USA TODAYPresident Joe Biden sure has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Welcome to the White House. Now, let's get to work. , ready to get this show on the road. Let's talk news. But first, I demand to know what's in the letter: Former President Donald Trump has maintained the tradition of the outgoing president leaving a letter for the incoming president. .The Short List is a snappy USA TODAY news roundup. ! marking the start of an administration that now must confront a deadly coronavirus pandemic, economic turmoil and deep divisions over American leadership. Forty-eight years after he...…USA TODAYPresident Joe Biden sure has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Welcome to the White House. Now, let's get to work. , ready to get this show on the road. Let's talk news. But first, I demand to know what's in the letter: Former President Donald Trump has maintained the tradition of the outgoing president leaving a letter for the incoming president. .The Short List is a snappy USA TODAY news roundup. ! marking the start of an administration that now must confront a deadly coronavirus pandemic, economic turmoil and deep divisions over American leadership. Forty-eight years after he...WW…

USA TODAYThe social network MeWe gained 2.5 million new members in the past week as social media users flock to privacy-focused apps. The social network currently has 16 million members, according to the company. In June 2020, MeWe stated it had .The ad-free platform aims to compete against traditional social media models that use data collection for targeted ads. MeWe, launched by Mark Weinstein in 2016, also vouches not to censor their users for behavior that might violate the policies of other networks, including Facebook and Twitter. "People all over the world are leaving Facebook and...…USA TODAYThe social network MeWe gained 2.5 million new members in the past week as social media users flock to privacy-focused apps. The social network currently has 16 million members, according to the company. In June 2020, MeWe stated it had .The ad-free platform aims to compete against traditional social media models that use data collection for targeted ads. MeWe, launched by Mark Weinstein in 2016, also vouches not to censor their users for behavior that might violate the policies of other networks, including Facebook and Twitter. "People all over the world are leaving Facebook and...WW…

USA TODAYWASHINGTON – Embattled President touted his economic and foreign policy record in a videotaped "" Tuesday."Now, as I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning," Trump said to supporters in the speech videotaped Monday and released Tuesday.Trump did not mention President-elect Joe Biden by name during the video that ran nearly 20 minutes, but he wished good luck to the new administration in general. "We extend our best wishes," Trump said, "and we also want them to have luck, a very...…USA TODAYWASHINGTON – Embattled President touted his economic and foreign policy record in a videotaped "" Tuesday."Now, as I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning," Trump said to supporters in the speech videotaped Monday and released Tuesday.Trump did not mention President-elect Joe Biden by name during the video that ran nearly 20 minutes, but he wished good luck to the new administration in general. "We extend our best wishes," Trump said, "and we also want them to have luck, a very...WW…

USA TODAYWASHINGTON – Keeping with his tradition of using his power to help political allies, President Donald Trump has pardoned former adviser Stephen Bannon, who's awaiting trial in Manhattan on fraud charges tied to a border wall fundraising effort.The pardon is unusual because Bannon has yet to stand trial. But it has a familiar ring for Trump because he granted it to a longtime ally who got into trouble with the law.The president has pardoned former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former national security adviser Michael Flynn, and he commuted the sentence of longtime ally Roger...…USA TODAYWASHINGTON – Keeping with his tradition of using his power to help political allies, President Donald Trump has pardoned former adviser Stephen Bannon, who's awaiting trial in Manhattan on fraud charges tied to a border wall fundraising effort.The pardon is unusual because Bannon has yet to stand trial. But it has a familiar ring for Trump because he granted it to a longtime ally who got into trouble with the law.The president has pardoned former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and former national security adviser Michael Flynn, and he commuted the sentence of longtime ally Roger...WW…

Las Cruces Sun-NewsRepublican U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell of New Mexico has following his arrest on charges stemming from the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot.Couy Griffin, the founder of Cowboys for Trump and a county commissioner in Otero County, New Mexico, on Sunday in Washington, D.C. He is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, according to a U.S. District Court criminal complaint.In September 2019, days before President Donald Trump held a rally in Rio Rancho, N.M., Herrell had posted on her campaign Facebook page that "Cowboys...…Las Cruces Sun-NewsRepublican U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell of New Mexico has following his arrest on charges stemming from the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot.Couy Griffin, the founder of Cowboys for Trump and a county commissioner in Otero County, New Mexico, on Sunday in Washington, D.C. He is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, according to a U.S. District Court criminal complaint.In September 2019, days before President Donald Trump held a rally in Rio Rancho, N.M., Herrell had posted on her campaign Facebook page that "Cowboys...WW…

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USA TODAYThe 2021 NFL scouting combine will have a very different look to it as the country continues to operate under the restrictions of COVID-19. In fact, the league’s annual week-long pre-draft player evaluation event will not even take place at a central location.In a memo issued to teams on Monday, the NFL informed them that Indianapolis will not host the combine. Since 1987, team officials, talent evaluators, coaches and medical personnel have convened in Indianapolis to test, interview and grade the top football players entering the draft.This year, the entire evaluation process...…USA TODAYThe 2021 NFL scouting combine will have a very different look to it as the country continues to operate under the restrictions of COVID-19. In fact, the league’s annual week-long pre-draft player evaluation event will not even take place at a central location.In a memo issued to teams on Monday, the NFL informed them that Indianapolis will not host the combine. Since 1987, team officials, talent evaluators, coaches and medical personnel have convened in Indianapolis to test, interview and grade the top football players entering the draft.This year, the entire evaluation process...WW…

Depending on how things go on Sunday night, the Philadelphia three weeks for the opportunity to interview Chiefs offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy.The and , Philadelphia could be the Bieniemy’s only shot for a job this cycle.With three head-coaching jobs officially filled, there’s a growing belief that Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who’d been thought to be the most obvious candidate to get a job this cycle, could be shut out again. It doesn’t sound as if he’s the guy in Detroit. We know Houston angered its franchise quarterback by not interviewing Bienemy during Kansas...…Depending on how things go on Sunday night, the Philadelphia three weeks for the opportunity to interview Chiefs offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy.The and , Philadelphia could be the Bieniemy’s only shot for a job this cycle.With three head-coaching jobs officially filled, there’s a growing belief that Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who’d been thought to be the most obvious candidate to get a job this cycle, could be shut out again. It doesn’t sound as if he’s the guy in Detroit. We know Houston angered its franchise quarterback by not interviewing Bienemy during Kansas...WW…

USA TODAYBy a wide margin, Americans say the police response to the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol would have been harsher if the rioters had been mostly Black rather than mostly white, a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll finds.A 55% majority says law enforcement would have employed harsher tactics against the melee than they did, almost double the 28% who say the response would have been the same. Just 9% say the response would have been less harsh to a largely Black mob."It kind of just showed the whole world about how there's and how the justice system really fears on color," says...…USA TODAYBy a wide margin, Americans say the police response to the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol would have been harsher if the rioters had been mostly Black rather than mostly white, a new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll finds.A 55% majority says law enforcement would have employed harsher tactics against the melee than they did, almost double the 28% who say the response would have been the same. Just 9% say the response would have been less harsh to a largely Black mob."It kind of just showed the whole world about how there's and how the justice system really fears on color," says...WW…

USA TODAYWASHINGTON – There won’t be a traditional inaugural down Pennsylvania Avenue on Wednesday, but there will be a virtual “Parade Across America.”President-elect ’s virtual parade, which will follow his swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, will include performers and other representatives from all 50 states and several U.S. territories.The event, billed as a “Parade Across America,” will celebrate the nation's heroes and highlight the diversity, heritage and resilience of the country, the Presidential Inaugural Committee said Monday.“As...…USA TODAYWASHINGTON – There won’t be a traditional inaugural down Pennsylvania Avenue on Wednesday, but there will be a virtual “Parade Across America.”President-elect ’s virtual parade, which will follow his swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, will include performers and other representatives from all 50 states and several U.S. territories.The event, billed as a “Parade Across America,” will celebrate the nation's heroes and highlight the diversity, heritage and resilience of the country, the Presidential Inaugural Committee said Monday.“As...WW…

Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsThe New York Jets are banking on Robert Saleh turning their losing ways into winning ones. The former defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers has a big task turning around a 2-14 team. How have other defensive coaches done when they have stepped up to the big gig?Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsWade Phillips served on the defensive side of the ball for many teams. He also had numerous head coaching jobs, whether with an interim tag or an actual head coach. Phillips has an 82-64 record as the bossman.Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY SportsSteve Spagnuolo won two Super...…Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsThe New York Jets are banking on Robert Saleh turning their losing ways into winning ones. The former defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers has a big task turning around a 2-14 team. How have other defensive coaches done when they have stepped up to the big gig?Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsWade Phillips served on the defensive side of the ball for many teams. He also had numerous head coaching jobs, whether with an interim tag or an actual head coach. Phillips has an 82-64 record as the bossman.Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY SportsSteve Spagnuolo won two Super...WW…

USA TODAYTwitter announced Sunday it had suspended the account of freshman Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for 12 hours.The Republican’s last post to the site was a video in which she continued to allege debunked and unfounded conspiracy theories about widespread voter fraud in her home state of Georgia. Twitter flagged the post with a warning and blocked users from liking or commenting on the post.In another post earlier in the day, Greene attacked Gabriel Sterling, Georgia's voter system implementation manager, spreading a false claim about alleged corruption from Dominion voting...…USA TODAYTwitter announced Sunday it had suspended the account of freshman Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for 12 hours.The Republican’s last post to the site was a video in which she continued to allege debunked and unfounded conspiracy theories about widespread voter fraud in her home state of Georgia. Twitter flagged the post with a warning and blocked users from liking or commenting on the post.In another post earlier in the day, Greene attacked Gabriel Sterling, Georgia's voter system implementation manager, spreading a false claim about alleged corruption from Dominion voting...WW…

USA TODAYSocial media users are sharing a photoshopped tweet that claims U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., called for a "purge" of conservatives now that Joe Biden has been elected president.The tweet appeared after President Donald Trump's supporters on Jan. 6 and before  made on Jan. 12, in which she called the president a "traitor" to the country and said she feared for her safety during the riot. "Congrats to President Joe Biden. Now let's begin 'The Purge' to roundup all Conservative traitors," the alleged tweet reads, posted by one user as a screenshot to  on Jan. 12....…USA TODAYSocial media users are sharing a photoshopped tweet that claims U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., called for a "purge" of conservatives now that Joe Biden has been elected president.The tweet appeared after President Donald Trump's supporters on Jan. 6 and before  made on Jan. 12, in which she called the president a "traitor" to the country and said she feared for her safety during the riot. "Congrats to President Joe Biden. Now let's begin 'The Purge' to roundup all Conservative traitors," the alleged tweet reads, posted by one user as a screenshot to  on Jan. 12....WW…

USA TODAYFacebook says it is temporarily banning ads that promote weapon accessories and protective equipment in the United States ahead of Inauguration Day and at least through Jan. 22.The company said in a Saturday about Inauguration Day preparations that the move was being made "out of an abundance of caution.""We already prohibit ads for weapons, ammunition and weapon enhancements like silencers. But we will now also prohibit ads for accessories such as gun safes, vests and gun holsters in the US," Facebook said.Facebook previously announced it is cracking down on in an emergency move...…USA TODAYFacebook says it is temporarily banning ads that promote weapon accessories and protective equipment in the United States ahead of Inauguration Day and at least through Jan. 22.The company said in a Saturday about Inauguration Day preparations that the move was being made "out of an abundance of caution.""We already prohibit ads for weapons, ammunition and weapon enhancements like silencers. But we will now also prohibit ads for accessories such as gun safes, vests and gun holsters in the US," Facebook said.Facebook previously announced it is cracking down on in an emergency move...WW…

USA TODAYPolice in Washington, D.C., on Friday arrested a Virginia man who allegedly tried to pass through a security checkpoint with an "unauthorized" inauguration credential, unregistered handguns and more than 500 rounds of ammunition, according to officials.Wesley Allen Beeler, 31, of Front Royal, Virginia, was arrested shortly after 6:30 p.m. Friday after police found two unregistered Glock 9mm handguns, 509 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 21 12-gauge shotgun shells, and one 17-round Glock 17 magazine, all in his truck, according to a police report. According to the Washington Post, Beeler...…USA TODAYPolice in Washington, D.C., on Friday arrested a Virginia man who allegedly tried to pass through a security checkpoint with an "unauthorized" inauguration credential, unregistered handguns and more than 500 rounds of ammunition, according to officials.Wesley Allen Beeler, 31, of Front Royal, Virginia, was arrested shortly after 6:30 p.m. Friday after police found two unregistered Glock 9mm handguns, 509 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 21 12-gauge shotgun shells, and one 17-round Glock 17 magazine, all in his truck, according to a police report. According to the Washington Post, Beeler...WW…

USA TODAYAnger over perceived censorship by social media companies is bridging the divide between far-right extremist groups and Trump supporters.And that growing solidarity could increase the likelihood of violence , researchers who study hate and extremism warn.“That’s largely to do with the rhetoric that we are seeing and the degree to which people are unifying around this issue of censorship or perceived censorship from tech companies,” said Michael Edison Hayden of the Southern Poverty Law Center. “It has provided a unifying grievance between groups that had no connection with one...…USA TODAYAnger over perceived censorship by social media companies is bridging the divide between far-right extremist groups and Trump supporters.And that growing solidarity could increase the likelihood of violence , researchers who study hate and extremism warn.“That’s largely to do with the rhetoric that we are seeing and the degree to which people are unifying around this issue of censorship or perceived censorship from tech companies,” said Michael Edison Hayden of the Southern Poverty Law Center. “It has provided a unifying grievance between groups that had no connection with one...WW…

USA TODAYIs there still time for outgoing first lady  to carry out one last first-lady duty? It's looking increasingly unlikely that Trump will invite incoming first lady Jill Biden to tea and a tour of the White House family quarters.If she doesn't do so before she and President Donald Trump fly off to Florida on Jan. 19, the day before Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, then it will be the first break in the 100-year-old first ladies' transfer-of-power tradition in decades."In modern history, there has always been an invitation, this goes back to at least...…USA TODAYIs there still time for outgoing first lady  to carry out one last first-lady duty? It's looking increasingly unlikely that Trump will invite incoming first lady Jill Biden to tea and a tour of the White House family quarters.If she doesn't do so before she and President Donald Trump fly off to Florida on Jan. 19, the day before Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, then it will be the first break in the 100-year-old first ladies' transfer-of-power tradition in decades."In modern history, there has always been an invitation, this goes back to at least...WW…

Details of the farewell ceremony are still under consideration, according to sources, but may include a color guard and 21-gun salute. More VideosWatch Next  …Details of the farewell ceremony are still under consideration, according to sources, but may include a color guard and 21-gun salute. More VideosWatch Next  WW…

NorthJersey.comJERSEY CITY, N.J. — Sandra Guerrero has done this before.Countless times over the past 11 years, the college freshman from West Orange has made her way to the wrestling mat to spar with her teammates. She’s done it from the recreational level through high school. She’s honed her craft so well that last year she was crowned a state and regional champion, posting a perfect 22-0 record with 21 pins on her way to becoming her program’s first state champion.But, hitting the mat in 2021 will feel different.This year, Guerrero will suit up in green and gold, representing New Jersey...…NorthJersey.comJERSEY CITY, N.J. — Sandra Guerrero has done this before.Countless times over the past 11 years, the college freshman from West Orange has made her way to the wrestling mat to spar with her teammates. She’s done it from the recreational level through high school. She’s honed her craft so well that last year she was crowned a state and regional champion, posting a perfect 22-0 record with 21 pins on her way to becoming her program’s first state champion.But, hitting the mat in 2021 will feel different.This year, Guerrero will suit up in green and gold, representing New Jersey...WW…

USA TODAYCharles Barkley believes professional athletes, including NBA players, should be among the first to for the novel coronavirus. His reasoning? Taxes. "Three hundred million shots, give a thousand to some NBA players, NFL players, hockey players," Barkley said during Thursday's "Inside the NBA." "Listen, as much taxes as these players pay – let me repeat that – as much taxes as these players pay, they deserve some preferential treatment." In December,  NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also said last month that no one in the NFL would be receiving a vaccination before the Super...…USA TODAYCharles Barkley believes professional athletes, including NBA players, should be among the first to for the novel coronavirus. His reasoning? Taxes. "Three hundred million shots, give a thousand to some NBA players, NFL players, hockey players," Barkley said during Thursday's "Inside the NBA." "Listen, as much taxes as these players pay – let me repeat that – as much taxes as these players pay, they deserve some preferential treatment." In December,  NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also said last month that no one in the NFL would be receiving a vaccination before the Super...WW…

USA TODAYUSA TODAY is keeping track of the news surrounding COVID-19 as a pair of vaccines join the U.S. fight against a virus that has killed nearly 390,000 Americans since the first reported fatality in February. Keep refreshing this page for the latest updates surrounding the coronavirus, including who is getting the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, as well as other top news from across the USA TODAY Network. for updates directly to your inbox, or for everything you need to know about the coronavirus.In the headlines:► The world reached 2 million deaths from the coronavirus on Friday,...…USA TODAYUSA TODAY is keeping track of the news surrounding COVID-19 as a pair of vaccines join the U.S. fight against a virus that has killed nearly 390,000 Americans since the first reported fatality in February. Keep refreshing this page for the latest updates surrounding the coronavirus, including who is getting the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, as well as other top news from across the USA TODAY Network. for updates directly to your inbox, or for everything you need to know about the coronavirus.In the headlines:► The world reached 2 million deaths from the coronavirus on Friday,...WW…

USA TODAYOn Jan. 13, . But even before that,  Americans took to social media to deliberate what this could mean for Trump after he leaves office on Jan. 20.“For those wondering if it’s worth impeaching him this time, it means he: 1) loses his 200k+ pension for the rest of his life, 2) loses his 1 million dollar/year travel allowance, 3) loses lifetime full secret service detail, 4) loses his ability to run in 2024,” Ben Costiloe  in a Jan. 8 tweet. USA TODAY reached out to him for comment. The tweet has since been deleted.Fact or fiction:Costiloe wasn't the the only social media user to...…USA TODAYOn Jan. 13, . But even before that,  Americans took to social media to deliberate what this could mean for Trump after he leaves office on Jan. 20.“For those wondering if it’s worth impeaching him this time, it means he: 1) loses his 200k+ pension for the rest of his life, 2) loses his 1 million dollar/year travel allowance, 3) loses lifetime full secret service detail, 4) loses his ability to run in 2024,” Ben Costiloe  in a Jan. 8 tweet. USA TODAY reached out to him for comment. The tweet has since been deleted.Fact or fiction:Costiloe wasn't the the only social media user to...WW…

USA TODAY Fast-food workers across the country are planning to strike Friday to keep pressure on the incoming Biden administration and  the restaurant giants they work for to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Employees of McDonald's, Wendy's and other fast-food chains will stay away or walk off the job in roughly 15 cities on what would have been Martin Luther King Jr.'s  92nd birthday, said Fight for $15 and a Union, a movement of fast food and other low-paid workers, which is organizing the strike. "They want to send a message to both the Biden-Harris administration and Congress to...…USA TODAY Fast-food workers across the country are planning to strike Friday to keep pressure on the incoming Biden administration and  the restaurant giants they work for to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Employees of McDonald's, Wendy's and other fast-food chains will stay away or walk off the job in roughly 15 cities on what would have been Martin Luther King Jr.'s  92nd birthday, said Fight for $15 and a Union, a movement of fast food and other low-paid workers, which is organizing the strike. "They want to send a message to both the Biden-Harris administration and Congress to...WW…

Jonathan TurleyOpinion columnistWith the second impeachment of President Donald Trump, the Congress is set for one of the most bizarre moments in constitutional history: the removal of someone who has already left office. The retroactive removal would be a testament to the timeliness of rage. While it is not without precedent, it is without logic.The planned impeachment trial of Donald Trump after he leaves office would be our own version of the .  In 897, Pope Stephen VI and his supporters continued to seethe over the action of Pope Formosus, who not only died in 896 but was followed by...…Jonathan TurleyOpinion columnistWith the second impeachment of President Donald Trump, the Congress is set for one of the most bizarre moments in constitutional history: the removal of someone who has already left office. The retroactive removal would be a testament to the timeliness of rage. While it is not without precedent, it is without logic.The planned impeachment trial of Donald Trump after he leaves office would be our own version of the .  In 897, Pope Stephen VI and his supporters continued to seethe over the action of Pope Formosus, who not only died in 896 but was followed by...WW…

USA TODAYDemocratic lawmakers leveled a series of stunning allegations that their GOP colleagues – none of whom they named – may have conspired with rioters before they attacked the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election that President Donald Trump lost.Though they offered few specifics and little evidence, their claims represent the culmination of months of warnings and frustrations over the cozy relationship between some prominent Republicans and the violent fringes, including white nationalists, animated by lies about voter fraud and a stolen election.A week after the...…USA TODAYDemocratic lawmakers leveled a series of stunning allegations that their GOP colleagues – none of whom they named – may have conspired with rioters before they attacked the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election that President Donald Trump lost.Though they offered few specifics and little evidence, their claims represent the culmination of months of warnings and frustrations over the cozy relationship between some prominent Republicans and the violent fringes, including white nationalists, animated by lies about voter fraud and a stolen election.A week after the...WW…