newsweek--2020-12-24--Tessa Thompson Wants You to Be Swept Away By 'Sylvie's Love'

After a year of widespread illness and death , mass protests advocating for social justice and racial equality , and a particularly grueling presidential election , we could all use a little bit of love—Sylvie 's Love , specifically .
The new film—written and directed by filmmaker Eugene Ashe , and available on Amazon Prime Video as of Wednesday—is precisely the right type of romantic drama for the holiday season , one that 's designed to warm viewers ' hearts .
Starring Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha ( both of whom also produced the film ) , Sylvie 's Love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head-over-heels for each other in a record store in 1950s Harlem .
There 's Thompson 's character Sylvie , a high-society debutante who dreams of being a TV producer in a time when women—especially Black women—were n't typically afforded those types of positions .
And then there 's the lovestruck and incredibly talented saxophonist Robert , played by Asomugha , whose musical ambitions get in the way of his heart 's true desires on more than one occasion .
Together , against the backdrop of moody jazz and an evocative rendering of mid-20th-century @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a dynamic and complicated romance that 's reminiscent of classic Hollywood .
It 's a beautiful thing to see—a story of a couple pursuing love amid all of the racial and societal pressures surrounding them .
And beyond even that , rarely are audiences treated to a lush romance that focuses solely on two Black people .
And yet—despite the characters ' race , their class differences and everything that feels stacked against them—their decisions are ones that people of all walks should be able to empathize with and understand .
Proving that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hear Thompson tell it .
`` I found it inspiring how hard it was to get [ the movie ] made .
People at the studio level or financiers would say , 'We do n't think that a movie like this would be successful .
We do n't think that there 's an audience for this , ' '' Thompson told Newsweek during a recent phone interview .
`` When people say those sort of things , I feel even more emboldened to prove them wrong , particularly when it comes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't want to see . ''
She continued , saying , `` I think people want to see good stories , and I think when you tell a story with real specificity , specifically cultural specificity , the more universal they become .
So I did n't understand why people would n't want to see two young people fall in love—two young people who happen to be Black—because everyone knows what that is like , to fall in love and try to make it work . ''
Read Newsweek 's full conversation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been edited and condensed for the sake of length and clarity .
After a year like this one , it was so refreshing to just watch a story about two young Black people in love .
We could n't have known the timing , and in some ways I think it is the perfect time for this film to be out in the world .
As much as it 's a love story , it 's also a love letter to Black people .
So I feel really grateful that it 's coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so hard .
How did you get involved in the movie ?
I got involved when Nnamdi reached out to me and said it was a film that he was hoping to make at some point .
He asked me to read [ the script ] and see if I thought there was something interesting inside of it .
I knew that he wanted to be in the film .
I really respected him .
Previously , he was a pro football player , and now he 's really endeared into the process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Crown Heights , and I had the chance to see him in a stage play and thought that he was such a tremendous talent and clearly really cares about the stories he tells .
So I read the script , and I thought that there was such an incredible opportunity to make a film that felt romantic and it felt kind of classic in the way of Hollywood love stories and period films .
It really presented these young , in love , Black folks .
I just had n't really seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought that it was an interesting idea to try to center on their personal drama , as opposed to societal or political strife that they may have been facing [ in the 1950s ] .
How was that experience , working with Nnamdi ?
It was incredible .
He took a year learning how to play the saxophone for the part .
Something that I admire in other performers is real work ethic .
There are things that he possesses that you can not work at .
He 's a handsome guy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the work takes real skill and craft .
I really admired that he was working really hard at [ the part ] .
It made me love him .
And he 's just a lovely , good human .
I got to work with him as an equal , as a producer , and I think we both admired that process and , hopefully , that comes across on screen and communicates into [ Robert and Sylvie 's ] love .
To me , the movie plays out like a testament to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Do you believe that ?
I was thinking a lot about love when we were making this film .
At the time , I was reading this bell hooks book , All About Love , and that book really challenged me to think differently about love .
I had always felt like love was just something that happened to you and you did n't have any control over it , over how you were in it , how it made you feel .
The book really challenged me to think that love is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every day .
So , is it true that true love never fades ?
I do n't know .
I do n't think it fades , I think it changes .
And even when you fall in love with someone , sometimes you have to choose to love them in healthier ways that are healthy for yourself and for them .
I hope that true love has the ability , the dexterity , to change and grow and shift , because that 's the only love that I think is lasting .
Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choices that Sylvie makes for her love and career and personal journey ?
The truth is , Sylvie does some things that she probably could have done better .
She makes some choices that are questionable , but I think the place that they come from is true and honest .
I love when she says to her husband at the time , `` I can not be the woman of your dreams while also trying to be the woman of my own . ''
And I think for all people , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agency—because we sometimes have so many expectations put on us , what we think we ought to be , what we think we ought to look like—it can be hard .
We have to silence those things and figure out who we want to be .
And that 's something that I really find inspiring about Sylvie .
She 's really trying to show up for herself , and she does that haphazardly sometimes , but I really admire that about her .
Nnamdi 's Robert does this thing that a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things get tough .
I do n't love that he did that .
I understand why he does it .
He lies to her .
His pride gets in the way , and some of that ultimately has to do with gender roles .
He wants to be the breadwinner , the provider .
That 's what makes him feel good .
It makes him feel worthy as a man .
And that sort of thinking sometimes limits our potential as couples and as people trying to be our most authentic selves .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ character does say , is this idea that he wants [ Sylvie ] to be happy even if it meant he could n't be a part of her life .
I love that .
It 's a kind of selfless love .
I think the thing that they need to learn is to be clear and communicative .
That 's something , in relationships , I 'm always trying to learn and grow and get better at .
They probably should have gone to see a couple 's counselor , but I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the '50s and '60s .
As a society now , we 're learning more and more the real importance of mental health and that sometimes we need some outside opinions and help and expertise .
Can we talk about the clothes in the film ?
How much fun did you have wearing all those outfits from that era ?
Oh , I loved it !
I grew up looking at regal photographs of both of my grandmothers and seeing them decked out in their finest .
Particularly for my paternal grandmother , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried themselves and dressed at that time was an extension of themselves , to remind themselves and others of their value and their dignity .
But it was so fun to wear gloves and shift hairstyles over the times .
Hair is also an extension of Sylvie and how she 's feeling as a woman .
Phoenix Mellow—our talented costume designer—had us in so many of those garments from back in the day that it really did feel like you were transported back to that era .
And we shot on some old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places where they had shot really iconic Hollywood films at .
It really felt like we were part of this beautiful legacy .
Is there something you hope audiences feel when watching this movie ?
I hope people can enjoy it with their loved ones .
I think that this movie is as much of a celebration of the magic of romantic love as it is about love of friendship , love of career and your own ambitions .
I hope that people can celebrate with the people they love , and if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes them feel less alone .
I hope this leaves people with a warm feeling .
This is a time where we 're feeling a lot of cynicism , and we 're really inviting the viewer to leave that cynicism behind for a minute and just be swept away by a joyful , loving feeling .

After a year of widespread illness and death, mass protests advocating for social justice and racial equality, and a particularly grueling presidential election, we could all use a little bit of love—Sylvie's Love, specifically.
The new film—written and directed by filmmaker Eugene Ashe, and available on Amazon Prime Video as of Wednesday—is precisely the right type of romantic drama for the holiday season, one that's designed to warm viewers' hearts.
Starring Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha (both of whom also produced the film), Sylvie's Love follows two young Black people who fall head-over-heels for each other in a record store in 1950s Harlem.
There's Thompson's character Sylvie, a high-society debutante who dreams of being a TV producer in a time when women—especially Black women—weren't typically afforded those types of positions. And then there's the lovestruck and incredibly talented saxophonist Robert, played by Asomugha, whose musical ambitions get in the way of his heart's true desires on more than one occasion. Together, against the backdrop of moody jazz and an evocative rendering of mid-20th-century Harlem, the two of them weather a dynamic and complicated romance that's reminiscent of classic Hollywood.
It's a beautiful thing to see—a story of a couple pursuing love amid all of the racial and societal pressures surrounding them. And beyond even that, rarely are audiences treated to a lush romance that focuses solely on two Black people. And yet—despite the characters' race, their class differences and everything that feels stacked against them—their decisions are ones that people of all walks should be able to empathize with and understand. Proving that, though, took some convincing, to hear Thompson tell it.
"I found it inspiring how hard it was to get [the movie] made. People at the studio level or financiers would say, 'We don't think that a movie like this would be successful. We don't think that there's an audience for this,'" Thompson told Newsweek during a recent phone interview. "When people say those sort of things, I feel even more emboldened to prove them wrong, particularly when it comes to what stories people want to see or don't want to see."
She continued, saying, "I think people want to see good stories, and I think when you tell a story with real specificity, specifically cultural specificity, the more universal they become. So I didn't understand why people wouldn't want to see two young people fall in love—two young people who happen to be Black—because everyone knows what that is like, to fall in love and try to make it work."
Read Newsweek's full conversation with Thompson below. This interview has been edited and condensed for the sake of length and clarity.
Tessa Thompson appears in the film, "Sylvie's Love," premiering on Amazon Prime Video on December 23, 2020. Courtesy of Amazon Studios
After a year like this one, it was so refreshing to just watch a story about two young Black people in love.
We couldn't have known the timing, and in some ways I think it is the perfect time for this film to be out in the world. As much as it's a love story, it's also a love letter to Black people. So I feel really grateful that it's coming after this year, which has been so hard.
How did you get involved in the movie?
I got involved when Nnamdi reached out to me and said it was a film that he was hoping to make at some point. He asked me to read [the script] and see if I thought there was something interesting inside of it. I knew that he wanted to be in the film. I really respected him. Previously, he was a pro football player, and now he's really endeared into the process of acting. I've seen him in Crown Heights, and I had the chance to see him in a stage play and thought that he was such a tremendous talent and clearly really cares about the stories he tells.
So I read the script, and I thought that there was such an incredible opportunity to make a film that felt romantic and it felt kind of classic in the way of Hollywood love stories and period films. It really presented these young, in love, Black folks. I just hadn't really seen that done all that much, and I thought that it was an interesting idea to try to center on their personal drama, as opposed to societal or political strife that they may have been facing [in the 1950s].
How was that experience, working with Nnamdi?
It was incredible. He took a year learning how to play the saxophone for the part. Something that I admire in other performers is real work ethic. There are things that he possesses that you cannot work at. He's a handsome guy. He's naturally charming. But the work takes real skill and craft. I really admired that he was working really hard at [the part]. It made me love him. And he's just a lovely, good human. I got to work with him as an equal, as a producer, and I think we both admired that process and, hopefully, that comes across on screen and communicates into [Robert and Sylvie's] love.
To me, the movie plays out like a testament to the idea that true love never fades. Do you believe that?
I was thinking a lot about love when we were making this film. At the time, I was reading this bell hooks book, All About Love, and that book really challenged me to think differently about love. I had always felt like love was just something that happened to you and you didn't have any control over it, over how you were in it, how it made you feel. The book really challenged me to think that love is actually a choice—a choice that you make every day.
So, is it true that true love never fades? I don't know. I don't think it fades, I think it changes. And even when you fall in love with someone, sometimes you have to choose to love them in healthier ways that are healthy for yourself and for them. I hope that true love has the ability, the dexterity, to change and grow and shift, because that's the only love that I think is lasting.
Is there something viewers can learn from the choices that Sylvie makes for her love and career and personal journey?
The truth is, Sylvie does some things that she probably could have done better. She makes some choices that are questionable, but I think the place that they come from is true and honest. I love when she says to her husband at the time, "I cannot be the woman of your dreams while also trying to be the woman of my own."
And I think for all people, but especially for women, this idea of agency—because we sometimes have so many expectations put on us, what we think we ought to be, what we think we ought to look like—it can be hard. We have to silence those things and figure out who we want to be. And that's something that I really find inspiring about Sylvie. She's really trying to show up for herself, and she does that haphazardly sometimes, but I really admire that about her.
Nnamdi's Robert does this thing that a lot of people do in relationships—he runs away when things get tough.
I don't love that he did that. I understand why he does it. He lies to her. His pride gets in the way, and some of that ultimately has to do with gender roles. He wants to be the breadwinner, the provider. That's what makes him feel good. It makes him feel worthy as a man. And that sort of thinking sometimes limits our potential as couples and as people trying to be our most authentic selves.
But something that I love that his character does say, is this idea that he wants [Sylvie] to be happy even if it meant he couldn't be a part of her life. I love that. It's a kind of selfless love. I think the thing that they need to learn is to be clear and communicative. That's something, in relationships, I'm always trying to learn and grow and get better at. They probably should have gone to see a couple's counselor, but I think that idea probably wasn't as mobilized in the '50s and '60s. As a society now, we're learning more and more the real importance of mental health and that sometimes we need some outside opinions and help and expertise.
(L-R) Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha appear in "Sylvie's Love," premiering on Amazon Prime Video on December 23, 2020. Courtesy of Amazon Studios
Can we talk about the clothes in the film? How much fun did you have wearing all those outfits from that era?
Oh, I loved it! I grew up looking at regal photographs of both of my grandmothers and seeing them decked out in their finest. Particularly for my paternal grandmother, I think the way that Black folks carried themselves and dressed at that time was an extension of themselves, to remind themselves and others of their value and their dignity. But it was so fun to wear gloves and shift hairstyles over the times.
Hair is also an extension of Sylvie and how she's feeling as a woman. Phoenix Mellow—our talented costume designer—had us in so many of those garments from back in the day that it really did feel like you were transported back to that era. And we shot on some old Hollywood backlots, so there were some places where they had shot really iconic Hollywood films at. It really felt like we were part of this beautiful legacy.
Is there something you hope audiences feel when watching this movie?
I hope people can enjoy it with their loved ones. I think that this movie is as much of a celebration of the magic of romantic love as it is about love of friendship, love of career and your own ambitions. I hope that people can celebrate with the people they love, and if people are alone, I hope this makes them feel less alone. I hope this leaves people with a warm feeling. This is a time where we're feeling a lot of cynicism, and we're really inviting the viewer to leave that cynicism behind for a minute and just be swept away by a joyful, loving feeling.


newsweek--2020-12-24--Soleimani's Successor Visits Iraq As Trump Threatens Retaliation for Embassy Attack

The commander of Iran 's covert Quds Force and successor to assassinated commander Major General Qassem Soleimani has traveled to Iraq to meet with officials .
The move came as President Donald Trump threatens to retaliate against Tehran for the resumption of attacks on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and other American targets in Iraq .
On Thursday , Iranian state media said Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani traveled to Baghdad the previous night , as U.S.-Iran tensions again threatened to spill over into open conflict with mere weeks of Trump 's term remaining .
The state-run Fars News Agency said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways to further develop mutual cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad in meetings with the Iraqi officials . ''
Ghaani also visited the country to meet with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi , President Barham Salih and a number of other Iraqi officials in early December .
Tehran wields enormous influence in Iraq , where it dominates the major political parties and commands a network of powerful and well-funded militia groups .
America 's disastrous invasion of Iraq in 2003 opened the door to the Iranian regime , and leaked diplomatic cables have shown that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend control over all aspects of the Iraqi state .
Soleimani was Iran 's point man in Iraq , directing politicians and militias to support Iranian interests and squeeze out the dwindling American presence .
Soleimani 's activities in Iraq—in particular the storming of the American embassy in Baghdad last year—were a key driver in the U.S. decision to assassinate him in a drone strike in Baghdad in January .
Within hours of the killing , Ghaani was appointed his successor and commander of the covert Quds Force , which is part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not as significant a figure as Soleimani , who spent decades amassing and honing power , and was credited with masterminding Iran 's foreign policy strategy and spreading Tehran 's influence across the region .
Still , Ghaani served as Soleimani 's deputy since 1997 and , like his former boss , served in the Iran-Iraq War that ran through much of the 1980s .
Appointing Ghaani , Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the Quds Force program `` will be unchanged from the time of his predecessor , '' describing the commander as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guard commanders . ''
Soleimani made regular trips to Iraq to coordinate with Iranian-allied forces there , both over the fight against the Islamic State and pressuring the Americans to leave the country .
Among those killed alongside him in January was Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , the head of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces umbrella militia organization , which is dominated by Iranian allies .
Ghaani 's visit to Baghdad is not unusual , but comes as Trump hints at military action if any Americans are killed in a fresh spike in attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , unidentified militia members fired 21 rockets at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad , in the largest attack on the facility since 2010 .
Iraqi militias paused attacks on American targets in October , offering the U.S. time to present a roadmap for full withdrawal from the country .
Attacks resumed in November , and the U.S. embassy has since been targeted twice .
IEDs have also been targeting American convoys on Iraqi roads .
On Wednesday , Trump tweeted a picture of three Iranian-made rockets that failed to fire in Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq , '' the president wrote .
`` Some friendly health advice to Iran : If one American is killed , I will hold Iran responsible .
Think it over . ''
Soleimani was assassinated after an Iranian-backed attack on the Baghdad embassy .
It is possible that Ghaani has taken his place on America 's kill list , and his name may have been among the options reportedly presented to Trump by top national security officials this week to deter more Iranian attacks in Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vow revenge for Soleimani .
Tehran launched ballistic missile attacks against Iraqi bases hosting American troops immediately after the commander 's killing in January .
However , regime officials have repeatedly suggested there is more retaliation to come .
An unnamed defense official told CNN that the U.S. expects further retaliation for Soleimani 's assassination .
`` They are n't going to give up , '' the official said , adding that Tehran would likely not rush to follow through on its threats .
The assassination of top scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed Israel , and suggested the operation was supported by the Americans .
The regime vowed to avenge Fakhrizadeh , who was considered the father of Iran 's nuclear program .
The U.S. embassy in Baghdad had already temporarily withdrawn staff given security concerns .
Earlier this year , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. may close the facility entirely if the Iraqi government could not guarantee its security .

The commander of Iran's covert Quds Force and successor to assassinated commander Major General Qassem Soleimani has traveled to Iraq to meet with officials. The move came as President Donald Trump threatens to retaliate against Tehran for the resumption of attacks on the U.S. embassy in Baghdad and other American targets in Iraq.
On Thursday, Iranian state media said Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani traveled to Baghdad the previous night, as U.S.-Iran tensions again threatened to spill over into open conflict with mere weeks of Trump's term remaining.
The state-run Fars News Agency said Ghaani "traveled to Iraq to discuss ways to further develop mutual cooperation between Tehran and Baghdad in meetings with the Iraqi officials." Ghaani also visited the country to meet with Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, President Barham Salih and a number of other Iraqi officials in early December.
Tehran wields enormous influence in Iraq, where it dominates the major political parties and commands a network of powerful and well-funded militia groups. America's disastrous invasion of Iraq in 2003 opened the door to the Iranian regime, and leaked diplomatic cables have shown that Tehran used the insurgency and chaos to extend control over all aspects of the Iraqi state.
Soleimani was Iran's point man in Iraq, directing politicians and militias to support Iranian interests and squeeze out the dwindling American presence. Soleimani's activities in Iraq—in particular the storming of the American embassy in Baghdad last year—were a key driver in the U.S. decision to assassinate him in a drone strike in Baghdad in January.
Within hours of the killing, Ghaani was appointed his successor and commander of the covert Quds Force, which is part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Ghaani is not as significant a figure as Soleimani, who spent decades amassing and honing power, and was credited with masterminding Iran's foreign policy strategy and spreading Tehran's influence across the region.
Still, Ghaani served as Soleimani's deputy since 1997 and, like his former boss, served in the Iran-Iraq War that ran through much of the 1980s. Appointing Ghaani, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the Quds Force program "will be unchanged from the time of his predecessor," describing the commander as "one of the most distinguished Revolutionary Guard commanders."
Soleimani made regular trips to Iraq to coordinate with Iranian-allied forces there, both over the fight against the Islamic State and pressuring the Americans to leave the country. Among those killed alongside him in January was Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the head of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces umbrella militia organization, which is dominated by Iranian allies.
Ghaani's visit to Baghdad is not unusual, but comes as Trump hints at military action if any Americans are killed in a fresh spike in attacks on U.S. targets in Iraq.
On Sunday, unidentified militia members fired 21 rockets at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, in the largest attack on the facility since 2010. Iraqi militias paused attacks on American targets in October, offering the U.S. time to present a roadmap for full withdrawal from the country.
Attacks resumed in November, and the U.S. embassy has since been targeted twice. IEDs have also been targeting American convoys on Iraqi roads.
On Wednesday, Trump tweeted a picture of three Iranian-made rockets that failed to fire in Sunday's attack. "Now we hear chatter of additional attacks against Americans in Iraq," the president wrote. "Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over."
Soleimani was assassinated after an Iranian-backed attack on the Baghdad embassy. It is possible that Ghaani has taken his place on America's kill list, and his name may have been among the options reportedly presented to Trump by top national security officials this week to deter more Iranian attacks in Iraq.
Iranian leaders, meanwhile, continue to vow revenge for Soleimani. Tehran launched ballistic missile attacks against Iraqi bases hosting American troops immediately after the commander's killing in January. However, regime officials have repeatedly suggested there is more retaliation to come.
An unnamed defense official told CNN that the U.S. expects further retaliation for Soleimani's assassination. "They aren't going to give up," the official said, adding that Tehran would likely not rush to follow through on its threats.
The assassination of top scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh last month further increased tensions. Iran has blamed Israel, and suggested the operation was supported by the Americans. The regime vowed to avenge Fakhrizadeh, who was considered the father of Iran's nuclear program.
The U.S. embassy in Baghdad had already temporarily withdrawn staff given security concerns. Earlier this year, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. may close the facility entirely if the Iraqi government could not guarantee its security.


newsweek--2020-12-24--Creek Fire Map, Update As Rapidly Spreading California Blaze Prompts Mandatory Evacuations

A wildfire that erupted in southern California on Wednesday night prompted mandatory evacuations after quickly burning through more than 300 acres .
Firefighters responded to the blaze , dubbed the Creek Fire , in the 37000 block of De Luz Road in Fallbrook at around 11 p.m. on Wednesday , according to the North County Fire Protection District .
The fire quickly spread to Camp Pendleton , prompting evacuations in parts of the U.S. Marine Corps base .
Mandatory evacuations were underway for people in the DeLuz Family Housing and Lake O'Neill campground areas at Camp Pendleton , fire officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the area along De Luz Road was also subject to mandatory evacuation and urged residents to `` stay alert for updates and if you feel threatened , evacuate early . ''
The agency tweeted the fire had burned at least 300 acres and was 0 percent contained at around 3 a.m. Thursday .
It also announced new evacuation orders for 7,000 residents on thee west side of Fallbrook .
The San Diego County Sheriff 's Department said deputies were going door to door alerting residents in the area in the early hours on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the area of De Luz Rd and Sandia Creek in @ SDSOFallbrook , '' the department tweeted at around 1 a.m. `` Deputies are making door to door notifications to warn residents living along Patton Oaks Rd , Shady Lane , Darla Lane and a portion of Main Ave. '' Fallbrook High School , with is located at 2400 Stage Coach Lane , would be the temporary evacuation point , the department said .
At around 2 a.m. local time , the North County Fire Protection District tweet the fire had already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The wind is pushing this fire west southwest more into Camp Pendleton , '' the agency said .
'We currently have multiple agencies supporting this operation . ''
Fire crews from North County Fire Protection District , Cal Fire and Camp Pendleton were all responding to the blaze along with San Diego sheriff 's deputies .
Shortly after the fire broke out , the National Weather Service in San Diego tweeted that conditions near the fire included 12 mph northeast winds , with gusts up to 25 or 30 mph and a 9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecast that winds were expected to be between five and 12mph between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday , with gusts up to 25mph .
`` Expect winds to remain quite strong through around sunrise , before weakening considerably during the day , '' the agency added in another tweet .
`` Use extreme caution if driving high profile vehicles , particularly on I-8 through Pine Valley , and areas near Cajon Pass .
CHP already reported an overturned semi-trailer on I-8 , where winds are gusting to 50 mph . ''

A wildfire that erupted in southern California on Wednesday night prompted mandatory evacuations after quickly burning through more than 300 acres.
Firefighters responded to the blaze, dubbed the Creek Fire, in the 37000 block of De Luz Road in Fallbrook at around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, according to the North County Fire Protection District.
The fire quickly spread to Camp Pendleton, prompting evacuations in parts of the U.S. Marine Corps base.
Mandatory evacuations were underway for people in the DeLuz Family Housing and Lake O'Neill campground areas at Camp Pendleton, fire officials said.
Cal Fire San Diego said the area along De Luz Road was also subject to mandatory evacuation and urged residents to "stay alert for updates and if you feel threatened, evacuate early."
.@CALFIRESANDIEGO is at scene with @NorthCountyFire and @MCIWPendletonCA of a vegetation fire near De Luz Road x Harris Trail in De Luz. Fire is 50 acres on Camp Pendleton. Stay alert for updates and if you feel threatened, evacuate early. #CreekFire pic.twitter.com/tHsPv9lAeV — CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) December 24, 2020
#CreekFire on Camp Pendleton [update] Fire is 300 acres, 0% contained. Significant new evacuation orders for 7,000 residents on west side of Fallbrook (roughly south of Main Ave/S. Mission Rd). Please visit https://t.co/kFNyPzwgZX for the latest info. pic.twitter.com/TeoHoFSsNz — CAL FIRE/SAN DIEGO COUNTY FIRE (@CALFIRESANDIEGO) December 24, 2020
The agency tweeted the fire had burned at least 300 acres and was 0 percent contained at around 3 a.m. Thursday. It also announced new evacuation orders for 7,000 residents on the west side of Fallbrook.
The San Diego County Sheriff's Department said deputies were going door to door alerting residents in the area in the early hours on Thursday.
"A wildfire is burning in the area of De Luz Rd and Sandia Creek in @SDSOFallbrook," the department tweeted at around 1 a.m. "Deputies are making door to door notifications to warn residents living along Patton Oaks Rd, Shady Lane, Darla Lane and a portion of Main Ave."
#CreekIC De Luz Housing and Lake O’Neill campground on Camp Pendleton has been issued a mandatory evacuation. — North County Fire (@NorthCountyFire) December 24, 2020
Fallbrook High School, with is located at 2400 Stage Coach Lane, would be the temporary evacuation point, the department said.
At around 2 a.m. local time, the North County Fire Protection District tweet the fire had already burned at least 300 acres.
"The wind is pushing this fire west southwest more into Camp Pendleton," the agency said. 'We currently have multiple agencies supporting this operation."
Fire crews from North County Fire Protection District, Cal Fire and Camp Pendleton were all responding to the blaze along with San Diego sheriff's deputies.
Shortly after the fire broke out, the National Weather Service in San Diego tweeted that conditions near the fire included 12 mph northeast winds, with gusts up to 25 or 30 mph and a 9 percent relative humidity.
The agency later forecast that winds were expected to be between five and 12mph between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, with gusts up to 25mph.
"Expect winds to remain quite strong through around sunrise, before weakening considerably during the day," the agency added in another tweet.
"Use extreme caution if driving high profile vehicles, particularly on I-8 through Pine Valley, and areas near Cajon Pass. CHP already reported an overturned semi-trailer on I-8, where winds are gusting to 50 mph."


newsweek--2020-12-24--Why Joe Biden Should Reject Cancel Culture | Opinion

In a world gone mad , Rep. Bill Pascrell ( D-N.J. ) has placed himself in the running for president of the asylum .
Pascrell recently demanded that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi refuse to seat the 126 members of Congress who have called for tighter vetting of the 2020 election results .
Setting aside one 's views of the presidential election results ( or the legal theories used to question them ) , this number represents nearly 25 percent of the House of Representatives .
Is it wise or consistent with the First Amendment and principles of federalism to outright @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Branch ?
The answer , of course , is no .
While reckless , Pascrell 's call to cancel the sizable chunk of the U.S. government that does n't agree with his point of view is n't surprising—not in this new era of emboldened cancel culture that has now spread to our highest levels of government .
In recent weeks , the country has already seen plenty of similar examples that are just as bold and just as concerning .
Following the announcement of a $ 500,000 advertising and social media doxing campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms Jones Day and Porter Wright dropped the Trump campaign as a client .
Yes , the campaign 's approach to contesting the election was conducted on shaky grounds , but targeting legal counsel just because one disagrees with their clients is immoral and antithetical to the legal principles this country was founded upon .
The outrage mob did n't stop there .
Just days earlier , Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( D-N.Y. ) suggested that the country begin blacklisting all Trump supporters and staffers to exclude them from public life .
Former staffers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pete Buttigieg were quick to announce that they have already begun executing the idea through an initiative they call the `` Trump Accountability Project . ''
Is ostracizing half the country really in America 's interests ?
Targeting the views and supporters of a presidential administration may be a new tactic for the Left , but stifling the views and thoughts of opponents is n't .
The Left has seemingly made silencing , defunding and censoring individuals and businesses that do n't ascribe to its way of thinking a core mission for its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a `` neutral '' moderator be present for `` controversial '' speakers—because yes , more deck-rigging is exactly what speakers who do n't kowtow to leftists ' pet issues need .
Given the school 's propensity to censor , it also should n't come as a surprise that some in the school are circulating a petition to crack down on the hiring of Trump officials to work or speak on campus .
News outlets and social media companies have also done their fair share of censoring competing viewpoints .
Michael Shellenberger , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environment '' and 30-year climate and environmental activist who recently changed his views on global warming , recently had his work censored by a prominent media outlet .
Facebook has also suppressed his claims , just as it has done to countless other scientists and infectious disease experts that do n't agree with the company 's worldview .
Others on the Left have gone even further .
They have pressured banks and financial institutions to cut ties with gun , oil and defense companies , with some success .
Following pressure from Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gun and security companies , U.S. banks and financial institutions have begun implementing seemingly politically motivated service denials .
`` How did this happen ? ''
an emboldened Ocasio-Cortez asked on Twitter .
`` Through organizing people & public pressure ! ''
Just imagine the media reaction if a similar effort were organized against progressive companies and causes .
A recent letter signed by nearly 150 authors and academics , including J.K. Rowling and Noam Chomsky , suggests as much .
Although the politics of most of the signers may lean leftward , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to understand that `` The free exchange of information and ideas , the lifeblood of a liberal society , is daily becoming more constricted '' by a growing movement to cancel individuals , businesses and ideas that one political class may disfavor .
On this liberals and conservatives should agree : cancel culture threatens innovation , creativity , scientific progress , freedom and any hope of unifying our country .
In sum , it cuts off the very legs upon which this democratic republic stands .
If president-elect Biden truly means what he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by consistently condemning acts of cancel culture at every turn .
Rick Santorum served as a U.S. senator for Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2007 .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

In a world gone mad, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) has placed himself in the running for president of the asylum.
Pascrell recently demanded that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi refuse to seat the 126 members of Congress who have called for tighter vetting of the 2020 election results. Setting aside one's views of the presidential election results (or the legal theories used to question them), this number represents nearly 25 percent of the House of Representatives. Is it wise or consistent with the First Amendment and principles of federalism to outright cancel a quarter of the People's Branch?
The answer, of course, is no.
While reckless, Pascrell's call to cancel the sizable chunk of the U.S. government that doesn't agree with his point of view isn't surprising—not in this new era of emboldened cancel culture that has now spread to our highest levels of government. In recent weeks, the country has already seen plenty of similar examples that are just as bold and just as concerning.
Following the announcement of a $500,000 advertising and social media doxing campaign by the Lincoln Project—an anti-Trump advocacy group—law firms Jones Day and Porter Wright dropped the Trump campaign as a client. Yes, the campaign's approach to contesting the election was conducted on shaky grounds, but targeting legal counsel just because one disagrees with their clients is immoral and antithetical to the legal principles this country was founded upon.
The outrage mob didn't stop there. Just days earlier, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) suggested that the country begin blacklisting all Trump supporters and staffers to exclude them from public life. Former staffers to President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg were quick to announce that they have already begun executing the idea through an initiative they call the "Trump Accountability Project." Is ostracizing half the country really in America's interests?
Targeting the views and supporters of a presidential administration may be a new tactic for the Left, but stifling the views and thoughts of opponents isn't. The Left has seemingly made silencing, defunding and censoring individuals and businesses that don't ascribe to its way of thinking a core mission for its supporters.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., questions Postmaster General Louis DeJoy during a House Oversight and Reform Committee hearing on slowdowns at the Postal Service ahead of the November elections on Capitol Hill in Washington,DC on August 24, 2020. Tom Williams / POOL / AFP/Getty
Harvard University official policy requires that a "neutral" moderator be present for "controversial" speakers—because yes, more deck-rigging is exactly what speakers who don't kowtow to leftists' pet issues need. Given the school's propensity to censor, it also shouldn't come as a surprise that some in the school are circulating a petition to crack down on the hiring of Trump officials to work or speak on campus.
News outlets and social media companies have also done their fair share of censoring competing viewpoints.
Michael Shellenberger, a Time Magazine "Hero of the Environment" and 30-year climate and environmental activist who recently changed his views on global warming, recently had his work censored by a prominent media outlet. Facebook has also suppressed his claims, just as it has done to countless other scientists and infectious disease experts that don't agree with the company's worldview.
Others on the Left have gone even further. They have pressured banks and financial institutions to cut ties with gun, oil and defense companies, with some success.
Following pressure from Democratic leaders in Congress to stop transacting with gun and security companies, U.S. banks and financial institutions have begun implementing seemingly politically motivated service denials. "How did this happen?" an emboldened Ocasio-Cortez asked on Twitter. "Through organizing people & public pressure!" Just imagine the media reaction if a similar effort were organized against progressive companies and causes.
A recent letter signed by nearly 150 authors and academics, including J.K. Rowling and Noam Chomsky, suggests as much. Although the politics of most of the signers may lean leftward, these liberals and leftists have enough foresight to understand that "The free exchange of information and ideas, the lifeblood of a liberal society, is daily becoming more constricted" by a growing movement to cancel individuals, businesses and ideas that one political class may disfavor.
On this liberals and conservatives should agree: cancel culture threatens innovation, creativity, scientific progress, freedom and any hope of unifying our country. In sum, it cuts off the very legs upon which this democratic republic stands. If president-elect Biden truly means what he says about unity, he can start by consistently condemning acts of cancel culture at every turn.
Rick Santorum served as a U.S. senator for Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2007.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-12-24--PS5 Restock Updates for Target, Newegg, PopFindr, BrickSeek and More

The PS5 will be the top item on many gamers ' Christmas lists this year , but with just one day to go , the demand for the PlayStation 5 combined with its limited stock will mean that many wo n't be opening the next-gen Sony console tomorrow morning as they hoped .
Since its release in November , the PS5 has been notoriously difficult to purchase .
Health and safety guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that most stores released the console online only , rather than in-store .
Gamers then had to compete with scalpers and bots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kept selling out seemingly within seconds of being restocked .
For six weeks , PlayStation fans have been refreshing websites like Walmart , Best Buy , and Target , trawling through Reddit threads for tips and advice from lucky PS5 owners , and staying alert by following Twitter accounts dedicated to announced PS5 drops .
While there is still hope of getting a PS5 before the end of the year , it may be nearly impossible to get one ahead of Christmas .
Nevertheless , find out below what the latest PS5 restock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Antonline , and what the latest news is for inventory checkers PopFindr in BrickSeek .
Target has not announced any dates for a PS5 restock , but the retailer has been quietly making the consoles available without warning .
PS5 stock also varies by store , but you can use the Target website to see keep track of the stock at your local Target .
It seems as though inventory checkers like PopFindr and BrickSeek are no longer tracking Target stock .
That means Target 's website is the only way to check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If stock becomes available the consoles will be limited to one per customer and will be available for drive-up or order pickup .
Some gamers are keeping an eye on the PS5 on Newegg , which released more PlayStation 5 stock on Tuesday .
Since then , some Twitter users are reporting very briefly seeing more consoles on Newegg on Wednesday , so it may be worth checking the website throughout the day in case more stock is quietly released today .
Antonline said on Monday that it would be releasing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the week but that it would not announce the drops on Twitter .
Instead , customers are encouraged to keep checking the Antonline website .
Gamers have been using inventory checkers like PopFindr and BrickSeek to see which Walmart , Target , Best Buy , and GameStop stores have PS5 consoles in stock .
However , Walmart blocked BrickSeek from sharing its stock information , and now it seems that both inventory checkers are not tracking the PS5 at any stores anymore .
It seems some stores blocked the inventory checkers from tracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the stores had stock , when either they did n't or were not able to sell them .
Although this may make the search for a PS5 a little more difficult , perhaps after the demand for Christmas quietens down , gamers may have more luck in the new year .
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships .
If you make a purchase using our links , we may earn a share of the sale .

The PS5 will be the top item on many gamers' Christmas lists this year, but with just one day to go, the demand for the PlayStation 5 combined with its limited stock will mean that many won't be opening the next-gen Sony console tomorrow morning as they hoped.
Since its release in November, the PS5 has been notoriously difficult to purchase. Health and safety guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that most stores released the console online only, rather than in-store. Gamers then had to compete with scalpers and bots to get the elusive PS5, which kept selling out seemingly within seconds of being restocked.
For six weeks, PlayStation fans have been refreshing websites like Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, trawling through Reddit threads for tips and advice from lucky PS5 owners, and staying alert by following Twitter accounts dedicated to announced PS5 drops.
While there is still hope of getting a PS5 before the end of the year, it may be nearly impossible to get one ahead of Christmas. Nevertheless, find out below what the latest PS5 restock updates are for retailers like Target and Antonline, and what the latest news is for inventory checkers PopFindr in BrickSeek.
Target PS5 Restock
Target has not announced any dates for a PS5 restock, but the retailer has been quietly making the consoles available without warning. PS5 stock also varies by store, but you can use the Target website to see keep track of the stock at your local Target.
It seems as though inventory checkers like PopFindr and BrickSeek are no longer tracking Target stock. That means Target's website is the only way to check which of its stores have PS5 consoles.
If stock becomes available the consoles will be limited to one per customer and will be available for drive-up or order pickup.
The PS5 is generally out of stock at major retailers the day before Christmas. Sony/NewsGeek
Newegg PS5 Restock
Some gamers are keeping an eye on the PS5 on Newegg, which released more PlayStation 5 stock on Tuesday. Since then, some Twitter users are reporting very briefly seeing more consoles on Newegg on Wednesday, so it may be worth checking the website throughout the day in case more stock is quietly released today.
Antonline PS5 Restock
Antonline said on Monday that it would be releasing a very limited number of PS5 consoles throughout the week but that it would not announce the drops on Twitter. Instead, customers are encouraged to keep checking the Antonline website.
PopFindr PS5 and BrickSeek PS5 Inventory Checkers
Gamers have been using inventory checkers like PopFindr and BrickSeek to see which Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and GameStop stores have PS5 consoles in stock.
However, Walmart blocked BrickSeek from sharing its stock information, and now it seems that both inventory checkers are not tracking the PS5 at any stores anymore.
It seems some stores blocked the inventory checkers from tracking their stock after customers turned up claiming that the stores had stock, when either they didn't or were not able to sell them.
Although this may make the search for a PS5 a little more difficult, perhaps after the demand for Christmas quietens down, gamers may have more luck in the new year.
Newsweek has affiliate partnerships. If you make a purchase using our links, we may earn a share of the sale.


newsweek--2020-12-24--Florida Man Hurls Golf Clubs at Cars, Punches Trooper, Police Say

A Florida man was subdued with a stun gun after allegedly throwing golf clubs from a van at other moving vehicles on an interstate before attacking a state trooper .
North Port man Jonathan Edward Day , 41 , was hit by a stun gun while resisting arrest when troopers caught up with him , according to Florida Highway Patrol ( FHP ) .
Troopers received reports of the clubs being tossed from a work van traveling northbound on Interstate 75 , near the 240 milepost , around 1:13 p.m. on Thursday .
After stopping a van near the 265 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegedly confronted a trooper with another golf club .
Despite complying with the trooper 's instruction to drop the club , the driver then punched the trooper and grabbed his radio , officials said .
Around that point , the trooper used a stun gun to subdue the suspect , FHP added .
Day was later charged with battery on a law enforcement officer , resisting arrest with violence and throwing a deadly missile from his vehicle , in addition to possession of marijuana , controlled substances and drug paraphernalia .
Florida Highway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photographs released by FHP after the altercation showed the 1999 Ford van which was stopped and two golf clubs on the ground nearby .
Interstate 75 was named the fifth most dangerous road in the U.S. last year .
Analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 's Fatality Analysis Reporting System ( NHTSA-FARS ) by personal finance website ValuePenguin said there were 47.2 crash fatalities per every 100 miles on average .
The interstate was also the scene of an uplifting story earlier this year .
In April , a family had an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O'Neal on I-75 after their car crashed .
O'Neal got out of his own vehicle and asked if they needed any help .
The 7-foot-1 gentle giant waited until law enforcement arrived at the scene in Alachua County , which is located in the north central part of the state .
Dashcam video showed O'Neal standing near the family before fist-bumping Deputy Patrick Purington , who later arrived to check what had happened .
`` The deputies had no idea he was going to be there but they both recognized him as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ County Sheriff 's Department spokesman Art Forgey said in the Florida Times-Union at the time .
`` He happened to come upon the accident ... so he stopped to see if any aid was needed .
Once law enforcement arrived he got in his vehicle and left .
He did n't stand around for any accolades .
He was just a good citizen . ''

A Florida man was subdued with a stun gun after allegedly throwing golf clubs from a van at other moving vehicles on an interstate before attacking a state trooper.
North Port man Jonathan Edward Day, 41, was hit by a stun gun while resisting arrest when troopers caught up with him, according to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
Troopers received reports of the clubs being tossed from a work van traveling northbound on Interstate 75, near the 240 milepost, around 1:13 p.m. on Thursday.
After stopping a van near the 265 milepost at Fowler Avenue, the driver allegedly confronted a trooper with another golf club.
A 1999 Ford van was stopped after golf clubs were reportedly thrown from a vehicle on I-75, Florida Highway Patrol have said. Florida Highway Patrol
Despite complying with the trooper's instruction to drop the club, the driver then punched the trooper and grabbed his radio, officials said.
Around that point, the trooper used a stun gun to subdue the suspect, FHP added.
Day was later charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence and throwing a deadly missile from his vehicle, in addition to possession of marijuana, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
Florida Highway Patrol have been approached for comment.
Photographs released by FHP after the altercation showed the 1999 Ford van which was stopped and two golf clubs on the ground nearby.
Interstate 75 was named the fifth most dangerous road in the U.S. last year.
Analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (NHTSA-FARS) by personal finance website ValuePenguin said there were 47.2 crash fatalities per every 100 miles on average.
State troopers say a suspect resisted arrest following the incident on Thursday. Florida Highway Patrol
The interstate was also the scene of an uplifting story earlier this year.
In April, a family had an unexpected meeting with former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal on I-75 after their car crashed.
O'Neal got out of his own vehicle and asked if they needed any help. The 7-foot-1 gentle giant waited until law enforcement arrived at the scene in Alachua County, which is located in the north central part of the state.
Dashcam video showed O'Neal standing near the family before fist-bumping Deputy Patrick Purington, who later arrived to check what had happened.
"The deputies had no idea he was going to be there but they both recognized him as soon as they got there," Alachua County Sheriff's Department spokesman Art Forgey said in the Florida Times-Union at the time. "He happened to come upon the accident... so he stopped to see if any aid was needed. Once law enforcement arrived he got in his vehicle and left. He didn't stand around for any accolades. He was just a good citizen."


newsweek--2020-12-24--What Rush Limbaugh Said In Final Show Of The Year

Rush Limbaugh thanked his family and expressed gratitude for still being alive after being diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer earlier this year , in his final radio show of 2020 .
The conservative political commentator and radio host revealed in October that his cancer , had become terminal .
He first announced his diagnosis in February .
During the show , his voice at points cracking with emotion , Limbaugh expressed thanked his family and wife Kathryn Adams for their support .
Limbaugh married Adams—his fourth wife—in 2010 .
`` I was n't expected to be alive today , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to make it to October , and then to November , and then to December .
And yet , here I am , and today , got some problems , but I 'm feeling pretty good today . ''
`` My point in all of this today is gratitude .
My point in all of this is to say thanks and tell everybody involved how much I love you from the bottom of a sizable and growing and still-beating heart . ''
Limbaugh revealed in October that treatments for his stage-four cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had become a 'death sentence ' .
He has not said publicly how long he expects to live .
However , he has continued to host his nationally syndicated radio show that launched in 1988 .
In October , he missed a number of shows for treatment .
`` I feel extremely fortunate and lucky and because I have been able to outlive the diagnosis , I have been able to receive and hear and process some of the most wonderful , nice things about me that I might never had heard had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think how many people who pass away might never hear the eulogies , might never hear the thank yous .
I 've been very lucky in I ca n't tell you how many ways . ''
Limbaugh has been a vocal supporter of President Trump .
In February , President Trump awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the State of the Union address .
However , earlier this month , Limbaugh spoke out against Trump supporters looking to overturn the election and called on the President to show evidence of voter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that some states may break away from the rest of the US to declare independence , mirroring the events that led to the American Civil War .
`` I actually thinkand I 've referenced this , I 've alluded to this a couple of times because I 've seen others allude to this—I actually think that we 're trending toward secession , '' he said at the time .
`` I see more and more people asking what in the world do we have in common with the people who live in , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there that makes us believe that there is enough of us there to even have a chance at winning New York ?
Especially if you 're talking about votes . ''
In his final broadcast of the year , he added : `` I ca n't be self-absorbed about it , when that is the tendency when you are told that you 've got a due date .
`` You have an expiration date .
A lot of people never get told that , so they do n't face life this way .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a better year for everyone , and signed off by saying : `` I wish there were a way to say it other than thank you .
You 're just the best .
My family is just the best .
Thank you . ''

Rush Limbaugh thanked his family and expressed gratitude for still being alive after being diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer earlier this year, in his final radio show of 2020.
The conservative political commentator and radio host revealed in October that his cancer, had become terminal. He first announced his diagnosis in February.
During the show, his voice at points cracking with emotion, Limbaugh expressed thanked his family and wife Kathryn Adams for their support. Limbaugh married Adams—his fourth wife—in 2010.
"I wasn't expected to be alive today," he said. "I wasn't expected to make it to October, and then to November, and then to December. And yet, here I am, and today, got some problems, but I'm feeling pretty good today."
Radio personality Rush Limbaugh pumps thumb after being awarded the Medal of Freedom in Washington DC on February 4th, 2020. He used his final radio show of the year to reflect on his time since being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Mandel Ngan/Getty
"My point in all of this today is gratitude. My point in all of this is to say thanks and tell everybody involved how much I love you from the bottom of a sizable and growing and still-beating heart."
Limbaugh revealed in October that treatments for his stage-four cancer were no longer working, meaning it had become a 'death sentence'. He has not said publicly how long he expects to live.
However, he has continued to host his nationally syndicated radio show that launched in 1988. In October, he missed a number of shows for treatment.
"I feel extremely fortunate and lucky and because I have been able to outlive the diagnosis, I have been able to receive and hear and process some of the most wonderful, nice things about me that I might never had heard had I not gotten sick.
"Again think how many people who pass away might never hear the eulogies, might never hear the thank yous. I've been very lucky in I can't tell you how many ways."
Limbaugh has been a vocal supporter of President Trump. In February, President Trump awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the State of the Union address.
However, earlier this month, Limbaugh spoke out against Trump supporters looking to overturn the election and called on the President to show evidence of voter fraud.
Rush Limbaugh absolutely shattering hearts today.
pic.twitter.com/M4cydrkW9i — Combating The Madness (@CombatTheMad) December 24, 2020
He went to later predict that some states may break away from the rest of the US to declare independence, mirroring the events that led to the American Civil War.
"I actually thinkand I've referenced this, I've alluded to this a couple of times because I've seen others allude to this—I actually think that we're trending toward secession," he said at the time.
"I see more and more people asking what in the world do we have in common with the people who live in, say, New York? What is there that makes us believe that there is enough of us there to even have a chance at winning New York? Especially if you're talking about votes."
In his final broadcast of the year, he added: "I can't be self-absorbed about it, when that is the tendency when you are told that you've got a due date.
"You have an expiration date. A lot of people never get told that, so they don't face life this way."
He expressed hope that 2021 would be a better year for everyone, and signed off by saying: "I wish there were a way to say it other than thank you. You're just the best. My family is just the best. Thank you."
Limbaugh


newsweek--2020-12-24--2020 Heisman Trophy Finalists Revealed, Here They Are

The award for most outstanding player in college football got whittled down to four finalists on Christmas Eve .
Three quarterbacks and one wide receiver have been named finalists for the 2020 Heisman Memorial Trophy .
Here are the finalists ( in alphabetical order by last name ) : Here are the other top 10 Heisman vote winners this year : Ian Book ( QB , Notre Dame ) Justin Fields ( QB , Ohio State ) Breece Hall ( RB , Iowa State ) Najee Harris ( RB , Alabama ) Kyle Pitts ( TE , Florida ) Zach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heisman Trophy presentation will be held on Tuesday , January 5 , 2021 .
The broadcast will begin at 7 p.m .
ET on ESPN that evening .
The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious individual award handed out annually in college football .
It 's not a team trophy , and it does not always go to a quarterback—although a quarterback has won the award all but three times since 2000 .
Here are information and stats of each of the four finalists .
Mac Jones ( QB , Alabama ) Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
1 team , and he 's second in the country with 3,739 passing yards .
He has thrown 32 touchdown passes this season and has only four interceptions .
Trevor Lawrence ( QB , Clemson ) Despite missing two weeks because of COVID-19 , and another game cancellation because of the virus , Lawrence is still a finalist .
That 's how good he is .
The projected No .
1 pick in next spring 's NFL Draft , Lawrence has completed 69 percent of his passes for 2,753 yards and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passer rating .
DeVanta Smith ( WR , Alabama ) Smith leads the country with 1,511 yards and 17 touchdowns .
He also had a key punt return for a touchdown to spark the team when it needed one against Arkansas late in the season .
Kyle Trask ( QB , Florida ) Trask leads the nation in both passing yards ( 4,125 ) and touchdowns ( 43 ) .
He has thrown just five interceptions and has a whopping 186.7 passer rating while helping revive the Gators program .
Here are stats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top 10 : Ian Book ( QB , Notre Dame ) He is 30-4 as a starter at Notre Dame , and he 's thrown for 2,601 yards and 15 touchdowns with just two interceptions this season .
He has the Irish in the college final four .
Justin Fields ( QB , Ohio State ) The Buckeye only played in six games this season , but he looked dazzling at times .
Fields has completed 72.6 percent of his passes for 1,521 yards and 15 touchdowns , and he has a 174.5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 274 yards and five touchdowns .
Breece Hall ( RB , Iowa State ) Hall has been spectacular this season .
His 1,436 rushing yards lead the nation , and he has 19 rushing scores .
He also has two touchdown catches for the 8-3 Cyclones .
Najee Harris ( RB , Alabama ) Harris is one of the nation 's top backs , and a main reason the Crimson Tide are No .
1 in the country .
Harris is third in the nation with 1,262 rushing yards , and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country .
He also has 32 receptions for three more touchdowns .
Kyle Pitts ( TE , Florida ) His 12 receiving touchdowns were the most in school history ) .
Zach Wilson ( QB , BYU ) The Cougars signal-caller has sparkling statistics this season , completing 73.5 percent of his passes for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns with just three interceptions .
He also has an unreal 196.4 passer rating .
Who are the Heisman voters ?
The Heisman Memorial Trust selects media writers and personalities who cover college football from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with 145 voters per region .
That equals 870 total media votes .
When a person is no longer a voter , a representative from their state will nominate someone else .
Should they accept the responsibility , they are an annual voter as long as their college football coverage status does n't change , or unless the Heisman Trust changes its system of voting .
Then there are former Heisman Trophy winners , who each get a vote .
Then , a collective fan vote gets one last ballot .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes .
How does the Heisman voting work ?
For each ballot , voters select three players , in order , from No .
1 choice , No .
2 and No .
3 , with the players getting 3 points , 2 and 1 , respectively .
The player with the most overall votes across all ballots will be awarded the Heisman Trophy .
Votes are counted secretly by Deloitte , and voters are asked to keep their votes private—not broadcast publicly , through their publications or on social media—until the Heisman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters to submit their electronic ballots was the evening of Monday , December 21 , 2020 .
Last year 's winner was Joe Burrow , the LSU quarterback who led the Tigers to the national championship .
He was the first-overall pick in the NFL Draft last spring .

The award for most outstanding player in college football got whittled down to four finalists on Christmas Eve. Three quarterbacks and one wide receiver have been named finalists for the 2020 Heisman Memorial Trophy.
Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order by last name):
Mac Jones (QB, Alabama)
Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson)
DeVanta Smith (WR, Alabama)
Kyle Trask (QB, Florida)
Here are the other top 10 Heisman vote winners this year:
Ian Book (QB, Notre Dame)
Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State)
Breece Hall (RB, Iowa State)
Najee Harris (RB, Alabama)
Kyle Pitts (TE, Florida)
Zach Wilson (QB, BYU)
Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide is one of the finalists for the 2020 Heisman Memorial Trophy, awarded to the nation's most outstanding college football player. Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
The Heisman Trophy presentation will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021. The broadcast will begin at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN that evening.
The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious individual award handed out annually in college football. It's not a team trophy, and it does not always go to a quarterback—although a quarterback has won the award all but three times since 2000.
Here are information and stats of each of the four finalists.
Mac Jones (QB, Alabama)
Jones directs the offense of the nation's No. 1 team, and he's second in the country with 3,739 passing yards. He has thrown 32 touchdown passes this season and has only four interceptions.
Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson)
Despite missing two weeks because of COVID-19, and another game cancellation because of the virus, Lawrence is still a finalist. That's how good he is. The projected No. 1 pick in next spring's NFL Draft, Lawrence has completed 69 percent of his passes for 2,753 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has a 172.7 passer rating.
DeVanta Smith (WR, Alabama)
Smith leads the country with 1,511 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also had a key punt return for a touchdown to spark the team when it needed one against Arkansas late in the season.
Kyle Trask (QB, Florida)
Trask leads the nation in both passing yards (4,125) and touchdowns (43). He has thrown just five interceptions and has a whopping 186.7 passer rating while helping revive the Gators program.
Here are stats from the others receiving votes in the top 10:
Ian Book (QB, Notre Dame)
He is 30-4 as a starter at Notre Dame, and he's thrown for 2,601 yards and 15 touchdowns with just two interceptions this season. He has the Irish in the college final four.
Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State)
The Buckeye only played in six games this season, but he looked dazzling at times. Fields has completed 72.6 percent of his passes for 1,521 yards and 15 touchdowns, and he has a 174.5 passer rating. He's also rushed for 274 yards and five touchdowns.
Breece Hall (RB, Iowa State)
Hall has been spectacular this season. His 1,436 rushing yards lead the nation, and he has 19 rushing scores. He also has two touchdown catches for the 8-3 Cyclones.
Najee Harris (RB, Alabama)
Harris is one of the nation's top backs, and a main reason the Crimson Tide are No. 1 in the country. Harris is third in the nation with 1,262 rushing yards, and his 24 rushing touchdowns is tops in the country. He also has 32 receptions for three more touchdowns.
Kyle Pitts (TE, Florida)
His 12 receiving touchdowns were the most in school history).
Zach Wilson (QB, BYU)
The Cougars signal-caller has sparkling statistics this season, completing 73.5 percent of his passes for 3,692 yards and 33 touchdowns with just three interceptions. He also has an unreal 196.4 passer rating.
Who are the Heisman voters?
The Heisman Memorial Trust selects media writers and personalities who cover college football from six different regions in the United States, with 145 voters per region. That equals 870 total media votes. When a person is no longer a voter, a representative from their state will nominate someone else. Should they accept the responsibility, they are an annual voter as long as their college football coverage status doesn't change, or unless the Heisman Trust changes its system of voting.
Then there are former Heisman Trophy winners, who each get a vote. Then, a collective fan vote gets one last ballot. In all, there are less than 1,000 votes.
How does the Heisman voting work?
For each ballot, voters select three players, in order, from No. 1 choice, No. 2 and No. 3, with the players getting 3 points, 2 and 1, respectively. The player with the most overall votes across all ballots will be awarded the Heisman Trophy.
Votes are counted secretly by Deloitte, and voters are asked to keep their votes private—not broadcast publicly, through their publications or on social media—until the Heisman Trophy is awarded.
The deadline for voters to submit their electronic ballots was the evening of Monday, December 21, 2020.
Last year's winner was Joe Burrow, the LSU quarterback who led the Tigers to the national championship. He was the first-overall pick in the NFL Draft last spring.


newsweek--2020-12-24--80 Workers at Two In-N-Out Restaurants Test Positive for COVID-19 One Month After Opening

A large number of workers at two new In-N-Out Burger restaurants in Colorado have contracted COVID-19 , with at least 80 employees reportedly having testing positive for the virus only one month after the restaurants opened .
A total of 60 employees at the fast food chain 's restaurant in Colorado Springs have tested positive , while another 9 staff members are `` suspected '' of having the virus , according to a Thursday report from The Denver Post .
Another 20 confirmed positive tests and 16 suspected cases were reported among employees at an Aurora location , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected to 105 .
State health officials have not linked any positive cases among customers back to the restaurants .
`` During the past few weeks we have experienced a concerning number of Colorado Associates who have tested positive for COVID-19 , '' In-N-Out Vice President of Operations Denny Warnick said in a statement obtained by Newsweek .
`` Our thoughts and prayers are with our Associates and we are hopeful for quick recoveries for each of those affected .
Of course , all positive Associates and those who have had close contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workplace . ''
`` We continue to work closely with our public health agencies and have confirmed the appropriate steps to help protect our communities , '' he added .
`` These steps include : limiting staff to the minimum number necessary to serve our Customers , using staff `` cohorts '' to limit possible exposure , and limiting dining room access to takeout orders only while ensuring appropriate physical distancing . ''
Several other fast food restaurants , including franchise locations of McDonald 's , Chick-fil-A and Wendy 's all have reportedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although cases are limited to fewer than 10 per restaurant .
As with the In-N-Out outbreaks , no customer infections have been linked to visiting the restaurants .
Experts do not believe that COVID-19 is transmitted by food and visiting a fast food restaurant is considered a relatively unlikely way to contract the virus , although potential contact with any infected individual remains a concern , regardless of the setting .
All of the chains with infections among workers remain open because state officials do not require that restaurants with outbreaks close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on November 20 and quickly drew massive crowds despite the pandemic .
Enthusiasts of the popular California-based chain , clamoring for a `` Double Double '' burger or `` Animal Style '' french fries , were undaunted by waits that at times exceeded 12 hours , according to Business Insider .
Even a month after the restaurants had opened , customers reportedly remained willing to wait over three hours for a burger at the Aurora location .
Both locations are currently open for takeout only .

A large number of workers at two new In-N-Out Burger restaurants in Colorado have contracted COVID-19, with at least 80 employees reportedly having testing positive for the virus only one month after the restaurants opened.
A total of 60 employees at the fast food chain's restaurant in Colorado Springs have tested positive, while another 9 staff members are "suspected" of having the virus, according to a Thursday report from The Denver Post. Another 20 confirmed positive tests and 16 suspected cases were reported among employees at an Aurora location, bringing the total number of workers believed to be infected to 105. State health officials have not linked any positive cases among customers back to the restaurants.
"During the past few weeks we have experienced a concerning number of Colorado Associates who have tested positive for COVID-19," In-N-Out Vice President of Operations Denny Warnick said in a statement obtained by Newsweek. "Our thoughts and prayers are with our Associates and we are hopeful for quick recoveries for each of those affected. Of course, all positive Associates and those who have had close contact with them have been excluded from the workplace."
"We continue to work closely with our public health agencies and have confirmed the appropriate steps to help protect our communities," he added. "These steps include: limiting staff to the minimum number necessary to serve our Customers, using staff "cohorts" to limit possible exposure, and limiting dining room access to takeout orders only while ensuring appropriate physical distancing."
Masked In-N-Out Burger employees take orders from customers waiting in cars outside a restaurant in Inglewood, California on July 1, 2020. Mario Tama/Getty
Several other fast food restaurants, including franchise locations of McDonald's, Chick-fil-A and Wendy's all have reportedly have outbreaks in the state as well, although cases are limited to fewer than 10 per restaurant. As with the In-N-Out outbreaks, no customer infections have been linked to visiting the restaurants.
Experts do not believe that COVID-19 is transmitted by food and visiting a fast food restaurant is considered a relatively unlikely way to contract the virus, although potential contact with any infected individual remains a concern, regardless of the setting. All of the chains with infections among workers remain open because state officials do not require that restaurants with outbreaks close.
The two Colorado In-N-Out restaurants opened on November 20 and quickly drew massive crowds despite the pandemic. Enthusiasts of the popular California-based chain, clamoring for a "Double Double" burger or "Animal Style" french fries, were undaunted by waits that at times exceeded 12 hours, according to Business Insider. Even a month after the restaurants had opened, customers reportedly remained willing to wait over three hours for a burger at the Aurora location. Both locations are currently open for takeout only.


newsweek--2020-12-24--Trump Warns Republicans Who Didn't Back Election Fraud Claims: 'I Will NEVER FORGET!'

President Donald Trump lashed out at some Republican lawmakers Thursday on social media for not embracing his baseless allegations of election fraud .
Trump has refused to concede the election to President-elect Joe Biden , who bested Trump in both the popular and electoral vote .
Trump has repeatedly claimed that widespread election manipulation was to blame for his apparent loss .
While some GOP members , including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , have acknowledged Biden 's incoming administration , others have rallied behind Trump 's allegations .
On Thursday , Trump gave a warning to GOP senators he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saved at least 8 Republican Senators , including Mitch , from losing in the last Rigged ( for President ) Election , '' Trump tweeted Thursday .
`` Now they ( almost all ) sit back and watch me fight against a crooked and vicious foe , the Radical Left Democrats .
I will NEVER FORGET ! ''
McConnell finally acknowledged Biden 's victory in December during a floor speech in the Senate .
`` Many of us had hoped the presidential election would yield a different result , '' McConnell said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the processes to determine who will be sworn in on January 20 .
The Electoral College has spoken . ''
Trump decried McConnell in a December tweet .
`` Mitch , 75,000 VOTES , a record for a sitting President ( by a lot ) , '' Trump wrote .
`` Too soon to give up .
Republican Party must finally learn to fight .
People are angry ! ''
Newsweek reached out to McConnell 's office for comment .
Although Trump 's legal team filed multiple lawsuits seeking to overturn the election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were dismissed .
Some GOP senators have said they would challenge the Congressional count of the electoral votes , slated to take place in January , hoping to secure a second term for Trump .
South Dakota Republican Senator John Thune said on Monday that the expected GOP challenge to the election would `` go down like a shot dog '' in the Senate .
`` I just do n't think it makes a lot of sense to put everybody through this when you know what the ultimate outcome is going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following day , Trump described Thune as `` Mitch 's boy '' and a `` RINO [ Republican in Name Only ] '' in a post on Twitter .
`` Republicans in the Senate so quickly forget , '' Trump wrote .
`` Right now they would be down 8 seats without my backing them in the last Election .
RINO John Thune , 'Mitch 's boy ' , should just let it play out .
South Dakota does n't like weakness .
He will be primaried in 2022 , political career over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of the House of Representatives have said they would challenge the electoral vote in January , a representative must be joined by a U.S .
Senator in order to formally contend the results .
Whether a Senator will step forward to submit a challenge remains unclear .
According to the Associated Press , Biden won the Electoral College with 306 electoral votes to Trump 's 232 electoral votes .
A candidate must receive at least 270 electoral votes to be considered the winner of the presidential election .

President Donald Trump lashed out at some Republican lawmakers Thursday on social media for not embracing his baseless allegations of election fraud.
Trump has refused to concede the election to President-elect Joe Biden, who bested Trump in both the popular and electoral vote. Trump has repeatedly claimed that widespread election manipulation was to blame for his apparent loss. While some GOP members, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, have acknowledged Biden's incoming administration, others have rallied behind Trump's allegations. On Thursday, Trump gave a warning to GOP senators he deemed to be disloyal.
"I saved at least 8 Republican Senators, including Mitch, from losing in the last Rigged (for President) Election," Trump tweeted Thursday. "Now they (almost all) sit back and watch me fight against a crooked and vicious foe, the Radical Left Democrats. I will NEVER FORGET!"
I saved at least 8 Republican Senators, including Mitch, from losing in the last Rigged (for President) Election. Now they (almost all) sit back and watch me fight against a crooked and vicious foe, the Radical Left Democrats. I will NEVER FORGET! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 24, 2020
McConnell finally acknowledged Biden's victory in December during a floor speech in the Senate.
"Many of us had hoped the presidential election would yield a different result," McConnell said, "but our system of government has the processes to determine who will be sworn in on January 20. The Electoral College has spoken."
Trump decried McConnell in a December tweet. "Mitch, 75,000 VOTES, a record for a sitting President (by a lot)," Trump wrote. "Too soon to give up. Republican Party must finally learn to fight. People are angry!"
Newsweek reached out to McConnell's office for comment.
President Donald Trump warned some Republican Senators on Twitter Thursday that he would "NEVER FORGET" their reluctance to agree with his claims of election fraud. Al Drago/Getty
Although Trump's legal team filed multiple lawsuits seeking to overturn the election results, a majority of those lawsuits were dismissed. Some GOP senators have said they would challenge the Congressional count of the electoral votes, slated to take place in January, hoping to secure a second term for Trump.
South Dakota Republican Senator John Thune said on Monday that the expected GOP challenge to the election would "go down like a shot dog" in the Senate.
"I just don't think it makes a lot of sense to put everybody through this when you know what the ultimate outcome is going to be," Thune told CNN.
The following day, Trump described Thune as "Mitch's boy" and a "RINO [Republican in Name Only]" in a post on Twitter.
"Republicans in the Senate so quickly forget," Trump wrote. "Right now they would be down 8 seats without my backing them in the last Election. RINO John Thune, 'Mitch's boy', should just let it play out. South Dakota doesn't like weakness. He will be primaried in 2022, political career over!!!"
While some GOP members of the House of Representatives have said they would challenge the electoral vote in January, a representative must be joined by a U.S. Senator in order to formally contend the results. Whether a Senator will step forward to submit a challenge remains unclear.
According to the Associated Press, Biden won the Electoral College with 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232 electoral votes. A candidate must receive at least 270 electoral votes to be considered the winner of the presidential election.


newsweek--2020-12-24--Royal Caribbean Cruises Sues Victims of Volcano Eruption To Stop Lawsuit

Royal Caribbean , the world 's largest cruise company , is trying to prevent legal action from individuals seeking damages in connection with a volcanic eruption in 2019 .
In December 2019 , passengers from the Royal Caribbean ship Ovation of the Seas took a side trip to White Island , a popular tourist site in New Zealand .
As 47 people toured the island , the volcano 's sudden eruption killed 27 visitors .
Other individuals were injured in the eruption .
Maryland couple Ivy and Paul Reed , who suffered burns as a result of the eruption , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who lost family members because of the eruption , filed separate lawsuits against Royal Caribbean claiming that the cruise line did not properly explain the dangers of visiting White Island .
Browitt family lawyer Peter Gordon told the Australian Broadcasting Company on Thursday that Royal Caribbean should have known that the volcano could erupt before allowing its passengers to visit White Island .
`` There were a number of geological and scientific organizations that were ringing alarm bells about volcanic activity on the island , '' Gordon said .
`` The wrongdoing is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the warnings and an obligation to keep its passengers out of harm 's way , '' Gordon added .
Royal Caribbean contends that because of a clause in the terms and conditions of the tickets , any legal actions over the cruise must be heard by courts in New South Wales , Australia .
The lawsuits filed by the Browitts and the Reeds were filed in U.S. courts .
Newsweek reached out to Royal Caribbean for comment .
The Reeds alleged in their lawsuit that the eruption caused them to endure `` severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their bodies , permanent and disfiguring scarring '' and `` reduced use of their limbs and extremities . ''
Litigation filed by the Browitts in Florida alleges that they suffered `` severe emotional distress , mental anguish , physical pain , loss of enjoyment of life , post-traumatic stress and other mental and/or nervous disorders . ''
Stephanie Browitt was injured in the eruption .
Marie Browitt 's husband and daughter were both killed .
In their lawsuit , the Browitts contend that Royal Caribbean 's decision to allow visitors to visit White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bounds of decency and so reckless that it should not be tolerated in civilized society . ''
According to the New Zealand volcano monitoring website GeoNet , White Island is the country 's most active cone volcano .
In 1953 , the island was declared a private scenic reserve .
When the volcano erupted in 2019 , the explosion removed a lake that had formed in a crater , created new vents and caused landslides .
In the weeks before the December eruption , GeoNet had issued a level 2 alert for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime for the volcano to erupt .

Royal Caribbean, the world's largest cruise company, is trying to prevent legal action from individuals seeking damages in connection with a volcanic eruption in 2019.
In December 2019, passengers from the Royal Caribbean ship Ovation of the Seas took a side trip to White Island, a popular tourist site in New Zealand. As 47 people toured the island, the volcano's sudden eruption killed 27 visitors. Other individuals were injured in the eruption.
Maryland couple Ivy and Paul Reed, who suffered burns as a result of the eruption, and Australians Marie and Stephanie Browitt, who lost family members because of the eruption, filed separate lawsuits against Royal Caribbean claiming that the cruise line did not properly explain the dangers of visiting White Island.
Browitt family lawyer Peter Gordon told the Australian Broadcasting Company on Thursday that Royal Caribbean should have known that the volcano could erupt before allowing its passengers to visit White Island.
"There were a number of geological and scientific organizations that were ringing alarm bells about volcanic activity on the island," Gordon said.
"The wrongdoing is that Royal Caribbean had an insight into the warnings and an obligation to keep its passengers out of harm's way," Gordon added.
Royal Caribbean contends that because of a clause in the terms and conditions of the tickets, any legal actions over the cruise must be heard by courts in New South Wales, Australia. The lawsuits filed by the Browitts and the Reeds were filed in U.S. courts.
Litigation has followed in the wake of the 2019 volcanic eruption on White Island in New Zealand, which occurred while passengers from a Royal Caribbean cruise were touring the area. John Boren/Getty
Newsweek reached out to Royal Caribbean for comment.
The Reeds alleged in their lawsuit that the eruption caused them to endure "severe, life-threatening burns over large portions of their bodies, permanent and disfiguring scarring" and "reduced use of their limbs and extremities."
Litigation filed by the Browitts in Florida alleges that they suffered "severe emotional distress, mental anguish, physical pain, loss of enjoyment of life, post-traumatic stress and other mental and/or nervous disorders."
Stephanie Browitt was injured in the eruption. Marie Browitt's husband and daughter were both killed. In their lawsuit, the Browitts contend that Royal Caribbean's decision to allow visitors to visit White Island was "indecently cavalier, outside the bounds of decency and so reckless that it should not be tolerated in civilized society."
According to the New Zealand volcano monitoring website GeoNet, White Island is the country's most active cone volcano. In 1953, the island was declared a private scenic reserve. When the volcano erupted in 2019, the explosion removed a lake that had formed in a crater, created new vents and caused landslides. In the weeks before the December eruption, GeoNet had issued a level 2 alert for White Island, indicating that conditions were prime for the volcano to erupt.