Election updates continue, but here are some other news you might have missed this week
Americans unable to take their eyes off the Electoral map or go more than a few minutes without looking for the latest news about the presidential election probably missed some other news. Yes, really, there were other news this week.
Here is some of what you might have missed:
Daily COVID-19 cases are soaring
The number of new daily COVID-19 cases on Wednesday surged over 100,000 for the first time in the United States and on Thursday the number of cases soared past that threshold again.
The final tally on Thursday was 121,888 confirmed cases, which breaks down into about 85 cases per minute.
Coronavirus updates: US surpasses 100K cases in a day again; Missouri poll worker with COVID-19 dies after work
That news came less than a week after the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in U.S. surpassed nine million, which is more than any other country, and the virus has killed more than 235,000 people in the U.S.
At the same time, England has re-entered a national lockdown while other European countries are taking similar steps.
Tropical storm Eta wreckage
Tropical storm Eta left behind deadly floods and mudslides after barrelling through Central America.
Shifting from hurricane to tropical storm and perhaps back to hurricane again soon, Eta on Friday was headed for Cuba and Florida.
The National Hurricane Center said Eta could regain hurricane strength again by Sunday.
More on Eta: Florida in Eta's likely path after hurricane lashes Central America with rains, deadly mudslides
"Though it is too soon to determine the exact timing, magnitude and location of possible impacts from wind and rainfall, forecasters warned Florida residents to monitor the progress of Eta through the week," said USA TODAY's Doyle Rice.
Al Roker was diagnosed with prostate cancer
Al Roker will have surgery to have his prostate removed.
Roker, the weatherman and co-host on NBC’s "Today" show, revealed the news during the broadcast Friday. He said he wanted to call attention the number of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer.
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"If you detect it early, this is a really treatable disease. And it's why I wanted to take you along my journey, so we can all learn together how to educate and protect the men in our lives." he said. "I don't want people thinking, 'Oh, poor Al,' you know, because I'm gonna be OK."
Dr. Vincent Laudone, who is set to perform the surgery, discussed the severity of Roker's diagnosis on the show.
"Fortunately his cancer appears somewhat limited or confined to the prostate, but because it's more aggressive, we wanted to treat it," he explained. "We settled on removing the prostate."
Gamers have new choices: Xbox and PS5
Good news for gamers – and perhaps a tough choice to make – looking the latest and greatest consoles. Sony is set to launch PlayStation 5 (suggested retail price: $499) and Microsoft set to launch Xbox Series X (suggested retail price $499 and a more affordable Series S at $299).
"In some ways, moving to the Xbox Series X felt like upgrading your smartphone. You get a device at launch that operates more nimbly and helps your games run more efficiently, and you maintain a familiar user experience, as the interface remains very similar to Xbox One," said USA TODAY's video game reviewers Brett Molina and Mike Snider of the new Xbox console.
PlayStation 5 review: A powerhouse video game console with innovative controls
Xbox Series X and Series S review: New game consoles attempt to lighten the load
And of the PS5 they say: "The interface undergoes a significant overhaul. It's much sleeker and allows you to get to what you want more quickly. When you hit the PS button on the controller, you open up a quick menu featuring a series of actions players can take, including a Launcher to quickly switch games, friends list, battery life on the controller, power and more."
Holiday Starbucks cups are here
Ribbon, Dot, Sparkle and Brand Wrap. Those are new designs for Starbucks’ holiday ups, which made their annual debut Friday.
"Our thought behind the cups this year was about people carrying them out in the world as messengers of joy," Jeff Wilkson, Starbucks creative director, said in a statement. "In a way that message deepened as we got further and further into this year. We want to be that beacon for people, a brief moment that they can look forward to.”
Order any handcrafted holiday beverage to get a free reusable collectible cup – while they last, that is.
Starbucks started releasing holiday cups in 1997.
Here’s how to get a free reusable cup: Starbucks’ red cups, holiday drinks return Friday
Festive food items are also coming, including the new Cranberry Orange Scone, Cranberry Bliss Bar, Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, Snowman Cookie, and Snowman Cake Pop.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What news did I miss this week? COVID cases, storm Eta and more
