Here are the headlines you Need2Know for Monday, November 2, 2020:
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN
A federal judge will rule this morning on whether more than 120,000 ballots in Harris County, Tex. should be tossed because they were cast in drive-through locations that the state GOP says are illegal and favor Democratic voters. The last wave of polls show Joe Biden maintaining a national lead of about 10 points and smaller leads in most swing states; both campaigns are focusing heavily on Pennsylvania in the final sprint, a state that is increasingly viewed as the “tipping point.” President Trump is reportedly planning to declare victory tomorrow night if he appears to be “ahead,” even if large numbers of votes remain uncounted in states like Pennsylvania. AXIOS
COVID-19 ACCELERATING EVERYWHERE
The coronavirus is spreading so fast around the U.S. that most experts say it’s not even possible to do contact tracing anymore. “You could not possibly be positioned more poorly” than the U.S. is right now, Dr. Fauci said. Those comments got immediate pushback from the White House, and led President Trump to suggest at a rally that he would fire Fauci after the election. Europe’s also in terrible shape; cases have doubled over five weeks and the UK is going back into a four-week lockdown (at least). GUARDIAN
ELECTION UNREST
Two-thirds of Americans say they are stressed about the election and what comes after, according to a recent survey. In a possible preview of what could happen this week, there were several instances of violence and unrest around the country over the weekend. In Texas, the FBI is investigating a caravan of Trump supporters that surrounded a Biden campaign bus on the highway and appeared to try to force it off the road, according to witnesses and video, leading the Biden camp to cancel some events. In North Carolina, police pepper-sprayed people marching for voter turnout. In Virginia, a group of Trump supporters picketed outside the home of AG Bill Barr, demanding that he lock up Joe Biden. In California, police in riot gear had to break up a Trump rally after supporters and counter-protesters clashed in the streets of Beverly Hills. In D.C. this morning, crews are building a “non-scalable” wall around the White House. NY TIMES
BALLOT INITIATIVES
There are 120 referendums on the ballot in 32 states this year, fewer than normal, but also far more expensive than normal. Much of the money is going toward Prop 22 in California, which would give gig economy companies like Uber and DoorDash a carve-out on a law that says they have to classify their drivers as employees. Colorado voters will decide on a paid sick leave initiative, Florida voters will decide on a $15 minimum wage, and four more states -- N.J., Montana, North Dakota and Arizona -- could legalize recreational pot. See what's on your ballot: BALLOTPEDIA
POLAND PROTESTS
Poland saw its largest protests since the fall of communism culminate over the weekend, as tens of thousands of women took to the streets of Warsaw to demonstrate against a court decision that bans almost all abortions. A massive movement has formed in recent weeks against the government and church; younger Poles fear that they are losing their rights and drifting further away from the EU under the country’s far-right ruling party. Drone footage captured the scale of the most recent protests: SEE IT
IN MEMORIAM: SEAN CONNERY
Sean Connery, who died in his sleep Friday night, had been battling dementia toward the end of his life, according to his widow, Micheline Roquebrune, who said the disease “took its toll” on the legendary movie star. Social media flooded with remembrances of Connery, who instantly embodied the iconic coolness of James Bond when he appeared on screen as 007 in 1962’s Dr. No. Connery was 90 years old. OBIT
BRADY VS. BELICHICK
Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Bucs go into tonight’s game against the N.Y. Giants with a 5-2 record. Bill Belichick’s Patriots, meanwhile, are 2-5 after losing to the red-hot Buffalo Bills. That begs the question after Week 8: Was Brady more crucial to the Pats success all these years than Belichick? ESPN
SNL HALLOWEEN
Comedian John Mulaney hosted the SNL Halloween episode and the final show before the election, with The Strokes as musical guest. Among the highlights: Colin Jost showed off his new wedding ring after marrying Scarlett Johansson, and Mulaney presided over another NYC-themed musical sketch, this time set inside a downtrodden Times Square souvenir shop: WATCH
SPOTTED...
...Kendall Jenner, hosting a Halloween party at a rooftop bar in Hollywood, with Justin Bieber, Jaden Smith and other celebs in attendance, despite city mandates about gatherings. Guests were asked not to post pics on social media: SEE PICS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
LEFTOVERS: ELECTION FREEBIES
The purpose of voting is not just to get the perfect ballot selfie -- it’s also to get free stuff. Technically, it’s illegal to give away goods or services in exchange for proof of voting, so most businesses just extend the offer to all. Tomorrow, you’ll be able to get a free donut at Krispy Kreme, a free massage at Planet Fitness, free delivery from Red Lobster, and half-off Uber and Lyft rides to the polls, among plenty of other promotions. USA TODAY
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