usatoday--2020-11-25--A man was killed after three separate drivers ran him over. All of them fled the scene.

A Los Angeles man was killed after three separate drivers struck him while he was crossing the street .
Jose Fuentes , 50 , was first struck by a motorcyclist at around 7:40 p.m. in Los Angeles ’ Florence neighborhood Sunday .
Shortly thereafter , two other vehicles ran him over .
A video of the incident was shared by the Los Angeles Police Department on its Facebook page .
It showed three separate vehicles – a motorcycle , a white sedan and a white van – all colliding with his body within seconds of each other .
All three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the LAPD , drove away without stopping .
Another video of the hit-and-runs , according to KABC-TV in Los Angeles , shows the motorcyclist stopping momentarily before fleeing .
“ Nobody stopped and helped out Mr. Fuentes as he lied there , ” said Det .
Ryan Moreno , one of the officers leading the investigation , in a statement obtained by ABC News .
`` The guy on the motorcycle ... ( could have ) stopped to block traffic and prevented even the second or third collision from happening .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and took off and left and fled the scene.
” Fuentes was pronounced dead at the scene .
None of the drivers has been identified .

A man was killed after three separate drivers ran him over. All of them fled the scene.
A Los Angeles man was killed after three separate drivers struck him while he was crossing the street.
Jose Fuentes, 50, was first struck by a motorcyclist at around 7:40 p.m. in Los Angeles’ Florence neighborhood Sunday. Shortly thereafter, two other vehicles ran him over.
A video of the incident was shared by the Los Angeles Police Department on its Facebook page. It showed three separate vehicles – a motorcycle, a white sedan and a white van – all colliding with his body within seconds of each other.
All three motorists involved in his death, according to the LAPD, drove away without stopping. Another video of the hit-and-runs, according to KABC-TV in Los Angeles, shows the motorcyclist stopping momentarily before fleeing.
“Nobody stopped and helped out Mr. Fuentes as he lied there,” said Det. Ryan Moreno, one of the officers leading the investigation, in a statement obtained by ABC News. "The guy on the motorcycle ... (could have) stopped to block traffic and prevented even the second or third collision from happening. But he elected to get on his motorcycle and took off and left and fled the scene.”
Fuentes was pronounced dead at the scene. None of the drivers has been identified.
Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote.


usatoday--2020-11-25--Stay connected during the holidays with these video chat services

Stay connected during the holidays with these video chat services Due to the COVID-19 pandemic , the CDC has directed @ @ @ @ @ to see their families and friends , but instead use video chat .

Video chat services to help you stay connected through the holidays
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC has directed the U.S. not to travel to see their families and friends, but instead use video chat.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-25--How to make mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving

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

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


usatoday--2020-11-24--National Guard unit home for holidays

National Guard unit home for holidays

This is the moment the 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade of the National Guard comes home to Minnesota after a @ @ @ @ @

National Guard unit home for holidays
This is the moment the 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade of the National Guard comes home to Minnesota after a year-long deployment to Iraq.
Militarykind, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-26--Pres. Trump tweets 'full pardon' for ex-national security adviser Michael Flynn

Michael Flynn pleaded guilty three years ago to lying about his conversations with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak .

Flynn: Trump gives 'full pardon' to ex-national security advisor
Michael Flynn pleaded guilty three years ago to lying about his conversations with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak.
USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-11-25--Gov. Newsom faces pressure to pick a Black woman or a Latino to replace Sen. Kamala Harris

Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris ' ascension to vice president means California Gov .
Gavin Newsom has a new job to do .
He has to choose who will fill her seat .
Black and Latino political and advocacy groups have pushed Newsom to pick a person of color .
Harris , before making history as the first African American and Asian American woman to be elected vice president , was also California 's first African American senator and the second Black woman elected to the Senate .
“ We are working through the cattle call of considerations , '' Newsom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure it ’ s inclusive , I want to make sure that we are considerate of people ’ s points of view.
” '' Diversity is a given , '' said Newsom 's longtime adviser Nathan Ballard told NPR .
`` It 's not going to be someone who looks like Gavin . ''
Newsom , a Democrat , has n't given a timeline on when he will make an announcement .
In August , a coalition of more than 500 Latino leaders wrote Newsom an open letter urging him to appoint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was updated to reflect former Vice President Joe Biden 's presidential win .
`` With the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris , driven by the historic Latino voter turnout across the nation , this is the moment to begin considering Latino leaders who are ready to fill this critical seat for the state 's representation , '' the signees wrote .
Jacqueline Martinez Garcel , whose organization Latino Community Foundation along with the California Latino Legislative Caucus and other groups organized a series of press conferences pushing for a Latino to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forefront of this activism .
`` In 170 years , the state of California has never had Latino representation in the Senate , said Martinez Garcel .
`` If this is going to be a year of firsts then we need to continue down that path and make that history . ''
There have only been nine Hispanic American senators in U.S. history .
Four of them are serving currently .
Only 10 African Americans have served in the Senate .
Three of them , including Harris , are currently serving .
Who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Congressional Hispanic Caucus campaign arm , has also pressured Newsom to choose a Latino to replace Harris .
The group is backing California Democratic Secretary of State Alex Padilla .
Padilla , the son of Mexican immigrants , is also backed by the political action committee Latino Victory Fund .
Another possible contender for the seat : California Attorney General Xavier Becerra .
Following Harris ' election to the Senate in 2017 , Becerra was appointed to fill the attorney general position .
One year later he was elected to the role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to choose a Black woman for the Senate .
The Black Lives Matter organization , the California Legislative Black Caucus and Democracy for America , a political action committee , are backing California Democratic Reps. Karen Bass and Barbara Lee to succeed Harris .
Bass is the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and served California 's 37th Congressional District .
Lee is the co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus and served California 's 13th Congressional District .
`` We ’ re calling on California Gov .
Gavin Newsom to replace Vice President-elect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black woman to ensure that a leader with Black women ’ s unique life experience continues to have a voice in the U.S. Senate , '' Yvette Simpson , CEO of Democracy for America , wrote in a statement .
`` Our government is about representation of the people , and as we saw in this election , Black people , and more specifically Black women , are constantly showing up for democracy , '' the Black Lives Matter organization wrote in its petition .
`` If there is not a single Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate is simply not a proper representation of the people . ''
According to the Center for American Women and Politics , Black women were the most reliable base of voters for the Biden-Harris ticket , with about nine in 10 Black women casting ballots for the Democrats .
Latinas and college-educated white women were also crucial for the ticket .
Higher Heights for America president and CEO Glynda Carr said it 's important that a woman fill Harris ' Senate seat .
The organization helps elect Black women and mobilize Black women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that that the governor is putting forth an appointment of a woman .
We have made some major gains in gender equity in the Senate over recent years , and I 'm certainly excited about the elevation of the election of Kamala Harris , '' Carr said .
`` But as we celebrate that gain we certainly do n't want to take a step back by not appointing a woman . ''
Carr also believes Lee and Bass are both qualified to be senators .
`` We 're coming out of some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least my generation , and having qualifications of two congressional members , stepping into a role ready to lead on day one is absolutely what we are pushing the governor to advance , '' Carr said .
What does representation mean ?
An often-repeated quote is that representation matters .
But progressive activists have critiqued representation as a distraction from meaningful change for communities of color .
`` It 's not enough to have a Latino surname , '' Martinez Garcel said .
`` We have that already in the Senate , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Latinos and the values that we hold so dear to our hearts . ''
A study released in July concluded that crowded housing arrangements and high-risk jobs in industries like meatpacking , poultry and hospitality are among the major reasons Latinos have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic .
Imperial County , Calif. , which is 85 % Hispanic , has consistently had one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in the United States , according to data compiled by USA TODAY .
The pandemic has also disproportionately impacted Black communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as likely to die from the virus than white people , according to The COVID Tracking Project .
Carr said a diverse group of people at the table will make better decisions and there is more work to be done beyond 2020 .
The work Higher Heights does focuses on `` recruiting , training , and supporting a more diverse pool of candidates to run , win , and lead in the Senate , '' Carr said .
`` That 's certainly the work that we 're doubling down on to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , two African Americans , a handful of Latinos ... that the work is to take that body of 100 ( senators ) and actually have that body of 100 look like America . ''
Martinez Garcel said California should n't have to choose between a Black or a Latino senator .
`` I 'm also hoping that ( California Democratic Sen. Diane ) Feinstein will open her eyes and retire , '' Martinez Garcel said .
`` Why ca n't California have both : a Latino and another Black woman sitting at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most diverse states in our country ? ''
Martinez Garcel also hopes white leaders will put their muscle behind people of color .
`` To all of our white leaders right now in these powerful political positions , what greater statement can be said of them , if they put all their weight behind candidates of color to run ? ''

Gov. Newsom faces pressure to pick a Black woman or a Latino to replace Sen. Kamala Harris
Show Caption Hide Caption Kamala Harris makes history as first woman vice president Harris is also the first Black and South Asian American to be vice president. USA TODAY
Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris' ascension to vice president means California Gov. Gavin Newsom has a new job to do. He has to choose who will fill her seat.
Black and Latino political and advocacy groups have pushed Newsom to pick a person of color. Harris, before making history as the first African American and Asian American woman to be elected vice president, was also California's first African American senator and the second Black woman elected to the Senate.
“We are working through the cattle call of considerations," Newsom told reporters. “I want to make sure it’s inclusive, I want to make sure that we are considerate of people’s points of view.”
"Diversity is a given," said Newsom's longtime adviser Nathan Ballard told NPR. "It's not going to be someone who looks like Gavin."
Newsom, a Democrat, hasn't given a timeline on when he will make an announcement.
Activists make their case
In August, a coalition of more than 500 Latino leaders wrote Newsom an open letter urging him to appoint a Latino senator. The open letter was updated to reflect former Vice President Joe Biden's presidential win.
"With the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, driven by the historic Latino voter turnout across the nation, this is the moment to begin considering Latino leaders who are ready to fill this critical seat for the state's representation," the signees wrote.
Jacqueline Martinez Garcel, whose organization Latino Community Foundation along with the California Latino Legislative Caucus and other groups organized a series of press conferences pushing for a Latino to be appointed, has been at the forefront of this activism.
"In 170 years, the state of California has never had Latino representation in the Senate, said Martinez Garcel. "If this is going to be a year of firsts then we need to continue down that path and make that history."
There have only been nine Hispanic American senators in U.S. history. Four of them are serving currently. Only 10 African Americans have served in the Senate. Three of them, including Harris, are currently serving.
Who is being considered?
BOLD PAC, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus campaign arm, has also pressured Newsom to choose a Latino to replace Harris. The group is backing California Democratic Secretary of State Alex Padilla. Padilla, the son of Mexican immigrants, is also backed by the political action committee Latino Victory Fund.
Another possible contender for the seat: California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. Following Harris' election to the Senate in 2017, Becerra was appointed to fill the attorney general position. One year later he was elected to the role.
Black leaders are pushing for Newsom to choose a Black woman for the Senate. The Black Lives Matter organization, the California Legislative Black Caucus and Democracy for America, a political action committee, are backing California Democratic Reps. Karen Bass and Barbara Lee to succeed Harris.
Bass is the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and served California's 37th Congressional District. Lee is the co-chair of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus and served California's 13th Congressional District.
"We’re calling on California Gov. Gavin Newsom to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris with another powerful, progressive Black woman to ensure that a leader with Black women’s unique life experience continues to have a voice in the U.S. Senate," Yvette Simpson, CEO of Democracy for America, wrote in a statement.
"Our government is about representation of the people, and as we saw in this election, Black people, and more specifically Black women, are constantly showing up for democracy," the Black Lives Matter organization wrote in its petition. "If there is not a single Black woman in the Senate, then the Senate is simply not a proper representation of the people."
Not taking a 'step back'
According to the Center for American Women and Politics, Black women were the most reliable base of voters for the Biden-Harris ticket, with about nine in 10 Black women casting ballots for the Democrats. Latinas and college-educated white women were also crucial for the ticket.
Higher Heights for America president and CEO Glynda Carr said it's important that a woman fill Harris' Senate seat. The organization helps elect Black women and mobilize Black women voters.
"We need to ensure that that the governor is putting forth an appointment of a woman. We have made some major gains in gender equity in the Senate over recent years, and I'm certainly excited about the elevation of the election of Kamala Harris," Carr said.
"But as we celebrate that gain we certainly don't want to take a step back by not appointing a woman."
Carr also believes Lee and Bass are both qualified to be senators.
"We're coming out of some of the most politically toxic times, at least my generation, and having qualifications of two congressional members, stepping into a role ready to lead on day one is absolutely what we are pushing the governor to advance," Carr said.
What does representation mean?
An often-repeated quote is that representation matters. But progressive activists have critiqued representation as a distraction from meaningful change for communities of color.
"It's not enough to have a Latino surname," Martinez Garcel said. "We have that already in the Senate, that obviously hasn't worked to the benefit of Latinos and the values that we hold so dear to our hearts."
A study released in July concluded that crowded housing arrangements and high-risk jobs in industries like meatpacking, poultry and hospitality are among the major reasons Latinos have been disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Imperial County, Calif., which is 85% Hispanic, has consistently had one of the highest COVID-19 death rates in the United States, according to data compiled by USA TODAY.
The pandemic has also disproportionately impacted Black communities. Black people are more than twice as likely to die from the virus than white people, according to The COVID Tracking Project.
Carr said a diverse group of people at the table will make better decisions and there is more work to be done beyond 2020.
The work Higher Heights does focuses on "recruiting, training, and supporting a more diverse pool of candidates to run, win, and lead in the Senate," Carr said. "That's certainly the work that we're doubling down on to ensure that it is not just one Black woman, two African Americans, a handful of Latinos ... that the work is to take that body of 100 (senators) and actually have that body of 100 look like America."
Martinez Garcel said California shouldn't have to choose between a Black or a Latino senator.
"I'm also hoping that (California Democratic Sen. Diane) Feinstein will open her eyes and retire," Martinez Garcel said. "Why can't California have both: a Latino and another Black woman sitting at the U.S. Senate representing one of the most diverse states in our country?"
Martinez Garcel also hopes white leaders will put their muscle behind people of color.
"To all of our white leaders right now in these powerful political positions, what greater statement can be said of them, if they put all their weight behind candidates of color to run?"


usatoday--2020-11-25--Will Trump ever concede to Biden? Approving the transition may be as close as he gets to that, aides

WASHINGTON – When President Donald Trump signed off this week on formally allowing President-elect Joe Biden 's transition to move forward , it was a decision he arrived at after a series of embarrassing setbacks in his efforts to challenge the results of the Nov. 3 election .
Though Trump made clear he intends to keep up his election legal battle , it was a turning point after conversations over the weekend with top aides about how he could approve a transition without conceding the race .
Trump faced dwindling prospects for overturning the election through the courts , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania over the weekend in which a federal judge dismissed one of his campaign 's lawsuits as a `` Frankenstein 's Monster . ''
White House officials speaking on the condition of anonymity said the government is preparing for Biden to take over Jan. 20 , but the president made no direct reference to the election in two brief appearances Tuesday and continued to hammer away on Twitter with evidence-free claims of widespread fraud .
Facing mounting criticism from fellow Republicans , court stumbles , the certification of Biden 's lead in several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own legal team , Trump was gradually talked by aides into acknowledging the need to begin a transition – an outcome that some close to the president predicted could be the closest he will get to a formal concession .
Biden transition gets green light : Trump administration relents on refusal to provide resources '' In the best interest of our Country , '' Trump tweeted this week , he recommended that the official machinery of the federal government `` do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's acknowledgment that the General Services Administration should begin that process , which will allow federal agencies – including those battling COVID-19 – to interface with the Biden transition , was a break from his frequent assertions , leveled without evidence , that voter fraud robbed him of reelection .
Speaking for about a minute at the White House on Tuesday , the president touted growth in the stock market but did not address the election .
He was similarly reticent hours later in the Rose Garden , where he honored the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And as I say , America First , '' Trump said , repeating a campaign slogan .
`` We should n't go away from that . ''
Trump campaign aides dismissed the significance of the transition announcement , and the president vowed on Twitter to continue his fight despite the series of setbacks undermining his case .
Friday , Michigan state lawmakers left a meeting at the White House saying they had seen no evidence indicating Biden 's win was in error .
The same day , Georgia certified the Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day , a federal judge in Pennsylvania dismissed a Trump lawsuit as an amalgamation of `` strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations . ''
Sunday , Trump ordered his team to distance itself from attorney Sidney Powell , whose claims days earlier of an anti-Trump election conspiracy drew ridicule from across the political spectrum .
By Monday , Michigan certified its election results .
A presidential tradition : If Trump still wo n't concede to Biden , he 'll break more than a century of tradition White House chief of staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the aides who spoke with the president about the transition .
Trump tweeted his announcement to go ahead minutes after the GSA wrote Biden to confirm the decision .
If Trump does n't concede , he would break with 124 years of American history – which could rile partisanship and create divisions within the Republican Party .
Trump and some aides see a strategy in continuing the fight .
Some expect Trump to complain about the election for the rest of his public life , using it to retain a core group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make another presidential run in 2024 .
Although Trump has no plans to call off lawsuits and election protests , aides said , Meadows wrote in an email to staff late Monday that the administration would `` comply with all actions needed to ensure the smooth transfer of power . ''
White House officials cleared Biden on Tuesday to receive the same daily intelligence briefings that Trump does , according to a White House official speaking on the condition of anonymity .
Trump returned to the lawsuits in a series of tweets Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard . ''
He retweeted a message from about a week ago that `` I concede NOTHING !
!
!
!
! ''
Trump downplayed the significance of the GSA 's announcement , saying the agency had been `` terrific '' and had `` done a great job , '' but it `` does not determine who the next President of the United States will be . ''
Rick Gates , a 2016 campaign aide to Trump , said the president 's short-term goal is to get one or more of his election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's no way to know when that might happen .
Gates said he expects Trump to fight until at least the meeting of the Electoral College scheduled for Dec. 14 – and probably beyond .
`` However , '' Gates said , `` with each passing day , the clock is narrowing his constitutional options considerably . ''
Biden continued to roll out top level appointments , including several national security positions .
In Delaware on Tuesday , Biden said he would nominate longtime confidant Antony Blinken as secretary of state and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden when he was vice president , as his national security adviser .
Biden said he was `` pleased '' the administration was moving toward a `` smooth and peaceful transition '' of power .
`` And as more states certify the results of this election , there 's progress to wrap up our victory , '' he said .
Trump and his team have filed lawsuits , demanded recounts and protested procedures in several states , an effort designed to throw out ballots or block certification of Biden 's victories in Michigan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pennsylvania .
Those initiatives have failed , and legal experts said there is little evidence of widespread fraud .
Pressure on Trump : Former Republican national security officials warn Trump must allow transition Trump is running out of battles to fight , a point underscored by an increasing number of Republican allies .
Minutes after Michigan certified its results , Sen. Lamar Alexander , R-Tenn. , called on Trump to `` put the country first and have a prompt and orderly transition to help the new administration succeed . ''
In an op-ed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rob Portman , R-Ohio , said he has supported Trump 's efforts , but `` there is no evidence as of now of any widespread fraud or irregularities that would change the result in any state . ''
An orderly transition is important , Portman said , and `` it is now time to expeditiously resolve any outstanding questions and move forward . ''
One sign of Trump 's commitment to complaint : He canceled his Thanksgiving weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach , Florida , aides said , so he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in charge of the election protest .
Trump took part in the annual pardoning of the national Thanksgiving turkey Tuesday , a lucky bird selected in an online election .
In 2018 , when a turkey named `` Peas '' triumphed over `` Carrots '' for the pardon , Trump joked that Carrots refused to concede and demanded a recount .
As he pardoned this year 's turkey , Trump made no similar jokes .
`` What we ’ ve endured and been able to endure , with the ( coronavirus ) vaccines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s an incredible thing that happened , '' he said .
`` But it 's time to remember that we live in a great , great country – the greatest of them all . ''

David Jackson and John Fritze, USA TODAY

Will Trump ever concede to Biden? Approving the transition may be as close as he gets to that, aides say
Show Caption Hide Caption Concession speeches: A look back on history Scott Farris, author of "Almost President: The Men Who Lost the Race but Changed the Nation," describes the tradition of offering a concession speech. USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – When President Donald Trump signed off this week on formally allowing President-elect Joe Biden's transition to move forward, it was a decision he arrived at after a series of embarrassing setbacks in his efforts to challenge the results of the Nov. 3 election.
Though Trump made clear he intends to keep up his election legal battle, it was a turning point after conversations over the weekend with top aides about how he could approve a transition without conceding the race.
Trump faced dwindling prospects for overturning the election through the courts, a point driven home by a decision in Pennsylvania over the weekend in which a federal judge dismissed one of his campaign's lawsuits as a "Frankenstein's Monster."
White House officials speaking on the condition of anonymity said the government is preparing for Biden to take over Jan. 20, but the president made no direct reference to the election in two brief appearances Tuesday and continued to hammer away on Twitter with evidence-free claims of widespread fraud.
Facing mounting criticism from fellow Republicans, court stumbles, the certification of Biden's lead in several battleground states and internal squabbling over his own legal team, Trump was gradually talked by aides into acknowledging the need to begin a transition – an outcome that some close to the president predicted could be the closest he will get to a formal concession.
Biden transition gets green light: Trump administration relents on refusal to provide resources
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
"In the best interest of our Country," Trump tweeted this week, he recommended that the official machinery of the federal government "do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols," a nod to beginning the transition.
Trump's acknowledgment that the General Services Administration should begin that process, which will allow federal agencies – including those battling COVID-19 – to interface with the Biden transition, was a break from his frequent assertions, leveled without evidence, that voter fraud robbed him of reelection.
Speaking for about a minute at the White House on Tuesday, the president touted growth in the stock market but did not address the election. He was similarly reticent hours later in the Rose Garden, where he honored the tradition of pardoning a turkey before Thanksgiving.
"And as I say, America First," Trump said, repeating a campaign slogan. "We shouldn't go away from that."
Trump campaign aides dismissed the significance of the transition announcement, and the president vowed on Twitter to continue his fight despite the series of setbacks undermining his case.
Friday, Michigan state lawmakers left a meeting at the White House saying they had seen no evidence indicating Biden's win was in error. The same day, Georgia certified the Democrat's narrow victory there.
The next day, a federal judge in Pennsylvania dismissed a Trump lawsuit as an amalgamation of "strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations."
Sunday, Trump ordered his team to distance itself from attorney Sidney Powell, whose claims days earlier of an anti-Trump election conspiracy drew ridicule from across the political spectrum. By Monday, Michigan certified its election results.
A presidential tradition: If Trump still won't concede to Biden, he'll break more than a century of tradition
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and counsel Pat Cipollone were among the aides who spoke with the president about the transition. Trump tweeted his announcement to go ahead minutes after the GSA wrote Biden to confirm the decision.
If Trump doesn't concede, he would break with 124 years of American history – which could rile partisanship and create divisions within the Republican Party. Trump and some aides see a strategy in continuing the fight. Some expect Trump to complain about the election for the rest of his public life, using it to retain a core group of supporters, raise money and perhaps make another presidential run in 2024.
Although Trump has no plans to call off lawsuits and election protests, aides said, Meadows wrote in an email to staff late Monday that the administration would "comply with all actions needed to ensure the smooth transfer of power."
Michigan certification: State certifies results finding Biden the winner
Michigan certifies Biden win Michigan election officials on Monday certified Democrat Joe Biden's 154,000-vote victory in the state, another setback for President Donald Trump. (Nov. 23) AP
White House officials cleared Biden on Tuesday to receive the same daily intelligence briefings that Trump does, according to a White House official speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Trump returned to the lawsuits in a series of tweets Tuesday, asserting that "we are fighting hard." He retweeted a message from about a week ago that "I concede NOTHING!!!!!"
Trump downplayed the significance of the GSA's announcement, saying the agency had been "terrific" and had "done a great job," but it "does not determine who the next President of the United States will be."
Legal options dwindle
Rick Gates, a 2016 campaign aide to Trump, said the president's short-term goal is to get one or more of his election lawsuits before the Supreme Court, and there's no way to know when that might happen. Gates said he expects Trump to fight until at least the meeting of the Electoral College scheduled for Dec. 14 – and probably beyond.
"However," Gates said, "with each passing day, the clock is narrowing his constitutional options considerably."
Biden continued to roll out top level appointments, including several national security positions. In Delaware on Tuesday, Biden said he would nominate longtime confidant Antony Blinken as secretary of state and named Jake Sullivan, who worked for Biden when he was vice president, as his national security adviser.
Biden said he was "pleased" the administration was moving toward a "smooth and peaceful transition" of power.
"And as more states certify the results of this election, there's progress to wrap up our victory," he said.
Trump and his team have filed lawsuits, demanded recounts and protested procedures in several states, an effort designed to throw out ballots or block certification of Biden's victories in Michigan, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Those initiatives have failed, and legal experts said there is little evidence of widespread fraud.
Pressure on Trump: Former Republican national security officials warn Trump must allow transition
Trump is running out of battles to fight, a point underscored by an increasing number of Republican allies.
Minutes after Michigan certified its results, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., called on Trump to "put the country first and have a prompt and orderly transition to help the new administration succeed."
In an op-ed for the Cincinnati Enquirer, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said he has supported Trump's efforts, but "there is no evidence as of now of any widespread fraud or irregularities that would change the result in any state."
An orderly transition is important, Portman said, and "it is now time to expeditiously resolve any outstanding questions and move forward."
One sign of Trump's commitment to complaint: He canceled his Thanksgiving weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, aides said, so he could be seen at the White House in charge of the election protest.
Trump took part in the annual pardoning of the national Thanksgiving turkey Tuesday, a lucky bird selected in an online election. In 2018, when a turkey named "Peas" triumphed over "Carrots" for the pardon, Trump joked that Carrots refused to concede and demanded a recount.
As he pardoned this year's turkey, Trump made no similar jokes.
"What we’ve endured and been able to endure, with the (coronavirus) vaccines now coming out one after another – it’s an incredible thing that happened," he said. "But it's time to remember that we live in a great, great country – the greatest of them all."
Contributing: Deirdre Shesgreen, Michael Collins, Courtney Subramanian


usatoday--2020-11-25--North Dakota Supreme Court rules against Gov. Doug Burgum in fight to fill dead candidate's state Ho

The North Dakota Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Gov .
Doug Burgumdoes not have authority to fill a state House seat won by a man who died before Election Day .
The court unanimously ruled Burgum `` does not have statutory or constitutional authority to make an appointment to fill the vacancy in this case . ''
Instead , the vacancy will be filled by Jeff Delzer , who has clashed with Burgum in the past , according to the Bismarck Tribune .
Burgum had argued the Constitution gave him the right to appoint someone to a state House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andahl , who died Oct. 5 from coronavirus complications .
The House district represents a sprawling rural area north of Bismarck .
Delzer , who has spent nearly 30 years in the state Legislature , was appointed last week by Republicans in the district , the Tribune reported .
'He was looking forward to it ' : Republican state legislature candidate in North Dakota who died of COVID-19 in October wins election Andahl , 55 , remained on the ballot , in part because early voting had begun weeks before his death .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ family for having to go through all this , ” Delzer said .
“ It ’ s a shame he passed away and could not fill the seat .
I am honored to be chosen to fill the seat and will do the best I can for the district and the state of North Dakota.
” Burgum , also a Republican , had originally appointed Wade Boeshans , a coal executive , to fill the seat on the day after Election Day .
“ After extensive research , it became clear that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fill the District 8 seat is through gubernatorial appointment , ” Burgum said in a statement issued at the time .
'This is unacceptable by any standards ' : The Dakotas are 'as bad as it gets anywhere in the world ' for COVID-19 North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said the court 's decision reaffirmed his earlier opinion .
The court `` agreed with the Attorney General that a mechanism to fill the vacancy existed in current law and the District 8 Republican Executive Committee had the authority to fill the vacancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement .
“ This entire exercise was a waste of taxpayer dollars and time , all of which could have been avoided had the Governor come across the hall to receive legal advice from the person who was elected by the citizens of North Dakota to provide legal advice to state officials , ” Stenehjem said in a statement .
In a statement , Burgum said he disagreed with the findings but added , `` we respect the Court ’ s opinion and will continue to do our best every day to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Burgum gave more than $ 3.1 million to a political action committee that targeted Delzer .
Backed by Burgum ’ s campaign cash , Andahl and Dave Nehring won the Republicans ’ endorsements and voters ’ nominations in the June primary .
Democrats also argued that Burgum lacked authority to fill the seat .
They said Democrat Kathrin Volochenko should be the district ’ s next representative because she received the next-highest number of votes .

North Dakota Supreme Court rules against Gov. Doug Burgum in fight to fill dead candidate's state House seat
Show Caption Hide Caption AP Top Stories November 24 A Here's the latest for Tuesday November 24th: Biden to name national security team; GSA signs off on presidential transition; Los Angeles County could implement stay-at-home orders; Millions traveling for Thanksgiving. AP
The North Dakota Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Gov. Doug Burgumdoes not have authority to fill a state House seat won by a man who died before Election Day.
The court unanimously ruled Burgum "does not have statutory or constitutional authority to make an appointment to fill the vacancy in this case." Instead, the vacancy will be filled by Jeff Delzer, who has clashed with Burgum in the past, according to the Bismarck Tribune.
Burgum had argued the Constitution gave him the right to appoint someone to a state House seat won on Nov. 3 by David Andahl, who died Oct. 5 from coronavirus complications. The House district represents a sprawling rural area north of Bismarck.
Delzer, who has spent nearly 30 years in the state Legislature, was appointed last week by Republicans in the district, the Tribune reported.
'He was looking forward to it': Republican state legislature candidate in North Dakota who died of COVID-19 in October wins election
Andahl, 55, remained on the ballot, in part because early voting had begun weeks before his death.
“I feel sorry for the Andahl family for having to go through all this,” Delzer said. “It’s a shame he passed away and could not fill the seat. I am honored to be chosen to fill the seat and will do the best I can for the district and the state of North Dakota.”
Burgum, also a Republican, had originally appointed Wade Boeshans, a coal executive, to fill the seat on the day after Election Day.
“After extensive research, it became clear that the only legal and constitutionally viable way to fill the District 8 seat is through gubernatorial appointment,” Burgum said in a statement issued at the time.
'This is unacceptable by any standards': The Dakotas are 'as bad as it gets anywhere in the world' for COVID-19
North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said the court's decision reaffirmed his earlier opinion. The court "agreed with the Attorney General that a mechanism to fill the vacancy existed in current law and the District 8 Republican Executive Committee had the authority to fill the vacancy," Stenehjem's office said in a statement.
“This entire exercise was a waste of taxpayer dollars and time, all of which could have been avoided had the Governor come across the hall to receive legal advice from the person who was elected by the citizens of North Dakota to provide legal advice to state officials,” Stenehjem said in a statement.
In a statement, Burgum said he disagreed with the findings but added, "we respect the Court’s opinion and will continue to do our best every day to serve the citizens of North Dakota."
Burgum gave more than $3.1 million to a political action committee that targeted Delzer. Backed by Burgum’s campaign cash, Andahl and Dave Nehring won the Republicans’ endorsements and voters’ nominations in the June primary.
Democrats also argued that Burgum lacked authority to fill the seat. They said Democrat Kathrin Volochenko should be the district’s next representative because she received the next-highest number of votes.
The Supreme Court dismissed that argument.
Contributing: Joel Shannon, USA TODAY; The Associated Press


usatoday--2020-11-24--Observers of Milwaukee election recount were given poop emoji wristbands from Wisconsin Center staff

MILWAUKEE — Each day of the recount seems to bring some new controversy .
And on Tuesday morning , the controversy briefly turned to poop — or more specifically , poop emoji wristbands given to recount observers who arrived at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee .
On previous days , the observer wristbands featured things like `` VIP '' in gold or purple lettering .
But all observers — those for Donald Trump , Joe Biden or media members — who arrived Tuesday morning had a paper wristband with smiling poop emojis affixed around their wrists to show they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were not happy about it .
`` A recount volunteer says she and others were forced to wear these bracelets to participate in recount , '' conservative radio talk show host Vicki McKenna tweeted .
`` Staff , attorneys and volunteers all wearing them .
Do these people NOT take elections seriously ? ''
She called on the Wisconsin Elections Commission to explain whether the wristbands were `` acceptable . ''
But the state panel apparently had nothing to do with them .
Neither did the Milwaukee County officials overseeing the recount .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ice cream , personally , '' Christenson said when asked about the poop emoji wristbands .
`` Wisconsin Center is our vendor .
They handle the logistics .
They are probably just pulling what they have in stock , because this is the first opportunity they 've had to be open in quite some time due to this pandemic .
So again , it 's a non-issue .
Everybody got one . ''
Christenson added , `` I think this shows that some people are just desperate for any controversy that they hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recount is going smoothly and will confirm the results reported on election night . ''
Contact Mary Spicuzza at ( 414 ) 224-2324 or mary.spicuzza @ jrn.com .
Follow her on Twitter at @ MSpicuzzaMJS .

Mary Spicuzza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Observers of Milwaukee election recount were given poop emoji wristbands from Wisconsin Center staff
Show Caption Hide Caption Trump pursues recount of 2 liberal Wis. counties President Donald Trump's campaign has paid $3 million for a recount of two heavily Democratic Wisconsin counties, claiming irregularities. No evidence of wrongdoing has been presented and state elections officials have said there was none. (Nov. 18) AP
MILWAUKEE — Each day of the recount seems to bring some new controversy.
And on Tuesday morning, the controversy briefly turned to poop — or more specifically, poop emoji wristbands given to recount observers who arrived at the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee.
On previous days, the observer wristbands featured things like "VIP" in gold or purple lettering.
But all observers — those for Donald Trump, Joe Biden or media members — who arrived Tuesday morning had a paper wristband with smiling poop emojis affixed around their wrists to show they passed the required health screen. Some were not happy about it.
"A recount volunteer says she and others were forced to wear these bracelets to participate in recount," conservative radio talk show host Vicki McKenna tweeted. "Staff, attorneys and volunteers all wearing them. Do these people NOT take elections seriously?"
She called on the Wisconsin Elections Commission to explain whether the wristbands were "acceptable."
A recount volunteer says she and others were forced to wear these bracelets to participate in recount. Staff, attorneys and volunteers all wearing them. Do these people NOT take elections seriously? @WI_Elections, please tell me why this is acceptable? @bobspindell @empowerwi pic.twitter.com/U42assscjR — Vicki McKenna (@VickiMcKenna) November 24, 2020
But the state panel apparently had nothing to do with them. Neither did the Milwaukee County officials overseeing the recount.
Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson dismissed the controversy as silly.
"I always thought it was chocolate ice cream, personally," Christenson said when asked about the poop emoji wristbands. "Wisconsin Center is our vendor. They handle the logistics. They are probably just pulling what they have in stock, because this is the first opportunity they've had to be open in quite some time due to this pandemic. So again, it's a non-issue. Everybody got one."
Christenson added, "I think this shows that some people are just desperate for any controversy that they hope will distract from the fact that the recount is going smoothly and will confirm the results reported on election night."
Asked about complaints about the poop emoji wristbands given out to recount observers in Milwaukee, County Clerk George Christenson said, “I always thought it was chocolate ice cream, personally.” pic.twitter.com/tVErpdQzeJ — Mary Spicuzza (@MSpicuzzaMJS) November 24, 2020
Contact Mary Spicuzza at (414) 224-2324 or mary.spicuzza@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @MSpicuzzaMJS.


usatoday--2020-11-25--Corn bests Cob: Trump pardons 'lucky' Thanksgiving turkey but avoids political jokes

WASHINGTON – This time , there were no jokes about recounts and fair elections .
President Donald Trump emerged from the White House briefly on Tuesday to partake in an annual holiday tradition – the pardoning of the National Thanksgiving Turkey – but passed up an opportunity to use the ritual as a commentary on this month 's presidential election .
Trump , with first lady Melania Trump at his side , used the Rose Garden ceremony to grant a full pardon to a lucky gobbler named Corn and to celebrate the soaring stock market and the “ strength , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
“ What we ’ ve endured and been able to endure , with the vaccines now coming out one after another – it ’ s an incredible thing that happened , ” he said in a rare public appearance since losing the presidential election to Joe Biden .
'T is the season : Masks , plexiglass food stations : What Melania Trump is planning for holiday parties amid COVID-19 Trump ’ s serious tone was a marked contrast to his previous turkey pardonings , which he used to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , in the midst of the House 's impeachment inquiry , Trump cracked jokes about efforts to oust him from office .
In 2018 , he joked about how a turkey named Peas bested another named Carrots in a vote on the White House website to decide which one would get the presidential reprieve .
“ This was a fair election , ” he said at the time , tongue planted firmly in cheek .
“ Unfortunately , Carrots refused to concede and demanded a recount .
... We ’ ve come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m sorry to tell you , the result did not change.
” Trump steered clear of election talk this year , even though the administrator of the General Services Administration said Monday that she would allow President-elect Biden to begin his official transition .
The announcement marked a formal recognition by the Trump administration that Biden won the Nov. 3 election , even though the president has refused to concede and continues to make accusations of voter fraud that lack evidence .
Foreign policy : Even Trump 's fiercest critics say he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the pardoning ceremony , Trump mostly avoided making jokes , although he did note that Thanksgiving is not the best of days for turkeys and called Corn “ a lucky bird ” that has been waiting to receive his presidential reprieve .
Corn was chosen for the pardon and the title of National Thanksgiving Turkey over another gobbler named Cob .
Both are part of a “ presidential flock ” of birds raised by turkey producers Ron and Susie Kardel of Walcott , Iowa .
Though Corn got the official pardon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spared .
They will live out their days at Iowa State University and be available for public viewing starting Dec. 5 .
The turkey pardoning is an annual holiday tradition that has its roots dating back to President Abraham Lincoln and was made official in 1989 under President George H.W .
Bush .
Trump and the first lady canceled their plans to spend Thanksgiving at their Mar-a-Lago private resort in Palm Beach , Florida , and will remain at the White House for the holiday .
Michael Collins covers the White House .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @

Corn bests Cob: Trump pardons 'lucky' Thanksgiving turkey but avoids political jokes
Show Caption Hide Caption Turkeys to be pardoned by the president arrive in style in D.C. Two turkeys from a farm in Walcott, Iowa, have arrived in Washington, D.C. for the annual pardoning ceremony with the President. USA TODAY, Storyful
WASHINGTON – This time, there were no jokes about recounts and fair elections.
President Donald Trump emerged from the White House briefly on Tuesday to partake in an annual holiday tradition – the pardoning of the National Thanksgiving Turkey – but passed up an opportunity to use the ritual as a commentary on this month's presidential election.
Trump, with first lady Melania Trump at his side, used the Rose Garden ceremony to grant a full pardon to a lucky gobbler named Corn and to celebrate the soaring stock market and the “strength, loyalty and faith” of Americans amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“What we’ve endured and been able to endure, with the vaccines now coming out one after another – it’s an incredible thing that happened,” he said in a rare public appearance since losing the presidential election to Joe Biden.
'Tis the season: Masks, plexiglass food stations: What Melania Trump is planning for holiday parties amid COVID-19
Trump’s serious tone was a marked contrast to his previous turkey pardonings, which he used to make light of his political situations.
Last year, in the midst of the House's impeachment inquiry, Trump cracked jokes about efforts to oust him from office.
In 2018, he joked about how a turkey named Peas bested another named Carrots in a vote on the White House website to decide which one would get the presidential reprieve.
“This was a fair election,” he said at the time, tongue planted firmly in cheek. “Unfortunately, Carrots refused to concede and demanded a recount. ... We’ve come to a conclusion. Carrots, I’m sorry to tell you, the result did not change.”
Trump steered clear of election talk this year, even though the administrator of the General Services Administration said Monday that she would allow President-elect Biden to begin his official transition. The announcement marked a formal recognition by the Trump administration that Biden won the Nov. 3 election, even though the president has refused to concede and continues to make accusations of voter fraud that lack evidence.
Foreign policy: Even Trump's fiercest critics say he may have gotten some world affairs right
At the pardoning ceremony, Trump mostly avoided making jokes, although he did note that Thanksgiving is not the best of days for turkeys and called Corn “a lucky bird” that has been waiting to receive his presidential reprieve.
Corn was chosen for the pardon and the title of National Thanksgiving Turkey over another gobbler named Cob. Both are part of a “presidential flock” of birds raised by turkey producers Ron and Susie Kardel of Walcott, Iowa. Though Corn got the official pardon, the lives of both turkeys will be spared. They will live out their days at Iowa State University and be available for public viewing starting Dec. 5.
Coronavirus vaccine: When might a COVID-19 vaccine be authorized? FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn answers common questions
The turkey pardoning is an annual holiday tradition that has its roots dating back to President Abraham Lincoln and was made official in 1989 under President George H.W. Bush.
Trump and the first lady canceled their plans to spend Thanksgiving at their Mar-a-Lago private resort in Palm Beach, Florida, and will remain at the White House for the holiday.
Michael Collins covers the White House. Reach him on Twitter @mcollinsNEWS.


usatoday--2020-11-24--Joe Biden picks for top jobs: A spy chief who fixes cars, an envoy who practices 'gumbo diplomacy'

WILMINGTON , Del .
– President-elect Joe Biden chose as his director of national intelligence a woman who can talk spycraft as easily as fixing a car or flying a plane .
To lead the State Department , Biden chose a longtime diplomat whose relatives fled pogroms and survived the Holocaust .
As ambassador to the United Nations , Biden picked a Black woman raised in segregated Louisiana by an illiterate father .
She served `` gumbo diplomacy '' across four continents during her 35-year career in the foreign service .
The personal stories helped introduce six officials – most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or nominate to foreign policy posts .
Despite their extensive experience , Biden said new approaches are needed to face major threats such as climate change , nuclear proliferation , cyberthreats and the spread of authoritarianism .
“ While this team has unmatched experience and accomplishments , they also reflect the idea that we can not meet these challenges with old thinking and unchanged habits , '' Biden said Tuesday at The Queen theater .
Avril Haines is Biden 's nominee to become the first woman to lead the U.S. intelligence community .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ CIA and deputy national security adviser .
He described her as a professional rather than political appointee .
He said that after 10 years of working with her , he knows she also `` can talk literature and theoretical physics , fixing cars , flying planes , running a bookstore cafe – all in a single conversation because she ’ s done all that . ''
`` If she gets word of a threat coming to our shores , like another pandemic or foreign interference with our elections , she will not stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action , '' Biden said .
Antony Blinken , Biden 's nominee to become secretary of state , is a longtime confidant of the former vice president who held top national security and State Department posts during President Barack Obama 's administration .
Blinken described a family tree shadowed by oppression before arriving in the USA .
His grandfather fled Russian pogroms .
His grandmother fled communist Hungary before helping refugees .
And his late stepfather was one of 900 children from his school in Poland to survive the Holocaust .
“ America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Earth , '' Blinken said of his relatives and others .
More : Trump carries on fight to overturn Pennsylvania 's election even as his administration greenlights Biden transition Linda Thomas-Greenfield is Biden 's choice to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations .
She spoke of `` hope in the struggle '' as she recalled growing up poor in Louisiana .
The Ku Klux Klan regularly visited her town to burn a cross in someone 's yard , she said in a TEDX talk last year .
The veteran diplomat led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama administration .
Wherever she was posted , Thomas-Greenfield practiced `` gumbo diplomacy '' by inviting people of different backgrounds to make a roux and chop onions for the `` holy trinity '' ( onions , bell peppers and celery ) in the Cajun tradition .
`` It was my way of breaking down barriers , connecting with people and starting to see each other on a human level , '' Thomas-Greenfield said .
`` A bit of lagniappe ( or 'something extra ' in Cajun ) is what we say in Louisiana @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nominate or appoint a half-dozen foreign policy officials for his term , which will begin Jan. 20 .
They include : • Alejandro Mayorkas as secretary of Homeland Security , who would be the first immigrant and first Latino to hold the post .
Biden is likely to nominate Janet Yellen , a former chairwoman of the Federal Reserve System , as the first woman to head the Treasury Department .

Bart Jansen, Courtney Subramanian and Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY

Joe Biden picks for top jobs: A spy chief who fixes cars, an envoy who practices 'gumbo diplomacy'
Show Caption Hide Caption GSA allows President-elect Biden to transition to the White House Emily Murphy, the head of the General Services Administration, says she'll allow President-elect Joe Biden to begin his transition to the White House. USA TODAY, Associated Press
WILMINGTON, Del. – President-elect Joe Biden chose as his director of national intelligence a woman who can talk spycraft as easily as fixing a car or flying a plane.
To lead the State Department, Biden chose a longtime diplomat whose relatives fled pogroms and survived the Holocaust.
As ambassador to the United Nations, Biden picked a Black woman raised in segregated Louisiana by an illiterate father. She served "gumbo diplomacy" across four continents during her 35-year career in the foreign service.
The personal stories helped introduce six officials – most without household names –Biden intends to appoint or nominate to foreign policy posts.
Despite their extensive experience, Biden said new approaches are needed to face major threats such as climate change, nuclear proliferation, cyberthreats and the spread of authoritarianism.
“While this team has unmatched experience and accomplishments, they also reflect the idea that we cannot meet these challenges with old thinking and unchanged habits," Biden said Tuesday at The Queen theater.
Avril Haines is Biden's nominee to become the first woman to lead the U.S. intelligence community. She is a former deputy director of CIA and deputy national security adviser. He described her as a professional rather than political appointee.
He said that after 10 years of working with her, he knows she also "can talk literature and theoretical physics, fixing cars, flying planes, running a bookstore cafe – all in a single conversation because she’s done all that."
More: As education divide deepens, Democrats fear a demographic problem for future power
"If she gets word of a threat coming to our shores, like another pandemic or foreign interference with our elections, she will not stop raising alarms until the right people take action," Biden said.
Antony Blinken, Biden's nominee to become secretary of state, is a longtime confidant of the former vice president who held top national security and State Department posts during President Barack Obama's administration.
Blinken described a family tree shadowed by oppression before arriving in the USA. His grandfather fled Russian pogroms. His grandmother fled communist Hungary before helping refugees. And his late stepfather was one of 900 children from his school in Poland to survive the Holocaust.
“America has literally been the last best hope on Earth," Blinken said of his relatives and others.
More: Trump carries on fight to overturn Pennsylvania's election even as his administration greenlights Biden transition
Linda Thomas-Greenfield is Biden's choice to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. She spoke of "hope in the struggle" as she recalled growing up poor in Louisiana. The Ku Klux Klan regularly visited her town to burn a cross in someone's yard, she said in a TEDX talk last year.
The veteran diplomat led the Bureau of African Affairs under the Obama administration. Wherever she was posted, Thomas-Greenfield practiced "gumbo diplomacy" by inviting people of different backgrounds to make a roux and chop onions for the "holy trinity" (onions, bell peppers and celery) in the Cajun tradition.
"It was my way of breaking down barriers, connecting with people and starting to see each other on a human level," Thomas-Greenfield said. "A bit of lagniappe (or 'something extra' in Cajun) is what we say in Louisiana."
Biden announced Monday his intention to nominate or appoint a half-dozen foreign policy officials for his term, which will begin Jan. 20. They include:
Alejandro Mayorkas as secretary of Homeland Security, who would be the first immigrant and first Latino to hold the post.
Jake Sullivan as national security adviser.
John Kerry as special presidential envoy for climate.
Biden is likely to nominate Janet Yellen, a former chairwoman of the Federal Reserve System, as the first woman to head the Treasury Department.


usatoday--2020-11-24--Nevada Supreme Court certifies Biden's presidential win, praises state's top election official

RENO — The state Supreme Court has officially certified Nevada ’ s election results , cementing Democrat Joe Biden ’ s roughly 33,600-vote statewide victory over President Donald Trump .
Tuesday ’ s formal canvass of the vote tally came just one day after Michigan certified it ’ s results , effectively eliminating any path to victory for Trump .
The outgoing occupant of the White House has waged a weeks-long legal crusade meant to halt ballot-counting in Nevada and several other key swing states , prompting breathless predictions of a palace coup despite Team Trump ’ s nearly unbroken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the Silver State ’ s high court showed little interest in adding to the drama surrounding this year ’ s vote count , which they said was done “ properly , reliably and with integrity.
” More : Hours later , Trump campaign files suit to stop Clark County vote count Justices needed only 20 minutes to finalize Nevada ’ s results , and spent more time silently signing paperwork than discussing the unprecedented presidential contest .
Members of the high court did praise Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s sudden , COVID-caused shift to a mostly vote-by-mail election format .
Cegavske , the state 's lone statewide Republican officeholder , expressed misgivings of her own about Democrat-backed election reforms recently enacted at the state Legislature .
She also vigorously defended the state 's election system against Trump 's baseless claims of a `` rigged '' result .
“ I just want to commend the Secretary of State and her office for the extraordinary work they did under very difficult circumstances , ” said Justice James Hardesty .
“ They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out an extraordinarily successful election.
” The final canvass of statewide results counts as the second-to-last step in completing Nevada ’ s share of the presidential election process .
Electors picked at state party conventions will travel to Carson City on Dec. 14 to formally award Nevada ’ s six Electoral College votes to Biden .
Nevadans have now sided with Democrats in each of the past four presidential elections .
Biden carried Washoe County , the state ’ s lone remaining swing county , by a little more than 11,000 votes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
James DeHaven is the politics reporter for the Reno Gazette Journal .
He covers campaigns , the Nevada Legislature and everything in between .
Support his work by subscribing to RGJ.com right here .

Nevada Supreme Court certifies Biden's presidential win, praises state's top election official Party-picked presidential electors are set to complete the state's role in the election on Dec. 14
Show Caption Hide Caption 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
RENO — The state Supreme Court has officially certified Nevada’s election results, cementing Democrat Joe Biden’s roughly 33,600-vote statewide victory over President Donald Trump.
Tuesday’s formal canvass of the vote tally came just one day after Michigan certified it’s results, effectively eliminating any path to victory for Trump. The outgoing occupant of the White House has waged a weeks-long legal crusade meant to halt ballot-counting in Nevada and several other key swing states, prompting breathless predictions of a palace coup despite Team Trump’s nearly unbroken string of losses in court.
But members of the Silver State’s high court showed little interest in adding to the drama surrounding this year’s vote count, which they said was done “properly, reliably and with integrity.”
More: Hours later, Trump campaign files suit to stop Clark County vote count
Previously: All eyes on Nevada: Election officials won't rush pivotal vote count in presidential race
Justices needed only 20 minutes to finalize Nevada’s results, and spent more time silently signing paperwork than discussing the unprecedented presidential contest.
Members of the high court did praise Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske’s “exemplary” work overseeing the state’s sudden, COVID-caused shift to a mostly vote-by-mail election format.
Cegavske, the state's lone statewide Republican officeholder, expressed misgivings of her own about Democrat-backed election reforms recently enacted at the state Legislature. She also vigorously defended the state's election system against Trump's baseless claims of a "rigged" result.
“I just want to commend the Secretary of State and her office for the extraordinary work they did under very difficult circumstances,” said Justice James Hardesty. “They’re to be congratulated for carrying out an extraordinarily successful election.”
The final canvass of statewide results counts as the second-to-last step in completing Nevada’s share of the presidential election process.
Electors picked at state party conventions will travel to Carson City on Dec. 14 to formally award Nevada’s six Electoral College votes to Biden.
Nevadans have now sided with Democrats in each of the past four presidential elections. Biden carried Washoe County, the state’s lone remaining swing county, by a little more than 11,000 votes, despite a small disadvantage in voter registration.
James DeHaven is the politics reporter for the Reno Gazette Journal. He covers campaigns, the Nevada Legislature and everything in between. Support his work by subscribing to RGJ.com right here.


usatoday--2020-11-24--Pennsylvania certifies election win for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

Pennsylvania has certified the results that Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have won the race for president and vice president .
The news came Tuesday morning that Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar has certified the results .
All 67 counties had submitted their certified votes to the state by late Monday , according to a news release .
Gov .
Tom Wolf has signed a Certificate of Ascertainment for the slate of electors for Biden and Harris .
It was submitted to the Archivist of the United States .
The vote totals are as follows : More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and who are the 20 pledged to pick Joe Biden ?
More : How these Pennsylvania counties helped Biden win , and what it means for 2022 and 2024 elections '' Today 's certification is a testament to the incredible efforts of our local and state election officials , who worked tirelessly to ensure Pennsylvania had a free , fair and accurate process that reflects the will of the voters , ” Wolf said in the news release .
In the news release , Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar called county election officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our democracy '' as they worked long hours to ensure that every qualified voter 's ballot was counted safely and securely .
Meanwhile , Trump 's legal challenges continue to move through the court system .
Over the weekend , U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Brann refused to block certification of the results in Pennsylvania .
`` One might expect that when seeking such a startling outcome , a plaintiff would come formidably armed with compelling legal arguments and factual proof of rampant corruption , '' he wrote .
`` Instead , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations ... unsupported by evidence .
`` In the United States of America , this can not justify the disenfranchisement of a single voter , let alone all the voters of its sixth most populated state . ''

Pennsylvania certifies election win for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris
Show Caption Hide Caption Watch: "Pennsylvania will have a fair election" Gov. Wolf holds press conference Gov. Wolf and Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar held a news conference on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2020 discussing election results at the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Neil Strebig, nstrebig@ydr.com
Pennsylvania has certified the results that Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have won the race for president and vice president.
The news came Tuesday morning that Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar has certified the results. All 67 counties had submitted their certified votes to the state by late Monday, according to a news release.
Gov. Tom Wolf has signed a Certificate of Ascertainment for the slate of electors for Biden and Harris. It was submitted to the Archivist of the United States.
The vote totals are as follows:
Democratic candidates Biden and Harris: 3,458,229
Republican candidates Donald J. Trump and Michael R. Pence: 3,377,674
Libertarian Party Jo Jorgensen and Jeremy Spike Cohen: 79,380
More: How Pa. chooses Electoral College voters and who are the 20 pledged to pick Joe Biden?
More: How these Pennsylvania counties helped Biden win, and what it means for 2022 and 2024 elections
"Today's certification is a testament to the incredible efforts of our local and state election officials, who worked tirelessly to ensure Pennsylvania had a free, fair and accurate process that reflects the will of the voters,” Wolf said in the news release.
In the news release, Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar called county election officials and poll workers "the true heroes of our democracy" as they worked long hours to ensure that every qualified voter's ballot was counted safely and securely.
Meanwhile, Trump's legal challenges continue to move through the court system.
Over the weekend, U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Brann refused to block certification of the results in Pennsylvania.
"One might expect that when seeking such a startling outcome, a plaintiff would come formidably armed with compelling legal arguments and factual proof of rampant corruption," he wrote. "Instead, this court has been presented with strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations ... unsupported by evidence.
"In the United States of America, this cannot justify the disenfranchisement of a single voter, let alone all the voters of its sixth most populated state."


usatoday--2020-11-24--Trump carries on fight to overturn Pennsylvania's election even as his administration greenlights Bi

This news story has been updated with the certification announcement for Pennsylvania 's 2020 election results .
President Donald Trump 's campaign on Monday took its fight to block Pennsylvania from certifying its election results to a federal appeals court , even as his administration agreed to let government agencies prepare for the transition to Joe Biden 's administration .
The long-shot legal motion before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit came two days after a federal judge issued a scathing ruling that dismissed the campaign 's effort to block the state from certifying its results , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump 's lawyers sought the delay to give them more time to find evidence of a fraudulent election system and improper ballot counting .
District Court Judge Matthew Brann ruled on Saturday that they had failed to provide `` compelling legal arguments and factual proof of rampant corruption . ''
The federal appeals court had not issued a ruling as of 10 p.m. EST Monday .
Opposing lawyers were scheduled to file their reply by Tuesday afternoon .
Similarly , a group of Pennsylvania Republicans and electors led by U.S. Rep. Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commonwealth Court on Sunday seeking to block the election certification .
Election results finalized as Biden prepares to take office The legal complaints and Trump 's claim of ultimate victory were overtaken by other developments Monday .
A state canvassing board in Michigan officially certified Biden as the winner there .
In Pennsylvania , Gov .
Tom Wolf announced the state certified its results Tuesday .
Biden tapped former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen as the first woman Secretary of the Treasury .
And , more than two weeks after Biden was declared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Administration said federal funding and assistance would begin flowing to prepare for him to take office .
Presidential transition begins : Key Trump administration official clears the way for President-elect Biden 's transition to begin Michigan election certification : Michigan board votes to certify election results despite GOP calls to delay Breaking the glass ceiling : Biden picks Janet Yellen , former Fed chair , as first woman to lead Treasury Department Nonetheless , Trump tweeted that `` our case strongly continues ... and I believe we will prevail ! ''
In asking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restraining order , the Trump campaign said Pennsylvania officials as soon as Monday were expected to certify `` results of an invalid and constitutionally infirm election process before this case can be heard on its merits . ''
`` It would be unconscionable to allow Pennsylvania to certify electors for Biden and then have it turn out that Trump won the race , '' Trump 's lawyers wrote .
Biden won Pennsylvania by approximately 81,000 votes , according to the Associated Press .
The Trump campaign 's motion for a restraining order argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burden of proving the mail votes were legal . ''
Contending such evidence exists , the Trump campaign claimed Pennsylvania officials blocked `` attempts to meaningfully observe and document their actions at almost every turn , '' including during the processing of mail ballots .
However , Brann 's ruling cited Pennsylvania Supreme Court decisions that said the state 's election code does not require the close inspection of mail ballots sought by the Trump campaign .
The campaign filed a separate motion asking the appeals court to reverse the portion of Brann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another revised complaint – the second abrupt shift in legal arguments in a case that is just two weeks old .
Campaign attorneys asked the appeals court to send the case back to Brann for further proceedings .
Brann did n't allow the campaign to revise its legal claims again because it would `` unduly delay '' a resolution .
The Trump campaign challenged that conclusion in Monday 's filings .
Among the potential reasons the Trump campaign would try to get the revised complaint into court is that it sought a broader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevent all `` unauthorized votes '' from being included in the final tallies .
But it also offered an alternative – declaring the state 's election returns `` defective '' and `` providing for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to choose Pennsylvania 's electors '' to the Electoral College that will officially name the nation 's 46th president .
Such a procedure theoretically could strip Biden of Pennsylvania 's 20 electoral votes and hand them to Trump .
But it would not change the outcome of the presidential race .
Trump 's lawyers argued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sought to disenfranchise 6.8 million Pennsylvanians who voted in the election .
Instead , the campaign said itseeks to disqualify defective ballots among the 1.5 million cast in seven counties with high Democratic Party enrollments .
Although Monday marked Pennsylvania 's deadline under state law to certify its election results , the Trump campaign argued the true deadline is Dec. 8 , the so-called Safe Harbor date .
Congress has said it must accept electoral slates submitted by then .
That leaves time for additional review of the legal issues without jeopardizing Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , Brann made certain to file his decision in time for Monday 's deadline .
In it , he wrote that the case developed a `` tortured procedural history '' that included a parade of lawyers for the campaign , shifting legal arguments , and an eleventh-hour motion to delay a hearing— even as the state 's statutory certification deadline loomed .
The judge concluded that the campaign lacked legal standing to bring the case and criticized the lack of evidence from the Trump campaign 's lawyers , including Rudy Giuliani , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal prosecutor who is a personal attorney for Trump .
Giuliani 's arguments during a hearing in the case Tuesday marked his first appearance in federal court since 1992 .
`` One might expect that when seeking such a startling outcome , a plaintiff would come formidably armed with compelling legal arguments and factual proof of rampant corruption , '' Brann wrote .
`` Instead , this court has been presented with strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations ... unsupported by evidence .
`` In the United States of America , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single voter , let alone all the voters of its sixth most populated state , '' the judge wrote .
In the Pennsylvania state appeals court case , the group led by Kelly alleged this year 's widespread use of mail voting , which followed a 2019 overhaul by state lawmakers , violates the Pennsylvania Constitution .
The group said they filed the lawsuit `` not to subvert , but to maintain the existing status until the merits of the controversy can be fully heard and determined . ''
If the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court authority to undo the process `` becomes impossible , '' the group argued .

Trump carries on fight to overturn Pennsylvania's election even as his administration greenlights Biden transition
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
This news story has been updated with the certification announcement for Pennsylvania's 2020 election results.
President Donald Trump's campaign on Monday took its fight to block Pennsylvania from certifying its election results to a federal appeals court, even as his administration agreed to let government agencies prepare for the transition to Joe Biden's administration.
The long-shot legal motion before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit came two days after a federal judge issued a scathing ruling that dismissed the campaign's effort to block the state from certifying its results, which show that Biden won the state.
Trump's lawyers sought the delay to give them more time to find evidence of a fraudulent election system and improper ballot counting. District Court Judge Matthew Brann ruled on Saturday that they had failed to provide "compelling legal arguments and factual proof of rampant corruption."
The federal appeals court had not issued a ruling as of 10 p.m. EST Monday. Opposing lawyers were scheduled to file their reply by Tuesday afternoon.
Similarly, a group of Pennsylvania Republicans and electors led by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly filed an emergency appeal in state Commonwealth Court on Sunday seeking to block the election certification.
Election results finalized as Biden prepares to take office
The legal complaints and Trump's claim of ultimate victory were overtaken by other developments Monday.
A state canvassing board in Michigan officially certified Biden as the winner there. In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the state certified its results Tuesday.
Today @PAStateDept certified the results of the November 3 election in Pennsylvania for president and vice president of the United States.
As required by federal law, I’ve signed the Certificate of Ascertainment for the slate of electors for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. — Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) November 24, 2020
Biden tapped former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen as the first woman Secretary of the Treasury. And, more than two weeks after Biden was declared the victor, the U.S. General Services Administration said federal funding and assistance would begin flowing to prepare for him to take office.
Presidential transition begins: Key Trump administration official clears the way for President-elect Biden's transition to begin
Michigan election certification: Michigan board votes to certify election results despite GOP calls to delay
Breaking the glass ceiling: Biden picks Janet Yellen, former Fed chair, as first woman to lead Treasury Department
Nonetheless, Trump tweeted that "our case strongly continues ... and I believe we will prevail!"
...fight, and I believe we will prevail! Nevertheless, in the best interest of our Country, I am recommending that Emily and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols, and have told my team to do the same. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 23, 2020
Trump's lawyers press claim that Pennsylvania election was invalid
In asking the federal appeals court for a temporary restraining order, the Trump campaign said Pennsylvania officials as soon as Monday were expected to certify "results of an invalid and constitutionally infirm election process before this case can be heard on its merits."
"It would be unconscionable to allow Pennsylvania to certify electors for Biden and then have it turn out that Trump won the race," Trump's lawyers wrote. Biden won Pennsylvania by approximately 81,000 votes, according to the Associated Press.
Federal judge gutted Trump lawsuit: In scathing ruling, judge dismisses Trump campaign's effort to overturn election results in Pennsylvania
The Trump campaign's motion for a restraining order argued that Pennsylvania officials "should have the burden of proving the mail votes were legal."
Contending such evidence exists, the Trump campaign claimed Pennsylvania officials blocked "attempts to meaningfully observe and document their actions at almost every turn," including during the processing of mail ballots. However, Brann's ruling cited Pennsylvania Supreme Court decisions that said the state's election code does not require the close inspection of mail ballots sought by the Trump campaign.
The campaign filed a separate motion asking the appeals court to reverse the portion of Brann's ruling that denied permission to file another revised complaint – the second abrupt shift in legal arguments in a case that is just two weeks old. Campaign attorneys asked the appeals court to send the case back to Brann for further proceedings.
Brann didn't allow the campaign to revise its legal claims again because it would "unduly delay" a resolution. The Trump campaign challenged that conclusion in Monday's filings.
Among the potential reasons the Trump campaign would try to get the revised complaint into court is that it sought a broader legal remedy.
President Trump plays a round of golf as Joe Biden wins presidency President Trump hit the links Saturday morning as Joe Biden secured the 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency. USA TODAY
That complaint asked to prevent all "unauthorized votes" from being included in the final tallies. But it also offered an alternative – declaring the state's election returns "defective" and "providing for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to choose Pennsylvania's electors" to the Electoral College that will officially name the nation's 46th president.
Such a procedure theoretically could strip Biden of Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes and hand them to Trump. But it would not change the outcome of the presidential race.
Trump's lawyers argued that Brann had mistakenly said the campaign sought to disenfranchise 6.8 million Pennsylvanians who voted in the election. Instead, the campaign said it seeks to disqualify defective ballots among the 1.5 million cast in seven counties with high Democratic Party enrollments.
A 'tortured' history in two-week-old case
Although Monday marked Pennsylvania's deadline under state law to certify its election results, the Trump campaign argued the true deadline is Dec. 8, the so-called Safe Harbor date. Congress has said it must accept electoral slates submitted by then. That leaves time for additional review of the legal issues without jeopardizing Pennsylvania's role, the campaign contended.
However, Brann made certain to file his decision in time for Monday's deadline.
In it, he wrote that the case developed a "tortured procedural history" that included a parade of lawyers for the campaign, shifting legal arguments, and an eleventh-hour motion to delay a hearing— even as the state's statutory certification deadline loomed.
The judge concluded that the campaign lacked legal standing to bring the case and criticized the lack of evidence from the Trump campaign's lawyers, including Rudy Giuliani, a former New York City mayor and federal prosecutor who is a personal attorney for Trump. Giuliani's arguments during a hearing in the case Tuesday marked his first appearance in federal court since 1992.
"One might expect that when seeking such a startling outcome, a plaintiff would come formidably armed with compelling legal arguments and factual proof of rampant corruption," Brann wrote. "Instead, this court has been presented with strained legal arguments without merit and speculative accusations ... unsupported by evidence.
"In the United States of America, this cannot justify the disenfranchisement of a single voter, let alone all the voters of its sixth most populated state," the judge wrote.
In the Pennsylvania state appeals court case, the group led by Kelly alleged this year's widespread use of mail voting, which followed a 2019 overhaul by state lawmakers, violates the Pennsylvania Constitution.
The group said they filed the lawsuit "not to subvert, but to maintain the existing status until the merits of the controversy can be fully heard and determined." If the state's certification were allowed to proceed, court authority to undo the process "becomes impossible," the group argued.


usatoday--2020-11-26--Thanksgiving weather forecast: Here's where you'll be able to hold your get-togethers outside

• Residents from Maine to Florida should be prepared for wet weather during the daytime hours on Thanksgiving .
• Almost the entire remainder of the nation should be dry on Turkey Day .
• Across southern California , gusty winds will begin to ramp up on Thanksgiving Day .
Thanksgiving will look a bit different this year : With experts recommending against big family gatherings inside because of the coronavirus , folks might be tempted to head outside to get together and safely practice social distancing .
But will the weather hinder those plans ?
Unfortunately , on Thanksgiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should be prepared for wet weather during the daytime hours , AccuWeather said .
`` A storm system moving through the East Coast on Thanksgiving Day could force some people indoors who may have hoped otherwise , '' AccuWeather meteorologist Renee Duff said .
`` Places such as Boston , New York City and Philadelphia could all get dampened by rain , but if this storm moves along any quicker it may start to dry out later in the afternoon . ''
Temperatures are n't expected to be bitterly cold , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being outside wo n't feel too frigid along the East Coast .
Highs will top out mainly in the 50s and 60s in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states , and in the 70s and even some 80s in the Southeast and Florida , the National Weather Service said .
Some holiday tips : Cook your turkey , but cancel your traditional Thanksgiving plans While residents in the East will have to dodge raindrops on Thanksgiving , almost the entire remainder of the nation should be dry on Turkey Day .
In fact , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the nation , the weather should cooperate for families looking to spend some time outdoors , according to AccuWeather .
Temperatures that are 5-10 degrees above average can be expected in places such as Chicago , St. Louis and Minneapolis on Thursday .
And along with the comfortable late-November temperatures , a blend of clouds and sunshine and a relatively light southwest breeze could even allow for some outdoor plans to go off without a hitch , AccuWeather said .
A history lesson : After a summer of racial reckoning , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thanksgiving ?
Elsewhere , it will be typically chilly in the Northwest and mild and dry in the Southwest on Thanksgiving .
However , winds could be a factor in California : `` Across Southern California , gusty winds will begin to ramp up on Thanksgiving Day , leading to increased wildfire concerns , '' Duff said .
`` So anyone with plans to use outdoor flames or turkey fryers should exercise caution . ''
Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended against holiday travel this year , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For those who decide to fly or hit the roads on Tuesday and Wednesday , the weather in the central U.S. will be on the stormy side .
CDC urges public to stay home : CDC recommends that Americans do n't travel for Thanksgiving On Tuesday , light snow is forecast to fall in portions of Colorado and also the Upper Midwest , especially in Minnesota , Wisconsin and Michigan .
The snow will continue over parts of the Upper Midwest through Tuesday evening , the National Weather Service said .
The snow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday into Wednesday .
Also on Tuesday , severe thunderstorms are forecast to rattle portions of the sSouth Central U.S. , including much of Oklahoma , Missouri and Arkansas .
Large hail and severe wind gusts will be the primary hazards from the storms , the Storm Prediction Center said .
By Wednesday , while the threat for severe storms lessens , rain will be the main weather story for a large portion of the Midwest and Deep South , slowing travel in those regions .
Travel in the Northwest will also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mountain snow , especially on Wednesday .
Drivers will need to use caution as the snow will make driving conditions hazardous , the Weather Service warned .

Thanksgiving weather forecast: Here's where you'll be able to hold your get-togethers outside
Show Caption Hide Caption Thanksgiving: 8 items you need for dinner outside If you're planning on having Thanksgiving dinner outside, here are eight must-haves. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
Residents from Maine to Florida should be prepared for wet weather during the daytime hours on Thanksgiving.
Almost the entire remainder of the nation should be dry on Turkey Day.
Across southern California, gusty winds will begin to ramp up on Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving will look a bit different this year: With experts recommending against big family gatherings inside because of the coronavirus, folks might be tempted to head outside to get together and safely practice social distancing.
But will the weather hinder those plans?
Unfortunately, on Thanksgiving Day, residents from Maine to Florida should be prepared for wet weather during the daytime hours, AccuWeather said.
"A storm system moving through the East Coast on Thanksgiving Day could force some people indoors who may have hoped otherwise," AccuWeather meteorologist Renee Duff said. "Places such as Boston, New York City and Philadelphia could all get dampened by rain, but if this storm moves along any quicker it may start to dry out later in the afternoon."
Temperatures aren't expected to be bitterly cold, however, so if it does clear out, being outside won't feel too frigid along the East Coast. Highs will top out mainly in the 50s and 60s in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, and in the 70s and even some 80s in the Southeast and Florida, the National Weather Service said.
Some holiday tips: Cook your turkey, but cancel your traditional Thanksgiving plans
While residents in the East will have to dodge raindrops on Thanksgiving, almost the entire remainder of the nation should be dry on Turkey Day. In fact, for millions of Americans across the center of the nation, the weather should cooperate for families looking to spend some time outdoors, according to AccuWeather.
Temperatures that are 5-10 degrees above average can be expected in places such as Chicago, St. Louis and Minneapolis on Thursday. And along with the comfortable late-November temperatures, a blend of clouds and sunshine and a relatively light southwest breeze could even allow for some outdoor plans to go off without a hitch, AccuWeather said.
A history lesson: After a summer of racial reckoning, is America ready to learn the truth about Thanksgiving?
6 tips for a virtual Thanksgiving dinner to stay connected with family If you can't visit family due to the COVID-19 pandemic, host a virtual Thanksgiving dinner instead. ProblemSolved, USA TODAY
Elsewhere, it will be typically chilly in the Northwest and mild and dry in the Southwest on Thanksgiving. However, winds could be a factor in California: "Across Southern California, gusty winds will begin to ramp up on Thanksgiving Day, leading to increased wildfire concerns," Duff said.
"So anyone with plans to use outdoor flames or turkey fryers should exercise caution."
Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended against holiday travel this year, people have already been surging through airports. For those who decide to fly or hit the roads on Tuesday and Wednesday, the weather in the central U.S. will be on the stormy side.
CDC urges public to stay home: CDC recommends that Americans don't travel for Thanksgiving
On Tuesday, light snow is forecast to fall in portions of Colorado and also the Upper Midwest, especially in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The snow will continue over parts of the Upper Midwest through Tuesday evening, the National Weather Service said. The snow will change over to all rain overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
Also on Tuesday, severe thunderstorms are forecast to rattle portions of the sSouth Central U.S., including much of Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas. Large hail and severe wind gusts will be the primary hazards from the storms, the Storm Prediction Center said.
By Wednesday, while the threat for severe storms lessens, rain will be the main weather story for a large portion of the Midwest and Deep South, slowing travel in those regions.
Travel in the Northwest will also be impacted by coastal and valley rain and mountain snow, especially on Wednesday. Drivers will need to use caution as the snow will make driving conditions hazardous, the Weather Service warned.