AP VoteCast: Voters split on virus, economy, even football

WASHINGTON (AP) — As they chose a leader in a time of turmoil, supporters of President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden found little common ground on the top crises facing the nation.

Monday's Sports in Brief

PRO FOOTBALL

US-CitizenshipToVote-All,100

Washington State names de Laura as starting QB for opener

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Freshman Jayden de Laura has been named the starting quarterback for Washington State when the Cougars open their season at Oregon State on Saturday, first-year coach Nick Rolovich said.

No timetable available for winter, spring sports at UMaine

ORONO, Maine (AP) — The University of Maine System said no determination has been made about winter and spring sports competitions, and no timetable is available about when those decisions could be made.

Retail therapy, last pints: England readies for new lockdown

LONDON (AP) — Last-minute shoppers in England came out in force Wednesday and thirsty drinkers planned their final freshly poured pints in a pub for the next month as Britain prepared to join large swaths of Europe in a coronavirus lockdown designed to save its health care system from being overwhelmed.

CA-16-EndDivstyBan-All,100

California: End Diversity Ban (In government policies)

EU: Brexit trade talks still face 'too many difficulties'

BRUSSELS (AP) — With a deadline looming ever more menacingly, the European Union's chief negotiator on the post-Brexit trade deal with Britain Wednesday publicly blamed London for a lack of progress in the two sides' belated attempt to reach an even rudimentary agreement.

Penn State trying to stay upbeat despite 0-2 start

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — There’s an unmarked grave somewhere along Penn State’s two outdoor practice fields.

RI-1-ChangeStateName-All,100

Rhode Island: Change State Name (Remove Providence Plantations)

"Toothless Cindy" raps on Colombian buses to make ends meet

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — With her pink cardigan and thick glasses, “Toothless Cindy” is becoming a musical sensation on Colombian public transport.

Uber, Lyft spend big, win in California vote about drivers

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Uber, Lyft and other app-based ride-hailing and delivery services spent $200 million in a winning bet to circumvent California lawmakers and the courts to preserve their business model by keeping drivers from becoming employees eligible for benefits and job protections.

US formally exits Paris pact aiming to curb climate change

BERLIN (AP) — The United States on Wednesday formally left the

Washington passes 1st voter-approved sex ed mandate in US

SEATTLE (AP) — Washington state voters approved a sex education referendum, allowing Democrats' wide-ranging mandate for public schools to stand and take effect later this school year.

Saints' Thomas, Sanders practice as Bucs clash looms

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Saints receivers Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are on the cusp of returning to New Orleans’ passing game at an opportune time.

Oregon leads the way in decriminalizing hard drugs

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — In a first in the nation, Oregon has rejected charging drug users with criminal offenses, with voters passing a ballot measure that decriminalizes possession of heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, oxycodone and other hard drugs.

Cornerback crunch presents challenges for Zimmer, Vikings

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — After Green Bay star Davante Adams caught the first of his three touchdowns against Minnesota on Sunday, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer was waiting to greet rookie cornerback Jeff Gladney when he reached the sideline.

MT-118-AllwMarijAgeLaw-All,100

Montana: Allow Marijuana Legal Age (To be set by law)

NV-2-AllowSameSexMarriage-All,100

Nevada: Allow Same-Sex Marriage (Constitutional Amendment)

US services sector expands for fifth straight month in Oct.

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — The U.S. services sector, where most Americans work, registered its fifth consecutive month of expansion in October.