As Covid infections soar, Trump attacks Fauci, dismissing his scientific advisers as “these idiots.” / The New York Times

A report from inside the White House task force as the coronavirus surges. / The Washington Post

The president attacking a top doctor amid a global pandemic “would normally make for shocking news.” / Wake Up to Politics

“For fact checkers, the period from Friday through Sunday was one of the most challenging of Trump's entire presidency.” / CNN

The final debate between President Donald Trump and Democratic rival Joe Biden will feature a mute button. / Reuters

See also: A supercomputer simulation finds that the safest way to chat and eat with other people is sitting diagonally from your fellow diner. / The Asahi Shimbun

As the presidential election looms, a network of mysterious “pink slime” local news outlets has nearly tripled in size. / The Morning News

Regarding Amy Coney Barrett's "no views" on climate change: Her father represented Shell for decades, which now faces big liabilities in landmark climate cases. / Daily Poster

Climate change adaptation programs in the US are exacerbating inequality "and breeding a new form of climate gentrification." / Hakai Magazine

A brief nature documentary, narrated by Morgan Freeman, about the most formidable species in our oceans: plastic. / The Morning News

The Justice Department intends to file an antitrust lawsuit alleging that Google engaged in anticompetitive conduct to preserve monopolies. / The Associated Press

Patreon transferred more than $500 million in 2019. But for some artists, "the platform can be as capricious as a shady dealer." / Frieze

"I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 82." Why social media makes people feel old. / Vox

The Dude has cancer: Actor Jeff Bridges announces he’s being treated for lymphoma. / Twitter

Film critic Wesley Morris writes a deep consideration of his Blackness: “My Moustache, My Self.” / The New York Times Magazine

Ive League-obsessed parents regret encouraging their kids to play niche sports—e.g., lacrosse—that universities don’t care about. / The Atlantic

The Super Rooster just entered its third week of action, presented by Bookshop! / The Tournament of Books

Last week, “Dreams” re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 21, marking Fleetwood Mac’s first such appearance since 1977. / Consequence of Sound