thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Rudy Giuliani Tests Positive For COVID-19, Trump Says

Trump tweeted Sunday that Giuliani , his personal attorney , tested positive for the coronavirus .
He said Giuliani “ has been working tirelessly ” trying to prove that Trump was the real winner of the November presidential election .
( He wasn ’ t . )
.
@ RudyGiuliani , by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC , and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election ( by far ! )
in the history of the USA , has tested positive for the China Virus .
Get better soon Rudy , we will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ J. Trump ( @ realDonaldTrump ) December 6 , 2020 “ Get better soon Rudy , we will carry on !
!
!
” the president tweeted , repeating the racist term , “ China Virus , ” that he ’ s attempted to make mainstream throughout the pandemic .
It ’ s unclear why it was Trump announcing Giuliani ’ s positive test result and whether Giuliani is symptomatic .
The former New York City mayor is 76 , and is therefore considered high-risk for the virus .
Giuliani is undergoing treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center , according to The New York Times , which cited a person who is familiar with his condition but not authorized to speak on it publicly .
Giuliani and the Trump campaign legal team have been working since the election to overturn President-elect Joe Biden ’ s solid victory .
They have filed dozens of lawsuits across the country , virtually all of which judges have ruled against for lack of evidence .
Giuliani and fellow campaign attorney Jenna Ellis spent time less than a week ago questioning witnesses who accompanied them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He most recently appeared before Georgia lawmakers without a mask on Thursday .
Giuliani ’ s reported positive test result comes after his son , Andrew Giuliani , and others linked to the White House became infected with the virus .
Andrew Giuliani , who is also Trump ’ s special assistant , said he tested positive on Nov. 20 , a day after attending a crowded news conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington , where his father and other campaign attorneys did not wear masks .
Rudy Giuliani went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the news conference that mysterious coloring began oozing down his sideburns .
He also blew his nose on a handkerchief and rubbed the blown-in side around his mouth and forehead .
Giuliani ’ s communications director , Christianné Allen , confirmed that she has been quarantining after testing positive for COVID-19 in November , Salon reported Friday .
Allen told the publication that she first began experiencing symptoms the day after the press conference ― which she attended ― and tested positive on Nov. 28 after two previous tests came up negative @

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Rudy Giuliani tested positive for COVID-19, according to President Donald Trump.
Trump tweeted Sunday that Giuliani, his personal attorney, tested positive for the coronavirus. He said Giuliani “has been working tirelessly” trying to prove that Trump was the real winner of the November presidential election. (He wasn’t.)
.@RudyGiuliani, by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC, and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election (by far!) in the history of the USA, has tested positive for the China Virus. Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 6, 2020
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“Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!!!” the president tweeted, repeating the racist term, “China Virus,” that he’s attempted to make mainstream throughout the pandemic.
Hours later, Giuliani tweeted confirming that he has been infected with the virus.
“Thank you to all my friends and followers for all the prayers and kind wishes,” he tweeted. “I’m getting great care and feeling good. Recovering quickly and keeping up with everything.”
It’s unclear why it was Trump who first announced Giuliani’s positive test result. The former New York mayor is 76, and is therefore considered high-risk.
Giuliani was admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center, according to The New York Times, which cited a person familiar with his condition.
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Giuliani and the Trump campaign legal team have been working since the election to overturn President-elect Joe Biden’s solid victory. They have filed dozens of lawsuits across the country, virtually all of which judges have ruled against for lack of evidence.
Giuliani has traveled across the country to push unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud.
Giuliani and fellow campaign attorney Jenna Ellis spent time less than a week ago questioning witnesses who accompanied them to hearings before Michigan state lawmakers. He most recently appeared before Georgia lawmakers without a mask on Thursday.
The Trump campaign’s legal team released a statement after the president’s announcement saying that Giuliani “did not experience any symptoms or test positive” for COVID-19 until more than 48 hours after he returned from his trip to Arizona, Michigan and Georgia. The team also said that under current guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “no legislators in any state or members of the press are on the contact tracing list.”
Nevertheless, Arizona’s state Legislature will be closed for the next week after at least 15 current or future Republican lawmakers were potentially exposed to COVID-19 through Giuliani, according to KTVK-TV. The Georgia Senate Republican Caucus also announced it was canceling an event on Sunday night due to “a large group of Senators being exposed” to COVID-19 through Giuliani at election hearings, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Michigan Republican Party chairwoman Laura Cox and other staffers who came into contact with Giuliani during his visit to the state GOP headquarters are being tested “and all appropriate precautions are being taken,” state party spokesman Tony Zammit told the Detroit News.
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Democratic state Rep. Darrin Camilleri, who is part of the Michigan House Oversight Committee that met with the attorney, told the newspaper that all lawmakers and staff who were in the meeting room with Giuliani should have to get a negative COVID-19 test before attending session again.
Giuliani’s positive test result comes after his son, Andrew Giuliani, and others linked to the White House became infected with the virus.
Andrew Giuliani, who is also Trump’s special assistant, said he tested positive on Nov. 20, a day after attending a crowded news conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, where his father and other campaign attorneys did not wear masks.
Rudy Giuliani went viral on Twitter for sweating so much during the news conference that mysterious coloring began oozing down his sideburns. He also blew his nose on a handkerchief and rubbed the blown-in side around his mouth and forehead.
Giuliani’s communications director, Christianné Allen, confirmed that she has been quarantining after testing positive for COVID-19 in November, Salon reported Friday. Allen told the publication that she first began experiencing symptoms the day after the press conference ― which she attended ― and tested positive on Nov. 28 after two previous tests came up negative.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--States Scramble To Curb COVID-19 Without National Leadership

NEW YORK ( Reuters ) - Individual U.S. states scrambled on Sunday to impose lockdowns to stem coronavirus spikes amid a lack of national leadership on how to curb infections until vaccines are widely available in the spring .
Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator , expressed frustration on Sunday over the mixed messages coming from the Trump administration that are reflected in some Americans ’ perception about masks , social distancing and superspreader events .
“ Right now , across the Sun Belt , we have governors and mayors who have cases equivalent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t putting in the same policies and mitigations that they put in the summer , that they know changed the course of this pandemic across the South , ” she said on NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press.
” “ So it is frustrating because not only do we know what works , governors and mayors used those tools to stem the tide in the spring and the summer , ” Birx said .
A patient is wheeled into a hospital during the coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) pandemic in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York , U.S. , December 4 , 2020 .
( REUTERS/Carlo Allegri ) Only about half of the 50 U.S. states have enacted new restrictions in the last month as cases , deaths and hospitalizations hit record levels nationwide .
Fourteen states do not mandate masks .
President-elect Joe Biden , a Democrat who defeated Donald Trump in the November election , has said that upon taking office on Jan. 20 he will enact mask mandates where he has authority , such as federal buildings and for interstate travel .
While many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fauci , the nation ’ s leading infectious disease expert , says schools should reopen before bars do and after health experts in Europe and Britain have found that children may have lower infectivity than adults .
In New York City , some public schools in the nation ’ s largest school district prepared to reopen for daily in-person classes on Monday after a citywide campus shutdown .
An estimated 190,000 children in programs geared for early childhood , elementary and special needs students will be eligible to return to classrooms , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen schools while across the Hudson River neighboring New Jersey over the weekend halted indoor youth sports after at least 28 outbreaks affected 170 people .
Governor Phil Murphy ’ s ban targets sports like basketball , ice hockey and swimming , including practice and games , until at least Jan. 2 .
In the nation ’ s most populous state , California at 11:59 p.m. Sunday is shutting down bars , hair salons and barbershops , and allowing restaurants to remain open only for takeout and delivery service in Southern California and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco Bay Area will also go into lockdown starting at 10 p.m. on Sunday night , under a different set of orders .
While individual states are rushing in often seemingly different directions , the nation as a whole is the grim leader in global infections and deaths .
The United States is now reporting nearly 190,000 new infections on average each day and accounts for one in every 20 deaths reported worldwide each day .
( Graphic : https : //tmsnrt.rs/34pvUyi )

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NEW YORK (Reuters) - Individual U.S. states scrambled on Sunday to impose lockdowns to stem coronavirus spikes amid a lack of national leadership on how to curb infections until vaccines are widely available in the spring.
Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Task Force coordinator, expressed frustration on Sunday over the mixed messages coming from the Trump administration that are reflected in some Americans’ perception about masks, social distancing and superspreader events.
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“Right now, across the Sun Belt, we have governors and mayors who have cases equivalent to what they had in the summertime yet aren’t putting in the same policies and mitigations that they put in the summer, that they know changed the course of this pandemic across the South,” she said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“So it is frustrating because not only do we know what works, governors and mayors used those tools to stem the tide in the spring and the summer,” Birx said.
A patient is wheeled into a hospital during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., December 4, 2020. (REUTERS/Carlo Allegri) Carlo Allegri / Reuters
Only about half of the 50 U.S. states have enacted new restrictions in the last month as cases, deaths and hospitalizations hit record levels nationwide. Fourteen states do not mandate masks.
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President-elect Joe Biden, a Democrat who defeated Donald Trump in the November election, has said that upon taking office on Jan. 20 he will enact mask mandates where he has authority, such as federal buildings and for interstate travel.
While many businesses are shutting down, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, says schools should reopen before bars do and after health experts in Europe and Britain have found that children may have lower infectivity than adults.
In New York City, some public schools in the nation’s largest school district prepared to reopen for daily in-person classes on Monday after a citywide campus shutdown. An estimated 190,000 children in programs geared for early childhood, elementary and special needs students will be eligible to return to classrooms, the city said.
New York girds to reopen schools while across the Hudson River neighboring New Jersey over the weekend halted indoor youth sports after at least 28 outbreaks affected 170 people. Governor Phil Murphy’s ban targets sports like basketball, ice hockey and swimming, including practice and games, until at least Jan. 2.
In the nation’s most populous state, California at 11:59 p.m. Sunday is shutting down bars, hair salons and barbershops, and allowing restaurants to remain open only for takeout and delivery service in Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley. The San Francisco Bay Area will also go into lockdown starting at 10 p.m. on Sunday night, under a different set of orders.
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While individual states are rushing in often seemingly different directions, the nation as a whole is the grim leader in global infections and deaths. The United States is now reporting nearly 190,000 new infections on average each day and accounts for one in every 20 deaths reported worldwide each day. (Graphic: https://tmsnrt.rs/34pvUyi)


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Microwave Energy Likely Made U.S. Diplomats Ill, Study Finds

Alexandre Meneghini / Reuters The U.S. Embassy in Havana , Cuba , is seen in 2019 .
Between late 2016 and May 2018 , several U.S. and Canadian diplomats in Havana complained of health problems from an unknown cause .
WASHINGTON ( AP ) — A new report by a National Academy of Sciences committee has found that “ directed ” microwave radiation is the likely cause of illnesses among American diplomats in Cuba and China .
The study commissioned by the State Department and released Saturday is the latest attempt to find a cause for the mysterious illnesses that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. personnel in Havana .
The study found that “ directed , pulsed radio frequency energy appears to be the most plausible ” explanation for symptoms that included intense head pressure , dizziness and cognitive difficulties .
It found this explanation was more likely than other previously considered causes such as tropical disease or psychological issues .
The study did not name a source for the energy and did not say it came as the result of an attack , though it did note that previous research on this type of injury was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cuban and foreign scientists and health professionals met in Havana , Cuba , back in March to evaluate the possibility that pesticides were responsible for health issues suffered by U.S. and Canadian diplomats .
In its report , the 19-member committee noted that it faced significant challenges in trying to get to the bottom of the medical mystery .
Among them , not everyone reported the same symptoms and the National Academy of Sciences research did not have access to all the previous studies on the illnesses , some of which are classified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite concerning , in part because of the plausible role of directed , pulsed radiofrequency energy as a mechanism , but also because of the significant suffering and debility that has occurred in some of these individuals , ” said committee chairman David Relman , a professor of medicine at Stanford University .
“ We as a nation need to address these specific cases as well as the possibility of future cases with a concerted , coordinated , and comprehensive approach.
” The health effects were experienced by about two dozen Americans affiliated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as Canadian diplomats and personnel at the U.S. consulate in Guanghzhou , China , in early 2017 .
Some of the Americans have been critical of the U.S. government ’ s response to their health complaints and at least one has filed suit against the State Department .
Between late 2016 and May 2018 , several U.S. and Canadian diplomats in Havana complained of health problems from an unknown cause .
One U.S. government count put the number of American personnel affected at 26 .
Some reported hearing high-pitched sounds similar to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotels , leading to an early theory of a sonic attack .

The U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba, is seen in 2019. Between late 2016 and May 2018, several U.S. and Canadian diplomats in Havana complained of health problems from an unknown cause. Alexandre Meneghini / Reuters
WASHINGTON (AP) — A new report by a National Academy of Sciences committee has found that “directed” microwave radiation is the likely cause of illnesses among American diplomats in Cuba and China.
The study commissioned by the State Department and released Saturday is the latest attempt to find a cause for the mysterious illnesses that started to emerge in late 2016 among U.S. personnel in Havana.
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The study found that “directed, pulsed radio frequency energy appears to be the most plausible” explanation for symptoms that included intense head pressure, dizziness and cognitive difficulties. It found this explanation was more likely than other previously considered causes such as tropical disease or psychological issues. The study did not name a source for the energy and did not say it came as the result of an attack, though it did note that previous research on this type of injury was done in the former Soviet Union.
Cuban and foreign scientists and health professionals met in Havana, Cuba, back in March to evaluate the possibility that pesticides were responsible for health issues suffered by U.S. and Canadian diplomats. ASSOCIATED PRESS
In its report, the 19-member committee noted that it faced significant challenges in trying to get to the bottom of the medical mystery. Among them, not everyone reported the same symptoms and the National Academy of Sciences research did not have access to all the previous studies on the illnesses, some of which are classified.
“The committee found these cases quite concerning, in part because of the plausible role of directed, pulsed radiofrequency energy as a mechanism, but also because of the significant suffering and debility that has occurred in some of these individuals,” said committee chairman David Relman, a professor of medicine at Stanford University. “We as a nation need to address these specific cases as well as the possibility of future cases with a concerted, coordinated, and comprehensive approach.”
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The health effects were experienced by about two dozen Americans affiliated with the U.S. Embassy in Cuba as well as Canadian diplomats and personnel at the U.S. consulate in Guanghzhou, China, in early 2017.
Some of the Americans have been critical of the U.S. government’s response to their health complaints and at least one has filed suit against the State Department.
Between late 2016 and May 2018, several U.S. and Canadian diplomats in Havana complained of health problems from an unknown cause. One U.S. government count put the number of American personnel affected at 26.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--7 Nursing Home Residents Die From COVID-19 After Staff Attends Massive Wedding

Staff members at three Washington state nursing homes attended a massive wedding with more than 300 guests last month , and now at least seven residents at the facilities have died from COVID-19 , health officials said .
The residents were all in their 70s , 80s or 90s and at higher risk for severe complications if infected with COVID-19 .
Four additional deaths at two of the facilities are pending death certificate reviews , the Grant County Health District said Thursday .
“ Our hearts are with the families and friends of these residents .
On behalf of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board of Health , we are so sorry for your loss , ” the health department said in a statement .
It isn ’ t known whether the staff members had direct contact with the people who died as the staff members care for entire units , the health department said .
The facilities were identified as McKay Healthcare & Rehab Center in Soap Lake , Lake Ridge Center in Moses Lake and Columbia Crest Center , also in Moses Lake .
The Columbia Crest Center in Moses Lake , Washington , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health officials where residents died last month from COVID-19 .
News of the deaths came after hundreds attended the Nov. 7 superspreader event near Ritzville , southwest of Spokane .
Within 10 days , nearly 40 people who attended the wedding tested positive for the coronavirus in nearby Grant County .
Local health officials also linked those cases to two subsequent outbreaks in the area , as well spikes in positive tests for the coronavirus at one long-term care facility and at a school district .
County health officials continued to urge residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help lower the risk of infection among the most vulnerable residents .
“ Your choice to gather with those outside your household could lead to additional cases of COVID-19 and even death .
Please protect those you love by staying home , ” the health department said .
Washington Gov .
Jay Inslee last month imposed new social restrictions after the state ’ s average number of coronavirus cases doubled over two weeks .
The restrictions , which last until Dec. 14 , limit outdoor social gatherings to no more than five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibit all indoor gatherings involving people from outside households unless the individuals agree to quarantine for 14 days prior to a gathering , obtain a negative COVID-19 test no more than 48-hours beforehand or quarantine for seven days afterward .

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Staff members at three Washington state nursing homes attended a massive wedding with more than 300 guests last month, and now at least seven residents at the facilities have died from COVID-19, health officials said.
The residents were all in their 70s, 80s or 90s and at higher risk for severe complications if infected with COVID-19. Four additional deaths at two of the facilities are pending death certificate reviews, the Grant County Health District said Thursday.
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“Our hearts are with the families and friends of these residents. On behalf of our staff, Grant County Health Officer and Board of Health, we are so sorry for your loss,” the health department said in a statement.
It isn’t known whether the staff members had direct contact with the people who died as the staff members care for entire units, the health department said.
The facilities were identified as McKay Healthcare & Rehab Center in Soap Lake, Lake Ridge Center in Moses Lake and Columbia Crest Center, also in Moses Lake.
The Columbia Crest Center in Moses Lake, Washington, is one of three facilities identified by local health officials where residents died last month from COVID-19. Google
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News of the deaths came after hundreds attended the Nov. 7 superspreader event near Ritzville, southwest of Spokane. Within 10 days, nearly 40 people who attended the wedding tested positive for the coronavirus in nearby Grant County.
Local health officials also linked those cases to two subsequent outbreaks in the area, as well spikes in positive tests for the coronavirus at one long-term care facility and at a school district.
November’s additional deaths raised the county’s total coronavirus fatalities to 54 since March.
County health officials continued to urge residents to stay home as much as possible to help lower the risk of infection among the most vulnerable residents.
“Your choice to gather with those outside your household could lead to additional cases of COVID-19 and even death. Please protect those you love by staying home,” the health department said.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee last month imposed new social restrictions after the state’s average number of coronavirus cases doubled over two weeks.
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Trump Vaccine Czar Praises Biden's Plan To Ask Americans To Wear Masks

“ We have comprehensive plans from the [ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] , working with 64 public @ @ @ @ @ , as our governors have laid out very detailed plans that we ’ ve worked @ @ @ @ @ Azar told “ Fox News Sunday.
” An advisory panel of the Food and Drug @ @ @ @ @ Thursday to consider a vaccine developed by Pfizer before the agency decides whether to grant @ @ @ @ @ group will review a second vaccine from Moderna the following week .
Slaoui said he @ @ @ @ @ recommend approval .
If vaccines are distributed as planned , there should be a “ @ @ @ @ @ rates among the elderly population by the end of January , he added .
He @ @ @ @ @ to produce long-lasting effects that could protect against the virus for “ many years .
@

“We have comprehensive plans from the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], working with 64 public health jurisdictions across the country, as our governors have laid out very detailed plans that we’ve worked with them on,” Azar told “Fox News Sunday.”
An advisory panel of the Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to meet Thursday to consider a vaccine developed by Pfizer before the agency decides whether to grant emergency use authorization. The group will review a second vaccine from Moderna the following week.
Slaoui said he expected the FDA panel will recommend approval. If vaccines are distributed as planned, there should be a “significant decrease” in mortality rates among the elderly population by the end of January, he added.
He said he expected the vaccines to produce long-lasting effects that could protect against the virus for “many years.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--7 COVID-19 Patients In Pakistan Die After Oxygen Supply Runs Out

PESHAWAR , Pakistan ( AP ) — Seven patients being treated for the coronavirus died after one of the largest hospitals in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar ran out of oxygen supplies , officials said Sunday .
Farhad Khan , a spokesman at Khyber Teaching Hospital , said the patients died Saturday night when the vendor who supplies the hospital with medical oxygen to refill tanks failed to arrive in time .
The hospital , the second largest in Peshawar , receives its oxygen cylinders from a vendor in Rawalpindi , a city about 118 miles away , Khan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jhagra tweeted about the incident , saying the hospital ’ s board of governors has been ordered to complete an investigation into the deaths and take action within 48 hours against those responsible .
He promised that “ all facts of the case will be made public.
” Pakistan , a country of around 220 million people , has recorded 58 COVID-19 deaths over the past 24 hours , bringing the total number of confirmed deaths from the virus to 8,361 .
The number of total confirmed cases in Pakistan stands at nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places around the world , is likely somewhat higher due to limited testing .
Pakistan has tested around 5.8 million people for the virus , or about 2.6 % of the population .

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PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) — Seven patients being treated for the coronavirus died after one of the largest hospitals in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar ran out of oxygen supplies, officials said Sunday.
Farhad Khan, a spokesman at Khyber Teaching Hospital, said the patients died Saturday night when the vendor who supplies the hospital with medical oxygen to refill tanks failed to arrive in time. The hospital, the second largest in Peshawar, receives its oxygen cylinders from a vendor in Rawalpindi, a city about 118 miles away, Khan said.
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Provincial Health Minister Taimur Saim Jhagra tweeted about the incident, saying the hospital’s board of governors has been ordered to complete an investigation into the deaths and take action within 48 hours against those responsible. He promised that “all facts of the case will be made public.”
Pakistan, a country of around 220 million people, has recorded 58 COVID-19 deaths over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths from the virus to 8,361. The number of total confirmed cases in Pakistan stands at nearly 416,500.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Moms Guilt-Trip Kids Who Won't Be Home For The COVID-19 Holidays On 'SNL'

In a series of hilarious and touching Zoom chats on “ Saturday Night Live , ” adult children tell their moms they won ’ t be home for the holidays because of the pandemic .
The moms take it pretty well — not .
“ Oh , honey , you do not need to come home for Christmas .
I just want you to be safe , ” mom Heidi Gardner gently tells her daughter , played by Lauren Holt .
“ And I guess since you won ’ t be coming , I ’ ll just throw your stocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything her daughter owns , including an old track trophy , that she vows to give away to charity When mom Punkie Johnson gets the news from her daughter ( Ego Nwodim ) , she snaps : “ Let ’ s talk about this later — when you ’ ve changed your damn mind.
” Mom Kate McKinnon says matter-of-factly to her daughter ( Chloe Fineman ) : “ If you don ’ t love me , Marie , just say so.
” Marie ’ s dad ( Jason Bateman ) pipes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , baby ?
This is your mother here.
” They all eventually settle down because they know staying home is the safest decision .
The sketch concludes with the message on screen : “ Someday soon we will all be together .
Stay safe , from SNL .
”

In a series of hilarious and touching Zoom chats on “Saturday Night Live,” adult children tell their moms they won’t be home for the holidays because of the pandemic.
The moms take it pretty well — not.
“Oh, honey, you do not need to come home for Christmas. I just want you to be safe,” mom Heidi Gardner gently tells her daughter, played by Lauren Holt. “And I guess since you won’t be coming, I’ll just throw your stocking in the fire.”
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She soon has everything her daughter owns, including an old track trophy, that she vows to give away to charity
When mom Punkie Johnson gets the news from her daughter (Ego Nwodim), she snaps: “Let’s talk about this later — when you’ve changed your damn mind.”
Mom Kate McKinnon says matter-of-factly to her daughter (Chloe Fineman): “If you don’t love me, Marie, just say so.” Marie’s dad (Jason Bateman) pipes in: “Is your heart not working, baby? This is your mother here.”
They all eventually settle down because they know staying home is the safest decision.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--ABC Host Slaps Down GOP Senator's Fraud Claim: 'Why Can't You Accept The Results?'

Sen. Mike Braun ( R-Ind . )
on Sunday tried to sow doubt about the presidential election results in an appearance on ABC ’ s “ This Week , ” but host George Stephanopoulos wasn ’ t having it .
Braun wouldn ’ t say whether he accepted that Joe Biden was president-elect , saying instead that the election process still needs to “ play itself out.
” “ I think that we ’ ve got a threshold coming on Dec. 14 , ” Braun said , referring to the day Electoral College members are slated to formally cast their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results .
California on Saturday certified its presidential election , officially giving Biden the Electoral College majority he needs to succeed Trump , The Associated Press reported .
Biden declared victory on Nov. 7 after virtually all major media networks projected him as the winner of the election .
“ I think that when you just say that there ’ s nothing there , you ’ re going to have half of the country uncertain about what just happened and disgruntled going into the future , ” Braun said .
But Stephanopoulos pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Raffensperger or any other election official was turning a blind eye to election issues .
He reminded Braun that certification results have taken place across the country , including in Republican-led states such as Georgia and Arizona , where Biden won .
“ There have been more than 55 lawsuits brought forth by the president and his allies .
Thirty-eight have been dismissed by judges , ” Stephanopoulos said .
“ There have been investigations directed by the Justice Department .
...
The attorney general came back and said there ’ s no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process has played out , hasn ’ t it ?
... Why can ’ t you accept the results ?
” “ Let ’ s look at what the secretary of state did not mention in Georgia , ” Braun said .
“ You know , the video , where after a counting place closed , you see boxes of ballots coming out from underneath the table .
I know that ’ s kind of a graphic example ... .
” But Stephanopoulos interrupted him to point out that election officials have already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Well , I have to stop you right there , “ Stephanopoulos said .
“ It wasn ’ t mentioned because it didn ’ t show anything improper .
He ’ s spoken to that this week .
That was exactly the proper process for counting the ballots .
There wasn ’ t anything wrong shown in that video at all .
So you ’ re just throwing out a claim out there that doesn ’ t prove what you ’ re saying.
” Some Republican lawmakers have publicly acknowledged Biden as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do so or have remained silent on the issue .
Trump has refused to concede the election and continues to peddle false claims of widespread voter fraud ― claims that have been disproven by a few of Trump ’ s past allies in some cases .
“ It has to stop , ” Sterling said in a news conference Tuesday , adding : “ This is elections .
This is the backbone of democracy , and all of you who have not said a damn word are complicit in this .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inspiring people to commit potential acts of violence .
”

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Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) on Sunday tried to sow doubt about the presidential election results in an appearance on ABC’s “This Week,” but host George Stephanopoulos wasn’t having it.
Braun wouldn’t say whether he accepted that Joe Biden was president-elect, saying instead that the election process still needs to “play itself out.”
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“I think that we’ve got a threshold coming on Dec. 14,” Braun said, referring to the day Electoral College members are slated to formally cast their votes based on their states’ certified results.
California on Saturday certified its presidential election, officially giving Biden the Electoral College majority he needs to succeed Trump, The Associated Press reported. Biden declared victory on Nov. 7 after virtually all major media networks projected him as the winner of the election.
Even so, Braun accused Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, of “reflexively” dismissing allegations of voter fraud in the state.
“I think that when you just say that there’s nothing there, you’re going to have half of the country uncertain about what just happened and disgruntled going into the future,” Braun said.
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But Stephanopoulos pushed back against Braun’s claim that Raffensperger or any other election official was turning a blind eye to election issues. He reminded Braun that certification results have taken place across the country, including in Republican-led states such as Georgia and Arizona, where Biden won.
“There have been more than 55 lawsuits brought forth by the president and his allies. Thirty-eight have been dismissed by judges,” Stephanopoulos said. “There have been investigations directed by the Justice Department. ... The attorney general came back and said there’s no evidence of widespread fraud. So the process has played out, hasn’t it? ... Why can’t you accept the results?”
.@GStephanopoulos to GOP Sen. Mike Braun: There have been 38 lawsuits by President Trump and his allies that "have been dismissed by judges…the attorney general came back and said there’s no evidence of widespread fraud…why can’t you accept the results?” https://t.co/sJdfK72lYo pic.twitter.com/YjW2zHOqAI — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) December 6, 2020
Braun waved off Stephanopoulos’ fact check, calling the dismissal of voter fraud claims “convenient.”
“Let’s look at what the secretary of state did not mention in Georgia,” Braun said. “You know, the video, where after a counting place closed, you see boxes of ballots coming out from underneath the table. I know that’s kind of a graphic example ... .”
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But Stephanopoulos interrupted him to point out that election officials have already debunked the claim he was pushing.
“Well, I have to stop you right there,“ Stephanopoulos said. “It wasn’t mentioned because it didn’t show anything improper. He’s spoken to that this week. That was exactly the proper process for counting the ballots. There wasn’t anything wrong shown in that video at all. So you’re just throwing out a claim out there that doesn’t prove what you’re saying.”
Some Republican lawmakers have publicly acknowledged Biden as president-elect, but many have either refused to do so or have remained silent on the issue.
Trump has refused to concede the election and continues to peddle false claims of widespread voter fraud ― claims that have been disproven by a few of Trump’s past allies in some cases.
Gabriel Sterling, a Republican and Georgia’s voting system implementation manager, warned that Trump’s rhetoric and lies were going to get someone “shot” or “killed.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Tonight: Kelly Loeffler And Raphael Warnock To Face Off In Georgia Senate Debate

ATLANTA ( AP ) — Candidates for one of two U.S. Senate seats still hanging in the balance will face off in a debate that is drawing strong interest beyond Georgia .
That is because the seat — now held by incumbent Republican Kelly Loeffler and being challenged by Democrat Raphael Warnock — is one of two that will tip control of the Senate to either Republicans or Democrats .
Loeffler and Warnock face off Sunday at 7 p.m .
ET in a debate sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club .
Although Warnock has sought additional debates , none have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the only head-to-head debate between the two candidates .
The other Senate seat still undecided is between Georgia Republican U.S. Sen David Perdue , who has declined to meet Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff in additional debates after the two jousted twice before the general election .
Ossoff will get a solo platform Sunday to make his case .
The runoffs will determine which party controls the U.S. Senate , prompting a huge wave of money and organizing effort trying to get Georgians to vote again on or before Jan. 5 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ majority of ballots for Democrat Joe Biden in November , but Perdue outran President Donald Trump while Ossoff trailed Biden .
Republicans currently hold a 50-48 edge in the Senate , but if Democrats win both races , Vice President Kamala Harris would cast the tiebreaking vote in the incoming Joe Biden administration , giving Democrats control .
Republicans will retain their current majority even if they win only one of the two races .
In both races , a runoff is required under Georgia state law because no candidate reached 50 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of defeating Ossoff because a Libertarian candidate won a small slice of the vote , while Warnock led Loeffler in a 20-way field in which no candidate came close to 50 % .
The Republicans are attacking their Democratic opponents as socialists and radicals , saying giving control to the party would lead to unacceptable consequences .
Democrats are attacking the stock trading activity of Perdue and Loeffler , saying it proves the two are rich people who care more for their own pocketbooks than for people suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Trump , who came to the state to support the candidates despite continuing questions over whether Trump ’ s unproven attacks on Georgia ’ s presidential balloting will cause some of his Republican supporters to shy away from voting in the runoffs .

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ATLANTA (AP) — Candidates for one of two U.S. Senate seats still hanging in the balance will face off in a debate that is drawing strong interest beyond Georgia.
That is because the seat — now held by incumbent Republican Kelly Loeffler and being challenged by Democrat Raphael Warnock — is one of two that will tip control of the Senate to either Republicans or Democrats. Loeffler and Warnock face off Sunday at 7 p.m. ET in a debate sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club.
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Although Warnock has sought additional debates, none have been scheduled yet, meaning this could be the only head-to-head debate between the two candidates.
The other Senate seat still undecided is between Georgia Republican U.S. Sen David Perdue, who has declined to meet Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff in additional debates after the two jousted twice before the general election. Ossoff will get a solo platform Sunday to make his case.
The runoffs will determine which party controls the U.S. Senate, prompting a huge wave of money and organizing effort trying to get Georgians to vote again on or before Jan. 5. The state’s voters cast a narrow majority of ballots for Democrat Joe Biden in November, but Perdue outran President Donald Trump while Ossoff trailed Biden.
Republicans currently hold a 50-48 edge in the Senate, but if Democrats win both races, Vice President Kamala Harris would cast the tiebreaking vote in the incoming Joe Biden administration, giving Democrats control. Republicans will retain their current majority even if they win only one of the two races.
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In both races, a runoff is required under Georgia state law because no candidate reached 50% in November. Perdue fell just short of defeating Ossoff because a Libertarian candidate won a small slice of the vote, while Warnock led Loeffler in a 20-way field in which no candidate came close to 50%.
The Republicans are attacking their Democratic opponents as socialists and radicals, saying giving control to the party would lead to unacceptable consequences. Democrats are attacking the stock trading activity of Perdue and Loeffler, saying it proves the two are rich people who care more for their own pocketbooks than for people suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Loeffler and Perdue rallied Saturday in Valdosta with Trump, who came to the state to support the candidates despite continuing questions over whether Trump’s unproven attacks on Georgia’s presidential balloting will cause some of his Republican supporters to shy away from voting in the runoffs.
Loeffler and Perdue rallied Friday in Savannah with Vice President Mike Pence.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Georgia Lt. Gov: No Special Session To Overturn Biden Win, Despite Trump's Efforts

Georgia Gov .
Brian Kemp ( R ) has no plans to call a special session of the state legislature to overturn Joe Biden ’ s election win , despite President Donald Trump ’ s efforts to convince him to do so , Lt. Gov .
Geoff Duncan said Sunday .
In a phone call Saturday , Trump urged Kemp to call together the state ’ s legislators to appoint electors who would back the president in the Electoral College , instead of Biden , who won the state ’ s popular vote , The Washington Post reported .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this point would almost be along the lines of a solution trying to find a problem , ” Duncan said during an appearance on CNN ’ s “ State of the Union.
” “ We ’ re certainly not going to move the goal posts at this point in the election.
” Asked to confirm that Kemp will not call a special session , Duncan said he “ absolutely ” believes the governor will not do so .
After Trump pressured Georgia 's governor to help overturn Biden 's win in the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the President `` did not win the state of Georgia '' : `` As the lieutenant governor and a Georgian , I 'm proud that we can see that this election was fair '' # CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/kxqFtRRGp2 — CNN Politics ( @ CNNPolitics ) December 6 , 2020 Kemp and Duncan , both Republicans who campaigned for Trump during the presidential race , have declared the election was fair and devoid of widespread fraud .
Trump , however , has refused to concede the election and has repeatedly pushed false claims of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has continued to attack Kemp after he certified Georgia ’ s election results on Nov. 20 , stating he ’ s “ ashamed ” he ever endorsed the governor .
During a campaign rally Saturday night , Trump peddled baseless conspiracy theories about the election , including falsely stating the process was “ rigged.
” Duncan on Sunday praised Trump for championing Republican Sens .
Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue at the rally ahead of Georgia ’ s Jan. 5 Senate runoffs .
But the president ’ s “ continuous fanning of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Duncan said , adding that he fears Trump ’ s rhetoric could jeopardize the Republican incumbents ’ chances of winning reelection .
“ The mountains of misinformation are not helping the process ; they ’ re only hurting it , ” Duncan said .
“ I worry that we ’ re handing off a playbook to the Democrats for Jan. 5 .
And , certainly , I can ’ t think of a worse playbook to hand off over the last four or five weeks to the Democrats.
” Georgia ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether Republicans or Democrats will control the Senate .
Loeffler and Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock are set to face off Sunday at 7 p.m .
ET in a debate sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club .

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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) has no plans to call a special session of the state legislature to overturn Joe Biden’s election win, despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to convince him to do so, Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said Sunday.
In a phone call Saturday, Trump urged Kemp to call together the state’s legislators to appoint electors who would back the president in the Electoral College, instead of Biden, who won the state’s popular vote, The Washington Post reported.
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“Calling the general assembly back in at this point would almost be along the lines of a solution trying to find a problem,” Duncan said during an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “We’re certainly not going to move the goal posts at this point in the election.”
Asked to confirm that Kemp will not call a special session, Duncan said he “absolutely” believes the governor will not do so.
After Trump pressured Georgia's governor to help overturn Biden's win in the state, Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan says the President "did not win the state of Georgia": "As the lieutenant governor and a Georgian, I'm proud that we can see that this election was fair" #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/kxqFtRRGp2 — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) December 6, 2020
Kemp and Duncan, both Republicans who campaigned for Trump during the presidential race, have declared the election was fair and devoid of widespread fraud. Trump, however, has refused to concede the election and has repeatedly pushed false claims of widespread fraud and ballot-counting irregularities.
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Trump has continued to attack Kemp after he certified Georgia’s election results on Nov. 20, stating he’s “ashamed” he ever endorsed the governor. During a campaign rally Saturday night, Trump peddled baseless conspiracy theories about the election, including falsely stating the process was “rigged.”
Duncan on Sunday praised Trump for championing Republican Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue at the rally ahead of Georgia’s Jan. 5 Senate runoffs. But the president’s “continuous fanning of the flames around misinformation” is “concerning,” Duncan said, adding that he fears Trump’s rhetoric could jeopardize the Republican incumbents’ chances of winning reelection.
“The mountains of misinformation are not helping the process; they’re only hurting it,” Duncan said. “I worry that we’re handing off a playbook to the Democrats for Jan. 5. And, certainly, I can’t think of a worse playbook to hand off over the last four or five weeks to the Democrats.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Major Jewish Group Joins Fight Against Trump's Massive Middle East Weapons Sale

J Street , a prominent Jewish American organization working on Middle East issues , is joining the growing push to stop President Donald Trump from sending $ 23 billion in military arms and equipment to the United Arab Emirates .
The group ’ s opposition , which has not been previously reported , bolsters the effort to block the deal through a congressional vote later this week .
“ We oppose this arms sale and urge Senators to vote for the bipartisan resolutions rejecting it introduced by Senators [ Bob ] Menendez , Chris Murphy and [ Rand ] Paul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told HuffPost in an email .
“ The sale of a massive quantity of such destructive weapons systems to the UAE would only further fuel an escalating arms race in a region already suffering from destabilizing wars that endanger civilians and undermine U.S. interests.
” Menendez ( D-N.J. ) , Murphy ( D-Conn. ) , Paul ( R-Ky. ) and other opponents of Trump ’ s dangerous deal with the UAE could benefit from the added support .
Congress has 30 days from when the State Department notified it of the weapons transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Senate is expected to vote on resolutions opposing the arms deal on Dec. 10 or 11 , just within that 30-day window .
Those resolutions will need support from all Democrats and a handful of Republican senators to pass .
If they do , the Democratic-led House is all but guaranteed to immediately take them up and pass them as well .
While Trump is almost certain to then veto the legislation ― as he has previously done to defend UAE ally Saudi Arabia ― votes against the deal would be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s policies and would send a message to President-elect Joe Biden , who could halt the weapons shipments .
Trump aides and supporters of the deal are framing it as beneficial to Israel by tying it to the UAE ’ s agreement to normalize relations with Israel this fall .
Republicans have repeatedly tried to smear Democrats as anti-Israel ― and , by extension , anti-Semitic ― for assailing the president ’ s unprecedented steps to promote Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and undermine the traditional Israeli peace process with the Palestinians .
J @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ argument that a vote against the arms deal has nothing to do with prejudice .
The move by J Street also adds to the sense of momentum around the campaign against the deal .
On Thursday , Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer ( D-N.Y. ) told HuffPost that he will oppose it ― putting another strong pro-Israel voice behind the push and signaling that all 48 members of his Democratic caucus will likely vote that way .
The effort then only needs two more GOP votes to join with Rand Paul .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Todd Young ( Ind . )
, Mike Lee ( Utah ) and Lisa Murkowski ( Alaska ) as potentially open to breaking with Trump on the issue , as are their GOP colleagues Susan Collins ( Maine ) , Jerry Moran ( Kansas ) , Steve Daines ( Mont . )
and Lamar Alexander ( Tenn. ) to a lesser extent .
President Donald Trump held a high-profile ceremony at the White House in September with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ( far left ) and United Arab Emirates foreign minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to celebrate his `` peace deals . ''
He announced a major weapons sale to the UAE less than two months later .
Trump allies contend that the UAE weapons deal is good for Israel because it would effectively seal the Arab country ’ s recognition of the Jewish nation in September .
The president sold that step as a historic peace accord even though the two nations had never been at war and the agreement did little to address Israel ’ s long-running conflict with the Palestinians .
The first is rooted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal includes highly sophisticated technology that the UAE does not presently possess , namely the F-35 fighter jet and armed U.S. drones .
They say that because of the Middle Eastern country ’ s close ties with China and Russia , sharing that equipment with the UAE risks revealing U.S. secrets and proprietary technology to two major rivals .
They also point out that the arms deal will change the balance of power in the Middle East in a way that could ultimately harm Israel .
The U.S. is committed by law to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to its neighbors .
The second argument concerns human rights and global stability : The UAE is involved in brutal military interventions in Yemen and Libya , where it has used airstrikes , proxy forces and technology like Chinese armed drones to expand its influence , harming civilians and worsening civil wars in the process .
“ The U.S. goal in the region should be to reduce tensions and end violence , not to ratchet them up , ” Ben-Ami told HuffPost .
He also highlighted the risk to Israel ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cornerstone of Israel ’ s security that J Street steadfastly supports.
” Another big sign Trump ’ s argument isn ’ t working , a congressional aide told HuffPost , is that there ’ s little evidence of lobbying in favor of the sale by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee , another highly influential pro-Israel group that is less dovish than J Street .
Meanwhile , lawmakers close to AIPAC are also questioning the deal .

Illustration: Damon Dahlen/HuffPost; Photos: Getty
J Street, a prominent Jewish American organization working on Middle East issues, is joining the growing push to stop President Donald Trump from sending $23 billion in military arms and equipment to the United Arab Emirates. The group’s opposition, which has not been previously reported, bolsters the effort to block the deal through a congressional vote later this week.
“We oppose this arms sale and urge Senators to vote for the bipartisan resolutions rejecting it introduced by Senators [Bob] Menendez, Chris Murphy and [Rand] Paul,” J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami told HuffPost in an email. “The sale of a massive quantity of such destructive weapons systems to the UAE would only further fuel an escalating arms race in a region already suffering from destabilizing wars that endanger civilians and undermine U.S. interests.”
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Menendez (D-N.J.), Murphy (D-Conn.), Paul (R-Ky.) and other opponents of Trump’s dangerous deal with the UAE could benefit from the added support. Congress has 30 days from when the State Department notified it of the weapons transfer to vote to block the sale. The Senate is expected to vote on resolutions opposing the arms deal on Dec. 10 or 11, just within that 30-day window. Those resolutions will need support from all Democrats and a handful of Republican senators to pass. If they do, the Democratic-led House is all but guaranteed to immediately take them up and pass them as well.
While Trump is almost certain to then veto the legislation ― as he has previously done to defend UAE ally Saudi Arabia ― votes against the deal would be a major rebuke of the UAE government’s policies and would send a message to President-elect Joe Biden, who could halt the weapons shipments.
J Street’s decision, in particular, to oppose the deal is highly significant because of the group’s status as a pro-Israel voice that’s respected by progressives, mainstream politicians and even some hawkish figures.
Trump aides and supporters of the deal are framing it as beneficial to Israel by tying it to the UAE’s agreement to normalize relations with Israel this fall. Republicans have repeatedly tried to smear Democrats as anti-Israel ― and, by extension, anti-Semitic ― for assailing the president’s unprecedented steps to promote Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and undermine the traditional Israeli peace process with the Palestinians. J Street’s opposition strengthens the Democrats’ argument that a vote against the arms deal has nothing to do with prejudice.
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The move by J Street also adds to the sense of momentum around the campaign against the deal. On Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told HuffPost that he will oppose it ― putting another strong pro-Israel voice behind the push and signaling that all 48 members of his Democratic caucus will likely vote that way.
The effort then only needs two more GOP votes to join with Rand Paul. Activists against the deal see Republican Sens. Todd Young (Ind.), Mike Lee (Utah) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) as potentially open to breaking with Trump on the issue, as are their GOP colleagues Susan Collins (Maine), Jerry Moran (Kansas), Steve Daines (Mont.) and Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) to a lesser extent.
A spokesperson for Young declined to comment on his thinking. Spokespeople for the other Republican senators did not respond to HuffPost’s requests for comment.
President Donald Trump held a high-profile ceremony at the White House in September with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (far left) and United Arab Emirates foreign minister Abdullah bin Zayed (far right) to celebrate his "peace deals." He announced a major weapons sale to the UAE less than two months later. Tom Brenner/Reuters
Trump allies contend that the UAE weapons deal is good for Israel because it would effectively seal the Arab country’s recognition of the Jewish nation in September. The president sold that step as a historic peace accord even though the two nations had never been at war and the agreement did little to address Israel’s long-running conflict with the Palestinians.
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Critics of the UAE sale are using two main arguments against it.
The first is rooted in security: They note that the deal includes highly sophisticated technology that the UAE does not presently possess, namely the F-35 fighter jet and armed U.S. drones. They say that because of the Middle Eastern country’s close ties with China and Russia, sharing that equipment with the UAE risks revealing U.S. secrets and proprietary technology to two major rivals. They also point out that the arms deal will change the balance of power in the Middle East in a way that could ultimately harm Israel. The U.S. is committed by law to maintaining a military edge for that country compared to its neighbors.
The second argument concerns human rights and global stability: The UAE is involved in brutal military interventions in Yemen and Libya, where it has used airstrikes, proxy forces and technology like Chinese armed drones to expand its influence, harming civilians and worsening civil wars in the process.
“The U.S. goal in the region should be to reduce tensions and end violence, not to ratchet them up,” Ben-Ami told HuffPost. He also highlighted the risk to Israel’s regional military superiority, calling it “a cornerstone of Israel’s security that J Street steadfastly supports.”
Israeli analysts and officials have expressed similar concerns. Earlier this year, a senior Israeli air force officer told The New York Times of worries that the UAE could deploy the F-35s against their country.
While proponents hoped the connection to the Israel-UAE normalization agreement ― known as the Abraham Accords ― might help shield the arms deal, it now appears that won’t have the effect they wanted.
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Another big sign Trump’s argument isn’t working, a congressional aide told HuffPost, is that there’s little evidence of lobbying in favor of the sale by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, another highly influential pro-Israel group that is less dovish than J Street. Meanwhile, lawmakers close to AIPAC are also questioning the deal.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Birx Warns Vaccines Won't 'Save Us From This Current Surge' Of COVID-19 Cases

With a COVID-19 vaccine perhaps just days away in the U.S. , most of California headed into another lockdown Sunday because of the surging outbreak and top health officials warned Americans that this is no time to let their guard down .
“ The vaccine ’ s critical , ” Dr. Deborah Birx , the White House coronavirus response coordinator , said on NBC ’ s “ Meet the Press.
” “ But it ’ s not going to save us from this current surge .
Only we can save us from this current surge.
” A Food and Drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a request Thursday to authorize emergency use of Pfizer ’ s vaccine .
Vaccinations could begin just days later , though initial supplies will be rationed , and shots are not expected to become widely available until the spring .
With the U.S. facing what could be a catastrophic winter , top government officials warned Americans anew to wear masks , practice social distancing and follow other basic measures — precautions that President Donald Trump and members of the administration have often disdained .
“ I hear community members parroting back those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t work , parroting back that we should work towards herd immunity , parroting back that gatherings don ’ t result in super-spreading events , ” Birx said .
“ And I think our job is to constantly say those are myths , they are wrong and you can see the evidence base.
” WATCH : Dr. Deborah Birx dispels misinformation around Covid risks , says “ our job is to constantly say , ‘ those are myths.
’ ” # MTP “ It is frustrating because not only do we know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those tools to stem the tide in the spring and the summer.
” pic.twitter.com/EETmbg1z2D — Meet the Press ( @ MeetThePress ) December 6 , 2020 The virus is blamed for over 280,000 deaths and more than 14.6 million confirmed infections in the U.S. New cases per day have rocketed to an all-time high of more than 190,000 on average .
Deaths per day have surged to an average of more than 2,160 , a level last seen during the dark days in April , when the outbreak was centered around New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hospital with the coronavirus topped 100,000 for the first time over the past few days .
In California , the first place to enact a statewide lockdown last spring , new stay-at-home orders were set to take effect Sunday night in Southern California , much of the San Francisco Bay area and other areas .
Gov .
Gavin Newsom said he hopes the new lockdown order is the last one he has to issue , declaring the vaccine offers “ light at the end of the tunnel.
” Once vaccines are offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against COVID-19 , the head of the U.S. vaccine development effort said .
Dr. Moncef Slaoui told CNN ’ s “ State of the Union ” that only time will tell for certain but that the vaccine ’ s effectiveness could last for “ many , many years .
”

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With a COVID-19 vaccine perhaps just days away in the U.S., most of California headed into another lockdown Sunday because of the surging outbreak and top health officials warned Americans that this is no time to let their guard down.
“The vaccine’s critical,” Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “But it’s not going to save us from this current surge. Only we can save us from this current surge.”
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A Food and Drug administration advisory panel is scheduled to take up a request Thursday to authorize emergency use of Pfizer’s vaccine. Vaccinations could begin just days later, though initial supplies will be rationed, and shots are not expected to become widely available until the spring.
With the U.S. facing what could be a catastrophic winter, top government officials warned Americans anew to wear masks, practice social distancing and follow other basic measures — precautions that President Donald Trump and members of the administration have often disdained.
“I hear community members parroting back those situations — parroting back that masks don’t work, parroting back that we should work towards herd immunity, parroting back that gatherings don’t result in super-spreading events,” Birx said. “And I think our job is to constantly say those are myths, they are wrong and you can see the evidence base.”
WATCH: Dr. Deborah Birx dispels misinformation around Covid risks, says “our job is to constantly say, ‘those are myths.’” #MTP
“It is frustrating because not only do we know what works, governors and mayors used those tools to stem the tide in the spring and the summer.” pic.twitter.com/EETmbg1z2D — Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) December 6, 2020
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The virus is blamed for over 280,000 deaths and more than 14.6 million confirmed infections in the U.S. New cases per day have rocketed to an all-time high of more than 190,000 on average.
Deaths per day have surged to an average of more than 2,160, a level last seen during the dark days in April, when the outbreak was centered around New York. The number of Americans now in the hospital with the coronavirus topped 100,000 for the first time over the past few days.
In California, the first place to enact a statewide lockdown last spring, new stay-at-home orders were set to take effect Sunday night in Southern California, much of the San Francisco Bay area and other areas.
Gov. Gavin Newsom said he hopes the new lockdown order is the last one he has to issue, declaring the vaccine offers “light at the end of the tunnel.”
Once vaccines are offered widely, they could offer long-lasting protection against COVID-19, the head of the U.S. vaccine development effort said. Dr. Moncef Slaoui told CNN’s “State of the Union” that only time will tell for certain but that the vaccine’s effectiveness could last for “many, many years.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Trump's Parting Gift To Biden: An Even Worse Catastrophe In Yemen

It would also be devastating for Yemenis .
It would make it far more costly and difficult to get crucial supplies into Yemen , where more than 13 million people already lack reliable food supplies .
That could include slowing the spread of a coronavirus vaccine in a country whose health care system is already devastated by the war and the pandemic .
“ Creating new , additional obstacles to the delivery of food and medical aid — during a global pandemic — is not in the best interest of the United States , our regional allies and partners or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Todd Young ( R-Ind . )
, Chris Coons ( D-Del . )
and Chris Murphy ( D-Conn. ) argued in a joint press release on Nov. 20 .
Murphy and Young are key congressional voices on Middle East matters and Coons is a close Biden ally .
Millions of Yemenis are on the brink of famine not because their country lacks food , but because food ― which is mostly imported at ports along the coast and spread throughout the country through complicated logistical processes ― has become significantly more expensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Houthis began fighting five years ago .
With the Houthis on the State Department ’ s foreign terror organization list , anyone who interacts with them risks being investigated by the U.S. government on suspicion of providing some form of support to the militia .
That would be a major concern for aid groups , but many would try to find a work-around .
For other crucial institutions that are less altruistic ― banks , shipping lines , insurers ― the new situation would probably deter any kind of work in Yemen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to sleep since I read this [ might happen ] because I ’ m just terrified , ” said Aisha Jumaan , who runs the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation and has family in the country .
“ You ’ re talking about a population where 80 % need aid , they ’ re surviving on whatever little there is , and we ’ re going to say we ’ re going to cut your last lifeline.
” “ Almost no organization in the world is willing to go up against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... and aid organizations know if they try to disregard the designation , they could be putting themselves in a position of the U.S. government coming down legally against them and saying you ’ ll need to suffer the consequences , ” said Annelle Sheline , a researcher at the Quincy Institute think tank .
The ostensible goal for Trump and Pompeo is to pressure the Houthis and their chief backer , Iran , to surrender some of their influence in Yemen and eventually cut a deal with the U.S.-friendly forces in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t have that effect , experts believe ― and it could play into the Iranians ’ hands .
“ Given their military and economic power , the rebels themselves would probably be last and least to suffer the consequences of a designation ; ordinary Yemeni civilians would probably suffer first and most , ” Rob Malley and Peter Salisbury of the International Crisis Group wrote late last month .
Malley was a senior White House Middle East official under President Barack Obama .
The Saudi foreign minister and a Saudi-backed Yemeni official have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salisbury noted .
Riyadh has been seeking to reduce its presence in its neighboring Arab country but wants to maintain its sway there ; the Saudis may believe the new U.S. policy gives them leverage for a favorable agreement with the Houthis , Jumaan said .
“ This just seems to be Pompeo setting himself up for a [ presidential ] run in 2024 and bending over backwards to pander to the pet agendas of these various autocrats as well as to the interests of American evangelicals , ” Sheline said .
Saudi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , touting its growing closeness to Israel , their prime concern in the region .
For Trump ’ s successor , the step would cause an immediate dilemma .
Biden would either have to watch Yemen deteriorate , drawing international alarm and criticism , or quickly withdraw the designation ― and face Republican accusations that he is soft on Iran and its friends .
That would be especially toxic as Biden tries to resurrect the Obama-era accord to limit Iran ’ s nuclear program , one of his most pressing priorities .

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Video credit: Skye Fitzgerald, director, Spin Film
As one of its final foreign policy acts in office, the Trump administration could take a step that would push millions of people in Yemen into starvation and prolong that country’s civil war. And President-elect Joe Biden would find it extremely difficult to reverse.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is considering designating the Houthis, the Yemeni militia that rules over the vast majority of the country’s population, as a terrorist organization. The move would fit the Trump administration’s strategy to weaken Iran, which supports the Houthis, and would thrill Iranian adversaries like Saudi Arabia.
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It would also be devastating for Yemenis. It would make it far more costly and difficult to get crucial supplies into Yemen, where more than 13 million people already lack reliable food supplies. That could include slowing the spread of a coronavirus vaccine in a country whose health care system is already devastated by the war and the pandemic.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers, humanitarian groups and national security analysts wants Pompeo to refrain, saying his decision would be tremendously destabilizing.
“Creating new, additional obstacles to the delivery of food and medical aid — during a global pandemic — is not in the best interest of the United States, our regional allies and partners or the people of Yemen,” Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) argued in a joint press release on Nov. 20. Murphy and Young are key congressional voices on Middle East matters and Coons is a close Biden ally.
Even before the designation, nearly 3 million more Yemenis are already expected to fall into deeper food insecurity by next year, and most areas already at “emergency” levels of need are Houthi-controlled regions, a collaborative project between nonprofits and governments to track humanitarian crises reported on Thursday.
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“While the Biden administration can reverse this, the damage done in the interim will be deadly and will add a massive burden to the already overstretched response,” Scott Paul, humanitarian policy lead at the aid organization Oxfam America, told HuffPost via email after that report.
President Donald Trump and Pompeo have until Jan. 20 to make a decision, though they are expected to do so in the coming days. A State Department spokesperson said the agency would not publicly discuss its deliberations over designations.
Above is a portrait of Omeima, one child facing hunger in Yemen, from footage shot for “Hunger Ward,” a new documentary on the war and famine in Yemen, directed by Oscar and Emmy nominee Skye Fitzgerald.
Creating A Famine Step By Step
Millions of Yemenis are on the brink of famine not because their country lacks food, but because food ― which is mostly imported at ports along the coast and spread throughout the country through complicated logistical processes ― has become significantly more expensive since the U.S.-backed, Saudi-led forces and the Houthis began fighting five years ago.
If Pompeo moves ahead with his designation, such costs will quickly climb even more, humanitarian experts say.
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With the Houthis on the State Department’s foreign terror organization list, anyone who interacts with them risks being investigated by the U.S. government on suspicion of providing some form of support to the militia. That would be a major concern for aid groups, but many would try to find a work-around. For other crucial institutions that are less altruistic ― banks, shipping lines, insurers ― the new situation would probably deter any kind of work in Yemen.
Those that continue to funnel supplies into the country will likely demand a premium, particularly for shipments to the areas controlled by the Houthis ― where upward of 70% of Yemenis live.
A designation “will cause increases in commodity prices, the most important measure of how bad the economy and living conditions are for Yemenis,” Paul said, adding that such a listing has no wiggle room for humanitarian exemptions.
“I haven’t been able to sleep since I read this [might happen] because I’m just terrified,” said Aisha Jumaan, who runs the Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation and has family in the country. “You’re talking about a population where 80% need aid, they’re surviving on whatever little there is, and we’re going to say we’re going to cut your last lifeline.”
A malnourished child being fed in the Houthi-held city of Sanaa, Yemen, earlier this year. Khaled Abdullah / Reuters
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Dave Harden, a former top official at the U.S. Agency for International Development, believes Pompeo could cause “a full collapse of the economy and complete devaluation of the currency,” he tweeted, while effectively ending imports of food and vital sanitation products by United Nations agencies like the World Food Programme and World Health Organization.
Aid groups still operating in Yemen would be handling a far more vulnerable population with far fewer resources, as donors would likely become more nervous about potentially breaching U.S. law, Paul said.
“Almost no organization in the world is willing to go up against the U.S. government in order to do business ... and aid organizations know if they try to disregard the designation, they could be putting themselves in a position of the U.S. government coming down legally against them and saying you’ll need to suffer the consequences,” said Annelle Sheline, a researcher at the Quincy Institute think tank.
“The terrorist list is supposed to be about a threat posed to the United States ... at which point does it become a farce and a legalistic, bureaucratic, Kafka-esque designation that people die as a result of?” she continued.
Setting A Trap For Biden
The ostensible goal for Trump and Pompeo is to pressure the Houthis and their chief backer, Iran, to surrender some of their influence in Yemen and eventually cut a deal with the U.S.-friendly forces in the country. But the designation wouldn’t have that effect, experts believe ― and it could play into the Iranians’ hands.
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“Given their military and economic power, the rebels themselves would probably be last and least to suffer the consequences of a designation; ordinary Yemeni civilians would probably suffer first and most,” Rob Malley and Peter Salisbury of the International Crisis Group wrote late last month. Malley was a senior White House Middle East official under President Barack Obama.
They warned that the Houthis would see the designation as a provocation, becoming more wary of the U.S. and growing closer to Iran.
Many observers believe the Trump administration is actually focused on different aims. One could be to lock in an advantage for Saudi Arabia, which the president has cheered despite bipartisan condemnation of its human rights abuses in Yemen and elsewhere.
The Saudi foreign minister and a Saudi-backed Yemeni official have explicitly endorsed a designation, Malley and Salisbury noted. Riyadh has been seeking to reduce its presence in its neighboring Arab country but wants to maintain its sway there; the Saudis may believe the new U.S. policy gives them leverage for a favorable agreement with the Houthis, Jumaan said.
The deaths and misery the designation would cause are a high price to pay for an outcome that’s far from certain.
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Critics also fear Pompeo wants to use the designation to tout himself as a tough global leader.
“This just seems to be Pompeo setting himself up for a [presidential] run in 2024 and bending over backwards to pander to the pet agendas of these various autocrats as well as to the interests of American evangelicals,” Sheline said. Saudi Arabia has been courting conservative U.S. Christians, touting its growing closeness to Israel, their prime concern in the region.
For Trump’s successor, the step would cause an immediate dilemma. Biden would either have to watch Yemen deteriorate, drawing international alarm and criticism, or quickly withdraw the designation ― and face Republican accusations that he is soft on Iran and its friends. That would be especially toxic as Biden tries to resurrect the Obama-era accord to limit Iran’s nuclear program, one of his most pressing priorities.
Mary McCord, a Georgetown Law professor and former national security official at the Justice Department, told HuffPost there are three ways the designation could be removed: by the Houthis successfully challenging it in court, Congress revoking it or the future Secretary of State killing it.
The former two are extremely unlikely, particularly if, as expected, the GOP holds the Senate under a Biden presidency. So instead, Biden’s top diplomat ― likely to be Tony Blinken ― would have to assess a reversal and all the political and humanitarian concerns it involves.
“The sad thing about all of this is that [the Trump] administration is doing it because it wants to please the Saudis and stick it to Iran and the Yemeni people don’t come into any of the decision-making processes,” Jumaan said. “Thirty million people are going to be affected. It’s criminal.”


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Fox News' Chris Wallace Schools Health Boss Azar On Joe Biden's Correct Title

“ Fox News Sunday ” host Chris Wallace pointedly corrected Secretary Alex Azar — three times — on Joe Biden ’ s correct title .
It ’ s “ president-elect , sir , ” Wallace told the health and human services secretary when Azar referred to Biden as a “ vice president.
” Azar ’ s title demotion came as the two discussed cases of COVID-19 skyrocketing to record highs amid inaction by President Donald Trump and his administration in addressing the pandemic that has claimed 282,000 American lives .
Wallace referred to the surging problem as a “ massive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azar if the nation would be in “ much better shape ” had Trump begun wearing a mask in April as has Biden , who also plans to urge Americans to do so for 100 days after he takes office .
Azar responded , “ Well , Chris , I welcome Vice President Biden to the club .
Since the middle of April the president ’ s guidelines for reopening have called [ for wearing ] masks.
” Azar ignored the correction and said that Trump ( once ) called wearing masks “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost never seen wearing one himself .
Trump has also organized several campaign rallies where masses of people packed together and few wore masks .
He has never been heard encouraging them to do so and once ordered a reporter to remove his mask .
He added , “ Secondly , ... on April 3rd the president said he wasn ’ t going to wear a mask .
He didn ’ t wear a mask in public for three months until July .
And just last night at that rally in Georgia , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask ... but [ of ] thousands of people packed together , none I could see wearing a mask .
That is a direct violation of what the [ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ] and you are recommending.
” Azar responded , “ Chris , our advice has always been the same .
Wash your hands .
Watch your distance .
Wear face coverings when you can ’ t watch your distance.
” Dr. Moncef Slaoui , the chief scientific adviser for Operation Warp Speed , says President-elect Joe Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mask for his first 100 days in office is a `` good idea '' : `` It 's never too late .
This pandemic is ravaging the country '' # CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/REWsVNHomb — State of the Union ( @ CNNSotu ) December 6 , 2020

“Fox News Sunday” host Chris Wallace pointedly corrected Secretary Alex Azar — three times — on Joe Biden’s correct title. It’s “president-elect, sir,” Wallace told the health and human services secretary when Azar referred to Biden as a “vice president.”
Azar’s title demotion came as the two discussed cases of COVID-19 skyrocketing to record highs amid inaction by President Donald Trump and his administration in addressing the pandemic that has claimed 282,000 American lives. Wallace referred to the surging problem as a “massive failure” by Trump.
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Wallace asked Azar if the nation would be in “much better shape” had Trump begun wearing a mask in April as has Biden, who also plans to urge Americans to do so for 100 days after he takes office.
Azar responded, “Well, Chris, I welcome Vice President Biden to the club. Since the middle of April the president’s guidelines for reopening have called [for wearing] masks.”
That’s when Wallace interrupted: “He’s the president-elect, sir. He’s the president-elect.”
Azar ignored the correction and said that Trump (once) called wearing masks “patriotic acts” — though he is almost never seen wearing one himself. Trump has also organized several campaign rallies where masses of people packed together and few wore masks. He has never been heard encouraging them to do so and once ordered a reporter to remove his mask.
“Please, wear a mask when you can’t engage in social distancing,” Azar urged on Fox.
Wallace again reminded Azar, “First of all, it’s the president-elect, Joe Biden, Secretary Azar.”
He added, “Secondly, ... on April 3rd the president said he wasn’t going to wear a mask. He didn’t wear a mask in public for three months until July. And just last night at that rally in Georgia, not only didn’t he wear a mask ... but [of] thousands of people packed together, none I could see wearing a mask. That is a direct violation of what the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and you are recommending.”
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Azar responded, “Chris, our advice has always been the same. Wash your hands. Watch your distance. Wear face coverings when you can’t watch your distance.”
He didn’t bother correcting Biden’s title.
CNN’s Jake Tapper earlier asked Trump’s vaccine czar, Moncef Slaoui, what he thought about President-elect Biden’s 100-day mask plan. Slaoui called it a “good idea.”
Dr. Moncef Slaoui, the chief scientific adviser for Operation Warp Speed, says President-elect Joe Biden's plan to ask Americans to wear a mask for his first 100 days in office is a "good idea": "It's never too late. This pandemic is ravaging the country" #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/REWsVNHomb — State of the Union (@CNNSotu) December 6, 2020


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Sen. Kelly Loeffler Won’t Say If Senators Should Be Barred From Selling Stocks

Sen. Kelly Loeffler ( R ) refused to say if members of Congress should be banned from trading stocks on Sunday amid ongoing criticism after she and other lawmakers traded millions of dollars in financial holdings during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic .
During a debate as part of Georgia ’ s runoff election cycle , the GOP senator was asked directly if she and her colleagues in Washington should be barred from financial trading while in office .
Loeffler was one of several lawmakers from both parties that came under scrutiny for selling millions of dollars in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefings during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic .
She didn ’ t answer , pivoting instead to say : “ What ’ s at stake here in this election is the American dream .
That ’ s what ’ s under attack.
” “ When they attacked me for a lie , a left-wing media lie , conspired with the Democrats by , this is an attack on every single Georgian who gets up every day to work hard to provide a better life for their family , who wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued .
Asked directly if senators should be barred from trading stock while in office , Senator Kelly Loeffler ( R-GA ) refuses to answer .
She called the focus on her stock trades `` an attack on every single Georgian ... who wants to live the American dream . ''
pic.twitter.com/vxQX6kIOhc — The Recount ( @ therecount ) December 7 , 2020 Loeffler and her GOP colleague , Sen. David Perdue ( who has also faced criticism for his own , vast history of trading stocks while in office . )
are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challengers .
The outcome of the Jan. 5 race will determine which party is in control of the Senate .
Both the Justice Department and the Senate Ethics Committee ended an investigation into Loeffler ’ s trades earlier this year , saying they found no illegality .
The senator also said she would divest from all individual stocks after the scandal .
“ I ’ ve been completely exonerated , ” she said Sunday .
“ Those are lies perpetrated by the left-wing media and Democrats to distract from their radical agenda.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s financial history during the debate , accusing the lawmaker of using her power to make money .
“ Kelly Loefflers ’ out of touch , ” Warnock said .
“ She ’ s thinking about people who are like her .
And I ’ m okay with the fact that she wants to make money .
I just think you shouldn ’ t use the people ’ s seat to enrich yourself .
You ought to use the people ’ s seat to represent the people.
” Loeffler is one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ founded the firm that owns the New York Stock Exchange .
The couple is estimated to be worth more than $ 500 million , per The New York Times .

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Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R) refused to say if members of Congress should be banned from trading stocks on Sunday amid ongoing criticism after she and other lawmakers traded millions of dollars in financial holdings during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During a debate as part of Georgia’s runoff election cycle, the GOP senator was asked directly if she and her colleagues in Washington should be barred from financial trading while in office. Loeffler was one of several lawmakers from both parties that came under scrutiny for selling millions of dollars in financial holdings after Congress began receiving private briefings during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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She didn’t answer, pivoting instead to say: “What’s at stake here in this election is the American dream. That’s what’s under attack.”
“When they attacked me for a lie, a left-wing media lie, conspired with the Democrats by, this is an attack on every single Georgian who gets up every day to work hard to provide a better life for their family, who wants to live the American dream,” Loeffler continued.
Asked directly if senators should be barred from trading stock while in office, Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) refuses to answer.
She called the focus on her stock trades "an attack on every single Georgian ... who wants to live the American dream." pic.twitter.com/vxQX6kIOhc — The Recount (@therecount) December 7, 2020
Loeffler and her GOP colleague, Sen. David Perdue (who has also faced criticism for his own, vast history of trading stocks while in office.) are both in fierce runoff elections against Democrat challengers. The outcome of the Jan. 5 race will determine which party is in control of the Senate.
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Both the Justice Department and the Senate Ethics Committee ended an investigation into Loeffler’s trades earlier this year, saying they found no illegality. The senator also said she would divest from all individual stocks after the scandal.
“I’ve been completely exonerated,” she said Sunday. “Those are lies perpetrated by the left-wing media and Democrats to distract from their radical agenda.”
Sen. Kelly Loeffler: "I've been completely exonerated. Those are lies perpetrated by the left-wing media and Democrats to distract from their radical agenda." #GeorgiaDebate pic.twitter.com/K4TSvu7Iha — The Hill (@thehill) December 7, 2020
Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock attacked Loeffler’s financial history during the debate, accusing the lawmaker of using her power to make money.
“Kelly Loefflers’ out of touch,” Warnock said. “She’s thinking about people who are like her. And I’m okay with the fact that she wants to make money. I just think you shouldn’t use the people’s seat to enrich yourself. You ought to use the people’s seat to represent the people.”
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thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-06--Staten Island Pub Owner Runs Into Deputy After Defying Coronavirus Restrictions

Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images The words `` Autonomous Zone '' are displayed at the entrance of Mac ’ s Public House whose owner and manager are refusing to follow coronavirus restrictions implemented by New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo .
Early Sunday morning , the co-owner of Mac ’ s Public House , a Staten Island bar recently shut down for violating coronavirus restrictions , was arrested and taken into custody after hitting a New York City sheriff ’ s deputy with his car , according to authorities .
New York City Sheriff Joseph Fucito said Danny Presti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his car as he fled the establishment after defying coronavirus restrictions and inviting large , maskless crowds on Saturday night .
Officials recently suspended the pub ’ s liquor license for continuing to serve patrons inside after the area ’ s high infection rates led the governor to ban indoor dining there .
On Tuesday , Presti was arrested for reopening to serve patrons .
Deputies on the scene Saturday evening reportedly observed patrons entering the pub through an empty commercial space next door .
They said Presti ran to his car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Presti hit a deputy and drove roughly 100 yards with the person hanging on the hood before eventually stopping .
The deputy ’ s condition has not yet been made public .
Charges against Presti are pending .
The pub Presti co-owns is in an area New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo designated “ orange , ” meaning cases in the area are rising and local businesses must follow stricter restrictions and social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus .
In November , Cuomo issued statewide guidance prohibiting businesses such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcoming patrons indoors between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m .
The United States leads the world in COVID-19 cases and deaths , with more than 14.7 million confirmed cases and more than 281,800 Americans dead from the disease , according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University .

The words "Autonomous Zone" are displayed at the entrance of Mac’s Public House whose owner and manager are refusing to follow coronavirus restrictions implemented by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
Early Sunday morning, the co-owner of Mac’s Public House, a Staten Island bar recently shut down for violating coronavirus restrictions, was arrested and taken into custody after hitting a New York City sheriff’s deputy with his car, according to authorities.
New York City Sheriff Joseph Fucito said Danny Presti hit an unnamed sheriff’s deputy with his car as he fled the establishment after defying coronavirus restrictions and inviting large, maskless crowds on Saturday night. Officials recently suspended the pub’s liquor license for continuing to serve patrons inside after the area’s high infection rates led the governor to ban indoor dining there. On Tuesday, Presti was arrested for reopening to serve patrons.
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Deputies on the scene Saturday evening reportedly observed patrons entering the pub through an empty commercial space next door. They said Presti ran to his car when they approached him. Fucito said Presti hit a deputy and drove roughly 100 yards with the person hanging on the hood before eventually stopping.
The deputy’s condition has not yet been made public. Charges against Presti are pending.
The pub Presti co-owns is in an area New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo designated “orange,” meaning cases in the area are rising and local businesses must follow stricter restrictions and social distancing measures to curb the spread of the virus. In November, Cuomo issued statewide guidance prohibiting businesses such as bars, restaurants and gyms from welcoming patrons indoors between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
The United States leads the world in COVID-19 cases and deaths, with more than 14.7 million confirmed cases and more than 281,800 Americans dead from the disease, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-07--Mastercard, Visa Investigate Pornhub Business Relationship After Child Abuse Report

Credit card giants Visa and Mastercard said Sunday that they are investigating their business relationship with Pornhub after a prominent newspaper columnist alleged that the pornographic website shows videos of rape and underage sex .
Nicholas Kristof , opinion columnist at The New York Times , wrote Friday that Pornhub carries rape scenes , revenge pornography and other examples of explicit video taken without consent of the participants .
In a statement to The Associated Press on Sunday , Pornhub said it is “ irresponsible and flagrantly untrue ’ ’ to suggest that it allows images of the sexual abuse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that it employs moderators to screen every upload and that it removes illegal material .
The online payment service PayPal last year stopped processing payments to Pornhub , which is owned by the pornography conglomerate MindGeek .
The columnist called out other card issuers for working with the site .
In response to Kristof ’ s story , Visa and Mastercard said they ’ re investigating the matter .
“ We are aware of the allegations , and we are actively engaging with the relevant financial institutions to investigate , in addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s parent company , MindGeek , ” Visa said Sunday .
Visa added that if Pornhub is violating the law or bank policies , then the website will be prohibited from accepting Visa payments .
“ We are investigating the allegations raised in the New York Times and are working with MindGeek ’ s bank to understand this situation , ” Mastercard said in a statement .
American Express said company policy prohibits the Amex card from being used on “ digital adult content websites .
’ ’

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Credit card giants Visa and Mastercard said Sunday that they are investigating their business relationship with Pornhub after a prominent newspaper columnist alleged that the pornographic website shows videos of rape and underage sex.
Nicholas Kristof, opinion columnist at The New York Times, wrote Friday that Pornhub carries rape scenes, revenge pornography and other examples of explicit video taken without consent of the participants.
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In a statement to The Associated Press on Sunday, Pornhub said it is “irresponsible and flagrantly untrue’’ to suggest that it allows images of the sexual abuse of children on its site. Pornhub added that it employs moderators to screen every upload and that it removes illegal material.
The online payment service PayPal last year stopped processing payments to Pornhub, which is owned by the pornography conglomerate MindGeek. The columnist called out other card issuers for working with the site.
In response to Kristof’s story, Visa and Mastercard said they’re investigating the matter.
“We are aware of the allegations, and we are actively engaging with the relevant financial institutions to investigate, in addition to engaging directly with the site’s parent company, MindGeek,” Visa said Sunday.
Visa added that if Pornhub is violating the law or bank policies, then the website will be prohibited from accepting Visa payments.
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Meanwhile, Mastercard promised “immediate action″ if the allegations are substantiated.
“We are investigating the allegations raised in the New York Times and are working with MindGeek’s bank to understand this situation,” Mastercard said in a statement.


thehuffingtonpost--2020-12-07--Hundreds Ill, 1 Dead Due To Unidentified Disease In India

NEW DELHI ( AP ) — At least one person has died and 200 others have been hospitalized due to an unidentified illness in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh , reports said Monday .
The illness was detected Saturday evening in Eluru , an ancient city famous for its hand-woven products .
Since then , patients have experienced symptoms ranging from nausea and anxiety to loss of consciousness , doctors said .
A 45-year-old man who was hospitalized with symptoms similar to epilepsy and nausea died Sunday evening , the Press Trust of India news agency reported .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the illness .
So far , water samples from impacted areas haven ’ t shown any signs of contamination and patients have tested negative for COVID-19 .
State chief minister Y.S .
Jagan Mohan Reddy visited a government hospital and met patients who were ill. Opposition leader N. Chandrababu Naidu demanded on Twitter an “ impartial , full-fledged inquiry into the incident.
” Andhra Pradesh state is among those worst hit by COVID-19 , with over 800,000 detected cases .
The health system in the state , like the rest of India @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

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NEW DELHI (AP) — At least one person has died and 200 others have been hospitalized due to an unidentified illness in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, reports said Monday.
The illness was detected Saturday evening in Eluru, an ancient city famous for its hand-woven products. Since then, patients have experienced symptoms ranging from nausea and anxiety to loss of consciousness, doctors said.
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A 45-year-old man who was hospitalized with symptoms similar to epilepsy and nausea died Sunday evening, the Press Trust of India news agency reported.
Officials are trying to determine the cause of the illness. So far, water samples from impacted areas haven’t shown any signs of contamination and patients have tested negative for COVID-19.
State chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy visited a government hospital and met patients who were ill. Opposition leader N. Chandrababu Naidu demanded on Twitter an “impartial, full-fledged inquiry into the incident.”