Here's the biggest news you missed this weekend
As US treks deeper into fall, COVID cases continue to rise
The United States marked more than 8 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 Friday, leaving only three counties untouched by the virus nationwide. And case numbers are again on the rise. More than 373,000 cases were added last week alone — a number nearly 46,000 higher than the tally from the previous week. It's a rate of growth not seen since July. In addition, coronavirus-related hospitalizations are rising steadily, the daily number now up more than 30% from just four weeks ago. Among the hardest hit states is New Mexico, where Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said hospitalizations have more than doubled in less than three weeks. "Doesn't matter if you're young, doesn't matter if you don't believe in it," Grisham said. "The virus is real and it continues to spread."
Dr. Anthony Fauci warned against Thanksgiving celebrations. This is what makes congregating indoors so dangerous and how can you stay safe.
Colorado's Cameron Peak, CalWood fires drive thousands from their homes
A new wildfire is tearing through Colorado, 50 miles southeast of the Cameron Peak Fire, forcing nearly 3,000 people in Boulder County to evacuate. The CalWood fire began burning Saturday. It joins the Cameron Peak Fire, which is the largest in state history, and has burned more than 300 square miles since mid-August. The causes of both fires remain under investigation as there were no lightning strikes or other likely weather events that could have ignited the CalWood blaze. However, the region has been saddled with high winds and what fire officials termed "critically dry" conditions for weeks.
These 8 photos show the intense smoke from Colorado's largest wildfire ever.
16 days to go
President Donald Trump is doubling down on the campaign trail in the last two weeks of the 2020 election, despite a resurgence of COVID-19 and his own bout with the virus. His toughest hurdle to securing a second term? Many voters have already made up their minds. As such, both Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden are working hard to win over crucial older voters and other key blocs. Still, Biden has taken a double-digit lead in several national polls and widened margins in battleground states. Additionally, more than 26 million people have voted early, and Democrats have a major advantage in mail-in voting.
Ex-CIA Director John Brennan says he hopes Trump gets "soundly spanked by the American electorate."
Real quick
A tabloid got a trove of data on Hunter Biden from Rudy Giuliani. Now, the FBI is probing a possible disinformation campaign.
"A significant danger": Jerry Harris from "Cheer" will remain behind bars while awaiting trial on a charge of sexual exploitation of children.
Nick Saban was cleared to coach Alabama on Saturday, and the No. 2 Crimson Tide overpowered No. 3 Georgia.
"Home Improvement" actor Zachery Ty Bryan was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend.
In a historic landslide, New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Arden secured a second term in office: "This has not been an ordinary election."
It was a peaceful Saturday morning in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Then, an explosion ripped through a strip mall.
Disneyland fans, cast members protest park closure: "Tell the guards to open up the gates."
Michigan governor says Trump 'lock 'em all up' chant incites terrorism
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer accused President Donald Trump of inciting domestic terrorism during a national TV appearance Sunday, in her strongest criticism of Trump to date. During a rally Saturday, Trump attacked Whitmer and prompted repeated chants of "lock her up" from the crowd — weeks after the FBI foiled a kidnapping plot aimed at the Democratic leader. "It is dangerous, not just for me and my family, but for public servants everywhere," Whitmer said. Trump aides said the lock-up chants are only jokes, not meant to threaten anyone. "He was having fun at a Trump rally," said campaign adviser and daughter-in-law Lara Trump on CNN's "State of the Union.
Rays punch ticket to World Series, await opponent
The Tampa Bay Rays are off to the World Series after holding back the Houston Astros to win the American League pennant, giving the small-market franchise its second ever appearance in the Fall Classic and its first since 2008. "We’re not the most popular team out there. We don’t have too many household names that a ton of people are going to know," said Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier. "And if they don’t know the names by now, they better learn them, because we’ve got some boys who can play." The Rays, one of six MLB franchises who've never won a World Series, are waiting to see which National League team they'll have to face, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves clash in a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sunday night.
"The Great Randino": Rays outfielder sets rookie record for most homers in a single postseason.
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This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Contributing: Associated Press.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus, election, Colorado wildfires, Tampa Bay Rays: The weekend's biggest news
