newsweek--2020-12-14--Donald Trump's Delay to White House Vaccine Raises National Security Questions

President Donald Trump delayed plans to vaccinate his White House team , without explanation , only a short time after a National Security Council spokesman invoked a policy directive to stress the importance of protecting those at the top of government .
The delay raises questions about national security and the continuity of federal government operations at the highest level .
Trump did say , however , that White House COVID-19 inoculations would be delayed `` unless specifically necessary . ''
Since Trump returned to work in the Oval Office after he was hospitalized with the coronavirus in October , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the West Wing became a COVID-19 hotspot .
Last week , Trump 's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani became the latest high-profile figure close to the president to announce they had caught the virus .
John Ullyot , National Security Council spokesman , said in a Sunday evening statement that top officials would be among the first to be inoculated against COVID , as the initial vaccine rollout gets underway .
In doing so , he cited the 2016 National Continuity Policy , a directive that `` calls for providing [ executive branch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to perform their prescribed continuity roles and responsibilities . ''
`` Senior officials across all three branches of government will receive vaccinations pursuant to continuity of government protocols established in executive policy , '' Ullyot said before Trump tweeted about the delay .
Under the Obama-era policy directive , parts of which are classified , the Secretary of Homeland Security is instructed to `` establish continuity program and planning requirements for executive departments and agencies . ''
The directive was cited in a Trump executive order just days ago , which stated : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States to maintain comprehensive and effective continuity programs that ensure national security and the preservation of government structure under the United States Constitution and in alignment with [ the National Continuity Policy ] . ''
Trump tweeted after Ullyot 's announcement to say that `` people working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program , unless specifically necessary . ''
`` I have asked that this adjustment be made .
I am not scheduled to take the vaccine , but look forward to doing so at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , without giving further detail on the who or why of any potential exemptions to this delay .
Ullyot is Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Strategic Communications at National Security Council , the president 's `` principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters . ''
It was not immediately clear why Trump announced a vaccine delay for White House staff .
Newsweek has asked the White House and the National Security Council for comment .
The first shipments of the vaccine are set to arrive at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following Trump 's criticism of the Food and Drug Administration .
He said the body could have signed off the vaccine a week earlier—a claim the FDA denied , saying they were following the `` science and data . ''
The first doses of the Pfizer vaccine , found to be up to 95 percent effective , are intended for front-line medical workers and nursing home residents .
But Ullyot also said it was important for top White House officials to be part of this initial rollout .
`` The American people should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same safe and effective vaccine as senior officials of the United States government on the advice of public health professionals and national security leadership , '' Ullyot said .

President Donald Trump delayed plans to vaccinate his White House team, without explanation, only a short time after a National Security Council spokesman invoked a policy directive to stress the importance of protecting those at the top of government.
The delay raises questions about national security and the continuity of federal government operations at the highest level. Trump did say, however, that White House COVID-19 inoculations would be delayed "unless specifically necessary."
Since Trump returned to work in the Oval Office after he was hospitalized with the coronavirus in October, a number of staffers have fallen ill as the West Wing became a COVID-19 hotspot.
Last week, Trump's personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani became the latest high-profile figure close to the president to announce they had caught the virus.
John Ullyot, National Security Council spokesman, said in a Sunday evening statement that top officials would be among the first to be inoculated against COVID, as the initial vaccine rollout gets underway.
US President Donald Trump climbs into golf cart number 45 as he golfs at Trump National Golf Club on December 13, 2020 in Sterling, Virginia. Early this morning, he tweeted an 'adjustment' to the plan to vaccinate White House staffers against COVID-19. Al Drago/Getty
In doing so, he cited the 2016 National Continuity Policy, a directive that "calls for providing [executive branch leadership] personnel with the appropriate resources to perform their prescribed continuity roles and responsibilities."
"Senior officials across all three branches of government will receive vaccinations pursuant to continuity of government protocols established in executive policy," Ullyot said before Trump tweeted about the delay.
Under the Obama-era policy directive, parts of which are classified, the Secretary of Homeland Security is instructed to "establish continuity program and planning requirements for executive departments and agencies."
The directive was cited in a Trump executive order just days ago, which stated: "It is the policy of the United States to maintain comprehensive and effective continuity programs that ensure national security and the preservation of government structure under the United States Constitution and in alignment with [the National Continuity Policy]."
Trump tweeted after Ullyot's announcement to say that "people working in the White House should receive the vaccine somewhat later in the program, unless specifically necessary."
"I have asked that this adjustment be made. I am not scheduled to take the vaccine, but look forward to doing so at the appropriate time," Trump wrote, without giving further detail on the who or why of any potential exemptions to this delay.
Ullyot is Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Strategic Communications at National Security Council, the president's "principal forum for considering national security and foreign policy matters."
It was not immediately clear why Trump announced a vaccine delay for White House staff. Newsweek has asked the White House and the National Security Council for comment.
The first shipments of the vaccine are set to arrive at 145 sites across the country on Monday following Trump's criticism of the Food and Drug Administration.
He said the body could have signed off the vaccine a week earlier—a claim the FDA denied, saying they were following the "science and data."
The first doses of the Pfizer vaccine, found to be up to 95 percent effective, are intended for front-line medical workers and nursing home residents. But Ullyot also said it was important for top White House officials to be part of this initial rollout.
"The American people should have confidence that they are receiving the same safe and effective vaccine as senior officials of the United States government on the advice of public health professionals and national security leadership," Ullyot said.


newsweek--2020-12-14--Is Google Down? YouTube, Gmail, Calendar Suffer Outages

Several Google services appear to be suffering outages , with widespread issues hitting Gmail , YouTube , Drive and Hangouts .
An error on Gmail reads : `` We 're sorry , but your account is temporarily unavailable .
We apologize for the inconvenience and suggest trying again in a few minutes . ''
YouTube is also offline , with a warning that now reads : `` Something went wrong ... '' According to DownDetector , a platform that tracks reports about outages in real-time , the Google software problems appear to be taking place worldwide , but seemed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and along the east coast of America .
DownDetector indicates the outages are also impacting Google services Meet , Home , Cloud and Calendar .
The Google Play Store , the Android app marketplace , appears to be suffering problems , as does the company 's smart home division Nest .
Google 's official status dashboard has confirmed the service outages are hitting the full range of services .
`` We 're aware of a problem with Gmail affecting a majority of users , '' it said in the alert for its email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion people globally .
`` The affected users are unable to access Gmail .
We will provide an update by 12/14/20 , 12:12 PM detailing when we expect to resolve the problem .
Please note that this resolution time is an estimate and may change , '' Google 's statement added .
User complaints flooded social media today as G-suite users were disrupted by the outages .
The exact source of the problem is unclear at the time of writing .
In a statement posted to Twitter , the official YouTube help account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of you are having issues accessing YouTube right now – our team is aware and looking into it .
We 'll update you here as soon as we have more news . ''
The Google Communications Twitter account has not yet responded to the blackout , which seems to have left all of the services either inaccessible or unresponsive .
`` WOAH ... Google is suffering MAJOR outage with YouTube , Gmail , and Search down for a LOT of people , '' tweeted social media commentator Matt Navarra .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even google what happened with google .
It 's still 2020 , '' read a tweet that has quickly attracted hundreds of likes and shares .
`` Not being able to Google why Google is down is peak 2020 ! ''
another Twitter user added .
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available .

Update: Service has been restored. In a tweet, the Google Workspace account said: "We're all clear folks! Thanks for staying with us." The Twitter account for Google Cloud said the problems were linked to an "authentication system outage."
We’re all clear folks! Thanks for staying with us. — Google Workspace (@GoogleWorkspace) December 14, 2020
Today, at 3.47AM PT Google experienced an authentication system outage for approximately 45 minutes due to an internal storage quota issue. This was resolved at 4:32AM PT, and all services are now restored. — Google Cloud (@googlecloud) December 14, 2020
Original story follows:
Several Google services appear to be suffering outages, with widespread issues hitting Gmail, YouTube, Drive and Hangouts.
An error on Gmail reads: "We're sorry, but your account is temporarily unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience and suggest trying again in a few minutes." YouTube is also offline, with a warning that now reads: "Something went wrong..."
According to DownDetector, a platform that tracks reports about outages in real-time, the Google software problems appear to be taking place worldwide, but seemed to at first be most prevalent in Europe and along the east coast of America.
DownDetector indicates the outages are also impacting Google services Meet, Home, Cloud and Calendar. The Google Play Store, the Android app marketplace, appears to be suffering problems, as does the company's smart home division Nest.
Google's official status dashboard has confirmed the service outages are hitting the full range of services. "We're aware of a problem with Gmail affecting a majority of users," it said in the alert for its email platform, used by more than a billion people globally.
"The affected users are unable to access Gmail. We will provide an update by 12/14/20, 12:12 PM detailing when we expect to resolve the problem. Please note that this resolution time is an estimate and may change," Google's statement added.
User complaints flooded social media today as G-suite users were disrupted by the outages. The exact source of the problem is unclear at the time of writing.
In a statement posted to Twitter, the official YouTube help account wrote: "We are aware that many of you are having issues accessing YouTube right now – our team is aware and looking into it. We'll update you here as soon as we have more news."
The Google Communications Twitter account has not yet responded to the blackout, which seems to have left all of the services either inaccessible or unresponsive.
We are aware that many of you are having issues accessing YouTube right now – our team is aware and looking into it. We'll update you here as soon as we have more news. — TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) December 14, 2020
"WOAH... Google is suffering MAJOR outage with YouTube, Gmail, and Search down for a LOT of people," tweeted social media commentator Matt Navarra.
"The day came. When you can't even google what happened with google. It's still 2020," read a tweet that has quickly attracted hundreds of likes and shares. "Not being able to Google why Google is down is peak 2020!" another Twitter user added.
WOAH... Google is suffering MAJOR outage with YouTube, Gmail, and Search down for a LOT of people#youtubedown #googledown pic.twitter.com/pVPXUU4nXU — Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) December 14, 2020
The day came. When you can’t even google what happened with google.
It’s still 2020.#googledown pic.twitter.com/MHS6Yd8IMm — Asta (@antiMagicGuy) December 14, 2020
Not being able to Google why Google is down is peak 2020! #googledown pic.twitter.com/tEhWDvVy9T — Matt Ezyk (@mattezyk) December 14, 2020


newsweek--2020-12-14--Hundreds of Minnesota Businesses Join Forces to Defy COVID Lockdown Order

Hundreds of businesses in Minnesota have joined forces in plans to reopen in defiance of state COVID lockdown restrictions .
Gov .
Tim Walz announced a four-week dial back order to last until December 18 but ReOpen Minnesota , a coalition of business owners , has launched a two phased plan for business owners to start opening their doors before then .
The organization is calling for rural businesses to reopen on Wednesday , December 16 and metropolitan businesses to reopen on Friday , December 18 , regardless of whether Gov .
Walz 's order is extended or not .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 150 and 200 businesses have signed up to the coalition while more than $ 2,340 had been donated to its GoFundMe page raising money for legal support for businesses as of 4.20 a.m. on Monday .
The organization wrote on the fundraising site : `` As small businesses boldly join the coalition to bring an end to the unfair and arbitrary lockdown of their livelihoods , they know there is a potential that some of them will face legal backlash from the tyrannical leadership of the state .
`` It would encourage them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rest of us have their back in this fight and will support them with a legal fund as needed . ''
A spokesman for the Minnesota Attorney General 's Office told Kare 11 that businesses choosing to violate the executive order could be fined up to $ 25,000 and even face criminal penalties if prosecuted locally by a city or county .
But ReOpen Minnesota organizer Darius Teichroew told the broadcaster : `` People are desperate and they are coming up with a solution now that they 're stuck in a tight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He added : `` We know COVID is real and COVID is deadly in certain cases , but we also know that the COVID lockdown is deadly in certain cases , so can we find a middle ground ? ''
Lisa Monet Zarza , owner of Froggy Bottoms in Lakeville—one of the business taking part—told Kare 11 : `` We 're not saying that COVID is n't real , we 're not saying that , but the implications of everything involved with COVID are so much more than just what 's being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not demanding that you come into our restaurants .
We 're not demanding that you go into the gyms .
We 're asking for the right for you to be able to come in . ''
Meanwhile , Reid Peterson , owner of Training for Warriors Apple Valley said they will reopen on December 19 regardless of whether the executive order expires .
He said in a Facebook video shared on the ReOpen Minnesota page : `` My wife and I own this place .
We have poured more blood , sweat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unwilling to let it go down . ''
But not all businesses are on board with Zachery Suddath , general manager at the Mallard 's Restaurant and Charley Cat Chicken , telling Kare 11 that they could not afford the consequences of completely reopening .
He said : `` We have n't decided 100 percent what 's gon na happen yet , we 're kind of waiting to see what 's going on . ''
Minnesota suspended the liquor license of the Boardwalk Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks for refusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ establishment is located on the border with North Dakota—where bars and restaurants are allowed to serve customers indoors .
But it has still remained open and the owner has not been arrested , according to the ReOpen Minnesota .
The organization posted : `` We got an update from Jane in EGF ... still not arrested , and having a fantastic weekend of business with big tippers !
Way to go , friends .
Her employees appreciate it so much as they were desperate for income . ''
In a press conference on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening too soon `` adds the potential for more people into the emergency room . ''
He said : `` I had National Guard , firefighters and police say `` make our jobs a little easier , do n't do these things . ''
Walz continued : `` I do just want to say I certainly can understand their frustrations , but like so many things in a society that 's ruled by the rule of law , you follow the procedures that are out there . ''
Newsweek has contacted the Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for comment .

Hundreds of businesses in Minnesota have joined forces in plans to reopen in defiance of state COVID lockdown restrictions.
Gov. Tim Walz announced a four-week dial back order to last until December 18 but ReOpen Minnesota, a coalition of business owners, has launched a two phased plan for business owners to start opening their doors before then.
The organization is calling for rural businesses to reopen on Wednesday, December 16 and metropolitan businesses to reopen on Friday, December 18, regardless of whether Gov. Walz's order is extended or not.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks to the press on June 3, 2020 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Scott Olson/Getty Images
According to local media outlets, between 150 and 200 businesses have signed up to the coalition while more than $2,340 had been donated to its GoFundMe page raising money for legal support for businesses as of 4.20 a.m. on Monday.
The organization wrote on the fundraising site: "As small businesses boldly join the coalition to bring an end to the unfair and arbitrary lockdown of their livelihoods, they know there is a potential that some of them will face legal backlash from the tyrannical leadership of the state.
"It would encourage them greatly and strengthen their fortitude knowing that the rest of us have their back in this fight and will support them with a legal fund as needed."
A spokesman for the Minnesota Attorney General's Office told Kare 11 that businesses choosing to violate the executive order could be fined up to $25,000 and even face criminal penalties if prosecuted locally by a city or county.
For those who want to help us promote our plan to get small business Minnesota back to work before Christmas, the best way you can do that right now is to talk to small businesses that are currently...
But ReOpen Minnesota organizer Darius Teichroew told the broadcaster: "People are desperate and they are coming up with a solution now that they're stuck in a tight corner with no other place to turn.
He added: "We know COVID is real and COVID is deadly in certain cases, but we also know that the COVID lockdown is deadly in certain cases, so can we find a middle ground?"
Lisa Monet Zarza, owner of Froggy Bottoms in Lakeville—one of the business taking part—told Kare 11: "We're not saying that COVID isn't real, we're not saying that, but the implications of everything involved with COVID are so much more than just what's being reported.
She added: "We're not demanding that you come into our restaurants. We're not demanding that you go into the gyms. We're asking for the right for you to be able to come in."
Meanwhile, Reid Peterson, owner of Training for Warriors Apple Valley said they will reopen on December 19 regardless of whether the executive order expires.
He said in a Facebook video shared on the ReOpen Minnesota page: "My wife and I own this place. We have poured more blood, sweat and tears than I can explain/ We are unwilling to let it go down."
But not all businesses are on board with Zachery Suddath, general manager at the Mallard's Restaurant and Charley Cat Chicken, telling Kare 11 that they could not afford the consequences of completely reopening.
He said: "We haven't decided 100 percent what's gonna happen yet, we're kind of waiting to see what's going on."
Minnesota suspended the liquor license of the Boardwalk Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks for refusing to close during the shutdown. The establishment is located on the border with North Dakota—where bars and restaurants are allowed to serve customers indoors.
Boardwalk Bar & Grill in East Grand Forks, Minnesota had its liquor license revoked after staying open during lockdown. Google Maps
But it has still remained open and the owner has not been arrested, according to the ReOpen Minnesota. The organization posted: "We got an update from Jane in EGF... still not arrested, and having a fantastic weekend of business with big tippers! Way to go, friends. Her employees appreciate it so much as they were desperate for income."
In a press conference on Friday, Gov. Walz said businesses reopening too soon "adds the potential for more people into the emergency room."
He said: "I had National Guard, firefighters and police say "make our jobs a little easier, don't do these things."
Walz continued: "I do just want to say I certainly can understand their frustrations, but like so many things in a society that's ruled by the rule of law, you follow the procedures that are out there."
Newsweek has contacted the Minnesota Attorney General and the Governor's office for comment.


newsweek--2020-12-14--Is There Any Hope of a Brexit Deal Before Christmas?

Another Brexit deadline has come and gone with the United Kingdom and European Union back at the negotiating table and no closer to agreeing on a trade deal in time for the new year .
Both sides agreed to abandon their make-or-break deadline and continue talks despite issuing separate statements that pointed towards an increased likelihood of Britain leaving the EU with no deal in place .
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said they would decide whether an agreement was possible by the end of Sunday but instead agreed in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mile '' and agree another extension .
`` Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over recent days , '' von der Leyen said in a video message , reading out a joint statement agreed with Johnson .
`` We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached , '' the leaders said .
EU negotiator Michel Barnier and Britain 's David Frost held talks late on Saturday and early on Sunday .
A European official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiators would remain in Brussels , where Barnier was expected to brief European ambassadors about the current state of negotiations .
After updating his cabinet from Downing Street , Johnson insisted that an agreement was far from sure .
He said : `` I 'm afraid we 're still very far apart on some key things , but where there 's life there 's hope .
The U.K. certainly wo n't be walking away from the talks .
I still think there 's a deal to be done if our partners want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Brexit transition period to end on December 31 , is it realistic to think a deal could still be done in time ?
Analysts say the fact that both sides are still at the negotiating table is a `` positive sign '' but there are still key areas yet to be agreed upon .
Issues such as fishing rights and business competition are the main sticking points yet to have reached conclusion .
No new deadline has been set but Conservative Party lawmaker Mark Harper suggested the extended talks could go right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three weeks to go .
`` Many of us are fully anticipating it 's entirely possible we might be returning to Parliament between Christmas and new year to scrutinize this and vote it through if a deal is done , '' he told the Press Association .
Johnson warned recently that there is a `` strong possibility '' the U.K. will fail to strike a post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU , making an `` Australian-style option '' of leaving without a deal and conducting business on World Trade Organization ( WTO ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ von der Leyen also told a news briefing that both sides `` still remain apart on fundamental issues '' and a no-deal Brexit is now the `` most likely '' option .
Moving to WTO rules on December 31 could result in tariffs being imposed on goods traveling in and out of the U.K. leading to potentially higher prices on items such as food and medicine .
Australia largely does business with the EU on WTO rules but has a few arrangements in place , such as co-operation on science and trade on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggest a deal is not necessary for the U.K. , though Australia has only a fraction of Britain 's trade with Europe .
Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull warned : `` Australians would not regard our trade relationship with Europe as being a satisfactory one . ''
The EU has consistently maintained that it will not agree to a trade deal that is not `` fair '' .
Barnier tweeted that `` the next few days are important '' and said that `` it is our responsibility to give the talks every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looms .
`` Fair competition , and a sustainable solution for our fishermen and women , are key to reaching a deal , '' he tweeted .
Arriving to update ambassadors from the 27 EU countries , he told journalists : `` We 've only been negotiating for nine months .
We 've needed at least five years for all the previous agreements .
We are going to give every chance to this agreement ... which is still possible . ''
He said that `` free and fair competition '' and `` guaranteed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have not been agreed upon .
Johnson said the U.K. can not compromise on the `` fundamental nature '' of Brexit , namely controlling U.K. laws and fisheries .
`` Either way , whatever happens , the U.K. will do very , very well , '' the prime minister insisted .
The biggest single obstacle in the Brexit talks is a clause in the Brexit treaty that will ensure that as one side develops their environmental , labor and social standards , the other can not sit tight and enjoy competitive advantages without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` ratchet clause '' , but Europe says it is about `` evolution '' .
The two sides have already agreed on `` non-regression '' clauses which mean the same standards that now exist over workers ' rights , the environment and climate change will continue and form a base below which both sides will not `` regress '' or fall .
This is the level playing field .
But if these baseline standards need to be upgraded in the future , the EU wants reassurance written into the Brexit deal that European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic disadvantage if Britain fails to upgrade its own standards .
Hard-line Brexiters in the U.K. argue that the point of leaving was to be able to undercut EU rules and regulations .
Britain 's chief negotiator Frost claims that fear of countermeasures could lead to Britain being dragged into following EU policy .
This poses a threat to Britain 's sovereign right to make its own standards from 1 January , it is argued .
The EU said that if a common system is not acceptable , then both sides should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against future divergences so if one side undercut the other on a particular export , the other could hit back on something else .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said : `` We need to find agreements about how each side can react when the other changes their legal situation .
Otherwise , there will be unfair competition conditions , which we ca n't do to our companies . ''
Ireland 's foreign minister Simon Coveney said Britain leaving without a deal would be an enormous `` lost opportunity '' .
Ireland stands to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country if trade with its larger neighbor is disrupted .
Coveney welcomed the extension of the talks and said on Twitter : `` Time to hold our nerve and allow the negotiators to inch progress forward , even at this late stage .
Joint statement on Brexit negotiations is a good signal .
A deal clearly very difficult , but possible . ''
In its official statements , Downing Street continues to promise a positive future for the U.K. even in the event of no-deal , saying it has mapped out `` every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 31 , and `` no one needs to worry about our food , medicine or vital supply chains '' .
The government says it is ready to offer hefty new support for sectors in the firing line such as farming and auto manufacturing .
The National Farmers ' Union has warned there will be `` significant disruption '' to the sector if the U.K. fails to reach a deal , and the British Retail Consortium warned the public would face `` over £3 billion ( $ 4bn ) in food tariffs [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but to pass on some of these additional costs to their customers '' .

Another Brexit deadline has come and gone with the United Kingdom and European Union back at the negotiating table and no closer to agreeing on a trade deal in time for the new year.
Both sides agreed to abandon their make-or-break deadline and continue talks despite issuing separate statements that pointed towards an increased likelihood of Britain leaving the EU with no deal in place.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said they would decide whether an agreement was possible by the end of Sunday but instead agreed in a crisis call to "go the extra mile" and agree another extension.
"Our negotiating teams have been working day and night over recent days," von der Leyen said in a video message, reading out a joint statement agreed with Johnson. "We have accordingly mandated our negotiators to continue the talks and to see whether an agreement can even at this late stage be reached," the leaders said.
EU negotiator Michel Barnier and Britain's David Frost held talks late on Saturday and early on Sunday. A European official said that, for the moment, negotiators would remain in Brussels, where Barnier was expected to brief European ambassadors about the current state of negotiations. After updating his cabinet from Downing Street, Johnson insisted that an agreement was far from sure. He said: "I'm afraid we're still very far apart on some key things, but where there's life there's hope. The U.K. certainly won't be walking away from the talks. I still think there's a deal to be done if our partners want to do it."
With the U.K.'s Brexit transition period to end on December 31, is it realistic to think a deal could still be done in time? Analysts say the fact that both sides are still at the negotiating table is a "positive sign" but there are still key areas yet to be agreed upon. Issues such as fishing rights and business competition are the main sticking points yet to have reached conclusion.
No new deadline has been set but Conservative Party lawmaker Mark Harper suggested the extended talks could go right to the wire, with less than three weeks to go. "Many of us are fully anticipating it's entirely possible we might be returning to Parliament between Christmas and new year to scrutinize this and vote it through if a deal is done," he told the Press Association.
Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen have vowed to go the "extra mile" for a Brexit trade deal Hollie Adams/Getty
Johnson warned recently that there is a "strong possibility" the U.K. will fail to strike a post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU, making an "Australian-style option" of leaving without a deal and conducting business on World Trade Organization (WTO) rules most likely. EU commission president von der Leyen also told a news briefing that both sides "still remain apart on fundamental issues" and a no-deal Brexit is now the "most likely" option.
Moving to WTO rules on December 31 could result in tariffs being imposed on goods traveling in and out of the U.K. leading to potentially higher prices on items such as food and medicine. Australia largely does business with the EU on WTO rules but has a few arrangements in place, such as co-operation on science and trade on wine.
Johnson used the comparison to suggest a deal is not necessary for the U.K., though Australia has only a fraction of Britain's trade with Europe. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull warned: "Australians would not regard our trade relationship with Europe as being a satisfactory one."
The EU has consistently maintained that it will not agree to a trade deal that is not "fair". Barnier tweeted that "the next few days are important" and said that "it is our responsibility to give the talks every chance of success" as the deadline looms. "Fair competition, and a sustainable solution for our fishermen and women, are key to reaching a deal," he tweeted.
Arriving to update ambassadors from the 27 EU countries, he told journalists: "We've only been negotiating for nine months. We've needed at least five years for all the previous agreements. We are going to give every chance to this agreement... which is still possible." He said that "free and fair competition" and "guaranteed reciprocal access to markets and waters" have not been agreed upon.
Johnson said the U.K. cannot compromise on the "fundamental nature" of Brexit, namely controlling U.K. laws and fisheries. "Either way, whatever happens, the U.K. will do very, very well," the prime minister insisted.
The Main Issues Fishing: The British government wants to negotiate fishing quotas annually in the same way that Norway does but coastal EU states, including France and Ireland, have complained this would be unfair on their fishermen. France carries out nearly 30 percent of its fishing in U.K. waters, while around half of all Ireland's fishing catch take place in the U.K. Level Playing Field: The level playing field is a trade-policy term for a set of common rules and standards that prevent businesses in one country gaining a competitive advantage over those operating in other countries. The U.K. and EU have already agreed on "non-regression" clauses which mean the same standards that now exist over workers' rights, the environment and climate change will continue and form a base below which both sides will not "regress" or fall. But the EU refuses to guarantee the U.K. access to the single market - with no tariffs or taxes on goods crossing borders - if there is a possibility that companies based in the U.K. could be given state support to undercut their rivals elsewhere in Europe. "Ratchet" clause: In addition to the level playing field agreement, the EU is calling for an evolution or "ratchet" clause, which would mean if one side raised standards the other would have to follow suit or face potential penalties. The U.K. argues this could mean it ends up being dragged into following EU policy, the opposite of the intention of Brexit.
The biggest single obstacle in the Brexit talks is a clause in the Brexit treaty that will ensure that as one side develops their environmental, labor and social standards, the other cannot sit tight and enjoy competitive advantages without consequence.
The U.K. calls it the "ratchet clause", but Europe says it is about "evolution". The two sides have already agreed on "non-regression" clauses which mean the same standards that now exist over workers' rights, the environment and climate change will continue and form a base below which both sides will not "regress" or fall. This is the level playing field. But if these baseline standards need to be upgraded in the future, the EU wants reassurance written into the Brexit deal that European businesses will not be left at an economic disadvantage if Britain fails to upgrade its own standards.
Hard-line Brexiters in the U.K. argue that the point of leaving was to be able to undercut EU rules and regulations. Britain's chief negotiator Frost claims that fear of countermeasures could lead to Britain being dragged into following EU policy. This poses a threat to Britain's sovereign right to make its own standards from 1 January, it is argued. The EU said that if a common system is not acceptable, then both sides should have a sovereign unilateral right to hit back against future divergences so if one side undercut the other on a particular export, the other could hit back on something else.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said: "We need to find agreements about how each side can react when the other changes their legal situation. Otherwise, there will be unfair competition conditions, which we can't do to our companies." Ireland's foreign minister Simon Coveney said Britain leaving without a deal would be an enormous "lost opportunity". Ireland stands to lose out more than any other EU country if trade with its larger neighbor is disrupted.
Coveney welcomed the extension of the talks and said on Twitter: "Time to hold our nerve and allow the negotiators to inch progress forward, even at this late stage. Joint statement on Brexit negotiations is a good signal. A deal clearly very difficult, but possible."
In its official statements, Downing Street continues to promise a positive future for the U.K. even in the event of no-deal, saying it has mapped out "every single foreseeable scenario" for problems after December 31, and "no one needs to worry about our food, medicine or vital supply chains".
The government says it is ready to offer hefty new support for sectors in the firing line such as farming and auto manufacturing. The National Farmers' Union has warned there will be "significant disruption" to the sector if the U.K. fails to reach a deal, and the British Retail Consortium warned the public would face "over £3 billion ($4bn) in food tariffs [meaning] retailers would have no choice but to pass on some of these additional costs to their customers".


newsweek--2020-12-14--Princess Beatrice Accused of Flouting COVID Rules at Restaurant With Beyonce's Designer

Princess Beatrice has been photographed flouting COVID social distancing guidelines during a meal out in London .
Video footage published by The Sun shows , Queen Elizabeth II 's granddaughter , out for dinner inside at Isabel restaurant in Mayfair , and the newspaper claims she was with people from five households .
London restrictions ban eating at restaurants indoors unless everyone in your group lives in the same household as you .
Work gatherings are allowed only when `` reasonably necessary . ''
Beatrice , Prince Andrew 's oldest daughter , was out with longstanding friend Peter Dundas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Grammys in 2017 .
A picture from the dinner on his Instagram account showed them close enough for Beatrice to rest her head on his shoulder , in spite of social distancing advice .
Friends posted happy birthday messages for Dundas underneath the image , including photographer Marco Ovando who wrote : `` HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE . ''
Jessica Paster , a celebrity stylist to famous names including Emily Blunt , Jennifer Aniston and Matt Damon , wrote `` Happpppy '' followed by five cake emojis .
The Sun 's video footage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a table in the restaurant talking .
A diner told the newspaper her group were laughing , joking and enjoying themselves .
The newspaper quoted a royal source suggesting the meal was for working purposes and therefore within the rules .
Coronavirus guidelines for restaurants state : `` Venues can host multiple groups and should follow COVID-secure guidance , but you must not mix with anyone who is not part of your household or support bubble when you are indoors . ''
In relation to indoor gatherings there `` are exceptions where people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in groups larger than six outdoors . ''
Among the exemptions listed is : `` For work , or providing voluntary or charitable services , including in other people 's homes . ''
However , the guidance on work states : `` Everyone who can work from home should do so . ''
It adds : `` Gatherings for work purposes are only allowed where they are reasonably necessary . ''
The Sun reported husband Edoardo Mozzi was also at the dinner , on December 9 , a few days before Dundas turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in July with Queen Elizabeth II and husband Prince Philip attending the wedding at Windsor Castle .
Prince Andrew walked her down the aisle but was notably not seen in pictures of the day amid the controversy around allegations he had sex with a Jeffrey Epstein trafficking victim .
Last week , Beatrice 's cousin Prince William and Kate Middleton were criticized for taking the Royal Train across the Scottish and Welsh border for a `` thank you '' tour of Britain .

Princess Beatrice has been photographed flouting COVID social distancing guidelines during a meal out in London.
Video footage published by The Sun shows, Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter, out for dinner inside at Isabel restaurant in Mayfair, and the newspaper claims she was with people from five households.
London restrictions ban eating at restaurants indoors unless everyone in your group lives in the same household as you. Work gatherings are allowed only when "reasonably necessary."
Beatrice, Prince Andrew's oldest daughter, was out with longstanding friend Peter Dundas, a fashion designer who dressed Beyonce at the Grammys in 2017.
A picture from the dinner on his Instagram account showed them close enough for Beatrice to rest her head on his shoulder, in spite of social distancing advice.
Dundas wrote: "Catching up w this lovely #BeaYork."
Friends posted happy birthday messages for Dundas underneath the image, including photographer Marco Ovando who wrote: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE."
Prince Andrew and Princess Beatrice attend day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse on June 18, 2019 in Ascot, England. The Princess had dinner indoors at London restaurant Isabel with Peter Dundas. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
Jessica Paster, a celebrity stylist to famous names including Emily Blunt, Jennifer Aniston and Matt Damon, wrote "Happpppy" followed by five cake emojis.
The Sun's video footage shows the royal and Dundas sat at a table in the restaurant talking.
A diner told the newspaper her group were laughing, joking and enjoying themselves.
The newspaper quoted a royal source suggesting the meal was for working purposes and therefore within the rules.
Coronavirus guidelines for restaurants state: "Venues can host multiple groups and should follow COVID-secure guidance, but you must not mix with anyone who is not part of your household or support bubble when you are indoors."
In relation to indoor gatherings there "are exceptions where people can continue to gather indoors, or in groups larger than six outdoors."
Read more Prince Harry Sues Tabloid for Libel—in Couple's Sixth Lawsuit in a Year Prince Harry Sues Tabloid for Libel—in Couple's Sixth Lawsuit in a Year
Among the exemptions listed is: "For work, or providing voluntary or charitable services, including in other people's homes."
However, the guidance on work states: "Everyone who can work from home should do so."
It adds: "Gatherings for work purposes are only allowed where they are reasonably necessary."
The Sun reported husband Edoardo Mozzi was also at the dinner, on December 9, a few days before Dundas turned 51.
Beatrice married Mozzi in private in July with Queen Elizabeth II and husband Prince Philip attending the wedding at Windsor Castle.
Prince Andrew walked her down the aisle but was notably not seen in pictures of the day amid the controversy around allegations he had sex with a Jeffrey Epstein trafficking victim.
Last week, Beatrice's cousin Prince William and Kate Middleton were criticized for taking the Royal Train across the Scottish and Welsh border for a "thank you" tour of Britain.


newsweek--2020-12-14--The Breathtaking Nature of the Abraham Accords | Opinion

I will admit that my becoming familiar with the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) was a slow process .
Though I considered myself fairly well-traveled and open-minded , the name conjured up nothing appealing to me when it first came across my desk years ago .
It was a country that , at the time , did not recognize the legitimacy of a country I cherish : Israel , the Jewish state .
If they wo n't welcome Israelis , I thought , then there is no reason for me to welcome them , either .
Some years later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign land when I met a large real estate company developing massive projects in Dubai .
They described to me an astonishing project being developed—man-made islands in the shape of a palm tree .
How do they conceive of , and actually build , such wondrous projects , I wondered .
Years after that , I came across another Emirati group when my then-employer —The Trump Organization—successfully acquired from an Emirati company a masterpiece of a golf resort , three golf courses and a luxury hotel , in Scotland .
That complex is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my very limited interaction with the UAE came to a surprising end .
At the end of 2016 , I was tapped by President Trump to serve in his administration , as an assistant to the president and the White House envoy to the Middle East .
Among my tasks was working on strengthening Israel 's ties with its Arab neighbors .
To my surprise , when I met many of the regional foreign ministers at the Arab League summit in March 2017 , I was fascinated and captivated .
The meetings were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye to eye on many of the positions they publicly took on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict , the private conversations with some were as surprising as they were illuminating .
The achievement of the Abraham Accords and the aftermath of those accords are simply breathtaking .
This past week saw yet another historic achievement by President Trump and the Trump administration , with the agreement by the Kingdom of Morocco to normalize relations with the State of Israel .
I just returned from the UAE for a fourth time in the past 12 or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or all of my immediate family members .
My soon-to-be son-in-law proposed to my daughter in the desert of Dubai , at the home of a close friend , with the music of one of Israel 's most popular singers—Ishay Ribo—playing on Spotify in the background .
I flew on Emirates Airline with my kippah and prayed morning prayers with my tefillin ( phylacteries ) on the plane .
All this without a second thought .
But I would not have considered doing this even a year ago .
The dramatic shifts in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remarkable .
When I was at the White House , I used to say that it felt as though I was visiting cousins and that it was `` time to bring the family back together again . ''
Many of the government officials I met shared that view .
Our customs and rituals are different , to be sure—but they have many similarities and they feel somewhat familiar despite their differences .
There is a warmth , welcomeness and hospitality that I experience whenever I visit the UAE ( and many other places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how we are , indeed , so similar to one another .
Our religions have our dietary requirements , our prayer customs , the way we value family and kindness to strangers , modesty rules and so much more .
The Abraham Accords have broken the wall that separated us and reconnected us .
I believe there is no going back .
That the Kingdom of Morocco has been so quickly added to the roster of the Abraham Accords shows how President Trump 's approach to the region has been the right one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Israel and the UAE—and now Bahrain is joining the excitement .
People are traveling back and forth and getting to know one another .
Business is being done .
Relationships are being built .
Culture is being shared .
Orthodox Jewish weddings are taking place in Dubai .
Chanukah programs are happening .
Passover programs are being planned .
Investments in both directions are happening .
It is such a marvel to behold .
I also believe that in time , this will be true of others in the region , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get to know and develop relationships with .
These include Saudi Arabia , Qatar and Oman .
And let 's not forget those countries that already have peace agreements with Israel , two others I enjoy visiting and connecting with : Jordan and Egypt .
I am sure we will soon see the same excitement of business , cultural exchanges and friendship between Israel and Morocco .
I am excited about the trip I just returned from , and the possibilities these trips hold .
More importantly , I am excited for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold for the next generation .
This holiday season , let 's remind ourselves how we can be partners together , striving for prosperity , peace , safety and security .
Let 's reach out to those we might be indifferent to , those we may not understand and even those we might be suspicious of .
Let 's reconnect and inspire hope , just as the Abraham Accords were able to do , so quickly and so dramatically , in one of the most complex regions of the world—the Middle East .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ courageous leaders who made the Abraham Accords possible , and who brought brightness and inspiration to the whole region .
Jason D. Greenblatt was the White House 's Middle East envoy for nearly three years .
Follow him on Twitter : @ GreenblattJD .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

I will admit that my becoming familiar with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was a slow process. Though I considered myself fairly well-traveled and open-minded, the name conjured up nothing appealing to me when it first came across my desk years ago. It was a country that, at the time, did not recognize the legitimacy of a country I cherish: Israel, the Jewish state. If they won't welcome Israelis, I thought, then there is no reason for me to welcome them, either.
Some years later, I once again came across this foreign land when I met a large real estate company developing massive projects in Dubai. They described to me an astonishing project being developed—man-made islands in the shape of a palm tree. How do they conceive of, and actually build, such wondrous projects, I wondered.
Years after that, I came across another Emirati group when my then-employer —The Trump Organization—successfully acquired from an Emirati company a masterpiece of a golf resort, three golf courses and a luxury hotel, in Scotland. That complex is now known as Trump Turnberry.
Then my very limited interaction with the UAE came to a surprising end. At the end of 2016, I was tapped by President Trump to serve in his administration, as an assistant to the president and the White House envoy to the Middle East. Among my tasks was working on strengthening Israel's ties with its Arab neighbors.
To my surprise, when I met many of the regional foreign ministers at the Arab League summit in March 2017, I was fascinated and captivated. The meetings were eye-opening. While we didn't see eye to eye on many of the positions they publicly took on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the private conversations with some were as surprising as they were illuminating.
The achievement of the Abraham Accords and the aftermath of those accords are simply breathtaking. This past week saw yet another historic achievement by President Trump and the Trump administration, with the agreement by the Kingdom of Morocco to normalize relations with the State of Israel.
I just returned from the UAE for a fourth time in the past 12 or so months—three of which were with some or all of my immediate family members. My soon-to-be son-in-law proposed to my daughter in the desert of Dubai, at the home of a close friend, with the music of one of Israel's most popular singers—Ishay Ribo—playing on Spotify in the background. I flew on Emirates Airline with my kippah and prayed morning prayers with my tefillin (phylacteries) on the plane. All this without a second thought. But I would not have considered doing this even a year ago.
Israelis flash their passports at the Dubai airport KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images
The dramatic shifts in cross-country ties throughout the region have been remarkable. When I was at the White House, I used to say that it felt as though I was visiting cousins and that it was "time to bring the family back together again." Many of the government officials I met shared that view. Our customs and rituals are different, to be sure—but they have many similarities and they feel somewhat familiar despite their differences.
There is a warmth, welcomeness and hospitality that I experience whenever I visit the UAE (and many other places in the region) that reminds me how we are, indeed, so similar to one another. Our religions have our dietary requirements, our prayer customs, the way we value family and kindness to strangers, modesty rules and so much more. The Abraham Accords have broken the wall that separated us and reconnected us. I believe there is no going back. That the Kingdom of Morocco has been so quickly added to the roster of the Abraham Accords shows how President Trump's approach to the region has been the right one.
Agreements are being signed almost weekly between Israel and the UAE—and now Bahrain is joining the excitement. People are traveling back and forth and getting to know one another. Business is being done. Relationships are being built. Culture is being shared. Orthodox Jewish weddings are taking place in Dubai. Chanukah programs are happening. Passover programs are being planned. Investments in both directions are happening. It is such a marvel to behold.
I also believe that in time, this will be true of others in the region, including other countries I have also been privileged to get to know and develop relationships with. These include Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman. And let's not forget those countries that already have peace agreements with Israel, two others I enjoy visiting and connecting with: Jordan and Egypt. I am sure we will soon see the same excitement of business, cultural exchanges and friendship between Israel and Morocco.
I am excited about the trip I just returned from, and the possibilities these trips hold. More importantly, I am excited for the future and the promise that they hold for the next generation.
This holiday season, let's remind ourselves how we can be partners together, striving for prosperity, peace, safety and security. Let's reach out to those we might be indifferent to, those we may not understand and even those we might be suspicious of. Let's reconnect and inspire hope, just as the Abraham Accords were able to do, so quickly and so dramatically, in one of the most complex regions of the world—the Middle East. Let's follow the lead of the courageous leaders who made the Abraham Accords possible, and who brought brightness and inspiration to the whole region.
Jason D. Greenblatt was the White House's Middle East envoy for nearly three years. Follow him on Twitter: @GreenblattJD.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-12-14--'The Witcher': What Henry Cavill's Injury Means for Season 2's Release Date

The Witcher Season 2 is currently filming in London , but production has hardly been smooth sailing on the Netflix show .
Most recently , the show 's lead star Henry Cavill has had to take a break from shooting after receiving what Deadline called `` a minor leg muscle injury '' on the set of the Netflix show .
However , this is not the first time that production on the show has been hit with a setback that could delay the release date of the new season .
Compared to the other delays , however , Cavill 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impact on the fantasy series ' release date .
Production is continuing to film around the Superman actor while he recovers from an injury reportedly sustained on an assault course , which means that the show is continuing its production by filming scenes featuring other members of the extensive Witcher cast .
This is in contrast to the previous two production delays , which led to filming having to stop for weeks and even months .
The first time , filming was suspended from March until August .
This halt began after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus and continued as the United Kingdom went into lockdown over the spring .
Filming was then able to continue with safety measures in place for a few months until November , when multiple positive coronavirus tests brought filming to a close again .
All of these delays have pushed the release date of The Witcher Season 2 into 2021 , after the initial plan had been to air Season 2 a year after the first aired in December 2019 .
However , it seems that the earliest we can now expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , probably more likely , the fall .
The first season of The Witcher filmed for seven month in total , with production beginning in October 2018 in Hungary and ending in Poland in May 2019 So far , The Witcher Season 2 has managed about five months of filming in total : Around a month from when filming began in February to when it shut down in March , three months from mid-August to mid-November and around a month from when production resumed in November until now .
Assuming there are no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spring 2021 .
Giving a few more months for post-production , this should mean Season 2 is ready by summer .
Netflix then has to decide when to release , whether in fall or in winter , so as to put the show back into its usual December release slot .
So far , Netflix has not confirmed the release date of The Witcher Season 2 , and are not expected to do so until late into 2021 .
The Witcher Season 2 is coming soon to Netflix .

The Witcher Season 2 is currently filming in London, but production has hardly been smooth sailing on the Netflix show. Most recently, the show's lead star Henry Cavill has had to take a break from shooting after receiving what Deadline called "a minor leg muscle injury" on the set of the Netflix show. However, this is not the first time that production on the show has been hit with a setback that could delay the release date of the new season.
Compared to the other delays, however, Cavill's injury should not have too much of an impact on the fantasy series' release date. Production is continuing to film around the Superman actor while he recovers from an injury reportedly sustained on an assault course, which means that the show is continuing its production by filming scenes featuring other members of the extensive Witcher cast.
This is in contrast to the previous two production delays, which led to filming having to stop for weeks and even months. The first time, filming was suspended from March until August. This halt began after Nivellen actor Kristofer Hivju tested positive for the coronavirus and continued as the United Kingdom went into lockdown over the spring.
Henry Cavill injured himself on the set of 'The Witcher' Season 2 – but filming is continuing. Netflix
Filming was then able to continue with safety measures in place for a few months until November, when multiple positive coronavirus tests brought filming to a close again.
All of these delays have pushed the release date of The Witcher Season 2 into 2021, after the initial plan had been to air Season 2 a year after the first aired in December 2019.
However, it seems that the earliest we can now expect the show is late summer 2021 or, probably more likely, the fall. The first season of The Witcher filmed for seven month in total, with production beginning in October 2018 in Hungary and ending in Poland in May 2019
So far, The Witcher Season 2 has managed about five months of filming in total: Around a month from when filming began in February to when it shut down in March, three months from mid-August to mid-November and around a month from when production resumed in November until now.
Assuming there are no more delays, production should wrap around spring 2021. Giving a few more months for post-production, this should mean Season 2 is ready by summer. Netflix then has to decide when to release, whether in fall or in winter, so as to put the show back into its usual December release slot.
So far, Netflix has not confirmed the release date of The Witcher Season 2, and are not expected to do so until late into 2021.
The Witcher Season 2 is coming soon to Netflix.


newsweek--2020-12-14--Russia Claims It Doesn't Engage in Cyberattacks After U.S. Reports New Hacks

The Russian embassy in Washington , D.C. has rejected allegations that Moscow was behind recent cyberattacks on the Treasury and Commerce departments , describing the claims as `` unfounded '' and suggesting that the Russian Federation does not engage in offensive cyber operations .
The White House confirmed this weekend that hackers had been monitoring internal agency email traffic at the two federal agencies .
The Commerce breach was in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration , where officials draw up internet and telecommunications policy .
Though the U.S. has not officially accused any nation of responsibility , three people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russia is suspected of the attacks .
The incident was taken seriously enough to prompt a National Security Council meeting at the White House on Saturday , Reuters said .
The FBI said it was aware of reports regarding the hack and that it was `` appropriately engaged , '' The Wall Street Journal reported .
The Russian embassy in Washington on Sunday dismissed allegations of Moscow 's involvement .
Russia has long denied launching a range of offensive cyber operations abroad , including in the U.S. '' We paid attention to another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blame Russia for hacker attacks on U.S. governmental bodies , '' the embassy said in a post on Facebook .
`` We declare responsibly : malicious activities in the information space contradicts the principles of the Russian foreign policy , national interests and our understanding of interstate relations .
Russia does not conduct offensive operations in the cyber domain . ''
American intelligence agencies , lawmakers , courts and U.S. allies abroad have all presented significant evidence detailing Russia 's offensive cyber strategy , through which Moscow seeks to amplify its foreign clout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivals .
Some attacks are linked to the FSB which is Russia 's main intelligence organization , others to the GRU which is Russia 's military intelligence body , and others to the SVR which is Russia 's dedicated foreign intelligence service .
These agencies and others compete for influence and favor with President Vladimir Putin .
Cyber attacks have in recent years become a relatively inexpensive but effective way for these competing factions to undermine Russia 's rivals .
Russian officials claim Moscow does not pursue such operations , though if true @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few major nations not to engage in offensive cyber operations .
Like Russia , most other countries also refuse to publicly confirm their involvement in cyber attacks , and it can be difficult to identify the origins of and ultimate responsibility for such operations .
The embassy also accused the U.S. of hamstringing Russia 's efforts to promote bipartisan cyber security cooperation .
`` The Russian Federation actively promotes bilateral and multilateral cyber security agreements , '' the statement read .
`` In this regard , we would like to remind our American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Vladimir Putin on September 25 on a comprehensive program of measures to restore Russian-U.S. cooperation in the field of international information security . ''
`` We have received no reply from Washington , '' the embassy added .
`` Many of our other suggestions to start constructive and equal dialogue with the U.S. remain unanswered . ''

The Russian embassy in Washington, D.C. has rejected allegations that Moscow was behind recent cyberattacks on the Treasury and Commerce departments, describing the claims as "unfounded" and suggesting that the Russian Federation does not engage in offensive cyber operations.
The White House confirmed this weekend that hackers had been monitoring internal agency email traffic at the two federal agencies. The Commerce breach was in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, where officials draw up internet and telecommunications policy.
Though the U.S. has not officially accused any nation of responsibility, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters that Russia is suspected of the attacks. The incident was taken seriously enough to prompt a National Security Council meeting at the White House on Saturday, Reuters said.
The FBI said it was aware of reports regarding the hack and that it was "appropriately engaged," The Wall Street Journal reported.
The Russian embassy in Washington on Sunday dismissed allegations of Moscow's involvement. Russia has long denied launching a range of offensive cyber operations abroad, including in the U.S.
"We paid attention to another unfounded attempt of the U.S. media to blame Russia for hacker attacks on U.S. governmental bodies," the embassy said in a post on Facebook.
"We declare responsibly: malicious activities in the information space contradicts the principles of the Russian foreign policy, national interests and our understanding of interstate relations. Russia does not conduct offensive operations in the cyber domain."
American intelligence agencies, lawmakers, courts and U.S. allies abroad have all presented significant evidence detailing Russia's offensive cyber strategy, through which Moscow seeks to amplify its foreign clout, promote Russian interests and undermine its rivals.
Some attacks are linked to the FSB which is Russia's main intelligence organization, others to the GRU which is Russia's military intelligence body, and others to the SVR which is Russia's dedicated foreign intelligence service. These agencies and others compete for influence and favor with President Vladimir Putin.
Cyber attacks have in recent years become a relatively inexpensive but effective way for these competing factions to undermine Russia's rivals.
Russian officials claim Moscow does not pursue such operations, though if true it would make the country one of few major nations not to engage in offensive cyber operations.
Like Russia, most other countries also refuse to publicly confirm their involvement in cyber attacks, and it can be difficult to identify the origins of and ultimate responsibility for such operations.
The embassy also accused the U.S. of hamstringing Russia's efforts to promote bipartisan cyber security cooperation. "The Russian Federation actively promotes bilateral and multilateral cyber security agreements," the statement read.
"In this regard, we would like to remind our American colleagues of the initiative put forward by President Vladimir Putin on September 25 on a comprehensive program of measures to restore Russian-U.S. cooperation in the field of international information security."
"We have received no reply from Washington," the embassy added. "Many of our other suggestions to start constructive and equal dialogue with the U.S. remain unanswered."


newsweek--2020-12-14--My Son Died in Sandy Hook Eight Years Ago. Gun Reform Still Lingers | Opinion

It 's been eight years since my sweet little Daniel was murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School , along with 19 of his classmates and six educators .
It was less than two weeks before the holidays , and many of the children were making gingerbread houses when the shooting began .
For many families , the holidays are a time filled with joy .
For us , the holidays are forever different .
We know we have so much to be thankful for .
Our two older children , James and Natalie are in college and growing into beautiful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love and admire .
Daniel is always top of mind for all of us , and the sad , longing feeling that he should be with us is all the more present at this time of year .
Burying my seven-year-old child was the hardest thing I 've ever had to do .
My son had an incredible reservoir of compassion , and I vowed to do everything I could in his honor to prevent other families from enduring a similar fate .
In the months after the shooting , myself and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action .
We called for Universal Background Checks that keep guns out of the hands of people prohibited from owning them .
We also support safe storage policies that keep guns and ammunition out of the hands of children .
Despite broad support from 95 percent of Americans—including many gun owners—federal lawmakers have yet to pass Universal Background Checks ( S.42 ) .
With each passing month and year , Senate lawmakers are still failing to act .
And with millions more guns in people 's possession , the potential for violence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher than ever .
Driven in part by the ongoing pandemic and fear over national politics , more than 20 million guns were purchased in the United States between January and November this year .
And those are only the sales we can track .
This figure shatters every gun sales record in our nation 's history .
Suicide has become the second leading cause of death for our youth .
And experts are concerned that suicide rates among youth , who now have more access to weapons if left unsecured , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to prevent further violence and tragedy involving our youth , then the time to act is now .
More than 20 states including North Carolina and Pennsylvania , have passed some expansion of the federal background check system that closes the `` private sales loophole . ''
This loophole lets private sellers sell guns to absolute strangers without ever conducting a background check on the buyer .
Other states have passed Extreme Risk Protection Orders ( ERPOs ) that empower family members to temporarily remove firearms from a loved one who may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Law in my home state of Connecticut , offers a way forward for safe storage : requiring firearms to be locked separately from ammunition .
It 's time for federal lawmakers to follow the states ' examples and act on these important and life-saving measures .
Real change is possible if we can put aside our differences and focus on what we have in common .
We all love our children , they are our inspiration , our legacy , and our hope for a better future .
We must come together as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , educators and community members , to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable citizens .
I urge everyone to call your federal lawmakers and demand meaningful reform , including universal background checks , safe storage solutions , and expanded access to ERPOs , before more children are senselessly killed by gun violence .
We must persevere , our dedication unwavering .
And we must work together .
We owe our children—the future of our nation—nothing less .
Mark Barden is co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise , and the father @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy on December 14 , 2012 .
The views expressed in this article are the author 's own .

It's been eight years since my sweet little Daniel was murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School, along with 19 of his classmates and six educators. It was less than two weeks before the holidays, and many of the children were making gingerbread houses when the shooting began.
For many families, the holidays are a time filled with joy. For us, the holidays are forever different. We know we have so much to be thankful for. Our two older children, James and Natalie are in college and growing into beautiful, kind and considerate adults whom we love and admire. Daniel is always top of mind for all of us, and the sad, longing feeling that he should be with us is all the more present at this time of year. Burying my seven-year-old child was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. My son had an incredible reservoir of compassion, and I vowed to do everything I could in his honor to prevent other families from enduring a similar fate.
In the months after the shooting, myself and other families called on federal officials to take action. We called for Universal Background Checks that keep guns out of the hands of people prohibited from owning them. We also support safe storage policies that keep guns and ammunition out of the hands of children.
Despite broad support from 95 percent of Americans—including many gun owners—federal lawmakers have yet to pass Universal Background Checks (S.42). With each passing month and year, Senate lawmakers are still failing to act.
And with millions more guns in people's possession, the potential for violence in schools, homes, and communities is higher than ever.
Driven in part by the ongoing pandemic and fear over national politics, more than 20 million guns were purchased in the United States between January and November this year. And those are only the sales we can track. This figure shatters every gun sales record in our nation's history.
Suicide has become the second leading cause of death for our youth. And experts are concerned that suicide rates among youth, who now have more access to weapons if left unsecured, is also on the rise.
If we want to prevent further violence and tragedy involving our youth, then the time to act is now.
More than 20 states including North Carolina and Pennsylvania, have passed some expansion of the federal background check system that closes the "private sales loophole." This loophole lets private sellers sell guns to absolute strangers without ever conducting a background check on the buyer.
Other states have passed Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) that empower family members to temporarily remove firearms from a loved one who may be in crisis. And Ethan's Law in my home state of Connecticut, offers a way forward for safe storage: requiring firearms to be locked separately from ammunition. It's time for federal lawmakers to follow the states' examples and act on these important and life-saving measures.
Real change is possible if we can put aside our differences and focus on what we have in common. We all love our children, they are our inspiration, our legacy, and our hope for a better future. We must come together as parents and grandparents, uncles and aunts, educators and community members, to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable citizens.
I urge everyone to call your federal lawmakers and demand meaningful reform, including universal background checks, safe storage solutions, and expanded access to ERPOs, before more children are senselessly killed by gun violence. We must persevere, our dedication unwavering. And we must work together. We owe our children—the future of our nation—nothing less.
Mark Barden is co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise, and the father of Daniel who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy on December 14, 2012.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own.


newsweek--2020-12-14--Liz Cheney Says Trump Snowden Pardon Would Be 'Unconscionable'

Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney said it would `` unconscionable '' for the whistleblower Edward Snowden to be pardoned , four months after President Donald Trump said he would look at offering the former National Security Agency ( NSA ) contractor a reprieve .
The Republican congresswoman called the whistleblower , who had to flee the U.S. after he exposed the NSA 's mass surveillance program , a `` traitor '' for releasing the classified information .
She also said Snowden had put the country `` at risk '' through his actions .
Posting on social media on Sunday night , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a traitor .
He is responsible for the largest and most damaging release of classified info in US history .
`` He handed over US secrets to Russian and Chinese intelligence putting our troops and our nation at risk .
Pardoning him would be unconscionable . ''
Newsweek has contacted representatives of Snowden for comment .
This article will be updated with any response .
Rep. Cheney hit out at the whistleblower and the prospects of him receiving a presidential pardon four months after President Donald Trump said he would `` look at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New York Post in August , the commander-in-chief said he 'd consulted his aides on whether Snowden should be able to return to the U.S. without fear of being imprisoned for his decision to leak classified information .
`` I guess the DOJ is looking to extradite him right now ?
It 's certainly something I could look at , '' Trump reportedly told the paper .
`` Many people are on his side , I will say that .
I do n't know him , never met him .
But many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that a lot of people felt Snowden had n't been `` treated fairly '' in the wake of the NSA revelations that led him to seek asylum in Russia .
At a press conference , he also promised to take `` a very good look '' at the whistleblower 's case .
However , Attorney General William Barr later said he was `` vehemently opposed '' to the prospect of Snowden receiving a pardon from the president .
Reacting to the prospect of a pardon , Snowden told MSNBC 's 11th Hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pardon from the U.S. himself , and said he was `` surprised '' to have seen Trump talk about the prospect of a pardon .
But he added : `` By hook or by crook , there 's been no contact or anything like that .
I think if that were happening , it 'd certainly be news we 'd hear through other channels . ''

Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney said it would "unconscionable" for the whistleblower Edward Snowden to be pardoned, four months after President Donald Trump said he would look at offering the former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor a reprieve.
The Republican congresswoman called the whistleblower, who had to flee the U.S. after he exposed the NSA's mass surveillance program, a "traitor" for releasing the classified information. She also said Snowden had put the country "at risk" through his actions.
Posting on social media on Sunday night, Cheney said: "Edward Snowden is a traitor. He is responsible for the largest and most damaging release of classified info in US history.
"He handed over US secrets to Russian and Chinese intelligence putting our troops and our nation at risk. Pardoning him would be unconscionable."
Liz Cheney (R-WY) speaks during a news conference with fellow House Republicans outside the U.S. Capitol December 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Newsweek has contacted representatives of Snowden for comment. This article will be updated with any response.
Rep. Cheney hit out at the whistleblower and the prospects of him receiving a presidential pardon four months after President Donald Trump said he would "look at" the issue.
Speaking to the New York Post in August, the commander-in-chief said he'd consulted his aides on whether Snowden should be able to return to the U.S. without fear of being imprisoned for his decision to leak classified information.
"I guess the DOJ is looking to extradite him right now? It's certainly something I could look at," Trump reportedly told the paper. "Many people are on his side, I will say that. I don't know him, never met him. But many people are on his side."
He added that a lot of people felt Snowden hadn't been "treated fairly" in the wake of the NSA revelations that led him to seek asylum in Russia. At a press conference, he also promised to take "a very good look" at the whistleblower's case.
However, Attorney General William Barr later said he was "vehemently opposed" to the prospect of Snowden receiving a pardon from the president.
Reacting to the prospect of a pardon, Snowden told MSNBC's 11th Hour in September that he had not sought a pardon from the U.S. himself, and said he was "surprised" to have seen Trump talk about the prospect of a pardon.
But he added: "By hook or by crook, there's been no contact or anything like that. I think if that were happening, it'd certainly be news we'd hear through other channels."


newsweek--2020-12-14--Proud Boys Leader Says Antifa 'Fear Us' After Washington D.C. Clashes

One of the leading members of the Proud Boys group has boasted about the violence that broke out in Washington over the weekend , which saw their supporters being stabbed and a Black Lives Matter banner torn from a church and set on fire .
Joe Biggs , who organizes the rallies for the far-right group , described how Proud Boys will `` stand against evil '' and how antifa protesters `` got busted up '' during violent clashes in the capitol on Saturday .
The altercations between the opposing sides erupted in the wake of largely peaceful rallies by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disputed and unproven claims that the president lost the election to Joe Biden because of widespread voter fraud .
One man was arrested on Sunday in connection with a knife attack at a bar on Saturday night .
The Metropolitan Police Department said Phillip Johnson , 29 , of Northeast , has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after an altercation broke out at Henry 's Bar in the 500 block of 11th Street , Northwest at around 9 p.m. Video later emerged showing a male in a black hooded top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters , who are urging him to leave .
The suspect is then attacked by the group and beaten to the ground as he attempts to run down the street .
An officer then intervenes while several people , including Proud Boys and people in red MAGA caps , appear to punch and kick the man .
DC Police confirmed that four people received non-life-threatening injuries after being stabbed during the altercation .
At least two of the injured—Jeremy Bertino , of Locust , North Carolina , and Corey Owen Nielsen of Robbinsdale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporters .
Writing on Parler , Biggs decried the media reports regarding the violence , while denouncing the antifa protesters he said attacked them .
`` Looking over coverage of our event .
Every single outlet made it seem to the American people we stabbed 4 people .
No we got stabbed .
We also whooped their asses , '' Biggs wrote .
`` The media lies .
And as the media lies and the masses believe [ our ] country dies .
`` Antifa talked s**t all week and got busted up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ running.They fear us .
They should , '' Biggs added .
`` We will fight for the family .
Our women .
Our children .
Our country but most of all .
God .
This is a country founded on Christianity and it will always be a Christian nation .
No matter of Marxism will bring us down . ''
Minutes before the stabbing took place , Proud Boys supporters were seen ripping off a Black Lives Matter sign displayed outside the Asbury United Methodist Church .
Their members then set fire to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ act which the church 's senior pastor , Rev .
Dr. Ianther M. Mills , said was `` reminiscent of cross burnings . ''
On encrypted messaging service app Telegram , a video posted on one of the Proud Boys ' channels also shows members ripping up a BLM banner .
`` More degenerate communist propaganda removed and destroyed by Proud Boys , '' a caption read .
Discussing setting the sign on fire , Biggs claimed the act was not racially motivated = .
`` BLM burnt cites to the ground and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of plywood not attached to a church and burned it and now it 's being labeled a hate crime , '' Biggs wrote .
`` How about the videos of blacks attacking whites for being black .
How about antifa hunting down and killing trump supporters .
Zero .
Zip .
Silence .
We will not stand by .
We will not come comply .
We will rise .
We will defeat evil .
We are the proud boys . ''
In a statement , Washington Mayor Murial Bowser condemned the incident involving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that an attack of any faith-based organization is an `` attack on all of us . ''
`` This weekend , we saw forces of hate seeking to use destruction and intimidation to tear us apart .
We will not let that happen , and continue to stand together strong and United to Love , '' Bowser added .

One of the leading members of the Proud Boys group has boasted about the violence that broke out in Washington over the weekend, which saw their supporters being stabbed and a Black Lives Matter banner torn from a church and set on fire.
Joe Biggs, who organizes the rallies for the far-right group, described how Proud Boys will "stand against evil" and how antifa protesters "got busted up" during violent clashes in the capitol on Saturday.
The altercations between the opposing sides erupted in the wake of largely peaceful rallies by Donald Trump supporters who continue to push disputed and unproven claims that the president lost the election to Joe Biden because of widespread voter fraud.
One man was arrested on Sunday in connection with a knife attack at a bar on Saturday night.
The Metropolitan Police Department said Phillip Johnson, 29, of Northeast, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon after an altercation broke out at Henry's Bar in the 500 block of 11th Street, Northwest at around 9 p.m.
Video later emerged showing a male in a black hooded top brandishing a knife while confronting Proud Boys supporters, who are urging him to leave. The suspect is then attacked by the group and beaten to the ground as he attempts to run down the street.
An officer then intervenes while several people, including Proud Boys and people in red MAGA caps, appear to punch and kick the man.
DC Police confirmed that four people received non-life-threatening injuries after being stabbed during the altercation.
At least two of the injured—Jeremy Bertino, of Locust, North Carolina, and Corey Owen Nielsen of Robbinsdale, Minnesota—have been identified as Proud Boys supporters.
Writing on Parler, Biggs decried the media reports regarding the violence, while denouncing the antifa protesters he said attacked them.
"Looking over coverage of our event. Every single outlet made it seem to the American people we stabbed 4 people. No we got stabbed. We also whooped their asses," Biggs wrote. "The media lies. And as the media lies and the masses believe [our] country dies.
"Antifa talked s**t all week and got busted up. We came in and had them running.They fear us. They should," Biggs added.
"We will fight for the family. Our women. Our children. Our country but most of all. God. This is a country founded on Christianity and it will always be a Christian nation. No matter of Marxism will bring us down."
Minutes before the stabbing took place, Proud Boys supporters were seen ripping off a Black Lives Matter sign displayed outside the Asbury United Methodist Church.
Their members then set fire to the banner on the street, an act which the church's senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills, said was "reminiscent of cross burnings."
On encrypted messaging service app Telegram, a video posted on one of the Proud Boys' channels also shows members ripping up a BLM banner.
"More degenerate communist propaganda removed and destroyed by Proud Boys," a caption read.
Discussing setting the sign on fire, Biggs claimed the act was not racially motivated =.
"BLM burnt cites to the ground and we took a Sign from a piece of plywood not attached to a church and burned it and now it's being labeled a hate crime," Biggs wrote.
"How about the videos of blacks attacking whites for being black. How about antifa hunting down and killing trump supporters. Zero. Zip. Silence. We will not stand by. We will not come comply. We will rise. We will defeat evil. We are the proud boys."
In a statement, Washington Mayor Murial Bowser condemned the incident involving the Asbury United Methodist Church, adding that an attack of any faith-based organization is an "attack on all of us."
"This weekend, we saw forces of hate seeking to use destruction and intimidation to tear us apart. We will not let that happen, and continue to stand together strong and United to Love," Bowser added.