usatoday--2020-10-31--With Florida a big prize, Biden, Trump slug it out in final, frenzied days of coronavirus-altered el

President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden , along with a host of allies , continue to fan out across Florida and the nation ’ s other battleground states , making last-ditch appeals and attacks in the final , frenzied days of an election unlike any other .
The coronavirus pandemic has changed everything about the campaign , as one of the wildest , most anticipated elections in modern history morphed into something nobody alive today has ever experienced , with the virus drastically altering everything from how people vote to grassroots tactics .
This is the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ ridin ’ with Biden ” car rallies , “ no knock ” voter canvassing and a host of other political improvisations .
Voters soon will find out what it all meant in a critical swing state where more than 16,000 people have died of COVID-19 .
The campaigns are barreling toward the finish line in starkly different fashions .
Trump held onto his Republican mega rallies , setting up a vivid contrast between the candidates in Florida as Biden holds intimate events the Democrat aimed largely at online and news audiences while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands .
Voter turnout also is breaking new ground , with Florida possibly on track to crash through the 83 % record turnout mark set in 1992 .
But some things look oh-so-familiar to Floridians .
The presidential race here appears to be in keeping with the state ’ s history of elections decided by microscopic margins .
Florida also leads the nation in TV advertising – $ 257 million worth – as viewers , especially across Interstate 4 and in South Florida , watch the candidates slug it out in 30-second spots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden and Trump also have been hopscotching the state .
On Thursday , the pair landed on the same square – Tampa , in the feverishly contested I-4 corridor , with Trump staging a mostly unmasked , undistanced rally in a Raymond James Stadium parking lot as Biden held a lower-key event several miles away .
Despite all that , most voters ’ minds are already made up .
Polls show only around 5 % of Floridians haven ’ t settled on Trump or Biden , less than half the number who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I ’ m OK with anybody against Trump , ” said Johnny Ray , 65 , a Gadsden County maintenance man , after casting his early vote .
“ I usually vote on Election Day , but Trump was my reason for coming out early this year .
And enthusiasm is high .
My family and friends I ’ ve talked with did the same thing.
” Terry Critchfield , 66 , voted for Trump in 2016 and did so again at an early voting location last week .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he ’ s going to do , ” said Critchfield , a Sarasota resident who works at a construction supply company .
In case you missed it : Florida is a swing state again .
These battleground regions could decide the race .
And : These 6 swing states are pivotal in the White House race .
But what are the keys to winning each state ?
With most electoral maps showing Trump needing to win Florida to have any chance for a second term , the state also looms as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unprecedented number of mail-in ballots and strong early voting , elections officials , unlike in some key battlegrounds , already have begun ballot counting .
If Florida ’ s election night returns show a Biden win in the state , Trump ’ s chances for victory plummet .
But a Trump win in Florida will keep the race alive and turn the focus to other states , with an army of lawyers on both sides also already deployed for possible legal challenges that could slow the race from being settled for days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump wins Florida big on election night , it ’ s going to set the path for the rest of the night , ” Trump adviser Cory Lewandowski told NBC ’ s Meet the Press .
Trump carried Florida on his way to the White House in 2016 by 112,911 votes , a 1.2 % edge .
It ’ s fitting that Florida is a linchpin .
After all , the 2020 presidential election contest effectively began with Trump announcing his re-election campaign in June 2019 with an appearance in Orlando .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ thrilled to be back in my second home.
” The president recently cast his ballot at an early voting site in Palm Beach County , less than five miles from his Mar-a-Lago home .
Trump has made six trips to Florida since late July and has held 10 public campaign events .
Biden has made four visits to the state during the general election , with eight events .
But the contrast between the two campaigns is stark .
More : Florida Democrats have big lead in votes cast , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump began easing back into rally-style events in Florida on July 31 , when the state ’ s coronavirus outbreak was spiking .
The president ignored public health concerns , delivering a speech to about 300 supporters on the tarmac of Tampa International Airport , ripping into Biden .
Another big rally at Jacksonville ’ s Cecil Field drew thousands of people Sept. 24 , shortly before Trump tested positive for COVID-19 and left the campaign trail .
His first rally after three nights in the hospital , where he was treated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 at Orlando Sanford International Airport .
‘ I feel so powerful ’ : Trump makes Sanford first post-COVID campaign stop There , Trump declared to a largely maskless crowd that he believed he was now immune , felt “ powerful ” and wanted to kiss the audience .
Since then Trump has held four more large rallies in Florida , and his surrogates also have crisscrossed the state , staging events with sizable crowds .
The president has been lambasted by Democrats for being a “ super spreader , ” defying basic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration , but his supporters shrug it off .
An analysis by the USA TODAY Network of nearly three dozen Florida events held by Trump , Biden and their surrogates through Oct. 29 found that the Trump campaign events had crowds of 3,770 on average .
USA TODAY Network 's crowd size figures are very rough estimates .
Most of the events were outdoors at venues that do not have an official capacity .
A number of the Biden events were car rallies , which make it difficult to gauge the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest crowds , but Donald Trump Jr. , Vice President Mike Pence and Ivanka Trump all rallied crowds of approximately 1,000 or more based on USA TODAY Network reporting .
The health risk of gathering people by the thousands , evidently , is worth it politically to the president .
“ It ’ s very important , it fuels the energy of the overall campaign and gets people out there wearing their Trump gear , vocalizing their support with others , and it gets people involved because all of these rallies are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP Chair Joe Gruters said of the rallies , adding that if people don ’ t like them , “ don ’ t go.
” The largest events hosted by Biden and his surrogates , meanwhile , have been car rallies with a few hundred vehicles .
The events hosted by the Biden campaign have had 304 people on average , according to the USA TODAY Network analysis .
Some have purposely included no audience , instead aiming solely at livestream viewers and the media .
Biden ’ s first two general election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roundtable in Tampa and a commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month in Kissimmee – did not have audiences .
His next two – at a senior center in Pembroke Pines and a park in Miramar – also were mostly for livestream viewers and news consumers .
He spoke to just 12 people at the first .
Biden ’ s campaign has taken pains to ensure social distancing at events , spacing chairs apart .
Masks are required , and temperature checks are taken .
Tampa Pastor Allen Temple , an Army veteran , participated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described it as “ safe ” and “ appropriate for the uncertain times that we ’ re in.
” Trump and his supporters mock Biden ’ s small crowds and argue they are signs of a campaign that lacks enthusiasm .
But even if Biden wanted to hold large events , they would clash with his message that Trump has mishandled the virus response .
‘ We have to do better ’ : Biden courts Hispanic voters , veterans in first Florida visit as nominee “ Vice President Biden is basically campaigning by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gulf Coast University political science professor Peter Bergerson .
“ He ’ s the alternative .
I mean that ’ s his issue : His issue is , he ’ s going to deal with the coronavirus .
Trump ’ s issue is we ’ ve rounded a corner.
” Fortunately for Biden , Florida isn ’ t a state where on-the-ground campaigning by the candidates tends to be the most important factor in a race .
As a state of 21.5 million people spread across a vast geography , retail politics goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people requires money , lots of it , and Biden has done well there .
Biden and his allies are spending $ 154 million on television advertising in Florida , compared to $ 103 million for Trump and his supporters .
Bergerson said Biden is “ going through the ritual of campaigning ” and holding events , but his focus has been on dominating the airwaves .
On Thursday : Joe Biden : If Florida goes blue , it ’ s over for Trump The region spanning I-4 , which includes the Tampa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home to many swing voters , has seen the most spending on advertising .
But Trump is being outspent even in GOP-leaning markets as the cash-flush Biden campaign looks to tamp down the president ’ s support , especially among Florida seniors vulnerable to the virus and leaning toward the Democrat in larger numbers than four years ago .
Trump was able to win in 2016 by boosting turnout significantly in Republican parts of the state .
He is trying to replicate that strategy in 2020 , holding rallies in conservative areas such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base .
“ This is a race about turnout , ” Gruters said .
In case you missed it : Biden needs Black voters to turn out better than ’ 16 , in Florida and across nation And : Toss-up Florida gets even tighter as Republicans narrow voter registration gap Democrats agree that base voter turnout will be crucial .
“ Florida has the power to decide the outcome of this election , and with it the future of our country .
That ’ s why it ’ s critical that every single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ballot box , ” said Biden spokeswoman Jackie McGuiness .
Even though they are being outspent , Trump ’ s campaign team believes they have a turnout advantage because of how Democrats have retrenched during the coronavirus pandemic and limited typical voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts .
Among registered voters , Florida Democrats this election hold a 183,596-voter edge over Republicans , the party ’ s narrowest lead in modern state history .
With the two parties so close in registrations , the 26 % of Floridians who enroll as having no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the race – with polls showing these voters narrowly favoring Biden .
Republicans dialed back on door-to-door efforts during the April shutdown ordered by Gov .
Ron DeSantis , but they ramped back up quickly after the state reopened .
“ Within 24 hours of the shutdown , we immediately transitioned to a virtual campaign and we did lots of individual meetings on Zoom .
But starting in July , we cranked back up , ” Gruters said , arguing the GOP is now “ crushing ” Democrats in the ground game .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ work to get voters out to the polls .
The party claims to have hit 4.2 million doors in the state .
Democrats also are going door-to-door in some areas .
But Bob McCaa never knocks and rarely interacts with voters .
McCaa is a Democratic activist in Manatee County .
He started a door-to-door voter registration effort in the county in 2019 .
He also worked to sign people up for mail ballots .
The initial results were promising .
“ We could see this thing is taking off , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re talking to a lot of voters – I mean this thing is tremendous , ” McCaa said .
Then the coronavirus outbreak hit and everything went virtual , with the focus turning to phone banks , text messaging and digital means of communication .
“ The Manatee County Democratic Party and ultimately ( Florida Democratic Party ) as well were all early adapters moving to technology and safe practices for campaigning , ” said Manatee Democratic Chair Tracy Pratt .
“ That has been a very consistent message from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign.
” McCaa wanted to keep hitting doors , though , so in July he began doing “ no knock ” bag drops of literature , such as voter registration forms and mail ballot request forms .
The bag drops have continued and now are focusing on getting people to early voting locations .
McCaa believes limiting contact with the voters is the right thing to do .
“ I ’ m not going to spread the disease , absolutely not , ” he said .
“ No contact .
No contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my volunteers never knocked a door.
” But McCaa also knows that leaving a bag of literature is a poor substitute for personal interaction with someone .
“ I ’ ve done enough of this door-to-door that I know how it ’ s done , ” he said .
“ Its human contact , it ’ s not a piece of plastic on the door knob .
That is a very different second option , but it ’ s the only option we had.
” Whether Florida Democrats mastered the art of virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on business as usual pays off won ’ t be known until Election Day or later .
David Johnson , a Republican campaign consultant and former executive director of the state GOP , said that for all the months of strategy , spending and get-out-the-vote efforts , Florida looks like it ’ s going to be Florida – again .
“ We really don ’ t know .
But everyone with good sense is preparing for a one-point race , either way , ” Johnson said .

John Kennedy and Zac Anderson, Sarasota Herald-Tribune

With Florida a big prize, Biden, Trump slug it out in final, frenzied days of coronavirus-altered election
Show Caption Hide Caption US swing states grapple with vote safety, security Battleground states at the center of the US presidential battle are feeling the pressure to make voting safe and secure. The coronavirus pandemic, misinformation and voter intimidation top the issues of concerns. (Oct. 21) AP
President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, along with a host of allies, continue to fan out across Florida and the nation’s other battleground states, making last-ditch appeals and attacks in the final, frenzied days of an election unlike any other.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed everything about the campaign, as one of the wildest, most anticipated elections in modern history morphed into something nobody alive today has ever experienced, with the virus drastically altering everything from how people vote to grassroots tactics.
This is the election that brought Floridians Trump boat parades, “ridin’ with Biden” car rallies, “no knock” voter canvassing and a host of other political improvisations. Voters soon will find out what it all meant in a critical swing state where more than 16,000 people have died of COVID-19.
The campaigns are barreling toward the finish line in starkly different fashions. Trump held onto his Republican mega rallies, setting up a vivid contrast between the candidates in Florida as Biden holds intimate events the Democrat aimed largely at online and news audiences while the president whips up crowds in the thousands.
Voter turnout also is breaking new ground, with Florida possibly on track to crash through the 83% record turnout mark set in 1992.
But some things look oh-so-familiar to Floridians.
The presidential race here appears to be in keeping with the state’s history of elections decided by microscopic margins. Florida also leads the nation in TV advertising – $257 million worth – as viewers, especially across Interstate 4 and in South Florida, watch the candidates slug it out in 30-second spots for the biggest electoral toss-up prize.
Biden and Trump also have been hopscotching the state.
On Thursday, the pair landed on the same square – Tampa, in the feverishly contested I-4 corridor, with Trump staging a mostly unmasked, undistanced rally in a Raymond James Stadium parking lot as Biden held a lower-key event several miles away.
Despite all that, most voters’ minds are already made up. Polls show only around 5% of Floridians haven’t settled on Trump or Biden, less than half the number who were undecided four years ago at this time.
“I’m OK with anybody against Trump,” said Johnny Ray, 65, a Gadsden County maintenance man, after casting his early vote. “I usually vote on Election Day, but Trump was my reason for coming out early this year. And enthusiasm is high. My family and friends I’ve talked with did the same thing.”
Terry Critchfield, 66, voted for Trump in 2016 and did so again at an early voting location last week.
“He’s accomplished most of what he said he’s going to do,” said Critchfield, a Sarasota resident who works at a construction supply company.
In case you missed it: Florida is a swing state again. These battleground regions could decide the race.
And: These 6 swing states are pivotal in the White House race. But what are the keys to winning each state?
Bellwether state
With most electoral maps showing Trump needing to win Florida to have any chance for a second term, the state also looms as a key election night bellwether.
Even with the unprecedented number of mail-in ballots and strong early voting, elections officials, unlike in some key battlegrounds, already have begun ballot counting.
If Florida’s election night returns show a Biden win in the state, Trump’s chances for victory plummet. But a Trump win in Florida will keep the race alive and turn the focus to other states, with an army of lawyers on both sides also already deployed for possible legal challenges that could slow the race from being settled for days, maybe weeks.
“When Donald Trump wins Florida big on election night, it’s going to set the path for the rest of the night,” Trump adviser Cory Lewandowski told NBC’s Meet the Press.
Trump carried Florida on his way to the White House in 2016 by 112,911 votes, a 1.2% edge.
It’s fitting that Florida is a linchpin. After all, the 2020 presidential election contest effectively began with Trump announcing his re-election campaign in June 2019 with an appearance in Orlando.
He saluted Florida that day, saying he was “thrilled to be back in my second home.” The president recently cast his ballot at an early voting site in Palm Beach County, less than five miles from his Mar-a-Lago home.
Trump has made six trips to Florida since late July and has held 10 public campaign events. Biden has made four visits to the state during the general election, with eight events.
But the contrast between the two campaigns is stark.
More: Trump and Biden holding dueling Tampa campaign events Thursday
More: Florida Democrats have big lead in votes cast, but GOP starting to chip away at it
Contrasting COVID-19 campaigns
Trump began easing back into rally-style events in Florida on July 31, when the state’s coronavirus outbreak was spiking. The president ignored public health concerns, delivering a speech to about 300 supporters on the tarmac of Tampa International Airport, ripping into Biden.
Another big rally at Jacksonville’s Cecil Field drew thousands of people Sept. 24, shortly before Trump tested positive for COVID-19 and left the campaign trail. His first rally after three nights in the hospital, where he was treated by a team of doctors, came Oct. 12 at Orlando Sanford International Airport.
‘I feel so powerful’: Trump makes Sanford first post-COVID campaign stop
There, Trump declared to a largely maskless crowd that he believed he was now immune, felt “powerful” and wanted to kiss the audience.
Since then Trump has held four more large rallies in Florida, and his surrogates also have crisscrossed the state, staging events with sizable crowds. The president has been lambasted by Democrats for being a “super spreader,” defying basic health guidelines put out by his own administration, but his supporters shrug it off.
An analysis by the USA TODAY Network of nearly three dozen Florida events held by Trump, Biden and their surrogates through Oct. 29 found that the Trump campaign events had crowds of 3,770 on average.
USA TODAY Network's crowd size figures are very rough estimates. Most of the events were outdoors at venues that do not have an official capacity. A number of the Biden events were car rallies, which make it difficult to gauge the number of people there.
The president had the largest crowds, but Donald Trump Jr., Vice President Mike Pence and Ivanka Trump all rallied crowds of approximately 1,000 or more based on USA TODAY Network reporting.
The health risk of gathering people by the thousands, evidently, is worth it politically to the president.
“It’s very important, it fuels the energy of the overall campaign and gets people out there wearing their Trump gear, vocalizing their support with others, and it gets people involved because all of these rallies are also a call to action,” Florida GOP Chair Joe Gruters said of the rallies, adding that if people don’t like them, “don’t go.”
The largest events hosted by Biden and his surrogates, meanwhile, have been car rallies with a few hundred vehicles. The events hosted by the Biden campaign have had 304 people on average, according to the USA TODAY Network analysis. Some have purposely included no audience, instead aiming solely at livestream viewers and the media.
Biden’s first two general election events in Florida – a veterans’ roundtable in Tampa and a commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month in Kissimmee – did not have audiences. His next two – at a senior center in Pembroke Pines and a park in Miramar – also were mostly for livestream viewers and news consumers. He spoke to just 12 people at the first.
Biden’s campaign has taken pains to ensure social distancing at events, spacing chairs apart. Masks are required, and temperature checks are taken.
Tampa Pastor Allen Temple, an Army veteran, participated in Biden’s Tampa roundtable and described it as “safe” and “appropriate for the uncertain times that we’re in.”
Trump and his supporters mock Biden’s small crowds and argue they are signs of a campaign that lacks enthusiasm. But even if Biden wanted to hold large events, they would clash with his message that Trump has mishandled the virus response.
‘We have to do better’: Biden courts Hispanic voters, veterans in first Florida visit as nominee
“Vice President Biden is basically campaigning by way of television,” said Florida Gulf Coast University political science professor Peter Bergerson. “He’s the alternative. I mean that’s his issue: His issue is, he’s going to deal with the coronavirus. Trump’s issue is we’ve rounded a corner.”
Air wars
Fortunately for Biden, Florida isn’t a state where on-the-ground campaigning by the candidates tends to be the most important factor in a race.
As a state of 21.5 million people spread across a vast geography, retail politics goes only so far in Florida. Reaching people requires money, lots of it, and Biden has done well there.
Biden and his allies are spending $154 million on television advertising in Florida, compared to $103 million for Trump and his supporters.
Bergerson said Biden is “going through the ritual of campaigning” and holding events, but his focus has been on dominating the airwaves.
On Thursday: Joe Biden: If Florida goes blue, it’s over for Trump
The region spanning I-4, which includes the Tampa and Orlando media markets and which is home to many swing voters, has seen the most spending on advertising.
But Trump is being outspent even in GOP-leaning markets as the cash-flush Biden campaign looks to tamp down the president’s support, especially among Florida seniors vulnerable to the virus and leaning toward the Democrat in larger numbers than four years ago.
Trump was able to win in 2016 by boosting turnout significantly in Republican parts of the state. He is trying to replicate that strategy in 2020, holding rallies in conservative areas such as Pensacola and Ocala to excite his base.
“This is a race about turnout,” Gruters said.
In case you missed it: Biden needs Black voters to turn out better than ’16, in Florida and across nation
And: Toss-up Florida gets even tighter as Republicans narrow voter registration gap
Democrats agree that base voter turnout will be crucial.
“Florida has the power to decide the outcome of this election, and with it the future of our country. That’s why it’s critical that every single eligible Floridian makes their voice heard at the ballot box,” said Biden spokeswoman Jackie McGuiness.
Even though they are being outspent, Trump’s campaign team believes they have a turnout advantage because of how Democrats have retrenched during the coronavirus pandemic and limited typical voter registration and get-out-the-vote efforts.
Ground game
Among registered voters, Florida Democrats this election hold a 183,596-voter edge over Republicans, the party’s narrowest lead in modern state history. With the two parties so close in registrations, the 26% of Floridians who enroll as having no party affiliation may hold the key to the race – with polls showing these voters narrowly favoring Biden.
Republicans dialed back on door-to-door efforts during the April shutdown ordered by Gov. Ron DeSantis, but they ramped back up quickly after the state reopened.
“Within 24 hours of the shutdown, we immediately transitioned to a virtual campaign and we did lots of individual meetings on Zoom. But starting in July, we cranked back up,” Gruters said, arguing the GOP is now “crushing” Democrats in the ground game.
Republicans have continued with door-knocking as they work to get voters out to the polls. The party claims to have hit 4.2 million doors in the state.
Democrats also are going door-to-door in some areas. But Bob McCaa never knocks and rarely interacts with voters.
McCaa is a Democratic activist in Manatee County. He started a door-to-door voter registration effort in the county in 2019. He also worked to sign people up for mail ballots. The initial results were promising.
“We could see this thing is taking off, we’ve got a ton of volunteers, we’re talking to a lot of voters – I mean this thing is tremendous,” McCaa said.
Then the coronavirus outbreak hit and everything went virtual, with the focus turning to phone banks, text messaging and digital means of communication.
“The Manatee County Democratic Party and ultimately (Florida Democratic Party) as well were all early adapters moving to technology and safe practices for campaigning,” said Manatee Democratic Chair Tracy Pratt. “That has been a very consistent message from the Democratic Party and Joe Biden’s campaign.”
McCaa wanted to keep hitting doors, though, so in July he began doing “no knock” bag drops of literature, such as voter registration forms and mail ballot request forms. The bag drops have continued and now are focusing on getting people to early voting locations. McCaa believes limiting contact with the voters is the right thing to do.
“I’m not going to spread the disease, absolutely not,” he said. “No contact. No contact with the voters. I can tell you my volunteers never knocked a door.”
But McCaa also knows that leaving a bag of literature is a poor substitute for personal interaction with someone.
“I’ve done enough of this door-to-door that I know how it’s done,” he said. “Its human contact, it’s not a piece of plastic on the door knob. That is a very different second option, but it’s the only option we had.”
Whether Florida Democrats mastered the art of virtual campaigning or the GOP’s insistence on business as usual pays off won’t be known until Election Day or later.
David Johnson, a Republican campaign consultant and former executive director of the state GOP, said that for all the months of strategy, spending and get-out-the-vote efforts, Florida looks like it’s going to be Florida – again.
“We really don’t know. But everyone with good sense is preparing for a one-point race, either way,” Johnson said.


usatoday--2020-10-31--Lincoln Project brings viral anti-Trump billboards to Mar-a-Lago this weekend

PALM BEACH , Fla. – Just in time for Election Day , President Donald Trump 's last South Florida rallyand expectations the first lady will cast her vote locally , the Times Square billboards showing Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner seemingly delighting in the death and suffering caused by the coronavirus pandemic will be floating near Mar-a-Lago this weekend .
The billboards are the latest salvo fired by The Lincoln Project , an anti-Trump group of mostly Republicans , that has inundated the Internet with ads targeting Trump and other Republican candidates .
`` This falls into our psychological warfare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Ron Steslow , one of the founders of the project .
`` We hit the bull 's eye with these . ''
On one billboard , Ivanka Trump , the president ’ s daughter and a senior White House adviser , gestures like a game show hostess to statistics about Covid-19 deaths .
The image was taken from a photo she originally posted showing her cradling a can of Goya beans in response to Goya facing a boycott .
On the billboard , the can is no longer in the photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus death toll .
Kushner , a senior White House adviser , smiles from an adjacent billboard lined with orange and white body bags .
The image has a quote attributed to him in a Vanity Fair article , in which he reportedly said New Yorkers will suffer during the pandemic and `` that ’ s their problem.
” “ If these billboard ads are not immediately removed , we will sue you for what will doubtless be enormous compensatory and punitive damages , ” wrote the couple 's lawyer , Marc E. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blink .
Not only do the billboards remain in Manhattan this weekend — they will be coming to Mar-a-Lago , too .
A lawyer for The Lincoln Project wrote : “ Please peddle your scare tactics elsewhere .
The Lincoln Project will not be intimidated by such empty bluster ...
Your clients are no longer mere Upper East Side socialites , able to sue at the slightest offense to their personal sensitivities .
Mr. Kushner and Ms. Trump are public officials ... Sue if you must.
” The arrival of the billboards in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that began in the fall of 2017 along the presidential motorcade routetraveled by the president when going to and from Mar-a-Lago and Palm Beach International Airport as well as Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach .
The first billboard went up in September 2017 , when a group called Impeach Trump Now paid about $ 4,800 to lease a billboard calling for Trump 's impeachment .
In March 2018 , Mad Dog PAC , a grassroots political action committee , leased one side of a three-sided billboard along the motorcade route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billboard read : “ Impeachment Now , Make America America Again . ''
The anti-Trump billboard so angered the Committee to Defend the President , a pro-Trump group , that it leased the opposite side of the billboard and installed a nearly identical red , white and blue sign that thanked the president .
Mad Dog PAC fired back in Jan. 2019 with a bright red billboard depicting three letters — GOP — the acronym for the Republican Party , with the `` O '' replaced by a hammer and sickle , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of its campaign to catch the eye of the president and guests at Mar-a-Lago , the group cruised the intracoastal waterway near Mar-a-Lago on a Saturday afternoon in late 2018 aboard a 30-foot boat with a 14-foot tall inflatable rat propped on the aft deck .
The rat sported a suit , red tie , yellow pompadour hair , and clutched a cellphone .
On Friday afternoon , the Lincoln Project 's billboards were propped on a barge near Miami , heading north to Mar-a-Lago .
Earlier this week , the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mar-a-Lago this weekend .
The first lady is expected to vote in person on Tuesday at a polling place near Mar-a-Lago .
The president will hold a rally in north Miami-Dade County late Sunday night ; it will be his sixth rally of that day .
His travel plans after that are unknown , but Palm Beach town officials say they do not believe the president will come to the island this weekend .
While the barge off Mar-a-Lago this weekend bearing The Lincoln Project 's billboard has the best chance of catching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also plans to have a truck with the billboards circling Trump Tower in Manhattan this weekend .
Although Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner moved to Washington after Trump became president , the couple maintain a home in New York .
The exact time and location the billboards will be visible off Mar-a-Lago are not yet known , Steslow said .

Lincoln Project brings viral anti-Trump billboards to Mar-a-Lago this weekend
PALM BEACH, Fla. – Just in time for Election Day, President Donald Trump's last South Florida rally and expectations the first lady will cast her vote locally, the Times Square billboards showing Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner seemingly delighting in the death and suffering caused by the coronavirus pandemic will be floating near Mar-a-Lago this weekend.
The billboards are the latest salvo fired by The Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump group of mostly Republicans, that has inundated the Internet with ads targeting Trump and other Republican candidates.
"This falls into our psychological warfare — to take them off message," said Ron Steslow, one of the founders of the project. "We hit the bull's eye with these."
On one billboard, Ivanka Trump, the president’s daughter and a senior White House adviser, gestures like a game show hostess to statistics about Covid-19 deaths. The image was taken from a photo she originally posted showing her cradling a can of Goya beans in response to Goya facing a boycott.
On the billboard, the can is no longer in the photo. Instead, it's the national coronavirus death toll.
Kushner, a senior White House adviser, smiles from an adjacent billboard lined with orange and white body bags. The image has a quote attributed to him in a Vanity Fair article, in which he reportedly said New Yorkers will suffer during the pandemic and "that’s their problem.”
“If these billboard ads are not immediately removed, we will sue you for what will doubtless be enormous compensatory and punitive damages,” wrote the couple's lawyer, Marc E. Kasowitz.
The Lincoln Project didn't blink. Not only do the billboards remain in Manhattan this weekend — they will be coming to Mar-a-Lago, too.
A lawyer for The Lincoln Project wrote: “Please peddle your scare tactics elsewhere. The Lincoln Project will not be intimidated by such empty bluster ...Your clients are no longer mere Upper East Side socialites, able to sue at the slightest offense to their personal sensitivities. Mr. Kushner and Ms. Trump are public officials ... Sue if you must.”
The arrival of the billboards in Palm Beach resurrects the Trump billboard wars that began in the fall of 2017 along the presidential motorcade routetraveled by the president when going to and from Mar-a-Lago and Palm Beach International Airport as well as Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.
The first billboard went up in September 2017, when a group called Impeach Trump Now paid about $4,800 to lease a billboard calling for Trump's impeachment.
In March 2018, Mad Dog PAC, a grassroots political action committee, leased one side of a three-sided billboard along the motorcade route. The red, white and blue billboard read: “Impeachment Now, Make America America Again."
The anti-Trump billboard so angered the Committee to Defend the President, a pro-Trump group, that it leased the opposite side of the billboard and installed a nearly identical red, white and blue sign that thanked the president.
Mad Dog PAC fired back in Jan. 2019 with a bright red billboard depicting three letters — GOP — the acronym for the Republican Party, with the "O" replaced by a hammer and sickle, the Soviet symbol of proletarian solidarity.
As part of its campaign to catch the eye of the president and guests at Mar-a-Lago, the group cruised the intracoastal waterway near Mar-a-Lago on a Saturday afternoon in late 2018 aboard a 30-foot boat with a 14-foot tall inflatable rat propped on the aft deck. The rat sported a suit, red tie, yellow pompadour hair, and clutched a cellphone.
On Friday afternoon, the Lincoln Project's billboards were propped on a barge near Miami, heading north to Mar-a-Lago. Earlier this week, the president and first lady were both expected at Mar-a-Lago this weekend.
The first lady is expected to vote in person on Tuesday at a polling place near Mar-a-Lago. The president will hold a rally in north Miami-Dade County late Sunday night; it will be his sixth rally of that day. His travel plans after that are unknown, but Palm Beach town officials say they do not believe the president will come to the island this weekend.
While the barge off Mar-a-Lago this weekend bearing The Lincoln Project's billboard has the best chance of catching the first-couple's attention, the project also plans to have a truck with the billboards circling Trump Tower in Manhattan this weekend.
Although Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner moved to Washington after Trump became president, the couple maintain a home in New York.
The exact time and location the billboards will be visible off Mar-a-Lago are not yet known, Steslow said.
Follow Christine Stapleton on Twitter: @PBPostStapleton.


usatoday--2020-11-01--Voting across the US live updates: 92 million have voted; rock-solid-red Texas could be in play; und

Voting across the US live updates: 92 million have voted; rock-solid-red Texas could be in play; undelivered ballots found in Florida

Just two days from Nov. 3 , at least 92 million people have already voted – about two-thirds of the total votes counted in the 2016 general election , according to Michael McDonald , a professor at the University of Florida who runs the U.S .
Elections Project .
Early , in-person voting ended Saturday in five states and was scheduled to end Sunday in Florida , New York and Wisconsin .
A voting rights protest in North Carolina devolved into a clash with police and arrests were made .
Historic early vote totals in Texas have Democrats dreaming big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at polling sites on Tuesday .
Many older people are declining the volunteer work due to COVID-19 and other concerns , so younger women are filling the void .
As Election Day approaches , USA TODAY is keeping track of what 's happening as voters around the country cast ballots .
Here are some important headlines : • A peaceful protest to get out the vote in Graham , North Carolina , turned chaotic Saturday after local police twice pepper sprayed marchers .
• A federal judge has ordered the U.S .
Postal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure that ballots are delivered by Election Day in 22 districts in more than a dozen states , where deliveries are lagging .
• From pandemic fears to complex ID requirements to lack of nearby polling places , young voters are facing an unprecedented array of obstacles .
But despite suppression tactics , young voters are `` raising hell '' with historic early voting turnout .
• Voting is widely billed as a patriotic duty , but it can be a confusing one , filled with unfamiliar rules and terms .
Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
• Know your voting rights : If you encounter intimidation at the polls on Election Day , here 's what to do .
Legal battles are happening on a massive scale : A record-setting number of lawsuits have been filed this year , with even more likely after the polls close .
More than 230 election-related federal lawsuits were filed from Jan. 1 to Oct. 23 , higher than any of the past three presidential election years during the same time period , a USA TODAY analysis of federal court data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast during the early voting period in Texas has Democrats optimistic the party could make inroads in the rock-solid Republican state .
More people voted early this year in Texas than voted in the entire 2016 presidential election , including on Election Day .
Recent polling has shown President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden running neck-and-neck in Texas , and the nonpartisan Cook Political Report , a leading election forecasting site , moved the state from `` lean Republican '' to `` toss up . ''
Still , Democrats ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t have a whole lot of experience with Texas as a battleground state , '' wrote Amy Walter , a Cook Political Report staff writer .
`` Neither do national pollsters . ''
A peaceful protest to get out the vote in Graham , North Carolina , turned chaotic Saturday after local police twice pepper-sprayed marchers .
`` This incident is unacceptable , '' tweeted North Carolina Gov .
Roy Cooper .
`` Peaceful demonstrators should be able to have their voices heard and voter intimidation in any form can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of about 200 people arrived on foot at the county courthouse to speak near a polling location about voting rights , officers with the Graham Police Department fired pepper spray while telling the civil rights group to get out of the street .
A reporter with the Burlington Times-News , part of the USA TODAY Network , who was at the scene and was also pepper-sprayed , did not hear any advance warning before the police action .
Police said in a statement that pepper spray was fired onto the ground , not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes , I saw someone from the Sheriff ’ s Office attack someone '' with pepper spray , said local attorney Jamie Paulen said .
“ That person wasn ’ t doing anything . ''
A tussle on stage ensued as officers tried to confiscate the audio equipment and speakers .
A dozen or more people were arrested .
The country needs poll workers .
Young women are stepping up .
Across the country , retired women — who experts estimate have made up the bulk of poll workers — are taking a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has long been critical to running America ’ s decentralized election system .
Age data reported for 53 % of poll workers in 2016 showed that 32 % were between the ages of 61 and 70 and 24 % were 71 and older .
There is no comprehensive data on the gender of poll workers , but researchers believe that women have led the charge .
This year , some election groups have warned of a growing shortage of poll workers , with long lines during the primaries in states like Georgia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Young women have begun to take up the mantle .
Read more here .
A historical exhibit featuring a replica of the noose used in Missouri ’ s last legal hanging drew fire from Democrats who said its presence near polls amounted to racist “ voter intimidation.
” The exhibit in the Stone County Courthouse , which also features other artifacts and newspaper clippings about the 1937 execution of Roscoe Jackson , a white man convicted of murder , first drew notice more than a week ago .
A voter who found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provided it to federal civil rights enforcement and state Democratic Party officials .
Democratic officials in turn provided the photo to news outlets Friday and released multiple statements demanding the noose 's removal .
Mark Maples , Stone County ’ s presiding commissioner , said the noose is part of a collection of items from a historic event that happened right outside the courthouse .
It has been covered by a brown sheet of paper , which he said would remain through Election Day .
“ It never once entered our minds as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We just don ’ t think that way.
” Postal and law enforcement officials are investigating after four dozen mail-in ballots were found undelivered at a post office in Florida .
U.S .
Postal Service Office investigators said Saturday they found six completed ballots and 42 blank ballots among piles of undelivered mail in a post office near Homestead on the Florida peninsula ’ s southern tip .
Video taken by a postal worker shows they had been sitting there for more than a week .
Miami-Dade County elections officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cast ballots in person at an early voting site or through a replacement mail-in ballot .
The department has received the six completed ballots and is contacting the remaining 24 voters to help them get their ballots returned by the 7 p.m. Tuesday deadline .
The investigation was launched after Florida House Minority Leader Kionne McGhee tweeted video taken by a postal worker of the piles of undelivered mail .
Disinformation tactics used to mislead voters are continuing and evolving just days before the presidential election .
What role disinformation may play on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet clear , but , in the four years since the last presidential election , questions still linger about how social media changes what happens in the voting booth .
Some strategies from 2016 seem to be continuing , including targeting minority groups with messages meant to discourage them from casting a ballot .
After the 2016 presidential election in Michigan , proof of Russia ’ s deliberate attempt to mislead U.S. voters through a coordinated disinformation campaign on social media began to emerge .
Michigan was one of nine states that two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of an intelligence-gathering mission , according to a Senate Intelligence Committee report on Russian interference in the 2016 election .
Read more here .
Black voters could make all the difference in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania is a top prize for President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden , and some activists say Black voters could prove crucial to deciding who wins the presidential race and earns the state 's 20 electoral votes .
Organizers expect social unrest , the disproportionate impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic on communities of color , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rights for Black Americans will spur more Black voters to show up at the polls in Pennsylvania than in 2016 .
`` There 's a lot of energy out there , ’ '' said Stephanie Young , chief officer for communications and culture for When We All Vote , a nonprofit civic engagement group launched in 2018 by Michelle Obama , Tom Hanks , Lin-Manuel Miranda and others .
`` All of the circumstances that we 've been faced with this year have really created a more informed and more passionate and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those voters , groups are hosting socially distant rallies featuring local artists ; conducting phone banks from home ; setting up voter information booths at outdoor events ; and leading caravans through Black neighborhoods .
Election problems : What to keep in mind This cheat sheet from Columbia Journalism Review offers tips for media organizations reporting on Election 2020 that are a good reminder of what to expect on Election Day .
• Voting problems are n't failures .
They happen every year and , as CJR notes , hiccups such as voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late do n't mean anything is `` rigged . ''
• Some problems , however , are significant .
CJR recommends the media scrutinize areas that have a history of voter suppression or obstructing minority voters , calling out Georgia as a place to monitor .
• Do n't expect a winner on Election Night .
This year is different because mail-in ballots could be as high as 30 % .
Previously , that number was 3 % -5 % .
It will take a while to tally .
• Seriously , expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differ and do n't have to be reported to the federal level until Dec. 8 .
Additionally , the Electoral College doesn ’ t meet until Dec. 14 .
Headlines from elsewhere and resources on voting • From ProPublica : Their Electionland project goes deep on issues that can affect eligible voters ' ability to cast a ballot .
• From Pew/Stateline : The Barriers to the Ballot Box project takes on how changes to polling places impact communities .
• Ballotopedia : Resources and guides to not just the election , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press : More voting headlines that should be on your radar .
☑How to make sure your mail-in ballot is counted and not discarded .
🗳 USA TODAY 's Voter Guide has everything you need on registering to vote , when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues .
📧For updates to your inbox , subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter .

Voting across the US live updates: Texas court rejects GOP petition; North Carolina voting rights marchers pepper-sprayed; 93M have voted
Show Caption Hide Caption How Americans feel about the election process - States of America Polls reveal whether Americans feel their vote is truly being counted as candidates make a last-minute sprint to get votes. States of America, USA TODAY
Just two days from Nov. 3, at least 93 million people have already voted – about two-thirds of the total votes counted in the 2016 general election, according to Michael McDonald, a professor at the University of Florida who runs the U.S. Elections Project.
Early, in-person voting ended Saturday in five states and was scheduled to end Sunday in Florida, New York and Wisconsin. A voting rights protest in North Carolina devolved into a clash with police and arrests were made. Historic early vote totals in Texas have Democrats dreaming big.
FOLLOW MONDAY'S UPDATES: More news on voting around the US
Look for an increase in younger women working at polling sites Tuesday. Many older people are declining the volunteer work because of COVID-19 and other concerns, so younger women are filling the void.
As Election Day approaches, USA TODAY is keeping track of what's happening as voters around the country cast ballots. Here are some important headlines:
A peaceful protest to get out the vote in Graham, North Carolina, turned chaotic Saturday after local police twice pepper sprayed marchers.
in Graham, North Carolina, turned chaotic Saturday after local police twice pepper sprayed marchers. A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Postal Service to implement "extraordinary measures" to ensure that ballots are delivered by Election Day in 22 districts in more than a dozen states where deliveries are lagging.
to implement "extraordinary measures" to ensure that ballots are delivered by Election Day in 22 districts in more than a dozen states where deliveries are lagging. From pandemic fears to complex ID requirements to lack of nearby polling places, young voters are facing an unprecedented array of obstacles. But despite suppression tactics, young voters are "raising hell" with historic early voting turnout.
with historic early voting turnout. Voting is widely billed as a patriotic duty, but it can be a confusing one , filled with unfamiliar rules and terms. Here are some important terms to brush up on.
, filled with unfamiliar rules and terms. Here are some important terms to brush up on. Know your voting rights: If you encounter intimidation at the polls on Election Day, here's what to do.
Legal battles are happening on a massive scale: A record-setting number of lawsuits have been filed this year, and even more are likely after the polls close. More than 230 election-related federal lawsuits were filed from Jan. 1 to Oct. 23, higher than any of the past three presidential election years during the same time period, a USA TODAY analysis of federal court data found.
The Texas Supreme Court on Sunday rejected a Republican petition to discard almost 127,000 votes cast via drive-through sites in Harris County, where Houston is located.
Sunday's ruling might not stand as the final word on the issue. A federal court judge has scheduled a hearing Monday on a separate case also addressing whether drive-through voting violates any laws. The Texas Secretary of State validated the practice as legal earlier this year.
Republicans in Harris County, the third-most populous in the country, argued that drive-through voting constituted an illegal expansion of curbside voting, which is only available to people with disabilities. After a successful run of the system during a July primary runoff, Houston set up 10 drive-through sites for the general election.
Why voter suppression in the US has increased since 2013 Civil rights experts point to long wait times to vote as a sign of growing voter suppression in the U.S. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Police pepper-spray voting rights marchers in North Carolina
A peaceful protest to get out the vote in Graham, North Carolina, turned chaotic Saturday after local police twice pepper-sprayed marchers.
"This incident is unacceptable," tweeted North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. "Peaceful demonstrators should be able to have their voices heard and voter intimidation in any form cannot be tolerated."
As a crowd of about 200 people arrived on foot at the county courthouse to speak near a polling location about voting rights, officers with the Graham Police Department fired pepper spray while telling the civil rights group to get out of the street. Police said participants were blocking the roadway without authorization. Eight were arrested.
A reporter with the Burlington Times-News, part of the USA TODAY Network, who was at the scene and was also pepper-sprayed, did not hear any advance warning before the police action.
Police said in a statement that pepper spray was fired onto the ground, not at protesters. Others said children and a woman on an electric scooter were among those hit by the pepper spray.
"With my own eyes, I saw someone from the Sheriff’s Office attack someone in one of those electric scooters'' with pepper spray, said local attorney Jamie Paulen said. “That person wasn’t doing anything."
A tussle on stage ensued as officers tried to confiscate the audio equipment and speakers. A dozen or more people were arrested.
– Dean-Paul Stephens and Rachel Berry, Times-News
Officials in Butler County, Pennsylvania – perhaps the most critical of battleground states in the election – are scrambling to get mail ballots to potentially thousands of voters who requested them and did not receive them.
County call centers and email addresses set up to handle elections issues were flooded last week with messages, leading officials to conclude a large number of ballots had been lost and prompting them to make last-ditch efforts to deliver them.
“Our main focus – because it’s too late now to worry about this – we need to make sure we get these people their ballots,” Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche said.
Nearly 40,000 registered voters in Butler County requested mail ballots, but only 24% of them have been returned to the county, by far the lowest rate among the state’s 67 counties. The county with the next-lowest return rate, Fayette, has received 50% of requested ballots.
The U.S. Postal Service has been asked to immediately investigate. A USPS spokesperson said the agency is “unaware of any significant delays or issues.”
– Jamie Martines, Spotlight PA
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said as many as 11 precincts could still be without power Tuesday after Hurricane Zeta knocked out electricity to large parts of the state Wednesday, which could impact the election.
The Democratic mayor has been engaged in a war of words with Louisiana's Republican secretary of state, Kyle Ardoin, over who's responsible for supplying generators to polling sites that haven't regained electricity. Ardoin said in a statement Saturday that polling places without power would receive generators for Election Day, but it did not specify whether that would be a state or local responsibility.
Zeta initially left about 2.5 million homes and businesses without electricity, the majority in the southeastern U.S., but most of them have gotten power back.
A Joe Biden supporter in Spring Lake, New Jersey, filed a complaint with police after finding what he considers a threatening flier on the windshield of his car Friday after he parked with a “Veterans for Biden’’ sign on the rear window.
On the front of the flier was a firing-range outline of a human body riddled with bullet holes, said John Clark, 73, who said he served in Vietnam from 1970 to '71. On the back of the flier, someone had printed in all capital letters, “I AM A VET FOR TRUMP.’’
“People don’t go around providing bullet-riddled body profiles – you don’t hand them out as party favors,’’ Clark said in a phone interview Saturday. “I consider it a threat, a serious threat, and I consider it voter intimidation.’’
– Kathleen Hopkins, Asbury Park Press
A record number of ballots cast during the early voting period in Texas has Democrats optimistic the party could make inroads in the rock-solid Republican state. More people voted early this year in Texas than voted in the entire 2016 presidential election, including on Election Day. Recent polling has shown President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden running neck-and-neck in Texas, and the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, a leading election forecasting site, moved the state from "lean Republican" to "toss up." Still, Democrats can't get too comfortable.
"We don’t have a whole lot of experience with Texas as a battleground state," wrote Amy Walter, a Cook Political Report staff writer. "Neither do national pollsters."
– Madlin Mekelburg and Nicole Cobler, Austin American-Statesman
Across the country, retired women – who experts estimate have made up the bulk of poll workers – are taking a step back from the seasonal work that has long been critical to running America’s decentralized election system. Age data reported for 53% of poll workers in 2016 showed that 56% were older than 60. There is no comprehensive data on the gender of poll workers, but researchers believe women have led the charge.
This year, some election groups have warned of a growing shortage of poll workers, and long lines during the primaries in states such as Georgia and Wisconsin put a spotlight on their absence. Young women have begun to take up the mantle. Read more here.
– Barbara Rodriguez, The 19th
A historical exhibit featuring a replica of the noose used in Missouri’s last legal hanging drew fire from Democrats who said its presence near polls amounted to racist “voter intimidation.” The exhibit in the Stone County Courthouse, which also features other artifacts and newspaper clippings about the 1937 execution of Roscoe Jackson, a white man convicted of murder, first drew notice more than a week ago.
A voter who found the display offensive took a photo and provided it to federal civil rights enforcement and state Democratic Party officials. Democratic officials in turn provided the photo to news outlets Friday and released multiple statements demanding the noose's removal. Mark Maples, Stone County’s presiding commissioner, said the noose is part of a collection of items from a historic event that happened right outside the courthouse. It has been covered by a brown sheet of paper, which he said would remain through Election Day.
“It never once entered our minds as an intimidation issue,” Maples said. “We just don’t think that way.”
– Austin Huguelet, Springfield News-Leader
Postal and law enforcement officials are investigating after four dozen mail-in ballots were found undelivered at a post office in Florida. U.S. Postal Service Office investigators said Saturday that they found six completed ballots and 42 blank ballots among piles of undelivered mail in a post office near Homestead on the Florida peninsula’s southern tip. Video taken by a postal worker shows they had been sitting there for more than a week.
Miami-Dade County elections officials said 18 of the affected voters have already cast ballots in person at an early voting site or through a replacement mail-in ballot. The department has received the six completed ballots and is contacting the remaining 24 voters to help them get their ballots returned by the 7 p.m. Tuesday deadline.
The investigation was launched after Florida House Minority Leader Kionne McGhee tweeted video taken by a postal worker of the piles of undelivered mail.
Disinformation tactics used to mislead voters are continuing and evolving just days before the presidential election. What role disinformation may play on Election Day in Michigan isn’t yet clear, but in the four years since the last presidential election, questions still linger about how social media changes what happens in the voting booth. Some strategies from 2016 seem to be continuing, including targeting minority groups with messages meant to discourage them from voting.
After the 2016 presidential election in Michigan, proof of Russia’s deliberate attempt to mislead U.S. voters through a coordinated disinformation campaign on social media began to emerge. Michigan was one of nine states that two Russian agents visited in June 2014 as part of an intelligence-gathering mission, according to a Senate Intelligence Committee report on Russian interference in the 2016 election. Read more here.
– Ashley Nerbovig, Detroit Free Press
Pennsylvania is a top prize for President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, and some activists say Black voters could prove crucial to deciding who wins the presidential race and earns the state's 20 electoral votes. Organizers expect social unrest, the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus pandemic on communities of color and the renewed national focus on civil rights for Black Americans will spur more Black voters to show up at the polls in Pennsylvania than in 2016.
"There's a lot of energy out there,’" said Stephanie Young, chief officer for communications and culture for When We All Vote, a nonprofit civic engagement group launched in 2018 by Michelle Obama, Tom Hanks, Lin-Manuel Miranda and others. "All of the circumstances that we've been faced with this year have really created a more informed and more passionate and a more engaged electorate."
To activate those voters, groups are hosting socially distant rallies featuring local artists, running phone banks from home, setting up voter information booths at outdoor events and leading caravans through Black neighborhoods.
– Deborah Barfield Berry
Election problems: What to keep in mind
This cheat sheet from Columbia Journalism Review offers tips for media organizations reporting on Election 2020 that are a good reminder of what to expect on Election Day.
Voting problems aren't failures. They happen every year and, as CJR notes, hiccups such as voting machines not working or polling places opening late don't mean anything is "rigged."
Some problems, however, are significant. CJR recommends the media scrutinize areas that have a history of voter suppression or obstructing minority voters, calling out Georgia as a place to monitor.
Don't expect a winner on Election Night. This year is different because mail-in ballots could be as high as 30%. Previously, that number was 3%-5%. It will take a while to tally.
Seriously, expect to wait. State vote certification deadlines differ and don't have to be reported to the federal level until Dec. 8. Additionally, the Electoral College doesn’t meet until Dec. 14.
Headlines from elsewhere and resources on voting
From ProPublica : Their Electionland project goes deep on issues that can affect eligible voters' ability to cast a ballot.
: Their Electionland project goes deep on issues that can affect eligible voters' ability to cast a ballot. From Pew/Stateline : The Barriers to the Ballot Box project takes on how changes to polling places impact communities.
: The Barriers to the Ballot Box project takes on how changes to polling places impact communities. Ballotopedia : Resources and guides to not just the election, but also voting.
: Resources and guides to not just the election, but also voting. From the Associated Press: More voting headlines that should be on your radar.
☑How to make sure your mail-in ballot is counted and not discarded.
🗳 USA TODAY's Voter Guide has everything you need on registering to vote, when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues.
📧For updates to your inbox, subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter.
Contributing: Joel Shannon, USA TODAY; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-31--Cut the cord for $10 monthly, but what's the catch?

Cutting the cord used to be a way to ditch cable TV and save money .
Then the big companies jumped in and mucked it up .
In 2017 , YouTube came in with a sweet offer – most of your favorite cable TV channels , no equipment rental or contracts , at just $ 35 monthly .
That did n't last long .
In 2020 the platform raised its rates to $ 65 monthly .
So this week , when T-Mobile said it had a cutting-the-cord package set to debut Sunday for $ 10 a month , we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you like channels like AMC , Hallmark , MTV and Nickelodeon , you 'll love T-Mobile 's `` Vibe '' offering , because that 's all it costs – one Alexander Hamilton .
But if you want DVR , that will cost you an extra $ 5 monthly .
And if you ca n't live without sports , news and some local channels ( NBC , ABC and Fox ) that 's $ 40 monthly .
Oh , and you need to be a subscriber to T-Mobile or Sprint .
Verizon and AT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Update : T-Mobile wants to help more pay-TV customers cut the cord with its new streaming service TVision More : On Apple iPhone 12 , it 's a battle of the 5G bands among AT & T , Verizon , T-Mobile The point is that T-Mobile has come closer to the great dream of à la carte TV , which customers have been dreaming of for years .
Why do I need to subscribe to a bloated cable TV bundle with all those channels I do n't want ?
T-Mobile 's move is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traditional pay TV bundle , one that its rivals have so far been unwilling or unable to match , '' says Jared Newman , a Cincinnati-based writer who pens the popular Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter .
How does it really compare to rivals ?
Let 's take a closer look at the lower priced offerings : ► Philo : The streaming service that specializes in entertainment , sans sports and news , had been the lowest priced of the cable TV alternatives , at $ 20 monthly .
It offers twice the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Discovery , A & E and Animal Planet that you wo n't see with T-Mobile .
And no charge for DVR .
►Sling : Rates start at $ 30 monthly , but signing up can be confusing , with some channels offered in a `` blue '' package ( includes CNN and E ! )
and others in `` orange , '' ( ESPN ) for $ 30 monthly , plus $ 5 for DVR service .
From there , you 've got AT & T Now and Hulu with Live TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TV and Fubo ( which specializes in sports ) at $ 65 monthly .
Andrew McCollum , CEO of Philo TV noted `` it 's great '' that T-Mobile is `` trying to bring more flexibility to the market and offer new options to people at lower price points .
Hats off to them for this . ''
But the extra charge for the DVR , fewer channels than Philo and more importantly , no availability on the No .
1 streaming TV platform , Roku , makes it not as sweet a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ add that only T-Mobile subscribers can get it .
Meanwhile that more expensive T-Visionfrom T-Mobile $ 40 package does include NBC , ABC and Fox local channels .
That is one more network than is available with Sling – which only has the local NBC and Fox channels , and not nationally .
And unlike Sling , T-Vision bundles all the sports and news in one package .
`` You ca n't under-estimate how many people just want sports , news and local stations , '' says Newman .
`` That 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the folks at Sling tell you that if you really want all the local channels , you should buy an antenna , and pick up the channels that way .
The old rabbit ears of yore have been replaced by newer , more powerful antennas that plug into the power outlet and usually come with a portable tuner for a way stronger signal reception .
Many smart TVs aimed at the cutting the cord crowd , like the Amazon Fire TV Edition brand of TVs from Insignia and Toshiba , even show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now locally , via the antenna .
Of course , if you really want to save money by cutting the cord , just buy the $ 50 antenna , skip the cable TV alternatives altogether and just stick with Netflix and Amazon Prime .
But , ahem , did you hear that Netflix is also planning to raise its rates ?
The most popular plan , which lets subscribers watch in high-def on two screens at the same time , has increased by $ 1 to $ 13.99 , up from $ 12.99 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the premium plan ( $ 15.99 ) , which lets you watch up to four screens with Ultra HD , will now cost $ 17.99 .
Time to cut this cord too ?
Apple sold more Macs in the summer and fall than ever before .
During its quarterly earnings call Thursday , Apple said it sold $ 9 billion worth of Macs , up from $ 6.9 billion in the year ago quarter , fueled by the pandemic and need for work and education tools .
`` These are tremendous numbers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the call with investors .
Speaking of Apple , Friday it launched the Apple One subscription bundle , which offers discounts on multiple services .
For $ 14.95 , you get Apple Music , TV and the Arcade gaming service ( normally $ 19.99 ) plus News+ , Fitness+ and 2 TB of storage with iCloud for $ 29.99 .
The CEOs of Twitter , Google and Facebook testified to Congress , and many senators had a hard time pronouncing Google parent Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai 's name .
That included Sen. Roger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Science and Transportation Committee .
Pichai is pronounced `` pitch '' like in baseball and `` chai '' like the latte – or `` pih-chai '' – but lawmakers came up with endless variations , addressing him as `` Mr .
Pick Eye , '' `` Mr. Pish Eye '' and more .
Biking is in , eating is out .
The Hollywood lunch has hit a snag with pandemic techies , who have turned to bike and walk and talk meetings as a way to both get exercise and be social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyway .
Echo speakers for TV .
We tested out hooking Amazon 's new 4th generation Echo and Dot speakers into the TV to ditch the soundbar with a less expensive , and wireless approach .
Verdict : sounds great , but there 's some things you need to know first .
Listeners responded to last week 's column on buying a new phone yearly with !
@ # $ **** .
Amazon Echo speakers can double for TV sound .
More on the journey to set them up .
How to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schrieber does it all the tine , and guests on Talking Tech for the skinny .
Apple may take on Google in search .
And we say fantastic .
Bring it on .
Have you checked out Peacock ?
It 's no Quibi .

Cut the cord for $10 monthly, but what's the catch?
Cutting the cord used to be a way to ditch cable TV and save money. Then the big companies jumped in and mucked it up.
In 2017, YouTube came in with a sweet offer – most of your favorite cable TV channels, no equipment rental or contracts, at just $35 monthly. That didn't last long. In 2020 the platform raised its rates to $65 monthly.
So this week, when T-Mobile said it had a cutting-the-cord package set to debut Sunday for $10 a month, we were all ears.
The plus: If you like channels like AMC, Hallmark, MTV and Nickelodeon, you'll love T-Mobile's "Vibe" offering, because that's all it costs – one Alexander Hamilton. But if you want DVR, that will cost you an extra $5 monthly. And if you can't live without sports, news and some local channels (NBC, ABC and Fox) that's $40 monthly. Oh, and you need to be a subscriber to T-Mobile or Sprint. Verizon and AT&T customers are not eligible.
Update: T-Mobile wants to help more pay-TV customers cut the cord with its new streaming service TVision
More: On Apple iPhone 12, it's a battle of the 5G bands among AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile
The point is that T-Mobile has come closer to the great dream of à la carte TV, which customers have been dreaming of for years. Why do I need to subscribe to a bloated cable TV bundle with all those channels I don't want?
T-Mobile's move is "causing another little crack in the traditional pay TV bundle, one that its rivals have so far been unwilling or unable to match," says Jared Newman, a Cincinnati-based writer who pens the popular Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter.
How does it really compare to rivals?
Let's take a closer look at the lower priced offerings:
► Philo: The streaming service that specializes in entertainment, sans sports and news, had been the lowest priced of the cable TV alternatives, at $20 monthly. It offers twice the number of channels as Vibe, with channels like Discovery, A&E and Animal Planet that you won't see with T-Mobile. And no charge for DVR.
►Sling: Rates start at $30 monthly, but signing up can be confusing, with some channels offered in a "blue" package (includes CNN and E!) and others in "orange," (ESPN) for $30 monthly, plus $5 for DVR service.
From there, you've got AT&T Now and Hulu with Live TV at $55 monthly, or YouTube TV and Fubo (which specializes in sports) at $65 monthly.
Andrew McCollum, CEO of Philo TV noted "it's great" that T-Mobile is "trying to bring more flexibility to the market and offer new options to people at lower price points. Hats off to them for this."
But the extra charge for the DVR, fewer channels than Philo and more importantly, no availability on the No. 1 streaming TV platform, Roku, makes it not as sweet a deal, he added. Plus, add that only T-Mobile subscribers can get it.
Meanwhile that more expensive T-Vision from T-Mobile $40 package does include NBC, ABC and Fox local channels. That is one more network than is available with Sling – which only has the local NBC and Fox channels, and not nationally. And unlike Sling, T-Vision bundles all the sports and news in one package.
"You can't under-estimate how many people just want sports, news and local stations," says Newman. "That's a breakthrough of sorts."
Of course, the folks at Sling tell you that if you really want all the local channels, you should buy an antenna, and pick up the channels that way. The old rabbit ears of yore have been replaced by newer, more powerful antennas that plug into the power outlet and usually come with a portable tuner for a way stronger signal reception.
Many smart TVs aimed at the cutting the cord crowd, like the Amazon Fire TV Edition brand of TVs from Insignia and Toshiba, even show on the menu screen what's playing now locally, via the antenna.
Of course, if you really want to save money by cutting the cord, just buy the $50 antenna, skip the cable TV alternatives altogether and just stick with Netflix and Amazon Prime.
But, ahem, did you hear that Netflix is also planning to raise its rates?
The most popular plan, which lets subscribers watch in high-def on two screens at the same time, has increased by $1 to $13.99, up from $12.99 monthly, for new subscribers, while the premium plan ($15.99), which lets you watch up to four screens with Ultra HD, will now cost $17.99.
Time to cut this cord too?
This week's tech headlines
Apple sold more Macs in the summer and fall than ever before. During its quarterly earnings call Thursday, Apple said it sold $9 billion worth of Macs, up from $6.9 billion in the year ago quarter, fueled by the pandemic and need for work and education tools. "These are tremendous numbers," said Apple CEO Tim Cook on the call with investors. Speaking of Apple, Friday it launched the Apple One subscription bundle, which offers discounts on multiple services. For $14.95, you get Apple Music, TV and the Arcade gaming service (normally $19.99) plus News+, Fitness+ and 2 TB of storage with iCloud for $29.99.
The CEOs of Twitter, Google and Facebook testified to Congress, and many senators had a hard time pronouncing Google parent Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai's name. That included Sen. Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Pichai is pronounced "pitch" like in baseball and "chai" like the latte – or "pih-chai" – but lawmakers came up with endless variations, addressing him as "Mr. Pick Eye," "Mr. Pish Eye" and more.
Biking is in, eating is out. The Hollywood lunch has hit a snag with pandemic techies, who have turned to bike and walk and talk meetings as a way to both get exercise and be social distant. At least in Los Angeles anyway.
Echo speakers for TV. We tested out hooking Amazon's new 4th generation Echo and Dot speakers into the TV to ditch the soundbar with a less expensive, and wireless approach. Verdict: sounds great, but there's some things you need to know first.
This week's Talking Tech podcasts
Listeners responded to last week's column on buying a new phone yearly with !@#$****.
Amazon Echo speakers can double for TV sound. More on the journey to set them up.
How to take awesome photos while surfing. Photographer Jan Schrieber does it all the tine, and guests on Talking Tech for the skinny.
Apple may take on Google in search. And we say fantastic. Bring it on.
Have you checked out Peacock? It's no Quibi.
Follow Jefferson Graham (@jeffersongraham) on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.


usatoday--2020-11-01--Rutgers nearly pulled off one of the craziest touchdowns in college football history

Rutgers nearly had one of the craziest touchdowns in college football history toward the end of its game against No .
19 Indiana on Saturday .
Trailing the Hoosiers 37-21 with just over two minutes to go , the Scarlet Knights needed a few miracles if they wanted to improve to 2-0 .
But it appeared they got at least one prayer answered when Bo Melton scored a 55-yard touchdown on fourth-and-32 following a wild , eight-lateral scramble .
Quarterback Noah Vedral had the ball in his hands three separate times on the play , including executing the lateral pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was when offensive lineman Raiqwon O'Neal received the ball .
The big man tossed the ball over his head , nearly 20 yards backwards , in a play that brought to mind Hunter Henry 's backwards heave for Arkansas against Ole Miss several years back .
Unfortunately for fans of fun everywhere , Rutgers ' Shameen Jones was cited for an illegal forward pass when the play underwent review , making all those laterals for naught .
Still , it was an extremely fun few moments , and honestly one of the high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years — last week 's win over Michigan State in Greg Schino 's second debut notwithstanding .

Rutgers nearly pulled off one of the craziest touchdowns in college football history
Show Caption Hide Caption Clemson holds on to the top spot in the latest Amway Coaches Poll USA TODAY Sports' Paul Myerberg breaks down the latest Amway Coaches Poll. USA TODAY
Rutgers nearly had one of the craziest touchdowns in college football history toward the end of its game against No. 19 Indiana on Saturday.
Trailing the Hoosiers 37-21 with just over two minutes to go, the Scarlet Knights needed a few miracles if they wanted to improve to 2-0. But it appeared they got at least one prayer answered when Bo Melton scored a 55-yard touchdown on fourth-and-32 following a wild, eight-lateral scramble.
Quarterback Noah Vedral had the ball in his hands three separate times on the play, including executing the lateral pass to spring Melton, but the highlight was when offensive lineman Raiqwon O'Neal received the ball. The big man tossed the ball over his head, nearly 20 yards backwards, in a play that brought to mind Hunter Henry's backwards heave for Arkansas against Ole Miss several years back.
Unfortunately, this didn't count 🙃 — FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 31, 2020
Unfortunately for fans of fun everywhere, Rutgers' Shameen Jones was cited for an illegal forward pass when the play underwent review, making all those laterals for naught.
Still, it was an extremely fun few moments, and honestly one of the high points for Rutgers football the past few years — last week's win over Michigan State in Greg Schino's second debut notwithstanding.


usatoday--2020-11-01--'Out of harm's way': US Marshals Service leads recovery of 27 missing children in Virginia's 'Operat

A five-day search in Virginia resulted in the recovery of 27 missing children , the latest in a series of operations led by the U.S .
Marshals Service that have reunited hundreds of endangered youngsters with their legal guardians this year .
More than 60 law enforcement investigators collaborated with the Virginia Department of Social Services , the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and a team of medical professionals during “ Operation Find Our Children , ” according to news release from the Justice Department .
“ I can think of no more critical or satisfying mission for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endangered child , ” Nick E. Proffitt , U.S .
Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia , said in the release .
“ This operation brought together a formidable team that was , and is , determined to come to the aid of our youth and bring to justice those among us that choose to prey on these vulnerable children.
” Six other children who had been reported missing were found in the appropriate custody of their legal guardian during the operation , according to the release .
The Virginia mission follows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indiana and other states that have succeeded in taking more than 440 children “ out of harm ’ s way ” in 2020 , Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen said in the release .
'Despicable ' acts : US Marshals capture Oklahoma man accused of recording sexual assault of 6-month-old baby and posting it on social media The U.S .
Marshals last week announced the recovery of 45 missing children , resulting in 179 arrests , during “ Operation Autumn Hope ” across Ohio .
It was the second such mission in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Safety Net , ” which in August led to the discovery of 25 missing children in less than three weeks .
Also this year , “ Operation Not Forgotten ” in Georgia led to the recovery of 39 children in August and “ Operation Homecoming ” in September found eight missing children in Indiana .
Since 2005 , the U.S .
Marshals have recovered more than 2,000 missing children with a 75 % success rate , according to the release .
“ We want the missing children across this great nation to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop looking for you , ” Proffitt said in the release .
“ We will find you .
”

'Out of harm's way': US Marshals Service leads recovery of 27 missing children in Virginia's 'Operation Find Our Children'
Show Caption Hide Caption Human trafficking: Victims live in fear, making convictions hard to get Law enforcement and prosecutors explain the difficulties in bringing charges - and the hurdles in convicting traffickers. Jarrad Henderson, USA TODAY
A five-day search in Virginia resulted in the recovery of 27 missing children, the latest in a series of operations led by the U.S. Marshals Service that have reunited hundreds of endangered kids with their legal guardians this year.
More than 60 law enforcement investigators collaborated with the Virginia Department of Social Services, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and a team of medical professionals during Operation Find Our Children, according to news release from the Justice Department.
“I can think of no more critical or satisfying mission for a law enforcement officer than rescuing an endangered child,” Nick E. Proffitt, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia, said in the release. “This operation brought together a formidable team that was, and is, determined to come to the aid of our youth and bring to justice those among us that choose to prey on these vulnerable children.”
Six other children who had been reported missing were found in the appropriate custody of their legal guardian during the operation, according to the release.
The Virginia mission follows similar operations in Ohio, Georgia, Indiana and other states that have succeeded in taking more than 440 children “out of harm’s way” in 2020, Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen said in the release.
'Despicable' acts: US Marshals capture Oklahoma man accused of recording sexual assault of 6-month-old baby and posting it on social media
The U.S. Marshals last week announced the recovery of 45 missing children, resulting in 179 arrests, during Operation Autumn Hope across Ohio. It was the second such mission in the Buckeye State, after Operation Safety Net, which in August led to the discovery of 25 missing children in less than three weeks.
Also this year, Operation Not Forgotten in Georgia led to the recovery of 39 children in August and Operation Homecoming in September found eight missing children in Indiana.
Since 2005, the U.S. Marshals have recovered more than 2,000 missing children, including a 75% success rate in received cases in the past five years, according to the release.
“We want the missing children across this great nation to know the U.S. Marshals Service will never stop looking for you,” Proffitt said in the release. “We will find you.”
Contributing: Jordan Culver and Jessica Flores, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-01--'American Idol' alum Nikki McKibbin, who competed against Kelly Clarkson, dies at 42

Nikki McKibbin , who finished in third place behind Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini on the first season of `` American Idol , '' has died , according to a Facebook post from her husband .
She was 42 .
Craig Sadler shared Saturday on social media that McKibbin `` suffered an aneurysm on Wednesday '' and had been kept on life support before an operation early Sunday morning to give `` her final gift '' as an organ donor .
`` Even at the end she is still giving , '' he wrote .
`` She was so loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be grieving with us . ''
McKibbin was just 23 when she auditioned for the first season of the reality singing competition , where she rocked songs like Bonnie Tyler 's `` Total Eclipse of the Heart , '' Janis Joplin 's `` Piece of My Heart '' and her idol Stevie Nicks ' `` Edge of Seventeen . ''
`` Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing , '' reads statement from the show provided to USA TODAY by spokesperson Emma Harvey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Idol family and will be truly missed .
Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time . ''
After `` Idol , '' RCA Records signed McKibbin but wanted the rocker and Texas native to pivot to country music .
She walked away and later joined Dallas metal band Rivethead .
In 2007 , she released her first solo album , `` Unleashed . ''
`` A lot of people look at me and still tell me it was a stupid decision , '' McKibbin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would 've felt like I was selling out .
...
I 'd rather be broke and happy than rich and miserable . ''
She went on to make several reality TV show appearances , including on `` Fear Factor , '' `` Battle of the Network Reality Stars , '' `` Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew '' and `` Camp Reality , '' according to her IMDb page .
On `` Battle of the Network Reality Stars , '' McKibbin clashed with reality star and now former White House aide Omarosa Manigault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even threw a punch at Newman off-camera .
`` I tried to kick her ( butt ) twice , '' McKibbin told USA TODAY .
In 2014 , she returned to the world of `` Idol '' when her son , now in his early 20s , auditioned , making them the first mother-son pair of contestants in the show 's history .
Tristen Langley was sent home in the post-audition round .
McKibbin 's fellow competitor Guarini called her a `` fiery , funny lady who could sing the Hell out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram tribute Saturday , recalling the young singer 's `` infectious '' joy when she received flowers and a card from Nicks , `` her idol . ''
 '' Even in our 20 ’ s when we were on American Idol together I could tell that she ’ d had a challenging life , and that not that many people had been kind to her along the way , '' he wrote .
`` After the kind of emotional beating she took at the hands of the masses , she deserved to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a little while . ''
He added : `` Thank you for the laughter , merciless teasing , strength , vulnerability , love and friendship you showed me during our time together in the spotlight . ''
A handful of other notable former `` Idol '' contestants have died in years past : Michael Johns , a Season 7 fan favorite and Australian heartthrob who finished eighth , died in 2014 at 35 after suffering a blood clot in his ankle ; an autopsy found he had an enlarged heart .
Months later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who made it to the top 24 , died from a rare cancer at 32 .
In 2016 , Rickey Smith , who finished eighth on Season 2 , was killed in a car crash in Oklahoma City at age 36 .

'American Idol' alum Nikki McKibbin, who competed against Kelly Clarkson, dies at 42
Show Caption Hide Caption 'American Idol' alum saves lives as an organ donor at age 42 Nikki McKibbin, best known from season 1 of 'American Idol,' has passed away. Buzz60
Nikki McKibbin, who finished in third place behind Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini on the first season of "American Idol," has died, according to a Facebook post from her husband. She was 42.
Craig Sadler shared Saturday on social media that McKibbin "suffered an aneurysm on Wednesday" and had been kept on life support before an operation early Sunday morning to give "her final gift" as an organ donor.
"Even at the end she is still giving," he wrote. "She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us."
McKibbin was just 23 when she auditioned for the first season of the reality singing competition, where she rocked songs like Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart," Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" and her idol Stevie Nicks' "Edge of Seventeen."
"Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing," reads statement from the show provided to USA TODAY by spokesperson Emma Harvey. "She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time."
After "Idol," RCA Records signed McKibbin but wanted the rocker and Texas native to pivot to country music. She walked away and later joined Dallas metal band Rivethead. In 2007, she released her first solo album, "Unleashed."
"A lot of people look at me and still tell me it was a stupid decision," McKibbin told USA TODAY in 2008. "I would've felt like I was selling out. ... I'd rather be broke and happy than rich and miserable."
She went on to make several reality TV show appearances, including on "Fear Factor," "Battle of the Network Reality Stars," "Celebrity Rehab With Dr. Drew" and "Camp Reality," according to her IMDb page. On "Battle of the Network Reality Stars," McKibbin clashed with reality star and now former White House aide Omarosa Manigault Newman – at one point, she even threw a punch at Newman off-camera.
"I tried to kick her (butt) twice," McKibbin told USA TODAY.
In 2014, she returned to the world of "Idol" when her son, now in his early 20s, auditioned, making them the first mother-son pair of contestants in the show's history. Tristen Langley was sent home in the post-audition round.
McKibbin's fellow competitor Guarini called her a "fiery, funny lady who could sing the Hell out of a rock song" in a lengthy Instagram tribute Saturday, recalling the young singer's "infectious" joy when she received flowers and a card from Nicks, "her idol."
"Even in our 20’s when we were on American Idol together I could tell that she’d had a challenging life, and that not that many people had been kind to her along the way," he wrote. "After the kind of emotional beating she took at the hands of the masses, she deserved to feel good about herself, even for a little while."
He added: "Thank you for the laughter, merciless teasing, strength, vulnerability, love and friendship you showed me during our time together in the spotlight."
A handful of other notable former "Idol" contestants have died in years past: Michael Johns, a Season 7 fan favorite and Australian heartthrob who finished eighth, died in 2014 at 35 after suffering a blood clot in his ankle; an autopsy found he had an enlarged heart. Months later, his Season 7 competitor Joanne Borgella, who made it to the top 24, died from a rare cancer at 32. In 2016, Rickey Smith, who finished eighth on Season 2, was killed in a car crash in Oklahoma City at age 36.