newsweek--2020-12-06--Miami Offering $250 Gift Cards to Those Impacted by COVID-19

Hundreds of people formed long lines as officials handed out free grocery voucher in Miami over the weekend , amid financial hardship caused by the COVID pandemic .
The Florida city has been handing out $ 250 gift card for the Publix supermarket to residents who are most in need .
Some residents told reporters that they had slept overnight to help ensure they were able to collect theirs .
The numbers of gift cards are limited , depending on each district 's need .
One man , Pierre Casseos from the District 5 area , told CBS Miami that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crate on Friday night to avoid missing out .
Long lines have been seen at distribution centres throughout the week .
On wednesday one worker , Mabel Miller , said she used her only day off to join the line .
`` I do n't get food stamps .
I live off of my paycheck , '' she told CBS Miami .
`` So when groceries , bills come first , then I buy groceries .
Maybe $ 60 to $ 70 .
That 's not enough groceries for me and my mom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami during the crisis , with latest figures showing 8.8 % of workers are looking for a job in Miami-Dade County , where the city of Miami is located .
Some experts have suggested the real figure could be higher as some may have given up on looking for work .
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis lifted most restrictions for businesses in September .
It means that all businesses , including bars , can operate at full capacity if they can offer enough space for people to maintain social distancing .
Discussing the long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francis Suarez said the city had begun offering vouchers to help `` the most needy people in our community , '' and stressed that federal help had been limited for the city due to its population being under an `` arbitrary limit '' of 500,000 .
`` The truth of the matter is the hospitality industry and the entertainment industry , which is a huge part of how me succeed , has been decimated , '' he said .
`` Obviously people are n't traveling as much as they used to , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways that they used to .
`` A big part of our economy was based on that socialization and congregation economy .
We 've definitely taken a hit but our city is extremely resilient . ''
He added that city officials were `` urging '' congress to pass a new Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act to help .
Tens of millions of Americans received $ 1,200 stimulus checks last April as part of that $ 2.2 trillion package .
However talks on a new stimulus have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are attempting to reach agreement on a relief package that could be worth up to $ 1.4 trillion .
However , there are still significant differences between Republicans and Democrats about how the money should be spent .
Last week , Florida reported 64,341 new cases of coronavirus , taking the total since the pandemic began to 1,049,638 , according to data compiled by John Hopkins University .
A further 642 people died with COVID that week , according to JHU , bringing @ @ @ @ @ @

Hundreds of people formed long lines as officials handed out free grocery voucher in Miami over the weekend, amid financial hardship caused by the COVID pandemic.
The Florida city has been handing out $250 gift card for the Publix supermarket to residents who are most in need.
Some residents told reporters that they had slept overnight to help ensure they were able to collect theirs. The numbers of gift cards are limited, depending on each district's need.
One man, Pierre Casseos from the District 5 area, told CBS Miami that he had slept on an overturned milk crate on Friday night to avoid missing out.
In Miami, hundreds stood in line on Friday - many for hours, some overnight - in hopes of obtaining a $250 Publix gift card distributed by the city. "The...
Long lines have been seen at distribution centres throughout the week.
On Wednesday one worker, Mabel Miller, said she used her only day off to join the line. "I don't get food stamps. I live off of my paycheck," she told CBS Miami.
"So when groceries, bills come first, then I buy groceries. Maybe $60 to $70. That's not enough groceries for me and my mom."
Unemployment rates have soared in Miami during the crisis, with latest figures showing 8.8% of workers are looking for a job in Miami-Dade County, where the city of Miami is located. Some experts have suggested the real figure could be higher as some may have given up on looking for work.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis lifted most restrictions for businesses in September. It means that all businesses, including bars, can operate at full capacity if they can offer enough space for people to maintain social distancing.
Discussing the long lines with Fox News, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said the city had begun offering vouchers to help "the most needy people in our community," and stressed that federal help had been limited for the city due to its population being under an "arbitrary limit" of 500,000.
"The truth of the matter is the hospitality industry and the entertainment industry, which is a huge part of how me succeed, has been decimated," he said.
"Obviously people aren't traveling as much as they used to, they're not able to congregate in the ways that they used to.
"A big part of our economy was based on that socialization and congregation economy. We've definitely taken a hit but our city is extremely resilient."
He added that city officials were "urging" congress to pass a new Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help.
Tens of millions of Americans received $1,200 stimulus checks last April as part of that $2.2 trillion package. However talks on a new stimulus have been deadlocked for months.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are attempting to reach agreement on a relief package that could be worth up to $1.4 trillion. However, there are still significant differences between Republicans and Democrats about how the money should be spent.
Last week, Florida reported 64,341 new cases of coronavirus, taking the total since the pandemic began to 1,049,638, according to data compiled by John Hopkins University.
A further 642 people died with COVID that week, according to JHU, bringing the overall number to 19,084.


newsweek--2020-12-06--Man Having 'Mental Episode' Dies After Being Detained By Houston Police

Police say an investigation is underway after a man having a `` mental episode '' died shortly after being detained by officers in Houston , Texas .
Investigators were headed to an address in the Shady Acres neighborhood after the man 's death in the early hours of Sunday morning , the Houston Police Department ( HPD ) tweeted .
The department said preliminary information about the incident suggested the man `` lost consciousness '' and was transported to hospital after being detained by officers .
`` HPD investigators are headed to 1200 W 15 1/2 where a male is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the tweet said .
`` Prelim info is officers responded to a scene of a man causing a disturbance & upon detaining him , he lost consciousness and was transported to a hospital . ''
Lt. M Pavel , with the HPD Night Command , later told reporters that the deceased was a Hispanic male in his 50s , but did n't confirm his identity .
Pavel told reporters that Houston police officers had been called to W 15 1/2 Street to a criminal mischief in progress shortly after midnight .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Hispanic man in his 50s , '' Pavel said .
`` He was having a mental episode .
They tried talking to him , he was not responding to their commands . ''
Pavel said the man had fallen and injured himself shortly before officers detained him .
`` He actually tripped and fell into a drainage by himself , he got up from the drainage , '' he said .
`` Officers were able to take him into custody then ... because of the cuts and bruises he received while falling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Pavel said while waiting for paramedics to arrive , officers had sat the man down on the sidewalk .
`` While being on the sidewalk , he became limp , '' Pavel said .
`` EMS showed up and immediately started doing CPR , then they transported him to the hospital , where he was pronounced dead . ''
No other details were immediately released , but Pavel said homicide detectives will conduct a full investigation into the incident , including looking at the body camera footage of the officers who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure what prompted the incident , but said it was possible the man may have sustained injuries before his encounter with police .
He also told reporters that alcohol or narcotics may have been a factor in the incident and that the medical examiner 's office would conduct an autopsy , including a toxicology report .
Newsweek has contacted the Houston Police Department for additional comment .

Police say an investigation is underway after a man having a "mental episode" died shortly after being detained by officers in Houston, Texas.
Investigators were headed to an address in the Shady Acres neighborhood after the man's death in the early hours of Sunday morning, the Houston Police Department (HPD) tweeted.
The department said preliminary information about the incident suggested the man "lost consciousness" and was transported to hospital after being detained by officers.
HPD provides an update on male who is deceased after being detained. https://t.co/NzNdKp1Vza — Houston Police (@houstonpolice) December 6, 2020
"HPD investigators are headed to 1200 W 15 1/2 where a male is deceased after being detained by officers," the tweet said. "Prelim info is officers responded to a scene of a man causing a disturbance & upon detaining him, he lost consciousness and was transported to a hospital."
Lt. M Pavel, with the HPD Night Command, later told reporters that the deceased was a Hispanic male in his 50s, but didn't confirm his identity.
Pavel told reporters that Houston police officers had been called to W 15 1/2 Street to a criminal mischief in progress shortly after midnight.
"Officers arrived at the scene and saw a Hispanic man in his 50s," Pavel said.
"He was having a mental episode. They tried talking to him, he was not responding to their commands."
HPD investigators are headed to 1200 W 15 1/2 where a male is deceased after being detained by officers. Prelim info is officers responded to a scene of a man causing a disturbance & upon detaining him, he lost consciousness and was transported to a hospital. #hounews — Houston Police (@houstonpolice) December 6, 2020
Pavel said the man had fallen and injured himself shortly before officers detained him. "He actually tripped and fell into a drainage by himself, he got up from the drainage," he said.
"Officers were able to take him into custody then... because of the cuts and bruises he received while falling into the drainage, they called EMS."
Pavel said while waiting for paramedics to arrive, officers had sat the man down on the sidewalk.
"While being on the sidewalk, he became limp," Pavel said. "EMS showed up and immediately started doing CPR, then they transported him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead."
No other details were immediately released, but Pavel said homicide detectives will conduct a full investigation into the incident, including looking at the body camera footage of the officers who responded.
He said he was not sure what prompted the incident, but said it was possible the man may have sustained injuries before his encounter with police.
He also told reporters that alcohol or narcotics may have been a factor in the incident and that the medical examiner's office would conduct an autopsy, including a toxicology report.
Newsweek has contacted the Houston Police Department for additional comment.


newsweek--2020-12-06--Why Biden's Cabinet Picks Shouldn't Keep Their Client Lists Secret | Opinion

It was the usual up-and-down week .
For instance , I was pretty excited about Pfizer and Moderna getting geared up for the first stage of COVID-19 vaccine distribution .
And who was n't ?
But my excitement did n't last last long .
Pfizer announced a few distribution glitches .
And many state officials , because there is little national leadership—and money—say they are scrambling to figure out how to pull this off .
Debates are also heating up about who should be in the early queue for the vaccine .
Nurses and doctors in England , for instance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the miracle drug right away .
It 's going to get crazy before we can celebrate , in other words .
In any case , here 's what 's in the On the Street lineup this week : the government revolving door is alive and well—and it looks like good old Senate czar Mitch McConnell may finally be open to helping out unemployed and hungry Americans .
Plus : a holiday song from me to you .
We 'll start with the Beltway first .
The Money-Go-Round : It 's revolving door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden administration—sorry , Jenna Ellis—will be scrutinized for various conflicts of interest as they emerge from the public sector .
For example : The New York Times recently put the spotlight on WestExec Advisors , a consulting firm co-founded by Antony Blinken—President-elect Biden wants him as secretary of state—and Michèle Flournoy , who is apparently a candidate for secretary of defense .
As Beltway-types know , investing and consulting firms have been lucrative , rest-stops for ex-government officials waiting to get back to the big show .
To be very sure , no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an Arby 's once they leave government .
But if you do head to the private sector and , for example , consult , it 's not kosher to hide keep your clients and conflicts secret after cashing in .
In any case , you have to be a complete Democrat Party homer , which I kinda am , to ignore such things now that Biden and Kamala Harris are in charge .
Is there a better way ?
I asked Danielle Brian , executive director of the Project On Government Oversight for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid conflicts and make a living in the private sector : find a job that has nothing to do with your previous role in government .
The academic world , is one way out of the conflict mess .
Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates , for instance , became chancellor of William & Mary , Brian points out .
She adds that Biden 's choice to fill the treasury secretary post , Janet Yellen , is a perfect appointment .
Yellen headed to a think tank after her job at the Federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Goldman Sachs .
My take : federal job seekers should disclose all private sector clients and conflicts .
Period .
No hiding behind non-disclosure agreements ( NDAs ) .
Take Flournoy , who may be passed over if she continues to hold those NDAs tightly .
`` The Senate ( would need ) to know how many recusals she 'll require , '' says Brian .
( The same may go for Jeh Johnson , another defense candidate , who sits on the board of Lockheed Martin , the nation 's biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : the laws have to be tightened up .
Secrecy about clients , says Brian , should `` an insurmountable hurdle '' to a job in any administration .
`` People are n't entitled to have these prestigious jobs . ''
She adds : `` The U.K. and EU ... require a public official to obtain permission '' to take a job `` within two years of leaving government , and there is an outright ban on lobbying .
I do n't hear anyone saying they have trouble attracting quality people to public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too . ''
December Surprise ?
As I write this , it looks like there 's going to be some sort of COVID bailout bill before Congress heads home for the holidays .
Biden is behind a $ 900 billion-plus compromise plan as a first step before he becomes president next month .
The proposal , which seems to have backing from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Mr. McConnell , would , among other things , extend unemployment benefits and provide the jobless with another $ 300 a week on top of state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and local governments .
Biden on Friday urged Congress to act quickly .
The recent jobs report was pathetic and first-time unemployment claims continue to weigh in at more than 700,000 a week .
COVID-19 is running wild .
If you do n't think a bailout is important—or a figment of the Deep State 's imagination—have a look at what is going on in the Washington , D.C. area .
The subway system , called the Metro , is looking straight in the face of a half-a-billion-dollar deficit with no way out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 of next year , Metro officials are planning on cutting $ 494.5 million in operating expenses , including the shutdown of 19 subway stations , half its bus routes , and ending weekend service .
The agency that runs the Metro , according to The Washington Post , already intends to cut 1,400 jobs in the current fiscal year .
This is happening everywhere .
It 's too bad there was no compromise on the bailout bill the House Democrats passed way back in May .
Perhaps we would n't be in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mitch .
Loose Change : Having it both ways are n't we ?
So , per The New York Times , the likes of Nike , Coca-Cola and Apple are trying to weaken a bill that would ban stuff made by forced , Muslim labor in China .
They are not , they all say , keen on `` human rights transgressions , '' but do n't want supply chains messed with .
God forbid Apple would have to pay more for selfie camera parts ... Big Deal : Salesforce.com last week announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 28 billion in cash and stock , a big bet on the remote-work frenzy .
Brett Taylor , Salesforce 's COO said to Barron 's : `` The world after COVID will be a lot different than it was in 2019 . ''
In other words : the way we work will still be totally different after the vaccine kicks in .
The reasoning behind the deal is , of course , more complicated than that .
( If you are interested , read more here . )
But it 's a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human nature .
I for one , have had enough of the kitchen table ...
Pig watch : Thank goodness for The Dallas Morning News , or I would never have known about this story .
Three years ago , Texas lawmakers approved a scheme that would allow hunters to kill feral hogs from hot air balloons .
( Apparently the pigs damaged crops and the like . )
The plan did n't work , but it appears that shooting the wild animals from helicopters is popular ... On the Street Jukebox : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rock and roll holiday songs until I get tired of hanging out on YouTube .
One of my very favorites is `` Father Christmas '' by The Kinks in 1977 .
A Ray Davies holiday song with a message .
Listen closely ... And with that , have a great and safe week ... hg

It was the usual up-and-down week. For instance, I was pretty excited about Pfizer and Moderna getting geared up for the first stage of COVID-19 vaccine distribution. And who wasn't? But my excitement didn't last last long. Pfizer announced a few distribution glitches. And many state officials, because there is little national leadership—and money—say they are scrambling to figure out how to pull this off. Debates are also heating up about who should be in the early queue for the vaccine. Nurses and doctors in England, for instance, are being told they might not get the miracle drug right away. It's going to get crazy before we can celebrate, in other words. In any case, here's what's in the On the Street lineup this week: the government revolving door is alive and well—and it looks like good old Senate czar Mitch McConnell may finally be open to helping out unemployed and hungry Americans. Plus: a holiday song from me to you. We'll start with the Beltway first.
A great place for government bigwigs to work between gigs? Getty
The Money-Go-Round: It's revolving door season! Potential appointees to the new Biden administration—sorry, Jenna Ellis—will be scrutinized for various conflicts of interest as they emerge from the public sector. For example: The New York Times recently put the spotlight on WestExec Advisors, a consulting firm co-founded by Antony Blinken—President-elect Biden wants him as secretary of state—and Michèle Flournoy, who is apparently a candidate for secretary of defense. As Beltway-types know, investing and consulting firms have been lucrative, rest-stops for ex-government officials waiting to get back to the big show. To be very sure, no one is expecting these folks to manage an Arby's once they leave government. But if you do head to the private sector and, for example, consult, it's not kosher to hide keep your clients and conflicts secret after cashing in. In any case, you have to be a complete Democrat Party homer, which I kinda am, to ignore such things now that Biden and Kamala Harris are in charge. Is there a better way? I asked Danielle Brian, executive director of the Project On Government Oversight for a few answers. One way to avoid conflicts and make a living in the private sector: find a job that has nothing to do with your previous role in government. The academic world, is one way out of the conflict mess. Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, for instance, became chancellor of William & Mary, Brian points out. She adds that Biden's choice to fill the treasury secretary post, Janet Yellen, is a perfect appointment. Yellen headed to a think tank after her job at the Federal Reserve Board as opposed to, say, Goldman Sachs. My take: federal job seekers should disclose all private sector clients and conflicts. Period. No hiding behind non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Take Flournoy, who may be passed over if she continues to hold those NDAs tightly. "The Senate (would need) to know how many recusals she'll require," says Brian. (The same may go for Jeh Johnson, another defense candidate, who sits on the board of Lockheed Martin, the nation's biggest defense contractor.) The bottom line: the laws have to be tightened up. Secrecy about clients, says Brian, should "an insurmountable hurdle" to a job in any administration. "People aren't entitled to have these prestigious jobs." She adds: "The U.K. and EU...require a public official to obtain permission" to take a job "within two years of leaving government, and there is an outright ban on lobbying. I don't hear anyone saying they have trouble attracting quality people to public service. It can be done here too."
The Washington Metro: Big cuts are coming if Congress doesn't save the day. Alex Wong/Getty
December Surprise? As I write this, it looks like there's going to be some sort of COVID bailout bill before Congress heads home for the holidays. Biden is behind a $900 billion-plus compromise plan as a first step before he becomes president next month. The proposal, which seems to have backing from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Mr. McConnell, would, among other things, extend unemployment benefits and provide the jobless with another $300 a week on top of state payments. There's also money for state and local governments. Biden on Friday urged Congress to act quickly. The recent jobs report was pathetic and first-time unemployment claims continue to weigh in at more than 700,000 a week. COVID-19 is running wild. If you don't think a bailout is important—or a figment of the Deep State's imagination—have a look at what is going on in the Washington, D.C. area. The subway system, called the Metro, is looking straight in the face of a half-a-billion-dollar deficit with no way out. For the fiscal year starting July 1 of next year, Metro officials are planning on cutting $494.5 million in operating expenses, including the shutdown of 19 subway stations, half its bus routes, and ending weekend service. The agency that runs the Metro, according to The Washington Post, already intends to cut 1,400 jobs in the current fiscal year. This is happening everywhere. It's too bad there was no compromise on the bailout bill the House Democrats passed way back in May. Perhaps we wouldn't be in such a mess now. Thanks, Mitch.
Happy Holidays from The Kinks, circa 1966 Reprise Records/Warner Bros./Courtesy of Getty Images
Loose Change: Having it both ways aren't we? So, per The New York Times, the likes of Nike, Coca-Cola and Apple are trying to weaken a bill that would ban stuff made by forced, Muslim labor in China. They are not, they all say, keen on "human rights transgressions," but don't want supply chains messed with. God forbid Apple would have to pay more for selfie camera parts...Big Deal: Salesforce.com last week announced plans to buy Slack Technologies for $28 billion in cash and stock, a big bet on the remote-work frenzy. Brett Taylor, Salesforce's COO said to Barron's: "The world after COVID will be a lot different than it was in 2019." In other words: the way we work will still be totally different after the vaccine kicks in. The reasoning behind the deal is, of course, more complicated than that. (If you are interested, read more here.) But it's a lot of money to spend trying to predict human nature. I for one, have had enough of the kitchen table...Pig watch: Thank goodness for The Dallas Morning News, or I would never have known about this story. Three years ago, Texas lawmakers approved a scheme that would allow hunters to kill feral hogs from hot air balloons. (Apparently the pigs damaged crops and the like.) The plan didn't work, but it appears that shooting the wild animals from helicopters is popular...On the Street Jukebox: Time to feature a few, obscure, rock and roll holiday songs until I get tired of hanging out on YouTube. One of my very favorites is "Father Christmas" by The Kinks in 1977. A Ray Davies holiday song with a message. Listen closely...And with that, have a great and safe week...hg


newsweek--2020-12-06--Trump Says He's the Only Person Who Likes Cucumbers

President Donald Trump told a crowd of supporters in south Georgia , `` I like cucumbers !
I 'm the only one . ''
During his first political rally since losing the presidential election , an attempt to boost Republican senatorial candidates ahead of crucial runoff elections in the state next month , Trump reaffirmed his support for Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue , whose January 5 contests with Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock will ultimately determine whether or not Republicans retain control over the U.S. Senate .
If both Democrats win , both parties would hold the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris holding a deciding vote .
Addressing a crowd of mostly maskless and non-socially distanced supporters in Valdosta on Saturday , Trump said : `` At the urging of Kelly and David , my administration took historic action to protect growers of Georgia blueberries , peppers , squash and cucumbers .
`` Who does cucumbers around here ?
'Cause I like cucumbers !
I 'm the only one .
I like cucumbers . ''
According to the state 's Department of Agriculture their production is worth about $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fifth most most valuable crop for state farmers , contributing $ 70 million .
Trump returned to the state for his latest rally despite Joe Biden having become the first Democratic candidate to win Georgia in a presidential election since 1992 .
The president has refused to concede to President-elect Biden and has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud .
Ahead of the rally , Trump called on Georgia 's governor to help overturn Biden 's victory in the state .
Earlier that morning , the president reportedly called Republican Brian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawmakers to overturn Biden 's win .
He also asked the Republican for an audit of mail-in ballot signatures .
Kemp declined .
In a tweet addressing their call , the governor said he had already publicly supported a signature audit and does not possess the power to demand it .
Both the Republican and Democratic parties have invested huge funds into their candidates ' campaigns ahead of the runoffs in Georgia .
The four campaigns have spent more than $ 189 million on election advertising between early November and early December , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AdImpact .
According to a WXIA-TV poll released on Thursday , Democrat Reverend Raphael Warnock leads Republican Senator Loeffler by seven points , 52 percent to 45 percent respectively .
the same poll suggests that Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff also leads Republican Senator Perdue .
That lead was even more slender at just two points , with 50 % and 48 % respectively , which is within the polls ' margin of error .

President Donald Trump told a crowd of supporters in south Georgia, "I like cucumbers! I'm the only one."
During his first political rally since losing the presidential election, an attempt to boost Republican senatorial candidates ahead of crucial runoff elections in the state next month, Trump reaffirmed his support for Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, whose January 5 contests with Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock will ultimately determine whether or not Republicans retain control over the U.S. Senate.
If both Democrats win, both parties would hold the same number of seats in the Upper Chamber, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris holding a deciding vote.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania attend a rally in support of Republican Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, on December 5, in Valdosta, Georgia, ahead of Senate runoffs in the state next month. At one point during the rally, Trump told the crowd he was the "only one" who likes cucumbers. Spencer Platt/Getty
Addressing a crowd of mostly maskless and non-socially distanced supporters in Valdosta on Saturday, Trump said: "At the urging of Kelly and David, my administration took historic action to protect growers of Georgia blueberries, peppers, squash and cucumbers.
"Who does cucumbers around here? 'Cause I like cucumbers! I'm the only one. I like cucumbers."
"I like cucumbers" -- this speech has gone bizarre places pic.twitter.com/RehhhrPd8r — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 6, 2020
Vegetable growing is big business in Georgia.
According to the state's Department of Agriculture their production is worth about $1.15 billion every year. Cucumbers are the fifth most most valuable crop for state farmers, contributing $70 million.
Trump returned to the state for his latest rally despite Joe Biden having become the first Democratic candidate to win Georgia in a presidential election since 1992.
The president has refused to concede to President-elect Biden and has repeatedly made unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud. Ahead of the rally, Trump called on Georgia's governor to help overturn Biden's victory in the state.
Earlier that morning, the president reportedly called Republican Brian Kemp and urged him to push Georgia lawmakers to overturn Biden's win. He also asked the Republican for an audit of mail-in ballot signatures. Kemp declined.
In a tweet addressing their call, the governor said he had already publicly supported a signature audit and does not possess the power to demand it.
As I told the President this morning, I’ve publicly called for a signature audit three times (11/20, 11/24, 12/3) to restore confidence in our election process and to ensure that only legal votes are counted in Georgia. #gapol https://t.co/xdXrhf1vI2 — Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) December 5, 2020
Latest on the Georgia runoffs
Both the Republican and Democratic parties have invested huge funds into their candidates' campaigns ahead of the runoffs in Georgia.
The four campaigns have spent more than $189 million on election advertising between early November and early December, according to data from advertising tracking company AdImpact.
Latest polls suggest close contests.
According to a WXIA-TV poll released on Thursday, Democrat Reverend Raphael Warnock leads Republican Senator Loeffler by seven points, 52 percent to 45 percent respectively.
the same poll suggests that Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff also leads Republican Senator Perdue. That lead was even more slender at just two points, with 50% and 48% respectively, which is within the polls' margin of error.


newsweek--2020-12-06--How to Watch, Livestream Kelly Loeffler and Raphael Warnock's Debate Ahead of Georgia Runoff Electio

How to Watch, Livestream Kelly Loeffler and Raphael Warnock's Debate Ahead of Georgia Runoff Elections

Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler will participate in a debate opposite Raphael Warnock , the Democratic candidate campaigning for her congressional seat ahead of Georgia 's upcoming runoff elections , on Sunday evening .
The debate , which comes exactly one month prior to the widely anticipated January 6 runoff , is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m .
ET .
C-SPAN will broadcast the conversation on television and online .
Interested viewers can access additional live streams of the event at Georgia Public Broadcasting 's official website and the Atlanta Press Club 's Facebook page .
Fox 5 anchor Russ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Atlanta Press Club , which hosts the debate series .
Atlanta Journal-Constitution political writer Greg Bluestein and WABE Radio Morning Edition host Lisa Rayam will join Spencer as panelists .
Loeffler and Warnock are contending for one of Georgia 's two U.S. Senate seats up for election this year .
Incumbent Republican Senator David Perdue is running against Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff for the other .
The circumstances of Georgia 's congressional election in 2020 is unique .
State law stipulates that election races move to runoffs when neither candidate receives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the case for Loeffler and Perdue 's respective positions this cycle .
The outcomes of Georgia 's concurrent runoff contests gained increasing national attention in the aftermath of November 's general election .
Republicans currently hold 50 Senate seats to Democrats ' 48 , meaning that triumphs by both Warnock and Ossoff are necessary in order for the latter party to secure a majority .
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would then offer the tie-breaking vote to give Democrats Senate control .
Because of the dual runoff contests ' implications for Congress , ongoing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in donations from public figures , political action committees and individual politicians .
On Monday , all four candidates ' combined advertisement spending topped at least $ 280 million .
Loeffler , who was appointed to represent Georgia in the Senate as former Senator Johnny Isakson 's replacement following his retirement , participated in a crowded special election against Warnock and several other candidates on November 3 .
Although no candidate earned a plurality , Warnock received the most public support of all contenders with roughly 32 percent of votes .
Loeffler received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Perdue and Ossoff was considerably closer , with the incumbent Republican receiving slightly less than 50 percent of votes compared with the Democratic challenger 's approximate 48 percent .
Perdue declined to participate in a debate against Ossoff leading up to the January election .
Ossoff will instead deliver remarks on his own ahead of Loeffler and Warnock 's debate Sunday .
The Democrat is scheduled to appear on the debate stage at 5 p.m .
ET .
`` The Atlanta Press Club 's Loudermilk-Young Debate Series is disappointed that Sen. David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his debate , '' wrote the non-profit news organization in its press release announcing the congressional debates ' details .
`` Jon Ossoff has confirmed his participation , so according to our rules , we will proceed with the debate and Sen. Perdue will be represented by an empty podium . ''

Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler will participate in a debate opposite Raphael Warnock, the Democratic candidate campaigning for her congressional seat ahead of Georgia's upcoming runoff elections, on Sunday evening.
The debate, which comes exactly one month prior to the widely anticipated January 5 runoff, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET.
C-SPAN will broadcast the conversation on television and online. Interested viewers can access additional live streams of the event at Georgia Public Broadcasting's official website and the Atlanta Press Club's Facebook page.
Fox 5 anchor Russ Spencer will serve as moderator, according to the Atlanta Press Club, which hosts the debate series. Atlanta Journal-Constitution political writer Greg Bluestein and WABE Radio Morning Edition host Lisa Rayam will join Spencer as panelists.
Loeffler and Warnock are contending for one of Georgia's two U.S. Senate seats up for election this year. Incumbent Republican Senator David Perdue is running against Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff for the other. The circumstances of Georgia's congressional election in 2020 is unique. State law stipulates that election races move to runoffs when neither candidate receives a plurality of votes, which was the case for Loeffler and Perdue's respective positions this cycle.
Georgia Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler and Democratic Senate contender Raphael Warnock will participate in a moderated debate on Sunday evening, ahead of January's runoff elections. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Raphael Warnock speaks at a campaign event on November 19, 2020 in Jonesboro, Georgia. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty
The outcomes of Georgia's concurrent runoff contests gained increasing national attention in the aftermath of November's general election. Republicans currently hold 50 Senate seats to Democrats' 48, meaning that triumphs by both Warnock and Ossoff are necessary in order for the latter party to secure a majority. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would then offer the tie-breaking vote to give Democrats Senate control.
Because of the dual runoff contests' implications for Congress, ongoing congressional campaigns in Georgia have received millions in donations from public figures, political action committees and individual politicians. On Monday, all four candidates' combined advertisement spending topped at least $280 million.
Loeffler, who was appointed to represent Georgia in the Senate as former Senator Johnny Isakson's replacement following his retirement, participated in a crowded special election against Warnock and several other candidates on November 3. Although no candidate earned a plurality, Warnock received the most public support of all contenders with roughly 32 percent of votes. Loeffler received roughly 25 percent.
The November race between Perdue and Ossoff was considerably closer, with the incumbent Republican receiving slightly less than 50 percent of votes compared with the Democratic challenger's approximate 48 percent.
Perdue declined to participate in a debate against Ossoff leading up to the January election. Ossoff will instead deliver remarks on his own ahead of Loeffler and Warnock's debate Sunday. The Democrat is scheduled to appear on the debate stage at 5 p.m. ET.
"The Atlanta Press Club's Loudermilk-Young Debate Series is disappointed that Sen. David Perdue has decided to not participate in his debate," wrote the non-profit news organization in its press release announcing the congressional debates' details. "Jon Ossoff has confirmed his participation, so according to our rules, we will proceed with the debate and Sen. Perdue will be represented by an empty podium."
Correction December 6, 2020, 2:22 PM ET: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the runoff election will take place on January 6. The correct date of the runoff election is January 5. We apologize for the error.


newsweek--2020-12-06--Kate McKinnon Returns as Farting Rudy Giuliani in SNL Cold Open

Saturday Night Live returned after a month-long hiatus with a cold open mocking Rudy Giuliani 's latest efforts to undermine the results of the 2020 presidential election .
Kate McKinnon reprised her role as President Donald Trump 's personal attorney for a sketch parodying Giuliani 's recent appearance at an election fraud hearing .
As he spoke before the Michigan House Oversight Committee , Giuliani reportedly farted loudly enough for the sound to be picked up by microphones in the room .
`` As my associate Ms Ellis and I will prove today , this election was stolen from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not seen since Houdini , '' McKinnon 's Giuliani said .
After a fart sound is heard , McKinnon exclaims : `` That was n't me .
That was you guys ! ''
McKinnon 's Giuliani continues that the results would be overturned first in Michigan , then in `` Georgylvania , '' `` Pennsachusetts '' and `` North DaCanada . ''
A state senator , played by Mikey Day , then notes that all of the Trump campaign 's election lawsuits have been rejected because they 're based on `` zero evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Okay , well , today I have brought before you a dozen highly intelligent , barely intoxicated individuals , who are all eye witnesses , '' McKinnon 's Giuliani responds .
`` After hearing their testimony , you 're going to say , 'Wow , Rudy was right and he 's getting smarter and more respected every day , '' McKinnon adds before blaming more flatulence on Holt 's Ellis .
First up was Cecily Strong as Melissa Carone , a contractor for Dominion Voting Systems who went viral after her testimony at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell my whole story , and nothing but my story so help me God , '' Strong 's Carone said .
Strong 's Carone then told the House panel : `` Excuse me , maybe try losing the attitude first .
Just like you lost all those Trump ballots . ''
She then added that she personally witnessed hundreds , if not thousands , of dead people voting .
`` Did you check every poll ?
Did you talk to all the dead people ? ''
Strong 's Carone asked the state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been threatened ...
I 'm not lying .
I signed an After David . ''
Other witnesses paraded before the panel included Heidi Gardner as a woman who said she `` ate '' ballots from a food truck operated by Democrats , Alex Moffat as a man who claimed to have been abducted by aliens and Chloe Fineman playing Nicole Kidman 's character from HBO 's `` The Undoing . ''
Strong then returned as Carone to float more conspiracy theories .
`` I voted for Trump , yet Biden won ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ then claimed that Dominion cheated her out of her cheesy bread .
`` I think you 're confusing Dominion with Dominos , '' one state senator told her .
`` Either way , my vote took longer than 30 minutes so it 's supposed to be free , '' Strong 's Carone replied .
Asked by the panel to wrap up , McKinnon 's Giuliani vows to not stop fighting to overturn the election results .
`` In conclusion , I would say the defense rests , but we will never rest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I get a full pardon and $ 10 million in cash , '' McKinnon 's Giuliani said .
`` And if you liked what you saw here today , we 're having a press conference right after this , at the Ritz-Carlton ...
Plumbing and Heating Supply Company , right off I-94 between a dirty movie theater and a crematorium . ''

Saturday Night Live returned after a month-long hiatus with a cold open mocking Rudy Giuliani's latest efforts to undermine the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Kate McKinnon reprised her role as President Donald Trump's personal attorney for a sketch parodying Giuliani's recent appearance at an election fraud hearing.
As he spoke before the Michigan House Oversight Committee, Giuliani reportedly farted loudly enough for the sound to be picked up by microphones in the room.
In SNL's parody, McKinnon's Giuliani appeared alongside Lauren Holt, who portrayed co-counsel Jenna Ellis.
"As my associate Ms Ellis and I will prove today, this election was stolen from the American people with a level of trickery not seen since Houdini," McKinnon's Giuliani said. After a fart sound is heard, McKinnon exclaims: "That wasn't me. That was you guys!"
McKinnon's Giuliani continues that the results would be overturned first in Michigan, then in "Georgylvania," "Pennsachusetts" and "North DaCanada."
A state senator, played by Mikey Day, then notes that all of the Trump campaign's election lawsuits have been rejected because they're based on "zero evidence."
"You want evidence? Okay, well, today I have brought before you a dozen highly intelligent, barely intoxicated individuals, who are all eye witnesses," McKinnon's Giuliani responds.
"After hearing their testimony, you're going to say, 'Wow, Rudy was right and he's getting smarter and more respected every day," McKinnon adds before blaming more flatulence on Holt's Ellis.
Cecily Strong as Melissa Carone and Kate McKinnon as Rudy Giuliani on Saturday Night Live. NBC/Saturday Night Live
First up was Cecily Strong as Melissa Carone, a contractor for Dominion Voting Systems who went viral after her testimony at the Michigan hearing.
"I swear to tell my whole story, and nothing but my story so help me God," Strong's Carone said.
Strong's Carone then told the House panel: "Excuse me, maybe try losing the attitude first. Just like you lost all those Trump ballots." She then added that she personally witnessed hundreds, if not thousands, of dead people voting.
"Did you check every poll? Did you talk to all the dead people?" Strong's Carone asked the state senators. "Excuse me, I have been threatened...I'm not lying. I signed an After David."
Other witnesses paraded before the panel included Heidi Gardner as a woman who said she "ate" ballots from a food truck operated by Democrats, Alex Moffat as a man who claimed to have been abducted by aliens and Chloe Fineman playing Nicole Kidman's character from HBO's "The Undoing."
Strong then returned as Carone to float more conspiracy theories. "I voted for Trump, yet Biden won? Hmmmmm," she says.
She then claimed that Dominion cheated her out of her cheesy bread. "I think you're confusing Dominion with Dominos," one state senator told her.
"Either way, my vote took longer than 30 minutes so it's supposed to be free," Strong's Carone replied.
Asked by the panel to wrap up, McKinnon's Giuliani vows to not stop fighting to overturn the election results.
"In conclusion, I would say the defense rests, but we will never rest. Not until this election is overturned or I get a full pardon and $10 million in cash," McKinnon's Giuliani said.
"And if you liked what you saw here today, we're having a press conference right after this, at the Ritz-Carlton... Plumbing and Heating Supply Company, right off I-94 between a dirty movie theater and a crematorium."


newsweek--2020-12-06--Pete Davidson Stars in Christmas-Themed Parody of Eminem's 'Stan' on SNL

Pete Davidson starred in Saturday Night Live 's Christmas-themed parody of Eminem 's `` Stan '' —with a surprise cameo from the rapper himself .
The spoof begins with elves reading out letters to Santa Claus until one of the elves is hesitant to read a `` weird '' one .
That letter is from Stu , played by Davidson , an obsessed Santa fan who is desperate a PlayStation 5 for Christmas .
Echoing the original music video for `` Stan '' , Davidson appears in a white tank top and has bleached blond hair in the skit .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunched over a desk in his basement , where the walls are adorned with pictures of Santa .
`` Dear Santa , I ca n't believe the year is almost over .
It 's getting colder , I 'm a year older but I 'm still your soldier , '' Davidson raps while writing .
`` You 're my hero 'cause you always bring me the assist .
So once again , we 're back to zero , here we go , my Christmas list .
I wo n't be greedy or needy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I just want one thing , and hope you still got that magic touch , 'cause getting this present is the only thing keep me alive ... dear Santa Claus , please bring me a PS5 . ''
Davidson the lists the stores he tried to buy the sought-after games console , before realizing that Santa could make him one .
`` Do n't forget , bring my gift , truly yours I believe in you , '' he signs off .
But as his letters to Kriss Kringle go unanswered , Davidson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ca n't help your biggest fan , then you should just retire or next time you slide down my chimney , I 'll set your a** on fire , '' he raps .
Kate McKinnon then makes an appearance as Davidson 's mother , mirroring the role originally played by British singer Dido .
Bowen Yang also makes an unexpected appearance in the parody video as Elton John , who memorably sang a duet of `` Stan '' with Eminem at the 2001 Grammy Awards .
Davidson 's last appearance in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , even angrier that Santa was unable to give him what he wanted .
Calling Santa `` a two-faced son of a b*tch , '' Davidson raps : `` I hope you crash your sleigh and end up face down in a ditch . ''
He adds : `` I guess even the great Saint Nick ca n't track down a PS5 , hey Santa , I drank a fifth of eggnog , dare me to drive ? ''
At the end of the video , Eminem is seen on the old television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas sweater and opening a present addressed `` To Shady , from Santa . ''
Inside , he finds the console that Davison had coveted .
`` That 's crazy .
A PS5 ?
I did n't even ask for this !
I guess Shady must have been a good boy this year , '' the rapper says .
He adds : `` Sorry , Stu .
You f**ked up . ''

Pete Davidson starred in Saturday Night Live's Christmas-themed parody of Eminem's "Stan"—with a surprise cameo from the rapper himself.
The spoof begins with elves reading out letters to Santa Claus until one of the elves is hesitant to read a "weird" one. That letter is from Stu, played by Davidson, an obsessed Santa fan who is desperate a PlayStation 5 for Christmas.
Echoing the original music video for "Stan", Davidson appears in a white tank top and has bleached blond hair in the skit. He is seen writing a rambling letter hunched over a desk in his basement, where the walls are adorned with pictures of Santa.
"Dear Santa, I can't believe the year is almost over. It's getting colder, I'm a year older but I'm still your soldier," Davidson raps while writing.
"You're my hero 'cause you always bring me the assist. So once again, we're back to zero, here we go, my Christmas list. I won't be greedy or needy or ask you for too much, I just want one thing, and hope you still got that magic touch, 'cause getting this present is the only thing keep me alive... dear Santa Claus, please bring me a PS5."
Davidson the lists the stores he tried to buy the sought-after games console, before realizing that Santa could make him one. "Don't forget, bring my gift, truly yours I believe in you," he signs off.
Pete Davidson stars as "Stu" in a Christmas-themed parody of Eminem's "Stan." NBC/Saturday Night Live
But as his letters to Kriss Kringle go unanswered, Davidson's messages get angrier. "If you can't help your biggest fan, then you should just retire or next time you slide down my chimney, I'll set your a** on fire," he raps.
Kate McKinnon then makes an appearance as Davidson's mother, mirroring the role originally played by British singer Dido.
Bowen Yang also makes an unexpected appearance in the parody video as Elton John, who memorably sang a duet of "Stan" with Eminem at the 2001 Grammy Awards.
Davidson's last appearance in the parody shows him driving in the rain, even angrier that Santa was unable to give him what he wanted.
Calling Santa "a two-faced son of a b*tch," Davidson raps: "I hope you crash your sleigh and end up face down in a ditch."
He adds: "I guess even the great Saint Nick can't track down a PS5, hey Santa, I drank a fifth of eggnog, dare me to drive?"
At the end of the video, Eminem is seen on the old television in Davidson's basement, wearing a Christmas sweater and opening a present addressed "To Shady, from Santa."
Inside, he finds the console that Davison had coveted. "That's crazy. A PS5? I didn't even ask for this! I guess Shady must have been a good boy this year," the rapper says. He adds: "Sorry, Stu. You f**ked up."


newsweek--2020-12-06--'I Take Penguins Out on Field Trips Around Chicago—Here's Why'

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and I had wanted to work with sea life since I was a little kid .
I did n't always have my eyes on the penguins and sea otters I work with now though , back then it was all about whales and dolphins .
But after college I came back to Chicago and thanks to an ex-boyfriend , happened to find out about an aquarium internship in the city .
After participating in that internship at Shedd Aquarium ( a great first step , because you 're also able to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food prep ! )
I became a volunteer there .
Then , a couple of years later I was lucky enough to get a full-time position taking care of an orphaned sea otter pup , called Kiana .
She 's now 15 and I have worked with her here since she was a pup .
Currently , I 'm overseeing 42 animals ; six otters and 36 penguins as the supervisor of our penguin and sea otter area and in the past couple of years we 've had a few penguin chicks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the sea otters are all individuals with their own personalities .
We tend to hang out with the penguins in a more physically direct way , but that 's really just because we 're able to go and sit on an exhibit and have more of a tactile relationship with them .
We 're working up to that with the sea otters , but we try to find activities that get the otters mentally stimulated , whether that 's a cool enrichment puzzle for them to work at or access to different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close the aquarium back in March because of the pandemic , but we were still giving the animals the same care and schedule .
Before we closed we 'd often take the penguins to our underwater viewing gallery or take them up into our office , so they were used to moving around .
It 's hard to determine how much the animals notice what 's happening , but the penguins are used to having guests in front of them through the windows .
We realized that without people around , we had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other animals—we could now take them to see .
On one of those occasions , we took one of the older rockhopper penguins , Wellington , to see our amazon rising exhibit and shared a video of him there—it became really popular .
So , we began to document other times we were taking the penguins to new places around the aquarium and it was really so fun .
You can watch as a penguin is tracking something happening with their eyes—like them seeing a school of fish darting to one side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's a great way to give them that variety and it 's great exercise walking around the aquarium .
Overall , it 's really good for their welfare and levels of mental stimulation—it 's all positive .
Different penguins have paid attention to different areas , but I personally love taking them up to our wild reef exhibit .
It 's a floor to ceiling exhibit , so they have nothing to do but see all the other life around them .
It 's interesting to see what they actually focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swimming by or a brightly colored fish , you can see that they notice .
Our penguins had been out on excursions before for charity events and to a children 's hospital but in summer this year we began to expand and take them on field trips to areas outside the aquarium .
It was definitely taken into consideration that these field trip adventures could be really mentally stimulating for them , and though I do n't know exactly how penguins think , it looked like they were really curious about what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been to the Field Museum in Chicago , the Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago , to a 4-D cinema and on November 23 , we took them to Soldier Field , the Chicago Bears stadium , which is luckily just across the street from Shedd .
They seemed curious about everything , but it was particularly amazing for me to see them view the art work .
As well as showing the penguins new environments , our plan was also to showcase different areas in Chicago and bring a smile to people 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such a difficult time for many .
A penguin waddling around does typically bring a smile to people 's faces .
I did n't actually attend the Soldier Field trip because we like to share the love around the team and allow different staff to attend the penguin field trips , but it tickles me watching the footage of them running on the turf and looking around .
We sometimes take a penguin and their mate , which encourages them to explore together .
So , we have had little pairs ; I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ magellanic penguins , on several excursions and two others , Tommo and Charlotte , went on that particular trip to Soldier Field .
Usually we take a handful of penguins on each trip but it 's really up to them .
If particular penguins are readily wanting to follow us or come to our feeds and hang out with us we think they might be a good candidate for a field trip , but if they prefer hanging out on the exhibits , that 's OK too .
None of the penguins are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are cleaning up after them and apologising to people pretty regularly .
But when they 're outside of their normal realm they 're generally pretty quiet , taking it all in .
They 're 36 individuals for sure ; they all have their own traits and quirks .
We happen to have taken more of our magellanic penguins on the field trips , but we do take rockhoppers like Wellington .
When we take rockhoppers we typically take them in pairs , but we do have one youngster called Diego who just holds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parade with a group of magellanic penguins and just looks so independent and confident .
We love watching him lead the way on these field trips .
Though it 's obviously difficult to gauge in any definitive way , when penguins have gone on these field trips it definitely seems to increase their comfort level with new activities .
The next time they go somewhere unfamiliar , they check it out more readily .
We feel that the variety of the excursions is good and it changes the social dynamics for the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopened in July , but just a few weeks ago we closed again to be on the safe side and do our part for our community here in Chicago .
We 're tentatively looking at a January opening but in the meantime , Wellington and two other rockhopper penguins here , Drake and Magdelena , are all turning 33 in December , so we 're hoping to celebrate in some way .
We might share a Facebook live , but our staff will definitely go and sing to them .
We 're really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big milestone for rockhopper penguins—their life expectancy is typically 10-15 years in the wild .
We also hang stockings for each of our penguins with their names on each Christmas , and that will definitely be happening this year .
For the otters we like to go all out too .
Last year I made them all gelatine stockings each with their names and different designs on .
It was fun for me and a bit of a labor of love , and they munched them up in about ten minutes !
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're certainly planning to try and support other cultural institutions in Chicago .
We 'd like to try and connect with other museums and take the penguins there so we can draw attention to cultural ventures .
We 've even connected with the mayor and the governor , so it feels like the sky 's the limit for our penguins !
I really love taking the birds out on these field trips and knowing that I 'm enriching their day .
It 's rewarding to know that we 're making it a little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sterling is supervisor , marine animals at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago , Illinois and has a bachelor 's degree in marine science from Coastal Carolina University .
Shedd Aquarium have introduced a new range of virtual programs that allow people to learn about and experience the animals and exhibits online .
You can find out more here .
All views expressed in this article are the author 's own .

I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and I had wanted to work with sea life since I was a little kid. I didn't always have my eyes on the penguins and sea otters I work with now though, back then it was all about whales and dolphins. But after college I came back to Chicago and thanks to an ex-boyfriend, happened to find out about an aquarium internship in the city.
After participating in that internship at Shedd Aquarium (a great first step, because you're also able to see the non-glamorous parts, like cleaning and food prep!) I became a volunteer there. Then, a couple of years later I was lucky enough to get a full-time position taking care of an orphaned sea otter pup, called Kiana. She's now 15 and I have worked with her here since she was a pup.
Currently, I'm overseeing 42 animals; six otters and 36 penguins as the supervisor of our penguin and sea otter area and in the past couple of years we've had a few penguin chicks and seen our colony grow. The penguins and the sea otters are all individuals with their own personalities. We tend to hang out with the penguins in a more physically direct way, but that's really just because we're able to go and sit on an exhibit and have more of a tactile relationship with them. We're working up to that with the sea otters, but we try to find activities that get the otters mentally stimulated, whether that's a cool enrichment puzzle for them to work at or access to different habitats.
Unfortunately, we had to close the aquarium back in March because of the pandemic, but we were still giving the animals the same care and schedule. Before we closed we'd often take the penguins to our underwater viewing gallery or take them up into our office, so they were used to moving around.
It's hard to determine how much the animals notice what's happening, but the penguins are used to having guests in front of them through the windows. We realized that without people around, we had so many areas of the aquarium—like those with other animals—we could now take them to see. On one of those occasions, we took one of the older rockhopper penguins, Wellington, to see our amazon rising exhibit and shared a video of him there—it became really popular.
Penguins in the Amazon?! 🐧🌴
Some of the penguins went on a field trip to meet other animals at Shedd. Wellington seemed most interested in the fishes in Amazon Rising! The black-barred silver dollars also seemed interested in their unusual visitor. pic.twitter.com/KgYWsp5VQD — Shedd Aquarium (@shedd_aquarium) March 15, 2020
So, we began to document other times we were taking the penguins to new places around the aquarium and it was really so fun. You can watch as a penguin is tracking something happening with their eyes—like them seeing a school of fish darting to one side as a penguin approaches their tank. It's a great way to give them that variety and it's great exercise walking around the aquarium. Overall, it's really good for their welfare and levels of mental stimulation—it's all positive.
Different penguins have paid attention to different areas, but I personally love taking them up to our wild reef exhibit. It's a floor to ceiling exhibit, so they have nothing to do but see all the other life around them. It's interesting to see what they actually focus on. Whether that's a large shark swimming by or a brightly colored fish, you can see that they notice.
Christy Sterling showing one of Shedd Aquarium's exhibits to several of the penguins she looks after. Courtesy of Christy Sterling
Our penguins had been out on excursions before for charity events and to a children's hospital but in summer this year we began to expand and take them on field trips to areas outside the aquarium. It was definitely taken into consideration that these field trip adventures could be really mentally stimulating for them, and though I don't know exactly how penguins think, it looked like they were really curious about what they were seeing.
So far they have been to the Field Museum in Chicago, the Museum Of Contemporary Art Chicago, to a 4-D cinema and on November 23, we took them to Soldier Field, the Chicago Bears stadium, which is luckily just across the street from Shedd. They seemed curious about everything, but it was particularly amazing for me to see them view the art work.
As well as showing the penguins new environments, our plan was also to showcase different areas in Chicago and bring a smile to people's faces during the pandemic, which is such a difficult time for many. A penguin waddling around does typically bring a smile to people's faces.
I didn't actually attend the Soldier Field trip because we like to share the love around the team and allow different staff to attend the penguin field trips, but it tickles me watching the footage of them running on the turf and looking around. We sometimes take a penguin and their mate, which encourages them to explore together. So, we have had little pairs; I have taken Izzy and Darwin, two magellanic penguins, on several excursions and two others, Tommo and Charlotte, went on that particular trip to Soldier Field.
Usually we take a handful of penguins on each trip but it's really up to them. If particular penguins are readily wanting to follow us or come to our feeds and hang out with us we think they might be a good candidate for a field trip, but if they prefer hanging out on the exhibits, that's OK too.
None of the penguins are potty trained so on field trips we are cleaning up after them and apologising to people pretty regularly. But when they're outside of their normal realm they're generally pretty quiet, taking it all in. They're 36 individuals for sure; they all have their own traits and quirks.
Penguins from Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois take a look around the Chicago Bears Stadium in November 2020. Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium
We happen to have taken more of our magellanic penguins on the field trips, but we do take rockhoppers like Wellington. When we take rockhoppers we typically take them in pairs, but we do have one youngster called Diego who just holds his own. He'll walk and parade with a group of magellanic penguins and just looks so independent and confident. We love watching him lead the way on these field trips.
Though it's obviously difficult to gauge in any definitive way, when penguins have gone on these field trips it definitely seems to increase their comfort level with new activities. The next time they go somewhere unfamiliar, they check it out more readily. We feel that the variety of the excursions is good and it changes the social dynamics for the day.
After the first closure, we reopened in July, but just a few weeks ago we closed again to be on the safe side and do our part for our community here in Chicago. We're tentatively looking at a January opening but in the meantime, Wellington and two other rockhopper penguins here, Drake and Magdelena, are all turning 33 in December, so we're hoping to celebrate in some way. We might share a Facebook live, but our staff will definitely go and sing to them. We're really excited for them because 33 is a big milestone for rockhopper penguins—their life expectancy is typically 10-15 years in the wild.
We also hang stockings for each of our penguins with their names on each Christmas, and that will definitely be happening this year. For the otters we like to go all out too. Last year I made them all gelatine stockings each with their names and different designs on. It was fun for me and a bit of a labor of love, and they munched them up in about ten minutes!
In terms of future field trips, we're certainly planning to try and support other cultural institutions in Chicago. We'd like to try and connect with other museums and take the penguins there so we can draw attention to cultural ventures. We've even connected with the mayor and the governor, so it feels like the sky's the limit for our penguins!
I really love taking the birds out on these field trips and knowing that I'm enriching their day. It's rewarding to know that we're making it a little different than the day before.
Christy Sterling is supervisor, marine animals at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois and has a bachelor's degree in marine science from Coastal Carolina University. Shedd Aquarium have introduced a new range of virtual programs that allow people to learn about and experience the animals and exhibits online. You can find out more here.
All views expressed in this article are the author's own.
As told to Jenny Haward.


newsweek--2020-12-06--Powerball Results, Numbers for 12/5/20: Did Anyone Win the $243 Million?

The winning numbers in Saturday night 's drawing of the Powerball were 3 , 4 , 6 , 48 and 53 .
The Powerball was 10 and the Power Play was X2 .
But no one has claimed the $ 243 million jackpot for the December 5 draw , according to the Powerball website .
As a result , the prize money will roll over to the next drawing on Thursday , December 10 .
The estimated jackpot then will be $ 262 million ( with a cash value of $ 199.4 million ) .
Although no-one won the jackpot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some big winners .
A player in Michigan matched five white balls correctly to win a $ 1 million prize that was doubled to $ 2 million , thanks to a Power Play purchase .
Fourteen players matched four white balls and the Powerball correctly to win $ 50,000 prizes .
Another two doubled their prize money to $ 100,000 with a Power Play purchase .
The Powerball jackpot has n't been won since September .
The winning ticket , worth $ 94 million , in the September 16 draw was sold at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 in Ballston Spa , according to the Powerball website .
The win reset the Powerball jackpot to $ 20 million .
Before that , the jackpot was won on August 12 , when one lucky player in Florida matched all five white balls and the Powerball to scoop a massive $ 169 million payout .
How do you play Powerball ?
Powerball is a hugely popular multi-state lottery that is available to play in 45 states , the District of Columbia , Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands .
Drawings usually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday and Saturday night , at 10:59 p.m .
ET .
Each draw is broadcast live from the lottery studio in Tallahassee , Florida .
Each ticket costs $ 2 per play , with players selecting five numbers from 1 to 69 , in addition to one red Powerball number from 1 to 26 .
In certain circumstances , players can also multiply non-jackpot prizes by using the Power Play option for an additional $ 1 .
Why is the Powerball so low ?
Powerball slashed its minimum payout in half from $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minimum roll increased of $ 2 million between drawings back in March because of the coronavirus pandemic leading to reduced sales , according to lottery officials .
Powerball Product Group Chairman and Maine Lottery Director Gregory Mineo said in a statement at the time : `` Powerball players in many U.S. lottery jurisdictions are under shelter-in-place orders or recommendations , which have affected normal consumer behaviors .
Powerball 's official website claims that players have a 1 in 24.9 chance of winning any prize regardless of the number of participants .
But the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are astronomically higher at 1 in 292,201,338 , according to the official website .
Winners can choose to either select their prize as an annuity , or for significantly less , a lump-sum payment .
The annuity option sees the winner receive 30 annual payments over the space of 29 years , with each payment increasing by five percent until the 30th and final payment .
Your chances of hitting the grand prize jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338 , regardless of the jackpot size , according to Powerball 's website .
If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 1-800-222-0996 .

The winning numbers in Saturday night's drawing of the Powerball were 3, 4, 6, 48 and 53. The Powerball was 10 and the Power Play was X2.
But no one has claimed the $243 million jackpot for the December 5 draw, according to the Powerball website. As a result, the prize money will roll over to the next drawing on Thursday, December 10. The estimated jackpot then will be $262 million (with a cash value of $199.4 million).
Although no-one won the jackpot in Saturday's draw, there were some big winners.
A player in Michigan matched five white balls correctly to win a $1 million prize that was doubled to $2 million, thanks to a Power Play purchase.
Fourteen players matched four white balls and the Powerball correctly to win $50,000 prizes. Another two doubled their prize money to $100,000 with a Power Play purchase.
A machine prints Powerball lottery tickets at a convenience store in Washington, D.C., January 7, 2016. Saul Loeb/Getty
The Powerball jackpot hasn't been won since September. The winning ticket, worth $94 million, in the September 16 draw was sold at Minogue's Beverage located at 2421 Route 9 in Ballston Spa, according to the Powerball website. The win reset the Powerball jackpot to $20 million.
Before that, the jackpot was won on August 12, when one lucky player in Florida matched all five white balls and the Powerball to scoop a massive $169 million payout.
How do you play Powerball?
Powerball is a hugely popular multi-state lottery that is available to play in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Drawings usually take place twice a week on a Wednesday and Saturday night, at 10:59 p.m. ET. Each draw is broadcast live from the lottery studio in Tallahassee, Florida.
Each ticket costs $2 per play, with players selecting five numbers from 1 to 69, in addition to one red Powerball number from 1 to 26. In certain circumstances, players can also multiply non-jackpot prizes by using the Power Play option for an additional $1.
Why is the Powerball so low?
Powerball slashed its minimum payout in half from $40 million to $20 million with minimum roll increased of $2 million between drawings back in March because of the coronavirus pandemic leading to reduced sales, according to lottery officials.
Powerball Product Group Chairman and Maine Lottery Director Gregory Mineo said in a statement at the time: "Powerball players in many U.S. lottery jurisdictions are under shelter-in-place orders or recommendations, which have affected normal consumer behaviors.
Powerball's official website claims that players have a 1 in 24.9 chance of winning any prize regardless of the number of participants. But the chances of winning the grand prize jackpot are astronomically higher at 1 in 292,201,338, according to the official website.
Winners can choose to either select their prize as an annuity, or for significantly less, a lump-sum payment. The annuity option sees the winner receive 30 annual payments over the space of 29 years, with each payment increasing by five percent until the 30th and final payment.
Your chances of hitting the grand prize jackpot are 1 in 292,201,338, regardless of the jackpot size, according to Powerball's website. If you win a jackpot, call lottery officials at 1-800-222-0996.


newsweek--2020-12-06--Trump Asks Doug Collins If He Wants to Run Against GOP Governor Brain Kemp

President Donald Trump on Saturday suggested that Republican Congressman Doug Collins should run against Governor Brian Kemp in 2022 as he continued to scold Georgia officials for not doing enough to help him overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election .
In his first campaign rally since losing the election , Trump urged the crowd to vote for Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in the upcoming January 5 Senate runoff elections , which will determine control of the upper chamber and President-elect Joe Biden 's ability to push through a Democratic agenda .
The president also spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his personal grievances over losing the election and criticizing Republican Governor Brian Kemp for allegedly refusing to help his efforts to reverse his defeat .
At one point , Trump singled out Collins , who came third against Loeffler and Democrat Rev .
Raphael Warnock in the special Senate general election , and asked him whether he would consider running against Kemp .
Collins `` and Kelly had a great primary , a very strong primary , '' the president said .
`` They both did fantastically well , and he is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatest advocates I 've ever met in Washington . ''
`` I want to thank Doug Collins , '' Trump said to the Republican , who was watching from the crowd .
`` Thank you , Doug .
What a job he does . ''
`` Doug , you want to run for governor in two years ? ''
he added .
`` He 'd be a good-looking governor . ''
Newsweek reached out to the office of Congressman Doug Collins for comment .
The Trump campaign shared a clip of the remark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realDonaldTrump asks @ RepDougCollins if he wants to run for governor in 2 years , '' Team Trump tweeted .
`` cc : @ BrianKempGA '' Trump criticized Kemp numerous times throughout his address on Saturday night as he continued to pressure Georgia Republicans to support his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election .
He reportedly called Kemp earlier that morning and asked him to push state lawmakers to help him win .
He also asked Kemp to facilitate an audit of absentee ballot signatures , but the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority to do so .
After their conversation , Trump tweeted , `` I will easily & quickly win Georgia if Governor @ BrianKempGA or the Secretary of State permit a simple signature verification . ''
Kemp responded by noting that he had already `` publicly called for a signature audit three times to restore confidence in our election process and to ensure that only legal votes are counted in Georgia . ''
But Trump still went for him at the rally .
`` Your governor could stop it very easily if he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... thousands of illegal votes were cast in each state , '' the president told the crowd .
Most media outlets and television networks called the election for Biden more than three weeks ago .
The Democrat has secured 306 Electoral College votes , but Trump , with 232 Electoral College votes , has refused to concede .
Over the past month , he 's filed nearly three dozen lawsuits in key states and repeatedly alleged unverified claims of widespread voter fraud in a campaign to flip the election in his favor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ routinely tossed out of court .

President Donald Trump on Saturday suggested that Republican Congressman Doug Collins should run against Governor Brian Kemp in 2022 as he continued to scold Georgia officials for not doing enough to help him overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
In his first campaign rally since losing the election, Trump urged the crowd to vote for Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in the upcoming January 5 Senate runoff elections, which will determine control of the upper chamber and President-elect Joe Biden's ability to push through a Democratic agenda. The president also spent a significant portion of his address airing his personal grievances over losing the election and criticizing Republican Governor Brian Kemp for allegedly refusing to help his efforts to reverse his defeat.
At one point, Trump singled out Collins, who came third against Loeffler and Democrat Rev. Raphael Warnock in the special Senate general election, and asked him whether he would consider running against Kemp.
President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in support for Republican Senate incumbents David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler on December 5, 2020. Spencer Platt/Getty
Collins "and Kelly had a great primary, a very strong primary," the president said. "They both did fantastically well, and he is on board and he is one of the greatest advocates I've ever met in Washington."
"I want to thank Doug Collins," Trump said to the Republican, who was watching from the crowd. "Thank you, Doug. What a job he does."
"Doug, you want to run for governor in two years?" he added. "He'd be a good-looking governor."
Newsweek reached out to the office of Congressman Doug Collins for comment.
The Trump campaign shared a clip of the remark and tagged Kemp. "President @realDonaldTrump asks @RepDougCollins if he wants to run for governor in 2 years," Team Trump tweeted. "cc: @BrianKempGA"
Trump criticized Kemp numerous times throughout his address on Saturday night as he continued to pressure Georgia Republicans to support his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
He reportedly called Kemp earlier that morning and asked him to push state lawmakers to help him win. He also asked Kemp to facilitate an audit of absentee ballot signatures, but the governor noted that he doesn't have the authority to do so.
After their conversation, Trump tweeted, "I will easily & quickly win Georgia if Governor @BrianKempGA or the Secretary of State permit a simple signature verification." Kemp responded by noting that he had already "publicly called for a signature audit three times to restore confidence in our election process and to ensure that only legal votes are counted in Georgia."
But Trump still went for him at the rally. "Your governor could stop it very easily if he knew what the hell he was doing... thousands of illegal votes were cast in each state," the president told the crowd.
Most media outlets and television networks called the election for Biden more than three weeks ago. The Democrat has secured 306 Electoral College votes, but Trump, with 232 Electoral College votes, has refused to concede. Over the past month, he's filed nearly three dozen lawsuits in key states and repeatedly alleged unverified claims of widespread voter fraud in a campaign to flip the election in his favor. The suits have been largely unsuccessful and routinely tossed out of court.


newsweek--2020-12-05--Gavin Newsom Goads Toyota for Standing With Trump on Pollution Fight After GM U-Turn

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday goaded Toyota for siding with President Donald Trump 's administration in a heated battle over fuel economy standards for motor vehicles in the state .
Last year , Toyota , General Motors ( GM ) and a handful of other automakers sided with the Trump administration in the legal fight over California 's right to determine its own clean-air standards for greenhouse gas emissions .
The state wants to uphold an Obama-era policy that requires car manufacturers to make vehicles that can hit 54.5 miles per gallon on average by 2025 , but Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles per gallon—the difference is about six billion tons of carbon dioxide .
`` @ Ford led the way over a year ago and joined CA and 26 other states to shape the future of transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions .
Last month @ GM joined us .
@ Toyota—where are you ?
?
It 's never the wrong time to do the right thing , '' Newsom tweeted earlier today .
On November 24 , GM switched their position and indicated support for the state of California and urged other car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , Toyota said it may also abandon its support of the Trump administration in the lawsuit , but the company has yet to publicly disclose its decision .
Newsweek reached out to Toyota representatives for comment .
Toyota shocked Californians when it first came out in support of the Trump administration 's fuel economy standards .
The company , known in The Golden State for its environmental efforts and clean-car production , explained that their decision was based on their view that the federal government 's authority to set emissions standards should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's responded by vowing never to purchase a Toyota vehicle again .
`` What are they thinking ? ''
Jeff Goodby , a co-founder of a San Francisco ad agency that handles campaigns for BMW , said of Toyota at the time , according to the New York Times .
`` I ca n't imagine any Californian saying , 'All things being equal , I 'm buying the brand that spews more poison into our children 's air ! '
'' The coalition of automakers that initially sided with the White House said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Defense Fund against the Trump administration .
Toyota explained that they joined the group because it favored a single standard across the country .
`` Given the changing circumstances , we are assessing the situation , but remain committed to our goal of a consistent , unitary set of fuel economy standards applicable in all 50 states , '' the company said in a statement .
The Ford Motor Company , Volkswagen of America , Volvo , Honda and BMW threw their support behind California 's stricter emissions plan .
GM 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ automakers are expecting a change of direction under President-elect Joe Biden 's incoming administration .

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday goaded Toyota for siding with President Donald Trump's administration in a heated battle over fuel economy standards for motor vehicles in the state.
Last year, Toyota, General Motors (GM) and a handful of other automakers sided with the Trump administration in the legal fight over California's right to determine its own clean-air standards for greenhouse gas emissions. The state wants to uphold an Obama-era policy that requires car manufacturers to make vehicles that can hit 54.5 miles per gallon on average by 2025, but Trump wants to ease the standard to 37 miles per gallon—the difference is about six billion tons of carbon dioxide.
"@Ford led the way over a year ago and joined CA and 26 other states to shape the future of transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Last month @GM joined us. @Toyota—where are you?? It's never the wrong time to do the right thing," Newsom tweeted earlier today.
.@Ford led the way over a year ago and joined CA and 26 other states to shape the future of transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Last month @GM joined us.@Toyota —where are you??
It’s never the wrong time to do the right thing. https://t.co/EEizwwOfZe — Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) December 5, 2020
On November 24, GM switched their position and indicated support for the state of California and urged other car manufacturers to follow suit. At the time, Toyota said it may also abandon its support of the Trump administration in the lawsuit, but the company has yet to publicly disclose its decision.
Toyota declined Newsweek's request for further comment.
Toyota shocked Californians when it first came out in support of the Trump administration's fuel economy standards. The company, known in The Golden State for its environmental efforts and clean-car production, explained that their decision was based on their view that the federal government's authority to set emissions standards should override the state's. Some Californian's responded by vowing never to purchase a Toyota vehicle again.
"What are they thinking?" Jeff Goodby, a co-founder of a San Francisco ad agency that handles campaigns for BMW, said of Toyota at the time, according to the New York Times. "I can't imagine any Californian saying, 'All things being equal, I'm buying the brand that spews more poison into our children's air!'"
The coalition of automakers that initially sided with the White House said they would oppose a lawsuit by the Environmental Defense Fund against the Trump administration. Toyota explained that they joined the group because it favored a single standard across the country. "Given the changing circumstances, we are assessing the situation, but remain committed to our goal of a consistent, unitary set of fuel economy standards applicable in all 50 states," the company said in a statement.
The Ford Motor Company, Volkswagen of America, Volvo, Honda and BMW threw their support behind California's stricter emissions plan. GM's recent switch to team California signals that automakers are expecting a change of direction under President-elect Joe Biden's incoming administration.


newsweek--2020-12-05--Trump Says Brian Kemp Is Afraid of Stacey Abrams, Piles Pressure on Georgia GOP Over Election

President Donald Trump on Saturday night accused Georgia Governor Brian Kemp of being `` afraid of Stacey Abrams '' at his first campaign rally since losing the election , as he continued to pile pressure on Republican officials in the state to assist his efforts to reverse his defeat .
Earlier that morning , Trump reportedly called Kemp and urged him to push Georgia lawmakers to overturn President-elect Joe Biden 's win in the state .
He also asked the Republican for an audit of mail-in ballot signatures , but Kemp declined .
In a tweet addressing their call , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supported a signature audit and noted that he does n't possess the power to demand it .
Speaking at the rally in Valdosta , Georgia hours later , the president blamed Kemp for allowing the `` rigged '' election .
`` Your governor could stop it very easily if he knew what the hell he was doing ... thousands of illegal votes were cast in each state , '' the president said as he repeated unverified claims of widespread voter fraud .
`` We have a big senatorial race going down in Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very closely . ''
The president and first lady Melania Trump traveled to the Peach State on Saturday to draw support for Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in the upcoming January 5 Senate runoff elections , which will determine control of the upper chamber .
But the president spent a large portion of his address airing his own grievances over losing the election , casting doubt on the security of the election process without proof and criticizing Republicans in the state for refusing to support his efforts to overturn the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this massive race all over the country and they could cheat in Georgia and people are n't really watching it like they should , '' he said .
`` All I can do is say , ' I 'm running , win and do a good job as president . '
I do n't run the elections . ''
`` That 's up to your government here , and for whatever reason , your secretary of state and your governor are afraid of Stacey Abrams , '' Trump added .
`` We know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ca n't let them do it again . ''
Newsweek reached out to Kemp 's office for comment .
On November 13 , the president accused Kemp of colluding with Abrams , the governor 's 2018 Democratic gubernatorial opponent , to make it `` impossible '' to check absentee ballot signatures .
Trump 's aggressive attacks on Kemp over the past few weeks have taken a toll .
A new Morning Consult poll , released Saturday , shows Kemp 's approval rating dropping from 86 percent to 77 percent among Georgia Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46 percent among overall voters since the election .
Before taking the stage , Trump suggested that he would stay in power if Kemp permitted a signature verification .
`` I will easily & quickly win Georgia if Governor @ BrianKempGA or the Secretary of State permit a simple signature verification , '' he tweeted .
`` Has not been done and will show large scale discrepancies .
Why are these two 'Republicans ' saying no ?
If we win Georgia , everything else falls in place . ''
In response , Kemp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called for a signature audit three times ( 11/20 , 11/24 , 12/3 ) to restore confidence in our election process and to ensure that only legal votes are counted in Georgia . ''

President Donald Trump on Saturday night accused Georgia Governor Brian Kemp of being "afraid of Stacey Abrams" at his first campaign rally since losing the election, as he continued to pile pressure on Republican officials in the state to assist his efforts to reverse his defeat.
Earlier that morning, Trump reportedly called Kemp and urged him to push Georgia lawmakers to overturn President-elect Joe Biden's win in the state. He also asked the Republican for an audit of mail-in ballot signatures, but Kemp declined. In a tweet addressing their call, Kemp said that he had already publicly supported a signature audit and noted that he doesn't possess the power to demand it.
Speaking at the rally in Valdosta, Georgia hours later, the president blamed Kemp for allowing the "rigged" election.
"Your governor could stop it very easily if he knew what the hell he was doing... thousands of illegal votes were cast in each state," the president said as he repeated unverified claims of widespread voter fraud. "We have a big senatorial race going down in Georgia and we are watching Democrats very, very closely."
The president and first lady Melania Trump traveled to the Peach State on Saturday to draw support for Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue in the upcoming January 5 Senate runoff elections, which will determine control of the upper chamber. But the president spent a large portion of his address airing his own grievances over losing the election, casting doubt on the security of the election process without proof and criticizing Republicans in the state for refusing to support his efforts to overturn the election.
"Remember this, we had this massive race all over the country and they could cheat in Georgia and people aren't really watching it like they should," he said. "All I can do is say, 'I'm running, win and do a good job as president.' I don't run the elections."
"That's up to your government here, and for whatever reason, your secretary of state and your governor are afraid of Stacey Abrams," Trump added. "We know the Democrats are planning to cheat and we can't let them do it again."
Newsweek reached out to Kemp's office for comment.
On November 13, the president accused Kemp of colluding with Abrams, the governor's 2018 Democratic gubernatorial opponent, to make it "impossible" to check absentee ballot signatures.
Trump's aggressive attacks on Kemp over the past few weeks have taken a toll. A new Morning Consult poll, released Saturday, shows Kemp's approval rating dropping from 86 percent to 77 percent among Georgia Republican voters, and from 52 percent to 46 percent among overall voters since the election.
Before taking the stage, Trump suggested that he would stay in power if Kemp permitted a signature verification.
"I will easily & quickly win Georgia if Governor @BrianKempGA or the Secretary of State permit a simple signature verification," he tweeted. "Has not been done and will show large scale discrepancies. Why are these two 'Republicans' saying no? If we win Georgia, everything else falls in place."
In response, Kemp said that he had already "publicly called for a signature audit three times (11/20, 11/24, 12/3) to restore confidence in our election process and to ensure that only legal votes are counted in Georgia."