usatoday--2020-11-20--Execution of only woman on federal death row delayed after her attorneys contract COVID-19

NASHVILLE , Tenn. — A federal judge has delayed the execution of the only woman on federal death row after two of her attorneys — Tennessee-based public defenders — contracted severe cases of COVID-19 .
Lisa Montgomery 's execution has been delayed until at least Dec. 31 under an order filed Thursday by U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss in Washington , D.C. A new date has not yet been set .
Assistant federal public defenders Kelley Henry and Amy Harwell , based in the Middle Tennessee District , asked the court to delay the execution after they each caught @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's life .
Their symptoms have limited their ability to file a clemency petition to President Donald Trump , the court found .
`` The public ’ s interest in seeing justice done lies not only in carrying out the sentence imposed years ago but also in the lawful process leading to possible execution , '' Moss wrote .
`` Given the gravity of the circumstances and the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic , the Court concludes that the balance of equities and the public interest weigh in Plaintiff ’ s favor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ injunction to give due respect to the interest of Defendants and the public in avoiding unjustified delays in capitals ( sic ) cases . ''
Nov. 18 : Why the fate of the only woman on federal death row hinges on these Tennessee attorneys and their health Montgomery was convicted in 2007 of fatally strangling a 23-year-old pregnant woman , cutting her body open and kidnapping her baby .
She was scheduled to die by lethal injection on Dec. 8 in Terre Haute , Indiana , the first female inmate expected to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in more than six decades .
Under Thursday 's order , Harwell and Henry must finalize the clemency petition as soon as they are able .
If they 're still too unwell to do so without further assistance by Dec. 24 , they 're ordered to add other attorneys or ask the court to appoint additional qualified lawyers to the case .
`` The district court ’ s ruling gives Lisa Montgomery a meaningful opportunity to prepare and present a clemency application after her attorneys recover from COVID .
`` Mrs. Montgomery ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including her history as a victim of gang rape , incest , and child sex trafficking , as well as her severe mental illness .
She will now have the opportunity to present this evidence to the President with a request that he commute her sentence to life imprisonment , '' said Sandra L. Babcock , Clinical Professor of Law , Cornell Law School in an emailed release .
Babcock has previously entered declarations to the court on the case .
A federal judge appointed the Tennessee attorneys to assist on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have capital case experience .
Harwell and Henry believe they caught the virus in a series of visits to Montgomery in a Texas federal prison when they visited to help console her , prepare her clemency petition and prepare her for her scheduled death .
`` They got sick trying to protect her from this execution , '' Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Tennessee Henry Martin said in an interview Tuesday .
Each visit involved two plane flights , transit through two airports , hotel stays and interaction with dozens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car rental employees , passengers and prison guards , court documents said of the trips taken by Henry and Harwell .
Montgomery 's original Dec. 8 execution date was announced Oct. 16 .
They visited the Texas prison where she is housed on Oct.19 and 26 and Nov. 2 , according to their office .
By Nov. 11 , both attorneys had tested positive for COVID-19 .
As detailed in declarations to the court , they each have a range symptoms , including headaches , chills , sweats , gastrointestinal distress , inability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Moss ' order highlighted the unique challenges around the still barely-understood virus affecting lead attorneys on a capital case .
`` The Court can only speculate today about the future course of a disease that is , by all accounts , unpredictable and , at times , gravely debilitating , '' he wrote .
`` The Court , accordingly , finds that Harwell and Henry are currently unable meaningfully to assist in the preparation of Plaintiff ’ s clemency petition . ''
Montgomery was convicted of killing 23-year-old Bobbie Jo Stinnett in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2004 .
Montgomery drove from her Kansas home to Stinnett ’ s house in Skidmore under the guise of adopting a rat terrier puppy , prosecutors said .
When she arrived at the home , Montgomery used a rope to strangle Stinnett , who was eight months pregnant , but Stinnett was conscious and trying to defend herself as Montgomery used a kitchen knife to cut the baby girl from the womb , authorities said .
Montgomery removed the baby from Stinnett ’ s body , took the child with her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as her own , prosecutors in her trial said .
In response to the recent push to delay , the prosecution has argued they have already granted an extension of the deadline to file the needed clemency paperwork .
Investigation into Montgomery revealed a lifetime of mental , physical and sexual abuse , as well as serious brain injuries .
Court documents indicate she is a victim of incest , child sex trafficking , gang rape , physical abuse and neglect , largely at the hands of family members .
Her doctors have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traumatic brain injuries that her attorneys say `` have resulted in incurable and significant psychiatric disabilities . ''
In prison , she 's given a cocktail of anti-psychotic , anti-epileptic , and anti-depressant medications to help treat her illnesses , court documents indicate .
Attorneys say Montgomery 's mental illness is a critically important issue relevant to a request that Trump commute her sentence to life without parole , but travel restrictions and virus risks have limited the ability of mental health experts familiar with her history to evaluate her status .
Montgomery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put to death since the Justice Department resumed executions in July after a nearly 20-year hiatus .
Before the resumptions of executions this summer , federal authorities had executed just three prisoners in the previous 56 years .
The resumption of federal executions started July 14 , with the execution of former white supremacist Daniel Lewis Lee .
Since then , six others have been put to death .
President-elect Joe Biden , set to step into office in January , has signaled his intent to eliminate the death penalty at the federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean life or death to Montgomery and her companions on death row .
Montgomery has been on suicide watch , court documents show , in solitary confinement where the lights are always on and she is constantly monitored .
All of her possessions were taken away from her , including family photos , legal materials , her wedding band and reading materials , attorneys report , and was only permitted a single crayon and a piece of paper .
Montgomery was only allowed to wear a `` safety smock , '' described in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held shut by insecure Velcro straps '' that `` frequently exposed Mrs. Montgomery ’ s body to prison guards , including her breasts , pubic area and genitalia . ''
The loss of her underwear was particularly traumatizing to her as a victim of sexual assault , Montgomery 's attorneys wrote .

Execution of only woman on federal death row delayed after her attorneys contract COVID-19
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A federal judge has delayed the execution of the only woman on federal death row after two of her attorneys — Tennessee-based public defenders — contracted severe cases of COVID-19.
Lisa Montgomery's execution has been delayed until at least Dec. 31 under an order filed Thursday by U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss in Washington, D.C. A new date has not yet been set.
Assistant federal public defenders Kelley Henry and Amy Harwell, based in the Middle Tennessee District, asked the court to delay the execution after they each caught COVID-19 during last-ditch efforts to save Montgomery's life.
Their symptoms have limited their ability to file a clemency petition to President Donald Trump, the court found.
"The public’s interest in seeing justice done lies not only in carrying out the sentence imposed years ago but also in the lawful process leading to possible execution," Moss wrote.
"Given the gravity of the circumstances and the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic, the Court concludes that the balance of equities and the public interest weigh in Plaintiff’s favor. But the Court will also fashion its injunction to give due respect to the interest of Defendants and the public in avoiding unjustified delays in capitals (sic) cases."
Nov. 18: Why the fate of the only woman on federal death row hinges on these Tennessee attorneys and their health
Montgomery was convicted in 2007 of fatally strangling a 23-year-old pregnant woman, cutting her body open and kidnapping her baby.
She was scheduled to die by lethal injection on Dec. 8 in Terre Haute, Indiana, the first female inmate expected to be put to death by the U.S. government in more than six decades.
Under Thursday's order, Harwell and Henry must finalize the clemency petition as soon as they are able. If they're still too unwell to do so without further assistance by Dec. 24, they're ordered to add other attorneys or ask the court to appoint additional qualified lawyers to the case.
"The district court’s ruling gives Lisa Montgomery a meaningful opportunity to prepare and present a clemency application after her attorneys recover from COVID.
"Mrs. Montgomery’s case presents compelling grounds for clemency, including her history as a victim of gang rape, incest, and child sex trafficking, as well as her severe mental illness. She will now have the opportunity to present this evidence to the President with a request that he commute her sentence to life imprisonment," said Sandra L. Babcock, Clinical Professor of Law, Cornell Law School in an emailed release. Babcock has previously entered declarations to the court on the case.
Only woman on death row
A federal judge appointed the Tennessee attorneys to assist on the case, as fellow counsel did not have capital case experience.
Harwell and Henry believe they caught the virus in a series of visits to Montgomery in a Texas federal prison when they visited to help console her, prepare her clemency petition and prepare her for her scheduled death.
"They got sick trying to protect her from this execution," Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Tennessee Henry Martin said in an interview Tuesday.
Each visit involved two plane flights, transit through two airports, hotel stays and interaction with dozens of people, including airline attendants, car rental employees, passengers and prison guards, court documents said of the trips taken by Henry and Harwell.
Montgomery's original Dec. 8 execution date was announced Oct. 16. They visited the Texas prison where she is housed on Oct.19 and 26 and Nov. 2, according to their office. By Nov. 11, both attorneys had tested positive for COVID-19.
As detailed in declarations to the court, they each have a range symptoms, including headaches, chills, sweats, gastrointestinal distress, inability to focus and impaired thinking and judgment.
Moss' order highlighted the unique challenges around the still barely-understood virus affecting lead attorneys on a capital case.
"The Court can only speculate today about the future course of a disease that is, by all accounts, unpredictable and, at times, gravely debilitating," he wrote. "The Court, accordingly, finds that Harwell and Henry are currently unable meaningfully to assist in the preparation of Plaintiff’s clemency petition."
Mental issues vital to clemency push
Montgomery was convicted of killing 23-year-old Bobbie Jo Stinnett in the northwest Missouri town of Skidmore in December 2004.
Montgomery drove from her Kansas home to Stinnett’s house in Skidmore under the guise of adopting a rat terrier puppy, prosecutors said. When she arrived at the home, Montgomery used a rope to strangle Stinnett, who was eight months pregnant, but Stinnett was conscious and trying to defend herself as Montgomery used a kitchen knife to cut the baby girl from the womb, authorities said.
Montgomery removed the baby from Stinnett’s body, took the child with her, and attempted to pass the girl off as her own, prosecutors in her trial said.
In response to the recent push to delay, the prosecution has argued they have already granted an extension of the deadline to file the needed clemency paperwork.
Investigation into Montgomery revealed a lifetime of mental, physical and sexual abuse, as well as serious brain injuries.
Court documents indicate she is a victim of incest, child sex trafficking, gang rape, physical abuse and neglect, largely at the hands of family members. Her doctors have also reported congenital brain damage and multiple traumatic brain injuries that her attorneys say "have resulted in incurable and significant psychiatric disabilities."
In prison, she's given a cocktail of anti-psychotic, anti-epileptic, and anti-depressant medications to help treat her illnesses, court documents indicate.
Attorneys say Montgomery's mental illness is a critically important issue relevant to a request that Trump commute her sentence to life without parole, but travel restrictions and virus risks have limited the ability of mental health experts familiar with her history to evaluate her status.
Federal executions could stop under Biden
Montgomery would be the ninth federal inmate to put to death since the Justice Department resumed executions in July after a nearly 20-year hiatus.
Before the resumptions of executions this summer, federal authorities had executed just three prisoners in the previous 56 years.
The resumption of federal executions started July 14, with the execution of former white supremacist Daniel Lewis Lee. Since then, six others have been put to death.
President-elect Joe Biden, set to step into office in January, has signaled his intent to eliminate the death penalty at the federal level. Any further a delay could mean life or death to Montgomery and her companions on death row.
Montgomery has been on suicide watch, court documents show, in solitary confinement where the lights are always on and she is constantly monitored.
All of her possessions were taken away from her, including family photos, legal materials, her wedding band and reading materials, attorneys report, and was only permitted a single crayon and a piece of paper.
Montgomery was only allowed to wear a "safety smock," described in court documents as a "flexible garment held shut by insecure Velcro straps" that "frequently exposed Mrs. Montgomery’s body to prison guards, including her breasts, pubic area and genitalia."
The loss of her underwear was particularly traumatizing to her as a victim of sexual assault, Montgomery's attorneys wrote.
Follow Mariah Timms on Twitter: @MariahTimms.


usatoday--2020-11-20--Errors prove costly for Arizona Cardinals against Seattle Seahawks on 'Thursday Night Football'

The Arizona Cardinals had a chance to back up all the growing , glorious talk about them on the primetime stage of `` Thursday Night Football '' against the division rival that ’ s been their primary nemesis for years now .
The question on everyone ’ s minds following their thrilling , Hail Mary victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday was , could they topple the NFC West ’ s long-standing old guard , the Seattle Seahawks , for the second time this season ?
All the dramatics were set in place after the Seahawks got a safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jason Myers with 2:19 left in regulation to increase their lead to 28-21 .
All the Cardinals had to do to validate their ascension was find a way to tie the score and either win it with a two-point conversion or take their chances in overtime .
All hope , however , ended for the Cardinals on Seattle ’ s 32-yard line .
Kyler Murray , despite a gutsy performance while playing with a sore right shoulder , got sacked by Carlos Dunlap on fourth and 10 and the Seahawks hung on for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured his throwing shoulder after getting sacked by L.J .
Collier in the first quarter and kept getting repeated heat treatment on the sideline between possessions , had moved the Cardinals downfield to have a shot at another late-game heroic finish .
But it wasn ’ t meant to be , as Murray threw three straight incompletions to Christian Kirk , Larry Fitzgerald and Andy Isabella and then Dunlop penetrated the line for a game-saving 5-yard sack .
Murray finished the game completing 29 of 42 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or Colts in battle of first-place teams ?
NFL NEWSLETTER : Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox Arizona ( 6-4 ) could have staked at least a share of first place in the NFC West with a victory , but now trails Seattle ( 7-3 ) and will also be behind the Rams ( 6-3 ) if they beat the Buccaneers on Monday night Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson completed 23 of 28 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns , avoiding his first ever three-game losing streak since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cardinals have had a ton of recent success in Seattle , having won four of their last five visits there and five of their seven overall .
But the fact they lost Thursday night on the same day the Seahawks changed the name of their stadium from CenturyLink Field to Lumen Field wasn ’ t the difference .
It was their sloppy play throughout the game , which included a staggering 10 penalties for 115 yards .
Mental mistakes have been a problem all season for the Cardinals and coach Kliff Kingsbury is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players all night long .
There we four false-start flags by the offensive line , a 46-yard pass interference call on Patrick Peterson that led to a score and holding call by guard J.R. Sweezy in the end zone that resulted in a safety for the Seahawks in the fourth quarter .
But the biggest blunder might have come in the third quarter during a deciding point in the game .
Trailing by just two points , Cardinals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick let his temper get the best of him after Arizona had stopped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confrontation with the Seahawks ’ DK Metcalf , got hit with a costly 15-yard taunting penalty that changed the entire complexion of the situation .
The flag gave the Seahawks an automatic first down and after a 22-yard reception by Metcalf , Seahawks running back Carlos Hyde scored from 2 yards out as Seattle increased its lead to 23-14 with 5:20 remaining in the third quarter .
The Cardinals were able to get a touchdown of their own on their ensuing possession as Murray found running back Chase Edmonds on a crossing route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score , but things could have been decidedly different if Kirkpatrick doesn ’ t lose his cool .
The Seahawks out-rushed the Cardinals 165 yards to 57 and had a 10-minute edge in time of possession overall .
DEANDRE HOPKINS CATCH : Cardinals WR is n't the only one benefiting from Hail Mary catch – Nike is , too Despite scoring 21 or more points in a franchise-record 12 straight games , including five consecutive games totaling 30 points and gaining 400 or more yards entering Thursday night ’ s divisional showdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy with their offensive output .
Murray said he “ could have definitely played better ” against the Bills and Kingsbury , even while directing the NFL ’ s top-ranked offense , was still complaining about a lack of “ consistency.
” “ We have some really great moments where we we 're moving the ball , playing fast , playing downhill , and then tend to shoot ourselves in the foot , ” Kingsbury had said , adding that penalties , missed assignments and the occasional turnover has been thwarting Arizona ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel like we can be a lot better , ” he continued .
“ I know there ’ s some explosive plays and some good things going on , but I just don ’ t think we ’ ve hit our stride just yet and that ’ s what we ’ re working towards.
” Thursday night , the Cardinals wanted to make a statement .
They wanted to show they could play a full 60 minutes of football perfection , if they could , even on a short rest .
It wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of course , especially with multiple defensive players out of the lineup due to injuries , especially up front .
Arizona was playing without defensive linemen Corey Peters ( knee ) , who is done for the season , plus Jordan Phillips ( hamstring ) , Zach Allen ( ankle ) and rookies Rashard Lawrence ( calf ) and Leki Fotu ( ankle ) , all of whom have been placed on injured reserve .
If you enjoy talking football , we have the perfect spot for you .
Join our Facebook Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders .
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Errors prove costly for Arizona Cardinals against Seattle Seahawks on 'Thursday Night Football'
Show Caption Hide Caption Lorenzo's Locks: The 3 best bets you should consider for NFL Week 11 SportsPulse: Lorenzo was one Nick Chubb away from a perfect weekend of bets. He's back with his three best bets for Week 11 in the NFL. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
The Arizona Cardinals had a chance to back up all the growing, glorious talk about them on the primetime stage of "Thursday Night Football" against the division rival that’s been their primary nemesis for years now.
The question on everyone’s minds following their thrilling, Hail Mary victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday was, could they topple the NFC West’s long-standing old guard, the Seattle Seahawks, for the second time this season?
All the dramatics were set in place after the Seahawks got a safety and then a 41-yard field goal by Jason Myers with 2:19 left in regulation to increase their lead to 28-21. All the Cardinals had to do to validate their ascension was find a way to tie the score and either win it with a two-point conversion or take their chances in overtime.
All hope, however, ended for the Cardinals on Seattle’s 32-yard line. Kyler Murray, despite a gutsy performance while playing with a sore right shoulder, got sacked by Carlos Dunlap on fourth and 10 and the Seahawks hung on for a 28-21 victory.
Murray, who injured his throwing shoulder after getting sacked by L.J. Collier in the first quarter and kept getting repeated heat treatment on the sideline between possessions, had moved the Cardinals downfield to have a shot at another late-game heroic finish.
But it wasn’t meant to be, as Murray threw three straight incompletions to Christian Kirk, Larry Fitzgerald and Andy Isabella and then Dunlop penetrated the line for a game-saving 5-yard sack. Murray finished the game completing 29 of 42 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
NFL WEEK 11 PICKS: Packers or Colts in battle of first-place teams?
NFL NEWSLETTER: Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox
Arizona (6-4) could have staked at least a share of first place in the NFC West with a victory, but now trails Seattle (7-3) and will also be behind the Rams (6-3) if they beat the Buccaneers on Monday night
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson completed 23 of 28 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, avoiding his first ever three-game losing streak since coming to Seattle in 2012.
The Cardinals have had a ton of recent success in Seattle, having won four of their last five visits there and five of their seven overall. But the fact they lost Thursday night on the same day the Seahawks changed the name of their stadium from CenturyLink Field to Lumen Field wasn’t the difference.
It was their sloppy play throughout the game, which included a staggering 10 penalties for 115 yards. Mental mistakes have been a problem all season for the Cardinals and coach Kliff Kingsbury is probably hoarse now after barking at his players all night long.
There we four false-start flags by the offensive line, a 46-yard pass interference call on Patrick Peterson that led to a score and holding call by guard J.R. Sweezy in the end zone that resulted in a safety for the Seahawks in the fourth quarter.
But the biggest blunder might have come in the third quarter during a deciding point in the game.
Trailing by just two points, Cardinals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick let his temper get the best of him after Arizona had stopped Seattle on third down and during a confrontation with the Seahawks’ DK Metcalf, got hit with a costly 15-yard taunting penalty that changed the entire complexion of the situation.
The flag gave the Seahawks an automatic first down and after a 22-yard reception by Metcalf, Seahawks running back Carlos Hyde scored from 2 yards out as Seattle increased its lead to 23-14 with 5:20 remaining in the third quarter.
The Cardinals were able to get a touchdown of their own on their ensuing possession as Murray found running back Chase Edmonds on a crossing route in the end zone for a 3-yard score, but things could have been decidedly different if Kirkpatrick doesn’t lose his cool.
The Seahawks out-rushed the Cardinals 165 yards to 57 and had a 10-minute edge in time of possession overall.
DEANDRE HOPKINS CATCH: Cardinals WR isn't the only one benefiting from Hail Mary catch – Nike is, too
Despite scoring 21 or more points in a franchise-record 12 straight games, including five consecutive games totaling 30 points and gaining 400 or more yards entering Thursday night’s divisional showdown, the Cardinals hadn’t been necessarily happy with their offensive output.
Murray said he “could have definitely played better” against the Bills and Kingsbury, even while directing the NFL’s top-ranked offense, was still complaining about a lack of “consistency.”
“We have some really great moments where we we're moving the ball, playing fast, playing downhill, and then tend to shoot ourselves in the foot,” Kingsbury had said, adding that penalties, missed assignments and the occasional turnover has been thwarting Arizona’s full potential.
“I just feel like we can be a lot better,” he continued. “I know there’s some explosive plays and some good things going on, but I just don’t think we’ve hit our stride just yet and that’s what we’re working towards.”
Thursday night, the Cardinals wanted to make a statement. They wanted to show they could play a full 60 minutes of football perfection, if they could, even on a short rest. It wasn’t going to be easy, of course, especially with multiple defensive players out of the lineup due to injuries, especially up front.
Arizona was playing without defensive linemen Corey Peters (knee), who is done for the season, plus Jordan Phillips (hamstring), Zach Allen (ankle) and rookies Rashard Lawrence (calf) and Leki Fotu (ankle), all of whom have been placed on injured reserve.
Follow the Arizona Republic's Bob McMananman on Twitter @azbobbymac.
If you enjoy talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders. Do the right thing, sign up now!


usatoday--2020-11-20--Famed Puerto Rico radio telescope at Arecibo Observatory, hugely important to scientific research fo

• The telescope structure is in danger of a catastrophic failure .
• The structure should be demolished in a controlled way as soon as pragmatically possible .
• In its 57 years of operation , it endured hurricanes , endless humidity and a recent string of strong earthquakes .
A massive radio telescope in Puerto Rico used by scientists worldwide will close , the National Science Foundation announced Thursday .
For 57 years , the telescope at the Arecibo Observatory has served as a world-class resource for radio astronomy , planetary , solar system and geospace research , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an NSF statement .
The foundation said the telescope structure is in danger of a catastrophic failure and its cables may no longer be capable of carrying the loads they were designed to support .
In addition , any attempts at repairs could put workers in potentially life-threatening danger , the NSF said .
“ This decision is not an easy one for NSF to make , but the safety of people is our number one priority , ” said Sean Jones , the agency ’ s assistant director for the Mathematical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand how much Arecibo means to this community and to Puerto Rico.
” An auxiliary cable broke in August and tore a 100-foot hole in the reflector dish and damaged the dome above it .
Then on Nov. 6 , one of the telescope 's main steel cables snapped , causing further damage and leading officials to warn that the entire structure could collapse .
`` Although it saddens us to make this recommendation , we believe the structure should be demolished in a controlled way as soon as pragmatically possible , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was hired to assess the telescope .
It is the end of one of the most iconic and scientifically productive telescopes in the history of astronomy – and scientists are mourning its loss , according to Nature magazine .
“ I don ’ t know what to say , ” Robert Kerr , a former director of the observatory , told Nature .
“ It ’ s just unbelievable.
” Ralph Gaume , director of NSF ’ s astronomy division , said the agency wants to preserve other instruments at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and outreach center , according to Science magazine .
The telescope was built in the 1960s with money from the Defense Department amid a push to develop anti-ballistic missile defenses .
In its 57 years of operation , it endured hurricanes , endless humidity and a recent string of strong earthquakes .
For many years it was the main instrument involved in listening for messages from extraterrestrial civilizations , and its striking looks won it a supporting role in feature films , Science magazine said .
The telescope boasts a 1,000-foot-wide dish , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film `` Contact '' and the James Bond movie `` GoldenEye . ''
The announcement saddened many beyond the scientific world , with the hashtag # WhatAreciboMeansToMe popping up on Twitter along with pictures of people working , visiting and even getting married or celebrating a birthday at the telescope .
There is no estimate yet on the cost of decommissioning the telescope , according to Nature magazine .

Famed Puerto Rico radio telescope at Arecibo Observatory, hugely important to scientific research for more than 50 years, to be demolished
Show Caption Hide Caption Historic Arecibo telescope to be dismantled in Puerto Rico After 57 years, Puerto Rico's Arecibo telescope is going to be dismantled, after several cables were damaged, leaving it on the brink of collapse. Accuweather
The telescope structure is in danger of a catastrophic failure.
The structure should be demolished in a controlled way as soon as pragmatically possible.
In its 57 years of operation, it endured hurricanes, endless humidity and a recent string of strong earthquakes.
A massive radio telescope in Puerto Rico used by scientists worldwide will close, the National Science Foundation announced Thursday.
For 57 years, the telescope at the Arecibo Observatory has served as a world-class resource for radio astronomy, planetary, solar system and geospace research, and the search for extraterrestrial life, according to an NSF statement.
The foundation said the telescope structure is in danger of a catastrophic failure and its cables may no longer be capable of carrying the loads they were designed to support. In addition, any attempts at repairs could put workers in potentially life-threatening danger, the NSF said.
“This decision is not an easy one for NSF to make, but the safety of people is our number one priority,” said Sean Jones, the agency’s assistant director for the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate. “We understand how much Arecibo means to this community and to Puerto Rico.”
An auxiliary cable broke in August and tore a 100-foot hole in the reflector dish and damaged the dome above it. Then on Nov. 6, one of the telescope's main steel cables snapped, causing further damage and leading officials to warn that the entire structure could collapse.
"Although it saddens us to make this recommendation, we believe the structure should be demolished in a controlled way as soon as pragmatically possible, " according to the engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti, which was hired to assess the telescope.
It is the end of one of the most iconic and scientifically productive telescopes in the history of astronomy – and scientists are mourning its loss, according to Nature magazine.
“I don’t know what to say,” Robert Kerr, a former director of the observatory, told Nature. “It’s just unbelievable.”
Ralph Gaume, director of NSF’s astronomy division, said the agency wants to preserve other instruments at the site, as well as the visitor and outreach center, according to Science magazine.
The telescope was built in the 1960s with money from the Defense Department amid a push to develop anti-ballistic missile defenses. In its 57 years of operation, it endured hurricanes, endless humidity and a recent string of strong earthquakes.
For many years it was the main instrument involved in listening for messages from extraterrestrial civilizations, and its striking looks won it a supporting role in feature films, Science magazine said.
The telescope boasts a 1,000-foot-wide dish, which was featured in the Jodie Foster film "Contact" and the James Bond movie "GoldenEye."
The announcement saddened many beyond the scientific world, with the hashtag #WhatAreciboMeansToMe popping up on Twitter along with pictures of people working, visiting and even getting married or celebrating a birthday at the telescope.
There is no estimate yet on the cost of decommissioning the telescope, according to Nature magazine.
Contributing: The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-11-19--Timelapse shows sunset before 'Polar Night' brings 66 days of darkness to city in Alaska

Timelapse shows sunset before 'Polar Night ' brings 66 days of darkness to city in Alaska Watch the final sunset @ @ @ @ @ on the northern tip of Alaska , before the `` polar night '' brings over @ @ @ @ @

Timelapse shows last sunset in Alaska city before 66 days of darkness
Watch the final sunset in Utqiaġvik, a city on the northern tip of Alaska, before the "polar night" brings over two months of darkness.
Storyful, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-19--A 'Thank You' letter to our pets

A 'Thank You' letter to our pets

A 'Thank You ' letter to our pets Every day of the year we are thankful for our furry and @ @ @ @ @ best pets .

A 'Thank You' letter to our pets
Every day of the year we are thankful for our furry and fishy friends for being the best pets.
Animalkind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-19--How to make homemade gravy for Thanksgiving dinner

How to make homemade gravy for Thanksgiving dinner Delicious homemade gravy can be made in a few simple steps .

Thanksgiving: How to make the best gravy
Delicious homemade gravy can be made in a few simple steps.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-20--Biden responds to Trump's continued legal battles over election results

President-elect Biden responded to President Trump 's efforts to overturn the result of the election , `` it 's just @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Biden calls Trump's invitation to Michigan lawmakers 'outrageous'
President-elect Biden responded to President Trump's efforts to overturn the result of the election, "it's just outrageous what he's doing."
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-19--Michigan's GOP legislative leaders to meet with Trump at White House amid election fight

DETROIT — The Republican leaders of the Michigan House and Senate are expected to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House Friday as Trump continues his longshot bid to retain the presidency by overturning election results in key states such as Michigan .
House Speaker Lee Chatfield , R-Levering , and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey , R- Clarklake , will meet with Trump , a source briefed on the meeting told USA TODAY .
Chatfield and Shirkey could not be reached Thursday .
The reported visit comes as Trump and his supporters find little legal relief in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence or proof , that Michigan 's election results are illegitimate .
It 's also happening as the legislative leaders argue Gov .
Gretchen Whitmer is unwilling to meet with them to find common ground on combating the surging spread of COVID-19 across Michigan .
Whitmer , who was to meet virtually Thursday with President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris , has been rebuffed in her requests to the Legislature to codify a state health order requiring face masks and says the GOP leaders have offered no alternative plan other than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shirkey have said they have no plans for any longshot maneuvers aimed at the Republican legislature naming an alternate set of pro-Trump electors for Michigan .
Democrats and others blasted the leaders ' reported decision to travel to see Trump .
`` This is an affront to our democracy .
The people of Michigan have spoken and elected Joe Biden by 14x Trump ’ s margin in ‘ 16 .
@ LeeChatfield and @ SenMikeShirkey need to stop undermining our democracy , '' U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell , D-Michigan , tweeted Thursday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders working to protect Michigan against COVID-19 , they are going to Washington , D.C. to discuss how to ensure that hundreds of thousands of Michigan voters ' voices are silenced , '' U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow , D-Michigan , also tweeted Thursday afternoon .
Biden has approximately 154,000 more votes than Trump in Michigan , according to the latest unofficial totals .
That has not stopped the president from claiming , inaccurately , that he won the state .
All 83 Michigan counties have certified local election results .
The Board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two Republicans and two Democrats , is to meet Monday to discuss certifying statewide results .
Certification by the state board makes the results final .
The legislative leaders are not the first officials contacted by the president .
On Thursday , Wayne County Board of Canvassers Chairwoman Monica Palmer told the Free Press the president called her on Tuesday night .
The call came after Palmer and a fellow Republican member of the board reversed their positions , agreeing to join Democrats in certifying the county 's election results .
The two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving the four-member board deadlocked at 2-2 .
On Thursday , Palmer and fellow Republican member William Hartmann filed affidavits stating they would like to reverse course again and not support certifying Wayne County results .
There is no legal mechanism to change their votes , but the Trump campaign cited an inaccurate characterization of these affidavits on Thursday as its rationale for withdrawing a federal lawsuit filed last week in Michigan .
The Trump campaign 's legal efforts in Michigan have been largely unsuccessful , resulting frequently in judging dismissing their allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some voiced concerns that battleground states with Republican legislatures would appoint Republican presidential electors even if Biden won the state .
But both Chatfield and Shirkey have repeatedly downplayed the prospect of lawmakers choosing electors for the state .
“ Allegations of fraud and other concerns about the elections process deserve the full attention of Secretary Benson , '' Shirkey said in a statement on Wednesday .
`` The secretary of state should act quickly to review the discrepancies found in Wayne County .
Additional concerns have been brought before the courts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions of legality surrounding the state elections process.
” It is unlikely Michigan 's Republican lawmakers could successfully intervene to directly appoint electors or challenge the governor 's certification .
If Michigan ’ s Republican lawmakers would like to make changes to this process , state law requires that they pass legislation to do so that would have to be signed into law by Whitmer .
Michigan stands out for having election laws on the books that clearly lay out the Electoral College process .
“ The law in terms of the Legislature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act otherwise being severely constrained is much clearer in Michigan than in most other states , ” says Steven Liedel , a Lansing attorney who counts state constitutional law among his specialties and served as chief counsel to former Democratic Gov .
Jennifer Granholm .
With Michigan ’ s political parties already having appointed their slates of electors , if the Legislature had an issue with that process , “ the time to raise it would have been much sooner , ” Liedel said .
“ Anything now would be changing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Chatfield and Shirkey do support legislative oversight efforts of elections operations .
A joint committee has already issued subpoenas to the office of the Michigan Secretary of State ; the state says it has provided more than 1,100 pages of documents in response to the subpoenas , while arguing the requests are political .
`` I hope legislators will now cease their meritless attempt to falsely denigrate our elections simply because they are disappointed by the results , and instead join my office and many local clerks in assuring the public that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was counted and every voice was heard , '' Benson said in a statement earlier this week .
Contact Dave Boucher at dboucher @ freepress.com or 313-938-4591 .
Follow him on Twitter @ Dave_Boucher1 .

Paul Egan and Dave Boucher, Detroit Free Press

Michigan's GOP legislative leaders to meet with Trump at White House amid election fight
Show Caption Hide Caption GOP members reverse course, vote to certify Wayne County election results After an initial deadlock, two Republican members of the Wayne County Board of Canvassers reversed course, voting for certifying the county's election results. Detroit Free Press
DETROIT — The Republican leaders of the Michigan House and Senate are expected to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House Friday as Trump continues his longshot bid to retain the presidency by overturning election results in key states such as Michigan.
House Speaker Lee Chatfield, R-Levering, and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, R- Clarklake, will meet with Trump, a source briefed on the meeting told USA TODAY.
Chatfield and Shirkey could not be reached Thursday.
The reported visit comes as Trump and his supporters find little legal relief in their ongoing attempts to show, without evidence or proof, that Michigan's election results are illegitimate.
It's also happening as the legislative leaders argue Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is unwilling to meet with them to find common ground on combating the surging spread of COVID-19 across Michigan. Whitmer, who was to meet virtually Thursday with President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, has been rebuffed in her requests to the Legislature to codify a state health order requiring face masks and says the GOP leaders have offered no alternative plan other than public service announcements.
Both Chatfield and Shirkey have said they have no plans for any longshot maneuvers aimed at the Republican legislature naming an alternate set of pro-Trump electors for Michigan.
Democrats and others blasted the leaders' reported decision to travel to see Trump.
"This is an affront to our democracy. The people of Michigan have spoken and elected Joe Biden by 14x Trump’s margin in ‘16. @LeeChatfield and @SenMikeShirkey need to stop undermining our democracy," U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan, tweeted Thursday afternoon.
"Instead of our top GOP leaders working to protect Michigan against COVID-19, they are going to Washington, D.C. to discuss how to ensure that hundreds of thousands of Michigan voters' voices are silenced," U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan, also tweeted Thursday afternoon.
Biden has approximately 154,000 more votes than Trump in Michigan, according to the latest unofficial totals. That has not stopped the president from claiming, inaccurately, that he won the state.
All 83 Michigan counties have certified local election results. The Board of State Canvassers, which is composed of two Republicans and two Democrats, is to meet Monday to discuss certifying statewide results. Certification by the state board makes the results final.
The legislative leaders are not the first officials contacted by the president. On Thursday, Wayne County Board of Canvassers Chairwoman Monica Palmer told the Free Press the president called her on Tuesday night.
More: Trump withdraws federal lawsuit in Michigan, citing Wayne County canvasser affidavits
More: Donald Trump called Monica Palmer after Wayne County Board of Canvassers meeting
The call came after Palmer and a fellow Republican member of the board reversed their positions, agreeing to join Democrats in certifying the county's election results. The two GOP members initially balked at certification, leaving the four-member board deadlocked at 2-2.
On Thursday, Palmer and fellow Republican member William Hartmann filed affidavits stating they would like to reverse course again and not support certifying Wayne County results. There is no legal mechanism to change their votes, but the Trump campaign cited an inaccurate characterization of these affidavits on Thursday as its rationale for withdrawing a federal lawsuit filed last week in Michigan.
The Trump campaign's legal efforts in Michigan have been largely unsuccessful, resulting frequently in judging dismissing their allegations.
Leading up to the election, some voiced concerns that battleground states with Republican legislatures would appoint Republican presidential electors even if Biden won the state. But both Chatfield and Shirkey have repeatedly downplayed the prospect of lawmakers choosing electors for the state.
“Allegations of fraud and other concerns about the elections process deserve the full attention of Secretary Benson," Shirkey said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The secretary of state should act quickly to review the discrepancies found in Wayne County. Additional concerns have been brought before the courts, which is the proper place to resolve questions of legality surrounding the state elections process.”
It is unlikely Michigan's Republican lawmakers could successfully intervene to directly appoint electors or challenge the governor's certification. If Michigan’s Republican lawmakers would like to make changes to this process, state law requires that they pass legislation to do so that would have to be signed into law by Whitmer.
Michigan stands out for having election laws on the books that clearly lay out the Electoral College process.
“The law in terms of the Legislature only acting by bill and its ability to act otherwise being severely constrained is much clearer in Michigan than in most other states,” says Steven Liedel, a Lansing attorney who counts state constitutional law among his specialties and served as chief counsel to former Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm.
With Michigan’s political parties already having appointed their slates of electors, if the Legislature had an issue with that process, “the time to raise it would have been much sooner,” Liedel said. “Anything now would be changing the rules in the middle of the game.”
Chatfield and Shirkey do support legislative oversight efforts of elections operations. A joint committee has already issued subpoenas to the office of the Michigan Secretary of State; the state says it has provided more than 1,100 pages of documents in response to the subpoenas, while arguing the requests are political.
"I hope legislators will now cease their meritless attempt to falsely denigrate our elections simply because they are disappointed by the results, and instead join my office and many local clerks in assuring the public that in this election, every valid vote was counted and every voice was heard," Benson said in a statement earlier this week.
Staff writer Clara Hendrickson contributed to this report.
Contact Dave Boucher at dboucher@freepress.com or 313-938-4591. Follow him on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.


usatoday--2020-11-19--Sen. Lindsey Graham faces ethics complaint over call to top election official in Georgia about ballo

WASHINGTON – Sen. Lindsey Graham , a staunch ally of the president , is the target of an ethics complaint after his controversial phone call with a key election official in Georgia over how the state counts ballots .
Georgia ’ s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger accused Graham earlier this week of pressuring him to find ways to exclude or invalidate legally cast absentee ballots and reverse Trump ’ s loss in the state , an accusation the South Carolina Republican called `` ridiculous . ''
Graham said he had also spoken with Arizona 's Republican Gov .
Doug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Nevada , both swing states that helped Joe Biden beat President Donald Trump for the White House .
The senator 's contact with other states over election counting efforts came as Trump and his campaign have lodged multiple lawsuits over baseless voter fraud allegations in a longshot attempt to overturn the election results .
A complaint filed Wednesday to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics asks the panel to investigate Graham 's phone call with Raffensperger , whether Graham suggested not counting all legal votes and whether he had threatened election officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a recount , with a Senate investigation .
The complaint was filed by Walter Shaub , a former top ethics watchdog for the federal government under President Barack Obama ; Richard Painter , the top ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush ; and Claire Finkelstein , who heads the University of Pennsylvania 's Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law .
`` If these allegations are true , Senator Graham 's conduct constitutes an abuse of office and conduct unbecoming of a senator , '' the complaint states .
A quick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election results as presidency is called for Biden Congressional ethics probes are notorious for their length and often do not result in any disciplinary actions .
Complaints can also be filed by anyone for any reason and do not indicate wrongdoing .
Kevin Bishop , a spokesman for Graham , dismissed the complaint in a statement and pointed to previous remarks from the authors of the complaint criticizing Graham and Trump numerous times over the years .
“ These are long-time vocal critics of both Senator Graham and the Trump Administration , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be viewed in that light . ''
More : Lindsey Graham says he 's spoken with multiple battleground state officials about ballot counting More : Georgia Secretary of State Raffensperger fires back against Trump ’ s false claims about election But questions have been raised about Graham 's contacts with election officials in other states .
He has donated $ 500,000 to the president 's legal efforts , where Trump and his campaign have argued baseless accusations of voter fraud in multiple states where Trump lost to Biden .
`` Bottom line , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election official in the middle of an election as they 're counting the vote – in a state he does not even represent – and apparently making suggestions to toss ballots , '' Painter said in an interview .
`` I find that to be clear interference in the electoral process and it 's troublesome if he 's doing it in order to help Trump . ''
Graham has continued to defend himself amid criticism .
Asked in what capacity he was making these calls , Graham said “ as a United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the election process nationally , when it comes to vote by mail.
” He told reporters this week he was stepping in to check on other states because the future of the country hangs in the balance .
He denied claims he was pressuring officials to exclude ballots but was rather attempting to understand the method for which different states examine ballots .
His explanation differed from how Raffensperger saw the conversation with Graham .
He told The Washington Post Graham questioned whether he had the power to reject certain absentee ballots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a suggestion to toss out legally cast votes .
Graham asked him whether political bias might have caused elections workers to accept ballots with non-matching signatures , Raffensperger said , and asked whether workers could throw out all absentee ballots in counties with higher rates of non-matching signatures .
Graham has said he called merely to better understand how verifying signatures worked and said the suggestion that he was attempting to pressure Raffensperger to toss ballots was `` ridiculous . ''
Fellow lawmakers largely have n't weighed in on the controversy but were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls .
Asked about Graham 's efforts , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , did n't weigh in on whether the contacts were appropriate .
He instead outlined that each state runs their own elections and highlighted the lack of foreign interference in this cycle .
Fellow Republican Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri said he did n't see anything wrong with Graham contacting the officials .
`` I mean every senator can talk to anybody who will pick up the phone and talk to them and any secretary of state should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who calls them in my view , '' he explained .
`` I did n't see it as troublesome . ''
Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said officials in these states should n't `` give a hoot what a United States senator says to you . ''
`` I have no idea what Sen. Graham said but there is no reason any secretary of state should feel intimidated , '' Blumenthal said , pointing back to his days as an attorney general and getting similar calls from politicians .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is doing because I do n't know exactly what he is doing , '' Blumenthal said of Graham 's conversations with state officials .
`` It really depends upon what he said , but I 'm going to certainly presume he was careful to avoid any violation of law .
But the judgment should be made by people who know exactly what he said . ''
Fellow Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island similarly did not pass judgement on Graham but said it came down to the rationale behind the calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to do is get information , people are entitled to do that , '' Whitehouse said .
`` If he ’ s trying to influence the way they perform their duty , that becomes a bit problematic .
And without knowing what was said , I can ’ t tell which is which . ''

Sen. Lindsey Graham faces ethics complaint over call to top election official in Georgia about ballots
Show Caption Hide Caption Georgia elections chief battles fellow Republicans Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is under attack in the aftermath of a heated election: GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham has called and asked whether the secretary can reject ballots, and Georgia's U.S. senators have demanded that he resign. (Nov. 17) AP
WASHINGTON – Sen. Lindsey Graham, a staunch ally of the president, is the target of an ethics complaint after his controversial phone call with a key election official in Georgia over how the state counts ballots.
Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger accused Graham earlier this week of pressuring him to find ways to exclude or invalidate legally cast absentee ballots and reverse Trump’s loss in the state, an accusation the South Carolina Republican called "ridiculous."
Graham said he had also spoken with Arizona's Republican Gov. Doug Ducey and was briefed about the process in Nevada, both swing states that helped Joe Biden beat President Donald Trump for the White House.
The senator's contact with other states over election counting efforts came as Trump and his campaign have lodged multiple lawsuits over baseless voter fraud allegations in a longshot attempt to overturn the election results.
A complaint filed Wednesday to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics asks the panel to investigate Graham's phone call with Raffensperger, whether Graham suggested not counting all legal votes and whether he had threatened election officials, who are in the midst of a recount, with a Senate investigation. The complaint was filed by Walter Shaub, a former top ethics watchdog for the federal government under President Barack Obama; Richard Painter, the top ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush; and Claire Finkelstein, who heads the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law.
"If these allegations are true, Senator Graham's conduct constitutes an abuse of office and conduct unbecoming of a senator," the complaint states.
A quick guide: Trump’s lawsuits dispute election results as presidency is called for Biden
Congressional ethics probes are notorious for their length and often do not result in any disciplinary actions. Complaints can also be filed by anyone for any reason and do not indicate wrongdoing. Kevin Bishop, a spokesman for Graham, dismissed the complaint in a statement and pointed to previous remarks from the authors of the complaint criticizing Graham and Trump numerous times over the years.
“These are long-time vocal critics of both Senator Graham and the Trump Administration," Bishop said. "Their complaint should be viewed in that light."
More: Lindsey Graham says he's spoken with multiple battleground state officials about ballot counting
More: Georgia Secretary of State Raffensperger fires back against Trump’s false claims about election
But questions have been raised about Graham's contacts with election officials in other states. He has donated $500,000 to the president's legal efforts, where Trump and his campaign have argued baseless accusations of voter fraud in multiple states where Trump lost to Biden.
"Bottom line, we have a senator calling a key election official in the middle of an election as they're counting the vote – in a state he does not even represent – and apparently making suggestions to toss ballots," Painter said in an interview. "I find that to be clear interference in the electoral process and it's troublesome if he's doing it in order to help Trump."
Graham has continued to defend himself amid criticism. Asked in what capacity he was making these calls, Graham said “as a United States senator who is worried about the integrity of the election process nationally, when it comes to vote by mail.”
He told reporters this week he was stepping in to check on other states because the future of the country hangs in the balance. He denied claims he was pressuring officials to exclude ballots but was rather attempting to understand the method for which different states examine ballots.
His explanation differed from how Raffensperger saw the conversation with Graham. He told The Washington Post Graham questioned whether he had the power to reject certain absentee ballots, something Raffensperger said he interpreted as a suggestion to toss out legally cast votes.
Graham asked him whether political bias might have caused elections workers to accept ballots with non-matching signatures, Raffensperger said, and asked whether workers could throw out all absentee ballots in counties with higher rates of non-matching signatures. Graham has said he called merely to better understand how verifying signatures worked and said the suggestion that he was attempting to pressure Raffensperger to toss ballots was "ridiculous."
Fellow lawmakers largely haven't weighed in on the controversy but were interested in Graham's motivations in the calls.
Asked about Graham's efforts, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., didn't weigh in on whether the contacts were appropriate. He instead outlined that each state runs their own elections and highlighted the lack of foreign interference in this cycle.
Fellow Republican Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri said he didn't see anything wrong with Graham contacting the officials.
"I mean every senator can talk to anybody who will pick up the phone and talk to them and any secretary of state should be willing to talk to any senator who calls them in my view," he explained. "I didn't see it as troublesome."
Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said officials in these states shouldn't "give a hoot what a United States senator says to you."
'Its an embarrassment:' President-elect Biden on Trump not conceding President-elect Joe Biden says 'it's an embarrassment' that President Donald Trump is still refusing to concede the presidential race. USA TODAY
"I have no idea what Sen. Graham said but there is no reason any secretary of state should feel intimidated," Blumenthal said, pointing back to his days as an attorney general and getting similar calls from politicians.
"I'm not going to pass judgment on what he is doing because I don't know exactly what he is doing," Blumenthal said of Graham's conversations with state officials. "It really depends upon what he said, but I'm going to certainly presume he was careful to avoid any violation of law. But the judgment should be made by people who know exactly what he said."
Fellow Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island similarly did not pass judgement on Graham but said it came down to the rationale behind the calls.
"If all he’s trying to do is get information, people are entitled to do that," Whitehouse said. "If he’s trying to influence the way they perform their duty, that becomes a bit problematic. And without knowing what was said, I can’t tell which is which."


usatoday--2020-11-19--Poll: Americans take pessimistic view of national divisions, prospects for healing

In the days following the most contentious presidential election in decades , Americans remain pessimistic about healing the country 's wounds , according to a recent Monmouth University poll .
In total , 76 % of Americans see the country as deeply divided on its most foundational values .
Only 21 % think the country agrees on basic issues .
That said , about 31 % of the public believes the country will grow more united over the next year , while 25 % expect Americans to grow more divided ; 35 % expect to see little change .
Consensus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party lines , with Democrats , Republicans and independents agreeing in similar proportions about the schisms in the country .
Where partisans differ is how responsible President Donald Trump is for the sharp divides .
Graphic : Four maps that show how America voted in the 2020 election with results by county , number of voters Fact check : No one was allowed to vote after Nov. 3 According to Monmouth , 90 % of Democrats believe the country has become more divided under Trump , while only 49 % of Republicans agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fingers at Washington for the country 's division .
Among those polled , 51 % blame the division on elected officials who are not willing to compromise .
Forty-two percent say the problems in government stem from elected officials who are not willing to stand up for their principles .
More : As COVID surges , Americans remain divided on the threat .
What will it take to bring them together ?
Regardless of where blame lies for Washington 's past dysfunction , 62 % of Americans believe it is more important for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Biden compared with 34 % of the public who believe it most important that Republicans keep the president-elect in check .
Congress ' job rating stands at 23 % who approve and 64 % who disapprove , according to Monmouth .
The Monmouth poll also indicates that negative partisanship , or fear of one 's rival political faction , is a driving factor in its findings .
When asked whether the country would suffer lasting damage if people who hold core political beliefs different from their own could enact their policies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 56 % , has `` a great deal of concern '' , while 29 % have `` some concern '' about the possibility .
While Americans are generally pessimistic about the political system , they remain divided on whether Trump remedied or worsened the situation .
Just 29 % of the public believes Trump made progress in `` draining the swamp , '' compared with 32 % who think he has made the situation worse , and 34 % who say nothing has really changed .
'Not a whole lot of innovation':2020 election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As for Trump , 46 % approve of him and 53 % disapprove , the survey found .
That sharp divide helps explain what Monmouth researchers called `` the most alarming finding in the poll . ''
According to Monmouth , about 45 % of Americans believe Trump has done more to undermine the U.S. Constitution than past presidents .
By contrast , 37 % believe Trump has done more to protect the Constitution compared with past presidents , and 15 % have observed no differences .
Dr. Anthony Fauci : 'Enough is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 claims The telephone poll of 810 people was conducted Nov. 12 to 16 .
The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points .

Poll: Americans take pessimistic view of national divisions, prospects for healing
Show Caption Hide Caption 'Enough is enough' with political divisiveness, false COVID claims: Fauci Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, talks COVID-19 frustrations, vaccine and building public trust. USA TODAY
In the days following the most contentious presidential election in decades, Americans remain pessimistic about healing the country's wounds, according to a recent Monmouth University poll.
In total, 76% of Americans see the country as deeply divided on its most foundational values. Only 21% think the country agrees on basic issues.
That said, about 31% of the public believes the country will grow more united over the next year, while 25% expect Americans to grow more divided; 35% expect to see little change.
Consensus about the nation’s division spans party lines, with Democrats, Republicans and independents agreeing in similar proportions about the schisms in the country. Where partisans differ is how responsible President Donald Trump is for the sharp divides.
Graphic: Four maps that show how America voted in the 2020 election with results by county, number of voters
Fact check: No one was allowed to vote after Nov. 3
According to Monmouth, 90% of Democrats believe the country has become more divided under Trump, while only 49% of Republicans agree.
Americans are also willing to point fingers at Washington for the country's division. Among those polled, 51% blame the division on elected officials who are not willing to compromise. Forty-two percent say the problems in government stem from elected officials who are not willing to stand up for their principles.
More: As COVID surges, Americans remain divided on the threat. What will it take to bring them together?
Regardless of where blame lies for Washington's past dysfunction, 62% of Americans believe it is more important for congressional Republicans to find ways to work with Biden compared with 34% of the public who believe it most important that Republicans keep the president-elect in check.
Congress' job rating stands at 23% who approve and 64% who disapprove, according to Monmouth.
The Monmouth poll also indicates that negative partisanship, or fear of one's rival political faction, is a driving factor in its findings.
Poll: More Americans happy Donald Trump lost than are happy Joe Biden won
When asked whether the country would suffer lasting damage if people who hold core political beliefs different from their own could enact their policies, a majority of the public, at 56%, has "a great deal of concern", while 29% have "some concern" about the possibility.
While Americans are generally pessimistic about the political system, they remain divided on whether Trump remedied or worsened the situation. Just 29% of the public believes Trump made progress in "draining the swamp," compared with 32% who think he has made the situation worse, and 34% who say nothing has really changed.
'Not a whole lot of innovation': 2020 election misinformation was quite predictable, experts say
As for Trump, 46% approve of him and 53% disapprove, the survey found.
That sharp divide helps explain what Monmouth researchers called "the most alarming finding in the poll."
According to Monmouth, about 45% of Americans believe Trump has done more to undermine the U.S. Constitution than past presidents. By contrast, 37% believe Trump has done more to protect the Constitution compared with past presidents, and 15% have observed no differences.
Dr. Anthony Fauci: 'Enough is enough' with political divisiveness, false COVID-19 claims
The telephone poll of 810 people was conducted Nov. 12 to 16. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.