usatoday--2020-11-26--Rudolph, Snoopy, Mariah Carey and Dolly Parton help celebrate the holidays: What's on TV and when?

It 's beginning to look a lot like Christmas as TV networks and streaming services roll out a colorfully wrapped array of holiday specials from now until the end of the year .
There 's a festive mix of new ( a Dolly Parton special ) and traditional ( You 're a mean one , Mr. Grinch ) arriving for the holiday season , which may feature more at-home viewing than usual because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
Besides Dolly , TV 's holiday firmament features bright stars such as Mariah Carey , Carrie Underwood , Thomas Rhett , Garth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Before diving into a sleighful of Christmas specials , fan-favorite cartoons and holiday-themed series episodes , let 's note a couple of upcoming Turkey Day specials : NBC 's `` A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving Special '' ( Wednesday , 9 EST/PST ) , featuring Thanksgiving-themed sketches from the comedy show 's 46 seasons , and `` The 94th Annual Macy ’ s Thanksgiving Day Parade '' ( Thursday , 9 a.m. EST/PST ) , which NBC touts as `` a reimagined celebration '' for these pandemic times .
More holiday viewing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show LGBTQ love in leading roles : 'It fits in' Apple TV+ subscribers can watch `` A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving , ” and others can watch it for free Wednesday through Friday .
Keeping holiday tradition : After outcry and viral petition , Charlie Brown holiday specials get broadcast airing on PBS But Thanksgiving is only an appetizer when it comes to holiday programming .
Here 's the menu of upcoming treats : 'Tis the season for huge brand names , and Disney+ makes sure the seasonal Force is with you with `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( now streaming ) .
Traditionalists will relish the return of the legendary 1966 cartoon , `` How the Grinch Stole Christmas ! ''
( NBC , Friday , 8 EST/PST ; TBS , Dec. 6 , 7 EST/PST ; also streaming on Amazon ) , but those curious to see an update can catch NBC 's `` Dr. Seuss ' The Grinch Musical ! ''
( Dec. 9 , 8 EST/PST ) from the Troubadour Theatre in London , with Matthew Morrison ( `` Glee '' ) as the tiny-hearted title character @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find dates during the holidays as HBO Max introduces `` 12 Dates of Christmas '' ( streaming Thursday ) , an eight-episode series that features `` three hopefully romantic singles ( searching for ) someone to bring home for the holidays . ''
Sounds like `` Love Actually '' as a reality competition .
The popular Minions movie characters get into the holiday TV game with “ Illumination Presents Minions Holiday Special ” on NBC Friday ( 8:30 EST/PST ) .
It will be available the next day on NBCUniversal ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take center stage to help viewers celebrate the holidays .
Country music star Thomas Rhett and his wife , author Lauren Akins , make their TV hosting debut on the 11th annual edition of ABC 's `` CMA Country Christmas '' ( Monday , 9 EST/PST ) .
PBS celebrates the holiday with different musical styles .
The 17th annual `` Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir , '' featuring actors Kelli O'Hara and Richard Thomas , premieres Dec. 14 ( 9 EST/PST , check local listings ) , with `` Ella Wishes you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' a celebration of classic holiday tunes from Ella Fitzgerald , arriving Dec. 15 ( 8 EST/PST , check local listings ) .
In HBO Max 's `` My Gift : A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood ” ( streaming Dec. 3 ) , the Grammy-winning singer combines traditional holiday favorites with original material from her first full-length Christmas album , `` My Gift , '' which was released this fall .
John Legend joins Underwood for a duet .
Apple TV+ unwraps “ Mariah Carey ’ s Magical Christmas Special ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , long associated with the holiday , will be joined by Tiffany Haddish , Billy Eichner , Ariana Grande , Jennifer Hudson , Snoop Dogg and Misty Copeland .
If that 's not enough superstar power , Dolly Parton has a new CBS special , `` A Holly Dolly Christmas '' ( Dec. 6 , 8:30 EST/8 PST ) .
And Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood return to CBS for a new one-hour concert special , `` Garth & Trisha Live !
A Holiday Concert Event '' Dec. 20 ( 8:30 EST/8 PST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both on CBS All Access .
These returning shows are trying to cement a permanent place in the holiday TV pantheon .
Two movie-franchise spinoffs , “ Olaf ’ s Frozen Adventure ” and `` Toy Story That Time Forgot , '' appear back to back on ABC on Thursday ( 8 EST/PST ) .
That 's followed by the fifth edition of “ The Wonderful World of Disney : Magical Holiday Celebration ” on ABC ( 9 EST/PST ) .
ABS also offers a third edition of `` The Disney Holiday Singalong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The Great Christmas Light Fight , ” ABC 's popular decorating competition , returns for its eighth season on Dec. 9 ( 8 EST/PST ) .
As part of its annual `` Nickmas '' rollout of more than 100 hours of seasonal content , Nickelodeon presents classics including `` Rugrats Chanukah '' ( Dec. 10 and 17 , 10 EST/PST ) .
Remember all those wonderful gifts from bygone days ?
Well , even if you received a lump of coal , you 'll always have these hardy seasonal perennials .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple of cold ones – the non-alcoholic kind – as CBS offers `` Frosty the Snowman '' and `` Frosty Returns , '' back-to-back on Friday ( 8 EST/PST ) .
ABC offers another animated gem , 1970 's `` Santa Claus Is Comin ' to Town , '' on Friday ( 8 EST/PST ) , too .
And perhaps the most famous animated Christmas tale of all , `` Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer , '' makes its perennial appearance Dec. 1 on CBS ( 8 EST/PST ) .
The main competition for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charlie Brown Christmas , '' is available to Apple TV+ subscribers starting Dec. 4 , with free viewing Dec. 11 to 13 , along with a PBS broadcast Dec. 13 ( 7:30 EST/PST , check local listings ) .
The Christmas tree gets its own night to shine on NBC 's `` Christmas in Rockefeller Center '' ( Dec. 2 , 8 EST/PST ) , the 88th edition of the famed New York tree-lighting ceremony .
If that 's not a big enough bite of the Big Apple , stay tuned afterward for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Radio City Christmas Spectacular '' ( 10 EST/PST ) .
Viewers can revisit the bygone days of young Ralphie Parker and his dream of a Red Ryder air rifle when `` A Christmas Story '' arrives on TBS Dec. 4 ( 8 EST/PST ) and Dec. 5 ( 6 EST/PST ) .
If you miss the leg lamp or Flick getting his tongue stuck to the frozen pole , do n't worry .
The annual 24-hour marathon returns Dec. 24 on TBS ( 8 EST/PST ) and TNT ( 9 EST/PST ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ annual Edelweiss fix when ABC broadcasts the incomparable Julie Andrews in 1965 's `` The Sound of Music '' ( Dec. 20 , 7 EST/PST ) Finally , NBC continues a Christmas Eve tradition with a Jimmy Stewart film that 's synonymous with the holiday , `` It 's a Wonderful Life '' ( Dec. 24 , 8 EST/PST ) .

Rudolph, Snoopy and Mariah Carey help celebrate the holidays: What's on TV and when?
Show Caption Hide Caption Google predicts 7 gifts to expect this holiday season These are a few gifts that Google predicts your loved ones will want to find under the tree on Christmas morning. USA TODAY
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas as TV networks and streaming services roll out a colorfully wrapped array of holiday specials from now until the end of the year.
TV's holiday firmament features bright stars such as Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and Matthew Morrison, along with "Stars Wars" Lego characters, Minions, Rugrats, and plenty of music.
Also look for perennial holiday classics like "It's A Wonderful Life," "A Christmas Story and "The Sound of Music" along with animated specials.
More holiday viewing: Hallmark, Lifetime Christmas movies finally show LGBTQ love in leading roles: 'It fits in'
Keeping holiday tradition: After outcry and viral petition, Charlie Brown holiday specials get broadcast airing on PBS
Here's the menu of upcoming treats:
New gifts
'Tis the season for huge brand names, and Disney+ makes sure the seasonal Force is with you with "The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special” (now streaming).
Traditionalists will relish the return of the legendary 1966 cartoon, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" (streaming on Amazon), but those curious to see an update can catch NBC's "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch Musical!" (Dec. 9, 8 EST/PST) from the Troubadour Theatre in London, with Matthew Morrison ("Glee") as the tiny-hearted title character.
Fruitcake isn't the only place to find dates during the holidays as HBO Max introduces "12 Dates of Christmas" (now streaming), an eight-episode series that features "three hopefully romantic singles (searching for) someone to bring home for the holidays." Sounds like "Love Actually" as a reality competition.
The popular Minions movie characters get into the holiday TV game with “Illumination Presents Minions Holiday Special,” available on NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock.
Musical merriment
Singing stars take center stage to help viewers celebrate the holidays.
PBS celebrates the holiday with different musical styles. The 17th annual "Christmas with the Tabernacle Choir," featuring actors Kelli O'Hara and Richard Thomas, premieres Dec. 14 (9 EST/PST, check local listings), with "Ella Wishes you a Swingin' Christmas with Vanessa Williams," a celebration of classic holiday tunes from Ella Fitzgerald, arriving Dec. 15 (8 EST/PST, check local listings).
In HBO Max's "My Gift: A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood” (now streaming), the Grammy-winning singer combines traditional holiday favorites with original material from her first full-length Christmas album, "My Gift," which was released this fall. John Legend joins Underwood for a duet.
Apple TV+ unwrapped “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special” on Dec. 4. The music superstar, long associated with the holiday, is joined by Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg and Misty Copeland.
If that's not enough superstar power, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood return to CBS for a new one-hour concert special, "Garth & Trisha Live! A Holiday Concert Event" Dec. 20 (8:30 EST/8 PST delayed). Fans also can stream both on CBS All Access.
Classics in waiting
These returning shows are trying to cement a permanent place in the holiday TV pantheon.
“The Great Christmas Light Fight,” ABC's popular decorating competition, returns for its eighth season on Dec. 9 (8 EST/PST).
As part of its annual "Nickmas" rollout of more than 100 hours of seasonal content, Nickelodeon presents classics including "Rugrats Chanukah" (Dec. 10 and 17, 10 EST/PST).
"A Charlie Brown Christmas," is available to Apple TV+ subscribers, with free viewing Dec. 11 to 13, along with a PBS broadcast Dec. 13 (7:30 EST/PST, check local listings).
"A Christmas Story" arrives for its annual 24-hour marathon Dec. 24 on TBS (8 EST/PST) and TNT (9 EST/PST).
Need more holiday classics? Get your annual Edelweiss fix when ABC broadcasts the incomparable Julie Andrews in 1965's "The Sound of Music" (Dec. 20, 7 EST/PST)
Finally, NBC continues a Christmas Eve tradition with a Jimmy Stewart film that's synonymous with the holiday, "It's a Wonderful Life" (8 EST/PST).


usatoday--2020-11-26--Texans dominate Lions, 41-25, in what may be Matt Patricia's final game coaching Detroit

The Detroit Lions have not been able to beat good teams under Matt Patricia , or most of the bad ones , and they should soon find out whether they can do either with a new coach .
Deshaun Watson threw for four touchdowns and had a near-perfect passer rating , and the Lions committed three first-half turnovers in a 41-25 loss to the Houston Texans Thursday at Ford Field .
The loss was their biggest Thanksgiving defeat since a 45-24 pounding by the New England Patriots in 2010 .
The Lions have lost four of their past five games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 4-7 are in last place in the NFC North .
With 10 days before their next game , general manager Bob Quinn – or owner Sheila Ford Hamp – must decide whether to bring Patricia back for the final five games and let him finish out what surely will be his final season as Lions coach .
The Lions are 13-29-1 under Patricia , a .314 winning percentage , and have looked sadly uncompetitive in many of their games .
Five of their seven losses have come by double digits , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national television .
They turned the ball over three times in an eight-play span in the first half , and allowed a late touchdown on a 34-yard trick-play throwback from Watson to Will Fuller .
Hamp has not spoken publicly since taking the ownership reins from her mother , Martha Firestone Ford , in June .
At the time , she said Patricia and Quinn , in his fifth season as GM , needed to show “ major improvement ” from last year ’ s 3-12-1 record in order to return for 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mathematical possibility , “ major improvement ” seems like an impossible bar to reach now .
The Lions went 3-4 in a just-completed stretch where they played six teams with sub-.500 records in a seven-game span , and their next four opponents are playoff contenders .
The Lions last fired a coach midseason in 2005 , when Matt Millen fired Steve Mariucci days after a Thanksgiving loss to the Atlanta Falcons .
In the 15 seasons since , they have had four winning seasons , made the playoffs three times and cycled through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Watson completed 17 of 25 passes for 318 yards and had his way with a shorthanded Lions defense that played without cornerback Jeff Okudah and defensive linemen Trey Flowers and Da ’ Shawn Hand , and lost cornerback Desmond Trufant to a hamstring injury in the first half .
The Lions opened the scoring with a 1-yard run by Adrian Peterson , then turned the ball over on three consecutive possessions against a Houston defense that entered with an NFL-worst five takeaways in its first 10 games .
Matthew Stafford started the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a swing pass to Peterson that J.J. Watt tipped to himself and returned 19 yards for a touchdown .
Stafford has thrown eight interceptions this season , and three have been returned for touchdowns .
Jonathan Williams fumbled on his first carry of the season on the Lions ’ next play from scrimmage , and the Texans scored four snaps later , after a Reggie Ragland pass interference penalty in the end zone , on a 2-yard Watson pass to C.J .
Prosise to take a 13-7 lead .
The Lions committed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Kerryon Johnson lost a fumble deep in Houston territory , but Jamie Collins forced a Texans fumble one play later to set up Peterson ’ s second touchdown .
Jack Fox ’ s ensuing kickoff went out of bounds , giving Houston the ball at the 40-yard line , and the Texans capitalized .
Duke Johnson beat Collins for an easy 33-yard touchdown , and the Texans led 23-14 at halftime .
The Lions opened the second half with a 14-play , 68-yard drive , but were forced to settle for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a Jamal Agnew pass to Stafford that would have given the Lions the ball inside the 1 .
From there , it was all Watson and Houston , which scored on its next three possessions to go ahead 41-17 before the Lions added a garbage-time touchdown .
Stafford completed 28 of 42 passes for 295 yards and one touchdown , to Mohamed Sanu , with 6:32 to play .
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett @ freepress.com .
Follow him on Twitter @ davebirkett .

Texans dominate Lions, 41-25, in what may be Matt Patricia's final game coaching Detroit
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: Three best bets to consider for NFL Week 12 SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports' Lorenzo Reyes is back with his three best bets for Week 12 in the NFL. Make some money while you digest your Thanksgiving dinner. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
The Detroit Lions have not been able to beat good teams under Matt Patricia, or most of the bad ones, and they should soon find out whether they can do either with a new coach.
Deshaun Watson threw for four touchdowns and had a near-perfect passer rating, and the Lions committed three first-half turnovers in a 41-25 loss to the Houston Texans Thursday at Ford Field.
The loss was their biggest Thanksgiving defeat since a 45-24 pounding by the New England Patriots in 2010. The Lions have lost four of their past five games, all by double digits, and at 4-7 are in last place in the NFC North.
With 10 days before their next game, general manager Bob Quinn – or owner Sheila Ford Hamp – must decide whether to bring Patricia back for the final five games and let him finish out what surely will be his final season as Lions coach.
The Lions are 13-29-1 under Patricia, a .314 winning percentage, and have looked sadly uncompetitive in many of their games. Five of their seven losses have come by double digits, and on Thursday, they were embarrassed on national television.
They turned the ball over three times in an eight-play span in the first half, and allowed a late touchdown on a 34-yard trick-play throwback from Watson to Will Fuller.
Hamp has not spoken publicly since taking the ownership reins from her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, in June. At the time, she said Patricia and Quinn, in his fifth season as GM, needed to show “major improvement” from last year’s 3-12-1 record in order to return for 2021.
While the playoffs are still a mathematical possibility, “major improvement” seems like an impossible bar to reach now.
The Lions went 3-4 in a just-completed stretch where they played six teams with sub-.500 records in a seven-game span, and their next four opponents are playoff contenders.
The Lions last fired a coach midseason in 2005, when Matt Millen fired Steve Mariucci days after a Thanksgiving loss to the Atlanta Falcons. In the 15 seasons since, they have had four winning seasons, made the playoffs three times and cycled through four permanent head coaches, including Patricia.
Watson completed 17 of 25 passes for 318 yards and had his way with a shorthanded Lions defense that played without cornerback Jeff Okudah and defensive linemen Trey Flowers and Da’Shawn Hand, and lost cornerback Desmond Trufant to a hamstring injury in the first half.
The Lions opened the scoring with a 1-yard run by Adrian Peterson, then turned the ball over on three consecutive possessions against a Houston defense that entered with an NFL-worst five takeaways in its first 10 games.
Matthew Stafford started the comedy of errors with a careless interception on a swing pass to Peterson that J.J. Watt tipped to himself and returned 19 yards for a touchdown. Stafford has thrown eight interceptions this season, and three have been returned for touchdowns.
Jonathan Williams fumbled on his first carry of the season on the Lions’ next play from scrimmage, and the Texans scored four snaps later, after a Reggie Ragland pass interference penalty in the end zone, on a 2-yard Watson pass to C.J. Prosise to take a 13-7 lead.
The Lions committed their third turnover six plays later, when Kerryon Johnson lost a fumble deep in Houston territory, but Jamie Collins forced a Texans fumble one play later to set up Peterson’s second touchdown.
Jack Fox’s ensuing kickoff went out of bounds, giving Houston the ball at the 40-yard line, and the Texans capitalized. Duke Johnson beat Collins for an easy 33-yard touchdown, and the Texans led 23-14 at halftime.
The Lions opened the second half with a 14-play, 68-yard drive, but were forced to settle for a field goal after Patricia lost a challenge on a Jamal Agnew pass to Stafford that would have given the Lions the ball inside the 1.
From there, it was all Watson and Houston, which scored on its next three possessions to go ahead 41-17 before the Lions added a garbage-time touchdown.
Stafford completed 28 of 42 passes for 295 yards and one touchdown, to Mohamed Sanu, with 6:32 to play.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.


usatoday--2020-11-26--Sports broadcasting amid COVID-19: Bringing games to fans during pandemic hasn't been easy

Kevin Burkhardt saw the hole open at the line of scrimmage immediately , and so did Minnesota Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook , unfortunately for the defense of the Green Bay Packers .
Just like that , Cook broke through in a flash and sprinted untouched for a 21-yard first-quarter touchdown , the first of four he would score in Minnesota 's upset of the Packers at Lambeau Field on Nov. 1 .
And the exclamation point to punctuate the play : Cook ran through the back of the end zone and jumped into the stands , taunting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lambeau Leap .
Of course , there was one missing component in the moment : the fans .
`` There 's no one to leap to , '' Burkhardt said during the NFL on Fox broadcast from an empty stadium in Green Bay as Cook , seated on the wall , waved his arms at charging teammates in celebration , the excitement in his voice dropping suddenly before deadpanning : `` It 's sad , actually . ''
That 's one of the many emotions used to describe our COVID-19 altered world , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One of the most notable has been the effect not only on professional sports , but the way we consume the action .
Watching football is a Thanksgiving Day tradition for many .
Bringing sports to the fans in a pandemic has been a challenging , surreal and satisfying experience .
In a series of interviews with NorthJersey.com and USA TODAY Network , some of those tasked with that job at the highest of levels shared their experience of what sports broadcasting in a global pandemic is like .
Here are their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've gotten to this point .
Bob Papa has been part of the New York Giants ' radio broadcasting team since 1988 .
He has never witnessed anything like he did on `` Monday Night Football '' when the Giants opened against the Steelers at an empty MetLife Stadium .
“ I ’ m not gon na lie to you , when the Giants come running out of the tunnel at a home game at MetLife and they ’ re blowing up the smoke and they ’ ve just run the [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could actually hear the teams from the booth , it ’ s just weird , ” Papa recalled .
“ And then Darius Slayton scores a 41-yard touchdown on Monday Night Football on a deep post , the stadium should be going nuts and it was crickets .
It ’ s just weird , you ’ ve got to get yourself in the right place mentally , and then you just try to do the best that you can do.
” The Giants had to confront a completely different hurdle the following week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traveling this season , so when the Giants went to Chicago in Week 2 , Papa and analyst Carl Banks embraced another new reality : calling the games from home .
Most teams in the NFL have allowed their radio broadcast for road games originate from inside the home stadium , but that did not work for the Giants since they share MetLife Stadium with the Jets .
NFL Week 11 predictions : Our experts make their picks for every game against the spread So the Giants turned the television studio inside their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ booth , and that 's where Papa and Banks call every road game in 2020 from , watching the action live from two monitors : the TV broadcast and an All-22 feed provided by the league .
`` When CBS decides to show Jerry Jones at a key moment in the game , or Fox wants to take you on a tour of SoFi Stadium [ against the Rams ] , and show you [ owner ] Stan Kroenke sitting in his booth , that does the Giants fan zero , '' Papa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the All-22 to look at the field and talk about something that ’ s happening on the field . ''
When the Giants are on the road , like they will be for Sunday 's game in Cincinnati against the Bengals , the occupancy inside the radio studio - for lack of a better term - is limited to Papa , Banks , game producer John Schmeelk and engineer Chris Majkowski .
No spotter .
No statistician .
Just Papa and Banks doing what they do : not to fool the audience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but making the depth of the broadcast as good as it would be if they were .
`` I think people , if they ’ re listening at home , wouldn ’ t realize we weren ’ t at the stadium , which I think is a credit to Bob and Carl , for doing the broadcast as though we ’ re there , '' Schmeelk said .
`` And I think they really make people feel like we are still there , which is the point of the whole thing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the bubble Kenny Albert was in Denver on March 11 with the New York Rangers and was set to fly to Miami to call a basketball game between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat the following day when the entire sports world was halted by COVID-19 .
`` Like everyone else , it was surreal , bizarre .
Health was the priority , but no one was sure what was coming next , '' Albert said .
`` I ended up spending the next 146 straight days at home [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very strange given how crazy my schedule normally is , during normal times , and that was definitely much different than anything I ’ d ever gone through since I started working .
And then after that , it was 37 straight days in Edmonton in the NHL bubble , so I really went from one extreme to the other . ''
Albert made the transition to the NFL from the NHL in September , but not without complication .
Since he was calling hockey games from another country - including three playoff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not gain clearance within COVID protocols in time to make it to his first scheduled broadcast with new partner Jonathan Vilma .
Calling playoff games in the NHL bubble prepared Albert for what he was about to face in the NFL .
`` You could hear the sticks and the skates and the puck hitting the boards , but the chatter on the ice – between the players , yelling at the other team , coaches yelling instructions from the bench across the way , '' Albert said .
`` I even had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear my call at times on the ice the building was so quiet . ''
When Albert and Vilma finally got to be together for their NFL debut , the only previous broadcast they did was a test-run over Zoom .
Albert was concerned with having to manufacture the energy and the enthusiasm without the fans there .
`` Because normally I keep the natural effects pretty high in my head set during normal times , keep the energy and enthusiasm where it should be , '' Albert said .
`` Once the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headset on , with the crowd noise [ and the NFL Films ' sound track ] pumped into the building and into the headset , it kind of became a normal game . ''
Artie Kempner has a long and distinguished career directing NFL games and NASCAR events for Fox Sports .
When NASCAR held its first race back on May 17 in South Carolina , Kempner was in the production truck and calling the shots for a 30-camera event with 35 microphones at the track .
`` That was the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was different than anything we ’ ve ever experienced , '' Kempner said .
`` I mean , we were starting sports television back up , and if we didn ’ t do it right , we could set the entire world of sports back in the United States .
So that responsibility and accountability was really important for most of us that were out there , and without all the resources we had , I don ’ t think we would ’ ve done it right .
And I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting it , because we approached it with all the right tools and all the right ways with COVID being priority one before we even started talking about production . ''
Fox Sports created its own MLB bubble for the World Series in Arlington , Texas , which is where longtime producer Pete Macheska was .
Broadcasters across the board have had to adjust without in-person access to players and coaches in any sport , and those tidbits add perspective to the show .
An even more intriguing wrinkle : there were times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the play-by-play , analyst and producer were in different states working the same game .
`` I ’ ve flown out to Los Angeles to do games in a studio this year when Joe Buck was in St. Louis or Denver and John Smoltz was in New Jersey or Atlanta , and the game was in Washington D.C. , '' Macheska said .
`` It was an entirely new world , but we made the most of it . ''
Upon arrival at NFL stadiums on game days , the broadcast teams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once they clear security and stay there until the game is over .
There is no catching up with players and coaches on the field , which is common place .
For Burkhardt , who relocated his family to Los Angeles from New Jersey , having to regularly fly during the pandemic has brought some uneasiness , especially when doing games on the East Coast .
`` I think the traveling has been – it sucks .
It does .
I like to travel , but I ’ m on edge .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Burkhardt said .
The empty stadiums create a backdrop that continues to surprise , even now 11 weeks into the NFL season .
`` Sometimes you just look up from the field or the monitors , and it ’ s like , ‘ Where is everybody ?
’ '' Burkhardt said .
`` I think every high school football game I did had more people in the stands .
There were at least cowbells to be heard .
I did some minor league baseball games in the Catskills in Lynn , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people , so , you know , but baseball you ’ re kinda talking to yourself anyway .
`` When you see somebody haul in a 50-yard touchdown catch and it ’ s just crickets , it ’ s like bizarro world , I ’ m looking around for the zombies at that point . ''
Through everything , the games continue .
And we 're watching to see what comes next .
`` I ’ m a big believer in the rule of unexpected opportunity , and I think for most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took a proactive approach , '' Kempner said .
`` This gave us an opportunity for which we ’ re all grateful .
If only my mother is watching , it ’ s got ta be a great show .
And I think we all go into it that way .
It doesn ’ t matter what we have to deal with .
That ’ s immaterial .
What we have to do is produce and direct and broadcast the best show possible .
”

Sports broadcasting amid COVID-19: Bringing games to fans during pandemic hasn't been easy
Show Caption Hide Caption Giants surging in NFC East, but not satisfied yet What I'm Hearing: The Giants seem to be turning their season around in a big way, but northjersey.com's Art Stapleton explains why the team isn't letting the recent success go to their heads. What I'm Hearing, USA TODAY
Kevin Burkhardt saw the hole open at the line of scrimmage immediately, and so did Minnesota Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook, unfortunately for the defense of the Green Bay Packers.
Just like that, Cook broke through in a flash and sprinted untouched for a 21-yard first-quarter touchdown, the first of four he would score in Minnesota's upset of the Packers at Lambeau Field on Nov. 1.
And the exclamation point to punctuate the play: Cook ran through the back of the end zone and jumped into the stands, taunting the Packers faithful with his version of the Lambeau Leap.
Of course, there was one missing component in the moment: the fans.
"There's no one to leap to," Burkhardt said during the NFL on Fox broadcast from an empty stadium in Green Bay as Cook, seated on the wall, waved his arms at charging teammates in celebration, the excitement in his voice dropping suddenly before deadpanning: "It's sad, actually."
That's one of the many emotions used to describe our COVID-19 altered world, which has disrupted all aspects of society. One of the most notable has been the effect not only on professional sports, but the way we consume the action.
Watching football is a Thanksgiving Day tradition for many. Bringing sports to the fans in a pandemic has been a challenging, surreal and satisfying experience.
In a series of interviews with NorthJersey.com and USA TODAY Network, some of those tasked with that job at the highest of levels shared their experience of what sports broadcasting in a global pandemic is like.
Here are their stories and a behind-the-scenes look at how we've gotten to this point.
'Touchdown Giants!' and ... crickets
Bob Papa has been part of the New York Giants' radio broadcasting team since 1988. He has never witnessed anything like he did on "Monday Night Football" when the Giants opened against the Steelers at an empty MetLife Stadium.
“I’m not gonna lie to you, when the Giants come running out of the tunnel at a home game at MetLife and they’re blowing up the smoke and they’ve just run the [hype] video, and then you could actually hear the teams from the booth, it’s just weird,” Papa recalled. “And then Darius Slayton scores a 41-yard touchdown on Monday Night Football on a deep post, the stadium should be going nuts and it was crickets. It’s just weird, you’ve got to get yourself in the right place mentally, and then you just try to do the best that you can do.”
The Giants had to confront a completely different hurdle the following week. No NFL radio broadcast teams are traveling this season, so when the Giants went to Chicago in Week 2, Papa and analyst Carl Banks embraced another new reality: calling the games from home.
Most teams in the NFL have allowed their radio broadcast for road games originate from inside the home stadium, but that did not work for the Giants since they share MetLife Stadium with the Jets.
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NFL Week 11 predictions: Our experts make their picks for every game against the spread
So the Giants turned the television studio inside their East Rutherford training facility into a pseudo-broadcast booth, and that's where Papa and Banks call every road game in 2020 from, watching the action live from two monitors: the TV broadcast and an All-22 feed provided by the league.
"When CBS decides to show Jerry Jones at a key moment in the game, or Fox wants to take you on a tour of SoFi Stadium [against the Rams], and show you [owner] Stan Kroenke sitting in his booth, that does the Giants fan zero," Papa said. "So at least we have the All-22 to look at the field and talk about something that’s happening on the field."
When the Giants are on the road, like they will be for Sunday's game in Cincinnati against the Bengals, the occupancy inside the radio studio - for lack of a better term - is limited to Papa, Banks, game producer John Schmeelk and engineer Chris Majkowski.
No spotter. No statistician. Just Papa and Banks doing what they do: not to fool the audience into thinking they are at the stadium, but making the depth of the broadcast as good as it would be if they were.
"I think people, if they’re listening at home, wouldn’t realize we weren’t at the stadium, which I think is a credit to Bob and Carl, for doing the broadcast as though we’re there," Schmeelk said. "And I think they really make people feel like we are still there, which is the point of the whole thing to begin with."
In and out of the bubble
Kenny Albert was in Denver on March 11 with the New York Rangers and was set to fly to Miami to call a basketball game between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat the following day when the entire sports world was halted by COVID-19.
"Like everyone else, it was surreal, bizarre. Health was the priority, but no one was sure what was coming next," Albert said. "I ended up spending the next 146 straight days at home [in Closter], which, was very strange given how crazy my schedule normally is, during normal times, and that was definitely much different than anything I’d ever gone through since I started working. And then after that, it was 37 straight days in Edmonton in the NHL bubble, so I really went from one extreme to the other."
Albert made the transition to the NFL from the NHL in September, but not without complication. Since he was calling hockey games from another country - including three playoff contests in one day - Albert could not gain clearance within COVID protocols in time to make it to his first scheduled broadcast with new partner Jonathan Vilma.
Calling playoff games in the NHL bubble prepared Albert for what he was about to face in the NFL.
"You could hear the sticks and the skates and the puck hitting the boards, but the chatter on the ice – between the players, yelling at the other team, coaches yelling instructions from the bench across the way," Albert said. "I even had a referee tell me that they could hear my call at times on the ice the building was so quiet."
When Albert and Vilma finally got to be together for their NFL debut, the only previous broadcast they did was a test-run over Zoom. Albert was concerned with having to manufacture the energy and the enthusiasm without the fans there.
"Because normally I keep the natural effects pretty high in my head set during normal times, keep the energy and enthusiasm where it should be," Albert said. "Once the game started, once I had the headset on, with the crowd noise [and the NFL Films' sound track] pumped into the building and into the headset, it kind of became a normal game."
'Unexpected opportunity'
Artie Kempner has a long and distinguished career directing NFL games and NASCAR events for Fox Sports. When NASCAR held its first race back on May 17 in South Carolina, Kempner was in the production truck and calling the shots for a 30-camera event with 35 microphones at the track.
"That was the most important event I was ever involved in because it was different than anything we’ve ever experienced," Kempner said. "I mean, we were starting sports television back up, and if we didn’t do it right, we could set the entire world of sports back in the United States. So that responsibility and accountability was really important for most of us that were out there, and without all the resources we had, I don’t think we would’ve done it right. And I’m glad we were the ones who were starting it, because we approached it with all the right tools and all the right ways with COVID being priority one before we even started talking about production."
Fox Sports created its own MLB bubble for the World Series in Arlington, Texas, which is where longtime producer Pete Macheska was. Broadcasters across the board have had to adjust without in-person access to players and coaches in any sport, and those tidbits add perspective to the show.
An even more intriguing wrinkle: there were times when, for specific broadcasts this season, the play-by-play, analyst and producer were in different states working the same game.
"I’ve flown out to Los Angeles to do games in a studio this year when Joe Buck was in St. Louis or Denver and John Smoltz was in New Jersey or Atlanta, and the game was in Washington D.C.," Macheska said. "It was an entirely new world, but we made the most of it."
Upon arrival at NFL stadiums on game days, the broadcast teams are instructed to go to the booth once they clear security and stay there until the game is over. There is no catching up with players and coaches on the field, which is common place.
For Burkhardt, who relocated his family to Los Angeles from New Jersey, having to regularly fly during the pandemic has brought some uneasiness, especially when doing games on the East Coast.
"I think the traveling has been – it sucks. It does. I like to travel, but I’m on edge. You just feel kinda antsy, you do," Burkhardt said.
The empty stadiums create a backdrop that continues to surprise, even now 11 weeks into the NFL season.
"Sometimes you just look up from the field or the monitors, and it’s like, ‘Where is everybody?’" Burkhardt said. "I think every high school football game I did had more people in the stands. There were at least cowbells to be heard. I did some minor league baseball games in the Catskills in Lynn, Massachusetts, that had the same amount of people, so, you know, but baseball you’re kinda talking to yourself anyway.
"When you see somebody haul in a 50-yard touchdown catch and it’s just crickets, it’s like bizarro world, I’m looking around for the zombies at that point."
Through everything, the games continue. And we're watching to see what comes next.
"I’m a big believer in the rule of unexpected opportunity, and I think for most of us in sports television, we took a proactive approach," Kempner said. "This gave us an opportunity for which we’re all grateful. If only my mother is watching, it’s gotta be a great show. And I think we all go into it that way. It doesn’t matter what we have to deal with. That’s immaterial. What we have to do is produce and direct and broadcast the best show possible.”
Email: stapleton@northjersey.com Twitter: @art_stapleton


usatoday--2020-11-26--Here's how much exercise you should get a week, even during a pandemic, WHO says in new guidelines

Even during a pandemic , everyone needs to be physically active , limit the amount of time they spend sitting and take every chance they can to get moving – even if it 's just a little , the World Health Organization said .
In guidelines for people of all ages released Wednesday , the WHO emphasized that `` every type of movement counts '' as people combat sedentary lifestyles , exacerbated by social distancing and the amount of time spent at home during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Adults should get 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older adults and those with chronic conditions or disabilities , the WHO said .
Children should spend an hour a day in moderate to vigorous activity .
Four million to 5 million deaths a year would be averted if people were more active , the WHO said .
`` Being physically active is critical for health and well-being – it can help to add years to life and life to years , ” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said .
According to the WHO : • Children should get at least 60 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activity and on at least three days a week get vigorous aerobic activities , including those that strengthen muscles and bones .
• Healthy adults ages 18 to 64 should get at least 150–300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or at least 75–150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity .
At least two days per week of muscle strengthening activity can confer additional health benefits .
• Healthy adults ages 65 and over had the same recommendations as those ages 18 to 64 .
Additional physical activity on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emphasizes balance and strength training can help prevent falls .
• Pregnant and postpartum woman should get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity .
• Adults and children with disabilities or chronic conditions had the same recommendations as otherwise healthy adults and children .
About a quarter of all adults and 80 % of adolescents do n't get enough physical activity , the WHO said .
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease , Type 2 diabetes and cancer , and it has positive effects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the WHO said .
“ These new guidelines highlight how important being active is for our hearts , bodies and minds , and how the favorable outcomes benefit everyone , of all ages and abilities , ” said Dr. Fiona Bull , head of the WHO 's Physical Activity Unit , which led the development of the guidelines .

Here's how much exercise you should get a week, even during a pandemic, WHO says in new guidelines
Show Caption Hide Caption Ten minutes on a treadmill alters nearly 10,000 molecules in your body Researchers have found yet another reason to exercise and say someday a blood test may be all that’s required to check physical fitness. Buzz60
Even during a pandemic, everyone needs to be physically active, limit the amount of time they spend sitting and take every chance they can to get moving – even if it's just a little, the World Health Organization said.
In guidelines for people of all ages released Wednesday, the WHO emphasized that "every type of movement counts" as people combat sedentary lifestyles, exacerbated by social distancing and the amount of time spent at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adults should get 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, and that includes older adults and those with chronic conditions or disabilities, the WHO said.
Children should spend an hour a day in moderate to vigorous activity.
Four million to 5 million deaths a year would be averted if people were more active, the WHO said.
"Being physically active is critical for health and well-being – it can help to add years to life and life to years,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
According to the WHO:
Children should get at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity and on at least three days a week get vigorous aerobic activities, including those that strengthen muscles and bones.
should get at least of moderate to vigorous physical activity and on at least get vigorous aerobic activities, including those that strengthen muscles and bones. Healthy adults ages 18 to 64 should get at least 150–300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or at least 75–150 minutes per week of vigorous -intensity aerobic physical activity. At least two days per week of muscle strengthening activity can confer additional health benefits.
should get at least aerobic physical activity or at least -intensity aerobic physical activity. At least activity can confer additional health benefits. Healthy adults ages 65 and over had the same recommendations as those ages 18 to 64. Additional physical activity on at least three days a week that emphasizes balance and strength training can help prevent falls.
had the as those ages 18 to 64. Additional physical activity on at least that emphasizes can help prevent falls. Pregnant and postpartum woman should get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity.
should get at least aerobic physical activity. Adults and children with disabilities or chronic conditions had the same recommendations as otherwise healthy adults and children.
About a quarter of all adults and 80% of adolescents don't get enough physical activity, the WHO said.
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer, and it has positive effects on mental health and reducing cognitive decline, the WHO said.
“These new guidelines highlight how important being active is for our hearts, bodies and minds, and how the favorable outcomes benefit everyone, of all ages and abilities,” said Dr. Fiona Bull, head of the WHO's Physical Activity Unit, which led the development of the guidelines.
Follow USA TODAY's Ryan Miller on Twitter @RyanW_Miller


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

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

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


usatoday--2020-11-26--'Admirable and heartbreaking': Louisiana nurse dies saving her paraplegic patient from house fire

A home nurse in Louisiana is being hailed as a hero after she died saving her paraplegic patient in a house fire this week , authorities said .
Gwendolyn Theus , 64 , alerted her patient to a fire in her Delhi home around 6 p.m. Monday , according to a statement on the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal 's Facebook page on Wednesday .
The 71-year-old homeowner told authorities that Theus made multiple attempts to wheel her bed out of her bedroom before she pulled her out of the bed and tried to push her out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neighbors attempted rescue efforts from the bedroom window before firefighters arrived , the statement said .
Authorities pulled the two women from the home and administered CPR but only the homeowner was revived .
She was flown to a burn unit in Mississippi .
“ Ms .
Theus ’ valiant efforts to put her patient ’ s life before her own are both admirable and heartbreaking , ” State Fire Marshal H. Browning said in the statement .
“ Our prayers are with her loved ones and with the surviving victim for her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and friend.
” Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire .
The home did not have working smoke alarms .

'Admirable and heartbreaking': Louisiana nurse dies saving her paraplegic patient from house fire
Show Caption Hide Caption Today in History for November 26th China enters Korean War; Nazis force half a million Jews into walled ghetto; Nixon's secretary tries to explain gap on Watergate tapes; 'Casablanca' premieres at Hollywood Theater; Tina Turner is born. (Nov. 26) AP
A home nurse in Louisiana is being hailed as a hero after she died saving her paraplegic patient in a house fire this week, authorities said.
Gwendolyn Theus, 64, alerted her patient to a fire in her Delhi home around 6 p.m. Monday, according to a statement on the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal's Facebook page on Wednesday.
The 71-year-old homeowner told authorities that Theus made multiple attempts to wheel her bed out of her bedroom before she pulled her out of the bed and tried to push her out the window, according to the statement.
Neighbors attempted rescue efforts from the bedroom window before firefighters arrived, the statement said. Authorities pulled the two women from the home and administered CPR but only the homeowner was revived. She was flown to a burn unit in Mississippi.
“Ms. Theus’ valiant efforts to put her patient’s life before her own are both admirable and heartbreaking,” State Fire Marshal H. Browning said in the statement. “Our prayers are with her loved ones and with the surviving victim for her recovery and loss of her dedicated nurse and friend.”
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. The home did not have working smoke alarms.


usatoday--2020-11-26--Christmas tree set on fire in mock home to remind Americans to water their trees this year

Christmas tree set on fire in mock home to remind Americans to water their trees this year Between 2003 and @ @ @ @ @ responded to an average of 160 fires started by Christmas trees each year .

Christmas tree catches fire to warn Americans to water their trees
Between 2003 and 2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 fires started by Christmas trees each year.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-11-26--3 tips to get the most out of gift cards

3 tips to get the most out of gift cards Even the most festive cards have an expiration date .
@ @ @ @ @ to get the most out of them .

Black Friday: Get the most out of your gift cards
Even the most festive cards have an expiration date. Here are three useful tips to get the most out of them.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-26--Firefighters deep-fry turkeys to help people avoid cooking fires this Thanksgiving

Firefighters deep-fry turkeys to help people avoid cooking fires this Thanksgiving Fire officials said cooking fires are three times more @ @ @ @ @ other day of the year .

Thanksgiving: Firefighters demonstrate how to deep-fry a turkey
Fire officials said cooking fires are three times more likely on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year.
Storyful


usatoday--2020-11-27--Coronavirus updates: Every hour, 65 Americans are dying; AstraZeneca plans additional trial after er

Coronavirus updates: Every hour, 65 Americans are dying; AstraZeneca plans additional trial after error; hospitalizations hit record, again

On a day that typically sees lines of early shoppers looking to score holiday deals , Black Friday morning looked uneventful aside from a some socially distanced lines .
If COVID-19 continues to surge as it has been during the Thanksgiving season , the remainder of the holidays may be just as grim — if not more so .
At least , that 's what the United States ' leading infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci told USA TODAY last week in an interview in which he cautioned that Americans should `` show our love and affection for people by keeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 hospitalizations continues to rise , hitting a record for the 17th straight day Thursday with more than 90,400 admissions , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
Every minute , 114 Americans are testing positive for COVID-19 , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
Every hour , 65 Americans are dying .
In vaccine news , AstraZeneca has hit a setback after a dosing error is causing the company to to reassess the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine ’ s efficacy , and plan for a new global clinical trial .
📈 Today 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 12.8 million cases and over 263,400 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
This week , five states set death records and 23 states had higher case counts than last week .
The global totals : more than 61 million cases and 1.4 million deaths .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak in your state .
This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
More stores stayed closed on Thanksgiving than in recent years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had the earliest opening time with some stores opening at midnight local time .
`` This Thanksgiving period , shoppers are interested in two things , getting a good deal on items and feeling safe , '' said Rod Sides , U.S. retail , wholesale and distribution leader for consultancy Deloitte in a statement .
This will be the first Black Friday that more shoppers scoop up deals online than at an actual store , Deloitte says , with 61 % making purchases with the click of a button as compared to 54 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Kim Jong Un has ordered at least two people executed , banned fishing at sea and locked down the capital , Pyongyang , as part of frantic efforts to guard against the coronavirus .
Kim 's government also ordered diplomats overseas to refrain from any acts that could provoke the United States because it is worried about President-elect Joe Biden ’ s expected new approach toward North Korea , lawmakers told reporters after attending a private briefing by the National Intelligence Service .
North Korea made an unsuccessful hacking attempt on at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was trying to develop a coronavirus vaccine , the NIS said .
A report from Reuters Friday also alleged that AstraZeneca , a key company in the race to develop a coronavirus vaccine , was targeted by North Korean hackers .
Do n't hug your elderly relatives during the holidays , warns UK medical chief The United Kingdom 's chief medical adviser , Chris Whitty , issued a dire caution to families over the holidays : Do n't hug your elderly relatives `` if you want them to survive to be hugged again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has granted its residents permission to congregate among themselves , in a `` Christmas bubble '' of up to three households and eight people from Dec. 23 to 27 .
The lax holiday restrictions , however , will likely lead to an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom .
And even if households intermingle , Whitty said during a Thursday press conference , according to the BBC , that people should `` have sense '' when celebrating the holidays with their loved ones .
`` Take it really seriously during Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do n't do unnecessary things just because the rules say you can .
Think sensibly . ''
AstraZeneca said it plans to conduct a new global clinical trial to assess the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine ’ s efficacy .
The news comes after the company and the university acknowledged a dosing error in trials .
AstraZeneca said an additional trial should n't delay regulatory approval in Britain or the European Union – but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration could take longer .
Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines , the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making it potentially easier to distribute .
It is also cheaper , because AstraZeneca has agreed not to profit from it during the pandemic .
What do you do when your snow plow driver is quarantined ?
Clearing snow from roads and sidewalks is never a cakewalk in Vermont .
This winter , the COVID-19 pandemic has delivered to plow crews — and the general public — a thicker slice of uncertainty .
Predictions are tough when it comes to a new disease like COVID , said Dennis Lutz , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ ve never been down this road before.
” He spelled out the three-tier alerts his department might issue if COVID cases rise — green , yellow and red .
Red signals delays from 24 to 48 hours , with half of the town 's licensed plow-truck drivers unable to work .
Lutz 's counterparts in other communities have similar contingency plans in place .
And , as usual , some plans will fall short , Lutz added : `` At the end of the day , nothing 's foolproof .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dark holiday season as the surge in coronavirus cases is likely to persist , or even get worse , through December , January and February .
“ If the surge takes a turn of continuing to go up and you have the sustained greater than 100,000 infections a day and 1,300 deaths per day and the count keeps going up and up ...
I don ’ t see it being any different during the Christmas and New Year ’ s holidays than during Thanksgiving , ” Dr. Anthony Fauci said in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director said the country is in a vulnerable position heading into the holiday season because infections are too high to control likely winter surges .
Ali Mokdad , professor of health metrics sciences at the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluations and chief strategy officer for population health at the University of Washington , said `` we need to be extra careful these upcoming extra couple of weeks in order to avoid pain and suffering . ''
Australian state Victoria has recorded no new coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Department of Health and Human Services tweeted Thursday .
With no active cases , Victoria joins New Zealand and China in having been largely successful in eliminating the virus .
According to Victoria 's government website , the state now can start preparing for normal : triggers for moving toward a `` COVID normal '' level of restrictions were 28 days without new cases and zero active cases .
But because there exists active virus cases in other states , Victoria will stay in `` prevention mode , '' reported local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a welcome sign in the state , which , as of Aug. 11 , had peaked at 7,880 active cases .
A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed Jackson 's positive COVID-19 test to USA TODAY Sports .
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue .
NFL Network was the first to report the positive test .
The Ravens reported additional positive tests earlier Thursday , the day their game against the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers was originally scheduled to be played .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1:15 p.m .
ET on NBC .
All signs point to backup Robert Griffin III starting behind center with Jackson out .
Oregon officials have fined Courthouse Club Fitness $ 90,000 for defying Gov .
Kate Brown 's COVID-19 order and remaining open throughout the state 's two-week `` freeze . ''
Officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration , the agency tasked with enforcing compliance to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions , said the penalty is the result of citations against each of the club 's four facilities near Salem .
Last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statewide two-week `` freeze '' that aimed to limit group activities and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon , where cases have reached a record high .
The freeze will last until Dec. 3 , except for 21 counties in the state , which will still be under coronavirus restrictions .
WHO encourages exercise even in pandemic In guidelines for people of all ages released Wednesday , the World Health Organization emphasized the need to be physically active and limit the amount of sedentary time , which for some may have increased @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus .
`` Every type of movement counts , '' even in a pandemic , the WHO said .
Adults should get 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity , and that includes older adults and those with chronic conditions or disabilities , the WHO said .
Children should spend an hour a day in moderate to vigorous activity .
Four million to 5 million deaths a year would be averted if people were more active , the WHO said .
• In your inbox : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
• Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .
• On Facebook : A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus .
But what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .

Elinor Aspegren and Joshua Bote, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: Los Angeles County issues stay-at-home order; US hits 13 million cases; Ohio State coach tests positive
Show Caption Hide Caption Americans ignore virus, travel over Thanksgiving Millions of Americans are taking to the skies and highways ahead of the Thanksgiving day holiday, posing a risk of a major virus spread around the country. The CDC is asking Americans to limit travel and stay at home this holiday season. (Nov. 25) AP
A national surge in COVID-19 cases continues as the United States recorded its 13 millionth case on Black Friday, a day typically marked by crowds of bargain hunters. This year, however, many shoppers across the country turned to online deals, keeping crowds thin.
Even so, experts worried that testing disruptions over the holiday will lead Americans to falsely believe the virus' spread has slowed. That's because testing sites have shorter hours and fewer people are expected to be swabbed.
“I just hope that people don’t misinterpret the numbers and think that there wasn’t a major surge as a result of Thanksgiving, and then end up making Christmas and Hanukkah and other travel plans,” Dr. Leana Wen, a professor at George Washington University and an emergency physician, told the Associated Press.
In vaccine news, AstraZeneca hit a setback when it was revealed that a dosing error was behind a high effectiveness rate among some overseas trial participants.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported more than 13 million cases and over 264,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. This week, five states set death records and 23 states had higher case counts than last week. The global totals: more than 61 million cases and 1.4 million deaths.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak in your state.
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
Los Angeles County announced a new stay-home order Friday as coronavirus cases surge out of control in the nation’s most populous county.
The three-week order takes effect Monday, and comes as the county confirmed 24 new deaths and 4,544 new cases of COVID-19. The five-day average of new cases was 4,751.
The order advises residents to stay home “as much as possible” and to wear a face covering when they go out.
It also bans people from gathering with people who aren’t in their households, whether publicly or privately. Exceptions are made for church services and protests, “which are constitutionally protected rights,” the county Department of Public Health said in a statement. Businesses and outdoor trails are also allowed to remain open.
Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new requirement that non-essential work, movement and gatherings stop between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. for counties in the "red tier," which most in the state are currently under.
– Associated Press
Ohio State University football coach Ryan Day has tested positive for COVID-19, the school announced Friday afternoon.
Day, who has guided the No. 3 Buckeyes to an undefeated start through four games and serves as the primary play-caller for one of the highest-scoring offenses in the country, will miss Saturday’s game at the University of Illinois.
The positive test puts him in jeopardy of missing the Buckeyes' next game at Michigan State on Dec. 5. Big Ten coaches who test positive for COVID-19 are required to be out for 10 days, according to the conference’s protocols.
In a statement, OSU athletic director Gene Smith said the 41-year-old Day is “doing well physically,” but he did not say if he has experienced any symptoms since contracting the virus. Day is currently in isolation.
– Joey Kaufman, Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch
Republican Congresswomen-elect Lauren Boebert has drawn criticism from Colorado's Democratic governor for saying she rebranded her Thanksgiving gathering as an animal funeral to skirt the state's social distancing regulations.
"Congresswomen-elect Boebert is calling her Thanksgiving a 'turkey funeral' and hosting over 30 people. My hope and prayer is that it doesn’t turn into a real funeral for any of the attendees," Gov. Jared Polis said on Facebook.
In most areas of the state, personal gatherings are restricted to 10 people, but funerals have less stringent rules.
On Wednesday, Boebert tweeted that she could host about 90 people if she hosted funerals for a turkey, pig and duck. Previously she suggested calling her Thanksgiving gathering a "peaceful protest in honor of my deceased turkey."
It's early in the season, but wholesale tree farmers and small, cut-your-own lots are reporting strong demand for real Christmas trees, with many opening well before Thanksgiving.
Businesses say they've seen more customers, earlier, as more Americans appear to be seeking a bright spot amid the virus' worsening toll.
“The season is running approximately six to seven days ahead of what we've seen in the past. We’ve never seen the demand like we’ve had this year,” said McKenzie Cook, who ships between 1.8 million and 2 million trees a year from farms in Oregon and North Carolina.
Customers flocked to some pick-your-own-tree farms before Thanksgiving to tag the perfect tree to cut down once the business opened. As demand surges, big-box stores are seeking fresh trees up to a week earlier than last year. Walmart is offering free home delivery for the first time.
— Associated Press
A Toronto barbecue restauranteur has been charged with trespassing, obstruction and violating COVID-19 guidelines after allegedly breaking into his own restaurant to serve food to his supporters.
Adam Skelly was arrested Thursday in front of his own restaurant, Adamson Barbecue, CBC and CTV News report, after his restaurant was shut down by city officials for violating lockdown rules.
Skelly was permitted entry into a "rear compartment" of his restaurant, an officer told CTV News, but Skelly and a large crew of supporters allegedly smashed drywall and broke locks set by the city.
Toronto Mayor John Tory told CNN that the congregation was "like a festival" to "celebrate some of their unorthodox views," including anti-mask sentiments. Video of the scene showed few people in the crowd, aside from police, wearing masks.
More stores were closed on Thanksgiving than in recent years. Old Navy had the earliest opening time, with some stores opening at midnight.
"This Thanksgiving period, shoppers are interested in two things, getting a good deal on items and feeling safe,'' Rod Sides, U.S. retail, wholesale and distribution leader for consultancy Deloitte, said in a statement.
This will be the first Black Friday that more shoppers scoop up deals online than at an actual store, Deloitte says, with 61% making purchases with the click of a button as compared to 54% who venture out.
— Charisse Jones and Kelly Tyko
AstraZeneca said it plans to conduct a new global clinical trial to assess the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine’s efficacy. The news comes after the company and the university acknowledged a dosing error in trials.
It’s not clear what effect, if any, these results will have on a separate, 30,000-person trial underway of the candidate vaccine in the United States.
All 11,000 people who have participated in the U.S. trial so far have received two equal doses of the vaccine, said Moncef Slaoui, co-director of Operation Warp Speed, the Trump administration program to develop, manufacture and distribute COVID-19 vaccines.
AstraZeneca said an additional trial shouldn't delay regulatory approval in Britain or the European Union – but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration could take longer.
Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot does not need to be stored at freezer temperatures, making it easier to distribute. AstraZeneca has agreed not to profit from its vaccine during the pandemic.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered at least two people executed, banned fishing at sea and locked down the capital, Pyongyang, as part of frantic efforts to guard against the coronavirus.
North Korea made an unsuccessful hacking attempt on at least one South Korean pharmaceutical company that was trying to develop a coronavirus vaccine, according to South Korea's intelligence agency. Reuters reported Friday that AstraZeneca, a key company in the race to develop a coronavirus vaccine, was targeted by North Korean hackers.
The United Kingdom's chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, cautioned families over the holidays not to hug their elderly relatives "if you want them to survive to be hugged again" beyond the holidays.
The nation has granted its residents permission to congregate among themselves in a "Christmas bubble" of up to three households and eight people from Dec. 23 to 27. The lax holiday restrictions, however, will likely lead to an uptick in COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom.
Clearing snow from roads and sidewalks is never a cakewalk in Vermont. This winter, the COVID-19 pandemic has delivered to plow crews — and the general public — more uncertainty.
Predictions are tough when it comes to a new disease like COVID, said Dennis Lutz, director of public works in Essex, Vermont: “We’ve never been down this road before.” He spelled out the three-tier alerts his department might issue if COVID cases rise — green, yellow and red. Red signals delays from 24 to 48 hours, with half of the town's licensed plow-truck drivers unable to work.
Lutz's counterparts in other communities have similar contingency plans. As usual, some plans will fall short, Lutz said: "At the end of the day, nothing's foolproof."
– Joel Banner Baird, Burlington Free Press
Experts warn of worsening COVID surge during holidays
Thanksgiving may be the beginning of a dark holiday season as the surge in coronavirus cases is likely to persist, or even get worse, through December, January and February.
“If the surge takes a turn of continuing to go up and you have the sustained greater than 100,000 infections a day and 1,300 deaths per day and the count keeps going up and up ... I don’t see it being any different during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays than during Thanksgiving,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said in an interview with USA TODAY last week.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director said the country is in a vulnerable position heading into the holiday season because infections are too high to control a likely winter surge.
Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluations and chief strategy officer for population health at the University of Washington, said, "We need to be extra careful these upcoming extra couple of weeks in order to avoid pain and suffering."
– Adrianna Rodriguez
Oregon fines gym $90K for violating COVID order
Oregon officials have fined Courthouse Club Fitness $90,000 for defying Gov. Kate Brown's COVID-19 order and remaining open throughout the state's two-week "freeze."
Officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the agency tasked with enforcing compliance with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, said the penalty is the result of citations against each of the club's four facilities near Salem.
Last week, Gov. Kate Brown ordered a statewide "freeze" to limit group activities and slow the spread of COVID-19 in Oregon, where cases have reached a record. The freeze will last until Dec. 3, except for 21 counties in the state that still will be under coronavirus restrictions.
– Whitney Woodworth, Salem Statesman Journal
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Contributing: The Associated Press, Karen Weintraub