newsweek--2020-12-26--8 Incredible Scientific Discoveries in 2020

Dealing with the COVID pandemic , including developing vaccines to fight it , has been one of the biggest challenges ever faced by scientists .
But researchers in all fields , including astronomy and physics , have also made great strides .
As 2020 draws to a close , let 's look at some of the most incredible scientific discoveries of the past 12 months .
Sign of Alien Life in the Clouds of Venus ?
In September , astronomers announced they had found a gas called phosphine , which can be a sign of life , in the atmosphere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their findings and said they found a fainter phosphine signal than initially reported .
The team spotted signs that phosphine was present in the clouds of Venus in observations of the planet using telescopes .
Next , they used computer modelling techniques to understand what was happening , and concluded microbes may be the most likely explanation .
Alan Duffy , an astronomer from Swinburne University , Australia , who was not involved in the research , said in a statement : `` This is one of the most exciting signs of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have ever seen , and certainly from the most surprising location I could imagine !
Our twin planet Venus is a hellish world . ''
In November it was revealed that an AI lab based in London had solved a mystery that had puzzled experts for 50 years , by predicting the 3D shape of proteins from their sequence of amino acids .
Proteins , essentially the building blocks of life , are made up of amino acids .
DeepMind , a Google offshoot , created the artificial intelligence program AlphaFold that made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technology will enable scientists to better understand how cells are made , and speed up the development of drugs .
John Moult , a computational biologist at the University of Maryland in College Park who co-founded the challenge to predict protein structures that the DeepMind team took part in , said according to Nature : `` This is a big deal , '' adding : `` in some sense the problem is solved . ''
Dr Sara Imarisio , head of research at the Alzheimer 's Research U.K. who was not involved in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time : `` Working with proteins , understanding their structure , looking at their effects on behavior in the brain , and developing drugs to target them goes to the very core of what our scientists do .
`` We still do not have a drug to slow or stop diseases like Alzheimer 's but new and powerful technologies able to accelerate progress gives people hope . ''
Palaeontologists identified the near-complete skull of a bird in March as the oldest known modern bird fossil .
The extinct bird , dubbed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be between 66.8 and 66.7 million years old .
The team hope their discovery will help to explain how modern birds evolved and why they survived a mass-extinction event that wiped out large dinosaurs .
Using the bird 's Latin name , co-author Daniel Field , from University of Cambridge in the U.K. , told Newsweek at the time : `` We believe that several features exhibited by Asteriornis , such as a relatively small body size , ground-dwelling habits , an ability to fly , and a generalized diet were key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of modern birds in the aftermath of the asteroid impact . ''
In January , scientists recreated the voice of an ancient Egyptian priest using a 3D-printed vocal tract built using scans of his mummified body .
The team were able to reimagine what the high-ranking priest , named Nesyamun , would have sounded like when speaking a vowel .
Nesyamun is thought to have also been a scribe during the reign of pharaoh Ramses XI , and died due to an allergic reaction .
Co-author David Howard of Royal Holloway , University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsweek at the time : `` The resulting sound is a single vowel-like sound because we only have that one vocal tract shape for him .
`` This one shape is also the shape of his tract as he is interred so it is not necessarily part of a spoken sound .
However , it is a sound from his unique vocal tract and for that reason , it can be linked to what he sounded like . ''
Closest Ever Images of the Sun Revealed July saw the unveiling of the closest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the Solar Orbiter mission run by NASA and the European Space Agency .
The images , taken using what is known as Extreme Ultraviolet Imager ( EUI ) around 48 million miles from the sun , show solar flares dubbed `` campfires . ''
It is hoped understanding these could explain why the sun 's surface is cooler than its atmosphere .
Daniel Müller , ESA 's Solar Orbiter project scientist , told Newsweek at the time : `` These images are closest images ever taken of the sun—and we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inner solar system . ''
He said : `` What has amazed us most is the very high quality of the first images taken . ''
Physicists in Germany revealed in October that they had measured the shortest unit of time ever , by looking at how long it takes for a particle known as a photon to cross a hydrogen molecule .
The answer they arrived at was 247 zeptoseconds , with a zeptosecond being a trillionth of a billionth of a second .
The scientists achieved this by exposing a hydrogen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to radiation .
This shot the electrons out of the hydrogen molecule , creating a wave-like effect .
Explaining the team 's methods , co-author Sven Grundmann Goethe University Frankfurt said in a statement at the time : `` Since we knew the spatial orientation of the hydrogen molecule , we used the interference of the two electron waves to precisely calculate when the photon reached the first and when it reached the second hydrogen atom .
`` And this is up to 247 zeptoseconds , depending on how far apart in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perspective of light . ''
October was marked by the discovery of an enormous coral reef taller than the Empire State Building , at 1,600 feet high and 5,000-feet-wide , on Australia 's Great barrier Reef .
The reef , identified by the Schmidt Ocean Institute , is the first of its kind to be discovered in over 120 years .
Wendy Schmidt , co-founder of Schmidt Ocean Institute , said in a statement at the time : `` This unexpected discovery affirms that we continue to find unknown structures and new species @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our knowledge about what 's in the ocean has long been so limited .
Thanks to new technologies that work as our eyes , ears and hands in the deep ocean , we have the capacity to explore like never before .
New oceanscapes are opening to us , revealing the ecosystems and diverse life forms that share the planet with us . ''
Although many of us are suffering from pandemic fatigue , it would be remiss to do a rundown of some of the most exciting breakthroughs of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.K. approved the Pfizer COVID shot in December , it became the fastest vaccine to be approved in the West , taking 10 months .
It was also the first ever licensed vaccine based on mRNA technology .
What 's more , Pfizer has claimed it is 95 percent effective , much higher than had been hoped .
The vaccine features a recipe for the genetic code of a part of the virus that it uses to invade our bodies in an oily casing , which is inserted into the body when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Fauci , the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , have sought to allay fears that the vaccine was rushed .
He has often explained the speed was thanks to recent technological advances and the huge amounts of money invested in vaccine development this year .
Charlie Weller , head of vaccines at the Wellcome Trust research charity , said in a statement at the time : `` This is a historic day and an important moment at the end of an incredibly difficult year .
For a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval and be ready to roll out in less than a year for a new virus is completely unprecedented . ''

Dealing with the COVID pandemic, including developing vaccines to fight it, has been one of the biggest challenges ever faced by scientists. But researchers in all fields, including astronomy and physics, have also made great strides.
As 2020 draws to a close, let's look at some of the most incredible scientific discoveries of the past 12 months.
Sign of Alien Life in the Clouds of Venus?
In September, astronomers announced they had found a gas called phosphine, which can be a sign of life, in the atmosphere of Venus. The team later revised their findings and said they found a fainter phosphine signal than initially reported.
The team spotted signs that phosphine was present in the clouds of Venus in observations of the planet using telescopes. Next, they used computer modelling techniques to understand what was happening, and concluded microbes may be the most likely explanation.
Alan Duffy, an astronomer from Swinburne University, Australia, who was not involved in the research, said in a statement: "This is one of the most exciting signs of the possible presence of life beyond Earth I have ever seen, and certainly from the most surprising location I could imagine! Our twin planet Venus is a hellish world."
A stock image shows Venus, where scientists believe they detected the gas phosphine. Getty
DeepMind AI solves a half-century-old protein problem
In November it was revealed that an AI lab based in London had solved a mystery that had puzzled experts for 50 years, by predicting the 3D shape of proteins from their sequence of amino acids. Proteins, essentially the building blocks of life, are made up of amino acids.
DeepMind, a Google offshoot, created the artificial intelligence program AlphaFold that made the breakthrough. It is hoped the technology will enable scientists to better understand how cells are made, and speed up the development of drugs.
John Moult, a computational biologist at the University of Maryland in College Park who co-founded the challenge to predict protein structures that the DeepMind team took part in, said according to Nature: "This is a big deal," adding: "in some sense the problem is solved."
Dr Sara Imarisio, head of research at the Alzheimer's Research U.K. who was not involved in the study, said in a statement at the time: "Working with proteins, understanding their structure, looking at their effects on behavior in the brain, and developing drugs to target them goes to the very core of what our scientists do.
"We still do not have a drug to slow or stop diseases like Alzheimer's but new and powerful technologies able to accelerate progress gives people hope."
66-million-year-old "Wonderchicken" becomes oldest known modern bird
Palaeontologists identified the near-complete skull of a bird in March as the oldest known modern bird fossil. The extinct bird, dubbed the "wonderchicken," is thought to be between 66.8 and 66.7 million years old. The team hope their discovery will help to explain how modern birds evolved and why they survived a mass-extinction event that wiped out large dinosaurs.
Using the bird's Latin name, co-author Daniel Field, from University of Cambridge in the U.K., told Newsweek at the time: "We believe that several features exhibited by Asteriornis, such as a relatively small body size, ground-dwelling habits, an ability to fly, and a generalized diet were key attributes that would have favoured the survival of modern birds in the aftermath of the asteroid impact."
Artist’s reconstruction of the world’s oldest modern bird, Asteriornis maastrichtensis. Phillip Krzeminski
Voice of 3,000-Year-Old Ancient Egyptian priest recreated
In January, scientists recreated the voice of an ancient Egyptian priest using a 3D-printed vocal tract built using scans of his mummified body. The team were able to reimagine what the high-ranking priest, named Nesyamun, would have sounded like when speaking a vowel. Nesyamun is thought to have also been a scribe during the reign of pharaoh Ramses XI, and died due to an allergic reaction.
Co-author David Howard of Royal Holloway, University of London in the U.K., told Newsweek at the time: "The resulting sound is a single vowel-like sound because we only have that one vocal tract shape for him.
"This one shape is also the shape of his tract as he is interred so it is not necessarily part of a spoken sound. However, it is a sound from his unique vocal tract and for that reason, it can be linked to what he sounded like."
The three thousand year-old coffin of Nesyamun, on display at Leeds City Museum Leeds City Museum
Closest Ever Images of the Sun Revealed
July saw the unveiling of the closest images ever taken of the sun as part of the Solar Orbiter mission run by NASA and the European Space Agency. The images, taken using what is known as Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) around 48 million miles from the sun, show solar flares dubbed "campfires." It is hoped understanding these could explain why the sun's surface is cooler than its atmosphere.
Daniel Müller, ESA's Solar Orbiter project scientist, told Newsweek at the time: "These images are closest images ever taken of the sun—and we have just started our long journey through the inner solar system."
He said: "What has amazed us most is the very high quality of the first images taken."
The Extreme Ultraviolet Imager (EUI) on ESA’s Solar Orbiter spacecraft captured this image on May 30, 2020, showing the sun in the extreme ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Solar Orbiter/EUI Team ESA & NASA; CSL, IAS, MPS, PMOD/WRC, ROB, UCL/MSSL
Shortest unit of time measured
Physicists in Germany revealed in October that they had measured the shortest unit of time ever, by looking at how long it takes for a particle known as a photon to cross a hydrogen molecule. The answer they arrived at was 247 zeptoseconds, with a zeptosecond being a trillionth of a billionth of a second.
The scientists achieved this by exposing a hydrogen molecule, which has two electrons, to radiation. This shot the electrons out of the hydrogen molecule, creating a wave-like effect.
Explaining the team's methods, co-author Sven Grundmann Goethe University Frankfurt said in a statement at the time: "Since we knew the spatial orientation of the hydrogen molecule, we used the interference of the two electron waves to precisely calculate when the photon reached the first and when it reached the second hydrogen atom.
"And this is up to 247 zeptoseconds, depending on how far apart in the molecule the two atoms were from the perspective of light."
An illustration shows a zeptosecond measurement. The photon, shown in yellow, creates electron waves out of the electron cloud of the hydrogen molecule, with its nucleus in red. The violet area represents the waves, or interference pattern. Sven Grundmann, Goethe University Frankfurt
Enormous Coral Reef Taller than Empire State Building Discovered
October was marked by the discovery of an enormous coral reef taller than the Empire State Building, at 1,600 feet high and 5,000-feet-wide, on Australia's Great barrier Reef. The reef, identified by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, is the first of its kind to be discovered in over 120 years.
Wendy Schmidt, co-founder of Schmidt Ocean Institute, said in a statement at the time: "This unexpected discovery affirms that we continue to find unknown structures and new species in our ocean.
"The state of our knowledge about what's in the ocean has long been so limited. Thanks to new technologies that work as our eyes, ears and hands in the deep ocean, we have the capacity to explore like never before. New oceanscapes are opening to us, revealing the ecosystems and diverse life forms that share the planet with us."
The mapping profile of the newly discovered reef. Schmidt Ocean Institute
Pfizer COVID Shot Becomes First Licensed mRNA Jab
Although many of us are suffering from pandemic fatigue, it would be remiss to do a rundown of some of the most exciting breakthroughs of the year and not mention COVID vaccines.
After the U.K. approved the Pfizer COVID shot in December, it became the fastest vaccine to be approved in the West, taking 10 months.
It was also the first ever licensed vaccine based on mRNA technology. What's more, Pfizer has claimed it is 95 percent effective, much higher than had been hoped. The vaccine features a recipe for the genetic code of a part of the virus that it uses to invade our bodies in an oily casing, which is inserted into the body when it is administered.
Experts such as Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, have sought to allay fears that the vaccine was rushed. He has often explained the speed was thanks to recent technological advances and the huge amounts of money invested in vaccine development this year.
Charlie Weller, head of vaccines at the Wellcome Trust research charity, said in a statement at the time: "This is a historic day and an important moment at the end of an incredibly difficult year. For a vaccine to be developed, receive emergency approval and be ready to roll out in less than a year for a new virus is completely unprecedented."


newsweek--2020-12-26--2020 Holiday Return Policies for Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Costco and More

Many retailers are offering extended return dates on unwanted gift items purchased before Christmas .
Here we look at the holiday return policies at some major retailers , from Walmart and Target to Best Buy , Costco and more .
`` Since many items purchased between Oct 16 , 2020 and Dec 25 , 2020 are gifts , all items with shorter return windows have an extended return time frame allowing more time to return unwanted items , '' Walmart says on its website .
The extended return date for your items differs according to what your standard return window @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 14 days , the extended return date is January 8 , 2021 • For 90 days , it 's 90 days from delivery date '' The extended return timeframe excludes postpaid wireless phones and Marketplace items , '' the company adds .
The company advises : `` Purchases made October 13 , 2020 through January 2 , 2021 have an extended return period through January 16 , 2021 , excluding items purchased with a third-party contract ( e.g.
, cell phones , cellular tablets and cellular wearables , AppleCare monthly plans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e.g.
, artificial trees , lights , decorations , etc . )
and major appliances .
All other terms and conditions of the Best Buy Return & Exchange Promise apply .
`` If you want to return or exchange your purchase , please know that the time period begins the day you receive your product and applies to new , clearance , open-box , refurbished and pre-owned products .
`` This policy applies to purchases from Best Buy , Pacific Sales , Magnolia Design Center , Best Buy Education , Best Buy for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' according to the Best Buy website .
The refund period begins the day after Christmas for all electronics and entertainment items purchased from October 1 through December 25 .
The company states : `` For all electronics and entertainment items ( excluding Apple products ) purchased between 10/1-12/25 , the 30-day refund period will start on 12/26 .
`` For all Apple products ( excluding mobile phones ) purchased between 10/1-12/25 , the 15-day refund period will start on 12/26 , '' the company adds .
Costco does n't have a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy comes with a 90-day window for electronics .
`` Costco will accept returns within 90 days ( from the date the member received the merchandise ) for televisions , projectors , major appliances ( refrigerators above 10 cu .
ft. , freezers , ranges , cooktops , over-the-range microwaves , dishwashers , water heaters , washers and dryers ) , computers , touchscreen tablets , smart watches , cameras , aerial cameras ( drones ) , camcorders , MP3 players and cellular phones ( return details will vary by carrier service contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website .
`` Members returning a diamond over 1.00ct must also present all original paperwork ( IGI and/or GIA certificates ) at which time they will receive a Jewelry Credit Memo .
Within 48 hours , our Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect for authenticity , '' the company notes .
See the Costco website for more information .
Macy 's advises `` our return policy time frames have been extended for purchases made between now and December 31 , 2020 .
Those purchases may be returned by either January 31 , 2021 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applicable return policy , whichever is later , '' on its website .
The following items are excluded from the holiday extension and standard return policies apply : All `` premium electronics purchased between November 1–December 25 may be returned through January 31 in original packaging with a valid receipt or account lookup .
Some returns may be subject to our refund verification system .
Refunds may be limited or declined , '' according to Kohl 's website .
`` When returning any premium electronic devices , including smart watches , please be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information that may be stored on the device .
`` We are unable to process refunds for the purchase of gift cards , '' the company adds .
The company 's standard `` Hassle-Free Return Policy '' allows you to return in-store and Kohls.com merchandise up to 180 days after the original purchase date .
See the Kohl 's website for more information .

Many retailers are offering extended return dates on unwanted gift items purchased before Christmas. Here we look at the holiday return policies at some major retailers, from Walmart and Target to Best Buy, Costco and more.
Walmart
"Since many items purchased between Oct 16, 2020 and Dec 25, 2020 are gifts, all items with shorter return windows have an extended return time frame allowing more time to return unwanted items," Walmart says on its website.
The extended return date for your items differs according to what your standard return window is:
For standard return windows of 14 days, the extended return date is January 8, 2021
For 30 days, it's January 24, 2021
For 60 days, it's February 23, 2021
For 90 days, it's 90 days from delivery date
"The extended return timeframe excludes postpaid wireless phones and Marketplace items," the company adds.
Best Buy
The company advises: "Purchases made October 13, 2020 through January 2, 2021 have an extended return period through January 16, 2021, excluding items purchased with a third-party contract (e.g., cell phones, cellular tablets and cellular wearables, AppleCare monthly plans, etc.), holiday products (e.g., artificial trees, lights, decorations, etc.) and major appliances. All other terms and conditions of the Best Buy Return & Exchange Promise apply.
"If you want to return or exchange your purchase, please know that the time period begins the day you receive your product and applies to new, clearance, open-box, refurbished and pre-owned products.
"This policy applies to purchases from Best Buy, Pacific Sales, Magnolia Design Center, Best Buy Education, Best Buy for Business and Best Buy Express kiosks," according to the Best Buy website.
Target
The refund period begins the day after Christmas for all electronics and entertainment items purchased from October 1 through December 25.
The company states: "For all electronics and entertainment items (excluding Apple products) purchased between 10/1-12/25, the 30-day refund period will start on 12/26.
"For all Apple products (excluding mobile phones) purchased between 10/1-12/25, the 15-day refund period will start on 12/26," the company adds.
Costco
Costco doesn't have a special holiday return policy but its existing return policy comes with a 90-day window for electronics.
"Costco will accept returns within 90 days (from the date the member received the merchandise) for televisions, projectors, major appliances (refrigerators above 10 cu. ft., freezers, ranges, cooktops, over-the-range microwaves, dishwashers, water heaters, washers and dryers), computers, touchscreen tablets, smart watches, cameras, aerial cameras (drones), camcorders, MP3 players and cellular phones (return details will vary by carrier service contract)," according to the Costco website.
"Members returning a diamond over 1.00ct must also present all original paperwork (IGI and/or GIA certificates) at which time they will receive a Jewelry Credit Memo. Within 48 hours, our Costco Graduate Gemologist will inspect for authenticity," the company notes.
See the Costco website for more information.
Macy's
Macy's advises "our return policy time frames have been extended for purchases made between now and December 31, 2020. Those purchases may be returned by either January 31, 2021 or the last date allowed under the normal applicable return policy, whichever is later," on its website.
The following items are excluded from the holiday extension and standard return policies apply:
Apple products
Tech accessories and tech watches
Last act merchandise
Furniture
Mattresses
Area rugs
Lighting
Designer merchandise
Vendor direct merchandise
Bluemercury merchandise
Macy's Beauty Box
Food and beverage
Macy's Optical
Kohl's
All "premium electronics purchased between November 1–December 25 may be returned through January 31 in original packaging with a valid receipt or account lookup. Some returns may be subject to our refund verification system. Refunds may be limited or declined," according to Kohl's website.
"When returning any premium electronic devices, including smart watches, please be sure to remove any personal data or information that may be stored on the device.
"We are unable to process refunds for the purchase of gift cards," the company adds.
The company's standard "Hassle-Free Return Policy" allows you to return in-store and Kohls.com merchandise up to 180 days after the original purchase date.
See the Kohl's website for more information.


newsweek--2020-12-25--New Monolith Appears in San Francisco on Christmas—But This One's Gingerbread

A mysterious monolith made of gingerbread reportedly appeared on a hill in San Francisco , California on Christmas Day .
San Francisco residents were left with a Christmas mystery when they discovered that the monolith , measuring nearly 7 feet tall , had suddenly appeared at Corona Heights Park in the city 's Castro and Corona Heights neighborhoods , according to a Friday report from local PBS station KQED .
Local officials did not appear to have any immediate plans of removing the object , possibly fearing leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of amused residents , one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hilarious . ''
`` Wow .
Even makes a Jewish parks director smile , '' San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg told the outlet .
`` Looks like a great spot to get baked ... we will leave it up until the cookie crumbles . ''
`` We all deserve a little bit of magic right now , '' Ginsburg added .
Some residents visiting the park for a morning stroll caught wind of the monolith when they smelled its heavy gingerbread scent wafting through the outdoor air .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I saw it , '' resident Ananda Sharma , founder of the app Gyroscope , said .
`` It made me smile .
I wonder who did it , and when they put it there . ''
The sweet structure appears to have been constructed in much the same way that gingerbread houses are , with icing used as an adhesive between panels of gingerbread , albeit on a much larger scale than is typical .
A report from The San Francisco Chronicle describes the object as being `` supported by plywood '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Neighborhood resident Alexis Gallagher , who encountered it during a morning dog walk , described the monolith as a `` Christmas miracle . ''
`` How could you not call it a Christmas miracle ? ''
Gallagher told the paper .
`` A very well-engineered and well-constructed miracle , at that ...
But yeah , I was like , 'This city 's not dead yet .
It still has spirit . '
'' Notably , a metal monolith appeared in a remote area of Utah last month before disappearing about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and recalling the fictional monoliths featured in Stanley Kubrick 's 1968 sci-fi classic 2001 : A Space Odyssey .
As quickly as the object disappeared , further monoliths began to spring up in various locations around the world .
Some offered implausible explanations for the appearance of the objects , often scenarios involving supernatural forces or extraterrestrials , although far more down to earth origins are likely .
Suggestions that the gingerbread monolith could have alien origins do not appear to be widespread , nor have there been any associated sightings of little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsweek reached out to the office of San Francisco Mayor London Breed for comment .

A mysterious monolith made of gingerbread reportedly appeared on a hill in San Francisco, California on Christmas Day.
San Francisco residents were left with a Christmas mystery when they discovered that the monolith, measuring nearly 7 feet tall, had suddenly appeared at Corona Heights Park in the city's Castro and Corona Heights neighborhoods, according to a Friday report from local PBS station KQED.
Local officials did not appear to have any immediate plans of removing the object, possibly fearing leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of amused residents, one of whom reportedly described the monolith as "hilarious."
"Wow. Even makes a Jewish parks director smile," San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department General Manager Phil Ginsburg told the outlet. "Looks like a great spot to get baked... we will leave it up until the cookie crumbles."
"We all deserve a little bit of magic right now," Ginsburg added.
Some residents visiting the park for a morning stroll caught wind of the monolith when they smelled its heavy gingerbread scent wafting through the outdoor air.
"I think I smelled it before I saw it," resident Ananda Sharma, founder of the app Gyroscope, said. "It made me smile. I wonder who did it, and when they put it there."
A city scene, with buildings made of gingerbread, is depicted in this file photo. lithiumcloud/Getty
The sweet structure appears to have been constructed in much the same way that gingerbread houses are, with icing used as an adhesive between panels of gingerbread, albeit on a much larger scale than is typical.
A report from The San Francisco Chronicle describes the object as being "supported by plywood" and "dotted with brightly-colored Gumdrops candy." Neighborhood resident Alexis Gallagher, who encountered it during a morning dog walk, described the monolith as a "Christmas miracle."
"How could you not call it a Christmas miracle?" Gallagher told the paper. "A very well-engineered and well-constructed miracle, at that ... But yeah, I was like, 'This city's not dead yet. It still has spirit.'"
Notably, a metal monolith appeared in a remote area of Utah last month before disappearing about a week later, drawing worldwide media attention and recalling the fictional monoliths featured in Stanley Kubrick's 1968 sci-fi classic 2001: A Space Odyssey.
As quickly as the object disappeared, further monoliths began to spring up in various locations around the world. Some offered implausible explanations for the appearance of the objects, often scenarios involving supernatural forces or extraterrestrials, although far more down to earth origins are likely.
Suggestions that the gingerbread monolith could have alien origins do not appear to be widespread, nor have there been any associated sightings of little green gingerbread men in the area.
Newsweek reached out to the office of San Francisco Mayor London Breed for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-26--Who Is Anthony Quinn Warner? FBI Searches Home of Suspect in Nashville Blast

The FBI is searching the home of Anthony Quinn Warner , who is considered a suspect in connection with the Nashville bombing on Christmas morning .
Two senior law enforcement officials who have seen the investigation reports confirmed to Newsweek on Saturday that federal investigators were searching the residence of Warner , a suspect involved in the Friday explosion in downtown Nashville .
The officials requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the case on the record .
No motive for the bombing , which injured three people , has been identified as yet .
The search @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time at a home on Bakerton Road in Antioch , a Nashville neighborhood , according to The Tennessean .
Neighbors told the outlet that an RV resembling the vehicle involved in the explosion was seen outside the location over the past two weeks .
A Google street view search showed a similar vehicle in the driveway ; however , it was not present at the location on Saturday when authorities arrived .
The street view picture was taken in May 2019 , according to Google .
Warner has been identified by several outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A LexisNexis report , obtained by Newsweek , shows Warner 's address as 3724 Bakerton Road , Nashville , the same location authorities began searching on Saturday .
Warner was born in January 1957 and is 63 years old , according to the report .
Allpeople.com , a free online directory of business contacts , has Warner linked to Custom Alarms Electronics , a business located at 3724 Bakerton Road .
According to Allbiz.com , Custom Alarms Electronics was founded in 2000 and engages in the `` electrical installation '' industry .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and annual sales for the business is estimated to be around $ 70,000 USD .
However , the company name does not turn up results in corporate record searches .
A search for Anthony Warner in historic Davidson County criminal records show that a male born on January 17 , 1957 , was arrested on January 29 , 1978 , and charged with a felony offense linked to possession of a controlled substance .
The birthdate matches the LexisNexis report ; Newsweek could not confirm the man in the records as the suspect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told Newsweek on Saturday that federal investigators were locating Warner 's mother for a DNA test .
The incident would likely have been a suicide bombing if the DNA of the suspect 's mother is determined to be linked to remains found in the RV , one of the law enforcement officials said .
Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake confirmed that possible human remains were found near the scene of the incident on Friday evening .
Authorities declined to comment on their activity at Antioch and any possible suspects or persons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
The FBI said that authorities are still working through more than 500 tips received that were received over the past 24 hours tied to the Friday explosion and urged the public to be patient .
On Saturday afternoon , the Associated Press reported that at least 250 federal agents , analysts and other staff have been assigned to the case .
Drake assured residents that the city is `` safe . ''
John Cooper , the city 's mayor , has placed a curfew in the downtown area surrounding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to the crime scene as the investigation in the area continues .

The FBI is searching the home of Anthony Quinn Warner, who is considered a suspect in connection with the Nashville bombing on Christmas morning.
Two senior law enforcement officials who have seen the investigation reports confirmed to Newsweek on Saturday that federal investigators were searching the residence of Warner, a suspect involved in the Friday explosion in downtown Nashville. The officials requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the case on the record. No motive for the bombing, which injured three people, has been identified as yet.
The search reportedly commenced just before 11 a.m. local time at a home on Bakertown Road in Antioch, a Nashville neighborhood, according to The Tennessean.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 25: Police close off an area damaged by an explosion on Christmas morning on December 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. A Hazardous Devices Unit was en route to check on a recreational vehicle which then exploded, extensively damaging some nearby buildings. According to reports, the police believe the explosion to be intentional, with at least 3 injured and human remains found in the vicinity of the explosion. Terry Wyatt/Getty Images/Getty
Neighbors told the outlet that an RV resembling the vehicle involved in the explosion was seen outside the location over the past two weeks. A Google street view search showed a similar vehicle in the driveway; however, it was not present at the location on Saturday when authorities arrived. The street view picture was taken in May 2019, according to Google.
Warner has been identified by several outlets as a white male Nashville-area resident.
A LexisNexis report, obtained by Newsweek, shows Warner's addresses as 3724 Bakertown Road and 115 Bakertown Road, Nashville, the same location authorities began searching on Saturday. Warner was born in January 1957 and is 63 years old, according to the report.
Allpeople.com, a free online directory of business contacts, has Warner linked to Custom Alarms Electronics, a business located at 3724 Bakertown Road.
According to Allbiz.com, Custom Alarms Electronics was founded in 2000 and engages in the "electrical installation" industry. One employee is listed on the website, and annual sales for the business is estimated to be around $70,000 USD.
However, the company name does not turn up results in corporate record searches.
A search for Anthony Warner in historic Davidson County criminal records show that a male born on January 17, 1957, was arrested on January 29, 1978, and charged with a felony offense linked to possession of a controlled substance. The birthdate matches the LexisNexis report; Newsweek could not confirm the man in the records as the suspect.
The two senior law enforcement officials told Newsweek on Saturday that federal investigators were locating Warner's mother for a DNA test. The incident would likely have been a suicide bombing if the DNA of the suspect's mother is determined to be linked to remains found in the RV, one of the law enforcement officials said.
Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake confirmed that possible human remains were found near the scene of the incident on Friday evening.
Authorities declined to comment on their activity at Antioch and any possible suspects or persons of interest during an afternoon press conference on Saturday. The FBI said that authorities are still working through more than 500 tips received that were received over the past 24 hours tied to the Friday explosion and urged the public to be patient.
On Saturday afternoon, the Associated Press reported that at least 250 federal agents, analysts and other staff have been assigned to the case.
Drake assured residents that the city is "safe."
John Cooper, the city's mayor, has placed a curfew in the downtown area surrounding the blast until Sunday, to limit public access to the crime scene as the investigation in the area continues.


newsweek--2020-12-26--Nashville Investigators Swab Suspect's Mother to Check Suicide Bombing Theory, Sources Say

Authorities investigating the Christmas explosion in Nashville will swab the mother of suspect Anthony Quinn Warner to determine a match to the remains found in the RV .
Two senior law enforcement officials who have seen the investigation reports confirmed to Newsweek on Saturday that federal investigators were searching the residence and locating the mother of Warner , who is allegedly involved in the explosion of a recreational vehicle in downtown Nashville at around 6:30 a.m. on Christmas morning .
The incident would likely be a suicide bombing if the DNA of the suspect 's mother is determined to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one law enforcement official said .
The officials requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the case on the record .
`` I would say , in order to identify the human remains , it 's likely a family member of Mr. Warner would be asked to provide DNA .
This will most likely be done by the FBI , who is the lead investigative agency , '' one of the senior law enforcement sources told Newsweek .
`` Assuming this is the mother of the bomber , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for confirmation . ''
Officials previously confirmed that possible human remains were located at the scene of the incident , and an investigation of Warner 's home in Antioch , in suburban Nashville , commenced on Saturday .
During a Saturday press conference , U.S. Attorney Don Cochran said that it 's still unclear whether there is just one or several suspects involved in the blast that left three people injured in downtown Nashville .
Federal , state and local investigators are following up on over 500 leads reported over the past 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` cowardly bombing on Christmas morning '' after law enforcement indicated that it was intentional .
Nashville Chief of Police John Drake assured residents that the city is now `` safe . ''
John Cooper , the city 's mayor , has implemented a curfew in the downtown area until Sunday to limit public access to the crime scene as the investigation continues .
Several news outlets have also identified Warner , a white male 63-year-old Nashville-area resident , as a person of interest in the case .
The search at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Antioch , a neighborhood in Nashville , commenced just before 11 a.m. local time .
Neighbours told The Tennessean that an RV , resembling the vehicle involved in the blast , was seen outside the location over the past two weeks .
A Google street view image , taken May 2019 , showed a similar vehicle in the driveway ; however , it was not present at the location on Saturday when authorities arrived .
A search for Anthony Warner in historic Davidson County criminal records show that a male born on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now be 63 years old , was arrested and charged with a felony offense linked to possession of a controlled substance on January 29 , 1978 .
Authorities declined to publicly comment on their activity in Antioch and any possible suspects or persons of interest during an afternoon press conference on Saturday .

Authorities investigating the Christmas explosion in Nashville will swab the mother of suspect Anthony Quinn Warner to determine a match to the remains found in the RV.
Two senior law enforcement officials who have seen the investigation reports confirmed to Newsweek on Saturday that federal investigators were searching the residence and locating the mother of Warner, who is allegedly involved in the explosion of a recreational vehicle in downtown Nashville at around 6:30 a.m. on Christmas morning. The incident would likely be a suicide bombing if the DNA of the suspect's mother is determined to be linked to remains found in the RV, one law enforcement official said.
The officials requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the case on the record.
"I would say, in order to identify the human remains, it's likely a family member of Mr. Warner would be asked to provide DNA. This will most likely be done by the FBI, who is the lead investigative agency," one of the senior law enforcement sources told Newsweek.
"Assuming this is the mother of the bomber, the FBI labs are in 48-72 hour turnaround for confirmation."
Officials previously confirmed that possible human remains were located at the scene of the incident, and an investigation of Warner's home in Antioch, in suburban Nashville, commenced on Saturday.
During a Saturday press conference, U.S. Attorney Don Cochran said that it's still unclear whether there is just one or several suspects involved in the blast that left three people injured in downtown Nashville. Federal, state and local investigators are following up on over 500 leads reported over the past 24 hours.
Cochran described the incident as a "cowardly bombing on Christmas morning" after law enforcement indicated that it was intentional.
Nashville Chief of Police John Drake assured residents that the city is now "safe." John Cooper, the city's mayor, has implemented a curfew in the downtown area until Sunday to limit public access to the crime scene as the investigation continues.
Several news outlets have also identified Warner, a white male 63-year-old Nashville-area resident, as a person of interest in the case. The search at a home connected to Warner on Bakertown Road in Antioch, a neighborhood in Nashville, commenced just before 11 a.m. local time.
Neighbours told The Tennessean that an RV, resembling the vehicle involved in the blast, was seen outside the location over the past two weeks. A Google street view image, taken May 2019, showed a similar vehicle in the driveway; however, it was not present at the location on Saturday when authorities arrived.
A search for Anthony Warner in historic Davidson County criminal records show that a male born on January 17, 1957, who would now be 63 years old, was arrested and charged with a felony offense linked to possession of a controlled substance on January 29, 1978.
Authorities declined to publicly comment on their activity in Antioch and any possible suspects or persons of interest during an afternoon press conference on Saturday.


newsweek--2020-12-26--Republican Senators Divided Over Trump's Call for $2,000 Stimulus Checks

President Donald Trump 's call for lawmakers to raise the $ 600 stimulus checks to $ 2,000 has divided Republican senators .
Both chambers of Congress passed the $ 900 billion COVID-19 bipartisan stimulus package this week after several months of stalled negotiations as the pandemic worsened in most parts of the country .
The White House indicated to lawmakers that Trump supported the bill and urged them to get on board .
But in a video on Tuesday , the president opposed the deal , calling it `` a disgrace '' for only providing a `` measly $ 600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply want to get our great people $ 2000 , '' he tweeted on Saturday .
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina , a Trump loyalist , backed larger stimulus checks after spending time with the president at his Florida golf club on Christmas Day .
`` I am convinced he is more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $ 2000 per person and challenge Section 230 big tech liability protection , '' Graham tweeted on Friday evening , as he called the demand `` reasonable . ''
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner would be the American people , '' he added .
Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri also supported Trump 's call for $ 2,000 direct payments this week .
`` @ realDonaldTrump is right—workers deserve much more than $ 600 , as I have repeatedly said & fought for .
And there 's obviously plenty of $ $ to do it—look at what Congress threw away on corporate giveaways & foreign buyouts .
Let 's get it done , '' he tweeted on December 23 .
Most Republican senators , including Senate Majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained silent on the issue .
However , a few GOP senators have publicly opposed Trump 's demand .
Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri , chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee , warned the president on Thursday that attempting to amend the package would be `` a mistake . ''
`` There 's been some apparent misunderstanding about what 's in the regular appropriating bill and what 's in the COVID relief bill , and generally the regular appropriating bill includes things the administration asked for , '' Blunt told reporters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get to where we are .
I think reopening that bill would be a mistake . ''
`` The best way out of this is for the president to sign the bill , and I still hope that 's what he decides , '' he added .
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky reiterated his opposition to any direct payments on Wednesday .
`` I think giving money to people , though , who are already working—look , my kids are working and do n't need a check .
They 're not rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check .
And most working Americans do n't need a check right now , '' Paul said on Fox News .
Some 12 million Americans will lose their jobless benefits if Trump does not sign the stimulus package passed by Congress into law by Saturday night .
As of Saturday afternoon , the president had not yet signed or vetoed the bill .
His sudden demand for checks to be increased to $ 2,000 has thrown the fate of the bipartisan stimulus bill—also attached to a funding package that would prevent a Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rallied behind Trump 's demand to boost stimulus checks .
However , House Republicans on Thursday blocked an attempt by Democrats in the lower chamber to unanimously pass $ 2,000 checks .
The block was expected as opposition to additional spending from fiscally conservative Republicans had already limited direct payments to $ 600 , which is half of the $ 1,200 amount provided for Americans under the CARES Act earlier this year .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday called for Trump to urge Republicans to `` end their obstruction , '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment .

President Donald Trump's call for lawmakers to raise the $600 stimulus checks to $2,000 has divided Republican senators.
Both chambers of Congress passed the $900 billion COVID-19 bipartisan stimulus package this week after several months of stalled negotiations as the pandemic worsened in most parts of the country.
The White House indicated to lawmakers that Trump supported the bill and urged them to get on board. But in a video on Tuesday, the president opposed the deal, calling it "a disgrace" for only providing a "measly $600" in direct payments.
"I simply want to get our great people $2000," he tweeted on Saturday.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a Trump loyalist, backed larger stimulus checks after spending time with the president at his Florida golf club on Christmas Day.
"I am convinced he is more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $2000 per person and challenge Section 230 big tech liability protection," Graham tweeted on Friday evening, as he called the demand "reasonable."
"I hope Congress is listening. The biggest winner would be the American people," he added.
Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri also supported Trump's call for $2,000 direct payments this week."@realDonaldTrump is right—workers deserve much more than $600, as I have repeatedly said & fought for. And there's obviously plenty of $$ to do it—look at what Congress threw away on corporate giveaways & foreign buyouts. Let's get it done," he tweeted on December 23.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk on the south lawn of the White House on December 23, 2020 in Washington, DC. Tasos Katopodis/Getty
Most Republican senators, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, have remained silent on the issue. However, a few GOP senators have publicly opposed Trump's demand.
Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, warned the president on Thursday that attempting to amend the package would be "a mistake."
"There's been some apparent misunderstanding about what's in the regular appropriating bill and what's in the COVID relief bill, and generally the regular appropriating bill includes things the administration asked for," Blunt told reporters. "It took us a long time to get to where we are. I think reopening that bill would be a mistake."
"The best way out of this is for the president to sign the bill, and I still hope that's what he decides," he added.
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky reiterated his opposition to any direct payments on Wednesday. "I think giving money to people, though, who are already working—look, my kids are working and don't need a check. They're not rich, but they don't need a check. And most working Americans don't need a check right now," Paul said on Fox News.
Some 12 million Americans will lose their jobless benefits if Trump does not sign the stimulus package passed by Congress into law by Saturday night. As of Saturday afternoon, the president had not yet signed or vetoed the bill.
His sudden demand for checks to be increased to $2,000 has thrown the fate of the bipartisan stimulus bill—also attached to a funding package that would prevent a Tuesday government shutdown—into turmoil.
Democratic lawmakers quickly rallied behind Trump's demand to boost stimulus checks. However, House Republicans on Thursday blocked an attempt by Democrats in the lower chamber to unanimously pass $2,000 checks.
The block was expected as opposition to additional spending from fiscally conservative Republicans had already limited direct payments to $600, which is half of the $1,200 amount provided for Americans under the CARES Act earlier this year.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday called for Trump to urge Republicans to "end their obstruction," and support the $2,000 direct payments.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-26--GOP Lawmaker Asks Trump to Pardon Ex-Congressman, Calls DOJ 'Corrupt and Inept'

Arizona lawmaker Paul Gosar called on President Donald Trump to include former Rep. Rick Renzi in his latest string of presidential pardons , calling the Department of Justice `` corrupt and inept '' after prosecuting Renzi for racketeering , money laundering and other federal offenses in 2013 .
The request follows Trump pardoning several key political figures and fixers ahead of his term ending on January 20 , despite his continuing efforts to overturn the election .
Included in the list of more than 40 pardons issued this week is Trump 's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort , longtime adviser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the father of his son-in-law .
Gosar , a Republican representing his state 's 4th district , tweeted Thursday : `` More pardons are needed .
I 've expressed my support to @ realDonaldTrump to pardon Rick Renzi , convicted by corrupt DOJ prosecutors who fabricated evidence , as well as anyone indicted with @ WeBuildtheWall—a clear political persecution . ''
Earlier this year , federal prosecutors indicted We Build the Wall founder Brian Kolfage , former Trump adviser Steve Bannon and two others on fraud and money-laundering charges for their role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for personal gain .
`` Our DOJ is corrupt and inept , '' added Gosar , an avid supporter of the president and his efforts to overturn the election .
Renzi , a Republican , served as a representative for Arizona 's 1st district , the same House seat that Gosar was initially elected into in 2010 .
Renzi held his seat from early 2003 until 2009 , deciding to not pursue a fourth term while facing a federal indictment for using his position in Congress to promote a land swap that brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a business partner , James Sandlin , according to the Justice Department .
In 2013 , Renzi was convicted by a federal jury in Tuscon , Arizona , on 17 of 32 counts , including wire fraud , conspiracy , extortion , racketeering and money laundering .
He was also convicted of misappropriating insurance premiums paid to his company in order to fund his 2002 campaign .
Renzi was sentenced to three years in federal prison in late 2013 and was released in 2017 .
Renzi 's convictions were upheld in court after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since been requesting a pardon from Trump .
`` I am grateful to Congressman Gosar for his continued support and especially for the courage President Trump has shown in exposing the criminal actors within the Department of Justice , '' Renzi told The Arizona Republic on Thursday .
`` Should the President choose to act on my behalf I would be forever thankful and would work hard to continue his legacy of revealing the corrupt , self-worshipping untouchables hidden within the dark corners of the DOJ . ''
Last year , Renzi founded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says it 's dedicated to uncovering government abuse of power and corruption .
The organization released a nearly eight-minute documentary featuring Trump attorney Sidney Powell , a significant figure in Trump 's fight to dispute his election loss .
The video alleged that Renzi was a victim and that the investigation into the land swap was politically motivated .
`` I never misused my public office , it 's a fabricated lie what they did to me , '' Renzi said in the video .
The organization also sent a letter to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's conversations with his lawyers , provided improper media leaks , concealed evidence and introduced false testimony .
Newsweek reached out to Gosar for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication .

Arizona lawmaker Paul Gosar called on President Donald Trump to include former Rep. Rick Renzi in his latest string of presidential pardons, calling the Department of Justice "corrupt and inept" after prosecuting Renzi for racketeering, money laundering and other federal offenses in 2013.
The request follows Trump pardoning several key political figures and fixers ahead of his term ending on January 20, despite his continuing efforts to overturn the election. Included in the list of more than 40 pardons issued this week is Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, longtime adviser Roger Stone, and Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law.
Gosar, a Republican representing his state's 4th district, tweeted Thursday: "More pardons are needed. I've expressed my support to @realDonaldTrump to pardon Rick Renzi, convicted by corrupt DOJ prosecutors who fabricated evidence, as well as anyone indicted with @WeBuildtheWall—a clear political persecution."
Earlier this year, federal prosecutors indicted We Build the Wall founder Brian Kolfage, former Trump adviser Steve Bannon and two others on fraud and money-laundering charges for their role in defrauding donors to the online crowdfunding campaign for personal gain.
"Our DOJ is corrupt and inept," added Gosar, an avid supporter of the president and his efforts to overturn the election.
Renzi, a Republican, served as a representative for Arizona's 1st district, the same House seat that Gosar was initially elected into in 2010. Renzi held his seat from early 2003 until 2009, deciding to not pursue a fourth term while facing a federal indictment for using his position in Congress to promote a land swap that brought in millions of dollars to him and a business partner, James Sandlin, according to the Justice Department.
In 2013, Renzi was convicted by a federal jury in Tuscon, Arizona, on 17 of 32 counts, including wire fraud, conspiracy, extortion, racketeering and money laundering. He was also convicted of misappropriating insurance premiums paid to his company in order to fund his 2002 campaign.
Renzi was sentenced to three years in federal prison in late 2013 and was released in 2017. Renzi's convictions were upheld in court after multiple attempts to appeal. He has since been requesting a pardon from Trump.
Rep. Paul Gosar, R-AZ, has called on President Donald Trump to pardon former lawmaker Rick Renzi, who was convicted of racketeering, money laundering and other federal offenses in 2013. Here Gosar speaks during a House committee meeting on July 28 in Washington. BILL CLARK
"I am grateful to Congressman Gosar for his continued support and especially for the courage President Trump has shown in exposing the criminal actors within the Department of Justice," Renzi told The Arizona Republic on Thursday. "Should the President choose to act on my behalf I would be forever thankful and would work hard to continue his legacy of revealing the corrupt, self-worshipping untouchables hidden within the dark corners of the DOJ."
Last year, Renzi founded a nonprofit called Abuse of Power that says it's dedicated to uncovering government abuse of power and corruption. The organization released a nearly eight-minute documentary featuring Trump attorney Sidney Powell, a significant figure in Trump's fight to dispute his election loss. The video alleged that Renzi was a victim and that the investigation into the land swap was politically motivated.
"I never misused my public office, it's a fabricated lie what they did to me," Renzi said in the video.
The organization also sent a letter to the DOJ alleging that investigators illegally wiretapped Renzi's conversations with his lawyers, provided improper media leaks, concealed evidence and introduced false testimony.
Newsweek reached out to Gosar for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-26--Sports Community Mourns Loss of Utah Football Star Ty Jordan at Age 19

Ty Jordan , a star running back for the University of Utah , died Friday night .
The 19-year-old athlete is being mourned across social media by the college football community and Utah alumni .
The school confirmed the news on Saturday .
The Associated Press reported that no details behind the circumstances of the star 's death have been released .
Jordan was recently named the Pac-12 Newcomer of the Year .
Head coach Kyle Whittingham mourned Jordan 's loss .
`` Words can not express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling right now upon learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and brother , Ty Jordan .
Ty 's personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us .
He leaves an indelible mark on each of us and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends .
From the bottom of our hearts , all of us in the Utah Football Family want to say we love you Ty and may you rest in peace , '' he said in a statement .
Director of Athletics Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death and offered condolences to the player 's family , friends and team .
`` We are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Ty Jordan 's passing early this morning and our thoughts and prayers are with those who loved him dearly , including the young men in our football program .
Our priority is on supporting his family and the student-athletes , coaches and staff in our football program who are so deeply hurting right now .
Coach Whittingham and I are working closely to provide support and resources for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , '' he said in a statement .
The college 's president Ruth V. Watkins also eulogized Jordan in a tweet , offering condolences to his loved ones .
`` To watch Ty on the field was to be thrilled by his athleticism and talent , '' she wrote .
The Utah football team also tweeted a short memorial for Jordan , declaring the he 's `` forever in our hearts . ''
Other college teams and coaches offered condolences and memorials for the player , who seemingly would 've gone on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Southern California head coach Clay Helton and his Colorado University counterpart Karl Dorrell offered thoughts and prayers to his family , friends and members of the Utah Football community .
`` Ty was as special a person as he was a player .
Rest In Peace # 22 , '' Helton wrote .
Some Utah alumni who have gone on to play in the NFL also tweeted remembrances for Jordan , including Los Angeles Rams placekicker Matthew Gay and Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles .
Utah Governor-elect Spencer Cox also memorialized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he and his family watched every single game .
Newsweek reached out to the University of Utah for comment .

Ty Jordan, a star running back for the University of Utah, died Friday night. The 19-year-old athlete is being mourned across social media by the college football community and Utah alumni.
The school confirmed the news on Saturday. The Associated Press reported that no details behind the circumstances of the star's death have been released.
Jordan was recently named the Pac-12 Newcomer of the Year.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham mourned Jordan's loss. "Words cannot express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling right now upon learning of the tragic death of our teammate and brother, Ty Jordan. Ty's personality and smile were infectious and he made a huge impact on our program in the short time he was with us. He leaves an indelible mark on each of us and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. From the bottom of our hearts, all of us in the Utah Football Family want to say we love you Ty and may you rest in peace," he said in a statement.
Director of Athletics Mark Harlan also expressed devastation at Jordan's death and offered condolences to the player's family, friends and team. "We are deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Ty Jordan's passing early this morning and our thoughts and prayers are with those who loved him dearly, including the young men in our football program. Our priority is on supporting his family and the student-athletes, coaches and staff in our football program who are so deeply hurting right now. Coach Whittingham and I are working closely to provide support and resources for our Utah Football family in this extremely difficult time," he said in a statement.
The college's president Ruth V. Watkins also eulogized Jordan in a tweet, offering condolences to his loved ones. "To watch Ty on the field was to be thrilled by his athleticism and talent," she wrote. The Utah football team also tweeted a short memorial for Jordan, declaring the he's "forever in our hearts."
On behalf of the entire University of Utah, our love and condolences to Ty Jordan’s family, friends, teammates and coaches. We are devastated by this heartbreaking news. To watch Ty on the field was to be thrilled by his athleticism and talent. Rest In Peace, Ty. https://t.co/nPyMWq6Z5M — Ruth V. Watkins (@RuthVWatkins) December 26, 2020
Rest In Peace, #22. Forever in our hearts.
We love you, Ty. pic.twitter.com/ZaXjWKg4Nc — Utah Football (@Utah_Football) December 26, 2020
Other college teams and coaches offered condolences and memorials for the player, who seemingly would've gone on to do more great things. University of Southern California head coach Clay Helton and his Colorado University counterpart Karl Dorrell offered thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and members of the Utah Football community.
"Ty was as special a person as he was a player. Rest In Peace #22," Helton wrote.
Some Utah alumni who have gone on to play in the NFL also tweeted remembrances for Jordan, including Los Angeles Rams placekicker Matthew Gay and Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ty Jordan’s family, as well as the Utah football program. Truly heartbreaking news. Ty was as special a person as he was a player. Rest In Peace #22. — Clay Helton (@USCCoachHelton) December 26, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ty Jordan, his family and friends, and the entire Utah Football family. 🙏🏽 — Karl Dorrell (@k_dorrell) December 26, 2020
Absolutely heartbroken. So much talent and so fun to watch. Rest In Peace, Ty Jordan. Prayers up for the Jordan family 🙏🏼 — Garett Bolles (@gbolles72) December 26, 2020
Thoughts and prayer are with Ty Jordan’s family right now... absolutely gut wrenching. Rest In Peace brother. #22 — Matthew Gay (@MGtweetymonster) December 26, 2020
Damn R.I.P Ty Jordan Young man was just getting started. Prayers to his family 🙏 — Anthony Denham Jr (@DENgoinHAM3) December 26, 2020
Utah Governor-elect Spencer Cox also memorialized the player in a tweet, writing that he and his family watched every single game.
I don’t have any info outside of what is being reported this morning, but our hearts are broken for Ty Jordan and his family. Over the past few weeks he completely won this Aggie over...our family watched so we didn’t miss a single carry. Prayers for his family and teammates.💔🙏 pic.twitter.com/GkrGDhANcn — Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) December 26, 2020
Newsweek reached out to the University of Utah for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-26--Nashville Bomb Investigators Search Suspect's Home

Federal investigators are searching the residence of a `` person of interest '' following the Christmas Day explosion of a recreational vehicle in downtown Nashville .
Several senior federal law enforcement officials said Saturday afternoon they are working with the FBI and Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives ( ATF ) in searching the home of a person tied to the RV believed to have been used in the blast .
Local and federal authorities said they were searching the residence under `` court authorized activity , '' according to The Tennessean .
The investigation of the home is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nashville .
`` It 's just going to take us some time , '' said FBI special agent in charge Douglas Korneski , the AP reported .
`` Our investigative team is turning over every stone '' to understand the identity of the perpetrator and the motive .
The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a report Saturday which said tissue samples found at the scene of the downtown explosion were determined to be human remains .
U.S Attorney Don Cochran , one of several law enforcement authorities who spoke at 2nd Avenue South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference , said it is still unclear if there is just one or several suspects involved in the blast .
He noted that federal , state and local investigators are following up on more than 500 leads tied to the December 25 explosion on the nearly deserted downtown street .
Cochran described the incident as a `` cowardly bombing on Christmas morning '' and all law enforcement officials noted that they believe it was intentional .
At least 250 FBI agents , analysts and staff are working the case .
Three injured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the blast , the Associated Press reported Saturday .
Nashville Chief of Police John Drake said during the press conference that the city is `` safe , '' but added that patience is needed for tenants of the 40 or so buildings affected by Friday blast .
The city 's mayor , John Cooper , has put a curfew in place in the downtown area until Sunday via an executive order which is intended to limit public access to the crime scene while investigators continue to scour the area .

Federal investigators are searching the residence of a "person of interest" following the Christmas Day explosion of a recreational vehicle in downtown Nashville.
Several senior federal law enforcement officials said Saturday afternoon they are working with the FBI and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in searching the home of a person tied to the RV believed to have been used in the blast. Local and federal authorities said they were searching the residence under "court authorized activity," according to The Tennessean.
The investigation of the home is taking place in Antioch, in suburban Nashville.
"It's just going to take us some time," said FBI special agent in charge Douglas Korneski, the AP reported. "Our investigative team is turning over every stone" to understand the identity of the perpetrator and the motive.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a report Saturday which said tissue samples found at the scene of the downtown explosion were determined to be human remains.
U.S Attorney Don Cochran, one of several law enforcement authorities who spoke at 2nd Avenue South and Korean Veterans Boulevard Saturday during a press conference, said it is still unclear if there is just one or several suspects involved in the blast. He noted that federal, state and local investigators are following up on more than 500 leads tied to the December 25 explosion on the nearly deserted downtown street.
Cochran described the incident as a "cowardly bombing on Christmas morning" and all law enforcement officials noted that they believe it was intentional.
At least 250 FBI agents, analysts and staff are working the case. Three injured people were injured as a result of the blast, the Associated Press reported Saturday.
Nashville Chief of Police John Drake said during the press conference that the city is "safe," but added that patience is needed for tenants of the 40 or so buildings affected by Friday blast. The city's mayor, John Cooper, has put a curfew in place in the downtown area until Sunday via an executive order which is intended to limit public access to the crime scene while investigators continue to scour the area.
Updated 5:20 PM ET, with additional information.


newsweek--2020-12-26--Powerball Drawing For 12/26/20, Saturday Jackpot is $341 Million

The Powerball jackpot for 12/26/20 is $ 341 million .
The Saturday night drawing will be shortly after 11 p.m .
This page can be bookmarked and refreshed to see if you hold the winning numbers .
Tonight 's 12/26/20 Powerball jackpot is estimated at $ 341 million , with a cash option of $ 262.5 million .
The jackpot could increase if sales further lottery projections , according to officials .
The winning numbers on Wednesday ( 12/23/20 ) for the $ 321 million Powerball jackpot were : 06-13-38-39-53 with a Powerball of 06 .
The Power Play was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winner on Wednesday , but there were two tickets sold—one each in Massachusetts and New York—that matched all five white balls , and just missing out on the red Powerball , for the game 's second prize of $ 1 million .
The last winning Powerball ticket was sold on August 12 , 2020 for a jackpot worth $ 169 million .
That ticket was sold in Florida .
Normally , the game would reset to a $ 40 million minimum , but the COVID-19 pandemic forced Powerball officials to cut the minimum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 04/11/20 jackpot .
The previous winning ticket was sold on June 10 , 2020 .
The previous winning ticket sold was purchased in New Jersey for the 04/08/20 jackpot worth $ 190 million .
The previous grand prize won before that was $ 70 million in the 02/12/20 drawing with a ticket purchased in Michigan .
The grand prize winner before that was on 01/29/20 .
That ticket was sold at a 7-Eleven store in Bonita Springs , Florida , for the $ 394 million grand prize , which had a cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odds of hitting the grand prize jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338 , regardless of the jackpot size—according to Powerball 's website .
Powerball is a multi-state lottery played every Wednesday and Saturday , and one of America 's two biggest lottery jackpot games .
Powerball jackpots start at $ 20 million , and other prizes pay from $ 1 million to $ 2 million with a Power Play .
Tickets are $ 2 .
You can check the numbers for tonight , or any past winning numbers , on the official Powerball website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Millions , which is played on Tuesdays and Fridays .
Like Powerball , the jackpot is reset at $ 20 million after a jackpot is won , and one line of numbers is $ 2 , with a $ 1 option to multiply their winnings with a Megaplier .
Here is the Mega Millions website for more information , or to check any potential past numbers .
There are nine ways to win money during the Powerball .
Just getting the powerball with no other numbers pays out $ 4 , and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an extra dollar .
The same payout goes for one ball plus the powerball , and $ 7 is the payout for two correct numbers with the powerball , or three correct numbers and no powerball .
If all five white , numbered balls are chosen but the red powerball is not correct , then the payout is $ 1 million , with an even higher payout if the power play is chosen .
Saturday night we will post the Powerball 12/26/20 drawing payouts and tell if there was a winner and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
Here are the all-time top Powerball jackpot prizes Two winning tickets were drawn , one sold in Iowa and one sold in New York Two winning tickets were drawn , one sold in Missouri and one sold in Arizona

The Powerball jackpot for 12/26/20 was $341 million. Here are the numbers from the Saturday night drawing.
First Five: 10-24-27-35-53
Powerball: 18
Power Play: 2x
Saturday night's 12/26/20 Powerball jackpot is estimated at $341 million, with a cash option of $262.5 million. The jackpot could increase if sales further lottery projections, according to officials.
The winning numbers on Wednesday (12/23/20) for the $321 million Powerball jackpot were: 06-13-38-39-53 with a Powerball of 06. The Power Play was 3x.
There was no grand prize winner on Wednesday, but there were two tickets sold—one each in Massachusetts and New York—that matched all five white balls, and just missing out on the red Powerball, for the game's second prize of $1 million.
A Powerball ticket purchased near Lafayette, Louisiana, in February 2020. Photo by Scott McDonald/Newsweek
The last winning Powerball ticket was sold on August 12, 2020 for a jackpot worth $169 million. That ticket was sold in Florida.
Normally, the game would reset to a $40 million minimum, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced Powerball officials to cut the minimum jackpot in half, which began with the 04/11/20 jackpot.
The previous winning ticket was sold on June 10, 2020. The previous winning ticket sold was purchased in New Jersey for the 04/08/20 jackpot worth $190 million. The previous grand prize won before that was $70 million in the 02/12/20 drawing with a ticket purchased in Michigan. The grand prize winner before that was on 01/29/20. That ticket was sold at a 7-Eleven store in Bonita Springs, Florida, for the $394 million grand prize, which had a cash option of $274.6 million.
The odds of hitting the grand prize jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338, regardless of the jackpot size—according to Powerball's website.
Powerball is a multi-state lottery played every Wednesday and Saturday, and one of America's two biggest lottery jackpot games. Powerball jackpots start at $20 million, and other prizes pay from $1 million to $2 million with a Power Play. Tickets are $2. You can check the numbers for tonight, or any past winning numbers, on the official Powerball website.
The other multi-state lottery is Mega Millions, which is played on Tuesdays and Fridays. Like Powerball, the jackpot is reset at $20 million after a jackpot is won, and one line of numbers is $2, with a $1 option to multiply their winnings with a Megaplier. Here is the Mega Millions website for more information, or to check any potential past numbers.
There are nine ways to win money during the Powerball. Just getting the powerball with no other numbers pays out $4, and even more if the power play is bought for an extra dollar. The same payout goes for one ball plus the powerball, and $7 is the payout for two correct numbers with the powerball, or three correct numbers and no powerball.
If all five white, numbered balls are chosen but the red powerball is not correct, then the payout is $1 million, with an even higher payout if the power play is chosen.
Here are the all-time top Powerball jackpot prizes
1. $1.586 billion (01/13/2016)
Winning tickets sold in California, Florida and Tennessee
2. $768.4 million (03/27/2019)
Single ticket sold in Wisconsin
3. $758.7 million (08/23/2017)
Single ticket sold in Massachusetts
4. $687.8 million (10/27/2018)
Two winning tickets were drawn, one sold in Iowa and one sold in New York
5. $590.5 million (05/18/2013)
Single ticket sold in Florida
6. $587.5 million (11/28/2012)
Two winning tickets were drawn, one sold in Missouri and one sold in Arizona
7. $564.1 million (02/11/2015)
Winning tickets sold in Texas, North Carolina and Puerto Rico


newsweek--2020-12-26--Some Tennessee Walmart Stores Implementing Cash-Only Policy as AT&T Works to Fix Outage

Some Tennessee Walmart stores have transitioned to cash-only , after experiencing an AT & T internet outage caused by a massive explosion in downtown Nashville on Christmas morning .
`` Due to an AT & T outage in the area , some of our stores are experiencing temporary internet outages .
We are actively working with local personnel to get our stores back online and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause '' a Walmart spokesperson confirmed to Newsweek on Saturday .
Though it is unclear how many stores have been affected , those that are experiencing a service disruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tennessee outlet WKRN News 2 reported .
The internet outage was caused after an RV exploded outside of an AT & T building in Nashville at 6:30 am on Friday .
By noon that day , AT & T users in Nashville and Middle Tennessee reported widespread service disruptions .
The outage has reportedly affected local 911 and non-emergency line access , hospital systems , and caused issues with ATMs and card readers .
AT & T spokesperson Jim Greer told Newsweek Friday that the company was `` in contact with law enforcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible to restore service . ''
By Saturday , the company released an update saying that they are continuing to working nonstop to recover service for those affected .
`` Our teams continue to work around the clock on recovery efforts from yesterday morning 's explosion in Nashville .
We have two portable cell sites operating in downtown Nashville with numerous additional portable sites being deployed in the Nashville area and in the region , '' AT & T said in a statement on Saturday .
The company added that `` challenges remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said that a fire reignited overnight and caused the AT & T building to be evacuated .
`` Currently , our teams are on site working with safety and structural engineers .
They have drilled access holes into the building and are attempting to reconnect power to critical equipment .
Technical teams are also working as quickly as possible on rerouting additional services to other facilities in the region to restore service , '' the company said .
The explosion is being investigated by Nashville police and federal authorities including the Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives ( ATF ) .
By Saturday afternoon , officials had confirmed that they believe the explosion was `` intentional '' but had not yet named any suspects in the case .
Authorities said the RV exploded after an eerie computerized voice from the parked motor home warned people to evacuate due to a bomb just moments before the explosion .
On Saturday , Nashville Chief of Police John Drake declared that the city is `` safe '' after police sent bomb-sniffing dogs to sweep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So far , three people have been hospitalized with injuries and at least 41 buildings in the city center have been damaged .
Authorities do not yet know if the explosion was meant to target AT & T specifically .
`` We continue to be grateful for the work of first responders as they respond to this event and help protect our team working to restore service for our customers , '' AT & T said Saturday .

Some Tennessee Walmart stores have transitioned to cash-only, after experiencing an AT&T internet outage caused by a massive explosion in downtown Nashville on Christmas morning.
"Due to an AT&T outage in the area, some of our stores are experiencing temporary internet outages. We are actively working with local personnel to get our stores back online and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause" a Walmart spokesperson confirmed to Newsweek on Saturday.
Though it is unclear how many stores have been affected, those that are experiencing a service disruption have switched to cash-only transactions, local Tennessee outlet WKRN News 2 reported.
The internet outage was caused after an RV exploded outside of an AT&T building in Nashville at 6:30 am on Friday. By noon that day, AT&T users in Nashville and Middle Tennessee reported widespread service disruptions.
The outage has reportedly affected local 911 and non-emergency line access, hospital systems, and caused issues with ATMs and card readers.
AT&T spokesperson Jim Greer told Newsweek Friday that the company was "in contact with law enforcement and working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service."
On Saturday, some Walmart stores transitioned to cash-only due to an internet outage caused by a massive explosion in Nashville, Tennessee on Friday. Here, Police close off an area damaged by an explosion on December 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. Terry Wyatt/Getty
By Saturday, the company released an update saying that they are continuing to working nonstop to recover service for those affected.
"Our teams continue to work around the clock on recovery efforts from yesterday morning's explosion in Nashville. We have two portable cell sites operating in downtown Nashville with numerous additional portable sites being deployed in the Nashville area and in the region," AT&T said in a statement on Saturday.
The company added that "challenges remain," to getting power restored, and said that a fire reignited overnight and caused the AT&T building to be evacuated.
"Currently, our teams are on site working with safety and structural engineers. They have drilled access holes into the building and are attempting to reconnect power to critical equipment. Technical teams are also working as quickly as possible on rerouting additional services to other facilities in the region to restore service," the company said.
The explosion is being investigated by Nashville police and federal authorities including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
By Saturday afternoon, officials had confirmed that they believe the explosion was "intentional" but had not yet named any suspects in the case. Authorities said the RV exploded after an eerie computerized voice from the parked motor home warned people to evacuate due to a bomb just moments before the explosion.
On Saturday, Nashville Chief of Police John Drake declared that the city is "safe" after police sent bomb-sniffing dogs to sweep the downtown area as a precautionary measure.
So far, three people have been hospitalized with injuries and at least 41 buildings in the city center have been damaged. Authorities do not yet know if the explosion was meant to target AT&T specifically.
"We continue to be grateful for the work of first responders as they respond to this event and help protect our team working to restore service for our customers," AT&T said Saturday.


newsweek--2020-12-26--Trump Must Sign Stimulus Bill Today to Prevent at Least One-Week Lapse in Jobless Benefits

The clock is ticking for President Donald Trump to sign into law the stimulus package passed by Congress .
Not only would some 12 million Americans lose their jobless benefits if Trump does not sign the $ 900 billion relief measure by Saturday at midnight , but there would also be a one-week lapse if the president should chose to put pen to paper after the aforementioned deadline .
That is because the $ 300 weekly unemployment insurance supplemental can not kick in until the week beginning after the bill is signed .
The supplemental jobless benefits only last until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That means that the weeklong delay would shorten the payout period for recipients from 11 to 10 weeks .
Millions are also set to have their eviction protections expire at the end of the year , which the stimulus would extend .
As of Saturday afternoon , Trump had neither signed nor vetoed the bill .
`` It is underhanded and cruel for the president now to refuse to sign it into law and potentially end this brutal year by inflicting even more pain and suffering on families in need , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neal ( D-Mass . )
said in a statement .
`` Republican leadership in Congress should join in calling for the signing of this legislation—which they helped write and voted for—to extend this crucial aid . ''
Trump has thrown the fate of the stimulus , which was attached to a vital funding package that would also prevent a government shutdown from commencing Tuesday , into complete turmoil over his sudden demand earlier this week for the $ 600 individual checks included to be increased to $ 2,000 .
The outgoing president—who 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mar-a-Lago resort and golfing even as millions are desperate for relief—has suggested he will veto the legislation without the increased checks .
Despite Trump 's demands , congressional Republicans oppose increasing the direct payments .
House Republicans blocked an attempt by Democrats on Thursday to pass $ 2,000 checks .
A recorded vote will be held Monday , where the Democratic-led House is expected to approve the provision and send it over to the GOP-controlled Senate .
Republican leadership in the upper chamber has indicated they will not consider the measure .
Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of dollars in foreign aid—which was included at his request—be stripped from the annual budget .
Despite the benefits cliff and the potential delay that millions of Americans face , Trump has appeared unconcerned .
He has been spotted golfing at one of his South Florida courses , undercutting his own claim and that of White House officials that he would `` work tirelessly for the American people '' over the holidays .
The direct payments were limited to $ 600 in response to opposition from Republicans for additional spending and silence from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiated the deal were forced to largely guess what the president wanted as he remained absent from talks .
Democrats pushed for $ 1,200 checks .
`` I simply want to get our great people $ 2000 , rather than the measly $ 600 that is now in the bill , '' Trump tweeted Saturday .
`` Also , stop the billions of dollars in 'pork . '
'' A solution still remains elusive .
The stimulus passed Congress with a veto-proof majority , and lawmakers could presumably secure the same overwhelming bipartisan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , depending on when Trump would veto the bill , Congress would likely not be able to override his decision for likely a week or two , well after jobless benefits are set to expire .
Senator Lindsey Graham ( R-S.C. ) , a close Trump ally who played golf with the president on Christmas Day , has since said that he is `` convinced [ Trump ] is more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $ 2000 per person . ''

The clock is ticking for President Donald Trump to sign into law the stimulus package passed by Congress.
Not only would some 12 million Americans lose their jobless benefits if Trump does not sign the $900 billion relief measure by Saturday at midnight, but there would also be a one-week lapse if the president should chose to put pen to paper after the aforementioned deadline. That is because the $300 weekly unemployment insurance supplemental cannot kick in until the week beginning after the bill is signed.
The supplemental jobless benefits only last until mid-March, regardless of when they start. That means that the weeklong delay would shorten the payout period for recipients from 11 to 10 weeks.
Millions are also set to have their eviction protections expire at the end of the year, which the stimulus would extend.
As of Saturday afternoon, Trump had neither signed nor vetoed the bill.
"It is underhanded and cruel for the president now to refuse to sign it into law and potentially end this brutal year by inflicting even more pain and suffering on families in need," House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal (D-Mass.) said in a statement. "Republican leadership in Congress should join in calling for the signing of this legislation—which they helped write and voted for—to extend this crucial aid."
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump walk towards Marine One as they depart the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago, the President's private club, where they will spend Christmas and New Years Eve in Washington, DC on December 23. President Donald Trump has thrown a long-awaited pandemic relief package as millions of Americans are set to lose their benefits and face eviction from their homes. Photo by SAMUEL CORUM/AFP/Getty
Trump has thrown the fate of the stimulus, which was attached to a vital funding package that would also prevent a government shutdown from commencing Tuesday, into complete turmoil over his sudden demand earlier this week for the $600 individual checks included to be increased to $2,000.
The outgoing president—who's spent the holidays at his South Florida Mar-a-Lago resort and golfing even as millions are desperate for relief—has suggested he will veto the legislation without the increased checks.
Despite Trump's demands, congressional Republicans oppose increasing the direct payments. House Republicans blocked an attempt by Democrats on Thursday to pass $2,000 checks. A recorded vote will be held Monday, where the Democratic-led House is expected to approve the provision and send it over to the GOP-controlled Senate. Republican leadership in the upper chamber has indicated they will not consider the measure.
Trump has also demanded that hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid—which was included at his request—be stripped from the annual budget.
Despite the benefits cliff and the potential delay that millions of Americans face, Trump has appeared unconcerned. He has been spotted golfing at one of his South Florida courses, undercutting his own claim and that of White House officials that he would "work tirelessly for the American people" over the holidays.
The direct payments were limited to $600 in response to opposition from Republicans for additional spending and silence from Trump, as administration aides who helped negotiated the deal were forced to largely guess what the president wanted as he remained absent from talks. Democrats pushed for $1,200 checks.
"I simply want to get our great people $2000, rather than the measly $600 that is now in the bill," Trump tweeted Saturday. "Also, stop the billions of dollars in 'pork.'"
A solution still remains elusive. The stimulus passed Congress with a veto-proof majority, and lawmakers could presumably secure the same overwhelming bipartisan support to override a presidential veto.
However, depending on when Trump would veto the bill, Congress would likely not be able to override his decision for likely a week or two, well after jobless benefits are set to expire.
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close Trump ally who played golf with the president on Christmas Day, has since said that he is "convinced [Trump] is more determined than ever to increase stimulus payments to $2000 per person."