usatoday--2020-11-13--Election 2020 live updates: Biden talks with Pelosi, Schumer about need for COVID bill

USA TODAY 'S coverage of the 2020 election continues this week after former Vice President Joe Biden won a bitterly fought election against President Donald Trump and states work to finish counting their remaining ballots .
Nearly all states have been called at this point as the Trump campaign challenges the outcomes in many states .
Biden meanwhile is continuing with his transition , meeting with advisors and world leaders and possibly naming staff in the days and weeks to come .
Be sure to refresh this page often to get the latest information on how things are going .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the country .
Reports : Trump may announce 2024 run when election victory for Biden is certified President Donald Trump has told some advisers that if the election is certified for President-elect Joe Biden , he will announce he will be running in 2024 shortly afterwards , according to The New York Times and NBC News .
Biden has been projected to win the 2020 election as he is currently leading Trump 290-217 in the Electoral College , surpassing the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 46th President of the United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Biden , and is instead filing lawsuits in several key states , and claiming the election was fraudulent .
The New York Times reported that , according to one advisor , Trump “ knows it ’ s over , ” but instead of conceding the race to Biden , is hoping to ensure he has the continued support of his GOP base as he contemplates his future , post-presidency .
Axios first reported on Monday Trump was considering running again in 2024 , just two days after the race was called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schumer about need for COVID bill President-elect Joe Biden talked with Congress ' top Democrats on Thursday about his legislative priorities and the need to quickly pass a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package .
Biden highlighted his hopes for a coronavirus stimulus package during the lame-duck session , the period between the election and January when he and other newly elected leaders will start serving , in a conversation with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , D-Calif. , and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer , D-N.Y .
The trio discussed the rise in coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Americans , according to a readout of the call provided by Pelosi and Schumer .
`` They discussed the urgent need for the Congress to come together in the lame duck session on a bipartisan basis to pass a bill that provides resources to fight the COVID-19 pandemic , relief for working families and small businesses , support for state and local governments trying to keep frontline workers on the payroll , expanded unemployment insurance , and affordable health care for millions of families , '' a readout of the call says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed a desire to pass a stimulus bill before the end of the year , the outlook for a deal appears grim .
Leaders in both parties have not relented from key stances that have kept them at an impasse for months , Trump is focused on contesting the election and Pelosi has not spoken to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin , a key White House negotiator , since before the election .
Along with COVID-19 stimulus relief , the leaders discussed uniting the country with bipartisanship and a host of issues that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next Congress , including investments in infrastructure and clean energy .
Georgia 's hand recount and audit of the presidential race will begin at 9 a.m. Friday , state election officials said Thursday .
The recount will conclude at midnight on Wednesday , Nov. 18 , said Gabe Sterling , voting implementation manager .
“ This will be the largest hand recount and audit in United States history , ” Sterling said .
He added that the biggest concern going in will be the potential for human error during the hand recount .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the process , ” he said .
“ The numbers will shift a bit ( because of human involvement ) .
” Sterling said most of the changes usually come on the hand-marked paper ballots , with the absentee ballots being “ the most problematic ” due to the amount of human interaction with them .
″ ( Humans ) will be the weak link .
There ’ s no way to prevent it .
We have to try and circumvent that , ” he said .
Addressing claims that Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hand recount and audit at the request of President Donald Trump or other Georgia Republican leaders , such as Sens .
David Perdue or Kelly Loeffler , Sterling said those claims are the “ farthest from the truth.
” “ If it was 14,000 votes the other way , we would be doing the exact same thing , ” he said .
“ If we see a shift in 14-to-15,000 ballots , we have bigger issues to address ( than just this election ) .
We want to get it right .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ accurate .
This is the reason and rationale for the audit.
” Sterling added that whatever came from the hand recount and audit would be the certified results for the election .
“ The work on this audit will be done by the county workers .
They are the boots on the ground , ” he said .
“ We encouraged them to please stream ( the hand recount and audit ) so people can see the process .
“ We are working to be as transparent as possible.
” President-elect Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second Catholic president after John F. Kennedy , spoke to Pope Francis on Thursday .
According to a readout of the call , Biden expressed his desire to work with Francis to address issues like climate change and welcoming immigrants and refugees into the U.S. Francis also congratulated and extended his blessings to Biden for winning the 2020 presidential election , according to the readout .
Biden throughout the week has spoken with several world leaders .
Throughout the campaign , Biden often touted his Catholic faith .
During his victory speech Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On Eagle 's Wings.
” Trump warns of Democratic-run Senate - something that happens only if Biden and Harris take office Does Donald Trump believe the end is near ?
Some of his tweets suggest yes .
Intentionally or not , Trump retweeted several items Thursday warning about the prospect of a Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate – something that can only happen if Joe Biden and Kamala Harris become president and vice-president .
`` If the Democrats take control of the Senate , they want to turn America into a socialist state .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Sen. David Perdue , R-Ga. , one of several Georgia-related posts retweeted by Trump .
But Democratic control of the Senate only happens if Biden and Harris take office .
The Republicans are assured of 50 seats in the Senate that takes office in January .
if Democrats win Jan. 5 runoffs in Georgia for two remaining Senate positions , they will also control 50 seats – a tie that can be broken by the vice president , who would have to be Harris if Democrats are to take control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , chairwoman of the Republican National Committee , made a similar mistake on Wednesday .
She tweeted , and then deleted , a post that described Harris as the `` deciding vote '' in a Democratic Senate .
Aides said Trump remains confident that he will prevail in lawsuits and election challenges , and that he will get a second term with Mike Pence as his vice president – and the tie-breaking vote in the Senate .
`` I do think this ends up in President Trump 's favor , '' campaign senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pelosi : Republicans 'engaged in an absurd circus ' and refuse to 'accept reality' Top congressional Democrats called on President Donald Trump and Republicans to accept the results of the election and move on in a Thursday press conference .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer , the top Senate Democrat , told reporters Republicans should “ stop their shenanigans ” about the election and that Republicans are “ auditioning for profiles in cowardice.
” And House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Republicans were “ engaged in an absurd circus right now refusing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential transition , they said , could make it harder to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recession .
Trump has refused to concede the election , and most congressional Republicans have backed his efforts to wage legal challenges to the election result .
Asked about Democrats ’ concerns about Trump ’ s refusal to concede , House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , the top House Republican , told reporters Thursday “ every recount needs to be finished ” and “ every challenge needs to be heard.
” Despite the election results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budged on COVID-19 stimulus as a months-long impasse over more relief lingers .
Pelosi and Schumer said they were at the same place as before the election and said they still supported the roughly $ 2.2 trillion Democratic plan , arguing Biden ’ s win gave them a mandate and a “ better chance ” to get a bill done before Biden is inaugurated and a new Congress was sworn in .
Republicans , on the other hand , said stimulus was needed before the end of the year but were still unlikely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , told reporters with improvements in the economy , he believed Congress needed to move on the roughly $ 500 billion plan Republicans had supported .
Democrats ’ plan , however , was “ not a place I think we ’ re willing to go , ” he said .
After a vague statement Monday , Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine made his thoughts on the presidential election clear : former Vice President Joe Biden won .
“ We need to consider the former vice president as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday morning .
`` Joe Biden is the president-elect.
” Contrast that with DeWine 's statement Monday : “ I congratulate Vice-President Biden , '' he said .
`` When lawsuits have concluded and election results are certified , it is important for all Americans to honor the outcome.
” Calling Biden the president-elect might seem like a hair-splitting distinction , but it 's one few Republicans have made .
On Monday , Ohio Republican Party leader Jane Timken told supporters in an email that the race was n't over .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to call the race for Biden when there are many questions regarding fraudulent voting that have yet to be answered , '' Timken wrote .
DeWine was the co-chair of Trump 's reelection committee in Ohio , a state the president won by 8 percentage points in final , unofficial results .
Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine : Republican says 'Joe Biden is the president-elect' Republican Sen. James Lankford said he ’ d “ step in ” if President-elect Joe Biden doesn ’ t start receiving official government briefings , which have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepares to be sworn in Jan. 20 .
Lankford , of Oklahoma , discussed the transition process with Tulsa radio station KRMG and host Russell Mills on Wednesday .
When the issue of Biden not receiving briefings was raised , Lankford replied , “ That should be resolved by Friday.
” He said the U.S. General Services Administration can start certifying state election results Friday and that he , as a member of the Senate Oversight Committee , has “ already started engaging in this area.
” He noted President Bill Clinton made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ W. Bush in 2000 .
Biden 's cabinet : President-elect Joe Biden seeks diverse Cabinet to 'look like America ' in leading federal departments 'Our time is far from over ' : Without Donald Trump , what happens to global populism ?
“ There ’ s nothing wrong with Vice President Biden getting the briefings to be able to prepare himself so that he can be ready .
The president ’ s already getting those .
There ’ s nothing wrong with the former vice president getting those , ” he told KRMG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occurring by Friday , I will step in as well to be able to push and say ‘ This needs to occur ’ so that regardless of the outcome of the election , whichever way that it goes , people can be ready for the actual task.
” Biden has been declared the winner of the presidential election , though President Donald Trump and his campaign are alleging unsubstantiated voter fraud in a number of states .
Over the coming weeks states will certify their election results .
Biden names chief of staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration Ron Klain , a senior campaign advisor for Joe Biden and one-time top aide for the former vice president , is set to become the president-elect 's White House chief of staff , the Biden campaign announced Wednesday night .
Klain was Biden 's chief of staff when he was vice president and also served as chief of staff to vice president Al Gore .
By tapping Klain to lead his White House , Biden has chosen a Washington veteran with experience fighting the Ebola outbreak just as the new president makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The hire , the first made by Biden for his new administration , marks another step toward his White House transition as President Donald Trump contests election results with baseless claims of voter fraud .
Biden chief of staff : Ron Klain named Biden 's chief of staff , first White House official picked for administration Trump endorses McDaniel for another term as Republican Party chairwoman President Donald Trump sought to clear the political air Wednesday by endorsing Ronna McDaniel for another term as chairwoman of the Republican National Committee .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more votes than any sitting President in U.S. history - and we will win ! ''
tweeted Trump , who is continuing his long-shot legal challenge to the election victory by Democrat Joe Biden .
McDaniel is expected to seek a third term as party chair when the RNC meets in January .
She has been helping promote Trump 's lawsuits and election protests , even as many aides believe they will be unsuccessful .
The president 's endorsement should tamp down news reports that another Trump supporter – perhaps even his son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McDaniel 's leadership .
The younger Trump had denied any interest in running the RNC .

David Jackson and Sean Rossman, USA TODAY

Election 2020 live updates: Biden talks with Pelosi, Schumer about need for COVID bill
Show Caption Hide Caption GOP Senator: I will step in to get Biden briefings Republican Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma said President-elect Joe Biden needs intelligence briefings, regardless of who wins the election. Lankford told KRMG Radio in Tulsa he will step in and make sure it happens, if necessary. (Nov. 12) AP
USA TODAY'S coverage of the 2020 election continues this week after former Vice President Joe Biden won a bitterly fought election against President Donald Trump and states work to finish counting their remaining ballots. Nearly all states have been called at this point as the Trump campaign challenges the outcomes in many states. Biden meanwhile is continuing with his transition, meeting with advisors and world leaders and possibly naming staff in the days and weeks to come.
Be sure to refresh this page often to get the latest information on how things are going.
USA TODAY has live election information from across the country.
President Donald Trump has told some advisers that if the election is certified for President-elect Joe Biden, he will announce he will be running in 2024 shortly afterwards, according to The New York Times and NBC News.
Biden has been projected to win the 2020 election as he is currently leading Trump 290-217 in the Electoral College, surpassing the 270 electoral votes needed to become the 46th President of the United States.
Trump has not yet conceded to Biden, and is instead filing lawsuits in several key states, and claiming the election was fraudulent.
The New York Times reported that, according to one advisor, Trump “knows it’s over,” but instead of conceding the race to Biden, is hoping to ensure he has the continued support of his GOP base as he contemplates his future, post-presidency.
Axios first reported on Monday Trump was considering running again in 2024, just two days after the race was called for Biden.
— Savannah Behrmann
President-elect Joe Biden talked with Congress' top Democrats on Thursday about his legislative priorities and the need to quickly pass a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package.
Biden highlighted his hopes for a coronavirus stimulus package during the lame-duck session, the period between the election and January when he and other newly elected leaders will start serving, in a conversation with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
The trio discussed the rise in coronavirus cases across the U.S. and the financial needs of Americans, according to a readout of the call provided by Pelosi and Schumer.
"They discussed the urgent need for the Congress to come together in the lame duck session on a bipartisan basis to pass a bill that provides resources to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, relief for working families and small businesses, support for state and local governments trying to keep frontline workers on the payroll, expanded unemployment insurance, and affordable health care for millions of families," a readout of the call says.
While leaders in both parties have expressed a desire to pass a stimulus bill before the end of the year, the outlook for a deal appears grim. Leaders in both parties have not relented from key stances that have kept them at an impasse for months, Trump is focused on contesting the election and Pelosi has not spoken to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, a key White House negotiator, since before the election.
Along with COVID-19 stimulus relief, the leaders discussed uniting the country with bipartisanship and a host of issues that could gain support from both parties in the next Congress, including investments in infrastructure and clean energy.
– Christal Hayes
Georgia's hand recount and audit of the presidential race will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, state election officials said Thursday.
The recount will conclude at midnight on Wednesday, Nov. 18, said Gabe Sterling, voting implementation manager.
“This will be the largest hand recount and audit in United States history,” Sterling said.
He added that the biggest concern going in will be the potential for human error during the hand recount.
“Human beings are the most flawed part of the process,” he said. “The numbers will shift a bit (because of human involvement).”
Sterling said most of the changes usually come on the hand-marked paper ballots, with the absentee ballots being “the most problematic” due to the amount of human interaction with them.
″(Humans) will be the weak link. There’s no way to prevent it. We have to try and circumvent that,” he said.
Addressing claims that Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is performing a hand recount and audit at the request of President Donald Trump or other Georgia Republican leaders, such as Sens. David Perdue or Kelly Loeffler, Sterling said those claims are the “farthest from the truth.”
“If it was 14,000 votes the other way, we would be doing the exact same thing,” he said.
“If we see a shift in 14-to-15,000 ballots, we have bigger issues to address (than just this election). We want to get it right. We want to make sure it is accurate. This is the reason and rationale for the audit.”
Sterling added that whatever came from the hand recount and audit would be the certified results for the election.
“The work on this audit will be done by the county workers. They are the boots on the ground,” he said. “We encouraged them to please stream (the hand recount and audit) so people can see the process.
“We are working to be as transparent as possible.”
– Savannah Morning News
President-elect Joe Biden, who will be the nation's second Catholic president after John F. Kennedy, spoke to Pope Francis on Thursday.
According to a readout of the call, Biden expressed his desire to work with Francis to address issues like climate change and welcoming immigrants and refugees into the U.S.
Francis also congratulated and extended his blessings to Biden for winning the 2020 presidential election, according to the readout. Biden throughout the week has spoken with several world leaders.
Throughout the campaign, Biden often touted his Catholic faith. During his victory speech Saturday, Biden recited the Catholic hymn "On Eagle's Wings.”
– Rebecca Morin
Does Donald Trump believe the end is near? Some of his tweets suggest yes.
Intentionally or not, Trump retweeted several items Thursday warning about the prospect of a Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate – something that can only happen if Joe Biden and Kamala Harris become president and vice-president.
"If the Democrats take control of the Senate, they want to turn America into a socialist state. The future of our country is at stake," said Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., one of several Georgia-related posts retweeted by Trump.
But Democratic control of the Senate only happens if Biden and Harris take office.
The Republicans are assured of 50 seats in the Senate that takes office in January. if Democrats win Jan. 5 runoffs in Georgia for two remaining Senate positions, they will also control 50 seats – a tie that can be broken by the vice president, who would have to be Harris if Democrats are to take control, as Trump fears.
Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republican National Committee, made a similar mistake on Wednesday. She tweeted, and then deleted, a post that described Harris as the "deciding vote" in a Democratic Senate.
Aides said Trump remains confident that he will prevail in lawsuits and election challenges, and that he will get a second term with Mike Pence as his vice president – and the tie-breaking vote in the Senate.
"I do think this ends up in President Trump's favor," campaign senior adviser Jason Miller told Fox Business Network.
– David Jackson
Top congressional Democrats called on President Donald Trump and Republicans to accept the results of the election and move on in a Thursday press conference.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the top Senate Democrat, told reporters Republicans should “stop their shenanigans” about the election and that Republicans are “auditioning for profiles in cowardice.”
And House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Republicans were “engaged in an absurd circus right now refusing to accept reality.” The delay in the presidential transition, they said, could make it harder to address the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recession.
Trump has refused to concede the election, and most congressional Republicans have backed his efforts to wage legal challenges to the election result.
Asked about Democrats’ concerns about Trump’s refusal to concede, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the top House Republican, told reporters Thursday “every recount needs to be finished” and “every challenge needs to be heard.”
Despite the election results, both sides seem not to have budged on COVID-19 stimulus as a months-long impasse over more relief lingers. Pelosi and Schumer said they were at the same place as before the election and said they still supported the roughly $2.2 trillion Democratic plan, arguing Biden’s win gave them a mandate and a “better chance” to get a bill done before Biden is inaugurated and a new Congress was sworn in.
Republicans, on the other hand, said stimulus was needed before the end of the year but were still unlikely to support a larger bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told reporters with improvements in the economy, he believed Congress needed to move on the roughly $500 billion plan Republicans had supported.
Democrats’ plan, however, was “not a place I think we’re willing to go,” he said.
– Nicholas Wu
After a vague statement Monday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine made his thoughts on the presidential election clear: former Vice President Joe Biden won.
“We need to consider the former vice president as the president-elect," DeWine told CNN Thursday morning. "Joe Biden is the president-elect.”
Contrast that with DeWine's statement Monday: “I congratulate Vice-President Biden," he said. "When lawsuits have concluded and election results are certified, it is important for all Americans to honor the outcome.”
Calling Biden the president-elect might seem like a hair-splitting distinction, but it's one few Republicans have made. On Monday, Ohio Republican Party leader Jane Timken told supporters in an email that the race wasn't over.
"It is premature for Democrats and the media to call the race for Biden when there are many questions regarding fraudulent voting that have yet to be answered," Timken wrote.
DeWine was the co-chair of Trump's reelection committee in Ohio, a state the president won by 8 percentage points in final, unofficial results.
– Jessie Balmert, Cincinnati Enquirer
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine: Republican says 'Joe Biden is the president-elect'
Republican Sen. James Lankford said he’d “step in” if President-elect Joe Biden doesn’t start receiving official government briefings, which have not yet been given to him as he prepares to be sworn in Jan. 20.
Lankford, of Oklahoma, discussed the transition process with Tulsa radio station KRMG and host Russell Mills on Wednesday. When the issue of Biden not receiving briefings was raised, Lankford replied, “That should be resolved by Friday.” He said the U.S. General Services Administration can start certifying state election results Friday and that he, as a member of the Senate Oversight Committee, has “already started engaging in this area.” He noted President Bill Clinton made available briefings to then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush in 2000.
Biden's cabinet: President-elect Joe Biden seeks diverse Cabinet to 'look like America' in leading federal departments
'Our time is far from over': Without Donald Trump, what happens to global populism?
“There’s nothing wrong with Vice President Biden getting the briefings to be able to prepare himself so that he can be ready. The president’s already getting those. There’s nothing wrong with the former vice president getting those,” he told KRMG. “If that’s not occurring by Friday, I will step in as well to be able to push and say ‘This needs to occur’ so that regardless of the outcome of the election, whichever way that it goes, people can be ready for the actual task.”
Biden has been declared the winner of the presidential election, though President Donald Trump and his campaign are alleging unsubstantiated voter fraud in a number of states. Over the coming weeks states will certify their election results.
– Sean Rossman
Biden transition: Joe Biden's team says 'theatrics' of Trump's legal fights won't impede a smooth transition
Ron Klain, a senior campaign advisor for Joe Biden and one-time top aide for the former vice president, is set to become the president-elect's White House chief of staff, the Biden campaign announced Wednesday night.
Klain was Biden's chief of staff when he was vice president and also served as chief of staff to vice president Al Gore. By tapping Klain to lead his White House, Biden has chosen a Washington veteran with experience fighting the Ebola outbreak just as the new president makes ending the COVID-19 pandemic his top priority.
The hire, the first made by Biden for his new administration, marks another step toward his White House transition as President Donald Trump contests election results with baseless claims of voter fraud.
– Joey Garrison, John Fritze and Savannah Behrmann
Biden chief of staff: Ron Klain named Biden's chief of staff, first White House official picked for administration
President Donald Trump sought to clear the political air Wednesday by endorsing Ronna McDaniel for another term as chairwoman of the Republican National Committee.
"With 72 MILLION votes, we received more votes than any sitting President in U.S. history - and we will win!" tweeted Trump, who is continuing his long-shot legal challenge to the election victory by Democrat Joe Biden.
McDaniel is expected to seek a third term as party chair when the RNC meets in January. She has been helping promote Trump's lawsuits and election protests, even as many aides believe they will be unsuccessful.
The president's endorsement should tamp down news reports that another Trump supporter – perhaps even his son, Donald Trump Jr. – might challenge McDaniel's leadership. The younger Trump had denied any interest in running the RNC.
— David Jackson


usatoday--2020-11-13--Walmart website sees massive traffic, experiences 'intermittent slowness' after PlayStation 5 goes o

Frustration boiled over on social media after massive traffic to Walmart.com prevented would-be PlayStation 5 shoppers from scoring the hot holiday gift .
After the new Sony video game console went on sale Thursday , Walmart told USA TODAY that some shoppers might have experienced `` intermittent slowness for a few minutes . ''
`` We quickly caught up with the volume and are currently restocking the item for additional release of inventory throughout the day , '' Walmart said in a statement to USA TODAY .
Walmart said in a tweet on Nov. 5 that it would sell the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 3 p.m. , 6 p.m. and 9 p.m .
ET – for PS5 fans who missed out on preorders .
Recommendation from Reviewed : PlayStation 5 goes on sale at Walmart Thursday But although Walmart had offered some hope about restocking through Thursday , for many hoping to order the console those hopes were quickly dashed during the final timeslot .
One of the error messages shoppers got was `` An error has occured while adding an item to the cart .
Please try again shortly . ''
Sony ’ s new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a separate digital version for $ 399.99 .
Both are only being sold online .
Some Twitter users reminisced over how they went to the store to purchase in past launches .
`` Totally understand the Covid in-store precautions , but I 'll definitely miss my old 100 % success rate of camping out the night before , '' Twitter user Joshua Wittenkeller tweeted Thursday .
No PS5 for you : Fans react to not buying a new PlayStation Here are some of the reactions on social media Thursday : Upgrading to an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What to do with your old video game console

Walmart website sees massive traffic, experiences 'intermittent slowness' after PlayStation 5 goes on sale
Show Caption Hide Caption PlayStation 5 announced for 2020 holiday season Sony confirmed the 'Playstation 5' name and release date on October 8th. Cover Media - Shareable
Frustration boiled over on social media after massive traffic to Walmart.com prevented would-be PlayStation 5 shoppers from scoring the hot holiday gift.
After the new Sony video game console went on sale Thursday, Walmart told USA TODAY that some shoppers might have experienced "intermittent slowness for a few minutes."
"We quickly caught up with the volume and are currently restocking the item for additional release of inventory throughout the day," Walmart said in a statement to USA TODAY.
Walmart said in a tweet on Nov. 5 that it would sell the consoles four times on Nov. 12 –noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. ET – for PS5 fans who missed out on preorders.
Recommendation from Reviewed: PlayStation 5 goes on sale at Walmart Thursday
PlayStation 5 review: A powerhouse video game console with innovative controls
But although Walmart had offered some hope about restocking through Thursday, for many hoping to order the console those hopes were quickly dashed during the final timeslot.
One of the error messages shoppers got was "An error has occured while adding an item to the cart. Please try again shortly."
Sony’s new console is selling for $499.99 and a separate digital version for $399.99. Both are only being sold online.
Some Twitter users reminisced over how they went to the store to purchase in past launches.
"Totally understand the Covid in-store precautions, but I'll definitely miss my old 100% success rate of camping out the night before," Twitter user Joshua Wittenkeller tweeted Thursday.
No PS5 for you: Fans react to not buying a new PlayStation
Here are some of the reactions on social media Thursday:
Congratulations to all the people who were able to get a #PS5 from @Walmart pic.twitter.com/QIQzX2vii6 — D-Mo (@DAM22_LG) November 13, 2020
Seriously? @Walmart. I thought right now you guys would have it under control but clearly not 🙄🙄 this was the 4th try today 😭. @PlayStation @Sony #ps5 pic.twitter.com/XedPCUCnyI — 🖤🕷Ninoshka🕷🖤 (@ninowolfie15) November 13, 2020
Shot 0/4 from the field tonight against Walmart. No Ps5 was secured on this day. 🤡 pic.twitter.com/j9gH1Wga5L — IG:@RealFlyboiQuan (@RealFlyboiQuan) November 13, 2020
Really thought I was finally gonna get the #PS5 when I made it to the Walmart checkout section only for it to say “out of stock” when I placed my order pic.twitter.com/rfvbIso6V8 — 5’4 Trillionaire (@KBEXCLUSIVEKB) November 13, 2020
Me losing to bots 4 times in the Walmart PS5 race pic.twitter.com/qcWVryOqBe — Colin (@IntroSpecktive) November 13, 2020
me after Walmart finessed me out of the PS5 for the 4th time pic.twitter.com/gPO2PZZRTS — LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) November 12, 2020
Every time I want to check out my ps5 from Walmart: pic.twitter.com/5eAepRTi20 — Jimin❤RM (@Jimini_RMoni) November 12, 2020
The walmart website everytime the ps5 gets restocked 😭 pic.twitter.com/JTkgYzU9sV — Jay (@LonzoBalling) November 12, 2020
Upgrading to an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5: What to do with your old video game console
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko


usatoday--2020-11-12--Al Roker says he's 'relieved' to be back home after completing prostate cancer surgery

Al Roker appears to be in good spirits while sharing a health update .
On Thursday , the 66-year-old `` Today '' show co-host and weatherman announced on Twitter that he 's back home after undergoing surgery to have his prostate removed following his cancer diagnosis .
`` Relieved to let you all know that my # prostatecancer surgery is done and back home , '' he wrote , alongside several optimistic pictures with his wife , Deborah , and the couple 's 18-year-old son , Nicholas .
Roker gave a `` big shoutout to everyone at the Josie Robertson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thanked his fans and friends for their support following his diagnosis .
`` ( I ) appreciate all the thoughts and wishes from our viewers and the wonderful care packages from my co-workers .
See you all soon , '' he concluded .
Al Roker thanks fans after diagnosis , has a message for his prostate cancer Last week , Roker went public with his cancer diagnosis in order to spotlight the number of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer .
`` If you detect it early , this is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why I wanted to take you along my journey , so we can all learn together how to educate and protect the men in our lives . ''
he said .
`` I do n't want people thinking , 'Oh , poor Al , ' you know , because I 'm gon na be OK. '' Roker said he learned of his cancer following a `` routine physical . ''
Al Roker reveals prostate cancer diagnosis , says he will undergo surgery

Al Roker says he's 'relieved' to be back home after completing prostate cancer surgery
Show Caption Hide Caption Why Al Roker went public with his prostate cancer diagnosis Al Roker revealed on the "Today" show that he has prostate cancer. Roker shared the news to encourage men to get screened. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
Al Roker appears to be in good spirits while sharing a health update.
On Thursday, the 66-year-old "Today" show co-host and weatherman announced on Twitter that he's back home after undergoing surgery to have his prostate removed following his cancer diagnosis.
"Relieved to let you all know that my #prostatecancer surgery is done and back home," he wrote, alongside several optimistic pictures with his wife, Deborah, and the couple's 18-year-old son, Nicholas.
Roker gave a "big shoutout to everyone at the Josie Robertson Surgery Center" in New York City and thanked his fans and friends for their support following his diagnosis.
"(I) appreciate all the thoughts and wishes from our viewers and the wonderful care packages from my co-workers. See you all soon," he concluded.
Al Roker thanks fans after diagnosis, has a message for his prostate cancer
Relieved to let you all know that my #prostatecancer surgery is done and back home. IA big shoutout to everyone at the #josierobertsonsurgerycenter and appreciate all the thoughts and wishes from our viewers and the wonderful care packages from my co-workers. See you all soon. pic.twitter.com/PoZZWpDcFE — Al Roker (@alroker) November 12, 2020
Last week, Roker went public with his cancer diagnosis in order to spotlight the number of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer.
"If you detect it early, this is a really treatable disease. And it's why I wanted to take you along my journey, so we can all learn together how to educate and protect the men in our lives." he said. "I don't want people thinking, 'Oh, poor Al,' you know, because I'm gonna be OK."
Roker said he learned of his cancer following a "routine physical."
Contributing: Sara M Moniuszko
Al Roker reveals prostate cancer diagnosis, says he will undergo surgery


usatoday--2020-11-12--Employees working from home should pay 'privilege' tax' to support workers who cannot,  Deutsche Ban

Employees who choose to work remotely should pay a tax to help those workers on low incomes who can not , said a research note from Deutsche Bank .
According to the research report titled `` What We Must Do to Rebuild , '' employees who work from home receive immediate financial benefits , including reduced costs for travel , food and clothing .
The report suggests the employer would pay the tax if it does not provide the worker with a permanent desk .
Otherwise , the employee would pay the tax .
`` Our calculations suggest the amounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low-income earners who are unable to work remotely and thus assume more 'old economy ' and health risks , '' said Jim Reid , global head of fundamental credit strategy and thematic research at Deutsche Bank , in the report .
Personal finance : Should you roll your closing costs into your mortgage loan ?
On an average salary of $ 55,000 at a tax rate of 5 % , Deutsche Bank estimates the average person would pay more than $ 10 a day in tax , and raise a total of $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the tax should only apply outside times when the government advises people to work from home , as has happened during the pandemic .
The tax should also exclude low-income workers and the self-employed .
As the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the U.S. , many businesses required employees to work remotely to stop the spread .
As the practice has become normal during the pandemic , more employers appear open to allowing remote work even after the pandemic passes .
Deutsche Bank estimates the proportion of Americans who worked from home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 56 % .
`` The sudden shift to WFH means that , for the first time in history , a big chunk of people have disconnected themselves from the face-to-face world yet are still leading a full economic life , '' said researcher Luke Templeman in the report .
`` That means remote workers are contributing less to the infrastructure of the economy whilst still receiving its benefits . ''

Employees working from home should pay 'privilege' tax' to support workers who cannot, Deutsche Bank research note says
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: CDC encourages people to work from home if possible As coronavirus spreads, the CDC is encouraging people to work from home to cut back on contagion, but what if your job doesn't allow that? USA TODAY
Employees who choose to work remotely should pay a tax to help those workers on low incomes who cannot, said a research note from Deutsche Bank.
According to the research report titled "What We Must Do to Rebuild," employees who work from home receive immediate financial benefits, including reduced costs for travel, food and clothing.
The report suggests the employer would pay the tax if it does not provide the worker with a permanent desk. Otherwise, the employee would pay the tax.
"Our calculations suggest the amounts raised could fund material income subsidies for low-income earners who are unable to work remotely and thus assume more 'old economy' and health risks," Jim Reid, global head of fundamental credit strategy and thematic research at Deutsche Bank, said in the report.
On an average salary of $55,000 at a tax rate of 5%, Deutsche Bank estimates the average person would pay more than $10 a day in tax, and raise a total of $48 billion a year.
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The report says the tax should only apply outside times when the government advises people to work from home, as has happened during the pandemic. The tax should also exclude low-income workers and the self-employed.
As the coronavirus pandemic took hold in the U.S., many businesses required employees to work remotely to stop the spread. As the practice has become normal during the pandemic, more employers appear open to allowing remote work even after the pandemic passes.
Holiday shopping: Google releases predictions of popular holiday gifts
Personal finance: Should you roll your closing costs into your mortgage loan?
Deutsche Bank estimates the proportion of Americans who worked from home (WFH) during the pandemic surged to 56%.
"The sudden shift to WFH means that, for the first time in history, a big chunk of people have disconnected themselves from the face-to-face world yet are still leading a full economic life," said researcher Luke Templeman in the report. "That means remote workers are contributing less to the infrastructure of the economy whilst still receiving its benefits."
Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.


usatoday--2020-11-12--Opinion: Tiger Woods contending at the Masters again, and for many years to come

AUGUSTA , Ga. — If ever there were a golf course made for one man , and one man made for a golf course , it would be Tiger Woods and Augusta National .
So it should come as absolutely no surprise that despite an uneven and disappointing season , and despite his advancing age ( nearly 45 ) and despite the 19-month wait from one Masters to the next , the defending champion has launched himself into contention for another green jacket .
Tiger set foot on the grounds of Augusta National on a rainy Thursday morning and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first bogey-free opening round at the Masters in his life , he shot a 4-under-par 68 , tying his career-best opening round at Augusta National , to find himself tied for fourth , three shots behind leader Paul Casey .
What went right ?
“ Everything , ” Tiger said .
“ I did everything well today.
” Tiger playing well at the Masters ?
That is so not 2020 .
That ’ s actually normal .
But is anyone really surprised ?
Tiger certainly is not .
He called it on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do I expect to contend ?
” he said .
“ Yes , I do .
I mean , you look at Freddie ( Couples ) and Bernhard ( Langer ) , they are in their 60s and they seem to contend .
Jack ( Nicklaus ) contended here when he was , what , 58 , or 56 , whatever it was .
It can be done .
This is a golf course in which having an understanding how to play and where to miss it and how to hit the shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Jack Nicklaus had a chance to tell Donald Trump how to lose with dignity .
He passed .
“ When I first came here , it was a lot of drivers and a lot of wedges .
Now it 's a little bit different and a little bit longer clubs into the holes , but still understanding how to play it definitely helps .
That 's one of the reasons why you see past champions , like I mentioned Freddie and Bernhard , to be able to contend so late in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of those guys.
” Here ’ s a prediction : He will be .
Tiger ’ s name will pop up on the leaderboard here for the next 10-15 years , whether he wins another green jacket or not .
Tiger described “ a sense of ease ” on the course , although there were some bizarre moments .
With no spectators allowed this week due to the pandemic , there were no galleries , but Tiger nonetheless had the biggest gathering following him , a couple dozen people , including members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story .
Still , it was so quiet around him that you could pick out bits of his conversations as he walked down the fairway , and you could hear him chuckling while talking to the caddie of one of his playing partners , Shane Lowry , on the long walk down the second fairway .
Without gallery ropes , those who are on the course are closer than ever before .
In some cases , too close .
A woman ended up walking through that second fairway as Tiger ’ s group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before Lowry motioned for her to go past .
Here ’ s another prediction : During the course of the tournament , someone is going to walk right into a player hitting a shot this week .
It ’ s going to happen .
“ There 's no patrons , no roars , ” Tiger said .
“ There are some blind shots here , and we had to ask the camera guys where the shot went because we just didn ’ t know .
That 's very different .
There were a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of the way this entire year has been.
” Amid all the change , though , one constant prevailed .
Tiger Woods , playing well , near the lead of another Masters .

Opinion: Tiger Woods contending at the Masters again, and for many years to come
Show Caption Hide Caption The Masters may look different, but still amazing Sports Pulse: The Masters may look different, but can we still expect the same playing out of Tiger Woods SportsPulse, USA TODAY
AUGUSTA, Ga. — If ever there were a golf course made for one man, and one man made for a golf course, it would be Tiger Woods and Augusta National. So it should come as absolutely no surprise that despite an uneven and disappointing season, and despite his advancing age (nearly 45) and despite the 19-month wait from one Masters to the next, the defending champion has launched himself into contention for another green jacket.
Tiger set foot on the grounds of Augusta National on a rainy Thursday morning and his game suddenly came alive. Playing the first bogey-free opening round at the Masters in his life, he shot a 4-under-par 68, tying his career-best opening round at Augusta National, to find himself tied for fourth, three shots behind leader Paul Casey.
What went right?
“Everything,” Tiger said. “I did everything well today.”
Tiger playing well at the Masters? That is so not 2020. That’s actually normal.
But is anyone really surprised? Tiger certainly is not. He called it on Tuesday in his pre-tournament news conference.
“Do I expect to contend?” he said. “Yes, I do. I mean, you look at Freddie (Couples) and Bernhard (Langer), they are in their 60s and they seem to contend. Jack (Nicklaus) contended here when he was, what, 58, or 56, whatever it was. It can be done. This is a golf course in which having an understanding how to play and where to miss it and how to hit the shots around here, it helps.
TIGER TIME: Tiger Woods begins Masters title defense with bogey-free 68
OPINION: Jack Nicklaus had a chance to tell Donald Trump how to lose with dignity. He passed.
“When I first came here, it was a lot of drivers and a lot of wedges. Now it's a little bit different and a little bit longer clubs into the holes, but still understanding how to play it definitely helps. That's one of the reasons why you see past champions, like I mentioned Freddie and Bernhard, to be able to contend so late in their careers, and hopefully I'll be one of those guys.”
Here’s a prediction: He will be. Tiger’s name will pop up on the leaderboard here for the next 10-15 years, whether he wins another green jacket or not.
Tiger described “a sense of ease” on the course, although there were some bizarre moments. With no spectators allowed this week due to the pandemic, there were no galleries, but Tiger nonetheless had the biggest gathering following him, a couple dozen people, including members of the news media sensing another big story.
Still, it was so quiet around him that you could pick out bits of his conversations as he walked down the fairway, and you could hear him chuckling while talking to the caddie of one of his playing partners, Shane Lowry, on the long walk down the second fairway.
Without gallery ropes, those who are on the course are closer than ever before. In some cases, too close. A woman ended up walking through that second fairway as Tiger’s group came by. She dodged a caddie before Lowry motioned for her to go past.
Here’s another prediction: During the course of the tournament, someone is going to walk right into a player hitting a shot this week. It’s going to happen.
The weirdness was unmistakable.
“There's no patrons, no roars,” Tiger said. “There are some blind shots here, and we had to ask the camera guys where the shot went because we just didn’t know. That's very different. There were a lot of firsts today. That's kind of the way this entire year has been.”
Amid all the change, though, one constant prevailed. Tiger Woods, playing well, near the lead of another Masters.


usatoday--2020-11-12--Mr. Potato Head? Another botched art restoration in Spain gets flak online.

Yet another bungled restoration of an art piece in Spain is being condemned by artists and social media critics alike — this time , of a statue in a small town .
Spain-based artist Antonio Capel shared a stunning before-and-after of a statue in his town of Palencia .
“ This head fell from one of Palencia ’ s iconic buildings , ” he said in a Facebook post last week where he first shared the photos of the restoration , which originally showed a smiling woman .
The building , per The Art Newspaper , was built in 1923 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to restore the statue .
It remains unclear who was hired , but artists and restorers have made it clear that it was not a professional .
“ Nobody knows who would do such a barbarity , ” Capel told USA TODAY in a message .
“ ( It ) looks like a cartoon character.
” Some commenters chimed in with few suggestions : A Mr .
Potato Head and a Mr. Bill doll from an early “ Saturday Night Live ” bit sprung to mind .
But many critics , professional or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the repair of the Ecce Homo fresco in 2012 , which after its renovation , was jokingly named “ Monkey Jesus.
” It also recalls the botched fix-up of an Immaculate Conception painting earlier this year , also in Spain .
Per NPR , Spain ’ s Professional Association of Restorers and Conservators openly shunned the artwork on Twitter .
“ It is a NOT professional intervention , ” the organization tweeted .
The organization has repeatedly railed against amateur restorers , especially following a polychrome restoration of a St. George statue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on our cultural heritage , '' they said after that incident .
`` It shows a frightening lack of training of the kind required for this sort of job . ''

Mr. Potato Head? Another botched art restoration in Spain gets flak online.
Yet another bungled restoration of an art piece in Spain is being condemned by artists and social media critics alike — this time, of a statue in a small town.
Spain-based artist Antonio Capel shared a stunning before-and-after of a statue in his town of Palencia.
“This head fell from one of Palencia’s iconic buildings,” he said in a Facebook post last week where he first shared the photos of the restoration, which originally showed a smiling woman. The building, per The Art Newspaper, was built in 1923.
The building owners then commissioned someone to restore the statue. It remains unclear who was hired, but artists and restorers have made it clear that it was not a professional.
“Nobody knows who would do such a barbarity,” Capel told USA TODAY in a message. “(It) looks like a cartoon character.”
Some commenters chimed in with few suggestions: A Mr. Potato Head and a Mr. Bill doll from an early “Saturday Night Live” bit sprung to mind.
But many critics, professional or not, drew the clear comparison to the repair of the Ecce Homo fresco in 2012, which after its renovation, was jokingly named “Monkey Jesus.” It also recalls the botched fix-up of an Immaculate Conception painting earlier this year, also in Spain.
Per NPR, Spain’s Professional Association of Restorers and Conservators openly shunned the artwork on Twitter.
“It is a NOT professional intervention,” the organization tweeted.
The organization has repeatedly railed against amateur restorers, especially following a polychrome restoration of a St. George statue. "We cannot tolerate more attacks on our cultural heritage," they said after that incident. "It shows a frightening lack of training of the kind required for this sort of job."
Contributing: Wyatte Grantham-Phillips. Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote.


usatoday--2020-11-13--Ivy League cancels entire winter sports season, delays spring schedule

With coronavirus cases in the United States reaching an all-time high this week , the Ivy League announced Thursday that it is shutting down its entire 2020-21 winter sports season .
`` With the health and well-being of student-athletes and the greater campus community in mind , The Ivy League Presidents decide to forego athletics competition in fall and winter sports , postpone competition in spring sports through February 2021 , '' the league wrote in a statement posted to Twitter .
In July , the Ivy League was the first conference to announce the cancellation of its fall sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , other conferences have run into multiple roadblocks in an attempt to continue their fall seasons .
This week alone , four games involving Top 25 college football teams have been postponed due to COVID-19 complications , and another game had to be canceled .
In announcing its unanimous decision , the Ivy League Council of Presidents recognized the `` extraordinary adjustments '' its member schools have been asked to make in the wake of the pandemic .
`` Regrettably , the current trends regarding transmission of the COVID-19 virus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place are impeding our strong desire to return to intercollegiate athletics competition in a safe manner , '' the council said in a statement .
`` Student-athletes , their families and coaches are again being asked to make enormous sacrifices for the good of public health — and we do not make this decision lightly .
While these decisions come with great disappointment and frustration , our commitment to the safety and lasting health of our student-athletes and wider communities must remain our highest priority . ''

Ivy League cancels entire winter sports season, delays spring schedule
With coronavirus cases in the United States reaching an all-time high this week, the Ivy League announced Thursday that it is shutting down its entire 2020-21 winter sports season.
"With the health and well-being of student-athletes and the greater campus community in mind, The Ivy League Presidents decide to forego athletics competition in fall and winter sports, postpone competition in spring sports through February 2021," the league wrote in a statement posted to Twitter.
In July, the Ivy League was the first conference to announce the cancellation of its fall sports season as a result of the pandemic. Meanwhile, other conferences have run into multiple roadblocks in an attempt to continue their fall seasons.
This week alone, four games involving Top 25 college football teams have been postponed due to COVID-19 complications, and another game had to be canceled.
With the health & wellbeing of student-athletes & the greater campus community in mind, The Ivy League Presidents decide to forego athletics competition in fall & winter sports, postpone competition in spring sports through February 2021.
📰» https://t.co/AHOsAEznUt pic.twitter.com/dFAeXsVSfI — The Ivy League 😷 (@IvyLeague) November 12, 2020
In announcing its unanimous decision, the Ivy League Council of Presidents recognized the "extraordinary adjustments" its member schools have been asked to make in the wake of the pandemic.
"Regrettably, the current trends regarding transmission of the COVID-19 virus and subsequent protocols that must be put in place are impeding our strong desire to return to intercollegiate athletics competition in a safe manner," the council said in a statement.
"Student-athletes, their families and coaches are again being asked to make enormous sacrifices for the good of public health — and we do not make this decision lightly. While these decisions come with great disappointment and frustration, our commitment to the safety and lasting health of our student-athletes and wider communities must remain our highest priority."


usatoday--2020-11-12--Baylor narrowly edges Gonzaga for No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports preseason men's basketball poll

It seems only fitting in an election year that the voting in the preseason USA TODAY Sports men ’ s basketball coaches poll came right down to the wire .
With all 32 precincts — er — panelists reporting , Baylor will enter the 2020-21 campaign with the No .
1 ranking .
It 's the first time the school has led the preseason balloting since USA TODAY started administering the poll in 1991 .
The Bears finished fourth in the final poll in March after the 2020 NCAA tournament was canceled but did hold the No .
1 position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the preseason balloting , they received 764 poll points and 12 first-place votes to narrowly edge out Gonzaga and Villanova for the top spot .
The second-ranked Zags picked up 10 firsts and 762 total points , and the Wildcats got 755 points with eight top nods to open at No .
3 .
This is the closest preseason vote since the 2015-16 season , when Kentucky and North Carolina started out the year tied for first .
TEAM OUTLOOKS : Analyzing each of the Top 25 teams in the preseason poll The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Iowa and Duke , ranked No .
6 and 8 , respectively .
Virginia , the winner of the most recent NCAA tournament in 2019 , will open at No .
4 , while perennial contender Kansas rounds out the top five .
For the most part , the top 25 is dominated by the power conferences .
The Big Ten has the most representatives with six , headed by the Hawkeyes and No .
7 Wisconsin .
That list also includes No .
23 Rutgers , which cracked the top 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its first preseason ranking in the USA TODAY poll .
The Big 12 checks in with five ranked clubs , followed by the ACC with four .
The SEC and Pac-12 have three representatives each .

Baylor narrowly edges Gonzaga for No. 1 in USA TODAY Sports preseason men's basketball poll
Show Caption Hide Caption Baylor earns No. 1 spot in preseason men's basketball poll USA TODAY Sports' Scott Gleeson breaks down the latest men's basketball coaches poll. USA TODAY
It seems only fitting in an election year that the voting in the preseason USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll came right down to the wire.
With all 32 precincts — er — panelists reporting, Baylor will enter the 2020-21 campaign with the No. 1 ranking. It's the first time the school has led the preseason balloting since USA TODAY started administering the poll in 1991.
The Bears finished fourth in the final poll in March after the 2020 NCAA tournament was canceled but did hold the No. 1 position for a stretch last season. In the preseason balloting, they received 764 poll points and 12 first-place votes to narrowly edge out Gonzaga and Villanova for the top spot.
The second-ranked Zags picked up 10 firsts and 762 total points, and the Wildcats got 755 points with eight top nods to open at No. 3. This is the closest preseason vote since the 2015-16 season, when Kentucky and North Carolina started out the year tied for first.
TOP 25: Complete USA TODAY Sports preseason men's basketball poll
LEFT OUT: Five teams snubbed from the preseason college men's basketball poll
TEAM OUTLOOKS: Analyzing each of the Top 25 teams in the preseason poll
The remaining two No. 1 votes went to Iowa and Duke, ranked No. 6 and 8, respectively. Virginia, the winner of the most recent NCAA tournament in 2019, will open at No. 4, while perennial contender Kansas rounds out the top five.
For the most part, the top 25 is dominated by the power conferences. The Big Ten has the most representatives with six, headed by the Hawkeyes and No. 7 Wisconsin. That list also includes No. 23 Rutgers, which cracked the top 25 for a week last season but has its first preseason ranking in the USA TODAY poll.
The Big 12 checks in with five ranked clubs, followed by the ACC with four. The SEC and Pac-12 have three representatives each.


usatoday--2020-11-12--Here's what Google says will be the top purchases this holiday season

Here 's what Google says will be the top purchases this holiday season These are a few gifts that Google @ @ @ @ @ want to find under the tree on Christmas morning .

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


usatoday--2020-11-12--Trump supporters get free meal if they trade in MAGA swag at Kentucky restaurants

Trump supporters get free meal if they trade in MAGA swag at Kentucky restaurants Two Kentucky restaurant owners are offering @ @ @ @ @ , but there 's a catch .

Trump supporters get free meal for trading in MAGA swag at Kentucky restaurants
Two Kentucky restaurant owners are offering Trump supporters a free meal, but there's a catch.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-06--8 items you need to have Thanksgiving dinner outside

8 items you need to have Thanksgiving dinner outside If you 're planning on having Thanksgiving dinner outside , here @ @ @ @

Thanksgiving: 8 items you need for dinner outside
If you're planning on having Thanksgiving dinner outside, here are eight must-haves.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-12--Athlete gives triathlon medal to mom

Athlete gives triathlon medal to mom

Chris Nikic gave his mom his medal after he became the first person with Down syndrome to complete the Ironman @ @

Athlete gives triathlon medal to mom
Chris Nikic gave his mom his medal after he became the first person with Down syndrome to complete the Ironman Triathlon.
Sportskind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-12--Jeffrey Epstein prosecutor showed 'poor judgment' but not misconduct, Justice Department finds

WASHINGTON – A Justice Department investigation found that former U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta showed `` poor judgment '' when he decided more than a decade ago to resolve the sex crimes case of Jeffrey Epstein through a non-prosecution deal without notifying the disgraced financier 's victims .
The department , however , did not find that Acosta and other federal prosecutors involved in the case committed professional misconduct .
An investigation by the Justice Department 's Office of Professional Responsibility found that Acosta was within his powers to pursue a non-prosecution deal with Epstein .
The former U.S. attorney in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Labor secretary and resigned last year amid controversy over the Epstein deal .
Still , investigators found that Acosta `` resolved the federal investigation before significant investigative steps were completed '' and `` agreed to several unusual and problematic terms with the ( non-prosecution agreement ) without consideration required under the circumstances , '' according to a 13-page summary released Thursday that leveled harsh scolding of Acosta but did not find that he broke the law .
Acosta , in a written statement Thursday , said he `` cooperated fully with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review `` fully debunks allegations that the ( U.S. Attorney 's Office ) improperly cut Epstein a 'sweet-heart deal ' or purposefully avoided investigating potential wrongdoing by various prominent individuals . ''
`` The Epstein affair as understood today is vastly more lurid and sweeping than was known by the ( U.S. Attorney 's Office ) in 2008 , '' Acosta said .
`` Since the ( federal investigation ) secured Epstein ’ s guilty plea in 2008 , new evidence has been discovered , more victims have come forward , and more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
In 2006-2008 , however , the ( U.S. Attorney 's Office ) had no evidence implicating any such individuals and none of the then-known victims testified about abuse by men other than Epstein . ''
Investigators found that Acosta failed to make sure Epstein 's accusers were notified of the deal before it was finalized – a decision that `` left victims uninformed '' about an important development in the case and created the `` misimpression '' that the Justice Department tried to silence the accusers .
`` After examining the full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interactions with victims , ( the Justice Department ) concludes that the government 's lack of transparency and its inconsistent messages led to victims feeling confused and ill-treated by the government ... and undercut public confidence in the legitimacy of the resulting agreement , '' according to the report , adding that investigators did not find evidence that prosecutors purposefully tried to silence Epstein 's victims .
Epstein 's inner circle : Jeffrey Epstein is dead .
Prosecutors could still go after his inner circle if they helped him prey on young girls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in jail , was indicted in 2019 for sexually exploiting and abusing dozens of minor girls at his homes in New York and Florida .
Federal prosecutors in New York alleged that for years , Epstein paid some of his victims to recruit more underage girls .
Epstein , 66 , was charged 11 years after he avoided what could have been a lengthy prison sentence under the non-prosecution agreement with Florida federal prosecutors led by Acosta .
The deal allowed Epstein to plead guilty to two state charges of soliciting and procuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to serve 13 months in jail .
A 2018 investigation by the Miami Herald revealed the full scope of Epstein 's deal with prosecutors , stirred outrage among some lawmakers and led to public scrutiny of the government 's actions .
The Justice Department 's summary said the Herald 's investigation `` painted a portrait of federal and state prosecutors who had ignored serious criminal conduct by a wealthy man with powerful and politically connected friends by granting him a 'deal of a lifetime ' that allowed him to both escape significant punishment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his abuse of minors . ''
Sen. Ben Sasse , who has pushed for an investigation into the non-prosecution agreement , promptly criticized the Justice Department 's findings .
`` Letting a well-connected billionaire get away with child rape and international sex trafficking is n't 'poor judgment ' – it is a disgusting failure , '' Sasse , R-Nebraska , said in a statement .
`` Americans ought to be enraged .
Jeffrey Epstein should be rotting behind bars today , but the Justice Department failed Epstein 's victims at every turn .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter to Sasse in early 2019 that it has opened an investigation into allegations that federal prosecutors may have committed professional misconduct in their handling of Epstein 's case more than a decade ago .
Sen. Tim Kaine , D-Virginia , said the `` light-handedness '' of the Justice Department 's investigation is the latest failure by the agency to deliver justice to Epstein 's victims .
Epstein 's longtime associate , Ghislaine Maxwell , was charged last summer with helping to procure young victims as part of a child sex-trafficking operation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She is awaiting trial .
Epstein 's death more than a year ago set off a wave of recriminations from his accusers , lawmakers and the attorney general .
Barr , who has promised a thorough investigation of Epstein 's death , cited `` serious irregularities '' in the federal detention center where the former billionaire was held .
Both the FBI and the Justice Department 's inspector general are conducting investigations .

Kristine Phillips and Kevin Johnson, USA TODAY

Jeffrey Epstein prosecutor showed 'poor judgment' but not misconduct, Justice Department finds
WASHINGTON – A Justice Department investigation found that former U.S. Attorney Alexander Acosta showed "poor judgment" when he decided more than a decade ago to resolve the sex crimes case of Jeffrey Epstein through a non-prosecution deal without notifying the disgraced financier's victims.
The department, however, did not find that Acosta and other federal prosecutors involved in the case committed professional misconduct.
An investigation by the Justice Department's Office of Professional Responsibility found that Acosta was within his powers to pursue a non-prosecution deal with Epstein. The former U.S. attorney in Miami was appointed by President Donald Trump as Labor secretary and resigned last year amid controversy over the Epstein deal.
Still, investigators found that Acosta "resolved the federal investigation before significant investigative steps were completed" and "agreed to several unusual and problematic terms with the (non-prosecution agreement) without consideration required under the circumstances," according to a 13-page summary released Thursday that leveled harsh scolding of Acosta but did not find that he broke the law.
Acosta, in a written statement Thursday, said he "cooperated fully with the inquiry."
He said the Justice review "fully debunks allegations that the (U.S. Attorney's Office) improperly cut Epstein a 'sweet-heart deal' or purposefully avoided investigating potential wrongdoing by various prominent individuals."
"The Epstein affair as understood today is vastly more lurid and sweeping than was known by the (U.S. Attorney's Office) in 2008," Acosta said. "Since the (federal investigation) secured Epstein’s guilty plea in 2008, new evidence has been discovered, more victims have come forward, and more victims have become willing to testify. ... In 2006-2008, however, the (U.S. Attorney's Office) had no evidence implicating any such individuals and none of the then-known victims testified about abuse by men other than Epstein."
Investigators found that Acosta failed to make sure Epstein's accusers were notified of the deal before it was finalized – a decision that "left victims uninformed" about an important development in the case and created the "misimpression" that the Justice Department tried to silence the accusers.
"After examining the full scope and context of the government's interactions with victims, (the Justice Department) concludes that the government's lack of transparency and its inconsistent messages led to victims feeling confused and ill-treated by the government ... and undercut public confidence in the legitimacy of the resulting agreement," according to the report, adding that investigators did not find evidence that prosecutors purposefully tried to silence Epstein's victims.
Epstein's inner circle: Jeffrey Epstein is dead. Prosecutors could still go after his inner circle if they helped him prey on young girls
Epstein, who died of suicide while in jail, was indicted in 2019 for sexually exploiting and abusing dozens of minor girls at his homes in New York and Florida. Federal prosecutors in New York alleged that for years, Epstein paid some of his victims to recruit more underage girls.
Epstein, 66, was charged 11 years after he avoided what could have been a lengthy prison sentence under the non-prosecution agreement with Florida federal prosecutors led by Acosta. The deal allowed Epstein to plead guilty to two state charges of soliciting and procuring a person under 18 for prostitution and to serve 13 months in jail.
A 2018 investigation by the Miami Herald revealed the full scope of Epstein's deal with prosecutors, stirred outrage among some lawmakers and led to public scrutiny of the government's actions.
The Justice Department's summary said the Herald's investigation "painted a portrait of federal and state prosecutors who had ignored serious criminal conduct by a wealthy man with powerful and politically connected friends by granting him a 'deal of a lifetime' that allowed him to both escape significant punishment for his past conduct and to continue his abuse of minors."
Sen. Ben Sasse, who has pushed for an investigation into the non-prosecution agreement, promptly criticized the Justice Department's findings.
Ghislaine Maxwell indicted: Feds arrest Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, accused of recruiting child sex victims
"Letting a well-connected billionaire get away with child rape and international sex trafficking isn't 'poor judgment' – it is a disgusting failure," Sasse, R-Nebraska, said in a statement. "Americans ought to be enraged. Jeffrey Epstein should be rotting behind bars today, but the Justice Department failed Epstein's victims at every turn."
The Justice Department said in a letter to Sasse in early 2019 that it has opened an investigation into allegations that federal prosecutors may have committed professional misconduct in their handling of Epstein's case more than a decade ago.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, said the "light-handedness" of the Justice Department's investigation is the latest failure by the agency to deliver justice to Epstein's victims.
Epstein's longtime associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was charged last summer with helping to procure young victims as part of a child sex-trafficking operation that began more than 25 years ago. She is awaiting trial.
Epstein's death more than a year ago set off a wave of recriminations from his accusers, lawmakers and the attorney general. Barr, who has promised a thorough investigation of Epstein's death, cited "serious irregularities" in the federal detention center where the former billionaire was held.
Both the FBI and the Justice Department's inspector general are conducting investigations.
Contributing: Kevin McCoy, John Bacon and Jorge Ortiz


usatoday--2020-11-12--Trump campaign adviser Corey Lewandowski tests positive for COVID-19, latest in a series of cases

WASHINGTON – Corey Lewandowski , a top adviser to President Donald Trump 's reelection effort , has tested positive for COVID-19 , the latest member of the president 's inner circle to contract the illness in recent weeks .
Lewandowski confirmed the results of the test Thursday .
Lewandowski served as the manager of Trump 's 2016 campaign and then remerged as a top adviser in this year'scampaign .
He tested positive earlier this week after working in Pennsylvania on the president 's efforts to challenge that state 's election results .
His is the latest in a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to Trump , including David Bossie , another adviser to the president , and Mark Meadows , the president 's chief of staff .
Another campaign aide , Nick Trainer , also tested positive for the virus , according to several media reports .
Meanwhile , the chief of staff at the Republican National Committee , Richard Walters , has also tested positive for the virus , an RNC official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss an internal matter .
Lewandowski was present on election nightat the White House for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead in several states .
Meadows and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson , who were also present at the gathering , also tested positive in recent days .
The latest outbreak of cases within Trump 's orbit comes as the president is challenging the results of the election with President-elect Joe Biden in a series of lawsuits in Pennsylvania , Michigan and other states .
Trump has alleged fraud in the vote counting but has not provided evidence to document widespread fraud at a level that could change the course of @ @ @

John Fritze and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY

Trump campaign adviser Corey Lewandowski tests positive for COVID-19, latest in a series of cases
Show Caption Hide Caption Giuliani holds Trump press conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping The Trump campaign press conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Philadelphia prompted the similarly named luxury hotel to respond. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Corey Lewandowski, a top adviser to President Donald Trump's reelection effort, has tested positive for COVID-19, the latest member of the president's inner circle to contract the illness in recent weeks.
Lewandowski confirmed the results of the test Thursday.
Lewandowski served as the manager of Trump's 2016 campaign and then remerged as a top adviser in this year's campaign. He tested positive earlier this week after working in Pennsylvania on the president's efforts to challenge that state's election results.
His is the latest in a series of announcements of positive test results among those close to Trump, including David Bossie, another adviser to the president, and Mark Meadows, the president's chief of staff. Another campaign aide, Nick Trainer, also tested positive for the virus, according to several media reports.
Meanwhile, the chief of staff at the Republican National Committee, Richard Walters, has also tested positive for the virus, an RNC official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss an internal matter.
Lewandowski was present on election night at the White House for a gathering after initial results showed Trump ahead in several states. Meadows and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, who were also present at the gathering, also tested positive in recent days.
The latest outbreak of cases within Trump's orbit comes as the president is challenging the results of the election with President-elect Joe Biden in a series of lawsuits in Pennsylvania, Michigan and other states. Trump has alleged fraud in the vote counting but has not provided evidence to document widespread fraud at a level that could change the course of the outcome.


usatoday--2020-11-12--Everything to know about Doug Emhoff, the nation's soon-to-be first 'second gentleman'

Everything to know about Doug Emhoff , the nation 's soon-to-be first 'second gentleman' Vice-president-elect Kamala Harris is n't the @ @ @ @ @ her household , as her husband will be the nation 's first 'second gentleman .
@

Who is Doug Emhoff, the nation's soon-to-be first 'second gentleman?'
Vice-president-elect Kamala Harris isn't the only one making history in her household, as her husband will be the nation's first 'second gentleman.'
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-12--Boris Johnson refers to Trump as 'previous president' in front of UK Parliament

Boris Johnson refers to Trump as 'previous president ' in front of UK Parliament While Trump has yet to accept @ @ @ @ @ , he was referred to as the “ previous president ” by UK Prime Minister @ @ @

Boris Johnson calls Donald Trump 'previous president'
While Trump has yet to accept the result of the election, he was referred to as the “previous president” by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-11-12--Ohio's GOP Gov. Mike DeWine: 'Joe Biden is the president-elect'

COLUMBUS – After a vague statement Monday , Ohio Gov .
Mike DeWine made his thoughts on the presidential election clear : former Vice President Joe Biden won .
“ We need to consider the former vice president as the president-elect , '' DeWine told CNN Thursday morning .
`` Joe Biden is the president-elect . ''
Contrast that with DeWine 's statement Monday : “ I congratulate Vice-President Biden , '' he said .
`` When lawsuits have concluded and election results are certified , it is important for all Americans to honor the outcome.
” Calling Biden the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but it 's one few Republicans have made .
On Monday , Ohio Republican Party leader Jane Timken told supporters in an email that the race was n't over .
`` It is premature for Democrats and the media to call the race for Biden when there are many questions regarding fraudulent voting that have yet to be answered , '' Timken wrote .
DeWine was the co-chair of Trump 's re-election committee in Ohio , a state the president won by 8 percentage points in final , unofficial results .
DeWine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go to court .
`` I ’ m a former prosecutor , '' DeWine told CNN .
`` I ’ m a great believer in the ability to have your courts and go in to make your case and they have every right to do that and that looks like what they are trying to do .
”

Ohio's GOP Gov. Mike DeWine: 'Joe Biden is the president-elect'
COLUMBUS – After a vague statement Monday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine made his thoughts on the presidential election clear: former Vice President Joe Biden won.
“We need to consider the former vice president as the president-elect," DeWine told CNN Thursday morning. "Joe Biden is the president-elect."
Contrast that with DeWine's statement Monday: “I congratulate Vice-President Biden," he said. "When lawsuits have concluded and election results are certified, it is important for all Americans to honor the outcome.”
Calling Biden the president-elect might seem like a hair-splitting distinction, but it's one few Republicans have made. On Monday, Ohio Republican Party leader Jane Timken told supporters in an email that the race wasn't over.
"It is premature for Democrats and the media to call the race for Biden when there are many questions regarding fraudulent voting that have yet to be answered," Timken wrote.
DeWine was the co-chair of Trump's re-election committee in Ohio, a state the president won by 8 percentage points in final, unofficial results.
DeWine reiterated that Trump has a right to go to court.
"I’m a former prosecutor," DeWine told CNN. "I’m a great believer in the ability to have your courts and go in to make your case and they have every right to do that and that looks like what they are trying to do.”