newsweek--2020-12-25--Mega Millions Drawing For 12/25/20, Friday Jackpot is $330 Million

The Mega Millions jackpot for 12/25/20 is $ 352 million , and the drawing will be held at 11 p.m .
ET tonight .
Keep this page bookmarked and refresh it to see if you hold the winning numbers from Friday night 's drawing .
Friday night 's 12/25/20 jackpot is worth $ 352 million , with a cash-value option of $ 269.7 million .
The total jackpot could increase depending on the number of tickets sold around the country prior to the drawing .
This is the second-largest jackpot of the 2020 calendar year .
The winning numbers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 330 million jackpot were : 29-53-56-59-67 with a Mega Ball of 21 .
The Megaplier was 2x .
There was no grand prize winner from Tuesday 's drawing , nor were there any tickets sold that matched the first five white balls , and minus the gold Mega Ball , for the game 's second prize of $ 1 million .
There were 21 tickets sold nationwide on Tuesday that matched four of the five white balls and the Mega Ball for the $ 10,000 third prize .
Five of those purchased the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which made their third-prize winnings worth $ 20,000 .
The last grand prize jackpot winner was from a ticket sold in Wisconsin on 09/15/20 for a jackpot worth $ 119 million .
It was only the fifth Mega Millions jackpot won in the 2020 calendar year .
Here are the five Mega Millions jackpots won in 2020 : $ 119 million — September 15 in Wisconsin $ 22 million — July 31 in California $ 124 million — July 24 in New Jersey $ 410 million — June 9 in Arizona $ 202 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Other recent winners over the last year were a $ 372 million ticket sold in Ohio and a $ 227 million ticket that was sold on 09/24/19 in the city of Cedar Park , Texas—a suburb north of Austin .
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery every Tuesday and Friday night , and it is one of America 's two biggest lottery jackpot games .
Mega Millions jackpots start at $ 20 million , and other prizes pay from $ 1 million to $ 2 million or more with a Megaplier .
Tickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odds of winning with a $ 2 Mega Millions ticket are one in 303 million .
For more information on Mega Millions , or to check your past numbers , visit its website .
Powerball is the other multi-state lottery , and it also starts at $ 20 million .
Its drawings take place shortly after 11 p.m .
ET on Wednesday and Saturday nights .
Here is the Powerball website for more information , or to check past winning numbers .
Friday night we will post the Mega Millions 12/25/20 drawing payouts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and where that winner came from , if so .
Here are the top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots to date :

The Mega Millions jackpot for 12/25/20 was $352 million, and here are the winning numbers from Friday night's drawing.
First Five: 17-23-36-69-70
Mega Ball: 19
Megaplier: 2x
Friday night's 12/25/20 jackpot was worth $352 million, with a cash-value option of $269.7 million. The total jackpot could increase depending on the number of tickets sold around the country prior to the drawing. This is the second-largest jackpot of the 2020 calendar year.
The winning numbers on Tuesday (12/22/20) for the $330 million jackpot were: 29-53-56-59-67 with a Mega Ball of 21. The Megaplier was 2x.
There was no grand prize winner from Tuesday's drawing, nor were there any tickets sold that matched the first five white balls, and minus the gold Mega Ball, for the game's second prize of $1 million.
There were 21 tickets sold nationwide on Tuesday that matched four of the five white balls and the Mega Ball for the $10,000 third prize. Five of those purchased the Megaplier for an extra $1, which made their third-prize winnings worth $20,000.
A photo of a Mega Millions ticket from Texas in July 2019. Photo by Scott McDonald/Newsweek
The last grand prize jackpot winner was from a ticket sold in Wisconsin on 09/15/20 for a jackpot worth $119 million. It was only the fifth Mega Millions jackpot won in the 2020 calendar year.
Here are the five Mega Millions jackpots won in 2020:
$119 million — September 15 in Wisconsin
$22 million — July 31 in California
$124 million — July 24 in New Jersey
$410 million — June 9 in Arizona
$202 million — February 11 in New Jersey
Other recent winners over the last year were a $372 million ticket sold in Ohio and a $227 million ticket that was sold on 09/24/19 in the city of Cedar Park, Texas—a suburb north of Austin.
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery every Tuesday and Friday night, and it is one of America's two biggest lottery jackpot games. Mega Millions jackpots start at $20 million, and other prizes pay from $1 million to $2 million or more with a Megaplier. Tickets are $2 per line, and odds of winning with a $2 Mega Millions ticket are one in 303 million. For more information on Mega Millions, or to check your past numbers, visit its website.
Powerball is the other multi-state lottery, and it also starts at $20 million. Its drawings take place shortly after 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Here is the Powerball website for more information, or to check past winning numbers.
Here are the top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots to date:
Amount/Date/Winning Tickets


newsweek--2020-12-25--After Nashville Blast, AT&T Reports Major Service Outage, Including on Emergency Lines

AT & T reported a widespread internet outage after an intentional explosion occurred outside of one of its buildings in Nashville , Tennessee on Christmas morning .
By noon on Friday , users around the country reported a disruption in service , with a particular concentration in the Nashville area and Middle Tennessee , The Tennessean reported .
Police added that the service outage was disrupting 911 access within Nashville jurisdictions , including on some non-emergency lines .
`` Service for some customers in Nashville and the surrounding areas may be affected by damage to our facilities from the explosion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with law enforcement and working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service , '' Jim Greer , an AT & T representative , said in a statement to Newsweek .
The outage occurred after an RV exploded outside of an AT & T building around 6:30 a.m. local time this morning .
Before the incident took place , a recorded announcement coming from inside the RV warned that an explosive device was set to denote , authorities said in a press briefing on Friday .
So far , three people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been damaged by the blast .
Police have sent bomb-sniffing dogs to sweep the remaining downtown area , though they do not believe the city is in any imminent danger .
`` We 're sweeping the downtown area just as a precaution to make sure that everyone is safe , '' said Nashville Police Chief John Drake during a Friday press briefing .
`` With that said , we do n't feel there is any concern in the downtown area of anything else right now , but we are doing it as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicles and structures that surrounded its origin , and left the RV largely destroyed .
Don Aaron , a spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department , told reporters on Friday afternoon that authorities did not know if anyone was inside the truck at the time of the blast .
In a statement shared on Twitter , Tennessee Governor BIll Lee said authorities believe the incident was `` an intentional act . ''
However , authorities have not yet identified any suspects or motives involved in the incident .
Aaron said police have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant to specifically target the AT & T building , or if it was a coincidence .
An ongoing investigation will be led by personnel at the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) , alongside others at the Metro Nashville Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives .
A White House Spokesperson told Newsweek that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the explosion .
`` President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville , Tennessee , and will continue to receive regular updates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ first responders and praying for those who were injured , '' said White House Deputy Assistant Judd Deere .
Officials are asking anyone with information about the incident to submit what they know to the FBI .
Individuals can report tips online at www.fbi.gov/nashville , or over the phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI .
Newsweek reached out to the Nashville Metro Police Department for additional information , but did not hear back in time for publication .

AT&T reported a widespread internet outage after an intentional explosion occurred outside of one of its buildings in Nashville, Tennessee on Christmas morning.
The service outage has reportedly affected 911 access and non-emergency lines, hospital systems, and other systems including ATM's and card readers in the Nashville area and Middle Tennessee. On Saturday, a Walmart spokesperson confirmed to Newsweek that some of its stores in the area were affected by the internet outage.
"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 said on Saturday.
AT&T said on Saturday that its teams are working nonstop to restore power across the area.
"Our teams continue to work around the clock on recovery efforts from yesterday morning's explosion in Nashville. We have two portable cell sites operating in downtown Nashville with numerous additional portable sites being deployed in the Nashville area and in the region," the company said in a statement.
AT&T added that "challenges remain" to restoring power and said that a fire reignited inside the building overnight and led the 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.
"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."
The outage occurred after an RV exploded outside of an AT&T building around 6:30 a.m. local time Friday morning.
In this photo posted on Facebook by the Nashville Metro Police Department, debris and smoke clouds after an explosion on 2nd Ave North in Nashville, Tennessee. Local authorities have said that the blast appears to be the result of a bomb linked to a vehicle. METROPOLITAN NASHVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT/Facebook
Before the incident took place, a recorded announcement coming from inside the RV warned that an explosive device was set to denote, authorities said in a press briefing on Friday.
So far, three people have been hospitalized with injuries and at least 41 buildings have been damaged by the blast. Though authorities believe the explosion was "intentional" they have not yet identified any suspects or motives involved in the incident.
Authorities do not yet know if the explosion was meant to target AT&T specifically.
The investigation is being led by local police and personnel at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), alongside others at the Metro Nashville Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
A White House Spokesperson told Newsweek Friday that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the explosion.
"President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, and will continue to receive regular updates. The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured," said White House Deputy Assistant Judd Deere.


newsweek--2020-12-25--After Blast, Nashville Deploys Bomb-Sniffing Dogs, Waits for Word on Motive

Nashville police have deployed bomb-sniffing dogs to sweep the downtown area after an RV exploded in a massive blast on Christmas morning .
The explosion occurred outside of an AT & T building in downtown Nashville , Tennessee , around 6:30 a.m. At the time of explosion , police officers were on the scene following reports of a suspicious vehicle .
Before the incident took place , a recorded announcement coming from inside the RV warned that an explosive device was set to denote , authorities said in a press briefing on Friday .
`` We 're sweeping the downtown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure that everyone is safe , '' said Nashville Police Chief John Drake during the briefing .
`` With that said , we do n't feel there is any concern in the downtown area of anything else right now , but we are doing it as a precaution . ''
Nashville Mayor John Cooper told local media that roughly 20 buildings near the explosion were damaged by the blast .
The impact caused building windows to shatter .
So far , three people have been reported injured and there are no known fatalities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not believe the surrounding area is imminent danger , and they do not yet have a motive for the explosion .
Authorities declined to comment on any potential suspects .
In a statement on Twitter , Tennessee Governor BIll Lee said authorities believe the incident was `` an intentional act . ''
When asked if the explosion was meant to target AT & T specifically , Nashville Metro Police Spokesman Don Aaron said : `` We do not know if that was a coincidence , or if that was intentional . ''
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported a widespread internet outage , with a particular concentration in the Nashville area and Middle Tennessee , The Tennessean reported .
Police added that the service outage was disrupting 911 access within Nashville jurisdictions , including on some non-emergency lines .
`` Service for some customers in Nashville and the surrounding areas may be affected by damage to our facilities from the explosion this morning .
We are in contact with law enforcement and working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service , '' Jim Greer , an AT & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The ongoing investigation will be led by personnel at the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) , alongside others at the Metro Nashville Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives .
A White House Spokesperson told Newsweek that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the explosion .
`` President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville , Tennessee , and will continue to receive regular updates .
The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Deere .

Nashville police have deployed bomb-sniffing dogs to sweep the downtown area after an RV exploded in a massive blast on Christmas morning.
The explosion occurred outside of an AT&T building in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, around 6:30 a.m. At the time of explosion, police officers were on the scene following reports of a suspicious vehicle.
Before the incident took place, a recorded announcement coming from inside the RV warned that an explosive device was set to denote, authorities said in a press briefing on Friday.
"We're sweeping the downtown area just as a precaution to make sure that everyone is safe," said Nashville Police Chief John Drake during the briefing. "With that said, we don't feel there is any concern in the downtown area of anything else right now, but we are doing it as a precaution."
Our canine teams are doing protective sweeps in the downtown area. Traffic downtown is restricted. pic.twitter.com/SAH25JZwIg — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
Nashville Mayor John Cooper told local media that roughly 20 buildings near the explosion were damaged by the blast. The impact caused building windows to shatter. So far, three people have been reported injured and there are no known fatalities.
The police reiterated that they do not believe the surrounding area is imminent danger, and they do not yet have a motive for the explosion. Authorities declined to comment on any potential suspects.
In a statement on Twitter, Tennessee Governor BIll Lee said authorities believe the incident was "an intentional act."
When asked if the explosion was meant to target AT&T specifically, Nashville Metro Police Spokesman Don Aaron said: "We do not know if that was a coincidence, or if that was intentional."
By noon on Friday, AT&T reported a widespread internet outage, with a particular concentration in the Nashville area and Middle Tennessee, The Tennessean reported. Police added that the service outage was disrupting 911 access within Nashville jurisdictions, including on some non-emergency lines.
"Service for some customers in Nashville and the surrounding areas may be affected by damage to our facilities from the explosion this morning. We are in contact with law enforcement and working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service," Jim Greer, an AT&T representative, told the outlet.
The ongoing investigation will be led by personnel at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), alongside others at the Metro Nashville Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
A White House Spokesperson told Newsweek that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the explosion.
"President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, and will continue to receive regular updates. The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured," said White House Deputy Assistant Judd Deere.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Nashville Blast Preceded by Warning Broadcast From Explosive Packed RV

The vehicle that exploded outside an AT & T transmission building in downtown Nashville Friday morning alerted police to oncoming destruction prior to the blast .
A recorded announcement , which warned of an explosive device set to denote , could be heard in early audio clips released after the 6:30 a.m. explosion took place .
During a subsequent press conference on Friday afternoon , authorities said they believe the announcement played from within the vehicle , an RV truck that local police described as suspicious when they first arrived at the scene .
No suspects had been officially implicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it occurred .
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives joined local and state agencies amid their inquiry Friday morning .
Matt Foster , an assistant special agent with the FBI who heads the bureau 's Nashville office , said authorities were not ready to disclose any details about potential leads during the afternoon 's press conference .
The morning 's explosion damaged vehicles and structures that surrounded its origin , and left the RV largely destroyed .
Don Aaron , a spokesperson for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday afternoon that authorities did not know if anyone was inside the truck at the time of the blast .
`` So , I ca n't tell you , at this point , whether there 's a potential for a fatality in that scenario , '' Aaron said .
William Swann , who leads the Nashville Fire Department , confirmed three individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for `` minor '' injuries sustained during the explosion .
Fire department personnel continued to conduct a sweep of buildings in Nashville 's downtown area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to identify which are structurally sound and locate any individuals who might still be inside .
Authorities deployed explosion detection dogs in the hours that followed the morning 's blast .
During the afternoon update , they called the move a precautionary measure and said no additional threats were recognized .
Nashville police were called to the explosion site about an hour before the actual blast , responding to a report claiming that shots were fired near 2nd Avenue , a strip of the city 's downtown neighborhood frequented by tourists and home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recorded announcement indicating that an explosion would soon take place , law enforcement officials quickly evacuated buildings in the immediate vicinity .
On Friday , Federal , state and local officials said their respective agencies intend to dedicate all resources necessary to determine the source of the blast and identify those responsible .
In a statement emailed to Newsweek , a White House spokesperson said , `` President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville , Tennessee , and will continue to receive regular updates .
The President is grateful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those who were injured . ''
Officials are asking anyone with information about the incident to submit what they know to the FBI .
Individuals can report tips online at www.fbi.gov/nashville , or over the phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI .

The vehicle that exploded outside an AT&T transmission building in downtown Nashville Friday morning alerted police to oncoming destruction prior to the blast.
A recorded announcement, which warned of an explosive device set to denote, could be heard in early audio clips released after the 6:30 a.m. explosion took place.
During a subsequent press conference on Friday afternoon, authorities said they believe the announcement played from within the vehicle, an RV truck that local police described as suspicious when they first arrived at the scene.
No suspects had been officially implicated in the incident roughly 7 hours after it occurred.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joined local and state agencies amid their inquiry Friday morning. Matt Foster, an assistant special agent with the FBI who heads the bureau's Nashville office, said authorities were not ready to disclose any details about potential leads during the afternoon's press conference.
The morning's explosion damaged vehicles and structures that surrounded its origin, and left the RV largely destroyed. Don Aaron, a spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department, told reporters on Friday afternoon that authorities did not know if anyone was inside the truck at the time of the blast.
"So, I can't tell you, at this point, whether there's a potential for a fatality in that scenario," Aaron said.
William Swann, who leads the Nashville Fire Department, confirmed three individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for "minor" injuries sustained during the explosion. Fire department personnel continued to conduct a sweep of buildings in Nashville's downtown area, many of which are commercial, to identify which are structurally sound and locate any individuals who might still be inside.
Authorities deployed explosion detection dogs in the hours that followed the morning's blast. During the afternoon update, they called the move a precautionary measure and said no additional threats were recognized.
Authorities direct canine teams to evaluate the area surrounding a significant explosion that took place in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, early Friday morning. Metropolitan Nashville Police Department/Facebook
Nashville police were called to the explosion site about an hour before the actual blast, responding to a report claiming that shots were fired near 2nd Avenue, a strip of the city's downtown neighborhood frequented by tourists and home to residents as well.
Upon hearing the recorded announcement indicating that an explosion would soon take place, law enforcement officials quickly evacuated buildings in the immediate vicinity.
On Friday, Federal, state and local officials said their respective agencies intend to dedicate all resources necessary to determine the source of the blast and identify those responsible.
In a statement emailed to Newsweek, a White House spokesperson said, "President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, and will continue to receive regular updates. The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured."
Officials are asking anyone with information about the incident to submit what they know to the FBI. Individuals can report tips online at www.fbi.gov/nashville, or over the phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI.


newsweek--2020-12-25--GOP Senators Stand Against Tommy Tuberville Challenging Electoral College Results

Senate Republicans , including Majority leader Mitch McConnell , have said they would stand against Senator-elect Tommy Tuberville 's last-ditch efforts to contest the results of the 2020 election .
Tuberville , a newly elected senator from Alabama , previously hinted that he would join GOP Representative Mo Brooks to challenge the election by using the Electoral Count Act of 1877 when Congress meets to finalize the vote on January 6 .
If Brooks and Tuberville successfully band together to oppose the electoral vote , both chambers would be required to hold a two-hour debate and then vote on whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the process to move forward , both chambers would have to agree on the objection in order to throw out contested electoral votes .
But Senate Republicans have made it clear they want to avoid that messy process .
Senate Republican Whip John Thune said GOP leaders will tell Tuberville that voting to oppose the Electoral College vote would be a futile and politically damaging move , according to The Hill .
`` Ultimately every senator will have to make their own decision about that but I think there will be people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kind of find out what he 's going to do , '' Thune said of Tuberville 's intentions , The Hill reported .
`` If nothing else , we need to kind of know the plan , '' he said .
`` We 'll see .
He 's made some public statements , '' he added .
`` I 'm hoping in the end that all senators will conclude that this election needs to be over with and it 's time to move on . ''
Senator John Cornyn , a Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate GOP leadership , said that `` he 'd be shocked , '' if fellow GOP leaders have n't already encouraged Tuberville not to contest the vote .
`` It 's basically going through the motions , '' Cornyn said of objecting the Electoral College tally .
`` It 's a futile exercise . ''
The Electoral College officially confirmed Joe Biden to be the next President of the United States on December 14 .
The upcoming congressional meeting will be the final attempt that Trump and his allies have to contest the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unsubstantiated claims that the election was riddled with voter fraud .
Along with Thune , McConnell and Senate Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt have also advised GOP senators not to oppose the electoral vote next month .
During a December 15 conference call , McConnell warned that objecting to counting certain states ' electoral votes on Jan. 6 would be a political mistake , especially for senators up for reelection , The Hill reported .
Ultimately , Thune said that the GOP leadership wants to `` encourage all of our members — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of work ahead of us and that rehashing this takes a lot of time and energy and political capital that could best be used working on an agenda for next year . ''
Though Tuberville has not officially confirmed whether or not he will vote to oppose the Electoral College tally , Trump said in a radio interview on December 19 that the Alabama senator appeared eager to do so .
`` I spoke to a great gentleman , Tommy Tuberville , last night , '' Trump said on Uncovering the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featuring Rudy Giuliani .
`` And he is so excited .
He said ... he said , 'You made me the most popular politician in the United States . '
He said , ' I ca n't believe it . '
He 's great .
Great senator . ''
Newsweek reached out to Tuberville for additional comment , but did not hear back in time for publication .

Senate Republicans, including Majority leader Mitch McConnell, have said they would stand against Senator-elect Tommy Tuberville's last-ditch efforts to contest the results of the 2020 election.
Tuberville, a newly elected senator from Alabama, previously hinted that he would join GOP Representative Mo Brooks to challenge the election by using the Electoral Count Act of 1877 when Congress meets to finalize the vote on January 6.
If Brooks and Tuberville successfully band together to oppose the electoral vote, both chambers would be required to hold a two-hour debate and then vote on whether to approve or deny the objection. For the process to move forward, both chambers would have to agree on the objection in order to throw out contested electoral votes.
But Senate Republicans have made it clear they want to avoid that messy process.
Senate Republican Whip John Thune said GOP leaders will tell Tuberville that voting to oppose the Electoral College vote would be a futile and politically damaging move, according to The Hill.
"Ultimately every senator will have to make their own decision about that but I think there will be people, yeah, reaching out him just to kind of find out what he's going to do," Thune said of Tuberville's intentions, The Hill reported.
"If nothing else, we need to kind of know the plan," he said. "We'll see. He's made some public statements," he added. "I'm hoping in the end that all senators will conclude that this election needs to be over with and it's time to move on."
Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas and an adviser to the Senate GOP leadership, said that "he'd be shocked," if fellow GOP leaders haven't already encouraged Tuberville not to contest the vote.
"It's basically going through the motions," Cornyn said of objecting the Electoral College tally. "It's a futile exercise."
Senate Republicans said they would stand against Senator-elect Tommy Tuberville's last-ditch efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election on January 6. In this photo, Tuberville stands for a photo at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on November 9, 2020. STEFANI REYNOLDS/Getty
The Electoral College officially confirmed Joe Biden to be the next President of the United States on December 14. The upcoming congressional meeting will be the final attempt that Trump and his allies have to contest the vote, after months of failed lawsuits and unsubstantiated claims that the election was riddled with voter fraud.
Along with Thune, McConnell and Senate Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt have also advised GOP senators not to oppose the electoral vote next month.
During a December 15 conference call, McConnell warned that objecting to counting certain states' electoral votes on Jan. 6 would be a political mistake, especially for senators up for reelection, The Hill reported.
Ultimately, Thune said that the GOP leadership wants to "encourage all of our members — new members included — that we got a lot of work ahead of us and that rehashing this takes a lot of time and energy and political capital that could best be used working on an agenda for next year."
Though Tuberville has not officially confirmed whether or not he will vote to oppose the Electoral College tally, Trump said in a radio interview on December 19 that the Alabama senator appeared eager to do so.
"I spoke to a great gentleman, Tommy Tuberville, last night," Trump said on Uncovering the Truth, a radio talk show series featuring Rudy Giuliani.
"And he is so excited. He said...he said, 'You made me the most popular politician in the United States.' He said, 'I can't believe it.' He's great. Great senator."
Newsweek reached out to Tuberville for additional comment, but did not hear back in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-25--'A Mistake': Top GOP Senator Warns Trump Over $2,000 Stimulus Checks

Senator Roy Blunt , chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee , warned President Donald Trump in Thursday remarks that attempting to change the bipartisan COVID-19 stimulus package would be `` a mistake '' after the president urged lawmakers to raise the $ 600 stimulus checks to $ 2,000 .
The COVID-19 relief bill passed through both chambers of Congress this week after months of deadlocked negotiations as millions of Americans remain unemployed , face eviction and struggle to have adequate food .
Although the White House reportedly told Republican lawmakers to back the bill , Trump expressed opposition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describing it as `` a disgrace . ''
In addition to calling for significantly larger stimulus checks for most Americans , the president blasted billions of dollars in funds going to foreign countries and other federal government priorities .
These measures were included in a $ 1.4 trillion omnibus government funding bill included with the $ 900 billion COVID-19 stimulus package to save time .
Most of that spending actually came from the Trump administration 's own budget item requests .
`` There 's been some apparent misunderstanding about what 's in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID relief bill , and generally the regular appropriating bill includes things the administration asked for , '' Blunt , who represents Missouri , told reporters on Thursday .
The GOP senator went on to add : `` It took us a long time to get to where we are .
I think reopening that bill would be a mistake . ''
Blunt said that `` the best way out of this is for the president to sign the bill , and I still hope that 's what he decides . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment but did not immediately receive a response .
Democratic lawmakers quickly rallied behind the president 's call to raise stimulus checks from $ 600 to $ 2,000 .
Progressive lawmakers pointed out that they 'd urge Congress to provide significantly higher direct payments to Americans for months before the legislation was approved by the House and Senate .
On Thursday , House Democrats attempted to pass a measure that would dole out $ 2,000 checks but that move was blocked by House Republicans .
`` Today , on Christmas Eve morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of the $ 2,000 that the President agreed to support .
If the President is serious about the $ 2,000 direct payments , he must call on House Republicans to end their obstruction , '' Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi , a California Democrat , said in a Thursday statement after the bill failed .
Pelosi plans to bring a stand-alone bill for $ 2,000 stimulus checks to the House floor for a roll-call vote on Monday , but she also expressed her hope that Trump would sign the current legislation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling Americans and to ensure the government remains funded .
Other Republicans have raised concerns about Trump 's opposition to the latest package as well .
`` I understand the frustration of the president .
I understand the presentation but blindsiding folks and doing this at the last second to me is not conducive because the American people are the ones who lose in this fight , '' Representative Tom Reed told CNBC 's Squawk Box on Thursday .
Meanwhile , some GOP senators have reiterated their opposition to any stimulus payments at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to people , though , who are already working—look , my kids are working and do n't need a check .
They 're not rich , but they do n't need a check .
And most working Americans do n't need a check right now , '' Senator Rand Paul , a Kentucky Republican , told Fox News on Wednesday .

Senator Roy Blunt, chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, warned President Donald Trump in Thursday remarks that attempting to change the bipartisan COVID-19 stimulus package would be "a mistake" after the president urged lawmakers to raise the $600 stimulus checks to $2,000.
The COVID-19 relief bill passed through both chambers of Congress this week after months of deadlocked negotiations as millions of Americans remain unemployed, face eviction and struggle to have adequate food. Although the White House reportedly told Republican lawmakers to back the bill, Trump expressed opposition to the package in a Tuesday video message describing it as "a disgrace."
In addition to calling for significantly larger stimulus checks for most Americans, the president blasted billions of dollars in funds going to foreign countries and other federal government priorities. These measures were included in a $1.4 trillion omnibus government funding bill included with the $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus package to save time. Most of that spending actually came from the Trump administration's own budget item requests.
"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, who represents Missouri, told reporters on Thursday.
Senator Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) speaks at a press conference with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on December 15. Blunt on Thursday said that it would be "a mistake" to adjust the current bipartisan COVID-19 relief bill that Congress passed this week, despite President Donald Trump describing it as a "disgrace." NICHOLAS KAMM/POOL/AFP/Getty
The GOP senator went on to add: "It took us a long time to get to where we are. I think reopening that bill would be a mistake." Blunt said that "the best way out of this is for the president to sign the bill, and I still hope that's what he decides."
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Democratic lawmakers quickly rallied behind the president's call to raise stimulus checks from $600 to $2,000. Progressive lawmakers pointed out that they'd urge Congress to provide significantly higher direct payments to Americans for months before the legislation was approved by the House and Senate. On Thursday, House Democrats attempted to pass a measure that would dole out $2,000 checks but that move was blocked by House Republicans.
"Today, on Christmas Eve morning, House Republicans cruelly deprived the American people of the $2,000 that the President agreed to support. If the President is serious about the $2,000 direct payments, he must call on House Republicans to end their obstruction," Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, said in a Thursday statement after the bill failed.
Pelosi plans to bring a stand-alone bill for $2,000 stimulus checks to the House floor for a roll-call vote on Monday, but she also expressed her hope that Trump would sign the current legislation to ensure relief gets out quickly to struggling Americans and to ensure the government remains funded.
Other Republicans have raised concerns about Trump's opposition to the latest package as well.
"I understand the frustration of the president. I understand the presentation but blindsiding folks and doing this at the last second to me is not conducive because the American people are the ones who lose in this fight," Representative Tom Reed told CNBC's Squawk Box on Thursday.
Meanwhile, some GOP senators have reiterated their opposition to any stimulus payments at all.
"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," Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, told Fox News on Wednesday.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Nashville Blast Injures 3, Shatters Buildings, Blows Hydrants Into Tree Tops

An explosion rocked downtown Nashville on Christmas morning , causing immense destruction to buildings and streets nearby while windows and treetops shook along South and East Nashville .
The explosion occurred after a suspicious vehicle blew up outside of an AT & T building .
Three people who were taken to the hospital have been reported with injuries so far , according to the Tennessean .
Nashville Mayor John Cooper told local media that roughly 20 buildings near the explosion were damaged by the blast .
The impact caused building windows to shatter .
`` It looks like a bomb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pictures and videos of the scene depicting flames and smoke as well as structural damage to buildings and streets were shared across social media .
`` These are pictures from 2nd Avenue south .
Windows were broken out from explosion area to Broadway .
Please AVOID this area !
Media staging is at 2nd Avenue south and KVB , '' Nashville Fire Department tweeted early Friday morning .
Phil Williams , the chief investigative reporter of Nashville 's broadcast news service NC5 , shared a view of the damage from across a river @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air and warehouses with shattered windows .
The news network also released bird-eye view images of the damage taken from a helicopter .
Cars appeared charred in photos while streets were completely blackened with soot and debris from the explosion .
Building rooftops and entrances were also severely damaged .
Photos of the streets near where the incident took place appeared to be mostly free of pedestrians .
However , some people were captured exiting a building while small fires and debris were spread out along the street just a few feet from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the impact of the blast from inside a condominium .
A living room is dark and still at the beginning of the 25-second video , but a moment later glass sprays everywhere while the room shakes from the explosion .
`` NASHVILLE EXPLOSION from inside a downtown condominium courtesy of @ NC5 .
Metro Police there saying the explosion early this morning was an intentional act .
Apparently , a vehicle detonated near 2nd Ave and Church Street by an AT & T data center , '' the post read .
Country singer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explosion area , shared a Facebook video of the destruction that the blast caused to his home .
Water poured from the ceiling while alarms and sirens went off in the background , and the inside of the home was flooded with water .
Furniture was also damaged from the blast while ceiling debris and walls were also scattered throughout McCoy 's home .
`` All my windows , every single one of them got blown into the next room .
If I had been standing there it would have been horrible , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press .
`` It felt like a bomb .
It was that big . ''
He added : `` There were about four cars on fire .
I do n't know if it was so hot they just caught on fire , and the trees were all blown apart . ''
In another Twitter post , the Fire Department shared a video of windowless buildings and a street covered with debris and noted that various state agencies were continuing to maintain the area .
`` Footage from the scene on 2nd Ave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and investigate an explosion from earlier this morning , '' the post read .
Newsweek reached out the the Nashville Fire Department for comment .

An explosion rocked downtown Nashville on Christmas morning, causing immense destruction to buildings and streets nearby while windows and treetops shook along South and East Nashville.
The explosion occurred after a suspicious vehicle blew up outside of an AT&T building. Three people who were taken to the hospital have been reported with injuries so far, according to the Tennessean.
Nashville Mayor John Cooper told local media that roughly 20 buildings near the explosion were damaged by the blast. The impact caused building windows to shatter. "It looks like a bomb went off," he said.
MNPD, FBI & ATF investigating the 6:30 a.m. explosion on 2nd Ave N linked to a vehicle. This appears to have been an intentional act. Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/YOfMTaKmTH — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
Pictures and videos of the scene depicting flames and smoke as well as structural damage to buildings and streets were shared across social media.
"These are pictures from 2nd Avenue south. Windows were broken out from explosion area to Broadway. Please AVOID this area! Media staging is at 2nd Avenue south and KVB," Nashville Fire Department tweeted early Friday morning.
These are pictures from 2nd Avenue south. Windows were broken out from explosion area to Broadway. Please AVOID this area! Media staging is at 2nd Avenue south and KVB. pic.twitter.com/tocdpHWFgj — Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) December 25, 2020
Phil Williams, the chief investigative reporter of Nashville's broadcast news service NC5, shared a view of the damage from across a river, which showed black smoke filling the air and warehouses with shattered windows.
The news network also released bird-eye view images of the damage taken from a helicopter. Cars appeared charred in photos while streets were completely blackened with soot and debris from the explosion. Building rooftops and entrances were also severely damaged.
Here's a look at Second Avenue from Sky5 after police say a vehicle exploded early Friday morning. https://t.co/f1i4QWgjIr pic.twitter.com/kL1bEkrF6C — NewsChannel 5 (@NC5) December 25, 2020
Photos of the streets near where the incident took place appeared to be mostly free of pedestrians. However, some people were captured exiting a building while small fires and debris were spread out along the street just a few feet from where they stood.
#Nashville: Metro Nashville Police: "An explosion linked to a vehicle occurred at 6:30 this morning outside 166 2nd Ave N downtown. Investigation active by MNPD & federal partners"
pic.twitter.com/Ra9LC8Ap1l — I.E.N. (@BreakingIEN) December 25, 2020
One video captured the impact of the blast from inside a condominium. A living room is dark and still at the beginning of the 25-second video, but a moment later glass sprays everywhere while the room shakes from the explosion.
"NASHVILLE EXPLOSION from inside a downtown condominium courtesy of @NC5. Metro Police there saying the explosion early this morning was an intentional act. Apparently, a vehicle detonated near 2nd Ave and Church Street by an AT&T data center," the post read.
NASHVILLE EXPLOSION from inside a downtown condominium courtesy of @NC5. Metro Police there saying the explosion early this morning was an intentional act. Apparently, a vehicle detonated near 2nd Ave and Church Street by an AT&T data center. pic.twitter.com/0d4wo5sINL — Jason Whitely (@JasonWhitely) December 25, 2020
Country singer Buck McCoy, who lives near the explosion area, shared a Facebook video of the destruction that the blast caused to his home. Water poured from the ceiling while alarms and sirens went off in the background, and the inside of the home was flooded with water. Furniture was also damaged from the blast while ceiling debris and walls were also scattered throughout McCoy's home.
Santa Claus and an Elf paddleboard past downtown Nashville on the Cumberland River before a game between the Detroit Lions and the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 20, 2020, in Nashville, Tennessee. Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
"All my windows, every single one of them got blown into the next room. If I had been standing there it would have been horrible," he said in a statement to Associated Press. "It felt like a bomb. It was that big."
He added: "There were about four cars on fire. I don't know if it was so hot they just caught on fire, and the trees were all blown apart."
Buck McCoy was live.
In another Twitter post, the Fire Department shared a video of windowless buildings and a street covered with debris and noted that various state agencies were continuing to maintain the area. "Footage from the scene on 2nd Ave North as multiple agencies continue to work and investigate an explosion from earlier this morning," the post read.
Footage from the scene on 2nd Ave North as multiple agencies continue to work and investigate an explosion from earlier this morning. pic.twitter.com/5g40RhwNNl — Nashville Fire Dept (@NashvilleFD) December 25, 2020
Newsweek reached out the the Nashville Fire Department for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Shots Fired Before Nashville Explosion, FBI Taking Over Investigation

Federal authorities are investigating an explosion that took place in downtown Nashville , Tennessee , on Friday morning .
Personnel at the Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) will lead the ongoing inquiry , alongside others at the Metro Nashville Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives .
Law enforcement is working to identify the source of the blast , which officials described as `` intentional '' in a press release issued following the 6:30 a.m. incident .
Police have linked the explosion to an RV parked outside a downtown Nashville building .
Officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prior to the incident , responding to a call that reported shots fired nearby .
The department 's Hazardous Devices Unit was assigned to scene when officers observed the `` suspicious '' vehicle that exploded soon after .
The RV exploded before they arrived .
Authorities say multiple buildings along Nashville 's 2nd Avenue were impacted , with the explosion causing extensive damage to some .
The area surrounding the site of the blast was closed off to pedestrian and vehicle traffic throughout the remainder of Friday morning as police and federal officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were hospitalized for injuries sustained as a result of the blast .
According to William Swann , Nashville 's Fire Chief , the injuries sustained are considered minor .
The fire department continued to evaluate buildings surrounding the explosion site into Friday afternoon to determine which are structurally sound and confirm that all residents had been evacuated .
Nashville 's 2nd Avenue is a hub for bars , restaurants and other commercial establishments , but residential buildings are located in the vicinity as well .
When police originally identified the suspicious vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded announcement that warned of an oncoming explosion .
Local authorities then worked to evacuate any residents of nearby buildings before the blast took place .
Both Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee responded to news of the incident on Friday .
In a message shared to Twitter , Cooper thanked emergency personnel for their `` quick response '' following the explosion , adding , `` Be safe Nashville . ''
`` We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday .
`` Please join @ MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning . ''
Newsweek reached out to Nashville police for further comment , but did not receive a reply in time for publication .
Updated at 1:33 p.m .
ET to include additional details and background information .

Federal authorities are investigating an explosion that took place in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, on Friday morning. Personnel at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) will lead the ongoing inquiry, alongside others at the Metro Nashville Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Law enforcement is working to identify the source of the blast, which officials described as "intentional" in a press release issued following the 6:30 a.m. incident.
Police have linked the explosion to an RV parked outside a downtown Nashville building. Officers initially arrived to the area one hour prior to the incident, responding to a call that reported shots fired nearby.
The department's Hazardous Devices Unit was assigned to scene when officers observed the "suspicious" vehicle that exploded soon after. The RV exploded before they arrived. Authorities say multiple buildings along Nashville's 2nd Avenue were impacted, with the explosion causing extensive damage to some.
The area surrounding the site of the blast was closed off to pedestrian and vehicle traffic throughout the remainder of Friday morning as police and federal officials pursued their investigation.
MNPD, FBI & ATF investigating the 6:30 a.m. explosion on 2nd Ave N linked to a vehicle. This appears to have been an intentional act. Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/YOfMTaKmTH — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
At least three people were hospitalized for injuries sustained as a result of the blast. According to William Swann, Nashville's Fire Chief, the injuries sustained are considered minor. The fire department continued to evaluate buildings surrounding the explosion site into Friday afternoon to determine which are structurally sound and confirm that all residents had been evacuated.
Nashville's 2nd Avenue is a hub for bars, restaurants and other commercial establishments, but residential buildings are located in the vicinity as well. When police originally identified the suspicious vehicle early Friday morning, they heard a recorded announcement that warned of an oncoming explosion. Local authorities then worked to evacuate any residents of nearby buildings before the blast took place.
Both Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee responded to news of the incident on Friday. In a message shared to Twitter, Cooper thanked emergency personnel for their "quick response" following the explosion, adding, "Be safe Nashville."
A Nashville Metro Police car sits outside the Central Police Precinct in Nashville, Tennessee on November 24, 2013. Raymond Boyd/Getty
"We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible," the governor said in another tweet posted Friday. "Please join @MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning."
Newsweek reached out to Nashville police for further comment, but did not receive a reply in time for publication.
Updated at 1:33 p.m. ET to include additional details and background information.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Nashville Suspends Bus Service Citywide as 'Precautionary Measure' After Explosion Downtown

Nashville 's public transportation service suspended bus services citywide as a `` precautionary measure '' on Friday , following an explosion downtown .
`` WeGo Public Transit will suspend all bus service and WeGo Central will be closed beginning at this time .
We are currently assisting customers who are downtown and elsewhere to get to their final destinations , '' WeGo Public Transit wrote in a press release .
`` This is a precautionary measure made by law enforcement to conduct on-going investigations and protect the public .
Normal operations should resume tomorrow morning unless law enforcement directs us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes shortly after the Metro Nashville Police Department reported an explosion linked to a vehicle in the downtown area of the city at around 6:30 a.m. local time this morning .
According to a tweet from the Metro Nashville Police Department , authorities believe that the explosion `` appears to be an intentional attack . ''
`` Early this morning , an explosion occurred in downtown Nashville around Second Avenue and Commerce Street .
Federal , state and local law enforcement partners are on the scene to investigate what we believe was an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lee wrote in a tweet following the incident .
`` We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible .
Please join @ MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning , '' Lee wrote in a subsequent tweet .
In an email sent to Newsweek , the FBI said that , `` FBI Memphis , in coordination with our state and local partners , is taking the lead in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , TN . ''
According to the Tennessean , police responded to a call of shots fired near 2nd Avenue , when they discovered a suspicious vehicle .
Metro Police spokesperson Don Aaron told the Tennessean that authorities notified the department 's bomb squad unit , but while they were on their way , a `` significant explosion '' went off .
The explosion knocked one officer to the ground and hospitalized three individuals , according to the Tennessean .
Many photos and videos were posted across social media showing the aftermath of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside a downtown condominium courtesy of @ NC5 , '' Twitter user Jason Whitely of WFAA-TV wrote on Twitter .
`` Metro Police there saying the explosion early this morning was an intentional act .
Apparently , a vehicle detonated near 2nd Ave and Church Street by an AT & T data center . ''
News Channel 5 in Nashville shared several photos of the area where the explosion went off .
`` Here 's a look at Second Avenue from Sky5 after police say a vehicle exploded early Friday morning , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email sent to Newsweek , White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere wrote , `` President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville , Tennessee , and will continue to receive regular updates .
The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured . ''
Newsweek reached out to WeGo Public Transit for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication .

Nashville's public transportation service suspended bus services citywide as a "precautionary measure" on Friday, following an explosion downtown.
"WeGo Public Transit will suspend all bus service and WeGo Central will be closed beginning at this time. We are currently assisting customers who are downtown and elsewhere to get to their final destinations," WeGo Public Transit wrote in a press release. "This is a precautionary measure made by law enforcement to conduct on-going investigations and protect the public. Normal operations should resume tomorrow morning unless law enforcement directs us otherwise."
The announcement from WeGo comes shortly after the Metro Nashville Police Department reported an explosion linked to a vehicle in the downtown area of the city at around 6:30 a.m. local time this morning.
In this photo posted on Facebook by the Nashville Metro Police Department, debris and smoke clouds after an explosion on 2nd Ave North in Nashville, Tennessee. Local authorities have said that the blast appears to be the result of a bomb linked to a vehicle. METROPOLITAN NASHVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT/Facebook
According to a tweet from the Metro Nashville Police Department, authorities believe that the explosion "appears to be an intentional attack."
MNPD, FBI & ATF investigating the 6:30 a.m. explosion on 2nd Ave N linked to a vehicle. This appears to have been an intentional act. Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues. pic.twitter.com/YOfMTaKmTH — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
"Early this morning, an explosion occurred in downtown Nashville around Second Avenue and Commerce Street. Federal, state and local law enforcement partners are on the scene to investigate what we believe was an intentional act," Tennessee Governor Bill Lee wrote in a tweet following the incident.
"We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join @MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning," Lee wrote in a subsequent tweet.
In an email sent to Newsweek, the FBI said that, "FBI Memphis, in coordination with our state and local partners, is taking the lead in the investigation of the explosion in Nashville, TN."
According to the Tennessean, police responded to a call of shots fired near 2nd Avenue, when they discovered a suspicious vehicle. Metro Police spokesperson Don Aaron told the Tennessean that authorities notified the department's bomb squad unit, but while they were on their way, a "significant explosion" went off.
The explosion knocked one officer to the ground and hospitalized three individuals, according to the Tennessean.
Many photos and videos were posted across social media showing the aftermath of the explosion.
"NASHVILLE EXPLOSION from inside a downtown condominium courtesy of @NC5," Twitter user Jason Whitely of WFAA-TV wrote on Twitter. "Metro Police there saying the explosion early this morning was an intentional act. Apparently, a vehicle detonated near 2nd Ave and Church Street by an AT&T data center."
NASHVILLE EXPLOSION from inside a downtown condominium courtesy of @NC5. Metro Police there saying the explosion early this morning was an intentional act. Apparently, a vehicle detonated near 2nd Ave and Church Street by an AT&T data center. pic.twitter.com/0d4wo5sINL — Jason Whitely (@JasonWhitely) December 25, 2020
News Channel 5 in Nashville shared several photos of the area where the explosion went off.
"Here's a look at Second Avenue from Sky5 after police say a vehicle exploded early Friday morning," they wrote in a tweet.
Here's a look at Second Avenue from Sky5 after police say a vehicle exploded early Friday morning. https://t.co/f1i4QWgjIr pic.twitter.com/kL1bEkrF6C — NewsChannel 5 (@NC5) December 25, 2020
In an email sent to Newsweek, White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere wrote, "President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, and will continue to receive regular updates. The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured."
Newsweek reached out to WeGo Public Transit for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-25--3 Hospitalized After 'Intentional' Explosion on Christmas Morning in Nashville

At least three people have been hospitalized after an `` intentional '' explosion on Christmas morning in Nashville , Tennessee , local police said .
The explosion took place around 6:30 a.m. as police officers were already on the scene following reports of a suspicious vehicle .
`` An explosion linked to a vehicle occurred at 6:30 this morning outside 166 2nd Ave N downtown .
Investigation active by MNPD & federal partners , '' the Metro Nashville Police Department said via Twitter on Friday morning .
In a follow-up post , the police said that the FBI and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Explosives were on the scene investigating .
`` MNPD , FBI & ATF investigating the 6:30 a.m. explosion on 2nd Ave N linked to a vehicle .
This appears to have been an intentional act .
Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues , '' the police said , sharing an image from the blast .
`` FBI Memphis , in coordination with our state and local partners , is taking the lead in the investigation of the explosion in Nashville , TN , '' the FBI told Newsweek in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least three people were injured and hospitalized due to the blast , The Tennessean reported .
Mayor John Cooper told reporters that the downtown area where the blast occurred was largely empty due to the Christmas holiday .
News Channel 5 Nashville reported that the injuries were not believed to be serious and that they included one first responder suffering from hearing loss after the blast .
`` It looks like a bomb went off , '' Cooper said .
Although he emphasized the structural damage to the buildings in the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the explosion took place on Christmas when most people were at home with their families and not in the downtown area .
The mayor 's office referred Newsweek to Cooper 's social media for further comment .
On Twitter , Cooper wrote : `` The cause of the explosion is under investigation with help from federal authorities .
MNPD will share updates as they become available and is restricting downtown traffic .
Be safe Nashville .
Thank you to our emergency personnel for your quick response . ''
The Nashville Police did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .
On Twitter , the department said that it had dispatched canine unites to sweep the downtown area for possible additional explosives .
`` Traffic downtown is restricted , '' police said in the post .
The downtown area has been sealed off and police and the mayor have urged the public not to come to the area .
Cooper told reporters that there is lots of broken glass and debris , but does not appear to be major structural damage .
He thanked the police and fire department for doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the situation .
`` I 'm sure it will take awhile to piece together all the events of this morning , '' Cooper said .
He said it would be `` awhile '' to clear the debris and to inspect the surrounding buildings to check for any significant structural damage .
Multiple water mains were broken and flowing water streams could be seen in footage from the blast .
Tennessee 's Governor Bill Lee post to Twitter about the blast on Friday morning as well .
`` Early this morning , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Avenue and Commerce Street .
Federal , state and local law enforcement partners are on the scene to investigate what we believe was an intentional act , '' Lee wrote .
`` We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible .
Please join @ MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning , '' he added .
Judd Deere , deputy White House press secretary , told Newsweek in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been briefed on the blast .
`` President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville , Tennessee , and will continue to receive regular updates .
The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured , '' Deere said .
Updated December 25 , 2020 at 12:13 p.m .
ET : A statement from the White House has been added .
Updated December 25 , 2020 at 11:58 a.m .
ET : Further information has been added to this developing news story .

In this photo shared by police, debris at the site of a Christmas morning explosion can be seen on 2nd Ave North in Nashville, Tennessee. Local authorities have said that the blast appears to be the result of a bomb linked to a vehicle.
At least three people have been hospitalized after an "intentional" explosion on Christmas morning in Nashville, Tennessee, local police said.
The explosion took place around 6:30 a.m. as police officers were already on the scene following reports of a suspicious vehicle. "An explosion linked to a vehicle occurred at 6:30 this morning outside 166 2nd Ave N downtown. Investigation active by MNPD & federal partners," the Metro Nashville Police Department said via Twitter on Friday morning.
In a follow-up post, the police said that the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on the scene investigating.
An explosion linked to a vehicle occurred at 6:30 this morning outside 166 2nd Ave N downtown. Investigation active by MNPD & federal partners. — Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) December 25, 2020
"MNPD, FBI & ATF investigating the 6:30 a.m. explosion on 2nd Ave N linked to a vehicle. This appears to have been an intentional act. Law enforcement is closing downtown streets as investigation continues," the police said, sharing an image from the blast.
"FBI Memphis, in coordination with our state and local partners, is taking the lead in the investigation of the explosion in Nashville, TN," the FBI told Newsweek in an emailed statement.
Police said that at least three people were injured and hospitalized due to the blast, The Tennessean reported. Mayor John Cooper told reporters that the downtown area where the blast occurred was largely empty due to the Christmas holiday. News Channel 5 Nashville reported that the injuries were not believed to be serious and that they included one first responder suffering from hearing loss after the blast.
"It looks like a bomb went off," Cooper said. Although he emphasized the structural damage to the buildings in the area, Cooper suggested it was somewhat fortunate that the explosion took place on Christmas when most people were at home with their families and not in the downtown area.
The mayor's office referred Newsweek to Cooper's social media for further comment. On Twitter, Cooper wrote: "The cause of the explosion is under investigation with help from federal authorities. MNPD will share updates as they become available and is restricting downtown traffic. Be safe Nashville. Thank you to our emergency personnel for your quick response."
The cause of the explosion is under investigation with help from federal authorities. MNPD will share updates as they become available and is restricting downtown traffic. Be safe Nashville. Thank you to our emergency personnel for your quick response. — Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) December 25, 2020
The Nashville Police did not immediately respond to Newsweek's request for comment. On Twitter, the department said that it had dispatched canine unites to sweep the downtown area for possible additional explosives. "Traffic downtown is restricted," police said in the post.
The downtown area has been sealed off and police and the mayor have urged the public not to come to the area. Cooper told reporters that there is lots of broken glass and debris, but does not appear to be major structural damage. He thanked the police and fire department for doing an "excellent" job in responding to the situation.
"I'm sure it will take awhile to piece together all the events of this morning," Cooper said. He said it would be "awhile" to clear the debris and to inspect the surrounding buildings to check for any significant structural damage. Multiple water mains were broken and flowing water streams could be seen in footage from the blast.
Tennessee's Governor Bill Lee post to Twitter about the blast on Friday morning as well.
"Early this morning, an explosion occurred in downtown Nashville around Second Avenue and Commerce Street. Federal, state and local law enforcement partners are on the scene to investigate what we believe was an intentional act," Lee wrote.
"We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join @MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning," he added.
Judd Deere, deputy White House press secretary, told Newsweek in an emailed statement that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the blast.
"President Trump has been briefed on the explosion in Nashville, Tennessee, and will continue to receive regular updates. The President is grateful for the incredible first responders and praying for those who were injured," Deere said.
We will supply all of the resources needed to determine what happened and who was responsible. Please join @MariaLeeTN and me in praying for those who were injured and we thank all of our first responders who acted so quickly this morning. — Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 25, 2020
Updated December 25, 2020 at 12:13 p.m. ET: A statement from the White House has been added.
Updated December 25, 2020 at 11:58 a.m. ET: Further information has been added to this developing news story.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Man Shoots Mother at Dinner Table Then Dances With Teen Sister, Police Say

A 23-year-old man shot his mother dead at the dinner table , then danced with his 14-year-old sister , according to police in Utah .
Michael Lopez , 23 , is facing a charge of first-degree aggravated murder .
According to KUTV , a probable cause statement said Victoria Ramirez had been getting ready to eat dinner with her teenage daughters at their home in Springville on Wednesday when Lopez entered with a shotgun .
The statement said Lopez exchanged a nod with his 14-year-old sister then pointed the shotgun at his mother .
The woman reportedly replied : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me . ''
The other sister—a 17-year-old—told police she followed her younger sister to the bathroom , but turned around in time to see Lopez shoot their mother in the neck , Deseret News reported .
Lopez then started dancing with their younger sister , she said .
The 17-year-old said she escaped the home through the bathroom window and alerted her older sister in nearby Spanish Fork , who called police .
Responding officers found Lopez in a bathroom in the basement of the home .
He did n't appear to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police transported him to a hospital , where doctors reportedly told officers they believed Lopez was faking .
He also tested positive for THC , the ingredient in marijuana that produces a high .
He was arrested and transported to the Utah County Jail .
In an interview with police , Lopez reportedly said that someone had told him to shoot his mother and described it like 'deja vu . '
'' His 14-year-old sister sustained minor injures when police apprehended her , KUTV reported .
One of the arresting officers reported that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and told police she had been spending a lot of time with Lopez recently .
She told police she had gone with Lopez to purchase the shotgun as well as a handgun at a Sportsman 's Warehouse in Provo the day before .
`` I asked her about dancing with Mike after he killed their mother , '' the officer wrote in the report .
`` She looked at me and smiled and stated she remembered dancing and then she was trying to recite the song for me .
She denied any knowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victoria . ''
The officer noted that the girl did not express any emotion during the interview .
A GoFundMe page has since been set up to raise funds to cover the cost of burying Ramirez in Mexico .
The organizer has been contacted for comment .
The Springville Police Department have also been contacted for additional comment .

A 23-year-old man shot his mother dead at the dinner table, then danced with his 14-year-old sister, according to police in Utah. Michael Lopez, 23, is facing a charge of first-degree aggravated murder.
According to KUTV, a probable cause statement said Victoria Ramirez had been getting ready to eat dinner with her teenage daughters at their home in Springville on Wednesday when Lopez entered with a shotgun.
The statement said Lopez exchanged a nod with his 14-year-old sister then pointed the shotgun at his mother. The woman reportedly replied: "I know you're going to kill me."
The other sister—a 17-year-old—told police she followed her younger sister to the bathroom, but turned around in time to see Lopez shoot their mother in the neck, Deseret News reported.
Michael Lopez is facing a charge of first-degree aggravated murder after allegedly shooting his mother at their home in Springville, Utah. Utah County Jail
Lopez then started dancing with their younger sister, she said.
The 17-year-old said she escaped the home through the bathroom window and alerted her older sister in nearby Spanish Fork, who called police.
Responding officers found Lopez in a bathroom in the basement of the home. He didn't appear to be injured, but wasn't responding.
Police transported him to a hospital, where doctors reportedly told officers they believed Lopez was faking. He also tested positive for THC, the ingredient in marijuana that produces a high.
He was arrested and transported to the Utah County Jail. In an interview with police, Lopez reportedly said that someone had told him to shoot his mother and described it like 'deja vu.'"
His 14-year-old sister sustained minor injures when police apprehended her, KUTV reported.
One of the arresting officers reported that she was "acting very strange" and told police she had been spending a lot of time with Lopez recently.
She told police she had gone with Lopez to purchase the shotgun as well as a handgun at a Sportsman's Warehouse in Provo the day before.
"I asked her about dancing with Mike after he killed their mother," the officer wrote in the report.
"She looked at me and smiled and stated she remembered dancing and then she was trying to recite the song for me. She denied any knowledge of knowing Mike was going to shoot Victoria." The officer noted that the girl did not express any emotion during the interview.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up to raise funds to cover the cost of burying Ramirez in Mexico. The organizer has been contacted for comment.
The Springville Police Department have also been contacted for additional comment.


newsweek--2020-12-25--California Church With Over $1 Million in COVID Fines Received PPP Loan Worth $340,000

A California church with hundreds of attendees has received just over $ 340,000 in Paycheck Protection Program forgivable federal loans while also being fined more than $ 1 million for defying public health orders against holding indoor gatherings amid the surging COVID-19 pandemic .
Calvary Chapel San Jose went forward with an indoor Christmas Eve service despite Santa Clara County 's public health order against such gatherings , NBC Bay Area reported Thursday evening .
The northern California church had already racked up fines of more than $ 1 million for previous violations of state health orders .
Meanwhile , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PPP loan of $ 340,400—about three times as much as other religious organizations in the Bay Area , according to an analysis by KGO-TV .
`` It 's troubling to hear that an institution that is thumbing its nose at the courts and at the public health orders from the state and local levels is simultaneously turning around and taking taxpayer money from the federal government , '' Santa Clara County counsel James Williams told KGO .
`` That 's quite concerning and a bit ironic . ''
In a statement emailed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behavior as `` shameful . ''
`` It is shameful for this entity and its officials to be seeking taxpayer funds while violating court orders , holding illegal , maskless gatherings , and jeopardizing the lives and wellbeing of neighbors .
During this season of charity and hope , amid this grave surge in COVID cases and hospitalizations , we are grateful to the vast majority of others who have chosen the many safe ways to worship that protect lives in our community , '' he said .
In Christmas remarks on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McClure told his congregation that the government in the U.S. is acting like that of the Roman empire when Jesus Christ is believed to have been born .
`` That 's what Caesar ultimately wanted , he wanted to be worshiped , much like government today , '' McClure said , according to KNTV .
`` But only God can be worshiped , and only God is worthy of our praise . ''
Santa Clara County 's current stay-at-home order , which was last revised on December 4 , bans `` all gatherings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indoors or outdoors . ''
Outdoor religious worship services and other events of up to 100 people are permitted .
But McClure and his church have defied these requirements , with his lawyers questioning the constitutionality of the county 's and state 's public health orders .
Despite the concerns of local health officials , McClure 's attorneys may be correct .
The Supreme Court ruled at the end of November that New York 's restrictions on religious gatherings violated the constitution .
In that lawsuit , brought by the leaders of New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinion said that the state 's restrictions could not `` single out houses of worship for especially harsh treatment . ''
It 's not entirely clear whether the Supreme Court would view the California restrictions the same .
But the top judicial body directed a lower court this month to reconsider a previous ruling upholding California 's ban on indoor religious services in light of its New York decision .
Following that directive , Los Angeles County in California reversed its ban on indoor religious services .
However , it said that these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical distancing and face coverings over both the nose and mouth that must be worn at all times while on site . ''
Meanwhile , California has recorded the highest number of infections of any state , with more than 2 million since the pandemic began , according to The New York Times ' tracker .
The western state , which is also the country 's most populous , has reported the third-highest death toll of any state , with nearly 24,000 deaths since the pandemic began .
Over the past week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections and over 250 deaths per day .
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak , Santa Clara County has reported 61,090 infections and 3,169 deaths .
During the last seven days , the county has seen a daily average of more than 1,200 infections .
Newsweek reached out to Calvary Chapel for comment but they did not immediately respond .
Updated December 25 , 2020 at 2:36 p.m .
ET : A statement from Santa Clara County counsel James Williams has been added .

A California church with hundreds of attendees has received just over $340,000 in Paycheck Protection Program forgivable federal loans while also being fined more than $1 million for defying public health orders against holding indoor gatherings amid the surging COVID-19 pandemic.
Calvary Chapel San Jose went forward with an indoor Christmas Eve service despite Santa Clara County's public health order against such gatherings, NBC Bay Area reported Thursday evening. The northern California church had already racked up fines of more than $1 million for previous violations of state health orders. Meanwhile, Calvary Chapel has benefitted from an April PPP loan of $340,400—about three times as much as other religious organizations in the Bay Area, according to an analysis by KGO-TV.
"It's troubling to hear that an institution that is thumbing its nose at the courts and at the public health orders from the state and local levels is simultaneously turning around and taking taxpayer money from the federal government," Santa Clara County counsel James Williams told KGO. "That's quite concerning and a bit ironic."
In a statement emailed to Newsweek, Williams described the church's behavior as "shameful."
"It is shameful for this entity and its officials to be seeking taxpayer funds while violating court orders, holding illegal, maskless gatherings, and jeopardizing the lives and wellbeing of neighbors. During this season of charity and hope, amid this grave surge in COVID cases and hospitalizations, we are grateful to the vast majority of others who have chosen the many safe ways to worship that protect lives in our community," he said.
A discarded medical face mask is pictured by a curb in Venice Beach, California amid the COVID-19 pandemic on August 22 APU GOMES/AFP/Getty
In Christmas remarks on Thursday evening, Calvary Chapel's Pastor Mike McClure told his congregation that the government in the U.S. is acting like that of the Roman empire when Jesus Christ is believed to have been born.
"That's what Caesar ultimately wanted, he wanted to be worshiped, much like government today," McClure said, according to KNTV. "But only God can be worshiped, and only God is worthy of our praise."
Santa Clara County's current stay-at-home order, which was last revised on December 4, bans "all gatherings with members of other households, whether indoors or outdoors." Outdoor religious worship services and other events of up to 100 people are permitted. But McClure and his church have defied these requirements, with his lawyers questioning the constitutionality of the county's and state's public health orders.
Despite the concerns of local health officials, McClure's attorneys may be correct. The Supreme Court ruled at the end of November that New York's restrictions on religious gatherings violated the constitution. In that lawsuit, brought by the leaders of New York churches and synagogues, the majority opinion said that the state's restrictions could not "single out houses of worship for especially harsh treatment."
It's not entirely clear whether the Supreme Court would view the California restrictions the same. But the top judicial body directed a lower court this month to reconsider a previous ruling upholding California's ban on indoor religious services in light of its New York decision. Following that directive, Los Angeles County in California reversed its ban on indoor religious services. However, it said that these events could only proceed "with mandatory physical distancing and face coverings over both the nose and mouth that must be worn at all times while on site."
Meanwhile, California has recorded the highest number of infections of any state, with more than 2 million since the pandemic began, according to The New York Times' tracker. The western state, which is also the country's most populous, has reported the third-highest death toll of any state, with nearly 24,000 deaths since the pandemic began.
Over the past week, California has averaged more than 40,000 new infections and over 250 deaths per day. Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, Santa Clara County has reported 61,090 infections and 3,169 deaths. During the last seven days, the county has seen a daily average of more than 1,200 infections.
Newsweek reached out to Calvary Chapel for comment but they did not immediately respond.
Updated December 25, 2020 at 2:36 p.m. ET: A statement from Santa Clara County counsel James Williams has been added.


newsweek--2020-12-25--David Perdue, Kelly Loeffler Outraised by Ossoff, Warnock in Georgia Runoffs, Reports Show

In Georgia 's Senate runoff race , both Republican incumbents , David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler have been outraised by their Democratic challengers , Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock , according to reports .
In one of the state 's runoff elections , Ossoff raised $ 106.8 million , according to Bloomberg , which cited his campaign 's latest filing with the Federal Elections Commission , during the period from October 15 to December 16 .
According to multiple reports , Ossoff ended the period with 17.5 million in the bank and spent $ 93.5 million .
In comparison , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 68.1 million and ended the filing period with $ 16 million cash on hand , according to Bloomberg .
Newsweek reached out to Ossoff and Perdue 's campaigns but did not receive a response in time for publication .
In the state 's special election , Warnock raised $ 103.4 million during the same period , according to Bloomberg , while his opponent , Loeffler , raised $ 64 million .
Warnock spent $ 86.1 million at the end of the period and had $ 22.8 million in cash as of Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bank as her campaign enters its final weeks .
In an email sent to Newsweek , Warnock 's campaign manager , Jerid Kurtz wrote , `` We 're humbled by the grassroots support and generosity that continues to power Reverend Warnock 's campaign to represent all Georgians in the U.S .
Senate . ''
`` Millions of people have donated their time , energy and contributions to help us communicate with Georgians all over this state to help deliver Reverend Warnock 's strong , moral leadership and bring change to Washington on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Newsweek reached out to Loeffler 's campaign but did not receive a response in time for publication .
Overall , both Democrats combined outraised their opponents by $ 78.1 million , according to Bloomberg .
Each of the candidate 's filings include money raised in the general election and the runoffs .
While the Democratic candidates outraised their opponents , all four candidates surpassed the $ 57.9 million raised by South Carolina Democrat Senate candidate Jaime Harrison in his race against GOP incumbent Lindsey Graham , which set the record for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any Senate candidate ever .
The fundraising reports from each of the candidates come less than a month before they face off in the Senate runoff election , scheduled for January 5 .
The race will decide if Republicans are able to maintain majority control of the Senate .
On the other hand , if both Democrats win , the Senate will be divided with each party holding 50 seats and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will cast tie-breaking votes .
Many recently conducted polls have shown each of the races being tightly contested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found Perdue leading Ossoff by one point ( 49 to 48 percent ) , while Warnock led Loeffler by two points ( 49 to 47 percent ) .
Another poll from Emerson College found both Republican incumbents leading by three points , as they each received 51 percent of support compared to 48 percent received by both Warnock and Ossoff .
Updated December 25 , 2020 , 11:40 a.m .
ET , to include a statement from Warnock 's campaign .

In Georgia's Senate runoff race, both Republican incumbents, David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler have been outraised by their Democratic challengers, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, according to reports.
In one of the state's runoff elections, Ossoff raised $106.8 million, according to Bloomberg, which cited his campaign's latest filing with the Federal Elections Commission, during the period from October 15 to December 16. According to multiple reports, Ossoff ended the period with 17.5 million in the bank and spent $93.5 million.
In comparison, Ossoff's opponent, Perdue, raised $68.1 million and ended the filing period with $16 million cash on hand, according to Bloomberg.
Newsweek reached out to Ossoff and Perdue's campaigns but did not receive a response in time for publication.
In the state's special election, Warnock raised $103.4 million during the same period, according to Bloomberg, while his opponent, Loeffler, raised $64 million. Warnock spent $86.1 million at the end of the period and had $22.8 million in cash as of Thursday.
Loeffler had $21.3 million in the bank as her campaign enters its final weeks.
In an email sent to Newsweek, Warnock's campaign manager, Jerid Kurtz wrote, "We're humbled by the grassroots support and generosity that continues to power Reverend Warnock's campaign to represent all Georgians in the U.S. Senate."
"Millions of people have donated their time, energy and contributions to help us communicate with Georgians all over this state to help deliver Reverend Warnock's strong, moral leadership and bring change to Washington on January 5th," the email said.
Newsweek reached out to Loeffler's campaign but did not receive a response in time for publication.
Overall, both Democrats combined outraised their opponents by $78.1 million, according to Bloomberg. Each of the candidate's filings include money raised in the general election and the runoffs.
While the Democratic candidates outraised their opponents, all four candidates surpassed the $57.9 million raised by South Carolina Democrat Senate candidate Jaime Harrison in his race against GOP incumbent Lindsey Graham, which set the record for the most money raised in a quarter for any Senate candidate ever.
Supporters hoist signs during a Senate runoff election drive-in campaign rally with Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris and candidates Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock at Bibb Mill in Columbus, Georgia Tami Chappell/Getty
The fundraising reports from each of the candidates come less than a month before they face off in the Senate runoff election, scheduled for January 5. The race will decide if Republicans are able to maintain majority control of the Senate.
On the other hand, if both Democrats win, the Senate will be divided with each party holding 50 seats and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will cast tie-breaking votes.
Many recently conducted polls have shown each of the races being tightly contested.
One poll conducted by InsiderAdvatnage/WAGA-TV, found Perdue leading Ossoff by one point (49 to 48 percent), while Warnock led Loeffler by two points (49 to 47 percent).
Another poll from Emerson College found both Republican incumbents leading by three points, as they each received 51 percent of support compared to 48 percent received by both Warnock and Ossoff.
Updated December 25, 2020, 11:40 a.m. ET, to include a statement from Warnock's campaign.


newsweek--2020-12-25--Does the NFL Play on Christmas Day? Saints vs Vikings Kickoff Time, How to Watch on TV and Online

The NFL will treat fans to a very special Christmas present this year , with a game scheduled on December 25 for the first time in three years as the New Orleans Saints host the Minnesota Vikings .
Minnesota has won three of the last four games against New Orleans , defeating the Saints 26-20 in overtime in the NFC Wild Card Game last season and winning 29-24 in the NFC Divisional Round in 2018 , a game that has gone down in NFL lore as the `` Minneapolis Miracle . ''
While the Saints have never played on Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their fourth appearance on the holiday , the second-most of any NFL team along with the Tennessee Titans—only the Dallas Cowboys have played more games on Christmas Day .
With the holiday falling on Friday , the NFL has opted to push its traditional Thursday Night Football matchup back by a day to give fans a festive treat .
Here 's all you need to know .
Is There an NFL game on Christmas Day ?
For the first time since 2017 , the NFL has scheduled a game for Christmas Day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 years two NFL teams played on Friday .
Friday games are a relative rarity in the NFL and the matchup between the Saints and the Vikings will only be the 11th ever played since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 .
It also means that for the first time in NFL history , the league will have held games on all seven days of the week .
Together with the usual Thursday , Sunday and Monday games , the NFL has held games on Tuesday and Wednesday due to postponements forced by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this coming Saturday .
Is Saints vs Vikings on TV ?
Yes .
The game will be broadcast by FOX and NFL Network , who have simultaneously broadcast Thursday Night Football since Week 5 , with FOX Sports ' lead play-by-play announcer Joe Buck and FOX Sports ' lead analyst Troy Aikman on the call .
Despite being the only matchup on the slate on Christmas Day , the game has not been treated to a primetime slot and will kickoff at the rather unusual time of 4:30 p.m .
ET .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Again , yes .
Given the game is being treated as a traditional Thursday Night Football production , a live stream will be available on NFL Network website and NFL Network app on connected devices , FOX Sports Go and the Yahoo Sports mobile app .
As with every other Thursday Night Football game this season , a live stream will also be available via Amazon Prime Video and on Twitch .
Amazon Prime Video 's coverage will feature Hannah Storm and Andrea Kremer , and Prime members can also tune-in to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features Bucky Brooks , Daniel Jeremiah and Joy Taylor .
Has the NFL Played on Christmas Day Before ?
Friday will mark the 22nd time the NFL has played a game—including both regular season and playoffs—on Christmas Day .
While the holiday is n't as regular a feature on the league schedule as Thanksgiving Day , games on Christmas Day have become increasingly regularly over the last three decades , with 19 of the 21 games ever played on December 25 staged from 1989 onward .
The two exceptions both came in 1971 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Playoff Round games , with the Dallas Cowboys defeating the Minnesota Vikings 20-12 and the Miami Dolphins requiring two overtime periods to prevail 27-24 in Kansas City over the Chiefs .
The Vikings featured again on Christmas Day 18 years later , winning 29-21 at home against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first-ever regular-season game scheduled on Christmas Day since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 .
Minnesota 's third and last appearance on the holiday was a 30-23 defeat in Baltimore against the Ravens in 2005 , while the Saints have never played @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheduled games on December 25 in 2017 , when the Houston Texans lost 34-6 at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Oakland Raiders 19-10 .

The NFL will treat fans to a very special Christmas present this year, with a game scheduled on December 25 for the first time in three years as the New Orleans Saints host the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota has won three of the last four games against New Orleans, defeating the Saints 26-20 in overtime in the NFC Wild Card Game last season and winning 29-24 in the NFC Divisional Round in 2018, a game that has gone down in NFL lore as the "Minneapolis Miracle."
While the Saints have never played on Christmas Day before, the Vikings will make their fourth appearance on the holiday, the second-most of any NFL team along with the Tennessee Titans—only the Dallas Cowboys have played more games on Christmas Day.
With the holiday falling on Friday, the NFL has opted to push its traditional Thursday Night Football matchup back by a day to give fans a festive treat.
Here's all you need to know.
Is There an NFL game on Christmas Day?
For the first time since 2017, the NFL has scheduled a game for Christmas Day, which also marks the first time in 11 years two NFL teams played on Friday.
Friday games are a relative rarity in the NFL and the matchup between the Saints and the Vikings will only be the 11th ever played since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
It also means that for the first time in NFL history, the league will have held games on all seven days of the week. Together with the usual Thursday, Sunday and Monday games, the NFL has held games on Tuesday and Wednesday due to postponements forced by the coronavirus pandemic. Three games are scheduled for this coming Saturday.
Is Saints vs Vikings on TV?
Yes. The game will be broadcast by FOX and NFL Network, who have simultaneously broadcast Thursday Night Football since Week 5, with FOX Sports' lead play-by-play announcer Joe Buck and FOX Sports' lead analyst Troy Aikman on the call.
Despite being the only matchup on the slate on Christmas Day, the game has not been treated to a primetime slot and will kickoff at the rather unusual time of 4:30 p.m. ET.
Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings talks with Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints after a preseason game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 9, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Vikings and the Saints meet in New Orleans on Christmas Day. Sean Gardner/Getty
Is Saints vs Vikings Available Elsewhere?
Again, yes. Given the game is being treated as a traditional Thursday Night Football production, a live stream will be available on NFL Network website and NFL Network app on connected devices, FOX Sports Go and the Yahoo Sports mobile app.
As with every other Thursday Night Football game this season, a live stream will also be available via Amazon Prime Video and on Twitch.
Amazon Prime Video's coverage will feature Hannah Storm and Andrea Kremer, and Prime members can also tune-in to the "Scout's Feed," which features Bucky Brooks, Daniel Jeremiah and Joy Taylor.
Has the NFL Played on Christmas Day Before?
Friday will mark the 22nd time the NFL has played a game—including both regular season and playoffs—on Christmas Day. While the holiday isn't as regular a feature on the league schedule as Thanksgiving Day, games on Christmas Day have become increasingly regularly over the last three decades, with 19 of the 21 games ever played on December 25 staged from 1989 onward.
The two exceptions both came in 1971, when the NFL staged both Divisional Playoff Round games, with the Dallas Cowboys defeating the Minnesota Vikings 20-12 and the Miami Dolphins requiring two overtime periods to prevail 27-24 in Kansas City over the Chiefs. The Vikings featured again on Christmas Day 18 years later, winning 29-21 at home against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first-ever regular-season game scheduled on Christmas Day since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970.
Minnesota's third and last appearance on the holiday was a 30-23 defeat in Baltimore against the Ravens in 2005, while the Saints have never played on Christmas Day. The NFL last scheduled games on December 25 in 2017, when the Houston Texans lost 34-6 at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Oakland Raiders 19-10.