bonginoreport--2020-11-03--These Celebrities Are Voting for the First Time in This Presidential Election

Hollywood stars have been some of the most vocal American citizens stressing the significance of voting in the 2020 presidential election .
While they 're doing so in a very public way on social media , some have revealed this year is the first time they 've ever cast ballots .
Some celebrities voting for the first time have lived in the United States all their lives , while others who were born in other countries are exercising their right to vote after having been granted U.S. citizenship .
Find out which celebrities are first-time voters below .
Selena Gomez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have cast ballots for the 2020 presidential election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden .
The 28-year-old singer shared a few pics of her voting experience on Instagram last week .
SELENA GOMEZ SAYS SHE 'S NEVER VOTED BEFORE THE 2020 ELECTION : 'EVERY VOTE COUNTS' '' Honestly , I 'm not ashamed to say this , '' she said during an episode of `` Voting Power Hour , '' per Buzzfeed .
`` ...
This was my first time . ''
Gomez said that in the past , she `` never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This year her perspective changed .
`` Every vote counts , '' the Disney Channel alum said .
`` Some people get in their head , and they 're like , 'Oh , well what does it matter ? '
'' `` My main focus has been this right now , '' said the star , who has not publicly endorsed a candidate .
`` You can tell on my social media and everything , obviously , I 'm super invested in this right now .
It 's been good .
I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born and raised in Vancouver , Canada , but revealed on social media he 's voted for the first time in a U.S. presidential election .
The `` Deadpool '' actor confirmed he voted early on Instagram with a picture alongside his wife , Blake Lively .
`` This is my first time voting in America .
I ’ d like to thank my wife Blake for making my first time so gentle and loving .
It was super scary at first , then exciting and now I ’ m a little tired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the 43-year-old joked on Instagram .
In the photo he posted , the actor is holding his mail-in ballot .
STARS WHO HAVE ENDORSED BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT Meanwhile , Lively also poked fun at his first-time experience writing , `` It was Ryan ’ s first time .
He was understandably scared .
It all happened so fast .
Like , REALLY fast .
He wept .
I pretended to weep .
Then he called all his friend [ sic ] .
# voteearly . ''
Reynolds said back in 2016 he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The star has since obtained dual citizenship , the New York Times reported in 2018 .
The rapper announced in June his plans to vote for the first time this year .
“ For many years it had me brainwashed thinking that you couldn ’ t vote because you had a criminal record , ” the rapper — who has gun and drug convictions going back to his high school days , though he says his record ’ s been expunged — revealed on the Real 92.3 .
Snoop , who has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained his decision comes from wanting to make a difference .
`` I ca n't talk about it and not be about it , '' he said .
STARS WHO HAVE ENDORSED TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT Kelsea Ballerini announced to her Instagram followers that this year is her first time casting a vote in a presidential election , something she admitted she was n't particularly proud of .
`` ..embarrassingly but honestly , this is my first time voting .
Im not proud of it , but my naivety has kept me sheltered through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she wrote .
`` BUT .
As I ’ ve listened and learned , I ’ ve realized its our responsibility and privilege to use our voices to establish what we as human beings with beating hearts want to see in this country for not only ourselves ... but our friends , neighbors , strangers , and future generations . ''
`` America stands for so many beautiful things and I hope ( and vote ) that it continues to evolve and grow to be a place where EVERYONE is protected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and opportunity , '' she added .
`` Left the polls feeling really empowered by exercising my right and showing up for what I believe in and the change I want to see .
I encourage everyone to do the same .
🗳 '' The country singer posted a photo of herself pointing at an `` I voted '' sticker on her nose .
Jana Kramer also took to social media to reveal she and her husband Mike Caussin are first-time voters .
With a selfie of the couple wearing face masks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differently about exercising her right .
WHAT HOLLYWOOD HAS SAID ABOUT BIDEN AND TRUMP '' I hate to admit this but I am anyways ... .This is the first time I ’ ve ever voted🙈 .
The first time Mike has ever voted .
I don ’ t know why but I always felt like my vote didn ’ t matter , '' Kramer 's social media post begins .
`` But this year I just felt differently and I know more than ever it does matter .
Are you going to vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always wanted to feel Instagram cool with the I voted sticker and they “ ran out ” so @ vistaprint mask for the win but let ’ s be honest voting is more important than the sticker 😂 '' '' Queer Eye '' star Tan France celebrated his U.S. citizenship this past June , and when announcing the news , he vowed to register to vote the same day so that he could be a part of `` the change I wish to see in OUR nation . ''
The 29-year-old rapper used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote , noting it was his first time doing so .
In a two-minute video , the musician told viewers , `` I see he light , '' and urged his fans to `` go to them polls and cast a f -- -ing vote , '' according to People magazine .
Just one month out from the presidential election , Cobie Smulders informed her fans she cast a ballot .
7 CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE RAISED MONEY FOR BIDEN The 38-year-old actress , born in Canada , became a U.S. citizen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared a selfie in a white t-shirt accessorized with an `` I voted '' sticker .
`` Boom .
Have you yet ?
Feels good .
🇺🇸 @ iamavoter @ joebiden @ kamalaharris , '' she captioned the pic .
Courtney Stodden shared a revealing picture of herself to inform her Instagram followers she voted for the first time this week .
`` I voted for the first time in my life .
For me , this is a vote for compassion and empathy - human rights and love 💗 # firsttimevoter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pic shows the lingerie model puckering up for a kiss with an `` I voted '' sticker over her lips .
The 28-year-old British actor confirmed 2020 is his `` first time voting as an American citizen . ''
He reflected on the significance of this year 's race , writing , `` what an important election to have a voice . ''
`` Make yours count .
Go vote 🇺🇸 , '' he captioned a picture of himself holding his voting sticker .
Kanye West , 43 , stunned fans on Independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run for president in this year 's election against President Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden .
CELEBRITIES ' MOST OUTRAGEOUS TWEETS ABOUT TRUMP AND BIDEN AHEAD OF THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION In an interview with Forbes shortly after launching his campaign , Kim Kardashian 's husband confirmed he registered to vote in Wyoming and that it would be his first time voting .
In July , Fox News obtained the 43-year-old rapper 's Statement of Candidacy document filed with the Federal Election Commission , which lists his party affiliation as `` BDY @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party . ''
His committee 's name is also listed on the document as `` Kanye 2020 . ''
However , the `` Jesus Walks '' rapper will not appear on ballots in all 50 states because his campaign was launched late and therefore missed some ballot deadlines .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In a recent interview on Joe Rogan 's podcast , West said his 2020 bid was inspired by God .
“ It was something that God put in my heart back in 2015 .
A few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me in the shower , ” West shared .
“ When I first thought of it , I just started laughing to myself and all this joy came over my body , through my soul .
”

Hollywood stars have been some of the most vocal American citizens stressing the significance of voting in the 2020 presidential election. While they're doing so in a very public way on social media, some have revealed this year is the first time they've ever cast ballots.
Some celebrities voting for the first time have lived in the United States all their lives, while others who were born in other countries are exercising their right to vote after having been granted U.S. citizenship.
Find out which celebrities are first-time voters below.
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez is one of the seemingly countless celebrities to have cast ballots for the 2020 presidential election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. The 28-year-old singer shared a few pics of her voting experience on Instagram last week.
SELENA GOMEZ SAYS SHE'S NEVER VOTED BEFORE THE 2020 ELECTION: 'EVERY VOTE COUNTS'
"Honestly, I'm not ashamed to say this," she said during an episode of "Voting Power Hour," per Buzzfeed. "... This was my first time."
Gomez said that in the past, she "never felt" like her vote mattered. This year her perspective changed.
"Every vote counts," the Disney Channel alum said. "Some people get in their head, and they're like, 'Oh, well what does it matter?'"
"My main focus has been this right now," said the star, who has not publicly endorsed a candidate. "You can tell on my social media and everything, obviously, I'm super invested in this right now. It's been good. I feel hopeful."
Ryan Reynolds
Actor Ryan Reynolds was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, but revealed on social media he's voted for the first time in a U.S. presidential election.
The "Deadpool" actor confirmed he voted early on Instagram with a picture alongside his wife, Blake Lively.
"This is my first time voting in America. I’d like to thank my wife Blake for making my first time so gentle and loving. It was super scary at first, then exciting and now I’m a little tired. But proud. #VoteEarly," the 43-year-old joked on Instagram. In the photo he posted, the actor is holding his mail-in ballot.
STARS WHO HAVE ENDORSED BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT
Meanwhile, Lively also poked fun at his first-time experience writing, "It was Ryan’s first time. He was understandably scared. It all happened so fast. Like, REALLY fast. He wept. I pretended to weep. Then he called all his friend [sic]. #voteearly."
Reynolds said back in 2016 he wished he could have voted then. The star has since obtained dual citizenship, the New York Times reported in 2018.
Snoop Dogg
The rapper announced in June his plans to vote for the first time this year.
“For many years it had me brainwashed thinking that you couldn’t vote because you had a criminal record,” the rapper — who has gun and drug convictions going back to his high school days, though he says his record’s been expunged — revealed on the Real 92.3.
Snoop, who has been a vocal critic of President Trump, explained his decision comes from wanting to make a difference.
"I can't talk about it and not be about it," he said.
STARS WHO HAVE ENDORSED TRUMP FOR PRESIDENT
Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini announced to her Instagram followers that this year is her first time casting a vote in a presidential election, something she admitted she wasn't particularly proud of.
"..embarrassingly but honestly, this is my first time voting. Im not proud of it, but my naivety has kept me sheltered through a lot of my young adult life," she wrote. "BUT. As I’ve listened and learned, I’ve realized its our responsibility and privilege to use our voices to establish what we as human beings with beating hearts want to see in this country for not only ourselves...but our friends, neighbors, strangers, and future generations."
"America stands for so many beautiful things and I hope (and vote) that it continues to evolve and grow to be a place where EVERYONE is protected, respected, and given equal rights and opportunity," she added.
"Left the polls feeling really empowered by exercising my right and showing up for what I believe in and the change I want to see. I encourage everyone to do the same. 🗳"
The country singer posted a photo of herself pointing at an "I voted" sticker on her nose.
Jana Kramer and Mike Caussin
Jana Kramer also took to social media to reveal she and her husband Mike Caussin are first-time voters. With a selfie of the couple wearing face masks, Kramer said this year she started feeling differently about exercising her right.
WHAT HOLLYWOOD HAS SAID ABOUT BIDEN AND TRUMP
"I hate to admit this but I am anyways....This is the first time I’ve ever voted🙈. The first time Mike has ever voted. I don’t know why but I always felt like my vote didn’t matter," Kramer's social media post begins.
"But this year I just felt differently and I know more than ever it does matter. Are you going to vote? And not gonna lie I always wanted to feel Instagram cool with the I voted sticker and they “ran out” so @vistaprint mask for the win but let’s be honest voting is more important than the sticker 😂"
Tan France
"Queer Eye" star Tan France celebrated his U.S. citizenship this past June, and when announcing the news, he vowed to register to vote the same day so that he could be a part of "the change I wish to see in OUR nation."
Tyler the Creator
The 29-year-old rapper used his Twitter account to discuss his decision to vote, noting it was his first time doing so.
In a two-minute video, the musician told viewers, "I see he light," and urged his fans to "go to them polls and cast a f---ing vote," according to People magazine.
Cobie Smulders
Just one month out from the presidential election, Cobie Smulders informed her fans she cast a ballot.
7 CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE RAISED MONEY FOR BIDEN
The 38-year-old actress, born in Canada, became a U.S. citizen in September. In early October, she shared a selfie in a white t-shirt accessorized with an "I voted" sticker.
"Boom. Have you yet? Feels good. 🇺🇸 @iamavoter @joebiden @kamalaharris," she captioned the pic.
Courtney Stodden
Courtney Stodden shared a revealing picture of herself to inform her Instagram followers she voted for the first time this week.
"I voted for the first time in my life. For me, this is a vote for compassion and empathy - human rights and love 💗 #firsttimevoter," she captioned a photo.
The pic shows the lingerie model puckering up for a kiss with an "I voted" sticker over her lips.
Yolanda Hadid
Yolanda Hadid’s daughter Bella Hadid took her voting for the first time on Nov. 3. “Took my mama to vote for the first time today!!! She became an American citizen just recently # and this year she was so determined to get out and vote,” Bella, 24, explained on Instagram.
The model added: “I am so proud of her!!! Wearing our best Blues!!!!!💙💙💙💙💙.”
In a video Bella shared, the former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star said, “My one vote might just make a difference. That’s why I’m going in line right now.”
Hadid became a U.S. citizen in May 2013 ahead of the 2016 presidential election.
"I've never voted in my life. I left Holland right when I was 16 and I wasn't eligible to vote and when I came here I wasn't allowed to vote. I'm excited to go with [David Foster] and discuss politics," the supermodel told E! News at the time.
It’s unclear what prohibited her from voting in the 2016 election.
Gregg Sulkin
The 28-year-old British actor confirmed 2020 is his "first time voting as an American citizen."
He reflected on the significance of this year's race, writing, "what an important election to have a voice."
"Make yours count. Go vote 🇺🇸," he captioned a picture of himself holding his voting sticker.
Kanye West
Kanye West, 43, stunned fans on Independence Day when he revealed his decision to run for president in this year's election against President Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
CELEBRITIES' MOST OUTRAGEOUS TWEETS ABOUT TRUMP AND BIDEN AHEAD OF THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
In an interview with Forbes shortly after launching his campaign, Kim Kardashian's husband confirmed he registered to vote in Wyoming and that it would be his first time voting.
In July, Fox News obtained the 43-year-old rapper's Statement of Candidacy document filed with the Federal Election Commission, which lists his party affiliation as "BDY," which stands for "Birthday Party." His committee's name is also listed on the document as "Kanye 2020."
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However, the "Jesus Walks" rapper will not appear on ballots in all 50 states because his campaign was launched late and therefore missed some ballot deadlines.
In a recent interview on Joe Rogan's podcast, West said his 2020 bid was inspired by God.
“It was something that God put in my heart back in 2015. A few days before the MTV awards it hit me in the shower,” West shared. “When I first thought of it, I just started laughing to myself and all this joy came over my body, through my soul.”
John Oliver
On the eve of Election Day, late-night host John Oliver opened up about voting for the first time in this year's election on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." Oliver, who was born in the United Kingdom, became a U.S. citizen last December. This year marked the first presidential election he was eligible to vote for.
“Scanning [the ballot] into the machine and the machine saying your vote has been counted, I nearly burst into tears,” Oliver recalled via Yahoo. “That is the truth. My eyes got misty and I thought, ‘I don't know if I can cry in the voting station?’”
Oliver is no stranger to discussing politics. In September, he weighed in on President Trump's nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“We’re at the end of a generational battle and the heartbreaking thing is — we lost," Oliver said on “Last Week Tonight.”


bonginoreport--2020-11-03--U.S. Space Force is Taking Over Operation of the X-37B Spaceplane

The fledgling U.S. Space Force 's Space Delta 9 is tasked with performing a mission set that the service describes as orbital warfare .
This includes keeping an eye out for potentially hostile activity in space , as well as deterring those threats and even potentially defeating them , according to the unit 's official website .
Publicly , it provides this support primarily through various space-based surveillance and communications systems , but , interestingly , it is also responsible for overseeing the operations of the experimental X-37B mini space shuttle , the exact mission and capabilities of which remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orbital warfare mission of Space Delta 9 , as part of the larger array of capabilities within its new Space Operations Command ( SpOC ) , in a Tweet earlier this week .
The unit had first come into existence in July and had previously been known as the Air Force 's 750th Operations Group , which had only been activated and assigned to that service 's 50th Space Wing the month before .
50th Space Wing , headquartered at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado , was also transferred to the newest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month , at which time it was rebranded as the Peterson-Schriever Garrison .
Space Delta 9 `` conducts protect and defend operations from space and provides response options to deter and defeat adversary threats in space , '' according to an infographic that accompanied the Space Force Tweet on Oct. 24 .
`` The mission of Delta 9 is to prepare , present , and project assigned and attached forces for the purpose of conducting protect and defend operations and providing national decision authorities with response options to deter and , when necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the unit 's official website describes it .
It also shows the unit 's insignia , which is distinct from those of the other deltas , and simply features the roman numeral `` IX '' for nine in silver along with a single red star at the top , all on a black background .
At present , there are four subordinate units assigned to Space Delta 9 : the 1st and 3rd Space Operations Squadrons , the 750th Operations Support Squadron , and Space Delta 9 , Detachment 1 .
Publicly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a constellation of space-based surveillance satellites , including the Space Based Space Surveillance System ( SBSS ) , Advanced Technology Risk Reduction ( ATRR ) system , Operationally Responsive Space-5 ( ORS-5 ) , and the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program ( GSSAP ) .
SBSS , launched in 2010 , was the U.S. military 's first space-based sensor specifically designed for `` Space Domain Awareness , '' or SDA , and is capable of `` metric observations and Space Object Identification data on satellites operating in low-earth , semi-synchronous and geosynchronous orbits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official website .
The year before , the Air Force had worked with the Missile Defense Agency ( MDA ) to launch the ATRR satellite , which is also now used for SDA , but originally `` served as a pathfinder for next-generation sensor technology for future MDA space missions . ''
The GSSAP satellites , the first two of which reached orbit in 2014 , `` provide a space-based capability operating in the near-geosynchronous orbit regime supporting U.S. Space Command space surveillance operations as a dedicated SSN [ Space Surveillance Network ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ground-based systems to monitor activity in the upper reaches of the Earth 's atmosphere and beyond .
The ORS-5 satellite , also known as SensorSat , which was launched in 2017 and reached full operational capability last year , `` operates at an altitude of 372 miles and continuously scans the geosynchronous orbit at a reduced cost compared to larger , more complex satellites . ''
An Air Force news story from last year said that `` it detects , tracks and catalogs man-made objects orbiting Earth such as active and inactive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debris , informing military , civil and commercial space operators if tracked objects may interfere with the satellites on orbit '' and can also predict `` when and where decaying space objects are located and where they may re-enter the Earth 's atmosphere . ''
The 3rd Space Operations Squadron operates the Defense Satellite Communications System III ( DSCS III ) and Wideband Global SATCOM ( WGS ) communications satellite constellations .
These `` provide secure high-rate data communications links to the President , Secretary of Defense , theater commanders and strategic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that unit 's website .
The 750th Operational Support Squadron provides training and readiness support across Space Delta 9 .
It also provides intelligence support , as well as helping to refine existing tactics , techniques , and procedures and develop new ones .
Lastly , and certainly most interestingly , is Space Delta 9 's Detachment 1 .
While the exact ownership of the X-37B has been at the center of some jockeying between the Air Force and Space Force , this is the unit that oversees its operations once it gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been the topic of much discussion and speculation as to its role since it first began making trips into space in 2010 .
This has including talk of whether it might carry , or at least be used to test , space-based weapons , including directed energy systems , such as laser or high-power microwaves .
The address of the Detachment 's official website also indicates that it is in some way related to the Air Force 's previous 3rd Space Experimentation Squadron and the unit 's official history includes achievements from before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating the Automated Navigation and Guidance Experiment for Local Space ( ANGELS ) spacecraft until it was decommissioned in 2017 .
Detachment 1 was said to be set to take over the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Secondary Payload Adapter Augmented Geosynchronous Laboratory Experiment , or EAGLE , from the Air Force Research Laboratory this year .
ANGELS was an `` experimental spacecraft [ that ] utilized autonomous navigation to advance the tactics , techniques and procedures necessary to safely conduct rendezvous and proximity operations , '' according to the Detachment 's website .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can maneuverable by itself once reaching orbit and is capable of hosting six fixed or deployable payloads .
Launched in 2018 , one of EAGLE 's payloads was the Mycroft spacecraft , which had a mission to `` advance Space Domain Awareness technology and enhance space object characterization capabilities while performing rendezvous and proximity operations . ''
Small satellites that can rendezvous with and maneuver very close to other satellites could be used to perform on-orbit inspections and potentially repairs , among other innocuous tasks .
However , they have inherent intelligence-gathering and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
A small satellite that could get in close proximity to another one could be able to collect imagery or gather electronic signals data on that target , as well as potentially blind , jam , disable or destroy it using non-kinetic or kinetic attacks , including just smashing into it .
This concept is sometimes referred to as a `` killer satellite '' and is a capability the U.S. government has said that Russia , as well as China , are actively developing .
It 's important to note that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ includes conducting `` on-orbit experimentation and technology demonstrations for the U.S. Space Force , '' according to its official website .
Still , it 's notable that those tasks , broadly , and the X-37B , specifically , as well as EAGLE , are housed within a unit focused on orbital warfare that has a stated , if not defined capability to not only watch for , but actively defeat threats in space .
The Air Force , and now the Space Force , has been very tight-lipped over the years about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At present , only three such systems – the Counter Communications System ( CCS ) , Meadowlands , and Bounty Hunter – have been publicly acknowledged and very few details about them exist .
CCS , the latest version of which Space Force reached initial operational capability with earlier this year , is understood to be a ground-based communications jamming system .
Meadowlands is a successor to CCS that is now in development .
Bounty Hunter , which also appears to be ground-based , has been described as an `` electronic warfare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and capabilities are classified .
We also know that Space Force is working together with the National Reconnaissance Office ( NRO ) , the U.S. government 's top satellite intelligence arm , to develop a new space-based sensor , called Silent Barker .
Details about this satellite , which is scheduled to head into space in 2022 , are also limited .
It will reportedly combine intelligence-gathering and surveillance capabilities with an eye toward threats and other objects of interest in space as part of the `` protect and defend '' mission that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its orbital warfare concepts of operation .
It remains unknown whether or not the X-37B has been employed to evaluate any counterspace systems , but its highly adaptable truckbed-like payload bay could be very useful for accommodating experimental concepts in this regard .
It is also known to be extremely maneuverable , which would be in line with Detachment 1 's other work on EAGLE and its predecessor organization 's involvement with ANGELS .
We also do n't know whether the U.S. military has any other on-orbit anti-satellite capabilities , though there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such systems in recent years .
At the same time , the Air Force , as well as now the Space Force , have alluded to the existence of additional counterspace capabilities on multiple occasions in recent years .
In 2015 , U.S. Air Force General John Hyten , then-head of Air Force Space Command , said that his service had more ways to fight in space beyond just maneuvering friendly satellites out of harm 's way and jamming hostile ones in an interview with CBS News ' `` 60 Minutes , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hyten is now the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff .

The fledgling U.S. Space Force's Space Delta 9 is tasked with performing a mission set that the service describes as orbital warfare. This includes keeping an eye out for potentially hostile activity in space, as well as deterring those threats and even potentially defeating them, according to the unit's official website. Publicly, it provides this support primarily through various space-based surveillance and communications systems, but, interestingly, it is also responsible for overseeing the operations of the experimental X-37B mini space shuttle, the exact mission and capabilities of which remain obscure.
Space Force highlighted the intriguing orbital warfare mission of Space Delta 9, as part of the larger array of capabilities within its new Space Operations Command (SpOC), in a Tweet earlier this week. The unit had first come into existence in July and had previously been known as the Air Force's 750th Operations Group, which had only been activated and assigned to that service's 50th Space Wing the month before. 50th Space Wing, headquartered at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado, was also transferred to the newest branch of America's armed forces that month, at which time it was rebranded as the Peterson-Schriever Garrison.
Space Delta 9 "conducts protect and defend operations from space and provides response options to deter and defeat adversary threats in space," according to an infographic that accompanied the Space Force Tweet on Oct. 24. "The mission of Delta 9 is to prepare, present, and project assigned and attached forces for the purpose of conducting protect and defend operations and providing national decision authorities with response options to deter and, when necessary, defeat orbital threats," is how the unit's official website describes it. It also shows the unit's insignia, which is distinct from those of the other deltas, and simply features the roman numeral "IX" for nine in silver along with a single red star at the top, all on a black background.
USSF
At present, there are four subordinate units assigned to Space Delta 9: the 1st and 3rd Space Operations Squadrons, the 750th Operations Support Squadron, and Space Delta 9, Detachment 1.
Publicly, the 1st Space Operations Squadron operates a constellation of space-based surveillance satellites, including the Space Based Space Surveillance System (SBSS), Advanced Technology Risk Reduction (ATRR) system, Operationally Responsive Space-5 (ORS-5), and the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP). SBSS, launched in 2010, was the U.S. military's first space-based sensor specifically designed for "Space Domain Awareness," or SDA, and is capable of "metric observations and Space Object Identification data on satellites operating in low-earth, semi-synchronous and geosynchronous orbits," according to the squadron's official website. The year before, the Air Force had worked with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to launch the ATRR satellite, which is also now used for SDA, but originally "served as a pathfinder for next-generation sensor technology for future MDA space missions."
The GSSAP satellites, the first two of which reached orbit in 2014, "provide a space-based capability operating in the near-geosynchronous orbit regime supporting U.S. Space Command space surveillance operations as a dedicated SSN [Space Surveillance Network] sensor." The SSN includes space and ground-based systems to monitor activity in the upper reaches of the Earth's atmosphere and beyond.
An artist's rendering of two GSSAP satellites., USAF
The ORS-5 satellite, also known as SensorSat, which was launched in 2017 and reached full operational capability last year, "operates at an altitude of 372 miles and continuously scans the geosynchronous orbit at a reduced cost compared to larger, more complex satellites." An Air Force news story from last year said that "it detects, tracks and catalogs man-made objects orbiting Earth such as active and inactive satellites, spent rocket parts and fragmentation debris, informing military, civil and commercial space operators if tracked objects may interfere with the satellites on orbit" and can also predict "when and where decaying space objects are located and where they may re-enter the Earth's atmosphere."
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory perform a test on the ORS-5 satellite., Lincoln Laboratory
The 3rd Space Operations Squadron operates the Defense Satellite Communications System III (DSCS III) and Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) communications satellite constellations. These "provide secure high-rate data communications links to the President, Secretary of Defense, theater commanders and strategic and tactical forces worldwide," according to that unit's website.
The 750th Operational Support Squadron provides training and readiness support across Space Delta 9. It also provides intelligence support, as well as helping to refine existing tactics, techniques, and procedures and develop new ones.
Lastly, and certainly most interestingly, is Space Delta 9's Detachment 1. While the exact ownership of the X-37B has been at the center of some jockeying between the Air Force and Space Force, this is the unit that oversees its operations once it gets into orbit. This secretive spaceplane has been the topic of much discussion and speculation as to its role since it first began making trips into space in 2010. This has including talk of whether it might carry, or at least be used to test, space-based weapons, including directed energy systems, such as laser or high-power microwaves.
The X-37B experimental spaceplane., USAF
The address of the Detachment's official website also indicates that it is in some way related to the Air Force's previous 3rd Space Experimentation Squadron and the unit's official history includes achievements from before Space Force was established. This includes operating the Automated Navigation and Guidance Experiment for Local Space (ANGELS) spacecraft until it was decommissioned in 2017. Detachment 1 was said to be set to take over the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Secondary Payload Adapter Augmented Geosynchronous Laboratory Experiment, or EAGLE, from the Air Force Research Laboratory this year.
ANGELS was an "experimental spacecraft [that] utilized autonomous navigation to advance the tactics, techniques and procedures necessary to safely conduct rendezvous and proximity operations," according to the Detachment's website. EAGLE is a ring-shaped payload adapter that can maneuver by itself once reaching orbit and is capable of hosting six fixed or deployable payloads. Launched in 2018, one of EAGLE's payloads was the Mycroft spacecraft, which had a mission to "advance Space Domain Awareness technology and enhance space object characterization capabilities while performing rendezvous and proximity operations."
An artist's conception of EAGLE., Orbital ATK
Small satellites that can rendezvous with and maneuver very close to other satellites could be used to perform on-orbit inspections and potentially repairs, among other innocuous tasks. However, they have inherent intelligence-gathering and anti-satellite capabilities, as a result, as well. A small satellite that could get in close proximity to another one could be able to collect imagery or gather electronic signals data on that target, as well as potentially blind, jam, disable or destroy it using non-kinetic or kinetic attacks, including just smashing into it. This concept is sometimes referred to as a "killer satellite" and is a capability the U.S. government has said that Russia, as well as China, are actively developing.
A Defense Intelligence Agency infographic showing the many ways one satellite might attack another., DIA
It's important to note that Space Delta 9's mission set also includes conducting "on-orbit experimentation and technology demonstrations for the U.S. Space Force," according to its official website. Still, it's notable that those tasks, broadly, and the X-37B, specifically, as well as EAGLE, are housed within a unit focused on orbital warfare that has a stated, if not defined capability to not only watch for, but actively defeat threats in space.
The Air Force, and now the Space Force, has been very tight-lipped over the years about what it describes as "counterspace" capabilities. At present, only three such systems – the Counter Communications System (CCS), Meadowlands, and Bounty Hunter – have been publicly acknowledged and very few details about them exist. CCS, the latest version of which Space Force reached initial operational capability with earlier this year, is understood to be a ground-based communications jamming system. Meadowlands is a successor to CCS that is now in development. Bounty Hunter, which also appears to be ground-based, has been described as an "electronic warfare system," but its exact function and capabilities are classified.
A picture Space Force released accompanying the news that it had achieved initial operational capability with the Counter Communications System Block 10.2, but it's unclear if these trailer-mounted antennas are actually part of that system., USSF
We also know that Space Force is working together with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the U.S. government's top satellite intelligence arm, to develop a new space-based sensor, called Silent Barker. Details about this satellite, which is scheduled to head into space in 2022, are also limited. It will reportedly combine intelligence-gathering and surveillance capabilities with an eye toward threats and other objects of interest in space as part of the "protect and defend" mission that Space Force says is at the core of its orbital warfare concepts of operation.
It remains unknown whether or not the X-37B has been employed to evaluate any counterspace systems, but its highly adaptable truckbed-like payload bay could be very useful for accommodating experimental concepts in this regard. It is also known to be extremely maneuverable, which would be in line with Detachment 1's other work on EAGLE and its predecessor organization's involvement with ANGELS. We also don't know whether the U.S. military has any other on-orbit anti-satellite capabilities, though there has been active public discussion of developing such systems in recent years.
At the same time, the Air Force, as well as now the Space Force, have alluded to the existence of additional counterspace capabilities on multiple occasions in recent years. In 2015, U.S. Air Force General John Hyten, then-head of Air Force Space Command, said that his service had more ways to fight in space beyond just maneuvering friendly satellites out of harm's way and jamming hostile ones in an interview with CBS News' "60 Minutes," but said he couldn't elaborate. Hyten is now the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Just last year, then-Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson said that “there may come a point where we demonstrate some of our capabilities so that our adversaries understand they cannot deny us the use of space without consequence." Opponents "need to know there are certain things we can do, at least at some broad level, and the final element of deterrence is uncertainty," she continued.
There have also been a number of calls to declassify more about U.S. military's space-based systems and what they can do, regardless of whether they are weapons or not.
Whatever the counterspace capabilities available to Space Delta 9 might be, and how the X-37B might fit into that ecosystem, the threats to American space-based assets are very real now and are only continuing to grow, as The War Zone has highlighted on numerous occasions. In addition to the aforementioned killer satellites, Russia and China are developing a host of other anti-satellite technologies including ground-based and air-launched interceptors and directed energy weapons. In July, Time published an interview with Chief of Space Operations General John "Jay" Raymond, Space Force's top uniformed officer, in which he publicly asserted for the first time that Russia had tested an on-orbit anti-satellite interceptor, as well.
Other countries have also demonstrated anti-satellite or other counterspace capabilities or say they are in the process of developing them for both offensive and defensive purposes. In addition, where the thresholds might be for a war in space, or fight in space as part of a primarily tertiary conflict, to erupt, and how to prosecute such a conflict, remain largely undefined, but Space Force is actively trying to figure out those concepts of operation now.
No matter what, Space Delta 9, and the X-37B, look set to be central components for this rapidly evolving notion of orbital warfare.


bonginoreport--2020-11-05--Laurie Loughlin Not Doing Well After First Few Days in Prison

Lori Loughlin is reportedly having a tough first week in prison .
The 56-year-old actress started her two-month prison sentence on Friday for her role in the college admissions scandal .
She reported to the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin , Calif. , on Friday , a U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokesperson at the facility confirmed to Fox News .
Just five days in , sources tell Us Weekly she went into her sentence `` strong '' but is still reeling from her new reality .
LORI LOUGHLIN BEGINS HER 2-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE FOR ROLE IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SCANDAL “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her family , but the first few days and road ahead are daunting , ” the source told the magazine .
A second insider told the outlet that the `` Fuller House '' alum is trying `` her best to be brave '' but there has been `` nothing that could dissipate her fears '' in recent weeks .
“ It ’ s only two months but she ’ s dreading it , '' the second source added .
`` Her mind keeps telling her that something will go horribly wrong in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prolonged.
” The second source added that she 's been a `` wreck . ''
FCI Dublin is a low-security federal prison for roughly 1,200 female inmates .
The BOP spokesperson confirmed it is the same facility where `` Desperate Housewives '' actress Felicity Huffman served 11 days of a planned two-week sentence for similar crimes .
Back in August , a federal judge sentenced Loughlin to the two-month term .
The sentencing came months after she and her husband , fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli , pleaded guilty to charges stemming from $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rick ” Singer to get their daughters , Olivia Jade and Isabella Giannulli , recruited onto University of Southern California 's crew team .
The two had never participated in the sport .
During the Aug. 22 sentencing hearing , Loughlin -- who was wearing a white blouse and appeared virtually via Zoom -- initially seemed calm , showing little emotion as her attorney BJ Trach said she is “ profoundly sorry ” for her actions .
But when it was Loughlin 's turn to address the judge , she forced back tears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an awful decision .
I went along with a plan to give my daughters an unfair advantage in the college admissions process and in doing so I ignored my intuition and allowed myself to be swayed from my moral compass , ” she said .
“ I have great faith in God , and I believe in redemption and I will do everything in my power to redeem myself and use this experience as a catalyst to do good.
” The sentences put an end to more than a year of legal battles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty to expanded charges of bribery brought against them in October along with 11 other parents swept up in the scandal .
In May , the duo shocked many when they changed course and agreed to plead guilty as Huffman did in 2019 .
In their plea agreement , Loughlin , 56 , agreed to serve two months and pay a $ 150,000 fine along with two years of supervised release and 100 hours of community service .
Giannulli , meanwhile , will serve five months in prison , pay a $ 250,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 250 hours of community service .
Loughlin 's time in prison comes early , as a judge decided in August that both she and Giannulli had until Nov. 19 to report to prison .
As of Friday , Giannulli has yet to report to a facility to begin his five-month sentence .
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP In addition to the sentence , Loughlin was fired from roles on both Netflix 's `` Fuller House '' and Hallmark 's `` When Calls the Heart '' after her role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Fox News ' Tyler McCarthy and The Associated Press contributed to this report

Lori Loughlin is reportedly having a tough first week in prison.
The 56-year-old actress started her two-month prison sentence on Friday for her role in the college admissions scandal.
She reported to the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, Calif., on Friday, a U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokesperson at the facility confirmed to Fox News.
Just five days in, sources tell Us Weekly she went into her sentence "strong" but is still reeling from her new reality.
LORI LOUGHLIN BEGINS HER 2-MONTH PRISON SENTENCE FOR ROLE IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SCANDAL
“She had her faith and the support of her family, but the first few days and road ahead are daunting,” the source told the magazine.
A second insider told the outlet that the "Fuller House" alum is trying "her best to be brave" but there has been "nothing that could dissipate her fears" in recent weeks.
“It’s only two months but she’s dreading it," the second source added. "Her mind keeps telling her that something will go horribly wrong in prison or that her stay could be prolonged.”
The second source added that she's been a "wreck."
FCI Dublin is a low-security federal prison for roughly 1,200 female inmates. The BOP spokesperson confirmed it is the same facility where "Desperate Housewives" actress Felicity Huffman served 11 days of a planned two-week sentence for similar crimes.
LORI LOUGHLIN: FEDERAL PROSECUTORS URGE JUDGE TO ACCEPT ACTRESS' PRISON DEAL
Back in August, a federal judge sentenced Loughlin to the two-month term. The sentencing came months after she and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, pleaded guilty to charges stemming from $500,000 payments to scam mastermind William “Rick” Singer to get their daughters, Olivia Jade and Isabella Giannulli, recruited onto University of Southern California's crew team. The two had never participated in the sport.
During the Aug. 22 sentencing hearing, Loughlin -- who was wearing a white blouse and appeared virtually via Zoom -- initially seemed calm, showing little emotion as her attorney BJ Trach said she is “profoundly sorry” for her actions. But when it was Loughlin's turn to address the judge, she forced back tears as she apologized.
"I made an awful decision. I went along with a plan to give my daughters an unfair advantage in the college admissions process and in doing so I ignored my intuition and allowed myself to be swayed from my moral compass,” she said. “I have great faith in God, and I believe in redemption and I will do everything in my power to redeem myself and use this experience as a catalyst to do good.”
LORI LOUGHLIN, MOSSIMO GIANNULLI ALLEGEDLY INSTRUCTED OLIVIA JADE TO LIE TO HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
The sentences put an end to more than a year of legal battles. Loughlin and Giannulli initially pleaded not guilty to expanded charges of bribery brought against them in October along with 11 other parents swept up in the scandal. In May, the duo shocked many when they changed course and agreed to plead guilty as Huffman did in 2019.
In their plea agreement, Loughlin, 56, agreed to serve two months and pay a $150,000 fine along with two years of supervised release and 100 hours of community service.
Giannulli, meanwhile, will serve five months in prison, pay a $250,000 fine with two years of supervised release and 250 hours of community service.
Loughlin's time in prison comes early, as a judge decided in August that both she and Giannulli had until Nov. 19 to report to prison. As of Friday, Giannulli has yet to report to a facility to begin his five-month sentence.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
In addition to the sentence, Loughlin was fired from roles on both Netflix's "Fuller House" and Hallmark's "When Calls the Heart" after her role in the scandal came to light in 2019.
Fox News' Tyler McCarthy and The Associated Press contributed to this report


bonginoreport--2020-11-05--UFC Legend Tito Ortiz Wins City Council Seat in Huntington Beach, California

UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz was elected to his hometown ’ s city council on Tuesday night .
With three seats open for four-year terms on the seven-seat council , Ortiz ( 21-12-1 ) finished first in a 15-candidate field .
With 100 percent of precincts reporting , the former UFC light heavyweight champion received 34,901 votes , which was 14.26 percent of the overall total .
Ortiz , whose connection to President Donald Trump date back to his time on Trump ’ s reality TV show “ The Apprentice , ” was one of Trump ’ s earliest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has remained a vocal supporter the last four years .
Huntington Beach is one of the most conservative cities in Southern California , making headlines during the COVID-19 pandemic first for rallies protesting California ’ s early shutdown then as a hot bed of anti-mask activity .
The city also held counter-demonstrations during protests in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd .
Ortiz , who has amplified right-wing conspiracy theories over his social media , had a more traditional agenda on his campaign website , touting support for police and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal immigration .
Ortiz was an important star in building the modern-era UFC .
He held the light heavyweight championship from 2000-03 , and his feuds with Chuck Liddell and Ken Shamrock were among early box-office hits in Zuffa ’ s rise from a non-entity on the sports landscape to the fastest-rising sport of the 2000s .
While never again reaching the championship level , Ortiz remained an important piece of the puzzle right up until he first announced his retirement in 2012 , after which he was inducted into the UFC Hall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retirement in 2014 and went on to another consequential run with Bellator .
Ortiz ’ s victory over Stephan Bonnar at Bellator 131 in November 2014 in San Diego was a surprise ratings smash , and he went on to a 3-1 record in the company .
His most recent fight was a first-round win over former WWE star Alberto Del Rio last December in Combate Americas .

“The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” is now a Huntington Beach city councilor-elect.
UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz was elected to his hometown’s city council on Tuesday night.
With three seats open for four-year terms on the seven-seat council, Ortiz (21-12-1) finished first in a 15-candidate field. With 100 percent of precincts reporting, the former UFC light heavyweight champion received 34,901 votes, which was 14.26 percent of the overall total.
Ortiz, whose connection to President Donald Trump date back to his time on Trump’s reality TV show “The Apprentice,” was one of Trump’s earliest backers during his 2016 presidential campaign and has remained a vocal supporter the last four years.
Huntington Beach is one of the most conservative cities in Southern California, making headlines during the COVID-19 pandemic first for rallies protesting California’s early shutdown then as a hot bed of anti-mask activity. The city also held counter-demonstrations during protests in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd. Ortiz, who has amplified right-wing conspiracy theories over his social media, had a more traditional agenda on his campaign website, touting support for police and first responders, school choice, and legal immigration.
Ortiz was an important star in building the modern-era UFC. He held the light heavyweight championship from 2000-03, and his feuds with Chuck Liddell and Ken Shamrock were among early box-office hits in Zuffa’s rise from a non-entity on the sports landscape to the fastest-rising sport of the 2000s. While never again reaching the championship level, Ortiz remained an important piece of the puzzle right up until he first announced his retirement in 2012, after which he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Ortiz came out of retirement in 2014 and went on to another consequential run with Bellator. Ortiz’s victory over Stephan Bonnar at Bellator 131 in November 2014 in San Diego was a surprise ratings smash, and he went on to a 3-1 record in the company. His most recent fight was a first-round win over former WWE star Alberto Del Rio last December in Combate Americas.


bonginoreport--2020-11-05--Ex-Colts Wide Receiver Anthony Gonzales Wins Re-Election to Ohio Congressional Seat

Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez will continue his career in politics after winning his bid for reelection in Ohio 's 16th Congressional District on Tuesday night .
Gonzalez , 36 , won just over 63 % of the vote to beat out scientist Aaron Godfrey , according to Fox News ’ latest polling numbers .
He first ran as a Republican in 2018 and became the first Latino to represent Ohio in Congress .
Sports analyst Pat McAfee took to Twitter shortly after to congratulate Gonzalez , calling him “ incredibly cool teammate and wildly smart.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seasons .
PATRICK MAHOMES SPLITS $ 100,000 BILL WITH CHIEFS TO OPEN ARROWHEAD STADIUM FOR VOTERS Gonzalez was drafted out of Ohio State in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft .
He caught 37 passes for 576 yards and 3 touchdowns in his rookie year .
He finished the following season with 57 passes for 664 yards and 4 touchdowns , earning him the starting job in 2009 .
An injury sidelined him for much that season and he was briefly signed by the New England Patriots in 2012 as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offseason .
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The Colts were named AFC South Division champs three times and held one AFC title during Gonzalez ’ s tenure .

Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez will continue his career in politics after winning his bid for reelection in Ohio's 16th Congressional District on Tuesday night.
Gonzalez, 36, won just over 63% of the vote to beat out scientist Aaron Godfrey, according to Fox News’ latest polling numbers. He first ran as a Republican in 2018 and became the first Latino to represent Ohio in Congress.
UFC LEGEND TITO ORTIZ WINS CITY COUNCIL SEAT IN CALIFORNIA
Sports analyst Pat McAfee took to Twitter shortly after to congratulate Gonzalez, calling him “incredibly cool teammate and wildly smart.” The played in the Colts together for three seasons.
PATRICK MAHOMES SPLITS $100,000 BILL WITH CHIEFS TO OPEN ARROWHEAD STADIUM FOR VOTERS
Gonzalez was drafted out of Ohio State in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He caught 37 passes for 576 yards and 3 touchdowns in his rookie year. He finished the following season with 57 passes for 664 yards and 4 touchdowns, earning him the starting job in 2009.
An injury sidelined him for much that season and he was briefly signed by the New England Patriots in 2012 as a free agent before being released in the offseason.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
The Colts were named AFC South Division champs three times and held one AFC title during Gonzalez’s tenure.


bonginoreport--2020-11-05--Mark Kelly Becomes Fourth Astronaut to be Elected to Congress

Former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly , seen addressing supporters on Tuesday night ( Nov. 3 ) in Tucson , has been elected by the state of Arizona to the U.S. Senate .
Kelly is the fourth astronaut to secure a seat in Congress .
Mark Kelly has won a seat in the U.S. Senate , making him only the fourth NASA astronaut to be elected to Congress .
Kelly , who launched four times into space before pursuing a career in politics , was successful in his bid to represent the state of Arizona in the U.S. Senate .
Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Martha McSally , a Republican and former U.S. Air Force combat pilot .
The special election was held to complete the six-year term of Senator John McCain , who died in 2018 ( McSally was temporarily appointed by Arizona 's governor after McCain 's death ) .
`` When we launched this campaign from this very spot , right here , 619 days ago , I could have never anticipated just how many Arizonians would be part of this mission , '' said Kelly , addressing supporters at the Hotel Congress in Tucson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` This mission does not end when the last vote is counted .
It is only the beginning . ''
by a margin of 52.63 percent , according to the Secretary of State for the state of Arizona .
Related : What the 2020 presidential election mean for space exploration '' When I was at NASA , we would train for two years for a space shuttle mission .
From being in the space shuttle simulator and flying and training , two years of focusing on the details .
Two years before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go .
And then the work started , '' he said .
`` Now the work starts . ''
Kelly , who is married to former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords , moved to Tucson in 2012 after he retired from NASA and Giffords survived an assassination attempt the year earlier .
Together , the couple co-founded `` Giffords '' to advocate for reduced gun violence and to help make communities safer .
Kelly could possibly take office as soon as the end of the month , pending the state certifying the .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become the only active member of Congress who has flown in space .
He is preceded in the legislative branch of the U.S. government by three former NASA astronauts and two members of Congress who flew on the space shuttle as payload specialists .
How astronauts vote from space : The only American in orbit now explains Kelly , a former captain in the U.S. Navy , a naval aviator and test pilot who flew combat missions in Operation Desert Storm , was selected for NASA 's 1996 class of astronaut candidates — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kelly logged more than 54 days in space on four shuttle missions .
He served as the pilot on his first flight , STS-108 , launching on the space shuttle Endeavour to deliver supplies to the International Space Station in 2001 .
Five years later , Kelly flew as pilot of the shuttle Discovery on STS-121 , NASA 's second return-to-flight mission after the loss of the orbiter Columbia and its crew in 2003 .
Kelly commanded Discovery 's STS-124 crew in 2008 , which installed Japan 's Kibo laboratory on the space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , STS-134 , marked the last flight of Endeavour and delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer , a cosmic ray detector , to be mounted to the station 's backbone truss .
After leaving NASA , Kelly volunteered for one more `` mission , '' allowing the agency 's scientists to collect his physiological and medical data while his brother provided the same during a year aboard the space station .
The landmark `` twins study '' helped further reveal the effects that long-duration space travel has on the human body .
Related : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Trump The first astronaut to trade his spacecraft couch for a seat in Congress was John Glenn , the .
One of the original Mercury 7 astronauts , Glenn served as a U.S .
Senator representing the state of Ohio as a Democrat for four terms , from 1974 to 1999 .
After leaving office , Glenn , then 77 , flew into orbit again , launching on space shuttle Discovery as a payload specialist .
Apollo 13 command module pilot John `` Jack '' Swigert was elected to the U.S. House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a Republican in 1982 , but tragically died of cancer before he could take office .
Apollo 17 lunar module pilot Harrison `` Jack '' Schmitt followed up being one of the two last people to walk on the moon in 1972 by serving the state of New Mexico in the Senate as a Republican for six years , from 1977 to 1983 .
Following the opposite path , Senator Jake Garn ( R-UT ) and Representative Bill Nelson ( D-FL ) were chosen to fly on the space shuttle as congressional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when NASA was working towards opening up spaceflight to `` citizen '' passengers .
Garn joined the STS-51D crew on Discovery for a week-long mission to deploy two communications satellites in 1985 .
Nelson , who later was elected to the Senate , flew on Columbia with the STS-61C crew .
The six-day mission , which was the last to fly before the shuttle Challenger tragedy , deployed a satellite and conducted science in 1986 .
In addition to those five space explorers and Kelly , four other U.S. astronauts ran for Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Apollo 15 command module pilot Al Worden campaigned for but lost the Republican primary for Florida 's 12th district seat in the House of Representatives in 1982 .
Skylab and space shuttle crew member Jack Lousma won the Republican primary , but lost the election to be a senator from Michigan in 1984 .
Jay Buckey , who flew as an STS-90 payload specialist on Columbia , withdrew his bid for a New Hampshire Senate seat prior to the Democratic primary in 2008 .
Two years later , STS-128 mission specialist José @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's 10th district seat in the House of Representatives .
Follow on and on Twitter at @ .
Copyright 2020 collectSPACE.com .
All rights reserved .

Former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, seen addressing supporters on Tuesday night (Nov. 3) in Tucson, has been elected by the state of Arizona to the U.S. Senate. Kelly is the fourth astronaut to secure a seat in Congress.
Mark Kelly has won a seat in the U.S. Senate, making him only the fourth NASA astronaut to be elected to Congress .
Kelly, who launched four times into space before pursuing a career in politics, was successful in his bid to represent the state of Arizona in the U.S. Senate. Kelly, a Democrat, ran against incumbent Martha McSally, a Republican and former U.S. Air Force combat pilot. The special election was held to complete the six-year term of Senator John McCain, who died in 2018 (McSally was temporarily appointed by Arizona's governor after McCain's death).
"When we launched this campaign from this very spot, right here, 619 days ago, I could have never anticipated just how many Arizonians would be part of this mission," said Kelly, addressing supporters at the Hotel Congress in Tucson on Tuesday night (Nov. 3). "This mission does not end when the last vote is counted. It is only the beginning."
Kelly won the election by a margin of 52.63 percent, according to the Secretary of State for the state of Arizona.
Related: What the 2020 presidential election mean for space exploration
"When I was at NASA, we would train for two years for a space shuttle mission. From being in the space shuttle simulator and flying and training, two years of focusing on the details. Two years before we were on the launchpad ready to go. And then the work started," he said. "Now the work starts."
Kelly, who is married to former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, moved to Tucson in 2012 after he retired from NASA and Giffords survived an assassination attempt the year earlier. Together, the couple co-founded "Giffords" to advocate for reduced gun violence and to help make communities safer.
Kelly could possibly take office as soon as the end of the month, pending the state certifying the results of the election . When he is sworn in, Kelly will become the only active member of Congress who has flown in space. He is preceded in the legislative branch of the U.S. government by three former NASA astronauts and two members of Congress who flew on the space shuttle as payload specialists.
How astronauts vote from space: The only American in orbit now explains
Full speed ahead
NASA astronaut Mark Kelly on the flight deck of the space shuttle Discovery during the STS-124 mission in June 2008. (Image credit: Mark Kelly)
Kelly, a former captain in the U.S. Navy, a naval aviator and test pilot who flew combat missions in Operation Desert Storm, was selected for NASA's 1996 class of astronaut candidates — the same group that included his twin brother , Scott.
Kelly logged more than 54 days in space on four shuttle missions. He served as the pilot on his first flight, STS-108, launching on the space shuttle Endeavour to deliver supplies to the International Space Station in 2001. Five years later, Kelly flew as pilot of the shuttle Discovery on STS-121, NASA's second return-to-flight mission after the loss of the orbiter Columbia and its crew in 2003.
Kelly commanded Discovery's STS-124 crew in 2008, which installed Japan's Kibo laboratory on the space station. His fourth and final mission, STS-134, marked the last flight of Endeavour and delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, a cosmic ray detector, to be mounted to the station's backbone truss.
After leaving NASA, Kelly volunteered for one more "mission," allowing the agency's scientists to collect his physiological and medical data while his brother provided the same during a year aboard the space station. The landmark "twins study" helped further reveal the effects that long-duration space travel has on the human body.
Related: Presidential Visions for Space: From Ike to Trump
Science + data + facts
Mark Kelly for U.S. Senate campaign buttons. (Image credit: Mark Kelly)
The first astronaut to trade his spacecraft couch for a seat in Congress was John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth . One of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, Glenn served as a U.S. Senator representing the state of Ohio as a Democrat for four terms, from 1974 to 1999. After leaving office, Glenn, then 77, flew into orbit again, launching on space shuttle Discovery as a payload specialist.
Apollo 13 command module pilot John "Jack" Swigert was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Colorado's 6th district as a Republican in 1982, but tragically died of cancer before he could take office.
Apollo 17 lunar module pilot Harrison "Jack" Schmitt followed up being one of the two last people to walk on the moon in 1972 by serving the state of New Mexico in the Senate as a Republican for six years, from 1977 to 1983.
Following the opposite path, Senator Jake Garn (R-UT) and Representative Bill Nelson (D-FL) were chosen to fly on the space shuttle as congressional observers and payload specialists at a time when NASA was working towards opening up spaceflight to "citizen" passengers. Garn joined the STS-51D crew on Discovery for a week-long mission to deploy two communications satellites in 1985.
Nelson, who later was elected to the Senate, flew on Columbia with the STS-61C crew. The six-day mission, which was the last to fly before the shuttle Challenger tragedy, deployed a satellite and conducted science in 1986.
In addition to those five space explorers and Kelly, four other U.S. astronauts ran for Congress, but were unsuccessful in their bids.
Apollo 15 command module pilot Al Worden campaigned for but lost the Republican primary for Florida's 12th district seat in the House of Representatives in 1982. Skylab and space shuttle crew member Jack Lousma won the Republican primary, but lost the election to be a senator from Michigan in 1984.
Jay Buckey, who flew as an STS-90 payload specialist on Columbia, withdrew his bid for a New Hampshire Senate seat prior to the Democratic primary in 2008. Two years later, STS-128 mission specialist José Hernández won the Democratic nomination but lost the election for California's 10th district seat in the House of Representatives.


bonginoreport--2020-11-05--Crew-1 Commercial Crew Mission to the International Space Station Remains on Schedule for November 1

Crew-1 Commercial Crew Mission to the International Space Station Remains on Schedule for November 14

WASHINGTON — NASA is delaying the launch of an ocean science satellite on one Falcon 9 rocket , but says that delay will not affect another Falcon 9 launch of a commercial crew mission .
The agency announced Nov. 3 it was delaying the launch of the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite on a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California from Nov. 10 to Nov. 21 .
The reason for the delay , the agency said , was to give SpaceX time to replace two engines in the rocket ’ s first stage .
The performance of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been under scrutiny since a launch abort seconds before the scheduled liftoff of a Falcon 9 carrying a GPS 3 satellite Oct. 2 .
An investigation eventually blamed the abort on a “ masking lacquer , ” a coating used to protect engine components when they are anodized for corrosion protection .
The lacquer was not properly cleaned after anodizing , blocking a relief valve in the gas generator of one of the Merlin engines in the stage .
At an Oct. 28 briefing , NASA said it was replacing two Merlin engines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch the Crew-1 commercial crew mission , currently scheduled for Nov. 14 from the Kennedy Space Center .
At the time it said it was replacing one engine on the Falcon 9 first stage for Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich , but that it was still inspecting the engines on that booster .
Before the briefing , NASA indicated that the Sentinel-6 launch would take place first , and that NASA would review the data from the launch before deciding to proceed with the Crew-1 mission .
But at that briefing , agency officials said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Sentinel-6 launch .
“ There is , right now , not a hard bar between these missions , ” said Kathy Lueders , NASA associate administrator for human exploration and operations .
“ We ’ re going to fly both missions when it ’ s the right time.
” Instead , agency officials said they wanted to see the GPS 3 launch go first .
“ One of the engines that we are installing on the first stage has a slight change that we would like to see fly on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve Stich , manager of NASA ’ s commercial crew program .
“ We would like to see that one mission go fly before we fly crew.
” At the time of the briefing , SpaceX had not yet rescheduled the GPS 3 launch .
However , after a successful static-fire test of the booster Oct. 31 , SpaceX announced that the launch was now rescheduled for Nov. 5 .
NASA , in the statement about the Sentinel-6 launch delay , stated that the Crew-1 mission remains on schedule for Nov. 14 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 , and will travel to the Kennedy Space Center for final prelaunch preparations Nov. 8 .

WASHINGTON — NASA is delaying the launch of an ocean science satellite on one Falcon 9 rocket, but says that delay will not affect another Falcon 9 launch of a commercial crew mission.
The agency announced Nov. 3 it was delaying the launch of the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite on a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California from Nov. 10 to Nov. 21. The reason for the delay, the agency said, was to give SpaceX time to replace two engines in the rocket’s first stage.
The performance of the Falcon 9’s Merlin engines had been under scrutiny since a launch abort seconds before the scheduled liftoff of a Falcon 9 carrying a GPS 3 satellite Oct. 2. An investigation eventually blamed the abort on a “masking lacquer,” a coating used to protect engine components when they are anodized for corrosion protection. The lacquer was not properly cleaned after anodizing, blocking a relief valve in the gas generator of one of the Merlin engines in the stage.
At an Oct. 28 briefing, NASA said it was replacing two Merlin engines in the Falcon 9 booster that will launch the Crew-1 commercial crew mission, currently scheduled for Nov. 14 from the Kennedy Space Center. At the time it said it was replacing one engine on the Falcon 9 first stage for Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, but that it was still inspecting the engines on that booster.
Before the briefing, NASA indicated that the Sentinel-6 launch would take place first, and that NASA would review the data from the launch before deciding to proceed with the Crew-1 mission. But at that briefing, agency officials said Crew-1 didn’t need to wait for the Sentinel-6 launch. “There is, right now, not a hard bar between these missions,” said Kathy Lueders, NASA associate administrator for human exploration and operations. “We’re going to fly both missions when it’s the right time.”
Instead, agency officials said they wanted to see the GPS 3 launch go first. “One of the engines that we are installing on the first stage has a slight change that we would like to see fly on the GPS 3 mission first,” said Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s commercial crew program. “We would like to see that one mission go fly before we fly crew.”
At the time of the briefing, SpaceX had not yet rescheduled the GPS 3 launch. However, after a successful static-fire test of the booster Oct. 31, SpaceX announced that the launch was now rescheduled for Nov. 5.
NASA, in the statement about the Sentinel-6 launch delay, stated that the Crew-1 mission remains on schedule for Nov. 14. The four-person crew entered prelaunch quarantine Oct. 31, and will travel to the Kennedy Space Center for final prelaunch preparations Nov. 8.


bonginoreport--2020-11-05--There’s a Strong Likelihood the Yankees Will Hang on to Brett Gardner

This will be a Hot Stove League unlike any other ... .

Brett Gardner doesn’t pitch, catch or play shortstop, so when the list of areas in which the Yankees require help are mentioned, the veteran outfielder’s name doesn’t surface.
The 37-year-old Gardner, however, still might figure in the Yankees’ plans for 2020. He is certainly deep into the backstretch of his career, but his value, especially to the Yankees, is high because he can play both left field and center field.
Last week, the Yankees declined to exercise a $10 million option on Gardner, who then picked up a $2.5 million buyout. Now, the longest tenured Yankee waits to see what type of interest the team shows.
Clint Frazier put together a solid 2020 season, hitting .267 with eight homers, 26 RBIs and a .905 OPS. Frazier also made so much improvement defensively while subbing for the injured Aaron Judge that he was one of three finalists for the AL Gold Glove (the award-winners were announced Tuesday evening) in right field.
In 2021, Frazier figures to get increased playing time in left. And should Judge get injured again, necessitating a Frazier shift to right, Gardner can handle left.
Would there be enough playing time for Gardner, who appeared in 49 games of this past season’s 60 regular-season games and all of seven (including five starts) in the postseason?
Considering how injuries have affected center fielder Aaron Hicks and Judge in recent seasons, the answer is: yes. Gardner is more than capable of playing center in place of Hicks and is solid in left.
When Gardner was hitting .165 with a .293 on-base percentage, a .299 slugging percentage and a .590 OPS on Sept. 9, it wasn’t easy to see him returning in 2021.
“There are going to be opportunities down the stretch. A lot can change between now and next week, three weeks from now. He is a very important player for us and I expect that to continue,’’ manager Aaron Boone said of Gardner on Sept. 16, when Judge returned from the injured list and Frazier was moved to left field.
Boone was onto something, because from Sept. 11 until the end of the regular season, Gardner batted .394 (13-for-33) with a .540 on-base percentage, a .667 slugging percentage and a 1.190 OPS in 13 games. He followed that by hitting .368 (7-for-19) with a .500 on-base percentage, .579 slugging percentage and a 1.079 OPS against the Indians and Rays in the postseason.
The strong finish and the fact he is highly respected by teammates for being a leader strengthens Gardner’s chance to return, even after he hit a career-low .223, but balanced that with a .354 on-base percentage, which was 11 points higher than his career mark of .343.
So, what would the price be for a player like Gardner? Teams lost oceans of money this past COVID-impacted season. Would a one-year deal for $5 million (plus the $2.5 million from the buyout), plus incentives, work for each side?
If the Yankees use the same game plan they did last offseason with Gardner, he will likely have to wait to see how things go with DJ LeMahieu and Masahiro Tanaka. The Yankees agreed to a nine-year deal with Gerrit Cole during last year’s Winter Meetings and a one-year deal with Gardner on the last day in San Diego.
Due to COVID-19, this year’s Winter Meetings in Dallas were canceled and the Yankees aren’t chasing a big-ticket item in Cole’s category from outside of the organization. That doesn’t necessarily mean Gardner won’t have to wait for the end result, which should return him to The Bronx.


bonginoreport--2020-11-05--Study Shows That Van Gogh’s Delirium Caused by Alcohol Withdrawal, Not Syphilis

His body wanted a drink so bad , it cost him his ear .
An article published in the International Journal of Bipolar Disorders on Monday puts forward the theory that Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh ’ s poor mental health and eventual suicide were likely caused not by syphilis or schizophrenia — previously proposed explanations — but alcohol withdrawal paired with malnutrition .
To reach this conclusion , the study ’ s authors , based in the Netherlands , analyzed 902 letters from van Gogh ’ s correspondence — mostly with his brother Theo — about “ what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mental problems.
” They also worked closely with three art historians who are experts on van Gogh .
Based on their research , the study authors created a timeline of van Gogh ’ s declining health in his tortured but prolific final years , and explained how his delirium became so extreme .
In the four years leading up to him fatally shooting himself in 1890 , they charted , van Gogh became an alcoholic , imbibing massive amounts of wine and absinthe , while also eating and sleeping poorly — before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concluded , likely led to him becoming psychotic and famously cutting off his left ear and gifting it to a woman in a brothel .
“ [ The ] ear incident , ” the researchers write , “ was actually alcohol-withdrawal delirium.
” The alcohol withdrawal and poor lifestyle were also paired with numerous underlying mental health issues van Gogh is suspected of having for most of his life .
“ Since young adulthood , he likely developed a ( probably bipolar ) mood disorder in combination with ( traits of ) a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote .
That van Gogh was able to create even during the most difficult periods of his life is a testament to his artistic tenacity .
“ Despite all these problems which contributed to his illnesses , we however also would like to stress that van Gogh was not only a great and very influential painter but also an intelligent man with an enormous willpower , resilience and perseverance , ” the authors write .
“ He must have had a strong constitution .
”

His body wanted a drink so bad, it cost him his ear.
An article published in the International Journal of Bipolar Disorders on Monday puts forward the theory that Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh’s poor mental health and eventual suicide were likely caused not by syphilis or schizophrenia — previously proposed explanations — but alcohol withdrawal paired with malnutrition.
To reach this conclusion, the study’s authors, based in the Netherlands, analyzed 902 letters from van Gogh’s correspondence — mostly with his brother Theo — about “what he was experiencing in his life, including his mental problems.” They also worked closely with three art historians who are experts on van Gogh.
Based on their research, the study authors created a timeline of van Gogh’s declining health in his tortured but prolific final years, and explained how his delirium became so extreme. In the four years leading up to him fatally shooting himself in 1890, they charted, van Gogh became an alcoholic, imbibing massive amounts of wine and absinthe, while also eating and sleeping poorly — before abruptly going sober. This, they concluded, likely led to him becoming psychotic and famously cutting off his left ear and gifting it to a woman in a brothel. “[The] ear incident,” the researchers write, “was actually alcohol-withdrawal delirium.”
The alcohol withdrawal and poor lifestyle were also paired with numerous underlying mental health issues van Gogh is suspected of having for most of his life. “Since young adulthood, he likely developed a (probably bipolar) mood disorder in combination with (traits of) a borderline personality disorder,” the authors wrote.
That van Gogh was able to create even during the most difficult periods of his life is a testament to his artistic tenacity.
“Despite all these problems which contributed to his illnesses, we however also would like to stress that van Gogh was not only a great and very influential painter but also an intelligent man with an enormous willpower, resilience and perseverance,” the authors write. “He must have had a strong constitution.”


bonginoreport--2020-11-05--Subscriber Losses Leading to Another Wave of Layoffs at ESPN

It looks like another wave of layoffs is coming to ESPN , maybe to the tune of hundreds of lost jobs .
ESPN has more than 6,000 employees , but as it is losing upwards of $ 2 billion in annual revenue due to a constant stream of lost subscribers and difficulties arising from the coronavirus , network owner Disney clearly feels something has to give .
So , according to The Athletic , ESPN is set to begin layoffs , maybe as soon as Thursday .
The site notes that a portion of the budget savings will be realized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go un-renewed .
Still , many behind the scenes workers — especially in remote locations — are also expected to be let go .
ESPN has been steadily shedding employees by the hundreds since 2015 when ESPN cut 350 employees .
Then , in 2017 , the company shed another 100 employees .
Also , in 2017 , the company cut its budget by $ 80 million .
ESPN is not alone in losing customers .
In general , cable is experiencing steep declines in customers as Americans cancel their cable and opt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for instance , Verizon reported a loss of 81,000 pay-TV subscribers for its FiOS service which is on top of a 25 percent decline in revenue for its media unit .
Only months before that , AT & T noted that it had lost 1.4 million in the third quarter of 2019 .

It looks like another wave of layoffs is coming to ESPN, maybe to the tune of hundreds of lost jobs.
ESPN has more than 6,000 employees, but as it is losing upwards of $2 billion in annual revenue due to a constant stream of lost subscribers and difficulties arising from the coronavirus, network owner Disney clearly feels something has to give. So, according to The Athletic, ESPN is set to begin layoffs, maybe as soon as Thursday.
The site notes that a portion of the budget savings will be realized by allowing contracts with some talent to go un-renewed. Still, many behind the scenes workers — especially in remote locations — are also expected to be let go.
ESPN has been steadily shedding employees by the hundreds since 2015 when ESPN cut 350 employees. Then, in 2017, the company shed another 100 employees. Also, in 2017, the company cut its budget by $80 million.
ESPN is not alone in losing customers. In general, cable is experiencing steep declines in customers as Americans cancel their cable and opt for streaming services.
In July, for instance, Verizon reported a loss of 81,000 pay-TV subscribers for its FiOS service which is on top of a 25 percent decline in revenue for its media unit.
Only months before that, AT&T noted that it had lost 1.4 million in the third quarter of 2019.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston.


bonginoreport--2020-11-05--Trump Campaign Expands Election Lawsuits

As the Trump campaign expands its lawsuits — including new filings Wednesday in Georgia and Pennsylvania — legal scholars say they are likely rooted in the Constitution 's voting law authority , which limits the power of non-legislative actors trying to assert their power over balloting .
Trump has assembled a high-powered legal team to combat what it says is executive and judicial overreach in key battleground states led by Democratic governors .
The Elections Clause of the Constitution ( Article I , Section 4 ) gives state legislatures the authority to set the time , place and manner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governing the election process , including absentee ballots .
Republicans say this legislative power has been eroded by both executive and judicial mission creep .
In Wisconsin , for example , the Governor , Tony Evers is a Democrat , but both chambers of the legislature are held by Republicans .
The Trump campaign has filed for a recount in the Badger State amid a razor-thin lead held by rival Joe Biden .
The Supreme Court late last month rejected Democrats ' request to extend the deadline for counting mail-in ballots in Wisconsin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The GOP and the Trump campaign also announced Wednesday they are suing Pennsylvania , claiming the extension of a voter ID deadline is in violation of state law .
The Keystone State has a Democratic governor , Tom Wolf , and a state supreme court with a majority of partisan , elected justices — five of its seven judges were Democrats upon their first election .
The court recently ruled against Republicans and allowed Pennsylvania to accept ballots received up until 3 days after Election Day .
The U.S. Supreme Court declined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , letting it stand for now with a 4-4 ruling , prior to Justice Amy Coney Barrett 's seating .
Republicans brought the case up to the high court a second time after Barrett 's seating and were again denied a hearing on the case prior to Election Day ( Barrett did not vote on that ruling , saying she had n't had time to review the case ) .
Republicans say a third try might see a different outcome , if the court agrees to hear the case in an emergency situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists filed a lawsuit on Election Day against the Pennsylvania state secretary alleging that a last-minute rule change to the state 's ballot-counting process is privileging some voters over others and potentially slanting the outcome of the election .
On Wednesday , Trump 's team also filed a lawsuit in Georgia , where a GOP poll observer saw 53 late absentee ballots `` illegally added to a stack of on-time absentee ballots in Chatham County , '' said Deputy Campaign Manager and Senior Counsel Justin Clark .
`` We will not allow Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Hans von Spakovsky , a former member of the Federal Election Commission and a legal scholar at the Heritage Foundation , told Just the News that in the Trump campaign 's cases in Pennsylvania , Wisconsin and Michigan , the courts should ensure that poll watchers are given the ability to completely observe the counting process as required under state law and should order election officials to not only allow complete access to designated poll watchers , but also to enforce full compliance with state laws governing absentee ballots .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ constitutional argument , '' Von Spakovsky said .
`` That includes any requirements for signature comparison , witness signatures , etc .
Election officials should not be allowed to waive those rules and count such defective ballots . ''
Von Spakovsky said that under the U.S. Constitution 's Elections Clause , if state legislatures want to extend the deadline for the receipt of absentee ballots beyond Election Day , they can do so .
`` But neither state courts — like in Pennsylvania — nor other state officials/agencies — like the state board @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legal authority to simply override a state statute and extend the deadline for the receipt of absentee ballots , '' von Spakovsky said .
`` So the Trump campaign can argue that any ballots received after the deadline imposed by the legislature in state law are illegal and should not be counted . ''
Von Spakovsky said that Republicans have generally been more successful than Democrats at challenging election balloting and counting procedures , including in Alabama , Texas , South Carolina , Minnesota and other states .
`` But so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Pennsylvania and North Carolina , '' he said .
Von Spakovsky noted that Chief Justice Roberts issued a statement saying that he defers to state court rulings on these matters while ruling against federal courts .
Roberts gave that explanation in the Wisconsin case on Oct. 26 .
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals had thrown out a decision by a federal district court in Wisconsin that extended the deadline for the receipt of absentee ballots from Nov. 3 to Nov. 9 .
Roberts wrote a concurrence saying this case was different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal court was intruding into the state lawmaking process whereas in Pennsylvania , it was the state court applying its own state constitution to change the absentee ballot deadline .
`` I think this was mistaken analysis by the chief justice because the U.S. Constitution delegates authority to state legislatures , not state courts , '' Von Spakovsky said .
Republicans say they are hopeful the U.S. Supreme Court — especially with the newly-sworn Justice Barrett to possibly tip the balance — will ultimately restore constitutional order under a strict textualist reading that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state legislatures to make election rules .
Tom Spencer , a Republican attorney who is vice president of the Lawyers Democracy Fund and was a recount lawyer for George W. Bush in the 2000 election , told the `` Just the News AM '' television show he hopes that the Supreme Court will put a stop to judicial and executive mission creep .
`` The Supreme Court has said that 'legislature ' does n't mean just the sitting body legislative , '' Spencer explained .
`` But it also means voter initiatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , the states have expanded that to mean judicial decisions and interpreting the state rulings .
So it 's a huge problem , and I think that somebody who is a strict constructionist , a textualist , needs to get a hold of that issue , and bring it back to what the founders intended in the Constitution . ''
Ilya Shapiro , director of the Robert A .
Levy Center for Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute , told Just the News that the battle could very well end up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett could provide a pivotal vote , given that a recent Supreme Court ruling on the Pennsylvania case was a 4-4 split .
`` The issues that are arising now [ are ] that state courts are changing certain provisions , '' Shapiro said .
`` That does n't mean that 's necessarily the end of the game , because now we 're saying that , obviously , there could be litigation in different states .
And if it 's a state whose electoral votes matter for the ultimate resolution of the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Supreme Court . ''

As the Trump campaign expands its lawsuits — including new filings Wednesday in Georgia and Pennsylvania — legal scholars say they are likely rooted in the Constitution's voting law authority, which limits the power of non-legislative actors trying to assert their power over balloting.
Trump has assembled a high-powered legal team to combat what it says is executive and judicial overreach in key battleground states led by Democratic governors. The Elections Clause of the Constitution (Article I, Section 4) gives state legislatures the authority to set the time, place and manner of federal elections, i.e., the rules governing the election process, including absentee ballots. Republicans say this legislative power has been eroded by both executive and judicial mission creep.
In Wisconsin, for example, the Governor, Tony Evers is a Democrat, but both chambers of the legislature are held by Republicans. The Trump campaign has filed for a recount in the Badger State amid a razor-thin lead held by rival Joe Biden. The Supreme Court late last month rejected Democrats' request to extend the deadline for counting mail-in ballots in Wisconsin beyond Election Day because of coronavirus concerns.
The GOP and the Trump campaign also announced Wednesday they are suing Pennsylvania, claiming the extension of a voter ID deadline is in violation of state law. The Keystone State has a Democratic governor, Tom Wolf, and a state supreme court with a majority of partisan, elected justices — five of its seven judges were Democrats upon their first election. The court recently ruled against Republicans and allowed Pennsylvania to accept ballots received up until 3 days after Election Day.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to that ruling, letting it stand for now with a 4-4 ruling, prior to Justice Amy Coney Barrett's seating. Republicans brought the case up to the high court a second time after Barrett's seating and were again denied a hearing on the case prior to Election Day (Barrett did not vote on that ruling, saying she hadn't had time to review the case). Republicans say a third try might see a different outcome, if the court agrees to hear the case in an emergency situation like the current electoral uncertainty.
Conservative activists filed a lawsuit on Election Day against the Pennsylvania state secretary alleging that a last-minute rule change to the state's ballot-counting process is privileging some voters over others and potentially slanting the outcome of the election.
On Wednesday, Trump's team also filed a lawsuit in Georgia, where a GOP poll observer saw 53 late absentee ballots "illegally added to a stack of on-time absentee ballots in Chatham County," said Deputy Campaign Manager and Senior Counsel Justin Clark. "We will not allow Democrat election officials to steal this election."
Hans von Spakovsky, a former member of the Federal Election Commission and a legal scholar at the Heritage Foundation, told Just the News that in the Trump campaign's cases in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, the courts should ensure that poll watchers are given the ability to completely observe the counting process as required under state law and should order election officials to not only allow complete access to designated poll watchers, but also to enforce full compliance with state laws governing absentee ballots.
"I believe the Trump campaign has a strong constitutional argument," Von Spakovsky said. "That includes any requirements for signature comparison, witness signatures, etc. Election officials should not be allowed to waive those rules and count such defective ballots."
Von Spakovsky said that under the U.S. Constitution's Elections Clause, if state legislatures want to extend the deadline for the receipt of absentee ballots beyond Election Day, they can do so.
"But neither state courts — like in Pennsylvania — nor other state officials/agencies — like the state board of elections in North Carolina — have the legal authority to simply override a state statute and extend the deadline for the receipt of absentee ballots," von Spakovsky said. "So the Trump campaign can argue that any ballots received after the deadline imposed by the legislature in state law are illegal and should not be counted."
Von Spakovsky said that Republicans have generally been more successful than Democrats at challenging election balloting and counting procedures, including in Alabama, Texas, South Carolina, Minnesota and other states.
"But so far they have not succeeded in crucial states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina," he said.
Von Spakovsky noted that Chief Justice Roberts issued a statement saying that he defers to state court rulings on these matters while ruling against federal courts. Roberts gave that explanation in the Wisconsin case on Oct. 26. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals had thrown out a decision by a federal district court in Wisconsin that extended the deadline for the receipt of absentee ballots from Nov. 3 to Nov. 9. Roberts wrote a concurrence saying this case was different from Pennsylvania because in Wisconsin, a federal court was intruding into the state lawmaking process whereas in Pennsylvania, it was the state court applying its own state constitution to change the absentee ballot deadline.
"I think this was mistaken analysis by the chief justice because the U.S. Constitution delegates authority to state legislatures, not state courts," Von Spakovsky said.
Republicans say they are hopeful the U.S. Supreme Court — especially with the newly-sworn Justice Barrett to possibly tip the balance — will ultimately restore constitutional order under a strict textualist reading that prohibits last-minute judicial usurpation of the prerogatives of state legislatures to make election rules.
Tom Spencer, a Republican attorney who is vice president of the Lawyers Democracy Fund and was a recount lawyer for George W. Bush in the 2000 election, told the "Just the News AM" television show he hopes that the Supreme Court will put a stop to judicial and executive mission creep.
"The Supreme Court has said that 'legislature' doesn't mean just the sitting body legislative," Spencer explained. "But it also means voter initiatives and other things. So now, of course, the states have expanded that to mean judicial decisions and interpreting the state rulings. So it's a huge problem, and I think that somebody who is a strict constructionist, a textualist, needs to get a hold of that issue, and bring it back to what the founders intended in the Constitution."
Ilya Shapiro, director of the Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute, told Just the News that the battle could very well end up before the Supreme Court and newly-seated Justice Barrett could provide a pivotal vote, given that a recent Supreme Court ruling on the Pennsylvania case was a 4-4 split.
"The issues that are arising now [are] that state courts are changing certain provisions," Shapiro said. "That doesn't mean that's necessarily the end of the game, because now we're saying that, obviously, there could be litigation in different states. And if it's a state whose electoral votes matter for the ultimate resolution of the election, then ultimately, that could get to the Supreme Court."