usatoday--2020-10-31--Live election updates: Minnesota Gov. thanks Trump for 'finally following public health guidance at

Live election updates: Minnesota Gov. thanks Trump for 'finally following public health guidance at a campaign rally'

President Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden are in the home stretch of this election .
Refresh this blog all day for updates as the candidates make their final push .
Minnesota ’ s Democratic Governor Tim Walz appeared to sarcastically thank the Trump campaign for “ finally following public health guidance at a campaign rally ” after an event in the state Friday night .
The Trump campaign had to change venues a few times before the event on Friday , as Officials in Minnesota and the city of Rochester objected to thousands of attendees , and insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 250 people .
The president has been crisscrossing the country and holding rallies with thousands of attendees .
There is growing evidence his crowded rallies have contributed to spikes in COVID-19 cases .
Trump wrapped up his speech after just 21 minutes .
He usually speaks for upwards of an hour .
Outside the event , Trump bashed Walz for `` playing games '' and doing `` a terrible job '' because the Governor tried to require rally attendees to adhere to social distancing .
He then waved to a large crowd of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in .
In text campaign , 96.3 % of Sanders voters say they back Biden While supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders were n't quick to back Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden , Sanders campaign officials say many of their supporters now support the former vice president .
Friends of Bernie Sanders , the Vermont Senator 's campaign pack , invested $ 200,000 this fall to reactivate its peer-to-peer texting program that is focused on key battleground states and electing progressives down-ballot , according to Sanders officials .
Through the program , 1.3 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crucial battleground states .
The officials said that 96.3 % of Sanders supporters who replied to texts of who they are supporting said they are supporting Biden .
The group hopes to reach more than 4 million texts to voters in 14 states by Nov. 3 , the officials said .
Sanders was quick to support Biden after the Vermont Senator suspended his presidential campaign in March .
Unlike in 2016 , Sanders continued his campaign until June .
Over the past several weeks , Sanders has campaign in-person for Biden in several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Survey : Nearly 2 out of 3 voters will cast their ballots early in-person or by mail , not on Election Day With less than four days until the election and amid record levels of early voting , a majority of Americans say they 're going to cast their ballots early in person or by mail , according to a new survey .
When combining those who are voting by mail ( 42 % ) and those who voting early in person ( 26 % ) , nearly 2 in 3 voters will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day , according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project .
Record high levels of early voting have been reported across the nation .
More than 84 million people have early voted in this election , according to the United States Election Project .
More than 23.3 million people have voted in person and more than 52.4 million mail-in ballots have been returned nationwide .
Early voting has surged to unprecedented levels in the 2020 election , especially in Texas where the number of early votes has already surpassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years ago .
According to the Texas Secretary of State office , 8,969,226 out of 15,101,087 registered voters cast ballots in the entire 2016 general election .
The official vote count in Texas through Thursday is already at 9,009,850 – with a full day of early voting and Election Day left to go .
Texas : Early votes in Texas surpass total cast in 2016 with Election Day still to go President Donald Trump and aides appeared to take a jab at public officials who worry that his campaign rallies could spread COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` peaceful protests . ''
`` THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a Make America Great Again Peaceful Protest , '' said the official White House schedule in reference to Friday 's events in Rochester , Minnesota .
Officials in Minnesota and the city of Rochester had objected to Trump 's event , and insisted that the rally crowd be restricted to 250 people .
`` Officials have been told that this is now an invitation only event and is not open to the public , '' said a statement from the city of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State of Minnesota COVID-19 guidelines . ''
Trump , who complained on Twitter about the Minnesota restrictions , has often said that local officials do n't seem worried about COVID spread at the many mass protests over police misconduct and other issues .
Trump : Trump ’ s campaign made stops nationwide .
Coronavirus cases surged in his wake in at least five places .
`` There 's a legal definition you ca n't have a political rally – they did that to keep me out , right ? ''
Trump said Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisc.
, another state that has cited concerns about the spread of COVID .
Trump claimed , falsely , that some states want `` to protect anarchists , rioters , people that were burning down your stores . ''
He then told his crowd of supporters : `` So you have the absolute right to protest – so I call this a friendly protest , OK , officially ?
Not a rally . ''
Trump also has events Friday in Waterford Township , Michigan , and Green Bay , Wisconsin , but each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` Make American Great Again Victory Rally . ''
There is evidence Trump rallies have contributed to spikes in COVID-19 cases .
A USA TODAY analysis showed that COVID-19 cases grew at a faster rate than before after at least five recent rallies in counties across the Midwest : Blue Earth , Minnesota ; Lackawanna , Pennsylvania ; Marathon , Wisconsin ; Dauphin , Pennsylvania ; and Beltrami , Minnesota .
Black voters could make the difference in the battle for Pennsylvania Pennsylvania is a top prize for President Donald Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some activists say Black voters could prove crucial to deciding who wins the presidential race and earns the state 's 20 electoral votes .
Organizers expect social unrest , the disproportionate impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on communities of color , and the renewed national focus on civil rights for Black Americans will spur more Black voters to show up at the polls in Pennsylvania than they did in 2016 .
Pennsylvania : In fierce presidential battle for Pennsylvania , Black voters could make all the difference To activate those voters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local artists ; conducting phone banks from home ; setting up voter information booths at outdoor events ; and leading caravans through Black neighborhoods .
Trump narrowly beat Democrat Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania in 2016 , but Biden is now leading Trump by 5.4 points there , according to USA TODAY 's polling average .
The state is 76 % white and 12 % Black , and had voted Democrat since 1992 before it swung right for Trump .
Voting 2020 : Many people in jail are eligible to vote .
But casting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Poll : Most disapprove of Trump 's decision to hold rallies during pandemic A new USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll finds nearly two-thirds of likely voters prefer Democrat Joe Biden ’ s low-key campaign strategy to President Donald Trump 's raucous fanfare of surrounding himself with thousands of supporters at dozens of rallies .
Nearly six in 10 Americans disapprove of Trump 's decision to continue to hold large rallies during the pandemic , according to the poll , while nearly 64 % approve of Biden 's decision to jettison big events in favor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most disapprove of Trump 's decision to hold campaign rallies during COVID Trump has held more than two dozen rallies since recovering from his own bout with COVID-19 this month – and he is expected to hold at least a dozen more before Tuesday 's election .
The rallies are held outdoors , usually at airports , and supporters are packed in tight .
While some rallygoers wear masks , many do not and Trump himself does not wear one .
Biden has rarely gathered more than a few dozen supporters at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white , spray-painted circles for each participant .
His campaign has insisted participants get tested before they show up and wear masks .
How many have voted ?
: More than 80 million people have already voted .
Here 's how that compares with past elections .
'Give me a break ' : Sen. McSally brushes off Trump 's treatment at rally President Donald Trump 's interactions with GOP Sen. Martha McSally at recent Arizona campaign rallies have been much-scrutinized with some viewing the exchanges as disrespectful and dismissive .
While campaigning in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by his side , unlike some GOP candidates facing tough campaigns .
But Trump has exuded little warmth for her lately .
On Wednesday at a rally in Goodyear , Trump hurried McSally on stage and told her to speak quickly , a departure from his recent rallies in Iowa and Michigan where the GOP Senate candidates were not brought on stage to speak during his prime-time slot .
American voters : Millions of Americans are voting for the first time this year , and it 's not just young people '' Martha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump said , after issuing her praise and slamming her Democratic challenger Mark Kelly .
“ Fast .
Fast .
Come on .
Quick .
You got one minute !
One minute , Martha !
They don ’ t want to hear this , Martha .
Come on .
Let ’ s go .
Quick , quick , quick .
Come on .
Let ’ s go.
” For her part , McSally shrugged off Trump ’ s treatment of her .
`` Give me a break , '' McSally told reporters Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , R-Fla. , in Scottsdale .
`` President Trump will be President Trump , and I 'm fighting with him to save the country . ''
'Give me a break ' : Sen. Martha McSally brushes off Trump 's treatment at Arizona rally We 're four days away There are now just four days to Election Day , and more than 80 million people have already voted , according to numbers compiled by @ electproject .
Millions of mail ballots are still outstanding , and the date the USPS recommended to mail them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few days passed .
Officials stress those ballots now be dropped off in-person .
Trump and COVID : Trump said not to worry about COVID-19 .
These people beg to differ .
In Wisconsin , a crucial swing-state , multiple Milwaukee area agencies and organizations are teaming up during this coronavirus-era election season to help provide transportation to the polls on Nov. 3 .
Early in-person voting also ends in a few states today , including in Georgia , Texas , Idaho , and Massachusetts , among some others .
As Trump continues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases have emerged .
Two people who attended a rally in North Carolina last week have tested positive for COVID-19 .
• A Florida judge has resigned from Duval County ’ s vote-counting board after findings that he donated repeatedly to Trump ’ s re-election campaign .
Florida judicial rules bar judges from political donations of any kind .
• Biden holds a slight lead over Trump among Latino voters in the battleground state of Florida , according to a poll published Thursday , but is struggling with the Cuban population there .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas , Arizona and Nevada .
• A new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll found that 3 of 4 voters express concern about the possibility of violence on Election Day .
• Trump cancelled his rally Thursday in North Carolina due to high winds produced by Tropical Storm Zeta .
No presidential winner on election night ?
Mail-in ballots could put the outcome in doubt for weeks .
Where are the candidates today ?
The Biden and Trump campaigns will hold dueling events in two states : Minnesota and Wisconsin , with drastically different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnesota , Biden will hold a drive-in car rally while Trump 's location , as of Thursday night , was influx due to the state 's COVID-19 safety regulations and his crowd size .
Trump will rally in Green Bay , Wisconsin while the Biden campaign will be in Milwaukee .
Biden will also visit Iowa , making Friday his fullest day of travel during the general election .
Trump will rally in Michigan , as well .
Sen. Kamala Harris will campaign around Texas , in Fort Worth , McAllen and Houston @

Live election updates: Minnesota Gov. thanks Trump for ‘finally following public health guidance at a campaign rally’
Show Caption Hide Caption Election: President Trump makes new appeal to women at Michigan rally President Trump made an appeal to women voters at a rally in Michigan to help their husbands recover from economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. USA TODAY
President Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden are in the home stretch of this election. Refresh this blog all day for updates as the candidates make their final push.
Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz appeared to sarcastically thank the Trump campaign for “finally following public health guidance at a campaign rally” after an event in the state Friday night.
The Trump campaign had to change venues a few times before the event on Friday, as Officials in Minnesota and the city of Rochester objected to thousands of attendees, and insisted that the rally crowd be restricted to 250 people.
The president has been crisscrossing the country and holding rallies with thousands of attendees. There is growing evidence his crowded rallies have contributed to spikes in COVID-19 cases.
Trump wrapped up his speech after just 21 minutes. He usually speaks for upwards of an hour.
Outside the event, Trump bashed Walz for "playing games" and doing "a terrible job" because the Governor tried to require rally attendees to adhere to social distancing. He then waved to a large crowd of supporters who were not able to get in.
In text campaign, 96.3% of Sanders voters say they back Biden
While supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders weren't quick to back Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, Sanders campaign officials say many of their supporters now support the former vice president.
Friends of Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Senator's campaign pack, invested $200,000 this fall to reactivate its peer-to-peer texting program that is focused on key battleground states and electing progressives down-ballot, according to Sanders officials.
Through the program, 1.3 million people have been reached out to in crucial battleground states. The officials said that 96.3% of Sanders supporters who replied to texts of who they are supporting said they are supporting Biden.
The group hopes to reach more than 4 million texts to voters in 14 states by Nov. 3, the officials said.
Sanders was quick to support Biden after the Vermont Senator suspended his presidential campaign in March. Unlike in 2016, Sanders continued his campaign until June. Over the past several weeks, Sanders has campaign in-person for Biden in several key states including Michigan and Pennsylvania.
— Rebecca Morin
With less than four days until the election and amid record levels of early voting, a majority of Americans say they're going to cast their ballots early in person or by mail, according to a new survey.
When combining those who are voting by mail (42%) and those who voting early in person (26%), nearly 2 in 3 voters will be casting their ballot ahead of Election Day, according to a survey from the Democracy Fund + UCLA Nationscape Project.
Record high levels of early voting have been reported across the nation. More than 84 million people have early voted in this election, according to the United States Election Project. More than 23.3 million people have voted in person and more than 52.4 million mail-in ballots have been returned nationwide.
– Rebecca Morin
Early voting has surged to unprecedented levels in the 2020 election, especially in Texas where the number of early votes has already surpassed the total number of ballots cast four years ago.
According to the Texas Secretary of State office, 8,969,226 out of 15,101,087 registered voters cast ballots in the entire 2016 general election. The official vote count in Texas through Thursday is already at 9,009,850 – with a full day of early voting and Election Day left to go.
– William Cummings
Texas: Early votes in Texas surpass total cast in 2016 with Election Day still to go
President Donald Trump and aides appeared to take a jab at public officials who worry that his campaign rallies could spread COVID-19 by officially describing those campaign events as "peaceful protests."
"THE PRESIDENT delivers remarks at a Make America Great Again Peaceful Protest," said the official White House schedule in reference to Friday's events in Rochester, Minnesota.
Officials in Minnesota and the city of Rochester had objected to Trump's event, and insisted that the rally crowd be restricted to 250 people.
"Officials have been told that this is now an invitation only event and is not open to the public," said a statement from the city of Rochester. "It will comply with State of Minnesota COVID-19 guidelines."
Trump, who complained on Twitter about the Minnesota restrictions, has often said that local officials don't seem worried about COVID spread at the many mass protests over police misconduct and other issues.
Trump: Trump’s campaign made stops nationwide. Coronavirus cases surged in his wake in at least five places.
"There's a legal definition you can't have a political rally – they did that to keep me out, right?" Trump said Tuesday at a rally in West Salem, Wisc., another state that has cited concerns about the spread of COVID.
Trump claimed, falsely, that some states want "to protect anarchists, rioters, people that were burning down your stores." He then told his crowd of supporters: "So you have the absolute right to protest – so I call this a friendly protest, OK, officially? Not a rally."
Trump also has events Friday in Waterford Township, Michigan, and Green Bay, Wisconsin, but each is described the standard way, as a "Make American Great Again Victory Rally."
There is evidence Trump rallies have contributed to spikes in COVID-19 cases.
A USA TODAY analysis showed that COVID-19 cases grew at a faster rate than before after at least five recent rallies in counties across the Midwest: Blue Earth, Minnesota; Lackawanna, Pennsylvania; Marathon, Wisconsin; Dauphin, Pennsylvania; and Beltrami, Minnesota.
– David Jackson
Pennsylvania is a top prize for President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, and some activists say Black voters could prove crucial to deciding who wins the presidential race and earns the state's 20 electoral votes.
Organizers expect social unrest, the disproportionate impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on communities of color, and the renewed national focus on civil rights for Black Americans will spur more Black voters to show up at the polls in Pennsylvania than they did in 2016.
Pennsylvania: In fierce presidential battle for Pennsylvania, Black voters could make all the difference
To activate those voters, groups are hosting socially distant rallies featuring local artists; conducting phone banks from home; setting up voter information booths at outdoor events; and leading caravans through Black neighborhoods.
Trump narrowly beat Democrat Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania in 2016, but Biden is now leading Trump by 5.4 points there, according to USA TODAY's polling average. The state is 76% white and 12% Black, and had voted Democrat since 1992 before it swung right for Trump.
– Deborah Barfield Berry
Voting 2020: Many people in jail are eligible to vote. But casting a ballot behind bars isn't easy
A new USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll finds nearly two-thirds of likely voters prefer Democrat Joe Biden’s low-key campaign strategy to President Donald Trump's raucous fanfare of surrounding himself with thousands of supporters at dozens of rallies.
Nearly six in 10 Americans disapprove of Trump's decision to continue to hold large rallies during the pandemic, according to the poll, while nearly 64% approve of Biden's decision to jettison big events in favor of much smaller gatherings.
Poll: Most disapprove of Trump's decision to hold campaign rallies during COVID
Trump has held more than two dozen rallies since recovering from his own bout with COVID-19 this month – and he is expected to hold at least a dozen more before Tuesday's election. The rallies are held outdoors, usually at airports, and supporters are packed in tight. While some rallygoers wear masks, many do not and Trump himself does not wear one.
Biden has rarely gathered more than a few dozen supporters at a time, often enforcing recommended distancing with white, spray-painted circles for each participant. His campaign has insisted participants get tested before they show up and wear masks.
– John Fritze, Bart Jansen and Joshua Bowling
How many have voted?: More than 80 million people have already voted. Here's how that compares with past elections.
How polls work: The science behind gathering voter opinions The news cycle is jampacked with polls. But have you ever wondered how polls actually work and what they mean? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
President Donald Trump's interactions with GOP Sen. Martha McSally at recent Arizona campaign rallies have been much-scrutinized with some viewing the exchanges as disrespectful and dismissive.
While campaigning in swing-state Arizona, Trump has kept McSally by his side, unlike some GOP candidates facing tough campaigns. But Trump has exuded little warmth for her lately.
On Wednesday at a rally in Goodyear, Trump hurried McSally on stage and told her to speak quickly, a departure from his recent rallies in Iowa and Michigan where the GOP Senate candidates were not brought on stage to speak during his prime-time slot.
American voters: Millions of Americans are voting for the first time this year, and it's not just young people
"Martha, just come up fast,” Trump said, after issuing her praise and slamming her Democratic challenger Mark Kelly. “Fast. Fast. Come on. Quick. You got one minute! One minute, Martha! They don’t want to hear this, Martha. Come on. Let’s go. Quick, quick, quick. Come on. Let’s go.”
For her part, McSally shrugged off Trump’s treatment of her.
"Give me a break," McSally told reporters Thursday at an event with Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., in Scottsdale. "President Trump will be President Trump, and I'm fighting with him to save the country."
– Yvonne Wingett Sanchez and Farah Eltohamy
'Give me a break': Sen. Martha McSally brushes off Trump's treatment at Arizona rally
There are now just four days to Election Day, and more than 80 million people have already voted, according to numbers compiled by @electproject.
Millions of mail ballots are still outstanding, and the date the USPS recommended to mail them back to make state deadlines is a few days passed. Officials stress those ballots now be dropped off in-person.
Trump and COVID: Trump said not to worry about COVID-19. These people beg to differ.
In Wisconsin, a crucial swing-state, multiple Milwaukee area agencies and organizations are teaming up during this coronavirus-era election season to help provide transportation to the polls on Nov. 3.
Early in-person voting also ends in a few states today, including in Georgia, Texas, Idaho, and Massachusetts, among some others.
As Trump continues to hold large in-person rallies, coronavirus cases have emerged. Two people who attended a rally in North Carolina last week have tested positive for COVID-19.
A Florida judge has resigned from Duval County’s vote-counting board after findings that he donated repeatedly to Trump’s re-election campaign. Florida judicial rules bar judges from political donations of any kind.
Biden holds a slight lead over Trump among Latino voters in the battleground state of Florida, according to a poll published Thursday, but is struggling with the Cuban population there. He is leading among Latino voters in Texas, Arizona and Nevada.
A new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll found that 3 of 4 voters express concern about the possibility of violence on Election Day.
Trump cancelled his rally Thursday in North Carolina due to high winds produced by Tropical Storm Zeta.
No presidential winner on election night? Mail-in ballots could put the outcome in doubt for weeks.
Where are the candidates today?
The Biden and Trump campaigns will hold dueling events in two states: Minnesota and Wisconsin, with drastically different event styles given the ongoing pandemic
In Minnesota, Biden will hold a drive-in car rally while Trump's location, as of Thursday night, was influx due to the state's COVID-19 safety regulations and his crowd size.
Trump will rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin while the Biden campaign will be in Milwaukee.
Biden will also visit Iowa, making Friday his fullest day of travel during the general election. Trump will rally in Michigan, as well.
Sen. Kamala Harris will campaign around Texas, in Fort Worth, McAllen and Houston.


usatoday--2020-10-30--The McRib, McDonald's fan favorite barbecue sandwich is making a comeback very soon

The McRib , McDonald 's fan favorite barbecue sandwich is making a comeback very soon McDonald 's iconic barbecue sandwich @ @ @ @ @ set to return for a limited time starting Dec. 2 .

McRib: McDonald's iconic barbecue sandwich is making a comeback
McDonald's iconic barbecue sandwich, the McRib, is set to return for a limited time starting Dec. 2.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-30--Giddy Golden Retriever leaps into dad's arms

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt .
Micah Waits has been deployed four times .
A warm welcome home from his little @ @ @ @ @ retriever , make it all worth it .

Giddy Golden Retriever leaps into dad's arms
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Micah Waits has been deployed four times. A warm welcome home from his little girl, and his golden retriever, make it all worth it.
Militarykind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-30--How to make graveyard and ghost cookies

How to make graveyard and ghost cookies

How to make graveyard and ghost cookies Tis the season to get spooky !
Here 's an easy recipe for @ @ @ @ @ whip up this Halloween .

Halloween recipe: Make ghost cookies
Tis the season to get spooky! Here's an easy recipe for graveyard and ghost cookies to whip up this Halloween.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-30--Family of Betsy DeVos among Michigan's biggest political donors

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos may no longer give to campaigns but her family still does .
A look at Federal Election Commission records for this election cycle , including all of last year and this year up to the middle of this month , shows various members of the DeVos family , one of Michigan 's richest , giving at least $ 4.9 million to federal political action committees .
And that does n't count any state-only giving or contributions directly to candidates .
Nearly four years ago , DeVos , as she was being vetted by the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neither she nor her husband , Dick DeVos , would give to political campaigns , potentially robbing Republican campaigns and causes of a major source of contributions .
Turns out they did n't have to worry .
And as for her husband , who is part of the family that helped found Amway , he went ahead and gave anyway , to the tune of at least $ 510,000 .
`` It 's really important when a high-level official makes a commitment that they stick to their word in that regard , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Michigan Campaign Finance Network , a watchdog group .
`` Does it represent a conflict of interest ?
That depends on how you view our federal government ( and whether officials should be nonpartisan ) . ''
More : Trump vs. Biden : Here 's how every region of the state plays its part in the race More : Trump campaigned in '16 on remaking Michigan manufacturing .
Did he deliver ?
For its analysis , the Free Press looked at individual contributions from Michigan of more than $ 10,000 to federally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited donations to individual candidates ' campaign committees but catches those to outside groups that work to defeat or elect candidates — or at least those contributions that are required to be disclosed .
It showed that among Michigan 's biggest givers — a roster that includes names such as Ford , Gilbert and Moroun — the vast majority , $ 20.6 million out of about $ 28 million , went to groups working to elect Republicans .
• Matthew Moroun , who runs the company that owns and operates the Ambassador Bridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least $ 751,000 so far , including $ 400,000 to President Donald Trump 's Victory Fund .
• Members of the Cotton family , which created Detroit-based Meridian Health Plan , a huge health maintenance organization with hundreds of thousands of members in Michigan and across the Midwest , have given almost $ 3.3 million to Republican groups , including more than $ 1.3 million to the Republican National Committee .
• In west Michigan , the Haworth family , whose fortune comes from the family 's furniture business , contributed nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — $ 1.5 million — went from Dick and Ethelyn Haworth to Americans for Prosperity Action , a conservative PAC that has concentrated its efforts on U.S. Senate races this cycle .
As for the DeVos family contributions , $ 1.2 million went to the Senate Leadership Fund , which is working to keep Republicans in majority control of the U.S. Senate and another $ 1 million went to America First Action , a super PAC backing Trump 's reelection .
Another $ 700,000 went to the Better Future Michigan Fund , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his race against U.S. Sen. Gary Peters , D-Mich .
It 's not just Republican giving That 's not to say that it was only Republican causes that were getting funds .
No single contributor in the state appeared to give more than Jon Stryker of Kalamazoo , who contributed nearly $ 2.5 million .
His contributions included $ 1.2 million to the Democratic House Majority PAC and more than $ 1 million to the Senate Majority PAC , which is attempting to help Democrats take control of that chamber .
Stryker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supplies company of the same name .
As for some other well-known Michigan individuals and families , Ethan Davidson , the son of the late Pistons owner Bill Davidson , and Ethan 's wife , Gretchen , have given just under $ 300,000 to Democratic groups , including $ 100,000 to Democratic nominee Joe Biden 's Victory Fund .
And members of the Ford family — Ford Motor director Edsel Ford II and his wife , Cynthia , — have given just over $ 400,000 to Democratic groups while Ford Motor 's executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife , Lisa , gave $ 40,000 to the state Republican Party .
As for Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert and his wife Jennifer , they gave $ 90,400 , all to groups looking to protect the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate .
Compuware founder Peter Karmanos and his wife , Danialle , gave $ 422,400 , including $ 179,000 to the Republican National Committee .
Since the cycle has n't ended , these totals could go up .
But Schuster noted that just because it appears deep-pocketed Michiganders gave more to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole picture .
In some cases , groups that are required to report contributions receive donations from other groups that are not required to do so — meaning it can be all but impossible to know exactly who is contributing and how much they might be giving behind the scenes .
Then there are some nonprofit groups that get involved in elections but are n't required to disclose donors at all .
And there is every reason to believe that Democrats are availing themselves of obscure funding sources as much as Republicans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are in an era when dark money has proliferated more than at any time in American political history , '' he said .
Contact Todd Spangler : tspangler @ freepress.com .
Follow him on Twitter @ tsspangler .
Read more onMichigan politics and sign up for ourelections newsletter .

Family of Betsy DeVos among Michigan’s biggest political donors
Show Caption Hide Caption Presidential election: Are Americans better off under Trump? USA TODAY asked people in the key battleground states of Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin: Are you better off now than four years ago? Mike Thompson, Detroit Free Press
U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos may no longer give to campaigns but her family still does.
A look at Federal Election Commission records for this election cycle, including all of last year and this year up to the middle of this month, shows various members of the DeVos family, one of Michigan's richest, giving at least $4.9 million to federal political action committees.
And that doesn't count any state-only giving or contributions directly to candidates.
Nearly four years ago, DeVos, as she was being vetted by the U.S. Senate to become education secretary, said neither she nor her husband, Dick DeVos, would give to political campaigns, potentially robbing Republican campaigns and causes of a major source of contributions.
Turns out they didn't have to worry. And as for her husband, who is part of the family that helped found Amway, he went ahead and gave anyway, to the tune of at least $510,000.
"It's really important when a high-level official makes a commitment that they stick to their word in that regard," said Simon Schuster, executive director of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network, a watchdog group. "Does it represent a conflict of interest? That depends on how you view our federal government (and whether officials should be nonpartisan)."
More: Trump vs. Biden: Here's how every region of the state plays its part in the race
More: Trump campaigned in '16 on remaking Michigan manufacturing. Did he deliver?
For its analysis, the Free Press looked at individual contributions from Michigan of more than $10,000 to federally registered committees. That doesn't include limited donations to individual candidates' campaign committees but catches those to outside groups that work to defeat or elect candidates — or at least those contributions that are required to be disclosed.
It showed that among Michigan's biggest givers — a roster that includes names such as Ford, Gilbert and Moroun — the vast majority, $20.6 million out of about $28 million, went to groups working to elect Republicans.
Among them:
Matthew Moroun, who runs the company that owns and operates the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, has contributed at least $751,000 so far, including $400,000 to President Donald Trump's Victory Fund.
Members of the Cotton family, which created Detroit-based Meridian Health Plan, a huge health maintenance organization with hundreds of thousands of members in Michigan and across the Midwest, have given almost $3.3 million to Republican groups, including more than $1.3 million to the Republican National Committee.
In west Michigan, the Haworth family, whose fortune comes from the family's furniture business, contributed nearly $1.8 million, most of which — $1.5 million — went from Dick and Ethelyn Haworth to Americans for Prosperity Action, a conservative PAC that has concentrated its efforts on U.S. Senate races this cycle.
As for the DeVos family contributions, $1.2 million went to the Senate Leadership Fund, which is working to keep Republicans in majority control of the U.S. Senate and another $1 million went to America First Action, a super PAC backing Trump's reelection. Another $700,000 went to the Better Future Michigan Fund, which has been focused on helping John James in his race against U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich.
It's not just Republican giving
That's not to say that it was only Republican causes that were getting funds. No single contributor in the state appeared to give more than Jon Stryker of Kalamazoo, who contributed nearly $2.5 million.
His contributions included $1.2 million to the Democratic House Majority PAC and more than $1 million to the Senate Majority PAC, which is attempting to help Democrats take control of that chamber. Stryker's family founded the west Michigan medical supplies company of the same name.
As for some other well-known Michigan individuals and families, Ethan Davidson, the son of the late Pistons owner Bill Davidson, and Ethan's wife, Gretchen, have given just under $300,000 to Democratic groups, including $100,000 to Democratic nominee Joe Biden's Victory Fund. And members of the Ford family — Ford Motor director Edsel Ford II and his wife, Cynthia, — have given just over $400,000 to Democratic groups while Ford Motor's executive chairman, Bill Ford, and his wife, Lisa, gave $40,000 to the state Republican Party.
As for Quicken Loans founder Dan Gilbert and his wife Jennifer, they gave $90,400, all to groups looking to protect the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate. Compuware founder Peter Karmanos and his wife, Danialle, gave $422,400, including $179,000 to the Republican National Committee.
Free Press Voter Guide Welcome to the Detroit Free Press 2020 Voter Guide. The Free Press asked candidates in most of the contested races in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties questions about a host of issues. Enter your address to see what the candidates on your ballot had to say, from U.S. Senate to your local school board. You will only see an accurate ballot if you enter your full address. Your information will not be shared with anyone.
Since the cycle hasn't ended, these totals could go up. But Schuster noted that just because it appears deep-pocketed Michiganders gave more to Republicans doesn't mean necessarily that shows the whole picture. In some cases, groups that are required to report contributions receive donations from other groups that are not required to do so — meaning it can be all but impossible to know exactly who is contributing and how much they might be giving behind the scenes. Then there are some nonprofit groups that get involved in elections but aren't required to disclose donors at all.
And there is every reason to believe that Democrats are availing themselves of obscure funding sources as much as Republicans may be, he said.
"We are in an era when dark money has proliferated more than at any time in American political history," he said.
Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @tsspangler. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.


usatoday--2020-10-30--Congressional COVID panel blasts Trump administration's coronavirus response as 'among the worst fai

WASHINGTON – A Democrat-led congressional panel investigating the federal government 's response to the coronavirus slammed the Trump administration 's handling of the pandemic `` as among the worst failures of leadership in American history . ''
The scathing 71-page report concluded that a global crisis that has killed nearly 230,000 Americans and infected some 9 million more ( including President Donald Trump ) was exacerbated by political interference , favoritism and neglect that invited government fraud , disenfranchised poor communities and denied federal aid to millions .
“ Today 's report exhaustively documents what has long been clear : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus crisis has been a tragic failure , '' the panel 's chair , Rep. Jim Clyburn , D-S.C. , told reporters on a conference call Friday .
`` Yesterday , our country recorded the largest number of cases in a single day since the pandemic began – nearly 90,000 .
More than nine months since the deadly virus landed on our shores , it is inexcusable that it continues to spread unabated . ''
The panel , known officially as the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis , spent the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hearings , reviewing hundreds of thousands of pages of documents , and interviewing senior administration officials , experts in public health and economics , and Americans personally impacted by the pandemic .
More : 'We ’ re not going to control the pandemic , ' Meadows says ; Senate blocks Dems ' Barrett filibuster : 2020 election updates • As late as last month , some 9 million Americans had yet to receive their Economic Impact Payments that Congress approved to help people weather the crisis .
• Bankers said the Treasury Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the Paycheck Protection Program ( PPP ) to `` existing '' customers , a situation that benefitted larger firms at the expense of smaller and minority-owned stores during the first round of assistance payments .
• The lack of a broad testing regimen and Trump 's continued downplaying of the virus ' impact is a major reason the U.S. leads the world in cases and deaths .
• Top administration officials , including the president , have `` improperly interfered '' with the government 's response more than 60 times by pressuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s talking points , sidelining officials for sharing accurate scientific information with the public , altering or suppressing guidance and scientific reports on testing , protecting children , reopening schools , voting safely , and other topics , and promoting questionable virus treatments over the objections of scientists .
Trump continues to insist the U.S. is `` rounding the corner '' on the coronavirus and has derided mask mandates and other COVID restrictions , even as the U.S. death rate has edged back up to about 800 Americans per day , a level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since Sept. 1 , the president and key Oval Office figures have violated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on the coronavirus at least 27 times , ignoring recommendations on mask-wearing , social distancing , quarantining and more .
More : President Trump and his staff defied CDC coronavirus guidelines 27 times since Sept. 1 And his chief of staff , Mark Meadows , acknowledged Sunday that the administration wo n't be able to do much about the spread of COVID-19 , and is focusing on cures instead .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , '' Meadows told CNN 's `` State of the Union . ''
The congressional report is a compilation of problems and challenges the administration has faced in responding to the virus , most of which have been made public .
It recommends the administration adopt `` a coordinated national plan '' to tackle the pandemic and support Democratic-backed legislation to provide a fifth round of widespread relief to Americans and local governments .
The PPP program for small business encountered problems when it was first rolled out in the early spring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses bludgeoned by the pandemic were awarded improperly to firms that already had received a PPP loan or were barred from doing business with the federal government .
More : Trump said not to worry about COVID-19 .
These people beg to differ .
Critics point to the lack of oversight in a program where lenders – not the Small Business Administration – were deciding who was eligible and which businesses to prioritize .
Steps have been taken by the administration after the initial rollout to fix many of those problems .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 5.2 million loans totaling some $ 525 billion , has largely been praised as a lifesaver for small businesses around the country despite instances of fraud and misuse .
In another example of the administration 's missteps cited by the committee , the administration had to withhold a proposed $ 765 million loan to Eastman Kodak Co. to produce pharmaceutical drugs after the deal came under congressional and regulatory scrutiny .
In August , the panel investigated the loan because `` the company lacked any pharmaceutical experience and its executives and directors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was announced . ''
Established in April , the coronavirus panel has been compared to the effort to the Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program , created in 1941 by then-Sen. Harry Truman who was concerned that mismanagement and corruption among industrial contractors would hamper America ’ s war effort .
The Truman Committee , as it became known , conducted hundreds of hearings , held field inspections across the country , and saved millions in cost overruns .

Congressional COVID panel blasts Trump administration's coronavirus response as 'among the worst failures of leadership in American history'
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: Pandemic is getting worse as new cases surge across the U.S. Months into the COVID-19 pandemic states are setting records for the most new cases and deaths in a week since the pandemic began. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – A Democrat-led congressional panel investigating the federal government's response to the coronavirus slammed the Trump administration's handling of the pandemic "as among the worst failures of leadership in American history."
The scathing 71-page report concluded that a global crisis that has killed nearly 230,000 Americans and infected some 9 million more (including President Donald Trump) was exacerbated by political interference, favoritism and neglect that invited government fraud, disenfranchised poor communities and denied federal aid to millions.
“Today's report exhaustively documents what has long been clear: the Trump Administration’s response to the coronavirus crisis has been a tragic failure," the panel's chair, Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., told reporters on a conference call Friday. "Yesterday, our country recorded the largest number of cases in a single day since the pandemic began – nearly 90,000. More than nine months since the deadly virus landed on our shores, it is inexcusable that it continues to spread unabated."
The panel, known officially as the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, spent the past six months holding more than a dozen hearings, reviewing hundreds of thousands of pages of documents, and interviewing senior administration officials, experts in public health and economics, and Americans personally impacted by the pandemic.
More: 'We’re not going to control the pandemic,' Meadows says; Senate blocks Dems' Barrett filibuster: 2020 election updates
Among it's conclusions:
As late as last month, some 9 million Americans had yet to receive their Economic Impact Payments that Congress approved to help people weather the crisis.
Bankers said the Treasury Department encouraged them to prioritize small business loans through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to "existing" customers, a situation that benefitted larger firms at the expense of smaller and minority-owned stores during the first round of assistance payments.
The lack of a broad testing regimen and Trump's continued downplaying of the virus' impact is a major reason the U.S. leads the world in cases and deaths.
Top administration officials, including the president, have "improperly interfered" with the government's response more than 60 times by pressuring health experts to adopt the administration’s talking points, sidelining officials for sharing accurate scientific information with the public, altering or suppressing guidance and scientific reports on testing, protecting children, reopening schools, voting safely, and other topics, and promoting questionable virus treatments over the objections of scientists.
Trump continues to insist the U.S. is "rounding the corner" on the coronavirus and has derided mask mandates and other COVID restrictions, even as the U.S. death rate has edged back up to about 800 Americans per day, a level not seen in more than a month.
Since Sept. 1, the president and key Oval Office figures have violated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on the coronavirus at least 27 times, ignoring recommendations on mask-wearing, social distancing, quarantining and more.
More: President Trump and his staff defied CDC coronavirus guidelines 27 times since Sept. 1
And his chief of staff, Mark Meadows, acknowledged Sunday that the administration won't be able to do much about the spread of COVID-19, and is focusing on cures instead.
“We’re not going to control the pandemic," Meadows told CNN's "State of the Union."
The congressional report is a compilation of problems and challenges the administration has faced in responding to the virus, most of which have been made public. It recommends the administration adopt "a coordinated national plan" to tackle the pandemic and support Democratic-backed legislation to provide a fifth round of widespread relief to Americans and local governments.
The PPP program for small business encountered problems when it was first rolled out in the early spring. Thousands of loans meant for small businesses bludgeoned by the pandemic were awarded improperly to firms that already had received a PPP loan or were barred from doing business with the federal government.
More: Trump said not to worry about COVID-19. These people beg to differ.
Critics point to the lack of oversight in a program where lenders – not the Small Business Administration – were deciding who was eligible and which businesses to prioritize. Steps have been taken by the administration after the initial rollout to fix many of those problems.
The program, which has doled out more than 5.2 million loans totaling some $525 billion, has largely been praised as a lifesaver for small businesses around the country despite instances of fraud and misuse.
In another example of the administration's missteps cited by the committee, the administration had to withhold a proposed $765 million loan to Eastman Kodak Co. to produce pharmaceutical drugs after the deal came under congressional and regulatory scrutiny.
In August, the panel investigated the loan because "the company lacked any pharmaceutical experience and its executives and directors reaped huge stock windfalls before the deal was announced."
Established in April, the coronavirus panel has been compared to the effort to the Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program, created in 1941 by then-Sen. Harry Truman who was concerned that mismanagement and corruption among industrial contractors would hamper America’s war effort.
The Truman Committee, as it became known, conducted hundreds of hearings, held field inspections across the country, and saved millions in cost overruns.


usatoday--2020-10-30--Early votes in Texas surpass total cast in 2016 with Election Day still to go

Early voting has surged to unprecedented levels in the 2020 election , especially in Texas where the number of early votes has already surpassed the total number of ballots cast four years ago .
According to the Texas Secretary of State office , 8,969,226 out of 15,101,087 registered voters cast ballots in the entire 2016 general election .
The official vote count in Texas through Thursday is already at 9,009,850 – with a full day of early voting and Election Day left to go .
Out of those votes , 8,062,615 were cast at in-person early voting sites and 947,235 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has driven an expansion of absentee ballots and vote-by-mail across the U.S. to help voters avoid the risk of potential exposure to the virus .
Democratic activists who sought to extend early voting because of the pandemic successfully fought in court to add another week to the earlier voting window , which has helped boost the early numbers .
Voters in Texas do not register by party , so the early returns do n't indicate whether the high numbers favor either Democrats or Republicans .
Polling indicates a very tight race in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four years ago by nine percentage points .
Democrats have long hoped to flip the country 's second-most populous state , where Republicans have won every statewide race since 1994 .
Though the total number of votes cast in Texas has passed that of four years ago , the 53 % of registered voters who have turned out so far is less than the 59 % turnout in 2016 .
That is because there are more than 1.8 million additional registered voters in the state than in the previous presidential election .
Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 totals in early voting alone , but voters across the nation are casting ballots ahead of Election Day at rates far above previous elections .
Nationally , nearly 84 million ballots have already been cast , which is about 61 % of the entire vote total from 2016 , according to the U.S .
Elections Project .

Early votes in Texas surpass total cast in 2016 with Election Day still to go
Show Caption Hide Caption How Americans feel about the election process - States of America Polls reveal whether Americans feel their vote is truly being counted as candidates make a last-minute sprint to get votes. States of America, USA TODAY
Early voting has surged to unprecedented levels in the 2020 election, especially in Texas where the number of early votes has already surpassed the total number of ballots cast four years ago.
According to the Texas Secretary of State office, 8,969,226 out of 15,101,087 registered voters cast ballots in the entire 2016 general election. The official vote count in Texas through Thursday is already at 9,009,850 – with a full day of early voting and Election Day left to go.
Out of those votes, 8,062,615 were cast at in-person early voting sites and 947,235 were mailed in. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven an expansion of absentee ballots and vote-by-mail across the U.S. to help voters avoid the risk of potential exposure to the virus. Democratic activists who sought to extend early voting because of the pandemic successfully fought in court to add another week to the earlier voting window, which has helped boost the early numbers.
Voters in Texas do not register by party, so the early returns don't indicate whether the high numbers favor either Democrats or Republicans. Polling indicates a very tight race in the Lone Star State, which Trump won four years ago by nine percentage points. Democrats have long hoped to flip the country's second-most populous state, where Republicans have won every statewide race since 1994.
Though the total number of votes cast in Texas has passed that of four years ago, the 53% of registered voters who have turned out so far is less than the 59% turnout in 2016. That is because there are more than 1.8 million additional registered voters in the state than in the previous presidential election.
Texas is the first state to surpass its 2016 totals in early voting alone, but voters across the nation are casting ballots ahead of Election Day at rates far above previous elections. Nationally, nearly 84 million ballots have already been cast, which is about 61% of the entire vote total from 2016, according to the U.S. Elections Project.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-31--Sean Connery, who defined the role of 'James Bond' for a generation, dies at 90

Villain Auric Goldfinger uttered that line in the 1964 James Bond classic `` Goldfinger , '' before leaving Sean Connery ’ s Bond to die a certain death .
The suave 007 managed to escape , of course , playing Bond seven times after debuting as the first Bond in 1962 's `` Dr .
No . ''
The Oscar-winning Connery , has died at age 90 , according to Bond producers Eon Productions , who confirmed his death , first reported by BBC.The verified Twitter account for the James Bond films also confirmed the news .
Producers Michael G. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ devastated by the news.
” “ He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words — ‘ The name ’ s Bond ... James Bond , ' ” they said in a statement .
He was the epitome of the suave but dangerous spy with a license to kill and the authority to flaunt his famously hairy chest in the process .
Connery 's representatives did not immediately return USA TODAY 's request for comment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ adamantly insist that no one else could truly be referred to as Mr .
Bond , not even the actors who followed in Connery ’ s footsteps ( including you , Daniel Craig ) .
“ Sean Connery was the first and most culturally influential Bond , ” says Bill Desowitz , author of `` James Bond Unmasked , '' of the star 's enduring legacy .
`` He combined tough working-class appeal with a smooth sense of refinement .
The other Bonds have been chasing his shadow ever since .
For a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first and only James Bond.
” Director Steven Spielberg summed up the rugged Scotsman 's instantaneous worldwide impact when presenting Connery with his American Film Institute lifetime achievement award in 2006 .
`` The moment Sean Connery introduced himself as Bond , he became the man all men wanted to be and all women just wanted , '' Spielberg said .
The journey to that screen moment was a long one for Connery , born Aug. 25 , 1930 , to Joseph and Euphamia Connery , a factory worker/truck driver and cleaning lady @ @ @ @ @ @ @ menial jobs such as bricklayer , lifeguard and even a coffin polisher after three years of naval service .
While born poor , he did have gifts .
Connery capitalized on his burly good looks as a bodybuilder ( taking third in the 1950 Mr. Universe competition ) and model .
After transitioning into acting , it took nearly eight years of bit parts before the aspiring actor would appear in his first leading role opposite Lana Turner in 1958 's `` Another Time , Another Place , '' followed by a singing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darby O ’ Gill and the Little People '' ( 1959 ) .
Three years later , he appeared in `` Dr. No , '' first uttering the immortal 007 introduction , `` Bond , James Bond , '' while lighting a cigarette in black tie after winning a hand of casino blackjack .
Connery learned how to portray the glamorous world of a screen spy under the tutelage of `` Dr. No '' director and bon vivant Terence Young .
Young showed Connery how to eat and walk , and fueled Connery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inhabits .
`` You have to work very hard to make something look easy , '' Connery told USA TODAY in 2006 of his Bond portrayal .
With his clothing , cars and women , Bond was an immediate culture changer in depressed post-war Britain and worldwide .
`` Connery was fresh and outside of the box .
He was a younger , more dangerous Cary Grant , '' says Desowitz .
`` Even his walk conveyed this sense of power and sexiness .
His producers described it as a panther 's walk.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's `` From Russia With Love , '' `` Goldfinger , '' 1965 's `` Thunderball '' and 1967 's `` You Only Live Twice . ''
before stepped away from the prime franchise for myriad reasons – including the pursuit of more varied roles and the public pressure playing the instantly iconic character .
But the allure was too much to quit .
He was coaxed back for 1971 's `` Diamonds Are Forever '' and 1983 's `` Never Say Never Again '' ( referred to as the `` unofficial '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by Eon Productions ) .
Away from Bond , Connery received the breadth of roles and acting accolades for which he yearned .
He played British military officer Colonel Arbuthnot in 1974 's `` Murder on the Orient Express '' and adventurer Daniel Dravot in director John Huston ’ s `` The Man Who Would Be King '' ( 1975 ) .
Connery played the immortal Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez in 1986 's `` Highlander '' and 1991 's `` Highlander II : The Quickening , '' the only character besides Bond he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was savagely shot-up as Irish-American officer Jim Malone working for Kevin Costner 's Eliot Ness in 1987 ’ s `` The Untouchables . ''
The role earned Connery a best supporting actor Oscar at age 57 .
“ Patience truly is a virtue , ” Connery said during his acceptance speech .
Directors were willing to make story trade-offs to bring him on board a project .
Spielberg cast Connery , then 58 , to play Indiana Jones ' cantankerous father alongside Harrison Ford , just 12 years younger , in 1989 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crusade . ''
In 1990 , he maintained his barely disguised Scottish accent as a Russian submarine captain trying to defect to the United States in `` The Hunt for Red October . ''
Connery 's celebrity came with controversy : During a 1987 TV interview , Connery held his ground on past inflammatory comments about striking a woman `` if it merits it ...
I think it 's absolutely right . ''
But the actor weathered the outrage .
Connery was proclaimed People ’ s Sexiest Man Alive at 59 in 1989 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth II in July 2000 , he declared it `` one of the proudest days of my life . ''
The love for Connery , whom Spielberg called one of `` seven movie stars in the world today , '' never dimmed even as he stepped increasingly away from acting to retirement in the Bahamas with Micheline , his wife of 45 years .
Before Micheline , he married Diane Cilento in 1962 , and they had a son together , Jason , pridivorcing in 1973 .
The Bond influence remained even as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Allan Quatermain , head of a group of Victorian-era superheroes in 2003 ’ s `` The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen . ''
Even voicing an animated character in his final role , as an aged , clumsy veterinarian in the 2012 Scottish film `` Sir Billi , '' brought out a slew of Bond references .
During a rare public appearance in August 2017 , when the 87-year-old actor showed up courtside at New York ’ s U.S. Open tennis match , Connery beamed with delight when his image was displayed as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In August 2020 , he easily topped all screen Bonds in a Radio Times fan poll , 37 years after his final performance .
`` Connery did have that great career he wanted beyond the scope of Bond , ” says Desowitz .
“ But for many , Sean Connery will be remembered as 007 .
That ’ s his enduring legacy .
”

Sean Connery, who defined the role of 'James Bond' for a generation, dies at 90
Show Caption Hide Caption Sean Connery, best known for portraying James Bond, has died The first actor to play James Bond on film, has died. Wochit
Goodnight, Mr. Bond.
Villain Auric Goldfinger uttered that line in the 1964 James Bond classic "Goldfinger." The suave 007 managed to escape, of course, playing Bond seven times after debuting as the first Bond in film with 1962's "Dr. No."
The Oscar-winning Connery died at age 90, family spokeswoman Nancy Seltzer confirmed to USA TODAY on Saturday.
"His wife Micheline (Roquebrune) and his two sons, Jason and Stephane, have confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family," Seltzer said. "There will be a private ceremony followed by a memorial yet to be planned once the virus has ended."
In a Saturday interview with British newspaper The Mail on Sunday, Roquebrune revealed he suffered from dementia.
"It was no life for him. He was not able to express himself latterly... I was with him all the time and he just slipped away. It was what he wanted," she told the outlet. "He had dementia and it took its toll on him. He got his final wish to slip away without any fuss."
Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they were “devastated by the news" of the star's death.
“He was and shall always be remembered as the original James Bond whose indelible entrance into cinema history began when he announced those unforgettable words – ‘The name’s Bond ... James Bond,'” they said in a statement.
During his 007 tenure, Connery was the epitome of the suave but dangerous spy with a license to kill and the authority to flaunt his famously hairy chest in the process.
The legion of diehard Connery fans would adamantly insist that no one else could truly be referred to as Mr. Bond, not even the actors who followed in Connery’s footsteps (including you, Daniel Craig).
Sir Sean Connery has died at the age of 90. He was the first actor to play James Bond on the big screen in Dr. No in 1962, From Russia With Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever followed. pic.twitter.com/VaFPHCM5Ou — James Bond (@007) October 31, 2020
“Sean Connery was the first and most culturally influential Bond,” says Bill Desowitz, author of "James Bond Unmasked."
"He combined tough working-class appeal with a smooth sense of refinement. The other Bonds have been chasing his shadow ever since. For a generation, Connery will forever remain the first and only James Bond.”
Director Steven Spielberg summed up the rugged Scotsman's instantaneous worldwide impact when presenting Connery with his American Film Institute lifetime achievement award in 2006.
"The moment Sean Connery introduced himself as Bond, he became the man all men wanted to be and all women just wanted," Spielberg said.
The journey to that screen moment was a long one for Connery, born Aug. 25, 1930, to Joseph and Euphamia Connery, a factory worker/truck driver and cleaning lady. The young Connery worked in menial jobs such as bricklayer, lifeguard and even a coffin polisher after three years of naval service.
While born poor, he did have gifts. Connery capitalized on his burly good looks as a bodybuilder (taking third in the 1950 Mr. Universe competition) and model.
After transitioning into acting, it took nearly eight years of bit parts before the aspiring actor would appear in his first leading role opposite Lana Turner in 1958's "Another Time, Another Place," followed by a singing lead role in Disney’s "Darby O’Gill and the Little People" (1959).
Three years later, he appeared in "Dr. No," first uttering the immortal 007 introduction, "Bond, James Bond," while lighting a cigarette in black tie at a luxury casino.
Connery learned how to portray the glamorous world of a screen spy under the tutelage of "Dr. No" director and bon vivant Terence Young. Young showed Connery how to eat and walk and fueled Connery's interest in the fine clothing Bond inhabits.
"You have to work very hard to make something look easy," Connery told USA TODAY in 2006 of his Bond portrayal.
With his clothing, cars and women, Bond was an immediate culture changer in depressed postwar Britain and worldwide.
"Connery was fresh and outside of the box. He was a younger, more dangerous Cary Grant," Desowitz says. "Even his walk conveyed this sense of power and sexiness. His producers described it as a panther's walk.”
Connery returned as Bond in 1963's "From Russia With Love," "Goldfinger," 1965's "Thunderball" and 1967's "You Only Live Twice." before stepped away from the prime franchise for myriad reasons – including the pursuit of more varied roles and the public pressure playing the instantly iconic character.
But the allure was too much to quit.
He was coaxed back for 1971's "Diamonds Are Forever" and 1983's "Never Say Never Again" (referred to as the "unofficial" Bond film because it wasn't made by Eon Productions).
Away from Bond, Connery received the breadth of roles and acting accolades for which he yearned. He played British military officer Colonel Arbuthnot in 1974's "Murder on the Orient Express" and adventurer Daniel Dravot in director John Huston’s "The Man Who Would Be King" (1975).
Connery played the immortal Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez in 1986's "Highlander" and 1991's "Highlander II: The Quickening," the only character besides Bond he played in more than one film. He was savagely shot-up as Irish-American officer Jim Malone working for Kevin Costner's Eliot Ness in 1987’s "The Untouchables." The role earned Connery an Oscar for best supporting actor at age 57. “Patience truly is a virtue,” Connery said in his acceptance speech.
Directors were willing to make story trade-offs to bring him on board a project. Spielberg cast Connery, then 58, to play Indiana Jones' cantankerous father alongside Harrison Ford, just 12 years younger, in 1989's "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."
In 1990, he maintained his barely disguised Scottish accent as a Russian submarine captain trying to defect to the United States in "The Hunt for Red October."
Connery's celebrity came with controversy: During a 1987 TV interview, Connery held his ground on past inflammatory comments about striking a woman "if it merits it ... I think it's absolutely right."
But the actor weathered the outrage. Connery was proclaimed People’s Sexiest Man Alive at 59 in 1989. When he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2000, he declared it "one of the proudest days of my life."
The love for Connery, whom Spielberg called one of "seven movie stars in the world today," never dimmed even as he stepped increasingly away from acting to retirement in the Bahamas with Roquebrune, his wife of 45 years. Before Roquebrune, he married Diane Cilento in 1962, and they had a son together, Jason. They were divorced in 1973.
The Bond influence remained even as the roles became less frequent, such as Allan Quatermain, head of a group of Victorian-era superheroes in 2003’s "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen."
Even voicing an animated character in his final role, as an aged, clumsy veterinarian in the 2012 Scottish film "Sir Billi," brought out a slew of Bond references.
During a rare public appearance in August 2017, when the 87-year-old actor showed up courtside at New York’s U.S. Open tennis match, Connery beamed with delight when his image was displayed as the loudspeaker blasted the Bond theme. In August 2020, he easily topped all screen Bonds in a Radio Times fan poll, 37 years after his final performance.
"Connery did have that great career he wanted beyond the scope of Bond,” Desowitz says. “But for many, Sean Connery will be remembered as 007. That’s his enduring legacy.”
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-31--'The most visited state': Trump, Biden barnstorm Pennsylvania as key state on final campaign weekend

President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden agree on one thing after blazing different trails throughout the campaign : both will focus on the key battleground of Pennsylvania during the final weekend .
Trump plans rallies Saturday in Bucks County north of Philadelphia at 1:30 p.m. , and at airports in nearby Reading at 4 p.m. and Butler north of Pittsburgh at 7 p.m .
He also plans to return for rallies Sunday and Monday .
Biden , the former vice president , rallies Saturday in Michigan for the first time in person on the trail with former president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will deliver a speech in Philadelphia .
Biden and his running mate , Sen. Kamala Harris , will “ fan out across all four corners of the state ” Monday with their spouses , according to the campaign .
Trump won Pennsylvania in 2016 by less than 1 % of votes cast , or about 44,000 votes .
The state is among the most important of a half-dozen battlegrounds because its 20 electoral college votes could be the decisive tipping point for either candidate to reach the 270 needed to the White House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists .
“ We are by far the most visited state in the union by the candidates and their surrogates , '' said Terry Madonna , a professor who conducts polls as director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster .
“ They ’ re going to the states that are likely to decide the election.
” Trump campaigned on the country ’ s energy independence and argued that Biden would hurt production by shifting away from fossil fuels .
Trump told a rally Oct. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abolish Pennsylvania energy ” and that mining industries would be “ totally extinguished.
” '' We think Pennsylvania ’ s looking fantastic , '' Trump told reporters Friday .
“ If Pennsylvania didn ’ t frack , you wouldn ’ t have Pennsylvania , believe me.
” But Biden says he does n't want to ban fracking , although he would n't allow it on federal land .
He seeks to end federal subsidies for oil production while spurring development of renewable energy .
As a Scranton native and longtime resident of Wilmington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win the Keystone State .
“ With the grace of God and the goodwill of neighbors , I ’ m going to win Pennsylvania , ” Biden told reporters in Chester on Monday .
“ It ’ s a matter of a great deal to me , personally as well as politically.
” Biden leads Trump in Pennsylvania by 5 percentage points , according to an average of polling through Friday from tracking site FiveThirtyEight.com .
Biden led Trump 50 % to 44 % among likely voters , according to a Franklin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the race is close .
“ At the moment , Biden would certainly be a favorite to win , ” Madonna said .
“ But you can ’ t rule out a come from behind victory by Trump.
” Trump 's support is heaviest in the industrial regions of the southwest and northeast corners of the state , but he also enjoys support among Republican counties across the center , according to Madonna .
Biden has focused on urban centers of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh , while also appealing to working class areas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't register as a priority in statewide polling , but it is important in the southwest , Madonna said .
That helps explain why Trump has hammered Biden over fracking and energy production .
`` He is going to destroy the oil industry , '' Trump said during their debate Oct. 22 .
`` Will you remember that , Texas ?
Will you remember that , Pennsylvania , Oklahoma ? ''
Biden denied he would end fracking .
He proposed to spend $ 2 trillion over the next decade to spur development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shifting the fleet of federal vehicles from gas to electric .
`` I will transition , '' Biden said .
`` It is a big statement . ''
Madonna said Trump continues to lead in counties he won in 2016 , but by smaller margins than against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton .
“ For Trump to win , he has to do as well as he did four years ago among white working-class voters with high school educations or less , '' Madonna said .
`` He ’ s winning those Rust Belt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as he did four years ago . ''
`` Biden has also made an effort to win those working-class voters in those regions , where Hillary didn ’ t bother at all , '' Madonna added .
`` Biden talked about what he would do for people who live in those areas . ''
Here is a summary of where the candidates will be campaigning : •Trump to rally voters in Pennsylvania , in Bucks County , Reading and Butler .
•Biden will rally with Obama in Michigan , at drive-in rallies in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallies in Washington , Michigan ; Dubuque , Iowa ; Hickory , N.C. ; Rome , Georgia and Miami .
•Biden , Harris and their spouses will barnstorm Pennsylvania .
•Trump will hold rallies in Fayetteville , N.C. ; Scranton , Pennsylvania ; Traverse City , Michigan ; Kenosha , Wisconsin ; and Grand Rapids , Michigan .

'The most visited state': Trump, Biden barnstorm Pennsylvania as key state on final campaign weekend
Show Caption Hide Caption ONLY ON AP Suburban women may hold White House key Lines are being drawn in the suburban sand of Pennsylvania and other battleground states where both President Trump and Joe Biden are vying for a coveted voting bloc - suburban women. (Oct 19) AP
President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden agree on one thing after blazing different trails throughout the campaign: both will focus on the key battleground of Pennsylvania during the final weekend.
Trump plans rallies Saturday in Bucks County north of Philadelphia at noon, at airports in nearby Reading at 2:30 p.m. and Butler north of Pittsburgh at 4:40 p.m., and at Montoursville at 8 p.m. He also plans to return for rallies Sunday and Monday.
Biden, the former vice president, rallies Saturday in Michigan for the first time in person on the trail with former president Barack Obama. On Sunday, Biden will deliver a speech in Philadelphia. Biden and his running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris, will “fan out across all four corners of the state” Monday with their spouses, according to the campaign.
Trump won Pennsylvania in 2016 by less than 1% of votes cast, or about 44,000 votes. The state is among the most important of a half-dozen battlegrounds because its 20 electoral college votes could be the decisive tipping point for either candidate to reach the 270 needed to the White House, according to political experts and party activists.
“We are by far the most visited state in the union by the candidates and their surrogates," said Terry Madonna, a professor who conducts polls as director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster. “They’re going to the states that are likely to decide the election.”
Trump campaigned on the country’s energy independence and argued that Biden would hurt production by shifting away from fossil fuels. Trump told a rally Oct. 20 in Erie that Biden would “abolish Pennsylvania energy” and that mining industries would be “totally extinguished.”
"We think Pennsylvania’s looking fantastic," Trump told reporters Friday. “If Pennsylvania didn’t frack, you wouldn’t have Pennsylvania, believe me.”
But Biden says he doesn't want to ban fracking, although he wouldn't allow it on federal land. He seeks to end federal subsidies for oil production while spurring development of renewable energy. As a Scranton native and longtime resident of Wilmington, Delaware, Biden said he expected to win the Keystone State.
“With the grace of God and the goodwill of neighbors, I’m going to win Pennsylvania,” Biden told reporters in Chester on Monday. “It’s a matter of a great deal to me, personally as well as politically.”
Biden leads Trump in Pennsylvania by 5 percentage points, according to an average of polling through Friday from tracking site FiveThirtyEight.com. Biden led Trump 50% to 44% among likely voters, according to a Franklin & Marshall poll released Thursday. But the race is close.
“At the moment, Biden would certainly be a favorite to win,” Madonna said. “But you can’t rule out a come from behind victory by Trump.”
Trump's support is heaviest in the industrial regions of the southwest and northeast corners of the state, but he also enjoys support among Republican counties across the center, according to Madonna. Biden has focused on urban centers of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, while also appealing to working class areas, Madonna said.
Fracking for energy production doesn't register as a priority in statewide polling, but it is important in the southwest, Madonna said. That helps explain why Trump has hammered Biden over fracking and energy production.
"He is going to destroy the oil industry," Trump said during their debate Oct. 22. "Will you remember that, Texas? Will you remember that, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma?"
Biden denied he would end fracking. He proposed to spend $2 trillion over the next decade to spur development of renewable energy, such as by shifting the fleet of federal vehicles from gas to electric.
"I will transition," Biden said. "It is a big statement."
Madonna said Trump continues to lead in counties he won in 2016, but by smaller margins than against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
“For Trump to win, he has to do as well as he did four years ago among white working-class voters with high school educations or less," Madonna said. "He’s winning those Rust Belt areas but not the by same percentage as he did four years ago."
"Biden has also made an effort to win those working-class voters in those regions, where Hillary didn’t bother at all," Madonna added. "Biden talked about what he would do for people who live in those areas."
Here is a summary of where the candidates will be campaigning:
Saturday
•Trump to rally voters in Pennsylvania, in Bucks County, Reading and Butler.
•Biden will rally with Obama in Michigan, at drive-in rallies in Flint and Detroit.
Sunday
•Biden will deliver a speech in Philadelphia.
•Trump will hold rallies in Washington, Michigan; Dubuque, Iowa; Hickory, N.C.; Rome, Georgia and Miami.
Monday
•Biden, Harris and their spouses will barnstorm Pennsylvania.
•Trump will hold rallies in Fayetteville, N.C.; Scranton, Pennsylvania; Traverse City, Michigan; Kenosha, Wisconsin; and Grand Rapids, Michigan.


usatoday--2020-10-31--Coronavirus updates: New virus restrictions roll out amid pushback; US daily deaths may soon triple;

Coronavirus updates: New virus restrictions roll out amid pushback; US daily deaths may soon triple; lockdowns in Europe

A long-feared surge in COVID-19 cases is underway in the U.S. and abroad , leading to a new round of virus-related rules in some areas , restrictions that have quickly met pushback .
A judge in El Paso County , Texas , ordered a two-week shutdown of nonessential services starting at midnight Friday amid growing hospitalizations in the area .
Texas ' attorney general has joined several restaurant owners in suing to block the order .
A surge in coronavirus cases has led officials in Harrison County , Iowa — a heavily Republican county — to require people to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Kim Reynolds has continued this week to downplay efforts to contain the virus and has rejected mask requirements .
Reynolds has said Iowans must learn to live with the virus .
Meanwhile in Europe , hard-hit Belgium imposed a partial lockdown in an attempt to gain control of the virus ' spread .
In France , authorities ordered another four-week lockdown that began Friday .
This week , the University of Washington 's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predicted daily U.S. deaths will triple by mid-January , although increased mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need for social distancing mandates , the influential model said .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has reported more than 9 million cases and more than 229,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
The global totals : 45 million cases and 1.18 million deaths .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak in your state .
This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefingnewsletter .
Walt Disney World in Florida to lay off more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Orlando , Florida , will shed 10,903 unionized employees as part of the 28,000 layoffs that the company has previously announced , it was disclosed Friday in a filing to the state .
Walt Disney Co. blamed the layoffs on the `` continuing business impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic '' in the document , obtained by Fox 35 TV .
Overall , Disney said its parks and resorts division will lose 11,350 employees in Florida in total , all due to be laid off on Dec. 31 .
The layoffs underscore how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Walt Disney World reopened in July with new protocols in place to try to protect guests and employees from the coronavirus .
In a blog post Friday , a Disney official said the impacts from the pandemic have lasted longer than expected .
`` As a result , '' wrote Bettina Buckley , vice president of Walt Disney World Live Entertainment , `` we ’ ve had to pause many live shows and entertainment experiences at our resort for longer than originally anticipated . ''
Instead , she said the resort has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US hits 9 million COVID-19 cases , far ahead of other countries The United States has hit the 9 million mark when it comes to coronavirus cases , Johns Hopkins University reports .
With a count of 9,048,430 cases as of 9 a.m. EDT , the U.S. bests the next highest country , India by more than 911,000 cases .
India comes in at 8,137,119 and Brazil with 5,516,658 cases .
After that comes Russia , France and Spain .
The U.S. is also closing in on another milestone , 230,000 deaths .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes amid a surge of new cases in the U.S. as the weather becomes colder .
On Oct. 23 , the nation hit a new one-day record , 83,757 new daily cases , according to Johns Hopkins .
CDC says cruise lines can sail Nov. 1 , but it 's unlikely they will The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will allow cruise ships to sail in U.S. waters starting Sunday .
But even if they do , passengers wo n't be waving goodbye from the deck .
In fact , the agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed back on board .
That 's according to the public health agency 's new `` Framework for Conditional Sailing Order . ''
Published Friday , it “ introduces a phased approach for the safe and responsible resumption for passenger cruises , ” the CDC said in a release provided by spokesperson Cate Shockey .
The first cruises to leave port will be simulation sailings designed to show that ships and crews are in compliance with CDC standards and able to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 onboard .
Subsequent phases will include mock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their family members , Shockey told USA TODAY .
Those test voyages will be akin to the shakedown cruises that lines do with any new vessel prior to its official maiden voyage .
Trump Jr. says recent COVID-19 deaths are 'almost nothing . '
More than 20K people died this month .
In a Fox News interview Thursday , Donald Trump Jr. wrongly stated that the rate of COVID-19 deaths has declined to “ almost nothing.
” Trump Jr. said during an episode of “ The Ingraham Angle ” that he “ went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed the number of COVID-19 deaths has significantly declined .
Notably , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges that its recent data is “ provisional '' and often behind data gathered by counties and other sources .
While COVID-19 deaths have been lower than during their peak in April , new cases continue to march to an all-time high .
Wednesday set a record of new cases , with 88,521 nationwide , per Johns Hopkins ' dashboard .
In the past week , a USA TODAY analysis found that at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
Per Johns Hopkins , more than 20,000 people have died so far in October .
A study published Thursday found that grocery store workers had a heightened risk of COVID-19 infection , with 1 in 5 workers surveyed testing positive and most having asymptotic cases .
Workers who were in roles that involved interacting with customers were five times as likely to test positive , the study , published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine , found .
Three in four who did test positive had no symptoms .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means that retail grocery store employees are exposed to customers and sort of serve as a middleman for the virus — like a superspreader almost , '' researcher Dr. Justin Yang told CNN .
Europe 's outbreak : 10 million cases ; Spain in state of emergency until May European nations have accounted for more than 10 million cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic and broke a weekly record with more than 1.5 million confirmed last week , the World Health Organization ’ s Europe director said Thursday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic once again , ” WHO European regional director Dr. Hans Kluge said .
“ At the risk of sounding alarmist , I must express our very real concern.
” The Spanish parliament voted to keep a state of emergency intact until May 2021 .
France says its citizens will be confined to half a mile from their homes for the next month , unless they ’ re buying food or going to school or a few other exceptions .
Pope Francis is halting his public general audiences and will limit participation at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
• Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .
• On Facebook : A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus .
But what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .

Coronavirus updates: COVID restrictions and lockdowns rise in US and Europe, as Trump's rallies are blamed for cases
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 symptoms versus flu symptoms We answer the often searched question: "What are the symptoms of coronavirus versus the flu?" USA TODAY
A long-feared surge in COVID-19 cases is underway in the U.S. and abroad, leading to a new round of virus-related rules in some areas, restrictions that have quickly met pushback.
The U.S., now topping 9 million cases, on Friday posted a record number of cases for a single day, 99,321, and a record 551,167 cases in a week.
A judge in El Paso County, Texas, ordered a two-week shutdown of nonessential services starting at midnight Friday amid growing hospitalizations in the area. Texas' attorney general has joined several restaurant owners in suing to block the order.
A surge in coronavirus cases has led officials in Harrison County, Iowa — a heavily Republican county — to require people to wear face masks in public. But Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has continued this week to downplay efforts to contain the virus and has rejected mask requirements. Reynolds has said Iowans must learn to live with the virus.
Meanwhile in Europe, hard-hit Belgium imposed a partial lockdown in an attempt to gain control of the virus' spread. In France, authorities ordered another four-week lockdown that began Friday, and Austria planned to shut hotels and restaurants in a second shutdown.
In London, British prime minister Boris Johnson announced a national, four-week lockdown in England starting Thursday that will close nonessential retail shops, pubs, restaurants and entertainment businesses.
This week, the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predicted daily U.S. deaths will triple by mid-January, although increased mask use can still save lives and delay the need for social distancing mandates, the influential model said.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported more than 9 million cases and more than 229,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The global totals: 45 million cases and 1.18 million deaths.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak in your state.
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
British prime minister Boris Johnson announced plans Saturday for a four-week national lockdown in England starting next week that will shut pubs, restaurants, entertainment facilities and nonessential businesses.
Schools, universities and manufacturing facilities will remain open during the period from Thursday until Dec. 2.
“Unless we act, we could see deaths in this country running at several thousand a day,” Johnson said.
Johnson said that individuals will only be allowed to leave their homes for specific reasons like medical appointments, shopping for essentials, education and work that cannot be done from their residence.
“No one wants to be imposing these kinds of measures anywhere,” the prime minister said, but added that “no responsible prime minister can ignore” the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, told reporters at a news conference that England is experiencing 50,000 new cases daily and that the figure is rising.
Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, will shed 10,903 unionized employees as part of the 28,000 layoffs that the company has previously announced, it was disclosed Friday in a filing to the state.
Walt Disney Co. blamed the layoffs on the "continuing business impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic" in the document, obtained by Fox 35 TV. Overall, Disney said its parks and resorts division will lose 11,350 employees in Florida in total, all due to be laid off on Dec. 31.
The layoffs underscore how deeply the pandemic has cut into tourism. Walt Disney World reopened in July with new protocols in place to try to protect guests and employees from the coronavirus.
In a blog post Friday, a Disney official said the impacts from the pandemic have lasted longer than expected.
"As a result," wrote Bettina Buckley, vice president of Walt Disney World Live Entertainment, "we’ve had to pause many live shows and entertainment experiences at our resort for longer than originally anticipated." Instead, she said the resort has created new entertainment choices and experiences.
The United States has hit the 9 million mark when it comes to coronavirus cases, Johns Hopkins University reports.
The U.S. also posted a record for cases in a single day — 99,231on Friday — and cases for a single week — 551,167.
With a count of 9,048,430 cases as of 9 a.m. EDT, the U.S. bests the next highest country, India by more than 911,000 cases. India comes in at 8,137,119 and Brazil with 5,516,658 cases. After that comes Russia, France and Spain.
The U.S. also crossed another milestone Saturday, posting 230,009 deaths.
The increase comes amid a surge of new cases in the U.S. as the weather becomes colder. On Oct. 23, the nation hit a new one-day record, 83,757 new daily cases, according to Johns Hopkins.
COVID-19: How Herd Immunity works, why you still need to wear a mask Without masks and a vaccine, we could reach Herd Immunity from COVID-19, but deaths would skyrocket. We break down the science of it. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
President Donald Trump’s campaign events may have caused some 30,000 new cases of COVID-19 and could lead to 700 deaths, according to a Stanford University study that relied on prediction models to measure the public health impact of more than a dozen rallies.
The study considered the trajectory of coronavirus cases in counties that hosted 18 of Trump’s rallies between June 20 and Sept. 22 and attempted to predict the difference in how the course of the virus changed after the event.
Trump has held more than two dozen rallies since recovering from his own bout with the virus this month – and he is expected to hold several more before Tuesday's election. The rallies are held outdoors, usually at airports, and supporters usually are packed in tight. While some rally attendees wear masks, many do not, including Trump.
A recent USA TODAY analysis showed COVID-19 cases grew at a faster rate after at least five of Trump's rallies since mid-August, including in counties in Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
Nearly 6 in 10 Americans disapprove of Trump's decision to continue to hold large rallies during the pandemic, a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll found this week, while nearly 64% approve of Democrat Joe Biden's decision to jettison those large events.
Trump aides have dismissed concerns raised by public health officials and Democrats, noting that the president’s supporters choose to attend.
– John Fritze
A California county has reported a case of COVID-19 and flu co-infection — at least the third reported instance of a person having both viruses in the U.S.
A Solano County resident under the age of 65 tested positive for both, the Solano County Department of Health and Social Services confirmed this week.
“With the likelihood of both COVID-19 and seasonal flu activity this winter, contracting either disease may weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to the other disease,” said Dr. Bela T. Matyas, Solano County's health officer. “Getting a flu vaccine this year is more important than ever, and flu vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, your family, and the community from becoming seriously ill with the flu.”
There has been at least one other case of co-infection reported in California, and one in Texas.
– Grace Hauck
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will allow cruise ships to sail in U.S. waters starting Sunday. But even if they do, passengers won't be waving goodbye from the deck. In fact, the agency hasn't said when they'll be allowed back on board.
That's according to the public health agency's new "Framework for Conditional Sailing Order." Published Friday, it “introduces a phased approach for the safe and responsible resumption for passenger cruises,” the CDC said in a release provided by spokesperson Cate Shockey.
The first cruises to leave port will be simulation sailings designed to show that ships and crews are in compliance with CDC standards and able to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 onboard.
Subsequent phases will include mock voyages with volunteers such as employees or their family members, Shockey told USA TODAY. Those test voyages will be akin to the shakedown cruises that lines do with any new vessel prior to its official maiden voyage.
– Morgan Hines
In a Fox News interview Thursday, Donald Trump Jr. wrongly stated that the rate of COVID-19 deaths has declined to “almost nothing.”
Trump Jr. said during an episode of “The Ingraham Angle” that he “went through the CDC data” and incorrectly claimed the number of COVID-19 deaths has significantly declined.
Notably, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges that its recent data is “provisional" and often behind data gathered by counties and other sources.
While COVID-19 deaths have been lower than during their peak in April, new cases continue to march to an all-time high. Wednesday set a record of new cases, with 88,521 nationwide, per Johns Hopkins' dashboard.
In the past week, a USA TODAY analysis found that at least four states set a record number of deaths. Per Johns Hopkins, more than 20,000 people have died so far in October.
– Joshua Bote
A study published Thursday found that grocery store workers had a heightened risk of COVID-19 infection, with 1 in 5 workers surveyed testing positive and most having asymptotic cases.
Workers who were in roles that involved interacting with customers were five times as likely to test positive, the study, published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, found. Three in four who did test positive had no symptoms.
"This is definitely very alarming as it means that retail grocery store employees are exposed to customers and sort of serve as a middleman for the virus — like a superspreader almost," researcher Dr. Justin Yang told CNN.
Europe's outbreak: 10 million cases; Spain in state of emergency until May
European nations have accounted for more than 10 million cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic and broke a weekly record with more than 1.5 million confirmed last week, the World Health Organization’s Europe director said Thursday.
“Europe is at the epicenter of this pandemic once again,” WHO European regional director Dr. Hans Kluge said. “At the risk of sounding alarmist, I must express our very real concern.”
The Spanish parliament voted to keep a state of emergency intact until May 2021. France says its citizens will be confined to half a mile from their homes for the next month, unless they’re buying food or going to school or a few other exceptions. Pope Francis is halting his public general audiences and will limit participation at Christmas.
4 tips to convince kids to wear masks during COVID-19 Here are 4 tips on how to get your kids to wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
COVID-19 resources from USA TODAY
In your inbox: Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together.
Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. On Facebook: A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, Coronavirus Watch, to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19.
Contributing: The Associated Press