessary to keep venues afloat , pay employees and preserve a critical economic sector for communities across America .
More than $ 40 million was approved for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts , the Washington cultural jewel , many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The money includes $ 26 million for operations , maintenance and security , plus $ 14 million for improvements .
The Kennedy Center is often on lists of questionable spending , but it is n't the only cultural organization that would get assistance in the package .
Also receiving taxpayer funds would be the U.S .
Holocaust Memorial Museum ( $ 61.4 million ) , the National Endowment for the Arts ( $ 167.5 million ) and the Smithsonian Institution ( more than $ 1 billion ) .
More : Republican senators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Electoral College vote Money was also directed to the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the government funding deal .
Trump objected to the measure .
The spending bill includes funds to fulfill one of Trump 's most prominent campaign promises : construction of a partition on the U.S-Mexican border .
The $ 1.375 billion for the border wall is not as much as the nearly $ 2 billion Trump wanted , but it 's more than his critics want taxpayers to cover .
Inclusion of the money undercuts his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the structure .
A fight with Congress over border wall funding in December 2018 led to a 35-day shutdown of the government .
There 's no indication that a lack of wall funding this time is among the reasons Trump may veto the bill .
The package would extend a tax benefit for racetrack owners .
Under the `` NASCAR tax break , '' owners could get a windfall of up to $ 224 million over 10 years to write off construction and renovation costs .
Legislation tied to the government funding bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Latino and women 's history .
Like all Smithsonian programs , the museums would be funded by splitting private donations and public money .
“ The last thing we need is to further divide an already divided nation within an array of separate but equal museums of hyphenated identity groups , '' he said this month .
The liquor industry was a big winner in the bill , which would permanently secure billions in tax breaks even though studies show alcohol consumption has risen sharply during the pandemic .
Among the measures is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beer , which would probably incur a 10-year cost of $ 1 billion ; an excise tax break for domestic wine producers worth $ 2.2 billion ; and a tax break for makers of distilled spirits valued at $ 5.7 billion .
The package includes $ 9.9 million set aside for the expenses of the presidential transition .
That funding would help President-elect Joe Biden 's administration assume office in the coming year .
The bill includes at least $ 8 million meant for the Trump administration to aid in the process .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your income tax rate in surprising ways Trump would essentially fund the exit from office he 's fought through the courts and Congress by challenging the election results .
The aid package includes a provision that would convert a $ 10 billion loan to the U.S .
Postal Service into direct aid .
The funds would be used to support logistics and supply workers with personal protective equipment and other necessary aid .
The bill would preserve six-day postal delivery and prevent the consolidation or closure of rural and other small post offices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Matthew Brown and Ledyard King, USA TODAY

'Three-martini lunch' tax break, foreign aid: Year-end bills stir controversy
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: President Trump denounces new relief bill, demands changes President Trump denounced the new COVID-19 relief package he's expected to sign and urged congressional leaders to make several changes to the bill. Staff video, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The $2.3 trillion spending package Congress overwhelmingly passed last week has a little bit of everything.
Fused from two major bills – a $900 billion coronavirus aid package to address the economic fallout of the pandemic and a $1.4 trillion spending measure to fund the government through Sept. 30 – the legislation includes money for direct payments to millions of families, vaccine distribution efforts and pay raises for the military.
It also includes controversial provisions that would extend tax breaks for race car tracks and business lunches, millions for venues that aren't open and a requirement that carbon monoxide detectors be installed in public housing apartments. It includes billions in foreign aid, which often draws conservatives' ire, and money for President Donald Trump's border wall, which enrages liberals.
Trump signaled he may veto the bill, saying some provisions, such as foreign aid and money for cultural institutions, have no place in a bill aimed at helping the country weather the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 332,000 and shuttered thousands of businesses.
In a video he tweeted Tuesday night, Trump called the bill a "disgrace" for not providing enough in direct payments to Americans and for spending too much on foreign aid (though the budget he submitted to Congress this year calls for roughly the same funding levels).
More: $2,000 checks in limbo as Congress unable to agree on COVID-19 relief payments
Many of the tax breaks and controversial provisions are included in the $1.4 trillion spending bill attached to the relief bill. Government watchdog groups said that doesn't excuse what Congress approved.
It is "a sweetheart deal for defense contractors, guarantees high levels of farm subsidies deep into 2021 and (tacks) on dozens of other special-interest provisions that won’t be found until days or weeks after the lawmakers have left the Capitol," said Steve Ellis, president of Taxpayers for Common Sense, a nonpartisan watchdog group that tracks government spending.
'You could lose parts of the economy': Fed and Treasury urge Congress to approve more virus relief
Here are some of the most controversial sections of the second-largest relief package in U.S. history.
Foreign aid programs
In his surprise late-night speech denouncing the package Congress passed, Trump decried billions in funding for programs in foreign countries.
All of the funding proposals the president complained about were equal to or slightly less than the allotments in the budget Trump proposed during negotiations.
More: Trump leaves Congress with holiday cliffhanger on COVID-19 bill as lawmakers scramble
Some of the entries include $505 million in aid to Central American countries; $25 million for gender equity and democracy promotion programs in Pakistan; $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt; and $219.5 million in aid to Southeast Asian nations.
Expanded military budget , defense contractor deals
The negotiated omnibus bill includes increases in military spending and contracts through 2021.
Lawmakers approved $696 billion in military appropriations, including $23.3 billion to build 10 warships and $9.6 billion for 96 F-35 fighters. Liberal Democrats opposed the budget increases, arguing for provisions that would “reduce Pentagon spending to prevent waste, fraud and abuse while maintaining support for personnel and families.”
The White House initially opposed parts of the military spending bill, arguing they enabled military conflicts overseas.
'Three-martini lunch' deductions
Democrats objected to a provision that would allow businesses to deduct two full years worth of business meals when filing taxes, deriding the measure as “three-martini lunches” for the rich.
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The tax code allows half of those costs to be deducted. The cost of the new benefit, which the White House argued would help restaurants hurt by the pandemic, is projected at $6 billion in tax breaks for corporations over the next decade.
Keeping live venues afloat
About $15 billion of aid is designated for performing arts centers, independent movie theaters and other cultural institutions hit particularly hard by the imposition of social distancing measures designed to limit the spread of the virus.
The Save Our Stages act is aimed at helping only venues that have closed or are at risk of shutting down.
Supporters of the bipartisan effort said the grants would provide financial support necessary to keep venues afloat, pay employees and preserve a critical economic sector for communities across America.
Aid to cultural institutions
More than $40 million was approved for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Washington cultural jewel, many of whose trustees are appointed by the president.
The money includes $26 million for operations, maintenance and security, plus $14 million for improvements.
The Kennedy Center is often on lists of questionable spending, but it isn't the only cultural organization that would get assistance in the package. Also receiving taxpayer funds would be the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum ($61.4 million), the National Endowment for the Arts ($167.5 million) and the Smithsonian Institution (more than $1 billion).
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Money was also directed to the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the government funding deal. Trump objected to the measure.
Money for the border wall
The spending bill includes funds to fulfill one of Trump's most prominent campaign promises: construction of a partition on the U.S-Mexican border.
The $1.375 billion for the border wall is not as much as the nearly $2 billion Trump wanted, but it's more than his critics want taxpayers to cover. Inclusion of the money undercuts his campaign pledge that Mexico would pay for the structure.
A fight with Congress over border wall funding in December 2018 led to a 35-day shutdown of the government. There's no indication that a lack of wall funding this time is among the reasons Trump may veto the bill.
A 'NASCAR tax break'
The package would extend a tax benefit for racetrack owners.
Under the "NASCAR tax break," owners could get a windfall of up to $224 million over 10 years to write off construction and renovation costs.
Establishment of Women's and Latino history Smithsonian museums
Legislation tied to the government funding bill approved the creation of Smithsonian museums for Latino and women's history. Like all Smithsonian programs, the museums would be funded by splitting private donations and public money.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, opposed the move.
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“The last thing we need is to further divide an already divided nation within an array of separate but equal museums of hyphenated identity groups," he said this month.
Tax breaks for the liquor industry
The liquor industry was a big winner in the bill, which would permanently secure billions in tax breaks even though studies show alcohol consumption has risen sharply during the pandemic.
Among the measures is a cut in the excise tax for beer, which would probably incur a 10-year cost of $1 billion; an excise tax break for domestic wine producers worth $2.2 billion; and a tax break for makers of distilled spirits valued at $5.7 billion.
Presidential transition expenses
The package includes $9.9 million set aside for the expenses of the presidential transition. That funding would help President-elect Joe Biden's administration assume office in the coming year. The bill includes at least $8 million meant for the Trump administration to aid in the process.
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Trump would essentially fund the exit from office he's fought through the courts and Congress by challenging the election results.
Postal Service funding
The aid package includes a provision that would convert a $10 billion loan to the U.S. Postal Service into direct aid. The funds would be used to support logistics and supply workers with personal protective equipment and other necessary aid.
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The bill would preserve six-day postal delivery and prevent the consolidation or closure of rural and other small post offices, measures which the president has opposed.