usatoday--2020-11-06--Coronavirus updates: US surpasses 100K cases in a day again; Missouri poll worker with COVID-19 dies

After the United States recorded more than 100,000 new COVID-19 cases for the first time Wednesday , the record was surpassed again Thursday as 121,888 new COVID-19 infections were tallied across the country .
That 's about 85 cases per minute .
On Friday , new coronavirus restrictions in Massachusetts begin , including a statewide face mask mandate , closure of some businesses , and limits to indoor and outdoor gatherings .
In Maine , Gov .
Janet Mills issued a mask mandate regardless of whether people can physically distance from others .
Across the country , Idaho is seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals are running out of space for COVID-19 patients .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has reported more than 9.6 million cases and more than 234,900 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
The global totals : more than 48.7 million cases and 1.2 million deaths .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak in your state .
This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
An election judge supervisor who tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result still worked at a Missouri polling place and has since died , health officials say .
The election official worked at a suburban St. Louis polling site in St. Charles County , where nearly 2,000 people voted on Tuesday .
The official , whose has not been identified , was informed of their positive test on Oct. 30 and was told to quarantine for 14 days .
A cause of death was not immediately provided .
The U.S. economy added 638,000 jobs in October as payroll growth roughly held steady despite a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s failure to provide more aid to unemployed Americans and struggling businesses .
The unemployment rate fell from 7.9 % to 6.9 % , the Labor Department said Friday .
Economists had estimated that 600,000 jobs were added last month , according to a Bloomberg survey .
Although last month ’ s employment gains were outsized by historical standards , the increases have slowed for four straight months since peaking at 4.8 million in June .
The nation has recovered about 12 million , or 55 % , of the 22 million jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states have reopened restaurants , shops and other businesses shuttered by the outbreak , and brought back many furloughed workers .
But recovering the rest could take several years , economists say , and a growing share of temporary job losses have become permanent as businesses downsize or close for good .
AstraZeneca CEO says trial data hopefully available by end of year AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said Thursday that the company is hoping to show its COVID-19 vaccine candidate is safe and effective by the end of the year .
Manufacturing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the plan to have hundreds of millions of doses available in January , Soriot said .
AstraZeneca is working with Oxford to develop its vaccine candidates , and it is one of a few potential vaccines currently in late stage clinical trials in the U.S .
Trials are also being conducted in the United Kingdom and other countries to determine the potential vaccine 's effectiveness and safety .
“ We have aligned the timing of delivery of vials to the timing of the clinical trial readout , ” Soriot told analysts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a global basis , we ’ ll be ready to supply hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine around the world by January.
” Most states are setting weeklong case records .
That has n't happened since April .
A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data through late Thursday shows 27 states set records for new cases in a week while five states had a record number of deaths in a week .
The last time most states in the U.S. were setting case count records for a week was n't in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ending April 7 .
New case records were set in Arkansas , Colorado , Idaho , Illinois , Indiana , Iowa , Kansas , Kentucky , Maine , Michigan , Minnesota , Missouri , Montana , Nebraska , New Hampshire , North Dakota , Ohio , Oklahoma , Oregon , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , South Dakota , Utah , Washington , West Virginia , Wisconsin and Wyoming .
Record numbers of deaths were reported in New Mexico , North Carolina , North Dakota , Oklahoma and South Dakota .
The USA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows 46 states had more cases in the latest week than in the week before .
Forty-three states had a higher rate of people testing positive than the week before , an analysis of COVID Tracking Project data shows .
Idaho hospitals running out of room as COVID-19 cases spike ; 2 flu deaths Idaho hospitals are running out of space for COVID-19 patients as cases continue to surge statewide .
At least 671 Idaho residents have died from the coronavirus , and a record high of 1,290 new COVID-19 cases were reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Health and Welfare , followed by 1,265 new cases Thursday .
Meanwhile , the state 's Disaster Medical Advisory Community on Tuesday sent a letter to Gov .
Brad Little asking him to impose a statewide mask mandate .
The committee , which was tasked with setting Idaho ’ s triage guidelines during an emergency , said a mask mandate would slow the spread of the virus and help hospitals avoid having to ration care .
As coronavirus cases surge statewide , the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this season .
Both individuals – a Blaine County man older than 60 and a Twin Falls County woman older than 80 – also had COVID-19 when they died .
Maine Gov .
Janet Mills issued a new executive order Thursday requiring people to wear a face covering regardless of whether they can physically distance from others as .
The new order strengthened a previously issued mask mandate that required face masks only if physically distancing was difficult to maintain .
“ We have recorded yet another day of record high case numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading all across our state , ” Mills said .
“ Protect your family .
Protect a health care worker .
Protect the elderly .
Wear your face covering .
Save lives .
It is that simple.
” The state set a new single-day record of COVID-19 cases on Thursday with 183 new infections , WMTW reported .
That brings the total count to 7,260 infections .
No new deaths were reported Thursday , leaving the death toll at 150 .
The Las Vegas Raiders will face the heftiest punishment of any team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NFL 's COVID-19 protocols .
The league is fining the organization $ 500,000 and coach Jon Gruden $ 150,000 , Yahoo Sports reported Thursday .
The Raiders also will be stripped of a sixth-round draft pick , per the report .
No other team has been docked a draft selection for violating the league 's COVID-19 policies .
The Tennessee Titans were fined $ 350,000 in October after a joint investigation between the league and NFL Players Association determined the organization did not properly relay information to players during its COVID-19 outbreak and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the facility .
After Raiders right tackle Trent Brown tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago , the NFL found video evidence that included several players not wearing masks or face shields and not adhering to social distancing on the sidelines , a person with knowledge of the league 's investigation told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity .
The Navajo Nation late Wednesday announced two additional weekend-long curfews , citing a second wave of COVID-19 cases .
The announcement came hours after tribal officials warned of an `` uncontrolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 of the tribe 's communities .
The tribe 's health department ordered the 56-hour weekend curfews , beginning at 9 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. on Nov. 9 , according to a news release from the Navajo Nation executive branch .
A second curfew with the same time constraints was set for the weekend of Nov. 13 through Nov. 16 , the news release said .
`` If you don ’ t need to purchase essential items or services and if you ’ re not an essential employee , then you should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curfew , '' Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in the news release .
• In your inbox : Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
• Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .
• On Facebook : A lot is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .

Jessica Flores and Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: US surpasses 100K cases in a day again; Missouri poll worker with COVID-19 dies after working election
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How R-0 can be used to fight COVID-19 R-0 may be the most important scientific term you’ve never heard of when it comes to stopping the coronavirus pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
After the United States recorded more than 100,000 new COVID-19 cases for the first time Wednesday, the record was surpassed again Thursday as 121,888 new COVID-19 infections were tallied across the country.
That's about 85 cases per minute.
On Friday, new coronavirus restrictions in Massachusetts begin, including a statewide face mask mandate, closure of some businesses, and limits to indoor and outdoor gatherings.
In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills issued a mask mandate regardless of whether people can physically distance from others. Across the country, Idaho is seeing a record number of daily cases and hospitals are running out of space for COVID-19 patients.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported more than 9.7 million cases and more than 236,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The global totals: more than 49.2 million cases and 1.2 million deaths.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak in your state.
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
Rachel Maddow has announced that she will not appear on MSNBC on Friday night after a close contact tested positive for COVID-19.
The liberal pundit announced on Twitter that, though she has tested negative for the disease, she will still be quarantining at home to make sure she does not put anyone else at risk.
"Everything happens, all at once," Maddow wrote. "I have had a close contact test positive for COVID — I've tested negative thus far but will be at home quarantining 'til it's safe for me to be back at work without putting anyone at risk."
— Charles Trepany
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was in isolation after his office was notified Friday of a recent exposure to someone with COVID-19, the office said in a news release.
Pritzker was exposed at a meeting on Monday in a large conference room in the governor’s office, according to the release. He was tested for COVID-19 Friday, and the results would be made public when available, the office said. Contact tracing was underway.
Cases are surging in Illinois, and Pritzker said Thursday he would implement stricter coronavirus restrictions if the trend continues upward. The state on Friday reported more than 10,300 new daily cases of COVID-19. There have been nearly half a million confirmed cases in the state, and more than 10,000 people — a disproportionate number of whom were Black — have died, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
— Grace Hauck
Major League Baseball accepted part of the blame for third baseman Justin Turner’s actions during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series celebration when he returned to the field after his positive COVID-19 test, saying there was miscommunication, and determined that he will not be disciplined.
He was shown on the field hugging teammates, kissing his wife, holding the World Series trophy, and posing for team pictures with his mask off, sitting next to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, a cancer survivor.
MLB said in its findings that Turner's teammates wanted him to join them and were willing to accept the risk, since they had already been exposed to Turner; that Turner thought he received permission from a Dodgers' employee to return to the field; and that, once on the field, "was incorrectly told by an unidentified person that other players had tested positive, creating the impression in Mr. Turner’s mind that he was being singled out for isolation."
Turner said Friday he has apologized to almost everyone on the field for putting them at further risk and not keeping his mask on.
— Bob Nightengale
Starting Friday night, Massachusetts residents will be breaking the law if they're out between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless on the way to or from work or school. The curfew is the latest effort to stem the growing COVID-19 outbreak in the state, which was hard-hit in the spring but enjoyed a low infection rate in the summer and early fall.
In the last week, the state, which had around 200 cases a day for most of the summer, has routinely seen daily caseloads above 1,200. And it's likely to get worse.
The move is aimed at closing restaurants and bars earlier in the night, before people lose their inhibitions and get careless about COVID-19 safeguards. But it remains to be seen whether criminalizing such everyday activities as a late-night stroll is a good idea – or will have any effect on the virus case count.
William Hanage, an epidemiologist at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, said he's dubious curfews will do much to curb infections. "Curtailing the evening for dining by an hour or so isn't likely to make a very large impact," said Hanage. "I can't think of a single place where further action was not necessary."
— Karen Weintraub
In a similar effort, Denver announced Friday it will begin a nightly "Home By 10" order, requiring residents to remain in their homes from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m.
The order goes into effect Sunday and runs until Dec. 7. It will be temporarily suspended on Thanksgiving Day.
Unless traveling to and from work or for an essential business allowed to be open during those hours, residents must remain home and cannot congregate with anyone outside of their dwelling.
Infection rates and hospitalizations are rising, with Denver’s seven-day moving average of new cases at 419 on Thursday, up from 290 on Oct. 29.
Some grocery store chains are bringing back limits on purchasing certain items including toilet paper as COVID-19 cases spike in the U.S.
In a statement to USA TODAY, Kroger said they have "proactively and temporarily set purchase limits to two per customer" on items including toilet paper, paper towels, disinfecting wipes and hand soap. The limits went into effect around Monday, the grocer chain said.
Other chains that have reimposed limits in recent days include H-E-B and the Giant Company. Wegmans said it has had limits on purchasing toilet paper and paper towels since May and will continue to maintain them.
When the coronavirus pandemic first upended the lives of Americans in March, consumers rushed to stores to stockpile products such as toilet paper, paper towels and disinfecting wipes.
– Brett Molina
After weeks of stabilizing, the COVID-19 unit at Louisville's Jewish Hospital is full and staying full with seriously ill patients hospitalized for days or even weeks.
"My census is higher now than it was back at the beginning of the pandemic, and that scares me a lot," Dr. Valerie Briones-Pryor, a University of Louisville Health physician, told members of the Louisville Metro Board of Health on Wednesday.
A new surge of COVID-19 cases in Kentucky and nationwide prompted Louisville officials to warn Tuesday that the local health system could be overwhelmed if people don't take the steps to avoid the virus more seriously.
"If the numbers continue to go up like they are right now, we will have to do something else because our hospital system will be overrun," Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said.
While Kentucky, with more than 11,000 hospital beds statewide, appears to have adequate capacity for such patients, health officials say the larger problem is ensuring enough health care workers, as some come down with COVID-19 or must quarantine because of exposure.
– Deborah Yetter and Grace Schneider, Louisville Courier Journal
An election judge supervisor who tested positive for COVID-19 and was aware of the test result still worked at a Missouri polling place and has since died, health officials say.
The election official worked at a suburban St. Louis polling site in St. Charles County, where nearly 2,000 people voted on Tuesday.
The official, whose has not been identified, was informed of their positive test on Oct. 30 and was told to quarantine for 14 days. A cause of death was not immediately provided.
The U.S. economy added 638,000 jobs in October as payroll growth roughly held steady despite a surge in COVID-19 cases and Congress’s failure to provide more aid to unemployed Americans and struggling businesses. The unemployment rate fell from 7.9% to 6.9%, the Labor Department said Friday.
Economists had estimated that 600,000 jobs were added last month, according to a Bloomberg survey.
Although last month’s employment gains were outsized by historical standards, the increases have slowed for four straight months since peaking at 4.8 million in June. The nation has recovered about 12 million, or 55%, of the 22 million jobs wiped out in the health crisis as states have reopened restaurants, shops and other businesses shuttered by the outbreak, and brought back many furloughed workers.
But recovering the rest could take several years, economists say, and a growing share of temporary job losses have become permanent as businesses downsize or close for good.
– Paul Davidson
AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot said Thursday that the company is hoping to show its COVID-19 vaccine candidate is safe and effective by the end of the year.
Manufacturing of the potential vaccine is also being boosted, with the plan to have hundreds of millions of doses available in January, Soriot said.
AstraZeneca is working with Oxford to develop its vaccine candidates, and it is one of a few potential vaccines currently in late stage clinical trials in the U.S. Trials are also being conducted in the United Kingdom and other countries to determine the potential vaccine's effectiveness and safety.
“We have aligned the timing of delivery of vials to the timing of the clinical trial readout,” Soriot told analysts on a conference call. “On a global basis, we’ll be ready to supply hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine around the world by January.”
How to get a free COVID-19 antibody test If you are wondering whether you have had COVID-19, now you can find out for free by donating blood with the American Red Cross. Buzz60
A USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data through late Thursday shows 27 states set records for new cases in a week while five states had a record number of deaths in a week.
The last time most states in the U.S. were setting case count records for a week wasn't in the summer surge of COVID-19 but the week ending April 7.
New case records were set in Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Record numbers of deaths were reported in New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
The USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins data also shows 46 states had more cases in the latest week than in the week before. Forty-three states had a higher rate of people testing positive than the week before, an analysis of COVID Tracking Project data shows.
– Mike Stucka
Idaho hospitals are running out of space for COVID-19 patients as cases continue to surge statewide. At least 671 Idaho residents have died from the coronavirus, and a record high of 1,290 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Wednesday, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, followed by 1,265 new cases Thursday.
Meanwhile, the state's Disaster Medical Advisory Community on Tuesday sent a letter to Gov. Brad Little asking him to impose a statewide mask mandate. The committee, which was tasked with setting Idaho’s triage guidelines during an emergency, said a mask mandate would slow the spread of the virus and help hospitals avoid having to ration care.
As coronavirus cases surge statewide, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare on Wednesday announced the state's first flu-related deaths this season. Both individuals – a Blaine County man older than 60 and a Twin Falls County woman older than 80 – also had COVID-19 when they died.
Maine Gov. Janet Mills issued a new executive order Thursday requiring people to wear a face covering regardless of whether they can physically distance from others as. The new order strengthened a previously issued mask mandate that required face masks only if physically distancing was difficult to maintain.
“We have recorded yet another day of record high case numbers. This deadly and dangerous virus is spreading all across our state,” Mills said. “Protect your family. Protect a health care worker. Protect the elderly. Wear your face covering. Save lives. It is that simple.”
The state set a new single-day record of COVID-19 cases on Thursday with 183 new infections, WMTW reported. That brings the total count to 7,260 infections. No new deaths were reported Thursday, leaving the death toll at 150.
The Las Vegas Raiders will face the heftiest punishment of any team to date for multiple violations of the NFL's COVID-19 protocols. The league is fining the organization $500,000 and coach Jon Gruden $150,000, Yahoo Sports reported Thursday. The Raiders also will be stripped of a sixth-round draft pick, per the report.
No other team has been docked a draft selection for violating the league's COVID-19 policies. The Tennessee Titans were fined $350,000 in October after a joint investigation between the league and NFL Players Association determined the organization did not properly relay information to players during its COVID-19 outbreak and at times had personnel not wearing masks in the facility.
After Raiders right tackle Trent Brown tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago, the NFL found video evidence that included several players not wearing masks or face shields and not adhering to social distancing on the sidelines, a person with knowledge of the league's investigation told USA TODAY Sports under the condition of anonymity.
– Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
The opening college football weekend of the Pac-12 season just got smaller. Saturday's scheduled game between California and Washington has been canceled, the conference announced Thursday.
In a release, the Pac-12 said Cal had requested the move because the team could not meet the minimum requirement of scholarship players for the game due to the number of positive COVID-19 cases among its players.
The game will be not be rescheduled and will be declared a no contest.
There will now be five Pac-12 games this weekend. The league had pushed its opening back later than any Bowl Subdivision league due to the challenges of playing during the pandemic. See the complete list of games affected by the virus here.
— Erick Smith
The Navajo Nation late Wednesday announced two additional weekend-long curfews, citing a second wave of COVID-19 cases. The announcement came hours after tribal officials warned of an "uncontrolled spread" of COVID-19 within more than 20 of the tribe's communities.
The tribe's health department ordered the 56-hour weekend curfews, beginning at 9 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. on Nov. 9, according to a news release from the Navajo Nation executive branch. A second curfew with the same time constraints was set for the weekend of Nov. 13 through Nov. 16, the news release said.
"If you don’t need to purchase essential items or services and if you’re not an essential employee, then you should be at home during the 56-hour weekend curfew," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in the news release.
– Chelsea Curtis, Arizona Republic
COVID-19 resources from USA TODAY
In your inbox: Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together.
Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. On Facebook: A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, Coronavirus Watch, to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-11-06--Trump will be a regular citizen on Twitter when he steps down, beholden to all its rules

Should President Donald Trump lose the presidency and return to life as a private citizen , he can expect to be treated as such by his favorite social media platform .
Twitter , which has given the president leeway when he violated company policies , would take away Trump 's exemption when his term ends in January .
Twitter 's rules prohibit hate speech or posts advocating violence , both of which Trump has often done .
Twitter has different standards for world leaders and instead of yanking down their tweets , it adds warning labels .
Election report card @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ' Trump and Biden supporters grade Facebook and Twitter More : Facebook shuts down pro-Trump 'Stop the Steal ' group over 'worrying calls for violence' But post presidency , instead of being labeled , Twitter 's policy calls for the tweet to be taken down altogether .
If there are multiple violations , Trump could find his account frozen , suspended or banned .
Some of Twitter high-profile bans include InfoWars conspiracy theorist Alex Jones , commentator Milo Yiannopoulos and congressional candidate Laura Loomos , who just lost a bid in Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service is providing a place where people can openly and publicly respond to their leaders and hold them accountable , '' Twitter said in a statement to USA TODAY .
`` With this in mind , there are certain cases where it may be in the public 's interest to have access to certain Tweets , even if they would otherwise be in violation of our rules . ''
On Thursday , several tweets by Trump were flagged by Twitter .
In them , Trump claimed , without evidence , that voter fraud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter linked to its own guidelines on the president 's tweets , saying that manipulating or interfering in elections on the network is not allowed .
`` This includes posting or sharing content that may suppress participation or mislead people about when , where , or how to participate in a civic process .
In addition , we may label and reduce the visibility of Tweets containing false or misleading information about civic processes in order to provide additional context . ''
First time violators will be asked to remove the content , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If the same user repeats the behavior second time , they will see their content labeled , and a third time `` for severe or repeated violations of this policy , accounts will be permanently suspended . ''
Many conservatives who have run afoul of Twitter have moved on to other social networks , most notably Parler .
Currently the 12th most downloaded news app on Apple 's iTunes chart , Parler has attracted prominent conservative voices like Sens .
Ted Cruz and Rand Paul and Fox News Channel commentator Sean Hannity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either banned or restricted on Twitter , including Loomer and commentator and podcaster Mark Levin , have also joined the social network .
More : Twitter users tease people fearful of Biden 's proposed tax hike since most would n't be affected '' Speak freely and express yourself openly , without fear of being 'deplatformed ' for your views , '' says Parler on its home page .
The website says that it 's to not take down posts .
`` In no case will Parler decide what content will be removed or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ removed , on the basis of the opinion expressed within the content at issue . ''
However , the company adds that if posts are reported , it will remove ones that are `` posted by or on behalf of terrorist organizations , child pornography , and copyright violations . ''

Are Trump's days of special treatment on Twitter numbered? Post presidency, he'll be just another user
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump falsely claims he won the 2020 election Falsely declaring victory while votes are still being counted, President Donald Trump threatened to ask the Supreme Court to halt the counting of legally cast absentee ballots, which he described as a "fraud." USA TODAY
Donald Trump will find his Twitter feed very different after his presidency ends in January.
From 2016 through now, Trump had been allowed to tweet and share things that were inflammatory and, at times, not accurate, but given leeway because he was a world leader. But "if an account is not a world leader anymore, that particular policy goes away," Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey said Tuesday, in a congressional hearing, referring to the newsworthiness exception for political leaders' false claims.
Twitter has given the president leeway when he violated company policies, and has said in the past it would take away Trump's exemption when his term ends in January.
Twitter's rules prohibit hate speech or posts advocating violence, both of which Trump has often done. Twitter has different standards for world leaders and instead of yanking down their tweets, it adds warning labels.
Election report card: 'Social media has not been fair,' Trump and Biden supporters grade Facebook and Twitter
More: Facebook shuts down pro-Trump 'Stop the Steal' group over 'worrying calls for violence'
But post presidency, instead of being labeled, Twitter's policy calls for the tweet to be taken down altogether. If there are multiple violations, Trump could find his account frozen, suspended or banned.
Some of Twitter high-profile bans include InfoWars conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, commentator Milo Yiannopoulos and congressional candidate Laura Loomer, who just lost a bid in Florida.
"A critical function of our service is providing a place where people can openly and publicly respond to their leaders and hold them accountable," Twitter said in a statement to USA TODAY. "With this in mind, there are certain cases where it may be in the public's interest to have access to certain Tweets, even if they would otherwise be in violation of our rules."
On Thursday, several tweets by Trump were flagged by Twitter. In them, Trump claimed that voter fraud had occurred in the presidential election.
Twitter linked to its own guidelines on the president's tweets, saying that manipulating or interfering in elections on the network is not allowed.
"This includes posting or sharing content that may suppress participation or mislead people about when, where, or how to participate in a civic process. In addition, we may label and reduce the visibility of Tweets containing false or misleading information about civic processes in order to provide additional context."
First time violators will be asked to remove the content and be locked out until they comply. If the same user repeats the behavior second time, they will see their content labeled, and a third time "for severe or repeated violations of this policy, accounts will be permanently suspended."
Many conservatives who have run afoul of Twitter have moved on to other social networks, most notably Parler.
Currently the 12th most downloaded news app on Apple's iTunes chart, Parler has attracted prominent conservative voices like Sens. Ted Cruz and Rand Paul and Fox News Channel commentator Sean Hannity. Several people who have recently been either banned or restricted on Twitter, including Loomer and commentator and podcaster Mark Levin, have also joined the social network.
More: Twitter users tease people fearful of Biden's proposed tax hike since most wouldn't be affected
"Speak freely and express yourself openly, without fear of being 'deplatformed' for your views," says Parler on its home page.
"In no case will Parler decide what content will be removed or filtered, or whose account will be removed, on the basis of the opinion expressed within the content at issue," the website says. However, the company adds that if posts are reported, it will remove ones that are "posted by or on behalf of terrorist organizations, child pornography, and copyright violations."
Follow USA TODAY's Jefferson Graham (@jeffersongraham) on Twitter


usatoday--2020-11-06--Trump's fraud claims are baseless, offensive and dangerous for election workers

There ’ s a lot to be embarrassed about when it comes to the 2020 election .
If I were a pollster , I ’ d be desperately hoping for a Joe Biden victory so I could take advantage of his free community college plan and re-train myself for a career in the hospitality industry .
On a more serious note , President Donald Trump ’ s election night declaration of victory and his string of flagged tweets have made America a laughingstock throughout the democratic world .
He even issued a press release in all-caps .
But there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me fiercely proud .
We ’ ve gotten so used to American elections running smoothly that we forget that they don ’ t just happen .
The nuts and bolts of a presidential election are always immensely complicated , and because of the pandemic , this presidential election is the most complex in American history .
And this year , it has all gone — so far — much more smoothly than expected , under the circumstances .
At this moment , in counties big and small all across America , tens of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counting America ’ s votes and certifying the results .
What ’ s amazing about this is that the vast majority of this work is being done by ordinary Americans who participate in our election system out of a sense of civic duty and because they are proud of our democratic traditions .
Despite Trump ’ s claim to the contrary , every vote-counting center in every county in America is staffed with Republican observers , Democratic observers , independent observers and election workers , all cooperating to ensure that the vote count @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These aren ’ t political consultants or faceless bureaucrats .
They are our neighbors , members of our church and people we see at the grocery store .
The power and beauty of this system is that , unlike in many countries , we need not take the government ’ s word that our elections are fair because we conduct them ourselves .
It just isn ’ t possible to engage in large-scale voter fraud or “ steal ” an election in America .
The idea that thousands of ordinary , decent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somehow secretly conspire to rig a presidential election would be deranged if it weren ’ t so utterly silly .
I ’ m long past expecting President Trump having any sense of proportion or shame .
But his claim at his news conference on Thursday that all these ordinary Americans are engaged in massive election fraud is both offensive and dangerous .
It ’ s offensive because the tens of thousands of Americans working to bring the concept of American democracy to life are patriots in the truest sense of the word .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it in the middle of a deadly pandemic .
Every single one of these people deserves a medal and the gratitude of all Americans , regardless of political party .
These election workers are literally the people who hold our democracy together .
Stand up for democracy at last : Donald Trump 's attack on election integrity cries out for a Republican intervention It ’ s dangerous because Trump ’ s baseless claims that the election is being “ stolen ” are putting their physical safety at risk .
There have already been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s supporters and on Thursday night , police foiled what appears to have been a plan to attack the convention center in Philadelphia where votes are being counted .
Trump ’ s claim of a plot is also just plain ridiculous .
Apart from being impossible , if the Democrats were “ rigging ” the system for Joe Biden , don ’ t you think they would have thrown in a few votes for their congressional candidates ?
At the moment , Democrats are actually losing House seats .
The fact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are doing better than Trump .
Lots of people are splitting the ticket and voting for Republicans while rejecting the [ resident .
That ’ s not conspiracy .
That ’ s democracy .
What really does make America great If President Trump discovers evidence of wrongdoing , he should take his claim to court .
That ’ s the way the system works .
But that ’ s not what Trump is doing .
He ’ s making baseless allegations and then demanding people find evidence to support them .
He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system of democracy , and not for the first time .
After he won an Electoral College victory in 2016 , he insisted that he would have won the popular vote as well if it hadn ’ t been for massive voter fraud .
That was , of course , utter nonsense .
Even the hand-picked commission he appointed to investigate could find nothing to support his claim .
Untethered to reality : Donald Trump 's most historic and dishonest press conference There is no massive fraud .
There is no plot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dedication of the citizens who are running it , it ’ s working a lot better than we could have expected .
We should all relax and allow the votes to be counted and the process completed .
We ’ ve been doing this for over 230 years now , in good times and bad , in war — even civil war — and peace .
That ’ s one of the things that really does make America great and we are not going to break the chain for anyone , not Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign is over .
The votes have been cast .
Now we must await the verdict and honor the outcome .
And if you don ’ t like that outcome , cheer up .
We ’ re going to do it all over again in four years .
Republican Chris Truax , an appellate lawyer in San Diego and CEO of CertifiedVoter.com , is a member of USA TODAY 's Board of Contributors .

Trump's fraud claims are baseless, offensive and dangerous for election workers Trump attacked what really does make America great: Transparent, trustworthy elections and our patriotic friends and neighbors who make them happen.
Show Caption Hide Caption Observers say no evidence for Trump's fraud claims The head of an international delegation monitoring the U.S. elections said on Thursday his team has no evidence to support President Donald Trump's claims about alleged fraud involving mail-in absentee ballots. (Nov. 5) AP
There’s a lot to be embarrassed about when it comes to the 2020 election. If I were a pollster, I’d be desperately hoping for a Joe Biden victory so I could take advantage of his free community college plan and re-train myself for a career in the hospitality industry. On a more serious note, President Donald Trump’s election night declaration of victory and his string of flagged tweets have made America a laughingstock throughout the democratic world. He even issued a press release in all-caps.
But there is one aspect of this election that makes me fiercely proud. We’ve gotten so used to American elections running smoothly that we forget that they don’t just happen. The nuts and bolts of a presidential election are always immensely complicated, and because of the pandemic, this presidential election is the most complex in American history.
And this year, it has all gone — so far — much more smoothly than expected, under the circumstances. At this moment, in counties big and small all across America, tens of thousands of Americans are diligently at work counting America’s votes and certifying the results.
Election workers are our neighbors
What’s amazing about this is that the vast majority of this work is being done by ordinary Americans who participate in our election system out of a sense of civic duty and because they are proud of our democratic traditions. Despite Trump’s claim to the contrary, every vote-counting center in every county in America is staffed with Republican observers, Democratic observers, independent observers and election workers, all cooperating to ensure that the vote count is correct, transparent and trustworthy. These aren’t political consultants or faceless bureaucrats. They are our neighbors, members of our church and people we see at the grocery store.
The power and beauty of this system is that, unlike in many countries, we need not take the government’s word that our elections are fair because we conduct them ourselves. It just isn’t possible to engage in large-scale voter fraud or “steal” an election in America. The idea that thousands of ordinary, decent, civic-minded Americans of both political parties will somehow secretly conspire to rig a presidential election would be deranged if it weren’t so utterly silly.
I’m long past expecting Trump to have any sense of proportion or shame. But his claim at his news conference on Thursday that all these ordinary Americans are engaged in massive election fraud is both offensive and dangerous. It’s offensive because the tens of thousands of Americans working to bring the concept of American democracy to life are patriots in the truest sense of the word. And this year, they are doing it in the middle of a deadly pandemic. Every single one of these people deserves a medal and the gratitude of all Americans, regardless of political party. These election workers are literally the people who hold our democracy together.
Stand up for democracy at last: Donald Trump's attack on election integrity cries out for a Republican intervention
It’s dangerous because Trump’s baseless claims that the election is being “stolen” are putting their physical safety at risk. There have already been several incidents involving armed protests by Trump’s supporters and on Thursday night, police foiled what appears to have been a plan to attack the convention center in Philadelphia where votes are being counted.
Trump’s claim of a plot is also just plain ridiculous. Apart from being impossible, if the Democrats were “rigging” the system for Biden, don’t you think they would have thrown in a few votes for their congressional candidates? At the moment, Democrats are actually losing House seats. The fact is that Republican house and Senate candidates are doing better than Trump. Lots of people are splitting the ticket and voting for Republicans while rejecting the president. That’s not conspiracy. That’s democracy.
What really does make America great
If Trump discovers evidence of wrongdoing, he should take his claim to court. That’s the way the system works. But that’s not what Trump is doing. He’s making baseless allegations and then demanding people find evidence to support them. He’s attacking the very basis of our system of democracy, and not for the first time. After he won an Electoral College victory in 2016, he insisted that he would have won the popular vote as well if it hadn’t been for massive voter fraud. That was, of course, utter nonsense. Even the hand-picked commission he appointed to investigate could find nothing to support his claim.
Untethered to reality: Donald Trump's most historic and dishonest press conference
There is no massive fraud. There is no plot. The system works. Due to the dedication of the citizens who are running it, it’s working a lot better than we could have expected. We should all relax and allow the votes to be counted and the process completed. We’ve been doing this for over 230 years now, in good times and bad, in war — even civil war — and peace. That’s one of the things that really does make America great and we are not going to break the chain for anyone, not Joe Biden, not Donald Trump.
The campaign is over. The votes have been cast. Now we must await the verdict and honor the outcome. And if you don’t like that outcome, cheer up. We’re going to do it all over again in four years.
Republican Chris Truax, an appellate lawyer in San Diego and CEO of CertifiedVoter.com, is a member of USA TODAY's Board of Contributors.


usatoday--2020-11-06--Kohl's Black Friday 2020 deals start now: Save on Shark, Instant Pot and more

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
When it comes to Black Friday savings , nobody does it better than Kohl ’ s .
The department store goes all out for the mega-savings event , with eye-popping discounts on everything from its brand-name clothing ( think Nike , Levi ’ s and LC Lauren Conrad ) to top-notch appliances for the home in the form of iRobot and Shark vacuums , Keurig coffee makers , KitchenAid mixers and more .
Looking for hard-to-find essentials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reviewed newsletter .
This year is certainly no exception : In fact , rather than waiting until Friday , November 27 , to get the party started , Kohl 's is dropping its first round of Black Friday 2020 deals right now .
In addition to the same kinds of mind-blowing discounts we 've seen from the likes of Walmart , which launched its first round of Black Friday 2020 markdowns earlier this week , and Home Depot , Kohl ’ s is offering its customers an even greater incentive to shop its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form of a 20 % off coupon code and its famous Kohl ’ s cash , which can be spent just like money at the store during specific time frames—today , November 6 , only , shoppers will earn $ 15 back for every $ 50 spent to use between tomorrow , November 7 , and Thursday , November 19 .
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The best Kohl 's Black Friday 2020 deals to shop now • Get The Big One Oversized Supersoft Plush Throw for $ 7.99 with coupon code SHOP20 ( Save $ 22 ) • Get the Cuddl Duds Flannel Sheet Set from $ 12.79 with coupon code SHOP20 ( Save $ 27.20 to $ 80 ) • Get the Altvida 12-Pound Faux Mink Weighted Blanket for $ 15.99 with coupon code SHOP20 ( Save $ 64 ) • Get the Biddeford Quilted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with coupon code SHOP20 ( Save $ 76 to $ 152 ) • Get the Shark Apex DuoClean Upright Vacuum for $ 120.01 with coupon code SHOP20 ( Save $ 179.99 ) • Get the Shark Rotator NV501 Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with coupon code SHOP20 for $ 120.01 ( Save $ 179.99 ) • Get the Shark ION Robot Vacuum for $ 169.99 with coupon code SHOP20 ( Save $ 80 ) • Get the iRobot Roomba 677 WiFi Robot Vacuum for $ 259.99 with coupon code SHOP 20 ( Save $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Flex-and-Seal Food Storage Set for $ 15.99 with coupon code SHOP20 ( Save $ 34 ) • Get the PowerXL Air Fryer for $ 55.99 with coupon code SHOP20 ( Save $ 90 ) • Get the PowerXL Smokeless Grill for $ 55.99 with coupon code SHOP20 ( Save $ 84 ) • Get the FoodSaver Space-Saving Vacuum Sealer for $ 55.99 with coupon code SHOP20 ( Save $ 14 ) • Get the Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker 6-Quart for $ 59.99 ( Save $ 70 ) • Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Set for $ 120.01 with coupon code SHOP20 ( Save $ 129.98 ) • Get the J.A .
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

Today is the last day to get Kohl's Black Friday 2020 deals early—shop our top picks
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Editor's Note: These deals may have changed since publication. For the most recent top deals at Kohl's, check out our new story here.
When it comes to Black Friday savings, nobody does it better than Kohl’s. The department store goes all out for the mega-savings event, with eye-popping discounts on everything from its brand-name clothing (think Nike, Levi’s and LC Lauren Conrad) to top-notch appliances for the home in the form of iRobot and Shark vacuums, Keurig coffee makers, KitchenAid mixers and more.
Looking for hard-to-find essentials? Sign up for our Resources by Reviewed newsletter.
This year is certainly no exception: In fact, rather than waiting until Friday, November 27, to get the party started, Kohl's is dropping its first round of Black Friday 2020 deals right now.
In addition to the same kinds of mind-blowing discounts we've seen from the likes of Walmart, which launched its first round of Black Friday 2020 markdowns earlier this month, and Home Depot, Kohl’s is offering its customers an even greater incentive to shop its blowout markdowns with extra discounts in the form of a 20% off coupon code (SHOP20) and its famous Kohl’s cash: for ever $50 spent, customers will earn $10 which can be redeemed between Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 19.
MORE: Kohl's Black Friday deals start earlier than planned
Savings for some of these deals will run through tonight, November 10, with more set to drop from Sunday, November 22, to Friday, November 27. As if all of that wasn't exciting enough, "super deals" will be going live on the 26 and 27.
Not sure where to start? We've rounded up all of the best discounts you can scoop up starting right now. These super popular women's leggings fall as low as $7.99 with coupon code SHOP20 at checkout, while our favorite portable Bluetooth speaker is just under $70. Below, find our picks for the best Kohl's Black Friday deals of 2020.
The best Kohl's Black Friday 2020 deals to shop now
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The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-11-06--Donald Trump's aides are increasingly gloomy – and angry at other GOP officials

WASHINGTON – Some aides to President Donald Trump said they 're not giving up on the election , but they are also bracing for the worst .
They 're also upset with other Republicans who have not spoken out in support of the president 's complaints about ongoing vote counts in competitive states .
The election hinged on vote counts in only a few states : from Pennsylvania , to North Carolina , and Georgia and Nevada .
A Biden win in his native Pennsylvania would seal the election and cap a lifetime dream for the former vice president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public office .
Trump , meanwhile , trailing in the vote count or facing strong challenges in each state , lashed out Thursday , trying to cast doubt on the validity of the vote without evidence as he sought a second term in the White House .
The Trump campaign has pursued a variety of lawsuits in the competitive states , urging a recount in one state and a halt to voting in other states – including one where he is losing .
Aides said they see a chance that ongoing vote counts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Georgia , and fuel comebacks in Arizona and Nevada – but some also acknowledged that many of the remaining votes appear to be from areas that tilt heavily toward Joe Biden .
White House and campaign aides spent Thursday as they spent Wednesday , in hurry-up-and-wait mode .
Some advisers are also skeptical that the campaign 's lawsuits will do anything to change the vote count .
They are also concerned that Pennsylvania will finish its count soon , and that networks will project a Biden victory in the state , essentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just watching , '' one aide said .
Still , some aides said they believe Trump will pull this out , somehow .
On election night , as Tuesday turned to Wednesday , Trump campaign and White House officials expressed rising confidence as the president won the vote in Florida and built leads in Georgia , North Carolina and other states .
That confidence began to dissipate after Fox News , and then the Associated Press , called Arizona for Biden ( a call the campaign still protests ) .
The Trump team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counting gave Biden wins in Wisconsin and Michigan .
Aides , speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters , also expressed frustration that more Republican officials have not spoken out against the counting , especially in the states still being contested .
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf , a Democrat , has held news conferences about events in his state , but not folks like Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp and Arizona Gov .
Doug Ducey – both Republicans , another aides said .
`` Where are Kemp and Ducey at ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Jr. , and his brother Eric have also protested the relative silence from prominent Republicans .
`` Where is the GOP ?
! ''
tweeted Eric Trump .
`` Our voters will never forget ... '' Trump himself has spoken to a variety of Republicans officials about the situation , including state governors , but few have voiced complaints about the election the way he has .

Donald Trump's aides are increasingly gloomy – and angry at other GOP officials
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump falsely claims he won the 2020 election Falsely declaring victory while votes are still being counted, President Donald Trump threatened to ask the Supreme Court to halt the counting of legally cast absentee ballots, which he described as a "fraud." USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Some aides to President Donald Trump said they're not giving up on the election, but they are also bracing for the worst.
They're also upset with other Republicans who have not spoken out in support of the president's complaints about ongoing vote counts in competitive states.
The election hinged on vote counts in only a few states: from Pennsylvania, to North Carolina, and Georgia and Nevada. A Biden win in his native Pennsylvania would seal the election and cap a lifetime dream for the former vice president and senator with more than 40 years in public office. Trump, meanwhile, trailing in the vote count or facing strong challenges in each state, lashed out Thursday, trying to cast doubt on the validity of the vote without evidence as he sought a second term in the White House.
The Trump campaign has pursued a variety of lawsuits in the competitive states, urging a recount in one state and a halt to voting in other states – including one where he is losing.
Aides said they see a chance that ongoing vote counts could preserve Trump's leads in Pennsylvania and Georgia, and fuel comebacks in Arizona and Nevada – but some also acknowledged that many of the remaining votes appear to be from areas that tilt heavily toward Joe Biden.
White House and campaign aides spent Thursday as they spent Wednesday, in hurry-up-and-wait mode.
Some advisers are also skeptical that the campaign's lawsuits will do anything to change the vote count. They are also concerned that Pennsylvania will finish its count soon, and that networks will project a Biden victory in the state, essentially making him president-elect.
"We're just watching," one aide said.
Still, some aides said they believe Trump will pull this out, somehow.
On election night, as Tuesday turned to Wednesday, Trump campaign and White House officials expressed rising confidence as the president won the vote in Florida and built leads in Georgia, North Carolina and other states.
That confidence began to dissipate after Fox News, and then the Associated Press, called Arizona for Biden (a call the campaign still protests). The Trump team's mood continued to sour as late counting gave Biden wins in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Aides, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, also expressed frustration that more Republican officials have not spoken out against the counting, especially in the states still being contested.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, a Democrat, has held news conferences about events in his state, but not folks like Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey – both Republicans, another aides said.
"Where are Kemp and Ducey at?" the aide said.
Donald Trump, Jr., and his brother Eric have also protested the relative silence from prominent Republicans.
"Where is the GOP?!" tweeted Eric Trump. "Our voters will never forget..."
Trump himself has spoken to a variety of Republicans officials about the situation, including state governors, but few have voiced complaints about the election the way he has.


usatoday--2020-11-07--Election protests live updates: Trump supporters protest in Phoenix, Detroit; Biden voters throw dan

Protests that have formed in cities across the county since Election Day continued Friday as Vice President Joe Biden took the vote count lead ahead of President Donald Trump in Georgia and Pennsylvania .
In several battleground states , dueling groups – some chanting `` count the votes '' and others `` stop the steal '' – gathered outside locations where votes were being tallied Friday .
While some scenes were more akin to joyful dance parties , other demonstrations saw protesters without masks and armed with pistols .
Meanwhile , supporters of Biden , who was on the cusp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathering in his hometown of Wilmington , Delaware .
Here 's how protests are playing out across the country Friday : • Roughly 100 people gathered for a pro-Trump protest outside the Maricopa County Elections headquarters in Phoenix on Friday , chanting `` count the votes '' for the third straight day • North Carolina Republicans held a protest Friday in downtown Raleigh 's state government complex , according to local news reports .
• On Friday afternoon , competing groups of protesters clashed in Pittsburgh , near where Allegheny County officials continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Every Vote '' protesters in New York and Philadelphia were largely optimistic Friday .
The scenes have gone viral , in large part , due to the vibrancy of the public displays and its participants .
• More than 200 protesters — many without masks and some armed with pistols — rallied Friday outside the tally room at the TCF Center in Detroit .
The nearby Wayne County Treasurer ’ s Office closed early due to credible information from the Wayne County Sheriff ’ s Office of threats , according to a release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , the Philadelphia Police Department arrested two men who allegedly were armed and heading to the city 's convention center .
On Friday afternoon , competing groups of protesters clashed in Pittsburgh , near where Allegheny County officials continued their ballot counts .
Sheriff 's deputies moved toward the group as the rhetoric escalated , dividing them , before a line of Pittsburgh police in full gear with batons held the groups apart , pushing spectators onto the street , which the police had barricaded off .
As of Friday afternoon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 49.5 % to 49.3 % , with 98 % of estimated total votes counted .
Biden voters gather in New York City to celebrate likely win In New York , what had been 'Count Every Vote ' protests only days earlier turned into dance parties Friday , as thousands descended on Washington Square Park .
Photos showed signs emblazoned with `` Dump Trump '' and `` You 're Fired '' — after Trump 's famous Celebrity Apprentice slogan — as groups chanted and sang .
Several noted on twitter that `` Protestors are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declare Joe Biden winner . ''
Biden easily defeated Trump in New York on Tuesday , capturing the state 's 29 electoral votes in a race the Democrat was widely expected to win .
The Wayne County Treasurer ’ s Office moved to close early Friday due to protesters , a treasurer ’ s office spokesman said .
The office was closing early in Detroit due to credible information from the Wayne County Sheriff ’ s Office of threats , according to a release Friday from the treasury office .
However , treasurer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a text message that no direct threats were made .
`` We closed because we were notified of ( President Donald ) Trump protesters coming to 400 Monroe , '' he said .
`` We just want to let our customers know we are closing today . ''
The news came as a group of more than 200 protesters gathered outside the TCF Center , which played host to absentee ballot counting this week .
In Rhode Island , about 100 protesters rallied outside the state board of elections headquarters , demanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Biden won with more than 59 % of the vote .
Protesters said ballots were illegally dumped in Rhode Island , but offered no evidence .
State elections officials have said they have no evidence of fraud .
Dozens of people gathered for a pro-Trump protest outside the Maricopa County Elections headquarters in Phoenix on Friday , chanting `` count the votes . ''
What 's happening in Arizona ?
: Trump 's vote margin in Maricopa County is well short of what he needs The Associated Press declared Biden the winner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afternoon , Biden led Trump 50 % to 48.6 % with about 90 % of the estimated vote counted .
North Carolina Republicans held a press conference and protest Friday in downtown Raleigh 's state government complex , according to local news reports .
Dozens of people gathered in MAGA hats with `` Trump 2020 '' flags .
The protesters wanted Trump to be declared the winner of the state despite the uncounted ballots , according to local outlets .
As of Friday afternoon , Trump was leading Biden 50.1 % to 48.7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total votes counted .
With Joe Biden on the cusp of a presidential victory Friday , his supporters were gathering in his hometown of Wilmington , Delaware .
The excitement was palpable outside the secure zone of the Chase Center , where Biden is expected to speak later in the day .
Passing the time near their parked cars , supporters held signs and American flags , while exchanging shouts of , “ It ’ s gon na be a great day ” and “ Here we go , guys !
” Thomas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tailgate party .
He had arrived from Pittsburgh with his 5-year-old son and perched a stuffed dinosaur on top of his pickup truck with a Biden-Harris sign .
In between interviews with journalists , he tossed a football back and forth with his son .
Some supporters , like Zach Rossetti , 25 , have been here for days .
After watching Biden vote in their shared hometown of Scranton , Pennsylvania , on Election Day , Rossetti drove to Wilmington to await a result .
He ’ s been spending days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hotel – but today felt different for him .
“ I am so certain we ’ re going to have a result today , ” he said .
Some 'Count Every Vote ' protests in Philadelphia became dance parties featuring Gritty '' Count Every Vote '' protesters in front of the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia were largely optimistic Friday .
CBC News reporter Steven D ’ Souza noted on Twitter that despite pro-Trump protesters waiting in the wings , `` the party '' was already in full swing .
The scenes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , due to the vibrancy of the public displays and its participants , who have included `` Sesame Street '' character Elmo and Philadelphia Flyers ’ mascot Gritty — or at least knockoff versions of the beloved red and orange fluffballs .
Gritty was seen dancing to house music , while a dancing mailbox took to the streets to shake it out to Missy Elliott .
In West Philadelphia , as the news broke that Pennsylvania had shifted blue , a smaller , but just as celebratory dance party took place in front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Detroit rally outside voting count centers as Biden 's lead grows More than 200 protesters — many without masks and some armed with pistols — rallied Friday morning outside the tally room at the TCF Center in Detroit .
As protesters complained of what they are claiming is voting fraud , police began to add road barricades , closing a main roadway and separating the group from a smaller band of counter-protesters who also began to show up .
Meanwhile , a counter-protest began , as police tried to keep the groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was one arrest .
Police handcuffed Rob Cortis , the owner of the Trump Unity Bridge truck , a mobile platform that he has been driving to political events throughout the state to campaign for the president .
Philadelphia police arrest armed men near convention center where ballots being counted The Philadelphia Police Department arrested two men Thursday night who allegedly were armed and heading to the city 's convention center where ballots were being counted .
Firearms charges were pending for the two men .
Police said they received information Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ en route to the Convention Center area operating a silver Hummer truck . ''
At 10:20 p.m. , officers spotted the truck unattended and steps away from the Convention Center .
Two bike patrol officers then observed two men with guns .
A search revealed that neither man had a valid Pennsylvania permit to carry , and they were arrested , Philadelphia police said .
Police said the men acknowledged the Hummer was their vehicle and an additional gun was discovered inside .

Election protests live updates: Trump supporters protest in Phoenix, Detroit; Biden voters throw dance parties in New York, Philly
Show Caption Hide Caption Phoenix protesters want full, fair vote count Supporters of President Donald Trump gathered at a ballot tabulation facility Thursday night in Phoenix. They want all votes to be counted, as Arizona officials say the effort to tally up all ballots in the Western battleground state continues. (Nov. 5) AP
Protests that have formed in cities across the county since Election Day continued Friday as Vice President Joe Biden took the vote count lead ahead of President Donald Trump in Georgia and Pennsylvania.
In several battleground states, dueling groups – some chanting "count the votes" and others "stop the steal" – gathered outside locations where votes were being tallied Friday. While some scenes were more akin to joyful dance parties, other demonstrations saw protesters without masks and armed with pistols.
Meanwhile, supporters of Biden, who was on the cusp of a presidential victory Friday, were gathering in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.
Here's how protests played across the country Friday:
Roughly 100 people gathered for a pro-Trump protest outside the Maricopa County Elections headquarters in Phoenix on Friday, chanting "count the votes" for the third straight day
North Carolina Republicans held a protest Friday in downtown Raleigh's state government complex, according to local news reports.
On Friday afternoon, competing groups of protesters clashed in Pittsburgh, near where Allegheny County officials continued their ballot counts.
"Count Every Vote" protesters in New York and Philadelphia were largely optimistic Friday. The scenes have gone viral, in large part, due to the vibrancy of the public displays and its participants.
More than 200 protesters — many without masks and some armed with pistols — rallied Friday outside the tally room at the TCF Center in Detroit. The nearby Wayne County Treasurer’s Office closed early due to credible information from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office of threats, according to a release from the treasury office.
On Friday afternoon, competing groups of protesters clashed in Pittsburgh, near where Allegheny County officials continued their ballot counts.
Sheriff's deputies moved toward the group as the rhetoric escalated, dividing them, before a line of Pittsburgh police in full gear with batons held the groups apart, pushing spectators onto the street, which the police had barricaded off.
As of Friday afternoon, Biden was leading Trump in Pennsylvania by 49.5% to 49.3%, with 98% of estimated total votes counted.
– Jo Ciavaglia, Bucks County Courier Times
Biden voters gather in New York City to celebrate likely win
In New York, what had been 'Count Every Vote' protests only days earlier turned into dance parties Friday, as thousands descended on Washington Square Park.
Photos showed signs emblazoned with "Dump Trump" and "You're Fired" — after Trump's famous Celebrity Apprentice slogan — as groups chanted and sang. Several noted on twitter that "Protestors are not waiting for an AP call to declare Joe Biden winner."
Biden easily defeated Trump in New York on Tuesday, capturing the state's 29 electoral votes in a race the Democrat was widely expected to win.
The Wayne County Treasurer’s Office moved to close early Friday due to protesters, a treasurer’s office spokesman said. The office was closing early in Detroit due to credible information from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office of threats, according to a release Friday from the treasury office.
However, treasurer’s office spokesman Mario Morrow said in a text message that no direct threats were made. "We closed because we were notified of (President Donald) Trump protesters coming to 400 Monroe," he said. "We just want to let our customers know we are closing today."
The news came as a group of more than 200 protesters gathered outside the TCF Center, which played host to absentee ballot counting this week.
– Darcie Moran, Detroit Free Press
Rhode Island protesters demand recount
In Rhode Island, about 100 protesters rallied outside the state board of elections headquarters, demanding a recount in an overwhelmingly Democratic state where Biden won with more than 59% of the vote.
Protesters said ballots were illegally dumped in Rhode Island, but offered no evidence. State elections officials have said they have no evidence of fraud.
“We demand a recount in Jesus’ name!” protest leader Kathleen Forant shouted, as state police stood nearby.
– Associated Press
Dozens of people gathered for a pro-Trump protest outside the Maricopa County Elections headquarters in Phoenix on Friday, chanting "count the votes."
The Associated Press declared Biden the winner in Arizona early Wednesday. On Friday afternoon, Biden led Trump 50% to 48.6% with about 90% of the estimated vote counted.
What's happening in Arizona? Trump's vote margin in Maricopa County is well short of what he needs
North Carolina Republicans held a press conference and protest Friday in downtown Raleigh's state government complex, according to local news reports. Dozens of people gathered in MAGA hats with "Trump 2020" flags.
The protesters wanted Trump to be declared the winner of the state despite the uncounted ballots, according to local outlets.
As of Friday afternoon, Trump was leading Biden 50.1% to 48.7%, with 94% of the total votes counted.
With Joe Biden on the cusp of a presidential victory Friday, his supporters were gathering in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware.
The excitement was palpable outside the secure zone of the Chase Center, where Biden is expected to speak later in the day. Passing the time near their parked cars, supporters held signs and American flags, while exchanging shouts of, “It’s gonna be a great day” and “Here we go, guys!”
Thomas Kunish, 40, likened it to a tailgate party. He had arrived from Pittsburgh with his 5-year-old son and perched a stuffed dinosaur on top of his pickup truck with a Biden-Harris sign. In between interviews with journalists, he tossed a football back and forth with his son.
Some supporters, like Zach Rossetti, 25, have been here for days. After watching Biden vote in their shared hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Election Day, Rossetti drove to Wilmington to await a result. He’s been spending days at the Chase Center and nights at a hotel – but today felt different for him. “I am so certain we’re going to have a result today,” he said.
– Camille Caldera
"Count Every Vote" protesters in front of the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia were largely optimistic Friday. CBC News reporter Steven D’Souza noted on Twitter that despite pro-Trump protesters waiting in the wings, "the party" was already in full swing.
The scenes have gone viral, in large part, due to the vibrancy of the public displays and its participants, who have included "Sesame Street" character Elmo and Philadelphia Flyers’ mascot Gritty — or at least knockoff versions of the beloved red and orange fluffballs. Gritty was seen dancing to house music, while a dancing mailbox took to the streets to shake it out to Missy Elliott.
In West Philadelphia, as the news broke that Pennsylvania had shifted blue, a smaller, but just as celebratory dance party took place in front of residents' homes.
– Joshua Bote
More than 200 protesters — many without masks and some armed with pistols — rallied Friday morning outside the tally room at the TCF Center in Detroit.
As protesters complained of what they are claiming is voting fraud, police began to add road barricades, closing a main roadway and separating the group from a smaller band of counter-protesters who also began to show up.
Meanwhile, a counter-protest began, as police tried to keep the groups apart.
As of Friday afternoon, there was one arrest. Police handcuffed Rob Cortis, the owner of the Trump Unity Bridge truck, a mobile platform that he has been driving to political events throughout the state to campaign for the president.
– Omar Abdel-Baqui, Slone Terranella and Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press
The Philadelphia Police Department arrested two men Thursday night who allegedly were armed and heading to the city's convention center where ballots were being counted. Firearms charges were pending for the two men.
Police said they received information Thursday that "individuals armed with firearms were en route to the Convention Center area operating a silver Hummer truck."
At 10:20 p.m., officers spotted the truck unattended and steps away from the Convention Center. Two bike patrol officers then observed two men with guns. A search revealed that neither man had a valid Pennsylvania permit to carry, and they were arrested, Philadelphia police said.
Police said the men acknowledged the Hummer was their vehicle and an additional gun was discovered inside.
– Jeff Neiburg, Delaware News Journal


usatoday--2020-11-06--Counties other than Fulton make big difference for Joe Biden in Georgia election results

SAVANNAH , Ga. – If Joe Biden wins Georgia ’ s electoral votes in the presidential race , can Augusta-Richmond County take credit for helping push him over the razor ’ s edge ?
But so could Savannah ’ s Chatham County , Clayton County and any number of smaller Democratic strongholds throughout the Peach State .
“ Any one of these counties could say , ‘ But for us , Trump would be ahead , ’ ” said Charles Bullock , a University of Georgia political science professor who has studied Georgia politics for decades .
Although votes won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – and thousands of military and provisional ballots have yet to be counted – totals from Richmond , Chatham and Clayton have been overwhelmingly Democratic .
Too close to call : Georgia will recount votes for president , secretary of state says All eyes were initially on metro Atlanta ’ s Fulton and DeKalb counties .
But late results from Clayton and Chatham counties , the latter of which sparked a lawsuit from President Donald Trump ’ s campaign and the former giving Biden the lead early Friday , could provide Biden with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What I would guess would be the case is that the last votes which are coming in – partly because of Trump dissuading Republicans from voting absentee – are probably running higher Democratic as a percentage , ” Bullock said .
As of Friday afternoon , Biden was ahead of Trump in Georgia by just over 4,100 votes .
According to the Georgia secretary of state , Biden took 67.8 % of the vote in Richmond County , 58.6 % in Chatham and a whopping 84.9 % in Clayton .
Indeed , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Fulton and DeKalb that helped push Biden ahead , it was the south metro county of Clayton – an oft-overlooked but heavily Democratic community of 290,000 people .
“ Obviously , we played a pivotal role , ” Clayton County Commission Chairman Jeff Turner said .
“ We were the spark that got Georgia turning blue .
...
If Trump loses , we just need to be prepared to vacate ( the White House ) , but if he wins at least we know it was a fair and thorough process.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African Americans – 55.2 % in Richmond , 39.4 % in Chatham and 67.7 % in Clayton – who have historically voted Democratic .
“ Here in Richmond County , it ’ s a minority-majority county , so we were never anticipating we would carry the county , ” Richmond County Republican Party Chairwoman Sherry Barnes said .
Richmond County , the most populous and urbanized county in metro Augusta , has been a Democratic stronghold for decades .
Suburban Columbia County , in comparison , overwhelmingly votes Republican and is 76 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the smaller cities is what is happening in metro Atlanta on a smaller scale , ” Bullock said .
“ As you move out into the further suburban ring , that ’ s where you find Republicans.
” Blacks make up approximately 12 % of the electorate .
Although Trump ’ s support among black voters has increased over the 2016 election – 8 % compared to 6 % , according to AP VoteCast – the gain made little difference in the heavily African-American counties .
“ We rallied , ” Clayton County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We purchased billboards .
We told people go out and vote like you ’ ve never voted before.
” Clayton County was a Republican stronghold until demographic changes in the 1990s and early 2000s shifted county politics from red to blue .
“ We are a majority African American community but we have several different cultures that reside here , which makes us a pretty strong Democratic county , ” Turner said of the county , which once was represented by the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis , a vocal Trump critic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind other Georgia counties , which Turner said was caused by poll watchers who were “ a little disruptive ” with questioning during the vote-counting process election night .
Results reported from Chatham County , the population center of the Savannah metro area , cut Trump ’ s late lead in Georgia by half .
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson , one of seven Georgia members of the Democratic National Committee , noted the big difference between the 2016 election and this year ’ s as a “ huge pendulum swing.
” He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ variety of factors and not just party.
” “ Although Savannah is blue and a lot of our candidates benefited from down-ballot voting , I also believe that across the board we really saw people looking at a paradigm shift in ideologies , ” Johnson said .
“ There were Republicans that voted for Democratic candidates at the top of the ticket , and they are still Republicans , but in these remarkable times they are more open in considering the totality of the person and not just the party they represent.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Voters in civil rights icon 's district help put Biden over the top in Georgia Richmond County Democratic Party Chairman Jordan Johnson attributes the county ’ s huge turnout to the party focusing its attention on politically disengaged but otherwise Democratic-minded residents .
“ We have given up on trying to rekindle this relationship with people who left the Democratic Party , ” Johnson said .
“ What we have seen this time around is an influx of young voters in places like Richmond and Chatham counties , folks who were not able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – whether they were incarcerated , fresh out of high school or couldn ’ t get to the polls – and get them registered and get them engaged.
” Chatham County Democratic Committee Chairman James “ Jay ” Jones said that while Chatham has been a reliable bastion of support for Democrats over the past two decades , a heightened drive to cooperate with state- and national-level Democratic organizations helped solidify the county ’ s blue status in 2020 .
“ We ’ re now collaborating with the Democratic Party of Georgia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Jones said .
“ This is going to continue.
” In addition to this year ’ s efforts by Chatham Democrats to strengthen their partnerships , the county ’ s rapid population growth in recent years also played a role in this election ’ s leftward trend locally , according to Chatham County Democratic Committee Vice Chairman Aaron “ Adot ” Whitely .
“ People from New York , California are relocating here , ” Whitely said , adding that Chatham ’ s relatively large population increases the county ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are a big player in Georgia turning blue.
” However , Whitely believes many Chatham County Republicans switched sides just for this election because of a distaste for the Trump presidency , and thus Democrats should not take 2020 voting trends for granted .
“ That doesn ’ t mean that the work is done .
There are plenty of Republicans that voted for Joe Biden just for a return to normalcy , ” Whitely said .

Damon Cline and Adam Van Brimmer, Savannah Morning News

Counties other than Fulton make big difference for Joe Biden in Georgia election results
Show Caption Hide Caption Biden moves ahead of Trump in Georgia Democrat Joe Biden took a 917 vote lead over President Donald Trump in the battleground state of Georgia early Friday morning. The contest is still too early for The Associated Press to call and thousands of ballots are left to be counted. (Nov. 6) AP
SAVANNAH, Ga. – If Joe Biden wins Georgia’s electoral votes in the presidential race, can Augusta-Richmond County take credit for helping push him over the razor’s edge?
Yes.
But so could Savannah’s Chatham County, Clayton County and any number of smaller Democratic strongholds throughout the Peach State.
“Any one of these counties could say, ‘But for us, Trump would be ahead,’” said Charles Bullock, a University of Georgia political science professor who has studied Georgia politics for decades.
Although votes won’t be officially certified until Tuesday – and thousands of military and provisional ballots have yet to be counted – totals from Richmond, Chatham and Clayton have been overwhelmingly Democratic.
Too close to call: Georgia will recount votes for president, secretary of state says
All eyes were initially on metro Atlanta’s Fulton and DeKalb counties. But late results from Clayton and Chatham counties, the latter of which sparked a lawsuit from President Donald Trump’s campaign and the former giving Biden the lead early Friday, could provide Biden with a pivotal 16 electoral votes.
“What I would guess would be the case is that the last votes which are coming in – partly because of Trump dissuading Republicans from voting absentee – are probably running higher Democratic as a percentage,” Bullock said.
As of Friday afternoon, Biden was ahead of Trump in Georgia by just over 4,100 votes.
According to the Georgia secretary of state, Biden took 67.8% of the vote in Richmond County, 58.6% in Chatham and a whopping 84.9% in Clayton.
Indeed, it wasn’t the Atlanta population centers of Fulton and DeKalb that helped push Biden ahead, it was the south metro county of Clayton – an oft-overlooked but heavily Democratic community of 290,000 people.
“Obviously, we played a pivotal role,” Clayton County Commission Chairman Jeff Turner said. “We were the spark that got Georgia turning blue. ... If Trump loses, we just need to be prepared to vacate (the White House), but if he wins at least we know it was a fair and thorough process.”
All three counties have large percentages of African Americans – 55.2% in Richmond, 39.4% in Chatham and 67.7% in Clayton – who have historically voted Democratic.
“Here in Richmond County, it’s a minority-majority county, so we were never anticipating we would carry the county,” Richmond County Republican Party Chairwoman Sherry Barnes said.
Richmond County, the most populous and urbanized county in metro Augusta, has been a Democratic stronghold for decades. Suburban Columbia County, in comparison, overwhelmingly votes Republican and is 76% white.
“What you see in the smaller cities is what is happening in metro Atlanta on a smaller scale,” Bullock said. “As you move out into the further suburban ring, that’s where you find Republicans.”
Blacks make up approximately 12% of the electorate. Although Trump’s support among black voters has increased over the 2016 election – 8% compared to 6%, according to AP VoteCast – the gain made little difference in the heavily African-American counties.
“We rallied,” Clayton County Democratic Party Chairman Larry Bussey said. “We purchased billboards. We told people go out and vote like you’ve never voted before.”
Clayton County was a Republican stronghold until demographic changes in the 1990s and early 2000s shifted county politics from red to blue.
“We are a majority African American community but we have several different cultures that reside here, which makes us a pretty strong Democratic county,” Turner said of the county, which once was represented by the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a vocal Trump critic.
Clayton County’s results lagged behind other Georgia counties, which Turner said was caused by poll watchers who were “a little disruptive” with questioning during the vote-counting process election night.
Results reported from Chatham County, the population center of the Savannah metro area, cut Trump’s late lead in Georgia by half.
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, one of seven Georgia members of the Democratic National Committee, noted the big difference between the 2016 election and this year’s as a “huge pendulum swing.”
He said he believes voters this year evaluated a “variety of factors and not just party.”
“Although Savannah is blue and a lot of our candidates benefited from down-ballot voting, I also believe that across the board we really saw people looking at a paradigm shift in ideologies,” Johnson said. “There were Republicans that voted for Democratic candidates at the top of the ticket, and they are still Republicans, but in these remarkable times they are more open in considering the totality of the person and not just the party they represent.”
'John Lewis is smiling': Voters in civil rights icon's district help put Biden over the top in Georgia
Richmond County Democratic Party Chairman Jordan Johnson attributes the county’s huge turnout to the party focusing its attention on politically disengaged but otherwise Democratic-minded residents.
“We have given up on trying to rekindle this relationship with people who left the Democratic Party,” Johnson said. “What we have seen this time around is an influx of young voters in places like Richmond and Chatham counties, folks who were not able to vote in 2016 for whatever reason – whether they were incarcerated, fresh out of high school or couldn’t get to the polls – and get them registered and get them engaged.”
Chatham County Democratic Committee Chairman James “Jay” Jones said that while Chatham has been a reliable bastion of support for Democrats over the past two decades, a heightened drive to cooperate with state- and national-level Democratic organizations helped solidify the county’s blue status in 2020.
“We’re now collaborating with the Democratic Party of Georgia and the DNC (Democratic National Convention),” Jones said. “This is going to continue.”
In addition to this year’s efforts by Chatham Democrats to strengthen their partnerships, the county’s rapid population growth in recent years also played a role in this election’s leftward trend locally, according to Chatham County Democratic Committee Vice Chairman Aaron “Adot” Whitely.
“People from New York, California are relocating here,” Whitely said, adding that Chatham’s relatively large population increases the county’s tendency to support Democratic candidates. “We are a big player in Georgia turning blue.”
However, Whitely believes many Chatham County Republicans switched sides just for this election because of a distaste for the Trump presidency, and thus Democrats should not take 2020 voting trends for granted.
“That doesn’t mean that the work is done. There are plenty of Republicans that voted for Joe Biden just for a return to normalcy,” Whitely said.


usatoday--2020-11-07--Georgia in flux: Two Senate races head to runoff; presidential race will have a recount

Georgia is about to be ground zero for the battle for the Senate .
Republican incumbent Sen. David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff are headed to a runoff election in January after neither earned 50 % of the vote .
The state 's other Senate race between incumbent Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Rev .
Raphael Warnock , senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta , also is headed to a runoff .
The two races will likely determine what party controls the majority in the Senate .
The presidential race in Georgia also is up in the air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Ossoff in Georgia Senate race as results show possibility of runoff Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger , a Republican , said Friday morning the state would have a recount because of the slim election margin .
“ Right now , Georgia remains too close to call , ” he said .
“ There will be a recount.
” Under Georgia state law , candidates can request a recount if the margin of victory is less than 0.5 % .
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden gained a small lead over President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes separate the two candidates .
“ We are literally looking at a margin of less than a large high school , ” said Georgia ’ s voting system implementation manager Gabriel Sterling .
The state had about 4,169 votes left to count , according to Sterling .
A recount could take until the end of the month , he noted .
The state pays for recounts in Georgia .
'JOHN LEWIS IS SMILING ' : Civil rights icon 's district help give Biden lead in Georgia Recount rules : A Georgia recount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one may happen in Pennsylvania .
These are the rules .
PURPLE : Georgia solidifies its swing-state status thanks , in part , to Stacey Abrams Trump and his allies , without evidence , have alleged election fraud , but Sterling rejected the claims .
“ We ’ re not seeing any widespread irregularities , ” he said .

Georgia in flux: Two Senate races head to runoff; presidential race will have a recount
Show Caption Hide Caption Election 2020: Georgia's results take time in 'close' vote The Georgia Secretary of State’s office delivered an update on the status of ballots being counted in the state. USA TODAY
Georgia is about to be ground zero for the battle for the Senate.
Republican incumbent Sen. David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff are headed to a runoff election in January after neither earned 50% of the vote.
The state's other Senate race between incumbent Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Rev. Raphael Warnock, senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, also is headed to a runoff.
The two races will likely determine what party controls the majority in the Senate.
The presidential race in Georgia also is up in the air.
FACT CHECK: We reviewed Trump's speech about the election. Here's what's real
More: Perdue hopes to hold off Ossoff in Georgia Senate race as results show possibility of runoff
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, said Friday morning the state would have a recount because of the slim election margin.
“Right now, Georgia remains too close to call,” he said. “There will be a recount.”
Under Georgia state law, candidates can request a recount if the margin of victory is less than 0.5%. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden gained a small lead over President Donald Trump early Friday morning. About 4,400 votes separate the two candidates.
“We are literally looking at a margin of less than a large high school,” said Georgia’s voting system implementation manager Gabriel Sterling.
The state had about 4,169 votes left to count, according to Sterling. A recount could take until the end of the month, he noted. The state pays for recounts in Georgia.
'JOHN LEWIS IS SMILING': Civil rights icon's district help give Biden lead in Georgia
Recount rules: A Georgia recount is planned in the Trump-Biden race and one may happen in Pennsylvania. These are the rules.
PURPLE: Georgia solidifies its swing-state status thanks, in part, to Stacey Abrams
Trump and his allies, without evidence, have alleged election fraud, but Sterling rejected the claims.
“We’re not seeing any widespread irregularities,” he said.