usatoday--2020-11-05--30 great gifts for babies and newborns

30 great gifts for babies and newborns

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed ’ s editors .
Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission .
Babies may not realize the holiday season is upon us , but that doesn ’ t mean we shouldn ’ t buy them gifts—if only because it ’ s adorable to watch a baby ripping open a wrapped present .
( Pro tip : Put the bow on your baby ’ s head for a great photo op . )
If your holiday joy comes from piling up a mountain of gifts for your little one , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season bright with present recommendations .
To that end , here ’ s Reviewed 's comprehensive list of toys and products that babies might love as much as the packaging they come in .
And they ’ re all parent-approved !
Need help finding products ?
Sign up for our weekly newsletter .
It ’ s free and you can unsubscribe at any time .
1 .
For the one who enjoys tub time : BabyBibi bath books Make bathtime even more fun with a set of waterproof , squeaky books.This set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suitable for ages three months and up .
The black-and-white graphics are eye-catching for little ones , and they love slapping these books around in the water just as much as they love looking at them .
Get BabyBibi bath books on Amazon for $ 16 2 .
For the one who loves peek-a-boo : Gund Baby Flappy the Elephant Gund ’ s new Flappy the Elephant stuffie is super cute—plus he ’ s entertaining .
The 12-inch plush pachyderm “ plays ” peek-a-boo when you squeeze his left foot .
Squeeze Flappy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do Your Ears Hang Low . ''
Delightful for little ones .
Get a Gund Baby Flappy the Elephant stuffed animal at Nordstrom for $ 40 3 .
For the one with a pacifier : Mushie Cleo pacifier clip These adorable pacifier clips feature food-grade silicone beads for an added , chewy bonus .
They ’ re handmade and tether your little one ’ s precious paci to their clothing .
Available in subdued , stylish colors , these make great gifts or stocking stuffers .
Get a Mushie Cleo pacifier clip on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the one who 's into tummy time : Tinkle Crinkle & Friends Activity Gym Gund ’ s adorable new activity gym includes everything that babies want : crinkly sounds and textures , cute dangly animals , a fun mirror , and plenty of fabric textures for tactile play .
The Tinkle Crinkle & Friends activity gym is perfect for tummy time or just lounging around .
Get a Tinkle Crinkle & Friends Activity Gym on Amazon for $ 80 5 .
For the one who likes to play outside : Easter Jungle Gym @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miss the park when you bring the playground action home ; just install this bucket swing in your yard .
The chains are covered for safety , and the high back makes Eastern Jungle Gym ’ s swing supportive for bigger babies and toddlers .
Wheeeee !
Get an Easter Jungle Gym bucket swing on Amazon for $ 49.99 6 .
For the one with a chic nursery : A wooden stacking toy A perfect gift for the discerning baby , this classic stacking toy is oh-so-pretty .
Babies enjoy layering rainbow-colored wood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on top .
This rainbow stacker will add just the right amount of color to any baby 's beautiful nursery .
Get the Pyramid Stacker at Maisonette for $ 30 7 .
For the one who loves reading Eric Carle : Wobble & Wiggle Bead Maze A bead maze is a baby must-have , and we love this new KidKraft version .
The World of Eric Carle is incorporated throughout with The Very Hungry Caterpillar details like wooden food beads and caterpillar sections .
Get the KidKraft World of Eric Carle Wobble & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29.99 8 .
For the one who loves to dance : Mr. Blue My Dancing and Singing Bird Mr. Blue is an interactive blue bird that will dance and respond to baby ’ s sounds .
He ’ s entertaining , snuggly , and made from BPA-free materials .
What ’ s not to love ?
Get a Mr. Blue My Dancing and Singing Bird on Amazon for $ 29.99 9 .
For the one who 's teething : Itzy Ritzy Water Teether The classic water teether gets a fun new spin with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cactus shapes .
Pop these bad boys in the fridge and dole them out to assuage teething pain .
If your baby could talk , they would thank you .
Get an Itzy Ritzy Water Teether three-pack at Target for $ 6.49 10 .
For the one who needs help sleeping : HoMedics SoundSpa Lullaby A sound machine can be ever so helpful when it comes to baby ’ s slumber .
Everyone in the house will appreciate better sleep .
The SoundSpa Lullaby plays soothing sounds like ocean , rain , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s a handy timer function so the machine doesn ’ t run all night , and the projector shows baby-friendly images like ocean life for an added bonus .
Get a HoMedics SoundSpa Lullaby at Target for $ 24.99 11 .
For the one who is a future rockstar : My First Guitar Gund ’ s new My First Guitar is a sweet 14-inch stuffie , and it also actually plays music .
Babies can activate five LED light and sound sequences by tapping the star in the center .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the My First Soft Drum for complete band gift .
• Get a My First Guitar on Amazon for $ 30 • Get a My First Soft Drum on Amazon for $ 30 12 .
For the active one : PortaPlay Activity Center Talk about a functional gift : Oribel ’ s activity center will keep babies busy and contained in its chair , and it ’ s also portable .
The legs fold up for easy storage , and the chair comes out and toys pop off so the activity center converts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get years of play out of this gift .
Get a PortaPlay Activity Center Wonderland Adventures on Amazon for $ 119.00 13 .
For the one who needs toys in the bath : Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles Bath Toy Babies love investigating these bath balls—they have sea creatures inside .
The floating bubbles spin , bob , and rattle , adding a splash of fun to bath time .
The set includes four balls for babies ages four months and up .
Get Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles Bath Toy at Walmart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one who needs some calming energy : Fisher-Price Soothe & Glow Seahorse Available in pink or blue , this sweet seahorse emits a gentle glow for nighttime snuggles .
Give it a little squeeze and it plays eight different songs .
Parents will love that the tunes and lights fade after five minutes .
Get a Fisher-Price Soothe & Glow Seahorse at Walmart for $ 12.97 15 .
For the one who likes to veg out : DockATot Deluxe+ Dock If you haven ’ t heard of DockATot , it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ babe .
The latest version for babies up to eight months , the Deluxe+ Dock provides a nurturing nest for sleeping , tummy time , or just hanging out .
Made from OEKO-TEX-certified fabrics that do not harbor heat , the DockATot is designed to be both cozy and safe , and there are loops on the sides for the toy arch ( sold separately ) .
Get a DockATot Deluxe+ Dock on DockATot for $ 195 16 .
For the one who 's being swaddled : Kumquat parrot blanket Kumquat ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ receiving blankets a gift any parent ( or baby ) would enjoy .
Ideal for newborns and little babies , this 100 % cotton blanket can be used for swaddling , snuggling , shielding , or just as a soft surface .
Get a parrot blanket at Kumquat for $ 18.00 17 .
For the one with sentimental parents : Customized wood block We love this beautiful wooden block for its keepsake qualities .
( It also makes a great nursery accent . )
Personalize the Pottery Barn Kids block with baby ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gift that ’ ll wow parents .
Get a customized wood block at Pottery Barn Kids for $ 42.50 Baby can take to the skies—OK , the living room—in this cushy airplane swing .
Best for 10 months and up , this padded swing will provide plenty of action , which parents will appreciate in a pandemic .
Get a HABA aircraft swing on Amazon for $ 161.49 19 .
For the animal-lover : Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Magical Lights Fishbowl Babies can fish for fun in this new toy from Fisher-Price .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that pile into the light-up bowl .
Buttons teach letters , numbers , and shapes .
Get a Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Magical Lights Fishbowl at Target for $ 19.99 20 .
For the one who loves Disney : Green Toys Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Stacker Green Toys—the beloved eco-friendly brand—has partnered with Disney Baby on this Amazon exclusive .
It ’ s a classic stacker in pinks and purple with a Minnie Mouse twist .
The stacker is made from 100 % recycled plastic , and it ’ s even dishwasher safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minnie Mouse Stacker on Amazon for $ 14.99 21 .
For the one who likes to rock : Giraffe plush nursery rocker Pottery Barn Kids makes the cutest plush nursery rockers .
Little ones will love to ride on these big , soft animals , and parents will love the sweet nursery addition .
Order a giraffe , lamb , elephant , and even a labradoodle .
Add baby ’ s name for an extra special touch .
Get a giraffe plush nursery rocker at Pottery Barn Kids for $ 169 22 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ball : Bright Starts Oball The price is right on this tried-and-true baby toy—and you ’ ll get hours of play time .
Bright colors and a fun , rubbery texture keep baby ’ s attention .
Plus the flexible ball has plenty of finger holes for easy handling .
Get a Bright Starts Oball Classic Ball on Amazon for $ 5.99 23 .
For the one who enjoys a good snuggle : Cloud Island Security Blanket Sloth This adorable stuffed sloth/blanket combo makes for a perfect “ lovey , ” a baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ soft blanket features a satin-y edge and babies will love the sloth ’ s sleepy smile .
Get a Cloud Island Security Blanket Sloth at Target for $ 9.99 24 .
For the night owl : Bubzi Co Soothing Sleep Owl A 20 minute auto shutoff and starlight projector make this cozy owl a great sleep soother .
Parents will appreciate that it ’ s washable—just remove the mechanism from the center .
The Soothing Sleep Owl features sounds like heartbeat , gentle bird noises , and relaxing lullabies .
And it projects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Get a Bubzi Co Soothing Sleep Owl on Amazon for $ 34.95 25 .
For the one who travels by stroller : Skip Hop Farmstand Avocado stroller toy Every baby needs a good stroller toy , why not choose this on-trend avocado ?
From a rattle “ pit ” to velcro action to the cute little face , this adorable toy is the perfect pick .
Get a Skip Hop Farmstand Avocado stroller toy at Buy Buy Baby for $ 9.99 26 .
For the one who is eager to learn : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set It ’ s never too early for science !
Gift your favorite baby a set of board books from Baby University and watch their brains expand .
OK , your baby probably won ’ t learn science but they 'll definitely enjoy looking at the colorful illustrations .
Get Baby University ABC ’ s baby board book set on Amazon for $ 28.40 27 .
For the one who collects stuffed animals : Jellycat Bashful Fox Jellycat ’ s stuffed animals often become beloved by their little owners .
We recommend gifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The medium size Bashful Fox is 12 inches ( yes , he also comes in small and large ) and suitable for any age .
Get a Jellycat Bashful Fox on Amazon for $ 22.50 28 .
For the one learning shapes and colors : Skip Hop Explore & More Yeti Shape Sorter Toy This yeti learning toy is a best-seller , and it ’ s easy to see why .
The interactive snow monster teaches shapes and colors through light-up pieces , games , and a shape sorter .
Ready for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press the yeti ’ s hair for giggles .
Best for ages nine months and up .
Get a Skip Hop Explore & More Yeti Shape Sorter Toy at Target for $ 29.99 29 .
For the one who needs new pjs : Festive footie pajamas Does n't every baby need a Holiday-themed pajama ensemble ?
We 're fans of Burt 's Bees Baby pajamas for every occasion , but their seasonal onesies are especially cute .
Plus , they 're super soft , comfy , and made from organic materials .
Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Burt 's Bees for $ 13.95 30 .
For the one who loves to read : A personalized baby book Everyone loves to be the hero of their own story , and babies are no exception .
Give the gift of a personalized storybook that 's colorful and charming—and all about them !
It 's sure to become some of their most-requested bedtime reading material .
Get a Hello , World personalized baby book at Maisonette for $ 34.99 The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the latest deals , reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

33 great gifts for babies and newborns
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
Babies may not realize the holiday season is upon us, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t buy them gifts—if only because it’s adorable to watch a baby ripping open a wrapped present. (Pro tip: Put the bow on your baby’s head for a great photo op.)
Join The Carpool. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for expert guidance on your parenting journey.
If your holiday joy comes from piling up a mountain of gifts for your little one, we’re here to help make the season bright with present recommendations. To that end, here are 33 toys and products that babies might love as much as the packaging they come in. And they’re all parent-approved!
►Holiday gift guides 2022: Shop for everyone on your list with this ultimate gift guide
1. For the one who is learning to reach: A musical wobbling penguin
Whether they are just sitting up (and a little wobbly themselves) or they are the MVPs of tummy time, this adorable penguin wobbler will rock and spin and teeter and totter with the slightest touch. With every wobble, babies will hear the soothing and baby-pleasing sounds of tinkling bells. Little ones will love the low-key, multi-sensory entertainment of this adorable toy.
$13 at Amazon
2. For the one who likes to party: A Melissa & Doug ball pit
Nothing is cuter than a baby in a ball pit! What kid doesn't like to be surrounded by dozens of balls that they can grab, toss and chew on to their little heart's content? This soft and machine-washable turtle-shaped “pit” is a safe and secure play space for little ones to delight in and explore. And it's just as fun zipped up as it is when open, with all sorts of fun tags and pompoms for little ones to grasp at and investigate.
$70 at Amazon
3. For the one who loves peek-a-boo: Gund Baby Flappy the Elephant
Gund’s Flappy the Elephant stuffie is super cute—plus he’s entertaining. The 12-inch plush pachyderm “plays” peek-a-boo when you squeeze his left foot. Squeeze Flappy’s right foot and hear "Do Your Ears Hang Low." Flappy is sure to inspire squeals of delight.
$40 at Amazon
4. For the future style influencer: A trendy-themed teething set
They may be little, but they are still going to need some stocking stuffers! If there are cuter teething sets out there, we haven't seen them. These themed teething toy 2-packs are made in the most adorable shapes including rainbows, campers, still-life art and safari. Made from the highest food-grade silicone, these teethers are 100% BPA-Free, they are also free of latex, phthalate, metals, petroleum and lead.
$26 at Lucy Darling
5. For the one who's into tummy time: Tinkle Crinkle & Friends Activity Gym
Gund’s adorable, multi-sensory activity gym includes everything that babies want: crinkly sounds and textures, cute dangly animals, a fun mirror, and plenty of fabric textures for tactile play. The Tinkle Crinkle & Friends activity gym is perfect for tummy time or just lounging around.
$90 at Amazon
6. For the sophisticated infant: A Sophie the Giraffe set
Sophie the Giraffe has been a beloved teething toy for more than half a century. This super-soft, latex-free squeaky toy delights curious little teeth and hands. This Christmas gift box includes Sophie with fair-isle-designed slippers and a cozy holiday hat—both in adorable and festive Sophie prints.
$35 at Maisonette
7. For the one who loves to read: A personalized baby book by Wonderbly
Everyone loves to be the hero of their own story, and babies are no exception. Give the gift of a personalized storybook that's colorful and charming—and all about them! This personalized book will celebrate their first Christmas and is sure to become some of their most-requested bedtime reading material for long after.
$40 at Wonderbly
8. For the one who wants to get in on the fidget trend: A pint-sized pop-its toy
This soothing, dimpled sensory toy is a perfect busy toy for the play mat, the high chair or the car seat. Little ones will love exploring the different shapes and colors and watching them "pop" as they play. This award-winning toy is made with 100% food-grade silicone; it's also BPA-free, has been safety tested and is hand washable.
$13 at FatBrain Toys
9. For the one who likes to play outside: Easter Jungle Gym bucket swing
Your baby won’t miss the park when you bring the playground action home; just install this bucket swing in your yard. The chains are covered for safety, and the high back makes Eastern Jungle Gym’s swing supportive for bigger babies and toddlers. Wheeeee!
$38 at Amazon
10. For the one with a chic nursery: A wooden stacking toy
A perfect gift for the discerning baby, this classic stacking toy is oh-so-pretty. Babies enjoy layering rainbow-colored wood rings and popping the round red ball on top. This rainbow stacker will add just the right amount of color to any baby's beautiful nursery.
$11 at Amazon
11. For the one who's teething: Itzy Ritzy Water Teether
The classic water teether gets a fun new spin with Itzy Ritzy’s three-pack of cool cactus shapes. Pop these bad boys in the fridge and dole them out to assuage teething pain. If your baby could talk, they would thank you.
$5 at Amazon
12. For the one who needs help sleeping: HoMedics SoundSpa Lullaby
A sound machine can be ever so helpful when it comes to baby’s slumber. Everyone in the house will appreciate better sleep. The SoundSpa Lullaby plays soothing sounds like ocean, rain, and heartbeat as well as lullabies. There’s a handy timer function so the machine doesn’t run all night, and the projector shows baby-friendly images like ocean life for an added bonus.
$30 at Amazon
13. For the one who enjoys tub time: BabyBibi bath books
Make bath time even more fun with a set of waterproof, squeaky books.This set of three non-toxic, BPA-free books is suitable for ages three months and up. The black-and-white graphics are eye-catching for little ones, and they love slapping these books around in the water just as much as they love looking at them.
$20 at Amazon
14. For the ones who like to eat their words: An indestructible set of books
These classic books of nursery rhymes are just right for baby. Wordless yet filled with vibrant pictures, these books feel like paper but they are supremely strong and 100% baby proof. What that means is they are drool-proof, teething-proof and rip-proof. What's more they can even be cleaned in the washer! Parenting writer Janelle Randazza got these as a 2nd-level hand-me-down and they lived to go on to yet another family, who passed them on again.
$39 at Amazon
15. For the one who loses their socks: Zutano booties
These may be the best baby booties ever made, and they are on the must-have list for new parents that are in the know. Not only are they super soft and cozy, they come in a wide range of bright and beautify colors and their genius, origami-style design keeps them on baby's feet better than any socks or booties we've tried.
From $18 at Amazon
16. For the active one: PortaPlay Activity Center
Talk about a functional gift: Oribel’s activity center will keep babies busy and what's more, it’s also portable. The legs fold up for easy storage, and the chair comes out and toys pop off so the activity center converts to a table. You’ll get years of play out of this gift.
$128 at Amazon
17. For the one who needs toys in the bath: Munchkin Float and Play Bubbles Bath Toy
Babies love investigating these bath balls—they have sea creatures inside. The floating bubbles spin, bob and rattle, adding a splash of fun to bath time. The set includes four balls for babies ages four months and up.
$11 at Amazon
18. For the one who needs some calming energy: Twilight Turtle Night Light Soother
This sweet and snuggly nighttime turtle creates starry night skies for a soothing nightlight and cuddly friend combo. With a press of a button, it projects in three soothing color options blue, green and amber. Parents will love that it automatically shuts off after 45 minutes, to timer ensure a good night's sleep.
$34 at Amazon
19. For the one who likes to veg out: A comfy lounger
If weary parents need a few moments of safe and snuggly hands-free rest, this is just the thing for newborns and babies up to 24 months. This lounger provides a nurturing nest for sleeping, tummy time or just hanging out while checking out the sights.
$49 at Amazon
20. For the one with sentimental parents: Customized wood block
We love this beautiful wooden block for its keepsake qualities. (It also makes a great nursery accent.) Personalize the Pottery Barn Kids block with baby’s birth stats and name for a gift that’ll wow parents.
$42 at Pottery Barn Kids
21. For the future aviator: HABA aircraft swing
Baby can take to the skies—OK, the living room—in this cushy airplane swing. Best for 10 months and up, this padded swing will provide plenty of action to keep them busy and happy.
$170 at Amazon
22. For the fishie-lover: VTech Learn and Spin Aquarium
Babies can fish for fun in this exciting and entertaining spinning aquarium by TVech. The adorable fishies splash, swim and spin and the aquarium lights up and plays music when the sturdy water spout is pushed.
$18 at Amazon
23. For the one who loves Disney: Green Toys Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Stacker
Green Toys—the beloved eco-friendly brand—has partnered with Disney Baby on this Amazon exclusive. It’s a classic stacker in pinks and purple with a Minnie Mouse twist. The stacker is made from 100% recycled plastic, and it’s even dishwasher safe.
$12 at Amazon
24. For the one who likes to rock: Giraffe plush nursery rocker
Pottery Barn Kids makes the cutest plush nursery rockers. Little ones will love to ride on these big, soft animals, and parents will love the sweet nursery addition. Order a giraffe, lamb, elephant or even a labradoodle. Add baby’s name for an extra special touch.
$179 at Pottery Barn Kids
25. For a rolling rattle: Oball Rollin Rainstick
The price is right on this tried-and-true baby toy—and you’ll get hours of playtime. Bright colors and a fun, rubbery texture will keep your baby’s attention, and the internal "rain stick" makes it exciting for babies to shake and grasp. Plus the flexible ball has plenty of finger holes for easy handling.
$10 at Amazon
26. For the one who enjoys a good snuggle: A koala lovey
Parents in the know will tell you, always get a dual-sided lovey, to prevent overheating when snuggling, and to give extra tactile input. The plush side makes this cute koala super cozy, while the cotton side keeps it cool and gives a soothing multi-sensory experience.
We also love the ears and tufts of hair for lots of options for nibbling with little mouths and exploring with tiny fingers. The crinkly little leaf is the cherry on top, for a little bit of happy noise making.
$11 at Amazon
27. For the night owl: Bubzi Co Soothing Sleep Owl
A 20-minute auto-shutoff and starlight projector make this cozy owl a great sleep soother. Parents will appreciate that it’s washable—just remove the mechanism from the center. The Soothing Sleep Owl also features sounds like a heartbeat, gentle bird noise and relaxing lullabies. And, it projects star lights for a dreamy sleep experience.
$40 at Amazon
28. For the one who travels by stroller: Skip Hop Farmstand Avocado stroller toy
Every baby needs a good stroller toy. Over 3,000 parents have dubbed this cute avocado a must-have toy for on-the-go infants. It's make from soft plush, has a rattle “pit” for soft sounds and the very exciting velcro action makes this toy a must-have. The cute little face to this on-trend toy only adds to its charm, making it a the perfect pick.
$10 at Amazon
29. For the one who is eager to learn: Baby University ABC's baby board book set
It’s never too early for science! Gift your favorite baby a set of board books from Baby University and watch their brains expand. OK, your baby probably won’t learn science but they'll definitely enjoy looking at the colorful illustrations.
$29 at Amazon
30. For the one who collects stuffed animals: Jellycat Bashful Fox
Jellycat’s stuffed animals often become beloved by their little owners. We recommend gifting this adorable fox from the U.K. company. The medium size Bashful Fox is 12 inches (yes, he also comes in small and large) and is suitable for any age.
$25 at Amazon
31. For the one who's just getting mobil: Reindeer joggers
When in doubt, always accentuate a diapered bum. These adorable leggings are comfy, cozy and bring attention to any wiggle or waddle they may currently be showing off. We love the appliqué reindeer with their felt red nose. Made from 67% bamboo, 28% organic cotton and 5% elastane, these will keep babies warm without overheating, making them perfect for play time and nap time.
$23 at Mori
32. For the curious infant: A Lovevery gift box
The curated play kits from Lovevery are the ultimate holiday gift for little ones. Filled with age-appropriate, high quality gifts that are brain-boosting for kids of all ages. If you're looking for a gift box that will wow even the littlest recipient, this is one of our favorites.
From $80 at Lovevery
33. For the outdoor explorer: A cozy bunting that's water resistant
Every baby needs a cozy bunting to get them through the cold winter months. Whether they are brand new to the world, or big enough to be curious about snow, a high-quality bunting is a big ticket item that parents will appreciate. This one by L.L. Bean is warm, cozy and easy to put on. It's also water-resistant, to keep them dry, and—since blowouts and spit-ups stop for no one—it's wonderfully machine washable.
$109 at L.L.Bean
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-11-04--Turn the sound UP to hear calming nature sounds from a trail in Taylor Canyon, Utah

Turn the sound UP to hear calming nature sounds from a trail in Taylor Canyon , Utah A hiker on @ @ @ @ @ , Utah captured the mesmerizing sounds of crunching leaves .

Election stress? Try listening to these calming crunchy leaves
A hiker on a trail in Taylor Canyon, Utah captured the mesmerizing sounds of crunching leaves.
USA TODAY, Storyful


usatoday--2020-11-04--6 steps to easily clean your gutters

6 steps to easily clean your gutters

Maintain your gutters with these easy steps .

Home maintenance: Get gutters ready for winter
Maintain your gutters with these easy steps.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-03--Dad beats virus and has joyful reunion with family

Dad beats virus and has joyful reunion with family David Kachadourian spent eight weeks in the hospital missing his wife @ @ @ @ @ time .
Then his wife unexpectedly showed up at his bedside .

Dad beats virus and has joyful reunion with family
David Kachadourian spent eight weeks in the hospital missing his wife and 3 kids the whole time. Then his wife unexpectedly showed up at his bedside.
Humankind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-04--Post-Election Day free food: Get free coffee Wednesday at Dunkin' plus deals at McDonald's, Subway,

UPDATED : Some deals and freebies continue after Election Day including at McDonald 's , Wendy 's , Subway , Jersey Mike 's Subs and Jimmy John 's .
Also , Dunkin ' has Free Coffee Wednesday for reward members .
Think of it as voting with benefits : Hit the polls on Tuesday and then pick up Election Day freebies .
Even if you already voted – or are abstaining from voting – you can still partake in a smorgasbord of discounts and free food .
Tuesday also is National Sandwich Day so you can save on a sub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Election Day , you can get a free glazed doughnut at Krispy Kreme along with a special voting sticker while supplies last Tuesday .
Planet Fitness is offering a way to work off the stress of the election with a free workout and massage Tuesday through Nov. 8 .
Save better , spend better : Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox .
Sign up here Uber and Lyft also are offering discounted rides to the polls .
With more mail-in ballots and early voting this year , fewer people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stickers to show as proof that they voted .
But that 's okay because most businesses do n't require a sticker to get the deal .
According to federal law , it technically is illegal to offer freebies in exchange for votes and businesses typically skirt this by offering the deals to all .
And if you 're staying up late waiting for election results , Dunkin ' has a deal Wednesday that can help .
Members of the chain 's DD Perks loyalty program can get a free medium hot or iced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dunkin ' also rolls out its new seasonal drinks Wednesday featuring Peppermint Mocha Latte and Gingerbread Latte .
What 's open on Election Day ?
: Best Buy , White Castle , Adidas have shorter hours .
J Crew and Ben & Jerry 's are closed Preparing for election results : Stores brace for post-election unrest and possibility of violence , damage to businesses after presidential results Here are the deals available Tuesday at participating locations unless otherwise noted .
To be on the safe side , check with your closest location @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The chain will have a buy-one-get-one free or $ 1 off any drink up to 24-ounces at participating locations .
Bobo 's : The brand is offering 2,000 coupons for free oat bars Tuesday to those who voted .
Register to get a coupon mailed by filling out a form at www.eatbobos.com/vote .
It 's optional to share a photo of your `` I Voted '' sticker , the website says .
Boston Market : From 9 p.m. to close at all locations nationwide Tuesday , get one free slider .
No purchase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including Chicken Cheddar , Turkey Cheddar , Chicken Chipotle and BBQ Meatloaf – are part of Boston Market 's new Late Night menu .
BurgerFi : Purchase a “ Conflicted Burger ” Tuesday through the chain ’ s app and get a free regular fry .
Caulipower : The first 400 to follow the brand on Instagram @ caulipower and send a message with a selfie with your `` I Voted '' sticker get a free coupon .
CAVA and Zoës Kitchen : Poll workers get a free meal Tuesday with proof of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Day , get the Presidente Margarita for $ 5 and a free commemorative sticker while supplies last .
Chili 's also is hosting a contest .
Learn more at www.chilis.com .
Chopt Creative Salad Co. : Badged poll workers can get a free meal Tuesday .
DoorDash : The on-demand delivery app will have free delivery on all orders with a $ 15 minimum placed on Election Day with promo code VOTE .
For DashPass subscribers that already have zero delivery fees on orders over $ 12 , DoorDash is providing 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The codes should be entered at checkout .
Dunkin ' : This deal is for Wednesday and future Wednesdays through Dec. 23 .
Members of the chain 's DD Perks loyalty program can get a free medium hot or iced coffee during Free Coffee Wednesdays at participating locations .
Enlightened : The brand is giving a coupon for free ice cream to anyone who mentions the word `` vote '' and tags @ eatenlightened on Instagram stories for Election Day Tuesday .
This offer is while supplies last and one person will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free Enlightened desserts .
Grubhub : The on-demand app will have more than 30 discounts in the Perks tab in the Grubhub or Seamless apps including for 7-Eleven , Burger King and California Pizza Kitchen .
Krispy Kreme : All guests get a free Original Glazed Doughnut and an `` I Voted '' sticker Tuesday , while supplies last .
McDonald 's : Starting Tuesday and through Nov. 9 , McDonald 's is giving away its new pastry items with the purchase of a hot or iced coffee through its app .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once per day .
The new McCafé Bakery lineup includes an apple fritter , blueberry muffin and cinnamon roll .
Natural Grocers : This is a post-Election deal .
From Thursday through Nov. 7 , members of the grocer 's loyalty program can get one free chocolate bar , while supplies last .
Available brands include Alter Eco , Natural Grocers Brand , Chocolove , Endangered Species and Theo Chocolate .
Sign up for the loyalty program by texting organic to 41411 or visiting www.naturalgrocers.com/join .
Pieology : From Sunday through Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with two 11-inch `` Create Your Own '' pizzas and a shareable dessert for $ 20.20 .
Pizza to the Polls : The nonprofit group Pizza to the Polls is delivering pizzas across the country and sending food trucks with snacks to lines in 25 cities .
Uber Eats has partnered with the groups and says the food trucks will be giving out free Shake Shack , Milk Bar and more .
Send reports of long lines at https : //polls.pizza .
Planet Fitness : Starting Tuesday through Nov. 8 , Planet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free workout and HydroMassage .
Find your local gym at www.planetfitness.com/gyms .
The company also is hosting a special workout 7 p.m .
ET Tuesday on Facebook with `` exercises and tips to de-stress after voting – a much-needed activity to help ease everyone into a post-election routine . ''
Red Lobster : Get free delivery Tuesday on Grubhub orders over $ 25 .
Scribd : Create a new account through Tuesday and get 30 days of free access to Scribd ’ s digital library of over a million premium ebooks , audiobooks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be required to enter their credit card information to sign up for Scribd “ during the eligibility period , ” the company says .
Learn more at www.scribd.com/read2020 .
Shake Shack : Poll workers get a free sandwich including the Shackburger and the Chick ’ n Shack from Sunday through Election Day with proof of badge .
The offer is only valid for “ in-shack ” ordering .
Smart & Final : The grocery store chain wants shoppers to celebrate their vote and is offering 10 % off the entire purchase with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
Some exclusions apply and there ’ s a maximum discount of $ 50 .
Tim Hortons : Through Nov. 8 , Tims Rewards members can get one free dark roast coffee between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. EST .
Torchy 's Tacos : Through Tuesday , get the Washingtonian taco with smoked pulled pork , grilled onions , jack cheese , pickles , sour cream , avocado with chipotle BBQ sauce , served on a flour tortilla for $ 5.75 .
With the purchase of the Washingtonian , get a free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Uno Pizzeria & Grill : Go to www.unos.com/pizzavote to get a buy-one-get-one free pizza coupon code emailed .
The offer is valid for dine-in or takeout at participating locations through Election Day .
Vitality Bowls : Get 20 % off all açaí bowls with `` proof of voting '' at participating locations Tuesday .
Wawa : Starting Tuesday , Wawa kicks off `` Free Coffee Tuesdays , '' which will be held every Tuesday in November and December for Wawa Rewards members .
New members need to register by 8 p.m. Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drink is for self-serve hot beverages up to 24 ounces .
White Castle : Get $ 4 off orders of $ 20 or more – or $ 5 off orders of $ 30 or more in New Jersey and New York – through Grubhub , Uber Eats and Postmates on Tuesday .
Also , White Castle is closing all of its locations from 7 to 11 a.m. to allow employees time to vote .
More deals : Local restaurants and smaller chains will also offer Election Day freebies and specials .
Check social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following deals are available Tuesday unless otherwise noted at participating locations .
Some require an app and most are while supplies last .
Offers can vary by franchise .
Capriotti 's Sandwich Shop : The chain is offering CAPAddicts reward app users a small Bobbie Sandwich for $ 5 Tuesday .
Corner Bakery Cafe : On Tuesday and Wednesday , buy a sandwich or panini and get a second one free at participating locations , which are listed at www.cornerbakerycafe.com/offers .
Cousins Subs : Loyalty members get an offer for a free 7.5-inch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sub , drink and a side Tuesday .
Erbert & Gerbert 's : Get triple points Tuesday with the chain 's app .
To get this offer , you 'll need to download the app and order from your rewards account .
New loyalty members receive half off a sandwich when they join .
Firehouse Subs : Loyalty members get double points Tuesday when they order a medium or large Hook & Ladder sub .
Ike ’ s Love & Sandwiches : Through Friday , the chain says its four most popular sandwiches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the company said in a news release .
The sandwiches are Matt Cain , Menage a Trois , and two vegetarian options named `` Sometimes I ’ m a Vegetarian '' and `` Meatless Mike . ''
Jersey Mike ’ s Subs : Get $ 2 off any regular sub through Friday , Nov. 6 with app orders and code SANDDAY2OFF .
Jimmy John ’ s : Freaky Fast Rewards members get 50 % off any 8-inch sandwich Tuesday .
The chain also has an ongoing deal through Nov. 8 .
Buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 50 % off the lowest priced sandwich with code SAVEON2 .
McAlister 's Deli : Loyalty members will get a buy-one-get-one free sandwich reward in their app under My Rewards to use Tuesday through Nov. 17 .
Potbelly Sandwich Shop : Through Wednesday , get 100 bonus points on `` BIGS-sized sandwiches . ''
Sonic Drive-In : Get half-price cheeseburgers from 5 p.m. until restaurants close Tuesday as part of Sonic 's weekly family night .
Subway : Through Wednesday , Subway MyWay Rewards members have an offer for buy-one-get-one free any footlong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , get a free footlong when you purchase two in the app or on the website at participating locations .
According to the website , the discount `` shows in cart if a shop is participating . ''
Wendy 's : Through Nov. 8 , get a free Classic Chicken Sandwich with any purchase and an offer in its app .
The sandwich usually costs $ 4.99 .
Wienerschnitzel : Calling itself the largest hot dog chain in the world , Wienerschnitzel , invited fans `` to enjoy National Sandwich Day with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dog . ''
The chain has coupons at www.wienerschnitzel.com/specials .
More deals : Local restaurants and smaller chains will also offer Sandwich Day specials .
Check social media accounts for deal announcements .
New fashion coming to Macy 's : Macy 's launching exclusive collections with Black fashion designers in March 2021 McDonald 's McRib is coming back : Barbecue sandwich will be available nationwide for the first time since 2012

Post-Election Day free food: Get free coffee Wednesday at Dunkin' plus deals at McDonald's, Subway, Wendy's and more
Show Caption Hide Caption Election Day freebies: Discounted rides to polls, donuts, massages Free food and discounts are up for grabs on Election Day regardless of whether you have an "I Voted" sticker. USA TODAY
UPDATED: Some deals and freebies continue after Election Day including at McDonald's, Wendy's, Subway, Jersey Mike's Subs and Jimmy John's. Also, Dunkin' has Free Coffee Wednesday for reward members.
Think of it as voting with benefits: Hit the polls on Tuesday and then pick up Election Day freebies.
Even if you already voted – or are abstaining from voting – you can still partake in a smorgasbord of discounts and free food. Tuesday also is National Sandwich Day so you can save on a sub at Subway and other restaurants.
But for Election Day, you can get a free glazed doughnut at Krispy Kreme along with a special voting sticker while supplies last Tuesday. Planet Fitness is offering a way to work off the stress of the election with a free workout and massage Tuesday through Nov. 8.
Save better, spend better: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here
Uber and Lyft also are offering discounted rides to the polls.
With more mail-in ballots and early voting this year, fewer people will have the "I Voted" stickers to show as proof that they voted.
But that's okay because most businesses don't require a sticker to get the deal. According to federal law, it technically is illegal to offer freebies in exchange for votes and businesses typically skirt this by offering the deals to all.
And if you're staying up late waiting for election results, Dunkin' has a deal Wednesday that can help. Members of the chain's DD Perks loyalty program can get a free medium hot or iced coffee for the first Free Coffee Wednesday.
Dunkin' also rolls out its new seasonal drinks Wednesday featuring Peppermint Mocha Latte and Gingerbread Latte.
What's open on Election Day?: Best Buy, White Castle, Adidas have shorter hours. J Crew and Ben & Jerry's are closed
Preparing for election results: Stores brace for post-election unrest and possibility of violence, damage to businesses after presidential results
Election Day 2020 freebies and deals
Here are the deals available Tuesday at participating locations unless otherwise noted. To be on the safe side, check with your closest location before heading out.
Biggby Coffee: The chain will have a buy-one-get-one free or $1 off any drink up to 24-ounces at participating locations.
Bobo's: The brand is offering 2,000 coupons for free oat bars Tuesday to those who voted. Register to get a coupon mailed by filling out a form at www.eatbobos.com/vote. It's optional to share a photo of your "I Voted" sticker, the website says.
Boston Market: From 9 p.m. to close at all locations nationwide Tuesday, get one free slider. No purchase is necessary. The new sliders – including Chicken Cheddar, Turkey Cheddar, Chicken Chipotle and BBQ Meatloaf – are part of Boston Market's new Late Night menu.
BurgerFi: Purchase a “Conflicted Burger” Tuesday through the chain’s app and get a free regular fry.
Caulipower: The first 400 to follow the brand on Instagram @caulipower and send a message with a selfie with your "I Voted" sticker get a free coupon.
CAVA and Zoës Kitchen: Poll workers get a free meal Tuesday with proof of badge in-person.
Chili's: Through Election Day, get the Presidente Margarita for $5 and a free commemorative sticker while supplies last. Chili's also is hosting a contest. Learn more at www.chilis.com.
Chopt Creative Salad Co.: Badged poll workers can get a free meal Tuesday.
DoorDash: The on-demand delivery app will have free delivery on all orders with a $15 minimum placed on Election Day with promo code VOTE. For DashPass subscribers that already have zero delivery fees on orders over $12, DoorDash is providing 10% off orders with code DPVOTE. The codes should be entered at checkout.
Dunkin': This deal is for Wednesday and future Wednesdays through Dec. 23. Members of the chain's DD Perks loyalty program can get a free medium hot or iced coffee during Free Coffee Wednesdays at participating locations.
Enlightened: The brand is giving a coupon for free ice cream to anyone who mentions the word "vote" and tags @eatenlightened on Instagram stories for Election Day Tuesday. This offer is while supplies last and one person will be randomly selected to win a year of free Enlightened desserts.
Grubhub: The on-demand app will have more than 30 discounts in the Perks tab in the Grubhub or Seamless apps including for 7-Eleven, Burger King and California Pizza Kitchen.
Krispy Kreme: All guests get a free Original Glazed Doughnut and an "I Voted" sticker Tuesday, while supplies last.
McDonald's: Starting Tuesday and through Nov. 9, McDonald's is giving away its new pastry items with the purchase of a hot or iced coffee through its app. The offer in the app can be used once per day. The new McCafé Bakery lineup includes an apple fritter, blueberry muffin and cinnamon roll.
Natural Grocers: This is a post-Election deal. From Thursday through Nov. 7, members of the grocer's loyalty program can get one free chocolate bar, while supplies last. Available brands include Alter Eco, Natural Grocers Brand, Chocolove, Endangered Species and Theo Chocolate. Sign up for the loyalty program by texting organic to 41411 or visiting www.naturalgrocers.com/join.
Pieology: From Sunday through Tuesday, Pieology has its Election Day 2020 bundle deal with two 11-inch "Create Your Own" pizzas and a shareable dessert for $20.20.
Pizza to the Polls: The nonprofit group Pizza to the Polls is delivering pizzas across the country and sending food trucks with snacks to lines in 25 cities. Uber Eats has partnered with the groups and says the food trucks will be giving out free Shake Shack, Milk Bar and more. Send reports of long lines at https://polls.pizza.
McDonald's adds three new pastries to the menu McDonald's new baked goods aren't just for breakfast. USA TODAY
Planet Fitness: Starting Tuesday through Nov. 8, Planet Fitness is offering everyone who votes a free workout and HydroMassage. Find your local gym at www.planetfitness.com/gyms. The company also is hosting a special workout 7 p.m. ET Tuesday on Facebook with "exercises and tips to de-stress after voting – a much-needed activity to help ease everyone into a post-election routine."
Our new holiday cup is bringing you some holiday joy a little early this year. 🤗 Welcome to Cheersin’ season- it’s all about appreciatin’ the little things & coming together.✨ We’re even making it easy for you to send a virtual Cheersin’ through e-gift cards on the Dunkin’ App! pic.twitter.com/tqsmZEnlvJ — Dunkin' (@dunkindonuts) October 28, 2020
Red Lobster: Get free delivery Tuesday on Grubhub orders over $25.
Scribd: Create a new account through Tuesday and get 30 days of free access to Scribd’s digital library of over a million premium ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and more. Users will not be required to enter their credit card information to sign up for Scribd “during the eligibility period,” the company says. Learn more at www.scribd.com/read2020.
Shake Shack: Poll workers get a free sandwich including the Shackburger and the Chick’n Shack from Sunday through Election Day with proof of badge. The offer is only valid for “in-shack” ordering.
Smart & Final: The grocery store chain wants shoppers to celebrate their vote and is offering 10% off the entire purchase with a coupon posted on social media through Tuesday. Some exclusions apply and there’s a maximum discount of $50.
Tim Hortons: Through Nov. 8, Tims Rewards members can get one free dark roast coffee between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. EST.
Torchy's Tacos: Through Tuesday, get the Washingtonian taco with smoked pulled pork, grilled onions, jack cheese, pickles, sour cream, avocado with chipotle BBQ sauce, served on a flour tortilla for $5.75. With the purchase of the Washingtonian, get a free Tacos/Queso 2020 campaign button while supplies last.
Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Go to www.unos.com/pizzavote to get a buy-one-get-one free pizza coupon code emailed. The offer is valid for dine-in or takeout at participating locations through Election Day.
Vitality Bowls: Get 20% off all açaí bowls with "proof of voting" at participating locations Tuesday.
Wawa: Starting Tuesday, Wawa kicks off "Free Coffee Tuesdays," which will be held every Tuesday in November and December for Wawa Rewards members. New members need to register by 8 p.m. Tuesday to get this deal. The free drink is for self-serve hot beverages up to 24 ounces.
White Castle: Get $4 off orders of $20 or more – or $5 off orders of $30 or more in New Jersey and New York – through Grubhub, Uber Eats and Postmates on Tuesday. Also, White Castle is closing all of its locations from 7 to 11 a.m. to allow employees time to vote.
More deals: Local restaurants and smaller chains will also offer Election Day freebies and specials. Check social media accounts for deal announcements.
National Sandwich Day deals, freebies
The following deals are available Tuesday unless otherwise noted at participating locations. Some require an app and most are while supplies last. Offers can vary by franchise.
Capriotti's Sandwich Shop: The chain is offering CAPAddicts reward app users a small Bobbie Sandwich for $5 Tuesday.
Corner Bakery Cafe: On Tuesday and Wednesday, buy a sandwich or panini and get a second one free at participating locations, which are listed at www.cornerbakerycafe.com/offers.
Cousins Subs: Loyalty members get an offer for a free 7.5-inch sub with the purchase of a 7.5-inch sub, drink and a side Tuesday.
Erbert & Gerbert's: Get triple points Tuesday with the chain's app. To get this offer, you'll need to download the app and order from your rewards account. New loyalty members receive half off a sandwich when they join.
Firehouse Subs: Loyalty members get double points Tuesday when they order a medium or large Hook & Ladder sub.
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches: Through Friday, the chain says its four most popular sandwiches will be available for $7 each, the company said in a news release. The sandwiches are Matt Cain, Menage a Trois, and two vegetarian options named "Sometimes I’m a Vegetarian" and "Meatless Mike."
National Sandwich Day is coming! 🎉 Join McAlister’s Rewards today to celebrate with a special National Sandwich Day deal, plus a free tea and more rewards all year long! https://t.co/Jazyw8myCA pic.twitter.com/YuyWU5HoGx — McAlister's Deli (@McAlistersDeli) October 28, 2020
Jersey Mike’s Subs: Get $2 off any regular sub through Friday, Nov. 6 with app orders and code SANDDAY2OFF.
Jimmy John’s: Freaky Fast Rewards members get 50% off any 8-inch sandwich Tuesday. The chain also has an ongoing deal through Nov. 8. Buy one 8-inch or 16-inch sandwich and get 50% off the lowest priced sandwich with code SAVEON2.
McAlister's Deli: Loyalty members will get a buy-one-get-one free sandwich reward in their app under My Rewards to use Tuesday through Nov. 17.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Through Wednesday, get 100 bonus points on "BIGS-sized sandwiches."
Sonic Drive-In: Get half-price cheeseburgers from 5 p.m. until restaurants close Tuesday as part of Sonic's weekly family night.
Subway: Through Wednesday, Subway MyWay Rewards members have an offer for buy-one-get-one free any footlong sub. Also for a limited time, get a free footlong when you purchase two in the app or on the website at participating locations. According to the website, the discount "shows in cart if a shop is participating."
|￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣￣|
| GET A FREE |
| FOOTLONG WHEN |
| BUY 2, NOW ONLY |
| IN THE APP |
| OR ONLINE |
| ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿_＿_|
(\__/) ||
(•ㅅ•) ||
/ づ — Subway® (@SUBWAY) November 2, 2020
Wendy's: Through Nov. 8, get a free Classic Chicken Sandwich with any purchase and an offer in its app. The sandwich usually costs $4.99.
Wienerschnitzel: Calling itself the largest hot dog chain in the world, Wienerschnitzel, invited fans "to enjoy National Sandwich Day with the best sandwich there is, the Hot Dog." The chain has coupons at www.wienerschnitzel.com/specials.
More deals: Local restaurants and smaller chains will also offer Sandwich Day specials. Check social media accounts for deal announcements.
New fashion coming to Macy's: Macy's launching exclusive collections with Black fashion designers in March 2021
McDonald's McRib is coming back: Barbecue sandwich will be available nationwide for the first time since 2012
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko


usatoday--2020-11-03--Mitch Albom: The 2020 election will be meaningless if we don't change our ways

We all know the stakes in 2020 .
At this point , another column on why you should vote would be like bringing an extra trumpet to the walls of Jericho .
To be honest , I am less concerned with what we do Tuesday than what we do Wednesday , Thursday , and every day thereafter .
My biggest fear isn ’ t who sits in the Oval Office come January ; if the rest of us keep conducting ourselves the way we have been the last six months , it won ’ t make a difference .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t mean every single American citizen , but I do mean wide swaths of us , in all states and in all walks of public life , politics , media , businesses , entertainment .
We dog each other .
We point fingers .
We fight over candidates , judges , medical experts , masks .
Almost always these days , exaggeration is chosen over understatement .
Anger over calm .
Mean over kind .
We have more than taken sides in America .
We have tunneled moats .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have demeaned , denigrated , destroyed .
We ’ ve lost friends , alienated families , split our communities by lawn signs .
We have hurt one another , emotionally and even sometimes physically .
Yet far from looking at our guilty hands in regret , we continue to make fists and shake them across the great divide .
Is this who we want to be ?
Let me start in my own backyard .
The media .
I used to be so proud of this business .
I would defend it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the need for an independent press as the only thing standing between big power and big money running rampant over the citizenry .
Now it seems we are running alongside them .
Some of us are even carrying their banners .
The partisanship of the news has never been worse .
Subtlety is a memory .
Asking for balance brings an eye roll , as if asking an adult to finger paint .
Cable news has long been considered slanted , but there used to be an attempt to acknowledge another side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regularly begin programs with reminders that you only have so many days left to vote for President Donald Trump and a future , or Joe Biden and earthly destruction .
Biden is mocked , referred to with nasty nicknames , and regularly derided for his age and cognitive abilities .
In recent days , the Hunter Biden story either leads or is highly featured nightly .
Meanwhile , you can ’ t find that story on the CNN or MSNBC broadcasts .
It doesn ’ t exist .
Instead , Trump gets a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is the focus and blame for a large percentage of their stories and panels .
Even the rare piece of positive data — for instance , last week ’ s report of record GDP growth for the third quarter — gets the “ Yeah , but… ” treatment .
Snide asides are now woven into the dialogues .
This is bad behavior .
It ’ s also bad , period , because so many Americans get their information from cable news .
The print media used to be different .
It used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food fights .
Not anymore .
In many places , print has abandoned even the pretense of objectivity .
It ’ s very hard , for example , to read the Op-Ed sections of the New York Times or Washington Post and think you ’ re getting an evenly balanced chorus .
( Thursday ’ s Times featured op-ed pieces with these titles : “ How Trump Lowered America ’ s Standing in the World , ” “ Trump Killed the Pax Americana , ” “ Four Wasted Years Thinking About Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trump Rallies ” and , too rich for irony , “ Five Great Things Joe Biden Has Already Done.
” ) The Wall Street Journal — which leans decidedly in the opposite direction — ran an op-ed last week claiming those in charge of once-traditional newsrooms defend and protect Joe Biden “ on the grounds that Donald Trump is a unique threat to democracy and that they have been forced to take commensurately unusual measures.
” If true , that ’ s the problem .
We can ’ t throw out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s our moral imperative to replace one guy with another .
Who put us in charge ?
Many in our business act as if we ’ re simply smarter than the common folk who vote , and it is therefore our duty to give those people what ’ s good for them .
When I watched the recent CBS `` 60 Minutes '' interview with Trump — in which he evidenced more bad behavior by walking out before it was done — I took note of one question by the interviewer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Can you characterize your supporters ?
” It struck me as an odd inquiry .
Would that be asked of Biden ?
It ’ s as if those who support the current president are a strange cult , a foreign herd with wacked-out beliefs , instead of nearly half the country based on the 2016 election .
Then again , as a Midwesterner , it often seems that many coastal “ experts ” can ’ t grasp why anybody out here votes the way they do .
That ’ s not journalistic curiosity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , we have plenty of inspiration from the politicians themselves .
You can start with the president .
There is no question his preening , his prevarication , his fast-and-loose-with-the-facts approach and his infatuation with putting people down is , by any measure , bad behavior .
Heck , many of his supporters will admit that .
He gathers masses with no COVID-19 concern .
He lauds his staff members , then trashes them if they dare speak their mind .
The Republican senators , governors and members of Congress behind him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hear-no-evil pact .
But if you think that makes his opponents holy , you ’ re not being fair .
Joe Biden brags about his “ transparency , ” but he barked , “ No they don ’ t , ” when a reporter asked if the public had a right to know his stance on Supreme Court packing , and he remains radio silent about his son ’ s business dealings , carefully avoiding any situations where he might be asked a single question .
Is that really being `` transparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 'You must be stopped ' : Political polarization is now toxic in America .
Here 's how to stop it .
As for decorum ?
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the president “ morbidly obese ” and said he ’ s like a kid “ with doggy doo on his shoes.
” Chuck Schumer threatened Supreme Court justices , saying , “ You won ’ t know what hit you.
” Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono , instead of casting a simple “ nay ” vote on Justice Amy Coney Barrett , marched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hell , no.
” And for adopting two kids from impoverished Haiti , Barrett was likened to a “ white colonizer ” and her kids as “ props ” by a celebrated author and professor .
We 've attacked one another over the simple act of wearing a mask .
People have been shot .
A security guard was killed .
Over a mask ?
We die on the hill for that ?
The summer of protests saw many good people gathering to be heard .
That ’ s our right , something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burning , destruction and intimidation of innocent people was far too often excused or ignored because , once again , certain forces felt bad behavior , even violent behavior , was justified in the current ideological struggle .
Well , here ’ s some breaking news : the struggle isn ’ t going away .
It won ’ t magically disappear on Tuesday night .
We will eventually have a freshly elected president , but he ’ ll be presiding over the same nation , the same people , the same Congress , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We keep acting as if this is the first time liberal and conservative have clashed , the first time race or police have been issues , the first time we ’ ve faced a health pandemic .
None of that is true .
And all of these things will repeat themselves in the future .
In fact , they ’ ll all still be here , smack in our face , come Wednesday morning .
How will we be any different ?
A common refrain has been , “ If Trump goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to being nicer.
” That ’ s naïve , like a 5-year-old pointing to his kid brother and saying , “ He started it !
” Former Sen. Orrin Hatch : We must fix civics education to protect American democracy The fact is , we 've gotten quite used to behaving badly .
To rude and self-righteous postures .
So when do we stop ?
The Republicans shoved through a Supreme Court justice because they had the power ; now the Democrats threaten to pack the court if they have the power @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Twitter and Facebook , which brazenly act as editors of their users ’ viewpoints , aren ’ t getting any smaller .
Where ’ s the stopping there ?
No matter who wins the White House , half the country will view it as Armageddon and vow to fight the oppressors .
Does that sound like an ending — or a beginning ?
A recent poll showed three out of four Americans are concerned about violence on Election Day .
City stores are being boarded up .
Security is being strengthened near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hills is literally shutting itself down Tuesday and Wednesday .
Violence when we vote ?
Does that sound like America , or a revolution in some small , war-torn country halfway around the world ?
We are stressed , locked down , haunted by a common enemy virus that should have united us but instead divided us further .
The truth is , our future won ’ t be determined by who we choose to lead us this week .
It will be determined by how we act after we do .
An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , doesn ’ t step off a cloud .
He is a representative , nothing more .
What will he represent ?
What will we represent ?
Think about the friends we ’ ve lost this election season .
The neighbors we ’ ve alienated .
Who will we be on Wednesday , Thursday and beyond ?
I know this : If the winners gloat and the losers threaten , we won ’ t be any better than we ’ ve been the last six months .
And does anyone really want the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the country of the next four years ?
Mitch Albom is a columnist for the Detroit Free Press , where this piece first appeared .
Check out the latest updates with his charities , books and events at MitchAlbom.com .
Follow him on Twitter @ mitchalbom .

Mitch Albom: The 2020 election will be meaningless if we don't change our ways
Show Caption Hide Caption Presidential election: Are Americans better off under Trump? USA TODAY asked people in the key battleground states of Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin: Are you better off now than four years ago? Mike Thompson, Detroit Free Press
We all know the stakes in 2020. At this point, another column on why you should vote would be like bringing an extra trumpet to the walls of Jericho.
To be honest, I am less concerned with what we do Tuesday than what we do Wednesday, Thursday, and every day thereafter. My biggest fear isn’t who sits in the Oval Office come January; if the rest of us keep conducting ourselves the way we have been the last six months, it won’t make a difference.
We have all been behaving badly. I don’t mean every single American citizen, but I do mean wide swaths of us, in all states and in all walks of public life, politics, media, businesses, entertainment. We dog each other. We point fingers. We fight over candidates, judges, medical experts, masks. Almost always these days, exaggeration is chosen over understatement. Anger over calm. Mean over kind.
We have more than taken sides in America. We have tunneled moats. In the name of “our way” we have demeaned, denigrated, destroyed. We’ve lost friends, alienated families, split our communities by lawn signs. We have hurt one another, emotionally and even sometimes physically. Yet far from looking at our guilty hands in regret, we continue to make fists and shake them across the great divide.
Is this who we want to be?
Let me start in my own backyard. The media. I used to be so proud of this business. I would defend it to any critic. I’d point to the need for an independent press as the only thing standing between big power and big money running rampant over the citizenry.
Now it seems we are running alongside them.
Some of us are even carrying their banners.
A desert of objectivity
The partisanship of the news has never been worse. Subtlety is a memory. Asking for balance brings an eye roll, as if asking an adult to finger paint.
Cable news has long been considered slanted, but there used to be an attempt to acknowledge another side. Not anymore. Fox News will regularly begin programs with reminders that you only have so many days left to vote for President Donald Trump and a future, or Joe Biden and earthly destruction. Biden is mocked, referred to with nasty nicknames, and regularly derided for his age and cognitive abilities. In recent days, the Hunter Biden story either leads or is highly featured nightly.
Meanwhile, you can’t find that story on the CNN or MSNBC broadcasts. It doesn’t exist. Instead, Trump gets a daily and nightly skewering on coronavirus, and is the focus and blame for a large percentage of their stories and panels. Even the rare piece of positive data — for instance, last week’s report of record GDP growth for the third quarter — gets the “Yeah, but…” treatment. Snide asides are now woven into the dialogues.
This is bad behavior. It’s also bad, period, because so many Americans get their information from cable news.
The print media used to be different. It used to take pride in standing above such food fights.
Not anymore. In many places, print has abandoned even the pretense of objectivity. It’s very hard, for example, to read the Op-Ed sections of the New York Times or Washington Post and think you’re getting an evenly balanced chorus. (Thursday’s Times featured op-ed pieces with these titles: “How Trump Lowered America’s Standing in the World,” “Trump Killed the Pax Americana,” “Four Wasted Years Thinking About Donald Trump,” “Lies, Damned Lies and Trump Rallies” and, too rich for irony, “Five Great Things Joe Biden Has Already Done.”)
The Wall Street Journal — which leans decidedly in the opposite direction — ran an op-ed last week claiming those in charge of once-traditional newsrooms defend and protect Joe Biden “on the grounds that Donald Trump is a unique threat to democracy and that they have been forced to take commensurately unusual measures.”
If true, that’s the problem. We can’t throw out the rules of journalism because we feel it’s our moral imperative to replace one guy with another. Who put us in charge? Many in our business act as if we’re simply smarter than the common folk who vote, and it is therefore our duty to give those people what’s good for them.
When I watched the recent CBS "60 Minutes" interview with Trump — in which he evidenced more bad behavior by walking out before it was done — I took note of one question by the interviewer, Lesley Stahl. She asked, “Can you characterize your supporters?”
It struck me as an odd inquiry. Would that be asked of Biden? It’s as if those who support the current president are a strange cult, a foreign herd with wacked-out beliefs, instead of nearly half the country based on the 2016 election. Then again, as a Midwesterner, it often seems that many coastal “experts” can’t grasp why anybody out here votes the way they do. That’s not journalistic curiosity. That’s hubris.
And more bad behavior.
Partisan grenades
Of course, we have plenty of inspiration from the politicians themselves. You can start with the president. There is no question his preening, his prevarication, his fast-and-loose-with-the-facts approach and his infatuation with putting people down is, by any measure, bad behavior. Heck, many of his supporters will admit that. He gathers masses with no COVID-19 concern. He lauds his staff members, then trashes them if they dare speak their mind. The Republican senators, governors and members of Congress behind him often seem to have taken a see-no-evil, hear-no-evil pact.
But if you think that makes his opponents holy, you’re not being fair. Joe Biden brags about his “transparency,” but he barked, “No they don’t,” when a reporter asked if the public had a right to know his stance on Supreme Court packing, and he remains radio silent about his son’s business dealings, carefully avoiding any situations where he might be asked a single question. Is that really being "transparent?"
From 'I disagree' to 'You must be stopped': Political polarization is now toxic in America. Here's how to stop it.
As for decorum? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the president “morbidly obese” and said he’s like a kid “with doggy doo on his shoes.” Chuck Schumer threatened Supreme Court justices, saying, “You won’t know what hit you.” Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono, instead of casting a simple “nay” vote on Justice Amy Coney Barrett, marched to the table and declared, “Hell, no.” And for adopting two kids from impoverished Haiti, Barrett was likened to a “white colonizer” and her kids as “props” by a celebrated author and professor.
Is that admirable behavior?
We've attacked one another over the simple act of wearing a mask. People have been shot. A security guard was killed. Over a mask? We die on the hill for that?
The summer of protests saw many good people gathering to be heard. That’s our right, something to preserve. But the looting, burning, destruction and intimidation of innocent people was far too often excused or ignored because, once again, certain forces felt bad behavior, even violent behavior, was justified in the current ideological struggle.
Well, here’s some breaking news: the struggle isn’t going away. It won’t magically disappear on Tuesday night. We will eventually have a freshly elected president, but he’ll be presiding over the same nation, the same people, the same Congress, the same media and the same disagreements.
Bad behavior is the norm
We keep acting as if this is the first time liberal and conservative have clashed, the first time race or police have been issues, the first time we’ve faced a health pandemic. None of that is true. And all of these things will repeat themselves in the future. In fact, they’ll all still be here, smack in our face, come Wednesday morning.
How will we be any different?
A common refrain has been, “If Trump goes away, we’ll all go back to being nicer.” That’s naïve, like a 5-year-old pointing to his kid brother and saying, “He started it!”
Former Sen. Orrin Hatch: We must fix civics education to protect American democracy
The fact is, we've gotten quite used to behaving badly. To rude and self-righteous postures. So when do we stop? The Republicans shoved through a Supreme Court justice because they had the power; now the Democrats threaten to pack the court if they have the power. Does that sound like a stop? Twitter and Facebook, which brazenly act as editors of their users’ viewpoints, aren’t getting any smaller. Where’s the stopping there? No matter who wins the White House, half the country will view it as Armageddon and vow to fight the oppressors.
Does that sound like an ending — or a beginning?
A recent poll showed three out of four Americans are concerned about violence on Election Day. City stores are being boarded up. Security is being strengthened near expensive properties. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is literally shutting itself down Tuesday and Wednesday. Violence when we vote? Does that sound like America, or a revolution in some small, war-torn country halfway around the world?
We are stressed, locked down, haunted by a common enemy virus that should have united us but instead divided us further. The truth is, our future won’t be determined by who we choose to lead us this week. It will be determined by how we act after we do.
An American president, when he wakes up, doesn’t step off a cloud. He is a representative, nothing more. What will he represent? What will we represent? Think about the friends we’ve lost this election season. The neighbors we’ve alienated. Who will we be on Wednesday, Thursday and beyond?
I know this: If the winners gloat and the losers threaten, we won’t be any better than we’ve been the last six months. And does anyone really want the country of the last six months to be the country of the next four years?
Mitch Albom is a columnist for the Detroit Free Press, where this piece first appeared. Check out the latest updates with his charities, books and events at MitchAlbom.com. Follow him on Twitter @mitchalbom.


usatoday--2020-11-03--Not throwing away his shot: Teen heads to polls dressed as Alexander Hamilton to cast his first vote

Michael Daniels ' trip to the polls Tuesday morning in Louisville , Kentucky , took a little longer than your average voter .
It was a quick trip , Daniels said – he was in and out of Ballard High School in about 15 minutes .
But he spent a little extra time , he said , posing with voters who wanted a photo with Alexander Hamilton .
`` Some people were asking me to sing , but I was like , 'Uh , I 'm kind of too tired , I just woke up , ' `` he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see people 's reactions . ''
An 18-year-old Male High School graduate and aspiring theater performer , Daniels dressed up as Alexander Hamilton – the Founding Father at the center of Lin-Manuel Miranda 's illustrious `` Hamilton '' musical – for his first trip to the polls as a registered voter .
Who picked the colors ?
: Here 's why Republicans are 'red ' and Democrats are 'blue' Battleground states : These are the 12 states that will determine the 2020 election The costume turned heads , but Daniels is used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the musical that he often wears on walks around his apartment complex near Westport Village in Kentuky .
In his tailcoat and colonial shirt , he 's tough to miss .
As you 'd probably guess , Daniels has seen `` Hamilton '' once or twice .
Actually , he 's watched the film version of the popular musical `` probably more than 20 times '' since it was released on Disney+ over the summer .
`` When I first watched it I was just addicted to the songs , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lin-Manuel Miranda , I like how he decided to mix history – how we won our independence and how this one Founding Father made this huge difference in the U.S.A. – into this huge , modern , rap-style musical where it not only helps you learn about history but you have fun learning about it , with the songs they sing and the choreography . ''
Daniels ' voting experience sounds unique , but it was pretty ordinary in some regards .
He got to the Ballard High School polling station at 7 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't deal with long lines or any voting issues .
It took him five minutes to get dressed in the morning , he said .
`` I was so excited , '' Daniels said .
`` I woke up at 6:30 and I was just like , ' I 'm ready to go . '
'' Voting is important , Daniels said , because it gives people a chance to change the direction of the country – especially in a year , like 2020 , where a presidential race is on the ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to finally get the chance for my voice to be heard and show what I believe about who would make a good president , and truly change things for the better , '' he said .
Lucas Aulbach can be reached at laulbach @ courier-journal.com , 502-582-4649 or on Twitter @ LucasAulbach .

Lucas Aulbach, Louisville Courier Journal

Not throwing away his shot: Teen heads to polls dressed as Alexander Hamilton to cast his first vote
Michael Daniels' trip to the polls Tuesday morning in Louisville, Kentucky, took a little longer than your average voter.
It was a quick trip, Daniels said – he was in and out of Ballard High School in about 15 minutes. But he spent a little extra time, he said, posing with voters who wanted a photo with Alexander Hamilton.
"Some people were asking me to sing, but I was like, 'Uh, I'm kind of too tired, I just woke up,' " he said. "It was really fun to see people's reactions."
An 18-year-old Male High School graduate and aspiring theater performer, Daniels dressed up as Alexander Hamilton – the Founding Father at the center of Lin-Manuel Miranda's illustrious "Hamilton" musical – for his first trip to the polls as a registered voter.
Who picked the colors?: Here's why Republicans are 'red' and Democrats are 'blue'
Battleground states: These are the 12 states that will determine the 2020 election
The costume turned heads, but Daniels is used to it. He has two other costumes from the musical that he often wears on walks around his apartment complex near Westport Village in Kentuky. In his tailcoat and colonial shirt, he's tough to miss.
As you'd probably guess, Daniels has seen "Hamilton" once or twice. Actually, he's watched the film version of the popular musical "probably more than 20 times" since it was released on Disney+ over the summer.
"When I first watched it I was just addicted to the songs," he said. "... The creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, I like how he decided to mix history – how we won our independence and how this one Founding Father made this huge difference in the U.S.A. – into this huge, modern, rap-style musical where it not only helps you learn about history but you have fun learning about it, with the songs they sing and the choreography."
Daniels' voting experience sounds unique, but it was pretty ordinary in some regards.
He got to the Ballard High School polling station at 7 a.m., he said, and didn't deal with long lines or any voting issues. It took him five minutes to get dressed in the morning, he said.
Watch here: 2020 Election Results & Maps
"I was so excited," Daniels said. "I woke up at 6:30 and I was just like, 'I'm ready to go.'"
Voting is important, Daniels said, because it gives people a chance to change the direction of the country – especially in a year, like 2020, where a presidential race is on the ballot.
"I wanted to be able to finally get the chance for my voice to be heard and show what I believe about who would make a good president, and truly change things for the better," he said.
Lucas Aulbach can be reached at laulbach@courier-journal.com, 502-582-4649 or on Twitter @LucasAulbach.


usatoday--2020-11-05--Mississippi could have had more people go to the polls in 2020 than in the past decade

Mississippians turned out in force Tuesday at polling locations across the state , far surpassing numbers seen in 2016 and possibly setting a new state record .
According to preliminary results from the Associated Press , 1,023,185 ballots have been cast in Mississippi , though only 77 % of the estimated vote total was reported as of Wednesday afternoon .
If the projection holds true , more than 1.3 million ballots will have been cast in Mississippi on Election Day , surpassing numbers since 2003 , the earliest vote total available on the Secretary of State 's website .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State Michael Watson said there were 1,985,928 registered voters in Mississippi for the 2020 election , an increase of more than 110,000 voters over the total in 2016 .
During that race , 1.2 million votes were cast , a turnout of a little more than 64 % .
More : Election results updates : Biden is poised to win but it is n't over yet .
What we know Kendra James , director of communications for the secretary 's office , said in an email that official final voting results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the election .
The level of turnout was n't entirely expected .
On Monday , Watson said he anticipated voters would see short and quick lines .
However , that was n't the case for some , as long waits in long lines were the biggest issue of the day .
Voters anticipating to be in and out of their locations within a few minutes were greeted with lines of hundreds of people .
In Hinds County , one polling place reportedly saw a wait time of more than three hours .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lines voters were experiencing , but said poll managers were `` doing a great job managing an incredibly high turnout '' in the midst of a pandemic .
More : No presidential candidate in modern history has refused to concede .
There 's no law that requires it , either .
The state also saw high interest in absentee voting this year .
Watson said more than 248.000 ballots had been requested by Sunday for this year 's election and a large portion of them had already been returned .
Any outstanding ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and must be received by Nov. 10 in order to be counted .
Contact Keisha Rowe at nrowe @ gannett.com , on Twitter or at ( 601 ) 760-2483 .

Mississippi could have had more people go to the polls in 2020 than in the past decade
Show Caption Hide Caption How the US votes and why advocates say it needs to change US elections are mainly conducted by 'First Past the Post' voting. Here's why some say this system needs an overhaul. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
Mississippians turned out in force Tuesday at polling locations across the state, far surpassing numbers seen in 2016 and possibly setting a new state record.
According to preliminary results from the Associated Press, 1,023,185 ballots have been cast in Mississippi, though only 77% of the estimated vote total was reported as of Wednesday afternoon. If the projection holds true, more than 1.3 million ballots will have been cast in Mississippi on Election Day, surpassing numbers since 2003, the earliest vote total available on the Secretary of State's website.
In a news release issued Tuesday, Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson said there were 1,985,928 registered voters in Mississippi for the 2020 election, an increase of more than 110,000 voters over the total in 2016. During that race, 1.2 million votes were cast, a turnout of a little more than 64%.
More: Election results updates: Biden is poised to win but it isn't over yet. What we know
Kendra James, director of communications for the secretary's office, said in an email that official final voting results will not be released until 10 days after the election.
The level of turnout wasn't entirely expected. On Monday, Watson said he anticipated voters would see short and quick lines. However, that wasn't the case for some, as long waits in long lines were the biggest issue of the day.
Voters anticipating to be in and out of their locations within a few minutes were greeted with lines of hundreds of people. In Hinds County, one polling place reportedly saw a wait time of more than three hours.
Watson said he was aware of the lines voters were experiencing, but said poll managers were "doing a great job managing an incredibly high turnout" in the midst of a pandemic.
More: No presidential candidate in modern history has refused to concede. There's no law that requires it, either.
The state also saw high interest in absentee voting this year. Watson said more than 248.000 ballots had been requested by Sunday for this year's election and a large portion of them had already been returned.
Any outstanding ballots had to be post marked by yesterday and must be received by Nov. 10 in order to be counted.
Contact Keisha Rowe at nrowe@gannett.com, on Twitter or at (601) 760-2483.


usatoday--2020-11-05--Not a Republican, not a Democrat: Wyoming's Marshall Burt wins Libertarian Party's first statehouse

The Libertarian Party earned a historic victory on Tuesday , clinching a statehouse seat for the first time in nearly two decades .
Marshall Burt was elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives in its 39th district , defeating Democrat incumbent Stan Blake , said Bob Johnston , Libertarian National Committee staffer .
`` This is only the fifth time in Libertarian Party history a candidate running only on the LP label has been elected to a state legislature , and the first time in 20 years , '' he wrote in a statement .
Before Burt 's victory , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was in 2002 , when Vermont Rep. Neil Randall was reelected to his second and final term in the state legislature .
Burt will be Wyoming ’ s first third-party legislator in more than a century , the Casper Star-Tribune reported .
The Star-Tribune labeled Burt 's victory as `` stunning '' and described Blake as `` a beloved figure in local politics '' who often voted with Republicans in the Wyoming House .
“ It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Sweetwater County , ” Blake wrote in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have spoken with their votes .
My efforts came up short .
I have so many people to thank who contributed , put up signs , walked with me and gave tremendous support .
I congratulated my opponent and wished him luck .
I am so excited for what the future holds.
” The LP 's presidential nominee , Jo Jorgensen , received the second-highest number of votes in the party 's 49-year history .
Only Gary Johnson , who received 3.28 % of the vote in 2016 , has received greater support @ @ @ @ @

Not a Republican, not a Democrat: Wyoming's Marshall Burt wins Libertarian Party's first statehouse seat since 2002
Show Caption Hide Caption How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Libertarian Party earned a historic victory Tuesday, clinching a statehouse seat for the first time in nearly two decades.
Marshall Burt was elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives in its 39th district, defeating Democrat incumbent Stan Blake, said Bob Johnston on the Libertarian National Committee.
"This is only the fifth time in Libertarian Party history a candidate running only on the LP label has been elected to a state legislature, and the first time in 20 years," he wrote in a statement.
Before Burt's victory, the Libertarian Party's last state win was in 2002, when Vermont Rep. Neil Randall was reelected to his second and final term in the state Legislature.
A fiercely contested presidential election reinforced the nation's divide: What's next?
Burt will be Wyoming’s first third-party legislator in more than a century, the Casper Star-Tribune reported.
The Star-Tribune labeled Burt's victory as "stunning" and described Blake as "a beloved figure in local politics" who often voted with Republicans in the Wyoming House.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Sweetwater County,” Blake wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday night. “They have spoken with their votes. My efforts came up short. I have so many people to thank who contributed, put up signs, walked with me and gave tremendous support. I congratulated my opponent and wished him luck. I am so excited for what the future holds.”
‘Remarkably status quo’: Republicans maintain statehouse majorities despite buzz of potential blue wave
The Libertarian Party's presidential nominee, Jo Jorgensen, received the second-highest number of votes in the party's 49-year history. Only Gary Johnson, who received 3.28% of the vote in 2016, has received greater support in a presidential election.


usatoday--2020-11-05--Chaos erupted as vote challengers were turned away from TCF Center in Detroit

Chaos erupted as vote challengers were turned away from TCF Center in Detroit Election officials informed dozens of vote challengers @ @ @ @ @ the vote tally room at TCF Center due to it being over-capacity .

Election 2020: Chaotic scenes outside Detroit voting center
Election officials informed dozens of vote challengers that they could not reenter the vote tally room at TCF Center due to it being over-capacity.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-05--What are the recount rules? We break them down and how they could help Donald Trump win Wisconsin, A

President Donald Trump ’ s campaign said Wednesday it would ask for a recount of the race in Wisconsin , saying it was “ a razor-thin race ” between him and Democratic nominee Joe Biden and citing reports of “ irregularities in several Wisconsin counties which raise serious doubts about the validity of the results.
” “ The President is well within the threshold to request a recount and we will immediately do so , ” campaign manager Bill Stepien said .
Wisconsin is one of several states that could be ripe for recounts as the country awaits final results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules for recounts in those key states : An automatic recount is triggered in Arizona if the margin between candidates is less than or equal to 0.1 % of the votes cast .
On Wednesday morning , Biden led Trump 51 % to 47.6 % with about 84 % of the estimated vote counted .
Neither candidates nor voters can directly request recounts in Arizona .
Voters can , however , contest election results in state court if they suspect misconduct on the part of election boards or officials , if they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they claim counting errors caused officials to declare the wrong candidate the winner .
When a challenge of this type is filed , the state attorney general ( currently Mark Brnovich , a Republican ) can move to intervene in the case .
In Georgia , candidates can request a recount when the margin is less than 1 % of the total votes cast for the office .
“ The request must be made within two business days following certification of the results , ” according to the National Association of Secretaries of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Georgia is 14 days after the election , in this case Nov. 17 .
Trump was leading in Georgia by roughly 80,000 votes out of the 4.75 million counted as of Wednesday afternoon , or roughly a 1.6 % margin .
But only 95 % of the estimated votes had been counted .
In 2016 , Trump won Michigan by the smallest margin of any state — less than two-tenths of 1 % of the vote or 10,704 votes — and a recount in 2020 could be more likely if the race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday had Biden leading 49.7 % to 48.8 % with roughly 96 % of the estimated votes counted .
A recount is automatically triggered in Michigan when the election is determined by a difference of 2,000 votes or less .
A candidate can also ask for a recount if they have a `` reasonable chance of winning the election . ''
Unlike other states , Nevada does not have an automatic trigger for a recount .
Either candidate can request a recount in the event of a tied race .
But , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who lost must file for the recount , according to Nevada Revised Statutes .
Additionally , the NRS states voters in Nevada can also submit a request .
A recount request must be filed within three days of when final results are certified .
Nevada 's count is scheduled to be certified on Nov. 16 .
As of Wednesday night , Biden currently leads by a slim 0.6 % margin — less than 8,000 total votes — with 25 % of ballots still to be counted .
Trump was leading Biden in Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midday Wednesday but only 84 % of the votes had been counted and election officials were cautioning patience while the rest are tabulated .
An automatic recount in the state would only be triggered if the margin is 0.5 % or less of the total votes cast .
Voters in individual districts can petition for recounts if they sign affidavits alleging errors in the vote totals within five days after an election , according to Ballotpedia .
Recount rules require county election officials to use tabulators of a different type than that used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ballots by hand .
The recount must begin by Nov. 18 and be finished by Nov. 24 , according to the National Association of Secretaries of State .
Unofficial returns in Wisconsin showed Biden leading Trump by about 20,000 votes as of midday Wednesday .
That 's a tiny share of the estimated 3.3 million votes that were cast .
If the race stays within 1 percentage point , the losing candidate can force a recount .
If the margin is larger than that , there 's no chance for one .
Before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recount , the official results need to be finalized over the coming weeks .
Contributing : USA TODAY Network reporters Patrick Marley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel , Maria Polletta of the Arizona Republic , Dave Boucher and Clara Hendrickson of the Detroit Free Press , and Andrew Mendez of the Reno Gazette-Journal .

What are the recount rules? We break them down and how they could help Donald Trump win Wisconsin, Arizona or Pennsylvania
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump's camp says it will ask for recounts There are the rules when it comes to states' own recount decisions. USA TODAY, Wochit
Corrections/clarifications: This story originally misstated the threshold for a recount in Georgia. Candidates can request a recount when the margin is less than 0.5% of the total votes cast for the office.
President Donald Trump’s campaign said Wednesday it would ask for a recount of the race in Wisconsin, saying it was “a razor-thin race” between him and Democratic nominee Joe Biden and citing reports of “irregularities in several Wisconsin counties which raise serious doubts about the validity of the results.”
“The President is well within the threshold to request a recount and we will immediately do so,” campaign manager Bill Stepien said.
Wisconsin is one of several states that could be ripe for recounts as the country awaits final results in the presidential election. Here are the rules for recounts in those key states:
Arizona
An automatic recount is triggered in Arizona if the margin between candidates is less than or equal to 0.1% of the votes cast. On Wednesday morning, Biden led Trump 51% to 47.6% with about 84% of the estimated vote counted.
Neither candidates nor voters can directly request recounts in Arizona. Voters can, however, contest election results in state court if they suspect misconduct on the part of election boards or officials, if they claim illegal votes were cast or if they claim counting errors caused officials to declare the wrong candidate the winner.
When a challenge of this type is filed, the state attorney general (currently Mark Brnovich, a Republican) can move to intervene in the case.
Georgia
In Georgia, candidates can request a recount when the margin is less than 0.5% of the total votes cast for the office.
“The request must be made within two business days following certification of the results,” according to the National Association of Secretaries of State.
The deadline for certifying results in Georgia is 14 days after the election, in this case Nov. 17.
Trump was leading in Georgia by roughly 80,000 votes out of the 4.75 million counted as of Wednesday afternoon, or roughly a 1.6 % margin. But only 95% of the estimated votes had been counted.
Michigan
In 2016, Trump won Michigan by the smallest margin of any state — less than two-tenths of 1% of the vote or 10,704 votes — and a recount in 2020 could be more likely if the race stays close in Michigan.
Preliminary returns Wednesday had Biden leading 49.7% to 48.8% with roughly 96% of the estimated votes counted.
A recount is automatically triggered in Michigan when the election is determined by a difference of 2,000 votes or less. A candidate can also ask for a recount if they have a "reasonable chance of winning the election."
Nevada
Unlike other states, Nevada does not have an automatic trigger for a recount.
Either candidate can request a recount in the event of a tied race. But, if there was a winner, the candidate who lost must file for the recount, according to Nevada Revised Statutes. Additionally, the NRS states voters in Nevada can also submit a request.
A recount request must be filed within three days of when final results are certified. Nevada's count is scheduled to be certified on Nov. 16.
As of Wednesday night, Biden currently leads by a slim 0.6% margin — less than 8,000 total votes — with 25% of ballots still to be counted.
Pennsylvania
Trump was leading Biden in Pennsylvania by 53.3% to 45.5% at midday Wednesday but only 84% of the votes had been counted and election officials were cautioning patience while the rest are tabulated.
An automatic recount in the state would only be triggered if the margin is 0.5% or less of the total votes cast. Voters in individual districts can petition for recounts if they sign affidavits alleging errors in the vote totals within five days after an election, according to Ballotpedia.
Recount rules require county election officials to use tabulators of a different type than that used in the election or to count paper ballots by hand.
The recount must begin by Nov. 18 and be finished by Nov. 24, according to the National Association of Secretaries of State.
Wisconsin
Unofficial returns in Wisconsin showed Biden leading Trump by about 20,000 votes as of midday Wednesday. That's a tiny share of the estimated 3.3 million votes that were cast.
If the race stays within 1 percentage point, the losing candidate can force a recount. If the margin is larger than that, there's no chance for one. Before any decision could be made on a recount, the official results need to be finalized over the coming weeks.
Contributing: USA TODAY Network reporters Patrick Marley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Maria Polletta of the Arizona Republic, Dave Boucher and Clara Hendrickson of the Detroit Free Press, and Andrew Mendez of the Reno Gazette-Journal.