promoearn: Happy Veterans Day, veterans

Wednesday, November 11

A U.S. flag is seen next to the Vietnam War Memorial.

America celebrates Veterans Day, Trump visits Arlington National Cemetery and more things to start your Wednesday.

Good morning, Daily Briefing readers! Happy Veterans Day to all service members, past and present. I'm Jane, bringing you today's news.

Today is Veterans Day but the coronavirus pandemic will make it look different this year. On the plus side, businesses are still offering everything from free haircuts to flu shots. President Donald Trump is expected to visit Arlington National Cemetery, while President-elect Joe Biden is set to meet with advisors to move forward with transition efforts.

Here's Wednesday's news:

America celebrates Veterans Day

Wednesday is Veterans Day, the federal holiday on which America celebrates those who served honorably in the military. The day was first recognized as Armistice Day in 1919 to celebrate the end of World War I and became Veterans Day in 1954. Like most celebrations in 2020, Veterans Day will look different due to COVID-19. Many commemorations are canceled or will be held virtually , and in-person events will be socially distant or car-based. Many government offices and schools will be closed. Some businesses are offering veterans free meals, treats and special discounts.

•	What's open and closed on Veterans Day? Most banks are closed while stock market, stores, restaurants open
•	Veterans Day freebies: Where veterans, military can eat free, get a free haircut, find deals
•	WWII veteran just shy of his 100th birthday says his secret to longevity is his wife - and vodka

Trump to visit Arlington National Cemetery for Veterans Day

President Donald Trump has been laying low since last week, but is expected to visit Arlington National Cemetery to mark Veterans Day on Wednesday. According to The Wall Street Journal , Trump and first lady Melania Trump will attend a ceremony during which the president will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The visit comes after Trump faced explosive allegations he repeatedly disparaged members of the military and described America's war dead as "losers" and "suckers" – accusations he has angrily denied. The scheduled visit would be the first public appearance Trump has made since the election was called for Democratic opponent Joe Biden over the weekend.

•	Turmoil at Pentagon as President Trump shakes up leadership team
•	Will there be a concession speech? If not, Trump could break more than a century of tradition
•	Trump accused of describing war dead as 'losers' and 'suckers'. He denies allegations. Here's what we know

🎧 We want you to have the best information about today's top stories. Hosts Taylor Wilson and Claire Thornton give you the basic facts and why they matter on the 5 Things podcast every morning at 6 a.m. EST.

Despite conflict with Republicans, Biden moves ahead with transition

President-elect Joe Biden is expected to move forward with transition efforts, meeting with advisors on Wednesday. President Donald Trump and many of his allies have disputed the election results, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has refused to say if his department would cooperate with Biden's transition team. As a result, Biden's staff has been blocked from federal funds, briefings, plus other access necessary to gear up for the transfer of power. At a news conference, Biden predicted that his victory would eventually be recognized and said his transition is well underway. "We are already beginning the transition," he said. "Nothing's going to stop that."

•	'It's an embarrassment': Biden responds to Trump's refusal to concede presidential race
•	Despite election results showing Biden win, Pompeo said he expects 'transition to a second Trump administration'
•	The GSA: It holds the keys to the Trump-to-Biden transition. What is it?

More election news:

•	GOP Sen. Tillis reelected to North Carolina seat, boosting GOP chances to keep majority. Cunningham concedes
•	Internet sleuths use misinformation in attempt to prove dead people voted in Michigan
•	Puerto Rico finds over 100 briefcases with uncounted ballots a week after election
•	Attorney General William Barr's election fraud memo brings new storm to Justice Department
•	Parler, MeWe, Gab gain momentum as conservative social media alternatives in post-Trump age

Coronavirus pandemic: States impose restrictions; Texas surpasses 1 million cases

States across the nation will impose new health restrictions as new coronavirus cases rage on. It comes as Texas became the first U.S. state to surpass 1 million COVID-19 cases. According to Johns Hopkins University data, the state recorded 1,010,364 cases early Wednesday with 19,337 deaths since the pandemic began in early March. The U.S. has reported more than 10.25 million cases and more than 239,200 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins. All 50 states had more new COVID-19 cases in the latest week than in the week before, an analysis of Johns Hopkins University data showed Tuesday. In Illinois, stricter coronavirus restrictions will go into effect Wednesday for some suburban counties. And in Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced a mask mandate for many public gatherings. Maryland Gov. Harry Logan reimposed coronavirus restrictions as the state has "crossed over into the danger zone" with a surge in COVID-19 cases, WBAL-TV reports.

•	Coronavirus updates: CDC offers new mask guidance; Maryland in 'danger zone'
•	The CDC chief lost his way during COVID-19. Now his agency is in the balance
•	'A stain on our country': ICE efforts to stop COVID-19 spread fail to protect immigrant detainees from the virus
•	Mapping coronavirus: Track the U.S. outbreak in your state
•	How Pfizer vaccine could help lift economy out of COVID-19 pandemic rut

In other news:

•	2020 hurricane season sets yet another record: Theta forms in the Atlantic
•	Vatican report finds Pope John Paul II dismissed sex abuse by ex-Cardinal McCarrick
•	Supreme Court appears unlikely to topple Affordable Care Act in latest challenge by Republicans
•	Air Force general charged with sexually assaulting civilian, could be court-martialed
•	Walmart recall: Tanimura & Antle romaine lettuce recalled from more than 1,000 Walmart stores over E. coli risk
•	Dean Browning is a white political activist. That's why his 'I am a black gay guy' tweet set off an internet mystery
•	Oxford dictionaries change 'sexist' definitions of the word 'woman' after online petition

Live from Nashville... it's the CMAs!

Country music hitmakers Luke Combs, Eric Church, Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert and more take stage Wednesday at the 54th annual CMA Awards from Nashville's Music City Center . Due to the coronavirus pandemic, artists and industry members will be spread eight feet apart and serve as the night's in-person audience, cheering on their fellow nominees through more than 20 performances and live, on-stage acceptance speeches. After facing widespread criticism last week, the Country Music Association said it will "welcome every artist's right to express themselves" at the awards. Previously, the organization said that one of the top reasons to watch this year's show was that it would contain "No drama, just music." The CMAs, co-hosted by Reba McEntire and Darius Rucker, will air at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

•	After criticism of 'no drama' post, CMA Awards say artists can indeed 'express themselves'
•	Darius Rucker talks racism in country music: 'Not going to compromise' for 'someone's hatred'
•	How the CMA Awards aim to safely bring country stars together in Nashville