We're witnessing the most vulgar election ever
The language in this election is making everyone uncomfortable
It's strange when conversations about the future of our democracy feel like they aren't for our children's ears, even though they stand to one day inherit the country we make. Yet here we are, in 2016, with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump trying to pivot from his sexually aggressive 2005 comments by talking about ISIS, Rudy Giuliani excusing it with, "men at times talk like that," and a Texas congressman saying even if Trump had said he liked "to rape women" he might still support him. When President Obama condemned Trump's remarks, he said: “I don’t need to repeat it — there are children in the room." Hopefully, those children don't see the "Try to Grab This" cat T-shirts now for sale. Meanwhile, running mate Mike Pence asked Christians' forgiveness for Trump on Wednesday. And many Millennial women, while disgusted by Trump's comments, aren't ignoring disturbing accusations against Bill Clinton, either. Media watchdog Poynter said this summer that the election has gotten so ugly, editors have OK'd the use of words normally left out of campaign coverage. For many Americans, Nov. 8 can't come soon enough.
An LAPD detective investigating Derrick Rose’s rape case is dead
Nadine Hernandez, 44, investigated sexual assault allegations made against New York Knicks star Derrick Rose. She was found dead Tuesday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot and her death is being investigated as a suicide, police in Whittier, Calif., say. Hernandez sent a letter to lawyers representing the alleged victim who accused Rose and two friends of sexually assaulting her last month where she described the LAPD’s investigation as ongoing. This is what’s happening in Rose’s civil trial.
It's not easy being a terror suspect's lawyer
The lawyers for Paris bombing suspect Salah Abdeslam are so frustrated with him, they quit. Abdeslam, 27, is accused of taking part in the Paris attacks last November that killed 130. He was arrested in Brussels in March and extradited to France, indicating at the time that he would cooperate with authorities regarding his role and how he became radicalized. That, apparently, is not the case as he has refused to talk while being held in solitary confinement under 24-hour video surveillance. "The real victims in all this are the victims of attacks in Paris because they are entitled to this truth," his Belgian lawyer, Sven Mary told BFM-TV. His French lawyer, who has also withdrawn, says the solitary confinement and "political" decision for 24-hour surveillance has left Abdeslam psychologically damaged.
If there's one thing that freaks out Americans, it's this
Corruption. Yes, terror attacks and identity theft are scary but it's the thought of corrupt government officials that really gives us the willies, according to a new survey. "People often fear what they cannot control, and we find continued evidence of that in our top fears," Christopher Bader, a sociology professor at Chapman University in Orange, Calif., said in a statement. It's the second year in a row corruption is No. 1. The survey also found more people are afraid of government restrictions on guns than of their loved ones dying. Also on the list: Not having enough money for the future (related: Nearly 7 in 10 Americans have less than $1,000 in savings. Get on that.) What's not there: Creepy clowns (though to be fair, the survey, released Wednesday, was conducted back in May). Speaking of clowns, the phenomenon has sent Ronald McDonald into hiding. And, you're welcome world, clown hysteria appears to be extending to other countries.
Bump. Janet Jackson, at 50, confirms she's preggers
Six months ago, Janet Jackson put her tour on hold while she planned a family. On Wednesday, the 50-year-old singer officially acknowledged her pregnancy with an exclusive in People magazine — baby bump front and center. The kiddo will be the first for Jackson and her third husband, Qatari businessman Wissam Al Mana, 41. The two have been married since 2012.
Extra bites:
Noisy restaurants aren't just annoying. They can even change how food tastes.
The (ex) champ is here: Ronda Rousey is back in the UFC ring in December.
Fake Uber drivers are, unfortunately for our columnist, a thing.
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This is a compilation of stories across USA TODAY.