newsweek--2020-12-21--Man Dressed As Santa Rescued From Power Lines in California

A man dressed as Santa Claus has been rescued from power lines after becoming entangled in the live wires when his aircraft crashed in a California suburb .
The unidentified man was delivering candy canes to neighborhood children in the Sacramento area when he flew his hyper-light aircraft into the power lines on Sunday morning .
After dangling upside down for an hour , the exhausted Santa was finally rescued by the Sacramento Fire Department and managed to escape unscathed .
Using a crane , two fire trucks and the manpower of about a dozen fire firefighting crew , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We are happy to report Santa is uninjured and will be ready for Christmas next week , but perhaps with a new sleigh ! ''
Metro Fire of Sacramento tweeted alongside footage of the rescue effort .
The Sacramento Fire Department also joined in with a tongue-in-cheek post , describing the incident as `` the moment when your training pays off . ''
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Capt .
Chris Vestal said firefighters were called to the scene near the intersection of 7th Avenue and M Street in Rio Linda shortly after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they found the man dressed in a Santa suit hanging upside down in his aircraft with his parachute tangled in the lines .
In order to rescue the adventurous Santa , the power lines needed to be shut down by Sacramento Municipal Utility District workers , causing about 200 homes in the area to lose power .
The California Highway Patrol 's North Sacramento Office was also called to the scene .
`` Turns out Santa was trying to get some last minute fun in before the holiday and got into a hot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was n't hurt ! ''
the agency said .
Residents said the man is known for delivering candy from his aircraft every year .
`` He flies just around so people can see and flies over people 's houses , '' local woman Colleen Bousliman told KCRA .
`` This was the first time he was in his Santa suit .
We did n't know this was going to happen . ''
`` Unfortunately , he was unable to meet that goal on this day , '' Vestal said .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can appreciate the timing to try and bring the spirit , especially this year . ''
Earlier this month , another Christmas stunt went awry when an estimated 50 children were exposed to COVID-19 following a parade in Ludowici , Georgia , on December 10 .
The event , held by the Long County Chamber of Commerce , included a tree lighting and an opportunity for children to visit and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus .
Just two days after the parade , both Santa and Mrs. Claus tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , did n't display any symptoms at the time of the event , according to a statement by Robert D. Parker , chairman of the Long County Board of Commissioners .
Long County schools asked parents to keep any child exposed to Santa and Mrs. Claus home until after the holiday break if they 're showing symptoms of COVID-19 .

A man dressed as Santa Claus has been rescued from power lines after becoming entangled in the live wires when his aircraft crashed in a California suburb.
The unidentified man was delivering candy canes to neighborhood children in the Sacramento area when he flew his hyper-light aircraft into the power lines on Sunday morning.
After dangling upside down for an hour, the exhausted Santa was finally rescued by the Sacramento Fire Department and managed to escape unscathed.
Using a crane, two fire trucks and the manpower of about a dozen fire firefighting crew, the man was returned safely to land.
A man dressed as Santa Claus crashed his aircraft into power lines and had to be rescued from the live wires in a Sacramento suburb on Sunday morning. Sacramento Fire Department
"We are happy to report Santa is uninjured and will be ready for Christmas next week, but perhaps with a new sleigh!" Metro Fire of Sacramento tweeted alongside footage of the rescue effort.
The Sacramento Fire Department also joined in with a tongue-in-cheek post, describing the incident as "the moment when your training pays off."
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Capt. Chris Vestal said firefighters were called to the scene near the intersection of 7th Avenue and M Street in Rio Linda shortly after 11 a.m. on Sunday.
There, they found the man dressed in a Santa suit hanging upside down in his aircraft with his parachute tangled in the lines.
"We don't know where he was coming from or where exactly he was going," Vestal told the San Francisco Chronicle. "We didn't confirm if he came from the North Pole, but that would be pretty far."
In order to rescue the adventurous Santa, the power lines needed to be shut down by Sacramento Municipal Utility District workers, causing about 200 homes in the area to lose power.
The California Highway Patrol's North Sacramento Office was also called to the scene.
"Turns out Santa was trying to get some last minute fun in before the holiday and got into a hot wire situation. Don't worry... he wasn't hurt!" the agency said.
Residents said the man is known for delivering candy from his aircraft every year.
"He flies just around so people can see and flies over people's houses," local woman Colleen Bousliman told KCRA. "This was the first time he was in his Santa suit. We didn't know this was going to happen."
"Unfortunately, he was unable to meet that goal on this day," Vestal said. "We do commend him for doing that and can appreciate the timing to try and bring the spirit, especially this year."
The man flew his aircraft into residential power lines, dangling upside down for an hour before firefighters could rescue him. Sacramento Fire Department
Earlier this month, another Christmas stunt went awry when an estimated 50 children were exposed to COVID-19 following a parade in Ludowici, Georgia, on December 10.
The event, held by the Long County Chamber of Commerce, included a tree lighting and an opportunity for children to visit and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Just two days after the parade, both Santa and Mrs. Claus tested positive for the virus.
The Clauses, however, didn't display any symptoms at the time of the event, according to a statement by Robert D. Parker, chairman of the Long County Board of Commissioners.
Long County schools asked parents to keep any child exposed to Santa and Mrs. Claus home until after the holiday break if they're showing symptoms of COVID-19.


newsweek--2020-12-21--Will Brendan Morais Come Back To 'The Bachelorette'? Finale Spoilers Show Possible Reunion

2020 is ending the same way it began : with one Bachelor franchise lead left stranded by someone they were falling in love with .
Brendan Morais left the show on Monday after he and Bachelorette Tayshia Adams tried on engagement rings , and but that does n't mean he 's totally out of the picture .
Some spoilers say Adams and Morais have already reunited post-season .
Reality Steve admitted his spoilers this season have n't been perfectly on-spot , so he shared what he 's heard regardless of what will happen on Tuesday night 's finale .
Part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dating post-show , even though she 'll choose another man to take her final rose .
In a blog post on December 15 , Reality Steve explained the possibility .
`` Over the last month , I 've had two different people tell me that Tayshia chose Zac [ Clark ] at the end , at some point after filming they broke things off , and that she is currently back in touch with Brendan and they are slowly working on a relationship , '' he wrote .
Confirming this post-finale may not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Adams 's finale on Tuesday night wo n't conclude with a live `` After the Final Rose '' segment like the seasons before have .
This appears to be because of COVID , and the risks that come with filming a live series , especially considering the show usually hosts a live audience .
If Morais and Adams are really dating now , it seems necessary that the series would acknowledge it .
So hopefully , fans will have formal confirmation on Adams 's relationship status Tuesday .
This predicted saga looks a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever-twisting Bachelor season we all witnessed at the start of 2020 ?
Peter Weber was left heartbroken by Madison Prewett and went on to get engaged to someone else : Hannah Ann Sluss .
Later , though , Weber did try an extremely short-lived fling with Prewett .
What 's in the cards for Adams now is unknown .
The two-part Bachelorette finale started on Monday night , and there are still hours left to the premiere on Tuesday .
If there 's a chance Morais shows up again , like Prewett did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we know right now is that Morais was n't ready to commit to the Bachelorette as the end of the season neared .
But maybe , just maybe , when cameras stopped rolling , they reconnected for a shot at real , non-televised love .
The Bachelorette finale will continue on Tuesday night at 8 p.m .
ET .
But do n't worry : the franchise will continue when The Bachelor premieres on January 4 .

2020 is ending the same way it began: with one Bachelor franchise lead left stranded by someone they were falling in love with. Brendan Morais left the show on Monday after he and Bachelorette Tayshia Adams tried on engagement rings, and but that doesn't mean he's totally out of the picture.
Some spoilers say Adams and Morais have already reunited post-season.
Reality Steve admitted his spoilers this season haven't been perfectly on-spot, so he shared what he's heard regardless of what will happen on Tuesday night's finale. Part of that suggests Adams and Morais are dating post-show, even though she'll choose another man to take her final rose.
Bachelorette Tayshia Adams (L) tries on jewlery with Brendan Morais (R). Craig Sjodin/ABC
In a blog post on December 15, Reality Steve explained the possibility.
"Over the last month, I've had two different people tell me that Tayshia chose Zac [Clark] at the end, at some point after filming they broke things off, and that she is currently back in touch with Brendan and they are slowly working on a relationship," he wrote.
Confirming this post-finale may not be as easy as most seasons. Adams's finale on Tuesday night won't conclude with a live "After the Final Rose" segment like the seasons before have. This appears to be because of COVID, and the risks that come with filming a live series, especially considering the show usually hosts a live audience.
If Morais and Adams are really dating now, it seems necessary that the series would acknowledge it. So hopefully, fans will have formal confirmation on Adams's relationship status Tuesday.
This predicted saga looks a bit familiar. Remember that frustrating, ever-twisting Bachelor season we all witnessed at the start of 2020? Peter Weber was left heartbroken by Madison Prewett and went on to get engaged to someone else: Hannah Ann Sluss. Later, though, Weber did try an extremely short-lived fling with Prewett. What's in the cards for Adams now is unknown.
The two-part Bachelorette finale started on Monday night, and there are still hours left to the premiere on Tuesday. If there's a chance Morais shows up again, like Prewett did for Weber, is unknown.
What we know right now is that Morais wasn't ready to commit to the Bachelorette as the end of the season neared. But maybe, just maybe, when cameras stopped rolling, they reconnected for a shot at real, non-televised love.
The Bachelorette finale will continue on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET. But don't worry: the franchise will continue when The Bachelor premieres on January 4.


newsweek--2020-12-21--'Bachelorette' Spoilers: Will Tayshia Adams Be Engaged By Tuesday Night?

The end of The Bachelorette is so close , and if we 're being honest , things are n't looking great for Tayshia Adams in terms of an engagement .
Spoilers have changed throughout the season , but they all have one thing in common : They say that Adams is n't currently engaged .
Of course , there 's a chance that these spoilers are incorrect , and that Adams very much did get engaged at the end of the show .
But the story circling since the start of the season purports that Adams left the show in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a ring .
Reality Steve first shared those spoilers when Adams took over for Clare Crawley .
Now , there 's a chance that everything has changed .
Reality Steve admitted his spoilers could be wrong , given that he had Ben Smith listed as part of Adams ' final two .
Smith actually went home in fourth place , instead .
Even with the lack of clarity around spoilers this season , the one thing that has n't seemed to change too much is the prediction that Clark will be Adams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , that there may be some sort of heartbreak involving Brendan Morais .
Early spoilers claimed that he 'd left the show and broken Adams ' heart .
But it 's unclear if that will actually happen at this point .
Adams may , very well , choose Clark , but reconnect with Morais after the season , which is a current prediction from Reality Steve ( and the theory we 've chosen to subscribe to ) .
But even that outcome would leave little time for Adams to become a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clare Crawley got engaged in no time .
Earlier in the season , before Adams took over , Crawley accepted a ring on this same season of The Bachelorette .
After just 12 days of filming , Crawley and fiancé Dale Moss decided to leave the show together .
If you 're looking for the perfect happy ending , you may want to rewind to the start of the season .
Crawley and Moss are still happily engaged and spending what seems like every second together joyfully , judging from the pair 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may need more time to sort out who exactly she 'll end up with .
So , even if the spoilers prove to be right and Adams does n't get engaged , there 's no reason to worry on her behalf .
Not every season of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette has a clean-cut ending .
Peter Weber 's season was a great example of how sometimes making a decision is difficult under pressure , and there could even be a change to the outcome later on .
But Tuesday night will reveal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we wo n't have to wait long to figure out who she 's with now—if anyone .

The end of The Bachelorette is so close, and if we're being honest, things aren't looking great for Tayshia Adams in terms of an engagement. Spoilers have changed throughout the season, but they all have one thing in common: They say that Adams isn't currently engaged.
Of course, there's a chance that these spoilers are incorrect, and that Adams very much did get engaged at the end of the show. But the story circling since the start of the season purports that Adams left the show in a relationship with Zac Clark, but without a ring.
Reality Steve first shared those spoilers when Adams took over for Clare Crawley. Now, there's a chance that everything has changed. Reality Steve admitted his spoilers could be wrong, given that he had Ben Smith listed as part of Adams' final two. Smith actually went home in fourth place, instead.
Chris Harrison (L) and Bachelorette Tayshia Adams (R) speak before the final rose ceremony. Craig Sjodin/ABC
Even with the lack of clarity around spoilers this season, the one thing that hasn't seemed to change too much is the prediction that Clark will be Adams' final choice. It also appears, though, that there may be some sort of heartbreak involving Brendan Morais. Early spoilers claimed that he'd left the show and broken Adams' heart. But it's unclear if that will actually happen at this point.
Adams may, very well, choose Clark, but reconnect with Morais after the season, which is a current prediction from Reality Steve (and the theory we've chosen to subscribe to). But even that outcome would leave little time for Adams to become a happily engaged woman.
Then again, Clare Crawley got engaged in no time. Earlier in the season, before Adams took over, Crawley accepted a ring on this same season of The Bachelorette. After just 12 days of filming, Crawley and fiancé Dale Moss decided to leave the show together.
If you're looking for the perfect happy ending, you may want to rewind to the start of the season. Crawley and Moss are still happily engaged and spending what seems like every second together joyfully, judging from the pair's Instagram accounts.
Adams, though, may need more time to sort out who exactly she'll end up with. So, even if the spoilers prove to be right and Adams doesn't get engaged, there's no reason to worry on her behalf. Not every season of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette has a clean-cut ending. Peter Weber's season was a great example of how sometimes making a decision is difficult under pressure, and there could even be a change to the outcome later on.
But Tuesday night will reveal the finale of Adams' story, so we won't have to wait long to figure out who she's with now—if anyone.


newsweek--2020-12-21--House Passes Stimulus Bill 359-53, Headed to Senate For Midnight Vote

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an economic stimulus bill worth roughly $ 900 billion on Monday by a vote of 359-53 , allowing the legislation to be forwarded to the U.S. Senate for an expected late-night vote .
Democrats voted for the bill by a vote of 230-2 while Republicans approved the stimulus package by a vote of 128-50 .
The two Independent Representatives split their votes 1-1 .
Included in the bill are $ 600 direct stimulus checks for eligible Americans , a $ 300 increase in weekly unemployment benefits and the reinstitution of the Paycheck Protection Program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the COVID-19 pandemic to cover their expenses with low-interest loans .
Democrats and Republicans haggled over details of the proposal for weeks , causing many to criticize the delay .
During a Monday interview with CNBC , U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that direct assistance could start being dispersed as soon as `` the beginning of next week . ''
`` Much needed relief , '' Mnuchin said , `` and just in time for the holidays . ''
Some lawmakers pushed for more direct assistance including Missouri Senator Josh Hawley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amount of $ 1,200 .
`` I have to say that the levels of support that I understand will be offered to working people are hardly adequate and we should not pretend otherwise , '' Hawley said Sunday during a Senate floor speech .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Monday that the relief bill was necessary .
`` What the country needs is exactly what we are going to pass later tonight , '' said during a Monday interview with Fox News .
Newsweek reached out to McConnell 's office for further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good bipartisan bill '' , Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday that the bill would extend a moratorium on evictions , allowing some Americans whose income has been decreased because of the COVID-19 crisis to remain in their homes .
`` We can accept the short term because we 'll have a new president during the length of that moratorium to extend it further when necessary , '' Pelosi said .
Funding and benefits provided by the CARES Act , which was signed into law in March , is expected to run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment rate in the U.S. was 6.7 percent in November , according to the U.S. Department of Labor .
The U.S. is also seeing a rise in positive diagnoses of COVID-19 .
According to information from Johns Hopkins University , 17,994,936 positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the U.S. since the beginning of the pandemic with 319,086 fatalities attributed to the virus .
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged on Sunday that the new stimulus package was `` far from perfect , but it will deliver emergency relief to a nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` The agreement on this package could be summed up by the expression , 'better late than never , ' Schumer said Sunday , `` although I know many of my Republican colleagues wished it was never . ''

The U.S. House of Representatives passed an economic stimulus bill worth roughly $900 billion on Monday by a vote of 359-53, allowing the legislation to be forwarded to the U.S. Senate for an expected late-night vote. Democrats voted for the bill by a vote of 230-2 while Republicans approved the stimulus package by a vote of 128-50. The two Independent Representatives split their votes 1-1.
Included in the bill are $600 direct stimulus checks for eligible Americans, a $300 increase in weekly unemployment benefits and the reinstitution of the Paycheck Protection Program, which would allow small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to cover their expenses with low-interest loans. Democrats and Republicans haggled over details of the proposal for weeks, causing many to criticize the delay.
During a Monday interview with CNBC, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that direct assistance could start being dispersed as soon as "the beginning of next week."
"Much needed relief," Mnuchin said, "and just in time for the holidays."
Some lawmakers pushed for more direct assistance including Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, who supported stimulus checks in the amount of $1,200.
"I have to say that the levels of support that I understand will be offered to working people are hardly adequate and we should not pretend otherwise," Hawley said Sunday during a Senate floor speech.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Monday that the relief bill was necessary. "What the country needs is exactly what we are going to pass later tonight," said during a Monday interview with Fox News. Newsweek reached out to McConnell's office for further comment.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell intimated Monday that the U.S. Senate would vote to pass a COVID-19 economic stimulus bill. Caroline Brehman-Pool/Getty
Describing it as a "good bipartisan bill", Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday that the bill would extend a moratorium on evictions, allowing some Americans whose income has been decreased because of the COVID-19 crisis to remain in their homes.
"We can accept the short term because we'll have a new president during the length of that moratorium to extend it further when necessary," Pelosi said.
Funding and benefits provided by the CARES Act, which was signed into law in March, is expected to run dry in December. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate in the U.S. was 6.7 percent in November, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
The U.S. is also seeing a rise in positive diagnoses of COVID-19. According to information from Johns Hopkins University, 17,994,936 positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the U.S. since the beginning of the pandemic with 319,086 fatalities attributed to the virus.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged on Sunday that the new stimulus package was "far from perfect, but it will deliver emergency relief to a nation in the throes of a genuine emergency."
"The agreement on this package could be summed up by the expression, 'better late than never,' Schumer said Sunday, "although I know many of my Republican colleagues wished it was never."


newsweek--2020-12-21--Pharmacy Owners Charged in $30 Million COVID-19 Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

Pharmacy owners Peter Khaim and Arkadiy Khaimov of Forest Hills , New York took advantage of changes in the Medicare system effected by the COVID-19 pandemic in order to illicitly obtain over $ 30 million , according to an indictment unsealed Monday by the U.S. Department of Justice .
Khaim and Khaimov were able to take control of dozens of pharmacies in the New York area by paying individuals to falsely claim they owned the pharmacies .
Pharmacists were hired to pretend to be supervising pharmacists at those establishments in order to obtain the necessary licensure and credentials for insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for COVID-19 , Khaim and Khaimov allegedly placed fraudulent orders for an expensive cancer medication that were , according to the DOJ , `` never provided , ordered , or authorized by medical professionals . ''
`` The defendants allegedly carried out a $ 30 million health care fraud and money laundering scheme , siphoning funds meant for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic , '' said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen of IRS-Criminal Investigation ( IRS-CI ) in a Monday statement .
`` While Americans across the country are in dire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the defendants allegedly used the stolen proceeds to purchase real estate and luxury items . ''
Targretin Gel 1 percent , the cancer medication ordered by Khaim and Khamov costs approximately $ 34,000 per 60-gram tube .
In order to perpetuate the fraud , pharmacists used a `` COVID-19 emergency override '' billing code .
Medicare paid the pharmacies more than $ 30 million for the gel , which is used to treat skin lesions connected to Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma .
In some instances , the names of doctors were used on false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained by the fraud , Khaim and Khaimov allegedly set up websites for false pharmaceutical wholesalers .
With the websites in place , the two used misleading invoices to make it appear as though the pharmacies were sending funds to legitimate companies .
Money was laundered by members of the Uzbekistani immigrant community .
At times , money was allegedly delivered to the homes of the defendants or their family members .
Khaim and Khaimov were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud along with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Khaim was also charged with two counts of concealment money laundering and one count of aggravated identity theft .
In separate charges , Khaimov was charged with two counts of concealment money laundering .
Newsweek reached out to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for comment .
As vaccinations for COVID-19 have begun to become available in the U.S. , some scammers have attempted to perpetrate fraudulent activity about the vaccines .
According to the FBI , there have been complaints of individuals offering to place individuals on the waiting list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fee .
Some offers advertise `` early access '' to a vaccine .
In some cases , people may be asked for personal and medical information in order to `` determine recipients ' eligibility to participate in clinical vaccine trials or obtain the vaccine . ''
In order to avoid such scams , the FBI recommends not providing medical information to anyone besides trusted medical professionals .
People are encouraged to check the website of their state 's health department for information regarding how to obtain the vaccine .

Pharmacy owners Peter Khaim and Arkadiy Khaimov of Forest Hills, New York took advantage of changes in the Medicare system effected by the COVID-19 pandemic in order to illicitly obtain over $30 million, according to an indictment unsealed Monday by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Khaim and Khaimov were able to take control of dozens of pharmacies in the New York area by paying individuals to falsely claim they owned the pharmacies. Pharmacists were hired to pretend to be supervising pharmacists at those establishments in order to obtain the necessary licensure and credentials for insurance plans. By using medical billing codes for COVID-19, Khaim and Khaimov allegedly placed fraudulent orders for an expensive cancer medication that were, according to the DOJ, "never provided, ordered, or authorized by medical professionals."
"The defendants allegedly carried out a $30 million health care fraud and money laundering scheme, siphoning funds meant for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan D. Larsen of IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) in a Monday statement. "While Americans across the country are in dire need of medical and financial assistance, the defendants allegedly used the stolen proceeds to purchase real estate and luxury items."
Targretin Gel 1 percent, the cancer medication ordered by Khaim and Khamov costs approximately $34,000 per 60-gram tube. In order to perpetuate the fraud, pharmacists used a "COVID-19 emergency override" billing code. Medicare paid the pharmacies more than $30 million for the gel, which is used to treat skin lesions connected to Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. In some instances, the names of doctors were used on false prescriptions without their permission.
In an indictment unsealed Monday, two pharmacy owners in New York perpetrated Medicare fraud and illegally obtained more than $30 million. iStock/Getty
Using money obtained by the fraud, Khaim and Khaimov allegedly set up websites for false pharmaceutical wholesalers. With the websites in place, the two used misleading invoices to make it appear as though the pharmacies were sending funds to legitimate companies.
Money was laundered by members of the Uzbekistani immigrant community. At times, money was allegedly delivered to the homes of the defendants or their family members.
Khaim and Khaimov were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud along with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Khaim was also charged with two counts of concealment money laundering and one count of aggravated identity theft. In separate charges, Khaimov was charged with two counts of concealment money laundering.
Newsweek reached out to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for comment.
As vaccinations for COVID-19 have begun to become available in the U.S., some scammers have attempted to perpetrate fraudulent activity about the vaccines.
According to the FBI, there have been complaints of individuals offering to place individuals on the waiting list for a vaccine in exchange for a fee. Some offers advertise "early access" to a vaccine. In some cases, people may be asked for personal and medical information in order to "determine recipients' eligibility to participate in clinical vaccine trials or obtain the vaccine."
In order to avoid such scams, the FBI recommends not providing medical information to anyone besides trusted medical professionals. People are encouraged to check the website of their state's health department for information regarding how to obtain the vaccine.


newsweek--2020-12-21--Pro Bowl Rosters Announced, Patrick Mahomes Leads All NFL Players in Votes

The NFL on Monday announced the rosters for the AFC and NFC for the 2021 Pro Bowl , which will be a virtual scene rather than an actual game .
Four of the quarterbacks are under the age of 26 , there are no Dallas Cowboys on the roster and two rookies made this year 's team .
Green Bay , Kansas City , Seattle and Baltimore were tied with the most players to make the rosters at seven players apiece .
The Dallas Cowboys did not have a player on the Pro Bowl for just the third time in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1986 and 1989 .
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers ( over age 26 ) made his ninth Pro Bowl and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson ( also over 26 ) is making his eighth Pro Bowl in nine seasons .
Both of those players are on the NFC roster .
The other quarterbacks making this year 's Pro Bowl ( all under 26 ) are : Patrick Mahomes ( Kansas City , AFC ) , Josh Allen ( Buffalo , AFC ) , Deshaun Watson ( Houston , AFC ) and Kyler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wide receiver Justin Jefferson ( Minnesota , NFC ) and defensive end Chase Young ( Washington , NFC ) are the two lone rookies on the all-star team .
Roster selections are determined by a collection of equal votes from fans , players and coaches .
Each group 's vote counts one-third toward determining the 88 All-Star players .
Mahomes led all players in fan voting before the announcement was made .
The Pro Bowl was originally scheduled for Jan. 31 , but the game itself has been canceled because of COVID-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be broadcast that day—one week before Super Bowl LV .
3 p.m .
ET — ESPN and ABC will simulcast a show 5 p.m .
ET — NFL Network will broadcast another segment Here are the Pro Bowl rosters for the 2020 season , as voted on by players , coaches and fans :

The NFL on Monday announced the rosters for the AFC and NFC for the 2021 Pro Bowl, which will be a virtual scene rather than an actual game. Four of the quarterbacks are under the age of 26, there are no Dallas Cowboys on the roster and two rookies made this year's team.
Green Bay, Kansas City, Seattle and Baltimore were tied with the most players to make the rosters at seven players apiece. The Dallas Cowboys did not have a player on the Pro Bowl for just the third time in franchise history. The other years were 1986 and 1989.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (over age 26) made his ninth Pro Bowl and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (also over 26) is making his eighth Pro Bowl in nine seasons. Both of those players are on the NFC roster.
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is the starting quarterback for the AFC in the Pro Bowl, as voted on by the players, fans and coaches. Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images
The other quarterbacks making this year's Pro Bowl (all under 26) are: Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City, AFC), Josh Allen (Buffalo, AFC), Deshaun Watson (Houston, AFC) and Kyler Murray (Arizona, NFC).
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson (Minnesota, NFC) and defensive end Chase Young (Washington, NFC) are the two lone rookies on the all-star team.
Roster selections are determined by a collection of equal votes from fans, players and coaches. Each group's vote counts one-third toward determining the 88 All-Star players. Mahomes led all players in fan voting before the announcement was made.
The Pro Bowl was originally scheduled for Jan. 31, but the game itself has been canceled because of COVID-19. Instead, two Pro Bowl-themed shows will be broadcast that day—one week before Super Bowl LV.
3 p.m. ET — ESPN and ABC will simulcast a show
5 p.m. ET — NFL Network will broadcast another segment
Here are the Pro Bowl rosters for the 2020 season, as voted on by players, coaches and fans:
AFC Roster (* starter)
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
* Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City
Josh Allen, Buffalo
Deshaun Watson, Houston
Wide Receivers
* Stefon Diggs, Buffalo
* Tyreek Hill, Kansas City
Keenan Allen, LA Chargers
A.J. Brown, Tennessee
Running Backs
* Derrick Henry, Tennessee
Nick Chubb, Cleveland
Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas
Fullback
* Patrick Ricard, Baltimore
Tight Ends
* Travis Kelce, Kansas City
Darren Waller, Las Vegas
Tackles
* Eric Fisher, Kansas City
* Laremy Tunsil, Houston
Orlando Brown, Baltimore
Guards
* Joel Bitonio, Cleveland
* Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis
David DeCastro, Pittsburgh
Centers
* Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh
Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis
DEFENSE
Defensive Ends
* Joey Bosa, LA Chargers
* Myles Garrett, Cleveland
Frank Clark, Kansas City
Interior Linemen
* Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh
* Chris Jones, Kansas City
Calais Campbell, Baltimore
Outside Linebackers
* Bradley Chubb, Denver
* T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh
Matthew Judon, Baltimore
Inside/Middle Linebackers
* Darius Leonard, Indianapolis
Tremaine Edmunds, Buffalo
Cornerbacks
* Xavien Howard, Miami
* Tre'Davious White, Buffalo
Stephon Gilmore, New England
Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore
Free Safeties
* Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh
Justin Simmons, Denver
Strong Safety
* Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City
SPECIALISTS
Punter
* Jake Bailey, New England
Placekicker
* Justin Tucker, Baltimore
Long Snapper
* Morgan Cox, Baltimore
Return Specialist
* Andre Roberts, Buffalo
Special Teamer
* Matthew Slater, New England
NFC Roster (* starter)
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
* Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay
Kyler Murray, Arizona
Russell Wilson, Seattle
Wide Receivers
* Davante Adams, Green Bay
* DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota
DK Metcalf, Seattle
Running Backs
* Dalvin Cook, Minnesota
Aaron Jones, Green Bay
Alvin Kamara, New Orleans
Fullback
* Kyle Juszczyk, San Francisco
Tight Ends
* T.J. Hockenson, Detroit
Evan Engram, NY Giants
Tackles
* David Bakhtiari, Green Bay
* Trent Williams, San Francisco
Terron Armstead, New Orleans
Guards
* Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay
* Brandon Scherff, Washington
Andrus Peat, New Orleans
Centers
* Jason Kelce, Philadelphia
Frank Ragnow, Detroit
DEFENSE
Defensive Ends
* Brandon Graham, Philadelphia
* Cameron Jordan, New Orleans
Chase Young, Washington
Interior Linemen
* Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia
* Aaron Donald, LA Rams
Grady Jarrett, Atlanta
Outside Linebackers
* Khalil Mack, Chicago
* Za'Darius Smith, Green Bay
Jason Pierre-Paul, Tampa Bay
Inside/Middle Linebackers
* Bobby Wagner, Seattle
Fred Warner, San francisco
Cornerbacks
* Jaire Alexander, Green Bay
* Jalen Ramsey, LA Rams
James Bradberry, NY Giants
Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans
Free Safeties
* Quandre Diggs, Seattle
Strong Safety
*Budda Baker, Arizona
Jamal Adams, Seattle
SPECIALISTS
Punter
* Jack Fox, Detroit
Placekicker
* Younghoe Koo, Atlanta
Long Snapper
* Tyler Ott, Seattle
Return Specialist
* Cordarelle Patterson, Chicago
Special Teamer
* Nick Bellore, Seattle


newsweek--2020-12-21--Man Charged With 1988 Kidnapping and Murder of 9-Year-Old Girl

After 32 years of investigation , authorities have finally charged a suspect in the kidnapping and presumed murder of a 9-year-old girl in Hayward , California .
Hayward police , along the Alameda County District Attorney 's Office and the FBI , announced Monday that David Emery Misch had been charged for the murder and kidnapping of Michaela Garecht in 1988 , potentially bringing an end to one of the San Francisco Bay Area 's most high-profile cold cases .
`` There have been many days that have gone by with no seeming sense of progress or resolution , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a press conference announcing the breakthrough .
`` This is not just another one of those days .
Today is about family , community and healing ... the disappearance of Michaela Garecht is a tragic story that has gripped the Bay Area for decades . ''
`` We hope this announcement will bring Michaela 's family closer to the peace they deserved for so many years , '' he added .
Garecht was last seen on the morning of November 19 , 1988 , shortly after she and a friend rode their scooters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snacks .
When leaving the store , Garecht noticed that her scooter had been moved a short distance from where she left it outside .
When she went to retrieve the scooter , her friend saw a man quickly jump out of a car parked nearby , grab Garecht and drive away .
Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley said that the girl 's disappearance immediately led to `` one of the largest manhunts in the history of the Hayward Police Department , '' with the `` clearly planned ' crime having `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hayward and Alameda County , but the entire Bay Area and the nation . ''
Police ruled out several potential suspects in the decades since the abduction .
Chaplin said that the case took a dramatic turn earlier in the year , when new leads pointed the investigation to Misch , who has been incarcerated in state prison since 1989 for an unrelated murder .
Misch is currently awaiting trial in Alameda County 's Santa Rita Jail after being charged two years ago for a double murder that took place in 1986 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ print being matched with a partial palm print that the assailant left on Garecht 's abandoned scooter .
Investigators were not able to run the partial print through a law enforcement database but found a match after manually comparing it to Misch once he became a suspect .
Garecht is believed to have been murdered after the kidnapping due to the circumstances of the case , but her remains have never been found .
`` Over the years , I have often wondered whether I really wanted to know the truth of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Garecht 's mother , said in a statement .
`` The thoughts of her fear , her pain , her grief are overwhelming .
Yet , as I told our detective , I am glad that the kidnapper has been identified .
I am glad that there are answers .
I am glad that this man will never be able to hurt anyone else . ''

After 32 years of investigation, authorities have finally charged a suspect in the kidnapping and presumed murder of a 9-year-old girl in Hayward, California.
Hayward police, along the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and the FBI, announced Monday that David Emery Misch had been charged for the murder and kidnapping of Michaela Garecht in 1988, potentially bringing an end to one of the San Francisco Bay Area's most high-profile cold cases.
"There have been many days that have gone by with no seeming sense of progress or resolution," Hayward Police Chief Toney Chaplin said at a press conference announcing the breakthrough. "This is not just another one of those days. Today is about family, community and healing... the disappearance of Michaela Garecht is a tragic story that has gripped the Bay Area for decades."
"We hope this announcement will bring Michaela's family closer to the peace they deserved for so many years," he added.
Hayward Police Chief Toney Chaplin speaks at a December 21, 2020 press conference announcing that a suspect has been identified and charged for the kidnapping and murder of 9-year-old Michaela Garecht in 1988. Screenshot/Facebook
Garecht was last seen on the morning of November 19, 1988, shortly after she and a friend rode their scooters to a local convenience store to buy snacks. When leaving the store, Garecht noticed that her scooter had been moved a short distance from where she left it outside. When she went to retrieve the scooter, her friend saw a man quickly jump out of a car parked nearby, grab Garecht and drive away.
Michaela Garecht, 9, was abducted from the parking lot of a convenience store on November 19, 1988. FBI
Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O'Malley said that the girl's disappearance immediately led to "one of the largest manhunts in the history of the Hayward Police Department," with the "clearly planned' crime having "shocked not only the local community of Hayward and Alameda County, but the entire Bay Area and the nation."
Police ruled out several potential suspects in the decades since the abduction. Chaplin said that the case took a dramatic turn earlier in the year, when new leads pointed the investigation to Misch, who has been incarcerated in state prison since 1989 for an unrelated murder. Misch is currently awaiting trial in Alameda County's Santa Rita Jail after being charged two years ago for a double murder that took place in 1986.
Key evidence includes the 59-year-old's palm print being matched with a partial palm print that the assailant left on Garecht's abandoned scooter. Investigators were not able to run the partial print through a law enforcement database but found a match after manually comparing it to Misch once he became a suspect. Garecht is believed to have been murdered after the kidnapping due to the circumstances of the case, but her remains have never been found.
"Over the years, I have often wondered whether I really wanted to know the truth of what happened to Michaela," Sharon Murch, Garecht's mother, said in a statement. "The thoughts of her fear, her pain, her grief are overwhelming. Yet, as I told our detective, I am glad that the kidnapper has been identified. I am glad that there are answers. I am glad that this man will never be able to hurt anyone else."


newsweek--2020-12-21--5 Items in the New Coronavirus Stimulus Bill Not Specifically Tied to Economic Relief

Hundreds of millions of dollars included in the new coronavirus relief package expected to be signed into law this week are aimed at addressing societal problems exacerbated by the pandemic .
Leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives announced on Sunday that they came to an agreement on a new economic stimulus package worth about $ 900 billion aimed at providing relief for Americans impacted by the pandemic .
The stimulus bill is part of a $ 1.4 trillion omnibus 2021 spending package and marks the first time both chambers of Congress agreed upon a coronavirus relief package since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Relief , and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act into law in March .
Since the CARES Act , the House led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi passed two versions of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act , known as the HEROES Act , though the legislation never made it through the Senate .
With new COVID-19 cases on the rise across the country and frustrations mounting about the lack of federal assistance for American workers , legislators in Washington , D.C. , voiced determination to pass a new relief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During a news conference on Sunday , Pelosi highlighted childcare support , nutrition assistance and other Democratic victories included in the bill while acknowledging that she and other members within the Democratic Party did not believe the current bill goes far enough .
`` We consider this a first step and that , again , more needs to be done , '' Pelosi said .
`` We 're so excited that that will be happening under the Biden-Harris administration , about 700 hours from now . ''
On Monday , Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Daily Briefing that the new relief package was `` directly targeted at exactly what the country needs right now . ''
McConnell also kept the door open for additional pandemic relief packages under President-elect Joe Biden 's incoming administration .
The new relief package includes one-time direct payments of $ 600 to qualifying Americans , as well as expanded unemployment benefits for those out of work due to the pandemic .
In addition to providing direct financial aid for Americans in need , the relief package provides funding to support COVID-19 vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day that the pandemic worsened .
The House Appropriations Committee 's communications director , Evan Hollander , addressed some of those funding items in a statement shared with Newsweek .
`` The coronavirus pandemic has exposed holes in our nation 's social safety net and threatens to widen the digital divide , '' Hollander said .
`` In crafting emergency coronavirus relief legislation , House Democrats have secured important funding to address surging mental health and substance abuse crises and help protect vulnerable seniors .
To ensure that America 's kids and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is essential in the 21st century , Democrats have also added funding to support broadband connectivity . ''
Here are five of the funding items included in the bill that do not directly stimulate the economy but are intended to address struggles compounded by the pandemic that some Americans face every day .
Legislators set aside $ 1.65 billion each for the Substance Abuse and Prevention Treatment and the Mental Health Services block grants .
They designated another $ 600 million for certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and $ 50 million for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funding was also allocated for mental health and trauma support among children .
Lawmakers ' decision to include funding for mental health and substance abuse programs is likely in response to the impact the pandemic has had on the American public .
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report published in August , the percentages of Americans struggling with depression , anxiety and substance abuse have increased in response to pandemic-inspired stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements .
The money designated to combat elder abuse and neglect represents half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposal the House passed in October .
While HEROES 2.0 specified how its $ 200 million was to be spent on preventing , investigating and prosecuting elder abuse , the description for the elder abuse funding in this new bill is brief and simply says the money is intended to `` address abuse , neglect , and exploitation of the elderly , including adult protective service and long-term care ombudsman activities . ''
Milk processing companies will be reimbursed when they convert their milk products into other dairy products and donate them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under this portion of the relief package .
The U.S. Department of Agriculture already has a Milk Donation Reimbursement Program , which legislators acknowledged in allocating money for this new dairy program .
According to the bill , the milk processing companies that participate are responsible for negotiating their donations with nonprofit organizations , after which the Department of Agriculture will reimburse them for the cost of the milk used .
Though many meat and poultry processing facilities in the U.S. have struggled through COVID-19 outbreaks among employees , this portion of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the supply chain side of the meat processing industry .
The goal of the facility upgrades funded under this provision are intended to `` help [ facilities ] move to Federal inspection and be able to sell their products across state lines , '' according to a summary of the bill written by the Democratic Staff of the House Committee on Appropriations .
As many American workers and school-aged children shifted to virtual working and learning environments this year , internet reliability and access became a point of concern for legislators representing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ addition to providing billions in aid to expand broadband access and improve telehealth programs , the relief package sets aside $ 1 billion for a grant program aimed at expanding broadband accessibility on tribal land across the country .
`` The grants would be directed to tribal governments to be used not only for broadband deployment on tribal lands , but also telehealth , distance learning , broadband affordability , and digital inclusion , '' according to the bill .
Another $ 300 million is included in this portion of the bill to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rural areas and other locations without dependable connections .
States and local governments will negotiate the grants with broadband companies based on which are able to provide access to a greater number of individuals , the bill states .

Hundreds of millions of dollars included in the new coronavirus relief package expected to be signed into law this week are aimed at addressing societal problems exacerbated by the pandemic.
Leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives announced on Sunday that they came to an agreement on a new economic stimulus package worth about $900 billion aimed at providing relief for Americans impacted by the pandemic. The stimulus bill is part of a $1.4 trillion omnibus 2021 spending package and marks the first time both chambers of Congress agreed upon a coronavirus relief package since President Donald Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law in March.
Since the CARES Act, the House led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi passed two versions of the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act, known as the HEROES Act, though the legislation never made it through the Senate. With new COVID-19 cases on the rise across the country and frustrations mounting about the lack of federal assistance for American workers, legislators in Washington, D.C., voiced determination to pass a new relief package before the end of this year.
During a news conference on Sunday, Pelosi highlighted childcare support, nutrition assistance and other Democratic victories included in the bill while acknowledging that she and other members within the Democratic Party did not believe the current bill goes far enough.
"We consider this a first step and that, again, more needs to be done," Pelosi said. "We're so excited that that will be happening under the Biden-Harris administration, about 700 hours from now."
On Monday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Fox News' The Daily Briefing that the new relief package was "directly targeted at exactly what the country needs right now." McConnell also kept the door open for additional pandemic relief packages under President-elect Joe Biden's incoming administration.
The new relief package includes one-time direct payments of $600 to qualifying Americans, as well as expanded unemployment benefits for those out of work due to the pandemic. In addition to providing direct financial aid for Americans in need, the relief package provides funding to support COVID-19 vaccine distribution and tackles several problems Americans face every day that the pandemic worsened.
The House Appropriations Committee's communications director, Evan Hollander, addressed some of those funding items in a statement shared with Newsweek.
"The coronavirus pandemic has exposed holes in our nation's social safety net and threatens to widen the digital divide," Hollander said. "In crafting emergency coronavirus relief legislation, House Democrats have secured important funding to address surging mental health and substance abuse crises and help protect vulnerable seniors. To ensure that America's kids and families have access to the broadband internet that is essential in the 21st century, Democrats have also added funding to support broadband connectivity."
Here are five of the funding items included in the bill that do not directly stimulate the economy but are intended to address struggles compounded by the pandemic that some Americans face every day.
Congressional leaders agreed upon a new COVID-19 relief package on Sunday and are expected to officially pass the package on Monday. In the photo above, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) listens as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill on December 20, 2020 in Washington, D.C. Tasos Katopodis/Getty
$4.25 Billion for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Programs
Legislators set aside $1.65 billion each for the Substance Abuse and Prevention Treatment and the Mental Health Services block grants. They designated another $600 million for certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics and $50 million for suicide prevention programs. Some of the funding was also allocated for mental health and trauma support among children.
Lawmakers' decision to include funding for mental health and substance abuse programs is likely in response to the impact the pandemic has had on the American public. According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report published in August, the percentages of Americans struggling with depression, anxiety and substance abuse have increased in response to pandemic-inspired stay-at-home orders and social distancing requirements.
$100 Million to Combat Elder Abuse and Neglect
The money designated to combat elder abuse and neglect represents half of the amount included in the HEROES 2.0 proposal the House passed in October. While HEROES 2.0 specified how its $200 million was to be spent on preventing, investigating and prosecuting elder abuse, the description for the elder abuse funding in this new bill is brief and simply says the money is intended to "address abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly, including adult protective service and long-term care ombudsman activities."
$400 Million for Dairy Donation Program
Milk processing companies will be reimbursed when they convert their milk products into other dairy products and donate them to food banks and other nonprofit nutrition organizations under this portion of the relief package.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture already has a Milk Donation Reimbursement Program, which legislators acknowledged in allocating money for this new dairy program. According to the bill, the milk processing companies that participate are responsible for negotiating their donations with nonprofit organizations, after which the Department of Agriculture will reimburse them for the cost of the milk used.
$60 Million for Meat and Poultry Facility Upgrades
Though many meat and poultry processing facilities in the U.S. have struggled through COVID-19 outbreaks among employees, this portion of the spending bill appears to be focused more on the supply chain side of the meat processing industry.
The goal of the facility upgrades funded under this provision are intended to "help [facilities] move to Federal inspection and be able to sell their products across state lines," according to a summary of the bill written by the Democratic Staff of the House Committee on Appropriations.
$1.3 Billion for Broadband Connectivity Grants
As many American workers and school-aged children shifted to virtual working and learning environments this year, internet reliability and access became a point of concern for legislators representing communities without dependable broadband connections.
In addition to providing billions in aid to expand broadband access and improve telehealth programs, the relief package sets aside $1 billion for a grant program aimed at expanding broadband accessibility on tribal land across the country.
"The grants would be directed to tribal governments to be used not only for broadband deployment on tribal lands, but also telehealth, distance learning, broadband affordability, and digital inclusion," according to the bill.
Another $300 million is included in this portion of the bill to provide grants for expanding broadband access in rural areas and other locations without dependable connections. States and local governments will negotiate the grants with broadband companies based on which are able to provide access to a greater number of individuals, the bill states.


newsweek--2020-12-21--Televangelist Pat Robertson Says Trump 'Lives in an Alternate Reality,' Biden Won

Pat Robertson—the televangelist who suggested that Donald Trump would secure another term in office by divine intervention , despite losing the popular vote—shared a new perspective about the election 's outcome during a recent episode of his syndicated Christian talk show series , The 700 Club .
In a marked departure from past remarks , Robertson told viewers that Trump `` lives in an alternate reality '' and acknowledged President-elect Joe Biden 's win in the aftermath of November 's race .
`` I think it 's all over .
I think the Electoral College has spoken , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 700 Club that turned heads on Twitter Monday afternoon .
While the former minister and continued television personality went on to mention `` Biden corruption '' that `` has not totally been brought to fruition , '' he ultimately encouraged audiences to recognize that further actions pursued by the Trump campaign will most likely prove futile .
`` I do n't think the Supreme Court is going to move in to do anything , '' Robertson noted in the talk show segment , referencing a new case seeking to challenge election results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Biden won in November .
`` With all his talent and the ability to raise money and draw large crowds , the president still lives in an alternate reality .
He really does , '' the evangelical figure said later .
`` He 's done a marvelous job for the economy , but at the same time , he is very erratic ...
So , it 's a mixed bag . ''
The Trump campaign announced its latest petition to the Supreme Court on Sunday .
Following a wave of unsuccessful lawsuits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , including several filed in Pennsylvania , the campaign said its new petition asks the court to reverse laws pertaining to the state 's absentee ballot procedures .
`` The petition seeks all appropriate remedies , including vacating the appointment of electors committed to Joseph Biden and allowing the Pennsylvania General Assembly to select their replacements , '' the statement read .
More than six weeks after Election Day , Trump has not conceded the presidency to Biden and insists that voter fraud cost him reelection .
The sitting president and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misconduct are unsubstantiated , and a majority of lawsuits were dismissed for lack of evidence .
While a handful of Trump 's supporters still back his campaign 's baseless allegations , many have publicly acknowledged Biden 's election victory .
Robertson 's latest comments showed a fairly sharp reversal from those articulated less than two weeks ago , before electoral vote were cast , when he urged followers to `` declare that God almighty is not going to let this great nation of ours be taken over by fraud '' and insisted `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this country turns into something socialist . ''
Newsweek reached out to the Trump campaign for comment but did not receive a reply in time for publication .

Pat Robertson—the televangelist who suggested that Donald Trump would secure another term in office by divine intervention, despite losing the popular vote—shared a new perspective about the election's outcome during a recent episode of his syndicated Christian talk show series, The 700 Club. In a marked departure from past remarks, Robertson told viewers that Trump "lives in an alternate reality" and acknowledged President-elect Joe Biden's win in the aftermath of November's race.
"I think it's all over. I think the Electoral College has spoken," said Robertson, in a video clip from The 700 Club that turned heads on Twitter Monday afternoon. While the former minister and continued television personality went on to mention "Biden corruption" that "has not totally been brought to fruition," he ultimately encouraged audiences to recognize that further actions pursued by the Trump campaign will most likely prove futile.
"I don't think the Supreme Court is going to move in to do anything," Robertson noted in the talk show segment, referencing a new case seeking to challenge election results in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state that Biden won in November.
"With all his talent and the ability to raise money and draw large crowds, the president still lives in an alternate reality. He really does," the evangelical figure said later. "He's done a marvelous job for the economy, but at the same time, he is very erratic...So, it's a mixed bag."
Conservative televangelist Pat Robertson, who previously supported Donald Trump's reelection, suggested the sitting president "lives in an alternate reality" and described him as "very erratic" in new televised comments. Here, Robertson announces his endorsement of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani for the Republican presidential nomination at the National Press Club November 7, 2007 in Washington, DC Chip Somodevilla/Getty
The Trump campaign announced its latest petition to the Supreme Court on Sunday. Following a wave of unsuccessful lawsuits that sought to undermine ballot counts across the country, including several filed in Pennsylvania, the campaign said its new petition asks the court to reverse laws pertaining to the state's absentee ballot procedures.
"The petition seeks all appropriate remedies, including vacating the appointment of electors committed to Joseph Biden and allowing the Pennsylvania General Assembly to select their replacements," the statement read.
More than six weeks after Election Day, Trump has not conceded the presidency to Biden and insists that voter fraud cost him reelection. The sitting president and his campaign's varied claims of election misconduct are unsubstantiated, and a majority of lawsuits were dismissed for lack of evidence.
While a handful of Trump's supporters still back his campaign's baseless allegations, many have publicly acknowledged Biden's election victory. Robertson's latest comments showed a fairly sharp reversal from those articulated less than two weeks ago, before electoral vote were cast, when he urged followers to "declare that God almighty is not going to let this great nation of ours be taken over by fraud" and insisted "that the Lord himself will intervene before this country turns into something socialist."
Newsweek reached out to the Trump campaign for comment but did not receive a reply in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-21--NFL Players, Fans Remember Hall of Fame Lineman Kevin Greene, Dead at 58

Kevin Greene was one of the most-feared pass rushing defensive linemen in NFL history .
He died Monday from unknown causes .
He was 58 .
Both his family and the Pro Football Hall of Fame confirmed his death .
Greene , known for his blonde locks flowing from underneath the back of his helmet , is third all-time in the NFL with 160 career sacks , which trails only Reggie White and Bruce Smith .
Greene , who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016 , also had five interceptions and 23 forced fumbles to his credit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Fame family mourns the passing of Kevin Greene , '' Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said Monday .
`` I regarded him as a personal friend and a true Hall of Famer in every sense .
He possessed the most incredible can-do attitude of anyone I ever met .
He was a great player , but more than that , he was a great man . ''
Greene was a two-time , all-pro ( 1994 , 1996 ) who played with four franchises over his 15-year career .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Auburn in 1984 , Greene was selected in the fifth round ( 113th overall ) of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams , with whom he played eight seasons .
He played with these teams : Greene was a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team , and he won a ring from Super Bowl XLV as a linebackers coach with the Green Bay Packers .
`` Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin 's wife , Tara , and their entire family , '' Baker said .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serve as inspiration for future generations .
The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Kevin 's memory . ''
Troy Aikman , a Hall of Fame quarterback who played with the Dallas Cowboys , recalled Greene 's tenacity on the field , yet his sincerity off the gridiron .
`` Just got the news of NFL great Kevin Greene 's passing .
He was a fierce competitor during our playing days and one of the most sincere guys off the field .
I always enjoyed our visits before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too soon .
# restinpeace , '' Aikman tweeted Monday .
Former Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre said he disliked playing against Greene , and called the defensive end `` a true warrior . ''
`` Kevin Greene was a true warrior and a dear friend !
!
!
As much as I disliked playing against him I loved everything about him at the same time and I loved him like a brother .
Gods army just got much stronger ... RIP brother , '' Favre tweeted .

Kevin Greene was one of the most-feared pass rushing defensive linemen in NFL history. He died Monday from unknown causes. He was 58.
Both his family and the Pro Football Hall of Fame confirmed his death.
Greene, known for his blonde locks flowing from underneath the back of his helmet, is third all-time in the NFL with 160 career sacks, which trails only Reggie White and Bruce Smith. Greene, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, also had five interceptions and 23 forced fumbles to his credit.
"The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Kevin Greene," Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker said Monday. "I regarded him as a personal friend and a true Hall of Famer in every sense. He possessed the most incredible can-do attitude of anyone I ever met. He was a great player, but more than that, he was a great man."
Kevin Greene was one of the most-feared pass rushing defensive linemen in NFL history. He died Monday, December 21, 2020, from unknown causes. He was 58. Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images
Greene was a two-time, all-pro (1994, 1996) who played with four franchises over his 15-year career. After winning SEC defensive player of the year with Auburn in 1984, Greene was selected in the fifth round (113th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, with whom he played eight seasons.
He played with these teams:
1985-1992 Los Angeles Rams
1995-1995 Pittsburgh Steelers
1996 Carolina Panthers
1997 San Francisco 49ers
1998-1999 Carolina Panthers
Greene was a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team, and he won a ring from Super Bowl XLV as a linebackers coach with the Green Bay Packers.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Kevin's wife, Tara, and their entire family," Baker said. "We will forever keep his legacy alive to serve as inspiration for future generations. The Hall of Fame flag will be flown at half-staff in Kevin's memory."
Troy Aikman, a Hall of Fame quarterback who played with the Dallas Cowboys, recalled Greene's tenacity on the field, yet his sincerity off the gridiron.
"Just got the news of NFL great Kevin Greene's passing. He was a fierce competitor during our playing days and one of the most sincere guys off the field. I always enjoyed our visits before the games he was coaching - gone far too soon. #restinpeace," Aikman tweeted Monday.
Former Green Bay quarterback Brett Favre said he disliked playing against Greene, and called the defensive end "a true warrior."
"Kevin Greene was a true warrior and a dear friend!!! As much as I disliked playing against him I loved everything about him at the same time and I loved him like a brother. Gods army just got much stronger ... RIP brother," Favre tweeted.
Made a deal with Kevin Greene @packers training camp 2010 that if we won the SB we get Lombardi trophy tattoos and I’ll be damned if we didn’t do it! RIP Kevin Greene.... Damn — Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson) December 21, 2020
We are deeply saddened at the passing of Kevin Greene. Whether you played with him, against him, for him, or simply watched him dominate, the impact he made on the game can never be forgotten.#RIP to an icon pic.twitter.com/UEEavBaRLj — NFLPA Former Players (@NFLPAFmrPlayers) December 21, 2020
Man what the hell. Rest in Peace Kevin Greene. pic.twitter.com/QYQobhvsya — SteelerNation (@SteeIerNation) December 21, 2020
Statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II on the passing of Kevin Greene: pic.twitter.com/QkbM6gYyIk — Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 21, 2020
Kevin Greene. Wow. What a passionate beast of a player. He almost took Tab Douglas’ head off when we were interviewing him right after the Steelers lost to the Chargers in the 94 AFC Championship & Tab asked “Kevin, how do you feel?” WOW. I was scared too with that question #RIP — Jon Linder (@LinderShowMiami) December 21, 2020
We are truly devastated to hear about the tragic consequences passing of the great Kevin Greene, a dominant football player and great man. pic.twitter.com/rimNtY3DAt — Mel Blount YLI (@MelBlountYLI) December 21, 2020


newsweek--2020-12-21--A Major 'Bachelorette' Plot Twist Could See an Unexpected Man Make Tayshia's Final 2

The Bachelorette is about to get more dramatic than ever on Monday night , if one of Tayshia Adams ' lost loves comes back with the words that he could n't say before .
Ben Smith is expected to return to the set on Monday night after Adams sent him home last week , when he could n't tell her he loved her .
Now down to just three men , Adams is about to enter her fantasy-suite dates .
The overnight time , with no cameras , provides Adams a chance to get to know the men better without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But will Smith , somehow , get a rose ?
A press release for Monday night 's episode teases that one man is `` anxious '' about his future with Adams , but the main drama appears to be Smith 's return .
`` Nothing could prepare her for the bombshell surprise that rocks her world and may put her happily ever after in jeopardy when one man she ca n't forget returns , '' the ABC press website reads .
And no advanced notice might be able to adequately prepare Bachelor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While on the show , the frontrunner opened up about past suicide attempts and an eating disorder he 's overcome , and he quickly won over the hearts of viewers everywhere .
A teaser from ABC shows someone returning , too .
And while Smith has n't been officially named as the returning man , Bachelor fans seemed to prove that he shows up again when it was noted that a recent teaser features a still-unaired clip of Smith opening up to Adams .
It 's not necessarily uncommon for a Bachelor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's very rare that they 're welcomed back into the group .
If Smith gets a rose and is allowed to return , it seems he 'll make Adams ' final two , which would likely be mind-boggling for the other men .
But a surprising rose ceremony is also hinted at in ABC 's press release for Tuesday 's finale episode .
`` After a shocking rose ceremony , Tayshia is excited to introduce the remaining bachelors to her family .
Will the men win over her family ?
Her father voices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistake , '' Tuesday 's teaser explains .
So , it 's possible that the shocking moment is Adams inviting Smith to stay .
Or , it could just be that Adams will let go of one of her widely beloved suitors , all of whom have been described by fans as the `` best final four '' in Bachelorette history .
Who Adams will end up with at the end of The Bachelorette has yet to be revealed , but you can read the expectations , and every spoiler available , here @

The Bachelorette is about to get more dramatic than ever on Monday night, if one of Tayshia Adams' lost loves comes back with the words that he couldn't say before. Ben Smith is expected to return to the set on Monday night after Adams sent him home last week, when he couldn't tell her he loved her.
Now down to just three men, Adams is about to enter her fantasy-suite dates. The overnight time, with no cameras, provides Adams a chance to get to know the men better without the pressure of filming the television show. But will Smith, somehow, get a rose?
A press release for Monday night's episode teases that one man is "anxious" about his future with Adams, but the main drama appears to be Smith's return.
"Nothing could prepare her for the bombshell surprise that rocks her world and may put her happily ever after in jeopardy when one man she can't forget returns," the ABC press website reads. And no advanced notice might be able to adequately prepare Bachelor Nation for Smith's return, either. While on the show, the frontrunner opened up about past suicide attempts and an eating disorder he's overcome, and he quickly won over the hearts of viewers everywhere.
Bachelorette Tayshia Adams (L) and Ben Smith (R) roller stake on their Hometown date. Craig Sjodin/ABC
A teaser from ABC shows someone returning, too. And while Smith hasn't been officially named as the returning man, Bachelor fans seemed to prove that he shows up again when it was noted that a recent teaser features a still-unaired clip of Smith opening up to Adams.
TONIGHT it's down to the final three...or is it? #TheBachelorette Two-Night Finale Event starts tonight at 8|7c on ABC. 🌹 pic.twitter.com/5uslxPQAXd — The Bachelorette (@BacheloretteABC) December 21, 2020
It's not necessarily uncommon for a Bachelor franchise cast-off to return, but it's very rare that they're welcomed back into the group. If Smith gets a rose and is allowed to return, it seems he'll make Adams' final two, which would likely be mind-boggling for the other men. But a surprising rose ceremony is also hinted at in ABC's press release for Tuesday's finale episode.
"After a shocking rose ceremony, Tayshia is excited to introduce the remaining bachelors to her family. Will the men win over her family? Her father voices concerns that she might make a big mistake," Tuesday's teaser explains.
So, it's possible that the shocking moment is Adams inviting Smith to stay. Or, it could just be that Adams will let go of one of her widely beloved suitors, all of whom have been described by fans as the "best final four" in Bachelorette history.
Who Adams will end up with at the end of The Bachelorette has yet to be revealed, but you can read the expectations, and every spoiler available, here.


newsweek--2020-12-21--Pokémon Collaborates With JINS to Bring Stylish Eyeglasses to Trainers

Trainers can start the celebration of Pokémon 's 25th anniversary early with a brand new collaboration from The Pokémon Company and JINS Eyewear .
This new team-up brings a line of prescription eyeglasses inspired by Pokémon from the Kanto and Johto regions .
These new Poké glasses go on sale starting December 21 , over on the JINS online store .
And while the JINS/Pokémon collab does n't include all 251 Pokémon from Gens 1 and 2 , they have a nice handful of styles to choose from , featuring some of the most recognizable 'mon from Kanto and Johto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a special Pokémon-themed case and cleaning cloth to keep your eyewear pristine .
The JINS-Pokémon collab has a total of four series with a range of designs and options for both adults and kids .
For adults , there are the Flagship Model , Kanto Region Model and the Johto Region Model .
The Flagship Model includes designs inspired by Pikachu , Eevee , Snorlax and Mew .
The frames are inspired by the unique characteristics of those four Pokémon , which are incorporated into the temple end , with the silhouette and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the temple .
Pokémon fans can pick up one of these frames for $ 140 .
The Kanto Region Models are designed with a motif from the region of the Gen 1 games .
Pikachu , Bulbasaur , Charmander and Squirtle are embossed in relief , with the right temple having the three Starter Pokémon inside their Poke Balls and Pikachu depicted outside of its Poké Ball—like in the Pokémon anime .
And finally , we have the Johto Region Models , which feature Pokémon from the Johto region , including Chikorita , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lugia and Ho-Oh .
The color and pattern on the temple tips are inspired by each Pokémon .
Whether it 's the red and green design of Cyndaquil , the blue and purples of Totodile or the white and blacks of Lugia , fans can represent their favorite Johto Pokémon wherever they go .
The Johto Region Models go for $ 120 .
For the young Pokémon fans , the Kids Models feature frames inspired by the Pokémon animated series .
Inside the frames will be a Poké Ball , Pikachu , Eevee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region Pokémon .
What do you think of the Pokémon and JINS collaboration ?
Which of the frames is your favorite ?
Let us know in the comments section .

Trainers can start the celebration of Pokémon's 25th anniversary early with a brand new collaboration from The Pokémon Company and JINS Eyewear.
This new team-up brings a line of prescription eyeglasses inspired by Pokémon from the Kanto and Johto regions. These new Poké glasses go on sale starting December 21, over on the JINS online store.
And while the JINS/Pokémon collab doesn't include all 251 Pokémon from Gens 1 and 2, they have a nice handful of styles to choose from, featuring some of the most recognizable 'mon from Kanto and Johto.
The Pokemon Company/JINS
Each pair of glasses comes with a special Pokémon-themed case and cleaning cloth to keep your eyewear pristine.
The JINS-Pokémon collab has a total of four series with a range of designs and options for both adults and kids. For adults, there are the Flagship Model, Kanto Region Model and the Johto Region Model.
The Flagship Model includes designs inspired by Pikachu, Eevee, Snorlax and Mew. The frames are inspired by the unique characteristics of those four Pokémon, which are incorporated into the temple end, with the silhouette and logo of the Pokémon placed inside of the temple.
Pokémon fans can pick up one of these frames for $140.
The 4 Flagship Models for the Pokémon/JINS collaboration. The Pokemon Company/JINS
The Kanto Region Models are designed with a motif from the region of the Gen 1 games. Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle are embossed in relief, with the right temple having the three Starter Pokémon inside their Poke Balls and Pikachu depicted outside of its Poké Ball—like in the Pokémon anime.
The Kanto Region Models run for $120.
One example of the Kanto Model Pokémon/JINS collaboration. The Pokemon Company/JINS
And finally, we have the Johto Region Models, which feature Pokémon from the Johto region, including Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile and the Legendary Pokémon Lugia and Ho-Oh. The color and pattern on the temple tips are inspired by each Pokémon.
Whether it's the red and green design of Cyndaquil, the blue and purples of Totodile or the white and blacks of Lugia, fans can represent their favorite Johto Pokémon wherever they go.
The Johto Region Models go for $120.
One example of the Johto Model styles in the Pokémon/JINS collaboration. The Pokemon Company/JINS
For the young Pokémon fans, the Kids Models feature frames inspired by the Pokémon animated series. Inside the frames will be a Poké Ball, Pikachu, Eevee and Mew—some of the most notable Kanto region Pokémon.
The Kids Model will cost $100.
What do you think of the Pokémon and JINS collaboration? Which of the frames is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section.


newsweek--2020-12-21--Nearly Half of All Americans Want to Get Rid of Electoral College: Poll

Almost 50 percent of Americans polled want to abolish the Electoral College , according to data from an Economist/YouGov poll published on Wednesday .
Disputed results from the 2020 presidential election have caused some observers to suggest abandoning the Electoral College system to choose a president .
Instead , some want to use the popular vote and give the candidate that receives the highest number of votes the victory .
President Donald Trump has baselessly alleged that widespread voter fraud allowed Democrat President-elect Joe Biden to `` steal '' the election .
Trump 's legal team filed lawsuits in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the electors in those states be recalled and replaced with electors who would vote for Trump .
According to the poll , 46 percent of Americans are ready to `` amend the Constitution so the candidate who receives the most total votes nationwide wins the election . ''
However , 34 percent of those polled have no desire to change the system , indicating that the Electoral College should remain operable .
Those who were n't sure whether the Electoral College should stay or go numbered 20 percent .
Individuals that voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll participants that indicated the Electoral College should go by the wayside while only 14 percent of those who voted for Trump agreed .
Biden won both the popular and electoral vote during the 2020 election .
While Trump received 74,223,744 popular votes and 232 electoral votes , Biden obtained 81,283,485 popular votes and 306 electoral votes .
A candidate needs to receive 270 or more electoral votes in order to move forward in the election process .
All 50 states have already certified their election results .
Newsweek reached out to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rid of the Electoral College would require an amendment to the U.S. Constitution .
After any Constitutional amendment is proposed by two-thirds of both the House and the Senate , it must be ratified by 38 out of the 50 states to become effective .
Despite Biden 's victory , Trump 's legal team continued to attempt to overturn the election results in some states , including Pennsylvania .
On Monday , Trump 's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani filed a lawsuit with the U.S. Supreme Court to rescind Biden 's win in Pennsylvania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remedies , including vacating the appointment of electors committed to Joseph Biden and allowing the Pennsylvania General Assembly to select their replacements , '' Giuliani said in a Sunday statement .
Trump 's campaign asked for the Supreme Court for `` expedited consideration '' so that responses to the lawsuit are received by Thursday .
Congress is expected to officially count the electoral votes in January .
The Supreme Court previously declined to hear two other lawsuits challenging Biden 's presidential victory .
Some GOP lawmakers have continued to back Trump 's claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alabama Representative Mo Brooks said he would challenge the electoral vote in Congress .
Brooks will need another lawmaker to support his actions .
In order for a challenge to the electoral votes to occur , one member of the House of Representatives and one member of the U.S. Senate must submit a written objection before the votes are read aloud during the Congressional count .
If a challenge is issued , the joint session of Congress is placed into recess while both the House and the Senate discuss the objection .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions .
If the objection is agreed to , the challenged votes remain uncounted .
If either side disagrees with the objection , the votes remain in the final tally .

Almost 50 percent of Americans polled want to abolish the Electoral College, according to data from an Economist/YouGov poll published on Wednesday.
Disputed results from the 2020 presidential election have caused some observers to suggest abandoning the Electoral College system to choose a president. Instead, some want to use the popular vote and give the candidate that receives the highest number of votes the victory.
President Donald Trump has baselessly alleged that widespread voter fraud allowed Democrat President-elect Joe Biden to "steal" the election. Trump's legal team filed lawsuits in some battleground states which Biden won, asking that the electors in those states be recalled and replaced with electors who would vote for Trump.
According to the poll, 46 percent of Americans are ready to "amend the Constitution so the candidate who receives the most total votes nationwide wins the election." However, 34 percent of those polled have no desire to change the system, indicating that the Electoral College should remain operable. Those who weren't sure whether the Electoral College should stay or go numbered 20 percent.
Individuals that voted for Biden made up 75 percent of poll participants that indicated the Electoral College should go by the wayside while only 14 percent of those who voted for Trump agreed.
Biden won both the popular and electoral vote during the 2020 election. While Trump received 74,223,744 popular votes and 232 electoral votes, Biden obtained 81,283,485 popular votes and 306 electoral votes. A candidate needs to receive 270 or more electoral votes in order to move forward in the election process. All 50 states have already certified their election results.
Newsweek reached out to the Biden transition team for comment.
President-elect Joe Biden won 306 electoral votes, according to the Associated Press, but the legality of the vote is still being challenged by President Donald Trump. Joshua Roberts/Getty
Getting rid of the Electoral College would require an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. After any Constitutional amendment is proposed by two-thirds of both the House and the Senate, it must be ratified by 38 out of the 50 states to become effective.
Despite Biden's victory, Trump's legal team continued to attempt to overturn the election results in some states, including Pennsylvania. On Monday, Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani filed a lawsuit with the U.S. Supreme Court to rescind Biden's win in Pennsylvania.
"The petition seeks all appropriate remedies, including vacating the appointment of electors committed to Joseph Biden and allowing the Pennsylvania General Assembly to select their replacements," Giuliani said in a Sunday statement. Trump's campaign asked for the Supreme Court for "expedited consideration" so that responses to the lawsuit are received by Thursday. Congress is expected to officially count the electoral votes in January.
The Supreme Court previously declined to hear two other lawsuits challenging Biden's presidential victory.
Some GOP lawmakers have continued to back Trump's claims of voter fraud. In December, Alabama Representative Mo Brooks said he would challenge the electoral vote in Congress. Brooks will need another lawmaker to support his actions. In order for a challenge to the electoral votes to occur, one member of the House of Representatives and one member of the U.S. Senate must submit a written objection before the votes are read aloud during the Congressional count.
If a challenge is issued, the joint session of Congress is placed into recess while both the House and the Senate discuss the objection. After the recess, both chambers announce their decisions. If the objection is agreed to, the challenged votes remain uncounted. If either side disagrees with the objection, the votes remain in the final tally.


newsweek--2020-12-21--Weight-Loss TikToker's Message to Critics Goes Viral: 'Say No to the Abuse'

A TikTok star who goes by the moniker Gates Royale ( @ fattohealthy ) is using his popularity on the platform to take on body-shamers and online bullies everywhere .
His rallying cry has gone viral : `` Say no to the abuse when someone is trying to change their life for the better . ''
Royale frequently posts clips showing various exercise routines , for what he says is an attempt to document a body transformation .
These videos are meant to inspire others as well , though he 's not without his fair share of controversy , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response when he posts .
Below is the clip that 's just gone viral , racking up more than 40,000 likes and more than 200,000 views .
In the TikTok , which was shared on Sunday , Royale reads comments that have been posted on some of his other recent videos .
With tears streaming down his face , he incredulously asks at the beginning , `` You mean to tell me we live in a society where it 's okay to shame fat people for exercising ? ''
He then reads comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Big Mac , he wants it back , '' and `` Anybody else just want to punch him ? ''
Other messages tell him to `` quit already '' because he 's `` never going to get it , '' and `` You 're never going to reach your goal . ''
Royale then states his own self-worth in defiance of those attacking him by stating , `` I 'm the only TikToker on this app who is plus-size , and who 's broadcasting their journey to health . ''
The emotional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words of encouragement , telling him not to give up and calling him a `` king . ''
Others , though , took the opportunity to further troll him with hateful and demeaning comments .
Aside from additional name-calling , a lot of other people on TikTok brought up some controversies surrounding Gates Royale .
One of those involves Jesse Woodhull , a personal trainer who volunteered his services to help Royale get in better shape .
Also on Sunday , Woodhull posted a clip that shows him working with Royale , before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two allegedly had .
Staring into the camera , Woodhull alleges that he was taken advantage of , and that Royale expected him to run his Facebook group rather than use his workouts .
`` I 'm glad this kid is getting healthier in his life , '' Woodhull explains , `` but just like everybody else , he 's in it for clout . ''
Woodhull then ends the video with some harsher words .
( Be advised for explicit language . )
On Monday afternoon , Royale responded directly to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trainer and others like him are `` keyboard warriors trying to pull other ones down from being successful . ''
While admitting that Woodhull did offer to help train him , Royale said he declined the invitation , because `` why would I accept help from someone who does n't display health themselves ? ''
He further dismissed Woodhull 's video as an attempt to garner attention and views for his account .
Other people have also alleged that Gates Royale engages in the alarming ( and potentially illegal ) offense of scamming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ merely an act designed for profit .
Royale says he 's also attempting to raise money for children ( stated ambiguously as such ) while recording his exercises , but others say that it 's an embezzlement ploy .
On Sunday , one TikTok user shared a link of Royale 's that leads directly to a Cash App page for one `` Julio Lopez '' with a photo of Gates Royale .
Royale/Lopez responded to the scam accusations , saying his charitable work is indeed real .
In a video , he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fundraising for children .
However , who these reporters are , where they work and what any messages ( assuming they do indeed exist ) say is unclear , as the supposed messages are quickly clicked through in Royale 's clip without being fully captured onscreen .
The comments to that video are also heavily mixed , with supporters lashing out at people they say are trying to bring Royale down , and others saying he has been exposed and should fess up .
Newsweek reached out to Royale for comment , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publication .
For now , at least , those controversies are overshadowed by his recent viral message ( as posted earlier in this story ) that is resonating with many .
In it , Royale pleads , `` There 's so many people dying right now because they are being bullied to death . ''

A TikTok star who goes by the moniker Gates Royale (@fattohealthy) is using his popularity on the platform to take on body-shamers and online bullies everywhere. His rallying cry has gone viral: "Say no to the abuse when someone is trying to change their life for the better."
Royale frequently posts clips showing various exercise routines, for what he says is an attempt to document a body transformation. These videos are meant to inspire others as well, though he's not without his fair share of controversy, and he virtually always elicits a very mixed response when he posts.
TikTok's logo. Getty
Below is the clip that's just gone viral, racking up more than 40,000 likes and more than 200,000 views. In the TikTok, which was shared on Sunday, Royale reads comments that have been posted on some of his other recent videos. With tears streaming down his face, he incredulously asks at the beginning, "You mean to tell me we live in a society where it's okay to shame fat people for exercising?"
He then reads comments like, "Camera man's holding a Big Mac, he wants it back," and "Anybody else just want to punch him?" Other messages tell him to "quit already" because he's "never going to get it," and "You're never going to reach your goal."
Royale then states his own self-worth in defiance of those attacking him by stating, "I'm the only TikToker on this app who is plus-size, and who's broadcasting their journey to health."
The emotional message prompted Royale's fans to offer words of encouragement, telling him not to give up and calling him a "king." Others, though, took the opportunity to further troll him with hateful and demeaning comments.
Aside from additional name-calling, a lot of other people on TikTok brought up some controversies surrounding Gates Royale. One of those involves Jesse Woodhull, a personal trainer who volunteered his services to help Royale get in better shape.
Also on Sunday, Woodhull posted a clip that shows him working with Royale, before it cuts to him discussing issues that the two allegedly had. Staring into the camera, Woodhull alleges that he was taken advantage of, and that Royale expected him to run his Facebook group rather than use his workouts. "I'm glad this kid is getting healthier in his life," Woodhull explains, "but just like everybody else, he's in it for clout."
Woodhull then ends the video with some harsher words. (Be advised for explicit language.)
On Monday afternoon, Royale responded directly to Woodhull's allegations. He said the trainer and others like him are "keyboard warriors trying to pull other ones down from being successful." While admitting that Woodhull did offer to help train him, Royale said he declined the invitation, because "why would I accept help from someone who doesn't display health themselves?" He further dismissed Woodhull's video as an attempt to garner attention and views for his account.
Other people have also alleged that Gates Royale engages in the alarming (and potentially illegal) offense of scamming people. They claim his videos are merely an act designed for profit. Royale says he's also attempting to raise money for children (stated ambiguously as such) while recording his exercises, but others say that it's an embezzlement ploy. On Sunday, one TikTok user shared a link of Royale's that leads directly to a Cash App page for one "Julio Lopez" with a photo of Gates Royale.
Royale/Lopez responded to the scam accusations, saying his charitable work is indeed real. In a video, he says he has messages from reporters covering his fundraising for children. However, who these reporters are, where they work and what any messages (assuming they do indeed exist) say is unclear, as the supposed messages are quickly clicked through in Royale's clip without being fully captured onscreen.
The comments to that video are also heavily mixed, with supporters lashing out at people they say are trying to bring Royale down, and others saying he has been exposed and should fess up.
Newsweek reached out to Royale for comment, but did not hear back in time for publication.
For now, at least, those controversies are overshadowed by his recent viral message (as posted earlier in this story) that is resonating with many. In it, Royale pleads, "There's so many people dying right now because they are being bullied to death."