newsweek--2020-12-27--What to Watch for in 2021: Will the Trumps Haunt Us Forever? | Opinion

Welcome to my first end of the year column .
First of all , thanks for reading—or at least checking in from time to time .
Second of all : what a freakin ' year .
A pandemic , a cure for the pandemic , extreme weather , soaring stock markets , a bombing in Nashville , and , as always , Donald Trump—who now seems to be holding the nation hostage over the COVID relief bill .
Throw in an attempted coup—and the pardons for all the president 's felons—and it has been quite a ride .
In any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , right ?
In that spirit , I 'm breaking format in this edition of On the Street and will look at a few things that bear watching in the coming year in business and economics and where both cross with politics .
We start off , in the spirit of 2020 , with crazy stuff right off the bat : the U.S. Senate runoff election in Georgia on January 5 , which will basically determine if Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell gets to run Washington for at least another couple of years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there 's the congressional certification of the Biden/Harris November victory—starring Vice President Mike Pence !
But there 's so much more .
My only advice : do n't base any investments , or anything else for that matter , on what you 're about to read .
So with that warning out of the way , let 's get started : Trump Family Business : Assuming they 're not all locked in the White House basement , or a Manhattan courtroom , one of the great stories of the new year will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Trumps .
Will the Trump Tower Moscow finally break ground ?
( And who will get the penthouse suite ? )
Is Trump TV real ?
What will be the eviction rate at Jared Kushner 's apartment complexes ?
( Ok , that 's not a `` venture , '' but I had to get that in . )
One thing for sure : the Trump International Hotel Washington D.C. may finally be sold , largely because all those overseas diplomats and unregistered lobbyists will be headed to places like the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is it Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Georgetown ? )
Bold prediction : The MyPillow Guy will somehow be involved .
Suffering States : Whether Trump blocks the new $ 90 billion relief package or not , there 's not a lot of help for state and local governments on the way .
Already , since the pandemic arrived , more than 1.5 million municipal employees have lost their jobs , according to Politico .
And more layoffs will be on the way from teachers to police .
( I guess that means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Post points out , that the Republicans are defunding the police . )
Public transportation will take a big hit as well .
As I have said , for example , Washington D.C. Metro officials are planning on cutting $ 494.5 million in operating expenses , including the shutdown of 19 subway stations and ending weekend service .
This seems like some sort of revenge of the Red States thing .
But Republican-controlled states and cities are facing revenue shortfalls as well .
How will Biden get around the Republicans blocking more fiscal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Not much he can do via executive orders , points out Heidi Shierholz , a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute .
But if he gets the country healthy again , she adds , that will do more for the economy than anything else—with or without another relief bill .
Deficits Will All of a Sudden Matter Again : Now that they have those budget-busting tax cuts kind of locked in , the Republican Party will do what it does best : obstruct a Democratic president and pretend it worries about deficits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will has already weighed in on the evils of deficit spending .
Of course , a lot will depend on the outcome of the Georgia runoffs .
No matter .
Just wait until President Biden , or anyone else , proposes anything resembling another bailout bill .
We 'll get lectures from the likes of Sen. Rick Scott ( R-Florida ) —yup the guy who once ran a hospital chain that ripped off Medicare— about the dangers of not staying within your budget .
( Scott , by the way , was one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relief bill . )
McConnell pulled the same stunt after the Great Recession and put a damper on the recovery .
Not to mention spending most of his time , it seemed , trying to make sure President Obama was a one-termer .
Nice try , kemosabe .
Tax Hikes ?
Checked in with Jeff Levine , partner with Newton , Massachusetts-based Alkon & Levine and friend of On the Street .
Count him as skeptical that Biden will be able to raise taxes by the end of next year .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increases in 2021 because that 's what the Biden campaign said .
I do n't agree , '' says Levine .
`` First , with a Republican House and a Republican Senate , it took Trump until Dec 2017 to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act , which did not take effect until 2018 .
It takes time to make tax law sausage .
And I think with COVID , correcting the damage done by Trump—and just figuring out how bad things actually are—it is doubtful it can happen in 2021 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 34 senators are up for re-election as well as [ the ] entire House will be campaigning in 2021 for 2022 . ''
In others words : they 'll be busy .
Will Warren Buffett Finally Retire ?
I 've been wondering that every year for the past few decades .
And I 'm always wrong , of course .
But the GOAT of investing and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway turned 90 years old last August , so you would think that 's a good time to hand over Berkshire to someone else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong—about who is next in line .
Greg Abel , who is just under 60 , seems to be the frontrunner .
The CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy sat side by side with Buffett and took questions from shareholders during Berkshire 's virtual annual meeting last spring .
( Same thing this year . )
Ajit Jain , vice chairman of Berkshire 's insurance operations , has been the favorite for years .
However , he 's 10 years older than Abel and maybe his time has passed .
That said , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me .
Stay tuned for the next Berkshire annual meeting on May 1 .
Happy 15th , Enron : The classic fraud trial of Enron CEO Jeff Skilling and Chairman Ken Lay began on January 30 , 2006 in Houston .
You 'll be reading a lot about it next month—at least you will be here .
But to me it proved a couple of things .
One , a jury could actually understand a complex financial case .
( So , that should n't be an excuse—ever—for settling . )
Also : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrongdoing—none of that `` the corporation pleads guilty '' stuff you just saw in the recent Purdue Pharma opioid settlement with the Department of Justice .
Lots of familiar characters in the Enron case , too : James Comey and Christopher Wray ( shown above in 2004 ) .
And of course attorney Daniel Petrocelli , who defended Skilling .
He also represented O.J .
Simpson and President Trump and Trump University .
What a crew .
The Dow 40,000 !
Just kidding .
Me ?
I 'm safely tucked away in my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they did n't pay me to say that , but I wish they would have . )
Anyway , this is from column deputy Sam Hill for your entertainment .
His prediction is as good as any : The Dow has gone up like a rocket Skeptics were told not to knock it And this one 's past due So the rich will get hit in the pocket .
Loose Change , 2021 : This will be a big one , at least in the world of sports .
The Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athlete compensation , with a decision likely to be handed down in June .
I 've got mixed feelings about this one .
D-1 athletes , in theory , can get up to four years of tuition , room and board .
I consider that payment .
The players with pro football and basketball potential also get a showcase as well as access to top-tier coaching and facilities .
But there are things they should absolutely get—like guaranteed scholarships and the right to , say , make money on licensing rights ... IPO @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you can tell by all those new Airbnb and DoorDash millionaires running around .
Next year should be equally as active .
My favorite coming up : Petco .
So old-school .
So not the `` cloud '' ... Facebook : The company everyone is tired of was sued by not only the Federal Trade Commission ( FTC ) for anti-trust violations , but the AGs from 46 states as well .
Will this be the first big breakup of a company since AT & Tin 1984 ?
Goodbye Instagram ?
WhatsApp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2021 , but the final answer may be years in the making .
On the Street Jukebox : First off , the HBO documentary , The Bee Gees : How Do You Mend a Broken Heart , about the legendary Brothers Gibb .
It 's gotten a lot of love already .
I watched it twice and the praise is actually deserved .
Ok , some quibbles .
I wish the director , Frank Marshall , talked with Barry Gibb 's sister , Lesley Gibb Evans , on camera .
I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she actually performed with them back in the day .
Might have also been nice to mention the Sgt .
Pepper 's Lonely Hearts Club Band film debacle , which was n't a great move , reputation-wise , for the Bee Gees .
( Or Peter Frampton for that matter . )
That all aside , do n't miss it ; check out the trailer here ...
The new : African rock from Songhoy Blues of Timbuktu , Mali .
Found them accidently in the great Uncut magazine .
Of course , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here 's a 20-minute set courtesy of Seattle 's KEXP ...
Finally , thank you for your service , Leslie West , the famed guitarist for Mountain who died last week at 75 .
His classic hit , for your pleasure : `` Mississippi Queen '' ...
Happy New Year , you all .

Welcome to my first end of the year column. First of all, thanks for reading—or at least checking in from time to time. Second of all: what a freakin' year. A pandemic, a cure for the pandemic, extreme weather, soaring stock markets, a bombing in Nashville, and, as always, Donald Trump—who now seems to be holding the nation hostage over the COVID relief bill. Throw in an attempted coup—and the pardons for all the president's felons—and it has been quite a ride. In any case, 2021 has to be better, right? In that spirit, I'm breaking format in this edition of On the Street and will look at a few things that bear watching in the coming year in business and economics and where both cross with politics. We start off, in the spirit of 2020, with crazy stuff right off the bat: the U.S. Senate runoff election in Georgia on January 5, which will basically determine if Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell gets to run Washington for at least another couple of years. And then, a day later, there's the congressional certification of the Biden/Harris November victory—starring Vice President Mike Pence! But there's so much more. My only advice: don't base any investments, or anything else for that matter, on what you're about to read. So with that warning out of the way, let's get started:
What's next for them? President Donald Trump (R) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin. SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty
Trump Family Business: Assuming they're not all locked in the White House basement, or a Manhattan courtroom, one of the great stories of the new year will be the next round of business ventures for the Trumps. Will the Trump Tower Moscow finally break ground? (And who will get the penthouse suite?) Is Trump TV real? What will be the eviction rate at Jared Kushner's apartment complexes? (Ok, that's not a "venture," but I had to get that in.) One thing for sure: the Trump International Hotel Washington D.C. may finally be sold, largely because all those overseas diplomats and unregistered lobbyists will be headed to places like the Four Seasons in Georgetown. (Or is it Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Georgetown?) Bold prediction: The MyPillow Guy will somehow be involved.
Suffering States: Whether Trump blocks the new $900 billion relief package or not, there's not a lot of help for state and local governments on the way. Already, since the pandemic arrived, more than 1.5 million municipal employees have lost their jobs, according to Politico. And more layoffs will be on the way from teachers to police. (I guess that means, as Dana Milbank of The Washington Post points out, that the Republicans are defunding the police.) Public transportation will take a big hit as well. As I have said, for example, Washington D.C. Metro officials are planning on cutting $494.5 million in operating expenses, including the shutdown of 19 subway stations and ending weekend service. This seems like some sort of revenge of the Red States thing. But Republican-controlled states and cities are facing revenue shortfalls as well. How will Biden get around the Republicans blocking more fiscal relief if they control the Senate? Not much he can do via executive orders, points out Heidi Shierholz, a senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute. But if he gets the country healthy again, she adds, that will do more for the economy than anything else—with or without another relief bill.
Sen. Rick Scott, Fla.: Get ready for a steady stream of deficit lectures. Megan Varner/Getty
Deficits Will All of a Sudden Matter Again: Now that they have those budget-busting tax cuts kind of locked in, the Republican Party will do what it does best: obstruct a Democratic president and pretend it worries about deficits. One sure sign is that George Will has already weighed in on the evils of deficit spending. Of course, a lot will depend on the outcome of the Georgia runoffs. No matter. Just wait until President Biden, or anyone else, proposes anything resembling another bailout bill. We'll get lectures from the likes of Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida)—yup the guy who once ran a hospital chain that ripped off Medicare— about the dangers of not staying within your budget. (Scott, by the way, was one of only six senators to vote against the relief bill.) McConnell pulled the same stunt after the Great Recession and put a damper on the recovery. Not to mention spending most of his time, it seemed, trying to make sure President Obama was a one-termer. Nice try, kemosabe.
Tax Hikes? Checked in with Jeff Levine, partner with Newton, Massachusetts-based Alkon & Levine and friend of On the Street. Count him as skeptical that Biden will be able to raise taxes by the end of next year. "Most folks think there will be tax increases in 2021 because that's what the Biden campaign said. I don't agree," says Levine. "First, with a Republican House and a Republican Senate, it took Trump until Dec 2017 to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which did not take effect until 2018. It takes time to make tax law sausage. And I think with COVID, correcting the damage done by Trump—and just figuring out how bad things actually are—it is doubtful it can happen in 2021." He adds: "Also remember 34 senators are up for re-election as well as [the] entire House will be campaigning in 2021 for 2022." In others words: they'll be busy.
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett (r): Will the Oracle of Omaha finally step aside in 2021? Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Will Warren Buffett Finally Retire? I've been wondering that every year for the past few decades. And I'm always wrong, of course. But the GOAT of investing and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway turned 90 years old last August, so you would think that's a good time to hand over Berkshire to someone else, right? There's always speculation—mostly wrong—about who is next in line. Greg Abel, who is just under 60, seems to be the frontrunner. The CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy sat side by side with Buffett and took questions from shareholders during Berkshire's virtual annual meeting last spring. (Same thing this year.) Ajit Jain, vice chairman of Berkshire's insurance operations, has been the favorite for years. However, he's 10 years older than Abel and maybe his time has passed. That said, if you're smart you'll bet against me. Stay tuned for the next Berkshire annual meeting on May 1.
Familiar faces: Then Deputy Attorney General James Comey—and now ex-head of the FBI—discusses the Enron Corp. case in 2004; Assistant Attorney General, and now FBI chief, Christopher Wray is in the back on the right. David Scull/Bloomberg/Getty
Happy 15th, Enron: The classic fraud trial of Enron CEO Jeff Skilling and Chairman Ken Lay began on January 30, 2006 in Houston. You'll be reading a lot about it next month—at least you will be here. But to me it proved a couple of things. One, a jury could actually understand a complex financial case. (So, that shouldn't be an excuse—ever—for settling.) Also: you can actually hold executives accountable for wrongdoing—none of that "the corporation pleads guilty" stuff you just saw in the recent Purdue Pharma opioid settlement with the Department of Justice. Lots of familiar characters in the Enron case, too: James Comey and Christopher Wray (shown above in 2004). And of course attorney Daniel Petrocelli, who defended Skilling. He also represented O.J. Simpson and President Trump and Trump University. What a crew.
The Dow 40,000! Just kidding. Me? I'm safely tucked away in my Vanguard Target Retirement Account. (No, they didn't pay me to say that, but I wish they would have.) Anyway, this is from column deputy Sam Hill for your entertainment. His prediction is as good as any:
The Dow has gone up like a rocket
Skeptics were told not to knock it
But parties end, too
And this one's past due
So the rich will get hit in the pocket.
Pay to play: The Supreme Court will decide in 2021. Sue Ogrocki-Pool/Getty
Loose Change, 2021: This will be a big one, at least in the world of sports. The Supreme Court agreed to hear a case regarding collegiate athlete compensation, with a decision likely to be handed down in June. I've got mixed feelings about this one. D-1 athletes, in theory, can get up to four years of tuition, room and board. I consider that payment. The players with pro football and basketball potential also get a showcase as well as access to top-tier coaching and facilities. But there are things they should absolutely get—like guaranteed scholarships and the right to, say, make money on licensing rights...IPO Mania: This was a huge year as you can tell by all those new Airbnb and DoorDash millionaires running around. Next year should be equally as active. My favorite coming up: Petco. So old-school. So not the "cloud"...Facebook: The company everyone is tired of was sued by not only the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for anti-trust violations, but the AGs from 46 states as well. Will this be the first big breakup of a company since AT&Tin 1984? Goodbye Instagram? WhatsApp? We'll get a few clues in 2021, but the final answer may be years in the making.
The Bee Gees: Catch the fever on HBO and Amazon Prime. Sydney O'Meara/Getty Images
On the Street Jukebox: First off, the HBO documentary, The Bee Gees: How Do You Mend a Broken Heart, about the legendary Brothers Gibb. It's gotten a lot of love already. I watched it twice and the praise is actually deserved. Ok, some quibbles. I wish the director, Frank Marshall, talked with Barry Gibb's sister, Lesley Gibb Evans, on camera. I had no idea the brothers had a sister—and she actually performed with them back in the day. Might have also been nice to mention the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band film debacle, which wasn't a great move, reputation-wise, for the Bee Gees. (Or Peter Frampton for that matter.) That all aside, don't miss it; check out the trailer here...The new: African rock from Songhoy Blues of Timbuktu, Mali. Found them accidently in the great Uncut magazine. Of course, I'm always years behind and trend. Here's a 20-minute set courtesy of Seattle's KEXP...Finally, thank you for your service, Leslie West, the famed guitarist for Mountain who died last week at 75. His classic hit, for your pleasure: "Mississippi Queen"...Happy New Year, you all.


newsweek--2020-12-27--$2,000 Stimulus Check Latest, Trump Demands Bill Cuts 'The Pork' Ahead of House Vote

President Donald Trump has defended his decision not to sign a bipartisan COVID relief bill , insisting the provisions of $ 600 stimulus checks were not adequate .
Congress approved the $ 900 million relief package after months of tortuous negotiations , but Trump is yet to approve it and demanded the next round of checks be raised to $ 2,000 .
A vote on increasing the stimulus payments to $ 2,000 will take place on Monday , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has confirmed .
Provisions included in the relief bill , would see unemployment benefits remain in place until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300 a week , providing $ 600 direct payments to millions of Americans .
The bill also extends a moratorium on evictions and provides federal loans to small businesses .
The package , however , remains on hold as Trump surprisingly refused to green light it and branded it a `` disgrace '' last week .
The president renewed his stance over the weekend , suggesting the provisions of $ 600 stimulus checks were too small just hours before the midnight deadline was due to pass .
`` I simply want to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the measly $ 600 that is now in the bill .
Also , stop the billions of dollars in 'pork ' '' , he tweeted on Saturday , referencing the spending on foreign aid and arts venues provisions included in the bill .
Trump had made a similar point a day earlier , as he renewed his attack on China , blaming Beijing for the coronavirus pandemic .
`` Made many calls and had meetings at Trump International in Palm Beach , Florida , '' he tweeted on Friday .
`` Why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 2,000 , rather than only $ 600 ?
It was n't their fault , it was China .
Give our people the money ! ''
An estimated 12 million Americans are now set to lose jobless benefits , including those relying on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance which made unemployment insurance available to self-employed , freelancers , gig workers and others who do not normally qualify .
Should the $ 1.4 trillion government funding bill , which the coronavirus packages are attached to , not be signed by midnight Tuesday , a shutdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The delicate circumstances surrounding the bill have seen the president 's refusal to approve the relief package met with criticism from both sides of the political divide .
In a statement , President-elect Joe Biden warned of the `` devastating consequences '' facing millions of Americans as a result of Trump 's actions .
`` This abdication of responsibility has devastating consequences .
[ ... ] This bill is critical , '' the statement read .
`` It needs to be signed into law now . ''
On Saturday , Rep. Maxine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusal to approve the relief bill was puzzling and spoke volumes for how `` frightened '' the Republican Party was to stand up to him .
`` Fought hard for $ 1,200 , at least what we had in the C.A.R.E.S .
Act .
The president and his negotiator [ Treasury Secretary Steven ] Mnuchin and the Republicans refused it , '' Waters told CNN .
`` Then out of the blue , the president came out and said he wanted $ 2,000 .
I do n't know what kind of game he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know what the Republicans are going to do , but , you know , they 're all frightened of him and he 's intimidated him .
They have no guts .
See if he 's going to make them come up with support for the $ 2,000 . ''
On Saturday , House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal ( D-Mass . )
, described Trump 's action as `` cruel '' and called for Republicans to put pressure on the president to ensure the bill was approved .
`` It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to refuse to sign it into law and potentially end this brutal year by inflicting even more pain and suffering on families in need , '' he said in a statement .
`` Republican leadership in Congress should join in calling for the signing of this legislation—which they helped write and voted for—to extend this crucial aid . ''
Earlier this week , however , the president won the support of senator Lindsey Graham ( R-SC ) , who spent part of Christmas Day playing golf with Trump at his West Palm Beach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who initially backed the stimulus package , was supportive of Trump 's demands .
`` I am convinced he is more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $ 2,000 per person and challenge Section 230 big tech liability protection , '' he tweeted .
`` Both are reasonable demands , and I hope Congress is listening .
The biggest winner would be the American people . ''
Support for Trump , however , is far from unanimous within the ranks of the Republican Party .
`` I wish he [ Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,000 as vociferously over the last three weeks as after the bill was passed , '' Rep. French Hill ( R-AR ) told FOX on Saturday .
`` It might have given us more leverage to get a slightly higher payment .
[ ... ] It 's going to be extraordinarily hard to get that payment through the Senate and the House . ''

President Donald Trump has defended his decision not to sign a bipartisan COVID relief bill, insisting the provisions of $600 stimulus checks were not adequate.
Congress approved the $900 million relief package after months of tortuous negotiations, but Trump is yet to approve it and demanded the next round of checks be raised to $2,000.
A vote on increasing the stimulus payments to $2,000 will take place on Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has confirmed.
Provisions included in the relief bill, would see unemployment benefits remain in place until March and state benefits increase by $300 a week, providing $600 direct payments to millions of Americans.
The bill also extends a moratorium on evictions and provides federal loans to small businesses. The package, however, remains on hold as Trump surprisingly refused to green light it and branded it a "disgrace" last week.
The president renewed his stance over the weekend, suggesting the provisions of $600 stimulus checks were too small just hours before the midnight deadline was due to pass.
"I simply want to get our great people $2,000, rather than the measly $600 that is now in the bill. Also, stop the billions of dollars in 'pork'", he tweeted on Saturday, referencing the spending on foreign aid and arts venues provisions included in the bill.
Trump had made a similar point a day earlier, as he renewed his attack on China, blaming Beijing for the coronavirus pandemic.
"Made many calls and had meetings at Trump International in Palm Beach, Florida," he tweeted on Friday.
"Why would politicians not want to give people $2,000, rather than only $600? It wasn't their fault, it was China. Give our people the money!"
An estimated 12 million Americans are now set to lose jobless benefits, including those relying on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance which made unemployment insurance available to self-employed, freelancers, gig workers and others who do not normally qualify.
Should the $1.4 trillion government funding bill, which the coronavirus packages are attached to, not be signed by midnight Tuesday, a shutdown of the federal government will be triggered.
The delicate circumstances surrounding the bill have seen the president's refusal to approve the relief package met with criticism from both sides of the political divide.
In a statement, President-elect Joe Biden warned of the "devastating consequences" facing millions of Americans as a result of Trump's actions.
"This abdication of responsibility has devastating consequences. [...] This bill is critical," the statement read.
"It needs to be signed into law now."
On Saturday, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) said Trump's refusal to approve the relief bill was puzzling and spoke volumes for how "frightened" the Republican Party was to stand up to him.
"Fought hard for $1,200, at least what we had in the C.A.R.E.S. Act. The president and his negotiator [Treasury Secretary Steven] Mnuchin and the Republicans refused it," Waters told CNN.
"Then out of the blue, the president came out and said he wanted $2,000. I don't know what kind of game he's playing.
"I don't know what the Republicans are going to do, but, you know, they're all frightened of him and he's intimidated him. They have no guts. See if he's going to make them come up with support for the $2,000."
On Saturday, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.), described Trump's action as "cruel" and called for Republicans to put pressure on the president to ensure the bill was approved.
"It is underhanded and cruel for the president now to refuse to sign it into law and potentially end this brutal year by inflicting even more pain and suffering on families in need," he said in a statement. "Republican leadership in Congress should join in calling for the signing of this legislation—which they helped write and voted for—to extend this crucial aid."
Earlier this week, however, the president won the support of senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who spent part of Christmas Day playing golf with Trump at his West Palm Beach, Florida, resort.
Graham, who initially backed the stimulus package, was supportive of Trump's demands.
"I am convinced he is more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $2,000 per person and challenge Section 230 big tech liability protection," he tweeted.
"Both are reasonable demands, and I hope Congress is listening. The biggest winner would be the American people."
Support for Trump, however, is far from unanimous within the ranks of the Republican Party.
"I wish he [Trump] had made that pitch for $2,000 as vociferously over the last three weeks as after the bill was passed," Rep. French Hill (R-AR) told FOX on Saturday.
"It might have given us more leverage to get a slightly higher payment. [...] It's going to be extraordinarily hard to get that payment through the Senate and the House."


newsweek--2020-12-27--Nashville Bombing Suspect Anthony Warner's Possible Ties to 5G Conspiracy Theory Investigated - Repo

Nashville Bombing Suspect Anthony Warner's Possible Ties to 5G Conspiracy Theory Investigated - Reports

The FBI are looking into whether the suspect at the center of the Nashville Christmas Day bombing was paranoid about 5G conspiracy theories , according to reports .
Steve Fridrich , a real estate agent based in Nashville , contacted the FBI to tell them that he previously worked with a man named Tony Warner .
Investigators believe a man named Anthony Quinn Warner to be a person of interest in the camper van explosion outside an AT & T building that injured three people on the morning of December 25 .
Speaking to WSMV , Fridrich said agents asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had paranoia about 5G technology and conspiracy theories about it being used to spy on Americans .
Fridrich said the man he worked with doing information technology was a `` nice guy '' , but they did not have a relationship beyond him contacting Warner to work on internet issues .
`` You know , he was a techie guy—do n't mean anything negative about that .
He would do this thing and leave .
He did n't bother anybody .
He did his thing and leave , '' Fridrich said .
FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pending investigation .
The agency has been contacted by Newsweek for an update on the investigation .
Earlier this year , conspiracy theories about the implementation of 5G , including that the technology somehow helps spread or is even the cause of coronavirus , were widely shared and believed by some .
The baseless theories resulted in people attacking 5G mobile phone masts in the U.K as misinformation spread on social media .
`` The 5G story is complete and utter rubbish , it 's nonsense , it 's the worst kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's national medical director Stephen Powis previously said in a statement .
Investigators are continuing to try and establish a motive for the explosion , with the blast likely being the result of a suicide bombing .
Human remains were found in the RV after the explosion in downtown Nashville at around 6:30 a.m. Two senior law enforcement officials previously confirmed to Newsweek that investigators are set to take a DNA test from the mother of Warner to determine whether it is his remains that were found .
`` Assuming this is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labs are in 48-72 hour turnaround for confirmation , '' one of the senior law enforcement sources told Newsweek .
Investigators are also looking into if the father of the suspect 's previous employment at BellSouth , a telecommunications company that merged into AT & T in 2006 , had anything to do with the bombing .
`` In an investigation of this magnitude it would be logical to see if there is a nexus between adverse employment action of the father , and the location of where the bombing took place , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The blast has also affected cell phone service and other communications devices in the area .
In a statement on Saturday , AT & T said : `` Our teams continue to work around the clock on recovery efforts from yesterday morning 's explosion in Nashville .
`` We have two portable cell sites operating in downtown Nashville with numerous additional portable sites being deployed in the Nashville area and in the region . ''

The FBI are looking into whether the suspect at the center of the Nashville Christmas Day bombing was paranoid about 5G conspiracy theories, according to reports.
Steve Fridrich, a real estate agent based in Nashville, contacted the FBI to tell them that he previously worked with a man named Tony Warner. Investigators believe a man named Anthony Quinn Warner to be a person of interest in the camper van explosion outside an AT&T building that injured three people on the morning of December 25.
Speaking to WSMV, Fridrich said agents asked him if the man he worked with had paranoia about 5G technology and conspiracy theories about it being used to spy on Americans.
Fridrich said the man he worked with doing information technology was a "nice guy", but they did not have a relationship beyond him contacting Warner to work on internet issues.
"You know, he was a techie guy—don't mean anything negative about that. He would do this thing and leave. He didn't bother anybody. He did his thing and leave," Fridrich said.
FBI said they could not comment because of the pending investigation. The agency has been contacted by Newsweek for an update on the investigation.
Earlier this year, conspiracy theories about the implementation of 5G, including that the technology somehow helps spread or is even the cause of coronavirus, were widely shared and believed by some.
The baseless theories resulted in people attacking 5G mobile phone masts in the U.K as misinformation spread on social media.
"The 5G story is complete and utter rubbish, it's nonsense, it's the worst kind of fake news," NHS England's national medical director Stephen Powis previously said in a statement.
Investigators are continuing to try and establish a motive for the explosion, with the blast likely being the result of a suicide bombing. Human remains were found in the RV after the explosion in downtown Nashville at around 6:30 a.m.
Two senior law enforcement officials previously confirmed to Newsweek that investigators are set to take a DNA test from the mother of Warner to determine whether it is his remains that were found.
"Assuming this is the mother of the bomber, the FBI labs are in 48-72 hour turnaround for confirmation," one of the senior law enforcement sources told Newsweek.
Investigators are also looking into if the father of the suspect's previous employment at BellSouth, a telecommunications company that merged into AT&T in 2006, had anything to do with the bombing.
"In an investigation of this magnitude it would be logical to see if there is a nexus between adverse employment action of the father, and the location of where the bombing took place," a law enforcement source said.
The blast has also affected cell phone service and other communications devices in the area.
In a statement on Saturday, AT&T said: "Our teams continue to work around the clock on recovery efforts from yesterday morning's explosion in Nashville.
"We have two portable cell sites operating in downtown Nashville with numerous additional portable sites being deployed in the Nashville area and in the region."


newsweek--2020-12-27--Ryan Fitzpatrick's No-look Hail Mary Sends NFL Twitter into Raptures

Ryan Fitzpatrick delivered a late Christmas present to the Miami Dolphins , leading his team to an improbable walk-off win in Las Vegas against the Raiders .
The veteran quarterback started the game on the bench , before being introduced in place of Tua Tagovailoa with nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter and repaid head coach Brian Flores ' trust with one of the plays of the season to give the Dolphins a 26-25 win .
With the Raiders leading 25-23 and 19 seconds left in the game and the ball at Miami 's 25-yard line , Fiztpatrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mary down the left sideline , hitting Mack Hollins for a 34-yard completion .
As he desperately looked for a target downfield , Fitzpatrick had his face mask yanked by Raiders defensive lineman Arden Key , which made the throw significantly harder and ensured Las Vegas received a 15-yard penalty .
The extra yardage allowed Miami to set up Jason Sanders ' 44-yard winning field goal .
`` You 're throwing up a prayer , '' Fitzpatrick said after the game .
`` I did n't know that it was complete , initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and my head was getting ripped off .
Fitzpatrick 's throw was the latest entry in an ever-growing list of exploits that have earned him the nickname FitzMagic and social media was awash with praise for the Dolphins quarterback Kansas City Chiefs star and reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes was among those paying tribute to Fitzpatrick .
Fitzpatrick began the season as the Dolphins starter , only for Flores to turn to Tagovailoa , who Miami drafted with the fifth overall pick in this year 's draft , in Week 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami 's future , Flores has n't been afraid of introducing Fitzpatrick in games .
The 16-year veteran replaced Tagovailoa during a loss against the Denver Broncos in Week 11 and was again put into the game on Saturday as the Dolphins looked for an offensive spark .
The move immediately paid off , as Fitzpatrick completed nine of his 13 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown , a 59-yard pass to Myles Gaskin which put the Dolphins 23-22 ahead with 2:55 left in the game .
While Tagovailoa threw a touchdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ball down the field , completing 17 of 22 passes for a modest 94 yards .
According to ESPN Stats and Information , Fitzpatrick 's 182 passing yards in the fourth quarter were the most any non-starting quarterback has thrown for in the fourth quarter since 2005 .
Incidentally , the Dolphins were also involved then , as Sage Rosenfels came off the bench to pass for 202 yards in the final period of Miami 's 24-23 win over the Buffalo Bills .
Fitzpatrick 's 182 passing yards in the fourth quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the final period of a game , equaling the tally he threw for in Week 15 of the 2013 season against the Arizona Cardinals .
Flores , however , suggested Tagovailoa will remain the Dolphins starter , despite Fitzpatrick 's exploits .
`` If we got to go to a relief pitcher in the ninth [ inning ] , that 's what we 'll do , '' he explained `` Fitz , he 's always ready to go .
[ ... ] I have a lot of confidence in Tua .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us .
He 's made plays today .
We just felt like we needed a spark .
Fitzy gave us that .
`` Tua is a young player .
He 's developing .
He 's improving on a daily basis .
He 's learning from these experiences .
He 'll be better next week . ''
The Dolphins improved to 10-5 with the win in Vegas and can clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2016 with a win over AFC East rivals Buffalo Bills in Week 17 .
ESPN 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent chance to make the playoffs , while FiveThirtyEight gives Miami a 44 percent chance .
The Raiders , meanwhile , dropped to 7-8 and have been eliminated from playoff contention after losing a third consecutive game .

Ryan Fitzpatrick delivered a late Christmas present to the Miami Dolphins, leading his team to an improbable walk-off win in Las Vegas against the Raiders.
The veteran quarterback started the game on the bench, before being introduced in place of Tua Tagovailoa with nine minutes to go in the fourth quarter and repaid head coach Brian Flores' trust with one of the plays of the season to give the Dolphins a 26-25 win.
With the Raiders leading 25-23 and 19 seconds left in the game and the ball at Miami's 25-yard line, Fiztpatrick took the snap before heaving a Hail Mary down the left sideline, hitting Mack Hollins for a 34-yard completion.
As he desperately looked for a target downfield, Fitzpatrick had his face mask yanked by Raiders defensive lineman Arden Key, which made the throw significantly harder and ensured Las Vegas received a 15-yard penalty.
The extra yardage allowed Miami to set up Jason Sanders' 44-yard winning field goal.
"You're throwing up a prayer," Fitzpatrick said after the game. "I didn't know that it was complete, initially. My face mask was getting pulled, and my head was getting ripped off.
Fitzpatrick's throw was the latest entry in an ever-growing list of exploits that have earned him the nickname FitzMagic and social media was awash with praise for the Dolphins quarterback
Kansas City Chiefs star and reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes was among those paying tribute to Fitzpatrick.
I know I’m late but best no look pass of all time 😂😂😂 — Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 27, 2020
Completed (game winning) pass because in a world of 7 billion people, there is only one Ryan Fitzpatrick pic.twitter.com/0c4q2cD7qw — Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) December 27, 2020
Ryan Fitzpatrick's 34-yard pass to Mack Hollins to set up a game-winning field goal had a completion probability of 10.9%, the 3rd-most improbable completion this season.
➤ Air Distance: 45.3 yards
➤ QB Under Pressure
➤ Sideline Distance: 0.4 yards#MIAvsLV | #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/EPLja4ZTUZ — Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 27, 2020
Fitzpatrick began the season as the Dolphins starter, only for Flores to turn to Tagovailoa, who Miami drafted with the fifth overall pick in this year's draft, in Week 8.
While the former Alabama star is Miami's future, Flores hasn't been afraid of introducing Fitzpatrick in games. The 16-year veteran replaced Tagovailoa during a loss against the Denver Broncos in Week 11 and was again put into the game on Saturday as the Dolphins looked for an offensive spark.
The move immediately paid off, as Fitzpatrick completed nine of his 13 passes for 182 yards and one touchdown, a 59-yard pass to Myles Gaskin which put the Dolphins 23-22 ahead with 2:55 left in the game. While Tagovailoa threw a touchdown pass himself, he struggled to move the ball down the field, completing 17 of 22 passes for a modest 94 yards.
According to ESPN Stats and Information, Fitzpatrick's 182 passing yards in the fourth quarter were the most any non-starting quarterback has thrown for in the fourth quarter since 2005. Incidentally, the Dolphins were also involved then, as Sage Rosenfels came off the bench to pass for 202 yards in the final period of Miami's 24-23 win over the Buffalo Bills.
Fitzpatrick's 182 passing yards in the fourth quarter were also the joint-most in his career in the final period of a game, equaling the tally he threw for in Week 15 of the 2013 season against the Arizona Cardinals.
If I'm the Dolphins I offer Ryan Fitzpatrick a contract for 2021 tomorrow morning. Backup. Mentor. Reliever. Magician. Give him any title he'd like. — Joe Schad (@schadjoe) December 27, 2020
Imagine being a top high school quarterback prospect watching tonight who knows, deep down, that Ryan Fitzpatrick is taking his job in six years. — Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) December 27, 2020
I don’t see the problem, Tua is the starter and Fitzpatrick is the closer, normalize starting rotations in football — BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) December 27, 2020
absolutely LOVE Brian Flores for rolling with his current best QB when he's seen enough from his future best QB — Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 27, 2020
Tua is named the starter.
Ryan Fitzpatrick: pic.twitter.com/hBjVYBfTNc — PFF (@PFF) December 27, 2020
Flores, however, suggested Tagovailoa will remain the Dolphins starter, despite Fitzpatrick's exploits.
"If we got to go to a relief pitcher in the ninth [inning], that's what we'll do," he explained "Fitz, he's always ready to go. [...] I have a lot of confidence in Tua. He's made a lot of plays for us. He's made plays today. We just felt like we needed a spark. Fitzy gave us that.
"Tua is a young player. He's developing. He's improving on a daily basis. He's learning from these experiences. He'll be better next week."
The Dolphins improved to 10-5 with the win in Vegas and can clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2016 with a win over AFC East rivals Buffalo Bills in Week 17.
ESPN's Power Index gives the Dolphins a 62 percent chance to make the playoffs, while FiveThirtyEight gives Miami a 44 percent chance.
The Raiders, meanwhile, dropped to 7-8 and have been eliminated from playoff contention after losing a third consecutive game.


newsweek--2020-12-27--Millions to Lose Jobless Benefits As Trump Refuses to Sign Stimulus Bill, Says COVID Is 'China's Fau

Millions to Lose Jobless Benefits As Trump Refuses to Sign Stimulus Bill, Says COVID Is 'China's Fault!'

Millions of Americans have been left in limbo after unemployment benefits expired with President Donald Trump refusing to sign a bipartisan COVID relief bill and continues to demand the next round of checks be increased from $ 600 to $ 2000 .
Just hours before the midnight deadline was due to pass , Trump once again blamed China , where the novel coronavirus was first detected , for people needing the long-awaited stimulus package .
`` $ 2000 + $ 2000 plus other family members .
Not $ 600 .
Remember , it was China 's fault !
, '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a similar claim in a post on Christmas Day .
The $ 900 billion relief package which had been agreed by both sides in Congress last week following months of deadlocked negotiations look set to be signed off until Trump unexpectedly declared it a `` disgrace '' while calling for an increase in payments .
In a rare Christmas Eve session , House Republicans voted down proposals to increase the next round of payments to $ 2000 , with Democrats also blocking Republican attempts to cut foreign aid from the $ 1.4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 million Americans are now set to lose jobless benefits , including those relying on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance which made unemployment insurance available to self-employed , freelancers , gig workers and others who do not normally qualify .
A federal shutdown will also be triggered if the $ 1.4 trillion government funding bill , which the coronavirus relief packages are attached to , is also not signed by midnight Tuesday .
Millions are also facing having their eviction protections , which the stimulus bill would extend , expire at the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people who are scared they 're going to be kicked out from their homes , during the Christmas holidays , and still might be if we do n't sign this bill , '' said Rep. Debbie Dingell , a Michigan Democrat , told the Associated Press .
In a statement , President-elect Joe Biden urged that the bill signed as the moratorium on evictions expires in less than a week .
`` Delay means more small businesses wo n't survive this dark winter because they lack access to the lifeline they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting the direct payments they deserve as quickly as possible to help deal with the economic devastation caused by COVID-19 , '' Biden said .
`` This bill is critical .
It needs to be signed into law now .
But it is also a first step and down payment on more action that we 'll need to take early in the new year to revive the economy and contain the pandemic—including meeting the dire need for funding to distribute and administer the vaccine and to increase our testing capacity . ''
House @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new vote on increasing the stimulus payments to $ 2,000 will take place on Monday .
A stopgap bill also could be passed to prevent a partial government shutdown from taking place .

Millions of Americans have been left in limbo after unemployment benefits expired with President Donald Trump refusing to sign a bipartisan COVID relief bill and continues to demand the next round of checks be increased from $600 to $2000.
Just hours before the midnight deadline was due to pass, Trump once again blamed China, where the novel coronavirus was first detected, for people needing the long-awaited stimulus package.
"$2000 + $2000 plus other family members. Not $600. Remember, it was China's fault!," Trump tweeted on December 26, after making a similar claim in a post on Christmas Day.
The $900 billion relief package which had been agreed by both sides in Congress last week following months of deadlocked negotiations look set to be signed off until Trump unexpectedly declared it a "disgrace" while calling for an increase in payments.
In a rare Christmas Eve session, House Republicans voted down proposals to increase the next round of payments to $2000, with Democrats also blocking Republican attempts to cut foreign aid from the $1.4 trillion federal spending bill.
An estimated 12 million Americans are now set to lose jobless benefits, including those relying on the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance which made unemployment insurance available to self-employed, freelancers, gig workers and others who do not normally qualify.
A federal shutdown will also be triggered if the $1.4 trillion government funding bill, which the coronavirus relief packages are attached to, is also not signed by midnight Tuesday.
Millions are also facing having their eviction protections, which the stimulus bill would extend, expire at the end of 2020.
"I've been talking to people who are scared they're going to be kicked out from their homes, during the Christmas holidays, and still might be if we don't sign this bill," said Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, told the Associated Press.
In a statement, President-elect Joe Biden urged that the bill signed as the moratorium on evictions expires in less than a week.
"Delay means more small businesses won't survive this dark winter because they lack access to the lifeline they need, and Americans face further delays in getting the direct payments they deserve as quickly as possible to help deal with the economic devastation caused by COVID-19," Biden said.
"This bill is critical. It needs to be signed into law now. But it is also a first step and down payment on more action that we'll need to take early in the new year to revive the economy and contain the pandemic—including meeting the dire need for funding to distribute and administer the vaccine and to increase our testing capacity."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi previously confirmed that a new vote on increasing the stimulus payments to $2,000 will take place on Monday. A stopgap bill also could be passed to prevent a partial government shutdown from taking place.


newsweek--2020-12-27--'Five of My Relatives Died During Hurricane Laura'

I was in a deep sleep early in the morning of August 28 this year when I was awakened by such a strong jolt that I thought one of my four kids must be shocking me with their science kit as part of a prank .
`` Somebody is dead , '' I whispered to my husband .
Now thoroughly awake and with a sense that something was wrong , I began making a mental inventory of my sick and elderly relatives .
But when my phone rang later that morning , it was n't about my hundred-year-old great grandmother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 .
Her voice choking , my mother shared news so terrible that I could hardly comprehend it .
In the wake of Hurricane Laura , four of our relatives in Lake Charles , Louisiana were dead and a fifth was on life support .
One of them was my beloved Aunt Rosa , my father 's sister .
My auntie , her husband and brother had sheltered from the hurricane with her daughter and son-in-law .
Although that kept them safe from the storm , fumes from a generator running in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them as they slept .
Ultimately , five people in two generations of our family lost their lives .
As a young person , the Louisiana relatives had set me on my course .
Fresh out of college in Houston , I landed my first job in Lake Charles , my father 's hometown .
I moved in with Aunt Rosa and Uncle Charles .
Her home-cooked Creole meals filled my belly , but the wisdom and generosity she shared over those dinners nourished my soul .
I admired her as a respected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black female supervisors at the U.S. Post Office .
She gave me an example of what it means to be persistent and work hard to make a community better , not just through her words but in her actions .
I believe it was Rosa 's spirit that woke me up to say goodbye as she left this earth .
And it was her influence that would n't let me grieve in isolation .
My husband and I made plans to leave our home in Minnesota to go to Louisiana to pay our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt like I could hear her voice saying : `` Do n't come down here and cry for me .
Bring some hope .
Give Lake Charles something to smile about . ''
What could I give ?
How could I make an impact on a town devastated by the strongest hurricane to hit in more than a century ?
My aunt knew that the way to lighten a community 's heart is by lifting up its young people .
And that I could do .
In April of 2020 , my first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story of my daughter heading to kindergarten as a non-verbal child on the autism spectrum .
I realized I had boxes of books waiting to be sold and shipped that I could share .
When other picture book authors heard what I was up to , they too wanted to donate their books .
A Minneapolis-based toy company also provided us with 500 soft toys to share .
We packed our family 's RV with the boxes of goodies , loaded up our kids and headed to the Gulf Coast .
We were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal of bringing love and light to the children in Lake Charles .
We created the hashtag # MNLovesLakeCharles and designed t-shirts to wear .
We even put a giant sticker on the side of our RV so that when people saw us coming , they 'd know we were coming to help .
As we arrived , we saw tarps on roofs , felled trees and businesses torn from their foundation .
The local TV station 's tower had been destroyed , so there was no way to utilize them to let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I went on social media to share the news that I would be at the Calcasieu Public Library to give away books and toys .
`` Bring your kids and be blessed , '' I wrote .
But I had second thoughts before arriving .
In a community where people needed essentials , what would they make of gifts for children ?
But as my husband pulled our motor coach into the parking lot for the give away , we saw a line of cars .
And as we began handing out the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that moment , displaced families seemed happy for their children to be excited over a new bedtime story to read and a toy to cuddle .
A teacher asked for extra books to pass out to her students who lived in a heavily damaged apartment complex .
A grandmother wept when it was her turn to get treats for her grandchildren who 'd been sleeping in their van because their home was washed away .
A mom told me , `` I 've been in line for water and food and clothes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ me and my baby get to do something fun together .
God bless you . ''
In three hours , my husband and I along with library volunteers gave away everything we had brought .
I now have an idea what it feels like to be Santa at Christmas .
Aunt Rosa and my other relatives were honored in a joint funeral held at the only church in Lake Charles that still had electricity .
Socially distanced mourners wept at the line of five white caskets , each adorned with sprays of red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement of sympathy from Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards , who praised the trailblazing accomplishments of my aunt .
Though COVID-19 kept all of our family from gathering for the service , we 've mourned on Zoom , in conversations on the phone and through social media .
We feel them near when we tell their stories and draw on the strength our loved ones showed .
Months later , the people of Lake Charles are still struggling .
They still need help .
At first I did n't think I had anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hurricane was so widespread and I 'm just one person .
But I was able to use something as simple as a book to lift spirits in the community where my beloved Aunt Rosa gave so much .
I believe she woke me up to say good-bye .
She 's not really gone though because her spirit still lives inside of me .
I 'm the ambassador of her legacy .
And I feel that Aunt Rosa is my guardian angel .
Sheletta Brundidge is an Emmy Award winning comedian , radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-authored the book Cameron Goes To School , available here .
To donate approved books to children and damaged libraries in Lake Charles , Louisiana , log on to her website SHElettaMakesMeLaugh.com or click here .
All views expressed in this article are the author 's own .

I was in a deep sleep early in the morning of August 28 this year when I was awakened by such a strong jolt that I thought one of my four kids must be shocking me with their science kit as part of a prank.
"Somebody is dead," I whispered to my husband.
Now thoroughly awake and with a sense that something was wrong, I began making a mental inventory of my sick and elderly relatives. But when my phone rang later that morning, it wasn't about my hundred-year-old great grandmother or my niece who had tested positive for COVID-19.
Her voice choking, my mother shared news so terrible that I could hardly comprehend it. In the wake of Hurricane Laura, four of our relatives in Lake Charles, Louisiana were dead and a fifth was on life support. One of them was my beloved Aunt Rosa, my father's sister.
My auntie, her husband and brother had sheltered from the hurricane with her daughter and son-in-law. Although that kept them safe from the storm, fumes from a generator running in an attached garage seeped inside, poisoning them as they slept. Ultimately, five people in two generations of our family lost their lives.
This aerial view shows damage to a neighborhood by Hurricane Laura outside of Lake Charles, Louisiana, on August 27, 2020. As Sheletta Brundidge's family sheltered from Hurricane Laura, they were poisoned and killed by carbon monoxide fumes. STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images
As a young person, the Louisiana relatives had set me on my course. Fresh out of college in Houston, I landed my first job in Lake Charles, my father's hometown. I moved in with Aunt Rosa and Uncle Charles.
Her home-cooked Creole meals filled my belly, but the wisdom and generosity she shared over those dinners nourished my soul. I admired her as a respected professional, one of Louisiana's first Black female supervisors at the U.S. Post Office. She gave me an example of what it means to be persistent and work hard to make a community better, not just through her words but in her actions.
I believe it was Rosa's spirit that woke me up to say goodbye as she left this earth. And it was her influence that wouldn't let me grieve in isolation.
My husband and I made plans to leave our home in Minnesota to go to Louisiana to pay our respects, as we did so it felt like I could hear her voice saying: "Don't come down here and cry for me. Bring some hope. Give Lake Charles something to smile about."
The funeral for the five members of Sheletta Brundidge's family who died during Hurricane Laura. Courtesy of Sheletta Brundidge
What could I give? How could I make an impact on a town devastated by the strongest hurricane to hit in more than a century? My aunt knew that the way to lighten a community's heart is by lifting up its young people. And that I could do.
In April of 2020, my first book was published. It is the story of my daughter heading to kindergarten as a non-verbal child on the autism spectrum. I realized I had boxes of books waiting to be sold and shipped that I could share.
When other picture book authors heard what I was up to, they too wanted to donate their books. A Minneapolis-based toy company also provided us with 500 soft toys to share.
We packed our family's RV with the boxes of goodies, loaded up our kids and headed to the Gulf Coast. We were now on a humanitarian mission with the goal of bringing love and light to the children in Lake Charles.
We created the hashtag #MNLovesLakeCharles and designed t-shirts to wear. We even put a giant sticker on the side of our RV so that when people saw us coming, they'd know we were coming to help.
As we arrived, we saw tarps on roofs, felled trees and businesses torn from their foundation. The local TV station's tower had been destroyed, so there was no way to utilize them to let residents know we were coming, so I went on social media to share the news that I would be at the Calcasieu Public Library to give away books and toys. "Bring your kids and be blessed," I wrote.
But I had second thoughts before arriving. In a community where people needed essentials, what would they make of gifts for children?
But as my husband pulled our motor coach into the parking lot for the give away, we saw a line of cars. And as we began handing out the books, something magical happened. In that moment, displaced families seemed happy for their children to be excited over a new bedtime story to read and a toy to cuddle.
A teacher asked for extra books to pass out to her students who lived in a heavily damaged apartment complex. A grandmother wept when it was her turn to get treats for her grandchildren who'd been sleeping in their van because their home was washed away. A mom told me, "I've been in line for water and food and clothes. That was no fun. Today, me and my baby get to do something fun together. God bless you."
In three hours, my husband and I along with library volunteers gave away everything we had brought. I now have an idea what it feels like to be Santa at Christmas.
Sheletta Brundidge giving away books and toys in Louisiana after Hurricane Laura destroyed so many homes and lives in August 2020. Courtesy of Sheletta Brundidge
Aunt Rosa and my other relatives were honored in a joint funeral held at the only church in Lake Charles that still had electricity. Socially distanced mourners wept at the line of five white caskets, each adorned with sprays of red roses. The homegoing ceremony included a statement of sympathy from Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, who praised the trailblazing accomplishments of my aunt.
Though COVID-19 kept all of our family from gathering for the service, we've mourned on Zoom, in conversations on the phone and through social media. We feel them near when we tell their stories and draw on the strength our loved ones showed.
Months later, the people of Lake Charles are still struggling. They still need help. At first I didn't think I had anything to give, because the impact of the hurricane was so widespread and I'm just one person.
But I was able to use something as simple as a book to lift spirits in the community where my beloved Aunt Rosa gave so much.
I believe she woke me up to say good-bye. She's not really gone though because her spirit still lives inside of me. I'm the ambassador of her legacy. And I feel that Aunt Rosa is my guardian angel.
Sheletta Brundidge is an Emmy Award winning comedian, radio host and picture book author. Brundidge co-authored the book Cameron Goes To School, available here. To donate approved books to children and damaged libraries in Lake Charles, Louisiana, log on to her website SHElettaMakesMeLaugh.com or click here.
All views expressed in this article are the author's own.


newsweek--2020-12-27--Powerball Results, Numbers for 12/26/20: Did Anyone Win the $341 Million?

There were no overall winners for the $ 341 million Powerball jackpot on Saturday night , but two lucky punters scooped $ 2 million each .
The winning numbers were 10 , 24 , 27 , 35 and 53 with the Powerball being 18 .
There was also a 2X Power Play , multiplying the amount players could win outside the main jackpot by two .
The value of the jackpot for Wednesday 's draw has now increased to $ 363 million with a cash option of $ 279.2 million .
The Powerball jackpot was last won on September 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spa , New York , returned a $ 94.6 million prize .
Prior to that , the jackpot was won on August 12 , when one lucky player in Florida matched all five white balls and the Powerball to pocket a massive $ 169 million payout .
While there were no overall winners on Saturday night , there were two winners for the second-place $ 1 million prize , with tickets sold in Kentucky and Texas .
Both players pocketed $ 2 million as they had purchased a Power Play .
Three tickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Texas returned $ 1 million each as they matched all five balls .
There were 22 tickets sold nationwide that matched four of the five white balls and the Power Ball for the $ 50,000 third prize .
Four of those ticket holders purchased the Power Play , which made their third-prize winnings worth $ 100,000 .
Just over 500 players won $ 100 by matching four numbers and of those winners 130 won $ 200 by using the Power Play .
Additionally , over 1,300 people won $ 100 by matching three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 382 them multiplied their prize to $ 200 using the Power Play .
Like the Mega Millions lottery , the Powerball is played in 45 states , Washington , D.C. , and the U.S. Virgin Islands .
There are nine ways to win a prize , ranging from $ 4 to the jackpot , which increases with each draw that it is not won .
The overall odds of winning a prize in the Powerball lottery are 1 in 24.9 but , according to the Powerball website , the odds of winning the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player will win if the numbers on one row of their ticket match the numbers of the balls drawn .
Tickets cost $ 2 per play with the option of adding the Megaplier to a ticket for an additional $ 1 per play .
For payment , money that is won can either come as an annuity , one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments rising by five percent each payment , or cash , which is described online as a `` one-time , lump-sum payment that is equal to all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' If you win a jackpot , call lottery officials at 1-800-222-0996 .
The next Powerball draw is scheduled for Wednesday , December 30 .

There were no overall winners for the $341 million Powerball jackpot on Saturday night, but two lucky punters scooped $2 million each.
The winning numbers were 10, 24, 27, 35 and 53 with the Powerball being 18. There was also a 2X Power Play, multiplying the amount players could win outside the main jackpot by two.
The value of the jackpot for Wednesday's draw has now increased to $363 million with a cash option of $279.2 million.
The Powerball jackpot was last won on September 16, when a ticket purchased in Ballston Spa, New York, returned a $94.6 million prize.
Prior to that, the jackpot was won on August 12, when one lucky player in Florida matched all five white balls and the Powerball to pocket a massive $169 million payout.
While there were no overall winners on Saturday night, there were two winners for the second-place $1 million prize, with tickets sold in Kentucky and Texas. Both players pocketed $2 million as they had purchased a Power Play.
Three tickets sold in Florida, North Carolina and Texas returned $1 million each as they matched all five balls.
There were 22 tickets sold nationwide that matched four of the five white balls and the Power Ball for the $50,000 third prize. Four of those ticket holders purchased the Power Play, which made their third-prize winnings worth $100,000.
Just over 500 players won $100 by matching four numbers and of those winners 130 won $200 by using the Power Play. Additionally, over 1,300 people won $100 by matching three numbers and the Mega Ball and among 382 them multiplied their prize to $200 using the Power Play.
Like the Mega Millions lottery, the Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
There are nine ways to win a prize, ranging from $4 to the jackpot, which increases with each draw that it is not won. The overall odds of winning a prize in the Powerball lottery are 1 in 24.9 but, according to the Powerball website, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338.
A player will win if the numbers on one row of their ticket match the numbers of the balls drawn. Tickets cost $2 per play with the option of adding the Megaplier to a ticket for an additional $1 per play.
For payment, money that is won can either come as an annuity, one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments rising by five percent each payment, or cash, which is described online as a "one-time, lump-sum payment that is equal to all the cash in the jackpot prize pool."
If you win a jackpot, call lottery officials at 1-800-222-0996.
The next Powerball draw is scheduled for Wednesday, December 30.


newsweek--2020-12-27--TikTok's Top 10 Viral Videos of 2020 Showcase the Year's Best Challenges and Trends

The year is coming to a close , and if there 's one thing a lot of us have been doing while stuck at home , it 's watching funny TikTok videos .
To celebrate the hilarious , heartwarming , clever—and at times bizarre—videos that have been shared to the social media platform in 2020 , TikTok has rounded up its top 10 viral videos of the year .
The videos below are not necessarily the most viewed TikTok videos of the year , but a round-up that encapsulates the kind of content that has been popular on the app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooking videos , dancing animals , and songs that you ca n't get out of your head .
Bella Poarch Does the M to the B Trend The most viewed TikTok of 2020 was Bella Poarch 's take on the M to the B trend which went viral on the app .
Poarch 's video amassed a massive 547.1 million views and 44.7 million likes .
M to the B is a song by English grime artist Millie B who released the song as a diss track in 2016 , but it found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Millie B , or Millie Bracewell , joined in the trend herself , with her TikTok video receiving 4.7 million likes .
In September , TikTok user Nathan Apodaca , who goes by the username @ 420doggface , shared a video of himself skateboarding while drinking Ocean Spray cranberry juice and listening to `` Dreams '' by Fleetwood Mac .
The video gained 76.4 million views and kicked off a popular trend that even saw Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks join in .
Caitlin Reilly as the Co-Worker You Hate in a Zoom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ third spot on the most viewed TikToks of 2020 by tapping into the world of working from home .
In this viral video , Reilly plays the co-worker you hate in a Zoom meeting as they suck up to the boss and tattle on their co-workers .
The video has been viewed 7.4 million times and has gained more than 700 likes .
Jalaiah Does the Renegade Dance at NBA All-Star Game A popular dance on TikTok this year was the `` Renegade , '' which was choreographed by 14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the NBA All-Star Game has been viewed 34 million times .
Will Smith 's Wipe It Down Challenge The Wipe It Down Challenge sees TikTok users transform into their alter egos or fictional characters as they clean their mirrors , and Will Smith 's take on the trend sees him included in the top 10 viral videos of the year .
Smith 's video sees him wipe the mirror to reveal his Men in Black character , with the help of a cardboard cut-out .
One of the most bizarre viral videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pan Su Su Sum , which is sixth on the list .
The surreal video , which sees an animated alpaca dancing to a version of an obscure Russian cereal commercial , has been viewed 149 million times , and the song became stuck in the heads of millions across the world .
A stand-out video of the year was @ lizemopetey 's meatier/meteor skit that went viral in September and has since gained 20 million views .
Eliza Petersen acts out a misunderstanding between God and an angel in which they realize @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meteor that will wipe out the dinosaurs .
Food videos are hugely popular on TikTok , as demonstrated by this viral video from Tabitha Brown , who teaches her viewers how to make carrots taste like bacon .
The video has more than 20 million views and nearly four million likes .
Julian Bass is in number nine for his hero video , set to Harry Styles ' song `` Watermelon Sugar , '' which sees him transform into heroes like a Jedi and Spiderman , complete with impressive graphics .
The video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three million likes .
Finally , number 10 on TikTok 's top videos of the year is simply a video of a goose shaking its tail feather to `` Vibe ( If I Back It Up ) '' by Cookiee Kawaii as his owner dances and poses in the background , which has been viewed 19 million times .

The year is coming to a close, and if there's one thing a lot of us have been doing while stuck at home, it's watching funny TikTok videos. To celebrate the hilarious, heartwarming, clever—and at times bizarre—videos that have been shared to the social media platform in 2020, TikTok has rounded up its top 10 viral videos of the year.
The videos below are not necessarily the most viewed TikTok videos of the year, but a round-up that encapsulates the kind of content that has been popular on the app in 2020, from viral trends, cooking videos, dancing animals, and songs that you can't get out of your head.
Bella Poarch Does the M to the B Trend
The most viewed TikTok of 2020 was Bella Poarch's take on the M to the B trend which went viral on the app. Poarch's video amassed a massive 547.1 million views and 44.7 million likes.
M to the B is a song by English grime artist Millie B who released the song as a diss track in 2016, but it found viral fame on TikTok in 2020. Millie B, or Millie Bracewell, joined in the trend herself, with her TikTok video receiving 4.7 million likes.
Nathan Apodaca Kicks Off the Cranberry Dreams Trend
In September, TikTok user Nathan Apodaca, who goes by the username @420doggface, shared a video of himself skateboarding while drinking Ocean Spray cranberry juice and listening to "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac.
The video gained 76.4 million views and kicked off a popular trend that even saw Mick Fleetwood and Stevie Nicks join in.
Caitlin Reilly as the Co-Worker You Hate in a Zoom Meeting
TikTok star Caitlin Reilly takes the third spot on the most viewed TikToks of 2020 by tapping into the world of working from home. In this viral video, Reilly plays the co-worker you hate in a Zoom meeting as they suck up to the boss and tattle on their co-workers. The video has been viewed 7.4 million times and has gained more than 700 likes.
Jalaiah Does the Renegade Dance at NBA All-Star Game
A popular dance on TikTok this year was the "Renegade," which was choreographed by 14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon. A video of Harmon performing her dance at the NBA All-Star Game has been viewed 34 million times.
Will Smith's Wipe It Down Challenge
The Wipe It Down Challenge sees TikTok users transform into their alter egos or fictional characters as they clean their mirrors, and Will Smith's take on the trend sees him included in the top 10 viral videos of the year. Smith's video sees him wipe the mirror to reveal his Men in Black character, with the help of a cardboard cut-out.
Mi Pan Su Su Sum
One of the most bizarre viral videos on TikTok this year was definitely Mi Pan Su Su Sum, which is sixth on the list. The surreal video, which sees an animated alpaca dancing to a version of an obscure Russian cereal commercial, has been viewed 149 million times, and the song became stuck in the heads of millions across the world.
Meatier? A meteor?
A stand-out video of the year was @lizemopetey's meatier/meteor skit that went viral in September and has since gained 20 million views. Eliza Petersen acts out a misunderstanding between God and an angel in which they realize that the angel has accidentally created the meteor that will wipe out the dinosaurs.
Carrots or Bacon?
Food videos are hugely popular on TikTok, as demonstrated by this viral video from Tabitha Brown, who teaches her viewers how to make carrots taste like bacon. The video has more than 20 million views and nearly four million likes.
Hero Transformation
Julian Bass is in number nine for his hero video, set to Harry Styles' song "Watermelon Sugar," which sees him transform into heroes like a Jedi and Spiderman, complete with impressive graphics. The video earned Bass 15 million views and nearly three million likes.
A Goose Throws It Back
Finally, number 10 on TikTok's top videos of the year is simply a video of a goose shaking its tail feather to "Vibe (If I Back It Up)" by Cookiee Kawaii as his owner dances and poses in the background, which has been viewed 19 million times.


newsweek--2020-12-26--In Nashville Bombing, Suspect's Father and AT&T Building May Be Key Clues

Records show the Nashville bombing suspect 's late father worked for BellSouth , a telecommunications company that merged into AT & T in 2006 , before his death in July 2011 at age 78 .
The blast on Christmas morning detonated outside an AT & T building , injuring three people and causing service outages that have affected customers and 911 operations .
Two senior law enforcement officials who have seen the investigation reports confirmed to Newsweek on Saturday that federal investigators were searching the home of Anthony Quinn Warner , 63 , who 's considered a suspect in connection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the case on the record .
A LexisNexis report on Anthony Warner , obtained by Newsweek , showed that he was born in January 1957 , is 63 years old , located at 3724 Bakerton Road and 115 Bakertown Road in Nashville—the address authorities began searching on Saturday .
The report listed Charles B. Warner and Steven L. Warner as potential relatives of the suspect , and an obit on The Tennessean confirmed that Charles Warner was survived by his sons , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LexisNexis report on Warner 's father , obtained by Newsweek , showed that a Charles B. Warner worked at BellSouth before his death on July 5 , 2011 .
Two of the three email addresses listed under Warner 's father were also connected to BellSouth .
On Friday afternoon , police said the RV arrived on Second Avenue North at 1:22 a.m. local time .
The vehicle was situated outside an AT & T transmission building .
The bomb , detonated at around 6:30 a.m. , damaged the AT & T building , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area , including to emergency lines .
`` The fact that the father worked in the same company is definitely a lead investigators would pursue , '' a senior law enforcement official told Newsweek on Saturday evening when asked about the suspect 's father 's connection to AT & T .
`` They 're definitely pulling the dad 's employment record to see if there is any nexus between this bombing and his employment , '' the source added .
`` In an investigation of this magnitude it would be logical to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employment action of the father , and the location of where the bombing took place . ''
Officials have not yet publicly identified a motive for the bombing or the suspect .
Officials previously confirmed that possible human remains were located at the scene of the incident , and an investigation into an Antioch house , in suburban Nashville , commenced on Saturday .
Earlier on Saturday , the two senior law enforcement sources told Newsweek that federal investigators will swab Warner 's mother to determine a match to the possible remains found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is determined to be linked to the remains found in the RV , one law enforcement official said , the blast is likely to have been a suicide bombing .
`` I would say , in order to identify the human remains , it 's likely a family member of Mr. Warner would be asked to provide DNA .
This will most likely be done by the FBI , who is the lead investigative agency , '' one of the senior law enforcement sources told Newsweek .
`` Assuming this is the mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in 48-72 hour turnaround for confirmation . ''
During a Saturday press conference , U.S. Attorney Don Cochran said that it 's still unclear whether there is just one or several suspects involved in the blast that left three people injured in downtown Nashville .
Federal , state and local investigators are following up on over 500 leads reported over the past 24 hours .
Cochran described the incident as a `` cowardly bombing on Christmas morning '' after law enforcement indicated that it was intentional .
Nashville Chief of Police John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now `` safe . ''
John Cooper , the city 's mayor , has implemented a curfew in the downtown area until Sunday to limit public access to the crime scene as the investigation continues .
The search at a home connected to Warner on Bakerton Road in Antioch , a neighborhood in Nashville , commenced just before 11 a.m. local time .
Neighbours told The Tennessean that an RV , resembling the vehicle involved in the blast , was seen outside the location over the past two weeks .
A Google street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed a similar vehicle in the driveway ; however , it was not present at the location on Saturday when authorities arrived .
A search for Anthony Warner in historic Davidson County criminal records show that a male born on January 17 , 1957 , who would now be 63 years old , was arrested and charged with a felony offense linked to possession of a controlled substance on January 29 , 1978 .
Update 12/26/20 10:46 p.m. : This story has been amended to clarify that NexisLexis listed both 3724 Bakerton Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warner .
Officials searched 115 Bakerton Road on Saturday .

Records show the Nashville bombing suspect's late father worked for BellSouth, a telecommunications company that merged into AT&T in 2006, before his death in July 2011 at age 78. The blast on Christmas morning detonated outside an AT&T building, injuring three people and causing service outages that have affected customers and 911 operations.
Two senior law enforcement officials who have seen the investigation reports confirmed to Newsweek on Saturday that federal investigators were searching the home of Anthony Quinn Warner, 63, who's considered a suspect in connection with the December 25 bombing. The officials requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the case on the record.
A LexisNexis report on Anthony Warner, obtained by Newsweek, showed that he was born in January 1957, is 63 years old, located at 3724 Bakertown Road and 115 Bakertown Road in Nashville—the address authorities began searching on Saturday. The report listed Charles B. Warner and Steven L. Warner as potential relatives of the suspect, and an obit on The Tennessean confirmed that Charles Warner was survived by his sons, Steve and Tony Warner.
A separate LexisNexis report on Warner's father, obtained by Newsweek, showed that a Charles B. Warner worked at BellSouth before his death on July 5, 2011. Two of the three email addresses listed under Warner's father were also connected to BellSouth.
FBI and first responders work on the scene after an explosion on December 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. According to initial reports, a vehicle exploded downtown in the early morning hours. THADDAEUS McAdams / Contributor/Getty Images
On Friday afternoon, police said the RV arrived on Second Avenue North at 1:22 a.m. local time. The vehicle was situated outside an AT&T transmission building. The bomb, detonated at around 6:30 a.m., damaged the AT&T building, causing service outages to residents in the area, including to emergency lines.
"The fact that the father worked in the same company is definitely a lead investigators would pursue," a senior law enforcement official told Newsweek on Saturday evening when asked about the suspect's father's connection to AT&T.
"They're definitely pulling the dad's employment record to see if there is any nexus between this bombing and his employment," the source added. "In an investigation of this magnitude it would be logical to see if there is a nexus between adverse employment action of the father, and the location of where the bombing took place."
Officials have not yet publicly identified a motive for the bombing or the suspect.
Officials previously confirmed that possible human remains were located at the scene of the incident, and an investigation into an Antioch house, in suburban Nashville, commenced on Saturday.
Earlier on Saturday, the two senior law enforcement sources told Newsweek that federal investigators will swab Warner's mother to determine a match to the possible remains found in the RV. If her DNA is determined to be linked to the remains found in the RV, one law enforcement official said, the blast is likely to have been a suicide bombing.
"I would say, in order to identify the human remains, it's likely a family member of Mr. Warner would be asked to provide DNA. This will most likely be done by the FBI, who is the lead investigative agency," one of the senior law enforcement sources told Newsweek. "Assuming this is the mother of the bomber, the FBI labs are in 48-72 hour turnaround for confirmation."
During a Saturday press conference, U.S. Attorney Don Cochran said that it's still unclear whether there is just one or several suspects involved in the blast that left three people injured in downtown Nashville. Federal, state and local investigators are following up on over 500 leads reported over the past 24 hours.
Cochran described the incident as a "cowardly bombing on Christmas morning" after law enforcement indicated that it was intentional.
Nashville Chief of Police John Drake assured residents that the city is now "safe." John Cooper, the city's mayor, has implemented a curfew in the downtown area until Sunday to limit public access to the crime scene as the investigation continues.
The search at a home connected to Warner on Bakertown Road in Antioch, a neighborhood in Nashville, commenced just before 11 a.m. local time.
Neighbours told The Tennessean that an RV, resembling the vehicle involved in the blast, was seen outside the location over the past two weeks. A Google street view image, taken May 2019, showed a similar vehicle in the driveway; however, it was not present at the location on Saturday when authorities arrived.
A search for Anthony Warner in historic Davidson County criminal records show that a male born on January 17, 1957, who would now be 63 years old, was arrested and charged with a felony offense linked to possession of a controlled substance on January 29, 1978.
Update 12/26/20 10:46 p.m.: This story has been amended to clarify that NexisLexis listed both 3724 Bakertown Road and 115 Bakertown Road as addresses for Warner. Officials searched 115 Bakertown Road on Saturday.


newsweek--2020-12-27--Trump Caves to Pressure, Signs COVID Relief and Funding Bills

President Donald Trump signed the $ 900 billion bipartisan COVID-19 stimulus bill Sunday night that passed by Congress earlier this week , providing some much needed economic relief to struggling Americans .
The stimulus package was combined with a $ 1.4 trillion omnibus spending package to keep the government funded next year .
As a result , Trump 's signature also averted a pending government shutdown that lawmakers had scrambled to prevent .
Most Americans will receive $ 600 stimulus checks with an additional $ 600 for dependents up to 17 years of age as part of the COVID-19 relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300 per week in extra federal unemployment insurance , a moratorium on evictions and additional nutrition assistance .
Lawmakers included $ 325 billion to help small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program and aid targeted specifically to businesses in low-income communities .
Funds to shore up transportation education are included in the package as well .
`` As President of the United States it is my responsibility to protect the people of our country from the economic devastation and hardship that was caused by the China virus , '' the president said in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whether or not he would sign the relief bill in a Tuesday video message , describing the package as a `` disgrace . ''
These remarks came after the White House reportedly urged Republican lawmakers to back the legislation .
The president took particular issue with the foreign spending included in the omnibus funding portion of the bill , while calling on Congress to raise the $ 600 stimulus checks to $ 2,000 .
Although Trump called out the billions included in the package for funding to foreign countries and other government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly from budget item requests from his own administration .
It appeared that the president misunderstood that the COVID-19 relief bill was included with the much broader spending package to keep the government running in the new year .
Democratic lawmakers quickly supported Trump 's calls for $ 2,000 checks to replace the significantly smaller $ 600 direct payments .
Progressives pointed out that they 'd been calling for $ 2,000 stimulus checks for months while Republicans had largely dismissed the idea .
Meanwhile , Republicans backed Trump 's calls to curb funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismissed the demand to increase the direct payments to Americans .
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , a California Democrat , said Thursday that the House of Representatives would hold a roll-call vote on a bill to provide Americans with $ 2,000 stimulus checks .
However , she also urged the president to sign the current bill to keep the government funded and to get much needed aid out to struggling Americans sooner than later .
`` On Monday , I will bring the House back to session where we will hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase economic impact payments to $ 2,000 .
To vote against this bill is to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny them the relief they need , '' Pelosi said .
Now that Trump has signed the COVID-19 relief package , Americans should begin receiving the benefits within days .
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Monday that Americans could see money in their bank accounts as soon as next week .
Whether Americans will just receive $ 600 or $ 2,000 remains to be seen , as some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Newsweek reached out to press representatives for the White House , Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for comment but did not immediately receive a response .

President Donald Trump signed the $900 billion bipartisan COVID-19 stimulus bill Sunday night that passed by Congress earlier this week, providing some much needed economic relief to struggling Americans.
The stimulus package was combined with a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package to keep the government funded next year. As a result, Trump's signature also averted a pending government shutdown that lawmakers had scrambled to prevent.
Most Americans will receive $600 stimulus checks with an additional $600 for dependents up to 17 years of age as part of the COVID-19 relief legislation. The bill also provides $300 per week in extra federal unemployment insurance, a moratorium on evictions and additional nutrition assistance. Lawmakers included $325 billion to help small businesses through the Paycheck Protection Program and aid targeted specifically to businesses in low-income communities. Funds to shore up transportation education are included in the package as well.
"As President of the United States it is my responsibility to protect the people of our country from the economic devastation and hardship that was caused by the China virus," the president said in a statement Sunday.
President Donald Trump departs on the South Lawn of the White House on December 12 in Washington, D.C. Al Drago/Getty
Trump cast doubt on whether or not he would sign the relief bill in a Tuesday video message, describing the package as a "disgrace." These remarks came after the White House reportedly urged Republican lawmakers to back the legislation. The president took particular issue with the foreign spending included in the omnibus funding portion of the bill, while calling on Congress to raise the $600 stimulus checks to $2,000.
Although Trump called out the billions included in the package for funding to foreign countries and other government priorities, most of these amounts came directly from budget item requests from his own administration. It appeared that the president misunderstood that the COVID-19 relief bill was included with the much broader spending package to keep the government running in the new year.
Democratic lawmakers quickly supported Trump's calls for $2,000 checks to replace the significantly smaller $600 direct payments. Progressives pointed out that they'd been calling for $2,000 stimulus checks for months while Republicans had largely dismissed the idea. Meanwhile, Republicans backed Trump's calls to curb funding to foreign countries while some GOP senators dismissed the demand to increase the direct payments to Americans.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, said Thursday that the House of Representatives would hold a roll-call vote on a bill to provide Americans with $2,000 stimulus checks. However, she also urged the president to sign the current bill to keep the government funded and to get much needed aid out to struggling Americans sooner than later.
"On Monday, I will bring the House back to session where we will hold a recorded vote on our stand-alone bill to increase economic impact payments to $2,000. To vote against this bill is to deny the financial hardship that families face and to deny them the relief they need," Pelosi said.
Now that Trump has signed the COVID-19 relief package, Americans should begin receiving the benefits within days. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Monday that Americans could see money in their bank accounts as soon as next week. Whether Americans will just receive $600 or $2,000 remains to be seen, as some prominent Republicans oppose the larger direct payments.
Newsweek reached out to press representatives for the White House, Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for comment but did not immediately receive a response.