usatoday--2020-10-24--Fact check: Hillary Clinton, not Joe Biden, used the phrase 'super predators'

The claim : Joe Biden referred to Black people as 'super predators ' during the passage of the 1994 crime bill The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 , also known as the crime bill , was the most comprehensive piece of anti-crime legislation in American history .
Drafted by then-Sen. Joe Biden , chairman of the Judiciary Committee , the bill was the government 's response to a 1991 peak in crime rates .
The nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice reported 5,856 crimes were committed per 100,000 people that year .
Violent crime was also highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The bill earmarked $ 9.7 billion in funding for prisonsand $ 6.1 billion for preventative programs , featured a federal assault weapons ban , expanded the federal death penalty and provided for 100,000 new police officers , according to government transparency website , GovTrack .
The bill was signed into law by President Bill Clinton after passing through Congress with mostly Democratic support and achieving near-unanimous approval in the Senate , according to its website .
But aside from historic policy changes , the bill 's passage ushered a new phrase into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' More : From QAnon to 1994 crime bill : These questions from Trump , Biden town halls really lit up social media During the last presidential debate on Oct. 22 , President Donald Trump accused Democratic presidential nominee Biden of describing Black people as `` super predators . ''
`` He never did a thing except in 1994 , when he did such harm to the Black community .
And they were called , and he called them , super predators , '' Trump said of Biden 's history with the Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That night , Facebook user Christina Smith posted about the phrase and its relationship to the crime bill .
Despite Trump 's words , Smith told USA TODAY she got the information from another source .
She also alluded to her support for Trump .
`` Y ’ all lie all the time about Trump , and NEVER FACT CHECK WHEN THE POST LIE ABOUT TRUMP , '' Smith said .
The term `` super predator '' was coined in 1995 by Princeton University professor John DiIulio .
It came to define a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remorseless youngsters , including ever more preteenage boys , who murder , assault , rape , rob , burglarize , deal deadly drugs , join gun-toting gangs and create serious communal disorders , '' according to a 2001 report by the New York Times .
DiIulio has said he regrets inventing a theory that `` took on a life of its own . ''
Trump accused Biden of labeling members of the Black community with the phrase , but this is inaccurate .
While Biden did warn of `` predators '' during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he did not refer to Black people as `` super predators . ''
`` Unless we do something about that cadre of young people — tens of thousands of them born out of wedlock , without parents , without supervision , without any structure , without any conscious developing — because they literally have not been socialized , they literally have not had an opportunity ... we should focus on them now .
If we do n't , they will — or a portion of them will — become the predators 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a video recording provided by CSPAN .
In fact , Hillary Clinton , not Biden , is responsible for linking `` super predator '' to the 1994 bill .
During a 1996 campaign speech for President Bill Clinton , the then-first lady used the term to describe `` gangs '' of kids without empathy , while crediting the crime bill 's allowance for more police officers for a reduction in crime , gangs and drugs .
`` We need to take these people on , they are often connected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just gangs of kids anymore .
They are often the kinds of kids that are called super predators .
No conscious , no empathy , '' Clinton said , according to a video recording provided by C-SPAN .
The term resurfaced during the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries , when then-candidate Hillary Clinton endured criticism for her support of the bill , USA TODAY reported .
The scrutiny continued into the 2020 election cycle .
Neither Clinton nor Biden singled out the Black community in their speeches .
Still , the crime bill has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Biden called a provision of the bill relating to drug offenses a mistake during Thursday 's presidential debate , per a transcript .
We rate this claim FALSE , based on our research .
Biden did not refer to members of the Black community as `` super predators '' during or after the passage of the 1994 crime bill .
First lady Hillary Clinton associated the phrase with the bill , two years after it was signed , but Black people were not directly referenced .
• USA TODAY , July 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill did not bring mass incarceration of Black Americans '' • Time Magazine , March 6 , 2016 : `` Read the Full Text of the Seventh Democratic Debate in Flint '' • CNN , March 5 , 2019 : `` Joe Biden in 1993 speech warned of 'predators on our streets ' '' • The New York Times , Feb. 9 , 2001 : `` As Ex-Theorist on Young 'Superpredators , ' Bush Aide Has Regrets '' Thank you for supporting our journalism .
You can subscribe to our print edition , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Our fact check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook .
This fact check is available at IFCN ’ s 2020 US Elections FactChat # Chatbot on WhatsApp .
Click here , for more .

Fact check: Hillary Clinton, not Joe Biden, used the phrase 'super predators'
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump, Biden spar over virus, race in last debate President Donald Trump and Joe Biden clashed over handling of the coronavirus pandemic, race issues and taxes Thursday night in the final presidential debate, less than two weeks before the 2020 election. (Oct. 23) AP
The claim: Joe Biden referred to Black people as 'super predators' during the passage of the 1994 crime bill
The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, also known as the crime bill, was the most comprehensive piece of anti-crime legislation in American history. Drafted by then-Sen. Joe Biden, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, the bill was the government's response to a 1991 peak in crime rates.
The nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice reported 5,856 crimes were committed per 100,000 people that year. Violent crime was also highest at 716 crimes per 100,000 people.
The bill earmarked $9.7 billion in funding for prisons and $6.1 billion for preventative programs, featured a federal assault weapons ban, expanded the federal death penalty and provided for 100,000 new police officers, according to government transparency website, GovTrack. The bill was signed into law by President Bill Clinton after passing through Congress with mostly Democratic support and achieving near-unanimous approval in the Senate, according to its website.
But aside from historic policy changes, the bill's passage ushered a new phrase into the public conscious: "super predator."
More: From QAnon to 1994 crime bill: These questions from Trump, Biden town halls really lit up social media
During the last presidential debate on Oct. 22, President Donald Trump accused Democratic presidential nominee Biden of describing Black people as "super predators."
"He never did a thing except in 1994, when he did such harm to the Black community. And they were called, and he called them, super predators," Trump said of Biden's history with the Black community, according to a transcript.
That night, Facebook user Christina Smith posted about the phrase and its relationship to the crime bill.
"1994 CRIME BILL Biden called Black people SUPER PREDATORS!!!!" she wrote.
Despite Trump's words, Smith told USA TODAY she got the information from another source. She also alluded to her support for Trump.
"Y’all lie all the time about Trump, and NEVER FACT CHECK WHEN THE POST LIE ABOUT TRUMP," Smith wrote.
The origins of 'super predator'
The term "super predator" was coined in 1995 by Princeton University professor John DiIulio. It came to define a generation of "radically impulsive, brutally remorseless youngsters, including ever more preteenage boys, who murder, assault, rape, rob, burglarize, deal deadly drugs, join gun-toting gangs and create serious communal disorders,'' according to a 2001 report by the New York Times. DiIulio has said he regrets inventing a theory that "took on a life of its own."
Trump accused Biden of labeling members of the Black community with the phrase, but this is inaccurate.
While Biden did warn of "predators" during a 1993 speech advocating for the crime bill, he did not refer to Black people as "super predators."
"Unless we do something about that cadre of young people — tens of thousands of them born out of wedlock, without parents, without supervision, without any structure, without any conscious developing — because they literally have not been socialized, they literally have not had an opportunity ... we should focus on them now. If we don't, they will — or a portion of them will — become the predators 15 years from now," Biden said, according to a video recording provided by C-SPAN.
In fact, Hillary Clinton, not Biden, is responsible for linking "super predator" to the 1994 bill.
During a 1996 campaign speech for President Bill Clinton, the then-first lady used the term to describe "gangs" of kids without empathy, while crediting the crime bill's allowance for more police officers for a reduction in crime, gangs and drugs.
"We need to take these people on, they are often connected to big drug cartels, they are not just gangs of kids anymore. They are often the kinds of kids that are called super predators. No conscious, no empathy," Clinton said, according to a video recording provided by C-SPAN.
The term resurfaced during the 2016 Democratic presidential primaries, when then-candidate Clinton endured criticism for her support of the bill, USA TODAY reported.
The scrutiny continued into the 2020 election cycle.
Neither Clinton nor Biden singled out the Black community in their speeches. Still, the crime bill has been criticized for disproportionately affecting minority communities. Biden called a provision of the bill relating to drug offenses a mistake during Thursday's presidential debate, per a transcript.
Our rating: False
We rate this claim FALSE, based on our research. Biden did not refer to members of the Black community as "super predators" during or after the passage of the 1994 crime bill. First lady Hillary Clinton associated the phrase with the bill, two years after it was signed, but Black people were not directly referenced.
Our fact-check sources:
Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here.
Our fact check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.
This fact check is available at IFCN’s 2020 US Elections FactChat #Chatbot on WhatsApp. Click here, for more.


usatoday--2020-10-25--'COVID, COVID, COVID': Trump complains media too focused on pandemic as US hits record cases – elect

President Donald Trump traveled to Lumberton , North Carolina , on Saturday for what the White House billed as remarks in honor of the Lumbee Tribe , the largest Native American tribe in North Carolina and the largest one east of the Mississippi River .
Members of the tribe were among supporters and some in the audience held red `` Lumbees for Trump '' signs as the crowd cheered and a drum was beaten at the rally-like event .
But Trump spent little time talking about his work for Native American communities and instead leveled attacks against his Democratic challenger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holding a drive-in rally earlier on Saturday .
Trump , who recovered from COVID-19 earlier this month , appeared to again downplay a new nationwide wave of COVID-19 infections after the U.S. broke a single-day record for new cases .
`` We 're rounding the turn , '' Trump said even as 12 states set new case records over the last week .
`` We 're doing great , our numbers are incredible . ''
The U.S. reported more than 83,000 new confirmed cases on Friday , shattering the previous record of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to data from Johns Hopkins University .
The surge has led to more than 8.4 million cases and pushed the death toll to more than 223,000 people .
Trump railed against media coverage of the coronavirus pandemic : `` That 's all I hear about now .
Turn on the TV , 'Covid , Covid , Covid , Covid . ''
The president also complained about national polling , which has shown him consistently trailing Joe Biden two weeks before Election Day .
`` You know , when I get them in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they come in my favor , I repeat them all the time .
I say they 're great .
When they 're not in my favor , I do n't discuss that . ''
• See why pundits and pollsters are starting to take a closer look at the U.S. Senate race in Mississippi .
• Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's leading infectious disease expert , said Friday that Trump has not attended a coronavirus task force meeting in `` several months '' and the meetings themselves have greatly `` diminished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day , 88 days until Inauguration Day , 69 days left in 2020 .
🗳 Voting : See USA TODAY 's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote , when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues .
We will update this article throughout the day .
You can follow all of USA TODAY 's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter .
WASHINGTON – One of Vice President Mike Pence closest advisers had tested positive for the novel coronavirus earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was n't immediately clear whether Marty Obst , Pence 's senior political adviser , had developed symptoms of COVID-19 .
Obst and Pence 's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment .
Obst , who often travels with the vice president , is not the first Pence aide who has tested positive .
Katie Miller , Pence 's communications director , contracted the virus in May .
Pence speaks to crowd of Trump supporters in Florida LAKELAND , Fla. — Roughly a thousand Trump supporters greeted Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lakeland Linder International Airport on Saturday afternoon .
“ Here in Florida you believe we could be strong again , you believe we could be prosperous again , ” Pence said at the rally .
“ You said yes to President Donald Trump in 2016 and I know that Florida will say yes to Florida resident President Donald Trump in 2020.
” The vice president spoke on a variety of subjects , including how Trump created “ the most prosperous economy in history.
” First lady Melania Trump will vote in person President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Florida on Saturday but first lady Melania Trump is taking a more traditional route : She ’ ll cast her ballot in person on Nov. 3 .
The first lady , who is registered to vote in Florida , did not accompany the president to the West Palm Beach library near his private Mar-a-Lago club where he voted on Saturday .
Instead , she ’ ll vote on Election Day , spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said .
Trump moved his official address from New York to battleground Florida last year .
Trump told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday that it was `` an honor '' to be voting and that he cast a `` very secure vote . ''
`` I voted for a guy named Trump , '' he said .
She still thinks it should wait , but Murkowski will vote to confirm Barrett Sen. Lisa Murkowski , R-Alaska , who had previously said she opposed the Senate ’ s consideration of a Supreme Court nominee before Election Day , announced on the Senate floor Saturday she would continue her opposition to moving forward on Judge Amy Coney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately vote to confirm her .
The Alaska Republican drew a distinction between her opposition to the process and her support for Barrett ’ s confirmation , saying she was following the `` precedent that I have set for myself '' after Republicans opposed President Barack Obama ’ s 2016 nomination of Judge Merrick Garland by calling for the nomination to wait until after the voters cast their ballots on Nov. 3 .
But the decision to confirm or reject Barrett was different , Murkowski said .
`` At the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Judge Barrett should be categorically rejected , '' she said .
And Murkowski concluded Barrett was in fact `` the sort of person that we want on the Supreme Court , '' citing her writing , her `` intellectual curiosity , '' and conversations with Barrett .
Murkowski ’ s decision means Sen. Susan Collins , R-Maine , will likely be the only Senate Republican to vote against Barrett ’ s nomination when it comes up for a final vote .
The 53-47 partisan split of the Senate means that the decisions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final outcome .
Both a key procedural vote to limit debate on Sunday and the final confirmation vote on Monday only require a simple majority .
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden clarified his position on fracking Saturday during a drive-in rally in Bucks County , Pennsylvania .
`` I ’ m not banning fracking in Pennsylvania or anywhere else , '' Biden told supporters in Bristol , a suburb of Philadelphia .
`` I can protect Pennsylvania jobs , period . ''
Biden 's declaration comes after President Donald Trump accused Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential debate on Thursday .
Biden denied Trump ’ s comments , saying that he never said he opposed fracking .
Biden added that he would `` transition '' from the oil industry and replace it with `` renewable energy over time , '' a comment the Trump campaign and its surrogates criticized , saying that it could cost him several swing states .
“ This probably will put the nail in the coffin for Joe Biden in Pennsylvania , '' senior Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller claimed .
During his rally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaigning but doesn ’ t want to have `` superspreader '' events , which seems to be a reference to Trump ’ s campaign events .
`` I don ’ t like the idea of all this distance , but it ’ s necessary , '' Biden said .
`` We don ’ t want to become superspreaders . ''
The Senate convened Saturday for a rare weekend session to debate Judge Amy Coney Barrett ’ s Supreme Court nomination as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell lined up a Monday confirmation vote over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by responding to Democrats ’ arguments about the process .
`` Judge Barrett ’ s confirmation process has followed every rule , '' he said .
`` It ’ s followed the Constitution in every respect .
We have abided by the norms and traditions dictated by our history . ''
Democrats lack the votes to block her nomination and instead have voiced concerns over holding the confirmation process amid the COVID-19 pandemic and about the timing of the confirmation .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer responded to McConnell , denouncing Republicans ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and called Barrett ’ s nomination process a `` stain '' on McConnell and on the Senate .
Democratic senators , attempting to slow Barrett ’ s nomination , tried Saturday to force the Senate to consider COVID-19 relief legislation , a bill granting some undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship , and other legislation .
But they were blocked by Republicans .
`` This isn ’ t serious , '' said Sen. John Thune , R-S.D.
, after Schumer tried to bring up COVID-19 relief legislation , noting Schumer earlier in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate to adjourn until after Election Day .
Trump casts 'very secure vote ' for himself in Florida President Donald Trump took advantage of early voting while in Florida Saturday morning before taking off for a trio of campaign rallies in North Carolina , Ohio and Wisconsin .
Trump cast his ballot at the West Palm Beach library near his private Mar-a-Lago club .
The president told reporters after leaving the library it was `` an honor '' to be voting and that he cast a `` very secure vote . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the president used a paper ballot and no one was inside voting at the same time as Trump .
The president , who changed his official residency from New York to Florida earlier this year , cast absentee ballots in the March presidential primary and in the Aug. 18 primary election .
Trump told supporters at a campaign rally on Friday that he liked voting in-person .
`` I 'm old fashioned , I guess , '' he said .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the final 10-day stretch of the election with six rallies planned over the next three days .
The president will travel to Lumberton , North Carolina , Circleville , Ohio , and Waukesha , Wisconsin , on Saturday to deliver remarks despite warnings from health officials that such mass events are likely to add to the surge in coronavirus cases across the country .
Several states set records this week for COVID-19 cases and the U.S. recorded more than 71,000 new cases on Thursday for the first time since the end of July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johns Hopkins University data .
Vice President Mike Pence and his wife , Karen , cast their ballots Friday in Indianapolis .
They used the absentee ballots they had requested in early September .

Courtney Subramanian, Nicholas Wu and Sarah Elbeshbishi, USA TODAY

'COVID, COVID, COVID': Trump complains media too focused on pandemic as US hits record cases – election updates
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: How Herd Immunity works, why you still need to wear a mask Without masks and a vaccine, we could reach Herd Immunity from COVID-19, but deaths would skyrocket. We break down the science of it. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
President Donald Trump traveled to Lumberton, North Carolina, on Saturday for what the White House billed as remarks in honor of the Lumbee Tribe, the largest Native American tribe in North Carolina and the largest one east of the Mississippi River.
Members of the tribe were among supporters and some in the audience held red "Lumbees for Trump" signs as the crowd cheered and a drum was beaten at the rally-like event.
But Trump spent little time talking about his work for Native American communities and instead leveled attacks against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden, whom he mocked for holding a drive-in rally earlier on Saturday. Trump, who recovered from COVID-19 earlier this month, appeared to again downplay a new nationwide wave of COVID-19 infections after the U.S. broke a single-day record for new cases.
"We're rounding the turn," Trump said even as 12 states set new case records over the last week. "We're doing great, our numbers are incredible."
The U.S. reported more than 83,000 new confirmed cases on Friday, shattering the previous record of more than 77,000 cases in July, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The surge has led to more than 8.4 million cases and pushed the death toll to more than 223,000 people.
Trump railed against media coverage of the coronavirus pandemic: "That's all I hear about now. Turn on the TV, 'Covid, Covid, Covid, Covid."
The president also complained about national polling, which has shown him consistently trailing Joe Biden two weeks before Election Day.
"You know, when I get them in my favor, I like them. When they come in my favor, I repeat them all the time. I say they're great. When they're not in my favor, I don't discuss that."
☕ The latest:
See why pundits and pollsters are starting to take a closer look at the U.S. Senate race in Mississippi.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, said Friday that Trump has not attended a coronavirus task force meeting in "several months" and the meetings themselves have greatly "diminished".
📆 Ten days until Election Day, 88 days until Inauguration Day, 69 days left in 2020.
🗳 Voting: See USA TODAY's Voter Guide for information on registering to vote, when your state begins voting and what the candidates think about the issues.
We will update this article throughout the day. You can follow all of USA TODAY's politics reporters on Twitter or subscribe to our daily On Politics newsletter.
Pence chief of staff Marc Short tests positive for COVID-19
WASHINGTON – Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, tested positive for COVID-19 Saturday, Pence's spokesman said in a statement Saturday night after reports that another senior adviser had also tested positive.
Short began quarantining Saturday and assisting in the contact tracing process, Pence spokesman Devin O'Malley said in a statement.
Both Pence and his wife, Karen, tested negative Saturday and Pence is not curtailing his schedule despite having been in close contact with Short, according to the statement.
Pence was in the middle of his second campaign rally in Florida Saturday when Bloomberg reported that Marty Obst, his senior political adviser, had tested positive.
Bloomberg said it wasn't immediately clear whether Obst had developed symptoms of COVID-19.
– Maureen Groppe
Reports: Top Pence adviser Marty Obst tests positive for coronavirus
WASHINGTON – One of Vice President Mike Pence closest advisers had tested positive for the novel coronavirus earlier this week, Bloomberg reported Saturday.
Bloomberg said it wasn't immediately clear whether Marty Obst, Pence's senior political adviser, had developed symptoms of COVID-19.
CNN reported that Obst tested positive earlier this week.
Obst and Pence's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Obst, who often travels with the vice president, is not the first Pence aide who has tested positive. Katie Miller, Pence's communications director, contracted the virus in May.
– Maureen Groppe
Pence speaks to crowd of Trump supporters in Florida
LAKELAND, Fla. — Roughly a thousand Trump supporters greeted Vice President Mike Pence under a hot October sun at Lakeland Linder International Airport on Saturday afternoon.
“Here in Florida you believe we could be strong again, you believe we could be prosperous again,” Pence said at the rally. “You said yes to President Donald Trump in 2016 and I know that Florida will say yes to Florida resident President Donald Trump in 2020.”
The vice president spoke on a variety of subjects, including how Trump created “the most prosperous economy in history.”
– Sara-Megan Walsh, The Lakeland Ledger
First lady Melania Trump will vote in person
President Donald Trump voted early during a visit to Florida on Saturday but first lady Melania Trump is taking a more traditional route: She’ll cast her ballot in person on Nov. 3.
The first lady, who is registered to vote in Florida, did not accompany the president to the West Palm Beach library near his private Mar-a-Lago club where he voted on Saturday.
Instead, she’ll vote on Election Day, spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said. Trump moved his official address from New York to battleground Florida last year.
Trump told reporters after leaving the voting location on Saturday that it was "an honor" to be voting and that he cast a "very secure vote."
"I voted for a guy named Trump," he said.
– John Fritze
She still thinks it should wait, but Murkowski will vote to confirm Barrett
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who had previously said she opposed the Senate’s consideration of a Supreme Court nominee before Election Day, announced on the Senate floor Saturday she would continue her opposition to moving forward on Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination, but would ultimately vote to confirm her.
The Alaska Republican drew a distinction between her opposition to the process and her support for Barrett’s confirmation, saying she was following the "precedent that I have set for myself" after Republicans opposed President Barack Obama’s 2016 nomination of Judge Merrick Garland by calling for the nomination to wait until after the voters cast their ballots on Nov. 3.
But the decision to confirm or reject Barrett was different, Murkowski said.
"At the end of the process is the substantive question of whether Judge Barrett should be categorically rejected," she said.
And Murkowski concluded Barrett was in fact "the sort of person that we want on the Supreme Court," citing her writing, her "intellectual curiosity," and conversations with Barrett.
Murkowski’s decision means Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, will likely be the only Senate Republican to vote against Barrett’s nomination when it comes up for a final vote.
The 53-47 partisan split of the Senate means that the decisions of Collins and Murkowski would not have affected the final outcome. Both a key procedural vote to limit debate on Sunday and the final confirmation vote on Monday only require a simple majority.
– Nicholas Wu
Biden tells supporters he’s 'not banning fracking' during Pa. Rally
Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden clarified his position on fracking Saturday during a drive-in rally in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
"I’m not banning fracking in Pennsylvania or anywhere else," Biden told supporters in Bristol, a suburb of Philadelphia. "I can protect Pennsylvania jobs, period."
Biden's declaration comes after President Donald Trump accused Biden of wanting to ban fracking during the presidential debate on Thursday. Biden denied Trump’s comments, saying that he never said he opposed fracking.
Biden added that he would "transition" from the oil industry and replace it with "renewable energy over time," a comment the Trump campaign and its surrogates criticized, saying that it could cost him several swing states.
“This probably will put the nail in the coffin for Joe Biden in Pennsylvania," senior Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller claimed.
During his rally, Biden also mentioned that he misses up-close campaigning but doesn’t want to have "superspreader" events, which seems to be a reference to Trump’s campaign events.
"I don’t like the idea of all this distance, but it’s necessary," Biden said. "We don’t want to become superspreaders."
– Sarah Elbeshbishi
Senate debates Barrett confirmation in Saturday session
The Senate convened Saturday for a rare weekend session to debate Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s Supreme Court nomination as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell lined up a Monday confirmation vote over Democratic objections.
McConnell opened the session by responding to Democrats’ arguments about the process.
"Judge Barrett’s confirmation process has followed every rule," he said. "It’s followed the Constitution in every respect. We have abided by the norms and traditions dictated by our history."
Democrats lack the votes to block her nomination and instead have voiced concerns over holding the confirmation process amid the COVID-19 pandemic and about the timing of the confirmation.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer responded to McConnell, denouncing Republicans’ "shameful lockstep subservience to President Trump" and called Barrett’s nomination process a "stain" on McConnell and on the Senate.
Democratic senators, attempting to slow Barrett’s nomination, tried Saturday to force the Senate to consider COVID-19 relief legislation, a bill granting some undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship, and other legislation.
But they were blocked by Republicans.
"This isn’t serious," said Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., after Schumer tried to bring up COVID-19 relief legislation, noting Schumer earlier in the week had tried to force the Senate to adjourn until after Election Day.
– Nicholas Wu
Trump casts 'very secure vote' for himself in Florida
President Donald Trump took advantage of early voting while in Florida Saturday morning before taking off for a trio of campaign rallies in North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Trump cast his ballot at the West Palm Beach library near his private Mar-a-Lago club. The president told reporters after leaving the library it was "an honor" to be voting and that he cast a "very secure vote."
"I voted for a guy named Trump," he said.
White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said the president used a paper ballot and no one was inside voting at the same time as Trump.
The president, who changed his official residency from New York to Florida earlier this year, cast absentee ballots in the March presidential primary and in the Aug. 18 primary election.
Trump told supporters at a campaign rally on Friday that he liked voting in-person.
"I'm old fashioned, I guess," he said.
Trump is staging a campaign rally spree in the final 10-day stretch of the election with six rallies planned over the next three days. The president will travel to Lumberton, North Carolina, Circleville, Ohio, and Waukesha, Wisconsin, on Saturday to deliver remarks despite warnings from health officials that such mass events are likely to add to the surge in coronavirus cases across the country.
JUST VOTED. A great honor! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 24, 2020
Several states set records this week for COVID-19 cases and the U.S. recorded more than 71,000 new cases on Thursday for the first time since the end of July when cases were surging, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen, cast their ballots Friday in Indianapolis. They used the absentee ballots they had requested in early September.
– Courtney Subramanian


usatoday--2020-10-25--Coronavirus updates: Top adviser to Vice President Mike Pence has COVID-19, per reports; Maine city

Coronavirus updates: Top adviser to Vice President Mike Pence has COVID-19, per reports; Maine city getting mailbox mask dispensers

A long-predicted surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths has begun in the United States , but Americans are n't changing their behaviors to slow the virus ' spread , according to an influential virus model .
The University of Washington ’ s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation released their latest model updates this week and they paint a bleak picture of the coming months : A surge in cases will create `` enormous pressure on hospital capacity '' and deaths will reach nearly 2,200 per day sometime in January .
But even as cases and deaths are currently rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are n't staying at home more .
If mask use became nearly universal , 63,000 lives can still be saved , the model found .
Meanwhile on Friday , the U.S. surpassed its record for most daily infections when more than 83,700 new COVID-19 cases were recorded .
The previous high was set in July when the U.S. saw more than 77,300 new cases .
Here 's what to know today : • As COVID-19 cases continue to surge worldwide , more elected officials are testing positive for the coronavirus , and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump is expected to hold a campaign rally in Pensacola , Florida , on Saturday night .
A USA TODAY investigation found that Trump 's rallies during the past two months did n't just defy state orders and federal health guidelines – they left a trail of coronavirus outbreaks in their wake .
• The Navajo Nation has a higher per capita COVID-19 death rate than any U.S. state , with 11,101 infections and 574 confirmed deaths as of Thursday .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has reported nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
The global totals : 42.5 million cases and 1.1 million deaths .
🗺 Mapping coronavirus : Track the U.S. outbreak in your state .
What will holiday travel look like this year ?
Expect more traffic on the road and in the sky , despite COVID-19 .
More on that forecast here .
When will there be a COVID-19 vaccine ?
Our panel of experts expects at least one COVID-19 vaccine will be approved in the coming months .
Then things could really get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
Vice President Mike Pence was in the middle of his second campaign rally in Florida Saturday when Bloomberg reported that one of his closest advisers had tested positive for the novel coronavirus earlier this week .
Bloomberg said it was n't immediately clear whether Marty Obst , Pence 's senior political adviser , had developed symptoms of COVID-19 .
Obst and Pence 's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment .
Trump complains media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record cases President Donald Trump appeared to again downplay a new nationwide wave of COVID-19 infections and railed against media coverage of the pandemic at an event in Lumberton , North Carolina , on Saturday .
`` We 're rounding the turn , '' Trump said even as 12 states set new case records over the last week .
`` We 're doing great , our numbers are incredible . ''
Trump also leveled attacks against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden , whom he mocked for holding a drive-in rally earlier Saturday in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rally , Biden mentioned that he misses up-close campaigning but doesn ’ t want to have `` superspreader '' events , which seems to be a reference to Trump ’ s campaign events .
`` I don ’ t like the idea of all this distance , but it ’ s necessary , '' Biden said .
`` We don ’ t want to become superspreaders . ''
A Maine city is installing mailboxes loaded with free face masks throughout the community .
The city of Lewiston says workers are installing 12 mailbox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of them will be downtown .
The mailboxes will have individually wrapped masks inside .
The city says the masks are expected to be in the mailboxes starting Monday .
Lewiston , the second-largest city in the state with a population of about 36,000 , is using Keep Maine Healthy grant money for the effort .
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge worldwide , more elected officials are testing positive for the coronavirus , and some nations are implementing new restrictions .
Poland ’ s President Andrzej Duda , Slovenia ’ s Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Istanbul have tested positive for the coronavirus , according to their spokespeople .
And Algeria President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is in self-isolation for five days as a precautionary measure .
Police in England say they will try to stop people from leaving Wales , which has started a 17-day lockdown to slow a surging rate of infections .
Slovakia is adopting new strict limits on movement , Greece officials introduced mandatory wearing of masks everywhere Saturday , and Slovenia shut down non-essential shops , kindergartens and hotels .
In Mexico , the northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest level of alert and lockdown .
Sen. Kelly Loeffler , R-Ga. , was tested for COVID-19 Friday after two of her D.C. Senate staff members tested positive , and her test came back negative , Loeffler 's office said Saturday .
`` Senator Loeffler is more energized than ever to vote to confirm Amy Coney Barrett as the next Supreme Court Justice on Monday before returning home and traveling the state to meet with hardworking Georgians , '' her office said .
The office did not say if Loeffler had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there would be subsequent tests .
Florida official warns about birthday parties after Sweet 16 attendees infected The top health official in one of Florida ’ s most populous counties is discouraging parents from hosting birthday parties for their children , no matter the size , after half of the 30 attendees at a recent Sweet 16 party in the Orlando area came down with the virus .
Dr. Raul Pino , a state health officer in Orange County , said a high school closed for two weeks last month after students who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Those parties will not only affect those people participating in that activity , but also everyone else they come into contact with when they leave , '' said Pino .
`` We will continue to see consequences if we don ’ t act super-responsibly . ''
On the Navajo Nation , COVID-19 death rate is higher than any US state Stretching 27,000 square miles across the Southwest , the Navajo Nation unfolds into Arizona , New Mexico and Utah .
Geographically , it 's the largest reservation in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Navajo people call themselves ) , it 's home .
It 's also a region that 's been among the most devastated by COVID-19 .
With 11,101 infections and 574 confirmed deaths as of Thursday , the Navajo Nation has a higher per capita COVID-19 death rate than any U.S. state .
Over the summer , COVID-19 cases declined — amid strict public health orders and grassroots community relief efforts .
But , in recent weeks , the reservation and surrounding areas have reported an uptick in new numbers .
Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Researchers say a test developed by a Nobel Prize winner using cutting-edge CRISPR technology has the potential to be rapid , accurate and inexpensive .
CRISPR , or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats , is a gene-editing technology studied for a wide range of uses from cancer and sickle cell disease treatments to improved food production .
The test recognizes a sequence of RNA in SARS-CoV-2 , the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 .
Although these gene-editing technology tests are still being developed and wo n't be ready in the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand surges , research groups recently published scientific papers describing them as an appealing alternative as testing shortages persist in the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` We have a ways to go before CRISPR-based diagnostics reach widespread use , but I believe we ’ ll see an impact during the current pandemic , '' said Dr. Jennifer Doudna , a University of California , Berkeley researcher whose pioneering work in CRISPR earned a share of this year 's Nobel Prize in chemistry .
The test can be done quickly and does n't require a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
With over 80K cases , US tops single-day record The U.S. topped the one-day record for new coronavirus cases with 83,757 new infections recorded Friday , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
This record surpasses the previous summer high , which was set July 16 with 77,362 cases .
The new cases record may be a product of virus seasonality , pandemic fatigue and the return of schools and universities , said Bob Bednarczyk , assistant professor of global health and epidemiology at Emory University ’ s Rollins School of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of factors coming together , '' he said .
`` And what I worry is that they ’ re starting to come together in a perfect storm . ''
Trump has not attended a coronavirus task force meeting in 'several months , ' Fauci says Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nation 's leading infectious disease expert , said Friday that President Donald Trump has not attended a coronavirus task force meeting in `` several months '' and the meetings themselves have greatly `` diminished . ''
Led by Vice President Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet daily during the first months of the pandemic , but that has now been scaled back to meeting once a week , Fauci said , due to the White House focusing on an `` economic reopening . ''
“ We certainly interact with the vice president at the task force meetings , and the vice president makes our feelings and what we talk about there known to the president , ” Fauci said when pressed about the last time the president attended .
`` But direct involvement with the president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in awhile . ''
Trump ’ s campaign made stops nationwide .
Cases surged in his wake .
As President Trump jetted across the country holding campaign rallies during the past two months , he didn ’ t just defy state orders and federal health guidelines .
He left a trail of coronavirus outbreaks in his wake .
The president has participated in nearly three dozen rallies since mid-August , all but two at airport hangars .
A USA TODAY analysis shows COVID-19 cases grew at a faster rate than before after at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following counties : Blue Earth , Minnesota ; Lackawanna , Pennsylvania ; Marathon , Wisconsin ; Dauphin , Pennsylvania ; and Beltrami , Minnesota .
Together , those counties saw 1,500 more new cases in the two weeks following Trump ’ s rallies than the two weeks before – 9,647 cases , up from 8,069 .
Public health officials additionally have linked 16 cases , including two hospitalizations , with the rally in Beltrami County , Minnesota , and one case with the rally in Marathon County , Wisconsin .
Outside of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greater case increase after rallies , officials identified four cases linked to Trump rallies .
• In your inbox : Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network .
Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter .
• Tips for coping : Every Saturday and Tuesday we 'll be in your inbox , offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times .
Sign up for Staying Apart , Together .
• On Facebook : A lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But what we do know , we 're sharing with you .
Join our Facebook group , Coronavirus Watch , to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19 .

Coronavirus updates: Vice President Mike Pence's chief of staff tests positive; Maine city getting mailbox mask dispensers
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19 symptoms versus flu symptoms We answer the often searched question: "What are the symptoms of coronavirus versus the flu?" USA TODAY
A long-predicted surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths has begun in the United States, but Americans aren't changing their behaviors to slow the virus' spread, according to an influential virus model.
The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation released their latest model updates this week and they paint a bleak picture of the coming months: A surge in cases will create "enormous pressure on hospital capacity" and deaths will reach nearly 2,200 per day sometime in January.
But even as cases and deaths are currently rising, mask use remains consistent and Americans aren't staying at home more. If mask use became nearly universal, 63,000 lives can still be saved, the model found.
Meanwhile on Friday, the U.S. surpassed its record for most daily infections when more than 83,700 new COVID-19 cases were recorded. The previous high was set in July when the U.S. saw more than 77,300 new cases.
Here's what to know today:
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge worldwide, more elected officials are testing positive for the coronavirus, and some nations are implementing new restrictions.
President Donald Trump is expected to hold a campaign rally in Pensacola, Florida, on Saturday night. A USA TODAY investigation found that Trump's rallies during the past two months didn't just defy state orders and federal health guidelines – they left a trail of coronavirus outbreaks in their wake.
The Navajo Nation has a higher per capita COVID-19 death rate than any U.S. state, with 11,101 infections and 574 confirmed deaths as of Thursday.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported nearly 8.6 million cases and more than 224,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The global totals: 42.5 million cases and 1.1 million deaths.
🗺 Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak in your state.
What will holiday travel look like this year? Expect more traffic on the road and in the sky, despite COVID-19. More on that forecast here.
When will there be a COVID-19 vaccine? Our panel of experts expects at least one COVID-19 vaccine will be approved in the coming months. Then things could really get complicated.
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
Marc Short, chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, tested positive for COVID-19 Saturday, Pence's spokesman said in a statement Saturday night after reports that another senior adviser had also tested positive.
Short began isolating Saturday and assisting in the contact tracing process, according to Pence spokesman Devin O'Malley.
Both Pence and his wife, Karen, tested negative Saturday and Pence is not curtailing his movements despite having been in close contact with Short.
“While Vice President Pence is considered a close contact with Mr. Short, in consultation with the White House Medical Unit, the Vice President will maintain his schedule in accordance with the CDC guidelines for essential personnel," O'Malley said in the statement.
— Maureen Groppe
President Donald Trump appeared to again downplay a new nationwide wave of COVID-19 infections and railed against media coverage of the pandemic at an event in Lumberton, North Carolina, on Saturday.
"We're rounding the turn," Trump said even as 12 states set new case records over the last week. "We're doing great, our numbers are incredible."
Trump also leveled attacks against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden, whom he mocked for holding a drive-in rally earlier Saturday in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
During his rally, Biden mentioned that he misses up-close campaigning but doesn’t want to have "superspreader" events, which seems to be a reference to Trump’s campaign events. "I don’t like the idea of all this distance, but it’s necessary," Biden said. "We don’t want to become superspreaders."
– Courtney Subramanian, Nicholas Wu and Sarah Elbeshbishi
A Maine city is installing mailboxes loaded with free face masks throughout the community.
The city of Lewiston says workers are installing 12 mailbox mask dispensers across the city. Six of them will be downtown. The mailboxes will have individually wrapped masks inside.
The city says the masks are expected to be in the mailboxes starting Monday. Lewiston, the second-largest city in the state with a population of about 36,000, is using Keep Maine Healthy grant money for the effort.
– The Associated Press
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge worldwide, more elected officials are testing positive for the coronavirus, and some nations are implementing new restrictions.
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Anze Logar, and the mayor of Istanbul have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to their spokespeople. And Algeria President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is in self-isolation for five days as a precautionary measure.
Police in England say they will try to stop people from leaving Wales, which has started a 17-day lockdown to slow a surging rate of infections. Slovakia is adopting new strict limits on movement, Greece officials introduced mandatory wearing of masks everywhere Saturday, and Slovenia shut down non-essential shops, kindergartens and hotels.
In Mexico, the northern border state of Chihuahua has returned to the highest level of alert and lockdown.
– The Associated Press
Sen. Kelly Loeffler, R-Ga., was tested for COVID-19 Friday after two of her D.C. Senate staff members tested positive, and her test came back negative, Loeffler's office said Saturday.
"Senator Loeffler is more energized than ever to vote to confirm Amy Coney Barrett as the next Supreme Court Justice on Monday before returning home and traveling the state to meet with hardworking Georgians," her office said.
The office did not say if Loeffler had been in contact with the staffers or if there would be subsequent tests.
The top health official in one of Florida’s most populous counties is discouraging parents from hosting birthday parties for their children, no matter the size, after half of the 30 attendees at a recent Sweet 16 party in the Orlando area came down with the virus.
Dr. Raul Pino, a state health officer in Orange County, said a high school closed for two weeks last month after students who had attended the birthday party tested positive.
"Those parties will not only affect those people participating in that activity, but also everyone else they come into contact with when they leave," said Pino. "We will continue to see consequences if we don’t act super-responsibly."
– The Associated Press
Stretching 27,000 square miles across the Southwest, the Navajo Nation unfolds into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Geographically, it's the largest reservation in the United States — and for over 156,000 Diné (as the Navajo people call themselves), it's home.
It's also a region that's been among the most devastated by COVID-19. With 11,101 infections and 574 confirmed deaths as of Thursday, the Navajo Nation has a higher per capita COVID-19 death rate than any U.S. state.
Over the summer, COVID-19 cases declined — amid strict public health orders and grassroots community relief efforts. But, in recent weeks, the reservation and surrounding areas have reported an uptick in new numbers. Here's how you can support community relief.
– Wyatte Grantham-Philips
Researchers say a test developed by a Nobel Prize winner using cutting-edge CRISPR technology has the potential to be rapid, accurate and inexpensive.
CRISPR, or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, is a gene-editing technology studied for a wide range of uses from cancer and sickle cell disease treatments to improved food production. The test recognizes a sequence of RNA in SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
Although these gene-editing technology tests are still being developed and won't be ready in the United States this year as the weather cools and demand surges, research groups recently published scientific papers describing them as an appealing alternative as testing shortages persist in the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We have a ways to go before CRISPR-based diagnostics reach widespread use, but I believe we’ll see an impact during the current pandemic," said Dr. Jennifer Doudna, a University of California, Berkeley researcher whose pioneering work in CRISPR earned a share of this year's Nobel Prize in chemistry. The test can be done quickly and doesn't require a lab, she said. Read more here.
– Ken Alltucker
The U.S. topped the one-day record for new coronavirus cases with 83,757 new infections recorded Friday, according to Johns Hopkins University data. This record surpasses the previous summer high, which was set July 16 with 77,362 cases.
The new cases record may be a product of virus seasonality, pandemic fatigue and the return of schools and universities, said Bob Bednarczyk, assistant professor of global health and epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.
"It's really a number of factors coming together," he said. "And what I worry is that they’re starting to come together in a perfect storm."
– Adrianna Rodriguez
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious disease expert, said Friday that President Donald Trump has not attended a coronavirus task force meeting in "several months" and the meetings themselves have greatly "diminished."
Led by Vice President Mike Pence, the coronavirus task force used to meet daily during the first months of the pandemic, but that has now been scaled back to meeting once a week, Fauci said, due to the White House focusing on an "economic reopening."
“We certainly interact with the vice president at the task force meetings, and the vice president makes our feelings and what we talk about there known to the president,” Fauci said when pressed about the last time the president attended. "But direct involvement with the president and discussions, I have not done that in awhile."
— Savannah Behrmann
As President Trump jetted across the country holding campaign rallies during the past two months, he didn’t just defy state orders and federal health guidelines. He left a trail of coronavirus outbreaks in his wake.
The president has participated in nearly three dozen rallies since mid-August, all but two at airport hangars. A USA TODAY analysis shows COVID-19 cases grew at a faster rate than before after at least five of those rallies in the following counties: Blue Earth, Minnesota; Lackawanna, Pennsylvania; Marathon, Wisconsin; Dauphin, Pennsylvania; and Beltrami, Minnesota.
Together, those counties saw 1,500 more new cases in the two weeks following Trump’s rallies than the two weeks before – 9,647 cases, up from 8,069.
Public health officials additionally have linked 16 cases, including two hospitalizations, with the rally in Beltrami County, Minnesota, and one case with the rally in Marathon County, Wisconsin. Outside of the counties identified by USA TODAY with a greater case increase after rallies, officials identified four cases linked to Trump rallies.
Coronavirus: How R-0 can be used to fight COVID-19 R-0 may be the most important scientific term you’ve never heard of when it comes to stopping the coronavirus pandemic. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Coronavirus resources from USA TODAY
In your inbox: Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together.
Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. On Facebook: A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, Coronavirus Watch, to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-10-24--Kentucky Gov. Beshear and family ends two-week quarantine after contact with person who had COVID-19

Kentucky Gov .
Andy Beshear is officially out of a two-week quarantine after coming in contact with security who had tested positive for COVID-19 .
The governor shared a photo on Twitter with his son , Will , outdoors with their dog Saturday morning .
`` As of today I am officially out of quarantine after following the advice of the department for public health , '' Beshear wrote in the tweet .
`` We have tested negative for # COVID19 multiple times , which I contribute to the fact we were wearing masks at the time of contact .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all who have sent supportive messages .
We are very blessed . ''
Beshear announced on Oct. 12 that he and his family would quarantine for two weeks after a member of the governor 's security detail , who had driven family members on Oct. 11 , subsequently tested positive for the coronavirus .
`` We 're doing what those tracers ask us and others to do , '' Beshear said at the time .
`` We 're going to be quarantining until the Department for Public Health says that we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beshear comes out of quarantine as Kentucky continues to struggle with a coronavirus spike .
Last week saw three of the five highest days for new COVID-19 cases in Kentucky , and the testing positivity rate has crawled back above 5 % .

Kentucky Gov. Beshear and family ends two-week quarantine after contact with person who had COVID-19
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is officially out of a two-week quarantine after coming in contact with security who had tested positive for COVID-19.
The governor shared a photo on Twitter with his son, Will, outdoors with their dog Saturday morning.
"As of today I am officially out of quarantine after following the advice of the department for public health," Beshear wrote in the tweet. "We have tested negative for #COVID19 multiple times, which I contribute to the fact we were wearing masks at the time of contact."
As of today I am officially out of quarantine after following the advice of the department for public health. We have tested negative for #COVID19 multiple times, which I contribute to the fact we were wearing masks at the time of contact. ^AB pic.twitter.com/TbgIb7gVhq — Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) October 24, 2020
He added: "Thank you to all who have sent supportive messages. We are very blessed."
Beshear announced on Oct. 12 that he and his family would quarantine for two weeks after a member of the governor's security detail, who had driven family members on Oct. 11, subsequently tested positive for the coronavirus.
"We're doing what those tracers ask us and others to do," Beshear said at the time. "We're going to be quarantining until the Department for Public Health says that we've completed what we need to."
Beshear comes out of quarantine as Kentucky continues to struggle with a coronavirus spike. Last week saw three of the five highest days for new COVID-19 cases in Kentucky, and the testing positivity rate has crawled back above 5%.
Follow Ben Tobin on Twitter @Ben__Tobin.


usatoday--2020-10-24--Voting 2020 live updates: Unprecedented lines at early voting polls in New York; Supreme Court block

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

Joshua Bote and Cara Richardson, USA TODAY

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


usatoday--2020-10-24--President Trump says he voted for 'guy named Trump'

President Trump says he voted for 'guy named Trump' The US President said he voted `` for a guy named @ @ @ @ @ his ballot in Fla. in early voting in the presidential elections .
( Oct. 24 @

President Trump says he voted for 'guy named Trump'
The US President said he voted "for a guy named Trump" after he cast his ballot in Fla. in early voting in the presidential elections. (Oct. 24)
AP


usatoday--2020-10-25--College football winners and losers from Week 8 include Rutgers, Alabama and Indiana

Ohio State helped usher the Big Ten into the regular season with a 52-17 victory against Nebraska , which hung around for much of the first half but proved unable to slow down quarterback Justin Fields and the Buckeyes offense .
Already one of three teams receiving first-place votes in this week 's Amway Coaches Poll , the Buckeyes showed little signs of the sluggishness that has hobbled even the nation 's best teams after a unique offseason .
Fields completed 20 of his 21 attempts for 276 yards and had a team-high 54 rushing yards with three combined touchdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of offense .
Stressed early by Nebraska 's tempo — the Cornhuskers have improved depth and overall talent up front , which bodes well for the offense in Scott Frost 's third season — the Buckeyes ' performance from late in the second quarter through the final whistle painted the picture of a team capable of running the table and reaching the College Football Playoff .
The Big Ten 's second playoff contender lost 36-35 in overtime to Indiana , dealing a tough blow to the Nittany Lions ' playoff hopes .
Ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fourth quarter , Penn State allowed the Hoosiers to score and convert the two-point conversion to force overtime .
Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed the two-point try in the bottom of the extra frame for one of the best wins in program history .
The loss removes much of the luster from next weekend 's prime-time matchup with the Buckeyes .
It also seems to remove much of the intrigue : Ohio State will be the significant favorite on the road .
WACKY MISS : Rice has quadruple doink on possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opens up room for Michigan , Minnesota or Wisconsin to stake claim for second place in the conference , which dictates where teams fall in the postseason pecking order .
But only second place seems up for debate after one week — Ohio State might be too good to unseat from atop the Big Ten .
Here are the rest of Saturday 's winners and losers : Quietly one of the few remaining unbeaten teams in the Bowl Subdivision heading into the weekend , Oklahoma State bolstered its credibility and took a step @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big 12 with a 24-21 victory against Iowa State .
This could be the Cowboys ' year : Oklahoma , Texas and TCU have struggled and Baylor has taken a step back , almost paving a path for OSU to win the Big 12 and build a case for a spot in the national semifinals .
For Michigan , the best development to come out of a 49-24 win at Minnesota was the play of first-year starting quarterback Joe Milton , who provided an immediate spark for an offense that has produced less-than-optimal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tenure .
Milton finished with 277 yards of total offense and two touchdowns as the Wolverines made a case for slotting in behind Ohio State in the Big Ten power rankings .
It feels like the late 2000s again at Rutgers , which snapped a 21-game Big Ten losing streak in beating Michigan State 38-27 to kick off the Greg Schiano reunion in grand style .
After leading Rutgers to the greatest heights in program history before leaving after the 2011 season , Schiano has quickly breathed life back into the perennial conference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ STREAK OVER : Rutgers gets first Big Ten win since 2017 in Greg Schiano 's debut UNC rebounded from last week 's ugly loss to Florida State with a 48-21 victory against rival N.C. State .
After a strong start , the Wolfpack struggled with turnovers and in getting stops against the Tar Heels ' balanced offense : 252 yards passing , 326 yards rushing .
Barring another inexplicably bad performance , UNC will beat Virginia , Duke and Wake Forest to have just one loss heading into games against Notre Dame and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an upset : Notre Dame had looked listless and underwhelming in last week 's win against Louisville while Pittsburgh had lost three games in a row , the first two by a single point .
Instead of salvaging their season , the Panthers were blown out by the Fighting Irish , who took a 28-3 halftime lead and cruised to a 45-3 victory .
Now 5-0 , the Irish take on Georgia Tech on Halloween before a crucial date with Clemson to open November .
Speaking of the top-ranked Tigers , Clemson sleepwalked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victory against Syracuse , which pulled within six points in the third quarter , before waking up to pull away and notch a pair of firsts : the first time winning its first six games of the year by 18 or more points and the first time opening a season by scoring 37 or more points in six straight games .
Even had Penix not dove and caught just the barest whisper of the left pylon to secure the 36-35 victory , Indiana would 've landed in this category just for having the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of safely kicking the extra point to force a second overtime .
Is the victory itself that surprising ?
It really should n't be .
Indiana has played PSU tough the last few times out , narrowly losing last season , and has turned a corner under Tom Allen , one of the league 's more underrated head coaches .
Still , Indiana had lost 43 games in a row against opponents in the top 10 .
WILD WIN : Indiana stuns No .
7 Penn State in overtime with unlikely comeback in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of three to open the season , LSU rebounded to beat South Carolina 52-24 behind an offense led by freshman quarterback TJ Finley .
As the replacement for an injured Myles Brennan , Finley threw for 265 yards and had three touchdowns ( one rushing ) as the Tigers gained 541 yards of offense .
For one Saturday , at least , the Tigers resembled the team that dominated in 2019 .
With Auburn , Alabama , Arkansas and Texas A & M up next , this was a must-win game for LSU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest game of the season in the Group of Five .
The win makes Cincinnati the unquestioned leader in the American , if that was n't settled already , and gives it the inside track to claiming the access-bowl bid to the New Year 's Six given to the best team from outside the Power Five leagues .
And given the issues in the Big 12 and the Pac-12 's late start , is it too much to consider a path for the Bearcats to crack the top four and reach the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alabama sits at 5,117 days and counting after the Crimson Tide 's 48-17 victory , the latest blowout in a series that was once competitive — seriously , Tennessee used to beat Alabama — but is now an annual reminder of how far the Volunteers lag behind the best teams in the SEC .
Alabama quarterback Mac Jones continued to build his Heisman Trophy case with 387 yards passing .
In good news , relatively speaking , Tennessee cracked 300 yards of offense against the Tide for the first time since 2015 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The bad news : Alabama will be without wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for the rest of the season after he broke his ankle on the opening kickoff , Nick Saban said at halftime .
Losing Waddle , a projected first-round draft pick , removes the most important piece from Alabama 's three-headed receiver corps and weakens the return game .
He entered Saturday averaging 139.3 yards per game and 22.2 yards per catch .
With Waddle out , the passing game will focus even more heavily on senior DeVonta Smith and sophomore James @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third option .
The Spartans lost to Rutgers .
Along the way , coach Mel Tucker 's debut included seven turnovers , the program 's most in a game since 1981 .
Maybe this can be interpreted as a good sign : Rutgers ' 38 points were the most allowed by a Michigan State coach in his debut since Nick Saban lost 50-10 to Nebraska in 1995 .
As seen in a 20-10 loss to Missouri , the inability to do anything on offense will end up keeping Kentucky outside the top three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed 4 of 13 pass attempts for just 47 yards to go with 98 yards rushing on 23 carries as Missouri ran almost three times as many plays and had possession for more than 43 minutes .
After wins against Mississippi State and Tennessee to even its record at 2-2 , this is a major step back for Kentucky .
The Wolverines ' convincing win was also a flop by Minnesota , which broke through in 2019 under P.J .
Fleck but is headed for a season more in line with program history @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big Ten , give or take a spot in the conference power rankings — unless answers can be found on defense .
While a decline was expected given the losses off last year 's roster , the Golden Gophers ' room for error is small .

College football winners and losers from Week 8 include Rutgers, Alabama and Indiana
Ohio State helped usher the Big Ten into the regular season with a 52-17 victory against Nebraska, which hung around for much of the first half but proved unable to slow down quarterback Justin Fields and the Buckeyes offense.
Already one of three teams receiving first-place votes in this week's Amway Coaches Poll, the Buckeyes showed little signs of the sluggishness that has hobbled even the nation's best teams after a unique offseason.
Fields completed 20 of his 21 attempts for 276 yards and had a team-high 54 rushing yards with three combined touchdowns as OSU racked up nearly 500 yards of offense.
Stressed early by Nebraska's tempo — the Cornhuskers have improved depth and overall talent up front, which bodes well for the offense in Scott Frost's third season — the Buckeyes' performance from late in the second quarter through the final whistle painted the picture of a team capable of running the table and reaching the College Football Playoff.
And Penn State?
The Big Ten's second playoff contender lost 36-35 in overtime to Indiana, dealing a tough blow to the Nittany Lions' playoff hopes. Ahead 28-20 with over a minute left in the fourth quarter, Penn State allowed the Hoosiers to score and convert the two-point conversion to force overtime. Indiana quarterback Michael Penix Jr. completed the two-point try in the bottom of the extra frame for one of the best wins in program history.
The loss removes much of the luster from next weekend's prime-time matchup with the Buckeyes. It also seems to remove much of the intrigue: Ohio State will be the significant favorite on the road.
WACKY MISS: Rice has quadruple doink on possible game-winning field goal
Finally, the loss opens up room for Michigan, Minnesota or Wisconsin to stake claim for second place in the conference, which dictates where teams fall in the postseason pecking order. But only second place seems up for debate after one week — Ohio State might be too good to unseat from atop the Big Ten.
Here are the rest of Saturday's winners and losers:
Winners
Oklahoma State
Quietly one of the few remaining unbeaten teams in the Bowl Subdivision heading into the weekend, Oklahoma State bolstered its credibility and took a step toward claiming the top spot in the Big 12 with a 24-21 victory against Iowa State. This could be the Cowboys' year: Oklahoma, Texas and TCU have struggled and Baylor has taken a step back, almost paving a path for OSU to win the Big 12 and build a case for a spot in the national semifinals.
Michigan
For Michigan, the best development to come out of a 49-24 win at Minnesota was the play of first-year starting quarterback Joe Milton, who provided an immediate spark for an offense that has produced less-than-optimal results for much of Jim Harbaugh's tenure. Milton finished with 277 yards of total offense and two touchdowns as the Wolverines made a case for slotting in behind Ohio State in the Big Ten power rankings.
Rutgers
It feels like the late 2000s again at Rutgers, which snapped a 21-game Big Ten losing streak in beating Michigan State 38-27 to kick off the Greg Schiano reunion in grand style. After leading Rutgers to the greatest heights in program history before leaving after the 2011 season, Schiano has quickly breathed life back into the perennial conference pushover since being hired in December.
STREAK OVER: Rutgers gets first Big Ten win since 2017 in Greg Schiano's debut
North Carolina
UNC rebounded from last week's ugly loss to Florida State with a 48-21 victory against rival N.C. State. After a strong start, the Wolfpack struggled with turnovers and in getting stops against the Tar Heels' balanced offense: 252 yards passing, 326 yards rushing. Barring another inexplicably bad performance, UNC will beat Virginia, Duke and Wake Forest to have just one loss heading into games against Notre Dame and Miami.
Notre Dame
The situation seemed ripe for an upset: Notre Dame had looked listless and underwhelming in last week's win against Louisville while Pittsburgh had lost three games in a row, the first two by a single point. Instead of salvaging their season, the Panthers were blown out by the Fighting Irish, who took a 28-3 halftime lead and cruised to a 45-3 victory. Now 5-0, the Irish take on Georgia Tech on Halloween before a crucial date with Clemson to open November.
Clemson
Speaking of the top-ranked Tigers, Clemson sleepwalked through a good portion of a 47-21 victory against Syracuse, which pulled within six points in the third quarter, before waking up to pull away and notch a pair of firsts: the first time winning its first six games of the year by 18 or more points and the first time opening a season by scoring 37 or more points in six straight games.
Indiana
Even had Penix not dove and caught just the barest whisper of the left pylon to secure the 36-35 victory, Indiana would've landed in this category just for having the guts to go for the win instead of safely kicking the extra point to force a second overtime. Is the victory itself that surprising? It really shouldn't be. Indiana has played PSU tough the last few times out, narrowly losing last season, and has turned a corner under Tom Allen, one of the league's more underrated head coaches. Still, Indiana had lost 43 games in a row against opponents in the top 10.
WILD WIN: Indiana stuns No. 7 Penn State in overtime with unlikely comeback in overtime
LSU
On the ropes after losing two of three to open the season, LSU rebounded to beat South Carolina 52-24 behind an offense led by freshman quarterback TJ Finley. As the replacement for an injured Myles Brennan, Finley threw for 265 yards and had three touchdowns (one rushing) as the Tigers gained 541 yards of offense. For one Saturday, at least, the Tigers resembled the team that dominated in 2019. With Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas and Texas A&M up next, this was a must-win game for LSU.
Cincinnati
The Bearcats whipped SMU 42-13 in the biggest game of the season in the Group of Five. The win makes Cincinnati the unquestioned leader in the American, if that wasn't settled already, and gives it the inside track to claiming the access-bowl bid to the New Year's Six given to the best team from outside the Power Five leagues. And given the issues in the Big 12 and the Pac-12's late start, is it too much to consider a path for the Bearcats to crack the top four and reach the national semifinals?
Losers
Tennessee
The losing streak against Alabama sits at 5,117 days and counting after the Crimson Tide's 48-17 victory, the latest blowout in a series that was once competitive — seriously, Tennessee used to beat Alabama — but is now an annual reminder of how far the Volunteers lag behind the best teams in the SEC. Alabama quarterback Mac Jones continued to build his Heisman Trophy case with 387 yards passing. In good news, relatively speaking, Tennessee cracked 300 yards of offense against the Tide for the first time since 2015. (The Volunteers gained 302.)
Alabama
The bad news: Alabama will be without wide receiver Jaylen Waddle for the rest of the season after he broke his ankle on the opening kickoff, Nick Saban said at halftime. Losing Waddle, a projected first-round draft pick, removes the most important piece from Alabama's three-headed receiver corps and weakens the return game. He entered Saturday averaging 139.3 yards per game and 22.2 yards per catch. With Waddle out, the passing game will focus even more heavily on senior DeVonta Smith and sophomore James Metchie III while Alabama searches for a third option.
Michigan State
The Spartans lost to Rutgers. Along the way, coach Mel Tucker's debut included seven turnovers, the program's most in a game since 1981. Maybe this can be interpreted as a good sign: Rutgers' 38 points were the most allowed by a Michigan State coach in his debut since Nick Saban lost 50-10 to Nebraska in 1995.
Kentucky
As seen in a 20-10 loss to Missouri, the inability to do anything on offense will end up keeping Kentucky outside the top three of the SEC East. The Wildcats completed 4 of 13 pass attempts for just 47 yards to go with 98 yards rushing on 23 carries as Missouri ran almost three times as many plays and had possession for more than 43 minutes. After wins against Mississippi State and Tennessee to even its record at 2-2, this is a major step back for Kentucky.
Minnesota
The Wolverines' convincing win was also a flop by Minnesota, which broke through in 2019 under P.J. Fleck but is headed for a season more in line with program history — middle of the pack in the Big Ten, give or take a spot in the conference power rankings — unless answers can be found on defense. While a decline was expected given the losses off last year's roster, the Golden Gophers' room for error is small.
Follow USA TODAY Sports colleges reporter Paul Myerberg on Twitter @PaulMyerberg