usatoday--2020-12-02--Coronavirus updates: 50 Americans died every hour of November; Florida hits 1M cases; Pence says vac

The United States reported more than 4.4 million new coronavirus cases in November , far more than double any other month of the pandemic , a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows .
The numbers are startling .
The total case count is nearly what the nation reported in August , September and October combined .
An average rate of 99 cases were reported every minute through the month .
In November alone , one of every 22 North Dakota residents tested positive .
In South Dakota , it was one of 26 ; Wyoming , one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 .
The U.S. also reported 36,918 deaths in November , a toll higher than all months but April and May .
The fatalities totaled more people than the U.S. lost in the entirety of the Korean War .
On average , 50 Americans died every hour .
In South Dakota , North Dakota and Illinois , more than 1 of every 1,000 residents has now died of COVID-19 .
Here 's what to know Tuesday : • Florida public schools will remain open in 2021 and families will continue to have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic , Gov .
Ron DeSantis announced .
• An advisory panel of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meets Tuesday to vote on who should get the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine .
• Biotech company Moderna applied Monday for an emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine , the second vaccine maker to request FDA authorization .
📈 Today 's numbers : The U.S. has reported more than 13.5 million cases and over 268,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University data .
The global totals : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
📰 What we 're reading : These four states have been hit hard by COVID-19 yet balked at restrictions and mask mandates .
What is it like to live there ?
This file will be updated throughout the day .
For updates in your inbox , subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter .
Maryland hospitals could see record-high numbers of COVID-19 patients in the coming days , Gov .
Larry Hogan said Tuesday .
The state this week also lost its youngest victim yet to the virus .
Hogan choked up during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced the death of a 1-year-old boy , the first Marylander younger than 9 years old to die of COVID-19 .
Hogan also emphasized the need for more health care workers as the state faces its worst surge of the pandemic .
COVID-19 hospitalizations have jumped by more than 50 % in the last two weeks .
As of Tuesday , the state reported 1,583 hospital beds in use by COVID-19 patients – not far below the highest-ever total of 1,711 beds , reached at the end of April .
Michigan couple who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 at the same time Leslie and Patricia McWaters – Jackson , Michigan , natives who were married almost 50 years – did `` almost everything together , '' relatives said .
They danced together .
They watched their kids , grandkids and great-grandkids grow up together .
And in the end , they contracted the coronavirus and died together .
Leslie , better known to friends and family as LD , and Pat , who relatives said was `` definitely the boss , '' died at the same time , 4:23 p.m. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health in Jackson .
They were 75 and 78 , respectively .
`` It should be no surprise that they went to be with the Lord together within the very same minute , '' their funeral home obituary said .
`` The hospital staff that cared for them , as they lost their battle to COVID , said it was too close to call .
They recorded their deaths at the exact same time . ''
But , the obituary added : `` Those of us that know them , know that mom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s time to go ! '
`` Their story is both romantic and tragic as more than 9,000 Michiganders have died from the pandemic since March , and more than 350,000 people have had the virus .
Calif. official eats out hours after voting to ban outdoor dining A Los Angeles County supervisor enjoyed an al fresco meal at a restaurant just hours after voting last week to ban outdoor dining at the county ’ s 31,000 restaurants over coronavirus safety concerns , according to a news report .
Supervisor Sheila @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Il Forno Trattoria near her home in Santa Monica , Fox 11 reported .
Earlier in the day Kuehl was among the supervisors who voted 3 to 2 in support of prohibiting outdoor dining in Los Angeles County .
Indoor dining has been banned for months during the pandemic .
“ She did dine al fresco at Il Forno on the very last day it was permissible , ” Kuehl ’ s office said in a statement Monday .
“ She loves Il Forno , has been saddened to see it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decline in revenue .
She ate there , taking appropriate precautions , and sadly will not dine there again until our Public Health Orders permit.
” Los Angeles County imposed a new stay-at-home order for its 10 million residents effective this week as coronavirus cases surge across the state and country .
COVID-19 may have been spreading in the US at least a month before first case was reported , CDC says The novel coronavirus may have been circulating in the United States undetected weeks before the first case was reported in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Study authors came to the conclusion after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found evidence of coronavirus antibodies in blood collected in December 2019 , according to the report published Monday in the Clinical Infections Journal .
Researchers analyzed blood donations collected by the American Red Cross from residents in nine states between Dec. 13 and Jan. 17 and found evidence of antibodies in 106 out of 7,389 samples .
Antibodies also were found in 67 blood donations in January from states that didn ’ t report a widespread outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Iowa , Massachusetts , Michigan , Rhode Island and Wisconsin .
Florida became the third state to exceed 1 million cases on Tuesday and continued to get closer to a coronavirus death toll of 20,000 .
But Gov .
Ron DeSantis remained steadfast in his opposition to a statewide mandatory mask order or any return to lockdowns of businesses , including bars and restaurants .
`` Yes , we are seeing increases , but other states are seeing even more , '' DeSantis said Monday during a news conference in Kissimmee with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his first live news conference in a month .
DeSantis reiterated his opposition to mask mandates and lockdowns on CNN on Tuesday morning , the same day it was reported that Florida added 8,797 new cases Monday for a total of 1,008,166 , making it the third state to exceed 1 million cases , after California and Texas .
'Tidal wave ' of COVID-19 feared as Alabama hospitals fill up Alabama hospitals that already are treating a record number of COVID-19 patients are bracing for a “ tidal wave ” of additional cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official said Tuesday as schools and more grappled with the worsening coronavirus pandemic .
Despite the fact that less testing is going on now than earlier in the outbreak , the state has still recorded at least 2,000 new cases daily since Nov. 15 .
Hospitals are treating more patients than ever , and an expected post-Thanksgiving surge of cases has yet to begin , said Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo , director of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham .
Only 11 % of the state ’ s intensive care beds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alabama Hospital Association , and the remaining spaces could be filled as more patients are admitted than leave hospitals .
“ We could really be in a situation in two to three weeks that compromises our ability to provide health care , ” Marrazzo said .
While experts have tried to avoid “ alarmist terminology ” during the crisis , she said : “ I think this is a time when we need to start thinking about things like tidal wave imagery or tsunami imagery.
” Rhode Island has opened two field hospitals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in the state reached a new high .
There were 410 patients in the state ’ s hospitals with the disease as of Sunday , the most recent date for which the information was available , the state Department of Health reported Tuesday .
That is the highest number of people hospitalized with the disease on a single day since the pandemic began .
Care New England opened a field hospital with more than 300 beds in Cranston on Monday , the same day the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals had reached their coronavirus capacity .
A facility with nearly 600 beds opened Tuesday at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence .
It is run by Lifespan , the state ’ s largest hospital group .
The number of COVID-19 deaths in Indiana has nearly doubled for November from a month earlier as health officials continue adding to those reports and the state ’ s coronavirus-related hospitalizations remain at their highest point during the pandemic .
The Indiana State Department of Health added 142 deaths to the statewide toll with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those deaths occurred over the past week with a reporting lull from local officials over the Thanksgiving weekend .
Those boost Indiana ’ s coronavirus deaths during November to at least 1,416 people – surpassing the previous monthly peak during April by nearly 400 and almost double October ’ s total of 732 deaths .
As the coronavirus continues to surge in Oklahoma , nearing 200,000 total cases , Gov .
Kevin Stitt has declared Thursday a day of prayer and fasting in the state .
Oklahoma ’ s seven-day rolling average of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,838.7 , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
The Oklahoma State Department of Health on Tuesday reported a one-day high of 1,718 hospitalizations and 199,482 total cases since the pandemic began , 1,737 more than Monday .
“ I believe we must continue to ask God to heal those who are sick , comfort those who are hurting and provide renewed strength and wisdom to all who are managing the effects of COVID-19 , ” Stitt said in a Monday statement .
Stitt , who tested positive for the virus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effort to help other virus patients recover , said he will make a second plasma donation .
Los Angeles wo n't be shutting down its COVID-19 testing site in Union Station to allow a film shoot after all , while Atlanta plans on allowing `` Spider Man '' to shoot in closed high schools .
In Los Angeles , the testing sight had been set to shut down to allow Miramax to film some scenes for the movie `` He 's All That . ''
The romcom shooting schedule ignited a frenzy of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted that `` my team has worked to reopen testing at Union Station on Tuesday . ''
According to a Miramax spokesperson , the shutdown was not a request from Miramax and once it learned of the disruption , production asked that the testing company resume its services at that location .
In Atlanta , where classrooms are shut down in favor of virtual learning , a production team and cast of `` Spider-Man '' received special permission from Atlanta Public Schools to film at two high schools starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported .
The approval came after the movie ’ s location manager `` dangled a $ 50,000 incentive , '' the Constitution wrote .
Christie Johnston , a teacher and mother , tweeted : `` In person school is not only safe , it ’ s necessary for learning .
Too bad kids don ’ t generate the millions a movie does , or they ’ d be back in front of their teacher in a classroom rather than a computer screen . ''
Chicago officials shut down a 300-person basement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing masks or social distancing .
A city task force issued multiple violations and closed the location .
`` Actions like this are a slap in the face to the thousands of businesses and millions of Chicagoans that are making sacrifices every day to keep our city safe , and we will continue cracking down on this inexcusable activity , ” Rosa Escareno , commissioner of the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection , said in a statement .
Chicago is in the midst of a COVID-19 surge far greater than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been closed since the end of October .
In the following month , the city investigated nearly 900 businesses for violations and closed a sports complex for hosting a party with over 600 people and a ballroom for hosting a party with over 200 people .
Last weekend alone , officials investigated nearly 100 incidents .
The city has confirmed nearly 160,000 cases of COVID-19 and nearly 3,500 deaths since March .
Upside : New daily case counts that peaked in mid-November have been steadily falling .
The positivity rate Tuesday was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's up first ?
Advisory panel votes on recommendations Tuesday An advisory panel of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meets Tuesday to vote on who should get the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine .
Front-line health workers will be first in line .
First responders , long-term care patients , people with underlying conditions , people over 65 and essential workers are also being considered .
Each state ultimately makes the decision based on the panel 's recommendations .
The FDA will consider the first vaccine candidate Dec. 10 ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first vaccines could be shipped out in two weeks .
“ We strongly believe the vaccine distribution process could begin the week of Dec.14 , ” Pence told governors , according to a summary of the call provided by Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee .
“ The American people deserve to know the cavalry is on the way.
” It ca n't get here fast enough .
In November alone one of every 76 Americans tested positive for coronavirus .
The country reported almost 37,000 coronavirus deaths for the month – a human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1/2 days .
A small town in southern Spain is carrying out COVID-19 testing on its entire population after a random screening suggested 70 % of its inhabitants were infected with the virus .
Public health officials made the decision after 130 out of 182 people tested on a single day in Cuevas del Becerro were positive for the virus , EuroWeekly News reports .
Mayor Ana Maria Garcia , among those who tested positive in the town of about 1,600 , said residents will be called by phone or SMS and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be charged with a crime against public health .
Local authorities have set up a volunteer service to distribute food to residents .
CDC warning serves as another hit for traditional stores Brick-and-mortar malls and stores have struggled in recent years amid the boom in online shopping , but they could usually count on big crowds during the Christmas season .
But there may not be a holiday reprieve this year .
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says holiday shopping in crowded stores is a “ higher risk ” activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shopping .
Instead , the agency recommends shopping online , visiting outdoor markets or using curbside pickup , where workers bring orders to your car .
Try to spend as little time inside stores as possible , says Dr. Isaac Weisfuse , a public health expert at Cornell University .
“ You just want to go in and out , ” he says .
“ Get your shopping done and move on.
” It 's Giving Tuesday and donations are up 20 % already this year Giving Tuesday , an annual day recognized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year – a month big for donating .
Woodrow Rosenbaum , chief data officer for Giving Tuesday , said giving is up 20 % year over year in all categories to both nonprofits and small businesses – despite the decline in the first quarter .
`` The pandemic is motivating a lot of generosity , '' he said .
`` People are finding generosity as an antidote to fear , uncertainty , division . ''
If you are unable to give financially or otherwise this year , Rosenbaum suggested virtual volunteering , letter-writing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe options amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Generosity , an 'antidote ' to fear , division ' : How to help those in need on Giving Tuesday Canada promises to spend tens of billions to help country recover Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau ’ s government vowed Monday to spend billions more to help the country recover from the pandemic .
The cost to date has the federal deficit reaching a record $ 381.6 billion Canadian ( $ 294 billion ) this year , but the government said it could close in on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion ) if widespread lockdowns return in the coming weeks .
Toronto , Canada ’ s largest city , is on lockdown .
The government ’ s fall economic update proposes to send extra child-benefit payments to families next year .
The government is proposing $ 25 billion Canadian ( $ 19 billion ) in new spending .
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada entered the pandemic in the strongest fiscal position of any G7 country .
“ We can afford the investment , ” Freeland said .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the largest city in Alaska .
The order begins at 8 a.m. local time and is scheduled to go until Jan. 1 , 2021 .
The new order requires restaurants and bars to shut down indoor dining .
Takeout , delivery and outdoor dining are still allowed with some restrictions .
Indoor gatherings are limited to six people and outdoor gatherings at 10 people .
Gyms and fitness centers will go from 50 % capacity to 25 % .
Acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson announced the new order last week as the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases .
Former Mayor Ethan Berkowitz issued a similar order in August for a `` four-week reset , '' according to the Anchorage Daily News .
Anchorage has over 16,500 infections and 68 deaths , according to state data .
Statewide there are over 31,000 confirmed cases and 120 deaths .
Michigan Rep. John Chirkun on Monday said he has tested positive for the coronavirus .
Chirkun , a Democrat , is at least the 11th state lawmaker to have either a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 .
“ Rep .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ good spirits .
I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to him returning to session following his quarantine , ” fellow Democrat and House Minority Leader Christine Greig said in a statement .
Greig said Chirkun will not attend meetings at the state Capitol this week , which the state Legislature is scheduled to return a two-week break .
The diagnosis comes at the same time businesses around the state face strict operating regulations and Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer wants lawmakers to pass a $ 100 million COVID-19 relief plan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ order could soon be implemented in counties with widespread COVID-19 transmission if they continue to see a surge of new cases that could potentially overwhelm local hospital systems .
In the past two weeks , COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state increased 89 % while COVID-19 patient admissions into intensive care unit beds increased 67 % .
But that rise is just the tip of the iceberg , officials said .
“ We anticipate another large increase in cases within the next one to two weeks from Thanksgiving activities and gatherings , ” Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ California will receive an initial 327,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses by mid-December .
The first dose will be given in mid-December and the second dose will be given three weeks later , Newsom said .
• 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Staying Apart , Together .
• 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 .

John Bacon, Jessica Flores and Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

Coronavirus updates: 50 Americans died every hour of November; Florida hits 1M cases; Pence says vaccine could be shipped in 2 weeks
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: What nurses and doctors in hospitals want us to know Doctors and nurses working in hospitals across the country are sharing the realities of COVID-19. Associated Press, USA TODAY
The United States reported more than 4.4 million new coronavirus cases in November, far more than double any other month of the pandemic, a USA TODAY analysis of Johns Hopkins University data shows.
The numbers are startling. The total case count is nearly what the nation reported in August, September and October combined. An average rate of 99 cases were reported every minute through the month. In November alone, one of every 22 North Dakota residents tested positive. In South Dakota, it was one of 26; Wyoming, one of 29; Iowa, one of 31.
The U.S. also reported 36,918 deaths in November, a toll higher than all months but April and May. The fatalities totaled more people than the U.S. lost in the entirety of the Korean War. On average, 50 Americans died every hour.
In South Dakota, North Dakota and Illinois, more than 1 of every 1,000 residents has now died of COVID-19.
– Mike Stucka
Here's what to know Tuesday:
Florida public schools will remain open in 2021 and families will continue to have the option to keep students at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced.
An advisory panel of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meets Tuesday to vote on who should get the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Biotech company Moderna applied Monday for an emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine, the second vaccine maker to request FDA authorization.
📈 Today's numbers: The U.S. has reported more than 13.5 million cases and over 268,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The global totals: 63.4 million cases and 1.47 million deaths.
📰 What we're reading: These four states have been hit hard by COVID-19 yet balked at restrictions and mask mandates. What is it like to live there?
This file will be updated throughout the day. For updates in your inbox, subscribe to The Daily Briefing newsletter.
Maryland hospitals could see record-high numbers of COVID-19 patients in the coming days, Gov. Larry Hogan said Tuesday.
The state this week also lost its youngest victim yet to the virus. Hogan choked up during a news conference in Annapolis as he announced the death of a 1-year-old boy, the first Marylander younger than 9 years old to die of COVID-19.
Hogan also emphasized the need for more health care workers as the state faces its worst surge of the pandemic.
COVID-19 hospitalizations have jumped by more than 50% in the last two weeks.
As of Tuesday, the state reported 1,583 hospital beds in use by COVID-19 patients – not far below the highest-ever total of 1,711 beds, reached at the end of April.
-- Madeleine O'Neill, USA TODAY NETWORK
Leslie and Patricia McWaters – Jackson, Michigan, natives who were married almost 50 years – did "almost everything together," relatives said. They danced together. They watched their kids, grandkids and great-grandkids grow up together. And in the end, they contracted the coronavirus and died together.
Leslie, better known to friends and family as LD, and Pat, who relatives said was "definitely the boss," died at the same time, 4:23 p.m. last Tuesday, at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson. They were 75 and 78, respectively.
"It should be no surprise that they went to be with the Lord together within the very same minute," their funeral home obituary said. "The hospital staff that cared for them, as they lost their battle to COVID, said it was too close to call. They recorded their deaths at the exact same time."
But, the obituary added: "Those of us that know them, know that mom went first and said, 'LD, it’s time to go!' "
Their story is both romantic and tragic as more than 9,000 Michiganders have died from the pandemic since March, and more than 350,000 people have had the virus.
– Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press
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
A Los Angeles County supervisor enjoyed an al fresco meal at a restaurant just hours after voting last week to ban outdoor dining at the county’s 31,000 restaurants over coronavirus safety concerns, according to a news report.
Supervisor Sheila Kuehl was seen eating outside Nov. 24 at Il Forno Trattoria near her home in Santa Monica, Fox 11 reported. Earlier in the day Kuehl was among the supervisors who voted 3 to 2 in support of prohibiting outdoor dining in Los Angeles County. Indoor dining has been banned for months during the pandemic.
“She did dine al fresco at Il Forno on the very last day it was permissible,” Kuehl’s office said in a statement Monday. “She loves Il Forno, has been saddened to see it, like so many restaurants, suffer from a decline in revenue. She ate there, taking appropriate precautions, and sadly will not dine there again until our Public Health Orders permit.”
Los Angeles County imposed a new stay-at-home order for its 10 million residents effective this week as coronavirus cases surge across the state and country.
– Associated Press
The novel coronavirus may have been circulating in the United States undetected weeks before the first case was reported in 2020, a new government study suggests.
Study authors came to the conclusion after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found evidence of coronavirus antibodies in blood collected in December 2019, according to the report published Monday in the Clinical Infections Journal.
Researchers analyzed blood donations collected by the American Red Cross from residents in nine states between Dec. 13 and Jan. 17 and found evidence of antibodies in 106 out of 7,389 samples.
Antibodies also were found in 67 blood donations in January from states that didn’t report a widespread outbreak at the time, such as Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.
– Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY
Florida became the third state to exceed 1 million cases on Tuesday and continued to get closer to a coronavirus death toll of 20,000.
But Gov. Ron DeSantis remained steadfast in his opposition to a statewide mandatory mask order or any return to lockdowns of businesses, including bars and restaurants.
"Yes, we are seeing increases, but other states are seeing even more," DeSantis said Monday during a news conference in Kissimmee with Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran. It was his first live news conference in a month.
DeSantis reiterated his opposition to mask mandates and lockdowns on CNN on Tuesday morning, the same day it was reported that Florida added 8,797 new cases Monday for a total of 1,008,166, making it the third state to exceed 1 million cases, after California and Texas.
– Jeffrey Schweers, The Tallahassee Democrat
Alabama hospitals that already are treating a record number of COVID-19 patients are bracing for a “tidal wave” of additional cases linked to holiday gatherings, a health official said Tuesday as schools and more grappled with the worsening coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the fact that less testing is going on now than earlier in the outbreak, the state has still recorded at least 2,000 new cases daily since Nov. 15. Hospitals are treating more patients than ever, and an expected post-Thanksgiving surge of cases has yet to begin, said Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, director of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Only 11% of the state’s intensive care beds were available Monday, according to the Alabama Hospital Association, and the remaining spaces could be filled as more patients are admitted than leave hospitals.
“We could really be in a situation in two to three weeks that compromises our ability to provide health care,” Marrazzo said. While experts have tried to avoid “alarmist terminology” during the crisis, she said: “I think this is a time when we need to start thinking about things like tidal wave imagery or tsunami imagery.”
– Associated Press
Rhode Island has opened two field hospitals that combined have more than 900 beds as the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in the state reached a new high.
There were 410 patients in the state’s hospitals with the disease as of Sunday, the most recent date for which the information was available, the state Department of Health reported Tuesday. That is the highest number of people hospitalized with the disease on a single day since the pandemic began.
Care New England opened a field hospital with more than 300 beds in Cranston on Monday, the same day the state sent an emergency alert saying conventional hospitals had reached their coronavirus capacity.
A facility with nearly 600 beds opened Tuesday at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence. It is run by Lifespan, the state’s largest hospital group.
– Associated Press
The number of COVID-19 deaths in Indiana has nearly doubled for November from a month earlier as health officials continue adding to those reports and the state’s coronavirus-related hospitalizations remain at their highest point during the pandemic.
The Indiana State Department of Health added 142 deaths to the statewide toll with its daily update on Tuesday. Most of those deaths occurred over the past week with a reporting lull from local officials over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Those boost Indiana’s coronavirus deaths during November to at least 1,416 people – surpassing the previous monthly peak during April by nearly 400 and almost double October’s total of 732 deaths.
– Associated Press
As the coronavirus continues to surge in Oklahoma, nearing 200,000 total cases, Gov. Kevin Stitt has declared Thursday a day of prayer and fasting in the state.
Oklahoma’s seven-day rolling average of new cases has increased from 2,628.9 to 2,838.7, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. The Oklahoma State Department of Health on Tuesday reported a one-day high of 1,718 hospitalizations and 199,482 total cases since the pandemic began, 1,737 more than Monday.
“I believe we must continue to ask God to heal those who are sick, comfort those who are hurting and provide renewed strength and wisdom to all who are managing the effects of COVID-19,” Stitt said in a Monday statement.
Stitt, who tested positive for the virus in July and previously donated plasma in an effort to help other virus patients recover, said he will make a second plasma donation.
– Associated Press
Los Angeles won't be shutting down its COVID-19 testing site in Union Station to allow a film shoot after all, while Atlanta plans on allowing "Spider Man" to shoot in closed high schools.
In Los Angeles, the testing sight had been set to shut down to allow Miramax to film some scenes for the movie "He's All That." The romcom shooting schedule ignited a frenzy of dramatic dissent, and a few hours later Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted that "my team has worked to reopen testing at Union Station on Tuesday."
According to a Miramax spokesperson, the shutdown was not a request from Miramax and once it learned of the disruption, production asked that the testing company resume its services at that location.
In Atlanta, where classrooms are shut down in favor of virtual learning, a production team and cast of "Spider-Man" received special permission from Atlanta Public Schools to film at two high schools starting as soon as next month, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. The approval came after the movie’s location manager "dangled a $50,000 incentive," the Constitution wrote.
Christie Johnston, a teacher and mother, tweeted: "In person school is not only safe, it’s necessary for learning. Too bad kids don’t generate the millions a movie does, or they’d be back in front of their teacher in a classroom rather than a computer screen."
Chicago officials shut down a 300-person basement party early Sunday where attendees were not wearing masks or social distancing. A city task force issued multiple violations and closed the location.
"Actions like this are a slap in the face to the thousands of businesses and millions of Chicagoans that are making sacrifices every day to keep our city safe, and we will continue cracking down on this inexcusable activity,” Rosa Escareno, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, said in a statement.
Chicago is in the midst of a COVID-19 surge far greater than its spring spike, and indoor dining has been closed since the end of October. In the following month, the city investigated nearly 900 businesses for violations and closed a sports complex for hosting a party with over 600 people and a ballroom for hosting a party with over 200 people. Last weekend alone, officials investigated nearly 100 incidents.
The city has confirmed nearly 160,000 cases of COVID-19 and nearly 3,500 deaths since March. Upside: New daily case counts that peaked in mid-November have been steadily falling. The positivity rate Tuesday was down from the week before.
– Grace Hauck
An advisory panel of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention meets Tuesday to vote on who should get the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Front-line health workers will be first in line. First responders, long-term care patients, people with underlying conditions, people over 65 and essential workers are also being considered. Each state ultimately makes the decision based on the panel's recommendations. The FDA will consider the first vaccine candidate Dec. 10; Vice President Mike Pence told governors the first vaccines could be shipped out in two weeks.
“We strongly believe the vaccine distribution process could begin the week of Dec.14,” Pence told governors, according to a summary of the call provided by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee. “The American people deserve to know the cavalry is on the way.”
It can't get here fast enough. In November alone one of every 76 Americans tested positive for coronavirus. The country reported almost 37,000 coronavirus deaths for the month – a human cost of the 9/11 attacks every 2 1/2 days.
– Mike Stucka
A small town in southern Spain is carrying out COVID-19 testing on its entire population after a random screening suggested 70% of its inhabitants were infected with the virus. Public health officials made the decision after 130 out of 182 people tested on a single day in Cuevas del Becerro were positive for the virus, EuroWeekly News reports. Mayor Ana Maria Garcia, among those who tested positive in the town of about 1,600, said residents will be called by phone or SMS and if they fail to show up they could be charged with a crime against public health. Local authorities have set up a volunteer service to distribute food to residents.
Brick-and-mortar malls and stores have struggled in recent years amid the boom in online shopping, but they could usually count on big crowds during the Christmas season. But there may not be a holiday reprieve this year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says holiday shopping in crowded stores is a “higher risk” activity and that people should limit any in-person shopping. Instead, the agency recommends shopping online, visiting outdoor markets or using curbside pickup, where workers bring orders to your car. Try to spend as little time inside stores as possible, says Dr. Isaac Weisfuse, a public health expert at Cornell University.
“You just want to go in and out,” he says. “Get your shopping done and move on.”
Giving Tuesday, an annual day recognized for charitable giving, kickstarts December this year – a month big for donating.
Woodrow Rosenbaum, chief data officer for Giving Tuesday, said giving is up 20% year over year in all categories to both nonprofits and small businesses – despite the decline in the first quarter. "The pandemic is motivating a lot of generosity," he said. "People are finding generosity as an antidote to fear, uncertainty, division."
If you are unable to give financially or otherwise this year, Rosenbaum suggested virtual volunteering, letter-writing campaigns and even sidewalk chalk messages as safe options amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Generosity, an 'antidote' to fear, division': How to help those in need on Giving Tuesday
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government vowed Monday to spend billions more to help the country recover from the pandemic. The cost to date has the federal deficit reaching a record $381.6 billion Canadian ($294 billion) this year, but the government said it could close in on $400 billion Canadian ($308 billion) if widespread lockdowns return in the coming weeks. Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is on lockdown.
The government’s fall economic update proposes to send extra child-benefit payments to families next year. The government is proposing $25 billion Canadian ($19 billion) in new spending.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada entered the pandemic in the strongest fiscal position of any G7 country. “We can afford the investment,” Freeland said.
– Rob Gillies, Associated Press
A modified stay-at-home order begins Tuesday in Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska. The order begins at 8 a.m. local time and is scheduled to go until Jan. 1, 2021. The new order requires restaurants and bars to shut down indoor dining. Takeout, delivery and outdoor dining are still allowed with some restrictions. Indoor gatherings are limited to six people and outdoor gatherings at 10 people. Gyms and fitness centers will go from 50% capacity to 25%.
Acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson announced the new order last week as the city experienced a "record-breaking surge" of coronavirus cases. Former Mayor Ethan Berkowitz issued a similar order in August for a "four-week reset," according to the Anchorage Daily News. Anchorage has over 16,500 infections and 68 deaths, according to state data. Statewide there are over 31,000 confirmed cases and 120 deaths.
Michigan Rep. John Chirkun on Monday said he has tested positive for the coronavirus. Chirkun, a Democrat, is at least the 11th state lawmaker to have either a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19.
“Rep. Chirkun is doing well and in very good spirits. I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to him returning to session following his quarantine,” fellow Democrat and House Minority Leader Christine Greig said in a statement.
Greig said Chirkun will not attend meetings at the state Capitol this week, which the state Legislature is scheduled to return a two-week break. The diagnosis comes at the same time businesses around the state face strict operating regulations and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants lawmakers to pass a $100 million COVID-19 relief plan.
– Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press
Gov. Gavin Newsom warned a stay-at-home order could soon be implemented in counties with widespread COVID-19 transmission if they continue to see a surge of new cases that could potentially overwhelm local hospital systems.
In the past two weeks, COVID-19 hospitalizations across the state increased 89% while COVID-19 patient admissions into intensive care unit beds increased 67%. But that rise is just the tip of the iceberg, officials said.
“We anticipate another large increase in cases within the next one to two weeks from Thanksgiving activities and gatherings,” Newsom said.
Newson also said he anticipates California will receive an initial 327,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses by mid-December. The first dose will be given in mid-December and the second dose will be given three weeks later, Newsom said.
– Nicole Hayden, Palm Springs Desert Sun
COVID-19 resources from USA TODAY
In your inbox: Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Sign up for the daily Coronavirus Watch newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest news on the coronavirus pandemic from the USA TODAY Network. Tips for coping: Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. Sign up for Staying Apart, Together.
Every Saturday and Tuesday we'll be in your inbox, offering you a virtual hug and a little bit of solace in these difficult times. On Facebook: A lot is still unknown about the coronavirus. But what we do know, we're sharing with you. Join our Facebook group, Coronavirus Watch, to receive daily updates in your feed and chat with others in the community about COVID-19.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-12-02--The 12 most popular Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals you can still get on sale

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday have officially come to an end , the deals aren ’ t quite over yet .
In fact , some of our readers ' most-loved products from the big shopping weekend are still up for grabs at a steal .
Get expert shopping advice delivered to your phone .
Sign up for text message alerts from the deal-hunting nerds at Reviewed .
From the oh-so-coveted Apple AirPods Pro to a winter-ready @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve got the skinny on which deals were most shopped—and why .
Ahead , keep scrolling to discover the 12 most popular products Reviewed readers bought this Black Friday and Cyber Monday .
Need help finding products ?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter .
It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at any time .
The 12 most popular Cyber Monday deals you can still get 1 .
Apple AirPods Pro at Staples for $ 199 ( Save $ 50 ) : Dubbed as our our favorite true wireless earbuds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an awesome purchase for anyone still rocking their wired buds—especially since they ’ re on sale .
Now $ 199 at Staples , they 're down $ 50 from their usual $ 249 .
In testing , we were thrilled with the many improvements they had over their predecessor , the Apple AirPods 2 ( on sale for $ 139.98 ) .
We loved the included silicone tips , for one thing , which were designed to provide a more comfortable experience for the listener .
We were also stoked with the active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making these a top choice in our book—and our readers . '
2 .
Staub Enameled Cast-Iron 4-Quart Cocotte at Macy ’ s for $ 99.99 ( Save $ 320 ) : Here at Reviewed , we ’ re obsessed with Staub cocottes .
In testing , the slightly larger 5.5-quart version ( on sale for $ 259.95 at Amazon ) was our No.1 pick for the best Dutch ovens , thanks to its solid construction and perfectly round design .
It aced every test we threw at it , including braising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while its hefty cast-iron construction was great for even cooking and heat distribution .
Right now , you can snag the 4-quart option that our readers went banana for at just $ 99.99 , giving you an impressive $ 320 in savings .
3 .
Sony WH-CH710N Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones at Best Buy for $ 98 ( Save $ 101.99 ) : Whether you ’ re perusing your holiday list for festive gifts or as an excuse to treat yourself , Bluetooth headphones are always a safe bet .
These über-popular Sony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a great budget purchase—especially since they ’ re on sale for $ 98 at Best Buy for a discount of more than $ 100 .
They ’ ve got a solid 4.2-star rating from more than 200 Best Buy shoppers and feature top-quality Bluetooth capabilities , USB type-C charging and a 30-hour battery life .
Even better , we found them to be impressively lightweight in testing , while the sound quality was pretty great .
Additionally , the included features ( wireless/Bluetooth capabilities and active noise-canceling audio ) were a huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ iRobot Roomba i3+ Robot Vacuum at Amazon for $ 399 ( Save $ 200.99 ) : 2020 hasn ’ t exactly been a breeze .
Now that many of us are working from home throughout the day , it can get a little hectic to schedule a time for cleaning .
Thankfully , robot vacuums take the thinking out of floor care , and the iRobot Roomba i3+ is an iconic and powerful option that you can nab at a discount , along with hundred of Reviewed fans .
Right now , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Amazon , which is a little more than $ 200 from its typical $ 599.99 .
Upon taking this model out for a whirl , we were impressed by its mighty suction power , which averaged around 11 grams of dirt per run , placing it in top 10 % of all robot vacs we ’ ve ever tested .
What ’ s more , it ’ s self-emptying , too , so you ’ ll never have to see , touch or smell the grime and dust found on your floors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 180 ( Save $ 180 ) : The web-famous Masterclass site is currently offering a buy two , get one free deal on its popular memberships .
Right now , when you purchase two annual memberships , you 'll nab 'em for $ 180 , saving you a total of $ 180 ( or 50 % ) .
We , of course , tested this service out , and found it to be largely inspiring and fun , mainly because you get to learn all about interesting topics from your favorite experts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ulta for $ 19.99 ( Save $ 10 ) : Popular beauty retailers like Ulta continue to run must-shop offers , such as this top-rated 60-piece pink beauty-box , which has a value of $ 193 and normally goes for $ 29.99 .
Now on sale for $ 19.99 , it 's an awesome gift for the makeup guru in your life , since it includes tons of fun eye shadow hues , lip glosses , eyeliners and so much more .
7 .
Samsung 70-Inch Class 6 Series LED 4K UHD Smart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 529.99 ( Save $ 220 ) : Black Friday may have changed over the years , but televisions are still a hot product that everyone wants to shop .
Case in point : the Samsung 70-Inch Class 6 Series LED 4K UHD TV at Best Buy , once $ 749.99 , now $ 529.99 with the solid $ 220 markdown .
It has a 4.7-star rating from more than 600 shoppers and has tons of amazing features , like a crystal-clear display and a host of apps and enhancements .
8 .
Zwilling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steak Knife Set at Nordstrom Rack for $ 49.99 ( Save $ 30 ) : Reviewed readers could n't get enough of these professional-grade steak knives at Nordstrom Rack for more than half-off right now .
Normally , this set retails for $ 79.99 , but you can grab ‘ em for $ 49.99 , which is 37 % off in total .
We 're big fans of Zwilling knives here at reviewed , lauding the brand 's Pro 8-Inch Chef 's Knife ( currently sold out ) , the J.A .
Henckels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( $ 79.95 ) and more .
This cutlery is dishwasher-safe and stainless steel , and the 4.5-inch blades boast incredible precision and durability .
They ’ ve even got a near-perfect rating from shoppers , with 96 % of Macy 's buyers recommending the purchase .
9 .
GE Profile Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker at Amazon for $ 465.99 ( Save $ 83.01 ) : As weird as it may sound to say that an ice maker has a cult following , it ’ s true : Our readers are obsessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ice maker , which has a 4.6-star rating from more than 3,000 Amazon shoppers to boot .
It ’ s small enough to fit on a countertop and offers quick , powerful functionality to can create soft , crunchy ice in just 20 minutes .
It 's also currently discounted down to $ 465.99 , which is a little more than $ 83 off the typical $ 549 .
10 .
Dyson V7 Absolute at Dyson for $ 249.99 ( Save $ 100 ) : Although the Dyson V8 Absolute , which we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vacuum cleaners and was a top seller this Cyber Weekend , is no longer on sale , the Dyson V7 Absolute is a close version that is currently discounted .
Once $ 349.99 , you can snag this highly-rated cleaner at Dyson for $ 249.99 , giving you $ 100 in savings .
It comes with a flurry of attachments , including a soft roller cleaner head , a mini motor head and a crevice tool , while more than 350 buyers gave it a 4.7-star rating for its powerful suction .
11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 132.30 with coupon code HOLIDAY2020 ( Save $ 56.70 to $ 74.70 ) : You can gear up to snuggle close with Gravity 's web-famous weighted blanket thanks to its extended Cyber Weekend sale .
Usually priced from $ 189 , you can snag the Gravity Blanket from $ 132.20 using promo code HOLIDAY2020 , available in 15- , 20- , 25- and 35-pound increments ( note that some colors are already sold out , though ) .
The 15-pound version even received the title of our all-time favorite weighted blanket thanks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
$ 299 to $ 399 in Free Nectar Bedding Accessories with Mattress Purchase : If you 're in need of some new bedding , check out this awesome deal over at Nectar : With any mattress purchase , you 'll get up to $ 399 worth of free goods , including a mattress protector , sheets and pillows .
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published but may change over time .

The 11 most popular Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals you can still get on sale
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday have officially come to an end, the deals aren’t quite over yet. In fact, some of our readers' most-loved products from the big shopping weekend are still up for grabs at a steal.
Get expert shopping advice delivered to your phone. Sign up for text message alerts from the deal-hunting nerds at Reviewed.
From the oh-so-coveted Apple AirPods Pro to a winter-ready 4-quart cocotte from Staub, we’ve got the skinny on which deals were most shopped—and why. Ahead, keep scrolling to discover the 11 most popular products Reviewed readers bought this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Need help finding products? Sign up for our weekly newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
The 11 most popular Cyber Monday deals you can still get
1. Apple AirPods Pro at Amazon for $199 (Save $50): Dubbed as our our favorite true wireless earbuds of 2020, the Apple AirPods Pro are an awesome purchase for anyone still rocking their wired buds—especially since they’re on sale. Now $199 at Staples, they're down $50 from their usual $249. In testing, we were thrilled with the many improvements they had over their predecessor, the Apple AirPods 2 (on sale for $139.98). We loved the included silicone tips, for one thing, which were designed to provide a more comfortable experience for the listener. We were also stoked with the active noise cancelation, easy setup and synching, making these a top choice in our book—and our readers.'
2. Staub Enameled Cast-Iron 4-Quart Cocotte at Macy’s for $99.99 (Save $320): Here at Reviewed, we’re obsessed with Staub cocottes. In testing, the slightly larger 5.5-quart version (on sale for $259.95 at Amazon) was our No.1 pick for the best Dutch ovens, thanks to its solid construction and perfectly round design. It aced every test we threw at it, including braising meat and veggies to simmering stews, while its hefty cast-iron construction was great for even cooking and heat distribution. Right now, you can snag the 4-quart option that our readers went banana for at just $99.99, giving you an impressive $320 in savings.
3. Sony WH-CH710N Wireless Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones at Best Buy for $88 (Save $111.99): Whether you’re perusing your holiday list for festive gifts or as an excuse to treat yourself, Bluetooth headphones are always a safe bet. These über-popular Sony WH-CH710N headphones, usually $199.99, are a great budget purchase—especially since they’re on sale for $88 at Best Buy for a discount of more than $100. They’ve got a solid 4.2-star rating from more than 200 Best Buy shoppers and feature top-quality Bluetooth capabilities, USB type-C charging and a 30-hour battery life. Even better, we found them to be impressively lightweight in testing, while the sound quality was pretty great. Additionally, the included features (wireless/Bluetooth capabilities and active noise-canceling audio) were a huge plus for us, too.
4. iRobot Roomba i3+ Robot Vacuum at Amazon for $399 (Save $200.99): 2020 hasn’t exactly been a breeze. Now that many of us are working from home throughout the day, it can get a little hectic to schedule a time for cleaning. Thankfully, robot vacuums take the thinking out of floor care, and the iRobot Roomba i3+ is an iconic and powerful option that you can nab at a discount, along with hundred of Reviewed fans. Right now, the i3+ is marked down to $399 at Amazon, which is a little more than $200 from its typical $599.99. Upon taking this model out for a whirl, we were impressed by its mighty suction power, which averaged around 11 grams of dirt per run, placing it in top 10% of all robot vacs we’ve ever tested. What’s more, it’s self-emptying, too, so you’ll never have to see, touch or smell the grime and dust found on your floors.
5. 2 Annual Masterclass Subscriptions for $180 (Save $180): The web-famous Masterclass site is currently offering a buy two, share one free offer on its popular memberships. Right now, when you purchase two annual memberships, you'll nab 'em for $180, saving you a total of $180 (or 50%). We, of course, tested this service out, and found it to be largely inspiring and fun, mainly because you get to learn all about interesting topics from your favorite experts.
6. Ulta 60-Piece Pink Beauty-Box at Ulta for $19.99 (Save $10): Popular beauty retailers like Ulta continue to run must-shop offers, such as this top-rated 60-piece pink beauty-box, which has a value of $193 and normally goes for $29.99. Now on sale for $19.99, it's an awesome gift for the makeup guru in your life, since it includes tons of fun eye shadow hues, lip glosses, eyeliners and so much more.
7. Samsung 70-Inch Class 6 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Tizen TV at Best Buy for $529.99 (Save $220): Black Friday may have changed over the years, but televisions are still a hot product that everyone wants to shop. Case in point: the Samsung 70-Inch Class 6 Series LED 4K UHD TV at Best Buy, once $749.99, now $529.99 with the solid $220 markdown. It has a 4.7-star rating from more than 600 shoppers and has tons of amazing features, like a crystal-clear display and a host of apps and enhancements.
8. Zwilling J.A. Henckels Stainless Steel 8-Piece Porterhouse Steak Knife Set at Nordstrom Rack for $49.99 (Save $30): Reviewed readers couldn't get enough of these professional-grade steak knives at Nordstrom Rack for more than half-off right now. Normally, this set retails for $79.99, but you can grab ‘em for $49.99, which is 37% off in total. We're big fans of Zwilling knives here at reviewed, lauding the brand's Pro 8-Inch Chef's Knife (currently sold out), the J.A. Henckels Twin Four Star II 7-inch Fillet Knife ($79.95) and more. This cutlery is dishwasher-safe and stainless steel, and the 4.5-inch blades boast incredible precision and durability. They’ve even got a near-perfect rating from shoppers, with 96% of Macy's buyers recommending the purchase.
9. Dyson V7 Absolute at Dyson for $249.99 (Save $100): Although the Dyson V8 Absolute, which we ranked as one of our favorite cordless vacuum cleaners and was a top seller this Cyber Weekend, is no longer on sale, the Dyson V7 Absolute is a close version that is currently discounted. Once $349.99, you can snag this highly-rated cleaner at Dyson for $249.99, giving you $100 in savings. It comes with a flurry of attachments, including a soft roller cleaner head, a mini motor head and a crevice tool, while more than 350 buyers gave it a 4.7-star rating for its powerful suction.
10. Gravity Blanket at Gravity from $132.30 with coupon code HOLIDAY2020 (Save $56.70 to $74.70): You can gear up to snuggle close with Gravity's web-famous weighted blanket thanks to its extended Cyber Weekend sale. Usually priced from $189, you can snag the Gravity Blanket from $132.20 using promo code HOLIDAY2020, available in 15-, 20-, 25- and 35-pound increments (note that some colors are already sold out, though). The 15-pound version even received the title of our all-time favorite weighted blanket thanks to its durable and easy-to-clean material.
11. $299 to $399 in Free Nectar Bedding Accessories with Mattress Purchase: If you're in need of some new bedding, check out this awesome deal over at Nectar: With any mattress purchase, you'll get up to $399 worth of free goods, including a mattress protector, sheets and pillows.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-12-01--In new allegation, lawsuit says Tyson officials lied to interpreters about COVID-19 dangers in Iowa

DES MOINES – Senior managers at Tyson Foods ' Waterloo , Iowa , pork processing plant lied to interpreters about the scope of coronavirus dangers at the facility , the latest complaint in a federal lawsuit alleges .
The amended suit , filed on behalf of the families of three Tyson workers who died of COVID-19 , says plant manager Tom Hart and human resources director James Hook told interpreters during an April meeting that the building had `` no confirmed cases '' and that Black Hawk County Health Department employees had `` cleared '' the plant for operation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the virus , according to the amended suit , filed in U.S. District Court on Nov. 24 .
It also says Black Hawk County health officials had not cleared the plant to operate and that they were advocating to close the building .
Tyson senior director of media relations Gary Mickelson declined to comment on the new allegation and other claims in the amended lawsuit .
He pointed out that the company took steps this spring to try to slow the spread of the virus at the 2,800-employee plant .
It employs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an April 16 news conference , as attention focused on a potential COVID-19 outbreak at the plant , Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson , without explicitly naming Tyson , said of `` one local employer '' that `` there was clearly more that could and should have been done '' to protect employees and implement safety practices .
Holiday shopping : 'T is the season to follow these wise shopping tips , anti-fraud precautions In early May , Black Hawk County public health officials reported that 1,031 of the plant 's employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The new complaint alleges Tyson managers `` explicitly forbid '' interpreters from discussing COVID-19 , except to say that the coronavirus was not impacting the plant .
It also says the company removed `` many interpreters '' from the plant floor after the meeting with Hart and Hook in April .
Among other allegations in the amended complaint : • Tyson managers told U.S. Department of Agriculture food inspectors in April not to wear masks inside the plant because the appearance would `` send the wrong message . ''
• At least one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vomiting .
• A supervisor told at least one production worker to stay on the line after testing positive for the virus .
Tyson closed the Waterloo plant for two weeks beginning in late April , saying in a news release that `` the combination of worker absenteeism , COVID-19 cases and community concerns has resulted in our decision to stop production . ''
It also said it had provided face masks to workers and was installing barriers to keep them separated from one another on the closely spaced processing line .
Mickelson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Waterloo plant employs 20 interpreters , has provided $ 20 million in bonuses to workers and safety measures during the pandemic and keeps a mobile clinic available on site .
The new allegations come two weeks after Tyson suspended some Waterloo managers at the plant because of allegations in a previous amended version of the lawsuit that they bet on how many workers would test positive for the virus .
Tyson also hired the law firm Covington & Burling to launch an investigation led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson declined to comment on the latest allegations .
A representative for Covington & Burling did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment .
Tyler Jett covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register .
Reach him at tjett @ registermedia.com , 515-284-8215 , or on Twitter at @ LetsJett .

In new allegation, lawsuit says Tyson officials lied to interpreters about COVID-19 dangers in Iowa plant
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: President Trump orders meat plants to remain open President Donald Trump has declared that meatpacking plants are "critical infrastructure" in order to keep them open during coronavirus. USA TODAY, Wochit
DES MOINES – Senior managers at Tyson Foods' Waterloo, Iowa, pork processing plant lied to interpreters about the scope of coronavirus dangers at the facility, the latest complaint in a federal lawsuit alleges.
The amended suit, filed on behalf of the families of three Tyson workers who died of COVID-19, says plant manager Tom Hart and human resources director James Hook told interpreters during an April meeting that the building had "no confirmed cases" and that Black Hawk County Health Department employees had "cleared" the plant for operation.
In fact, employees had tested positive for the virus, according to the amended suit, filed in U.S. District Court on Nov. 24. It also says Black Hawk County health officials had not cleared the plant to operate and that they were advocating to close the building.
Tyson senior director of media relations Gary Mickelson declined to comment on the new allegation and other claims in the amended lawsuit. He pointed out that the company took steps this spring to try to slow the spread of the virus at the 2,800-employee plant. It employs significant numbers of immigrant workers.
During an April 16 news conference, as attention focused on a potential COVID-19 outbreak at the plant, Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson, without explicitly naming Tyson, said of "one local employer" that "there was clearly more that could and should have been done" to protect employees and implement safety practices.
Holiday shopping: 'Tis the season to follow these wise shopping tips, anti-fraud precautions
Giving back: Starbucks offers free coffee to health care workers, first responders
In early May, Black Hawk County public health officials reported that 1,031 of the plant's employees had tested positive for the virus.
The new complaint alleges Tyson managers "explicitly forbid" interpreters from discussing COVID-19, except to say that the coronavirus was not impacting the plant. It also says the company removed "many interpreters" from the plant floor after the meeting with Hart and Hook in April.
Among other allegations in the amended complaint:
Tyson managers told U.S. Department of Agriculture food inspectors in April not to wear masks inside the plant because the appearance would "send the wrong message."
At least one production worker remained on the line after vomiting.
A supervisor told at least one production worker to stay on the line after testing positive for the virus.
Tyson closed the Waterloo plant for two weeks beginning in late April, saying in a news release that "the combination of worker absenteeism, COVID-19 cases and community concerns has resulted in our decision to stop production." It also said it had provided face masks to workers and was installing barriers to keep them separated from one another on the closely spaced processing line.
The plant reopened May 7.
Mickelson, in an email Monday, said the Waterloo plant employs 20 interpreters, has provided $20 million in bonuses to workers and safety measures during the pandemic and keeps a mobile clinic available on site.
The new allegations come two weeks after Tyson suspended some Waterloo managers at the plant because of allegations in a previous amended version of the lawsuit that they bet on how many workers would test positive for the virus. Tyson also hired the law firm Covington & Burling to launch an investigation led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.
A USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service spokesperson declined to comment on the latest allegations. A representative for Covington & Burling did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Tyler Jett covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at tjett@registermedia.com, 515-284-8215, or on Twitter at @LetsJett.


usatoday--2020-12-01--7 winter essentials for your car

7 winter essentials for your car

Do n't get stuck in an emergency this winter .
Check out these seven essential items for your car .

Prepare your car for winter with these seven essentials
Don't get stuck in an emergency this winter. Check out these seven essential items for your car.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-01--NFL player passes out food to families

NFL player passes out food to families

Los Angeles DE Isaac Rochell and his apparel company , Local Human , organized a drive-thru holiday meal service to @ @ @ @ @ Santa Ana community .

NFL player passes out food to families
Los Angeles DE Isaac Rochell and his apparel company, Local Human, alongside his teammate Trai Turner, organized a drive-thru holiday meal service to 450 deserving families in the Santa Ana community.
Sportskind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-01--COVID-19 may have been spreading in the US at least a month before first case was reported, CDC stud

The novel coronavirus may have been circulating in the United States undetected weeks before the first case was reported in 2020 , a new government study suggests .
Study authors came to the conclusion after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found evidence of coronavirus antibodies in blood collected in December 2019 , according to the report published Monday in the Clinical Infections Journal .
Researchers analyzed blood donations collected by the American Red Cross from residents in nine states between Dec. 13 and Jan. 17 and found evidence of antibodies in 106 out of 7,389 samples .
Antibodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in January from states that didn ’ t report a widespread outbreak at the time , such as Connecticut , Iowa , Massachusetts , Michigan , Rhode Island and Wisconsin .
The first COVID-19 patient was diagnosed on Jan. 20 in Washington state , according to the CDC website .
However , researchers found antibodies in blood sampled as early as Dec. 13 .
“ It ’ s possible that we had low level of prevalence earlier … and it ’ s not really surprising , ” said Gigi Gronvall , a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Security who was unaffiliated with the study .
Experts say the coronavirus could have been in the U.S. before the first case was recorded in January , but it ’ s also possible serological testing may have picked up a different strain or a different coronavirus altogether .
Antibodies are the body ’ s way of remembering how it responded to an infection so it can attack again if exposed to the same pathogen .
The presence of antibodies in a person ’ s blood unique to the coronavirus suggests they may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ antibodies : What is antibody testing and how does it work ?
However , antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 look very similar to other coronavirus antibodies that cause illnesses , such as the common cold .
Tests could mistakenly identify antibodies as being for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 , producing a false positive .
Critics could argue that is the case in the CDCstudy , Gronvall said , because levels for one of the antibodies , Immunoglobin M ( IgM ) , are low for samples detected in December .
The other antibody detected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lasts longer in the body and was detected in higher levels but is less specific to the virus .
“ Even a small percentage of inaccuracy can make a difference when you ’ re talking about these small numbers , ” she said .
Study authors said they accounted for this limitation by using a very specific way of detecting the two virus-specific antibodies called microneutralization , but false positives are still possible .
A true positive can only be confirmed with diagnostic testing .
`` We ’ re looking at the echoes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gronvall said .
“ I think we have pretty high expectations for the immediacy of our data and … the origin of diseases tends to be more murky and require months and years of investigation . ''
While further research is needed , experts say the study highlights the importance of using serological testing for surveillance purposes to paint an accurate picture of how and where the virus is spreading .
`` It has been a good way to see where we are in the pandemic ... knowing how much of the population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , being able to provide care and direct resources , '' Gronvall said .
`` That ’ s all really important . ''
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics , Innovation and Competition in Healthcare .
The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input .

COVID-19 may have been spreading in the US at least a month before first case was reported, CDC study says
Show Caption Hide Caption Coronavirus: How coronavirus COVID-19 attacks the body How does coronavirus enter the body, and why does it become fatal for some compared to just a cough or fever for others? Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The novel coronavirus may have been circulating in the United States undetected weeks before the first case was reported in 2020, a new government study suggests.
Study authors came to the conclusion after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found evidence of coronavirus antibodies in blood collected in December 2019, according to the report published Monday in the Clinical Infections Journal.
Researchers analyzed blood donations collected by the American Red Cross from residents in nine states between Dec. 13 and Jan. 17 and found evidence of antibodies in 106 out of 7,389 samples.
Antibodies also were found in 67 blood donations in January from states that didn’t report a widespread outbreak at the time, such as Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.
The first COVID-19 patient was diagnosed Jan. 20 in Washington state, according to the CDC website. However, researchers found antibodies in blood sampled as early as Dec. 13.
“It’s possible that we had low level of prevalence earlier … and it’s not really surprising,” said Gigi Gronvall, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security who was unaffiliated with the study.
Experts say the coronavirus could have been in the U.S. before the first case was recorded in January, but it’s also possible serological testing may have picked up a different strain or a different coronavirus altogether.
Antibodies are the body’s way of remembering how it responded to an infection so it can attack again if exposed to the same pathogen. The presence of antibodies in a person’s blood unique to the coronavirus suggests they may have been infected and recovered.
COVID antibodies: What is antibody testing and how does it work?
However, antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 look similar to other coronavirus antibodies that cause illnesses, such as the common cold. Tests could mistakenly identify antibodies as being for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, producing a false positive.
Critics could argue that is the case in the CDC study, Gronvall said, because levels for one of the antibodies, Immunoglobin M (IgM), are low for samples detected in December. The other antibody detected, Immunoglobin G (IgG), lasts longer in the body and was detected in higher levels but is less specific to the virus.
“Even a small percentage of inaccuracy can make a difference when you’re talking about these small numbers,” she said.
Study authors said they accounted for this limitation by using a very specific way of detecting the two virus-specific antibodies called microneutralization, but false positives are still possible. A true positive can be confirmed only with diagnostic testing.
How antibodies in recovered COVID-19 patients could treat coronavirus The secret to fighting COVID-19 could be in recovered patients. Here's how antibodies could lead to a treatment for those fighting coronavirus. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
"We’re looking at the echoes of somebody’s infection," Gronvall said. “I think we have pretty high expectations for the immediacy of our data and … the origin of diseases tends to be more murky and require months and years of investigation."
While further research is needed, experts say the study highlights the importance of using serological testing for surveillance purposes to paint an accurate picture of how and where the virus is spreading.
"It has been a good way to see where we are in the pandemic ... knowing how much of the population has already had it, trends over time, being able to provide care and direct resources," Gronvall said. "That’s all really important."
Follow Adrianna Rodriguez on Twitter: @AdriannaUSAT.
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input.


usatoday--2020-12-01--Live politics updates: Wisconsin GOP candidate says name used without permission in election lawsuit

USA TODAY 's coverage of the 2020 election and President-elect Joe Biden 's transition continues this week as he rolls out his picks for top jobs in his administration and states continue to certify their vote counts .
President Donald Trump has cleared the way for Biden 's team to use federal resources and get briefings during the transition , although Trump has yet to formally concede the race .
Be sure to refresh this page often to get the latest information on the election and the transition .
GOP candidate for Congress says his name used without permission in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GOP candidate for Congress , said his name is being used without permission as a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit filed by conservative lawyer Sidney Powell .
The lawsuit seeks to overturn Wisconsin ’ s presidential election results , which gave its 10 electoral votes to President-elect Joe Biden .
`` I learned through social media today that my name was included in a lawsuit without my permission .
To be clear , I am not involved in the lawsuit seeking to overturn the election in Wisconsin , '' Van Orden wrote on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ seeks an order for a new election ” because of how close the race was .
Van Orden lost to Rep. Ron Kind by approximately 10,000 votes .
Van Orden has been very supportive of President Donald Trump , and often tweets about counting “ every legal vote ” in regards to election updates , such as the recounts in Wisconsin and Georgia .
The Trump campaign recently distanced themselves from Powell and stated she was not a member of the president 's legal team , despite appearing beside Trump lawyers at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ November .
Powell ’ s lawsuit in Wisconsin also cites the TCF Center , which is not in Wisconsin , but rather is a convention center in Detroit .
Several lawsuits filed by Trump ’ s legal team , or on behalf of his campaign , have been riddled with mistakes .
Trump to host meeting next week on COVID-19 vaccine distribution President Donald Trump plans to meet with a group of health care professionals next week to discuss ways to distribute vaccines for COVID-19 , the White House announced Tuesday , Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal government , state governments , private sector , military , and scientific community for a comprehensive discussion with the American people as the Administration prepares to deliver this historic , life-saving vaccine to every zip code in the United States within 24 hours of an FDA approval , ” said a statement from White House spokesman Brian Morgenstern .
The meeting will be Dec. 8 , probably in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House .
Trump , who was criticized throughout the presidential campaign for his handling of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's `` Operation Warp Speed '' as a boost to vaccine development .
The vaccine distribution meeting takes place as Trump protests the election that he lost to Democrat Joe Biden .
The website STAT , which covers health and medicine , reported that `` some executives are irritated at pressure from the White House to attend an event they perceive to be largely political , according to representatives from several of the companies invited , who like others spoke on condition of anonymity to speak candidly . ''
President-elect Joe Biden 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with economic crises – and progressive government programs for providing food and rent during economic troubles and protecting homeowners from financial abuses .
Neera Tanden , named to become head of the Office of Management and Budget , said budgets aren ’ t abstractions , but a reflection of communal values .
She described being raised after her parents divorced by her mother , Maya , who was born in India , as they depended on food stamps and Section 8 housing vouchers to pay the rent .
Her mother eventually became a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Bedford , Massachusetts , before seeing her children off to college .
“ This country gave her a fair shot to reach the middle class , ” Tanden said .
“ I ’ m here today because of social programs , because of budgetary choices , because of a government that saw my mother ’ s dignity and gave her a chance.
” Heather Boushey , a longtime economic counselor to Biden , named to become a member of the Council of Economic Advisers , told of her father being laid off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her and other members of her family as the first time she `` truly experienced this thing called the economy . ''
One by one , `` the pink slips arrived for every family on our cul-de-sac , ” she said .
`` Every kid in my bus stop had a parent who was laid off . ''
Wally Adeyemo , named to become the deputy secretary of the Treasury Department , said he knows Biden ’ s capacity for working through hard times by overseeing the recovery from the Great Recession a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Nigeria and grew up in the Inland Empire of California , said the region was a foreclosure capital where his friends and neighbors lost their homes .
He has since served as chief of staff to Sen. Elizabeth Warren , D-Mass.
, a potential Treasury nominee criticized by some as too progressive for the post , and he became head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to regulate financial organizations .
“ The pain was real for me .
It wasn ’ t just numbers in a report or stories on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who lost everything , ” Adeyemo said .
“ I believe that ’ s what public service is all about at its best : giving people a fair shot when they need it most.
” Biden on COVID stimulus : ‘ Help is on the way ’ President-elect Joe Biden called on Congress to approve a “ robust ” economic stimulus plan “ now , ” but appeared to lower expectations for that package by acknowledging Tuesday that any package approved during the lame-duck session of Congress would be “ just a start.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ formally announced his economic team in Wilmington , Delaware .
He did not directly address a bipartisan , $ 908 billion stimulus unveiled hours earlier by a bipartisan group of senators in his opening remarks .
The package is smaller than the one long sought by congressional Democrats .
“ Times are tough but help is on the way , ” Biden said .
Though light on details about the contours of a stimulus , the former vice president said there is an `` urgent '' need to fund states and cities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s bipartisan proposal .
But Biden added a note of caution , suggesting that if a stimulus package emerges before the Jan. 20 inauguration , it would be followed up with additional plans .
“ Any package passed in a lame-duck session is likely to be just a start , ” he said .
President Donald Trump and congressional leaders have failed to approve a new round of stimulus to address the nation 's high unemployment rate caused by the pandemic .
Biden has pressed lawmakers to approve a deal before his takes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday faces a difficult path on Capitol Hill .
Biden used the event to formally unveil his economic team as the country struggles to dig out of the worst recession in a century .
At the forefront of Biden 's team was former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen , his pick for Treasury secretary .
Other appointees included Neera Tanden , a former aide to Hillary Clinton and chief executive of the left-leaning think tank Center for American Progress , to head the Office of Management and Budget .
Yellen said urgent help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the pandemic and resulting recession .
She said the recession has had a disproportionate impact on those less fortunate , who struggle to put food on the table and pay the rent .
`` It 's essential that we move with urgency , '' Yellen said .

Live politics updates: Wisconsin GOP candidate says name used without permission in election lawsuit
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden's Cabinet picks and other roles in his administration The president says he wants a government as diverse as America when he enters the White House. Here are some of his Executive Branch picks. USA TODAY
USA TODAY's coverage of the 2020 election and President-elect Joe Biden's transition continues this week as he rolls out his picks for top jobs in his administration and states continue to certify their vote counts.
President Donald Trump has cleared the way for Biden's team to use federal resources and get briefings during the transition, although Trump has yet to formally concede the race.
Be sure to refresh this page often to get the latest information on the election and the transition.
Derrick Van Orden, a GOP candidate for Congress, said his name is being used without permission as a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit filed by conservative lawyer Sidney Powell.
The lawsuit seeks to overturn Wisconsin’s presidential election results, which gave its 10 electoral votes to President-elect Joe Biden.
"I learned through social media today that my name was included in a lawsuit without my permission. To be clear, I am not involved in the lawsuit seeking to overturn the election in Wisconsin," Van Orden wrote on Twitter.
I learned through social media today that my name was included in a lawsuit without my permission. To be clear, I am not involved in the lawsuit seeking to overturn the election in Wisconsin. — Derrick Van Orden (@derrickvanorden) December 1, 2020
The lawsuit claims Van Orden “seeks an order for a new election” because of how close the race was. Van Orden lost to Rep. Ron Kind by approximately 10,000 votes.
Van Orden has been very supportive of President Donald Trump, and often tweets about counting “every legal vote” in regards to election updates, such as the recounts in Wisconsin and Georgia.
The Trump campaign recently distanced themselves from Powell and stated she was not a member of the president's legal team, despite appearing beside Trump lawyers at a news conference for the campaign in November.
Powell’s lawsuit in Wisconsin also cites the TCF Center, which is not in Wisconsin, but rather is a convention center in Detroit.
Several lawsuits filed by Trump’s legal team, or on behalf of his campaign, have been riddled with mistakes.
– Savannah Behrmann
Trump to host meeting next week on COVID-19 vaccine distribution
President Donald Trump plans to meet with a group of health care professionals next week to discuss ways to distribute vaccines for COVID-19, the White House announced Tuesday,
Trump will meet with leaders from “the federal government, state governments, private sector, military, and scientific community for a comprehensive discussion with the American people as the Administration prepares to deliver this historic, life-saving vaccine to every zip code in the United States within 24 hours of an FDA approval,” said a statement from White House spokesman Brian Morgenstern.
The meeting will be Dec. 8, probably in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building next to the White House.
Trump, who was criticized throughout the presidential campaign for his handling of pandemic, has been promoting his administration's "Operation Warp Speed" as a boost to vaccine development.
The vaccine distribution meeting takes place as Trump protests the election that he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.
Biden becomes president on Jan. 20.
The website STAT, which covers health and medicine, reported that "some executives are irritated at pressure from the White House to attend an event they perceive to be largely political, according to representatives from several of the companies invited, who like others spoke on condition of anonymity to speak candidly."
– David Jackson
President-elect Joe Biden's nominees for economic posts promoted their experience with economic crises – and progressive government programs for providing food and rent during economic troubles and protecting homeowners from financial abuses.
Neera Tanden, named to become head of the Office of Management and Budget, said budgets aren’t abstractions, but a reflection of communal values. She described being raised after her parents divorced by her mother, Maya, who was born in India, as they depended on food stamps and Section 8 housing vouchers to pay the rent.
Her mother eventually became a travel agent and bought her own home in Bedford, Massachusetts, before seeing her children off to college.
“This country gave her a fair shot to reach the middle class,” Tanden said. “I’m here today because of social programs, because of budgetary choices, because of a government that saw my mother’s dignity and gave her a chance.”
Heather Boushey, a longtime economic counselor to Biden, named to become a member of the Council of Economic Advisers, told of her father being laid off – recalling the conversation he had with her and other members of her family as the first time she "truly experienced this thing called the economy."
One by one, "the pink slips arrived for every family on our cul-de-sac,” she said. "Every kid in my bus stop had a parent who was laid off."
Wally Adeyemo, named to become the deputy secretary of the Treasury Department, said he knows Biden’s capacity for working through hard times by overseeing the recovery from the Great Recession a decade ago.
Adeyemo, who immigrated from Nigeria and grew up in the Inland Empire of California, said the region was a foreclosure capital where his friends and neighbors lost their homes. He has since served as chief of staff to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., a potential Treasury nominee criticized by some as too progressive for the post, and he became head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to regulate financial organizations.
“The pain was real for me. It wasn’t just numbers in a report or stories on the nightly news, but neighbors and friends who lost everything,” Adeyemo said. “I believe that’s what public service is all about at its best: giving people a fair shot when they need it most.”
– Bart Jansen and John Fritze
President-elect Joe Biden called on Congress to approve a “robust” economic stimulus plan “now,” but appeared to lower expectations for that package by acknowledging Tuesday that any package approved during the lame-duck session of Congress would be “just a start.”
Biden made the remarks as he formally announced his economic team in Wilmington, Delaware. He did not directly address a bipartisan, $908 billion stimulus unveiled hours earlier by a bipartisan group of senators in his opening remarks. The package is smaller than the one long sought by congressional Democrats.
“Times are tough but help is on the way,” Biden said.
Though light on details about the contours of a stimulus, the former vice president said there is an "urgent" need to fund states and cities, a Democratic priority included in Tuesday’s bipartisan proposal.
But Biden added a note of caution, suggesting that if a stimulus package emerges before the Jan. 20 inauguration, it would be followed up with additional plans.
“Any package passed in a lame-duck session is likely to be just a start,” he said.
President Donald Trump and congressional leaders have failed to approve a new round of stimulus to address the nation's high unemployment rate caused by the pandemic. Biden has pressed lawmakers to approve a deal before his takes office, but even the agreement unveiled Tuesday faces a difficult path on Capitol Hill.
Coronavirus relief: Lawmakers introduce bipartisan COVID-19 aid proposal
Biden used the event to formally unveil his economic team as the country struggles to dig out of the worst recession in a century.
At the forefront of Biden's team was former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, his pick for Treasury secretary. Other appointees included Neera Tanden, a former aide to Hillary Clinton and chief executive of the left-leaning think tank Center for American Progress, to head the Office of Management and Budget.
Yellen said urgent help is needed to repair the economic damage from the pandemic and resulting recession. She said the recession has had a disproportionate impact on those less fortunate, who struggle to put food on the table and pay the rent.
"It's essential that we move with urgency," Yellen said.
– John Fritze and Bart Jansen


usatoday--2020-12-01--President-elect Joe Biden calls on Congress to approve 'robust' COVID-19 stimulus plan

Biden said `` help is on the way '' and called on Congress to pass a `` robust '' COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ administration 's economic team .

COVID-19 stimulus: Biden unveils new economic team
Biden said "help is on the way" and called on Congress to pass a "robust" COVID-19 relief package while unveiling his administration's economic team.
Associated Press, USA TODAY