skynewsus--2020-12-05--Man dresses as Buddy the elf to meet father for first time - but dad doesn't get joke

A man who dressed as an elf to meet his biological father for the first time has admitted his dad may have thought he was a `` lunatic '' .
Doug Henning donned a costume like the one Will Ferrell wore in Elf the movie , jumped up and down , and sang : `` I 'm here , with my dad , '' just as the actor did , playing the character of Buddy .
The only problem was that Mr Henning 's father had not seen the 2003 film , which his son had watched two days before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As Mr Henning , 43 , continued to bounce on his toes at Boston 's Logan Airport , he sang to his confused parent : `` I was adopted , but you never knew I was born . ''
He continued : `` And now you found me , and you 're here , and guess what : I love you , I love you , I love you ! ''
As the two men embraced , Mr Henning 's father , Raul , said : `` Oh my son , my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the background .
`` When he came out of the airport , he probably thought I was a lunatic , '' Mr Henning told Boston.com .
`` It was a really good way to break the ice .
We ultimately sat down as a family and watched the movie . ''
Mr Henning is the first of Raul 's children to become a parent , and so as well as gaining a son , Raul has also become a grandfather .
Despite having `` amazing '' adopted parents , Mr Henning said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ background .
A cousin later helped him connect with one of his two biological sisters , and then his biological father , who had not known about him .
`` Within a day we exchanged emails and phone numbers , '' Mr Henning said .
Since March , the family has connected on Zoom , and his father flew in for Thanksgiving last week .
Mr Henning , who lives in Eliot , Maine , is married with two daughters .
He lost his adoptive father about eight years ago .
Raul and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - as a sound mixer and camera operator respectively - enabling them to talk about people they know in the industry .
Raul moved to the US from Colombia in the 1970s , and now Mr Henning is hoping to visit the country with his family .

A man who dressed as an elf to meet his biological father for the first time has admitted his dad may have thought he was a "lunatic".
Doug Henning donned a costume like the one Will Ferrell wore in Elf the movie, jumped up and down, and sang: "I'm here, with my dad," just as the actor did, playing the character of Buddy.
The only problem was that Mr Henning's father had not seen the 2003 film, which his son had watched two days before the meeting, giving him the idea.
Image: Doug Henning meets his dad. Pic: @finnandboonthego
As Mr Henning, 43, continued to bounce on his toes at Boston's Logan Airport, he sang to his confused parent: "I was adopted, but you never knew I was born."
He continued: "And now you found me, and you're here, and guess what: I love you, I love you, I love you!"
As the two men embraced, Mr Henning's father, Raul, said: "Oh my son, my boy," as others whooped in the background.
"When he came out of the airport, he probably thought I was a lunatic," Mr Henning told Boston.com.
"It was a really good way to break the ice. We ultimately sat down as a family and watched the movie."
Mr Henning is the first of Raul's children to become a parent, and so as well as gaining a son, Raul has also become a grandfather.
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Image: Mr Henning said dressing as an elf was a 'good way to break the ice'. Pic: @finnandboonthego
Despite having "amazing" adopted parents, Mr Henning said he had wanted to know more about his background.
A cousin later helped him connect with one of his two biological sisters, and then his biological father, who had not known about him.
"Within a day we exchanged emails and phone numbers," Mr Henning said.
Since March, the family has connected on Zoom, and his father flew in for Thanksgiving last week.
Image: Doug Henning getting into costume before the meeting. Pic: @finnandboonthego
Mr Henning, who lives in Eliot, Maine, is married with two daughters. He lost his adoptive father about eight years ago.
Raul and Doug discovered they both work in television - as a sound mixer and camera operator respectively - enabling them to talk about people they know in the industry.
Raul moved to the US from Colombia in the 1970s, and now Mr Henning is hoping to visit the country with his family.


skynewsus--2020-12-06--Trump holds rally for Senate hopefuls - but quickly turns to repeating fraud claims

Donald Trump is still making baseless claims of voting fraud in last month 's presidential election .
The US president spoke at a rally in Georgia on Saturday - his first since he lost to Democrat rival Joe Biden - to gather votes for two Republican senators .
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler face run-offs on 5 January but Mr Trump spent more of his 100-minute speech focused on himself and his allegations .
He told the crowd in Valdosta : `` They cheated and rigged our presidential election but we 'll still win it .
And they are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The crowd replied by chanting : `` We love you ! ''
and `` Four More Years ! ''
Mr Trump continued : `` Let them steal Georgia again , you 'll never be able to look yourself in the mirror .
`` If you do n't vote , the socialists and the communists win , '' he said .
`` We can fight for the presidency and fight to elect our two great senators , and we can do it at the same time . ''
Republicans need one victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power to stop much of Mr Biden 's legislative agenda .
Democrats control the House of Representatives and need to win both seats to gain the Senate .
: : Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Mr Trump 's claims about Georgia 's voting system , however , have concerned some Republicans who fear voters might think the system is so rigged that there is no point in voting .
Mr Trump briefly praised Ms Loeffler for her support of coronavirus relief spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ military spending , but it was n't long before he returned to himself .
He listed his own electoral achievements - some real and some imagined , such as his `` victory '' in Georgia , despite Mr Biden carrying the state by more than 12,000 votes .
Recounts in the state , including a review by hand of around five million ballots , have not found any significant irregularities .
Even the crowd found it difficult to focus on the two Senate hopefuls , chanting `` Fight for Trump '' over some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump had spoken with Georgia 's governor Brian Kemp by phone to order a special legislative session and an audit of signatures on absentee ballot envelopes in the state , according to reports .
But Mr Kemp has no power to interfere in the electoral process .
The two had also argued on Twitter , with Mr Trump saying he would `` easily and quickly win Georgia '' if Mr Kemp would `` permit a simple signature verification '' .
Mr Kemp said he had `` publicly called for a signature audit three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not good enough , adding : `` Your people are refusing to do what you ask .
What are they hiding ? ''

Donald Trump is still making baseless claims of voting fraud in last month's presidential election.
The US president spoke at a rally in Georgia on Saturday - his first since he lost to Democrat rival Joe Biden - to gather votes for two Republican senators.
David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler face run-offs on 5 January but Mr Trump spent more of his 100-minute speech focused on himself and his allegations.
He told the crowd in Valdosta: "They cheated and rigged our presidential election but we'll still win it. And they are going to try to rig this election too."
The crowd replied by chanting: "We love you!" and "Four More Years!"
Mr Trump continued: "Let them steal Georgia again, you'll never be able to look yourself in the mirror.
"If you don't vote, the socialists and the communists win," he said. "We can fight for the presidency and fight to elect our two great senators, and we can do it at the same time."
Republicans need one victory to keep their Senate majority and maintain the power to stop much of Mr Biden's legislative agenda. Democrats control the House of Representatives and need to win both seats to gain the Senate.
:: Subscribe to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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Mr Trump's claims about Georgia's voting system, however, have concerned some Republicans who fear voters might think the system is so rigged that there is no point in voting.
Mr Trump briefly praised Ms Loeffler for her support of coronavirus relief spending and Mr Perdue for his support of military spending, but it wasn't long before he returned to himself.
He listed his own electoral achievements - some real and some imagined, such as his "victory" in Georgia, despite Mr Biden carrying the state by more than 12,000 votes.
Recounts in the state, including a review by hand of around five million ballots, have not found any significant irregularities.
Even the crowd found it difficult to focus on the two Senate hopefuls, chanting "Fight for Trump" over some of their speeches.
Earlier, Mr Trump had spoken with Georgia's governor Brian Kemp by phone to order a special legislative session and an audit of signatures on absentee ballot envelopes in the state, according to reports.
But Mr Kemp has no power to interfere in the electoral process.
The two had also argued on Twitter, with Mr Trump saying he would "easily and quickly win Georgia" if Mr Kemp would "permit a simple signature verification".
Mr Kemp said he had "publicly called for a signature audit three times" but Mr Trump said this was not good enough, adding: "Your people are refusing to do what you ask. What are they hiding?"


skynewsus--2020-12-06--Unmasked Trump supporters chant 'four more years' and believe election was stolen

Donald Trump won the 2020 election and anyone who says otherwise is wrong - at least that is the belief among supporters who turned out to cheer for him at a rally in Georgia .
`` Four more years ! ''
they chanted at an airfield on the outskirts of the city of Valdosta .
To the sound of music and shouts , the president and first lady walked out on to a raised platform , flanked by a wall of well-wishers , many of them wearing red Make America Great Again caps and waving posters .
`` They cheated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will still win it , '' Mr Trump said .
It was his first rally since election day on 3 November - a vote the Republican incumbent lost to his Democratic rival Joe Biden .
Yet it 's a defeat the several thousand men and women at the airfield - most of them without face masks and with no social distancing - refused to recognise .
Instead they appeared convinced that the election was stolen from them .
The gathering was even called a victory rally .
Many cite as proof a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows secret `` suitcases '' of ballots being counted on election night without observers at a site in Georgia , even though it has been dismissed by Republican election officials .
President Trump shared the footage during the rally , drawing boos from the crowds as they turned on the media in a cordoned off area for - as they see it - failing to report the true story of the election .
A man brandishing the slogan `` Stop The Steal '' on a cardboard poster , who gave his name as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the fraud is in your face .
There is a tremendous amount of evidence and the people who are saying there is no evidence are not even looking . ''
He added : `` I want to send a message to support Donald Trump because we love Donald Trump and to help stop the steal of the election of our freedoms and our country . ''
A second man called Keith used the Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi , who is killed by Darth Vader , but returns as a more powerful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will happen to the president if he does not serve a second term .
`` He 's going to be more powerful in defeat than in the actual Oval Office , '' he said .
`` I know Donald Trump is a fighter .
We support Donald Trump because he supports the American people and that is why we are supporting him now .
We are going to back our president . ''
Despite his anger at what he sees as fraudulent election results , Mr Trump urged his supporters to take part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Georgia 's two seats in the Senate .
If the Republicans fail to hold on to them , the balance of power in the upper chamber will shift to the Democrats , in a move that would enable Mr Biden to push on with his agenda and challenge Mr Trump 's legacy without becoming embroiled in bipartisan wrangling .
Yet for Mr Trump 's fans at the airfield , it is impossible to conceive of such an eventuality because they think he will serve a second term .
One man , dressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the American flag and calling himself `` Uncle Sam '' , said : `` He [ Mr Trump ] is our chief executive , he is our commander in chief .
He is going to defend the Republic .
Joe Biden did not win and he will not win . ''
The election results would suggest otherwise .
In fact the state of Georgia voted Democrat for the first time since 1992 .
Down the road from the rally , in the city centre , the mood is far more about Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 30 , a mother who was out with her two young children , said she was not impressed by Mr Trump 's claims of fraud .
`` I feel he is just acting like my toddler when he did n't get his way and now he 's upset about it and that is just ruining any chance of me voting for him in future elections , '' she said .

Donald Trump won the 2020 election and anyone who says otherwise is wrong - at least that is the belief among supporters who turned out to cheer for him at a rally in Georgia.
"Four more years!" they chanted at an airfield on the outskirts of the city of Valdosta.
To the sound of music and shouts, the president and first lady walked out on to a raised platform, flanked by a wall of well-wishers, many of them wearing red Make America Great Again caps and waving posters.
Image: It was Mr Trump's first rally since election day
"They cheated and they rigged our presidential election but we will still win it," Mr Trump said.
It was his first rally since election day on 3 November - a vote the Republican incumbent lost to his Democratic rival Joe Biden.
Yet it's a defeat the several thousand men and women at the airfield - most of them without face masks and with no social distancing - refused to recognise.
Instead they appeared convinced that the election was stolen from them.
The gathering was even called a victory rally.
Many cite as proof a surveillance video that the Trump campaign claims shows secret "suitcases" of ballots being counted on election night without observers at a site in Georgia, even though it has been dismissed by Republican election officials.
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Image: One of Mr Trump's more colourfully-dressed supporters
President Trump shared the footage during the rally, drawing boos from the crowds as they turned on the media in a cordoned off area for - as they see it - failing to report the true story of the election.
A man brandishing the slogan "Stop The Steal" on a cardboard poster, who gave his name as Steve, told me: "I think the fraud is in your face. There is a tremendous amount of evidence and the people who are saying there is no evidence are not even looking."
He added: "I want to send a message to support Donald Trump because we love Donald Trump and to help stop the steal of the election of our freedoms and our country."
A second man called Keith used the Star Wars character Obi-Wan Kenobi, who is killed by Darth Vader, but returns as a more powerful force, to describe what he thinks will happen to the president if he does not serve a second term.
"He's going to be more powerful in defeat than in the actual Oval Office," he said.
"I know Donald Trump is a fighter. We support Donald Trump because he supports the American people and that is why we are supporting him now. We are going to back our president."
Despite his anger at what he sees as fraudulent election results, Mr Trump urged his supporters to take part in a crucial run-off vote next month for Georgia's two seats in the Senate.
If the Republicans fail to hold on to them, the balance of power in the upper chamber will shift to the Democrats, in a move that would enable Mr Biden to push on with his agenda and challenge Mr Trump's legacy without becoming embroiled in bipartisan wrangling.
Yet for Mr Trump's fans at the airfield, it is impossible to conceive of such an eventuality because they think he will serve a second term.
Image: The gathering was called a victory rally
One man, dressed in the red, white and blue of the American flag and calling himself "Uncle Sam", said: "He [Mr Trump] is our chief executive, he is our commander in chief. He is going to defend the Republic. Joe Biden did not win and he will not win."
The election results would suggest otherwise.
In fact the state of Georgia voted Democrat for the first time since 1992.
Down the road from the rally, in the city centre, the mood is far more about Christmas cheer than election fever.
Marley Atkinson, 30, a mother who was out with her two young children, said she was not impressed by Mr Trump's claims of fraud.
"I feel he is just acting like my toddler when he didn't get his way and now he's upset about it and that is just ruining any chance of me voting for him in future elections," she said.


skynewsus--2020-12-06--Trump says his lawyer Rudy Giuliani has tested positive for COVID-19

Donald Trump has said his lawyer Rudy Giuliani has tested positive for coronavirus .
The US president tweeted : `` @ RudyGiuliani , by far the greatest mayor in the history of NYC , and who has been working tirelessly exposing the most corrupt election ( by far ! )
in the history of the USA , has tested positive for the China Virus .
Get better soon Rudy , we will carry on !
!
! ''
US media reports have said that Mr Giuliani was admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington DC on Sunday .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in recent weeks in an effort to help Mr Trump challenge his election defeat .
The lawyer made an appearance on Fox News on Sunday to speak about his legal challenges in several states on behalf of Mr Trump .
He has also spent the last four weeks repeating baseless claims that fraud was a factor in Democrat Joe Biden 's victory last month .
The 76-year-old said at a news conference in November : `` The most important thing here is that this has been a massive attack on the integrity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Earth .
`` The people who did this have committed one of the worst crimes that I have ever seen or observed . ''
Dark brown streaks of hair dye were seen running down Mr Giuliani 's face at the same conference as he mopped sweat from his brow .
It was the latest in a series of embarrassing events for the former mayor of New York City .
Mr Giuliani hosted a news conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Philadelphia in November - with the site being opposite a crematorium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The unusual location led to speculation Mr Trump 's campaign had meant to book the nearby Four Seasons Hotel .
Mr Giuliani was also the target of a prank in the new Borat film , where he was lured into a hotel room by a 24-year-old actress .
Mr Giuliani 's positive coronavirus test comes months after Mr Trump and his wife Melania each tested positive for the illness in October .
President-elect Biden said on Saturday he will not force Americans to take any vaccine - but did warn the country faces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action is taken to agree on a coronavirus aid bill .
His comments come as the country is engulfed in a nationwide spike in the virus that is hampering its economic recovery .
Mr Biden also expressed concern that so far he has seen `` no detailed plan '' from the Trump administration on how to distribute an approved coronavirus vaccine .

Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani has said he is "getting great care" and "recovering quickly" after testing positive for coronavirus.
The 76-year-old former New York City mayor is the latest member in President Trump's inner circle to contract the disease that has killed more than 280,000 people in the US.
In a tweet on Sunday afternoon, Mr Trump announced Mr Giuliani's positive test and wished him a speedy recovery.
Image: Mr Giuliani has travelled extensively around the country in the aftermath of the election
"Get better soon Rudy, we will carry on!!!" the president wrote.
Several US sources said Mr Giuliani was exhibiting some COVID symptoms and had been admitted to Georgetown University Medical Centre in Washington DC.
On Sunday night, Mr Giuliani thanked his "friends and followers" for their concern about him.
"I'm getting great care and feeling good. Recovering quickly and keeping up with everything," he wrote on Twitter.
Mr Giuliani has travelled extensively to battleground states in recent weeks in an effort to help Mr Trump challenge his election defeat.
In Arizona, the state legislature has said it will close for a week, after a maskless Mr Giuliani stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a number of local politicians last Monday.
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Georgia state senator, Jen Jordan, a Democrat who attended a hearing with Mr Trump's lawyer on Thursday expressed his outrage at Mr Giuliani's diagnosis, saying: "Giuliani - maskless, in packed hearing room for 7 hours. To say I am livid would be too kind."
The lawyer made an appearance on Fox News on Sunday to speak about his legal challenges in several states on behalf of the president.
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He has also spent the last four weeks repeating baseless claims that fraud was a factor in Democrat Joe Biden's victory last month.
Mr Giuliani said at a news conference in November: "The most important thing here is that this has been a massive attack on the integrity of the voting system in the greatest democracy on Earth.
"The people who did this have committed one of the worst crimes that I have ever seen or observed."
Dark brown streaks of hair dye were seen running down Mr Giuliani's face at the same conference as he mopped sweat from his brow.
It was the latest in a series of embarrassing events for him.
Mr Giuliani hosted a news conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Philadelphia in November - with the site being opposite a crematorium and next to a sex shop.
The unusual location led to speculation Mr Trump's campaign had meant to book the nearby Four Seasons Hotel.
Mr Giuliani was also the target of a prank in the new Borat film, where he was lured into a hotel room by a 24-year-old actress.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Bad hair dye day for Trump's personal lawyer?
Mr Giuliani's positive coronavirus test comes months after Mr Trump and his wife Melania each tested positive for the illness in October.
President-elect Biden said on Saturday he will not force Americans to take any vaccine - but did warn the country faces a "bleak future" unless swift action is taken to agree on a coronavirus aid bill.
His comments come as the country is engulfed in a nationwide spike in the virus that is hampering its economic recovery.
Mr Biden also expressed concern that so far he has seen "no detailed plan" from the Trump administration on how to distribute an approved coronavirus vaccine.


skynewsus--2020-12-06--Boy, 4, and girl, 6, die after being hit by truck while playing mini golf

Two children have died after being hit by a truck while playing miniature golf , according to officials .
The @ @ @ @ @ scene and his six-year-old sister lost her life in hospital after they were struck in @ @ @ @ @ .
Police said the incident happened on Friday after the driver of the truck , @ @ @ @ @ off the road and on to the course at the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park @ @ @ @ @ spokeswoman for Panama City Beach police department , said the family had been visiting from @ @ @ @ @ not been named and charges have not been filed as the incident remains under investigation @ @ @ @ @ grief counsellors and members of the clergy have been with the family since the collision @

Two children have died after being hit by a truck while playing miniature golf, according to officials.
The four-year-old boy died at the scene and his six-year-old sister lost her life in hospital after they were struck in Panama City Beach in Florida.
Police said the incident happened on Friday after the driver of the truck, Scott Donaldson, allegedly veered off the road and on to the course at the Coconut Creek Family Fun Park.
Debbie Ward, a spokeswoman for Panama City Beach police department, said the family had been visiting from Kentucky.
The victims have not been named and charges have not been filed as the incident remains under investigation.
Ms Ward said that grief counsellors and members of the clergy have been with the family since the collision.


skynewsus--2020-12-06--Joe Biden's inauguration plans rethought in age of COVID-19

President-elect Joe Biden 's inauguration next month is likely to be more subdued than previous ones - as the US public health advice is to avoid big gatherings and parties .
The ceremony is due to take place in Washington DC on 20 January and there are still many details to be confirmed .
But it is thought a giant parade along Pennsylvania Avenue - the road outside the White House - is unlikely , and fancy balls where the new president typically dances with their spouse could become virtual events .
The traditional post-ceremony lunch where politicians offer their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wisdom to the incoming president , may not include food this year .
Despite speculation , the swearing-in ceremony will not be virtual - construction of the main platform on the Capitol 's West Front started on 3 November .
It is believed the platform will not be as crowded as it typically has been in the past - and that guests will be expected to socially distance and wear masks .
Politicians are also considering making COVID-19 tests mandatory for anyone who will have authority to be near the president-elect , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee tasked with overseeing the event .
The VIP platform can hold up to 1,600 people , while politicians are able to distribute tickets for other positions close by .
A big reviewing stand for the public is also being built in front of the White House .
No decisions have yet been made - but it is understood that the committee has been considering cutting down the numbers on both accounts .
President-elect Joe Biden said his priority is keeping Americans `` safe '' .
He said : `` My guess is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But I do n't know exactly how it 's all going to work out .
The key is keeping people safe .
I ca n't do a super version of the president 's announcement in the Rose Garden . ''
He was thought to be referring to Donald Trump 's Rose Garden introduction of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett - which turned out to be a superspreader event with hundreds of people crammed together , many without masks .
Mr Biden said the ceremony will probably be similarly styled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` I think you 're going to see something that 's closer to what the convention was like than a typical inauguration .
`` First and foremost , in my objective , is to keep America safe but still allow people to celebrate - to celebrate and see one another celebrate . ''
It remains unknown which celebrity singer will perform at the ceremony - but one source close to the inauguration has hinted it may be someone who campaigned for the president-elect - including Lady Gaga , John @ @ @ @ @ @

President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration next month is likely to be more subdued than previous ones - as the US public health advice is to avoid big gatherings and parties.
The ceremony is due to take place in Washington DC on 20 January and there are still many details to be confirmed.
But it is thought a giant parade along Pennsylvania Avenue - the road outside the White House - is unlikely, and fancy balls where the new president typically dances with their spouse could become virtual events.
Image: The swearing-in ceremony will go ahead as planned, rather than virtually
The traditional post-ceremony lunch where politicians offer their best wishes, advice and words of wisdom to the incoming president, may not include food this year.
Despite speculation, the swearing-in ceremony will not be virtual - construction of the main platform on the Capitol's West Front started on 3 November.
It is believed the platform will not be as crowded as it typically has been in the past - and that guests will be expected to socially distance and wear masks.
Politicians are also considering making COVID-19 tests mandatory for anyone who will have authority to be near the president-elect, according to a spokesperson from the joint congressional committee tasked with overseeing the event.
Image: Face masks, social distancing and even COVID-19 tests may be mandatory for those who wish to be closest to the president-elect
The VIP platform can hold up to 1,600 people, while politicians are able to distribute tickets for other positions close by.
A big reviewing stand for the public is also being built in front of the White House.
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No decisions have yet been made - but it is understood that the committee has been considering cutting down the numbers on both accounts.
Image: Thousands of people typically attend inauguration ceremonies - the forthcoming one will look a little different
President-elect Joe Biden said his priority is keeping Americans "safe".
He said: "My guess is there will still be a platform ceremony.
"But I don't know exactly how it's all going to work out. The key is keeping people safe. I can't do a super version of the president's announcement in the Rose Garden."
He was thought to be referring to Donald Trump's Rose Garden introduction of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett - which turned out to be a superspreader event with hundreds of people crammed together, many without masks.
Image: President Donald Trump at his post-inauguration ball
Mr Biden said the ceremony will probably be similarly styled to his all-virtual nomination event in the summer.
He said: "I think you're going to see something that's closer to what the convention was like than a typical inauguration.
"First and foremost, in my objective, is to keep America safe but still allow people to celebrate - to celebrate and see one another celebrate."
It remains unknown which celebrity singer will perform at the ceremony - but one source close to the inauguration has hinted it may be someone who campaigned for the president-elect - including Lady Gaga, John Legend and Jon Bon Jovi.


skynewsus--2020-12-06--'Directed' microwave energy most likely cause of making US diplomats ill - report

It is thought that `` directed '' microwave radiation is the likely cause of illnesses experienced by US diplomats in Cuba and China , a report has claimed .
The report by the National Academy of Sciences - and commissioned by the State Department - is the latest attempt to find the cause of mysterious illnesses that US officials experienced in Havana from 2016 .
Researchers found that `` directed , pulsed radio frequency energy appears to be the most plausible '' explanation for symptoms experienced by officials - including cognitive difficulties , intense head pressure and some dizziness .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being affected by unexplained hearing loss during the autumn of 2016 - sparking a diplomatic row between the two countries .
`` Havana syndrome '' symptoms were also experienced by Canadian diplomats and other officials at the US consulate in Guanghzhou in China around early 2017 .
The study found that this explanation was more likely than previous theories - psychological issues and some suggestions of potential tropical disease .
Last year , a different report concluded that emotional trauma and fear were the causes for the bad health .
Prior to this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack may have been the reason , following some personnel experiencing high-pitched sounds - similar to the noise made by crickets - in their homes .
The new findings did not give a name for the potential source of energy , and refrained from saying that it was the result of an attack .
It did , however , state that research on this style of injury was conducted in the former Soviet Union .
The study - led by 19-committee members - noted there were some difficulties experienced in conducting the research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same symptoms , and researchers did not have access to all the previous studies on the matter - a lot of which was classified information .
Committee chairman David Relman said that the studies were `` concerning '' .
The professor of medicine at Stanford University said : `` The committee found these cases quite concerning , in part because of the plausible role of directed , pulsed radio frequency energy as a mechanism ... '' '' ... but also because of the significant suffering and debility that has occurred in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` We as a nation need to address these specific cases as well as the possibility of future cases with a concerted , co-ordinated , and comprehensive approach . ''
Some of the Americans impacted have criticised the US administration 's dealing of their health complaints , and at least one has sued the State Department .

It is thought that "directed" microwave radiation is the likely cause of illnesses experienced by US diplomats in Cuba and China, a report has claimed.
The report by the National Academy of Sciences - and commissioned by the State Department - is the latest attempt to find the cause of mysterious illnesses that US officials experienced in Havana from 2016.
Researchers found that "directed, pulsed radio frequency energy appears to be the most plausible" explanation for symptoms experienced by officials - including cognitive difficulties, intense head pressure and some dizziness.
Image: Researchers have found that 'directed' radio frequency waves caused US officials to fall ill from 2016
This was following a reported 26 personnel being affected by unexplained hearing loss during the autumn of 2016 - sparking a diplomatic row between the two countries.
"Havana syndrome" symptoms were also experienced by Canadian diplomats and other officials at the US consulate in Guanghzhou in China around early 2017.
The study found that this explanation was more likely than previous theories - psychological issues and some suggestions of potential tropical disease.
Last year, a different report concluded that emotional trauma and fear were the causes for the bad health.
Prior to this, it was thought that a sonic attack may have been the reason, following some personnel experiencing high-pitched sounds - similar to the noise made by crickets - in their homes.
The new findings did not give a name for the potential source of energy, and refrained from saying that it was the result of an attack.
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Image: Officials in the US consulate in Guangzhou, China also reported feeling unwell. Pic: US embassy and consulates in China
It did, however, state that research on this style of injury was conducted in the former Soviet Union.
The study - led by 19-committee members - noted there were some difficulties experienced in conducting the research.
This was because not everyone reported the same symptoms, and researchers did not have access to all the previous studies on the matter - a lot of which was classified information.
Committee chairman David Relman said that the studies were "concerning".
The professor of medicine at Stanford University said: "The committee found these cases quite concerning, in part because of the plausible role of directed, pulsed radio frequency energy as a mechanism..."
"...but also because of the significant suffering and debility that has occurred in some of these individuals".
He added: "We as a nation need to address these specific cases as well as the possibility of future cases with a concerted, co-ordinated, and comprehensive approach."
Some of the Americans impacted have criticised the US administration's dealing of their health complaints, and at least one has sued the State Department.


skynewsus--2020-12-06--Rudy Giuliani says he's 'recovering quickly' after testing positive for COVID-19

Donald Trump 's lawyer Rudy Giuliani has said he is `` getting great care '' and `` recovering quickly '' after testing positive for coronavirus .
The 76-year-old former New York City mayor is the latest member in President Trump 's inner circle to contract the disease that has killed more than 280,000 people in the US .
In a tweet on Sunday afternoon , Mr Trump announced Mr Giuliani 's positive test and wished him a speedy recovery .
`` Get better soon Rudy , we will carry on !
!
! ''
the president wrote .
Several US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID symptoms and had been admitted to Georgetown University Medical Centre in Washington DC .
On Sunday night , Mr Giuliani thanked his `` friends and followers '' for their concern about him .
`` I 'm getting great care and feeling good .
Recovering quickly and keeping up with everything , '' he wrote on Twitter .
Mr Giuliani has travelled extensively to battleground states in recent weeks in an effort to help Mr Trump challenge his election defeat .
In Arizona , the state legislature has said it will close for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giuliani stood shoulder-to-shoulder with a number of local politicians last Monday .
Georgia state senator , Jen Jordan , a Democrat who attended a hearing with Mr Trump 's lawyer on Thursday expressed his outrage at Mr Giuliani 's diagnosis , saying : `` Giuliani - maskless , in packed hearing room for 7 hours .
To say I am livid would be too kind . ''
The lawyer made an appearance on Fox News on Sunday to speak about his legal challenges in several states on behalf of the president .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeating baseless claims that fraud was a factor in Democrat Joe Biden 's victory last month .
Mr Giuliani said at a news conference in November : `` The most important thing here is that this has been a massive attack on the integrity of the voting system in the greatest democracy on Earth .
`` The people who did this have committed one of the worst crimes that I have ever seen or observed . ''
Dark brown streaks of hair dye were seen running down Mr Giuliani 's face at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his brow .
It was the latest in a series of embarrassing events for him .
Mr Giuliani hosted a news conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Philadelphia in November - with the site being opposite a crematorium and next to a sex shop .
The unusual location led to speculation Mr Trump 's campaign had meant to book the nearby Four Seasons Hotel .
Mr Giuliani was also the target of a prank in the new Borat film , where he was lured into a hotel room by a 24-year-old actress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes months after Mr Trump and his wife Melania each tested positive for the illness in October .
President-elect Biden said on Saturday he will not force Americans to take any vaccine - but did warn the country faces a `` bleak future '' unless swift action is taken to agree on a coronavirus aid bill .
His comments come as the country is engulfed in a nationwide spike in the virus that is hampering its economic recovery .
Mr Biden also expressed concern that so far he has seen `` no detailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to distribute an approved coronavirus vaccine .


skynewsus--2020-12-07--Missing Texas man 'may have been killed by a mountain lion'

A 28-year-old man found dead in a wooded area of rural Texas in the US may have been killed by a wild animal - possibly a mountain lion , authorities have said .
Christopher Allen Whiteley 's body was found by officers on Thursday - a day after he went missing near Lipan , 50 miles ( 80km ) southwest of Fort Worth .
Preliminary findings from a post-mortem indicate that an animal attacked and killed Mr Whiteley .
But this has been disputed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department , who said its experts had inspected the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mountain lion attack .
Amid the conflicting reports , Hook County Sheriff 's Office said it will wait for the final autopsy report to conclude the cause of death .
Nevertheless , its investigation is continuing - and investigators are gathering pictures and statements from locals who have captured images of mountain lions .
Authorities were warning residents to be mindful of their surroundings and keep children and animals inside at night , when mountain lions primarily hunt .
Confirmed sightings of mountain lions in North Texas are rare - but biologists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the suburban city of Rowlett , which is more than 100 miles ( 160km ) from where Mr Whiteley was killed .
State wildlife officials say that sighting is not believed to be related to Mr Whiteley 's death .

A 28-year-old man found dead in a wooded area of rural Texas in the US may have been killed by a wild animal - possibly a mountain lion, authorities have said.
Christopher Allen Whiteley's body was found by officers on Thursday - a day after he went missing near Lipan, 50 miles (80km) southwest of Fort Worth.
Preliminary findings from a post-mortem indicate that an animal attacked and killed Mr Whiteley.
But this has been disputed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, who said its experts had inspected the scene and didn't find any evidence of a mountain lion attack.
Amid the conflicting reports, Hook County Sheriff's Office said it will wait for the final autopsy report to conclude the cause of death.
Nevertheless, its investigation is continuing - and investigators are gathering pictures and statements from locals who have captured images of mountain lions.
Authorities were warning residents to be mindful of their surroundings and keep children and animals inside at night, when mountain lions primarily hunt.
Confirmed sightings of mountain lions in North Texas are rare - but biologists recently verified a sighting on private property in the suburban city of Rowlett, which is more than 100 miles (160km) from where Mr Whiteley was killed.
State wildlife officials say that sighting is not believed to be related to Mr Whiteley's death.


skynewsus--2020-12-07--Scientific breakthrough in monitoring COVID-19 infections through wastewater

Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in sampling wastewater to detect changes in COVID-19 infections within large communities .
The new method is capable of identifying the coronavirus within wastewater samples and tracking whether infection rates are growing or shrinking .
Wastewater is a `` robust source '' of COVID-19 , according to researchers , because infected people shed the virus in their stool , meaning large amounts of virus particles are flushed down the toilet .
`` This work confirms that trends in concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater tracks with trends of new COVID-19 infections in the community , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stanford University .
`` Wastewater data complements the data from clinical testing and may provide additional insight into COVID-19 infections within communities , '' added the professor , who is co-senior author of the research .
The breakthrough comes as the US faces record levels of daily transmissions , posing a significant challenge for public health authorities attempting to manage the virus .
Tracking the virus is proving problematic due many people with mild cases , or who are asymptomatic , going undetected - and those who do get tested can spread the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Faster identification of case spikes could allow local officials to act more quickly before the disease reaches a crucial tipping point where transmission becomes difficult to contain and hospitalisations overwhelm the local health system , '' said Stanford .
To advance the science of wastewater surveillance for COVID-19 , the researchers focused on detecting the virus in the settled sediment rather than the liquid influent .
They found they were able to find higher concentrations of the virus in the solid samples than in the liquid ones , giving a better indication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The research has the potential to be used in areas which lack the resources for individual clinical testing , as well as to be used by school districts to see if the virus circulation is decreasing .
A new pilot is being launched this month to sample up to eight wastewater treatment plants within California daily , with a 24-hour turnaround time for results .
Last Thursday , the US reported more than 3,100 coronavirus-related deaths in a single day - a record for the country - which meant more people died with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 9/11 terrorist attacks .
President-elect Joe Biden said on Saturday he will not force Americans to take any vaccine - but did warn the country faces a `` bleak future '' unless swift action is taken to agree on a coronavirus aid bill .
His comments come as the country is engulfed in a nationwide spike in cases that is hampering its economic recovery .
Mr Biden also expressed concern that so far he has seen `` no detailed plan '' from the Trump administration on how to distribute an approved coronavirus @ @

Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in sampling wastewater to detect changes in COVID-19 infections within large communities.
The new method is capable of identifying the coronavirus within wastewater samples and tracking whether infection rates are growing or shrinking.
Wastewater is a "robust source" of COVID-19, according to researchers, because infected people shed the virus in their stool, meaning large amounts of virus particles are flushed down the toilet.
"This work confirms that trends in concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater tracks with trends of new COVID-19 infections in the community," said Professor Alexandria Boehm, of Stanford University.
"Wastewater data complements the data from clinical testing and may provide additional insight into COVID-19 infections within communities," added the professor, who is co-senior author of the research.
The breakthrough comes as the US faces record levels of daily transmissions, posing a significant challenge for public health authorities attempting to manage the virus.
Tracking the virus is proving problematic due many people with mild cases, or who are asymptomatic, going undetected - and those who do get tested can spread the virus before they receive their results.
"Faster identification of case spikes could allow local officials to act more quickly before the disease reaches a crucial tipping point where transmission becomes difficult to contain and hospitalisations overwhelm the local health system," said Stanford.
To advance the science of wastewater surveillance for COVID-19, the researchers focused on detecting the virus in the settled sediment rather than the liquid influent.
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They found they were able to find higher concentrations of the virus in the solid samples than in the liquid ones, giving a better indication of infection rates throughout the population.
The research has the potential to be used in areas which lack the resources for individual clinical testing, as well as to be used by school districts to see if the virus circulation is decreasing.
A new pilot is being launched this month to sample up to eight wastewater treatment plants within California daily, with a 24-hour turnaround time for results.
It follows the publication of a paper by the UK Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) about the use wastewater-based epidemiology in the UK.
The paper reported that detecting the coronavirus RNA in wastewater "has rapidly become a significant tool to address the ongoing pandemic" and is being used across the country.
The SAGE paper revealed how wastewater testing uncovered an isolated outbreak of COVID-19 from a vessel docked at the Devonport dockyard in Plymouth that hadn't been included in the reported Test and Trace numbers.
Similarly, at Orkney sewage treatment works - which serves a population of roughly 7,750 people - the virus was detected in the wastewater despite fewer than 10 positive cases being recorded in test numbers - allowing Public Health Scotland to be notified.
The researchers say they are working with local health and academic stakeholders in Exeter to see if wastewater surveillance can be used to monitor outbreaks in areas where there are a high proportion of asymptomatic individuals, such as universities.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:22 Joe Biden says COVID-19 vaccine doesn't need to be mandatory
Last Thursday, the US reported more than 3,100 coronavirus-related deaths in a single day - a record for the country - which meant more people died with COVID-19 in that single day than in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
President-elect Joe Biden said on Saturday he will not force Americans to take any vaccine - but did warn the country faces a "bleak future" unless swift action is taken to agree on a coronavirus aid bill.
His comments come as the country is engulfed in a nationwide spike in cases that is hampering its economic recovery.
Mr Biden also expressed concern that so far he has seen "no detailed plan" from the Trump administration on how to distribute an approved coronavirus vaccine.


skynewsus--2020-12-07--Bob Dylan's entire back catalogue bought in nine-figure deal

Bob Dylan 's entire back catalogue of hundreds of songs has been acquired by Universal Music Group in a nine-figure deal .
The agreement , one of the largest in recent years , covers the copyrights to 600 of the 79-year-old US musician 's tracks , from 1962 's anthemic Blowin ' In The Wind and 1964 's The Times They Are A-Changin , to this year 's acclaimed Murder Most Foul .
It is understood that the catalogue was acquired from the artist himself .
Someone with knowledge of the deal has told Sky News it is worth nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated it at more than $ 300m ( £226m ) .
Universal Music Publishing Group ( UMPG ) - which is headquartered in Los Angeles - is among the world 's largest publishing companies and represents songwriters and their back catalogue including Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin , Adele , Abba , Coldplay and The Clash .
Jody Gerson , UMPG chairman and chief executive , said : `` To represent the body of work of one of the greatest songwriters of all time - whose cultural importance ca n't be overstated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility . ''
In recent years , Dylan 's catalogue of music has been administered by Universal rival Sony/ATV outside the US and by the singer-songwriter 's own operations inside it .
As one of the music industry 's most influential and ground-breaking artists of all time , he first burst into the public 's consciousness via the New York City Greenwich Village folk music scene in the early 1960s .
Born in Minnesota , Dylan was also the first songwriter to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016 , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition '' .
His songs have been recorded more than 6,000 times by a wide variety of artists from Adele to Jimi Hendrix , who have found both commercial and critical success with covers .
: : Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The news follows recent high-profile UMPG signings including Taylor Swift , Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar .
Sir Lucian Grainge , chief executive of Universal Music Group , said it is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the fundamental key to all great music , nor is it a secret that Bob is one of the very greatest practitioners of that art '' .
He added : `` Brilliant and moving , inspiring and beautiful , insightful and provocative , his songs are timeless - whether they were written more than half a century ago or yesterday .
`` I have no doubt that decades , even centuries from now , the words and music of Bob Dylan will continue to be sung and played - and cherished - @ @ @

Bob Dylan's entire back catalogue of hundreds of songs has been acquired by Universal Music Group in a nine-figure deal.
The agreement, one of the largest in recent years, covers the copyrights to 600 of the 79-year-old US musician's tracks, from 1962's anthemic Blowin' In The Wind and 1964's The Times They Are A-Changin, to this year's acclaimed Murder Most Foul.
It is understood that the catalogue was acquired from the artist himself.
Someone with knowledge of the deal has told Sky News it is worth nine figures, and The New York Times estimated it at more than $300m (£226m).
Image: Dylan first emerged in the spotlight in the 1960s
Universal Music Group (UMG) - which is headquartered in Los Angeles - is among the world's largest publishing companies and represents songwriters and their back catalogue including Sir Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Adele, Abba, Coldplay and The Clash.
Jody Gerson, chairman and chief executive of the company's publishing division, said: "To represent the body of work of one of the greatest songwriters of all time - whose cultural importance can't be overstated - is both a privilege and a responsibility."
In recent years, Dylan's catalogue of music has been administered by Universal rival Sony/ATV outside the US and by the singer-songwriter's own operations inside it.
One of the music industry's most influential and ground-breaking artists of all time, Dylan emerged from New York City's Greenwich Village folk music scene in the early 1960s.
Born in Minnesota, Dylan was also the first songwriter to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016, with the Swedish academy crediting him with "having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition".
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His songs have been recorded more than 6,000 times by a wide variety of artists from Adele to Jimi Hendrix, who have found both commercial and critical success with covers.
:: Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The news follows recent high-profile UMG signings including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar.
Sir Lucian Grainge, chief executive of Universal Music Group, said it is "no secret that the art of songwriting is the fundamental key to all great music, nor is it a secret that Bob is one of the very greatest practitioners of that art".
He added: "Brilliant and moving, inspiring and beautiful, insightful and provocative, his songs are timeless - whether they were written more than half a century ago or yesterday.
"I have no doubt that decades, even centuries from now, the words and music of Bob Dylan will continue to be sung and played - and cherished - everywhere."


skynewsus--2020-12-07--Boxing legend Mayweather to come out of retirement to fight YouTuber Logan Paul

Undefeated boxing great Floyd Mayweather is to come out of retirement to fight YouTube star Logan Paul .
The event is being touted as an exhibition and will take place on 20 February next year .
It promises to be another lucrative deal for `` Money '' Mayweather - as well as for Paul , who has more than 22 million YouTube subscribers .
Both men tweeted an image for the pay-per-view fight , which will be broadcast exclusively on the FanMio site .
Mayweather is considered one of the best pound for pound boxers ever and has been tempted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He famously beat UFC star Conor McGregor in August 2017 , which stretched his pro boxing record to 50 wins - and reportedly banked him several hundred million dollars .
The 43-year-old also fought an exhibition against kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa on New Year 's Eve 2018 in Japan .
That fight ended inside one round after the hapless Nasukawa was knocked down three times .
He could face a few awkward moments against 25-year-old Paul , though .
Despite not having skills anywhere near Mayweather 's , he is around five inches taller @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boxing experience comes from two fights against British YouTube star KSI .
The first fight in Manchester in 2018 ended in a majority draw , but Paul lost last year 's rematch on points .
The decision to proceed with what appears to be a gigantic mismatch may have been prompted by Mike Tyson 's recent exhibition with Roy Jones Jr - which proved a big success on pay-per-view .
For Paul , the event marks another significant turnaround from the pariah he was , briefly , in 2018 after showing the body @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video .

Undefeated boxing great Floyd Mayweather is to come out of retirement to fight YouTube star Logan Paul.
The event is being touted as an exhibition and will take place on 20 February next year.
It promises to be another lucrative deal for "Money" Mayweather - as well as for Paul, who has more than 22 million YouTube subscribers.
Both men tweeted an image for the pay-per-view fight, which will be broadcast exclusively on the FanMio site.
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Mayweather is considered one of the best pound for pound boxers ever and has been tempted out of retirement several times before.
He famously beat UFC star Conor McGregor in August 2017, which stretched his pro boxing record to 50 wins - and reportedly banked him several hundred million dollars.
The 43-year-old also fought an exhibition against kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa on New Year's Eve 2018 in Japan.
That fight ended inside one round after the hapless Nasukawa was knocked down three times.
He could face a few awkward moments against 25-year-old Paul, though.
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Despite not having skills anywhere near Mayweather's, he is around five inches taller and naturally much heavier.
Image: Floyd Mayweather beat Conor McGregor in August 2017 and (below) Logan Paul has twice fought fellow YouTuber KSI
Paul's boxing experience comes from two fights against British YouTube star KSI.
The first fight in Manchester in 2018 ended in a majority draw, but Paul lost last year's rematch on points.
The decision to proceed with what appears to be a gigantic mismatch may have been prompted by Mike Tyson's recent exhibition with Roy Jones Jr - which proved a big success on pay-per-view.
For Paul, the event marks another significant turnaround from the pariah he was, briefly, in 2018 after showing the body of a suicide victim in a YouTube video.


skynewsus--2020-12-07--Joe Biden did win Georgia, state confirms after second recount

Georgia has recertified its presidential election results after a second recount - requested by Donald Trump - confirmed Joe Biden won the state .
President-elect Biden took the state by more than 12,000 votes in last month 's ballot , becoming the first Democratic presidential nominee to win there in nearly three decades .
Georgia 's secretary of state Brad Raffensperger , who , like Mr Trump , is a Republican , said : `` We have now counted legally-cast ballots three times , and the results remain unchanged . ''
Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed , without evidence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying there was widespread voter fraud and that poll watchers were denied access to counts .
`` They cheated and they rigged our presidential election but we will still win it , '' Mr Trump told supporters in the state on Saturday , at his first rally since election day on 3 November .
The crowd replied by chanting `` we love you '' and `` four more years '' .
Mr Trump continued : `` Let them steal Georgia again , you 'll never be able to look yourself in the mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including a review by hand of around five million ballots , have not found any significant irregularities .
Dozens of the Trump campaign 's legal challenges have been rejected by the courts , the latest on Monday when a federal judge in Detroit threw out a bid to decertify Mr Biden 's election victory in Michigan .
Georgia will name its electors a week from now , on 14 December , the date set for the Electoral College to formalise the result .
Two run-off elections for the Senate , scheduled for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controls the chamber .
Mr Trump responded to his latest reverse on Twitter , criticising Brian Kemp , the Republican governor of Georgia , for not granting his request for signature verification of absentee and mail-in ballots and asking `` what is he hiding ? ''
On Saturday , before his rally , the US president called Mr Kemp to urge him to persuade the state legislature to overturn Mr Biden 's victory , the Washington Post said .

Georgia has recertified its presidential election results after a second recount - requested by Donald Trump - confirmed Joe Biden won the state.
President-elect Biden took the state by more than 12,000 votes in last month's ballot, becoming the first Democratic presidential nominee to win there in nearly three decades.
Georgia's secretary of state Brad Raffensperger, who, like Mr Trump, is a Republican, said: "We have now counted legally-cast ballots three times, and the results remain unchanged."
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Mr Trump has repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that the presidential election was rigged, saying there was widespread voter fraud and that poll watchers were denied access to counts.
"They cheated and they rigged our presidential election but we will still win it," Mr Trump told supporters in the state on Saturday, at his first rally since election day on 3 November.
The crowd replied by chanting "we love you" and "four more years".
Mr Trump continued: "Let them steal Georgia again, you'll never be able to look yourself in the mirror."
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But recounts in the state, including a review by hand of around five million ballots, have not found any significant irregularities.
Dozens of the Trump campaign's legal challenges have been rejected by the courts, the latest on Monday when a federal judge in Detroit threw out a bid to decertify Mr Biden's election victory in Michigan.
Image: Donald Trump at Saturday's rally in Valdosta, Georgia
Georgia will name its electors a week from now, on 14 December, the date set for the Electoral College to formalise the result.
Two run-off elections for the Senate, scheduled for 5 January, will determine which party controls the chamber.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Mr Trump responded to his latest reverse on Twitter, criticising Brian Kemp, the Republican governor of Georgia, for not granting his request for signature verification of absentee and mail-in ballots and asking "what is he hiding?"
On Saturday, before his rally, the US president called Mr Kemp to urge him to persuade the state legislature to overturn Mr Biden's victory, the Washington Post said.


skynewsus--2020-12-08--Biden poised to pick first black US defence secretary

President-elect Joe Biden is poised to nominate retired four-star army general Lloyd J Austin to be secretary of defence - making him the first black leader of the Pentagon .
Mr Biden has selected General Austin over long-time front-running candidate Michele Flournoy , sources have said .
Ms Flournoy is a former senior Pentagon official and supporter of Mr Biden who would have been the first woman to serve in the role .
The president-elect had also considered Jeh Johnson , a former Pentagon general counsel and former secretary of homeland defence .
It is understood General Austin was offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 67-year-old , a career military officer , is likely to face opposition from some in Congress and in the defence establishment who believe in drawing a clear line between civilian and military leadership of the Pentagon .
Although many previous defence secretaries have served briefly in the military , only two - George C Marshall and James Mattis - have been career officers .
General Marshall also served as secretary of state .
General Austin , like General Mattis , would need to obtain a congressional waiver to serve as defence secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have civilian control when it created the position of secretary of defence in 1947 .
It also prohibited a recently retired military officer from holding the position .
A source who told the Associated Press about General Austin 's selection said the decision was about choosing the best person .
However , they also acknowledged pressure had built to create a diverse cabinet and that General Austin 's stock had risen in recent days .
Civil rights leaders have pushed the president-elect to pick more black cabinet members .
Al Sharpton , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Austin on Monday : `` It 's a good choice that I think many in the civil rights community would support .
It 's the first time we have seen a person of colour in that position .
That means something , in a global view , especially after such an antagonistic relationship we had with the previous administration . ''
Mr Biden has known the general at least since the career military officer 's years leading US and coalition troops in Iraq .
The US 's incoming leader was vice president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker General Austin was commander in Baghdad of the Multinational Corps-Iraq in 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president , and returned to lead US troops from 2010 through 2011 .
He also served in 2012 as the first black vice chief of staff of the army , the service 's number two ranking position .
General Austin assumed command of US Central Command a year later , where he fashioned and began implementing a US military strategy for rolling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iraq and Syria .
The general has a reputation for strong leadership and integrity .
He earned the admiration of the Obama administration for his work in Iraq and at Central Command , although he disagreed with President Obama 's decision to pull out of Iraq entirely in December 2011 .
He retired from the army in 2016 .

President-elect Joe Biden is poised to nominate retired four-star army general Lloyd J Austin to be secretary of defence - making him the first black leader of the Pentagon.
Mr Biden has selected General Austin over long-time front-running candidate Michele Flournoy, sources have said.
Ms Flournoy is a former senior Pentagon official and supporter of Mr Biden who would have been the first woman to serve in the role.
The president-elect had also considered Jeh Johnson, a former Pentagon general counsel and former secretary of homeland defence.
It is understood General Austin was offered and accepted the post on Sunday.
The 67-year-old, a career military officer, is likely to face opposition from some in Congress and in the defence establishment who believe in drawing a clear line between civilian and military leadership of the Pentagon.
Although many previous defence secretaries have served briefly in the military, only two - George C Marshall and James Mattis - have been career officers.
General Marshall also served as secretary of state.
Image: Lloyd J Austin, far right, is seen with Barack Obama, far left, and Joe Biden, second left, in 2011
General Austin, like General Mattis, would need to obtain a congressional waiver to serve as defence secretary.
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Congress intended for the military to have civilian control when it created the position of secretary of defence in 1947.
It also prohibited a recently retired military officer from holding the position.
A source who told the Associated Press about General Austin's selection said the decision was about choosing the best person.
However, they also acknowledged pressure had built to create a diverse cabinet and that General Austin's stock had risen in recent days.
Civil rights leaders have pushed the president-elect to pick more black cabinet members.
Al Sharpton, a prominent civil rights activist, said of General Austin on Monday: "It's a good choice that I think many in the civil rights community would support. It's the first time we have seen a person of colour in that position. That means something, in a global view, especially after such an antagonistic relationship we had with the previous administration."
Mr Biden has known the general at least since the career military officer's years leading US and coalition troops in Iraq.
The US's incoming leader was vice president at the time.
:: Subscribe to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
General Austin was commander in Baghdad of the Multinational Corps-Iraq in 2008 when Barack Obama was elected president, and returned to lead US troops from 2010 through 2011.
He also served in 2012 as the first black vice chief of staff of the army, the service's number two ranking position.
General Austin assumed command of US Central Command a year later, where he fashioned and began implementing a US military strategy for rolling back the so-called Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.
The general has a reputation for strong leadership and integrity.
He earned the admiration of the Obama administration for his work in Iraq and at Central Command, although he disagreed with President Obama's decision to pull out of Iraq entirely in December 2011.
He retired from the army in 2016.


skynewsus--2020-12-08--Ghislaine Maxwell losing hair and weight from 'punitive' prison conditions, lawyer says

A lawyer for Ghislaine Maxwell has said her client has lost 15lbs ( almost 7kg ) in prison under `` punitive '' conditions part-imposed on her after Jeffrey Epstein killed himself last year .
Bobbi Sternheim made the claims on the British socialite 's behalf after the Metropolitan Detention Centre warden in Brooklyn defended the conditions .
The prison meanwhile maintains that Maxwell `` remains in good health '' and that her treatment follows by-the-book recommendations to protect all federal inmates .
The letters were issued on the same day that the 58-year-old 's lawyers said they were renewing her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not readily available when her initial request was rejected in July .
Lawyers Mark S Cohen and Christian Everdell said they have a `` comprehensive bail package '' that includes financial information and letters from close family and friends who have agreed to support Maxwell .
However this is on the basis that they remain anonymous , as they are `` legitimately afraid '' that they will face the same `` relentless media scrutiny '' experienced by Maxwell .
Her arrest in the summer came a year after Epstein was detained and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ himself in August 2019 at a federal jail in Manhattan where he was awaiting trial without bail .
Maxwell had since been in hiding and was discovered by FBI agents in July this year , after raiding a property in New Hampshire .
She was arrested on charges that she procured underage teenage girls for Epstein to abuse in the mid-1990s , but is pleading not guilty and prepares for trial next summer .
The one-time girlfriend of Epstein maintains her position of innocence , and that she never saw the financier engaging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 deposition - `` inappropriate underage activities '' .
Ms Sternheim wrote in her letter that Maxwell was facing harsh treatment in part because the Bureau of Prisons ( BOP ) failed to prevent Epstein 's suicide in August 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking chargers - and want to avoid history repeating itself .
The lawyer said : `` It is obvious that Ms Maxwell is bearing the brunt of BOP incompetence .
`` The Department of Justice is seeking to repair the BOP 's tarnished reputation by placing Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any response to Ms Maxwell 's requirements , but rather in response to the failed handling of a completely different inmate . ''
Ms Sternheim said that her client has lost hair and over 15 pounds during her imprisonment .
The lawyer added that Maxwell had not been adequately protected from the outbreak of COVID-19 , was subject to repeated unnecessary searches , has been awaken by flashlight-laden guards during the night , has had important legal emails deleted and has not always been given vegetarian food as requested .
Ms Sternheim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she is detained are punitive , unwarranted , deleteriously impacting her ability to prepare her defence , and interfering with counsel 's ability to provide the legal representation to which she , and any other detainee , deserves . ''
Prison lawyers refute these claims - writing in a letter that Maxwell 's weight has not fluctuated more than two pounds from her current weight and that her dietary needs have also been addressed .
The other conditions are standard procedures to maintain `` a safe and secure environment '' for all inmates @ @ @ @ @ @

A lawyer for Ghislaine Maxwell has said her client has lost 15lbs (almost 7kg) in prison under "punitive" conditions part-imposed on her after Jeffrey Epstein killed himself last year.
Bobbi Sternheim made the claims on the British socialite's behalf after the Metropolitan Detention Centre warden in Brooklyn defended the conditions.
The prison meanwhile maintains that Maxwell "remains in good health" and that her treatment follows by-the-book recommendations to protect all federal inmates.
Image: A court sketch of Ghislaine Maxwell as she appeared via video link for a bail hearing earlier this year
The letters were issued on the same day that the 58-year-old's lawyers said they were renewing her bail application - after compiling information that was not readily available when her initial request was rejected in July.
Lawyers Mark S Cohen and Christian Everdell said they have a "comprehensive bail package" that includes financial information and letters from close family and friends who have agreed to support Maxwell.
However this is on the basis that they remain anonymous, as they are "legitimately afraid" that they will face the same "relentless media scrutiny" experienced by Maxwell.
Her arrest in the summer came a year after Epstein was detained and charged with sex trafficking.
He killed himself in August 2019 at a federal jail in Manhattan where he was awaiting trial without bail.
Maxwell had since been in hiding and was discovered by FBI agents in July this year, after raiding a property in New Hampshire.
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She was arrested on charges that she procured underage teenage girls for Epstein to abuse in the mid-1990s, but is pleading not guilty and prepares for trial next summer.
The one-time girlfriend of Epstein maintains her position of innocence, and that she never saw the financier engaging in - what she called in a 2016 deposition - "inappropriate underage activities".
Ms Sternheim wrote in her letter that Maxwell was facing harsh treatment in part because the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) failed to prevent Epstein's suicide in August 2019 as he awaited trial on sex trafficking chargers - and want to avoid history repeating itself.
The lawyer said: "It is obvious that Ms Maxwell is bearing the brunt of BOP incompetence.
"The Department of Justice is seeking to repair the BOP's tarnished reputation by placing Ms Maxwell under extraordinarily harsh conditions, not in any response to Ms Maxwell's requirements, but rather in response to the failed handling of a completely different inmate."
Ms Sternheim said that her client has lost hair and over 15 pounds during her imprisonment.
The lawyer added that Maxwell had not been adequately protected from the outbreak of COVID-19, was subject to repeated unnecessary searches, has been awaken by flashlight-laden guards during the night, has had important legal emails deleted and has not always been given vegetarian food as requested.
Ms Sternheim said: "The conditions under which she is detained are punitive, unwarranted, deleteriously impacting her ability to prepare her defence, and interfering with counsel's ability to provide the legal representation to which she, and any other detainee, deserves."
Prison lawyers refute these claims - writing in a letter that Maxwell's weight has not fluctuated more than two pounds from her current weight and that her dietary needs have also been addressed.
The other conditions are standard procedures to maintain "a safe and secure environment" for all inmates, the prison has said.


skynewsus--2020-12-08--Chuck Yeager, first pilot to break the sound barrier, dies aged 97

Chuck Yeager , the first pilot to break the sound barrier , has died aged 97 .
The US World War Two fighter pilot 's exploits were told in Tom Wolfe 's book `` The Right Stuff '' and the 1983 film it inspired .
Retired Air Force Brigadier General Charles `` Chuck '' Yeager was a 24-year-old captain when he flew a Bell X-1 rocket plane faster than 660mph to break the sound barrier on 14 October 1947 .
He later said the plane could have gone faster if it had carried more fuel .
Yeager said in 1968 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' When you 're fooling around with something you do n't know much about , there has to be apprehension .
But you do n't let that affect your job . ''
Yeager nicknamed the rocket plane and all his other aircraft `` Glamorous Glennis '' for his wife who died in 1990 .
His feat was kept top secret for about a year when the world thought the British had broken the sound barrier first .
The pilot commemorated the achievement sixty-five years later to the minute on 14 October 2012 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of an F-15 Eagle as it broke the sound barrier at more than 30,000 feet above California 's Mojave Desert .
Yeager , who was born in the small town of Myra in West Virginia in February 1923 , enlisted in the Army Air Corps after graduating from high school in 1941 .
He later regretted that his lack of a college education prevented him from becoming an astronaut .
Yeager started off as an aircraft mechanic and , despite becoming severely airsick during his first airplane ride , signed up for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pilots .
He shot down 13 German planes on 64 missions during World War Two , including five on a single mission .
Yeager was once shot down over German-held France but escaped with the help of French partisans .
He became a test pilot beginning at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton , Ohio , after the war .
Yeager returned to combat during the Vietnam War , flying several missions a month in twin-engine B-57 Canberras making bombing and strafing runs over South Vietnam .
President Harry S. Truman awarded him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for breaking the sound barrier .
He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985 .
Yeager had retired from the Air Force in 1975 and moved to a ranch in Cedar Ridge , Northern California , where he continued working as a consultant to the Air Force and Northrop Corp .
The pilot and his first wife Glennis Yeager had four children before her death from ovarian cancer .

Chuck Yeager, the first pilot to break the sound barrier, has died aged 97.
The US World War Two fighter pilot's exploits were told in Tom Wolfe's book "The Right Stuff" and the 1983 film it inspired.
Retired Air Force Brigadier General Charles "Chuck" Yeager was a 24-year-old captain when he flew a Bell X-1 rocket plane faster than 660mph to break the sound barrier on 14 October 1947.
He later said the plane could have gone faster if it had carried more fuel.
Yeager said in 1968: "Sure, I was apprehensive
"When you're fooling around with something you don't know much about, there has to be apprehension. But you don't let that affect your job."
Yeager nicknamed the rocket plane and all his other aircraft "Glamorous Glennis" for his wife who died in 1990.
Image: Chuck Yeager is seen beside the Bell X-1 plane he used to break the sound barrier in 1947
His feat was kept top secret for about a year when the world thought the British had broken the sound barrier first.
The pilot commemorated the achievement sixty-five years later to the minute on 14 October 2012, when he flew in the back seat of an F-15 Eagle as it broke the sound barrier at more than 30,000 feet above California's Mojave Desert.
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Yeager, who was born in the small town of Myra in West Virginia in February 1923, enlisted in the Army Air Corps after graduating from high school in 1941.
He later regretted that his lack of a college education prevented him from becoming an astronaut.
Image: Yeager said he could have flown faster had his plane had more fuel
Image: Yeager flew the Bell X-1 plane at 660mph to break the sound barrier
Yeager started off as an aircraft mechanic and, despite becoming severely airsick during his first airplane ride, signed up for a programme that allowed enlisted men to become pilots.
He shot down 13 German planes on 64 missions during World War Two, including five on a single mission.
Yeager was once shot down over German-held France but escaped with the help of French partisans.
He became a test pilot beginning at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, after the war.
Image: Yeager, pictured here in 2011, was a World War Two hero
Image: Yeager is seen at an event in Texas in 2018
Yeager returned to combat during the Vietnam War, flying several missions a month in twin-engine B-57 Canberras making bombing and strafing runs over South Vietnam.
President Harry S. Truman awarded him the Collier air trophy in December 1948 for breaking the sound barrier.
He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985.
Yeager had retired from the Air Force in 1975 and moved to a ranch in Cedar Ridge, Northern California, where he continued working as a consultant to the Air Force and Northrop Corp.
The pilot and his first wife Glennis Yeager had four children before her death from ovarian cancer.
Yeager married 45-year-old Victoria Scott D'Angelo in 2003.


skynewsus--2020-12-08--Biden: '100 million shots in the first 100 days' to turn the tide against coronavirus

Joe Biden has promised to distribute `` 100 million shots '' of vaccine in the `` first 100 days '' of his presidency .
Mr Biden , who will take over as US president from Donald Trump in January , was speaking as he introduced his pandemic response team .
He said that Americans should wear masks for 100 days to prevent the coronavirus from spreading and that he would make this mandatory on public transport and in federal buildings .
`` In 100 days , we can change the course of the disease and change life in America for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding : `` Whatever your politics or point of view , mask up for 100 days . ''
Mr Biden also said he believed the virus could be well enough under control to allow the `` majority '' of schools to be reopened during his first 100 days as president .
He said : `` My first 100 days wo n't end the COVID-19 virus .
I ca n't promise that .
`` But we did not get into this mess quickly .
We 're not going to get out of it quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time . ''
The number of US deaths from the coronavirus has soared to an average of more than 2,200 a day , matching the peak seen in April .
More than 283,000 people have died with the virus in the US and the average number of daily cases has passed 200,000 for the first time .
Meanwhile , Mr Trump threatened to use the Defense Production Act to make sure Americans are first in line for US-produced coronavirus vaccines .
The US president was speaking at a summit on vaccine development and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to ensure vaccines procured by the US are used there before they are sent anywhere else .
The Defense Production Act was passed in 1950 and allows the president to expand industrial production of key materials or products for national security .
Mr Trump said : `` If necessary ... we 'll invoke the Defense Production Act , but we do n't think it will be necessary .
`` If it is , it 's a very powerful act , as you know , because we 've used it very , very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was not invited to the summit , despite the fact that they will be handling most of the vaccine distribution effort .
Mr Trump , meanwhile , appeared to be still struggling with the fact that he had lost November 's election .
When asked why none of Mr Biden 's team had been invited , he said : `` We 're going to have to see who the next administration is , because we won in those swing states and there was terrible things that went on .
But whichever the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have been able to do .
`` Hopefully the next administration will be the Trump administration . ''
The US has not yet given the go ahead for the widespread use of a coronavirus vaccine , but the jab from Pfizer - the one that has been rolled out in the UK - is expected to be approved this week .

Joe Biden has promised to distribute "100 million shots" of COVID-19 vaccine in the "first 100 days" of his presidency.
Mr Biden, who will take over as US president from Donald Trump in January, was speaking as he introduced his pandemic response team.
He said that Americans should wear masks for 100 days to prevent the coronavirus from spreading and that he would make this mandatory on public transport and in federal buildings.
"In 100 days, we can change the course of the disease and change life in America for the better," he said, adding: "Whatever your politics or point of view, mask up for 100 days."
Mr Biden also said he believed the virus could be well enough under control to allow the "majority" of schools to be reopened during his first 100 days as president.
He said: "My first 100 days won't end the COVID-19 virus. I can't promise that.
"But we did not get into this mess quickly. We're not going to get out of it quickly. It's going to take some time."
The number of US deaths from the coronavirus has soared to an average of more than 2,200 a day, matching the peak seen in April.
More than 283,000 people have died with the virus in the US and the average number of daily cases has passed 200,000 for the first time.
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Image: US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to ensure preferential vaccine access for his country
Meanwhile, Mr Trump threatened to use the Defense Production Act to make sure Americans are first in line for US-produced coronavirus vaccines.
The US president was speaking at a summit on vaccine development and distribution, where he signed an executive order to ensure vaccines procured by the US are used there before they are sent anywhere else.
The Defense Production Act was passed in 1950 and allows the president to expand industrial production of key materials or products for national security.
Mr Trump said: "If necessary... we'll invoke the Defense Production Act, but we don't think it will be necessary.
"If it is, it's a very powerful act, as you know, because we've used it very, very successfully."
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Mr Biden's team was not invited to the summit, despite the fact that they will be handling most of the vaccine distribution effort.
Mr Trump, meanwhile, appeared to be still struggling with the fact that he had lost November's election.
When asked why none of Mr Biden's team had been invited, he said: "We're going to have to see who the next administration is, because we won in those swing states and there was terrible things that went on. But whichever the next administration is will really benefit by what we have been able to do.
"Hopefully the next administration will be the Trump administration."
The US has not yet given the go ahead for the widespread use of a coronavirus vaccine, but the jab from Pfizer - the one that has been rolled out in the UK - is expected to be approved this week.


skynewsus--2020-12-08--Wrestler's grandchildren steal the show at White House ceremony

President Donald Trump presented the US ' highest civilian honour to top wrestler Dan Gable - but it was his grandchildren who stole the show .
The 72-year-old coach from Iowa , who won gold at the 1972 Summer Olympics , was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony held in the White House on Monday afternoon .
Mr Trump used an October election campaign rally to announce who would receive the prize - and to the delight of the crowd , Gable - considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers of all time - was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ceremony with his wife Kathy and what Mr Trump described as `` their incredible and large family '' - which included his daughters , their husbands and 13 grandchildren .
During the president and their grandfather 's speeches , some of the younger children appeared to be bored and distracted .
At one point , Gable 's six-year-old grandson Sammy almost bent over backwards while learning on the Resolute Desk - the main table in the Oval Office used by incumbent presidents .
Gable is one of several sports figures to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration .
The coach was a champion wrestler at Iowa State University , compiling a 117-1 record and winning two NCAA titles .

President Donald Trump presented the US' highest civilian honour to top wrestler Dan Gable - but it was his grandchildren who stole the show.
The 72-year-old coach from Iowa, who won gold at the 1972 Summer Olympics, was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony held in the White House on Monday afternoon.
Mr Trump used an October election campaign rally to announce who would receive the prize - and to the delight of the crowd, Gable - considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers of all time - was brought out on stage.
Image: Gable in his earlier wrestling days
Image: Gable was donned with the honour by President Donald Trump on Monday
He attended the ceremony with his wife Kathy and what Mr Trump described as "their incredible and large family" - which included his daughters, their husbands and 13 grandchildren.
During the president and their grandfather's speeches, some of the younger children appeared to be bored and distracted.
Image: One of Gable's grandson's started to lean on the President's resolute desk in the Oval Office
At one point, Gable's six-year-old grandson Sammy almost bent over backwards while learning on the Resolute Desk - the main table in the Oval Office used by incumbent presidents.
Gable is one of several sports figures to be presented this special honour during Trump's administration.
Image: Gable's grandchildren appeared bored and restless as he spoke to the media
Image: The wrestler's grandchildren started to perk up towards the end of the ceremony
The coach was a champion wrestler at Iowa State University, compiling a 117-1 record and winning two NCAA titles.


skynewsus--2020-12-08--Another monolith found - this time in El Paso, Texas

The latest in the series of monoliths found around the world has appeared in El Paso , Texas .
The structure appeared in a car park near The Substation , a food , shopping and entertainment complex on the west side in El Paso 's Upper Valley , local media said .
Video from a livestream posted on Twitter appeared to show the monolith emitting a hollow sound when struck , suggesting it was light in weight , or , as described in the video , `` not sturdy at all '' .
Soon after it was discovered , residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truck , video of its removal being published on social media .
Since the first of the so-called monoliths came to light last month in the Utah desert , others have appeared on a hill in Romania , on top of a mountain in California , on the Isle of Wight and in Belgium .
Others have popped up in Spain , Germany and a gold one in Colombia since the first monolith was found in the US .
Several of them have disappeared a matter of days after they were found .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ El Paso monolith was a shiny metal structure bearing a resemblance to the one that features in Stanley Kubrick 's film 2001 : A Space Odyssey .
The first monolith reported in Utah was originally spotted by state wildlife officials who were helping to count bighorn sheep from a Utah Department of Public Safety ( DPS ) helicopter .
The 10-12 feet ( 3-3.6-metre ) structure was discovered in the ground and tucked into a red rock cove , sparking speculation about how it had come to be there and attracting the attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Utah Bureau of Land Management said the structure had been removed .
A collective called The Most Famous Artist took credit for it and one in California , and is selling replicas for $ 45,000 ( £34,000 ) each , US media has said .

The latest in the series of monoliths found around the world has appeared in El Paso, Texas.
The structure appeared in a car park near The Substation, a food, shopping and entertainment complex on the west side in El Paso's Upper Valley, local media said.
Video from a livestream posted on Twitter appeared to show the monolith emitting a hollow sound when struck, suggesting it was light in weight, or, as described in the video, "not sturdy at all".
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Soon after it was discovered, residents arrived to take it away in a truck, video of its removal being published on social media.
Since the first of the so-called monoliths came to light last month in the Utah desert, others have appeared on a hill in Romania, on top of a mountain in California, on the Isle of Wight and in Belgium.
Others have popped up in Spain, Germany and a gold one in Colombia since the first monolith was found in the US.
Image: The Isle of Wight monolith. Pic: Tom Dunford
Several of them have disappeared a matter of days after they were found.
Like most of the others, the El Paso monolith was a shiny metal structure bearing a resemblance to the one that features in Stanley Kubrick's film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Image: The monolith has appeared in Romania. Pic: Ziar Piatra Neamt
The first monolith reported in Utah was originally spotted by state wildlife officials who were helping to count bighorn sheep from a Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter.
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The 10-12 feet (3-3.6-metre) structure was discovered in the ground and tucked into a red rock cove, sparking speculation about how it had come to be there and attracting the attention of conspiracy theorists.
Image: The first monolith was found in Utah. Pic: Utah Department of Public Safety
But days later, the Utah Bureau of Land Management said the structure had been removed.
A collective called The Most Famous Artist took credit for it and one in California, and is selling replicas for $45,000 (£34,000) each, US media has said.