newsweek--2020-11-18--'The Voice': Why is Gwen Stefani Leaving (Again) and Who Will Replace Her?

The Voice judging panel is getting another shake-up as No Doubt frontwoman ( and fiancée of fellow Voice judge Blake Shelton ) Gwen Stefani is leaving the show again for Season 20 .
Taking her place will be Nick Jonas , who also took the `` Hollaback Girl '' singer 's place the last time she left the NBC show .
This was revealed in a heavily-produced video on the Jonas Brother 's Instagram account where fellow judges Shelton , Kelly Clarkson and John Legend were speculating about who would be the new judge , only for them to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and breathe '' the competition .
Gwen Stefani has so far not spoken publicly about why she is leaving the show again .
Despite having been a judge on the show for five seasons , she has never stayed on the judging panel for two consecutive years , so it may be that she just likes to alternate her time doing the show and doing other projects like recording Christmas albums .
The last time Stefani missed a season of the show earlier this year , it was because the singer was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the auditions for the show were taking place , meaning she was unable to do both .
This suggests the singer may be planning further touring in 2021 , or simply wants to spend more time with her three children .
There is also the question of a wedding to be arranged .
In October , fellow judge Blake Shelton proposed to the singer , whom he has been dating for the past five years .
They have not confirmed when this wedding will take place , but an unnamed source told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their world upside down , as it has with so many families .
Gwen knows she is blessed and wants to have the wedding as soon as social distancing guidelines are lifted ... Gwen did n't wait this long to get married just to have her family watch on Zoom . ''
Shelton , however , will remain as a judge on The Voice , where he is the only judge who has worked on every single season of the NBC show .
Though Stefani will not be returning for Season 20 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2021 , she will remain as a judge for the remainder of the current season .
In the video announcing Jonas ' return to The Voice , the actor said : `` I 've been living and breathing The Voice since season 18 , I 've honed my skills , 'Channel your inner champion .
Make Blake cry . '
Little do these coaches know , I 've grown stronger by the day .
The newbie has now become the master . ''
The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The Voice judging panel is getting another shake-up as No Doubt frontwoman (and fiancée of fellow Voice judge Blake Shelton) Gwen Stefani is leaving the show again for Season 20. Taking her place will be Nick Jonas, who also took the "Hollaback Girl" singer's place the last time she left the NBC show.
This was revealed in a heavily-produced video on the Jonas Brother's Instagram account where fellow judges Shelton, Kelly Clarkson and John Legend were speculating about who would be the new judge, only for them to find Jonas meditating in order to "live and breathe" the competition.
Gwen Stefani has so far not spoken publicly about why she is leaving the show again. Despite having been a judge on the show for five seasons, she has never stayed on the judging panel for two consecutive years, so it may be that she just likes to alternate her time doing the show and doing other projects like recording Christmas albums.
The last time Stefani missed a season of the show earlier this year, it was because the singer was in the midst of a Las Vegas residency when the auditions for the show were taking place, meaning she was unable to do both. This suggests the singer may be planning further touring in 2021, or simply wants to spend more time with her three children.
Gwen Stefani will not be a judge on 'The Voice' Season 20. NBC
There is also the question of a wedding to be arranged. In October, fellow judge Blake Shelton proposed to the singer, whom he has been dating for the past five years.
They have not confirmed when this wedding will take place, but an unnamed source told Us Weekly: "COVID-19 has turned their world upside down, as it has with so many families. Gwen knows she is blessed and wants to have the wedding as soon as social distancing guidelines are lifted...Gwen didn't wait this long to get married just to have her family watch on Zoom."
Shelton, however, will remain as a judge on The Voice, where he is the only judge who has worked on every single season of the NBC show.
Though Stefani will not be returning for Season 20, set to air at some point in 2021, she will remain as a judge for the remainder of the current season.
In the video announcing Jonas' return to The Voice, the actor said: "I've been living and breathing The Voice since season 18, I've honed my skills, 'Channel your inner champion. Make Blake cry.' Little do these coaches know, I've grown stronger by the day. The newbie has now become the master."
The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on NBC.


newsweek--2020-11-18--Oregon County GOP Leader Compares Gov. Kate Brown's COVID Restrictions to Slavery

An elected official in Clackamas County , Oregon has doubled down on her criticism of Gov .
Kate Brown 's coronavirus restrictions , comparing them to slavery .
Tootie Smith , the incoming chairwoman of the Clackamas Board of County Commissioners , took to Facebook over the weekend to criticize Brown after the governor announced new restrictions in the state to combat a surge in COVID-19 cases .
`` My family will celebrate Thanksgiving with as many family and friends as I can find , '' Smith , a Republican , wrote in a post on Saturday .
`` Gov @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
In an appearance on Fox News on Tuesday night , Smith stood by the comment .
`` This is a travesty that 's happening in our state , '' Smith told Tucker Carlson .
`` How dare Gov .
Brown think she 's going to come out , send police into people 's home and arrest them and fine them for having a Thanksgiving meal with their family . ''
Smith then went so far as to compare the Democratic governor 's restrictions to slavery .
`` I think our people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the independence to make their own decisions , '' Smith added .
`` We are adults .
We do not need to be treated as second-rate slaves in our own homes . ''
Brown announced a statewide two-week `` freeze '' on Friday , effective from Wednesday through December 2 , after a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the state .
Under her order , social gatherings are limited to a maximum of six people from no more than two households .
Restaurants and bars are restricted to take-out only and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreation facilities , will be closed .
Those who do not abide by the governor 's latest mandates could face a citation , fine or arrest .
Brown 's executive order says those who knowingly violate the restrictions are guilty of Class C misdemeanor , punishable by up to 30 days in jail , a fine of $ 1,250 , or both .
In a statement on Tuesday , Brown said she expects local law enforcement to `` continue to use an education first approach , but Oregonians need to understand that these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She added that while the restrictions may seem daunting , the state was at a `` breaking point . ''
`` I know Oregonians have made tremendous sacrifices throughout this pandemic and that these new , temporary restrictions may seem daunting , '' she said .
`` But , we are at a breaking point .
If we do n't take further action , we risk continued alarming spikes in infections and hospitalizations , and we risk the lives of our neighbors and loved ones .
`` I also know that Oregonians come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we owe it to each other to take these measures seriously .
It is up to all of us to work together to get this virus under control . ''
Oregon has more than 58,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 778 deaths , according to the latest information from the Oregon Health Authority .
There are more than 3,800 people hospitalized in the state .
Representatives for Smith and Brown have been contacted for additional comment .

An elected official in Clackamas County, Oregon has doubled down on her criticism of Gov. Kate Brown's coronavirus restrictions, comparing them to slavery.
Tootie Smith, the incoming chairwoman of the Clackamas Board of County Commissioners, took to Facebook over the weekend to criticize Brown after the governor announced new restrictions in the state to combat a surge in COVID-19 cases.
"My family will celebrate Thanksgiving with as many family and friends as I can find," Smith, a Republican, wrote in a post on Saturday. "Gov. Brown is WRONG to order otherwise."
Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.
In an appearance on Fox News on Tuesday night, Smith stood by the comment.
"This is a travesty that's happening in our state," Smith told Tucker Carlson. "How dare Gov. Brown think she's going to come out, send police into people's home and arrest them and fine them for having a Thanksgiving meal with their family."
Smith then went so far as to compare the Democratic governor's restrictions to slavery.
"I think our people have the intelligence, the education and the independence to make their own decisions," Smith added. "We are adults. We do not need to be treated as second-rate slaves in our own homes."
Brown announced a statewide two-week "freeze" on Friday, effective from Wednesday through December 2, after a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the state.
Under her order, social gatherings are limited to a maximum of six people from no more than two households. Restaurants and bars are restricted to take-out only and certain businesses, including gyms and indoor recreation facilities, will be closed.
Those who do not abide by the governor's latest mandates could face a citation, fine or arrest. Brown's executive order says those who knowingly violate the restrictions are guilty of Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine of $1,250, or both.
In a statement on Tuesday, Brown said she expects local law enforcement to "continue to use an education first approach, but Oregonians need to understand that these rules are enforceable under law."
She added that while the restrictions may seem daunting, the state was at a "breaking point."
"I know Oregonians have made tremendous sacrifices throughout this pandemic and that these new, temporary restrictions may seem daunting," she said. "But, we are at a breaking point. If we don't take further action, we risk continued alarming spikes in infections and hospitalizations, and we risk the lives of our neighbors and loved ones.
"I also know that Oregonians come together in times of need, and we owe it to each other to take these measures seriously. It is up to all of us to work together to get this virus under control."
Oregon has more than 58,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 778 deaths, according to the latest information from the Oregon Health Authority. There are more than 3,800 people hospitalized in the state.
Representatives for Smith and Brown have been contacted for additional comment.


newsweek--2020-11-18--How to Watch the Stand Up for Heroes Virtual Benefit for Veterans With Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewar

How to Watch the Stand Up for Heroes Virtual Benefit for Veterans With Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewart and More

On Wednesday , for the first time , New York 's annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit boasting a lineup of some of the biggest names in music and comedy will be held virtually .
The benefit show is presented by both The Bob Woodruff Foundation and The New York Comedy Festival .
It raises both money and awareness for the foundation .
The Bob Woodruff Foundation 's mission is `` to help veterans and military families thrive '' is especially vital as veterans face increased challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic , '' according to its website .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jon Stewart will host the event .
The 2020 edition will feature the comedians Iliza Shlesinger , Ronny Chieng , Tiffany Haddish , and Nate Bargatze .
It will also feature musicians Bruce Springsteen , Patti Scialfa , Sheryl Crow , Brad Paisley and Mickey Guyton .
The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry , author Jeannie Gaffigan , and comedian Ray Romano will also make appearances as special guests .
`` We 're doing it virtual this year , but that does n't mean that Stand Up for Heroes is n't gon na @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a promo clip for the show .
Besides performers , the show will also pay tribute to those the fundraiser is for .
`` The event will also highlight inspiring moments , memorable surprises , and stories of resilience while recognizing the men and women who have served in our nation 's military , '' a press release stated .
`` For the last 14 years , the Stand Up for Heroes event has continued to inspire our nation and serves as a reminder of all of the brave individuals that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' ABC News correspondent and the organization 's founder Bob Woodruff said in a press release received by Newsweek .
`` This year , it is especially important that we unite to show support for their sacrifices as we come together virtually to stand up for our heroes . ''
Since it first began in 2007 , Stand Up For Heroes has raised over $ 55 million for veterans .
Past installments have featured performances by the likes of Whoopi Goldberg , Jerry Seinfeld , John Mayer , the Red Hot Chili @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows have been held at iconic New York City venues : Town Hall , the Beacon Theater , and the Theater at Madison Square Garden .
The event will begin at 9 p.m. EST on Wednesday November 18 .
The event will air on ABC News Live .
It will also stream on TikTok , Facebook , Cheddar , Twitch , the Armed Forces Network , and YouTube .

On Wednesday, for the first time, New York's annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit boasting a lineup of some of the biggest names in music and comedy will be held virtually.
The benefit show is presented by both The Bob Woodruff Foundation and The New York Comedy Festival. It raises both money and awareness for the foundation. The Bob Woodruff Foundation's mission is "to help veterans and military families thrive" is especially vital as veterans face increased challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic," according to its website.
As per usual, former Daily Show anchor Jon Stewart will host the event. The 2020 edition will feature the comedians Iliza Shlesinger, Ronny Chieng, Tiffany Haddish, and Nate Bargatze. It will also feature musicians Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley and Mickey Guyton. The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry, author Jeannie Gaffigan, and comedian Ray Romano will also make appearances as special guests.
"We're doing it virtual this year, but that doesn't mean that Stand Up for Heroes isn't gonna have amazing performances," Stewart said in a promo clip for the show.
Besides performers, the show will also pay tribute to those the fundraiser is for. "The event will also highlight inspiring moments, memorable surprises, and stories of resilience while recognizing the men and women who have served in our nation's military," a press release stated.
"For the last 14 years, the Stand Up for Heroes event has continued to inspire our nation and serves as a reminder of all of the brave individuals that have defended our country selflessly in our military," ABC News correspondent and the organization's founder Bob Woodruff said in a press release received by Newsweek. "This year, it is especially important that we unite to show support for their sacrifices as we come together virtually to stand up for our heroes."
Since it first began in 2007, Stand Up For Heroes has raised over $55 million for veterans. Past installments have featured performances by the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfeld, John Mayer, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and many more. Past live shows have been held at iconic New York City venues: Town Hall, the Beacon Theater, and the Theater at Madison Square Garden.
The event will begin at 9 p.m. EST on Wednesday November 18. The event will air on ABC News Live. It will also stream on TikTok, Facebook, Cheddar, Twitch, the Armed Forces Network, and YouTube.


newsweek--2020-11-18--Karl Marx Is Trending on Twitter and It's Thanks to K-Pop Fans

Why is Karl Marx trending ?
It is a thought many people would have had on scrolling through Twitter today—and , more importantly , what 's it got to do with K-pop stans ?
Stan Twitter is a mysterious place and sometimes fans of K-pop supergroups such as BTS and Blackpink get bizarre things to start trending .
Often , it 's to help a cause , as it was in June when K-pop fans spammed the Grand Rapids Police Department in Dallas after police launched an app to report protestors during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations .
The fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conspiracy theorists and boost anti-racism activism .
Stans spearheaded a campaign that took over Twitter hashtags often filled with racist posts , including # MAGA and # WhiteLivesMatter .
On Election Day , they hijacked the pro-Donald Trump # 4MoreYears trend , using it post images of K-pop bands But why on Earth did they get the German philosopher and author of The Communist Manifesto trending today ?
The simple answer is that it 's a joke—fans began comparing Marx 's looks and impact on the world to that of BTS member Jin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marx .
ca n't wait for C ( O ) MRADE 's debut , '' one user joked .
Another shared a fancam of Marx and tweeted : `` Yeah i stan jin but at the end of the day karl marx is my ult bias and no one can change that . ''
Fancams are short clips of popular artists performing on a loop that are ubiquitous on stan Twitter accounts .
`` Karl marx is trending on kpop twitter because someone said he 's more attractive than jin from bts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : `` Wait so ur telling me that karl marx is trending because there was a MARX VS BTS JIN DISCOURSE ?
?
?
?
HOW IS THIS REAL LIFE IM SCREAMINGG . ''
Another person speculated : `` So BASICALLY oomf was struggling w their history essay , they made a very random tweet abt karl marx , surprise surprise a n*tzen got involved & dragged jin UNPROVOKED , now karl marx is trending and yeah ... '' Some people not in the K-pop loop were understandably confused .
`` Seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's because of f****** k-pop stans ruined my day ngl , '' tweeted an account called @ fletchthecommie .
Truth is , there is no way to logically explain it .
It 's just a weird part of internet culture that we might as well embrace .
As Marx himself might have said if he had had a Twitter account : `` A specter is haunting Twitter , the specter of K-pop stans . ''

Why is Karl Marx trending? It is a thought many people would have had on scrolling through Twitter today—and, more importantly, what's it got to do with K-pop stans?
Stan Twitter is a mysterious place and sometimes fans of K-pop supergroups such as BTS and Blackpink get bizarre things to start trending.
Often, it's to help a cause, as it was in June when K-pop fans spammed the Grand Rapids Police Department in Dallas after police launched an app to report protestors during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
The fans also flooded QAnon Twitter hashtags to silence conspiracy theorists and boost anti-racism activism. Stans spearheaded a campaign that took over Twitter hashtags often filled with racist posts, including #MAGA and #WhiteLivesMatter.
On Election Day, they hijacked the pro-Donald Trump #4MoreYears trend, using it post images of K-pop bands
But why on Earth did they get the German philosopher and author of The Communist Manifesto trending today?
Karl Marx's headstone at Highgate cemetery in London. He died in 1883 but was trending on Twitter today—thanks to K-pop fans. John van Hasselt/Corbis via Getty Images
The simple answer is that it's a joke—fans began comparing Marx's looks and impact on the world to that of BTS member Jin.
"My favorite idol, karl marx. can't wait for C(O)MRADE's debut," one user joked.
my favorite idol, karl marx 😍 can’t wait for C(O)MRADE’s debut pic.twitter.com/rQphWWAbkh — prachi (@itsprachik) November 18, 2020
Another shared a fancam of Marx and tweeted: "Yeah i stan jin but at the end of the day karl marx is my ult bias and no one can change that."
yeah i stan jin but at the end of the day karl marx is my ult bias and no one can change that pic.twitter.com/rc5owhEOf1 — jude ♡ (@softishima) November 17, 2020
Fancams are short clips of popular artists performing on a loop that are ubiquitous on stan Twitter accounts.
"Karl marx is trending on kpop twitter because someone said he's more attractive than jin from bts," another person wrote.
karl marx is trending on kpop twitter because someone said he's more attractive than jin from bts pic.twitter.com/HfqKyabQW2 — levi ♡ (@comradeksoo) November 17, 2020
One fan added: "Wait so ur telling me that karl marx is trending because there was a MARX VS BTS JIN DISCOURSE ???? HOW IS THIS REAL LIFE IM SCREAMINGG."
wait so ur telling me that karl marx is trending because there was a MARX VS BTS JIN DISCOURSE ???? HOW IS THIS REAL LIFE IM SCREAMINGG pic.twitter.com/qo2BhsgnZ4 — kai (@catboyliu) November 17, 2020
Another person speculated: "So BASICALLY oomf was struggling w their history essay, they made a very random tweet abt karl marx, surprise surprise a n*tzen got involved & dragged jin UNPROVOKED, now karl marx is trending and yeah ..."
so BASICALLY oomf was struggling w their history essay, they made a very random tweet abt karl marx, surprise surprise a n*tzen got involved & dragged jin UNPROVOKED, now karl marx is trending and yeah ... — s⁷✤ (@taesdivinity) November 17, 2020
Some people not in the K-pop loop were understandably confused.
"Seeing karl marx trending and then seeing that it's because of f****** k-pop stans ruined my day ngl," tweeted an account called @fletchthecommie.
Truth is, there is no way to logically explain it. It's just a weird part of internet culture that we might as well embrace.
As Marx himself might have said if he had had a Twitter account: "A specter is haunting Twitter, the specter of K-pop stans."
IM GOING TO THROW UPXBBDHBFIDKWNXNKG pic.twitter.com/rmQuoxXyfS — ð (@leplapin) November 18, 2020


newsweek--2020-11-18--When Is the 2020 NBA Draft? Start Time, Complete First-Round Order and How to Watch

The most unprecedented season in NBA history may have ended only last month , but the Los Angeles Lakers ' triumph in the Orlando bubble is already in the rearview mirrors as teams turn to the draft and free agency .
The draft takes place on Wednesday night , with the Minnesota Timberwolves holding the first pick for the second time in just five years .
Because of the coronavirus pandemic , the event will differ from its predecessors in terms of location and , more importantly , place in the NBA calendar .
As was the case for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has abandoned its traditional glitzy ceremony in New York and will hold the draft from ESPN 's studios .
While this year 's draft is held after the conclusion of the NBA Finals as usual , teams and rookies will have just over a month to get ready for the upcoming season , which will begin on December 22 .
Training camps are set to begin on December 1 , so the gap is considerably smaller than the usual four months .
Here 's all you need to know ahead of the draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The draft will begin at 8 p.m .
ET on Wednesday , November 18 .
Because of the COVID pandemic , the event will not be at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn , where NBA drafts have been held since 2013 .
Instead it will take place at ESPN 's studios in Bristol , Connecticut .
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will announce picks in the first round , with Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum overseeing the second round .
For the players there will be no walk on stage to shake Silver 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have been drafted by via Zoom .
As usual , the NBA draft will be covered by ESPN .
The network will broadcast the draft on its TV channel and live-streaming will be available via WatchESPN.com and the WatchESPN app on smartphones , tablets and connected devices .
The live-stream will also be available via fuboTV , YouTube TV , Hulu Plus Live TV , Sling TV and AT & T TV Now .
Which team will pick first ?
The Minnesota Timberwolves hold the first pick for the second time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in franchise history after winning the draft lottery .
After claiming three NBA championships in the past five years , the Golden State Warriors are in the unusual position of picking second , ahead of the Charlotte Hornets , Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers .
The Atlanta Hawks will pick sixth , followed by Detroit Pistons , New York Knicks and Washington Wizards .
The Phoenix Suns round out the top 10 .
Fresh from winning their 17th NBA title , the Los Angeles Lakers will pick 28th , but have already agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Thunder along with guard Danny Green in exchange for Sixth Man of the Year finalist Dennis Schroder .
Which team has the most picks ?
Aside from the first overall pick , the Minnesota Timberwolves also hold the 17th and 33rd picks .
The Timberwolves are one of eight NBA teams entering the draft with three or more selections , along with the Philadelphia 76ers , Sacramento Kings , New Orleans Pelicans , Boston Celtics , Golden State Warriors , Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks .
With five picks , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kings , Pelicans and Celtics hold four picks each .
The Warriors , Hornets and Knicks , meanwhile , have three selections apiece .
At the time of writing , the Houston Rockets are the only team without a draft selection in the 2020 draft .
The Indiana Pacers , Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies do n't have a first-round pick .

The most unprecedented season in NBA history may have ended only last month, but the Los Angeles Lakers' triumph in the Orlando bubble is already in the rearview mirrors as teams turn to the draft and free agency.
The draft takes place on Wednesday night, with the Minnesota Timberwolves holding the first pick for the second time in just five years. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the event will differ from its predecessors in terms of location and, more importantly, place in the NBA calendar.
As was the case for the NFL draft in April, the NBA has abandoned its traditional glitzy ceremony in New York and will hold the draft from ESPN's studios. While this year's draft is held after the conclusion of the NBA Finals as usual, teams and rookies will have just over a month to get ready for the upcoming season, which will begin on December 22.
Training camps are set to begin on December 1, so the gap is considerably smaller than the usual four months.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the draft.
When is the 2020 NBA Draft?
The draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 18. Because of the COVID pandemic, the event will not be at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where NBA drafts have been held since 2013. Instead it will take place at ESPN's studios in Bristol, Connecticut.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will announce picks in the first round, with Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum overseeing the second round.
For the players there will be no walk on stage to shake Silver's hand. They will learn what franchise they have been drafted by via Zoom.
TV channel and live-stream
As usual, the NBA draft will be covered by ESPN. The network will broadcast the draft on its TV channel and live-streaming will be available via WatchESPN.com and the WatchESPN app on smartphones, tablets and connected devices.
The live-stream will also be available via fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, Sling TV and AT&T TV Now.
The Black Lives Matter logo is seen on an empty court on August 27 during the 2020 NBA playoffs at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The NBA draft will be held on November 18 in the ESPN studios in Bristol, Connecticut. Kevin C. Cox/Getty
Which team will pick first?
The Minnesota Timberwolves hold the first pick for the second time in five years and only the second time in franchise history after winning the draft lottery.
After claiming three NBA championships in the past five years, the Golden State Warriors are in the unusual position of picking second, ahead of the Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Atlanta Hawks will pick sixth, followed by Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks and Washington Wizards. The Phoenix Suns round out the top 10. Fresh from winning their 17th NBA title, the Los Angeles Lakers will pick 28th, but have already agreed to trade their selection to the Oklahoma City Thunder along with guard Danny Green in exchange for Sixth Man of the Year finalist Dennis Schroder.
Which team has the most picks?
Aside from the first overall pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves also hold the 17th and 33rd picks. The Timberwolves are one of eight NBA teams entering the draft with three or more selections, along with the Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks.
With five picks, the 76ers have the largest haul. The Kings, Pelicans and Celtics hold four picks each. The Warriors, Hornets and Knicks, meanwhile, have three selections apiece.
At the time of writing, the Houston Rockets are the only team without a draft selection in the 2020 draft. The Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies don't have a first-round pick.


newsweek--2020-11-18--'Fortnite' Update 14.60 Adds Houseparty and New Creative Hub—Patch Notes

Fortnite update 14.60 is officially live , with Houseparty video chat support , more XP Extravaganza Challenges and a revised Creative Hub .
Read all about it in our makeshift patch notes compiled using official Epic Games sources .
• Venom Cup : November 18 : We 've saved the most menacing one for last ... Venom !
Bond with your Duo partner and take on a ladder of opponents in the fourth tournament of the Marvel Knockout Super Series .
Place high enough and earn the terrifying Venom Outfit , We Are Venom Emote , Symbiote Slasher Pickaxe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Did n't make the cut and hungry for round two ?
This time we 're giving players two opportunities in each region to test their mettle .
• The Creative Hub Expands : We 've added new matchmaking portals to the Creative Hub powered by you—the community !
Ranked according to the most popular and fastest-growing , creator-made Islands , these portals showcase genres like Combat , Variety Games and Practice matches .
Jump in and discover the best of Creative .
We 're also adding a new Creative LTM which cycles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Content will be rotated in regularly , so check back every few days for new experiences !
• Let 's Get Social : In this week 's update you 'll be able to SEE your friends ' faces while you play together .
We 're introducing a whole new way to play using video chat powered by Houseparty .
• XP Extravaganza Part Two : The second batch of XP Extravaganza Challenges arrives this week !
Get the squad together and take on these party-wide challenges to finish out the Battle Pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hide the Elimination Feed and mute Elimination Audio to encourage sneaky sniping !
• Updated the Hub Island portal layout to accommodate the recent updates to hub creator guidelines .
• Fixed an issue where the time of day lighting appeared differently on featured islands and personal islands .
• Added a new option to My Island > Settings • Player Elimination Audio : Off , On ( Default : On ) —causes eliminated players to be despawned silently .
• Added new options to My Island > UI • Hide Elimination Feed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No ) —completely hides the elimination feed during the game .
• Hide Party Eliminations : Yes , No ( Default : No ) —hides the number of eliminations for each party member in the Party UI during the game .
• Fixed an issue where an eliminated player could spectate a player on the enemy team .
• Fixed an issue where Team Size did not limit the number of players when Join in Progress was set to 'Spawn Next Round ' .
• Fixed an issue where the sky would flicker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where the X-4 Stormwing was de-synced after player interaction .
• Fixed an issue where husks did not fall off edges to follow players .
• Fixed an issue where players could not open the Creative Inventory after cutting and pasting a device .
• Fixed an issue where the Creative Inventory appeared distorted when customizing a device .
• Fixed a collision issue with the pillar wall asset from the Princess Castle Wall galleries .
• Fixed an issue with the bush from Winter Variant Foliage Gallery A having a yellow glow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bridge girder asset from the Steel Bridge galleries being difficult to place with the phone .
• Fixed an issue with some of the Steel Bridge prefabs & galleries placing outside of the preview boundary .
• Fixed an issue with the bridge street asset from the Steel Bridge set having a misaligned grid snap box .
• Fixed an issue with assets from the Swamp Cliff Gallery displaying the wrong texture .
• Added new options to the Class Selector device .
• Activation Audio : On , Off ( Default : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when a player changes class to be muted .
• Zone Audio : On , Off ( Default : On ) —allows the ambient audio effect for the zone and the audio effects for players entering and leaving the zone to be muted .
• Added new options to the Mutator Zone device .
• Affects Team : Selected , All But Selected ( Default : All But Selected ) • These two options replace the old Safe Team option to allow the zone to affect all teams ( Selected Team = None @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or every team except the Selected Team .
• Selected Class : None , Any , 1-16 ( Default : None ) • Affects Class : Selected , All But Selected ( Default : All But Selected ) • These two options replace the old Safe Class option to allow the zone to affect all classes ( Selected Class = Any ) , players without a class ( Selected Class = None ) , just the Selected Class , or every class except the Selected Class .
• Update Selected Team When Receiving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Default : No Channel ) - sets the Selected Team on the device to be the same team as the player who instigated the signal .
• Update Selected Class When Receiving From : No Channel , 1-150 ( Default : No Channel ) - sets the Selected Class on the device to be the same class as the player who instigated the signal .
• Fixed an issue with the Player Spawn Pad 's lighting being too bright on PS5 during mixed island filters .
• Fixed an issue where the Mutator @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 .
• Disabled voice chat can not be re-enabled on Xbox Series X|S .
• Team Size setting does not properly function when Join In Progress is set to Join Next Round .
Fortnite update 14.60 is somewhat uneventful in terms of major features , but it has a few additions worth noting .
Chief among them is full integration with Houseparty , which is an interesting prospect .
Obviously there are lots of video chat options already available for Fortnite fans to use if they 'd like to do so , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how the concept might be improved with help from an app that Epic actually owns .
The implementation sounds easy enough to use , so it could be a fun way to bring the Battle Royale experience a little closer to home in these unprecedented times .
With regard to Fortnite Creative , 14.60 is one of the most substantial updates the player-driven suite has seen in a while .
The brand-new hub and LTM in particular sound like great ways to ensure more of the community 's coolest maps get noticed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the responsibility has been on YouTubers to advertise the best codes , now we 've got two new avenues to help unique ideas get noticed .
The other adjustments made to sound muting are interesting , but , like all Creative updates , we 'll have to see how creators make use of it to really know how worthwhile the idea is .
It certainly sounds like it could add a cool wrinkle to Snipers vs Runners , though .
Overall , Fortnite update 14.60 amounts to an interstitial update to close out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neat stuff , but we 're way more excited to see what comes next .
Fortnite is available now on PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X|S , Xbox One , Switch , PC and Android .
What are your thoughts on Fortnite update 14.60 after reading these patch notes ?
Will you use Housepartyvideo chat ?
Tell us in the comments section !

Fortnite update 14.60 is officially live, with Houseparty video chat support, more XP Extravaganza Challenges and a revised Creative Hub. Read all about it in our makeshift patch notes compiled using official Epic Games sources.
Fortnite Update 14.60 patch notes
Battle Royale Highlights
'Fortnite' update 14.60 adds full Houseparty integration with video chat. Read the patch notes below. 'Fortnite' is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC and Android. Epic Games
Venom Cup: November 18 : We've saved the most menacing one for last...Venom! Bond with your Duo partner and take on a ladder of opponents in the fourth tournament of the Marvel Knockout Super Series. Place high enough and earn the terrifying Venom Outfit, We Are Venom Emote, Symbiote Slasher Pickaxe and Tendril Tote Back Bling ahead of release. Didn't make the cut and hungry for round two? This time we're giving players two opportunities in each region to test their mettle.
: We've saved the most menacing one for last...Venom! Bond with your Duo partner and take on a ladder of opponents in the fourth tournament of the Marvel Knockout Super Series. Place high enough and earn the terrifying Venom Outfit, We Are Venom Emote, Symbiote Slasher Pickaxe and Tendril Tote Back Bling ahead of release. Didn't make the cut and hungry for round two? This time we're giving players two opportunities in each region to test their mettle. The Creative Hub Expands : We've added new matchmaking portals to the Creative Hub powered by you—the community! Ranked according to the most popular and fastest-growing, creator-made Islands, these portals showcase genres like Combat, Variety Games and Practice matches. Jump in and discover the best of Creative. We're also adding a new Creative LTM which cycles through a playlist of popular community-made games. Content will be rotated in regularly, so check back every few days for new experiences!
: We've added new matchmaking portals to the Creative Hub powered by you—the community! Ranked according to the most popular and fastest-growing, creator-made Islands, these portals showcase genres like Combat, Variety Games and Practice matches. Jump in and discover the best of Creative. We're also adding a new Creative LTM which cycles through a playlist of popular community-made games. Content will be rotated in regularly, so check back every few days for new experiences! Let's Get Social : In this week's update you'll be able to SEE your friends' faces while you play together. We're introducing a whole new way to play using video chat powered by Houseparty.
: In this week's update you'll be able to SEE your friends' faces while you play together. We're introducing a whole new way to play using video chat powered by Houseparty. XP Extravaganza Part Two: The second batch of XP Extravaganza Challenges arrives this week! Get the squad together and take on these party-wide challenges to finish out the Battle Pass in style.
Fortnite Creative
'Fortnite' update 14.60 adds a new Creative Hub and LTM to help creators get discovered. Epic Games
Highlights
You can now hide the Elimination Feed and mute Elimination Audio to encourage sneaky sniping!
Islands
Updated the Hub Island portal layout to accommodate the recent updates to hub creator guidelines.
Islands Bug Fixes
Fixed an issue where the time of day lighting appeared differently on featured islands and personal islands.
Gameplay
Added a new option to My Island > Settings
Player Elimination Audio: Off, On (Default: On)—causes eliminated players to be despawned silently.
Added new options to My Island > UI
Hide Elimination Feed: Yes, No (Default: No)—completely hides the elimination feed during the game.
Hide Party Eliminations: Yes, No (Default: No)—hides the number of eliminations for each party member in the Party UI during the game.
Gameplay Bug Fixes
Fixed an issue where an eliminated player could spectate a player on the enemy team.
Fixed an issue where Team Size did not limit the number of players when Join in Progress was set to 'Spawn Next Round'.
Fixed an issue where the sky would flicker on PS4.
Weapons and Items Bug Fixes
Fixed an issue where the X-4 Stormwing was de-synced after player interaction.
Fixed an issue where husks did not fall off edges to follow players.
Creative Tools and Phone Bug Fixes
Fixed an issue where players could not open the Creative Inventory after cutting and pasting a device.
Fixed an issue where the Creative Inventory appeared distorted when customizing a device.
Prefabs and Galleries Bug Fixes
Fixed a collision issue with the pillar wall asset from the Princess Castle Wall galleries.
Fixed an issue with the bush from Winter Variant Foliage Gallery A having a yellow glow.
Fixed an issue with a bridge girder asset from the Steel Bridge galleries being difficult to place with the phone.
Fixed an issue with some of the Steel Bridge prefabs & galleries placing outside of the preview boundary.
Fixed an issue with the bridge street asset from the Steel Bridge set having a misaligned grid snap box.
Fixed an issue with assets from the Swamp Cliff Gallery displaying the wrong texture.
Devices
Added new options to the Class Selector device.
Activation Audio: On, Off (Default: On)—allows the audio effect played when a player changes class to be muted.
Zone Audio: On,Off (Default: On)—allows the ambient audio effect for the zone and the audio effects for players entering and leaving the zone to be muted.
Added new options to the Mutator Zone device.
Selected Team: None, 1-16 (Default: None)
Affects Team: Selected, All But Selected (Default: All But Selected)
These two options replace the old Safe Team option to allow the zone to affect all teams (Selected Team = None), just the Selected Team, or every team except the Selected Team.
Selected Class: None, Any, 1-16 (Default: None)
Affects Class: Selected, All But Selected (Default: All But Selected)
These two options replace the old Safe Class option to allow the zone to affect all classes (Selected Class = Any), players without a class (Selected Class = None), just the Selected Class, or every class except the Selected Class.
Update Selected Team When Receiving From: No Channel, 1-150 (Default: No Channel) - sets the Selected Team on the device to be the same team as the player who instigated the signal.
Update Selected Class When Receiving From: No Channel, 1-150 (Default: No Channel) - sets the Selected Class on the device to be the same class as the player who instigated the signal.
Devices Bug Fixes
Fixed an issue with the Player Spawn Pad's lighting being too bright on PS5 during mixed island filters.
Fixed an issue where the Mutator Zone Class Selected option was offset by 1.
Bug Fixes
General
Disabled voice chat cannot be re-enabled on Xbox Series X|S.
Creative
Team Size setting does not properly function when Join In Progress is set to Join Next Round.
Save the World
Wild West Llama not granting Steampunk weapon.
Fortnite update 14.60 is somewhat uneventful in terms of major features, but it has a few additions worth noting. Chief among them is full integration with Houseparty, which is an interesting prospect. Obviously there are lots of video chat options already available for Fortnite fans to use if they'd like to do so, but it will be exciting to see how the concept might be improved with help from an app that Epic actually owns. The implementation sounds easy enough to use, so it could be a fun way to bring the Battle Royale experience a little closer to home in these unprecedented times.
With regard to Fortnite Creative, 14.60 is one of the most substantial updates the player-driven suite has seen in a while. The brand-new hub and LTM in particular sound like great ways to ensure more of the community's coolest maps get noticed by the wider public. While much of the responsibility has been on YouTubers to advertise the best codes, now we've got two new avenues to help unique ideas get noticed. The other adjustments made to sound muting are interesting, but, like all Creative updates, we'll have to see how creators make use of it to really know how worthwhile the idea is. It certainly sounds like it could add a cool wrinkle to Snipers vs Runners, though. Overall, Fortnite update 14.60 amounts to an interstitial update to close out Season 4. It's got some neat stuff, but we're way more excited to see what comes next.
Fortnite is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, PC and Android.
What are your thoughts on Fortnite update 14.60 after reading these patch notes? Will you use Housepartyvideo chat? Tell us in the comments section!


newsweek--2020-11-18--Americans Want Trump to Work With Biden Transition Team on COVID-19 Crisis: Poll

President-elect Joe Biden has worked unperturbed on building a team to facilitate his move to the White House despite President Donald Trump 's refusal to concede—and polling indicates Americans want it to be involved in the response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis .
Biden launched a transition team shortly after networks called the election in his favor and has been naming staff who will take up senior roles in his inner circle in recent days .
However , his transition has been hampered due to sign off having not been given on federal resources to facilitate this move—amid Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While Trump has pushed against the validity of Biden 's success , insisting the election was rigged against him with unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud and irregularities , polling has indicated that Americans would like to see his team begin to be able to have involvement in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic .
YouGov polled 7,245 U.S. adults on November 17 and asked : `` Thinking about the COVID-19 response in the US , which of the following do you think would be more effective ? ''
The options were `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health response without input from the Biden team '' or `` the Trump administration works with the Biden team to coordinate the public health response . ''
Of all those asked , 55 percent said they would favor the latter course of action of Biden 's team working with the Trump administration .
Around half that , 28 percent , said they would prefer the Trump administration carry on with no such input while 17 percent said they did not know which they felt would be more effective .
There was a clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of Democrats favoring Biden 's team be involved while only 21 percent of Republicans wanted to see this .
However , for those identifying as independents , their responses reflected the overall numbers—with 55 percent wanting Biden 's team involved and 28 percent not .
Biden has weighed in on the debate surrounding the response to COVID-19 in recent days , urging Americans to wear face masks and to observe social distancing as he spoke of `` shared responsibility and shared action . ''
`` I promise you , from the moment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I will do everything in my power to lead this unified national effort , '' he said in recent remarks .
In previous remarks upon detailing his COVID-19 advisory board , Biden said : `` Dealing with the coronavirus pandemic is one of the most important battles our administration will face , and I will be informed by science and by experts . ''
Newsweek has contacted the White House and the Biden transition team for comment .
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. throughout the pandemic has surpassed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University figures .
The below graphic , from Statista , shows the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in different nations as of November 16 .

President-elect Joe Biden has worked unperturbed on building a team to facilitate his move to the White House despite President Donald Trump's refusal to concede—and polling indicates Americans want it to be involved in the response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Biden launched a transition team shortly after networks called the election in his favor and has been naming staff who will take up senior roles in his inner circle in recent days.
However, his transition has been hampered due to sign off having not been given on federal resources to facilitate this move—amid Trump's ongoing pushback against the vote's outcome.
While Trump has pushed against the validity of Biden's success, insisting the election was rigged against him with unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud and irregularities, polling has indicated that Americans would like to see his team begin to be able to have involvement in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
YouGov polled 7,245 U.S. adults on November 17 and asked: "Thinking about the COVID-19 response in the US, which of the following do you think would be more effective?"
The options were "the Trump administration continues to coordinate the public health response without input from the Biden team" or "the Trump administration works with the Biden team to coordinate the public health response."
Of all those asked, 55 percent said they would favor the latter course of action of Biden's team working with the Trump administration.
Around half that, 28 percent, said they would prefer the Trump administration carry on with no such input while 17 percent said they did not know which they felt would be more effective.
Joe Biden, who has been moving forward with his transition team following networks calling the election in his favor, arrives at the Queen Theater to receive a briefing on national security on November 17, in Wilmington, Delaware. Americans polled have said his team being involved in the COVID-19 response would make it more effective. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
There was a clear partisan split in responses, with 77 percent of Democrats favoring Biden's team be involved while only 21 percent of Republicans wanted to see this. However, for those identifying as independents, their responses reflected the overall numbers—with 55 percent wanting Biden's team involved and 28 percent not.
Biden has weighed in on the debate surrounding the response to COVID-19 in recent days, urging Americans to wear face masks and to observe social distancing as he spoke of "shared responsibility and shared action."
"I promise you, from the moment I am sworn in on January 20, I will do everything in my power to lead this unified national effort," he said in recent remarks.
Read more GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy Says Trump Will Stay to 'Play a Part in' Politics GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy Says Trump Will Stay to 'Play a Part in' Politics
In previous remarks upon detailing his COVID-19 advisory board, Biden said: "Dealing with the coronavirus pandemic is one of the most important battles our administration will face, and I will be informed by science and by experts."
Newsweek has contacted the White House and the Biden transition team for comment.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. throughout the pandemic has surpassed 11 million, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.
The below graphic, from Statista, shows the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in different nations as of November 16.


newsweek--2020-11-18--Iran Says Trump Foreign Policy Among 'Most Unsuccessful' in U.S. History as Uranium Stockpile Blows

Iran Says Trump Foreign Policy Among 'Most Unsuccessful' in U.S. History as Uranium Stockpile Blows Limit

Iranian officials are continuing to crow over President Donald Trump 's election defeat , with Foreign Minister Javad Zarif suggesting the president is to blame for one of the `` most unsuccessful '' foreign policy offerings in American political history .
Zarif gave a wide-ranging interview on Tehran 's plans for the new U.S. administration to the Iran Daily Newspaper , which was published on Wednesday .
According to a transcript of the interview published by the Mehr News Agency , Zarif repeatedly claimed Iranian victory over Trump 's `` maximum pressure '' campaign .
Tensions with Iran have punctuated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal .
Trump vowed—and ultimately has failed—to secure a new , stricter agreement , a proposal repeatedly dismissed by Iranian leaders .
The administration has sought to cripple Iran with new sanctions , isolate the country diplomatically , and apply pressure with new regional military deployments ( also a response to Iranian aggression ) but Tehran has refused to come to the negotiating table .
The regime will now be hoping for sanctions relief from a Joe Biden administration keen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's policy of withdrawal from the JCPOA and 'maximum pressure ' campaign against Iran resulted in a failure , '' Zarif said .
`` This does not mean that we benefited from the policy .
It implies that Trump failed to achieve the desired result . ''
`` We faced great pressure as a consequence of such a strategy , '' Zarif admitted .
Iran 's economy is withering under the impact of sanctions , a situation exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Although we defeated the U.S. , the domestic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Zarif said .
Despite the economic pain and unrest within the country—which the regime has brutally suppressed—Zarif and other officials have celebrated the Trump administration 's failure to bring its allies on board with `` maximum pressure . ''
`` Trump 's foreign policy has been among the most unsuccessful ones in the history of the U.S. , '' Zarif claimed .
`` As a powerful state , U.S. behavior and bullying have forced other countries into acquiescing to its demands . ''
Iran began violating parts of the JCPOA piecemeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tehran ended all compliance after the U.S. assassinated Major General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad in January .
Trump critics have warned that the president 's uncompromising strategy has left Iran closer to nuclear weapons than it was when he came to office , and the region more unstable .
Iran has expanded its low-enriched uranium stockpile to 12 times the 202.8-kilogram limit allowed by the JCPOA .
As of November 2 , the International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran had a stockpile of 2,442.9 kilograms ( 5,385.7 pounds ) of low-enriched uranium , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The IAEA also said Iran is enriching uranium to a purity of up to 4.5 percent—higher than the 3.67 percent agreed under the JCPOA .
Uranium enriched to around 90 percent can be used in weapons , but can be used in nuclear power if enriched to between 3 and 5 percent .
Before signing the JCPOA , Iran had enriched uranium up to 20 percent .
The technical step to get from here to weapons-grade 90 percent is relatively short .
Tehran had more than 7,000 kilograms of enriched uranium at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close Iran is to building a nuclear weapon , if it decided to do so .
The Arms Control Association has said Tehran has double the material needed , but IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said last month that the regime does not yet have sufficient material .
Iranian officials have long maintained that they are only interested in peaceful nuclear power , not nuclear arms .
Iran has said it is willing to return to compliance with the JCPOA if all other signatories do the same .
Zarif told Iran Daily : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the JCPOA , he will have to fulfill U.S. commitments under the deal and lift the sanctions ...
The U.S. is definitely in no position to set out conditions for us . ''
Trump still has a window to take further action against Iran .
The New York Times reported that Trump requested military options to hit Iranian nuclear facilities days after the election , though was talked out of such action by Pentagon leaders .
The administration still may decide to push ahead with a strike .
It could also opt for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cyberattacks .
Zarif dismissed Trump 's Iran strikes , threats and wider strategy as political theater .
`` All the measures and policies Trump adopted after his win in [ the ] November 2016 election , had been designed in a way to guarantee his reelection , '' he claimed .
`` Unlike previous presidential elections in the U.S. , this one is not suggestive of a smooth and peaceful transition of power , '' Zarif said of Trump 's longshot efforts to dispute the results of this month 's election .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , part of Trump 's personality .
He is ready to strain every nerve to stay in power . ''
Biden will be faced with picking up the pieces when he comes to office in January .
But he too might have a small window to reach an accord with Tehran .
Moderate President Hassan Rouhani 's term ends in June .
The man who signed the JCPOA will likely be replaced by a hardline conservative candidate , possibly even one from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps .
A military takeover of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less diplomacy .
But it is also possible that an impoverished Iranian regime grappling with social unrest will do whatever it can to secure sanctions relief , giving the new president more room to reach a deal with the White House .

Iranian officials are continuing to crow over President Donald Trump's election defeat, with Foreign Minister Javad Zarif suggesting the president is to blame for one of the "most unsuccessful" foreign policy offerings in American political history.
Zarif gave a wide-ranging interview on Tehran's plans for the new U.S. administration to the Iran Daily Newspaper, which was published on Wednesday. According to a transcript of the interview published by the Mehr News Agency, Zarif repeatedly claimed Iranian victory over Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign.
Tensions with Iran have punctuated Trump's presidency, spiking after the president withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal. Trump vowed—and ultimately has failed—to secure a new, stricter agreement, a proposal repeatedly dismissed by Iranian leaders.
The administration has sought to cripple Iran with new sanctions, isolate the country diplomatically, and apply pressure with new regional military deployments (also a response to Iranian aggression) but Tehran has refused to come to the negotiating table. The regime will now be hoping for sanctions relief from a Joe Biden administration keen to resurrect the stalled JCPOA.
"Trump's policy of withdrawal from the JCPOA and 'maximum pressure' campaign against Iran resulted in a failure," Zarif said. "This does not mean that we benefited from the policy. It implies that Trump failed to achieve the desired result."
"We faced great pressure as a consequence of such a strategy," Zarif admitted. Iran's economy is withering under the impact of sanctions, a situation exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. "Although we defeated the U.S., the domestic economy suffered losses under Trump's sanctions," Zarif said.
Despite the economic pain and unrest within the country—which the regime has brutally suppressed—Zarif and other officials have celebrated the Trump administration's failure to bring its allies on board with "maximum pressure."
"Trump's foreign policy has been among the most unsuccessful ones in the history of the U.S.," Zarif claimed. "As a powerful state, U.S. behavior and bullying have forced other countries into acquiescing to its demands."
Iran began violating parts of the JCPOA piecemeal after Trump withdrew from the deal. Tehran ended all compliance after the U.S. assassinated Major General Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad in January. Trump critics have warned that the president's uncompromising strategy has left Iran closer to nuclear weapons than it was when he came to office, and the region more unstable.
Iran has expanded its low-enriched uranium stockpile to 12 times the 202.8-kilogram limit allowed by the JCPOA. As of November 2, the International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran had a stockpile of 2,442.9 kilograms (5,385.7 pounds) of low-enriched uranium, up from 2,105.4 kilograms on August 25.
The IAEA also said Iran is enriching uranium to a purity of up to 4.5 percent—higher than the 3.67 percent agreed under the JCPOA. Uranium enriched to around 90 percent can be used in weapons, but can be used in nuclear power if enriched to between 3 and 5 percent.
Before signing the JCPOA, Iran had enriched uranium up to 20 percent. The technical step to get from here to weapons-grade 90 percent is relatively short. Tehran had more than 7,000 kilograms of enriched uranium at this time.
It remains unclear how close Iran is to building a nuclear weapon, if it decided to do so. The Arms Control Association has said Tehran has double the material needed, but IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said last month that the regime does not yet have sufficient material. Iranian officials have long maintained that they are only interested in peaceful nuclear power, not nuclear arms.
Iran has said it is willing to return to compliance with the JCPOA if all other signatories do the same. Zarif told Iran Daily: "If Biden seeks to return to the JCPOA, he will have to fulfill U.S. commitments under the deal and lift the sanctions...The U.S. is definitely in no position to set out conditions for us."
Trump still has a window to take further action against Iran. The New York Times reported that Trump requested military options to hit Iranian nuclear facilities days after the election, though was talked out of such action by Pentagon leaders.
The administration still may decide to push ahead with a strike. It could also opt for more sanctions or launch covert efforts like cyberattacks.
Zarif dismissed Trump's Iran strikes, threats and wider strategy as political theater. "All the measures and policies Trump adopted after his win in [the] November 2016 election, had been designed in a way to guarantee his reelection," he claimed.
"Unlike previous presidential elections in the U.S., this one is not suggestive of a smooth and peaceful transition of power," Zarif said of Trump's longshot efforts to dispute the results of this month's election.
"This characteristic has been and still is, part of Trump's personality. He is ready to strain every nerve to stay in power."
Biden will be faced with picking up the pieces when he comes to office in January. But he too might have a small window to reach an accord with Tehran. Moderate President Hassan Rouhani's term ends in June.
The man who signed the JCPOA will likely be replaced by a hardline conservative candidate, possibly even one from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
A military takeover of the presidency might result in more posturing and less diplomacy. But it is also possible that an impoverished Iranian regime grappling with social unrest will do whatever it can to secure sanctions relief, giving the new president more room to reach a deal with the White House.


newsweek--2020-11-18--Justice Alito is Right: Freedom of Speech and Religion Face Real Threats | Opinion

Last Thursday evening , Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito delivered the keynote address for the National Lawyers Convention of the Federalist Society .
The reaction from news and opinion outlets was swift and decisive .
Various journalists described the speech as `` political , '' `` controversial '' and even `` fiery . ''
Another characterized it as `` caustic . ''
A writer for Politico called it `` unusually inflammatory . ''
A legal analyst for CNN portrayed the speech as `` ireful '' and the speaker as an `` infuriated dissenter . ''
Not to be rhetorically outdone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asserted that Alito `` went out and had a public nutty on Thursday . ''
I 'm not exactly sure what that means , but it does n't sound good .
Had Alito really gone off the rails ?
And in a public speech ?
I decided to track down this putatively offensive address and see for myself , having come to expect a considerable dissonance between reports about a conservative event and the thing itself .
As it turns out , this speech was no exception .
Alito 's primary theme was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religion , assembly and speech—that have intensified during the pandemic .
These restrictions are policed not only by government agents but also by private corporations and individuals .
While Alito 's critics deny the reality of any such restrictions , the media 's reaction to the speech was a case in point of the attempt to shut down reasonable discourse .
As for the speech itself , the delivery was tranquil—not surprising for anyone familiar with Alito 's demeanor .
Even the few moments of humor were served up straight deadpan .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ireful '' and `` infuriated '' are almost comically inappropriate .
One may conclude that critics chose these words to stir up the opposition of people who will never take the time to watch or read the speech for themselves .
The misleading descriptions notwithstanding , the Justice 's critics were even more disturbed over the speech 's content .
One example was the statement that `` the pandemic has resulted in previously unimaginable restrictions on individual liberty . ''
Alito emphasized that he was making no comment about the necessity or prudence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the devastation wrought by the coronavirus .
It is simply an `` indisputable statement of fact '' that the restrictions have been `` severe , extensive and prolonged . ''
Anyone who has lived in the U.S. in 2020 should find this statement uncontroversial .
But even the more moderate critics seized on it .
As CNN 's legal analyst put it , `` Alito 's suggestion that government is infringing on Americans ' freedoms echo [ sic ] the anti-mask , anti-restriction Trump talking points of the day . ''
Apparently , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on individual liberty in 2020 are unprecedented in the U.S. , one must be against masks and must have taken their ideas straight from Trump 's tweets .
No one , by the way , bothers to point out a time when the government has issued more `` severe , extensive and prolonged '' restrictions of individual liberties for U.S. citizens .
We are simply supposed to be outraged that someone said it out loud .
To illustrate his point , Alito described a case that came before the High Court in July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lockdowns , casinos in Nevada were allowed to open at 50 percent capacity , which meant thousands of people could return to gambling .
Yet Nevada continued to restrict worship gatherings to no more than 50 people , irrespective of the size of the building and the implementation of all recommended health measures .
As Alito explained , the freedom to exercise religion and the right to assemble peaceably are enshrined in the Constitution 's First Amendment .
Although there is no corresponding `` craps clause '' or guaranteed right to gamble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what should have been inviolable rights .
Regardless of what one thinks of these government impositions , they are by definition restrictions of individual freedoms , and they are unprecedented .
I would have had a hard time believing it if someone told me last year that some states , for the sake of public health , would prohibit church gatherings of the healthy while allowing grocery shopping and mass protests , and the government , with the occasional aid of ordinary citizens , would threaten with fines and arrest those who violate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the critics most were the Justice 's comments about the freedom of speech .
For example , Alito observed , `` You ca n't say that marriage is a union between one man and one woman .
Until very recently that 's what the vast majority of Americans thought .
Now it 's considered bigotry . ''
It is true that the shift is recent .
Up until the 2012 presidential campaign , Barack Obama , Hillary Clinton and most current political champions of same-sex marriage opposed making it federal law .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conflated being labeled a bigot with the restriction of speech .
It is true that one can physically say these words about marriage .
Government officials have not forcibly stopped people from speaking heterodoxy .
But Alito 's point is that one speaks those words at increasing risk of being shut down .
In many corporate and academic contexts , as well as in society at large , people actually do suffer penalties and forfeit opportunities for saying such things .
In practice , to label someone a bigot is to silence reasonable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and their denials are disingenuous .
They participate in the silencing .
In fact , many of them have called Alito a bigot simply for pointing out that people are called bigots .
The widespread canceling , demonetizing , censoring and firing of supposed bigots are indisputable instances of an attempt to curtail free speech and intimidate the populace into submission .
Like it or not , what Alito said is true .
There was nothing inflammatory , outrageous or nutty about the substance of Alito 's remarks or the manner in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the speech trade on the fact that the great majority of people who see the headlines and skim the articles about Alito 's allegedly fiery , ireful , caustic address will not take the time to watch it and judge for themselves .
Such apocalyptic terms preemptively close off discussion of some of today 's most pressing issues .
Sadly , this is yet more proof that words like `` inflammatory '' and `` nutty '' have come to signify `` something I disagree with '' or even `` a fact that makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honorable Supreme Court Justice says it .
It does not make our society better .
Here is the real headline : the only thing nutty or caustic about Alito 's speech is the collective , absurd reaction to it .
Keith D. Stanglin is Professor of Historical Theology at Austin Graduate School of Theology in Austin , Texas .
His most recent book is After Arminius ( Oxford , 2020 ) .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

Last Thursday evening, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito delivered the keynote address for the National Lawyers Convention of the Federalist Society. The reaction from news and opinion outlets was swift and decisive. Various journalists described the speech as "political," "controversial" and even "fiery." Another characterized it as "caustic." A writer for Politico called it "unusually inflammatory." A legal analyst for CNN portrayed the speech as "ireful" and the speaker as an "infuriated dissenter." Not to be rhetorically outdone, a longtime journalist writing for Esquire asserted that Alito "went out and had a public nutty on Thursday." I'm not exactly sure what that means, but it doesn't sound good.
Had Alito really gone off the rails? And in a public speech? I decided to track down this putatively offensive address and see for myself, having come to expect a considerable dissonance between reports about a conservative event and the thing itself. As it turns out, this speech was no exception.
Alito's primary theme was the restrictions on constitutionally guaranteed freedoms—especially of religion, assembly and speech—that have intensified during the pandemic. These restrictions are policed not only by government agents but also by private corporations and individuals. While Alito's critics deny the reality of any such restrictions, the media's reaction to the speech was a case in point of the attempt to shut down reasonable discourse.
As for the speech itself, the delivery was tranquil—not surprising for anyone familiar with Alito's demeanor. Even the few moments of humor were served up straight deadpan. So the adjectives "fiery," "ireful" and "infuriated" are almost comically inappropriate. One may conclude that critics chose these words to stir up the opposition of people who will never take the time to watch or read the speech for themselves.
The misleading descriptions notwithstanding, the Justice's critics were even more disturbed over the speech's content. One example was the statement that "the pandemic has resulted in previously unimaginable restrictions on individual liberty." Alito emphasized that he was making no comment about the necessity or prudence of the restrictions, much less about the devastation wrought by the coronavirus. It is simply an "indisputable statement of fact" that the restrictions have been "severe, extensive and prolonged."
Associate Justice Samuel Alito poses for the official group photo at the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC on November 30, 2018. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty
Anyone who has lived in the U.S. in 2020 should find this statement uncontroversial. But even the more moderate critics seized on it. As CNN's legal analyst put it, "Alito's suggestion that government is infringing on Americans' freedoms echo [sic] the anti-mask, anti-restriction Trump talking points of the day." Apparently, if one believes the government's restrictions on individual liberty in 2020 are unprecedented in the U.S., one must be against masks and must have taken their ideas straight from Trump's tweets. No one, by the way, bothers to point out a time when the government has issued more "severe, extensive and prolonged" restrictions of individual liberties for U.S. citizens. We are simply supposed to be outraged that someone said it out loud.
To illustrate his point, Alito described a case that came before the High Court in July. After the first round of closures and lockdowns, casinos in Nevada were allowed to open at 50 percent capacity, which meant thousands of people could return to gambling. Yet Nevada continued to restrict worship gatherings to no more than 50 people, irrespective of the size of the building and the implementation of all recommended health measures. As Alito explained, the freedom to exercise religion and the right to assemble peaceably are enshrined in the Constitution's First Amendment. Although there is no corresponding "craps clause" or guaranteed right to gamble, these contingent rights took precedence over what should have been inviolable rights.
Regardless of what one thinks of these government impositions, they are by definition restrictions of individual freedoms, and they are unprecedented. I would have had a hard time believing it if someone told me last year that some states, for the sake of public health, would prohibit church gatherings of the healthy while allowing grocery shopping and mass protests, and the government, with the occasional aid of ordinary citizens, would threaten with fines and arrest those who violate the prohibitions.
Finally, what exercised the critics most were the Justice's comments about the freedom of speech. For example, Alito observed, "You can't say that marriage is a union between one man and one woman. Until very recently that's what the vast majority of Americans thought. Now it's considered bigotry." It is true that the shift is recent. Up until the 2012 presidential campaign, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and most current political champions of same-sex marriage opposed making it federal law.
The primary complaint seems to be that Alito conflated being labeled a bigot with the restriction of speech. It is true that one can physically say these words about marriage. Government officials have not forcibly stopped people from speaking heterodoxy. But Alito's point is that one speaks those words at increasing risk of being shut down. In many corporate and academic contexts, as well as in society at large, people actually do suffer penalties and forfeit opportunities for saying such things. In practice, to label someone a bigot is to silence reasonable conversation. Alito's critics know this, and their denials are disingenuous. They participate in the silencing. In fact, many of them have called Alito a bigot simply for pointing out that people are called bigots. The widespread canceling, demonetizing, censoring and firing of supposed bigots are indisputable instances of an attempt to curtail free speech and intimidate the populace into submission. Like it or not, what Alito said is true.
There was nothing inflammatory, outrageous or nutty about the substance of Alito's remarks or the manner in which they were delivered. Descriptions of the speech trade on the fact that the great majority of people who see the headlines and skim the articles about Alito's allegedly fiery, ireful, caustic address will not take the time to watch it and judge for themselves. Such apocalyptic terms preemptively close off discussion of some of today's most pressing issues. Sadly, this is yet more proof that words like "inflammatory" and "nutty" have come to signify "something I disagree with" or even "a fact that makes me uncomfortable," even when an honorable Supreme Court Justice says it. It does not make our society better.
Here is the real headline: the only thing nutty or caustic about Alito's speech is the collective, absurd reaction to it.
Keith D. Stanglin is Professor of Historical Theology at Austin Graduate School of Theology in Austin, Texas. His most recent book is After Arminius (Oxford, 2020).
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-11-18--'NCIS' Season 18: Why Did Gibbs Shoot McGee?

NCIS Season 18 is now airing on CBS , and the series kicked off with a dramatic moment in which team members have seemingly turned against team members .
In the premiere , titled `` Sturgeon Season , '' McGee ( played by Sean Murray ) was seen trying to hold up a private jet , only for Gibbs ( Mark Harmon ) to shoot him once in the arm and once in the leg with a sniper rifle .
Fans of the show who wanted to find out why Gibbs had shot one of his team , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were never mentioned again in the episode , leaving some fans to complain on Twitter that the moment , `` had nothing to do with this episode , '' and that `` nothing in this episode tied to Gibbs shooting McGee in the beginning . ''
However , the reason that we did not learn why Gibbs shot McGee is that the show is playing the long game this season .
In order to avoid setting the show during the coronavirus pandemic , the show has taken a time jump one year into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is probably going to keep the mystery going over the next few episodes before they finally reveal what has caused Gibbs to turn against McGee .
From what we know so far , it seems that Gibbs is taking the absolute last resort to stop McGee .
It seems very unlikely that Gibbs was trying to kill his co-worker—after all , we know enough about Gibbs ' sharp-shooting skills to know that if he wanted to kill McGee he would be dead .
As the whole subsequent episode of NCIS was about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Gibbs , fans are speculating that it is this that has caused the problems between McGee and Gibbs .
One viewer tweeted : `` They will have gotten close to head of the snake but he 's threatening to kill someone or the person on the plane is or has Fornell .
Gibbs probably had to shoot McGee to stop him . ''
However , there is also the possibility that we are not quite seeing what actually happened .
Though the scene suggests that Gibbs shot McGee , it could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by someone else , and that Gibbs is actually shooting the person who is shooting McGee .
It could also be some sort of complicated plan that sees McGee fake his own death in order to go undercover .
Either way , we are unlikely to find out what happened for a few more episode .
In a CarterMatt interview , co-showrunner Frank Cardea said that , `` The first five episodes take place in the period of [ pre-coronavirus ] .
Episode 6 wraps that up , and episode 7 will bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' NCIS Season 18 continues Tuesdays at 8 p.m .
ET / 7 p.m. CT on CBS .

NCIS Season 18 is now airing on CBS, and the series kicked off with a dramatic moment in which team members have seemingly turned against team members. In the premiere, titled "Sturgeon Season," McGee (played by Sean Murray) was seen trying to hold up a private jet, only for Gibbs (Mark Harmon) to shoot him once in the arm and once in the leg with a sniper rifle.
Fans of the show who wanted to find out why Gibbs had shot one of his team, however, were left disappointed, as the events were never mentioned again in the episode, leaving some fans to complain on Twitter that the moment, "had nothing to do with this episode," and that "nothing in this episode tied to Gibbs shooting McGee in the beginning."
However, the reason that we did not learn why Gibbs shot McGee is that the show is playing the long game this season. In order to avoid setting the show during the coronavirus pandemic, the show has taken a time jump one year into the past. As such, NCIS is probably going to keep the mystery going over the next few episodes before they finally reveal what has caused Gibbs to turn against McGee.
The 'NCIS' Season 18 premiere saw Gibbs shoot McGee. CBS
From what we know so far, it seems that Gibbs is taking the absolute last resort to stop McGee. It seems very unlikely that Gibbs was trying to kill his co-worker—after all, we know enough about Gibbs' sharp-shooting skills to know that if he wanted to kill McGee he would be dead.
As the whole subsequent episode of NCIS was about the relationship between Fornell (Joe Spano) and Gibbs, fans are speculating that it is this that has caused the problems between McGee and Gibbs.
One viewer tweeted: "They will have gotten close to head of the snake but he's threatening to kill someone or the person on the plane is or has Fornell. Gibbs probably had to shoot McGee to stop him."
However, there is also the possibility that we are not quite seeing what actually happened. Though the scene suggests that Gibbs shot McGee, it could be that the agent has actually been shot by someone else, and that Gibbs is actually shooting the person who is shooting McGee. It could also be some sort of complicated plan that sees McGee fake his own death in order to go undercover.
Either way, we are unlikely to find out what happened for a few more episode. In a CarterMatt interview, co-showrunner Frank Cardea said that, "The first five episodes take place in the period of [pre-coronavirus]. Episode 6 wraps that up, and episode 7 will bring us up to a post-COVID world."
NCIS Season 18 continues Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT on CBS.


newsweek--2020-11-18--Trump Campaign Sues Homeless Nevada Presidential Elector in Latest Push to Challenge Results

President Donald Trump 's campaign is mounting a fresh legal bid to prevent the certification of votes in Nevada .
A new lawsuit names the state 's Democratic presidential electors as defendants .
One of those named is Gabrielle d'Ayr , a former chair of the Clark County Democratic Party who says she is currently homeless .
Clark County has been the focus of a previous election-related case .
The lawsuit , which was jointly filed by the Trump campaign and the Nevada Republican Party , seeks to award the state 's six electoral college votes to the president or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ successful , the suit would invalidate tens of thousands of votes , according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal .
D'Ayr was chosen as a Democratic presidential elector at convention elections earlier in 2020 .
She said she only found out she was named as a defendant when she was contacted by the Review-Journal .
`` I 'm a homeless veteran , and the Trump campaign is suing me for doing my civic duty , '' she told the newspaper on Tuesday .
D'Ayr said she had lost her job when the U.S. census @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend .
She is expected to cast her vote in the Electoral College after the election is certified on November 24 .
The other electors chosen by the Nevada Democratic Party are Judith Whitmer , Sarah Mahler , Joseph Throneberry , Artemesia Blanco and Yvanna Cancela , a state senator .
Nevada state law requires electors to vote for the presidential candidate who won the popular vote .
`` My vote belongs to the people of Nevada , and I made a pledge to the people of Nevada , '' d'Ayr said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbara Cegavske and [ Clark County Registrar of Votes ] Joe Gloria are people of great integrity , and if those results have been certified , then the will of the people has been made clear and I will cast my vote for Joe Biden . ''
Writing on Twitter on Tuesday , d'Ayr added : `` I have just been informed that the Trump campaign has filed a lawsuit against me as an elector for the state of Nevada .
Me a homeless veteran who is nonetheless continuing to do her duty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Trump campaign claimed 15,000 people voted in Nevada while also voting in another state , that 1,000 voters did n't meet residency requirements and 500 were dead .
They have not yet provided proof of these claims , but their complaint alleges that there were `` 40,000 or more '' fraudulent votes in the state .
`` They are repeating allegations the courts have already rejected , misstating and misrepresenting evidence provided in those proceedings , and parroting erroneous allegations made by partisans without first-hand knowledge of the facts , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement .
`` For example , they mentioned observation of the process , and the use of a machine to assist with signature verification , which they continue to inaccurately explain .
On both of these issues , state and federal courts have already rejected their allegations , '' the statement said .
The Trump campaign 's attempts to challenge election outcomes through the courts have so far met with limited success as the deadlines for certifying results are fast approaching .

President Donald Trump's campaign is mounting a fresh legal bid to prevent the certification of votes in Nevada. A new lawsuit names the state's Democratic presidential electors as defendants.
One of those named is Gabrielle d'Ayr, a former chair of the Clark County Democratic Party who says she is currently homeless. Clark County has been the focus of a previous election-related case.
The lawsuit, which was jointly filed by the Trump campaign and the Nevada Republican Party, seeks to award the state's six electoral college votes to the president or annul the election result there.
Read more Can Donald Trump Pardon Himself Before Leaving Office? Can Donald Trump Pardon Himself Before Leaving Office?
If successful, the suit would invalidate tens of thousands of votes, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
D'Ayr was chosen as a Democratic presidential elector at convention elections earlier in 2020. She said she only found out she was named as a defendant when she was contacted by the Review-Journal.
"I'm a homeless veteran, and the Trump campaign is suing me for doing my civic duty," she told the newspaper on Tuesday.
D'Ayr said she had lost her job when the U.S. census ended and was currently living with a friend. She is expected to cast her vote in the Electoral College after the election is certified on November 24.
The other electors chosen by the Nevada Democratic Party are Judith Whitmer, Sarah Mahler, Joseph Throneberry, Artemesia Blanco and Yvanna Cancela, a state senator. Nevada state law requires electors to vote for the presidential candidate who won the popular vote.
I have just been informed that the Trump campaign has filed a lawsuit against me as an elector for the state of Nevada. Me a homeless veteran who is nonetheless continuing to do her duty to the American people — Gabrielle d'Ayr (@BrieforNevada) November 18, 2020
"My vote belongs to the people of Nevada, and I made a pledge to the people of Nevada," d'Ayr said. "[Nevada Secretary of State] Barbara Cegavske and [Clark County Registrar of Votes] Joe Gloria are people of great integrity, and if those results have been certified, then the will of the people has been made clear and I will cast my vote for Joe Biden."
Writing on Twitter on Tuesday, d'Ayr added: "I have just been informed that the Trump campaign has filed a lawsuit against me as an elector for the state of Nevada. Me a homeless veteran who is nonetheless continuing to do her duty to the American people."
Attorneys for the Trump campaign claimed 15,000 people voted in Nevada while also voting in another state, that 1,000 voters didn't meet residency requirements and 500 were dead. They have not yet provided proof of these claims, but their complaint alleges that there were "40,000 or more" fraudulent votes in the state.
"They are repeating allegations the courts have already rejected, misstating and misrepresenting evidence provided in those proceedings, and parroting erroneous allegations made by partisans without first-hand knowledge of the facts," a Clark County spokesperson said in a statement.
"For example, they mentioned observation of the process, and the use of a machine to assist with signature verification, which they continue to inaccurately explain. On both of these issues, state and federal courts have already rejected their allegations," the statement said.
The Trump campaign's attempts to challenge election outcomes through the courts have so far met with limited success as the deadlines for certifying results are fast approaching.


newsweek--2020-11-18--Thousands Call on Trump to Cancel Remaining Scheduled Federal Executions

Thousands of people have signed a petition calling on President Donald Trump to cancel the federal executions scheduled for this year .
Death Penalty Action delivered the petition , signed by more than 3,600 people , to the White House ahead of Orlando Hall 's execution , which is set for Thursday .
Two other executions are scheduled for this year .
Lisa Montgomery , the only woman on federal death row , is set to be executed on December 8 , followed by Brandon Bernard on December 10 .
`` The thousands of people who have signed this petition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penalty is not necessary , '' said Abraham Bonowitz , the director of Death Penalty Action .
`` We can be safe from dangerous individuals and hold them accountable to their crimes without executions .
It 's what we do in the vast majority of cases . ''
The petition also noted that federal executions had not taken place for 17 years until the Trump administration resumed them this year amid the coronavirus pandemic—even as courts and governors in some states granted reprieves , citing health concerns .
Seven inmates were put to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September , the same number executed over the course of President Harry Truman 's eight-year presidency .
`` President Trump is already the most-executing president since the 1950s , so he 's got his record as the biggest and the best , '' Bonowitz added .
`` No further executions are necessary for him to hold his record . ''
Robert Dunham , the executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center , previously told Newsweek that the U.S. government had already carried out the highest number of federal executions in a single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 years .
He added that no president had attempted to carry out an execution during a lame-duck period .
Last week , several Democratic lawmakers called on the Trump administration to suspend all federal executions until President-elect Joe Biden `` can evaluate and determine the future use of the death penalty by the federal government . ''
In a letter to Attorney General Bill Barr last week , Representative Ayanna Pressley and Senators Dick Durbin , Patrick Leahy and Cory Booker said going forward with executions `` would be a grave injustice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for strengthening America 's commitment to justice includes the elimination of the federal death penalty and Vice President-elect Harris is an original co-sponsor of legislation we have introduced to eliminate the federal death penalty , '' they wrote .
`` A record number of Americans voted in favor of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris and they deserve an opportunity to implement their policy agenda without the Trump administration rushing to take preemptive and irreversible steps .
`` While you will remain in office for a few more weeks , going forward with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration takes office would be a grave injustice . ''
The Justice Department and the White House have been contacted for comment .

Thousands of people have signed a petition calling on President Donald Trump to cancel the federal executions scheduled for this year.
Death Penalty Action delivered the petition, signed by more than 3,600 people, to the White House ahead of Orlando Hall's execution, which is set for Thursday.
Two other executions are scheduled for this year. Lisa Montgomery, the only woman on federal death row, is set to be executed on December 8, followed by Brandon Bernard on December 10.
"The thousands of people who have signed this petition represent the millions who understand the death penalty is not necessary," said Abraham Bonowitz, the director of Death Penalty Action.
"We can be safe from dangerous individuals and hold them accountable to their crimes without executions. It's what we do in the vast majority of cases."
The petition also noted that federal executions had not taken place for 17 years until the Trump administration resumed them this year amid the coronavirus pandemic—even as courts and governors in some states granted reprieves, citing health concerns.
Seven inmates were put to death in 11 weeks between July and September, the same number executed over the course of President Harry Truman's eight-year presidency.
"President Trump is already the most-executing president since the 1950s, so he's got his record as the biggest and the best," Bonowitz added. "No further executions are necessary for him to hold his record."
A sign marks the entrance to the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana. All federal executions are carried out at the prison. Scott Olson/Getty Images
Robert Dunham, the executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, previously told Newsweek that the U.S. government had already carried out the highest number of federal executions in a single year, with records dating back almost 100 years.
He added that no president had attempted to carry out an execution during a lame-duck period.
Last week, several Democratic lawmakers called on the Trump administration to suspend all federal executions until President-elect Joe Biden "can evaluate and determine the future use of the death penalty by the federal government."
In a letter to Attorney General Bill Barr last week, Representative Ayanna Pressley and Senators Dick Durbin, Patrick Leahy and Cory Booker said going forward with executions "would be a grave injustice."
"President-elect Biden's plan for strengthening America's commitment to justice includes the elimination of the federal death penalty and Vice President-elect Harris is an original co-sponsor of legislation we have introduced to eliminate the federal death penalty," they wrote.
"A record number of Americans voted in favor of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris and they deserve an opportunity to implement their policy agenda without the Trump administration rushing to take preemptive and irreversible steps.
"While you will remain in office for a few more weeks, going forward with executions in the weeks before the new administration takes office would be a grave injustice."
The Justice Department and the White House have been contacted for comment.