usatoday--2020-10-28--Opinion: Big Ten's remade plan for the regular season has already fallen apart

The Big Ten ’ s inability to play even two weeks of the regular season without having a game canceled due to COVID-19 highlights the stupidity of trying to force nine games into nine weeks in an effort to gain ground in the College Football Playoff race .
After an outbreak of cases forced Wisconsin to call off Saturday 's game against Nebraska , it 's clear the abbreviated and condensed schedule may end up doing the opposite : preventing the best teams in the Big Ten from playing enough games and putting together the resume needed to earn a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play football amid a pandemic is trouble , period , as shown in the rash of positive results and growing list of canceled games across the Bowl Subdivision .
But the Big Ten worsened this already troublesome scenario in August by first backing out of the regular season and then coming back in September with plans to begin nearly one month after the SEC .
If the conference had stayed in step with other Power Five leagues , the Big Ten could 've played nine or more games across three months rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remade plan took one week to fall apart .
MIDSEASON AWARDS : Honoring the best team and individual performances By trying to shoehorn a full conference schedule into the tight window , the conference erased any room for error , removed the chance to reschedule impacted games and created a scenario where the best team in one of the two divisions wo n't even be eligible to play for the conference championship game .
Under the tiebreakers created for 2020 , a Big Ten team must play at least six games or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games than the average number of conference games played by all teams '' to be considered for the division championship .
Take the Badgers , who were expected to win the West division and contend for a New Year 's Six bowl .
At most , Wisconsin will now play seven games before the championship weekend on Dec. 19 .
One more cancellation — and the team is already pausing all activities for seven days per conference guidelines — would put Wisconsin right on the threshold of being ineligible to play for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run of cancellations cut into the total number of games played across the conference .
`` We have said from the beginning that the health and safety of our student-athletes , coaches and staff members comes first , '' Wisconsin athletics director Barry Alvarez said in a statement .
Nebraska represents the secondary impact .
Wisconsin 's season is in doubt .
But the Cornhuskers , who avoided positive results , are now on a seven-game schedule .
This may be only the beginning .
Already playing from behind , the Big Ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completing a full regular season .
What are the odds ?

Opinion: Big Ten's remade plan for the regular season has already fallen apart
Show Caption Hide Caption Ohio State rises to No. 3 in the latest Amway Coaches Poll USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down the latest Amway Coaches Poll. USA TODAY
The Big Ten’s inability to play even two weeks of the regular season without having a game canceled due to COVID-19 highlights the stupidity of trying to force nine games into nine weeks in an effort to gain ground in the College Football Playoff race.
After an outbreak of cases forced Wisconsin to call off Saturday's game against Nebraska, it's clear the abbreviated and condensed schedule may end up doing the opposite: preventing the best teams in the Big Ten from playing enough games and putting together the resume needed to earn a place in the national semifinals.
Trying to play football amid a pandemic is trouble, period, as shown in the rash of positive results and growing list of canceled games across the Bowl Subdivision.
But the Big Ten worsened this already troublesome scenario in August by first backing out of the regular season and then coming back in September with plans to begin nearly one month after the SEC.
If the conference had stayed in step with other Power Five leagues, the Big Ten could've played nine or more games across three months rather than just two. As expected, the remade plan took one week to fall apart.
MIDSEASON AWARDS: Honoring the best team and individual performances
BOWL PROJECTIONS: Big Ten's opening weekend shakes up playoff outlook
HEISMAN WATCH: Lawrence, Jones lead voting, while Fields moves up
By trying to shoehorn a full conference schedule into the tight window, the conference erased any room for error, removed the chance to reschedule impacted games and created a scenario where the best team in one of the two divisions won't even be eligible to play for the conference championship game.
Under the tiebreakers created for 2020, a Big Ten team must play at least six games or "no less than two fewer conference games than the average number of conference games played by all teams" to be considered for the division championship.
Take the Badgers, who were expected to win the West division and contend for a New Year's Six bowl. At most, Wisconsin will now play seven games before the championship weekend on Dec. 19. One more cancellation — and the team is already pausing all activities for seven days per conference guidelines — would put Wisconsin right on the threshold of being ineligible to play for the Big Ten title, unless a similar run of cancellations cut into the total number of games played across the conference.
"We have said from the beginning that the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff members comes first," Wisconsin athletics director Barry Alvarez said in a statement.
Nebraska represents the secondary impact. Wisconsin's season is in doubt. But the Cornhuskers, who avoided positive results, are now on an eight-game schedule.
This may be only the beginning. Already playing from behind, the Big Ten's suddenly flimsy playoff hopes hinge on completing a full regular season. What are the odds?


usatoday--2020-10-29--Eric Holder on the gendered impact of voter suppression

This story was published in partnership with The 19th , a nonprofit , nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender , politics and policy .
With days to go until the 2020 general election , The 19th spoke with former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder , now chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee , in a wide-ranging interview about the gender impact of voter suppression , redistricting and the Census .
The country ’ s first Black attorney general also weighed in on criminal justice reform and the Breonna Taylor case , as well as why being a first matters in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ edited version of the conversation .
The 19th : We ’ ve written a lot this year about the reality that racism is on the ballot for Black voters .
And we know that the majority of those voters are Black women .
So let me start by asking , what do you see as the stakes of this election for them on issues including criminal justice reform , voting rights and ballot access , and the range of specific and qualities that have been exposed by this pandemic ?
Eric Holder : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any particular issue , what ’ s at stake in this election is our democracy itself .
But if we look at the disparities that have been exposed over the course of this year , I think we ’ ve got to talk about the impact of the pandemic .
The economic downturn , the systemic racism that has been exposed in any number of areas , not the least of which is the criminal justice system .
The disproportionate impact , that doesn ’ t get enough attention , of the climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that have arisen .
This is the most consequential presidential election of my lifetime .
And , so you know , I was born when Harry Truman was president !
I think this is of that magnitude because this is really a decision that the American people have to make about what the direction of the country is going to be .
The 19th : More than 50 million Americans have already voted in an election , which is , I think , a sign of enthusiasm .
But it is also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be characterizing those Black and brown voters as “ heroic ” when they ’ re actually being forced to stand in line for hours to counteract suppression ?
Holder : It ’ s great that we have high levels of enthusiasm , and there ’ s no question that that is there .
But this is not just about voter enthusiasm .
Look at Georgia and Texas , two states that have a history of voter suppression .
Look at the lines that we ’ re seeing there , and there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than that you ’ re trying to keep the vote totals low .
You ’ re trying to discriminate against Democrats , then most specifically , you want to make sure that people of color don ’ t have access to the polls .
Georgia has not improved their voting processes much after that travesty of an election back in 2018 that I ’ m still convinced that Stacey Abrams won .
This is really part of a larger project by the Republicans to entrench themselves into power illegitimately gained and illegitimately maintained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photo ID laws , poll closures since the Shelby County case , purging voter rolls , weaponizing the Census .
I mean , they ’ re doing a whole range of things to try to keep themselves in power .
The numbers speak for themselves , and they are unapologetic .
They are brazen in their desire to keep people away from the polls .
They ’ re afraid of the very people who they say they ultimately want to represent .
The 19th : We know voter suppression is not just an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also in terms of gender , because again , Black women are the majority of Black voters and could be among the most disenfranchised , even if they are among the most galvanized Americans .
Can you talk about the specific threat to them , in terms of their numbers ?
Holder : The most reliable voters , as a group , are African American women .
And so , if you look at all of the things that are being done to suppress the African American vote , the Democratic vote , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these suppression tactics are African American women .
There is a gender issue here because when you look at the ways in which Republicans are holding on to what , in essence , is minority support and holding on to majority power , you know there ’ s that disconnect .
But they don ’ t want to suffer any electoral consequence for that .
And so they do all the things that we just talked about … they ’ re trying to keep Black women away from the polls .
They get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political force .
And if you want to neuter the Democratic Party , you have to keep Black women away from the polls .
Black women vote in huge numbers and then also vote in substantial numbers for Democratic and progressive candidates , which is totally inconsistent with the political desires and the political needs of illegitimately entrenched Republicans .
The 19th : I want to talk about another area of focus for you , the statehouses that are in play this cycle and the implications of some of these state legislatures that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the front lines pushing back against suppression .
Are they also in the fight over redistricting ?
Should they also be concerned about gerrymandering ?
Why ?
Holder : I get it that everybody is focused on the presidential election , but people can ’ t forget those down-ballot races .
I actually hate the term “ down-ballot ” because it makes it seem like they ’ re not as important .
But the reality is that on a day-to-day basis , your life is more impacted by who serves in your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the United States is .
And that ’ s why I ’ ve been trying to work , to get people to focus on those down-ballot races .
Angela Lang [ the founder of BLOCK , or Black Leaders Organizing for Communities in Milwaukee ] has been a great partner of ours in our attempts to democratize Wisconsin .
Angela Lang and BLOCK are going to be a huge factor in the presidential election , by getting African Americans and people in Milwaukee to the polls in ways that they did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s much more likely that Joe Biden wins the presidency because he ’ s gon na carry Wisconsin in 2020 .
Black women are out there .
Angela is a great example of a community-based organization led by an African American woman that has a huge impact not only in her neighborhood , but in her state and also in this nation .
The 19th : As someone who was serving as attorney general and beginning to work on reforms during the emerging Black Lives Matter movement , I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and what criminal justice reform could look like going forward , depending on the outcome of this election .
This was a case where Black women and their civil rights were highlighted as an issue .
Holder : In the wake of this , people are not really understanding the impact to Black women around police violence and the need for police reform .
There is a focus on the way in which Black men have been treated by the criminal justice system , the nature of their interactions with police officers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understandable .
But we are missing an awful lot when we don ’ t focus on what ’ s happening to African American women under similar circumstances .
There are a host of African American women whose names are not as well known to us as their Black , male counterparts .
And that ’ s something that I think requires a refocus , certainly by us in the African American community , but the larger society as well .
'Say her name ' : Breonna Taylor 's boyfriend haunted by her death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you want to talk about criminal justice reform and better interactions between law enforcement and communities of color that this is just a male thing .
There ’ s an awful lot that ’ s going on there with Black women as well .
There are these headline-making cases , but that ’ s Black women are disrespected , mistreated — that doesn ’ t necessarily involve a loss of life or even something that ’ s violent .
And yet we know from our history and we know from the stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women are treated less fairly , get less respect in their interactions with people in law enforcement than their White female counterparts .
And that is something that we as a society have to come to grips with .
The 19th : I want to ask you about something else that I know that you are concerned about : the Census .
With women being the majority of the U.S. population in the electorate , how concerned are you about the gender impact of a potential undercount , and what ’ s it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for other marginalized groups over the next decade and the gender impact for redistricting that could come as a result of the Census ?
Holder : The Trump administration has tried every way they possibly can to weaponize the Census , and people need to understand this is not normal .
I might have disagreed with the Bush administration violently on a whole range of issues , and yet they did a good job preparing the Census so that when we came into office , the Census was pretty much ready for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much nonpartisan .
The extent to which they ’ re trying to weaponize the Census now is really kind of unheard of and , I think , pretty shameful .
And then when you look at what the impact of that is likely to be when you don ’ t have a good count , that means that communities of color are not likely to get adequate political representation .
And that is critical .
But there ’ s another component to this , and that is that there ’ s about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the states for the kind of programs that are going to matter to women and that are funded by the federal government .
Those programs are going to be negatively impacted by an undercount .
And if the undercount is going to be in communities of color , that means that African American women and Hispanic women are most likely to be the ones most adversely affected .
It deals with a whole range of issues , from feeding programs , the ways in which you measure aid to families .
African @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are , if you ’ re going to discriminate , if you ’ re gon na undercount and then you ’ re going to reapportion on the basis of that undercount , the group that is going to be most adversely affected is the group that is most politically involved , and that is African American women .
That ’ s the height of unfair .
You ’ re going to do what is the most civically responsible thing , but we ’ re gon na have an undercount , and then we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not give you the representation that you deserve .
The 19th : As the first African American to hold the position of U.S. attorney general , I know that you know that it ’ s not enough to have a first unless there ’ s a second .
What are your thoughts on the prospect of the first Black woman vice president , possibly the first Black woman Supreme Court justice , and then maybe a second Black woman attorney general ?
How do those kinds of lenses have the potential to change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully and finally addressing systemic racism and equality in our country ?
Holder : I think people come to these jobs , whether you ’ re a Supreme Court justice , an attorney general , a vice president , hopefully a president , you bring your lived experiences to the job .
Your perspective on issues is shaped by the life experiences that you have had .
Let ’ s focus on Supreme Court justice .
When those justices have to consider a case , an African American woman will bring to that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in that room before .
I obviously have great respect for Thurgood Marshall , who is one of my idols .
I understand that Clarence Thomas has a unique Black perspective , but neither of them had the ability to bring to the fore and into those conversations what the lived experience was of a Black woman .
There are lots of similarities , you know , with African American men , but boy , there are some significant differences .
That will change the way in which the other justices will look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a range of issues .
You can ’ t think of women monolithically .
White women are going to have issues that they have to deal with , and they ’ re going to be similar to some of the issues that Black women have to deal with .
But then there ’ s a subset of issues that women of color generally and African American women specifically must confront that their White sisters do not .
And that is something that an African American woman as a justice , or as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general can bring to the decision-making that they have to do and then influence the decision-making of their counterparts .
Some of these folks are so ideological that they will decide the way they ’ re going to decide .
But at a minimum , there , at least intellectually gon na have to deal with that unique perspective that an African American justice would bring to the conversation .
The 19th : There is a conversation happening right now , with just days left to go to the election , about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this election and the idea that Black men may be open to voting for President Trump in a way that Black women are not , or may not necessarily be on board with Vice President Biden .
What do you think that that ’ s about ?
Holder : I think that ’ s , like , testosterone poisoning .
There are certain men who are gon na look at a masculine fraud like Trump and identify with his machismo , his bravado — which is not backed up by anything — but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That cuts through , in some ways , the substance that my brothers ought to be focused on .
My guys need to do both their homework , and then need to check their testosterone at the door before they make the decision about who they want to support .
I ’ d like to have a conversation with that 17 percent [ of Black men who support the president , according to polls ] .
There are [ certain people who ] think that the moon landing was fake .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re just not going to be able to get to .
But 17 percent … I get concerned that number is too high .
It is alarmingly high .

Eric Holder on the gendered impact of voter suppression
This story was published in partnership with The 19th, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy.
With days to go until the 2020 general election, The 19th spoke with former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, now chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, in a wide-ranging interview about the gender impact of voter suppression, redistricting and the Census.
The country’s first Black attorney general also weighed in on criminal justice reform and the Breonna Taylor case, as well as why being a first matters in Black political leadership.
Below is an edited version of the conversation.
The 19th: We’ve written a lot this year about the reality that racism is on the ballot for Black voters. And we know that the majority of those voters are Black women. So let me start by asking, what do you see as the stakes of this election for them on issues including criminal justice reform, voting rights and ballot access, and the range of specific and qualities that have been exposed by this pandemic?
Eric Holder: I’d say that more than any particular issue, what’s at stake in this election is our democracy itself. But if we look at the disparities that have been exposed over the course of this year, I think we’ve got to talk about the impact of the pandemic. The economic downturn, the systemic racism that has been exposed in any number of areas, not the least of which is the criminal justice system. The disproportionate impact, that doesn’t get enough attention, of the climate crisis. There are environmental justice issues that have arisen.
This is the most consequential presidential election of my lifetime. And, so you know, I was born when Harry Truman was president! I think this is of that magnitude because this is really a decision that the American people have to make about what the direction of the country is going to be.
The 19th: More than 50 million Americans have already voted in an election, which is, I think, a sign of enthusiasm. But it is also a sign of voter suppression. Should we be characterizing those Black and brown voters as “heroic” when they’re actually being forced to stand in line for hours to counteract suppression?
Holder: It’s great that we have high levels of enthusiasm, and there’s no question that that is there. But this is not just about voter enthusiasm. Look at Georgia and Texas, two states that have a history of voter suppression. Look at the lines that we’re seeing there, and there’s no good reason for it … other than that you’re trying to keep the vote totals low.
You’re trying to discriminate against Democrats, then most specifically, you want to make sure that people of color don’t have access to the polls. Georgia has not improved their voting processes much after that travesty of an election back in 2018 that I’m still convinced that Stacey Abrams won.
This is really part of a larger project by the Republicans to entrench themselves into power illegitimately gained and illegitimately maintained. It’s about gerrymandering, photo ID laws, poll closures since the Shelby County case, purging voter rolls, weaponizing the Census. I mean, they’re doing a whole range of things to try to keep themselves in power.
The numbers speak for themselves, and they are unapologetic. They are brazen in their desire to keep people away from the polls. They’re afraid of the very people who they say they ultimately want to represent.
The 19th: We know voter suppression is not just an issue from a racial standpoint, but also in terms of gender, because again, Black women are the majority of Black voters and could be among the most disenfranchised, even if they are among the most galvanized Americans. Can you talk about the specific threat to them, in terms of their numbers?
Holder: The most reliable voters, as a group, are African American women. And so, if you look at all of the things that are being done to suppress the African American vote, the Democratic vote, the people who suffer the most under these suppression tactics are African American women.
There is a gender issue here because when you look at the ways in which Republicans are holding on to what, in essence, is minority support and holding on to majority power, you know there’s that disconnect. But they don’t want to suffer any electoral consequence for that. And so they do all the things that we just talked about … they’re trying to keep Black women away from the polls.
They get that Black women are an extremely potent political force. And if you want to neuter the Democratic Party, you have to keep Black women away from the polls. Black women vote in huge numbers and then also vote in substantial numbers for Democratic and progressive candidates, which is totally inconsistent with the political desires and the political needs of illegitimately entrenched Republicans.
The 19th: I want to talk about another area of focus for you, the statehouses that are in play this cycle and the implications of some of these state legislatures that could flip. Black women have been on the front lines pushing back against suppression. Are they also in the fight over redistricting? Should they also be concerned about gerrymandering? Why?
Holder: I get it that everybody is focused on the presidential election, but people can’t forget those down-ballot races. I actually hate the term “down-ballot” because it makes it seem like they’re not as important. But the reality is that on a day-to-day basis, your life is more impacted by who serves in your state legislature than by who the president of the United States is.
And that’s why I’ve been trying to work, to get people to focus on those down-ballot races. Angela Lang [the founder of BLOCK, or Black Leaders Organizing for Communities in Milwaukee] has been a great partner of ours in our attempts to democratize Wisconsin. Angela Lang and BLOCK are going to be a huge factor in the presidential election, by getting African Americans and people in Milwaukee to the polls in ways that they did not go to the polls in 2016. It’s much more likely that Joe Biden wins the presidency because he’s gonna carry Wisconsin in 2020.
Black women are out there. Angela is a great example of a community-based organization led by an African American woman that has a huge impact not only in her neighborhood, but in her state and also in this nation.
The 19th: As someone who was serving as attorney general and beginning to work on reforms during the emerging Black Lives Matter movement, I want to ask you about the Breonna Taylor case and what criminal justice reform could look like going forward, depending on the outcome of this election. This was a case where Black women and their civil rights were highlighted as an issue.
Holder: In the wake of this, people are not really understanding the impact to Black women around police violence and the need for police reform. There is a focus on the way in which Black men have been treated by the criminal justice system, the nature of their interactions with police officers on the street. And that’s understandable.
But we are missing an awful lot when we don’t focus on what’s happening to African American women under similar circumstances. There are a host of African American women whose names are not as well known to us as their Black, male counterparts. And that’s something that I think requires a refocus, certainly by us in the African American community, but the larger society as well.
'Say her name': Breonna Taylor's boyfriend haunted by her death
You can’t just think that if you want to talk about criminal justice reform and better interactions between law enforcement and communities of color that this is just a male thing. There’s an awful lot that’s going on there with Black women as well. There are these headline-making cases, but that’s Black women are disrespected, mistreated — that doesn’t necessarily involve a loss of life or even something that’s violent.
And yet we know from our history and we know from the stories that are still shared, that Black women are treated less fairly, get less respect in their interactions with people in law enforcement than their White female counterparts. And that is something that we as a society have to come to grips with.
The 19th: I want to ask you about something else that I know that you are concerned about: the Census. With women being the majority of the U.S. population in the electorate, how concerned are you about the gender impact of a potential undercount, and what’s it going to mean for resources for women and for other marginalized groups over the next decade and the gender impact for redistricting that could come as a result of the Census?
Holder: The Trump administration has tried every way they possibly can to weaponize the Census, and people need to understand this is not normal. I might have disagreed with the Bush administration violently on a whole range of issues, and yet they did a good job preparing the Census so that when we came into office, the Census was pretty much ready for us. The Census has been pretty much nonpartisan. The extent to which they’re trying to weaponize the Census now is really kind of unheard of and, I think, pretty shameful.
And then when you look at what the impact of that is likely to be when you don’t have a good count, that means that communities of color are not likely to get adequate political representation. And that is critical. But there’s another component to this, and that is that there’s about a trillion dollars in federal aid that goes to the states for the kind of programs that are going to matter to women and that are funded by the federal government. Those programs are going to be negatively impacted by an undercount.
And if the undercount is going to be in communities of color, that means that African American women and Hispanic women are most likely to be the ones most adversely affected. It deals with a whole range of issues, from feeding programs, the ways in which you measure aid to families.
African American women being as political as they are, if you’re going to discriminate, if you’re gonna undercount and then you’re going to reapportion on the basis of that undercount, the group that is going to be most adversely affected is the group that is most politically involved, and that is African American women. That’s the height of unfair. You’re going to do what is the most civically responsible thing, but we’re gonna have an undercount, and then we’re gonna punish you and not give you the representation that you deserve.
The 19th: As the first African American to hold the position of U.S. attorney general, I know that you know that it’s not enough to have a first unless there’s a second. What are your thoughts on the prospect of the first Black woman vice president, possibly the first Black woman Supreme Court justice, and then maybe a second Black woman attorney general? How do those kinds of lenses have the potential to change what can happen in terms of more fully and finally addressing systemic racism and equality in our country?
Holder: I think people come to these jobs, whether you’re a Supreme Court justice, an attorney general, a vice president, hopefully a president, you bring your lived experiences to the job. Your perspective on issues is shaped by the life experiences that you have had.
Let’s focus on Supreme Court justice. When those justices have to consider a case, an African American woman will bring to that conversation something that has never been heard in that room before. I obviously have great respect for Thurgood Marshall, who is one of my idols. I understand that Clarence Thomas has a unique Black perspective, but neither of them had the ability to bring to the fore and into those conversations what the lived experience was of a Black woman. There are lots of similarities, you know, with African American men, but boy, there are some significant differences. That will change the way in which the other justices will look at issues, and that will run a range of issues.
You can’t think of women monolithically. White women are going to have issues that they have to deal with, and they’re going to be similar to some of the issues that Black women have to deal with. But then there’s a subset of issues that women of color generally and African American women specifically must confront that their White sisters do not. And that is something that an African American woman as a justice, or as the vice president, or as an attorney general can bring to the decision-making that they have to do and then influence the decision-making of their counterparts.
Some of these folks are so ideological that they will decide the way they’re going to decide. But at a minimum, there, at least intellectually gonna have to deal with that unique perspective that an African American justice would bring to the conversation.
The 19th: There is a conversation happening right now, with just days left to go to the election, about the need to shore up Black men in this election and the idea that Black men may be open to voting for President Trump in a way that Black women are not, or may not necessarily be on board with Vice President Biden. What do you think that that’s about?
Holder: I think that’s, like, testosterone poisoning. There are certain men who are gonna look at a masculine fraud like Trump and identify with his machismo, his bravado — which is not backed up by anything — but will identify with him in that way. That cuts through, in some ways, the substance that my brothers ought to be focused on.
My guys need to do both their homework, and then need to check their testosterone at the door before they make the decision about who they want to support. I’d like to have a conversation with that 17 percent [of Black men who support the president, according to polls]. There are [certain people who] think that the moon landing was fake. There are going to be certain people that we’re just not going to be able to get to. But 17 percent … I get concerned that number is too high. It is alarmingly high.


usatoday--2020-10-29--Paleologos on the Poll: Trump, Biden supporters agree on little, but there's widespread worry about

Today ’ s Suffolk University/USA TODAY poll shows that respective supporters of the Democratic and Republican nominee for president perceive completely different realities from one another , like night and day .
The one aspect that is common to both perspectives is the fear of violence and power struggles in the days after the election .
There is a dark reality in which the coronavirus continues to spread and the country is heading on the wrong track — the reality of the average Joe Biden supporter .
And there is a bright reality in which individual wealth is soaring via @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people believe they are generally better off than they were four years ago—the reality of the average Trump supporter .
In the Suffolk poll , 48 percent of likely 2020 voters told us they were better off than they were four years ago , with 33 percent telling us that they were worse off .
Among that 48 percent who responded “ better off ” , President Trump is beating Former Vice President Joe Biden 74 percent to 20 percent .
Likely voters who trust Fox News were more than five times as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off now than they were four years ago compared to those who trust CNN .
A whopping 87 percent said they are personally better off , with only 6 percent thinking they are worse off .
Meanwhile , 16 percent of CNN viewers felt personally better off while 52 percent felt worse off .
'Unprecedented ' : Voter turnout could reach highest rate in more than a century In the average Biden supporter ’ s reality , the country is on the wrong track , and Donald Trump is responsible .
A majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the country is on the wrong track , versus 29 percent who think the country is moving in the right direction .
Among those who trust CNN , MSNBC , and PBS/NPR , the country is not only on the wrong track but way off the rails .
A sizable 91 percent of those viewers believe the country is on the wrong track while 5 percent say we are going in the right direction .
Among Fox News viewers , the picture is much rosier — 72 percent say the country is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicating wrong track .
These cable news crosscurrents are somehow going to deliver us a president next Tuesday , and , if you ’ ve been to your ophthalmologist lately , you can ’ t help but wonder how some people can see through a lens that is so uncomfortably blurry to you that it makes you clench .
When you add it all up , the former vice president looks well situated going into the election next week — mostly as a result of fewer likely voters being undecided or supporting third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2016 election .
Biden ( 49.5 % ) has a 6.5 percentage point lead over Trump ( 43 % ) .
When undecided likely voters ( 3.6 % ) and third-party supporters ( 2.3 % ) were pressed to choose either Biden or Trump , Biden ’ s lead swelled to a 7.5 percentage point lead , 51.8 percent to 44.3 percent .
While U.S. presidential races often bring out divisions along lines of viewership , gender , race , age , education , and political party , voters feel the divisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the poll , over 69 percent of likely voters said that the country ’ s divisions are deeper than ever before , with 3 percent saying less deep , and 22 percent indicating the divisions are the same .
That ’ s going to make the healing process that much more challenging , given the stark contrast in voters ’ realities .
If the race tightens in the final days , we can look forward to court challenges and lawyers litigating in selected battleground states for weeks or months .
Nearly 55 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are very or somewhat concerned that mail-in voting will lead to voter fraud .
But there is agreement between the Biden and Trump realities when it comes to violence during and after the election , when one of these realities will have to be favored over the other .
Nearly 3 in 4 likely voters ( 74 percent ) are “ very ” or “ somewhat ” concerned about violence on Election Day .
Just 22 percent were not very or not at all concerned .
Looking at the responses to this poll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the realities were different at all : 70 percent of independents , 71 percent of Republicans , and 80 percent of Democrats fear violence on Election Day .
The numbers among TV networks show a chilling consistency of concern : CNN ( 83 percent ) , FOXNEWS ( 81 percent ) , PBS/NPR ( 80 percent ) .
For once , the story across all cable networks seems to be the same .
David Paleologos is director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center .

Paleologos on the Poll: Trump, Biden supporters agree on little, but there's widespread worry about election violence
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump, Biden battle for slim undecided voter pool Polls show there are far fewer on-the-fence voters this year than the unusually high number in 2016, and the Trump and Biden campaigns each believes it still can win over numbers that matter in close battleground states. (October 19) AP
Today’s Suffolk University/USA TODAY poll shows that respective supporters of the Democratic and Republican nominee for president perceive completely different realities from one another, like night and day. The one aspect that is common to both perspectives is the fear of violence and power struggles in the days after the election. There is a dark reality in which the coronavirus continues to spread and the country is heading on the wrong track — the reality of the average Joe Biden supporter. And there is a bright reality in which individual wealth is soaring via 401k retirement plans and the notion that people believe they are generally better off than they were four years ago—the reality of the average Trump supporter.
In the Suffolk poll, 48 percent of likely 2020 voters told us they were better off than they were four years ago, with 33 percent telling us that they were worse off. Among that 48 percent who responded “better off”, President Trump is beating Former Vice President Joe Biden 74 percent to 20 percent.
Likely voters who trust Fox News were more than five times as likely to respond that they were better off now than they were four years ago compared to those who trust CNN. A whopping 87 percent said they are personally better off, with only 6 percent thinking they are worse off. Meanwhile, 16 percent of CNN viewers felt personally better off while 52 percent felt worse off.
'Unprecedented': Voter turnout could reach highest rate in more than a century
In the average Biden supporter’s reality, the country is on the wrong track, and Donald Trump is responsible. A majority of likely voters (58 percent) say the country is on the wrong track, versus 29 percent who think the country is moving in the right direction.
Among those who trust CNN, MSNBC, and PBS/NPR, the country is not only on the wrong track but way off the rails. A sizable 91 percent of those viewers believe the country is on the wrong track while 5 percent say we are going in the right direction. Among Fox News viewers, the picture is much rosier — 72 percent say the country is going in right direction and 17 percent indicating wrong track.
These cable news crosscurrents are somehow going to deliver us a president next Tuesday, and, if you’ve been to your ophthalmologist lately, you can’t help but wonder how some people can see through a lens that is so uncomfortably blurry to you that it makes you clench.
When you add it all up, the former vice president looks well situated going into the election next week — mostly as a result of fewer likely voters being undecided or supporting third party candidates than at this point in the 2016 election. Biden (49.5%) has a 6.5 percentage point lead over Trump (43%). When undecided likely voters (3.6%) and third-party supporters (2.3%) were pressed to choose either Biden or Trump, Biden’s lead swelled to a 7.5 percentage point lead, 51.8 percent to 44.3 percent.
While U.S. presidential races often bring out divisions along lines of viewership, gender, race, age, education, and political party, voters feel the divisions are much deeper this time around. In the poll, over 69 percent of likely voters said that the country’s divisions are deeper than ever before, with 3 percent saying less deep, and 22 percent indicating the divisions are the same. That’s going to make the healing process that much more challenging, given the stark contrast in voters’ realities.
If the race tightens in the final days, we can look forward to court challenges and lawyers litigating in selected battleground states for weeks or months. Nearly 55 percent in the poll said that they are very or somewhat concerned that mail-in voting will lead to voter fraud.
But there is agreement between the Biden and Trump realities when it comes to violence during and after the election, when one of these realities will have to be favored over the other. Nearly 3 in 4 likely voters (74 percent) are “very” or “somewhat” concerned about violence on Election Day. Just 22 percent were not very or not at all concerned.
Looking at the responses to this poll question alone, one would not think the realities were different at all: 70 percent of independents, 71 percent of Republicans, and 80 percent of Democrats fear violence on Election Day. The numbers among TV networks show a chilling consistency of concern: CNN (83 percent), FOXNEWS (81 percent), PBS/NPR (80 percent).
For once, the story across all cable networks seems to be the same.
David Paleologos is director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center.


usatoday--2020-10-29--GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler: 'Not familiar' with Trump's infamous 2005 'Access Hollywood' tape

WASHINGTON – Sen. Kelly Loeffler , R-GA. , claimed Wednesday night she was `` not familiar '' with President Donald Trump 's now-infamous 2005 `` Access Hollywood '' tape where he described sexually assaulting women .
Loeffler , who is in a tight reelection race , gave a vague answer when local reporters asked Wednesday if she was aware Trump had been recorded talking about groping women , after saying previously she 'd never disagreed with anything Trump has said or done .
`` Look , I agree with the approach President Trump has taken since day one to put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on is working for Georgians in Washington and being their voice .
And being a conservative champion for Georgians , '' Loeffler said in response , furrowing her eyebrows .
A journalist pushed back that Loeffler 's answer did n't address whether she had any issues with Trump 's comments in the `` Access Hollywood '' tape , to which she replied : `` I 'm sorry .
I 'm not familiar with that . ''
More:19 women have accused Trump of sexual misconduct .
Here 's what their stories have in common @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBC-affiliate television station WXIA-TV .
Trump was recorded on a bus in 2005 where he talked crudely about pursuing a married woman and bragged about being able to kiss and grope women because of his fame .
`` You know I 'm automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them .
It 's like a magnet .
Just kiss .
I do n't even wait .
And when you 're a star they let you do it .
You can do anything , '' Trump said , going on to describe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tape surfaced a few weeks before the 2016 election .
USA TODAY has reached out to Loeffler 's campaign for comment .
A spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Loeffler is a millionaire GOP donor whom Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp appointed to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by three-term Sen. Johnny Isakson .
She was sworn in in January of 2020 .
She is currently running against Republican Congressman Doug Collins , a staunch Trump ally , and several other candidates in a special election in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warnock , who is currently polling slightly ahead of the two Republican candidates .
Election 2020 live updates : Biden leads Trump in Wisconsin , Georgia ; Americans are stressed about the election If no candidate gets 50 percent , a majority , the top two vote-earners go to a January runoff .
Earlier this month , during a debate , Loeffler was asked if the president had ever done or said anything she ’ d disagreed with .
Her answer then was “ no.
” Around 20 women have accused Trump of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations and originally dismissed the comments caught in the `` Access Hollywood '' tape as `` locker room talk . ''

GOP Sen. Kelly Loeffler: 'Not familiar' with Trump's infamous 2005 'Access Hollywood' tape
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden goes on offense, campaigns in Georgia Joe Biden is telling Americans to "clear the decks for action" on everything from the coronavirus pandemic to the economy if he is elected president. (Oct. 27) AP
WASHINGTON – Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-GA., claimed Wednesday night she was "not familiar" with President Donald Trump's now-infamous 2005 "Access Hollywood" tape where he described sexually assaulting women.
Loeffler, who is in a tight reelection race, gave a vague answer when local reporters asked Wednesday if she was aware Trump had been recorded talking about groping women, after saying previously she'd never disagreed with anything Trump has said or done.
"Look, I agree with the approach President Trump has taken since day one to put America first. What I am focused on is working for Georgians in Washington and being their voice. And being a conservative champion for Georgians," Loeffler said in response, furrowing her eyebrows.
A journalist pushed back that Loeffler's answer didn't address whether she had any issues with Trump's comments in the "Access Hollywood" tape, to which she replied: "I'm sorry. I'm not familiar with that."
More: 19 women have accused Trump of sexual misconduct. Here's what their stories have in common.
The exchange was first reported by NBC-affiliate television station WXIA-TV.
The video of @KLoeffler saying she's "not familiar" with the infamous Access Hollywood tape of Donald Trump bragging about groping women has to be seen to be believed https://t.co/26PqXK26WS pic.twitter.com/gtjClBVwbj — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 29, 2020
Trump was recorded on a bus in 2005 where he talked crudely about pursuing a married woman and bragged about being able to kiss and grope women because of his fame.
"You know I'm automatically attracted to beautiful — I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet. Just kiss. I don't even wait. And when you're a star they let you do it. You can do anything," Trump said, going on to describe grabbing women by their genitals. The tape surfaced a few weeks before the 2016 election.
USA TODAY has reached out to Loeffler's campaign for comment. A spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Loeffler is a millionaire GOP donor whom Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp appointed to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by three-term Sen. Johnny Isakson. She was sworn in in January of 2020.
She is currently running against Republican Congressman Doug Collins, a staunch Trump ally, and several other candidates in a special election in November. This includes Democrat Rev. Raphael Warnock, who is currently polling slightly ahead of the two Republican candidates.
Election 2020 live updates: Biden leads Trump in Wisconsin, Georgia; Americans are stressed about the election
If no candidate gets 50 percent, a majority, the top two vote-earners go to a January runoff.
Earlier this month, during a debate, Loeffler was asked if the president had ever done or said anything she’d disagreed with. Her answer then was “no.”
Around 20 women have accused Trump of sexual assault. Trump has denied all allegations and originally dismissed the comments caught in the "Access Hollywood" tape as "locker room talk."
Contributing: Jeanine Santucci


usatoday--2020-10-29--Supreme Court leaves in place Pennsylvania's Nov. 6 deadline for return of absentee ballots

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court refused for a second time Wednesday to change Pennsylvania 's election rules at the 11th hour , handing state Republicans a defeat in their effort to reimpose an Election Day deadline for the return of absentee ballots .
The unsigned order means that for now , ballots received by Nov. 6 will be counted .
But ballots received after polls close on Tuesday will be segregated from those received earlier , and if the state turns out to be pivotal , the high court could consider the state GOP 's challenge after the election .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ expressed their disappointment with the action , contending the voting will be `` conducted under a cloud '' because the state Supreme Court granted the three-day extension over the objection of the state Legislature .
Associate Justice Samuel Alito , writing for himself and Associate Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch , acknowledged there was not enough time to hear and decide the challenge by Tuesday .
But he noted that with ballots received after Election Day being segregated , the challenge could be heard at a later date .
`` The court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue raised by this matter has needlessly created conditions that could lead to serious post-election problems , '' Alito wrote .
New Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett did not participate `` because of the need for a prompt resolution of it and because she has not had time to fully review the parties ’ filings , '' court spokeswoman Kathleen Arberg said .
That is not the same as a recusal , which Democrats have called for in light of President Donald Trump 's expressed desire to have Barrett rule in election cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coney Barrett could have immediate impact on American democracy Chief Justice John Roberts , Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the court 's three liberal justices did not make their views known .
The brief order said that `` additional opinions may follow . ''
More : Pack the court ?
Battles between Republicans and Democrats fuel clash over Supreme Court 's future The action came a week after the justices first let stand the extension set by the state Supreme Court .
The vote in that dispute was 4-4 , with Roberts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to block the state court 's action .
Since then , Barrett was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in , giving state Republicans a potential fifth vote to consider their challenge on an expedited basis and revert to the Nov. 3 deadline .
But the court acted without her participation .
The justices ' action establishes the ground rules for mail-in voting in one of the nation 's key battleground states , where President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden are fighting hard for its 20 electoral votes .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already in Pennsylvania , but 1 million more were requested and have not been received by state officials .
The Pennsylvania ruling is just the latest intervention made by the Supreme Court into America 's election process .
While originally allowing the three-day extension to stand , the justices blocked a six-day extension in Wisconsin .
Both states , along with Michigan , are considered most likely to decide whether Trump or Biden takes the oath of office in January .
More : Echoing Trump , Kavanaugh argues states have an interest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuits have been filed from coast to coast contesting the way Americans are voting , mostly because of health risks and concerns about potential mail delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic .
Republicans , including Trump 's reelection campaign , have been seeking to impose restrictions while Democrats push for expanded voting rights .
And the lawsuits could continue after Election Day .
The Supreme Court has been involved in such challenges since April , when it ruled 5-4 along ideological lines that absentee voting in Wisconsin could not be extended past the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state residents who had not received absentee ballots to visit polling places during the early days of the pandemic .
Since then , the high court has issued stopgap rulings on issues ranging from absentee ballot witnesses in Alabama and petition signatures in Idaho to felons ' voting rights in Florida and mail ballots for senior citizens in Texas .
In Pennsylvania , the state 's Democratic Party originally brought the case in state court , contending the COVID-19 pandemic and expansion of mail-in voting was sufficient reason to extend the Nov. 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shapiro , a Democrat , also said the date should be extended , and the state Supreme Court agreed .
That left Republicans and state Senate leaders to defend the original Election Day deadline .
They first asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block the state court 's ruling as a violation of federal law , which sets Election Day as the first Tuesday in November .
They also said the extension violates the Constitution .
Democrats countered that because of the state court ruling , officials already have advised voters that ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 .
As a result , they said , a reversal would add to confusion and invite additional litigation in other states .
In its latest request , the state Republican Party said by deciding the Pennsylvania dispute , the justices could help resolve similar cases across the country .
`` The issues presented are important , recurring , and in need of this court ’ s immediate resolution , '' they argued in court papers .
`` This court ’ s timely intervention could provide desperately needed clarity and help states avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules this court has consistently warned against . ''
The state Democratic Party countered that a reversal of the later ballot-return deadline could disenfranchise thousands of voters , calling it a `` rash and unseemly request . ''
`` A ruling from this court could not realistically issue until the eve of the election , '' they wrote .
`` By then , it will be too late for many Pennsylvania voters who have relied on the existing rules to adjust to any change in the rules that this court might impose .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to learn that they may have cast their votes too late . ''

Supreme Court leaves in place Pennsylvania's Nov. 6 deadline for return of absentee ballots
Show Caption Hide Caption Early voter turnout breaks records, leads to long lines in many states The surge in voting has led to hours long wait times in states, like Georgia and Wisconsin, that have in-person early voting. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court refused for a second time Wednesday to change Pennsylvania's election rules at the 11th hour, handing state Republicans a defeat in their effort to reimpose an Election Day deadline for the return of absentee ballots.
The unsigned order means that for now, ballots received by Nov. 6 will be counted. But ballots received after polls close on Tuesday will be segregated from those received earlier, and if the state turns out to be pivotal, the high court could consider the state GOP's challenge after the election.
Three of the court's conservative justices expressed their disappointment with the action, contending the voting will be "conducted under a cloud" because the state Supreme Court granted the three-day extension over the objection of the state Legislature.
Associate Justice Samuel Alito, writing for himself and Associate Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch, acknowledged there was not enough time to hear and decide the challenge by Tuesday. But he noted that with ballots received after Election Day being segregated, the challenge could be heard at a later date.
"The court’s handling of the important constitutional issue raised by this matter has needlessly created conditions that could lead to serious post-election problems," Alito wrote.
Elections 2020: Mail-in voting could decide next president Many states are planning on drastically different elections this year and mail-in ballots could be a big game changer. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
New Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett did not participate "because of the need for a prompt resolution of it and because she has not had time to fully review the parties’ filings," court spokeswoman Kathleen Arberg said. That is not the same as a recusal, which Democrats have called for in light of President Donald Trump's expressed desire to have Barrett rule in election cases.
More: New Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett could have immediate impact on American democracy
Chief Justice John Roberts, Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the court's three liberal justices did not make their views known. The brief order said that "additional opinions may follow."
More: Pack the court? Battles between Republicans and Democrats fuel clash over Supreme Court's future
The action came a week after the justices first let stand the extension set by the state Supreme Court. The vote in that dispute was 4-4, with Roberts and the court's three liberal justices refusing to block the state court's action.
Since then, Barrett was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in, giving state Republicans a potential fifth vote to consider their challenge on an expedited basis and revert to the Nov. 3 deadline. But the court acted without her participation.
The justices' action establishes the ground rules for mail-in voting in one of the nation's key battleground states, where President Donald Trump and former vice president Joe Biden are fighting hard for its 20 electoral votes.
Some 2 million absentee ballots have been returned already in Pennsylvania, but 1 million more were requested and have not been received by state officials.
The Pennsylvania ruling is just the latest intervention made by the Supreme Court into America's election process. While originally allowing the three-day extension to stand, the justices blocked a six-day extension in Wisconsin. Both states, along with Michigan, are considered most likely to decide whether Trump or Biden takes the oath of office in January.
More: Echoing Trump, Kavanaugh argues states have an interest in finalizing results on Election Day
Nearly 400 lawsuits have been filed from coast to coast contesting the way Americans are voting, mostly because of health risks and concerns about potential mail delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Republicans, including Trump's reelection campaign, have been seeking to impose restrictions while Democrats push for expanded voting rights. And the lawsuits could continue after Election Day.
The Supreme Court has been involved in such challenges since April, when it ruled 5-4 along ideological lines that absentee voting in Wisconsin could not be extended past the primary election date. That decision forced state residents who had not received absentee ballots to visit polling places during the early days of the pandemic.
Since then, the high court has issued stopgap rulings on issues ranging from absentee ballot witnesses in Alabama and petition signatures in Idaho to felons' voting rights in Florida and mail ballots for senior citizens in Texas.
In Pennsylvania, the state's Democratic Party originally brought the case in state court, contending the COVID-19 pandemic and expansion of mail-in voting was sufficient reason to extend the Nov. 3 ballot-return deadline. State Attorney General Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, also said the date should be extended, and the state Supreme Court agreed.
That left Republicans and state Senate leaders to defend the original Election Day deadline. They first asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block the state court's ruling as a violation of federal law, which sets Election Day as the first Tuesday in November. They also said the extension violates the Constitution.
Democrats countered that because of the state court ruling, officials already have advised voters that ballots can be received until Friday, Nov. 6. As a result, they said, a reversal would add to confusion and invite additional litigation in other states.
In its latest request, the state Republican Party said by deciding the Pennsylvania dispute, the justices could help resolve similar cases across the country.
"The issues presented are important, recurring, and in need of this court’s immediate resolution," they argued in court papers. "This court’s timely intervention could provide desperately needed clarity and help states avoid the sort of last-minute changes in election rules this court has consistently warned against."
The state Democratic Party countered that a reversal of the later ballot-return deadline could disenfranchise thousands of voters, calling it a "rash and unseemly request."
"A ruling from this court could not realistically issue until the eve of the election," they wrote. "By then, it will be too late for many Pennsylvania voters who have relied on the existing rules to adjust to any change in the rules that this court might impose. Some will have voted already, only to learn that they may have cast their votes too late."


usatoday--2020-10-29--Election 2020: Poll shows Americans are worried about violence, peaceful transfer of power

Election 2020 : Poll shows Americans are worried about violence , peaceful transfer of power Here are the biggest takeaways @ @ @ @ @ University Poll , taken after the final presidential debate .

Election 2020: Americans worried about response to election results
Here are the biggest takeaways from a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll, taken after the final presidential debate.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-29--6 dead, millions powerless as Zeta roars across southern, eastern US

• The storm knocked out power to over 2.6 million homes and businesses .
• Power outages from the storm also affected polling places in some areas , including northern Georgia .
• Zeta made landfall Wednesday afternoon near Cocodrie , Louisiana .
At landfall , estimated wind speeds were at 110 mph .
Zeta , now downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone , continued to lash portions of the eastern U.S. Thursday with heavy rain and high winds as the potent system made its way out to sea .
The storm , which made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 2.6 million homes and businesses and has been blamed for at least six deaths in the South .
One man was electrocuted in New Orleans , a man drowned in Biloxi , Mississippi , and a man in Acworth , Georgia , was killed when an oak tree fell on the mobile home in which he was staying .
Two people were killed near Atlanta when a tree fell on their house , pinning them to the bed .
In Alabama , one person died when a tree fell on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zeta ripped off roofs , knocked down power lines and trees and flooded streets as it roared through Mississippi , Alabama and Georgia early Thursday , the Weather Channel said .
Heavy rain and winds also pounded eastern Tennessee and the Carolinas .
Zeta damage : See aftermath photos , video from across Louisiana , New Orleans Power outages from the storm also affected polling places in some areas , including northern Georgia .
State officials weren ’ t sure how many of the 336 early voting locations statewide were closed or delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Atlanta ’ s western suburbs , all six polling locations were without power , as were county offices .
Voting was also affected by the storm in portions of Alabama , Mississippi and Florida .
Zeta made landfall Wednesday afternoon near Cocodrie , Louisiana , with estimated wind speeds of 110 mph , the National Hurricane Center said .
The storm was a ferocious hit for some along the Gulf Coast .
In Waveland , Mississippi , on the state 's coast , the town 's mayor , Mike Smith , told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its worst storm damage since Katrina blasted the city in 2005 .
Video from Grand Isle , Louisiana , a barrier island in Jefferson Parish , showed large homes with their roofs torn off , a crumpled gas station canopy and downed utility poles and wires , the Weather Channel reported .
`` We 're really getting beat .
We 're looking at wind over 100 ( mph ) for sure , '' Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle said in an interview with WDSU as Zeta 's eyewall moved over the island .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a historically busy Atlantic hurricane season , which still has more than a month left .
It was the 11th tropical storm or hurricane to hit the United States this year , marking an all-time record high for the country .
Forecasters also were monitoring an area of disturbed weather in the Caribbean , one that could develop into a tropical depression or storm over the weekend or early next week , the Hurricane Center said .

6 dead, millions powerless as Zeta roars across southern, eastern US
Show Caption Hide Caption Mississippi crews clean up wreckage left by Hurricane Zeta Biloxi, Mississippi is cleaning up the damage from Hurricane Zeta. . Accuweather
The storm knocked out power to over 2.6 million homes and businesses.
Power outages from the storm also affected polling places in some areas, including northern Georgia.
Zeta made landfall Wednesday afternoon near Cocodrie, Louisiana. At landfall, estimated wind speeds were at 110 mph.
Zeta, now downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone, continued to lash portions of the eastern U.S. Thursday with heavy rain and high winds as the potent system made its way out to sea.
The storm, which made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane Wednesday afternoon, knocked out power to more than 2.6 million homes and businesses and has been blamed for at least six deaths in the South.
One man was electrocuted in New Orleans, a man drowned in Biloxi, Mississippi, and a man in Acworth, Georgia, was killed when an oak tree fell on the mobile home in which he was staying. Two people were killed near Atlanta when a tree fell on their house, pinning them to the bed. In Alabama, one person died when a tree fell on a mobile home in rural Clarke County.
Zeta ripped off roofs, knocked down power lines and trees and flooded streets as it roared through Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia early Thursday, the Weather Channel said. Heavy rain and winds also pounded eastern Tennessee and the Carolinas.
Zeta damage: See aftermath photos, video from across Louisiana, New Orleans
Power outages from the storm also affected polling places in some areas, including northern Georgia. State officials weren’t sure how many of the 336 early voting locations statewide were closed or delayed in opening. In Douglas County, in Atlanta’s western suburbs, all six polling locations were without power, as were county offices.
Voting was also affected by the storm in portions of Alabama, Mississippi and Florida.
Zeta made landfall Wednesday afternoon near Cocodrie, Louisiana, with estimated wind speeds of 110 mph, the National Hurricane Center said.
The storm was a ferocious hit for some along the Gulf Coast. In Waveland, Mississippi, on the state's coast, the town's mayor, Mike Smith, told WLOX-TV that the town may have suffered its worst storm damage since Katrina blasted the city in 2005.
Video from Grand Isle, Louisiana, a barrier island in Jefferson Parish, showed large homes with their roofs torn off, a crumpled gas station canopy and downed utility poles and wires, the Weather Channel reported.
"We're really getting beat. We're looking at wind over 100 (mph) for sure," Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle said in an interview with WDSU as Zeta's eyewall moved over the island.
Zeta is the 27th named storm of a historically busy Atlantic hurricane season, which still has more than a month left. It was the 11th tropical storm or hurricane to hit the United States this year, marking an all-time record high for the country.
Forecasters also were monitoring an area of disturbed weather in the Caribbean, one that could develop into a tropical depression or storm over the weekend or early next week, the Hurricane Center said.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-30--Star Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence tests positive for COVID-19

Trevor Lawrence , junior quarterback for the No.1-ranked Clemson Tigers and front-runner for the Heisman Trophy , will not play in Saturday 's game against Boston College after testing positive for COVID-19 .
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney announced the news Thursday night in a statement .
“ Trevor has authorized us this evening to announce that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in isolation , '' Swinney said .
`` He is doing well with mild symptoms but will not be available for this week ’ s game against Boston College .
`` While we certainly will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for other guys to step up and we ’ re excited about competing against a very good BC team on Saturday .
Go Tigers.
” Lawrence has completed 70.7 % of his passes for 1,833 yards with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions in leading Clemson to a 6-0 record and the top spot in the USA TODAY Amway Coaches ' Poll .
The Tigers are scheduled to play at Notre Dame a week from Saturday .
According to ACC COVID-19 protocols , players who test positive `` shall be isolated for at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their first positive test .
A person with knowledge of Clemson 's testing procedures told USA TODAY Sports the Tigers are tested for COVID-19 on Sunday , Wednesday and Friday .
This would suggest Lawrence tested positive on Wednesday , which could put him in line to return for the game against the No .
4 Irish .
The person requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject .
Shortly after the release of Swinney 's statement , Lawrence released a statement of his own on his Twitter account .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my symptoms have been relatively mild while I 'm following the protocol from Clemson and the ACC , '' Lawrence wrote .
`` The only thing that hurts is missing an opportunity to be with my teammates this weekend and play the game I love .
I hate that I ca n't be there , but I 'll be watching from isolation and pulling for our guys while I wait for the opportunity ( to ) rejoin the team .
Gold bless and Go Tigers ! ''
Lawrence is expected to be replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a five-star and one of the top prospects in the 2020 recruiting class .
Uiagalelei has played in five of Clemson ’ s six games and completed 12 of his 19 attempts for 102 yards and rushed for two scores .
Opinion : As teams deal with cancellations , the frustration is obvious and understandable Bowl Season : What to make of what should be a unique and uncertain college football bowl schedule Lawrence , after guiding Clemson to a national championship as a freshman and putting up gaudy statistics over 2½ seasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft .
However , he has recently appeared to leave the door open that he might return for his senior season .
“ I don ’ t know , we ’ ll just have to see how things unfold .
There ’ s a lot of factors in that , ” Lawrence said on a Zoom call on Tuesday .
“ My mindset ’ s been that I ’ m going to move on , but who knows ?
” he continued .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could happen .
I ’ m just really focusing on this year and not trying to look ahead .
… That ’ s a tough one , but we ’ ll see how it all unfolds .
”

Star Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence tests positive for COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption Ohio State rises to No. 3 in the latest Amway Coaches Poll USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down the latest Amway Coaches Poll. USA TODAY
Trevor Lawrence, junior quarterback for the No.1-ranked Clemson Tigers and front-runner for the Heisman Trophy, will not play in Saturday's game against Boston College after testing positive for COVID-19. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney announced the news Thursday night in a statement.
“Trevor has authorized us this evening to announce that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in isolation," Swinney said. "He is doing well with mild symptoms but will not be available for this week’s game against Boston College.
"While we certainly will miss Trevor, this is an opportunity for other guys to step up and we’re excited about competing against a very good BC team on Saturday. Go Tigers.”
Lawrence has completed 70.7% of his passes for 1,833 yards with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions in leading Clemson to a 6-0 record and the top spot in the USA TODAY Amway Coaches' Poll.
The Tigers are scheduled to play at Notre Dame a week from Saturday.
According to ACC COVID-19 protocols, players who test positive "shall be isolated for at least 10 days" from the onset of their first positive test. A person with knowledge of Clemson's testing procedures told USA TODAY Sports the Tigers are tested for COVID-19 on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. This would suggest Lawrence tested positive on Wednesday, which could put him in line to return for the game against the No. 4 Irish.
The person requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject.
Shortly after the release of Swinney's statement, Lawrence released a statement of his own on his Twitter account.
"I have tested positive for COVID-19, and my symptoms have been relatively mild while I'm following the protocol from Clemson and the ACC," Lawrence wrote.
"The only thing that hurts is missing an opportunity to be with my teammates this weekend and play the game I love. I hate that I can't be there, but I'll be watching from isolation and pulling for our guys while I wait for the opportunity (to) rejoin the team. Gold bless and Go Tigers!"
Lawrence is expected to be replaced by true freshman D.J. Uiagalelei, a five-star and one of the top prospects in the 2020 recruiting class. Uiagalelei has played in five of Clemson’s six games and completed 12 of his 19 attempts for 102 yards and rushed for two scores.
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Lawrence, after guiding Clemson to a national championship as a freshman and putting up gaudy statistics over 2½ seasons, is expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
However, he has recently appeared to leave the door open that he might return for his senior season.
“I don’t know, we’ll just have to see how things unfold. There’s a lot of factors in that,” Lawrence said on a Zoom call on Tuesday.
“My mindset’s been that I’m going to move on, but who knows?” he continued. “There’s a lot of things that could happen. I’m just really focusing on this year and not trying to look ahead. … That’s a tough one, but we’ll see how it all unfolds.”
Contributing: Paul Myerberg, Dan Wolken


usatoday--2020-10-30--Train derailment in Texas leaks 'corrosive' product, prompts evacuation orders for 600 people; no in

A train derailment in Texas profficials to ask nearly 600 residents to evacuate their homes and will take days to clean up — but the local emergency management office reported no injuries .
A Kansas City Southern train derailed around 7:30 a.m. in Mauriceville , Texas , near the state 's border with Louisiana .
The derailment involved 25 cars , according to the Orange County Office of Emergency Management .
Most of the cars were loaded ; 10 were empty .
`` Five confirmed tank cars were breached , four were leaking a petroleum product that did not represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fifth involves a corrosive product that is being contained , '' the Office of Emergency Management said in a Facebook post .
The Orange County Sheriff 's Office posted photos to Facebook that showed the cars piled up on the railroad .
The photos had been shared more than 3,000 times as of Thursday evening .
A one-mile `` exclusion zone , '' which initially impacted 600 residents , was set up while cleaning and containment were underway .
By Thursday evening , the zone included only about 25 to 30 homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ardoin told USA TODAY .
Total cleanup will take about 48 to 72 hours , he said .
A middle school and an elementary school in the area will be closed Friday due to clean-up efforts .

Train derailment in Texas leaks 'corrosive' product, prompts evacuation orders for 600 people; no injuries
Show Caption Hide Caption AP Top Stories October 29 A Here's the latest for Thursday October 29th: Millions of mail ballots still outstanding; Curfew in Philadelphia after protests and violence; Hurricane Zeta leaves damage on Gulf Coast; Czech Republic implements curfew to fight coronavirus. AP
A train derailment in Texas profficials to ask nearly 600 residents to evacuate their homes and will take days to clean up — but the local emergency management office reported no injuries.
A Kansas City Southern train derailed around 7:30 a.m. in Mauriceville, Texas, near the state's border with Louisiana. The derailment involved 25 cars, according to the Orange County Office of Emergency Management. Most of the cars were loaded; 10 were empty.
"Five confirmed tank cars were breached, four were leaking a petroleum product that did not represent a risk to the general population and the fifth involves a corrosive product that is being contained," the Office of Emergency Management said in a Facebook post.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office posted photos to Facebook that showed the cars piled up on the railroad. The photos had been shared more than 3,000 times as of Thursday evening.
A one-mile "exclusion zone," which initially impacted 600 residents, was set up while cleaning and containment were underway. By Thursday evening, the zone included only about 25 to 30 homes, Orange County Emergency Management Coordinator Joel Ardoin told USA TODAY.
Total cleanup will take about 48 to 72 hours, he said. A middle school and an elementary school in the area will be closed Friday due to clean-up efforts.


usatoday--2020-10-29--Plaintiffs appeal Virginia judge's decision to remove Robert E. Lee statue on Richmond's Monument Av

RICHMOND , Va. — The Supreme Court of Virginia has been asked to intervene in the planned removal of the Robert E. Lee statue on Richmond 's iconic Monument Avenue .
Attorneys for the five plaintiffs in the case filed a notice of intent to appeal Richmond Circuit Judge W. Reilly Marchant 's ruling Tuesday that cleared the path for Virginia to take down the statue .
The move was not unexpected , as Marchant delivered his ruling but ordered it stayed to allow for an appeal .
A date for the hearing has not been set .
Virginia was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Ralph S. Northam announced plans to remove the 130-year-old statue from a traffic circle at the intersection of Monument and Allen avenues .
The statue was once the centerpiece of a group of monuments dedicated to Confederate leaders from the Civil War .
The other four were owned by the city of Richmond and taken down just as a new law went into effect that gives localities , not the state , latitude on whether or not Confederate monuments should be removed .
How many Confederate monuments have been removed since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's a lot .
The Lee statue and the traffic circle are state-owned property dating to the late 19th century , when the statue was erected .
The plaintiffs sued to keep the statue in place , citing those property deeds , but the state maintained the statue was put up as a deliberate show of white supremacy .
On Tuesday , Marchant agreed with the state 's assertion , saying that `` general public policy '' overrode any previous land covenants .
You can reach Bill Atkinson at batkinson @ progress-index.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Follow The Progress-Index on Twitter at @ ProgressIndex .

Plaintiffs appeal Virginia judge's decision to remove Robert E. Lee statue on Richmond's Monument Avenue
Show Caption Hide Caption Richmond removes another confederate statue The Confederate Soldiers and Sailors statue was removed Wednesday. It's the sixth Confederate monument to be removed in Richmond amid national protests against police brutality and symbols many see as racist icons. (July 8) AP
RICHMOND, Va. — The Supreme Court of Virginia has been asked to intervene in the planned removal of the Robert E. Lee statue on Richmond's iconic Monument Avenue.
Attorneys for the five plaintiffs in the case filed a notice of intent to appeal Richmond Circuit Judge W. Reilly Marchant's ruling Tuesday that cleared the path for Virginia to take down the statue. The move was not unexpected, as Marchant delivered his ruling but ordered it stayed to allow for an appeal.
A date for the hearing has not been set.
Virginia was sued by the plaintiffs in June after Gov. Ralph S. Northam announced plans to remove the 130-year-old statue from a traffic circle at the intersection of Monument and Allen avenues. The statue was once the centerpiece of a group of monuments dedicated to Confederate leaders from the Civil War.
The other four were owned by the city of Richmond and taken down just as a new law went into effect that gives localities, not the state, latitude on whether or not Confederate monuments should be removed.
How many Confederate monuments have been removed since George Floyd's death? Hint: It's a lot.
The Lee statue and the traffic circle are state-owned property dating to the late 19th century, when the statue was erected. The plaintiffs sued to keep the statue in place, citing those property deeds, but the state maintained the statue was put up as a deliberate show of white supremacy.
On Tuesday, Marchant agreed with the state's assertion, saying that "general public policy" overrode any previous land covenants.
You can reach Bill Atkinson at batkinson@progress-index.com. Follow him at @BAtkinson_PI. Follow The Progress-Index on Twitter at @ProgressIndex.


usatoday--2020-10-30--Dove Awards 2020 adapt to COVID-19 year with audience-free show

Like most awards shows in the age of the coronavirus , the Dove Awards look a little different this year .
The annual showcase of top artists in contemporary Christian music wo n't return to Lipscomb University in Nashville , Tennessee , for a bustling night of trophy presentation and praise-worthy performances .
Due to COVID-19 precautions , show producers instead pre-taped artist performances and stories for a program to be aired Friday at 8 EDT/7 PDT on faith-based network TBN .
A total 20 artists take the Doves stage this year , including for KING & COUNTRY and Lecrae @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Kingdom and Pastor Mike Jr. Producers were `` hanging on to hope '' until around June that they 'd be able to host an in-person show , said Jackie Patillo , president of Gospel Music Association , a Nashville-based nonprofit group that produces the show annually .
Once a pivot seemed inevitable , organizers began brainstorming how to safely deliver `` a night of inspiration . ''
`` We took this opportunity to focus on the power of the music and the stories behind the some of the songs ... revealing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Performers share stories and `` special guests '' — such as Steven Curtis Chapman , Natalie Grant , Christine D ’ Clario and Danny Gokey — reflect on 2020 during on-camera appearances .
And the show offers stories behind some of the year 's top Christian songs .
This includes `` The Blessing , '' a number released earlier this year by Elevation Worship that `` took the world by storm '' during a lockdown-stricken listenership last spring , Patillo said , and `` Way Maker '' by Nigerian worship artist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to perform `` Way Maker '' with Leeland and Mandisa at the show , Patillo said ; each performance was taped last month at a TBN studio in Hendersonville , Tennessee .
`` We know people are hurting , '' she said .
`` People are dying .
People need to be encouraged and they need to hear songs of hope and they need to hear the message of Jesus . ''
Nominations for the 51st annual show are topped by format standouts Zach Williams and for KING & COUNTRY , each with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Those artists are trailed closely by Hillsong Worship , Kirk Franklin and Jonathan McReynolds , each with four nods .
Viewers may be set on another first-time nominee , however : Kanye West .
The polarizing rapper ( and presidential candidate ) scored three nominations , stemming from his 2019 album `` Jesus Is King , '' which dominated the Christian and gospel charts upon its release .
But , unlike Nashville-based programs such as the ACM Awards and CMT Awards , the Doves wo n't host live acceptance speeches from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , with everything people have been through with COVID and social unrest , it was n't time to celebrate the award … as much as it was important to inspire people [ with ] the music , '' Patillo said .
`` We give awards , but the majority of the show is about the music and the artists . ''
Instead , the show focuses on `` carry the change , '' Patillo said — the show 's 2020 theme .
`` We 've all been through so much in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's time for us to take a pause and realize that we 're not alone . ''
• The 51st annual GMA Dove Awards air Friday at 8 EDT/7PDT on TBN .
Find out how to stream online via https : //watch.tbn.org/videos/tbn-live .
• A collection of pre-broadcast awards plan to be delivered live Thursday on the Gospel Music Association Facebook page .

Matthew Leimkuehler, Nashville Tennessean

Dove Awards 2020 adapt to COVID-19 year with audience-free show
Like most awards shows in the age of the coronavirus, the Dove Awards look a little different this year.
The annual showcase of top artists in contemporary Christian music won't return to Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, for a bustling night of trophy presentation and praise-worthy performances.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, show producers instead pre-taped artist performances and stories for a program to be aired Friday at 8 EDT/7 PDT on faith-based network TBN. A total 20 artists take the Doves stage this year, including for KING & COUNTRY and Lecrae, Mandisa, Jeremy Camp, We The Kingdom and Pastor Mike Jr.
Producers were "hanging on to hope" until around June that they'd be able to host an in-person show, said Jackie Patillo, president of Gospel Music Association, a Nashville-based nonprofit group that produces the show annually. Once a pivot seemed inevitable, organizers began brainstorming how to safely deliver "a night of inspiration."
"We took this opportunity to focus on the power of the music and the stories behind the some of the songs ... revealing the hearts of these artists," Patillo said.
Dove Awards 2020: A list of winners
Performers share stories and "special guests" — such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Natalie Grant, Christine D’Clario and Danny Gokey — reflect on 2020 during on-camera appearances.
And the show offers stories behind some of the year's top Christian songs. This includes "The Blessing," a number released earlier this year by Elevation Worship that "took the world by storm" during a lockdown-stricken listenership last spring, Patillo said, and "Way Maker" by Nigerian worship artist Sinach.
Sinach trekked to Middle Tennessee to perform "Way Maker" with Leeland and Mandisa at the show, Patillo said; each performance was taped last month at a TBN studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
"We know people are hurting," she said. "People are dying. People need to be encouraged and they need to hear songs of hope and they need to hear the message of Jesus."
Nominations for the 51st annual show are topped by format standouts Zach Williams and for KING & COUNTRY, each with five nods — including artist of the year. Those artists are trailed closely by Hillsong Worship, Kirk Franklin and Jonathan McReynolds, each with four nods .
More: Dove Awards nominees 2020: Zach Williams, For King & Country...and Kanye
Viewers may be set on another first-time nominee, however: Kanye West.
The polarizing rapper (and presidential candidate) scored three nominations, stemming from his 2019 album "Jesus Is King," which dominated the Christian and gospel charts upon its release.
But, unlike Nashville-based programs such as the ACM Awards and CMT Awards, the Doves won't host live acceptance speeches from award winners.
"We felt like this year, with everything people have been through with COVID and social unrest, it wasn't time to celebrate the award … as much as it was important to inspire people [with] the music," Patillo said. "We give awards, but the majority of the show is about the music and the artists."
Instead, the show focuses on "carry the change," Patillo said — the show's 2020 theme.
"We've all been through so much in 2020," she said. "It's time for us to take a pause and realize that we're not alone."
Tennessean reporter Dave Paulson contributed to this article.
How to watch


usatoday--2020-10-29--Surprise! Scarlett Johansson, Colin Jost marry in intimate ceremony following COVID-19 precautions

Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost have tied the knot !
The celeb couple announced their nuptials on Thursday through a post on the Instagram page for Meals on Wheels America , a charity providing food and resources to the elderly .
The post shows a picture of a Staten Island Ferry with the words `` Jost Married '' across the image Johansson 's representative Marcel Pariseau and Jost 's representative Nicole Caruso each confirmed the post 's accuracy to USA TODAY .
`` We ’ re thrilled to break the news that Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost were married over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their immediate family and love ones , following COVID-19 safety precautions as directed by the CDC , '' read the caption .
The post also noted the stars ' request that fans celebrate their love by donating to the charity .
`` Their wedding wish is to help make a difference for vulnerable older adults during this difficult time by supporting @ mealsonwheelsamerica , '' the caption continued .
`` Please consider donating to celebrate the happy couple by clicking the link in our bio . ''
The couple met through `` Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has hosted multiple times since 2006 ; Jost , 38 , joined the show as a writer in 2005 before becoming head writer and `` Weekend Update '' co-anchor .
The couple went red carpet official in 2018 , linking arms and posing for photographers at the premiere of `` Avengers : Infinity War , '' in which Johansson starred as Black Widow .
In May 2019 , Pariseau confirmed to USA TODAY that the couple got engaged after two years together .
Scarlett Johansson , fiance Colin Jost share a sweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I met the love of my life here' '' I just want to say that this place means so much to me , '' Johansson said in her opening monologue while hosting `` SNL '' for the sixth time in December 2019 .
`` I have so many friends here , and I met the love of my life here . ''
In his book `` A Very Punchable Face : A Memoir , '' released earlier this year , Jost wrote about meeting Johansson for the first time during his first year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a `` beautiful , smart , sweet and intimidatingly sophisticated '' star possessing `` a grace and a smile that I ’ ve still never seen in any other human . ''
Colin Jost talks memoir , pressure 'to keep improving ' and why Scarlett Johansson is like the moon In an interview with USA TODAY in July , Jost confessed he was instantly taken with her .
`` Although , it ’ s like being taken with the moon , '' he added .
`` You don ’ t expect you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But I guess a few astronauts have , so it does happen . ''
He also opened up about his desire to keep his relationship with Johansson out of the spotlight .
`` I think I am especially private about our relationship , but really in relationships in general , '' he said .
`` It ’ s kind of nice to have some things be still a little mysterious . ''
This is the third marriage for Johansson , who was wed to `` Deadpool '' star Ryan Reynolds ( 2008-2011 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , the father of her daughter , Rose Dorothy Dauriac , 6 .
This is the first marriage for `` Saturday Night Live '' star Jost .
Scarlett Johansson on 'Marriage Story , ' why it 's good to 'wallow for a little bit '

Surprise! Scarlett Johansson, Colin Jost marry in intimate ceremony following COVID-19 precautions
Show Caption Hide Caption How Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost broke the news of their wedding Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost tied the knot last weekend. They announced their marriage using the Meals on Wheels Instagram page. Entertain This!, USA TODAY
Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost have tied the knot!
The celeb couple announced their nuptials on Thursday through a post on the Instagram page for Meals on Wheels America, a charity providing food and resources to the elderly. The post shows a picture of a Staten Island Ferry with the words "Jost Married" across the image
Johansson's representative Marcel Pariseau and Jost's representative Nicole Caruso each confirmed the post's accuracy to USA TODAY.
"We’re thrilled to break the news that Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost were married over the weekend in an intimate ceremony with their immediate family and love ones, following COVID-19 safety precautions as directed by the CDC," read the caption.
The post also noted the stars' request that fans celebrate their love by donating to the charity.
"Their wedding wish is to help make a difference for vulnerable older adults during this difficult time by supporting @mealsonwheelsamerica," the caption continued. "Please consider donating to celebrate the happy couple by clicking the link in our bio."
The couple met through "Saturday Night Live": Johansson, 35, has hosted multiple times since 2006; Jost, 38, joined the show as a writer in 2005 before becoming head writer and "Weekend Update" co-anchor.
The couple went red carpet official in 2018, linking arms and posing for photographers at the premiere of "Avengers: Infinity War," in which Johansson starred as Black Widow.
In May 2019, Pariseau confirmed to USA TODAY that the couple got engaged after two years together.
Scarlett Johansson, fiance Colin Jost share a sweet moment on 'SNL' stage: 'I met the love of my life here'
"I just want to say that this place means so much to me," Johansson said in her opening monologue while hosting "SNL" for the sixth time in December 2019. "I have so many friends here, and I met the love of my life here."
In his book "A Very Punchable Face: A Memoir," released earlier this year, Jost wrote about meeting Johansson for the first time during his first year on "SNL," describing her as a "beautiful, smart, sweet and intimidatingly sophisticated" star possessing "a grace and a smile that I’ve still never seen in any other human."
Colin Jost talks memoir, pressure 'to keep improving' and why Scarlett Johansson is like the moon
In an interview with USA TODAY in July, Jost confessed he was instantly taken with her. "Although, it’s like being taken with the moon," he added. "You don’t expect you’re ever gonna get there. But I guess a few astronauts have, so it does happen."
He also opened up about his desire to keep his relationship with Johansson out of the spotlight.
"I think I am especially private about our relationship, but really in relationships in general," he said. "It’s kind of nice to have some things be still a little mysterious."
This is the third marriage for Johansson, who was wed to "Deadpool" star Ryan Reynolds (2008-2011) and journalist Romain Dauriac (2014-2017), the father of her daughter, Rose Dorothy Dauriac, 6.
This is the first marriage for "Saturday Night Live" star Jost.
Scarlett Johansson on 'Marriage Story,' why it's good to 'wallow for a little bit'
Contributing: Hannah Yasharoff, Erin Jensen, Andrea Mandell