GEORGIA”S RUNOFF results are still tight (Shutterstock),

UPDATE: Democratic challenger Raphael Warnockhas gone into the lead over Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler by about 34,000 votes. The other U.S. Senate race, between Republican incumbent David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff, is essentially a tie, as less that 500 votes separate them. (8:45 p.m.). 

UPDATE:  Republican incumbents in the Georgia runoff election have built a small but growing lead in two races for seats in the U.S. Senate. While the election is considered “too close to call,” Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue surged ahead of Ralph Warnock and Jon Ossoff after trailing much of the night.

With 79 percent of the voted counted, Loeffler is ahead 50.6 percent to 49.4 percent, a numerical advantage of about 44,000 votes. Perdue has a bigger lead, with 51 percent to 49 percent, a margin of about 72,000 votes. (Update at 7 p.m. Pacific time).

UPDATE: Democratic challenger Raphael Warner has gone into the lead over Republican incumbent Kelly Loeffler by about 34,000 votes. The other U.S. Senate race, between Republican incumbent David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff, is essentially a tie, as less that 500 votes separate them. (8:45 p.m.).

The two U.S. Senate runoff elections in Georgia are capturing the attention of the nation. If the Democrats win both seats, they will control the upper house, as Vice President-elect will be able to cast a tie-breaking vote.

Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue are both supporters of President Donald Trump. Democratic challengers Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff are strongly backed by President-elect Joe Biden. A big turnout is expected. A recent poll suggests that for six of 10 voters, control of the Senate was their main incentive to vote.

The Tribune will report on the results as they become available.

The News: Vaccination could speed up

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top expert on infectious disease, said on Tuesday that vaccination against the COVID-19 could soon rise to one million a day. “Any time you start a big program, there’s always glitches. I think the glitches have been worked out,” he told the Associated Press.

HOSPITALS FILLING: Over 128,000 people are in hospitals across the nation because of the coronavirus, reports United Press International. Of that number, 23,400 are in intensive care units. Nearly two thousand more deaths were reported on Monday.

NO CHARGES: Prosecutors in Wisconsin will not charge the police officer that shot and paralyzed a Black Man in August. Officer Rustan Sheskey’s actions in the incident with Jacon Blake have been the subject of protests – some violent – in that state.

Sports: Browns thrown for a loss

The coronavirus will keep the Cleveland Browns’ head coach and two players out of action on Sunday in their wild card playoff game this Sunday.

According to the Associated Press, coach Kevin Stefanski has tested positive for COVID-19, as had left guard Joel Bitonio and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge. Also two coaches tested positive.

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will be acting head coach as the Browns take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Cleveland’s first post-season game since 2002.

HEISMAN GOES WIDE: Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been named the winner of the Heisman Trophy as the most outstanding college football player for the 2020 season. He is the first wide-out to win the award since 1991.