newsweek--2020-12-04--These Are the Friendliest Cat Breeds for New Cat Owners

While cats might not have a catchy catchphrase like `` man 's best friend '' to their credit , there is no denying the allure of having a fluffy , docile , companion around—especially in times like these .
Maybe not all breeds of cats are docile , or even fluffy , but just like dogs , each cat breed has its own personality and reputation .
According to the American Pet Products Association , there are actually more cat owners than dog owners in the United States .
According to their 2017–2018 survey , there are 89.7 million dogs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States .
Though not everyone considers themselves a `` cat person , '' the proof is in the numbers that these creatures are popular pets for people around the country .
Though just like humans , each cat is different , but some breeds are certainly more known for their loving nature .
So when you are thinking of adopting a cat—and adopting is always the way to go—these are the breeds that you might find to be your love bug .
These felines are one of the oldest breeds of domesticated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rather playful and people-oriented .
They are very curious and intelligent creatures as well .
Their high energy levels will keep you on your toes .
This breed of cat certainly lives up to the `` fluffy '' aspect of cats .
Their coats are usually snow white with some dark coloring around their eyes and plush , soft fur .
What 's in a name ?
Their name comes from the fact that when you lift up a Ragdoll cat , their bodies go completely limp—like a rag doll .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cats—a good choice for a first time cat owner .
Maine Coons are known for being especially friendly and smart .
They get along with other pets as well as children .
They can also grow to be rather large—up to 25 pounds .
While other breeds have some inherent health issues , Maine Coons are generally known to be a very healthy breed of cat .
Persian cats are one of the most popular breeds , which is due is no small part to their sweet nature .
Do n't be fooled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintenance , needing more attention than some other breeds might : Their grooming requirements are a bit more time-consuming—from brushing their fur to cleaning their eyes .
Probably one of the most unusual looking cats is the Sphynx .
Best known for their lack of hair—almost complete lack of hair—they may not seem to be the most cuddly of cats .
But , despite their appearance they are in fact one of the most friendly of the cat breeds .
They typically have lots of energy , are loyal and almost certain to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your shoulder or your head .
This breed is a bit more striking than a Persian or Abyssinian , but it is known as one of the more friendlier breeds all the same .
Cornish Rex 's coats are shorter , and their stature typically smaller , but what really stands out are their pointy ears .
They 're silly and active and will make a great addition to a household looking for a little pep in their step .
These cats have super cute , round faces .
And though they looks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much lower maintenance .
They are a bit more lively than their lookalikes—but just as loving .
These kitties have a unique look to them for their small turned-over ears that peak out just barely atop their heads .
Combined with their round eyes and fluffy fur , they make for a cute addition to any home .
They are also very friendly , intelligent and loving .
Birman cats look somewhat similar to the Ragdoll or Siamese , and they are similar in temperament as well .
They are very loving ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were actually bred for the purpose of being companion cats for decades .
They are not super active , they are kind and will always keep you company .
There is a good reason multiple United States presidents have called Siamese cats their own while in the White House .
Not only are they active , but they are known to be quite talkative with a unique meow sound .
Well , maybe not talkative , but meow-ative .
This breed is relatively new to the American cat scene .
It was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first arrived here from Paris , according to PrettyLitter.com .
To this day , the Chartreux is considered the national cat of France .
They are loyal and friendly and a perfect family cats as they are meow-velous with children .

While cats might not have a catchy catchphrase like "man's best friend" to their credit, there is no denying the allure of having a fluffy, docile, companion around—especially in times like these. Maybe not all breeds of cats are docile, or even fluffy, but just like dogs, each cat breed has its own personality and reputation.
Read more These Are the Presidents Who Had Cats in the White House These Are the Presidents Who Had Cats in the White House
According to the American Pet Products Association, there are actually more cat owners than dog owners in the United States. According to their 2017–2018 survey, there are 89.7 million dogs and 94.2 million cats owned in the United States. Though not everyone considers themselves a "cat person," the proof is in the numbers that these creatures are popular pets for people around the country. Though just like humans, each cat is different, but some breeds are certainly more known for their loving nature.
So when you are thinking of adopting a cat—and adopting is always the way to go—these are the breeds that you might find to be your love bug.
Abyssinian
anobis/Getty
These felines are one of the oldest breeds of domesticated cats. Abyssinians are known to be rather playful and people-oriented. They are very curious and intelligent creatures as well. Their high energy levels will keep you on your toes.
Ragdoll
Angela Kotsell/Getty
This breed of cat certainly lives up to the "fluffy" aspect of cats. Their coats are usually snow white with some dark coloring around their eyes and plush, soft fur. What's in a name? Their name comes from the fact that when you lift up a Ragdoll cat, their bodies go completely limp—like a rag doll. They are typically gentle, relaxed and easy going cats—a good choice for a first time cat owner.
Maine Coon
Frank Anschuetz/Getty
Maine Coons are known for being especially friendly and smart. They get along with other pets as well as children. They can also grow to be rather large—up to 25 pounds. While other breeds have some inherent health issues, Maine Coons are generally known to be a very healthy breed of cat.
Persian
Olivia7/Getty
Persian cats are one of the most popular breeds, which is due is no small part to their sweet nature. Don't be fooled, though. They can be high maintenance, needing more attention than some other breeds might: Their grooming requirements are a bit more time-consuming—from brushing their fur to cleaning their eyes.
Sphynx
Nils Jacobi/Getty
Probably one of the most unusual looking cats is the Sphynx. Best known for their lack of hair—almost complete lack of hair—they may not seem to be the most cuddly of cats. But, despite their appearance they are in fact one of the most friendly of the cat breeds. They typically have lots of energy, are loyal and almost certain to be by your side, or on your shoulder or your head.
Cornish Rex
Sicha69/Getty
This breed is a bit more striking than a Persian or Abyssinian, but it is known as one of the more friendlier breeds all the same. Cornish Rex's coats are shorter, and their stature typically smaller, but what really stands out are their pointy ears. They're silly and active and will make a great addition to a household looking for a little pep in their step.
Exotic Short Hair
JeepFoto/Getty
These cats have super cute, round faces. And though they looks similar to Persian cats, they are much lower maintenance. They are a bit more lively than their lookalikes—but just as loving.
Scottish Fold
Tetiana_Chudovska/Getty
These kitties have a unique look to them for their small turned-over ears that peak out just barely atop their heads. Combined with their round eyes and fluffy fur, they make for a cute addition to any home. They are also very friendly, intelligent and loving.
Birman
PatrikSlezak/Getty
Birman cats look somewhat similar to the Ragdoll or Siamese, and they are similar in temperament as well. They are very loving; in fact, according to Purina, they were actually bred for the purpose of being companion cats for decades. They are not super active, they are kind and will always keep you company.
Siamese
Vital Hil/Getty
There is a good reason multiple United States presidents have called Siamese cats their own while in the White House. Not only are they active, but they are known to be quite talkative with a unique meow sound. Well, maybe not talkative, but meow-ative.
Chartreux
ysbrandcosijn/Getty
This breed is relatively new to the American cat scene. It was not until 50 years ago when they first arrived here from Paris, according to PrettyLitter.com. To this day, the Chartreux is considered the national cat of France. They are loyal and friendly and a perfect family cats as they are meow-velous with children.


newsweek--2020-12-04--75 Pennsylvania Republicans Ask State to Dispute 2020 Elections in Congress

Dozens of Pennsylvania state legislators sent a letter Friday asking the state 's congressional leaders to dispute Pennsylvania 's 2020 election results before the U.S. Congress meets to count electoral votes on January 6 .
Two other letters—one addressed to the state attorney general requesting the assignment of an independent prosecutor to review election proceedings and another addressed to the state inspector general asking for a full review of the Pennsylvania Department of State 's handling of the election—were also signed by dozens of state lawmakers .
The letter addressed to congressional lawmakers , which was signed by 75 members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since been removed from the Pennsylvania Republican Caucus ' website after some members said their signatures were added in error .
In the letter initially addressed to congressional lawmakers on Friday , members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly pointed to changes election officials made to ballot collecting and counting processes , which they said conflicted with state election code revisions agreed upon in 2019 .
One change the letter took issue with was a decision to extend the time that election officials could receive mail-in ballots , a change that was implemented in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The letter also alleges that poll watchers were blocked from `` meaningfully observing '' the ballot-counting process .
In a news release issued by the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus , House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff acknowledged that state House Republicans could not intervene with the election results directly but encouraged the state 's congressional representatives to do so .
`` While we constitutionally can not act as a Legislature to fix these problems at this time , there is action that can be taken to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the voice of Pennsylvanians is heard , '' Benninghoff said in the release .
`` I hope that the law enforcement entities and our members of Congress take these letters with the seriousness and concern they deserve to ensure the rule of law is followed and the people of Pennsylvania truly have access to free , fair and secure elections . ''
Speaker of the Pennsylvania House Bryan Cutler also spoke in the release against what he said was an `` activist court '' that `` created confusion and delays '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surrounding the November 3 election .
`` These letters are a continuation of actions the Legislature has taken for months to restore our election law , and the public 's trust in our election process , '' Cutler said .
On Friday afternoon , a reporter with Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported that at least five signees said their names were added to the letter addressed to congressional leaders by mistake .
One of the state representatives , Chris Quinn , confirmed to Newsweek that his signature was not supposed to appear on the letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Harrisburg , '' Quinn told Newsweek .
`` They made a mistake and they have since pulled the letter . ''
Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar formally certified the state 's presidential election results on November 24 .
The certification means Pennsylvania 's 20 electoral votes will go to President-elect Joe Biden .
Media outlets called the national race for Biden on November 7 and the General Services Administration officially recognized him as president-elect on November 23 .
President Donald Trump has yet to concede the election .
Instead , his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country , several of which alleged that votes were cast or counted illegally in Pennsylvania .

Dozens of Pennsylvania state legislators sent a letter Friday asking the state's congressional leaders to dispute Pennsylvania's 2020 election results before the U.S. Congress meets to count electoral votes on January 6.
Two other letters—one addressed to the state attorney general requesting the assignment of an independent prosecutor to review election proceedings and another addressed to the state inspector general asking for a full review of the Pennsylvania Department of State's handling of the election—were also signed by dozens of state lawmakers.
The letter addressed to congressional lawmakers, which was signed by 75 members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, has since been removed from the Pennsylvania Republican Caucus' website after some members said their signatures were added in error.
In the letter initially addressed to congressional lawmakers on Friday, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly pointed to changes election officials made to ballot collecting and counting processes, which they said conflicted with state election code revisions agreed upon in 2019. One change the letter took issue with was a decision to extend the time that election officials could receive mail-in ballots, a change that was implemented in response to the influx of mail-in ballots received due to the coronavirus pandemic. The letter also alleges that poll watchers were blocked from "meaningfully observing" the ballot-counting process.
Dozens of Pennsylvania state legislators addressed a letter to congressional leaders on Friday asking for them to dispute the election results. Election workers are photographed above counting ballots at the Philadelphia Convention Center on November 6, 2020, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Chris McGrath/Getty
In a news release issued by the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus, House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff acknowledged that state House Republicans could not intervene with the election results directly but encouraged the state's congressional representatives to do so.
"While we constitutionally cannot act as a Legislature to fix these problems at this time, there is action that can be taken to ensure the integrity of our election is upheld and the voice of Pennsylvanians is heard," Benninghoff said in the release. "I hope that the law enforcement entities and our members of Congress take these letters with the seriousness and concern they deserve to ensure the rule of law is followed and the people of Pennsylvania truly have access to free, fair and secure elections."
Speaker of the Pennsylvania House Bryan Cutler also spoke in the release against what he said was an "activist court" that "created confusion and delays" for voters as a result of the changes surrounding the November 3 election. "These letters are a continuation of actions the Legislature has taken for months to restore our election law, and the public's trust in our election process," Cutler said.
On Friday afternoon, a reporter with Pennsylvania Capital-Star reported that at least five signees said their names were added to the letter addressed to congressional leaders by mistake. One of the state representatives, Chris Quinn, confirmed to Newsweek that his signature was not supposed to appear on the letter.
"There was a clerical error in Harrisburg," Quinn told Newsweek. "They made a mistake and they have since pulled the letter."
Pennsylvania Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar formally certified the state's presidential election results on November 24. The certification means Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes will go to President-elect Joe Biden. Media outlets called the national race for Biden on November 7 and the General Services Administration officially recognized him as president-elect on November 23.
President Donald Trump has yet to concede the election. Instead, his campaign filed lawsuits in battleground states across the country, several of which alleged that votes were cast or counted illegally in Pennsylvania.


newsweek--2020-12-04--Biden Says He is 'Confident' a Bipartisan Agreement on Economic Stimulus Can be Reached

With the benefits of the coronavirus stimulus package expected to expire at the end of the year , President-elect Joe Biden expressed confidence on Friday that a bipartisan agreement on a new package would occur .
Republicans and Democrats had not been able to come to an agreement over details of a fifth coronavirus relief bill , causing discussions to stall for weeks .
Democrats had been pushing a bill that would have cost roughly $ 2 trillion .
Republicans wanted a bill with a smaller price range , somewhere around $ 500 billion .
On Tuesday , a compromise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides of the aisle for approximately $ 900 billion .
During his remarks on the U.S. economy on Friday , Biden said he believed there was enough support on both sides for a bipartisan economic stimulus agreement .
`` All I can say is I 'm confident there are a sufficient number of Democrats and Republicans in the United States Senate , along with significant votes coming out of the House of Representatives , to put together a serious package that will keep us from going off the edge here , provide the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Biden said .
`` It 's not going to satisfy everybody , '' Biden continued .
`` But the option is if you insist on everything , you 're likely to get nothing on both sides .
And so I think they 're on their way to being able to come up with a package that meets the basic immediate needs that we have . ''
Biden warned that even if a new package is approved , it would only serve as a `` down payment '' and another packaged would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not the end of the deal , '' Biden said .
According to a report released Friday by the U.S. Labor Department , the unemployment rate fell to 6.7 percent in November with the addition of 245,000 jobs .
That number is down from October 's report which showed 610,000 jobs had been added .
10.7 million Americans reported being unemployed in November .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a Tuesday joint statement that they hoped Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would move to break @ @ @ @ @ @ @ package .
`` In light of the urgency of meeting the needs of the American people and the hope that the vaccine presents , '' the statement read , `` it 's time for Leader McConnell to sit down with Democrats to finally begin a true , bipartisan effort to meet the needs of the country . ''
Newsweek reached out to Schumer 's office for further comment .
While McConnell has not endorsed the bipartisan plan , he said on Thursday that a compromise could be close at hand .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said during a speech on the floor of the Senate .
`` We can do this .
Let me say it again .
We can do this .
And we need to do this . ''
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would sign a new economic relief package if one crossed his desk by the end of December .
`` I want it to happen and I believe they 're getting very close to a deal , '' Trump said .

With the benefits of the coronavirus stimulus package expected to expire at the end of the year, President-elect Joe Biden expressed confidence on Friday that a bipartisan agreement on a new package would occur.
Republicans and Democrats had not been able to come to an agreement over details of a fifth coronavirus relief bill, causing discussions to stall for weeks. Democrats had been pushing a bill that would have cost roughly $2 trillion. Republicans wanted a bill with a smaller price range, somewhere around $500 billion.
On Tuesday, a compromise bill was introduced by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle for approximately $900 billion. During his remarks on the U.S. economy on Friday, Biden said he believed there was enough support on both sides for a bipartisan economic stimulus agreement.
"All I can say is I'm confident there are a sufficient number of Democrats and Republicans in the United States Senate, along with significant votes coming out of the House of Representatives, to put together a serious package that will keep us from going off the edge here, provide the kind of resources that are needed immediately," Biden said.
"It's not going to satisfy everybody," Biden continued. "But the option is if you insist on everything, you're likely to get nothing on both sides. And so I think they're on their way to being able to come up with a package that meets the basic immediate needs that we have."
President-elect Joe Biden expressed confidence on Friday that Republicans and Democrats would be able to work together to construct a new COVID-19 economic relief plan. Alex Wong/Getty
Biden warned that even if a new package is approved, it would only serve as a "down payment" and another packaged would be needed in 2021. "This is not the end of the deal," Biden said.
According to a report released Friday by the U.S. Labor Department, the unemployment rate fell to 6.7 percent in November with the addition of 245,000 jobs. That number is down from October's report which showed 610,000 jobs had been added. 10.7 million Americans reported being unemployed in November.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a Tuesday joint statement that they hoped Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell would move to break the stalemate on discussions of a relief package.
"In light of the urgency of meeting the needs of the American people and the hope that the vaccine presents," the statement read, "it's time for Leader McConnell to sit down with Democrats to finally begin a true, bipartisan effort to meet the needs of the country."
Newsweek reached out to Schumer's office for further comment.
While McConnell has not endorsed the bipartisan plan, he said on Thursday that a compromise could be close at hand. "We know where we agree," McConnell said during a speech on the floor of the Senate. "We can do this. Let me say it again. We can do this. And we need to do this."
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he would sign a new economic relief package if one crossed his desk by the end of December. "I want it to happen and I believe they're getting very close to a deal," Trump said.


newsweek--2020-12-04--Fact Check: Has COVID-19 Had No Impact on Overall US Deaths This Year?

False reports and claims about COVID-19 cases can cause people to ignore the serious consequences of failing to take precautions that might affect them , their family members and friends .
Bob Anderson , chief of the Mortality Statistics Branch at the National Center for Health Statistics at the CDC , said false claims put people 's lives in danger .
`` In this particular instance , this misinformation may cause people to not take this virus serious , not to do their due diligence in terms of preventing the spread , '' Anderson told Newsweek .
`` That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In late November , the student-run Johns Hopkins News-Letter published a story , since retracted , about a study claiming that there have been no extra deaths , known as `` excess deaths , '' in the U.S. this year from COVID-19 compared to deaths expected in an otherwise normal year .
This year , there have been nearly 300,000 excess deaths attributed to COVID-19 , as of early October , according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) data .
The story was published on November 22 , then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on November 27 .
The retraction said the study cited in the story `` has been used to support dangerous inaccuracies that minimize the impact of the pandemic . ''
Anderson said taking down the story was warranted .
`` The study was retracted by the newsletter for a reason , '' Anderson said .
`` It 's because it was n't very good at all . ''
The student-run publication said its decision was made `` to stop the spread of misinformation , '' and it acknowledged that it had inaccurately claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 created any excess deaths '' and that number of total deaths were `` not above normal death numbers . ''
The story , titled `` COVID-19 Deaths : A Look at U.S. Data , '' reported on a webinar by Genevieve Briand , assistant director of the master 's in Applied Economics program at the Johns Hopkins Krieger School of Arts and Sciences .
The webinar was predicated on Briand 's analyses of publicly available data from the CDC .
In its retraction , the Johns Hopkins student publication said Briand is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researcher .
The publication recognized it fell short of `` our responsibility as journalists to provide a historical record .
Briand 's study should not be used exclusively in understanding the impact of COVID-19 , but should be taken in context with the countless other data published by Hopkins , the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) . ''
The story , illustrated with a graph compiled by Briand , repeated claims that , `` These data analyses suggest that in contrast to most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by COVID-19 is not alarming .
In fact , it has relatively no effect on deaths in the United States . ''
But data from the CDC contradict the original story 's reporting , as well as Briand 's analyses and claims .
`` Overall , an estimated 299,028 excess deaths occurred from late January through October 3 , 2020 , with 198,081 ( 66 % ) excess deaths attributed to COVID-19 , '' according to a report on the CDC 's website .
`` Excess deaths are defined as the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in excess of the expected number of deaths for a given place and time . ''
Briand 's disputed claims have been repeated by other news outlets and on social media .
WBCK-FM , a Battle Creek , Michigan , news and talk radio station , published a story about the student newsletter 's piece on its website December 1 under the headline , `` Johns Hopkins University Researcher Finds Death Rate Before And After COVID The Same . ''
The station 's story repeated the same claims .
Other news media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claims .
On December 3 under the headline , `` Major problems with viral story about Johns Hopkins 'study ' on COVID-19 deaths , '' SFGate reported that the false narrative that COVID-19 has n't led to an increase in deaths in the U.S. this year was `` sweeping the right-wing media ecosystem , amplified on by massively viral tweets . ''
More importantly , though , data from the CDC contradicts the claim , with an estimated 299,028 excess deaths through October 3 , including 198,081 ( 66 percent ) attributed to @ @

False reports and claims about COVID-19 cases can cause people to ignore the serious consequences of failing to take precautions that might affect them, their family members and friends.
Bob Anderson, chief of the Mortality Statistics Branch at the National Center for Health Statistics at the CDC, said false claims put people's lives in danger.
"In this particular instance, this misinformation may cause people to not take this virus serious, not to do their due diligence in terms of preventing the spread," Anderson told Newsweek. "That's the biggest risk of misinformation."
The Claim
In late November, the student-run Johns Hopkins News-Letter published a story, since retracted, about a study claiming that there have been no extra deaths, known as "excess deaths," in the U.S. this year from COVID-19 compared to deaths expected in an otherwise normal year.
People walk into a COVID-19 testing site on December 2, 2020, in San Fernando, California. Mario Tama/Getty
The Facts
This year, there have been nearly 300,000 excess deaths attributed to COVID-19, as of early October, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.
The story was published on November 22, then taken down, with a retraction published on November 27. The retraction said the study cited in the story "has been used to support dangerous inaccuracies that minimize the impact of the pandemic."
Anderson said taking down the story was warranted.
"The study was retracted by the newsletter for a reason," Anderson said. "It's because it wasn't very good at all."
The student-run publication said its decision was made "to stop the spread of misinformation," and it acknowledged that it had inaccurately claimed that there was "no evidence that COVID-19 created any excess deaths" and that number of total deaths were "not above normal death numbers."
The story, titled "COVID-19 Deaths: A Look at U.S. Data," reported on a webinar by Genevieve Briand, assistant director of the master's in Applied Economics program at the Johns Hopkins Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. The webinar was predicated on Briand's analyses of publicly available data from the CDC.
In its retraction, the Johns Hopkins student publication said Briand is neither a medical professional nor a disease researcher.
The publication recognized it fell short of "our responsibility as journalists to provide a historical record. Briand's study should not be used exclusively in understanding the impact of COVID-19, but should be taken in context with the countless other data published by Hopkins, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."
The story, illustrated with a graph compiled by Briand, repeated claims that, "These data analyses suggest that in contrast to most people's assumptions, the number of deaths by COVID-19 is not alarming. In fact, it has relatively no effect on deaths in the United States."
But data from the CDC contradict the original story's reporting, as well as Briand's analyses and claims.
"As of October 15, 216,025 deaths from COVID-19 have been reported in the United States; however, this might underestimate the total impact of the pandemic on mortality," according to the CDC.
"Overall, an estimated 299,028 excess deaths occurred from late January through October 3, 2020, with 198,081 (66%) excess deaths attributed to COVID-19," according to a report on the CDC's website. "Excess deaths are defined as the number of persons who have died from all causes, in excess of the expected number of deaths for a given place and time."
Briand's disputed claims have been repeated by other news outlets and on social media.
WBCK-FM, a Battle Creek, Michigan, news and talk radio station, published a story about the student newsletter's piece on its website December 1 under the headline, "Johns Hopkins University Researcher Finds Death Rate Before And After COVID The Same." The station's story repeated the same claims.
The Ruling
False.
Other news media outlets have debunked the story and the claims. On December 3 under the headline, "Major problems with viral story about Johns Hopkins 'study' on COVID-19 deaths," SFGate reported that the false narrative that COVID-19 hasn't led to an increase in deaths in the U.S. this year was "sweeping the right-wing media ecosystem, amplified on by massively viral tweets."
More importantly, though, data from the CDC contradicts the claim, with an estimated 299,028 excess deaths through October 3, including 198,081 (66 percent) attributed to COVID-19.


newsweek--2020-12-04--CDC Recommends Wearing Mask Indoors When Not at Home, a Day After Biden Says He'd Urge Nationwide Ma

CDC Recommends Wearing Mask Indoors When Not at Home, a Day After Biden Says He'd Urge Nationwide Masks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) recommended `` the universal use of face masks '' on Friday , which includes wearing a facial covering when indoors and not at home .
In the agency 's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report , the CDC cited `` high levels of community transmission , '' and urged Americans to apply increased precautions to curb the spread of the virus .
Those preventive measures include the use of facial coverings in all indoor settings .
`` Consistent and correct use of face masks is a public health strategy critical to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in light of estimates that approximately one half of new infections are transmitted by persons who have no symptoms , '' the agency wrote .
`` Compelling evidence now supports the benefits of cloth face masks for both source control ( to protect others ) and , to a lesser extent , protection of the wearer , '' the CDC said .
The report noted that face mask use is most important in indoor spaces and when six feet of social distance can not be maintained outdoors .
`` Within households , face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the household is infected or has had recent potential COVID-19 exposure ( e.g.
, known close contact or potential exposure related to occupation , crowded public settings , travel , or nonhousehold members in your house , ) '' the agency added .
The recommendation to wear masks indoors comes a day after President-elect Joe Biden said he would encourage nationwide use of masks at the start of his presidency .
On Thursday , Biden said he would urge Americans to commit to 100 days of wearing masks on his first day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm inaugurated to say I 'm going to ask the public for 100 days to mask , '' Biden said in an interview broadcast on CNN .
`` Just 100 days to mask , not forever .
One hundred days . ''
`` And I think we 'll see a significant reduction if we occur that , if that occurs with vaccinations and masking to drive down the numbers considerably , '' he added .
Newsweek reached out the Biden transition team for additional comment , but did not receive a response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wearing masks , the CDC recommends that Americans maintain social distancing and avoid crowded outdoor gatherings , as well as nonessential indoor spaces , such as restaurants .
`` These actions will provide a bridge to a future with wide availability and high community coverage of effective vaccines , when safe return to more everyday activities in a range of settings will be possible , '' the CDC said .
The CDC and Biden 's recommendations come as the U.S. is experiencing its worst COVID-19 outbreak to date .
On Thursday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ count , with over 3,100 people succumbing to the virus .
Hospitalizations and infection rates are on the rise as well , with over 100,000 people hospitalized in the country for the first time this week , and new daily cases exceeding 160,000 .
In total , the U.S. has recorded over 14.2 million infections and 277,958 deaths since the pandemic first started , according to data from Johns Hopkins University .
Experts have expressed fears that the virus surge could become even worse in the aftermath of Thanksgiving gatherings , and as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas holiday .
Dr. Anthony Fauci , the nations leading infectious disease expert , told Newsweek that January could be the worst month yet .
`` January is going to be terrible , '' he said , explaining that the country is going to have `` the Thanksgiving surge superimposed upon the Christmas surge .
So it 's entirely conceivable that January could be the worst . ''

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended "the universal use of face masks" on Friday, which includes wearing a facial covering when indoors and not at home.
In the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the CDC cited "high levels of community transmission," and urged Americans to apply increased precautions to curb the spread of the virus. Those preventive measures include the use of facial coverings in all indoor settings.
"Consistent and correct use of face masks is a public health strategy critical to reducing respiratory transmission of SARS-CoV-2, particularly in light of estimates that approximately one half of new infections are transmitted by persons who have no symptoms," the agency wrote.
"Compelling evidence now supports the benefits of cloth face masks for both source control (to protect others) and, to a lesser extent, protection of the wearer," the CDC said.
The report noted that face mask use is most important in indoor spaces and when six feet of social distance cannot be maintained outdoors.
"Within households, face masks should be used when a member of the household is infected or has had recent potential COVID-19 exposure (e.g., known close contact or potential exposure related to occupation, crowded public settings, travel, or nonhousehold members in your house,)" the agency added.
The recommendation to wear masks indoors comes a day after President-elect Joe Biden said he would encourage nationwide use of masks at the start of his presidency. On Thursday, Biden said he would urge Americans to commit to 100 days of wearing masks on his first day in office.
"The first day I'm inaugurated to say I'm going to ask the public for 100 days to mask," Biden said in an interview broadcast on CNN. "Just 100 days to mask, not forever. One hundred days."
"And I think we'll see a significant reduction if we occur that, if that occurs with vaccinations and masking to drive down the numbers considerably," he added.
President-elect Joe Biden said on Thursday that he would ask Americans to commit to 100 days of wearing a mask on his first day in office. In this photo, Biden is seen putting on his mask after speaking in Wilmington, Delaware, on December 4. Alex Wong/Getty
Newsweek reached out the Biden transition team for additional comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
In addition to wearing masks, the CDC recommends that Americans maintain social distancing and avoid crowded outdoor gatherings, as well as nonessential indoor spaces, such as restaurants.
"These actions will provide a bridge to a future with wide availability and high community coverage of effective vaccines, when safe return to more everyday activities in a range of settings will be possible," the CDC said.
The CDC and Biden's recommendations come as the U.S. is experiencing its worst COVID-19 outbreak to date.
On Thursday, the country reported its highest-single day death count, with over 3,100 people succumbing to the virus. Hospitalizations and infection rates are on the rise as well, with over 100,000 people hospitalized in the country for the first time this week, and new daily cases exceeding 160,000.
In total, the U.S. has recorded over 14.2 million infections and 277,958 deaths since the pandemic first started, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Experts have expressed fears that the virus surge could become even worse in the aftermath of Thanksgiving gatherings, and as Americans prepare to gather for the upcoming Christmas holiday.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations leading infectious disease expert, told Newsweek that January could be the worst month yet.
"January is going to be terrible," he said, explaining that the country is going to have "the Thanksgiving surge superimposed upon the Christmas surge. So it's entirely conceivable that January could be the worst."


newsweek--2020-12-04--Foul Play Suspected In the Fifth and Sixth Deaths at Fort Bragg This Year

Foul play is suspected in two deaths discovered on Wednesday at Fort Bragg , North Carolina , one of the largest military installations in the world where Army servicemembers train and deploy .
Their deaths are the fifth and sixth to have occurred in connection with the base this year .
The two people discovered on Wednesday are 44-year-old Master Sergeant William J. Lavigne II , who was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company and U.S. Army Special Operations Command , and 37-year-old Army veteran Timothy Dumas .
Their bodies were found Wednesday afternoon in a training area with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ABC 11 WTVD reporter Akilah Davis .
The two were reportedly not killed during a military training exercise , USA Today reports .
The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command has said its investigation is ongoing .
Defense officials have not yet released any more information .
The roughly 172,000 acres base near Fayetteville , North Carolina contains approximately 57,000 military personnel , 11,000 civilian employees and 23,000 family members , according to the Associated Press .
In April , the body of 18-year-old Tayvon McMillan was found on the side of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been kidnapped , beaten , bound with tape and put in the trunk of his own car before being shot in the head and left on the roadside .
Four people were charged in his abduction and assault , according to The Fayetteville Observer .
In May , 21-year-old paratrooper Enrique Roman-Martinez went missing from the base and his washed up remains were later found decapitated at a campsite near Mile Marker 46 on South Core Banks , one of the islands that make up Cape Lookout National Seashore , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Investigation Division has offered a $ 25,000 reward for any information leading to a murder suspect 's arrest .
In October , 60-year-old Jimmie Mathias Mooneyham was found murdered in his home in the Fort Bragg area .
The murderer used a bladed instrument .
A 33-year-old suspect named Robert Henry Brockway , who had frequented the deceased man 's home , was arrested soon after Mooneyham 's body was discovered , according to Fort Bragg Advocate-News .
In November , 24-year-old paratrooper Terrance Salazar died in his barracks room at the fort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in October 2018 .
Foul play was n't suspected nor was his death believed to be linked to COVID-19 , according to Army Times .
Fort Bragg in is named for Confederate General Braxton Bragg , a slaveowner born in the state whose plantation later became a shelter for freedmen after the Civil War .
In his 1989 book No Better Place to Die , Historian Peter Cozzens noted Bragg 's `` unimaginative tactics ... sour disposition , penchant to blame others for defeat and poor interpersonal skills . ''

Foul play is suspected in two deaths discovered on Wednesday at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, one of the largest military installations in the world where Army servicemembers train and deploy. Their deaths are the fifth and sixth to have occurred in connection with the base this year.
The two people discovered on Wednesday are 44-year-old Master Sergeant William J. Lavigne II, who was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company and U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and 37-year-old Army veteran Timothy Dumas. Their bodies were found Wednesday afternoon in a training area with no weapon found at the scene, according to ABC 11 WTVD reporter Akilah Davis.
The two were reportedly not killed during a military training exercise, USA Today reports. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command has said its investigation is ongoing.
Defense officials have not yet released any more information.
The roughly 172,000 acres base near Fayetteville, North Carolina contains approximately 57,000 military personnel, 11,000 civilian employees and 23,000 family members, according to the Associated Press.
Foul play is suspected behind deaths that have occurred at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In this January 4, 2020 photo, U.S. troops from the Army's 82nd Airborne Division board a bus as they head out for a deployment to the Middle East from Fort Bragg, Andrew Craft/Getty
In April, the body of 18-year-old Tayvon McMillan was found on the side of a road by the military installation. He had been kidnapped, beaten, bound with tape and put in the trunk of his own car before being shot in the head and left on the roadside. Four people were charged in his abduction and assault, according to The Fayetteville Observer.
In May, 21-year-old paratrooper Enrique Roman-Martinez went missing from the base and his washed up remains were later found decapitated at a campsite near Mile Marker 46 on South Core Banks, one of the islands that make up Cape Lookout National Seashore, according to Army Times. The Army's Criminal Investigation Division has offered a $25,000 reward for any information leading to a murder suspect's arrest.
In October, 60-year-old Jimmie Mathias Mooneyham was found murdered in his home in the Fort Bragg area. The murderer used a bladed instrument. A 33-year-old suspect named Robert Henry Brockway, who had frequented the deceased man's home, was arrested soon after Mooneyham's body was discovered, according to Fort Bragg Advocate-News.
In November, 24-year-old paratrooper Terrance Salazar died in his barracks room at the fort. He had arrived at the fort in October 2018. Foul play wasn't suspected nor was his death believed to be linked to COVID-19, according to Army Times.
Fort Bragg in is named for Confederate General Braxton Bragg, a slaveowner born in the state whose plantation later became a shelter for freedmen after the Civil War. In his 1989 book No Better Place to Die, Historian Peter Cozzens noted Bragg's "unimaginative tactics... sour disposition, penchant to blame others for defeat and poor interpersonal skills."
Newsweek contacted Fort Bragg for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-04--N.J. Gov. Calls Rep. Gaetz a 'Fool' for Violating Event's COVID Restrictions

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy blasted Florida Representative Matt Gaetz on Friday , calling him a `` fool '' and a `` knucklehead , '' and said he was not welcome in the state after he was seen on social media violating the state 's coronavirus restrictions .
During a daily COVID-19 press conference , Murphy spoke about the recent gala that was hosted in Jersey City by the New York Young Republican Club .
Photos of the event were shared across social media and showed people , including Gaetz , at the event violating social distancing measures and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't believe this .
On social media this morning , from the New York Young Republican Club that allegedly snuck into Jersey City last night to hold a gala fundraiser after they could n't find a venue in their own city due to the pandemic , '' Murphy said , while an image of Gaetz at the event was shown .
`` So from the videos on social media and certainly this picture there is no obvious attempt to enforce social distancing or face masks , even though wearing masks indoors in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individuals are not eating or drinking , '' the governor , a Democrat , said .
Murphy went on to criticize Gaetz , saying that `` it is beyond the pale that a member of Congress '' would attend this event .
He also accidentally referred to him as `` Matt Putz . ''
`` It is obvious being a knucklehead is not beyond the pale for him , '' Murphy said .
`` What a fool .
He and they should be ashamed of themselves . ''
The governor continued , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You are not welcome in New Jersey , and frankly , I do n't ever want you back in this state . ''
The comments from Murphy come shortly after the Thursday event , where at least 150 people gathered at the Maritime Parc in Jersey City 's Liberty State Park , prompting Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop to tweet an administrative order ordering the shutdown of the venue .
Before his comments on Friday , Murphy posted two tweets containing similar criticism of Gaetz and the New York Young Republican Club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NYYRC allegedly snuck into Jersey City to hold a 'gala fundraiser ' – ignoring our social distancing and mask rules , '' Murphy wrote .
`` It is beyond the pale that anyone would willingly endanger people in another state .
Jersey City law enforcement is investigating this matter . ''
A subsequent tweet from Murphy featured a photo of Gaetz wearing a gas mask .
The caption contained wording the governor used at his press conference : `` It is also beyond the pale that Rep Matt Putz – I mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What a fool .
Matt – You are not welcome in New Jersey , and frankly I do n't ever want you back in this state . ''
Murphy 's office declined to make a further comment or statement on this matter .
In response to Murphy 's criticism , Gaetz took to Twitter and wrote , `` You 're gon na regret this tweet when you move to Florida like the rest of New Jersey . ''
`` Thank you for calling me handsome , Governor !
I 'm only considered handsome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gaetz wrote in a separate tweet .
`` In Florida I 'm barely a roundup 6 . ''
Newsweek was directed to Gaetz 's tweets after reaching out to his office for comment .

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy blasted Florida Representative Matt Gaetz on Friday, calling him a "fool" and a "knucklehead," and said he was not welcome in the state after he was seen on social media violating the state's coronavirus restrictions.
During a daily COVID-19 press conference, Murphy spoke about the recent gala that was hosted in Jersey City by the New York Young Republican Club. Photos of the event were shared across social media and showed people, including Gaetz, at the event violating social distancing measures and the statewide mask mandate.
"I can't believe this. On social media this morning, from the New York Young Republican Club that allegedly snuck into Jersey City last night to hold a gala fundraiser after they couldn't find a venue in their own city due to the pandemic," Murphy said, while an image of Gaetz at the event was shown.
"So from the videos on social media and certainly this picture there is no obvious attempt to enforce social distancing or face masks, even though wearing masks indoors in New Jersey is mandatory at organized gatherings when individuals are not eating or drinking," the governor, a Democrat, said.
Murphy went on to criticize Gaetz, saying that "it is beyond the pale that a member of Congress" would attend this event. He also accidentally referred to him as "Matt Putz."
"It is obvious being a knucklehead is not beyond the pale for him," Murphy said. "What a fool. He and they should be ashamed of themselves."
The governor continued, "I hope you're watching, Matt. You are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly, I don't ever want you back in this state."
Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida looks on during an Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee hearing on July 29. Graeme Jennings/Getty
The comments from Murphy come shortly after the Thursday event, where at least 150 people gathered at the Maritime Parc in Jersey City's Liberty State Park, prompting Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop to tweet an administrative order ordering the shutdown of the venue.
Before his comments on Friday, Murphy posted two tweets containing similar criticism of Gaetz and the New York Young Republican Club.
"Last night, the @NYYRC allegedly snuck into Jersey City to hold a 'gala fundraiser' – ignoring our social distancing and mask rules," Murphy wrote. "It is beyond the pale that anyone would willingly endanger people in another state. Jersey City law enforcement is investigating this matter."
A subsequent tweet from Murphy featured a photo of Gaetz wearing a gas mask. The caption contained wording the governor used at his press conference: "It is also beyond the pale that Rep Matt Putz – I mean @RepMattGaetz – would participate in this. What a fool. Matt – You are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly I don't ever want you back in this state."
It is also beyond the pale that Rep Matt Putz – I mean @RepMattGaetz – would participate in this. What a fool.
Matt – You are not welcome in New Jersey, and frankly I don’t ever want you back in this state. pic.twitter.com/j67x9Z2lAf — Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 4, 2020
Murphy's office declined to make a further comment or statement on this matter.
In response to Murphy's criticism, Gaetz took to Twitter and wrote, "You're gonna regret this tweet when you move to Florida like the rest of New Jersey."
You’re gonna regret this tweet when you move to Florida like the rest of New Jersey. https://t.co/zVYjvEYF0I — Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 4, 2020
"Thank you for calling me handsome, Governor! I'm only considered handsome in New Jersey, though," Gaetz wrote in a separate tweet. "In Florida I'm barely a roundup 6."
Thank you for calling me handsome, Governor!
I’m only considered handsome in New Jersey, though.
In Florida I’m barely a roundup 6. https://t.co/BtyHDflaSM — Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 4, 2020
Newsweek was directed to Gaetz's tweets after reaching out to his office for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-04--Most Rank China's Handling of COVID Pandemic Better Than America's

Unfavorable views of China are reaching historic highs among other countries , but when it comes to handling the coronavirus pandemic , most rate America as having the worst response to the virus .
A new 14-country poll conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 84 percent said the U.S. did a bad job of handling the COVID-19 outbreak , compared with the 15 percent who said the nation did a good job .
China 's response was also viewed negatively , but ranked better than the U.S. with 61 percent saying the country did a bad job and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job .
The EU and the World Health Organization 's handling of the pandemic was seen favorably , with 60 percent and 63 percent of respondents saying each did a good job of handling the coronavirus , respectively .
After cases of the virus first appeared in Wuhan late last year , many questioned China 's response and criticized its failure to contain the outbreak .
China received especially negative reviews for its COVID-19 response from Japan , South Korea and Australia , where more than 73 percent of participants said China did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfavorable scores for the U.S. were more strikingly poor across the board .
More than eight in 10 in all 14 countries polled said the U.S. did a bad job at handling the outbreak .
Ratings were especially low in South Korea and Denmark where 93 percent and 92 percent of people said America 's response to the virus was poor .
Conflicting recommendations from the Trump administration and health officials have divided the U.S. ' handling of the coronavrius .
While states with Democratic governors were among the first to issue stay-at-home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Republican governors have opted from implementing statewide requirements .
The U.S. is the only country in the world to have surpassed 10 million confirmed cases of coronavirus .
As of December 4 , the country has reported more than 14 million COVID-19 cases and over 277,000 deaths , according to a tracker from Johns Hopkins University .
India has the second highest number of confirmed cases , followed by Brazil , Russia and France .
China , on the other hand , has only reported 93,333 cases of coronavirus , making it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest number of infections .
The country 's strict lockdown is now over , and the new case count plummeted to around zero by May .
However , views of China have grown more negatively than before .
The poll found that 74 percent of Americans see China in a negative light .
Unfavorable views of China in the U.S. have increased nearly 20 percentage points since President Donald Trump took office—a 13 point increase since last year alone .

Unfavorable views of China are reaching historic highs among other countries, but when it comes to handling the coronavirus pandemic, most rate America as having the worst response to the virus.
A new 14-country poll conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 84 percent said the U.S. did a bad job of handling the COVID-19 outbreak, compared with the 15 percent who said the nation did a good job.
China's response was also viewed negatively, but ranked better than the U.S. with 61 percent saying the country did a bad job and 37 percent saying it did a good job.
The EU and the World Health Organization's handling of the pandemic was seen favorably, with 60 percent and 63 percent of respondents saying each did a good job of handling the coronavirus, respectively.
After cases of the virus first appeared in Wuhan late last year, many questioned China's response and criticized its failure to contain the outbreak.
China received especially negative reviews for its COVID-19 response from Japan, South Korea and Australia, where more than 73 percent of participants said China did a bad job.
However, the unfavorable scores for the U.S. were more strikingly poor across the board.
More than eight in 10 in all 14 countries polled said the U.S. did a bad job at handling the outbreak. Ratings were especially low in South Korea and Denmark where 93 percent and 92 percent of people said America's response to the virus was poor.
A couple wearing masks is seen through a group of people walking past the newly lit Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center on December 3, in New York City. A new poll found that most say China did a better job than the U.S. of handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty
Conflicting recommendations from the Trump administration and health officials have divided the U.S.' handling of the coronavrius.
While states with Democratic governors were among the first to issue stay-at-home orders and mask mandates, states run by Republican governors have opted from implementing statewide requirements.
The U.S. is the only country in the world to have surpassed 10 million confirmed cases of coronavirus.
As of December 4, the country has reported more than 14 million COVID-19 cases and over 277,000 deaths, according to a tracker from Johns Hopkins University.
India has the second highest number of confirmed cases, followed by Brazil, Russia and France.
China, on the other hand, has only reported 93,333 cases of coronavirus, making it 70th on the list of countries with the highest number of infections. The country's strict lockdown is now over, and the new case count plummeted to around zero by May.
However, views of China have grown more negatively than before.
The poll found that 74 percent of Americans see China in a negative light.
Unfavorable views of China in the U.S. have increased nearly 20 percentage points since President Donald Trump took office—a 13 point increase since last year alone.


newsweek--2020-12-04--Barack Obama Says Georgia Senate Runoffs Will Determine the 'Course of the Biden Presidency'

Drawing on past experience , Barack Obama said the two Senate runoffs in Georgia will determine the fate of the Joe Biden administration .
The former president appeared alongside Georgia Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in a virtual get-out-the-vote really on Friday afternoon .
They were joined by voting rights activist and former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and Congresswoman-elect Nikema Williams .
`` You are now once again the center of our civic universe because the special election in Georgia is going to determine , ultimately , the course of the Biden presidency and whether Joe Biden and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commitments they 've made , '' Obama said of Georgia .
The former president added : `` The Senate is a place where even with a big majority it 's tough to get legislation through and if you do n't have a majority , if the Senate is controlled by Republicans who are interested in obstruction and gridlock rather than progress and helping people , they can block just about anything . ''
Obama outlined some of the struggles his administration experienced with a Senate controlled by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced caused `` a lot of progress to halt . ''
All eyes have been on Peach State as the outcome of the Senate runoffs will determine majority control of the upper chamber in the next Congress .
Ossoff will face Republican Senator David Perdue , and Warnock will face Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler .
Republicans are poised to control at least 50 seats in the next Senate , based on election results , and Democrats will have 46 seats .
Two independent senators caucus with the Democrats , bringing their total vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warnock both win their races , party control of the Senate would be split 50-50 .
Democratic Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would then be responsible for casting a tie-breaking vote .
`` The promise of the Biden presidency and the Harris vice presidency rests in part on their ability to have a cooperative posture with Congress , and to do that we have to have the two gentleman who are running for Senate in Georgia , Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff , there to help move that agenda forward , '' Obama said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SurveyUSA commissioned by WXIA-TV in Atlanta found Warnock leading Loeffler 52 percent to 45 percent .
The poll found the contest between Ossoff and Perdue to be pretty much even—Ossoff had 50 percent support while Perdue had 48 percent .
The George Republican senators are also receiving support from major party figures .
On Friday , Vice President Mike Pence teamed up with Perdue and Loeffler at a rally in Savannah .
President Donald Trump is expected to hold a `` Victory Rally '' on Saturday at Valdosta Regional Airport .
But some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president will have a positive influence on the race due to his baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud .
Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan told CNN that unless the president and his allies switch up their post-election strategy they `` run the risk of alienating voters for our Senate race that is coming upon us for Senator Loeffler and Senator Perdue , and we need them . ''
Gabriel Sterling , a Republican and the state 's voting system implementation manager , told ABC News that he wishes Loeffler and Perdue would dispute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 election , arguing that `` if they showed some leadership , they would get more votes , rather than less . ''
Democrats are riding a blue wave in Georgia after flipping the state for the first time in 28 years .
Biden is the first Democratic nominee to win the state 's 16 electoral votes since Bill Clinton did it in 1992 .
`` We know how to win those seats , '' Abrams said Friday .
`` We know how to knit together a coalition of the willing , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Georgians who want to not only serve the needs of their fellow citizens , but understand we are part of knitting together the fabric of our nation . ''

Drawing on past experience, Barack Obama said the two Senate runoffs in Georgia will determine the fate of the Joe Biden administration.
The former president appeared alongside Georgia Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock in a virtual get-out-the-vote really on Friday afternoon. They were joined by voting rights activist and former gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and Congresswoman-elect Nikema Williams.
"You are now once again the center of our civic universe because the special election in Georgia is going to determine, ultimately, the course of the Biden presidency and whether Joe Biden and Kamala Harris can deliver legislatively all of the commitments they've made," Obama said of Georgia.
The former president added: "The Senate is a place where even with a big majority it's tough to get legislation through and if you don't have a majority, if the Senate is controlled by Republicans who are interested in obstruction and gridlock rather than progress and helping people, they can block just about anything."
Obama outlined some of the struggles his administration experienced with a Senate controlled by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), stating the opposition he faced caused "a lot of progress to halt."
All eyes have been on Peach State as the outcome of the Senate runoffs will determine majority control of the upper chamber in the next Congress. Ossoff will face Republican Senator David Perdue, and Warnock will face Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler.
Republicans are poised to control at least 50 seats in the next Senate, based on election results, and Democrats will have 46 seats. Two independent senators caucus with the Democrats, bringing their total vote power to 48.
If Ossoff and Warnock both win their races, party control of the Senate would be split 50-50. Democratic Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would then be responsible for casting a tie-breaking vote.
"The promise of the Biden presidency and the Harris vice presidency rests in part on their ability to have a cooperative posture with Congress, and to do that we have to have the two gentleman who are running for Senate in Georgia, Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, there to help move that agenda forward," Obama said.
A new poll released Thursday from SurveyUSA commissioned by WXIA-TV in Atlanta found Warnock leading Loeffler 52 percent to 45 percent. The poll found the contest between Ossoff and Perdue to be pretty much even—Ossoff had 50 percent support while Perdue had 48 percent.
Former President Barack Obama speaks at a Get Out the Vote rally as he campaigns for Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden in Atlanta, Georgia on November 2, 2020. In a virtual rally on Friday, Obama said "the special election in Georgia is going to determine, ultimately, the course of the Biden presidency." Elijah Nouvelage/AFP/Getty Images
The George Republican senators are also receiving support from major party figures. On Friday, Vice President Mike Pence teamed up with Perdue and Loeffler at a rally in Savannah. President Donald Trump is expected to hold a "Victory Rally" on Saturday at Valdosta Regional Airport.
But some Georgia Republican state officials aren't sure the president will have a positive influence on the race due to his baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud.
Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan told CNN that unless the president and his allies switch up their post-election strategy they "run the risk of alienating voters for our Senate race that is coming upon us for Senator Loeffler and Senator Perdue, and we need them."
Gabriel Sterling, a Republican and the state's voting system implementation manager, told ABC News that he wishes Loeffler and Perdue would dispute the president's false claims about the 2020 election, arguing that "if they showed some leadership, they would get more votes, rather than less."
Democrats are riding a blue wave in Georgia after flipping the state for the first time in 28 years. Biden is the first Democratic nominee to win the state's 16 electoral votes since Bill Clinton did it in 1992.
"We know how to win those seats," Abrams said Friday. "We know how to knit together a coalition of the willing, a coalition of the good, a coalition of Georgians who want to not only serve the needs of their fellow citizens, but understand we are part of knitting together the fabric of our nation."


newsweek--2020-12-04--Mega Millions Drawing For 12/04/20, Friday Jackpot is $244 Million

The Mega Millions jackpot for 12/04/20 is $ 244 million , and the drawing will be held at 11 p.m .
ET tonight .
Keep this page bookmarked and refresh it to see if you hold the winning numbers from Friday night 's drawing .
Friday night 's 12/04/20 jackpot is worth $ 244 million , with a cash-value option of $ 187.6 million .
The total jackpot could increase depending on the number of tickets sold around the country prior to the drawing .
This is the second-largest jackpot of the 2020 calendar year .
The winning numbers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 229 million jackpot were : 07-33-53-61-65 with a Mega Ball of 14 .
The Megaplier was 2x .
There was no grand prize winner from Tuesday 's drawing , but there was a ticket sold in California that matched the first five white balls , and minus the gold Mega Ball , for the game 's second prize of $ 1 million .
Had they purchased the Megaplier for an extra $ 1 , their second prize would have been worth $ 2 million .
There were seven tickets sold nationwide on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balls and the Mega Ball for the $ 10,000 third prize .
Three of those purchased the Megaplier for an extra $ 1 , which made their third-prize winnings worth $ 20,000 .
The last grand prize jackpot winner was from a ticket sold in Wisconsin on 09/15/20 for a jackpot worth $ 119 million .
It was only the fifth Mega Millions jackpot won in the 2020 calendar year .
Here are the five Mega Millions jackpots won in 2020 : $ 119 million — September 15 in Wisconsin $ 22 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million — July 24 in New Jersey $ 410 million — June 9 in Arizona $ 202 million — February 11 in New Jersey Other recent winners over the last year were a $ 372 million ticket sold in Ohio and a $ 227 million ticket that was sold on 09/24/19 in the city of Cedar Park , Texas—a suburb north of Austin .
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery every Tuesday and Friday night , and it is one of America 's two biggest lottery jackpot games .
Mega Millions jackpots start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prizes pay from $ 1 million to $ 2 million or more with a Megaplier .
Tickets are $ 2 per line , and odds of winning with a $ 2 Mega Millions ticket are one in 303 million .
For more information on Mega Millions , or to check your past numbers , visit its website .
Powerball is the other multi-state lottery , and it also starts at $ 20 million .
Its drawings take place shortly after 11 p.m .
ET on Wednesday and Saturday nights .
Here is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to check past winning numbers .
Friday night we will post the Mega Millions 12/04/20 drawing payouts and tell if there was a winner and where that winner came from , if so .
Here are the top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots to date :

The Mega Millions jackpot for 12/04/20 was $244 million, and here are the winning numbers from Friday night's drawing.
First Five: 03-19-24-44-50
Mega Ball: 08
Megaplier: 3x
Friday night's 12/04/20 jackpot is worth $244 million, with a cash-value option of $187.6 million. The total jackpot could increase depending on the number of tickets sold around the country prior to the drawing. This is the second-largest jackpot of the 2020 calendar year.
The winning numbers on Tuesday (12/01/20) for the $229 million jackpot were: 07-33-53-61-65 with a Mega Ball of 14. The Megaplier was 2x.
There was no grand prize winner from Tuesday's drawing, but there was a ticket sold in California that matched the first five white balls, and minus the gold Mega Ball, for the game's second prize of $1 million.
Had they purchased the Megaplier for an extra $1, their second prize would have been worth $2 million.
There were seven tickets sold nationwide on Tuesday that matched four of the five white balls and the Mega Ball for the $10,000 third prize. Three of those purchased the Megaplier for an extra $1, which made their third-prize winnings worth $20,000.
A photo of a Mega Millions ticket from Texas. Photo by Scott McDonald/Newsweek
The last grand prize jackpot winner was from a ticket sold in Wisconsin on 09/15/20 for a jackpot worth $119 million. It was only the fifth Mega Millions jackpot won in the 2020 calendar year.
Here are the five Mega Millions jackpots won in 2020:
$119 million — September 15 in Wisconsin
$22 million — July 31 in California
$124 million — July 24 in New Jersey
$410 million — June 9 in Arizona
$202 million — February 11 in New Jersey
Other recent winners over the last year were a $372 million ticket sold in Ohio and a $227 million ticket that was sold on 09/24/19 in the city of Cedar Park, Texas—a suburb north of Austin.
Mega Millions is a multi-state lottery every Tuesday and Friday night, and it is one of America's two biggest lottery jackpot games. Mega Millions jackpots start at $20 million, and other prizes pay from $1 million to $2 million or more with a Megaplier. Tickets are $2 per line, and odds of winning with a $2 Mega Millions ticket are one in 303 million. For more information on Mega Millions, or to check your past numbers, visit its website.
Powerball is the other multi-state lottery, and it also starts at $20 million. Its drawings take place shortly after 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday and Saturday nights. Here is the Powerball website for more information, or to check past winning numbers.
Here are the top 10 Mega Millions Jackpots to date:
Amount/Date/Winning Tickets


newsweek--2020-12-04--Democrats Outspend Republicans by $33 Million With One Month to Georgia Senate Runoffs

The Democratic candidates running for Georgia 's two Senate seats have outspent the state 's Republican incumbents by more than $ 33 million , with just one month remaining until January 5 's runoff elections .
The two parties are pouring money into their candidates because the outcome of the runoffs will determine whether Republicans retain control over the U.S. Senate .
Republicans currently hold 50 seats in the next Senate .
If both of Georgia 's Democratic candidates win , Democrats would also hold 50 seats , and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would break any tie votes after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Perdue are both headed into the runoff elections after neither won 50 percent or more of the total votes cast during the November 3 election .
Loeffler , who was appointed to fill former Senator Johnny Isakson 's seat by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in late 2019 , will face Democrat Raphael Warnock on January 5 .
Perdue , who has represented Georgia in the Senate since early 2015 , will face Democrat Jon Ossoff .
According to data compiled by advertising tracking company AdImpact , formerly known as Advertising Analytics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 189 million on runoff election advertising between early November and early December .
The agency 's data shows how each candidate 's campaign has designated ad spending for broadcast , cable , satellite , radio and digital platforms in November , December and January .
By Friday , AdImpact 's data showed that Warnock spent just over $ 59 million thus far , making his campaign the biggest spender on advertising .
Ossoff 's campaign was behind Warnock 's , with nearly $ 52 million spent on advertising .
Both candidates designated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million of their spending totals for broadcast advertising , the data showed .
Compared with the Democrats , the Loeffler and Perdue campaigns have each spent millions less in their respective races .
According to AdImpact 's data , Loeffler 's campaign has spent just under $ 45 million on advertising and Perdue 's campaign more than $ 33 million .
Like Warnock and Ossoff , both Republican candidates are emphasizing broadcast advertising , with each campaign spending under $ 26.5 million in that area .
In contrast with the runoff election advertising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the start of 2020 and the general election .
AdImpact 's data shows that Ossoff spent the most before November 3 , with about $ 31.8 million invested in pre-election advertising , while Perdue spent the least , at just under $ 14 million .
With so much riding on the runoffs , Republicans and Democrats across the country have been rallying their bases in efforts to financially assist their candidates ' campaigns .
By mid-November , The New York Times reported that Warnock and Ossoff had each raised close to $ 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32 million for Loeffler and Perdue in the six days immediately following the general election .
On Thursday , the president of the Senate Leadership Fund , Steven Law , told Fox News that Republicans raised $ 71 million in support of the Loeffler and Perdue campaigns between Election Day and November 23 .
Newsweek reached out to the Loeffler , Ossoff , Perdue and Warnock campaigns for comment on fundraising totals ahead of the runoffs but did not hear back in time for publication .

The Democratic candidates running for Georgia's two Senate seats have outspent the state's Republican incumbents by more than $33 million, with just one month remaining until January 5's runoff elections.
The two parties are pouring money into their candidates because the outcome of the runoffs will determine whether Republicans retain control over the U.S. Senate. Republicans currently hold 50 seats in the next Senate. If both of Georgia's Democratic candidates win, Democrats would also hold 50 seats, and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would break any tie votes after the inauguration.
Georgia Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue are both headed into the runoff elections after neither won 50 percent or more of the total votes cast during the November 3 election. Loeffler, who was appointed to fill former Senator Johnny Isakson's seat by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in late 2019, will face Democrat Raphael Warnock on January 5. Perdue, who has represented Georgia in the Senate since early 2015, will face Democrat Jon Ossoff.
According to data compiled by advertising tracking company AdImpact, formerly known as Advertising Analytics, the four campaigns have spent more than $189 million on runoff election advertising between early November and early December. The agency's data shows how each candidate's campaign has designated ad spending for broadcast, cable, satellite, radio and digital platforms in November, December and January.
Democratic Senate candidate Raphael Warnock speaks at a campaign event on November 19 in Jonesboro, Georgia. Warnock has spent the most on campaign advertising ahead of Georgia's Senate runoff elections next month. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty
By Friday, AdImpact's data showed that Warnock spent just over $59 million thus far, making his campaign the biggest spender on advertising. Ossoff's campaign was behind Warnock's, with nearly $52 million spent on advertising. Both candidates designated between $36 million and $39 million of their spending totals for broadcast advertising, the data showed.
Compared with the Democrats, the Loeffler and Perdue campaigns have each spent millions less in their respective races. According to AdImpact's data, Loeffler's campaign has spent just under $45 million on advertising and Perdue's campaign more than $33 million. Like Warnock and Ossoff, both Republican candidates are emphasizing broadcast advertising, with each campaign spending under $26.5 million in that area.
In contrast with the runoff election advertising, each campaign spent significantly less between the start of 2020 and the general election. AdImpact's data shows that Ossoff spent the most before November 3, with about $31.8 million invested in pre-election advertising, while Perdue spent the least, at just under $14 million.
With so much riding on the runoffs, Republicans and Democrats across the country have been rallying their bases in efforts to financially assist their candidates' campaigns. By mid-November, The New York Times reported that Warnock and Ossoff had each raised close to $40 million, while Republicans raised about $32 million for Loeffler and Perdue in the six days immediately following the general election.
On Thursday, the president of the Senate Leadership Fund, Steven Law, told Fox News that Republicans raised $71 million in support of the Loeffler and Perdue campaigns between Election Day and November 23.
Newsweek reached out to the Loeffler, Ossoff, Perdue and Warnock campaigns for comment on fundraising totals ahead of the runoffs but did not hear back in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-04--Texas Teacher Battling COVID Bashes Austin Mayor for Hypocritical Mexican Beach Resort Vacation

A Texas teacher battling COVID complications for months after her diagnosis called out Austin Mayor Steve Adler for his hypocritical vacation to Mexico last month , stating that a good leader should `` lead by example . ''
In a November 9 video , as Texas was seeing a surge in coronavirus cases , Adler posted a video to his Facebook page urging residents to stay home and avoid traveling .
However , just a few days before posting the video , the Democratic mayor hosted an outdoor wedding and reception for his daughter with about 20 guests at an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday .
Adler and eight other wedding guests then took a private jet to Cabo San Lucas , Mexico , where he recorded the video .
`` We need to stay home if you can , '' Adler said in the clip .
`` We need to try to keep those numbers down .
This is not the time to relax . ''
Miranda Erlanson , a 27-year-old teacher with Austin 's Independent School District , said she was disappointed in Adler 's leadership following his vacation , reported KVUE .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a leader unless you lead by example , '' Erlanson said in a video message .
`` We have to put our selfishness aside .
We all want to get out of our houses .
We want to , but when we do that , we are going to cause someone to end up like me . ''
Erlanson told KVUE last month that she visited the emergency room three times and has been hospitalized 17 times in nine months following her COVID-19 diagnosis in March .
Her symptoms temporarily subsided a short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later returned in June and got progressively worse .
She said she had no prior health complications .
`` I regret that travel , '' Adler said in an apology video on Wednesday evening .
`` I would n't travel now .
I did n't over Thanksgiving , and I wo n't over Christmas .
And no one should .
`` I fear that the travel that I did , which took place during a safer period , followed the color-coded rules , could lead to some taking riskier behavior now , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that I took that trip and at the same time was continuing to urge people to be cautious is confusing [ ... ] It was a lapse in judgment and I want you to know that I apologize . ''
Newsweek reached out to Adler 's office for comment , but did not receive a response in time for publication .
The mayor told the American-Stateman this week that he had consulted with interim health director Dr. Mark Escott prior to the wedding to ensure appropriate safety measures .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public in a press briefing that they should avoid gathering with family outside of their households , just a day after Adler left for Cabo .
`` If you 're going out to a restaurant , go out with your family , the people who live in your household , not with family and friends outside your household and start to decrease those travels outside of your home that are not necessary , '' Escott said .
Two weeks after Adler 's initial video , Texas—alongside California—broke the nationwide record for new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on November 25 , with the Lone Star State reporting 16,100 new cases .
As of Friday , over 9,000 people have been hospitalized from COVID-19 across the state , along with 22,000 dead as a result of the virus , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
The mayor 's vacation sparked a string of criticisms from local and national politicians who called out Adler for hypocritical behavior on social media .
It 's also one of several recent examples of politicians going against their own COVID-related advice and restrictions .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced scrutiny after attending a 12-person dinner party at a Napa Valley restaurant , defying his own state guidelines , the San Francisco Chronicle reported .
Newsom apologized in a statement on November 16 , saying he `` should have modeled better behavior and not joined the dinner . ''
The following night , San Francisco London Breed attended an eight-person birthday party at the same restaurant , just days before suspending all indoor dining in the city , according to the Chronicle .
L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl dined outdoors at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ban outdoor dining in her county .
Last month , Steve Chirico , the mayor of Naperville , Illinois , pushed for a local mask mandate to deal with a surge of cases .
A week later , he was called out on social media by his niece for attending a maskless wedding in Naples , Florida with over 50 guests .
In a statement , as reported by the Chicago Tribune , Chirico said he `` will be quarantining and testing again '' following his return to Naperville .

A Texas teacher battling COVID complications for months after her diagnosis called out Austin Mayor Steve Adler for his hypocritical vacation to Mexico last month, stating that a good leader should "lead by example."
In a November 9 video, as Texas was seeing a surge in coronavirus cases, Adler posted a video to his Facebook page urging residents to stay home and avoid traveling.
However, just a few days before posting the video, the Democratic mayor hosted an outdoor wedding and reception for his daughter with about 20 guests at an Austin hotel, reported the Austin American-Statesman on Wednesday. Adler and eight other wedding guests then took a private jet to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where he recorded the video.
"We need to stay home if you can," Adler said in the clip. "We need to try to keep those numbers down. This is not the time to relax."
Miranda Erlanson, a 27-year-old teacher with Austin's Independent School District, said she was disappointed in Adler's leadership following his vacation, reported KVUE.
"I think that you can't be a leader unless you lead by example," Erlanson said in a video message. "We have to put our selfishness aside. We all want to get out of our houses. We want to, but when we do that, we are going to cause someone to end up like me."
Erlanson told KVUE last month that she visited the emergency room three times and has been hospitalized 17 times in nine months following her COVID-19 diagnosis in March. Her symptoms temporarily subsided a short while after her diagnosis, but they later returned in June and got progressively worse. She said she had no prior health complications.
"I regret that travel," Adler said in an apology video on Wednesday evening. "I wouldn't travel now. I didn't over Thanksgiving, and I won't over Christmas. And no one should.
"I fear that the travel that I did, which took place during a safer period, followed the color-coded rules, could lead to some taking riskier behavior now," he continued. "I recognize that the fact that I took that trip and at the same time was continuing to urge people to be cautious is confusing [...] It was a lapse in judgment and I want you to know that I apologize."
Newsweek reached out to Adler's office for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
Austin Mayor Steve Adler speaks onstage at a rally September 29, 2018 in Austin, Texas. Adler is considering a new lockdown in response to the spike of coronavirus cases. Rick Kern/WireImage
The mayor told the American-Stateman this week that he had consulted with interim health director Dr. Mark Escott prior to the wedding to ensure appropriate safety measures. However, according to the newspaper, Escott warned the public in a press briefing that they should avoid gathering with family outside of their households, just a day after Adler left for Cabo.
"If you're going out to a restaurant, go out with your family, the people who live in your household, not with family and friends outside your household and start to decrease those travels outside of your home that are not necessary," Escott said.
Two weeks after Adler's initial video, Texas—alongside California—broke the nationwide record for new coronavirus cases reported in a single day on November 25, with the Lone Star State reporting 16,100 new cases. As of Friday, over 9,000 people have been hospitalized from COVID-19 across the state, along with 22,000 dead as a result of the virus, according to the COVID Tracking Project.
The mayor's vacation sparked a string of criticisms from local and national politicians who called out Adler for hypocritical behavior on social media. It's also one of several recent examples of politicians going against their own COVID-related advice and restrictions.
Last month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom faced scrutiny after attending a 12-person dinner party at a Napa Valley restaurant, defying his own state guidelines, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Newsom apologized in a statement on November 16, saying he "should have modeled better behavior and not joined the dinner."
The following night, San Francisco London Breed attended an eight-person birthday party at the same restaurant, just days before suspending all indoor dining in the city, according to the Chronicle. L.A. County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl dined outdoors at a Santa Monica restaurant just hours after voting to ban outdoor dining in her county.
Last month, Steve Chirico, the mayor of Naperville, Illinois, pushed for a local mask mandate to deal with a surge of cases. A week later, he was called out on social media by his niece for attending a maskless wedding in Naples, Florida with over 50 guests. In a statement, as reported by the Chicago Tribune, Chirico said he "will be quarantining and testing again" following his return to Naperville.


newsweek--2020-12-05--GOP Hail Mary for Congress to Overturn Trump Loss Has Senate Republicans Cringing: 'A Pretty Wild Id

GOP Hail Mary for Congress to Overturn Trump Loss Has Senate Republicans Cringing: 'A Pretty Wild Idea'

A last-ditch ploy for Congress to overturn President Donald Trump 's loss at the ballot box is gaining steam among current and incoming House Republicans , an idea that has their GOP colleagues on the other side of the Capitol wincing .
`` Our country has to have confidence in the electoral process , '' added Senator Mike Rounds ( R-S.D. )
.
`` It does not sound to me like that would add any credibility to our electoral process . ''
The longshot approach would be ultimately symbolic and fail to change the results , given Congress ' political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( R-Ala. ) plans to lead a group of conservatives in the House to formally contest the Electoral College 's certification of Joe Biden 's win on January 6 .
It 's a move that could turn into a Trump loyalty test and force Republicans whether to side with the man whom they warn will continue to lead the party—even after he vacates the White House—or accept a Biden win .
But Brooks also needs a Republican in the Senate to formally contest the certification and for Congress to hold a vote—something he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He told Newsweek on Friday that he 's yet to have any conversations with Republican senators .
`` I would hope that we would have Republican senators who have the courage and conviction in their beliefs to do the same thing Democratic senators have done , '' Brooks said .
`` Every senator has to wrestle with their own conscience on how they want to defend their country . ''
Brooks ' rhetoric about the election , which he labeled a `` theft , '' mirrored that of Trump and his allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in court , despite lacking any evidence .
Publicly , two Congressmembers-elect—Marjorie Taylor Greene ( Ga. ) and Barry Moore ( Ala. ) —have said they 'll back Brooks in the House .
Privately , Brooks said the number who say they 'll support him is in the `` double digits . ''
Some GOP senators have not shut the door entirely on the notion , such as Senator Josh Hawley ( R-Mo . )
, who said he needs to read up on the process more , or Senator Ted Cruz ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawsuits need to first play out .
But so far , no one has explicitly said it is even within the realm of possibility .
While many Republicans still refuse to concede Biden won the election , many have acknowledged that the effort to overturn the outcome will be over on December 14 , when the Electoral College officially votes based on the states ' certified results .
The idea of then contesting the outcome in Congress weeks later does n't sit well with many Senate Republicans , as leadership tries to shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't imagine that would ever happen , '' Senate Majority Whip John Thune ( R-S.D . )
said this week .
`` Somebody could , but I doubt that that goes anywhere . ''
Senator Roy Blunt ( R-Mo . )
, the No .
4 Republican , noted that past attempts by Democrats to have Congress contest the results have failed .
`` You have to have senators join them .
We 'll see , '' Blunt said , declining to weigh in on whether he thought it could have an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have n't heard of any senators talking about doing that , '' Senator John Barrasso R-Wyo . )
, a leadership member , told Newsweek .
Brooks would be far from the first member of Congress to contest the Electoral College result , and he most certainly wo n't be the last .
In fact , since 2000 , Democratic lawmakers have tried three times to take this route , but failed with both of George W. Bush 's wins , as well as Trump 's .
Then-Vice President Joe Biden , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the process , famously declared to House Democrats trying to contest the 2016 election that `` it is over . ''
Only when Democrats contested Bush 's second win were they successful in getting a senator—former Senator Barbara Boxer ( D-Calif. ) —to join the House-led endeavor .
Brooks remains undecided whether he would proceed with contesting the Electoral College certification , if no one from the Senate joins him .
If he should choose to proceed without a Senate counterpart , his effort would be symbolic , as it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I want to force a House floor vote and a Senate floor vote , '' Brooks said , `` where we will see who really wants to protect our American electoral system from voter fraud and election theft and who does not . ''
Though Brooks said he has not discussed his plans with the White House or the president , Trump has taken notice , tweeting praise for the fifth-term lawmaker who just won re-election uncontested .
But if any potential 2024 hopefuls join Brooks from the Senate , such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their platforms , particularly among Trump 's base .
`` In my judgement , the evidence is overwhelming and compelling that , if the election count was limited to lawful votes cast by eligible American citizens , Donald Trump easily won the Electoral College and re-election to the presidency , '' Brooks said .
Biden won the election with 306 Electoral College votes compared to Trump 's 232 .
The president-elect leads the popular vote by 4.4 percent , or more than 7 million votes .

A last-ditch ploy for Congress to overturn President Donald Trump's loss at the ballot box is gaining steam among current and incoming House Republicans, an idea that has their GOP colleagues on the other side of the Capitol wincing.
"That's a pretty wild idea," Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), a leadership member, told Newsweek.
"Our country has to have confidence in the electoral process," added Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). "It does not sound to me like that would add any credibility to our electoral process."
The longshot approach would be ultimately symbolic and fail to change the results, given Congress' political makeup. Still, Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) plans to lead a group of conservatives in the House to formally contest the Electoral College's certification of Joe Biden's win on January 6.
It's a move that could turn into a Trump loyalty test and force Republicans whether to side with the man whom they warn will continue to lead the party—even after he vacates the White House—or accept a Biden win.
But Brooks also needs a Republican in the Senate to formally contest the certification and for Congress to hold a vote—something he so far has been unsuccessful at achieving. He told Newsweek on Friday that he's yet to have any conversations with Republican senators.
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) arrives during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on November 17 in Washington, DC. Photo by HANNAH MCKAY/POOL/AFP/Getty
"I would hope that we would have Republican senators who have the courage and conviction in their beliefs to do the same thing Democratic senators have done," Brooks said. "Every senator has to wrestle with their own conscience on how they want to defend their country."
Brooks' rhetoric about the election, which he labeled a "theft," mirrored that of Trump and his allies who have sought to overturn the results in court, despite lacking any evidence. Publicly, two Congressmembers-elect—Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.) and Barry Moore (Ala.)—have said they'll back Brooks in the House. Privately, Brooks said the number who say they'll support him is in the "double digits."
Some GOP senators have not shut the door entirely on the notion, such as Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who said he needs to read up on the process more, or Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who said various election lawsuits need to first play out. But so far, no one has explicitly said it is even within the realm of possibility.
While many Republicans still refuse to concede Biden won the election, many have acknowledged that the effort to overturn the outcome will be over on December 14, when the Electoral College officially votes based on the states' certified results. The idea of then contesting the outcome in Congress weeks later doesn't sit well with many Senate Republicans, as leadership tries to shut down the potential maneuver.
"I can't imagine that would ever happen," Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) said this week. "Somebody could, but I doubt that that goes anywhere."
Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), the No. 4 Republican, noted that past attempts by Democrats to have Congress contest the results have failed.
Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) speaks to the media near the crime scene of an early morning shooting in Alexandria, Virginia, June 14, 2017. THOMAS WATKINS/AFP/Getty
"You have to have senators join them. We'll see," Blunt said, declining to weigh in on whether he thought it could have an impact on the outcome.
"I haven't heard of any senators talking about doing that," Senator John Barrasso R-Wyo.), a leadership member, told Newsweek.
Brooks would be far from the first member of Congress to contest the Electoral College result, and he most certainly won't be the last. In fact, since 2000, Democratic lawmakers have tried three times to take this route, but failed with both of George W. Bush's wins, as well as Trump's.
Then-Vice President Joe Biden, who was president of the Senate and presided over the process, famously declared to House Democrats trying to contest the 2016 election that "it is over."
Only when Democrats contested Bush's second win were they successful in getting a senator—former Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)—to join the House-led endeavor.
Brooks remains undecided whether he would proceed with contesting the Electoral College certification, if no one from the Senate joins him. If he should choose to proceed without a Senate counterpart, his effort would be symbolic, as it would be dismissed and not receive a vote.
"I want to force a House floor vote and a Senate floor vote," Brooks said, "where we will see who really wants to protect our American electoral system from voter fraud and election theft and who does not."
Though Brooks said he has not discussed his plans with the White House or the president, Trump has taken notice, tweeting praise for the fifth-term lawmaker who just won re-election uncontested.
Thank you to Representative Mo Brooks! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 3, 2020
But if any potential 2024 hopefuls join Brooks from the Senate, such as Hawley or Cruz, it could elevate their platforms, particularly among Trump's base.
"In my judgement, the evidence is overwhelming and compelling that, if the election count was limited to lawful votes cast by eligible American citizens, Donald Trump easily won the Electoral College and re-election to the presidency," Brooks said.
Biden won the election with 306 Electoral College votes compared to Trump's 232. The president-elect leads the popular vote by 4.4 percent, or more than 7 million votes.