usatoday--2020-12-22--Congress passes legislation to create Smithsonian museums on Latino and women's history

Congress approved legislation Monday that would create Smithsonian museums for Latino and women 's history as part of the nearly $ 900 billion COVID-19 relief package .
Two separate proposalsfor the National Museum of the American Latino and Smithsonian American Women ’ s History Museum were blocked this month .
The museums would be funded by splitting private donations and public money .
A congressional report in2011 estimated that the more than 310,000-square-foot Latino museum would cost $ 600 million , and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated last year that the women 's museum would cost $ 375 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size estimate of 350,000 square feet .
From February : House votes to establish Smithsonian women 's history museum on the National Mall The bill would create a council and a board of trustees to make recommendations to the Smithsonian Board of Regents for the design , planning and construction of the museums , as well as for the location of the buildings on or near the Mall .
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro , D-Texas , celebrated the bill 's passage , saying it is more important than ever to preserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devastated by COVID-19 .
“ Latinos have contributed significantly to the success of the United States while overcoming systemic discrimination – and our stories have largely been erased from U.S. history , '' he said in a statement .
`` Now , our stories will have a new home with a Latino Museum on the National Mall . ''
Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney , D-N.Y. , who introduced the bill on a women 's history museum in the House , said the museum has been `` years in the making . ''
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set to pass this historic legislation , ” Maloney said .
“ How fitting that we pass this bill as we mark the centennial of the 19th Amendment and in the year in which we elected our first woman vice president.
” The decision to create the museums follows decades of reports and commissions .
In 1994 , a task force report found that the Smithsonian “ displays a pattern of willful neglect ” toward Latinos .
The Smithsonian established the Smithsonian Latino Center in 1997 , and in 2008 , Congress authorized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the creation of a museum on the Mall .
Maloney 's office said she first introduced legislation to establish a women 's history museum in 1998 , and her bill to create a commission studying the necessity and feasibility of a museum passed in 2014 .
The House passed bills approving the creation of both museums in February , but Sen. Mike Lee , R-Utah , blocked the legislation this month , claiming `` the last thing we need is to further divide an already divided nation . ''
The newly passed legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ museums are years away from opening .
The Smithsonian 's most recent addition , the National Museum of African American History and Culture , opened in September 2016 , more than a decade after Congress passed the legislation to create the museum in 2003 .

N'dea Yancey-Bragg and Nicholas Wu, USA TODAY

Congress passes legislation to create Smithsonian museums on Latino and women’s history
Show Caption Hide Caption New Smithsonian museum of women’s history approved by House A bill approving a U.S. women’s history museum was passed by House lawmakers to start a project that will be part of the Smithsonian in Washington. Buzz60
Congress approved legislation Monday that would create Smithsonian museums for Latino and women's history as part of the nearly $900 billion COVID-19 relief package.
Two separate proposals for the National Museum of the American Latino and Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum were blocked this month.
The museums would be funded by splitting private donations and public money. A congressional report in 2011 estimated that the more than 310,000-square-foot Latino museum would cost $600 million, and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated last year that the women's museum would cost $375 million over the next decade based on a size estimate of 350,000 square feet.
From February: House votes to establish Smithsonian women's history museum on the National Mall
The bill would create a council and a board of trustees to make recommendations to the Smithsonian Board of Regents for the design, planning and construction of the museums, as well as for the location of the buildings on or near the Mall.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, celebrated the bill's passage, saying it is more important than ever to preserve Latino stories as communities of color are devastated by COVID-19.
“Latinos have contributed significantly to the success of the United States while overcoming systemic discrimination – and our stories have largely been erased from U.S. history," he said in a statement. "Now, our stories will have a new home with a Latino Museum on the National Mall."
🚨 BREAKING 🚨 My bill to create a National @LatinoMuseum was included in the final annual spending bill that Congress is expected to pass today!
This is a big win for Latinos all across our country. We will finally have a Latino Museum that elevates our stories & history. pic.twitter.com/8wkjBc7Mnu — Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) December 21, 2020
Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, D-N.Y., who introduced the bill on a women's history museum in the House, said the museum has been "years in the making."
“I am thrilled that we are finally set to pass this historic legislation,” Maloney said. “How fitting that we pass this bill as we mark the centennial of the 19th Amendment and in the year in which we elected our first woman vice president.”
Congress has passed a bill I authored with @SenFeinstein to establish a Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum! I look forward to the creation of a museum in our nation’s capital that celebrates the many contributions women have made to our nation.https://t.co/dRvpqTdDIQ — Sen. Susan Collins (@SenatorCollins) December 22, 2020
The decision to create the museums follows decades of reports and commissions.
In 1994, a task force report found that the Smithsonian “displays a pattern of willful neglect” toward Latinos. The Smithsonian established the Smithsonian Latino Center in 1997, and in 2008, Congress authorized a presidentially appointed commission, which recommended the creation of a museum on the Mall.
Maloney's office said she first introduced legislation to establish a women's history museum in 1998, and her bill to create a commission studying the necessity and feasibility of a museum passed in 2014.
The House passed bills approving the creation of both museums in February, but Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, blocked the legislation this month, claiming "the last thing we need is to further divide an already divided nation."
The newly passed legislation is an early step, and the museums are years away from opening. The Smithsonian's most recent addition, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened in September 2016, more than a decade after Congress passed the legislation to create the museum in 2003.
'Hyphenated identity groups': Utah GOP Sen. Mike Lee blocks legislation for Latino and women history Smithsonians
Contributing: Savannah Behrmann
Follow N'dea Yancey-Bragg on Twitter: @NdeaYanceyBragg


usatoday--2020-12-24--Operation Warp Speed is living up to its name, but COVID-19 immunizations are going 'slower' than ex

The federal government is close to delivering 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine during the month of December , as promised , but states are taking longer than expected to get those doses into people 's arms , officials admitted Wednesday .
About 15.5 million doses will be delivered by the end of the year , with the remaining 5 million arriving between Jan. 4-6 , said Gen. Gus Perna , who co-leads Operation Warp Speed , the federal effort to develop and distribute COVID-19 vaccines , treatments and tests .
But only about 1 million of the 9 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administered , his co-lead Moncef Slaoui confirmed during a news conference .
The death rate from COVID-19 in the U.S. reached an all-time high in the week ending Tuesday , and an American is dying of the virus every 32 seconds .
Reporting of the shots can take 3-4 days , Slaoui said , so the vaccination figures are probably better than they appear – but there 's still a substantial lag .
Where 's the COVID-19 vaccine ?
Who 's been vaccinated ?
Here 's how we 'll know .
`` Exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shots in arms – is happening is slower than we thought it would be , '' Slaoui said .
He offered federal help to states to accelerate that process .
`` It 's important that the states are able to increase the cadence of immunization , but it 's also important that they do it at a pace where they are in control , that no mistakes are made and no accidents are happening , '' he said .
`` That 's super important . ''
The lag is likely caused by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge of starting a new program , the difficulties of administering these vaccines , and the fact that many hospitals are nearly overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients right now .
`` I do n't think the rollout went as well as many of us would have hoped , said Dr. Daniel Griffin , an infectious disease specialist at ProHEALTH Care in New York .
At first , the shots were not where the workers needed them to be , he said .
The first week the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was available , he was offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital 45 minutes from where he works .
Weekends were not an option .
This week , the arrival of the second vaccine , made by Moderna , has made a difference , he said .
Griffin , who treated 30 COVID-19 patients on Wednesday , was able to get his first of the two-dose vaccine the same day .
Griffin said he imagined the vaccinations would be like the flu shot , where someone would walk over to him while he was seeing patients , he 'd roll up his sleeve and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccines , the person vaccinated has to wait around for 15 minutes to make sure they 're not having a bad reaction .
Your vaccine questions , answered : I had COVID , should I still get vaccinated ?
What are the side effects ?
What are its 'ingredients ? '
He hopes things will go more smoothly with the next round of vaccinations , which will be distributed in the community , rather than at hospitals where the first priority has to be taking care of the sick .
The story is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I suspect the efficiency of everybody ’ s system will go up over time but I ’ m not surprised that the injections aren ’ t quite keeping up with the supply , '' said Dr. Robert Wachter , chair of the department of medicine at the University of California , San Francisco .
UCSF is vaccinating about 650-700 people per day , he said .
So far , 4,000 workers have been given shots out of 11,000 doses received .
`` You need enough people trained to do the shots , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep track of the flow , '' he said .
Before getting vaccinated , people have to sign consent forms , which takes a few minutes , and then there 's the 15-minute waiting period .
Potential side effects from the vaccines also mean hospitals have avoided vaccinating a whole department on the same day , to ensure workers do n't all get sidelined at the same time , he said .
It 's a logistical challenge to deliver the vaccine , agrees Dr. Otto Yang , a professor of infectious diseases at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UCLA .
`` There needs to be staffing to give the vaccine , pharmacies set up to store the vaccine and distribute it to the clinic , as well as scheduling to have people come in and get the vaccine , '' he said .
Although the pace of vaccination may seem slow , it 's actually astonishingly fast , considering that the first vaccine was only authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration 11 days ago , Yang said .
`` If you do the math , since FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including weekends , that 's 11,363 doses given per hour in this country , '' he said .
`` It 's hard to imagine it going any quicker than that . ''
Hospital workers have been extremely eager to get vaccinated , said Dr. Paul Biddinger , medical director of Emergency Preparedness , Mass General Brigham , a Boston-based hospital system .
“ Our spots are filling as quickly as we receive the vaccine and interest remains very high , '' he said .
Deliver a safe , effective COVID-19 vaccine in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Slaoui .
Also Wednesday , Slaoui said studies will begin soon looking at whether the Moderna vaccine could be stretched by giving people lower doses .
Right now , people are given 100 micrograms in each of two doses , he said , but early indications suggest that the 50-microgram dose might be equally effective .
Although a single dose of the vaccine appears to be very effective , he warned people against getting just one shot .
A second dose usually trains the immune system to fight off a disease for longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not likely to last as long , he said .
Johnson & Johnson is testing a vaccine that could be given in just one dose .
Their large trial is now fully enrolled and the first hints of its effectiveness should be available within a few weeks , Slaoui said .
If that vaccine proves safe and effective , it is likely to win FDA authorization in February , adding 100 million doses to the U.S. supply .
A candidate vaccine developed by AstraZeneca in collaboration with Oxford University is also nearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , with authorization likely in late February or early March , if it proves safe and effective .
More US supply ?
FDA says Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine vials may hold extra 'obtainable ' doses Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech have each promised to deliver 100 million doses in the first quarter of 2021 and another 100 million each in the second quarter .
If all those doses come through , the adult population will be more than covered by next summer , Slaoui said , noting that most of the 80-million Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until later in the summer , because trials on teenagers need to be completed before vaccine makers will extend their studies into younger children .
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for use in 16-17-year-olds .
Slaoui and Perna ended their talks Wednesday by thanking all the people who have been involved in developing , manufacturing and delivering the vaccines , as well as those who volunteered for the clinical trials .
`` Thank you , thank you , thank you to the men and women who are on the front lines in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – the doctors , the nurses , the people who support them 24/7 , the people really on the front lines , '' Perna said .
`` Our hats are off to everything they do . ''
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics , Innovation and Competition in Healthcare .
The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input .

Operation Warp Speed is living up to its name, but COVID-19 immunizations are going 'slower' than expected, officials say
Show Caption Hide Caption First Moderna COVID-19 vaccines roll out of distribution center The vaccines were prepared for shipments at the McKesson distribution center in Olive Branch, Miss. USA TODAY
The federal government is close to delivering 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine during the month of December, as promised, but states are taking longer than expected to get those doses into people's arms, officials admitted Wednesday.
About 15.5 million doses will be delivered by the end of the year, with the remaining 5 million arriving between Jan. 4-6, said Gen. Gus Perna, who co-leads Operation Warp Speed, the federal effort to develop and distribute COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and tests.
But only about 1 million of the 9 million doses distributed so far have been reported administered, his co-lead Moncef Slaoui confirmed during a news conference.
The death rate from COVID-19 in the U.S. reached an all-time high in the week ending Tuesday, and an American is dying of the virus every 32 seconds.
Reporting of the shots can take 3-4 days, Slaoui said, so the vaccination figures are probably better than they appear – but there's still a substantial lag.
Where's the COVID-19 vaccine? Who's been vaccinated? Here's how we'll know.
"Exactly how fast the ramp-up of immunizations – shots in arms – is happening is slower than we thought it would be," Slaoui said.
He offered federal help to states to accelerate that process. "It's important that the states are able to increase the cadence of immunization, but it's also important that they do it at a pace where they are in control, that no mistakes are made and no accidents are happening," he said. "That's super important."
The lag is likely caused by a variety of factors, including the logistical challenge of starting a new program, the difficulties of administering these vaccines, and the fact that many hospitals are nearly overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients right now.
"I don't think the rollout went as well as many of us would have hoped, said Dr. Daniel Griffin, an infectious disease specialist at ProHEALTH Care in New York.
At first, the shots were not where the workers needed them to be, he said. The first week the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was available, he was offered a shot at 7:30 a.m. at a hospital 45 minutes from where he works. Weekends were not an option.
This week, the arrival of the second vaccine, made by Moderna, has made a difference, he said. Griffin, who treated 30 COVID-19 patients on Wednesday, was able to get his first of the two-dose vaccine the same day.
Griffin said he imagined the vaccinations would be like the flu shot, where someone would walk over to him while he was seeing patients, he'd roll up his sleeve and get the shot. But with these vaccines, the person vaccinated has to wait around for 15 minutes to make sure they're not having a bad reaction.
Your vaccine questions, answered: I had COVID, should I still get vaccinated? What are the side effects? What are its 'ingredients?'
He hopes things will go more smoothly with the next round of vaccinations, which will be distributed in the community, rather than at hospitals where the first priority has to be taking care of the sick.
The story is much the same at other hospitals.
"I suspect the efficiency of everybody’s system will go up over time but I’m not surprised that the injections aren’t quite keeping up with the supply," said Dr. Robert Wachter, chair of the department of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco.
UCSF is vaccinating about 650-700 people per day, he said. So far, 4,000 workers have been given shots out of 11,000 doses received.
"You need enough people trained to do the shots, and a variety of other people to keep track of the flow," he said. Before getting vaccinated, people have to sign consent forms, which takes a few minutes, and then there's the 15-minute waiting period.
Potential side effects from the vaccines also mean hospitals have avoided vaccinating a whole department on the same day, to ensure workers don't all get sidelined at the same time, he said.
It's a logistical challenge to deliver the vaccine, agrees Dr. Otto Yang, a professor of infectious diseases at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
"There needs to be staffing to give the vaccine, pharmacies set up to store the vaccine and distribute it to the clinic, as well as scheduling to have people come in and get the vaccine," he said.
Although the pace of vaccination may seem slow, it's actually astonishingly fast, considering that the first vaccine was only authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration 11 days ago, Yang said.
"If you do the math, since FDA approval, assuming an 8-hour work day, including weekends, that's 11,363 doses given per hour in this country," he said. "It's hard to imagine it going any quicker than that."
Hospital workers have been extremely eager to get vaccinated, said Dr. Paul Biddinger, medical director of Emergency Preparedness, Mass General Brigham, a Boston-based hospital system.
“Our spots are filling as quickly as we receive the vaccine and interest remains very high," he said.
Deliver a safe, effective COVID-19 vaccine in less than a year? Meet Moncef Slaoui.
Also Wednesday, Slaoui said studies will begin soon looking at whether the Moderna vaccine could be stretched by giving people lower doses. Right now, people are given 100 micrograms in each of two doses, he said, but early indications suggest that the 50-microgram dose might be equally effective.
Although a single dose of the vaccine appears to be very effective, he warned people against getting just one shot. A second dose usually trains the immune system to fight off a disease for longer, so the protection from one shot is not likely to last as long, he said.
Johnson & Johnson is testing a vaccine that could be given in just one dose. Their large trial is now fully enrolled and the first hints of its effectiveness should be available within a few weeks, Slaoui said. If that vaccine proves safe and effective, it is likely to win FDA authorization in February, adding 100 million doses to the U.S. supply.
A candidate vaccine developed by AstraZeneca in collaboration with Oxford University is also nearing full enrollment of its crucial American trial, he said, with authorization likely in late February or early March, if it proves safe and effective.
More US supply? FDA says Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine vials may hold extra 'obtainable' doses
Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech have each promised to deliver 100 million doses in the first quarter of 2021 and another 100 million each in the second quarter.
If all those doses come through, the adult population will be more than covered by next summer, Slaoui said, noting that most of the 80-million Americans younger than 18 may have to wait until later in the summer, because trials on teenagers need to be completed before vaccine makers will extend their studies into younger children. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized for use in 16-17-year-olds.
Slaoui and Perna ended their talks Wednesday by thanking all the people who have been involved in developing, manufacturing and delivering the vaccines, as well as those who volunteered for the clinical trials.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you to the men and women who are on the front lines in our hospitals, emergency rooms, ICU's – the doctors, the nurses, the people who support them 24/7, the people really on the front lines," Perna said. "Our hats are off to everything they do."
Contributing: Mike Stucka, USA TODAY
Contact Karen Weintraub at kweintraub@usatoday.com.
Health and patient safety coverage at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Foundation for Ethics, Innovation and Competition in Healthcare. The Masimo Foundation does not provide editorial input.


usatoday--2020-12-24--Trump is back in Florida for Christmas, New Year's, but he vows to still fight 2020 vote

President Trump , arrived Wednesday evening in Palm Beach to spend a third — and likely final — Christmas holiday as president in his adopted hometown .
Over 100 devoted followers of the president lined the motorcade route along Southern Boulevard on Wednesday evening .
The motorcade slowed while passing the crowd and the president waved through the window .
Those dotting the roadway , like the president , were in no mood to acknowledge the election defeat .
`` This definitely is the last motorcade of this year , '' said Stan Brown , refusing to concede that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as president .
`` If he 's not given a second term I am going to fly my flag upside down for the next four years . ''
While at the Southern White House for the yearend holiday festivities , Trump will apparently be mulling his dwindling avenues to challenge the election results .
As he exited the Palm Beach International Airport tarmac just after Air Force One landed , Trump 's personal lawyer , Rudy Giuliani , said he was in town to continue discussions on legal challenges to the Nov. 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Electoral College balloting .
Asked about the remaining legal options , Giuliani confirmed more challenges would be forthcoming , but declined to discuss specifics .
`` I ca n't tell you that , '' he said when asked what the next move would be .
Trump in Palm Beach for Christmas : 10 things to expect But at about the time he and first lady Melania Trump landed at PBIA , the president revealed on Twitter what he thinks should be the next step — a special counsel probe — in his so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2020 presidential election result that saw him lose the popular vote by 7 million votes and trailing badly in the electoral tally , 306 to 232 .
`` After seeing the massive Voter Fraud in the 2020 Presidential Election , I disagree with anyone that thinks a strong , fast , and fair Special Counsel is not needed , IMMEDIATELY , '' read Trump 's tweet , which was marked as `` disputed '' by the social media platform .
`` This was the most corrupt election in the history of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examined ! ''
Trump to return to a Florida rattled by virus , but with election loss on his mind As has been well-documented , legal challenges by Trump and GOP allies to voting results in key swing states have been summarily dismissed by judges for lack of any credible evidence to support the White House 's allegations of `` massive '' fraud .
In addition , the U.S. Supreme Court , including the three justices nominated by Trump , have refused to even hear two of those cases .
Before leaving Washington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grievance front by pardoning two more key allies convicted of felonies as part of the Russia probe conducted by former special counsel Robert Mueller .
Wednesday 's additional 26 pardons included ones for his campaign manager of four years ago , Paul Manafort , and South Florida political operative Roger Stone .
Trump this year had already commuted Stone 's prison sentence , which followed his conviction on charges of obstruction of Congress .
Ironically , the pardon for Stone came almost a year to the day that Trump , when asked by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had given no `` thought '' to a pardon to the well known South Florida political trickster and strategist .
Manafort and Stone now join two others — former national security adviser Mike Flynn and 2016 campaign aide George Papadopoulos — who were also charged by Mueller and who have recently received pardons from Trump .
The paradox , of course , is that acceptance of a pardon is also an admission of guilt .
So in accepting Trump 's pardon , all four have tacitly admitted culpability — belying the president 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hoax . ''
And , as he declared on the PBIA tarmac in March 2019 , that the Mueller report exonerated him and his 2016 campaign .
However , the mood among Trump 's ardent supporters on Southern Boulevard was festive .
For many Trump supporters , flag-waving events on Friday nights and gathering along the motorcade route have become social affairs , with food , music and lots of Trump merch — from rhinestone necklaces to Trump dog attire .
`` I have made friends for life , '' said Michael Bafumo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're patriots ... we 're not loyal to the Republican Party , we are loyal to Donald Trump . ''
Because Trump 's schedule is now public , it has been easy to know what time to gather along the motorcade route .
Tracking his schedule after he leaves office should n't pose a problem , said Vinny Caldara , driver of the Trump Train , a converted EMS vehicle painted red , white and blue and decked out with Trump swag .
Caldara , who has driven the Trump Train to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said if Trump is not re-inaugurated on Jan. 20 , he expects the president will announce a 2024 comeback campaign .
Once another campaign is underway , it is easy to know where and when Trump will be , Caldara said .
`` That 's not going to happen , '' said Caldara about Trump leaving office in January .
`` Until he hands the keys to the White House to someone else , we will be here . ''

Christine Stapleton and Antonio Fins, Palm Beach Post

Trump is back in Florida for Christmas, New Year's, but he vows to still fight 2020 vote
Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump at Mar-a-Lago for last presidential Christmas The Palm Beach Post's Antonio Fins and Christine Stapleton discuss Mar-a-Lago's role in President Trump's presidency and future. USA TODAY
President Trump, arrived Wednesday evening in Palm Beach to spend a third — and likely final — Christmas holiday as president in his adopted hometown.
Over 100 devoted followers of the president lined the motorcade route along Southern Boulevard on Wednesday evening. The motorcade slowed while passing the crowd and the president waved through the window.
Those dotting the roadway, like the president, were in no mood to acknowledge the election defeat.
"This definitely is the last motorcade of this year," said Stan Brown, refusing to concede that the holiday visit could be Trump's last as president. "If he's not given a second term I am going to fly my flag upside down for the next four years."
While at the Southern White House for the yearend holiday festivities, Trump will apparently be mulling his dwindling avenues to challenge the election results.
As he exited the Palm Beach International Airport tarmac just after Air Force One landed, Trump's personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, said he was in town to continue discussions on legal challenges to the Nov. 3 election as well as the Dec. 14 Electoral College balloting.
Asked about the remaining legal options, Giuliani confirmed more challenges would be forthcoming, but declined to discuss specifics.
"I can't tell you that," he said when asked what the next move would be.
Trump in Palm Beach for Christmas: 10 things to expect
But at about the time he and first lady Melania Trump landed at PBIA, the president revealed on Twitter what he thinks should be the next step — a special counsel probe — in his so far failed and futile attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election result that saw him lose the popular vote by 7 million votes and trailing badly in the electoral tally, 306 to 232.
"After seeing the massive Voter Fraud in the 2020 Presidential Election, I disagree with anyone that thinks a strong, fast, and fair Special Counsel is not needed, IMMEDIATELY," read Trump's tweet, which was marked as "disputed" by the social media platform. "This was the most corrupt election in the history of our Country, and it must be closely examined!"
After seeing the massive Voter Fraud in the 2020 Presidential Election, I disagree with anyone that thinks a strong, fast, and fair Special Counsel is not needed, IMMEDIATELY. This was the most corrupt election in the history of our Country, and it must be closely examined! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 23, 2020
Trump to return to a Florida rattled by virus, but with election loss on his mind
Three Christmases: Highlights of Trump's previous Mar-a-Lago holiday stays
As has been well-documented, legal challenges by Trump and GOP allies to voting results in key swing states have been summarily dismissed by judges for lack of any credible evidence to support the White House's allegations of "massive" fraud.
In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court, including the three justices nominated by Trump, have refused to even hear two of those cases.
Before leaving Washington, Trump settled a score on another grievance front by pardoning two more key allies convicted of felonies as part of the Russia probe conducted by former special counsel Robert Mueller.
Wednesday's additional 26 pardons included ones for his campaign manager of four years ago, Paul Manafort, and South Florida political operative Roger Stone.
Trump this year had already commuted Stone's prison sentence, which followed his conviction on charges of obstruction of Congress. Ironically, the pardon for Stone came almost a year to the day that Trump, when asked by the Palm Beach Post, said he had given no "thought" to a pardon to the well known South Florida political trickster and strategist.
Manafort and Stone now join two others — former national security adviser Mike Flynn and 2016 campaign aide George Papadopoulos — who were also charged by Mueller and who have recently received pardons from Trump.
The paradox, of course, is that acceptance of a pardon is also an admission of guilt.
So in accepting Trump's pardon, all four have tacitly admitted culpability — belying the president's claim the Mueller probe was a "hoax." And, as he declared on the PBIA tarmac in March 2019, that the Mueller report exonerated him and his 2016 campaign.
However, the mood among Trump's ardent supporters on Southern Boulevard was festive.
For many Trump supporters, flag-waving events on Friday nights and gathering along the motorcade route have become social affairs, with food, music and lots of Trump merch — from rhinestone necklaces to Trump dog attire.
"I have made friends for life," said Michael Bafumo, of West Palm Beach. "We're patriots ... we're not loyal to the Republican Party, we are loyal to Donald Trump."
Because Trump's schedule is now public, it has been easy to know what time to gather along the motorcade route. Tracking his schedule after he leaves office shouldn't pose a problem, said Vinny Caldara, driver of the Trump Train, a converted EMS vehicle painted red, white and blue and decked out with Trump swag.
Caldara, who has driven the Trump Train to 15 states in the last three weeks, said if Trump is not re-inaugurated on Jan. 20, he expects the president will announce a 2024 comeback campaign. Once another campaign is underway, it is easy to know where and when Trump will be, Caldara said.
"That's not going to happen," said Caldara about Trump leaving office in January. "Until he hands the keys to the White House to someone else, we will be here."


usatoday--2020-12-23--Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow moved to intensive care unit with COVID-19

Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow has been transferred to the intensive care unit at Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport to continue treatment for COVID-19 , his spokesman told USA Today Network Wednesday .
Letlow , 40 , had been being treated at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe .
He is in stable condition .
`` Congressman-elect Luke Letlow has been transferred from St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Academic Medical Center in Shreveport as he continues to undergo treatment for COVID-19 , '' Letlow representative Andrew Bautsch said in a statement .
`` The Letlow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe for their fantastic care , and is thankful for all of the prayers and support they continue to receive , '' he said .
Bautsch did n't elaborate on Letlow 's condition beyond the statement .
LSU Health Sciences Center Chancellor G.E .
Ghali said Letlow is receiving Remdesivir , an antiviral drug .
`` Congressman-elect Letlow is in stable condition in the intensive care unit where he is receiving Remdesivir and steroids as part of his regiment therapy , '' Ghali said .
Letlow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive for COVID-19 and was first quarantining at his Richland Parish home .
But on Saturday he was admitted to St. Francis Medical Center as symptoms persisted and transferred to Shreveport late Tuesday night .
Letlow won the 5th Congressional District seat with 62 % of the vote Dec. 5 in a runoff election against fellow Republican state Rep. Lance Harris of Alexandria .
He will succeed his former boss Congressman Ralph Abraham , R-Alto , who did n't seek reelection after honoring a pledge to serve a limit of three terms .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff .
Louisiana 's 5th District is the largest geographically in the state covering 24 parishes .
Alexandria and Monroe are the population hubs , but the boundaries dip into Acadiana to take in Opelousas and into the Florida parishes to take in Bogalusa .
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana .
Follow him on Twitter @ GregHilburn1 .

Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow moved to intensive care unit with COVID-19
Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow has been transferred to the intensive care unit at Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport to continue treatment for COVID-19, his spokesman told USA Today Network Wednesday.
Letlow, 40, had been being treated at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe. He is in stable condition.
"Congressman-elect Luke Letlow has been transferred from St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Academic Medical Center in Shreveport as he continues to undergo treatment for COVID-19," Letlow representative Andrew Bautsch said in a statement.
"The Letlow family is deeply appreciative of the medical team at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe for their fantastic care, and is thankful for all of the prayers and support they continue to receive," he said.
Bautsch didn't elaborate on Letlow's condition beyond the statement.
LSU Health Sciences Center Chancellor G.E. Ghali said Letlow is receiving Remdesivir, an antiviral drug.
"Congressman-elect Letlow is in stable condition in the intensive care unit where he is receiving Remdesivir and steroids as part of his regiment therapy," Ghali said.
Letlow, R-Start, announced Friday he tested positive for COVID-19 and was first quarantining at his Richland Parish home.
But on Saturday he was admitted to St. Francis Medical Center as symptoms persisted and transferred to Shreveport late Tuesday night.
Letlow won the 5th Congressional District seat with 62% of the vote Dec. 5 in a runoff election against fellow Republican state Rep. Lance Harris of Alexandria.
He will succeed his former boss Congressman Ralph Abraham, R-Alto, who didn't seek reelection after honoring a pledge to serve a limit of three terms.
Letlow had been Abraham's chief of staff.
Louisiana's 5th District is the largest geographically in the state covering 24 parishes. Alexandria and Monroe are the population hubs, but the boundaries dip into Acadiana to take in Opelousas and into the Florida parishes to take in Bogalusa.
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.


usatoday--2020-12-24--Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo says she was 'punk'd' on air by animal rights activist

Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo says she was punk 'd and mistakenly interviewed an animal rights activist pretending to be the CEO of a food-processing company .
During the segment on her show `` Mornings with Maria Bartiromo , '' Bartiromo introduced the imposter as Smithfield Foods president and CEO Dennis Organ , before asking him about the effects of the pandemic on the company .
But unbeknownst to Bartiromo , she was n't speaking with Organ .
Instead , she was interviewing an activist identified as Matt Johnson by the animal rights organization Direct Action Everywhere .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the error on air Wednesday , saying that `` it appears we have been punk 'd . ''
`` Earlier in the program , I interviewed someone claiming to be the CEO of Smithfield Foods , Dennis Organ , '' she said .
`` We ’ ve since learned that that was not Dennis Organ , but an imposter making false claims about the company .
He is someone who has absolutely no relation to Smithfield Foods . ''
Bartiromo apologized for the error .
`` We will of course be more vigilant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keira Lombardo called the segment `` a complete hoax '' in a statement to USA TODAY .
`` A simple Google search for a photo of our CEO would have prevented this from happening , '' Lombardo continued .
`` The statements that were aired are absolutely and completely false . ''
During the interview , shared on social media by Direct Action Everywhere Wednesday , Johnson stayed in character as Organ for more than six minutes .
`` Of course , this pandemic has been simply devastating for our industry , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we 've provided them with extensive personal protective equipment and offered additional paid leave for sick employees , but those steps have , unfortunately , been insufficient in many instances . ''
'This is propaganda ' : Fox News ' Maria Bartiromo slammed for 'softball ' Trump interview Still pretending to be Organ , Johnson promised to `` do better . ''
`` The first change under my leadership is transparency and , at times , brutal honesty , '' he said .
`` In addition to the outbreaks that are happening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a serious threat in effectively bringing on the next pandemic . ''
Johnson then went on to say that , according to the CDC , three out of every four new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals .
`` The conditions inside of our farms can sometimes be petri dishes for new diseases , '' Johnson added .
Smithfield 's Lombardo pushed back heavily against his claims , saying the company is `` a recognized leader in animal wellbeing and care , in stewardship of the environment and in workplace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than $ 700 million in a broad set of measures that have ensured the health and safety of its employees so they can continue to produce food for Americans . ''
`` Smithfield employs veterinarians and other experts across the company who ensure that the safety , comfort and health of farm animals is comprehensive , '' she added .
According to a press release from Direct Action Everywhere , the stunt was intended to raise awareness about the potential threats of pig farming to public health .
Fox News , Newsmax shoot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after threat of legal action

Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo says she was 'punk'd' on air by animal rights activist
Show Caption Hide Caption Fox News' Maria Bartiromo criticized for interview with Trump President Trump had his first interview since the election with Fox News' Maria Bartiromo, and now she is facing backlash for not challenging him. USA TODAY
Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo says she was punk'd and mistakenly interviewed an animal rights activist pretending to be the CEO of a food-processing company.
During the segment on her show "Mornings with Maria Bartiromo," Bartiromo introduced the imposter as Smithfield Foods president and CEO Dennis Organ, before asking him about the effects of the pandemic on the company.
But unbeknownst to Bartiromo, she wasn't speaking with Organ. Instead, she was interviewing an activist identified as Matt Johnson by the animal rights organization Direct Action Everywhere.
According to The Hill and NBC, Bartiromo addressed the error on air Wednesday, saying that "it appears we have been punk'd."
"Earlier in the program, I interviewed someone claiming to be the CEO of Smithfield Foods, Dennis Organ," she said. "We’ve since learned that that was not Dennis Organ, but an imposter making false claims about the company. He is someone who has absolutely no relation to Smithfield Foods."
Bartiromo apologized for the error. "We will of course be more vigilant."
Smithfield's chief administrative officer Keira Lombardo called the segment "a complete hoax" in a statement to USA TODAY.
"A simple Google search for a photo of our CEO would have prevented this from happening," Lombardo continued. "The statements that were aired are absolutely and completely false."
During the interview, shared on social media by Direct Action Everywhere Wednesday, Johnson stayed in character as Organ for more than six minutes.
"Of course, this pandemic has been simply devastating for our industry," he said. "For our employees, we've provided them with extensive personal protective equipment and offered additional paid leave for sick employees, but those steps have, unfortunately, been insufficient in many instances."
'This is propaganda': Fox News' Maria Bartiromo slammed for 'softball' Trump interview
Still pretending to be Organ, Johnson promised to "do better."
"The first change under my leadership is transparency and, at times, brutal honesty," he said. "In addition to the outbreaks that are happening at our plants, our industry poses a serious threat in effectively bringing on the next pandemic."
Johnson then went on to say that, according to the CDC, three out of every four new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals. "The conditions inside of our farms can sometimes be petri dishes for new diseases," Johnson added.
Smithfield's Lombardo pushed back heavily against his claims, saying the company is "a recognized leader in animal wellbeing and care, in stewardship of the environment and in workplace safety" and "has invested more than $700 million in a broad set of measures that have ensured the health and safety of its employees so they can continue to produce food for Americans."
"Smithfield employs veterinarians and other experts across the company who ensure that the safety, comfort and health of farm animals is comprehensive," she added.
According to a press release from Direct Action Everywhere, the stunt was intended to raise awareness about the potential threats of pig farming to public health.
Fox News, Newsmax shoot down their own aired claims on election after threat of legal action


usatoday--2020-12-23--Kirk Cameron protests stay-at-home order with caroling event during California COVID surge

About 100 people organized by former child star Kirk Cameron , many of them without masks or practicing social distancing , gathered in Southern California Tuesday night to sing Christmas carols .
Cameron , 50 , a devout Christian , promoted the event , which took place in a mall parking lot in Thousand Oaks , Calif. , in advance on social media , just as he did with a previous one on Dec. 13 touted as a `` Christmas caroling peaceful protest . ''
Cameron , who famously starred in the `` Growing Pains '' TV sitcom , organized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gavin Newsom 's latest stay-at-home order .
`` Have you ever sung Christmas carols by candlelight at a time where your state governor has prohibited you from doing that in America ? ''
Kirk said in an Instagram video posted Dec. 11 .
`` If you love God , if you love Christmas and you love liberty , you 're not gon na want to miss this . ''
Though his Dec. 13 protest stoked controversy , Cameron told Fox News that people are `` clamoring '' for community this holiday season .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ free and the home of the brave , and there are thousands and thousands of people in our community who would rather not suffer in isolation and come out to sing and express their gratitude , '' Cameron told Fox News host Shannon Bream in a clip shared to his Instagram Dec. 18 .
`` We believe that there is immunity in community , but there is desolation in isolation , and I want to give people hope . ''
Cameron has shared Instagram videos from his previous protest that show a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to shoulder .
Few wear masks in the videos .
Both events came as California is experiencing a COVID-19 surge .
As of Tuesday , the state has logged 1.9 million cases and 22,000 deaths , with new records seemingly set daily .
`` I guess they call themselves activists or protesters singing Christmas carols for a couple of hours , '' said Capt .
Eric Buschow , a spokesman for the Ventura County Sheriff 's Office .
He said at one point , sheriff 's deputies briefly responded to a report that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined no battery had occurred .
Counter-protesters accused Cameron of hosting a `` super-spreader '' event , which Buschow said lasted from about 5-7 p.m. '' And that was it , '' Buschow said .
`` No arrests .
No citations . ''
# SaveOurStages : How the new COVID-19 relief package will help entertainment venues The Oaks mall posted a statement on social media prior to Tuesday 's event saying , `` We do not condone this irresponsible – yet constitutionally protected – peaceful protest event planned .
`` We share your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office , '' the statement says .
`` As well , we have reached out to the event planner to ask that they do not use The Oaks as their venue . ''
The event occurred a few days after about 20 protesters without masks had tried to walk into a Sprouts Farmers Market near the mall , said Capt .
Dean Worthy of the sheriff 's office .
The store 's manager had immediately closed the store and refused to let the group enter , Worthy said .
Ellen DeGeneres tests positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fine right now '

Charles Trepany and Mike Harris, USA TODAY NETWORK

Kirk Cameron protests stay-at-home order with caroling event during California COVID surge
Show Caption Hide Caption Celebs support student-led March for Our Lives rally Hundreds of thousands showed up in support of the March for Our Lives gun violence protest in Washington, D.C., including some celebrities. USA TODAY
About 100 people organized by former child star Kirk Cameron, many of them without masks or practicing social distancing, gathered in Southern California Tuesday night to sing Christmas carols.
Cameron, 50, a devout Christian, promoted the event, which took place in a mall parking lot in Thousand Oaks, Calif., in advance on social media, just as he did with a previous one on Dec. 13 touted as a "Christmas caroling peaceful protest."
Cameron, who famously starred in the "Growing Pains" TV sitcom, organized the event apparently to protest Gov. Gavin Newsom's latest stay-at-home order.
"Have you ever sung Christmas carols by candlelight at a time where your state governor has prohibited you from doing that in America?" Kirk said in an Instagram video posted Dec. 11. "If you love God, if you love Christmas and you love liberty, you're not gonna want to miss this."
Though his Dec. 13 protest stoked controversy, Cameron told Fox News that people are "clamoring" for community this holiday season.
"This is the land of the free and the home of the brave, and there are thousands and thousands of people in our community who would rather not suffer in isolation and come out to sing and express their gratitude," Cameron told Fox News host Shannon Bream in a clip shared to his Instagram Dec. 18. "We believe that there is immunity in community, but there is desolation in isolation, and I want to give people hope."
Cameron has shared Instagram videos from his previous protest that show a large crowd of people singing while standing shoulder to shoulder. Few wear masks in the videos.
Both events came as California is experiencing a COVID-19 surge. As of Tuesday, the state has logged 1.9 million cases and 22,000 deaths, with new records seemingly set daily.
"I guess they call themselves activists or protesters singing Christmas carols for a couple of hours," said Capt. Eric Buschow, a spokesman for the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
He said at one point, sheriff's deputies briefly responded to a report that a counter-protester had been battered, but determined no battery had occurred.
Counter-protesters accused Cameron of hosting a "super-spreader" event, which Buschow said lasted from about 5-7 p.m.
"And that was it," Buschow said. "No arrests. No citations."
#SaveOurStages: How the new COVID-19 relief package will help entertainment venues
The Oaks mall posted a statement on social media prior to Tuesday's event saying, "We do not condone this irresponsible – yet constitutionally protected – peaceful protest event planned.
"We share your concern and have notified the sheriff's office," the statement says. "As well, we have reached out to the event planner to ask that they do not use The Oaks as their venue."
The event occurred a few days after about 20 protesters without masks had tried to walk into a Sprouts Farmers Market near the mall, said Capt. Dean Worthy of the sheriff's office.
The store's manager had immediately closed the store and refused to let the group enter, Worthy said.
Ellen DeGeneres tests positive for COVID-19, says she's 'feeling fine right now'
Contributing: Marco della Cava, USA TODAY


usatoday--2020-12-23--He was shooting at his friend at a gun range 'for no apparent reason.' Then, a stranger shot and kil

ERIE , Pa. – Two men were taking turns firing a weapon at a gun range on state game lands in Greene Township , Pennsylvania on Tuesday afternoon when one of the men turned on the other and began firing at him .
A man in a neighboring shooting stall then fired his weapon at the shooter in an apparent move to stop the attack , killing the shooter , Pennsylvania State Police investigators said .
State police are trying to determine why the man killed , identified as 26-year-old Robert A. Eppley , turned the gun on his friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Troop E in Lawrence Park Township .
No charges had been filed as of Wednesday morning .
Eppley was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting Tuesday afternoon at the State Game Lands 109 gun range by Erie County Deputy Coroner John Maloney .
A 67-year-old Erie man who state police said shot Eppley was questioned and later released as part of the ongoing investigation into Tuesday 's incident , Weindorf said on Wednesday morning .
Also questioned , he said , was the man shot by Eppley , identified by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man .
He was shot multiple times and was taken to UPMC Hamot for treatment before being released from the hospital on Tuesday night , Weindorf said .
A motive in the shooting `` is completely unknown , '' Weindorf said Wednesday .
Investigators have so far been unable to identify any issue between the two men to explain why the shooting happened , he said .
The shooting was reported to state police on Tuesday at 2:08 p.m .
According to Weindorf , Eppley and the 28-year-old Erie man arrived at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their girlfriends , after one of the men had just purchased a pistol and they wanted to shoot the new gun .
Weindorf said everyone was taking turns shooting the gun .
At one point Eppley had the gun and had just fired five rounds when he turned and began firing the weapon at the 28-year-old man , who was standing about 10 feet from him , `` for no apparent reason , '' Weindorf said .
The 67-year-old man who was nearby , who Weindorf said had no connection to the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fired on Eppley , who was still shooting at his friend , Weindorf said .
Investigators spoke with everyone who was at the gun range during the incident , including three people who were on the facility 's rifle range and who said they did not witness the shooting but heard it .
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has closed the gun range until further notice , Weindorf said .

He was shooting at his friend at a gun range 'for no apparent reason.' Then, a stranger shot and killed him.
Show Caption Hide Caption Pennsylvania State Police investigate death at shooting range in Greene Township Pennsylvania State Police investigate a shooting Dec. 22, at the State Gamelands 109 shooting range on Sampson Station Road in Greene Township. Erie Times-News
ERIE, Pa. – Two men were taking turns firing a weapon at a gun range on state game lands in Greene Township, Pennsylvania on Tuesday afternoon when one of the men turned on the other and began firing at him.
A man in a neighboring shooting stall then fired his weapon at the shooter in an apparent move to stop the attack, killing the shooter, Pennsylvania State Police investigators said.
State police are trying to determine why the man killed, identified as 26-year-old Robert A. Eppley, turned the gun on his friend, said Lt. Mark Weindorfof Pennsylvania State Police Troop E in Lawrence Park Township.
No charges had been filed as of Wednesday morning.
Eppley was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting Tuesday afternoon at the State Game Lands 109 gun range by Erie County Deputy Coroner John Maloney.
A 67-year-old Erie man who state police said shot Eppley was questioned and later released as part of the ongoing investigation into Tuesday's incident, Weindorf said on Wednesday morning.
Also questioned, he said, was the man shot by Eppley, identified by state police only as a 28-year-old Erie man. He was shot multiple times and was taken to UPMC Hamot for treatment before being released from the hospital on Tuesday night, Weindorf said.
A motive in the shooting "is completely unknown," Weindorf said Wednesday. Investigators have so far been unable to identify any issue between the two men to explain why the shooting happened, he said.
The shooting was reported to state police on Tuesday at 2:08 p.m. According to Weindorf, Eppley and the 28-year-old Erie man arrived at the gun range in separate vehicles, with their girlfriends, after one of the men had just purchased a pistol and they wanted to shoot the new gun.
Weindorf said everyone was taking turns shooting the gun. At one point Eppley had the gun and had just fired five rounds when he turned and began firing the weapon at the 28-year-old man, who was standing about 10 feet from him, "for no apparent reason," Weindorf said.
The 67-year-old man who was nearby, who Weindorf said had no connection to the two men, saw what was happening and fired on Eppley, who was still shooting at his friend, Weindorf said.
Investigators spoke with everyone who was at the gun range during the incident, including three people who were on the facility's rifle range and who said they did not witness the shooting but heard it.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has closed the gun range until further notice, Weindorf said.
Follow Erie reporter Tim Hahn on Twitter @ETNhahn.


usatoday--2020-12-23--Trump leaves Congress with holiday cliffhanger on COVID-19 stimulus bill as lawmakers scramble

WASHINGTON – The fate of a $ 900 billion COVID-19 stimulus package was thrown into doubt Wednesday as lawmakers on Capitol Hill scrambled to address President Donald Trump 's sudden argument that the measure does not provide enough in direct payments .
Congress overwhelmingly approved the bill Monday to offset the economic impact of COVID-19 , but Trump called the bipartisan bill a `` disgrace '' in a video posted to social media late Tuesday , upending weeks of congressional negotiations .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has now called for a Christmas Eve vote to raise the amount of direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,000 from the $ 600 already approved .
Trump has demanded the higher amount , even as GOP lawmakers – including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , R-Ky. , and his own Treasury Secretary , Steve Mnuchin – rejected that figure during negotiations.. Pelosi , D-Calif. , said the House would try to pass an amendment to the bill Thursday if it could receive unanimous support , or `` unanimous consent '' in congressional parlance .
Such a move requires the agreement of GOP House Leader Kevin McCarthy , but the California Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` If the president truly wants to join us in $ 2,000 payments , he should call upon Leader McCarthy to agree to our Unanimous Consent request , ” Pelosi wrote in a letter to fellow House Democrats on Wednesday .
The bill , which was attached to a $ 1.4 trillion spending measure to keep the government running through September , would provide up to $ 600 in direct stimulus checks to millions of Americans , extended unemployment benefits , and continuea program to help small businesses retain employees .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bill but implied he might .
Lawmakers have the numbers to override a veto but they would have to be called back from their holiday recess , complicating and delaying efforts to deal with the president 's complaint .
The president also took issue with funding provisions , like continued foreign aid and support for government-funded arts centers , which were negotiated and approved by Mnuchin , who was seen as speaking for the White House during talks .
The foreign aid provisions were also similar to the ones the president proposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president left for his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach , Florida , Wednesday afternoon .
With a government shutdown looming at the end of the day on Dec. 28 , Trump is not scheduled to return to the White House until Jan. 1 , though he could sign the bill into law from Florida .
Trump has played political chicken with Congress on previous spending bills , suggesting he would veto them before ultimately signing them into law .
Progressive Democratic Reps. Rashid Tlaib , D-Mich. , and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , D-N.Y. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal to raise the amount .
`` Me and @ AOC have the amendment ready , '' Tlaib tweeted with a photo of the provision ’ s language .
`` Send the bill back , and we will put in the $ 2,000 we ’ ve been fighting for that your party has been blocking . ''
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also voiced approval for raising the value of direct stimulus payments to Americans , noting “ We spent months trying to secure $ 2,000 checks but Republicans blocked it .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and keep the government open and we 're glad to pass more aid Americans need . ''
Trump ’ s late-stage denunciations have also likely complicated the situation for Georgia Sens .
Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue , who both face challenges in a Georgia runoff on Jan. 5 .
Their Democratic opponents have both said that $ 600 direct payments were too small , while Loeffler and Perdue did not initially support payments in the package .
Trump 's implied veto threat highlighted a flurry of pre-Christmas activity , including pardons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rewarding loyalists with appointments to government boards and more protests of the election that made Joe Biden the president-elect .
The pardons included three former Republican members of Congress – and Trump supporters – who had been convicted of corruption charges , two former advisers ensnared in the investigation of Russian election interference in 2016 , and four military contractors involved in killings of civilians in Iraq .
Hours earlier he appointed more than 40 people to federal advisory boards and commissions , including Hope Hicks , one of his closest aides , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scholarship and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi , who was part of Trump 's legal team during his impeachment trial , to serve on the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts .
Trump also released a video Tuesday night listing his many protests about the election , claims that have been rejected by judges and court officials across the country .
The video surfaced as Trump urges Republican lawmakers to subvert the election when Congress meets Jan. 6 to certify the Electoral College vote .
Some GOP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden electors in certain states , but they do not have the votes in the House or Senate to change Biden 's victory .

Ledyard King, Courtney Subramanian and John Fritze, USA TODAY

Trump leaves Congress with holiday cliffhanger on COVID-19 stimulus bill as lawmakers scramble
Show Caption Hide Caption COVID-19: President Trump denounces new relief bill, demands changes President Trump denounced the new COVID-19 relief package he's expected to sign and urged congressional leaders to make several changes to the bill. Staff video, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON – The fate of a $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus package was thrown into doubt Wednesday as lawmakers on Capitol Hill scrambled to address President Donald Trump's sudden argument that the measure does not provide enough in direct payments.
Congress overwhelmingly approved the bill Monday to offset the economic impact of COVID-19, but Trump called the bipartisan bill a "disgrace" in a video posted to social media late Tuesday, upending weeks of congressional negotiations. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has now called for a Christmas Eve vote to raise the amount of direct stimulus included in the measure to $2,000 from the $600 already approved.
Trump has demanded the higher amount, even as GOP lawmakers – including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and his own Treasury Secretary, Steve Mnuchin – rejected that figure during negotiations..
Pelosi, D-Calif., said the House would try to pass an amendment to the bill Thursday if it could receive unanimous support, or "unanimous consent" in congressional parlance. Such a move requires the agreement of GOP House Leader Kevin McCarthy, but the California Republican hasn’t yet signaled his position.
"If the president truly wants to join us in $2,000 payments, he should call upon Leader McCarthy to agree to our Unanimous Consent request,” Pelosi wrote in a letter to fellow House Democrats on Wednesday.
The bill, which was attached to a $1.4 trillion spending measure to keep the government running through September, would provide up to $600 in direct stimulus checks to millions of Americans, extended unemployment benefits, and continue a program to help small businesses retain employees .
Trump stopped short of saying he would veto the bill but implied he might. Lawmakers have the numbers to override a veto but they would have to be called back from their holiday recess, complicating and delaying efforts to deal with the president's complaint.
The president also took issue with funding provisions, like continued foreign aid and support for government-funded arts centers, which were negotiated and approved by Mnuchin, who was seen as speaking for the White House during talks. The foreign aid provisions were also similar to the ones the president proposed in his budget earlier this year.
The president left for his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, Wednesday afternoon. With a government shutdown looming at the end of the day on Dec. 28, Trump is not scheduled to return to the White House until Jan. 1, though he could sign the bill into law from Florida.
Trump has played political chicken with Congress on previous spending bills, suggesting he would veto them before ultimately signing them into law.
Progressive Democratic Reps. Rashid Tlaib, D-Mich., and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., already have drafted language for a proposal to raise the amount.
"Me and @AOC have the amendment ready," Tlaib tweeted with a photo of the provision’s language. "Send the bill back, and we will put in the $2,000 we’ve been fighting for that your party has been blocking."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also voiced approval for raising the value of direct stimulus payments to Americans, noting “We spent months trying to secure $2,000 checks but Republicans blocked it. Trump needs to sign the bill to help people and keep the government open and we're glad to pass more aid Americans need."
Trump’s late-stage denunciations have also likely complicated the situation for Georgia Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, who both face challenges in a Georgia runoff on Jan. 5. Their Democratic opponents have both said that $600 direct payments were too small, while Loeffler and Perdue did not initially support payments in the package.
A White House holiday rush
Trump's implied veto threat highlighted a flurry of pre-Christmas activity, including pardons for allies who broke the law, rewarding loyalists with appointments to government boards and more protests of the election that made Joe Biden the president-elect.
The pardons included three former Republican members of Congress – and Trump supporters – who had been convicted of corruption charges, two former advisers ensnared in the investigation of Russian election interference in 2016, and four military contractors involved in killings of civilians in Iraq.
Hours earlier he appointed more than 40 people to federal advisory boards and commissions, including Hope Hicks, one of his closest aides, to the board overseeing the prestigious Fulbright scholarship and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was part of Trump's legal team during his impeachment trial, to serve on the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.
Trump also released a video Tuesday night listing his many protests about the election, claims that have been rejected by judges and court officials across the country.
The video surfaced as Trump urges Republican lawmakers to subvert the election when Congress meets Jan. 6 to certify the Electoral College vote. Some GOP members said they will seek to block Biden electors in certain states, but they do not have the votes in the House or Senate to change Biden's victory.


usatoday--2020-12-24--'One of the most beautiful voices': Broadway star Rebecca Luker dies at 59

Broadway actress and singer Rebecca Luker , known for her roles in `` The Secret Garden '' and `` The Music Man , '' died Wednesday at age 59 .
Her longtime friend David Staller confirmed her death to USA TODAY on the family 's behalf .
Luker died from complications stemming from ALS .
The New York Times was the first to report the news of her death .
Luker , a soprano , was nominated for three Tony Awards , including `` Show Boat '' in 1995 ; `` The Music Man '' in 2000 ; and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also starred in a Broadway revival of `` The Sound of Music '' in 1998 .
Luker made her Broadway debut in `` The Phantom of the Opera , '' according to the Times , where she took on the lead role of Christine in 1989 .
She started out as the understudy to original actress Sarah Brightman and later served as her alternate .
She announced her ALS diagnosis in February , reports the Times .
ALS is short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and also known as Lou Gehrig 's disease .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ U.S. have it , according to Johns Hopkins .
Annually , 5,000 new cases are diagnosed .
She is survived by actor husband Danny Burstein and two stepsons , according to the Times .
`` Rebecca Luker was one of the most beautiful voices on Broadway and a lovely person , '' Bernadette Peters wrote .
`` We are all devastated for ( Burstein ) and for ourselves ... we will never get to witness her talents on stage again . ''
`` Theater kids , If you haven ’ t yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original Broadway cast recording of The Secret Garden with Rebecca Luker as Lily , '' Steven Pasquale wrote .
`` In a belty , riffy world , she reminds us of what great pure singing is . ''
Jenna Ushkowitz added : `` The Broadway community mourns today for Rebecca Luker .
I didn ’ t know her personally but she greatly impacted so many lives .
Love and light to her dear family and friends . ''
In other sad news : Tony-winning choreographer Ann Reinking dies at 71 ; Bernadette Peters @ @ @ @

'One of the most beautiful voices': Broadway star Rebecca Luker dies at 59
Broadway actress and singer Rebecca Luker, known for her roles in "The Secret Garden" and "The Music Man," died Wednesday at age 59.
Her longtime friend David Staller confirmed her death to USA TODAY on the family's behalf.
Luker died from complications stemming from ALS. The New York Times was the first to report the news of her death.
Luker, a soprano, was nominated for three Tony Awards, including "Show Boat" in 1995; "The Music Man" in 2000; and "Mary Poppins" in 2007. She also starred in a Broadway revival of "The Sound of Music" in 1998.
Luker made her Broadway debut in "The Phantom of the Opera," according to the Times, where she took on the lead role of Christine in 1989. She started out as the understudy to original actress Sarah Brightman and later served as her alternate.
She announced her ALS diagnosis in February, reports the Times.
ALS is short for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. As many as 30,000 people in the U.S. have it, according to Johns Hopkins. Annually, 5,000 new cases are diagnosed.
She is survived by actor husband Danny Burstein and two stepsons, according to the Times.
Broadway actors shared memories of Luker on Twitter.
Rebecca Luker was one of the most beautiful voices on Broadway and a lovely person ,,We are all devastated for Danny and for ourselves,,we will never get to witness her talents on stage again 💔💔💔💔RIP Dear Dear Girl🕊 pic.twitter.com/6qSKhEZZ2c — Bernadette Peters (@OfficialBPeters) December 23, 2020
"Rebecca Luker was one of the most beautiful voices on Broadway and a lovely person," Bernadette Peters wrote. "We are all devastated for (Burstein) and for ourselves ... we will never get to witness her talents on stage again."
Theater kids,
If you haven’t yet, immediately bathe in the glory of that original Broadway cast recording of The Secret Garden with Rebecca Luker as Lily.
In a belty, riffy world, she reminds us of what great pure singing is. — steven pasquale (@StevePasquale) December 23, 2020
"Theater kids, If you haven’t yet, immediately bathe in the glory of that original Broadway cast recording of The Secret Garden with Rebecca Luker as Lily," Steven Pasquale wrote. "In a belty, riffy world, she reminds us of what great pure singing is."
Jenna Ushkowitz added: "The Broadway community mourns today for Rebecca Luker. I didn’t know her personally but she greatly impacted so many lives. Love and light to her dear family and friends."
In other sad news: Tony-winning choreographer Ann Reinking dies at 71; Bernadette Peters, other stars mourn
Ugh: Broadway extends shutdown to May 30 amid coronavirus pandemic


usatoday--2020-12-23--Ohio State self-imposes NCAA postseason bans for 2020-21

Ohio State has self-imposed postseason bans for its women ’ s basketball , women ’ s golf and fencing programs for the 2020-21 season as the NCAA is investigating the programs for infractions , The Columbus Dispatch has learned through a public-records request .
According to the documents , Ohio State initially began a human-resources investigation into former women ’ s basketball assistant coach Patrick Klein , who resigned from the program in August 2019 .
In a letter submitted with his resignation , Klein wrote that he had “ not adhered strictly to NCAA rules ” and “ my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too informal or in some cases even inappropriate , violating university policy.
” Ohio State ’ s investigation spread to the women ’ s golf program and prompted the NCAA to get involved .
An investigation into the fencing program was already underway at that point .
The two sides started down a path toward a negotiated resolution to the situation that would have included the removal of fencing coach Vladimir Nazlymov as well as vacating wins for all three sports and other measures .
However , the NCAA asked for stronger disciplinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the postseason ban .
In all , Ohio State submitted a list of 11 proposed penalties within the basketball and fencing programs as well as and four within the golf program .
Women 's golf coach Therese Hession will be suspended for the first four competition dates for the 2020-21 academic year and was to be suspended from all coaching activities for a three-week period during the fall 2020 term .
Athletes and parents of the team members have been informed of the news within the past week .
Names of athletes who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been redacted from the report .
In a copy of the summary disposition report acquired by The Dispatch , a total of 15 incidents are described in detail .
Both Nazlymov and Klein have had their employment designations changed from “ retirement ” to “ retirement in lieu of termination.
” Ohio State has recommended a three-year show cause for Klein , one of 11 self-imposed penalties the university is proposing for the program .
Neither former coach cooperated with the investigation .
Ohio State 's 62-page summary disposition report states that Klein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the list of violations : paying $ 100 for `` bottle service at a local club '' for a recruit on an official visit and another individual whose name has been redacted , sending impermissible text messages to recruits or their parents , and asking current and former players to assist in recruiting efforts by texting or messaging recruits via social media .
Klein is also cited for providing financial assistance to current players that `` revealed problematic relationships between Klein and women 's basketball student-athletes . ''
According to the report , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the team .
`` To demonstrate his affection , Klein provided gifts to these student-athletes and/or their friends on the team , '' the report reads .
The nature of the gifts , which total $ 740 , is redacted .
The postseason ban is impactful for the women ’ s golf program as well because it is hosting an NCAA regional championship this season .

Adam Jardy, Columbus Dispatch USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State self-imposes NCAA postseason bans for 2020-21
Show Caption Hide Caption Coaches Poll and CFP committee agree on top four teams The College Football Playoff selection committee chose Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Notre Dame to compete for the National Championship and the most recent Amway Coaches poll tells a similar story. SportsPulse, USA TODAY
Ohio State has self-imposed postseason bans for its women’s basketball, women’s golf and fencing programs for the 2020-21 season as the NCAA is investigating the programs for infractions, The Columbus Dispatch has learned through a public-records request.
According to the documents, Ohio State initially began a human-resources investigation into former women’s basketball assistant coach Patrick Klein, who resigned from the program in August 2019. In a letter submitted with his resignation, Klein wrote that he had “not adhered strictly to NCAA rules” and “my communications with some student-athletes may have been too informal or in some cases even inappropriate, violating university policy.”
Ohio State’s investigation spread to the women’s golf program and prompted the NCAA to get involved. An investigation into the fencing program was already underway at that point. The two sides started down a path toward a negotiated resolution to the situation that would have included the removal of fencing coach Vladimir Nazlymov as well as vacating wins for all three sports and other measures.
However, the NCAA asked for stronger disciplinary measures, leading to the self-imposition of the postseason ban.
In all, Ohio State submitted a list of 11 proposed penalties within the basketball and fencing programs as well as and four within the golf program. Women's golf coach Therese Hession will be suspended for the first four competition dates for the 2020-21 academic year and was to be suspended from all coaching activities for a three-week period during the fall 2020 term.
Athletes and parents of the team members have been informed of the news within the past week. Names of athletes who are directly affected by the investigations have been redacted from the report.
In a copy of the summary disposition report acquired by The Dispatch, a total of 15 incidents are described in detail.
Both Nazlymov and Klein have had their employment designations changed from “retirement” to “retirement in lieu of termination.” Ohio State has recommended a three-year show cause for Klein, one of 11 self-imposed penalties the university is proposing for the program. Neither former coach cooperated with the investigation.
Ohio State's 62-page summary disposition report states that Klein participated in impermissible recruiting activities. Among the list of violations: paying $100 for "bottle service at a local club" for a recruit on an official visit and another individual whose name has been redacted, sending impermissible text messages to recruits or their parents, and asking current and former players to assist in recruiting efforts by texting or messaging recruits via social media.
Klein is also cited for providing financial assistance to current players that "revealed problematic relationships between Klein and women's basketball student-athletes." According to the report, Klein utilized gifts to inappropriately befriend several members of the team.
"To demonstrate his affection, Klein provided gifts to these student-athletes and/or their friends on the team," the report reads. The nature of the gifts, which total $740, is redacted.
The postseason ban is impactful for the women’s golf program as well because it is hosting an NCAA regional championship this season.
ajardy@dispatch.com
@AdamJardy


usatoday--2020-12-24--Wild, wet and white: Big storm threatens holiday plans across central, southern, eastern U.S.

• Blizzard warnings are in effect in the northern Plains , where heavy snow and howling winds are combining to create treacherous travel conditions .
• Heavy , potentially flooding rain of 1 to 3 inches is forecast for portions of the eastern third of the country on Christmas Eve .
• Christmas Day will be bone-chillingly cold across nearly the entire eastern third of the nation .
A sprawling , powerful storm that 's already dumping heavy snow across much of the north-central U.S. is taking aim on the East and South , threatening to snarl holiday plans for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas Day .
Blizzard warnings are in effect in the northern Plains , where heavy snow and howling winds are combining to create treacherous travel conditions , the National Weather Service said .
The weather service said wind chills could dip to 35 degrees below zero later on Wednesday in the Dakotas , pushed by gusts of up to 65 mph .
Snow depth could reach up to 6 inches ; the highest accumulations will be in west-central Minnesota .
The storm , along with a cold front , will then zoom across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas Eve and Christmas Day .
Wild swings in temperatures are also forecast – and weirdly warm weather will be followed by some of the coldest temperatures of the season so far .
The storm will unleash `` extreme weather Christmas Eve '' in the East , AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno said .
“ Make sure you ’ re ready for that , '' he warned .
Heavy , potentially flooding rain of 1 to 3 inches is forecast for portions of the eastern third of the country on Christmas Eve , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas , the rain is expected to fall on top of a deep and relatively fresh snowpack from the nor'easter last week , exacerbating flooding concerns as rain could cause rapid snowmelt , '' the Weather Service said .
`` Another concern is the added weight that rain could put on top of roofs of buildings that remain covered by heavy snow . ''
Dreaming of a white Christmas ?
: Storm could bring snow , cold for some folks Winds will also howl on Christmas Eve in the East : `` Winds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 60 mph over a broad area from eastern North Carolina to Maine , '' AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DeSilva said .
Winds this strong can not only send trash cans and holiday decorations sailing through neighborhoods as dangerous projectiles , AccuWeather said , but trees can be knocked over in the high winds and pose a risk to motorists and pedestrians .
Meanwhile , the very cold temperatures behind the front will support snow of possibly several inches across eastern portions of the Ohio Valley and across the central Appalachians on Christmas Eve into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Farther south , as the system moves east , severe thunderstorms and the chance of tornadoes will also be possible on Christmas Eve in Florida , Georgia and the Carolinas .
The greatest chance for severe storms and tornadoes is in eastern North Carolina , the Storm Prediction Center said .
Falling iguana alert !
: Cold weather in Florida may cause iguanas to fall out of trees .
But they 're not dead .
Christmas Day will be bone-chillingly cold across nearly the entire eastern third of the nation , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be unusually mild and damp .
Temperatures in Maine could top out in the mid-50s on Christmas , which will be warmer than in portions of Florida , the weather service said .
South Florida could see temperatures dip into the 30s by Saturday morning , potentially causing cold-stunned iguanas to fall out of trees , the weather service said .

Wild, wet and white: Big storm threatens holiday plans across central, southern, eastern U.S.
Show Caption Hide Caption Late-week storm to bring potential flooding, snow on Christmas In addition to strong winds, heavy rain will bring the risk of flooding, and there could even be snow in some spots. Accuweather
Blizzard warnings are in effect in the northern Plains, where heavy snow and howling winds are combining to create treacherous travel conditions.
Heavy, potentially flooding rain of 1 to 3 inches is forecast for portions of the eastern third of the country on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Day will be bone-chillingly cold across nearly the entire eastern third of the nation.
A sprawling, powerful storm that's already dumping heavy snow across much of the north-central U.S. is taking aim on the East and South, threatening to snarl holiday plans for millions of Americans ahead of and on Christmas Day.
Blizzard warnings are in effect in the northern Plains, where heavy snow and howling winds are combining to create treacherous travel conditions, the National Weather Service said.
The weather service said wind chills could dip to 35 degrees below zero later on Wednesday in the Dakotas, pushed by gusts of up to 65 mph. Snow depth could reach up to 6 inches; the highest accumulations will be in west-central Minnesota.
The storm, along with a cold front, will then zoom across the eastern half of the country on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Wild swings in temperatures are also forecast – and weirdly warm weather will be followed by some of the coldest temperatures of the season so far.
The storm will unleash "extreme weather Christmas Eve" in the East, AccuWeather meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. “Make sure you’re ready for that," he warned.
Heavy, potentially flooding rain of 1 to 3 inches is forecast for portions of the eastern third of the country on Christmas Eve, the Weather Service said.
"For many areas, the rain is expected to fall on top of a deep and relatively fresh snowpack from the nor'easter last week, exacerbating flooding concerns as rain could cause rapid snowmelt," the Weather Service said. "Another concern is the added weight that rain could put on top of roofs of buildings that remain covered by heavy snow."
Dreaming of a white Christmas?: Storm could bring snow, cold for some folks
Winds will also howl on Christmas Eve in the East: "Winds are forecast to gust between 50 and 60 mph over a broad area from eastern North Carolina to Maine," AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DeSilva said.
Winds this strong can not only send trash cans and holiday decorations sailing through neighborhoods as dangerous projectiles, AccuWeather said, but trees can be knocked over in the high winds and pose a risk to motorists and pedestrians.
Meanwhile, the very cold temperatures behind the front will support snow of possibly several inches across eastern portions of the Ohio Valley and across the central Appalachians on Christmas Eve into Christmas morning, the weather service predicted.
Farther south, as the system moves east, severe thunderstorms and the chance of tornadoes will also be possible on Christmas Eve in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. The greatest chance for severe storms and tornadoes is in eastern North Carolina, the Storm Prediction Center said.
Falling iguana alert!: Cold weather in Florida may cause iguanas to fall out of trees. But they're not dead.
Christmas Day will be bone-chillingly cold across nearly the entire eastern third of the nation, with the exception of New England, which will be unusually mild and damp. Temperatures in Maine could top out in the mid-50s on Christmas, which will be warmer than in portions of Florida, the weather service said.
South Florida could see temperatures dip into the 30s by Saturday morning, potentially causing cold-stunned iguanas to fall out of trees, the weather service said.


usatoday--2020-12-24--Baltimore building explosion injures 23, temporarily traps 2 workers on dangling scaffolding, offici

Twenty-three people were injured on Wednesday following an explosion that caused a partial roof collapse at a Baltimore high-rise building , officials said .
Twenty-one of the victims were transported to local hospitals , with at least nine in critical condition and one in serious condition , the Baltimore Fire Department tweeted .
The firefighters ' union tweeted that the explosion came from the 16th floor of the building , where utility service Baltimore Gas and Electric Company 's offices are located .
BGE said in a statement Wednesday that the explosion was likely caused by the air handling and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working on .
The explosion also temporarily trapped a window washing crew on dangling scaffolding .
The two trapped workers were later rescued through a window , and firefighters continued to search the building into Wednesday afternoon .
`` Window washing scaffolding was compromised because of the incident and a window washing crew was pulled to safety by the fire department , '' BGE said .
The building was nearly empty because of the holidays and the coronavirus pandemic .
BGE also said in the statement that the incident was not related to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time of the explosion .

Baltimore building explosion injures 23, temporarily traps 2 workers on dangling scaffolding, officials say
Show Caption Hide Caption AP Top Stories December 23 P Here are the top stories for Wednesday, December 23: Trump vetoes defense bill and set up override threat; Biden introduces education pick; building explosion injures 10, strands workers; zoo animals have an early Christmas. AP
Twenty-three people were injured on Wednesday following an explosion that caused a partial roof collapse at a Baltimore high-rise building, officials said.
Twenty-one of the victims were transported to local hospitals, with at least nine in critical condition and one in serious condition, the Baltimore Fire Department tweeted.
The firefighters' union tweeted that the explosion came from the 16th floor of the building, where utility service Baltimore Gas and Electric Company's offices are located.
BGE said in a statement Wednesday that the explosion was likely caused by the air handling and boiler system, which construction crews were working on.
Explosion Update: A total of 23 victims were rescued from the explosion in the 100blk of W. Fayette St. 21 of the victims were transported to area hospitals & 2 victims declined. #BCFD members continue search the bldg. The cause remains under investigation. pic.twitter.com/STKTnArlS1 — Baltimore Fire (@BaltimoreFire) December 23, 2020
The explosion also temporarily trapped a window washing crew on dangling scaffolding. The two trapped workers were later rescued through a window, and firefighters continued to search the building into Wednesday afternoon.
"Window washing scaffolding was compromised because of the incident and a window washing crew was pulled to safety by the fire department," BGE said. The building was nearly empty because of the holidays and the coronavirus pandemic.
BGE also said in the statement that the incident was not related to natural gas, which was not on at the time of the explosion.
Contributing: The Associated Press.