thedailycaller--2020-12-24--Federal Court Blocks California Church’s Bid For In-Person Worship On Christmas

A federal appeals court has denied a California church ’ s bid to hold in-person services for Christmas .
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit declined to lift California ’ s coronavirus restrictions for the Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena , California in the Wednesday ruling .
Under the restrictions issued by Gov .
Gavin Newsom , churches in the state are not allowed to hold in-person services amid the pandemic .
The ruling was a 2-1 decision , with Barack Obama appointee Morgan Christen and Bill Clinton appointee Johnnie Rawlinson in the majority .
Judge Diarmuid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Ronald Reagan , partially concurred and partially dissented , noting that “ it is not the church ’ s fault that it finds itself in this predicament .
While he “ [ did ] not object to the panel ’ s determination that more time is needed to evaluate the merits ” of the church ’ s motion , O ’ Scannlain wrote , “ we should not deprive the church of any hope of relief during the period of time it takes our court to do so.
” “ Even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pending motion in full , we should have granted the church at least the temporary relief it needs to ensure that its members can exercise freely the fundamental right to practice their Christian religion on one of the most sacred Christian days of the year , ” he added .
The ruling was the second time this week that the Harvest Rock Church ’ s efforts to host in-person services over Christmas were denied .
U.S. District Court Judge Jesus Bernal denied the church ’ s earlier request Monday .
( RELATED : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Can ’ t Be Treated Like ‘ Second Class ’ Citizens , Legal Experts Say ) The rulings are unlike those issued by the Supreme Court , which has sided with religious institutions in similar cases in recent days .
The court last Tuesday ruled in favor of a Colorado church over capacity limits to in-person worshippers and ordered Colorado reexamine its restrictions regarding indoor religious services .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

A federal appeals court has denied a California church’s bid to hold in-person services for Christmas.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit declined to lift California’s coronavirus restrictions for the Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena, California in the Wednesday ruling. Under the restrictions issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom, churches in the state are not allowed to hold in-person services amid the pandemic.
The ruling was a 2-1 decision, with Barack Obama appointee Morgan Christen and Bill Clinton appointee Johnnie Rawlinson in the majority. Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain, who was appointed by Ronald Reagan, partially concurred and partially dissented, noting that “it is not the church’s fault that it finds itself in this predicament.
While he “[did] not object to the panel’s determination that more time is needed to evaluate the merits” of the church’s motion, O’Scannlain wrote, “we should not deprive the church of any hope of relief during the period of time it takes our court to do so.”
“Even if we need more time to consider the pending motion in full, we should have granted the church at least the temporary relief it needs to ensure that its members can exercise freely the fundamental right to practice their Christian religion on one of the most sacred Christian days of the year,” he added.
The ruling was the second time this week that the Harvest Rock Church’s efforts to host in-person services over Christmas were denied. U.S. District Court Judge Jesus Bernal denied the church’s earlier request Monday. (RELATED: Supreme Court Ruling Sends A Message Churches Can’t Be Treated Like ‘Second Class’ Citizens, Legal Experts Say)
The rulings are unlike those issued by the Supreme Court, which has sided with religious institutions in similar cases in recent days. The court last Tuesday ruled in favor of a Colorado church over capacity limits to in-person worshippers and ordered Colorado reexamine its restrictions regarding indoor religious services.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-24--11-Year-Old Boy Uses Birthday Money To Feed The Homeless Chick-Fil-A

When an 11-year-old boy from Georgia received money for his birthday , instead of using the money to buy himself gifts , he generously put the money towards helping those who may be less fortunate .
Brycen Gault received $ 150 for his 11th birthday in November , and asked his mother , Lakeya Collins , if they could use the money to feed the homeless , WJBF Channel 6 news reported .
Collins agreed , and she and Brycen used the money to purchase 20 meals from Chick-fil-A for local homeless individuals .
Brycen explained , “ During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their jobs so they don ’ t have a lot of food and toys for their kid.
” ( RELATED : One Woman ’ s Bold Con : Claim You ’ re An FBI Agent , Demand Free Chick-Fil-A ) “ As we were pulling away from feeding the homeless for his birthday , he said , ‘ Mom do you feel that ?
” She continued .
“ I said ‘ feel what ?
’ He said , ‘ Those chills from God.
’ Honestly , I felt those chills from God @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an interview with the local outlet .
Brycen ’ s good deed didn ’ t go unnoticed , Chick-fil-A heard of Brycen ’ s kindhearted act and invited him out to their Atlanta , Georgia headquarters to film a commercial .
“ We know you didn ’ t do this to get acknowledged .
We see that in you , ” Chick-fil-A told Brycen , according to WJBF .
Since then , Brycen has continued to give back to the community .
Just before Christmas he held a toy drive , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each month .
“ Sometimes when we do things from our heart , God has a greater plan .
I think his plan was for Brycen to inspire others and , most importantly , inspire me , ” his mom said .

When an 11-year-old boy from Georgia received money for his birthday, instead of using the money to buy himself gifts, he generously put the money towards helping those who may be less fortunate.
Brycen Gault received $150 for his 11th birthday in November, and asked his mother, Lakeya Collins, if they could use the money to feed the homeless, WJBF Channel 6 news reported. Collins agreed, and she and Brycen used the money to purchase 20 meals from Chick-fil-A for local homeless individuals.
Evans 11-year-old shows you can make a difference in your community at any agehttps://t.co/LRU063uYor — WJBF (@WJBF) December 24, 2020
Brycen explained, “During the pandemic, a lot of people lost their jobs so they don’t have a lot of food and toys for their kid.” (RELATED: One Woman’s Bold Con: Claim You’re An FBI Agent, Demand Free Chick-Fil-A)
“As we were pulling away from feeding the homeless for his birthday, he said, ‘Mom do you feel that?” She continued. “I said ‘feel what?’ He said, ‘Those chills from God.’ Honestly, I felt those chills from God,” Brycen’s mom explained in an interview with the local outlet.
Brycen’s good deed didn’t go unnoticed, Chick-fil-A heard of Brycen’s kindhearted act and invited him out to their Atlanta, Georgia headquarters to film a commercial. “We know you didn’t do this to get acknowledged. We see that in you,” Chick-fil-A told Brycen, according to WJBF. Since then, Brycen has continued to give back to the community. Just before Christmas he held a toy drive, and has plans to continue feeding the homeless each month.
“Sometimes when we do things from our heart, God has a greater plan. I think his plan was for Brycen to inspire others and, most importantly, inspire me,” his mom said.


thedailycaller--2020-12-24--Nigeria Sees Emergence Of Possible New COVID-19 Mutation

A new COVID-19 variant might have emerged in Nigeria , a top African Union health official told reporters Thursday .
“ It ’ s a separate lineage from the U.K. and South Africa , ” the head of the African Union ’ s Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , John Nkengasong , said Thursday , speaking of the probable mutation , according to The Associated Press ( AP ) .
Nkengasong added that the Nigerian CDC and the African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases would further investigate additional samples to ascertain the possibly new COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us some time… it ’ s still very early , ” he said , AP reported .
( RELATED : New COVID Strain Found In South Africa ) The Nigerian mutation was discovered in two patient samples collected in the country ’ s Osun state on Aug. 3 and Oct. 9 , according to a working research paper the AP accessed .
Unlike the British mutation , “ we haven ’ t observed such rapid rise of the lineage in Nigeria and do not have evidence to indicate that the P681H variant is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nigeria .
However , the relative difference in scale of genomic surveillance in Nigeria vs. the U.K. may imply a reduced power to detect such changes , ” the paper stated , according to AP .
The news comes as Nigerian and South African COVID-19 cases are surging in Africa .
Last week , Nigeria reported a 52 % increase in cases and South Africa reported a 40 % increase , Reuters reported .
South Africa and Great Britain are two other countries where new COVID-19 mutations have been identified , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the United Kingdom after the British mutation ’ s discovery .
Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested Monday that the British variant might have already entered the United States , due to international travel between the two countries .

A new COVID-19 variant might have emerged in Nigeria, a top African Union health official told reporters Thursday.
“It’s a separate lineage from the U.K. and South Africa,” the head of the African Union’s Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, John Nkengasong, said Thursday, speaking of the probable mutation, according to The Associated Press (AP).
Nkengasong added that the Nigerian CDC and the African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases would further investigate additional samples to ascertain the possibly new COVID-19 variant’s nature. “Give us some time… it’s still very early,” he said, AP reported. (RELATED: New COVID Strain Found In South Africa)
Africa’s top public health official says another new variant of the coronavirus appears to have emerged in Nigeria, but further investigation is needed. https://t.co/h0h5iJKA1T — AP Africa (@AP_Africa) December 24, 2020
The Nigerian mutation was discovered in two patient samples collected in the country’s Osun state on Aug. 3 and Oct. 9, according to a working research paper the AP accessed.
Unlike the British mutation, “we haven’t observed such rapid rise of the lineage in Nigeria and do not have evidence to indicate that the P681H variant is contributing to increased transmission of the virus in Nigeria. However, the relative difference in scale of genomic surveillance in Nigeria vs. the U.K. may imply a reduced power to detect such changes,” the paper stated, according to AP.
The news comes as Nigerian and South African COVID-19 cases are surging in Africa. Last week, Nigeria reported a 52% increase in cases and South Africa reported a 40% increase, Reuters reported.
South Africa and Great Britain are two other countries where new COVID-19 mutations have been identified, with several countries shutting off their borders to the United Kingdom after the British mutation’s discovery.
Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested Monday that the British variant might have already entered the United States, due to international travel between the two countries.


thedailycaller--2020-12-24--Here’s A Christmas Message From Champ And Major, Joe Biden’s Dogs

The Biden-Harris Transition tweeted out a Christmas message Thursday morning from President-elect Joe Biden ’ s dogs , Champ and @ @ @ @ @ featuring traditional instrumental Christmas carols for Champ ’ s portion and yuletide electric guitar riffs @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t matter how we choose to celebrate this holiday season .
( RELATED @ @ @ @ @ Sprains Foot While Playing With His Dog ) “ No matter how you celebrate , @ @ @ @ @ “ Merry Christmas.
” The Biden dogs will mark a return to White House tradition @ @ @ @ @ was one of the few presidents not to bring a furry friend into the residence @ @ @ @ @ Major will also be the first rescue dog to live in the White House , @ @ @ @ @ Times .
Biden did have to make an unscheduled stop at an orthopedist in November @ @ @ @ @ Major left the president-elect with a sprained foot .

The Biden-Harris Transition tweeted out a Christmas message Thursday morning from President-elect Joe Biden’s dogs, Champ and Major.
The video, featuring traditional instrumental Christmas carols for Champ’s portion and yuletide electric guitar riffs for Major, said it doesn’t matter how we choose to celebrate this holiday season. (RELATED: Joe Biden Slips, Sprains Foot While Playing With His Dog)
“No matter how you celebrate,” the text reads, “Merry Christmas.”
WATCH:
No matter how you’re celebrating this year, Champ and Major wish you a Merry Christmas. pic.twitter.com/SrZBT4vmpP — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 24, 2020
The Biden dogs will mark a return to White House tradition, as President Donald Trump was one of the few presidents not to bring a furry friend into the residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Major will also be the first rescue dog to live in the White House, according to the New York Times.
Biden did have to make an unscheduled stop at an orthopedist in November after a play session with Major left the president-elect with a sprained foot.


thedailycaller--2020-12-24--Feds Say Latest US Government Hack ‘Poses A Grave Risk’ To National Security. How Might They Respond

Feds Say Latest US Government Hack ‘Poses A Grave Risk’ To National Security. How Might They Respond?

The U.S. government was hit by one of the largest cyberattacks on record after government contractors FireEye and SolarWinds announced a breach into their networks earlier this month .
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ( CISA ) said in a Dec. 17 statement that the breach “ poses a grave risk to the federal government and state , local , tribal , and territorial governments as well as critical infrastructure entities and other private sector organizations.
” Intelligence community reports following the cyberattack concluded that its origins were most likely a cyber espionage operation conducted by Russian hackers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cyberattack could have dangerous consequences for national and corporate security .
The federal government is scrambling to respond to the latest hack — here ’ s what their next steps could look like .
The full extent of the cyberattack has not been determined yet but an initial review concluded that multiple Cabinet-level departments , intelligence agencies , nuclear labs and Fortune 500 companies were compromised , according to The New York Times .
( RELATED : Alleged Russian Hackers Got Into Arizona County Government ) Hackers reportedly monitored and may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury Department , and Commerce Department officials .
The allegedly Russian operation also began nine months ago but was not discovered until early December .
The CISA issued Emergency Directive 21-01 Dec. 13 instructing all federal civilian agencies to review their systems for indications of compromise and to disconnect anything reliant on SolarWinds ’ Orion software .
“ The compromise of SolarWinds ’ Orion Network Management Products poses unacceptable risks to the security of federal networks , ” CISA Acting Director Brandon Wales said in a statement .
“ Tonight ’ s directive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal civilian networks , and we urge all our partners — in the public and private sectors — to assess their exposure to this compromise and to secure their networks against any exploitation.
” The National Security Council ( NSC ) invoked an Obama-era presidential directive Dec. 15 creating a special group responsible for coordinating the federal government ’ s response .
“ A Cyber Unified Coordination Group has been established to ensure continued unity of effort across the United States Government in response to a significant cyber incident , ” NSC spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( IG ) may also begin to look at the threat assessment to their respective agencies .
Treasury Department IG J. Russell Georgia wrote in a Wednesday letter to members of Congress that the department conducted an internal audit of its systems and found no evidence that IRS taxpayer information was monitored or exposed .
Cybersecurity experts say that affected agencies and businesses should proceed by closing off all potential vulnerabilities and continuously monitoring data from SolarWinds and FireEye networks .
“ Security teams need to know where their data is at all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is used , and who has access to it in order to apply the appropriate controls , ” Imperva chief technology officer Kunal Anand told Compliance Week .
This is not the first time the U.S. government has been affected by a major foreign cyberespionage operation .
The Office of Personnel Management ( OPM ) hack in 2015 was one of the largest breaches of government data in U.S. history and could offer lessons in addressing the latest SolarWinds hack .
A group of hackers identified as X1 and reported to be working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the systems of contractors who ran background checks and had access to OPM servers , according to CSO .
The agency was heavily criticized for weak security practices and for their slow response after the breach , according to NBC News .
Around 21 million personnel records were targeted in the OPM hack , including information about government employees and background check data .
OPM massively revamped its cybersecurity capabilities in the year after the breach , NPR reported .
The agency requires two-factor authentication and only permits certain programs from being accessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introduced new tools to detect malware and monitor data moving through its network .
“ There ’ s a whole series of things around technology , around people , and around process that are different today than a year ago , ” former Acting OPM Director Beth Cobert told NPR .
These policies likely carried over into the Trump administration .
But the OPM in 2018 was reportedly still vulnerable to a breach as it had failed to implement a number of recommendations provided by the Government Accountability Office , according to Forbes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the OPM hack could serve as a cautionary warning for officials today as cybersecurity experts say the SolarWinds hack could take years to fully sort out , according to Business Insider .
Like the OPM hack , the SolarWinds hack will also cross over into a new presidential administration .
President-elect Joe Biden has said he will approach the attack very differently than President Donald Trump , who appeared to downplay the incident .

The U.S. government was hit by one of the largest cyberattacks on record after government contractors FireEye and SolarWinds announced a breach into their networks earlier this month.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) said in a Dec. 17 statement that the breach “poses a grave risk to the federal government and state, local, tribal, and territorial governments as well as critical infrastructure entities and other private sector organizations.”
Intelligence community reports following the cyberattack concluded that its origins were most likely a cyber espionage operation conducted by Russian hackers.
Historically the vast majority of covert action operations, active measures, even military offenses, are preceded by some form of intelligence collection. Indeed collection may inspire and enable escalation. But an attack only begins after it is proposed, authorized, and planned. — Thomas Rid (@RidT) December 23, 2020
Independent cybersecurity experts have since warned that the cyberattack could have dangerous consequences for national and corporate security. The federal government is scrambling to respond to the latest hack — here’s what their next steps could look like.
The full extent of the cyberattack has not been determined yet but an initial review concluded that multiple Cabinet-level departments, intelligence agencies, nuclear labs and Fortune 500 companies were compromised, according to The New York Times. (RELATED: Alleged Russian Hackers Got Into Arizona County Government)
Hackers reportedly monitored and may have stolen emails from Homeland Security Department, Treasury Department, and Commerce Department officials. The allegedly Russian operation also began nine months ago but was not discovered until early December.
The CISA issued Emergency Directive 21-01 Dec. 13 instructing all federal civilian agencies to review their systems for indications of compromise and to disconnect anything reliant on SolarWinds’ Orion software.
“The compromise of SolarWinds’ Orion Network Management Products poses unacceptable risks to the security of federal networks,” CISA Acting Director Brandon Wales said in a statement. “Tonight’s directive is intended to mitigate potential compromises within federal civilian networks, and we urge all our partners — in the public and private sectors — to assess their exposure to this compromise and to secure their networks against any exploitation.”
The National Security Council (NSC) invoked an Obama-era presidential directive Dec. 15 creating a special group responsible for coordinating the federal government’s response.
“A Cyber Unified Coordination Group has been established to ensure continued unity of effort across the United States Government in response to a significant cyber incident,” NSC spokesman John Ullyot tweeted.
(2/3) “The UCG process facilitates continuous and comprehensive coordination for whole-of-government efforts to identify, mitigate, remediate, and respond to this incident. — NSC (@WHNSC) December 15, 2020
The Inspectors General (IG) may also begin to look at the threat assessment to their respective agencies. Treasury Department IG J. Russell Georgia wrote in a Wednesday letter to members of Congress that the department conducted an internal audit of its systems and found no evidence that IRS taxpayer information was monitored or exposed.
Cybersecurity experts say that affected agencies and businesses should proceed by closing off all potential vulnerabilities and continuously monitoring data from SolarWinds and FireEye networks.
“Security teams need to know where their data is at all times across all environments, how it is used, and who has access to it in order to apply the appropriate controls,” Imperva chief technology officer Kunal Anand told Compliance Week.
This is not the first time the U.S. government has been affected by a major foreign cyberespionage operation. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) hack in 2015 was one of the largest breaches of government data in U.S. history and could offer lessons in addressing the latest SolarWinds hack.
A group of hackers identified as X1 and reported to be working on behalf of the Chinese government breached the systems of contractors who ran background checks and had access to OPM servers, according to CSO. The agency was heavily criticized for weak security practices and for their slow response after the breach, according to NBC News.
Around 21 million personnel records were targeted in the OPM hack, including information about government employees and background check data.
OPM massively revamped its cybersecurity capabilities in the year after the breach, NPR reported. The agency requires two-factor authentication and only permits certain programs from being accessed on office computers. The OPM also introduced new tools to detect malware and monitor data moving through its network.
“There’s a whole series of things around technology, around people, and around process that are different today than a year ago,” former Acting OPM Director Beth Cobert told NPR. These policies likely carried over into the Trump administration.
But the OPM in 2018 was reportedly still vulnerable to a breach as it had failed to implement a number of recommendations provided by the Government Accountability Office, according to Forbes.
The government’s slow response after the OPM hack could serve as a cautionary warning for officials today as cybersecurity experts say the SolarWinds hack could take years to fully sort out, according to Business Insider.
Like the OPM hack, the SolarWinds hack will also cross over into a new presidential administration. President-elect Joe Biden has said he will approach the attack very differently than President Donald Trump, who appeared to downplay the incident.


thedailycaller--2020-12-24--UK, EU Leaders Reach Historic Brexit Deal After Months Of Negotiations

The U.K. and the European Union agreed to a historic Brexit trade deal Thursday after months of tense negotiations and with just days left before the deadline , leaders from both sides announced .
The thousand-page trade agreement means that the U.K. can finally depart from the EU and sets up the framework for British-EU relations post-Brexit , according to The New York Times .
The deal concluded more than four years of bitter Brexit negotiations after British citizens voted in favor of leaving the EU in June 2016 .
“ It was a long and winding road .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show for it , ” Ursula von der Leyen , president of the EU ’ s executive arm , said in a statement Thursday .
“ It is fair and balanced .
And it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides.
” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also celebrated the deal saying he was “ very pleased ” with the agreement in a statement of his own .
( RELATED : Pence Assures British PM There Will Be A U.S.-U.K. Trade Deal After Brexit ) “ We have taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Johnson said .
“ We have taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation .
In a way that is complete and unfettered.
” “ British laws will be made solely by the British Parliament , ” he continued .
“ Interpreted by UK judges sitting in UK courts .
And the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will come to an end.
” Johnson said the deal included a free trade agreement , which would ensure U.K. goods could be sold in EU countries without tariffs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would protect and save jobs in the U.K. ( RELATED : Trump Teases New Trade Deal With U.K. On Heels Of Conservative Party And Boris Johnson ’ s Landslide Election Victory ) The deal would ensure fair and equal competition in the EU market , Von der Leyen said echoing Johnson ’ s sentiment .
She added that the EU would continue to partner with the U.K. on climate change , energy , security and transportation .
However , Thursday ’ s agreement will lead to some added fees for British companies in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to The Times .
Johnson was also forced to compromise on key issues including on rules governing who can fish in British waters .
The EU , European parliament and U.K. government will need to vote on the agreement separately in order to ratify it , CNN reported .
Although the official Brexit period ends on Dec. 31 , the deal isn ’ t expected to gain official approval until early 2021 .
It will be implemented on a provisional basis until then .
The leader of the U.K. opposition Labour Party Keir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal in parliament , according to BBC News .
Johnson ’ s conservative party won a massive landslide victory in 2019 after promising to move forward on Brexit and finalize a deal with the EU .
The U.K. first entered the European Economic Community ( EEC ) in 1973 .
The EEC transformed into the EU in 1993 .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact @ @ @ @

The U.K. and the European Union agreed to a historic Brexit trade deal Thursday after months of tense negotiations and with just days left before the deadline, leaders from both sides announced.
The thousand-page trade agreement means that the U.K. can finally depart from the EU and sets up the framework for British-EU relations post-Brexit, according to The New York Times. The deal concluded more than four years of bitter Brexit negotiations after British citizens voted in favor of leaving the EU in June 2016.
“It was a long and winding road. But we have got a good deal to show for it,” Ursula von der Leyen, president of the EU’s executive arm, said in a statement Thursday. “It is fair and balanced. And it is the right and responsible thing to do for both sides.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also celebrated the deal saying he was “very pleased” with the agreement in a statement of his own. (RELATED: Pence Assures British PM There Will Be A U.S.-U.K. Trade Deal After Brexit)
The deal is done. pic.twitter.com/zzhvxOSeWz — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 24, 2020
“We have taken back control of laws and our destiny,” Johnson said. “We have taken back control of every jot and tittle of our regulation. In a way that is complete and unfettered.”
“British laws will be made solely by the British Parliament,” he continued. “Interpreted by UK judges sitting in UK courts. And the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice will come to an end.”
Johnson said the deal included a free trade agreement, which would ensure U.K. goods could be sold in EU countries without tariffs or quotas. He said the deal would protect and save jobs in the U.K. (RELATED: Trump Teases New Trade Deal With U.K. On Heels Of Conservative Party And Boris Johnson’s Landslide Election Victory)
The deal would ensure fair and equal competition in the EU market, Von der Leyen said echoing Johnson’s sentiment. She added that the EU would continue to partner with the U.K. on climate change, energy, security and transportation.
However, Thursday’s agreement will lead to some added fees for British companies in the form of border checks, according to The Times. Johnson was also forced to compromise on key issues including on rules governing who can fish in British waters.
The EU, European parliament and U.K. government will need to vote on the agreement separately in order to ratify it, CNN reported. Although the official Brexit period ends on Dec. 31, the deal isn’t expected to gain official approval until early 2021. It will be implemented on a provisional basis until then.
The leader of the U.K. opposition Labour Party Keir Starmer said his party would approve the deal in parliament, according to BBC News.
Johnson’s conservative party won a massive landslide victory in 2019 after promising to move forward on Brexit and finalize a deal with the EU.
The U.K. first entered the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973. The EEC transformed into the EU in 1993.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.


thedailycaller--2020-12-24--Trump Already Has A Successful Model For ‘MAGA TV,’ And It Might Give Him A Run For His Money

President Donald Trump has floated the possibility of launching his own television network , a prospect that could slice into @ @ @ @ @ audiences .

President Donald Trump has floated the possibility of launching his own television network, a prospect that could slice into other conservative news networks’ audiences.


thedailycaller--2020-12-24--‘I Wasn’t Expected To Be Alive Today’: Rush Limbaugh Delivers Final 2020 Message Of Gratitude

Conservative radio legend Rush Limbaugh choked up Wednesday as he concluded his broadcast year with a message of gratitude .
Limbaugh , who is battling lung cancer , began his final broadcast of the year by noting that he liked to reflect at Christmas on all of the things for which he was thankful .
( RELATED : ‘ They Promised Blockbuster Stuff ’ : Rush Limbaugh Decries Lack Of Results From Trump Legal Team ) “ My point in all of this today is gratitude .
My point in all of this is to say thanks and tell everybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bottom of a sizable and growing and still-beating heart , ” Limbaugh said , thanking his family and friends and his fans as well .
He also expressed his gratitude for the ability to continue doing the job he loves , reflecting on the fact that he had begun 2020 with the news that he might not live to see October .
“ I wasn ’ t expected to be alive today .
I wasn ’ t expected to make it to October , and then to November , and then to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And yet , here I am , and today , got some problems , but I ’ m feeling pretty good today.
” Limbaugh choked up as he wished there was “ a way to say it other than thank you.
” Even in the face of what he referred to as his own “ expiration date , ” he criticized President Elect Joe Biden ’ s assertion that the “ darkest days ” in the fight against COVID-19 were still ahead .
“ What a bleak way of looking at things .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , folks .
There ’ s never , ever going to be time to give up on our country , ” Limbaugh said .
“ It ’ ll never be time to give up on yourself .
Trust me .
”

Conservative radio legend Rush Limbaugh choked up Wednesday as he concluded his broadcast year with a message of gratitude.
Limbaugh, who is battling lung cancer, began his final broadcast of the year by noting that he liked to reflect at Christmas on all of the things for which he was thankful. (RELATED: ‘They Promised Blockbuster Stuff’: Rush Limbaugh Decries Lack Of Results From Trump Legal Team)
“My point in all of this today is gratitude. My point in all of this is to say thanks and tell everybody involved how much I love you from the bottom of a sizable and growing and still-beating heart,” Limbaugh said, thanking his family and friends and his fans as well.
He also expressed his gratitude for the ability to continue doing the job he loves, reflecting on the fact that he had begun 2020 with the news that he might not live to see October.
“I wasn’t expected to be alive today. I wasn’t expected to make it to October, and then to November, and then to December,” Limbaugh explained. “And yet, here I am, and today, got some problems, but I’m feeling pretty good today.”
Limbaugh choked up as he wished there was “a way to say it other than thank you.”
Thank You @RealRLimbaugh & God Bless You “The day is going to come folks when I’m not going to be able to do this. I don’t know when that is.” “I want you to understand that even when the day comes, I’d like to be here.” “I wish there was a way to say it other than thank you.” pic.twitter.com/XYkmHXZ5P6 — The Columbia Bugle ???????? (@ColumbiaBugle) December 24, 2020
Even in the face of what he referred to as his own “expiration date,” he criticized President Elect Joe Biden’s assertion that the “darkest days” in the fight against COVID-19 were still ahead.
BIDEN: “Our darkest days in the battle against covid are ahead of us; not behind us.” pic.twitter.com/ScLXuKZjqB — Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) December 22, 2020
“What a bleak way of looking at things. It’s never time to panic, folks. There’s never, ever going to be time to give up on our country,” Limbaugh said. “It’ll never be time to give up on yourself. Trust me.”


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--‘China Will Expand Its Aggressive Stance’: Taiwan A Red Line, Biden Must Be Strong, Japanese Deputy

‘China Will Expand Its Aggressive Stance’: Taiwan A Red Line, Biden Must Be Strong, Japanese Deputy Defense Minister Says

President-elect Biden should be firm in supporting Taiwan against Chinese aggression , a top Japanese defense official urged Friday , emphasizing that Taiwan ’ s safety is a red line .
“ We are concerned China will expand its aggressive stance into areas other than Hong Kong .
I think one of the next targets , or what everyone is worried about , is Taiwan , ” the Japanese State Minister of Defense Yasuhide Nakayama .
on Friday , told Reuters .
Nakayama , Japan ’ s deputy defense minister , hoped Biden would maintain a similar stance on Taiwan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had increased military sales to the island country , whose control China claims .
Trump had also increased American engagement with Taiwan during his tenure , Reuters reported .
This move had brought the United States and China to further tensions .
“ So far , I haven ’ t yet seen a clear policy or an announcement on Taiwan from Joe Biden .
I would like to hear it quickly , then we can also prepare our response on Taiwan in accordance , ” Nakayama added , according to Reuters .
President-elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ should continue strengthening our ties with Taiwan and other like-minded democracies.
” In recent years , Japanese interaction with Taiwan has also risen on a mostly informal basis , though Japan maintains a “ one-China policy , ” as a means to balance “ delicately ” its ties to neighboring China and the United States ( US ) , Reuters reported .
Japan and Taiwan share common strategic interests because Taiwan sits on shipping lanes crucial to Japanese economic interests .

President-elect Biden should be firm in supporting Taiwan against Chinese aggression, a top Japanese defense official urged Friday, emphasizing that Taiwan’s safety is a red line.
“We are concerned China will expand its aggressive stance into areas other than Hong Kong. I think one of the next targets, or what everyone is worried about, is Taiwan,” the Japanese State Minister of Defense Yasuhide Nakayama. on Friday, told Reuters. (RELATED: Japan Planning To Build Missiles Capable Of Striking North Korea)
Nakayama, Japan’s deputy defense minister, hoped Biden would maintain a similar stance on Taiwan like outgoing President Donald Trump, who had increased military sales to the island country, whose control China claims. Trump had also increased American engagement with Taiwan during his tenure, Reuters reported. This move had brought the United States and China to further tensions.
WATCH:
“So far, I haven’t yet seen a clear policy or an announcement on Taiwan from Joe Biden. I would like to hear it quickly, then we can also prepare our response on Taiwan in accordance,” Nakayama added, according to Reuters.
President-elect Biden tweeted in January that the US “should continue strengthening our ties with Taiwan and other like-minded democracies.”
Congratulations to President Tsai and the people of Taiwan for another successful election. You are stronger because of your free and open society. The United States should continue strengthening our ties with Taiwan and other like-minded democracies. https://t.co/NAt6ldYpRj — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 11, 2020
In recent years, Japanese interaction with Taiwan has also risen on a mostly informal basis, though Japan maintains a “one-China policy,” as a means to balance “delicately” its ties to neighboring China and the United States (US), Reuters reported. Japan and Taiwan share common strategic interests because Taiwan sits on shipping lanes crucial to Japanese economic interests.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith, Trevor Lawrence And Kyle Trask Are The Heisman Finalists

The Heisman finalists have been announced , and the field is loaded with talent .
The final four men competing for the Heisman are Alabama quarterback Mac Jones , Crimson Tide Receiver DeVonta Smith , Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Florida gunslinger Kyle Trask .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) First and foremost , props to all four young men for making it this far and becoming a finalist for the prestigious award in college sports .
Being a Heisman finalist is an honor they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives .
Now , as for who will win the award , I ’ m all in on Mac Jones .
I think the Alabama quarterback is the clear favorite to take home the trophy , even if Smith is leading the odds .
Jones came out of nowhere this year , and he dominated the college football world .
Alabama is undefeated , the top seed in the College Football Playoff and the Crimson Tide ’ s offense is rolling .
I just don ’ t see how Jones doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out if my prediction is correct January 5 at 7:00 EST on ESPN !

The Heisman finalists have been announced, and the field is loaded with talent.
The final four men competing for the Heisman are Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, Crimson Tide Receiver DeVonta Smith, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Florida gunslinger Kyle Trask. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
The finalists for the Heisman Trophy are locked in ???? pic.twitter.com/qDTLudjvI1 — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 25, 2020
First and foremost, props to all four young men for making it this far and becoming a finalist for the prestigious award in college sports.
Being a Heisman finalist is an honor they will all carry for the rest of their lives.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alabama Football (@alabamafbl)
Now, as for who will win the award, I’m all in on Mac Jones. I think the Alabama quarterback is the clear favorite to take home the trophy, even if Smith is leading the odds.
Jones came out of nowhere this year, and he dominated the college football world. Alabama is undefeated, the top seed in the College Football Playoff and the Crimson Tide’s offense is rolling.
I just don’t see how Jones doesn’t win.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alabama Football (@alabamafbl)
We’ll all find out if my prediction is correct January 5 at 7:00 EST on ESPN!


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--‘Wonder Woman 1984’ Is Out Friday On HBO Max

The day of “ Wonder Woman 1984 ” being released has finally arrived .
At noon EST , the highly-anticipated sequel with Gal Gadot will hit HBO Max , and millions of fans around the country are ready to soak it up !
( REVIEW : ‘ Westworld ’ Season 3 Ends With The Possible Deaths Of Multiple Characters ) I can ’ t even begin to tell you all how amped I am for “ Wonder Woman 1984.
” We were supposed to see Gadot back on screen months ago , but it never happened because of coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it ’ s time to settle in on the couch to stream “ Wonder Woman 1984.
” If you ’ re not pumped , then you ’ re no fan of mine .
As I ’ ve said many times , “ Wonder Woman ” was without a doubt the best superhero film since the “ Dark Knight ” series with Christian Bale .
Now , Gadot and Chris Pine are returning for one of the most hyped sequels in recent film memory .
To say I ’ m juiced would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check back for my full review once I finish “ Wonder Woman 1984.
” Something tells me I ’ m going to like it a ton .

The day of “Wonder Woman 1984” being released has finally arrived.
At noon EST, the highly-anticipated sequel with Gal Gadot will hit HBO Max, and millions of fans around the country are ready to soak it up! (REVIEW: ‘Westworld’ Season 3 Ends With The Possible Deaths Of Multiple Characters)
Can you feel the wonder yet? ✨ Don’t miss #WonderWoman1984 in theaters December 25 and streaming the same day at 9am PT/12pm ET exclusively on HBO Max. pic.twitter.com/66MUMt7E4F — HBO Max (@hbomax) December 21, 2020
I can’t even begin to tell you all how amped I am for “Wonder Woman 1984.” We were supposed to see Gadot back on screen months ago, but it never happened because of coronavirus.
Now, Christmas Day has finally arrived, and it’s time to settle in on the couch to stream “Wonder Woman 1984.”
If you’re not pumped, then you’re no fan of mine.
As I’ve said many times, “Wonder Woman” was without a doubt the best superhero film since the “Dark Knight” series with Christian Bale.
Now, Gadot and Chris Pine are returning for one of the most hyped sequels in recent film memory. To say I’m juiced would be an understatement.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wonder Woman (@wonderwomanfilm)
Make sure to check back for my full review once I finish “Wonder Woman 1984.” Something tells me I’m going to like it a ton.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--CORONAVIRUS ISOLATION DAY 287 UPDATE: Who Is Ready To Celebrate Christmas

It ’ s been 287 days in the war against coronavirus , and Christmas is here .
After roughly nine and a half months of the battle against coronavirus , today marks one of our biggest victories to date .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) While it ’ s been a bizarre and strange year , nothing beats Christmas .
Christmas is a time for family , friends and memories .
We ’ ve been fighting like hell since March .
We ’ ve been sacrificing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives and giving up a ton in order to win this war .
In any war sacrifices have to happen .
It ’ s the nature of the beast , and we ’ ve all been doing what we can in order to get to the other side .
Now , it ’ s Christmas .
If there ever was a time to celebrate , it ’ s right now .
If there was ever a time to gather around the fireplace and share some stories , it ’ s right now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ couldn ’ t be happier to be here with all of you .
As for my family , we ’ ve had the same Christmas tradition for a very long time .
We serve food to the local community , watch “ Christmas Vacation ” and “ Miracle , ” cook a huge dinner , open some presents and crack a few drinks along the way .
After all we ’ ve been through in 2002 , I couldn ’ t be looking forward to it more .
So , on this glorious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and understand that we ’ re not done just yet .
We ’ ve come a long way and victory is around the corner .
Now , let ’ s go out and seize it .

It’s been 287 days in the war against coronavirus, and Christmas is here.
After roughly nine and a half months of the battle against coronavirus, today marks one of our biggest victories to date. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
While it’s been a bizarre and strange year, nothing beats Christmas. Christmas is a time for family, friends and memories.
We’ve been fighting like hell since March. We’ve been sacrificing, changing our routines, tweaking our lives and giving up a ton in order to win this war.
In any war sacrifices have to happen. It’s the nature of the beast, and we’ve all been doing what we can in order to get to the other side.
Now, it’s Christmas. If there ever was a time to celebrate, it’s right now. If there was ever a time to gather around the fireplace and share some stories, it’s right now.
It’s Christmas, and I couldn’t be happier to be here with all of you.
As for my family, we’ve had the same Christmas tradition for a very long time. We serve food to the local community, watch “Christmas Vacation” and “Miracle,” cook a huge dinner, open some presents and crack a few drinks along the way.
After all we’ve been through in 2002, I couldn’t be looking forward to it more.
So, on this glorious day, enjoy the time with your family and understand that we’re not done just yet. We’ve come a long way and victory is around the corner. Now, let’s go out and seize it.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--Neil DeGrasse Tyson Complains About Rudolph, The Misgendered Reindeer

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson complained on Christmas Eve that Santa Claus had “ misgendered ” Rudolph , the most famous @ @ @ @ @ “ Santa doesn ’ t know Zoology , ” Tyson tweeted , explaining , “ @ @ @ @ @ grow antlers .
But all male Reindeer lose their antlers in the late fall , @ @ @ @ @ : Neil DeGrasse Tyson Drops Bomb On ‘ The View ’ — Says ‘ I @ @ @ @ @ To A Space Force ) “ So Santa ’ s reindeer , which all sport @ @ @ @ @ female , which means Rudolf has been misgendered , ” Tyson concluded .
Tyson ’ @ @ @ @ @ correct , did not impress everyone .
Tyson also evaluated the science behind Rudolph ’ @ @ @ @ @ saying that it was actually advantageous in fog to be guided by a red light @

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson complained on Christmas Eve that Santa Claus had “misgendered” Rudolph, the most famous of his eight reindeer.
“Santa doesn’t know Zoology,” Tyson tweeted, explaining, “Both male & female Reindeer grow antlers. But all male Reindeer lose their antlers in the late fall, well-before Christmas.” (RELATED: Neil DeGrasse Tyson Drops Bomb On ‘The View’ — Says ‘I Don’t Object’ To A Space Force)
“So Santa’s reindeer, which all sport antlers, are therefore all female, which means Rudolf has been misgendered,” Tyson concluded.
Santa doesn’t know Zoology: Both male & female Reindeer grow antlers. But all male Reindeer lose their antlers in the late fall, well-before Christmas. So Santa’s reindeer, which all sport antlers, are therefore all female, which means Rudolf has been misgendered. pic.twitter.com/fkHqhJM7dY — Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) December 25, 2020
Tyson’s assessment, while technically correct, did not impress everyone.
Sir, Santa is a fictional character. — Chloé S. Valdary ???? (@cvaldary) December 25, 2020
Next you’re going to tell me he doesn’t fly all around the world in one night, come down all our chimneys, and leave presents for good little boys & girls. Bah humbug. A lump of coal for you. ????????????#MerryChristmas https://t.co/90lw7SmyHn — Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) December 25, 2020
Yes, the problem here is the “misgendering” of the FLYING F^CKING REINDEER. Put down the eggnog, NDT. — Amy Curtis (@RantyAmyCurtis) December 25, 2020
The amazing thing about this tweet – and it has to be deliberate, so I sort of respect the hustle – is it gets progressively more obnoxious the further along you read. About midway through you say to yourself “wow there’s no way this could get more obnoxious” then bam, punchline. https://t.co/QuHNsMikzG — Omri Ceren (@omriceren) December 25, 2020
“I’m a thief of joy because someone told me that made me cool when I was 12.” https://t.co/HnzjFcvUWu — Jonah Goldberg (@JonahDispatch) December 25, 2020
This guy must be fun at Christmas parties. https://t.co/5M13nG2BFd — Tim Murtaugh (@TimMurtaugh) December 25, 2020
Otherwise though the glowing nose part is excellent science — Ron Coleman (@RonColeman) December 25, 2020
Tyson also evaluated the science behind Rudolph’s glowing red nose, saying that it was actually advantageous in fog to be guided by a red light.


thedailycaller--2020-12-26--Law Enforcement Sources Confirm Human Remains Were Found At Site Of Nashville RV Explosion

Law enforcement sources have reportedly confirmed that human remains were found near the site of an RV explosion in Nashville , Tennessee , early Christmas morning .
The officials spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the investigation , according to Fox 4 .
The law enforcement sources said it remains unclear whether the remains were from the perpetrator or a victim — or even if the remains were linked to the explosion at all , Fox 4 reported .
Earlier Dec. 25 , the Metro Nashville Police Department and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ downtown Nashville .
A witness claimed that multiple gunshots rang out before the explosion , but the witness had barricaded himself in his home after hearing the gunshots , according to WKRN ’ s Elizabeth Lane .
Police later claimed that gunshots were reported before the explosion , but , as reported by WSMV , there is no evidence that a shooting occurred .
Subsequent reports including one from Nashville ’ s news channel 5 claimed that an audio alert warned people in the area of the RV to evacuate before the explosion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message , evacuate now , ” the warning said repeatedly to individuals in the area , as heard on a video recorded before the explosion .
Local police also reportedly said the RV was reported as a “ suspicious vehicle , ” and exploded after the police ’ s hazardous devices unit arrived to investigate .
The explosion injured at least three and caused “ significant damage ” to the surrounding buildings and is now being investigated as “ an intentional act , ” Metro Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not know if that was a coincidence , or if that was the intention , ” Aaron told CNN , speaking of the destruction .
The FBI is reportedly on the scene and will lead the investigation , FBI spokesman Joel Siskovic confirmed to the Associated Press .
Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives ( ATF ) investigators are also on the scene , Fox 4 reported .
Republican Tennessee Gov .
Bill Lee tweeted that the state will devote the requisite resources needed “ to determine what happened and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation unfolding in Nashville .
The president “ will continue to receive regular updates , ” White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said , the Hill reported .
( RELATED : White House Says President Trump Has Been Briefed On Nashville Explosion ) “ The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured , ” Deere said , but the president has yet to comment on the issue .

Law enforcement sources have reportedly confirmed that human remains were found near the site of an RV explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, early Christmas morning.
The officials spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, according to Fox 4. The law enforcement sources said it remains unclear whether the remains were from the perpetrator or a victim — or even if the remains were linked to the explosion at all, Fox 4 reported.
BREAKING: AP sources: Authorities have found human remains in the vicinity of the explosion in downtown Nashville. Find updates here: https://t.co/WZv5vkagOh — The Associated Press (@AP) December 25, 2020
Earlier Dec. 25, the Metro Nashville Police Department and other first responders responded to an explosion in downtown Nashville. A witness claimed that multiple gunshots rang out before the explosion, but the witness had barricaded himself in his home after hearing the gunshots, according to WKRN’s Elizabeth Lane.
BREAKING: Lots of first responders headed downtown. Not sure what’s going on. @WKRN pic.twitter.com/FRx59GubpN — Elizabeth Lane (@elizabethlanetv) December 25, 2020
I spoke with a man who lives here and says he heard what sounded like a shootout — multiple gun shots — he barricaded his door and police later evacuated the complex. Then he heard an explosion. @WKRN — Elizabeth Lane (@elizabethlanetv) December 25, 2020
Police later claimed that gunshots were reported before the explosion, but, as reported by WSMV, there is no evidence that a shooting occurred.
Subsequent reports including one from Nashville’s news channel 5 claimed that an audio alert warned people in the area of the RV to evacuate before the explosion. “If you can hear this message, evacuate now,” the warning said repeatedly to individuals in the area, as heard on a video recorded before the explosion.
Local police also reportedly said the RV was reported as a “suspicious vehicle,” and exploded after the police’s hazardous devices unit arrived to investigate. The explosion injured at least three and caused “significant damage” to the surrounding buildings and is now being investigated as “an intentional act,” Metro Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron said, according to CNN.
“We do not know if that was a coincidence, or if that was the intention,” Aaron told CNN, speaking of the destruction.
The FBI is reportedly on the scene and will lead the investigation, FBI spokesman Joel Siskovic confirmed to the Associated Press. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigators are also on the scene, Fox 4 reported.
Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee tweeted that the state will devote the requisite resources needed “to determine what happened and who was responsible.”
We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join @MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning. — Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 25, 2020
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation unfolding in Nashville. The president “will continue to receive regular updates,” White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere said, the Hill reported. (RELATED: White House Says President Trump Has Been Briefed On Nashville Explosion)
“The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured,” Deere said, but the president has yet to comment on the issue.


thedailycaller--2020-12-26--First Case Of Mutant Coronavirus Strain Detected In France

France has detected its first case of the mutant coronavirus strain in a man who recently arrived back in the country from the U.K. , numerous sources reported .
The Frenchman who tested positive for the new , more contagious strain of coronavirus reportedly returned to France from London on Dec. 19 .
The case was found in the city of Tours , located roughly 145 miles southwest of Paris in central France , Reuters reported .
The French Health Ministry said that the individual is a French citizen living in Britain , and is self-isolating at his home in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 21 .
Health officials are reportedly contact tracing to determine who the man may have exposed .
British scientists have confirmed that the mutant strain is more contagious than previous strains , and is up to 71 % more transmissible .
The U.K. variant is very similar to previous strains and the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) will be effective against it , University of Washington ’ s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation affiliate assistant professor Vin Gupta told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious disease expert and White House Coronavirus Task Force member Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that he assumed the U.K ’ s strain is already in the U.S. because of international travel between the two countries .
More than 40 countries have closed off travel to British travelers in an effort to prevent the strain from spreading .
Although the U.S. has not halted travel with the U.K. , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) announced Thursday that President Donald Trump would sign an executive order requiring a negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.K. into the U.S. ( RELATED : Trump To Sign Order Requiring Negative Coronavirus Test For UK Travelers , CDC Says ) The order will become effective Dec. 28 .

France has detected its first case of the mutant coronavirus strain in a man who recently arrived back in the country from the U.K., numerous sources reported.
The Frenchman who tested positive for the new, more contagious strain of coronavirus reportedly returned to France from London on Dec. 19. The case was found in the city of Tours, located roughly 145 miles southwest of Paris in central France, Reuters reported.
???? Le variant du SARS-CoV-2 découvert au Royaume-Uni a été recensé en France. Il s’agit d’un Français résidant en Angleterre, pris en charge au CHU de Tours après son retour de Londres le 19 décembre. Il “est isolé à son domicile et se porte bien”. pic.twitter.com/GytPDsVAbT — Nicolas Berrod (@nicolasberrod) December 25, 2020
The French Health Ministry said that the individual is a French citizen living in Britain, and is self-isolating at his home in Tours after testing positive in a hospital Dec. 21. Health officials are reportedly contact tracing to determine who the man may have exposed.
British scientists have confirmed that the mutant strain is more contagious than previous strains, and is up to 71% more transmissible. The U.K. variant is very similar to previous strains and the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be effective against it, University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation affiliate assistant professor Vin Gupta told CNBC.
The U.S.’s lead infectious disease expert and White House Coronavirus Task Force member Dr. Anthony Fauci has said that he assumed the U.K’s strain is already in the U.S. because of international travel between the two countries. More than 40 countries have closed off travel to British travelers in an effort to prevent the strain from spreading.
Although the U.S. has not halted travel with the U.K., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced Thursday that President Donald Trump would sign an executive order requiring a negative coronavirus test from individuals traveling from the U.K. into the U.S. (RELATED: Trump To Sign Order Requiring Negative Coronavirus Test For UK Travelers, CDC Says)
The order will become effective Dec. 28.


thedailycaller--2020-12-26--Chinese Stocks Gain Nearly $5 Trillion Amid Pandemic Year — About One-Third Of Global Increase

Chinese stocks have risen in value by about $ 4.9 trillion this year , thanks to the country ’ s rapid COVID-19 recovery , a series of initial public offerings ( IPOs ) and accelerated growth in Chinese consumer and tech company shares , according to a Friday Wall Street Journal ( WSJ ) report .
S & P Global Market Intelligence data indicates that Chinese enterprises have added 41 % to $ 16.7 trillion in exchanges from Shanghai to New York , exceeding American companies ’ 21 % run-up to $ 41.6 trillion , the WSJ reported .
( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manufacturing May Be Poised For A Comeback ) The Chinese stock surge accounts for nearly one-third of the global stock market increases in 2020 , according to WSJ .
Globally , stocks have grown 16 % to $ 104 trillion , the outlet reported .
For China , “ it ’ s been a very strong year , ” Chief Investment Officer for KraneShares in New York Brendan Ahern told WSJ .
The country ’ s economic recovery , global investors ’ desire for high-growth assets and a strong IPO market had all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he told the outlet .
“ The end result is a pretty dramatic growth in the size of capital markets , ” Ahern concluded .
The growth has solidified China ’ s position as the top emerging market , WSJ reported .
Towards the end of November , shares of Chinese businesses comprised beyond 40 % of two renowned stock indexes tracking developing countries , when half a decade ago , the country was under 30 % , according to the report .
Legislation President Donald Trump signed this month could reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in New York if U.S. regulators don ’ t inspect their audit papers for three consecutive years .
The Chinese government released similar rules on Saturday tightening the country ’ s evaluation of foreign investments on “ national security grounds.
” As dictated by the new policies , firms and projects set up by foreign companies or joint ventures in China , foreign takeovers of Chinese companies or foreign minority stakeholders with sufficient voting rights in Chinese firms could face a security review .

Chinese stocks have risen in value by about $4.9 trillion this year, thanks to the country’s rapid COVID-19 recovery, a series of initial public offerings (IPOs) and accelerated growth in Chinese consumer and tech company shares, according to a Friday Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report.
S&P Global Market Intelligence data indicates that Chinese enterprises have added 41% to $16.7 trillion in exchanges from Shanghai to New York, exceeding American companies’ 21% run-up to $41.6 trillion, the WSJ reported. (RELATED: Here’s Why US Manufacturing May Be Poised For A Comeback)
China accounts for nearly a third of world-wide increases in stock-market capitalization in 2020 https://t.co/v8x8jwPgne — The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) December 25, 2020
The Chinese stock surge accounts for nearly one-third of the global stock market increases in 2020, according to WSJ. Globally, stocks have grown 16% to $104 trillion, the outlet reported.
For China, “it’s been a very strong year,” Chief Investment Officer for KraneShares in New York Brendan Ahern told WSJ. The country’s economic recovery, global investors’ desire for high-growth assets and a strong IPO market had all worked together for China’s good, he told the outlet.
“The end result is a pretty dramatic growth in the size of capital markets,” Ahern concluded.
The growth has solidified China’s position as the top emerging market, WSJ reported. Towards the end of November, shares of Chinese businesses comprised beyond 40% of two renowned stock indexes tracking developing countries, when half a decade ago, the country was under 30%, according to the report.
Legislation President Donald Trump signed this month could reportedly push Chinese companies to delist from exchanges in New York if U.S. regulators don’t inspect their audit papers for three consecutive years.
The Chinese government released similar rules on Saturday tightening the country’s evaluation of foreign investments on “national security grounds.” As dictated by the new policies, firms and projects set up by foreign companies or joint ventures in China, foreign takeovers of Chinese companies or foreign minority stakeholders with sufficient voting rights in Chinese firms could face a security review.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--2 Delivery Drivers Held At Gunpoint On Christmas Eve, More Than 100 Packages Stolen, Police Say

Maryland State Police say they are investigating after two delivery drivers were held at gunpoint early Christmas Eve morning while carjackers stole at least 100 packages .
The two unidentified drivers were driving a yellow Freightliner box truck delivering packages in Prince George ’ s County around 5:00 a.m. when they were approached by two vehicles , a black Dodge Durango and a black Mercedes sedan , as they exited onto I-495 from I-95 South , according to police .
Police say a total of five men forced the two victims off the road at gunpoint and demanded they get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back of the truck where over 100 packages were being stored .
The carjackers then transported the victims to an undisclosed location – believed to be in Maryland– while they stole all of the packages , according to the police statement .
( RELATED : Six Months After Minneapolis Pledged To Dismantle The Police , Residents Grapple With Triple Digit Increase In Carjackings ) Once the truck was unloaded , the victims were released .
The duo drove to Washington , D.C. , and reported the crime in College Park , Maryland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not been identified and the investigation remains ongoing .

Maryland State Police say they are investigating after two delivery drivers were held at gunpoint early Christmas Eve morning while carjackers stole at least 100 packages.
The two unidentified drivers were driving a yellow Freightliner box truck delivering packages in Prince George’s County around 5:00 a.m. when they were approached by two vehicles, a black Dodge Durango and a black Mercedes sedan, as they exited onto I-495 from I-95 South, according to police.
Police say a total of five men forced the two victims off the road at gunpoint and demanded they get out of their truck and go to the back of the truck where over 100 packages were being stored.
The carjackers then transported the victims to an undisclosed location – believed to be in Maryland– while they stole all of the packages, according to the police statement. (RELATED: Six Months After Minneapolis Pledged To Dismantle The Police, Residents Grapple With Triple Digit Increase In Carjackings)
Once the truck was unloaded, the victims were released. The duo drove to Washington, D.C., and reported the crime in College Park, Maryland, according to police.
The suspects have not been identified and the investigation remains ongoing.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--Report: 15 Die Waiting In COVID-19 Testing Backlogs At South African Border

As a result of backlogs in COVID-19 testing for travelers crossing national borders , at least 15 people have reportedly died on the South African border with Zimbabwe as holiday traffic surged at the Beitbridge border port .
Travel between South Africa and Zimbabwe is busier than usual at this time of year due to a seasonal return of migrants to Zimbabwe , Reuters reported .
South Africa is home to around 1.5 million Zimbabwean migrants according to a United Nations estimate .
Sandile Buthelezi , the director-general of South Africa ’ s Health Department , announced Friday that COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were reported , according to South African media outlet eNCA .
He cited public safety and noted that proof of a negative COVID-19 test would be required within 30 days of re-entry .
Videos shown on local news outlets and circulated on social media show long lines of cars and trucks on the road leading to the Beitbridge port , the main border crossing between the two countries .
A Zimbabwean woman reportedly died Tuesday after collapsing near the border in the city of Limpopo , according to eNCA .
She reportedly experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pray for her before she died .
Other Zimbabwean migrants have reportedly complained about a lack of food and water .
Some lawmakers in South Africa have called for government intervention to prevent more deaths but authorities say clearing the congested border port could take weeks , according to eNCA .
( RELATED : Speakeasies Popping Up In South Africa After Alcohol Ban ) Health officials say South Africa is currently experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 infections , according to Reuters .
Officials believe surging infections are partly due to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African researchers earlier this month .
The country has around 968,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 26,000 deaths according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center .

As a result of backlogs in COVID-19 testing for travelers crossing national borders, at least 15 people have reportedly died on the South African border with Zimbabwe as holiday traffic surged at the Beitbridge border port.
Travel between South Africa and Zimbabwe is busier than usual at this time of year due to a seasonal return of migrants to Zimbabwe, Reuters reported. South Africa is home to around 1.5 million Zimbabwean migrants according to a United Nations estimate.
Sandile Buthelezi, the director-general of South Africa’s Health Department, announced Friday that COVID-19 screenings had been suspended after the deaths were reported, according to South African media outlet eNCA. He cited public safety and noted that proof of a negative COVID-19 test would be required within 30 days of re-entry.
The Health Department has suspended screening at the Beitbridge border post to allow traffic to flow. It comes after the deaths of at least 15 people waiting to cross into Zimbabwe. The department says it has to ensure the safety of all South Africans. #eNCA pic.twitter.com/397TotEakU — eNCA (@eNCA) December 25, 2020
Videos shown on local news outlets and circulated on social media show long lines of cars and trucks on the road leading to the Beitbridge port, the main border crossing between the two countries.
A Zimbabwean woman reportedly died Tuesday after collapsing near the border in the city of Limpopo, according to eNCA. She reportedly experienced fatigue and dizziness and asked fellow passengers to pray for her before she died. Other Zimbabwean migrants have reportedly complained about a lack of food and water.
Some lawmakers in South Africa have called for government intervention to prevent more deaths but authorities say clearing the congested border port could take weeks, according to eNCA. (RELATED: Speakeasies Popping Up In South Africa After Alcohol Ban)
Health officials say South Africa is currently experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 infections, according to Reuters. Officials believe surging infections are partly due to a mutation in the virus identified by South African researchers earlier this month.
The country has around 968,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and nearly 26,000 deaths according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--Turning CO2 Into Jet Fuel? A New Study Says It’s Possible

As concerns about global warming grow , a new study says it ’ s possible to turn carbon dioxide ( CO2 ) — one of the greenhouse gases blamed for climate change — into aircraft fuel .
In a study published in the journal “ Nature Communications ” on Tuesday , a team of researchers including some from Oxford University discovered that by using a new , inexpensive iron-based catalyst , CO2 could be transformed into hydrocarbons in the aviation jet fuel range .
Byproducts include light olefins , ethylene , propylene and butenes , according to the study .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be used to make plastics , according to ScienceNews .
( RELATED : 42-Square-Mile Ice Chunk Breaks Off From Greenland Ice Cap ) The “ organic combustion method ” the researchers used for generating jet fuel and the byproducts involved using the catalyst with hydrogen , citric acid and carbon dioxide heated to 662°F .
During the process in a pressurized chamber , carbon atoms get pulled apart from oxygen atoms in CO2 molecules .
The forced apart carbon atoms then bond with hydrogen atoms , creating hydrocarbon molecules that comprise jet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Past attempts to convert CO2 into fuel reportedly depended on catalysts composed of comparatively expensive substances , like cobalt .
They also required several processing steps .
However , this study demonstrated that the same effect is attainable with relatively cheaper ingredients , ScienceNews reported .
The researchers also said that this fuel converted from CO2 would be carbon-neutral because when burned , it will release the same amount of CO2 used to create it .
If CO2 and not oil were used to manufacture jet fuel , the aviation industry ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ScienceNews .
Air travel currently generates up to 12 % of all transportation-related CO2 emissions , the outlet further reported .

As concerns about global warming grow, a new study says it’s possible to turn carbon dioxide (CO2) — one of the greenhouse gases blamed for climate change — into aircraft fuel.
In a study published in the journal “Nature Communications” on Tuesday, a team of researchers including some from Oxford University discovered that by using a new, inexpensive iron-based catalyst, CO2 could be transformed into hydrocarbons in the aviation jet fuel range. Byproducts include light olefins, ethylene, propylene and butenes, according to the study. Out of these, ethylene and propylene can be used to make plastics, according to ScienceNews. (RELATED: 42-Square-Mile Ice Chunk Breaks Off From Greenland Ice Cap)
Today, airplanes pump a lot of climate-warming carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. But someday, carbon dioxide sucked from the atmosphere could be used to power airplanes.
https://t.co/mM8BWOyXRJ — Science News (@ScienceNews) December 22, 2020
The “organic combustion method” the researchers used for generating jet fuel and the byproducts involved using the catalyst with hydrogen, citric acid and carbon dioxide heated to 662°F. During the process in a pressurized chamber, carbon atoms get pulled apart from oxygen atoms in CO2 molecules. The forced apart carbon atoms then bond with hydrogen atoms, creating hydrocarbon molecules that comprise jet fuel, according to the study.
Past attempts to convert CO2 into fuel reportedly depended on catalysts composed of comparatively expensive substances, like cobalt. They also required several processing steps. However, this study demonstrated that the same effect is attainable with relatively cheaper ingredients, ScienceNews reported.
The researchers also said that this fuel converted from CO2 would be carbon-neutral because when burned, it will release the same amount of CO2 used to create it.
If CO2 and not oil were used to manufacture jet fuel, the aviation industry’s carbon footprint would decrease, according to ScienceNews. Air travel currently generates up to 12% of all transportation-related CO2 emissions, the outlet further reported.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--REPORT: GOP Lawmakers And Trump Allies Lobbying Trump To Pardon Edward Snowden

Allies of President Donald Trump — including some key members of Congress — are lobbying the president to pardon Edward Snowden , according to a Friday report .
Republicans Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz have recently been arguing that Snowden should get a pardon before Trump leaves office , according to Politico .
Another reported Snowden advocate is Roger Stone , a longtime ally of the president who was a part of a wave of pardons recently issued from the White House .
( RELATED : President Donald Trump Pardons Four Former Blackwater Contractors Convicted In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaked classified information in 2013 which revealed a mass surveillance operation being run by the NSA to track Americans , among a wide range of other figures .
He also exposed former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper as having lied to Congress , a point Paul is reportedly using to help make his case .
Paul believes the president can be convinced in part because of his dislike of Clapper and contentious relationship with American intelligence agencies , according to Politico .
While officials like Paul and Gaetz are sympathetic to Snowden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Florida Sen. Marco Rubio , are not .
“ I think he ’ s a traitor worthy of federal prison , ” Rubio told Politico .
( RELATED : Trump Didn ’ t Make The Pardon A Political Tool , It Always Has Been ) Critics of Snowden say some of his leaks went too far and worry he ’ s become too closely tied to American adversaries like China and Russia .
One of his 2013 leaks revealed that the NSA had been surveilling the servers of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since fleeing the United States .
Snowden has recently spoken out to ask for a pardon for others instead of himself .
Allies of Trump reportedly believe the president is open to issuing clemency to a variety of people before leaving office after he pardoned a group including former congressmen , blackwater contractors , and familial allies last week .

Allies of President Donald Trump — including some key members of Congress — are lobbying the president to pardon Edward Snowden, according to a Friday report.
Republicans Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz have recently been arguing that Snowden should get a pardon before Trump leaves office, according to Politico. Another reported Snowden advocate is Roger Stone, a longtime ally of the president who was a part of a wave of pardons recently issued from the White House. (RELATED: President Donald Trump Pardons Four Former Blackwater Contractors Convicted In Killings Of 14 Iraqi Civilians)
Some of Trump’s closest congressional allies are imploring the president to add one controversial name to his list of pardons: Edward Snowden https://t.co/zGceOQ3ywY — POLITICO (@politico) December 24, 2020
Snowden leaked classified information in 2013 which revealed a mass surveillance operation being run by the NSA to track Americans, among a wide range of other figures. He also exposed former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper as having lied to Congress, a point Paul is reportedly using to help make his case. Paul believes the president can be convinced in part because of his dislike of Clapper and contentious relationship with American intelligence agencies, according to Politico.
While officials like Paul and Gaetz are sympathetic to Snowden’s actions, others, such as Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, are not. “I think he’s a traitor worthy of federal prison,” Rubio told Politico. (RELATED: Trump Didn’t Make The Pardon A Political Tool, It Always Has Been)
Critics of Snowden say some of his leaks went too far and worry he’s become too closely tied to American adversaries like China and Russia. One of his 2013 leaks revealed that the NSA had been surveilling the servers of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, and he has resided in Russia since fleeing the United States.
note: this particular leak from Snowden was something that even Greenwald said he wouldn’t have published, adding that Sno did it out of “a need to ingratiate himself to the people of Hong Kong and China.” https://t.co/GJC8oYJAI7 https://t.co/LKWWiSHl0R — Michael B. Kelley (@MichaelBKelley) December 21, 2020
Snowden has recently spoken out to ask for a pardon for others instead of himself. Allies of Trump reportedly believe the president is open to issuing clemency to a variety of people before leaving office after he pardoned a group including former congressmen, blackwater contractors, and familial allies last week.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--Famous Christian Apologist Ravi Zacharias Engaged In Sexual Misconduct, Ministry Says

Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias , who died of cancer earlier this year , has been found responsible for engaging in sexual misconduct against multiple women following an investigation conducted by his former ministry .
Zacharias was accused after his death in May of sexually harassing the women at spas over several years .
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries ( RZIM ) released the interim findings of an independent investigation Wednesday after originally denying the allegations .
“ Sadly , the interim investigation update indicates this assessment of Ravi ’ s behavior to be true—that he did indeed engage in sexual misconduct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directors wrote in a statement .
“ This misconduct is deeply troubling and wholly inconsistent with the man Ravi Zacharias presented both publicly and privately to so many over more than four decades of public ministry.
” “ We are heartbroken at learning this but feel it necessary to be transparent and to inform our staff , donors , and supporters at this time , even while the investigation continues .
We are devastated for those who have suffered from Ravi ’ s misconduct and for the pain that they are enduring , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s board said they expect a full report by early 2021 , and will “ speak more comprehensively ” at the conclusion of the investigation .
Zacharias was also accused in 2017 of having an affair with a married woman and of overstating his academic credentials .
( RELATED : Famous Christian Apologist Refutes Sexting Allegations And Fraud Claims ) Sarah Davis , RZIM ’ s CEO and Zacharias ’ daughter , wrote that the ministry grieves “ profoundly with those who have suffered from Ravi ’ s sexual misconduct , ” asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Christianity Today reported .
“ We know this news will send all of us , and thousands of others , into grief , confusion , disillusionment , and anger .
We know that you will have many questions , as we all do as well , ” Davis wrote .

Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias, who died of cancer earlier this year, has been found responsible for engaging in sexual misconduct against multiple women following an investigation conducted by his former ministry.
Zacharias was accused after his death in May of sexually harassing the women at spas over several years. Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) released the interim findings of an independent investigation Wednesday after originally denying the allegations.
“Sadly, the interim investigation update indicates this assessment of Ravi’s behavior to be true—that he did indeed engage in sexual misconduct,” RZIM’s board of directors wrote in a statement. “This misconduct is deeply troubling and wholly inconsistent with the man Ravi Zacharias presented both publicly and privately to so many over more than four decades of public ministry.”
“We are heartbroken at learning this but feel it necessary to be transparent and to inform our staff, donors, and supporters at this time, even while the investigation continues. We are devastated for those who have suffered from Ravi’s misconduct and for the pain that they are enduring,” the statement continued.
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries has released preliminary results from the independent investigation into Zacharias’s alleged sexual misconduct. The conclusion is heartbreaking and infuriating. https://t.co/kcUT37MFQW pic.twitter.com/40TIRR963a — David French (@DavidAFrench) December 23, 2020
RZIM’s board said they expect a full report by early 2021, and will “speak more comprehensively” at the conclusion of the investigation. Zacharias was also accused in 2017 of having an affair with a married woman and of overstating his academic credentials. (RELATED: Famous Christian Apologist Refutes Sexting Allegations And Fraud Claims)
Sarah Davis, RZIM’s CEO and Zacharias’ daughter, wrote that the ministry grieves “profoundly with those who have suffered from Ravi’s sexual misconduct,” asking RZIM staff to pray for the victims, Christianity Today reported.
“We know this news will send all of us, and thousands of others, into grief, confusion, disillusionment, and anger. We know that you will have many questions, as we all do as well,” Davis wrote.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--HIGHLIGHTS: Wisconsin Beats Michigan State 85-76

Entering the Saturday matchup between the Spartans and the Badgers , I said this was a big opportunity for us to notch a huge victory .
( RELATED : David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football ) Well , the boys in red and white didn ’ t disappoint .
D ’ Mitrik Trice , Brad Davison , Aleem Ford , Micah Potter and the rest of the squad showed up and showed out to go blow for blow with the Spartans .
The Spartans have a hell of a team .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ club , but they just didn ’ t have the horses to stick with us .
I couldn ’ t be prouder of this team .
I really couldn ’ t be .
We ’ re 8-1 , we ’ re as tough of a team as you ’ ll find in the country and we just refuse to lose since that one bad game against Marquette .
Now , we ’ ll play Maryland this upcoming Monday .
Can ’ t wait .
Let ’ s fight to get to 9-1 .

Wisconsin earned a huge win 85-76 Saturday over Michigan State.
Entering the Saturday matchup between the Spartans and the Badgers, I said this was a big opportunity for us to notch a huge victory. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
Well, the boys in red and white didn’t disappoint.
Nate Reuvers coming to life late! • @DMitrikTrice0 – 24 points
• @aleemty2 – 13 points
• @braddavi34 – 11 points
• @BigJam_23 – 8 points WIS 73, MSU 69 | 4:03 2Hpic.twitter.com/pqOZX7Jl8u — Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) December 25, 2020
D’Mitrik Trice, Brad Davison, Aleem Ford, Micah Potter and the rest of the squad showed up and showed out to go blow for blow with the Spartans.
The Spartans have a hell of a team. They’re a damn good ball club, but they just didn’t have the horses to stick with us.
I couldn’t be prouder of this team. I really couldn’t be. We’re 8-1, we’re as tough of a team as you’ll find in the country and we just refuse to lose since that one bad game against Marquette.
Brad Davison from deeeeeeeep! Back-and-forth first half here at the Breslin Center, as @braddavi34 is one of four Badgers with 8+ pointspic.twitter.com/SahmGT7PYH — Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) December 25, 2020
Now, we’ll play Maryland this upcoming Monday. Can’t wait. Let’s fight to get to 9-1.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--Report: Professor Caught Trying To Fish Murdered Lover’s Arms Out Of A River Sentenced, Jailed

A Russian historian was reportedly sentenced Friday to 12.5 years in jail after being convicted of murdering and dismembering a student lover .
Oleg Sokolov , 64-year-old former professor at St. Petersburg State University known for battle scene reenactments , was discovered in a river November 2019 with a bag containing the severed arms of 24-year-old Anastasia Yeshchenko , Reuters reported Tuesday .
Sokolov pleaded guilty to a murder charge but reportedly said it was not premeditated .
Instead , he told the court Yeshchenko had driven him to “ a state of complete insanity ” by making disparaging comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( RELATED : REPORT : Russian Man Confesses To Murdering 26 Women After DNA Evidence Identifies Him ) The judge who delivered the verdict said Sokolov shot Yeshchenko four times with a rifle before dismembering her with a knife and saw , according to Reuters .
Sokolov reportedly disposed of her phone near his own home before he was found in St. Petersburg ’ s River Moyka , getting rid of Yeshchenko ’ s limbs .
The judge reportedly said Sokolov got into the river when the victim ’ s body parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get out of the river , due to the cold .
( RELATED : Russian Soldier Killed Officer With Axe , Shot Two More In Murder Spree , Investigators Say ) Sokolov , who is an expert on Napoleon Bonaparte , was also found guilty of a weapons possession , which factored into his jail sentence , Reuters reported .
Prosecutors had asked for a 15-year sentence .

A Russian historian was reportedly sentenced Friday to 12.5 years in jail after being convicted of murdering and dismembering a student lover.
Oleg Sokolov, 64-year-old former professor at St. Petersburg State University known for battle scene reenactments, was discovered in a river November 2019 with a bag containing the severed arms of 24-year-old Anastasia Yeshchenko, Reuters reported Tuesday.
Sokolov pleaded guilty to a murder charge but reportedly said it was not premeditated. Instead, he told the court Yeshchenko had driven him to “a state of complete insanity” by making disparaging comments about his children, according to Reuters. (RELATED: REPORT: Russian Man Confesses To Murdering 26 Women After DNA Evidence Identifies Him)
Russia jails historian for 12.5 years for grisly murder of student lover https://t.co/pxwij1VpY9 pic.twitter.com/ejbkgg8RJG — Reuters (@Reuters) December 25, 2020
The judge who delivered the verdict said Sokolov shot Yeshchenko four times with a rifle before dismembering her with a knife and saw, according to Reuters. Sokolov reportedly disposed of her phone near his own home before he was found in St. Petersburg’s River Moyka, getting rid of Yeshchenko’s limbs. The judge reportedly said Sokolov got into the river when the victim’s body parts failed to sink but was then unable to get out of the river, due to the cold. (RELATED: Russian Soldier Killed Officer With Axe, Shot Two More In Murder Spree, Investigators Say)
Sokolov, who is an expert on Napoleon Bonaparte, was also found guilty of a weapons possession, which factored into his jail sentence, Reuters reported. Prosecutors had asked for a 15-year sentence.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--The War On Christmas: Coronavirus Edition

People worldwide have been forced to cancel or radically alter their Christmas celebrations as a new wave of coronavirus restrictions prohibited gatherings , travel and church services .
“ There is not a safe Christmas party in this country right now , ” Dr. Michael Osterholm , a member of Biden ’ s coronavirus advisory board , told CNN according to Reuters .
He said that it would be several months before vaccines were widely available and stressed that there should be “ no Christmas parties.
” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) warned against holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the CDC warned that new daily cases were rising , with a seven-day average of 66 cases per 100,000 people .
The United States set a new record for the seven-day average of daily cases Dec. 17 , with a reported seven-day average of 220,523 cases per day , according to the CDC .
( RELATED : Is There A New War On Christmas ? )
Leaders around the world have increased restrictions for their citizens in order to prevent large Christmas celebrations — and the anticipated viral spread associated with them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go into effect when a region reaches 15 % ICU capacity or less .
Under the stay-at-home orders , public and private social gatherings of any size are prohibited , masks are required and social distancing is mandated .
Greater Sacramento , the Bay Area , San Joaquin Valley and Southern California – four out of California ’ s five regions – were under the stay-at-home order for Christmas .
Marching bands played music in the streets of Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas Eve , but a crowd was absent .
Bethlehem entered into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent the spread of coronavirus , closing the international airport to tourists and heavily restricting Christmas celebrations , the Associated Press reported .
Greece canceled door-to-door children ’ s carols , a decades-old tradition in the country , according to the report .
Church services in Australia were required to have social distancing , and worshippers had to book tickets online in advance to attend .
In the Philippines , extended families were reportedly prohibited from celebrating together with a traditional Christmas Eve dinner , and mass gatherings were banned .
( RELATED @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not Doing Christmas In Person Due To Coronavirus ) Pope Francis celebrated Christmas with a socially distant Mass , according to CBS News .
The Pope told people that they “ must obey ” coronavirus rules , and barely 200 people attended the Christmas vigil Mass in St. Peter ’ s Basilica , which was moved from 9:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m .
The Italian government put in place a 10 p.m. curfew , meaning that some “ Midnight Mass ” services were held just a couple of hours after dark , reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions and limitations we want to celebrate as much as possible , with family , community and joy , ” Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa said , according to the Associated Press .
Pizzaballa was able to hold a small Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve .
“ We want to offer hope , ” he told the outlet .
South Korea implemented new restrictions on Christmas morning .
The government put fines in place for restaurants that were allowing large groups , shut down ski resorts and national parks and restricted hotel occupancy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week of the year that begins with Christmas is normally a time where people gather and share their affection with one another , but it ’ s hard to see that this year in any parts of the world , ” Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said during a meeting about the virus .

People worldwide have been forced to cancel or radically alter their Christmas celebrations as a new wave of coronavirus restrictions prohibited gatherings, travel and church services.
“There is not a safe Christmas party in this country right now,” Dr. Michael Osterholm, a member of Biden’s coronavirus advisory board, told CNN according to Reuters. He said that it would be several months before vaccines were widely available and stressed that there should be “no Christmas parties.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned against holiday gatherings. In a Wednesday Twitter announcement, the CDC warned that new daily cases were rising, with a seven-day average of 66 cases per 100,000 people. The United States set a new record for the seven-day average of daily cases Dec. 17, with a reported seven-day average of 220,523 cases per day, according to the CDC. (RELATED: Is There A New War On Christmas?)
U.S. #COVID19 cases are rising with an average 66 cases per 100,000 people over the last 7 days. This holiday season, help slow the spread:
???? Avoid travel and gatherings.
???? Wear a mask.
↔ Stay 6 feet away from others.
???? Wash your hands.
See more: https://t.co/1nMYQAjpSq. pic.twitter.com/LndTpKSQOV — CDC (@CDCgov) December 23, 2020
Leaders around the world have increased restrictions for their citizens in order to prevent large Christmas celebrations — and the anticipated viral spread associated with them.
California’s regional stay-at-home orders go into effect when a region reaches 15% ICU capacity or less. Under the stay-at-home orders, public and private social gatherings of any size are prohibited, masks are required and social distancing is mandated. Greater Sacramento, the Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley and Southern California – four out of California’s five regions – were under the stay-at-home order for Christmas.
Marching bands played music in the streets of Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas Eve, but a crowd was absent. Bethlehem entered into a strict lockdown during the holidays to prevent the spread of coronavirus, closing the international airport to tourists and heavily restricting Christmas celebrations, the Associated Press reported.
Greece canceled door-to-door children’s carols, a decades-old tradition in the country, according to the report. Church services in Australia were required to have social distancing, and worshippers had to book tickets online in advance to attend. In the Philippines, extended families were reportedly prohibited from celebrating together with a traditional Christmas Eve dinner, and mass gatherings were banned. (RELATED: 44% Say They’re Not Doing Christmas In Person Due To Coronavirus)
Pope Francis celebrated Christmas with a socially distant Mass, according to CBS News. The Pope told people that they “must obey” coronavirus rules, and barely 200 people attended the Christmas vigil Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, which was moved from 9:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Italian government put in place a 10 p.m. curfew, meaning that some “Midnight Mass” services were held just a couple of hours after dark, reported the Associated Press.
“Despite the restrictions and limitations we want to celebrate as much as possible, with family, community and joy,” Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa said, according to the Associated Press. Pizzaballa was able to hold a small Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. “We want to offer hope,” he told the outlet.
South Korea implemented new restrictions on Christmas morning. The government put fines in place for restaurants that were allowing large groups, shut down ski resorts and national parks and restricted hotel occupancy, the Associated Press reported.
“The last week of the year that begins with Christmas is normally a time where people gather and share their affection with one another, but it’s hard to see that this year in any parts of the world,” Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said during a meeting about the virus.


thedailycaller--2020-12-25--Trump 2024? His Campaign Manager May Have Just Indicated Trump’s Next Move

President Donald Trump has hinted that he plans to run for president again in 2024 pending his ongoing legal challenges @ @ @ @ @ 2020 election , but key members of his current campaign may be taking the first @ @

President Donald Trump has hinted that he plans to run for president again in 2024 pending his ongoing legal challenges to the results of the 2020 election, but key members of his current campaign may be taking the first steps.