newsweek--2020-12-10--More Americans Have Died From Coronavirus Than in Combat During WWII

The total number of people in the U.S. who have died after contracting COVID-19 has now exceeded the number of Americans who died in combat during World War II .
World War II was the deadliest war in American history in terms of the number of service members who lost their lives on a battlefield , with an estimated 291,557 combat deaths , according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs .
On Thursday , December 10 , the U.S. surpassed that number as coronavirus cases and hospitalization rates continued rising across the country .
According to Johns Hopkins University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus as of December 10 , at 5:26 p.m .
The somber milestone comes at a time when health experts have predicted that the country 's battle with the pandemic will only worsen in the weeks ahead .
The number of daily COVID-19 cases reported throughout the country steadily increased during the fall , raising alarms about how hospitals would handle surges in COVID-19 patients amid the traditional resurgence of winter respiratory diseases .
In a statement shared with Newsweek , a spokesperson for the 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ II Memorial acknowledged the lives lost during World War II and encouraged Americans to remember the survivors who may be struggling with isolation due to the pandemic .
`` In this pandemic , when our WWII veterans are among our most vulnerable and isolated , it has never been more important to reach out to them , to learn from them , and to honor them for their service and sacrifice , '' the organization 's statement said .
`` And , the Friends of the National World War II Memorial hopes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its veterans for lessons of unity , honor , integrity , and selfless sacrifice . ''
According to projections by researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation ( IHME ) , the total number of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. could exceed a half million by April 1 , even if some states reimpose lockdown measures in attempts to curb the virus ' spread .
The U.S. is also likely to report hundreds of thousands of new infections every day by mid-January , according to the institute 's projections .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of total COVID-19 cases shortly after the World Health Organization ( WHO ) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic in the spring .
Though many states appeared to be flattening their virus curves by the end of the summer , cases were on the rise again by mid-fall .
The U.S. added 1 million new infections to its total case count during a 10-day span between late October and early November , and it only took six days after that for the country to report an additional 1 million new cases .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 15 million total cases , according to a Johns Hopkins University data tracker .
That number included more than 108,000 veterans , according to a weekly report published by the Department of Veterans Affairs .
The total number of U.S. COVID-19 deaths previously exceeded those reported in battle during the Vietnam War , the Korean War , World War I , and the Civil War .
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs , the total number of battle deaths recorded throughout American history is estimated to be 651,031 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the IHME said that COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. are expected to reach 539,000 by the beginning of April , even if vaccine distribution begins as expected in the coming weeks .
No vaccine has yet received the necessary approvals from the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) .
However , two pharmaceutical companies—Pfizer and Moderna—have applied for emergency use authorizations for their two-dose vaccines through the FDA and could receive those approvals by mid-December .
Federal health officials have said doses could begin to be distributed swiftly once a vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will receive their first dose right away .
On December 1 , an immunization advisory committee recommended to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) that health care workers and long-term care facility residents receive priority for the first vaccines and that Americans in other priority groups begin receiving doses in the weeks and months that follow .
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs for comment , but did not receive a response in time for publication .

The total number of people in the U.S. who have died after contracting COVID-19 has now exceeded the number of Americans who died in combat during World War II.
World War II was the deadliest war in American history in terms of the number of service members who lost their lives on a battlefield, with an estimated 291,557 combat deaths, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
On Thursday, December 10, the U.S. surpassed that number as coronavirus cases and hospitalization rates continued rising across the country. According to Johns Hopkins University, 291,754 Americans have died from the novel coronavirus as of December 10, at 5:26 p.m.
The somber milestone comes at a time when health experts have predicted that the country's battle with the pandemic will only worsen in the weeks ahead. The number of daily COVID-19 cases reported throughout the country steadily increased during the fall, raising alarms about how hospitals would handle surges in COVID-19 patients amid the traditional resurgence of winter respiratory diseases.
The number of COVID-19 deaths reported in the U.S. has now surpassed the number of American service members who died in battle during World War II. In the photo above, the Statue of Liberty is seen behind refrigeration trucks that function as temporary morgues at the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal during the coronavirus pandemic on May 25, 2020, in New York City. Noam Galai/Getty
In a statement shared with Newsweek, a spokesperson for the 501(c)(3) organization Friends of the National World War II Memorial acknowledged the lives lost during World War II and encouraged Americans to remember the survivors who may be struggling with isolation due to the pandemic.
"In this pandemic, when our WWII veterans are among our most vulnerable and isolated, it has never been more important to reach out to them, to learn from them, and to honor them for their service and sacrifice," the organization's statement said. "And, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial hopes that Americans can look to World War II and its veterans for lessons of unity, honor, integrity, and selfless sacrifice."
According to projections by researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), the total number of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. could exceed a half million by April 1, even if some states reimpose lockdown measures in attempts to curb the virus' spread. The U.S. is also likely to report hundreds of thousands of new infections every day by mid-January, according to the institute's projections.
The U.S. began leading the world in terms of total COVID-19 cases shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic in the spring. Though many states appeared to be flattening their virus curves by the end of the summer, cases were on the rise again by mid-fall. The U.S. added 1 million new infections to its total case count during a 10-day span between late October and early November, and it only took six days after that for the country to report an additional 1 million new cases.
By December 10, the U.S. reported more than 15 million total cases, according to a Johns Hopkins University data tracker. That number included more than 108,000 veterans, according to a weekly report published by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The total number of U.S. COVID-19 deaths previously exceeded those reported in battle during the Vietnam War, the Korean War, World War I, and the Civil War. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the total number of battle deaths recorded throughout American history is estimated to be 651,031. In a news release published on December 3, the IHME said that COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. are expected to reach 539,000 by the beginning of April, even if vaccine distribution begins as expected in the coming weeks.
No vaccine has yet received the necessary approvals from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, two pharmaceutical companies—Pfizer and Moderna—have applied for emergency use authorizations for their two-dose vaccines through the FDA and could receive those approvals by mid-December. Federal health officials have said doses could begin to be distributed swiftly once a vaccine is approved, though not every American will receive their first dose right away.
On December 1, an immunization advisory committee recommended to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that health care workers and long-term care facility residents receive priority for the first vaccines and that Americans in other priority groups begin receiving doses in the weeks and months that follow.
Newsweek reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-10--106 GOP House Members Back Texas Lawsuit Challenging Election for Trump

More than 100 U.S. House Republicans are backing President Donald Trump 's last-ditch effort to get the U.S. Supreme Court to override election results in four key swing states that went for Democrat Joe Biden .
`` Most of my Republican colleagues in the House , and countless millions of our constituents across the country , now have serious concerns with the integrity of our election system .
The purpose of our amicus brief will be to articulate this concern and express our sincere belief that the great importance of this issue merits a full and careful consideration by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who led the effort to draft an amicus brief in the case , said in a statement to Newsweek .
Johnson , vice chairman of the House Republican Conference in the upcoming term and currently chairman of the influential Republican Study Committee , has been a strong ally of Trump—even serving on his impeachment defense team and counseling Trump 's lawyers behind-the-scenes ahead of Trump 's Senate acquittal in February .
A spokeswoman told Newsweek on Thursday that Johnson was in meetings and traveling so he was unable to speak by phone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican caucus signed onto Johnson 's brief after Trump urged Johnson to drum up signatures .
Johnson sent an email noting he would be sending a list to Trump of those who sign on after the two shared a phone call Wednesday morning .
Trump has been on Twitter and in private conversations attacking prominent Republicans who have n't backed his efforts to overturn the election results , including Georgia 's governor , lieutenant governor and secretary of state .
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise , also a Louisiana Republican , and Rep. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the ranking member on the Judiciary Committee , were among the amicus brief signees .
The brief backs a lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton , a close Trump ally who the Associated Press reports is being investigated by the FBI .
Since Paxton filed the suit , 17 states with Republican attorneys general have also joined—winning Trump 's praise .
The states behind the suit claim that their votes are `` diluted by the illegal and unconstitutional conduct '' in the four states where the votes are being challenged—Georgia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It does n't provide evidence of illegal conduct , instead suggesting that `` it is only necessary to demonstrate that the elections in the defendant States materially deviated from the 'manner ' of choosing electors established by their respective state Legislatures . ''
The members of Congress argue in their amicus brief that states changed their voting regulations , which was largely to address the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , so it is up to state Legislatures to determine who will cast electoral college votes next week .
Georgia , Pennsylvania , Michigan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ T ] he election of 2020 has been riddled with an unprecedented number of serious allegations of fraud and irregularities , '' the brief claims .
`` National polls indicate a large percentage of Americans now have serious doubts about not just the outcome of the presidential contest , but also the future reliability of tour election system itself . ''
There has been no credible evidence of wide-spread fraud , according to the U.S. Justice Department and states ' independent reviews .
More than three dozen cases by Trump and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been rejected by the courts or dropped for lack of evidence .
Still , Trump has refused to concede the November 3 election to Biden , even as Biden works to roll out key members of his incoming administration .
Trump has spent the weeks since the election constantly tweeting baseless accusations and conspiracy theories about the election outcome and prodding Republicans to help him overturn the election results .
During a summit on COVID-19 vaccine development this week , Trump repeatedly implored for someone to have the `` courage '' to challenge @ @ @ @

More than 100 U.S. House Republicans are backing President Donald Trump's last-ditch effort to get the U.S. Supreme Court to override election results in four key swing states that went for Democrat Joe Biden.
"Most of my Republican colleagues in the House, and countless millions of our constituents across the country, now have serious concerns with the integrity of our election system. The purpose of our amicus brief will be to articulate this concern and express our sincere belief that the great importance of this issue merits a full and careful consideration by the Court," U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson, who led the effort to draft an amicus brief in the case, said in a statement to Newsweek.
Johnson, vice chairman of the House Republican Conference in the upcoming term and currently chairman of the influential Republican Study Committee, has been a strong ally of Trump—even serving on his impeachment defense team and counseling Trump's lawyers behind-the-scenes ahead of Trump's Senate acquittal in February.
A spokeswoman told Newsweek on Thursday that Johnson was in meetings and traveling so he was unable to speak by phone.
More than half of the House Republican caucus signed onto Johnson's brief after Trump urged Johnson to drum up signatures. Johnson sent an email noting he would be sending a list to Trump of those who sign on after the two shared a phone call Wednesday morning. Trump has been on Twitter and in private conversations attacking prominent Republicans who haven't backed his efforts to overturn the election results, including Georgia's governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state.
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, also a Louisiana Republican, and Rep. Jim Jordan, the Ohio Republican who is the ranking member on the Judiciary Committee, were among the amicus brief signees.
The brief backs a lawsuit brought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a close Trump ally who the Associated Press reports is being investigated by the FBI. Since Paxton filed the suit, 17 states with Republican attorneys general have also joined—winning Trump's praise.
The states behind the suit claim that their votes are "diluted by the illegal and unconstitutional conduct" in the four states where the votes are being challenged—Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. It doesn't provide evidence of illegal conduct, instead suggesting that "it is only necessary to demonstrate that the elections in the defendant States materially deviated from the 'manner' of choosing electors established by their respective state Legislatures."
The members of Congress argue in their amicus brief that states changed their voting regulations, which was largely to address the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, so it is up to state Legislatures to determine who will cast electoral college votes next week.
Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin all have GOP-controlled legislatures.
"[T]he election of 2020 has been riddled with an unprecedented number of serious allegations of fraud and irregularities," the brief claims. "National polls indicate a large percentage of Americans now have serious doubts about not just the outcome of the presidential contest, but also the future reliability of tour election system itself."
There has been no credible evidence of wide-spread fraud, according to the U.S. Justice Department and states' independent reviews. More than three dozen cases by Trump and his allies attempting to challenge the outcome have been rejected by the courts or dropped for lack of evidence.
Still, Trump has refused to concede the November 3 election to Biden, even as Biden works to roll out key members of his incoming administration.
Trump has spent the weeks since the election constantly tweeting baseless accusations and conspiracy theories about the election outcome and prodding Republicans to help him overturn the election results.
During a summit on COVID-19 vaccine development this week, Trump repeatedly implored for someone to have the "courage" to challenge Biden's win.


newsweek--2020-12-10--COVID Cases in NY Near Previous Peak 5 Months After Fauci Said State Responded 'Correctly'

The number of coronavirus cases in New York is nearing the state 's previous peak , roughly five months after Dr. Anthony Fauci said New York handled the ongoing pandemic `` correctly . ''
According to data from the COVID Tracking Project , cases in New York have continued to rise over the past few weeks , placing the state close to its earlier peak numbers from April .
The data shows that on Wednesday , the state reported 10,600 new cases of the novel virus .
The state 's 7-day average number of cases has also continued to increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In comparison , New York recorded its highest single-day uptick on April 15 with at least 11,571 new cases , according to the COVID Tracking Project .
Throughout the beginning of April , the state 's 7-day average number of cases remained around 9,000 .
The number of cases in New York declined in the proceeding months but numbers have surged again during November and December , as the state currently has its 7-day average number of cases nearing the same totals recorded in April .
The rising numbers in New York comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , praised the state 's handling of the novel virus .
During an interview with PBS NewsHour on July 17th , Fauci applauded New York 's response to the ongoing pandemic : `` We know that , when you do it properly , you bring down those cases .
We have done it . ''
He also remarked : `` We have done it in New York .
New York got hit worse than any place in the world .
And they did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you 're talking about . ''
When New York hit its peak in COVID cases this past April , Governor Andrew Cuomo imposed some of the strictest restrictions across the U.S. , such as a statewide stay-at-home order and mask mandate , and the closing of nonessential businesses .
Cuomo thanked the state 's residents for following the state 's mitigation efforts .
`` I 'm so proud of what New Yorkers have done .
But we must continue to be on alert , '' Cuomo wrote in a tweet on the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also announcing that the state was cleared to move into phase four of its reopening plan .
While cases and deaths related to the novel virus declined at the time of Fauci and Cuomo 's comments , they have since continued to increase and prompted the governor to impose new restrictions in early November .
That included a curfew for bars and restaurants , as well as a capacity limit on social gatherings .
Across New York , there are now more than 733,000 total confirmed cases and at least 27,404 deaths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reached out to the New York Department of Health and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for comment , but did not receive a response in time for publication .

The number of coronavirus cases in New York is nearing the state's previous peak, roughly five months after Dr. Anthony Fauci said New York handled the ongoing pandemic "correctly."
According to data from the COVID Tracking Project, cases in New York have continued to rise over the past few weeks, placing the state close to its earlier peak numbers from April.
The data shows that on Wednesday, the state reported 10,600 new cases of the novel virus. The state's 7-day average number of cases has also continued to increase, with 9,832 as of Wednesday.
In comparison, New York recorded its highest single-day uptick on April 15 with at least 11,571 new cases, according to the COVID Tracking Project. Throughout the beginning of April, the state's 7-day average number of cases remained around 9,000.
The number of cases in New York declined in the proceeding months but numbers have surged again during November and December, as the state currently has its 7-day average number of cases nearing the same totals recorded in April.
Times Square stands mostly empty as as much of the city is void of cars and pedestrians over fears of spreading the coronavirus on March 22, 2020 in New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty
The rising numbers in New York comes approximately five months after Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, praised the state's handling of the novel virus.
During an interview with PBS NewsHour on July 17th, Fauci applauded New York's response to the ongoing pandemic: "We know that, when you do it properly, you bring down those cases. We have done it."
He also remarked: "We have done it in New York. New York got hit worse than any place in the world. And they did it correctly by doing the things that you're talking about."
When New York hit its peak in COVID cases this past April, Governor Andrew Cuomo imposed some of the strictest restrictions across the U.S., such as a statewide stay-at-home order and mask mandate, and the closing of nonessential businesses.
Cuomo thanked the state's residents for following the state's mitigation efforts.
"I'm so proud of what New Yorkers have done. But we must continue to be on alert," Cuomo wrote in a tweet on the same day as Fauci's comments, while also announcing that the state was cleared to move into phase four of its reopening plan.
While cases and deaths related to the novel virus declined at the time of Fauci and Cuomo's comments, they have since continued to increase and prompted the governor to impose new restrictions in early November. That included a curfew for bars and restaurants, as well as a capacity limit on social gatherings.
Across New York, there are now more than 733,000 total confirmed cases and at least 27,404 deaths, the COVID Tracking Project reported.
Newsweek reached out to the New York Department of Health and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-10--Va. Gov. Ralph Northam Requires Masks Indoors, Ties COVID Spread to Religious Services

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced Thursday a new set of rules to prevent the spread of the coronavirus , including a strict indoor mask requirement , and tied some of the state 's virus spread to people not wearing masks during religious services .
During a press briefing , Northam told reporters that while most places of worship have implemented safety measures , the ones that have not have contributed to a rise in coronavirus cases .
`` Quite frankly , we know that a lot of the spread is coming from this because individuals that are in places of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to their place of work , or to the grocery store or convenience store , and that 's how it spreads , '' he said .
Northam pleaded with worshippers and faith leaders to practice safety guidelines ahead of the holidays but said he would not implement any new restrictions .
He cited a Supreme Court case that struck down New York state 's ability to limit attendance in churches .
`` We are following suit with that , '' Northam said .
Alena Yarmosky , a spokesperson for the governor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northam is `` asking folks to practice their faith as safely as possible , whether that means social distancing in person , doing virtual services or even drive-in worship . ''
During the press briefing , Northam encouraged faith leaders throughout the state to `` do the right thing '' and set an example so worshippers comply with safety guidelines .
`` I call on our faith leaders to lead the way and set an example for their members .
Worship with a mask on is still worship .
Worship outside , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
He asked worshippers to think about attending indoor services , saying that `` you do n't have to sit in a church pew for God to hear you . ''
`` This year we need to think about what is truly the most important thing .
Is it the worship or the building ?
For me , God is wherever you are . ''
As part of the effort to curb the virus 's spread , Northam expanded on the state 's previous mask recommendation by issuing a mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from December 14 through January 31 .
`` If you could stop just one case by wearing a mask or staying home when you did n't have to go out , it would help us so much .
If everybody did that for one person , I think we could stop this , '' the governor said , quoting a Virginia health care worker .
In addition to religious services , Northam cited restaurants and grocery stores as places where people have not been wearing masks .
`` I ca n't understand why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because they make such a big impact and they are really easy .
Stay home , and if you need to go out , wear a mask .
That 's it , '' he said .
Along with a mask requirement , the state has limited social gatherings to 10 people , set a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. , encouraged all Virginians to work from home when possible , and limited capacities for both indoor and outdoor sports .
The new restrictions come as coronavirus cases continue to rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times database , there have been at least 271,043 cases and 4,335 deaths in the state since the beginning of the pandemic .

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced Thursday a new set of rules to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including a strict indoor mask requirement, and tied some of the state's virus spread to people not wearing masks during religious services.
During a press briefing, Northam told reporters that while most places of worship have implemented safety measures, the ones that have not have contributed to a rise in coronavirus cases.
"Quite frankly, we know that a lot of the spread is coming from this because individuals that are in places of worship and contract the virus then go out to their place of work, or to the grocery store or convenience store, and that's how it spreads," he said.
Northam pleaded with worshippers and faith leaders to practice safety guidelines ahead of the holidays but said he would not implement any new restrictions. He cited a Supreme Court case that struck down New York state's ability to limit attendance in churches.
"We are following suit with that," Northam said.
Alena Yarmosky, a spokesperson for the governor, wrote in an email to Newsweek that Northam is "asking folks to practice their faith as safely as possible, whether that means social distancing in person, doing virtual services or even drive-in worship."
During the press briefing, Northam encouraged faith leaders throughout the state to "do the right thing" and set an example so worshippers comply with safety guidelines.
"I call on our faith leaders to lead the way and set an example for their members. Worship with a mask on is still worship. Worship outside, or worship online, is still worship," he said.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam speaks with reporters at a press conference on February 2, 2019. Northam announced new coronavirus restrictions on Thursday. Alex Edelman/Getty
He asked worshippers to think about attending indoor services, saying that "you don't have to sit in a church pew for God to hear you."
"This year we need to think about what is truly the most important thing. Is it the worship or the building? For me, God is wherever you are."
As part of the effort to curb the virus's spread, Northam expanded on the state's previous mask recommendation by issuing a mask requirement for all indoor public spaces, from December 14 through January 31.
"If you could stop just one case by wearing a mask or staying home when you didn't have to go out, it would help us so much. If everybody did that for one person, I think we could stop this," the governor said, quoting a Virginia health care worker.
In addition to religious services, Northam cited restaurants and grocery stores as places where people have not been wearing masks.
"I can't understand why anyone would want to flaunt these rules, because they make such a big impact and they are really easy. Stay home, and if you need to go out, wear a mask. That's it," he said.
Along with a mask requirement, the state has limited social gatherings to 10 people, set a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m., encouraged all Virginians to work from home when possible, and limited capacities for both indoor and outdoor sports.
The new restrictions come as coronavirus cases continue to rise in Virginia. According to a New York Times database, there have been at least 271,043 cases and 4,335 deaths in the state since the beginning of the pandemic.


newsweek--2020-12-10--LeBron James Calls Out Youth Football Coach Who Hit Player: 'Ain't No Way!'

A video of a youth football coach hitting a young player made waves on social media on Thursday with dozens of people calling for the firing of the coach .
Among the many adults upset by the video was none other than LeBron James , who made it clear that he 'd never stand for a grown man abusing his children , or any kids for that matter , on the field .
`` Ai n't no way !
!
!
Could n't be my kid , '' James wrote on a screenshot of the video shared on his Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there and it 's not even my kid we gone have more than words for sure . ''
The incident in question involves Savannah youth league football coach Gerrell Williams hitting a child 's helmet during the 2020 American Youth Football National Championships AA Div 1-7U tournament , which features athletes age 7 and younger .
As seen in the video , which was filmed in Florida on Monday , Williams ' initial hit was hard enough to knock the child off his balance , and within moments the coach hit the young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the ground .
A spectator who saw the video footage online reportedly notified the Osceola County Sheriff 's Office about the incident , as noted by Georgia 's ABC affiliate , WJCL .
Officers reportedly said they contacted the child 's mother back home in Savanah , and that she opted not to press charges against Williams .
Chatham County Sheriff John Wilcher did , however , confirm to WJCL that Williams , a detention center counselor , has since been removed from his position .
`` CCSO reviewed the video and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mr. Gerrel Williams , '' Wilcher said in a statement released Thursday .
`` The Chatham County Sheriff 's Office does not condone this behavior .
As of Dec. 10 , 2020 , he is no longer an employee of the CCSO . ''
Williams issued an apology on Facebook Live on Thursday , admitting that he was wrong for hitting the boy .
`` There is no excuse for my actions .
He forgives me and his parents have forgiven me , so nobody else should be bashing me , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't stopped the public 's outrage .
Along with James , former NFL star Shannon Sharpe also commented on the coach 's behavior in an Instagram post .
`` IF* that 's my child .
I 've got to have him , I 'm going to carry his punk a** , '' Sharpe wrote .
`` Even IF* that 's his kid , I 'll whip him .
I wo n't let anyone prey on the weak or vulnerable in front of me .
Not going to happen . ''
Willie Anderson , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bengals , also encouraged more action to be taken against Williams .
`` Online community football fans , and parents .
We make a lot tweets go viral about football .
This is about kids safety and punk a** little league coach .
Please make this go viral .
My heart hurts for these kids getting [ that ] kind of abuse in public Imagine what 's not seen , '' he tweeted Thursday .

A video of a youth football coach hitting a young player made waves on social media on Thursday with dozens of people calling for the firing of the coach. Among the many adults upset by the video was none other than LeBron James, who made it clear that he'd never stand for a grown man abusing his children, or any kids for that matter, on the field.
"Ain't no way!!! Couldn't be my kid," James wrote on a screenshot of the video shared on his Instagram Stories. "Hell, if I there and it's not even my kid we gone have more than words for sure."
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers and his son LeBron James Jr., on the court after the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers basketball game at Staples Center on December 28, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
The incident in question involves Savannah youth league football coach Gerrell Williams hitting a child's helmet during the 2020 American Youth Football National Championships AA Div 1-7U tournament, which features athletes age 7 and younger. As seen in the video, which was filmed in Florida on Monday, Williams' initial hit was hard enough to knock the child off his balance, and within moments the coach hit the young boy a second time, knocking him to the ground.
Savannah Gators (Under 9 Years Old) coach lays hands on a child.. couldn’t be my child 😏 oh no no no, bail money would’ve been needed today
pic.twitter.com/K3X7SzcUcy — IB 🔌 THE GAMBLER (@incarceratedbob) December 9, 2020
A spectator who saw the video footage online reportedly notified the Osceola County Sheriff's Office about the incident, as noted by Georgia's ABC affiliate, WJCL. Officers reportedly said they contacted the child's mother back home in Savanah, and that she opted not to press charges against Williams. Chatham County Sheriff John Wilcher did, however, confirm to WJCL that Williams, a detention center counselor, has since been removed from his position.
"CCSO reviewed the video and we are very disturbed by the actions of Mr. Gerrel Williams," Wilcher said in a statement released Thursday. "The Chatham County Sheriff's Office does not condone this behavior. As of Dec. 10, 2020, he is no longer an employee of the CCSO."
Williams issued an apology on Facebook Live on Thursday, admitting that he was wrong for hitting the boy.
"There is no excuse for my actions. He forgives me and his parents have forgiven me, so nobody else should be bashing me," Williams said.
Williams' apology hasn't stopped the public's outrage. Along with James, former NFL star Shannon Sharpe also commented on the coach's behavior in an Instagram post.
"IF* that's my child. I've got to have him, I'm going to carry his punk a**," Sharpe wrote. "Even IF* that's his kid, I'll whip him. I won't let anyone prey on the weak or vulnerable in front of me. Not going to happen."
Willie Anderson, who plays for the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals, also encouraged more action to be taken against Williams.
"Online community football fans, and parents. We make a lot tweets go viral about football. This is about kids safety and punk a** little league coach. Please make this go viral. My heart hurts for these kids getting [that] kind of abuse in public Imagine what's not seen," he tweeted Thursday.


newsweek--2020-12-10--Where You Can Buy Taylor Swift's Lace Dress From Her 'willow' Music Video

In case you have n't heard , Taylor Swift is gracing us with another album this year .
On Thursday morning , Swift announced that the sister album to the dreamy folklore , titled evermore , will be released on Friday at midnight ET .
`` To put it plainly , we just could n't stop writing songs , '' she wrote on Instagram .
`` To try and put it more poetically , it feels like we were standing on the edge of the folklorian woods and had a choice : to turn and go back or to travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We chose to wander deeper in .
I 've never done this before .
In the past I 've always treated albums as one-off eras and moved onto planning the next one after an album was released . ''
Midnight also marks the premiere of the first music video from the album for the song `` willow . ''
Swift revealed that she will be directing the video , like she did for `` cardigan , '' and gave fans a sneak peak of a dress she wears in it .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ song or the video , it 's safe to say it looks like it will be gorgeous .
In the picture , Swift kneels , wearing a charming off-white lace dress .
Her hair is braided and the look is completed with her signature red lipstick .
It wo n't be long until folks will want to mimic this ethereal aesthetic , and look for new Swift-inspired wardrobe staples .
For those curious about where they can get the dress Swift wore in the picture from the music video , we got good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and armchair detective work , we found it .
The `` Charm Star Lace & Ruffle Trim Silk Dress '' is available for purchase from Nordstrom for a cool $ 2,650 .
According to the listing on Nordstrom , the cream-colored dress is described as having `` delicately scalloped lace in mixed widths . ''
The `` gauzy silk '' dress also features `` an asymmetrical bodice with long , trailing ties and a ruffled skirt . ''
The V-neck dress has two elegant tie-straps in the back and an uneven hem , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It 's a bit more than the `` cardigan '' branded cardigan from folklore , but recreating the look Swift wore in a music video is priceless .
As of writing , hundreds were currently viewing the dress on Nordstrom 's website , and there were only a few left in stock .
How long it will be available for purchase after the music video for `` willow '' drops , however , remains to be seen .

In case you haven't heard, Taylor Swift is gracing us with another album this year. On Thursday morning, Swift announced that the sister album to the dreamy folklore, titled evermore, will be released on Friday at midnight ET.
"To put it plainly, we just couldn't stop writing songs," she wrote on Instagram. "To try and put it more poetically, it feels like we were standing on the edge of the folklorian woods and had a choice: to turn and go back or to travel further into the forest of this music. We chose to wander deeper in. I've never done this before. In the past I've always treated albums as one-off eras and moved onto planning the next one after an album was released."
Midnight also marks the premiere of the first music video from the album for the song "willow." Swift revealed that she will be directing the video, like she did for "cardigan," and gave fans a sneak peak of a dress she wears in it. Although we don't know anything about the song or the video, it's safe to say it looks like it will be gorgeous.
Tonight the story continues, as the music video for “willow” drops at midnight eastern. pic.twitter.com/T3o0nsANpY — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) December 10, 2020
In the picture, Swift kneels, wearing a charming off-white lace dress. Her hair is braided and the look is completed with her signature red lipstick. It won't be long until folks will want to mimic this ethereal aesthetic, and look for new Swift-inspired wardrobe staples.
Taylor Swift attends the 2018 American Music Awards at Microsoft Theater on October 9, 2018 in Los Angeles. Midnight marks the premiere of the music video for the song "willow." Swift gave fans a sneak peak of a dress she wears in it. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
For those curious about where they can get the dress Swift wore in the picture from the music video, we got good news for you. After some Googling and armchair detective work, we found it. The "Charm Star Lace & Ruffle Trim Silk Dress" is available for purchase from Nordstrom for a cool $2,650.
Read more Grammy Nominee Phoebe Bridgers Is Staying Busy During the Pandemic Grammy Nominee Phoebe Bridgers Is Staying Busy During the Pandemic
According to the listing on Nordstrom, the cream-colored dress is described as having "delicately scalloped lace in mixed widths." The "gauzy silk" dress also features "an asymmetrical bodice with long, trailing ties and a ruffled skirt." The V-neck dress has two elegant tie-straps in the back and an uneven hem, making it equal parts elegant and whimsical.
It's a bit more than the "cardigan" branded cardigan from folklore, but recreating the look Swift wore in a music video is priceless. As of writing, hundreds were currently viewing the dress on Nordstrom's website, and there were only a few left in stock. How long it will be available for purchase after the music video for "willow" drops, however, remains to be seen.


newsweek--2020-12-10--Another Taylor Swift Superfan Accidentally Predicted Another Surprise Album

This might sound familiar : A dedicated Taylor Swift fan has gone off the grid , just before the singer and songwriter is about to surprise release a brand new album .
Swift announced on Thursday that her her ninth studio album , evermore , is going to drop at midnight on Friday , and one unlucky fan was caught without Internet when the news broke .
The fan in question , named Matteo ( Twitter handle : @ matteopng ) , jokingly predicted that Swift would surprise release a second album in 2020 , just before he signed off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` middle of nowhere '' road trip .
He wrote : `` ok leaving early tomorrow to road trip to the middle of nowhere so if taylor swift drops another album please contact me via satellite phone .
see you on the other side , '' in a tweet that had over 75,000 likes at the time of publishing .
( And likely more by the time that you 're reading this . )
A ton of Twitter users have been retweeting , commenting and generally screaming online at Matteo to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ release of evermore .
Matteo told Newsweek that he wo n't be changing any of his vacation plans , but he 'll be able to check out the new music on Friday .
`` I was definitely planning on unplugging from twitter this week but I guess Taylor Swift had other plans ... '' he said via Twitter direct message .
`` I woke up and all of my friends were texting me talking NEW ALBUM NEW ALBUM ! ''
Matteo revealed .
`` And I was excited obviously but totally forgot about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me a link to a Popcrave tweet about me .
I 'm spooked that it ACTUALLY happened !
! ''
On Thursday afternoon , Matteo came back online and noticed that he had over 300 direct messages from Swift fans trying to warn him of the upcoming album release .
`` I 'M IN A MOTEL IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE I JUST WANTED TO UNPLUG FROM THE INTERNET FOR A BIT WHILE I WORK ON SOME PHOTO STUFF !
!
!
!
! ''
he explained in a tweet , when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's even weirder about Matteo 's tweet is that a nearly identical one came from another Twitter user and mega-Swiftie , Delphine ( Twitter @ seeitinmymind ) , back in July , when Swift released folklore .
In a tweet that went viral , she wrote : `` oomfs , i 've already tweeted about this before but i will be without my phone or any wifi the next two weeks .
if taylor decides to do something big please yell at me in my dm 's and do n't unfollow me for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Twitter to share her track-by-track take as she listened for the first time , and was even acknowledged by Swift herself .
`` Welcome back from your trip !
We are all somber woodland fairies now .
Feel free to grab a wicker basket and join us ! ''
Swift tweeted .
Matteo , though , has n't been contacted by Swift just yet , and it appears he may not actually miss the album release after all , since he 's shown up online .
Delphine commented on Matteo 's initial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top-liked response .
She simply said , `` WELL HEY ... '' On her own page , Delphine expounded further on Matteo 's parallel situation .
She made a great point about the possibility that their similar tweets triggered a Swift theme .
`` [ I ] think the funniest thing about it is that both of us accidentally manifested that taylor was , in fact , going to do something big by dropping another album , '' she wrote .
Judging from another of Matteo 's tweets , it seems the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggested a podcast may be in the Swifties ' future .
We reached out to Delphine , too , for further comment , and will update with a response .
Swift 's evermore was conceived as a sort of `` sister album '' to folklore , according to tweets from the artist herself .
For her legions of dedicated fans , there could n't be a sweeter surprise this holiday season .
And as Matteo told us , he 's got a great soundtrack for the rest of his roadtrip .
Updated 5:33 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ updated to include comments from Matteo .

This might sound familiar: A dedicated Taylor Swift fan has gone off the grid, just before the singer and songwriter is about to surprise release a brand new album.
Swift announced on Thursday that her her ninth studio album, evermore, is going to drop at midnight on Friday, and one unlucky fan was caught without Internet when the news broke. The fan in question, named Matteo (Twitter handle: @matteopng), jokingly predicted that Swift would surprise release a second album in 2020, just before he signed off of Twitter on Tuesday to embark on a "middle of nowhere" road trip.
He wrote: "ok leaving early tomorrow to road trip to the middle of nowhere so if taylor swift drops another album please contact me via satellite phone. see you on the other side," in a tweet that had over 75,000 likes at the time of publishing. (And likely more by the time that you're reading this.)
ok leaving early tomorrow to road trip to the middle of nowhere so if taylor swift drops another album please contact me via satellite phone. see you on the other side — matteo (@matteopng) December 9, 2020
A ton of Twitter users have been retweeting, commenting and generally screaming online at Matteo to find some WiFi so he can catch the release of evermore. Matteo told Newsweek that he won't be changing any of his vacation plans, but he'll be able to check out the new music on Friday.
"I was definitely planning on unplugging from twitter this week but I guess Taylor Swift had other plans..." he said via Twitter direct message.
Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift performs onstage during The 1989 World Tour Live In Los Angeles at Staples Center on August 21, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. Christopher Polk/Getty Images for TAS/Getty
"I woke up and all of my friends were texting me talking NEW ALBUM NEW ALBUM!" Matteo revealed. "And I was excited obviously but totally forgot about the tweet I made until someone sent me a link to a Popcrave tweet about me. I'm spooked that it ACTUALLY happened!!"
On Thursday afternoon, Matteo came back online and noticed that he had over 300 direct messages from Swift fans trying to warn him of the upcoming album release. "I'M IN A MOTEL IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE I JUST WANTED TO UNPLUG FROM THE INTERNET FOR A BIT WHILE I WORK ON SOME PHOTO STUFF !!!!!" he explained in a tweet, when he first returned to the Internet.
i have like 300 dms THANK YOU SWIFTIES!!! braver than the marines fr pic.twitter.com/ICpvZhPtVI — matteo (road trip boy) (@matteopng) December 10, 2020
What's even weirder about Matteo's tweet is that a nearly identical one came from another Twitter user and mega-Swiftie, Delphine (Twitter @seeitinmymind), back in July, when Swift released folklore. In a tweet that went viral, she wrote: "oomfs, i've already tweeted about this before but i will be without my phone or any wifi the next two weeks. if taylor decides to do something big please yell at me in my dm's and don't unfollow me for inactivity xxx."
Delphine eventually returned to Twitter to share her track-by-track take as she listened for the first time, and was even acknowledged by Swift herself. "Welcome back from your trip! We are all somber woodland fairies now. Feel free to grab a wicker basket and join us!" Swift tweeted.
Welcome back from your trip! We are all somber woodland fairies now. Feel free to grab a wicker basket and join us! 🧚♀ 🧚♂😄 — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 30, 2020
Matteo, though, hasn't been contacted by Swift just yet, and it appears he may not actually miss the album release after all, since he's shown up online.
Delphine commented on Matteo's initial tweet, in a message that is the top-liked response. She simply said, "WELL HEY..."
On her own page, Delphine expounded further on Matteo's parallel situation. She made a great point about the possibility that their similar tweets triggered a Swift theme. "[I] think the funniest thing about it is that both of us accidentally manifested that taylor was, in fact, going to do something big by dropping another album," she wrote.
i think the funniest thing about it is that both of us accidentally manifested that taylor was, in fact, going to do something big by dropping another album https://t.co/Wij0gPGjmc — camping girl (@seeitinmymind) December 10, 2020
Judging from another of Matteo's tweets, it seems the pair may become fast friends. He suggested a podcast may be in the Swifties' future.
me and camping girl should start a podcast — matteo (road trip boy) (@matteopng) December 10, 2020
We reached out to Delphine, too, for further comment, and will update with a response.
Swift's evermore was conceived as a sort of "sister album" to folklore, according to tweets from the artist herself. For her legions of dedicated fans, there couldn't be a sweeter surprise this holiday season. And as Matteo told us, he's got a great soundtrack for the rest of his roadtrip.
Updated 5:33 p.m. on 12/10/20: This article was updated to include comments from Matteo.


newsweek--2020-12-10--Mike Pence Celebrates Texas Lawsuit to Overturn Election, Encourages Absentee Voting in GA

Vice President Mike Pence sent mixed messages about voting procedures during a visit to Georgia ahead of the state 's all-important Senate elections next month .
Speaking at a `` Defend the Majority '' rally in Augusta , Pence began by celebrating Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton 's legal bid to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential race in Georgia , Michigan , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .
`` So far , just in the last few days , 18 states have joined the Lone Star State to defend the integrity of our elections before the highest court in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump deserves his day in court .
The Supreme Court .
All I can say is , God bless Texas . ''
Paxton , who has been criticized for wasting taxpayer money on the longshot lawsuit , accused the battleground states of exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to enact unlawful last-minute changes to election procedures .
He specifically attacked the legality of mail-in ballots , which he alleged were placed in drop boxes with `` little or no chain of custody '' and were n't subject to strong signature verification requirements .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republican officials and President Donald Trump , Pence encouraged Georgians to get their absentee ballots as soon as possible and to participate in in-person early voting starting Monday .
`` I want you to be confident about your vote , '' Pence said .
`` Our great GOP state chair David Shafer and the senators will tell you , we 're on them this time .
We 're watching .
We 're going to secure the polls .
We 're going to secure the drop boxes .
So get an absentee ballot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Get it done . ''
Georgia has become the center of the political universe as the state 's two Senate runoffs will determine which party controls the upper chamber in the next Congress .
Incumbent Senate Republicans Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue will face Democratic challengers Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff on January 5 .
Republicans will control at least 50 seats in the next Senate , based on election results , compared to Democrats ' 46 seats .
Two independent senators caucus with the Democratic Party , bringing their total vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warnock win , party control of the chamber would be split 50-50 .
Democratic Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would be responsible for casting any tie-breaking votes .
Democrats are riding a blue wave in Georgia after the state flipped for the first time in decades to support President-elect Joe Biden .
Some Republicans , meanwhile , have expressed concern that President Donald Trump 's baseless attacks on the integrity of the 2020 could negatively impact Perdue and Loeffler .
During a rally in Georgia last weekend , Trump continued to air out his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the contest .
Georgia has counted all the votes in the presidential race three times and has certified Biden 's win twice .
`` This election was rigged , and we ca n't let it happen to two of the greatest , most respected people in Washington , '' he said , referring to Loeffler and Perdue .
`` We ca n't let it happen again ...
Your governor could stop it very easily if he knew what the hell he was doing . ''
Pence said Thursday that Georgians need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ integrity in the U.S. '' We 're going to keep fighting until every legal vote is counted .
We 're going to keep fighting until every illegal vote is thrown out .
We 'll never stop fighting to make America great again .
That 's why we need Perdue and Loeffler back in a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate , '' the vice president said .

Vice President Mike Pence sent mixed messages about voting procedures during a visit to Georgia ahead of the state's all-important Senate elections next month.
Speaking at a "Defend the Majority" rally in Augusta, Pence began by celebrating Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's legal bid to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential race in Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
"So far, just in the last few days, 18 states have joined the Lone Star State to defend the integrity of our elections before the highest court in the land," Pence said. "President Donald Trump deserves his day in court. The Supreme Court. All I can say is, God bless Texas."
Paxton, who has been criticized for wasting taxpayer money on the longshot lawsuit, accused the battleground states of exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to enact unlawful last-minute changes to election procedures. He specifically attacked the legality of mail-in ballots, which he alleged were placed in drop boxes with "little or no chain of custody" and weren't subject to strong signature verification requirements.
Despite the attacks on absentee voting from Republican officials and President Donald Trump, Pence encouraged Georgians to get their absentee ballots as soon as possible and to participate in in-person early voting starting Monday.
"I want you to be confident about your vote," Pence said. "Our great GOP state chair David Shafer and the senators will tell you, we're on them this time. We're watching. We're going to secure the polls. We're going to secure the drop boxes. So get an absentee ballot in today and vote. Don't wait. Get it done."
Vice President Mike Pence attends a rally in support of Sen. David Perdue (R-GA) and Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) on December 04, 2020, in Savannah, Georgia. Pence was in Georgia again on December 10 for a "Defend the Majority" rally in support of Perdue and Loeffler. During the event, Pence celebrated a Texas lawsuit aiming to overturn the election results and encouraged Georgia residents to get their absentee ballot for the January 5 runoffs. Spencer Platt/Getty
Georgia has become the center of the political universe as the state's two Senate runoffs will determine which party controls the upper chamber in the next Congress. Incumbent Senate Republicans Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue will face Democratic challengers Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff on January 5.
Republicans will control at least 50 seats in the next Senate, based on election results, compared to Democrats' 46 seats. Two independent senators caucus with the Democratic Party, bringing their total vote power to 48. If Ossoff and Warnock win, party control of the chamber would be split 50-50. Democratic Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would be responsible for casting any tie-breaking votes.
Democrats are riding a blue wave in Georgia after the state flipped for the first time in decades to support President-elect Joe Biden. Some Republicans, meanwhile, have expressed concern that President Donald Trump's baseless attacks on the integrity of the 2020 could negatively impact Perdue and Loeffler.
During a rally in Georgia last weekend, Trump continued to air out his grievances with state leadership over their handling of the contest. Georgia has counted all the votes in the presidential race three times and has certified Biden's win twice.
"This election was rigged, and we can't let it happen to two of the greatest, most respected people in Washington," he said, referring to Loeffler and Perdue. "We can't let it happen again...Your governor could stop it very easily if he knew what the hell he was doing."
Pence said Thursday that Georgians need to reelect Perdue and Loeffler to uphold election integrity in the U.S.
"We're going to keep fighting until every legal vote is counted. We're going to keep fighting until every illegal vote is thrown out. We'll never stop fighting to make America great again. That's why we need Perdue and Loeffler back in a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate," the vice president said.


newsweek--2020-12-11--'Wild Mountain Thyme' Review: Emily Blunt Movie is a Rotten Irish Romance

Wild Mountain Thyme was a movie in some ways damned before it was ever released .
The trailer joined the illustrious company of Cats and Sonic the Hedgehog in the world of promos that the internet universally made fun of , with the accents mocked for being wide of the mark ( like , the whole North Atlantic Ocean , wide of the mark . )
The trailer was also mocked for being rife with the sort of Irish stereotypes that only Americans think are real—the sort of viewers who claim Irish heritage and dye their rivers green for St. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought of Ireland as a modern place where people live .
Unfortunately , the full-length Wild Mountain Thyme does not improve on the promo 's failings .
Right from the off , it is a film that fell out of the stereotype tree and hit every branch on the way down—the fact that it does not start with the narrator saying `` top o ' the morning t ' ya '' is the only thing stopping viewers getting a full house on their paddywhackery cliché bingo card .
Director John Patrick Shanley 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where people only drink Guinness and listen to fiddle music , and where nothing has moved on since about the late 19th century when Irish immigration to America was at its height .
The world feels so old fashioned , in fact , that it is a genuine shock in an early scene where we see a television set and learn that we are not , in fact , in the 1890s .
This old-fashioned world , however , has very modern A-listers populating it .
Early on , the film introduces Anthony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played by Jamie Dornan , asking God , `` why did you make me so . ''
Sadly , this is not him questioning his sexuality , and the film is not about a young boy discovering his homosexuality as in the excellent recent Irish Amazon Prime Video movie Dating Amber .
Instead , he has a strange mental affliction which will not be spoiled here ( though here 's a hint—think Sean Bean in Jupiter Ascending ) .
Incidentally , one of the few joys of the film is how this problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of the movie .
This young man is in love with Rosemary , soon to be played by Emily Blunt as a pipe-smoking , lady farmer able to go toe-to-toe against any man .
Blunt has proven time and time again that she is a versatile actor , from her cutting assistant par excellence in The Devil Wears Prada to her shell-shocked FBI agent in Sicario .
What she can not do , however , is an Irish accent .
Perhaps that is not fair .
Perhaps what she had instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care .
Wild Mountain Thyme director John Patrick Shanley has responded to those who found the accents bad and the whole thing too stereotypical in interviews .
Speaking to Variety , for example , he said : `` I told Emily when we first talked about this project , ' I 'm not making this movie for the Irish .
If you try to get the Irish to love you , no good will come of it . '
'' This quote more or less sums up the film 's problems .
Both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contempt for real Irish people that puts the blame on them for not liking the movie , rather than ever thinking that its roll-call of dull over-played stereotypes could make for a bad film .
Shanley continues : `` I 'm making this movie for everybody else and all the people who want to go to Ireland . ''
Well , mission failed .
The scenic shots are sure to appeal to Hibernophiles , but they are likely to be less moved by any scene involving an actual person .
Ultimately , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the accents are shonky or that the view of Ireland is clichéd .
Its biggest issue is that it is dramatically inert .
Blunt and Dornan lack chemistry ( mostly because of the accent Blunt is weighed down with ) , and the film takes way too long dealing with a question of who owns some land which is ultimately totally irrelevant .
The movie also has major problems with tone that would still sink it even if its accent were Meryl Streep/Saoirse Ronan-level precise and its picture of the country nuanced .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the play Doubt , which he also directed to strong effect .
Wild Mountain Thyme features dialogue exchanges with all the weighty theatrical seriousness of that play , but will then cut to a dog reaction shot like something out of a '90s sitcom or repeatedly make a lame joke about a donkey .
Though the film does redeem its stereotypes slightly by having Jon Hamm as an American who dreams of being an Irish farmer—which seems to satirize this trope in films like John Ford 's overrated The Quiet Man—it is too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film feels like a poorly poured pint of Guinness—ostensibly Irish , but no true Irish person would go near it , and it leaves a nasty taste in the mouth .

Wild Mountain Thyme was a movie in some ways damned before it was ever released. The trailer joined the illustrious company of Cats and Sonic the Hedgehog in the world of promos that the internet universally made fun of, with the accents mocked for being wide of the mark (like, the whole North Atlantic Ocean, wide of the mark.)
The trailer was also mocked for being rife with the sort of Irish stereotypes that only Americans think are real—the sort of viewers who claim Irish heritage and dye their rivers and beer green for St. Patrick's Day but have never actually thought of Ireland as a modern place where people live.
Unfortunately, the full-length Wild Mountain Thyme does not improve on the promo's failings. Right from the off, it is a film that fell out of the stereotype tree and hit every branch on the way down—the fact that it does not start with the narrator saying "top o' the morning t' ya" is the only thing stopping viewers getting a full house on their paddywhackery cliché bingo card.
Director John Patrick Shanley's Ireland in the movie is a place where people only drink Guinness and listen to fiddle music, and where nothing has moved on since about the late 19th century when Irish immigration to America was at its height. The world feels so old fashioned, in fact, that it is a genuine shock in an early scene where we see a television set and learn that we are not, in fact, in the 1890s.
Rosemary (Emily Blunt) and Anthony (Jamie Dornan) have a special moment in "Wild Mountain Thyme," a new movie written and directed by John Patrick Shanley.
This old-fashioned world, however, has very modern A-listers populating it. Early on, the film introduces Anthony, who will grow up to be played by Jamie Dornan, asking God, "why did you make me so."
Sadly, this is not him questioning his sexuality, and the film is not about a young boy discovering his homosexuality as in the excellent recent Irish Amazon Prime Video movie Dating Amber. Instead, he has a strange mental affliction which will not be spoiled here (though here's a hint—think Sean Bean in Jupiter Ascending).
Incidentally, one of the few joys of the film is how this problem is dropped like a lead weight at the end of the movie.
This young man is in love with Rosemary, soon to be played by Emily Blunt as a pipe-smoking, lady farmer able to go toe-to-toe against any man.
Blunt has proven time and time again that she is a versatile actor, from her cutting assistant par excellence in The Devil Wears Prada to her shell-shocked FBI agent in Sicario. What she cannot do, however, is an Irish accent.
Perhaps that is not fair. Perhaps what she had instead is a director who simply doesn't care.
Wild Mountain Thyme director John Patrick Shanley has responded to those who found the accents bad and the whole thing too stereotypical in interviews. Speaking to Variety, for example, he said: "I told Emily when we first talked about this project, 'I'm not making this movie for the Irish. If you try to get the Irish to love you, no good will come of it.'"
This quote more or less sums up the film's problems. Both the quote and movie have a gentle contempt for real Irish people that puts the blame on them for not liking the movie, rather than ever thinking that its roll-call of dull over-played stereotypes could make for a bad film.
Shanley continues: "I'm making this movie for everybody else and all the people who want to go to Ireland." Well, mission failed. The scenic shots are sure to appeal to Hibernophiles, but they are likely to be less moved by any scene involving an actual person.
Ultimately, the film's biggest problem is not that the accents are shonky or that the view of Ireland is clichéd. Its biggest issue is that it is dramatically inert.
Blunt and Dornan lack chemistry (mostly because of the accent Blunt is weighed down with), and the film takes way too long dealing with a question of who owns some land which is ultimately totally irrelevant.
The movie also has major problems with tone that would still sink it even if its accent were Meryl Streep/Saoirse Ronan-level precise and its picture of the country nuanced.
One of Shanley's finest works was the play Doubt, which he also directed to strong effect. Wild Mountain Thyme features dialogue exchanges with all the weighty theatrical seriousness of that play, but will then cut to a dog reaction shot like something out of a '90s sitcom or repeatedly make a lame joke about a donkey.
Though the film does redeem its stereotypes slightly by having Jon Hamm as an American who dreams of being an Irish farmer—which seems to satirize this trope in films like John Ford's overrated The Quiet Man—it is too little too late.
Ultimately, the film feels like a pint of green beer on St. "Patty's" Day—ostensibly resembling Irishness, but no true Irish person would go near it, and it leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.


newsweek--2020-12-11--'Abolish the Death Penalty' Say Democrats After Brandon Bernard's Execution

Prominent Democrats have called for the abolition of the death penalty following Thursday 's execution of Brandon Bernard for a crime committed when he was a teenager .
Bernard , 40 , was killed by lethal injection at the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute , Indiana , after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a last-minute bid by his lawyers for clemency .
Before his death , Bernard said of his role in the 1999 kidnapping and killing of two youth ministers : `` I wish I could take it all back , but I ca n't . ''
His co-defendant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September 22 .
Bernard 's case became a cause celebre , with a number of high-profile figures pleading for a stay of execution .
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West and Senators Richard Durbin ( IL ) and Cory Booker ( NJ ) supported his case , as did over half a million people who signed a change.org petition calling for the sentence to be commuted to life imprisonment .
The case has sparked a debate about the justice of the death penalty and top Democratic Party figures used the same phrase as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders tweeted : `` Yes .
We must abolish the death penalty— period . ''
Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( NY ) and Ayanna Presley ( MA ) tweeted the same curt message : `` Abolish the death penalty . ''
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted : `` This is absolutely sickening .
Brandon Bernard should still be alive .
Abolish the death penalty . ''
Meanwhile , the Democratic Coalition tweeted that Bernard `` has been executed by lethal injection in Trump 's manic quest to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his way out the door . ''
The swipe at Trump comes as four further federal executions are scheduled between Friday and January 15 , 2021 in the final weeks of his administration .
This is the first time in 130 years that executions have taken place during a presidential transition .
If all of them take place , Trump will have overseen the federal executions of 13 people since July , the most by a U.S. president for more than a century .
Advocates and Bernard 's attorneys had argued that expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid a death sentence had not been presented at his trial .
Five jurors in the case no longer supported the death sentence and backed the lead appellate prosecutor in urging Trump to commute the death sentence to life without parole .
As previously reported , Bernard 's lawyer Robert Owen told Newsweek in a statement that his client 's execution was `` a stain on America 's criminal justice system . ''
Correction 12/11/2020 8:20 a.m .
ET : This story has been updated to correct the number of people who signed @ @ @ @

Prominent Democrats have called for the abolition of the death penalty following Thursday's execution of Brandon Bernard for a crime committed when he was a teenager.
Bernard, 40, was killed by lethal injection at the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana, after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a last-minute bid by his lawyers for clemency.
Before his death, Bernard said of his role in the 1999 kidnapping and killing of two youth ministers: "I wish I could take it all back, but I can't." His co-defendant, Christopher Vialva, was executed on September 22.
Bernard's case became a cause celebre, with a number of high-profile figures pleading for a stay of execution.
Abolish the death penalty.
pic.twitter.com/Fljn7WKgBS — Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) December 11, 2020
Yes. We must abolish the death penalty— period. — Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) December 11, 2020
This is absolutely sickening. Brandon Bernard should still be alive.
Abolish the death penalty. https://t.co/5QdAZTc4J4 — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) December 11, 2020
Abolish the death penalty. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) December 11, 2020
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian West and Senators Richard Durbin (IL) and Cory Booker (NJ) supported his case, as did over half a million people who signed a change.org petition calling for the sentence to be commuted to life imprisonment.
The case has sparked a debate about the justice of the death penalty and top Democratic Party figures used the same phrase as they weighed in.
Vermont Senator and former Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders tweeted: "Yes. We must abolish the death penalty— period."
Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY) and Ayanna Presley (MA) tweeted the same curt message: "Abolish the death penalty." New York Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted: "This is absolutely sickening. Brandon Bernard should still be alive. Abolish the death penalty."
Meanwhile, the Democratic Coalition tweeted that Bernard "has been executed by lethal injection in Trump's manic quest to cause as much death as possible on his way out the door."
The swipe at Trump comes as four further federal executions are scheduled between Friday and January 15, 2021 in the final weeks of his administration. This is the first time in 130 years that executions have taken place during a presidential transition.
If all of them take place, Trump will have overseen the federal executions of 13 people since July, the most by a U.S. president for more than a century.
Advocates and Bernard's attorneys had argued that expert evidence that could have allowed him to avoid a death sentence had not been presented at his trial.
Five jurors in the case no longer supported the death sentence and backed the lead appellate prosecutor in urging Trump to commute the death sentence to life without parole. As previously reported, Bernard's lawyer Robert Owen told Newsweek in a statement that his client's execution was "a stain on America's criminal justice system."
Brandon Bernard. Courtesy of attorneys for Brandon Bernard
Correction 12/11/2020 8:20 a.m. ET: This story has been updated to correct the number of people who signed the change.org petition.


newsweek--2020-12-11--Tulsi Gabbard Pushes Bill to Block Transgender Girls from Women's Sports

Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has introduced a bill that would use Title IX rules to block transgender girls from competing in women 's sports programs and activities run by federally funded schools .
Releasing a statement on the `` Protect Women 's Sports Act '' bill Thursday , Rep. Gabbard said states were `` misinterpreting '' Title IX provisions against sex-based discrimination to create `` undue hardship '' for female athletes .
The Hawaii representative added that her bill , co-sponsored by the Republican Rep. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma , sought to protect the `` original intent '' of Title @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on biological sex .
`` Title IX is being weakened by some states who are misinterpreting Title IX , creating uncertainty , undue hardship and lost opportunities for female athletes , '' Gabbard said in a statement .
`` Our legislation protects Title IX 's original intent which was based on the general biological distinction between men and women athletes based on sex . ''
The former Democratic primary candidate added that it was `` critical '' that Title IX ensured that women and girls were allowed to `` compete and excel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports teams and contests .
Her Republican co-sponsor Rep. Mullin made similar arguments as the pair introduced the bill , arguing that it would `` safeguard '' the integrity of women 's sports contests .
`` Allowing biological males to compete in women 's sports diminishes that equality and takes away from the original intent of Title IX , '' he said .
`` As the father of three girls involved in athletics , I want them to be able to compete on a level playing field . ''
According to bill text @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on social media , the `` Protect Women 's Sports Act '' would make it a violation of Title IX protections in the Education Amendments of 1972 for federally funded schools to allow people born as male to compete in women 's sports programs and activities .
Newsweek has contacted Rep. Gabbard 's office for further details and comment .
This article will be updated with any response .
Republican senators proposed a similar law that would have made it a Title IX violation to allow transgender women to compete in women 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act was co-sponsored by Sens .
Kelly Loeffler of Georgia , Tom Cotton of Arkansas and three other GOP lawmakers in late September .
At the time of writing , the bill is still stuck with the Senate Health , Education , Labor and Pensions committee .
Releasing a statement at the time , Sen. Loeffler said : `` Title IX established a fair and equal chance for women and girls to compete , and sports should be no exception .
`` As someone who learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports throughout my life , I 'm proud to lead this legislation to ensure girls of all ages can enjoy those same opportunities . ''

Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has introduced a bill that would use Title IX rules to block transgender girls from competing in women's sports programs and activities run by federally funded schools.
Releasing a statement on the "Protect Women's Sports Act" bill Thursday, Rep. Gabbard said states were "misinterpreting" Title IX provisions against sex-based discrimination to create "undue hardship" for female athletes.
The Hawaii representative added that her bill, co-sponsored by the Republican Rep. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, sought to protect the "original intent" of Title IX protections, which she claimed were based on biological sex.
"Title IX is being weakened by some states who are misinterpreting Title IX, creating uncertainty, undue hardship and lost opportunities for female athletes," Gabbard said in a statement. "Our legislation protects Title IX's original intent which was based on the general biological distinction between men and women athletes based on sex."
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) has introduced a bill that would block transgender girls from competing in women's sport. Scott Eisen/Getty Images
The former Democratic primary candidate added that it was "critical" that Title IX ensured that women and girls were allowed to "compete and excel on a level playing field" in sports teams and contests.
Her Republican co-sponsor Rep. Mullin made similar arguments as the pair introduced the bill, arguing that it would "safeguard" the integrity of women's sports contests.
"Allowing biological males to compete in women's sports diminishes that equality and takes away from the original intent of Title IX," he said. "As the father of three girls involved in athletics, I want them to be able to compete on a level playing field."
According to bill text shared by the KITV4 reporter Tom George on social media, the "Protect Women's Sports Act" would make it a violation of Title IX protections in the Education Amendments of 1972 for federally funded schools to allow people born as male to compete in women's sports programs and activities.
Newsweek has contacted Rep. Gabbard's office for further details and comment. This article will be updated with any response.
Republican senators proposed a similar law that would have made it a Title IX violation to allow transgender women to compete in women's sports at federally funded schools.
The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act was co-sponsored by Sens. Kelly Loeffler of Georgia, Tom Cotton of Arkansas and three other GOP lawmakers in late September. At the time of writing, the bill is still stuck with the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee.
Releasing a statement at the time, Sen. Loeffler said: "Title IX established a fair and equal chance for women and girls to compete, and sports should be no exception.
"As someone who learned invaluable life lessons and built confidence playing sports throughout my life, I'm proud to lead this legislation to ensure girls of all ages can enjoy those same opportunities."


newsweek--2020-12-11--Scottie Pippen Questions Accuracy of 'The Last Dance'

The final episode of The Last Dance aired over six months ago , but discussions around ESPN 's 10-part documentary chronicling Michael Jordan 's final season with the Chicago Bulls linger on .
Scottie Pippen , one of the most prominent characters in he documentary , has criticized it for a lack of accuracy , echoing the thoughts of those who felt the film told the story exclusively from Jordan 's point of view .
`` I do n't think it was that accurate in terms of really defining what was accomplished in one of the greatest eras of basketball @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatest players—and one could even put that aside and say the greatest team of all time , '' Pippen told The Guardian in a wide-ranging interview earlier this week .
`` I did n't think those things stood out in the documentary .
I thought it was more about Michael trying to uplift himself and to be glorified . ''
Jordan 's sidekick during the six championship-winning runs that vaulted the 1990s Bulls into NBA lore , Pippen took up the issue with his former teammate , who accepted the criticism .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit with viewers and received almost universal acclaim , the veracity of some of Jordan 's claims has been questioned .
In May , Sam Smith , the author of The Jordan Rules , suggested the six-time NBA champion `` lied about '' multiple incidents in the documentary .
Smith dismissed Jordan 's claims he had food poisoning after eating pizza the night before Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals and that Pippen , head coach Phil Jackson and Dennis Rodman would have been happy to return for the 1998-99 season had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bulls .
Horace Grant , who was part of the Bulls team that won the franchise 's first three-peat between 1991 and 1993 , suggested the documentary was edited to make Jordan look better .
While Jordan won five MVP awards and was named NBA Finals MVP six times during the 11 years he played together with Pippen in Chicago , he admitted those achievements would not have been possible without his trusted lieutenant .
`` I considered him my best teammate of all time , '' Jordan said in the documentary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fifth overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft and averaged 20.0 points , 7.3 rebounds , 6.0 assists , 2.2 steals and 0.9 blocks throughout his career .
The Last Dance also delved into the feud that Pippen had developed with Bulls general manager Jerry Krause and his frustration at being paid less than he felt he deserved .
`` I think at the time there were moments when it was upsetting but also there was so much joy that rose among the pain that I was feeling , '' he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much to celebrate and enjoy to be thinking about the negative side of it . ''
Following the Bulls ' first title in 1991 , Pippen signed a five-year extension worth $ 18 million , which was due to become effective from 1993 at the end of his six-year rookie contract .
At the time of the agreement , the sum would have placed the Bulls forward among the 15 highest-paid NBA players , but the scenario had changed radically by 1995 , prompting Pippen to demand a trade .
The former Central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of teams but the Bulls never traded , leading him to demand Krause as a `` compulsive liar '' .
Pippen never made more than $ 4 million a year during the Bulls ' six title runs and , according to Hoops Hype , and was ranked among the NBA 's best-paid players just once over the period .

The final episode of The Last Dance aired over six months ago, but discussions around ESPN's 10-part documentary chronicling Michael Jordan's final season with the Chicago Bulls linger on.
Scottie Pippen, one of the most prominent characters in he documentary, has criticized it for a lack of accuracy, echoing the thoughts of those who felt the film told the story exclusively from Jordan's point of view.
"I don't think it was that accurate in terms of really defining what was accomplished in one of the greatest eras of basketball, but also by two of the greatest players—and one could even put that aside and say the greatest team of all time," Pippen told The Guardian in a wide-ranging interview earlier this week.
"I didn't think those things stood out in the documentary. I thought it was more about Michael trying to uplift himself and to be glorified."
Jordan's sidekick during the six championship-winning runs that vaulted the 1990s Bulls into NBA lore, Pippen took up the issue with his former teammate, who accepted the criticism.
While Jason Hehir's documentary has been a hit with viewers and received almost universal acclaim, the veracity of some of Jordan's claims has been questioned.
In May, Sam Smith, the author of The Jordan Rules, suggested the six-time NBA champion "lied about" multiple incidents in the documentary.
Smith dismissed Jordan's claims he had food poisoning after eating pizza the night before Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals and that Pippen, head coach Phil Jackson and Dennis Rodman would have been happy to return for the 1998-99 season had they been offered a new deal by the Bulls.
Horace Grant, who was part of the Bulls team that won the franchise's first three-peat between 1991 and 1993, suggested the documentary was edited to make Jordan look better.
While Jordan won five MVP awards and was named NBA Finals MVP six times during the 11 years he played together with Pippen in Chicago, he admitted those achievements would not have been possible without his trusted lieutenant.
"I considered him my best teammate of all time," Jordan said in the documentary of Pippen, who was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft and averaged 20.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.2 steals and 0.9 blocks throughout his career.
The Last Dance also delved into the feud that Pippen had developed with Bulls general manager Jerry Krause and his frustration at being paid less than he felt he deserved.
"I think at the time there were moments when it was upsetting but also there was so much joy that rose among the pain that I was feeling," he told The Guardian.
"There was too much to celebrate and enjoy to be thinking about the negative side of it."
Following the Bulls' first title in 1991, Pippen signed a five-year extension worth $18 million, which was due to become effective from 1993 at the end of his six-year rookie contract.
At the time of the agreement, the sum would have placed the Bulls forward among the 15 highest-paid NBA players, but the scenario had changed radically by 1995, prompting Pippen to demand a trade.
The former Central Arkansas star was linked to a series of teams but the Bulls never traded, leading him to demand Krause as a "compulsive liar".
Pippen never made more than $4 million a year during the Bulls' six title runs and, according to Hoops Hype, and was ranked among the NBA's best-paid players just once over the period.


newsweek--2020-12-11--Man Beaten to Death with Hammer by Homeless Man Living in His Backyard

A man died after being beaten with a hammer by a homeless man who he had allowed to live in his backyard in Los Angeles .
Law enforcement were called to the home in the 1000 block of West 98th Street after 6.30 p.m on Wednesday , when the murder is believed to have occurred .
The incident was initially reported as a `` fight '' to officers , who found a man with a head injury in the backyard of his home .
The victim , who has not yet been identified , was pronounced dead at the scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the victim had been letting the male suspect live on his property .
The two men got into an altercation and the suspect beat him with a hammer before running away .
It is not known what prompted the incident and no further details have been released .
In November , Los Angeles reached a grim milestone of 300 homicides since the start of the year , a figure not hit since 2009 .
The city has seen a surge in killings in 2020 amid an increase in gang violence as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A 17-year-old boy became the 300th homicide victim when he was fatally shot while riding his motorbike near his house .
LAPD wrote on Twitter : `` A number we have not seen in over a decade—300 homicides in a year .
Senseless violence & tragic loss of life .
Our people are doing everything they can to stop the violence , but we need your help . ''
In May , Mayor Eric Garcetti announced plans to cut the LAPD 's budget by $ 150m .
The decision came after days of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions and community groups , which also held a large demonstration outside of the mayor 's residence .
Garcetti said his desire to cut funding came alongside his hopes that the LAPD could make reforms to work on systemic racism that targets black communities .
In an internal statement to personnel , LAPD announced that several units would be disbanded , including those focused on sexual assaults , animal cruelty and homeless outreach .
The Robbery Homicide Division , Commercial Crimes Division , Metropolitan Division , Traffic Group and Labor Relations unit were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The memo read : `` A City of Los Angeles fiscal emergency has created an unexpected Department budgetary crisis and shortfall .
As a result , the Chief of Police is making significant and difficult changes to adapt to the current financial and personnel shortages . ''

A man died after being beaten with a hammer by a homeless man who he had allowed to live in his backyard in Los Angeles.
Law enforcement were called to the home in the 1000 block of West 98th Street after 6.30 p.m on Wednesday, when the murder is believed to have occurred.
The incident was initially reported as a "fight" to officers, who found a man with a head injury in the backyard of his home. The victim, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene and the suspect arrested.
Police say the victim had been letting the male suspect live on his property. The two men got into an altercation and the suspect beat him with a hammer before running away.
It is not known what prompted the incident and no further details have been released.
In November, Los Angeles reached a grim milestone of 300 homicides since the start of the year, a figure not hit since 2009.
The city of Los Angeles has seen a surge in killings in 2020. Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images
The city has seen a surge in killings in 2020 amid an increase in gang violence as well as the coronavirus pandemic and economic fallout.
A 17-year-old boy became the 300th homicide victim when he was fatally shot while riding his motorbike near his house.
LAPD wrote on Twitter: "A number we have not seen in over a decade—300 homicides in a year. Senseless violence & tragic loss of life. Our people are doing everything they can to stop the violence, but we need your help."
In May, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced plans to cut the LAPD's budget by $150m. The decision came after days of protest and pressure from activists, labor unions and community groups, which also held a large demonstration outside of the mayor's residence.
Garcetti said his desire to cut funding came alongside his hopes that the LAPD could make reforms to work on systemic racism that targets black communities.
In an internal statement to personnel, LAPD announced that several units would be disbanded, including those focused on sexual assaults, animal cruelty and homeless outreach.
The Robbery Homicide Division, Commercial Crimes Division, Metropolitan Division, Traffic Group and Labor Relations unit were all set to be reduced in size.
The memo read: "A City of Los Angeles fiscal emergency has created an unexpected Department budgetary crisis and shortfall. As a result, the Chief of Police is making significant and difficult changes to adapt to the current financial and personnel shortages."


newsweek--2020-12-11--Alex Azar Says Pfizer Vaccine Will Be Given to Americans in 'Next Couple of Days'

The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) plans to issue an emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine developed @ @ @ @ @ their German partners BioNTech , Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said on Friday @ @ @ @ @ America that the vaccinations could begin as soon as Monday or Tuesday of next week @ @ @ @ @ on Friday regarding the development , FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn said : `` Following yesterday @ @ @ @ @ outcome regarding the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine , the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has informed @ @ @ @ @ rapidly work toward finalization and issuance of an emergency use authorization . ''
`` The @ @ @ @ @ U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Operation Warp Speed , so they can @ @ @ @ @ vaccine distribution , '' Hahn said .
President Donald Trump tweeted on Friday : 'Get @ @ @ @ @ , Dr. Hahn @ SteveFDA .
Stop playing games and start saving lives !
!
@ @ @ @ @ breaking story and will be updated as more information becomes available .

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to issue an emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by American pharmaceutical giant and their German partners BioNTech, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said on Friday.
Azar told Good Morning America that the vaccinations could begin as soon as Monday or Tuesday of next week.
"Well I've got some good news for you on Good Morning America that just a little bit ago, the FDA informed Pfizer that they do intend to proceed towards an authorization for their vaccine," Azar said.
"In the next couple of days probably as we work to negotiate the information doctors need to prescribe it appropriately, we should be seeing the authorization of this first vaccine. We will work with Pfizer to get that shipped out. So we could be seeing people getting vaccinated Monday, Tuesday of next week."
On Thursday, the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC)—made up of independent scientific and public health experts from around the country—met to discuss the first submission to the agency for a COVID-19 vaccine emergency use authorization (EUA) regarding the Pfizer/BioNTech candidate.
In a statement published on Friday, FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn said: "Following yesterday's positive advisory committee meeting outcome regarding the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has informed the sponsor that it will rapidly work toward finalization and issuance of an emergency use authorization."
The VRBPAC voted 17 to four in favor of issuing the EUA, with one member abstaining—approving the vaccine for use in people 16 years of age and older.
"The agency has also notified the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Operation Warp Speed, so they can execute their plans for timely vaccine distribution," Hahn said.
An FDA analysis of the vaccine published earlier this week confirmed the manufacturer's data that the vaccine was 95 percent effective after two doses, while also finding "no specific safety concerns identified that would preclude issuance of an EUA."
NEW: HHS Azar says FDA will proceed with emergency use authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine and vaccinations could come as soon as Monday or Tuesday of next week. https://t.co/v1dsjMAvCK pic.twitter.com/48CGRJRTVs — Good Morning America (@GMA) December 11, 2020
President Donald Trump has piled pressure on the FDA for months to approve the vaccine, often accusing the agency of moving too slowly.
On Friday, President Trump tweeted: "Get the dam vaccines out NOW, Dr. Hahn @SteveFDA. Stop playing games and start saving lives!!!"
Pfizer submitted its request for an EUA on November 20, and since then, FDA employees had been working "around the clock" to evaluate the necessary information "in a comprehensive and science-based manner," Hahn said in a statement published on Thursday.
"I can assure you that no vaccine will be authorized for use in the United States until FDA career officials feel confident in allowing their own families to receive it," he said.
This is breaking story was updated with additional information.