newsweek--2020-12-16--Tyson Fires 7 Employees Accused of Betting on COVID-19 Spread Among Workers

Tyson Foods , Inc. , said it fired seven employees following allegations that some individuals at the company placed bets on the extent to which COVID-19 would spread at its Waterloo , Iowa , plant .
The meatpacking company announced an investigation into the allegations last month .
The investigation began in response to a wrongful death lawsuit brought against Tyson by a family member of a former employee who worked at the Waterloo plant before contracting and later dying of COVID-19 .
In addition to accusing Tyson of requiring employees to work without personal protective equipment despite realizing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an amendment to the lawsuit added allegations against specific members of the plant 's management team .
The Waterloo plant manager , identified in the lawsuit as Tom Hart , allegedly `` organized a cash buy-in , winner-take-all betting pool for supervisors and managers to wager how many employees would test positive for COVID-19 '' in April , according to the lawsuit .
The company 's president and CEO , Dean Banks , issued a statement that said he was `` extremely upset '' upon learning of the allegations against Hart and others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company would initiate an independent investigation led by former Attorney General Eric Holder to look into the allegations made within the lawsuit .
On Wednesday , Tyson announced seven management employees at the Waterloo plant were fired as a result of the investigation .
`` The behaviors exhibited by these individuals do not represent the Tyson core values , which is why we took immediate and appropriate action to get to the truth , '' Banks said in a company news release .
`` Now that the investigation has concluded , we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The lawsuit that inspired Tyson 's investigation was filed by Oscar Fernandez , whose father Isidro died in late April after he contracted COVID-19 .
According to the lawsuit , Isidro Fernandez was one of more than 1,000 employees at the Waterloo plant who contracted the virus .
The consumer advocacy nonprofit Public Citizen filed an amicus brief in support of keeping the case in state court in early November .
After news of Tyson 's concluded investigation broke on Wednesday , a spokesperson for Public Citizen told Newsweek terminating the seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' but criticized Tyson 's `` aggressive legal strategy '' in attempting to fend off lawsuits filed by the families of COVID-19 victims .
`` While it is a good first step that Tyson has fired management that demonstrated contempt for the lives of its workers , that wo n't bring back the lives of Tyson workers who died of COVID after high-level executives refused to shut plants down or to ensure appropriate safety measures were taken , '' Public Citizen 's statement said .
`` Tyson 's decision to put its workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ profits was n't limited to these seven workers .
`` If Tyson truly wanted to take responsibility , it would stop its aggressive legal strategy of asserting immunity from lawsuits brought by the families of dead Tyson workers .
While Tyson and other businesses have been asking the president and Congress to immunize them from liability for their negligence since the beginning of the pandemic , neither have granted it . ''
Newsweek reached out to Oscar Fernandez 's attorneys but did not receive a response in time for publication .

Tyson Foods, Inc., said it fired seven employees following allegations that some individuals at the company placed bets on the extent to which COVID-19 would spread at its Waterloo, Iowa, plant.
The meatpacking company announced an investigation into the allegations last month. The investigation began in response to a wrongful death lawsuit brought against Tyson by a family member of a former employee who worked at the Waterloo plant before contracting and later dying of COVID-19.
In addition to accusing Tyson of requiring employees to work without personal protective equipment despite realizing the virus was present within the plant, an amendment to the lawsuit added allegations against specific members of the plant's management team. The Waterloo plant manager, identified in the lawsuit as Tom Hart, allegedly "organized a cash buy-in, winner-take-all betting pool for supervisors and managers to wager how many employees would test positive for COVID-19" in April, according to the lawsuit.
Tyson Foods, Inc., announced the termination of seven employees on Wednesday following an investigation into allegations of wagers placed on the spread of COVID-19 at a plant in Waterloo, Iowa. In the photo above, packages of Tyson chicken products are displayed in the refrigerator section of an Associated Supermarket in New York City on November 14, 2005. Ramin Talaie/Corbis via Getty Images
The company's president and CEO, Dean Banks, issued a statement that said he was "extremely upset" upon learning of the allegations against Hart and others at the facility. Banks said the company would initiate an independent investigation led by former Attorney General Eric Holder to look into the allegations made within the lawsuit.
On Wednesday, Tyson announced seven management employees at the Waterloo plant were fired as a result of the investigation.
"The behaviors exhibited by these individuals do not represent the Tyson core values, which is why we took immediate and appropriate action to get to the truth," Banks said in a company news release. "Now that the investigation has concluded, we are taking action based on the findings."
The lawsuit that inspired Tyson's investigation was filed by Oscar Fernandez, whose father Isidro died in late April after he contracted COVID-19. According to the lawsuit, Isidro Fernandez was one of more than 1,000 employees at the Waterloo plant who contracted the virus.
The consumer advocacy nonprofit Public Citizen filed an amicus brief in support of keeping the case in state court in early November. After news of Tyson's concluded investigation broke on Wednesday, a spokesperson for Public Citizen told Newsweek terminating the seven employees was a "good first step" but criticized Tyson's "aggressive legal strategy" in attempting to fend off lawsuits filed by the families of COVID-19 victims.
"While it is a good first step that Tyson has fired management that demonstrated contempt for the lives of its workers, that won't bring back the lives of Tyson workers who died of COVID after high-level executives refused to shut plants down or to ensure appropriate safety measures were taken," Public Citizen's statement said. "Tyson's decision to put its workers at risk so it could pursue greater profits wasn't limited to these seven workers.
"If Tyson truly wanted to take responsibility, it would stop its aggressive legal strategy of asserting immunity from lawsuits brought by the families of dead Tyson workers. While Tyson and other businesses have been asking the president and Congress to immunize them from liability for their negligence since the beginning of the pandemic, neither have granted it."
Newsweek reached out to Oscar Fernandez's attorneys but did not receive a response in time for publication.


newsweek--2020-12-16--Bitcoin Sets $20K Record, Investors Expect Rally to Continue as Alternative to Gold

The value of Bitcoin exceeded $ 20,000 for the first time Wednesday , underscoring its move from amateur plaything to investment and inflation hedge , a cyber currency analyst believes .
And it could become an alternative to gold .
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weakness in the financial system , especially with the Federal Reserve 's decision to slash interest rates to near zero and pump trillions into the economy .
Low interest rates boosted consumer spending , which represents about two-thirds of the U.S. economy , and also heated up the housing market .
But injecting trillions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inflation ahead .
And investors always look to hedge their bets .
`` This is about hedging against inflation and protecting assets primarily , '' Jason Deane , Bitcoin analyst at Quantum Economics in London , told Newsweek in an email exchange .
`` It 's clear that with more dollars printed this year than have been printed in the first 200 years of the USA 's existence that we 'll see devaluation through inflation at some point , '' Quantum Economics told Newsweek .
`` Also , since interest rates are at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with your cash will mean it will lose value . ''
He said many analysts view equities as overvalued , especially those who draw a distinction between actual economic growth and a stock 's rise due to federal stimulus .
Bond yields are low , and the value of commercial real estate is likely to decline as companies require less office space as more employees work from home .
This could create a glut of available commercial property and undercut the leasing price per square foot .
In the face of these macro-forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alternatives .
`` Gold is the traditional hedge , but Bitcoin is far easier , far more secure and far more portable , '' Deane said .
This marks a major shift in how Bitcoin is viewed .
Still , some on Wall Street appear leery and do n't track Bitcoin .
However , Dow Jones Indices has announced plans to launch a crypto-currency index in 2021 , suggesting increased investor interest .
`` In the past , Bitcoin has been very much a retail asset driven by idealists , libertarians and cyberpunks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was what drove the boom and bust in late 2017 an early 2018 .
Institutions would n't touch it , although some appeared interested in the idea .
But from a regulatory point of view , especially in the U.S. , it was impossible . ''
But in 2019 , some fund managers began to increase their holdings in Bitcoin , and major payment systems began converting the cyber currency into dollars or other local currencies at the point of sale , making it easier to use and raising its profile .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it is clear there is a sense of urgency in some boardrooms now , '' Deane said .
`` Buying Bitcoin a year ago was an outside bet , and now holding fiat ( money ) is considered a riskier option , '' he said .
`` We are getting to the stage where it will be difficult for boards to justify not taking similar action to protect their balance sheet . ''
He said some major money managers have added Bitcoin to their portfolio .
Previously , enthusiasm morphed into mania @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took a hit .
In December 2017 , Bitcoin fetched about $ 19,500 each .
It had plunged to about $ 3,200 a year later , a decline of 83.59 % .
`` This time we are dealing with very strong fundamentals and a system that is proven to some extent , '' Deane told Newsweek .
`` Plus , we have a real understanding of where the demand is coming from and what 's driving it .
Interestingly , there is very little retail activity at the moment . ''
Bitcoin traded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Year-to-date , the cyber-currency has gained about 180 % .
But other crypto-currencies have n't experienced a similar bounce .
The world 's supply of Bitcoins is limited to 21 million , a cap imposed by the crypto-currency 's investor , Satoshi Nakamoto .
The great unknown : Does the rise of Bitcoin suggest the dollar 's reign as a safe haven and the world 's reserve currency is ending ?

The value of Bitcoin exceeded $20,000 for the first time Wednesday, underscoring its move from amateur plaything to investment and inflation hedge, a cyber currency analyst believes.
And it could become an alternative to gold.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weakness in the financial system, especially with the Federal Reserve's decision to slash interest rates to near zero and pump trillions into the economy. Low interest rates boosted consumer spending, which represents about two-thirds of the U.S. economy,and also heated up the housing market.
But injecting trillions of dollars into the economy almost certainly means inflation ahead. And investors always look to hedge their bets.
"This is about hedging against inflation and protecting assets primarily," Jason Deane, Bitcoin analyst at Quantum Economics in London, told Newsweek in an email exchange.
This photograph taken on September 24, 2020 shows a physical imitation of a Bitcoin at a crypto currency "Bitcoin Change" shop, near Grand Bazaar, in Istanbul. Bitcoin prices have rallied off the back of positive economic outlooks and more appetite for risk. OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images
"It's clear that with more dollars printed this year than have been printed in the first 200 years of the USA's existence that we'll see devaluation through inflation at some point," Quantum Economics told Newsweek. "Also, since interest rates are at a record low, whatever you do with your cash will mean it will lose value."
He said many analysts view equities as overvalued, especially those who draw a distinction between actual economic growth and a stock's rise due to federal stimulus. Bond yields are low, and the value of commercial real estate is likely to decline as companies require less office space as more employees work from home. This could create a glut of available commercial property and undercut the leasing price per square foot.
In the face of these macro-forces that encourage inflation, investors have few alternatives.
"Gold is the traditional hedge, but Bitcoin is far easier, far more secure and far more portable," Deane said.
Historically, gold has been the investment vehicle of choice in inflationary times. Bitcoin is emerging as an alternative. Michael Steinberg/PEXELS
This marks a major shift in how Bitcoin is viewed. Still, some on Wall Street appear leery and don't track Bitcoin. However, Dow Jones Indices has announced plans to launch a crypto-currency index in 2021, suggesting increased investor interest.
"In the past, Bitcoin has been very much a retail asset driven by idealists, libertarians and cyberpunks," Deane said. "This was what drove the boom and bust in late 2017 an early 2018. Institutions wouldn't touch it, although some appeared interested in the idea. But from a regulatory point of view, especially in the U.S., it was impossible."
But in 2019, some fund managers began to increase their holdings in Bitcoin, and major payment systems began converting the cyber currency into dollars or other local currencies at the point of sale, making it easier to use and raising its profile.
"There is no mania as such, but it is clear there is a sense of urgency in some boardrooms now," Deane said.
"Buying Bitcoin a year ago was an outside bet, and now holding fiat (money) is considered a riskier option," he said. "We are getting to the stage where it will be difficult for boards to justify not taking similar action to protect their balance sheet."
He said some major money managers have added Bitcoin to their portfolio. Previously, enthusiasm morphed into mania creating a textbook bubble and small investors took a hit. In December 2017, Bitcoin fetched about $19,500 each. It had plunged to about $3,200 a year later, a decline of 83.59%.
"This time we are dealing with very strong fundamentals and a system that is proven to some extent," Deane told Newsweek. "Plus, we have a real understanding of where the demand is coming from and what's driving it. Interestingly, there is very little retail activity at the moment."
Bitcoin traded Wednesday as high as $20,845 each. Year-to-date, the cyber-currency has gained about 180%. But other crypto-currencies haven't experienced a similar bounce. The world's supply of Bitcoins is limited to 21 million, a cap imposed by the crypto-currency's investor, Satoshi Nakamoto.
The great unknown: Does the rise of Bitcoin suggest the dollar's reign as a safe haven and the world's reserve currency is ending?


newsweek--2020-12-16--Bounce Back? More Like a Slow, Uncertain, Unequal Climb | Opinion

The pandemic-driven recession has caused immense pain across the United States , exacerbating existing economic and health disparities .
After 22 million workers lost their jobs in March and April , the labor market saw a notable bounce back in May and June .
Unfortunately , that progress was short-lived .
Job growth has significantly slowed since then with payrolls increasing by only 245,000 in November .
Employment remains 9.8 million below its pre-pandemic levels with notable deficits in leisure and hospitality , public-sector employment , and education and health services .
Further , the recovery has been uneven across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are experiencing a larger shortfall from their pre-pandemic employment rates than white workers .
Overall , over 26 million workers are either unemployed , otherwise out of work due to the pandemic , or experienced a drop in hours or pay .
The pandemic rages on as winter approaches and at least one million workers continue to file initial unemployment insurance claims every week .
Any hope for a V-shaped recovery—one that sharply falls then quickly rises—have long since been dashed .
The early and easy gains from workers on temporary layoffs getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
And , over one-third of the unemployed have been out of work for 27 weeks or more and many have already exhausted their unemployment benefits .
Unfortunately , the economic devastation—on top of the growing pandemic—is expected to get worse .
The expiration of key measures of the Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security ( CARES ) Act will be a disaster for the millions of workers and their families for whom it was a valuable lifeline .
Expiring provisions will directly hurt workers and their families experiencing job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and family and medical leave , or facing eviction—an especially cruel punishment during the winter in the middle of a pandemic .
Without immediate policy intervention , 12 million workers will lose unemployment insurance benefits on December 26 .
The expiration of those benefits will mean those workers will have a difficult time putting a roof over their families ' heads and food on the table .
That income also supports consumer spending .
When workers spend money in the economy , they demand goods and services .
Therefore , more workers need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and provide those services .
And , because these benefits are disproportionately going to low-wage workers who lost their jobs in greater numbers in the pandemic recession and who will be unlikely to have any choice but to spend it immediately , that money has a bigger `` multiplier '' effect , stimulating more economic growth .
If the suite of pandemic unemployment insurance programs—including the extra $ 600—are reinstated and extended through 2021 , and if the virus is brought under control so that economic growth for 2021 returns to being simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy would be boosted by 3.5 percent and 5.1 million more jobs would be added in 2021 .
None of this economic pain is inevitable .
The pain was dramatically lessened in the initial months of the recession when the CARES Act and other spending made it economically viable for businesses to close and for employers , workers , and their families to safely socially distance to get the pandemic under control .
Not everyone was so lucky .
Essential front-line workers continued to put themselves and their families in danger while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telecommute .
But now we appear to be repeating the policy mistakes we made in the aftermath of the Great Recession , when we pursued austerity—the intentional withholding of government spending—instead of giving the economy the stimulus it needed , which delayed the recovery by many years .
Now , with CARES Act relief set to expire and little hope for a recovery package in the coming days , we may be looking at a double-dip recession .
Not only will the expiration of these vital relief measures spell inhumane economic devastation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery .
Now that the recovery drags on and relief is about to fall off a cliff , the growing divide between the haves and the have-nots continues to widen .
This recession and recovery had magnified all of the disparities found in the pre-pandemic labor market by wage level , race , gender , age , education , among other factors .
Those with higher wages were more likely to keep their jobs and stay out of harm 's way by working from home .
Those with lower wages had to risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person or lost their jobs .
It is long overdue that policymakers step up and pass roughly three trillion in spending measures to provide relief to those more harmed as well as breathe life into this faltering recovery .
At a minimum , this should include reinstating and expanding pandemic unemployment insurance , significant aid to state and local governments , and assistance to those in need of crucial aid , such as food and housing assistance .
This is the only way to reduce the ongoing devastation and get our country back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senior Economist with the Economic Policy Institute ( EPI ) .
The views expressed in this article are the author 's own .

The pandemic-driven recession has caused immense pain across the United States, exacerbating existing economic and health disparities. After 22 million workers lost their jobs in March and April, the labor market saw a notable bounce back in May and June. Unfortunately, that progress was short-lived. Job growth has significantly slowed since then with payrolls increasing by only 245,000 in November. Employment remains 9.8 million below its pre-pandemic levels with notable deficits in leisure and hospitality, public-sector employment, and education and health services. Further, the recovery has been uneven across demographic groups: Black and Hispanic workers are experiencing a larger shortfall from their pre-pandemic employment rates than white workers. Overall, over 26 million workers are either unemployed, otherwise out of work due to the pandemic, or experienced a drop in hours or pay. The pandemic rages on as winter approaches and at least one million workers continue to file initial unemployment insurance claims every week.
Any hope for a V-shaped recovery—one that sharply falls then quickly rises—have long since been dashed. The early and easy gains from workers on temporary layoffs getting rehired have continued to dwindle month after month. And, over one-third of the unemployed have been out of work for 27 weeks or more and many have already exhausted their unemployment benefits. Unfortunately, the economic devastation—on top of the growing pandemic—is expected to get worse. The expiration of key measures of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will be a disaster for the millions of workers and their families for whom it was a valuable lifeline. Expiring provisions will directly hurt workers and their families experiencing job loss, needing emergency paid sick days and family and medical leave, or facing eviction—an especially cruel punishment during the winter in the middle of a pandemic.
Without immediate policy intervention, 12 million workers will lose unemployment insurance benefits on December 26. The expiration of those benefits will mean those workers will have a difficult time putting a roof over their families' heads and food on the table. That income also supports consumer spending. When workers spend money in the economy, they demand goods and services. Therefore, more workers need to be hired to produce those goods and provide those services. And, because these benefits are disproportionately going to low-wage workers who lost their jobs in greater numbers in the pandemic recession and who will be unlikely to have any choice but to spend it immediately, that money has a bigger "multiplier" effect, stimulating more economic growth. If the suite of pandemic unemployment insurance programs—including the extra $600—are reinstated and extended through 2021, and if the virus is brought under control so that economic growth for 2021 returns to being simply a function of aggregate demand growth, the economy would be boosted by 3.5 percent and 5.1 million more jobs would be added in 2021.
None of this economic pain is inevitable. The pain was dramatically lessened in the initial months of the recession when the CARES Act and other spending made it economically viable for businesses to close and for employers, workers, and their families to safely socially distance to get the pandemic under control. Not everyone was so lucky. Essential front-line workers continued to put themselves and their families in danger while others were able to safely shelter and telecommute.
But now we appear to be repeating the policy mistakes we made in the aftermath of the Great Recession, when we pursued austerity—the intentional withholding of government spending—instead of giving the economy the stimulus it needed, which delayed the recovery by many years. Now, with CARES Act relief set to expire and little hope for a recovery package in the coming days, we may be looking at a double-dip recession. Not only will the expiration of these vital relief measures spell inhumane economic devastation, but it will also stall the economic recovery.
Now that the recovery drags on and relief is about to fall off a cliff, the growing divide between the haves and the have-nots continues to widen. This recession and recovery had magnified all of the disparities found in the pre-pandemic labor market by wage level, race, gender, age, education, among other factors. Those with higher wages were more likely to keep their jobs and stay out of harm's way by working from home. Those with lower wages had to risk their health by continuing to work in person or lost their jobs.
It is long overdue that policymakers step up and pass roughly three trillion in spending measures to provide relief to those more harmed as well as breathe life into this faltering recovery. At a minimum, this should include reinstating and expanding pandemic unemployment insurance, significant aid to state and local governments, and assistance to those in need of crucial aid, such as food and housing assistance. This is the only way to reduce the ongoing devastation and get our country back on track.
Dr. Elise Gould is Senior Economist with the Economic Policy Institute (EPI).
The views expressed in this article are the author's own.


newsweek--2020-12-16--Florida Woman Throws Dog Off Second-Floor Balcony in Disturbing Video

Florida authorities released a disturbing video this week that shows a woman throwing a dog off of the second-floor balcony of a Daytona Beach motel .
The Volusia County Sheriff 's Office reported that officers responded to a situation at a Motel 6 at around noon on Monday , December 14 .
Motel staff called the police after a woman—Allison Murphy , 35—allegedly attacked one of the maids and then stood over the railing and threatened to jump off .
The police report said that after deputies arrived on the scene , they knocked several times on the door of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before she rushed out with a German shepherd on a leash .
Body camera video shows her quickly lifting up the full-grown dog and throwing it over the railing .
The video released of the incident is below .
A warning : The footage is very disturbing .
The shepherd landed on its feet and quickly ran away .
Bystanders helped slow down the frightened dog , as a man identified as Jose Carnot caught it .
`` It looked scared , '' Carnot told local CBS affiliate News 6 .
He owns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near the motel .
He said he saw the dog unattended , dragging its leash .
The moment after she dropped the dog , Murphy ran back into her room and then allegedly resisted officers who followed her inside to take her into custody .
She reportedly kicked at their legs and arms as they brought her down to the floor and were able to eventually handcuff her .
The motel maid that Murphy allegedly assaulted earlier in the day declined to press charges , but Murphy was arrested on felony charges of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence .
After refusing to see a judge during her first appearance , Murphy is still in custody in Volusia County Jail .
The judge ordered her to be held without bond until she can have a mental evaluation .
Volusia County Animal Services took custody of the dog and nicknamed her `` Miracle , '' since no name was provided .
Miracle is around a year old and weighs about 40 pounds .
She was taken to Atlantic Animal Hospital in Port Orange , where she was thoroughly examined , and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in her right thigh .
It is unclear when or how the needle got there , but it was removed following a successful surgical procedure .
Miracle is currently recovering .
A petition for custody over Miracle will be scheduled with the courts in the upcoming weeks .

Florida authorities released a disturbing video this week that shows a woman throwing a dog off of the second-floor balcony of a Daytona Beach motel.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office reported that officers responded to a situation at a Motel 6 at around noon on Monday, December 14. Motel staff called the police after a woman—Allison Murphy, 35—allegedly attacked one of the maids and then stood over the railing and threatened to jump off.
A German Shepherd dog, like the one seen in this photo, was thrown from 2nd story motel balcony by a woman now in police custody. iStock
The police report said that after deputies arrived on the scene, they knocked several times on the door of the room where Murphy was staying, before she rushed out with a German shepherd on a leash. Body camera video shows her quickly lifting up the full-grown dog and throwing it over the railing.
The video released of the incident is below. A warning: The footage is very disturbing.
The shepherd landed on its feet and quickly ran away. Bystanders helped slow down the frightened dog, as a man identified as Jose Carnot caught it.
"It looked scared," Carnot told local CBS affiliate News 6. He owns Pikaro's Food Truck and was parked near the motel. He said he saw the dog unattended, dragging its leash.
The moment after she dropped the dog, Murphy ran back into her room and then allegedly resisted officers who followed her inside to take her into custody. She reportedly kicked at their legs and arms as they brought her down to the floor and were able to eventually handcuff her.
The motel maid that Murphy allegedly assaulted earlier in the day declined to press charges, but Murphy was arrested on felony charges of animal cruelty and resisting an officer without violence. After refusing to see a judge during her first appearance, Murphy is still in custody in Volusia County Jail. The judge ordered her to be held without bond until she can have a mental evaluation.
A mugshot of Alison Murphy, who was arrested for animal cruelty and resisting arrest. Volusia Sheriff's Office
Volusia County Animal Services took custody of the dog and nicknamed her "Miracle," since no name was provided. Miracle is around a year old and weighs about 40 pounds. She was taken to Atlantic Animal Hospital in Port Orange, where she was thoroughly examined, and an X-ray revealed a sewing needle was lodged in her right thigh. It is unclear when or how the needle got there, but it was removed following a successful surgical procedure. Miracle is currently recovering.
A petition for custody over Miracle will be scheduled with the courts in the upcoming weeks.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Democrats Flood Facebook With Georgia Senate Runoff Ads After Ban Lifted

Facebook has lifted its political advertising ban for posts targeting voters in Georgia , just in time for final campaigning ahead of the Senate runoff elections on January 5 .
The two runoff races are set to be close and many factors , including the Republican administration 's COVID management and the state of the economy , could sway voters .
Georgia was the state decided by the slimmest margin in the presidential election and no Senate candidate won a majority on November 3 .
Now Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue will again face Democrats Raphael Warnock and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgia would take away Republicans ' majority in the Senate .
Ossoff was quick off the mark with his social media campaigning , running more than 50 ads on Facebook within hours of the ban being lifted .
Ads also went live from Democratic group the Working Families Party , calling on Georgians to `` take [ the Senate ] back '' and `` mobilize working families for Warnock . ''
The ad went on : `` The Working Families Party has HUGE plans for 2021 , but to make sure our agenda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Senate . ''
Republican PAC Georgia United Victory also ran an ad urging voters to `` send Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue to the U.S .
Senate . ''
It continued : `` The future of America depends on your vote ! ''
Facebook 's analytics tool shows this ad has a potential reach of 500,000 to 1 million people .
Facebook 's decision to allow advertising for the Georgia runoffs comes even though its broader ban on political ads remains in place .
Sarah Schiff , Facebook 's product manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In recent weeks we 've heard feedback from experts and advertisers across the political spectrum about the importance of expressing voice and using our tools to reach voters ahead of Georgia 's runoff elections .
`` We agree that our ad tools are an important way for people to get information about these elections .
So we have developed a process to allow advertisers to run ads with the purpose of reaching voters in Georgia about Georgia 's runoff elections . ''
The move came just days after Google lifted its post-election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into effect as polls closed on 3 November .
Both companies had earlier announced their plans to bar ads after Election Day , extending the restrictions to minimize confusion around the elections .
New polls show that Loeffler and Perdue lead their Democratic rivals by slim margins as early voting begins .
According to the latest Emerson College polls , Sen. Loeffler is three points ahead of Warnock , with 51 percent of likely voters in Georgia saying they would back the Republican incumbent , and 48 percent opting for her rival .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they were undecided .
The poll between Perdue and Ossoff produced the same results .
Fifty-one percent of Georgians favored the GOP senator , putting him three points ahead of his challenger—which is within the survey 's margin of error .
Voters are set to turn out in droves : more than 1 million absentee ballots have already been requested for next month , which is 75 percent of the total number issued for November 3 .

Facebook has lifted its political advertising ban for posts targeting voters in Georgia, just in time for final campaigning ahead of the Senate runoff elections on January 5.
The two runoff races are set to be close and many factors, including the Republican administration's COVID management and the state of the economy, could sway voters.
Georgia was the state decided by the slimmest margin in the presidential election and no Senate candidate won a majority on November 3. Now Republican incumbents Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue will again face Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. Two Democratic wins in Georgia would take away Republicans' majority in the Senate.
Ossoff was quick off the mark with his social media campaigning, running more than 50 ads on Facebook within hours of the ban being lifted.
Ads also went live from Democratic group the Working Families Party, calling on Georgians to "take [the Senate] back" and "mobilize working families for Warnock."
The ad went on: "The Working Families Party has HUGE plans for 2021, but to make sure our agenda is fully realized, progressives need control of the Senate."
Republican PAC Georgia United Victory also ran an ad urging voters to "send Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue to the U.S. Senate." It continued: "The future of America depends on your vote!"
Facebook's analytics tool shows this ad has a potential reach of 500,000 to 1 million people.
Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff speaks at a campaign event in Atlanta on December 14 as early voting begins in the Georgia Senate runoffs. Megan Varner/Getty Images
Facebook's decision to allow advertising for the Georgia runoffs comes even though its broader ban on political ads remains in place.
Sarah Schiff, Facebook's product manager, wrote in a blog post: "In recent weeks we've heard feedback from experts and advertisers across the political spectrum about the importance of expressing voice and using our tools to reach voters ahead of Georgia's runoff elections.
"We agree that our ad tools are an important way for people to get information about these elections. So we have developed a process to allow advertisers to run ads with the purpose of reaching voters in Georgia about Georgia's runoff elections."
The move came just days after Google lifted its post-election ban on political ads, which came into effect as polls closed on 3 November.
Both companies had earlier announced their plans to bar ads after Election Day, extending the restrictions to minimize confusion around the elections.
New polls show that Loeffler and Perdue lead their Democratic rivals by slim margins as early voting begins.
According to the latest Emerson College polls, Sen. Loeffler is three points ahead of Warnock, with 51 percent of likely voters in Georgia saying they would back the Republican incumbent, and 48 percent opting for her rival. A further 1 percent of polled voters said they were undecided.
The poll between Perdue and Ossoff produced the same results. Fifty-one percent of Georgians favored the GOP senator, putting him three points ahead of his challenger—which is within the survey's margin of error.
Voters are set to turn out in droves: more than 1 million absentee ballots have already been requested for next month, which is 75 percent of the total number issued for November 3.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Second Stimulus Deal 'Basically' Reached, Senator Tim Kaine Says

A deal on a second coronavirus stimulus package has `` basically '' been reached , Senator Tim Kaine said Thursday .
The comment was reported on Twitter by economist Christophe Barraud .
Almost nine months after Congress passed the first coronavirus relief bill , lawmakers were closing in on a $ 900 billion relief package , The Associated Press reported on Thursday .
The proposed bill reportedly includes $ 600 stimulus payments and $ 300-per-week unemployment benefit , as well as extra help for businesses .
The agreement would be the first significant response to the pandemic since the landmark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bill delivered $ 1.8 trillion in aid , more generous jobless benefits and $ 1,200 direct payments to most Americans—twice as much as the checks proposed in the new deal .
President-elect Joe Biden is keen to deliver a package to help the economy and aid Americans in need , despite the package falling short of what Democrats want .
Sen. Bernie Sanders had called for the package to be doubled in size , saying it was not enough to help the millions of Americans struggling financially and going hungry due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the delay of a second COVID-19 relief package , saying they had `` refused to entertain '' the amount of money needed .
`` The entire bill , $ 900 billion , is much too low .
It should be at least double that .
So what 's in this current bill is good , but it 's not enough , '' he told CNN 's Wolf Blitzer .
This is a breaking news story and will be updated when more information is available .

A deal on a second coronavirus stimulus package has "basically" been reached, Senator Tim Kaine said Thursday.
The Democrat's comment was reported on Twitter by economist Christophe Barraud.
In a statement earlier this week, Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, said he would object if Congress recessed for the holidays before an agreement was reached. "We must stay in session until we deliver much needed relief," he said.
Almost nine months after Congress passed the first coronavirus relief bill, lawmakers were closing in on a $900 billion package, The Associated Press reported on Thursday.
The proposed bill reportedly includes $600 stimulus payments and $300-per-week unemployment benefit, as well as extra help for businesses and funding for schools and hospitals.
Senator Tim Kaine speaks during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on U.S. Policy in the Middle East on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on September 24. Susan Walsh/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The agreement would be the first significant response to the pandemic since the landmark CARES Act in March.
The landmark bill delivered $1.8 trillion in aid, more generous jobless benefits and $1,200 direct payments to most Americans—twice as much as the checks proposed in the new deal.
The New York Times reported that Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy indicated a second deal was imminent. According to the newspaper, McCarthy said it was "just the fine details we've got to get done."
But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters: "We'll be ready when we're ready."
President-elect Joe Biden is keen to deliver a package to help the economy and aid Americans in need before the end of the year, despite the package falling short of what Democrats want.
"The stimulus package is encouraging. Looks like they're very, very close and it looks like there are going to be direct cash payments," Biden said at an event in Wilmington, Delaware on Wednesday.
"But it's a down payment, an important down payment on what's going to have to be done beginning at the end of January, the beginning of February."
Sen. Bernie Sanders, meanwhile, had called for the package to be doubled in size, saying it was not enough to help the millions of Americans struggling financially and going hungry due to the pandemic.
He blamed Senate Republicans for the delay of a second COVID-19 relief package, saying they had "refused to entertain" the amount of money needed.
"The entire bill, $900 billion, is much too low. It should be at least double that. So what's in this current bill is good, but it's not enough," he told CNN's Wolf Blitzer.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated when more information is available.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Walmart PS5 Stock Update After Bots Blocked From Trying to 'Steal' Consoles

Walmart stopped millions of `` grinch bots '' from buying PlayStation 5 consoles as stock went live last month , an executive has said .
Jerry Geisler , chief information security officer of Walmart Global Tech , said the retail giant used detection tools to block a swarm of automated attempts from purchasing the next-generation gaming machine before legitimate customers .
`` One bot preventative action we implemented just hours before the PlayStation 5 event on Nov. 25 blocked more than 20 million bot attempts in the first 30 minutes ( which is a fraction of what our systems deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a blog .
Unlike prior generations , the rush to buy a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/X has largely taken place online due to safety reasons surrounding the ongoing COVID pandemic , as stores did not want consumers to flock to their branches in massive numbers .
But doing so left the process wide open to `` scalpers , '' resellers who take advantage of automated `` bot '' scripts that scour the internet for stock , placing numerous orders before any real human has the chance to even click on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand high and supply limited , the resellers have been listing PS5s and Xbox consoles on websites like eBay for massively inflated prices .
Mixed with low stock availability , sporadic releases by retailers and website crashes due to floods of internet traffic , many consumers have been unable to get a console before Christmas , and experts forecast the situation may continue into 2021 .
According to Geisler , increased online shopping and the demand for the consoles has created `` patterns of traffic on our site and our apps we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the phrase `` grinch bots '' to describe those trying to hijack the orders .
`` Additional traffic has come from 'grinch bots , ' who like the original Grinch , are trying to steal these would-be presents .
That 's traffic that we simply do n't want , '' he said , adding that Walmart 's bot detection tools appeared to be working as intended .
`` Once a site becomes aware of a bot 's presence , it can utilize a number of strategies in an attempt to block the bot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being re-written , so we 've built , deployed and are continuously updating our own bot detection tools allowing us to successfully block the vast majority of bots we see , '' he said .
While most customers will be thankful of the efforts , console scalpers have seemingly made a fortune by amassing large qualities of the sought-after stock .
Data engineer Michael Driscoll said in an analysis report published on December 2 that resellers have made millions of dollars on eBay alone .
He said the findings were based on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold listings for PS5 and Xboxes .
The report said scalpers have so far made over $ 9 million in profits from Xbox consoles , some selling for more than 50 percent over the normal retail price .
The PS5 , which comes in a digital or disc version , was inflated by even more as demand surged .
`` The disc version is going for 300 % MSRP [ manufacturer 's suggested retail price ] and the digital for 200 % MSRP ! ''
Driscoll wrote in his analysis this month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on eBay , resulting in scalpers netting $ 19 million in profits . ''
Geisler said Walmart is also taking steps to audit orders so it can cancel any confirmed to have been secured by bots .
And there was some more good news for those still on the hunt for either of the consoles , with more expected to hit online shelves .
`` We have more next-gen consoles coming online soon , and we 're continuing to work hard to get them into the hands of as many customers as possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't appear to be any at the time of writing , and its listed as out of stock .
Unfortunately for now , the website does not say when the consoles will be restocked , but some PlayStation 5 's appear to have sporadically dropped on Wednesday .
It 's best to keep checking the Walmart website for updates during the holiday season .

Walmart stopped millions of "grinch bots" from buying PlayStation 5 consoles as stock went live last month, an executive has said.
Jerry Geisler, chief information security officer of Walmart Global Tech, said the retail giant used detection tools to block a swarm of automated attempts from purchasing the next-generation gaming machine before legitimate customers.
"One bot preventative action we implemented just hours before the PlayStation 5 event on Nov. 25 blocked more than 20 million bot attempts in the first 30 minutes (which is a fraction of what our systems deal with continually)," Geisler said in a blog.
Unlike prior generations, the rush to buy a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series S/X has largely taken place online due to safety reasons surrounding the ongoing COVID pandemic, as stores did not want consumers to flock to their branches in massive numbers.
But doing so left the process wide open to "scalpers," resellers who take advantage of automated "bot" scripts that scour the internet for stock, placing numerous orders before any real human has the chance to even click on the picture of the item.
With demand high and supply limited, the resellers have been listing PS5s and Xbox consoles on websites like eBay for massively inflated prices.
Mixed with low stock availability, sporadic releases by retailers and website crashes due to floods of internet traffic, many consumers have been unable to get a console before Christmas, and experts forecast the situation may continue into 2021.
According to Geisler, increased online shopping and the demand for the consoles has created "patterns of traffic on our site and our apps we've previously never seen." He coined the phrase "grinch bots" to describe those trying to hijack the orders.
"Additional traffic has come from 'grinch bots,' who like the original Grinch, are trying to steal these would-be presents. That's traffic that we simply don't want," he said, adding that Walmart's bot detection tools appeared to be working as intended.
"Once a site becomes aware of a bot's presence, it can utilize a number of strategies in an attempt to block the bot. Bot scripts are constantly evolving and being re-written, so we've built, deployed and are continuously updating our own bot detection tools allowing us to successfully block the vast majority of bots we see," he said.
While most customers will be thankful of the efforts, console scalpers have seemingly made a fortune by amassing large qualities of the sought-after stock.
Data engineer Michael Driscoll said in an analysis report published on December 2 that resellers have made millions of dollars on eBay alone. He said the findings were based on a script he made that scraped eBay's sold listings for PS5 and Xboxes.
The report said scalpers have so far made over $9 million in profits from Xbox consoles, some selling for more than 50 percent over the normal retail price. The PS5, which comes in a digital or disc version, was inflated by even more as demand surged.
"The disc version is going for 300% MSRP [manufacturer's suggested retail price] and the digital for 200% MSRP!" Driscoll wrote in his analysis this month. "Over 32,000 PS5s have been sold on eBay, resulting in scalpers netting $19 million in profits."
Geisler said Walmart is also taking steps to audit orders so it can cancel any confirmed to have been secured by bots. And there was some more good news for those still on the hunt for either of the consoles, with more expected to hit online shelves.
"We have more next-gen consoles coming online soon, and we're continuing to work hard to get them into the hands of as many customers as possible," Geisler said. There doesn't appear to be any at the time of writing, and its listed as out of stock.
Unfortunately for now, the website does not say when the consoles will be restocked, but some PlayStation 5's appear to have sporadically dropped on Wednesday. It's best to keep checking the Walmart website for updates during the holiday season.


newsweek--2020-12-17--3-Year-Old Boy Shot and Killed While Walking With Mother in Las Vegas

A 3-year-old boy has been shot and killed while out with his mother in Las Vegas , police said .
The unnamed child was with a group of adults in the east of the city , close to Charleston and Nellis boulevards , when a firearm was discharged .
The young boy was rushed to hospital , but died from his injuries .
Police said no immediate arrests had been made , but an investigation had been launched and further interviews were taking place .
Lt. David Valenta , of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department , said officers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legends Apartments after receiving a call from a woman reporting that a toddler had been shot .
A group of adults , allegedly including the child 's father , had gathered in the parking lot of the apartment complex , police said .
Valenta said one of the men in that group had been `` manipulating a firearm '' before it went off , according to the Las Vegas Review Journal .
He said : `` People need to take much better care of their firearms , '' adding : `` We go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Any shooting is tragic but to look in the face of a 3-year-old , as I just did , it does n't get much worse than that . ''
Newsweek has contacted the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for further comment .
Nevada has historically had one of the highest rates of gun violence in the country .
From 2008 to 2017 , it had the 14th highest rate of gun deaths of any state with a figure of 15.09 gun deaths for every 100,000 people , according to the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent higher than the national average .
The policy institute said the burden of gun violence in the state falls disproportionately on communities of color .
About 34 percent of the state 's gun homicide victims are Black , although Black people make up just 9 percent of the population .
Shootings are the leading cause of death for young people in Nevada , with statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that 347 people under the age of 21 were killed with a firearm from 2008 to 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center found that 44 percent of Americans knew someone who had been shot .
Twenty-three percent of respondents said a gun had been used to threaten them or their family .

A 3-year-old boy has been shot and killed while out with his mother in Las Vegas, police said.
The unnamed child was with a group of adults in the east of the city, close to Charleston and Nellis boulevards, when a firearm was discharged.
The young boy was rushed to hospital, but died from his injuries.
Police said no immediate arrests had been made, but an investigation had been launched and further interviews were taking place.
Lt. David Valenta, of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, said officers were called at 7:06 p.m. to the Pacific Legends Apartments after receiving a call from a woman reporting that a toddler had been shot.
A group of adults, allegedly including the child's father, had gathered in the parking lot of the apartment complex, police said.
Valenta said one of the men in that group had been "manipulating a firearm" before it went off, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.
He said: "People need to take much better care of their firearms," adding: "We go on too many of these each year.
"Any shooting is tragic but to look in the face of a 3-year-old, as I just did, it doesn't get much worse than that."
Newsweek has contacted the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for further comment.
Crime scene tape in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 1, 2017. Nevada has historically had one of the highest rates of gun violence in the country. MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images
Nevada has historically had one of the highest rates of gun violence in the country.
From 2008 to 2017, it had the 14th highest rate of gun deaths of any state with a figure of 15.09 gun deaths for every 100,000 people, according to the American Center for Progress. That is 39 percent higher than the national average.
The policy institute said the burden of gun violence in the state falls disproportionately on communities of color. About 34 percent of the state's gun homicide victims are Black, although Black people make up just 9 percent of the population.
Shootings are the leading cause of death for young people in Nevada, with statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing that 347 people under the age of 21 were killed with a firearm from 2008 to 2017.
A 2019 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 44 percent of Americans knew someone who had been shot. Twenty-three percent of respondents said a gun had been used to threaten them or their family.


newsweek--2020-12-17--George Clooney Rails Against COVID Deniers: 'Put On A F****** Mask'

George Clooney has no time for anti-maskers , and the Hollywood legend made his feelings on the subject of COVID-19 regulations very clear during a radio appearance this week .
The Ocean 's Eleven actor had a message for anyone not masking up : `` Put on a f****** mask . ''
Speaking on SiriusXM 's Howard Stern Show on Wednesday the 59-year-old said : `` This thought where everybody is like , 'Well , it 's my freedom . '
It 's like , that 's not how this s*** works , dumb*** . ''
`` Your freedom is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until your lungs turn black , but you ca n't do it on the bus .
And you 're free to drink until your liver comes out your ass , but you ca n't drink and then get behind the wheel of a car , '' he said .
The actor urged listeners to keep wearing masks until the pandemic is over , reminding the public that vaccine rollout is on the way .
`` Put on a f****** mask and we 'll get through this .
We 've got vaccines coming—let 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Elsewhere in the interview , Clooney was asked by host Stern about President Donald Trump .
The O Brother Where Art Thou star , who has been critical of the president in the past , responded by doubling down on comments he made about the president in The Guardian recently .
Clooney said : `` He was the guy that came up to us at the Stone Rose and sat at our table when he was n't invited and then would say , 'What 's the name of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was like , 'Well , I do n't know , ask your wife . '
'' Clooney 's rant comes following news of an outburst about coronavirus from fellow Hollywood icon Tom Cruise yesterday .
As reported by The Sun , Cruise is said to have noticed two individuals hovering over a computer screen in violation of social distancing rules .
`` We are the gold standard , '' Cruise shouts on the recording .
`` They 're back there in Hollywood making movies right now because of us .
Because they believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 'm on the phone with every f****** studio at night , insurance companies , producers and they 're looking at us and using us to make their movies .
We are creating thousands of jobs , you motherf****** .
I do n't ever want to see it again .
Ever ! ''
`` Am I clear ?
Do you understand what I want ?
Do you understand the responsibility that I have ?
Because I will deal with your reason , and if you ca n't be reasonable and I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're fired , '' Cruise screams in the audio .
`` That 's it .
That is it .
I trust you guys to be here . ''

George Clooney has no time for anti-maskers, and the Hollywood legend made his feelings on the subject of COVID-19 regulations very clear during a radio appearance this week.
The Ocean's Eleven actor had a message for anyone not masking up: "Put on a f****** mask."
Speaking on SiriusXM's Howard Stern Show on Wednesday the 59-year-old said: "This thought where everybody is like, 'Well, it's my freedom.' It's like, that's not how this s*** works, dumb***."
"Your freedom is this: You're free to smoke until your lungs turn black, but you can't do it on the bus. And you're free to drink until your liver comes out your ass, but you can't drink and then get behind the wheel of a car," he said.
The actor urged listeners to keep wearing masks until the pandemic is over, reminding the public that vaccine rollout is on the way.
"Put on a f****** mask and we'll get through this. We've got vaccines coming—let's save another 60,000 lives before the vaccines," he said.
George Clooney attends the "Gravity" New York premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater on October 1, 2013 in New York City. D Dipasupil/FilmMagic via Getty Images
Elsewhere in the interview, Clooney was asked by host Stern about President Donald Trump.
The O Brother Where Art Thou star, who has been critical of the president in the past, responded by doubling down on comments he made about the president in The Guardian recently.
Clooney said: "He was the guy that came up to us at the Stone Rose and sat at our table when he wasn't invited and then would say, 'What's the name of the waitress?'"
"It was like, 'Well, I don't know, ask your wife.'"
Clooney's rant comes following news of an outburst about coronavirus from fellow Hollywood icon Tom Cruise yesterday.
As reported by The Sun, Cruise is said to have noticed two individuals hovering over a computer screen in violation of social distancing rules.
"We are the gold standard," Cruise shouts on the recording. "They're back there in Hollywood making movies right now because of us. Because they believe in us and what we're doing. I'm on the phone with every f****** studio at night, insurance companies, producers and they're looking at us and using us to make their movies. We are creating thousands of jobs, you motherf******. I don't ever want to see it again. Ever!"
"Am I clear? Do you understand what I want? Do you understand the responsibility that I have? Because I will deal with your reason, and if you can't be reasonable and I can't deal with your logic, you're fired," Cruise screams in the audio. "That's it. That is it. I trust you guys to be here."