usatoday--2020-10-25--Lee Kun-Hee, Samsung Electronics chairman, dies at 78

SEOUL , South Korea — Lee Kun-Hee , the ailing Samsung Electronics chairman who transformed the small television maker into a global giant of consumer electronics , has died .
He was 78 .
A Samsung statement said Lee died on Sunday with his family members , including his son and de facto company chief Lee Jae-yong , by his side .
Lee Kun-Hee had been hospitalized since May 2014 after suffering a heart attack and the younger Lee has run Samsung , the biggest company in South Korea .
“ All of us at Samsung will cherish his memory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared with him , ” the Samsung statement said .
“ Our deepest sympathies are with his family , relatives and those nearest .
His legacy will be everlasting.
” Lee Kun-Hee inherited control from his father and during his nearly 30 years of leadership , Samsung Electronics Co. became a global brand and the world ’ s largest maker of smartphones , televisions and memory chips .
Samsung sells Galaxy phones while also making the screens and microchips that power its rivals , Apple ’ s iPhones and Google Android phones .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy , Asia ’ s fourth-largest .
Its businesses encompass shipbuilding , life insurance , construction , hotels , amusement park operation and more .
Samsung Electronics alone accounts for 20 % of the market capital on South Korea ’ s main stock market .
Lee leaves behind immense wealth , with Forbes estimating his fortune at $ 16 billion as of January 2017 .
His death comes during a complex time for Samsung .
When he was hospitalized , Samsung ’ s once-lucrative mobile business faced threats from upstart makers in China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high to innovate its traditionally strong hardware business , to reform a stifling hierarchical culture and to improve its corporate governance and transparency .
Samsung was ensnared in the 2016-17 corruption scandal that led to then-President Park Geun-hye ’ s impeachment and imprisonment .
Its executives , including the younger Lee , were investigated by prosecutors who believed Samsung executives bribed Park to secure the government ’ s backing for a smooth leadership transition from father to son .
In a previous scandal , Lee Kun-Hee was convicted in 2008 for illegal share @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pass his wealth and corporate control to his three children .
The late Lee was a stern , terse leader who focused on big-picture strategies , leaving details and daily management to executives .
His near-absolute authority allowed the company to make bold decisions in the fast-changing technology industry , such as shelling out billions to build new production lines for memory chips and display panels even as the 2008 global financial crisis unfolded .
Those risky moves fueled Samsung ’ s rise .
Lee was born Jan. 9 , 1942 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan ’ s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula .
His father Lee Byung-chull had founded an export business there in 1938 and following the 1950-53 Korean War , he rebuilt the company into an electronics and home appliance manufacturer and the country ’ s first major trading company .
Lee Byung-chull was often called one of the fathers of modern industrial South Korea .
Lee Kun-Hee was the third son and his inheritance of his father ’ s businesses bucked the tradition of family wealth going to the eldest .
One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bigger part of Samsung but lost the case .
When Lee Kun-Hee inherited control from his father in 1987 , Samsung was relying on Japanese technology to produce TVs and was making its first steps into exporting microwaves and refrigerators .
The company was expanding its semiconductor factories after entering the business in 1974 by acquiring a near-bankrupt firm .
A decisive moment came in 1993 .
Lee Kun-Hee made sweeping changes to Samsung after a two-month trip abroad convinced him the company needed to improve the quality of its products .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he famously urged , “ Let ’ s change everything except our wives and children.
” Not all his moves succeeded .
A notable failure was the group ’ s expansion into the auto industry in the 1990s , in part driven by Lee Kun-Hee ’ s passion for luxury cars .
Samsung later sold near-bankrupt Samsung Motor to Renault .
The company also was frequently criticized for disrespecting labor rights .
Cancer cases among workers at its semiconductor factories were ignored for years .
In 2020 , Lee Jae-yong declared heredity transfers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management rights he inherited wouldn ’ t pass to his children .
He also said Samsung would stop suppressing employee attempts to organize unions , although labor activists questioned his sincerity .
South Koreans are both proud of Samsung ’ s global success and concerned the company and Lee family are above the law and influence over almost every corner of society .
Critics particularly note how Lee Kun-Hee ’ s only son gained immense wealth through unlisted shares of Samsung firms that later went public .
In 2007 , a former company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ book that became a best seller in South Korea .
Lee Kun-Hee was subsequently indicted on tax evasion and other charges .
Lee resigned as chairman of Samsung Electronics and was convicted and sentenced to a suspended three-year prison term .
He received a presidential pardon in 2009 and returned to Samsung ’ s management in 2010 .

Kim Tong-Hyung and Hyung-Jin Kim, Associated Press

Lee Kun-Hee, Samsung Electronics chairman, dies at 78
SEOUL, South Korea — Lee Kun-Hee, the ailing Samsung Electronics chairman who transformed the small television maker into a global giant of consumer electronics, has died. He was 78.
A Samsung statement said Lee died on Sunday with his family members, including his son and de facto company chief Lee Jae-yong, by his side.
Lee Kun-Hee had been hospitalized since May 2014 after suffering a heart attack and the younger Lee has run Samsung, the biggest company in South Korea.
“All of us at Samsung will cherish his memory and are grateful for the journey we shared with him,” the Samsung statement said. “Our deepest sympathies are with his family, relatives and those nearest. His legacy will be everlasting.”
Lee Kun-Hee inherited control from his father and during his nearly 30 years of leadership, Samsung Electronics Co. became a global brand and the world’s largest maker of smartphones, televisions and memory chips. Samsung sells Galaxy phones while also making the screens and microchips that power its rivals, Apple’s iPhones and Google Android phones.
Samsung helped make the nation’s economy, Asia’s fourth-largest. Its businesses encompass shipbuilding, life insurance, construction, hotels, amusement park operation and more. Samsung Electronics alone accounts for 20% of the market capital on South Korea’s main stock market.
Lee leaves behind immense wealth, with Forbes estimating his fortune at $16 billion as of January 2017.
His death comes during a complex time for Samsung.
When he was hospitalized, Samsung’s once-lucrative mobile business faced threats from upstart makers in China and other emerging markets. Pressure was high to innovate its traditionally strong hardware business, to reform a stifling hierarchical culture and to improve its corporate governance and transparency.
Samsung was ensnared in the 2016-17 corruption scandal that led to then-President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment and imprisonment. Its executives, including the younger Lee, were investigated by prosecutors who believed Samsung executives bribed Park to secure the government’s backing for a smooth leadership transition from father to son.
In a previous scandal, Lee Kun-Hee was convicted in 2008 for illegal share dealings, tax evasion and bribery designed to pass his wealth and corporate control to his three children.
The late Lee was a stern, terse leader who focused on big-picture strategies, leaving details and daily management to executives.
His near-absolute authority allowed the company to make bold decisions in the fast-changing technology industry, such as shelling out billions to build new production lines for memory chips and display panels even as the 2008 global financial crisis unfolded. Those risky moves fueled Samsung’s rise.
Lee was born Jan. 9, 1942, in the southeastern city of Daegu during Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. His father Lee Byung-chull had founded an export business there in 1938 and following the 1950-53 Korean War, he rebuilt the company into an electronics and home appliance manufacturer and the country’s first major trading company.
Lee Byung-chull was often called one of the fathers of modern industrial South Korea. Lee Kun-Hee was the third son and his inheritance of his father’s businesses bucked the tradition of family wealth going to the eldest. One of Lee Kun-Hee’s brothers sued for a bigger part of Samsung but lost the case.
When Lee Kun-Hee inherited control from his father in 1987, Samsung was relying on Japanese technology to produce TVs and was making its first steps into exporting microwaves and refrigerators.
The company was expanding its semiconductor factories after entering the business in 1974 by acquiring a near-bankrupt firm.
A decisive moment came in 1993. Lee Kun-Hee made sweeping changes to Samsung after a two-month trip abroad convinced him the company needed to improve the quality of its products.
In a speech to Samsung executives, he famously urged, “Let’s change everything except our wives and children.”
Not all his moves succeeded.
A notable failure was the group’s expansion into the auto industry in the 1990s, in part driven by Lee Kun-Hee’s passion for luxury cars. Samsung later sold near-bankrupt Samsung Motor to Renault. The company also was frequently criticized for disrespecting labor rights. Cancer cases among workers at its semiconductor factories were ignored for years.
In 2020, Lee Jae-yong declared heredity transfers at Samsung would end, promising the management rights he inherited wouldn’t pass to his children. He also said Samsung would stop suppressing employee attempts to organize unions, although labor activists questioned his sincerity.
South Koreans are both proud of Samsung’s global success and concerned the company and Lee family are above the law and influence over almost every corner of society.
Critics particularly note how Lee Kun-Hee’s only son gained immense wealth through unlisted shares of Samsung firms that later went public.
In 2007, a former company lawyer accused Samsung of wrongdoing in a book that became a best seller in South Korea. Lee Kun-Hee was subsequently indicted on tax evasion and other charges.
Lee resigned as chairman of Samsung Electronics and was convicted and sentenced to a suspended three-year prison term. He received a presidential pardon in 2009 and returned to Samsung’s management in 2010.


usatoday--2020-10-25--'SNL' host Adele brings drama – and her greatest hits – as hilarious losing 'Bachelor' contestant

Everyone took notice when Adele was announced as host , but not musical guest , for this week 's `` Saturday Night Live , '' but she still managed to deliver some of her greatest hits in a parody of ABC 's `` The Bachelor . ''
The sketch was the biggest highlight of a bravura performance for someone known for music , not comedy .
She appeared in most of the skits , finally breaking character and laughing in an African tourism board ad with Kate McKinnon .
At one point , she crossed her eyes to avoid cracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laughter .
We can forgive her ; this is not her main gig .
In `` The Bachelor '' episode , the singing superstar , radiant in a black evening gown , played herself as a contestant competing for the affections of Ben K. ( Beck Bennett ) against a field of younger women who all seemed to be named Hannah .
`` I 'm Adele Atkins .
I 'm 32 .
You may know me for being the singer Adele .
I 'm here because I had a lot of heartbreak in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of famously at 21 and then ever more famously at 25 , '' she said , introducing herself to viewers .
`` I have a really good feeling about Ben K. I can already tell he ’ s going to be the next love of my life . ''
However , when Ben offered the first-impression rose to Hannah C. , Adele , clearly not understanding the format , thought she had lost .
Her face grew serious , she looked at the camera , the music rose and she broke into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I heard that you 're settled down , that you found a girl and you 're married now , '' she sang in a spotlight that appeared out of nowhere , before Ben interrupted and said he was n't married to Hannah .
Hannah C. ( Heidi Gardner ) offered Adele advice : `` There ’ s like 40 episodes left so I 'd pace yourself emotionally because we ’ ve been here 10 minutes and you 've already sung that a few times . ''
The emotionally needy contestant was n't listening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ben , the spotlight and music returned as she started sang a line from another hit , `` I guess this reminds me of when we were young . ''
When Ben was enjoying some alone time with another contestant , Adele returned with a rendition of `` Hello , '' this time in sepia tone .
She finally agreed to leave them alone , but she did n't .
She started singing again from the nearby bushes .
Later , speaking to the camera , Adele said she realized she was coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play it `` chill and cool . ''
That did n't last long .
After she told Ben he could talk to the other women , another contestant came up to chat .
A threatening Adele squeezed and crushed her own wine glass , the house lights were replaced by red back-lighting , a fitting color as she sang , `` There 's a fire in my heart . ''
Finally , Ben told Adele she had to leave the mansion .
`` I do n't know if I 'd call this a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I will now leave and I will go quietly , I promise .
There will be no more drama for me . ''
Do n't worry .
She came back to the delight of Ben and the other `` Bachelor '' contestants and sang more of `` Someone Like You , '' walking out into a studio audience filled with delighted essential workers .
After bringing the house down , she announced her next reality TV appearance : `` Thank you , everyone .
Catch me next week on 'Love Island .
@ @

'SNL' host Adele brings drama – and her greatest hits – as hilarious losing 'Bachelor' contestant
Show Caption Hide Caption 'SNL' mocks Rudy Giuliani 'Borat' mishap, final presidential debate Maya Rudolph, Jim Carrey and Alec Baldwin returned as "Saturday Night Live" spoofed the last debate between Joe Biden and President Donald Trump. USA TODAY
Everyone took notice when Adele was announced as host, but not musical guest, for this week's "Saturday Night Live," but she still managed to deliver some of her greatest hits in a parody of ABC's "The Bachelor."
The sketch was the biggest highlight of a bravura performance for someone known for music, not comedy. She appeared in most of the skits, finally breaking character and laughing in an African tourism board ad with Kate McKinnon. At one point, she crossed her eyes to avoid cracking up, eventually just doubling over in laughter. We can forgive her; this is not her main gig.
In her sweet, funny monologue, Adele addressed matters relating to her "SNL" appearance and to her weight loss.
"I know there's been a lot of chatter about me just being the host. I've seen all of that. Like, why isn't she the musical guest?" she said. "There's a couple of reasons. My album's not finished and I'm also too scared to do both. I'd rather just put on some wigs … have a glass of wine or six and just see what happens."
As for her changed appearance, the British singer joked: "I know I look really, really different since you last saw me, but actually because of all the COVID restrictions and the travel bans, I had to travel light and only bring half of me. And this is the half I chose."
Oops! Rudy Giuliani crashes final Trump-Biden debate on 'SNL' with 'Borat'-like mishap
In "The Bachelor" episode, the singing superstar, radiant in a black evening gown, played herself as a contestant competing for the affections of Ben K. (Beck Bennett) against a field of younger women who all seemed to be named Hannah.
"I'm Adele Atkins. I'm 32. You may know me for being the singer Adele. I'm here because I had a lot of heartbreak in life, first at 19, then kind of famously at 21 and then ever more famously at 25," she said, introducing herself to viewers. "I have a really good feeling about Ben K. I can already tell he’s going to be the next love of my life."
However, when Ben offered the first-impression rose to Hannah C., Adele, clearly not understanding the format, thought she had lost. Her face grew serious, she looked at the camera, the music rose and she broke into "Someone Like You."
"I heard that you're settled down, that you found a girl and you're married now," she sang in a spotlight that appeared out of nowhere, before Ben interrupted and said he wasn't married to Hannah.
Hannah C. (Heidi Gardner) offered Adele advice: "There’s like 40 episodes left so I'd pace yourself emotionally because we’ve been here 10 minutes and you've already sung that a few times."
'SNL' Weekend Update: Village People rewrite lyrics to order Trump to stop playing 'Y.M.C.A.'
The emotionally needy Adele wasn't listening. Later, during a one-on-one chat with Ben, the spotlight and music returned as she started sang a line from another hit, "I guess this reminds me of when we were young."
"We met today," a confused Ben said.
When Ben was enjoying some alone time with another contestant, Adele returned with a rendition of "Hello," this time in sepia tone.
She finally agreed to leave them alone, but she didn't. She started singing again from the nearby bushes.
Later, speaking to the camera, Adele said she realized she was coming on too strong and had decided to play it "chill and cool."
That didn't last long. After she told Ben he could talk to the other women, another contestant came up to chat. A threatening Adele squeezed and crushed her own wine glass, the house lights were replaced by red back-lighting, a fitting color as she sang, "There's a fire starting in my heart" ("Rolling in the Deep").
Finally, Ben told Adele she had to leave the mansion. "I don't know if I'd call this a mansion," the superstar said. "I will now leave and I will go quietly, I promise. There will be no more drama for me."
Don't worry. She came back to the delight of Ben and the other "Bachelor" contestants and sang more of "Someone Like You," walking out into a studio audience filled with delighted essential workers.
After bringing the house down, she announced her next reality TV appearance: "Thank you, everyone. Catch me next week on 'Love Island.' "


usatoday--2020-10-21--Toddler takes first steps after multiple surgeries

Born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita , Ana has undergone multiple surgeries to be able to walk .
Now , she @ @ @ @ @ .

Toddler takes first steps after multiple surgeries
Born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, Ana has undergone multiple surgeries to be able to walk. Now, she's teaching others about AMC.
Humankind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-10-25--Voting 2020 live updates: Unprecedented lines at early voting polls in New York; Supreme Court block

Months ago , some questioned whether the U.S. could pull off an election during the height of the coronavirus pandemic .
But despite COVID-19 , early voting is smashing records : North Carolina , Georgia and Michigan , to name a few crucial states , have either surpassed or were approaching 40 % of their overall 2016 turnout , USA TODAY 's Joey Garrison reported earlier this week .
That 's a lot of voters .
A perhaps record number are expected to cast ballots this weekend , either by mail or at early in-person voting sites across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Check our guide . )
As voters head to the polls ahead of the Nov. 3 election , here are important headlines to keep in mind .
If you want a long read : We mailed 64 letters and packages in battleground states to check on mail delays .
Here ’ s what we found .
Know your voting rights : If you encounter intimidation at the polls on Election Day , here 's what to do .
Quick take : Nationwide , states are grappling with legal challenges surrounding voting policies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an intervention over rules permitting mail-in ballots to be received 48 hours after the election .
• In Texas and New Jersey , state courts upheld modified election rules — created by state and city legislatures to curb the spread of COVID-19 .
• President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are lawyered up , bracing for an epic post-election legal battle .
And the likely confirmation of Amy Comey Barrett to the Supreme Court is a key piece of chess .
More on this from the Associated Press .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it again , trying to interfere in the election .
• Hackers from Russia and Iran are attempting to undermine the election by sending false emails from the far-right , authoritarian group Proud Boys .
• Russian hackers have been coming after various networks in the U.S. since September , the FBI has said .
• When Lillian Rozsa got the so-called Proud Boys email , she said she knew better .
Still , the University of Florida law student said `` it was shocking and scary . ''
Voters are already casting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show 56 million people have voted .
In other numbers , the Guardian and ProPublica report 21 % of registered voters in swing states have had their mail-in ballots accepted .
We 're 10 days from Election Day .
USA TODAY is keeping track of what 's happening as voters around the country cast ballots .
Keep refreshing this page for updates .
Worried about voter suppression ?
Lawyers set up national hotline to answer questions about election laws Nearly 24,000 lawyers are volunteering to help voters across the country navigate changes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Organizers of Election Protection , a national coalition of civil rights and voting rights groups , said the number of volunteers has quadrupled since the 2016 presidential election and the 2018 midterm elections .
They ’ re bracing for even more calls as Election Day nears and in the days and weeks following .
The Election Protection hotline ( 866-OUR-VOTE ) is available all year , but calls have ramped up in recent weeks as millions started casting ballots early in some states .
The hotline has received more than 100,000 calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , organizers said .
At this point in 2016 , the group had fielded 21,000 calls since January of that year .
Unprecedented lines at early voting polls in New York On the first day of early voting in New York , people waited on lines that were blocks longs and wrapped around polling places to cast their ballots .
Many were on line hours before the official noon kickoff and waited between two and four hours to vote .
Heidi Chisholm in Yonkers knitted while waiting to vote in front of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was there around 11 a.m. and there were already `` several hundred '' people ahead of her .
Long lines were seen at every polling place set up for early voting in Westchester and Rockland counties .
President Donald Trump voted Saturday in West Palm Beach , he tweeted Saturday morning .
Officials said earlier this week that he had plans to vote there while campaigning .
It 's the first time an incumbent president cast his vote in Florida .
That is a departure for Trump , who cast absentee ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Aug. 18 primary election .
Meanwhile , Vice President Mike Pence and his wife , Karen , cast their ballots Friday in Indianapolis .
They used the absentee ballots they had requested in early September .
Trump casting a vote in Palm Beach County is part of a historic , blockbuster political weekend in Florida .
Trump spoke Friday in The Villages , a conservative community north of Orlando , and in Pensacola .
Pence also stumped in Florida .
On Saturday , former President Barack Obama rallied the Democratic faithful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 .
Why Mike Pence uses the Indiana governor 's mansion address to vote Michigan ban on hiring transportation to bring voters to the polls upheld The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit has ruled in favor of Michigan 's Republican-led legislature , reinstating the state 's ban on hiring transportation to carry voters to the polls after a state court issued an injunction against the Michigan law .
The law prohibits voter advocacy organizations from paying for transportation to bring voters to the polls and ride-sharing companies such as Lyft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michigan voters on Election Day .
It does not prohibit volunteers from driving voters to the polls for free .
Voters in Delaware do n't have to wear masks at the polls Despite Delaware Gov .
John Carney 's requirement that residents wear face coverings in public , mask-less voters will be able to walk into polling places to cast their ballots on Election Day .
Masks are strongly encouraged , but not required when voting .
Elections Commissioner Anthony Albence said the decision was made in consultation with the state Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the polls in New York , Joe2020 hats are a no but BLM shirts and MAGA hats are OK. ) While elections officials want to provide the safest environment possible , voting is a fundamental right , Albence said .
He described the rule as `` trying to balance everyone ’ s needs and everyone ’ s concerns . ''
`` We don ’ t deny anyone ’ s right to vote if they don ’ t wear a mask , '' Albence said .
`` We really strongly encourage it .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election problems : What to keep in mind This cheat sheet from Columbia Journalism Review offers tips for media organizations reporting on Election 2020 .
• Voting problems are n't failures .
They happen every year and , as CJR notes , hiccups such as voting machines not working or polling places opening late do n't mean anything is `` rigged . ''
• Some problems , however , are significant .
CJR recommends the media scrutinize areas that have a history of voter suppression or obstructing minority voters , calling out Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do n't expect a winner on Election Night .
This year is different because mail-in ballots could be as high as 30 % .
Previously , that number was 3 % -5 % .
It will take a while to tally .
• Seriously , expect to wait .
State vote certification deadlines differ and do n't have to be reported to the federal level until Dec. 8 .
Additionally , the Electoral College doesn ’ t meet until Dec. 14 .
Federal case over where Ohio drop boxes could be installed dismissed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arguments , Ohio 's battle over multiple drop boxes is officially over .
Ohio Democrats and voting rights groups can claim one victory : Multiple courts found Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose , a Republican , could install multiple drop boxes for voters to deposit their ballots .
But he was not required to do so and in the end , LaRose did n't allow off-site drop boxes this election .
On Friday , the federal case disputing where drop boxes could be installed was dismissed , ending a several-month legal fight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-judge panel from the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked a ruling that would have allowed multiple collection sites for Ohioans ' ballots .
How to vote in 2020 ?
This is the best way , according to experts and activists With the election less than two weeks away , voting rights advocates , conservatives and community activists are urging the millions of voters who have n't voted yet to cast their ballots in person at the polls or at absentee ballot drop boxes .
The 2020 election is on track @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battles the COVID-19 pandemic , a fight for racial equality and an economic recession .
More than 53 million people have already voted .
But voters , particularly people of color and the elderly , are concerned about the health risk of voting in person and their vote being fairly counted .
People of color are dying of COVID-19 at higher rates than white people .
Voting rights groups have accused Republican lawmakers of suppressing Black and Latino voters with long lines in urban communities and restrictive voter laws while President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud .
Read more .

Joshua Bote and Cara Richardson, USA TODAY

Voting 2020 live updates: Unprecedented lines at early voting polls in New York; Supreme Court blocks curbside voting in Alabama
Show Caption Hide Caption Important voting rules you need to know before heading to the polls Voting is important, so there are rules to protect it. Here's what you need to know before you go to vote. USA TODAY
Months ago, some questioned whether the U.S. could pull off an election during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. But despite COVID-19, early voting is smashing records: North Carolina, Georgia and Michigan, to name a few crucial states, have either surpassed or were approaching 40% of their overall 2016 turnout, USA TODAY's Joey Garrison reported earlier this week.
That's a lot of voters. A perhaps record number are expected to cast ballots this weekend, either by mail or at early in-person voting sites across the country. (Need help registering to vote? Check our guide.)
As voters head to the polls ahead of the Nov. 3 election, here are important headlines to keep in mind.
If you want a long read: We mailed 64 letters and packages in battleground states to check on mail delays. Here’s what we found.
Know your voting rights: If you encounter intimidation at the polls on Election Day, here's what to do.
Quick take: Nationwide, states are grappling with legal challenges surrounding voting policies.
The Supreme Court blocked curbside voting in Alabama .
blocked in . North Carolina Republicans are requesting an intervention over rules permitting mail-in ballots to be received 48 hours after the election.
are requesting an intervention over rules permitting mail-in ballots to be received 48 hours after the election. In Texas and New Jersey , state courts upheld modified election rules — created by state and city legislatures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
and , state courts upheld modified election rules — created by state and city legislatures to curb the spread of COVID-19. President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden are lawyered up, bracing for an epic post-election legal battle. And the likely confirmation of Amy Comey Barrett to the Supreme Court is a key piece of chess. More on this from the Associated Press.
Also at play: Foreign hackers are at it again, trying to interfere in the election.
Hackers from Russia and Iran are attempting to undermine the election by sending false emails from the far-right, authoritarian group Proud Boys.
and are attempting to undermine the election by sending false emails from the far-right, authoritarian group Proud Boys. Russian hackers have been coming after various networks in the U.S. since September , the FBI has said.
have been coming after various networks in the U.S. , the FBI has said. When Lillian Rozsa got the so-called Proud Boys email, she said she knew better. Still, the University of Florida law student said "it was shocking and scary."
Voters are already casting ballots: Numbers compiled by @electproject show 56 million people have voted.
We're 10 days from Election Day. USA TODAY is keeping track of what's happening as voters around the country cast ballots. Keep refreshing this page for updates.
Nearly 24,000 lawyers are volunteering to help voters across the country navigate changes in what has become an unprecedented election cycle. Organizers of Election Protection, a national coalition of civil rights and voting rights groups, said the number of volunteers has quadrupled since the 2016 presidential election and the 2018 midterm elections. They’re bracing for even more calls as Election Day nears and in the days and weeks following.
The Election Protection hotline (866-OUR-VOTE) is available all year, but calls have ramped up in recent weeks as millions started casting ballots early in some states. The hotline has received more than 100,000 calls since July, averaging about 7,000 a day, organizers said. At this point in 2016, the group had fielded 21,000 calls since January of that year.
– Deborah Barfield Berry
On the first day of early voting in New York, people waited on lines that were blocks longs and wrapped around polling places to cast their ballots. Many were on line hours before the official noon kickoff and waited between two and four hours to vote.
Heidi Chisholm in Yonkers knitted while waiting to vote in front of the Yonkers Public Library. She said she was there around 11 a.m. and there were already "several hundred" people ahead of her.
Long lines were seen at every polling place set up for early voting in Westchester and Rockland counties.
– Christopher J. Eberhart, Rockland/Westchester Journal News
President Donald Trump voted Saturday in West Palm Beach, he tweeted Saturday morning. Officials said earlier this week that he had plans to vote there while campaigning. It's the first time an incumbent president cast his vote in Florida. That is a departure for Trump, who cast absentee ballots in the March presidential primary and then in the Aug. 18 primary election.
Meanwhile, Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, cast their ballots Friday in Indianapolis. They used the absentee ballots they had requested in early September.
Trump casting a vote in Palm Beach County is part of a historic, blockbuster political weekend in Florida. Trump spoke Friday in The Villages, a conservative community north of Orlando, and in Pensacola. Pence also stumped in Florida. On Saturday, former President Barack Obama rallied the Democratic faithful in Miami.
– Antonio Fins, The Palm Beach Post and Chris Sikich, Indianapolis Star
He moved out in 2016. Why Mike Pence uses the Indiana governor's mansion address to vote
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit has ruled in favor of Michigan's Republican-led legislature, reinstating the state's ban on hiring transportation to carry voters to the polls after a state court issued an injunction against the Michigan law.
The law prohibits voter advocacy organizations from paying for transportation to bring voters to the polls and ride-sharing companies such as Lyft and Uber from offering discounted rides to Michigan voters on Election Day. It does not prohibit volunteers from driving voters to the polls for free.
– Clara Hendrickson, Detroit Free Press
Despite Delaware Gov. John Carney's requirement that residents wear face coverings in public, mask-less voters will be able to walk into polling places to cast their ballots on Election Day. Masks are strongly encouraged, but not required when voting. Elections Commissioner Anthony Albence said the decision was made in consultation with the state Department of Justice. (Read also: At the polls in New York, Joe2020 hats are a no but BLM shirts and MAGA hats are OK.)
While elections officials want to provide the safest environment possible, voting is a fundamental right, Albence said. He described the rule as "trying to balance everyone’s needs and everyone’s concerns."
"We don’t deny anyone’s right to vote if they don’t wear a mask," Albence said. "We really strongly encourage it. It is not an absolute requirement."
– Sarah Gamard, Delaware News Journal
This cheat sheet from Columbia Journalism Review offers tips for media organizations reporting on Election 2020.
Voting problems aren't failures. They happen every year and, as CJR notes, hiccups such as voting machines not working or polling places opening late don't mean anything is "rigged."
They happen every year and, as CJR notes, hiccups such as voting machines not working or polling places opening late don't mean anything is "rigged." Some problems, however, are significant. CJR recommends the media scrutinize areas that have a history of voter suppression or obstructing minority voters, calling out Georgia as a place to monitor.
CJR recommends the media scrutinize areas that have a history of voter suppression or obstructing minority voters, calling out Georgia as a place to monitor. Don't expect a winner on Election Night . This year is different because mail-in ballots could be as high as 30%. Previously, that number was 3%-5%. It will take a while to tally.
. This year is different because mail-in ballots could be as high as 30%. Previously, that number was 3%-5%. It will take a while to tally. Seriously, expect to wait. State vote certification deadlines differ and don't have to be reported to the federal level until Dec. 8. Additionally, the Electoral College doesn’t meet until Dec. 14.
After two lawsuits and months of legal arguments, Ohio's battle over multiple drop boxes is officially over.
Ohio Democrats and voting rights groups can claim one victory: Multiple courts found Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a Republican, could install multiple drop boxes for voters to deposit their ballots.
But he was not required to do so and in the end, LaRose didn't allow off-site drop boxes this election. On Friday, the federal case disputing where drop boxes could be installed was dismissed, ending a several-month legal fight.
Earlier in the month, a three-judge panel from the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked a ruling that would have allowed multiple collection sites for Ohioans' ballots.
– Jessie Balmert, Cincinnati Enquirer
With the election less than two weeks away, voting rights advocates, conservatives and community activists are urging the millions of voters who haven't voted yet to cast their ballots in person at the polls or at absentee ballot drop boxes.
The 2020 election is on track for record voter turnout as the nation battles the COVID-19 pandemic, a fight for racial equality and an economic recession. More than 53 million people have already voted. But voters, particularly people of color and the elderly, are concerned about the health risk of voting in person and their vote being fairly counted.
People of color are dying of COVID-19 at higher rates than white people. Voting rights groups have accused Republican lawmakers of suppressing Black and Latino voters with long lines in urban communities and restrictive voter laws while President Donald Trump maintains that mail-in voting is susceptible to fraud. Read more.
– Nicquel Terry Ellis
Contributing: Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-25--'SNL' host Adele brings drama — and her greatest hits — as hilarious losing 'Bachelor' contestant


usatoday--2020-10-26--'What just happened with the President?': '60 Minutes' airs Lesley Stahl's contentious Trump intervi

President Donald Trump released 38 minutes of his contentious `` 60 Minutes '' interview with Lesley Stahl on his Facebook page Thursday , calling it `` fake and biased . ''
The news program aired its interview Sunday night , delving into the question of why Trump abruptly cut off the White House interview .
Stahl seemed surprised when the visibly vexed Trump did not return for a planned second portion of the sit-down interview , a `` 60 Minutes '' tradition with major party presidential and vice presidential candidates , prior to the Nov. 3 election .
Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit with Stahl for the remainder of the interview in the White House Roosevelt Room and explain the president 's absence .
`` What just happened with the president ? ''
Stahl asked Pence .
`` President Trump is a man who speaks his mind , it ’ s one of the great strengths that he ’ s had as president of the United States , that the American people know where they stand , '' Pence said in explanation .
`` It ’ s less about the back-and-forth with the media , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we bring the country all the way back . ''
'You 're discrediting yourself ' : Trump releases '60 Minutes ' tape of contentious interview with Lesley Stahl Stahl led off the Sunday evening broadcast promising to answer , `` What happened when the president left the room , '' adding that she had hoped the interview would be `` more productive . ''
The exchange , as seen in the video excerpts that Trump released , was fraught from the first moments .
`` Are you ready for some tough questions ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sat down and adjusted his suit .
`` You ’ re going to be fair .
Just be fair , '' Trump responded .
`` You will get fairness , '' Stahl said .
The first question was about COVID-19 : `` We have a pandemic on your watch , we ’ ve had racial strife , we ’ ve had looting .
Why do you want this job , why do you want to be president again ? ''
Stahl asked .
Trump eventually referred to that line of inquiry as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a refrain of claiming Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden , also interviewed by `` 60 Minutes , '' received `` softball after softball '' in past interviews .
With each interview topic – from his promised health care plan , to Trump campaign rally chants of `` lock her up '' over former Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton – Trump could be seen growing more agitated .
During a discussion on mask-wearing at his campaign events , Stahl said the president was not encouraging safe conduct and that his events were less crowded than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come in here with that negative attitude .
These are the biggest rallies we ’ ve ever had , '' said Trump , who eventually insisted on moving on with , `` What 's your next question ? ''
The final exchange dealt with Trump 's use of the term `` fake news , '' which Stahl said was simply to unfairly discredit the media to the public .
`` I do n't have to discredit you , you discredit yourself , '' Trump said .
`` I did n't want to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said before getting cut off .
`` Of course you did , '' said Trump .
`` You brought up a lot of subjects that were inappropriately brought up . ''
When a `` 60 Minutes '' producer broke in to discuss time , Trump called a halt to the interview .
`` I think we have enough of an interview here , that ’ s enough .
Let ’ s go , '' said Trump , who exited so quickly that Stahl had to advise him to `` be careful '' about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday that Trump and Pence were going to sit down together and speak , and that she and the president were due to walk around the White House grounds .
But instead of Trump returning , White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany brought a massive folder , calling it the president 's health care plan .
Stahl noted the folder was `` filled with executive orders , congressional initiatives , but no comprehensive health plan . ''

'What just happened with the President?': '60 Minutes' airs Lesley Stahl's contentious Trump interview
Show Caption Hide Caption What happened during Trump's '60 Minutes' interview with Lesley Stahl? Here's what led up to President Trump walking out of his contentious CBS '60 Minutes' interview with Lesley Stahl. USA TODAY
President Donald Trump released 38 minutes of his contentious "60 Minutes" interview with Lesley Stahl on his Facebook page Thursday, calling it "fake and biased." The news program aired its interview Sunday night, delving into the question of why Trump abruptly cut off the White House interview.
Stahl seemed surprised when the visibly vexed Trump did not return for a planned second portion of the sit-down interview, a "60 Minutes" tradition with major party presidential and vice presidential candidates, prior to the Nov. 3 election.
Instead, Vice President Mike Pence came alone to sit with Stahl for the remainder of the discussion in the White House Roosevelt Room and explain the president's absence.
"What just happened with the president?" Stahl asked Pence.
"President Trump is a man who speaks his mind, it’s one of the great strengths that he’s had as president of the United States, that the American people know where they stand," Pence said in explanation. "It’s less about the back-and-forth with the media, and it’s more about how we bring the country all the way back."
The "60 Minutes" episode averaged 16.8 million viewers, CBS said Monday, citing Nielsen data, which marks the news program's largest audience since the March 2018 interview with porn star Stormy Daniels, who had a 2006 extra-marital relationship with Trump.
'You're discrediting yourself': Trump releases '60 Minutes' tape of contentious interview with Lesley Stahl
Stahl led off the Sunday evening broadcast promising to answer, "What happened when the president left the room," in "what has become an all-too-public dust-up."
She added that she had hoped the interview would be "more productive."
"It began politely. It ended regrettably, contentiously," said Stahl.
But the exchange between Trump and Stahl, as seen in the video excerpts that Trump had released prior to Sunday, was fraught from the first moments.
"Are you ready for some tough questions?" Stahl asked the president as he sat down and adjusted his suit.
"You’re going to be fair. Just be fair," Trump responded.
"I'm going to be fair," Stahl said. "But you're okay with some tough questions?"
The first question was about COVID-19: "We have a pandemic on your watch, we’ve had racial strife, we’ve had looting. Why do you want this job, why do you want to be president again?" Stahl asked.
Minutes later, Trump referred to a line of inquiry about his appeals to suburban women voters as "such a misleading question" and continued a refrain of claiming Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, also interviewed by "60 Minutes," received "softball after softball" in past interviews.
With each discussion topic – from his promised health care plan, to Trump campaign rally chants of "lock her up" over former Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton – Trump could be seen growing more agitated. During a discussion on mask-wearing at his campaign events, Stahl said the president was not encouraging safe conduct and that his events were less crowded than in the past.
"You just come in here with that negative attitude. These are the biggest rallies we’ve ever had," said Trump, who eventually insisted on moving on with, "What's your next question?"
The final exchange dealt with Trump's use of the term "fake news," which Stahl said was simply stated to unfairly discredit the media to the public.
"I don't have to discredit you, you've discredited yourself," Trump said.
"You know, I didn't want to have this kind of angry …" Stahl said before getting cut off.
"Of course you did," said Trump. "You brought up a lot of subjects that were inappropriately brought up."
When a "60 Minutes" producer broke in to discuss time, Trump called a halt to the interview.
"I think we have enough of an interview here, that’s enough. Let’s go," said Trump, who exited so quickly that Stahl had to advise him to "be careful" about the low-hanging TV lights.
Stahl said Sunday that Trump and Pence were going to sit down together and speak, and that she and the president were due to walk around the White House grounds. But instead of Trump returning, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany brought a massive folder, calling it the president's health care plan.
Stahl noted the folder was "filled with executive orders, congressional initiatives, but no comprehensive health plan."


usatoday--2020-10-26--Mike McCarthy questions Cowboys players' response to hit on QB Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton wound up to throw , spotted an open lane and instead tucked the ball to run on third-and-10 from the Cowboys ’ own 3 with 6:32 to play in the third quarter .
The Cowboys quarterback scrambled 6 yards up the middle before sliding to avoid a collision course with two Washington defenders .
No such luck .
Washington linebacker Jon Bostic lowered his shoulder and rammed head-first into Dalton , delivering a blow fierce enough to knock Dalton ’ s helmet off .
Dalton ’ s unprotected head hit the turf after his helmet had rolled more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concussion diagnosis was confirmed before game ’ s end .
Rookie Ben DiNucci was left to answer for the Cowboys ’ offense on the field .
DiNucci was then left to answer postgame questions from a hazy Dalton , whom DiNucci said did not remember the details of the play .
Meanwhile , questions loomed surrounding Cowboys teammates ’ muted reaction to the hit .
“ We speak all the time about playing for one another and protecting each other , ” head coach Mike McCarthy said after the 25-3 loss .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the response that you would expect.
” Receiver Amari Cooper was closest to Dalton as the signal-caller was knocked down and separated from his helmet .
Cooper clutched his head between his hands in shock at what he “ would , to be honest ” consider a dirty play .
“ Because he was sliding and it was obvious , ” Cooper said .
“ That player could have easily avoided doing what he did.
” Cowboys offensive linemen , four of whom have replaced injured starters this season , surrounded Dalton as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Connor McGovern tapped the quarterback ’ s back a couple times .
Medical staff then rushed onto the field to help Dalton to the locker room .
Equipment staff , too , distributed sips of water to discouraged Cowboys players .
No Cowboys player approached Bostic , who was immediately ejected after leading with his head on the tackle .
Running back Ezekiel Elliott was asked why no words or shoves were exchanged .
Should players have been more aggressive ?
“ I think you can say that ’ s fair , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because we ’ re already down a bunch of guys , ” Elliott said .
“ If you go in there and throw a punch , you get kicked out the game , you can ’ t help the team from the sideline .
You can ’ t help the team from the locker room .
So we ’ ve got to find a way to not cross that line but still got to protect our guys.
” Elliott didn ’ t clearly remember a lack of action from teammates .
But after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elliott said : “ If you ’ re asking that question , I guess I do wish we would ’ ve acted stronger.
” Losing Dalton was just the latest blow for the 2-5 Cowboys .
He becomes their second injured quarterback helped off the field after a run .
Just two weeks have elapsed since quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in a win against the Giants .
Prescott was carted off the field and transported immediately to a local hospital for surgery to cleanse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dallas ’ lengthy injury lists includes five offensive linemen , defensive tackle Gerald McCoy 's season-ending torn quad tendon in training camp , tight end Blake Jarwin ’ s ACL tear in Week 1 and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch ’ s broken collarbone ( he underwent surgery but missed a month ) .
Dallas ’ defense has allowed 34.7 points per game .
Dalton ’ s concussion , so soon after Prescott ’ s gruesome fracture , left Elliott dejected .
“ Just how [ expletive ] this year has been , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dalton went down .
“ Just how bad this year has been .
But , we still got a lot of time left .
… We got ta go out there and find a way to win.
” DiNucci understands he could be QB1 next week vs. the divisional-rival Eagles .
Former SMU and Texas product Garrett Gilbert , whom Dallas signed after Prescott ’ s injury , could back up DiNucci .
Gilbert was inactive vs. Washington .
DiNucci said Sunday afternoon that he hadn ’ t yet thought through a potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of play during which he completed two of three pass attempts for 39 yards while taking three sacks .
“ I haven ’ t really thought that far down the road yet , ” DiNucci said .
“ I just got out of the shower and put my warmup gear on .
I ’ m not sure how all the protocols work and stuff of that nature .
But if my number is called , shoot , I ’ ll be the first one in the building tomorrow and the last one to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare like I have been for the last two months ; nothing changes .
“ I ’ ve learned more from sitting in a room with Dak and Andy the last two months than I have playing the last eight years .
You can ’ t say enough good things about those guys .
Again , you hate that injuries have to happen for me to be on the field , but this is an opportunity that everyone wants playing football .
“ If your number is called , you ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and try to make some plays and do what you do.
” If you enjoy talking football , we have the perfect spot for you .
Join our Facebook Group , The Ruling Off the Field , to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders .
Do the right thing , sign up now !

Mike McCarthy questions Cowboys players' response to hit on QB Andy Dalton
Show Caption Hide Caption NFL Week 7 overreactions: Kyler Murray and Cardinals have arrived SportsPulse: The Kliff and Klyer experiment got their first signature victory against Seattle in an instant classic. Mackenzie Salmon overreact to the biggest storylines from Week 7 in the NFL. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
Andy Dalton wound up to throw, spotted an open lane and instead tucked the ball to run on third-and-10 from the Cowboys’ own 3 with 6:32 to play in the third quarter.
The Cowboys quarterback scrambled 6 yards up the middle before sliding to avoid a collision course with two Washington defenders. No such luck. Washington linebacker Jon Bostic lowered his shoulder and rammed head-first into Dalton, delivering a blow fierce enough to knock Dalton’s helmet off. Dalton’s unprotected head hit the turf after his helmet had rolled more than 5 yards away, and his concussion diagnosis was confirmed before game’s end.
Rookie Ben DiNucci was left to answer for the Cowboys’ offense on the field. DiNucci was then left to answer postgame questions from a hazy Dalton, whom DiNucci said did not remember the details of the play. Meanwhile, questions loomed surrounding Cowboys teammates’ muted reaction to the hit.
“We speak all the time about playing for one another and protecting each other,” head coach Mike McCarthy said after the 25-3 loss. “So, definitely it was probably not the response that you would expect.”
Receiver Amari Cooper was closest to Dalton as the signal-caller was knocked down and separated from his helmet. Cooper clutched his head between his hands in shock at what he “would, to be honest” consider a dirty play.
“Because he was sliding and it was obvious,” Cooper said. “That player could have easily avoided doing what he did.”
Does Cowboys WR Amari Cooper consider hit on Andy Dalton dirty?
"Yeah, I would to be honest," Amari said. "Because he was sliding and it was obvious. That player could have easily avoided doing what he did." pic.twitter.com/mYpqjf156J — Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 25, 2020
Cowboys offensive linemen, four of whom have replaced injured starters this season, surrounded Dalton as he lay in pain. Right guard Connor McGovern tapped the quarterback’s back a couple times. Medical staff then rushed onto the field to help Dalton to the locker room. Equipment staff, too, distributed sips of water to discouraged Cowboys players. No Cowboys player approached Bostic, who was immediately ejected after leading with his head on the tackle. Running back Ezekiel Elliott was asked why no words or shoves were exchanged. Should players have been more aggressive?
“I think you can say that’s fair, but doing that you got to be careful because we’re already down a bunch of guys,” Elliott said. “If you go in there and throw a punch, you get kicked out the game, you can’t help the team from the sideline. You can’t help the team from the locker room. So we’ve got to find a way to not cross that line but still got to protect our guys.”
Elliott didn’t clearly remember a lack of action from teammates. But after a second question about the response, Elliott said: “If you’re asking that question, I guess I do wish we would’ve acted stronger.”
Losing Dalton was just the latest blow for the 2-5 Cowboys. He becomes their second injured quarterback helped off the field after a run. Just two weeks have elapsed since quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in a win against the Giants. Prescott was carted off the field and transported immediately to a local hospital for surgery to cleanse the wound and mend the break.
Dallas’ lengthy injury lists includes five offensive linemen, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy's season-ending torn quad tendon in training camp, tight end Blake Jarwin’s ACL tear in Week 1 and linebacker Leighton Vander Esch’s broken collarbone (he underwent surgery but missed a month). Dallas’ defense has allowed 34.7 points per game.
Dalton’s concussion, so soon after Prescott’s gruesome fracture, left Elliott dejected.
“Just how [expletive] this year has been,” Elliott said of his first thought when Dalton went down. “Just how bad this year has been. But, we still got a lot of time left. … We gotta go out there and find a way to win.”
DiNucci understands he could be QB1 next week vs. the divisional-rival Eagles. Former SMU and Texas product Garrett Gilbert, whom Dallas signed after Prescott’s injury, could back up DiNucci. Gilbert was inactive vs. Washington. DiNucci said Sunday afternoon that he hadn’t yet thought through a potential start after a quarter and a half of play during which he completed two of three pass attempts for 39 yards while taking three sacks.
It wasn't enough, but I like Ben DiNucci's message to Cowboys when in.
"Let’s go. Let’s have some fun. We got nothing to lose, it’s raining & there’s no one in the stands. So let’s create our own energy here, try to find some positives from this...& go put points on the board.” — Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) October 25, 2020
“I haven’t really thought that far down the road yet,” DiNucci said. “I just got out of the shower and put my warmup gear on. I’m not sure how all the protocols work and stuff of that nature. But if my number is called, shoot, I’ll be the first one in the building tomorrow and the last one to leave. I’ve got to prepare like I have been for the last two months; nothing changes.
“I’ve learned more from sitting in a room with Dak and Andy the last two months than I have playing the last eight years. You can’t say enough good things about those guys. Again, you hate that injuries have to happen for me to be on the field, but this is an opportunity that everyone wants playing football.
“If your number is called, you’re going to go out there and have fun and try to make some plays and do what you do.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Jori Epstein on Twitter @JoriEpstein.
If you enjoy talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!


usatoday--2020-10-25--Cam Newton benched as 49ers hand Patriots worst home loss of Bill Belichick era

FOXBOROUGH , Mass .
— Cam Newton didn ’ t make any excuses leading up to Sunday ’ s game .
If anything , he was honest saying , “ I just haven ’ t been good ” following a dismal performance against the Denver Broncos .
The quarterback went on to say that his unit ’ s “ excuse basket is running real low ” after the team gained two offensive linemen back and had a full week of practice for the first time in three weeks .
As it turns out , a healthier offensive line and ample @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s performance or this struggling Patriots offense .
On Sunday evening , the Patriots hit a low point in this post-Tom Brady era as Newton was erratic , inaccurate and unproductive before being benched for backup Jarrett Stidham in the fourth quarter .
Newton went 9-of-15 passing for 98 yards with three interceptions and a 39.7 quarterback rating in this troubling 33-6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers , the largest margin of defeat in a home loss during the Bill Belichick era .
Stidham finished 6-of-10 for 64 yards to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 2-4 for the first time since the 2000 season .
This loss amplified a few big problems in New England – the Patriots look like a team with a lack of talent on both sides of the ball .
Not much went right for the Patriots .
On offense , they were dreadful .
On defense , they were gashed by 49ers running back Jeff Wilson , who ran for 112 yards and scored three times .
Wilson ran for 110 yards during the 2019 season .
Meanwhile , Jimmy Garoppolo wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good enough to beat his former team in his return to Gillette Stadium .
The Patriots fell into a 7-0 hole early as the 49ers scored on their opening drive , thanks to Wilson ’ s 3-yard touchdown run .
It looked like the Patriots defense might make this competitive as Devin McCourty easily picked off Garoppolo at 2:41 of the first quarter .
The turnover helped the Patriots close the gap to 7-3 .
The Patriots offense was aided by a roughing-the-passer penalty , which set up Nick Folk ’ s 40-yard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarter .
The 49ers went up 10-3 on the next series following a Robbie Gould 41-yard field goal at 9:00 of the second quarter .
Little did anyone know that , that score put the Patriots offense out of reach .
Newton started the next drive with an interception at 8:55 of the second quarter .
The Patriots quarterback tried to hit Jakobi Meyers , but the receiver was double-covered and 49ers linebacker Fred Warner came away with the easy interception .
Newton ’ s mistake cost the Patriots six points as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juszczyk scored on a 4-yard touchdown at 6:23 of the second quarter .
Newton didn ’ t look much better in the next series .
The Patriots went three-and-out as Newton ’ s pass attempt on third down hit the ground and bounced in front of his intended target , Damiere Byrd .
The Patriots defense , meanwhile , still couldn ’ t stop the 49ers , who took a 23-3 lead before the half thanks to a 16-yard run by Wilson .
Newton ’ s bad day continued .
The Patriots quarterback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next series .
This time , Newton tried to hit Meyers on a deep ball .
Meyers , however , was double-covered and the pass wasn ’ t close as 49ers cornerback Emmanuel Moseley came away with the easy interception .
Newton finished 4-of-8 for 30 yards with two interceptions and a 19.8 quarterback rating in the first half .
The Patriots went into the locker room with 59 total yards compared to 301 by the 49ers .
San Francisco also had more first downs ( 18 ) than the Patriots had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first two quarters .
The Patriots offense had the ball for 7:30 compared to 22:30 by the 49ers in that dismal first half .
The Patriots offense picked up the tempo and started the second half with another Folk field goal , a 41-yarder at 10:48 of the third quarter The offense looked a little better out of the half , but the defense certainly didn ’ t .
The 49ers extended their lead to 30-6 following Wilson ’ s third rushing touchdown of the contest at 7:32 of the third quarter .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the following drive .
The quarterback completed three of four passes , including two for first downs , but his turnover came on another inaccurate pass .
At 4:56 of the third , Newton tried to hit Julian Edelman , but the ball was well behind the receiver .
Edelman attempted to get a hand on it and the ball popped up into the air and was easily intercepted by 49ers cornerback Jamar Taylor .
Stidham came on the field to replace Newton at 13:20 of the fourth quarter .
The results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drive ended with a Stidham interception , by Taylor , with 9:28 left .

Cam Newton benched as 49ers hand Patriots worst home loss of Bill Belichick era
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Cam Newton didn’t make any excuses leading up to Sunday’s game. If anything, he was honest saying, “I just haven’t been good” following a dismal performance against the Denver Broncos. The quarterback went on to say that his unit’s “excuse basket is running real low” after the team gained two offensive linemen back and had a full week of practice for the first time in three weeks.
As it turns out, a healthier offensive line and ample preparation time did nothing to improve Newton’s performance or this struggling Patriots offense.
On Sunday evening, the Patriots hit a low point in this post-Tom Brady era as Newton was erratic, inaccurate and unproductive before being benched for backup Jarrett Stidham in the fourth quarter. Newton went 9-of-15 passing for 98 yards with three interceptions and a 39.7 quarterback rating in this troubling 33-6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the largest margin of defeat in a home loss during the Bill Belichick era. Stidham finished 6-of-10 for 64 yards to go with an interception.
The Patriots fell to 2-4 for the first time since the 2000 season. This loss amplified a few big problems in New England – the Patriots look like a team with a lack of talent on both sides of the ball.
Not much went right for the Patriots. On offense, they were dreadful. On defense, they were gashed by 49ers running back Jeff Wilson, who ran for 112 yards and scored three times. Wilson ran for 110 yards during the 2019 season. Meanwhile, Jimmy Garoppolo wasn’t perfect, but he was good enough to beat his former team in his return to Gillette Stadium.
The Patriots fell into a 7-0 hole early as the 49ers scored on their opening drive, thanks to Wilson’s 3-yard touchdown run. It looked like the Patriots defense might make this competitive as Devin McCourty easily picked off Garoppolo at 2:41 of the first quarter. The turnover helped the Patriots close the gap to 7-3. The Patriots offense was aided by a roughing-the-passer penalty, which set up Nick Folk’s 40-yard field goal at 14:56 of the second quarter.
The 49ers went up 10-3 on the next series following a Robbie Gould 41-yard field goal at 9:00 of the second quarter. Little did anyone know that, that score put the Patriots offense out of reach.
Newton started the next drive with an interception at 8:55 of the second quarter. The Patriots quarterback tried to hit Jakobi Meyers, but the receiver was double-covered and 49ers linebacker Fred Warner came away with the easy interception.
Newton’s mistake cost the Patriots six points as the 49ers took a 16-3 lead as Kyle Juszczyk scored on a 4-yard touchdown at 6:23 of the second quarter. Newton didn’t look much better in the next series. The Patriots went three-and-out as Newton’s pass attempt on third down hit the ground and bounced in front of his intended target, Damiere Byrd.
The Patriots defense, meanwhile, still couldn’t stop the 49ers, who took a 23-3 lead before the half thanks to a 16-yard run by Wilson.
Newton’s bad day continued. The Patriots quarterback was intercepted for the second time on the next series. This time, Newton tried to hit Meyers on a deep ball. Meyers, however, was double-covered and the pass wasn’t close as 49ers cornerback Emmanuel Moseley came away with the easy interception.
Newton finished 4-of-8 for 30 yards with two interceptions and a 19.8 quarterback rating in the first half. The Patriots went into the locker room with 59 total yards compared to 301 by the 49ers. San Francisco also had more first downs (18) than the Patriots had offensive plays (16) in the first two quarters. The Patriots offense had the ball for 7:30 compared to 22:30 by the 49ers in that dismal first half.
The Patriots offense picked up the tempo and started the second half with another Folk field goal, a 41-yarder at 10:48 of the third quarter
The offense looked a little better out of the half, but the defense certainly didn’t. The 49ers extended their lead to 30-6 following Wilson’s third rushing touchdown of the contest at 7:32 of the third quarter.
Newton was intercepted for the third time on the following drive. The quarterback completed three of four passes, including two for first downs, but his turnover came on another inaccurate pass. At 4:56 of the third, Newton tried to hit Julian Edelman, but the ball was well behind the receiver. Edelman attempted to get a hand on it and the ball popped up into the air and was easily intercepted by 49ers cornerback Jamar Taylor.
Stidham came on the field to replace Newton at 13:20 of the fourth quarter. The results weren’t much better as this drive ended with a Stidham interception, by Taylor, with 9:28 left.


usatoday--2020-10-26--Border Patrol agents fatally shoot man in Texas after he backed vehicle into agent, official says

CORPUS CHRISTI , Texas – The Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police are investigating a U.S. Border Patrol officer-involved shooting that killed one man and injured two in Laredo , Texas , on Friday night .
On Saturday , the U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector 's Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak announced in a video on the agency 's Facebook page the shooting occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time Friday .
Hudak said U.S. Border Patrol , U.S .
Homeland Security , and Webb County Sheriff 's Office intercepted a tractor-trailer in Laredo that was used to smuggle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said as agents approached the truck , a car was seen dropping off what he described as undocumented immigrants to load into the tractor trailer .
Agents then approached the scene and began to investigate .
`` While they were on scene conducting their investigation , another vehicle approached the scene , and as it got close enough to realize the smuggling load had already been intercepted , the driver aggressively put his vehicle in reverse and tried to flee the scene , '' Hudak said in the video .
Hudak said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in reverse , he collided with a parked vehicle and pinned both a U.S. Border Patrol agent and a suspect he was interviewing between both vehicles .
As agents ordered the driver to stop , the suspect continued to push his accelerator to move his vehicle , which further injured the U.S. Border Patrol agent and the suspect he was interviewing , Hudak said .
`` Agents from both agencies ( U.S. Border Patrol and U.S .
Homeland Security ) deployed lethal force to stop that threat and to protect the agent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The chief patrol officer said the male suspect driving the vehicle was dead on scene .
Two other suspects in the vehicle were injured and sent to the hospital for their injuries .
One of the suspects has since been released and another remains in the hospital for treatment .
The border patrol agent who was injured sustained `` significant injuries to his legs '' and was released from the hospital early Saturday , Hudak said .
Hudak said the incident is being investigated by the Laredo Police Department and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of weeks , we have talked about the very dangerous tactics being used by ( human ) smugglers , '' Hudak said in the video .
`` This is a very dangerous example of those tactics being escalated to an extremely dangerous level .
I am very thankful that our agent only sustained minor injuries and the others sustained relatively other minor injuries as well .
`` Unfortunately , there was a loss of life in this incident , but agents did what they needed to do to protect their fellow agent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Meagan Falcon, Corpus Christi Caller Times

Border Patrol agents fatally shoot man in Texas after he backed vehicle into agent, official says
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police are investigating a U.S. Border Patrol officer-involved shooting that killed one man and injured two in Laredo, Texas, on Friday night.
On Saturday, the U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector's Chief Patrol Agent Matthew Hudak announced in a video on the agency's Facebook page the shooting occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time Friday.
Hudak said U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Homeland Security, and Webb County Sheriff's Office intercepted a tractor-trailer in Laredo that was used to smuggle a large number of undocumented immigrants.
He said as agents approached the truck, a car was seen dropping off what he described as undocumented immigrants to load into the tractor trailer. Agents then approached the scene and began to investigate.
"While they were on scene conducting their investigation, another vehicle approached the scene, and as it got close enough to realize the smuggling load had already been intercepted, the driver aggressively put his vehicle in reverse and tried to flee the scene," Hudak said in the video.
Hudak said as the suspect aggressively put his vehicle in reverse, he collided with a parked vehicle and pinned both a U.S. Border Patrol agent and a suspect he was interviewing between both vehicles.
As agents ordered the driver to stop, the suspect continued to push his accelerator to move his vehicle, which further injured the U.S. Border Patrol agent and the suspect he was interviewing, Hudak said.
"Agents from both agencies (U.S. Border Patrol and U.S. Homeland Security) deployed lethal force to stop that threat and to protect the agent and the suspect being injured," Hudak said.
The chief patrol officer said the male suspect driving the vehicle was dead on scene. Two other suspects in the vehicle were injured and sent to the hospital for their injuries.
One of the suspects has since been released and another remains in the hospital for treatment. The border patrol agent who was injured sustained "significant injuries to his legs" and was released from the hospital early Saturday, Hudak said.
Hudak said the incident is being investigated by the Laredo Police Department and the FBI.
"Over the last couple of weeks, we have talked about the very dangerous tactics being used by (human) smugglers," Hudak said in the video. "This is a very dangerous example of those tactics being escalated to an extremely dangerous level. I am very thankful that our agent only sustained minor injuries and the others sustained relatively other minor injuries as well.
"Unfortunately, there was a loss of life in this incident, but agents did what they needed to do to protect their fellow agent and the suspect that was being interviewed."
Follow reporter Meagan Falcon on Twitter: @meaganfalcon


usatoday--2020-10-22--From stumps to 'stumpkins': Louisiana city turns hurricane damage into Halloween decorations

DERIDDER , Louisiana – The city of DeRidder , Louisiana , has seen better days , as it continues on the road to recovery after the double-helping of hurricanes this season .
Resilient as ever , the community has not let Laura , nor Delta , dampen its spirits .
Instead , the people of DeRidder have decided to turn their lemons into lemonade – or hurricane debris into Halloween decorations .
In a city known for its trees and contributions to the forestry industry , Hurricane Laura brought devastation at the end of August .
Where those tall pines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As trees and limbs were removed from yards and homes they were stacked tall on the side of the roads for the debris pickup to grab .
With Halloween right around the corner , DeRidder officials were eager to bring some sense of normalcy to their community and began to brainstorm ways they could bring their popular yearly Halloween festivities to a post-hurricane , COVID-safe community .
Ashley Craddock , DeRidder 's Director of Community Service , was searching for an activity to do with her family when she stumbled upon `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trunks , or limbs of trees painted and decorated for Halloween , just like you would decorate a pumpkin .
Craddock saw stumpkins as a way to get the community in the Halloween spirit and a way to make the town look more festive , but most importantly , as a way to transform the depressing piles of hurricane debris into something lighter and happier .
Thanksgiving is coming .
Christmas , too .
Does the COVID-19 pandemic mean you should skip the traditional family gatherings ?
What experts say .
With Mayor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stumpkin project started as a fun suggestion for people who might be tired of looking at their piles of debris .
The feedback from the community was so positive , the city decided to make a contest out of it .
Community members can decorate stumpkins for their yard and submit pictures to Craddock , who then uploads them into an album on the city 's Facebook .
Whichever stumpkin has the most likes on its photo wins .
Some look like jack-o-lanterns , others like Frankenstein .
There are wicked witch stumpkins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' There are fire breathing dragons and even a mummy or two .
There are friendly forest animals , unicorns , and bats .
Special appearances are made by Jason from `` Friday the 13th '' and the Sanderson Sisters from `` Hocus Pocus . ''
For Mayor Clanton , getting the community involved in something like the stumpkin project was vital to keeping the community 's spirits high .
`` 2020 has dealt us all a very unfair hand .
To add two hurricanes on top of a very difficult year truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alike needed to be reminded that joy can come from even the most broken of things .
Our community has lost so much .
But , we are committed to finding the silver lining , '' Clanton said .
Full Senate vote on Monday : Senate Judiciary Committee approves Amy Coney Barrett 's nomination to the Supreme Court 'This is a hit job , I assure you ' : Rudy Giuliani responds to eyebrow-raising situation in 'Borat 2 '

Lauren Blankenship, Beauregard Daily News

From stumps to 'stumpkins': Louisiana city turns hurricane damage into Halloween decorations
DERIDDER, Louisiana – The city of DeRidder, Louisiana, has seen better days, as it continues on the road to recovery after the double-helping of hurricanes this season.
Resilient as ever, the community has not let Laura, nor Delta, dampen its spirits. Instead, the people of DeRidder have decided to turn their lemons into lemonade – or hurricane debris into Halloween decorations.
In a city known for its trees and contributions to the forestry industry, Hurricane Laura brought devastation at the end of August. Where those tall pines once stood there are now only stumps. As trees and limbs were removed from yards and homes they were stacked tall on the side of the roads for the debris pickup to grab.
With Halloween right around the corner, DeRidder officials were eager to bring some sense of normalcy to their community and began to brainstorm ways they could bring their popular yearly Halloween festivities to a post-hurricane, COVID-safe community.
Ashley Craddock, DeRidder's Director of Community Service, was searching for an activity to do with her family when she stumbled upon "stumpkins." Stumpkins are stumps, trunks, or limbs of trees painted and decorated for Halloween, just like you would decorate a pumpkin.
Craddock saw stumpkins as a way to get the community in the Halloween spirit and a way to make the town look more festive, but most importantly, as a way to transform the depressing piles of hurricane debris into something lighter and happier.
Thanksgiving is coming. Christmas, too. Does the COVID-19 pandemic mean you should skip the traditional family gatherings? What experts say.
With Mayor Misty Clanton on board, the community stumpkin project started as a fun suggestion for people who might be tired of looking at their piles of debris.
The feedback from the community was so positive, the city decided to make a contest out of it. Community members can decorate stumpkins for their yard and submit pictures to Craddock, who then uploads them into an album on the city's Facebook. Whichever stumpkin has the most likes on its photo wins.
Some look like jack-o-lanterns, others like Frankenstein. There are wicked witch stumpkins and ghosts that say "Boo!" There are fire breathing dragons and even a mummy or two.
There are friendly forest animals, unicorns, and bats. Special appearances are made by Jason from "Friday the 13th" and the Sanderson Sisters from "Hocus Pocus."
For Mayor Clanton, getting the community involved in something like the stumpkin project was vital to keeping the community's spirits high.
"2020 has dealt us all a very unfair hand. To add two hurricanes on top of a very difficult year truly devastated our community. Adults and children alike needed to be reminded that joy can come from even the most broken of things. Our community has lost so much. But, we are committed to finding the silver lining," Clanton said.
Full Senate vote on Monday: Senate Judiciary Committee approves Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court
'This is a hit job, I assure you': Rudy Giuliani responds to eyebrow-raising situation in 'Borat 2'


usatoday--2020-10-26--Donald Trump and Mike Pence both campaign Sunday, despite coronavirus cases among vice president's s

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence hit the campaign trail Sunday , despite a new wave of COVID-19 cases that hit Pence 's staff –and that one prominent official said the administration can not control .
Pence 's top aide , his chief of staff Marc Short , and others in his office have tested positive for the virus , but the vice president is not subject to quarantine because he is an `` essential '' government official , aides said .
`` He 's not just campaigning , he 's working '' in the vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief of Staff Mark Meadows , speaking on CNN 's `` State of the Union . ''
Pence did not mention his staff 's COVID-19 cases during his speech in Kinston , North Carolina , instead urging supporters to get to the polls and bring others with them .
`` Friends do n't let friends vote alone , '' Pence said during a rain-soaked airport rally .
Trump , who recently recovered from a case of COVID , also did not mention the new White House cases as he campaigned in New Hampshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign under the circumstances , Trump told reporters that `` you 'll have to ask him . ''
Meadows also made news by acknowledging that the Trump administration wo n't be able to do much about the spread of COVID-19 , and is focusing instead on cures .
`` We ’ re not going to control the pandemic , '' Meadows said .
`` We are going to control the fact that we get vaccines , therapeutics and other mitigation . ''
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and others say Trump has never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus , citing actions ranging from his mocking of mask wearing to his insistence on holding campaign rallies with maskless people packed close together .
`` They 've given up on their basic duty to protect the American people , '' Biden said in a written statement .
The Democratic candidate said Trump 's strategy has been clear from the beginning : `` To wave the white flag of defeat and hope that by ignoring it , the virus would simply go away .
It has n't , and it wo n't .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID ' : Trump complains media too focused on pandemic as US hits record cases – election updates More : Vice President Mike Pence 's chief of staff , Marc Short , has tested positive for coronavirus Jack Pitney , author of `` Un-American : the Fake Patriotism of Donald J. Trump , '' said the Trump administration is `` sending a message that they do n't take the pandemic seriously . ''
`` Most Americans do , especially the families of the 225,000 people who have died , '' added Pitney , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College .
Trump did not mention the outbreak in Pence 's office while speaking for more than 90 minutes during the New Hampshire rally at the airport near Manchester .
Instead , he insisted that `` we 're rounding the turn '' in the battle against the coronavirus , despite the upsurges across the country .
Trump also attacked Biden over his calls to gradually phase out the oil industry , various economic policies , and son Hunter 's business dealings in Ukraine and Russia .
Former New Jersey Gov .
Chris Christie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pence 's decision to campaign so soon after the positive tests of aides .
“ You got ta keep yourself away from everybody , and I ’ m a little bit surprised , ” Christie said on ABC 's `` This Week . ''
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines call for people to quarantine for 14 days after exposure to someone with the virus , but Meadows told CNN there are exceptions for `` essential personnel '' like the vice president .
Pence – who heads the White House coronavirus task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice social distancing while campaigning and carrying out those duties , the Trump chief of staff said .
More : Trump ’ s campaign made stops nationwide .
Coronavirus cases surged in his wake in at least five places .
Another Pence adviser , Marty Obst , has also tested positive , as have other vice presidential aides ; Meadows declined to specify the total number .
`` Sharing personal information is not something that we should do ... unless it 's the vice president or the president , or someone that 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
He said Pence and Trump are tested regularly , but declined to say whether that happens on a daily basis .
`` We do n't get into safety protocols , '' Meadows told CNN .
The vice president 's office announced that both he and spouse Karen Pence tested negative Sunday .
Trump spent his campaign day in two small states – New Hampshire and Maine – because they could make a big difference if the Electoral College race with Biden is close .
Like most states , New Hampshire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those votes to the presidential candidate who wins statewide .
That is not the case in Maine , which awards one electoral vote to the winner of each of the state 's two congressional districts .
While Biden is a solid favorite in one district , Trump has a good chance in the other district – hence his trip Sunday to the Bangor area .
Trump won that district four years ago , earning one of Maine 's four electoral votes .
Speaking to a crowd of people – many without masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump talked about aid to the Maine lobster industry .
He also predicted a `` red wave '' in the upcoming election .
`` I ’ m very impressed with Maine , and I hope we ’ re going to do well , '' Trump told supporters .
Dante Scala , political science professor at the University of New Hampshire , noted that Trump and Biden both need 270 electoral votes to win the election and said New Hampshire and Maine could conceivably make the difference .
`` If you play with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can come up with scenarios where New Hampshire ’ s four electoral votes ( and one from Maine ’ s Second CD ) put Trump over the top in a close contest , '' Scala said .
Nebraska also awards electoral college votes by congressional district , which is why Trump plans to campaign in Omaha on Tuesday .
The president also visits Pennsylvania , Michigan , Wisconsin , and Nevada early in the week .
On Saturday , Trump criticized the media and Democrats for focusing too much on the COVID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear about now .
Turn on the TV , 'Covid , Covid , Covid , Covid , '' Trump said during a stop in North Carolina .
The president and his vice president travel as nearly every U.S. states reports a new rise in COVID cases , including North Carolina , New Hampshire and Maine .
In the evening , the president and First Lady Melania Trump hosted a Halloween event at the White House .
The first couple did not hand out candy to dressed-up children , however ; guest families picked @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Donald Trump and Mike Pence both campaign Sunday, despite coronavirus cases among vice president's staff
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump says he voted for 'guy named Trump' The US President said he voted "for a guy named Trump" after he cast his ballot in Fla. in early voting in the presidential elections. (Oct. 24) AP
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence hit the campaign trail Sunday, despite a new wave of COVID-19 cases that hit Pence's staff –and that one prominent official said the administration cannot control.
Pence's top aide, his chief of staff Marc Short, and others in his office have tested positive for the virus, but the vice president is not subject to quarantine because he is an "essential" government official, aides said.
"He's not just campaigning, he's working" in the vice president's office, said White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, speaking on CNN's "State of the Union."
Pence did not mention his staff's COVID-19 cases during his speech in Kinston, North Carolina, instead urging supporters to get to the polls and bring others with them. "Friends don't let friends vote alone," Pence said during a rain-soaked airport rally.
Trump, who recently recovered from a case of COVID, also did not mention the new White House cases as he campaigned in New Hampshire and Maine. Asked if Pence should campaign under the circumstances, Trump told reporters that "you'll have to ask him."
Meadows also made news by acknowledging that the Trump administration won't be able to do much about the spread of COVID-19, and is focusing instead on cures.
"We’re not going to control the pandemic," Meadows said. "We are going to control the fact that we get vaccines, therapeutics and other mitigation."
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and others say Trump has never tried to control the spread of the virus, citing actions ranging from his mocking of mask wearing to his insistence on holding campaign rallies with maskless people packed close together.
"They've given up on their basic duty to protect the American people," Biden said in a written statement. The Democratic candidate said Trump's strategy has been clear from the beginning: "To wave the white flag of defeat and hope that by ignoring it, the virus would simply go away. It hasn't, and it won't."
More: 'COVID, COVID, COVID': Trump complains media too focused on pandemic as US hits record cases – election updates
More: Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff, Marc Short, has tested positive for coronavirus
Jack Pitney, author of "Un-American: the Fake Patriotism of Donald J. Trump," said the Trump administration is "sending a message that they don't take the pandemic seriously."
"Most Americans do, especially the families of the 225,000 people who have died," added Pitney, a professor of government at Claremont McKenna College.
Trump did not mention the outbreak in Pence's office while speaking for more than 90 minutes during the New Hampshire rally at the airport near Manchester.
Instead, he insisted that "we're rounding the turn" in the battle against the coronavirus, despite the upsurges across the country. Trump also attacked Biden over his calls to gradually phase out the oil industry, various economic policies, and son Hunter's business dealings in Ukraine and Russia.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Trump debate adviser, questioned Pence's decision to campaign so soon after the positive tests of aides. “You gotta keep yourself away from everybody, and I’m a little bit surprised,” Christie said on ABC's "This Week."
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines call for people to quarantine for 14 days after exposure to someone with the virus, but Meadows told CNN there are exceptions for "essential personnel" like the vice president.
Pence – who heads the White House coronavirus task force – will wear a mask and practice social distancing while campaigning and carrying out those duties, the Trump chief of staff said.
More: Trump’s campaign made stops nationwide. Coronavirus cases surged in his wake in at least five places.
Another Pence adviser, Marty Obst, has also tested positive, as have other vice presidential aides; Meadows declined to specify the total number.
"Sharing personal information is not something that we should do ... unless it's the vice president or the president, or someone that's very close to them," Meadows said.
He said Pence and Trump are tested regularly, but declined to say whether that happens on a daily basis.
"We don't get into safety protocols," Meadows told CNN.
The vice president's office announced that both he and spouse Karen Pence tested negative Sunday.
Trump spent his campaign day in two small states – New Hampshire and Maine – because they could make a big difference if the Electoral College race with Biden is close.
Like most states, New Hampshire, with four electoral votes, awards all of those votes to the presidential candidate who wins statewide.
That is not the case in Maine, which awards one electoral vote to the winner of each of the state's two congressional districts. While Biden is a solid favorite in one district, Trump has a good chance in the other district – hence his trip Sunday to the Bangor area.
Trump won that district four years ago, earning one of Maine's four electoral votes.
Speaking to a crowd of people – many without masks – at an orchard business near Bangor, Trump talked about aid to the Maine lobster industry. He also predicted a "red wave" in the upcoming election.
"I’m very impressed with Maine, and I hope we’re going to do well," Trump told supporters.
Dante Scala, political science professor at the University of New Hampshire, noted that Trump and Biden both need 270 electoral votes to win the election and said New Hampshire and Maine could conceivably make the difference.
"If you play with an electoral college calculator long enough, you can come up with scenarios where New Hampshire’s four electoral votes (and one from Maine’s Second CD) put Trump over the top in a close contest," Scala said.
Nebraska also awards electoral college votes by congressional district, which is why Trump plans to campaign in Omaha on Tuesday. The president also visits Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nevada early in the week.
On Saturday, Trump criticized the media and Democrats for focusing too much on the COVID crisis. "That's all I hear about now. Turn on the TV, 'Covid, Covid, Covid, Covid," Trump said during a stop in North Carolina.
The president and his vice president travel as nearly every U.S. states reports a new rise in COVID cases, including North Carolina, New Hampshire and Maine.
In the evening, the president and First Lady Melania Trump hosted a Halloween event at the White House. The first couple did not hand out candy to dressed-up children, however; guest families picked up bags of goodies from tables.