usatoday--2020-10-12--Cowboys QB Dak Prescott to undergo surgery on compound ankle fracture

ARLINGTON , Texas — The ambulance was ready as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was carted off the field , tears streaming down his face .
Prescott was transported to a local hospital immediately and is scheduled to undergo surgery Sunday night for a compound ankle fracture and dislocation he suffered in a win against the Giants .
The gruesome injury occurred in the third quarter when Prescott scrambled 9 yards left , tangling with Giants defensive back Logan Ryan on Ryan ’ s tackle .
Prescott ’ s right leg was turned out as he sat , devastated , near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The stadium went quiet as players attempted to process the injury to the quarterback who had started 68 straight games since Dallas selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft .
“ It ’ s tough , ” draft classmate and running back Ezekiel Elliott said .
“ You see how durable he ’ s been throughout his whole career , and how tough .
It sucks to see a warrior go down like that.
” Prescott was treated with sterile dressing on site before surgery to wash the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giants coordinator Jason Garrett , Prescott ’ s coach for the quarterback 's first four years , approached Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy to express his remorse .
Longtime Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton , whom Dallas signed in May , replaced Prescott .
Dalton completed nine of 11 passes , leading a game-winning drive that featured 19- and 38-yard darts to receiver Michael Gallup .
Kicker Greg Zuerlein sealed the 37-34 victory with a 34-yard field goal .
The Cowboys improved to 2-3 under McCarthy , good enough to seize first place in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was muted under the specter of Prescott ’ s injury .
“ I feel terrible for him , ” McCarthy said .
“ He ’ s clearly the leader of this football team .
I have no doubt that he ’ ll bounce back from this .
This will be just a part of his great story .
This will be just another chapter of his great story .
Before exiting , Prescott completed 14 of 21 attempts for 166 yards and an interception .
He rushed twice for 7 yards .
Prescott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 30 years to catch a receiving touchdown , an 11-yard trick play that buoyed Dallas to 24-20 lead before half .
Prescott failed to reach a long-term deal with Dallas in the offseason , instead playing 2020 on a one-year , fully guaranteed $ 31.4 million franchise tag .
The Cowboys opened 2020 at 1-3 even as Prescott became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 450 yards in three straight games .
In Dallas ’ win over the Falcons , Prescott became the first quarterback to throw for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three touchdowns .

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott to undergo surgery on compound ankle fracture
Show Caption Hide Caption NFL Week 5 overreactions: Cowboys' Dak Prescott's brutal injury stuns sports world SportsPulse: The sports world watched in shock as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was carted off the field with a brutal ankle injury. Mackenzie Salmon reacts to that and all the biggest storylines from Week 5 in the NFL. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
ARLINGTON, Texas — The ambulance was ready as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was carted off the field, tears streaming down his face.
Prescott was transported to a local hospital immediately and is scheduled to undergo surgery Sunday night for a compound ankle fracture and dislocation he suffered in a win against the Giants.
The gruesome injury occurred in the third quarter when Prescott scrambled 9 yards left, tangling with Giants defensive back Logan Ryan on Ryan’s tackle. Prescott’s right leg was turned out as he sat, devastated, near the left sideline of the red zone. The stadium went quiet as players attempted to process the injury to the quarterback who had started 68 straight games since Dallas selected him in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft.
“It’s tough,” draft classmate and running back Ezekiel Elliott said. “You see how durable he’s been throughout his whole career, and how tough. It sucks to see a warrior go down like that.”
Prescott was treated with sterile dressing on site before surgery to wash the wound and fix the fracture.
Even Giants coordinator Jason Garrett, Prescott’s coach for the quarterback's first four years, approached Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy to express his remorse.
MORE: 32 things we learned from Week 5 of the 2020 NFL season
REACTION: NFL world sends best wishes to Prescott after QB's injury
Longtime Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, whom Dallas signed in May, replaced Prescott. Dalton completed nine of 11 passes, leading a game-winning drive that featured 19- and 38-yard darts to receiver Michael Gallup. Kicker Greg Zuerlein sealed the 37-34 victory with a 34-yard field goal.
The Cowboys improved to 2-3 under McCarthy, good enough to seize first place in a weak NFC East. But postgame celebration was muted under the specter of Prescott’s injury.
“I feel terrible for him,” McCarthy said. “He’s clearly the leader of this football team. I have no doubt that he’ll bounce back from this. This will be just a part of his great story. This will be just another chapter of his great story.
Before exiting, Prescott completed 14 of 21 attempts for 166 yards and an interception. He rushed twice for 7 yards.
Prescott also became the first Cowboys quarterback in more than 30 years to catch a receiving touchdown, an 11-yard trick play that buoyed Dallas to 24-20 lead before half.
Cowboys take the lead with the first receiving TD of Dak Prescott's career. Cedrick Wilson, 11 yards:
(@NFL)pic.twitter.com/ifhKL2OQA5 — Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 11, 2020
Prescott failed to reach a long-term deal with Dallas in the offseason, instead playing 2020 on a one-year, fully guaranteed $31.4 million franchise tag.
The Cowboys opened 2020 at 1-3 even as Prescott became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 450 yards in three straight games. In Dallas’ win over the Falcons, Prescott became the first quarterback to throw for 450 yards in addition to rushing for three touchdowns.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein.


usatoday--2020-10-11--Dr. Anthony Fauci says Trump campaign ad takes him 'out of context,' insists he didn't endorse anyon

Dr. Anthony Fauci , the most popular face in fighting the coronavirus , released a statement Sunday disputing being used in a new advertisement from President Donald Trump 's reelection campaign meant to tout the White House 's handling of the pandemic .
The 30-second spot seeks to highlight how Trump , who caught COVID-19 this month , and the U.S. economy are recovering from the contagion .
It tries to portray the president as taking decisive action despite previously downplaying the disease in public .
`` President Trump tackled the virus head on as leaders should , '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clip of Fauci saying , `` I ca n't imagine that anybody could be doing more . ''
But Fauci rebuked the use of the small snippet in the ad on Sunday , which made it seem as if he was endorsing Trump 's effort .
He said in his `` nearly five decades of public service '' he has never endorsed a candidate publicly .
`` The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP campaign ad were taken out of context from a broad statement I made months ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials , '' Fauci said in a statement provided to CNN .
'The data speak for themselves ' : Dr. Anthony Fauci says White House held a 'superspreader event ' for coronavirus The clip comes from an interview Fauci did in March , where he was talking about how much time he had been devoting to combating the coronavirus .
`` I ’ m down at the White House virtually every day with the task force , '' Fauci said at the time .
`` I ’ m connected by phone throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I say night , I ’ m talking twelve , one , two in the morning .
I ’ m not the only one .
There ’ s a whole group of us that are doing that .
It ’ s every single day .
So I can ’ t imagine that under any circumstances that anybody could be doing more .
I mean , obviously , we ’ re fighting a formidable enemy — this virus .
This virus is a serious issue here . ''
Trump campaign manager Tim Murtaugh defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spot when reached for comment on Sunday .
`` These are Dr. Fauci ’ s own words , '' he said .
`` The video is from a nationally broadcast television interview in which Dr. Fauci was praising the work of the Trump administration .
The words spoken are accurate , and directly from Dr. Fauci ’ s mouth . ''
The president repeated that defense in a Tweet Sunday night , writing , `` They are indeed Dr. Fauci ’ s own words .
We have done a “ phenomenal ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many people agree . ''
Trump opined over the summer about how Fauci was seen as more credible source than him .
He noted Fauci 's high approval ratings outpacing his own while working for the administration .
A September poll released by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation showed 68 % of Americans said they have a great deal or least a fair amount of trust in Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
That 's about 28 percentage points higher than the 40 % who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the survey .
But Fauci 's approval numbers took a significant dip among Republicans with his favorables nosediving by about 30 % since April .
Roughly 48 % of GOP voters said they had a great deal or fair amount of trust in him while at the same time confidence in him increased among Democrats from 80 % to 86 % since April .
The president 's reelection team using Fauci in such a prominent ad could be interpreted as an admission that despite some conservatives souring on the public health official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure in terms of combating the virus .

Dr. Anthony Fauci says Trump campaign ad takes him 'out of context,' insists he didn't endorse anyone
Show Caption Hide Caption Dr. Anthony Fauci: Who is America's leading medical expert? Dr. Anthony Fauci’s longtime official title is director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, but there is more to know. USA TODAY
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the most popular face in fighting the coronavirus, released a statement Sunday disputing being used in a new advertisement from President Donald Trump's reelection campaign meant to tout the White House's handling of the pandemic.
The 30-second spot seeks to highlight how Trump, who caught COVID-19 this month, and the U.S. economy are recovering from the contagion. It tries to portray the president as taking decisive action despite previously downplaying the disease in public.
"President Trump tackled the virus head on as leaders should," the narrator says, followed by a short clip of Fauci saying, "I can't imagine that anybody could be doing more."
But Fauci rebuked the use of the small snippet in the ad on Sunday, which made it seem as if he was endorsing Trump's effort. He said in his "nearly five decades of public service" he has never endorsed a candidate publicly.
"The comments attributed to me without my permission in the GOP campaign ad were taken out of context from a broad statement I made months ago about the efforts of federal public health officials," Fauci said in a statement provided to CNN.
'The data speak for themselves': Dr. Anthony Fauci says White House held a 'superspreader event' for coronavirus
The clip comes from an interview Fauci did in March, where he was talking about how much time he had been devoting to combating the coronavirus.
"I’m down at the White House virtually every day with the task force," Fauci said at the time. "I’m connected by phone throughout the day and into the night and when I say night, I’m talking twelve, one, two in the morning. I’m not the only one. There’s a whole group of us that are doing that. It’s every single day. So I can’t imagine that under any circumstances that anybody could be doing more. I mean, obviously, we’re fighting a formidable enemy — this virus. This virus is a serious issue here."
Trump campaign manager Tim Murtaugh defended using Fauci's image and words in the spot when reached for comment on Sunday.
"These are Dr. Fauci’s own words," he said. "The video is from a nationally broadcast television interview in which Dr. Fauci was praising the work of the Trump administration. The words spoken are accurate, and directly from Dr. Fauci’s mouth."
The president repeated that defense in a Tweet Sunday night, writing, "They are indeed Dr. Fauci’s own words. We have done a “phenomenal” job, according to certain governors. Many people agree."
They are indeed Dr. Fauci’s own words. We have done a “phenomenal” job, according to certain governors. Many people agree...And now come the Vaccines & Cures, long ahead of projections! https://t.co/ANqKL4eBqJ — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2020
Trump opined over the summer about how Fauci was seen as more credible source than him. He noted Fauci's high approval ratings outpacing his own while working for the administration.
Poll: Biden leads Trump by 12 points nationally, president trails on pandemic trust
A September poll released by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation showed 68% of Americans said they have a great deal or least a fair amount of trust in Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
That's about 28 percentage points higher than the 40% who said the same about Trump, according to the survey.
But Fauci's approval numbers took a significant dip among Republicans with his favorables nosediving by about 30% since April. Roughly 48% of GOP voters said they had a great deal or fair amount of trust in him while at the same time confidence in him increased among Democrats from 80% to 86% since April.
The president's reelection team using Fauci in such a prominent ad could be interpreted as an admission that despite some conservatives souring on the public health official, he remains a popular and trusted figure in terms of combating the virus.


usatoday--2020-10-11--WHO discourages lockdowns as US hospitalizations climb; 11 states set records for new COVID-19 cases

Coronavirus hospitalizations were continuing a dangerous trend in the United States while Brazil and India each reached ominous milestones as the global pandemic showed little sign of retreat Sunday .
Hospitalizations , which peaked at nearly 60,000 across the nation in July , had fallen by more than half last month .
But since dipping below 29,000 on Sept. 20 , the number of people being treated in hospitals each day has crept higher , to almost 35,000 .
And a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data through late Saturday shows 11 states set records for new cases for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Indiana , Minnesota , Missouri , Montana , Nebraska , New Mexico , North Dakota , South Dakota and Utah .
Some governors are unmoved by the data .
South Dakota is experiencing an increase in daily cases , hospitalizations and even deaths , but Gov .
Kristi Noem has stressed that South Dakota 's hospital capacity has not been strained by the pandemic .
`` I always knew that South Dakota could be an example to the nation , '' Noem said in a recent statement lauding her state 's efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an example would be set in the midst of a global pandemic . ''
Nationwide , a fourth consecutive day of more than 50,000 new COVID-19 cases represents a streak not seen in two months .
The U.S. has now reported more than 7.7 million cases and almost 215,000 deaths since the first U.S. case was confirmed Jan. 21 .
Record numbers of deaths over a seven-day period were reported Saturday in Kansas and North Dakota .
`` Our state 's robust testing capacity , combined with North Dakotans ' commitment to personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of COVID-19 in our communities , '' Gov .
Doug Burgum said in a tweet .
Bill Gates , co-founder of Microsoft and benefactor of the Gates Foundation , warns that the nation must be ready for `` lots of additional deaths '' if COVID-19 testing does not improve .
US reports more than 50K cases for third straight day : 9 states set record '' Testing results do n't come back within 24 hours ( and ) we reimburse for these worthless things , '' Gates said on NBC 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are running the worst testing system , in terms of who gets access to it , of any country . ''
The world is not faring much better in its battle with the virus .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to unveil tougher restrictions Monday , including a three-tier system based on severity of cases in each region of England .
Graham Medley , professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the director of the Center for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ die '' unless Britain can alter the trajectory of the disease .
`` We are clearly in a difficult position , '' Medley tweeted .
`` The level and rise of infections , admissions and deaths puts us in a similar position to early March .
( But ) we know the harms that 'lockdown ' will bring .
Very , very hard choices . ''
Dr. David Nabarro , the World Health Organization ’ s special envoy on COVID-19 , urged world leaders this week to stop “ using lockdowns as your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus surge .
“ We in the World Health Organization do not advocate lockdowns as the primary means of control of this virus , ” Nabarro told `` The Spectator . ''
Nabarro said lockdowns can only be justified `` to buy you time to reorganize , regroup , rebalance your resources , protect your health workers who are exhausted .
But by and large , we ’ d rather not do it.
” In Brazil , the death toll surpassed 150,000 on Saturday night , second only to the U.S. , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University .
President Jair Bolsonaro has followed President Donald Trump 's lead in downplaying the virus , ignoring social distancing guidelines and encouraging boisterous political demonstrations .
And like Trump , Bolsonaro has contracted the infection , surviving a bout with COVID-19 in July .
In India , health officials reported that total infections have surpassed 7 million .
That total is second only to the U.S .

WHO discourages lockdowns as US hospitalizations climb; 11 states set records for new COVID-19 cases
Show Caption Hide Caption 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
Coronavirus hospitalizations were continuing a dangerous trend in the United States while Brazil and India each reached ominous milestones as the global pandemic showed little sign of retreat Sunday.
Hospitalizations, which peaked at nearly 60,000 across the nation in July, had fallen by more than half last month. But since dipping below 29,000 on Sept. 20, the number of people being treated in hospitals each day has crept higher, to almost 35,000.
And a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data through late Saturday shows 11 states set records for new cases for a seven-day period – Alaska, Colorado, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah.
Some governors are unmoved by the data. South Dakota is experiencing an increase in daily cases, hospitalizations and even deaths, but Gov. Kristi Noem has stressed that South Dakota's hospital capacity has not been strained by the pandemic.
"I always knew that South Dakota could be an example to the nation," Noem said in a recent statement lauding her state's efforts. "I never expected that such an example would be set in the midst of a global pandemic."
Nationwide, a fourth consecutive day of more than 50,000 new COVID-19 cases represents a streak not seen in two months. The U.S. has now reported more than 7.7 million cases and almost 215,000 deaths since the first U.S. case was confirmed Jan. 21.
Record numbers of deaths over a seven-day period were reported Saturday in Kansas and North Dakota.
"Our state's robust testing capacity, combined with North Dakotans' commitment to personal responsibility, can continue to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," Gov. Doug Burgum said in a tweet.
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and benefactor of the Gates Foundation, warns that the nation must be ready for "lots of additional deaths" if COVID-19 testing does not improve.
US reports more than 50K cases for third straight day: 9 states set record
"Testing results don't come back within 24 hours (and) we reimburse for these worthless things," Gates said on NBC's "Meet the Press." "We are running the worst testing system, in terms of who gets access to it, of any country."
The world is not faring much better in its battle with the virus.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to unveil tougher restrictions Monday, including a three-tier system based on severity of cases in each region of England. Graham Medley, professor of infectious disease modelling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the director of the Center for the Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, warned that "thousands will die" unless Britain can alter the trajectory of the disease.
"We are clearly in a difficult position," Medley tweeted. "The level and rise of infections, admissions and deaths puts us in a similar position to early March. (But) we know the harms that 'lockdown' will bring. Very, very hard choices."
Trump's doctor: President no longer a risk for transmitting COVID-19
Dr. David Nabarro, the World Health Organization’s special envoy on COVID-19, urged world leaders this week to stop “using lockdowns as your primary control method" for blunting a virus surge.
“We in the World Health Organization do not advocate lockdowns as the primary means of control of this virus,” Nabarro told "The Spectator." Nabarro said lockdowns can only be justified "to buy you time to reorganize, regroup, rebalance your resources, protect your health workers who are exhausted. But by and large, we’d rather not do it.”
In Brazil, the death toll surpassed 150,000 on Saturday night, second only to the U.S., according to the data amassed by Johns Hopkins University. President Jair Bolsonaro has followed President Donald Trump's lead in downplaying the virus, ignoring social distancing guidelines and encouraging boisterous political demonstrations.
And like Trump, Bolsonaro has contracted the infection, surviving a bout with COVID-19 in July.
In India, health officials reported that total infections have surpassed 7 million. That total is second only to the U.S.
Contributing: Michael Stucka; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-11--Biden leads Trump by 12 points nationally, president trails on pandemic trust in new poll

Former Vice President Joe Biden holds a 12-percentage-point advantage over President Donald Trump , according to a ABC News/Washington Post poll .
The poll , conducted Oct. 6-9 , has Biden up 53 % -41 % among registered voters and 54 % -42 % among likely voters .
Biden 's lead appears largely a result of voter 's negative opinion of Trump 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
Fifty-eight percent disapproved of how Trump has handled the virus , while 73 % said they were concerned about themselves or an immediate family member contracting the virus , the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings are among a string of polls showing Biden with a strong lead ahead of the November election .
The RealClearPolitics polling average shows Biden with a 9.8-point lead , while FiveThirtyEight gives Biden an average 10.3-point advantage .
The poll found Biden with a 69 % -25 % lead with moderate voters , potentially the strongest polling a Democratic candidate has held among independents since 1988 exit polls .
Notably , that success with independents was not enough to give then-Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis a victory .
The polling is also not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead over Trump nationally in an ABC/Post poll on Oct. 22 , 2016 , even closer to the election .
'Altered state ' : Pelosi says 25th Amendment , outlining presidential line of succession will be discussed Trump maintains a 54 % positive approval rating on his handling of the economy .
He is in a statistical tie with Biden on whom voters trust to handle the economy , 48 % -47 % .
Trump maintains a sizable enthusiasm advantage , with 75 % of Trump supporters saying they are very enthusiastic about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden supporters who shared that level of support .
Overall , 44 % of Americans approve of Trump 's job as president and 54 % disapprove .
Trump 's average approval rating in office , 40 % , has remained consistent throughout his presidency .
Fifty-six percent also said Trump did not pay his fair share of taxes , following a New York Times report that showed the president paid only $ 750 in taxes in 2017 , his first year in office , and nothing in the 11 out of 18 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returns .
COVID-19 in the White House : Who has tested positive for coronavirus in Trump 's orbit The poll also found anxieties over the election process and a peaceful transfer of power .
Just 40 % of voters said they would vote on election day , a record low .
Fifty-eight percent said they 'll vote early while there has been a slight increase in the number saying they 'll vote in person , 21 % , compared with 23 % saying they 'll vote by mail .
Seventy-nine percent of registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accept the outcome of the election , a commitment Trump has refused to make .
Eighteen percent said they were not prepared to accept the outcome , including 16 % of Biden supporters and 22 % of Trump supporters .

Biden leads Trump by 12 points nationally, president trails on pandemic trust in new poll
Show Caption Hide Caption 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
Former Vice President Joe Biden holds a 12-percentage-point advantage over President Donald Trump, according to a ABC News/Washington Post poll.
The poll, conducted Oct. 6-9, has Biden up 53%-41% among registered voters and 54%-42% among likely voters.
Biden's lead appears largely a result of voter's negative opinion of Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Fifty-eight percent disapproved of how Trump has handled the virus, while 73% said they were concerned about themselves or an immediate family member contracting the virus, the highest number since the outbreak began.
The findings are among a string of polls showing Biden with a strong lead ahead of the November election. The RealClearPolitics polling average shows Biden with a 9.8-point lead, while FiveThirtyEight gives Biden an average 10.3-point advantage.
The poll found Biden with a 69%-25% lead with moderate voters, potentially the strongest polling a Democratic candidate has held among independents since 1988 exit polls.
Notably, that success with independents was not enough to give then-Democratic nominee Michael Dukakis a victory. The polling is also not definitive; Hillary Clinton held a 12-point lead over Trump nationally in an ABC/Post poll on Oct. 22, 2016, even closer to the election.
'Altered state': Pelosi says 25th Amendment, outlining presidential line of succession will be discussed
Trump maintains a 54% positive approval rating on his handling of the economy. He is in a statistical tie with Biden on whom voters trust to handle the economy, 48%-47%.
Trump maintains a sizable enthusiasm advantage, with 75% of Trump supporters saying they are very enthusiastic about him, compared with 60% of Biden supporters who shared that level of support.
Overall, 44% of Americans approve of Trump's job as president and 54% disapprove. Trump's average approval rating in office, 40%, has remained consistent throughout his presidency.
Fifty-six percent also said Trump did not pay his fair share of taxes, following a New York Times report that showed the president paid only $750 in taxes in 2017, his first year in office, and nothing in the 11 out of 18 years for which The Times obtained his tax returns.
COVID-19 in the White House: Who has tested positive for coronavirus in Trump's orbit
The poll also found anxieties over the election process and a peaceful transfer of power. Just 40% of voters said they would vote on election day, a record low. Fifty-eight percent said they'll vote early while there has been a slight increase in the number saying they'll vote in person, 21%, compared with 23% saying they'll vote by mail.
Seventy-nine percent of registered voters say they’re prepared to accept the outcome of the election, a commitment Trump has refused to make. Eighteen percent said they were not prepared to accept the outcome, including 16% of Biden supporters and 22% of Trump supporters.


usatoday--2020-10-12--Security guard in custody after fatal shooting near dueling Denver rallies

A man working as a private security guard for a TV station was in custody Sunday as authorities investigated a fatal shooting after an altercation during opposing rallies in downtown Denver .
The violence flared Saturday afternoon in Civic Center Park after a man participating in what was called a “ Patriot Rally ” sprayed mace at another man , according to the Denver Post .
The man who was shot near the Denver Art Museum was taken to a nearby hospital , where he died an hour later , KUSA TV station said .
The station said on its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security guard who was arrested in connection with the shooting .
“ It has been the practice of 9NEWS for a number of months to hire private security to accompany staff at protests , ” the station said .
Denver police on Sunday identified the security guard as Matthew Dolloff , 30 , and said he was being held for investigation of first-degree murder in connection with Saturday 's incident .
City officials said Dolloff was not licensed to work as an armed private security guard in Denver , the Post reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been named by authorities , was identified to the Post as Lee Keltner , a 49-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who operated a hat-making business in the Denver area .
“ He wasn ’ t a part of any group , ” Johnathon Keltner told the newspaper .
“ He was there to rally for the police department and he ’ d been down there before rallying for the police department.
” A verbal altercation ensued before the shooting , said Joe Montoya , division chief of investigations for the Denver Police Department .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ affiliation with Antifa '' is a suspect in the incident , police tweeted earlier Saturday .
There was a heavy police presence downtown Saturday afternoon , and officers attempted to keep `` two groups with opposing views '' apart , Montoya said .
Two guns and a can of mace were found at the scene , he said .
A counterprotest called “ BLM-Antifa Soup Drive ” took place in the park around the same time as the Patriot Rally .
The right-wing Patriot Rally protesters gathered in the park ’ s amphitheater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Post reported .
Participants in the left-wing rally held up flags and signs deriding Nazis and white supremacists as they gathered in the middle of the park , several hundred feet from the barricaded amphitheater , the Post said .
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said violence was not acceptable .
`` While we encourage peaceful protest , we will never tolerate demonstrations escalating to clashes and violence .
Political differences should be resolved at the ballot box and not in the streets , and we will keep it that way through this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted .
The shooting occurred beneath a city surveillance camera , and police said they have footage of the incident , KUSA-TV reported .
Clashes between protesters have escalated in recent months in some cities .
Kyle Rittenhouse , 17 , was charged with fatally shooting two people days after Jacob Blake , a Black man , was shot by police in Kenosha , Wisconsin .
Rittenhouse 's arrest has become a rallying point for some on the right .
A legal defense fund has attracted millions in donations , and President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see Rittenhouse as a domestic terrorist whose presence with a rifle incited the protesters .
In Portland , Aaron “ Jay ” Danielson , 39 , a supporter of Trump and the far-right Patriot Prayer group , was shot and killed Aug. 29 after dueling protests in Portland .

Susan Miller and Joel Shannon, USA TODAY

Security guard in custody after fatal shooting near dueling Denver rallies
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump defends Kenosha shooter before visit to Wisconsin President Donald Trump said that protesters "violently attacked" Kyle Rittenhouse, but the incident was under investigation. USA TODAY
A man working as a private security guard for a TV station was in custody Sunday as authorities investigated a fatal shooting after an altercation during opposing rallies in downtown Denver.
The violence flared Saturday afternoon in Civic Center Park after a man participating in what was called a “Patriot Rally” sprayed mace at another man, according to the Denver Post.
The man who was shot near the Denver Art Museum was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died an hour later, KUSA TV station said. The station said on its website that it had contracted the private security guard who was arrested in connection with the shooting.
“It has been the practice of 9NEWS for a number of months to hire private security to accompany staff at protests,” the station said.
Denver police on Sunday identified the security guard as Matthew Dolloff, 30, and said he was being held for investigation of first-degree murder in connection with Saturday's incident. City officials said Dolloff was not licensed to work as an armed private security guard in Denver, the Post reported.
The shooting victim, who has not been named by authorities, was identified to the Post as Lee Keltner, a 49-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who operated a hat-making business in the Denver area.
“He wasn’t a part of any group,” Johnathon Keltner told the newspaper. “He was there to rally for the police department and he’d been down there before rallying for the police department.”
UPDATE: Matthew Dolloff (DOB 03-07-1990) is being held for Investigation of First Degree Murder in connection w/the shooting that occurred yesterday at 10 W. 14th Ave. This remains an active investigation; any additional updates will be released as it becomes available. #Denver https://t.co/1Y7Yw7stL0 pic.twitter.com/Va3Lvc1CwT — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) October 11, 2020
A verbal altercation ensued before the shooting, said Joe Montoya, division chief of investigations for the Denver Police Department.
A "private security guard with no affiliation with Antifa" is a suspect in the incident, police tweeted earlier Saturday.
There was a heavy police presence downtown Saturday afternoon, and officers attempted to keep "two groups with opposing views" apart, Montoya said. Two guns and a can of mace were found at the scene, he said.
A counterprotest called “BLM-Antifa Soup Drive” took place in the park around the same time as the Patriot Rally.
The right-wing Patriot Rally protesters gathered in the park’s amphitheater and chanted songs and hoisted banners, the Post reported.
Participants in the left-wing rally held up flags and signs deriding Nazis and white supremacists as they gathered in the middle of the park, several hundred feet from the barricaded amphitheater, the Post said.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said violence was not acceptable.
"While we encourage peaceful protest, we will never tolerate demonstrations escalating to clashes and violence. Political differences should be resolved at the ballot box and not in the streets, and we will keep it that way through this election season and beyond," he tweeted.
The shooting occurred beneath a city surveillance camera, and police said they have footage of the incident, KUSA-TV reported.
Our thoughts are with the family of the victim of the shooting that took place today. I am not going to comment on the details as it is still under investigation, and its connection or not to either demonstration hasn’t been determined. (1/4) — Michael B. Hancock (@MayorHancock) October 11, 2020
Clashes between protesters have escalated in recent months in some cities.
Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, was charged with fatally shooting two people days after Jacob Blake, a Black man, was shot by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Rittenhouse's arrest has become a rallying point for some on the right. A legal defense fund has attracted millions in donations, and President Donald Trump even defended the teen.
Others see Rittenhouse as a domestic terrorist whose presence with a rifle incited the protesters.
In Portland, Aaron “Jay” Danielson, 39, a supporter of Trump and the far-right Patriot Prayer group, was shot and killed Aug. 29 after dueling protests in Portland.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-11--Lara Trump, Fox News host Chris Wallace spar over president's family removing masks at first debate

WASHINGTON – Lara Trump , a top campaign aide to President Donald Trump , sparred Sunday with Fox News host Chris Wallace over the Trump family 's refusal to wear face masks during the first presidential debate on Sept. 29 .
`` Did you think , Lara , that the rules that applied to everybody else in that hall did n't apply to you ? ''
`` Fox News Sunday '' host Wallace said as he asked Lara Trump about the absence of face coverings among the Trump family during the debate .
`` We walked in with a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the seats were socially distanced , and ...
I want to be very clear , never one time did anyone from Cleveland Clinic come up and ask any member of our family to put a mask on .
So , that is totally false , '' she replied .
Trump said no one from the clinic asked her family to put on a mask , adding she thought a Cleveland Clinic employee had asked a person sitting behind her to offer a different mask .
All members of the audience tested negative for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I understand afterwards is that Colby Covington , who was sitting behind me , had a MAGA mask on and they did n't appreciate that apparently , '' she said , referring to the UFC fighter and Trump supporter who attended the debate as a guest of the president .
`` So I think they were coming up to offer him maybe a different mask . ''
Wallace said a member of the Trump campaign group was offered a face mask by a Cleveland Clinic employee , citing both a pool report and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waved away . ''
The video seems to show an employee offering a mask to a person sitting behind Trump , but does not capture one being offered to any members of the family .
The Trump family and other guests of the president walked into the debate in Cleveland , Ohio wearing masks but mostly declined to wear face masks during the debate itself despite the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic .
The audience at the first presidential debate was strictly limited compared to the large audiences normally at debates in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 tests and mask-wearing were required for all in attendance .
Trump and his campaign staff , however , arrived too late to be tested before the debate , and Wallace told Fox the president 's tardiness meant `` there was an honor system '' on test results .
More : Trump campaign 's pitch to women voters : Let 's get back to pre-pandemic 'normal' More : Mike Pence , Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Grassley are in the line of succession .
What if they get sick with COVID-19 ?
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been exposed to COVID-19 before the debate .
The president , top staff , and advisers including those who helped him prep for the debate have all tested positive for COVID-19 .
Trump announced a positive test result on Oct. 2 .
The president and many of those officials attended a Sept. 26 event at the White House Rose Garden where Trump announced his nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court .
The event has since been called a `` superspreader '' event by public health experts including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Fauci .
The president 's COVID-19 diagnosis and the ongoing pandemic prompted the Commission on Presidential Debates to move the second scheduled presidential debate on Oct. 15 to a virtual format .
Citing concerns with a virtual debate , Trump pulled out , and the Commission canceled the debate .
The next presidential debate , originally the third debate , is scheduled for Oct. 22 and will be moderated by NBC correspondent Kristen Welker .
More : Contact tracing and visualizing the people exposed to COVID-19 by Trump outbreak More : Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says president no longer a risk for transmitting COVID-19

Lara Trump, Fox News host Chris Wallace spar over president's family removing masks at first debate
Show Caption Hide Caption Second presidential debate between President Trump and Joe Biden has been canceled The Commission on Presidential Debates cancels the second presidential debate planned for Miami, following President Trump's refusal to take part in a virtual format. Associated Press, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Lara Trump, a top campaign aide to President Donald Trump, sparred Sunday with Fox News host Chris Wallace over the Trump family's refusal to wear face masks during the first presidential debate on Sept. 29.
"Did you think, Lara, that the rules that applied to everybody else in that hall didn't apply to you?" "Fox News Sunday" host Wallace said as he asked Lara Trump about the absence of face coverings among the Trump family during the debate.
"We walked in with a mask on. We sat down – all the seats were socially distanced, and...I want to be very clear, never one time did anyone from Cleveland Clinic come up and ask any member of our family to put a mask on. So, that is totally false," she replied.
Trump said no one from the clinic asked her family to put on a mask, adding she thought a Cleveland Clinic employee had asked a person sitting behind her to offer a different mask. All members of the audience tested negative for COVID-19, Trump said.
"What I understand afterwards is that Colby Covington, who was sitting behind me, had a MAGA mask on and they didn't appreciate that apparently," she said, referring to the UFC fighter and Trump supporter who attended the debate as a guest of the president. "So I think they were coming up to offer him maybe a different mask."
Wallace said a member of the Trump campaign group was offered a face mask by a Cleveland Clinic employee, citing both a pool report and a video, but "they were waved away." The video seems to show an employee offering a mask to a person sitting behind Trump, but does not capture one being offered to any members of the family.
The Trump family and other guests of the president walked into the debate in Cleveland, Ohio wearing masks but mostly declined to wear face masks during the debate itself despite the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The audience at the first presidential debate was strictly limited compared to the large audiences normally at debates in an effort to promote social distancing. COVID-19 tests and mask-wearing were required for all in attendance.
Trump and his campaign staff, however, arrived too late to be tested before the debate, and Wallace told Fox the president's tardiness meant "there was an honor system" on test results.
More: Trump campaign's pitch to women voters: Let's get back to pre-pandemic 'normal'
More: Mike Pence, Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Grassley are in the line of succession. What if they get sick with COVID-19?
It is possible the president and his inner circle had been exposed to COVID-19 before the debate.
The president, top staff, and advisers including those who helped him prep for the debate have all tested positive for COVID-19. Trump announced a positive test result on Oct. 2.
The president and many of those officials attended a Sept. 26 event at the White House Rose Garden where Trump announced his nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court. The event has since been called a "superspreader" event by public health experts including the nation's top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.
The president's COVID-19 diagnosis and the ongoing pandemic prompted the Commission on Presidential Debates to move the second scheduled presidential debate on Oct. 15 to a virtual format. Citing concerns with a virtual debate, Trump pulled out, and the Commission canceled the debate.
The next presidential debate, originally the third debate, is scheduled for Oct. 22 and will be moderated by NBC correspondent Kristen Welker.
More: Contact tracing and visualizing the people exposed to COVID-19 by Trump outbreak
More: Trump's doctor, without addressing past tests, says president no longer a risk for transmitting COVID-19


usatoday--2020-10-09--Second presidential debate officially canceled

The Commission on Presidential Debates cancels the second presidential debate planned for Miami , following President Trump 's refusal to @ @ @ @ @ format .

Second presidential debate between President Trump and Joe Biden has been canceled
The Commission on Presidential Debates cancels the second presidential debate planned for Miami, following President Trump's refusal to take part in a virtual format.
Associated Press, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-09--Calf born in slaughterhouse nursed back to health

John Lewis the calf arrived at The Gentle Barn as an orphan sick with pneumonia .
Jay and Ellie moved @ @ @ @ @ to save his life .

Calf born in slaughterhouse nursed back to health
John Lewis the calf arrived at The Gentle Barn as an orphan sick with pneumonia. Jay and Ellie moved him into their living room to save his life.
Animalkind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-11--In wake of plot, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer 'not worried' about Election Day violence, says Michigan is p

LANSING , Mich. – Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer , the target of an alleged kidnapping plot that included threats of violence , said Sunday she is not worried about violence on Nov. 3 , but the state is prepared to keep voters safe that day .
Whitmer also said on CBS News ' `` Face the Nation '' that she believes `` there still are serious threats '' from individuals aligned with groups similar to those involved in an alleged plot against her , a suspected act of domestic terrorism .
Asked by host Margaret Brennan if she is worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I 'm not worried , but we are preparing to make sure that we do everything to keep people safe . ''
`` We will not tolerate anyone … interfering with someone 's ability to safely vote . ''
Inside the investigation : How the FBI spent months tracking the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer On Thursday , the federal government charged six men with conspiracy to kidnap in connection with a suspected plot to kidnap Whitmer that authorities said they wanted to carry out before Election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Dana Nessel brought charges against seven other men that included supporting terrorism , gang membership and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony .
The range of suspected plans included kidnapping Whitmer from her family 's summer cottage and taking her to Wisconsin for a `` trial '' on treason charges , an armed attack on the Michigan Capitol in Lansing , and attacks on law enforcement .
Officials said some of those accused had purchased a high-voltage Taser and night goggles , conducted surveillance on Whitmer and had arranged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comments that she believes groups such as the Wolverine Watchmen , whose founders are accused in her case , are taking comfort and motivation from statements by President Donald Trump and some Republican leaders in the Michigan Legislature who have spoken at rallies against her emergency orders to contain the spread of COVID-19 .
Trump , who tweeted `` Liberate Michigan '' in capital letters after an anti-Whitmer demonstration at the Capitol in April , `` has been increasingly divisive and downright dangerous , '' Whitmer said .
On Saturday , state House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of tweets and in an `` open letter '' to Whitmer released by his office , criticized the governor for not tipping off legislative leaders and security officials about the suspected plot , which she has said officials advised her about a few weeks ago .
Chatfield faced immediate blowback from numerous sources , including former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade , who said it is up to the FBI and others in law enforcement to determine who should be informed about any active investigation involving surveillance of alleged conspirators and use of confidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t we in the Legislature warned of the plot to take hostages at the Capitol ? ''
Chatfield asked in the letter to Whitmer .
`` The plot by these terrorists was against us , too .
Why weren ’ t House sergeants warned ?
You knew , and we weren ’ t even given a warning .
We had people working in the building every day doing essential work , and their lives matter , too . ''
Asked when the nation will know how Michigan voted Nov. 3 , Whitmer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announce election results `` soon after the polls close , '' but she would not be more specific .
That appeared to conflict with comments from Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson , who has said it could be the Friday of election week before results are known .
Whitmer said she is working closely with Benson and Nessel to make sure the election is safe and smooth .

In wake of plot, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer 'not worried' about Election Day violence, says Michigan is prepared
Show Caption Hide Caption Gretchen Whitmer says men who sought kidnapping are 'depraved' The federal government has charged six people with conspiring to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, per newly unsealed court records. USA TODAY
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the target of an alleged kidnapping plot that included threats of violence, said Sunday she is not worried about violence on Nov. 3, but the state is prepared to keep voters safe that day.
Whitmer also said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" that she believes "there still are serious threats" from individuals aligned with groups similar to those involved in an alleged plot against her, a suspected act of domestic terrorism.
Asked by host Margaret Brennan if she is worried about violence on Election Day, Whitmer said: "I'm not worried, but we are preparing to make sure that we do everything to keep people safe."
"We will not tolerate anyone … interfering with someone's ability to safely vote."
Inside the investigation: How the FBI spent months tracking the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
On Thursday, the federal government charged six men with conspiracy to kidnap in connection with a suspected plot to kidnap Whitmer that authorities said they wanted to carry out before Election Day. Also Thursday, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel brought charges against seven other men that included supporting terrorism, gang membership and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony.
The range of suspected plans included kidnapping Whitmer from her family's summer cottage and taking her to Wisconsin for a "trial" on treason charges, an armed attack on the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, and attacks on law enforcement. Officials said some of those accused had purchased a high-voltage Taser and night goggles, conducted surveillance on Whitmer and had arranged to purchase explosives.
Whitmer repeated earlier comments that she believes groups such as the Wolverine Watchmen, whose founders are accused in her case, are taking comfort and motivation from statements by President Donald Trump and some Republican leaders in the Michigan Legislature who have spoken at rallies against her emergency orders to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Trump: President criticizes Whitmer after thwarted kidnapped plot
Trump, who tweeted "Liberate Michigan" in capital letters after an anti-Whitmer demonstration at the Capitol in April, "has been increasingly divisive and downright dangerous," Whitmer said.
On Saturday, state House Speaker Lee Chatfield, in a series of tweets and in an "open letter" to Whitmer released by his office, criticized the governor for not tipping off legislative leaders and security officials about the suspected plot, which she has said officials advised her about a few weeks ago.
Chatfield faced immediate blowback from numerous sources, including former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, who said it is up to the FBI and others in law enforcement to determine who should be informed about any active investigation involving surveillance of alleged conspirators and use of confidential FBI informants.
"Why weren’t we in the Legislature warned of the plot to take hostages at the Capitol?" Chatfield asked in the letter to Whitmer.
"The plot by these terrorists was against us, too. Why weren’t House sergeants warned? You knew, and we weren’t even given a warning. We had people working in the building every day doing essential work, and their lives matter, too."
Asked when the nation will know how Michigan voted Nov. 3, Whitmer said she expects Michigan will be able to announce election results "soon after the polls close," but she would not be more specific.
That appeared to conflict with comments from Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who has said it could be the Friday of election week before results are known.
Whitmer said she is working closely with Benson and Nessel to make sure the election is safe and smooth.
'They’re domestic terrorists': Michigan governor objects to calling men charged in kidnapping plot 'militias'


usatoday--2020-10-11--Andy Beshear and family enter quarantine after coming in contact with person with COVID-19

Gov .
Andy Beshear and other members of his family are quarantining after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 , he announced Sunday afternoon in a video .
No members of the governor 's family have tested positive for the coronavirus , he said in a taped statement alongside his son Will , and they feel `` great , '' the governor said .
Still , Beshear said , `` we want to make sure we 're setting the example and that we 're also keeping other people around us safe – that we 're walking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk . ''
Beshear and his son were in `` an empty part of the ( governor 's ) mansion '' when the video was filmed , he said .
Other members of the family – including his wife Britainy , daughter Lila and dog Winnie – were not shown .
The Beshears were contacted after a member of the governor 's security detail who had driven family members on Saturday subsequently tested positive for the coronavirus , he said .
`` We 're doing what those tracers ask us and others to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're going to be quarantining until the Department for Public Health says that we 've completed what we need to . ''
In-person daily press briefings will not take place this week , he said , but will continue in video form .
Beshear is not the first U.S. governor to enter quarantine during the coronavirus era .
Three governors have tested positive ( Oklahoma 's Kevin Stitt , Missouri 's Mike Parson and Virginia 's Ralph Northam ) and have been required to isolate , while several others have quarantined when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Beshear will stay busy in the meantime , Staley added .
`` While the quarantine will impact the Governor ’ s schedule , the Governor is committed to doing what so many other Kentuckians have had to do during COVID-19 – work from home full-time , '' she said in an email .
`` The Governor will continue to safely host live press conferences remotely . ''

Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal

Andy Beshear and family enter quarantine after coming in contact with person with COVID-19
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 testing: Positivity rates and why they are so important COVID-19 widespread testing is crucial to fighting the pandemic, but is there enough testing? The answer is in the positivity rates. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Gov. Andy Beshear and other members of his family are quarantining after coming in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, he announced Sunday afternoon in a video.
No members of the governor's family have tested positive for the coronavirus, he said in a taped statement alongside his son Will, and they feel "great," the governor said.
Still, Beshear said, "we want to make sure we're setting the example and that we're also keeping other people around us safe – that we're walking the walk, not just talking the talk."
Beshear and his son were in "an empty part of the (governor's) mansion" when the video was filmed, he said. Other members of the family – including his wife Britainy, daughter Lila and dog Winnie – were not shown.
More: With new coronavirus cases emerging, Kentucky health leaders worry about fall's advance
Governor, family potentially exposed to a person with COVID-19; committed to setting an example by following state, federal quarantine guidelines. Read more: https://t.co/LvfuEFrWsZ and view a message from Gov. Beshear: pic.twitter.com/1Tr8JWG8SB — Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) October 11, 2020
The Beshears were contacted after a member of the governor's security detail who had driven family members on Saturday subsequently tested positive for the coronavirus, he said.
"We're doing what those tracers ask us and others to do," Beshear said. "We're going to be quarantining until the Department for Public Health says that we've completed what we need to."
In-person daily press briefings will not take place this week, he said, but will continue in video form.
Beshear is not the first U.S. governor to enter quarantine during the coronavirus era. Three governors have tested positive (Oklahoma's Kevin Stitt, Missouri's Mike Parson and Virginia's Ralph Northam) and have been required to isolate, while several others have quarantined when exposed to staffers who later tested positive.
Beshear will stay busy in the meantime, Staley added.
"While the quarantine will impact the Governor’s schedule, the Governor is committed to doing what so many other Kentuckians have had to do during COVID-19 – work from home full-time," she said in an email. "The Governor will continue to safely host live press conferences remotely."
Follow Lucas Aulbach on Twitter @LucasAulbach


usatoday--2020-10-11--Read Trump Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett's opening statement for Monday's Senate hearing

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett plans to lay out her judicial approach Monday in her opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee , according to a copy of her planned remarks obtained by USA TODAY .
`` Courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life , '' Barrett says in her planned remarks .
`` The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the People .
The public should not expect courts to do so , and courts should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say she looks at every case `` from the perspective of the losing party '' and asks herself , `` how I would view the decision if one of my children was the party I was ruling against . ''
More : Amid pandemic and presidential race , Supreme Court confirmation hearing will be unprecedented More : We binge-watched 15 hours of Amy Coney Barrett 's speeches .
Here ’ s what we learned about her judicial philosophy The standard she sets in every case , she says , is : `` Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would I understand that the decision was fairly reasoned and grounded in the law ? ''
She will address the legacy left by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg , who died in mid-September , kicking off a battle to fill the Supreme Court seat .
`` I have been nominated to fill Justice Ginsburg ’ s seat , but no one will ever take her place .
I will be forever grateful for the path she marked and the life she led , '' Barrett plans to say .

Read Trump Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett's opening statement for Monday's Senate hearing
Show Caption Hide Caption Judge Amy Coney Barrett on what a Trump Supreme Court would look like Judge Amy Coney Barrett spoke at Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute in 2016 discussing what a Trump Supreme Court would look like. USA TODAY Handout
Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett plans to lay out her judicial approach Monday in her opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee, according to a copy of her planned remarks obtained by USA TODAY.
"Courts are not designed to solve every problem or right every wrong in our public life," Barrett says in her planned remarks. "The policy decisions and value judgments of government must be made by the political branches elected by and accountable to the People. The public should not expect courts to do so, and courts should not try."
Barrett plans to say she looks at every case "from the perspective of the losing party" and asks herself, "how I would view the decision if one of my children was the party I was ruling against."
More: Amid pandemic and presidential race, Supreme Court confirmation hearing will be unprecedented
More: We binge-watched 15 hours of Amy Coney Barrett's speeches. Here’s what we learned about her judicial philosophy
The standard she sets in every case, she says, is: "Even though I would not like the result, would I understand that the decision was fairly reasoned and grounded in the law?"
She will address the legacy left by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died in mid-September, kicking off a battle to fill the Supreme Court seat.
"I have been nominated to fill Justice Ginsburg’s seat, but no one will ever take her place. I will be forever grateful for the path she marked and the life she led," Barrett plans to say.


usatoday--2020-10-11--Biden-Harris hay bale display in Massachusetts set on fire 24 hours after it was finished

A large display of hay bales on a Western Massachusetts farm stacked and painted in support of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running-mate Kamala Harris was torched Friday night .
Police in Dalton , Massachusetts the next day arrested the man they said is responsible .
Members of the Holiday Brook Farm in Berkshire County painted the hay , stacked three bales high , white with the words , `` USA , '' `` Biden , '' `` Harris , '' `` Vote , '' and `` 2020 . ''
The project , visible from a nearby state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to create a response to the signs and flags supporting President Donald Trump that outnumber Biden visuals in the rural community .
`` We just did it to be heard , '' Kate Pike , a manager of the farm , told USA TODAY .
`` We wanted to be louder . ''
More : Polls show Joe Biden leading Donald Trump , but after 2016 , should we believe them ?
But at 6:42 p.m. Friday night , the Dalton Fire Department arrived at the farm after farmers spotted the 1,000-pound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours is when it went up in flames , '' Pike said .
`` So it did n't take long . ''
Dicken Crane , the farm 's owner , posted images of the fire on Facebook .
`` It ’ s actually hard to believe anyone who says they love this country would do this , '' he wrote .
The Dalton Police Department said they arrested Lonnie Durfee , 49 , and charged him with burning personal property .
He will be arraigned Tuesday .
Police said the investigation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the individual personally but heard that he was boasting about the fire to friends shortly afterward .
`` I think they were bragging about it , and it was n't hard to find him .
And when they caught up to him , he confessed . ''
More : ' I 'm feeling great ' : Trump delivers White House remarks in first public event since testing positive for COVID-19 For now , the five salvaged bales – the letter `` B , '' `` H '' `` Vote '' and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the farm .
The farmers plan to soon get back to work to completely rebuild their project .
`` Oh yeah .
If we do n't do it , our community will come together and build a sign , '' Pike said .
`` Something will go up .
We are not afraid and we will be louder . ''

Biden-Harris hay bale display in Massachusetts set on fire 24 hours after it was finished
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden slams President Trump for not condemning militias Joe Biden says President Donald Trump has to realize the "words he utters matter” following the kidnapping plot against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. USA TODAY
A large display of hay bales on a Western Massachusetts farm stacked and painted in support of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running-mate Kamala Harris was torched Friday night.
Police in Dalton, Massachusetts the next day arrested the man they said is responsible.
Members of the Holiday Brook Farm in Berkshire County painted the hay, stacked three bales high, white with the words, "USA," "Biden," "Harris," "Vote," and "2020." The project, visible from a nearby state highway, was finished Thursday.
More: Second presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump canceled
Organizers wanted to create a response to the signs and flags supporting President Donald Trump that outnumber Biden visuals in the rural community.
"We just did it to be heard," Kate Pike, a manager of the farm, told USA TODAY. "We wanted to be louder."
More: Polls show Joe Biden leading Donald Trump, but after 2016, should we believe them?
But at 6:42 p.m. Friday night, the Dalton Fire Department arrived at the farm after farmers spotted the 1,000-pound hay bales ablaze.
"Within about 24 hours is when it went up in flames," Pike said. "So it didn't take long."
Dicken Crane, the farm's owner, posted images of the fire on Facebook.
"It’s actually hard to believe anyone who says they love this country would do this," he wrote.
The Dalton Police Department said they arrested Lonnie Durfee, 49, and charged him with burning personal property. He will be arraigned Tuesday. Police said the investigation is ongoing.
Pike said she doesn't know the individual personally but heard that he was boasting about the fire to friends shortly afterward.
"I think they were bragging about it, and it wasn't hard to find him. And when they caught up to him, he confessed."
More: 'I'm feeling great': Trump delivers White House remarks in first public event since testing positive for COVID-19
For now, the five salvaged bales – the letter "B," "H" "Vote" and an American flag – remain on display at the farm. The farmers plan to soon get back to work to completely rebuild their project.
"Oh yeah. If we don't do it, our community will come together and build a sign," Pike said. "Something will go up. We are not afraid and we will be louder."
Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison.


usatoday--2020-10-12--Here's what to expect at Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court confirmation hearings and who to watch fo

WASHINGTON – Though Amy Coney Barrett appears to have the support in the Senate to be confirmed to the Supreme Court , her historic confirmation hearings this week offer Democrat and Republican senators the chance to question the appeals court judge in front of a national audience weeks before a contentious election .
The hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee – tasked with vetting Barrett ’ s background and stance on issues that could come before the high court – could be key for a number of senators before November , including vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris , who sits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play a role , altering how the hearings operate and threatening to derail Republicans ' tight deadline to confirm Barrett before Election Day , which is three weeks away .
Three Republican senators contracted the virus since President Donald Trump tested positive – including two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee , which could affect a vote on the panel and in the full Senate .
Republicans appear to have locked in a majority to push through her nomination ; only two have voiced opposition to moving forward before the election .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disease , making them unable to travel to Washington and vote on the Senate floor , her confirmation could be postponed .
Democrats pushed to postpone the hearings , given the outbreak , which has infected about 20 people in Trump ’ s orbit .
Democrats tried to pressure Republicans for weeks to halt the nomination process until after the election to let voters have a say in the process .
Their hope is Democrat Joe Biden defeats Trump and Democrats regain a majority in the Senate .
GOP leaders have their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who could give the high court a conservative bent for decades – and Democrats conceded there 's little they can do to stop them .
Here is what to expect during the hearings and what to watch for as they begin Monday at 9 a.m. EDT .
What Barrett 's confirmation could mean : Six conservative justices ?
10 ways the Supreme Court could change More : The Senate could confirm Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court just days before Election Day , with hearings beginning Oct. 12 The four days of hearings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistent with past proceedings for Supreme Court picks , even though Republicans are pushing through Barrett ’ s full nomination at a quicker pace than other high court nominees .
Four hearings are scheduled , though the panel could add meetings , especially if a hiccup is discovered in Barrett ’ s past that requires further vetting .
Additional hearings were scheduled for Trump ’ s last Supreme Court pick , Brett Kavanaugh , in 2018 after sexual assault allegations surfaced , which Kavanaugh denied .
•Monday : The day will consist of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senators on the committee – 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats .
Chairman Lindsey Graham , R-S.C. , will start , followed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein , D-Calif. , then Barrett , followed by the other 20 members .
•Tuesday : This is when the hearings are likely to heat up .
Senators will question Barrett on her career and her position on issues that could come before the court , including health care , guns , abortion and religion .
Each senator will have about 20 minutes to question Barrett .
•Wednesday : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rounds of questioning after each senator has 20 minutes .
•Thursday : Senators are expected to hear from outside witnesses who know Barrett and will vouch for her career and service .
The names of these witnesses and how they know Barrett have yet to be released .
The committee won ’ t vote until after it holds Barrett ’ s nomination for one week , a common practice by the panel .
The committee vote is expected around Oct. 22 and is likely to split along party lines , 12-10 .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate , where she 'll need at least a majority to be confirmed to the high court .
More : Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court .
What happens next in Senate confirmation process Things will look different Typically , hearings vetting a Supreme Court nominee feature dozens of reporters in a crowded room filled with lawmakers , staff and members of the public – which sometimes leads to protests in the chamber .
That won ’ t be the scene this week because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed into the room , very few administration officials are expected and only a small group of reporters will be allowed inside to witness the hearings , according to a Capitol Hill aide familiar with the plans who requested anonymity to discuss preparations for the event .
The dais where senators sit for the hearings has been reconfigured .
The architect of the Capitol constructed a second full dais to allow for social distancing , so senators would not have to sit in close proximity , the aide said .
More : Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spark worries over Amy Coney Barrett confirmation , but GOP moving forward anyway Trump has COVID-19 : More than two dozen administration officials , associates and others have tested positive Throughout the room , stations will be set up with PPE ( personal protective equipment ) , including gloves , hand sanitizer and other cleaning equipment .
Each senator will have his or her own station with wipes , hand sanitizer , paper towels and a trash can , according to two Capitol Hill aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precautions .
Senators will have the option to participate in the hearings virtually , something that has become common on Capitol Hill amid the pandemic , though Democrats criticized the idea during such a high-profile event , stressing the need to question Barrett in person .
Two Republican members of the panel – Sens .
Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Mike Lee of Utah – tested positive for COVID-19 .
Though both senators vowed to quarantine and said they 'd be back in Washington for the hearings , they could participate virtually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
The Senate Judiciary Committee 's members include a vice presidential candidate and eight senators facing reelection battles , including Republicans whose races could determine what party controls the majority in the Senate .
•Kamala Harris : The California Democrat will take a break from the campaign trail as Joe Biden 's vice presidential candidate to take part in the four days of hearings .
Harris ' questioning of Kavanaugh in 2018 was pivotal in boosting her profile and helped launch her candidacy for president .
More : Here are the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election comes into focus •Thom Tillis : The North Carolina Republican faces a tough reelection battle against Democrat Cal Cunningham , and his performance during the hearings could influence whether voters will let him keep his Senate seat next month .
Cunningham held a roughly 3-percentage-point lead over Tillis in an Emerson College poll , but Cunningham admitted sending sexual texts to a woman not his wife .
The Associated Press reported Cunningham had sexual relations with the woman .
Tillis said he supports moving forward with Barrett 's nomination despite the proximity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hearings is up in the air after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 2 .
•Joni Ernst : The Iowa Republican is running a tight race against Democrat Theresa Greenfield .
A Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll released last month showed Ernst , a first-term senator , down by 3 percentage points .
Ernst also said she supports moving forward with Barrett 's nomination despite criticism that it 's too close to the election .
•Lindsey Graham : The South Carolina Republican who heads the committee is trying to fend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has been the target of criticism over backtracking on his vow to not bring forward a Supreme Court nominee if the primary process had started in the 2020 election .
In the days since his reversal , Graham pleaded for fundraising help and said Harrison was crushing him on campaign donations .
In August , a Quinnipiac University poll found the two candidates nearly tied , and a Morning Consult poll showed Graham ahead by 1 point .
The race has been closer than expected since Trump won the state by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California Democrat will run the show for Democrats in the hearings , a role she also held during the Kavanaugh hearings in 2018 .
Having spent nearly three decades in the Senate , Feinstein will be tasked with leading Democrats on the panel in expressing what is at stake if Barrett is confirmed to the high court .
Liberals have highlighted abortion rights , gun control and health care , including a case set to be heard by the high court days after Election Day that could decide the fate of the Affordable @ @ @

Here's what to expect at Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court confirmation hearings and who to watch for
Show Caption Hide Caption Amy Coney Barrett hearings: People gather outside SCOTUS Amy Coney Barrett protesters could be heard saying, "No confirmation until inauguration," while supporters said "we have the votes." USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Though Amy Coney Barrett appears to have the support in the Senate to be confirmed to the Supreme Court, her historic confirmation hearings this week offer Democrat and Republican senators the chance to question the appeals court judge in front of a national audience weeks before a contentious election.
The hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee – tasked with vetting Barrett’s background and stance on issues that could come before the high court – could be key for a number of senators before November, including vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris, who sits on the panel.
The coronavirus will play a role, altering how the hearings operate and threatening to derail Republicans' tight deadline to confirm Barrett before Election Day, which is three weeks away.
Three Republican senators contracted the virus since President Donald Trump tested positive – including two members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which could affect a vote on the panel and in the full Senate. Republicans appear to have locked in a majority to push through her nomination; only two have voiced opposition to moving forward before the election. But if senators remain ill or more contract the disease, making them unable to travel to Washington and vote on the Senate floor, her confirmation could be postponed.
How a Supreme Court justice is nominated, confirmed, and opposed The Supreme Court is a vital component of our democracy. Here's how the process works to nominate, confirm, and oppose a potential justice. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Democrats pushed to postpone the hearings, given the outbreak, which has infected about 20 people in Trump’s orbit. Democrats tried to pressure Republicans for weeks to halt the nomination process until after the election to let voters have a say in the process. Their hope is Democrat Joe Biden defeats Trump and Democrats regain a majority in the Senate.
GOP leaders have their eyes set on quickly confirming Barrett, who could give the high court a conservative bent for decades – and Democrats conceded there's little they can do to stop them.
Here is what to expect during the hearings and what to watch for as they begin Monday at 9 a.m. EDT.
What Barrett's confirmation could mean: Six conservative justices? 10 ways the Supreme Court could change
More: The Senate could confirm Amy Coney Barrett to Supreme Court just days before Election Day, with hearings beginning Oct. 12
Each day
The four days of hearings planned in the Senate Judiciary Committee are consistent with past proceedings for Supreme Court picks, even though Republicans are pushing through Barrett’s full nomination at a quicker pace than other high court nominees.
Four hearings are scheduled, though the panel could add meetings, especially if a hiccup is discovered in Barrett’s past that requires further vetting. Additional hearings were scheduled for Trump’s last Supreme Court pick, Brett Kavanaugh, in 2018 after sexual assault allegations surfaced, which Kavanaugh denied.
•Monday: The day will consist of opening remarks from Barrett and all 22 senators on the committee – 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats. Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., will start, followed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., then Barrett, followed by the other 20 members.
•Tuesday: This is when the hearings are likely to heat up. Senators will question Barrett on her career and her position on issues that could come before the court, including health care, guns, abortion and religion. Each senator will have about 20 minutes to question Barrett.
•Wednesday: The panel could offer two or three rounds of questioning after each senator has 20 minutes.
•Thursday: Senators are expected to hear from outside witnesses who know Barrett and will vouch for her career and service. The names of these witnesses and how they know Barrett have yet to be released.
The committee won’t vote until after it holds Barrett’s nomination for one week, a common practice by the panel. The committee vote is expected around Oct. 22 and is likely to split along party lines, 12-10. Then her nomination will go to the full Senate, where she'll need at least a majority to be confirmed to the high court.
Who is Amy Coney Barrett? Talented judge, popular professor brings solid conservative credentials
More: Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. What happens next in Senate confirmation process
President Trump nominates Amy Coney Barrett for a Supreme Court seat The new nominee acknowledged the moment by paying homage to Ginsburg as "a woman of enormous talent and consequence." USA TODAY
Things will look different
Typically, hearings vetting a Supreme Court nominee feature dozens of reporters in a crowded room filled with lawmakers, staff and members of the public – which sometimes leads to protests in the chamber.
That won’t be the scene this week because of the coronavirus pandemic. Only one staff member per senator will be allowed into the room, very few administration officials are expected and only a small group of reporters will be allowed inside to witness the hearings, according to a Capitol Hill aide familiar with the plans who requested anonymity to discuss preparations for the event.
The dais where senators sit for the hearings has been reconfigured. The architect of the Capitol constructed a second full dais to allow for social distancing, so senators would not have to sit in close proximity, the aide said.
More: Trump and 2 senators' positive COVID-19 tests spark worries over Amy Coney Barrett confirmation, but GOP moving forward anyway
Trump has COVID-19: More than two dozen administration officials, associates and others have tested positive
Throughout the room, stations will be set up with PPE (personal protective equipment), including gloves, hand sanitizer and other cleaning equipment. Each senator will have his or her own station with wipes, hand sanitizer, paper towels and a trash can, according to two Capitol Hill aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the committee's planning and safety precautions.
Senators will have the option to participate in the hearings virtually, something that has become common on Capitol Hill amid the pandemic, though Democrats criticized the idea during such a high-profile event, stressing the need to question Barrett in person.
Two Republican members of the panel – Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Mike Lee of Utah – tested positive for COVID-19. Though both senators vowed to quarantine and said they'd be back in Washington for the hearings, they could participate virtually should they remain COVID-19-positive or still have symptoms.
Senators to watch this week
Harris: Barrett will strike down ACA, Roe v. Wade Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Kamala Harris blasted President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nomination, raising fears about an end to Obamacare and abortion rights. (Sept. 28) AP
The Senate Judiciary Committee's members include a vice presidential candidate and eight senators facing reelection battles, including Republicans whose races could determine what party controls the majority in the Senate.
•Kamala Harris: The California Democrat will take a break from the campaign trail as Joe Biden's vice presidential candidate to take part in the four days of hearings. Harris' questioning of Kavanaugh in 2018 was pivotal in boosting her profile and helped launch her candidacy for president.
More: Here are the 2020 Senate races to watch as the COVID-19 election comes into focus
•Thom Tillis: The North Carolina Republican faces a tough reelection battle against Democrat Cal Cunningham, and his performance during the hearings could influence whether voters will let him keep his Senate seat next month. Cunningham held a roughly 3-percentage-point lead over Tillis in an Emerson College poll, but Cunningham admitted sending sexual texts to a woman not his wife. The Associated Press reported Cunningham had sexual relations with the woman. Tillis said he supports moving forward with Barrett's nomination despite the proximity to Election Day, but his participation in the hearings is up in the air after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 2.
•Joni Ernst: The Iowa Republican is running a tight race against Democrat Theresa Greenfield. A Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll released last month showed Ernst, a first-term senator, down by 3 percentage points. Ernst also said she supports moving forward with Barrett's nomination despite criticism that it's too close to the election.
•Lindsey Graham: The South Carolina Republican who heads the committee is trying to fend off a challenge by Democrat Jaime Harrison. He has been the target of criticism over backtracking on his vow to not bring forward a Supreme Court nominee if the primary process had started in the 2020 election. In the days since his reversal, Graham pleaded for fundraising help and said Harrison was crushing him on campaign donations. In August, a Quinnipiac University poll found the two candidates nearly tied, and a Morning Consult poll showed Graham ahead by 1 point. The race has been closer than expected since Trump won the state by 14 points.
•Dianne Feinstein: The California Democrat will run the show for Democrats in the hearings, a role she also held during the Kavanaugh hearings in 2018. Having spent nearly three decades in the Senate, Feinstein will be tasked with leading Democrats on the panel in expressing what is at stake if Barrett is confirmed to the high court. Liberals have highlighted abortion rights, gun control and health care, including a case set to be heard by the high court days after Election Day that could decide the fate of the Affordable Care Act.


usatoday--2020-10-12--Kobe and Gianna Bryant 'guided this team the entire year,' Lakers GM Rob Pelinka says

As he wore a championship hat that covered up some of the grief that his facial expressions conveyed , Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looked up toward the heavens and exhaled .
It has been a painful 8½ months since former Lakers star Kobe Bryant , his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash .
After the Lakers finished with a 106-93 win over the Miami Heat on Sunday in Game 6 of the NBA Finals , however , Pelinka had two reasons to smile .
One , the Lakers won their 17th NBA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Second , Pelinka lived up to Bryant ’ s prediction that Pelinka would help turn the franchise around within two to three years after the Lakers hired him in 2017 .
`` I guess you were right , man , '' Pelinka said as he stared up above .
`` You give me the energy to do it . ''
Pelinka routinely sought that inspiration from Bryant , whom he represented as his agent for the latter half of his NBA career .
Pelinka was also Gianna ’ s godfather .
So while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NBA campus bubble for nearly three months , Pelinka often woke in the middle of the night and imagined hearing Bryant ’ s voice .
Pelinka said he heard Bryant say `` stay the course '' and `` finish the task . ''
`` Kobe and Gianna have guided this team the entire year , '' Pelinka said .
`` Kobe 's voice is always in my head , always , every day , every minute . ''
Other members of the Lakers organization reported feeling the same way .
The Lakers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he helped lead them to five NBA championships and finished as the franchise ’ s all-time leading scorer .
So much that LeBron James said `` a day doesn ’ t go by when I don ’ t think about him . ''
So shortly after Bryant ’ s passing , the Lakers concluded practice and game huddles by yelling out `` 1 , 2 , 3 , Mamba . ''
The Lakers shined a light on Bryant ’ s retired jerseys in their practice facility .
Before the playoffs , they watched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restart , the Lakers displayed a Bryant-themed message on their game-ops video board that read , `` Leave a Legacy . ''
They also wore `` Black Mamba '' City Edition jerseys that Bryant once collaborated with Nike on the design .
With the Lakers winning their first four games while donning those jerseys , they wore them again for a potentially decisive Game 5 .
Players admittedly felt they disappointed Bryant for not closing out the Finals in those jerseys , but they were vindicated after winning Game 6 in their traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know he ’ s looking down on us super proud , '' forward Anthony Davis said .
`` When we brought out the Mamba jerseys we had a different swag .
We didn ’ t go undefeated .
But I know he would rather take this championship than a loss in a Mamba jersey .
We miss him .
This is definitely for him . ''
Despite the Lakers ’ affection for Bryant , he maintained a respectable distance from the organization following his retirement in 2016 so he could focus on developing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gianna on the AAU circuit .
So much that Bryant told USA TODAY Sports in mid-January that he had `` zero '' involvement with the organization .
Yet , he still had informal conversations with Lakers controlling governor Jeanie Buss , Pelinka , James , Davis and Kyle Kuzma .
Bryant also took Gianna to two Lakers games this season against the Atlanta Hawks ( Nov. 17 , 2019 ) and the Dallas Mavericks ( Dec. 26 , 2019 ) .
`` Before the tragedy , he would come to the games and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Go out there and take it , ' `` Davis said .
`` He had a lot of confidence in our team .
He had a lot of confidence in the organization to go out there and win it this year . ''
Now that the Lakers fulfilled that mission , Pelinka replaced his grief with joy as he reflected on Bryant .
`` To be able to have a friend who changed my life , and helped me understand what greatness was about and sacrifice was about , there 's not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` To be able to share this moment right now , knowing that he and Gianna are looking down from heaven ?
I know he 's a proud friend . ''

Kobe and Gianna Bryant ‘guided this team the entire year,' Lakers GM Rob Pelinka says
Show Caption Hide Caption Why this NBA title is the most impressive one yet for Lakers, LeBron SportsPulse: The Lakers and LeBron are back on top. LA gets their 17th. LeBron get his 4th. Both should look at this championship for what it is- arguably their most impressive feat yet. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
As he wore a championship hat that covered up some of the grief that his facial expressions conveyed, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looked up toward the heavens and exhaled.
It has been a painful 8½ months since former Lakers star Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash. After the Lakers finished with a 106-93 win over the Miami Heat on Sunday in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, however, Pelinka had two reasons to smile.
One, the Lakers won their 17th NBA championship and their first since 2010. Second, Pelinka lived up to Bryant’s prediction that Pelinka would help turn the franchise around within two to three years after the Lakers hired him in 2017.
"I guess you were right, man," Pelinka said as he stared up above. "You give me the energy to do it."
Pelinka routinely sought that inspiration from Bryant, whom he represented as his agent for the latter half of his NBA career. Pelinka was also Gianna’s godfather. So while staying at the Gran Destino Tower in the NBA campus bubble for nearly three months, Pelinka often woke in the middle of the night and imagined hearing Bryant’s voice. Pelinka said he heard Bryant say "stay the course" and "finish the task."
"Kobe and Gianna have guided this team the entire year. Kobe's voice is always in my head. Always. Every day, every minute." - Lakers GM Rob Pelinka pic.twitter.com/ANx7397i6k — USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) October 12, 2020
"Kobe and Gianna have guided this team the entire year," Pelinka said. "Kobe's voice is always in my head, always, every day, every minute."
Other members of the Lakers organization reported feeling the same way. The Lakers grieved and sought inspiration from Bryant after he helped lead them to five NBA championships and finished as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. So much that LeBron James said "a day doesn’t go by when I don’t think about him."
So shortly after Bryant’s passing, the Lakers concluded practice and game huddles by yelling out "1, 2, 3, Mamba." The Lakers shined a light on Bryant’s retired jerseys in their practice facility. Before the playoffs, they watched a Bryant-related video. During the season restart, the Lakers displayed a Bryant-themed message on their game-ops video board that read, "Leave a Legacy."
They also wore "Black Mamba" City Edition jerseys that Bryant once collaborated with Nike on the design. With the Lakers winning their first four games while donning those jerseys, they wore them again for a potentially decisive Game 5. Players admittedly felt they disappointed Bryant for not closing out the Finals in those jerseys, but they were vindicated after winning Game 6 in their traditional uniforms.
"For Kobe, I know he’s looking down on us super proud," forward Anthony Davis said. "When we brought out the Mamba jerseys we had a different swag. We didn’t go undefeated. But I know he would rather take this championship than a loss in a Mamba jersey. We miss him. This is definitely for him."
Despite the Lakers’ affection for Bryant, he maintained a respectable distance from the organization following his retirement in 2016 so he could focus on developing his storytelling company as well as coach Gianna on the AAU circuit. So much that Bryant told USA TODAY Sports in mid-January that he had "zero" involvement with the organization.
Watch: Los Angeles Lakers fans gather in large crowds to celebrate team's win The Los Angeles Lakers captured the franchise's 17th title on Sunday night and fans flocked to the streets to celebrate. Harrison Hill, USA TODAY
Yet, he still had informal conversations with Lakers controlling governor Jeanie Buss, Pelinka, James, Davis and Kyle Kuzma. Bryant also took Gianna to two Lakers games this season against the Atlanta Hawks (Nov. 17, 2019) and the Dallas Mavericks (Dec. 26, 2019).
"Before the tragedy, he would come to the games and tell us, 'This is your year. Go out there and take it,' " Davis said. "He had a lot of confidence in our team. He had a lot of confidence in the organization to go out there and win it this year."
Now that the Lakers fulfilled that mission, Pelinka replaced his grief with joy as he reflected on Bryant.
"To be able to have a friend who changed my life, and helped me understand what greatness was about and sacrifice was about, there's not many greater gifts," Pelinka said. "To be able to share this moment right now, knowing that he and Gianna are looking down from heaven? I know he's a proud friend."
Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.