usatoday--2020-10-17--'They're amateurs': Feds say plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was dangerous, poorly pla

DETROIT – Just because they were n't successful does n't mean they were n't dangerous .
This is what the prosecution argued in court Friday in convincing a judge to order six men to stand trial on charges they plotted for months to kidnap Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer because they were angry over her lockdown order .
`` Was it a good plan ? ''
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler argued in court Friday , adding : `` It does n't look like they discussed it much . ''
And it cost them , he said .
`` These people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Kessler said , stressing that just because the plan failed `` it does n't mean it was n't dangerous . ''
U.S. Magistrate Judge Sally Berens agreed in concluding the government had probable cause to charge the six defendants with conspiracy to kidnap , despite objections by defense lawyers who called the kidnap claims `` outlandish '' and `` absurd . ''
Berens also denied bond to four defendants this week .
The accused ringleader , Adam Fox , consented to detention , which means he agreed to remain locked up pending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sixth suspect in the case was denied bond in Delaware and is awaiting extradition to Michigan .
All face up to life in prison if convicted .
Watch : Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer wants men who sought kidnapping to be brought to justice Oct. 13 : FBI says Virginia Gov .
Northam was also targeted in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov .
Whitmer Defense attorneys repeatedly argued in court this week that there was no real plan to kidnap Whitmer , but just angry gun enthusiasts talking tough among each other .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the group wanted to take Whitmer out on a boat and leave her stranded in Lake Michigan .
They also balked at another claim that the group wanted to kidnap Whitmer and drive her to Wisconsin and try her for treason .
Who was going to drive her to Wisconsin ?
Where would she be tried ?
The defense lawyers asked , suggesting there was no real plan , just puffery .
`` Really ?
Was there really an agreement here , or is it just loose talk , ? ''
said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ common sense '' suggests this was `` loose talk . ''
`` It 's so outlandish , '' Graham said .
`` Was the agreement to cast her in a lake ?
... That 's how absurd it all is . ''
Following two days of testimony , however , Berens concluded there was sufficient evidence to support the conspiracy to kidnap charge , citing , among other things , the surveillance of Whitmer 's vacation home in the middle of the night .
The five members ordered to stand trial on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Croft , 44 , of Bear , Delaware , was also denied bond this week and is awaiting extradition to Michigan to face the conspiracy charge .
Defense lawyers tried for two days to convince the judge that their clients deserved to be free on bond , arguing that the suspects were lawful gun owners who held training exercises , potlucks and even enjoyed playing paintball .
The FBI , though , had been watching the group for months and embedded paid informants and undercover agents in the group who recorded conversations and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges .
Attorney Mark Satawa , who is representing Garbin , argued that his client is a hard worker from a good family who has no criminal record .
He asked the judge to release his client on bond and let him live with his parents , with a tether for added security .
He argued that Garbin has `` no criminal history at all , '' has a good job making $ 28 an hour as an airline mechanic , and that his father , an Army veteran , could keep an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing that my client could do to endanger the community under those set of circumstances , '' Satawa argued .
`` Lock Mr. Garbin up , sure .
But at home . ''
Kessler disagreed , arguing Garbin participated in a dangerous plot to kidnap the governor , and was more than a `` bystander . ''
Kessler told the judge that Garbin was actively involved in the plot in many ways , including : • He cased the governor 's vacation home at night .
• He texted about blowing up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He offered to paint his boat for `` night fishing '' as part of the kidnapping mission on the lake .
• He had the ability to manufacture guns .
All of this , Kessler said , warranted keeping Garbin locked up , stressing neither his parents nor electronic devices could ensure the public 's safety .
`` He could leave , '' Kessler argued .
`` And we would n't know where he was . ''
According to an FBI affidavit , the accused ringleader , Fox referred to Whitmer as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with `` no checks and balances '' who needed to be taken down .
Fox lived in the basement of a Grand Rapids-area vacuum store with his two dogs , according to courtroom testimony .
The FBI says Fox was a member of the Michigan Home Guard militia group but left that group for unknown reasons , FBI agent Richard Trask testified this week .
He then became associated with members of the Wolverine Watchmen group , but it is not clear he ever became a member of the group , Trask told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a group called the Michigan Patriot 3 % , and was listed on a Facebook page as its leader or president , Trask testified .
The agent testified he was not aware of Fox having connection with a group known as `` bugaloo , '' which is a far-right anti-government movement .
An affidavit filed Thursday in a related case involving eight state defendants said Fox was a leader of the `` Michigan III % ers , '' which the affidavit said was involved in planning `` various acts of violence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state Capitol in Lansing .
In court documents , the FBI portrays Fox as a rogue militia leader who looked for like-minded individuals on social media to wage a civil war against government officials he believed were overreaching .
He was especially angry about Whitmer 's lockdown order , court records show , and feared gun rights were at risk .
Following court appearances Friday , lawyers for the suspects continued to cast doubt on whether it was a serious plan or just one idea that was tossed around .
`` We heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk at the Capitol , demonstration at the Capitol , to possible kidnapping , to other things that they planned to do but never did , '' said Douglas Parker , attorney for Daniel Harris , in an interview following his client 's morning appearance in federal court .
`` So it raised questions for me .
I do n't know all of the messaging that went around between members .
I do n't know how many ideas they had to do things that they never followed through with , and that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) were all pulling out was , there 's a bunch of talk — is there anything to it ? ''
Parker said his client , Harris , did not participate in the nighttime surveillance of Whitmer 's vacation home .
Prosecutors have used the surveillance trip , among other evidence , as proof that the plot was much more than `` big talk . ''
`` We 're in such an early period , '' Parker said .
`` All I want people to know is that we 're still in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't even have all the evidence that the government does , so all I 'd say is keep an open mind , and until a jury says otherwise , these people are as innocent as you and I . ''
Satawa , a Southfield-based lawyer for Garbin , echoed Parker during interviews after the hearing on Friday .
Satawa suggested freedom of speech and assembly would be key issues in the defense strategy .
“ Lots of people own lots of guns .
If I sit here and I say , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , ’ referencing the Nov. 3 election , am I committing a crime just because I own guns ?
Or does it take more than that ?
“ We believe that when the full story is told our client will be vindicated in this case , but that needs to happen in there in the courthouse , '' said Satawa , `` and not out here and in the newspapers.
” Follow Tresa Baldas on Twitter : @ Tbaldas .
Contributing : Eric Seals and M.L .
Elrick ; Carolyn Muyskens and @ @ @ @ @ @

'They're amateurs': Feds say plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was dangerous, poorly planned
DETROIT – They weren't successful, but that doesn't mean they weren't dangerous.
That's what the prosecution argued in convincing a judge to order six men to stand trial on charges they plotted for months to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer because they were angry over her lockdown order.
"Was it a good plan?" Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler argued in court Friday. "It doesn't look like they discussed it much."
And it cost them, he said.
"These people got caught because they're amateurs," Kessler said.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Sally Berens concluded the government had probable cause to charge the six defendants with conspiracy to kidnap, despite objections by defense lawyers who called the claims "outlandish" and "absurd."
Berens denied bond to four defendants this week. The accused ringleader, Adam Fox, consented to detention, agreeing to remain locked up pending the outcome of his case. A sixth suspect was denied bond in Delaware and awaits extradition to Michigan.
All could face up to life in prison if convicted.
Watch: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants men who sought kidnapping to be brought to justice
Oct. 13: FBI says Virginia Gov. Northam was also targeted in plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Whitmer
Defense attorneys argued in court this week that there was no real plan to kidnap Whitmer, just angry gun enthusiasts talking tough. They scoffed at allegations that the ringleader in the group wanted to take Whitmer out on a boat and leave her stranded in Lake Michigan.
They balked at another claim that the group wanted to drive her to Wisconsin and try her for treason.
"Really? Was there really an agreement here, or is it just loose talk?" defense attorney Scott Graham said, claiming "common sense" suggests it was "loose talk."
"It's so outlandish," Graham said. "Was the agreement to cast her in a lake? ... That's how absurd it all is."
After two days of testimony, Berens concluded there was sufficient evidence to support the conspiracy to kidnap charge, citing, among other things, the surveillance of Whitmer's vacation home in the middle of the night.
The five members ordered to stand trial are:
Adam Fox, 37.
Ty Garbin, 25.
Kaleb Franks, 26.
Daniel Harris, 23.
Brandon Caserta, 32.
Barry Croft, 44, of Bear, Delaware, was denied bond this week and awaits extradition to face the conspiracy charge.
A credible threat or just talk?
Defense lawyers tried for two days to convince the judge that their clients deserved to be free on bond, arguing that the suspects are lawful gun owners who held training exercises, potlucks and enjoyed playing paintball.
The FBI watched the group for months and embedded paid informants and undercover agents who recorded conversations and videotaped activities that led to criminal charges.
Attorney Mark Satawa, who represents Garbin, asked the judge to release his client on bond and let him live with his parents, with a tether for security. He argued that Garbin has "no criminal history at all" and has a good job making $28 an hour as an airline mechanic. His father, an Army veteran, could keep an eye on him.
"There is nothing that my client could do to endanger the community under those set of circumstances," Satawa argued. "Lock Mr. Garbin up, sure. But at home."
Kessler argued Garbin was more than a "bystander" in the plot. Kessler told the judge Garbin:
Cased the governor's vacation home at night.
Texted about blowing up a bridge to slow police down.
Offered to paint his boat for "night fishing" as part of the kidnapping mission on the lake.
Had the ability to manufacture guns.
Kessler said stressed that neither Garbin's parents nor electronic devices could ensure the public's safety.
"He could leave," Kessler argued. "And we wouldn't know where he was."
According to an FBI affidavit, the accused ringleader, Fox referred to Whitmer as a "tyrant b----itch" with "no checks and balances" who needed to be taken down. Fox lived in the basement of a Grand Rapids-area vacuum store with his two dogs, according to courtroom testimony.
Fox was a member of the Michigan Home Guard group but left for unknown reasons, FBI Agent Richard Trask testified this week. He became associated with members of the Wolverine Watchmen group, but it is not clear he became a member, Trask told the court.
Fox was also associated with a group called the Michigan Patriot 3% and was listed on a Facebook page as its leader or president, Trask testified.
An affidavit filed Thursday in a related case involving eight state defendants said the group was involved in planning "various acts of violence," including kidnapping politicians and storming the state Capitol in Lansing.
In court documents, the FBI portrays Fox as a rogue militia leader who looked for like-minded individuals on social media to wage a civil war against government officials he believed were overreaching. He was especially angry about Whitmer's lockdown order, court records show, and feared gun rights were at risk.
Fox's family has declined comment.
Defense: Case is just beginning
After court appearances Friday, lawyers for the suspects continued to try to cast doubt on whether it was a serious plan or just an idea that was tossed around.
"We heard them describe several things, from a talk at the Capitol, demonstration at the Capitol, to possible kidnapping, to other things that they planned to do but never did," said Douglas Parker, attorney for Daniel Harris, in an interview after his client's morning appearance in federal court.
"So it raised questions for me," he said. "I don't know all of the messaging that went around between members. I don't know how many ideas they had to do things that they never followed through with, and that's one thing we (the defense attorneys) were all pulling out was, there's a bunch of talk – is there anything to it?"
Parker said Harris did not participate in the nighttime surveillance of Whitmer's vacation home.
"We're in such an early period," Parker said. "All I want people to know is that we're still in the early part of this case. We don't even have all the evidence that the government does, so all I'd say is keep an open mind, and until a jury says otherwise, these people are as innocent as you and I."
Satawa, a Southfield-based lawyer for Garbin, echoed Parker during interviews after the hearing Friday. Satawa suggested freedom of speech and assembly would be issues in the defense strategy.
“Lots of people own lots of guns," he said. "If I sit here and I say, ‘We’ve got to take Trump down,’ referencing the Nov. 3 election, am I committing a crime just because I own guns? Or does it take more than that?
“We believe that when the full story is told our client will be vindicated in this case, but that needs to happen in there in the courthouse," Satawa said, "and not out here and in the newspapers.”
Contributing: Eric Seals and M.L. Elrick, Detroit Free Press; Carolyn Muyskens and Arpan Lobo, Holland Sentinel
Follow Tresa Baldas on Twitter: @Tbaldas.


usatoday--2020-10-17--Boston news anchor fired for cameo in Adam Sandler's film 'Hubie Halloween'

A cameo in Adam Sandler 's new Netflix film has cost a Boston news anchor her job .
Boston 's WHDH 7News morning anchor Alaina Pinto announced on Twitter Thursday that she was fired for violating her contract by appearing in Sandler ’ s `` Hubie Halloween '' flick , which debuted on Netflix earlier this month .
`` Earlier this week I was let go from 7 News , '' she wrote on Twitter .
`` I am posting this because I want to be open and honest with all of you .
Last year , I participated in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movie by Adam Sandler , 'Hubie Halloween . '
`` Pinto — who joined WHDH in December 2016 — said in doing so , she `` mistakenly violated my contract with the station . ''
During `` Hubie Halloween , '' Pinto appears as an anchor on the fictional morning news show `` Wake Up Boston '' on Halloween dressed as Harley Quinn .
During her broadcast , she discussed Halloween festivities going on in Salem , Massachusetts with her colleague Tracy Phillips , played by Sandler 's wife , Jackie .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kevin James , Julie Bowen , Maya Rudolph and Noah Schnapp , is trending at No .
2 on Netflix , as of Friday .
`` I understand why management unfortunately chose to terminate me , '' Pinto added .
`` I am deeply disappointed and saddened , and I hoped this would not be how things evolved . ''
The University of Akron alum thanked her `` wonderful 7 News viewers and my supportive and great colleagues at the station . ''
She continued : `` Reporting the news to you every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I promise to stay in touch and keep you updated on the next chapter - the future is bright ! ''
What to stream this weekend : Netflix 's 'The Forty-Year-Old Version , ' 'Hubie Halloween' USA TODAY reached out to Netflix , WHDH and Sandler for comment .
Adam Sandler in Netflix 's spooktacular 'Hubie Halloween ' : Check out the trailer and first photos

Boston news anchor fired for cameo in Adam Sandler's film 'Hubie Halloween'
Show Caption Hide Caption 10 Halloween movies that'll get you in the spooky spirit Spooky movies are a great way to escape from real-life horrors this Halloween. USA TODAY Handout
A cameo in Adam Sandler's new Netflix film has cost a Boston news anchor her job.
Boston's WHDH 7News morning anchor Alaina Pinto announced on Twitter Thursday that she was fired for violating her contract by appearing in Sandler’s "Hubie Halloween" flick, which debuted on Netflix earlier this month.
"Earlier this week I was let go from 7 News," she wrote on Twitter. "I am posting this because I want to be open and honest with all of you. Last year, I participated in a cameo in the recently released Netflix movie by Adam Sandler, 'Hubie Halloween.' "
Pinto — who joined WHDH in December 2016 — said in doing so, she "mistakenly violated my contract with the station."
During "Hubie Halloween," Pinto appears as an anchor on the fictional morning news show "Wake Up Boston" on Halloween dressed as Harley Quinn. During her broadcast, she discussed Halloween festivities going on in Salem, Massachusetts with her colleague Tracy Phillips, played by Sandler's wife, Jackie.
The Halloween film, which stars Sandler, Kevin James, Julie Bowen, Maya Rudolph and Noah Schnapp, is trending at No. 2 on Netflix, as of Friday.
Review: Netflix's 'Hubie Halloween' is a sweet, nutty but familiar Adam Sandler treat
In doing so, I mistakenly violated my contract with the station and I understand why management unfortunately chose to terminate me. I am deeply disappointed and saddened, and I hoped this would not be how things evolved. (2/3) — Alaina Pinto (@alainapinto) October 15, 2020
"I understand why management unfortunately chose to terminate me," Pinto added. "I am deeply disappointed and saddened, and I hoped this would not be how things evolved."
The University of Akron alum thanked her "wonderful 7 News viewers and my supportive and great colleagues at the station."
She continued: "Reporting the news to you every morning was an honor and a privilege. I promise to stay in touch and keep you updated on the next chapter - the future is bright!"
What to stream this weekend: Netflix's 'The Forty-Year-Old Version,' 'Hubie Halloween'
USA TODAY reached out to Netflix, WHDH and Sandler for comment.
Adam Sandler in Netflix's spooktacular 'Hubie Halloween': Check out the trailer and first photos


usatoday--2020-10-16--Saints owner Gayle Benson unharmed after attempted carjacking in New Orleans

New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson 's screams stopped a man from attempting to steal her vehicle last week in uptown New Orleans , according to the New Orleans Police Department .
Benson was at the wheel of her vehicle and stopped last Saturday around 2:13 p.m. when a man in a white Nissan Titan pulled up next to her and got into her vehicle , a NOPD release stated .
`` The victim ( Benson ) ordered the subject out of her vehicle , '' the release said .
`` The subject exited the victim 's vehicle , re-entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
NOPD did not identify the victim as Benson , but Saints spokesman Greg Bensel did on Friday .
`` I can confirm that an incident did occur involving Mrs. Benson while she was in her vehicle , '' Bensel said .
`` While she was very shaken at the time , she was unharmed and is doing fine .
She wanted to send her sincere gratitude to the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department that responded so quickly and professionally . ''
Bensel said he could have no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigated .
Benson became principal owner of both the Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans after her husband , Tom Benson , died in 2018 .

Glenn Guilbeau, Lafayette Daily Advertiser

Saints owner Gayle Benson unharmed after attempted carjacking in New Orleans
New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson's screams stopped a man from attempting to steal her vehicle last week in uptown New Orleans, according to the New Orleans Police Department.
Benson was at the wheel of her vehicle and stopped last Saturday around 2:13 p.m. when a man in a white Nissan Titan pulled up next to her and got into her vehicle, a NOPD release stated.
"The victim (Benson) ordered the subject out of her vehicle," the release said. "The subject exited the victim's vehicle, re-entered the Nissan Titan and fled the scene."
Benson then called police.
NOPD did not identify the victim as Benson, but Saints spokesman Greg Bensel did on Friday.
"I can confirm that an incident did occur involving Mrs. Benson while she was in her vehicle," Bensel said. "While she was very shaken at the time, she was unharmed and is doing fine. She wanted to send her sincere gratitude to the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department that responded so quickly and professionally."
Bensel said he could have no other comment because the incident is being investigated.
Benson became principal owner of both the Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans after her husband, Tom Benson, died in 2018.


usatoday--2020-10-15--Winter should be mostly mild with few blizzards, but much of USA could see drought, forecasters say

• Much of the nation 's southern tier and the East Coast should see warmer-than-average temperatures this winter .
• The drought may end up being the main story of the winter .
• The La Niña climate pattern is one of the main drivers of weather in the U.S. and around the world .
It wo n't be long until we 're talking wool hats , ice storms and snowmen .
How bad will your weather be this winter ?
If you hate the cold , there 's good news for some of you : Federal forecasters said Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tier and the East Coast should see warmer-than-average temperatures this winter .
Most of the southern half of the USA – all the way from central California to the Carolinas – should see less rain and snow than usual .
The lack of precipitation in the South does not bode well for the region .
Drought may be the main weather story of the winter , especially in the parched Southwest , experts said .
`` With a La Niña climate pattern in place , southern parts of the U.S. may experience expanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead , '' according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , the agency that issued the forecast , which covers the months of December , January and February .
La Niña – a natural climate pattern marked by cooler-than-average water in the central Pacific Ocean – is one of the main drivers of weather around the world , especially during the late fall , winter and early spring .
“ With La Niña well established and expected to persist through the upcoming 2020 winter season , we anticipate the typical , cooler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South as the most likely outcome of winter weather that the U.S. will experience this year , ” Mike Halpert , deputy director of NOAA ’ s Climate Prediction Center , said in a statement .
La Niña is the opposite pattern of the more well-known El Niño , which features warmer-than-average water in the central Pacific Ocean .
Two parts of the country that should see below-normal temperatures this winter are the northern Plains and the Pacific Northwest , NOAA said .
Those areas , along with the Great Lakes and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and snow than usual .
This winter forecast does not specify how much precipitation will fall as rain , snow or ice , only that more or less is likely overall .
Snow forecasts depend upon the strength and track of winter storms , which generally can not be predicted more than a week in advance , the center said .
Halpert said La Niña winters tend to not feature the blockbuster East Coast winter storms or blizzards that can paralyze the big Northeastern cities .
That ’ s more likely with El @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events are not something meteorologists can see in seasonal forecasts .
Other large-scale climate patterns in the atmosphere are n't included in this official forecast since they ca n't be predicted more than one or two weeks in advance .
These include the Arctic Oscillation and the North Atlantic Oscillation , which influence the number and intensity of arctic air masses that overspread the central and eastern USA .
Halpert said he doesn ’ t expect the dreaded polar vortex to be much of a factor this year , except potentially in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Niña also dominates the forecast by private company AccuWeather : mainly dry in the South , wet and snowy in the Pacific Northwest , bouts of snow and rain from Minneapolis through the Great Lakes region , big swings in the heartland and mild weather in the mid-Atlantic . '
A crazy year up north ' : Arctic sea ice shrinks to 2nd-lowest level on record

Winter should be mostly mild with few blizzards, but much of USA could see drought, forecasters say
Show Caption Hide Caption Beat the cold: How to heat up your basement this winter HVAC expert Steve Gadsby shares his top hacks to get your basement warmer during the frigid temperatures. USA TODAY
Much of the nation's southern tier and the East Coast should see warmer-than-average temperatures this winter.
The drought may end up being the main story of the winter.
The La Niña climate pattern is one of the main drivers of weather in the U.S. and around the world.
It won't be long until we're talking wool hats, ice storms and snowmen. How bad will your weather be this winter?
If you hate the cold, there's good news for some of you: Federal forecasters said Thursday that much of the nation's southern tier and the East Coast should see warmer-than-average temperatures this winter. Most of the southern half of the USA – all the way from central California to the Carolinas – should see less rain and snow than usual.
The lack of precipitation in the South does not bode well for the region. Drought may be the main weather story of the winter, especially in the parched Southwest, experts said.
"With a La Niña climate pattern in place, southern parts of the U.S. may experience expanded and intensifying drought during the winter months ahead," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the agency that issued the forecast, which covers the months of December, January and February.
La Niña – a natural climate pattern marked by cooler-than-average water in the central Pacific Ocean – is one of the main drivers of weather around the world, especially during the late fall, winter and early spring.
“With La Niña well established and expected to persist through the upcoming 2020 winter season, we anticipate the typical, cooler, wetter North and warmer, drier South as the most likely outcome of winter weather that the U.S. will experience this year,” Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said in a statement.
La Niña is the opposite pattern of the more well-known El Niño, which features warmer-than-average water in the central Pacific Ocean.
Two parts of the country that should see below-normal temperatures this winter are the northern Plains and the Pacific Northwest, NOAA said. Those areas, along with the Great Lakes and the Ohio Valley, should see more rain and snow than usual.
This winter forecast does not specify how much precipitation will fall as rain, snow or ice, only that more or less is likely overall. Snow forecasts depend upon the strength and track of winter storms, which generally cannot be predicted more than a week in advance, the center said.
Halpert said La Niña winters tend to not feature the blockbuster East Coast winter storms or blizzards that can paralyze the big Northeastern cities. That’s more likely with El Niño, he said, but extreme events are not something meteorologists can see in seasonal forecasts.
Other large-scale climate patterns in the atmosphere aren't included in this official forecast since they can't be predicted more than one or two weeks in advance.
These include the Arctic Oscillation and the North Atlantic Oscillation, which influence the number and intensity of arctic air masses that overspread the central and eastern USA.
Halpert said he doesn’t expect the dreaded polar vortex to be much of a factor this year, except potentially in the northern Plains and Great Lakes.
La Niña also dominates the forecast by private company AccuWeather: mainly dry in the South, wet and snowy in the Pacific Northwest, bouts of snow and rain from Minneapolis through the Great Lakes region, big swings in the heartland and mild weather in the mid-Atlantic.
Dual disasters: How does climate change worsen wildfires and hurricanes?
'A crazy year up north': Arctic sea ice shrinks to 2nd-lowest level on record
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-16--'People get brave behind a keyboard,' real-life Facebook wall created by Kenosha protesters from dis

Enlarged , printed and taped to a real wall at a busy intersection , some Facebook posts about August 's Kenosha protests and fatal aftermath seem even more repulsive than they do on a phone or a computer screen .
That was the point being made at a small protest Friday morning .
`` Facebook has known all along about its affect on society , '' said one of the organizers , Nathan Peet .
`` Now society is starting to realize Facebook 's impact on it . ''
Peet and three other protesters present during the August unrest that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have sued Facebook and three men who brought rifles to the demonstrations , claiming Facebook 's negligence about messaging on its platform helped foment violence in Kenosha .
Ca n't name that song ?
: Just hum it to Google The plaintiffs include Hanna Gittings , whose boyfriend Huber was killed by Kyle Rittenhouse .
Huber was killed just up the street from Friday 's event .
One of the posts taped on a wall at 63rd Street and Sheridan Road was one with Huber 's picture , describing him as a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this horrible joke about my boyfriend , '' Gittings said .
`` He 's dead . ''
Peet , Gittings and Chris McNeal taped up about a dozen posts they say were written leading up to and in the wake of the Aug. 25 violence .
They said they hope other activists will make similar public walls of hateful Facebook posts in other cities .
Some showed of George Floyd smoking multiple bongs and the phrase , `` I ca n't breathe , '' among other racist memes .
One was of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... we shoot back !
!
! ''
with a response that Wauwatosa police should hire Kyle Rittenhouse .
`` It 's time to open our eyes and say enough is enough , '' McNeal said .
`` People get brave behind a keyboard , '' Gittings said , `` but Facebook is real life . ''
She said anyone going by Friday 's effort would shelter their children from the kinds of sentiments the words reveal , and would likely tear down the statements much more quickly than Facebook does .
Besides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rittenhouse , an older rifle-carrying man who was with him that night , Ryan Balch and Kevin Mathewson , a former Kenosha alderman who started the page Kenosha Guard and encouraged armed people to come out and protect property .
The lawsuit accuses the men of conspiring to violate the plainitffs ' civil rights .
The Kenosha Guard and the Boogaloo Bois , an informal group that advocates a race war in America , are also named as defendants .
None have yet filed answers to the lawsuit .
“ We removed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and took action against organizations and content related to Kenosha .
We have found no evidence that suggests the shooter followed the Kenosha Guard Page or that he was invited to the Event Page they organized , '' Facebook said in a statement .
Rittenhouse , 17 , is charged with two homicides and attempted homicide from killing Huber and Joseph Rosenbaum , and injuring Gaige Grosskreutz with shots from his AR-15 style rifle .
His attorneys believe he acted in self-defense and are fighting Rittenhouse 's extradition to Wisconsin from Illinois , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the shootings , He has remained in a juvenile detention center without bond or bail .

Bruce Vielmetti, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

'People get brave behind a keyboard,' real-life Facebook wall created by Kenosha protesters from disturbing posts
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump defends Kenosha shooter before visit to Wisconsin President Donald Trump said that protesters "violently attacked" Kyle Rittenhouse, but the incident was under investigation. USA TODAY
Enlarged, printed and taped to a real wall at a busy intersection, some Facebook posts about August's Kenosha protests and fatal aftermath seem even more repulsive than they do on a phone or a computer screen.
That was the point being made at a small protest Friday morning.
"Facebook has known all along about its affect on society," said one of the organizers, Nathan Peet. "Now society is starting to realize Facebook's impact on it."
Peet and three other protesters present during the August unrest that followed the police shooting of Jacob Blake have sued Facebook and three men who brought rifles to the demonstrations, claiming Facebook's negligence about messaging on its platform helped foment violence in Kenosha.
Can't name that song?: Just hum it to Google
Trump believes QAnon claim it's fighting: President refuses to disavow extremist conspiracy theory
The plaintiffs include Hanna Gittings, whose boyfriend Huber was killed by Kyle Rittenhouse. Huber was killed just up the street from Friday's event.
One of the posts taped on a wall at 63rd Street and Sheridan Road was one with Huber's picture, describing him as a "deceased terrorist."
"Someone made this horrible joke about my boyfriend," Gittings said. "He's dead."
Peet, Gittings and Chris McNeal taped up about a dozen posts they say were written leading up to and in the wake of the Aug. 25 violence. They said they hope other activists will make similar public walls of hateful Facebook posts in other cities.
Some showed of George Floyd smoking multiple bongs and the phrase, "I can't breathe," among other racist memes. One was of the message, "Kenosha is not Portland ... we shoot back!!!" with a response that Wauwatosa police should hire Kyle Rittenhouse.
"It's time to open our eyes and say enough is enough," McNeal said.
"People get brave behind a keyboard," Gittings said, "but Facebook is real life." She said anyone going by Friday's effort would shelter their children from the kinds of sentiments the words reveal, and would likely tear down the statements much more quickly than Facebook does.
Besides Facebook, the lawsuit names as defendants Rittenhouse, an older rifle-carrying man who was with him that night, Ryan Balch and Kevin Mathewson, a former Kenosha alderman who started the page Kenosha Guard and encouraged armed people to come out and protect property. The lawsuit accuses the men of conspiring to violate the plainitffs' civil rights.
The Kenosha Guard and the Boogaloo Bois, an informal group that advocates a race war in America, are also named as defendants.
None have yet filed answers to the lawsuit.
“We removed the shooter’s Facebook and Instagram accounts and took action against organizations and content related to Kenosha. We have found no evidence that suggests the shooter followed the Kenosha Guard Page or that he was invited to the Event Page they organized," Facebook said in a statement.
Rittenhouse, 17, is charged with two homicides and attempted homicide from killing Huber and Joseph Rosenbaum, and injuring Gaige Grosskreutz with shots from his AR-15 style rifle.
His attorneys believe he acted in self-defense and are fighting Rittenhouse's extradition to Wisconsin from Illinois, where he turned himself in the morning after the shootings, He has remained in a juvenile detention center without bond or bail.


usatoday--2020-10-16--Alabama's Nick Saban could coach against Georgia, despite positive COVID-19 test this week. Here's h

Alabama coach Nick Saban has been quarantined at home after testing positive Wednesday for COVID-19 , remotely assisting in the No .
2 Crimson Tide ’ s preparations for Saturday ’ s game against No .
3 Georgia .
While he has been asymptomatic , Saban could be prevented from playing any role during the game itself , according to guidelines and restrictions outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the SEC and the NCAA .
There is a way for Saban to be cleared to return to the sidelines before kickoff , however .
The SEC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing and quarantine protocols for asymptomatic cases that would allow an individual “ to return to athletic activities ” in as quickly as three days from the initial positive test .
According to the guidelines , an asymptomatic positive result would be followed less than 24 hours later by a second test .
If that test is positive , “ this will confirm an active COVID-19 infection.
” If the second test is negative , the individual would take an additional two tests at least 24 hours apart .
If all three tests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resume normal behavior under a surveillance testing program .
In Saban ’ s case , a positive test Wednesday would need to be followed by a negative result Thursday , another negative Friday and then a third before Saturday night .
The University of Alabama of communications department announced Friday evening that Saban was tested again Thursday by the SEC 's appointed lab and was negative .
The school also confirmed that Wednesday 's positive test was performed by an outside lab .
Saban has been tested for COVID-19 twice since his original @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director Greg Byrne also tested positive ) .
Alabama is working with the SEC on Saban clearing protocol to return to the sidelines in time for Saturday 's game , if the tests are negative , a person familiar with the situation told the Tuscaloosa News on Friday .
The person requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly since the school has not made an official announcement .
The CDC suggests that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should remain in isolation and “ stay home until it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” This includes individuals who are asymptomatic .
According to NCAA rule 1-11-4-b , “ voice communication ” among coaching staffs is limited “ between the press box and the team area , ” eliminating the option of having Saban serve as Alabama ’ s head coach from either his home or a suite within Bryant-Denny Stadium .
Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will serve as the temporary head coach if Saban is absent , the school said Wednesday .
WEEK 7 : Bold predictions , from Georgia to Texas A & M @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at stake for No .
2 Alabama , No .
3 Georgia FIVE GAMES : A look at which teams can impact College Football Playoff In an accepted interpretation of this rule , the limitations would broaden to also prohibit using computers or other technology to bypass the ban on voice communication .
This ban would begin 90 minutes before kickoff , or roughly 6:30 p.m .
ET , until the officiating crew “ declares the score final.
” In questioning the rule , Saban said on his radio show Thursday that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that .
...
I would hate to not be at the game Saturday if that ’ s what this turns out to be.
” Saban said he was “ feeling great ” but did not refer to any specific tests he had taken since Wednesday .
Alabama has n't issued the results of testing performed on players ; the school has not shared that information since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic .
Saban said Wednesday that there has not been any indication of an outbreak among the roster .
Alabama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had an undisclosed number of positive tests this week .
MORE : Former FSU football coach Bobby Bowden home after COVID-19 battle OPINION : Nick Saban , SEC has one opponent it ca n't beat - COVID-19 Last month , a positive test prevented Florida State coach Mike Norvell from coaching the Seminoles ' game against Miami .
Norvell 's contact with his team ended when the team departed for Hard Rock Stadium , when he was replaced by assistant coach Chris Thomsen .
Kansas coach Les Miles will not travel to Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive and showing symptoms , the school said Friday .
`` While my 10-day isolation window has completed this morning , '' Miles said in a statement , `` there is still too much unknown about the virus for me to feel 100 percent confident that I wo n't transmit it to someone who comes into close contact with me on the team charter , hotel or at the game Saturday . ''

Alabama's Nick Saban could coach against Georgia, despite positive COVID-19 test this week. Here's how.
Show Caption Hide Caption How does Nick Saban's positive test impact college football moving forward? USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down how Nick Saban's positive COVID-19 test will impact the entire college football landscape. USA TODAY
Alabama coach Nick Saban has been quarantined at home after testing positive Wednesday for COVID-19, remotely assisting in the No. 2 Crimson Tide’s preparations for Saturday’s game against No. 3 Georgia.
While he has been asymptomatic, Saban could be prevented from playing any role during the game itself, according to guidelines and restrictions outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the SEC and the NCAA.
There is a way for Saban to be cleared to return to the sidelines before kickoff, however.
The SEC’s Medical Guidance Task Force created testing and quarantine protocols for asymptomatic cases that would allow an individual “to return to athletic activities” in as quickly as three days from the initial positive test.
According to the guidelines, an asymptomatic positive result would be followed less than 24 hours later by a second test. If that test is positive, “this will confirm an active COVID-19 infection.”
If the second test is negative, the individual would take an additional two tests at least 24 hours apart. If all three tests come back negative, the individual can resume normal behavior under a surveillance testing program.
In Saban’s case, a positive test Wednesday would need to be followed by a negative result Thursday, another negative Friday and then a third before Saturday night.
The University of Alabama of communications department announced Friday evening that Saban was tested again Thursday by the SEC's appointed lab and was negative. The school also confirmed that Wednesday's positive test was performed by an outside lab.
Saban has been tested for COVID-19 twice since his original positive test on Wednesday. (Athletics director Greg Byrne also tested positive). Alabama is working with the SEC on Saban clearing protocol to return to the sidelines in time for Saturday's game, if the tests are negative, a person familiar with the situation told the Tuscaloosa News on Friday.
The person requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly since the school has not made an official announcement.
The CDC suggests that individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should remain in isolation and “stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others.” This includes individuals who are asymptomatic.
According to NCAA rule 1-11-4-b, “voice communication” among coaching staffs is limited “between the press box and the team area,” eliminating the option of having Saban serve as Alabama’s head coach from either his home or a suite within Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will serve as the temporary head coach if Saban is absent, the school said Wednesday.
WEEK 7: Bold predictions, from Georgia to Texas A&M to Clemson
KEY MATCHUP: What's at stake for No. 2 Alabama, No. 3 Georgia
FIVE GAMES: A look at which teams can impact College Football Playoff
In an accepted interpretation of this rule, the limitations would broaden to also prohibit using computers or other technology to bypass the ban on voice communication.
This ban would begin 90 minutes before kickoff, or roughly 6:30 p.m. ET, until the officiating crew “declares the score final.”
In questioning the rule, Saban said on his radio show Thursday that “there ought to be a better way to do that. ... I would hate to not be at the game Saturday if that’s what this turns out to be.”
Saban said he was “feeling great” but did not refer to any specific tests he had taken since Wednesday.
Alabama hasn't issued the results of testing performed on players; the school has not shared that information since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Saban said Wednesday that there has not been any indication of an outbreak among the roster. Alabama most recently played Ole Miss, which had an undisclosed number of positive tests this week.
MORE: Jacksonville State football coach has COVID-19
MORE: Former FSU football coach Bobby Bowden home after COVID-19 battle
OPINION: Nick Saban, SEC has one opponent it can't beat - COVID-19
Last month, a positive test prevented Florida State coach Mike Norvell from coaching the Seminoles' game against Miami. Norvell's contact with his team ended when the team departed for Hard Rock Stadium, when he was replaced by assistant coach Chris Thomsen.
Kansas coach Les Miles will not travel to Saturday's game against West Virginia after testing positive and showing symptoms, the school said Friday.
"While my 10-day isolation window has completed this morning," Miles said in a statement, "there is still too much unknown about the virus for me to feel 100 percent confident that I won't transmit it to someone who comes into close contact with me on the team charter, hotel or at the game Saturday."
Contributing: Brett Hudson, Tuscaloosa News
Follow USA TODAY Sports colleges reporter Paul Myerberg on Twitter @PaulMyerberg


usatoday--2020-10-16--Ex-Angels employee Eric Kay indicted in connection with death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs

A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted former Los Angeles Angels employee Eric Kay on two charges in connection with the death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs last year , according to federal court records .
Kay , the Angels ' former director of communications , was initially charged by authorities in late July with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl .
He was indicted on that same count Thursday , as well as an additional charge of distributing the fentanyl that led to Skaggs ' death .
The indictment , which was filed Friday morning in a U.S. District Court in Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to delay the proceedings , likely in pursuit of a plea agreement .
Kay has not entered a plea .
His attorneys did not immediately reply to messages left by USA TODAY Sports on Friday .
Kay faces up to life in federal prison if convicted .
Skaggs died in July 2019 at the age of 27 .
A left-handed pitcher with the Angels , his body was found in a Texas hotel room while the team was on a road trip .
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner 's office ruled that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his system at the time of his death .
Authorities alleged that Kay knowingly and willingly distributed `` a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl '' to Skaggs , and that the pitcher 's use of the substance led directly to his death .
According to a criminal complaint that was unsealed in August , federal investigators obtained text messages between Kay and Skaggs in which Skaggs asked Kay to deliver pills to his hotel room the night before his death .
`` Hoe [ sic ] many ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ message , according to the complaint .
`` Just a few like 5 , '' the pitcher answered .
Authorities also alleged the two men `` had a history of narcotic transactions , '' according to the complaint .
Kay was indicted Thursday for conspiring to possess and distribute fentanyl `` beginning in or before 2017 . ''
Contact Tom Schad at tschad @ usatoday.com or on Twitter @ Tom_Schad .

Ex-Angels employee Eric Kay indicted in connection with death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs
A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted former Los Angeles Angels employee Eric Kay on two charges in connection with the death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs last year, according to federal court records.
Kay, the Angels' former director of communications, was initially charged by authorities in late July with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. He was indicted on that same count Thursday, as well as an additional charge of distributing the fentanyl that led to Skaggs' death.
The indictment, which was filed Friday morning in a U.S. District Court in Texas, followed motions in August and September to delay the proceedings, likely in pursuit of a plea agreement.
Kay has not entered a plea. His attorneys did not immediately reply to messages left by USA TODAY Sports on Friday. Kay faces up to life in federal prison if convicted.
Skaggs died in July 2019 at the age of 27. A left-handed pitcher with the Angels, his body was found in a Texas hotel room while the team was on a road trip. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office ruled that he had fentanyl, ethanol and oxycodone in his system at the time of his death.
Authorities alleged that Kay knowingly and willingly distributed "a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl" to Skaggs, and that the pitcher's use of the substance led directly to his death.
According to a criminal complaint that was unsealed in August, federal investigators obtained text messages between Kay and Skaggs in which Skaggs asked Kay to deliver pills to his hotel room the night before his death.
"Hoe [sic] many?" Kay wrote to Skaggs in a text message, according to the complaint.
"Just a few like 5," the pitcher answered.
Authorities also alleged the two men "had a history of narcotic transactions," according to the complaint. Kay was indicted Thursday for conspiring to possess and distribute fentanyl "beginning in or before 2017."
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.


usatoday--2020-10-16--Man travels the US to mow lawns for those in need

Man travels the US to mow lawns for those in need Rodney Smith Jr. has already mowed thousands of lawns @ @ @ @ @ .
When the pandemic hit , he took his efforts one step further .

Man travels the US to mow lawns for those in need
Rodney Smith Jr. has already mowed thousands of lawns in the U.S. for free. When the pandemic hit, he took his efforts one step further.
Humankind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-16--Former Republican lawmaker charged with assaulting poll worker in North Carolina

RALEIGH , N.C. ( AP ) — A former North Carolina Republican lawmaker who was observing an early voting site in Wake Forest on behalf of his party was charged Friday with a Class 3 misdemeanor for allegedly assaulting a poll worker .
Gary Pendleton , a 73-year-old former state House lawmaker and former Wake County commissioner , confirmed the charge .
He said he had pushed an early voting official who he says blocked his pathway to enter the polling site around 7:30 a.m. At the direction of his county party , Pendleton said he had sought to gain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the polls opened at 8 a.m. to make sure no fraudulent voting activities were taking place .
He said he was met by a security guard who refused him entrance .
When he asked for a supervisor to let him in , the supervisor instructed him that he 'd have to wait outside .
Frustrated with the experience , Pendleton tried to re-enter about 20 minutes later , where he was again refused entry by the same elections official .
“ He was on one side , and I said , ‘ Well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you , ' ” Pendleton said .
“ So I went around , he jumped over in front of me about 3 feet ( away ) mouth to mouth .
I pushed him back because I do n't want to get COVID-19.
” More : Postal employee who discarded 112 Louisville ballots no longer works for USPS , could face federal charges Gary Sims , Wake County 's elections director , and Pat Gannon , a spokesman for the State Board of Elections , confirmed the incident had taken place .
Sims said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence .
“ Nobody comes to work expecting to be assaulted , ” Sims said .
Law enforcement arrived after the polls opened and cited Pendleton with the Class 3 misdemeanor .
He then left the early voting site .
Pendleton will not be permitted to serve as a poll observer for the rest of this election cycle , Gannon said .
He plans to appeal the assault charge in court .
The North Carolina Republican Party condemned Pendleton 's actions and expressed apologies on his behalf .
“ Our training specifically prohibits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhibit the election process , '' said a statement from the party 's press secretary , Tim Wiggington .
“ Gary Pendleton violated our policy with his actions today , and he will no longer be volunteering .
He acknowledges his mistake and apologizes for his action .
”

Former Republican lawmaker charged with assaulting poll worker in North Carolina
Show Caption Hide Caption Why voter suppression in the US has increased since 2013 Civil rights experts point to long wait times to vote as a sign of growing voter suppression in the U.S. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A former North Carolina Republican lawmaker who was observing an early voting site in Wake Forest on behalf of his party was charged Friday with a Class 3 misdemeanor for allegedly assaulting a poll worker.
Gary Pendleton, a 73-year-old former state House lawmaker and former Wake County commissioner, confirmed the charge. He said he had pushed an early voting official who he says blocked his pathway to enter the polling site around 7:30 a.m.
At the direction of his county party, Pendleton said he had sought to gain access to the site an hour before the polls opened at 8 a.m. to make sure no fraudulent voting activities were taking place. He said he was met by a security guard who refused him entrance.
When he asked for a supervisor to let him in, the supervisor instructed him that he'd have to wait outside. Frustrated with the experience, Pendleton tried to re-enter about 20 minutes later, where he was again refused entry by the same elections official.
“He was on one side, and I said, ‘Well, I’ll just go around you,'” Pendleton said. “So I went around, he jumped over in front of me about 3 feet (away) mouth to mouth. I pushed him back because I don't want to get COVID-19.”
More: Postal employee who discarded 112 Louisville ballots no longer works for USPS, could face federal charges
Gary Sims, Wake County's elections director, and Pat Gannon, a spokesman for the State Board of Elections, confirmed the incident had taken place. Sims said poll workers should never be faced with violence.
“Nobody comes to work expecting to be assaulted,” Sims said.
Law enforcement arrived after the polls opened and cited Pendleton with the Class 3 misdemeanor. He then left the early voting site.
Pendleton will not be permitted to serve as a poll observer for the rest of this election cycle, Gannon said. He plans to appeal the assault charge in court.
The North Carolina Republican Party condemned Pendleton's actions and expressed apologies on his behalf.
“Our training specifically prohibits any attempt to obstruct a voter or inhibit the election process," said a statement from the party's press secretary, Tim Wiggington. “Gary Pendleton violated our policy with his actions today, and he will no longer be volunteering. He acknowledges his mistake and apologizes for his action.”


usatoday--2020-10-16--Dueling town halls: Biden beats Trump in final Nielsen TV ratings

The dueling town halls on competing networks crowned a winner , at least ratings-wise : Preliminary Nielsen ratings estimates declare Joe Biden the victor over Donald Trump .
The ratings service says 14.1 million viewers tuned into the former VP and Democratic candidate 's town hall on ABC from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT Thursday night , moderated by George Stephanopoulos , while 13.5 million watched Savannah Guthrie referee voters ' conversations with President Trump from 8 to 9 EDT on NBC , MSNBC and CNBC combined .
These results measure TV viewership only , including streaming through a set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ratings-obsessed president , whose aides predicted a victory .
The planned second presidential debate became parallel town halls after the Commission on Presidential Debates announced plans to turn it virtual , Trump refused to participate , Biden arranged to do a town hall on ABC instead , and Trump made a similar pact with NBC and two of its cable channels for his own town hall at the same time .
( A final debate remains scheduled for Oct. 22 ) .
The town halls provided a stark contrast between a combative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But separating the candidates proved costly in terms of audience , with a combined viewership far below traditional debates .
The Sept. 29 face-off between Trump and Biden , carried on many networks , drew 73 million viewers , nearly three times Thursday 's tyot Highlights : A town hall with Trump was testy , a forum with Biden was much quieter : Here are takeaways from each

Dueling town halls: Biden beats Trump in final Nielsen TV ratings
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump town hall: President asked about his position on white supremacy After refusing to denounce white supremacy at the first presidential debate, President Trump took a different path at his Town Hall on NBC. USA TODAY
The dueling town halls on competing networks crowned a winner, at least ratings-wise: Preliminary Nielsen ratings estimates declare Joe Biden the victor over Donald Trump.
The ratings service says 14.1 million viewers tuned into the former VP and Democratic candidate's town hall on ABC from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT Thursday night, moderated by George Stephanopoulos, while 13.5 million watched Savannah Guthrie referee voters' conversations with President Trump from 8 to 9 EDT on NBC, MSNBC and CNBC combined.
These results measure TV viewership only, including streaming through a set. But they are sure to enrage the ratings-obsessed president, whose aides predicted a victory.
The planned second presidential debate became parallel town halls after the Commission on Presidential Debates announced plans to turn it virtual, Trump refused to participate, Biden arranged to do a town hall on ABC instead, and Trump made a similar pact with NBC and two of its cable channels for his own town hall at the same time. (A final debate remains scheduled for Oct. 22).
The town halls provided a stark contrast between a combative Trump and a more even-keeled Biden.
But separating the candidates proved costly in terms of audience, with a combined viewership far below traditional debates. The Sept. 29 face-off between Trump and Biden, carried on many networks, drew 73 million viewers, nearly three times Thursday's tyot
Highlights: A town hall with Trump was testy, a forum with Biden was much quieter: Here are takeaways from each


usatoday--2020-10-17--2020 election live updates: Biden bests Trump in town hall ratings, per early estimates; Hogan write

At separate town hall events Thursday , the two people vying for the presidency answered questions from voters , though not in the intended debate format .
Donald Trump and Joe Biden were in different states , in front of different crowds and on competing television channels Trump refused to condemn QAnon and did n't deny having $ 400 million in debt during his NBC event while Biden gave a vague answer on court packing and was pressed by an African American voter on how he would turn out the Black vote live on ABC .
With just 18 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigns are waging ferocious advertising campaigns in a half-dozen battleground states with Florida , Arizona and Pennsylvania the crown jewels that could decide the race .
• Town halls : Missed Thursday 's dueling town halls ?
: Here are our takeaways .
• Compare/contrast : You saw how Trump and Biden stacked up on the town hall stage , what about the international stage ?
• Sasse slams Trump : Republican Sen. Ben Sasse slammed President Donald Trump during a call with constituents this week , saying he `` kisses dictators ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white supremacists . ''
• Where are the candidates ?
: President Donald Trump campaigns in Florida and Georgia today , while Democrat Joe Biden speaks with voters in Michigan .
Vice President Mike Pence is in North Carolina while Sen. Kamala Harris , the Democratic vice presidential nominee , takes part in a virtual fundraiser .
📆 18 days until Election Day , six days until the final presidential debate , 96 days until Inauguration Day , 78 days left in 2020 .
🗳 Voting : See USA TODAY 's Voter Guide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues .
We will update this article throughout the day .
You can follow all of USA TODAY 's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter .
President Donald Trump lashed out Friday at Savannah Guthrie , arguing the NBC News journalist was filled with “ anger and hatred ” when she grilled him in a televised town hall the night before .
Trump groused during a pair of campaign rallies in Florida and Georgia that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the Thursday night event was inappropriate and unfair .
“ It was , like , her face – the anger , the craziness , ” Trump told supporters at an airport campaign rally in Macon , Georgia .
In an often testy exchange , Guthrie sparred with Trump over his response to the coronavirus pandemic , demanded to know why he won ’ t condemn the conspiracy group QAnon and pointedly asked him if he owed $ 400 million in taxes .
“ She was out of line , ” Trump said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters at a rally in Ocala , Florida , that Democrat Joe Biden was fed much easier questions during a separate town hall that aired live on ABC at the same time as his event .
Biden was treated “ like you ’ re talking to a child , ” he said .
Though he had harsh words for Guthrie , Trump said her interrogation was “ small potatoes ” when compared to dealing with world leaders .
“ If you ca n't handle Savannah , ” he said , “ you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim Jong Un.
” President Donald Trump promised supporters in Florida on Friday that he would deliver a message of “ opportunity , optimism and hope.
” Then he gave them Hope Hicks .
Trump coaxed Hicks , a senior White House adviser who tested positive for coronavirus on Oct. 1 , to briefly take the stage during a campaign rally in Ocala , Florida .
Hicks , one of Trump ’ s closest aides , is on a two-day campaign swing with him through North Carolina , Florida and Georgia .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovering from COVID-19 .
Trump , who spent three days in the hospital after announcing on Oct. 2 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus , marveled at how Hicks recovered from her illness “ so fast.
” “ That ’ s called being young and strong , ” he said .
Hicks took the stage to chants of “ We want Hope !
” and joked that she and Trump could now share a microphone .
She spoke just briefly .
“ I have stage fright , ” she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bend ’ Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden wasn ’ t able to debate President Donald Trump on Thursday , as the candidates held dueling town halls , but Biden ridiculed claims the country is on the mend from COVID-19 .
Biden got laughs at a Michigan speech when he said he “ didn ’ t have the pleasure ” of hearing Trump ’ s comments at a town hall on NBC News because he was “ doing one myself ” on ABC News .
But Biden said Trump appeared to deny the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 218,000 deaths and 8 million people diagnosed .
“ He said , ‘ We have turned the corner , ’ ” Biden told about two dozen voters at the Beach Woods Recreation Center in Southfield .
“ As my grandfather Finnegan might say , were he here , ‘ He ’ s gone around the bend.
’ Turn the corner ?
My Lord .
It ’ s not disappearing , in fact it ’ s on the rise again .
It ’ s getting worse as predicted.
” Trump said at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 million deaths projected if no action had been taken , such as shutting down the economy temporarily .
He also promoted the development of medications including one he took for his diagnosis and hospitalization earlier this month .
“ We have done an amazing job , ” Trump said .
“ And it ’ s rounding the corner and we have the vaccines coming and we have the therapies coming.
” President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden will face some familiar topics at the final presidential debate Thursday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate change are among the subjects they ’ ll likely be asked about , the Commission on Presidential Debates announced Friday .
Moderator Kristen Welker , White House correspondent for NBC News , may also cover the broad topics of “ American families , ” national security and leadership .
The topics could be changed , depending on news developments before Thursday .
The 90-minute debate is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m .
ET from Belmont University in Nashville .
The debate commission canceled the second debate after Trump refused to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual format .
Instead , Trump and Biden participated in separate town halls .
During Biden ’ s town hall on ABC , he said he expects to debate Trump as scheduled on Oct. 22 .
He also expects the candidates to be tested before the event .
During Trump ’ s town hall , the president said he “ probably ” was tested before the first presidential debate on Sept. 29 .
Trump vows to deliver vaccine to nursing home residents at no cost President Donald Trump on Friday announced that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Walgreens that would enable nursing home residents to receive a vaccine at no cost .
The president , 74 , vowed a vaccine would be available before the end of the year despite his own federal health experts saying that timeline is highly unlikely , and vowed that senior citizens would be `` first in line . ''
`` I am moving heaven and earth to safeguard our Seniors from the China Virus , to deliver life-saving therapies in record time , and to distribute a safe and effective vaccine before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told a crowd at an event billed as `` Protecting America 's Seniors '' in Fort Myers , Florida .
`` Seniors will be the first in line for the vaccine . ''
Trump is trying to shore up support among senior citizens , a key voting bloc that helped him win four years ago but which recent polling suggests has eroded in recent months .
`` I am deeply aware that America ’ s 54 million seniors have borne the heaviest burden of the China Virus , '' Trump said .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden leading Trump by 21 points among voters 65 and older .
But a recent Washington-ABC News poll found that the septuagenarian candidates are tied among older voters .
Trump , who has been widely criticized for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic , has zeroed in on older voters in the final stretch of the campaign .
In recent days the Trump campaign has released a television ad pitching the president as a better advocate for the elderly while last week Trump shared a video on Twitter in which he directly spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drugs he was treated with for COVID-19 more widely available .
The president on Friday opened up about his own experience with the coronavirus and boasted about the experimental antibody treatment by New York biotech company Regeneron .
`` It 's really amazing what happened because I was n't feeling great and the next day I wake up and I 'm saying , like , 'Who can I fight today ? '
'' he told the crowd .
Biden , for his part , is making a direct appeal to older voters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seniors in Florida earlier this week , where he said : `` The only senior that Donald Trump cares about - the only senior - is the senior Donald Trump . ''
GOP Maryland governor writes-in Ronald Reagan rather than vote for Trump , Biden Maryland 's Republican Gov .
Larry Hogan wrote-in former President Ronald Reagan on the ballot he mailed in last week rather than vote for either President Donald Trump or his Democratic challenger Joe Biden .
The news , which was first reported Friday by The Washington Post , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Hogan 's communications director Mike Ricci .
`` I know it ’ s simply symbolic .
It ’ s not going to change the outcome in my state .
But I thought it was important to just cast a vote that showed the kind of person I ’ d like to see in office , '' Hogan told the Post .
Hogan , a fierce critic of the president , did not vote for Trump in 2016 either , writing in his father , Larry Hogan , Sr. , instead of voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Hogan told the Post he considered Reagan `` my hero in politics '' along with his father , Larry Hogan Sr. , a three-term Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives .
Election 2020 : Maryland 's Republican Gov .
Larry Hogan writes in Ronald Reagan rather than vote for Trump The dueling town halls on competing networks crowned a winner , at least ratings-wise : Nielsen ratings estimates declare Joe Biden the victor over Donald Trump .
The ratings service says 13.9 million viewers tuned into the former vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ABC from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT Thursday night , moderated by George Stephanopoulos , while 10.7 million watched Savannah Guthrie referee voters ' conversations with Trump from 8 to 9 EDT on NBC .
Another 2.4 million watched Trump in simulcasts on MSNBC and CNBC , but even with those figures added in , Biden 's town hall still beat Trump 's by nearly 1 million viewers .
USPS employee who discarded 112 ballots in Kentucky may face federal charges Clarification : This item has been updated to reflect that the employee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Postal Service .
The circumstances of the employees departure are unknown .
The United States Postal Service employee who allegedly discarded more than 100 absentee ballots in a dumpster Thursday no longer works for the Postal Service and could face federal prosecution .
Special agents of the Postal Service Office of Inspector General discovered 112 absentee ballots intended for the 40299 zip code of the Jeffersontown area after responding to a report of undelivered mail being found by a citizen in Louisville on Thursday morning , special agent Scott Balfour said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the individual is no longer employed by the Postal Service .
The case has been accepted for federal prosecution by the U.S. Attorney ’ s Office , according to Balfour , who added that it will decide `` what charges are appropriate after a review of all the facts gathered by USPS OIG Special Agents . ''
Magic Johnson to campaign for Biden and Harris in Michigan Retired basketball star Earvin `` Magic '' Johnson will campaign Saturday in Michigan for the Democratic ticket of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a “ shop talk ” with Black men .
Then he ’ ll participate at an event in Lansing to encourage voters to cast ballots early at their clerk ’ s office or satellite voting location .
Johnson ’ s Michigan State basketball team beat Indiana State for the NCAA title in 1979 .
The Spartan went on to win five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers .
President Donald Trump , who likes to denounce alleged `` fake news , '' retweeted a piece of satire Friday about Twitter shutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Retweeting a link entitled `` Twitter Shuts Down Entire Network To Slow Spread Of Negative Biden News '' – which never happened –Trump said : `` Wow , this has never been done in history .
This includes his really bad interview last night .
Why is Twitter doing this .
Bringing more attention to Sleepy Joe & Big T. '' Twitter did not do that .
The story was the from the Babylon Bee , a satirical news site .
The motto on the Bee 's Twitter page says it all : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Biden again says he does n't want to ban fracking Democratic presidential nominee and former vice president Joe Biden again said he does not want to ban fracking during an ABC town hall Thursday night , adding , though , that “ it has to be managed very , very well.
” Biden was responding to a question from Pittsburgh resident Michele Ellison , identified as a Republican who has voted for Democrats , who asked him about fracking and said that the method for drilling for natural gas has sickened residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden , who came to Pittsburgh in late August and said he did not want to ban fracking , reiterated that stance , but said methane emissions and water pollution must be controlled .
He then transitioned to arguing that “ the future rests in renewable energy , ” such as wind and solar .

2020 election live updates: Biden bests Trump in town hall ratings, per early estimates; Hogan writes in Reagan rather than vote for Trump
Show Caption Hide Caption Pres. Trump says $400m is 'a tiny percentage' what he's worth During an NBC town hall, President Trump was asked about the New York Times claim that he is in $400 million in debt. USA TODAY
At separate town hall events Thursday, the two people vying for the presidency answered questions from voters, though not in the intended debate format. Donald Trump and Joe Biden were in different states, in front of different crowds and on competing television channels
Trump refused to condemn QAnon and didn't deny having $400 million in debt during his NBC event while Biden gave a vague answer on court packing and was pressed by an African American voter on how he would turn out the Black vote live on ABC.
With just 18 days to before Election Day, the two campaigns are waging ferocious advertising campaigns in a half-dozen battleground states with Florida, Arizona and Pennsylvania the crown jewels that could decide the race.
☕ The latest:
Town halls: Missed Thursday's dueling town halls?: Here are our takeaways.
Missed Thursday's dueling town halls?: Here are our takeaways. Compare/contrast: You saw how Trump and Biden stacked up on the town hall stage, what about the international stage?
You saw how Trump and Biden stacked up on the town hall stage, what about the international stage? Sasse slams Trump : Republican Sen. Ben Sasse slammed President Donald Trump during a call with constituents this week, saying he "kisses dictators' butts" and has "flirted with white supremacists."
: Republican Sen. Ben Sasse slammed President Donald Trump during a call with constituents this week, saying he "kisses dictators' butts" and has "flirted with white supremacists." Where are the candidates?: President Donald Trump campaigns in Florida and Georgia today, while Democrat Joe Biden speaks with voters in Michigan. Vice President Mike Pence is in North Carolina while Sen. Kamala Harris, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, takes part in a virtual fundraiser.
📆 18 days until Election Day, six days until the final presidential debate, 96 days until Inauguration Day, 78 days left in 2020.
🗳 Voting: See USA TODAY's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote, when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues.
We will update this article throughout the day. You can follow all of USA TODAY's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter.
President Donald Trump lashed out Friday at Savannah Guthrie, arguing the NBC News journalist was filled with “anger and hatred” when she grilled him in a televised town hall the night before.
Trump groused during a pair of campaign rallies in Florida and Georgia that Guthrie’s tough line of questioning during the Thursday night event was inappropriate and unfair.
“It was, like, her face – the anger, the craziness,” Trump told supporters at an airport campaign rally in Macon, Georgia.
In an often testy exchange, Guthrie sparred with Trump over his response to the coronavirus pandemic, demanded to know why he won’t condemn the conspiracy group QAnon and pointedly asked him if he owed $400 million in taxes.
“She was out of line,” Trump said.
Earlier Friday, Trump complained to supporters at a rally in Ocala, Florida, that Democrat Joe Biden was fed much easier questions during a separate town hall that aired live on ABC at the same time as his event. Biden was treated “like you’re talking to a child,” he said.
Though he had harsh words for Guthrie, Trump said her interrogation was “small potatoes” when compared to dealing with world leaders.
“If you can't handle Savannah,” he said, “you cannot handle Putin and President Xi and Kim Jong Un.”
– Michael Collins
President Donald Trump promised supporters in Florida on Friday that he would deliver a message of “opportunity, optimism and hope.”
Then he gave them Hope Hicks.
Trump coaxed Hicks, a senior White House adviser who tested positive for coronavirus on Oct. 1, to briefly take the stage during a campaign rally in Ocala, Florida.
Hicks, one of Trump’s closest aides, is on a two-day campaign swing with him through North Carolina, Florida and Georgia. The trip marks her first public appearance since recovering from COVID-19.
Trump, who spent three days in the hospital after announcing on Oct. 2 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus, marveled at how Hicks recovered from her illness “so fast.”
“That’s called being young and strong,” he said.
Hicks took the stage to chants of “We want Hope!” and joked that she and Trump could now share a microphone. She spoke just briefly.
“I have stage fright,” she said.
—Michael Collins
Biden: Trump has ‘gone around the bend’
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden wasn’t able to debate President Donald Trump on Thursday, as the candidates held dueling town halls, but Biden ridiculed claims the country is on the mend from COVID-19.
Biden got laughs at a Michigan speech when he said he “didn’t have the pleasure” of hearing Trump’s comments at a town hall on NBC News because he was “doing one myself” on ABC News. But Biden said Trump appeared to deny the number of cases is rising as projected, with 218,000 deaths and 8 million people diagnosed.
“He said, ‘We have turned the corner,’” Biden told about two dozen voters at the Beach Woods Recreation Center in Southfield. “As my grandfather Finnegan might say, were he here, ‘He’s gone around the bend.’ Turn the corner? My Lord. It’s not disappearing, in fact it’s on the rise again. It’s getting worse as predicted.”
Trump said at his town hall that the country avoided 2 million deaths projected if no action had been taken, such as shutting down the economy temporarily. He also promoted the development of medications including one he took for his diagnosis and hospitalization earlier this month.
“We have done an amazing job,” Trump said. “And it’s rounding the corner and we have the vaccines coming and we have the therapies coming.”
— Bart Jansen
Topics for final presidential debate announced
President Donald Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden will face some familiar topics at the final presidential debate Thursday.
The coronavirus pandemic, race in America and climate change are among the subjects they’ll likely be asked about, the Commission on Presidential Debates announced Friday.
Moderator Kristen Welker, White House correspondent for NBC News, may also cover the broad topics of “American families,” national security and leadership.
The topics could be changed, depending on news developments before Thursday. The 90-minute debate is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. ET from Belmont University in Nashville.
The debate commission canceled the second debate after Trump refused to take part when it was moved to a virtual format.
Instead, Trump and Biden participated in separate town halls.
During Biden’s town hall on ABC, he said he expects to debate Trump as scheduled on Oct. 22. He also expects the candidates to be tested before the event.
During Trump’s town hall, the president said he “probably” was tested before the first presidential debate on Sept. 29.
— Maureen Groppe
Trump vows to deliver vaccine to nursing home residents at no cost
President Donald Trump on Friday announced that his administration had finalized a partnership with CVS and Walgreens that would enable nursing home residents to receive a vaccine at no cost.
The president, 74, vowed a vaccine would be available before the end of the year despite his own federal health experts saying that timeline is highly unlikely, and vowed that senior citizens would be "first in line."
"I am moving heaven and earth to safeguard our Seniors from the China Virus, to deliver life-saving therapies in record time, and to distribute a safe and effective vaccine before the end of the year," Trump told a crowd at an event billed as "Protecting America's Seniors" in Fort Myers, Florida. "Seniors will be the first in line for the vaccine."
Trump is trying to shore up support among senior citizens, a key voting bloc that helped him win four years ago but which recent polling suggests has eroded in recent months.
"I am deeply aware that America’s 54 million seniors have borne the heaviest burden of the China Virus," Trump said.
A CNN/SSRS poll from Oct. 6 showed Joe Biden leading Trump by 21 points among voters 65 and older. But a recent Washington-ABC News poll found that the septuagenarian candidates are tied among older voters.
Trump, who has been widely criticized for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, has zeroed in on older voters in the final stretch of the campaign.
In recent days the Trump campaign has released a television ad pitching the president as a better advocate for the elderly while last week Trump shared a video on Twitter in which he directly spoke to seniors and vowed to make the drugs he was treated with for COVID-19 more widely available.
The president on Friday opened up about his own experience with the coronavirus and boasted about the experimental antibody treatment by New York biotech company Regeneron.
"It's really amazing what happened because I wasn't feeling great and the next day I wake up and I'm saying, like, 'Who can I fight today?'" he told the crowd.
Biden, for his part, is making a direct appeal to older voters.
The 77-year-old visited a community center for seniors in Florida earlier this week, where he said: "The only senior that Donald Trump cares about - the only senior - is the senior Donald Trump."
— Courtney Subramanian
Maryland's Republican Gov. Larry Hogan wrote-in former President Ronald Reagan on the ballot he mailed in last week rather than vote for either President Donald Trump or his Democratic challenger Joe Biden.
The news, which was first reported Friday by The Washington Post, was confirmed on Twitter later that day by Hogan's communications director Mike Ricci.
"I know it’s simply symbolic. It’s not going to change the outcome in my state. But I thought it was important to just cast a vote that showed the kind of person I’d like to see in office," Hogan told the Post.
Hogan, a fierce critic of the president, did not vote for Trump in 2016 either, writing in his father, Larry Hogan, Sr., instead of voting for Trump or Hillary Clinton that year. Hogan told the Post he considered Reagan "my hero in politics" along with his father, Larry Hogan Sr., a three-term Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
– William Cummings
Election 2020: Maryland's Republican Gov. Larry Hogan writes in Ronald Reagan rather than vote for Trump
The dueling town halls on competing networks crowned a winner, at least ratings-wise: Nielsen ratings estimates declare Joe Biden the victor over Donald Trump.
The ratings service says 13.9 million viewers tuned into the former vice president and Democratic candidate's town hall on ABC from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT Thursday night, moderated by George Stephanopoulos, while 10.7 million watched Savannah Guthrie referee voters' conversations with Trump from 8 to 9 EDT on NBC. Another 2.4 million watched Trump in simulcasts on MSNBC and CNBC, but even with those figures added in, Biden's town hall still beat Trump's by nearly 1 million viewers.
– Gary Levin
Town halls ratings: Biden beats Trump in Nielsen TV ratings
Clarification: This item has been updated to reflect that the employee is no longer employed by the U.S. Postal Service. The circumstances of the employees departure are unknown.
The United States Postal Service employee who allegedly discarded more than 100 absentee ballots in a dumpster Thursday no longer works for the Postal Service and could face federal prosecution.
Special agents of the Postal Service Office of Inspector General discovered 112 absentee ballots intended for the 40299 zip code of the Jeffersontown area after responding to a report of undelivered mail being found by a citizen in Louisville on Thursday morning, special agent Scott Balfour said in a statement.
On Friday, Balfour said the individual is no longer employed by the Postal Service. The case has been accepted for federal prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, according to Balfour, who added that it will decide "what charges are appropriate after a review of all the facts gathered by USPS OIG Special Agents."
– Ben Tobin (Louisville Courier Journal)
Retired basketball star Earvin "Magic" Johnson will campaign Saturday in Michigan for the Democratic ticket of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the campaign announced.
Johnson will visit Detroit for a “shop talk” with Black men. Then he’ll participate at an event in Lansing to encourage voters to cast ballots early at their clerk’s office or satellite voting location.
Johnson’s Michigan State basketball team beat Indiana State for the NCAA title in 1979. The Spartan went on to win five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers.
– Bart Jansen
President Donald Trump, who likes to denounce alleged "fake news," retweeted a piece of satire Friday about Twitter shutting down over reporting on Joe Biden.
Retweeting a link entitled "Twitter Shuts Down Entire Network To Slow Spread Of Negative Biden News" – which never happened –Trump said: "Wow, this has never been done in history. This includes his really bad interview last night. Why is Twitter doing this. Bringing more attention to Sleepy Joe & Big T."
Twitter did not do that.
The story was the from the Babylon Bee, a satirical news site. The motto on the Bee's Twitter page says it all: "Fake news you can trust."
– David Jackson
Democratic presidential nominee and former vice president Joe Biden again said he does not want to ban fracking during an ABC town hall Thursday night, adding, though, that “it has to be managed very, very well.”
Biden was responding to a question from Pittsburgh resident Michele Ellison, identified as a Republican who has voted for Democrats, who asked him about fracking and said that the method for drilling for natural gas has sickened residents and killed wildlife in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Biden, who came to Pittsburgh in late August and said he did not want to ban fracking, reiterated that stance, but said methane emissions and water pollution must be controlled. He then transitioned to arguing that “the future rests in renewable energy,” such as wind and solar.
– J.D. Prose


usatoday--2020-10-16--President Trump's town hall included a 'nodding woman,' a compliment to his smile and more

President Trump 's town hall included a 'nodding woman , ' a compliment to his smile and more President Trump @ @ @ @ @ town hall including a 'nodding woman , ' being complimented on his smile and called @ @ @ @ @

President Trump's viral-worthy moments during his town hall on NBC
President Trump had viral-worthy moments during his town hall including a 'nodding woman,' being complimented on his smile and called a 'crazy uncle.'
USA TODAY