newsweek--2020-12-17--Election Law Defeats Partisanship | Opinion

In the run-up to the 2020 election , intellectuals and journalists grimly predicted that America 's voting systems were n't up to the task of conducting a democratic election under an `` authoritarian '' president in the midst of a pandemic .
Yet now that the Electoral College has convened to formally select Joe Biden , we can safely pronounce that American election administration has not only survived , but in some ways thrived in the face of one of its greatest stress tests .
The doomsayers opined that if the media declared Biden the winner , President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and even military maneuvers to undermine the election results in battleground states .
In acts of tribal loyalty , we were told , Republican officials en masse would back the president and run roughshod over state electoral systems .
As anticipated , President Trump repeatedly alleged that the election was `` stolen '' and delivered an onslaught of legal challenges in the wake of his defeat .
He attacked voting machines that `` moved thousands of votes from my account to Biden 's account , '' claimed that `` a lot of dead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` massive dumps '' of votes were dropped in battleground states after the election .
Despite Trump 's efforts to stop vote counts , disqualify absentee ballots , threaten election officials and disrupt the electoral process , Republican government officials at every level of government—from county canvassing boards to the U.S. attorney general himself—sided with state laws rather than the head of their party and his most loyal supporters .
In Michigan and Wisconsin , for instance , Republicans on local canvassing boards certified election results in counties where Trump alleged fraud and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the White House , Michigan 's Republican majority leader and House speaker stated : `` We have not been made aware of any information that would change the outcome of the election ... and we will follow the law and the normal process regarding Michigan electors . ''
In Georgia , Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said that he voted for Trump , but he rejected Trump 's claims of voter fraud and defended the state 's electoral system that gave Biden a narrow victory .
After every ballot was recounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would be disappointed when I put on my Republican hat , but these will be the results and it will be what it is because that is the will of ... Georgia voter [ s ] . ''
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey , a Republican and an avid Trump supporter , also defended his state 's electoral system against Trump 's claim that Ducey had `` betrayed '' Arizona voters by certifying the election result .
Ducey tweeted : `` In Arizona , we have some of the strongest election laws in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and clearly lay out procedures for conducting , canvassing and even contesting the results of an election . ''
At the federal level , a few Republican senators defended the president 's right to investigate claims of fraud , but as legal challenges faded and states validated results , many called upon Trump to accept reality and assist with the transition to a Biden presidency .
Attorney General William Barr , often criticized by Democrats as a Trump sycophant , concluded after an investigation that the Department of Justice investigators has `` not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have effected a different outcome in the election . ''
Most recently , Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has publicly endorsed the Electoral College vote .
In short , the reality is that state governments run American elections , and their elected officials , regardless of party , are guided by election laws .
Those laws turned out to be more than capable of conducting elections and arbitrating closely contested results .
Indeed , one reason why the courts have found so little evidence of voter fraud is because state laws guard against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is perfect .
As in previous elections , some rules were disputed , some votes were uncounted and some states have work to do if mail-in and early voting become the norm .
However , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures , over the past decade the states have enacted 3,114 laws dealing with election administration , including such issues as absentee balloting , poll worker training , registration rules , vote counting and so forth .
So we expect that state legislatures will go to work , as they routinely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections .
Nonetheless , there is good reason to be concerned that all may not be well with the state of American democracy .
Polls show that a worrisome number of Republicans lack confidence in the results , and many share Trump 's belief that the system is `` rigged . ''
Trump and his allies continue to press claims of fraud and abuse .
But it seems premature to assess voter faith in the system at a time when the results of a close election are still raw , and the losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election in which record numbers of voters participated , it turns out that voting systems were secured against foreign cyberattacks , government agencies and courts found no widespread fraud or abuse , and government officials certified the votes of the people in their respective states .
We can safely conclude that the rule of law prevailed .
Daniel Palazzolo is associate dean and professor of political science at the University of Richmond .
Daniel DiSalvo is professor of political science at the City College of New York and a senior fellow at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this article are the writers ' own .

In the run-up to the 2020 election, intellectuals and journalists grimly predicted that America's voting systems weren't up to the task of conducting a democratic election under an "authoritarian" president in the midst of a pandemic. Yet now that the Electoral College has convened to formally select Joe Biden, we can safely pronounce that American election administration has not only survived, but in some ways thrived in the face of one of its greatest stress tests.
The doomsayers opined that if the media declared Biden the winner, President Donald Trump would use threats, intimidation, lawsuits and even military maneuvers to undermine the election results in battleground states. In acts of tribal loyalty, we were told, Republican officials en masse would back the president and run roughshod over state electoral systems.
As anticipated, President Trump repeatedly alleged that the election was "stolen" and delivered an onslaught of legal challenges in the wake of his defeat. He attacked voting machines that "moved thousands of votes from my account to Biden's account," claimed that "a lot of dead people...voted" and asserted that "massive dumps" of votes were dropped in battleground states after the election.
Despite Trump's efforts to stop vote counts, disqualify absentee ballots, threaten election officials and disrupt the electoral process, Republican government officials at every level of government—from county canvassing boards to the U.S. attorney general himself—sided with state laws rather than the head of their party and his most loyal supporters.
In Michigan and Wisconsin, for instance, Republicans on local canvassing boards certified election results in counties where Trump alleged fraud and brought lawsuits. After meeting President Trump at the White House, Michigan's Republican majority leader and House speaker stated: "We have not been made aware of any information that would change the outcome of the election...and we will follow the law and the normal process regarding Michigan electors."
In Georgia, Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said that he voted for Trump, but he rejected Trump's claims of voter fraud and defended the state's electoral system that gave Biden a narrow victory. After every ballot was recounted by hand, Raffensberger stated: "I would be disappointed when I put on my Republican hat, but these will be the results and it will be what it is because that is the will of...Georgia voter[s]."
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, a Republican and an avid Trump supporter, also defended his state's electoral system against Trump's claim that Ducey had "betrayed" Arizona voters by certifying the election result. Ducey tweeted: "In Arizona, we have some of the strongest election laws in the country, laws that prioritize accountability and clearly lay out procedures for conducting, canvassing and even contesting the results of an election."
President-elect Joe Biden Kevin Lamarque-Pool/Getty Images
At the federal level, a few Republican senators defended the president's right to investigate claims of fraud, but as legal challenges faded and states validated results, many called upon Trump to accept reality and assist with the transition to a Biden presidency. Attorney General William Barr, often criticized by Democrats as a Trump sycophant, concluded after an investigation that the Department of Justice investigators has "not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election." Most recently, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has publicly endorsed the Electoral College vote.
In short, the reality is that state governments run American elections, and their elected officials, regardless of party, are guided by election laws. Those laws turned out to be more than capable of conducting elections and arbitrating closely contested results. Indeed, one reason why the courts have found so little evidence of voter fraud is because state laws guard against it.
Of course, no system is perfect. As in previous elections, some rules were disputed, some votes were uncounted and some states have work to do if mail-in and early voting become the norm. However, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, over the past decade the states have enacted 3,114 laws dealing with election administration, including such issues as absentee balloting, poll worker training, registration rules, vote counting and so forth. So we expect that state legislatures will go to work, as they routinely have, to improve their administration of elections.
Nonetheless, there is good reason to be concerned that all may not be well with the state of American democracy. Polls show that a worrisome number of Republicans lack confidence in the results, and many share Trump's belief that the system is "rigged." Trump and his allies continue to press claims of fraud and abuse. But it seems premature to assess voter faith in the system at a time when the results of a close election are still raw, and the losing candidate refuses to concede.
In an election in which record numbers of voters participated, it turns out that voting systems were secured against foreign cyberattacks, government agencies and courts found no widespread fraud or abuse, and government officials certified the votes of the people in their respective states. We can safely conclude that the rule of law prevailed.
Daniel Palazzolo is associate dean and professor of political science at the University of Richmond. Daniel DiSalvo is professor of political science at the City College of New York and a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute.
The views expressed in this article are the writers' own.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Man Tortured With Hammer and Knife by Homeless Couple He Let Stay With Him

A man was tortured with a hammer , knife and iron by a homeless couple who he had let in to his home to live with him .
The victim , who has not been named , was tied up , had his knee caps smashed with a hammer , his feet burnt with a cigarette lighter as well as a clothes iron pressed on his cheeks by drug addicts Michael Rowbotham and Natalie Wightman .
The pair also locked him up in a cupboard for an hour , during which he thought he was going to die , Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim had let the homeless couple move in with him after meeting them in January 2019 .
The incident took place on the evening of February 13 , 2019 .
Rowbotham and Wightman had been in the flat with the victim and had also bought £200 ( $ 271 ) worth of heroin .
An argument took place in which the two accused the victim of stealing the drugs , prosecutor Duncan Wilcox told the court .
`` They began pulling at his clothes and then stripped him naked .
They tied his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a belt to tie his wrists together , '' he said .
`` They were shouting at him 'admit it , admit it ' and the couple then began to torture the victim .
They hit him in the knee caps with a hammer and used a knife to slash him to the left shin .
They burnt the soles of his foot with a lighter . ''
The court heard how the man confessed to stealing the drugs not because he had done so but because he feared for his life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and slept , during which point the victim managed to escape from his flat in pain , fleeing to a nearby shop .
He was taken to hospital where he was treated for burns to his feet and legs as well as a severe burn to his cheek .
He has been left with permanent scars and is afraid to leave his house .
In a victim statement read to court , he said : `` My head is completely gone .
I am scared to leave my front door .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police .
I have permanent scars on my body and I have a scar on my face which I see every time I look in the mirror .
I did n't deserve any of this .
They were homeless and I let them stay at my flat and this is how they repaid me . ''
Rowbotham , of Wilmslow Road , Fallowfield was jailed for nine years after admitting an offense of false imprisonment and section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm .
Wightman , of no fixed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a half years after pleading guilty to the same offenses .

A man was tortured with a hammer, knife and iron by a homeless couple who he had let in to his home to live with him.
The victim, who has not been named, was tied up, had his knee caps smashed with a hammer, his feet burnt with a cigarette lighter as well as a clothes iron pressed on his cheeks by drug addicts Michael Rowbotham and Natalie Wightman.
The pair also locked him up in a cupboard for an hour, during which he thought he was going to die, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard. The victim had let the homeless couple move in with him after meeting them in January 2019.
The incident took place on the evening of February 13, 2019. Rowbotham and Wightman had been in the flat with the victim and had also bought £200 ($271)worth of heroin. An argument took place in which the two accused the victim of stealing the drugs, prosecutor Duncan Wilcox told the court.
"They began pulling at his clothes and then stripped him naked. They tied his feet together with a cable and used a belt to tie his wrists together," he said. "They were shouting at him 'admit it, admit it' and the couple then began to torture the victim. They hit him in the knee caps with a hammer and used a knife to slash him to the left shin. They burnt the soles of his foot with a lighter."
Michael Rowbotham received a prison sentence GMP
The court heard how the man confessed to stealing the drugs not because he had done so but because he feared for his life. Rowbotham and Wightman returned to their bedrooms and slept, during which point the victim managed to escape from his flat in pain, fleeing to a nearby shop. He was taken to hospital where he was treated for burns to his feet and legs as well as a severe burn to his cheek. He has been left with permanent scars and is afraid to leave his house.
In a victim statement read to court, he said: "My head is completely gone. I am scared to leave my front door. I am worried about the repercussions of talking to the police. I have permanent scars on my body and I have a scar on my face which I see every time I look in the mirror. I didn't deserve any of this. They were homeless and I let them stay at my flat and this is how they repaid me."
Rowbotham, of Wilmslow Road, Fallowfield was jailed for nine years after admitting an offense of false imprisonment and section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Wightman, of no fixed address, was jailed for seven and a half years after pleading guilty to the same offenses.


newsweek--2020-12-17--$600 Second Stimulus Checks Severely Undercut What Americans Want

A second round of stimulus checks at a rate of $ 600 is speculated to be included in the next COVID-19 relief package , an amount undercutting what past polling has indicated most Americans think further direct payments should be .
It has been nearly nine months since the CARES Act was signed , which included up to $ 1,200 Economic Impact Payments to assist people struggling throughout the pandemic .
While some lawmakers have argued for similar amounts—within parameters akin to the last batch—to be sent again , it is reported that if such payments are included in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last time out .
A ballpark figure of $ 600 , half the top amount an individual could be eligible to in the previous provision , is said to be under consideration as lawmakers look to formulate a proposal able to pass both the House and Senate after a prolonged stalemate .
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is among those to question whether such an amount is enough , putting it to her followers and encouraging those who think it is too low an amount to contact their representatives in Congress .
In August , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked how much a further stimulus check payment should be said $ 900 or more .
Asked between August 3 and 11 , 70 percent of 5,000 respondents said yes when asked : `` Do you think the federal government should or should not send another one-time economic impact payment to all qualified adults ( a direct payment to all qualified U.S. adults based on income level ) ? ''
Those who thought this were then asked : `` How much do you think the maximum payment sent by the federal government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among that group , 66 percent said $ 900 or more .
This compared to 14 percent who said $ 600 to $ 899 , 16 percent who said $ 300 to $ 599 and 4 percent less than $ 300 .
Subsequent polling has shown voters want there to be further COVID-19 relief , though some have questioned Congress ' ability to get any such deal passed this year .
The $ 600 stimulus check compromise has reportedly emerged from negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ( D-CA ) , Senate Minority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy ( R-CA ) .
The paper reports that the group is closing in on agreement over a roughly $ 900 billion relief package .
Newsweek has contacted those Congressional leaders for comment on the stimulus check speculation .
Discussions over further relief come with COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. having surpassed 300,000 .
The below graphic , from Statista , shows the nations with the highest numbers of COVID-19 deaths as of December 13 .

A second round of stimulus checks at a rate of $600 is speculated to be included in the next COVID-19 relief package, an amount undercutting what past polling has indicated most Americans think further direct payments should be.
It has been nearly nine months since the CARES Act was signed, which included up to $1,200 Economic Impact Payments to assist people struggling throughout the pandemic.
While some lawmakers have argued for similar amounts—within parameters akin to the last batch—to be sent again, it is reported that if such payments are included in a deal they will likely be lower than last time out.
A ballpark figure of $600, half the top amount an individual could be eligible to in the previous provision, is said to be under consideration as lawmakers look to formulate a proposal able to pass both the House and Senate after a prolonged stalemate.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is among those to question whether such an amount is enough, putting it to her followers and encouraging those who think it is too low an amount to contact their representatives in Congress.
In August, Gallup polling showed the majority of those asked how much a further stimulus check payment should be said $900 or more.
People wearing masks visit the Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park as the city continues the re-opening efforts following restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus on December 13, 2020 in New York City. Business closures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have posed economic turmoil for people across the nation. Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images
Asked between August 3 and 11, 70 percent of 5,000 respondents said yes when asked: "Do you think the federal government should or should not send another one-time economic impact payment to all qualified adults (a direct payment to all qualified U.S. adults based on income level)?"
Those who thought this were then asked: "How much do you think the maximum payment sent by the federal government to each qualified adult should be?"
Among that group, 66 percent said $900 or more. This compared to 14 percent who said $600 to $899, 16 percent who said $300 to $599 and 4 percent less than $300.
Subsequent polling has shown voters want there to be further COVID-19 relief, though some have questioned Congress' ability to get any such deal passed this year.
The $600 stimulus check compromise has reportedly emerged from negotiations between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Read more Second Stimulus Deal Will Spark Scramble For Businesses to Survive Second Stimulus Deal Will Spark Scramble For Businesses to Survive
The paper reports that the group is closing in on agreement over a roughly $900 billion relief package.
Newsweek has contacted those Congressional leaders for comment on the stimulus check speculation.
Discussions over further relief come with COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. having surpassed 300,000.
The below graphic, from Statista, shows the nations with the highest numbers of COVID-19 deaths as of December 13.


newsweek--2020-12-17--China's Army Tanks Take Part in Mock Invasion of Taiwan

Chinese army tank and infantry units took part in a recent urban warfare exercise which has been described as a mock invasion of Taiwan .
The footage aired by China 's state broadcaster CCTV last week included rare images of the Type 96A main battle tank in action during the war game in Hangzhou , capital of Zhejiang Province in east China .
People 's Liberation Army units of the 72nd Group Army , based in Huzhou , Zhejiang , took part in the street battle exercise , which attempted to simulate urban conditions China 's invading forces might encounter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Along with the 73rd Group Army stationed in Nanjing , Jiangsu , the 72nd has been described by Taiwanese military analysts as the PLA 's main invasion force .
Both are part of China 's Eastern Theater Command .
According to the documentary , the invading `` red '' force of 230 soldiers and 30 tanks was tasked with capturing an urban city block defended by a `` blue '' team comprising 70 soldiers and six tanks .
Despite being outnumbered , the smaller force had advantages including higher ground and defensive fortifications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main tanks and ZBD-04 infantry fighting vehicles took part in the war game , overcoming landmines and other obstacles to seize the town in under three hours .
The drill concluded with a `` resounding victory '' for the invading red army against the unnamed `` enemy , '' according to the CCTV report .
China 's Tencent news service described the `` alley warfare '' exercise as a `` warning , '' meant to be considered a strong message alongside the PLA 's recent beach assault exercises in the South China Sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Taiwan Strait said the documentary was another PLA attempt at psychological warfare .
`` Taiwan 's military intelligence is aware of all Chinese troop deployments and mobilizations , '' General Alan Shih , Taiwan 's defense ministry spokesperson , told Taipei 's TVBS news station on Sunday , three days after the CCTV footage aired .
`` The Chinese Communist Party has never scaled back its verbal and military threats .
Taiwan 's military will continue to improve its defense capabilities , '' he added .
On Monday , military analyst Hector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross-strait drills typically included red teams representing China and blue teams representing Taiwan .
However , he said conducting urban warfare on the streets of Taiwan would be meaningless , as it would only occur following the collapse of Taiwan 's air force and navy—the island 's two main invasion-repelling forces .
Analysis this year of Taiwan 's military strength has suggested Taipei has just over 1,000 older main battle tanks .
In comparison , the People 's Liberation Army , which outnumbers Taiwan 's armed forces 10 to one and has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main tanks .
The Taiwanese government has stressed it is determined to defend itself , procuring military equipment and arms from the United States at an increasing rate during the presidency of Donald Trump .
When she was re-elected to a second term in January , President Tsai Ing-wen told the BBC that invading Taiwan would be `` very costly '' for China .

Chinese army tank and infantry units took part in a recent urban warfare exercise which has been described as a mock invasion of Taiwan.
The footage aired by China's state broadcaster CCTV last week included rare images of the Type 96A main battle tank in action during the war game in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province in east China.
People's Liberation Army units of the 72nd Group Army, based in Huzhou, Zhejiang, took part in the street battle exercise, which attempted to simulate urban conditions China's invading forces might encounter following a successful landing on Taiwan.
Along with the 73rd Group Army stationed in Nanjing, Jiangsu, the 72nd has been described by Taiwanese military analysts as the PLA's main invasion force. Both are part of China's Eastern Theater Command.
According to the documentary, the invading "red" force of 230 soldiers and 30 tanks was tasked with capturing an urban city block defended by a "blue" team comprising 70 soldiers and six tanks.
Despite being outnumbered, the smaller force had advantages including higher ground and defensive fortifications, the report said.
Type 96A main tanks and ZBD-04 infantry fighting vehicles took part in the war game, overcoming landmines and other obstacles to seize the town in under three hours.
The drill concluded with a "resounding victory" for the invading red army against the unnamed "enemy," according to the CCTV report.
China's Tencent news service described the "alley warfare" exercise as a "warning," meant to be considered a strong message alongside the PLA's recent beach assault exercises in the South China Sea. Reports on the other side of the Taiwan Strait said the documentary was another PLA attempt at psychological warfare.
A Type 96A main battle tank assigned to the People's Liberation Army 72nd Group Army takes part in an urban warfare drill in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, according to a report by China's state broadcaster CCTV on December 10. CCTV
"Taiwan's military intelligence is aware of all Chinese troop deployments and mobilizations," General Alan Shih, Taiwan's defense ministry spokesperson, told Taipei's TVBS news station on Sunday, three days after the CCTV footage aired.
"The Chinese Communist Party has never scaled back its verbal and military threats. Taiwan's military will continue to improve its defense capabilities," he added.
On Monday, military analyst Hector Kang told Taiwanese broadcaster Sanlih that PLA cross-strait drills typically included red teams representing China and blue teams representing Taiwan.
Read more Taiwan Launches 'Aircraft Carrier Killer' As China War Brews Taiwan Launches 'Aircraft Carrier Killer' As China War Brews
However, he said conducting urban warfare on the streets of Taiwan would be meaningless, as it would only occur following the collapse of Taiwan's air force and navy—the island's two main invasion-repelling forces.
Analysis this year of Taiwan's military strength has suggested Taipei has just over 1,000 older main battle tanks.
In comparison, the People's Liberation Army, which outnumbers Taiwan's armed forces 10 to one and has a budget 15 times larger, has 3,500 main tanks.
The Taiwanese government has stressed it is determined to defend itself, procuring military equipment and arms from the United States at an increasing rate during the presidency of Donald Trump.
When she was re-elected to a second term in January, President Tsai Ing-wen told the BBC that invading Taiwan would be "very costly" for China.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Winter Storm Update, Forecast as New York Hit by up to 24 Inches of Snow

Winter Storm Gail hit the northeast U.S. overnight as people in central Pennsylvania and south-central New York state wake up to 1 to 2 feet of snow .
Fresh snowfall today could add 6 to 12 inches in parts of New England .
Although weather conditions will improve in most areas on Thursday , the interior northeast and New England will continue to see snow , though it will gradually come to an end from west to east by tonight .
Winter Storm Gail may produce coastal flooding and the National Weather Service has issued warnings and advisories from North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to affect the Jersey Shore and coastal Delaware during Thursday morning 's high tide .
The storm 's final flurries will fall across Maine and Cape Cod late this evening , though forecasters say a few lingering snow showers could be possible across the central Appalachians on Friday .
Although Winter Storm Gail is expected to end tonight , it has already had devastating effects in Pennsylvania , Virginia and Maryland .
The Weather Channel reported that at least two people had died and many others had been injured in a multi-vehicle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The incident happened at about 3.05 p.m. on Interstate 80 westbound , near mile marker 183 in Clinton County .
It was snowing at the time , but the cause of the crash is under investigation .
Police in Virginia and Maryland also responded to hundreds of crashes , according to the Weather Channel .
On Wednesday evening , the Virginia Department of Transportation warned residents against driving on icy roads .
`` Assume that anything that is snowy , slushy , or wet will turn to ice , '' it said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the roads safe .
Additionally , more than 35,000 homes and businesses are currently without power in Virginia , according to the PowerOutage.US website .
Customers of Dominion Energy and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative are the worst affected .
State leaders have urged residents to remain cautious , including Pennsylvania Gov .
Tom Wolf , who issued a winter weather emergency proclamation .
Wolf said on Tuesday : `` The commonwealth 's emergency preparedness teams have spent a great deal of time and energy over the last several months supporting efforts to mitigate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather this public health emergency and ensure vaccines are delivered as planned .
`` This proclamation makes it easier for all of those involved in vaccine delivery and keeping people safe to do their jobs . ''
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Wednesday evening : `` The winter storm is here and New York 's Strongest are ready to go .
Plows and salt spreaders are out this evening .
Help us keep the streets safe : stay home .
`` If you must travel , use public transportation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the year .
Stay home and stay safe . ''

Winter Storm Gail hit the northeast U.S. overnight as people in central Pennsylvania and south-central New York state wake up to 1 to 2 feet of snow.
Fresh snowfall today could add 6 to 12 inches in parts of New England.
Although weather conditions will improve in most areas on Thursday, the interior northeast and New England will continue to see snow, though it will gradually come to an end from west to east by tonight.
Winter Storm Gail may produce coastal flooding and the National Weather Service has issued warnings and advisories from North Carolina to Massachusetts. Flooding is also expected to affect the Jersey Shore and coastal Delaware during Thursday morning's high tide.
The storm's final flurries will fall across Maine and Cape Cod late this evening, though forecasters say a few lingering snow showers could be possible across the central Appalachians on Friday.
Car headlights illuminate a woman walking through city streets as snow accumulates on December 16 in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Mark Makela/Getty
Although Winter Storm Gail is expected to end tonight, it has already had devastating effects in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland.
The Weather Channel reported that at least two people had died and many others had been injured in a multi-vehicle pile-up on Wednesday in central Pennsylvania. The incident happened at about 3.05 p.m. on Interstate 80 westbound, near mile marker 183 in Clinton County. It was snowing at the time, but the cause of the crash is under investigation.
Police in Virginia and Maryland also responded to hundreds of crashes, according to the Weather Channel.
On Wednesday evening, the Virginia Department of Transportation warned residents against driving on icy roads. "Assume that anything that is snowy, slushy, or wet will turn to ice," it said. The department has been working overnight to make the roads safe.
Additionally, more than 35,000 homes and businesses are currently without power in Virginia, according to the PowerOutage.US website. Customers of Dominion Energy and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative are the worst affected.
State leaders have urged residents to remain cautious, including Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, who issued a winter weather emergency proclamation.
Wolf said on Tuesday: "The commonwealth's emergency preparedness teams have spent a great deal of time and energy over the last several months supporting efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic and help the commonwealth weather this public health emergency and ensure vaccines are delivered as planned.
"This proclamation makes it easier for all of those involved in vaccine delivery and keeping people safe to do their jobs."
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Wednesday evening: "The winter storm is here and New York's Strongest are ready to go. Plows and salt spreaders are out this evening. Help us keep the streets safe: stay home.
"If you must travel, use public transportation. This could be the biggest storm of the year. Stay home and stay safe."


newsweek--2020-12-17--Biological Samples Found in Infectious Disease Expert's Luggage Destroyed

Undeclared biological samples were discovered in luggage at Detroit Metropolitan Airport last month .
The materials belonged to a Polish infectious and systemic disease professor , who failed to declare them to the authorities when he landed on November 14 .
The passenger was questioned by agriculture specialists from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection , who found out he was a well-published professor .
The unidentified vials were packed in dry ice in the traveler 's luggage and were later found to be non-hazardous , non-infectious genetically modified neutrophils , a type of white blood cell .
The academic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ material for his research but did not have the documents to prove his claims , so they were destroyed safely .
`` CBP plays a critical role in protecting public health , as well as mitigating the effects of prohibited biological items , '' Area Port Director Robert Larkin said in a press release .
`` I 'm proud of the work our officers and agriculture specialists do every day to prohibit the unauthorized entry of biological materials into the United States . ''
Federal , international and state laws strictly regulate shipping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materials .
Import of biological materials must be clearly marked , labeled , packaged or placarded in accordance with the requirements of all international , federal and state agencies .
Under proper circumstances , biological samples are permitted and regulated according to a variety of factors determined by various federal agencies .
U.S. Customs said in a statement : `` On November 14 , a traveler arriving from Poland via Amsterdam failed to declare any research related materials and was referred for a secondary inspection after CBP Officers determined additional checks were necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was questioned by agriculture specialists who ascertained the traveler to be a well published professor on infectious and systemic diseases .
Subsequent checks of the traveler 's baggage identified unknown vials of biological materials packaged in dry ice . ''
It continued : `` The contents of the vials were later identified as non-hazardous , non-infectious genetically modified neutrophils and were ultimately destroyed under proper sterilization protocols . ''
Earlier this year , U.S. Customs intercepted two vials of undeclared biological material at an airport in Texas .
According to the 31-year-old traveler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vials contained liquid cell growth medium for cell culture and was headed for Galveston .
The traveler did not declare the vials and only declared apples .
`` There are strict guidelines for importing biological materials , '' said Houston CBP Port Director Shawn Polley .
`` This interception is an example of our commitment to seeking out illegal goods at our port of entry . ''

Undeclared biological samples were discovered in luggage at Detroit Metropolitan Airport last month.
The materials belonged to a Polish infectious and systemic disease professor, who failed to declare them to the authorities when he landed on November 14.
The passenger was questioned by agriculture specialists from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who found out he was a well-published professor.
The unidentified vials were packed in dry ice in the traveler's luggage and were later found to be non-hazardous, non-infectious genetically modified neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.
The academic said he had intended to use the material for his research but did not have the documents to prove his claims, so they were destroyed safely.
"CBP plays a critical role in protecting public health, as well as mitigating the effects of prohibited biological items," Area Port Director Robert Larkin said in a press release.
"I'm proud of the work our officers and agriculture specialists do every day to prohibit the unauthorized entry of biological materials into the United States."
Federal, international and state laws strictly regulate shipping, transport, and import of biological materials. Import of biological materials must be clearly marked, labeled, packaged or placarded in accordance with the requirements of all international, federal and state agencies.
The unidentified vials were packaged in dry ice in the traveler’s luggage VINCENZO PINTO/AFP via Getty Images
Under proper circumstances, biological samples are permitted and regulated according to a variety of factors determined by various federal agencies.
U.S. Customs said in a statement: "On November 14, a traveler arriving from Poland via Amsterdam failed to declare any research related materials and was referred for a secondary inspection after CBP Officers determined additional checks were necessary.
"In secondary, the passenger was questioned by agriculture specialists who ascertained the traveler to be a well published professor on infectious and systemic diseases. Subsequent checks of the traveler's baggage identified unknown vials of biological materials packaged in dry ice."
It continued: "The contents of the vials were later identified as non-hazardous, non-infectious genetically modified neutrophils and were ultimately destroyed under proper sterilization protocols."
Earlier this year, U.S. Customs intercepted two vials of undeclared biological material at an airport in Texas.
According to the 31-year-old traveler, a citizen of India, the vials contained liquid cell growth medium for cell culture and was headed for Galveston. The traveler did not declare the vials and only declared apples.
"There are strict guidelines for importing biological materials," said Houston CBP Port Director Shawn Polley. "This interception is an example of our commitment to seeking out illegal goods at our port of entry."


newsweek--2020-12-17--'Can Trump Still Win Election?' Searches Surge As Supporters Hope for Miracle

Google has seen a spike in searches asking if President Donald Trump can still win the 2020 presidential election .
The searches come as the president 's path back to the White House has been effectively closed off .
Searches for `` Can Trump still win election ? ''
and similar terms saw a significant rise beginning on December 13 , according to Google Trends .
There have been periodic spikes in the days since as many of the president 's supporters publicly refuse to accept his defeat .
The Electoral College met and affirmed President-elect Joe Biden 's victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to explain the rise in searches .
Congress will meet to finalize the presidential votes on January 6 .
At the time of writing , googling `` Can Trump still win election ? ''
returned news articles about potential Republican efforts to overturn the election and one of the top results was a New York Times article arguing that Trump can not win the 2020 election at this stage .
The Trump campaign and other Republican litigants have filed more than 50 lawsuits challenging the results , but they have been overwhelmingly unsuccessful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear a Texas lawsuit that was billed as `` the big one '' by Trump and some of his supporters .
The court , which has a 6 to 3 conservative majority , has also refused to hear other similar cases .
However , some of the president 's staunchest allies have suggested that congressional Republicans could challenge the certification of results on January 6 .
Rep. Matt Gaetz , a longtime Trump ally , has said : `` Nothing is off the table . ''
The procedure for challenging and potentially rejecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex and there has n't been a successful effort of this kind since the highly controversial 1876 election .
The 1887 Electoral Count was passed to deal with issues arising from that election and its non-mandatory deadline for certification—safe harbor day—was met by 47 states , none of them swing states .
The three remaining states had certified by the time the Electoral College met .
Since the House of Representatives and the Senate are controlled by Democrats and Republicans respectively , there is close to zero chance that both chambers will agree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a GOP objection .
If the chambers disagree on certification , it will be unprecedented .
Fox Business host Lou Dobbs suggested on Tuesday that seven states had chosen dueling slates of electors and the presidency could end up being determined by a rare vote of House delegations .
`` If the House and the Senate can not agree on which electors to accept , '' Dobbs said , `` an untested constitutional procedure could result in each state being given one vote which they could allocate to either Biden or Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the 50 State houses , there would exist at least the mathematical possibility that President Trump could be named the constitutionally elected president . ''
However , alternative electors pledged to Trump from states that have certified Biden 's win have no legal standing and experts have dismissed the idea that Congress would give them serious attention .
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell ( R-KY ) , who publicly acknowledged Biden 's victory this week , told his GOP caucus he did n't want any `` stunts '' during the certification process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speculation about how Trump could pull off a last-minute victory is likely to continue well past January 6 and until Biden takes the oath of office at noon on January 20 .

Google has seen a spike in searches asking if President Donald Trump can still win the 2020 presidential election. The searches come as the president's path back to the White House has been effectively closed off.
Searches for "Can Trump still win election?" and similar terms saw a significant rise beginning on December 13, according to Google Trends. There have been periodic spikes in the days since as many of the president's supporters publicly refuse to accept his defeat.
The Electoral College met and affirmed President-elect Joe Biden's victory on December 14, which may help to explain the rise in searches. Congress will meet to finalize the presidential votes on January 6.
Read more Russia Could Fake Government Emails After SolarWinds Hack: Ex-Trump Adviser Russia Could Fake Government Emails After SolarWinds Hack: Ex-Trump Adviser
At the time of writing, googling "Can Trump still win election?" returned news articles about potential Republican efforts to overturn the election and one of the top results was a New York Times article arguing that Trump cannot win the 2020 election at this stage.
The Trump campaign and other Republican litigants have filed more than 50 lawsuits challenging the results, but they have been overwhelmingly unsuccessful.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a Texas lawsuit that was billed as "the big one" by Trump and some of his supporters. The court, which has a 6 to 3 conservative majority, has also refused to hear other similar cases.
However, some of the president's staunchest allies have suggested that congressional Republicans could challenge the certification of results on January 6. Rep. Matt Gaetz, a longtime Trump ally, has said: "Nothing is off the table."
The procedure for challenging and potentially rejecting a state's slate of electors is complex and there hasn't been a successful effort of this kind since the highly controversial 1876 election.
The 1887 Electoral Count was passed to deal with issues arising from that election and its non-mandatory deadline for certification—safe harbor day—was met by 47 states, none of them swing states. The three remaining states had certified by the time the Electoral College met.
Since the House of Representatives and the Senate are controlled by Democrats and Republicans respectively, there is close to zero chance that both chambers will agree to reject a slate of electors based on a GOP objection. If the chambers disagree on certification, it will be unprecedented.
Fox Business host Lou Dobbs suggested on Tuesday that seven states had chosen dueling slates of electors and the presidency could end up being determined by a rare vote of House delegations.
"If the House and the Senate cannot agree on which electors to accept," Dobbs said, "an untested constitutional procedure could result in each state being given one vote which they could allocate to either Biden or Trump. And since the Republicans hold 26 of the 50 State houses, there would exist at least the mathematical possibility that President Trump could be named the constitutionally elected president."
However, alternative electors pledged to Trump from states that have certified Biden's win have no legal standing and experts have dismissed the idea that Congress would give them serious attention.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who publicly acknowledged Biden's victory this week, told his GOP caucus he didn't want any "stunts" during the certification process, according to a CNN report.
Speculation about how Trump could pull off a last-minute victory is likely to continue well past January 6 and until Biden takes the oath of office at noon on January 20.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Wacky Ways the Holidays Are Celebrated Around the World

The holiday season is upon us and though they may feel a bit different this year—without large get togethers and more merry-making from afar—the holidays themselves are certainly not canceled .
December is filled with celebrations from various religions , ending of course with New Year 's which is celebrated , in one way or another , by all .
Most are observed in traditional ways , but in every corner of the globe there are also unique ways of celebrating holidays in late December , from Christmas to New Year's—some more familiar than others .
From a `` pooping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KFC dinner in Japan , here are some of the most unusual ways people bring the festivities home—all around the world .
Everyone knows about the big ball drop in Times Square , but this town in Pennsylvania takes the New Year 's tradition to a newer , sweeter level .
For 11 years running , they 've hosted an alternative drop—a 400-pound marshmallow Peep chick , which descends to ring in the new year .
New Year 's Eve comes with a whole set of traditions and customs to symbolically leave the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monigotes '' —figures that represent what went wrong in the last year , sometimes politicians—are then burned into the night .
Venezuelans add a unique touch to the usual Christmas mass by strapping on roller skates Christmas morning and rolling over to church .
In the capital of Caracas , streets are closed until 8 a.m. to accommodate .
This eerie pagan tradition , Mari Lwyd , is celebrated in late December and requires the skulls of different animals .
Usually a horse skull is decorated and attached to a stick draped with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ghostly apparitions are paraded door-to-door while the petitioners ask for ale and cake at each stop by reciting rhymes and riddles .
This tradition will make any child giggle .
Throughout December , children feed a log painted with a cartoon face , named Caga Tió , and then just before the holiday they are told to sing to it and beat it with a stick .
Inevitably , the log `` poops '' out gifts and nougat candy .
Known as a sort of `` evil twin '' to Santa , Krampus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joy .
During this `` celebration '' in early December , people dress as this devil-like figure and wander around the streets .
This Christmas tradition has little to do with trimming trees or singing carols .
Rather , young women step outside their homes on Christmas Eve and instead of waiting for Santa , they throw a shoe over their shoulder .
How it lands is said to predict if the woman will marry in the next year .
Carp is a classic Christmas dinner staple in Slovakia , but to observe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk into your local supermarket to pick up your fish .
Instead , the carp must swim in the family 's bathtub for up to two days prior to being prepared for the festive meal .
This is a holiday tradition most people would happily get behind .
On Christmas Eve , after spending the day setting up for the following day 's festivities , it is traditional to sweat it out in the sauna with your family .
Kentucky Fried Chicken might not be the first thing that comes to mind when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the years , it has become quite the holiday tradition in Japan .
So much so that in order to ensure you get your hands on a holiday bucket , it is suggested that you order in advance , as nearly 4 million people choose KFC as their Christmas dinner .

The holiday season is upon us and though they may feel a bit different this year—without large get togethers and more merry-making from afar—the holidays themselves are certainly not canceled. December is filled with celebrations from various religions, ending of course with New Year's which is celebrated, in one way or another, by all. Most are observed in traditional ways, but in every corner of the globe there are also unique ways of celebrating holidays in late December, from Christmas to New Year's—some more familiar than others. From a "pooping" log in Catalonia, to a KFC dinner in Japan, here are some of the most unusual ways people bring the festivities home—all around the world.
Peep Drop, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Jeff Fusco/AP Images/Just Born Quality Confections
Everyone knows about the big ball drop in Times Square, but this town in Pennsylvania takes the New Year's tradition to a newer, sweeter level. For 11 years running, they've hosted an alternative drop—a 400-pound marshmallow Peep chick, which descends to ring in the new year.
Burning Effigies, Ecuador
Patricio Realpe/Getty
New Year's Eve comes with a whole set of traditions and customs to symbolically
leave the previous year behind. Here, "monigotes"—figures that represent what went wrong in the last year, sometimes politicians—are then burned into the night.
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Skating to Mass, Venezuela
Pederk/Getty
Venezuelans add a unique touch to the usual Christmas mass by strapping on roller skates Christmas morning and rolling over to church. In the capital of Caracas, streets are closed until 8 a.m. to accommodate.
Mari Lwyd, Wales
Joe Howden/Getty
This eerie pagan tradition, Mari Lwyd, is celebrated in late December and requires the skulls of different animals. Usually a horse skull is decorated and attached to a stick draped with a white sheet. Then, these ghostly apparitions are paraded door-to-door while the petitioners ask for ale and cake at each stop by reciting rhymes and riddles.
Caga Tió, Catalonia
Nito100/Getty
This tradition will make any child giggle. Throughout December, children feed a log painted with a cartoon face, named Caga Tió, and then just before the holiday they are told to sing to it and beat it with a stick. Inevitably, the log "poops" out gifts and nougat candy.
Krampus, Austria
Sean Gallup/Getty
Known as a sort of "evil twin" to Santa, Krampus terrorizes children, rather than bringing them joy. During this "celebration" in early December, people dress as this devil-like figure and wander around the streets.
Throwing of the Shoe, Czech Republic
KVLADIMIRV/Getty
This Christmas tradition has little to do with trimming trees or singing carols. Rather, young women step outside their homes on Christmas Eve and instead of waiting for Santa, they throw a shoe over their shoulder. How it lands is said to predict if the woman will marry in the next year.
Bathtub Carp, Slovakia
Abadonian/Getty
Carp is a classic Christmas dinner staple in Slovakia, but to observe this tradition, you cannot simply walk into your local supermarket to pick up your fish. Instead, the carp must swim in the family's bathtub for up to two days prior to being prepared for the festive meal.
Sauna Visit, Estonia
Raigo Pajula/Getty
This is a holiday tradition most people would happily get behind. On Christmas Eve, after spending the day setting up for the following day's festivities, it is traditional to sweat it out in the sauna with your family.
Kentucky Fried Chicken, Japan
Scott Eisen/Bloomberg/Getty
Kentucky Fried Chicken might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Christmas, but over the years, it has become quite the holiday tradition in Japan. So much so that in order to ensure you get your hands on a holiday bucket, it is suggested that you order in advance, as nearly 4 million people choose KFC as their Christmas dinner.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Christmas is an Inspiring, Pro-Life Reflection on Fatherhood | Opinion

The Christmas season is almost upon us .
For many Americans , Christmas is a time to enjoy family , share meals and exchange gifts .
But behind all of the gift giving , egg nog and Christmas songs lies a peerless story with an incredible pro-life meaning .
On Christmas Day , Christians celebrate Jesus entering this world .
It 's incredible when you think about it .
Jesus did n't become incarnate as a man or child ; he came to earth as an unexpected pregnancy and a vulnerable , pre-born life !
In many ways , Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They were pious Jews who followed the law .
They were engaged to be married and were prepared to walk the way of custom and normalcy .
But the angel Gabriel 's announcement that the virgin Mary would conceive a child changed all of that .
When they took on responsibility for the baby growing in Mary 's womb , they became extraordinary pro-life witnesses .
I know Mary , as the mother of Jesus , rightfully takes center stage in most Christmas reflections .
But as a father of seven children myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pro-life fatherhood that Joseph gives .
Joseph 's side of the story speaks to who and what fathers should be for their children .
Joseph was a man of good reputation and sound social standing .
Yet here he was with a fiancée who was pregnant !
By law and by custom , Joseph could have had Mary stoned .
Her pregnancy was a sign of deceit , perhaps even of adultery .
Polite society would have expected Joseph to refuse Mary as a wife and reject her baby .
And Joseph @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Bible relates how he planned to end his engagement to Mary secretly and without much fuss ( Mt .
1:19 ) .
At the very least , he did n't want to get her into more trouble than she was already in .
But God had other plans , and Joseph was called to take a different course .
He was visited by an angel who said , `` Joseph , son of David , do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife , because what is conceived in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Mt .
1:20 , NIV ) .
Joseph now knew he had a responsibility to Mary .
As strange , perplexing and potentially scandalous as it may have been , Joseph accepted the responsibility of fatherhood .
That responsibility demanded great sacrifices from him .
He had to give up on the respect and reputation he had earned .
He had to commit to protecting , stewarding and caring for a child who was n't his and was n't going to take his name , as would have been customary .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comfort of the normal marriage he had expected .
And he had to have the courage to stand up for his wife against every custom and expectation , welcome this new child with open arms and faithfully raise the family God had given him .
Joseph made all of these sacrifices without complaint or bitterness .
He treated Jesus as his own biological son , teaching him how to be a carpenter and instructing him in everything he needed to know about the world .
He fought to protect Jesus from Herod 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his family in every way , no matter the cost .
In all of this , Joseph demonstrated everything that a father can be .
A father can be stalwart , steadfast and reliable ; a father does n't quit when the going gets tough , and a father accepts every hardship that comes his way for the good of his family .
Real fatherhood does n't admit of any compromise with selfishness or egotism because a good father , like Joseph , volunteers everything he has and is to cherish and uphold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife .
Joseph 's witness to the virtues of a good father is part and parcel of Christmas 's pro-life meaning .
Being pro-life is about more than protecting unborn life from abortion ; it is also about recognizing and accepting the unique worth of parenthood .
When Joseph chose to become a father , he accepted everything that fatherhood required of him and became the kind of man every father can aspire to be .
Christmas is a holiday that is rich with all sorts of meaning .
But we should never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at its heart .
When God became man , the world was forever changed .
And that change started with a mother and a father saying yes to life .
Benjamin Watson is a former NFL player ; advisory board member of Human Coalition , a national pro-life organization ; and executive producer of Divided Hearts of America .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

The Christmas season is almost upon us. For many Americans, Christmas is a time to enjoy family, share meals and exchange gifts. But behind all of the gift giving, egg nog and Christmas songs lies a peerless story with an incredible pro-life meaning.
On Christmas Day, Christians celebrate Jesus entering this world. It's incredible when you think about it. Jesus didn't become incarnate as a man or child; he came to earth as an unexpected pregnancy and a vulnerable, pre-born life!
In many ways, Mary and Joseph were an ordinary couple. They were pious Jews who followed the law. They were engaged to be married and were prepared to walk the way of custom and normalcy. But the angel Gabriel's announcement that the virgin Mary would conceive a child changed all of that. When they took on responsibility for the baby growing in Mary's womb, they became extraordinary pro-life witnesses.
I know Mary, as the mother of Jesus, rightfully takes center stage in most Christmas reflections. But as a father of seven children myself, I gravitate to the powerful example of pro-life fatherhood that Joseph gives. Joseph's side of the story speaks to who and what fathers should be for their children.
Joseph was a man of good reputation and sound social standing. Yet here he was with a fiancée who was pregnant! By law and by custom, Joseph could have had Mary stoned. Her pregnancy was a sign of deceit, perhaps even of adultery. Polite society would have expected Joseph to refuse Mary as a wife and reject her baby.
And Joseph was tempted to do just that. The Bible relates how he planned to end his engagement to Mary secretly and without much fuss (Mt. 1:19). At the very least, he didn't want to get her into more trouble than she was already in.
People photograph the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center before sunrise on December 5, 2019, in New York City. Gary Hershorn/Getty
But God had other plans, and Joseph was called to take a different course. He was visited by an angel who said, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit" (Mt. 1:20, NIV). Joseph now knew he had a responsibility to Mary. As strange, perplexing and potentially scandalous as it may have been, Joseph accepted the responsibility of fatherhood.
That responsibility demanded great sacrifices from him. He had to give up on the respect and reputation he had earned. He had to commit to protecting, stewarding and caring for a child who wasn't his and wasn't going to take his name, as would have been customary. He had to deny himself the pleasure and comfort of the normal marriage he had expected. And he had to have the courage to stand up for his wife against every custom and expectation, welcome this new child with open arms and faithfully raise the family God had given him.
Joseph made all of these sacrifices without complaint or bitterness. He treated Jesus as his own biological son, teaching him how to be a carpenter and instructing him in everything he needed to know about the world. He fought to protect Jesus from Herod's murderous campaign and strove to provide for his family in every way, no matter the cost.
In all of this, Joseph demonstrated everything that a father can be. A father can be stalwart, steadfast and reliable; a father doesn't quit when the going gets tough, and a father accepts every hardship that comes his way for the good of his family. Real fatherhood doesn't admit of any compromise with selfishness or egotism because a good father, like Joseph, volunteers everything he has and is to cherish and uphold the life of his child and his wife.
Joseph's witness to the virtues of a good father is part and parcel of Christmas's pro-life meaning. Being pro-life is about more than protecting unborn life from abortion; it is also about recognizing and accepting the unique worth of parenthood. When Joseph chose to become a father, he accepted everything that fatherhood required of him and became the kind of man every father can aspire to be.
Christmas is a holiday that is rich with all sorts of meaning. But we should never forget the inspiring pro-life story that is at its heart. When God became man, the world was forever changed. And that change started with a mother and a father saying yes to life.
Benjamin Watson is a former NFL player; advisory board member of Human Coalition, a national pro-life organization; and executive producer of Divided Hearts of America.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Joe Biden's Real North Korea Problem: Moving Past Denuclearization | Opinion

There 's one question that every national security expert is pondering these days : what will Joe Biden 's foreign policy playbook look like when he takes the oath of office on January 20th ?
When it comes to North Korea , Biden could simply decide to replicate the failed policies of the past—policies championed by Democrats and Republicans alike .
That means more failed sanctions , more pressure coupled with the hope China can somehow bring Pyongyang to heel .
And if that is the case , 2021 could be another year of missile and nuclear tests , threats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that go nowhere .
The reason for this all-too-predictable spiral of tensions is simple—whether we want to admit it or not .
Washington is obsessed with a single goal : the dead dream of North Korean denuclearization .
The Kim regime has only one measurable achievement in its seven decades of existence : the development of atomic arms and the missiles to carry them to the U.S .
Here in Washington , we are unable to admit the obvious , that at least in the short-to-medium term , North Korea will not give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tool it has to deter Washington in a crisis .
This inability to admit what is right before our eyes has condemned the world to a more than thirty-year cycle of threats , escalations , sanctions and talks that has not made any of the parties safer .
The dark days of 2017 should be a lesson to all of us that this dangerous pattern must end , as each new crisis brings the world closer to armed conflict and perhaps nuclear war .
At its core , while the goal of denuclearization @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more fitted for 1990 than 2020 .
Now is the time to shift our strategy from the elimination of North Korea 's nuclear program to ensuring it does not get any bigger and that its secrets are not sold to the highest bidder .
Denuclearization should not be completely abandoned , but considered aspirational , something to strive for in the future .
Pyongyang 's nukes clearly are not Joe Biden 's only problem abroad or at home .
Team Biden will not have much bandwidth to deal with anything related to foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nine months due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
A retired CDC official explained to me he believes Biden could be facing 500,000-plus coronavirus cases per day in the U.S. when he takes the oath of office .
Whatever time Biden has left beyond the pandemic will be devoted to economic recovery .
That means Korea will be at least a distant third or fourth on his plate .
With all that said , I would offer a modest , sustainable strategy towards North Korea , one that can ramp up as Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying any provocative actions early next year—like an ICBM or nuclear test .
First , in the next few weeks , before North Korea 's Eighth Party Congress , Biden should state publicly he will not tear down what Trump did with North Korea but build on it .
That means reaffirming the Singapore Declaration but also the spirit of negotiations and dialogue .
Biden has the opportunity right now to shape Kim 's potential perspective on Washington in the years to come—with just a few very simple comments .
Yes , Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's , but he should build on what his predecessor did .
As for the U.S.-South Korea alliance , Biden should signal right after taking the oath of office that he would consider an alliance cost-sharing agreement with increases from the South Korean side tied to global inflation for five years .
No more talk about Seoul not paying its fair share or vague threats of U.S. troop withdrawal , as South Korea is clearly one U.S. ally that invests in its own defense—spending billions of dollars on America 's best military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated he is not as interested in high-profile summits as he is in working-level talks that have more achievable goals .
He must consider who his negotiators will ultimately face across the table .
Once he has taken the oath of office , Biden should ask North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to appoint his sister , Kim Yo-jong , as envoy to the United States .
With the selection of Kim 's sister we know we are dealing with an interlocutor who has Kim 's trust and can speak on his behalf—not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points , but someone who can make real concessions and negotiate .
What comes next is the hard part .
Biden will need to pivot his North Korea strategy away from denuclearization .
That would mean beginning to talk less about Pyongyang 's nukes and more about seeing a North Korea at peace with its neighbors , refraining from provocative behavior and becoming less of a threat to the international community .
Biden should look to trade actual concessions for actual concessions , and that means sanctions relief for any move the DPRK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nukes .
As for what a deal with North Korea could look like , we need to focus first on crafting conditions for sustainable peace as well as sustainable diplomacy and a normalization of ties .
Only then can we leverage the trust we have built for the hard negotiations to come .
Therefore , a peace declaration ending the Korean War should be the very first agenda item , leading to liaison offices or even full diplomatic relations .
From that point , we should look for ways to lessen military tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For example , the U.S. could build on the 2018 forces agreement concluded by Kim and South Korean president Moon and try to dramatically reduce overall force levels along the DMZ .
We should be talking troop levels , armaments , artillery pieces pointed at Seoul , and more .
And yes , at some point , we can talk about dropping U.S. troop levels on the Korean Peninsula .
Finally , after all of that , we should start talking about nuclear weapons and missiles .
First , we need to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing ban .
Then we need to work on a verified fissile material production ban followed by a capping of North Korean nuclear warheads and missiles .
Clearly none of this will be easy .
It will require likely years of negotiation , tough discussions , ups and downs and surely some drama—this is North Korea we are talking about , after all .
But if Joe Biden can finally give up on the siren song of denuclearization and embrace the art of the possible , he might just achieve something historic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Studies at the Center for the National Interest and a Contributing Editor for 19FortyFive .
The views expressed in this article are the writer 's own .

There's one question that every national security expert is pondering these days: what will Joe Biden's foreign policy playbook look like when he takes the oath of office on January 20th?
When it comes to North Korea, Biden could simply decide to replicate the failed policies of the past—policies championed by Democrats and Republicans alike. That means more failed sanctions, more pressure coupled with the hope China can somehow bring Pyongyang to heel. And if that is the case, 2021 could be another year of missile and nuclear tests, threats of war followed by promises of talks that go nowhere.
The reason for this all-too-predictable spiral of tensions is simple—whether we want to admit it or not. Washington is obsessed with a single goal: the dead dream of North Korean denuclearization.
The Kim regime has only one measurable achievement in its seven decades of existence: the development of atomic arms and the missiles to carry them to the U.S. Here in Washington, we are unable to admit the obvious, that at least in the short-to-medium term, North Korea will not give up its nuclear weapons, the only tool it has to deter Washington in a crisis.
This inability to admit what is right before our eyes has condemned the world to a more than thirty-year cycle of threats, escalations, sanctions and talks that has not made any of the parties safer. The dark days of 2017 should be a lesson to all of us that this dangerous pattern must end, as each new crisis brings the world closer to armed conflict and perhaps nuclear war.
At its core, while the goal of denuclearization is a worthy one, it is more fitted for 1990 than 2020. Now is the time to shift our strategy from the elimination of North Korea's nuclear program to ensuring it does not get any bigger and that its secrets are not sold to the highest bidder. Denuclearization should not be completely abandoned, but considered aspirational, something to strive for in the future.
Pyongyang's nukes clearly are not Joe Biden's only problem abroad or at home. Team Biden will not have much bandwidth to deal with anything related to foreign affairs for at least the first six to nine months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A retired CDC official explained to me he believes Biden could be facing 500,000-plus coronavirus cases per day in the U.S. when he takes the oath of office. Whatever time Biden has left beyond the pandemic will be devoted to economic recovery. That means Korea will be at least a distant third or fourth on his plate.
With all that said, I would offer a modest, sustainable strategy towards North Korea, one that can ramp up as Biden has more bandwidth to disincentivize Pyongyang from trying any provocative actions early next year—like an ICBM or nuclear test.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un (L) and US President Donald Trump meet on the south side of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019. Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty
First, in the next few weeks, before North Korea's Eighth Party Congress, Biden should state publicly he will not tear down what Trump did with North Korea but build on it. That means reaffirming the Singapore Declaration but also the spirit of negotiations and dialogue. Biden has the opportunity right now to shape Kim's potential perspective on Washington in the years to come—with just a few very simple comments. Yes, Biden will have his own style different from Trump's, but he should build on what his predecessor did.
As for the U.S.-South Korea alliance, Biden should signal right after taking the oath of office that he would consider an alliance cost-sharing agreement with increases from the South Korean side tied to global inflation for five years. No more talk about Seoul not paying its fair share or vague threats of U.S. troop withdrawal, as South Korea is clearly one U.S. ally that invests in its own defense—spending billions of dollars on America's best military equipment like F-35 planes.
Biden has stated he is not as interested in high-profile summits as he is in working-level talks that have more achievable goals. He must consider who his negotiators will ultimately face across the table. Once he has taken the oath of office, Biden should ask North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to appoint his sister, Kim Yo-jong, as envoy to the United States. With the selection of Kim's sister we know we are dealing with an interlocutor who has Kim's trust and can speak on his behalf—not a powerless lackey who can only read talking points, but someone who can make real concessions and negotiate.
What comes next is the hard part. Biden will need to pivot his North Korea strategy away from denuclearization. That would mean beginning to talk less about Pyongyang's nukes and more about seeing a North Korea at peace with its neighbors, refraining from provocative behavior and becoming less of a threat to the international community. Biden should look to trade actual concessions for actual concessions, and that means sanctions relief for any move the DPRK makes towards lessening tensions—not just giving up nukes.
As for what a deal with North Korea could look like, we need to focus first on crafting conditions for sustainable peace as well as sustainable diplomacy and a normalization of ties. Only then can we leverage the trust we have built for the hard negotiations to come. Therefore, a peace declaration ending the Korean War should be the very first agenda item, leading to liaison offices or even full diplomatic relations.
From that point, we should look for ways to lessen military tensions overall—and not just concerning nuclear weapons. For example, the U.S. could build on the 2018 forces agreement concluded by Kim and South Korean president Moon and try to dramatically reduce overall force levels along the DMZ. We should be talking troop levels, armaments, artillery pieces pointed at Seoul, and more. And yes, at some point, we can talk about dropping U.S. troop levels on the Korean Peninsula.
Finally, after all of that, we should start talking about nuclear weapons and missiles. First, we need to have a fully codified missile and nuclear weapons testing ban. Then we need to work on a verified fissile material production ban followed by a capping of North Korean nuclear warheads and missiles.
Clearly none of this will be easy. It will require likely years of negotiation, tough discussions, ups and downs and surely some drama—this is North Korea we are talking about, after all. But if Joe Biden can finally give up on the siren song of denuclearization and embrace the art of the possible, he might just achieve something historic.
Harry Kazianis is Senior Director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest and a Contributing Editor for 19FortyFive.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.


newsweek--2020-12-17--2021 Nissan Armada Review: First Drive

2021 Nissan Armada Review: First Drive

The 2021 Nissan Armada brings a refreshed style and significant technology upgrades to a large , luxurious SUV that also boasts a healthy towing capacity .
Nissan 's most noticeable exterior changes include a taller grille and a redesigned rear with new taillights and a chrome strip on the back .
Inside , we get a new infotainment system and a redesigned center stack , the middle of the dash where controls are .
At the top is a 12.3-inch display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support .
This is a much-needed update , and it elevates the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Another fun upgrade is the Nissan Concierge service that allows you to push a button and talk to a live assistant who can help you with directions , schedule appointments , find gifts and loads of other tasks .
The 2021 Armada uses the same 5.6L Endurance V8 as the 2020 Armada .
This means that the driving experience is very similar .
The V8 delivers 400 horsepower , and it can tow up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped .
The large SUV handles well , and we felt confident while driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of body roll .
Body roll is what you feel when you take a curve or a corner , and the vehicle feels like it is leaning or rolling to the side .
We took the Armada on a road trip to Zingerman 's Delicatessen in Ann Arbor to get a feel for the highway driving experience .
The Armada still needs a decent number of small corrections on the highway , but overall it is comfortable and suited for a road trip .
We did n't tow with the 2021 Nissan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite capable .
This large SUV does n't sip gas , but that is expected .
The EPA rating for the 2WD Armada is 14 mpg city , 19 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined .
The 4WD Armada we tested is rated at 13 mpg city , 18 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined .
The 2021 Armada looks more modern and a little sportier thanks to the new grille , front bumper and headlights .
This is a much-needed change and sets the tone for the vehicle .
The side profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tapered back upgrade the looks significantly .
Nissan also sculpts the Armada 's back to create a sleeker look for the rear window from the side .
The updated taillights and chrome accent complete the look .
While it 's not an all-new Armada , it is an essential update for 2021 .
The 2021 Armada is roomy , comfortable and features a premium look and feel .
The most significant interior change for 2021 is the center of the dash , which is entirely new .
The new design feels more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colors on our Armada loaner .
You can fit up to eight passengers in the Armada and still use the rear cargo area .
The second row is spacious , and the third row is usable but may be cramped for adults .
With the seats folded flat , the middle row console is still slightly higher , which is an obstacle to navigate if you are loading something wide and deep .
The redesigned center of the dash includes a much-needed update to the infotainment system .
With the update , users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple CarPlay and Android Auto .
Our loaner was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay , which is handy for short trips .
It also includes a wireless charger hidden in the center console and USB and USB-C connections in the front , and charging ports in the second row .
The Armada 's large screen is easy to see , responsive to touch and vastly better than the screen in the 2020 model .
The screen 's right side shows a Nissan infotainment option , like the clock or music playing while using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use CarPlay on the full screen .
Nissan Concierge is on the new Armada .
This service connects you to a live assistant that can help you manage your busy life .
We used this service earlier this year to plan a safe outdoor birthday party for a friend .
The assistant tracked down a restaurant with vegan options , had a patio and took patio reservations .
They even arranged for a special dessert for his birthday .
Other tasks included tracking down hard to find items and scheduling appointments .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 360 , which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection , blind spot warning , rear cross traffic alert , lane departure warning , high beam assist and rear automatic braking .
The Armada also includes features like forward collision warning , radar cruise control to keep you in the flow of traffic and both lane and blind spot intervention .
Another useful feature is the rear door aAlert , which lets you know if you may have forgotten something in the back seat .
Nissan provided Newsweek with the vehicle , insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the purpose of this review .
Opinions are our own .

What you need to know about the 2021 Nissan Armada.
The 2021 Nissan Armada brings a refreshed style and significant technology upgrades to a large, luxurious SUV that also boasts a healthy towing capacity.
Nissan's most noticeable exterior changes include a taller grille and a redesigned rear with new taillights and a chrome strip on the back.
Inside, we get a new infotainment system and a redesigned center stack, the middle of the dash where controls are. At the top is a 12.3-inch display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. This is a much-needed update, and it elevates the experience of driving the 2021 Armada.
Another fun upgrade is the Nissan Concierge service that allows you to push a button and talk to a live assistant who can help you with directions, schedule appointments, find gifts and loads of other tasks.
Driving the 2021 Nissan Armada
What you need to know about driving the 2021 Nissan Armada. Josh Smith
The 2021 Armada uses the same 5.6L Endurance V8 as the 2020 Armada. This means that the driving experience is very similar. The V8 delivers 400 horsepower, and it can tow up to 8,500 pounds when properly equipped.
The large SUV handles well, and we felt confident while driving thanks in part to the stability and lack of body roll. Body roll is what you feel when you take a curve or a corner, and the vehicle feels like it is leaning or rolling to the side.
We took the Armada on a road trip to Zingerman's Delicatessen in Ann Arbor to get a feel for the highway driving experience. The Armada still needs a decent number of small corrections on the highway, but overall it is comfortable and suited for a road trip.
We didn't tow with the 2021 Nissan Armada, but the previous generation proved quite capable.
This large SUV doesn't sip gas, but that is expected. The EPA rating for the 2WD Armada is 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. The 4WD Armada we tested is rated at 13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined.
2021 Nissan Armada Interior and Design
A redesigned center stack is the major upgrade for 2021. Josh Smith
The 2021 Armada looks more modern and a little sportier thanks to the new grille, front bumper and headlights. This is a much-needed change and sets the tone for the vehicle. The side profile is similar, but the redesigned front and tapered back upgrade the looks significantly. Nissan also sculpts the Armada's back to create a sleeker look for the rear window from the side. The updated taillights and chrome accent complete the look. While it's not an all-new Armada, it is an essential update for 2021.
The 2021 Armada is roomy, comfortable and features a premium look and feel. The most significant interior change for 2021 is the center of the dash, which is entirely new. The new design feels more modern, and we like the dark colors on our Armada loaner.
You can fit up to eight passengers in the Armada and still use the rear cargo area. The second row is spacious, and the third row is usable but may be cramped for adults. With the seats folded flat, the middle row console is still slightly higher, which is an obstacle to navigate if you are loading something wide and deep.
2021 Nissan Tech and Safety
The 2021 Armada includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Josh Smith
The redesigned center of the dash includes a much-needed update to the infotainment system. With the update, users get a 12.3-inch display, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Our loaner was equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, which is handy for short trips. It also includes a wireless charger hidden in the center console and USB and USB-C connections in the front, and charging ports in the second row.
The Armada's large screen is easy to see, responsive to touch and vastly better than the screen in the 2020 model. The screen's right side shows a Nissan infotainment option, like the clock or music playing while using Apple CarPlay. It would be nice to use CarPlay on the full screen.
Nissan Concierge is on the new Armada. This service connects you to a live assistant that can help you manage your busy life. We used this service earlier this year to plan a safe outdoor birthday party for a friend. The assistant tracked down a restaurant with vegan options, had a patio and took patio reservations. They even arranged for a special dessert for his birthday. Other tasks included tracking down hard to find items and scheduling appointments.
The 2021 Armada includes Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist and rear automatic braking. The Armada also includes features like forward collision warning, radar cruise control to keep you in the flow of traffic and both lane and blind spot intervention.
Another useful feature is the rear door aAlert, which lets you know if you may have forgotten something in the back seat.
Nissan provided Newsweek with the vehicle, insurance and a full tank of gas for the purpose of this review. Opinions are our own.


newsweek--2020-12-17--'The Stand': How to Watch the Stephen King Series Online

The Stand is one of the world 's favorite books about a global pandemic , so it seems like the perfect miniseries for 2020—especially as the 'Captain Trips ' disease at the heart of the Stephen King novel shows us how things could be much much worse .
The show 's first episode will air on Thursday , December 17 , with episodes then streaming weekly online .
How to watch The Stand online In the U.S. , The Stand is a CBS All Access exclusive , meaning the streaming service is the only place to watch the show ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekly of Thursdays from December 17 until February 11 , with the nine episodes set to release on the following dates : • Episode 4 , `` The House of the Dead '' : January 7 , 2021 • Episode 9 , `` Coda : Frannie in the Well '' : February 11 In order to watch the series online for free , new subscribers to CBS All Access should take advantage of the service 's free trial .
New users can get a seven-day free trial of the service , giving them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service 's exclusives like The Good Fight and Star Trek : Picard for free for a week .
After that time , the service costs $ 5.99 a month for its version with commercials , or $ 9.99 for the ad-free version .
Yearly subscriptions , meanwhile , cost $ 59.99 or $ 99.99 a year respectively .
It is possible , however , to get CBS All Access as part of a bundle with two other streaming services .
Apple TV+ subscribers can get both Showtime and CBS All Access for $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 4.99 a month for the Apple streamer on its own .
This also has a seven-day free trial , and viewers can watch all of the three services ad-free .
For viewers wanting a glimpse at The Stand , the official synopsis reads : `` When the 'Captain Trips ' flu epidemic wipes out more than 99 % of the population , the remaining few immune to the disease , including Stu Redman [ played by James Marsden ] , Frannie Goldsmith [ Odessa Young ] , and Harold Lauder [ Owen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of other survivors , all the while , experiencing visions of the nurturing Mother Abagail [ Whoopi Goldberg ] and the menacing figure of The Dark Man [ Alexander Skarsgård ] . ''
The Stand airs Thursday on CBS All Access .

The Stand is one of the world's favorite books about a global pandemic, so it seems like the perfect miniseries for 2020—especially as the 'Captain Trips' disease at the heart of the Stephen King novel shows us how things could be much much worse. The show's first episode will air on Thursday, December 17, with episodes then streaming weekly online.
How to watch The Stand online
In the U.S., The Stand is a CBS All Access exclusive, meaning the streaming service is the only place to watch the show (legally) online.
Episodes are airing weekly of Thursdays from December 17 until February 11, with the nine episodes set to release on the following dates:
Whoopi Goldberg in 'The Stand,' streaming now on CBS All Access. CBS All Access
Episode 1, "The End": December 17
Episode 2, "Pocket Savior": December 24
Episode 3, "Blank Pages": December 31
Episode 4, "The House of the Dead": January 7, 2021
Episode 5, "Suspicious Minds": January 14
Episode 6, "The Vigil": January 21
Episode 7, "The Walk": January 28
Episode 8, "The Stand": February 4
Episode 9, "Coda: Frannie in the Well": February 11
In order to watch the series online for free, new subscribers to CBS All Access should take advantage of the service's free trial. New users can get a seven-day free trial of the service, giving them a chance to watch all of the service's exclusives like The Good Fight and Star Trek: Picard for free for a week.
After that time, the service costs $5.99 a month for its version with commercials, or $9.99 for the ad-free version. Yearly subscriptions, meanwhile, cost $59.99 or $99.99 a year respectively.
It is possible, however, to get CBS All Access as part of a bundle with two other streaming services. Apple TV+ subscribers can get both Showtime and CBS All Access for $9.99 a month on top of the $4.99 a month for the Apple streamer on its own. This also has a seven-day free trial, and viewers can watch all of the three services ad-free.
For viewers wanting a glimpse at The Stand, the official synopsis reads: "When the 'Captain Trips' flu epidemic wipes out more than 99% of the population, the remaining few immune to the disease, including Stu Redman [played by James Marsden], Frannie Goldsmith [Odessa Young], and Harold Lauder [Owen Teague], set out in search of other survivors, all the while, experiencing visions of the nurturing Mother Abagail [Whoopi Goldberg] and the menacing figure of The Dark Man [Alexander Skarsgård]."
The Stand airs Thursday on CBS All Access.


newsweek--2020-12-17--Boogaloo Bois Member Admits Conspiring With Hamas to Commit Terrorism

A member of the extremist group Boogaloo Bois has pleaded guilty to terrorism offenses after plotting to conspire with Hamas .
Benjamin Ryan Teeter , 22 , admitted conspiracy to provide material support and resources—property , services and weapons—to Hamas , a designated foreign terrorist organization , at District Court in Minneapolis on Wednesday .
The charges relate to an investigation into Teeter and Michael Robert Solomon .
The pair are members of the Boogaloo Bois movement and a sub-group called the `` Boojahideen , '' according to the FBI .
The Boogaloo Bois are a loose collective of anti-government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second civil war or preparing for the collapse of society .
Their supporters have been seen at anti-lockdown and Black Lives Matter protests across the country , dressed in military-style gear and Hawaiian shirts and carrying firearms .
The FBI said it had received information about members of the Boogaloo Bois through an informant whom Teeter and Solomon believed to be a member of Hamas .
Teeter and Solomon were recorded saying they believed the Islamist militant organization , which rules the Gaza Strip , holds anti-U.S. government views that align with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their desire to act as `` mercenaries '' for Hamas to raise money for the Boogaloo Bois and Boojahideen , including funding for recruitment and purchasing land to be used as a training compound Teeter admitted in his guilty plea that he knew Hamas was a designated terrorist organization .
According to the plea , the pair met with the person they thought was a member of Hamas a number of times in the summer of this year , including in June when they discussed plans to use explosives to destroy government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasions , the three men discussed plots to destroy courthouses .
Teeter and Solomon also delivered firearm suppressors they had produced to another man they believed was a member of Hamas , with the pair agreeing to manufacture more suppressors believing that the next batch would be used by the terrorist group against Israeli and United States military personnel overseas .
Teeter , of Hampstead , North Carolina , will be sentenced at a later date .
Michael Paul , special agent in charge of the FBI 's Minneapolis field office , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case highlights the real threat posed by domestic violent extremists who self-radicalize and threaten to violently attack others opposed to their views , with little or no warning .
Preventing terrorist attacks is the FBI 's No 1 priority and the primary mission of our Joint Terrorism Task Forces . ''
Teeter 's co-defendant—Solomon , of New Brighton , Minnesota—is also charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization .
He has not yet entered a plea .

A member of the extremist group Boogaloo Bois has pleaded guilty to terrorism offenses after plotting to conspire with Hamas.
Benjamin Ryan Teeter, 22, admitted conspiracy to provide material support and resources—property, services and weapons—to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, at District Court in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
The charges relate to an investigation into Teeter and Michael Robert Solomon. The pair are members of the Boogaloo Bois movement and a sub-group called the "Boojahideen," according to the FBI.
The Boogaloo Bois are a loose collective of anti-government individuals, who are calling for a second civil war or preparing for the collapse of society. Their supporters have been seen at anti-lockdown and Black Lives Matter protests across the country, dressed in military-style gear and Hawaiian shirts and carrying firearms.
The FBI said it had received information about members of the Boogaloo Bois through an informant whom Teeter and Solomon believed to be a member of Hamas.
Teeter and Solomon were recorded saying they believed the Islamist militant organization, which rules the Gaza Strip, holds anti-U.S. government views that align with their own opinions.
Teeter and Solomon spoke of their desire to act as "mercenaries" for Hamas to raise money for the Boogaloo Bois and Boojahideen, including funding for recruitment and purchasing land to be used as a training compound
Teeter admitted in his guilty plea that he knew Hamas was a designated terrorist organization.
According to the plea, the pair met with the person they thought was a member of Hamas a number of times in the summer of this year, including in June when they discussed plans to use explosives to destroy government buildings in the U.S.
On two other occasions, the three men discussed plots to destroy courthouses.
Teeter and Solomon also delivered firearm suppressors they had produced to another man they believed was a member of Hamas, with the pair agreeing to manufacture more suppressors believing that the next batch would be used by the terrorist group against Israeli and United States military personnel overseas.
Teeter, of Hampstead, North Carolina, will be sentenced at a later date.
Michael Paul, special agent in charge of the FBI's Minneapolis field office, said after the guilty plea: "This case highlights the real threat posed by domestic violent extremists who self-radicalize and threaten to violently attack others opposed to their views, with little or no warning. Preventing terrorist attacks is the FBI's No 1 priority and the primary mission of our Joint Terrorism Task Forces."
Teeter's co-defendant—Solomon, of New Brighton, Minnesota—is also charged with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. He has not yet entered a plea.