newsweek--2020-12-15--Here's Where You've Seen Antonia Lofaso Before She Was Featured on 'The Bachelorette'

It 's `` Hometown '' night on The Bachelorette and this week , you may recognize a familiar face .
Ben Smith will bring his friend and client to meet Tayshia Adams , and she 's a reality star in her own right .
Antonia Lofaso , Top Chef and Food Network star , happens to be one of Smith 's clients when he works as a personal trainer .
Now , Lofaso will step out of the kitchen and onto the grounds at La Quinta Resort and Club , where she 'll meet Adams and play a role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There 's a definite chance that viewers will recognize Lofaso when she 's seen on The Bachelorette .
In addition to appearing on Top Chef , Lofaso has been on the television shows Chopped and Restaurant Startup , and has been featured on a variety of other series on and off Food Network .
On Instagram , Lofaso has over 178,000 followers .
She 's also the executive chef at three restaurants : Scopa ( located in Venice , California ) DAMA ( in Los Angeles , California ) and Black Market Liquor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . )
Lofaso will appear on The Bachelorette alongside Smith 's sister , Madalyn .
They 'll all visit together after Adams and Smith have their own Venice Beach-themed one-on-one date , according to Reality Steve .
A warning , though : If you click the Reality Steve link , you 're bound to fall into possible finale spoilers , and find a reveal as to who is going home on Tuesday night .
Unfortunately , after the dates are done , Adams will be required to let one of the men go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ double-night finale with just three men left , though spoilers imply that one of the eliminated men may come back to talk to Adams .
Next week , viewers will see the fantasy suite episode , and watch Adams ' own family members meet her final men .
Then , the Bachelorette will be forced to choose just one man to spend her life with .
If Adams will actually end up engaged has yet to be seen .
`` Hometown '' dates are sure to be unconventional this season , given that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ La Quinta for any travel or additional filming .
That means all of the family members who participated in Tuesday night 's episode had to visit the set .
And as if that was n't enough of a change , remember that this season began with a completely different Bachelorette .
Clare Crawley was the first woman cast , though she found true love at a nearly unbelievable rate .
Crawley and Dale Moss left the show engaged after filming for just 12 days .
They 're still together , so regardless of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , viewers have gotten to see at least one love story unfold during Season 16 .
The Bachelorette will air next Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m .
ET , to conclude Adams ' season .

It's "Hometown" night on The Bachelorette and this week, you may recognize a familiar face. Ben Smith will bring his friend and client to meet Tayshia Adams, and she's a reality star in her own right.
Antonia Lofaso, Top Chef and Food Network star, happens to be one of Smith's clients when he works as a personal trainer. Now, Lofaso will step out of the kitchen and onto the grounds at La Quinta Resort and Club, where she'll meet Adams and play a role in the Bachelorette's relationship with Smith.
There's a definite chance that viewers will recognize Lofaso when she's seen on The Bachelorette. In addition to appearing on Top Chef, Lofaso has been on the television shows Chopped and Restaurant Startup, and has been featured on a variety of other series on and off Food Network.
Chef Antonia Lofaso hosts 'Shrimp Toast of the Town' during the Austin FOOD & WINE Festival at Auditorium Shores on April 28, 2019, in Austin, Texas. Rick Kern/Getty Images/Getty
On Instagram, Lofaso has over 178,000 followers. She's also the executive chef at three restaurants: Scopa (located in Venice, California) DAMA (in Los Angeles, California) and Black Market Liquor Bar (in Studio City, California.)
Lofaso will appear on The Bachelorette alongside Smith's sister, Madalyn. They'll all visit together after Adams and Smith have their own Venice Beach-themed one-on-one date, according to Reality Steve. A warning, though: If you click the Reality Steve link, you're bound to fall into possible finale spoilers, and find a reveal as to who is going home on Tuesday night.
Unfortunately, after the dates are done, Adams will be required to let one of the men go. She'll enter next week's double-night finale with just three men left, though spoilers imply that one of the eliminated men may come back to talk to Adams.
Next week, viewers will see the fantasy suite episode, and watch Adams' own family members meet her final men. Then, the Bachelorette will be forced to choose just one man to spend her life with. If Adams will actually end up engaged has yet to be seen.
"Hometown" dates are sure to be unconventional this season, given that The Bachelorette crew was unable to leave La Quinta for any travel or additional filming. That means all of the family members who participated in Tuesday night's episode had to visit the set.
And as if that wasn't enough of a change, remember that this season began with a completely different Bachelorette. Clare Crawley was the first woman cast, though she found true love at a nearly unbelievable rate. Crawley and Dale Moss left the show engaged after filming for just 12 days. They're still together, so regardless of whether Adams indeed gets a happy ending, viewers have gotten to see at least one love story unfold during Season 16.
The Bachelorette will air next Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, to conclude Adams' season.


newsweek--2020-12-15--College Football Playoff Final Regular Season Rankings, Championships Next

The College Football Playoff ( CFP ) committee announced their latest rankings Tuesday night , and the Alabama Crimson Tide remain atop the pack .
Notre Dame , Clemson and Ohio State are the other three teams who would make the four-team playoff it it started today .
The rankings were announced Tuesday night .
Here they are : Alabama has been ranked No .
1 in the CFP rankings 22 times now , more than all other teams combined at 19 times ranked at the top spot .
Cincinnati has dropped a spot each of the last three weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forfeited because of COVID-19 issues with one team or another .
Then , the analysts chimed in as conference games begin this weekend .
`` If you have Notre Dame beat Clemson , let the fun begin , '' ESPN analyst David Pollack said .
Florida , which was ranked No .
6 last week , lost a weird-ending game to LSU last weekend .
A Florida player ripped an LSU player 's cleat off his foot and chunked it downfield , which extended an LSU drive and led the Tigers to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only slipped one spot in this week 's ranking .
`` I 'm surprised they only dropped one spot to No .
7 , '' ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit said during the show .
`` If they were to beat Alabama it would be a given , '' Herbstreit said that if Florida would have beaten LSU last weekend .
Herbstreit , a former Ohio State quarterback , said his alma mater is just one win away from making college football 's version of March Madness .
`` Whether you agree or disagree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from being there , '' Herbstreit said of the playoffs .
Ohio State ( 5-0 ) had its annual rivalry game against Michigan canceled last Saturday because of COVID issues in Ann Arbor .
The Big Ten later allowed Ohio State to play Northwestern in the conference championship game this weekend .
The College Football Playoff matches the No .
1 ranked team vs. No .
4 , and No .
2 vs. No .
3 in semifinal games that rotate annually among six bowl games—the Cotton Bowl , Fiesta Bowl , Peach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Rose Bowl Game .
This season 's Playoff Semifinals will take place Friday , January 1 , 2021 , at the Rose Bowl Game and the Sugar Bowl .
The College Football Playoff National Championship will be Monday , January 11 , 2021 , at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens , Florida .
Last season 's NFL Super Bowl was played at Hard Rock Stadium .
The final College Football Playoff ranking will be held this Sunday .

The College Football Playoff (CFP) committee announced their latest rankings Tuesday night, and the Alabama Crimson Tide remain atop the pack. Notre Dame, Clemson and Ohio State are the other three teams who would make the four-team playoff it it started today.
The rankings were announced Tuesday night. Here they are:
Alabama (10-0) Notre Dame (10-0) Clemson (9-1) Ohio State (5-0) Texas A&M (7-1) Iowa State (8-2) Florida (8-2) Georgia (7-2) Cincinnati (8-0) Oklahoma (7-2) Indiana (6-1) Coastal Carolina (11-0) USC (5-0) Northwestern (6-1) North Carolina (8-3) Iowa (6-2) BYU (10-1) Miami (8-2) Louisiana (9-1) Texas (6-3) Oklahoma State (7-3) N.C. State (8-3) Tulsa (6-1) San Jose State (6-0) Colorado (4-1)
Alabama has been ranked No. 1 in the CFP rankings 22 times now, more than all other teams combined at 19 times ranked at the top spot.
Cincinnati has dropped a spot each of the last three weeks after not playing a game that was forfeited because of COVID-19 issues with one team or another.
Then, the analysts chimed in as conference games begin this weekend.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish gather in the tunnel before the game against the Clemson Tigers at Notre Dame Stadium on November 7, 2020 in South Bend, Indiana. Photo by Matt Cashore-Pool/Getty Images
"If you have Notre Dame beat Clemson, let the fun begin," ESPN analyst David Pollack said.
Florida, which was ranked No. 6 last week, lost a weird-ending game to LSU last weekend. A Florida player ripped an LSU player's cleat off his foot and chunked it downfield, which extended an LSU drive and led the Tigers to a 57-yard, game-winning field goal. Florida only slipped one spot in this week's ranking.
"I'm surprised they only dropped one spot to No. 7," ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit said during the show. "If they were to beat Alabama it would be a given," Herbstreit said that if Florida would have beaten LSU last weekend.
Herbstreit, a former Ohio State quarterback, said his alma mater is just one win away from making college football's version of March Madness.
"Whether you agree or disagree, Ohio State is 60 minutes away from being there," Herbstreit said of the playoffs.
Ohio State (5-0) had its annual rivalry game against Michigan canceled last Saturday because of COVID issues in Ann Arbor. The Big Ten later allowed Ohio State to play Northwestern in the conference championship game this weekend.
The College Football Playoff matches the No. 1 ranked team vs. No. 4, and No. 2 vs. No. 3 in semifinal games that rotate annually among six bowl games—the Cotton Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl, Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl and the Rose Bowl Game.
This season's Playoff Semifinals will take place Friday, January 1, 2021, at the Rose Bowl Game and the Sugar Bowl. The College Football Playoff National Championship will be Monday, January 11, 2021, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Last season's NFL Super Bowl was played at Hard Rock Stadium.
The final College Football Playoff ranking will be held this Sunday.


newsweek--2020-12-15--Fact Check: Is the Election Over Now That the Electoral College Has Voted?

The Electoral College voted to affirm Joe Biden as the U.S. president-elect on Monday following an election season filled with legal challenges , protests and a notable lack of concession from the person currently occupying the Oval Office .
Major media networks called the presidential race for Biden on November 7 as the results filtering in from election officials across the country suggested he would secure at least 270 electoral votes , the amount needed to win the election .
On Monday , the country 's 538 electors cast 306 votes for Biden and 232 for Trump , paving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in early January .
Even as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other allies of President Donald Trump began to recognize Biden as the next president , Trump 's refusal to concede left questions regarding when the election would officially be over .
The Electoral College is seen as the decider in presidential elections .
This is because the framers of the U.S. Constitution instructed electors to choose which candidate to cast their votes for based on who won the majority of the votes in their state .
Only two states , Maine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system when deciding how to award their electoral votes .
This means that a presidential candidate who receives a majority of the nation 's votes does not necessarily win the presidency if they do not receive at least 270 electoral votes .
According to the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration , only five presidents won an election in which they received a greater number of electoral votes than their competitors but did not win the popular vote .
One of those elections occurred 20 years ago when former President George W. Bush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College , and the most recent was in 2016 , when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton captured the popular vote but lost the electoral vote to Trump .
A candidate can not win the presidency without winning the Electoral College majority .
With that in mind , it would seem that Monday 's vote brought the 2020 election to an end , with Biden the winner .
So is the race finally , officially over ?
Following the Electoral College 's decision Monday , Congress is set to convene on January 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Biden 's inauguration on January 20 .
It is during that congressional session that Republicans who have thus far supported Trump and his campaign 's efforts to dispute the election results could make one last attempt to change the election 's outcome .
If congressional legislators decide to go this route , one member from each chamber must co-sign a written objection to a state 's election results and bring that objection to Vice President Mike Pence in his role as the president of the Senate .
The Senate and House would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time period lasting no more than two hours .
Both chambers would at the conclusion of that debate have to agree to reject the votes of the state in question in order for the objection to be successful .
One such objection was debated in 2005 regarding Ohio 's electoral votes , according to the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration .
The objection failed when the two chambers did not agree to reject the votes .
Despite the Ohio electors incident of 2005 , it is not common for objections to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the congressional certification of the Electoral College 's votes .
Even so , some Trump allies in the House already are planning to object to the elector votes cast in five states , according to The New York Times .
Those efforts do n't yet have the necessary support of a Republican senator in order to move forward , the Times reported .
Congressional legislators can object to states ' Electoral College votes on January 6 , but it is unlikely that any such attempts would succeed .
Congress ' certification of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclusion to the 2020 presidential election .
Newsweek reached out to Trump 's campaign for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication .

The Electoral College voted to affirm Joe Biden as the U.S. president-elect on Monday following an election season filled with legal challenges, protests and a notable lack of concession from the person currently occupying the Oval Office.
Major media networks called the presidential race for Biden on November 7 as the results filtering in from election officials across the country suggested he would secure at least 270 electoral votes, the amount needed to win the election.
On Monday, the country's 538 electors cast 306 votes for Biden and 232 for Trump, paving the way for Congress to certify the votes in early January.
Even as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other allies of President Donald Trump began to recognize Biden as the next president, Trump's refusal to concede left questions regarding when the election would officially be over.
The Question
The Electoral College is seen as the decider in presidential elections. This is because the framers of the U.S. Constitution instructed electors to choose which candidate to cast their votes for based on who won the majority of the votes in their state.
Only two states, Maine and Nebraska, break from the winner-take-all system when deciding how to award their electoral votes. This means that a presidential candidate who receives a majority of the nation's votes does not necessarily win the presidency if they do not receive at least 270 electoral votes.
According to the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, only five presidents won an election in which they received a greater number of electoral votes than their competitors but did not win the popular vote.
One of those elections occurred 20 years ago when former President George W. Bush defeated Democrat Al Gore in the Electoral College, and the most recent was in 2016, when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton captured the popular vote but lost the electoral vote to Trump.
A candidate cannot win the presidency without winning the Electoral College majority. With that in mind, it would seem that Monday's vote brought the 2020 election to an end, with Biden the winner.
So is the race finally, officially over?
President-elect Joe Biden speaks about the Electoral College vote certification process at The Queen theater on December 14, 2020, in Wilmington, Delaware. On Monday, presidential electors of the Electoral College gathered in state capitals across the nation to cast their ballots for president and vice president. Their ballots will be formally counted during a joint session of Congress on January 6, 2021. Drew Angerer/Getty
The Facts
Following the Electoral College's decision Monday, Congress is set to convene on January 6 to certify the electors' votes ahead of Biden's inauguration on January 20. It is during that congressional session that Republicans who have thus far supported Trump and his campaign's efforts to dispute the election results could make one last attempt to change the election's outcome.
If congressional legislators decide to go this route, one member from each chamber must co-sign a written objection to a state's election results and bring that objection to Vice President Mike Pence in his role as the president of the Senate. The Senate and House would then each debate the dispute over a time period lasting no more than two hours. Both chambers would at the conclusion of that debate have to agree to reject the votes of the state in question in order for the objection to be successful.
One such objection was debated in 2005 regarding Ohio's electoral votes, according to the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. The objection failed when the two chambers did not agree to reject the votes.
Despite the Ohio electors incident of 2005, it is not common for objections to make it through to the debate stage during the congressional certification of the Electoral College's votes. Even so, some Trump allies in the House already are planning to object to the elector votes cast in five states, according to The New York Times. Those efforts don't yet have the necessary support of a Republican senator in order to move forward, the Times reported.
The Answer
Officially, no.
Congressional legislators can object to states' Electoral College votes on January 6, but it is unlikely that any such attempts would succeed. Congress' certification of the Electoral College votes will provide the official conclusion to the 2020 presidential election.
Newsweek reached out to Trump's campaign for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-15--Retired Texas Cop Dies in Gunfight With Former Border Patrol Agent

Retired Houston , Texas police officer Mart Hanna was killed by his neighbor , a former U.S. Customs officer , after a Tuesday argument .
According to authorities , Kerr County deputies reported to a gated subdivision in Kerrville after reports of gunfire in the neighborhood .
Upon arrival , officers discovered 68-year-old Hanna fatally wounded .
Retired U.S. Customs officer Kenneth Brown , 71 , was identified as the shooter .
`` Upon arrival , Deputies discovered that there had been a verbal disturbance between two residents in the subdivision , '' read a Tuesday press release from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The disturbance led to both residents pulling guns and exchanging gunfire . ''
Brown was not injured during the altercation .
According to the Kerr County Sheriff 's Office , no arrests have been made .
Texas Rangers are assisting with the ongoing investigation .
Newsweek reached out to the Texas Rangers for comment .
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said that the crime rate in the city was on the increase with 353 homicides recorded as of November 2020 .
During a November press conference , Avecedo blamed the rise in violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of circumstances , including being short staffed .
`` We 're trying to focus on violent crime , and it 's a balance , '' Acevedo said .
`` We have a department that has the basically the same number of officers that it had 20 years ago with a significant decrease in overtime and a significant approach to criminal justice by the rest of the criminal justice system . ''
Protests against systemic racism in police culture caused some critics to raise the issue of defunding the police .
Republican Texas Governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police departments statewide .
In October , Abbott introduced the `` Back the Blue '' pledge in hopes of quelling calls of slashing the budgets of police forces .
Abbott said during a press conference that areas that allow their police departments to be defunded are `` disgraceful and they are reckless .
It invites crimes into our communities and it endangers law enforcement officers and their families . ''
The city of Austin voted in August to cut its police budget by one-third .
Some of the allotted funds were expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for new cadets were also canceled because of the budget cuts .
Abbott criticized that decision and said in December that he was considering a proposal to have portions of Austin policed by the state .
`` What I think we need to do is have a Capitol zone area that the state will be in charge of policing , '' Abbott said during a remote town hall , `` and we can use city of Austin police officers for this . ''

Retired Houston, Texas police officer Mart Hanna was killed by his neighbor, a former U.S. Customs officer, after a Tuesday argument.
According to authorities, Kerr County deputies reported to a gated subdivision in Kerrville after reports of gunfire in the neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers discovered 68-year-old Hanna fatally wounded. Retired U.S. Customs officer Kenneth Brown, 71, was identified as the shooter.
"Upon arrival, Deputies discovered that there had been a verbal disturbance between two residents in the subdivision," read a Tuesday press release from the Kerr County Sheriff's Office. "The disturbance led to both residents pulling guns and exchanging gunfire."
Brown was not injured during the altercation. According to the Kerr County Sheriff's Office, no arrests have been made. Texas Rangers are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Newsweek reached out to the Texas Rangers for comment.
On Tuesday, a former Houston, Texas police officer was shot and killed by a retired U.S. Customs officer after a neighborhood dispute. iStock/Getty
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said that the crime rate in the city was on the increase with 353 homicides recorded as of November 2020. During a November press conference, Avecedo blamed the rise in violent crime on a "perfect storm" of circumstances, including being short staffed.
"We're trying to focus on violent crime, and it's a balance," Acevedo said. "We have a department that has the basically the same number of officers that it had 20 years ago with a significant decrease in overtime and a significant approach to criminal justice by the rest of the criminal justice system."
Protests against systemic racism in police culture caused some critics to raise the issue of defunding the police. Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott has opposed the defunding of police departments statewide.
In October, Abbott introduced the "Back the Blue" pledge in hopes of quelling calls of slashing the budgets of police forces. Abbott said during a press conference that areas that allow their police departments to be defunded are "disgraceful and they are reckless. It invites crimes into our communities and it endangers law enforcement officers and their families."
The city of Austin voted in August to cut its police budget by one-third. Some of the allotted funds were expected to be funneled into public programs. Classes for new cadets were also canceled because of the budget cuts. Abbott criticized that decision and said in December that he was considering a proposal to have portions of Austin policed by the state.
"What I think we need to do is have a Capitol zone area that the state will be in charge of policing," Abbott said during a remote town hall, "and we can use city of Austin police officers for this."


newsweek--2020-12-15--Michigan Republicans Tried to Submit Fake Electoral Votes to Capitol

On Monday , while Michigan 's Electoral College voters met inside of the state 's Senate building to cast their ballots for President-elect Joe Biden , a group of Republicans identifying themselves as the `` GOP Electors '' tried to persuade a state police officer to let them into the building so they could `` do their constitutional duty '' and join the electoral voters .
`` The electors are already here .
They 've been checked in , '' Michigan State Police First Lieutenant Darren Green told the group assembled outside of the building 's side door in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mandi Wright .
The group protested in response , saying that they are the `` GOP electors . ''
`` Per the capitol commission , per the governor 's office , per the Speaker of the House , per the ... Senate , '' Green explained while blocking their entry , `` the capital is closed unless you have office business today or you are taking part in the Electoral College process .
Anybody else is not permitted to enter . ''
Local lawyer Ian Northon then stepped up to Green and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the governor 's certificate of ascertainment . ''
Northon is associated with the Thomas More Society , a conservative legal group whose newly formed Amistad Project filed lawsuits alleging widespread voter fraud in Michigan and other swing states which ultimately voted for President Donald Trump .
`` I 'm not going to get into a political debate , '' Green responded .
`` I 'm following orders . ''
Revealing an envelope , Northon replied , `` It 's not a political debate .
It 's the official sealed document .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ electors .
They are here .
They 're trying to do their constitutional duty .
Their constitutional duty requires them to be in the Senate chamber today at 2 p.m .
They 're here . ''
Green replied that Northon can contact the governor 's office or the Senate and House majority leaders if he had any questions .
He also refused Northon 's request to deliver the envelope to the Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey , stating that Shirkey was n't present .
Detroit Free Press reporter Mike Boucher , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , told Newsweek he believes that Northon was accompanied by two Republican elected officials who support Trump 's attempts to overturn the election , as well as other Republicans electors who would 've been chosen to cast their votes in support of Trump , had Trump won the state 's election .
Biden won the state by 154,188 votes , earning him its 16 electoral votes .
Yesterday , all 50 states ' electors cast their final ballots , certifying Biden as the next president of the United States with 306 overall electoral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talking to the press after he and his group were turned away from the Michigan Senate building , Northon cited reports of massive voter fraud caused by Dominion Voting Systems voting machines in Antrim County .
However , Michigan 's Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel said such reports were based on `` false information and fake documents , '' according to the aforementioned publication .
In a November 20 statement from the Thomas More Society which has since been taken offline , the organization said it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a case-by-case basis .
In the statement , Trump campaign lawyer Rudy Giuliani said , `` We are excited to have the Amistad Project as a partner in the fight to ensure the integrity of our elections .
The Amistad Project has uncovered an organized effort involving multiple private organizations and partners working with government officials to design , fund , and implement an improper and illegal scheme to create an unconstitutional two-tiered election system to deliver the presidency to Joseph R .
Biden . ''
However , the Trump campaign and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their lawsuits alleging widespread voter fraud .
All but one of the cases have been withdrawn or thrown out for lack of evidence .
On January 6 , both houses of the U.S. Congress will vote on the Electoral College 's vote , the last procedural step before Inauguration Day on January 20 .
While the vote is usually a formality , this year , Republican Alabama Representative Mo Brooks has pledged to oppose the Electoral College 's count , something which would require all congressional members to vote on the record whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to overturn the election results .
On a Tuesday caucus call , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urged colleagues not to object during Congress ' count and certification of the Electoral College January 6 vote , stating that it would put GOP senators in a tough spot and adding , `` [ It ] is n't in the best interest of everybody . ''

On Monday, while Michigan's Electoral College voters met inside of the state's Senate building to cast their ballots for President-elect Joe Biden, a group of Republicans identifying themselves as the "GOP Electors" tried to persuade a state police officer to let them into the building so they could "do their constitutional duty" and join the electoral voters.
"The electors are already here. They've been checked in," Michigan State Police First Lieutenant Darren Green told the group assembled outside of the building's side door in a video shot by Detroit Free Press videographer Mandi Wright. The group protested in response, saying that they are the "GOP electors."
"Per the capitol commission, per the governor's office, per the Speaker of the House, per the ... Senate," Green explained while blocking their entry, "the capital is closed unless you have office business today or you are taking part in the Electoral College process. Anybody else is not permitted to enter."
Local lawyer Ian Northon then stepped up to Green and said, "The GOP electors are also on the governor's certificate of ascertainment."
Northon is associated with the Thomas More Society, a conservative legal group whose newly formed Amistad Project filed lawsuits alleging widespread voter fraud in Michigan and other swing states which ultimately voted for President Donald Trump.
"I'm not going to get into a political debate," Green responded. "I'm following orders."
Revealing an envelope, Northon replied, "It's not a political debate. It's the official sealed document. The certificate of ascertainment also has the GOP electors. They are here. They're trying to do their constitutional duty. Their constitutional duty requires them to be in the Senate chamber today at 2 p.m. They're here."
Green replied that Northon can contact the governor's office or the Senate and House majority leaders if he had any questions. He also refused Northon's request to deliver the envelope to the Republican Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey, stating that Shirkey wasn't present.
Detroit Free Press reporter Mike Boucher, who covered the Senate's Monday electoral vote, told Newsweek he believes that Northon was accompanied by two Republican elected officials who support Trump's attempts to overturn the election, as well as other Republicans electors who would've been chosen to cast their votes in support of Trump, had Trump won the state's election.
On Monday, a group of self-professed "GOP electors" tried to get into the Michigan Senate building while the state's 16 electors met to cast their ballots for President-elect Joe Biden. In this November 04, 2020 photo, protesters attend a "Count On Us" rally at the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing, Michigan. John Moore/Getty
Biden won the state by 154,188 votes, earning him its 16 electoral votes. Yesterday, all 50 states' electors cast their final ballots, certifying Biden as the next president of the United States with 306 overall electoral votes to Trump's 232.
While talking to the press after he and his group were turned away from the Michigan Senate building, Northon cited reports of massive voter fraud caused by Dominion Voting Systems voting machines in Antrim County.
However, Michigan's Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Attorney General Dana Nessel said such reports were based on "false information and fake documents," according to the aforementioned publication.
In a November 20 statement from the Thomas More Society which has since been taken offline, the organization said it would be helping the Trump campaign file election lawsuits on a case-by-case basis.
In the statement, Trump campaign lawyer Rudy Giuliani said, "We are excited to have the Amistad Project as a partner in the fight to ensure the integrity of our elections. The Amistad Project has uncovered an organized effort involving multiple private organizations and partners working with government officials to design, fund, and implement an improper and illegal scheme to create an unconstitutional two-tiered election system to deliver the presidency to Joseph R. Biden."
However, the Trump campaign and Republicans have lost almost all 60 of their lawsuits alleging widespread voter fraud. All but one of the cases have been withdrawn or thrown out for lack of evidence.
On January 6, both houses of the U.S. Congress will vote on the Electoral College's vote, the last procedural step before Inauguration Day on January 20. While the vote is usually a formality, this year, Republican Alabama Representative Mo Brooks has pledged to oppose the Electoral College's count, something which would require all congressional members to vote on the record whether or not they support Trump's attempt to overturn the election results.
On a Tuesday caucus call, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urged colleagues not to object during Congress' count and certification of the Electoral College January 6 vote, stating that it would put GOP senators in a tough spot and adding, "[It] isn't in the best interest of everybody."


newsweek--2020-12-15--Ex-Cop Charged With Pulling Gun on Man While Trying to Prove Election Fraud

A former Houston , Texas police captain was arrested after allegedly running an air conditioning repairman off the road and pulling a gun on him in the mistaken belief that he was behind a massive voter fraud conspiracy .
Mark Anthony Aguirre , 63 , was arrested by Houston police officers on Tuesday and charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for the October 19 incident , according to the Harris County District Attorney 's office .
`` He crossed the line from dirty politics to commission of a violent crime and we are lucky no one was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kim Ogg said .
`` His alleged investigation was backward from the start – first alleging a crime had occurred and then trying to prove it happened . ''
A court document indicates that Aguirre rammed his SUV into the back of the repairman 's truck , believing that 750,000 fake ballots were loaded in the back of the truck .
After both men were outside their vehicles , the former police captain allegedly pointed a gun at the head of the repairman and forced him onto the ground while placing a knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the repairman was the mastermind behind a non-existent fraudulent ballot scheme , only ordinary air conditioning parts and tools were found in the back of his truck .
A thorough investigation by Houston police and the Harris County Election Security Task Force subsequently found the election fraud claims to be entirely baseless .
Aguirre told police that he was conducting the `` civilian investigation '' on behalf of a Houston group called Liberty Center for God and Country .
He did not mention that the group had paid him a total of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 211,400 on the day after the incident , according to prosecutors .
As part of a pre-election lawsuit attempting to stop voters from dropping off mail-in ballots in person , Aguirre signed an affidavit claiming that Democrats planned to submit up to 700,000 fake ballots in Harris County , according to The Houston Chronicle .
He allegedly hung up on a reporter who asked him for evidence of the conspiracy , which was said to involve prominent Democrats and Black businessmen .
Unsubstantiated conspiracy theories alleging massive election fraud have continued after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump claiming that fraud was to blame for his loss to President-elect Joe Biden .
No credible evidence of fraud or irregularities that would change the election 's outcome has been found .
On Monday , the Electoral College officially sealed Biden 's victory by a margin of 306 to 232 votes .
The president-elect also received over 7 million more votes nationally than Trump , winning in excess of 81.2 million total votes—by far the most votes of any presidential candidate in U.S. history .
Newsweek reached out to the Harris County @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A former Houston, Texas police captain was arrested after allegedly running an air conditioning repairman off the road and pulling a gun on him in the mistaken belief that he was behind a massive voter fraud conspiracy.
Mark Anthony Aguirre, 63, was arrested by Houston police officers on Tuesday and charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for the October 19 incident, according to the Harris County District Attorney's office.
"He crossed the line from dirty politics to commission of a violent crime and we are lucky no one was killed," Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said. "His alleged investigation was backward from the start – first alleging a crime had occurred and then trying to prove it happened."
A court document indicates that Aguirre rammed his SUV into the back of the repairman's truck, believing that 750,000 fake ballots were loaded in the back of the truck. After both men were outside their vehicles, the former police captain allegedly pointed a gun at the head of the repairman and forced him onto the ground while placing a knee on his back.
Although Aguirre suspected that the repairman was the mastermind behind a non-existent fraudulent ballot scheme, only ordinary air conditioning parts and tools were found in the back of his truck. A thorough investigation by Houston police and the Harris County Election Security Task Force subsequently found the election fraud claims to be entirely baseless.
Although conspiracy theories alleging widespread voter fraud have continued to flourish after the 2020 presidential election, no credible evidence has been found to back up the claims. BackyardProduction/Getty
Aguirre told police that he was conducting the "civilian investigation" on behalf of a Houston group called Liberty Center for God and Country. He did not mention that the group had paid him a total of $266,400 for his efforts, including $211,400 on the day after the incident, according to prosecutors.
As part of a pre-election lawsuit attempting to stop voters from dropping off mail-in ballots in person, Aguirre signed an affidavit claiming that Democrats planned to submit up to 700,000 fake ballots in Harris County, according to The Houston Chronicle. He allegedly hung up on a reporter who asked him for evidence of the conspiracy, which was said to involve prominent Democrats and Black businessmen.
Unsubstantiated conspiracy theories alleging massive election fraud have continued after the presidential election, with President Donald Trump claiming that fraud was to blame for his loss to President-elect Joe Biden. No credible evidence of fraud or irregularities that would change the election's outcome has been found.
On Monday, the Electoral College officially sealed Biden's victory by a margin of 306 to 232 votes. The president-elect also received over 7 million more votes nationally than Trump, winning in excess of 81.2 million total votes—by far the most votes of any presidential candidate in U.S. history.
Newsweek reached out to the Harris County District Attorney's Office for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-15--'Bachelorette Spoilers' Final 3: Tayshia Adams Will Dump This Man After 'Hometown' Dates

The `` Hometown '' dates are already here on The Bachelorette , and that means one thing : Some hearts are about to get shattered .
As the final four men introduce Tayshia Adams to their families , it 's only a matter of time before Adams has to choose just one man to settle down with .
Unfortunately , that means one of the men wo n't make the final three , the point at which Adams is promised some alone time with the men , overnight and off-camera .
If you 've been following The Bachelorette Season 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly send home after the `` Hometown '' dates may shock you .
Originally , it was reported that Ben Smith would make it to the final two .
Unfortunately for fans who love him , Smith will actually be the first man sent home after the `` Hometown '' dates , leaving Ivan Hall , Brendan Morais and Zac Clark as Adams ' final three .
Reality Steve revealed the outcome of Smith 's `` Hometown '' date on his blog Monday , along with a handful of other , possible changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Smith will return to the season at some point to speak with Adams , though it still does n't sound like he 'll end up happily engaged to the Bachelorette .
On the `` Hometown '' episode , Smith will invite Adams to a Venice Beach-themed date .
Clearly , because of COVID , they wo n't actually be traveling to anyone 's hometown .
So , for now , the La Quinta Resort and Club will have to stand-in for the actual locations .
Smith 's family who will visit include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Antonia Lofaso , who is both Smith 's friend and client .
After the interaction with them , though , Adams seemingly wo n't have enough to move forward in a relationship with Smith .
The other `` Hometown '' dates will spotlight New York City , a carnival and a cooking date .
Adams stepped in as The Bachelorette four episodes into the season , after Clare Crawley found love in just a few episodes .
Crawley was originally cast , though viewers and the Bachelorette production seemed to be shocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dale Moss .
After only knowing each other about 12 days , Moss proposed to Crawley and the pair are still happily engaged .
Since then , Adams ' season has been a bit more tumultuous .
The men shifted attention to Adams quickly and painlessly , it seemed , but that has n't stopped drama from unfolding .
The `` Men Tell All '' episode on Monday night spotlighted some of the rifts among the guys , though it seems possible that the rest of Adams ' season is smooth sailing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tune in to find out .

The "Hometown" dates are already here on The Bachelorette, and that means one thing: Some hearts are about to get shattered. As the final four men introduce Tayshia Adams to their families, it's only a matter of time before Adams has to choose just one man to settle down with.
Unfortunately, that means one of the men won't make the final three, the point at which Adams is promised some alone time with the men, overnight and off-camera.
If you've been following The Bachelorette Season 16 spoilers, the man that Adams will reportedly send home after the "Hometown" dates may shock you. Originally, it was reported that Ben Smith would make it to the final two. Unfortunately for fans who love him, Smith will actually be the first man sent home after the "Hometown" dates, leaving Ivan Hall, Brendan Morais and Zac Clark as Adams' final three.
Reality Steve revealed the outcome of Smith's "Hometown" date on his blog Monday, along with a handful of other, possible changes to previous spoilers. He also revealed that Smith will return to the season at some point to speak with Adams, though it still doesn't sound like he'll end up happily engaged to the Bachelorette.
Bachelorette Tayshia Adams (L) and Ben Smith (R) roller stake on their Hometown date. Craig Sjodin/ABC
On the "Hometown" episode, Smith will invite Adams to a Venice Beach-themed date. Clearly, because of COVID, they won't actually be traveling to anyone's hometown. So, for now, the La Quinta Resort and Club will have to stand-in for the actual locations.
Smith's family who will visit include his sister and a Top Chef alum, Antonia Lofaso, who is both Smith's friend and client. After the interaction with them, though, Adams seemingly won't have enough to move forward in a relationship with Smith.
The other "Hometown" dates will spotlight New York City, a carnival and a cooking date.
Adams stepped in as The Bachelorette four episodes into the season, after Clare Crawley found love in just a few episodes. Crawley was originally cast, though viewers and the Bachelorette production seemed to be shocked when she started spending excessive time with Dale Moss. After only knowing each other about 12 days, Moss proposed to Crawley and the pair are still happily engaged.
Since then, Adams' season has been a bit more tumultuous. The men shifted attention to Adams quickly and painlessly, it seemed, but that hasn't stopped drama from unfolding. The "Men Tell All" episode on Monday night spotlighted some of the rifts among the guys, though it seems possible that the rest of Adams' season is smooth sailing. Still, viewers will just have to tune in to find out.


newsweek--2020-12-15--Meet Naomi Ackie, the Favorite to Star in the New Whitney Houston Biopic

The upcoming Whitney Houston biopic I Wan na Dance With Somebody has seemingly found its star in 28 year-old , British actress Naomi Ackie taking on the lead role for the movie , which is anticipated to be released in 2022 .
According to The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday , Ackie is in negotiations to star in the film , which will be directed by Jean of the Joneses director Stella Meghie .
The screenplay was co-written with Oscar-nominated writer Anthony McCarten , who wrote the Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything , The Two Popes , and Freddie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sang praises for the actress , explaining why she felt Ackie was perfect for the film .
`` We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston , '' she told the Reporter .
`` Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process .
I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life . ''
Music producer Clive Davis noted that while Houston 's vocals will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he was also excited about Ackie 's performance .
`` Although Whitney 's incomparable vocals are used for all the songs , Naomi 's extraordinary acting range enables her to masterfully capture Whitney 's unique charm , star power , and , of course , her personal struggles .
Naomi is the real deal and I ca n't imagine a better choice for this iconic role , '' he told the Reporter .
While I Wan na Dance With Somebody may mark one of Ackie 's first major roles , she 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and TV screens .
Most notably , she played Jannah in Star Wars : The Rise of Skywalker .
Ackie 's character was a former stormtrooper and helps the Resistance in `` The Battle of Exegol . ''
The actress got her start in performing at age 11 , when she played the angel Gabriel in a school play , she told The Evening Standard in a 2019 interview .
She also studied at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama .
Ackie will also be familiar to fans of Netflix 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which she played Bonnie in the second season .
She received the BAFTA TV Award for Supporting Actress for her role in the series .
Some of Ackie 's other TV roles include playing Beth on Cleaning Up and Ruby on The Bisexual .
In 2016 , Ackie made her big-screen debut as Anna in the film adaptation Lady Macbeth .
Her performance netted her a `` most promising newcomer '' award at the 2016 British Independent Film Awards Star Wars was n't the only major franchise that Ackie had under her belt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pilot to a prequel series to Game of Thrones .
According to Entertainment Weekly , HBO put a halt to the series , which was supposed to star Naomi Watts .
Before I Wan na Dance With Somebody , fans can see Ackie in the musical heist The Score , which is in post-production according to IMDb .
The movie also stars Will Poulter and Johnny Flynn .
Newsweek reached out to Ackie 's publicist for comment .

The upcoming Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody has seemingly found its star in 28 year-old, British actress Naomi Ackie taking on the lead role for the movie, which is anticipated to be released in 2022.
According to The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday, Ackie is in negotiations to star in the film, which will be directed by Jean of the Joneses director Stella Meghie. The screenplay was co-written with Oscar-nominated writer Anthony McCarten, who wrote the Stephen Hawking biopic The Theory of Everything, The Two Popes, and Freddie Mercury/Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.
The director sang praises for the actress, explaining why she felt Ackie was perfect for the film. "We spent the better part of the last year in an exhaustive search for an actress who could embody Whitney Houston," she told the Reporter. "Naomi Ackie impressed us at every stage of the process. I was moved by her ability to capture the stage presence of a global icon while bringing humanity to her interior life."
Music producer Clive Davis noted that while Houston's vocals will be used for the film's music, he was also excited about Ackie's performance. "Although Whitney's incomparable vocals are used for all the songs, Naomi's extraordinary acting range enables her to masterfully capture Whitney's unique charm, star power, and, of course, her personal struggles. Naomi is the real deal and I can't imagine a better choice for this iconic role," he told the Reporter.
While I Wanna Dance With Somebody may mark one of Ackie's first major roles, she's not an entirely new face to movie and TV screens. Most notably, she played Jannah in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Ackie's character was a former stormtrooper and helps the Resistance in "The Battle of Exegol."
The actress got her start in performing at age 11, when she played the angel Gabriel in a school play, she told The Evening Standard in a 2019 interview. She also studied at the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama.
Ackie will also be familiar to fans of Netflix's The End of the F**king World, which she played Bonnie in the second season. She received the BAFTA TV Award for Supporting Actress for her role in the series. Some of Ackie's other TV roles include playing Beth on Cleaning Up and Ruby on The Bisexual.
In 2016, Ackie made her big-screen debut as Anna in the film adaptation Lady Macbeth. Her performance netted her a "most promising newcomer" award at the 2016 British Independent Film Awards
Star Wars wasn't the only major franchise that Ackie had under her belt. She was included in an unaired pilot to a prequel series to Game of Thrones. According to Entertainment Weekly, HBO put a halt to the series, which was supposed to star Naomi Watts.
Before I Wanna Dance With Somebody, fans can see Ackie in the musical heist The Score, which is in post-production according to IMDb. The movie also stars Will Poulter and Johnny Flynn.
Newsweek reached out to Ackie's publicist for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-15--Dems Say Trump's 'Critical Race Theory' Ban Ended Most Federal Diversity Training

In a Tuesday letter to the Office of Management and Budget ( OMB ) , Democratic members of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform said that a ban on critical race theory training had caused a cessation of a majority of diversity training in some federal agencies .
Critical race theory , an ideology that points out instances of systemic racism , has become a major factor in anti-racism and diversity training .
The White House called for the ban on the training in a September executive order , describing critical race theory as a `` destructive ideology .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ engaging in the training .
The Oversight Committee had originally asked the OMB to provide information on the executive order by October 13 .
No documentation was provided to the committee by that date .
According to the letter , some businesses and institutions of higher learning that receive federal funds have also limited their critical race theory training .
`` The Administration 's actions have already shut down initiatives across the nation—inside and outside the federal government—meant to combat bias and discrimination in the workplace , '' read a copy of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The executive order stymied diversity and anti-racism training efforts outside of federal agencies as well , '' the letter continued .
`` The 'chillingly punitive ' consequences of non-compliance have caused multiple universities and other entities in receipt of federal funds to roll back crucial efforts meant to combat discriminatory and biased behavior . ''
Committee members asked OMB Director Russell Vought to be present at a committee briefing and provide documentation before December 22 .
Newsweek reached out to the OMB for comment .
Trump 's executive order banned diversity training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grounds that its basic tenets `` are inherently sexist and racist . ''
While the order states that creating an inclusive working environment is `` appropriate and beneficial , '' it alleges that critical race theory `` perpetuates racial stereotypes and division and can use subtle coercive pressure to ensure conformity of viewpoint . ''
Vought warned in a September memo that Trump had instructed his office `` to ensure that federal agencies cease and desist from using taxpayer dollars to fund these divisive , un-American propaganda training sessions . ''
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he signed the executive order because critical race theory trainers were `` teaching people to hate our country , and I 'm not going to allow that to happen . ''
Many federal agencies responded quickly to the executive order .
According to Reuters , the U.S. State Department placed a temporary pause on its diversity training programs in October in order for a review of the programs to be completed .
Some universities also altered their plans for diversity training for fear of violating the executive order .
In a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the University of Iowa placed a two-week-long pause on its diversity training `` given the seriousness of the penalties for non-compliance with the order , which include the loss of federal funding . ''
University officials planned on reviewing the school 's diversity training programs for language that could potentially violate the guidelines laid out by the Trump administration .
Trump defended the executive order during the September presidential debate , saying that he signed the executive order because critical race theory trainers were `` teaching people to hate our country , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that to happen . ''

In a Tuesday letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Democratic members of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform said that a ban on critical race theory training had caused a cessation of a majority of diversity training in some federal agencies.
Critical race theory, an ideology that points out instances of systemic racism, has become a major factor in anti-racism and diversity training. The White House called for the ban on the training in a September executive order, describing critical race theory as a "destructive ideology." Government contractors were also prohibited from engaging in the training.
The Oversight Committee had originally asked the OMB to provide information on the executive order by October 13. No documentation was provided to the committee by that date. According to the letter, some businesses and institutions of higher learning that receive federal funds have also limited their critical race theory training.
"The Administration's actions have already shut down initiatives across the nation—inside and outside the federal government—meant to combat bias and discrimination in the workplace," read a copy of the letter obtained by Newsweek on Tuesday.
"The executive order stymied diversity and anti-racism training efforts outside of federal agencies as well," the letter continued. "The 'chillingly punitive' consequences of non-compliance have caused multiple universities and other entities in receipt of federal funds to roll back crucial efforts meant to combat discriminatory and biased behavior."
Committee members asked OMB Director Russell Vought to be present at a committee briefing and provide documentation before December 22. Newsweek reached out to the OMB for comment.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in September prohibiting, on a federal level, diversity training based on critical race theory. Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty
Trump's executive order banned diversity training based on critical race theory on the grounds that its basic tenets "are inherently sexist and racist." While the order states that creating an inclusive working environment is "appropriate and beneficial," it alleges that critical race theory "perpetuates racial stereotypes and division and can use subtle coercive pressure to ensure conformity of viewpoint."
Vought warned in a September memo that Trump had instructed his office "to ensure that federal agencies cease and desist from using taxpayer dollars to fund these divisive, un-American propaganda training sessions."
During the presidential debate in September, Trump explained that he signed the executive order because critical race theory trainers were "teaching people to hate our country, and I'm not going to allow that to happen."
Many federal agencies responded quickly to the executive order. According to Reuters, the U.S. State Department placed a temporary pause on its diversity training programs in October in order for a review of the programs to be completed.
Some universities also altered their plans for diversity training for fear of violating the executive order. In a statement issued after the executive order was enacted, the University of Iowa placed a two-week-long pause on its diversity training "given the seriousness of the penalties for non-compliance with the order, which include the loss of federal funding." University officials planned on reviewing the school's diversity training programs for language that could potentially violate the guidelines laid out by the Trump administration.
Trump defended the executive order during the September presidential debate, saying that he signed the executive order because critical race theory trainers were "teaching people to hate our country, and I'm not going to allow that to happen."


newsweek--2020-12-15--Ivanka Trump, Don Jr. Slam 'Economy Destroying' Lockdowns Not 'Grounded in Science'

Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. lashed out at the `` economy-destroying '' COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns , which they say are ruining the lives of restaurant owners and employees nationwide .
Ivanka , who is also a White House adviser to her father , President Donald Trump , and Donald Jr. , of the Trump Organization , ridiculed `` blanket lockdowns '' which they and several hospitality groups say have unfairly targeted restaurant and dining establishments .
Both Trump family members tweeted out responses to a viral video showing a California standoff between a restaurant owner and health inspectors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Ventura , California , can be seen confronting health inspectors and demanding to know , `` Are you going to pay my rent ... my employees ? ''
Both Trump 's sided with bar and restaurant workers in New York and other parts of the country where statewide contact-tracing shows such establishments only account for less than 2 percent of cases .
Highlighting the owner 's rebuke of the California state health officials , Trump Jr. called for more pushback across the country .
`` We need more of this or the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroying power-grab .
Lockdowns are n't based in science .
The politicians & media hacks still supporting them are actively destroying lives , but they do n't care because their paychecks are n't on the line , '' Trump Jr. tweeted Tuesday .
`` These blanket lockdowns are not grounded in science .
These arbitrary rules imposed by callous politicians are destroying lives .
It is just wrong for small business owners to have fight so hard to keep their American dream alive , '' Ivanka tweeted in response to the video showing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to representatives for both Ivanka and Donald Jr. Tuesday afternoon but did not hear back by time of publishing .
Several physicians and public health officials pushed back on the opposition to the so-called `` blanket lockdowns , '' positing that such broad measures have never been truly enforced almost anywhere in the country .
Many responses to both Trump family members placed the blame of such `` lockdown '' failures squarely on the shoulders of their father for his months of downplaying the virus .
But others highlighted that restaurant and dining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other industry , including colleges and schools .
According to New York 's data released last week , students were tied to a higher percentage of positive COVID-19 cases than the hospitality industry .
`` If lockdown had just been blanket and hit every business , ironically people might well be more cooperative .
It 's the indefensible erratic enforcement which makes no sense .
Thoroughly sympathise with performing arts venues who are watching Christmas shopping throngs aghast , '' remarked Dr. Rohin Francis , a cardiologist .

Ivanka Trump and Donald Trump Jr. lashed out at the "economy-destroying" COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, which they say are ruining the lives of restaurant owners and employees nationwide.
Ivanka, who is also a White House adviser to her father, President Donald Trump, and Donald Jr., of the Trump Organization, ridiculed "blanket lockdowns" which they and several hospitality groups say have unfairly targeted restaurant and dining establishments. Both Trump family members tweeted out responses to a viral video showing a California standoff between a restaurant owner and health inspectors. The owner of Nick The Greek restaurant in Ventura, California, can be seen confronting health inspectors and demanding to know, "Are you going to pay my rent...my employees?"
We need more of this or the politicians will never ever stop their economy destroying power-grab. Lockdowns aren't based in science. The politicians & media hacks still supporting them are actively destroying lives, but they don't care because their paychecks aren't on the line. https://t.co/4tK47baJac — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) December 15, 2020
Both Trump's sided with bar and restaurant workers in New York and other parts of the country where statewide contact-tracing shows such establishments only account for less than 2 percent of cases. Highlighting the owner's rebuke of the California state health officials, Trump Jr. called for more pushback across the country.
"We need more of this or the politicians will never ever stop their economy destroying power-grab. Lockdowns aren't based in science. The politicians & media hacks still supporting them are actively destroying lives, but they don't care because their paychecks aren't on the line," Trump Jr. tweeted Tuesday.
"These blanket lockdowns are not grounded in science. These arbitrary rules imposed by callous politicians are destroying lives. It is just wrong for small business owners to have fight so hard to keep their American dream alive," Ivanka tweeted in response to the video showing the California standoff.
Newsweek reached out to representatives for both Ivanka and Donald Jr. Tuesday afternoon but did not hear back by time of publishing.
Several physicians and public health officials pushed back on the opposition to the so-called "blanket lockdowns," positing that such broad measures have never been truly enforced almost anywhere in the country. Many responses to both Trump family members placed the blame of such "lockdown" failures squarely on the shoulders of their father for his months of downplaying the virus.
But others highlighted that restaurant and dining establishments have been hit far harder than any other industry, including colleges and schools. According to New York's data released last week, students were tied to a higher percentage of positive COVID-19 cases than the hospitality industry.
"If lockdown had just been blanket and hit every business, ironically people might well be more cooperative. It's the indefensible erratic enforcement which makes no sense. Thoroughly sympathise with performing arts venues who are watching Christmas shopping throngs aghast," remarked Dr. Rohin Francis, a cardiologist.


newsweek--2020-12-15--Kirk Cameron Violates COVID Lockdown By Hosting Large Christmas Caroling Event

This past Sunday , Kirk Cameron openly defied California 's COVID guidelines by helping organize a large outdoor gathering of people to sing Christmas carols .
The former star of the hit sitcom Growing Pains shared photos on his official Instagram account of the event , which he called a `` peaceful protest . ''
The gathering took place in the parking lot at Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks , a city in the northwestern part of Greater Los Angeles .
The mass of people crowded together—most of whom can be seen not wearing masks while singing along in photos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay-at-home orders Gov .
Gavin Newsom put into place as infection and hospitalization rates continue soaring throughout the state .
Cameron helped organize the evening of caroling with Sing It Louder USA , an organization put together in an effort to stop what their website says are `` government officials imposing restrictions on how you celebrate Christmas . ''
Along with California , Sing It Louder , USA events have occurred in states throughout the country , including Washington , Pennsylvania , New Mexico , and Texas .
Thus far , the focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carols as an act of defiance against COVID lockdowns and guidelines .
Cameron was previously involved in putting together another Sing It Louder USA group on December 6 , where he says in an Instagram video that more than 500 people turned up to sing .
In the same video , he stated his goal was for the Oaks Mall event to be ever larger , and footage from the night suggests it might have been .
In the video hyping the December 13 event , Cameron tried to appeal to anyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show up and sing .
He said that in addition to singing , there would be inspirational talks for an evening that would be `` part town hall meeting , part worship service . ''
In case anyone might be mistaken that Cameron did n't understand the safety guidelines , he stated emphatically in the video that he did .
`` Have you ever sung Christmas carols by candlelight at a time where your state governor has prohibited you from doing that ... in America ?
!
Well , this is actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up ! ''
Cameron said .
TMZ reported that mall security called the local police .
When officers arrived , they talked to people about the importance of wearing masks , but no arrests were made .
Growing Pains made Cameron a household name during its 1985-1992 run , but the actor has since become well-known for his work as an Evangelical Christian .
Along with participating in ministry and charity work , Cameron stars in faith-based films like the apocalyptic Left Behind series based on the best-selling books .

This past Sunday, Kirk Cameron openly defied California's COVID guidelines by helping organize a large outdoor gathering of people to sing Christmas carols. The former star of the hit sitcom Growing Pains shared photos on his official Instagram account of the event, which he called a "peaceful protest."
The gathering took place in the parking lot at Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks, a city in the northwestern part of Greater Los Angeles. The mass of people crowded together—most of whom can be seen not wearing masks while singing along in photos and videos—goes in direct opposition to the stay-at-home orders Gov. Gavin Newsom put into place as infection and hospitalization rates continue soaring throughout the state.
Cameron helped organize the evening of caroling with Sing It Louder USA, an organization put together in an effort to stop what their website says are "government officials imposing restrictions on how you celebrate Christmas." Along with California, Sing It Louder, USA events have occurred in states throughout the country, including Washington, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Texas. Thus far, the focus of these gatherings have been to sing carols as an act of defiance against COVID lockdowns and guidelines.
Cameron was previously involved in putting together another Sing It Louder USA group on December 6, where he says in an Instagram video that more than 500 people turned up to sing. In the same video, he stated his goal was for the Oaks Mall event to be ever larger, and footage from the night suggests it might have been.
In the video hyping the December 13 event, Cameron tried to appeal to anyone who loves God, Christmas, and liberty to show up and sing. He said that in addition to singing, there would be inspirational talks for an evening that would be "part town hall meeting, part worship service."
In case anyone might be mistaken that Cameron didn't understand the safety guidelines, he stated emphatically in the video that he did.
"Have you ever sung Christmas carols by candlelight at a time where your state governor has prohibited you from doing that...in America?! Well, this is actually happening! You can't make this up!" Cameron said.
TMZ reported that mall security called the local police. When officers arrived, they talked to people about the importance of wearing masks, but no arrests were made.
Growing Pains made Cameron a household name during its 1985-1992 run, but the actor has since become well-known for his work as an Evangelical Christian. Along with participating in ministry and charity work, Cameron stars in faith-based films like the apocalyptic Left Behind series based on the best-selling books.


newsweek--2020-12-15--Iowa Using $10M of COVID Aid to Pay State Police, Despite Budget Surplus of $700M

The Iowa state government , led by Republican Gov .
Kim Reynolds , is using $ 10 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to pay police officers whose duties may not have been affected much by the pandemic , despite the state having a budget surplus of $ 700 million .
According to a state report , the money is being allocated to the Iowa Department of Public Safety to support employees `` whose services were diverted to a substantially different use as a result of COVID-19 . ''
But the spending has raised eyebrows amid reports that officers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Department spokeswoman Debra McClung told the Associated Press ( AP ) that the funds will be used to pay salaries for roughly 550 state officers , which includes road troopers and criminal investigators .
McClung did not provide any information on how officer duties had been `` diverted '' due to the pandemic , and the AP noted that officers were still able to carry out routine services , such as enforcing traffic laws and investigating crimes .
In an email given to Newsweek , McClung cited a guidance by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` State , territorial , local , or Tribal government may presume that payroll costs for public health and public safety employees are payments for services substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency . ''
McClung , however , did not provide Newsweek with specific examples of how the pandemic shifted officer duties to meet those qualifications .
Newsweek reached out to Reynolds ' office for additional comment but did not hear back in time for publication .
This is not the first time Reynolds ' administration has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus relief funds .
Reynolds had previously been criticized for using $ 21 million from the state 's $ 1.25 billion relief fund to pay for an executive branch human resources and accounting software system , which had been planned before the pandemic began .
On Monday , Reynolds said she would return that money to be used for expenses that do qualify for relief , following a review by State Auditor Rob Sand which found the project did not qualify for the funds .
Despite this , the governor has made plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different software management system that also does not have direct ties to the coronavirus .
The project aims to improve data management across state agencies , which a state report says will help `` during another pandemic , '' the AP reported .
`` At the end of the day , this is supposed to be about alleviating a crisis for Iowans and a lot of these uses are n't the best way to do that even if they might technically qualify , '' Sand told the AP on Tuesday .
Reynolds ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief , noting that hundreds of millions of dollars have been used to support businesses , farmers , communities and health-care providers that have been affected by the pandemic .
The office also reported that $ 490 million , or half of the state 's funds , has gone to the Iowa 's unemployment fund .
Reynolds has also been criticized for ignoring COVID warnings and recommendations made by health experts , including from the White House COVID-19 Task Force .
On November 17 , Reynolds issued a statewide mask mandate as cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a New York Times database , as of Tuesday afternoon , there have been at least 256,902 cases and 3,269 deaths in Iowa since the beginning of the pandemic .

The Iowa state government, led by Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, is using $10 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to pay police officers whose duties may not have been affected much by the pandemic, despite the state having a budget surplus of $700 million.
According to a state report, the money is being allocated to the Iowa Department of Public Safety to support employees "whose services were diverted to a substantially different use as a result of COVID-19."
But the spending has raised eyebrows amid reports that officers' duties have remained largely unchanged during the pandemic.
Department spokeswoman Debra McClung told the Associated Press (AP) that the funds will be used to pay salaries for roughly 550 state officers, which includes road troopers and criminal investigators.
McClung did not provide any information on how officer duties had been "diverted" due to the pandemic, and the AP noted that officers were still able to carry out routine services, such as enforcing traffic laws and investigating crimes.
In an email given to Newsweek, McClung cited a guidance by the U.S. Treasury Department which says that a "State, territorial, local, or Tribal government may presume that payroll costs for public health and public safety employees are payments for services substantially dedicated to mitigating or responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency."
McClung, however, did not provide Newsweek with specific examples of how the pandemic shifted officer duties to meet those qualifications.
Newsweek reached out to Reynolds' office for additional comment but did not hear back in time for publication.
The Iowa government is allocating $10 million in coronavirus relief to pay the salaries of police officers whose jobs may not have been affected much by the pandemic. In this photo, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks at a campaign event on October 31 in Davenport. Mario Tama/Getty
This is not the first time Reynolds' administration has come under scrutiny for its use of coronavirus relief funds.
Reynolds had previously been criticized for using $21 million from the state's $1.25 billion relief fund to pay for an executive branch human resources and accounting software system, which had been planned before the pandemic began.
On Monday, Reynolds said she would return that money to be used for expenses that do qualify for relief, following a review by State Auditor Rob Sand which found the project did not qualify for the funds.
Despite this, the governor has made plans to use $16.9 million for a different software management system that also does not have direct ties to the coronavirus. The project aims to improve data management across state agencies, which a state report says will help "during another pandemic," the AP reported.
"At the end of the day, this is supposed to be about alleviating a crisis for Iowans and a lot of these uses aren't the best way to do that even if they might technically qualify," Sand told the AP on Tuesday.
Reynolds' office has defended its use of coronavirus relief, noting that hundreds of millions of dollars have been used to support businesses, farmers, communities and health-care providers that have been affected by the pandemic.
The office also reported that $490 million, or half of the state's funds, has gone to the Iowa's unemployment fund.
Reynolds has also been criticized for ignoring COVID warnings and recommendations made by health experts, including from the White House COVID-19 Task Force. On November 17, Reynolds issued a statewide mask mandate as cases continued to rise in Iowa.
According to a New York Times database, as of Tuesday afternoon, there have been at least 256,902 cases and 3,269 deaths in Iowa since the beginning of the pandemic.


newsweek--2020-12-15--Pete Buttigieg's Reported Transit Sec Nomination Praised As LGBTQ Milestone

Social media users celebrated the news of Pete Buttigieg 's possible nomination for Transportation Secretary under the incoming Biden administration on Tuesday .
Following the release of several reports that suggested Buttigieg—the Democratic former mayor of South Bend , Indiana , and one of President-elect Joe Biden 's primary opponents earlier this year—is Biden 's pick to lead the federal agency , many took to Twitter with comments praising the potential selection .
Reports published by a handful of news outlets , including the Associated Press , NBC News and CNN , each cited information from unnamed sources familiar with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reactions to Buttigieg 's reported nomination predominantly focused on his past environmental policies and his hopeful contributions to infrastructure projects , in addition to its significance for the LGBTQ community .
Buttigieg was the first openly gay person to serve as an elected executive official in Indiana , and the first openly gay presidential candidate in U.S. history to pursue a national campaign .
If Tuesday 's reports about his federal nomination prove to be true and Buttigieg is approved to lead the Transportation Department , he would also become the first out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold a permanent cabinet secretary position .
Richard Grennell , the former U.S .
Ambassador to Germany , was the first openly gay person to serve in a leading cabinet role earlier this year .
Because Donald Trump appointed him to replace Joseph Maguire , a retired Vice Admiral and former National Counterterrorism Director , as acting Director of National Intelligence last February , Grennell did not receive Senate confirmation before assuming the position .
`` This reported nomination would not only be historic , but a reminder to LGBTQ people everywhere that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Human Rights Campaign , an LGBTQ advocacy organization , in a tweet responding to the news of Buttigieg 's anticipated nomination on Tuesday afternoon .
`` This will be a historic milestone for LGBTQ visibility , '' added Sarah Kate Ellis , the president and chief operating officer of GLAAD , an organization whose work prioritizes LGBTQ representation in media , in an additional message shared to Twitter .
Ellis went on to commend Buttigieg 's `` unqualified commitment to diversity and equality '' and congratulate the former mayor and his husband @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roles . ''
Buttigieg 's reported nomination to serve as transportation secretary under Biden followed a wave of backlash targeting the president-elect 's previous suspected pick .
Earlier reports suggested that Rahm Emanuel , former mayor of Chicago and former chief of staff during Barack Obama 's presidency , was first in line to fulfill the transit position .
Several politicians and public figures , including New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , criticized Emanuel as a possible selection for cabinet chief at the time .
The criticism referenced Emanuel 's response to Chicago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 , while Emanuel was mayor .
Newsweek reached out to the Biden-Harris transition team for comment but did not receive a reply in time for publication .

Social media users celebrated the news of Pete Buttigieg's possible nomination for Transportation Secretary under the incoming Biden administration on Tuesday.
Following the release of several reports that suggested Buttigieg—the Democratic former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, and one of President-elect Joe Biden's primary opponents earlier this year—is Biden's pick to lead the federal agency, many took to Twitter with comments praising the potential selection. Reports published by a handful of news outlets, including the Associated Press, NBC News and CNN, each cited information from unnamed sources familiar with the new administration's plans.
Public reactions to Buttigieg's reported nomination predominantly focused on his past environmental policies and his hopeful contributions to infrastructure projects, in addition to its significance for the LGBTQ community. Buttigieg was the first openly gay person to serve as an elected executive official in Indiana, and the first openly gay presidential candidate in U.S. history to pursue a national campaign. If Tuesday's reports about his federal nomination prove to be true and Buttigieg is approved to lead the Transportation Department, he would also become the first out LGBTQ person confirmed by the Senate to hold a permanent cabinet secretary position.
Richard Grennell, the former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, was the first openly gay person to serve in a leading cabinet role earlier this year. Because Donald Trump appointed him to replace Joseph Maguire, a retired Vice Admiral and former National Counterterrorism Director, as acting Director of National Intelligence last February, Grennell did not receive Senate confirmation before assuming the position.
"This reported nomination would not only be historic, but a reminder to LGBTQ people everywhere that any opportunity is possible," wrote the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy organization, in a tweet responding to the news of Buttigieg's anticipated nomination on Tuesday afternoon.
This reported nomination would not only be historic, but a reminder to LGBTQ people everywhere that any opportunity is possible. https://t.co/gVGW5KQWfq — Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) December 15, 2020
"This will be a historic milestone for LGBTQ visibility," added Sarah Kate Ellis, the president and chief operating officer of GLAAD, an organization whose work prioritizes LGBTQ representation in media, in an additional message shared to Twitter. Ellis went on to commend Buttigieg's "unqualified commitment to diversity and equality" and congratulate the former mayor and his husband Chasten Buttigieg on their "groundbreaking new roles."
Pete's experience and skills as a leader, manager and brilliant communicator, combined with his heartland roots and his unqualified commitment to diversity and equality, will improve the lives of all Americans as Transportation Secretary. — Sarah Kate Ellis (@sarahkateellis) December 15, 2020
Buttigieg's reported nomination to serve as transportation secretary under Biden followed a wave of backlash targeting the president-elect's previous suspected pick. Earlier reports suggested that Rahm Emanuel, former mayor of Chicago and former chief of staff during Barack Obama's presidency, was first in line to fulfill the transit position. Several politicians and public figures, including New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, criticized Emanuel as a possible selection for cabinet chief at the time. The criticism referenced Emanuel's response to Chicago teenager Laquan McDonald's police-involved death in 2014, while Emanuel was mayor.
Newsweek reached out to the Biden-Harris transition team for comment but did not receive a reply in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-15--Biden Slams Loeffler, Perdue for Supporting Bid to Toss Out Georgia Election Results

President-elect Joe Biden criticized Georgia Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler for throwing their support behind a lawsuit challenging their own state 's election results .
`` Your two Republican senators fully embraced what Texas was telling the Supreme Court , '' Biden said while campaigning for Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in Atlanta on Tuesday .
`` They fully embraced nullifying nearly 5 million Georgia votes .
You might want to remember that come January 5 . ''
He added , `` I 'm trying to be generous here , in the spirit of the season .
Maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they think they represent Texas . ''
Biden 's trip to the Peach State came just one day after the Electoral College formally cast its votes for Biden to replace President Donald Trump .
Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris each amassed 306 electoral votes , compared with Trump 's 232 .
The affirmative vote went off without a hitch despite an attempt by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to overturn election results from four key battleground states , including Georgia .
Paxton accused the states of exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to ignore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the results of the November 3 election .
While Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger disputed Paxton 's claims , Loeffler and Perdue sided with the Lonestar State 's lawsuit .
The Supreme Court soundly rejected the case on December 11 .
`` We fully support President Trump 's legal recourses and Attorney General Paxton 's lawsuit , '' the Republican senators said in a statement .
`` The President has every right to use every legal recourse available to guarantee these simple principles : every lawful vote cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ submitted can not be counted , and there must be full transparency and uniformity in the counting process . ''
Biden went on to praise Ossoff and Warnock , telling the crowd that the two candidates `` are n't confused at all '' and are running to represent Georgia 's interests in the U.S. Senate .
He added that the Democrats will help move his agenda forward on issues like coronavirus , the economy and racial justice .
`` I need two senators who will get something done , not two senators who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president-elect said .
Democrats need to win both runoffs in Georgia to control 50 seats in the next Senate , where Harris would then cast any tie-breaking votes as president of the chamber .
With majority control on the line , Georgia has essentially become the center of the political universe .
The four Senate candidates raked in a whopping $ 167 million in the weeks after the general election , most of it coming from out-of-state donors .
The stakes of the unprecedented double runoff elections have not been lost on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their candidates on a regular basis since November 3 .
Last week , during a rally in Augusta , Vice President Mike Pence told Georgians that reelecting Perdue and Loeffler was needed to continue the Trump agenda .
He also encouraged residents to vote absentee , despite the incessant attacks on mail-in ballots from Trump and other Republican leaders .
`` For all we 've done , for all we have yet to do , we need the Peach State to defend the majority because the road to a Senate majority runs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Pence said .
`` Are you with me ? ''
The Trump campaign said in a statement Tuesday that Biden 's visit to Georgia for Ossoff and Warnock is `` further proof that he is utterly in the grip of the extreme left , which is the driving force in today 's Democrat Party . ''
The runoffs between Loeffler and Warnock and Perdue and Ossoff will take place on January 5 .
More than 1 million Georgians have already requested absentee ballots , and early in-person voting started on December 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's office showed that 482,250 ballots had already been cast in the contests as of Tuesday .
Newsweek reached out to the Loeffler and Perdue campaigns for comment on Biden 's remarks but did not receive a response in time for publication .

President-elect Joe Biden criticized Georgia Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler for throwing their support behind a lawsuit challenging their own state's election results.
"Your two Republican senators fully embraced what Texas was telling the Supreme Court," Biden said while campaigning for Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in Atlanta on Tuesday. "They fully embraced nullifying nearly 5 million Georgia votes. You might want to remember that come January 5."
He added, "I'm trying to be generous here, in the spirit of the season. Maybe your senators were just confused. Maybe they think they represent Texas."
Biden's trip to the Peach State came just one day after the Electoral College formally cast its votes for Biden to replace President Donald Trump. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris each amassed 306 electoral votes, compared with Trump's 232.
The affirmative vote went off without a hitch despite an attempt by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to overturn election results from four key battleground states, including Georgia. Paxton accused the states of exploiting the coronavirus pandemic to ignore federal and state election laws to skew the results of the November 3 election.
While Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger disputed Paxton's claims, Loeffler and Perdue sided with the Lonestar State's lawsuit. The Supreme Court soundly rejected the case on December 11.
"We fully support President Trump's legal recourses and Attorney General Paxton's lawsuit," the Republican senators said in a statement. "The President has every right to use every legal recourse available to guarantee these simple principles: every lawful vote cast should be counted, any illegal vote submitted cannot be counted, and there must be full transparency and uniformity in the counting process."
Biden went on to praise Ossoff and Warnock, telling the crowd that the two candidates "aren't confused at all" and are running to represent Georgia's interests in the U.S. Senate. He added that the Democrats will help move his agenda forward on issues like coronavirus, the economy and racial justice.
"I need two senators who will get something done, not two senators who will get in the way," the president-elect said.
Democrats need to win both runoffs in Georgia to control 50 seats in the next Senate, where Harris would then cast any tie-breaking votes as president of the chamber.
With majority control on the line, Georgia has essentially become the center of the political universe. The four Senate candidates raked in a whopping $167 million in the weeks after the general election, most of it coming from out-of-state donors.
The stakes of the unprecedented double runoff elections have not been lost on party leaders, who have been stumping for their candidates on a regular basis since November 3.
President-elect Joe Biden departs a plane before attending a drive-in rally for Georgia Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock on December 15. Drew Angerer/Getty
Last week, during a rally in Augusta, Vice President Mike Pence told Georgians that reelecting Perdue and Loeffler was needed to continue the Trump agenda. He also encouraged residents to vote absentee, despite the incessant attacks on mail-in ballots from Trump and other Republican leaders.
"For all we've done, for all we have yet to do, we need the Peach State to defend the majority because the road to a Senate majority runs right through the state of Georgia," Pence said. "Are you with me?"
The Trump campaign said in a statement Tuesday that Biden's visit to Georgia for Ossoff and Warnock is "further proof that he is utterly in the grip of the extreme left, which is the driving force in today's Democrat Party."
The runoffs between Loeffler and Warnock and Perdue and Ossoff will take place on January 5. More than 1 million Georgians have already requested absentee ballots, and early in-person voting started on December 14. Data from the secretary of state's office showed that 482,250 ballots had already been cast in the contests as of Tuesday.
Newsweek reached out to the Loeffler and Perdue campaigns for comment on Biden's remarks but did not receive a response in time for publication.