usatoday--2020-11-13--As MLB's minor league revamp wraps up, embattled franchises await fate: 'We are waiting and hoping'

The final few weeks of the most torturous year in the history of minor league baseball are proving just as gut-wrenching as the 11 months that preceded it .
Waylaid from within by Major League Baseball ’ s desire to gain total control of player development , and sidelined for all of 2020 by a global pandemic that cancelled its season and forced thousands of layoffs and furloughs , the owners , operators and executives of minor league baseball franchises now can only wait for an answer to a question that has roiled them all since late 2019 : Are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
That answer resides almost solely with MLB , which used the September expiration of its long-running Professional Baseball Agreement with Minor League Baseball to reassess and ultimately take control of how the minors are run .
The process was kickstarted in October 2020 , when a list of 42 teams MLB was targeting for contraction was obtained by Baseball America .
While it was certainly just a working list , its revelation spread panic through the industry , with franchises threatened with losing their major league affiliations aiming to spit-shine facilities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their new overlords , and others looking over their shoulders for fear they would join the damned as the shuffle played out .
It all pointed to an endgame now rapidly approaching : A final list of 140 teams that will retain a Professional Development License and the cachet that comes with an attachment to an MLB franchise .
A full release of affiliated clubs from MLB could come by the end of this month ; some franchises have already found out whether they hold a golden ticket , with New York ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that came as news to the losing franchises , prompting executives with the Yankees ’ Staten Island and Trenton ( N.J. ) affiliates to lash out at the club for their lack of transparency .
Others have been informed but not publicly revealed , while others still are left in a professional purgatory , hoping that this game of musical chairs ends with them having a place to sit .
“ Like all of the other teams and communities , ” says Jim Jaworski , general manager of the Florida State League ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waiting and hoping.
” The Daytona franchise , which was on the original contraction list , is one of dozens with deep ties to the game ’ s history – it plays its home games at Jackie Robinson Ballpark .
That ’ s the site of Robinson ’ s first game against white professional players on March 17 , 1946 , when the Montreal Royals played the parent Brooklyn Dodgers , after racial threats forced Brooklyn GM Branch Rickey to move the Royals ’ training camp from Sanford to Daytona Beach .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a transition that pits baseball ’ s lifeblood , along with an affordable and widespread access point in dozens of markets without major league franchises , against MLB ’ s desire for greater efficiency in player development .
“ Major League Baseball continues to work with Minor League owners to grow the game by building a new player development model that will better serve fans , players and communities throughout the United States and Canada , ” MLB said in a statement , “ while preserving baseball in the cities and towns where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both will prove challenging .
Yet even if MLB reaches its goals in the long term – providing better conditions and pay for its minor leaguers , while maximizing exposure to up-and-coming stars before they reach the big leagues – it won ’ t come without severing numerous emotional attachments of town to team in the near term .
The franchises that ultimately remain affiliated will have survived a highly political process that drew the attention of presidential candidates and state-level lawmakers enraged that millions of dollars from municipalities were or will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest draw : The chance for fans to see a future major leaguer for the price of a venti frappuchino .
The first rules of engagement involved several factors : Relationship with or proximity to a major league franchise , level of play and geography .
A good number of minor-league clubs are owned by their parent franchises ; the Atlanta Braves , for instance , own five of their affiliates and the Los Angeles Dodgers own their Class AAA team in Oklahoma City .
Clubs like that were never in danger .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s desire to streamline player development .
While the 2020 draft was a six-round affair largely because COVID-19 shut down amateur baseball almost entirely , future drafts will almost certainly shrink , likely from 40 to about 20 rounds .
And fewer draftees mean fewer minor league affiliates .
Now , rookie-level ball will largely take place at major league teams ’ spring training facilities in Arizona and Florida .
With that in mind , say goodbye to the short-season New York-Penn and Appalachian leagues as you knew them .
The Appalachian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will become a summer developmental league for collegiate players , in partnership with USA Baseball .
The New York-Penn may serve a similar role for rising collegiate seniors , according to Baseball America .
That circuit exemplifies the capricious nature of this process .
The Brooklyn and Hudson Valley ( N.Y. ) franchises will remain affiliated , per the preferences of the Mets and Yankees , and in fact are getting promoted to high Class A , joining a cluster of clubs for a new league in the mid-Atlantic .
Other New York-Penn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania and New England , won ’ t be so lucky .
The Lowell ( Mass . )
Spinners , for one , are slated to lose their affiliation with the Boston Red Sox that dates to 1996 .
Another X factor : The elevation of franchises from independent to affiliated ball .
The Yankees pivoted from Trenton to the Somerset ( N.J. ) Patriots , late of the independent Atlantic League .
A pair of higher-profile independent clubs , the St. Paul ( Minn. ) Saints and SugarLand ( Texas ) Skeeters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So add at least three more clubs to the extinction list .
Not that those who don ’ t make it will exit without a fight .
In Pennsylvania , Gov .
Tom Wolf sent a letter to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred in December 2019 , railing against the possibility that teams in Williamsport , State College and Erie would be cast aside .
All have poured municipal funds into stadium upgrades .
In Erie , a $ 12 million state grant had paved the way for significant upgrades to UPMC Park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was revealed the SeaWolves were on the original list of teams slated for contraction .
Now , a club that ’ s been affiliated with MLB since 1995 and the Class AA home of the Detroit Tigers since 2001 is hopeful it has maneuvered its way off the bubble .
“ The SeaWolves have worked closely with the Tigers to understand MLB ’ s proposed new facility requirements , ” SeaWolves president Greg Coleman said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports .
“ Recent renovations to UPMC Park meet the majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ met by a clubhouse renovation , which is expected to start soon .
We are confident that these recent and forthcoming enhancements will ensure Erie continues as the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers .
“ Many teams throughout MiLB will need to make significant upgrades to meet the new facility requirements .
We ’ re fortunate , thanks to support from Gov .
Wolf , Erie Events , and our state and local representatives , that we have a head start compared to most teams in meeting the new standards .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a supportive partner in the Tigers .
We have a strong , 20-year partnership , and we expect that relationship will continue for years to come.
” One of the Erie upgrades includes air-conditioned batting tunnels , a sign of the times .
When the contraction process began , targeted teams were given a somewhat nebulous guideline that “ facility upgrades ” would largely guide who remained within MLB ’ s realm .
Now , teams have a greater idea the specifics involved in running a minor-league franchise under MLB ’ s auspices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a minority owner of the Yankees who also owns two minor-league teams , as a liaison between the central office and minor-league franchises .
Last month , clubs received an updated list of facility and operational guidelines they are expected to meet .
According to two minor-league executives who have seen the list , they include expanded clubhouses and training facilities , lighting standards and on-site food preparation .
Games played on getaway days can not start after 4 p.m. And any trips longer than 350 miles will require plane travel , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the memo on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly .
Minor leaguers should be better taken care of 24 hours a day , and possibly better-paid .
Their woefully short salaries - many in Class A make around $ 1,200 per month in season - have prompted class-action lawsuits and inspired MLB to lobby Congress to avoid having ballplayers classified as employees .
Some franchises have taken it upon themselves to pay their own minor-leaguers more .
Meanwhile , enhanced per diems and daily amenities mean a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – though it still beats the alternative .
Beyond the loss of jobs and livelihoods , COVID-19 robbed many contraction-bound franchises of something else : A proper farewell .
From 1986 to 2019 , a bevy of cult heroes and All-Stars made their way through Burlington , North Carolina – from Jim Thome , Manny Ramirez and Bartolo Colon through its days as a Cleveland Indians affiliate , to World Series MVP Salvador Perez as a Royals affiliate .
But the Appalachian League franchise was likely never going to escape the loss of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the more abrupt .
“ The pandemic obviously couldn ’ t come at a worse time , for minor league and Major League Baseball , ” says new Royals owner Ryan Keur .
“ It was bloody in this industry .
COVID probably accelerated contraction talks and eliminated some of the fight some teams would have had .
“ You ’ re fighting not just contraction but a global pandemic .
Trying to survive and advance not just as a major league affiliate , but as a business.
” So Keur decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left his post as team president of the Daytona Tortugas and took over control of the Royals from longtime owner Miles Wolff , a prominent figure in minor league baseball whose ownership of the Durham Bulls in the years before Bull Durham shone a brighter light on the industry .
Keur had a previous stint in Burlington and has seen the industry morph before his eyes .
“ As we head down this path of ‘ One Baseball , ’ ” he says , referencing MLB ’ s desire to centralize numerous elements @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handed down from the commissioner ’ s office , you sort of see how you fit in the puzzle.
” In Burlington , fans may actually see a larger number of future major leaguers .
Yet rather than following them on their path to Kansas City or Cleveland , it will instead be a pitcher from Vanderbilt , a shortstop from UCLA , an outfielder from Florida State calling Carolina his home for a summer .
Keur also envisions greater opportunities to market these players under centralized leadership – such as a league @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playoff games broadcast beyond a cult following watching a live stream .
“ You talk about growing the game , we feel the Appalachian League is a perfect opportunity for this , ” he says .
“ How do we grow the player ’ s brand before he becomes Mike Trout , before he becomes Bryce Harper ?
You knew Zion Williamson when he was 15 years old .
“ We can think differently about how we grow the minors.
” Not without some pain , of course .
The entity of Minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MLB and maintain something close to its status quo .
Now , there ’ s an acceptance – grudging or otherwise – that the game will never be the same , for better or worse .
“ As 160 teams , there was a clear path to unity .
But as the months went on , you could see teams , organizations work a little more in silos , ” says Keur .
“ It really is a shame .
Minor league baseball has been decimated here and hopefully can restructure the pieces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communities .
“ Hopefully , we ’ ll look back in five years and the 160 communities , thee sport of baseball can continue to grow .
”

As MLB's minor league revamp wraps up, embattled franchises await fate: 'We are waiting and hoping'
Show Caption Hide Caption MLB's $8.3 billion debt will have major impact on free agency SportsPulse: Former NBPA Executive Director Charles Grantham stops by to discuss the MLB's $8.3 billion debt and how it will effect free agency and the future of the CBA. USA TODAY
The final few weeks of the most torturous year in the history of minor league baseball are proving just as gut-wrenching as the 11 months that preceded it.
Waylaid from within by Major League Baseball’s desire to gain total control of player development, and sidelined for all of 2020 by a global pandemic that cancelled its season and forced thousands of layoffs and furloughs, the owners, operators and executives of minor league baseball franchises now can only wait for an answer to a question that has roiled them all since late 2019:
Are you in, or are you out?
That answer resides almost solely with MLB, which used the September expiration of its long-running Professional Baseball Agreement with Minor League Baseball to reassess and ultimately take control of how the minors are run.
The process was kick-started in October 2019, when a list of 42 teams MLB was targeting for contraction was obtained by Baseball America. While it was certainly just a working list, its revelation spread panic through the industry, with franchises threatened with losing their major league affiliations aiming to spit-shine facilities and put on their best public face for their new overlords, and others looking over their shoulders for fear they would join the damned as the shuffle played out.
It all pointed to an endgame now rapidly approaching: A final list of 140 teams that will retain a Professional Development License and the cachet that comes with an attachment to an MLB franchise.
A full release of affiliated clubs from MLB could come by the end of this month; some franchises have already found out whether they hold a golden ticket, with New York’s Mets and Yankees revealing affiliate changes that came as news to the losing franchises, prompting executives with the Yankees’ Staten Island and Trenton (N.J.) affiliates to lash out at the club for their lack of transparency.
Others have been informed but not publicly revealed, while others still are left in a professional purgatory, hoping that this game of musical chairs ends with them having a place to sit.
“Like all of the other teams and communities,” says Jim Jaworski, general manager of the Florida State League’s Daytona Tortugas, “we are waiting and hoping.”
The Daytona franchise, which was on the original contraction list, is one of dozens with deep ties to the game’s history – it plays its home games at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. That’s the site of Robinson’s first game against white professional players on March 17, 1946, when the Montreal Royals played the parent Brooklyn Dodgers, after racial threats forced Brooklyn GM Branch Rickey to move the Royals’ training camp from Sanford to Daytona Beach.
It is one of many inflection points in a transition that pits baseball’s lifeblood, along with an affordable and widespread access point in dozens of markets without major league franchises, against MLB’s desire for greater efficiency in player development.
“Major League Baseball continues to work with Minor League owners to grow the game by building a new player development model that will better serve fans, players and communities throughout the United States and Canada,” MLB said in a statement, “while preserving baseball in the cities and towns where it is currently being played.”
Doing both will prove challenging. Yet even if MLB reaches its goals in the long term – providing better conditions and pay for its minor leaguers, while maximizing exposure to up-and-coming stars before they reach the big leagues – it won’t come without severing numerous emotional attachments of town to team in the near term.
MINORS: Affiliates blast Yankees' decision to abandon them
COHEN: New owner sees Mets winning World Series in 3-5 years
Winners and losers
The franchises that ultimately remain affiliated will have survived a highly political process that drew the attention of presidential candidates and state-level lawmakers enraged that millions of dollars from municipalities were or will be funneled toward stadiums that will lose their biggest draw: The chance for fans to see a future major leaguer for the price of a venti frappuchino.
The first rules of engagement involved several factors: Relationship with or proximity to a major league franchise, level of play and geography.
A good number of minor-league clubs are owned by their parent franchises; the Atlanta Braves, for instance, own five of their affiliates and the Los Angeles Dodgers own their Class AAA team in Oklahoma City. Clubs like that were never in danger.
Attrition, instead, started with MLB’s desire to streamline player development. While the 2020 draft was a six-round affair largely because COVID-19 shut down amateur baseball almost entirely, future drafts will almost certainly shrink, likely from 40 to about 20 rounds. And fewer draftees mean fewer minor league affiliates.
Now, rookie-level ball will largely take place at major league teams’ spring training facilities in Arizona and Florida.
With that in mind, say goodbye to the short-season New York-Penn and Appalachian leagues as you knew them. The Appalachian League, MLB announced in September, will become a summer developmental league for collegiate players, in partnership with USA Baseball. The New York-Penn may serve a similar role for rising collegiate seniors, according to Baseball America.
That circuit exemplifies the capricious nature of this process. The Brooklyn and Hudson Valley (N.Y.) franchises will remain affiliated, per the preferences of the Mets and Yankees, and in fact are getting promoted to high Class A, joining a cluster of clubs for a new league in the mid-Atlantic.
Other New York-Penn franchises, from Ohio to Vermont to Pennsylvania and New England, won’t be so lucky. The Lowell (Mass.) Spinners, for one, are slated to lose their affiliation with the Boston Red Sox that dates to 1996.
Another X factor: The elevation of franchises from independent to affiliated ball. The Yankees pivoted from Trenton to the Somerset (N.J.) Patriots, late of the independent Atlantic League. A pair of higher-profile independent clubs, the St. Paul (Minn.) Saints and SugarLand (Texas) Skeeters, are also expected to earn affiliations.
So add at least three more clubs to the extinction list.
Not that those who don’t make it will exit without a fight.
In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf sent a letter to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred in December 2019, railing against the possibility that teams in Williamsport, State College and Erie would be cast aside. All have poured municipal funds into stadium upgrades.
In Erie, a $12 million state grant had paved the way for significant upgrades to UPMC Park – an outlay that came before it was revealed the SeaWolves were on the original list of teams slated for contraction.
Now, a club that’s been affiliated with MLB since 1995 and the Class AA home of the Detroit Tigers since 2001 is hopeful it has maneuvered its way off the bubble.
“The SeaWolves have worked closely with the Tigers to understand MLB’s proposed new facility requirements,” SeaWolves president Greg Coleman said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. “Recent renovations to UPMC Park meet the majority of the requirements. Additional standards will be met by a clubhouse renovation, which is expected to start soon. We are confident that these recent and forthcoming enhancements will ensure Erie continues as the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
“Many teams throughout MiLB will need to make significant upgrades to meet the new facility requirements. We’re fortunate, thanks to support from Gov. Wolf, Erie Events, and our state and local representatives, that we have a head start compared to most teams in meeting the new standards. We’re also very fortunate to have a supportive partner in the Tigers. We have a strong, 20-year partnership, and we expect that relationship will continue for years to come.”
One of the Erie upgrades includes air-conditioned batting tunnels, a sign of the times. When the contraction process began, targeted teams were given a somewhat nebulous guideline that “facility upgrades” would largely guide who remained within MLB’s realm. Now, teams have a greater idea the specifics involved in running a minor-league franchise under MLB’s auspices. MLB has enlisted Peter Freund, a minority owner of the Yankees who also owns two minor-league teams, as a liaison between the central office and minor-league franchises.
Last month, clubs received an updated list of facility and operational guidelines they are expected to meet. According to two minor-league executives who have seen the list, they include expanded clubhouses and training facilities, lighting standards and on-site food preparation. Games played on getaway days cannot start after 4 p.m.
And any trips longer than 350 miles will require plane travel, according to the executives, who shared details of the memo on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
Minor leaguers should be better taken care of 24 hours a day, and possibly better-paid. Their woefully short salaries - many in Class A make around $1,200 per month in season - have prompted class-action lawsuits and inspired MLB to lobby Congress to avoid having ballplayers classified as employees. Some franchises have taken it upon themselves to pay their own minor-leaguers more.
Meanwhile, enhanced per diems and daily amenities mean a greater burden will fall on affiliated franchises – though it still beats the alternative.
Hard to say goodbye
Beyond the loss of jobs and livelihoods, COVID-19 robbed many contraction-bound franchises of something else: A proper farewell.
From 1986 to 2019, a bevy of cult heroes and All-Stars made their way through Burlington, North Carolina – from Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez and Bartolo Colon through its days as a Cleveland Indians affiliate, to World Series MVP Salvador Perez as a Royals affiliate.
But the Appalachian League franchise was likely never going to escape the loss of affiliation – and then COVID-19 made goodbye all the more abrupt.
“The pandemic obviously couldn’t come at a worse time, for minor league and Major League Baseball,” says new Royals owner Ryan Keur. “It was bloody in this industry. COVID probably accelerated contraction talks and eliminated some of the fight some teams would have had.
“You’re fighting not just contraction but a global pandemic. Trying to survive and advance not just as a major league affiliate, but as a business.”
So Keur decided to steer into the changes. He left his post as team president of the Daytona Tortugas and took over control of the Royals from longtime owner Miles Wolff, a prominent figure in minor league baseball whose ownership of the Durham Bulls in the years before Bull Durham shone a brighter light on the industry.
Keur had a previous stint in Burlington and has seen the industry morph before his eyes.
“As we head down this path of ‘One Baseball,’” he says, referencing MLB’s desire to centralize numerous elements of the sport, “with everything handed down from the commissioner’s office, you sort of see how you fit in the puzzle.”
In Burlington, fans may actually see a larger number of future major leaguers. Yet rather than following them on their path to Kansas City or Cleveland, it will instead be a pitcher from Vanderbilt, a shortstop from UCLA, an outfielder from Florida State calling Carolina his home for a summer.
Keur also envisions greater opportunities to market these players under centralized leadership – such as a league selection show on MLB Network, or playoff games broadcast beyond a cult following watching a live stream.
“You talk about growing the game, we feel the Appalachian League is a perfect opportunity for this,” he says. “How do we grow the player’s brand before he becomes Mike Trout, before he becomes Bryce Harper? You knew Zion Williamson when he was 15 years old.
“We can think differently about how we grow the minors.”
Not without some pain, of course.
The entity of Minor League Baseball hoped to hold strong against MLB and maintain something close to its status quo. Now, there’s an acceptance – grudging or otherwise – that the game will never be the same, for better or worse.
“As 160 teams, there was a clear path to unity. But as the months went on, you could see teams, organizations work a little more in silos,” says Keur. “It really is a shame. Minor league baseball has been decimated here and hopefully can restructure the pieces and continue to provide for our local communities.
“Hopefully, we’ll look back in five years and the 160 communities, thee sport of baseball can continue to grow.”


usatoday--2020-11-13--Americans are concerned about blue light as screen time increases during pandemic. What experts say.

Blue light solutions such as blue light-blocking glasses and screen filters are quickly becoming popular consumer products during the coronavirus pandemic as Americans working from home grow more concerned that blue light from digital devices may be harming their eyes .
A survey conducted in July suggests that employers are also contemplating the dangers of blue light .
More than half of the 500 employers surveyed said they considered vision benefits with coverage for blue light-related solutions as “ very attractive ” to “ attractive , ” according to the Screen Time 2020 Report by UnitedHealthcare Vision and Eyesafe , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology .
“ Blue light ” is a low wavelength , high energy light that is emitted from computer and phone screens , but also comes from a natural source : the sun .
Studies have shown that exposure to blue light can be beneficial during the daytime to boost attention , reaction times and mood , but can disrupt sleep after sundown , according to Harvard Health Publishing .
“ Blue light is difficult to focus on , most of our digital devices have a lot of visible blue light , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer at UnitedHealthcare .
“ This blue light , we believe , is going to build up in a long period of time.
” While some eye care professionals worry about blue light exposure from digital devices , most experts say there 's no evidence that it harms eyes and blue light-blocking glasses are essentially useless during the day .
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology , blue light from computers will not lead to eye disease .
Dr. Sunir Garg , retina surgeon and professor of ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more blue light in the sun than in digital devices .
“ Blue light is something that humans have been exposed to since the dawn of time , ” he said .
“ In parts of the world , they ’ re going to get more blue light exposure in any given day than we will sitting in front of our screens.
” Garg says human eyes do a good job of filtering low wavelengths , such as blue light , so that the amount of light that hits the retina is usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time have more to do with the user ’ s behavior while interacting with the device than the wavelengths emitted .
For example , people tend to blink less as they focus on computers and smartphones .
AAO says humans normally blink around 15 times per minute , but the blink rate can be cut in half when staring at screens .
What 's hot for tech holiday ?
'Practical ' gifts like routers and computer monitors Blink now : Increased screen time during the pandemic sends more people to the eye doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye movement , which can fatigue eye muscles that are accustomed to moving around instead of holding one position for a long time .
Ophthalmologists recommend taking frequent breaks from computer screens using the “ 20-20-20 ” rule : look away from the screen every 20 minutes and focus on an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds .
This gives your eyes a chance to reset .
Garg also recommends keeping a distance of at least 25 inches from your screen and using artificial tears to lubricate your eyes if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been animal models that expose subjects to more blue light than what 's possible to emit from a computer screen , Garg says .
There are no studies that look at the blue light 's effect on eyes in the long term .
`` Those studies take a long time , '' Edmonds said .
`` We don ’ t need to wait to see the damage , we don ’ t need to wait until people are blind to do something about it . ''
“ On one hand , there ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The iPhone and human beings is a recent evolution , ” he said .
“ ( But ) we do have data and that ’ s sunlight data and it doesn ’ t seem to be dangerous from the sun ... which makes me think the screen stuff is overblown.
” Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics , Innovation and Competition in Healthcare .
The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input .

Americans are concerned about blue light as screen time increases during pandemic. What experts say.
Show Caption Hide Caption How to set healthy screen time limits for your kids Limiting your child's screen time in a world of portable screens can be complicated but necessary. Here are some tips on how to set healthy limits on screen time for your kids! Buzz60’s Chloe Hurst has the story! Buzz60
Blue light solutions such as blue light-blocking glasses and screen filters are quickly becoming popular consumer products during the coronavirus pandemic as Americans working from home grow more concerned that blue light from digital devices may be harming their eyes.
A survey conducted in July suggests that employers are also contemplating the dangers of blue light. More than half of the 500 employers surveyed said they considered vision benefits with coverage for blue light-related solutions as “very attractive” to “attractive,” according to the Screen Time 2020 Report by UnitedHealthcare Vision and Eyesafe, a company that specializes in blue light technology.
“Blue light” is a low wavelength, high energy light that is emitted from computer and phone screens, but also comes from a natural source: the sun. Studies have shown that exposure to blue light can be beneficial during the daytime to boost attention, reaction times and mood, but can disrupt sleep after sundown, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
“Blue light is difficult to focus on, most of our digital devices have a lot of visible blue light,” said Scott Edmonds, chief eye care officer at UnitedHealthcare. “This blue light, we believe, is going to build up in a long period of time.”
While some eye care professionals worry about blue light exposure from digital devices, most experts say there's no evidence that it harms eyes and blue light-blocking glasses are essentially useless during the day.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, blue light from computers will not lead to eye disease. Dr. Sunir Garg, retina surgeon and professor of ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, says there’s more blue light in the sun than in digital devices.
“Blue light is something that humans have been exposed to since the dawn of time,” he said. “In parts of the world, they’re going to get more blue light exposure in any given day than we will sitting in front of our screens.”
Garg says human eyes do a good job of filtering low wavelengths, such as blue light, so that the amount of light that hits the retina is usually very low. Eye symptoms from screen time have more to do with the user’s behavior while interacting with the device than the wavelengths emitted.
For example, people tend to blink less as they focus on computers and smartphones. AAO says humans normally blink around 15 times per minute, but the blink rate can be cut in half when staring at screens.
What's hot for tech holiday? 'Practical' gifts like routers and computer monitors
Blink now: Increased screen time during the pandemic sends more people to the eye doctor
Garg says staring at screens also decreases eye movement, which can fatigue eye muscles that are accustomed to moving around instead of holding one position for a long time.
Ophthalmologists recommend taking frequent breaks from computer screens using the “20-20-20” rule: look away from the screen every 20 minutes and focus on an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to reset.
Garg also recommends keeping a distance of at least 25 inches from your screen and using artificial tears to lubricate your eyes if they feel dry.
Most studies have been animal models that expose subjects to more blue light than what's possible to emit from a computer screen, Garg says. There are no studies that look at the blue light's effect on eyes in the long term.
"Those studies take a long time," Edmonds said. "We don’t need to wait to see the damage, we don’t need to wait until people are blind to do something about it."
But other experts disagree.
“On one hand, there’s a kernel of truth to it. The iPhone and human beings is a recent evolution,” Garg said. “(But) we do have data and that’s sunlight data and it doesn’t seem to be dangerous from the sun ... which makes me think the screen stuff is overblown.”
Follow Adrianna Rodriguez on Twitter: @AdriannaUSAT.
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input.


usatoday--2020-11-13--Black Friday 2020: Home Depot, Walmart and more great sales happening now

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
Black Friday savings traditionally occur the day after Thanksgiving , with customers often forming lines outside stores ' doors to get their hands on the best deals possible .
This year , however , due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , the shopping holiday is shaping up to look a bit differently .
Need help finding products ?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter .
It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at any time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ big day , which falls on Friday , November 27 , but many major retailers—Best Buy , Walmart and Target among them—have launched their Black Friday sales early , with deals being released in waves throughout the month to boost seasonal excitement and help customers shop as safely as possible .
With so many early Black Friday 2020 deals to sort through , we here at Reviewed are rolling up our sleeves to make sure you do n't miss any of them .
Ahead , we ’ ve compiled a list of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advantage of at both big-box stores and reader-favorite retailers .
Happy shopping !
This year , Best Buy decided to bring the Black Friday savings all season long by offering early holiday discounts on the latest TVs , laptops , headphones and so much more : Its current Coolest Deals Sale , for instance , runs through November 15 ( shop our top picks here ) .
Along with in-store and curbside pickup , the tech giant is also offering same-day delivery on select items .
Nearly all specials will be live by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drops on everything from holiday décor and kitchenware to cold-weather apparel , Macy ’ s Black Friday Early Access Sale is truly a one-stop shop for blowout savings , and lucky for you , we 've already scouted out all the best deals from the event .
You ’ ll also get free shipping on orders more than $ 25 : Just make sure to check back on our site after the store 's additional deals drop on Tuesday , November 24 .
There 's no need to wait for Amazon to release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here !
The e-tailer has already slashed the prices on tons of drool-worthy gifts , including pressure cookers , robots vacuums and more , for its current Holiday Dash event , which runs through November 19 .
Note that new deals will be added daily .
Fans of Bed Bath & Beyond will be happy to hear that a selection of Black Friday deals have already been rolled out on the store 's home page , as have additional markdowns from the current Holiday-Ready Sale , which goes through Wednesday , November 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % on vacuums , holiday décor and so much more .
The main sales event , during which you 'll save an extra 20 to 25 % , depending on your membership status , is set to follow from Wednesday , November 25 through Saturday , November 28 .
As any loyal Wayfair shopper knows , the online retailer can always be counted on for noteworthy discounts .
Right now is no different , as it 's currently offering first-chance savings from its Black Friday Preview Event ( shop our top picks ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( A second round of markdowns is set to take its place the following day . )
Within , you 'll find doorbuster deals on living room seating , outdoor furniture , area rugs and décor at up to 60 % off .
Note that the store 's main event will kick off on Black Friday .
Coach Outlet is going all in for Black Friday 2020 , delighting shoppers with a treasure trove of markdowns—some of which are up to 70 % off—on select bags , wallets , belts and more .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ guaranteed !
If you need help shopping this sale , we 've got you covered with our handbag highlights .
As one of the biggest players in the tech field , it should come as no surprise that Samsung is going big for Black Friday this year .
Shoppers can get Black Friday pricing on some of its hottest products of the year , including 4K TVs , home appliances and smartphones .
Be sure to scope out our Samsung deals roundup for the best of the best .
Instead of one large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walmart announced its plans to run three separate savings events which the retail giant is calling “ Black Friday Deals for Days , '' throughout the month of November .
We 've already hand-picked the best savings available from the mega store 's second round of savings , with more waves of markdowns scheduled to come on November 14 and Wednesday , November 25 .
In addition , the big-box retailer is offering contact-free curbside pickup service , as well as fast , free delivery through its new Amazon Prime-like membership service , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather popular approach to Black Friday this year , Target announced its plans to offering weekly deal drops all November long , both in stores and online .
Currently in the midst of its second wave of savings , which runs through November 15 , the retailer 's price cuts include kitchen items , vacuums and more .
You can get a sneak peek of the week 's upcoming deals each Thursday in Target 's digital ad .
Everyone 's favorite home improvement store is also getting in on the Black Friday action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this month , which are set to run through to Wednesday , November 25 .
These DIY-friendly price drops cover everything from power tools and bedding to kitchen essentials .
Black Friday mattress sales are coming in hot , with brands such as Leesa offering up to $ 500 off its high-quality , foam-filled mattresses .
Here 's how it shakes out : Take up to $ 200 off the Leesa Original mattress , on sale from $ 624 , which contains three levels of premium foam , while the Hybrid ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our favorite mattress-in-a-box upgrade , drops by up to $ 350 .
The Leesa Legend mattress , meanwhile , which is discounted as low as $ 1,549 for up to $ 500 off , combines the best of both worlds : one layer of foam and two layers of pocket springs .
These mattresses are also currently being offered with two free pillows .
Through November 15 , members of the Adidas Creators Club ( it 's free to sign up ) can get a jumpstart on the brand 's Black Friday deals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ styles for both men and women .
Your membership also entitles you to free shipping on your order .
Those looking to save on a new laptop this November should definitely scope out HP 's Early Black Friday Flash sale , which runs through November 14 .
This event has it all : laptops , monitors , desktops and more ; plus an extra 15 % off select accessories and monitors with a PC purchase , so you 're bound to find the right model to suit your work-from-home setup .
Now 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ computer for less , as the company 's Black Friday prices are live now .
What 's more , new doorbusters will be launching every weekday at 11 a.m .
ET .
You can save hundreds on popular devices , like the Inspiron 17 3000 laptop , once $ 569.99 and now $ 479.99 , which has more than 2,000 positive reviews .
If you 've been curious about the Instagram ads floating around your feed for Shein , you might be pleased to learn that we 've deemed it a fun , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While the store 's threads are already super budget-friendly , it 's currently slashing its prices even more—up to 60 % off , in fact—with its pre-Black Friday sale .
In addition to these killer markdowns , you 'll save even more off when you enter coupon code PREBLACKF at checkout for 10 % off orders of $ 19 and up , 15 % off orders of $ 59 and up and 20 % off orders of $ 129 and up .
Grilling season may be over , but it 's never too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And thanks to BBQGuys already-launched Black Friday deals , you can save big on grills , smokers , grilling accessories and more .
The retailer is also offering 30 % off all BBQGuys ' Spiceology spice rubs ( which would make a great stocking stuffer ! )
and up to $ 150 off BBQGuys outdoor storage when you spend $ 500 to $ 1,500 or more with promo code BBQSAVE17 at checkout .
Free shipping is also available on all orders !
Anyone in the market for some new ski or snowboarding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Black Friday sale , which features discounts of up to 50 % on all sorts of equipment and apparel to help you shred the mountains in style this winter .
You 'll also get free shipping on orders of $ 50 or more—all the more reason to treat yourself , snow bunnies !
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Black Friday 2020: Home Depot, Walmart and more great sales happening now
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Black Friday savings traditionally occur the day after Thanksgiving, with customers often forming lines outside stores' doors to get their hands on the best deals possible. This year, however, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the shopping holiday is shaping up to look a bit differently.
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We're still weeks away from the big day, which falls on Friday, November 27, but many major retailers—Best Buy, Walmart and Target among them—have launched their Black Friday sales early, with deals being released in waves throughout the month to boost seasonal excitement and help customers shop as safely as possible.
With so many early Black Friday 2020 deals to sort through, we here at Reviewed are rolling up our sleeves to make sure you don't miss any of them. Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of all the existing sales you can already take advantage of at both big-box stores and reader-favorite retailers. Happy shopping!
This year, Best Buy decided to bring the Black Friday savings all season long by offering early holiday discounts on the latest TVs, laptops, headphones and so much more: Its current Coolest Deals Sale, for instance, runs through November 15 (shop our top picks here). Along with in-store and curbside pickup, the tech giant is also offering same-day delivery on select items. Nearly all specials will be live by Sunday, November 22.
With price drops on everything from holiday décor and kitchenware to cold-weather apparel, Macy’s Black Friday Early Access Sale is truly a one-stop shop for blowout savings, and lucky for you, we've already scouted out all the best deals from the event. You’ll also get free shipping on orders more than $25: Just make sure to check back on our site after the store's additional deals drop on Tuesday, November 24.
There's no need to wait for Amazon to release Black Friday-level savings: They're already here! The e-tailer has already slashed the prices on tons of drool-worthy gifts, including pressure cookers, robots vacuums and more, for its current Holiday Dash event, which runs through November 19. Note that new deals will be added daily.
Fans of Bed Bath & Beyond will be happy to hear that a selection of Black Friday deals have already been rolled out on the store's home page, as have additional markdowns from the current Holiday-Ready Sale, which goes through Wednesday, November 16, Shoppers can save up to 30% on vacuums, holiday décor and so much more. The main sales event, during which you'll save an extra 20 to 25%, depending on your membership status, is set to follow from Wednesday, November 25 through Saturday, November 28.
As any loyal Wayfair shopper knows, the online retailer can always be counted on for noteworthy discounts. Right now is no different, as it's currently offering first-chance savings from its Black Friday Preview Event (shop our top picks), which runs through November 13. (A second round of markdowns is set to take its place the following day.) Within, you'll find doorbuster deals on living room seating, outdoor furniture, area rugs and décor at up to 60% off. Note that the store's main event will kick off on Black Friday.
Coach Outlet is going all in for Black Friday 2020, delighting shoppers with a treasure trove of markdowns—some of which are up to 70% off—on select bags, wallets, belts and more. Better yet, free shipping is also guaranteed! If you need help shopping this sale, we've got you covered with our handbag highlights.
As one of the biggest players in the tech field, it should come as no surprise that Samsung is going big for Black Friday this year. Shoppers can get Black Friday pricing on some of its hottest products of the year, including 4K TVs, home appliances and smartphones. Be sure to scope out our Samsung deals roundup for the best of the best.
Instead of one large, post-Thanksgiving sale, this year, Walmart announced its plans to run three separate savings events which the retail giant is calling “Black Friday Deals for Days," throughout the month of November. We've already hand-picked the best savings available from the mega store's second round of savings, with more waves of markdowns scheduled to come on November 14 and Wednesday, November 25. In addition, the big-box retailer is offering contact-free curbside pickup service, as well as fast, free delivery through its new Amazon Prime-like membership service, Walmart+.
In what seems like a rather popular approach to Black Friday this year, Target announced its plans to offering weekly deal drops all November long, both in stores and online. Currently in the midst of its second wave of savings, which runs through November 15, the retailer's price cuts include kitchen items, vacuums and more. You can get a sneak peek of the week's upcoming deals each Thursday in Target's digital ad.
Everyone's favorite home improvement store is also getting in on the Black Friday action, having dropped a slate of deals earlier this month, which are set to run through to Wednesday, November 25. These DIY-friendly price drops cover everything from power tools and bedding to kitchen essentials.
Black Friday mattress sales are coming in hot, with brands such as Leesa offering up to $500 off its high-quality, foam-filled mattresses. Here's how it shakes out: Take up to $200 off the Leesa Original mattress, on sale from $624, which contains three levels of premium foam, while the Hybrid ($899 and up)—a.k.a. our favorite mattress-in-a-box upgrade, drops by up to $350. The Leesa Legend mattress, meanwhile, which is discounted as low as $1,549 for up to $500 off, combines the best of both worlds: one layer of foam and two layers of pocket springs. These mattresses are also currently being offered with two free pillows.
Through November 15, members of the Adidas Creators Club (it's free to sign up) can get a jumpstart on the brand's Black Friday deals with up to 50% off popular styles for both men and women. Your membership also entitles you to free shipping on your order.
Those looking to save on a new laptop this November should definitely scope out HP's Early Black Friday Flash sale, which runs through November 14. This event has it all: laptops, monitors, desktops and more; plus an extra 15% off select accessories and monitors with a PC purchase, so you're bound to find the right model to suit your work-from-home setup.
Now's the time to score a new Dell computer for less, as the company's Black Friday prices are live now. What's more, new doorbusters will be launching every weekday at 11 a.m. ET. You can save hundreds on popular devices, like the Inspiron 17 3000 laptop, once $569.99 and now $479.99, which has more than 2,000 positive reviews.
If you've been curious about the Instagram ads floating around your feed for Shein, you might be pleased to learn that we've deemed it a fun, inexpensive way to experiment with fast-fashion. While the store's threads are already super budget-friendly, it's currently slashing its prices even more—up to 60% off, in fact—with its pre-Black Friday sale. In addition to these killer markdowns, you'll save even more off when you enter coupon code PREBLACKF at checkout for 10% off orders of $19 and up, 15% off orders of $59 and up and 20% off orders of $129 and up.
Grilling season may be over, but it's never too early to start prepping for next year. And thanks to BBQGuys already-launched Black Friday deals, you can save big on grills, smokers, grilling accessories and more. The retailer is also offering 30% off all BBQGuys' Spiceology spice rubs (which would make a great stocking stuffer!) and up to $150 off BBQGuys outdoor storage when you spend $500 to $1,500 or more with promo code BBQSAVE17 at checkout. Free shipping is also available on all orders!
Anyone in the market for some new ski or snowboarding gear won't want to miss Evo's Black Friday sale, which features discounts of up to 50% on all sorts of equipment and apparel to help you shred the mountains in style this winter. You'll also get free shipping on orders of $50 or more—all the more reason to treat yourself, snow bunnies!
You won't need a coupon for Belk's Black Friday Sneak Peek sale, which runs through Sunday, November 15. As advertised on its homepage, the store is offering up doorbuster pricing on apparel, cookware and even tech products, with items like our favorite Fitbit on the market, the Fitbit Charge 4, dropping from $119.99 to $99.95.
Layla Sleep is one retailer that's launched its biggest sale to date ahead of Black Friday, enticing shoppers with steep savings. Through Sunday, November 29, you can take $150 off Layla Sleep’s flippable memory foam mattress (from $499), while its hybrid mattress (from $1,099) will be $200 off. When purchasing either mattress, you’ll also get two free Layla pillows, a set of microfiber sheets and a mattress protector for a total value of up to $300!
It's a bargain hunter's paradise over at Newegg right now, where a host of discounted tech products is featured on its Black Friday Now landing page. With a focus on laptops, TVs and gaming accessories, the tech outlet is serving up serious discounts. It's also help shoppers get the best price possible with its Price Protection guarantee, which promises that if any of these Black Friday deals get marked down further before Friday, November 27, you'll be refunded the difference.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-11-13--Biden increases lead in Arizona, ending Trump's hopes that late vote count could put state in his co

Seemingly every national news organization that had n't already called Arizona for President-elect Joe Biden – NBC , CNN , CBS , New York Times and Washington Post – called it late Thursday , shortly after Maricopa County reported results from its latest round of ballots .
Fox News and The Associated Press had already called Arizona for Biden last week , but at that point , President Donald Trump had a chance , albeit slim , to pull ahead of his Democratic challenger .
Biden leads Trump by 11,434 votes in the statewide tally – a margin greater than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be counted in Arizona .
The Thursday evening results from about 4,000 Maricopa County ballots went 53 % for Biden and 43 % for Trump .
Now , Trump has no path to victory in a state that 's long been a Republican stronghold .
A 'loss of democracy ' : Experts warn Trump lawsuits challenging results could put America 's system to the test This election marks only the second time the Grand Canyon State has supported a Democrat for president since 1948 .
The last Democratic presidential candidate to carry Arizona @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona counties are not required to regularly report the number of remaining ballots , so getting an accurate count has been a challenge .
But counting is likely to wrap up statewide on Friday .
Maricopa County , which has a few hundred ballots left , plans to finish counting on Friday .
Pima County , the state 's second-most populous county , has about 3,600 ballots remaining , according to the Arizona Secretary of State 's Office .
Cochise County reported about 1,800 ballots left .
It is unclear if Yuma County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website indicates the county has about 2,000 remaining ballots , but that number has n't been updated since Nov. 7 .
Though Biden did not need Arizona 's 11 Electoral College votes to win the presidential race , the globe has watched with anticipation to see how Arizona voters would decide the race in the Grand Canyon State .
The Trump campaign will challenge the results in the state .
How states ' electoral votes work : Trump is contesting the election in several key states Starting in the early morning following Election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arizona ballots could swing the state in his favor , assuring his supporters that these ballots were coming from `` Trump Territory . ''
As late-early ballot results were tallied , Biden 's lead narrowed .
But not at the pace Trump needed to pull ahead .
On Nov. 7 , Trump 's campaign sued Arizona election officials , contending that Maricopa County poll workers disregarded procedures designed to give voters a chance to correct ballot mistakes .
The campaign tried unsuccessfully to persuade the judge to seal its evidence supporting that claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed Arizona was in his reach .
`` From 200,000 votes to less than 10,000 votes .
If we can audit the total votes cast , we will easily win Arizona also ! ''
he tweeted .
It 's unclear where Trump got the 10,000 figure as Biden has maintained a larger lead than that with each release of election results .
Maricopa County found no discrepancies in a hand-audit , which involves Republican , Democratic and Libertarian representatives .
Coconino , Greenlee , Navajo and Yavapai counties also found no discrepancies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Office shows .
Cochise , Pima and Pinal counties found minor discrepancies within the legal margin .
Arizona law requires the audits , which involve checking a sample of ballots to ensure tabulation equipment is accurate .
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich , a Republican , has rejected Trump 's claims of election irregularities here , saying `` if indeed there was some great conspiracy , it apparently did n't work . ''
Suburban swing : Trump baselessly accuses cities of election fraud .
But the suburbs cost him the election .

Biden increases lead in Arizona, ending Trump's hopes that late vote count could put state in his column
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Its an embarrassment:' President-elect Biden on Trump not conceding President-elect Joe Biden says 'it's an embarrassment' that President Donald Trump is still refusing to concede the presidential race. USA TODAY
Seemingly every national news organization that hadn't already called Arizona for President-elect Joe Biden – NBC, CNN, CBS, New York Times and Washington Post – called it late Thursday, shortly after Maricopa County reported results from its latest round of ballots.
Fox News and The Associated Press had already called Arizona for Biden last week, but at that point, President Donald Trump had a chance, albeit slim, to pull ahead of his Democratic challenger.
Biden leads Trump by 11,434 votes in the statewide tally – a margin greater than the estimated number of ballots remaining to be counted in Arizona.
The Thursday evening results from about 4,000 Maricopa County ballots went 53% for Biden and 43% for Trump.
Now, Trump has no path to victory in a state that's long been a Republican stronghold.
A 'loss of democracy': Experts warn Trump lawsuits challenging results could put America's system to the test
This election marks only the second time the Grand Canyon State has supported a Democrat for president since 1948. The last Democratic presidential candidate to carry Arizona was then-President Bill Clinton in 1996.
Arizona counties are not required to regularly report the number of remaining ballots, so getting an accurate count has been a challenge. But counting is likely to wrap up statewide on Friday.
Maricopa County, which has a few hundred ballots left, plans to finish counting on Friday.
Pima County, the state's second-most populous county, has about 3,600 ballots remaining, according to the Arizona Secretary of State's Office.
Cochise County reported about 1,800 ballots left. It is unclear if Yuma County has finished counting. The state's website indicates the county has about 2,000 remaining ballots, but that number hasn't been updated since Nov. 7.
Though Biden did not need Arizona's 11 Electoral College votes to win the presidential race, the globe has watched with anticipation to see how Arizona voters would decide the race in the Grand Canyon State.
The Trump campaign will challenge the results in the state.
How states' electoral votes work: Trump is contesting the election in several key states
Starting in the early morning following Election Day, Trump opined that the remaining Arizona ballots could swing the state in his favor, assuring his supporters that these ballots were coming from "Trump Territory."
As late-early ballot results were tallied, Biden's lead narrowed. But not at the pace Trump needed to pull ahead.
On Nov. 7, Trump's campaign sued Arizona election officials, contending that Maricopa County poll workers disregarded procedures designed to give voters a chance to correct ballot mistakes. The campaign tried unsuccessfully to persuade the judge to seal its evidence supporting that claim.
On Thursday morning, Trump again claimed Arizona was in his reach.
"From 200,000 votes to less than 10,000 votes. If we can audit the total votes cast, we will easily win Arizona also!" he tweeted.
It's unclear where Trump got the 10,000 figure as Biden has maintained a larger lead than that with each release of election results.
Maricopa County found no discrepancies in a hand-audit, which involves Republican, Democratic and Libertarian representatives. Coconino, Greenlee, Navajo and Yavapai counties also found no discrepancies, the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office shows.
Cochise, Pima and Pinal counties found minor discrepancies within the legal margin.
Arizona law requires the audits, which involve checking a sample of ballots to ensure tabulation equipment is accurate.
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, has rejected Trump's claims of election irregularities here, saying "if indeed there was some great conspiracy, it apparently didn't work."
Follow Caitlin McGlade on Twitter @caitmcglade.
Suburban swing: Trump baselessly accuses cities of election fraud. But the suburbs cost him the election.


usatoday--2020-11-14--House Democrat's change new-member dinner to grab-and-go after facing criticism

WASHINGTON – An indoor dinner at the Capitol hosted by House Democrats for new members was changed to grab-and-go after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi faced criticism Friday that the event was unsafe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic .
A picture from NBC Congressional Correspondent Leigh Ann Caldwell of the original set-up in Statutory Hall in the Capitol building started gathering attention on Twitter .
Pelosi , D-Calif. , told her it is safe and `` very spaced . ''
Running list : Which members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19 ?
After some of the criticism to the indoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Staff for Pelosi , said , `` To be a further model for the nation , this event has been modified to allow Members-elect to pick up their meals to go in a socially-distanced manner . ''
`` Our office strictly follows the guidance of the Office of Attending Physician , including for this dinner , '' he said .
Hammill told USA TODAY the dinner will only be `` Grab and go '' and clarified no one will now be eating in the space .
He later tweeted : `` Members-elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and departing the Capitol .
There is no group dinner . ''
However , House Democrats are not the only body of Congress to hold an event like this .
Senate Republicans have been holding lunches every single week they are in session in a closed , indoor space .
USA TODAY has reached out to GOP House leadership about whether they 're holding an indoor event .
Many said the events should be cancelled in their entirety as many Americans are canceling their Thanksgiving plans as the pandemic rages throughout the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10.7 million cases and 244,900 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
More : More than 100 Secret Service officers infected with COVID-19 or quarantining as virus surges across country Doug Heye , who served as deputy chief of staff House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and communications director for the Republican National Committee , tweeted : `` Every time I 've agreed with Democrats criticizing Trump and other Rs for irresponsible action and rhetoric around Covid , I did n't think Nancy Pelosi would hold a potential super spreader dinner in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , in her post , asking them to cancel the dinners to keep `` yourselves , your new members , servers , the Capitol police and all of their families and contacts '' safe from COVID-19 .
Thursday , Pelosi called COVID-19 a `` red alert and all hands on deck . ''
`` The President and the Republicans in Congress have ignored by delay , distortion , denial .
Deaths have been caused .
And what are they doing now ?
Continuing to ignore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be so compelling , that are an imperative for us to act upon this , '' Pelosi said .
`` Every kind of avoidance of taking responsibility has been witnessed . ''
The House held orientation Friday for newly elected members who will be joining the chamber in the next Congress .
Representatives-elect and members wore masks and socially distanced throughout the day .

House Democrat's change new-member dinner to grab-and-go after facing criticism
Show Caption Hide Caption Pelosi: Pandemic is a 'red alert' President-elect Joe Biden's allies on Capitol Hill adopted a combative posture on COVID-19 relief on Thursday, accusing Washington Republicans of dragging their feet in acknowledging Biden's victory while doubling down on a COVID relief bill. (Nov. 12) AP
WASHINGTON – An indoor dinner at the Capitol hosted by House Democrats for new members was changed to grab-and-go after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi faced criticism Friday that the event was unsafe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
A picture from NBC Congressional Correspondent Leigh Ann Caldwell of the original set-up in Statutory Hall in the Capitol building started gathering attention on Twitter. Pelosi, D-Calif., told her it is safe and "very spaced."
Running list: Which members of Congress have tested positive for COVID-19?
After some of the criticism to the indoor event, Drew Hammill, Deputy Chief of Staff for Pelosi, said, "To be a further model for the nation, this event has been modified to allow Members-elect to pick up their meals to go in a socially-distanced manner."
"Our office strictly follows the guidance of the Office of Attending Physician, including for this dinner," he said.
House Dem and GOP leaders are holding respective dinners for new members.
.@SpeakerPelosi told me it’s safe. “It’s very spaced,” she said and there is enhanced ventilation and the Capitol physician signed off. pic.twitter.com/ZXjf72lnrP — Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) November 13, 2020
Hammill told USA TODAY the dinner will only be "Grab and go" and clarified no one will now be eating in the space.
He later tweeted: "Members-elect are now picking up their boxed meals and departing the Capitol. There is no group dinner."
Coronavirus updates: 20M Americans could receive vaccine next month; 5 states issue restrictions
However, House Democrats are not the only body of Congress to hold an event like this.
Senate Republicans have been holding lunches every single week they are in session in a closed, indoor space.
USA TODAY has reached out to GOP House leadership about whether they're holding an indoor event.
Many said the events should be cancelled in their entirety as many Americans are canceling their Thanksgiving plans as the pandemic rages throughout the country.
The U.S. has reported more than 10.7 million cases and 244,900 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
More: More than 100 Secret Service officers infected with COVID-19 or quarantining as virus surges across country
Doug Heye, who served as deputy chief of staff House Majority Leader Eric Cantor and communications director for the Republican National Committee, tweeted: "Every time I've agreed with Democrats criticizing Trump and other Rs for irresponsible action and rhetoric around Covid, I didn't think Nancy Pelosi would hold a potential super spreader dinner in the Capitol."
Chelsea Clinton tagged both Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, in her post, asking them to cancel the dinners to keep "yourselves, your new members, servers, the Capitol police and all of their families and contacts" safe from COVID-19.
Please cancel these in-person dinners, @SpeakerPelosi & @kevinomccarthy to keep everyone safe from #covid19 - yourselves, your new members, servers, the Capitol police and all of their families and contacts. And, to show public health leadership. https://t.co/HC1AOYYBgp — Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) November 13, 2020
Thursday, Pelosi called COVID-19 a "red alert and all hands on deck."
"The President and the Republicans in Congress have ignored by delay, distortion, denial. Deaths have been caused. And what are they doing now? Continuing to ignore, in spite of these numbers that should be so compelling, that are an imperative for us to act upon this," Pelosi said. "Every kind of avoidance of taking responsibility has been witnessed."
The House held orientation Friday for newly elected members who will be joining the chamber in the next Congress. Representatives-elect and members wore masks and socially distanced throughout the day.


usatoday--2020-11-13--Opinion: 'If you see it, you can be it.' Kim Ng's hiring as Marlins GM opens endless possibilities

After Kamala Harris ’ barrier-breaking election as vice president last week , a good-natured warning made its way around social media .
Now , just a few days later , another ceiling has shattered .
The Miami Marlins announced the hiring of Kim Ng as their general manager Friday , making her the first woman to hold that position in Major League Baseball .
It ’ s important to point out how woefully long overdue this is .
Ng has been considered one of the brightest minds in baseball for decades now , and only the willfully ignorant will deny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – she was an executive for three teams that won World Series titles – would have been elevated well before this .
Ng also isn ’ t the only one who ’ s had opportunities closed off to her simply because she ’ s a woman .
The Marlins said they believe Ng is the first GM of any team in any of the major men ’ s professional sports leagues in North America , and it ’ s not for a lack of qualified candidates .
But it ’ s also important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is -- and not simply for Ng .
“ When I got into this business , it seemed unlikely a woman would lead a Major League team , ” she said in the team ’ s announcement .
“ But I am dogged in the pursuit of my goals.
” It ’ s often said that you can not be what you do not see , and girls and young women who want to run a franchise or be an executive in sports now have a living , breathing enabler of their dreams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s ambitions by saying , “ Well , that ’ s just how it ’ s always been , ” are now left to sputter in silence .
Just as the ranks of women coaching in the NBA has swelled in the six years since Becky Hammon was hired , so , too , are other women likely to quickly join Ng as the top executive of a team .
Women like Kelly Krauskopf , who has been the Indiana Pacers ’ assistant GM for almost two years now after 19 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Or Katie Blackburn , who , as executive vice president of the Cincinnati Bengals , knows how to finagle the NFL ’ s salary cap as well as anyone .
Or Hayley Wickenheiser , who is already helping shape the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs as the team ’ s assistant director of player development .
All it takes is one woman to crack open the door , and the crowd behind her can come barging through .
This is not to say that we ’ ve achieved equality over this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a male-dominated industry will tell you -- and it goes double for women of color -- we still have to justify our skills and qualifications when our male colleagues do not .
We still have men making decisions based on the assumptions of their experience and privilege rather than reality .
But Ng showing what ’ s possible will have a lasting , and far-reaching , impact .
When Hammon was a candidate for the Milwaukee Bucks ’ coaching job in 2018 , Pau Gasol wrote an essay on her behalf for The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he recalled his childhood in Spain , where his mother was a doctor and his father was a nurse .
That never struck him as odd , Gasol wrote , because it ’ s what he had always known .
Never mind that only a few decades earlier , a female physician – or lawyer or CEO – would have been an anomaly .
For him , and everyone who knew Gasol ’ s family , this was the norm .
Boys and young men growing up today will always know a world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the vice president , the second-highest office in the land .
A world in which a woman is running an MLB team – a league that lags behind even the NFL in progressiveness .
A world in which women are increasingly judged by their capabilities rather than dismissed because of their gender .
There is more work to be done to achieve equality , both for women and people of color .
And we 'll get there .
As soon as someone sweeps up all this glass .

Opinion: 'If you see it, you can be it.' Kim Ng's hiring as Marlins GM opens endless possibilities
Show Caption Hide Caption Marlins make historic GM hire Sports Pulse: Kim Ng becomes the first female GM in MLB history WhatI'mHearing, USA TODAY
After Kamala Harris’ barrier-breaking election as vice president last week, a good-natured warning made its way around social media.
“Make sure to wear shoes, ladies. There’s glass everywhere.”
Now, just a few days later, another ceiling has shattered. The Miami Marlins announced the hiring of Kim Ng as their general manager Friday, making her the first woman to hold that position in Major League Baseball.
It’s important to point out how woefully long overdue this is. Ng has been considered one of the brightest minds in baseball for decades now, and only the willfully ignorant will deny that a man with her 30-year resume – she was an executive for three teams that won World Series titles – would have been elevated well before this.
Ng also isn’t the only one who’s had opportunities closed off to her simply because she’s a woman. The Marlins said they believe Ng is the first GM of any team in any of the major men’s professional sports leagues in North America, and it’s not for a lack of qualified candidates.
But it’s also important to celebrate how transformative a moment this is -- and not simply for Ng.
“When I got into this business, it seemed unlikely a woman would lead a Major League team,” she said in the team’s announcement. “But I am dogged in the pursuit of my goals.”
It’s often said that you cannot be what you do not see, and girls and young women who want to run a franchise or be an executive in sports now have a living, breathing enabler of their dreams. The sexists who have squelched women’s ambitions by saying, “Well, that’s just how it’s always been,” are now left to sputter in silence.
Just as the ranks of women coaching in the NBA has swelled in the six years since Becky Hammon was hired, so, too, are other women likely to quickly join Ng as the top executive of a team.
Women like Kelly Krauskopf, who has been the Indiana Pacers’ assistant GM for almost two years now after 19 years running the WNBA’s Indiana Fever. Or Katie Blackburn, who, as executive vice president of the Cincinnati Bengals, knows how to finagle the NFL’s salary cap as well as anyone. Or Hayley Wickenheiser, who is already helping shape the future of the Toronto Maple Leafs as the team’s assistant director of player development.
All it takes is one woman to crack open the door, and the crowd behind her can come barging through.
This is not to say that we’ve achieved equality over this last week. As any woman in a male-dominated industry will tell you -- and it goes double for women of color -- we still have to justify our skills and qualifications when our male colleagues do not. We still have men making decisions based on the assumptions of their experience and privilege rather than reality.
But Ng showing what’s possible will have a lasting, and far-reaching, impact.
When Hammon was a candidate for the Milwaukee Bucks’ coaching job in 2018, Pau Gasol wrote an essay on her behalf for The Players’ Tribune. In it, he recalled his childhood in Spain, where his mother was a doctor and his father was a nurse.
That never struck him as odd, Gasol wrote, because it’s what he had always known. Never mind that only a few decades earlier, a female physician – or lawyer or CEO – would have been an anomaly. For him, and everyone who knew Gasol’s family, this was the norm.
Boys and young men growing up today will always know a world in which a woman was chosen to be the vice president, the second-highest office in the land. A world in which a woman is running an MLB team – a league that lags behind even the NFL in progressiveness.
A world in which women are increasingly judged by their capabilities rather than dismissed because of their gender.
There is more work to be done to achieve equality, both for women and people of color. And we'll get there. As soon as someone sweeps up all this glass.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on Twitter @nrarmour.


usatoday--2020-11-14--Opinion: Phil Mickelson is confident he can make a run at the Masters — if he fixes his putting

AUGUSTA , Georgia – As this most unusual Masters tournament neared its midpoint , three-time champion Phil Mickelson was equal parts disgusted and thrilled .
“ I ’ m striking the ball exceptional , and I ’ m putting horrific , ” the 50-year-old Mickelson said after firing a 2-under-par 70 in his second round after a 3-under 69 in the opening round that stretched across Thursday afternoon and Friday morning .
At 5-under , he is tied for 19th , four strokes behind a quartet of leaders , including Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas .
“ If I get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m going to make a run.
” His wife , Amy , one of the very few people following her husband ’ s group – or any group -- during this spectator-less Masters , knew what was coming .
“ He ’ s going to be putting all night , ” she told two reporters on his last hole Friday afternoon .
Mickelson didn ’ t necessarily disagree .
“ I 'm very frustrated and disappointed with the way I 've putted .
I 've let eight , nine , 10 shots ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it 's pathetic , and I 'm going to fix that and hopefully make a run .
But you ca n't make those mistakes , give those shots up in this field , in this competition.
” Phil being Phil , there was another thought – of course .
“ But we 've got 36 more holes , and I 'm playing well enough .
I struck it well enough to keep me in it despite probably being last in the field in putting .
But I 'm going to get that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turned 50 in June , but there ’ s something about Augusta National ’ s hallowed grounds that turns the magnificent landscape into a bubbling fountain of relative youth .
Not long after Mickelson spoke , 63-year-old Bernhard Langer came by to talk to reporters and said Mickelson most definitely has another Masters win in him .
“ Phil has the knowledge and Phil has the length still definitely to compete and probably to win , so it ’ s just a matter of can he do it four days in a row @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Langer said .
Before we go back to Phil , let ’ s stop and appreciate what Langer is doing here .
At 3-under after 36 holes , Langer will become the oldest player in Masters history to make the cut .
He has won two green jackets in his illustrious career , but both were a long time ago now : in 1985 and again in 1993 .
Like all the players here this week , Mickelson is adapting to a very different Masters .
Every time he has been in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how “ appreciative ” he is to have the opportunity to play in this tournament in any form during the pandemic .
“ It ’ s five , 10 times harder to put this tournament on this year than it has been in the past , and the club has worked very hard to hold this event , and we 're all very appreciative , ” he said .
“ It does n't matter if we 're teeing off on 10 , 12 , rain delays , whatever .
We get a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Because there are no spectators here , Mickelson said one big difference is being able to see Amy following him on every hole .
“ Her energy and support means more to me than anything , ” he said , “ and to be able to see her out here and have her on holes that she 's never been able to see before , like 12 and 13 ( due to the massive galleries ) , is an experience of a lifetime for both of us.
” But other than that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying attention to much of anything outside the ropes this year .
“ My vision is only inside the ropes , ” he said .
Then he added , for laughs : “ My ball is outside the ropes.
” That ’ s an old joke , because he is quite pleased with how he has driven the ball over the first 36 holes .
“ I ’ m driving like a stallion , ” he said , providing some examples : “ Driving it over the trees on 9 all the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into 17 , wedge into 14 , 5-iron both days into 2 .
“ I mean , I 'm driving the ball very well .
I 'm hitting the ball great , and I 'm putting awful .
I 've been putting well this year , and if I get this fixed for the weekend , I 'm going to make a run .
”

Opinion: Phil Mickelson is confident he can make a run at the Masters — if he fixes his putting
Show Caption Hide Caption The Masters may look different, but still amazing Sports Pulse: The Masters may look different, but can we still expect the same playing out of Tiger Woods SportsPulse, USA TODAY
AUGUSTA, Georgia – As this most unusual Masters tournament neared its midpoint, three-time champion Phil Mickelson was equal parts disgusted and thrilled.
“I’m striking the ball exceptional, and I’m putting horrific,” the 50-year-old Mickelson said after firing a 2-under-par 70 in his second round after a 3-under 69 in the opening round that stretched across Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. At 5-under, he is tied for 19th, four strokes behind a quartet of leaders, including Dustin Johnson and Justin Thomas.
“If I get that fixed this weekend, I’m going to make a run.”
His wife, Amy, one of the very few people following her husband’s group – or any group -- during this spectator-less Masters, knew what was coming.
“He’s going to be putting all night,” she told two reporters on his last hole Friday afternoon.
Mickelson didn’t necessarily disagree. “I'm very frustrated and disappointed with the way I've putted. I've let eight, nine, 10 shots (get away) on the green, and it's pathetic, and I'm going to fix that and hopefully make a run. But you can't make those mistakes, give those shots up in this field, in this competition.”
Phil being Phil, there was another thought – of course.
“But we've got 36 more holes, and I'm playing well enough. I struck it well enough to keep me in it despite probably being last in the field in putting. But I'm going to get that fixed for tomorrow's round.”
Mickelson turned 50 in June, but there’s something about Augusta National’s hallowed grounds that turns the magnificent landscape into a bubbling fountain of relative youth.
Not long after Mickelson spoke, 63-year-old Bernhard Langer came by to talk to reporters and said Mickelson most definitely has another Masters win in him.
“Phil has the knowledge and Phil has the length still definitely to compete and probably to win, so it’s just a matter of can he do it four days in a row and find his best game,” Langer said.
Before we go back to Phil, let’s stop and appreciate what Langer is doing here. At 3-under after 36 holes, Langer will become the oldest player in Masters history to make the cut. He has won two green jackets in his illustrious career, but both were a long time ago now: in 1985 and again in 1993.
Like all the players here this week, Mickelson is adapting to a very different Masters. Every time he has been in front of a microphone, he has spoken about how “appreciative” he is to have the opportunity to play in this tournament in any form during the pandemic.
“It’s five, 10 times harder to put this tournament on this year than it has been in the past, and the club has worked very hard to hold this event, and we're all very appreciative,” he said. “It doesn't matter if we're teeing off on 10, 12, rain delays, whatever. We get a chance to compete for a green jacket.”
Because there are no spectators here, Mickelson said one big difference is being able to see Amy following him on every hole.
“Her energy and support means more to me than anything,” he said, “and to be able to see her out here and have her on holes that she's never been able to see before, like 12 and 13 (due to the massive galleries), is an experience of a lifetime for both of us.”
But other than that, Mickelson said he isn’t paying attention to much of anything outside the ropes this year.
“My vision is only inside the ropes,” he said.
Then he added, for laughs: “My ball is outside the ropes.”
That’s an old joke, because he is quite pleased with how he has driven the ball over the first 36 holes.
“I’m driving like a stallion,” he said, providing some examples: “Driving it over the trees on 9 all the way down to the bottom, hitting wedge into 17, wedge into 14, 5-iron both days into 2.
“I mean, I'm driving the ball very well. I'm hitting the ball great, and I'm putting awful. I've been putting well this year, and if I get this fixed for the weekend, I'm going to make a run.”


usatoday--2020-11-13--Trump supporters plan rallies in Washington DC, experts warn extremists may attend

Experts are warning some right-wing extremists may appear at rallies in Washington , D.C. , on Saturday in support of President Donald Trump , though it 's unclear how many people will attend .
Multiple events with names including Million MAGA March , Stop the Steal and March for Trump are set to occur at Freedom Plaza around noon Saturday , according to several social media posts .
As of Tuesday , there were at least 24 Facebook events using one or both terms , according to the Anti-Defamation League .
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Metropolitan Police Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but would not provide a crowd estimate .
At least one counter-protest is planned by a leftist group .
Organizers are promoting the event as a way to protest “ voter fraud , ” to “ show support for our President ” and “ demand a free and fair election , '' according to the Anti-Defamation League .
Trump has refused to concede and leveled baseless allegations of voter fraud to falsely claim the election was stolen from him .
Although the rallies are not considered extremist events , they have caused a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Parler and Telegram , according to the Anti-Defamation League .
Oren Segal , vice president for the ADL 's Center on Extremism , said he does n't expect the event will draw massive crowds like the Women 's March held after Trump 's election and he does n't believe the event will necessarily lead to a public safety threat .
`` Who actually shows up remains to be seen , '' Segal said .
`` The danger here is that you have extremists who are having the same ideas , sharing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as non-extremists . ''
'Abuse of the rule of law':1,000 ex-judges , attorneys slam Trump 's false claims of voter fraud False claims have been spreading about Election Day.We fact checked viral ones .
The only permit application approved for an event Saturday is from Cindy Chafian with Women for America First , who estimated Friday that 10,000 people will attend .
The group said speakers for their event include Republican Reps. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania and Paul Gosar of Arizona ; Rep.-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene , a supporter of far-right conspiracy theory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump counterterrorism adviser who had alleged ties to anti-Semitic groups in Hungary .
Amy Kremer , chair for Women for America First , said her organization is not coordinating with any of the other groups planning simultaneous events .
She expected people to attend from across the country but did n't have a crowd estimate .
Some Facebook groups and Twitter pages for the events have several thousand followers .
A National Park Service estimate says there is only room on the plaza for about 13,000 people .
However , White House press @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday that she expects the turnout to be “ quite large '' at Saturday 's rallies .
“ People want to show up and have their voice heard , '' McEnany said after being asked about the event .
Read this : How police handled a DC stabbing is yet another sign of how law enforcement favors extremist group Proud Boys Facebook previously shut down a fast-growing pro-Trump “ Stop the Steal ” group that was being used to organize protests over “ worrying calls for violence.
” Eventbrite took down several of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refunded tickets .
A spokesperson said the site prohibits events , content or creators that share potentially harmful misinformation or contribute to the risk of violence .
The event seems to have originated with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones who urged his followers to go to D.C. after the election , according to Angelo Carusone , president of the media watchdog group Media Matters for America .
Jones ' website InfoWars announced plans to lead a cross-country caravan to the march through Houston and Austin , Texas ; Tallahassee , Florida ; Baton Rouge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Carolina ; and Richmond , Virginia .
Carusone estimated Friday that the caravan currently has attracted about 10 people .
Other groups including white nationalists and armed extremist groups then announced their intent to join , Carusone said .
Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio announced his group would attend and the Oath Keepers , an anti-government extremist group , issued a call for volunteers to attend the event with their leader , Stewart Rhodes , according to the ADL .
`` It is an ad hoc sort of combination of extremists , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media figures that are trying to hope something sparks , '' Carusone said .
`` Essentially as if an online comment troll just decided to come to life . ''
Carusone said that while he does not expect the rally will draw a massive crowd , he is concerned that groups like the Proud Boys may try to antagonize counter protesters in order to provoke a fight .
However , he said that if mainstream right-wing media outlets and figures like the president start promoting the event it could draw thousands .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally in a tweet Friday .
`` Heartwarming to see all of the tremendous support out there , especially the organic Rallies that are springing up all over the Country , including a big one on Saturday in D.C. '' he said .
A left-wing group called Refuse Fascism said it will rally at Freedom Plaza 30 minutesbefore the Million MAGA March , setting up the possibility of clashes .
`` We ’ re going to engage in nonviolent mass protest , '' Sunsara Taylor , one of the co-initiators of the group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to do it safely , but we ’ re also not going to be intimidated or back down because there ’ s a bunch of people who can not reconcile themselves that their fascist program has been repudiated . ''
Alaina Gertz , a spokesperson for the D.C. police , said they are aware of planned activity but would not provide estimates on crowd size .
Police released an advisory noting some roads will be closed and parking will be restricted throughout downtown D.C. and reminding the public that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 feet of any protest , including those who have a concealed carry permit .
`` We 're continuing to monitor and assess each activity and plan accordingly with our fed law enforcement partners , '' Gertz said .
Mayor Muriel Bowser said Tuesday despite the upcoming rallies she still recommends business owners should take down their plywood they used to board up storefronts to prepare for potential election violence .
She said her team is also monitoring reports of the caravan .
`` We continue to follow those activities and be prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when asked about the rallies .
`` Our police chief will have a similar posture this weekend as he did last week and we will be there to support peaceful exercise of first amendment demonstrations . ''

Trump supporters plan rallies in Washington DC, experts warn extremists may attend
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Million MAGA March': President Trump surprises attendees President Trump surprised excited "Million MAGA March" attendees as they flooded Freedom Plaza Storyful, Wochit
Experts are warning some right-wing extremists may appear at rallies in Washington, D.C., on Saturday in support of President Donald Trump, though it's unclear how many people will attend.
Multiple events with names including Million MAGA March, Stop the Steal and March for Trump are set to occur at Freedom Plaza around noon Saturday, according to several social media posts. As of Tuesday, there were at least 24 Facebook events using one or both terms, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Metropolitan Police Department say they're monitoring the events, but would not provide a crowd estimate. At least one counter-protest is planned by a leftist group.
Organizers are promoting the event as a way to protest “voter fraud,” to “show support for our President” and “demand a free and fair election," according to the Anti-Defamation League. Trump has refused to concede and leveled baseless allegations of voter fraud to falsely claim the election was stolen from him.
Although the rallies are not considered extremist events, they have caused a buzz in right-wing circles on social media including Parler and Telegram, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
Oren Segal, vice president for the ADL's Center on Extremism, said he doesn't expect the event will draw massive crowds like the Women's March held after Trump's election and he doesn't believe the event will necessarily lead to a public safety threat.
"Who actually shows up remains to be seen," Segal said. "The danger here is that you have extremists who are having the same ideas, sharing the same ideology, promoting the same thoughts as non-extremists."
'Abuse of the rule of law': 1,000 ex-judges, attorneys slam Trump's false claims of voter fraud
False claims have been spreading about Election Day. We fact checked viral ones.
The only Trump-rlpermit application approved for an event Saturday is from Cindy Chafian with Women for America First, who estimated Friday that 10,000 people will attend.
The group said speakers for their event include Republican Reps. Mike Kelly of Pennsylvania and Paul Gosar of Arizona; Rep.-elect Marjorie Taylor Greene, a supporter of far-right conspiracy theory QAnon; and Sebastian Gorka, former Trump counterterrorism adviser who had alleged ties to anti-Semitic groups in Hungary.
Amy Kremer, chair for Women for America First, said her organization is not coordinating with any of the other groups planning simultaneous events. She expected people to attend from across the country but didn't have a crowd estimate.
Some Facebook groups and Twitter pages for the events have several thousand followers. A National Park Service estimate says there is only room on the plaza for about 13,000 people.
However, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told Fox News on Thursday that she expects the turnout to be “quite large" at Saturday's rallies.
“People want to show up and have their voice heard," McEnany said after being asked about the event.
Read this: How police handled a DC stabbing is yet another sign of how law enforcement favors extremist group Proud Boys
Facebook previously shut down a fast-growing pro-Trump “Stop the Steal” group that was being used to organize protests over “worrying calls for violence.”
Eventbrite took down several of event pages connected to these rallies and refunded tickets. A spokesperson said the site prohibits events, content or creators that share potentially harmful misinformation or contribute to the risk of violence.
The event seems to have originated with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones who urged his followers to go to D.C. after the election, according to Angelo Carusone, president of the media watchdog group Media Matters for America.
Jones' website InfoWars announced plans to lead a cross-country caravan to the march through Houston and Austin, Texas; Tallahassee, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Atlanta; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Richmond, Virginia.
Carusone estimated Friday that the caravan currently has attracted about 10 people.
Other groups including white nationalists and armed extremist groups then announced their intent to join, Carusone said. Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio announced his group would attend and the Oath Keepers, an anti-government extremist group, issued a call for volunteers to attend the event with their leader, Stewart Rhodes, according to the ADL.
"It is an ad hoc sort of combination of extremists, of grifters and some online right wing media figures that are trying to hope something sparks," Carusone said. "Essentially as if an online comment troll just decided to come to life."
Carusone said that while he does not expect the rally will draw a massive crowd, he is concerned that groups like the Proud Boys may try to antagonize counter protesters in order to provoke a fight. However, he said that if mainstream right-wing media outlets and figures like the president start promoting the event it could draw thousands.
Trump indicated that he may stop by the rally in a tweet Friday.
"Heartwarming to see all of the tremendous support out there, especially the organic Rallies that are springing up all over the Country, including a big one on Saturday in D.C." he said.
A left-wing group called Refuse Fascism said it will rally at Freedom Plaza 30 minutes before the Million MAGA March, setting up the possibility of clashes.
"We’re going to engage in nonviolent mass protest," Sunsara Taylor, one of the co-initiators of the group, told USA TODAY. "We’re going to do it safely, but we’re also not going to be intimidated or back down because there’s a bunch of people who cannot reconcile themselves that their fascist program has been repudiated."
Alaina Gertz, a spokesperson for the D.C. police, said they are aware of planned activity but would not provide estimates on crowd size.
Police released an advisory noting some roads will be closed and parking will be restricted throughout downtown D.C. and reminding the public that they are prohibited from carrying a firearm within 1,000 feet of any protest, including those who have a concealed carry permit.
"We're continuing to monitor and assess each activity and plan accordingly with our fed law enforcement partners," Gertz said.
Mayor Muriel Bowser said Tuesday despite the upcoming rallies she still recommends business owners should take down their plywood they used to board up storefronts to prepare for potential election violence. She said her team is also monitoring reports of the caravan.
"We continue to follow those activities and be prepared for those activities," Bowser said when asked about the rallies. "Our police chief will have a similar posture this weekend as he did last week and we will be there to support peaceful exercise of first amendment demonstrations."
Contributing: The Associated Press
Follow N'dea Yancey-Bragg on Twitter: @NdeaYanceyBragg