usatoday--2020-10-22--COVID-19 vaccine should be ready for most vulnerable late this year, for everyone by spring, HHS Sec

At least one COVID-19 vaccine should be available as soon as the end of this year , and the general public should be able to get vaccinated by early spring , Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Wednesday .
“ There is hope on the way in the form of safe and effective vaccines in a matter of weeks or months , ” said Azar , speaking in Atlanta at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
At the rare public briefing , Azar laid out a specific timetable that did n't exactly match what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect that we would have by end of this year enough vaccine that is FDA-authorized to be able to vaccinate the most vulnerable individuals , ” he said .
“ Then , by end of January , we ’ d expect we ’ d have enough to vaccinate all seniors , as well as our health care workers and first responders .
“ And by the end of March to early April , enough for all Americans who would want to take a vaccine.
” 'The virus is attending these events ' : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – even if they 're small That timetable differs from one recommended earlier this month by a federal advisory panel to CDC and the National Institutes of Health , which called for first vaccinating health care workers and first responders , followed by those most vulnerable to infection .
Azar said the availability of vaccines may also depend on how quickly they can be produced , a process which has already begun .
“ I wish I could say everything is going to go 100 % according to plan , but we also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t , ” he said .
Azar appeared with Dr. Robert Redfield , director of the CDC , and Dr. Jay Butler , the agency ’ s senior career official .
All three men wore masks the entire time they spoke , not taking them off at the podium as has been the practice at other government news conferences during the pandemic .
It was the first time the CDC had held a media call on COVID-19 since Aug. 21 .
“ For anybody reconnecting to school , reconnecting to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to health care or engaging in the political or civic life of our country , our advice remains the same : Wash hands , watch your distance , wear face coverings when you can ’ t watch your distance , avoid gatherings where you aren ’ t going to be able to do those things , ” Azar said .
They commented on the rise in COVID case numbers across three-quarters of the country , with cases reaching 60,000 a day on average over the last week and about 700 deaths a day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend here in the United States , ” Butler said .
Butler said he understands people are getting tired of wearing masks and taking other protective measures , but “ it continues to be as important as it ’ s ever been , and I would say it ’ s more important than ever as we move into the fall season.
” More : USA TODAY 's experts say securing a COVID-19 vaccine in record time could be easy , but distributing it wo n't be He said people should be particularly careful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consider four risks when gathering with others : the closeness of the interaction , how long it lasts , whether it ’ s indoors or outdoors ( outside is safer ) , and the number of people involved .
People should do what they can to minimize those risks both for themselves and to protect their loved ones and the larger community , he said .
Azar also said the government is considering changing quarantine requirements for people exposed to the virus .
Under current CDC guidance , those exposed to someone with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , the period during which symptoms are expected to show .
Now , the agency is studying whether testing an exposed person 5 or 7 days after exposure could allow their quarantine period to be shortened .
“ Obviously , we don ’ t want people to be quarantined for 14 days unnecessarily , ” Azar said .
Azar also stressed the process of developing a vaccine against COVID-19 has been very deliberate , scientific and “ by the book.
” He pointed to the fact that two vaccine trials and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In all three trials , a volunteer has become ill and the study has been paused while the illness can be investigated to determine if it is related to the vaccine or drug .
He also listed five checks and balances in place to ensure any shot that receives federal approval will have been carefully vetted for safety and effectiveness : • Each trial has an independent data safety and monitoring board to keep track of any side effects the vaccine may trigger , and to ensure effectiveness goals are met .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is sure the standards have been reached .
• Each company has its own independent process for deciding when it has enough data to submit an application for approval .
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has published guidance that companies must meet before their vaccine can be considered for authorization .
• The FDA has an outside advisory committee that holds public meetings to review trial results .
• And FDA 's career scientists will review all trial data before issuing an emergency use authorization or final approval for a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics , Innovation and Competition in Healthcare .
The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input .

COVID-19 vaccine should be ready for most vulnerable late this year, for everyone by spring, HHS Secretary Alex Azar says
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: How Herd Immunity works, why you still need to wear a mask Without masks and a vaccine, we could reach Herd Immunity from COVID-19, but deaths would skyrocket. We break down the science of it. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
At least one COVID-19 vaccine should be available as soon as the end of this year, and the general public should be able to get vaccinated by early spring, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Wednesday.
“There is hope on the way in the form of safe and effective vaccines in a matter of weeks or months,” said Azar, speaking in Atlanta at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
At the rare public briefing, Azar laid out a specific timetable that didn't exactly match what the government has previously said.
“We expect that we would have by end of this year enough vaccine that is FDA-authorized to be able to vaccinate the most vulnerable individuals,” he said. “Then, by end of January, we’d expect we’d have enough to vaccinate all seniors, as well as our health care workers and first responders.
“And by the end of March to early April, enough for all Americans who would want to take a vaccine.”
'The virus is attending these events': Experts fear COVID-19 spike from holiday gatherings – even if they're small
That timetable differs from one recommended earlier this month by a federal advisory panel to CDC and the National Institutes of Health, which called for first vaccinating health care workers and first responders, followed by those most vulnerable to infection.
But in a statement, an HHS official said the secretary "was not suggesting a different plan." The CDC advisory committee, the statement read, "will propose an allocation and distribution plan for HHS approval depending on what the efficacy data from clinical trials reveals."
Azar said the availability of vaccines may also depend on how quickly they can be produced, a process that has already begun. “I wish I could say everything is going to go 100% according to plan, but we also have to be ready in case it doesn’t,” he said.
Azar appeared with Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC, and Dr. Jay Butler, the agency’s senior career official. All three men wore masks the entire time they spoke, not taking them off at the podium as has been the practice at other government news conferences during the pandemic. It was the first time the CDC had held a media call on COVID-19 since Aug. 21.
All three emphasized basic public health measures.
“For anybody reconnecting to school, reconnecting to work, going back to worship or reconnecting to health care or engaging in the political or civic life of our country, our advice remains the same: Wash hands, watch your distance, wear face coverings when you can’t watch your distance, avoid gatherings where you aren’t going to be able to do those things,” Azar said.
They commented on the rise in COVID-19 case numbers across three-quarters of the country, with cases reaching 60,000 a day on average over the last week and about 700 deaths a day.
“We are seeing a distressing trend here in the United States,” Butler said.
Butler said he understands people are getting tired of wearing masks and taking other protective measures, but “it continues to be as important as it’s ever been, and I would say it’s more important than ever as we move into the fall season.”
More: USA TODAY's experts say securing a COVID-19 vaccine in record time could be easy, but distributing it won't be
He said people should be particularly careful around the holidays and urged them to consider four risks when gathering with others: the closeness of the interaction, how long it lasts, whether it’s indoors or outdoors (outside is safer), and the number of people involved. People should do what they can to minimize those risks both for themselves and to protect their loved ones and the larger community, he said.
Azar also said the government is considering changing quarantine requirements for people exposed to the virus.
Under current CDC guidance, those exposed to someone with COVID-19 should stay at home for 14 days, the period during which symptoms are expected to show. Now, the agency is studying whether testing an exposed person 5 or 7 days after exposure could allow their quarantine period to be shortened.
“Obviously, we don’t want people to be quarantined for 14 days unnecessarily,” Azar said.
Azar also stressed the process of developing a vaccine against COVID-19 has been very deliberate, scientific and “by the book.”
He pointed to the fact that two vaccine trials and a treatment trial are currently on hold. In all three trials, a volunteer has become ill and the study has been paused while the illness can be investigated to determine if it is related to the vaccine or drug.
“The system’s working,” Azar said.
He also listed five checks and balances in place to ensure any shot that receives federal approval will have been carefully vetted for safety and effectiveness:
Each trial has an independent data safety and monitoring board to keep track of any side effects the vaccine may trigger, and to ensure effectiveness goals are met. The board holds onto the data until it is sure the standards have been reached. Each company has its own independent process for deciding when it has enough data to submit an application for approval. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has published guidance that companies must meet before their vaccine can be considered for authorization. The FDA has an outside advisory committee that holds public meetings to review trial results. And FDA's career scientists will review all trial data before issuing an emergency use authorization or final approval for a vaccine.
Contributing: Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY.
Contact Karen Weintraub at kweintraub@usatoday.com
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input.


usatoday--2020-10-22--Critics praise Sacha Baron Cohen's 'Borat 2' as 'fitfully funny' and 'urgently satirical'

Borat is back !
This time with political stunts and a daughter .
Sacha Baron Cohen reprises his infamous role as a foul-mouthed journalist in “ Borat Subsequent Moviefilm : Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan , '' which is set to stream Friday on Amazon Prime – less than two weeks ahead of the presidential election .
The sequel to the 2006 film follows Borat 's journey to America , this time including his 15-year-old daughter , Tatur ( played by Maria Bakalova ) , where they navigate the COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sequel just as outrageous and memorable as the original ?
Movie critics seemed to have mostly positive feedback for the mockumentary , which has an 85 % fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes .
USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt awarded the film ★★½ out of four stars , calling it `` fleetingly funny '' but praising Cohen for `` the absolute commitment to the over-the-top Borat persona . ''
`` 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm ' features an unexpectedly strong ending that at least pays off some of the sweeter aspects of the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activist note , '' he wrote .
Los Angeles Times critic Justin Chang lauded the mockumentary for its raunchy shenanigans , calling it `` scattershot , fitfully funny and sometimes weirdly poignant . ''
`` Borat ’ s latest misadventures exist to remind us , we live in a world gone mad , and compliance seems antithetical to his gleefully anarchic spirit , '' he wrote .
IndieWire 's Eric Kohn gave the film an A-minus .
`` Borat isn ’ t exactly woke , but his time has come : This searing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential .
Blending activism with entertainment , Baron Cohen ’ s best movie to date gives us new reasons to be afraid of the world , but also permission to laugh at it . ''
While Nicholas Barber from BBC said it was initially `` worrying '' to see if the film would live up to the original 2006 comedy , he ultimately awarded the `` exciting '' movie four out of five stars .
`` Having been made with a specific political purpose , Subsequent Moviefilm won ’ t age as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he wrote .
`` But it ’ s the ripped-from-the-headlines relevance that makes it so fascinating , and it ’ s the boiling rage at current politics that makes it so bracing .
There aren ’ t many films as urgently satirical as this one . ''
Peter Debruge from Variety praised Cohen for fusing comedy with political activism in what he calls `` a staggering act of comedic revolt with built-in viral potential . ''
`` Simultaneously rowdy and relevant , the film is shaping up to be the kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shaping public discourse and engaging voters as serious-minded messaging can ’ t . ''
'Worse than you think ' : Demi Lovato , Meghan McCain , more react to Rudy Giuliani in 'Borat 2 '

Critics praise Sacha Baron Cohen's 'Borat 2' as 'fitfully funny' and 'urgently satirical'
Show Caption Hide Caption Sacha Baron Cohen reprises his infamous role in 'Borat' sequel Sacha Baron Cohen reprises his infamous role as a silly Eastern European journalist in the satirical and savvy sequel 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.' USA TODAY Handout
Borat is back! This time with political stunts and a daughter.
Sacha Baron Cohen reprises his infamous role as a foul-mouthed journalist in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan," which is streaming on Amazon Prime – less than two weeks ahead of the presidential election.
The sequel to the 2006 film follows Borat's journey to America, this time including his 15-year-old daughter, Tatur (played by Maria Bakalova), where they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming election.
Was the sequel just as outrageous and memorable as the original? Movie critics seemed to have mostly positive feedback for the mockumentary, which has an 82% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Review: Sacha Baron Cohen's silly, scattershot 'Borat 2' takes aim at Trump, COVID
Rudy Giuliani: New 'Borat 2' pranks Trump's lawyer in eyebrow-raising situation
USA TODAY film critic Brian Truitt awarded the film ★★½ out of four stars, calling it "fleetingly funny" but praising Cohen for "the absolute commitment to the over-the-top Borat persona."
" 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm' features an unexpectedly strong ending that at least pays off some of the sweeter aspects of the family dynamic, plus wraps up on an activist note," he wrote.
Los Angeles Times critic Justin Chang lauded the mockumentary for its raunchy shenanigans, calling it "scattershot, fitfully funny and sometimes weirdly poignant."
"Borat’s latest misadventures exist to remind us, we live in a world gone mad, and compliance seems antithetical to his gleefully anarchic spirit," he wrote.
IndieWire's Eric Kohn gave the film an A-minus. "Borat isn’t exactly woke, but his time has come: This searing brand of humor has never felt more essential. Blending activism with entertainment, Baron Cohen’s best movie to date gives us new reasons to be afraid of the world, but also permission to laugh at it."
While Nicholas Barber from BBC said it was initially "worrying" to see if the film would live up to the original 2006 comedy, he ultimately awarded the "exciting" movie four out of five stars.
"Having been made with a specific political purpose, Subsequent Moviefilm won’t age as well as the previous 'Borat' did," he wrote. "But it’s the ripped-from-the-headlines relevance that makes it so fascinating, and it’s the boiling rage at current politics that makes it so bracing. There aren’t many films as urgently satirical as this one."
Peter Debruge from Variety praised Cohen for fusing comedy with political activism in what he calls "a staggering act of comedic revolt with built-in viral potential."
"Simultaneously rowdy and relevant, the film is shaping up to be the kind of October surprise capable of sparking laughs, shaping public discourse and engaging voters as serious-minded messaging can’t."
'Worse than you think': Demi Lovato, Meghan McCain, more react to Rudy Giuliani in 'Borat 2'


usatoday--2020-10-22--WNBA champion Seattle Storm urge fans to support Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

In recent weeks and months , dozens of professional and college sports teams have urged their fans to register and vote in the upcoming presidential election .
But on Wednesday , the reigning WNBA champions took it one step further .
In an exceedingly rare move for a sports organization , the Seattle Storm urged fans to support Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the upcoming election , posting an endorsement of the Democratic ticket on its team-branded Twitter account .
`` Join us in support of @ JoeBiden and @ KamalaHarris , '' the team wrote in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans to register to vote .
The message reflects the political beliefs of Seattle 's three co-owners : Lisa Brummel , Ginny Gilder and Dawn Trudeau .
All three women have made donations to federal Democratic candidates or causes in the current election cycle , according to a review of federal campaign filings by USA TODAY Sports .
`` We do n't typically endorse candidates , '' Gilder wrote on Twitter , `` but these are NOT typical times . ''
SPORTS NEWSLETTER : Sign up now to get top sports headlines delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made financial contributions to political candidates , they have often done so quietly , or gone to great lengths to distinguish their political views as independent of their teams .
The Storm , meanwhile , took the unusual stance of directly linking the two .
Gilder told The Seattle Times that she believes the team 's tweet in support of Biden and Harris is in line with its values as an organization .
`` There ’ s a certain value set that the Storm organization represents that we try to deliver on whenever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she told the newspaper .
`` I don ’ t think we caught anyone in our organization off guard . ''
Gilder added that she `` hopes for a White House that NCAA champions and women ’ s pro sports champions can return to , '' according to The Seattle Times .
Under President Trump , none of the past three WNBA champions have been invited to visit the White House , which has long been a tradition for championship sports teams .
The Storm , who have won four WNBA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2011 at the invitation of Barack Obama but were not invited by Trump after they won in 2018 .
Contact Tom Schad at tschad @ usatoday.com or on Twitter @ Tom_Schad .

WNBA champion Seattle Storm urge fans to support Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris
Show Caption Hide Caption Candace Parker to Atlanta's Kelly Loeffler: 'BLM is not a political statement, it's a moral stance' SportsPulse: Mackenzie Salmon connected with WNBA superstar Candace Parker to discuss the current state of the league and their involvement in social justice issues. She also shared her thoughts on the conflict between the players and Kelly Loeffler. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
In recent weeks and months, dozens of professional and college sports teams have urged their fans to register and vote in the upcoming presidential election.
But on Wednesday, the reigning WNBA champions took it one step further.
In an exceedingly rare move for a sports organization, the Seattle Storm urged fans to support Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the upcoming election, posting an endorsement of the Democratic ticket on its team-branded Twitter account.
"Join us in support of @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris," the team wrote in a tweet, accompanied by a hyperlink for fans to register to vote.
The message reflects the political beliefs of Seattle's three co-owners: Lisa Brummel, Ginny Gilder and Dawn Trudeau. All three women have made donations to federal Democratic candidates or causes in the current election cycle, according to a review of federal campaign filings by USA TODAY Sports.
"We don't typically endorse candidates," Gilder wrote on Twitter, "but these are NOT typical times."
2020 WNBA FINALS: Seattle Storm sweep Las Vegas Aces to win their fourth WNBA championship
SUE BIRD: Perception of 'cute white girls' helps U.S. women's soccer
SPORTS NEWSLETTER: Sign up now to get top sports headlines delivered daily
While sports team owners have long made financial contributions to political candidates, they have often done so quietly, or gone to great lengths to distinguish their political views as independent of their teams.
The Storm, meanwhile, took the unusual stance of directly linking the two.
Gilder told The Seattle Times that she believes the team's tweet in support of Biden and Harris is in line with its values as an organization.
"There’s a certain value set that the Storm organization represents that we try to deliver on whenever the owners take a stand on anything," she told the newspaper. "I don’t think we caught anyone in our organization off guard."
Gilder added that she "hopes for a White House that NCAA champions and women’s pro sports champions can return to," according to The Seattle Times.
Under President Trump, none of the past three WNBA champions have been invited to visit the White House, which has long been a tradition for championship sports teams. The Storm, who have won four WNBA titles, visited the White House in 2011 at the invitation of Barack Obama but were not invited by Trump after they won in 2018.
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.


usatoday--2020-10-21--Epsilon becomes 10th hurricane of 2020 season, quickly becomes 'major' Category 3 storm as it nears

• The hurricane should make its closest approach to the tiny island nation on Thursday night .
• Ocean swells from the storm are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions .
• Epsilon is the 26th named storm of 2020 Atlantic hurricane season .
Hurricane Epsilon intensified to a `` major '' Category 3 storm on Wednesday , picking up 50 mph in wind speed in 24 hours , according to the National Hurricane Center .
The 10th hurricane of an extremely active Atlantic season , Epsilon has prompted a tropical storm warning for Bermuda , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tiny island nation .
Even if the center of the hurricane does not hit Bermuda , its outer winds are expected to affect the island , as tropical-storm-force winds extend as many as 435 miles out from the center of the hurricane .
Epsilon should make its closest approach to Bermuda on Thursday afternoon or evening .
`` Tropical storm conditions are expected on Bermuda beginning later today and continuing intermittently through late Thursday , '' the Hurricane Center said .
'Crazy':2020 hurricane season matches 2005 in activity , but not storm intensity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ocean swells generated by Epsilon are already affecting Bermuda , the Bahamas , the Greater Antilles and the Leeward Islands , and they are expected to reach portions of the U.S. East Coast and Atlantic Canada during the next couple of days .
`` These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions , '' the Hurricane Center warned .
Epsilon had maximum sustained winds of 115 mph as of 5 p.m. Wednesday .
The storm was about 340 miles east-southeast of Bermuda , and it was moving northwest at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named storm of 2020 Atlantic hurricane season .
Its formation brought the season even closer to the record of 28 named storms set in 2005 – the only other year to use the Greek alphabet to name storms , AccuWeather said .

Epsilon becomes 10th hurricane of 2020 season, quickly becomes 'major' Category 3 storm as it nears Bermuda
Show Caption Hide Caption Scientists find hurricanes are moving faster than they used to It’s previously been reported that hurricanes are getting stronger, and it seems they’re picking up the pace, too. Buzz60
The hurricane should make its closest approach to the tiny island nation on Thursday night.
Ocean swells from the storm are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.
Epsilon is the 26th named storm of 2020 Atlantic hurricane season.
Hurricane Epsilon intensified to a "major" Category 3 storm on Wednesday, picking up 50 mph in wind speed in 24 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center.
The 10th hurricane of an extremely active Atlantic season, Epsilon has prompted a tropical storm warning for Bermuda, though the storm is forecast to miss the tiny island nation.
Even if the center of the hurricane does not hit Bermuda, its outer winds are expected to affect the island, as tropical-storm-force winds extend as many as 345 miles out from the center of the hurricane. Epsilon should make its closest approach to Bermuda on Thursday evening.
"Small fluctuations in intensity are possible through this morning, but a weakening trend is expected to begin later today and continue into the weekend," the Hurricane Center said.
'Crazy': 2020 hurricane season matches 2005 in activity, but not storm intensity
In addition to the winds, large ocean swells generated by Epsilon are already affecting Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles and the Leeward Islands, and they are expected to reach portions of the U.S. East Coast and Atlantic Canada during the next couple of days.
"These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions," the Hurricane Center warned.
Epsilon had maximum sustained winds of 115 mph as of 2 a.m. AST Thursday. The storm was about 285 miles east-southeast of Bermuda and moving at 7 mph after making what the Hurricane Center called a "wobbly turn" to the northwest.
Epsilon is the 26th named storm of 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. Its formation brought the season even closer to the record of 28 named storms set in 2005 – the only other year to use the Greek alphabet to name storms, AccuWeather said.
Contributing: Steve Kiggins, USA TODAY; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-21--12 days out from Election Day, Mike Pence is holding a rally in deeply red Indiana. Why?

Vice President Mike Pence will collect some much-needed campaign dollars from his home state during a trip to Indiana Thursday that is sandwiched between multiple rallies in battleground states .
His private meeting with donors in a state Trump previously carried by 19 points and a public rally at a Fort Wayne airport come 12 days before the election .
National polls and those in competitive states near Indiana show Trump behind .
“ We ’ ve got a lot of supporters here , obviously , for Mike , ” said Bill Bean , a GOP donor and developer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ll help put him over the top.
” Bean said the event was squeezed into Pence ’ s schedule as a “ favor to the supporters here in the area ” and not because the Trump/Pence campaign is concerned about losing Indiana or because the coffers are running dry .
“ It was never portrayed to me that , ` Hey , you know , we 're struggling , ’ ” Bean said .
“ I ’ ve honestly been petitioning for him to try to make a stop in here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others – just to raise up the enthusiasm level , if nothing else .
So I do n't think that the main purpose of it was to raise campaign funds.
” But Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden had nearly three times as much cash at the end of September as Trump , according to disclosure reports filed Tuesday .
Trump traveled to heavily Democratic California Sunday for a high-dollar fundraiser .
Bean was busy calling fellow Trump supporters Wednesday for a “ small group ” meeting of donors with Pence Thursday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally soon after Pence holds a similar event in Michigan .
After Pence votes in Indiana Friday , he ’ ll head to Toledo , Ohio for another rally .
Michigan , Ohio , Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are among the Rust Belt states that are considered crucial for Trump 's reelection this year .
Trump , however , won 56 % of the vote in Indiana .
His 19-point margin was mirrored in Allen County , where Fort Wayne is the largest city .
“ The amount of financial supporters and contributors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the greatest in the state , ” said Steve Shine , chairman of the Allen County GOP and another longtime friend of Pence ’ s .
“ It is probably one of the easiest areas to raise money for Trump and Pence because of the solid support not just for the president , but the robust support for Mike Pence in this area.
” On Wednesday , the Indiana Republican Party sent out a fundraising email in Pence ’ s name asking supporters to help “ Keep Indiana Red !
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s successor in that position , is up for reelection .
Holcomb said Wednesday that he `` likely will '' be at the Pence campaign event .
While Holcomb 's Democratic challenger hasn ’ t gained much traction , Democrats have a chance of picking up a congressional seat in a district north of Indianapolis that includes many suburban voters who have been turned off by Trump .
The congressional district where Pence is headed , by contrast , is one of the two most Republican in the state .
Final Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blistering showdown despite the new mute button More : How Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris stack up against each other

12 days out from Election Day, Mike Pence is holding a rally in deeply red Indiana. Why?
Show Caption Hide Caption Pence touts reelection bid at New Hampshire rally Vice President Mike Pence campaigns in New Hampshire and touts a bid to reelect President Donald Trump at a 'Make America Great Again!' event at Port City Air in Portsmouth. (Oct. 21) AP
Vice President Mike Pence will collect some much-needed campaign dollars from his home state during a trip to Indiana Thursday that is sandwiched between multiple rallies in battleground states.
His private meeting with donors in a state Trump previously carried by 19 points and a public rally at a Fort Wayne airport come 12 days before the election. National polls and those in competitive states near Indiana show Trump behind.
“We’ve got a lot of supporters here, obviously, for Mike,” said Bill Bean, a GOP donor and developer in Fort Wayne, Ind. “Hopefully we’ll help put him over the top.”
Bean said the event was squeezed into Pence’s schedule as a “favor to the supporters here in the area” and not because the Trump/Pence campaign is concerned about losing Indiana or because the coffers are running dry.
“It was never portrayed to me that, `Hey, you know, we're struggling,’” Bean said. “I’ve honestly been petitioning for him to try to make a stop in here and I'm sure there were probably others – just to raise up the enthusiasm level, if nothing else. So I don't think that the main purpose of it was to raise campaign funds.”
But Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden had nearly three times as much cash at the end of September as Trump, according to disclosure reports filed Tuesday. Trump traveled to heavily Democratic California Sunday for a high-dollar fundraiser.
Bean was busy calling fellow Trump supporters Wednesday for a “small group” meeting of donors with Pence Thursday.
The public part of the schedule is a rally soon after Pence holds a similar event in Michigan.
After Pence votes in Indiana Friday, he’ll head to Ohio and Pennsylvania for more rallies.
USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll: Joe Biden leads Donald Trump by 7 points in pivotal Pennsylvania
Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are among the Rust Belt states that are considered crucial for Trump's reelection this year.
Trump, however, won 56% of the vote in Indiana. His 19-point margin was mirrored in Allen County, where Fort Wayne is the largest city.
“The amount of financial supporters and contributors to Mike Pence in Northeast Indiana is probably one of the greatest in the state,” said Steve Shine, chairman of the Allen County GOP and another longtime friend of Pence’s. “It is probably one of the easiest areas to raise money for Trump and Pence because of the solid support not just for the president, but the robust support for Mike Pence in this area.”
On Wednesday, the Indiana Republican Party sent out a fundraising email in Pence’s name asking supporters to help “Keep Indiana Red!”
GOP Gov. Eric Holcomb, Pence’s successor in that position, is up for reelection. Holcomb said Wednesday that he "likely will" be at the Pence campaign event.
While Holcomb's Democratic challenger hasn’t gained much traction, Democrats have a chance of picking up a congressional seat in a district north of Indianapolis that includes many suburban voters who have been turned off by Trump.
The congressional district where Pence is headed, by contrast, is one of the two most Republican in the state.
Contributing: Kaitlin Lange, Indianapolis Star.
Final Trump vs. Biden debate: Brace for another blistering showdown despite the new mute button
Mike Pence: Reelect President Donald Trump to renew America’s promise
More: How Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris stack up against each other


usatoday--2020-10-22--Amazon just dropped a huge holiday sale on top gifts for the season—shop the best deals

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
Holiday cheer has comes early this year for budget shoppers .
Not only is Walmart set to release its Black Friday discounts well ahead of schedule , Amazon has launched its Holiday Dash event , which features Black Friday-level savings on the season 's most interesting gifts , with new deals being added daily .
Need help finding products ?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter .
It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November 19 , Amazon will be your go-to spot for epic discounts on everything from popular robot vacuums to exercise gear for less than $ 10 .
And , since these incredible deals will be changing daily , even if you do n't find exactly what you 're looking for , chances are , it 's only a matter of time before you do .
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Amazon just dropped a huge holiday sale on top gifts for the season—shop the best deals
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Editor's Note: These deals may have changed since publication. For the most recent top holiday deals at Amazon, check out our new story here.
Holiday cheer has comes early this year for budget shoppers. Not only are Walmart, Macy's and Home Depot set to release Black Friday discounts well ahead of schedule, Amazon has launched its own Holiday Dash event, which features Black Friday-level savings on the season's most interesting gifts—and new deals are being added daily.
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More: Amazon continues 'Black Friday-worthy deals' with Holiday Dash sales event after record Prime Day
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-10-21--'Worse than you think': Demi Lovato, Meghan McCain, more react to Rudy Giuliani in 'Borat 2'

Spoiler alert : This report details a specific prank in the new movie `` Borat 2 , '' which streams Friday .
Stop reading now if you do n't want to know .
The `` Borat '' sequel has n't come out yet , but it 's already making waves on social media for a controversial scene involving a prominent political figure .
Near the end of the new `` Borat '' film , which streams Friday on Amazon Prime , Rudy Giuliani — lawyer to President Donald Trump and the former mayor of New York City — is caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an actress .
`` I ’ ve seen the Giuliani moment in Borat 2 .
It ’ s even wilder than it sounds .
Beyond cringe , '' said Maureen Dowd on Twitter Wednesday .
In the scene , Giuliani , 76 , attends an interview in a hotel suite with actress Maria Bakalova , 24 , who plays star Sacha Baron Cohen ’ s onscreen 15-year-old daughter Tutar .
When Tutar and Giuliani go into a bedroom to have a drink , the lawyer asks for her name and address , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s shirt to retrieve his microphone as he gives her a pat on the back .
When Bakalova turns away , Giuliani lies down on the bed and appears to reach into his pants , perhaps to tuck in his shirt , when Baron Cohen ( as Borat ) bursts into the room .
Giuliani called implications of any impropriety in the scene `` a complete fabrication '' in a series of tweets Wednesday .
`` I was tucking in my shirt after taking off the recording equipment , '' he continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during , or after the interview was I ever inappropriate .
If Sacha Baron Cohen implies otherwise he is a stone-cold liar . ''
The lawyer added that he called the police as soon as he realized the situation was a set-up , which is described in a July article from The Hollywood Reporter .
The scene has caused quite an uproar on Twitter , where celebrities and other media figures are reacting to the prank .
`` Well , looks like the cat ’ s out of the pants , '' tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Having seen # Borat2 I can now safely tell you # RudyGiuliani is over in a very big way .
It ’ s worse than you think and more uncomfortable than anything I ’ ve seen in a recent film , documentary or otherwise . ''
Director Judd Apatow retweeted Gad and added : `` I saw it .
I wish I could unsee it .
But Borat 2 is hilarious . ''
`` The View '' host Meghan McCain also replied to Gad 's tweet .
`` WHY IS EVERYTHING SO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she wrote , adding , `` I don ’ t want to watch anything that ’ s going to make me vomit ... '' Demi Lovato responded to Giuliani 's statement on Twitter with a tweet of her own .
`` So you normally drink with reporters , follow them to the bedroom and then lie on the bed and let her take off your mic for you ? ''
she wrote .
`` I guess I ’ ve been doin my interviews all wrong ... '' '' To All the Boys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centineo simply tweeted : `` Borat ’ s marketing for this sequel is out of this world . ''
Former professional basketball player Rex Chapman tweeted a slightly blurry screen grab from the film .
The photo appears to show Giuliani lying down on a bed as a blonde woman in a light blue dress stands near him .
`` Here ’ s Rudy Giuliani , the personal attorney to the President of the United States , '' he wrote .
`` A still picture of Rudy from the Borat movie coming out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Yashar Ali , a journalist who has contributed to New York Magazine and the Huffington Post , teased his reaction on Twitter as well .
`` I just watched the Borat/Giuliani scene ... .
, '' he wrote .
`` My God ... . ''
Robby Soave , senior editor at the libertarian magazine Reason , compared Twitter 's treatment of the Giuliani story with its treatment of the New York Post 's controversial report on Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden 's son Hunter .
`` Will Twitter block access to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal information obtained in an underhanded way and without Giuliani 's permission ? ''
Soave tweeted .
Scott Dworkin , who is the co-founder of the Democratic Coalition , praised Baron Cohen for the Guiliani stunt on Twitter .
`` Sacha Baron Cohen deserves the Nobel Prize for his Borat Rudy Giuliani takedown , '' he wrote .
Comedian Dana Goldberg tweeted : `` Borat just took down Giuliani .
Comedians are doing the Lord 's work . ''

'Worse than you think': Demi Lovato, Meghan McCain, more react to Rudy Giuliani in 'Borat 2'
Show Caption Hide Caption Sacha Baron Cohen reprises his infamous role in 'Borat' sequel Sacha Baron Cohen reprises his infamous role as a silly Eastern European journalist in the satirical and savvy sequel 'Borat Subsequent Moviefilm.' USA TODAY Handout
Spoiler alert: This report details a specific prank in the new movie "Borat 2." Stop reading now if you haven't seen it and don't want to know.
The "Borat" sequel is already making waves on social media for a controversial scene involving a prominent political figure.
Near the end of the new "Borat" film, now streaming on Amazon Prime, Rudy Giuliani — lawyer to President Donald Trump and the former mayor of New York City — is caught in a questionable situation on camera with an actress.
"I’ve seen the Giuliani moment in Borat 2. It’s even wilder than it sounds. Beyond cringe," said Maureen Dowd on Twitter Wednesday.
In the scene, Giuliani, 76, attends an interview in a hotel suite with actress Maria Bakalova, 24, who plays star Sacha Baron Cohen’s onscreen 15-year-old daughter Tutar.
When Tutar and Giuliani go into a bedroom to have a drink, the lawyer asks for her name and address, and the camera captures Bakalova reaching into Giuliani’s shirt to retrieve his microphone as he gives her a pat on the back. When Bakalova turns away, Giuliani lies down on the bed and appears to reach into his pants, perhaps to tuck in his shirt, when Baron Cohen (as Borat) bursts into the room.
Giuliani called implications of any impropriety in the scene "a complete fabrication" in a series of tweets Wednesday.
"I was tucking in my shirt after taking off the recording equipment," he continued. "At no time before, during, or after the interview was I ever inappropriate. If Sacha Baron Cohen implies otherwise he is a stone-cold liar."
The lawyer added that he called the police as soon as he realized the situation was a set-up, which is described in a July article from The Hollywood Reporter.
(1) The Borat video is a complete fabrication. I was tucking in my shirt after taking off the recording equipment.
At no time before, during, or after the interview was I ever inappropriate. If Sacha Baron Cohen implies otherwise he is a stone-cold liar. — Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) October 21, 2020
The scene has caused quite an uproar on Twitter, where celebrities and other media figures are reacting to the prank.
"Well, looks like the cat’s out of the pants," tweeted "Frozen" star Josh Gad. "Having seen #Borat2 I can now safely tell you #RudyGiuliani is over in a very big way. It’s worse than you think and more uncomfortable than anything I’ve seen in a recent film, documentary or otherwise."
Director Judd Apatow retweeted Gad and added: "I saw it. I wish I could unsee it. But Borat 2 is hilarious."
I saw it. I wish I could unsee it. But Borat 2 is hilarious. https://t.co/3q6bsMcwAl — Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) October 21, 2020
"The View" host Meghan McCain also replied to Gad's tweet.
"WHY IS EVERYTHING SO DISGUSTING?!?!!!" she wrote, adding, "I don’t want to watch anything that’s going to make me vomit..."
WHY IS EVERYTHING SO DISGUSTING?!?!!! — Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) October 21, 2020
Demi Lovato responded to Giuliani's statement on Twitter with a tweet of her own.
"So you normally drink with reporters, follow them to the bedroom and then lie on the bed and let her take off your mic for you?" she wrote. "I guess I’ve been doin my interviews all wrong..."
So you normally drink with reporters, follow them to the bedroom and then lie on the bed and let her take off your mic for you? I guess I’ve been doin my interviews all wrong... 😂 https://t.co/TfAEULC8HI — Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) October 21, 2020
"To All the Boys I've Loved Before" star Noah Centineo simply tweeted: "Borat’s marketing for this sequel is out of this world."
"Oh, Rudy, no," tweeted "Star Trek" actor George Takei.
Former professional basketball player Rex Chapman tweeted a slightly blurry screen grab from the film. The photo appears to show Giuliani lying down on a bed as a blonde woman in a light blue dress stands near him.
"Here’s Rudy Giuliani, the personal attorney to the President of the United States," he wrote. "A still picture of Rudy from the Borat movie coming out on Friday. Can't wait..."
New 'Borat 2' pranks Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani in eyebrow-raising situation
Yashar Ali, a journalist who has contributed to New York Magazine and the Huffington Post, teased his reaction on Twitter as well.
"I just watched the Borat/Giuliani scene....," he wrote. "My God...."
Robby Soave, senior editor at the libertarian magazine Reason, compared Twitter's treatment of the Giuliani story with its treatment of the New York Post's controversial report on Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden's son Hunter.
Will Twitter block access to the Borat / Giuliani story, which contains personal information obtained in an underhanded way and without Giuliani's permission? — Robby Soave (@robbysoave) October 21, 2020
"Will Twitter block access to the Borat / Giuliani story, which contains personal information obtained in an underhanded way and without Giuliani's permission?" Soave tweeted.
Scott Dworkin, who is the co-founder of the Democratic Coalition, praised Baron Cohen for the Giuliani stunt on Twitter.
Sacha Baron Cohen deserves the Nobel Prize for his Borat Rudy Giuliani takedown. — Scott Dworkin (@funder) October 21, 2020
"Sacha Baron Cohen deserves the Nobel Prize for his Borat Rudy Giuliani takedown," he wrote.
Comedian Dana Goldberg tweeted: "Borat just took down Giuliani. Comedians are doing the Lord's work."
Review: Sacha Baron Cohen's silly, scattershot 'Borat 2' takes aim at Trump, COVID
Contributing: Brian Truitt, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-21--An early Election Day weather forecast: No 'monster' storms are expected

• A pair of cold fronts across the eastern U.S. could bring some rain to portions of the East Coast and South .
• The quietest weather will be in the Southwest , where it will be dry with above-normal temperatures .
An early forecast for Election Day shows mostly benign weather for the big day .
`` I do n't see any tropical systems or monster snowstorms at this point , '' AccuWeather long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok told USA TODAY .
However , since it 's still almost two weeks away , specifics are hard to pin down .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ study , 10 days is probably the limit of useful weather predictability , University of Georgia meteorologist Marshall Shepherd recently wrote in Forbes .
Still , early indications are that a pair of cold fronts across the eastern half of the U.S. could bring some rain to portions of the East Coast and South on Election Day , Pastelok said .
Elsewhere , it should be pretty chilly in the Plains , Midwest and the Northeast , he said .
But no big storms are likely in the Plains and Rockies , unlike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , he said .
Americans want their vote to count : Here 's what voters need to know about their rights And rain is also likely on Election Day in Northwest cities such as Seattle and Portland , `` but it wo n't have a big impact , '' he said .
Pastelok was most confident that the southwestern U.S. will be warm and dry on Nov. 3 .
`` The quietest weather will be in the Southwest , where it will be dry with above-normal temperatures . ''
Does the weather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Shepherd said , writing in Forbes : '' We know from several studies in the scientific and political science literature that rain , extreme temperatures or hurricanes can impact voter turnout .
Some studies suggest that 'bad weather ' on Election Day benefits Republicans because it dissuades new or less intense voters , though other studies are less conclusive . ''
However , because of COVID-19 fears at the polls on Election Day and the resulting surge in early or absentee voting , the weather on Election Day itself could be less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in past presidential elections .
USA TODAY will provide more detailed national weather forecasts as we approach Election Day .

An early Election Day weather forecast: No 'monster' storms are expected
Show Caption Hide Caption Florida residents line up in the rain to early vote Florida residents waited anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour in heavy winds and rain to cast their vote Monday morning (Oct. 16) AP
A pair of cold fronts across the eastern U.S. could bring some rain to portions of the East Coast and South.
The quietest weather will be in the Southwest, where it will be dry with above-normal temperatures.
An early forecast for Election Day shows mostly benign weather for the big day.
"I don't see any tropical systems or monster snowstorms at this point," AccuWeather long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok told USA TODAY.
However, since it's still almost two weeks away, specifics are hard to pin down. In fact, according to a 2019 study, 10 days is probably the limit of useful weather predictability, University of Georgia meteorologist Marshall Shepherd recently wrote in Forbes.
Still, early indications are that a pair of cold fronts across the eastern half of the U.S. could bring some rain to portions of the East Coast and South on Election Day, Pastelok said.
Elsewhere, it should be pretty chilly in the Plains, Midwest and the Northeast, he said. But no big storms are likely in the Plains and Rockies, unlike what's in the forecast for next week, he said.
Americans want their vote to count: Here's what voters need to know about their rights
And rain is also likely on Election Day in Northwest cities such as Seattle and Portland, "but it won't have a big impact," he said.
Pastelok was most confident that the southwestern U.S. will be warm and dry on Nov. 3. "The quietest weather will be in the Southwest, where it will be dry with above-normal temperatures."
Does the weather on Election Day really matter?
Yes, Shepherd said, writing in Forbes:
"We know from several studies in the scientific and political science literature that rain, extreme temperatures or hurricanes can impact voter turnout. Some studies suggest that 'bad weather' on Election Day benefits Republicans because it dissuades new or less intense voters, though other studies are less conclusive."
However, because of COVID-19 fears at the polls on Election Day and the resulting surge in early or absentee voting, the weather on Election Day itself could be less important this year than it has been in past presidential elections.
USA TODAY will provide more detailed national weather forecasts as we approach Election Day.


usatoday--2020-10-21--Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions. What does this mean for LGBTQ rights in the US?

Pope Francis ' stunning endorsement of same-sex civil unions is not wholly unexpected , though for many LGBTQ advocates , it is a welcome message .
“ Homosexual people have the right to be in a family .
They are children of God , ” Francis said in an interview for the documentary `` Francesco . ''
“ What we have to have is a civil union law ; that way they are legally covered.
” Catholics , as a whole , generally are among one of the more accepting sects of Christianity when it comes to same-sex unions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ half of Catholics in the United States , along with Mainline Protestants and Orthodox Christians , support same-sex marriage .
It 's a trend mirrored globally : Within the past five years , along with the United States , Ireland , Colombia , Malta and Austria — all of which are primarily Catholic countries — legalized same-sex marriage .
LGBTQ Catholics and advocates have applauded Pope Francis ' message .
Francis DeBernardo , the executive director of New Ways Ministry , an LGBTQ-centered Catholic ministry , told USA TODAY : `` This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people that a church official has made . ''
`` In the church , change happens step by step , and as Catholics around the world become more used to supporting lesbian and gay couples , they and their leaders will soon see that it makes no sense not to recognize and bless these relationships in church . ''
But he also acknowledges that the Pope could go farther in his support — and , in doing so , could have far-reaching implications beyond the Church .
What does this mean for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LGBTQ advocates , Pope Francis ' message was not just an endorsement of same-sex civil unions — a stance that he has , indeed , tacitly taken before .
It 's also approval of same-sex parents having the privilege of raising families .
Alphonso David , the president of the Human Rights Campaign , said in a statement that the Pope is `` making clear that LGBTQ people have a right to their own families . ''
Notably , DeBernardo points out , the Pope used the word `` family '' in his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permitting same-sex civil unions and relationships '' In using the word 'family , ' the pope knows he is talking about more than just a couple , '' said DeBernardo , `` otherwise he would have just said 'couple . '
'' That said , while the Pope supports civil union laws for LGBTQ couples , it is not necessarily an endorsement of same-sex marriage and the rights that come with marriage .
What is the difference between a civil union and a marriage ?
In the United States , the key difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civil unions are mostly limited to state-level protections .
Prior to Obergefell v. Hodges , which in 2015 , guaranteed same-sex marriage nationwide , states that did offer same-sex civil unions — such as Vermont , which was the first state to approve same-sex civil unions in 2000 — generally offered similar legal protections as marriages .
But their legal rights were significantly restricted at the federal level due to the Defense of Marriage Act ( DOMA ) , which ran from 1996 to 2013 when parts of it were declared unconstitutional .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions were not always able to access the same Social Security or disability benefits as married couple .
Legal rights did not always carry over across state lines , either , until the dissolution of DOMA .
What has Pope Francis previously said about same-sex couples ?
Francis has a complicated history with the LGBTQ community , specifically on the issue of same-sex marriage .
While he was archbishop of Buenos Aires , he previously endorsed civil unions for gay couples in lieu of same-sex marriages .
Months into his papacy , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will , who am I to judge ?
” However , Francis has repeatedly condemned same-sex marriage during his time as Pope — emphasizing the Catholic dictum of marriage remaining between a man and a woman in multiple statements .
He has supported anti-marriage equality laws in Slovenia and Slovakia , per New Ways .
Last year , the Catholic Church issued a document essentially condemning transgender identities and non-heterosexual relationships .
What could this mean for LGBTQ legal rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement arrives at a critical juncture for LGBTQ rights in the United States .
Earlier this month , two Supreme Court Justices vehemently condemned same-sex marriage in a rebuke of Obergefell v. Hodges .
Both the plaintiff and defendant in that case condemned the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett , who has repeatedly been criticized by LGBTQ rights groups as hostile in her dealing with issues pertaining to gay marriage and protections of transgender people .
The 19th : A more conservative Supreme Court could bring drastic changes for LGBTQ+ Americans '' We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s bigotry and bullying at the Supreme Court for decades to come , '' said GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis in a September statement .
Currently , DeBernardo points out , Fulton vs. City of Philadelphia is on the Supreme Court 's docket and will be heard in November .
The case , focusing on a Catholic foster care agency that receives government funding and was required to serve a gay couple looking to foster a child , will decide whether agencies can discriminate on the basis of religion .

Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions. What does this mean for LGBTQ rights in the US?
Show Caption Hide Caption Pope Francis has endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time Pope Francis endorsed same-sex civil unions for the first time as pope while being interviewed for the feature-length documentary 'Francesco.' USA TODAY
Pope Francis' stunning endorsement of same-sex civil unions is not wholly unexpected, though for many LGBTQ advocates, it is a welcome message.
“Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God,” Francis said in an interview for the documentary "Francesco." “What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered.”
Catholics, as a whole, generally are among one of the more accepting sects of Christianity when it comes to same-sex unions. A Pew survey found that more than half of Catholics in the United States, along with Mainline Protestants and Orthodox Christians, support same-sex marriage.
It's a trend mirrored globally: Within the past five years, along with the United States, Ireland, Colombia, Malta and Austria — all of which are primarily Catholic countries — legalized same-sex marriage.
Related: 29 countries where same-sex marriage is officially legal
LGBTQ Catholics and advocates have applauded Pope Francis' message. Francis DeBernardo, the executive director of New Ways Ministry, an LGBTQ-centered Catholic ministry, told USA TODAY: "This is the strongest statement of acceptance of LGBTQ people that a church official has made."
"In the church, change happens step by step, and as Catholics around the world become more used to supporting lesbian and gay couples, they and their leaders will soon see that it makes no sense not to recognize and bless these relationships in church."
But he also acknowledges that the Pope could go farther in his support — and, in doing so, could have far-reaching implications beyond the Church.
What does this mean for the Catholic view on LGBT people?
For LGBTQ advocates, Pope Francis' message was not just an endorsement of same-sex civil unions — a stance that he has, indeed, tacitly taken before. It's also approval of same-sex parents having the privilege of raising families.
Alphonso David, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement that the Pope is "making clear that LGBTQ people have a right to their own families."
Notably, DeBernardo points out, the Pope used the word "family" in his statement — a broader sentiment than just permitting same-sex civil unions and relationships
"In using the word 'family,' the pope knows he is talking about more than just a couple," said DeBernardo, "otherwise he would have just said 'couple.'"
That said, while the Pope supports civil union laws for LGBTQ couples, it is not necessarily an endorsement of same-sex marriage and the rights that come with marriage.
What is the difference between a civil union and a marriage?
In the United States, the key difference between civil unions and marriages is that civil unions are mostly limited to state-level protections.
Prior to Obergefell v. Hodges, which in 2015, guaranteed same-sex marriage nationwide, states that did offer same-sex civil unions — such as Vermont, which was the first state to approve same-sex civil unions in 2000 — generally offered similar legal protections as marriages.
But their legal rights were significantly restricted at the federal level due to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which ran from 1996 to 2013 when parts of it were declared unconstitutional. For instance, same-sex couples in civil unions were not always able to access the same Social Security or disability benefits as married couple. Legal rights did not always carry over across state lines, either, until the dissolution of DOMA.
What has Pope Francis previously said about same-sex couples?
Francis has a complicated history with the LGBTQ community, specifically on the issue of same-sex marriage. While he was archbishop of Buenos Aires, he previously endorsed civil unions for gay couples in lieu of same-sex marriages. Months into his papacy, he was famously quoted as saying: “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”
However, Francis has repeatedly condemned same-sex marriage during his time as Pope — emphasizing the Catholic dictum of marriage remaining between a man and a woman in multiple statements.
He has supported anti-marriage equality laws in Slovenia and Slovakia, per New Ways. Last year, the Catholic Church issued a document essentially condemning transgender identities and non-heterosexual relationships.
What could this mean for LGBTQ legal rights in America?
The timing of his statement arrives at a critical juncture for LGBTQ rights in the United States.
Earlier this month, two Supreme Court Justices vehemently condemned same-sex marriage in a rebuke of Obergefell v. Hodges.
USA TODAY interview: Both sides of Obergefell v. Hodges join forces to oppose Amy Coney Barrett's nomination
Both the plaintiff and defendant in that case condemned the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett, who has repeatedly been criticized by LGBTQ rights groups as hostile in her dealing with issues pertaining to gay marriage and protections of transgender people.
The 19th: A more conservative Supreme Court could bring drastic changes for LGBTQ+ Americans
"We cannot allow her to represent President Trump’s bigotry and bullying at the Supreme Court for decades to come," said GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis in a September statement.
Currently, DeBernardo points out, Fulton vs. City of Philadelphia is on the Supreme Court's docket and will be heard in November.
The case, focusing on a Catholic foster care agency that receives government funding and was required to serve a gay couple looking to foster a child, will decide whether agencies can discriminate on the basis of religion.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-22--Senate vote on Supreme Court nominee would toss a can of gasoline into heated election

If Judge Amy Coney Barrett 's nomination to the Supreme Court is approved Thursday by the Judiciary Committee and Monday by the full Senate , it will mark a milestone .
For the first time in more than a century , the majority of the court ’ s nine members will have been selected by presidents who reached the Oval Office by losing the popular vote .
Also novel is that this nomination is being rammed through in the midst of a presidential election , against 230 years of precedent .
And this particular election , it should be noted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tens of millions of Americans have already rushed in mail ballots or stood in line for as many as 11 hours to vote .
Under normal circumstances , the Editorial Board would be assessing Barrett according to our usual criteria for nominees to the nation 's highest court .
We 'd be weighing her impressive legal career , her sterling academic credentials and her appealing life story against some curious and troubling aspects of her work .
The latter include a ruling in which she said the use of the N-word did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her confirmation hearings to accept climate science as settled .
We 'd also be debating whether her conservative views place her within the broad judicial mainstream , and whether she has sufficient respect for legal precedent .
But we can ’ t even get to these questions without stating the obvious : This rushed nomination and confirmation process is a slap in the face to the American people .
It threatens to undermine the credibility of the Supreme Court and invite retaliation from the Democrats if they win control of the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is wildly hypocritical of Republican leaders to hold up a court nominee for most of 2016 — arguing that the people should have their say in the upcoming election — and then deny the people their say this time when their party ’ s nominee is under consideration less than two weeks before Election Day .
All this is occurring as the Supreme Court has claimed sweeping powers that reach deeply into the lives of Americans .
In recent years this court , and ones of slightly different composition , have sided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , aggressive voter registration purges and political gerrymandering .
More ominously , just after the election , the court will return to the Affordable Care Act , a measure that allows millions to buy health insurance .
Republicans have tried to kill the law in Congress , and failed , and tried to kill it in the courts , and failed .
Into this already heated and volatile situation , Barrett is being thrown like a jerrycan of gasoline .
Already , her hurried White House nomination announcement will go down in history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about this hasty confirmation process for a lifetime appointment is misguided .
It smacks of a desperate , last-minute power grab by Republicans fearful of the voters ' impending verdict .

Senate vote on Supreme Court nominee would toss a can of gasoline into heated election Our View: Rush to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett by President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell betrays voters as they cast their verdict.
Show Caption Hide Caption Is it constitutional to 'pack' the supreme court with more justices? The Supreme Court didn't always have nine justices, in fact, it had more. But what changed and made nine the number that stuck? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
If Judge Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court is approved Thursday by the Judiciary Committee and Monday by the full Senate, it will mark a milestone.
For the first time in more than a century, the majority of the court’s nine members will have been selected by presidents who reached the Oval Office by losing the popular vote.
Also novel is that this nomination is being rammed through in the midst of a presidential election, against 230 years of precedent.
And this particular election, it should be noted, is not your typical one. Tens of millions of Americans have already rushed in mail ballots or stood in line for as many as 11 hours to vote.
Judging Judge Amy Coney Barrett
Under normal circumstances, the Editorial Board would be assessing Barrett according to our usual criteria for nominees to the nation's highest court. We'd be weighing her impressive legal career, her sterling academic credentials and her appealing life story against some curious and troubling aspects of her work.
The latter include a ruling in which she said the use of the N-word did not constitute workplace discrimination and her refusal during her confirmation hearings to accept climate science as settled.
We'd also be debating whether her conservative views place her within the broad judicial mainstream, and whether she has sufficient respect for legal precedent.
But we can’t even get to these questions without stating the obvious: This rushed nomination and confirmation process is a slap in the face to the American people. It threatens to undermine the credibility of the Supreme Court and invite retaliation from the Democrats if they win control of the White House and Senate.
While not unconstitutional, it is wildly hypocritical of Republican leaders to hold up a court nominee for most of 2016 — arguing that the people should have their say in the upcoming election — and then deny the people their say this time when their party’s nominee is under consideration less than two weeks before Election Day.
Voter laws, Affordable Care Act
All this is occurring as the Supreme Court has claimed sweeping powers that reach deeply into the lives of Americans. In recent years this court, and ones of slightly different composition, have sided with Republicans on stringent voter ID laws, aggressive voter registration purges and political gerrymandering.
More ominously, just after the election, the court will return to the Affordable Care Act, a measure that allows millions to buy health insurance. Republicans have tried to kill the law in Congress, and failed, and tried to kill it in the courts, and failed.
Into this already heated and volatile situation, Barrett is being thrown like a jerrycan of gasoline. Already, her hurried White House nomination announcement will go down in history as a COVID-19 superspreader event.
Everything about this hasty confirmation process for a lifetime appointment is misguided. It smacks of a desperate, last-minute power grab by Republicans fearful of the voters' impending verdict.


usatoday--2020-10-22--October snow falls in the Midwest create winter weather advisories

Parts of South Dakota saw as much as four inches of snow .

The Midwest sees snow fall, winter weather advisory in early October
Parts of South Dakota saw as much as four inches of snow.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-10-21--Vultures fly alongside paragliders

Vultures fly alongside paragliders

For 20 years , Scott Mason has trained birds of prey to fly along with him to help find thermal @ @ @ @ @ He calls this parahawking .

Paragliders have visitor during flight
For 20 years, Scott Mason has trained birds of prey to fly along with him to help find thermal columns as he paraglides. He calls this parahawking.
Animalkind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-21--Worried about food allergies this Halloween? Here are some allergy-friendly candies.

Worried about food allergies this Halloween ?
Here are some allergy-friendly candies .
Go for these five Halloween candies to @ @ @ @

Halloween candy: Avoid an allergy scare with these candies
Go for these five Halloween candies to avoid common allergens.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-22--DNI John Ratcliffe warns of election interference by Iran and Russia, urges caution

DNI John Ratcliffe warns of election interference by Iran and Russia , urges caution Director National Intelligence John Ratcliffe warns @ @ @ @ @ attempting to undermine confidence in the 2020 election .

2020 Election: DNI Ratcliffe says Russia, Iran interfering in election
Director National Intelligence John Ratcliffe warns that Iran and Russia are attempting to undermine confidence in the 2020 election.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-21--Obama, campaigns for Biden, mocks Pres. Trump's reported 'secret' Chinese bank accounts

While campaigning for former Vice President Joe Biden , President Obama reacts to reports that President Trump has a hidden @ @ @ @

Obama mocks Pres. Trump's reported 'secret' Chinese bank accounts
While campaigning for former Vice President Joe Biden, President Obama reacts to reports that President Trump has a hidden Chinese bank account.
USA TODAY