usatoday--2020-12-10--President-elect Joe Biden selects Susan Rice as director of White House Domestic Policy Council

WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden chose Susan Rice to be director of the White House Domestic Policy Council , a surprise choice that will give the foreign policy veteran a hefty domestic portfolio .
Rice is a seasoned diplomat with extensive national security experience , but she has not been heavily involved in domestic policymaking .
Rice was seen as a top contender to be Biden 's secretary of state , though she would have faced a difficult confirmation battle .
As head of Biden 's Domestic Policy Council , Rice will have broad sway over everything from health policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's campaign said the president-elect chose Rice for the role because she `` knows government inside and out '' and will `` turbocharge the effort to build back better . ''
Rice 's appointment is also a signal Biden wants his domestic and foreign policy advisers to work hand-in-hand .
Biden has touted the idea of creating a `` foreign policy for the middle class '' that takes into account the domestic impact of international trade , globalization and other international issues .
Biden 's announcement specifically noted Rice 's experience working with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is among our nation ’ s most senior and experienced government leaders with the skills to harness the power of the federal government to serve the American people , '' Biden 's announcement said .
`` As a former member of the Cabinet , she also understands the challenges and opportunities of running an agency and has extensive experience working with other key members of the Biden-Harris White House team . ''
Rice 's allies say she is a whip-smart , tough-as-nails negotiator .
As a Black woman – her father is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a child of Jamaican immigrants – Rice 's nomination also reflects Biden 's push to assemble a diverse Cabinet and staff .
The 56-year-old Rice served as President Barack Obama 's ambassador to the United Nations and then as his national security adviser .
In 2012 , Rice was in the running to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state , but she bowed out amid fierce GOP opposition .
Republicans hammered Rice for her initial description of the attack on a U.S. consulate in Benghazi , which left U.S .
Ambassador Christopher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ After that attack , Rice appeared on five Sunday talk shows , during which she said the deadly Sept. 11 incident seemed to have started as a spontaneous protest sparked by an anti-Islam video made in the U.S .
The Obama administration later said the attack was a well-organized terror plot , possibly timed for the anniversary of 9/11 .
Obama said Rice 's remarks were based on assessments she was given by U.S. intelligence officials , and he called the GOP attacks misleading .
Rice was among those Biden considered for vice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his tight circle of trusted advisers .
Rice briefed both Obama and Biden regularly on national security issues when she served in the White House .
In her book , `` Tough Love , '' Rice writes that Biden became her `` favorite unannounced visitor '' at the White House , where he would often stop by her office to chat .
More : What we know about Joe Biden 's plans to announce his running mate

Deirdre Shesgreen and Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY

President-elect Joe Biden selects Susan Rice as director of White House Domestic Policy Council
Show Caption Hide Caption Joe Biden's Cabinet picks and other roles in his administration The president says he wants a government as diverse as America when he enters the White House. Here are some of his Executive Branch picks. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — President-elect Joe Biden chose Susan Rice to be director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, a surprise choice that will give the foreign policy veteran a hefty domestic portfolio.
Rice is a seasoned diplomat with extensive national security experience, but she has not been heavily involved in domestic policymaking.
Rice was seen as a top contender to be Biden's secretary of state, though she would have faced a difficult confirmation battle. As head of Biden's Domestic Policy Council, Rice will have broad sway over everything from health policy to immigration to rural affairs.
Biden's campaign said the president-elect chose Rice for the role because she "knows government inside and out" and will "turbocharge the effort to build back better."
Rice's appointment is also a signal Biden wants his domestic and foreign policy advisers to work hand-in-hand. Biden has touted the idea of creating a "foreign policy for the middle class" that takes into account the domestic impact of international trade, globalization and other international issues. Biden's announcement specifically noted Rice's experience working with the National Security Council.
"Rice is among our nation’s most senior and experienced government leaders with the skills to harness the power of the federal government to serve the American people," Biden's announcement said. "As a former member of the Cabinet, she also understands the challenges and opportunities of running an agency and has extensive experience working with other key members of the Biden-Harris White House team."
Rice's allies say she is a whip-smart, tough-as-nails negotiator. As a Black woman – her father is a descendent of slaves and her mother is a child of Jamaican immigrants – Rice's nomination also reflects Biden's push to assemble a diverse Cabinet and staff.
The 56-year-old Rice served as President Barack Obama's ambassador to the United Nations and then as his national security adviser. In 2012, Rice was in the running to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state, but she bowed out amid fierce GOP opposition. Republicans hammered Rice for her initial description of the attack on a U.S. consulate in Benghazi, which left U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans dead.
After that attack, Rice appeared on five Sunday talk shows, during which she said the deadly Sept. 11 incident seemed to have started as a spontaneous protest sparked by an anti-Islam video made in the U.S. The Obama administration later said the attack was a well-organized terror plot, possibly timed for the anniversary of 9/11.
Obama said Rice's remarks were based on assessments she was given by U.S. intelligence officials, and he called the GOP attacks misleading.
Rice was among those Biden considered for vice president and she represents another appointee from his tight circle of trusted advisers. Rice briefed both Obama and Biden regularly on national security issues when she served in the White House. In her book, "Tough Love," Rice writes that Biden became her "favorite unannounced visitor" at the White House, where he would often stop by her office to chat.
More: What we know about Joe Biden's plans to announce his running mate


usatoday--2020-12-10--Supreme Court challenge to election results turns into bitter war between the states

WASHINGTON – Texas ' request that the Supreme Court block Pennsylvania , Georgia , Michigan and Wisconsin from casting their electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden erupted Thursday into a war involving nearly every state in the nation .
The four battleground states fired back at the challenge mounted by Texas and joined by President Trump , with Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro labeling the effort to negate millions of citizens ' ballots a `` seditious abuse of the judicial process . ''
They were joined in opposition by 20 Democratic-led states , the District of Columbia , the Virgin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Republican-led states lined up with Texas and the president .
There was dissension on the GOP side , however , as Arizona and Ohio stood apart and Utah 's elected officials took opposite sides .
With the Electoral College set to convene Monday and make Biden 's decisive victory at the polls official , the 11th-hour legal conflagration appeared to represent the last gasp of Trump 's collapsing campaign .
Legal experts agreed the Supreme Court , even with six conservative justices – including three named by Trump – is unlikely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list of reasons .
To begin with , Texas likely lacks any injury that would give it standing to challenge other states ' laws and procedures .
Its effort came too late to block certification of each state 's vote .
Blocking electors from casting battleground states ' electoral votes would disenfranchise millions of citizens .
Perhaps most important , the same claims have been debunked in dozens of other state and federal courts , where Trump 's campaign and other challengers have failed to show evidence of election fraud .
`` Texas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for yielding results with which it disagrees , '' Shapiro told the justices in legal papers .
`` Its request for this court to exercise its original jurisdiction and then anoint Texas ’ s preferred candidate for president is legally indefensible and is an affront to principles of constitutional democracy . ''
The Supreme Court was expected to rule within days , if not hours .
Election Day was 37 days ago ; by that time in 2000 , the high court had issued its decision in Bush v. Gore , a legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put George W. Bush in the White House .
By contrast , Biden 's 306 electoral votes equaled Trump 's total in 2016 , and Biden won the popular vote by more than 7 million .
“ It ’ s very unlikely that the Supreme Court would get involved , not only because the claims are meritless , but also because they ’ re not outcome-determinative , ” said Rebecca Green , co-director of the election law program at William & Mary Law School .
Nevertheless , Texas contended that changes in voting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four battleground states abrogated laws passed by the legislatures , which it said have the sole constitutional authority to run elections .
`` Defendant states flooded their citizenry with tens of millions of ballot applications and ballots , ignoring statutory controls as to how they were received , evaluated , and counted , '' Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote in igniting the firestorm Monday night .
`` Whether well-intentioned or not , these unconstitutional and unlawful changes had the same uniform effect – they made the 2020 election less secure . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge incorporated widely disputed statistics intended to show that Biden 's victory in the election was almost an impossibility .
Among other things , he incorrectly said no presidential candidate ever lost election after winning Florida and Ohio , as Trump did .
Richard Nixon endured the same fate in 1960 .
`` These things just don ’ t normally happen , and a large percentage of the American people know that something is deeply amiss , '' his lawyers said in court papers .
Notably , those lawyers were not the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas Solicitor General Kyle Hawkins ' name on Paxton 's petition , as is customary .
Further signs of Republican disarray emerged Thursday when only six of the 17 Republican-led states that had backed Texas asked to intervene directly in the case .
Utah 's governor and governor-elect distanced themselves from the state attorney general 's decision to be among the six .
States led by Democrats , however , presented a united front to the high court .
Georgia said the justices should not `` transfer Georgia ’ s electoral powers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas `` does not have a cognizable interest in how Michigan runs its elections . ''
And Wisconsin said `` the harm and public interest factors strongly weigh in favor of denying the extraordinary relief Texas seeks – stripping millions of voters of the choice they made . ''

Supreme Court challenge to election results turns into bitter war between the states
Show Caption Hide Caption How a contentious election affects a peaceful transition of power What history has shown us about contested elections and peaceful transitions of power. Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – Texas' request that the Supreme Court block Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin from casting their electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden erupted Thursday into a war involving nearly every state in the nation.
The four battleground states fired back at the challenge mounted by Texas and joined by President Trump, with Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro labeling the effort to negate millions of citizens' ballots a "seditious abuse of the judicial process."
They were joined in opposition by 20 Democratic-led states, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Guam, while smaller groups of Republican-led states lined up with Texas and the president. There was dissension on the GOP side, however, as Arizona and Ohio stood apart and Utah's elected officials took opposite sides.
With the Electoral College set to convene Monday and make Biden's decisive victory at the polls official, the 11th-hour legal conflagration appeared to represent the last gasp of Trump's collapsing campaign.
Legal experts agreed the Supreme Court, even with six conservative justices – including three named by Trump – is unlikely to hear the Texas challenge for a long list of reasons.
To begin with, Texas likely lacks any injury that would give it standing to challenge other states' laws and procedures. Its effort came too late to block certification of each state's vote. Blocking electors from casting battleground states' electoral votes would disenfranchise millions of citizens.
Perhaps most important, the same claims have been debunked in dozens of other state and federal courts, where Trump's campaign and other challengers have failed to show evidence of election fraud.
"Texas seeks to invalidate elections in four states for yielding results with which it disagrees," Shapiro told the justices in legal papers. "Its request for this court to exercise its original jurisdiction and then anoint Texas’s preferred candidate for president is legally indefensible and is an affront to principles of constitutional democracy."
Fact check: Statistical analysis supporting pro-Trump Supreme Court case is 'ludicrous'
The Supreme Court was expected to rule within days, if not hours. Election Day was 37 days ago; by that time in 2000, the high court had issued its decision in Bush v. Gore, a legal battle over Florida's 537-vote margin that put George W. Bush in the White House.
By contrast, Biden's 306 electoral votes equaled Trump's total in 2016, and Biden won the popular vote by more than 7 million.
“It’s very unlikely that the Supreme Court would get involved, not only because the claims are meritless, but also because they’re not outcome-determinative,” said Rebecca Green, co-director of the election law program at William & Mary Law School.
Nevertheless, Texas contended that changes in voting procedures made by state officials in the four battleground states abrogated laws passed by the legislatures, which it said have the sole constitutional authority to run elections.
"Defendant states flooded their citizenry with tens of millions of ballot applications and ballots, ignoring statutory controls as to how they were received, evaluated, and counted," Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote in igniting the firestorm Monday night. "Whether well-intentioned or not, these unconstitutional and unlawful changes had the same uniform effect – they made the 2020 election less secure."
Trump's request to intervene in the challenge incorporated widely disputed statistics intended to show that Biden's victory in the election was almost an impossibility. Among other things, he incorrectly said no presidential candidate ever lost election after winning Florida and Ohio, as Trump did. Richard Nixon endured the same fate in 1960.
"These things just don’t normally happen, and a large percentage of the American people know that something is deeply amiss," his lawyers said in court papers.
Notably, those lawyers were not the Trump campaign's usual ones. Nor was Texas Solicitor General Kyle Hawkins' name on Paxton's petition, as is customary.
Further signs of Republican disarray emerged Thursday when only six of the 17 Republican-led states that had backed Texas asked to intervene directly in the case. Utah's governor and governor-elect distanced themselves from the state attorney general's decision to be among the six.
States led by Democrats, however, presented a united front to the high court. Georgia said the justices should not "transfer Georgia’s electoral powers to the federal judiciary." Michigan said Texas "does not have a cognizable interest in how Michigan runs its elections."
And Wisconsin said "the harm and public interest factors strongly weigh in favor of denying the extraordinary relief Texas seeks – stripping millions of voters of the choice they made."


usatoday--2020-12-10--Wisconsin Air National Guard pilot found dead after F-16 fighter jet crash

MILWAUKEE – The pilot of a Wisconsin Air National Guard fighter jet that crashed in Michigan 's Upper Peninsula has been found dead .
The crash Tuesday night in a rural , heavily wooded area of the Hiawatha National Forest sparked a massive search for the pilot , who was based at the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison and was running a training mission described as `` routine '' in an F-16 Fighting Falcon , the Guard said .
The Guard is withholding the pilot 's identity until it can notify family members .
Another update on the crash is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saddened by this tragic loss , and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time , ” Col. Bart Van Roo of the 115th Fighter Wing said in a statement .
Dec. 9 : F-16 jet crashes in Michigan 's Upper Peninsula during night training ; crews search for pilot “ Today is a day for mourning , and the 115th Fighter Wing along with the entire Wisconsin National Guard stands with the pilot ’ s family as we grieve the loss of a great Airman , and patriot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are an extremely close knit group at the fighter wing , and the loss of one of our own brings immeasurable sadness to every member of our organization , ” Van Roo said .
The 115th Fighter Wing is conducting evening training missions this week , according to its Facebook page , with aircraft taking off or landing as late as 10 p.m. Pilots are tasked with following flight paths designed to minimize noise to residents .
In 2011 , a pilot flying the same kind of aircraft from the 115th Fighter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County during a training mission .
The aircraft was found south of New Chester after it hit an unoccupied summer cottage .

Sophie Carson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Wisconsin Air National Guard pilot found dead after F-16 fighter jet crash
MILWAUKEE – The pilot of a Wisconsin Air National Guard fighter jet that crashed in Michigan's Upper Peninsula has been found dead.
The crash Tuesday night in a rural, heavily wooded area of the Hiawatha National Forest sparked a massive search for the pilot, who was based at the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison and was running a training mission described as "routine" in an F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Guard said.
The Guard is withholding the pilot's identity until it can notify family members. Another update on the crash is expected Friday.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,” Col. Bart Van Roo of the 115th Fighter Wing said in a statement.
Dec. 9: F-16 jet crashes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula during night training; crews search for pilot
“Today is a day for mourning, and the 115th Fighter Wing along with the entire Wisconsin National Guard stands with the pilot’s family as we grieve the loss of a great Airman, and patriot," the statement continues.
“We are an extremely close knit group at the fighter wing, and the loss of one of our own brings immeasurable sadness to every member of our organization,” Van Roo said.
The 115th Fighter Wing is conducting evening training missions this week, according to its Facebook page, with aircraft taking off or landing as late as 10 p.m. Pilots are tasked with following flight paths designed to minimize noise to residents.
In 2011, a pilot flying the same kind of aircraft from the 115th Fighter Wing survived after ejecting himself over Adams County during a training mission. The aircraft was found south of New Chester after it hit an unoccupied summer cottage.
Follow Sophie Carson on Twitter: @SCarson_News.


usatoday--2020-12-10--'Christmas miracle': Texas boy who fell into well rescued by first responders who chiseled him free

In what officials called `` a Christmas miracle , '' first responders spent six hours chiseling free a 4-year-old Texas boy who fell into a water well .
The incident occurred Tuesday after 4 p.m. when authorities in Starr County received a call that the young boy had fallen into the well on a ranch property in Garceño .
Fire and emergency officials from various agencies nearby responded as a team worked to get the boy out .
According to tweets from the nearby city of Mission , the boy fell into a `` 8-inch wide pit , '' forcing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save him .
`` So proud of our Mission firefighters & all 1st responders that rescued the child after 6 long hrs , '' the city said in another tweet , sharing video of the moment rescuers pulled the boy free .
Robert Alvarez , the assistant fire chief of the Mission Fire Department , told USA TODAY that a team from his department trained in trench rescues was called to the scene to assist .
`` The biggest thing that we were trying to make sure was that the operation was done @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew dug parallel to the boy into another hole in the ground , and when they were deep enough , the team began removing dirt from the exterior wall of the hole where the boy was .
When the child was able to be freed , `` everybody was relieved , '' Alvarez said .
According to the Starr County Sheriff 's Office 's Facebook page , the boy was admitted to the hospital late Tuesday and was in stable condition as he underwent testing .
`` Last night proved to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ unity and sincere concern for each other , '' Starr County Sheriff Rene `` Orta '' Fuentes said in a Facebook post .
`` Through prayers and actions from everyone involved a little boy lives today . ''

'Christmas miracle': Texas boy who fell into well rescued by first responders who chiseled him free
In what officials called "a Christmas miracle," first responders spent six hours chiseling free a 4-year-old Texas boy who fell into a water well.
The incident occurred Tuesday after 4 p.m. when authorities in Starr County received a call that the young boy had fallen into the well on a ranch property in Garceño.
Fire and emergency officials from various agencies nearby responded as a team worked to get the boy out.
According to tweets from the nearby city of Mission, the boy fell into a "8-inch wide pit," forcing rescue crews to rely on chisels to save him.
🙌🏼 Gripping images of the rescue of a 4-yr-old boy in Garceño last night. The boy fell into a well hole. Kudos to our Mission firefighters 🚒 & all 1st responders who worked tirelessly for 6 hrs to chisel him out of the 8-inch wide pit. #ChristmasMiracle 🙏🏼👨🏽🚒 pic.twitter.com/QJ7RNSLkyT — City of Mission, TX (@CityOfMissionTX) December 9, 2020
"So proud of our Mission firefighters & all 1st responders that rescued the child after 6 long hrs," the city said in another tweet, sharing video of the moment rescuers pulled the boy free.
The incredible moment rescuers pulled out a 4-yr-old boy that fell into a well hole in Garceño. So proud of our Mission firefighters & all 1st responders that rescued the child after 6 long hrs. Pit was only 8-10 inches in diameter. It's a Christmas miracle! pic.twitter.com/Ntj6XydlZ2 — City of Mission, TX (@CityOfMissionTX) December 9, 2020
Robert Alvarez, the assistant fire chief of the Mission Fire Department, told USA TODAY that a team from his department trained in trench rescues was called to the scene to assist.
"The biggest thing that we were trying to make sure was that the operation was done safely," he said.
The crew dug parallel to the boy into another hole in the ground, and when they were deep enough, the team began removing dirt from the exterior wall of the hole where the boy was.
When the child was able to be freed, "everybody was relieved," Alvarez said.
According to the Starr County Sheriff's Office's Facebook page, the boy was admitted to the hospital late Tuesday and was in stable condition as he underwent testing.
"Last night proved to be a testament of our community and neighboring communities’ unity and sincere concern for each other," Starr County Sheriff Rene "Orta" Fuentes said in a Facebook post. "Through prayers and actions from everyone involved a little boy lives today."
Follow USA TODAY's Ryan Miller on Twitter @RyanW_Miller


usatoday--2020-12-11--College football COVID-19 update: Oregon-Washington and Oklahoma-West Virginia games canceled

Oregon 's regular-season finale against Washington will be joining a long list of canceled FBS games this season .
The Ducks ( 3-2 ) and Huskies ( 3-1 ) game scheduled for Saturday at Autzen Stadium is canceled and declared a no contest , the Pac-12 Conference announced Thursday .
Washington announced Thursday that all football-related activities remained paused because of an increase in positive COVID-19 tests within the program .
The team 's practice was canceled for the second consecutive day .
The conference said the Huskies ca n't meet the Pac-12 's minimum threshold of 53 healthy scholarship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , seven offensive linemen and four defensive linemen — for the game to be played .
The no contest appears to make Washington — which has not played a road game all season due to cancellations but has the highest winning percentage ( .750 ) in the North — the division winner by default and advances the Huskies to the Dec. 18 Pac-12 championship game .
More : Opinion : Coastal Carolina-BYU game 's success shows how in-season flex scheduling could be huge for college football Oklahoma 's football team will have a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ game after all .
The Sooners ' game at West Virginia scheduled this Saturday and already postponed once two weeks ago due to COVID-19 issues on Oklahoma 's end was canceled after the Mountaineers shut down football operations for seven days because of the virus .
Also Thursday , the Big 12 announced the Texas-Kansas game scheduled for Saturday in Lawrence , Kansas , was canceled .
This is the second time that game was called off .
The issue is a COVID-19 shutdown at Texas .
No .
12 Oklahoma will play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big 12 title Dec. 19 at AT & T Stadium in Arlington , Texas .
That game will kick off at noon ET .
The College Football Playoff pairings and any unannounced bowl invitations will be made on Dec. 20 .
Boston College players have decided not to play in a bowl game this season despite the Eagles ' 6-5 record and successful start under first-year coach Jeff Hafley , the school said Thursday .
Emphasizing mask-wearing and social-distancing has helped the program have just one positive test for COVID-19 since returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just three ACC teams to complete their regular-season schedule before this Saturday .
“ Our student-athletes have sacrificed so much since June to even make this season possible for BC and our fans and now it is time for them to focus on finishing up the semester strong and going home to spend time with their families and loved ones , ” said athletics director Pat Kraft .
Said Hafley , “ I can ’ t thank our players enough for the sacrifice and commitment they showed to each other , to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` People may not fully understand just how grueling this season was and our team needs and deserves an extended break to help recharge their minds and bodies.
” Boston College is the first program to publicly opt out of bowl play during a year when the postseason will be dramatically changed by the pandemic .
The number of bowl games has already dropped from 43 to 33 and may shrink further before the end of the regular season on Dec. 19 .
Bowl games that are played will likely feature none of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run in the week leading into kickoff .
Instead , teams are expected to treat bowl games like a normal road trip , arriving as late as the night before the game and leaving after the final whistle .
The College Football Playoff semifinals are scheduled for Jan. 1 , with the national championship game set for Monday , Jan. 11 .
LSU imposed a one-year bowl ban Wednesday for the 2020-21 season as part of the program 's suggested penalties for NCAA violations under former coach Les Miles and current coach Ed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to play Oklahoma State at home on Saturday , announced Thursday that it is shutting down its football operation .
“ At this time and in the interest of our student-athletes , coaches , and staff , we have temporarily closed our football facility and are taking all possible precautions , '' athletics director Mack Rhoades said in a statement .
He added the school 's `` focus '' is on still playing .
The Texas Tech football team managed to play its entire 2020 schedule without having a game postponed or canceled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week 's finale , and now another wave of COVID-19 cases has prompted Tech to close the Football Training Facility for the next several days .
Tech announced Thursday that , in addition to Wells , eight other members of its coaching staff , other support personnel who use the Football Training Facility and one player have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past seven days .
All were considered active cases as of Thursday .
The Red Raiders ' regular season is over , but even at 4-6 they would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules put in place for COVID-19 issues .

College football COVID-19 update: Oregon-Washington and Oklahoma-West Virginia games canceled
Show Caption Hide Caption College Football Playoff rankings 3.0: Committee's decisions suggest Ohio State will be given benefit of doubt SportsPulse: Despite cancellations Ohio State shouldn't be sweating their shot at the College Football Playoff according to Dan Wolken. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
Oregon's regular-season finale against Washington will be joining a long list of canceled FBS games this season.
The Ducks (3-2) and Huskies (3-1) game scheduled for Saturday at Autzen Stadium is canceled and declared a no contest, the Pac-12 Conference announced Thursday.
Washington announced Thursday that all football-related activities remained paused because of an increase in positive COVID-19 tests within the program. The team's practice was canceled for the second consecutive day.
The conference said the Huskies can't meet the Pac-12's minimum threshold of 53 healthy scholarship players — including at least one quarterback, seven offensive linemen and four defensive linemen — for the game to be played.
The no contest appears to make Washington — which has not played a road game all season due to cancellations but has the highest winning percentage (.750) in the North — the division winner by default and advances the Huskies to the Dec. 18 Pac-12 championship game.
More: Opinion: Coastal Carolina-BYU game's success shows how in-season flex scheduling could be huge for college football
More: USA TODAY Sports college football staff picks for Week 15
Oklahoma gets bye before Big 12 title game
Oklahoma's football team will have a bye week before the Big 12 championship game after all.
The Sooners' game at West Virginia scheduled this Saturday and already postponed once two weeks ago due to COVID-19 issues on Oklahoma's end was canceled after the Mountaineers shut down football operations for seven days because of the virus.
Also Thursday, the Big 12 announced the Texas-Kansas game scheduled for Saturday in Lawrence, Kansas, was canceled. This is the second time that game was called off. The issue is a COVID-19 shutdown at Texas.
No. 12 Oklahoma will play No. 11 Iowa State for the Big 12 title Dec. 19 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. That game will kick off at noon ET.
The College Football Playoff pairings and any unannounced bowl invitations will be made on Dec. 20.
Boston College opts out of bowl
Boston College players have decided not to play in a bowl game this season despite the Eagles' 6-5 record and successful start under first-year coach Jeff Hafley, the school said Thursday.
Emphasizing mask-wearing and social-distancing has helped the program have just one positive test for COVID-19 since returning to campus in June and be one of just three ACC teams to complete their regular-season schedule before this Saturday.
“Our student-athletes have sacrificed so much since June to even make this season possible for BC and our fans and now it is time for them to focus on finishing up the semester strong and going home to spend time with their families and loved ones,” said athletics director Pat Kraft.
Said Hafley, “I can’t thank our players enough for the sacrifice and commitment they showed to each other, to our team and to our community."
"People may not fully understand just how grueling this season was and our team needs and deserves an extended break to help recharge their minds and bodies.”
Boston College is the first program to publicly opt out of bowl play during a year when the postseason will be dramatically changed by the pandemic. The number of bowl games has already dropped from 43 to 33 and may shrink further before the end of the regular season on Dec. 19.
Bowl games that are played will likely feature none of the traditional banquets and festivities that typically run in the week leading into kickoff. Instead, teams are expected to treat bowl games like a normal road trip, arriving as late as the night before the game and leaving after the final whistle.
The College Football Playoff semifinals are scheduled for Jan. 1, with the national championship game set for Monday, Jan. 11.
LSU imposed a one-year bowl ban Wednesday for the 2020-21 season as part of the program's suggested penalties for NCAA violations under former coach Les Miles and current coach Ed Orgeron.
Baylor closes football facility
Baylor, which is scheduled to play Oklahoma State at home on Saturday, announced Thursday that it is shutting down its football operation.
“At this time and in the interest of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, we have temporarily closed our football facility and are taking all possible precautions," athletics director Mack Rhoades said in a statement.
He added the school's "focus" is on still playing.
Texas Tech closes facility
The Texas Tech football team managed to play its entire 2020 schedule without having a game postponed or canceled. But Tech coach Matt Wells missed last week's finale, and now another wave of COVID-19 cases has prompted Tech to close the Football Training Facility for the next several days.
Tech announced Thursday that, in addition to Wells, eight other members of its coaching staff, other support personnel who use the Football Training Facility and one player have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past seven days.
All were considered active cases as of Thursday. The Red Raiders' regular season is over, but even at 4-6 they would be eligible for a bowl game under new rules put in place for COVID-19 issues.
Contributing: Eugene (Ore) Register-Guard, Lubbock (Texas) Avalanche-Journal, Oklahoma City Daily Oklahoman, Paul Myerberg


usatoday--2020-12-10--Athleta makes the best face mask we've ever tested—and it's half off right now

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@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more worse-for-wear cloth face coverings or are buying them for the first time , this could be a great time to invest .
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) recommends wearing masks in public to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 , and they 're mandated in many stores , states and cities .
Having a stash of face masks that are comfortable , breathable and made of high-quality materials is definitely worth it .
Why we love this Athleta face mask After testing the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Reviewed 's apparel expert , Jamie Ueda , dubbed Athleta ’ s Everyday non-medical masks as the best face covering on the market .
These one-size-fits-all picks were Jamie 's favorite for a multitude of reasons , including the thin , triple-layered fabric design and the impressive balance they struck between comfort and functionality .
Unlike other masks , she found that these were actually quite breathable , yet still provided standard protection .
They 've got attached , adjustable ear loops to fasten the fabric tightly against your face , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always found in cloth face masks—can be adjusted for optimal safety and snugness .
We are n't the only ones who think these masks are great .
Made from soft , breathable and protective fabric , they have a 4.5-star review from nearly 4,200 reviewers—and counting .
Even better , Athleta is donating 100,000 non-medical masks to a major healthcare organization in support of its essential workers .
Please note : While cloth facial coverings are essential nowadays , Athleta ’ s are not medical grade , nor have they been approved by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an extra layer of protection by blocking respiratory droplets , which is the primary way that COVID-19 is transmitted .
Get the Athleta Everyday Masks , 5-pack at Athleta for $ 14.99 ( Save $ 14.99 ) Get the Athleta Girls ' Everyday Masks , 5-pack at Athleta for $ 24 ( Save $ 6 ) Subscribe to Reviewed 's Resources newsletter for tips , tricks and hacks to get through this together .
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered .
Follow Reviewed on Facebook , Twitter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviews , and more .
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time .

Athleta makes the best face mask we've ever tested—and it's half off right now
— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
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Whether you're replacing some of your more worse-for-wear cloth face coverings or are buying them for the first time, this could be a great time to invest. Why? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing masks in public to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19, and they're mandated in many stores, states and cities. Having a stash of face masks that are comfortable, breathable and made of high-quality materials is definitely worth it.
Why we love this Athleta face mask
After testing the most popular cloth face masks on the market, Reviewed's apparel expert, Jamie Ueda, dubbed Athleta’s Everyday non-medical masks as the best face covering on the market.
These one-size-fits-all picks were Jamie's favorite for a multitude of reasons, including the thin, triple-layered fabric design and the impressive balance they struck between comfort and functionality. Unlike other masks, she found that these were actually quite breathable, yet still provided standard protection. They've got attached, adjustable ear loops to fasten the fabric tightly against your face, and the included nose piece—which isn’t always found in cloth face masks—can be adjusted for optimal safety and snugness.
We aren't the only ones who think these masks are great. Made from soft, breathable and protective fabric, they have a 4.5-star review from nearly 4,200 reviewers—and counting. Even better, Athleta is donating 100,000 non-medical masks to a major healthcare organization in support of its essential workers.
Please note: While cloth facial coverings are essential nowadays, Athleta’s are not medical grade, nor have they been approved by the FDA. However, they provide an extra layer of protection by blocking respiratory droplets, which is the primary way that COVID-19 is transmitted.
Subscribe to Reviewed's Resources newsletter for tips, tricks and hacks to get through this together.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.


usatoday--2020-12-10--Researchers discover new whale species

Researchers discover new whale species

Scientists working off the western coast of Mexico say they have discovered a new species of beaked whale .

Researchers discover new whale species
Scientists working off the western coast of Mexico say they have discovered a new species of beaked whale.
USA TODAY, Wochit


usatoday--2020-12-10--Holiday gift wrapping tricks for oddly-shaped gifts

Have to wrap an oddly shaped present Here 's a DIY-wrapping tutorial that can work for the weirdest-shaped gifts .

Christmas and holiday gift wrapping tricks
Have to wrap an oddly shaped present Here's a DIY-wrapping tutorial that can work for the weirdest-shaped gifts.
ProblemSolved, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-10--Man drives 1,200 miles to reunite with lost dog

After losing his dog more than six months ago in Tennessee , Pat drove 1,200 miles from Texas to reunite @ @ @ @ @

Man drives 1,200 miles to reunite with lost dog
After losing his dog more than six months ago in Tennessee, Pat drove 1,200 miles from Texas to reunite with his boy Blue.
Animalkind, USA Today


usatoday--2020-12-10--CDC scientist ordered to delete email from Trump appointee, House probe finds

WASHINGTON – Congressional investigators say Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield may have directed officials to delete a contentious email sent by a Trump appointee that demanded the health agency halt weekly COVID-19 mortality reports that the official called CDC “ hit pieces on the administration.
” The revelation came from Dr. Charlotte Kent , the head of the scientific publications branch and editor of the agency ’ s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report ( MMWR ) , after she testified Monday behind closed doors before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis .
It comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths for the first time , a single-day toll worse than 9/11 .
New infections are also booming , leaving hospitals across the nation with bed shortages and prompting stay-at-home orders in some places and mask mandates in 38 states .
Kent said she was told to delete a four-page email by a colleague who said the direction came from Redfield , which the committee says could violate a federal law that is punishable by up to three years in prison .
The email was sent by Paul Alexander , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 8 email was the scientific adviser to Health and Human Services spokesman Michael Caputo .
The email includes misspellings , demands and accusations that the CDC was aiming to hurt Trump with its reporting .
Both Alexander and Caputo have since left their roles in the department .
“ This is designed to hurt this Presidnet for their reasons which I am not interested in .
I am intersted in this or any President being served fairly and that tax payers money not be used for political reasons , ” Alexander wrote in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained by Politico .
“ They CDC , work for him .
The public wants honesty and fair reporting so that they can be informed , not to be decieved.
” The email demands that the weekly reports be halted unless Alexander approves of them first .
Alexander goes through several MMWR articles on the ability of children to get and spread COVID-19 and accuses the CDC of bias and misleading Americans with data .
`` The reports must be read by someone outside of CDC like myself , and we can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has been , for it is outrageous .
Its lunacy , '' he argued in the email , according to Politico .
`` They may say ‘ it ’ s the data ’ ; I agree on one level , but they are constantly reporting incompletely and writing in a manner to make the nation run and dig a hole and climb inside with their children for 10 years . ''
Kent told the committee , “ I was instructed to delete the email , ” and explained that when she went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had already been removed from her inbox .
“ I went to look for it after I had been told to delete it , and it was already gone , ” she said , according to the committee .
A national tragedy : How the US failed to meet the challenge of COVID-19 Redfield , in a statement , responded to Kent 's claims about the email , which he was copied on .
`` Regarding the email in question , I instructed CDC staff to ignore Dr. Alexander ’ s comments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testified before Congress , I am fully committed to maintaining the independence of the MMWR , and I stand by that statement . ''
The Department of Health and Human Services refuted the thrust of the committee 's findings and in a statement said the `` characterization of the conversation with Dr. Kent is irresponsible . ''
`` We urge the Subcommittee to release the transcript in full which will show that during her testimony Dr. Kent repeatedly said there was no political interference in the MMWR process , '' the agency said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is `` not operating in good faith . ''
Kent also told lawmakers the CDC delayed publication of a study until after Redfield testified over the summer during a hearing where he argued schools should reopen .
About 15 minutes after the conclusion of the hearing , the study was released and showed the virus spread at a kids summer camp in Georgia , the committee said .
“ I am deeply concerned that the Trump Administration ’ s political meddling with the nation ’ s coronavirus response has put American lives at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may have taken steps to conceal and destroy evidence of this dangerous conduct , ” said Rep. James Clyburn , who chairs the committee .
The committee has requested a transcribed interview with Redfield on Dec. 17 and threatened to issue subpoenas if HHS did not turn over documents by Tuesday .

CDC scientist ordered to delete email from Trump appointee, House probe finds
Show Caption Hide Caption Pence touts plans for quick vaccine distribution Vice President Mike Pence said Thursday some Americans could be just days away from getting a coronavirus vaccine. But CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield fears there are some people who may not want it. (Dec. 3) AP
WASHINGTON – Congressional investigators say Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield may have directed officials to delete a contentious email sent by a Trump appointee that demanded the health agency halt weekly COVID-19 mortality reports that the official called CDC “hit pieces on the administration.”
The revelation came from Dr. Charlotte Kent, the head of the scientific publications branch and editor of the agency’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), after she testified Monday behind closed doors before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. It comes as the U.S. on Wednesday reported more than 3,000 COVID-19 deaths for the first time, a single-day toll worse than 9/11. New infections are also booming, leaving hospitals across the nation with bed shortages and prompting stay-at-home orders in some places and mask mandates in 38 states.
Kent said she was told to delete a four-page email by a colleague who said the direction came from Redfield, which the committee says could violate a federal law that is punishable by up to three years in prison.
The email was sent by Paul Alexander, who at the time of the Aug. 8 email was the scientific adviser to Health and Human Services spokesman Michael Caputo. The email includes misspellings, demands and accusations that the CDC was aiming to hurt Trump with its reporting. Both Alexander and Caputo have since left their roles in the department.
“This is designed to hurt this Presidnet for their reasons which I am not interested in. I am intersted in this or any President being served fairly and that tax payers money not be used for political reasons,” Alexander wrote in the 11:42 p.m. email, which was obtained by Politico. “They CDC, work for him. The public wants honesty and fair reporting so that they can be informed, not to be decieved.”
The email demands that the weekly reports be halted unless Alexander approves of them first. Alexander goes through several MMWR articles on the ability of children to get and spread COVID-19 and accuses the CDC of bias and misleading Americans with data.
"The reports must be read by someone outside of CDC like myself, and we cannot allow the reporting to go on as it has been, for it is outrageous. Its lunacy," he argued in the email, according to Politico. "They may say ‘it’s the data’; I agree on one level, but they are constantly reporting incompletely and writing in a manner to make the nation run and dig a hole and climb inside with their children for 10 years."
Kent told the committee, “I was instructed to delete the email,” and explained that when she went to look for the memo, it had already been removed from her inbox. “I went to look for it after I had been told to delete it, and it was already gone,” she said, according to the committee.
A national tragedy: How the US failed to meet the challenge of COVID-19
Redfield, in a statement, responded to Kent's claims about the email, which he was copied on.
"Regarding the email in question, I instructed CDC staff to ignore Dr. Alexander’s comments," he said. "As I testified before Congress, I am fully committed to maintaining the independence of the MMWR, and I stand by that statement."
The Department of Health and Human Services refuted the thrust of the committee's findings and in a statement said the "characterization of the conversation with Dr. Kent is irresponsible."
"We urge the Subcommittee to release the transcript in full which will show that during her testimony Dr. Kent repeatedly said there was no political interference in the MMWR process," the agency said in a statement before stating the committee is "not operating in good faith."
Kent also told lawmakers the CDC delayed publication of a study until after Redfield testified over the summer during a hearing where he argued schools should reopen. About 15 minutes after the conclusion of the hearing, the study was released and showed the virus spread at a kids summer camp in Georgia, the committee said.
“I am deeply concerned that the Trump Administration’s political meddling with the nation’s coronavirus response has put American lives at greater risk, and that Administration officials may have taken steps to conceal and destroy evidence of this dangerous conduct,” said Rep. James Clyburn, who chairs the committee.
The committee has requested a transcribed interview with Redfield on Dec. 17 and threatened to issue subpoenas if HHS did not turn over documents by Tuesday.


usatoday--2020-12-10--S.C. Rep. James E. Clyburn discusses the civil rights movement

In 2013 , James Clyburn recalls his days as a student activist , and the future of the civil rights @ @ @ @ @ has n't changed at all , '' he says .

S.C. Rep. James E. Clyburn discusses the civil rights movement
In 2013, James Clyburn recalls his days as a student activist, and the future of the civil rights movement. "The mission hasn't changed at all," he says.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-10--Rep. James E. Clyburn: 'We all have roles to play'

Rep. James E. Clyburn : 'We all have roles to play' In a 2013 interview , Rep. James Clyburn , @ @ @ @ @ learned during his time in Columbia , S.C. , on the front lines of the @ @ @ @

Rep. James E. Clyburn: 'We all have roles to play'
In a 2013 interview, Rep. James Clyburn, S.C., talks about lessons learned during his time in Columbia, S.C., on the front lines of the civil rights movement.
Deborah Barfield Berry, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-10--Loeffler, Perdue need rural Republicans, but will they show up for Georgia Senate runoffs?

SAVANNAH , Georgia — Charlotte Ard leaned on the back of a white pickup truck in the parking lot of the Rincon Walmart on Wednesday , smoking a cigarette , waiting for her husband Robert to return .
He came back with two cases of Coca-Cola and one case of Sprite and placed them in the back of the pickup .
More : Kelly Loeffler , Raphael Warnock stick to the script in Georgia Senate runoff debate In this city of about 10,000 people located 20 miles outside of Savannah , it 's business as usual these days — except @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump easily won Effingham County in the Nov. 3 election , with 74 percent of the votes going his direction .
But the seemingly endless election season and the results have left people in this red footprint angry and dismayed — emotions shared by many rural Republicans across small-town Georgia .
Robert is a registered voter , and cast his ballot for Trump .
But the bitterness of the election has soured his appetite for politics .
Charlotte never had an appetite for it in the first place .
“ I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anymore , and I ’ m registered to vote .
I don ’ t even want to hear about it anymore , ” Robert Ard said .
“ It ’ s all I ’ ve heard for so long .
I ’ m exhausted of it.
” More : 'Stakes ... have never been higher ' : VP Mike Pence holds rally for Loeffler , Perdue in Savannah Charlotte is a fan of Trump , but hasn ’ t voted in the last few elections — not even to vote for Trump in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t trust the election process .
She doesn ’ t trust that her vote will make any difference .
“ They ’ re gon na put whoever they want in there , ” Charlotte Ard said .
“ It ’ s not who we want , it ’ s who they want.
” Charlotte 's distrust in Georgia ’ s election results isn ’ t uncommon among Republicans , regardless of tax bracket or political status .
Conservatives from the Waffle House to the White House have cast doubt on the Democratic victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough selling point for Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue , Georgia ’ s two incumbent Senate candidates who are facing off with a fired-up Democratic base .
Loeffler and Perdue have toed the narrow line between “ The election was rigged ” and “ We need you to vote for us ” in recent weeks , including at two rallies in Georgia over the weekend — one attended by the president himself , the other featuring Vice President Mike Pence .
At an Atlanta Press Club debate on Sunday , Loeffler defended Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Georgia ’ s election , but also told her base if they didn ’ t vote , they ’ d be choosing socialism .
Perdue didn ’ t show up to defend himself , as his opponent Jon Ossoff pelted his empty podium with challenges , calling him a coward .
Charlotte , a retiree , won ’ t be voting for Loeffler or Perdue , or anyone else in the Jan. 5 runoff for that matter .
She ’ s a conservative , sure , but only insofar as her support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for sowing the most doubt in the validity of Georgia ’ s results .
“ We need Trump .
Trump don ’ t put up with no bullcrap from nobody , ” Charlotte said .
“ He does exactly what he says he ’ s gon na do .
He ’ s always steadfast on everything .
More : Podcast : UGA professor breaks down Georgia Senate debates for Loeffler , Warnock , Perdue and Ossoff “ Then you ’ ve got ( Joe ) Biden up there , telling you that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
How does he know what we need ?
They ’ ve always lived by a rich man ’ s salary .
We live by a poor man ’ s salary .
We know what we need .
They don ’ t. ” At the Agri Supply of Statesboro , rocks crackle between young Republican Chris Rutledge ’ s boots and the asphalt parking lot .
Rutledge is a construction contractor , working on residential and light commercial projects .
At 24 , he said he considers himself “ very conservative.
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a totally honest one , but he ’ s moving towards accepting the results on an “ it is what it is ” basis .
“ I just feel like everything has been very crooked , a bunch of rigged cheating and lying , ” Rutledge said , touching the brim of the hat shading his face .
That won ’ t stop him from voting for Loeffler and Perdue in the runoff , but he ’ s preparing for the worst .
“ It ’ s going to be pretty bad for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I feel like a bunch of cheating is coming up in this one as well.
” Voters like Rutledge propelled Gov .
Brian Kemp to his narrow victory over Stacey Abrams in 2018 .
But Trump ’ s recent criticisms of Kemp have driven a rift between the formerly Kemp-faithful after the governor ’ s refusal to overturn election results , call for a signature audit or have the Georgia General Assembly name the state ’ s presidential electors in a special called session .
On Monday , Georgia Secretary of State Brad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election results for the third time , again finding Biden victorious with almost 12,000 more votes than the president .
Trump has called Kemp “ hapless ” and a RINO — Republican in name only — and that ’ s not the kind of gubernatorial candidate Rutledge wants to vote for in 2022 .
“ It ’ s hard to understand why Kemp is not wanting to help President Trump that much .
It ’ s a mess , ” Rutledge said .
“ It ’ s a done deal now , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kemp is gon na be a one-term governor in my opinion.
” But elected Republicans aren ’ t the only ones subject to the judgment of Trump and his supporters .
A Republican in Swainsboro , after being interviewed , asked not to be identified by name out of fear of potential retaliation from Trump supporters .
An `` old school Republican , '' he voted for Trump twice , but he wasn ’ t happy about it because of the president 's behavior .
He said he wasn ’ t thrilled about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s still planning on voting for Loeffler and Perdue in the runoff .
The runoff , the final piece of the 2020 federal election puzzle , will come down to whether Georgia Republicans are able to get their base to the polls .
At the rally in Valdosta , Trump urged his base to “ take revenge ” for his loss , while still rattling off unfounded claims of election fraud — the most powerful Republican in the land , again toeing the line between “ your vote counts ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Loeffler are going to need all the help they can get .
A recent poll roundup by fivethirtyeight.com shows that the runoff races are tight .
Ossoff and Perdue are nearly tied , and Raphael Warnock held a slight lead over Loeffler as of Monday .
If Ossoff and Warnock win , the Senate will be split 50-50 , with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris having the power to cast a deciding vote .
If Perdue and Loeffler win , though , the Republicans will hold a slim 52-48 majority .
Until Jan. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flood into Georgia .
The campaign ads won ’ t stop .
The eyes of the nation will turn here .
The decision falls squarely on Georgia .
And it will be Republicans like Robert Ard and Rutledge who will determine whether Republicans will control any facet of the Legislative Branch of the U.S. government .

Loeffler, Perdue need rural Republicans, but will they show up for Georgia Senate runoffs?
Show Caption Hide Caption In Georgia, Loeffler again refuses to say Trump lost Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler repeatedly refused to acknowledge that President Donald Trump lost reelection in November, while calling her opponent, Rev. Raphael Warnock a socialist. The two debated on Sunday night. (Dec. 7) AP
SAVANNAH, Georgia — Charlotte Ard leaned on the back of a white pickup truck in the parking lot of the Rincon Walmart on Wednesday, smoking a cigarette, waiting for her husband Robert to return.
He came back with two cases of Coca-Cola and one case of Sprite and placed them in the back of the pickup.
More: Kelly Loeffler, Raphael Warnock stick to the script in Georgia Senate runoff debate
In this city of about 10,000 people located 20 miles outside of Savannah, it's business as usual these days — except when it comes to politics. President Donald Trump easily won Effingham County in the Nov. 3 election, with 74 percent of the votes going his direction.
But the seemingly endless election season and the results have left people in this red footprint angry and dismayed — emotions shared by many rural Republicans across small-town Georgia.
Robert is a registered voter, and cast his ballot for Trump. But the bitterness of the election has soured his appetite for politics. Charlotte never had an appetite for it in the first place.
“I don’t even care about that s*** anymore, and I’m registered to vote. I don’t even want to hear about it anymore,” Robert Ard said. “It’s all I’ve heard for so long. I’m exhausted of it.”
More: 'Stakes...have never been higher': VP Mike Pence holds rally for Loeffler, Perdue in Savannah
Charlotte is a fan of Trump, but hasn’t voted in the last few elections — not even to vote for Trump in 2016 or 2020. She doesn’t trust the election process. She doesn’t trust that her vote will make any difference.
“They’re gonna put whoever they want in there,” Charlotte Ard said. “It’s not who we want, it’s who they want.”
Charlotte's distrust in Georgia’s election results isn’t uncommon among Republicans, regardless of tax bracket or political status. Conservatives from the Waffle House to the White House have cast doubt on the Democratic victory in Georgia.
It’s a tough selling point for Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, Georgia’s two incumbent Senate candidates who are facing off with a fired-up Democratic base.
Loeffler and Perdue have toed the narrow line between “The election was rigged” and “We need you to vote for us” in recent weeks, including at two rallies in Georgia over the weekend — one attended by the president himself, the other featuring Vice President Mike Pence.
At an Atlanta Press Club debate on Sunday, Loeffler defended Trump’s right to pursue legal recourse in Georgia’s election, but also told her base if they didn’t vote, they’d be choosing socialism.
Perdue didn’t show up to defend himself, as his opponent Jon Ossoff pelted his empty podium with challenges, calling him a coward.
Charlotte, a retiree, won’t be voting for Loeffler or Perdue, or anyone else in the Jan. 5 runoff for that matter. She’s a conservative, sure, but only insofar as her support of Trump — the man arguably responsible for sowing the most doubt in the validity of Georgia’s results.
“We need Trump. Trump don’t put up with no bullcrap from nobody,” Charlotte said. “He does exactly what he says he’s gonna do. He’s always steadfast on everything.
More: Podcast: UGA professor breaks down Georgia Senate debates for Loeffler, Warnock, Perdue and Ossoff
“Then you’ve got (Joe) Biden up there, telling you that you don’t need this or that. How does he know what we need? They’ve always lived by a rich man’s salary. We live by a poor man’s salary. We know what we need. They don’t.”
At the Agri Supply of Statesboro, rocks crackle between young Republican Chris Rutledge’s boots and the asphalt parking lot. Rutledge is a construction contractor, working on residential and light commercial projects.
At 24, he said he considers himself “very conservative.” He doesn’t believe the election was a totally honest one, but he’s moving towards accepting the results on an “it is what it is” basis.
“I just feel like everything has been very crooked, a bunch of rigged cheating and lying,” Rutledge said, touching the brim of the hat shading his face.
That won’t stop him from voting for Loeffler and Perdue in the runoff, but he’s preparing for the worst.
“It’s going to be pretty bad for us,” Rutledge said. “I feel like a bunch of cheating is coming up in this one as well.”
Voters like Rutledge propelled Gov. Brian Kemp to his narrow victory over Stacey Abrams in 2018.
But Trump’s recent criticisms of Kemp have driven a rift between the formerly Kemp-faithful after the governor’s refusal to overturn election results, call for a signature audit or have the Georgia General Assembly name the state’s presidential electors in a special called session.
More: U.S. Senators Kelly Loeffler, David Perdue back Texas lawsuit to overturn Georgia presidential election results
On Monday, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger recertified the state’s presidential election results for the third time, again finding Biden victorious with almost 12,000 more votes than the president.
Trump has called Kemp “hapless” and a RINO — Republican in name only — and that’s not the kind of gubernatorial candidate Rutledge wants to vote for in 2022.
“It’s hard to understand why Kemp is not wanting to help President Trump that much. It’s a mess,” Rutledge said. “It’s a done deal now, and it is what it is, but Kemp is gonna be a one-term governor in my opinion.”
But elected Republicans aren’t the only ones subject to the judgment of Trump and his supporters.
A Republican in Swainsboro, after being interviewed, asked not to be identified by name out of fear of potential retaliation from Trump supporters.
An "old school Republican," he voted for Trump twice, but he wasn’t happy about it because of the president's behavior. He said he wasn’t thrilled about Biden taking the presidency, but he’s still planning on voting for Loeffler and Perdue in the runoff.
The runoff, the final piece of the 2020 federal election puzzle, will come down to whether Georgia Republicans are able to get their base to the polls.
At the rally in Valdosta, Trump urged his base to “take revenge” for his loss, while still rattling off unfounded claims of election fraud — the most powerful Republican in the land, again toeing the line between “your vote counts” and “the election was rigged.”
And Perdue and Loeffler are going to need all the help they can get. A recent poll roundup by fivethirtyeight.com shows that the runoff races are tight. Ossoff and Perdue are nearly tied, and Raphael Warnock held a slight lead over Loeffler as of Monday.
If Ossoff and Warnock win, the Senate will be split 50-50, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris having the power to cast a deciding vote. If Perdue and Loeffler win, though, the Republicans will hold a slim 52-48 majority.
Until Jan. 5, money from both parties will flood into Georgia. The campaign ads won’t stop. The eyes of the nation will turn here.
The decision falls squarely on Georgia. And it will be Republicans like Robert Ard and Rutledge who will determine whether Republicans will control any facet of the Legislative Branch of the U.S. government.


usatoday--2020-12-11--Despite national outcry, Brandon Bernard dies by lethal injection, the ninth federal execution of 20

Brandon Bernard was executed by lethal injection Thursday at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute , Indiana , despite a flurry of last-minute appeals by his lawyers .
He was pronounced dead at 9:27 p.m. Bernard , 40 , was convicted in 2000 of two counts of murder and other offenses for his role in the 1999 kidnapping , robbery and murder of a couple in Killeen , Texas .
His execution was scheduled in October , just months after the Trump administration ended a 17-year hiatus on federal executions .
“ Tonight , those of us who love Brandon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are full of righteous anger and deep sadness at the actions of the federal government in taking his life , '' Robert Owen , one of Bernard 's lawyers , said in a prepared statement .
`` Brandon ’ s life mattered .
To us , his legal team ; to his two beautiful and talented daughters ; to his mother , brother , and sister ; and to the countless people around the country who came to know him and his story in recent weeks . ''
Bernard and four other young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that led to the deaths of Todd and Stacie Bagley , who were in Killeen at the time to see friends and visit a church .
According to court documents , three of the young men forced the Bagleys into the trunk of their car at gunpoint after approaching Todd Bagley to ask for a ride to their uncle 's house .
The young men took their valuables and drove around town in the Bagleys ' car , pulling money out of ATMs with Todd Bagley 's debit cards .
Then they drove @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Fort Hood military base where Christopher Vialva shot both of the victims in the head .
Bernard doused the car in lighter fluid and set the vehicle ablaze , according to court documents .
Bernard was not an architect of the robbery plan , according to court documents .
He was 18 at the time .
An initial autopsy revealed that Todd Bagley was killed by a gunshot wound , but Stacie Bagley 's cause of death was listed as smoke inhalation .
At trial , Vialva and Bernard were both sentenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lethal injection on Sept. 24 .
In the days leading up to Bernard 's execution , his lawyers filed a flurry of appeals and requests for a stay of execution .
His lawyers argued that the prosecuting team in Bernard 's original trial withheld an expert witness who attested to Bernard 's low position in the hierarchy of a local gang that the five young men belonged to .
That information did n't come to light until 2018 , according to his lawyers .
Owen told the IndyStar of the USA TODAY Network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on the jury 's verdict because it contradicted other testimony that described the gang as having no real leadership .
Op-ed : I helped put Brandon Bernard on federal death row .
I now think he should live .
In his order Tuesday denying to stay Bernard 's execution , Judge James Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Indiana wrote that the expert witness 's contribution was n't compelling enough to challenge the jurors ' death sentence .
Bernard 's lawyers appealed that decision to the U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same day .
They also submitted papers to the U.S. Supreme Court this week requesting that the justices halt Bernard 's execution .
Both courts denied the requests Thursday .
Last week , they presented their case to the Department of Justice ’ s Office of the Pardon Attorney and requested that President Donald Trump commute Bernard 's sentence to life in prison .
Bernard is the ninth federal prisoner to be executed this year .
At the time of his death , an online petition asking Trump to remove Bernard from death @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Despite national outcry, Brandon Bernard dies by lethal injection, the ninth federal execution of 2020
Show Caption Hide Caption Anti-death penalty protestors rally near federal prison in Terre Haute As Daniel Lee Lewis' execution approaches Monday, July 13, 2020, people gathered outside voice their opposition to the death penalty. Mykal McEldowney, IndyStar
Brandon Bernard was executed by lethal injection Thursday at the U.S. Penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, despite a flurry of last-minute appeals by his lawyers. He was pronounced dead at 9:27 p.m.
Bernard, 40, was convicted in 2000 of two counts of murder and other offenses for his role in the 1999 kidnapping, robbery and murder of a couple in Killeen, Texas. His execution was scheduled in October, just months after the Trump administration ended a 17-year hiatus on federal executions.
“Tonight, those of us who love Brandon Bernard — and we are many — are full of righteous anger and deep sadness at the actions of the federal government in taking his life," Robert Owen, one of Bernard's lawyers, said in a prepared statement. "Brandon’s life mattered. To us, his legal team; to his two beautiful and talented daughters; to his mother, brother, and sister; and to the countless people around the country who came to know him and his story in recent weeks."
Bernard and four other young men carried out the carjacking and robbery that led to the deaths of Todd and Stacie Bagley, who were in Killeen at the time to see friends and visit a church.
According to court documents, three of the young men forced the Bagleys into the trunk of their car at gunpoint after approaching Todd Bagley to ask for a ride to their uncle's house. The young men took their valuables and drove around town in the Bagleys' car, pulling money out of ATMs with Todd Bagley's debit cards.
Then they drove the vehicle to a remote area on the Fort Hood military base where Christopher Vialva shot both of the victims in the head. Bernard doused the car in lighter fluid and set the vehicle ablaze, according to court documents.
'I literally lost it': Kim Kardashian reacts to Brandon Bernard's scheduled execution, details last phone call
Bernard was not an architect of the robbery plan, according to court documents. He was 18 at the time.
An initial autopsy revealed that Todd Bagley was killed by a gunshot wound, but Stacie Bagley's cause of death was listed as smoke inhalation. At trial, Vialva and Bernard were both sentenced to death. Vialva was executed by lethal injection on Sept. 24.
In the days leading up to Bernard's execution, his lawyers filed a flurry of appeals and requests for a stay of execution.
His lawyers argued that the prosecuting team in Bernard's original trial withheld an expert witness who attested to Bernard's low position in the hierarchy of a local gang that the five young men belonged to. That information didn't come to light until 2018, according to his lawyers.
Owen told the IndyStar of the USA TODAY Network that this would have had an outsized impact on the jury's verdict because it contradicted other testimony that described the gang as having no real leadership.
Earlier this week, a federal judge in Indiana disagreed.
Op-ed: I helped put Brandon Bernard on federal death row. I now think he should live.
In his order Tuesday denying to stay Bernard's execution, Judge James Sweeney of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Indiana wrote that the expert witness's contribution wasn't compelling enough to challenge the jurors' death sentence.
Bernard's lawyers appealed that decision to the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on the same day. They also submitted papers to the U.S. Supreme Court this week requesting that the justices halt Bernard's execution. Both courts denied the requests Thursday.
Last week, they presented their case to the Department of Justice’s Office of the Pardon Attorney and requested that President Donald Trump commute Bernard's sentence to life in prison.
Bernard is the ninth federal prisoner to be executed this year. At the time of his death, an online petition asking Trump to remove Bernard from death row had accumulated over 559,000 signatures.
Contributing: The Associated Press
Follow Johnny Magdaleno on Twitter @IndyStarJohnny.