newsweek--2020-12-07--Florida Data Scientist Ousted Over COVID Controversy Raided by State Police: 'They Pointed Guns at M

Florida Data Scientist Ousted Over COVID Controversy Raided by State Police: 'They Pointed Guns at My Kids'

Rebekah Jones , the data scientist who built Florida 's informational website for COVID-19 data , has had her home raided by state police after the state 's Department of Health ( DOH ) allegedly filed a complaint alleging her unauthorized use of a DOH messaging statewide system used for emergency alerts .
`` At 8:30 am this morning , state police came into my house and took all my hardware and tech , '' Jones wrote in a series of tweets on Monday afternoon local time .
`` They pointed a gun in my face .
They pointed guns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my phone and the computer I use every day to post the case numbers in Florida , and school cases for the entire country , '' her tweets continued .
`` They took evidence of corruption at the state level .
They claimed it was about a security breach . ''
Jones , who said she was fired from the DOH earlier this year for refusing to manipulate COVID-19 data to make the state outbreak seem less severe , claimed that Florida 's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis had sent the `` gestapo , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to her home .
She added , `` This is what happens to scientists who do their job honestly .
This is what happens to people who speak truth to power ... .
If Desantis thought pointing a gun in my face was a good way to get me to shut up , he 's about to learn just how wrong he was . ''
In a statement to the Tallahassee Democrat , Florida Department of Law Enforcement ( FDLE ) spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said , `` FDLE began an investigation November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Department of Health regarding unauthorized access to a Department of Health messaging system which is part of an emergency alert system , to be used for emergencies only . ''
Plessinger added that the computers were seized and the investigation is ongoing .
At the time of her firing in May , Jones sent an email to users of Florida 's novel coronavirus data portal explaining that she had been removed from overseeing the dashboard .
Jones had served as the geographic information system manager for the Florida Health Department 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said her firing was outside of her division 's control , implying the order for her firing came from elsewhere in the state government .
`` As a word of caution , '' she wrote in her email , `` I would not expect the new team to continue the same level of accessibility and transparency that I made central to the process during the first two months .
After all , my commitment to both is largely ( arguably entirely ) the reason I am no longer managing it . ''

Rebekah Jones, the data scientist who built Florida's informational website for COVID-19 data, has had her home raided by state police after the state's Department of Health (DOH) allegedly filed a complaint alleging her unauthorized use of a DOH messaging statewide system used for emergency alerts.
"At 8:30 am this morning, state police came into my house and took all my hardware and tech," Jones wrote in a series of tweets on Monday afternoon local time. "They pointed a gun in my face. They pointed guns at my kids.."
"They took my phone and the computer I use every day to post the case numbers in Florida, and school cases for the entire country," her tweets continued. "They took evidence of corruption at the state level. They claimed it was about a security breach."
1/
There will be no update today.
At 8:30 am this morning, state police came into my house and took all my hardware and tech.
They were serving a warrant on my computer after DOH filed a complaint.
They pointed a gun in my face. They pointed guns at my kids.. pic.twitter.com/DE2QfOmtPU — Rebekah Jones (@GeoRebekah) December 7, 2020
Jones, who said she was fired from the DOH earlier this year for refusing to manipulate COVID-19 data to make the state outbreak seem less severe, claimed that Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis had sent the "gestapo," a German word for secret police, to her home.
She added, "This is what happens to scientists who do their job honestly. This is what happens to people who speak truth to power.... If Desantis thought pointing a gun in my face was a good way to get me to shut up, he's about to learn just how wrong he was."
Rebekah Jones, the Florida data scientist who built the state's dashboard for COVID-19 information, has had her home raided by state police agents. In this photo illustration, a police officer in tactical gear reaches to open an entrance to a building. zabelin/Getty
In a statement to the Tallahassee Democrat, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said, "FDLE began an investigation November 10, 2020 after receiving a complaint from the Department of Health regarding unauthorized access to a Department of Health messaging system which is part of an emergency alert system, to be used for emergencies only."
Plessinger added that the computers were seized and the investigation is ongoing.
At the time of her firing in May, Jones sent an email to users of Florida's novel coronavirus data portal explaining that she had been removed from overseeing the dashboard.
Jones had served as the geographic information system manager for the Florida Health Department's Division of Disease Control and Health Protection and said her firing was outside of her division's control, implying the order for her firing came from elsewhere in the state government.
"As a word of caution," she wrote in her email, "I would not expect the new team to continue the same level of accessibility and transparency that I made central to the process during the first two months. After all, my commitment to both is largely (arguably entirely) the reason I am no longer managing it."
Newsweek contacted Florida's DOH for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-07--Miami Mayor Encourages Goldman Sachs to Move to Florida Amid Report Company is Weighing Option

One of the largest banks in the U.S. is reportedly considering relocating some of its operations from New York to Florida in a move that Miami 's mayor said would lead to more high-paying jobs for Floridians .
Bloomberg and The New York Times reported that Goldman Sachs Group , Inc. , has looked at office spaces near Miami and may move part of its asset management arm out of New York City , the de facto hive of banking and finance in the U.S .
The timeline for and breadth of the potential move is unclear—and , as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not guaranteed—but Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told Newsweek the move could enhance a `` thriving entrepreneurial community '' in south Florida .
`` This is another indication of the accelerating migration of the financial and tech community to the south Florida area , '' Suarez told Newsweek .
`` This will continue to produce high paying jobs and capital that is needed to seed a thriving entrepreneurial community and allow it to scale up .
My goal is to have companies like Goldman invest in our educational system so that everyone in Miami @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Goldman . ''
Officials at Goldman Sachs have already reviewed office spaces north of Miami in Palm Beach County and Fort Lauderdale , according to Bloomberg .
An increase in remote work conducted during the coronavirus pandemic is part of the reason the company is considering the move , the media outlet reported .
Other factors—including the state 's comparatively warmer weather , its lack of a state income tax and the lower rent and office space costs compared with those in New York—could also serve as draws for the company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office space costs as one way it could limit spending even before the pandemic began spreading throughout the U.S. , the Times reported .
The limited need for company office spaces during the pandemic and the proven efficacy of remote work already encouraged other companies to reconsider locations for their headquarters .
Other financial institutions—including Elliott Management Corporation , Blackstone Group Inc. and Citadel—are also shifting more resources into Florida .
Elsewhere in the U.S. , tech companies like Tesla and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise have discussed moving their headquarters to less-costly areas .
Goldman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that began investing in office spaces outside of New York City before the pandemic .
According to Forbes , Deutsche Bank , Morgan Stanley and Citigroup are among those that sought lower costs prior to 2020 , finding friendlier prices in Florida , North Carolina , Tennessee and Texas .
Goldman Sachs has a long history in New York that started in the late 1800s .
The company decided to go public after more than 100 years of operation in 1998 and began trading its stock at the New York Stock Exchange in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Goldman Sachs spokesperson said there were `` no specific plans to announce at this time '' but confirmed the company is `` executing on the strategy of locating more jobs in high value locations throughout the U.S. '' Newsweek reached out to Goldman Sachs and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication .

One of the largest banks in the U.S. is reportedly considering relocating some of its operations from New York to Florida in a move that Miami's mayor said would lead to more high-paying jobs for Floridians.
Bloomberg and The New York Times reported that Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., has looked at office spaces near Miami and may move part of its asset management arm out of New York City, the de facto hive of banking and finance in the U.S. The timeline for and breadth of the potential move is unclear—and, as the Times noted, the move itself is not guaranteed—but Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told Newsweek the move could enhance a "thriving entrepreneurial community" in south Florida.
"This is another indication of the accelerating migration of the financial and tech community to the south Florida area," Suarez told Newsweek. "This will continue to produce high paying jobs and capital that is needed to seed a thriving entrepreneurial community and allow it to scale up. My goal is to have companies like Goldman invest in our educational system so that everyone in Miami has a chance to thrive in companies like Goldman."
Goldman Sachs is reportedly considering moving some of its operations from New York to Florida. In the photo above, a Goldman Sachs logo is displayed on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York City on Wednesday, August 11, 2010. Ramin Talaie/Corbis via Getty Images
Officials at Goldman Sachs have already reviewed office spaces north of Miami in Palm Beach County and Fort Lauderdale, according to Bloomberg. An increase in remote work conducted during the coronavirus pandemic is part of the reason the company is considering the move, the media outlet reported. Other factors—including the state's comparatively warmer weather, its lack of a state income tax and the lower rent and office space costs compared with those in New York—could also serve as draws for the company, according to Bloomberg.
Goldman Sachs pinpointed office space costs as one way it could limit spending even before the pandemic began spreading throughout the U.S., the Times reported. The limited need for company office spaces during the pandemic and the proven efficacy of remote work already encouraged other companies to reconsider locations for their headquarters. Other financial institutions—including Elliott Management Corporation, Blackstone Group Inc. and Citadel—are also shifting more resources into Florida. Elsewhere in the U.S., tech companies like Tesla and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise have discussed moving their headquarters to less-costly areas.
Goldman Sachs is one of several financial institutions that began investing in office spaces outside of New York City before the pandemic. According to Forbes, Deutsche Bank, Morgan Stanley and Citigroup are among those that sought lower costs prior to 2020, finding friendlier prices in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Goldman Sachs has a long history in New York that started in the late 1800s. The company decided to go public after more than 100 years of operation in 1998 and began trading its stock at the New York Stock Exchange in 1999.
According to the Times, a Goldman Sachs spokesperson said there were "no specific plans to announce at this time" but confirmed the company is "executing on the strategy of locating more jobs in high value locations throughout the U.S."
Newsweek reached out to Goldman Sachs and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-07--Trump Could Be the One to Make the First Smithsonian Latino Museum a Reality

A bipartisan group of activists and elected officials have been working to create a national Latino museum for 26 years , and a high-stakes Senate vote this week would leave President Donald Trump to get it across the finish line before his term ends .
The push for a Smithsonian American Latino Museum began with the Smithsonian 's own damning 1994 report , `` Willful Neglect , '' which said Latinos predate the British in the Americas and have contributed significantly to every aspect of American history and culture , yet had been excluded and ignored by the institution .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans in Congress , with some champions of the effort , like Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen , retiring , only for new elected officials to take her place and try to get the museum done .
A successful Senate vote , which organizers of the effort said could come this week , possibly Thursday , would mean the Smithsonian would take over the concept and initiative of the Latino museum .
That would start with a feasibility study to decide where it would go , with the National Mall a possibility , and include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long the project would take .
As with the Smithsonian 's National Museum of African American History and Culture , half of the funds would come from Congress , and half would come from corporations and private funders .
Funders of that effort like Target and 3M have reached out to Latino museum organizers to let them know they are ready to help with financing .
Senator Bob Menendez worked on the effort with former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar in 2009 during Obama 's first term , back when the African American museum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats said .
Menendez spoke to Newsweek about the proposed museum 's winding journey .
`` It feels as long as the journey of Latinos in the United States , '' he said , noting that he has worked on the effort for nearly two decades and been close to success , only to see it snatched away .
The vote could come this week , he said , and he is `` cautiously optimistic '' about its prospects , adding that he hopes it passes through unanimous consent , as it did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill into law , the senator said , is evidence of the endurance of the Latino community throughout history , despite being the target of attacks .
`` In a sense , it manifests the struggle the community has faced for a long time , the twists and turns , '' Menendez said .
`` For Trump to be the one that gets to sign it would be part of the twists , particularly on immigration , where we 've seen the harsh rhetoric and language .
But it 's an expression that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
No matter what has happened to us .
Through the rise of hate crimes and discrimination that has taken place , even so , a President Trump would sign the bill . ''
Organizers of the Smithsonian American Latino Museum effort said GOP members of Congress like Senator John Cornyn and Representative Will Hurd have been instrumental in getting fellow Republicans on board .
`` Close to 40 percent of all Texans identify as Hispanic , and their history is an integral part of Texas history that must be recognized and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` By creating a new museum in the Smithsonian Institution , we can honor American Latino contributions and highlight their stories for future generations .
I look forward to passing this legislation through the Senate so we can send it to the president 's desk before the end of the year . ''
The White House did not respond to a Newsweek request for comment on the prospect of Trump signing the legislation if it gets to him .
But advocates for the museum and Republicans close to the administration believe the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hopeful that the president is also going to come along on this .
I have n't heard any kind of resistance , '' said Daniel Garza , the executive director of the Libre Initiative , who was part of a group of Latino Republicans invited to the White House by Trump as part of his Hispanic prosperity initiative executive order in July .
`` This has nothing to do with politics and has merit on its own .
When you get that type of support from senators on both sides , you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A marker of our American history and representation on the national mall , '' Garza said .
Organizers are hoping the museum will be on the National Mall , but space is limited and there is no guarantee the Latino museum or a women 's museum , which is traversing a similar road , will end up on the mall .
If it does , Estuardo Rodriguez , president and CEO of the Friends of the American Latino Museum , who has been the point man in pushing for the legislation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the African American museum or the Senate parking lot across from the Botanic Garden .
The Senate marked up the House bill , which included language that appeased conservatives and ensured the museum would feature a `` diversity of perspectives , '' because of a `` fear it would be a Cesar Chavez museum , '' Rodriguez said , speaking of the labor icon beloved by many Latinos .
`` We 're not monolithic by any stretch of the imagination , '' said Danny Vargas , a former adviser to previous Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Trump administration 's Jenny Korn during a December 2016 luncheon even before inauguration .
`` This has been bipartisan—I call it nonpartisan—from the very beginning , with 23 individuals involved , including Democrats , Republicans and independents .
Rodriguez envisions Trump looking favorably at the opportunity to be seen as a champion for Latinos and believes the president could even do a signing ceremony before his term is done .
But he noted that George W. Bush created the first commission to study the Latino museum , one that was eventually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump signs it , the feasibility study would be completed under Joe Biden .
`` It 's bigger than Trump , '' Rodriguez said .
Henry Muñoz III , who was the chairman of the presidential commission to study the potential for a national Latino museum , said there 's a reason the 2011 report was titled `` To Illuminate the American Story for All . ''
`` If it 's just for the Latino community , we 're not doing a good job , '' he said .
`` Visitors to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backgrounds , and that 's important because it 's a part of the American story . ''
Those who spoke to Newsweek said it 's important to note that story begins not in the English settlement of Jamestown , Virginia , but in 1565 in St. Augustine , when Spanish Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles claimed the land for Spain .
It 's a story that could be told in full , the good and the bad , the pain and the perseverance , in a Smithsonian American Latino Museum , they said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ancestors and inspiring our descendants , '' Vargas said .

A bipartisan group of activists and elected officials have been working to create a national Latino museum for 26 years, and a high-stakes Senate vote this week would leave President Donald Trump to get it across the finish line before his term ends.
The push for a Smithsonian American Latino Museum began with the Smithsonian's own damning 1994 report, "Willful Neglect," which said Latinos predate the British in the Americas and have contributed significantly to every aspect of American history and culture, yet had been excluded and ignored by the institution.
The decades-long fight extends to Democrats and Republicans in Congress, with some champions of the effort, like Republican Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, retiring, only for new elected officials to take her place and try to get the museum done.
A successful Senate vote, which organizers of the effort said could come this week, possibly Thursday, would mean the Smithsonian would take over the concept and initiative of the Latino museum. That would start with a feasibility study to decide where it would go, with the National Mall a possibility, and include how much it would cost and how long the project would take.
As with the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, half of the funds would come from Congress, and half would come from corporations and private funders. Funders of that effort like Target and 3M have reached out to Latino museum organizers to let them know they are ready to help with financing.
Senator Bob Menendez worked on the effort with former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar in 2009 during Obama's first term, back when the African American museum was getting more buy-in and attention, Democrats said.
Menendez spoke to Newsweek about the proposed museum's winding journey. "It feels as long as the journey of Latinos in the United States," he said, noting that he has worked on the effort for nearly two decades and been close to success, only to see it snatched away.
The vote could come this week, he said, and he is "cautiously optimistic" about its prospects, adding that he hopes it passes through unanimous consent, as it did in the House.
Trump signing the bill into law, the senator said, is evidence of the endurance of the Latino community throughout history, despite being the target of attacks.
"In a sense, it manifests the struggle the community has faced for a long time, the twists and turns," Menendez said. "For Trump to be the one that gets to sign it would be part of the twists, particularly on immigration, where we've seen the harsh rhetoric and language. But it's an expression that, no matter what, we are here. No matter what has happened to us. Through the rise of hate crimes and discrimination that has taken place, even so, a President Trump would sign the bill."
Organizers of the Smithsonian American Latino Museum effort said GOP members of Congress like Senator John Cornyn and Representative Will Hurd have been instrumental in getting fellow Republicans on board.
"Close to 40 percent of all Texans identify as Hispanic, and their history is an integral part of Texas history that must be recognized and remembered," Cornyn told Newsweek. "By creating a new museum in the Smithsonian Institution, we can honor American Latino contributions and highlight their stories for future generations. I look forward to passing this legislation through the Senate so we can send it to the president's desk before the end of the year."
The White House did not respond to a Newsweek request for comment on the prospect of Trump signing the legislation if it gets to him. But advocates for the museum and Republicans close to the administration believe the president will do so.
"We're hopeful that the president is also going to come along on this. I haven't heard any kind of resistance," said Daniel Garza, the executive director of the Libre Initiative, who was part of a group of Latino Republicans invited to the White House by Trump as part of his Hispanic prosperity initiative executive order in July.
"This has nothing to do with politics and has merit on its own. When you get that type of support from senators on both sides, you have to see it for what it is. A marker of our American history and representation on the national mall," Garza said.
Organizers are hoping the museum will be on the National Mall, but space is limited and there is no guarantee the Latino museum or a women's museum, which is traversing a similar road, will end up on the mall.
If it does, Estuardo Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Friends of the American Latino Museum, who has been the point man in pushing for the legislation, said his preference is a lot across from the African American museum or the Senate parking lot across from the Botanic Garden.
The Senate marked up the House bill, which included language that appeased conservatives and ensured the museum would feature a "diversity of perspectives," because of a "fear it would be a Cesar Chavez museum," Rodriguez said, speaking of the labor icon beloved by many Latinos.
"We're not monolithic by any stretch of the imagination," said Danny Vargas, a former adviser to previous Republican National Committee chairs, who began outreach to the Trump administration's Jenny Korn during a December 2016 luncheon even before inauguration. "This has been bipartisan—I call it nonpartisan—from the very beginning, with 23 individuals involved, including Democrats, Republicans and independents.
Rodriguez envisions Trump looking favorably at the opportunity to be seen as a champion for Latinos and believes the president could even do a signing ceremony before his term is done. But he noted that George W. Bush created the first commission to study the Latino museum, one that was eventually fully formed under Barack Obama. If Trump signs it, the feasibility study would be completed under Joe Biden.
"It's bigger than Trump," Rodriguez said.
Henry Muñoz III, who was the chairman of the presidential commission to study the potential for a national Latino museum, said there's a reason the 2011 report was titled "To Illuminate the American Story for All."
"If it's just for the Latino community, we're not doing a good job," he said. "Visitors to the African American museum are people of all backgrounds, and that's important because it's a part of the American story."
Those who spoke to Newsweek said it's important to note that story begins not in the English settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, but in 1565 in St. Augustine, when Spanish Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles claimed the land for Spain.
It's a story that could be told in full, the good and the bad, the pain and the perseverance, in a Smithsonian American Latino Museum, they said.
"It's about honoring our ancestors and inspiring our descendants," Vargas said.


newsweek--2020-12-07--34 Perfect White Elephant Gift Ideas Under $25

The best White Elephant gift ideas are affordable and fun .
The perfect White Elephant gift may even include a prank or something a little edgy .
We 've never participated in a White Elephant gift exchange that has n't gotten extremely competitive , and we take pride in bringing our `` A game '' even for this type of gift exchange .
A White Elephant gift exchange is n't like a typical gift swap or Secret Santa .
This typically starts with one person choosing a gift , and then the next person can steal that gift or open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the exchange .
There are two kinds of White Elephant gift-givers .
The first type reaches into their closet and finds something random that they likely pull out something they want to regift from last year or even the previous exchange .
The second type , which is you , wants to pick a creative and fun gift that is still in the exchange theme .
However , you do n't have a lot of time to scour the internet for the perfect mix of funny , useful and memorable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's where we come in with our pro-level White Elephant gifts under $ 25 .
We guarantee that your gift will be the one that people fight over when you shop from our picks .
You can use the shortlist above to go straight to buying the best White Elephant gift for your exchange or scroll down to read more about each of the items .
Everyone is wearing masks , but there is no rule that your mask ca n't be fun .
This mask features a beak that moves when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's a gift that people will definitely fight over .
Whether they wear it to the next meeting , to teach in or to the store , it is sure to draw attention and cause laughter .
The Squatty Potty is a stool that you put in front of your toilet to help you go number two better .
This is the perfect mix of hilarious and useful .
It 's not just a gag gift .
It actually helps with bowel movements by mimicking a natural squat that unkinks your colon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's been a real year , and for many , 2020 is a dumpster fire .
Now you can give the gift of a dumpster fire candle or a tea light dumpster fire candle holder for $ 5 and up .
Etsy offers many options , and there are even ornaments if you do n't trust an open flame in 2020 either .
Clamp this punching bag to the edge of the desk and relieve stress .
This is the perfect White Elephant gift for your work exchange , and it 's also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office .
This model also features a suction cup if the desk 's edge is too close to the wall .
Just make sure you end the Zoom meeting before you go to work on it .
Everyone is growing avocado trees this year .
It 's been one of the big quarantine to-do tasks .
If , like us , you just discovered this trend in December , you can still cash in on this trend with a must-have White Elephant gift .
One of our friends loves to bring a bowling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's odd enough that it stands out and just familiar enough that someone will fight over it .
Plus , if you choose this gift every year , eventually , someone will try to make a full set .
Stand out with a gift cocktail lovers will fight over at the party .
Bright red maraschino cherries are n't worth putting in a good drink .
The Travers City Whiskey Co. premium cocktail cherries are larger and taste delicious .
They are perfect for making an Old-Fashioned or for putting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White Elephant gift for 2020 is surprisingly useful and potentially hard to find — toilet paper .
You can score this locally , or you can pick up a 24 pack on Amazon for under $ 25 , which is actually a deal in 2020 .
For about $ 20 , you can bring an Anker battery charger to the White Elephant gift exchange .
This model offers 10,000mAh of power and works with iPhone and Android devices .
It charges by USB C and can charge devices with USB C or standard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supply the cable to charge their phone .
Manscaped Crop Preserver is a hilarious and useful gift that is sure to bring laughter and smiles to whoever opens it .
This is a deodorant and moisturizer that can help prevent chafing while running or at the gym or even keep them cool under pressure while on Zoom calls all day long .
Sandals and socks are a fashion faux pas , but what about sandal socks ?
These funny socks put sandals on your socks .
They are perfect for wearing around home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the gifts that get stolen during the exchange .
This Bob Ross Bobblehead is a sure-fire top pick at your White Elephant gift exchange .
The bobblehead includes 10 different Bob Ross sayings , and there is a small flip book of 30 Bob Ross landscapes to put next to the bobblehead .
The Echo Dot 3rd Generation is a handy White Elephant gift that we think will get traded around as the game goes on .
This handy little gadget can control a smart home , play music and even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the white color option to match the theme of the party .
The Handicorn is a unicorn hand puppet that is hilariously fun and whimsical enough that people will remember it .
This fun toy is handy for a desk at work or at home and will definitely appear on Zoom calls .
This TriceraTaco holder is a dinosaur-shaped taco holder that features room for two tacos per holder .
If you want to spend a little more , there is a Tacosaurus Rex or even a Nachosaurus for chips , guac and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will be a hot item to steal .
Whether you are a Mandalorian watcher , or just obsessed with Baby Yoda , aka The Child , this is a fun White Elephant gift .
If they end up buying a second , they can even pair them in stereo mode .
Given how hot Baby Yoda gifts are this year , we expect to see this speaker be stolen during the exchange .
We 've all been counting down the days until 2020 is over , and now you can give someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 2021 .
No matter which direction 2021 goes , this is sure to be appreciated in the home office .
These Wool Dryer Balls from Smart Sheep will undoubtedly result in a few laughs , but they are n't a gag gift .
They actually speed up drying and are a natural fabric softener .
Who does n't need something to make this year a little softer ?
Remember when you used to get a sticker for doing a good job in school ?
OK , maybe you were n't part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are good that someone at the party will appreciate stickers for handling adulting , especially this year .
Bring the heat to your White Elephant party .
Literally .
The Paqui One Chip Challenge is a single tortilla chip that is so hot that many people ca n't finish it .
The blue corn chip is coated in seasoning from the Carolina Reaper pepper .
Just make sure that you film whoever takes this one home eating it .
Who does n't need a shower beer or shower wine this year ?
These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wall to keep your beer can or wine glass safe while you wash away the day—the only responsible way to enjoy a shower beer .
If you 've watched any amount of Tik Tok this year , you 've seen someone making microwave popcorn in a small container and saying it changed their life .
This is that container , and the other Tik Tok watchers in your group will be fighting over this .
Pop in some kernels and a little butter , and bam , you have perfect popcorn .
Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this five-pound bag of Runts candy is the perfect White Elephant gift .
The only better option is bulk banana Runts , but that 's just mean .
It 's up to you if you want to attach a toothbrush to the outside of this packaging .
A Desk Foot Hammock is the perfect White Elephant gift this year .
It 's ideal for at home since it adapts to all kinds of desks .
This gift set even includes a headphone holder and a phone stand .
A foot hammock is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their feet up while they work .
Fun kitchen gadgets that fill a single task are always a White Elephant gift that gets stolen repeatedly .
This microwave S'mores maker is the perfect fit .
You can even add in S'mores ingredients if you are feeling generous .
Pop this gadget in the microwave , and it makes S'mores in 30 seconds .
Whether you buy this box or head to your local dollar store , a movie night gift box is a perfect White Elephant gift , especially this year .
Popcorn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this gift , but you can also go with an iTunes or another gift card for a rental .
This Cinema LightBox is a fun way to add a little flair to a room or the back of a Zoom call .
They can add some zest to a work call or make it look like they have their home altogether when on a Zoom date .
This book teaches you how to make crafts with cat hair .
It 's hilarious and potentially useful .
This is a gift that your group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friend or office mate when it is opened , and it 's ripe for regifting .
Fun , functional and potentially a great way to waste time indoors during the winter .
You can buy a surprising number of sequin pillows with celebrity faces on them .
While Danny DeVito and Nicolas Cage are at the top of the list , you can also find Jeff Goldblum and many others .
When the sequins are in one direction , it looks like a regular pillow , and then when you run your hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For the Marvel fans at your White Elephant party , this Thanos bottle opener is a perfect option that will be stolen over and over .
The only downside is that it is n't wearable , but it is still an epic Marvel gift that wo n't break the bank .
While there are fewer places that we need to sneak booze into right now , these hidden flasks are always a hit at gift exchanges .
From umbrellas and brushes to fake sunscreen , there are a lot of options to fit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge right now .
They are handy for making a few quick waffles for one or two .
They are also big in the keto community to make `` chaffles '' as a bread substitute for sandwiches .
There are many different colors and styles to choose from .
While you may not be able to bring bourbon to your White Elephant gift exchange , you can offer up bourbon lip balm made with vitamin E , cocoa butter , shea butter , aloe butter , hemp oil , beeswax and zinc oxide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone will love to take home .
Whether they use it to make themselves into a burrito for Tik Tok or just as a funny blanket to keep on the couch , this is one of the ultimate fought over White Elephant gift ideas .
This blanket is 60 inches in diameter , but there are other sizes available .
Newsweek may earn a commission from links on this page , but we only recommend products we back .
We participate in various affiliate marketing programs , which means we may get paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our links to retailer sites .

Here are the best white elephant gifts under $25 to give in 2020.
The best White Elephant gift ideas are affordable and fun. The perfect White Elephant gift may even include a prank or something a little edgy. We've never participated in a White Elephant gift exchange that hasn't gotten extremely competitive, and we take pride in bringing our "A game" even for this type of gift exchange.
A White Elephant gift exchange isn't like a typical gift swap or Secret Santa. This typically starts with one person choosing a gift, and then the next person can steal that gift or open something new. Nothing is safe until the end of the exchange.
There are two kinds of White Elephant gift-givers. The first type reaches into their closet and finds something random that they likely pull out something they want to regift from last year or even the previous exchange. The second type, which is you, wants to pick a creative and fun gift that is still in the exchange theme. However, you don't have a lot of time to scour the internet for the perfect mix of funny, useful and memorable that you are going for.
That's where we come in with our pro-level White Elephant gifts under $25. We guarantee that your gift will be the one that people fight over when you shop from our picks.
You can use the shortlist above to go straight to buying the best White Elephant gift for your exchange or scroll down to read more about each of the items.
This bird beak mask is the ultimate White Elephant gift for 2020. Etsy
Everyone is wearing masks, but there is no rule that your mask can't be fun. This mask features a beak that moves when you talk. It's hilarious, and it's a gift that people will definitely fight over. Whether they wear it to the next meeting, to teach in or to the store, it is sure to draw attention and cause laughter.
Buy at Etsy.
Give the gift of a better go with a Squatty Potty. Amazon
The Squatty Potty is a stool that you put in front of your toilet to help you go number two better. This is the perfect mix of hilarious and useful. It's not just a gag gift. It actually helps with bowel movements by mimicking a natural squat that unkinks your colon. The more you know!
Buy at Amazon.
Add a tea light to complete this 2020 dumpster fire candle. Etsy
It's been a real year, and for many, 2020 is a dumpster fire. Now you can give the gift of a dumpster fire candle or a tea light dumpster fire candle holder for $5 and up. Etsy offers many options, and there are even ornaments if you don't trust an open flame in 2020 either.
Buy at Etsy.
This desk punching bag is perfect for at home or in the office. Amazon
Clamp this punching bag to the edge of the desk and relieve stress. This is the perfect White Elephant gift for your work exchange, and it's also a hit for a work from home office. This model also features a suction cup if the desk's edge is too close to the wall. Just make sure you end the Zoom meeting before you go to work on it.
Buy at Amazon.
Give the gift of an Avocado vase for a little taste of 2020. Amazon
Everyone is growing avocado trees this year. It's been one of the big quarantine to-do tasks. If, like us, you just discovered this trend in December, you can still cash in on this trend with a must-have White Elephant gift.
Buy at Amazon.
A bowling pin is unique and sure to be a memorable White Elephant gift. Amazon
One of our friends loves to bring a bowling pin to a White Elephant gift exchange. It's odd enough that it stands out and just familiar enough that someone will fight over it. Plus, if you choose this gift every year, eventually, someone will try to make a full set.
Buy at Amazon.
Upgrade their cocktail game with premium cocktail cherries. Amazon
Stand out with a gift cocktail lovers will fight over at the party. Bright red maraschino cherries aren't worth putting in a good drink. The Travers City Whiskey Co. premium cocktail cherries are larger and taste delicious. They are perfect for making an Old-Fashioned or for putting on an ice cream sundae.
Buy at Amazon.
Toilet paper is the ultimate White Elephant gift idea for 2020. Amazon
The best White Elephant gift for 2020 is surprisingly useful and potentially hard to find — toilet paper. You can score this locally, or you can pick up a 24 pack on Amazon for under $25, which is actually a deal in 2020.
Buy at Amazon.
Give a much traded for White Elephant gift with this charger. Amazon
For about $20, you can bring an Anker battery charger to the White Elephant gift exchange. This model offers 10,000mAh of power and works with iPhone and Android devices. It charges by USB C and can charge devices with USB C or standard USB, but they will need to supply the cable to charge their phone.
Buy at Amazon.
Crop Preserver is hilariously named and sure to draw a laugh and actually get used. Manscaped
Manscaped Crop Preserver is a hilarious and useful gift that is sure to bring laughter and smiles to whoever opens it. This is a deodorant and moisturizer that can help prevent chafing while running or at the gym or even keep them cool under pressure while on Zoom calls all day long.
Buy at Manscaped.
Give the gift of wearing socks and sandals with this gift. Amazon
Sandals and socks are a fashion faux pas, but what about sandal socks? These funny socks put sandals on your socks. They are perfect for wearing around home this winter and are sure to be one of the gifts that get stolen during the exchange.
Buy at Amazon.
A talking Bob Ross bobblehead with landscapes? So no more. Amazon
This Bob Ross Bobblehead is a sure-fire top pick at your White Elephant gift exchange. The bobblehead includes 10 different Bob Ross sayings, and there is a small flip book of 30 Bob Ross landscapes to put next to the bobblehead.
Buy at Amazon.
Give the gift of Alexa at your White Elephant exchange. Amazon
The Echo Dot 3rd Generation is a handy White Elephant gift that we think will get traded around as the game goes on. This handy little gadget can control a smart home, play music and even act as a Bluetooth speaker. Choose the white color option to match the theme of the party.
Buy at Amazon.
The Handicorn is a unicorn hand puppet that is sure to deliver laughs. Amazon
The Handicorn is a unicorn hand puppet that is hilariously fun and whimsical enough that people will remember it. This fun toy is handy for a desk at work or at home and will definitely appear on Zoom calls.
Buy at Amazon.
Dinosaur shaped taco holders are always a hit. Amazon
This TriceraTaco holder is a dinosaur-shaped taco holder that features room for two tacos per holder. If you want to spend a little more, there is a Tacosaurus Rex or even a Nachosaurus for chips, guac and salsa. This is a fun gift that will be a hot item to steal.
Buy at Amazon.
Whether you call him The Child or Baby Yoda, this is a Bluetooth speaker that people will trade for. Amazon
Whether you are a Mandalorian watcher, or just obsessed with Baby Yoda, aka The Child, this is a fun White Elephant gift. If they end up buying a second, they can even pair them in stereo mode. Given how hot Baby Yoda gifts are this year, we expect to see this speaker be stolen during the exchange.
Buy at Amazon.
This bubble wrap calendar is perfect for taking out some frustration on as you pass a day. Amazon
We've all been counting down the days until 2020 is over, and now you can give someone the opportunity to pop away the days of 2021. No matter which direction 2021 goes, this is sure to be appreciated in the home office.
Buy at Amazon.
Dryer balls sound like a novelty gift, but they are actually an awesome laundry hack. Amazon
These Wool Dryer Balls from Smart Sheep will undoubtedly result in a few laughs, but they aren't a gag gift. They actually speed up drying and are a natural fabric softener. Who doesn't need something to make this year a little softer?
Buy at Amazon.
Who doesn't need a sticker to celebrate the little wins this year. Amazon
Remember when you used to get a sticker for doing a good job in school? OK, maybe you weren't part of the participation generation, but the odds are good that someone at the party will appreciate stickers for handling adulting, especially this year.
Buy at Amazon.
The One Chip Challenge chips are super spicy and fun for the rest of the group to watch. Amazon
Bring the heat to your White Elephant party. Literally. The Paqui One Chip Challenge is a single tortilla chip that is so hot that many people can't finish it. The blue corn chip is coated in seasoning from the Carolina Reaper pepper. Just make sure that you film whoever takes this one home eating it.
Buy at Amazon.
Give the gift of safety with a shower beer holder or shower wine holder. Amazon
Who doesn't need a shower beer or shower wine this year? These handy drink holders attach to your shower wall to keep your beer can or wine glass safe while you wash away the day—the only responsible way to enjoy a shower beer.
Buy at Amazon.
This is the microwave popcorn maker everyone on Tik Tok keeps raving about. Amazon
If you've watched any amount of Tik Tok this year, you've seen someone making microwave popcorn in a small container and saying it changed their life. This is that container, and the other Tik Tok watchers in your group will be fighting over this. Pop in some kernels and a little butter, and bam, you have perfect popcorn.
Buy at Amazon.
Who wouldn't fight over five pounds of Runts? Amazon
Amazon offers great deals on bulk candy, and this five-pound bag of Runts candy is the perfect White Elephant gift. The only better option is bulk banana Runts, but that's just mean. It's up to you if you want to attach a toothbrush to the outside of this packaging.
Buy at Amazon.
This under the desk foot hammock looks like a novelty, but it's actually really handy. Amazon
A Desk Foot Hammock is the perfect White Elephant gift this year. It's ideal for at home since it adapts to all kinds of desks. This gift set even includes a headphone holder and a phone stand. A foot hammock is great for people who like to keep their feet up while they work.
Buy at Amazon.
This microwave s'mores maker is going to see a lot of use by whoever takes it home. Amazon
Fun kitchen gadgets that fill a single task are always a White Elephant gift that gets stolen repeatedly. This microwave S'mores maker is the perfect fit. You can even add in S'mores ingredients if you are feeling generous. Pop this gadget in the microwave, and it makes S'mores in 30 seconds.
Buy at Amazon.
Give the gift of a perfect movie night at home for your White Elephant gift. Amazon
Whether you buy this box or head to your local dollar store, a movie night gift box is a perfect White Elephant gift, especially this year. Popcorn, candy and a Redbox code complete this gift, but you can also go with an iTunes or another gift card for a rental.
Buy at Amazon.
This light up message board is fun for entryways or as a Zoom background. Amazon
This Cinema LightBox is a fun way to add a little flair to a room or the back of a Zoom call. They can add some zest to a work call or make it look like they have their home altogether when on a Zoom date.
Buy at Amazon.
This book is funny, and it could help pass time this winter. Amazon
This book teaches you how to make crafts with cat hair. It's hilarious and potentially useful. This is a gift that your group will surely think of at least one friend or office mate when it is opened, and it's ripe for regifting. Fun, functional and potentially a great way to waste time indoors during the winter.
Buy at Amazon.
This looks like a sequin pillow, but hidden underneath is a celebrity like Danny DeVito or Nicolas Cage. Amazon
You can buy a surprising number of sequin pillows with celebrity faces on them. While Danny DeVito and Nicolas Cage are at the top of the list, you can also find Jeff Goldblum and many others. When the sequins are in one direction, it looks like a regular pillow, and then when you run your hands across them, a celebrity appears.
Buy at Amazon.
It won't make half of the bottle caps disappear, but this Thanos bottlle opener will be a sought after gift. Amazon
For the Marvel fans at your White Elephant party, this Thanos bottle opener is a perfect option that will be stolen over and over. The only downside is that it isn't wearable, but it is still an epic Marvel gift that won't break the bank.
Buy at Amazon.
A hidden flask is sure to be stolen at your White Elephant exchange. Amazon
While there are fewer places that we need to sneak booze into right now, these hidden flasks are always a hit at gift exchanges. From umbrellas and brushes to fake sunscreen, there are a lot of options to fit any situation.
Buy at Amazon.
This little waffle maker is cute and perfect for solo waffles or keto "chaffles". Amazon
Mini waffle makers are huge right now. They are handy for making a few quick waffles for one or two. They are also big in the keto community to make "chaffles" as a bread substitute for sandwiches. There are many different colors and styles to choose from.
Buy at Amazon.
The perfect gift for a bourbon lover. Amazon
While you may not be able to bring bourbon to your White Elephant gift exchange, you can offer up bourbon lip balm made with vitamin E, cocoa butter, shea butter, aloe butter, hemp oil, beeswax and zinc oxide. This is an affordable option that someone will love to take home.
Buy at Amazon.
Someone will become a burrito with this tortilla blanket. Amazon
Whether they use it to make themselves into a burrito for Tik Tok or just as a funny blanket to keep on the couch, this is one of the ultimate fought over White Elephant gift ideas. This blanket is 60 inches in diameter, but there are other sizes available.
Buy at Amazon.
Newsweek may earn a commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. We participate in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.


newsweek--2020-12-07--Why is the Washington-Pittsburgh NFL Game Monday Night Not on TV?

Many football fans around the country who wanted to see Monday night 's NFL doubleheader will only get to see one of those games—the late one .
Binding TV contracts have handcuffed executives in America into showing mostly local programming during the 5 p.m .
ET time slot , when the Washington Football Team kicked off against the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers .
The game was originally scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m .
ET , but was eventually moved to Monday evening because Pittsburgh played a postponed game just last Wednesday .
That game against the Baltimore Ravens was originally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , but was rescheduled for six days later because of COVID-19 issues within the Baltimore organization .
Since the Washington-Pittsburgh game was only supposed to be a regionally-televised game , and with some people in certain parts of the country to also get the game , DirecTv had the rights to show it to the rest of the country through its NFL package .
The same rules apply to the game , even though it was moved to Monday and is the only game scheduled in the 5 p.m. time slot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will only be able to show the game to about 40 percent of the country .
J.P Kirby of 506 sports maps out where certain games will be played each week , and here is the coverage map for the Washington-Pittsburgh game on Monday night .
Folks who do not receive the game can follow a play-by-play graphic on NFL.com The Steelers ( 11-0 ) are the only remaining undefeated team in the NFL , and they are a half game ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs ( 11-1 ) in the overall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win Monday night to stay ahead of the Chiefs .
The top team in each conference gets the only first-round bye , and they get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs .
The Washington Football Team ( 4-7 ) needs a win to tie the New York Giants for first place in the NFC East division .
The Giants beat Seattle on Sunday to improve to 5-7 on the year .
The NFC East will likely get just one team in the playoffs , and that would be the division winner .
The second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers .
That game kicks off at 8:15 p.m .
ET on ESPN , and the whole country will receive that game .
The Bills-49ers game will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale , Arizona , home of the Arizona Cardinals .
It was moved there because officials in Santa Clara County ( Calif. ) have banned outdoor contact sports for a three-week period , meaning the 49ers had to move their operations elsewhere .

Many football fans around the country who wanted to see Monday night's NFL doubleheader will only get to see one of those games—the late one. Binding TV contracts have handcuffed executives in America into showing mostly local programming during the 5 p.m. ET time slot, when the Washington Football Team kicked off against the undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers.
The game was originally scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, but was eventually moved to Monday evening because Pittsburgh played a postponed game just last Wednesday. That game against the Baltimore Ravens was originally scheduled for Thanksgiving night (Nov. 26), but was rescheduled for six days later because of COVID-19 issues within the Baltimore organization.
Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to their game against the Washington Football Team at Heinz Field on December 07, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images
Since the Washington-Pittsburgh game was only supposed to be a regionally-televised game, and with some people in certain parts of the country to also get the game, DirecTv had the rights to show it to the rest of the country through its NFL package. The same rules apply to the game, even though it was moved to Monday and is the only game scheduled in the 5 p.m. time slot.
But with the broadcast restrictions, FOX will only be able to show the game to about 40 percent of the country.
J.P Kirby of 506 sports maps out where certain games will be played each week, and here is the coverage map for the Washington-Pittsburgh game on Monday night.
The areas in red are currently slated to get WFT-Steelers on Fox on Monday. https://t.co/XEfUi7NCgZ pic.twitter.com/vGnbEdqpGA — 506 Sports (@506sports) December 3, 2020
Folks who do not receive the game can follow a play-by-play graphic on NFL.com
The Steelers (11-0) are the only remaining undefeated team in the NFL, and they are a half game ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs (11-1) in the overall AFC standings. The Steelers need a win Monday night to stay ahead of the Chiefs. The top team in each conference gets the only first-round bye, and they get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Washington Football Team (4-7) needs a win to tie the New York Giants for first place in the NFC East division. The Giants beat Seattle on Sunday to improve to 5-7 on the year. The NFC East will likely get just one team in the playoffs, and that would be the division winner.
The second game Monday night is the regularly-scheduled contest between the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers. That game kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN, and the whole country will receive that game.
The Bills-49ers game will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the Arizona Cardinals. It was moved there because officials in Santa Clara County (Calif.) have banned outdoor contact sports for a three-week period, meaning the 49ers had to move their operations elsewhere.


newsweek--2020-12-08--Bear Filmed Tearing Down Christmas Decorations May Be Behind Mysterious Spate of Similar Attacks

A bear has been caught on camera destroying Christmas decorations in a neighborhood in Fairfax County , Virginia , prompting suspicion the animal was behind a string of similar incidents in the area .
On the morning of December 3 , Melissa Ashby woke up to the sight of her inflatable and illuminated Santa-in-a-helicopter lawn decoration , complete with rotating propellers , lying in tatters in her front yard .
It was the latest in a series of incidents in the area , which had seen several of Ashby 's neighbors ' Christmas decorations sustain damage from a mystery vandal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , footage captured by Ashby 's home security camera showed a bear attacking her festive display , first from the rear and then head-on .
It is n't completely clear what species of bear it was , but according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources ( VDWR ) , black bear sightings have been reported in the Fairfax County area .
Black bears are omnivorous and can grow up to 7 feet long and 500 pounds , but they 're often significantly smaller .
They 're also naturally shy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the smell of food .
The VDWR says that bird feeders , garbage and pet food are the items that would most typically attract the attention of a black bear , but fruit trees , beehives , grills and even compost heaps can also lure them in , especially if their natural food supplies , such as nuts and berries , are in low supply .
`` In reality , most problems caused by bears are really 'people problems . '
It is up to humans to change their own behaviors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's possible that this particular individual , which has been dubbed `` Bear Humbug '' by some social media users , was on the lookout for food , and that Ashby 's Christmas decorations simply aroused its curiosity .
`` Most common bear problems have simple solutions .
Typical problems involve turned-over garbage containers , trash littered across the yard , damaged bird feeders , or bears coming onto porches to eat pet food or get into coolers or freezers , '' says VDWR .
`` However , bears that learn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property damage in their search for food around houses . ''
Bears typically move on from a residential area after several failed attempts to find food , but it 's recommended that locals do their part by bringing in bird feeders and other food , and securing their trash .
`` I woke up this morning to go to the gym , and saw our Santa helicopter actually on its side , '' Ashby told Fox5 .
`` Honestly , when he turned around and actually went after the front [ of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it twice , it was actually kind of scary .
`` He 's fast , and whether it was 'Hey , I 'm not quite sure what you 're doing but I 'm going to bite you ' ... it was kind of scary .
I 'm not quite sure how I 'm going to fix [ the decoration ] but we 'll get him up and running again . ''

A bear has been caught on camera destroying Christmas decorations in a neighborhood in Fairfax County, Virginia, prompting suspicion the animal was behind a string of similar incidents in the area.
On the morning of December 3, Melissa Ashby woke up to the sight of her inflatable and illuminated Santa-in-a-helicopter lawn decoration, complete with rotating propellers, lying in tatters in her front yard.
It was the latest in a series of incidents in the area, which had seen several of Ashby's neighbors' Christmas decorations sustain damage from a mystery vandal, initially thought to be rowdy teenagers.
However, footage captured by Ashby's home security camera showed a bear attacking her festive display, first from the rear and then head-on.
It isn't completely clear what species of bear it was, but according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR), black bear sightings have been reported in the Fairfax County area.
Black bears are omnivorous and can grow up to 7 feet long and 500 pounds, but they're often significantly smaller. They're also naturally shy, but can be drawn to residential areas by the smell of food.
The VDWR says that bird feeders, garbage and pet food are the items that would most typically attract the attention of a black bear, but fruit trees, beehives, grills and even compost heaps can also lure them in, especially if their natural food supplies, such as nuts and berries, are in low supply.
"In reality, most problems caused by bears are really 'people problems.' It is up to humans to change their own behaviors to avoid conflicts," the VDWR says.
It's possible that this particular individual, which has been dubbed "Bear Humbug" by some social media users, was on the lookout for food, and that Ashby's Christmas decorations simply aroused its curiosity.
"Most common bear problems have simple solutions. Typical problems involve turned-over garbage containers, trash littered across the yard, damaged bird feeders, or bears coming onto porches to eat pet food or get into coolers or freezers," says VDWR.
"However, bears that learn to associate food with people can cause property damage in their search for food around houses."
Bears typically move on from a residential area after several failed attempts to find food, but it's recommended that locals do their part by bringing in bird feeders and other food, and securing their trash.
"I woke up this morning to go to the gym, and saw our Santa helicopter actually on its side," Ashby told Fox5. "Honestly, when he turned around and actually went after the front [of the Christmas display], and went after it twice, it was actually kind of scary.
"He's fast, and whether it was 'Hey, I'm not quite sure what you're doing but I'm going to bite you'... it was kind of scary. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to fix [the decoration] but we'll get him up and running again."


newsweek--2020-12-08--Putin's World-beating COVID Vaccine Faces Doubts From Doctors and Russians

Russia 's President Vladimir Putin has championed the Sputnik V vaccine as a world first , but the Kremlin 's will to undertake a widespread vaccination program could clash with distrust from the medical establishment and the wider population .
Last week , Putin told his deputy prime minister Tatyana Golikova to push ahead with vaccinations across the country as the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had taken infection numbers in Russia to the world 's fourth-highest .
Russia claimed global bragging rights when it announced the development of Sputnik V in August but it was greeted with trepidation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the speed of its creation at the Gamaleya Institute , and also the fact that it had not been tested in a large-scale medical trial .
But experts within Russia also had doubts .
After being given regulatory approval , a survey in August by the medical app Spravochnik Vracha ( Doctor 's Directory ) found over half ( 52 percent ) would refuse to take the vaccine compared with a quarter ( 25 percent ) who were willing to take it .
Nearly two-thirds ( 66 percent ) said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 48 percent ) did not believe it could be created in so short a period , RBC reported .
These results were echoed in a September study by Doktor na Rabote ( Doctor at Work ) , a social networking site for Russian medical professionals , which found 50 percent of respondents would reject the vaccine , Kommersant reported .
`` Nobody believes what they see on TV , what they read , and what they have been promised about the vaccination , '' said Simon Galperin , the head of the Moscow-based @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In October , Galperin volunteered for the trials of Sputnik V , during which he experienced a mild fever but nothing more serious .
He said the data was insufficient to tell whether it would work .
`` The vaccination was supposed to be the easy way to solve this problem of the pandemic , '' he told Newsweek .
`` But we do n't have enough information about the results of the clinical study .
I believe this is the same in Russia and the west .
`` Everywhere , we see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectiveness of how it can protect people yet we do n't see the exact results and the studies that can prove that .
People doubt these promises for vaccination . ''
This distrust is not fueled by anti-vaccination sentiment but rather disenchantment with Russia 's Health Ministry as well as towards Russian-manufactured medicines .
Meanwhile , Putin has been criticized for his response to the pandemic .
In April , many medical staff expressed unhappiness due to insufficient COVID-19 protections and delays to bonus payments .
`` There is a disbelief in official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Volkov , Levada 's deputy director , told The New York Times : `` On the one hand , we are happy that we are first .
But we wo n't get it ourselves—let it go through the trials . ''
This uncertainty among Russians is borne out by a poll by his center on October 20 which showed 59 percent surveyed said they were not personally prepared to take the vaccine .
This was five percent higher than when the same question was asked in August .
Sputnik 's backers claim it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , making it a strong competitor against the offerings by Oxford/AstraZeneca and BioNTech/Pfizer .
However , this is based on interim results , after just 39 trial volunteers caught COVID-19 .
Frontline workers in health and education are being offered the vaccination , which authorities have said would be voluntary .
Some of those workers have taken to social networks to describe how their medical institutions are pressuring staff to take the vaccination , according to TJournal.ru .
Marina Litvinovich , a member of the Public Monitoring Commission , wrote in a Facebook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be vaccinated , but they are forced under threat of dismissal . ''
She posted screenshots of a chatroom referring to how medical staff had left a clinic in central Moscow for this reason , although the Moscow Department of Health rejected as `` baseless '' claims of staff being pressured .
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny , who is recovering from Novichok poisoning , suggested in a Facebook post that if the vaccine was so effective then top government figures and Putin 's family should receive it in front of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushed on us from above .
The doctors who are taking it now need to have clear insurance policies and not to be told the trials have n't even finished yet , '' Roman Stroganov , a surgeon at Moscow 's Clinical Hospital Number 50 told The Moscow Times .
`` I 'm not saying the vaccine is bad , but I 'm not happy with the limited information we have about it . ''
The graphic below from Statista shows the countries with the highest number of coronavirus cases .

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has championed the Sputnik V vaccine as a world first, but the Kremlin's will to undertake a widespread vaccination program could clash with distrust from the medical establishment and the wider population.
Last week, Putin told his deputy prime minister Tatyana Golikova to push ahead with vaccinations across the country as the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic had taken infection numbers in Russia to the world's fourth-highest.
Russia claimed global bragging rights when it announced the development of Sputnik V in August but it was greeted with trepidation by the global medical community, partly due to the speed of its creation at the Gamaleya Institute, and also the fact that it had not been tested in a large-scale medical trial.
But experts within Russia also had doubts. After being given regulatory approval, a survey in August by the medical app Spravochnik Vracha (Doctor's Directory) found over half (52 percent) would refuse to take the vaccine compared with a quarter (25 percent) who were willing to take it.
A nurse is about to administer Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against the coronavirus at a clinic in Moscow on December 5, 2020. Russia is rolling out a vaccination program. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/Getty Images
Nearly two-thirds (66 percent) said there was insufficient data while nearly half (48 percent) did not believe it could be created in so short a period, RBC reported.
These results were echoed in a September study by Doktor na Rabote (Doctor at Work), a social networking site for Russian medical professionals, which found 50 percent of respondents would reject the vaccine, Kommersant reported.
"Nobody believes what they see on TV, what they read, and what they have been promised about the vaccination," said Simon Galperin, the head of the Moscow-based League for the Protection of Doctors.
In October, Galperin volunteered for the trials of Sputnik V, during which he experienced a mild fever but nothing more serious. He said the data was insufficient to tell whether it would work.
"The vaccination was supposed to be the easy way to solve this problem of the pandemic," he told Newsweek.
"But we don't have enough information about the results of the clinical study. I believe this is the same in Russia and the west.
"Everywhere, we see the numbers of 90 and 95 percent effectiveness of how it can protect people yet we don't see the exact results and the studies that can prove that. People doubt these promises for vaccination."
This distrust is not fueled by anti-vaccination sentiment but rather disenchantment with Russia's Health Ministry as well as towards Russian-manufactured medicines.
Meanwhile, Putin has been criticized for his response to the pandemic. In April, many medical staff expressed unhappiness due to insufficient COVID-19 protections and delays to bonus payments.
"There is a disbelief in official information, by default," Denis Volkov, Levada's deputy director, told The New York Times: "On the one hand, we are happy that we are first. But we won't get it ourselves—let it go through the trials."
This uncertainty among Russians is borne out by a poll by his center on October 20 which showed 59 percent surveyed said they were not personally prepared to take the vaccine. This was five percent higher than when the same question was asked in August.
Sputnik's backers claim it offers 95 percent protection against the disease, making it a strong competitor against the offerings by Oxford/AstraZeneca and BioNTech/Pfizer. However, this is based on interim results, after just 39 trial volunteers caught COVID-19.
People walk along Arbat street in Moscow on December 4, 2020. Russian President Vladimir Putin has told health officials to start widespread vaccinations. ALEXANDER NEMENOV/Getty Images
Frontline workers in health and education are being offered the vaccination, which authorities have said would be voluntary.
Some of those workers have taken to social networks to describe how their medical institutions are pressuring staff to take the vaccination, according to TJournal.ru.
Marina Litvinovich, a member of the Public Monitoring Commission, wrote in a Facebook post how "doctors do not want to be vaccinated, but they are forced under threat of dismissal."
She posted screenshots of a chatroom referring to how medical staff had left a clinic in central Moscow for this reason, although the Moscow Department of Health rejected as "baseless" claims of staff being pressured.
Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, who is recovering from Novichok poisoning, suggested in a Facebook post that if the vaccine was so effective then top government figures and Putin's family should receive it in front of the media.
"It has really been pushed on us from above. The doctors who are taking it now need to have clear insurance policies and not to be told the trials haven't even finished yet," Roman Stroganov, a surgeon at Moscow's Clinical Hospital Number 50 told The Moscow Times.
"I'm not saying the vaccine is bad, but I'm not happy with the limited information we have about it."
The graphic below from Statista shows the countries with the highest number of coronavirus cases.


newsweek--2020-12-08--Trevor Noah Says Rudy Giuliani Has 'Only Got Himself To Blame' for COVID Diagnosis

Trevor Noah has said that Rudy Giuliani has `` only got himself to blame '' for contracting COVID-19 .
The former New York City mayor caused a media frenzy this week after it was confirmed he tested positive for coronavirus , after months of refusing to wear a mask and downplaying the pandemic .
The comedian said that the virus `` finally struck its least surprising victim yet . ''
`` I mean , this dude was going all over the country refusing to wear a mask .
What do you expect ? ''
The Daily Show host said on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go around licking car windshields , I ca n't be shocked if I get bird flu .
Or if I go around drinking at bars until 3 a.m. , I ca n't be surprised when I go home with yo mama ! ''
Noah called Giuliani 's positive test a `` terrifying new development '' in the pandemic .
`` Because you realize that up until now , we did n't even think that dead guys could get corona , '' he said .
However , Noah did wish Donald Trump 's personal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he can `` get back to the days when his hair was melting off of his head . ''
Joking about the viral video of Giuliani , 76 , seemingly breaking wind at an election fraud hearing , Noah added : `` It sounded like his butt was demanding a recount of his lunch .
Although , to be fair , that fart is no worse than any of the other legal arguments Trump 's team has made so far . ''
It is understood that Giuliani was admitted to Georgetown University Medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday .
Addressing the situation himself , Giuliani tweeted : `` Thank you to all my friends and followers for all the prayers and kind wishes .
I 'm getting great care and feeling good .
Recovering quickly and keeping up with everything . ''
Team Trump has since sought to downplay fears that Giuliani may have infected others before receiving his positive diagnosis .
`` Mayor Giuliani tested twice negatively immediately preceding his trip to Arizona , Michigan , and Georgia .
The mayor did not experience any symptoms or test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours after his return , '' a statement reads .
`` No legislators in any state or members of the press are on the contact tracing list , under current CDC guidelines .
Other team members who are defined as having had close contact will be following their physicians ' directives and CDC guidelines on isolation and testing . ''
Giuliani was present at a public hearing at Michigan 's House Oversight Committee on December 2 .

Trevor Noah has said that Rudy Giuliani has "only got himself to blame" for contracting COVID-19.
The former New York City mayor caused a media frenzy this week after it was confirmed he tested positive for coronavirus, after months of refusing to wear a mask and downplaying the pandemic.
The comedian said that the virus "finally struck its least surprising victim yet."
"I mean, this dude was going all over the country refusing to wear a mask. What do you expect?" The Daily Show host said on Monday's episode.
"If I go around licking car windshields, I can't be shocked if I get bird flu. Or if I go around drinking at bars until 3 a.m., I can't be surprised when I go home with yo mama!"
Noah called Giuliani's positive test a "terrifying new development" in the pandemic. "Because you realize that up until now, we didn't even think that dead guys could get corona," he said.
Trevor Noah called Giuliani’s positive test a “terrifying new development” in the pandemic. Courtesy of Comedy Central
However, Noah did wish Donald Trump's personal attorney a "speedy recovery" so he can "get back to the days when his hair was melting off of his head."
Joking about the viral video of Giuliani, 76, seemingly breaking wind at an election fraud hearing, Noah added: "It sounded like his butt was demanding a recount of his lunch. Although, to be fair, that fart is no worse than any of the other legal arguments Trump's team has made so far."
It is understood that Giuliani was admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. for treatment on Sunday.
Addressing the situation himself, Giuliani tweeted: "Thank you to all my friends and followers for all the prayers and kind wishes. I'm getting great care and feeling good. Recovering quickly and keeping up with everything."
Rudy Giuliani, President Donald Trump's personal lawyer, is pictured during a Michigan state House hearing in Lansing, Michigan on December 2, 2020. Rey Del Rio/Getty
Team Trump has since sought to downplay fears that Giuliani may have infected others before receiving his positive diagnosis.
"Mayor Giuliani tested twice negatively immediately preceding his trip to Arizona, Michigan, and Georgia. The mayor did not experience any symptoms or test positive for COVID-19 until more than 48 hours after his return," a statement reads.
"No legislators in any state or members of the press are on the contact tracing list, under current CDC guidelines. Other team members who are defined as having had close contact will be following their physicians' directives and CDC guidelines on isolation and testing."
Giuliani was present at a public hearing at Michigan's House Oversight Committee on December 2.


newsweek--2020-12-08--Second Stimulus Check Is Sticking Point for Bipartisan Deal

Divisions over a second round of stimulus checks to Americans could be a sticking point in agreeing another economic relief package before President-elect Joe Biden takes office .
The proposed COVID-19 economic relief bill would contain a $ 908 billion aid package and around $ 300 more in weekly federal unemployment benefits but it would not involve another $ 1,200 direct payment .
Tens of millions of Americans received checks in April .
However , there is some bipartisan support for a second round of direct payments .
Senator Bernie Sanders ( I-VT ) has suggested he may not support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has said the same .
Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib said on Twitter on Monday that she would also oppose the bill if it did not include checks .
`` I will not vote for a # COVID19 relief bill with no stimulus check , '' Tlaib wrote .
`` It stops being a relief bill when it does n't help people survive this crisis .
# DirectCashRelief . ''
Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has also said he would like to see stimulus checks and could oppose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday , Hawley described a recent conversation on the issue with President Donald Trump .
`` I said , ' I think it 's vital that any relief include direct payments , and I 'm not gon na vote for it if it does n't , '' Hawley said .
`` And I also urged him to veto any bill that did not have direct payments in it . ''
`` We had a good conversation about it .
And , you know , a pretty thorough conversation , '' the Republican @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of questions about the state of play of the different proposals .
And I think it 's fair to say that he was surprised at the direction that some of these were headed . ''
Hawley 's Democratic colleague Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts joined in the criticism of the proposed relief bill on Monday , backing another issue of direct payments .
`` I am very worried that the dollar amount is too low , people need help , '' Warren said .
`` Folks who 've been getting an extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making it .
Cutting that in half , does not make their lives easier . ''
`` Direct checks are an excellent way to get money into the hands of people who desperately need it , '' she said .
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois , the second-highest ranking Democrat , said that not including stimulus checks was necessary to secure bipartisan agreement as Republicans are seeking to limit the cost of the relief package .
`` The $ 1,200 check , it cost we believe nationally $ 300 billion to give you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Democrats have always wanted a larger number , but we were told we could n't get anything through the Republicans , except this $ 900 billion level . ''
Any further round of stimulus checks may have to wait until Biden becomes president .
Two runoff elections in Georgia on January 5 will decide control of the Senate and Democratic victories in both races could make a larger relief package next year more likely .

Divisions over a second round of stimulus checks to Americans could be a sticking point in agreeing another economic relief package before President-elect Joe Biden takes office.
The proposed COVID-19 economic relief bill would contain a $908 billion aid package and around $300 more in weekly federal unemployment benefits but it would not involve another $1,200 direct payment. Tens of millions of Americans received checks in April.
However, there is some bipartisan support for a second round of direct payments. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has suggested he may not support the stimulus bill without checks to families. Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has said the same.
Read more Progressive Opposition Threatens Stimulus Bill: 'Dollar Amount Too Low' Progressive Opposition Threatens Stimulus Bill: 'Dollar Amount Too Low'
Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib said on Twitter on Monday that she would also oppose the bill if it did not include checks.
"I will not vote for a #COVID19 relief bill with no stimulus check," Tlaib wrote. "It stops being a relief bill when it doesn't help people survive this crisis. #DirectCashRelief."
Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has also said he would like to see stimulus checks and could oppose the bipartisan bill. In an interview on Monday, Hawley described a recent conversation on the issue with President Donald Trump.
"I said, 'I think it's vital that any relief include direct payments, and I'm not gonna vote for it if it doesn't," Hawley said. "And I also urged him to veto any bill that did not have direct payments in it."
"We had a good conversation about it. And, you know, a pretty thorough conversation," the Republican went on. "He asked a number of questions about the state of play of the different proposals. And I think it's fair to say that he was surprised at the direction that some of these were headed."
Hawley's Democratic colleague Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts joined in the criticism of the proposed relief bill on Monday, backing another issue of direct payments.
"I am very worried that the dollar amount is too low, people need help," Warren said. "Folks who've been getting an extra $600 of unemployment relief are barely making it. Cutting that in half, does not make their lives easier."
"Direct checks are an excellent way to get money into the hands of people who desperately need it," she said.
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the second-highest ranking Democrat, said that not including stimulus checks was necessary to secure bipartisan agreement as Republicans are seeking to limit the cost of the relief package.
"The $1,200 check, it cost we believe nationally $300 billion to give you an idea," Durbin said. "The Democrats have always wanted a larger number, but we were told we couldn't get anything through the Republicans, except this $900 billion level."
Any further round of stimulus checks may have to wait until Biden becomes president. Two runoff elections in Georgia on January 5 will decide control of the Senate and Democratic victories in both races could make a larger relief package next year more likely.


newsweek--2020-12-08--Over 9,000 U.S. COVID Deaths Forecast for Week of Christmas As Cases Continue to Soar

As many as 19,500 new COVID-19 deaths could be recorded in the week of Christmas , according to the latest forecasts published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) .
According to forecasts from 37 modeling groups published by the CDC last week , `` the number of newly reported COVID-19 deaths will likely increase over the next four weeks , with 9,500 to 19,500 new deaths likely to be reported in the week ending December 26 , 2020 , '' while `` a total of 303,000 to 329,000 COVID-19 deaths will be reported by this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as total number of confirmed cases in the country surpasses 14.9 million .
COVID-19 hospitalizations in the country have been at record levels since early November , with over 102,100 coronavirus patients reported to be hospitalized on Monday , according to data compiled by The Atlantic 's COVID Tracking Project .
The CDC report noted Thursday : `` The state- and territory-level ensemble forecasts predict that over the next 4 weeks , the number of newly reported deaths per week will likely increase in 23 jurisdictions , which are indicated in the forecast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future reported deaths are uncertain or predicted to remain stable in the other states and territories . ''
According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ( IHME ) at the University of Washington , the country 's COVID-19 death toll is projected to reach around 330,677 on Christmas , if `` governments do not re-impose mandates if cases increase '' and `` vaccine distribution is scaled up over 90 days . ''
A spokesperson for IHME explained to Newsweek that the 90-day period refers to `` the time it takes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine ] distribution .
So for example , in the reference scenario , the maximum number of doses per day is three million , and that scenario assumes 90 days to reach three million doses per day .
`` The doses per day figures were based primarily on flu vaccine delivery in the U.S. , with approximately 180 million annual seasonal flu vaccines delivered over three months each year .
`` In the fast vaccine scenario , the number is doubled ( six million doses per day ) and the time to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the spokesperson added .
But even with `` rapid vaccine rollout , '' which would see vaccine distribution scaled up over 45 days , total coronavirus deaths in the U.S. are projected to reach around 328,516 by Christmas , according to the latest IHME projection .
The DELPHI epidemiological model from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) predicts a slightly lower death toll by Christmas , with 318,936 `` total detected deaths '' projected by December 25 .
`` We compare the historical performances of the DELPHI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the CDC over the last three months .
`` Country-level projections are modeled based on all historical data to increase the accuracy of future predictions .
As such , daily counts extracted from the model may not exactly correspond with reports , '' the model noted .
The graphic below , produced by Statista , shows the distribution of COVID-19 deaths among the U.S. population .
The seven-day average of deaths in the U.S. reached a record level of 2,300 on Monday , the highest it has been since the outbreak began .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ early November .
The graphic below , provided by Statista , shows the spread of COVID-19 cases in the U.S .
Speaking to Newsweek , Dr. Anthony Fauci warned last week that the outbreak in the U.S. will `` get worse before it gets better '' and `` it 's entirely conceivable that January could be the worst '' stage yet .
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID ) and member of the White House COVID-19 task force explained : `` I think January is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have the Thanksgiving surge super-imposed upon the Christmas surge .
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 67.6 million people since it was first reported in Wuhan , China .
More than 1.5 million people have died worldwide and over 43.5 million have recovered as of Tuesday , according to Johns Hopkins University .
The graphic below , produced by Statista , compares average COVID-19 case tallies in the U.S. and the European Union .

As many as 19,500 new COVID-19 deaths could be recorded in the week of Christmas, according to the latest forecasts published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to forecasts from 37 modeling groups published by the CDC last week, "the number of newly reported COVID-19 deaths will likely increase over the next four weeks, with 9,500 to 19,500 new deaths likely to be reported in the week ending December 26, 2020," while "a total of 303,000 to 329,000 COVID-19 deaths will be reported by this date."
The latest projections come as total number of confirmed cases in the country surpasses 14.9 million. COVID-19 hospitalizations in the country have been at record levels since early November, with over 102,100 coronavirus patients reported to be hospitalized on Monday, according to data compiled by The Atlantic's COVID Tracking Project.
The CDC report noted Thursday: "The state- and territory-level ensemble forecasts predict that over the next 4 weeks, the number of newly reported deaths per week will likely increase in 23 jurisdictions, which are indicated in the forecast plots below. Trends in numbers of future reported deaths are uncertain or predicted to remain stable in the other states and territories."
According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, the country's COVID-19 death toll is projected to reach around 330,677 on Christmas, if "governments do not re-impose mandates if cases increase" and "vaccine distribution is scaled up over 90 days."
A spokesperson for IHME explained to Newsweek that the 90-day period refers to "the time it takes to scale up to full capacity for [vaccine] distribution. So for example, in the reference scenario, the maximum number of doses per day is three million, and that scenario assumes 90 days to reach three million doses per day.
"The doses per day figures were based primarily on flu vaccine delivery in the U.S., with approximately 180 million annual seasonal flu vaccines delivered over three months each year.
"In the fast vaccine scenario, the number is doubled (six million doses per day) and the time to reach that point is halved to 45 days," the spokesperson added.
But even with "rapid vaccine rollout," which would see vaccine distribution scaled up over 45 days, total coronavirus deaths in the U.S. are projected to reach around 328,516 by Christmas, according to the latest IHME projection.
The DELPHI epidemiological model from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) predicts a slightly lower death toll by Christmas, with 318,936 "total detected deaths" projected by December 25.
"We compare the historical performances of the DELPHI model with the top models used by the CDC over the last three months.
"Country-level projections are modeled based on all historical data to increase the accuracy of future predictions. As such, daily counts extracted from the model may not exactly correspond with reports," the model noted.
The graphic below, produced by Statista, shows the distribution of COVID-19 deaths among the U.S. population.
STATISTA
The seven-day average of deaths in the U.S. reached a record level of 2,300 on Monday, the highest it has been since the outbreak began. The figure has been rising sharply since early November.
The graphic below, provided by Statista, shows the spread of COVID-19 cases in the U.S.
STATISTA
Speaking to Newsweek, Dr. Anthony Fauci warned last week that the outbreak in the U.S. will "get worse before it gets better" and "it's entirely conceivable that January could be the worst" stage yet.
The director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and member of the White House COVID-19 task force explained: "I think January is going to be terrible because you're going to have the Thanksgiving surge super-imposed upon the Christmas surge.
Crowds gathered around houses decorated with Christmas lights in the New York City borough of Brooklyn on December 6. Over 9,000 new U.S. COVID-19 deaths are projected for the week of Christmas, according to the latest forecasts published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The wider picture
The novel coronavirus has infected more than 67.6 million people since it was first reported in Wuhan, China.
More than 1.5 million people have died worldwide and over 43.5 million have recovered as of Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The graphic below, produced by Statista, compares average COVID-19 case tallies in the U.S. and the European Union.